BigBoned RibShack Resto Bar at Ciudad Food Avenue (CLOSED)

There's a new food park within Batangas again but I haven't had the chance to try everything from the first one within the area. As I've mentioned last time, time won't allow me since I am preparing for my big day, and also, for another international trip in the beginning of this year. But before we talk about that newly opened food park just across the street, here's a review of one of the restaurants within Ciudad, the very first food park in Batangas City.



There are so many restaurants to try but this one seems to be the top in demand. It was a Sunday evening when we went. People come and go, but still, a lot of them came at the same time so it was a little bit packed. We were fortunate that we had seats already.



GJ and I are up for ribs. That's the reason why we opted to eat here in the first place. In the city, there is a restaurant where we had the softest baby back ever. So with high expectations, here's what we found out about BigBoned Rib Shack Resto Bar.

GJ and I shared a serving of this Honey Ribs. I had a plate of fries and he consumed the sides complementing the ribs. We have kids with us and they thought that the yellow sauce is cheese sauce. Surprisingly, it is a mustard sauce. So they weren't able to fully enjoy the fries, which is not even a downside for me since I am a fan of mustard myself. I had the plate all to myself. Hihi.



It is rational to think that because there were so many people lining up just to be seated, the service will not be as fast as we expect. Our order arrived a little bit late but we understood that the food was cooked to perfection.



Aside from the Honey flavored rib, our group also had their group meal which is composed of spaghetti, sausage slices, chicken strips, rice and another separate serving of their ribs.



We were accompanied by mostly kids so they really enjoyed the fries and spaghetti.



These might not be the healthiest option a restaurant can serve but still, they are the answer for someone else's cravings. Plus, it is nice to treat yourself once in a while.



The dinner we had was nice. The price is just the downside since they have expensive meals on their menu. Next time, I might try their alcohol with the meal dish they offer. That is always a good combination in the west. Plus, these cocktails sound familiar. I might have heard them from my Bar Management class in high school.

What's Inside Starbucks Planner 2018 Philippine Edition

Wow. It has been four years since I had a Starbucks Planner Philippine Edition. And since then, I did not intend to get one again simply because it is such a nice planner to write on. It will be a waste if ever I will have another one and my life is still as vain as before.



Happily, after another four years, my life has now meaning. Hihi. It is exciting and I cannot ask for more! (I guess you all know what I mean.)

So first off, thanks to GJ for giving me an opportunity to have one again. I once told him that I would love to have a planner from Starbucks, but I do not mind if I can't get it or what. I hope you understood me on that. Sorry, my head is simply clogging of ideas, there's a lot coming. Haha. Anyhow, he already acquired one last November 6, if I am not mistaken. That was just two days after the store started the sticker hunt/game/whatever it is called. My heart can't contain the happiness I felt when he asked the barista that he wants to redeem the planner in tan. I was giggling as I pinch him and hug his arm for giving me a nice surprise. We are still half of the stickers and I am not expecting to have it that early. The mechanics each year stays the same, so I guess you already know the drill.

Here's what you can see inside the box. We picked the regular-sized planner but the small size is available too, in two different hues as well. As mentioned, I picked the tan color (it is basically a combination of blue, purple, orange and green, as seen in the picture.)



The planner includes a tan leather sleeve which is made of recycled materials, a 2018 foldable cup calendar, a plastic stencil-ruler and a special edition Starbucks Card with a Cape Vinta art design.



This card then, is my very first Starbucks card. I have now a chance to win a Starbucks drink each day in a year. I actually like its color, more like a unicorn. LOL.

The small table calendar has a wow factor too. Once folded, it will turn into a Starbucks cup that you can turn if one side is finished.



Another awesome inclusion is this green plastic stencil and a ruler in one. I've tried using it in a letter that I made and sent to Europe and it is really helpful. I don't need to practice to have a nice handwriting or print out from the computer. Can you guess which is my favorite pattern?





Every page is designed with lovely color compositions and resembles a workbook in a planner form. It is nice to know that there are blanks to fill and questions to answers, it makes one's life less boring, I guess.



These spaces for notes are perfect for doodles or calligraphy sessions. Or maybe, there's something you would want to write, so yeah, that's up to you.



