When Autumn Fades Fast: The Short Stay of Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Latte in Manila

🧡 Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte is a Warm Hug in a Cup

If you’re a coffee enthusiast like me, you know there’s one drink that signals the cozy season has arrived — the Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte. Every year, I wait for that magical moment when “Pumpkin is in” finally appears on Starbucks Philippines’ Facebook page. This year, that long-awaited announcement dropped on September 30, and I swear I could almost smell the cinnamon and nutmeg through my screen.

I rushed to my nearest Starbucks the very next day. My heart fluttering, wallet ready, and taste buds already tingling with nostalgia. Autumn might not exist in Manila, but the Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL) makes it feel like fall, even under the tropical sun. For a very few blissful days, I had my fill: the Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte for humid afternoons, the Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino Blended Beverage when I needed something playful, and my all-time favorite — the Hot Pumpkin Spice Latte with an extra dash of cinnamon.

Dear Joe : Coffee, Food, and the Instagrammable Ambience

One of the many things I love about the Philippines recently is the fact that there are several coffee shops sprouting everywhere. Be it international franchise commercialized coffee shops, homegrown cafes, or even third wave specialty cafes - now more than ever, coffee is more accessible to coffee enthusiasts. 

I myself is an enthusiast. In our area, I have several favorite coffee shops. One of them is Dear Joe - the first letter-writing cafe in the Philippines. Deemed as one of the most Instagrammable Cafes in the Philippines, Dear Joe is owned by the famous Filipino businessman and former politician, Manny Villar who also owns the equally Instragam-worthy Cafe named The Coffee Project. 

I will not dwell too much on the "letter writing" concept of Dear Joe because many have already done so. What I am focusing on is the food and drinks that I like which you might also like too. 

Zullo Coffee and Loaf

Never go grocery shopping when hungry—one of the best pieces of advice I still adhere to these days. I often do my grocery shopping really early, so I need food to tide me over until lunchtime, when I finish my shopping. One morning, I found myself checking out food offerings at Zullo Coffee & Loaf.

For someone who enjoys coffee, I know it'll be a good option and a welcome respite from my affinity to food kiosks one would often find right within the premises of grocery stores. 

Manam Comfort Filipino Food Restaurant in Antipolo City

I am not really big on Filipino food especially when eating out. I feel like it is a dish I can whip up at home with no fuss. So when out, I would normally venture into other cuisines. But that was not the case when Manam Comfort Filipino Restaurant opened its branch at Robinsons Place Antipolo. 

Unlike me, my family, regardless of where they are, will always pick Filipino food over any other cuisine in a heart beat. I have dine in at Manam Greenbelt branch and I'm pretty sure my family will love Manam's take on Filipino food. 

Manam opened their branch at Robinsons Place Antipolo late last year and up to this day, people are still flocking and lining up especially on weekends. It is best to go there early to secure a table and avoid long line. 

Introducing Lunar Coffee: A Celestial Brew from Moonleaf Tea Shop

Prepare for a cosmic awakening as Moonleaf Tea Shop unveils its latest creation for 2024: Lunar Coffee. 

Embark on a journey beyond the ordinary with Lunar Coffee, the newest addition to Moonleaf's iconic beverage lineup. For years, Moonleaf Tea Shop has been the go-to tambayan and the heartbeat of refreshment for Filipinos, captivating taste buds with innovative concoctions and an unwavering commitment to quality. Now, with Lunar Coffee, they're breaking new ground and reaching for the stars in the world of coffee. 

Exclusive to select Moonleaf branches, Moonleaf Matatag, Moonleaf Ever Commonwealth, and Moonleaf Guerilla Marikina. Lunar Coffee invites you to explore a universe of flavors with an extensive selection of 8 flavors. From timeless classics like Americano and Cafe Latte to signature creations such as Spanish Latte and Wintermelon Latte, Moonleaf seizes the moment to serve their most loved blend. 

Tong Yang Unlimited Grill and Shabu Shabu

Tong Yang Unlimited Grill & Shabu Shabu Buffet opened in Robinsons Antipolo last year and as with most buffet restaurants, there's always long lines. That one particular Saturday though, we're at the mall so early we decided to walk in and see if they can accommodate us. Luck's on our side, we were seated in no time. 

We were probably the second customer to be seated and after several minutes, the place was already jam packed with diners. Unlimited food, buffet, and eat-all-you can offering despite high price and inflation still has its charm. 

As per usual, I was with my father and my nephew. This is my nephew's first time at Tong Yang. He's not very fond of grilled food but surprisingly, he enjoyed this one. My father on the other hand enjoyed the hot pot, creating his own bowl of hearty soup with lots of veggies and very few meat. I, well, I enjoyed the seafood, specifically the tuna tail. 

