Wildflour Cafe + Bakery: Honest Good Food

The food scene in Makati is all things including both diverse and lavish. Of course, there still exists the crowd favorites when it comes to cheap grubs, but anyone who has been to this particular restaurant can honestly say that this restaurant appeals to a more...laid-back, but upscale crowd. I admit, visiting Wildflour was very intimidating. (For me, that feeling never wanes even after a second visit.) The facade gives you this relaxed vibe designed to make you stay longer than you usually do at restaurants and just enjoy a good chat with your friends. Due to Wildflour's popularity and distinctly authentic menu, it also attracts an affluent crowd--people in suits and black ties; foreigners with bulging bellies and genuine smiles; families with uniformed yayas and gadget-savvy kids; Makati girls with their corporate outfit and high heels and; the usual celebrities and well-established bloggers. Never mind the fine-dining scenes, apparently, well-heeled people still prefer a more mellow environment.

Wildflour Cafe + Bakery

On my first visit to Wildflour, I made the unfortunate mistake of dragging Borgy there during peak hours without a reservation. So we had to settle for a table outside the walls of the cafe. Even there, all tables are close to being booked. Nevertheless, the place's lighting and exposed milieu gave an edgier vibe to our otherwise fancy dinner.

Cookie-Craving Cuckoo at CookieBar Manila

My last post talked about RUB Kapitolyo and very fleetingly, a mention of a specific bakery. Now, allow me to finally rave about CookieBar, a home-based bakery by Ms. Ivorie Acosta! :) During my endless online scavenging for delicious food, I came across this Instagram account that has been attracting followers like bees drawn to flowers. The first thing that delighted my interest was this creative item from their menu: a cookie shot glass. Yes, you read that right. It's a cookie, but it's also a shot-glass. Naturally, I wanted to try it--to gauge the taste of something so ingeniously thought out.

CookieBar Manila

Ribs at RUB's

For the past year, Kapitolyo has built a prominent name for itself when it comes to food business. Along its quiet streets are modest diners, cafes, and restaurants all with one goal: to delight and indulge your inner foodie. My first sight and taste of Kapitolyo was last year when Borgy and I decided to try out one of the area's most popular (and cheap) restaurant, Three Sisters--famous for its barbecue and Inihaw na Liempo. This year, we've set foot in this food strip again to try a similar craving: barbecue ribs.

RUB Ribs and BBQ is located just at the end of a steep road along East Capitol Drive. Identified with a simple signage, the building stands unobtrusive and can easily be missed by passers-by. (I do realize that RUB has other branches outside Pasig that are probably more accessible to us, but because I was going to pick up an order at CookieBar that day, we've decided to try RUB's branch in the area.)

East Capitol Drive, Pasig

An Untamed Chupacabra

One of the best things I love about working at Makati is that you don't have to go far and wide within the city to satisfy whatever crazy craving you're currently having. The city is bustling with life and color every night. You just have to look at the proper nooks and crannies. :)

One of those "crazy cravings" struck me last Tuesday: I wanted Mexican food. And not just any fast-food type-super-commercialized Mexican food. I want something closely authentic. Of course, I couldn't tell "authentic" from the other because I haven't been to Mexico to actually set a standard for an authentic Mex food. But as I usually assume in this kind of situation is: if I'm looking for authenticity, look behind the front line. Authenticity often hides behind tacky curtains. For example, if you're looking for an authentic Filipino food, you wouldn't go for the ever-famous favorite Filipino fast food chain like Jollibee, right? (Hey, I'm not hating on Jollibee. I love it as much as the next kid, but they don't really serve any of our traditional authentic Pinoy food) Or you wouldn't go looking for longganisa at a 7-eleven store in the Philippines, right? (Unlike a certain "I-would-rather-go-hungry-Polish-blogger" we've all learned to scoff at.)

