Hong Kong Eats: Butao Ramen

If there's one restaurant in Hong Kong that's over talked about, that's Butao Ramen.  I've heard raves about it ranging from our very own wedding photographer, down to the different food bloggers.  Everyone seemed to have the same reaction after eating in Butao:  it's good down to the last slurp.  I already regrettably passed it off during my last Hong Kong trip, so this time, I made it a point to hunt the place down and try it!  Finding the place was no easy feat, especially if you're not familiar with the streets of Hong Kong.  But luckily, after a few wrong turns, Hubby and I found ourselves in a small street and behold:  Butao Ramen.  

It was a little bit past 11AM when we got there, so imagine our surprise when we saw that the restaurant was already full and there was a line of about 15 people long.  Whoa.  They weren't kidding when they said that this place fills up FAST.  After 30 or so minutes of waiting, we were nearing the start of the line and were handed this simple menu.

...plus this simple sheet where you encircle your choices for the kind of ramen, soup base, type of pork, type of vegetable, level of spiciness, noodle type, softness of noodle, and additional toppings.   Whew!  That's a lot of decisions put into one sheet, I somehow felt that I was answering an exam LOL.

We were finally seated, and within minutes, our orders have arrived!  There was also a brief moment of confusion when they put down the wrong bowl and Hubby almost ate it!  Here's what I had:  the Black King (tonkotsu squid ink broth). 

And here's what Hubby had:  The Red King (spicy miso broth).

And the definite MUST-add.  Seaweed and Japanese-style egg.  I swear, one bite into the egg and you'll feel like you've died and gone to Heaven.

The verdict?  Everyone who raved about Butao Ramen were spot on!  5 out of 5 stars!  If only they have a branch here in Manila, they'd surely give other ramen places a run for their money!

Butao Ramen is at G/F, Wo On Building, 8-13 On Lane Street, Lan Kwai Fong, Central, Hong Kong. 

Outfit of the Week: Sporty Chic

It's been a week now since we came back from Hong Kong, and I've missed it from the time we landed here in Manila until now.  The shopping, the food, the weather.... aaaaahhh!!!  Admittedly, the weather in the Philippines is now becoming colder, but it's nothing compared to the aircon-weather in Hong Kong.  Of course I had to take advantage of it!  Jackets, check!  Tights, check!  I've always envisioned myself wearing tights, but it's just too hot and humid in our country to do so, so a trip to cold Hong Kong gives me the perfect excuse to whip out my cold-weather outfit.  Notice my skirt?  It caught my eye during one of my endless trips to Forever 21 (I swear, they have EVERYTHING!).  The fabric is just sooo nice with the floral appliques and all that I didn't even try it on.  I just grabbed it and went straight to the counter.  Biggest surprise:  it turns out that I grabbed the skirt from the 50%+50% off rack and can you guess how much I got this amazing skirt for?  *drumroll please*  Php 259.50!!!  *faints*  I almost did a happy dance right at the counter but the cashier might give me a weird look and the other customers might think I'm a loony so I just did the happy dance in my mind.  LOL.  Didn't want to look too girly with the 3D flowers on my skirt, so I topped it off with a sporty jacket to give off that sporty chic vibe.  How do you like it?

Top:  Dorothy Perkins
Jacket:  Forever 21
Skirt:  Forever 21
Tights:  Marks & Spencer
Bag:  Givenchy
Shoes:  Gap

Hong Kong Eats: Ajisen Ramen

Hello everyone!  Apologies for the lack of posts, was too tired from the trip and was further made busy by moving the entire contents of my room because of the upcoming renovation at home, so had to take a short blogging break.  But as promised, here's my first food post on where to eat in Hong Kong!

