SMX Convention Center Manila: Philippine Travel Mart 2019 - Happy 30th Anniversary!

Happy New Year, Super Folks! 2019, you're so colorful and super thanks for the great memories. Come on 2020, let me give you a big hug. Let's create beautiful stories too, with my family and friends. The last year reminds me of this cliché, "Time flies when you're having fun". Well, it was indeed a fun ride! First four months were bumpy, there were rough nights and hard days, and then latter half became better. Praise God! I don't wanna brag but traveling to many places in my country, the Philippines, from good to superb spots, always helps me to speed up time. You know what I mean? It helps me to forget my worries and simply enjoy life, without judgement and negative thoughts. It's a very effective hobby and already part of my life. Hopefully my next trip is around Southeast Asia. Malaysia or Brunei? Can I have both?

Like everybody, I'm still asking myself, is 2020 the start of a new decade? When does the decade end, 2020 or 2021? I guess it's the end but you know what? It doesn't really matter. As long as there are no intense calamities, crises and controversial cases, we're good. As long as everybody seems stable, we're cool. However, the world is so unpredictable and the life is so tough nowadays. Believe me or not, we need to be extra cautious, prepared, mentally aware and pray harder.

Moving on, do you have goals for this new year? What are those? Would you also like to travel? Perfect! You are in the right place. This new blog post is no longer about food and restaurant, it will be about "Exposition".

In short Expo, sometimes we call it exhibition or trade fair. According to Merriam-Webster, it's a public exhibition or show. Have you been to this kind of event before? It was last year when me and my colleague had a chance to attend the Philippines' longest-running travel trade exhibition, the Philippine Travel Mart at the SMX Convention Center Manila, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City.

It was three straight days of primarily promoting the country's wow and more fun places like Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park in Palawan, Boracay, Puerto Galera and Camiguin Island, ran from August 30 to September 1, 2019. I don't know if it was perfect timing or just by coincidence but either way, I really find myself lucky when we became unintentionally part of PTM's 30th Anniversary. Congratulations and cheers, to many more years!

We were on the last day of Expo and honestly, we weren't there to look for best travel deals. We were actually planning to start a travel agency and we thought it was part of our research. We were looking for a company that offers affordable Global Distribution System (GDS) or in layman's terms, a technology provider, but sadly, we didn't find one.

We're Tourism Management graduates and apart from being a true-blue Hodophiles, aka Travel Lovers, we would really love to be part of this industry again. We are very hopeful, up until now.

Someday, we'll be trusted Travel Agents and I feel like it could be everyone's dream job. Yes, there is stress but imagine the sweetest part, it's when we make money while traveling. It's perfectly imperfect.

Last year's theme was about "Fostering Sustainable and Inclusive Tourism" and organized by Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA).

Even though we didn't see what we're looking for, I can say, it was a nice experience. I felt like The Flash, we were able to visit interesting destinations in the Philippines in a short span of time. We had a chance to see a glimpse of Mindanao, or still commonly known as Southern Philippines, the second largest island in the Philippines and definitely other places too, like Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in Bataan, Cagayan Valley and Batanes.

Entrance fee was affordable. We only paid 50 PHP each, roughly 1 US Dollar.

There were cool and attractive booths from different cities, municipalities and provinces, showcasing their best attractions and native delicacies. BANGSAMORO, Tacloban City, SOCCSKSARGEN and Capture CAPIZ were exceptional.

There were also fun activities and freebies. We got a lot of travel brochures, fridge magnets and stickers. I super like the one from Intramuros booth. Naga's "Free Taste" ice cream was worth a try.

Additionally, we played game, watched Philippine folk dance and took a lot of photos from the event. Memories and souvenirs, so lovely! My workmate was lucky, she was able to exchange her ticket into a cute planner.

Cheap flights and travel packages, they were irresistible. Another reason why I went to Travel Mart was because of Canyon Cove's vouchers. I had to buy two for our "Family Short Vacation 2020". Worth 3500 PHP per night, roughly 69 USD and good for four adults each.

More details? Kindly read my separate blog post about it. As a Filipino traveler, I'm definitely looking forward to next year's Philippine Travel Mart and many more local exhibitions like this. It makes me smile. That's all for today Super Folks! Hope you're satisfied! My new blog post is almost done. See you there!

