My first buffet experience while the city is under General Community Quarantine.
Either we go for shabu-shabu or bbq, and well, you already know our choice - BBQ!
Before entry, our temperatures were checked and seats were observing the physical distancing imposed for health measures.
Here's a quick recap video of our early dinner:
The staff takes your orders and even asks your choices from the buffet bar.
No one is allowed near the buffet bar other than the staff. So whatever you like to eat, you'll have to ask them to get it for you, therefore, the key here is to order as many as you can but make sure you'll finish it. This is to save both your time and the staff's time too.
We did order a lot especially the meat! We first ordered chicken, pork, and beef then succeeding orders were for beef.
I love meat! I forgot how many plates of beef we had but up to the time I got my UCC iced coffee, I still am eating two slices of beef 🤣
I like their sidings too. You have to try calimaki and salmon maki (forgot what its called).
As much as we'd like to stay longer, we had to leave. There is a 90-minute limit per dine-in. This is not part of the quarantine guidelines but rather it is the restaurant's policy.
As reference, here's my list of where I buy grocery, fruits, and medical supplies:
PHARMACY
WATSONS PHARMACY
Most is familiar with this pharmacy brand since you can find it inside a known mall.
Watsons sells almost everything related to beauty and healthcare aside from medications.
This online shop made it easy for me to store over the counter medicines for fever or flu at home.
You can either pick-up the items from the nearest branch or have it delivered at home.
GROCERY
WALTERMART SUPERMARKET
Delivery fee within Makati area is 99php. So far, I like to do my online shopping here because they have most of the items that I need.
What I don't like is I don't have any idea if the item is out-of-stock, hence, expect that there will be few items that won't be crossed out from your list once they dispatched a delivery.
Don't worry since they will refund you if you've paid in advance.
METROMART APP
I've used this app for about 3 to 4 times during ECQ. The delivery fee is around 100php and they also charge a shopping fee depending on the number of items that you need (about 250 to 400php).
You get to choose from a lot of shops listed in the app and do your shopping. Still, the problem here is if the item is not available, they won't be able to provide it.
Restassured that they will return your money if the item is not included in the final check-out.
I stopped using the app since I find the shopper's fee expensive. Everytime I use the app, I console myself that the amount is like going back and forth to the supermarket via TNVS. But still, if it had been me going to the supermarket, I'd be able to do side errands too. Oh well, since it was ECQ back then, I cannot do anything at all.
MEATS, FRUITS AND VEGETABLES
JAAM SEAFOODS TRADING The shop is located at Farmer's Cubao.
I've mentioned this shop in one of my blog. We usually try to plan weekly meals so preparation will be easy.
As the name itself, the shop sells wide variants of seafood and our typical list (alternate orders):
They also have chicken, pork and beef under PasaBUY service.
ARVIEN SEAFOODS Shop is also located at Farmer's Cubao.
What I like with this shop is that they also sell vegetables and fruits alongside meat choices.
I switched to the other side because of sashimi ✌
FARM2METRO This shop uses bayong for deliveries. Brings back childhood memories 🙂
This is also my go-to-shop for veggies and fruits.
You can buy any and they have a lot of choices too. The price is also okay and what I really like is that the goods are more fresh vs supermarket ones.
My dilemma is that there were items sold for a half kilo when I needed just 1/4 of it.
If your purchase reached 500php then delivery fee is waived.
RARE FOOD SHOP From meats, seafood, dry goods, vegetarian options, ready to cook food from restaurants and even alcoholic beverages - they have it in store.
Had my chance to shop when delivery fee was waived (if not, I'll be paying Php400+)!
I bought frozen fruits and meat. Sadly, I missed the chance of buying frozen pizza!
If you want breads too, you can just choose from Bake House, Sonya's and few more 'pricey' brands.
Maybe next time I'll get that frozen Kermit pizza 😁
FRESH PRODUCE
Since FRUIT55 closed, I had my fruits delivered from this shop. I also added veggies and meat in my list! Saves a lot of time.