Ajisen Ramen has been an old family favorite for a number of years now. This is always the first restaurant we eat in when we land in Hong Kong because it's conveniently located right smack in the middle of the Hong Kong airport (there's also one in the departure hall so you can eat it when you arrive and before you leave Hong Kong).  We've eaten here tens of times already and tried a number of their dishes, but there's one dish that we never ever forget to order:  Tenderous Pork Rib.  It's the best!  Imagine the soft bone of pork, cooked so well that it almost melts in your mouth.  No exaggerations here, it really is that soft!  I've never recommended it to anyone who didn't like it.  It's available in either short order or on top of ramen as seen below:  

It was early in the morning when we landed in Hong Kong.  Just in time for breakfast.  Hubby and I shared the ramen, but we wanted to have something light to nibble on too, so we got the gyoza.  We both liked how juicy it was and the amount of filling inside was just right.  

Overall I'd give Ajisen Ramen a 4.8 out of 5 stars.  So next time you find yourself in Hong Kong, be sure to try out Ajisen Ramen.  The Tenderous Pork Rib is a definite must try!

Ajisen Ramen is at the Hong Kong International Airport, with branches all over Hong Kong.

I'm baaaaaack!

Back from Hong Kong!  Whew!  It was indeed a whirlwind 4 day trip, but sooo worth it!  Hubby and I ate, shopped, and walked till our feet were sore.  It was basically a trip to relax and unwind, and yes relaxing and unwinding is shopping and eating in our dictionary, haha!  Let me catch up on some rest and put together everything in my computer so that I can share with you all the adventures we had in Hong Kong!  Coming very soon!

Boon Tong Kee

Singaporean restaurants have been popping up here and there for the past couple of years.  With the success of Wee Nam Kee and Tao Yuan, it's no wonder that other restaurants from Singapore will follow suit.  Boon Tong Kee is no exception.  So when a branch at the Powerplant Mall opened, we wasted no time in trying it.  Here's what we had:

Crispy Cereal Prawns

The "cereal" used in Boon Tong Kee's version of their Cereal Prawns are different.  I didn't like it much because I find the taste too "herby".



Fried French Beans with Garlic

The French Beans were quite good; it gives just the right amount of crunch with a hint of sweetness from the beans.

Prawn Toast

The Prawn Toast is also delicious.  You cannot go wrong with prawns+mayo topped with fish eggs.  Yum!

Signature Boiled Chicken

Their signature boiled chicken is just so-so.  I wish it could've been a bit more tender.  But it's already better than the other ones I've tasted recently.



Chicken Rice

Would you believe that the star dish of the night is none other than their Chicken Rice?  The moment the server laid the plate down on our table, I can't help but smell the fragrant aroma of the chicken rice.  A spoonful of this and I already know, this one's a keeper.

Overall Boon Tong Kee gets a 3.5 stars out of 5.  I have a feeling they'll get better because we ate there during their soft opening.  We'll be back.

Boon Tong Kee is at 3/F Powerplant Mall, Estrella St. cor Rockwell Dr. Poblacion, Makati

Lusting After: Céline Trio

Bags are girls' best friends.  And shoes.  And clothes.  And diamonds.  Ok, let's get back to bags.  Céline has been in the business for quite some time now (1945 to be exact!) but has gathered an almost cult following just these past few years with the introduction of their Mini Luggage.  Celebrities, models, socialites have all been seen carrying this particular "It" bag.  While the Mini Luggage is the most sought after (confession, I have several), let us not forget the other Céline bags which are now closely following the footsteps of their queen Mini Luggage.  One example?  The Trio bag.  What is it?  It's name Trio because it literally comes in threes.  One bag = three compartments.  Isn't that just lovely?  The best part is that they come with a long strap.  One major complaint I've heard about the Mini Luggage is that it's too heavy, and many owners wished they came with a strap so that they can easily sling it across their shoulders.  Well, Céline did grant that wish with the Nano Luggage but it's a bit small and not all essentials might fit in it.  One advantage that the Trio has over the Nano Luggage is that they come in three sizes: regular, large and oversize so you can get your own according to your needs.  And with an array of colors like these, who can resist??  See below:

Doesn't the picture above remind you of candy?  For the more conservative ones, here are the "safer" colors:

The Céline boutique has not reached our shores yet but you can get yours at Homme et Femme in Shangri-La Plaza.

Off to Hong Kong!

