Jan 24 2015
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7/10, Food, Restaurant

RESTAURANT REVIEW: Yolk Cafe and Restaurant

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The sun is always rising at Tan Kim Building, 80 Tres Borces Padres Street, Cebu City, Cebu. Wake up from your hunger at Yolk Cafe and Restaurant. They serve all day breakfast meals , from the healthiest to the heartiest. A quick fix to remedy your day’s warfare, including the finding of a parking slot before having that bacon. I was not that lucky as I used to be in parking, all 4 slots at the front of the shop were already occupied.

The menu is simple and straight forward with a very few items but who needs a spread when you are just after for the bacon (sometimes, chorizo too!), right?

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On my first visit I ordered the soft oil-fried Cebu Omellete ( 3 egg omelette with native chorizo and tomatoes) to eliminate my bias with bacon for this review. (One can’t go wrong with bacon.)

The omelette was delicate and mild in flavor. The hints of chorizo did not overpower the egg. It was just the way I like it: slimy but not oily, mild but flavorful, and eggy but meaty.

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Meanwhile, their sunny-side up are served in their standard serving size. Two mildly cooked eggs with runny yolks that pair so well with Yolk’s seasoned rice. The pepper (and maybe a little salt too) on the rice is an excellent and clever innovation. This one is really so good!

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Yolk Cafe and Restaurant also served Ethopian hot and cold coffee but my favorite is their Singaporean chocolate which taste not far from the artisan kind.

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For the love of bacon and other breakfast food, it’s 7/10.

Follow them @YolkCafePh.

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Jan 20 2015
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6/10, Movies

MOVIE REVIEW: The Woman in Black 2 : Angel of Death

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Formulaic but still very creepy, with a flash in the pan ghost.

The children are back in the haunted Eel Marsh house after more than 40 years from the first fright strike of the Woman in Black—the stories are not necessarily connected although referenced.

Feeding on bad feelings, the Woman in Black surreptitiously takes control over one of the wards of the stunningly beautiful Eve Parkins (Phoebe Fox) who is determined never to let him go.

Treading on the same haunting experience from the original, this sequel is presented with a glossier and darker scenes that would kept the audience anticipating for more, at least for a while.

Although the movie provides no explanation, one can assume that the Angel of Death is the Woman in Black.

6/10

#EthysMovieReview, #WomanInBlack2

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Jan 19 2015
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NK Ideas

Linamnam: Eating One’s Way Around the Philippines

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In the early days the quest for good food and spices has been the primary motivation to explore the world. Had it been not for the promise of good spices, the Philippines would had not been what it is right now.

If food is your motivation to travel, this book shall be your bible with Claude Tayag and Mary Ann Quioc as your eager Filipino food missionaries. They’ll not only take you to the most common traditional dishes of Manila, Cebu and Pampanga but also in off the beaten track like Marinduque.

This best selling book is now on its second edition and is set to conquer Cebuano foodies. Second edition copies are now available in National Bookstore for only 395 pesos.

This is a must read for travelers who are keen on a more immersive experience with the locals through their dishes. Get to know their abundant and unique local produce as well as their distinctive and remarkable preparation that would trace back to their culture and history.

Got my copy signed by the authors themselves.

The book is perfect as gift for your traveller friend too.

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Jan 14 2015
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8/10, Awesomeness Break

Miss Cebu 2015 Coronation Night Winners

Miss Cebu 2015 started in a “Puso” inspired stage and presentation highlighting Cebuanos creativity and ingenuity.

Miss Cebu 2015 pays tribute to Hon. Renato Veloso Osmena.

Candidate No. 12 Wynonah Van Joy C. Buot is an early favorite, garnering most of the special awards including Ms. Friendship by Waterfront.

Local Cebuano talents like Jimmy Marquez and Jem Cubil were showcased during the pageant. Mayor Mike Rama is feeling sexy and jams with the crowd in Nick Jonas’ Jealous.

Official Top 5: 11, 12, 10, 4, and 7.

Final Question and Answer

If you were to take PopeFrancis to dinner here in Cebu who would be your cebuano guest? Why?

