#Foodiethon: Where to Eat at Legazpi, Albay

Some of you are planning to have a vacation during holiday season. Well, you should consider Legazpi City. Aside from the attractions and their tourist spots, they also have these what we called "food sanctuaries". Bicolanos are known for being fond of eating hot and spicy dishes. Out of curiosity, we tried out some dishes and delicacies.

Sharing with you our Bicol Foodiethon. Scroll down and read it for yourself!
Happy eating! (Oops! I mean, reading) :)

1. Small Talk Cafe

Entrance of Small Talk Cafe

Calling all the tourists out there! If you're looking for an authentic Bicolano experience, better try Small Talk Café. They have this Bicolano fusion cuisine which makes them different among others since 1999.

The entrance is quite small but they have a spacious dining space. The interiors are simple in dark brown tables and chairs. It is spacious, charming, and homey. The only problem that we encountered was that they don't have an electricity during our visit. 

Pili Basil Pasta - Php120.00,  Rating: 7/10

I ordered Pili Basil Pasta, garlic roasted pili and fresh basil blended with pasta. It was one of the best sellers of Small Talk Cafe. Some of their famous pasta such as Pasta Mayon, Laing Pasta, and Bicol Express Pasta were not available during our visit. Hoping to taste those native pasta when we get back to Legazpi one of these days.

Beef Stroganoff - Php140.00 - Rating: 8/10

My boyfriend ordered Beef Stroganoff, tenderloin beef with white sauce. It was very delicious and creamy.

2. La Mia Tazza Coffee Shop

Pili Tazzaccino, Php118.00 Grande - Rating: 9/10

Lamia Tazza is the famous Coffee shop in Legazpi. A version of Starbucks with a cozy and simple style where you and your friends can chat and somehow, feel at home. They have great coffee and drinks selection. La Mia Tazza came from the Italian words translated in English idiom as "it is my cup of tea".

We ordered Pili Tazzaccino, ice blended drink with espresso and almond syrup topped with chopped pili nuts on whipped cream. It tastes so good, the combination is just perfect. If your taste buds are craving for a cup of bicol-flavored coffee, better try La Mia Tazza's Pili Tazzacino.

La Mia Tazza Coffee 

738 Rizal St Old Albay District, Legazpi City

(Near Small Talk Cafe)

3. Bigg's Diner Restaurant

Bigg's Diner is the leading food chain in Bicol with 11 branches in Cam Sur and Albay alone. This is some kind of American slash retro themed restaurant which are serving Filipino cuisines for over 30 years now. We visited their branch in Embarcadero. The place was cozy. There are lots of vintage designs and photographs in their wall. Everything in Bigg's is retro. We ate our lunch at their Embarcadero Branch.

Tower Burger, Php350.00 - Rating: 7/10

My boyfriend ordered the most expensive burger at Biggs. It has 13 layers of ultimate 100% beef patty, golden hash brown, chunky slice of cheese, crispy bacon, egg, cramelized onion, fresh green lettuce, tomatoes, and Spam. It really is a big and large tower burger at 5x5.5 inch. Tastes so good. Made us burp quickly. 

We also ordered rice meals, Beef Teriyaki, and Korean Pork Barbecue.

Beef Teriyaki, Php120.00 - Rating 6/10

Korean Pork Barbecue, Php120.00 - Rating: 8/10

Bigg's is famous with their juiciest Baby Back Ribs. However, we did not get the chance of tasting it because we just had baby back ribs in our hotel breakfast buffet. Bigg’s menu is also quite extensive, but not too different from what fastfood joints usually offer. You can check their cool website . Just wanted to share the below images with you guys. Well, I'm just sharing. It's not my intention to downgrade anything or anyone. It was just my experience and observation.

Anyhow, it tasted great and will definitely try this again soon. Well, expectation is not that so far from reality I think. :)

EXPECTATION..

Photo Credit: Naga City Deck

REALITY...

