Sing U Me Restaurant: Hide n’ Dine

(We only spent 3,000 Php on our Brunei trip! Find out how HERE!)

One of the best thrills of travelling is eating! You get to know a country’s characteristic better through their food, and I can attest to that. However, during our visit in Bandar Seri Begawan in Brunei we were not able to indulge to the fullest. It was Ramadan and though we were not Muslims, we had to comply out of respect.

Good thing our host referred us to Sing U. Me restaurant. It is located in Warisan Complex in Jalan Gadong, right beside our homestay. They serve breakfast and we were very lucky to have found it since we had a long day scheduled ahead.

Warisan Complex

Upon arriving, we noticed that all the windows were covered with newspaper that day. According to our host, this is to hide the people inside, not because they’re breaking the rules but to not tempt those who are fasting. Sing U Me Restaurant’s patrons were all Chinese or those not fasting that day.

The morning after Raya!

Before Raya, all the windows were covered with paper!

It was also nice to meet fellow Filipinos in the restaurant. Most of Sing U Me’s staff were Pinoys and we were given a bigger serving because of it (I really love how we get to enjoy this treat from our Kababayans anywhere!). We ordered Bah Ku Teh (which has become my favorite food of that trip). Generally, Bah Ku Teh is a pork rib dish in herbal soup usually made of star anise, cinnamon, fennel seeds, and garlic. They add other meat variants to make different types of Bah Ku Teh and at Sing U Me Restaurant, I ordered one with pork intestines!

Bak Kut Teh!!!!

We also ordered a shrimp dish that was to die for! It was coated in garlic and rosemary and was deep fried to perfection! It was served with white rice which is perfect in complimenting the strong taste of the shrimp.

We also ordered 2 sets of dimsums because our appetite was triggered big time! I know this isn’t really something adventurous but we needed to taste something familiar! To top it all off, my partner and I each ordered Kopi C or coffee with evaporated milk.

Overall, we spent 19 BND at Sing U Me. That’s around 900 Php. We went overboard, I know, and it’s because we were very pleased with the experience and the taste of their food. No regrets! Besides, we had to eat to last us the whole day!

Dining at Sing U Me Restaurant was a pleasant and palatable experience. It was different because we had to go in hiding just to eat. It was sort of a thrill. We got to understand Brunei’s culture through this experience. I also had a new found appreciation at how people adapt to each other’s differences in order to leave harmoniously.

Here is how you find Sing U Me Restaurant in Brunei 🙂

 

Tanjung Aru: Filipino Hospitality Abroad

“I quit my job to enjoy better sunsets.”

This is what our Uber driver, Baloo, said as we were heading to Tanjung Aru. It was just sad, though, because we were too late to experience the Kota Kinabalu sunset. My partner and I were too lazy.

This is what you get when you’re lazy!

Tanjung Aru Beach got its name from the Aru trees that adorns its shoreline. The 2-km-long beach is celebrated by the locals as one of the treasures of Kota Kinabalu because of the charm it has that brings families and loved ones together. The place is a little bit similar to our very own Manila Bay, only cleaner. The shore is wider too, giving people a place to fly their and kites or for children to roll and play with the sand.

Since we arrived too late, we just contained ourselves to a hearty dinner. We were taken aback by how the locals would invite us to eat using Tagalog. One man caught our attention when he said, “Kuya, kain kayo dito.” I couldn’t hide my smile in appreciation. He sounded a legit Pinoy! When we talked to him though, he didn’t know any Tagalog words which confirmed that he isn’t Filipino. I find the gesture nice. For me, that’s good customer service–knowing your market.

We decided to dine at the stall that which served the most colorful shake I’ve seen in my life. They call it 3-Layer-Juice and it’s made of mango, avocado, and dragon fruit. It was as delicious as it looks! The woman who served us was a real kababayan and she gave us an epic discount. She disclosed that here in Kota Kinabalu, locals try and learn Tagalog because a Filipino’s brand loyalty is unparalleled. Filipinos tend to patronize a fellow Filipino’s business. This was nice to hear! Finally, no shade against Filipino tourists!

My partner and I ordered rice toppings with egg and we were given soup because Ate knows how Pinoys adore sabaw. The rice they served was generous too!

Before we left Tanjung Aru, I stumbled upon a stall selling corn kernels sprinkled with cheese powder–just like what we have in the Philippines. This one’s with a twist, though. They put mayo on it!!! Curious, I bought a glass and it tasted glorious! You can never go wrong with mayo, cheese, and butter! LOL!

