JKG

Chateau Hestia, Tagaytay

2013-02-08T20:50:00.000-08:00

For our anniversary, my boyfriend and I decided to go to Tagaytay for change, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. I wanted something new, a change in scenery, and a different ambiance so I searched the internet for a new restaurant in Tagaytay. I came across Chateau Hestia, a garden restaurant that promises a european experience. The menu seemed okay and the price was not expensive, so off we went.

It wasn't very hard to find when you're familiar with Tagaytay, just make sure to look at the map in their website so you have a guide. We got to the place in time for dinner and it was so dark! We were not able to explore the place, and sad to say, no pictures. I'll just be giving a review of the food.

We availed of their set menu at P700 per person. All I can say is, you get what you pay for.

Here are the pics!

Freshly baked bread with eggplant spread

Minestrone Soup

Chateau Hestia's Salad

Beef Stroganoff

Mango Panna Cotta

Chateau Hestia

Wine shop inside Chateau Hestia

Check out the place during the day so you won't miss the experience. As for the food, sad to say, its not worth the drive. I loved the Minestrone soup though. :)

Palawan

2012-10-01T18:47:00.000-07:00

Palawan is known for having one of the best beaches in the country. Unlike the famous Boracay, which through the years have gotten really crowded and urbanized, Palawan is its opposite. You can enjoy not only its white sand beaches but also its lush forests, caves and exceptional scenery without a huge crowd to bother you. Perfect for a private escapade.

There are a lot of things you can do in Palawan and there are several tours you can choose from. My first visit to this paradise was last August with a few of my good friends. We signed-up for the City Tour, Underground River Tour and the Honda Bay Tour. It was 3 days of adventure! Let me share with you my whole experience.

City Tour

We visited the Puerto Princessa Baywalk, Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral, souvenir shops and the Crocodile Farm.

There was nothing to see in the Puerto Princessa Baywalk. Its almost the same as Manila Bay and Roxas Boulevard. I recommend that to be skipped! Next, was the Immaculate Concepcion Church. Now, that was worth visiting. Make sure you visit famous churches in your travels. They're always a sight to see. The Crocodile Farm had a lot of crocodiles(obviously). Its nothing to be exccited about unless you're 5 years old. There was also a small forest there that you can trek but there's not much to see. Only some good spots for your emo moments and snapshots. Oh and a squirrel roaming around! Skip, Skip. Last but not the least, one of the best stops of them all, the souvenir shop! You can find a lot of very cheap accessories and wooden ornaments for your home. I bought pearl earrings worth only 10 pesos for pasalubong!

Underground River Tour

This is supposed to be Jesus

This tour cannot be missed! Its just recently that the Underground River won a spot in the list of the 7 wonders of the world. It’s a 1 and a half ride from the city plus 1 very brief short ride and youre there! Make sure you get a good boatman with you 'cause he will be talking during the whole tour inside the cave. The cave is A-MAZING! You gotta see the one they call "The Cathedral"! If you're scared of bats, there are only a few and they don't really fly around. They're just clustered together, hanging from the ceiling of the cave. Tip: Make sure to bring your own flashlight!

Honda Bay Tour

Starfish Island

The Honda Bay Tour was fun! We visited a few islands and did some snorkeling hear and there. It was one whole day of island hopping! My favorite was the Starship Island. You can snorkle even in the shallow part of the water and still see some amazing sea creatures! I wish I had an underwater camera! Tip: If you have youre snorkling gear, better bring it so you won't have to rent. Oh and don't forget your underwater camera!

Ugong Cave

One of the side trips after the Underground River Tour is the Ugong Cave. Its called Ugong because your hear a churchbell kind of sound when you tap the rocks. A certain ugong sound. This one I enjoyed too. We had to trek inside the cave to reach the top and I'm telling you its not easy. Just check out our pictures.

You have to zipline going down. Whew! (way easier!)

I still recommend people to try this one because though it’s a bit of a challenge, the fee here is for the livelihood income of the people in this place. The staff and tour guides here are old women, old enough to be our grandmothers. During our trekking, after just a short while the old lady who was guiding us was trying to catch her breath. I really felt bad for her. So i'm really promoting this one to help the residents of this place. A little help and some sweat could go a long way.

Restaurants (two of the most famous in Palawan)

A trip is not complete without trying their famous restaurants and delicacies. Since we were all feeling adventurous, we tried their Tamilok! People say the tamilok is a type of worm, but its really not. It’s a Shipworm, from the family of mollusks. You get it from mangroves. It tastes like a mollusk too. Just like your usual oyster in vinegar. Oh it looks like raw intestine by the way(isaw!).

