Heya! Think of pahabol for summer trips and Tagaytay would come to mind, yes? Well, here's my own take to traveling there. So this post is really a month old already, and I shared most of my story on When In Manila, but I felt that I needed to share it here in my blog as well, in a more personal manner.


I've been to Tagaytay before, in my formative years, and the last of which was when I was in college. But I never really went more that Tagaytay city itself, unlike what me and my family did now. So we got acquainted with this country style restaurant, The Wild Juan, which just so happens to be a bed and breakfast Inn as well. Plus points for that because we also intended to visit Caleruega, the church-garden that I always see in awesome wedding photography and prenup shoots. Definitely, a day trip is not enough if we would also want to have that so called rest and relaxation...



Upon entering, you will sense the feeling of home. It's pretty much a modernized version of your grandma's house, with the paintings, old books and brick textures...

Quick! Think of the happiest memories that you have with your mom or dad when you were a kid... Those times that they taught you how to ride a bike, learn to try out something new, or have them comfort you with your favorite food as a kid. Sweet Sarap Moments like that really make me miss my own parents these days, but I try to overcome that by showing those same ideals to my own kids...


My own daughter and son loves spending our Sundays over the kiddie place at Jolibee Alabang Zapote, playing there after enjoying a hefty lunch of Jolly Spaghetti and Chickenjoy. Heck, she loves said spaghetti so much it's what she has requested for her mini birthday celebration last May 12th. And that's just one reason to celebrate with Sweet Sarap Moments.


Another is the fact that Jodi Sta. Maria and her son Thirdy joining the Jolibee Family, as the newest brand ambassadors for Jolly Spaghetti! :) Jodi and Thirdy, who stars in the latest TV commercial for Jolly Spaghetti, shared their own personal experiences, from happy memories when she was a kid and to how she now enjoys the same bonding moments with Thirdy during the media launch held at the Ortigas Roosevelt branch.

When you think family, fastfood and happiness for the kids, Jolibee pops up in your head. Anyways, the country's number one family fast food chain is proud to present to today's Millenials their newest batch of Yumbassadors: young Filipino achievers who have excelled and continue to trailblaze in their own respective fields- serving not only as a role model but is also representing today's Generation 'Y'.


Today's roster of Jolibee Yumbassadors are truly world class, composed of talented and passionate individuals like Social Entrepreneur Rachel De Villa(23 y.o.), young inventor Angelo Casimiro(16y.o.), record breaking runner Mea Gey Niñura(16y.o.), reel and real life couple James Reid (22y.o.) and Nadine Lustre (22y.o.), international model Kelsey Merritt (19y.o.),spoken word artist and performer Juan Miguel Severo (27y.o.), model and agricultural entrepreneur Jairus Ferrer (25y.o.),outstanding student and aspiring doctor Christopher Valentin (20y.o.), international race car driver Marlon Stöckinger (25y.o.), and world-renowned all-girl group 4th Impact (20, 24, 26, 28y.o.).



"This year’s batch of Yumbassadors are proof of how millennials are – passionate, driven, determined, and always going for the best. [They] were chosen because of their passion for the langhap-sarap ng buhay,” said Jollibee Philippines Head of Marketing and Global Brand Chief Marketing Officer Francis Flores.

Alcatel gets us more and more excited with what the future technology can become! Being one of the world's fastest-growing smartphone brands, they're stepping it up outside the box with the launch of three new mobile devices here in the country's smartphone industry: IDOL 4S + VR, Move Time Track & Talk watch and the PLUS 10 with 4G LTE Keyboard!

With the launch of not only their latest range of products but a new and simpler name as well, Alcatel seeks not only to take advantage of one of the most dynamic and aggressive mobile technology markets in the world, but to provide an exceptional and enjoyable consumer experience for Filipinos.

Last weekend was a really happy one for me and my family. We finally got out of the house and off to parts unknown... And the destination?



Sitio Biga, San Juan, Laiya, Batangas.

I have been feeling restless lately, to be honest. My spirits have been down, and I am currently fighting my life's biggest enemy- procrastination. I can't really get my muse for writing to work with me lately, and I just wanted an escape.

Okay, so we have a lot of fast food here in the Philippines, and from my observation and own experience, nothing can really beat the comfort that french fries can bring. It's what I crave when I'm writing, aside from apples and chips.

But I must confess something: Jolibee's Crispy Fries has a special place in my heart and soul. Why? Cause it's the only fast food fries that still tastes AMAZEBALLS even if it's already cooled down. Unlike some. *ahem* And now, Jolibee has awesome news for us as they're upgrading said awesome fries! Jolibee recently launched Jolly Crispy Flavored Fries- a twist on their own classic. And now they're asking the Jolly Nation the age old question: "What's Your Flavor?"



They have a couple of flavors to choose from: Super Cheese and Sour Cream. And I got to try them both out-FOR FREE- as I went to the Molito Alabang branch last week! But the best surprise?

Good medication, and sticking to it, plays part in controlling high cholesterol. Healthcare experts suggest that this is as important as maintaining a well-balanced lifestyle in curbing illnesses.

However, a study found another important factor in easing diseases, including those that are triggered by high cholesterol. Based on the most recent survey conducted by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST), one in every ten Filipino adults has high cholesterol, while 21 in every 100 are in borderline high.



