High Five To Our 5 Favorite Convenient Stores In Manila

It was 2 in the morning when Marky suddenly woke up, felt a bit irritated because he wasn't able to catch the ending of his beautiful dream about his ultimate crush, a minute after when he realized why he woke up in the middle of the night, because he was hungry. His stomach was like shouting and asking to check the fridge. He went out of his room and checked their fridge but surprisingly, there was none, no food at all, just a pitcher with cold water. He then remembered, he forgot to buy his 1 week food supply at the grocery. He didn't know what to do, he was really craving for food. Yeah! Like, "alms, alms, alms, spare me a piece of bread". There was a moment of silence, then, eureka! There was like an image appeared on top of his head, shining bright, like a light bulb. It was the convenient store few steps from their street. He arrived there wearing his bright pink pajamas, bought his favorite crunchy fried chicken, choco mousse cake and large cup of coffee. The end of the story was, he enjoyed it while watching his favorite 'next top model'.
Look, this perhaps one of many stories we could hear from a friend, colleague, bestfriend, mom, brother or an acquaintance about convenient store. For sure you have one unforgettable experience you wanna share.
I've been working in bpo(business process outsourcing) industry for more than 5 years, and to tell you what, convenient store has been my best buddy, you can count on when you forgot your packed lunch, you can buy not only instant foods but toiletries, chips, snack, soda, desserts like ice cream, cigarettes, alcoholic beverages, prepaid call cards, magazines and pay bills. A true one-stop shop for everything. So as my way of thanking them, convenient stores will be my new subject. Nowadays, everywhere you look you see them open 24/7. Do you know there are more than 10 convenient stores in the Philippines? I honestly haven't been to all of these stores yet, so I just collated the 5 convenient stores I've been to, also based on which I find the 'most popular' and usual 'word of mouth' of many filipinos. And to highlight each store well-loved and in demand product/s. I know they are all familiar to you, which one is your favorite? Where do you usually buy? So what's the first store?




1. All Day

I was walking along Don Bosco Makati when I saw All Day Store, it was my first time to eat here, the picture of the 'siomai' made me crave so I went inside, sadly it was not available, but since I was there hungry, I bought the food I usually order in a convenient store, none other than, fried chicken with rice, for 59pesos/piece, it's a reasonable price, although I'm still looking for more crunchy and much bigger chicken, but it was also taste good with gravy alongside. 

Do you know it is owned by a Filipino? Yes! Tied up with an established Vista Land's residential brands like camella, crown asia and vista residences. Operating nearly 100 stores nationwide.

It provides affordable fast food meals such as 'siopao', hotdogs, pizza, sandwiches, salads, desserts, and soft-serve sundaes.

Also services like bills payment for major utilities, service providers, as well as load for cellular phones. (c) www.allday.com.ph

The cashier asked me to try their refreshment 'icebolz', I was thinking twice If I would give it a shot because I know it's really sweet since I had tried it before from a different convenient store but, ending? I still bought it for 25pesos and yes it was sugary, good thing I had my bottled water with me. Anyhow, my first experience with All Day was okay, maybe because I was really looking for 'siomai' but I didn't get a chance to taste it.

2. Lawson

From a post I accidentally saw on facebook made me decide to go Lawson. It was when my highschool classmate posted that a new convenient store will open near their street. And the name is Lawson, at first I thought it was american brand. But not, perhaps by name but it's another convenient store chain from Japan. The first ever Lawson in the Philippines opened last March 2015 in my town Sta.Ana, Manila. A joint venture between Lawson Asia Pacific and Puregold Price Club, there are nearly more than 50 stores successfully operating in the country now. (c) Wikipedia

(c) veshyvan

As an ice cream lover, pretty much this was the main reason why I went here, to taste the talk of the town, black soft serve, no! Its not black, its super super dark green! Okay, it has a name though, the swirl to the max 'Bamboo Charcoal' for only 25pesos, for as long as you know how to swirl to the highest level, you can dispense more than a gallon, so make sure to bring a bowl, keep the excess in your fridge for tomorrow, now you're a certified cheapskate, isn't it great frugal living? Hahah, wise, right? It really tasted well!