\

Tower Burger Real

4. DJC Halo Halo

DJC Halo Halo Special- Php70.00, Rating: 8/10

This is Bicol's famous Halo- Halo. It has this milky and unusual taste that you will definitely love! It has grated cheese, leche flan, ube halaya, sago, gulaman, and all the other ingredients you would expect in a halo-halo. Ingredients dominated the overall serving.

DJC Halo Halo is really one of the best Legazpi has to offer so make sure to drop by at their store and taste this awesome dessert. I'm sure you won't regret it!

If you are coming from Old Albay or Daraga, Ride the Tahao Road Jeep, then drop off in Gaisano Mall. You can see this restaurant on the right side of the mall.

5. Oriental Hotels Restaurant

Baby Back Ribs - Php350.00, Rating: 9/10

Taste this Baby Back Ribs or you will miss half of your life. Tender, well-seasoned meat that goes well with their tinapa fried rice.

Tinapa Rice - Php90.00, Rating: 8/10

Mayon Lava Cake- Php140.00, Rating: 8/10

Their Mayon lava cake is very delicious. It is a rich, moist chocolatey cake with a thick chocolate sauce oozing out the moment you slice it.

Oriental Hotel Buffet Breakfast

The breakfast buffet is very good. It has a wide array of breakfast dishes. Can't help myself from tasting their prepared foods. It has complete selection of foods from appetizers, main dishes up to desserts and drinks. Staff and waiters are also very approachable and hospitable.

Thanks for dropping by dear friends!

Morena on duty, now signing off.

See you on our next tour! :)

#Foodiethon: The Racks Restaurant SM Megamall

The Racks was our first and only choice when we celebrated Kevin's and his Father's birthday.When we got there (The Racks SM Megamall), the store was almost full. We even waited and stood by for few minutes before we finally took our place. Of course, we initially took pictures of the place, the store and.. (oh wait, can I include ourselves?) Yep, we took our "selfies".

After we comfortably dominated the couch, Menu were handed to us.

What made me more excited (aside from the fact that it was already 10PM and we were so hungry) was their Baby Back Ribs which was quoted by Kuya Kenneth as "The Best Baby Back Ribs in Town!". 

Okay, let me share to you my The Racks experience and #Foodiethon with my Boyfriend's family as a celebration for Kevin's 22nd birthday and Tito Lowie's 47th birthday.

Here we go!

Racks Baby Ribs -Php460.00, Rating: 10/10

Lip smackin' good select lean, juicy baby ribs that's impossible to resist.Naturally falls off the bone! Served with mac and cheese, baked beans, and vegetables. 

(These are the words used by The Racks to describe this dish)

Whoa! I'm begging you to please try their Baby Back Ribs. Honestly, as they say, you will miss half of your life if you won't have that chance of tasting this dish. This was really grilled by their awesome chef to perfection! I can't say that I am biased but this was actually my initial reaction when I tasted this dish. I will undoubtedly give this dish a 10. This will be more delightful if you will have this accompanied by The Racks Original Barbecue Sauce. 

Racks Classic Pork Ribs - Php345.00 - Rating: 8/10

Classic Pork Ribs served with coleslaw, broccoli and cheese, and lettuce. 

(These are the words used by The Racks to describe this dish)

I got so excited to eat the Baby Back Ribs to the point that I almost forgot the rest of the dishes on our table. Next in line was Racks Classic Pork Ribs. It was also delicious and appealing because of its presentation. Well, this one captured the heart of Tito Lowie. A bit hard to chew though. It has its distinct taste that stood out among others. It was also served with fresh lettuce and broccoli. Yum yum!

Southern Fried Chicken - Php360.00, Rating: 8/10

Southern fried chicken crisp and juicy served with gravy, buttermilk biscuits, and honey. It is crispy in the outside and juicy in the inside. 

