Learning and loving Japanese (Part 1)
Current Coffee Shop Craze in Town: Caffé Bene!
It was a long while since I last posted on my blog. I blame this on diet. For the past few weeks, my office mates and I started our own version of "The Biggest Loser". Since I've realized that Borgy and I have fleshed out a few pounds for the past few months, we decided that it's a good idea to try be in shape for a while before getting back to food-tripping. :p Even through diets and exercise, we still managed to sample one of the growing increasingly popular coffee shop in town: Caffé Bene!
 | |
| Caffé Bene |
Located behind the corporate facade of skyscrapers and office buildings of Makati Central Business District is the unruffled presence of Caffé Bene. Caffé Bene is a Seoul-based coffee house chain which is distinguished for its pastries and waffles, gelato, coffee and tea brews, and its Misugaru--consists of black sesame seeds, black bean, black and brown rice and barley. Unfortunately, Caffé Bene Philippines only serves the Misugaru latte.
Favorite Date Spot: Elar's Lechon!
It is no surprise that my boyfriend and I love to eat and discover food--as evident by the exhaustive list of the restaurants, bistros, and cafe's we've eaten at (will post about that some other time). Although, quite a few restaurants on our list are special enough for us to frequent on. One of those few restaurants is my favorite lechon place in Manila: Elar's Lechon.
 |
| Elar's Lechon |
The 34th Manila International Book Fair
 |
| At the 34th International Book Fair |
Yesterday, Borgy and I went to the 34th Manila International Book Fair held in SMX Convention Center. This was my first time attending such a huge book fair and I knew there are going to be more people than expected; thus, more people than I can mentally and emotionally handle being in the same room with. As you've probably guessed, I am not comfortable around a huge crowd. For me, being around so many people requires mental preparation and an immense amount of focus.
Between The Blends of Baguio
The City of Pines has always held a sense of wonder for me. Ever since I've heard a lot of people talk about how Baguio is an amazing vacation place, I have always wanted to go there and explore what nature has molded itself into. And so my boyfriend, Borgy and I, after saving money, packed our bags and wandered around Baguio as a vacation and also, to satisfy my curiosity.
For this blog piece, I've put together our experiences of the rich blend of culture and heritage of the Filipinos constant favorite destination, Baguio City. Read about our experiences from sight-seeing spots, to amazing food hubs, to the best souvenirs we can find.
Click the pictures and read on to experience Baguio in the eyes of a wandering food-loving, bespectacled couple, Bobbie and Borgy!
By the way, guys, all photos are mine. So, please don't steal them. ;)
Food
Click on the pictures! :)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Places
Click on the pictures! :)
|
|
|
|
Souvenirs
Click on the picture! :)
 |
| Souvenir shopping in Baguio |
I was disappointed at first because Baguio City does not smell like pines anymore. Although they were abundant in Baguio, the trees cannot seem to overpower the smell of cars belching out thick black smoke. Nevertheless, our four-day vacation in Baguio proved worth it and amazing. All we had to do was avoid the overly commercialized SM Baguio, and voila!--a perfect Baguio experience! :)
Baguio's Keepsakes and Mementos
Filipinos are familiar with buying souvenirs and pasalubong whenever vacationing out of town. Since Baguio is one huge treasure trove of cool relics and mementos, we looked for the best and memorable souvenirs we can find.
Technically, it's not a souvenir but still, it's an authentic Baguio experience. For the first time, I've tasted the strawberry taho or soy pudding (a Philippine snack food made of fresh silken tofu, syrup and flavoring, and tapioca pearls)! :) I bought strawberry taho twice: first time was when we went biking around Burnham Park and; the last time, when we went to the Pink Sisters Convent. There were a big difference between those two taho I've tasted. The first one was extremely sweet that, I think, majority of what I've tasted was the heavy syrup. The second one was better. You can perfectly taste the flavor because it has strawberry bits.
|
|
Baguio, An Artist's Haven
Baguio is known as one of the best-loved home of the country's free-thinking artists. Ben Cabrera, Butch Perez, Kidlat Tahimik, Narda Kapuyan and Kigao, to name a few. Maybe it's the climate or maybe it's the amazing mountain setting which gives you an astonishing vantage point of nature every day. Probably it's because of the Baguio Arts Festival held annually. Whatever the reason, the city has been an artful delight for travelers and art enthusiasts.
Among the various places where Baguio's artists have established their outlets of creativity, Borgy and I have visited the most popular and frequently featured Tam-awan Village and BenCab Museum.
Spirituality in Baguio
A vacation wouldn't be such without any sight seeing. As accustomed by many Filipinos, due to our religious disposition and the country's plentiful hirstorical and religious sites, a trip to at least the nearest or most famous church in town is always included on our travel plans. And because of the unequalled landscape and climate of Baguio City, religious sites are even more interesting.
My Cloud Nine at Mt. Cloud
 |
| Mt. Cloud Bookshop |
Books have fed my never ending thirst to nourish my imagination. Books have inspired my dream of writing. Reading has been my escape; bookstores, my heaven. Reading has been my reprieve, my perfect dose of medicine.