While it is important to keep proper nutrition and lifestyle in check, a study published in the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America suggested that successful treatment of diseases require consistent intake of medications as indicated by doctors. “Proper medication adherence is found to be an effective way of managing, if not averting, known diseases,” said Tomas Marcelo Agana III, president of Pharex HealthCorp. “That’s why for people with high cholesterol, we want them to bear in mind that good compliance to medication will keep their cholesterol levels at ease and eventually, improve the quality of their lives.”

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Six articles, two about food, a tonne of food photos that's been edited and one hungry Nicole later...

Okay, so I've been on a roll lately as I write this. And since I want to take a break from all the food that I sorely miss, and the way too relaxing bed of Midas Hotel and Casino (more on this staycation soon ;) ), I'm back to my first love- the one that started this blog:

MAKEUP!


More specifically, I'm reviewing the Sebum Out Compact by w.Lab. This baby has been a staple in my on-the go makeup kit lately, and is a big help to keep my foundation from melting off in the damn pugon that is the summer sun.

If you're looking for something new to try, or maybe just celebrate a special occasion with friends and family, then Metro Manila has a lot to offer! Here are some of my own go-to places, which I found with the help of my Zomato app when I crave for burgers, sweets or my mom's homemade cooking...

Shrimp Bucket


All fans of seafood know that if you want to pig out on the yummy critters of the ocean, Shrimp Bucket is the place to get 'em! With the eclectic decorations, and a comfy yet underwater-ish ambiance, it sure is quite a comfy restaurant. The place is perfect for family bonding and what nots.


What I will show you guys though is one of their more interesting dishes, the Deep Fried Shrimp with Salted Egg and Roe. When you bite through, the shrimp is quite fresh as it is a bit sweet, and not rubbery. The Salted egg gives it that interesting salty eggy flavor. Also, it kinda feels like eating something velvety or sandy as what one would expect with salted eggs. All in all, a very nice dish to try out!

Charlie's Grind and Grill



A hole in the wall place to chill out with the barkada, I got hooked with Charlie's because of their quirky walls and paintings.





Even better though is the food. I recommend their Black Angus Cheeseburger, which is love at first bite. It is the epitome of the perfect quintessential burger, with the flavorful juicy patty, perfectly cooked and topped with fresh veggies for the ultimate burger experience.





Another awesome burger is their Five Cheese Burger, which has very tender and juicy patty, and five different kinds of cheese! These are: mozarella, gouda, cheddar, blue cheese bits and drizzled with cheese sauce.With this burger packed with a lot of beefy flavorful punch and lovely lovely cheese, it's is sure to make your tastebuds sing in delight!


They also got sides to enjoy by the way, like the Dirty Fries, served with Igorota Idaho potatoes, bleu cheese, bacon bits, diced tomatoes, green onions topped with grilled chicken liver. If you're up for an adventurous eat, with the tangy flavor of the bleu cheese, you should try this one. ;)

ArroZeria



An authentic Spanish restaurant in the heart of BGC, this place screams passion and art, which is also what I got to taste in their food.





Must try dishes here is their Del Señorito Paella, which is served steaming and al dente, the whole place wafting with flavors of the different spices and of seafood that accompanied the paella.



Alongside that, you might want to check out Lengua Frita, which is deep fried Angus Ox tongue, coated in bechamel with Tartar Sauce on the side. This felt to me like a spanish version of a Katsu, and is quite the eye opener on what a lengua can be aside from the usual saucy dishes that we usually get.

Serye



Loving mom's or lola's cooking? Well, Serye in Sucat Road doesn't want to compete with that, but they do say they are a close second to your own mom's cooking with their traditional pinoy comfort food. Hell, even the place feels like an old Illustrado's house that's been lost in the city, with the jalousy windows and the floor patterns.



But on to the food, they have quite a lot of dishes to be proud for, as they serve our famous pinoy dishes in a no-nonsense way. My favorites are the Binagoongang Lechon Kawali, with the veggies served separately. The taste is amazing- seriously just like how my mom used to make it!



The Boneless Crispy Pata is also another winner! You can eat with as much gusto as you want, enjoy the crispy and delectable skin and tender meat without working against the bone- cause it's boneless man! And on a scale of 1-5 I'd give this one 4.8 patas out of 5. ;)

Sugarhouse


Ending this post with desserts in mind, I'd go for Sugarhouse when you want to get yourself a little something sweet.. Or some mad sugar rush ;) Some of their best desserts are:



Honey Cake



Think light, vanilla chiffon cake and surprisingly unsweet buttercream icing, enhanced with the covering of delectable and crunchy honey crunch bits sprinkled all throughout the cake. It's perfect with a cup of their iced or hot coffee. :)

Blueberry Cheesecake



Yes, I've had my fair share of cheesecakes, as I love the thing to bits. What set Sugarhouse apart from the rest though is the generous amount of actual blueberry that they topped their cheesecake with. It's not overly sweet though, it's just right. I suggest that you eat it at the restaurant though rather than having it for to go because it's best served chilled. :)

These places are not just great for satisfying your cravings, they're also great places to spend special occasions like Mother's day or birthdays! And I heard that these restaurants are giving 25% off when you dine there or get some grub to go, and use your Citi Credit Card or Citibank Debit Card. The offer is valid until May 31, 2016. :)