(These are the words used by The Racks to describe this dish)

At first, I was thinking that their chicken might be a bit similar to others. I was surprised that they have this unique preparation and presentation of the dish. You can dip the chicken to the honey or their original gravy. Eitherway, they're both exemplary and perfect dip for Southern Fried Chicken.

Creamy Carbonara, Php240.00, Rating: 8/10 

Garlic Scampa Spaghetti, Php295.00, Rating: 7/10

In-house prepared creamy carbonara sauce tossed in al dente spaghetti noodles sprinkled with parsley and parmesan cheese. 

Garlic Scampa Spaghetti is served with juicy shrimp and broccoli florets sauteed in a chili infused garlic olive oil mixture.

(These are the words used by The Racks to describe this dish)

Loved their Carbonara! Its creamy goodness made me want more. Know that feeling of wanting more when your stomach is already full? Garlic bread were also baked meticulously, perfect match for these pasta. Didn't like the Garlic Scampa Spaghetti that much. Maybe, I was not just a fan of that kind of spaghetti.

We had a very good experience and will definitely go back to this place. We didn't order much of the dessert since all of us were fully-loaded. Given the chance to order and eat a dessert with a half-empty, half-full belly, we might try Memphis Pound Cake and Mud Pie.

So happy to be with this generous and loving family. 

P.S. - Their Baby Back Ribs are sooooo good. A must-try!

To know more about their branches and gratifying menu, you can check their website.

Morena On Duty now signing off.

See you on our next journey!

Shopping Spree: Clothes Buffet Manila | A 15-minute Shop-all-you-can Experience

What's your initial reaction when you hear the word "Sale"? How about "BIG Discounts"? Bazaars? Promos? Well, this one will take your shopping spree to the next level. 

Clothes Buffet Manila is a 15-minute Shop-all-you-can experience for the ladies. Well, sort of sale and bazaars but its most likely a buffet, literally a buffet. Thank God for this very unique idea of shopping.

Girls were known for being the slower to decide and stronger to endure the aching feet when shopping. Well, for some instance, boyfies can survive the stuff-hunting of their ladies in a shopping mall. For this kind of experience, boys will surely be happy and more excited for their ladies. They will also get pressured because of the clock that's ticking. They can help out their ladies to decide which dress is better. Well at least, it will now be shopping in a shorter period of time which I think guys will like the most. 

Ladies will be given a bag. A bag costs Php1,999 and it can fit in up to 15 pcs. of branded and locally-produced clothes. You just only have to equalize the quantity versus the quality. You don't need to look into the price tag. Just "Guess-timate" whether it is fit for you or not. 

Here are the steps in becoming a certified CBM Shopper:

1. Pick it! - As soon as the timer starts and you were given the bag with a measurement of 33 cm by 23 cm Buffet bag, be ready for a fast-break  selection of the clothes. Pick as many clothes as you can! You just have to balance their quality and the quantity. The more, the merrier! Pick from over 30,000 array of clothes. You'll be surprised with their value, affordability and chic styles.

2. Zip it! - You should be able to zip that bag. There are staff around the area. Maybe they could help you out in packing your clothes and making sure that they will fit in the bag. You should know how to roll your clothes to maximize the space of the bag. 

3. Keep it! - Once you're done, you will get all the clothes that you managed to fit in your buffet bag. You heard it right? Yes! For just P1,999, you will be given this opportunity to grab all your desired clothes. Just make sure it will fit in your bag. You'll not be questioned anyway. So get it or regret it? You're hidden talent in decision-making and Guess-timating will be revealed here.

Be ready for this once in a blue moon experience! You can also bring extra cash if you still want to shop at their mini-bazaar. Shoppers are encouraged to arrive at least 30 minutes before their shopping wave. This event will happen in Ariatto Penthouse, II Terazzo Quezon City on October 17 at 2PM and October 18 at 10AM.

I'm sure you don't want to miss it. Spread the word! You can bring in bunch of your Barkada and Kikay friends. See you there! 

