ben schmuck

Familia Buffet Restaurant

2012-09-02T17:00:00.000-07:00

Eating in Familia is like taking a tour around the world. They have everything from East Asia, the Middle East, Europe and the Americas. It's a delectable feast. A food orgasm! I recommend their selections of dessert. They have cookies, ice cream, halo-halo, creme brulee, mouse, cakes, fruits (which I totally ignored) and so much more. Oh, don't forget the chocolate fondue!

Eating there will set you back around 1700PhP. I really don't know exactly how much cause I didn't pay. It's a bit pricey just so you can stuff yourself silly until you can't walk no more. But hey, if you can get a friend to treat you then why not.

The makis and the sashimis are to die for!

I wasn't really a fan of the pizzas. Tastes weird.

I love their pastas. You get to choose your pasta noodles, what you put along with it and the sauce. You can choose from cream, meat and tomato sauce.

This is my around the world. German sausages, back ribs, steak, lentils and a lot more. I was so full didn't even got the chance to try the teppanyaki.

The creme brulee is a must try. The outer sugar crust isn't ideal but who cares when the custard is rich and heavenly.

Make your own halo-halo!

Choco Mousse, mallows dipped in chocolate fondue and ice cream. I can die now!

Familia Buffet Restaurant is located in the Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort and Spa, Mactan, Cebu, Philippines.

Bon Appetea

2012-04-14T23:19:00.000-07:00

I went to another milk tea place last week. It's called Bon Appetea. I visited their Lahug branch right beside STI. The place is pretty decent. Nothing fancy. That is why I'm surprised when I found out that their Sea Foam and Cheese costs 110PHP. Some stores in the mall with better interiors sell the same thing for 90PHP. Since I found it a bit ridiculous, I just ordered one of the lesser priced drinks which happened to be their bestseller. Nirvana is assam tea with wintermelon. It was tasty. There is a bit of a bitter aftertaste but it wasn't really bad or anything. It was enjoyable - perfect for that hot day.

Would I recommend Bon Appetea? Sure. I don't think you would stay for the place but you will like their tea. Well, maybe you will. They got free WiFi.

Bon Appetea has branches in Salinas Drive and Apitong Street.

Cobo: Awesome Possibiliteas

2012-04-08T16:50:00.000-07:00

The milk tea craze has taken Manila like frozen yogurt has invaded Cebu. Lately, I've been seeing more and more shops that offer tea as an alternative for the usual Starbucks here in the Queen City of the South. One of these is a small shop located right smack at the middle of J. Centre Mall in A.S. Fortuna Street.

Cobo: Awesome Possibiliteas is a Taiwanese-based brand that offers refreshing tea and coffee based concoctions. Their drinks are tasty and very packed with flavor. Cobo offers value for money as you can buy a 22 ounce (think Venti) mocha drink for 75PHP only. That beats the 200PHP you have to shell out at Starbucks.

The Sea Salt drinks are a must-try! Weird, yes but very yummy.

I got the Sea Salt Taro with additional pearls and a sweet degree of average. You heard me right. They ask you if you want your drink mildly sweet, average or very sweet. Perfect for those who don't like uber sweet drinks.

The interior of the place is fun and quirky. Their chairs remind me of colorful cheese wedges. They also have a doodle mural on one of their walls.

My only complaint is that they don't have WiFi. Other than that, I recommend this place. If you have time or the energy to go to J. Centre Mall, you should stop by Cobo.

2011-05-23T23:23:00.000-07:00

I first heard this song playing on the TV (actually it was a music video). I was like, "Great! Owl City has a new single." So, it came as a surprise to find out that this is from 20-year old Rez Toledo. He's so talented. Heck! I don't even remeber what I was doing when I was 20.

Enjoy the video and visit his Facebook fanpage to get a preview of his music. Just click on the Music tab. I also have this single uploaded on my Tumblr site.

10th Dove Street

2011-05-15T12:05:00.000-07:00

This resto is one of the best kept secrets of Cebuanos. Heck. Most Cebuanos don't even know this place exists.