My loooooong awaited short vacation is here!  By the time you read this, Hubby and I are already off to Hong Kong.  And I'm soooo excited!  Food + Shopping + HK cold weather = Heaven.  Had to wait 4 long months and I can't believe that the day has actually come!  We actually booked the tickets way back in September (hello cheap tickets!), so each and every day was an agonizing wait.  Sorry, am I being too excited?  I actually just went to HK last August, and even though I go there around twice a year, a trip to HK is always and will forever be exciting for me.  I'm in love with the country, and every trip, we discover something new and find new adventures!  So yes, HK will always hold a special place in my heart.  But wait, here's more:  everyone's favorite word:  S-A-L-E season!  While the sale here is good, I think the sales in HK will be triple times awesome!  Imagine all those brands that have not reached our shores yet... then imagine them all going on sale!  Just merely thinking about it already makes me get goosebumps... the inner shopaholic goddess in me is already doing twirls and jumps (LOL sorry I'm just really excited).  I really thank my lucky stars that the country is just a two hour flight away from us, people from the Philippines, we are lucky!!! 

Will be in Hong Kong for a couple of days.  Watch out for my return, because surely there will be lots and lots of food and shopping posts when we come back!  In the meantime, I've pre-scheduled a couple posts to keep you entertained while I'm gone.  Enjoy!

Beauty Boxes: Unboxing my 3rd BDJ Box

Was expecting the December BDJ box to arrive last month, but the BDJ box team sent out apologies through sms messages and emails that they will not be able to send out the boxes during December, and instead, it will be delivered on January.  That day has come!  My third BDJ box is here!

A first peek of this month's box...

Tadaaaaa!

What I got: 
1.  2 sachets of TonyMoly Tomatox Magic White Massage Pack
2.  1 sachet of Clean Dew Broccoli Sprout Cleansing Cream
3.  Pevonia Phyto-Gel Cleanser
4.  Etude House Collagen Moistfull Trial Kit
5.  Flormar Long Wearing Lipstick
6.  Britney Spears Radiance Perfume
7.  Snoe Beso Balm
8.  Flormar Nail Enamel
9.  Pantene All Day Smooth Miracle Water
10.  Browhaus Php500 Cash Voucher
11.  Azta Salon Php1000 off Inoa Hair Color Services and Php2000 off L'oreal X-tenso Moisturist Digital Perm and Rebonding Services
12.  Tonymoly Skin Care Voucher 10% discount
13.  Etude House Skin Care Voucher 10% discount

Bonus:  BDJ Forget-Me-Not Ideas Journal

The BDJ Journal was given as a bonus for not being able to deliver the boxes last December.  Don't you just love the BDJ team?  My SaladBox was also delivered late but no sms message, email, and surely no bonuses were given.    

My opinion about the December BDJ Box?  I like it, but it pales in comparison when compared to the previous BDJ Box which was brimming with goodies.  But overall, it's already way better than the disappointment with SaladBox.  How about you?  Share your experiences with your own beauty boxes, would love to hear them!

Boracay Eats: Caruso at The District

On our last night in Boracay, everyone was too full to eat (thanks to the calamansi muffins and the chori burger and whatever we could stuff our faces with, haha!).  But heck, it was Christmas day and no one wants to go home without having their Christmas dinner.  Besides, it IS the last night at the paradise.  We were offered free dinner at the Astoria, but we had to turn it down when we found out that we had to undergo a 90-minute seminar about their properties (they were selling time shares, I think).  At that time, my list of food and restaurant must trys have also run out so we didn't have a clue where to eat.  Dad suddenly remembered Caruso at The District, where we had a couple of drinks the night before.  He loved the ambiance and suggested we go there.  No one had a better idea, so we went with his.  And what good idea that was!  Here's what we had:



Filetto di maiale alla Piemontese



Pork fillet with mushroom pietmonte style.  Ahhh what tender pork!  I'm not one to usually order pork in restaurants because usually they overcook it and it becomes tough.  And yes, this was not my dish.  But we agreed to share everything (wrong move!  I loved it so much that I almost finished the dish on my own hahaha oops, sorry folks).