They will unlock the doors of haven for lady shoppers in 21 days. Book now!

You can visit their website: http://www.clothesbuffetmanila.com/

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/clothesbuffetmanila

Photo Credit: FB Page Clothes Buffet Manila

Photo Credit: Behind The Racks

Photo Credit: BP

Photo Credit: Philstar

#Foodiethon: Sambo Kojin | Yakiniku Smokeless Grill l Eat and Grill-All-You-Can Restaurant

It was my 21st birthday. I woke up at around 5 in the morning. Well, sort of a typical day for me. My phone beeps once in a while because of the greetings of my family and friends. I thanked God for another year of my life. I was thinking to take on my usual jeans and sleeves but because it's my birthday, I wore a red dress. You know! For a change. 

As I entered the office, they teased me and named me as the "Lady in Red". When they discovered that it was really my birthday, they sincerely greeted me with matching a "Happy Birthday" song. (As they say, red is a lucky color for celebrators)

To sum it up, it was really a great day. What's most uplifting as a birthday celebrant is that, everyone treats you as a special person. You really think you're special on that special day of yours. Yes! You really are. From the past birthdays, you really were. That's why I grabbed that every opportunity to be treated like a princess, especially, by my bestfriend slash boyfriend. Although I was far from home, away from my dearest Inay and Tatay, he made me feel extraordinary on that day. He always loves to surprise me that's why he brought me into this place that's new and fresh for me (because I am not really fond of eating Japanese and Korean foods)

Let me share with you our #foodiethon.

Sambokojin: A Yakiniku's experience.

Yakiniku means "grilled meat" and originally referred to BBQ in western term.

Tip #1

You should call the branch of Sambo Kojin for a reservation. They have this promo where a birthday celebrant can eat here for free. They will just be requiring at least a valid ID with the date of your birthday as proof. You should also arrive early to maximize your quality time. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed and assisted to your reserved seats. You may choose your preferred area.

Sambokojin is a buffet that caters to both Japanese and Korean dishes. This mind-racking experience will be unforgettable for young couple like us. We were fighting (well, not really that kind of fight that you're thinking) because I want to eat as many dishes as possible and yet, Kevin told me to take every dish one at a time. I was very hungry then. Believe me, it would really be a fight of your choices. And because it was my first time to experience smokeless grill, I enjoyed cooking my selected foods. 

There were cooked and uncooked dishes but I preferred to take the uncooked because it was more exciting. We had a hard time choosing the set of foods for every round of picking 'cause there are really lots of dishes to choose from.

TIP #2 

Be wise in choosing the dish. Some are backstabber, they can easily make your stomach full. Also do not drink plenty of water. If you do, you will feel that you're bloated already. In that case, you won't have that chance of going back again and choose another set in the array of foods. 

Ambiance and look of this restaurant were so appealing and classy. Its design and all of its furniture were perfectly made. 

Here are some food photos of Sambo Kojin. Taken from their Edsa Branch. One word to describe? Mouth-watering.

Sushi/Sashimi section

Sushi Bar

Before, I was not fond of eating these kind of foods until I finally ate them (in an unlimited manner). Instantly, I became Sushi and Sashimi lover. They have this wide array of sushi and sashimi such as salmon, tuna, tamago, ika ani, california maki, tekka maki, Futo Maki, Sakana Chiisu Maki, Thunder Rolls, Tropical Rolls, California Unagi Rolls, Dragon Rolls, Allligator Rolls, and Spider Rolls.

Korean Yakiniku includes marbled beef, tender beef, ox tongue, pork bulgogi, chicken, salmon, mahi mahi, prawns, shripms and many more

Bacon Rolls, Crabsticks, Fish Cake, Quail Eggs, Enoki, Shitake, and variety of vegetables

Grilling sea foods

You will be given a long chopstick or a metal thong for you to be able to grill your food. It would be up to you if you want it well-done or half-cooked.