As we were leaving Tanjung Aru,  realized Baloo wasn’t exaggerating. Places like these are precious and best visited with your family. Work is essential but there are finer things in life like moments spent with your loved ones. Baloo found better sunsets in Tanjung Aru while I found good food and Filipino hospitality in a foreign country.

Here’s how to go to Tanjung Aru Beach in Kota Kinabalu:

Kamayan sa Palaisdaan: An Adventurous Dining Experience

Dining out proves to be a pretty monotonous celebration: we gather our loved ones, decide what to eat, get to a traditional restaurant, eat, and pay the bill. When was the last time a restaurant excited you? Me? I was ecstatic discovering Kamayan sa Palaisdaan in Tayabas, Quezon.

From the outside, the place seems like one of those grills showcasing the provincial fee but when you tread further down the stairwell, pass their bucolic pavilions, you’re in for a treat! There were nipa and bamboo cottages ready to receive you for your meal. Get this: they’re not just ordinary cottages…they’re floating on water! It all made sense! The place is called “Kamayan sa Palaisdaan” because you get to experience grilled delights in the middle of a makeshift fishing lagoon!

When the waiter came to take our orders, he mentioned about the possibly long wait time. He explained to us that they only cook and prepare dishes as orders come to maintain freshness and quality. For some, this can be a deal-breaker but we were totally fine with it. We perfectly understood.

While waiting for our food, we explored the restaurant and was even more impressed. We found out that there were actually 3 Kamayan sa Palaisdaan built almost next to each other, each having a slightly different theme and function. The one where we were in is where families usually dine and enjoy the essence of the fishing village theme. Parties can be held here since they have a spacey function area that is picturesque and can entertain a large number of guests.

We were not able to go in the second Kamayan sa Palaisdaan branch that time because of an exclusive event being held in the premise. From what I can see from the outside though is a giant clay pot and a very native-themed site.

Of all the branches, the third branch thrilled me the most. From the roads of Tayabas, you can see the nosecone of an airplane peeking from the inside of Kamayan sa Palaisdaan’s lot. You might be thinking, “Nah…it can’t be a real plane”…but it is! It’s an actual Boeing 737! According to the staff, the Air Summit Gourmet is where Kamayan sa Palaisdaan serve their fine dining course. Sadly, though, it was too late for us to transfer here because we were already waiting for our order. Also, reservation is highly appreciated.

After roaming from one branch of Kamayan sa Palaisdaan to another,  we went back to enjoy our lunch. We ordered Camaron Rebusado, Inihaw na Tilapia, and Sinigang na Spare Ribs. They were all nicely cooked and well-prepared. We just noticed crickets on our fish so we called the waiter who humbly apologized and provided us a new serving of Inihaw na Tilapia. Hey, I’m Ilokano and I know crickets are clean so I wasn’t bothered by it. We eat bugs occasionally. LOL!

The overall experience in Kamayan sa Palaisdaan is a pleasing one. If you are heading to Quezon, it is a must to make this your stopover. Oh, by the way, Kamayan sa Palaisdaan is also a resort and they have rooms and pools, not to mention outdoor activities such as zipline! Bring your family and friends along!!!

Here is how you get to Kamayan sa Palaisdaan! You can also like their FACEBOOK PAGE by clicking the link!

Tipsy Juan Mobile Bar at Waves Food Spot

As soon as we found out that Waves Food Spot at Anonas, Quezon City opened, we dropped by to see what this food park is all about. We weren’t disappointed! Aside from the good food, we discovered that Tipsy Juan Mobile Bar has a stall here!

If you do not have an event coming up and just plainly looking for that good drink with friends, you can celebrate life here at Waves Food Spot.

Here’s my first ever VLOG, ladies and gentlemen. I hope you love it!

If you have a party coming up, you can always book them and party like no other. You can check their Facebook Page or contact them at 0915 720 4790.

Bengal Brew Cat Cafe: Wild Cattery

You have got to admit that cats are majestic. Even if you see an ordinary alley cat, the finesse and grace can be detected on their every conserved and measured gait.Over the years, I have come to appreciate them due to this and it amazes me to no end just watching them curl, snap, groom themselves, and sleep to no end.

It was only recently that we visited Bengal Brew. Although it is around my neighborhood and I would pass by their cafe almost everyday to say hi to the cats by the window,  it is just lately that I have decided that I really need to give in to the need to cuddle these cats!

