Conti's

The first thing that may come into your mind when you hear Conti's is their delectable dessert, Mango Bravo... and well, I couldn't blame you. Because everytime I hear Conti's, that's the first thing that comes to my mind also.

But aside from Mango Bravo, Conti's also boast other entrees that would definitely impress you. They have their own rendition of those fabulous dishes from around the world like Chicken Marsala, Chicken Roulade, Beef Teppanyaki, Paella Madrilena... and to my heart's content... Lengua dishes!!!

And of course, they also have desserts that you're so gonna love. My favorites are Mango Bravo (obviously), Peach Walnut Torte and Almond Choco Sansrival... yes I know, even their names are already mouthwatering. Hahaha!

And yes even their drinks, smoothies and shakes rock my mind. I was close to ordering both Strawberry Shake and Grapes Shake one time I had dinner at Conti's Serendra with my friends.

Another thing I love about Conti's is the free Mango Bravo that you get if you celebrate your birthday there. No matter how simple your celebration is, they will celebrate it with you with a whole Mango Bravo... and a candle to blow, of course. Haha!

That's me enjoying the free Mango Bravo courtesy of Conti's Serendra for my friend, Icko Saldajeno's birthday.

with good friends and a good plate of Buffalo Wings

Price Range as of March 2010:

Appetizers: 120-225

Main Entrees - 185-285

Desserts - 70-100

Store Locators:

BF Homes Paranaque

Greenhills San Juan

Serendra

Trinoma

Greenbelt 2 Makati

http://www.contis.ph

Music Match Family KTV

Music Match is another favorite KTV place of my friends. Sometimes after work, when we choose to chill but opt not to drown in booze, we would go to Music Match Ortigas Home Depot and belt our songs for about two fabulous hours.

It's quite impressive how they usually become one of the first to include new songs in their list, but unfortunately however, I still find their songs limited compared to some KTV.

Given their amenities, they are relatively cheap. Every weekdays, they even have promos. And granted that these promos are lifted on Fridays and Saturdays, their prices are still reasonable.

Music Match is not only about videoke. There are other things to try. Wanna try something new? you can try renting shishas... it's similar to hookah... actually, I don't know the difference. Hahaha! In Tomas Morato, you could even record your songs and get copies of it... yes, it's like you have your own album.

Food is also mmm... mmmm... good. Although some of the hard drinks are a bit pricey. So if you're on a budget, check the prices first before you order. Prices of some drinks are cool... they are actually surprisingly reasonable. My personal favorite is their Virgin Colada... actually, it's just Pinacolada... but I love their blend... sweet and creamy... Love it!!!

Branches

Forum Building, Tomas Morato

Ortigas Home Depot, Julia Vargas Avenue

The White Hat Italian Frozen Yogurt

It's payday Friday so my friend, Ada Arcayera and I thought of chillin' at Shangri-La after work. We thought of what movie to watch, and what to eat. But aside from these, we had one craving in common: frozen yogurt.

In our minds were the images of immaculate tubs, each embellished with a single twirl of snow white frozen yogurt. Playfully, we pictured the other treats that we'll blend in with the yogurts: almonds, caramel, fruits, mochi... The mere thought of it made us crave for frozen yogurts even more. Hence, Ada and I pinky-swore that no matter what, we'll have The White Hat Italian Frozen yogurt at Shangri-La.

We had our dinner late and we only had a few minutes to spare before the movie starts (We decided to watch The Lightning Thief). But alas, the temptation to have White Hat yogurts clinged into our minds. Plus, it was as if they even conspired with our tummies and tastebuds, because we still felt hungry after downing two plates of gourmet sushis and chicken teriyaki. With this, we just paid our dinner bill and stormed to The White Hat like there's no tomorrow.

The White Hat offers combos to help those who can't make up their minds. Each combo comes with three yummy toppings and a free drizzle of your choice!

