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Author: Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco

  • How to Be Both Stylish and Comfortable in Late Pregnancy

    How to Be Both Stylish and Comfortable in Late Pregnancy

    As their bump grows during the third trimester, many women begin to feel uncomfortable… and unfashionable. In fact, research suggests that over 70% of mothers-to-be feel frumpy in their own bodies, and nearly 25% feel shapeless and unsexy, with the majority missing the skinny jeans they used to love prior to conception.  However, maternity wear has come a long way in recent years, and with a bit of know-how, you can be both stylish and comfortable in late pregnancy while allowing your beautiful bump to shine.  Read on for some tips.

    1. Don’t Be Tempted to Size Up

    Maternity clothes are designed with your pre-pregnancy clothing size in mind.  So, a pregnancy top in a size 12, for example, has been designed to fit the arms and shoulders of a pre-pregnant size 12 woman, while also having extra room for her growing bump and breasts.  A lot of women are unaware of this and opt for clothing in a bigger size during the third trimester.  However, this can make you look bigger than you actually are and also contribute to the feeling of being ‘frumpy’.  Maternity clothes are fully designed to fit your frame, so don’t buy bigger unless you have to.

    2. Look for Items That Can Be Adapted

    Unless you plan on having a large brood, it’s unlikely you want to spend a lot of money on maternity clothing.  However, choosing not to buy much can leave you feeling like you’re wearing the same outfits over and over again.  One way to get around this is to purchase clothes that can be easily adapted, and mix and matched.  Keep your eyes peeled for wrap tops, empire lines and drawstring waists that will look great both before and after the birth and can be adapted to nursing as well.  All you need is a few key pieces that will give you a variety of outfit combinations.

    3. Make Sure Your Underwear is Supportive

    Not only will pre-pregnancy underwear be uncomfortable as you move through your pregnancy, but it also won’t be supportive either.  It’s a good idea to get your breasts re-measured and purchase a comfortable non-wired bra that will support them during your third trimester.  You could buy a maternity bra, or even look for a night-time nursing bra which will perform the same job, but be useful following the birth as well.  Don’t underestimate what good underwear can do for your confidence – and your appearance.

    4. Don’t Forget Your Shoes

    Finally, while high heels are most definitely going to be out during the third trimester, this doesn’t mean that you can’t look stylish.  Many women in the third-tri opt to wear sneakers – or, if the weather allows for it, flip flops or sandals – as they’re easy to put on and will keep your feet comfy all day long.  Rather than wearing a cheap pair, though, check out some designer brands.  For example, the Balenciaga sneakers sold on SSENSE are both fashion-forward and comfortable, and come in a large range of styles.  You could opt for a gorgeous pair of Canvas Match sneakers or some bold Track sneakers.  Better yet – you can wear them after the birth as well.

    Mama – you look gorgeous!  Hopefully, the above tips will help you to feel the same way the rest of us do when we look at you.

  • Review of Skyroam Travel Wi-Fi (Use Coupon Code TRAVELMODE to Get 10% Discount)

    Review of Skyroam Travel Wi-Fi (Use Coupon Code TRAVELMODE to Get 10% Discount)

    Having a portable Wi-Fi hotspot for international travel is always a must for us. We like staying connected for online communication (in case any of us gets lost), transportation guide, social media, video streaming, and emails. We went to Taiwan during the Holy Week and got a handy mobile Wi-Fi from Big Sky Nation: Skyroam. It’s our first time to try this travel Wi-Fi provider, and we’re happy to say we had a great experience. Here’s a short review.

    5 Things I Like About Skyroam Travel Wi-Fi

    1. No Hidden Cost, No Unnecessary Expense

    Skyroam 4GMate is a virtual SIM enabled Wi-Fi hotpot that can be used in over 100 countries. We prefer using this over roaming because it connects to the strongest local network of the country where you’re traveling. Best of all, you’ll not be shocked when you see your bill because you just pay per use. For a list of prices per country, visit their website here.