Before we went inside, the staff guided us through the waiver and some safety precautions to ensure that no one will get hurt –neither me nor the cats. As we were doing that in the receiving area, I couldn’t help but look around because everything was interesting! From their menu which was delicately etched on the black board, to the pastries that were presented on their display case. I couldn’t help, as well, but admire the fact that there were no stinky smell detected. I am a pet owner, so I would know ~(=^・・^). How do you guys do it?!

Quick Note: If you are planning to visit Bengal Brew, bring socks! This is for sanitation purposes. 

Now, imagine stepping into the Amazon…that was how I felt upon entering the cat area. The interior was just intricate. You can see how good the management maintains the place. Like cats, the place was feral and wild, but stylish and sophisticated.

The cats were being cats and lazing around, enjoying the tropical forest which was brought to their paws by the owner, Don Michael Perez. According to what I have read, the passion for Bengal Cats started when he chanced upon owning Amir. Amir is a lone, long-haired Bengal which was the first of its kind here in the Philippines. I could only imagine him falling in love with the breed! They’re all too stunning!

They were everywhere I looked! Some cats were near my seat, others were on the table, one is on top of the AC, and it was hilariously appealing. I have even accidentally tapped on one sleeping kitty because she had managed to camouflage among the hats neatly placed on the table!

I read somewhere that Bengals love high places. The cafe satisfy this whim of theirs by having a hanging ramp and all-natural tree trunks. There was also an artificial falls and a pond where guests can climb and take a picture. However, I felt like it was more for the cats since 3 or 4 of them were lounging on it. I couldn’t blame them! The area was relaxing!

My partner had to go to the bathroom at one point and I was left playing with the kitties. Soon, I noticed a fat, fluffy cat slowly following his steps. I followed the two of them and stalked what that cat was doing and found out that he was just standing outside the closed door of the comfort room where my partner was in! He just stared! When my partner came out, the cat just looked at him and asked to be petted. Wow. Talk about being selected!

Responsible ownership was also displayed. The obvious proof of it was how the cats were treated like royalty. More than that though, it is such a comfort knowing that all of them has been spayed or neutered. I also read that they were being raw-fed which is highly suggested since they’re carnivores after all.

My visit to Bengal Brew was satisfying. The cats were all cute and engaging. They were very much well-maintained. The food was not to be overlooked too. I ordered an Iced Cafe Bengal and Ham and Cheese roll and it was hearty! The Iced Cafe Bengal has this exotic lingering taste that goes well with ice. It was amazing how it did not lose its flavor considering the time we spent playing with the felines. The Ham and Cheese roll was delightful, too! I am a lover of cheese and this has a lot on it!

To tell you guys honestly, I saw a crazy negative review about Bengal Brew before. I was intimidated to visit the place at first. Trust me when I say  now that the review is all bullcrap! The staff were all accommodating. They were very patient as we stepped out the first time just to buy socks and when we couldn’t decide what to order. The cats were, well, just being cats. I couldn’t comment about the owner as he wasn’t there when we visited but I guess that was his family that we met. There was a little girl who was entertaining the newly-arrived visitors and there was a woman who was taking care of a little boy, all of whom have taken time to nod and smile at us. The little boy even grabbed my arm for me to notice him. ヘ(^_^ヘ)(ノ^_^)ノ

Come by and enjoy the love. The cats are to die for!

How to go to Bengal Brew Cat Cafe

1. Ride the MRT3 and alight at Cubao Station.
2. From Farmers Plaza, walk your way through Gateway Mall, passing the connecting bridge.
3. Exit Gateway Mall and walk toward Isetan Plaza. From there, you will see Manhattan Garden and Bengal Brew Cat Cafe.

Budget of a Typical Wanderlust (Public Transpo + Tipid Tips):

MRT3 fare from North Ave to Araneta Center Cubao Station =  16.00 Php x 2

Cat Cafe on a weekday w/ free drink for an hour = 199 Php

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Total: 231.00 Php + Unlimited love from the Bengals!!!

**Bengal Brew Cat Cafe is located at Ground Floor, Manhattan Parkview, Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City. Visit their Facebook Page for more information~~

Little Tokyo: Nihonjin Desu!