Ada picked the Clown Hat Combo consisting of M&M's, Mallows and Sprinkles. Combos come with a free drizzle, so she chose Caramel.

I, on the other hand, chose to customize my White Hat. I'm a big fan of fruits, most especially berries, so my blend was a mix of strawberry, blueberry and kiwi.

Now who says you have to sacrifice a lot and deprive yourselves with yummy food if you wanna lose weight? Think again! The White Hat is 98% fat-free... so what if there's 2% fat? Your body still needs some fat, anyway. The White Hat Frozen Yogurt also has Probiotics, Calcium, Protein... those good stuffs that make you live healthy.

Together, Ada and I feasted on our White Hats with smiles on our faces, cause we're enjoying yummy treats without ruining our diet... now what more could we ask for... hmmmm, I guess more tubs of The White Hat frozen yogurts!

Branches:

* Shangri-La MALL EDSA

* SM Mall of Asia

* Robinson's Place Ermita

* Rustan's Supermarket Makati

* SM North Annex

* SM Clark Pampanga

* TriNoMa

For more details, visit their page at http://www.thewhitehat.com.ph/

The Club Chicago

My friends and I love Videoke... and when I say that we love videoke, I mean it... really mean it.

And because of this passion, we have already gone to several videoke bars... most of which are around the vicinity of our office.

Among all those videoke bars we frequently visit, one place stood out as having one with the best sound system: Club Chicago.

Club Chicago is a Family KTV located right beside Metrowalk. Each room is equipped with a plasma TV and a fabulous sound system... superb sound system... an awesome sound system... the best sound system... OK OK, I think with all the adjectives I've used, by this time you already get the picture that we love the sound system.

To add some disco touch, they have those dancing laser lights that give you the feeling that you're in a disco. The sofas are so comfy they lure you to almost lie down.

You still have to do something before hitting the high notes? There's no need to feel that you have to rush because The Club Chicago is open 24 hours. Promo Rates are entitled for those who jam from 5am to 5pm.

While at Club Chicago, try their Nachos and Wengweng at all cost... cause your Club Chicago experience is not complete without them. Even up to now, their nachos is the best that I've tasted. And while I'm composing this blog, I'm craving for those nachos.

Those nachos are so good, that my friends and I could finish one order even before we could finish one song... to think that their serving is already generous.

For Reservations, contact

(632)6373541 / (632)6379582

email: chi_fam_ktv@yahoo.com

Taverna Verde

I got acquainted with the place late August / early September 2009. Richie Reys, one of the owners, is a friend and he invited me to the soft opening.

Me with my friends, Fred Palileo, Allen Aligam, Fritz Fernandez, Pat San Miguel and LJ Lingat

So right after work, I headed to Meralco Avenue corner Julia Vargas and shared some drinks with him and the other owners of Taverna Verde. In between chitchats, I allowed myself to enjoy the songs of Frou Frou ,that was playing in the background. Occasionally, I would grab a pita wedge and dip it in the Spinach Dip (which soon became a staple order of my friends whenever we're at Taverna Verde).

Me, Pat San Miguel and Christer Cruz

with Pat, Jonard Soriano, Grace de Leon, Mart Abareta and Ada Arcayera

I fell so much in love with the place, that I did not think twice recommending it to my other friends. Soon enough, we found ourselves hanging out in Taverna Verde at least once or twice a week (for some of our friends thrice and even four times).

Good Food... Cool Crowd... Fab Music... Prices that won't hurt your pocket... what more could you ask for?

Cocktail drinks range around 150 to 200... Appetizers range around 175 to 250. And the moment you try their foods, you'll realize that the prices are just reasonable.

My Personal Faves in the menu:

Chili and Garlic Chicharones - believe me when I say that one order is not enough

Spinach Dip

Chorizo Pizza

My Personal Favorite from the bar:

Lychee Martini

Mangorita

Come Home to Taverna Verde...

Time to Holler: (632) 633-3671