I love sending letters to my loved ones as a sign of my endearment. While I have written a hundred letters in this lifetime, I haven’t tried addressing one to myself. I may have thought of it before but dismissed the idea of talking to one’s self. The truth is, although there are a thousand…
Dani Talks: Father’s Day Q&A with My Siblings
I always hold dearly in my heart my relationship with my father. I’ve always been vocal how I treasure him and no amount of words can express my longingness for his presence. There were times that I am caught by disbelief, marveling that he has just gone out of the country and failed to communicate…
April & May Update: Things that Kept Me Grounded this Pandemic
April and May were uneventful months. Because of the increased restrictions and risks of COVID-19, I managed to stay at home most of the time. I went out just a few times to destress at the mall or buy the things that I need. Although it was plainly a routine for me doing my work,…
My Top 5 Ramen Restaurants as of 2021
Ramen is a favorite comfort food of mine. Whenever I crave for something or can’t think of anything to eat outside aside from fast food, I would go for Ramen. It’s comforting and appetizing as it is without getting extra add-ons. Having tried different versions from food events, socials, or random food trips, I have…
Flatiron 1771: A Not-so-worth-it Dinner?
For my sister’s birthday, we decided to hold a simple dinner celebration last March 27 in Uptown Mall. We had limited options for alfresco dining, so we chose a venue that is near our place. We realized that we haven’t brought our family to Uptown yet where they can appreciate the nice dancing fountain or…
Dani’s Kitchen: Beef Gyudon Hack with Onsen Egg (Without Mirin and Sake)
My goal this pandemic is to learn more Asian and European dishes. How can that be possible if you lack the signature “Asian” ingredients? Simple — I just watch YouTube tutorials and learn how to play around with the available ingredients in the pantry as substitutes. This time, I tried the Beef Gyudon recipe with…
Dani’s Kitchen: My Own Version of Pad Thai
Thailand is my first out of the country trip and I would always remember my food adventure in that place. After an island trip or an evening stroll at the night markets, we’d grab ourselves some authentic Thai street food. One of the things I really miss is their authentic Pad Thai which locals prepare…
March: Moving Forward
I sit here in front of the laptop, not knowing how or where to start. Although I’ve figured out in my head what to write for this month-end review, I am taken aback by my own creativity block — fidgeting in the dark the right words to say and how to translate my thoughts into…
A Not-too-late Date at Wildflour Uptown
Jem and I have been eyeing to dine at Wildflour since it opened its first branch in 9th Ave. cor 26th St. in BGC in 2013. I was working before in Marajo Tower and Jem was working in RCBC and the restaurant is near our workplace. We got curious why the place is always filled…
Organizing a Bridal Shower during the Pandemic
This might be a long overdue post, but thought of still posting this in remembrance of an important milestone of a good friend. As you might have seen in my social media or previous blog post, one of my closest friends Jeremie had her wedding last February. It was hard thinking how to organize a…
February: Celebration of Love, Life, and Friendship
It’s almost mid-March and it’s only now that I had the free time to write about my February highlights. Last month, I was busy with work and occasions left and right. Although the turn of events happened too fast in February, they turned out to be the most emotional and life-changing as well. I was…
Valentine’s Dinner at Wangfu Chinese Café
It’s been a while since my family and I dined out for occasions as celebrations are usually done at home this pandemic. To make it a bit different, my sister and I thought of treating our family in a restaurant for Valentine’s Day. Although we don’t really celebrate Valentine’s Day, this is a good chance…
My Top Ten Most Viewed Blog Posts in 2020
It’s surprising that even if I was not able to write frequently last year, there were blog posts that garnered a huge number of views from my readers. I only wrote 14 posts the entire year! (Call me too lazy, or busy?!) It is with gratitude to realize that your audience deem your writings informative…
January 2021: A Joyous Jumpstart?
