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Hotel
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- hotel review
- Metro Manila

BRBlock Boutique and Residences Makati Review

Posted on July 3, 2016July 9, 2016by One Armed Wanderer

BRbock Boutique and Residences is one among the few affordable boutique hotels in Makati City. Situated in the Philippine’s central business district, BRBlock hotel is strategically located as it is just few minute taxi ride away from various shopping malls, bars, restaurants and offices. What sets BRblock apart from other Makati boutique hotels is that it is located in the heart of Santiago village, a peaceful and quiet Makati neighborhood.

Distance of BRblock Boutique & Residences from various landmarks:

SM Jazz Mall – 650 m
Century Mall – 750 m
Glorietta Mall – 2.9 km
Bonifacio High Street – 3.6 km
Ninoy Aquino International Airport- 7 km

Unique and Remarkable Minimalist Boutique Hotel in Makati

Opened in June 2015, BRbock Boutique and Residences building is fairly new. Not like any other boutique hotels in Makati, its facade is gray and humble but its architecture is carefully designed and truly remarkable. It is in fact one of the best boutique hotel facade I’ve seen in Makati.

This 4-storey Makati boutique hotel has an elevator. Each floor has a foyer where guests can hang-out and simply relax. The open-air industrial minimalist themed hallways are very clean and spacious for such a small hotel. From BRblock’s entrance up to the room, everything is unique and pleasing to the eye.

Deluxe Room at BRblock Boutique & Residences

The rooms are simple and very spacious. I love the minimalist but practical design of almost everything. Right after the room entrance, on the left is a mini bar with a couple of items and snacks for sale at a minimum price. Yes you heard it right! Minimum price! Unlike other boutique hotels, it was such a surprise that their snacks are quite cheap for an upscale boutique hotel.

The minibar also comes with an electric kettle, 2 coffee cups, sachets of coffee, creamer and sugar. If you are a coffee lover, BRblock Boutique & Residences offers unlimited coffee! Just call the reception and coffee sachets will be delivered right in front of your hotel room. Below the minibar is a personal refrigerator with 2 complimentary water bottles and sodas in can for sale. There is also an open closet with a vault to secure your money or valuable items. If you are bringing work to your BRblock hotel room, there is a long shelf with a mirror and a stylish lampshade that serves as the room’s work space.

Clean and stylish white linens and pillow cases cover the very comfortable bed and 4 pillows in BRblock hotel rooms. I should say that the quality of the bed and pillows can match that of expensive 5 star hotels in Makati. There is a huge cable LCD screen TV facing the bed. All rooms also come with a free Wifi.

Unlike a typical hotel, the curtain in BRblock are white roller blinds. This is perfect for the floor to ceiling sliding glass door which separates the room from the balcony. If you are a cigarette smoker, the balcony serves as the smoking area.

The simple and practical toilet and bath is very clean. The overall design complements to the minimalist theme of the hotel. Fixtures are stylish and look new. The hot and cold shower works perfectly and there are no issues with the water pressure. The toilet and bath come with toiletries such as soap, 2 toothbrush with toothpaste, cotton buds, bath shower and gel. I personally love the small soap wrapped with a BRblock branding.

BRBlock Boutique and Residences Room Rates

Compared to other Makati boutique hotels, room rates at BRblock are more affordable.

Deluxe Room for 2 persons- 1,989 Php (approx. $43)
Family room for 3 persons – 2,574 Php (approx. $55)

Tip: Room rates are cheaper if you book HERE (Agoda).

Security and Safety

As for the security, there is a security guard on duty 24/7. The entire BRBlock building is also equipped with cameras. Being in a peaceful and quiet environment, we felt very safe during our stay at BRblock.
Due to its limited real estate, BRblock boutique and residences can accommodate maximum of 6 cars and its parking space at the ground floor.

Exemplary Customer Service

Customer service is exemplary! The security guards, concierge and the rest of the staff are very welcoming, friendly and courteous. Steph, the front desk personnel welcomed us with a huge smile and even assisted us to our room upon check-in.