Candidate No. 11: Domenic L. Reynes answered she will take the street children to dinner with Pope Francis to let their faith grow.

Candidate No. 12 Wynonah Van Joy C. Buot said she will take the students of Cebu to dinner with Pope Francis being the hope of the society.

Candidate No. 10: Maria Genefe B. Navilon will take street child to dinner with Pope Francis to inspire the child and give hope.

Candidate No. 4: Aivy Mae R. Castro will gather all streets children in Colon, as she has been doing for years, to dinner with Pope Francis so that the Pope can tell them that there is still hope.

Candidate No. 7: Lucena Rose M. Magdadaro said she will take the children of Cebu to dinner with Pope Francis being the hope of the nation.

Official Results:

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Miss Cebu 2015 – Candidate No. 12 Wynonah Van Joy C. Buot

1st Runner Up – Candidate No. 10: Maria Genefe B. Navilon

2nd Runner Up – Candidate No. 4: Aivy Mae R. Castro

3rd Runner Up – Candidate No. 7: Lucena Rose M. Magdadaro

4th Runner Up – Candidate No. 11: Domenic L. Reynes

Miss Cebu 2015 was also aired live in ABSCBN Sports and Action.

 

 

Official List Candidates:

Candidate No. 1: Hanica Rachel Arshia J. Ong is from Mandaue City and is taking up Law at University of San Carlos.

Candidate No. 2: Febb C. Flores is from Talisay City and is a Nursing graduate of Cebu Velez College. She is an OR staff Nurse at Cebu Velez General Hospital.

Contestant No. 3: Mary Cyrielle A. Won is a Nursing Graduate of Cebu Normal University and is working at Convergys Philippines. She is from Minglanilla Cebu.

Candidate No. 4: Aivy Mae R. Castro is from bantayan Cebu and is studying at University of Cebu taking up BSBA – Management Accounting.

Candidate No. 5: Katherine D. Jumapao is from Lapu-lapu City.

Candidate No. 6: Rio Liza M. Vestil is from Consolacion Cebu currently taking up BS Accountancy at the University of San Carlos.

Candidate No. 7: Lucena Rose M. Magdadaro lives in Talamban and is a Nursing graduate of Cebu Velez College.

Candidate No. 8: Catherine E. Meir is from Argao Cebu and a graduate of USC-TC. She works at Dranix Distributors P&G Division.

Candidate No. 9: Rosalyn P. Clavano is from Dumanjug Cebu and works as a Manager of Intellicare Asalus Corp. She is a Nursing graduate of the University of San Carlos.

Candidate No. 10: Maria Genefe B. Navilon is from Lahug and is a graduate of Mass Communication at the University of San Jose Recoletos. She also works as a model under WAFER Models Phils.

Candidate No. 10: Maria Genefe B. Navilon is from Lahug and is a graduate of Mass Communication at the University of San Jose Recoletos. She also works as a model under WAFER Models Phils.

Candidate No. 11: Domenic L. Reynes is from Punta Princesa Cebu and an Architecture graduate from the University of San Carlos.

Candidate No. 12: Wynonah Van Joy C. Buot is from Busay and is a Mass Communication student at the University of the Philippines.

 

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Jan 14 2015
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NK Ideas

10 Sinulog 2015 Must-Try for Tourists

RELIGION

1. SINULOG SA KATAWHAN. The old sinulog dance where people worship the little child, Sto. Nino in thanksgiving and to hear their petitions. It used to be done every after the Saturday procession at the pilgrim center but this time around it is done after every last mass during the novena at around 8:00PM in the evening. The prayer leader in offering the dance will yell, “Pit Senyor sa mga Cebuanos kini.” Mentioning every sectors of the society: The children, men, women, married, separated, single, students, homosexuals and even the snatchers. Enjoyable and meaningful.

2. BATO BALANI WAVE. Join the throng of devotees raising and waving their hands in unison, praying, pleading and singing the chorus of “Bato Balani Sa Gugma” during the novena mass at the Pilgrim Center of the Basilica. So magical, it lingers even until you go home.

PARTIES

3. LIFEDANCE 2014. A strong line up of top international and local DJs. The most sought after EDM party in the country today has a new home at Sugbo Open Field in SRP. Believe me it’s windy and cold there, you might want to watch your alcohol consumption. Lifedance is on January 16, 2015.