Being so unbelievably tech-savvy, I googled a few keywords. :P I came across the growing increasingly popular "El Chupacabra." The name itself sounded daunting, doesn't it? It translates to "goat-sucker" in Spanish and is a legendary creature whose first sightings and killings made it to TV, books, and now, to restaurants. :)

El Chupacabra
(conceptualized and founded by
Mexicali Food Corp.'s Dixie Mabanta)

Hashtag Sugar (#sugar)

Fact: I only started using Instagram a year ago after buying my Samsung S3. It was because I refuse to acknowledge the mainstream social media--stupidly declaring myself a tech rebel and a social recluse--especially if I have no actual use for it. Actually, that happened with my Facebook, too. During the era of Farmville, I refused to sign up for an account even though my friends kept pressuring me. I only did sign up the day my college professor told us that we are required to upload our works on Facebook for her checking. Man, that made me so helplessly frustrated. Anyway, I'm sharing this delightfully interesting (*sarcasm*) story because I finally found my use of Instagram: online shopping. I have been seriously obsessed with scouting for sellers to follow on it, especially those who sell food and novelty products. Online shopping is perfect for someone unbelievably lazy like me.

In today's busy lifestyle, many have cooking and baking both their hobbies and their livelihood. Gone are the days when you have to go at high-end pâtisseries to buy unique and customized sweets. This may have also driven stay-at-home bakers (both hobbyists and professionals) into a more creative and unique approach at selling their products--to stay ahead with the competition; to thrive in the market--through technology.

During those times I burned through IG tags looking for yummy food-finds (#lookingforph #cupcakesph #cookiesph #galaxyflutesph #fandomapparelph), I came across a few that stood out.

(Disclaimer 1: I am in no way related to or have been previously close friends with these sellers. :) I just stalked their online bakery accounts until my resistance crumbled and I had to grab my phone and order.

Disclaimer 2: I am not trying to pit these sellers against each other. I love them all equally and that was why I featured them here. I used the term "showdown" for my own personal amusement.)

The Sugar Showdown

Click on the pictures! :)

The Brownie Boutique	Signature Sweets by Mon and Pao
Eat  Dessert First PH	Kooky Pam

I am very sure there are many more outrageously delicious online bakery out there that I have yet to try. These are just a few that I was so lucky to have found and tried.

I'm not urging you, my dear readers, to blaze through every online bakery you come across. Unfortunately, technology also made way for scammers. Not all IG shops you may come across will be legit and may probably just rip you off. There's also a concern with safety. We're talking about food here. Food that is prepared in an environment you cannot easily see, access, and assess. Delivery mode of the items can also be a factor that may affect the taste and overall cleanliness and security of the food. Food safety should always, ALWAYS be a priority. A little research will go a long way to cover this. Be finicky, if you must. ;)

To the four online shops I've featured above and to all other undiscovered baking talents out there with their beloved online bona fide bakery/pattiseries and who wants nothing but to serve their customers the best way they can, I applaud you for your hard work, talent, and unmitigated creativity!

On a side but equally important note, I've already started/launched my blog's social pages! You can see their links at the top-right side of this page. So please click on them and follow me! ;) I've also updated my "About" page to reflect my Content Usage Policy. Should you want to use/quote my content and/or pictures, please read my policies. :)

Cheers,

Bobbie :)

Crazy for a Cookie: A Kooky Pam Story

(Instagram account: @kookypam)

How do I even begin to describe Kooky Pam's Pastries? Biting into that soft and chewy cookie was...surreal.

Before I go on a steamy description of how in love I fell with Kooky Pam's, as with all love stories, I have to start first with how our paths crossed. I was browsing the IG page of one of my favorite food blogs, Pepper.ph, and my eyes fell unto this picture of several huge cookies with an interesting name. I checked the account and I got even more interested. At first glance, the cookies looked nothing remarkable--absolutely plain-looking on the outside. The only thing I found remotely different is that the cookies looked huge. But I was still interested. I had to pursue it.