What also amazed me was there are sockets on the wall mounted tables where you can charge your mobile for free. Wow! And the store was also clean. Indeed, it's not just an easy quick fix food stop. (c) lawson-philippines.com                        

3. 7 Eleven

Third on the list is a household name 7-Eleven, for sure everyone knows it since they have the most number of stores(roughly 1,655 stores) and one of the earliest established convenient stores in the country. 

An international chain of convenience stores that operates, franchises and licenses some 56,600 stores in 18 countries. It was originally known as 'Tote'm Stores' because customers 'toted' away their purchases, until renamed in 1946 to 7-Eleven to reflect the company's new extended hours, 7:00 am to 11:00 pm, seven days per week. (c) wikipedia

Forget about your sweet slurpee and cold gulp, even just for today, as this store wants you to enjoy the 'brewtiful' day, take a moment and relax on the couch with your french vanilla coffee(39pesos) from 7-Eleven.

4. Family Mart

(c) www.familymart.com.ph

Another family-friendly store is about to conquer the Philippines, from their first store opened last April 2013 at Glorietta 3 Mall in Makati now FamilyMart has more than 150 stores in the country. (c) wikipedia

Like Lawson, I find it very clean and refreshing to the eyes. 

FamilyMart was the one that introduced me to somewhat unlimited soft serve. And again as an ice cream lover, you can't resist to take advantage, right? Like what this store says, their well-deserved 'Twirl All You Can' is the best way to get over the stress of the week, for 25pesos you can bond with your friends or colleagues during your lunch.

(c) Janica M

They have different flavors of soft serve, it depends on the store what flavors are available, there are either salted caramel, green tea, white chocolate, dark chocolate, kiwi, raspbery or combination of two flavors. There are other stores that require patience because of the queues, make sure to bring bowl too if you want to twirl all you can.

5. Mini Stop

(c)commons.wikimedia.org

Last but not the least, another famous 24-hour convenience store chain in the Philippines and said to be one of the largest convenience store chains in Japan. The MiniStop. There are roughly more than 507 stores now in the country. It carries a wide assortment of merchandise and an extensive selection of ready-to-eat products. (c) wikipedia/ (c) ministop.com.ph

(c)MINISTOP Philippines/fb

I fell in love with their uncle john's crunchy fried chicken when I was working in pioneer-edsa last year, for less than 100pesos you can buy it with drinks. It really helped me working on a graveyard shift since I had a hard time to bring packed lunch. Honestly, you will get addicted to eat, it's really good to the point that after your shift before I would buy another one, especially when they sold bbq glazed fried chicken. UHHHMMM! I miss you! 

Now, we were able to know more our favorite convenient stores in town, their yummy and tempting foods. Just eat moderately! 

Sta.Ana, Manila City: Wear Your Stretchy Pants, Prepare Your Stomach And Let's Eat At Beths!

Great Morning Everyone! Wherever you are. What did you prepare for today's breakfast? Still thinking? Oh come on, don't be shy, are these the typical bacon and omelet or pancakes? That's yummy though! But you know, for sure you want something new, right? Okay, why I always ask. Haha. Wanna join with me? Where are we going? No more questions, all I want you to do is to wear a stretchy pants and prepare your stomach. Buckle Up! For sure, It will gonna be a toothsome journey. Oh My! Thank you! Another sunshine has seen in Manila Bay, can't resist to play Bill Withers 'Lovely Day'.
"When I wake up in the morning, love
And the sunlight hurts my eyes
And something without warning, love
Bears heavy on my mind
Then I look at you
And the world's alright with me
Just one look at you
And I know it's gonna be a lovely day
lovely day, lovely day, lovely day"
Whoops! Hit the brake! We are now here! At the newly renovated Sta.Ana Market. For sure too, you're no longer stranger since I had shared before that Sta. Ana is my town, a historical district of Manila City. From old church of Sta. Ana, numerous historic ancestral houses and a lot more, it proved a very important archaeological and heritage area owing to its rich history. But you know what, being somewhat a blueprint of the Philippines doesn't stop on what you can see but also what you can eat here. Yes! It's a nice place to eat authentic 'Filipino Foods', one example is 'Beth's Palabok', selling the best 'Palabok' in the soil of Sta.Ana. Come on, let's eat!

Welcome to Beth's Palabok! If you're new in this place, you'll get lost right away because they don't have a big signage but like me, a local here, it's easy to distinguish their eatery, not to brag so much, but they rented almost half of the food area of the market. That's how famous they are! 

