Eat’s a date: Lab GastroPub

Long overdue post! I always see this restaurant whenever we eat at Vikings but it was only last November 30, when I got a chance to try it! Thank you Openrice! Sorry for the low quality pics, forgot my slr and used my ipad instead.

Lab is not just a fine dining restaurant it is also a good hideout and a good place to drink! They also serve liquors and cocktails.

Starter: Lab Sisig (195)

— A bit spicy but I like it because its saucy. Good amount of pork, unlike other sisig na puro liver! It’s different because the egg on top is already cooked.

Gambas Potstickers (130)

— Spicy spanish tapas made in homemade gyoza wrapper. A bit spicy especially the sauce but the filling is a mixture of sweetness and saltiness.

Eisbein Patatim (790)

— Crowd’s favorite!! I love the tender meat and the crispy skin dipped in Asian sauce!! 

The lab caldereta pie (390)

— Not the typical spicy caldereta, I love the creamy taste because of the mashed potato on top. My only problem is that the other meat I got was not so tender but all in all it’s good.

Lab burger (345)

— What I love about this burger is the bread they used, not the typical bun but a french toast! The patty is delicious plus there is only a small amount of vegetables inside that’s why I liked it! The mayonaise tastes like cream and the fries are also good!

The lab chicken wings (285)

— Crunchy wings with sweet sauce!! babe’s favorite!!

Salmon Sinaing (550)

— Not a fan of fish dishes but it’s good! The meat is tender and the taste was just right!

Usda tapa notch 750 grande || 1450 humongo

— This was served medium rare that’s why I don’t eat that much, the taste was okay but I think it’s better if it is well done.

And for the dessert, Baked Halo- Halo 250

—  From baked caldereta, we now go to baked halo-halo! The taste and the sweetness level was just right. There are so many ingredients inside and I love the cheesy and creamy taste. The filling was not that sweet maybe because it will compliment well with the sweet mousse on top.

For more information Like Lab on Facebook.

J.Co’s newest flavors!!

I remember the first time I tried J.co was when I attended a blogging workshop by David and Lissa (here), After that, I always crave for it, I don’t know why, but I guess because J. co really has the yummiest flavors ever! FYI, I’m so in love with Alcapone and Oreo!! By then, I always make it a point to buy a box whenever I visit MOA or Megamall. Before I used to chill in their stores with my sister who is also a J.co fan, check my previous post here, but now since it’s already well-known and in demand, I can’t even have a chance to buy some because of the long lines! Don’t have much patience to stay long! =)))) How I missed the times when I can make tambay and chill. J.co is really one of the fastest selling donut chain in the Metro!  

Introducing three new flavors from J.co, perfect for the Holidays!!! (See photos for description)

Yum!!!

Can’t wait to try Jcoccino and Creme La Fame!! How about you? Enjoy the Holidays with your favorite J.co donuts, Visit your favorite branch now!!!

For more information:

J. Co Facebook

J. Co Twitter

Announcements!!

Freeway X Botong

Freeway’s Holiday 2012 Collection of National Artist Collectors’ series pays tribute to Carlos “Botong” V. Francisco. This collaboration collection also marks the 100th Grand Anniversary of Botong’s life who was born in 1912.

Botong was a greatly renowned muralist in the Philippines, He  was the second Filipino to receive the title of National Artist in Painting,  and he’s one of the first Filipino modernists who revolutionized art and romanticism of Philippine scenes. 

Freeway Facebook

Freeway Twitter

Burberry Body Rose Gold

Eau de Parfum in a limited edition rose gold design, celebrating the first anniversary of Burberry Body. Made of Distinctive, multi-faceted rose gold hued lacquered bottle with a rose gold tinted cap. The scent is Woody floral, reflecting the sensuality of the Burberry girl.

 Available in all major department stores & Burberry Boutiques.  Hurry and get one nnow! I heard there were only 156 bottles available in the market in celebration of Burberry’s 156 years.

Prices:

85ml – P5,798

60ml – P 4,398

New Apple reseller enters Metro Manila 

Futureworld, Authorized Apple Reseller and the newest player in the Philippine technology retail industry, has announced the opening of its first two branches in Metro Manila this year, with plans to expand in other key cities nationwide. Soon they will open a branch in San Lazaro and Sta. Mesa, Manila.

Futureworld branches are located at 2F Cyberzone SM City Masinag
 Marcos Highway Brgy. Mayamot 
Antipolo City and SM Bicutan 2F Building B
 Dona Soledad Avenue, Brgy. Don Bosco, Bicutan
 Paranaque City.