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Restaurants + Short Reviews: Banapple, Yoshinoya & Denny's Philippines

"Merry Christmas,

Merry Christmas,

Happy Holidays!"

Yes! You heard it right! Like the classic Mariah Carey's "All I Want For Christmas Is You", expect, this season, we'll also hear NSYNC's "Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays", every day and everywhere, from malls, parties to radio stations. Let me not forget Justin Bieber's "Mistletoe". Undoubtedly, they are our anthems and you know, I can only feel contentedness every time I hear these Christmas songs. I just can't help but smile and thank God for everything. There's indeed no room for negativity. In my country, the Philippines, Jose Mari Chan's Christmas songs such as "Christmas In Our Hearts" and "A Perfect Christmas" officially kick-start the season. Oh my, I can even hear his cool and beautiful voice in my dreams. It's true sweet dreams!

Banapple Pies & Cheesecakes (Circuit Makati)

Merry Christmas, Super Folks! How are you? Did you enjoy your family's Noche Buena? How's your gift from your parents? Like it? Glad to know! Well, let's be honest, nowadays, not everyone is doing the traditional Christmas dinner. Don't judge us, I'm part of it. Just kidding. Seriously, after cooking delicious Filipino Christmas dishes, we just sleep and then, tell you what, on Christmas morning, our house becomes like a buffet restaurant. It becomes a food festival, in three straight days.

Hickory Smoked Barbecued Country Ribs- PHP 345 (roughly 6.80 USD)

On the contrary, not everyone loves literally homemade dishes on Christmas day and let's not judge them. Perhaps, they are still exhausted after that last-minute Christmas shopping and they don't want to cook or they just really prefer to eat out, after movie date with family. That sounds perfect though. That's the reason why I'm creating this new blog post, so that you could get ideas on where to go and what to eat. I dedicate this to you. Welcome! Okay, goodbye for now kitchen and hello Banapple!

Lasagna Roll-ups- PHP 345 (roughly 6.80 USD)

Banapple Pies & Cheesecakes, have you heard of this restaurant in Metro Manila? Have you tried their famous Hickory Ribs? Goodness gracious, I'm craving for it now. It's their signature dish and like me, you will surely love it too. It's my favorite Banapple entrée and the reason why I decided to eat at their Circuit Makati branch on my last birthday. I was with my mom and nephew, and it's so memorable. The ribs were tender and the sauce of it was flavorful. Yes, this restaurant is a must-try. You won't get disappointed, especially if you're super hungry because their serving is enough to make your tummy happy again, at a reasonable price. Its sunny vibes interior is also commendable. Let me mention also their tables, they are so cute and artistic. What else? Nice customer service. When we were there, we also tried Lasagna Roll-ups and bought brownies for our take-home dessert. Both were also fine. My conclusion is, we'll definitely go back and try something new!

Yoshinoya (Glorietta)

Regular Beef Misono- PHP 155 (roughly 3.05 USD)

(Marinated grilled beef, onions and garlic on top a steaming rice.)

*Description is based on the menu book.

Regular Chicken Teriyaki- PHP 155 (roughly 3.05 USD)

(Juicy golden brown pieces of grilled chicken fillet topped with teriyaki sauce and served with mixed vegetables over steaming rice.)

*Description is based on the menu book.

Next resto? If you're like me who deeply loves Gyoza, Ramen and Chicken Teriyaki, great news, we could be food buddies and hang out here. Say hi to Yoshinoya! Pretty much everyone knows this Japanese multinational fast food chain, they are in the business for more than 120 years and according to Wikipedia, the second largest gyudon (beef bowl) restaurant. Its motto is "Tasty, low-priced and quick".

Gyoza- PHP 79 (roughly 1.55 USD)

(3 pieces grilled dumpling stuffed with pork-based and vegetable filling, served with dipping sauce.)

*Description is based on the menu book.

Cucumber Lemonade Regular- PHP 45 (roughly 0.88 USD)

Well, honestly, I didn't know everything about Yoshinoya when me and my friend were there last year. We were simply there to eat and try this resto inside Glorietta Complex in Makati City. It was like my post-birthday dinner and we had no complaints with our rice bowls. Beef Misono and Chicken Teriyaki were both good, as well as my favorite side dish, Gyoza. The Cucumber Lemonade was refreshing. When it comes to quick service, if you don't like to go to McDonald's or Jollibee and don't like to eat fried chicken, this is really a good option, not only on special occasions like Christmas but also on normal days. It's affordable and trusted.