In this day and age of Food Trucks and Food Parks, it is quite a challenge finding something out of the ordinary. However, it is such a sweet comfort knowing that we can always return to where it all began. That’s right, folks. Before Maginhawa, Xavierville, and Fairview, there’s Little Tokyo at Legaspi Village, Makati.

No, this is not your traditional food park where everything goes. The place is exclusive for the palette of those who seek the oriental taste: everything is authentically Japanese! From the set-up to the ingredients, it’s like a portal that will bring you to the Land of the Rising Sun.

It’s such a sad lot that we went there early. According to one of the staff, life usually begins at 6:00 P.M. What we can do for the meantime is watch one of the chefs clean his blades. The chef is an elderly Japanese man  who wore a traditional kimono. He was very meticulous and I can definitely tell that he takes his craft seriously. Just like the other restaurant owners, they’re mostly Japanese who migrated to the Philippines.

We went about, snapping away and hoping we’re not that much of a bother. It was too early for beer and too humid for a Ramen. I guess this blog post is just an introduction to our next visit. Not all foodies get their way all the time. Hahaha! Of course, I’ll give you directions to the place and hopefully, we get to meet there! A useful tip: food starts at 200.00 Php. To enjoy Little Tokyo, please bring a loaded budget! ♪~♪ d(⌒o⌒)b♪~♪

How to go to Little Tokyo:

1. Take the MRT and alight at Magallanes Station. From Cubao Station, fare is 24.00 Php

2. Exit at the Northbound side and head to the Jeepney terminal near Home Depot.

3. Take any Jeepney with the signage PRC, Washington, or Ayala and ask the driver to disembark you at Little Tokyo. (7.00 Php)

4. You are not to miss the place! Look for the ever-famous Little Tokyo Arch!

Budget of a Typical Wanderlust (Public Transpo + Tipid Tips):

MRT – 24.00 x 2

Jeepney fare – 7.00 x 2

Miso Ramen at Yamazaki Bento – 206.00

Gyoza – 106.00

Coke – 55.00

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Total: 429.00 Php

**Little Tokyo is located at 2277 Chino Roces Ave, Pasong Tamo Corner Amorsolo Street, Makati, Legazpi Village, Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines

Perks of a Bella: CBTL Ice Blended 2 + 1 Coupon

Hooray for coffee and late night caffeine runs– without it, life would be pretty much dull and customary! That’s the main reason why I love the Belle de Jour Perks of a Bella Vouchers, particularly those intended for The Coffeebean and Tea Leaf purchases.

My first voucher-use for the year was the “Buy any 2 Ice Blended drinks of any flavor and GET 1 FREE REGULAR ICE BLENDED DRINK”. We availed it at CBTL Gateway Mall to satisfy our nocturnal coffee craving. My partner and I are also fond of portable movie nights where we bring our smart phone + speakers and watch downloaded movies while hanging out away from the comforts of our living room.

The movie was Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation…and our coffee of choice was Ice Blended Coffee Hazelnut and Ice Blended Coffee Caramel. Since we get to order another one, free of charge, we asked for the Ice Blended Coffee White Chocolate Dream. It was such a treat!

Below is the breakdown of our expenses:

Ice Blended Coffee Hazelnut Large – 195.00 Php
Ice Blended Coffee Caramel Large – 195.00 Php
Ice Blended Coffee White Caramel Dream Regular – Free

We saved 175.00 Php on that free drink 🙂 We actually used the money saved to purchase a slice of Blueberry Cheesecake!

What could be better than a Saturday night spent watching a movie, over coffee and cake? Nothing! I know!

**CBTL Gateway Mall is open from 7 AM to 2 AM Mondays through Sundays. To learn more about the Belle de Jour Power Planner, click HERE to visit their website 🙂

 

Cafe By The Ruins: A Taste of Local Greatness

You would know that you’re near Cafe By The Ruins if you happen to pass by a long queue along Chuntug St. Baguio City. Yes, this artistically and exotically-designed restaurant has stirred the attention of tourists, foodies, and even your normal passersby!

At first, I thought that it was all just a hype. Since the Internet Folks has this ability to turn a humble act to a sensation, it had actually brought doubt whether the place (or the food) is worth the wait. Luckily for us, there was no queue when we arrived. We waited patiently to be seated while I snapped away every detail I can lay my eyes on.

It was a feast for the eyes! The place, that is. The interior was mostly made of wood and there is artwork in every corner. There were paintings, murals, woodwork, collage…the place is a gallery!

