Wish Fulfilled! A Stay at the Intercontinental Manila Hotel.

Intercontinental Hotel Manila...  The name just exudes sophistication at every syllable.

Intercontinental Hotel Manila in Makati, Philippines

If the Husband's pre-marital / college-era wish list included a stay in the Hotel Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila (of which we have already fulfilled a number of times over -- check my posts here and in here), I, for one, have always wondered what the Intercontinental Manila Hotel looked like from the inside.  Finally got my wish early this year when we had a little staycation over.

Okaneya: Bread in a Can (?)

The Madir works in a Japanese-owned NGO that provides scholarships to needy Filipino students and assistance to Japanese nationals who are based here or are tourists in the Philippines.

That being said, they meet a lot of our Japanese friends on a yearly basis; most of who come to the country regularly to meet up with the children they're putting through to to school.  A lot of the times, they bring pasalubong for my mom and her co-workers, sort of as thank you gifts for the hard work they put in.

We've received cute items like pens, fans and pouches.  Some food stuff, too.  But this, by far, takes the cake -- a can of bread!

Okaneya, bread in a can

I kid you not...

BonChon's Ko-Yo Desserts

I have a notorious sweet tooth.  It's a pain to have, especially when you're trying to go on a diet.  Good thing there are slightly healthier alternatives in the market nowadays -- yogurt being one of them.

I've have tried almost all available brands.  From the original Better Than Ice Cream (BTIC) to those offered in fast food places (like Kenny Roger's and Pancake House); most of them are good.  I don't have a thing to complain about.

Now, it seems, BonChon has also joined in the craze, offering a line of Ko-Yo (Korean yogurt) desserts to their adoring public.

BonChon's Ko-Yo

STYLE FOR LESS: Wacoal's SB4712 VS Bench / Body's Wireless Bra

THE SPLURGE: Wacoal's SB4712 (Php895.00)

The Madir and I are huge fans of Japanese brand, Wacoal.  They offer super comfortable bras that offer great fit and lift (if need be).  Albeit priced a little higher than other brands found in department stores, the splurge is definitely worth it.

Wacoal's SB4712

Kimono Ken

I was having some really mean sushi carvings a few weeks back.  Maybe my stomach also knew it was nearing Holy Week and decided that a few meatless days were in order.  Whatever the reason, I just knew I had to have some fast!

Good thing there was a Kimono Ken branch near our place.

Kimono Ken

The Restaurant Formerly Known as Heaven & Eggs -- H&E

Similar to Prince (whose stage names underwent various changes), Heaven & Eggs revamped its sunny, cutesy image; and in the end, turned to a more edgier vibe, even changing their name to simply H&E to matcht their new aura.  But regardless of the outfit change, the food is still, as always, still the best.

Source: H&E Facebook page

Fusion Love: Tokyo Cafe

I might just be a bit biased; but have you ever noticed that Japanese-Western fusion cafes almost always serve delicious food?  From TCC to Pasta de Waraku (both Singapore-based groups) to Bubble Tea Restaurant here in Manila, almost every restaurant I've been to serving this type of cuisine has yet to deliver less than outstanding grub.

And here's one more I add to the list of favorites -- Tokyo Cafe.

Tokyo Cafe at Mall of Asia, Pasay

The Manly Man's Cronut: Bronut

I've noticed that Filipinos love following trends.  Be it in fashion or in food.  So when Dominique Ansel released his famous Cronut, it isn't any wonder that a lot of local versions would also come out.

From Cafe France to French Baker to small home businesses -- the choices are outstanding and personally, confusing.  One just can't seem to pick a favorite; but we've had that choice made easier for us by the Little One's preference for a Bronuts concoction.

Cream Cheese & Bacon

In particular, their Cream Cheese & Bacon.

Neighborhood Haunt: Wings & Wedges

Tucked along a row of small shops in Bonny Serrano (very near Camp Crame) is a little hole-in-the-wall that sells that quintessential of all comfort foods -- Buffalo Chicken Wings.  And with a joint that offers that, what other name can be more fitting than Wings & Wedges.

Wings & Wedges