Rotolino di funghi porcini dell 'Ossola

Rolled crepe stuffed with porcini mushrooms from pietmonte region.  Crepe?  Porcini mushrooms?  Yes, yes, yes!  You can never go wrong with the combination of these two things (in my opinion, at least) and surely, Caruso did not disappoint.



Gnocchi Caruso



Home made potato pasta with cream, ham and cheese.  This was my order, and Mom said that mine was the least impressive that night.  It was delicious, but nothing compared to the two memorable dishes that night. 

Overall I'd give a whopping 5 out of 5 for Caruso.  It's sad that we didn't get to try more dishes that night but surely, I will be back (or can I just have the chef kidnapped and sent to me here in Manila?  LOL).  And this, ladies and gentlemen, concludes my Boracay Eats posts.  I hope you liked them! 

Caruso is at The District, Station 2, Barangay Balabag, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan, Philippines.

Outfit of the Week: Mullet Schmullet

The mullet skirt/dress trend that a lot of people have loved so much in 2012 is almost over.  Before it officially becomes "out", here's my take on the popular trend that has pretty much ruled last year.  One item that I particularly love about this outfit is not the mullet skirt, but rather, the denim vest.  It's so versatile!  It matches almost everything, and immediately puts an outfit together.  Girls, never underestimate the power of a good denim vest; you can use it for a long, long, LOOOOOONG time.  The day I wore this, I actually saw three other ladies at the mall wearing their denim vests.  One of these days I'm probably going to do a post about the 5 (or 10!) must haves in any and every girls' wardrobe, and guess which one will be the first one on the list?  Yep, none other than the denim vest!

Vest:  Forever 21

Top:  Arizona (from SM Surplus Shop)

Skirt:  Forever 21

Shoes:  Aldo

Bag:  Dorothy Perkins

Necklace:  Forever 21

Boracay Eats: Two Seasons' Pizza

People, websites and blogs have been raving about Two Seasons' pizza has been getting raves for quite some time now.  After swimming, we wanted to get something light, and this gave me the perfect excuse to try Two Seasons' much talked about pizza.  It is really as good as everyone's been saying?  Let's see...



Mushroom Pizza



The first thing we noticed about Two Seasons' pizza was the crust.  It came out piping hot, and was almost crumbling to the touch.  Yes, it's THAT thin.  One bite and you'll close your eyes and wonder why it took you this long to try it out.  I find it a bit sour though... I like my tomato sauce on the sweet side (blame it on the Filipino palate) but original pizzas are really supposed to be on the sour side.  Guess they're just sticking to authentic tastes.



Cheese Pizza

Free of any fuss, nothing but cheese and crust.  Now this, is what good pizza is all about.  I still daydream about this pizza, 2 weeks after. 

Overall, Two Seasons' pizza gets a 4.5 out of 5 stars.  Didn't get to try their other food offerings though, but I will, hopefully in the near future.

Two Seasons is at Station 1, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan

Boracay Eats: Kasbah

On our third day in Boracay, we decided to hang out in Station 1.  Hubby and I planned to ride the ATVs in the afternoon but first we needed to have lunch.  I already had Kasbah on my mind, I just hoped that the rest of the family will go with my plan since they're not keen on trying exotic dishes.  As luck would have it, they said yes when I asked them if they're willing to try Moroccan food!  Yay!

Here's what we had:

Chorba Vegetable Soup

Brother ordered this soup made out of a mix of pureed vegetables.  Hmm.. not a fan, but he seems to have no problem with it.   



Mixed Platter Brochette



We wanted to try a bit of everything so we got the mixed platter.  One each of fish, prawn, beef and chicken.  The fish and chicken were tender, the beef was a bit tough.  Didn't get to try the prawns though...



Seven Vegetable Couscous



It's not everyday that we get to eat couscous, and I like couscous, even with the vegetables!  Haha!



Lamb Tagine



The lamb was tender, perfectly cooked.  Just wish it didn't have that much fat.