I'm trying to avoid online buying of meat and veggies from supermarkets since I got disappointed whenever I received the items. Hence, the need to look for more online shops that specifically sells fresh fruits, veggies and meat.
Delivery is free too! (I guess depends on your area)
I plan to order from this shop moving forward since I am satisfied with my first transaction (as seen in the video).
FRUIT55
Remember when I said that my dilemma is I cannot consume a kilo? Well, good thing a friend introduced me to this shop!
The shop sells fruits only (now they also sell ube jam and strawberry shake).
My usual items for check out:
Grapes Longgan Kiwi Dragonfruit Mango (min. 500g) Haas Avocado (min. 500g) Pineapple (will never repeat order as I had a hard time preparing!😶)
Previously, the delivery fee is 100php but now it was upped to 150php. They also accept cash payment upon delivery which is a good thing.
[UPDATE: Fruit55 ceased operations and I just found out when my friend told me she can't reached them via messenger.]
I've also tried some shops but since I'm sharing you my usual go-to-shop, I feel that I don't need to add them here to avoid confusion 🙂
If ever you want to ask about it though, feel free to drop a comment.
So far, the advantage of doing online shop vs personally getting the items varies.
For me, I wanted to save time and lessen instances where I am in a crowded place due to COVID-19. However, I just need to be aware of the consequences, such as product out of stock or mishandled items during delivery.
How about you? How's your essential shopping so far?
Pinched myself again as I couldn't believe that I did it! 🙏
It's been years since I've wanted to print my poems in any type of canvas and I'm so glad that I had an opportunity this year.
Should I sell it? (Why not? 👌)
Hmmmmn... if interested, please do not hesitate to drop a message or comment to let me know 🙂
I've made two short poems for 2020 which actually summarizes what I kinda felt this year. I also had one printed for my ever favorite tagline ' For Time Never Waits.'
If you feel that my 2020 poems doesn't suit you, please feel free to let me know so I can pick other pieces from my 'baul,' for your checking!
By the way, few months back, I had a poem printed in postcards too📮
Tote/Pouch details:
Tote bag: Size: 14x16 Selling price: Php195 each
Pouch with handle: Size: 5x7 Selling price: Php95 each
Pouch/Purse without handle: Size: 4x6 Selling price: Php85 each
To be able to go out and/or meet friends seemed to be a privilege since the city is still under General Community Quarantine (be vigilant and follow health related procedures).
I looked forward to this day, as this is my first time meeting friends after the quarantine announcement last March and it has been years since I've been to Binondo.
To add, I can't even remember the exact time when we've last seen each other.
Anyway, here's a quick summary of our get together around some areas in Manila:
Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Saint Lorenzo Ruiz (Binondo Church)
As I am the first who arrived at our meeting place, I went inside the church and prayed first.
Alcohol is provided for sanitation and your body temperature should be scanned before providing your details in the logbook.
The Great Buddha
Only few restaurants are open for dine-in. We are lucky that this restaurant is open. It is located near the church, second floor of UBE building.
We ordered a few dishes in the hopes of checking other dimsum places after.
EngBeeTin
Within the same UBE building, this branch is on the 1st/ground floor. We bought few hopia and mochi too.
Ying Ying Teahouse
They are open but accepts takeaway orders only. We thought of buying frozen dimsums at first, but end up not buying since they sell it per kilo.
William A. Jones Memorial Bridge
Built in 1916, designed by Juan M. Arellano, the bridge connects Binondo to Intramuros, making travel and business related aspects easier and faster.
The original bridge was destroyed during WWII.
References: CulturEd Philippines and lougopal
Manila Central Post Office
Also designed by Juan Arellano along with Ralph Doane and Tomás Mapúa. It was completed in 1926 in the neoclassical style.
It was located near Jones Bridge and Pasig river for convenience (c/o Daniel Burnham).
Reference: Arielle Abrigo
Intramúros
Also known as 'walled city' was built in 1571 under Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, where Raha Soliman resided.
Back then, only Spaniards can live within the walled city except for Filipino workers. Later on, Intramuros became Manila.