Other Services

24-hour front desk
luggage storage
laundry
fax/photocopying

If you are visiting Makati for a vacation or business, I would highly recommend BRblock Boutique and Residences. With its exemplary customer service, simple yet upscale atmosphere, minimalist and clean rooms, security and safety and most especially its affordability, BRblock is the best boutique hotel there is Makati.

How to Get to BRblock Boutique & Residences

Since BRblock is relatively new, most of the taxi drivers are not aware of the place yet. So make sure to have your Google map or Waze ready or just simply tell the below directions to the taxi driver.

From Kalayaan Avenue in Makati, turn left to Pililla Street. After a block, turn left to Baler Street and turn right on Penafrancia St.

BRblock Boutique & Residences Map

BRBlock Boutique and Residences Address, Contact Number and Online Booking

Address: 1631 Penafrancia St., Baranggay Valenzuela, Makati City
Contact Number: +63 2 8335121
Online Booking and Reservation: Unfortunatey, BRblock Makati does not have an official website. Alternatively, you may book your room HERE.

2 Comments

accommodation
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- Metro Manila
- Motel

Rosal Hotel Pasig Review and Room Rates

Posted on July 2, 2016August 6, 2017by One Armed Wanderer

Rosal Hotel is one among the long list of Pasig motels located in Hillcrest drive. Just like its neighboring hotels, this budget accommodation offers short-time stay rates.

Rosal Hotel Garage Room

I have been to the nearby Orchids hotel and I should say that Rosal hotel’s garage is more spacious, clean and well maintained. Just like any other motel, at the back of the garage is the stairs leading to the vestibule. There is nothing much in the vestibule except for the 2 complimentary water bottles.

The room itself is very spacious. Unlike other affordable motels, you can say that the room is well maintained. There are no to minimal signs of frayed furnishings and ageing ceilings and walls. The bed, linens and pillows were just okay and not something that you will rave about.

There is a small cable LCD TV with limited channels. My only complain is the remote is not working (we checked-in at room #56). The air conditioning works perfectly. There is a designated dining area that also serves as a work space if you are brining work in your Rosal hotel room. Surprisingly Wifi signal is strong with a fast internet connection.

Rosal Hotel Pasig City

The toilet and bath is spacious and very clean. It comes with 2 bath towels and 2 pairs of slippers. There is hot and cold shower. Same with the neighboring Orchids Hotel, toiletries are for sale except for the small soap. Since Rosal hotel offers short time rates, condoms are also available for 30 Php.

toothbrush – 15 Php
toothpaste – 10 Php
Shampoo – 10 Php
conditioner – 10 Php
Mouthwash – 55 Php

Rosal Hotel Pasig Room Rates

Wash-Up rate or popularly known as short-time rate (3 hours) – 540 Php (In excess of 3 hours, an extra charge of 180 Php per hour)
24 hour rate – 2,325 Php (comes with free breakfast for 2)
Evening Special (8 PM to 8 AM) -740 Php
Midnight Promo (adjustable 12 hours and check-in should be between 12 AM to 5 AM except Saturdays) – 840 Php
Morning Special (5 solid hours and check-in should be between 4 AM to 4 PM except Saturdays) – 540 Php

Tip: Room rate for 24 hour stay is cheaper if you book HERE.

Rosal hotel also accepts major credits cards and Bancnet debit cards. Service car is also offered from Rosal hotel to various landmarks around Pasig.

Tip: If you are visiting without a car, Uber is cheaper than Rosal hotel’s service car. I am giving you 100 Pesos off each of your first 2 Uber rides. Just use the promo code ‘edp1000ue‘ and sign-up here.

Overall, Rosal hotel Pasig is just like any other cheap motels in the metro. What sets it apart is the clean and spacious rooms and toilet. It is a good place for a short time stay if you are visiting Pasig City.