The tan leather case is nice but the dark one is nicer. Well, I had this one so I should be appreciative, besides, it is a gift and I picked it. Haha.



All other information not mentioned here can be read on their official website.

With this amazing planner, I am hoping that my 2018 will be amazing too. Not bragging about this though, but it is just too nice to keep it for myself. I am used of having a planner and it helps me to be more productive and wise in spending and using my time. Another heap of thanks to my awesome fiance!

So how about you? You got your 2018 planner already?

Load Online Through LAZADA.COM.PH

Being a prepaid user means that you need to top up your mobile sim with a load every time you run out of it. The easiest way to do that is to go to your nearest sari-sari store and buy there. That is in case you have extra cash to spare. But how about if you do not have any coins and you only have your card with you?

I've been using Smart Online Store for quite some time now since I have few coins left from my debit card (which I only use to withdraw Paypal funds). The smallest denomination they have is Php50 (US$1) and the amount is just the same as the load is. It is very convenient and fast. But then I saw that there is a better store that sells load for even a cheaper price. They offer it with 5% off!

My mom has been a fan of Lazada.com.ph for years since she started to learn online shopping. Aside from giving their buyers the opportunity to pay once delivered, they now have online loading services for these service providers, Smart, Globe, Sun and TnT. They accept payment using Mastercard or Visa.


You can buy load from them in three simple steps. First, you just need to key in your mobile number and select the amount you want to buy. Unlike Smart Online Store, they even have the regular Php15 denomination.


After that, just put your card information and pay.


I opted to buy Php50 (US$1) to see how much I can actually save if I use Lazada instead of Smart. From the photo below, I won Php2.5 from Lazada and I can still use it once I need to buy from them again.


The message icon at the top of my mobile screenshot shows that I received the load that I purchased. It did not even take me that long to process the purchase or to receive the load. I find that this way is easier (web page mobile friendly), and money-wise, thriftier.

Authentic Taiwanese Noodle Soup & Dumplings at Bolo, Bauan Batangas

The past days, I've been feeding myself up with noodles. From stir-fried, boiled and sauteed, it feels like I will never get tired of them.

So then, in this post, I am going to share with you guys one of my newly discovered noodle hub. There is this house which turned into a small restaurant in our province that serves authentic Taiwanese noodles. Paired with that is their authentic dumplings. Let's talk about it then.



Every time GJ and some friends visit the restaurant, it is always open. Those are times that I did not go with them or, I am somewhere else. There came a time that I was with them, excited, because we will try to have some bowl. For several occasions, the Taiwanese man wasn't there, or the house was close, or worse, they ran out of noodles already. It feels like it is not really meant for me. Huhu.



Finally, after my nth attempt (can't remember how many times I tried already), I was able to have their noodle soup! Just imagine how happy I am that I finished the whole big bowl. The serving is very generous and the price is very affordable. This heaping bowl of noodle soup only costs Php50 with egg (optional) and the plain one is only Php45.



It is amazing, right? Noodles were homemade and everything else is just awesome. You can taste in every angle of tanginess, sweetness, and saltiness. The last time I had Taiwanese noodles is when GJ and I had our dinner at SM City Fairview in December last year and it cost us more like Php300 for two bowls.



Our friends keep on coming back for a bowl, sometimes, bringing their own container for takeouts.



Each dumpling costs Php5 only. Though they're quite similar to wonton (Chinese dumpling) in appearance, it is soft and packed with the assorted goodness of juicy and plump pork and vegetables.



My love for noodles is just starting, and I know I'll fall in love even more in upcoming days. Hihi.

This Taiwanese Noodle Soup house is just around Bolo Elementary school in Bauan. You can ask the locals about it and they're always ready to help.

Mary Laine's Cafe Balagtas, Batangas

I might not have that much time to spend but then I thought of using those small time wisely, sitting in my favorite spot, writing about food and cafes.

With that intro, please expect a short review of this place which is located in Balagtas, Batangas (which is clearly stated in my title, hihi).