Kooky Pam

Creativity Dipped in Chocolate: Eat Dessert First PH

(Instagram account: @eatdessertfirstph)

One of the best ways to get around the hashtags is through the shout-out for shout-outs (SFS). This is how I discovered the wonderful Eat Desserts First (by Ms. Michiko). The shop's Instagram account is pretty straightforward and so lusciously enticing--from pictures of her Yema cupcakes to pictures of her well-loved Smores cookies. It took a lot of self-control to stop myself from buying everything on the menu. So, I decided to try out the Smores Cookies, which was her bestseller, and the Cinnamon Cupcakes--just because I love cinnamon.

Eat Dessert First

Fresh Flavors: Signature Sweets by Mon and Pao

(Instagram account: @signaturesweetsbymonandpao)

I came across this particular online sweets shop, Signature Sweets by Mon and Pao (by Ms. Paola and Monica), when I was browsing through the #cupcakesph tag. The account caught my attention not only because they have one hell of an IG account name but also, because their posts on Instagram look terrifyingly enticing. They don't have a lot of followers for now but, I didn't care! (Usually, I do care since I use that as basis for IG shopping. The more followers an IG seller has, the less chance she's going to be a 'bogus' seller).

Signature Sweets by Mon and Pao

Blame it on the Brownie: The Brownie Boutique

(Instagram account: @thebrownieboutique)

It seems appropriate that I should start with The Brownie Boutique (by Ms. Andrea). This is the shop that started it all. And by "all," I meant the sugar rampage I have been on for the past few months, a few weeks after my TBB order.

The Brownie Boutique

Broke and Blocked

So, it's been a while. I should warn you now that this is not a post about food or travel, or even about a book. This is personal. If you really want to, then go ahead and click on "Continue." If you don't, just scroll past and I would completely understand (and I shall see you on my next food post!). :D

Food Ingenuity - SARSÁ Kitchen+Bar

Post-diet craziness brought me to a lot of questionable food choices. From gobbling down one pack of Choco Mallows the day after my Biggest Loser final weigh-in; to going on a sisig pursuit in Pampanga (soon on my blog ;)). Wasn't my proudest of moments but in my defense, I deserved it! Going on a diet (and successfully sticking to it for two months) is no picnic! During the diet, I was already contemplating this particular restaurant. Finally, after being freed from the shackles of winning-the-Biggest-Loser pressure, I finally get to re-visit SARSÁ Kitchen+Bar.

SARSÁ Kitchen+Bar

Hungry and Hooked -- A La Preciosa Story

My mind was reeling from exhaustion. Behind my eyelids I can still see the bright and white sky background of the Paoay Church. It was mid-afternoon and the brunch I had at the Hidden Garden seemed oh, so distant; I can no longer remember the supernal taste of okoy in my mouth.

And then the van stopped; it parked and we went out. This graceful vintage diner-like restaurant stood out in the center of Laoag City. An unlit neon-sign at the front of the edifice says "La Preciosa." Inside were fancy wrought-iron chairs, simple and clean linens, and vintage furniture and frames of Ilocos tourist spots. The room was devoid of other patrons. It looked intimiditangly expensive. After all, the website says "La Preciosa: Fine Dining and Catering Services."

La Preciosa, Laoag City

A Nibble of Ilocos: Hidden Garden of Vigan

True to its name, the Hidden Garden is located deep within the heart of Brgy. Bulala of Vigan, Ilocos Sur. From Baluarte, it took a while before we got to the restaurant. They weren't kidding when they said it was 'hidden.' :P

Hidden Garden

Falling In Love Further North: Ilocos

Aside from Baguio, Ilocos was one item on my travel bucket list of year 2013. And it was such an amazing experience having to cross that item off of my list with the funniest (and the most "gentle" and "non-raunchy") bunch of friends I have ever met.

And yes, I am very painfully aware that I am posting this blog more than a month late but in my defense, I was busy...procrastinating. And dealing with writer's block, which I haven't fully recovered from, mind you.