I haven’t been visible in the blogging realm lately. There have been attempts to scribble different contents about life and what not, but I can’t seem to find the perfect timing, the guts, or the rhythm of words to put them altogether in an article. Perhaps, there’s too much going on in my head and…
How I Spent the Holidays of 2020
COVID-19 has changed the landscape of the way we celebrate occasions. There might have been limitations, but it became more favorable for me. Since office parties, social gatherings, family reunions, and other events were suspended, I had more time, energy, and resources to focus on spending it with my loved ones. I didn’t get too…
Enjoy TM’s EASYSURF50 Doble Data
Nagbago lahat ng aspeto ng ating buhay dahil sa quarantine na naganap noong Marso 2020. Lahat ay hindi nakalabas, natigil ang mga paaralan, at kanselado na ang mga gimik at lakad. Napilitan tayong manatili sa loob ng bahay. Gaya ko na nagsimulang magtrabaho sa bahay simula Marso, naghanap din ako ng mga bagong pagkakaabalahan tulad…
The Advantages and Downsides of Working from Home
I am grateful that I still have a job. With the huge number of industries affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s heartbreaking to hear about massive lay-offs, retrenchments, or redundancies. I am thankful that our company keeps afloat amid the global economic crisis. Currently, I am working as an analyst in a financial data and…
Quarantine Cooking at Dani’s Kitchen: Practical Tips and Techniques
My love for cooking translates to my love for food. In my blog post before, I elaborated on how I started to develop my passion for cooking and the reasons why I love this hobby. In our current pandemic situation, I am happy to have more time to level up my cooking skills. I enjoy…
The Manila Hotel joins Manila Restaurant Week from Sept. 20 to 27
I’ve always loved Manila Hotel’s exuberant buffet spread. Traditional Filipino cuisines leveled up in taste and presentation became a part of my family’s momentous celebrations over the years. If you’re an avid patron of The Manila Hotel like me, mark your calendars and get ready to feast on scrumptious food as The Manila Hotel’s famed…
Of Birthday Blues and Blessings
I celebrated my birthday at home this year. Compared to the previous birthdays where my family and I usually go to restaurants or enjoy staycations, this time, it’s a bit different. The pandemic has made home celebrations an acceptable norm in honoring birthdays and other special occasions. Prior to my birthday, Metro Manila and other…
My First Haircut During the Quarantine
It’s been six months since I had a haircut. It took a while to have my much-awaited grooming because salons were not among the establishments allowed to operate during the ECQ (Enhanced Community Quarantine). They just opened this GCQ (General Community Quarantine), but safety protocols are being implemented to ensure the safety of both guests…
Best Kept Secret of the South, the Too Much Chocolate Chip Cookie by the Fet Boys
If you have ever wanted to know what it feels like to be hugged by a cookie, then you need to try the Too Much Chocolate Chip Cookie created and baked by the Fet Boys. If you’ve never heard of them, it’s because their cookies are so good, people don’t want to share for fear…
Celebrating My Small Victories This Pandemic: An Eye-Opening Experience
This pandemic has pushed us not only to get outside our comfort zones to survive, but also to find ways to be productive. It can be discovering a new hobby, starting an online business, or altering routines to change a lifestyle. I’ve also learned to divert my attention by creatively expressing myself through writing and…
My Birthday Wish List for 2020
In just a few days, I’ll be turning a year older. Can you guess my age? Haha! This year has been a roller coaster ride for me. However, I am still grateful that I have a stable job and my family’s health is not affected by the COVID-19. Yes, there have been challenges and changes,…
The Manila Hotel Partially Reopens on July 3
I have so many good memories about Manila Hotel. It was a frequent venue for balls and parties way back in my high school and college years. Also, Manila Hotel is memorable because my family used to celebrate special occasions in Café Ilang Ilang, an impressive buffet spread of Filipino and international cuisines. That being…
Meet the Diamond in the Rough Squad: Friends You Often See In My Blog
Before my blog grew and gained followers, they were the first ones who supported my passion for free. They liked my posts, shared my blog and invited their friends to like my page even without me asking for it. It’s funny that even without me telling them, they would pause before eating because they know…
COVID-19 Crisis: Gaining a renewed perspective and seeing beyond despair
We were all taken aback with the effects of COVID-19 crisis— taking a huge toll not only in our physical, mental and emotional health, but also in our lifestyle, economy, and overall well-being. We’ve stepped up to adapt to a so-called new norm, embracing changes and adjusting to what fits our capacity as human beings….