Quick Visit at Madison Lounge and Bar of Hilton Manila

Life has been a little busy lately. I have to be honest that this blog - my little space in the world wide web, will slowly turn into my repository of images and little blurbs about some of the experiences I enjoyed and made a mark in my heart.  I wish I still have ample time and energy to wax poetic and tell stories, but that is not the case. 

For now, I just want to keep this blog running for those who are still visiting this blog and for my self. One of the many things I learned after my mother and sister passed away, is to document beautiful memories as much as you can. I intend to do that.

So, photo dump and short notes ahead.

A quick visit to Madison Lounge and Bar at Hilton Manila happened a little while back.  I cannot remember the exact names of the little feast I had. We were just about to buy the breads from Madison that my nephew loves. But the stunning ambiance at Madison made us have a little coffee and dessert session instead. 

Chowking Birthday Celebration: Buy 3 Lauriat, Get 1 Free on your Birth Month

Are you looking forward to celebrating your birthday soon? Here is s good news for you. Chowking, the #1 Chinese restaurant in the Philippines since 1985 has something special for birthday celebrants. 

Whether it’s a big birthday party or an intimate celebration, with Chowking, you will feel extra special because when you buy 3 lauriat of your choice, you will get another 1 lauriat for free! 

Ala Carte Menu at Seven Corners Restaurant of Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria (An IHG Hotel)

Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria Manila is one of those hotels we usually stayed at whenever we need to do errands for several days in Ortigas area.  Because of that, Crowne Plaza's Seven Corners Restaurant is always the first choice when dining - not only because it is convenient but because I honestly think they serve good food and their service is always stellar. 

While Seven Corners Restaurant is known for their buffet service, their options for ala carte offerings are nothing short of amazing too. 

Located at the 3rd floor of Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria (an IHG Hotel), Seven Corners Restaurant is the in-house restaurant of Crowne Plaza Manila and Holiday Inn Galleria while their Fab Restaurant is still close. 

Theo & Miguel Restaurant

My nephew is very fond of Filipino food. When dining out, he's the one to suggest to try Filipino restaurants we have not yet. This time, we tried Theo & Miguel Restaurant in Robinsons Place Antipolo. I have not heard of this restaurant before so, I have no idea what to expect. 

The food options on their menu is very limited, which makes me a bit apprehensive. In my mind I'm already thinking of the next restaurant to hit once I didn't like whatever we're having at Theo & Miguel. 

My apprehension grew when I realized that there's not a lot of seafood and vegetable dishes at Theo & Miguel. My father who is a senior only enjoy vegetable and seafood, I myself is trying to dodge meat, but I can still enjoy a bite or two. My nephew is a meat eater but mostly it's jut steak that he enjoys. Still we decided to give this restaurant a try. 

Nono's Comfort Kitchen & Bakery

This year, I had my first birthday without my mother. It hasn't been a year since she passed away. Hence, celebrating my birthday was the farthest thing in my mind. Normally, there would be cakes, ice cream, and spaghetti or pancit for long life. None of them appeared on the table at  home this year.  

Instead, my father decided to at least we eat out, share a simple meal and a prayer of gratitude for another year in his daughter's life.

I don't want for this blog post to sound somber, because did a great job of choosing Nono's Comfort Kitchen. A restaurant that serves comfort food, I must say that we were given a service that's heartwarming and food that's satisfying. 

There's Something New About Chowking Chinese-Style Fried Chicken #DeliciouslyDifferentChicken

Have you had Chowking Chinese-Style Fried Chicken recently? Have you noticed something different? I know I did. I had it this lunch time and upon first bite - in all it's crunchy and deliciousness glory, I thought, it's deliciously different chicken!

The Chinese-Style Fried Chicken we all love from Chowking is deliciously different now, indeed. 

Truth be told, it's always been one of my favorite fried chicken because it's so good and crunchy. I always choose it over other Chinese restaurants' rendition of fried chicken in a heart beat. And just when I thought it couldn't get more better than the way it is, Chowking upped it's game and make their Chinese-Style Fried Chicken all the more delicious!

The Fried Chicken Ice Cream

With the events that happened in my life in the recent past, I got caught up in dealing with things as it happen that for a moment, I lost my usual enthusiasm to new things to try food-wise. It was my nephews who introduced me to The Fried Chicken Ice Cream one time when we were at Newport Mall. 

I literally don't have any idea that it's actually a thing, The Fried Chicken Ice Cream.  I've been away from social media for far too long I've missed out on a lot. So when we chanced upon Dessert Club's pop-up that sells this interesting creation, I got some for us to try. 

