Sizzling Pepper Steak (Piazza, Mckinley Hills)

I was finally able to try out at Sizzling Pepper Steak one lunch time at work. I've been hearing a lot of comments about their food but I was hesitant because it seems kinda pricey especially for me who tries to budget my everyday allowance at work. LOL.

So when we were finally seated, we were given menus, and an order slip with pen, where you will write your order and once done, you will flip the sign at the table from "STOP" to "MOO-OOVE" so a crew will go to your table and finally get your order.

I ordered Pork Pepper Rice with extra egg on top, while my friend ordered Pork Curry Pepper Rice. The food was served fast enough, it was served in a sizzling hot plate, and the meat has to be tossed for it to be cooked well. The food over all is good. Unique taste and dining to try out. Though I must say we waited a long time for the bill. For the prices, it was not that pricey as I first thought. There are Student Meals for 99php, while lowest price for regular Pepper Rice Meals ranges from 160php-220php. Looking forward to try out Seafood Pepper Rice next! :)

Tutti Frutti Yogurt Ice Cream

During one of my girl bonding dates with highschool girlfriends we passed through Tutti Frutti yogurt store at Megamall. We were looking for some after dinner ice cream and we decided to try yogurt, though I was not really a fan of it, I'm really not into eating yogurt, I don't like the sour taste, and so I tought having it as an ice cream would be the same too.

The store is not that spacious, just a few tables and a topping bar at the side. The crew was very friendly, and assist us on the self serving yogurt dispensing machines, which you have to pull the lever for the yogurt ice cream to come out. You can pick from 8 ice cream flavors, some of the flavors I remembered are banana, green apple, coconut, chocolate raspberry, mango, and taro. You can also have a free taste first before choosing your ice cream. And you can get all flavors you want, since the price would depend on the weight of your cup. (they charge 20php per ounce) So I decided to get taro and coconut, since these flavors are sweet apart from my knowledge that all yogurts are sour.

Tutti Frutti yogurt ice crem

After getting our yogurts we proceeded on the toppings bar, where you can have many varieties of toppings to choose from. There are syrups(choco fudge, caramel, strawberry), fresh fruits(mango, peach, kiwi, blueberry, etc), nuts, candy sprinkles, wafers, oreo crumbs, cereals and lots more! After weighing my regular sized cup I paid for 160php, not bad for the cup size and all those toppings I got.

I would say you have to try this out if you have a sweet tooth like me. And enjoy healthy and yummy flavors of frozen yogurt at Tutti Frutti. ;)

Parvati (Bakeshop)

Parvati is a bakeshop/cafe that offers a unique way of selling products, and I can say their concept sure is brilliant. They've come up of getting all the best seller/masterpiece per se of each bakeshops, and offer it in their store. The store is not that spacious, few tables, all white and dainty, and a small counter at the back.

Parvati has varieties from pastries, cakes, cookies, desserts which customers with a sweet tooth will crave for. What's nice is that you can have a taste of every best selling product of different bakeshops all in one place. I was not familiar of this particular store nor their unique way of selling goods, we just happen to stroll along Trinoma one weekend with my friends when a girl approched us and give us a stub, which offers a choice of free cupcake or coffee in Parvati. We decided to try it out, and when we went inside we don't know on which to order with so many pastries to choose from and all of them looks delectable! We chose a free coffee for the stub, then decided to try out Choco Chip Oatmeal Cookies. One box contains 12pcs of those delicious oatmeal cookies, which costs 120php per box (not bad).

Parvati Oatmeal Cookies

And the staff were nice. They were also kind enough to help us choose on what pastry to try. The other side of the wall consists of pictures of different pastries they offer, and I was surprised when the staff pulls it over, seems that those pictures in the wall are actually like drawers/storage where the pastries are kept, based on the picture. Cool huh.

I also wanted to try out their mochi ice cream, and had my friend to bought it last week. Mochi ice cream was originated in Japan. Its ice cream covered in soft sticky rice dough.  Parvati is selling 6pcs for 230php. There are 6 flavors; chocolate, coffee, mango, vanilla, strawberry and green tea. I tried coffee and vanilla and it was delicious!
So for those who are in crave for pastries, I suggest you try them. You can find it at the lower ground in Trinoma mall, just below National bookstore.

