Fly to Paris with French Baker!

French Baker is one of those bakery-cafe in the Philippines that I love. I love their pastries that I actually come back for more and I am really thankful to be part of their 25th year anniversary!



Draped with all things French, I felt like I was in Paris for a couple of hours from all the displays and also the food that was served. There were different sections from Fashion, Pastries, Wine and even sweets! As far as I remember French people adore sweets!



What would it feel like to travel to France right? I wonder...

But if you want to travel in style like the Parisians do French Baker has a surprise for all its patrons!



Here is the PR for more details!

The French Baker, the original French bakery-cafe that first opened in SM City North Edsa 25 years ago; together with Insight Vacations, Rajah Travel Corporation and Etihad Airways, today launched “Visit Paris in Summer 2015”, a raffle promo where one lucky winner will get the chance to visit and experience Paris, France next year.

This much-anticipated promo marks French Baker’s 25 years of bringing European-style breads in the mass market, and the company’s way of saying ‘thank you’ to the customers who have embraced and supported the patisserie over the years.

“It was in 1985 when I travelled to Europe for the first time that I fell in love with PARIS and her baked goodies. Since then I’ve dreamt of doing the same so that I can impart a similar experience to our kababayans in the Philippines,” shared Johnlu G. Koa, professor turned entrepreneur, and now Founder and CEO of The French Baker.

“It is for this same reason that we wanted to give back to our loyal customers the same French experience not just through our products, but by giving one lucky winner a chance to see and feel for themselves the beauty and charm of Paris.”

Experience France

“Visit Paris in Summer 2015” gives one lucky winner and three of his companions an all-expense paid 10-day trip to Paris through luxury escorted tours provider Insight Vacations, together with Rajah Travel Corporation, and Etihad Airways as the official airline.

Every P500 worth of dine-in and take-out single receipt from any The French Baker branch entitles the customer one raffle coupon.  The promo will run from November 5, 2014 until March 15, 2015. Grand Draw will be on March 20, 2015.

25 The French Baker gift certificates worth P5,000 each are also up for grabs.

The grand prize winner will get to spend at least three days in each of France’ key cities, including Paris, the old Roman City of Nimes; and finally in Monte Carlo.

 “People may ask why four tickets for one winner, and not four winners with one ticket each?” Koa furthers. “The reason is that we wanted the winner to see the charms of France and experience that magical feeling together with family and friends, and not just by themselves.”

“We are very excited for this promo,” said Sheryl Lim, Regional Director for Insight Vacations. “We see it as a perfect way for The French Baker to celebrate 25 years in the country, and for showing their gratitude to their loyal customers.”

Insight Vacations also launched its 2015 itinerary and magazine, which is available through Rajah Travel Corporation.

Bernie Arnaiz, Assistant Managing Director for Rajah Travel Corporation, together with Lim, shared with the night’s audience the kind of luxury the winner can expect with the launch of their Signature Events.

This marks signature experiences from handpicked Signature Hotels; specially-arranged Signature Evenings of Entertainment; and booked Signature Dining in authentic and local restaurants.

Meanwhile, Etihad Airways will fly the winner in utmost class. “Our winner will experience luxury on air, with the first-class amenities and features of our planes,” said Jackie Lim-Gonzaga of Etihad Airways.

The event was hosted by the ever so gorgeous Issa Litton wearing a very Parisian-chic outfit. The SM Mega mall Fashion hall was filled with all things Paris from the food, drinks, fashion and even pastries that everyone felt like they went to the city of Romance - Paris!

The event was so much fun. And to top off the festivities Gary V, a good friend of JohnLu C. Koa was there to serenade the audience! So cool right?

Over all I would just like to say that its been a great honor to be part of French Baker's 25 years in the business and I hope that French Baker will be bigger and better for more years to come!

on se parle plus tard et beaucoup d'amour!

