Somewhere along the roads of Solsona, Ilocos Norte, lies a humble abode with a blue roof. The place boasts of simplicity yet has enough space to accommodate people especially those who are famished but lacks budget for a heavy meal.

Dabarkads Kitchenette offers merienda meals that is sure to take away your hunger without drilling a hole into your pockets. 

Parking space is not a hindrance for you are free to park your sedans or SUVs on the roadside without getting worried that something might bump your 4-wheeled buddy. And if you're riding like a local, do not fret because tricycles and motorcycles can be parked right beside the little food haven.

Not only festive for the stomach, it is also festive for the eyes. The little eatery is situated beside a huge land filled with greenies with a great backdrop of the mountains and sunrise/sunset.

The place is frequented by people from all walks of life, age and size. Families, friends, colleagues came and go, satisfied with the food that they indulged into.

And yes, your food collection can be increased and posted online without having the need to look for a wi-fi connection because they also offer one--for free.

Although their menu is short and simple, I promise you that you'll be satisfied with the local delicacies they offer.

Shanghai - 7php

Barbecue - 10php

Hot Miki:

Special - 25php

Ordinary - 20php

They can serve your meals with either soft drinks or water. Your pick.

What we really came for, is the Hot Miki. It is some kind of a local ramen, oozing with flavors and aroma, that when it gets to your olfactory, it's a sure fire way to make you crave for more.

The Hot Miki is served in a huge bowl, that is literally full of noodles and if you want more broth to sip, you can simply ask for more and it is for free.

The only difference between the special and ordinary is the egg. So, you better do the math if your 5php is worth it, and I think it is.

All this is a big thanks to my cousin, Jhed, who invited us. 

     I haven't known any single soul who hated pizzas, but I do know a few who are not fans of any kind of parties. Then, I suppose we all have a friend or two. Now, if I do the equation:

Friends + Pizza + Party

     I'd definitely obtain a result of Pen's Pizza Party. A little dinner at Yellow Cab along the university belt, held with a few of her closest friends at school.

     Birds of the same feather, flock together is what people say, so I guess when God was matching us with friends, he decided to tag me in a group composed of people who have intestines as long as NLEX.

     We haven't had dinner yet. We just had our major major exams. It was already 8pm. One common denominator? We're all starving and the energy that was all left in our weakened body was only enough for us to be carried by our feet up to Theo's SUV.

    Now, a little briefing for you reader on who is Pen. Pen, short for Penelope, is one of my good friends at school. She has an amazing car and she generously drops me off near my house even though the route is kind of out-of-the-way. The party turned out to be a reality viber wherein everyone in the group is talking a exchanging laughs and comments. Although, believe it or not, we can still understand each other despite the fact that we talk in unison. It may appear chaotic in your imaginary mind, but to us, it is not. 

     

     Another celebrated moment was when Badeth joined us. It is a rare feat for her to stay longer than school hours because she has a very, very, very hectic schedule, which is caused by her numerous jobs such as, painting, grocery-shopping, gardening, bulldozing and mopping. The veracity of her claim may be contested.

     We had tons of pizza, pasta (it was gone before I thought of lifting my camera to take a photo of it) and doughnuts. It was a long story why the ninja toads were bought, but the ending is still the same, it landed on top of the table and we were so full that we decided to take it home.

     You can erase from the vocabulary the words dull, boring, silent and cold if you share your dinner with them.

    Happy birthday to the awesome-est school bus driver there will ever be! :)

    

     It's been a year or so since one of my close friends left Manila to take a leap of faith and practice our profession in the Middle East. Last week, upon checking my facebook feed, which is my routine upon entering my room, I noticed her photos which were taken here in the country. So, my mind dictated my reflexes to toss her a message and ask if she really was, my friend was quick to reply 'yes'. No hesitations on my side, I hastily grabbed my cellphone and did a text brigade to the gang. Only a few, as always, RSVP and one of them did not fail to piss me in the middle of the night.

     Starbucks has been our home for ages and so, we decided to meet there while I set-up my cheat sheet for my friends at school. A few minutes after, we're all set and we've decided, as between Chili's and Rub's, to dine at the former.

     Lots of stories were shared but it was me who contributed 75% of it. My stories were comprised of foolishness sprinkled with funny and very memorable moments at school.

