Who want some love and dessert at the same time?

Well, I have a news for you guys! The good news is that the Love Desserts offers the sweetest and most sumptuous desserts one could ever dreamed of.  They just opened last February this year at Pearl Drive, Commonwealth, and their desserts with love is already creating a buzz.  It is an eat all you can dessert for only 199php! 

Love Desserts, Pearl Drive, Commonwealth


Now let me tour you to the land of honey =)

The first thing that captured my attention, well, aside from the desserts, was their cozy and warm interior.  Feel at home na feel at home ang ambiance.  














I love wall stickers! We have tons of this in our house.  I like it because it is very easy and convenient to use, use less time instead of wall paintings, and best of all it is repositionable! So you can re-arrange the design in any manner that you want or you can un-stick and move it to other blank wall in your house =)

 I love this diy frame.  I remember, I also made like this one for Axxel's baptism.

And now for the main entree...please ready for you handkerchief because you might involuntarily drool on this one hihi.  I captured most of the desserts and tasted every single of it.  Yes! Halos lahat tinikman ko, so I could give you my honest review on what it tastes like based on my personal palate and appreciation.  I am not a food critique and all of these are just based on my own truthful opinion.   

Here we go!


The Japanese Cheese Cake

Verdict: 
I love cheese cakes and this one is climbing at the charts.  This is my favorite from all of their desserts.  The creaminess is perfect.  Not that thick and not that soft.  It's also very light, so I think I can eat three slices of this in just one sitting. =) 


The Rainbow Cake

Verdict:  
Unlike the Japanese cake, the consistency of this cake is very soft.  Not that sweet so I think this is perfect for the kids because it is not that heavy on stomach.  Perfect for those birthday parties at home when you just want to throw a surprise for your kids when they wake up.  It's so colorful, that the kids will definitely ask for more.  Sorry I didn't get the chance to take a photo of the sliced cake.  


The Blueberry Cheese Bite and Choco Mini Cupcakes

Verdict:  
I love the blueberry cheese bite!  The cheese is so creamy it actually melts in your mouth.  I also like the choco mini cupcakes.  It's icing is not that sweet.  It has a perfect blend of chocolate mixed in a very moist sponge cupcake.


The Yema Cake

Verdict:  
This sponge cake is perfect for those who are not much into sweets because the cheese is overpowering.  I can view this as a perfect "baon" for the kids in school. 


The Macaroons and the Mini Carrot Cupcake

Verdict:  
The macaroons is great! My husband actually ate a lot of these.  It's very soft and the sweetness is just enough.  Makakarami ka talaga.  The mini carrot cake however has a less carrot taste.  It's also airy inside and light in consistency.  


The Caramel Roll Cake and Braso de Mercedes

Verdict:  
This caramelized cake is good.  However, the icing is a little bit thick suppressing the taste of the caramel which should be the center in this one.  The braso mercedes tastes perfectly.  For me, it tastes better than those in the leading cake shops. (Photo of the braso mercedes below)


The Mocha Praline Cake

Verdict:  
I'm not that sure if I got the name of this cake right.   This one is too heavy on stomach mga kapatid.  You better eat this last because you will already feel full at hindi na makakakain ng iba.  Sayang naman ang buffet diba?  But anyway. this cake tastes just right.  Not that sweet again.  The sprinkles and icing balanced it all.


The Chocolate Brownies

Verdict:  
I love brownies in every form of it!  This one looks dry in the outer, but when you have a bite of it, it's so moist and soft!  Added by marshmallows, it's flawless.


The Caramel Brownies

Verdict:  
Ooooooh! This one is the best! Kung pwede lang mag take out, nilagay ko na 'tong plato sa bag ko.  This brownies is oozing with sweetness.  I really like this and I will definitely order this one for my kids' birthdays!


The Cream Puff

Verdict:  
I just took a bite of this one and I already tasted it's creamy fillings.  It's pretty big enough compare to those regular sized cream puff, so eating one whole of it is already enough.


The Egg Pie

Verdict:  
gg pies are one of my favorites since childhood.  Hindi ito nawawala sa mga bakery sa kanto kaya kilalang kilala ko na ang lasa nito.  This pie is sooo good! The crust is thin and it is so soft.  You don't actually have to chew it hard and instead let it melt in your mouth.  