10th Dove Street is a cozy little cafe situated in a private subdivision in the Talamban area. They only have 6 tables so it's really a small place which I think gives it more charm. The waiters are very friendly and accommodating. They would always check on you. Prices are very affordable. Actually, a full course meal is a standard rate of 190 Php. The meal consists of your choice of soup, salad, sandwich and cake. Beverages starts at 30 Php.

10th Dove Street is located at Sto. Nino Village, Cebu City.

The Ranch

2011-05-01T14:10:00.000-07:00

After spending the whole day cleaning out our apartment, my cousins and I decided to treat ourselves for a job well-done.

We were hoping to eat at this place inside Sto. Nino Village but it was closed when we got there. So, we ended up in The Ranch.

The Ranch is a western-styled bar and restaurant. I have this feeling that the place is the house of the owner. Anyway, the resto offers different types of burgers and dinner meals for the hardcore carnivore. Their prices ranges from 150Php to 500Php. The portions are big so that makes up for the price.

I ordered their Barbeque Pork Ribs. It was served with your choice of mashed potatoes, rice or french fries. It wasn't mind blowing. It cost 260Php. Casa Verde's is cheaper and way tastier. Their burgers though are worth noting. My sister had the Moo Burger. It's the bomb. It's easily on my top 10. It was juicy and very beefy. The burger bun was firm and had this rustic taste that I liked. For those on a diet, try the Ocean Burger. I also recommend their Tom and Jerry drink. It's Sprite with red syrup served in a chilled glass. Refreshing!

BBQ Pork Ribs

Moo Burger

Ocean Burger

Tom and Jerry

Customer service is nice. The waitresses are very accommodating. Even the owner is there to entertain the guests and make them feel at home.

The only downside is the restroom. The ladies' powder room is inside but the men's is located outside! Good luck to you if it's raining!

The Ranch is located at Gov. Cuenco Ave., Cebu.

Seaview Room @ Anthony's Beach Resort

2011-04-28T17:54:00.000-07:00

Some friends and I decided to spend the Holy Week at Moalboal. We stayed at this place run by this two Aussies. Rooms are cheap. Their seaview room runs for 1500Php. We were even able to haggle it for 1400Php. The room by the way is also airconditioned which is a bonus!

The room has a big balcony which is a perfect spot to drink booze at night. Just don't get too drunk! Remember that your on the 2nd floor.

Although the view spectacular, the room needs help. The cabinets were dilapidated and the fridge kinda stinks. The queen-sized bed is okay.

The bathroom is clean and the toilet flushes. They also have a water heater. They provide towels free of charge.

The staff and the owner are friendly and accommodating.

If you're on a tight budget, this is a decent place to stay. Don't expect too much though. They are currently renovating so if you chance to visit Moalboal a few months from now, this place may be worth checking.

Anthony's is located at Panagsama Beach in Moalboal, Cebu.

Hey! Look! It's Anthony.

Here is the view from our balcony.

Cake is Medicine

2011-04-24T12:20:00.000-07:00

People wonder how I stay sane despite the studying law and having a 10-hour job. Simple. I have my sugar fix every once in a while (try everyday)!

Before going to class, I would always have my lunch/breakfast (I usually start my day at 3pm in the afternoon) at Red Ribbon at Gen. Maxilom Avenue. They're dinuguan or bangus ala pobre never fails. Don't forget that favorite palabok. Heaven!!!

The customer service in this place is worth noting. They greet you when you enter and they talk to you.

But of course the stars of the show are the cakes. The Ube cake is a classic. The Smores cake is really scrumptious. And my new favorite, the Chocolate Fudge Cake (not in the picture).

So that's how I keep my sanity. Who say's sugar loading is bad for you? Hehe

Han Kang

2011-04-19T20:07:00.000-07:00

My friend Aaron decided he'd take Al and I to this interesting place he promised we would like. So I was like, "Where?"

He nonchalantly answered, "Mactan."

Oh great! Crossing a body of water for dinner.

After an hour or so of travel, I was transported to Korea... or so I thought. It was an invasion! Aside from the staff, we were the only Filipino in the restaurant. Luckily, the Korean owner was very warm and welcoming.

