Alabang Town Center, I Love You More Today Than Yesterday!

Gaah, my blog post title is sooo cheesy. lol! :D

Anyway just a quick post about some *of my favorite* stores now open at Alabang Town Center.

Tony Moly and Etude House. side by side. :)

J.Co, where line is always long. :D

Then of course: Banapple, Serenitea, BonChon, PCX, The Face Shop, Jamba Juice, Johnny Rockets, Chili's, Friday's, P.F Chang's, Beauty Bar, Healthy Options, Tous Les Jours (buy 1 take 1 on selected items. 8:30PM. EVERYDAY), Gong Cha, Ramen X, North Park, Shu Uemura, my favorite NYX stall.. okay, this is getting too long now, just check them out okay? :)

#perksoflivinginstarosa. :)

Random Tuesday: Tapsi, Jamba Juice, Sampinit, Moonleaf and Mario Bros Wallpaper

Working 70hours a week is no joke, I tell you. Good thing I have this blog, it helps me cope with the stress. Anyway, here's my Random Tuesday post and I'm just so happy I'm not missing it this week! lol :D

There are days when only a foodcourt food will satisfy a crave. I've been craving for beefsilog from Tapsi for about 2 weeks now. Pair this with their own signature (naks!) vinegar.

Jamba Juice has opened their Alabang Town Center branch and it's right beside Krispy Kreme. I *love* ^^

When I was younger, say, Elementary days <God, I'm soooo old> sampinit or sapinit - wild raspberry, in English - was only 5Php a half-bagful. Half-bagful, as in that plastic used when you buy a Coke but wasn't allowed to take home the bottle. lol :D Now, a tiny plastic - plastic, as in that plastic used when you go claim your newly polished earrings - will cost you 25Php. I figure now that it was featured by Jessica Soho, and claimed to be a potential cancer cure, there will be yet another price hike. 

Yey for Moonleaf for making their milk tea more accessible to me! This is their Paseo de Sta. Rosa branch :)

..annnnd, after Tokidoki wallpaper, I found a nice Mario Bros 3d wallpaper for my iTouch which I absolutely love!

That's it for now, my loves! now back to work for me as I am going out with a friend in a while. lol :D

#excited!kisses!

My Ultimate Comfort Food: Pho Hoa's Pho Bo Kho (Beef Stew Noodles)

..Aannnnd because I need a lot of "comforting" these days (I think it is THAT time of the month for me when all my lower part/half of the body does is to be constantly upset and painfully numb, giving me chest aches and unbelievably crazy mood swings aka PMS)  I am posting my ULTIMATE comfort food:  Pho Hoa's Beef Stew Noodles.

I know, i know. I should have posted something with ice or at the very least, something cool to the eye. Here below is not anywhere near the aforementioned descriptions. It is a beef soup, therefore it should be served and consumed hot (unless you want to end up with a beef flavored lip balm on top of your soup) and it is fiery red because it has lots of chilis in it. and onion rings. lol :D 

 Beef is perfectly tender and served in generous portions, so does the noodles. I honestly think that their price (small bowl is 200+Php but no more than 250Php as of January-ish) is reasonable as it can be shared by two.

I like mine with a squeeze of lemon. nomnom :)

The hubby and the kids don't share my love for this beef noodles; I really don't mind. I'd be glad if they pass and let me eat my beef noodles in peace ^^

 

FYI, Pho Hoa is a Vietnamese resto/chain that serves authentic Vietnamese dishes. They also have several branches in and out of the metro - ATC have one - and indeed, branches outside of the Philippines  (US, Canada and other Asian countries).

#absolutelynoshare!kisses! :)

What Made Me Happy Today: Jollibee Chocolate and Coffee Floats!

