Ellen is Craving for

Frozen yogurt i love 

Before the fame of milk teas I remembered the frozen yogurt invaded the metropolis. One of the best way to cool off the scorching heat of summer =)

its ellen @ CIBO

Finding a great sandwich is way to easy around the metro. But id like to recommend Cibo. My all time favorite sandwich restaurant. Its a bit pricey but they served quality paninis.

Panini - in Italy the word for sandwich made with a bread roll.
Porchetta - is a savory, fatty and moist boneless pork roast.
sourced wikipedia

Panino Porchetta 

Panino Porchetta is one of my favorite panini in Cibo. With tender pork loin and soft bread  paired with home made iced tea the taste is so divine. 

Lemon iced tea peach flavor

Pasta Bolognese

Cibo is one of my favorite Italian restaurant. The recipes are the best and satisfying. I fell in love !!!

Cibo, Trinoma

2/F Trinoma, EDSA cor. North Ave.

Quezon City, Metro Manila

Philippines

Ellen at Venice Piazza Sweet Pea

It was one lazy day when I cant think of anything to do but browse the internet.I stumbled upon Group Buy Pinas. A facebook fan page where people can sell their unused vouchers.The admin just open the page so there was a series of trivia posted and first to comment will win GC's or vouchers.

I must admit Im addicted in buying vouchers. I said to myself i'll try my luck. 

Fate was so kind I that  won two vouchers from Sweet Pea by Chef Florabel Co.

Welcome to Sweet Pea

 When I learned that BFF will be back here in Manila I message her immediately and invite her for a simple dinner at Venice Piazza. Its payback time for all the treats she gave to me when i was in Singapore.

 Sweet Pea is located inside Venice Piazza. This quaint restaurant serves American dishes with a twist. The cute furniture and wall decorations caught my attention. It looks adorable. 

That's me with my milkshake

Anyways here is what we ate: 

Squash Soup P145

The pumpkin soup is creamy and appetizing love it.

Quesadillas with spinach and bacon

Quesadillas looks flavorful.Though the taste of bacon is too strong. Not that bad at all. 

Chicken Cordon Bleau

Ok, this chicken cordon bleau is a blast! I love the taste. For P295 I can say its a steal. Served with curly fries, parsley sauce and house salad. Its one of their signature dish.

Bff and me @ Sweet Pea =)

Sweet Pea Restaurant,The Venice Piazza

G/F The Venice Piazza, McKinley Hill, Fort Bonifacio Global City

Taguig City, Metro Manila

Philippines

(02) 659-3685

Ellen in Singapore

It's a dream come true for me. After 7 months of preparations I am now here in Diosdado Macapagal Airport  waiting for my flight bound to Singapore. The first leg for my Southeast Asia Tour. I choose Singapore because the flights are relatively cheap compared to KL and Bangkok. Also, to visit my bestfriend now working in SG.

waiting for BFF

After 3 hours of counting sheep and pretending to be asleep.Im now officially here in SG. From budget terminal I rode the shuttle bound to terminal 2, where the MRT is located.

TIP: Purchase an EZ link card for $20. EZ link card can be use for busses, trains 7-11 and Mc Donalds. ( tried and tested ) 



time to buy EZ link card

 With my tummy getting hungry BFF and I next stop is Wisma Atria at Orchard Road. 



23 years of friendship



my first SG food spicy noodles with shrimp



taste like lumpia spicy pa din



buffalo wings SG style

It was a spicy lunch at Orchard Road Food Republic.Kinda new to my taste buds. I love the noodle with shrimp and the chicken wings. Both for approx 5.50SGD. 

At the back of Bff's apartment complex



no to jaywalking in SG =)

After lunch we hurriedly went back to BFF's apartment to leave my bags. Then we head to Fullerton Hotel our first stop to my Singapore Tour. 



Fullerton Hotel Downtown SG

Trivia: Fullerton Hotel: It was originally known as The Fullerton Building, and also as the General Post Office Building

The Fullerton Building was named after Robert Fullerton, the first Governor of the Straits Settlements (1826–1829). Commissioned in 1919 as part of the British colony's centennial celebrations, the building was designed as an office building by Major P.H. Keys of Keys & Dowdeswell, a Shanghai firm of architects, which won the project through an architectural design competition.The architectural firm also designed the Capitol Theatre and the Singapore General Hospital. (sourced wikipedia)




Marina Bay Sands

Singapore boast the glamorous five star hotel and casino Marina Bay Sands located in Bayfront Avenue. One of the most expensive hotels in Southeast Asia. 

TIP:  20SGDto gain access to the viewing deck.