(Talk to you later and much love!)

xx Alice

Bih-Zahr : Out of the Ordinary but Budget friendly Bar to dine in light but party harder

Bih-Zahr (read as bizarre) RestoBar a cozy restaurant during the day and a hip-hop, rock and rainbow haven in the night. Located at No. 6 Scout Borromeo Street, South Triangle, Quezon City. You’ve probably been asking yourself what’s with the name, Bih-Zahr? It’s because we are not your average RestoBar.  It offers a wide variety of promos and group bundle of food and drink that is very light on the pocket.

Our Menu is usual, but it is unforgettable

The menu offers an extensive variety of great food and cocktails for everyone’s taste. To name a few of what we offer on our menu like Sinuglaw, Pork Sisig, Sisig Pizza, Fish and Chips, Gambas, Nachos, Beef Salpicao, Steak, Chili Fingers and Dynamite. Their Chef would recommend you to try our Pancit Bihon and Pancit Guisado, it may sound that you already have tasted it a gazillion time, but when you taste our Pancit you can say “This is it!”. Bih Zahr also offer a wide variety of cocktails for our ladies and mocktails for those who do not drink alcohol and on the rocks drink like rum and  whiskey.

Bih-Zahr RestoBar offers a week of different activities starting with

 

Monday Blues were all the music is soothing to the ears that will relax you. 

Tuesday’s Ladies Night all ladies will get one (1) free cocktail upon entering and ladies will rock the night away.

 

Wednesday 80’s, turn back time as we en route you to the sound of the 80’s.  

Thursday’s Rainbow Party, a night filled with laughters from our LGBT invited friends. 

Rocker Friday’s, they will rock until you drop.  

Hip-hop Saturday’s, lots of scratching and DJing.

There are also barkada bundles that are as low as 1,000php so make sure to check out Bih Zahr! 

Bih-Zahr is located at #6 Sct. Borromeo St. South Triangle Q.C. 

xx Alice

Must Love Desserts at Love Desserts!

I love sweets. 

Compared to my two brothers, I have a sweet tooth than they are that when they give me gifts it usually involves chocolates - if its my birthday it is A MUST that either one gives me chocolates no matter if it is locally made or from abroad just as long as it is chocolate I am okay with it. 

Speaking of chocolates, I am in love with one shop that serves all the sweets I could imagine - Love Desserts!

Located at Banawe in Quezon City, this quaint little place is the first to conceptualize this kind of buffet. 

The whole place is simple and doesn't have the shebang but one of the things I like about Love Desserts is that their variety of sweets are all home made and also it is different everyday so their customers would be surprised. 

One of the things I tried is their chocolate cake and also their blueberry peach crepe. 

They have individual stations for pastries, crepes and even a halo halo station! 

Their staff is super courteous and really attentive to their customers. I actually tried to ask them lots of questions even if they are busy and they still answered me without being annoyed. 

I am like that actually sometimes so they passed! 

Besides from the desserts they offer, Love Desserts also offer an array of entrees that can be ordered separately if you are not in the mood for sweets. 

One of the coolest thing I like in the store is how simple yet eye catching their interior is. 

This is a perfect place to hang out with your friends and just munch away. Although usually customers are only allowed to stay for about 2 hours but I think most people won't be able to stay long because of the sugar coma. 

If you would ask if I will go back? OF COURSE! 

I am planning to go back son to Love Desserts and try more of their sweet treats. 

Have you gone to Love Desserts? What is your favorite dessert?

Comment below! 

xx Alice 

Akira Opens its Newest Branch at Shangri-La Mall!

Akira The Art of Teppanyaki has opened its newest branch on the East wing of Shangrila Mall.

I really like Japanese food. I find that the way they prepare their food is really nice and also entertaining.

The difference of their Shangrila branch to the other branches is that it has 3 teppanyaki stations that you can use with your friends to see how teppanyaki is prepared.

Now onto the food! I really like the meat that they use in the teppanyaki because its really chewy and soft and just melts in your mouth.

