Food

Jollibee Happyplus Card

Posted on by One Armed Wanderer

Jollibee, a 100% Filipino fast food chain operatd by Jollibee Food Corporation (JFC) is undoubtedly the number 1 fastfood chain in the country. Aside from Jollibee, JFC also operates Chowking, Greenwich, Red Ribbon and Mang Inasal.

Quick Info: The company is also publicly listed  in the Philippine Stock Exchange with stock sticker symbol – JFC.
Happyplus card

If you are a fan of Jollibee or any of the stores under JFC, the company launched its customer loyalty card back in 2012, the “Happyplus” cash payments and rewards. It is a reloadable digital wallet that can be used across all JFC’s food chains. Apart from this, you also earn a “happypoint” for every 50 Php spend. These happypoints are good as cash and can be used at  any JFC’s food chains.

Happy plus card powered by BPI is also accepted in Chowking, Greenwich, Red Ribbon, Mang Inasal and Caltex.
For Caltex, 1 point is earned for every 100 Php spend.

How to get a Happyplus card
Just inform the cashier at any Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, Red Ribbon and Mang Inasal store that you will be buying a Happyplus card. The card is priced at only 100 Php.  To register, you will be given a membership kit where you will have to fill-out a short form that you will submit to the cashier. Alternatively, you can also register at the Happyplus website.

In my case, it was last year when I was offered this card when I was eating at Jollibee SM Valenzuela.

How to load 
Just inform that cashier that you will load your Happyplus card. Minumum load is 100 Php and maximum is 10,000 Php.

How to check balance
You can check your balance via the NFC machine readers located in the cashier of any establishments under JFC.

 

happyplus card balance
NFC machine reader powered by BPI
The machine will also display your points balance

Quick Info: NFC is a short-range high frequency wireless communication technology that enables the exchange of data between devices over about a 10 cm distance (source: GSMarena)

How to pay using the Happyplus card
Once the cashier has punched your order, just simply tap your card at the NFC machine.

happyplus tap to pay
The screen will then display “Transaction Completed”, your current balance and points.
Your current balance (HappyLoad), points balance (HappyPts) and points earned (HappyPts) are also displayed on the receipt.
happy plus website check balance
 I highly recomment to register your card on Happyplus website.  Aside from your account details, the site will also keep you posted on the promotions and perks of being a happlyplus card holder.
Advantages of Happyplus card
Points! Easy to earn unlike with other loyalty cards.
Cashless purchase
Online access to your account
Promotions
Disadvantage of Happyplus card
Limited to JFC establishments

Macaron at Mixin Bowl SM North EDSA

Posted on by One Armed Wanderer
Mixin Bowl Cafe just recently opened at SM North EDSA Sky Garden.  This one of a kind hang out place serves premium hot and cold beverages and to die for pastries – one of which is French Marcarons.
 
The place is a bit small and can accommodate up to 25 guests including the tables in its open air area.  Despite of its limited real estate, the modern and cozy interior makes the place looks high end and expensive.

mixin bowl sm north
We were lucky to meet the owner of the place – Ms.Tet. She was nice and even shared a couple of information about macarons. Well, macarons are often mistaken by Filipinos as the Pinoy meringue or even macaroons.  Macarons are totally different as they are actually French-meringue pastry varying in colors and flavors.  By the way, Mixin Bowl’s macarons are authentic and 100% Parisian.

Since it is my first time to try macarons, I did not really expect that it would match its pretty appearance with its delightful taste.  The shell and the cookie of the macaroons is a bit soft and very delicate.  It slowly melts into your mouth while satisfying your tastebuds with its rich and unique flavor. According to the owner, this what makes Mixin Bowl’s premium macarons different from other macaroons around the metro. 
Mixin Bowl’s macaron premium flavors – Rose, Pistachio, Espresso and Salted Caramel.

Pistachio – a white chocolate pistachio ganache
Rose – Iranian rose syrup gentlyflavors a delicate buttercream

Salted Caramel – smooth golden caramel salted with flakes  of French sea salt
Espresso – a strong espresso buttercream

My friend and I ordered a dozen of macarons, Café Latte and Mocha Frapuccino.  I personally liked Pistachio and Salted Caramel.  The filling screams intense flavor and makes you want to take another bite.  The sweetness is not too strong and is just perfect with hot coffee.

