Fall in Love with the Sweet Scent of Nescafe's Cappuccino

Coffee is something that I love. I don't know why but whenever I drink coffee I feel like I am in heaven. 

Don't you think the same?

Nowadays I have been drinking this new coffee from Nescafe - The Nescafe Cappuccino! 

Its a complete coffee mix with a cappuccino taste! - well according to the sachet that it. Basically it is a do-it-yourself Cappuccino! Personally I don't drink cappuccino since its a coffee that has some foam into it.

Here's a how to do it:

1. Pour the contents of the sachet in your cup.

2. Pour water halfway - but since I forgot that step you can pour the hot water at least near the rim of your cup.

3. Stir the coffee till your see the foam!

4. Put the chocolate sprinkles on top

And ENJOY! 

Quite frankly I like this drink since I don't have to add sugar into it. The only thing I don't like is its not that frothy enough EVEN when I did what it said on the instructions! But of course its not like something we can do on one try. 

Overall this coffee treat from Nescafe is something that I think I will really like more since the scent is actually quite relaxing. The process to make it is not as hard as you think since all you need to do is pour some hot water and stir - simple as that! 

Have you tried these? Let me know on the comments section below. 

And for now I will leave you with a picture of my dear cup of Nescafe Cappuccino.

Much Love! 

xx Alice

Breakfast Bliss at Café 1771

There are times that I am a more of a night owl than be a morning person but I think a hearty a delicious breakfast would be a great reason to get together early - like having it at Cafe 1771, where breakfast is served with enough imagination and charm to make anyone’s day.

Start a busy day in the quiet, library-inspired Lounge, or perk yourself up with Café 1771’s coffee concoctions amid the cheerful blue and fuschia hues of the Whimsy area. Chef Vicky Pacheco’s breakfast menu is carefully thought out, with nearly everything made from scratch, and using only the best and freshest ingredients. 

Consider, for example, the Hole-in-One Corned Beef, made of spiced corned beef hash—prepared in-house, of course—with cubed potatoes and a dense sunny-side-up egg in the center. Served on a sizzling plate with rice or wheat bread on the side, this all-day favorite is big on size and flavor. 

Considered the ultimate reward for egg lovers, Eggs Florentine in a Boat is two poached organic eggs with creamed spinach on a puff pastry and your choice of homemade ham or smoked salmon. This treat comes topped with  a velvety hollandaise sauce poured generously over the perfectly poached eggs. 

Still not convinced? The irresistible aroma of Café 1771’s Adobo Flakes Fried Rice is sure to get anyone out of bed. This comforting offering is made of both pork and chicken adobo mixed with garlic rice and spring onions, then topped with a sunny-side-up egg. 

For cheese lovers, the Croque Madame is a must-try – baked layers of ham, gruyere cheese and creamy bechamel sauce over a slice of English bread. 

Power diners will choose to energize their day with a Spanish Tortilla with Chorizo. This dish is not to be confused with the well-known Mexican tortilla. Rather, it is a hearty Spanish omelette made of chopped potatoes, onions, chorizo and organic eggs.

It’s also been said that Café 1771 has the best pancakes this side of town. With the tang of sour cream playing off the deep sweetness of syrup made from scratch, Café 1771’s fluffy Sour Cream Pancakes are sure to bring cheer to anyone’s morning. Chef Vicky highly recommends the caramelized walnuts and bananas as toppings.

A traditional, fiber-loaded meal made of granola mix, Bircher Muesli is mixed nuts, raisins and yogurt with fresh fruit toppings as a tasty finish, and with just the right amount of sweetness in it.

If you believe that a great breakfast in good company can set the tone of the rest of the day, make sure to give your breakfast all the glory it deserves—at this bright and cheerful space called Café 1771. 

Much Love! 

xx Alice 

A Little Piece of Heaven

Sometimes heaven can be found in the little things. 

I do believe this saying. Heaven is a way of thinking for some but for me heaven can be found in the littlest of things that we see. 

Like Hershey's Kisses! 

Since I was younger I have been an avid lover of these. One of my fondest memory of these are when me and my family went to Duty Free one Christmas and I asked her if I could buy one, my mom doesn't really let me handle her wallet but on that faithful day she handed me fifty dollars to spend on what ever I want.