Tip #3 

Don't leave you're dishes unattended. It might get overcooked and worst, inedible. 

From here, you can see the Janapanese signature foods like Tempura (Ebi Tempura, Kani Tempura, Kisu, Kakaage), Katsu (Hire Katsu, Rosu Katsu, Chicken, Menchi, Salmon, and Sakana Katsu) and Furai (Sakana Chiisu, Salmon Korooke, Sakana Furai, Ebi Furai). Sukiyaki, Gyoza, Nagisa, Tofu Steak and Yaki Udon dishes were great too!

I really love the Rosa Katsu, Gyoza, and Hire Katsu.

For those who might get bored while grilling their foods, here's a feast of cooked Korean and Japanese foods. Included here are Gyoza, Fish Nagisa, Sukiyaki, Tofu Steak, Beef Stew, Chapchae, pancakes, and clams with soft tofu

Gyoza, Tofu Steak, Nagisa, Tari Kuwayaki, Teba Chili

Vegetables and Seafoods Yakiniku

Vegetables and Salad section

Dessert station 

Of course, this dinner will be incomplete without a serenade from these guys. They even made a mini-cake for me with a birthday message. What a feeling indeed! Staff here are very accommodating and approachable.

Tip #4

Last but not the least, as a birthday celebrant, better be informed that you're stay here is free for your special day!  You only have to be accompanied by one paying adult (which costs at P699 per head).

I had fun! It was a great blast. I ate what I wanted and cooked the foods I loved together with this sweet guy. Cheers to my upcoming years! 

Rating:

Food: 8/10

Experience: 9/10

Cleanliness: 9/10

Accessibility: 8/10

Overall: 8.5/10

You can visit their website for more info.

Thank you for visiting my page! See you on our next journey!

Morena on Duty, now signing off.

Pinoy Pride: 10 Strangest Guinness World Records Set by the Philippines

Can you imagine yourself tapping a stuff non-stop for 12 hours? Or play in a Basketball Game ceaseless for five days?

Will you still be a picky-eater if there are 5,845 different dishes placed in front of you? I'm 100% sure you're gonna destroy your dieting plan.

Being a Guinness Word Record-holder is such a pride for all Filipinos around the world.
Let's take a sneak-peek on some of the Filipino record-holders and their awesome executions and performances.
Be amazed and proud as we unleash our Kababayan's achievements recognized worldwide by Guinness World Records.

10. Longest Barbecue Grill

Who: People of Bayambang Pangasinan

Photo Credit: Guinness World Records

The longest barbecue measured 8,000 m (20,246 ft) and was created by the people of Bayambang, (Philippines), in Bayambang, Pangasinan, Philippines on 4 April 2014.

The record attempt took place during the Malangsi Fish-tival in order to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the city Bayambang. The barbecue was made up of 8,000 grills connected to each other, each measuring 1m in length, 58 cm in height and 21 cm in width. 50,000 kg of fish, 2,000 kg of salt, 480 blocks of ice and 6,000 bags of charcoal were used. 8,000 people were involved. 

9. Largest Shot Slam

Who: Ginebra San Miguel Inc. and GSM V. Distributors Inc.

Cups filled wih Gin from Ginebra San Miguel
Photo Credit: Philippine Book of Record

The largest shot slam in the world was achieved in Naga City, Camarines Sur, Philippines on 27th of December 2010 with 2,435 people which broke the previous Guinness World Records of 1412 participants in Mexico. The participants is composed of mixed gender and age. The activity was sponsored by Ginebra San Miguel Inc. and GSM V. Distributors Inc.

8. Most Organ Donor Pledges

Who: Students of Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP-Sta. Mesa)

Photo Credit: naharnet.com

PUP (Polytechnic University of the Philippines) breaks Guinness World Record for most sign up as organ donor in one-hour with 3,548 pledges," declared DOH Assistant Secretary Dr. Eric Tayag during the "Organ Donation Sign-Up Campaign: I Am a Lifeline" event in the campus based in Sta. Mesa, Manila

7. Most Fireworks Rockets Launched in 30 Seconds

Who: Pyroworks International Inc.

