New ToHo Food Center

Members of our clan are creatures of habit.  I believe it's something that each and everyone of us finds comforting from time to time.  You'll even find that our favorite places to munch in have been favored restaurants of generations past.

One of those places is New ToHo Food Center in Binondo, Manila.


New ToHo Food Center



A Tour of the Manila Hotel's General Douglas MacArthur Suite

It has been said that when then President Manuel L. Quezon invited General Douglas MacArthur to the Philippines to help build up the local military and to serve as it's Military Adviser, the latter agreed to do so provided he would be given lodgings equal that to the elegance of the Malacaňang Palace, the official residence of the country's presidents.

A whole new floor/penthouse at the Manila Hotel was then constructed, of which Architect Pedro Luna, son of master painter Juan Luna, was commissioned.  This new addition has housed the good general and his family from 1935 to 1941.

As with most history buffs, I've always wanted to view the MacArthur suite at the Manila Hotel.  Good thing, though, as we were given a special tour just recently.

Hallway of the MacArthur suite

UPDATED: Revisiting Manila Through Manila Hotel's Manila Revisited Room Package

It is my belief that no other premier 5 star hotel in the country comes as close as enjoying such a rich and varied history as the Manila Hotel.  Originally built in 1912 by American Architect William Parsons, it has withstood a world war, a number of renovations and reconstructions, and has also housed dignitaries and celebrities, too.  It is considered a Philippine landmark and has seen, and survived, numerous historic events that have shaped our nation.

It's been a while since I've been to the Manila Hotel (5 years ago to be exact). 


Manila Hotel



GIVEAWAY ALERT: The Average Jane's Valentine Giveaway

The season of love is fast approaching, and so I just wanted to show how much I love and appreciate everyone by hosting this small giveaway.  J

My Valentine giveaway!

You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown Musical is Coming to Manila!

I love Charles Schultz's iconic work, Peanuts.  I read the comic strips, collect the books and watch the TV specials from time to time.  In fact, I credit this strip to my way of thinking.  Imagine!  A dog whose imagination holds no bounds, not minding of the limitations set by being a part of the canine species.  And how about Charlie Brown and the gang?  Children who think like adults but with the honesty that comes with the young.

And so it is with great delight that I report that the Tony-award winning musical based on this timeless strip is finally going to be shown in Manila!!!  Oh joy!

You're a good man, Charlie Brown the musical

PR: Krispy Kreme Answers Fans’ Chocolate Cravings with Choco Mania Doughnuts

Finally, something to end every chocoholic’s search for the ultimate chocolate experience — Krispy Kreme’s Choco Mania Doughnuts.

Choco Mania!

There's Nothing More Comforting Than a Real Book...

And I agree (post inspired by a college classmate who is also behind the Live... As If You Like It blog)

Little Miss OC's Kitchen

There's this small basement stall at Rockwell's Power Plant Mall that never fails to catch my attention whenever I am within the area.  Selling mostly sweets, what holds me captive is not just the obvious call of devilish desserts to satisfy my sweet tooth, but also how their products fill my eyes with their visual appeal.

Cupcake and brownies from Little Miss OC's Kitchen

espressamente illy

espressamente illy (expressly illy) is a chain of Italian-style bars that serves coffee, among other things.

espressamente illy at MOA

The Unknown Dan Eric

Many people in our neck of the woods (Cavite) have most probably known of Dan Eric's.  But who, or what pray tell, is a Dan Eric?

Dan Eric?

It's an Ascott Christmas!

NOTE:  A very late post.  Please bear with me.  J

See that gleaming tower on top of Glorietta 4?  Yup, that one facing the new Glorietta 5 building, near SM department store.  That's Ascott Makati, folks.  And it sure is a beauty from the inside out.


Ascott Makati 
(photo taken from the Ascott Makati official website)



A Toast to the New Year!

I know it's a tad late but I'd like to wish everyone a belated Happy New Year!  J