What people don't actually know about me is that I'm really easy to please. I remember a "date" once told me that I was a "cheap date", not meaning to offend but it was thrown at me as a compliment because he wasn't expecting our first date to involve only two cups of caramel sundae (one for me and one for him, of course!) from McDonalds and a lot of chatting. lol :D Two years after that "date", the "date" and I got married. ^^

Anyway, today, I'm starting "What Made Me Happy Today" posts. I was torn between this and "The Happiness Project" for a title but the latter doesn't really appeal to me as it makes me sound like I'm chasing happiness when I'm not - well, not really, on most days - so I chose the former. These are short posts of the things that made me happy on a particular day which absolutely cannot wait until my "Random Tuesday" posts (which I missed - again - this week -.-)

I'm kicking this off with Jollibee's chocolate and coffee floats: Just. Look. At. That. ^^

 

 

 

Jollibee Chocolate and Coffee Floats 45Php each

Coffee float has a really nice kick to it, if you ask me. Chocolate float is not doing bad either since it was devoured by C in record time!

#thiscrazyheatiskillingme!

Why We Love Bonchon Chicken :)

It's funny how you - most of the time - fail to blog about the things that matter most right? Like it's really a part of you and that it has become really common - to you, at least - that you forget it is something worth blogging about..

Bonchon is one of them..

The first Bonchon branch we  ever  visited.  Katipunan branch.

While there was quite a buzz about Bonchon's chicken, we were in no hurry to try it. In fact, we were more interested with Manang's chicken at that time that it managed to make us be present on the first day Soderno opened its door down South. Our first taste of Manang's chicken didn't make the expected impact maybe because we were able to try Bonchon the next day and was MIGHTILY impressed by it!

Greasy, yummy Chap Chae

We were staying at my sister's place (Katipunan area) and the building facing Ateneo has Bonchon which is just a short walk from where we were so we decided to have lunch there. It was a Sunday so the place was not jampacked (I heard it can be so full Monday-Saturday that it is usually standing-room only) 

I think these are thighs. They don't look like wings.

FYI, BonChon Chicken is a Korean fried chicken restaurant that has gone semi-global as they now have branches in the US, Philippines and Thailand. Unlike your standard issue fried chicken, BonChon's is twice fried so it is crunchier. You can choose between soy garlic and hot (spicy). We always go for the soy garlic kind as the hot ones tend to be TOO hot for the whole family. :)

Take out chicken fillet, for those who hate bones ^^

We tried their chicken fillet too. While it tasted same as the wings and thighs, I would have to say, this is my least favorite as I like my fried chicken to have bones to suck on afterward. lol :D mi bebe agrees ^^ 

Take out Bonchon Wings

If you are aiming for the full BonChon experience, I would suggest you order the wings. I assure you there's nothing quite like it. This is my current "sarap-to-the-bones" chicken! 

In observance of the Lenten season, they came up with their very own Lent specials; Crispy Squid Rice is one of them.

Lent Special Crispy Squid Rice *love* :)

Still not convinced? I'll let Mr. C here convince you how good BonChon can get. lol :D

C getting his Bonchon wings fix ^^

That's his second wing, btw.

PRICES AND BRANCHES HERE: BonChon website *yey ATC branch!* ^^

#goteambonchon!kisses! :)

Banapple At Alabang Town Center!

I must say, THAT new ATC wing is really really really awesome! BonChon is there, Gong Cha is there, Chatime is there, J.Co donuts is *yay* soon to open! Not to mention other awesome stores the mall has managed to get in there, all in one place. For now, let me introduce to you guys, the home of the ever famous Banapple's Banoffee Pie..

Day after their opening. *excited much* ;)

We came as soon as we heard the news. I even cut my working time *shh.. don't tell the boss* just to be able to get there in time for dinner. lol :D

..and we ordered..

 

Grandma's Corn Chowder 80Php

Hubby was not really happy with this. A little salty for his taste, he said. BUT me and the baby super like this corn chowder, we finished two servings. lol :D This is a little reminiscent of Jollibee's sopas, only better.

Beef and Sausage Stew. I *love*!! 195Php

Again, nobody wanted to share this with me as they claimed it was salty. I didn't  mind though, I'm inlove with this baby :D Beef cubes were super lambot and the sauce complimented the rice very well. hmm.. now I'm hungry -.-

Bacon Fried Chicken Steak with Milk'shroom Gravy 175Php

Now this. This was ordered twice that day by my "always gutom" family. For some reason, they took an instant liking to this and decided to NOT leave anything for me to taste so I won't be able to vouch for it now.

