Modern China Restaurant

When in Manila, I always crave for some good tasting seafoods and I've got a personal favourite restaurant at the heart of Glorietta - Modern China Restaurant. I can't remember the exact year that we first dined in there but I can tell you, the experience is always fantastic. My favourite of them all is their lobster. Huge ones and whatever way it is cooked - it is grand. Their Chinese chef probably remembers our faces because we're the only ones who orders bulks orders without having to think of the price - I'm just lucky. 

Here are a photos of what we had last time. The lobster that they have in stock were small but it did well on my cravings. I'm used to getting the huge ones which looks like fiesta platter :D

'em lobsters :)

This is "lechon" with jelly fish. And yeah! I indulged on those white thing, thinking 'twas noodles but no - at the end of our feast - the waiter told me those were jelly fish and I suddenly wanted to cry.

Mushrooms overload. Apart from seafoods - I adore mushrooms :)

Grabs. My parents personal favourite - cooked in any way and they'll love you like a love song. I'm allergic to this as well as shrimps but I do eat tiny portions sometimes but it gets itchy all over, so I always eat with caution :)

And of course, my ultimate love - Lobsters with some serious noodles :D But I finished almost all of it :D 

'Twas a good meal from a restaurant that I will forever consider a second kitchen but they're expensive but have to say the price is right for the servings and service :) If you noticed, we usually eat out at Chinese restaurant, well, my family is pure Filipino but my parents are fond of Chinese cooking and because of that I've developed a since of appreciation for other none traditional Chinese sets :) The restaurant is located at the lower level of Glorietta 4, just on the right side of the mall entrance. It is beside/ below Bench Fix/Skin :) Try them out on your next food trip. 

Cafe Maxims

My parents and I decided to spend a weekend at Manila, specifically at Resorts World Manila which happens to be my current favourite place in Luzon ('cos it reminded me of the Venetian in Macau). Had always passed by Cafe Maxims but never dined until during this trip.

We dined on a Saturday and they have this band playing some Christmas cheers and must I say, they're fine at it - a tiny orchestra :)

Their menu is consists of entrée that are commonly found in hotels but have to take a photo of this because the price of that pot of tea is disturbing :D It's vintage as per the lady who assisted us and it's just 7 grams of tea for that price. They also have this lists of coffee that's insane expensive but then again - this is Maxims and by that, I think most of their clients are high profile individuals who can readily afford to spend such price brackets :)

This is Chicken Carbonara and have to say, the sauce is nuts delish! There weren't much spices on it but its creaminess was heaven and the way the chicken was cooked was really fantastico! The serving kind of reminded me of my friend Eunice who served us with the same presentation when she made Bolognese for us back home.

Ramen Beef Burger - just have to try this out. It was really interesting but I have to admit - it was complicated to eat 'cos you'll basically end up mixing the crisp ramen with those burger toppings creating a stir fried noodle meal but I think I'm imagining too much. There's probably a right way of eating this but my dad and I decided to put the ramen aside and just eat the burger patty which was perfectly cooked :)

It was a good experience. I wouldn't suggest their coffee orders cos the taste is just so so, I still think Radisson Blu has the best Cafe Mocha ever :) The price is hotel standard price, so don't expect to pay less if you order less. They also offer coffee sets (like for meals, you'll have coffee and some macaroons  and biscuits and stuff).

Manila - Makati Family Bond

My last Manila visit meant family bonding. My grandmother (father) just died a few days when I flew in to join my Aunt, her boyfriend, my uncles, cousins and father. My grandmother died in the US and her remains were buried there, so, we who are her in the Philippines, were unable to pay tribute and visit her remains but nonetheless, I think my lola had a peaceful death and that she didn't want any of us to worry nor to grief like those that we see in the cinemas. 

Spending time with my immediate family whom I haven't seen for a long time was fun. Here are a few photos that I took during my stay.

Makati - Manila Philippines! The capital city of the country always makes me feel so awed specially with the tall buildings rising like lego shiz. The first photo is said to be the tallest building in Makati - an oozing 72 floors condominium. Took the pic from the hotel that I stayed. Then photos while on the cab and then while we were getting some cocktails from another hotel within the vicinity that we stayed. I love city lights. I basically want to live within the city, just like in Saigon. PS, Manila is a fast phase place, so if you're looking for a lax - relax place to live - MANILA - MAKATI is not for you. And being that, vending machines like the one I've posted above are readily available everywhere. Subways, Bus Stations, just about every where :)

Round and about The Fort Bonifacio High Street in Makati. Must say, this place is where the rich and famous usually hang out. It has a huge park in the center, it's a jogging area during weekends and pets are welcome in all shops even in restaurants :) And most top brands are here :) And there are also residential buildings and basically new structures are on the rise almost every day. But getting a cab is quite difficult in this place. Must have your own car, if you'll be chilling here passed 7p.

My uncle Nikko, Caitlin (Yvanna's uber young Mother) along with the rest of the gang went in for a little shopping trip at Greenhills. If you're from the Philippines and if you've been in the Philippines then you've probably have heard of this crazy shopping center where all brand imitations you can think of and "didn't pass quality" brands are. And basically the price is up to 50% of and more. And the place where we stayed in Makati was at the RED DISTRICT. So imagine my surprised when I walked out at night and saw all these signage on the bars and we did some rounds and for the first time in my life - I saw girls half my age - my age almost naked dancing on the floor as foreigners and even Filipinos enjoying. I pitied them but this is reality, I told myself but it's a sad reality.