    2. Up to 16 Hours of Battery Life

    Skyroam 4GMate is powered with 5,000 mah and its battery life extends to 8 to 16 hours, depending on usage. In our case, we did not experience having low battery while outside. I charge the device while we sleep at night and unplug it in the morning, to make sure it’s fully charged for our whole day of travel. The device screen indicates a power bar so you will know its battery life.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BwmU8i1FmUi/

    3. Safe and Secure, Better Than Public Wi-Fi

    Taipei is pretty much a tech city. Free Wi-Fi is almost everywhere around, especially in malls and coffee shops, but there are some risks. Usually, free Wi-Fi areas attract cyber criminals and sometimes the connection speed is slow since you’re sharing with a lot of other people. Finding a fast and reliable connection is a bit hit and miss. Skyroam 4GMate provides a more secure connection than public Internet connection. You can have access on the go without hunting down the signal of Wi-Fi spots or incurring data roaming fees. The connection is high speed and great! Check out my Instagram Story highlights for all the posts I’ve shared during the trip while using Skyroam’s connection.

    4. Shareable Connection, Up to 5 Devices

    Taking Skyroam with us took away the hassle, time, and stress for a good internet connection. My husband and I shared the device and we simply turned on the portable device for research and stream whenever we wanted. It did provide total freedom! If you’re traveling with a bigger group, it can connect to up to 5 different devices so you can split the cost between the group.

    5. Renting is Easy

    Getting a travel Wi-Fi device from Big Sky Nation is quick and easy, but it’s still better to give yourself a couple of days to allow for it to arrive before you go on your travels in case of any delays.

    To rent the device and avail of the service, here are the steps:
    1. Visit their website at https://bigskynation.com/
    2. Fill in the booking form which takes 2-5 minutes.
    3. Pay online using the various card options.
    4. Receive a confirmation email and wait for your Skyroam device to arrive. Big Sky Nation can deliver to your home address or office address, or to the airport. Once you are finished with the device, simply put in the provided pre-paid envelope and send back the travel Wi-Fi.

    #TravelWithBigSky Wrap Up

    When we travel, we find ourselves checking local transit maps and Google maps constantly. We often save the places we’re going to be while on Wi-Fi, but that doesn’t help when we need to do some research on the go. It’s nice to have our Skyroam with us so information will always be at our fingertips whenever and wherever we need it.

    Whether you’re a full-on digital nomad or simply like to stay regularly connected while away travelling, SkyRoam is a great option. You can rent the wi-fi travel device directly through their website or call to inquire about other products and last-minute bookings. Use my Skyroam coupon code TRAVELMODE to get 10% discount. 😉 

    💻 www.bigskynation.com
    ✉ info@bigskynation.com
    📞 02-403 1399
    📱 0918 964 7626

  • Ten Things to Do in the Amalfi Coast

    Ten Things to Do in the Amalfi Coast

    Italy’s Amalfi Coast draws thousands of tourists from around Europe each year. The rugged coast stretches from Salerno and Naples along the Sorrento Peninsula. Stunning beaches and warm waters combine with world-class restaurants. If you want a luxury vacation, learn about Amalfi Coast rental properties first. You can find dozens to suit all budgets and types of vacation. Regardless of the type of holiday, discover these top ten things to do on the Amalfi Coast.

    Ten Things to Do in the Amalfi Coast

    1. Explore Amalfi Town

    The region’s main town bursts with character and life. Colorful houses and shops stand side by side, each one looks distinct and different to the next. Locals wander around at their slow pace of life. Tourists snap pictures of the quaint lifestyle. Check out Amalfi Cathedral and the Piazza del Duomo. Spend the afternoon along the promenade. Then browse through the shops before relaxing on the beach.

    2. Enjoy picturesque coastal walks in Sorrento

    Sorrento lies on the northern arm of the coast. The main attractions lie in the town’s magnificent scenery. Follow the trails up the hill to the best viewpoints. Walk through the quaint town centre and visit the 11th-century Cathedral of Sorrento. Stop by the fort and watch the fishing boats come home and the sailing boats bobbing up and down near the horizon.

    3. Hit the beaches in Maiori and Minori

    Both Maiori and Minora are a short drive from Alamfi and have an incredible stretch of coastline. Book your vacation rental in the town and spend the afternoon on either of these beaches. Expect soft white sand (with relatively few beachgoers) against the gentle lapping of the clear Mediterranean waters. Check out the rows of shops along the waterfront and make the most of the region’s best seafood.