Rosal Hotel Pasig contact number: +63 2 6352729
Adress: Jardin De Rosal Hotel, Hillcrest Drive, Bagong Ilog, Pasig City, Philippines

2 Comments

Hotel
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- Metro Manila
- Motel

Orchids Hotel Pasig, Garage Room Review

Posted on June 25, 2016July 6, 2016by One Armed Wanderer

Orchids hotel is one among the wide array of hotels (or should I say motels) that are available for short-time stay in Pasig City. Located along Hillcrest drive, this affordable accommodation is just few minutes drive-away from various Pasig City establishments.

Orchids Hotel Pasig Garage Room

Orchids Hotel room interiors are modern and hip. I personally find the room a bit frayed. I was not just sure if it was just me or just the room itself (By the way, we checked-in at the garage room number 11). The quality of linens, bed and the pillows are the one you usually see in any affordable motels in the metro. Nonetheless, the room is clean.

The wall sized and ceiling mirrors create an illusion that the room is bigger than its actual size. There is a cable TV with a few available channels. The room comes with 2 bottled water and 2 pairs of slippers. The air-conditioning unit works perfectly. There is also a free Wifi with fast internet connection. If you are concerned about your security and privacy, all rooms in Orchids Hotel come with vestibule.

The toilet is spacious and clean but looked old to me. Except for the soap, the rest of the toiletries are for sale. There is a small plastic box nearby the toilet and bath containing the toiletries.

Tootbrush – 15 Php
Tootphase – 10 Php
Shampoo – 10 Php
conditioner – 10 Php
mouthwash – 55 Php

I’ve been to the garage room of the nearby Rosal Hotel and I must say that compared to Orchids hotel, the former has spacious garage. Nonetheless, any sedan car will fit in the garage (Unless you are bringing a limo with you).

Apart from the clean, private and secured rooms, Orchids Hotel is also popular for the food they serve. I’ve read several good blog reviews about their Pancit Canton.

Orchids Hotel Garage Room Rates

Short Time (3 hours) – 525 Php and 180 Php extra charge for every hour
Evening Special (from 8:00 PM to 8:00 AM) – 710 Php
Morning Special (check-in from 4:00 AM to 5:00 PM except Saturdays) – 525 Php
24 hours – 1, 950 Php

If you will be needing a place to stay overnight in Pasig and you are on a tight budget, I would recommend Orchids Hotel. Unlike in a typical hotel, guests can check-in at Orchids at any given of the day.

Orchids Drive In Hotel contact number: +63 2 6712235

Orchids Drive In Hotel Online booking here.

Alternatively, you may check other Pasig hotels here.

7 Comments

Food
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- Metro Manila

Golden Crown Restaurant at BBB Valenzuela City

Posted on April 17, 2016July 17, 2016by One Armed Wanderer

Located along McArthur highway in BBB, Marulas, Golden Crown Food Center is becoming a popular food destination in Valenzuela City.

I remember that a friend from QC once asked me about this Chinese restaurant, I wasn’t sure as I’ve never heard and was clueless of it. Masarap daw food dun at mura pa. Dinatayo yung Golden Crown! He said. It intrigued me but I still wasn’t able to visit the restaurant to try their food.. until one day my mom brought home Pancit Canton and Calamares from Golden Crown Food Center.

It was a Sunday when I told my mom that we’ll just buy lunch at Golden Crown. She asked me to call the restaurant to place my order as it tends to be fully occupied during weekends. I called the restaurant, placed my order and was told that the food will be ready for pick-up in 30 minutes.

Unlike some restaurants in Valenzuela, the small facade of Golden Crown is no eye-catching. Being a Valenzuelano, I did not realize that there is such a restaurant in Marulas.

If you are into high-end restaurants, Golden Crown will disappoint you. The facade and the interior is no fancy. Chairs are mono blocks and tables are nothing special. Nonetheless, the restaurant is air-conditioned. It reminds me of typical Binondo Chinese restaurants where the dining areas and the overall look and ambiance of the restaurant is plain and simple. If you want a bit high-end dining experience in Valenzuela, try Little Beijing Restaurant.