It was a rainy afternoon when my sister and I decided to try this cafe. It so happened that it was my first time, though the store is existing for a year or so already. Anyways, the place is cozy and if cute and indie look tickles your fancy, it has some touch of those.



Red Velvet Frappe was first served. One of our friends loves it so much though I find that it tastes just like a typical frappe. The red velvet flavor is recognizable yet I think I am into a more special drink. You can give it a go, it's reasonable and I like it too. Hihi.



Our second beverage was this lemon cucumber juice. It is always nice to have a lemony drink since it eliminates fat and wash off your sated tongue.

Cucumber Lemonade

For the appetizer, we had a generous serving of this beefy and cheesy french fries, a mandatory order of me in any cafe I go. You may notice that with a lot of my blog posts. There is a dedicated space in my tummy for these golden fried heavenly goodness.

Beef & Cheese Fries

Though I was diagnosed with high blood cholesterol, that does not stop me. I am guilty. I should really not dive into fried kinds of stuff, but hey, they're just the dish that makes me giggle for.
Anyways, Mary Laine's Cafe's fries was okay. I was able to finish it and my chums were there to the rescue, or they're the one finished it, I don't know. It was filling.

Chicken Ala eh

The main dish came to be the chicken named after the locally used term, Ala eh. People in Batangas always say Ala Eh and it is how you can tell if a person is from the Southern part of Luzon. The dish is simply a Chicken Ala King (bite-sized chicken meat with coco milk and mushroom, well at least that how I know how to cook it). It was served in a lettuce bowl, just enough for a student service meal, and that is what the cafe is mostly catering. It was a good plate with a little portion of steamed corn and carrots on the side.

Banana Split

Lastly, Banana Split was for dessert. As you can see in the picture, it is a whole banana with a heaping serving of different flavors of ice cream. I find it more as a filling dessert. It was good. Ice cream is good, as always.

The visit we had was okay. Food was good. But I am still thinking twice if I will go back. I just did not like the way the staff assisted us. I am very keen on customer service since I worked alongside with it for two years, and for me, it is very necessary when having direct contact with customers. Please smile at least when expediting those who eat at your cafe, and oh, don't frown as if the customer is the reason why you're having a bad day. The end.

My First Food Park Experience: Backyard Eats Antipolo, Rizal

It was a Thursday night. Since everyone was tired to cook something, our host decided to take us out for dinner.

Since we stayed in Antipolo for a week, they opted to bring us to Backyard Eats, the first foodpark in Antipolo. I was so excited that night and because of that, I wasn't able to bring my camera with me. The only thing I have that time was my ever loyal phone. All photos were taken by my mobile phone so please bear with this post. I just really want to show you guys what we had for dinner that night. Photos are a little grainy, but still visible.



Backyard Eats opens at 4 (four) in the afternoon and closes at midnight. It is just so perfect for those who want to catch up with family and friends after a long day at work.



Upon entering, there are the stalls of varieties of cuisine that invite customers to dine. I really find the place cozy, children friendly and spacious. There were people that night but we were happy that we weren't crowded.

We had different meals and here are just some of the photos I took.

This is my bad. My blog was supposed to be helpful in every way but yeah, we are not perfect. My bad of forgetting the names of the foods featured in this post.















Well anyways, at least you know that these food exist at the foodpark and still, you have lots of choices. My very first food park experience was nice so far and I am hoping that I will be able to visit another park again sometime soon. Food is good and budget wise.

I really apologize for the unhelpful post I have today. I might not be in the mood, though I really want to. You know the bible text, the spirit is eager but the flesh is weak? Oh well.

Must-Try Canadian Snacks And Our Verdict

I am actually not sure of how to start this post. I've been so crappy on doing introductions though I'm trying to finally nail it. So before I lack out of words to say, here are the ten Canadian treats (in random order) you should try. Are they all good? Read until the end to know our reaction to them.

So, here it goes.


Hawkins Cheezies - This snack is a well-known snack across Canada. It is made of finger shapes cornmeal coated with powdered aged cheddar cheese. It is similar to the popular US snack Frito-Lays Cheetos. There is not that much difference between the two except the fact that Cheezies is harder to the bite, which is not a nice thing for those having their dental braces. Moreso, since it is dredged to aged cheese, the taste is differently strong as well.



