Bonding Moments at Angel’s Burger

We see it at many locations where numerous passers-by come and go and where buzzing vehicles speed along. In plazas and in terminals, its kiosks stand out because its meaty burger is for the “masa” – cheap and you can already munch two burgers for only 25 pesos.

I’m talking about Angel’s Burger. It’s apparently one of the successful burger joints in the Philippines today. Every time I pass by its store, it is always jam-packed with customers from all walks of life. I notice how the lone staff tries to  simultaneously cook the numerous delicious patties and heat the bread, her arms gesticulating quickly to cater her customers who seem to add up as the clock ticks.

I once saw a diabetic man with an amputated left  leg buy a burger in one of the branches. As he hungrily chewed and masticated, it seemed that his pain and struggles vanished as he delightfully talked to the cook during his eating intervals. It was as though the cook already knew his story. I guess he comes back to the joint not just for filling his tummy but to also pour out to somebody what he might going through.

It’s funny how you can hear random stories of people while sitting on their circular chairs. In just minutes, conversation unfolds. This one guy in his 50’s  talked about his businesses , his carinderia and his barbershop, and how he implements strategies to make them boom as he snacked on his burger. He was telling this to the staff and the other people who were also busy eating their share of the yummy burger.

Angel’s burger is a sure-fire hit to pinoys because its food has a budget-friendly price yet boasts of delicious taste. Customers buy orders for take out to bring as pasalubong in their homes.  Indeed, bonding between families and friends is created  while feasting on their affordable and delectable snacks, making Angel’s Burger unique.

Maka-Belgian Waffle Nga

This weekend, I bonded with my awesome sister, Jackie and my pretty cousin, Juliene, over yummy Belgian waffles in Robinsons Mall Iloilo. I satisfied my palate with the Cheddar Cheese flavor while Jackie and Yen tasted their Cream Cheese and Chocolate flavors respectively. Served hot, the waffles costed 35-45 php depending on the savor you desire.

Me and Yen, excited to take a huge bite on our waffles.

My sister, Jackie, holds her share of  Belgian waffle with a great grin.

Roaming around the mall offered us new sights where people could relax in and vanquish their stress such as the additional restaurants (Starbucks, Savory Chicken, etc.) and boutiques (e.g. Payless)  that surely made Robinsons a cool venue for leisure.

We then visited Marymart mall in Delgado St. and I guess, this is absolutely a fit place for ukay-ukay lovers and cheap fashion buys.

We went Toppings boutique and here they sell second hand products, from clothes to old books. I loved there assorted caps because I'm a cap-kind-of-guy (boom!). I bet one can find a good read here for a bit of me-time. There are a plethora of good finds in this mall in a pocket-friendly price as long as you're patient  and keen enough to look for what you like.

second-hand books at Topping boutique, Marymart Mall, Iloilo

a variety of cute teacups, plates and glassware line up the shelf at Toppings boutique

That's it.  No need to spend much on things you might want to buy because there must be a cheaper version of it somewhere.

Downing a Milk Tea in Bon Appetea

I must say that milk teas are way healthier than the acidic sodas that we are accustomed to drinking during stressful days. I have  no idea of the sugar content of both drinks but gulping milk teas makes me calmer (of course, milk contains tryptophan and calcium that respectively aid in attaining a serene sleep and in developing strong bones) compared to softdrinks which possess high caffeine content. I don’t have anything against sodas though. I admit I can’t resist them in other days.

I tried one in Bon Appetea (situated in Gen. Luna St, Iloilo City just across the Atrium mall) and it was delicious. In fairness, I had the ultimate fun of sipping it down to the very last sago.

For those who are chocolate lovers, they serve frappes that offer such flavours. One wouldn’t just expect a menu of relaxing milk teas all throughout since Bon Appetea brings to the plate a variety of drinks that will satisfy one’s thirst in a prize that don’t exceed a hundred bucks.

Bon Appetea’s interior is chic, you’ll be comfortable enough to bring your books for a review for that upcoming exam or your trusty laptops for updating a facebook status since wifi is available. It wouldn’t hurt to coax your barkada to have a milk tea bonding time and enjoy your seemingly interminable conversations over these soothing drinks that will surely boost your happy hormones up.