We arrived at BBB, Marulas at 2:00 PM and it was surprising that there were still a number of people dining and all the staff of the restaurant were very busy. True enough, this restaurant is frequently visited by its patrons!

I went straight to the take out area to claim my order. I was greeting by a very welcoming and kind staff of the restaurant. Since our food is for pick-up, we did not stay long and left immediately.

Here’s what we ordered for take-out:

Photos were taken at home

Calamares

Camaron Rellanado

Pancit Canton

Golden Crown Valenzuela Menu

The restaurant’s menu contains a long list of affordable Chinese dishes. Please click image to enlarge.

Unfortunately, they do not offer food delivery. Alternatively, you can call the restaurant to order and they will immediately prepare the foods for pick-up. I learned from the staff that they also cater receptions for events such as weddings, baptismal sand birthday parties.

Golden Crown Valenzuela Contact Number

For orders or event reservations, call their hotline +63 291 6652.

If you are a food lover or simply happens to pass by Valenzuela City, I would highly recommend Golden Crown Food Center! Their foods are delicious at a very affordable price!

2 Comments

Food
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- Metro Manila

Gustos Food Market at Robinsons Forum Mandaluyong

Posted on January 16, 2016March 14, 2016by One Armed Wanderer

Gustos Food Market at Forum Robinsons is the newest night food market in Mandaluyong City. Located in the Delivery Bay Area, Robinsons Forum Pioneer, this foodie haven is just few minutes walk from MRT Boni station and is situated behind EDSA Cybergate Plaza and Go Hotel. Gustos Food Market replaced the famous and now gone Banchetto Night Food Market.

Gustos food Market in Robinson's Forum, Boni, Mandaluyong City

Gustos Food Market serves more than a hundred food options that every food lover will truly enjoy. Foods such as burgers, barbeques, pastas, fruit shakes, shawarma, and pinoy street foods are sold in Gustos. If you love sweets, Gustos Food Market will not disappoint you as they also serve cakes and pastries.

Lutong bahay foods at Gustos Food Market. 1 viand w/ rice only costs 65.00 Php to 85 Php.

Bicolana’s Lutong Bahay at Gustos

Toknet (Tokwa’t Bagnet) 120 Php, Ki-Ki (Killer Kinilaw) 120 Php, Bagwings 130 Php, SIGA (Sisig sa Gata) 130 Php

Finger foods at Gustos Food Market!

Love Shawarma? Get one for only 79 Php!

How about Filipino street foods? Isaw, anyone?

Got a sweet tooth? Well, Gustos Night Food Market has cakes and pastries too!

Ladyruth Fruitshakers. Large Mango fruit shake costs 90 Php.

Hunger Buster Burget at Gustos Market Robinson's pioneer

My favorite at Gustos is the Hunger Buster’s burger. Their homemade patty is very tender, juicy and flavorful. I can guarantee that they are using fresh ground beef (not the frozen ones) as they manually mold and flatten the ground beef mixture on a flat grill. Hunger Buster burgers cost 90 Php to 120 Php.

Gustos Food Market Schedule

Open every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
8:30 PM to 4:30 AM

If you are bringing a car, there is an ample parking space nearby Gustos. Alternatively, you can park in Robinson’s Forum.

Food stalls at Gustos Food Market

Bicolana’s Lutong Bahay
House of Crispy
Jetnor’s Shawarma
Tito Jons Fod Stall
Hunger Buster
Ladyruth Fruitshakes
Timplador
Pipers Pan
Bullchef
This list will be updated

Apart from the wide array of food choices, there is also a live acoustic band entertaining Gustos visitors. With its festive ambiance and delicious foods, Gustos Food Market is truly a haven for food lovers!