Denny's Philippines (Venice Grand Canal)

The Original Grand Slam- PHP 395 (roughly 7.76 USD)

(Two buttermilk pancakes, two eggs, two bacon strips and two sausages.)

*Description is based on the menu book.

And last but not least, Denny's. "Want breakfast for dinner? Milk Shakes in the morning? Delicious hamburgers, handmade sandwiches, fresh salads and more any time 24/7? You've come to the right place. Welcome to America's diner." Sure, of course! I actually read this on the website of Denny's Philippines while I'm doing this blog. Check it, so inviting and mouthwatering.

Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad- PHP 295 (roughly 5.80 USD)

(Grilled chicken breast, crisp bacon crumbles, Italian cheese, romaine lettuce and Caesar dressing.)

*Description is based on the menu book.

You have choices, either you order online or go to one of their branches. Luckily, Denny's is now in Metro Manila and one is located inside Venice Grand Canal in McKinley Hill, Taguig City. I was just there last year for our team lunch. It was my second time and like before, I mainly looked for two things, yummy pancakes and sausages. Quite costly and I had to wait for roughly 15 minutes but it was all worth it. I really love their classic American breakfast favorites. The Caesar salad was also excellent. You should try it. Additionally, this restaurant is known for always being open and serving breakfast, lunch and dinner around the clock, it means an answer to our "Christmas Eve hangover". Just kidding!

That's all for today, Super Folks! Many thanks again for reading my blog. See you on my next post and let's talk about travel! You know the drill, before you close this tab, make sure to like, follow and subscribe on my,

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Short Restaurant Review: Conti's Bakery & Cafe (Robinsons Place Manila)

"So no one told you life was gonna be this way

Your jobs a joke, you're broke, your love life's D.O.A.

It's like you're always stuck in second gear

When it hasn't been your day, your week, your month, or even your year but...

I'll be there for you

(When the rain starts to pour)

I'll be there for you

(Like I've been there before)

I'll be there for you

('Cause you're there for me too)"

Sounds familiar? Perfect! You got it! This is actually part of F.R.I.E.N.D.S theme song "I'll Be There For You" by The Rembrandts. On the other hand, indeed, there are still a lot of millennials who won't get what I'm talking about. Right, Super Folks? And that's totally fine. If you're a 90s baby, let me guess, you're a fan? How about this, do you have friends? Because if you have, for sure you will love this iconic American sitcom television series. Good thing, despite of its final episode having first aired on NBC more than 15 years ago, it's still watchable on streaming service Netflix.

Definitely, let me not forget to greet them, happy 25th anniversary F.R.I.E.N.D.S! Especially my man crush Joey Tribbiani. In real life, he is Matt LeBlanc, an American actor and comedian. Another question, how important are friends to you? For me, aside from God and parents, they are unquestionably important. Whether it's small or big circle, we need to share love and appreciate them because they are already part of our lives. They give colors to our stories and we learn from their advices.

BARBEQUED SPARE RIBS- PHP 285 (roughly 5.61 USD)

(Tender and juicy slab of marinated pork spare ribs coated in sweet barbeque sauce, pan grilled to perfection. Served with atchara and choice of java rice, garlic rice or steamed rice.)

*Description is based on the menu book.

That's why I always make a point to see them at least once or twice a year, bond with them again. Talk about our lives and anything under the sun. Moving forward, if you're looking for a place where you can celebrate Friendship Day, please try Conti's Bakery & Café at Robinsons Place Manila. Indeed, you and your friends will not only enjoy chit-chat and laughter but also the food.

AMERICAN GRILLED RIBS- PHP 395 (roughly 7.78 USD)

(Smoke-flavored spare ribs, served with buttered vegetables and choice of garlic rice or steamed rice.)

*Description is based on the menu book.

I can say that they are already a household name in the local food industry. I mean, in Metro Manila, when you ask someone about Conti's, the first thing that comes to mind would be Mango Bravo cake or bakeshop.