The place is called Han Kang, located at Soong 1, Brgy. Mactan, Lapu-lapu City. It's all you can eat for 300Php and you can ask for free iced coffee. Not bad, right?

Oh by the way, you need to cook first before you eat. Hehe. Talk about effort!

HTC Flyer

2011-04-15T02:05:00.000-07:00

Wow!

Dong Juan

2011-04-11T18:25:00.000-07:00

I saw this segment on RCTV (a Cebu channel) featuring a burger joint called Don Juan the other day. I was curious so I decided to invite my sister to have lunch there.

First of all, looking for the place would be a feat for some. It's located at Emilio Osmena St! I mean, where is that? Good thing there's Google. If you're familiar with Moon Cafe in Guadalupe then you're in luck. It's just near that.

Red Chili Burger 149PhP

They say they are the best burger in town. Well, I had better. I wasn't really impressed. It wasn't bad tasting it's just that I could whip up the same burger in my kitchen if I wanted to. Surprisingly though, the chorizo pasta we ordered was very yummy. Linguine and chunky tomato sauce - just the way I like it! This dish alone is worth the effort.

Chorizo Pasta 99PhP

The place needs an overhaul. The owners should think redoing the interiors if they want to justify their rates (99PhP - 200PhP).

Service is great. The waiters are accommodating. Not that fast though since they cook from scratch which is good if you go there for the food. Bad if you go there hungry.

I'll definitely go back. Not for the burger but for the pasta. :)

Breakfast Fruit Pie

2011-04-07T16:23:00.000-07:00

Look what I had for breakfast today. :-) Fruit pie from Fresco (sitting on top of my Nachura book). 40PHP.

Yum! Sweet indulgence.

My Cofifi

2011-04-06T13:44:00.000-07:00

Summer break is here. Second semester of law school for me was very stressful. Most of my time was spent reading and studying. So it wasn't a surprise that I'm always at a coffee shop where there's the necessary caffeine and the quiet ambiance.

Where's the other I?

A fave of mine is Cofifi located at R. Aboitiz St. besides St. Theresa's College (right where Calda Pizza is). It's a law student's haven. The prices of their coffees and beverages are student friendly. A short Americano runs for 65PHP. Flavored black coffee is 55PHP. They offer snacks and breakfast meals consisting mainly of waffles, pancakes and sandwiches.

Ambiance is perfect since they usually play mellow but still current music. I also like the interiors. It's shabby chic with a touch of artsy. I love their very long table at the back, That's my fave spot. My friends and I call it "our" presidential table.

The only complaint I have with this place is that they always run out of stocks. You wouldn't believe how many times I have ordered something only to be told that they don't have it because they don't have bread or what not. Kinda irritating. Ms. Tiffany, please take note :-). Nonetheless, I love this place!

Who's the Better Alien?

2011-04-02T00:38:00.000-07:00

Lady Gaga vs Katy Perry

Sucker Punch

2011-03-30T02:43:00.000-07:00

I'm so itching to watch this movie. Hmmm... I just might.

Robo Muffin

2011-03-28T00:05:00.000-07:00

I've already ordered these and I can't wait. Hmmm... I wonder if they can customize designs for me.

Proudly Cebu made!

I'll post the details of where to get them once I "test" them.

Motorola Xoom

2011-03-23T19:17:00.000-07:00

Ipad II is thin, light and definitely an eye candy but if I have the money, I'll definitely buy this instead.

New Starbucks

2011-03-17T16:40:00.000-07:00

All of you have probably noticed that the logo on your morning cup is different. No more "coffee" and no more ring. All that is left is the two-tailed siren.

Some people say that the move to change the brand is a bad step. Not really sure. One thing is for certain though, it's cleaner, hipper and more modern. Maybe it's just my preference for all things minimal. I don't think it's a big deal. Almost everybody knows Starbucks anyway. What do you think?

iPod Nano Watch

2011-03-15T17:31:00.000-07:00

I hate things Apple because I'm such a PC fan but this might be the first iPod that I will buy!