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Metro Manila
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- Solo Travels

Christmas Attraction: Policarpio Street In Mandaluyong City

Posted on December 5, 2015March 14, 2016by One Armed Wanderer

It was Friday evening at work and I was really looking forward for the weekend. As I checked MMDA traffic app, it was no surprise that there was a heavy traffic along EDSA. Since I did not want to get stuck in traffic on my way home, I decided to kill time and thought of a nearby place where I could wander . Since I work in Mandaluyong area and I’ve read about the festival of Christmas lights in Policarpio street, I hurriedly googled where exactly the place is. I asked a friend/office mate if he wants to see Policarpio street, he said yes and we immediately left to visit the place.

Policarpio Street, Mandaluyong City Location Map

How to get to Policarpio Street
Since it was our first time to visit Policarpio street, we Google map where exactly the place is. We took a Kalentong bound jeepney ride from MRT Boni southbound station. Luckily, the jeepney dropped us in the Policarpio corner Primo Cruz.

Policarpio street in Barangay Zuniga, Mandaluyong City is known for its houses’ yearly display of Christmas lights and decorations. It’s truly “Pasko Pasko Sa Policarpio!”

This home is also known as the “House of Santa Claus” for its wide array of Santa decors.

Everyone wants to have their photo taken in this home.

Closer look at the Santas in this beautiful home.

Didn’t know that there is a commercial establishment in Policarpio Street.

This modern house offers sightseers a futuristic feel.

This home has the most impressive display of Christmas lights.

A house with huge Belen.

Food Trip at Policarpio Street
If you want to eat something while seeing the grand display of Christmas lights and decors, there are numerous food stalls in Policarpio street. Most of which offer Pinoy street foods.

A good friend/officemate Ariel and the food stalls in Policarpio

More food stalls in Policarpio Street

Hotdogs and Isaw.

I must admit that I’m not really a fan of Christmas lights but seeing Policarpio street’s festival of lights was amazing. I was not surprised why this street has become one of Mandaluyong’s tourist attraction every Christmas season. Thanks to the homeowners of Policarpio for opening their street to the public and showcasing grand display of Christmas lights and decors.

Metro Manila
...
- Solo Travels

Dapitan Arcade, A Place to Buy Cheap Yet Quality Christmas Decors

Posted on November 10, 2015November 22, 2016by One Armed Wanderer

If you are looking for affordable yet export quality Christmas decorations, Dapitan Arcade is probably the best place to visit. Unlike Divisoria, it is definitely easier and safer to get around Dapitan Arcade. Given it’s small area, you can stroll around in this place in less than an hour.

Location

Dapitan Corner Kanlaon St., Laurges, Quezon City, Philippines

Parking
It is highly recommended to visit early in the morning as there are only a few parking spaces in the area.

Tip: Conveniently visit Dapitan Arcade by not worrying about parking. I’m giving you 100 Pesos off each of your first 2 Uber rides. Just uset promo code ‘edp1000ue‘ to sign up. Details here:

Apart from Christmas decors, Dapitan Arcade also has a wide array of items to offer including ceramics, kitchenwares, clay pots and items made of rattan.

Ceramic stores in Dapitan Arcade

Dapitan Street

Unfortunately, we visited the place on a holiday and the main building of Dapitan Arcade where stalls are located was closed. However, we were lucky that stalls on the streets were most of the Christmas decors are sold were open. These stalls are offering items from small Christmas ornaments to human sized Santa Claus. Depending on your bargaining skills, you can get discounts on already reasonable prices of the items in Dapitan Arcade.

Schedule

Dapitan Arcade opens daily at 9:00 AM and closes at 8:00 PM.

Prices of Christmas Decors

Small Christmas tree ornaments are sold at 100 Php for 3 pieces. Life size Santas can go as high as 6,000 Php. Christmas trees proces depend on the size, quality and color. The cheapest one I’ve seen (5 foot Christmas tree) is priced at 5,000 Php.

Electronic Santa Claus

More Santas

The street of Dapitan

Here are some of the items we bought at Dapitan Arcade…

cheap christmas tree ornament philippines

Christmas tree ornament. 3 pieces for 100Php.

