4 Reasons Why Sakuramen Should Be on Your Foodie Bucket List.

Sakuramen is a family-owned business bravely put up in the middle of the pandemic. They opened their doors last March of 2021 to serve tasty Japanese meals and dishes to everyone who craves their favorite Japanese food. Although they are new, they already have their repeat customers and I cannot blame them if they do. If you want to know why Sakuramen should be on your foodie bucket list, read on!

ACCESSIBLE LOCATION W/ PARKING

Sakuramen is strategically located at the side of the road along Zabarte road. You can easily spot their signage and their place if you are passing by. They also have parking spaces available so there will be no problem if you bring your car or motorbike.

PET-FRIENDLY PLACE

This is probably one of their edge with other places or restaurants around. We all know that there are a lot of people who are fur-parents and they sometimes want to bring their fur-babies outside for some air. In Sakuramen, you can bring your pets, given that they are on a leash. They can also play with their resident cute pup named Yara if she's happened to be there. 

EXPANSIVE MENU & HAVE BIG SERVING

From ramens to donburi, to sushi, you can take your pick because they have options! They also have set meals and platters available. You can see in the photo above their mouthwatering food. We were able to taste all of them and I can easily say that they became one of my favorite Japanese restaurants now. They are fairly prince, too!

CUTE AND AIR-CONDITIONED PLACE

Let me just tell you why I love their place, aside from the fact that they are air-conditioned! They actually apologized a few times because the air-conditioning unit isn't working when we arrived but they have fans ready just in case! A technician arrived after a few minutes and fixed it fast. Well, anyway, I love that their place isn't overly decorated with Japanese-related displays or design. The wall with a massive mural gave an edge to their place. They may look small on the outside but they can accommodate groups and families!

The glass wall and the glass door give the place nice natural daylight and I think it's cool.

BONUS: THE OWNER WORKED IN JAPAN FOR YEARS

So, you know, this means that they kind of know what they were doing and what they are serving their customers.

If you're not convinced yet, let me also say that their customer service is also commendable. Their staff and even the owners are attentive and very accommodating to their customers. I love how hands on they are with everything.

Visit them now!

SAKURAMEN

Lot 1255-D, Brgy Kaligayahan, Zabarte Rd., Novaliches, Quezon City

0956 889 2931

FACEBOOK: https://facebook.com/SakuramenHouse/

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/sakuramenhouse/

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Loss, Lessons and the Life Plan that Saved us.

For the past three years since 2019, we experienced significant loss in the family. We lost our tita, who is my father's sister last 2019 because of bone cancer. November 2020, we lost our tito who is my mother's brother. Came April 2021, and my mother's father, my lolo, left us as well. It feels like a cycle of pain and acceptance. There are times that I just cry whenever I remember them, or I'd just feel lonely because I know I'll never be able to see them again.

I am being sentimental right now because my father's 8th death anniversary is also fast approaching, and I feel like I just had to somehow talk about it here in my blog. I can still remember how he insisted on pushing my youngest sister's debut because he said "I have the money for it, I saved for it." even though all of us agreed that we can just celebrate it within just the family. We didn't know that he's already suffering so much because he knows how to hide it well. My sister's debut celebration was a success. That was May 2013. Our father got hospitalized on June 30th of that same year, and then died on July 2 of cardiac arrest.

We weren't ready, so to speak. I mean, who would be?

Our family isn't perfect, but our parents raised us comfortably. I always use the word "sheltered" whenever I would describe my childhood because I think that our parents did their best in raising us that way. We're not rich. I can't even say that we're in the "middle class" because we are not. We're just living comfortably. When I was done studying, they urged me to get a job "to have my own money to spend" not the usual "so you can help to pay the bills" type of reason. And looking back, I am always grateful for that. Both my mother and my father are working full time, and they loved their jobs. My father is the head butcher of a meat company while my mother is an elementary teacher.

I am one of those millennials that cannot seem to stay in a traditional type of working environment, so when my father died, I was unemployed. We were worried for a moment, but fortunately, my mother told us that she actually had a Life Plan that she just finished paying for a week prior. I mean.. the timing is just unexplainable. We just thought that maybe Papa didn't really want us to suffer that much when he's gone. Help started pouring in from everyone, including the people who told us that Papa helped them before. 