Being the kid that I am I immediately went to the chocolate section and bought myself at least 3 gift bags of these which gave me a chance to spin for a special prize. The special prize I got was another bag full of Hershey's! My mom and dad were quite surprised when I got back and carried quite a heavy load full of chocolates. My brothers were totally jealous but being the loving baby sister that I am I bought them a big bag of Combos.

Going back..

Hershey's Special Dark Chocolate is simply heaven in the taste buds with its slight bitterness but still that mouth watering chocolate sweetness - simply heaven in deed!

My office mate actually offers these for sale for only 250 PHP for one bag which is quite cheaper than those in the market so I ordered two- one for me and one for my mom since she loves these as well.

My rule in life is work hard but enjoy the simple pleasures in life. So having one of these babies is not bad if you ask me. And also dark chocolate is good for you since it has more antioxidants than milk chocolate so having one to two of these every day isn't going to ruin your diet so indulge in a bit.

Have you tried this? What do you think about it?

Comment below! 

Much Love! 

xx Alice

Global Visa: An easier option to get your visa to travel abroad

Many claim that it is easy to apply for a tourist visa even in the internet, as long as

your documents are complete and accurate, either with a non-immigrant (tourist) visa or

an immigrant one.  However many still struggle with the application procedures and some

have been denied.  Statistics say that US embassy receive some 210,000 non-immigrant visa

applications, which is about 700-1,000 applications a day. An approximate of 30 percent were

disapproved for various reasons.

Getting a visa means passing through a scrutinizing and tedious process, without the

assurance of having your passport stamped for approval.  However, having a reliable third party

assistance can always come in handy, especially for those people who don’t have the time to

manage everything.   Agencies like Global Visas are always ready to aid you in the process and

provide you with much needed counselling.

Global Visas’ clients would attest to this.  One would be Charina Tan, a businesswoman

who has intended her parents to visit the US for pleasure and to visit their relatives based in US.  

She found out about Global Visas’  Facebook site when she was searching for the best travel

and immigration agency in the web.  She then was led to the website and has contacted the

telephone number indicated.  To make the long story short, her application for B2 visa for her

parents were granted with multiple entry visa.  Her parents have been to the US just last year.

According to her, no problems were met along the process.  “I find the system easy, for

Ms. Divina did everything for us, including the processing of the documents.  She found means

to get everything done,” Ms. Tan said.  That is why she had been referring friends and relatives

to the company who wish to visit other countries requiring visas.

Visit: www.globalvisas.com for more information

Much love!

xx Alice 

Black Canyon Coffee Opens New Branch in McKinley Hill Taguig

 

I am a huge lover of coffee ever since. 

Ever since I was young I have actually drank coffee from different coffee shops so I have a penchant to try out new coffee places. Luckily I was able to check out the newest one which is Black Canyon Coffee. 

Black Canyon Coffee combines coffee with Thai cuisines. Originally in Thailand which has over 200 branches plus another 40 branches in Singapore, Dubai, Malaysia and Indonesia - and now they have two here in the Philippines. 

Last June 15 2013, I was invited to see Black Canyon Coffee's grand opening of their latest branch in McKinley Hill, Bonifacio Global City in Taguig. 

Being the latest addition in the growing family of Thailand's largest chain of coffee houses is now in the Philippines. 

Unlike other coffee houses, Black Canyon coffee doesn't just offer the usual frappe and espresso, they also offer Thai cuisines which is really nice since there are not a lot of restaurants that offer Thai cuisines. Their bestseller among those in the menu is Pad Thai and their signature drink - the Black Canyon Coffee.

Black Canyon Coffee also offer teas (both hot and cold), Frappes, Smoothies, Fruit juices, and chocolate drinks. Here are some of the drinks I was able to try.

Mocha Glacier Frappe. 

Mainly this is like the typical mocha frappe but instead of topping it with whipped cream, it has ice cream on top! This would be great to drink on a super humid day.

 

Black hazelnut Frappe

This drink is I think one of my favorites now since I like Hazelnut. Its quite bitter at first but once you have gone past that its quite sweet but still right to enjoy to the very last sip. 

If you like slightly bitter drinks this one if for you! Its has the right mix of hazelnut and coffee that its not overwhelming to the taste buds.

Red Bean Thai Tea Frappe

The name is quite a handful and so is the taste! This one is definitely for the adventurous ones since the taste of Thai tea is something that we don't taste everyday. 

