Blissful Getaway

BISCOCHO HAUS' CAMPFIRE S' MORES

2015-07-22T08:58:00.001-07:00

Biscocho Haus is not your ordinary pasalubong shop. It has been around since 1975 and for almost four decades it has been an Ilonggo's favorite. They sell baked goods and some of their top sellers are Banadas, Boat Tart, Barquiron, Butterscotch and Biscocho. However, due to emerging demand for sweet and unique treats they have come up with some exciting desserts.

Campfire S'mores

I really loved S'mores that's why I tried Biscocho Haus' own version. The presentation was nice. It was placed in a small pan above a chopping board. Inside the pan was a melted chocolate topped with marshmallow and a 4-5 pieces of graham crackers on the side. The taste was good and was too sweet. I thinked S'mores are intended to be that sweet because of the marshmallows on it, but so far it was good. It can be shared by 2 persons for 90 pesos.

Hot Choco Float

Their Hot Choco Float was also good. It was placed in a mason jar topped with Vanilla Ice Cream. At first when I took a sip of it, it tasted like milo (chocolate powdered drink) and was bland. However, when you mix the vanilla ice cream with the hot choco that's where you get to appreciate its good taste. It tasted yummy and delicious; a perfect pair for the Campfire S'mores.

This exciting desserts are available at Biscocho Haus Atria, Plazuela and Pavia. Here are some of what they offer:

Photo credits from Original Biscocho Haus

CARLO'S BAKERY CAFE: ALL THE GOODNESS YOU LOVE

2015-07-16T19:27:00.000-07:00

There's a lot of good bakeries in Iloilo and one of the longest and emerging bakery is Carlo's. It started in 1987 at a 2nd floor building in Jm Basa street. It was established by Jerry and Rosalie Trenas.
As the demand increased for breads, cakes, & wedding cakes, they decided to open more branches around the city to cater more customers.

Since then, Carlo's Bakery products are tasty, of good quality and value for money. Now with the management of the 2nd generation, they step up their level by innovating products to cater their customers needs and wants,

We can also see how Carlo's grew from one branch to the other. Now it continues to expand with its 8 outlets and with another branch opening in Antique this July.
Truly, Carlo's is one of the best bakeshop.

BEST SELLERS:

Jelly Roll
Dulce de Leche Cinnamon Roll
Penny Roll
Mamon
Tuna Turn Over
Chocolate Cream Cake
Chicken Pie
Mango Blitz Torte Cake
Walnut Tart
Asado Siopao
Ube Dip
Royal Bibingka

NEW CREATIONS:

Danish (Blueberry, Strawberry, Peach with Cream)
Cheese Pimento Rye
Mango Blitz Torte
Geronimo's Ice Cream
Frozen Items - ready to eat food items for the on the go.

OFFICIAL #:

#CarlosBakeshopIloilo

#AlltheGoodnessYouLove

#Carlosbakerycafeiloilo

#BreadsatCarlos

PANADERO ILONGGO: A ROTI EXPERIENCE

2015-06-15T05:15:00.000-07:00

What is a roti? Roti is a heavy bread with a chewy, tough consistency. It can be seasoned or served plain. It is originated in India. However, roti is also well known in Trinidad and in other parts of Carribean.

Panadero Ilonggo is not your ordinary bakeshop. Aside from the delicious bread they offer they also let you indulge in their savory roti.

Roti, I Love You
with strawberries and vanilla ice cream

Roti Delight
with 3 dips (Garlic yogurt, Babaganoush, Hummus)

Cinnamon roll & Ensaymada

Ham and Cheese & Hawaiian bread

These are only a few of what they served. But wait, there's more you have to try and discover for yourself like their Focaccia bread, Sylvannas, French macaroons, and their other Roti variants (Roti-nana, Roti-blue).

Here's what they serve..

With their cute lighting fixtures

With the owner, Gigi Sy and the Iloilo bloggers
(photo credits to Panadero Ilonggo)

PANADERO ILONGGO
FB Page: Panadero Ilonggo
Tabuc Suba Jaro, Iloilo City
Opening Hours: 7:30am-7:30pm

PERRI TODD'S: BIGGER & BETTER

2015-06-12T03:34:00.001-07:00

Perri Todd's gets bigger and better. Now, with bigger choices from their menu and better great tasting food and presentation.