Futureworld Facebook.

www.Futureworld.com.ph

Good news North shoppers!!

UNIQLO, Japan’s leading global fashion brand, opens its second store today at the SM City North EDSA The Block.

UNIQLO store at the 2nd floor of the SM City North EDSA The Block is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends and 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on weekdays.

Uniqlo Philippines Facebook.

Ocean Park Hong Kong presents Christmas Sensation- Santa Festival

Ocean Park Hong Kong, one of the world’s beloved theme parks and Hong Kong People’s Park, will delight visitors this Yuletide season with Christmas Sensation—a celebration event featuring spectacular attractions and experiences that combine education, entertainment, and conservation – like never before!

One of which is the Sensation- Santa Festival, you will be immersed in the spirit of Christmas at over 80 attractions.   It will be Christmas with  a blast at Polar Adventure, a nostalgic Christmas journey through time at Old Hong Kong, and fruitful epiphanies about biodiversity at all the state-of-the-art animal exhibits. Throughout the winter holidays, visitors can enjoy musical performances under a giant 40-foot Christmas tree and enjoy hi-tech, interactive games at the Rise of the Guardian (DreamWorks’ holiday blockbuster) walkthrough. 

EastPak X Kris Vanassche

Eastpak, well-known urban-style bag brand in the Philippines, brings its latest collection to local stores. Its latest offering marks the brand’s third collaboration with Kris Van Assche, a fashion designer hailing from Belgium.

This third collaboration with Van Assche remains true to the urban lifestyle cultivated by Eastpak. Van Assche for the first time, incorporates travel gear to expand the brand’s selection. The travel gear all come with a rigid shell which allows the user to wear it easily on the shoulder.  

The Eastpak x Kris Van Assche Fall Winter collection is exclusively available at Bratpack Greenbelt 5, Robinson’s Ermita and Alabang Town Center.

ReMINEd by AppLabs Digital Studios Inc.

ReMINEd is AppLabs Digital Studios’ visual wish list reminder application for goal setters. ReMINEd Lite only lets you store up to five (5) wants but Ii you purchase the full version for only $.99 USD, you’ll enjoy all features and store an unlimited number of wants.

There are four steps you can do with ReMINEd to help you more in setting your goals and buy that special something.

• Desire- You can just enter the name of the object of your desire to save it on your Mine Box, a place where you can find all your existing wants. Desired objects depend on the person, whether it be an expensive suit, a brand new smartphone, a new townhouse or a luxury car.
• Visualize - To help strengthen your desire, ReMINEd provides you with a chance to add a picture of that object you want. You can add a picture from your camera or grab a photo online.
• Prioritize - Set your priorities straight by indicating the level of priority for each desired object. You can also set an alarm to alert you of the target acquisition date.
• Attain - Set the goal. May it be to save a certain amount of money or buy a new car after three years, ReMINEd will help you set your desired goals effectively.

The Developer 
AppLabs Digital Studios Inc., is an applications development company headquartered in Eastwood City. AppLabs develops custom application solutions that will educate, entertain and inform people of all ages. You can check out their site, www.applabsdigital.com.

For more information, you can visit ReMINEd App’s website here.

Catch Open Mic Nights by TDK and XtremeMac every Thursday 10pm at Alphonse Bistro and Bar (City Golf Complex, Dona Julia Vargas St., Ortigas Center, Pasig City)

Follow TDK on the following:

Twitter: @tdkphilippines

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TDKLifeOnRecord

Instagram: @tdklifeonrecordph

Cheesy Crust Pizza is back!!!

Introducing the Parmesan Cheesy Crust Pizza with cheese in, cheese on, and cheese out! Crispy Cheddar and Parmesan baked on a Mozzarella-stiffed crust! 

Pizzahut Facebook

Pizzahut Twitter

Nescafe Grad Fans day

Last November 17, Nescafe Philippines had it’s grand fans day in celebration for the 2 Million likes they got over the years in their Facebook Page. Held at SM Mall of Asia, Music Hall, the place was packed and Nescafe Fans, bloggers and celebrities was in full support and active in all the activities and games the Nescafe team prepared.

The event started with a presscon at EBUN Restaurant. 

Yummy Filipino merienda was served

Jam packed area

The event was hosted by Drew Arellano

                                                                            

Swensen’s Ultimate Ricecream Sundaes

After our super yummy dinner at Yabu, “Free day” (as we call) isn’t over, went straight to Swensen’s for the tasting of their newest offerings.

Cutiee glasses!!!