The life plan we have in St. Peter made it possible for Papa to be handled quick and properly. They got Papa's body from the hospital, cleaned and prepared him for the funeral wake while we're waiting for one of the rooms in their Quezon Avenue branch to be vacant. Within 24 hours, people started to come. Looking back, I don't know how or what will happen if it happens that we didn't have that Life Plan from St. Peter. We weren't just ready financially, so to speak. We were also fortunate that financial help from relatives, friends, and Papa's bosses helped.

That experience became significant not just for us in the family, but also for our relatives as well. My mother became an agent for St. Peter as a side job because it feels like a wake-up call knowing the importance of having the LIFE PLAN we have when my father died. Our relatives and other family members made sure to get their own and their other family member's LIFE PLAN, too and Mama handled them all. She's so dedicated that she sometimes uses her own money to pay the monthly dues for others who have situations that make them late for their payment. She always says that she just doesn't want other people to experience what we would have experience should she did not get the Life Plan or even finished paying it.

Just a quick side note, this isn't a sponsored post. All of the details in this blog post are what really happened and what I really feel. I have been wanting to publish a post like this just to remind everyone that it's better to be ready. And it's better to be ready than to believe that being ready can be a bit of bad luck or can manifest into something bad, or it feels like you are wishing for your own death. We will all die, that's a fact. But it will always be better circumstances if the people we'll leave can be at ease and can just focus on grieving and not on finding help financially. I mean, they'd still have to spend some more but having the plan is way more convenient and the less money they'd have to spend. This is also a fact.

I mean, this is just what I think. I know, of all people, that not everyone can afford to get a LIFE PLAN now or anytime soon, but this is just a reminder for everyone. I shared our experience as a reference for others. They have traditional and cremation life plans. The plan we got for our father is the traditional one, so we just added more for the cremation service. The prices 8 years ago is way more different from the prices now, so I really suggest that if you can get one now, you should think of doing so, now.

You may check their services at https://www.stpeter.com.ph/life-plan

Let me know if you guys have a similar experience of what you think about this post.

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After the smash hits Talaga Ba (Sumaya Bago Sumuko) and Sabi Mo Usap lang, Architect Singer-songwriter launches 8 track Album with his latest single and music video, Lanakompake.

Singer-songwriter Denin Sy is back this year with fresh songs “Talaga Ba (Sumaya Bago Sumuko), “Sabi Mo Usap Lang” and his latest Lanakompake.

https://youtu.be/tI0JwQ-4pqo

With his passion for music, Denin, who first released an album in 2010 called “Deninman Songs” for Lana Distribution under Synergy Music & Star Records, stepped out from the lime light in the past to focus on construction and family business.

He came back in 2019 with songs “Ikaw Na Lang Ang Hinihintay”, “Magbabalik Sa Iyo”, and “Feel You Here” retaining his trademark of simple yet catchy melodies on his singing and songwriting.

The Architect/Singer never stopped making music with songs full of stories and inspiration. Last Year, he released “Tara Na Tahan Na” a song-tribute to fellow Filipinos and frontliners amid the COVID-19 global pandemic.

https://youtu.be/mFvsVaTc720

During the lockdown and quarantine period, Denin lightens up the mood of his fans and viewers as he continued to entertain them online on his social media with his parody songs that are uniquely relevant to the times. His “Bioman”-themed parody songs gained more than a million views on Facebook, which tagged hims the “Parody King”.

https://youtu.be/beLDnb5x1DU

He also made tons of anime and Kpop parodies, and vlogs to stay connected with people who are staying at home, most especially dedicated his time and his work to give fun and laughter to the frontliners.

With his return to singing and songwriting this year, Denin Sy continues to make his music very relatable to his Filipino fans considering his pure Chinese heritage. This 2021, he has lots of songs in store for his fans and viewers to keep on entertaining them during this time of the pandemic.

Catch up with Denin Sy and watch his music videos and vlogs on his YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/deninsy), and know more updates about his upcoming projects on his official Facebook Page (www.facebook.com/deninsyofficial).

