Tita Rose's Chicken Barbecue with Ensaladang Mangga

Another one of my boyfriend's favorite dishes that we decided to master, cooked at our home and sampled by the family :D

The outcome was pretty good, just like my boyfriend's mom used to make; sweet and tangy, accompanied by a yummy sauce and refreshing ensalada. We just didn't have time to allow the marinade to sit for a longer period of time; if we had, the flavors would have been more pronounced. 

Nevertheless, the resulting chicken barbecue was a big hit with the family, with it's sweet, saucy flavor and the tangy ensalada that went with it.

Perfect summer lunch

Good Old Isaw at North Farview

When it comes to street food, nothing beats good old isaw; succulent chicken intestines basted in a simple sauce and grilled til crispy, then dipped in hot vinegar to finish. At around Php3 a piece, it's a staple for college students, PUV drivers, hungry passers-by and a must-try for foreigners seeking the "local thrill" right alongside the infamous balut.

With the various health risks of having street food, though, it's hard to find a reliable isaw spot that serves (relatively) safe products without sacrificing the classic street-food taste. Luckily, we found one right in our own hometown; a portable isaw spot snuggled inside the entrance of one of North Fairview's subdivisions.

The isawan is located near a tricycle terminal beside the East West Bank and is actually a motorcycle with a large sidecar that can be converted into a grilling station, operated by a small family. They arrive at their spot everyday at around 5pm and set-up shop for their hungry patrons.

a small bulb provides light when it starts to get dark

The Great Binondo Food Trip

I've had my fair share of Chinese food, from fast food to fancier restaurants. But I've always been curious about real Chinese food, found only deep in the heart of Binondo's famed China Town, one of the many places in the metro that I have never, ever been to.

My chance came last weekend after a friend suggested a Binondo food trip, where we can tour old China Town and sample some of their most highly-recommended cuisine, guided by none other than The Big Binondo Food Wok Map, a colorful map showcasing the area's food hotspots, shops and must-see cultural establishments.

the colorful and creative food map

A quiet repose at Lawiswis Kawayan Garden Resort

I was never much of a 'garden resort' person, me being a beach bunny and all. Too much land, I'd think. Why settle for a cottage in a secluded garden, if you can get a cottage by the wide open beach?

An overnight stay with some colleagues for our annual teambuilding seminar changed my mind somewhat, thanks to a charming garden resort in Bulacan. 

Lawiswis Kawayan Garden Resort (named after the rustling sound bamboos make in the wind - funnily enough I don't remember seeing any bamboos around) was tucked inside one of Bulacan's suburban areas, about an hour or two away from Makati City.

Best Thing I Ever Ate: Lindt Lindor

I've mentioned this in a former blog and I will say it again - Lindor chocolate from the Swiss brand Lindt is one of the most seductive chocolate treats I've ever had.

Lindor Christmas Edition chocolates in star and bell shapes

On the surface it might not seem that much different from other chocolates; it's got a smooth and thick texture, the kind that would stick to the roof of your mouth, and a very milky-chocolate taste. It's got a less-milky chocolate filling too.


Eating it cold makes it a normal chocolate (albeit a delicious one)- crisp and snappy, a little hard to bite, especially with its shape (they usually come as chocolate balls). But what got me hooked was when I accidentally ate a piece that was almost melting. It was at the temperature where the chocolate can barely hold itself together, and one wrong move while peeling the wrapper can squish it and turn the thing into a yucky mess (but still very delicious). 

Unwrap it gently though, then pop in your mouth, bite down, and the filling (which melts into a more liquid consistency) just explodes in your mouth. It's one of the most seductive (food) experiences I've ever had, something any girl would truly appreciate.

Vector Drinks, anyone?

My first stab at creating vector food via Photoshop Illustrator. Not perfect, but it's a start.

I LOVE cocktails! And I had so much fun making these, probably going a bit crazy over the colors, haha.

Illustrator is a little trickier than Photoshop, but definitely worth learning.

a toast to a new hobby