So, when I got an invitation to attend Mister Donut’s “Pon De Ring” launch, honestly, I was quite hesitant. My previous experience left me a skeptic.

When I hear Mister Donut, 2 things come to mind immediately: Coffee and Greenhills Shopping Center. For over 31 years, Filipinos have thoroughly enjoyed the delectable offerings of Mister Donut like their Crullers and Hotdog Goodwich that eventually got phased-out.

Recently, loyal customers have warmly welcomed the new Japanese inspired motif of this beloved donut shop – Mister Donut Cafe.Mister Donut continually innovates by bringing into the country the original flower-like shaped “Pon de Ring” from Japan.

I tell you, Mister Donut’s Pon De Ring is REALLY chewy! During the launch, I tried their Classic Glazed variant.

Smothered with glaze with just the right amount of sweetness and chewiness. Yes, chewy! Yay!

Apart from Pon de Rings, Mister Donut Cafe also offers an All-Day Breakfast menu.

We even sampled their Baked Cheese Tomato Penne.

The flavor was contrastingly delicious: mildly sweet and salty. Loaded with cheese that made it oh so gooey plus tomatoes for that slight acid taste. For only Php95.00, you get a whole lot of bang for your buck!

The Ham and Bacon Croissant is also a must try!

Would you believe this only costs Php80.00? Another delicious offering from Mister Donut that will make you come back for more.

I had too much to eat during the launch so we took home several boxes of Pon De Rings. Wheeee!

The Peanut Butter flavor is also yummy!

Glazed and drizzled with peanut butter sauce topped with chopped nuts. I scooped a portion of the peanut butter sauce to taste the sweetness level – the flavor was spot on. Not even a bit overwhelming.

I loved the Honey Sunflower variant, too.

This variant is glazed also which goes well with the sunflower seed’s salty taste. Good stuff!

But if you just want a simple variant that’s as delicious as the other flavors but uncomplicated, go for the Sugar-raised Pon De Ring.

It was delightfully sweet and satisfying. Another perfect pair for Mister Donut’s freshly brewed coffee.

Mister Donut’s Pon De Ring come in other variants too, such as: Almonds, Rocky Road, Sans Rival, Pistachio, Cookies and Cream, and All Chocolate. Other special toppings like gummy bears on their Candy Stars variant and Wafer Flakes can also be added to these wonderful Pon De Rings for a playful twist.

Drop by the Greenhills branch of Mister Donut Cafe anytime of the day where they initially launched it to have a taste of the chewy goodness of REAL authentic Pon De Rings!

Website: http://www.misterdonut.ph/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MrDonutPH
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/MisterDonut_PH

Pondering on “Pon De Ring”? is a post from: The Tummy Traveler

Fun-filled day!

My husband was not able to join us because he had a scheduled Lifestyle Seminar Parenting Talk for Globe during that same day as well. So, it was pretty much just me and my 2 kids.

My kids!

“Globe Rewards” provided a shuttle service to and from Enchanted Kingdom. Our passes were covered as well as our lunch at the Amazon Grill!

Photo courtesy of Jonver.

We were even given a good amount of “Globe Rewards” points to use inside the park. In short, we practically didn’t spend cash during the whole day! The experience was absolutely great!

I guess the pictures speak for itself. There’s no question how wonderful it is to be rewarded by Globe!

Ralph, Isabella, Anthony and Tippy of googlygooeys.

My kids bumping their way around!

“Roller Skater” is one of the few rides I tried out.

It was a hot day so, I redeemed 15points for 3 bottles of water!

The thrill seekers in our group tried this without thinking twice! I decided to stay behind with my daughter and just took photos of them instead.

“Space Shuttle”

I allowed my son with Anthony, Tippy and Jonver to try this ride! My son and Anthony are seated at the front row.

Another treat from “Globe Rewards”!

Ice Cream Pop to beat the heat using my “Globe Rewards” points!