Old Dutch Potato Chips Ketchup Flavor - Funny thing about this snack is this, GJ is Dutch, and he went to Canada. When he asked me what can he bring from CA, I looked over the internet and found this OLD DUTCH chips. GJ had his birthday in Canada and when he went back home, he's a year older. So the chip really described him well. Hihi. Anyways, though Old Dutch company caters a lot more flavors of potato chips, Ketchup flavor stood the most. It has this tangy ketchup flavor that made us frown the first time we took a bite. And even I am a sucker for potato chips, this one's not for me, nor GJ.



Twizzler - A licorice product from Hershey's and comes with different kinds and taste. Once open, it burst in a very nice strawberry aroma that kids will surely go crazy wanting to try one. The sad news is, it is not how it smells like. There were lots of licorice out there that I'de rather spend my penny on. It is acceptable though.



Caramilk - This Cadbury chocolate is one of the oldest chocolate in Canada. From the name itself, it is made of caramel filled milk chocolate bar. It is an equivalent bar of Caramello (also from Cadbury) in the US. This bar was discontinued to be produced for quite some time but the news revealed that Caramilk is back (since 2012) but still in a limited time. I am happy that we were able to try it until it is still available in the Canadian market.



Ruffles - What does it mean for being an all dressed chip? That's what I thought at first. And when its there, we learned that it is a combination of barbecue, ketchup, salt, vinegar, sour cream and onion flavors. It was a big question mark for us at first, but then after few chips, we started to appreciate the uniqueness of it. Pretty cool. Thanks MSG. :D



Hostess Hickory Sticks - This one is undeniably the best Canadian chip we've tried so far. We were so happy that GJ had three bags of those otherwise it will never be enough for us. It has its bacon flavor with a kick of sour cream, which made it truly irresistible. And as I write this post, know that I am munching on my last pack of Hickory sticks. :D



Aero Chocolate - Why would you like to put bubbles in your chocolate? Because bubbles simply help it to melt in your mouth easily. Aside from it, there's nothing special. We are rating it as the normal Nestle chocolate there is.



Skor Toffee Bars - These are made of butter toffee slab covered in milk chocolate. It is beautifully created since both flavors complement with each other, though it is incredibly sweet. If you've tried the frappe Starbucks has for its Holiday offerings this year (Toffee Nut Crunch), you'll be able to imagine how this bar tastes like.



Maple syrup - Disclaimer: It is a syrup, not a snack. There is just not a reason why I shouldn't include this signature product of Canada in this list. This syrup was collected from the maple tree, either sugar, red or black maple tree.. As the most popular pancake syrup in the west, we are happy to try the authentic one.



Maple tea - The same disclaimer applies. I myself is a tea drinker and I never fell in love with coffee. Not at all. Last time I tried a flat white from Costa, I got on my nerves and I palpitated. End of story. Anyways, as long as there are flavors to try, I am always in for a sip. Those three tea bags were maple flavored teas. It's just, the box indicates Icewine Tea (another popular tea flavor in Canada) which is a black tea. Maple tea and Icewine tea were both fragrant, very maple-ly, and wine-y. I am so happy GJ brought me these gifts! One of my favorites from this stash.



Sour Straps - This one is also popular here in the Philippines, though in a different brand. We even have sour tapes that are so sour, you can't even open your eyes once you put them in your mouth. These rainbow-colored straps are nothing compared to what we have. At least, we've got to try them.



GJ also added some US treats such as Pop Tart and Quaker Breakfast square. He knows that I super love apple cinnamon and I sometimes crave for it once in a while. And even Pop-tart is available here in the Philippines (we buy from SNR, a membership shipping center) but in very limited flavors of strawberry, chocolate, and others, he was able to take two different flavors with him.



Through this post, I also want to express my appreciation to my fiance, GJ, for bringing these goodies for me, and my family, and friends as well. This post will not be possible without GJ's generousity.

So that's it guys. If it happened that someone from your friends or family will go to Canada for a visit, don't forget to ask them some treats I've mentioned above. You may also search for others, there are still a wide array of snacks on the internet that are available there alone.