With the help of e-Philippines travel (Brian Sacamos, our agent, and Kuya Allan Ong, our driver and tourist guide), we were able to smoothly buy a package tour for Vigan, Laoag, and Pagudpud of mid-December last 2013. So, thank you, Sir Brian and Kuya Allan! :)

So, what fascinated me about Ilocos? What drove me to put it on my travel bucket list? The place is a cultural gem. When I think of Ilocos, I think of Spanish colonization, Ferdinand Marcos, romantic and lovely lamp-lit streets lined with Spanish-style houses, "dinengdeng", and bagnet. My father is an Ilokano and although, I do not speak the dialect, I was raised eating dinengdeng, bagnet, and pinakbet. Of course I wanted to visit this place of interesting food names and a common household flavor. Of course I wanted to visit the hometown of many of the most famous politicians of the country. Of course I wanted see it in person, to experience it, to live it. The allure, the romance, the charisma of hearing the place "Calle Crisologo" alone was enough to transport me to a scene of a beautiful Spanish-inspired wedding. I was resolute. I was pee-my-pants excited with the mere thought of it.

So without further ado, here are the places we've visited in Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte! :)

By the way, guys, photos are mine, otherwise duly credited. So, please don't steal them.  ;)

Places

Click on the pictures! :)

Bantay Belfry and Church

Burnayan Pottery

Baluarte

Marcos Mausoleum

Church of Paoay

Malacañang of the North

Fort Ilocandia

Bangui Wind Farm

Saud Beach

Calle Crisologo

Cape Bojeador

Food

Click on the pictures! :)

The Hidden Garden of Vigan

La Preciosa

The Ilocos region offers so many places worthy of visit; so many food hubs worthy of a try. There were still a lot of places in both Sur and Norte we wanted to visit like the Pagudpud Viaduct, Paoay Sand Dunes, Crisologo Museum, and a lot more. But because of our limited time, we only have to prioritize a few. So, if you plan on going on an all-out Ilocos vacation, do yourself a favor and do it in a week or more if you want to. If you're going to explore the place, live it and love it! :)

Calle Crisologo: The Muffled Life of a Simpler Past

When we speak of Vigan, it has always led us to the famous Calle Crisologo. A little background: "Calle" is Spanish term that translates to "street". Calle Crisologo was named after the famous Ilokano poet and politician, Mena Pecson Crisologo. This district is lined up with Spanish-style houses drawing out the Spanish colonization era.

We only got the chance to visit Calle Crisologo on our last day in Ilocos. Kuya Allan told us that the best time to visit the district was at night when the lamps are lit, shadows are cast, and the streets are quiet and romantic. But since we are pressed for time, we visited it during the day and on a very short time. Nevertheless, seeing the famous Calle Crisologo in the flesh was definitely remarkable.

Calle Crisologo

Of Sunsets, Sands, and Saud Beach

To end our second day in Ilocos, we checked in at the Rinnovati in Pagudpud to experience the growing-famous Saud Beach.  This beach is considered by many as the "Boracay of the North" because of its powdery white sand.

Before getting to the accommodation, we dropped by at the town's marketplace to buy food we can cook at the resort. We proceeded to the Pagudpud Rinnovati before sun down. The Rinnovati is housed within a compound of lodgings along Saud Beach. Right after finalizing our room assignments and setting down our bags, our group went to the beach for a quick afternoon dip.

Saud Beach, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte

Personally, I do not think the sand of Saud Beach were as white as that of Siquijor's beaches (and much less of Boracays? I wouldn't know, I have never been to that party-fuelled island). Though the sands are very very soft, its color is more yellow-ish and the setting sun gave it a coral hue. 

Saud Beach at sundown

The water was bluer than I have ever seen and the waves are strong and unrelenting. Alas! I did not get to experience them because I was having a...monthly crisis. But according to my friends, the water was warm and I guess that's how far I can describe it.

My boyfriend's hair having a terrific windy day

Was the beach crowded? Hmmm. Not in a way Puerto Galera is crowded but yes, when the sun had set, the night-owls came out, mostly foreigners, lounging around but it was not anything hectic. We still managed to reserve a spot for ourselves.