Underground River (Puerto Princesa, Palawan)

One of the most sought after place to visit when in Puerto Princesa is the famous Underground River. Many tourists visit Puerto Princesa for an experience inside the cave which is the official entry of the Philippines for the New 7 Wonders of the World. It's the longest navigable underground river in the world and the very minute I found out that we were going to Puerto Princesa I already made sure it's included in our itenerary list.

Going to Underground River is a bit long ride, but I assure you that you will enjoy the scenery. Truly Palaweños know how to take good care of their treasure. And I was impressed for their Mayor on good governance in the city. So we hired a van with a tourist on the way to Sabang River. The van costs 1500php, a ride to and from the hotel, and can accomodate up to 15 people.

Sabang Beach

The ride to Sabang beach was about an hour or more, but I would say you will not be bored. You will enjoy so many sceneries; hills, mountains and trees. Upon arriving at Sabang Beach, you will have to pay first for a boat ride going to the Underground River. The boat costs 600php and can accomodate up to 6 people. And of course Palawan will not disappoint you of a breathtaking scenery during the boat travel.

Boat ride to Underground River

When we arrived there, there were lots of people waiting in line for another boat ride, this time it's the ride inside the cave! I was immediately excited for our turn, while we were also interrupted by cute little monkeys enjoying a canister of Pringles. We were finally seated in a boat, and a lantern has to be lifted up by the one in front of the boat to be able to see inside the cave. The ride was exceptional, the boat ride will consume about 45 minutes to 1 hour. It was my first time inside a cave and there were lots of rock formations that you can see inside. The tour guide was a comic. I've never seen such masterpieces that's truly a work of nature. Surely, this should be number one in your list when you spend your vacation in Puerto Princesa.

Underground River

Kamarikutan Kape at Galeri (Coffee and Gallery) [Puerto Princesa, Palawan]

One of the restaurants we were able to visit when we were on a vacation in Puerto Princesa is Kamarikutan Kape at Galeri. But I would say going there at night was not a good idea, not if you want a creepy horror  film scenario (just kidding). We went there for an after dinner coffee. So we arrived there at about 9pm by a tricycle ride. When we went out I was surprised and was searching for a coffee house, but all we found was a wooden signboard that says "Kamarikutan Kape at Galeri" and a long dark (I mean totally dark) path with tall trees at the sides. We were fooling around and saying it looks like an abandoned place in a horror film, even so we proceed in walking inside, hoping that soon we could see lights and the coffee house.

Going inside Kamarikutan

After a while we saw a "nipa hut" ethnic style coffee house, it was an open space place, and the lights were dim. And to complete the creepy aura, there were no guests, we even couldn't see any of their crews. So when we went inside, the place was nice though, tables and chairs were made of bamboo. All you can hear is the sound of the rippling water coming out of the fountains at the side. To our surprise there was a crew at the corner, sitted behind the front desk. We were given menus for our orders, while others decided to look around the gallery. The place was nice, don't get me wrong, but the place just gives me a creepy feeling, and if you're like me who's not a fan of ethnic wooden anito sculptures and weird looking wooden masks, well I must say you must understand the feeling. LOL.

Nipa hut style coffeehouse

The Gallery

For the food, I would say it's good and in affordable price too. I ordered french toast and a latte. The coffee was good. And the concept of their canisters for the condiments completed the ethnic motif. Too bad I wasn't able to find these at the gift shop before our flight home, I was planning to give it to my mom back at home.

Coffee

Sugar

 All in all our experience here in Kamarikutan is quite exceptional. Creepy, ethnic, but I would say I enjoyed it. I still think though that it would be best to visit here in the daytime. So you can see better of their surroundings, instead of just a pitch dark outside. 