My New Upper: Jollibee Coffee Flip Float

I love coffee. It perks my boring days up and brings a bit of energy to whatever work that I may do. One rainy day in Iloilo, I was urged to look for a cup of hot coffee. I stopped by Jollibee across UP and ordered for the upper. Unfortunately, it was just served during breakfast.

With this problem, I looked over the other menus. I could just order a float, fries, and burger combo but still, my mind was craving for something else. I would really love to drink coffee, hence, an iced coffee would probably satisfy me.

The girl in the counter may had noticed my dilemma. She suggested I order the new flip float. Aside from it being a coffee drink, it had the vanilla ice cream with a chocolate syrup layer right  in the bottom instead of the usual float we purchase where the cold sweet dessert is on top. What made this drink a bit more special was that it was topped with crushed Oreo cookies, making it more delicious. I followed the girl’s suggestion and indeed, It was great. I paired the 50-peso upper with the tasty Jollibee spaghetti.

It was rainy. The feeling was cold and I was alone. But I was smiling since I was delighted with my newfound friend – coffee flip float.

Pop's B-day at Red Corner

It was my pop's birthday last February 3 and to celebrate his special day, we lunched out at Red Corner, a Chinese restaurant situated at Plazuela de Iloilo. Their satiating viands were good for 3-4 persons per plate in    prices that were not rocket-high.  Plus, they had one of the best siomais I had ever tasted in my life.

When still waiting for our order, we were offered free salted nuts to munch on, which was good since I don't have that  much patience to wait for food most especially if I'm hungry. The personnel were also kind and accommodating to our needs. The restaurant also cooks salads and a variety of vegetable meals to the health conscious.

There were a bunch of Koreans eating when we dined there. Maybe, they also liked the food served. It was cool knowing that Iloilo has restaurants that appeal not only to its residents, but also to some foreign customers. Needless to say, my pop used chopsticks the whole time we ate. Not me, spoon and fork were my best friends to quickly and hungrily satisfy my palate and grumbling stomach.

My ever favorite Yang Chao rice.

juicy chicken!

Yummy Chop Seuy

Delectable calamares

Relaxing ambiance for family or friends who want to dine out

What to do in Jaro Fiesta

Once again, Jaro, Iloilo City, is celebrating their feast in honor of Our Lady of Candles. And yes, jeepney routes drastically change whenever this day comes because people from the different parts of Iloilo travel to Jaro to visit their relatives who have prepared something scrumptious to eat.

However, it wouldn't be easy arriving here. You might want to leave your homes early so as not to get stuck in the absurd traffic. But taking a long walk wouldn't be bothersome, thinking that when you get there, you’ll be hospitably served with lots of food. However, never assume that every house that you would get your feet into has prepared a meal for their guests. I believe what's important is that one will have the chance to once again chat and catch up with relatives after a long time of no communication. And yes, why not go to the beautiful Cathedral and spend some silent time to pray and reflect?

The long queue of vehicles on the day of  Jaro fiesta celebration

Sometimes, it's better to walk than spend a  long time in a seemingly immobile jeepney.

Ukay-ukay is also popular whenever this feast is held. You can buy cheap but fashionable used clothes in the plaza. There are also other great buys that you can find there- accessories, creative jars, woven bags, shoes, and many more.

If you want to eat more just to satisfy your hungry tummy, Perri Todd’s is just steps away from Jaro Cathedral, right across Jaro Elementary School. Satisfy your tongue with its big, delicious, mouth-watering grilled burger and yummy al dente pastas while cooling yourselves with their iced-tea tower.

Pomodoro and Bologna in Perri Todd's for 150 php

Classic Burger for 110 php. You can also choose other kinds of burgers like the one which is loaded with tomatoes and vegetables.

Of course, this feast is celebrated to remind residents and the people as a whole of  Mother Mary’s love to them. It’s not just about eating and partying but also, one should look at the life he/she lives and pray that God will continue to lead him/her to the right path.

Newfound Friendship Over Songs and Pizza

Once, I was at a karaoke house/pizza restaurant in Makati together with my uncle. Boy, how he really loved singing. We needed to write about four songs on a piece of paper then give it to the waiter for him to process the songs in the videoke machine. We had to wait for our turn for the microphone since there were still other customers who were passionately singing at the top of their lungs.