Chicken Pastilla



The Chicken Pastilla was a pleasant surprise.  Light pastry filled with spiced chicken and topped with powdered sugar and cinnamon.  The combination seemed off but it gave off an explosion of flavors at first bite.  Everyone kept digging in, and it was gone in seconds.

Overall I'd give Kasbah a 4 out of 5 stars.  And call me ignorant, but upon chatting up the server, we found out that there's already a branch in Fort!  Now we don't have to go all the way to Boracay just to savor Kasbah's Moroccan goodness.

Kasbah is at Boracay, Station One, White Beach Malay, Aklan.

Boracay Eats: Dos Mestizos

Before we flew to Boracay, Hubby has asked his Boracay-based friend to recommend a good restaurant.  His friend told him that Dos Mestizos has one of the best paellas and it's a must try.  So on our second night, we ventured out to Dos Mestizos.  Unlike the usual restaurants which can easily be found in Stations 1 and 2, Dos Mestizos is located in Station 3, and it's not easy to locate either.  We initially thought it was situated near the talipapa (market) so we had the tricycle drop us off there.  It was when the tricycle had already left that we discovered that it was far from the talipapa, so we had to ride another one to get to the restaurant.  The journey didn't end there, as the tricycles were only allowed to get to a certain point, and we were forced to walk some distance just to get to Dos Mestizos.  Whew!  By the time we got there, everyone was tired and probably thinking "this restaurant better be good, or else..."  Haha!  There was even a short moment of panic when the manager told us that they were full.  Good thing there was available space at their deli next door.  No choice but to take whatever seats we're given so deli it is!  Here's what we had: 

Sangria

The Sangria was a complimentary drink.  I found the coupon at one of the Boracay booklets lying around the Fairways and Bluewater welcome center.  Refreshing.

Ensalada Verde

The family opted to have the simplest of the salads, with just mainly the greens.  Not a fan, though the others seem to have no problem with it.  Must be me and my anti-vegetable self. LOL.

Complimentary Bread

Soft bread that can be dipped in either the balsamic-olive oil mixture or pesto.  We finished the pesto dip and asked for seconds.  

Croquettas de Jamon

Potatoes with ham and bechamel.  4 pieces for a party of 5 hungry people.  Wish they'd increase the serving size.

Callos con Garbanzos

Stewed ox tripe with chick peas.  Mmmm... now we're talking!  One of the yummier dishes that night.  

Paella Negra

...and the famous paella that made us troop all the way to Station 3 and beyond.  It was good, but to tell the truth, I've tried better paellas here in Manila.

Lengua Estofada

Braised ox tongue in rich demi glace.  Melts in your mouth but I prefer a creamier version.

Christmas Ham

The unexpected star of the night.  This, in my opinion, was the best dish that night.  Extra thin slices of tender ham and that perfect mix of salty-sweet goodness.  If I'd go back, then I'll go back for this.  Not sure though if this is available all year round or just for the holidays.

Overall I'd rate Dos Mestizos a 3 out of 5 stars.  Maybe some of the dishes were just off that night because they were fully booked?  

Dos Mestizos is at Sitio Manggayad, Station 3 (beside the police station).

Beauty Boxes: Unboxing my 2nd SaladBox

Interrupting the Boracay food posts so that you guys won't get tired of all the food, food and food (and so that you won't think I'm THAT much of a glutton, but I guess that's already a given LOL).

My December Saladbox has arrived!  Remember that I wasn't too happy with the November Saladbox?  Let's see if Saladbox was able to make up for the less-than satisfying November box.

Here's a first peek of the December box, with the welcome note:

...and here is the contents of the box.  My first reaction?  Err... that's it??   While I said that the November box is disappointing, this is a major fail.  Nothing compared to the BDJ boxes here and here.

What I got: 

1.  Alyssa Ashley Mush Eau de Toilette

2.  Ciate Nail Lacquer

3.  Virginia Olsen Warm Olive Glow

4.  Carmex Lip Balm

5.  2 Sophia by Virginia Olsen Eyelash Enhancer Php500 Gift Certificate

6.  Urbanears Php300 off Gift Voucher 

After getting this box, I don't think I'll be renewing my subscription to Saladbox.  Gave them a chance but I'm really unhappy with what they gave me for December.  Oh well.  How about you?  To those who subscribed to beauty boxes, what boxes were stand outs and what boxes were major fails?  Let me know!