The Black Forest

Verdict:  
I'm not a fan of black forest so I won't say anything about it dahil baka maging biased.  But my husband who's with me told me that this cake levels with the Red Ribbon black forest cake.


The Pastillas

Verdict: 
It's dense and chewy at the same time.  You can actually taste the sweet milk and I like it!
                                     

The Ice Cream, Sylvanas, and Rum Balls

Verdict:  
I only got to taste the Coffee flavored Ice cream.  It's from Big Scoop so you'll know that it's one of the best ice cream there is.  For the sylvanas, the taste is pretty good but it's too hard.  It's actually hard to tear it with your fork.  Now for the rum balls, the wine-ry taste of it is palpable.  It has a smooth texture, and the chocolate cover is not too thick, just sufficient by it's size.

Aaaaand...my favorite part of the dessert buffet is this!!!
AROZCALDO!



Yes! You heard it right.  They have arozcaldo at the end of the dessert buffet table.  Why?  Pang tanggal ng umay! Of course when you are surrounded with lots of sweets, there's a tendency that you will lose appetite most probably at the middle of your meal.  You can maximize the buffet if you can taste all right? So there must be something to balance your appetite and the answer is arozcaldo.  This is definitely yum yum!




They also have cheese sticks, empanada, tacos, and really big cookies.  All of them taste good! These are foods that effectively avoid sugar fatigue.  Naka anim na cheese sticks ako hihi.


They also have fruit salad, watermelons and halo halo! Perfect for this weather.  Sobrang init sa labas.  This is the best quench thirster!  And one more thing, you can actually order drinks and shakes too which is already included in the 199php! 


I'm sure, the kiddies will jump for joy when they see this!!!



You can also ask the staff to make a crepe right in front of you =) 









I am so glad that they post this: "Leftover will be charged 399."  Because honestly it is very wrong to take a lot of food that you cannot intake.  I remember Pope Francis' stressed that discarding food is like stealing from the world's poor.  This is so very true.  Before, especially in a buffet, I used to get a LOT quantity of food, 'yung tipong takaw mata talaga.  And really, there are still many leftovers.  I felt so sad today when I remembered those times.  But now, I really managed to eat all the food that's in my plate.  Sayang talaga eh.  There are many malnourished and unprivileged children everywhere.  We are very fortunate that there is always food in our table that is why we should constantly have the attitude to share to the most needy.

Ayan, very good ako dito!

Buuuuurp!
Photo ops with my fellow mommy bloggers

Ms. Lani, Me, and Ms. Louisa

Let me say that the staff are all very polite and friendly.  They know their food very well that is why they were able to give recommendations on what to eat first or "must-trys."

Thank you so much Love Desserts! You really made my day extra sweet =)


Go check them out!  They also have a branch at 915 Banawe street, Corner Del Monte Quezon City

Store Hours

Mon - Sat: 11:00 am - 11:00 pm
Sun: 12:00 pm - 11:00 pm






I have always been a fan of storytelling.  Since I was a kid, I cannot count those times that I have been acknowledged as a good storyteller whether in class or storytelling contests.  I humbly thank my parents for exposing me to different kinds of reading materials before even if we were not that well-off.  Until now, I am so blessed that I am working in an office which is on top of promoting and mainstreaming Peace Education through activities like workshops/trainings and reading aloud.  I always tell here in my blog the importance of us parents reading to our child as often as we can.  The possibilities and knowledge that they can get through reading is endless.  

This May 2015, Ms. Lia Mañalac del Castillo's Diksyonaryo Atbp. will stage a reading and literacy activity called Summer Reading Camp.  Find out more on this project from her PR below.




Ready for another camping kind of day in the city, reading and listening to stories? 
On its second year this summer, DIKSYONARYOATBP, a non-profit non-stock non-government organization will stage  SUMMER READING CAMP in Manila (May 23) and Quezon City (May 30)! 

There will be teepees set-up for the reading camp where kids can participate in any or all of the following:

• READING CORNER –read all the books they want from DiksyonaryoAtbp’s mobile library

• ART CORNER – unleash their inner artist by engaging in art activities related to stories read to them

• STORYTELLING CORNER – listen as children’s stories come alive via The Storytelling Project team

Aside from participating in these events, parents/ children can also avail of books from National Bookstore on site, which they can donate for DiksyonaryoAtbp’s future projects or take home for themselves.

This event aims to rekindle and encourage a genuine love for reading in Filipino children, by spending one whole day doing reading related activities, ALL FOR FREE.