 

Check out Denin Sy on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/42gcHqku5AvQyAEkIj27Jt?si=J-txeWGrSgKTD_2ueTg3RQ&dl_branch=1

Sabi Mo Usap Lang: https://open.spotify.com/album/16QfcR9JNgDUPkmisXpmiz?si=AzrH8gLQS-ir5fXNwnpveA&dl_branch=1

Talaga Ba (Sumaya Bago Sumuko): https://open.spotify.com/album/0S8zUFuVbeY9kRUSSzfpIZ?si=LEiEbisWQY-Yde9k2U4T3w&dl_branch=1

Lanakompake:https://open.spotify.com/album/5EqyzJi6TfRZFCehnmP1lE?si=GukbSuJRSzKT-lQUw556kQ&dl_branch=1

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It’s Father’s Month at The Manila Hotel!

For all that he has done for us, Dad deserves a treat on his special day. This Father’s Day, raise your glass to the main man in your life with The Manila Hotel’s Father’s Month treats. 

The Home Buffet surprise

For those who prefer to stay at home, you may pull off a grand celebration with The Manila Hotel’s takeout/delivery service and give the ultimate gift for beloved dads—full stomachs and warm hearts. For the month of June, the take-home the highlight is the Father’s Month Home Buffet that comes in two sets: the Special and Supreme. 

Our Home Buffet Special  [Php 4,500++] serves 4 to 5 persons and  consists of Green Mango and singkamas with bagoong alamang, Chicken Binakol, BBQ Pork Spare Ribs with atchara papaya, Kalderetang Kambing, Suahe in Garlic Butter, Annatto Fried Rice with green peas and Mango Float.

Our Father’s Home Buffet Supreme [P7,500++] serves 4 to 5 persons has all the dishes on the Home Buffet Special plus Kare-Kare, Bangus Belly Paksiw, and Cha Misua.

The Father’s Month Home Buffet sets will be offered the entire month of June. Prices of both sets are subject to 12% VAT and 1% local tax. Plus, an order gets you a special “World’s Greatest Dad” shirt to give him as a gift!

To purchase, please call our hotlines at 8527-0011 or 0998-9501912 or order via our website at https://www.manila-hotel.com.ph/fathers-day/

You may also choose from our regular Home Buffet sets like Italian, Japanese, Korean, Filipino, Chinese, and Halal. To check the full menu, visit www.manila-hotel.com.ph/takeout/.

Club Sandwich Treat at The Lobby Lounge

Sometimes, our quiet company is all dad needs, and here at the spacious Lobby Lounge, you can enjoy a whopping Club Sandwich with fries, plus two free drinks for only P800++. The giant club sandwich is perfect for sharing and it comes with a side of fries and some spreads and coleslaw. You can order your choice of drinks from chilled juices, iced tea, soft drinks, or beer. This promo rate with the two free drinks is ongoing until June 30, 2021.

Prestige Privilege: Father’s Day at The Champagne Room

They say the way to a man's heart is through his stomach, and no man deserves more loving than your dad. Show him how much you appreciate his hard work by treating him to a great meal on Father’s Day [June 20].

We are reopening the famed Champagne Room for Father’s Day with a special deal for our valued Prestige members who can enjoy the special lunch or dinner set menu for only P2,800 nett (the full rate of P3,500 will apply to non-Prestige members).

A special set specially curated with fathers in mind will be available at our Champagne Room. Indulge in Tiger Prawns in Zucchini Ribbon, Clear Duck Cranberry Consommé, Dry Porcini Risotto, Savory Tomato Sorbet, with a choice of Tranche of U.S.  Beef Tenderloin Wellington or Oven Roasted Fillet of Chilean Seabass. Cap off your meal with luscious Tiramisu Semifreddo for dessert with coffee or tea with macarons.

For inquiries and table reservations, please call our hotline numbers at (02) 85270011 or 0998-9501912. You may also email restaurantrsvn@themanilahotel.com

Café Ilang-Ilang Special Father’s Day Menu

If you are still contemplating on where to head out for your special Father’s Day gathering, a wonderful option is definitely to treat your dad on a Sunday dinner at Café Ilang-Ilang where you can enjoy delectable dishes and various decadent desserts.