    4. Get out into nature in the Ferriera Valley

    Aside from beaches and quaint towns, the region has other natural attractions inside the Ferriera Valley. The protected area has hiking trails into the mountains that wind through the thick forests. Spend a few hours out in nature soaking up the serenity of Italy’s coastline. Some of the trails lead to picnicking spots. Others head to waterfalls. Grab a map in Amalfi Town and enjoy a day out in nature. And you probably won’t see a single tourist on your entire trip.

    5. See the Amalfi Coast by boat

    The best way to see coastline is by taking a boat tour. Organise a short trip out onto the Med and watch the undulating coastline from the luxury of the deck. You can take the perfect photographs that really capture the region’s essence and perspective. Your tour guide will share stories as well which add so much more insight and value to your trip. Most boat trips last between one and two hours. Visit the tourist information office for the latest tips.

    6. Marvel at the beauty of Positano

    Imagine multi-coloured houses rising up the lush mountainside. Now add in a historical old town, winding streets and a thriving café culture. This is Positano, one of the region’s most picturesque towns. Spend the night to experience its full beauty. Have a full day to relax on the beach and soak up the charming ambience, and watch the world from the cafés. Then join a boat tour out to see the stunning views of the town from the sea.

    7. Visit the traditional fishing village of Cetara

    Decades ago, the Amalfi Coast mostly consisted of quiet fishing villages. Today, the region has transformed into a tourist hub. Only a handful of the coastal communities remain including Cetara. Everything you see in this small village stays untainted by tourism. The way of life reflects what the resident’s grandparents and great grandparents did in a bygone era. Sit on the side of the port and watch the wooden fishing boats bring in their daily catch. Photograph the colourful boats and buildings. Then sit next to the beach and eat the catch of the day.

    8. See the Murals at Furore

    Furore lies in the central part of the Amalfi Coast. Rent a car and drive up limestone cliffs to this little-visited town. As you enter Furore, you’ll notice the beautiful murals. The hand-painted images show what day-to-day life was like in the past. You’ll find these mural covering the walls of several houses and shops.

    9. Hit the clubs in Capri

    Regular ferries connect Capri Island to the several towns along the coast. Tourists flock to Capri for its stunning landscapes, mountain views and vibrant nightlife. If you want to hit the clubs and party, this is the place to visit.

    10. See the ultra-rare caves bathed in emerald light

    Smeraldo Cave creates an emerald light that bathes the inside of the caverns. Only a handful of caves on the planet exhibit this natural phenomenon. Follow SS163 Route to the entrance. You’ll take an elevator inside the cave to see this incredible natural phenomena. Look out for the way the light bounces off the walls to create an almost otherworldly atmosphere.

    A perfect holiday in an Italian Paradise

    If you’re looking for luxury and natural beauty, you’ll find it along this stretch of the Italian coastline. Get out and explore the picturesque towns, remote islands and take a boat tour to get the best views. Embrace the slow pace of life inside a café while watching the world pass by or visit traditional fishing villages. Italy’s Amalfi Coast caters to everyone and everyone’s travel interests.

  • Top Exclusive Mother’s Day Gifts for the Modern Moms

    Top Exclusive Mother’s Day Gifts for the Modern Moms

    One month to go before Mother’s Day! This year will be my first time to be celebrating Mother’s Day as a new mom. 🙂 Motherhood is absolutely beautiful, but it’s exhausting, exhilarating, and scary all at the same time. Truly, becoming a mom is one of the most momentous times in a woman’s life. Along with it of course are responsibilities like guiding and nurturing kids to their success.

    As people say, no one can replace a mother’s position as the best nurturer of her little ones. With this, any mother deserves the best things for her exceptional qualities. She makes life full of happy and joyous moments. Mother’s Day is the perfect day to shower your mom with love and some amazing thoughtful gifts to show how much you care.

    Have a “modern mom”? Make her day memorable by giving some unique gifts and presents. You may even get different gifting ideas on the internet. Just spend some time finding the best gifts to create some unforgettable memories of the day. The most important thing is to select items according to her taste or interests. Here are some trending gifts for the modern moms this mother’s day.