The Best 'Palabok' In Town! Grab your spoon and fork, start to dig in, let the food war begin. Let's talk later, okay?

For your benefit, I know you once asked, what's palabok? Well, aside from, it's a filipino food and perfect for breakfast, lunch or even dinner, let's dig much deeper. Since 'Palabok' is a word, we really cannot translate it in english, let me describe instead, it is one of the hundreds of variations of 'pancit'. So what is pancit? It's also spelled as 'pansit', it's a noodles introduced by the Chinese and have been adopted into local cuisine. The term is derived from the Hokkien 'pian i sit' which literally means 'convenient food'(wikipedia). It is also believe that you need to eat it for 'long life' and never cut it, just continue slurp the noodle strands. 'Palabok' is a comfort food you can see not only on special occasion like birthday but even on a normal day of many Filipinos. 

You know the secret how to have a tasty 'palabok'? It's in the golden shrimp sauce, to make it more delish it is topped with crushed pork rind or 'chicharon'(the more you put, the tastier), hard-boiled egg(usually sliced into disks), freshly minced green onion and tinapa(smoked fish) tinapa. Others even put chopped fried tofu or 'tokwa'. Did I get you hungry?

Even my nephew Nichi loved it. Moreover, beth's palabok offer budget-friendly different promos. Just in case you wanna drop by there. Heads up to you.

Promo 1(51pesos) Palabok+Puto+Soda

Promo 2(48pesos) Palabok+Puto+Iced Tea

Promo 3(53pesos) Palabok+Lumpiang Togue+Soda

Promo 4(51pesos) Palabok+Lumpiang Togue+Iced Tea

Promo 5(59pesos) Palabok+BBQ+Soda

Promo 6(56pesos) Palabok+BBQ+Iced Tea

Promo 7(55pesos) Palabok+Siomai+Soda

Promo 8(50pesos) BBQ with Rice+Fresh Lumpia+Soda

Can you imagine, you can get full for less 100 pesos or like a $1? Wow!

'Filipino Desserts' like 'Puto' will never be lost on our plate. It is a type of steamed rice cake, most of the time it is topped with cheese, salted egg or fresh grated coconut, it also has different flavors like butter, 'ube' and 'pandan'(srewpine). Beth's sells it for 3pesos each.

Not only one but you can also buy different 'Kakanin' or Native delicacies at Beth's. What's on the picture are 'pichi-pichi', 'kutsinta' and 'biko', all of them are made either from rice or root vegetables like ube, taro or cassava. Most of the time they are sticky and sweet, topped with grated fresh coconut or cheese and wrapped in banana leaves. These yummy desserts are 15-18pesos each.

Lugaw(Congee) with Egg- 25pesos. The bestfriend of all Filipinos during rainy season. This local rice porridge is best served with hard-boiled egg or fried tokwa or tofu. From plain congee, you can also order the one with 'may laman' or with pork tripe, you will just add 5-10pesos. If you want more spice, you can sprinkle it with pepper or fried garlic, let's not forget 'calamansi', a very filipino lime. Another option is 'patis' or fish sauce.

What else can you ask for? I guess just a tissue? But these are all enough to start you're day, right? Barbecue, siomai, congee with egg, fresh lumpia and soda. Did I get you more hungry?

Siomai is my love, it must be always on my table. Chili sauce, calamansi and soy sauce will complete it. It's for only 10pesos.

Lumpiang Sariwa(Fresh Spring Rolls)- 20pesos. Another Filipino dish with different vegetables inside with a soft wrapper(that's why it's fresh) garnished with sweet sauce and crushed peanuts.

Another version is the 'Fried Lumpia'-5pesos. One of my favorites, especially when you dip it in a vinegar with garlic sauce. Oooohhzzz! Perfecto!

Halo-Halo- 35pesos. No one will never like this very famous Filipino dessert, since it doesn't have english word, it is literally translated meaning "Mix-Mix", literally cool too. From its japanese origin, halo-halo became popular because it has a lot of delish ingredients, the usual are sweetened 'saba'(plantains),corn, coconut gelatin, sweetened red beans, sweetened 'kamote', sweetened 'garbanzos', pinipig(pounded dried rice), sugar palm seed(kaong), topped with shaved ice, evaporated milk(the classic is carabaos milk), purple yam(ube), sweetened jackfruit, leche flan(egg custard) and a scoop of ice cream. Everything is sweet, it is the main reason why Filipinos are sweet.