A big change happened in Perri Todd's. It's not the location, the interiors, but the MENU. Some of your favorites are still there but they added new dishes you'll surely love. I can still remember the last time I ate their food, but now I can say that they have leveled up their game especially the way they present it.
So, here's what's new in their menu...

Premium Burger with Bacon & Cheesy Mushroom Sauce, P370

2-way Pork Ribs, P265

Fish and Fries, P195

Family- Style Fried Chicken, P290

Chicken and Mango Salad, P195

Watermelon and Mint Spa, P95

3- Cheese Fingers, P195

PERRI TODD'S

ALL AMERICAN BURGER COMPANY

#8 CUARTERO ST. JARO, ILOILO CITY

(033) 508-2598

CARLO'S BAKERY CAFE: SNACK BUFFET

2015-06-10T01:00:00.000-07:00

Looking for a place to dine and hang-out on a Saturday afternoon? Try Carlo's Snack Buffet. They serve a wide range of tasty merienda items that's right to satisfy your cravings. From pastas, sandwiches, bread, pastries and a whole lot more.

For 199 pesos you can enjoy unlimited snacks that's sure to fill your tummy. Bring your friends and family and share these delicious treats.

So, what are you waiting for..Come and visit Carlo's Bakery Cafe in Jaro. Afternoon Snack Buffet is every Saturday from 3-5pm.

CARLO'S BAKERY CAFE
Benigno Aquino Avenue Jaro Iloilo City
(033) 3211592

WILD BAMBOO: FRESH, FAST & TASTY

2015-06-09T00:46:00.000-07:00

Craving or looking for Japanese food? Worry no more because Wild Bamboo opened its doors to Ilonggos. The pioneer in serving these Japanese craze.

Bento Box (top: Beef Tepanyaki, Pork Tonkatsu, Chicken Teriyaki)

Wild Bamboo is a Japanese fast food that offers a variety of fresh and affordable meals. Donburi, Makimono, Bento Boxes, Noodles and Yakitori are some of the dishes they served.

(left: Spicy Tuna Roll, right: Spicy Tuna Salad)

(top: California maki, bottom: Wild Bamboo roll)

To help us know more about Japanese dishes, let's learn these:

DONBURI- a one-bowl dish full of hot steamed rice with various savory toppings.
UDON- thick white wheat noodles, served either hot or cold & with various toppings such as fried tofu, tempura, etc.
RAMEN- thin light yellow noodles served in hot chicken or pork broth with various toppings.
TEMPURA- deep fried vegetable or seafood in a light, distinctive batter.
SUSHI- refers to any dish that contains sushi rice, cooked white rice flavored with seasoned rice vinegar.
TONKATSU- deep fried cutlet of pork
GYOZA- Chinese ravioli-dumplings, usually filled with pork and vegetables & pan-fried.
YAKITORI- barbecued chicken skewers
SASHIMI- is raw, thinly sliced fish or shellfish served with soy sauce or wasabi.
BENTO- is a combination meal served in a wooden box.
YAKISOBA- are grilled or fried Chineses style noodles mixed with pieces of meat and vegetables.
TEPPANYAKI- meat, seafood and vegetables are prepared on a large iron griddle (teppan) around which the diners are seated.

(source: wikipedia, japan-guide)

For more details, visit them at:

SM City Iloilo Foodcourt

10am- 9pm

(033) 3208150

GREENWICH'S SIGNATURE CRISPY THINS

2015-06-05T09:23:00.000-07:00

Introducing the relaunch of Greenwich's Crispy Thins. A pizza made for thin crust lovers that's oozing with flavor and great taste. The good thing about Crispy Thins is that you can savor the goodness of every ingredient on it. It's because of the less crust means more flavor to be enjoyed and experienced.

It comes in 5 delectable flavors: All-Meat, Hawaiian, 7 Cheese, Pepperoni & Signature

As a part of the relaunch, Greenwich introduces Yassmin Isabel Pressman as their newest member. Her launch as part of the Greenwich barkada kicks off via the Greenwich Crispy Thins. As she quote, There's no schedule when I eat the Greenwich Signature Crispy Thins. I just crave for it then I give in and have a bite or two. Sometimes more!

Another new in their menu is this Choco Banana Crisp. If you have a sweet tooth, then you'll probably dig in for this. It's a banana on a pizza drizzled with nutella.