Ka Lui's

Another must-try. They have a very unique concept: you only get to choose from the catch of the day! Of course, it means seafood. They only serve seafood, but really fresh seafood. And they give a free soup and free fruits after your meal. Check out these photos!

Kinabuchs

Known for their crocodile dishes. I recommend this for dinner and for drinking sessions. This restaurant is comparable to Dencio's and Gerry's but I must say, their crocodile sisig is really good! Plus, the place looks better in the evening with the capiz lanterns turned on.

Overall, I had a great time in Palawan. I feel bad for missing the trip to Mitra's Ranch and Baker's Hill. But oh well, I would definitely come back for some R&R. =)

Product review: Revlon's Photoready Liquid Foundation

2012-09-28T00:19:00.001-07:00

Since I have been hearing a lot of positive feedback about Revlon's Photoready, I decided to give it try. I bought their liquid foundation first.

This product has photochromatic pigments that reflects light which would make flaws unnoticeable, giving you clear skin on and off cam. This pigments also provide a bit of shimmer which gives the skin a natural glow. I normally don't like make-up with shimmer because it doesn't look natural, but the pigments on this one is very fine, almost dust-like which gives the face only a hint of shimmer for that natural glow. You really won't notice it anymore once applied on the face. Aside from these useful pigments, this also has sunscreen which is a must-have for every make-up product.

I use this product as a make-up base when I go out. I use a sponge to spread the liquid all over my face and neck. It is actually very easy to apply because the texture is not very thick. I apply a bit of Revlon's Colorstay Mineral make-up on top of it to make the finish more natural. Its always better to put any kind of face powder on top of your liquid foundation to keep it in place and give you a more natural look. Just make sure you don't put too much.

What I like about this product:

*the texture is not thick - it doesn't feel heavy and it won't clog your pores
*full coverage - hides blemishes and looks great in photos! Makes your skin look flawless.
*affordable
*long-lasting - it lasts for hours!

Recommended use:
Use this only on occasions. Say, weddings, night-outs, etc.

2nd's, Fort

2012-08-15T20:06:00.000-07:00

2nd's is the restaurant in the corner of Quadrant 3 in Bonifacio High Street (beside Agave and across Cav) which used to be Magnet. It is located on the second floor, so I'm assuming that's why its called 2nd's. I like their food and the ambiance. Its very intimate and private, good for family dinners and dates.

I tried their bestseller, the buffalo bacon chicharon. I was excited to try this because this is the one they are famous for. But to my dismay, it did not meet my expectations. It was too sour for me and did not have the crunch a normal chicharon would have. It was like a thickened bacon with the texture of Marty's vegetable chicharon in a sour barbeque sauce. The blue cheese dip made it tolerable. My family and I were not able to finish this dish. So i'll rate this 1 out of 5. You may opt not to try when you are in 2nd's.

Buffalo Bacon Chicharon

For the appetizer, we ordered the Angus Salpicao Foie Gras and after just 10 minutes when it arrived on our table, it was gone! This dish was so good, my family and I loved it. The beef was soft and tender with just the right amount of salt. Almost perfect, i'd say. There was even small chunks of fat, that were so rich and tasty. I got the privilege to eat the only piece of foie gras served on top of it(unfortunately, there was only one piece) and it was unforgettable. Even after months later, I could still recall the taste and texture of this one and it always makes me want to go back to this restaurant. This is a simple dish that's flavorful and definitely worth trying. I'd give it a 4 out of 5.

Angus Salpicao with Foie Gras

The smoked caprese salad was very healthy and refreshing. I liked the combination of the cheese and fresh tomato layered on top of each other with its sauce(I forget what the sauce was). If you want a new twist on your salad, try this one! It won't fail you. This has got to be a 3 out of 5.

Smoked Caprese Tower

The 2nd's bistek tagalog was my dad's order. It was also good, its not like your usual bistek at home but there is a resemblance with the taste. The beef was soft and tender as well and the sauce flavorful but it was not something we have not tasted before. I'd say its an upgraded version of the home-made bistek tagalog. I'd give it a 3 out of 5.

2nd's Bistek Tagalog

Oh the lamb shepherd's pie... This is my favorite! It's lamb steak at the bottom, covered by mashed potatoes then sealed with melted cheese! Oh, I just love this dish! It's filling and very satisfying. Each bite makes you want to eat more of it. I just can't get enough of this dish. It's a 5 for me!


Lamb Shepherd's Pie

For dessert, we ordered the one with the longest name. It sounded interesting so we tried it. It was just cake on a beer glass. It wasn't so bad. We enjoyed sharing it. It was light and creamy and not too sweet. Bitin. I'd give it a 2.