Hanging Santa with balloons. 400Php

Small Christmas tree made of paper mache. 600Php

Snow globe for 300Php

Compared to malls, shopping in Dapitan Arcade may be uncomfortable for some. But given the affordable prices plus one’s bargaining skills, you’ll definitely save a hefty amount of money when shopping for Christmas decors at Dapitan Arcade.

Metro Manila
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- Solo Travels

Pasig River Ferry Ride

Posted on October 18, 2015March 14, 2016by One Armed Wanderer

Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) reopened the Pasig River Ferry service last April 11, 2014. Considering one of the Philippine government’s major problems-heavy traffic in Metro Manila, reopening of this once abandoned and forgotten ferry service aims to provide commuters an alternative means of transportation.

pasig river ferry

MMDA Pasig River Ferry Personnel

Riding the Pasig River Ferry and seeing the Pasig River on a different perspective is one item on my bucket list for 2015. It feels great that that finally I’ll be experiencing what it’s like traveling the city on a boat!

Pasig River Ferry Stations

Pinagbuhatan, Pasig

San Joaquin, Pasig

Guadalupe, Makati

Hulo, Mandaluyong

Valenzuela, Makati

Lambingan, Manila

Sta.Ana, Manila

P.U.P., Manila

Lawton, Ermita, Manila

Escolta, Manila

Plaza Mexico, Intramuros, Manila

Being the nearest station from EDSA, I started my Pasig River ferry experience in Guadalupe station.

guadalupe ferry station in makati

Facade of Guadalupe ferry station

Trip Schedule

I arrived at station at around 12:00 PM and the clerk informed me that the next trip going to Intramuros, Manila is at 12:30 PM. Unfortunately, there is no information on the exact time ferries arrive in the stations. I assume that there is an interval of at least an hour to an hour and a half between trips. First trip starts at 6:00 AM and the last trip is at 4:15 PM.

Fares

Fares range from 30 Php to 95 Php. Unless you take a jeepney, riding a ferry is definitely cheaper (and faster!) than taxis, Uber and Grabcar.

fare matrix guadalupe bus ferry station

Pasig River Ferry Fare Matrix at Guadalupe ferry Station

Guadalupe to Plaza Miranda in Intramuros Manila costs 50 Php

Guadalupe Ferry Station

The station itself is decent but can only accommodate a small number of waiting passengers. There is a TV and electric fans in the station.

While waiting for the ferry, I was expecting that there would be a number of passengers arriving in the station. I felt a bit saddened that only few people patronize the Pasig River Ferry service.

Inside Guadalupe ferry station

mmda ferry boat ride

There are only seven of us in this 20-sitter ferry.

The trip started at exactly 12:30 PM. I felt like a kid again for being too excited on this ferry ride.

guadalupe pasig river billboards

MMDA ferry approaching Guadalupe station. I just realized that MMDA’s ferries are not identical. I was riding in a smaller white ferry.

Guadalupe bridge and the billboards

There is indeed no heavy traffic in Pasig River. Well, except for water lilies that sometimes blocks the way.

our lady of the abandoned parish mandaluyong

Our Lady of the Abandond Parish

Hulo Ferry Station

Factory along Hulo

Simply shows how progressive Manila is and…

shows that there are still many struggling for a better life. Kids do not deserve this.

Lambingan Ferry Station

Sta. Ana Ferry Station

It’s such a relief to see that there are still green areas along Pasig River and..

at the same time saddening to see countless factories along the river.

pup ferry station mmda

PUP Ferry Station

coastguard malacanang palace

Few minutes after leaving the PUP ferry station, PSGs and coastguards escorted the ferry. This is to ensure the safety of the Malacanang Palace. When we are approaching the palace, the ferry slows down to give respect to the home of the highest ranking government official of the country.

I was really amazed by the beauty of Malacanang. Unfortunately, due to security reasons, passengers are prohibited from taking photos and videos of the beautiful palace.