    Top Exclusive Mother’s Day Gifts for the Modern Moms

    Essential accessories

    When it comes to thinking of gift ideas for moms, there’s a lot of pressure. You want to find something she’ll use all the time, but it can’t be strictly utilitarian. It should also have a sentimental spin. How about choosing some fantastic mother’s day gifts online for her? Select some accessories like bags, sunglasses, and scarves, etc. for your mom. You can even choose a keepsake accessory with her name on it to make her feel special.

    Jewelry like pearl pendants

    Most of the moms are fashion lovers, and they like to go with the trends. If your mom is interested in designer jewelry, make a pearl pendant or necklace for her. You can even give her a chance to choose her favorite pattern and design. It can be a perfect mother’s day gift to bring some unforgettable moments in her life. She may be expecting such designer jewelry for a long time. Your mom will be going to love your gift selection for making her day special.

    A gift hamper of ethnic wear

    Mothers are curious to wear traditional dresses on special occasions. They also expect something new for their memorable events. You have the right chance to purchase ethnic wear of her choices. The colors and patterns of a particular dress should be according to her taste. Make a hamper adding such a beautiful clothing gift for your mom on this mother’s day. It should be something which can bring her to the next level of joy. She will come to know how much you think about her basic needs.

    A themed cake for mom

    Have you ever seen any celebration without a delicious cake? A cake is essential for commemorating all memorable occasions with our near and dear ones. You can also celebrate motherhood by dedicating a unique mother’s day cake for your loving mom.  Make it special for her by decorating according to the best theme. Consider her favorite passion for cake decoration. Your mom will be happy to get such warmth of love and happiness from your side. She will never forget the grand celebration of this mother’s day at home.

    Customized Mugs and Cushions

    If you have time to finalize your gift, go with some personalized items. Most of the personalized gifts are perfect for creating some beautiful memories of the day. Surprise your mom by gifting photo mugs and cushions this mother’s day. Take her great pictures to personalize both the items. You can even select any thoughtful quote or caption to imprint on the mug and cushion. She will keep these beautiful presents in her living room.

  • 5 Things to Invest in After Med School

    5 Things to Invest in After Med School

    Now that the end of medical school is near, you might want to delve in other important aspects of your career more than just those thick medical books, late night cram sessions, and clinical rotations. After med school, you need to seriously consider your financial status moving forward.

    Being a medical doctor is a great and rewarding career. It is personally rewarding because you get to help people with their ailments. It should be a financially rewarding career because the average pay is around $250,000 annually. But according to a survey conducted by the American Medical Association, around 56% of physicians have an underwhelming savings of around $100,000 upon retirement. Only 69% of physicians feel knowledgeable about financial planning and literacy.

    This financial problem is mainly due to the lack of financial plans that should have been started at the very beginning of their medical career. Investments come in many forms and here are some things that an up and coming medical doctor should be investing.

    5 Things to Invest in After Med School

    1. Life Insurance

    No one gets to better see and understand the uncertainty of life than medical doctors. Life and death scenarios are probably always in your face as a third person perspective. Being aware of the kind of devastation a loss of life can inflict on a family is very much familiar to you. Life insurance is something no one actually wants to use, but is a solid financial decision that will help your family stay afloat amidst all the commotion that can arise when you get to meet the creator.

    There are usually two types of life insurance, whole and term policies. Term life insurance policy means you are insured for a certain period of time, while the whole life insurance guarantees financial backup for all your life.

    2. Disability Insurance

    Being a doctor means you rely on your skills, knowledge, and expertise for a living. But what happens when something made you unable to do your job. Something that results in you being disabled? According to statistics, one in three doctors will undergo some form of disability that will render them unable to do their job over the course of their career, whether it is short term or long term.

    This means you lost not only your ability to help people but also lost your very income. Disability insurance is a concrete way to protect you from loss of income and other financial problems due to disability that will hinder you to perform your practice. When you have this kind of investment, you have less worry about what the future may hold for you as this ensure financial stability all throughout.