Be Thankful for the Little Things

In our lifetime, things may not always go our way.  Some things will disappoint us, while some will go beyond our expectations.  But whatever happens, we should always remember that everything happens for a reason.  I know, I know.  You have heard it a thousand times, but really, it's true.  I myself cannot count how many times I've had a sucky day.  Days where no matter what you do, something always goes wrong.  And whenever you try to fix it, it just blows up in your face.  Like the universe came together and conspired to make your life a living hell.  Something like what happened on the day we flew back from Boracay, just last month.  Flight got delayed, traveled from Caticlan to Kalibo airport, waited 8 hours on the airport, found out dog died, got accidentally hit hard in the head with a laptop bag and burned my fingers. All in one day.  Yes I wanted to scream and shout.  I wanted to curse and kick and go bananas.  And I did.  Well, the cursing part.  You see, nothing is perfect, and it never ever will be.  Life is a spinning wheel, sometimes you're up, sometimes you hit rock bottom.  My point?  We should always appreciate the little things that makes us happy.  Like yesterday.  Yesterday was the birthday of my SIL (sister in law).  (Ach, if you're reading this, belated happy birthday!)  We were supposed to eat in Cyma Shangri-la Plaza, but when we got there, we discovered that the restaurant was closed (they were having a post-Christmas party for their staff).  Suddenly, we were lost; didn't know where to eat.  And time was ticking: it was already 8 o' clock.  We went through numerous restaurants in our heads but nothing seem to fit.  We really had Cyma on our minds, plus, it was one of the family's favorite restaurants.  One minute short of giving up and just going for whatever restaurant that's there, it was then that Hubby was reminded of what I told him earlier: HEAT Edsa Shangri-la Hotel was having a New Year promo. Php799++ lunch from Mondays to Saturdays and Php999++ dinner from Sunday to Wednesday, with a minimum of 5 diners.  It was a Monday and we were 6, it was perfect!  So HEAT it was, and we had a wonderful dinner.  Unplanned, yes, but we ended up enjoying every bit of it.  The most important thing of all, is that the celebrant is happy.  

Second little thing:  I was just browsing through Facebook in the middle of the afternoon when an online contest that RX 93.1 was sponsoring popped up in my feed.  They were giving out tickets to the premiere of the Tom Cruise movie "Jack Reacher".  Simply answer the question "Why do you want the ticket?" and the 10 best answers get a pair of tickets!  My answer?  "Barely saw my husband the past week because of work.  Watching Jack Reacher would be the perfect chance for us to bond and spend quality time together."  Simple, a bit cheesy, but 100% true and straight to the point.   Didn't think much about the contest since I rarely win these things and there were about a hundred entries.  It was when we came home from my SIL's birthday dinner that I remembered and checked Facebook again for updates.  And... I won!  I know, it's not lotto but still, it felt good!  Will definitely savor every minute of that movie later.  

Third little thing:  Have always been a fan of Cecile Van Straten aka Chuvaness, so of course I follow her on Twitter and Instagram.  Yesterday afternoon she posted to Instagram about Tonkichi, a restaurant I've been wanting to try in HongKong.  Being curious, I asked her if it was better than Saboten, the famous tonkatsu place at the foodcourt of the HongKong Airport.  And this is what happened next:

Yes, she replied!  To me!  Ultimate fan girl mode: on.  It was just a simple thing but it meant a lot.  See?  These are the little things that I am talking about.  Always find joy in the little things in life.  Learn to appreciate the little surprises that life brings everyday.  Because in little things, you will find great happiness.  And when I find myself stuck again in one of those nightmare days, I will always look back at this post; look back at the things that made me smile.  And I will know in my heart that there's always a rainbow after the rain, and everything will be alright.  And with that, I leave to you the lyrics to the song "Smile" by Nat King Cole.  