More on Ilocos here! :)

The Invincible Winds of Bangui

Let's get the cliché out of the way: the winds of Bangui blew me away. For me, one of the highlights of our Ilocos tour was visiting the Bangui Wind Farm.

It was noon when we got to the wind farm and we were hot and a very hungry bunch. We just came from the windy steps of the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse and we were looking for a place to gratify our growing hunger.

High up at Cape Bojeador Lighthouse

When we first came to Ilocos, in my mind, the place quickly turned from "the hot and sunny province of the North" to "the warm and windy paradise of the North." I kid you not, in the right places, the winds here are a little different--more cheerful and more welcoming. It gives you the feeling that once you succumb to it, it will take you to places you've only dreamed about.

The Cape Bojeador Lighthouse is where I truly felt the omnipresent wind embrace me. It proudly stands tall atop the Vigia de Nagpartian Hill overlooking Cape Bojeador where Spanish sailing ships used to sail by.

Cape Bojeador Lighthouse

The lighthouse was first designed by Magin Pers in 1887. It was fitted with a first-order Fersnel lenses as its source of light. But an earthquake damaged it and was replaced by a solar-powered electric lamp. And no, that was research. We didn't get to see the actual lenses.

The lighthouse is still working but it's not safe to go up the tower any more so we settled for the courtyard and along the verandah of the lighthouse's main pavilion. 

Steps leading towards the pavilion

Cape Bojeador Lighthouse

I heard that the pavilion was turned into a "museum" of sorts but it was closed when we got there. Besides, the wind was lulling us into a stupor so we took advantage of that and the spectacular view.

More on Ilocos here! :)

The Upscale Hotel of the North

On our second day in Ilocos, we visited the 5-star deluxe hotel of the North, Fort Ilocandia. According to their website "The only 5-star deluxe resort hotel in northern Philippines sprawling over 77 hectares of land amidst gentle sand dunes and pine forests with a 2km sandy beach facing the South China Sea."

The place is open to tourists who want to take pictures and explore the grounds but, of course, there are certain parts of the place exclusive only to guests of the hotel.

The resort complex also houses a casino, an upscale coffee house named "Cafe Ilocandia", function rooms, and a Golf and Country Club. There are statues, fountains, and endless grand staircases everywhere. On the walls are pictures and memorabilia of the late former president Ferdinand Marcos.

The place looks very grand and beautiful but I guess, I couldn't fully appreciate it because I was not a guest. If you're interested, you can visit their website here. 

More on Ilocos here! :)

The Romantic Allure of Paoay Church

The Church of Paoay, also known as the Church of Saint Augustine, whose cornerstone was laid on 1704, is one of the four remaining Baroque Churches in the country.  We got to the Church mid-afternoon and the place was breathtaking.

Paoay Church grounds

Its bell tower is detached and stands in its glorious gothic glamour few meters besides it. The wide vast grounds is littered with beautiful flowers (I'm sorry, I don't know what kind of flowers they are. If you do, please comment it. :D) and the vast grounds are calling out for a picnic.

The cobblestone path leading to the Church's entrance

And behold, we laid our eyes on the stunning Church of Paoay. Aside from its resplendence, another thing that will catch your eye are the thick Gothic buttresses that run along its sides. Buttresses are structures built agains the wall which supports the Church. Hence, a "fortress".

This is probably the most romantic Church I have ever laid eyes on, with its mix of gothic, baroque, and oriental structure. For those of you who does not know what a "Baroque architecture" means. This entails that the churches structure resembles a fortress. This is especially noteworthy for the Paoay Church because of its adaptation to European Baroque architecture which served as its protection from earthquakes. 

Paoay Church Interior

This Spanish-era church was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its cultural significance.  Its tower was also used as an observation post by Katipuneros during the revolution and by guerilleros during the Japanese Occupation. Okay, that does not sound very romantic but, my point is, it is one of the most impressive and elegant Church I have ever seen.

More on Ilocos here! :)