When I saw my song of choice appeared on the machine's screen, they handed to me the microphone and so I began singing. I hope my voice wasn't bad since many could hear it. I think the resto was called Pizza Avenue. They really had a good-tasting pizza. You could have the regular one in four slices for Php 110. Not bad since the pie was loaded with ground beef, cheese, and mushrooms.

After I sang, it was my uncle's turn. Of course, he chose Tagalog and Visayan songs which he really belted out with  emotions. Then, a guy from the table in front of us walked his way towards us. He sat on a free chair by our table and started chatting with my uncle. He said that that he was surprised upon hearing my tito singing a Visayan song since he was also a Bisaya. He hailed from Negros and flew here in Manila to work. This guy, in his thirties, also had an awesome singing voice since he could reach very high notes. He could even play with his voice in different tones and style. And he's just friendly.

I realized that in just a short time, you could be friends with someone whom you don't personally know. This is because you can find something similar with this person, may it be culture or religion or just hobbies. My uncle and I went home almost past 12 am and boy, I had a lot of fun singing and munching pizza.

Seafood Cravings at Aling Mahsya

Hypertension. This is what you get from eating too much pork or beef. Constantly devouring such may shoot your cholesterol levels up without your knowing. As a result, you may find yourself complaining about an aching head or neck. For the health conscious, seafood is the best alternative for the fatty food. It is savory, meaty, and could be cooked in various delicious ways just like pork and beef.

So when having dinner or lunch dates with your family, why not try restaurants that offer scrumptious seafood delights. Your grandparents may not even have to worry about forgetting their anti-hypertensive drugs at home.

Our family tried Aling Mahsya, one of the seafood paluto restaurants located at the Seaside Boulevard of SM Mall of Asia. We just let the waiters order our seafood of choice for half a kilo each from the nearby wet market to avoid the hassle of haggling with the vendors. But if you want to purchase the lowest price possible, then you could personally have deals with the sellers. The resto would then take care of all the cooking in accordance to the menu that you have chosen.

The food was satisfying down to the very last bite. I couldn't stop myself from chewing, munching, and digesting. After all, I don't have to stress about my heart being clogged up by unwanted fats and all.

This buttered shrimp is so juicy!!!

I think I love baked tahong more than baked talaba.

Calamares is just perfect for pulutan.

Aling Mahsya's Halaan Soup is very soothing and relaxing in the throat.

Wines Galore!!!

Summer at the Mall

          When the heat being emitted by the summer sun just seems to be intolerable, Filipinos have a better , most common way to combat such – malling!

          That’s what my cousins and I exactly did. We strolled  at SM Megamall where people unstoppably swarmed its stores and restaurants. Truly, malling is a surefire way to escape the steamy atmosphere at home and in the streets.

          I have always loved window-shopping.  My eyes are entertained by all these cool stuff that allure me to cash out some moolah from my pocket. When temptation lurks, all I need is a little self-control, buying only the things that are of importance. But just because one doesn’t go home with bags of new clothes and shoes, it doesn't mean he can no longer enjoy malling. In fact, just by cooling oneself as he walks past different stalls is already an entertaining recreation most especially when he’s with family and friends.  

          My cousins and I first filled our hungry tummies with the tasty, superbly meaty Mexican Chicken from El Pollo Locco. Seriously, I just couldn’t get enough of this delicious chicken.

         Then, after being energized with a fulfilling food, we just strolled through shops and department stores.  I bought a transparent spectacle on sale so that I could transform into the nerdy me when the mood arises.

         Afterwhich, we just headed to Papemelroti, a store that sells recycled paraphernalia and keepsakes such as this awesome little notebook and this simple, inspiring organizer (picture below) I purchased for just a cheap price.

         Well, I didn’t spend my summer by the beach but I did happily spend it in a place where families and friends usually come together to chill away from the scorching heat. I spent my summer at the mall and honestly, I liked it.

Cinderella Searches Her Shoes

           My cousin and I went to Glorietta mall because she was planning to buy a new pair of shoes. Before we could start the hunt, we first snack out at McDo. I ordered their new Iced Coffee for an upper.

McDo's gift for coffee lovers.

