Banapple Fanboy

Perhaps reading from a number of previous entries you can easily decipher my constant interest in Banapple. Ever since the days it only had one branch right up there in Katipunan extension, I've been a big fan of the cafe/restaurant. More than just the desserts and the courses they serve there, the ambiance, the homey-feel and the service the provide definitely makes lining up for seats worth it.

I actually discovered Banapple around 3 or 4 years ago via Dessert Comes First. Been a fan of this blog for quite a while actually - constantly looking for unique places to eat. :) Just last week, when I stumbled upon the blog, the author, Lori Baltazar was conducting an online contest with a dinner for two at Banapple as the prize. Being both fan of the brand and a believer in digital PR, I jumped right in and joined the contest. :) haha! Well, I didn't win the dinner for two but I won a consolation prize of a keychain + umbrella. :) For a fan, that's not baaad at all.

Next thing you know, I went to newest branch at the Ayala Triangle Gardens with my friend Tina to claim my prize. So much for having it as "consolation". Because apparently, the keychain gives me 5% discount across all Banapple branches! :) Yes, panalo! :D

Oo na, mababaw na. haha. Ganun talaga minsan pag fan. :)

Thanks Banapple! Thank you to the owners, GJ and Maricel! More power!

Chocolaaaaate Fiiirrre

Last monday, since the rest of the MRM team was out for meetings, my officemate Pat and I decided to take a little adventure for lunch. Having Chocolate Fire in mind for dessert, we walked towards Rufino St. and looked for a place to eat lunch. We ended up at this restaurant coinciding with Bento Box, called I love BBQ. After the meal, we went straight to Chocolate Fiiiiire. HAHA

I have got to admit, the place they have right there was just awesome for a dessert cafe. As I have been briefed, the stuff they offer there were pretty expensive for most people so I guess the ambiance and the interiors made up for the high cost.

Their beverage bar

where they lay all the chocolate out

extreme left - their gourmet counter

very cool comfort room doors

We ordered a chocolate milkshake each and a little banoffee. The chocolate milkshake was served in a tall glass and was goooooooood. The little banoffee on the other hand, was pretty bland and not really that awesome which I can forgive since it isn't really their specialty of some sorts.

milkshakes + little banoffee

PatCorr = addict sa chocolate fire

I think Chocolate Fire has a totally great concept and an amazing set of products. Imagine almost everything on their menu has chocolates! They even have Pringles covered with chocolate!!! They also have one heck of a place. Too bad I didn't get to take pictures of the rest of the place. Nevertheless, kudos to the brains/investors behind Chocolate Fire. Looking forward to going back there and try the rest of the products, once I load my wallet with more chocolate covered bills.

Panalo! :) haha

They have a website by the way: http://chocolatefire.com/

on turning 22 :)

I have to admit, my parents leaving abroad right before my birthday made me feel a bit down. I'm not mad at them or anything. Maybe I just really got used to them laying things out for me on my birthday these past few years. Well I guess it comes with the fact that I already am working and they really don't need to worry about things like these anymore. Nevertheless, before bringing my mom to the airport, I hinted to her that I wanted to meet up with my friends that night. Apparently my brother luis was sick and needed some monitoring. My mom then told me to make my friends come over instead. Poof, instant dinner celebration at home :)

Well it was the usual dinner tambay on my birthday. I guess except for the rockband and the drinks+kwentuhan with Tina, Casey and Ian after everyone went home, my birthday was pretty typical. HAHA.

the oh-so-delicious gelato cake thanks to Ms. Fatima Han!

my college barkada - been celebrating with them for the past 3 years :)

(missing in action - Mikko and Mic)

my best friends Jin and John - been celebrating with them ever since I was a kid. kidding!

(missing in action because she's in Hong Kong - Marjee)

As always, I had a blast on my birthday. After all, I'm not all too particular about doing something extreme on my birthday. As long as I'm with my peeps, I'd be happy.

Thank you to everyone who remembered. Thank you Facebook for reminding everyone of my birthday and making me feel special. Dati kasi sa text ka mag-aabang ng greeting, ngayon sa facebook na lang. HAHA.

Now seriously, I'm just so thankful that I've been so blessed all my life. Heck, I have the best parents ever. Brothers to look out for. The best friends in the world. The best college friends in the world. A home to live in. Diplomas from the blue school which I'm ever so supportive of. A diploma and an award from the premier state university. A job in a multinational advertising agency. The best set of officemates. A boss who wants us to learn and become experts. A possible stint at teaching. And several more opportunities to grow.

Having the time of my life at 22. Just priceless. :)

chicken-all-you-can with the best college friends in the world

as always, on fridays, I have this mindset that after a long week of work, there is indeed a need to wind-down. As early as around 9am, Tina sent an SMS to the barkada about going out after work. I jumped in to the idea right away. DUH. Tina and I have been trying to set some kind of friday night outs but things seldom materialized because of so many reasons. Finally, things pushed through last friday. :)

Tina, Mikko, Han and I met up at Galle to try the chicken-all-you-can :)

after 4 rounds of chicken :)

Great job Max's. On promotions like these, you'd expect the service would dip down a bit due to the large demand for chicken. But hey, service was great. The chicken served was the same old Max's classic, perfect with ketchup. :) Sabi nga ni han, baka may holocaust ng mga manok sa kitchen. :))

Went to greenhills for dessert and some cocktails. Solid yung cakes nila ah. :)

Nothing like reuniting with your college barkada, specially when most of you are already working. :)

Until next time guys! :) Hope we're complete next time!