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4. PAINTENSITY. The ETC Sinulog Color Party 2015. Bigger, Wilder, and Messier. That is how organizers want to describe the repeat of the well-attended party last year that Cable Car run out of beers we have to buy some from our friendly neigbooring sari-sari store. Paintensity will be on January 17, 2015 at Cebu Business Park Phase 3 in front of CIC.

FOOD

5. ORANGE KARENDERIA. The best and newest filipino food restaurant with very competitive pricing. Must try incudes crispy tuna, sinuglaw, chorizo, and garlic chicken. Orange Karenderia is located at Salinas Drive, Lahug, Cebu City.

6. KUSINA UNO. After all the parties, you will need recovery food. Cebu’s Pochero shall be the first on your list. Kusina Uno definetly serves the best pochero in Cebu. Their doorless and windowless story is located at F. Cabahug St., Cebu City.

ACTIVITIES

7. WALK THE STREETS ON SINULOG DAY. The best spot during the Sinulog Parade is not in the grandstand nor in the cozy lazyboy at home but in the streets. Walk with strangers, friends and devotees. Face paint them, Dance with them. It’s gonna be a long walk so choose your shoes wisely.

8. DIY YOUR SINULOG T-SHIRT. Islands Souvenirs, a Cebuano brand, will hold its Cut and Style Your Sinulog T-Shirt at SM Northwing from January 16 – 19, 2015. Put the swag in your celebration with your customized party shirt. Your imagination as the only limitation.

TOURIST SPOTS

9. DELICE. Delice Recipe Restaurant provides a great mountain view of the cities of Cebu, Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu. Go there late afternoon for a spectacular sunset and city light view. Delice is located at Busay, Cebu City on your way to Tops.

10. IBIZA. Bring your guest to a beach party vibe in Movenpick’s Ibiza. Catch their happy hour of buy-one-take-one on drinks from 5:00PM to 6:30PM everyday. Your guest will certainly love the experience.

Jan 13 2015
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7/10, Movies

MOVIE REVIEW: Feng Shui 2

Wittier and lighter without skimping on the suspense and thrills.

After 10 years, the reassembling and reuniting Bagua —with a new owner— is again haunting the seemingly not aging Joy (Kris Aquino) who has already found a new life, love, and luck.

Feng Shui 2 barely satisfies build-up expectations of patrons. This installment doubled the suspense with a meticulously studied script of witty lines that relates the physical and paranormal thrills. With more startling scenes (although some are implausible) and more entertaining casts, Feng Shui is worth the scare.

Despite using the same formula, and therefore predictable, Feng Shui 2 still manages to scare audiences to several good screams. Rez Cortez gets me jumping off my seat. Cherry Pie Picache provides a good reality check on her pragmatic character.

The movie also attempted to incorporate slasher film elements on its conventional eastern supernatural mystery plot. Characters are now dealing with physical and paranormal threats.

The credits rolled with a hint of the luck brought by the Bagua going viral. Expect a Social Media scare on the next instalment.

For me, Feng Shui 1 is a classic and one of the best Filipino movies which Feng Shui 2 is no way near to surpass especially on the technical aspect of the film.

7.5/10
‪#‎FengShui2‬ ‪#‎EthysMovieReview‬
‪#‎MMFF‬

 

Feng-Shui 2

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Sep 18 2014
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7/10, Food, Restaurant

RESTAURANT REVIEW: GIBBS’ HOT WINGS

It is paradoxical that amidst a plethora of highly touted and mainstream restaurants today, the more we develop our natural desire for discovery of something new, off the beaten path —a desire that leads me hunting for hole-in-the-walls.

From the City of no left turns, a simple right turn from the main road of Banilad to Holy Family Village II will lead you to the residences of the Oliva’s where a great but unassuming little restaurant is located. The guards at the entrance gate of the village will tell you to go straight then turn right, then right again, then make a deviant turn to the left (yes, you can turn left here) to reach the maverick Gibbs’ Hot Wings.