I find it really nice to eat with rice.

Another thing I like about the Shangrila branch is the design is very minimalist but not cold.

You can check out Akira's Shangrila branch at the East wing of Shangrila mall.

Much Love!

xx Alice 

Brickfire: budget-friendly Steaks for All

I usually have savory cravings when the weekend starts. I don't know why but sometimes I crave for steaks most of the time. But unfortunately I have to go all the way to Eastwood sometimes and have to fork out a huge sum of money for it.

Thankfully I found a much better place that serves steaks near my house and won't burn the wallet- which is Brickfire!

First and foremost, Brickfire is a budget-friendly steakhouse. Its flagship dishes are The Duke and the Cowgirl Annie, which are generous cuts of tender local beef classically seasoned with salt and pepper.

That is where Brickfire stops being your typical budget steakhouse and becomes so much more.

One of the biggest differences with Brickfire is how the beef is cooked. Instead of the steaks being grilled, they are baked in a Brickfire oven, keeping the steaks tender and sealing in the flavorful juices, which is key to that irresistible beefy taste often found lacking in thinly cut, grilled steaks.

Brickfire doesn’t just stop differentiating itself there. It takes further steps into the diverse art of preparing steaks by offering two additional playful flavors: Honey Mustard and Wasabi. The Honey Mustard steaks are made with the famous Filipino sweet tooth in mind and are a nice alternative to the traditional salt and pepper flavor.

IIf you want to check out Brickfire they have 2 locations. One in Katipunan and one in SM North EDSA. You can visit them at Brickfire katipunan 41 2/F Xavier Residence Bldg., cor. R. Alvero and E.Abada St., Loyola heights, Q.C. Philippines (02) 426 2254 +63 917 354 7318

Brickfire SM north edsa Ground Flr annex (02) 441 4464 +63 927 523 1130

Much Love!

xx Alice 

Late Night Cravings: M.Y. Sans Skyflakes Cracker Sandwich

If you are a Filipino kid that grew up in the 60's, 70's, 80's, 90's and even 2000's you would know Skyflakes. 

SkyFlakes are one of those really old brands that even our grandmothers would know! I remember growing up munching on these while drinking juice or hot chocolate. 

Its like saltine crackers - minus the salt. 

Nowadays Skyflakes have already updated their game with these. Instead of just regular crackers they have added some flavor in it that most of the older (don't deny it!) have enjoyed. 

I would admit that I actually grew up dipping one of the crackers to some hot fudge.

There are myriads of things you can make with skyflakes actually. You can put butter on it, or maybe peanut butter. My best bet is of course is eating it with coffee.

Thankfully now they came up with sky flakes with a spread like condensada and also chocolate!

The taste for both is similar but it wasn't the same. I think because of the consistency of the spread.

Overall I think its a great treat to munch on when you are hungry for sure.

Have you tried Sky Flakes cracker sandwiches?

Comment below!

xx Alice 

Saving Your Bagnet Cravings with Bagneto

Remember my recent post about Vigan? 

One of the things I love most about Vigan is Bagnet. Bagnet is deep fried pork that has been prepared for a week! A week my friend! Its way of cooking is really different because they also sun dry the pork then after letting it get some sun it gets fried again thus having that very crunchy but still juicy tenderness inside. 

Reminscing Vigan

I still haven't gotten over Vigan. 

Honestly I don't want to haha! 

Vigan is honestly one of those places that you can't help but be awe at the beauty of its architectural structure. The road at the Heritage village is really something one has to see if you want to know how it felt like during the Spanish colonization period of the Philippines. 

I am a history geek so mind you I was like a kid in a candy store - but there wasn't any candy. 

One of the things we did during our visit of Vigan is of course experience it via the Calesa Tour! 

The last time I rode a Calesa or a two wheeled calash was when I was young and it was in Manila. 