I have actually tasted Thai Tea before and at first I didn't like it since it has an unexplainable taste for me. But the more that you drink this you will actually be able to appreciate its flavor. Thai tea is actually made with ceylon tea, in Thailand they also mix this with other ingredients which also include spices. So maybe that is why its quite unexplainable.

The added red bean and whipped cream actually is a great combination since its mellows down the taste of the thai tea. I've actually liked the taste of Thai tea that I'm thinking of going to Black Canyon Coffee the next time I visit my dad.

Hello there blogger friends! :)

 Here are some pictures of their shop. 

There is also a second floor which I think you can reserve if you will have parties. The over all atmosphere of the shop is laid back but still sophisticated which is quite hard to pull off. The interior is modern yet still homey. 

The place is very warm that it can be a hang out place for you and your friends and also somewhere you could bring your family for Sunday brunch.

I actually can't believe I had three frappes in one day! 

No wonder I was quite hyper after the event LOL. But still Black Canyon Coffee is a great place to hang out with your friends for sure. 

Black Canyon Coffee is located at the ground floor of Tuscany building which is adjacent of Venice Piazza in McKinley Hill, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. You can also visit their SM Southmall branch. 

I wish Black Canyon Coffee would have a branch in Quezon City soon so I could have my Red Bean Thai Tea frappe mix anytime I want. 

How about you? 

How do you like your coffee? 

Comment below~! 

Much Love! 

xx Alice 

Food Finds: Pringles in Pizza

 

Hello there! 

I haven't been posting food-related posts here I hope you understand. But I will definitely go and try out some food soon so be prepared! haha! 

On today's food finds would be at least my most favorite chips of all time -Pringles! 

The Best Things in Life are 3 at Sentro 1771

Sentro 1771, Being the first in modern Filipino cuisine has gained a following over the last 10 years in the business. Most of their fans have surely picked their favorites, may it be the corned beef sinigang, Lamb Caldereta, Garlicky Adobo and among others.

And now Sentro 1771 offers a special treat to its loyal guests – order three of the dishes mentioned above from 11:00 am to 2:30 pm and get the next one for free!

Simply get a card from your server and have it stamped for each dish (max. 1 stamp per visit) then present 3 stamps within 14 days. To give more valued guests a chance to enjoy their favorites, Sentro has extended the promo period until July 31, 2013.

An inviting, family-friendly Filipino restaurant with branches at Greenbelt 3 and Serendra, Sentro 1771 gives local classics a unique twist while retaining their comforting, familiar flavors. Whether you’re a visitor, a balikbayan or someone who’s simply in search of a good meal, Sentro’s innovative offerings are sure to satisfy your cravings. Bask in the presence of your loved ones for lunch while feasting on tasty dishes that are big on both size and flavor.
Sentro 1771’s cuisine will surely transport anyone to a sumptuous, world-class Filipino experience that comes in three delicious favorites.

Happy Dining!

Much Love!

xx Alice

Great News! Moevenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu awarded TripAdvisor's Certificate of Excellence

The Moevenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu is pleased to announce that it has been awarded the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence last May 22, 2013.

TripAdvisor.com is presently considered to be one of the most popular travel websites among netizens around the world,  this is more renowned for providing key travel information to the adventurous ones. TripAdvisor features reviews and opinions of other individuals who aim to share their unique travel experiences with the rest of the world. TripAdvisor showcases wide-scale reviews about hotels, restaurants, and much more.

The TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence is awarded annually to the top performing 10% of all hotels worldwide, and is given to establishments that consistently earn high ratings from TripAdvisor travellers.

Recently re-launched on December 15 2012, after having undergone a PHP 500,000,000  worth for its total transformation, the Moevenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu is proud that it has been publically recognised with such a prestigious award after having only been in operation for less than six months – a feat that is truly difficult for any hotel to rival.

According to Knuth Kiefer Moevenpick Mactan Island Cebu's General Manager the award is pleasing to see since their guests have chosen Moevenpick for the award and will still continue to strive to refine its services further.

Moevenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu is the flagship property for Moevenpick Hotels & Resorts in the Philippines, and will soon be joined by the Moevenpick Huma Island in Palawan.

For hotel inquiries and reservations, guests may call (+63) 32 4927777 or email hotel.cebu@moevenpick.com. Visit the Moevenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/moevenpickhotelmactanislandcebu

Much Love!

xx Alice 

International Food EXpo 2013

Last May 19 2013, Sunday I was able to attend the International Food Expo 2013 at the SMX Hall with my bebe girl Annelly. 