Reference: CulturEd Philippines
Lagusnilad Underpass
The underpass connects Intramuros to Manila City Hall and was renovated and re-opened last 24 Aug 2020.
Thomasian architect Juanito Malaga, alumni John Benedict Fallorina, Sean Patrick Ortiz and Leon Centeno Tuazon, helped in redesigning the underpass.
I now assume that the bookstore that we saw was actually the known 'Books from Underground.'
The artworks were really nice and was said to be in collaboration with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts Gerilya Artist Collectice, inspired by the works of Carlos 'Botong' Francisco.
Reference: UST website
We plan to go back in Intramuros once we are sure that museums are open.
To cut it short, REBEL wellness app saved me from being idle after the gym stopped offering online workout classes.
I was hesitant at first since I prefer live streamed classes (so I can freely ask questions or voice out my concerns and get the answer right away) over pre-recorded ones.
I am not an expert. I do this for body strength conditioning.
Hmmn, the app is free in iOS and Android which is great! Saves money! Although I know there were probably a lot of workout apps out there, I still chose REBEL because I feel that I can relate to it given that it's a Filipino brand in a sense.
I started on the last week of September and recorded few sessions so I can share with you my experience (Current program: REBEL15 - worth your 15mins! 💪)
The app itself:
I did not experience any issue during registration, however, I've noticed that there were few reviews saying that they had trouble doing so. You can just ask REBEL for assistance via email.
Once you logged into the app, you'll see the category tabs on Sweat, Eat and Care. These covers workouts, food/mealplans but I'm not sure if Care section meant for mental health or maybe overall health.
Of the three, the Sweat and Eat section contained several workout classes and meal suggestion to choose from, respectively.
You'll probably waste a bit of time checking what to try, so I suggest that beforehand, think of what you wanted to do first (i.e. yoga, abs workout, etc).
As for me, since I still consider myself as a beginner (despite having been coached for almost a year prior temporary gym closure), I chose my workout program from the beginners section (which by the way was suggested by REBEL after I left a review).
Hence in the next two weeks, my schedule was TThSun for the 5-Day HIIT THE BEAT Program by Hans Braga.
Here's a compilation video of the sessions I've attended:
Also, I did Abs & Booty workout by Kiana Henares on day 3 of week 2 instead of repeating a HIIT class.
In addition, I tried a 5-minute meditation session by Nick Daez because I wanted to just relax. I do this now and then.
5 - minute Meditation Session
And since some of the classes do not include a warm-up/cooldown time, I once did a Beginner's Morning Flow by Jo Villablanca for a nice body stretch. After that, I figured that maybe Yoga isn't for me afterall. I got dizzy after 🤣
Then the Full Body Dumbbell Toning class by Cam Lagmay which I plan to repeat soon. I like this class coz I feel that my arms lacked exercise (as seen in the HIIT class that I did 😂).
Oh, it has been more than a month with REBEL, and overall, I like the app as everything is in there (from workout to meal suggestions to care [SOON]).
Also, it is a plus that I don't need to doublecheck the credibility of REBEL team since I believe that the founders won't dupe us, right? 😄
Anyway, as with all other apps, if there's yang, ofcourse there's yin too. Let me make a summary of what I can think of as of the moment.
Positive:
1. The app is FREE
2. Wide selection of workout classes
3. 'Eat' section available to cater vegetarian and healthy meals
4. Care section (coming soon)
5. Meditation sessions available
6. Look after your body and Nutrition topics to check on
7. You can do workout challenges
8. It is ad free (as of the moment and I hope it stays that way)
9. REBEL team responds to feedbacks and provides assistance (I hope it won't change)
10. Beginners are welcome
Negative:
1. You need internet to access the app and classes
2. Pre-recorded means the trainer won't be able to answer your questions real time and it also means they cannot correct your form
3. Possibility of app to crash at times (it did but not most of the time)
4. Not all classes includes warm-up or cooldown time
5. If you're more of a 'gym equipment' user for very intense workouts then this won't probably going to help you that much (unless REBEL adds more classes that uses those in the future)
7. Possibility of being injured (i.e. sprain or fall) if your form is not right
I guess that's all for now! 🙃
As for suggestions, I think it would be nice if there's a section for warm-up/cooldown sessions too (I feel lucky that I still remember some of what my coach taught us, otherwise, my bodyaches won't go away 🤣).