Convert your points into cash and enjoy the perks of being with Globe!

Partner merchants are Figaro, Wendy’s, Petron, Ayala Malls, Sunglass Hut and Rose Pharmacy. To redeem your points simply Text BUY [MOBILE # OF MERCHANT] [AMOUNT] and send to 4438. For more details, visit http://www.rewards.globe.com.ph/

“Globe Rewards” Goes To Enchanted Kingdom! is a post from: The Tummy Traveler

5th Stop – Guagua: La Moderna Café

With Melody and Joan

I got to try La Moderna’s famous ensaymada for Php15.00 each (oh wait, I think its Php17.00). Its your typical bakery ensaymada – uncomplicated, sugary and moist. I loved it. Just when I thought of taking a picture of it, the entire ensaymada was already inside my tummy. Sorry! But if you are in Guagua, make sure to drop by La Moderna and get yourselves some ensaymada.

6th Stop – Lubao: Prado Farms

The gate to the farm made from old and empty LPG tanks. Now THAT is being Creative!

Little did I know that there is a beautiful farm in Lubao. A place that is perfect for a much needed weekend getaway or a quick retreat from the hustle and bustle of the metro. Perfect also for company outings or team buildings.

Prado Farms is a 6-hectare biodynamic farm that has a hotel, pool, themed function rooms, mini theather and a chapel.

Beautiful shot of the pool by my husband using his iPhone 5 Ollo Clip Wide Angle lens.

Prado Farms’ Chapel, which according to them, accommodates all kinds of religion and is open any time of the day.

Mini theater

This is the Yellow House beside the mini theater that has a library on the second floor.

Cute bikes that can be used to go around the farm. These are also for sale if you want to take it home.

This is the Veranda Dining where we were served our afternoon snacks.

Pistou, Guagua Pan de Sal, Longganisa and homemade Kesong Puti.Pistou is made of ground meat with potatoes and sliced egg on top. It was simple but savory. The small piece of longganisa was very tasty, too. The Pan de Sal as I learned is Guagua’s very own local version. It’s bite-sized and quite crumbly, more like a biscuit but it actually really tastes like a regular Pan de Sal that goes well with their homemade Kesong Puti. A delightfully sweet and salty combination.

The Tsokalate Batirol is a combination of cocoa and peanuts thus giving it that chocnut-ish flavor. It’s like drinking liquified Chocnut in a cup topped with pinipig for added texture. The fried suman, on the other hand, reminds me of Suman ng Antipolo wrapped in yellow leaves but smaller. It tastes the same, too. This is a perfect rainy day snack!

Address: Prado Siongco, Lubao Pampanga
C: 0922-8135358
E: pradofarmlubao@yahoo.com / pradofarm@gmail.com
Facebook: Prado Farms

7th Stop – Bacolor: Apag Marangle

This was our last stop and where we had our dinner.

Apag Marangle meaning “Hain Sa Bukid” is a Kapampangan restaurant that serves authentic Kapampangan dishes. The bamboo huts serve as dining areas and are positioned in the middle of a fish pond interconnected by walkways made of bamboo planks.

Al fresco set-up while hearing the fishes swim in the water underneath us.

They served us a variety of food offerings – appetizer, soup, chicken and pork dishes like Humba, Inihaw na Hito, and refreshing coconut pandan juice. It was all absolutely deeeelish!

I will just feature the dishes that I loved most and stood out during dinner.

Their Suam Mais is to die for! Corn kernels are grated until becomes puréed thus giving the soup a thick consistency.  This is actually pretty hard to prepare. It’s pretty obvious that Kapampangans really take their time in preparing dishes.

The sweetness of the corn kernels match the saltiness of the chicharon. Perfect companion on a rainy weather.

For the main course, I loved their Chicken Asado.

This image may not be entirely photogenic but believe me when I say that this dish was spot on! The chicken was almost flaky with a very flavorful sauce that’s nice to mix (and mash) with your steamed rice. Good thing I came hungry! Haha!

