Tokyo Eats, Good Eats

Ah, Japan... So many good food, so little time! 
That's how I feel to this day. I was a bit frustrated that I wasn't able to visit some of the recommended dining places in Tokyo, like Nabezo shabu-shabu, rotating sushi restos, and some wagyu beef eateries that abound. Buti nga nakapag-Ichiran kami! =) There was just not enough time and we have five kids with us who have different food preferences. Thank goodness there's the familiar Mc Donald's, 7-11, and Yoshinoya for their quick take-out meals.

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DIY Breakfast Bowls for Beginners

First Friday of the month: Foodie Friday

What's in a breakfast bowl? Usually a thick fruit smoothie base topped with the good stuff like fresh fruits and nuts, oats, granola, and all sorts of superfood mix. And it's cold and thick. It can also be a simple bowl of yogurt with whatever add-ons you crave. Yan ang hilig ko ngayon and many of my friends are also making their own versions at home. You can too, try it!

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BLISS BOWLS, Deliciously Healthy Smoothie Bowls

First Friday of the month: Foodie Finds / Healthy Food

I love fruit smoothies. My favorites are blended frozen strawberry-banana, ripe mango, and mango-banana combos. Sometimes, I add chia seeds and honey in the mix. When juicing and green smoothies became a fad, I never got into it mainly because I didn't like the idea of drinking and mixing raw veggies in my fruit shakes. Hindi lang ako sanay na iniinom ang gulay unless it's in soup form. But I know they're healthy. Then came these power breakfast smoothie bowls that I see posted on Instagram. It got me curious but have never tried one before until BLISS BOWLS opened.

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Foodie Friday: Titas Brunch at Toast Manila

First Friday of the month: Dining / Restaurant

I'm not a morning person. It's so difficult for me to get up earlier than 6 am (unless we need to travel). That is why I like brunch time better than an early breakfast, kasi hindi na ako antok and I can take my sweet time to savor my meal compared to a few rushed bites while I prepare breakfast and baon for the kids and bring them to school. I enjoy this mid-morning meal when I'm alone or have a casual brunch date with friends. The most recent was with fellow titas hosted by Toast Manila in San Juan.

 

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My Breakfast and Morning Routine

I am not a morning person. Even if I try, I am simply not as productive in the early hours of the day compared to working mid-morning and late evening. That said, I still maintain my morning rituals and try not to skip breakfast 'coz I might faint. I'm not kidding. So how do I start my day?

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B Hotel: A Hip and Stylish Boutique Hotel in Quezon City

Industrial, contemporary, hip, spacious... just some of the words that popped up as soon as we entered B Hotel Quezon City. We don't frequent this side of town so this modern structure in the middle of the bustling Scout area was a welcome surprise for locals like me. It's like a different world once you enter the hotel. My family enjoyed a laid back staycation last weekend, courtesy of B Hotel, so check out these eye candy and take this virtual tour of the newest boutique hotel north of the metro.

B Hotel Quezon City is the newest baby of The Bellevue hotel group, with it's first branch located in Alabang. With eleven floors and over 100 guest rooms, B Hotel QC offers value-for-money four-star accommodations, catering to the business traveler, companies, as well as families and groups that simply want to unwind and not leave the QC area.

What makes B Hotel different is it's ultra modern industrial design, the cool ambience -- in Tagalog, maaliwalas, and stylish interiors. The design elements and minimalist furniture pieces make every spot and corner picture-perfect -- or what millennials may call "Instragrammable".

We skipped the usual halloween weekend revelry and checked-in last Friday. The hotel still has minor construction going on. They are currently re-building the ramp leading to the main drop-off point by the lobby, finishing the function rooms and pool side facilities as well.

I learned that the hotel is still on soft opening, only two months in operation, and according to the front desk officer, they will have their formal launch in December. I guess this feature is sort of a sneak peek na rin for everyone since bagong bago pa ang B Hotel. =)

Check out the main lobby and cafe, with it's high ceiling, mood lighting, floor-to-ceiling glass walls and windows, iconic chairs, and splashes of bold colors against clean lines and polished concrete. The outdoor seating area by the lobby's balcony (right side of photo above) is the designated smoking area which overlooks Scout Rallos.