          Afterwhich, we strolled and strolled, and our feet were getting weary of going from the department stores to boutiques just to find the perfect pair. Whenever we went inside one shop, my eyes would instinctively look for a chair or bench just so my toes could rest for awhile.  "Cinderella" had been searching for what she thought would be the exact fit and style but we had already roamed the neighboring malls, Greenbelt and SM, yet it seemed it wasn't her lucky day after all.
           It wasn't a good day too for my bladder since I kept going to the toilet almost every hour and I didn't know why. Maybe because I was eating a lot of sweets lately that my sugar might have shoot up.
          Our day wasn't that bad, I may say. Though our feet were almost giving up from all the trudging from one mall to another, we still enjoyed laughing and chatting while we visit many cool stores with cool finds. Too bad we just had to stare at them and dream they were all ours...hahaha. We also treated ourselves with a scrumptious lunch at Hen Lin, Greenbelt branch. I liked their fried sharksfin which came with rice for 51 php only. My cousin got herself a lumpia meal which also tasted good.

An affordable yet satisfying meal at Hen Lin.

           Cinderella didn't go home with the shoes she was yearning, but I guess, life's like that. It's the journey that's important, not the destination. We had fun going around Makati and that's the fulfillment a brand new shoes cannot similarly give.

Meet-up at SM City Lazaro

          I met with my friends, Glaiza and Emrose, at SM Lazaro for a quick malling and catching up with one another. Being here in Manila isn’t easy when it comes to travelling from one place to another especially if you’re new in the metro just like me. Unlike Iloilo City, Manila is puzzling me with the twists and turns of its roads and it would obviously be tough for me to memorize it for one day. But I guess, given the time (and the map!), I can probably master it. For as long as you’re alert and know how to ask questions, I think you’ll probably adapt with the busy yet alive environment.

          SM City Lazaro. This was my goal destination for the day.  I passed by the U-belt but the jeepney didn’t went further towards Quiapo because the route was closed due to an anticipated rally perhaps. The heat was just super hot, my sweat was dripping on my head. 

           I didn’t know what to ride next, so, after a few walks, I rode a taxi going to our meeting place. SM City Lazaro really looked so close with SM City Iloilo but of course, the former had stores that you could not find in the latter.

          With just one day left in Manila, my friends bought some souvenir items and they just found it at the Blue Magic store. The boutique offered a lot of gift items at reasonable prices such as cute and huggable stuff toys, handcrafted accessories, quirky greeting cards, and wooden paraphernalias painted with inspiring messages. The store was just the perfect haven for giveaways in various special occasions. I also found rosaries with beads coinciding with the different birthstones, artistically designed pens and pencils, jelly toy rats to pull off a prank to someone, and scrolls made of fabric with good poems written on them. Bags, wallets, purses, and cellphone accessories were also available.

         After some strolling, we of course, took our meal and we decided to feast on Burger King. We had their 135-peso combo consisting of  BBQ burger, fries, soda, and ice cream.  Yummy!

        Afterwhich, we just parted ways knowing that we’ll see each other again in Iloilo. They actually had plans of going to Tagaytay the next day.

         I wished I could go with them but unfortunately, It would be a little hard for me. I just imagined how cool it would be to visit Tagaytay. You can just chill away from the scorching sun and take pleasure in watching lush green trees. But for now, I’ll enjoy my stay in Manila and be amazed with the freshness it can offer my eyes. And yes, enjoy good food!

Best Lomi Ever

          Guess what? I've tasted the best lomi in my life.

          I found it at the Delicious Restaurant located in Sta. Cruz, Manila.
          From afar, you would already conclude that the resto offered Chinese food because of the red lanterns hanging above the counter as well as the steamy siopaos visibly seen from the glass where they were prepared. And yes, the man assigned in the counter had chinky eyes. 

          We ordered bola-bola siopaos (45php each as far as I could remember) whose bread felt so soft in the tongue and was peculiarly yummy. Its meat inside was full and delicious. But when I tasted the lomi (already good for two for 95 php I think), I felt I was in heaven. I just loved it. Its sabaw was perfect for its sauciness and the pansit was truly al dente. It had also enough veggies and delectable meat for your craving mouth to feast on. I'm already full with just the siopao, how much more with devouring the lomi? 
          I really went home satisfied, looking forward for the day that the lomi and I will have our roads cross again.