GRILLED PORKCHOPS- PHP 395 (roughly 7.78 USD)

(Two pieces herb-coated porkchop grilled to a gourmet's delight with caramelized apple siding. Served with garlic rice.)

*Description is based on the menu book.

But, you know what? It is also a restaurant. It was more than a year ago when me and my closest friends decided to have lunch date there. We really enjoyed everything on our table, from delectable dishes to dessert. Simple, memorable and delightful experience. That's how I describe it.

MANGO BRAVO- PHP 215/slice (roughly 4.25 USD)

The store in Robinsons Place Manila is not really big compare to other Conti's stores like the one in Century City Mall Makati but you will still feel this "relaxing café" vibe. It's clean and the staffs are also nice. Prices? Honestly, they are not affordable but reasonable. It's like, if you never try, you'll never know. Mango Bravo cake is the best!

"I miss you friend, we need to catch up!"

"Yeah, sure! When?"

I believe that our good friends are God's gift and it is also important to seriously find ways to make time for our pals, not only make time for ourselves or for our families. So, message them now and plan a movie date or staycation. Don't think twice.

Hello there, Super Folks! Again, super thanks for reading my new short restaurant review. No worries, one more then we'll go to a brand new topic. Just hang in there and see you on my next blog post!

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Short Restaurant Review: Torch (Circuit Makati)

Last night, I was online and badly thinking of you. No, I'm just kidding. I was really asking myself, how will I start my new blog post? Voila! And I saw this on Google Images, "On this day, the sweetest being on earth was born. Happy birthday to me!", which I find relevant, thus, might as well include this on today's short restaurant review. I don't know but, I can freely say this to myself every year. Perhaps, I could say not only the sweetest but also one of the nicest earthlings. Loud and proud!

However, just to be clear, it's not my birthday today. Yeah, sadly. The photos that you will see were taken over a year ago. Let me call it, "little throwback". If you're wondering, specifically when was the throwback. Okay, I will tell now.

August 17, 2018. That was the date, when me and my family went to Torch Restaurant in Circuit Makati to celebrate my birthday. It was unglamorous yet practical. We simply enjoyed their Filipino American dishes and ice cream with sparkler, a freebie for the celebrator, which many restaurants also have. Thank you, Torch!

PINK LEMONADE BOTTOMLESS- Php 80.00 (roughly 1.55 USD)

Question, how would you like to celebrate your birthday? For sure, I'll hear a lot of answers from you, Super Folks. Let me guess, one would choose family vacation? Another reader would say, "shopping alone!", others would say, "I'd go to salon with my best friend and watch Joker movie after."

Wow! Nice ideas. But, you know what? It doesn't really matter where or how would like to celebrate your birthday. For me, the most important thing is you're happy and satisfied on your special day. Whether you're with your family, friends or home alone, eating the best cupcake in town while reading online books. Make way to smile!

Experimental, that's also how I describe our experience in Torch. I mean, we don't religiously eat outside on special occasions like birthday. Previous years, my family would just stay home, make Filipino spaghetti and buy local cake, simple as that. It became somewhat a yearly tradition and I thought it would be okay to break it, to break the usual, sometimes.

MEATBALL SPAGHETTINI- Php 289.95 (roughly 5.62 USD)

After that, the rest is history. Plus, Circuit Makati is nearby, it's easy and cheap to find restaurant at this tiny piece of Makati City for us, we could go there any time. We were able to see Torch without hassle. It's the city's newest entertainment and lifestyle hub. It's truly promising.

FIRE-ROASTED HAWAIIAN CHIX BBQ- Php 339.95 (roughly 6.59 USD)

We went there after lunch. That afternoon was perfect timing for an introvert like me who has slight fear of crowds. There were only few customers. I honestly had misgivings before we enter Torch, I thought Jollibee would be better because of my 8 year old nephew but good thing, it was my birthday. So, I was the decision-maker. No fries and fast-food resto on my day.

SMOKED CHICKEN CURRY- Php 324.95 (roughly 6.30 USD)

Word of mouth, without it, I wouldn't try and go to Torch. It was a friend who referred this resto to me roughly 4 years ago, I remember she said her brother is the main cook there. "Oh, that's good. We would love to visit!", I said. A bit disappointed because I didn't see him when we were there, I guess, he was no longer working in that branch or he's already somewhere else. I was really hoping for more freebies but nah, that's okay.