Smile though your heart is aching 

Smile even though it's breaking 

When there are clouds in the sky, you'll get by 

If you smile through your fear and sorrow 

Smile and maybe tomorrow 

You'll see the sun come shining through for you 

Light up your face with gladness 

Hide every trace of sadness 

Although a tear may be ever so near 

That's the time you must keep on trying 

Smile, what's the use of crying? 

You'll find that life is still worthwhile 

If you just smile 

That's the time you must keep on trying 

Smile, what's the use of crying? 

You'll find that life is still worthwhile 

If you just smile

Outfit of the Week: Flower Power

Had a lunch out at Antonio's Tagaytay during the year end.  Mom had warned us that it might get chilly, so it was time to break out the long sleeved top I bought just the day before.  When we got there, it wasn't that cold so I just rolled up the sleeves for a more casual feel.  Excuse the messy hair, the wind was not cooperating that day. LOL.  Notice the pearl necklace?  Yup, same ones I wore here.  What can I say?  I'm addicted to it!  The shoes were one of the results of a year-end shopping madness.  I swear, holidays are really bad for the pocket; it gives us the excuse to go malling when there's nothing to do!  Been wanting a metal-tip pair of shoes for quite some time now, and when I saw this pair at Forever 21, I immediately snapped it up!  Good thing it was a fresh delivery so they still had my size.  As for the bag, all I can say is that I absolutely love bags that make a statement.  This bag is actually called the Balenciaga Weekender, because it's supposed to be a bag to contain your essentials for a weekend trip.  In short, it's sort of a luggage!  Some friends/aunts were actually joking if I was able to fit the entire house, because it really is huge!  I don't really mind, because I looooove it!

   

Top:  Forever 21
Leggings:  H&M
Shoes:  Forever 21
Bag:  Balenciaga
Necklace:  SM Accessories

Boracay Eats: Sanson at the Pearl of the Pacific

My first ever trip to Boracay was 13 long years ago.  That was my first and only trip there prior to the recent  trip we had.  Boracay then was nothing like the Boracay we now know.  Back then it was just the sand and the water.  The place was quiet and serene.  We stayed at the Pearl of the Pacific and one thing that really stuck to me was remembering how my Mom was almost always at the hotel restaurant every afternoon having the bibingka.  In her own words, it was "the best and yummiest bibingka ever.  Nothing compares."  So on this trip, it was mandatory that we pay a visit to the Pearl of the Pacific to have their bibingka we craved for 13 years.  As luck would have it, it appears that the bibingka has been taken off the menu for quite some time now.  The server didn't even know they had it; she claims the only time they served it was during Holy Week.  We were all disappointed.  But since we were already there, we decided to just have our lunch in Sanson.  Here's what we had:



Spring rolls mozzarella



Mozarella pieces wrapped in spring roll sheets and fried to a nice crunchy perfection.



Combination of calamares and fried prawns



It's rare to find a combination of calamares and prawns in one order.  We found it lacking (the prawns were just 3 pieces), but the overall taste was not bad.



Beef ribs



Uh... yup.  That's beef ribs.  We were initially surprised when this dish arrived at our table.  We thought the server got our order wrong and gave us sweet and sour fish instead.  Upon closer inspection, it really was beef ribs!  But sweet and sour beef ribs?  The taste is not something you'd get used to right away.  But the ribs were really tender.



Chicken Kebab



The Chicken Kebab was tender, grilled to perfection. 



Pork Liempo



The pork liempo tasted so-so.  Just like any other pork liempo you would find in other restaurants.  Not much of a fan of the liempo because of the huge chunk of fat included in each piece.



Pancit Canton



Tender noodles with a nice bite.  My only concern was that the vegetables were more than the actual noodles.



Vegetable Curry



The Vegetable Curry was too watery for my taste.  Wish they would have reduced the water and went for a creamier version.

Overall I would rate Sanson a 3out of 5 stars.  It's not bad, but it can improve so much more.

Sanson is at the Pearl of the Pacific, Station 1, Boracay.