Whether your dad is inclined towards exploring and having food adventures or is simply happy with plate of his staple meals, Café Ilang-Ilang offers a myriad of thoughtful and modern dining options. Taste the gastronomic delights we have prepared for dads, which gives diners a truly unforgettable epicurean experience like Baby Back Ribs with Whiskey Barbecue Sauce from our Churrasco section; Lamb Cutlets Rosemary from our Italian section; Spider Maki (Soft Shell Crabs) from our Japanese section; Saewoo Sil-Gochu (Spicy King Praws) from our Korean section; and so much more!

For more information and table reservations, please call our hotline numbers at (02) 85270011 or 0998-9501912. You may also email restaurantrsvn@themanilahotel.com. The Manila Hotel adheres to protocols and guidelines set by the government and the IATF. We are only allowed to accept guests ages 18 to 65 years old.

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What Makes Lola Nena's Triple Cheese Donuts Special?

Lola Nena's is a family-owned bakery first well known for its special Pichi-pichi. They opened their first kiosk in Tandang Sora around 2012, but decided to close down after a few months because of the challenges they faced. But just like love, the business seems sweeter the second time around because when they opened a store in a different location, which is in Quezon Avenue in Welcome Rotonda. And what do you know? They started to get good traction and attention from the customers.

They have 12 branches now, they are also now in Foodpanda and Grab, and since 2016, they have produced more products to offer to their customers. One of the most famous from their menu is the Triple Cheese Donuts.

This box contains 8 pieces of donuts filled with cheese and it costs 216PHP. This was bought in their Fairview branch.

I read a post before that she was disappointed because the doughnuts she received is kind of hard, not the usual soft texture. I immediately checked and thank god it's soft, too soft that I was careful in handling each donut when I was about to reheat it.

I did the searing method. Low heat. I forgot how long I did this but I made sure that it's hot so the cheese inside will surely melt.

Unfortunately, I seared it too early. We ate lunch before we tried these donuts I reheat so it's understandable that the cheese is not that melted anymore.

They call it Old-fashioned donuts because it was inspired from bicho-bicho, which they gave their own twist, thus, the Old-fashioned donuts became a part of their menu. But when their customers wanted "more cheese" as a feedback, Triple Cheese Donuts is born as a variety.

I love the soft and pillow-y texture of the donuts. The fact that I am also expecting cheese in every bite and I had cheese in every bite is satisfying. It's quite messy to eat because of the sugar but nevertheless, it really feels a bit nostalgic holding it, remembering the old days with similar looking pastries displayed in the bakeries.

I think that what makes these donuts special is that it looked plain, you know it has cheese (who doesn't like cheese?), and it tastes good. With the varieties of donuts swarming the market right now that are colorful, decorated, overloaded with different flavors, Lola Nena's Old-fashioned Triple Cheese Donuts is a breathe of fresh air.

The price range for me is reasonable. This is the type of food that I'll crave every once in a while, or something that I'll get when I can. And since they have more branches now plus GRAB and FOODPANDA, having these donuts will be easy.

Below are the list of their branches:

• Aguirre Paranaque - #287 Aguirre Ave., BF Homes, Paranaque
• Aurora Cubao - St. Anthony Bldg Aurora cor Oxford
• Commonwealth- Village Mall, Fairview
• Xavierville - 75 B Gonzales cor Xavierville Ave 
• Quezon Ave - by welcome rotonda, Q Ave cor Kitanlad 
• Novaliches - Goodwill Homes - 33 Katipunan Ave 
• Espana - Espana cor Adelin and P Campa 
• Greenhills Town Center - 50 Granada St., Brgy Valencia, QC 
• Legarda LRT - Legarda cor Recto
• Manggahan Pasig - Manggahan Village, Amang Rodrigues, Pasig (across The Orchard Towers) 
• Scout Bayoran - 42 Scout Bayoran, Brgy South Triangle, QC
• Mindanao Avenue - DMC Events Place #119 Mindanao Ave., Cor. Rd. 20, Project 8, QC

You may also reach them through their hotlines - 9am to 5pm only 

• Landline 8 925 4623 - CALL
• Globe 0915 795 2777 - CALL/VIBER MESSAGE
• Smart 0918 679 6000 - CALL/VIBER MESSAGE

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The Manila Hotel’s Café Ilang-Ilang opens doors to diners.