    3. Retirement

    At the end of the day, you won’t still be practicing when you are old. What you should do around those times is to enjoy life and the fruit of your labor. Retirement plans are something you need to consider early on. 401K is a retirement plan sponsored by employers and it is something you definitely start with.

    Discuss the plans and security covered by the hospital or clinic you are working with. Funding it early is a great idea to start earning interest on it. Let your money work for you.

    4. Home

    Owning a real estate property is an investment that offers benefits to everyone, even doctors. Not only does it secure that you have a place to live, but it can also be used as another form of additional income like a home rental. Apart from these, it can as well be used for tax benefits listed as a form of depreciation.

    5. Money Market Savings

    Money market accounts are something to be explored by medical professions as it has the benefits of both savings and checking accounts, only it accumulates more interest that both forms of accounts. These are considered low risk and even no risk investments.

  • Review of Fantastic Chef Taft (Leon Guinto, Manila)

    Review of Fantastic Chef Taft (Leon Guinto, Manila)

    Taft Avenue in Manila is filled with food stalls and restaurants that cater mostly to students and thus offer items that are budget-friendly. Walk every five feet and literally you’ll wind up in a great dining spot. Walk some more and you’ll find Fantastic Chef in Leon Guinto Street. A sister company of Fantastic Baka, Fantastic Chef Taft is a swish restaurant that’s perfect for giving friends an intro to the joys of unlimited samgyupsal and savory banchan. Check it out.

    Review of Fantastic Chef Taft (Leon Guinto, Manila)

    Ambiance:

    Fantastic Chef Taft is one of the newest entrants to the Korean bbq craze in the metro. The restaurant is bright and spacious, and the earthy tiles making up a rustic backsplash look chic and attractive. Orange chairs and yellow accents on the sides of the table are a nice change of pace as pop of colors in the seemingly mundane setup. All tables are equipped with a grill stove and a hanging induction equipment to take care of proper ventilation and make sure you don’t smell of smoke after a few rounds of sizzling meat. K-POP songs played on the background, which made the ambiance feel more Korean.

    Food:

    Haven’t tried Korean grilled bbq before? You can’t go wrong with pork, chicken, or beef cooked on the tabletop grill at Fantastic Chef Taft, where quality cuts of top-notch marinades and a good variety of sides combine into a memorable meal.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Bv_nVnFlYfF/

    Food is prepared by Chef Jang Jungyun, a 3-star Michelin awardee and one of Korea’s A-list chefs, the same chef responsible for the food in Fantastic Baka. With this, you can order with confidence and choose from different cuts of meat, ranging from your usual suspects like pork belly and spicy pork bulgogi to some less routine stuff such as jowls and skirt meat. When in doubt, come with your friends or family so you can order and share everything, like we did. 🙂

    We started lunch with steamed egg which was fluffy and light. Then we had kimchi, japchae, cabbage salad, fish cake and soup as appetizers and enjoyed them as well with meat. For mains, we got one serving each of skirt meat, seasoned pork neck, cheek, rack, pork belly, spicy pork bulgogi, jowls meat, thin pork belly, spicy chicken bbq, seasoned chicken bbq, and beef plate.

    Like in any Korean bbq place, you don’t need to be a master chef to cook. My husband did most of the cooking and cut the meat with scissors to serve. We were pretty satisfied with the tender and tasty pieces of meat that came out with beautiful char. Meat with a hint of smoky notes and those marinated with sweet and spice stood out most for me. 🙂

    In the interest of doing Korean bbq right and getting the most out of your meal, here are some tips to consider:

    • Eat Korean bbq with banchan. When cooking, place meat on the center of the grill plate for about two minutes on each side. While waiting, dive into your banchan and feel free to snag pieces of meat to eat right off the grill.
    • Banchan is not merely an appetizer. These side dishes are usually served at the start of the meal, but they’re meant to be sampled all throughout, as they typically have acid and vinegar. Try it and you’ll appreciate when the acid cuts through all the rich flavor and fats of meat. For the ultimate flavor rapture, eat kimchi with pork belly in a single bite. Be adventurous!
    • Balance meat with some veggies (and maybe rice). Take some lettuce and aim to make each wrap a two-bite affair, not an overstuffed burrito. Wrapping meat in lettuce with rice and kimchi also wouldn’t hurt.
    • Order enough for the first round before asking for another. Don’t worry if you’re confused on which and how much meat to order. Unlike at a steakhouse where you might order an 8-oz steak for yourself, here you’re ordering for the group. The portion per course is enough for 1-2 people to share, so if you think you can’t finish all, take your time and don’t hoard food quickly. Later you can decide which item you would want seconds of. Fantastic Chef Taft charges PhP 200 if you have leftovers. So love food, don’t waste!
    • Ask for a new grill if you need one. In Fantastic Chef, the server swapped out the grill for us as it looked burned.
    • Dip grilled meat into the special melted cheese. If you love cheese, you’ll be happy to savor the best ever cheesy samgyupsal with special melted cheese dip.

    📢 To wash all food down, take advantage of their promotion until May 18, 2019: buy 1 fruit soju worth PhP 280 and get 1 free soju fresh. To catch all the latest offers and discounts, follow Fantastic Chef Taft on Instagram and Facebook.

    Price for Value:

    Craving for samgyupsal? Fantastic Chef Taft can be your next regular stop. It’s reliable for platters and platters of meat and all the good stuff. The good news? There’s no time limit!

    At PhP 499, you get unlimited orders of skirt meat, seasoned pork neck, cheek, rack, pork belly, spicy pork bulgogi, jowls meat, thin pork belly, spicy chicken bbq, and seasoned chicken bbq. Just add PhP 50 and take beef plate and seasoned beef plate to match your appetite. Overall, we’re pleased with the quality of food and the reasonable and affordable price. Fantastic Chef Taft is a must-try foodie destination and it’s certainly worth a shot! 🙂

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/FantasticChefTaft/” name=”Fantastic Chef Taft” description=”2472 Leon Guinto Street Taft, Manila, Philippines” rev_name=”For inquiries, email fantastictaft@gmail.com” rev_body=”Famous unlimited premium Korean BBQ at an affordable price!” author=”Roch Sioco” pubdate=”2019-04-08″ user_review=”4.8″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”5″ ]

  • Review of Spiral (Sofitel Philippine Plaza, CCP Complex, Pasay City)

    Review of Spiral (Sofitel Philippine Plaza, CCP Complex, Pasay City)

    Spiral has always belonged to the top 5 answers my friends say when asked about their most favorite buffet restaurants in Philippine hotels. For years, I have been aspiring to come back and re-experience a “gastronomic voyage nonpareil.” My first time at Spiral in Sofitel Philippine Plaza might have been a decade ago, so I thought spending our wedding anniversaries here with my family would be an epic moment.

    Last March 26, we celebrated our second wedding anniversary, and my parents’ had theirs last February. We agreed to have lunch last Saturday in this multi-awarded dining destination. I didn’t plan on eating breakfast on the day to prepare for the sumptuous spread, but since I woke up early, I had to give in and had a light meal. 😉 Thankfully, my appetite hasn’t waned and I still came with a hungry stomach.

    Review of Spiral (Sofitel Philippine Plaza, CCP Complex, Pasay City)

    Ambiance:

    A Sofitel flagship, Spiral presents a bewildering array of choices with different cuisines available. The setting is quite modern and cozy, with an intimate and classy vibe and accommodation capacity is huge. This excellent buffet restaurant is divided into 21 dining ateliers. It features lustrous white marbles and glowing glass counters, where guests can watch how chefs masterfully prepare food right in front rather than in the back kitchen. At prime times, lines can go on forever, especially for tempura and ice cream, so remember to get there early.

    Food:

    At first glance, you’ll have a hard time choosing which station to hit first, but the good thing is that you can try all of them like we did. 🙂 While there’s a ton of dishes, I must say none was particularly outstanding and it’s hard to pick one or even a few favorites. I suggest planning ahead to choose your best bets and get your time and money’s worth. 😉

    Here are some suggestions:

    First Round: Appetizers. For starters, make your way to the 1. Salad and Appetizer and grab some fresh locally grown produce and organic colorful vegetables. Next, head out to 2. L’Epicerie, where meat and cheese lovers would discover heaven. Feast on a wide variety of premium aged hams, charcuterie, smoked fish, artisanal cheese from France, Spain, Italy, Germany and Switzerland. Pair them with olives, herbs, sun dried tomatoes, olive oil, sauces and condiments for an outstanding gourmet experience.