While we were enjoying the macaroons, to our surprise, Ms.Tet handed us a plate of Mixin Bowl’s Mochi donuts for free.  (PS. Thank you Ms.Tet!)
Mixin Bowl’s Cream Cheese and Nutella doughnuts are unique and delicious! Ms.Tet told me that the dough is actually made of wheat. That makes these Mochi doughnuts not just mouth-watering but also a healthy choice of dessert.

Mixin Bowl Menu
Macaron – 45Php
Café Emericano – 85Php
Café Latte – 90Php
Cappucino – 105Php
Mochi Doughnut – Cream Cheese – 39Php
Swiss Meringue – 39Php
I would definitely recommend Mixin Bowl.  The ambiance, service and of course the macarons and Mochi doughnuts are good.  I have yet to try other macaroon places, but so far, I have already set my standards to that of Mixin Bowl’s delicious and premium macarons.

Contact Mixin’ Bowl
Sky Garden,
SM City North EDSA
Quezon City

For reservations call or e-mail:
(632) 464-9338
[email protected]

Brasas SM North EDSA, Latin American Streetfood

Posted on by One Armed Wanderer
Carne Asada Brasas

Located at the 4th floor of The Block, Brasas is one of the newest and one of its kind restaurant in SM North EDSA. Perhaps the first restaurant to offer authentic Latin American cuisine in Manila.  Brasas promises a taste of street food Latin American dining experience.Brasas’ limited real estate is compensated by its unique interior.  High end wooden tables are perfectly positioned giving diners enough space to freely move.  Walls are eye catching.  There is a part in the area where a number of Portuguese and Spanish words are artistically written.  The entire restaurant is also well lighted.

Brasas the block interior

As first time diners in Brasas, I was shocked when there is a sign in the table saying “Please order at the counter.”  We hurriedly went to the counter and one of the waiters handed us the menu.  At the counter, you will see how they prepare these to die for Latin American cuisines.  It amazes me that their chef is a Latina.

Brasas SM North Counter

I ordered Carne Asada Platter, a charcoal grilled sliced beef sirloin with South American slaw, a single Patacones and Yellow Latin rice.  The platter is also served with a Chimichurri sauce.  My friend ordered Pollo Asado Platter, just the same thing with Carna Asada except for the grilled chicken.  It took just about 15 minutes when our orders were served.

brasas rice meal

Carne Asada Platter is priced at 250.00 Php.

I immediately tasted the chargrilled beef the moment the platter was served.  The beef is perfectly cooked, very tender and generously on top of the delicious Latin yellow rice.  Because of its green color, Chimichurri intrigued me.  Well, needless to say, its goes perfectly with the delicous chargrilled beef.  For the side dish, Patacones, a yellow chip made of sliced green plantain serves as the appetizer.  The healthy and fresh Latin slaw is also perfect!

pollo asado brasas

Pollo Asado is priced at 210.00 Php

Latin iced tea brasas

Latin Iced Tea is priced at 80 Php.

I also loved the Latin Iced Tea. I actually had two orders of this.

Since there is a wide array of authentic Latin American food in Brasas Menu, I would definitely come back to try their other dishes. Aside from this, with the price, serving is generous. The ambiance is good, except that I did not hear any music to set the mood of the diners. Customer service is also good. The counter lady and the servers were all accommodating. I would highly recommend Brasas!

Aside from The Block SM North EDSA, Brasas Philippines branches also include SM Aura Premier and The Podium.

 

Visit Brasas Facebook Page.

 

 

Bulalo at Mahogany Market Tagaytay

Posted on by One Armed Wanderer
Aside from its cold weather, Tagaytay is also famous for its Bulao – a famous Filipino dish made up of beef shanks and marrow bones boiled with veggies.

If you are looking for an affordable Bulalo experience in Tagaytay, Mahogany Market is the perfect place.  Just across the market offering fresh beef is an array of food stalls offering local delicacies including Filipino’s all time favorite and most favored – Bulalo. 