My friends and family can attest to how much I love books and how I much I love reading. Ever since a little girl, my eyes always light up whenever I have a new fairy tale book. Sure, I never had many friends or playmates when I was a kid but, I was happy enough with my stuffed toys, books, and imagination. Even when I started school, a bookstore is usually where I spend my time after school, looking longingly at the books I cannot afford. That was why when I first learned of a quaint bookshop in Baguio, I immediately included a visit on my list.
Mt. Cloud (Mountain Cloud) is an independent bookstore located in the renovated Casa Vallejo in Baguio City. It started on 2010 and is owned by sisters and fellow book-lovers Padmapani Perez and Feliz Perez.
Baguio's Evergreen
Ever since I can remember, Baguio has been known by (aside from its amazing climate) its luscious parks and cultural landmarks. Thus, any time I hear Baguio mentioned, I automatically imagine the distinctive green of Burnham Park, Wright Park, Mines View Park, and even Camp John Hay.
Café Sabel, An Artwork Cafe
 |
| Café Sabel |
In my humble view, one of the best and hardest expression of art is through food. Presentation and plating is just the cherry at the top but, the taste, history, and the perfect amount of creativity poured into every dish gives it more flavor and interest. That was why I've eagerly included dining at BenCab Museum's Café Sabel to our Baguio itinerary.
Café Sabel is an in-house café of BenCab Museum located at its ground floor. You won't be able to enter the café without having to enter the museum first.
Blissfully Curious at Baguio's Bliss Cafe
Bliss Cafe is probably one of the most interesting restaurants I've eaten in. This fine dining vegetarian restaurant is run on Buddhist principles and has an intriguing set up.
Located inside Hotel Elizabeth, Bliss Cafe has been a food-spot wonder for the youth and the mature.
 |
| Bliss Cafe Baguio |
The place is inspired by the Buddhist principle of relaxation, serenity and inner peace. Bliss was established in July 2004 and had become quite a home for the vegetarian and yoga-enthusiasts.
Of Sentimentality and Choco-late de Batirol
Baguio became my favorite place when I've sampled one the best hot chocolate Philippines has to offer. The best complement for the city's cold and romantic August weather is no doubt Choco-late de Batirol's traditional hot chocolate menu.
 |
| Choco-late De Batirol |
Cozy and Cultural Solibao
Solibao is a homegrown food establishment which serves Filipino food since 1972. Currently, Solibao has five outlets in Baguio City. One branch stands out due to the cultural ambiance it presents, as it is located within the esteemed and homely walls of The Heritage Mansion. And this place was our first food stop when we arrived in Baguio.
 |
| Solibao Restaurant |
The Famous Café by the Ruins
Cafe by the Ruins is located along Shuntug Road, in the middle of Baguio City. It is tucked between the larger establishments around the area. At first, you'd barely notice it if it were not for the small sign hanging from their gates.
|
|
Mood for Meat @ Ketchup Food Community's Canto
Located within the lush greenery of Wright Park, stands an unobtrusive place called the Ketchup Food Community. From here, Borgy and I came across the cheapest and most heavenly BBQ ribs we've ever tasted.
|
|
Saving Grace: Little Oven Cakes
 |
| Little Oven Cakes Photo Credit: http://littleovencakes.com |
Work is
stressful--very matter of fact. No matter the job description, you're bound to
get a day or two within a week feeling drained and on the brink of exhaustion,
especially with a job constantly requiring mental exercise and pressure of a
deadline. Sometimes, you're looking for… something
easy and achievable for de-stressing. And from there, Little Oven Cakes started
being my saving grace.
Discovering North of Little Italy (NoLiTa)
Tucked between the fancier restaurants and shops of Bonifacio High Street, stands an unassuming pizza place called Nolita or North of Little Italy which boasts of an Authentic New York Style pizza.
Preface: A Poised Quill
It is always so exhilarating to try something new and scary. Although, I’ve made (and deleted) blogs before, this one I’m hoping to keep and to people who know me, that is something new.
I’ve always always been so scared and insecure of my posts and blogs before. Maybe it’s because for so long, I’ve been dreaming to become a good writer and I’ve been so scared of failing at it even without having to try first. I am surrounded with so many talented writers whom I call my friends, my mentors, and my inspirations–all of them are leagues away from where I am now in terms of writing. Yes, I am just full of jealousy and bitterness like that. But now, screw it! I’ll write for myself and hopefully, to learn more and fulfill my dream of becoming a worthwhile writer someday.
As Vincent Van Gogh said,
So look out world! Bobbie is here with her quill poised and ready for action. ;)
I’ve always always been so scared and insecure of my posts and blogs before. Maybe it’s because for so long, I’ve been dreaming to become a good writer and I’ve been so scared of failing at it even without having to try first. I am surrounded with so many talented writers whom I call my friends, my mentors, and my inspirations–all of them are leagues away from where I am now in terms of writing. Yes, I am just full of jealousy and bitterness like that. But now, screw it! I’ll write for myself and hopefully, to learn more and fulfill my dream of becoming a worthwhile writer someday.
As Vincent Van Gogh said,
"I dream my painting and I paint my dream."From now on, I’ll apply the same mantra with writing (and generally, life): I dream of writing and I write my dream. This blog will be the start of it.
So look out world! Bobbie is here with her quill poised and ready for action. ;)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)