Sentro

I always tell my foreign guests when they visit me here that they are required to gain at least 5 pounds before they leave. Two full days here in Manila and that goal is easily met.

Our country I would think has the most delicious food anywhere in the world since we use a lot of spices and pampalasa. Each region also represents a different type of cuisine. Northern Luzon is known for bitter and exotic dishes, Bicol for spicy food, inasal and different seafood dishes down South. I always gain whenever I travel in any part of the country.

But, my guests always have limited time whenever they visit and the no-brainer choice is, of course, Sentro (located at Greenbelt 3) and what to eat?

Crispy Pata, a cardiac delight


Sinigang na Corned Beef


Huge smiles due to full bellies

Baguio

Baguio for me holds the title of "coldest city in the Philippines". I've not been to Baguio on the "ber" months and I'd say I think I'm going to hold off going back unless it's summer or the first half of the year. It's really coooooldddd!

It's quite easy to get to Baguio from Manila. All you have to do is take a bus (Victory Liner) which costs PhP380 one way (deluxe is PhP600) and there are loads of hotels you can stay in - either at the city proper or go try the Camp John Hay Manor Hotel (a superior room at PhP4,600 per night can accommodate about 3 to 4 people). The huge numbers of cabs also makes it easy to get around the city. I recommend walking from SM Baguio down Session road down to the Baguio Public Market and then walk a bit more and you'll get to Burnham and a stone's throw away is Cafe by the Ruins. Walking also helps keep one warm.

Tried out Cafe Volante as recommended by ProjectManila. The pasta and pizza were very tasty and the apple pie was quite yummy too. Cafe Volante is located at Session Road (beside Greenwich) and is open 24 hours a day.


Here's the spaghetti and meatballs -


Here's the pizza (forgot to take a photo before eating!)


Here's the uber-yummy apple pie -


Fresh strawberry milk shake -


Ate breakfast at Cafe by the Ruins. Cafe by the Ruins has been around for the longest time and the last time I was there was about a decade ago with college friends. Noteworthy to order are the longganisa, tapuy and umm basically everything since it's all organic.


Cafe by the Ruins is unique for its interiors and they favor the arts as well.


Smoked ham with pineapple served with fresh fruits and organic rice


Spanish omelet served with fresh fruits and organic rice


Ruins Coffee


And I gained at least 2 pounds in just 30 hours! Argghhh....

Baguio Expenses:
Bus - PhP760 (round trip)
Accommodation - PhP4,600 (Manor; you can get places for less than PhP2,000 as well)
Food - PhP150 - PhP200 per meal
Taxi - PhP25 flag down; average of PhP40
Pasalubongs - Php40 for lengua, average PhP75-Php100 for choco flakes/peanut brittle

Cafea

I'm a South girl and that means I don't go to Quezon City that much. I'm lost once I cross Robinson's Galleria. I think I could get around Cebu City better than QC. LOL.

So, last night when Sweetie and I were deciding where to go after attending an album launch, I was basically useless in suggesting places to go to and he surprised me by bringing me to a "chocolate cafe" located near ABS-CBN and alongside Esquinita.

Cafea is a quaint little place. Lighting was a bit dim (very roh-mhan-thic!) and the tables were marble inlaid furniture (which I suspect was one of my Mom's projects when we were manufacturing those types of stuff). And since it was a weeknight the place was almost deserted.


It was quite difficult to choose what to drink. The menu had loads of choices for hot and cold drinks. I wanted to try the hot chocolate mint drink, but it was unavailable so I had a tall cookies and cream shake instead. It was so sinful because it had ice cream, candy sprinkles and a champola. Of course, Sweetie had to finish it for me (that's just my little ploy to make him gain weight). Hihihi.


But, I'll surely go back to try out all the other drinks!