Back in the day, when I was just a kid, Nanay Beth's Palabok was only 15pesos, now it almost tripled, 40pesos, they were just selling in small eatery near our street, now in a beautiful Sta.Ana market with huge space. She is a living proof that there's no shortcut to success, surely she underwent into her deepest downfall before, look how far she's come. Very inspiring woman who took the stairs, not the escalator.

Whenever you like to eat here, you might wanna say 'Thank You For Serving Best Palabok!"

I told you, it's a tasty ride! See you on my next post. Take care always!

20 Blossoming 'Floral Arrangement Designs' For All Occasions

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

It's totally not 'foods over flowers' today. Guess what I'm up to? For almost three years that I've been blogging about my life, sharing stories once in awhile under the sun, most of the time are travel and 'something to chew on' related, the very usual in the blog world. Pretty much you're getting bored, right? Me too. So, to spice up your ordinary day, I've come up with an innovative idea. You know what is it? Wonderful! To level up and post something new, far from 'where I've been' or 'what I ate' kind of story, yet still informative, interesting and as much as possible in detailed. That is because I want you to learn, have a positive thoughts to start a new day and be inspired, yes, You! At the very first place I created this blog not only to get away from depression but to save you from negative vibes, yes, we hate that. 

It was last month when I found out that the husband of my colleague is a florist, a person whose job or business is to sell flowers and plants(Merriam-Webster). Then she sent me pictures of different flower arrangements they did from different occasions. All I said was, floristic! Well, who doesn't love flowers, right? I understand if you have allergy toward pollen but its beauty pleases everyone. It's like bags or jewelries which every girls can't resist. It lightens up a bad day and gives colour in a dull moment. Flowers are somewhat diamonds, it's forever, technically for all seasons. There are 365 days in a year, plus 1 day if leap year and it seems we are not losing an occasion, in every part of this world there are those celebrating their birthday or wedding on the other hand. Part of it, flowers are always there. 

The essence of it is very visible from new year's celebration, valentines day, procession every good friday for the catholic religion, different festivals like 'Flores de Mayo' or 'Flowers of May' in the Philippines, weddings every june, all saints day as well as all souls day. Moreover, christening, inauguration, wake and even just a normal day, like flowers we send to our sick loved ones at the hospital, truly we need flowers all year round.

From the usual roses, sunflowers to the very sophisticated tulips, can't choose one, right? Because all of them are lovely, what if we put them altogether in one vase or make a bouquet? Brilliant! Now, let's call it 'floral arrangement'. I honestly don't have skill in making different flowers into one stunning centerpiece, a creative mind and love toward colours could be a help but no one can beat an experienced florist. I had a chat with my colleague, Steff, and asked if they would like me to market their business on my blog, in this way I can also share this kind of talent that everyone can earn as well as different 'flower arrangement designs' appropriate for a specific occasion. So let me share to you these amazing masterpieces, don't worry, wowing will just petrify you. To put some entertainment, I labeled each based on its unique looks. 

1. Peekaboo! Congratulations!

-with its grand, you will be surprised and no more second look, sometimes its not the colour but the volume that matters.

-perfect for inauguration.

2. Gateway To Oriental

-from fans, chinese decor to red roses, this very asian-inspired will push you to lead the ribbon cutting.

-start it prosperous at the grand opening.

3. Cover Me With Bamboos

-the bamboos remind me of Japan, very asian-inspired too, surely it took a lot of effort to create this, unique and artistic!

-it can be used on your debut, wedding or even a decor for a coffee shop.

4. Small But Terrible

-one thing is missing to complement this attractive decor, a beautiful lantern with light inside on every table.

-put it on your next cocktail party, beach themed debut or wedding.

5. Nature-friendly Office

-meetings sometimes tend to be tough, a lot of stress within four walls of the room, debates and negotiations. So to put some peace of mind and cool points of view, might wanna try to center a simple yet balances the atmosphere plants on the table.

-hope this helps close the deal and win-win.

6. Climbing Plant, No They Are Crawling!

-just imagine how relaxing it is while reading a magazine or watching television, you feel like you're seating near a lake with your coffee beside you, very laid-back! 