Rum Cake and Mascarpone Trifle

Overall, I'd give it a 4 out of 5. The main course meals are good! Very satisfactory and worth trying!

Cakes of February

2012-04-23T01:40:00.000-07:00

1. Half-baked chocolate cake from Sensei Sushi Bar

My good friend Patty and I decided to have a pre-valentines date last Feb 13. Since both of us were going through something we both were unsure of, a date with a girlfriend was very much needed for some bonding time. I suggested to have dinner at Sensei Sushi Bar in BF because of their unique selection of japanese food and the quiet ambiance. The south has always been my go-to place when I need some peace and quiet. I got there an hour and half early so I had some alone time before Patty arrived. Being by myself does not really bother me, in fact, I actually enjoy it because I get to reflect and just think of myself. These are the times I bond with myself and feel liberated from all the stress in my life. I was the only one in the restaurant that evening and the waiters were very accomodating and warm. This old lady even explained why she wasn't in her uniform. It was heart-warming. It made me feel I was at home being served by familiar people(I'm shallow like that). I'd say, the service was terrific. When Patty arrived, she felt so bad for being late and offered to treat me for a dessert. Why, of course! I never say no to dessert. So i ordered their dessert that I have always wanted to try; the half-baked chocolate cake topped with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce! It was moist and chewy and had a jello like texture only thicker, but the vanilla ice cream neutralizes its heaviness. It was SO GOOD! Everything went well together. The chocolate cake wasn't that sweet but the caramel sauce just gave it the right amount of sweetness. It was sinful but refreshing because of the mangoes. This dessert just sealed the deal of a good evening. A good conversation with a good friend plus a great dessert just made my Valentines complete. No need for a prince charming! =)

2. Bananalicious from Conti's

My cousin bought this for my mom for Valentines. This was our dessert after a very hefty meal. I'm not a big fan of bananas though I know how nutritious it is(and good for dieting!). I just don't like the texture and sometimes the taste. Anyway, since I had to have my dessert, I tried this cake. It's Conti's Bananalicious cake. It was sooooo good! I love the combination of the caramel and the crust with the right amount of cream on top. The bananas inside were just the right amount for my taste. You could taste everything with every bite! And it wasn't that sweet. i don't like my cakes too sweet. I would say this is even better than Banaple's Banoffee cake. My family and I finished the whole thing! It was that good. This was my Valentines celebration. I didn't spend it with my special someone but I was as happy and complete as I could ever be. I was right where I belong, with my family.

3. Chocolate cake from Tous Les Jours

When I got home from our family dinner, I was surprised to see this cake on my bed. It was my mom's gift to me for Valentines. She knows how much I love surprises! I feel bad I didn't get her anything. I love my mom dearly. She's just the sweetest! =)

Bring me back my rainfall...

2011-12-19T22:48:00.001-08:00

It’s almost a little over a year since my boyfriend and I broke up. But here I am stuck in a rut, still thinking about the past, even writing about it. After every break-up, people would tell you to “move on”. You try, but moving on is easier said than done. You keep yourself busy. You date the insignificant boys that come your way just to score a rebound. At the end of the day, there’s only one person on your mind. The one who got away.

What could he possibly be doing right now? Well, knowing him, he’s probably working his butt off and earning more money than he was earning before. The last time I heard, he’s gotten really successful since he transferred to that province. And maybe, at the end of the day, he’d go home, call his new girlfriend and tell her about how his day went, flirt a little then have a good sound sleep.

As for me, I would be drinking again tonight just like last night, argue with my so-called boyfriend, go home then sleep. You’re probably thinking what the hell am I doing writing this when I already got myself a new guy. To be honest, I’m actually thinking about the same thing.

To be continued….

Kunie's Bucket List

2011-11-06T20:43:00.000-08:00

You'll never know when your time is up. It would be such a waste if you don't make the most out of your time here on earth. So here I am thinking of what would make my life complete...

I have been thinking about my Bucket List for almost a year now. I started thinking about this when I was finally free from the suffocating relationship that was controlling my whole life. I had always lived for other people, never for myself. When I was finally on my own, I had an awakening and realized, I cannot die just yet, I haven't even lived my life.

So before I delve into my complicated life and start being dramatic, let me share my Bucket List.

1. Skydive

I wanna be a licensed skydiver someday. I'm not expecting it to be anytime soon but I know someday I will be. Let's see if i would really do it.