Another slice pleeeeassse? Banoffee pie 95Php per slice

A trip to Banapple is never complete without ordering a slice of Banoffee pie, or their Apple Caramel Crumble Crumble Pie (which we decided to skip for now as we don't have anymore room in our tummies to spare. lol)

..and since the pie tasted really good (and for fear that we might miss it if we don't buy the whole thing), we decided to take this home with us along with a couple of muffins and cookies. lol :)

For take home :D 720Php

#thankGodforsatisfiedcravings!Kisses!

Random Tuesday: Prescription Glasses, Cheesy Bacon, Naan, Kopiccino, Magnum and Double Chocolate Ice Blended!

Yesterday I went to the mall to buy a bottle of green nailpolish; I came back with a pair of prescription eyeglasses. lol :D What?!!! at 895Php, I think it's a deal! and I badly needed one too (I'm 200+ now -.-) It's multicoated, ideal for computer use. so we'll see .. eye checkup included at Ideal Vision :) 

I say cheese and bacon are a match made in heaven, don't you think? I'm happy KFC came up with something like this. Yey ^^

Cheesy Bacon Pasta at KFC

I just love Breadtalk's Cheesy Naan. Good thing too, they opened a branch at Solenad II so it's much closer to me now. Just pop them in the oven toaster then savor the awesome cheesy smell while reheating. Of course, it's "awesomer" to eat it while still warm. lol :D

I'm not really into cappuccino, I prefer mocha, but I got intrigued by Kopiccino from Kopiko that I had to try it! I bought ten sachets and I'm loving it!  lol :D It's foamy and comes with a pack of choco granules.. so divine! :)

Magnum has been making waves since the first time it landed on Philippine shores. I say their viral marketing worked as the first time I saw this on my Facebook newsfeed, I made the hubby run to the nearest 7-11 store to buy me one. It was 60Php at that time, it's now only 55Php but supermarkets are selling them for only 50Php. I personally like Almond. ^^

Speaking of coffee and chocolates, here below is my latest favorite from Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, their Double Chocolate Ice Blended. really really craving for this right now -.-

#i'mcyclops-ladyversion.kisses! ^^

Milk Tea Adventures: Chatime

I've been hearing a lot of recommendations about Chatime, problem was, I couldn't find a single Chatime branch then so it took me quite some time before I was able to sample their milk tea. This Chatime branch in SM North Edsa was discovered by the hubby by accident. I was claiming my free Skin Food Gold Kiwi gift set when he spotted Dairy Queen not far from Skin Food. When he went to get his ice cream fix, there it was, Chatime, just in front of Dairy Queen.  

I love how they decorated their place, all pink and violet! However, this is one of those milk tea places that overwhelms a person by the sheer number of drink variants they offer. See that bright thingy in front of those two girls at the counter? That's the menu. Since it was my first time at Chatime, I just politely asked for their bestseller which is Pearl Milk Tea (not Chatime Milk Tea, take note)

Pearl Milk Tea Large 90Php

However, this got my attention, Choco Banana smoothie. Okay, I have this thing for anything choco + banana. I practically jumped up and down when I saw Frutti Froyo's chocolate and banana frozen yogurts (sad, I'm not seeing banana anymore at any Frutti Froyo branch) the first time I went there (and partly the reason why Frutti Froyo became a family favorite for 6 straight months. lol) Of course, seeing this at Chatime, I quickly ordered a large cup, tried it and fell inlove at first sip. lol ^^

Choco Banana smoothie 90Php

Prices are reasonable, cheap even, if you skip sinkers/toppers. Oh yeah, the sinkers are priced separately at 15-20Php range. While I love their Choco Banana smoothie to bits, i find their milk tea, uhm, average? I'm loving their Chocolate Mousse (tastes like Chocolait) but not much their Chatime Milk Tea so I would have to say that I recommend Chatime's other offerings but not-so their milk teas? hehe. I'm not trying to be a meanie here but.. well.. I was just expecting a bit more considering that it is an international brand?

The little boy who wouldn't sit still. lol. Mr. C here was eyeing my Choco Banana smoothie, I was offering him the milk tea cup. *yep, bad mama for giving my kid caffeine* -.-

FYI, they finally opened a branch down South. Check them out at Alabang Town Center. Yey! :)

#amilkteaadaykeepsBVaway!kisses!