SpreadHomey, intimate and casual —the vibe that acquaints the guests as evinced on the façade of the restaurant. A greeting of neighborly smiles by the owner, Coy and his son will welcome diners at the door of this 5-table restaurant that can accommodate up to 20 people inside and 12 more at the veranda al fresco with 4 tables. (A new extension will be opening soon.) The art wall graffiti documenting customers’ authentic satisfaction  is a seducing invitation that imparts sense of belongingness and embrace. One feels like a good ol’ friend, instantly,  ready for the game-night-with-the-boys with the indispensible chicken wings and iced cold beer.

The mats made of cutouts from recycled newspaper give diners a clear environmental conscience just like the absolution the wings will provide on their diet. The refreshed familiarity of the once-big-news on the papers and the low key but radical application of the paper as a mat epitomizes the big ideas of commercialized restaurants versus the impressive ingenuity of hole-in-the-walls.

Gibbs' Classic Hot Wings

Gibbs’ Classic Hot Wings

Gibbs’ classic hot wings are served in five levels of hotness, Hot, Original, Insanely Hot, Level 4 and Level 5. One can go safe and get the Hot or be adventurous to try the Insanely Hot. My personal favorite is Insanely Hot, just the right strength that slowly bites within the mouth with no lingering afterburn. Coy is undoubtedly Cebu’s certified new wingman. He absolutely knows what’s hot for you.

The lightly breaded deep fried wings are coated with red hot and spicy sauce with a little hint of sweetness that integrated so well with the house special dip. The meat was juicy and didn’t stick on the bones; it falls off rather easily with less skin breakage by applying little science on eating wings. The more skin the better.

The best part of the wings is of course the wingette. Alas, you can’t have too much of the best because they serve all the parts of the wings in equal proportion.

Gibbs' Angel Wings

Gibbs’ Angel Wings

Meanwhile, Gibbs’ Angel Wings are crunchy chicken wings, glazed with cream cheese, & garlic sauce, and topped with parmesan cheese. 
The coating was solid and crunchy enough to encapsulate the juice but not to prison the flavor.

There are other wings to choose from, as there are other side dishes. Wings variety includes Honey Garlic Wings, Gibbs’ Hot Wings Level 4 and Gibbs’ Hot Wings Level 5 —the hottest of them all. Wings are priced  from P175.00 to P205.

Gibbs' Spag n Meatballs

Spag n Meatballs

Gibbs' Spag n Bacon Carbonara

Spag n Bacon Carbonara

Potato wedges (P75.00), mozzarella sticks (P115.00), pasta n’ meatballs (P105.00) and pasta n’ bacon carbonara (P145.00) are also available.

Gibbs’ Hot Wings opens from 11am – 2pm and from 5:30pm – 10pm daily.

HAVE YOU BEEN HERE? RATE IT BELOW. 

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Sep 12 2014
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NK Ideas

J.Co & The Pasalubong Idea Shortage

J. Co Donuts and Coffee simultaneously opened its doors at SM and Ayala branches to Cebuanos on September 2, 2014. Costumers were camping out early Tuesday because J.Co is giving away their donuts for free to the first 50 customers in each store while the first 3 customers will be treated with a one year supply of J. Co. However, this is not the BIG NEWS.

PEOPLE ARE IN PANIC MODE ON WHAT TO BRING FROM MANILA AS PASALUBONG FOR THEIR CEBUANO FRIENDS BECAUSE  J.CO HAS  JUST BEEN DELISTED AS THE QUINTESSENTIAL PASALUBONG ITEM.

After posting a status on what could be the next pasalubong item after J.Co opened in Cebu City at my FB page, I was surprised to receive good suggestions from some of my FB friends. I have listed them all here  arranged accordingly for convenience and to save you the hassle based on the city where you can find them.

 

QUEZON CITY

Banapple Pies (Savory Pies at P85.00 each )

Photo from

Photo from BanappleKitchen.com

 

 

Banapple is practically everywhere. They have branches among others at Tomas Morato, Katipunan, Market Market, Alabang Town Center, Greenhills and McKinley Hill. You’ve got to bring those pies especially the savory and meaty ones. They look like giant empanadas with a hearty filling of chicken, tuna, or mushroom and cheese.