But what made me go “gaga” the most was their Burong Hipon! I would eat this anytime of the day!

Made from fermented rice and shrimps, this side dish has a wonderfully sharp acidic taste that goes perfectly well with anything fried or grilled.

I loved Burong Hipon so much that I bought 2 bottles to take home!

Main Branch:
Jose Abad Santos Avenue, Sta. Barbara, Bacolor, Pampanga
T: (045) 436 1600
C: 0922-8880568

Marquee Mall Branch:
T: (045) 304 0207
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/apagmarangle
Facebook: Apag Marangle

Electrolux Discover-E food journey did not only help us re-discover Filipino cuisine, traveling through the roads of Pampanga made us appreciate the beauty of the province once again.

Check out the Discover-E Web Series and learn from Electrolux’s celebrity chefs Bruce Lim and Rosebud Benitez as they showcase the delicacies of different regions of the Philippines per episode through a 10-minute instructional video via YouTube

If you’re on Twitter and Instagram, take a picture and upload any mouthwatering Filipino dish. Use the hashtag #DiscoverE and tag @ElectroluxPH for you to get a chance to win free items, gift certificates and Food Passports for Electrolux Discover-E Food Festival happening on June 15 & 16 from 11am to 9pm at the NBC Tent, Bonifacio Global City. Join now!

Food and Roadtrip with Electrolux’s “Discover-E” (Part2) is a post from: The Tummy Traveler

This food trip got me all excited because my grandfather (my dad’s father) happened to be from Apalit, Pampanga. So, seeing and eating authentic Kapampangan food easily brings back fond childhood memories. Eating is definitely a favorite Filipino pastime. Even when we are eating, we STILL talk about food and excitedly anticipate the dishes that will be prepared for the next meal.

1st stop – Mexico: Breakfast at Atching Lillian Borromeo

Atching Lillian Borromeo personally cooks all the food in her cucina and that is why she doesn’t accept walk-ins. A reservation is needed if you want to dine there – a minimum of 10 persons is required.

I tell you, her family and kitchen stories are as colorful as the dishes she prepares. She will entertain you while she serves her delicious creations. It’s never a dull moment with this adorable lady!

Chuckie with Atching Lillian

Our breakfast consisted of Longganisa, Tocino, Ribuelto, Morcon and Adobong Maputi.Everything was delicious, homey and nostalgic. But the 2 dishes that topped my list were Tid-Tad and Paksing Demonyu.Tid-Tad is the Kapampangans version of Dinuguan (blood stew). Unlike other versions, Atching Lillian’s blood stew is somewhat runny with solidified blood cubes mixed in the dish. I am very particular when it comes to dishes like this – where the ingredients came from, how it was cleaned and who cooked it. When it was served to us, the Tid-Tad was exactly the way my grandmother used to prepare this dish for us at home. I loved my grandmother’s version so I just had to try this one. Great mixture of flavors – a blend of tanginess with a hint of sweetness and pungent flavor from the garlic.

Paksing Demonyu or Vinegar Stew has vegetables in it like bittermelon, ginger, swamp cabbage, eggplant, ginger and finger chili. I love anything spicy so, naturally, I gave in! But I had to control myself or else I would be eating this with rice non-stop like a mad (wo)man! It was craaaaazy good!

For dessert we had Tamales and Tibok-Tibok.

Atching Lillian also treated us to some freshly made Tsokolate de Batirol.This is how a Pinoy breakfast buffet should be… Simple, homey and comfy.

Al fresco dining

Address:
174 JoseAbad Santos St. Parian, Mexico Pampanga
For reservations call 0915-7730788

2nd stop – Arayat: Kabigting’s Halo-Halo

The pride of Arayat Pampanga!

Kabigting’s Halo Halo has 3 simple ingredients: cream corn, red beans……and their to die for homemade pastillas made from pure carabao’s milk. It was sinfully good! Truly, the pride of Arayat!