EAT section - hoping that they will also provide list of ingredient substitutes when prepping meals 🙂
Are you up to challenge yourselves now?
#rebeltogether 💪
Update 2023: a lot of new classes offered but you need to subscribe aka pay 😂.
For coffee, I'll try any bread or dessert! That's how fond I am of coffee ☕.
I'd even recommend to friends if I like it and would ask them too for any suggestions. So if you have any shops in mind, leave a comment and let me know please 🙂
Here's the list in no particular order: HERRAN BAKERY
Back in ECQ months, most of my orders were from this bakeshop. The price is affordable too and the varieties of bread ranges from simple pandesal to cakes and the likes.
My typical order (alternate): Cream loaf Wholewheat loaf Hi fiber loaf Honey wheat with oats loaf Mochi bread Hopia diced Pianono Chocolate Crinkles Mooncake Egg pie Cream puff
Of all, I like their mochi bread 😁
BAIT LEHEM, HOUSE OF BREAD
Ordered once from this shop (recommended by a friend) and enjoyed pita with hummus.
Here's what we ordered: Hummus Pita Rugelach Bourekas Baklava
We like bourekas because of the filling. Great when warmed too while rugelach became hard when toasted.
Baklava tastes okay as well.
JENNIFER ESTACIO'S
Recommended by a friend. We ordered pork floss and ensaymada and we do like her ensaymada.
We just hope they'll sell in 3's in the future. Hmmmn, pork floss tasted okay too but I find the floss itself a bit dry.
CKITCHENRY'S
Prior lockdown, my sister and I managed to visit this shop. We actually dined there as well. It was a nice experience since they offer coffee too.
As takeaway, we bought mochibread for breakfast the next day.
Mochi tasted good but we find it pricey. Still, glad we had the opportunity to try.
BOULANGERIE22
We were craving for cakes but no store delivers in our area. So we tried this shop and got a banana cake.
Of all the breads we bought, we like Hokkaido Milk Rolls.
The breads were pricey too, hence, we didn't plan a repeat order.
PANADERYA (TINAPAY NI NANAY)
My latest 'go-to' bread shop. A friend also recommended this shop.
My orders: Pandesal Cheese roll Ube cheese pandesal
I'm very satisfied with all my orders and was so glad that the price isn't too much as compared to others.
Generous amount of cheese and ube halaya inside the bread. Best when warmed.
As for pandesal, I was amazed that there's not much air when you bite. Fluffy and crunchy from the toaster!
They also have suki program where you get 12pcs of cheeseroll or pandecoco after buying 8 times.
CONSUELO'S
My go-to banana cake shop! They also sell pastillas, brazo de mercedez, cookies and cakes.
You won't regret buying from this shop because everything tastes good!
Although they are located in Cavite, you can still place an order since they had partnered with a delivery service to make it possible.
JUST KITCHEN MNL'S
Missing pineapple cake of Taiwan? Fret not for this shop offers pineapple cake that tastes like the ones from Taiwan!
I like how the pineapple filling isn't too sweet and too sour! Best with coffee or tea 👌
We also ordered dark chocolate cookies. This one is best with ☕. Real goodness of chocolate chunks that I end up eating a cookie in one go!
FORTUNE BAKESHOP (photo not included)
Bought loaf bread and hopia. It's your typical breadshop!
PAN DE MANILA (photo not included)
Aside from breads, I bought 3in1 coffee and hot chocolate drink too.
They also sell palaman and spreads like cocojam and peanutbutter.
This bakery is known for its pandesal, so if you want a 'safe' option, this is one of the bakeshops you can be assured that breads are affordable and good.
BREAD FOR EVERY JUAN (photo not included)
Ordered once from this bakery too. Price is reasonable as well.
We like their ensaymada but I don't recommend their pork floss.