Compared to the Calesa in Manila, the ones in Vigan were much more spacious and also less shaky and could fit at least 3 or 4 people. If you want to avail the Vigan tour it is about 700php per person at Metro Vigan Inn. 

The Calesa tour is a 4 hour tour that features the UNESCO World Heritage town of Vigan. Some of the highlights are Vigan's notable churches, gardens, its pottery industry and also the famous Calle Crisologo. You can also opt for the Sunset Tour which has an added 2 hours in the tour and adding 300 pesos per person. 

The sunset tour includes a trip to the zoo, hotel, museum and a snack at Vigan Empanadaan then it ends off at Plaza Salcedo where you will be serenaded by Vigan's Dancing Fountain. 

 I find it really fascinating to see really old structures like churches look so magneficent although it had been through a lot. 

This bell tower is actually the highest point in Vigan in which it is being used before to over look the whole area during war times. Nowadays according to the locals this is quite a popular attraction for couples. 

If you looked from afar it might look like a village off the coast of Santorini - but in reality it is actually a cemetery haha! 

 And now we are near the Heritage town! So excited! 

Traffic in Vigan isn't really much like what it is here in Manila. There were some congestion in Plaza Salcedo but that is because the streets are quite narrow. 

This actually reminds me of the side streets in Intramuros. 

And we are now at Calle Crisologo. 

The whole stretch of Calle Crisologo is really fascinating because of the structures - again with structures!~ 

It boasts the Spanish design but it looks very homey. Most houses in Calle Crisologo are either museums or stores. There were some that are actually abandoned and soon to be restored by the city government which is really nice because it still retains its natural design. 

The cobble stone road is really something worth checking out. Most people take it for granted but remember that these cobble stone road were the same ones that were used by people that lived during the Spanish colonization period to walk on. 

 And I seriously can't pass this very 'tourist' shot although I didn't notice the photobombers at the back LOL.

And this one. Seriously my smile in this picture has a deeper meaning which is too much information to be honest. 

And meet Hero! Our horse! 

I also find that the horses in our tour are more friendly and more comfortable with people than the ones in Manila. 

And after Calle Crisologo we went to Hidden Gardens which serves authentic Ilocano dishes. 

We were able to try their famous Empanada which actually is white! According to the owner, the original empanada isn't orange but rather it is white. 

I like the whole motif of the restaurant because it showcases a lot of Ilocos especially its cuisines. 

We also went on a quick food tour featuring the different pasalubong options offered here in Ilocos like their bibingkas which were awesome! I wasn't able to take a picture though :( And to cap off the night we went to see the dancing fountain! 

It was a very beautiful showcase and one thing I noticed is that they played a lot of Kpop songs during the set that we saw which was really funny since some of my tour groupmates were like 'what is this song?'

Haha #KpopFansWillKnow

On our last day to Vigan we were able to visit Baluarte! 

If you guys don't know Baluarte is a Zoo built by Chavit Singson. This is a FREE attraction in which all visitors can enjoy strolling through the 80 hectare property to see different animals and also interact with them.

Its only 10 minutes away from Vigan and there are directions on your way to Baluarte so don't worry. One distinct factor Vigan has with other places I've been is there are a lot of signage so you wouldn't get lost if you are directionally challenged. 

One of the highlights of our visit to Baluarte is when I was able to interact with a Musang! 

A Musang or a civet cat is like 5 times larger than a domestic cat that has scrunchy textured hair but very sweet and accommodating. The musang actually liked licking the hands of the visitors which was so cute! Its definitely something worth doing. 

You can also opt to have a picture taken with a tiger but unfortunately the Tiger was resting when we got there and usually tigers - like other cats tend to be grumpy if disturbed. 

Overall my trip to Vigan is really something worth repeating. How I wish I can go back there and discover more. I wasn't able to enjoy much unfortunately so I would really like to go back soon. 

Have you visited Vigan or Ilocos? What do you like most? Tell me about your experience below!

Till the next post!

Much Love!

xx Alice