2. Scuba

I only went scuba diving once and right then and there I fell in love with it. I did it earlier this year in Cebu with some people I just met from the party a night before. I volunteered to join since I had nothing to do that day though deep inside I was scared to my bones. I don't have a license but they said they'll take care of it so off I went. It was raining really hard that day and I was hella nervous. I had a few puffs of something-I'd-rather-not-say before diving. It took me a while to sink so I had to add a few more weights on my waist. When I got to the bottom, it seemed like I was in a real aquarium. The water was really clear. There were different kinds of fish. The sand was white. IT WAS AWESOME. When I finally got the hang of it, I was going on my own. It was such an exhilarating experience for me. I loved it! I don't know how to swim, I'm afraid of the dark, I scared to be submerged underwater but I conquered my fear. I'd say this is one of the best experiences I had in my whole lifetime. Unforgettable. So someday, I want to formally learn to scuba dive and get a license. I'd want to do it with my family.

3. Pastry Shop

I love desserts and it has always been my dream to put up my own pastry shop where I can make, eat and share what I love the most.

4. Visit Japan, Scotland, Italy

Japan for everything; their food, culture, view, EVERYTHING.

Scotland, mainly for the view and the castles! If I were to live again, I’d like to live in the Romantic period. I am not a city girl despite my lifestyle.

Italy, because I want to see all the fountains they have.

5. Have my work published.

I'm not a writer but it has always been a dream of mine to have even just one of my works published.
Wishful thinking?

6. Learn Photography

I'm not hoping to become a professional photographer, I just want to be a skilled photographer. Take good photos, capture the moment and keep them forever.

7. Buy my parents a house.

Because I am a good kid. Haha!

8. Get married!

DIE. HARD. HOPELESS. ROMANTIC!

9. Do something greatly significant.

I have a heart for the needy.

10. Cook

Lastly, I want to learn how to cook. This is the most basic and attainable of all and yet, at 24, I still don’t know how.

Here is a line from the movie The Bucket List, Carter Chambers: [to Edward, of the two questions asked of the dead by the gods at the entrance to heaven] Have you found joy in your life? Has your life brought joy to others?

Have you?

New Orleans at Resorts World

2011-10-24T23:06:00.000-07:00

I had a dinner date last Friday night with my friend/cousin John. Earlier that day, I told him I will only go with him to Resorts World(he's there every fridays) if he'll treat me for a steak. He agreed! So right after work, off I went to RW to meet with him. The only steakhouse there that we're familiar with is the New Orleans Bourbon Street Steaks and Oysters so we chose that. We got a good table outside the restaurant for a better view of the people passing by and for some air. The inside of the restaurant seemed a bit too crowded for me. When I opened the menu, my goodness, it was filled with photos of yummy-looking food! They have a wide range of choices for the customers. The prices were not so bad, although the steaks were quite expensive. Instead of getting a thick chunk of the rib-eye steak, I opted for Limjoco's Pork Belly since I know I wouldn't be the one paying for it. I'm always shy to get what I want whenever people treat me out. I chose the pork belly because I got curious of the dirty rice and veggies that go with it and the price wasn't so bad. It only costs P350! John ordered what he usually orders; the beef tenderloin tips and extra rice. He also got us one order of dynamite roll and salmon sashimi from Mr. Kurosawa(cross-orders are allowed for a good tip).

Our order came in an instant!

The Dynamite roll was really good. It had fresh raw salmon on top sprinkled with chilli dust. The rolls came with this watery red sauce, it was so hot! If you have high tolerance for spicy food, this won't disappoint you. It almost made me cry after one roll but it still didn't stop me from consuming more. Dynamite, it is!

My order was a lot! There were 2 huge slices of grilled pork belly, I had to place them on another plate. It had more fat than meat but it I didn't mind. It wasn't oily at all. It tasted like a normal grilled liempo cooked at home. I'd give it a 2 out of 5. It tasted better when dipped in soy sauce. My dirty rice was good! It went well with the pork belly dipped in soy sauce. I'd say it wasn't so bad but I wouldn't order it again. I'd come back for their baby back ribs! Very tempting!

The tenderloin tips, for me, was the best. I wanted to swap orders with John but was too shy to do so. It was tasty and the meat was juicy and soft. It's like Beef Salpicao, only better. I will definitely try this again! I give it 4 out of 5. I would probably go well will the dirty rice or a java rice.

Oh well, I'd suggest you try it for yourself! Two thumbs up for New Orleans!

My First Take On Lomography

2011-10-12T08:17:00.000-07:00

I would like to share my latest obsession; Lomography. I have stumbled upon a lot of these awesome photos in other blogs and was so amazed with the quality of the images. "They got some good camera huh", I though to myself. All the while I thought these were products of complicated settings from an expensive DSLR with lenses that create miracles in photos. But to my surprise, these images were from old cameras called Lomo cams. That was the time I discovered Lomography.