The International Food Expo is basically an expo to showcase brands all over the world and also from the Philippines to potential investors and also distributors. 

I was really expecting more of just products being showcased but then I was shocked when I saw there were tons of free tasting booths...oh diet I am really sorry..

I did try a lot of food from the participating stalls, there was also one that was giving free bignay wine...but you have to be 18 and above. But quite frankly, there were a lot of products that were new to me like 

Chicharritos - chicaron with different flavors.

  

WillyBee Kalamansi Extract with Honey - I tell you this is so refreshing but not too sweet.

Mango rolls - Dried Mango strips that had been rolled. Its available in different variants. 

Of course since this expo features different products from different countries I went to Korea! 

I was quite disappointed since most products that they featured were Traditional Korean wine like soju and Makgeolli.

There were parts of the expo that has cooking demos but unfortunately I was not able to go there since I left after 45 minutes. As much as I want to stay, I also had other engagements that I had to attend. 

I hope next year I am still able to attend the IFEX 2014 because there are a lot of products that I want to see first in this expo. 

Were you able to attend the expo? What were your experience? 

Comment below! 

Much Love! 

xx Alice 

Sweet Treats for Mom this Mother's Day

Hey Guys!

How is your mother's Day so far? Good? Bad?

If you are still thinking of gifts you could give to mom...especially if she is a foodie here are some tips.

If your mom has a sweet tooth, why not surprise her with a limited edition cake like Chef Johann Dreisger's Peach Raspberry cake which is only available today for only 800 php at Hyatt Hotel's Pastry Boutique.

Peach Raspberry cake is made of light fluffy peach chiffon cake layered with raspberry mousse and iced with a silky lemon frosting dotted with a hand crafter blush sugar rose - a very special cake for a very special lady.

If you want to know more you could visit Pastry Boutique at the ground floor of the Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila. For more information you can call 247 8666 or 245 1234 ext 7215.

Another option could be with Cafe 1771's homespun cake creations like Rose Noire which is 250 php net. Rose Noire is going to be a treat for the chocolate lovers since it has layers of Valrhona Dark Chocolate with hazel nut praline that sits on a crunchy crust that has a surprise center- in which you have to find out. For those that love a white and dark chocolate combo you could try Evasion which is 270 php net.

There's actually lots more to check out with cafe 1771. If you want to order some or know more you could call them at 631 7340.

Much Love!

xx Alice

SUMMER ESCAPADE at the Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila

Summer is a perfect time to celebrate with cool cocktails, bright outfits and lots of fun activities with the whole family. But since most of us can't go out of town as a family why don't we celebrate it with our whole family at the Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila?

Speaking of which, Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila is having this special offer for local residents which is an all-inclusive staycation room package that is valid till June 30, 2013.

Starting with rates at 7,000 PHP net per room / night, locals are in a day of R & R at the hotel's spacious guestrooms. There is a complimentary buffet breakfast for two at Market Cafe, use of their outdoor pool with unlimited access to the Club Oasis Fitness Center, there is also a complimentary in-room internet access, plus 15% discount on some of the treatments in the Spa at Club Oasis...super relaxing don't you think? 

As an added bonus, guests booking the Summer Escapade room package receive 40% off on the daily lunch and dinner buffet, 20% discount on all a la carte items at Market Café, 20% discount at the Li Li Chinese restaurant, The Fireplace and Pastry Boutique. With its innovative and award-winning restaurants and lounges, the hotel continues to be the leading choice in the local food scene.

Relax, unwind and experience a one-of-a-kind vacation with a beautiful view of Manila Bay as Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila makes the perfect city destination for summer. I'm still thinking of booking a room soon just to get away from it all...I'll let you girls know if I do :)

To make a booking, please call Room Reservations at +63 2 245 1234 ext. 7512/7513 or e-mail reservations.mn@hyatt.com.  Alternatively visit www.manila.casino.hyatt.com. 

Happy Staycation and Much Love!

xx Alice  

Complete Itinenary of our Bolinao Pangasinan Trip

Hello lovelies!

If you are planning to visit Bolinao Pangasinan for the weekend, you can check this post out to see how much you can spend in time and money.

Rock Garden Resort...What I think about it

Hey guys! 