 

 

Estrel’s Caramel Cake 

Estrel's Caramel Cake I bought for my mom after Sinulog

Estrel’s Caramel Cake I bought for my mom after Sinulog

 

A made-to-order chiffon cake covered with caramel intricately iced around the cake with a touch of classic flare. So girly, your mama will love it. No wonder they have the best caramel cake since they have already perfected the craft. They had been doing it since 1946.

Estrel’s is located at 50 Scout Tobias corner Scout Fernandez Streets, Barangay Laging Handa, Quezon City. Their telepone number is 372-2965 or 371-7938.

 

 

 

 

MANILA CITY

Hizon’s Caramel Cake 

 

 

Hizon’s Caramel Cake was my favorite cake while I was staying at UN Avenue. It’s walking distance from Robinson’s Ermita. It is located at 1197 J. Bocobo cor. Arquiza Sts. Ermita, Manila. It is the cake of perfect levels in softness, moisture and sweetness. Unlike Estrel’s have quite a good number of cakes that they can cater walk-in customers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

TAGUIG CITY

Patchi

 

Patchi boasts of being the finest chocolate of them all. Their botique shop has the most exquisite chocolate designs to complement your celebrations. Of course, superior quality comes with a price especially that it is from Lebanon. Chocolate is worshiped here.

Patchi branches ae located at Bonifacio High Street and Greenbelt 5.

 

 

MAKATI CITY

Mary Grace Café

 

 

No this is not the famous Santiago-Poe tandem but the ultimate comfort café which offers light snacks, coffee and desserts. Bringing their signature Lemon Squares and Cheese Rolls to Cebu would be like comfort to home.

Mary Grace Café is located at Greenbelt 5 and 3.

 

 

 

 

PASAY CITY

 Cinnabon  

If you are like me who usually wait for my flight at SM Mall of Asia  the tendency is you might run out of options because of the many pasalubong items to choose from. (One time I ended up hoarding 5 jeggins of different colors from Uniqlo.) Well, you can forget about the others because  you can’t go wrong with Cinnabon’s cinnamon rolls. That soft and sweet dough topped with cream cheese icing will surely please whoever receives it. Always reheat before serving.

Cinnabon also has a branch at NAIA Terminal 3.

 

Always remember, your travel will be judged according to your presents. – Rater-in-Chief.

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Sep 11 2014
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6/10, Movies

MOVIE REVIEW: Waves

Waves' Movie Poster

Waves’ Movie Poster

Waves reminded me of Richard Linklater’s Before Trilogy (Before Sunrise – 1995, Before Sunset – 2004, and Before Midnight – 2013) — a look at modern love with flair for naturalism. It is an eavesdropping on the intimate conversations of Ross and Sofia who both plunged into love by taking impulsive detours and catching chancy tides, which unwittingly brought them to their feet at the shore. It swells with an unspoken confusion that rippled from the characters, especially that of Baron Geisler’s— in his stellar performance in years. His persuasive and empathic facial sobriety kept the movie alive.

It was an unexpected jaunt to Cebu and Palawan’s instagrammable hot spots like the Cansaga Bay in Consolacion, Amara in Liloan, Oslob and Coron Island. The cinematography was the key element of the film’s presentational technique —less dialogue and fewer actors. It is the film’s biggest success. In general, the film triumphs because of its superb technical components with a special mention to the musical scoring, specifically, on the diegetic sound.

Sadly, Filipino audience in general still has so much to learn on visual literacy. Our idea of entertaining movies is about something that pops and explodes, a wife confronting the other woman in a slapfest, speeding cars or sloppy and exaggerated physical activities . Unfortunately, these elements are not found on this film. In fact it develops rather slowly. However, like the waves of the ocean, one has to go deeper from the surface to see the beauty of the whales — although not all are ready to dive.

The movie is set for a commercial run. More details to be announced soon.

Waves is the young Cebuano, Don Gerardo Frasco’s directorial debut  on feature-length filmmaking. He is the founder of Waverly Pictures. He deserves the support of all Cebuanos for his commendable talent and enthusiasm. This work shall be a significant contribution to Cebu’s claim in the global filmmaking industry.

