Iloilo River Esplanade vis -a- vis Hangang Park in Yeouido, Seoul |
After breakfast, my sister-law and teenage niece headed off to Plaza Jaro to check out the plant fair. Right after December, as tradition would have it, the plaza would usually be a noisy carnival of sorts filled with ukay-ukay merchandize, plant sales and exhibits, marble and ceramic markets and of course, the streetfood fare. This year, it's just all about plants, plants and more plants. I don't call myself a real plantita since my practical interest in plants is usually limited to culinary herbs and flowering plants. I'm not into collecting expensive or rare plants either since I don't have the time or the budget for it. Every January, I just buy a few plants from the Jaro Plaza market that I can add to my herb or flower garden.
The Jaro Plaza plant fair has a plant for every kind of gardener, plant enthusiast or die-hard plantita/plantito. You might just find the plant that will love you back. Check the market out as soon as you can. Bring lots of cash as the temptation will be great. Resistance will be futile.
The Jaro Plaza Plant Fair runs from January to February 6, 2021.
Update: Extended until February 15, 2021.
There is a plant for every kind of plantito or plantita |
Foliage is the new flower |
Orchids for the intermediate and advanced plantita |
Images from Akamon Ramen and respective owners |
During the first few months of the lockdown, only a few restaurants such as Carlos Bakeshop were on the food delivery platform. On days when it’s impossible (read: lazy) to cook for decent meals, I would order comfort foods like dinuguan (pork blood stew) or callos. Having my favorite meals delivered right at home somewhat saved staved off my pandemic induced anxiety since I realized won’t be dying of hunger in case I can’t go out to buy food.
A few more months after, the Grab and Foodpanda platforms were suddenly awashed with mik tea shops too numerous to induce a sugar coma. Likewise, a lot of restaurants offering diverse cuisines were also sprouting making decision making an arduous task. Nowadays, I order food delivery twice or thrice a week, trying out random food shops. It's a hit or miss, a trial and error or a regrets, regrets kind of thing. Based on my 11 months or so of food delivery experience, I have come up with my definitive list of value for money, value for taste buds online food shops. Here are my top 10:
3. Sisig Express
When you are craving for a lusty meal of hot and spicy sisig, this is the food shop of choice. The sisig is good and bold and richly satisfying. The shop is just a few kilometers away from our house so the Foodpanda delivery guy appears at my doorstep faster than I can find my wallet.
4. Akamon Ramen Bar
A good place to get my Japanese food fix at sensible prices. The ramen arrives steaming hot and everything is well packed. Ready to chow goodness while I watch my fave J-drama. It's also a great office lunch choice since Akamon Ramen Bar at SM Strata is just nearby.
5. Buto't Balat
I miss dining Buto't Balat's garden veranda while savoring Ilonggo signature dishes like caldereta, crispy talong and bangus sisig. When the craving hits me, there's the food delivery app to turn to. The food arrives quickly too. Just add apple flavored beer and it's like old times once again!
5. Eduardo's Taqueria
This online shop by Chef Sal has a cult following. The Mexican dishes are authentic in taste and texture and I am always groaning or cursing in delight in after every meal. This shop is the real deal! This shop is not on Foodpanda or Grab and you have to visit their Facebook page to order. The food is quite pricey but worth every freaking centavo. Viva la Eduardo's Taqueria!
6. Mr. Misono
An online fave just like Akamon Ramen. This is no nonsense Japanese food cooked and delivered fast! The bento meals are good for busy work at home days.
8. Teriyaki Boy
When I want to treat myself to a bit of premium Japanese food I order my favorite bento box meal from here. Always a treat for the tastebuds!
9. Carlos Bakeshop
My quarantine lifesaver! When I was craving for their homey Ilonggo fast food dishes like Pancit Molo or Carlos' Spaghetti and chocolate dream cake, all I did was tap away on Grab Food. Instant gratification achieved!
10. Jollibee
After spending 10 minutes on the food delivery app and I still can't decide on anything, there's good o'l Jollibee to the rescue. It's always a good choice for lazy weekends!
As if Iloilo City is not dreamy already, we reimagine it as a magical place called Wakanda of the Philippines where the past fuses with the present. A land of kind and noble people with a charming heritage.
We add a bit of celestial fantasy to Iloilo River's majestic backdrop made possible by Photoshop Camera's AI powered lenses. Take a virtual stroll through these beautifully surreal landscapes with a loved one (or in my case my favorite imaginary k-drama actor).
Color coded stoneware and ceramic plates to upgrade your tablescape |
Akiko Japan-Iloilo is the place to go if you are looking for Japanese bicycles or mamacharis, Noritake and luxury branded tea sets, lacquered bento boxes, Japanese culture home decor, furniture as well as quirky curios. Meanwhile, Domo-Domo Japanese Surplus specializes in toys, plushies, anime and kawaii collectibles as well as vintage kitchenware, stoneware and Japanese style furniture. I bought a few circa 1960-something items from the store and they still look good as new. Akiko Japan-Iloilo has weekly live selling sessions where you might just find the perfect item waiting for you. I've bought a few items from the live selling sessions. The trick on how to get your hand on the item you like is to have fast fingers since the first to type "Mine + item code+ price" in the comment box will get the item.
Thrifting is serendipity in action since you don't find your vintage item, sometimes it finds you. Like true love, what is meant to be yours is yours! To get the best of the vintage lot, follow the Facebook pages of these shops and come early when they open. Take advantage of the seasonal sales when they happen.
Happy vintage shopping!
Vintage pots and pans to complete a zakkastyle kitchen aesthetic |
Stoneware and ceramic tea and sake cups |
Cute knick knacks and pretty little things |
Vintage toys, plushies and board games |
Bakal-Lokal FB page |
Megaworld Festive Walk Iloilo FB Page |