To register your child, please click HERE or click http://projectdiksyonaryo.com/camp-registration/.

The event is in partnership with The Storytelling Project, Pottly and Tubby, CanvasPH, National Bookstore and Mcdonalds.

For more inquiries, text us at 0917-5361783 or tweet us @diksyonaryoatbp.  

Let's meet and greet on May 30 (Saturday) at Fern Garden, Q.C.  I am one of the volunteer readers there.  See you!!!


I always see to it that Gabo and I will read a book together every night or at least thrice a week.  It is our special bonding and a perfect break to share our thoughts and insights with each other.  Last night, when I was browsing the book "Fables Series", I happened to saw the story of the Farmer and the Donkey.  Then I remember that it has one of the best life lessons ever.  I thought that I had to read this to Gabo because I know for sure that sooner or later as he grows older, he will realize the fact that life can sometimes be a little discriminating and that is why he has to be strong and always determined into whatever that he wants in the future.  There will be a lot of people who will surely turn him down and that he just needs to be in control and decisive enough to push his aspirations.  

Another is that, I always tell to my kids, even if they are still young that they must not let anybody tell them that they cannot make their dream a reality even if it came from us, their parents.   

This is already an old fable, but to those who haven't read it yet, let me share you this:

The Farmer and the Donkey




One day a farmer's donkey fell down into a well. The animal cried piteously for hours as the farmer tried to figure out a way to get him out. Finally he decided it was probably impossible and the animal was old and the well was dry anyway, so it just wasn't worth it to try and retrieve the donkey.

So the farmer asked his neighbors to come over and help him cover up the well. They all grabbed shovels and began to shovel dirt into the well.

At first, when the donkey realized what was happening he cried horribly. Then, to everyone's amazement, he quieted down and let out some happy brays. A few shovel loads later, the farmer looked down the well to see what was happening and was astonished at what he saw. With every shovel of dirt that hit his back, the donkey was shaking it off and taking a step up. (Shifting)

As the farmer's neighbors continued to shovel dirt on top of the animal, he continued to shake it off and take a step up. Pretty soon, to everyone's amazement, the donkey stepped up over the edge of the well and trotted off!

Moral of the Story

Life is going to shovel dirt on you. The trick to getting out of the well is to shake it off and take a step up. Every adversity can be turned into a stepping stone. The way to get out of the deepest well is by never giving up but by shaking yourself off and taking a step up.

A very lovely and inspiring story right?  Let me also share with you the five simple rules to be happy:


1. Free your heart from hatred - Forgive.

2. Free your mind from worries - Most never happens.

3. Live simply and appreciate what you have.

4. Give more.

5. Expect less from people but more from yourself.


We don't have to rush things because everything is beautiful in it's own time.



Just keep on shaking Mommies!

=)



The past few days has been very busy for me.  There are a lot of write ups still to be done, major house hold chores that has been waiting for almost a week, and preparation for my three children's birthday party (Yes! they all fall on the same month!).  Dun pa lang sa tatlong birthday maloloka ka na eh. With all of those external stresses, I think I deserve a break.  

By God's grace, a very timely invitation came to me.  The Body Tune Traditional Thai Massage invited us (me and other mommy bloggers) to try their spa services.  No way will I say no to this.  It's time for me to crack those stiff muscles and finish it with a relaxing pressure.  Thank you, thank you, Body Tune Spa!

Meet my co-mommy bloggers!

The gorgeous ladies of Mommy Bloggers Philippines (MBP). From left to right (Jen. Luisa, Joy, Rhoda, and Joey).  I'm the sitting fella =)

Here are my thoughts, comments and suggestions on their amenities and services.

The Balinese Massage

Balinese massage is a rigorous and luxurious spa treatment that uses a variety of massage techniques like acupressure and reflexology together with essential oils that will relax and renew their spirituality.  It will also boost your circulation and give you a deep tissue and mascular massage that works on damaged tissue, strained muscles, and joint pain. (Body Tune Spa website)

All of us picked their Balinese massage.  This is their "best selling" massage daw.  For us Filipinos, ito 'yung tinatawag natin na "hilot."  We frequently hear many people saying "lamig" sa katawan, and this massage concentrates on that body part with "lamig."