Random Tuesday: Clubhouse, Saizen, Churros, Ersao and Kicks!

I'm a huge fan of Strabucks' sandwiches. Not only they are delish but also the portioning is good. They are reasonably priced at 140Php and can be shared by two. My personal picks are the clubhouse sandwich and Spam Classic, Egg and Cheese on Cornmeal Bread ^_^

My take out lunch, Starbucks' clubhouse sandwich. nomnom :)

For the longest time, I was on a hunt for these charcoal masks which can only be found at Saizen/Daiso. I was really intrigued because if you check, almost all local beauty blogs talked about it at some point and raved generously, and me, one riddled with blackheads and whiteheads problems felt the need to experience the mask personally. Well, I finally found them! This is the Saizen/Daiso trinoma branch located inside True Value (and I mean really INSIDE, like far back, with their own signage and all, INSIDE True Value. lol) I'm definitely going back, ALONE. lol :D I suggest you check out their makeup and food sections too, I found some interesting things there but didn't have the chance to inspect due to a very impatient hubby. Oh, and their falsies look nice too but I don't think it comes with its own glue.

Charcoal mask galore at 85Php!!

When we're in Trinoma, we never fail to stop by and eat at Taco Bell. I'm inlove with their grilled pork burrito (not the one with rice inside, okay? I don't like that, I find the texture a little weird but that's just me. lol) The gang loves their Churros! :)

Inubusan ako. huhu :(

Being a milk tea addict, I feel the need to try each and every place that offers them. Ersao didn't slip under my radar, so when the hubby went to Banawe to collect some things for his business, I cajoled him to find the nearest Ersao branch. Finally, I was able to sample their milk tea. Mura lang at 45Php a cup (just one size). Review will be on my metro milk teas post which I will update with 3 more in a few.

Ersao is Taiwanese, fyi. I thought Chinese. lol.

Aside from Saizen, the other highlight of my day would be these kicks! I was planning to buy just one pair of ballet flats but honestly now, who could ever resist a 70% markdown? *ikr* These flats were originally sold for 900Php, I bought them for only 200Php+ a piece and they are a good brand too, Australian. These are from Landmark-Trinoma. I'm not sure if the sale is still ongoing but if you are in the area, don't forget to check ^_^

Somehow,  I managed to get some dirt on my gray pair. lol. klutz. 

The baby is enjoying his kicks too! For some reason, my hubby loves buying the kid Jordans and this, I heard, would be the latest (okay, I'm not sure as I'm not really familiar with basketball kicks. To me, they all look the same) Anyhoo, these kicks managed to get C walking so..

Good job, kicks. good job!

#nowi'mlateforwork.kisses!

Random Tuesday: Rainbow, Frosty, Milk Tea And Pho

Have you ever seen a rainbow this close and this vibrant? (sorry, the photo below isn't exactly vibrant, lol) It was so close, I could see where one color separated from the other, it was quite amazing :)

I debated against myself if I should post an edited, color enhanced version of this but decided not to and to just post it raw ^^

from one end..

..to another  ^^

I was confined in a car so there was no way to capture the rainbow as a whole *hmp, sayang!*

A friend teased me to check out the end/ends for gold but given the fact that those mountains are semi-bald, I won't be surprised if someone has already beaten me to it. lol :D

Have you tried Wendy's fried chicken? I have been a fan since the first time they introduced that on their menu. I particularly love the gravy and their hot and spicy catsup (not available anymore *sigh*) Of course, one should get Frosty when at Wendy's, that's no-brainer. My boy had a hard time spooning Frosty out so he strawed it instead. lol :D

Chatime has finally opened at Alabang Town Center, then Gong Cha, not being really far behind in terms of opening date, in the same wing. Now Serenitea has serious competition but considering their location, I don't think it will affect much in terms of sales. Serenitea is sitting bright and pretty alongside movie theaters while Chatime and Gong Cha are located at the new wing.

Ahhh, Pho Hoa Pho Bo Kho (beef stew).. This is my ultimate comfort food, and I'm really glad my hubby is not diggin' this or I would be forced to buy my own bowl, I'm tagging this as #noshare. lol :D

#livingalifeofrandomness.kisses!