Photo Credit: Philippine Book of Records

A different kind of mass explosion now, with the Most fireworks rockets launched in 30 seconds. 125,801 rockets were launched in Cebu in May 2010, from 16 stacks of 8,000 rockets each - creating quite the display! All successful rockets were launched within 17 seconds.

6. The Most Number of Motorcycle Engines Started Simultaneously, The Most Number of Motorcycle Horns Sounded Simultaneously, and The Largest Parade of Yamaha Motorcycles

Who: Yamaha Motor Philippines Inc.

Photo Credit: Philippine Star

Photo Credit: Yamaha Motor

At least 1,500 riders banded together at the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Concert Grounds, revving their engines, beeping their horns, and parading their bikes in a bid to set 3 records.

The Philippines was able to set the record for “most number of motorcycle engines started simultaneously," "most number of horns sounded simultaneously," and the "largest parade of Yamaha motorcycles.”

While 2 of the records were easily created by the club, the world record for Largest Parade of Yamaha Motorcycles, had to be earned.

5. Largest Flaming Image with Candles

Who: Filipinos with other Asian Countries

Photo Credit: Guinness World Records

A huge crowd of 11,336 people took part in an illuminating event in the Philippines last month, lighting 56,680 candles to set a new record for the largest flaming image.

Filipinos together with visitors from Thailand and several other countries joined together to help light-up the image in a 166m x 303m field in the city of of Iloilo, Panay Island.

4. Most Different Dishes on Display 

Who: Kraft Foods Philippines (2009)

Photo Credit: dailymail.co.uk

The most different dishes on display is 5,845 and was achieved by Kraft Foods Philippines at Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, Philippines, on 14 December 2009.

The record-breaking attempt was a promotional event for Kraft's Eden cheese, which was an ingredient in every dish prepared.

3. Most Women Breastfeeding Simultaneously

Who: Nurturers of the Earth, Children for Breastfeeding

Photo Credit: smh.com.au

The most women breastfeeding simultaneously at multiple venues was 15,128 at 295 sites across the Philippines on 2 May 2007. The event was organised by Children for Breastfeeding Inc., the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and the Nurturers of the Earth Inc.

2. Longest Individual Drum Roll

Who: Justin Daniel "Bateng" Arde

Photo Credit: Guinness World Records

The longest drum roll by an individual is 12 hr 3 seconds and was achieved by Justin Daniel "Bateng" Arde (Philippines) at the Lyceum of the Philippines University Cavite Campus, General Trias, Cavite, Philippines, on 20 November 2013.

1. Longest Marathon Playing Basketball

Who: Asian Cable Enterprise Inc.

Photo Credit: Guinness World Records

The longest marathon playing basketball is 120 hours (5 days), 1 minute and 7 seconds, achieved at the Meralco Gym in Manila, Philippines from 24-29 March 2014.

The previous record was 112 hours and 13 seconds from March 21-25 2012. The game took place at the Missouri Athletic Club in Saint Louis, Missouri, USA with Team Joplin defeating Team St. Louis, 11,806-11,620.

The Philippines' Basketball Marathon broke the 112-hour record at around 1AM on Saturday but continued playing to reach their ultimate goal of 120 hours.

The final tally is 16,783 – 16,732 in favor of Team Bounce Back. The teams broke the scoring record of 11,806 .

The 24 players have endured the grueling 5 days of physical and mental exhaustion, playing through injuries, such as blisters and muscle strains, and sleeping for an hour or two in makeshift quarters on the gym's bleachers.

Players were in tears of joy after completing the five-day Basketball Marathon
Photo Credit: Spot.ph

Source: Guinness World Records
              Philippine Book of Records