You surely won't miss these eye-catching wall accents by the elevator. From the time you step inside the elevator until you reach your floor, the sleek industrial aesthetic remains consistent. This is a complete departure from the usually warm, wood-paneled, elegantly styled interiors of traditional hotels that we're used to seeing, which J prefers. The hip vibe and ambiance here is actually quite refreshing, I like it.

B Hotel QC currently offers Superior Twin Room and One Bedroom Suite.

We were initially accommodated at this Superior Twin Room, which was nice and comfy. I was expecting two queen beds, but the twin is ideally for two only. I requested if we can be transferred to a room with a king, plus extra bed. Me and kids on the bed, then J on an extra single bed -- that's our usual sleeping arrangement whenever we stay in hotels, at the very least, unless they have two queens or a family suite.

Thankfully, the hotel was kind enough to accommodate our request and the staff prepared another room for us. Later in the afternoon, we moved down from the 7th to the 6th floor with the same room layout, but with the beds joined together. It was perfect for the boy, the girl, and myself to sleep in.

Since they still don't have extra beds available, they asked if a mattress would suffice.  I thought that was even better since they have big thick mattresses! =) We're fine with the mattress set on the floor for J. Extra pillows and towels were also requested since all the rooms are set for two. Here's the new set-up.

The guest rooms are equipped with basic amenities for a comfortable stay:

• Minibar
• LED cable TV
• Free high-speed internet access, hotel-wide
• In-room safe
• Writing desk
• Cabinet with hangers
• Washbasin and mirror set in the room - with soap and toothbrush set for two
• Glass-enclosed toilet and bath -- roller blinds can be pulled down for privacy
• Two shower heads, with soap and shampoo; toilet has a bidet
• Room slippers for two

One of the distinct features of B Hotel is it's use of iconic chairs. I'm guessing they are replicas of the designer chairs and you can find them all around the hotel.

I'm not sure about the names of these chairs, but they look designer to me. =) That black one was surprisingly very comfy to sit on!

While the new room was being prepared, J and I went to the Lobby Cafe to look around. He ordered coffee, and cheese pizza for the kids. More designer chairs spotted at the lobby...

Harry Bertoia chairs at the coffee shop...we have a similar pair at home. =)

Spot the Le Corbusier sofa, Mies Van der Rohe's Barcelona and Hans Jacobsen's Egg chairs

Let's move on to the gastronomic delights...

Snacks while waiting for room transfer -- J and I got one slice each at the cafe before we brought this up to the room. This Quatro Formaggi pizza was wiped out even if the kids said the cheese was stinky, hahaha! Blame it on the gorgonzola. =)

After we got settled in the new room and showered, we headed down to the Lobby Cafe for dinner.

For starters, my girl had this creamy Mushroom Soup while I had this more flavorful Tomato Cream Soup. Sarap with the break stick! 

The boy went straight for The B-Burger, served with fries and coleslaw. Lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles were removed. He wanted it plain with just cheese, no frills, so that's what he got.

The girl was craving for Pancit canton so we ordered one for sharing. We love the generous serving of shrimps with the noodles.

J devoured his Grilled King Prawns with a side of mashed potatoes, while I had this deliciously tender specialty -- Beef with Black Pepper Sauce. With rice siyempre! Yum-yum!!!

We were all full from the meal that I regret not leaving room for dessert! I would have wanted to try their Creme Brulee or Choco Lava Cake sana. The food and service were pretty good. They just need to add a few more food attendants to be more visible to dining guests.

For breakfast, we didn't see a buffet spread when we went down around 9 am. There was just a cereal station, fruit platter, congee station, coffee and juice corner.  

We were offered the menu for the a'la carte breakfast meals instead. The kids were happy to have their usual Pancakes, which were fluffy and huge, by the way. J got toast and Omelette, while I went for the Beef Tapa with garlic rice and egg.

After our morning meal, the family went back to the room while I toured the rest of the hotel. The kids changed their mind about swimming and opted to just laze around and play in the room. Buti nalang they didn't want to swim na coz the pool was undergoing maintenance pala so guests can't swim din.

The infinity pool is 4ft. deep only and hotel is still having improvements done around the area.