A Treat at Short Stop Bakery and Fastfood

            If you haven’t gone in this place, then you might be missing the full blast of your eating experience in Sta. Barbara, Iloilo. This restaurant, popular to almost every resident of the town, is your quick stop to a fulfilling meal for your rumbling tummies. No wonder, the resto’s name – Short Stop Bakery and Fastfood, fittingly speak for itelf.

            The simple pang-masa refreshment is strategically located right in a corner where jeepneys and tricycles stop over to get or send off passengers. As a result, many recharge their hungry systems in this very accessible food stop. The place is spacious enough to accommodate customers. When meal time comes,  the venue gets a bit rowdy as diners rush to order their share of delicious pinoy dishes.

            As a celebration for my little cousin’s graduation, we treated her in the said familiar eatery.She just ordered a cheeseburger and a mais con yelo, both of which she tastefully loved. My sister had a similar order as my cousin. They may not be that hungry because during the graduation ceremony, they had been munching on waffles and nuts  and slurping on cheap shakes that were all sold by the food carts present in the occasion.

            Meanwhile, the rest of us ordered La Paz batchoy which easily got me full, a plastic of medium-sized pandesal bought from its bread shop, and bottles of softdrinks to quench our thirst. We dined at the separate airconditioned room.

            They also sell Pansit Lomi which I think is one of its must-tries. For 95 Php, it’s already good for you and your barkada.

            Short Stop has already been a household name in the town when it comes to food tripping. One thing’s for sure, it has served its residents the affordable meal that their bubbling stomachs deserve.

Chillin' at Shake Hauz

           Summer is starting to steam the air, and what better way to cool our condensing bodies than a glass of sweet-tasting, creamy shake. Surely, I want one that is pretty chilled.

            Shake Hauz, located at the main town of Sta. Barbara Iloilo, offers its residents and other customers with mouth-watering, palatable shakes coming in different likeable flavors: Choco Fudge, Cookies and Cream, Buko, Strawberry, Mango, etc.

            My cousins and I went here one hungry day and we were indeed satisfied with the taste. It seems like your thirst will vanish in a sec with a single sip. Their shakes looked simple yet presentable since flavored syrups were squeezed on top. These quenchers cost 20 php. Not bad  for an ordinary laid-back guy like me that strolls its town. I can even make “libre” if I have enough moolah to spend.

            Aside from the chillers, they also sell siomais (3 for 20php), hotdogs, spaghetti, fried chickens, bake macaroni, and other foods perfect for meryenda. One can just stop by its cute yet airconditioned space for a quick hunger fix after a reflective day of visiting the municipality’s historic church or to take a break from the sweaty time of bargaining in its wet market.

Time to order!

The entrance.

Cookies and Cream flavored shake with a heart-shaped syrup for 20 Php only.

Strawberry Shake for 20 Php only.

Good Time at Dexter's Pizza

          Dexter has a new invention. No, it's not a new gadget. It's pizza!
          Dexter's Pizza is doing a great job in making a name for itself as one of the growing pizza houses in Iloilo City. My friends and I dined here once and we absolutely liked the pizza. Its crustiness and cheesiness will leave your tummy satisfied. Its preparation has a home-made feel in it yet the taste is close to that of leading pizza restaurants that I know.
          The price is not that painful in the pocket especially if you and your barkada will chip in individually. Yes. Totally worth the money. We ordered the "cheesy bacon burger pizza" (If I'm not mistaken with what they call it) which, as its name suggests, was oozing with melted cheese, topped with chunky bacons and an ample amount of meat. We also treated ourselves with another pizza generously sprinkled with ground beef.  My friend took home the "shawarma pizza", a best-seller I heard. The pies under the "healthy cravings" category will surely attract those who don't want their blood pressure to spike up.
          With its location at Mission Road Extension, La Paz, Iloilo City, people from the nearby schools and hospitals can easily come together to bond over their specialty that comes in different  yummy flavors. I believe they accept deliveries too (For more info, just search for their facebook page).
          My ka-berks and I completely downed the pizza as we went along with our fun conversation. Good food. Good company. And a nice laugh. What else am I looking for?