An ice cream parlor originated in San Francisco, California, introduces “The Ultimate Ricecream Sundaes”, five new delectable sundaes perfect for the Holidays. It’s main ingredients includes the all-time Filipino favourites namely, ripe mango and sticky rice.!

I ordered Mango Breeze Boat. Irresistible! At first I thought I can’t finish this because of the three cups of Japanese rice I ate at Yabu, but the moment I tasted it, I can’t stop eating! I never thought that mango ice cream can be this good. I’m not a fan of mangoes but with this, I’m so in love! The sweetness of the ice cream is just right and compliments well with the rice,  plus the cream and nuts on top that gives crunchiness. The mochi on the side is also good!

Babe got Mango Sensation! Actually, The taste of all the ricecreams was just the same, the only difference is the presentation! Babe got this because the rice in this set is lesser and it is inside a cute small cone. This is like a a halo-halo, he was given a small cup of milk to add sweetness. 

Here are the other choices for Ricecream!

Mango Breeze Boat ice cream which comes with two scoops mango ice cream with pandan sticky rice and mango cubes. Mango Breeze Float is topped with whipped cream, chopped almonds and caramel syrup, and served with mochi balls.

For those who cannot get enough of mango ice cream,  the  Mango Hurricane is for you. This wonderful product comes in five big scoops of mango ice cream with pandan sticky rice and mango cubes, topped with whipped cream, chopped almonds, and mango sauce. Mango Hurricane is served with coconut milk and mochi balls. 

Another new offering is the Mango On-The-Go, mango ice cream in a cone with pandan sticky rice, whipped cream, chopped almonds, mango sauce, caramel syrup and mango cube.

Next is the Sticky Rice with Mango, mango ice cream with pandan sticky rice and mango cubes and topped with whipped cream, chopped almonds and mango sauce.  

 And lastly, Mango Sensation, mango ice cream with pandan sticky rice and mango cubes topped with whipped cream, chopped almonds and mango sauce. Mango Sensation is served with coconut milk. 

Swensen’s branches are located at the SM Mall of Asia and Eastwood Mall.

For more information:

Facebook

Twitter

Free Dinner/Stress Test at Yabu Mall of Asia

I know most of you guys have heard or better yet have tried eating at Yabu. Isn’t it one of the heavenliest feeling on earth? A taste of heaven in every bite, that’s why after V told me that he won again (such a lucky guy!!) in Yabu’s promo, I blocked that day and assured that there’s no reason for us to miss it. Who would’t want a FREE dinner? =))))

This free dinner was also conducted to test their staff. Infair, even the place was jam-packed the waiters and waitresses are all in a “chill mode” and very patient in taking our orders/requests.

Babe seems so hungry :PPPP

Appetizer!!! Tofu and Potato Salad!!

V doing the ritual!

Yum!!

They also gave us unlimited drinks!

Play money to be used in paying our “fake bill”

We both chose the Seafood Katsu Set!!! Yum!!!

Our bill!!! 

Happy Couple!! Thank you so much Yabu for this awesome dinner! Can’t wait to go back on the 28th for your opening! Thank you Sir Jun for inviting me again! :))

For more information:

Yabu : Facebook || Twitter

Dress Me Up 2 X DQ Black Forest Flavor Launch

After attending the LOVE collection launch by Rajo last Saturday, went straight to Gateway Mall to support my friend Nikka and Ranel for the second of Dress Me Up and to witness the launch of Dairy Queen’s newest flavor which is the Black Forest.

Free taste of dq’s newest flavor before starting the show!

A black forest inspired fashion show was also held, models were styled by some of the Manila’s top fashion bloggers.

My event buddies!! Ranel and Nika! 

And the winners are….

Third Prize

Arnie and Rovie won the Second Prize!!!

and Aisa and Ana for the first prize!! Yeyyy!!! Congratulations guys!

drooling around with the winners <3

with Carvey and Carlo

Dairy Queen’s Black Forest collection is a classic favorite that will never go out of style. It is the perfect blend for the holiday season.

The Black Forest Blizzard is made from Dairy Queen’s classic soft-serve vanilla ice cream blended with maraschino cherry, cherry syrup, chocolate chunks, and even made more delectable with brownies and cocoa fudge. Now available also with Mint, this Holiday favorite is made even more perfect for the season. Available in three sizes: 9oz (P89), 12oz (P109) and 16oz (p129).

Celebrate the holidays with your family and friends by sharing a Black Forest Blizzard Cake with them. Made of rich vanilla ice cream blended with maraschino cherry, cherry syrup, chocolate chunks, brownie and cocoa fudge, it is just as tasty as the Black Forest Blizzard but made even more festive just for the Christmas season. Available for P799 only.