Pampanga Branches:
Paralaya Arayat, Robinsons Starmills, Marquee Mall, Nepo Mall
T: (045)6301219
C: 09193936626
E: kabigtinghalo2@yahoo.com

3rd Stop – San Fernando: Everybody’s Cafe

A common place for Japanese, Americans and Filipinos during the 50′s.

Everybody’s Cafe started as a typical mom and pop operation wherein everyone in the family was involved in running the business. They only served 2 pansit dishes back then: pansit luglog and pansit may sabaw. After 5 decades, this Kapampangan restaurant still stands strong. They now accept reservations for weddings, debuts or any occasion.

To experience authentic Kapampangan cuisine which Everybody’s Cafe is known for, we were served a variety of delicious dishes such as Okoy, Fresh Lumpia, Sisig Kapampangan, Pindang Tapa (Carabao Tapa) with an unlimited serving of Bulalo soup.

Then came the stars of the day – Morcon, Betute (stuffed frog) and Camaru (cricket)!
This Morcon is cooked for 6 hours. It is made of ground pork, duck eggs, El Ray chorizo bilbao, quezo de bola, smothered with taba ng talangka on top. The El Ray chorizo bilbao + quezo de bola gives the morcon that salty taste that blends well with the other ingredients. This is one perfect example of gastronomical goodness!

But the real highlight of my Everybody’s Cafe lunch was eating Betute for the first time…These are stuffed native frogs. Surprisingly I liked it! It’s pretty much like eating chicken but tastes better.

… And Adobong Camaro (crickets)

I remember telling myself I will never eat exotic food because it’s yucky, ewwy and I find it dirty! But Everybody’s Cafe proved me wrong! It was stir fried and cooked the adobo way. It was tasty, salty and crunchy – definitely a beermatch!

What I regret not buying is the Taba ng Talangka! I took a picture of it, went to the restroom then totally forgot about it until we left.They sell the small bottles at Php350.00 while the big ones are sold at Php450.00. It is made from fresh and pure taba ng talangka.

Main Branch:
Del Pilar, Mac Arthur Highway, San Fernando, Pampanga
T: (045) 860 1121 / (045) 961 7121
C: 0922-8467121 / 0917-5108961
E: everybodyscafe@gmail.com
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/outereater

Angeles City Branch:
105-106 BPI Arcade, Angeles City, Pampanga
T: (045) 887 0361
C: 0922-8423755

4th Stop – San Fernando: Susie’s Cuisine

Susie’s Cuisine is well known for its “Tibok-Tibok” and “Moche”.

Their version of Tibok-Tibok is silkier than others. This is comparable to that of maja blanca without the corn kernels and made from carabao’s milk with latik on top.Moche-Moche is made of glutinous rice according to their staff, with monggo bean paste filling, rolled and cooked in coconut milk. I love how thick and creamy the coconut milk is. It’s quite akin to Guinataang Halo-Halo. Perfect for an afternoon snack.

Susie’s Cuisine also sells assorted Kapampangan food products. They have different kinds of peanuts, shrimp paste (bagoong), pastillas and even salted eggs. Since, I already have a list of what to buy, it was already easy going around the shop. I got original Mamon Tostado and the cheese flavor variant, Uraro and Puto Pao. I was supposed to by Silvanas but I figured it would just melt since our tour was only half-way done.