All-Expense-Paid Trip to Manila plus a Bruno Mars Concert Tickets

2014-01-15T07:44:00.001-08:00

Are you a big fan of Bruno Mars? Well, this is the moment you have been waiting for. This coming March 22, 2014, SM Supermarket, SM Hypermarket, and Savemore market will be giving you a once in a lifetime chance to meet the multi-awarded singer-songwriter. In celebration of Dinagyang and Sinulog, selected SM Food Retail stores are giving away a pair of tickets, complete with hotel accommodations and round-trip airfares. These will be given to two lucky shoppers, one in Cebu and one in Iloilo.

So what are you waiting for? All you have to do is to make a single receipt purchase worth 500 pesos to earn a raffle ticket.

Know more here…

https://www.facebook.com/notes/iloilo-bloggers/win-bruno-mars-concert-tickets-and-an-all-expense-paid-trip-to-manila/660766273965522

VOTE ILOILO CITY AS ONE OF NEW 7 WONDER CITIES

2013-03-06T02:34:00.001-08:00

Photo courtesy of Iloilo City: The City of Love (FB Page)

Placing in our votes in the New 7 Wonder Cities to promote Iloilo City will be a big help for our local government. Being on one of the list means increase in foreign and local tourists which can lead to a more progressive city, offering more job employments and business ventures. So, let's help Iloilo City by gathering our votes and disseminating this information to our family and friends.

Here are the mechanics:
1. Visit https://www.new7wonders.com/en/cities
2. Choose "South East Asia and Oceania"
3. Choose "Iloilo City"
4. Choose other 6 less popular cities from other regions
5. Type the words as seen on the "captcha"
6. Enter your email address
7. Click the box with "I agree to the Terms & Conditions
8. Click "Vote"

Voting is until September 7, 2013

LOREN LEGARDA'S VISIT TO TALISAY CITY

2013-02-25T06:28:00.000-08:00

As the campaign period has started, Senator Legarda continues her advocacy on Climate Change by conducting discussions in various state universities and colleges.

Last February 23, she conducted a Disaster Risk Reduction roadshow at the Carlos Hilado Memorial State College in Talisay City.

She mainly discussed on "Raising Awareness, Mobilizing Direct Action & Promoting Solutions to Climate Change."

Senator Legarda giving a hand wave to college students.

Her son Leandro Legarda just went home from US to support his mom in campaigning.

Turnover of Redefining Development and DRR Manual

COLOR POPPIN'

2013-02-23T02:38:00.000-08:00

WAYS TO TREAT DRY HAIR

2013-02-22T00:25:00.000-08:00

Dry hair is a no no for most girls who consider their hair as on of their best assets. We cannot deny the fact that everything around us can damage our hair, especially if we are always on the go. These external factors are:

Using shampoo too often
Harsh shampoo
Hair dye
Overuse of blow dryer and curling iron
Too much exposure to sun and wind
Chlorine in pools

But worry no more, since there are easy home remedies to treat your hair and bring back that youthful glow. You can use any of these remedies:

Apply hot oil treatments to treat dry and damaged hair at least 1 or 2 times per week.
Use shampoo at least every other day.
Use conditioner that has little or no alcohol. Conditioners with no fragrance tend to be having low alcohol.
Massaging your scalp.
Do not comb your hair while it is wet.
If you want to get a shiny hair, try using 1 egg with a tbsp of milk and place it in your hair.

PLAIDED IN PINK

2013-01-24T23:46:00.000-08:00

Vintage Blazer, Local Top, DIY Shorts, SNM Accessories

I was planning to watch the fireworks display and I decided to wear this cute blazer. I paired it with my tank top and shorts and my outfit turned stunning.

DINAGYANG'S FASHION EXHIBIT

2013-01-24T23:28:00.000-08:00

These are just a couple of the fashion exhibits that can be found at Sm City Iloilo. You can see here that various Ilonggo designers are featured to showcase their talents and be proud of Ilonggo products. Here are some

This shoe was designed by Ms. Nicole Calzado who had been in the fashion industry for a year and a half now. (Among her other designs, this was my favorite.)

Here's her other design..

This was one of Poli Abastillas work. I actually loved the details of this gown.

His pieces looked great and fabulous.