Oh well, since I dont have money to splurge (SGD20) I'll just probably stare at you Marina Bay Sands.



looks like a jackfruit for me =)

Few hops from Marina Bay Sands there is The Esplanade. This Theatres on the Bay is Singapore's performing arts venue.



Merlion = Sea lion Singapura

And yes! the Merlion at One Fullerton. The Symbol of Singapore.

Im here at SG =) yey!

After the tiring daytour around One Fullerton Bff and I went to Little India. Located in the Seragoon Area. Mustafa Center is also located here.

Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple

local shop at SG

After a tiring day we head back to Bff's apartment to rest. 

TIP:

Singapore is a walkable city. Be ready with a comfortable shoes or sandals.

The street ice cream tastes very good it only cost 1SGD

Maps are available at the airport

English is widely understood 

Singapore's voltage is 220-240AC

Tipping is not a way of life in Singapore

Ice Cream Cart along downtown SG

 That concludes my day one  =)



strolling around SG

Bag of Beans Tagaytay

It's on the right side I told my hubby when we were passing the Tagaytay Highway bound to Nasugbu. Im not sure where exactly  but its on the right side! Just keep driving I murmured.

Bag of Beans Menu

Pull over!!! I yelled on my hubby he stared blankly on my face. I smiled back. Were here I said lets drink some coffe first. Im so full he replied. We just had burger and spaghetti at mushroom burger. Quite heavy breakfast for him but not for me.

Thank You ! sabi ng bird hehe=)

Inside Bag Of Beans

Blueberry cheese cake P135+

Bag of Beans was a nice coffee shop tucked inside Tagaytay. We occupy the table near the fountain and birds. The lush leaves from the tree served as our shade. What a lovely place.

perfect combination =)

my strawberry flavored ice cream

I ordered bottomless coffee and the famous blueberry cheese cake. Fresh brewed  coffee I super loved it.
While the blueberry cheesecake was mouth watering.And, yes ice cream! inspite of the cold weather who cares? =)


After an hour, me and hubby leaved Bag of Beans with wide smile on our face.

wala lang gusto ko lang picturan

Wash Room

Van Gogh is Bipolar

After a sumptuous dinner at Van Gogh the unique house rules still lingering inside my mind. Please allow me to return back the time for one of my most unforgettable dinner .

Welcome to Van Gogh =)

It was a sudden decision, again me and my food buddy Yasoy agreed to meet up at Maginhawa.(Where else?)

Its was an extra special evening, TL Ryan was joining us. =)

As we entered 154 Maginhawa, I saw the tiny courtyard and whiff the scent of the aroma theraphy candle.We're here.Finally.

candles right next to entrance

Uhm let me first  recap the rules inside Van Gogh is Bipolar's fortress.

• no slippers or shoes inside 
• read the instructions
• no servers just ring the bell if you need anything ( the bell plays a major role)
• write your order in the piece of paper then ring the  bell
• drop your payments in the red box (honesty system) 

the red area inside van gogh is bipolar

A melancholic room that radiance was  coming from a small candle tucked inside a teapot.So romantic! As the 3 of us know the rules, we wrote our order in the 1/4 sheet of paper provided and rang the bell.While waiting for our food I silently admired the uniqueness of the place.

life size clock loved it

around the globe inside van gogh

Muslim? or Buddhist ? I found it inside Van Gogh

randoms @ van gogh

antiques? yeah I also found one inside van gogh

teapot collection

The voice calling my name caught my attention, the soup and drinks were  ready. It was quick or I just didn't notice the time because I was attentively checking unparalleled things inside the house.Even the soup was  unique. I cant explain the taste it was a twist of banana and some strange spices mixed together. The fresh strawberry and mint leaves floating on top of my drinks was so inviting. I sipped and suddenly felt the freshness and soothing feeling to wipe my thirst away. Cucumber and melon bits added an extra flavor to this heavenly drink.I highly recommended!

soup with mix spices and YES! banana =)

Courtney Love’s Drink

fresh strawberry with cucumber and melon bits

Van Gogh's rice meal

ice candy for dessert

The manager approached us and offer us tea. Yasoy, went to the tea section and read the instruction on how to make your own tea posted on the wall. Since it was her day she choose banana and mint.
It was sudden I hear my name again on the tiny kitchen window, at last it's suppertime! Honestly I was surprised. My plate was so colorful. By the way I ordered lamb chop with mango salad and brown rice. The meat was tender i so loved it, the salad lying on top of the cabbage leaves and the brown rice. I never ate this healthier before.

?

tea flavors

The food was great! The place was superb, the experience was peerless !. I will definitely go back.

honesty payment system

 peek inside wash room