It was a good mini vacation for me and this is an uber late post but nonetheless, I was able to jot it down and now I can erase 'em photos on my mobile. I've lived in Manila - Makati for 7 months before and the lifestyle is totally different from Cebu. I love to shop and I must say, everything is in the capital but I wouldn't trade Cebu for it. Cebu is stress free and it's a very small city and you can do a lot of things here and almost everything is also here and it's less traffic and less chaotic. But I love traveling to Manila - Makati. Always makes me giddy when I'm bound for a visit because I know - I'll be able to get good bargains and great deals :) And some of my friends are also based there :) 

Until next travel session :)

Krazy Garlik

Whilst visiting Manila last January, I had the chance to dine at a new restaurant in Greenbelt 5 - Krazy Garlik. That of course is courtesy of our good friend Lulu and her life partner Martin (thank you!) This is obviously an uber late post and I'm starting it off with some photos taken with them. Luckily, Angel and her husband Don was also in Manila during that time - killing while spending their time as they waited for their flight going to Taiwan for a short vacation.

The host Lulu and her wacky pose :)

With the ladies. Moi, Lulu, Angel and Chloe.

Couples from Davao - Angel and Don.

Chloe who joined in before heading to her work. She works in one of the BPO companies in Shaw Boulevard.

OK, I haven't heard of Krazy Garlik and from the name itself - most of the dishes were spiced - decorated - cooked with garlic which unfortunately is one of my mortal "fresh breath" enemy but I love garlic and when I'm at home cooking - it is a MUST but when I'm outside, dining - I'd rather stay away - for the very obvious reason :D

Garlic and Anchovy Affection: A totally yummy appetiser. I love anchovies and I love french breads with butter on it - SO. It was good.

Korean Style Garlic Sesame Beef * Garlicky Crispy Pata * The rice (I don't know the name) They already ordered when we came, so I wasn't able to get a glimpse of the menu but based on these courses that we ate, I can totally say they were all good, specially the beef thingy.

I would definitely be going back there when I visit Manila again and try out their other dishes on the menu. They have so many choices and I think all of them are good and as I'm writing this, I am seriously dying to go to the kitchen and cook but can't.

For more informations, try checking their website: http://www.krazygarlik.com.ph/index.html

Closing this post with some wacky - not achieved pose with my friends :) 'Til next eating session :)

Manila China Town

I've been into seven countries and in each of them even though three of which were dominated by Chinese - they still have China Town. And the Philippines is of no exception. 

I wrote an entry about the Kalesa tour I had with my father while I was in Manila and part of the tour was an intoxicating and fascinating tour around Manila's China Town. And I have to admit, it blew me off my feet because it literally felt like I was not in my own country but in China. Damn.

The famous strip of Manila Bay :) It's such a wonderful feel to be watching the sun set from this area.

Statue of Dr. Jose Rizal. Luneta Park/ Rizal Park

Statue of the late Action King Fernando Poe Jr.

Entering Intramuros, traffic started it's course already. If there's one thing that I so hate about Manila - it's the crazy traffic during peak hours which starts around 4p 'til 9p. Depends solely on the area though. Edsa is the deadliest during these times :D

Oldies branch of Max Fried Chicken. I've dined in here with my good friend Eunice some time ago when I went with her for her Cruise work processing. Pretty cool to think that it still stands up to now - Spanish era meen :D Define ANCIENT again :D

Old ruins and foreigner offices still stands and are preserved according to how they exactly looked in the past. And yes! some of the security personnels still wears the traditional "guwardiya sibil" outfit. Wish I had the chance to take a photo with them but time was gold when it comes to business with the Kalesa thing.

The Manila Cathedral. Would you believe, that I haven't step foot inside this church yet? Yes! I've been coming back and forth in Manila but never had I went inside the oldest church that still stand today. Probably one day when I'm with that special someone, I will.

To make it easier, each important building and sight in this area comes with a brief historical background about that era that came to be.

Pasig River. Best known for being a dirty river in the past but look at it now. All cleaned and serene. Thank you to all the good citizens and environmentalist people who voiced out their concerns and helped restore the river. There's also a river tour but I haven't tried it yet, maybe next time :)

Welcome to China Town! As you can see, it's like you're not in the Philippines. I mean with all the Chinese signage going around and stores and lanterns - it was like China but with an overflowing amount of cars and stuff. China Town is one of the oldest trading center in my country. People who live here are mixed. Pure Chinese, Filipino-Chinese, Filipino and some other foreign nationalities. 

What amazes me is the simple fact that, I am forever awed by Chinese businessmen. They are so keen and are so into their ventures and investment that you see the owners themselves talking to customers and shiz. Anyhow, I had fun during our 2 hour Kalesa Ride/Tour but next time, I'd love to just walk around the area and check out the stores. 

BTW, if you noticed, within China Town, there's a Catholic church that's also old. Filipino-Chinese in the Philippines are mostly Buddhist but some of them are pure Catholics as well. The Philippines is basically the only Catholic country in Asia. I mean, there are other religions in the archipelago but, it's mostly consists of Catholics.