These fashion accessories are designed by Mr. Chavez who sees fashion as a storybook, where every piece made has a story to tell.

Here are Ms. Blithe handbags which she also designed. She was an accountant by profession and never had plan to be a bag designer.

DINAGYANG FESTIVAL @ THE CITY OF LOVE

2013-01-21T23:48:00.000-08:00

Last week had been the start of the celebration of the feast of Sto. Nino. It started with the festivities of Cebu which is Sinulog and Aklan's Ati-atihan. However, this weekend is another celebration of the month long feast of Sto. Nino which is the Dinagyang.

Dinagyang Festival is all about the celebration of the feast of Sto. Nino. During that time, people would go to the streets and watch different competing tribes dance to the beat of the drums. It's really great to hear the beating of the drums and seeing people dancing in the streets. It happens once in a year and we shouldn't miss this one of a kind festival.

Here are the photos of my previous Dinagyang celebration:

So what are you waiting for, these pictures look great right?! It would be more great if you could come by our city. Book your flights now, just visit this site for easy surfing http://www.go-phils.com/ :)

HOW TO MAKE PORK SIOMAI

2013-01-20T19:31:00.000-08:00

My brother was craving for siomai the other day and I told him we could make one. I searched over google for a recipe and I chose this one from yummy.ph. Actually, there's a hundreds and thousands of recipes out there but you just have to pick one. Thus, I decided to pick this recipe and tried it out.

Now, here's the recipe I'll be glad to share with you.

Ingredients:

1 kilo ground pork

1/3 cup minced singkamas

1/3 cup minced carrots

1 large minced onion

a bunch of spring onions, chopped

1 egg

3 tbsp sesame oil

5 tbsp oyster sauce

1 tsp freshly ground black pepper

1 tsp salt

2 tsp sugar

small wonton or siomai wrappers

For the dipping sauce:

soy sauce

calamansi

sesame oil

chili paste, optional

Photo from LG phone

1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl.

2. Spoon 1 tbsp of mixture into each wrapper. Fold and seal.

3. Brush steamer with oil and boil the water. When the water is boiling, arrange the siomai and let it steam for 15-20 minutes.

4. Serve with dipping sauce.

Here's our cooked siomai :) (Photo from LG phone)

Siomai critic: Well, my family loved it! The siomai tasted great and delicious. It's like eating siomai from a kiosk selling from the mall. Especially with the sauce in it, ahh it tasted really yummy. After we ate it, we cooked another batch. Just right to fulfill our cravings. :)

Recipe from http://www.yummy.ph/recipe/siomai

MAMBUKAL'S ROTENBARU

2013-01-20T01:13:00.000-08:00

Are you in for a warm bath? If you do, then why don't you try dipping on Mambukal's Rotenbaru or Outdoor bath. There are many pools inside Mambukal's resort that you could take a swim. However, this outdoor bath is different. You couldn't take a swim there as freely you would like. In my case, I just took a dip and sit at a corner. I couldn't take the water since it's very hot. Hot that you couldn't stay in the water for too long. But if your staying there or having an overnight, its good to take a swim there especially in the early morning where the weather is a bit cold. Aside from this pool, you could also see many different attractions in Mambukal. It's really a great place if you want to get away with the city.

If you could zoom this pic, you could see the water is smoking hot.

MAY'S ORGANIC GARDEN & RESTAURANT

2013-01-20T00:41:00.000-08:00

If your looking for a place to relax and be with your family and friends, then May's Organic Garden is the place to be. It is located at Sitio Aning, Pahanocoy, Bacolod City. When going there you could see a different ambiance since you are surrounded by organic veggies, trees and many other greens. They have also a restaurant which serves food that are fresh and comes from their organic garden. Going there would be a great experience especially if your a nature lover. You could do things there like boating and strolling around their beautiful place. They have also a resort located at the other side of the garden. They have pools their where you could take a swim, cottages and hammocks for your own relaxation. So guys, what are you waiting for try to visit this awesome place!

These are their comfort rooms. I was amazed to find out that they have a small toilet bowl just for kids. (how cute!)

At their restaurant

Organic veggies

KUYA'S SPECIAL LUMPIANG SARIWA REVIEW

2013-01-19T06:40:00.000-08:00

I was craving for greens the other day and I was thinking of eating a salad or any veggies.