     While tweaking the settings of my cam, I let them choose our entree for the night. We went for nachos, pasta and baby back ribs. Please, do not ask me the specific names because I was busy telling jokes and setting up the cam.

 

See you soon, Luvs! I wish that you'd always be in great hands and may you have the strength and patience to carry on and impede every single challenge that is shot your way. We will reap what we sow, in God's time! God bless you always and see you again next year! :)

     One of my mental friends who loves to text me in the middle of nowhere and in no time like I'm some kind of an immortal person with considerably no life, was around the vicinity. So being the ever good friend that I am, I responded and told her i'd be there in no time. I was late for nearly an hour, but of course, she didn't get mad, also, being the mental that she is. I was thrown the usual question of my ever great mental friends, 'where in the world are we going to eat?'. Unfortunately, this time, I had something yummy to blurt out: YABU.

     Contrary to what other people who have not set foot (even in front of the resto just to take a glance over the menu) in Yabu, they actually offer not only pork dishes, miso soup and sake, but also, chicken and seafood. As what the name of the restaurant implies, KATSU, so yes, their specialty is both the tonkatsu and katsudon.

     The sets regardless of the dish, is served with unlimited japanese rice (your choice of white or brown), miso soup, japanese pickles, little bowl of fruits (watermelon and pineapple), and lastly, cabbage with your choice of dressing.

     Beforehand, you will be served a bowl of sesame seeds which you need to grind yourself. Once done, all you have to do is put the sauce, and voila! You have your own sauce, which could not have been successfully made if it wasn't for your own sweat and blood.

     Another thing that I like about Yabu's sets is that you can choose from different weight variants. So if you want something lighter or heavier, you can always check out the offered weights which could differ depending on the dish set.

     I, personally wanted to try the Kurobuta Premium Set, which is tagged at 575php, but I just decided to go for something that has a bang-for-the-buck effect. Hence, I opted for the Rosu Set (120 grams). My companions who carry a great length of intestines, went for the Dory Curry and Yabu Special Katsudon Set.

    Since the house is offering unlimited everything, except for the main dish, then I'll just rate it based on the rounds that I had.

     That was my 3rd round. My mistake was to savour the fresh, cold water in front of me. Oh well, note to self, then.

     I wasn't able to finish the katsu, and so, I had it wrapped up and ended the night with my friends over a London Fog tea.

     The rainy season is taking over. Chill! :)

Yesterday, I had to go to Trinoma to pick-up a package. While strolling around, me and my cousin suddenly felt our stomachs rumbling. We didn't wanna go for a heavy meal because dinner is almost coming (and yes! We're low on cash) so we decided to check-out Chewy Junior.

When my cousin heard that it was a cream puff, he thought that it was small. You know? The usual little round thing full of white sugary powder (LOL!) but when we arrived at the kiosk, he was kinda shocked to see such huge, mouth-watering puffs.

There is a lot to choose from, laying on the display are 10 rows of different, yummy flavors ranging from your favorite fruits (strawberry, blueberry, apple) to your favorite dessert, chocolates. My cousin immediately got the strawberry cream cheese.

The thing is, it's kinda stupid of me not to ask the puff I got. I just pointed it out and when I tasted it. Damn it! It's really bloody delicious, but just when you think the looks and the outside taste has already served you, think about it again. When you get to the core of the puff, you will taste a rich vanilla-filling and that very reason would wanna make you crave for more.

I just wish that there's more to the variety in their Trinoma branch.

So, if you have time, I highly suggest for you to visit and taste it for yourself. No! Wrong, eat it for yourself.

Available in singles (45php), box of 3 (119php), box of 6 (229php) and box of 12 (439php)

Chewy Junior Branches:

SM Megamall

Lower Ground Floor, Bldg. A SM Mega Mall, EDSA cor. Julia Vargas Ave., Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City

SM Mall of Asia

2nd fl, Entertainment Mall, SM MoA, Bay City, Pasay City

TriNoma

2/F Trinoma Mall, North Avenue cor. EDSA

SM Cebu

3rd Floor (Beside IMax) SM Cebu City, Cebu

Greenbelt 3

3/F Greenbelt 3, Makati City

Chewy Junior

Official Site | Twitter | Facebook

xoxo,

the kid who loves koalas