Branches:
1. Rizal Extension cor. Sandra St., Angeles City
T: (045) 887 2479
2. McArthur Highway,Dau (Pineda Bldg. near Marina Arcade)
T: (045) 892 4919
3. IG Grown Plaza,Burgos St.,Guagua Pampanga
T: (045) 900 1062
4. Sto. Domingo 1, Capas Tarlac
T: (045) 615 0960
5. ACC Bldg., McArthur Highway, Apalit Pampanga
T: (045) 302 9182
6. La Maja Rica, McArthur Highway, Ligtasan, Tarlac City
T: (045) 611 2150
7. Mother Teresa Calcutta,Sakop, Brgy. Maimpis, San Fernado Pampanga
T: (045) 455 5935
8. Northwalk 2, San Fernando Pampanga
T: (045) 889 8723
9. Marquee Place, G/F Pulung Cacutud, Angeles City
T: (045) 841 4046
10.Don Manuel Banzon St., Balanga City, Bataan
C: 0906-657 9054
11.Mc Arthur Highway, Dolores, San Fernando Pampanga
T: (045) 861 2480
12.Ground Floor Kiosk, SM Clark, Angeles City Pampanga

To be continued… (Click here for Part 2)

Food and Roadtrip with Electrolux’s “Discover-E” (Part 1) is a post from: The Tummy Traveler

Last week, we were toured by Electrolux for their Discover-E kitchen campaign to promote and re-discover Filipino food. Here are some of the delicious dishes that were served to us during this whole day journey. Food + Roadtrip = Happiness!
These photos got you drooling, yet? Check back in a few days for my complete “Discover-E with Electrolux” blog post. 😉

Pampanga Food Tour x Electrolux is a post from: The Tummy Traveler

The stage is all set!

The event is a collaboration between Nestlé Philippines, Inc., and Summit Media to celebrate nutrition and fashion that showcased Nestlé Non-Fat Milk with beautiful ladies strutting their stuff along the catwalk flaunting their curves. This exclusive “by invitation only” fashion event was attended by big names in the fashion industry like Rajo Laurel, the stunning and still fit Tweetie de Leon and beauty queens Shamsey Supsup & Janine Tugonon to name a few.

The Loft at Manansala was turned into a very dainty venue in white and pink tones – the perfect ambiance for all the ladies who came to grace the event and have brunch as well.

Even the pastry buffet tables were gorgeously set-up.

We were also treated to 4 healthy Nestlé Non-Fat Milk Smoothies prepared on the spot though I have only tried 2. Since I wasn’t able to taste the other 2 flavors, I can easily whip them up at home since I have the recipes.

Nutty Avocado – light and cooling.

Sweet Corn – love the “mashed” texture that the corn kernel gives.

Mr. John Miller

“Nutrition, Health and Wellness is at the very core of what we stand for in Nestlé. Wellness is not just about physical exercise. Wellness is achieved by balancing physical activity with good nutrition. Today’s event is a celebration of looking and feeling great made possible by good nutrition and regular exercise. Nestlé Non-Fat Milk provides nutrition to those who give due importance to managing their weight and staying in shape. A single serving of Nestlé Non-Fat Milk delivers the healthy goodness of milk with just 0.1% fat, 90 calories, in addition to your daily dose of protein and calcium.” - John Miller (Nestlé Philippines Chairman & CEO)

Milk is filled with essential nutrients that is beneficial to one’s body and no one is too young nor old to drink milk. Milk is a good source of calcium especially to the not so young ones (like me!) to prevent bone problems later on. It also helps in rebuilding muscles after every exercise because it contains protein. Sadly, some people just stop from drinking milk because it might add up to their weight. That’s why Nestlé Non-Fat Milk is our “go to” product being that it only has 0.1% fat!

Here are a few photos I took during the event’s catwalk portion.  Look at how fit and sexy these ladies were even after devouring every pastry served to them during that morning’s festivities.

The swimwear and resort dresses were designed by 4 of the country’s rising fashion designers.

(L – R) Vania Romoff, Kristel Yulo, Jot Losa and Cherry Veric being interviewed by Tricia Centenera

Since it was a “wear white” semi-formal event, everyone was obviously made up accordingly. Being that I am not much of a fan of white dresses, this was the only white top I had which I knew would fit the occasion.

With the Nuffies (standing from L – R) Denise, Marianne, Toni. (Seated) Me and Noelle.

So, drink up! Drink non-fat and look non-fat!

