MANILA -- Back in college in CSB, every class, every term we'd be in front of the class either presenting or reporting they'd always give you the oppurtunity to speak out in front of the whole class. I've been a shy girl as a kid, but I must say, that had helped me come crawling out of my shell. I love doing group presentation, not because I'd share my few minutes of classroom fame slash attention but because it was fun having to hear other ideas and best of all, the overflowing food. One of our choices would be Amber since it's a few blocks away from school.

I was along Pasong Tamo when I noticed they opened a branch here and I made a mental note that I'd drop by one time for their famous barbeque, malabon and pichi-pichi. And I did, except I tried their bihon instead.

It brought back memories of college and I was actually full after having ordered extra rice for the barbeque.

MANILA -- I admit that I have this craving for pizza and pasta. I was planning to just stay within Makati vicinity, stopped over A. Venue to choose from a wide variety of restaurants. Unfortunately others close early so Sicilian Express was the only option.

Of course, the usual Carbonara.

Risotto rice with pork ribs for the main course.

Now I wouldn't be surprised that people would notice my weight gain, all I do is eat lately.

I swear I think I've gained more pounds this holiday season. All I ever did was eat! We've tried out this new dessert place called "Nothing but desserts."

Now there's a solution for those craving sweet tooth. The place and the interior spells out the word SWEET right in front of you.

Hmm...what to eat? It was sort of a battle but I promised to order just ONE. Pinacolada made it to my top choice, so there.

All that sweet kept me on high and smiling the whole time.

See the bulges...it's all over me!

Oh well, having to say "I'm on a diet" isn't all that. I MUST go on a diet!

Sheesh. So much to do, so little time! I've yet to finish my Christmas shopping tomorrow and I have tons of things to blog about. Anyways, I was supposed to write about it even before I left for Manila.

We tried out this new place in town. When I say "town" I am actually referring to Iloilo. We tried out Crave Steak in Smallville.

The interior of the place was cozy.

A view from the top.

At the second level, they have an art showcase which featured black and white photography of Babak Niarak.

According to JR "nothing really fancy, just great steaks." This made me want to try it as soon as I recieved the text. We ordered the house specialty which was "Crave Steak" (sorry, I didn't realize that the picture was blurry)

And "Garlic Steak"

Kiara was saving for dessert.

We need to remember to be on a diet the following day to loose all those pounds we've gained that night.

Now I am here in Manila but before I left I was really happy for the recent developments in Iloilo. I love that somehow there's something to look forward to and a new place to try out. So before my flight, we dropped by this newly opened restaurant, Mojave.

We came in such an odd hour at 1pm so we basically had the place for ourselves.

We were given complimentary Nachos for starters.

Kiara was giddy thinking that she'd be able to try something new, preferably chicken or pork.

We ordered Grilled Tuna Salad which Kiara only picked what she wanted from the variety of fruits and vegetables.

But after, she decided to patiently wait for her Texas Pok Ribs which came in such a surprise since they said it was supposedly "good for two" but looked more like three to me.

No desserts today since we're actually running out of time. It's almost 3pm and my flight is at 5:40 so we better get moving but not without this picture right out.

We loved it. Sa uulitin!

Dining at Peppy Thai is always a treat. I already know what to order when the name comes up. This place is one of the famous food-stop here in Iloilo.

While we're here in Iloilo this place remains in one of our must-eat list. Although it isn't a place you can go to at anytime since it opens only on lunch time and Mondays to Saturdays. But a lot of Ilonggos frequent Peppy Thai for years now.

Peppy Thai Rice

Soup/Noodles

Kiao

Bbq

Pandan Chicken

Burp! I think I gained more weight after eating here!

Comment: Love it!

I can't believe that up 'til today I haven't had a single review of my top must-eat list. Uncle Tom's.

I grew up loving their food, especially their chicken. My family and the owners of the restaurant have been friends for the longest time. I even remember they had the taste test at home before opening up the place. I've seen it evolve, from their MaryMart branch, to Delgado St. branch, to Ledesma (near Tanza), and now in Diversion Road. I've basically been following wherever the place were. And while I was in studying in Manila, I'd make sure that I'd make a binge-stop and have a chicken overload.

I was with my sibs who have been craving for their chicken for a while now.

We ordered Family Pack since we're all "matakaw"

And my brother's Backribs

It's a must-try for guests visiting Iloilo.

It's been more than a week since I've been back from Manila.

First observation of Iloilo: Bigby's Cafe & Restaurant is closing down it's doors on Iloilo scene. It came as a surprise because I thought all the while it was doing fairly good. I'mma miss Chix Ahoy, Porky Steak, Grilled Chicken Carbonara, Bermuda Salad

They say, when it closes a door, it opens a window. There's this new Filipino restaurant in The Avenue strip named Bauhinia.

I know I've been complaining a lot about my weight these days, but I just had to try this one out. We ordered appetizer, Lumpia ubod.

Kiara doodled while waiting for the food to be served.

Food is here! Binakol and Porkchop, liempo, etc

Leche flan for dessert.

Kiara finished a generous serving of rice, so basically we're fully loaded! But still, Bigby's will be missed.

I've heard of Pendy's before but I never really got to try it. I love the place. It's something new to the eyes.

We had our brunch here before heading anywhere for the day. We ordered burger, different kinds of burger! My daughter loved hers that she finished it all by herself.

And I guess we were quite hungry that we forgot to take pictures. So we tried to make up for it afterward.

The centerpiece.

Here's like their "pasalubong" center where you can buy stuffs you can bring home.

The place is an all star. Glad that we were there before the regulars stepped in.

I've been in a major vacation mode these past few weeks. Which explains the frequent absence online. Anyways, we were in Bacolod for the weekend and we dropped by Italia for a late lunch.

Oh, I love the place! It's like an underground wine cellar -- except that it's not really underground. *wink*

They even cook their pizza the old way! LOVE their pizza (no picture)

Kiara of course ordered chicken and rice (no picture) and she loved it. Finished it all by herself!

Then we ordered a variety of pasta. Their pesto was the best! Which was a little unlikely since I'd usually have pasta with white sauce.

Yum! I'll definitely be back there...soon!

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