-it gives beauty when you place it on the table of your office.

7. Queen Of All Caterpillar?

-tell me honestly, even you will be disgraced if you will not serve a Lechon or Turkey on this table.

-everyone will be delighted if they see this on your next family reunion. Even a great decor for a dinner with the President or very important visitors.

8. Gorgeous Antennae

-this unusual floral arrangement will stun your guests on wedding or debut.

9. Little White Stars

-perfect decor for your office.

10. Keep Off The Green!

-very refreshing to the eyes decor for your office.

11. Very Coachella Party

12. Good Things Come In Small Packages

13. Flowers For You

-lovely decor for your anniversary.

14. Downton Abbey Cocktail Party

-one is not enough to show that your anniversary is very special.

15. White Tower Of Elegance

-this is something to look forward at the reception on your wedding, it can also be used in special occasion like debut or even for prom night.

16. Is it basket of veggies?

-nice decor on buffet.

17. Twin Towers

-for funeral.

18. Flowers With Wings

-decor to your house.

19. Clouds On The Ground

-for funeral.

20. Crown From Heaven

-tribute to the deceased.

-for funeral.

Still thinking which one to choose? I know even me I'm in a dilemma, anyhow pretty much we already have an idea which 'flower arrangement' decor to pick appropriately for each occasion. For your benefit, I asked my colleague to give at least descriptions for each however I'm unable to get all of it but, great news! I know you wanna inquire, later on I'll include their details. As a finale, I'll make my own saying, 'roses are red, violets are blue leave it there and let the florist make a bouquet for you'. 

I know you need them, I know you're preparing for a special occasion, I know you need flowers! Wherever you are, for inquiries you can e-mail a very hireable florist couple 'Marlo and Steff' stephaniedpelayo@yahoo.com or call them at (632)9498995998, you can also put a comment here. (Photos credit to Steff)

Chocolate Lover, Cubao, Quezon City: Oh My Choco! The Sweetest Castle In Town!

Am I dreaming? The first three words I uttered when I first saw the facade of Chocolate Lover Castle. It was very attractive I had to pinch myself twice to make sure it wasn't just a sweet dream. Lovely! It was true. For more than twenty years of existence, I have never been to this kind of place, where it reminded me of charlie and the chocolate factory or alice in wonderland movie, deceived me of its very 'amusement park' facade like Disneyland or Enchanted Kingdom and somewhat brought me back to fifth grade, reading a classic children's story of 'Hansel and Gretel'. Oh My! I wanna live here! 

Feel at home! I thought this gingerbreadlike house was edible, good thing I didn't bite even just a small piece, hahah. You know what tantalized me too? The candies, chocolate balls, crinkles, gummy bears and a lot more that really like sugar coated my eyes and triggered my sweet tooth to taste it. I was like at the music video of Katy Perry's California Gurls where everyone I see has sugar. Now, I'm craving for popsicle! 

I was told at first that it was really just a chocolate factory but when I got there I realized it could be a haven for bakers or those who just love to make pastries. Where there are galore of syrups or sauces from chocolate, strawberry to my favorite caramel. Perfect for your next dark chocolate cake, right?

From different sauces, I had like a quick ride in a time warp, reminiscing those elementary days where popping candies and jelly ace were your foods almost all-day. The main reason of your toothaches, eitherway it became part of your happy and sweet life.

Another throwback were crinkles and sweet tamarind(sampaloc). I remember these were the best sellers at the canteen, what I usually do was after eating, I collect those tamarind seeds and plant it in a pot. Sorry, I just love mother earth.

Chewy and irresistable candies.

Don't dribble, just eat those chocolate balls.

It may not be bars of gold but you will surely love these chocolate bars. Worth it!

Aside from sweets you can also see different cake designs perfect for different occasions from birthday to weddings. Sadly, it's not for consumption.

I love You Chocolate Lover! I've never expected this kind of place in cubao, honestly I don't usually go to quezon city because I find it far from my place even before. But it was really a great discovery, now yuletide season is coming it will be a nice place to visit to buy candies for your godson or favorite nephew, even an option where you can buy sweets for trick or treat. I felt I was like a kid again, no worries, no stress, just sweets and happiness. Now you know where to buy lollipops?