Nestle x Flaunt It: The White Trunk Show! is a post from: The Tummy Traveler

This is me infront of the NBC Tent.

Food lovers all over the metro had a blast at the NBC Tent with YUMMY magazine’s most anticipated cooking and eating fair – YUMMY Eats! Good thing my husband and I arrived at the event early and since there wasn’t a sea of people yet, we were able to enjoy doing the rounds on every food stall without having to be forced to stand in line.

With over 50 food concessionaires, I don’t know how I can possibly post about every single booth. Each stall was unique and had something deliciously wonderful to offer. So, let me just randomly pick a few which have stood out.

This is me about to start my food tasting experience.

Posing behind the tarp with my YUMMY Eats passport and golden plate.

Let me start with Alchemy. Last year, I blogged about their macarons and how sweet and colorful their sandwich cookies were! I was just so happy to see their booth since I haven’t really met the owner, Meryl, personally yet.

Meryl and her sweet sister posing for my camera despite their busyness. ‘Twas really nice to have finally met you both.

Mochiko Strawberry and Blueberry Cheesecake

I love Mochiko especially their Oreo & Milk flavored ones. So, when I saw 2 of my favorite fruits (paired with cheesecake) being sampled off, I never doubted that these new flavors would be a hit not just with me but with other Yummy Eats visitors!

Hey Gourmet!

This ensaymada is just divine! Smothered with Salted Caramel on a buttery bread topped with grated cheese giving it that sweet-salty taste. Wonderfully moist and delicious! This is perfect to give as gifts or as Christmas give-aways.

Merry Moo

When I saw this booth, I knew I just had to have their Sea Salt Caramel ice cream! I will never get tired of this flavor. I just love the combination of anything that is sweet and salty. I devoured it right away leaving only a small portion for my husband to taste making me seem really selfish. Haha!

We also sampled their Lemon Speculoos and Rosemary & Cheese flavors. I prefer the former than the latter. The simple and refreshing hint of lemon combined with the unmistakable (and delicious) gingerbread-ish flavor of Speculoos’ Cookie Butter was really good. The Rosemary & Cheese flavor was quite alright. Although, the flavor has to grow on me a bit. I find the distinct and somewhat minty taste of rosemary a tad overpowering.

These sweet treats are definitely the culprits of my “not-so-sexy-to-look-at” tummy right now… but BOY were they worth it!

Crunchybelly by Carlo’s Kitchen
These crunchy bite-sized pork belly strips need no further description. All you have to do is see it and drool. You can tell how delicious they are when you observe customers taking a bite and notice their eyes roll up in utter ecstasy. That’s exactly what happened to me too!

Manila Q’s Bagwang
If you love Bagnet, you will love Bagwang! It’s easier to eat than Bagnet since it is sliced into small pieces. Just read their description on the image above – it pretty much says it all!

These crispy pork niblets are the ultimate “pampabata”! Lol.

Kitayama Wagyu Corned Beef with Miso Butter Sweet Corn and Japanese Style Quail Egg by Dulcelin Gourmet
I thought I was already in Food Paradise after having sampled almost 20 different kinds of food. But no, more was in store! This booth was positioned towards the far end corner of the tent. Dulcelin Gourmet’s Kitayama Wagyu Corned Beef with Miso Butter Sweet Corn made me die in absolute delight in every bite when I tasted their Japanese Style Quail Egg! Dulcelin Gourmet’s very tasty corned beef was cured for 1 week then slow cooked for 48 hours giving it that delicately wonderful flavor partnered with fresh sweet corn in Japanese miso – The sweetness of the corn + miso’s salty taste compliments each other. But the highlight of this dish for me was their soft boiled quail egg marinated in soy sauce. The yolk just slowly oozes out in your mouth as soon as you bite it. Heavenly!