Are you excited to visit your favorite hotel restaurant again? Which food station will you be making a beeline for? Which favorite dish will you be asking for first? Well, we have good news for you!

The Manila Hotel’s famed Café Ilang-Ilang has once again opened its doors to valued clients. The hotel has been responding to queries about the outlet’s reopening. After reviewing the guidelines, as well as heightening health and hygiene protocols, the decision to open Café Ilang-Ilang is an answer to persistent inquiries from its loyal guests and those who have yet to experience it.

The food stations will once again be teeming with exciting dishes, and the aroma of your favorites will surely call out to you as you approach them. As the world-class chefs are busy behind glass enclosures, diners can go around the restaurant in their face masks and face shields to check various food stations. Because of existing guidelines for dining establishments, Café Ilang-Ilang has implemented the Order & Eat-All-You-Can System, where guests can point to what they want from the spread, and it will be plated for them.

Café Ilang-Ilang serves international selections from Japanese, Chinese, Italian, Korean to everything in between; even Halal. You can get your grilled meats at the popular Churrasco station, or the beloved lechon at the Filipino station. You will surely be spoiled in this gourmand’s haven. See if you can resist the selection of desserts, or the local fave and Halo-Halo—the perfect treat to beat the heat!

A gastronomic feast also awaits guests with an amazing gift voucher deal, giving you more reasons to come and visit us. For just P3,000 nett (lunch) and P3,500 nett (dinner), diners can indulge in our vast array of culinary creations. These non-expiring dining vouchers for two are available for purchase until June 20, 2021. They can be redeemed anytime at Café Ilang-Ilang but prior reservation is recommended.

Café Ilang-Ilang still implements physical distancing and reduced capacity measures that are compliant with the IATF and DOT guidelines for restaurants, so you can be sure that #YouAreSafeHere when you come and visit.

The outlet opens for lunch at 11:30am, and dinner at 5:30pm with last call for orders at 8pm. For more information and reservations, please call 8527-0011 or 0998-9501912 or email to restaurantrsvn@themanilahotel.com. You may also book via https://www.manila-hotel.com.ph/dining/cafe-ilang-ilang/.

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How I started sleeping longer again without overthinking.

Something happened to me a few weeks ago. I wasn't sleeping, or if I do, I'd only sleep 1 to two hours a day, I don't have the urge to eat, I was just existing and I don't know what I should do. I was sad and lonely, I was overthinking things. I got it bad, and the worse of it is that I know exactly why it was happening. Someone from the past came back into my life, and no matter how hard I fought the idea of letting that person in, I have no control of my feelings. I used to be so sensible and I always think of the consequences I'll bear before doing action but I was in over my head.

I had to stop my panic attacks, overthinking and anxiety and the only way I think of is to just stop fighting my feelings and just gave in. So I did. And boy, I feel like something heavy inside me was lifted and I was doing and feeling better. I started doing the things I want to do with that person, and the more I go on, the more questions started to pop up. But I don't want to go back to what I was before, so I decided to just do whatever I want.

I decided to ask the questions I want to ask, say what I want to say, do whatever the hell I want not thinking of what the outcome will be.

If questions are answered and I didn't like them, I made peace with it. Do I think the answer is a lie? Yes. But do I have to do anything about it? No. Besides, I wasn't the one lying. I was being lied to, yes, but I am aware, and I don't need to keep on insisting that it was a lie while the person insists that it's not. I just let it happen.

It sounded toxic, but it's what kept me sleeping at night. I don't demand things. No good morning messages? No good night texts? Don't update me? Lying to me? Whatever. Do what you want. 

I stopped caring so much that I feel so free of unwanted emotions and feelings. I just care enough to go on.

I know this wasn't easy, and I was able to do it because I feel like I'm so done, and the only thing hanging in is my heart, which I know will also give up soon.

The art of stopping overthinking is to stop the what-ifs. So go ahead, ask that question, say what you want to say, let things happen without expecting or demanding. Make peace with how people treat you and just be done with it once you feel like it. Sleep longer at night.

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