Of course, my nephews were elated but I was skeptical. I've had Bacon Ice Cream at Crowne Plaza's Seven Corners Restaurant and it was downright amazing. But fried chicken? I wasn't sure what to expect that time. 

Promo Alert: Buy 2 Get 1 Chowking's Chunky Asado Siopao on National Siopao Day

August 21 is National Siopao Day and Chowking will be spreading the love by making it a siopao-filled day for us.  Chowking has always been known for its Chunky Asado Siopao that won the hearts of many Filipino. It is reasonably priced and delightfully satisfying, so, what's not to love?

It is no surprise that Chowking Chunky Asado Siopao is one snack that is really hard to resist. The combination of soft freshly steamed bun and the chunky, saucy, Hongkong-style asado filling is something that anyone can enjoy regardless if you're a siopao lover or not.

What's Your Favorite at Marugame Udon?

Lately, whenever asked where would I like to eat, I have this autopilot response; Marugame Udon. When thinking about fast, customizable, and affordable Japanese food that comforts a hungry tummy, it's always Marugame Udon.  When I don't want to complicate my life and overwhelm myself with lots of restaurant choices, It's always Marugame Udon for me these days. 

I know it is just a phase and it will pass. I know I will go back to my old self who, in a blink of an eye, can whip up a comparative analysis between two restaurant whenever faced with an important decision about where should we eat next. But for now, I am enjoying and will continue to enjoy Marugame Udon. 

My father who is a fan of affordable restaurants and my nephew who recently developed an appreciation for Japanese food, undoubtedly enjoy this phase in my life. Ever since my mother and my sister - my nephew Cai's mother, passed away, I would often have these two men in tow whenever I'm eating out. It's part of our ways to cope with grief. 

Breakfast at Yellow Bird Cafe

Ever since my mother and my sister passed away, meal times during weekends are mostly spent outside whenever we can. Eating at home with just my father and my nephew can sometimes feel lonely. We miss my mother's cooking and my sister's company. To somehow lessen the sadness, we eat out.

I've written about Yellow Bird Cafe and Kitchen before. It's one of the homegrown cafes and restaurants in Antipolo City. But it is often overlooked because of the many commercial cafes and restaurants popping in the area fast.  

One weekend, we decided to have breakfast at Yellow Bird. Very convenient because it is near home and it's just a stone's throw away from Transfiguration Chapel where we attend mass. 

Miguel's Garden Cafe

You know that feeling when you are going for one thing but ended up stumbling upon something which makes the experience all the more perfect? We had that kind of experience when we chanced upon Miguel's Garden Cafe in Antipolo City. 

We were dead set on having a nice afternoon coffee and some light snack while enjoying a really great view. It turns out, the place we had on mind could only offer great view and none of the things we want to feast on to tide us over before we hit dinner. 

loss

It's been a long while.  This space is already gathering dust.

I could wax poetic about the food that nourished my body and travels that fed my soul, to compensate for a year of absence. But the reality is, it took me a shitload of courage to hit that New Post button and start to write. 

Early last year, my younger sister passed away. Six months after that, we also lost my mother. I wish there's more eloquent way to say it - to soften the blow. This is the first time I am putting this into writing, after all.  But I am so spent and that's all I've got.

Most days, I would wake up and I still cannot make sense of what happened. The pandemic we all fear at that time doesn't even have anything to do with it. 

Enderun Extension's Free Pastry Masterclass with Award-Winning Chef, Laetitia Moreau!

I previously took École Ducasse Online Culinary eXperience by Enderun Extension and I must say that it's one of the best online culinary classes I've had. Not just because I enjoyed every minute of it, but also because the gems of culinary wisdom and knowledge I gained from it are simply unparalleled.  

Now the good news is that Enderun Extension will be conducting an online French Pastry Masterclass for FREE. 

This November 20, 2021, learn how to make and plate delectable desserts from École Ducasse Manila's very own Executive Pastry Chef, Laetitia Moreau! She will show us how to turn delightful desserts into beautiful works of art. 

Winery.PH The Philippines’ Largest Online Wine Shopping Event Is Back With Huge Deals Up to 61% Off

Mark your calendars: Winery.ph is opening its cellars up for its largest sale of the year this November 11, 2021. The 11.11 Sale features at least 20 great wines from around the world going for discounts ranging from 30% to 61% OFF, and all of these will be sold in sixers and dozens. Plus, you can expect a few more surprises to join the ranks on the day itself!

Working with over 40 of the Philippines’ leading importers, Winery.ph has curated the largest in-stock wine collection in the country and makes it possible for all of these wines to be available under one roof, in one easy checkout.