Pepita’s Lechon
Pepita’s Lechon has been receiving good reviews about their assorted stuffed lechon (Spanish, Japanese, German, Pinoy, Christmas and Birthday Lechon) and during the event, this was a certified hit! They served their French lechon which had truffle rice stuffing. The rice had been stuffed inside the lechon de leche with truffle oil.  A fusion of our very own pinoy lechon and the various flavors of world cuisines. Definitely, a twist that’s sure to be a global hit.

Aside from the yummy food samples, there were also fun cook-offs and demos prepared by Hunt’s, Magnolia Butter, and McCormick for everyone to enjoy! Readers also got to meet the team behind YUMMY magazine.

The stage is all set!

Find out what else happened during Yummy Eats 2013 by logging on to www.yummy.ph. You can also check their Facebook page, Twitter and Instagram: @yummyph.

YUMMY magazine is a publication of Summit Media and is available in newsstands, bookstores and supermarkets nationwide. Yummy is also available in digital format. Visit http://www.summitnewsstand.com.ph/yummy-magazine to know how to get your copy.

YUMMY Eats is co-presented by Hunt’s and Magnolia Butter; with major sponsors McCormick and minor sponsors King Sue and Corelle. Special thanks to our official media partners Yummy.ph and Summit Media and other media partners Mellow 94.7, Wave 89.1, Magic 89.9, Business World, Herword.com, and Nuffnang.

YUMMY Eats 2013 is a post from: The Tummy Traveler

Well, if you want the little ones to enjoy the remaining days of their summer vacation (and thank you for it) without making a dent on your pockets at all, look no further! Our favorite yellow fellow makes a stop at the North as SM City North EDSA and Nickelodeon get together to deliver the happiest summer yet to kids of all ages in SpongeBob SquarePants Summer at the North. Let them enjoy and have fun in the exciting and exclusive SpongeBob activities.

Ok folks! Ready?! Grab your smartphones, notepads and pens and write down these dates so you won’t forget ‘em:

May 25, 2013: SpongeBob and Patrick Meet & Greet at The Block Atrium!
Get to Meet and Greet the beloved best friends. Every P500 purchase of SpongeBob merchandise entitles one to spend time with the two fellows at 3pm or 5pm.

May 25 & 26, 2013: Face Painting at The Block Atrium!
Kids and kids at heart can wear SpongeBob SquarePants’ colors with pride at the Face Painting session from 3pm to 5pm.

May 25-31, 2013: Get Squared Photo Op at The Block Atrium and at the Skygarden!
The Block Atrium is transformed into an underwater city inspired by the Bikini Bottom. Mallgoers can take a tour of SpongeBob’s Pineapple House, be amazed at his exquisite furniture and décor, and even get to meet his pet snail, Gary.

Your cute little rascals will also get to visit the famous Krusty Krab and experience for yourself where SpongeBob works and constantly tries to vie for the employee of the month award.

And if you love Squidward, his house on the other hand, which resembles an Easter Island moai, welcomes water lovers with soaking sound effects giving them an underwater feel of Bikini Bottom.

The SM City North EDSA Skygarden will also be delighted with the SpongeBob SquarePants theme, giving mallgoers more reasons to enjoy the summer breeze as they stroll along its walkway.

Skygarden ponds will display SpongeBob’s Pond, Patrick Star’s Pond, and the Jellyfish Fields while SpongeBob SquarePants will wow everyone at the waterfalls.

So, what are you waiting for! Go North and catch the Sponge!!!

This is a sponsored post.

SpongeBob SquarePants Summer at the North! is a post from: The Tummy Traveler

April 22: Day 2

During our second day, when it was just about lunchtime, our driver suggested to try a hole-in-the-wall eatery that’s just beside Baguio Country Club. Actually, the only thing that separates this restaurant from the country club is just a wall. Hence, Ober Da Bakod.

Being the adventurous family that we are, we tried out a few dishes that Ober Da Bakod’s “Countryside Eatery” had to offer. But this joint is not too friendly to PWD’s or the young “once” – The steep flight of stairs can be quite discouraging.