    Second Round: Japanese and Pizza. Love tempura but hate waiting? Get to 2. Hot Japanese quickly so you can be one of the first in the queue for ebi tempura, if you’re into it. 😉 Here, you can also enjoy a selection of traditional grilled seafood, meat and vegetables cooked at the robata or at the teppanyaki. Before returning to your table, take a few pieces of fresh sushi, sashimi, temaki, or nigiri from the 4. Sushi Sashimi Station, or try a slice or two of traditional wood-fired oven pizza at the 5. Wood Fired Oven.

    Third Round: Chinese Food. Travel to the Chinese counters and delight your senses with 6. Asian Noodles drenched in your choice of broth, sauce, soup stock, and condiments. You may wait for noodles to boil and cook, or request delivery to your table. If you choose to wait, just beside is the 7. Peking Duck Oven. Taste the perfection of roasted Peking Duck. Take another few steps and you’ll find the 8. Chinese Wok station and choose from a selection of Wok cooked Chinese dishes reflecting all parts of China whether Cantonese, Hunan, Sichuan or regional. End your Chinese food trip with 9. Steam Baskets and savor authentic steam and fried dim sum such as hakaw, siomai, wonton, and spare ribs.

    Fourth Round: Various Asian. Continue chowing down on Asian food. Visit the 10. Korean food bar for sizzling plates and freshly tossed vegetables. We tried their kimchi, bulgogi, squid chili barbecue, and other banchan. Adjacent to Korean is the 11. Thai food station where you can find fiery flavors of soups and curries. Next up, 12. Filipino food. Satisfy your palates with a delectable array of traditional Filipino dishes like beef tapa, adobo, kare-kare, and crispy pata.

    Fifth Round: Meat and Seafood. When it comes to meaty entrees, you can peruse the 13. Rotisserie station with rich portions of meat and poultry, such as roasted chicken, slow cooked lamb, beef, and pork seasoned with assorted herbs and spices. If you’re feeling more adventurous, try tandoori-spiced meats with Indian and Asian bread and sauces at the 14. North Indian food bar. Get your share of naan and tandoori as well. Love surf and turf? Balance meat with a helping of seafood. 15. Churrasco offers juicy skewered seafood, while 16. French Stove has grilled seafood.

    Fifth and Final Round: Desserts. Sweet endings are the perfect way to conclude a memorable dining experience. Succumb to the temptation of freshly baked French pastries of all shapes, fillings, textures and sizes at 16. La Patisserie. Craving for chocolate? Don’t miss the 17. Chocolaterie and indulge in artisanal chocolate, truffles and pralines. One bite of these will surely make you euphoric with its intense flavors and colors. To top it all, finish your meal with ice cream. 18. Creamery offers different ice cream flavors that are both fruity (mango, strawberry), and citrus (calamansi) along with coffee, chocolate, and ube. You can also request for a crepe topped with a scoop of ice cream.

    Note: I don’t have photos of food per station up close because one of the waiters came up to me when he saw me shooting with my camera. He said only shooting with a phone camera is allowed. I didn’t understand the logic behind so I asked why. He turned his back and walked away. Snotty behavior or he really just didn’t hear me? I asked the second time but he ignored me and didn’t seem to bother. Oh well.

    Price for Value:

    SPIRAL at Sofitel Philippine Plaza isn’t just one of the most buzzed-about hotel buffet restaurants — it also offers one of the best and most lavish food selections. It’s not known as Asia’s grandest buffet for nothing! So while you’re here, make the most out of your visit and eat to your heart’s desire.

    SPIRAL Manila’s rate per person is originally priced at PhP 2,750 for Mondays to Saturdays lunch buffet, but since I purchased through MetroDeal, I got a 27% discount and paid PhP 1,999 per head instead. Price is still expensive but it’s as expected of an indulgent experience. This buffet restaurant can pretty much satisfy any craving. Once you hit the dessert station afterward, you’ll just have to roll home. Food coma!