I'm back with a quick review on Rock Garden Resort. If you missed my post about our Bolinao trip you can check them out on the links below. 

Onto the post! 

I would just like to say that this review is 100% based on what I think of the resort. All the things I will say here are purely based on our experience with the resort, the personnel and the likes. 

There isn't much to say about this resort with the mere fact that it is near the town proper which is good if you want to buy more stuff since it will just be a 20 minute travel from the resort to the town market. One thing this resort boasts of is it doesn't have an entrance fee if you are just going to enjoy a day at the beach. 

The offer a lot of rooms and cottages for different sets of people, they have a dormitory style room in which it costs 4,000 PHP for non aircon while the one with the AC is around 6,000PHP per night. Pretty cheap if you ask me.

our room!

I will just talk about the dorm rooms since that's where we stayed the duration of our trip. If you will be out most of the time, I suggest you get the non aircon type which is much cheaper. The dorm rooms have 15 beds which is just enough for me and my team mates and also for our cute tour guide to stay in. If you like are more than 15 in the room, you can request for extra mats that would be 170 each.

It has two bathrooms so you won't have to hurry so much when there is a line to wash up in the morning and before going to bed.

Free tissue, toothpaste, soaps and shampoo

The bathroom is ok since its only a shower and a faucet. Don't even attempt to use the shower on these since it would take you 10 minutes to wash off your body since the water pressure is not much. You will have to use the faucet and the dipper to wash yourself off.

If you are not much of a fan of walking several flights of stairs, you will have to get used to it since their dorm rooms are located at the top floor. There are only two dorm rooms available at the resort so it would be best to reserve one if you will be having a big group outing like we did.

Below our dorm room is a picnic area and a gazebo in which you can eat there for lunch and dinner. You can also opt eating in the veranda of the dorm, but it would be a hassle especially if you will have to cook the meals there.

The picnic area doesn't have a lot of shade except for the gazebo so its not really good to hang out there during the afternoon since its windy.

Eating time! Talo talo na! :D

 

There is also a common cooking area for guests, unfortunately I didn't take a picture of that place which is just behind the front office of the resort.

The resort offers its beaches that is free of charge to guest, they also have pools if you don't want to go to the beach. If you use the pool it will be a 35 php for the kiddie pool while it would be 75 php for the adult pool. The pool is just fine since the water is just right - not too cold nor too hot even though its an outdoor pool.

There is also a mini zoo which you can check out different animals like monkeys, parrots, and snakes. There isn't really much about the mini zoo except for the talking parrot that says Pangit (ugly in English)

The resort also offers cottages to use if you would just stay there for the day. The cottages are alright if you ask me since its just like other cottages offered in the other resorts.

Now let's check out the beach!

Mind you that I expected a lot with their beach since its been years since I last went to the beach. And here's what I saw.

It was no elegant beach front if you ask me so I was a bit disappointed. I actually expected to walking to a sandy beach front. It was sandy alright but for only like 10 step? Sorry gotta be honest there. 

But I still have to check out the sea. It doesn't have big waves as I expected and it was relatively calm maybe because the rocks underneath have stopped it. There was also that smell of rotten fish. I'm not particular with scents but I can't remember knowing this scent when I go to the beach when I was younger.

The shore was definitely full of pointy rocks and sea grasses that it wasn't all appealing to go in the water. There were some families that did went in, I also did try but I was not happy because of all the rocks that I stepped on. It was far too painful to walk anymore even with my slippers in the water. 

Here are some other pictures of the resort!

Those are not fishies.. they're sea grasses. 

I still enjoyed our stay at the resort. The only thing that I didn't like is their beach front but over all everything was fine. If you want to save up on your accommodations if you are travelling on a group, they have the cheapest rate for sure. 

I suggest just book in this resort and explore the rest of Bolinao because I think that is the thing you really have to do in Bolinao is explore its hidden jewels.  

I would rate this resort 6 out of 10 stars, because their beach front is not appealing to me and my colleagues. Their staff are friendly although some are not as approachable as the others. The location of the resort is near the town proper but a bit hidden so its really best to know where you are going (or have google map on hold at.all.times LOL) I really love that they have pools as alternative if their guests want to do night swimming. They also have a mini zoo which is really nice if you have kids with you. 

Over all I think this resort is great. The beach front is not that good but above that I don't have any complains. 

If you want to see the rates you can check out the resort here. 

Much Love! 

-- Alice