“Ober da Bakod” is a hole-in-the-wall eatery. You want good and affordable home cooked meals? Try this place!

Ober Da Bakod serves Filipino dishes. Several pre-cooked fare were displayed by the counter readily available for you to choose from. Point out your fancy and they will immediately re-heat it. Turo-turo style. The 3 dishes that we ordered were:

Bulalo (Php220.00)

My homestyle kind of Bulalo… No frills. The meat is so soft that you can just actually let it slide down your throat. Very tasty. The secret is in the stock!

Lechon Kawali (Php180.00)

This! Do you see the thin and crispy skin on top of the beautifully rendered fat? Crunchy on the outside with the kind of “crrrrrunch” that can be easily heard by the person seated next to you when you take a bite. But the dish delightfully retained the soft fat with oil (that’s what makes it delicious!) on the inside. Cooked and seasoned perfectly. But being a Pinoy, I still made my Calamansi, Toyo and Labuyo sawsawan!

Kalderetang Kambing (Php220.00)

I have tried eating this dish once but it has been ages ago. I have not introduced this dish to my kids yet so I was really surprised when my son requested for it. I tried a small piece and noticed that it had that faint gamey taste that I don’t like. Plus, this particular dish was really “boney”. My son loved it. Good for him! 😉

If this post made you drool, then it’s probably a good thing. If you are curious about Ober da Bakod, my sincerest apologies as I do not have the complete address. But it is located just beside Baguio Country Club where the horses are parked. If you see cars parked by the horses near a green wall, that’s it. Go down the stairs until you see the restaurant on your left.

To be continued…

Day 2, Part 2: Baguio’s “Ober da Bakod”! is a post from: The Tummy Traveler

April 22: Day 2

Our 2nd day in Baguio was alloted to shopping for good finds at the Maharlika Market and eat certain kinds of food that we crave for which are only available in this city. The only time that I can bring my kids and husband to the market is when we are outside of Metro Manila or touring a balikbayan around. “Take Advantage” mode ON!

The busy market sidewalk!

Ever since I was a kid, I’ve always loved going to the market. I don’t have any qualms about it even when most markets are wet or smelly and fly infested. That’s the kind of training I got from my grandmother, Mama Julie. She would take me and my cousin to the market every Saturday. This is what I want my kids to learn also. They will eventually have their own families so I’m slowly breaking them in to these kinds of activities.

I always buy my pasaubong at Maharlika Market. From t-shirts to Good Shepherd Strawberry Jam & Ube. I find it hassle to go to the main Good Shepherd store because of the busy streets of Baguio. Since I don’t buy in bulk, the Php5.00 or Php10.00 price difference is not worth the trip.

These are “Sundot Kulangot” Jr. & Sr. If you are not familiar with this or haven’t tried it yet, this is how you eat it: You remove the red tape that seals the shell, break it and use your pinky to eat the Coco Jam-like Kalamay inside. I prefer the small ones because it’s challenging to eat. My daughter opened quite a number of these and had lots of fun eating it. Tao na sya! 😉

These colored brooms are sold at Php150.00 per piece.

We also went to the Filling Station inside Camp John Hay to eat Ice Cream on a rainy afternoon and checked out some PX goods at the Commissary.

Absurd prices at the Commissary computed at a $1.00 = Php 41.00 exchange rate! I can get Cookie Butter in Manila at Php450 only! But their flavored sodas are way cheaper (by as much as Php15.00) compared to the ones we buy here in Manila so we hoarded those instead!

We dropped by Mines View Park

At Wright Park to have a picture with Coco, a cute St. Bernard…

…and to eat what my hubby and kids missed a whole lot – Strawberry Taho!

We had to make the most of our time since this was our last full day in Baguio City. I’m pretty sure everyone was exhausted but just couldn’t say no to me. 😄

To be continued…

Day 2 Part 1: Baguio to the fullest! is a post from: The Tummy Traveler

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