FRIED CHICKEN- Php 329.95 (roughly 6.34 USD)

I'm not an Interior Designer but I like the Industrial style of this restaurant. I don't know if it's the right term. It's modern and cozy. It's also spacious, you can hold a farewell party or gender reveal party. Millennials can also find Instagram-worthy spots inside, like the artificial bamboo stalks. That's a beautiful background.

Family-friendly restaurant. Torch is ready to serve you even after family Sunday mass. If your kids would like to eat spaghetti and fried chicken, fast-food is not the only place. Treat them here. Dishes taste like home-cooked and the prices are reasonable.

After those Japanese and Korean food tripping I did with my friends few years ago, I felt it was a total cleanse for me when we ate there. Happy because I was with my family. Hungry now? Why don't you try Torch? No worries, staffs are nice and they go the extra mile. Thanks again for the free dessert!

Hi, Super Folks! Did you enjoy this blog post? Super thanks for reading and see you on my next short food review!

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Short Restaurant Review: Premier The Samgyupsal (Mabini Main)

Rain, rain, don't go away, come back please! It's already wet season in the Philippines but there's still water crisis in some parts of Metro Manila. I guess, even though I really don't like rainy days, I'll still pray harder for more rain because everyone badly needs it. Everyone needs to take a bath, drink water, brush their teeth and wash their clothes. Perhaps, it's also the best time for the government to think about building dams and for the people to be sincere about conserving water. Indeed, every drop counts, so let me share one simple way to save water. Reuse bathwater for flushing. Easy, right?

On a lighter note, Super Folks, how are you today? How's life? Hope everyone is having a peachy day. Just remember this, always train your mind to see the good in every situation. What's my next topic? Well, food blogging is not yet over, in fact I'm now figuratively cooking another short restaurant review. Look at the picture above. Looks familiar? Isn't it appetizing?

"You don't need a silver fork to eat good food." -Paul Prudhomme

Indeed, Chef Paul! Sometimes, all we truly need is a pair of stainless steel chopsticks.

From Japanese restaurant to Korean restaurant, from one small reunion with college friends to another small reunion with former colleagues and from Ramen Nagi to Premier The Samgyupsal. In short, I'll make you hungry again. Ready?

Oh My Meat!

Filipinos love Korean culture dearly, no questions asked. BTS, BLACKPINK, Soju, what else? Kimchi, K-dramas like my favorite SKY Castle and Samgyeopsal. I can say, the Philippines is a perfect tourism ally of South Korea.

Many of us would want to experience Samgyeopsal wrapped in lettuce, Korean BBQ, Bibimbap and Soju sessions in a finest Korean restaurant with our friends, families or colleagues on weekends.

Thankfully, there are a lot of first-rate Korean restaurants in Metro Manila nowadays, they are springing up like mushrooms and one perfect pick is? Premier The Samgyupsal located at 1720 A. Mabini St. Corner Alonzo St., Malate, Manila.

Its name really speaks for itself and I highly encourage you to eat there. A little over a year ago when me and my former colleagues slash lifetime friends decided to try this resto in Mabini. I can say, it was a great deal! For Unli Samgyupsal, we only paid 450 PHP(roughly 9 USD) each, believe me or not, compare to other Korean restaurants in the Metro, it's still affordable and really competitive.

I guess the catch was? I don't know if it's the right term or word but the price was only good for lunch time, from 10am to 4pm. Simply, unlimited but with 6-hour time limit policy. That's fine though, I was already full after 2 hours. In reality, even you, would also feel full or bloated after like 3 hours, unless you are a true red meat lover.

It was an uncrowded Sunday noon when I went there and sadly, my friends were very late. Great thing, I was able to find and reserve a table for us right away. If you're interested, Premier The Samgyupsal in Mabini is a cozy Korean restaurant, it's not also wide but still a nice place to hang out with your buddies. Their Samgyeopsal-gui is incredibly tender, other dishes are also savory like the Gyeran-jjim and as usual, Korean resto tends to be a smoky place because everyone is grilling, that's why I would recommend you to bring extra clothes and baby cologne.