Also available for the Holidays is the refreshing Black Forest MooLatte, Dairy Queen’s soft-serve  vanilla ice cream is blended to perfection with coffee base, maraschino cherries, cherry syrup, and cocoa fudge that will make you feel the Holiday cheer even more. Available in 6oz (P59) and 12oz (P109).

they also serve Black Forest Cake!!!

Dairy Queen knows how to give gifts that keep on giving, so for the Christmas season, DQ will be giving away 2 New iPads through their Black Forest Greetings Facebook promo. Please see image above for complete mechanics.

For more information Like DQ on Facebook, also Like and Follow Araneta Center on FB and Twitter.

Coca-Cola Tree Lighting Event at the Araneta Center

Filipinos are really the happiest people on earth, in spite of all the circumstances we encounter, at the end of the day, we are still smiling and looking at the brighter side of life. Coca-Cola is inspired by this unique Filipino story. 

On its 100^th year, Coca-Cola pays tribute to the Filipinos for believing in happiness. Coca- Cola in stills in every Filipinos mind that Christmas is not about presents, delicious food nor money, but rather sharing simple yet memorable moments with one another, like sharing a meal to make someone happy.

Here are some of the highlights of the event:

Ribbon cutting by Coca-Cola officials

A Grand Christmas Salu-Salo was prepared and shared among the attendees. The salu-salo table was joined by Coca-Cola and Araneta Center officials, media and a roster of Kapuso and Kapamilya stars like Enrique Gil, Jessy Mendiola, Alden Richards, Louise delos Reyes, Jeric Gonzales and Thea Tolentino. And what better way to enjoy all of these yummy treats but be complimented by no more than the Filipino family’s meal partner for 100 years—Coca-Cola.

Unlimited Coke while watching the show.

The event was hosted by Robi Dominguez and Megan Young.

Performances by ABS-CBN and GMA artists made the event extra special.

A toast for the 100 years of Coca-Cola!

After the toast was the most awaited moment, the lighting of Araneta’s Christmas Tree..

Tadaaahhh!!!

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!!! Yayyy! Getting more excited!

The Coca-Cola Tree Lighting Event at the Araneta Center is a towering reminder to the Filipinos to let happiness live on. Now on its 5^th year, families and friends gather around the biggest tree in the country to collectively open happiness.

Through this annual celebration, Coca-Cola continues to inspire and encourage Filipinos to share more moments of happiness. Coca-Cola encourages you to go and make someone happy today, because we believe that the more happiness we share, the more happiness will also return to us.

To the next 100 years of happiness! Ituloy ang Happiness.

Ps. Some pictures were grabbed from Araneta Center’s Facebook.

For more information:

 Coke Website 

Coke Facebook Page

Coke Twitter.

Sugar Rush Alert!! Mochi Sweets now in Manila

Banking on Filipino’s sweet tooth and penchant for embracing food from around the world, the wildly popular MOCHI SWEETS has made its way into the local food scene and is sure to create a mochi craze as seen in Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore and China.

“Mochi” is a well-loved Japanese rice cake made from glutinous rice flour pounded into shape. Mochi Sweets has taken this traditional dessert further by creating small balls of luxurious and flavorful cream and wrapping it in chewy mochi skin.  Think dessert dumplings with frozen cream or mousse in the center and a mochi covering made with just the right thickness, moistness and stickiness.

Business partners Jason Yap and Samatha Paz chanced upon Mochi Sweets in their trips to Malaysia and Vietnam and saw the store drawing huge crowds. Both only in their early 20s but with entrepreneurial exposure from their parents, they decided to write to J Sweets in Hong Kong and were soon awarded the official franchise for Mochi Sweets in the Philippines.

Garry Cheng, President of J Sweets was in Manila to grace the unveiling of the first Mochi Sweets store in the SM Mall of Asia. He was very excited for Filipinos to try Mochi Sweets. He says their dessert is superior to other desserts which loosely uses mochi but don’t produce the right texture and experience. Cheng offers a clue on how premium their product and standards are: “We learned from Japan. We had a Japanese chef who creates these delectable concoctions for us and we use only 100% Japanese mochi.”

Just looking at the cute and colourful balls of Mochi Sweets neatly placed in its classic gift box and you understand why it has earned raves abroad. “First impression counts,” says Jason Yap, president of Mochi Sweets Philippines. “Mochi Sweets first tempts you with how it appeals to the eyes. But the real pleasure is the taste and experience once you bite into it. This is because Mochi Sweets is made from the best ingredients. There is meticulous control to ensure consistency of quality. We do not short-change our customers. We aim to satisfy each customer and make them enjoy life’s simple indulgent treats.”