Food Stop: Wee Nam Kee's Hainanese Chicken Rice

The first weekend BonChon Chicken opened its Alabang Town Center branch, we packed our things and braved the weekend traffic just to have our tummies filled however when we got there *surprise, surprise* the waiting line was almost as long as that of Filinvest tollgate! 

Not to be discouraged, me and the hubby agreed to just enjoy the mall first, get the things we need and come back later to do our BonChon-ing before going home BUT our tummies were not agreeing, all 4 of us were just plain famished! Walking a little further, we came across this:

Wee Nam Kee Hainanese Chicken Rice

Didn't I mention months back that the hubby and I are curious beings when it comes to food? Those pics from our Facebook and Instagram feeds got us all curious about Hainanese Chicken Rice - yup, our Singaporean friends were that happy about this chicken rice that they actually took photo of it every single time it was served to them! So naturally, we added the much-talked about chicken rice to our "soon-to-eat" list. However, the chicken looking like it was just steamed weren't helping (we love fried!) 

Wee Nam Kee was a different story though, they offer their chicken, steamed or ROASTED! So that basically sealed the deal for us, roasted, it is!

Personal set 170+Php without drinks

Everything you see in the picture is included in the personal set. They also offer their chickens in small, medium and large portions prices ranging from 250Php to 900Php, we were thinking of ordering Small (good for 2) but was told that it doesn't include rice (?!!) As we were only there to sample and experience Hainanese Chicken rice, we decided to just order 2 personal sets. 

Verdict? it was sooooooo good! The rice was so good, a good half cup of it was consumed by my 1 year old without a fuss, 1/4 of it went to my daughter who happily settled with the soup, I grudgingly accepted my fate and ate my 1/4 cup of rice (note to self: order extra cup of rice next time!!) For Chicken rice noobs, I will quote my 10 year old daughter for description "..parang rice na may tinola.." (tastes like rice in chicken ginger stew) Must be the reason why my son devoured it like there's no tomorrow - he loves tinola!  

Don't expect the roasted chicken to have anything crackling in it, the skin was just browned but not really crunchy - it was good just the same, tender and very juicy ^_^ You also get to mix your own dip/sauce as they have on table soy sauce, chili sauce and fresh crushed ginger (I meant to take a pic of it but lighting was bad) 

We're definitely coming back, and next time, I'll make sure I take more pictures of the place especially the hanging roasted ducks that got our attention even before we noticed the resto's signage. Two thumbs up for this place!

#excitedfortheweekend!kisses!

Tous Les Jours Christmas Cake

This is a very very very late post - like a month late? - but since Valentine's day is just around the corner, I thought this could be of help to lovebirds who would like to celebrate hearts day in style! lol :)

So last December, I was able to bag a free cake from Tous les Jours just by sharing their giveaway post on my Facebook wall. I wasn't really expecting something to come out of it since I am not really a lucky person when it comes to draws and contests, I just gave it a try since it didn't require much from me. yep, really lazy person, that's me.

Long story short, I was one of the lucky 5 - i think, or 6? I chose to pick up my cake from their SM North Edsa branch as this was the most convenient branch for me at that time.

SM North Edsa The Block

Just beside the supermarket - or front? lol sorry, I'm that bad with directions. ^_^

cutie breads! yumm

equally cutie cakes!  ^_^

Korean drinks and more breads. very nice!

Me and the hubby weren't expecting anything spectacular as the cake was only a freebie and hmm, let's just say, my hubby is quite allergic to cutie things, add to that the fact that he is a fierce Red Ribbon fan. So just imagine his surprise - and mine too - when we got this:

The cake is sooooo nice!!

..and it comes with a plastic cake knife, 4 skinny but tall candles and 2 pink headed matches (the matches are inside an envelope with a scratchy side) so kawaii! 

yes, the cake did not disappoint! It was moist and chocolatey, with a hint of coffee/dark chocolate which I truly love! The kids were delighted as well and we all enjoyed our little cake party :)  

My baby girl had a sweet time checking out Tous les Jous, she loves all things girly, that's why. She didn't even hesitate to pose for this picture. We're looking forward to our next visit, which is probably next week to sample some of their breads naman. :)

#lifeissweet,kisses!