"B Hotel Quezon City is more than just comfortable ambiences and sleep-inducing rooms.

You can also conduct business meetings, spend chill afternoons, and make dull nights into something more colorful."

More amenities at B Hotel QC:

• Business center
• Ballroom and function rooms
• Lobby Cafe
• Mezzanine Bar
• Wi-Fi in public areas
• Room service
• Car park
• Gym
• Salon by Jing Monis (opening soon by the pool side)

This is the coziest place I found at the hotel -- the Mezzanine Bar, with warm tones, leather arm chairs and wood flooring. Perfect place to hang out and have drinks.

At the opposite end of the lobby from the bar is this meeting room, right above the cake and coffee shop. It has a long conference table, projector, and a glass wall which allows you to view the whole lobby from the room. It's a nice venue to hold business meetings and intimate presentations.

This was a different kind of halloween weekend retreat for my family and staying at B Hotel QC was a delight. Hope you liked the "tour" as much as I enjoyed sharing this with you.

Do check out B Hotel and avail of their Opening Rate for only PhP 3,600 net, until December 31, 2015! Visit their website for details: http://web.b-hotel-quezoncity.com

View the spacious lobby of B Hotel QC

For promos and updates, follow B Hotel QC on Facebook
B Hotel Quezon City
14 Scout Rallos Street, Barangay Laging Handa

South Triangle, Quezon City

Tel.: (632) 7718181 / 990-5000

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Foodie Friday: From Apericena to Breakfast at Seda

First Friday of the month: Food and Dining

The month of August gave us two long weekends, and we all embraced the three-day break from work and school with relaxing back-to-back hotel staycations. Sabi nga ng friend ko, kami na ang blessed...heehee! =) Definitely, one of the best feelings in the world! I was able to join the Apericena at Straight Up Bar in Seda Hotel BGC, where my family was also accommodated for an overnight stay. So, what is Apericena? Drool over sumptuous gastronomic delights below as we begin the "ber" months, and find out how you can win a fabulous 3-day-2-night stay at any Seda Hotel in the country!

“Apericena” is a modern Italian trend designed as a prelude to dinner featuring aperitifs

and a buffet of appetizers enjoyed in the company of friends.

Now, here's the awesome deal from Seda BGC's Straight Up bar that you shouldn't miss:

Apericena buffet is FREE with any order of an alcoholic beverage or mocktail!

(From 6:00 to 8:00 pm, Sundays to Thursdays)

Aperi-grill follows the same concept, focusing on grilled items on Fridays and Saturdays.

The Aperi-grill, Barbecue Dinner and Wine Buffet are new offerings this September.

For about P200+ or P300+ per drink (price varies with the beverage you order), you can already binge on some of these fine selection of appetizing continental dishes on offer... sulit!!!

From savory hors d'oeuvres to grilled meats and seafood, Japanese sushi and tempura station, Italian piadina station, Filipino-style pizzas... there's something for everyone.

I love oysters so it was a pleasant surprise to see these succulent babies on the grill that evening. They also have lamb chops. Sosyal! =)

The unique laing and sisig pizzas were standouts from the buffet, as well as the juicy prawns, tender tuna, and assorted Japanese maki.

During the event, there were crates of exotic fruits like rambutan, lanzones and mangosteen, which are all in season around this time of year. I remember my past trips to Davao when I see these beautiful fruits!

I made sure I had my share from this bounty. I would have eaten more of those sweet and tangy mangosteen if I wasn't too full from the savory dishes!

Delicious fresh-baked breads and pastries were calling me too, and my favorite was the sweet liquor-flavored golden rum baba cakes above.

Since it was cocktail hour, everyone was offered bottomless rounds of Seda's signature Calamansino shots and refreshing mixed drinks with this calamansi liqueur base. It's really good, and guests got to bring home a bottle... yay!

Straight Up roof deck bar on the 16th floor of Seda BGC offers a panoramic view that covers East to West, from the verdant park amid fashionable boutiques and restaurants of Bonifacio High Street, to vibrant residential communities as far as Laguna de Bay.

While sampling all the delectable offerings and sipping cocktails from Apericena, event host RJ Ledesma and Seda Group General Manager Andrea Mastellone presented the latest campaign of Seda Hotels -- the #BestFeelingsInTheWorld photo contest on Instagram.