Hence, the real test is resisting the urge to sink your teeth into these decadent sweets. Mochi Sweets comes frozen and you have to wait 10-15 minutes for it to thaw before you can bite into its gummy goodness. But unlike those with ice cream filling, Mochi Sweets is not prone to messy meltdowns as you eat it. It is also a perfect to-go or bring-home treat since it does not melt all the way through and will be thawed and just-ready by the time you meet your family and friends.

Jason Yap further shows how Mochi Sweets will be enjoyed: “We are a gifting society. A box of Mochi Sweets has 6 to 12 pieces and will definitely be a fun gift for sharing during those special moments and celebrations. Customers can pick different colors and flavors of Mochi Sweets based on the personality and preference of the lucky recipient and this makes each box of Mochi Sweets special and personal.”

Mochi Sweets indeed has a wide array of flavors – from the classic favorites to inspired special concoctions. Clear winners for chocolate lovers are the wickedly good Chocolate Mousse, Cream Chocolate and Dark Chocolate. Coffee aficionados will find delicious comfort in Caramel Macchiato. Kids and kids-at-heart looking for something wholesome will enjoy the fruity confections: Strawberry Mousse, Mango Yoghurt and Honey Lemon Cream. Those who want something different and exotic can try Sakura (or cherry blossom, which is very popular in Japan), Green Tea and Durian Mousse. Currently, Mochi Sweets offers 17 flavors and will continue to dish out cool and yum variants that will make customers think Mochi Sweets when they crave for desserts and comfort food.

From the first Mochi Sweets kiosk in SM Mall of Asia (beside the Skating Rink), the team of Jason Yap and Samatha Paz will open three more Mochi Sweets stores this quarter. The next two stores will be at Robinsons Galleria and Eastwood Mall. They promise rapid expansion in 2013 with the biggest Mochi Sweets shop already slated at SM Aura which will open at BGC.

Mochi Sweets grand opening at SM Mall of Asia

Jason Yap (left) and Garry Cheng holding a box of Mochi Sweets that are now available in the Philippines

Photo shows (L-R): Jason Yap, President of Mochi Sweets Philippines together with Garry Cheng, President of J Sweets Hong Kong; Paul Montserrat, SM MOA Building Admin Officer; and Margarita De Leon, Assistant Mall Manager during the launch of Mochi Sweets at SM Mall of Asia

For more information:

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Couples Eat’s A Date at Il Ponticello

Okay, so it’s this was the first time that Eat’s a date conducted a food tasting event exclusively for couples! So happy to be part of this experience! 

Candle light, pianist, wine and Italian food(I love Italian food! I can eat pasta and pizza forever!)! What a way to celebrate an October Valentine!  V and I have never been into an intimate date like this, we always go for a restaurant with a live band performing or a buffet type, so I consider this as our first formal date. 

I really love the ambiance of the place, intimate and very warmth. Really perfect for couples.

Couples openricers before eating.

Formaggio Fondente - 230 php

Oven baked spinach, tomatoes and mozarella served with garlic crostini.

— Good! But be sure to mix it before putting it to the crostini unless it will not taste good. I’m not a fan of leafy vegetables but I love the mixture of the mozarella and the tomatoes. 

Picante Pizza - 290 php

Spicy salami and aragula

— Favorite dish that night! I love how cheesy the pizza was and the crunch after every bite, but I have to remove every piece of the veggie before eating. :)))

Polpette ala Sicilliana - 375 php

meatballs and mozarella over tomato fetuccine

— It was fine, I love meatballs but there’s nothing special about the taste.

Asparagina Parmense - Php360

Parmaham and asparagus spears in a light asparagus cream sauce

— V’s favorite! He likes it because it’s creamy and flavorful because of the taste of the ham. I think this is the crowd’s favorite that night.

For the dessert we have Torta Al Formaggio - 200 php. The taste is just rght, not to sweet. I enjoyed the blueberries on top!

Lastly, Panna Cotta - 210 php. It is made of baked cream with fruits on the side. I loved it more than the cheesecake because it’s creamier and tastier.

After eating, they offered us coffee and the interesting part of this is choosing, they have a lot of variants and it’s so funny that it is color coded.

I chose the decaffeinated and second to the lightest one.

Babe and I while enjoying the food! Shot by Khaezel :)

Happy couples!

Thank you so much Openrice for the invite!

For more information:

https://www.facebook.com/OpenRicePH?ref=ts&fref=ts

https://twitter.com/OpenRicePH