Badjao Inn Restaurant (Puerto Princesa, Palawan)

Our first plan was to spend our afternoon here in Badjao Inn Restaurant, since we were told it was best to see the sunset here. But due to change of schedules, we went there for lunch instead. There was a long path on the way inside the restaurant, a long bridge made of wood, and at the side were mangrove trees.

Going inside Badjao Inn

Surely when we arrived here, the place was breath taking. the ambiance that Badjao Inn is offering is a dine experience close to nature. It looks like an open wide space veranda, where just below the restaurant itself is the seashore. The tables and chairs are made of wood, and white cloths are hung above the ceiling.

Badjao Inn Restaurant

Veranda

The food was good, and the price was just right, while enjoying a glimpse of nature while dining. I was a bit regretful that we were not able to go here for dinner, because I bet watching the sunset here would be best. This place is absolutely a must to visit when you take a vacation in Puerto Princesa. 

Honda Bay (Puerto Princesa, Palawan)

Our first tour in Puerto Princesa was Honda Bay Tour. The van ride going to Honda Bay was exhilarating. Even Puerto Princesa is the city in Palawan, you can bet you'll never see nature like that in the normal city. I can't imagine what to expect in Coron or El Nido! Truly the people in Palawan gives much care and respect in their place, that makes people like me to live there. :)

Boat ride going to Pandan Island

When we were in a boat trip for our first island, Pandan Island, I was feeling so relaxed as the wind touched my face, the smell of nature and beautiful waters around me. The beauty of Pandan Island when we finally arrived was truly amazing. Like paradise, peaceful, with clear blue ocean, white sand, and huts for visitors with blue curtains.

Pandan Island cottages

We had an amazing experience with snorkeling here, considering it's my first time to be around fishes in lots of size and colors and experience touching a coral 60ft below (though what I didn't like about it is that my ears hurt due to pressure).

Pandan Island

Next stop is Snake Island, same clear water and white sand, but the difference the sands curved up a path in a zigzag pattern, like a shape of a snake. we haven't got the chance to swim much here since were all tired from snorkeling in Pandan Island, and the heat of the sun was too hot, so we decided to just rest in the cottage while enjoying our halo halos and for some a fresh buko juice. :) Though of course, we didn't miss the chance for a photoshoot.

Last is the Starfish Island, where we enjoyed a lot of pictures to be reminded of how fun the experience we had there.

Starfishes

Starfish Island

We never wanted to leave the place, just as our tourist told as that we were about to leave. But surely if there would be a place that I would plan to return to in Puerto Princesa, Honda Bay is number one in my list. :)

Ka Lui Restaurant (Puerto Princesa Palawan)

We had our dinner at Ka Lui on our first day of our vacation in Puerto Princesa, since my friend told me that it's one of those famous restaurants that's a must to try. And we weren't dissapointed. It has a certain aura that will certainly make you feel relaxed, with the lush garden and mini waterfalls.

Ka Lui

The floors and furnitures are made of bamboo, and over all the restaurant depicts an ethnic inspired motif. The restaurant has already full of guests when we arrived, and it was a must that you first have a reservation with them. Before entering the place guests are required to leave their shoes at the door. You can choose to sit at normal tables and chairs, or low tables and sit on pillows at the floor.

The food was delectable, and it was my first time to eat lato (seaweed). It has quite salty taste, and pops in your mouth.

Lato (seaweed)

Banapple Pies & Cheesecakes (Katipunan Branch)

I first heard of Banapple through my facebook friends, and I've read a lot of good feedback. So I decided to plan to visit it. I tried to research for its location, but unfortunately it's a bit far from our place. They only have branches in Quezon City (1 in Tomas Morato and the other in Katipunan), but I couldn't resist the temptation to try it out. One weekend I went with my family, since I said that I was hearing so much about it.

Banapple

When we arrived at the Katipunan branch many cars were already parked, and we had to wait for a vacant table. The ambience is warm and cozy, like your in your home, and the concept of their tables, that looks like big chunks of M&Ms put together, is good.

Banapple table

When we have settled for a table, we lined up to place our order, the menu has varieties of food to choose from, from sandwiches to pasta and rice, up to their famous desserts. The food looks delectable. Me, my mom and dad ordered for pasta, while my brother ordered hickory smoked barbecued country ribs.