Congratulations, Don!

Waves – Official Trailer – Waverly Pictures from Waverly Pictures on Vimeo.

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Sep 09 2014
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9/10, Food, NK Ideas, Places, Restaurant

Progressive Dinner Idea: Cebuano Food Tour

Here is a tried and tested Cebuano Food Tour for the adventurous guests who want to explore  the Cebuano culture in the most immersive way possible. This was my itinerary when I toured a couch surfing chef from the United States on his overnight layover to Cebu.

Six (6) stopovers in one night for a budget of less than P1,000.00 per person, the guest can indulge with the Cebu’s finest food and sights in six (6) hours.

The concept is called progressive dinner. Wikipedia defines it as a dinner party with successive courses prepared and eaten at the residences of different hosts. Usually this involves the consumption of one course at each location. It is a variant of a potluck dinner which involves traveling. I modified it further, instead of residences the locations are carefully selected restaurants that compliments with the Cebuano Food Degustation theme.

THE STOPOVERS

  1. The Meet-up Place.

The meeting place could be in Ayala or SM or anywhere; what is important is you surprise your guest with the Cebuano brand of hospitality. May we suggest that you bring Dried Green Mangoes. It will open the palate of your guests preparing it for a gastronomical adventure ahead.

TIP: Dried Green Mango is an acquired taste but can be very addicting.

 

  1. Cebu’s Original Lechon Belly at The City Times Square

This is the only air-conditioned and decently furnished branch of COLB. It is also the only branch that serves Beef Stew or otherwise locally known as Pochero. For 70 pesos, this give other specialty stores which offer pochero a good run for their money.

For two persons, you may order half a kilo of Spicy Lechon Belly and one serving of Beef Stew. Your guest will have a taste of Cebu’s pride, a pork like no other – the Cebu’s Lechon Belly in the most Cebuano way of eating – by hands armed only with plastic gloves.

This meal will usually cost at around 200 pesos per person.

From Cebu's Original Lechon Belly Facebook Page

From Cebu’s Original Lechon Belly Facebook Page

TIP: Ask the salesperson to re-heat your lechon. It is best enjoyed when hot.

 

  1. The Chocolate Chamber

TCC is located at Pres. Quirino Street corner Magsaysay Street in  Barangay Kasambagan.

In keeping with our theme, the best choice would be puto and sikwate (hot chocolate) made from locally sourced cacao beans served in vintage ornate cups and saucers. Who would have thought sophistication and class could go well with sikwate?

Other artisan quality chocolates and desserts are also available. Local Chocolate has never been respected this much.

with Greg, the couchsurfing Chef from the USA

with Greg, the couchsurfing Chef from the USA

The puto and sikwate may cost around 150 pesos per person.

Now that you introduced sophistication to your guest, let’s turn it up a bit further in our next stopover.

TIP: The tablea chips are good pasalubong items in case you are bored with the usual danggit and chicharon.

 

  1. Blue Bar

Blu Bar is located at 1,000 feet high above sea level at the Penthouse of the Marco Polo Hotel. With a little help of their cocktails, go ahead and pretend like you are the king of the world and do it like a boss with your cameras. The viewing deck at the Continental Boardroom area provides the best vantage point for picture taking of the city lights.

photo from Marco Polo Cebu website

photo from Marco Polo Cebu website

My personal favorite is their Mojito valued at around P250.00.

TIP: Blu Bar is closed on Mondays.

  1. La Vie Parissiene

Of course you know La Vie Parissiene. Cebu tourists are always fascinated with the most affordable wines (cheaper than a venti Starbucks), cheeses and pastries under the most superficial cherry blossom trees. To their envy, the would even think of bringing the whole shop home. Thank to La Vie, for making Cebu night caps classy.

But we are not done yet. After the booze, I am sure you need more filling before parking to bed. Next stop is midnight snacks.

La Vie

TIP: La Vie Parissiene will soon open at the Ayala Expansion Wing.

 

  1. Larsians

It wouldn’t be a Cebuano food tour if there is no Larsian in the itinerary.

Chorizo

TIP: Most of my guests love Chorizo de Cebu.

 

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