Quezon Bridge

Another factory

escolta old building pasig river

Escolta, Manila

Manila post office

MMDA personnel both in the station and the ferry are very kind and welcoming. They are well trained and they know what customer service is.

After 40 minutes, the ferry arrived at Plaza Mexico, the last station of the Pasig River Ferry service.

Plaza Mexico, Intramuros

I enjoyed the ferry ride. I was actually expecting to see tons of garbage and not to mention experience a foul-smelling river. Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission’s (PRRC) continuous effort in rehabilitating the river definitely contributed to the waste reduction of the river. Also, I was surprised that the smell of the river is tolerable.

I’m no environmentalist, but experiencing the Pasig River Ferry ride and seeing the river and its surroundings was an eye opener. The ferry ride is not just about being an alternative mode of transportation, it is also a wake up call that we are all responsible in taking good care of the environment.

2 Comments

Food
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- Metro Manila

Brasas SM North EDSA, Latin American Streetfood

Posted on September 2, 2013March 14, 2016by One Armed Wanderer

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.

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.

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.

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 is priced at 210.00 Php

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.

Metro Manila
...
- Travels

Pan de Amerikana Marikina

Posted on April 20, 2013March 14, 2016by One Armed Wanderer

We were looking for a unique yet homey restaurant around the metro and a friend suggested Pan de Amerikana in Marikina.

This one of a kind restaurant offers a wide array of foods, from their authentic 1950’s Pan de Sal to Filipino, Chinese and Italian dishes.

Apart from this, Pan de Amerikana’s façade is a showstopper in the area. A large Netherlands windmill welcomes guests and the façade itself is really fascinating. The baker statue reminds me of Baker’s Hill in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

There are many things going on with Pan de Amerikana’s interior. Wooden furnitures, antique tables and chairs, traviesa benches, swing, Koi pond, Italian colonnade European ruins, waterfalls, colorful stained glasses, hanging bridge and a life size chess board. Truly appealing!

Pan de Amerikana is a non-smoking and an open air restaurant. Although there are electric fans everywhere, I guess it’s not advisable to dine here during extreme hot weather condition.. unless you’ll bring a hanky to wipe off your sweat. Anyway, there’s also an ample parking space just outside the restaurant that also serves as a smoking area.lol

The place looks expensive but their menu is surprisingly cheap and affordable! It’s weird that with it’s classy restaurant setting, you have to pay right away as you order.

I ordered Carbonara for only 60 Php

Carbonara was okay. There’s nothing special with it and the serving is too small for me. I did not expect too much since the price is very affordable compared to other restaurants.

Calamansi Juice – 30 Php

Sardines Pan de Sal for only 30 Php

My friends liked their pandesal. I must say that it was good and quite special. I guess this is the most favored food in Pan de Amerikana.

Pancit Bihon – 40Php

Spaghetti – 40 Php

Palabok – 40 Php

Me and my friends agreed that with the price, the food is not bad at all. Since we were there for merienda, it’s not fair to say that Pan de Amerikana’s dishes are just okay-ish. Perhaps we should visit the place again for dinner.

The service was superb. The security guard and waiters were all attentive and the front desk/counter was very welcoming. With the visually appealing façade and interior, Pan de Amerikana is a place worth visiting!

By the way, we also enjoyed the hanging bridge in the second floor of the restaurant . 🙂

Pan de Amerikana Schedule

Monday to Saturday 6:00AM to 7:00PM

Sunday 7:00AM to 3:00PM

Bakery: Monday to Sunday Opens at 5:00AM

Pan de Amerikana Locations

Main: #92 General Ordoñez Corner Maroon St. Marikina Heights, 1800 Marikina City
Katipunan Avenue Quezon City
Wilson street GREENHILLS San Juan
Makati Avenue corner constellation St. beside Savory.

Visit Pan de Amerikana Facebook Page.

Pan de Amerikana Menu.