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.spiralmanila.com/” name=”Spiral Manila” description=”Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila CCP Complex, Roxas Boulevard Pasay City 1300 Metro Manila, Philippines” rev_name=”For booking and reservation, contact +632 8326988 or email H6308-FB12@sofitel.com” author=”Rochkirstin Sioco” pubdate=”2019-04-02″ user_review=”3.7″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”5″ ]

  • Review of Tittos Latin BBQ and Brew (Kapitolyo, Pasig City)

    Review of Tittos Latin BBQ and Brew (Kapitolyo, Pasig City)

    Go hungry and load up on delicious bites at Tittos Latin BBQ and Brew, where a curated list of Latin dishes keeps fans of comfort food content. We had dinner here last week. East Kapitolyo is an hour drive away from home with the usual metro traffic, but trying out Tittos’ luscious food made the trip worth it. Since this restaurant specializes in Latin cuisine, your first order of business should include any appealing starter from tacos, churros, nachos, and burrito to mains such as paella, steaks, elote, and chili beans.

    Review of Tittos Latin BBQ and Brew (Kapitolyo, Pasig City)

    Ambiance:

    The ambiance was definitely festive, feisty, and colorful. The South American-inspired murals on the walls look very catchy and the wall arts make this place Instagrammable. With a hip and happy crowd, the atmosphere is inviting, evoking a fun feel for large groups of friends and families. Overall, the dining experience at Tittos Latin BBQ and Brew is not to be missed!

    Food:

    As you already know, my husband likes ordering nachos in almost everywhere we visit, and he didn’t skipped on this one. We shared an order of El Gigante Nachos (PhP 275, medio for 3 pax; PhP 545, grande for 6 pax). The nachos were topped with a trio of cheese, tomato salsa, chimichurri, Mexican crema, jalapeños, and chunks of beef. Truthfully, it was not one of the best versions we’ve had. Though it didn’t quite reach the same lofty heights, it was still a gratifying dish. Conveying beefiness and creaminess for the most part, it had just the right amount of crunch and chew.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BvbqWFdFRyI/

    Sisig Chicharrones (PhP 155) was a hit with crispy pork mask and pork chicharrones leading the way. The onions and pimientos made up for a little bit of spice, while melted cheeses and quail egg served as great accompaniments, all wrapped up into one soft flour tortilla. The familiar flavors here definitely worked!

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BvboTASFl_G/

    Beef Barbacoa (PhP 155) arrived with the beautiful house-made squid ink tortillas, meaty heft of shredded beef barbacoa, and chimichurri sauce which gave a great depth to the dishes. All these were tied together by the creamy Mexican crema, crunchy slaw, and potato strips. To elevate the course further, squeeze half of a lime for a nice citrus and zesty twist. A must try!

    Chiquitos (PhP 155) also did not fail us that night. We got a really satisfying back-and-forth between the deep-fried tacos and the tasteful salsa taquera. Sprinkled with crumbled queso fresco and Mexican crema, this appetizing dish was spot on: moist on the inside, but still crispy on the outside.

    For pizza, we ordered the best-recommended Truffle Pork Pizza (PhP 345) as seen on the menu. While the torched pork belly strips made a strong showing, it did not quite match how it looked. This pizza was shy on the taste of truffle and didn’t impart much of the Latin spices I expected for it to have.

    Price for Value:

    We don’t often go to Latin restaurants, so I was surprised that I liked the food here. They had a great mix of layered flavors which are simply delicious! Food deserves a thumbs-up, and the great vibe, attentive service, and affordable pricing make Tittos Latin BBQ and Brew a strong contender as a must-visit restaurant in Kapitolyo, Pasig. It’s also a nice place to take a date. Portions are enough for 2-3 people to share.

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/TittosMNL/” name=”Tittos Latin BBQ and Brew” description=”16 East Capitol Drive, Barangay Kapitolyo, Pasig City” rev_name=”For inquiries, contact (02) 535-9212O” author=”Rochkirstin Sioco” pubdate=”2019-03-31″ user_review=”4.3″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”5″ ]