We were handed the menu as soon as we settled and I must say that their bill of fare is as interesting as the menu folder, itself. It boasted of food made from ingredients coming from different parts of the Philippines! They were very particular in recognizing these local resources that you would somehow feel the sense of nationalism and loyalty to the Filipino brand.

I ordered their talked-about Ensaymada paired with their Iced Ruins Coffee…and it was fulfilling! The coffee was rich which is seldom pulled off when iced (except for Malay Coffee). You can even tell that they use Muscovado to keep their drink healthy and organic. It also made perfect sense why their Ensaymada is a hit. From the cheese, to the sugar, to the bread itself, you are left with no choice but to consume the greatness.

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The candles and the mildly-lit area actually added charisma to the place. The beauty is like that of a traditional Filipina–simple, natural, yet intriguingly striking. The staff were also nice and very patient. The weather also added to the overall feel of the restaurant.

As we were preparing to leave, we noticed that the crowd has already made its way to the queue. We got lucky, actually. For 25 years, Cafe By The Ruins has proven itself worthy of the fame. That’s more than 2 decades of celebrating the local flavor and artistry! We wish for more years to come!

**Cafe By The Ruins is located at 23 Chuntug St. Baguio City, Benguet. You can contact them at (074) 442-4010 or visit their FACEBOOK PAGE for more information.

 

 

 

Ludo Boardgame Bar & Cafe: Halloween Till Dawn Party

Halloween is now welcomed dearly by the Filipinos. What used to be a day of silence and remembering the dead, is now a colorful, festive, and fun tradition.

Last October 31, 2015, we decided to be part of Ludo’s Halloween Till Dawn Party. It’s not your typical costume party where you have booze and food and dancing only…at Ludo, you have board games and Murder Mystery games going on!

So we came in dressed as the Purging people of  the USA. As soon as we have arrived at the venue, we were welcomed warmly and were shown our seats. We were also introduced to the buffet table which was absolutely a dear sight!

They have Kebabs! They have isol (chicken ass)! And yes they have the crowd favorite: CHICKEN WINGS! I honestly didn’t know where to start so I helped myself to a plateful of sweets!

From Ludo’s FB Page

From Ludo’s FB Page

They also have this cocktail called the Blood Drive. It’s vodka based but you have to literally inject the freshly pureed Strawberry Juice out of the syringe to the clear alcohol to enjoy it. It’s light, clean, and yummy that being punch drunk was not an option!

From Ludo’s FB Page

We played tons of board games after dinner. From Click Clack Lumberjack to the ever so famous, Resistance. The good thing about Ludo is that their collection of games is so vast that you have a game for every mood. Another awesome thing: if you wish to play a game that you really have no idea on how it works, you have Game Gurus around who will definitely teach you the basics. Hooray!

from Ludo’s FB Page. One of the Game Gurus 🙂

Just by the strike of midnight, the main event took place. The cast for the Murder Mystery were rounded up and given the scripts to study. Soon, Act 1 started. We went around acting out our role and looking for clues. I must say, it really excited me and it’s soooo hard to keep a straight face!

The night accommodated Act 2 up until such time that it became pretty evident who the killer was. He was soon identified and special prizes were given away right after. They awarded the person who played their role well. The best dressed was awarded too! And of course, the raffle! A lucky winner won a board game simply by just attending the party!

It was a fun night and that made it really hard to leave. We wanted to play some more however, we had to consider the staff who were working long hours already. Nothing beats Ludo and we are a loyal customer!!! Whether or not there is an event, it’s actually the place to be!

from Ludo’s FB Page

from Ludo’s FB Page

from Ludo’s FB Page

How to go to Ludo: Board Game Bar & Cafe:

1. From Aurora Blvd. Cubao, look for Annapolis St. and head for the jeepney stop going to Pantranco/Roces
2. Ride that jeep and alight at Tomas Morato just before your ride turns left. This is in front of McDonald’s Tomas Morato. – 7.50 Php
3. Wait for the jeep with a signboard displaying “Welcome-Rotonda” and ride that jeep – 7.50 Php
4. Disembark at Bang Bang Coffee/Scout Fernandez.
5. Walk through Scout Fernandez until you reach Scout Torillo and you’ll definitely not miss the big sign that screams “LUDO”

***Ludo: Boardgame Bar & Cafe is located at 26 Sct. Torillo cor. Sct. Fuentebella Kamuning Q.C. For more information, you can visit their Website or like their Facebook Page.