CRISTY IN THE CITY

Sunday, August 18, 2024

If you love tres delicieux flaky pastry like croissant and au bon pain, you will find your fill of classic French pastry at Born in Bread. Located at Riverside Strip near Atria Ayala Mall in Mandurriao district, the bakery cafe is ideal for a low-key weekend brunch and coffee dates. Dine al fresco on balmy days to enjoy a relaxing Emily in Paris weekend vibe.

C’est bon!

Born in Bread

Riverside Strip, Pacencia T. Pison Avenue, Mandurriao, Iloilo City

Email: borninbreadph@gmail.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/borninbreadph

Tuesday, August 13, 2024

Japanese sweet tooth: Kakigori at Hakata Ramen

Filipinos have their halo-halo, Koreans have their bingsu and the Japanese have their kakigori. Unlike halo-halo which is served in big bowls, kakigori is on the refined, restrained side. The dessert which originated as far back as the 10th century is a delicious serving of pure, fluffy shaved ice (almost resembling snow) with traditional Japanese flavors. The garnishing is simple, almost minimalistic and flavor variants are usually singular unlike the mishmash of flavors found in halo-halo. Usually served in teacup size ceramic bowls, the kakigori resembles a flat-top mountain and is served with traditional accompaniments like a dollop of ice cream, fruit syrup, adzuki beans, mochi or boba pearls. Learn more about kakigori here.

I'm delighted that Hakata Ramen, our neighborhood ramen bar now serves this refreshing dessert as a fitting sweet ending to their signature ramen dishes. If you get your ramen fix at Hakata, don't forget to order the kakigori. There are three flavors to choose from: ube, mango and matcha. Speaking of matcha, they also serve excellent matcha latte.

Hope you try this Japanese style shaved ice dessert soon. It's also available for take-away via Grab Foods.

Wednesday, July 31, 2024

Rainy day pick-me-ups

It's the last day of rainy July and we're heading full blast into stormy August, a month usually associated with typhoons, Hungry Ghost Festival, financial scarcity and calamity. Keeping a good vibe is key to sailing through the difficult months with ease.

The key to staying positive during gloomy months is to acknowledge the little things that bring us joy. Here are my rainy day pick-me-ups:

I love the Thai mango sticky rice snack pack from my local 7-11 convenience store. It's deliciously fresh and satisfying.

I was surprised to find this winter cabin inspired aromatherapy candle from Mandaue Foam Jaro branch. What a lovely scent to unwind to after a long, tiring day at work. I use a candle warmer to keep things safe.

This is a Miffy coffee stencil but it doesn't look like Miffy at all. Maybe I just don't know the proper technique. Despite its wonky look, I love it just the same!

Share your favorite pick-me-ups in the comment section above.

Thursday, July 18, 2024

Enjoying the rainy days

Via Pinterest

Rainy days are here and I love it. The wet season is the only time I can enjoy below 30C temperatures, wear cozy clothing and wear rain boots again. The rainy season this year is quite on the excessive side due to La Niña phenomenon but all things being equal, this season is the perfect time to catch up on my reading, work on my hobbies and get more restful sleep.

Pluviophile or not, here are ways on how we can enjoy the rainy days:

1. Buy a pretty umbrella. If you want Tokyo style rainy days, get a transparent one from Daiso.

2. Stack up on your favorite tea flavors at home and at work. I particularly love kuchicha and cranberry teas on rainy days.

3. Make homemade soup during rainy weekends.

4. Listen to some lo-fi rainy soundtracks on YouTube.

5. Snuggle with your cat and your fave fleece blanket.

Via Pinterest

6. Hang-out in your favorite cafe and enjoy the rainy city view.

7. Clean and organize your room.

8. Decorate your room cottagecore style.

9. Stay healthy by taking immunity boosting vitamins.

10. Take some rainy day photos and make a digital scrapbook.

Via Pinterest

Saturday, July 13, 2024

Zamboanga's Fort Pilar Museum

Bienvenidos a Zamboanga!

It was my first time to visit Zamboanga City last week. Dubbed as Asia's latin city, Zamboanga has its peculiar charm as reflected by its rich history and melting pot of languages. One of the first things I check out when I'm visiting a new city is its museums and galleries. The must-visit museum in the city is the historic Fort Pilar (Real Fuerte de Nuestra Senora del Pilar de Zaragoza), a military defense fortress built during the 17th century.

The National Museum of the Philippines-Zamboanga in Fort Pilar is adjacent to the shrine of Nuestra Senora La Virgen del Pilar de Zamboanga. The museum's fortress door opens to an imposing and spacious courtyard surrounded by buildings that house permanent and featured exhibitions.

Bert Monterona's All-Out Peace Not War/Kalinaw Hindi Digmaan, a collection of 22 advocacy art promoting peace, rights of women and environmental protection.

Filipinas: Photographs by Isa Lorenzo is a collection of black and white portrait photography featuring selected Filipina women who are movers and shakers in their respective fields.