Once the crew served our food, the table was filled with big plates. What's good about it is that the serving is great, the pasta al dente, and I like their pesto butter bread. I liked the pasta jacintha more, which my mom ordered. While the smell of those smoked ribs made me want to try it out too. For our finale, we ordered the famous banoffee pie, and blueberry cheesecake for my mom. I'm not a fan of blueberry cheesecake, so I opted for the banoffee pie. The pie is great. The combination of bananas, dulce de leche, bread crumbs and cream was fantastic. Even as I wrote this I was craving for it again. Too bad my camera's battery was empty before I could get pictures of the food.

Banapple has good amount of servings of their food and a reasonable price for such sumptous meals. I'm hoping that they would have a branch along Makati soon. All in all I would recommend this restaurant for those who enjoys food and who's looking for a getaway for your sweet tooth cravings. I'm hoping for my next visit soon.

LG GD580 Lollipop Review

LG Lollipop sure is a craze nowadays. When I first had sight of it's cute colors ang slim flip body I immediately craved to buy it. Sure it has typical features in camera, which is only 3.2 megapixel external camera, FM radio, bluetooth. And 3G is not that important for me though. But what really caught my attention is the rare cute colors: blue, black, and pink, and most of all, its unique LED logo flashing effects feature.

I was super craving for it, and also did a lot of reviews about the phone, though I've read in reviews that one of its cons is the lagging. I canvassed for weeks here in Philippines and boy it sure got famous in no time. I was eyeing for the blue one, and was still having a dilemma whether to buy LG Ice Cream or LG Lollipop. I also like Ice Cream because apart from the fact that it's much cheaper (the price of Ice Cream is half of the price of Lollipop), its length is more shorter than Lollipop, which is only right for my grip. And the casing is cute too. But Lollipop is more attractive in its much wider LED patterns and more slim and thin which I loved. I was hoping I would change my mind and would later prefer Ice Cream due to my budget, but I thought if I would buy a phone I wouldn't want to regret it afterwards that I haven't chosen what I liked most. I canvassed in stores and by only 1 week there are already shortage in stocks (the only available color is pink and gray) and by another week even the pink color is out in several stores! The minute I stepped into a store that has an available blue color, I bought it right there and then. :)

LG GD580 Lollipop's measurements are 10.83 x 5.15 x 1.34 cm and in 103.5 grams its quite lightweight. The display screen is 2.8 inches wide. Apart from a 3.2 megapixel camera at the back, it also has an internal camera with 1.3 megapixel. It's a good thing that even though the external camera is just a typical 3.2 megapixel, it takes good pictures. The sound's also good, and I like the quality of sound in the earphones. One thing I don't like about it is that the vibration is too strong, and I would prefer if the length of the phone is shorter because if flipped open it's quite too long for me.

The 7x15 matrix LED flashing effects has 12 default patterns to choose from, and users can also customize their own. Though I would like to comment that the interval time of the flashing lights should be longer, or better yet, can be customized by user on how long they prefer it to be displayed. There's also a secret lighting at the bottom which has 7 available colors. Both the LED patterns and secret lighting can be preset for individual caller ID.

The theme is really girly and cute. There were pre uploaded JAVA games (though those were just trial games) but it's not difficult for you to find games to download from the net. Lollipop also has 2 M-TOY phone motion sensing capabilities of games and applications.

There's a built in memory of 60MB. Memory capacity can be extended up to 8 GB of memory with a  microSD memory card slot. The flip phone can be connected to other devices like printer, computer and even to other phones via USB cable since it supports USB connectivity. Connection between the phone and Bluetooth compatible device is possible via the Bluetooth wireless technology because of which data can be transferred through wireless connection.

Also one of its nice features is its auto silent mode once you flip the phone down. Though I would say reviews about the phone being slight slow is quite true, I haven't experienced any lagging yet. All in all I would say I've been enjoying my Lollipop since the day I bought it, and I have to say I didn't have regrets in buying it.