True enough! In all fairness, the Balinese massage was such a relief.  Hindi ito 'yung tipong hinahagod ka lang.  There is a strong pressure talaga especially in your body part with stiffed areas.  They give more focus on you upper and lower back dahil ito daw ang madalas na sumasakit sa atin dala ng stress at pagod and I agree.  I always complain my back.  I spend 8 hours working everyday in a week just sitting in my cubicle and my eyes glued at the monitor kaya naman I literally fell asleep because of the ease and relaxation of the massage.  Ginising lang ako ni ate.  My masseuse was also great.  She always asks me if the pressure was okay or if I feel comfortable enough.

The Staff

Their staff were all very accommodating and friendly.  They are also very informative because they know all their products pretty well.    

Meet my Masseuse

She's Ate Evelyn.  She's very kind and a very good masseuse! Good job, Ate.

The Massage Room


For those that will have their massage individually, this is their laidies' single room.  It is just okay for me.  I could move freely and can arrange my things inside the locker easily.  However, its quite small I think for a person who has a big body built or is fat.

The Sauna Room




Me and my husband adore sauna! If I get richer, I would have a sauna be built inside our master's bedroom.  It has many benefits kasi.  First of all, it is good in detoxification.  It flushes out our toxins by sweating.  I can also feel stress and pain relief after the process.  It makes me feel light so I think it will be a good weight loss method.  More importantly, it also improves circulation by increasing blood flow to our muscles.  This is my favorite spot at Body Tune.  Although they do not have a clock inside (parang natanggal), a good 10-15 minute stay is enough.

The Shower Area for Women



They have a separate shower room for men and women.  Dapat lang diba!. It contains the usual hot and cold shower and liquid soap and shampoo.  The smell of their body wash was great!  It smells candy and actually tastes like one haha.  Ang sarap magbabad.  One thing lang is that I suggest it would be better to put a hook at the curtain or any tool to hold the curtain in place while it is close.  When I'm showering kasi, I'm holding the curtain on my one hand and the other one rubbing my body.   Gets niyo?  There is a space kasi na naka-awang at the side so it's a little bit uncomfortable.


My bathrobe and shorts is way big for me.  Size is XL.


 As you can see, the mirror and sink area has a comb, powder, cotton buds, liquid sanitizer and a liquid hand soap.  So it's complete!  

The Walk Way


It's kinda narrow but not a big deal.  

The Room Slippers


I really hope that they could provide smaller slippers for women.  These are for men obviously.  I find it hard to walk from the sauna to the room and back to the shower again.  Para akong may mabigat na dalahin =(

Also, I'll have to say this.  I'm quite disappointed on their towels.  I'ts not dirty but its not also as "clean" as we all know what clean is.  It does not have a smell also.  I think it will add a little comfort or happy dose for clients if their towel is at least scented and smells clean.  

All in all, I'll give 3 out of 5 stars (5 being the highest) in their amenities and 4.5 out 0f 5 in their staff and massage service .  Their price is very competitive and affordable as well.   Take a look at their other services and promo packages:








After Photo




Freshness again! Hihi

For more information, visit their facebook account:
https://www.facebook.com/bodytunetraditionalthaimassage

and check their blog at:
http://bodytunespaandskincare.blogspot.com

They have branches at:

SM Megamall                                                            SM City Dasmarinas
5th Floor Bldg. B                                                         Upper Ground Level
Mandaluyong City                                                      Tel.(046)432-3163
Tel. (02) 634-3082

SM City Fairview                                                        SM City Bacoor
UGF, Main Bldg.                                                          LGF, Bacoor Cavite City
Tel. (02) 936-5768                                                       Tel.(046)417-2432

SM City North Edsa                                                  SM Mall of Asia
5th Floor The Block                                                     2/F Main Mall Arcade Pasay
Tel. (02) 442-0018                                                       Tel.(02)556-0086

SM City Southmall                                                     Market!Market!
Lower Ground Floor                                                    3/F Bonifacio Global City Taguig
Tel. (02)800-9038                                                        Tel.(02)886-7459  

SM City Pampanga                                                   SM City North Edsa  
2nd Floor, Main Mall                                                    LG SM City Annex
Tel. (045)961-6389                                                      Tel. (02) 332-2076
                                                                                                                          


There you go.  I hope this helps you visualize on what will you expect in Body Tune Traditional Thai Massage and always remember that every mom deserves to have a "care for the self" time and treatment for them to enjoy!

Happy Weekend!