Are you on a Keto Diet? For sure Premier The Samgyupsal can be your second home. But you know what? Whether you're on a Keto or not, it doesn't really matter, as long as you're a food explorer, you will easily enjoy this place.

That's all, Super Folks!

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Short Restaurant Review: Ramen Nagi Manila (SM Mall Of Asia)

A non-leap year calendar has 365 days and what does it mean? Simply, we have ample time to enjoy life! We are free to make our day a remarkable story. We have a choice to always choose happiness and positivity. Thus, no matter what, let's keep smiling and laughing, okay? Hello, Super Folks! How's your lunch? Well, if you haven't eaten yet, let me warn you, this new blog post may trigger your hunger. Alright, are you ready?

Konnichiwa! Welcome to Japan! No, I'm just kidding. I mean, welcome to the pride of Japan, Ramen Nagi! Have you heard of this restaurant before? If your answer is no, that's totally fine because I'm here, SuperMarkyMacky, your thoughtful blogger and I'm so ready to share, short but tasty review about it. You're welcome!

I don't know how many times I've said it but what I'm sure is, like many of us, I still believe that the easiest way to experience a culture is through its food. One nice example is when we go to a supermarket, nowadays, we can simply find imported products from South Korea like kimchi and soju. Even from Indonesia, the instant mie goreng? Try it, that's what you call, comfort food. Oops! Let me not forget the popular Starbucks and McDonald's, most of us know that they are both originally from the US of A and to be honest, even though I'm only here in my country, the Philippines, their cheeseburger and frappuccino always make me imagine New York City, the cultural capital of the world. "So, this is America. Awesome! They also love fast food, meat and coffee."

Butao- 390 PHP(roughly 7.65 USD)

Thank God, we have Ramen Nagi in Manila, I can affordably picture cities in Japan like Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto. I mean, no airplane ride, just a taxi ride from our house to SM Mall of Asia. It was last year when I went there to meet my college blockmates slash lifetime friends. What happened was so casual, like a combination of mini reunion because we rarely see each other and simple dinner of people who were craving for authentic Japanese food. It was my first time to eat in that restaurant, on the other hand, it wasn't my first ramen experience. No doubt, in Metro Manila, it's not hard to be a ramen lover because aside from Korean restaurants, ramen houses are like everywhere, you can find them from cheapest to most expensive and from genuine to fusion. I can say, when it comes to food, Filipinos today are more open to try something new than before. Thanks to thousands of reviews and mouthwatering pictures on social media sites like Facebook and Instagram.

Pork Katsu Roll- 295 PHP(roughly 5.79 USD)

"A whole new world, a new fantastic point of view". If I only had the guts to sing that song from Aladdin out loud when we were there, I'd do it, maybe next time? The resto was jam-packed with hungry people, everyone was so excited to eat, it was like fiesta! Ramen Nagi is well-favored from outside to inside, you can't go wrong. It's truly a tiny piece of Japan and yes, you need to try it. Like me, there are two things that you will surely love when you eat there. First, those cute and cool Noren hanging over the dining tables. According to Wikipedia, they are traditional Japanese fabric dividers hung between rooms, on walls, in doorways, or in windows. They usually have one or more vertical slits cut from the bottom to nearly the top of the fabric, allowing for easier passage or viewing. Exterior noren are traditionally used by shops and restaurants as a means of protection from sun, wind, dust and for displaying a shop's name or logo. Names are often Japanese characters, especially Kanji. Second, the Omotenashi sheet! It's not an ordinary menu brochure but it's your power to customize your ramen bowl. You are what you eat! So, if you're a huge fan of garlic and chili, never ever forget to encircle extra heavy and 6-10 spicy. However, if you don't have a choice, just choose chef recommendation. Itadakimasu!

Green King- 410 PHP(roughly 8 USD)

Apart from those, indeed the ultimate winners for me were Butao, Green King and Pork Katsu Roll. They were all savory and reasonable. Tell you, one ramen bowl can be shared among 2-3 people. I really can't wait to go back in Ramen Nagi, we had a wonderful mini reunion there. Are you free this weekend? Perfect! It's cuddle weather, let's order Black King and Red King. Game? Well, if you're still unsure, that's okay though. See you on my next post. Super thanks for reading, Super Folks!

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