Flavored Rice Delights at YubuNam, Venice Mall
I love flavored rice. Unlike others who would stick to the plain version of white rice, I’m fond of trying out different types of rice dishes from other cuisines. For me, it gives extra flavor to any meal that makes eating more enjoyable. Late last year, I just learned a new rice delicacy that has…
Looking back at 2019
And just like that, January ended dramatically. Series of global events awakened us with streaks of fear looming about sickness, catastrophes, sudden deaths, and natural disasters. It all happened too fast but the realizations and emotional impact linger. Hence, I was reminded to look back on what happened last year through a blog post: 2019…
Ye Dang: Going back to Authentic Korean Cuisine
Back when Korean BBQ was not yet a hit among foodies, I’ve always had a penchant for Korean food. I’d rave for Dolsot Bibimbap that sizzles on a huge stone bowl or a platter of well-seasoned Bulgogi that I’d pair with crisp lettuce or steamed white rice. For these cravings, I’d go to Poblacion or…
Reasons to be in Love with Four in Love BBQ and Hotpot Buffet
With the influx of Samgyupsal restaurants in Manila, food entrepreneurs have surely developed several ways to make their creations differ and stand out among the rest. There’s this aggressive competition of featuring more side dishes, betting at the lowest buffet prices, or even adding more elements to the menu to be at par with the…
Amacena Restaurant at One Tagaytay Place Hotel and Suites
Filipino food, in its varying origins, tastes, colors, and textures will always be a household favorite. Needless to say, nothing compares to the comfort of home-cooked cuisines — reminding you of the familiar traditions which our Filipino culture is popularly known for. While I grew up learning to appreciate Filipino culinary delights at home through…
Our Favorite Dishes at Conti’s Uptown Parade
Conti’s is one of my go-to restaurants in Serendra. Aside from the best selling Mango Bravo that is by default a must-try in the restaurant, equally there are many gourmet dishes to rave about. I also like the laid-back ambiance that makes casual dining extra special. My family and I frequent the restaurant on both…
A Birthday Staycation at One Tagaytay Place Hotel Suites
It has been a tradition in the family to celebrate birthdays either out of town or at a restaurant. Priorities have changed lately to give way to financing our dad’s medication and paying for car and house amortizations. I just wanted a simple celebration for my birthday this time. Perfect timing it is, the scheduled…
Samgyupsal Cravings Satisfied at Mr. Korea Unlimited BBQ Market!Market!
I think I will never outgrow my love for Korean food. Although I am not a die-hard K-drama or K-Pop fan, I have a distinct love for the freshness and quality of Korean BBQ and Banchan. I like how the meat selections are seasoned and conveniently prepared for grilling, and how the vegetable sides complement…
Great Santa Cruz Island: Exploring the Pink Beach of Zamboanga
Pink Beach is one of our planned itineraries in Zamboanga. Aside from city tours and food trips, beach bumming is one of our fave pastimes when traveling. The initial plan of going to Once Islas was cancelled due to budget. Our intended date for that trip didn’t have registered joiners and we’d end up paying…
8 Reasons Why We Love Marcian Garden Hotel Zamboanga
Marcian Garden Hotel was the venue of Fatma, my best friend, for her wedding ceremony and reception. Cath and I stayed here for two nights to attend the festivities and explore the other attractions in Zamboanga. Marcian is one of the luxury hotels in Zamboanga. It’s six minutes away from the airport, accessible to business…
Yakan Village: Appreciation for the art and people of Zamboanga
When we arrived in Zamboanga, we already had a horrible experience with a tricycle driver. He did not drop us directly to our hotel and overcharged us for our fare. Worse, my friend’s luggage got broken when he unloaded it from his tricycle. We don’t know if it was accidentally (or intentionally) dropped, because the…
Alavar: A Must-Try Seafood Restaurant in Zamboanga
I ultimately love seafood that I always try to include it in my food trips during my travels. Whether at the beach, a city tour or a formal restaurant, seafood will always be included on my list. When I heard about a restaurant in Zamboanga whose specialty is seafood, I hurriedly marked this as part…
Menya Kokoro Ph: Soupless Ramen in Uptown, BGC
If you’ve been reading my blog, you know I am huge fan of Ramen. This happens to be one of my comfort food because it has a little of everything. Though I’ve had a fair share of trying out the best and the underrated in the Metro, it still comes a surprise to me to…