We arrived at Mahogany Market at around 9:00 PM and since there are approximately a dozen of food stalls, we tried to look around and find the best food stall in the area.  Well, they all look the same and appear to offer exactly the same menu.  The question is which offers the best Bulalo?  There was a vendor who kept on peddling her Espasol when we arrived at Mahogany Market, we asked her and she recommended Barboza’s Kitchenette.

Cheap Bulalo in tagaytay
tagaytay bulalo at mahogany market
350 Php – Special Bulalo at Barboza’s Kitchenette in Mahogany Market, Tagaytay
Serving: 5 in our case lol.. but the serving is generous and it’s actually good for 6 – 8 persons 
Special Bulalo at Leslie’s and Josephine restaurant – Tagaytay’s famous Bulalo houses are priced at P450 up.  Well, that makes Mahogany Market’s Bulalo more affordable.
crispy shrimp filipino dish
We also ordered Crispy fried shrimps.  A perfect combination with Bulalo’s hot and rich flavored soup.  I super loved this dish!
filipino dish caldereta
Caldereta
Pinapaitan – An exotic Filipino dish made up of cow or goat innards.  I never tried this dish since I’m not really a fan of this exotic delicacy.
affordable place to eat in tagaytay city
At 900 Php, we had a sumptuous dinner at Barboza’s Kitchenette, Mahogany Market
1 Special Bulalo
2 Crispy Shrimp 
1 Caldereta
1 Papaitan
12 Rice (We’re only five lol)
1 1.5 Coke
Barboza’s Kitchenette also offers unlimited banana to its diners.

Bilao at Palayok Puerto Princesa, Palawan

Posted on by One Armed Wanderer
Aside from the breathtaking Underground River, white sand beaches, exciting zip line adventures and friendly locals, Palawan vacation would not be complete without dining in the city’s restaurants.

Bilao at Palayok Seafoods & Native Restaurant is located along Rizal Avenue and just about 5 minutes away from Puerto Princesa Airport.  This Filipino restaurant is one of Puerto Princesa’s finest restaurants. 

Bilao at Palayok Puerto Prinsesa City
 
 
A huge “Palayok” or Earthen Pot outside the restaurant. We visited Bilao at Palayok for our first dinner at Puerto Prinsesa.  Since I’m only using my smart phone for photographs, pictures are dull due to lowlight conditions.
 
Huge Palayok outside the restaurant
 
 
Bilao at Palayok’s interior is very native and “Filipino”.  I was impressed and amazed by the overall design and feel of the restaurant. Tables, chairs and even flooring are made up of wood mostly bamboos.  Too bad that we were the last guests that night and lights were dimmed on other areas of the restaurant. 
Short bridge heading to the main dining area of Bilao at Palayok.
 
 
 
At the heart of the restaurant are wooden crafts.  Bilao at Palayok looks like a mini Filipino art gallery to me.  I highly recommend visiting this restaurant during daytime to appreciate the ethnicity and beauty of the area.
 
 
We ordered “Bulalo” – kneecap, a famous dish in the Philippines. 
 
 
 
Boodle feast at Bilao at Palayok.  We were all shocked by the generous serving of this group meal for five persons.  Food presentation is perfect!
 
  
This group meal we ordered consists of Sisig, boneless Bangus, Inihaw na Pusit, Inihaw na baboy, fried danggit, Adobo, Hipon, Laing  etc.  I should say that their rice is the most tasfeful and delicious rice I’ve ever tasted!
 
My friend wanted to bring home this water pitcher covered with a woven rattan.hahaha
 
 
Bilao at Palayok Puerto Prinsesa Menu

Aside from the menu below, the restaurant also offers sizzling, fish, pork and vegetable dishes ranging from 170 Pesos to 450 Pesos.  Desserts are also available starting at 70 Pesos.

 

Puerto Princesa’s Bilao at Palayok is a must try to those who will visit the city.  The resto’s interior, ambiance and feel looks expensive but for the delightful and delicious food, Bilao at Palayok dining experience is actually affordable!