Lomography came from the name LOMO, a brand of film cameras that produce unique effects on photos. Its the use of the film that produces these effects: vibrant colors, vintage effect, fisheye, etc. I instantly fell in love with the images when I first saw them. You can check them out in this site: www.lomography.com. I don't have my own Lomo cam just yet, but I found the perfect alternative to produce these cool effects. The Pixlromatic, an iphone application that allows you to edit photos to give them a lomo effect. Check out these images I edited: my first take on Lomography!

Original Photo

Lomo Effect 1

Lomo Effect 2

Original Photo

Lomo Effect 3

Original Photo

Lomo Effect 4

So........? Let me know your comments!

Hashbrown burger

2011-10-04T22:29:00.000-07:00

I like fries with my burger, but a hashbrown burger? I'm surprised I didn't think of that. I only learned about Jollibee's hashbrown burger when my friend Ginny told me about it. The first thing that popped in my head was "oh my god deadly!". But then she said, its BAKED. That, instantly got me curious.

So one day while I was on the way to work, I heard my tummy grumbling. Poor me, my stash of breakfast cookies were all gone. Luckily, there was a Jollibee nearby so I decided to drive-thru and get myself a hashbrown burger.

The size wasn't bad at all. The hashbrown was actually pretty big and thick. The first thing I checked was the size of the burger patty, and I wasn't disappointed. The burger patty was the same size as the hashbrown.

Jollibee Hashbrown Burger at Php 64

I consumed my burger in less than 30 minutes. The verdict: it was delicious! Although I wish I ordered extra catsup to go with it. The burger blends well with the texture and the taste of the hasbrown. I love, love, love it! It was also quite filling as compared to a regular cheeseburger.

Will definitely buy again!

Guilty Pleasure

2011-10-02T22:21:00.000-07:00

Since its almost the end of the year, sale events are everywhere. As part of my work as a marketing officer, I have to visit different malls during the sale.

Guess what I found on sale? Shoes!!! Like chocolate, I cannot resist shoes. So in 2 weeks, I was able to buy 6 pairs!

I visited the Nike outlet store in Paseo de Sta. Rosa last September 16 and found that their shoes and clothes were on sale. I wasn't really planning to buy rubber shoes since I'm not so sporty but at that time, I felt that it would be such a waste to let this sale pass without taking advantage of it. So I grabbed the shoes I liked and tried them on. I couldn't decide between the purple shoes or the pink one, so I bought both of them.

Purple Women's Cortez: Php 1,200 from Php 2,900

Pink and Black Women's Dunk: Php 1,800 from Php 4,500

Not bad, huh?

For the past year, I have been searching for the perfect nude pumps that would fit my budget. Just recently, I found the perfect pair at Payless Shoe Store. Something similar to Aldo, only way cheaper!

Aldo at P4,300

Payless Shoe Store at P1,950

The quality is not bad at all. They aren't wobbly as compared to other cheap heels in the market. Aside from the Nude pumps, Payless also had 3 other colors: Blue, Black and Leopard print.

To add to the temptation, Payless was also on sale. If you buy 3 pairs of shoes, you get one pair for free. I don't know what has gotten into me, but I got all 4 pumps. This is the most I spent for shoes in one day but, I'd say, it was all worth it.

Now, I just gotta practice wearing killer heels!

Breakfast Meal 1

2011-09-30T19:49:00.000-07:00

A lot of sources say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day and must not be skipped. I agree! I enjoy breakfast. You can eat whatever you want and not feel guilty because you'd be able to burn the calories throughout the day. I've grown tired and satiated with the usual spam, corned beef and eggs because I've been having them for breakfast and lunch for the past months. I can't even taste them anymore so I opted for a change. Something convenient(I could eat in the car since I always hurry to work), yummy and fun to eat.

I'd like to share what I eat for breakfast.

Have you tried SNR's white chocolate macademia cookies? You don't know what you're missing if you haven't. I always loved these white chocolate macademia cookies and now I've made it my daily breakfast.

WARMED WHITE CHOCOLATE MACADEMIA COOKIES. Yum!

They aren't as good when they're not heated. I have two of these every morning before going to work.
It also helps me drink a lot of water since its sweet. Surprisingly, they're filling too.

Cookies and biscuits are my favorite and these, I should say, is definitely one of the best cookies I had. There are huge chunks of white chocolate inside and a lot of macademia nuts so you wouldn't get disappointed with every bite. I also like that its chewy and moist.

I'm actually eating one while writing this. What's your favorite breakfast?