I was strolling the mall with my mom when we found the kiosk selling fresh lumpia. I immediately decided to bought one and have a taste of it. While we are on one of the fast food chain, I ordered a garden salad and ate it. Then I followed it up with Kuya's Special Lumpiang Sariwa. I never imagined it would taste that good. Their special sauce added a great taste and flavor to the lumpia. It is not an ordinary fresh lumpia. What makes it different to others are the peanuts that you could taste, the sauce and the chia seeds that are placed on top (however, I didn't avail of the chia seeds). Speaking of chia seeds, it is a species of flowering plant in the mint family. It is known for its many health benefits like weight loss, balanced blood sugar, anti-inflammatory, etc. However, with or without it the lumpia still tasted delicious and healthy.

I was glad my cravings were fulfilled that day.

AWESOME FINDS

2013-01-19T04:46:00.000-08:00

My bestfriend and I visited a thrift store and I found these two cute pairs. They look adorable and I kept on trying them on. I was wondering of buying them, since they still look great and durable. I was very happy that it fits my foot perfectly. Thus, I decided to bought it and it was for a very cheap price.

RED JERSEY

2013-01-17T23:46:00.000-08:00

Surplus Top, Jag Shorts, Thrift Jersey, Local Shoes & Accessories

It was a cold afternoon and I was going with my mom to the dentist. I decided to wear a jersey jacket to keep me warm. Wearing this red jacket improves my boring casual shirt and shorts outfit. I was lucky I wore it since the weather got colder that night.

CENTRAL CITYWALK

2013-01-15T05:57:00.000-08:00

Some of the food shops..

When you stroll around Robinsons Bacolod, you will find the Central Citywalk at the back part of it near the parking lot. It is actually connected to the mall where you can find some boutiques and food shops for your dining experience. You can also find a fountain and great landscapes there. It is a good place to hang-out especially if your with family and friends.

ALMA MATER

2013-01-13T05:15:00.000-08:00

Thrift Store Top, Elcanto Shoes, Kipling Bag, Local Jeans

This was the day where me and my twin sister visited our alma mater, University of San Agustin. I missed the days when I was still a student. Getting to hang-out with classmates and talk anything under the sun. However, time flies so fast and we need to moved on with our lives and just enjoy the good memories.

I really loved my school and the fun, great memories I had experience.

FELICIA'S CAKES

2013-01-12T03:39:00.002-08:00

wide selection of cakes

our New Year's Eve cake

with my twin sister

Coming at second place after the famous Calea is Felicia's. I first noticed their shop at Robinson's mall, displaying wide array of mouth-watering cakes. However, I didn't hesitated to try it. Until last december, when my aunt told us to try their cakes.

I was amazed how good their cakes was. It tasted delicious and it's not that too sweet. It is also not commercialized and the cake was a bit heavy. It means you really get what you paid for, which is a quality cake. It cost 800+ pesos and it's definitely worth a try.
I think I'm gonna try and discover their other best sellers.

NOTHING BEATS CALEA'S PASTRIES & COFFEE

2013-01-10T02:51:00.001-08:00

Calea is the name for quality cakes that's sure to satisfy your wants and craving for a mouth -watering dessert.

Fruit cakes

Ice cream cakes

Cream puffs

Inside Calea's cake shop

Pecan pie

If I would be given an opportunity to franchise a cake shop, I would choose Calea's pastries & coffee. I really loved their cakes especially their chocolate ones. Even their pie tasted good with the pecan nuts. I also liked their big slice of servings which is good for two people. The interior design of their shop was great and so with the ambiance.
It is actually located at Lacson Street, Bacolod City. It is the most famous cake shop in the city. During weekends, lots of people would go there to hang-out and dine with friends and family. Last December, before heading home we decided to bought a cake for New Year's Eve. However, we were in awe when we found out that all their cakes were sold out and all is left were pies, ice cream cakes, fruit cakes and cream puffs. Thus, we decided to try their pecan pie and we didn't have regrets after all.
It tasted good especially the pecan nuts. It is best served with vanilla ice cream, since the filling inside seems to be too sweet. The pecan pie was at 550 pesos but it's worth it and delicious.
I would definitely be coming back to taste their other mouth-watering cakes and desserts.

Check out my other post CALEA'S ICE CREAM CAKE