“The best feelings in the world” come from simple things that make a big difference -- a good night’s sleep under fluffy sheets, a warm smile from a friendly face, conversations over sweet treats. According to Mr. Mastellone, “what guests remember is not so much the hardware but stories of their memorable experiences during their stay.”  This photo contest will encourage people to share their good feelings and memorable moments and have the chance to experience the Seda lifestyle.

Grand prize winner will receive a complimentary 2-night accommodation in any Seda hotel of their choice, inclusive of round- trip domestic flight tickets for two!

Easy steps to qualify:

• "Like” Seda Hotels on Facebook
• Follow @sedahotels on Instagram
• Post a photo that depicts a great experience (not necessarily in Seda) on their own IG account
• Photo caption should have the hashtags #BestFeelingsInTheWorld and #SedaHotels, and Seda Hotels (@sedahotels) must be tagged in the picture

Criteria: originality, composition, relevance, technique and emotion elicited. 

One photo is equivalent to one entry. Multiple entries (different photos) are allowed.

5 runners-up will be picked.

One (1) runner-up will be chosen in each Seda location:  Metro Manila, Cagayan de Oro, Davao, Iloilo, and Laguna. Each runner-up with receive a complimentary overnight stay for two, in that particular destination. 

Winners will be announced on October 5, 2015. So, start posting your #bestfeelingsintheworld photos now on Instragram!!!  =)

Here's a peek at what awaits you if you win the #SedaHotels photo contest.

Seda is the first wholly-owned and managed brand of AyalaLand Hotels and Resorts Corporation.

An integral part of Ayala Land developments, Seda’s interiors by architect and interior designer Conrad Onglao maximize its location within the Ayala community such as the glass walls and

"al fresco” seating of Misto restaurant which invite guests to explore numerous stores and retail outlets of Bonifacio High Street.

Last December, we had a fab family staycation at Seda Nuvali which I featured here. You will see the distinct look and feel of a Seda hotel, with their contemporary interiors showcasing Philippine design excellence, their dining outlet, Misto, and their high standard in guest services. 

When we checked-in, they handed us a touchscreen tablet to sign -- efficient and paperless. There is complimentary WiFi to ensure uninterrupted connectivity, an e-lounge with iMacs at the lobby for guests to use at their convenience.

This was our cozy Deluxe Room at Seda Hotel BGC fitted with a king bed, which the kids and I shared, plus an extra bed set up for J.

Their room has all the standard amenities, including: wide-screen LED HDTV, mini-bar, bath accessories and toiletries, in-room safe, executive desk, and media panel with universal adaptor and USB/audio-visual connectivity. 

Seda BGC's modern features and superior amenities, plus their central location, makes it's an ideal hotel for people traveling for business.

The Apericena was fantastic. Having all those delicious food and drinks in the company of good friends was probably one of the #bestfeelingsintheworld! Heehee...

With fellow SoMoms Pam and Tina, Gamechanger head mama Em Sulit,
flanked by our hosts from Ayala Land and Seda Hotels, Andrea, Sharon, Genny.

The next day, my kids planned to swim after breakfast since it was raining all afternoon after we checked-in. The hearty breakfast buffet offered diverse choices that whet our appetites. The buffet tables were outside a function room where we all dined. The fruit juices and hot beverages were also in the room. I am not sure if this is the usual setup for their breakfast.

The modest selection included crispy danggit, potato wedges, waffles and bacon, as well as breads, eggs and sausages. There were vegetarian options and Pinoy delicacies too! I always attack the fruits section and congee station if available, and lucky for me, they have one. =) 

My brekkie was a mix of European and Asian delights, and let's not forget the mangosteen! =)

The mandatory swim time... a hotel stay will never be complete without a dip in the pool. Look at those big toothy smiles!

From apericena to breakfast, our long weekend was very well spent at the comforts of Seda. Cheers to September! Thank you for having us, Seda BGC! =)

Straight Up roof deck bar: Open from 4:00 pm to 2:00 am daily.
Seda BGC
30th street corner 11th avenue
Bonifacio Global City

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Thank you and do visit again! (Comments with links will automatically be flagged by Disqus.)

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