In just less than a month a lot of people will start to get busy. It's not because of the work but because the season of giving has started already. The time of the year where people enjoy endless festive gatherings and happy reunions with family and friends. Since festivities require a bigger, comfortable and easy access venue, well we did try to locate some interesting hub for you to experience. For this holiday season, we scouted five themed and interesting cafes across the country that will take your Christmas gatherings to another level of cuteness and joy with the convenience of GCash Scan to Pay. Holiday get-togethers, after all, become extra special when spent over good food, good laughs and pleasant memories in a lovely setting.

1. La Petite Parisienne (Le Village E. Rodriguez Sr. Quezon City)
Let your family or friends try a little slice of Paris in the metro by taking them to this wine bar and restaurant, which translates to “little French girl.” The establishment’s main attraction is its wall-to-ceiling wine library, carrying a wide selection of classic and premium French wines. They also serve artisanal cheeses, pastas, and pastries to complement your Parisian dining. If you want to wine al fresco, herd your companions to their Quezon City branch’s rooftop for a more chill and cozy dining experience.

2. Café Xocolat (Katipunan, Quezon City)
The holiday season is the best time to indulge in anything and everything chocolate. Dining here for a simple Christmas reunion with friends or loved-ones will give you an indulging chocolate fix that will keep you warm and cozy throughout the season, thanks also to their comfy and charming interiors. A must-try is their Xocolat pork belly partnered with cacao bagoong sauce and their Chorizo Blanca, a white chocolate-infused pasta dish. Cap the holiday get-together with their popular drink, Taza de Xocolat for a more decadent chocolate experience.

3. Wizardy Cup Café (Lipa City, Batangas)
Pinoy Potterheads don’t need to apparate to the UK or the Universal Studios in Osaka or even to that massive Harry Potter-themed café in Seoul to relive the wizarding world of the Boy Who Lived. Wizardy Cup Café is a similar Muggle-friendly café that opened late 2017 in Lipa City, where you can bring your friends for some magical Christmas date. While not as grand and intricate (and expensive) as its Korean counterpart, customers get the chance to dress up in Hogwarts robe and carry a wand while in the café. The coffeeshop also accepts requests for customized wands. Their menu features whimsical items with spell-sounding names. Of course, there’s the popular wizarding beverage, Butterbeer!

4. Laundrafe and Co Café (Makati City)
If you’re torn between tackling those mountains of laundry and meeting your friends for a holiday get-together, then this café is your win-win solution. This Dutch-inspired boutique café, which prides itself as the country’s first laundromat and coffee shop in one, will let you do the laundry while enjoying a nice time with friends over Instagram-worthy snacks, meals, desserts, and drinks. It's warm and comfy European-style interiors will make you think you’re home entertaining guests while doing chores on the side.

5. 528 Ilawod Café (Daraga, Albay)
If you’re in this side of the country during the holidays, this café is worth a visit with friends or family. Touted as Albay’s first specialty coffee shop, 528 Ilawod Café offers a more intimate dining experience, tucked in a quiet village where old colonial houses still abound. While its coffee is its top draw (served AeroPress style), its rustic interiors and homey vibe—warm natural accents, beautiful and intricate wall paintings that tell the history of coffee, and old sewing machines turned into tables—also keep diners coming back.

So, do you think you'll get to enjoy these 5 themed cafes for your next venue of celebration? Well, it's always a feel good situation where you can find interesting places.

Great News for Moonleaf Tea lovers, they're reviving the authentic Taiwanese tradition with an innovative twist for the Filipino market. A favorite spot among young urban professionals and students, the home-grown brand recently launched its Hot Drinks line. This is their latest addition to its wide-range of freshly- brewed tea offerings which include the classic favourites like Black Tea, Jasmine Green Tea, Oolong Tea, and Earl Grey Tea.  Refreshing and milk-infused variants include Wintermelon, Vanilla, and Caramel Milk Teas, among others. For customers who are looking for a stimulating burst of fruit flavours, Moonleaf's Lychee Jasmine, Passionfruit and Lychee Aloe Vera teas are top choices.

'Moonleaf's premium tea leaves from Taiwan lend an authentic and luxurious tea flavour. Its natural benefits make it the perfect alternative to coffee, and an invigorating treat to health enthusiasts," shared Adrian Adriano, Chief Executive Officer of Moonleaf Tea Shop.

The best way to beat summer is to plunge into the pool or to what most of us always wanted... the BEACH!

Recently, NESTEA launched their yearly activity which is the NESTEA Beach Celebration together with their different line of blends like the Lemon Blend, Apple Blend, Calamansi Blend, NESTEA Premium Brew, Limited Edition Red Tea in Raspberry Flavor and Green Tea in Lychee Flavor plus the newest flavor was the NESTEA Honey Blend Mix which will be launched in time for summer.  This is their 16th year of celebration and for this year they're making it more exciting and fun.

Thousand Teas equals a thousand flavors and a thousand aromas. That’s what I was able to experience during the exci-Tea-ing event or should I say a Tea Ceremony event held a few weeks ago. Perhaps that’s what I’ll call it because of the different information that I’ve learned with that half day event.

For a start Thousand Teas is I think the first Tea house that mainly offer all kinds of Teas. Though the market is mostly not tea lovers’ and because the location is settled near the universities, they are targeting them by offering something new and flavorful like their milk teas.

There's a new thirst quencher available in the market today!  It's Tropicana Coco Quench!  It has spurred the hype for coconut water in the Philippines with its new breakthrough drink, Tropicana Coco Quench. 100% fresh and made from real coconut water, Tropicana Cocl Quench is touted as the new, must have drink for health and lifestyle enthusiasts of all ages.

"The upsurge in demand for coconut water us remarkable. This phenomenon has drawn global attention to the Philippines as one of the leading sources of coconut water in the world. Tropicana Coco Quench leverages the expertise of Tropicana to come out with a revolutionary product from locally grown coconuts that addresses the need for bettee and healthier choices for consumers," shares Partho Chakrabarti, president for Pepsi Cola Products Philippines, Inc. PPCPI.

A Hip and Healthier Lifestyle from Tropicana

Tropicana Coco quench brings the natural goodness of coconut water closer to local consumers, infusing "fun" and "freshness" into the lifestyle of Filipinos.  Coconut water is known for containing electrolytes similar to the human plasma, making it naturally hydrating with less sugar and calories.   Coconut water is also a rich source of iron, calcium and magnesium.  It has 4 times higher potassium content than bananas.  The regular drinking of this amazing juice from nature can significantly help reduce food cravings and flush out toxins to boost health and aid in weight loss.  It's the perfect drink for consumers who lead an active lifestyle, like super model Charo Rongquillo who was aptly chosen as the brand ambassador for Tropicana Coco Quench.  A homegrown beauty, Ronquillo has walked the runway at prestigious New York and Paris fashion shows.  She has appeared on the cover of international fashion and beauty editorials like Vogue, Marie Claire, Elle, Cosmopolitan and glamour.  Active, healthy and beautiful, Ronquillo embodies the Tropicana Coco Quench lifestyle.

All-natural and Fresh-sealed

Tropicana Coco Quench is the first locally-produced drink with an 8-month shelf life.  It capitalizes on the advanced technology of Tetra Pak packaging to replicate the protection of coconuts.  This allows Tropicana Coco Quench to stay fresh as the real fruit without the need for preservatives and added flavours.  It is also the only drink that utilizes a hip, octagon-shaped packaging for easier grip.  The 330 ml pack comes with a pull-tab mechanism and enables consumers to conveniently drink the coconut water straight from the pack.  This healthy refreshment can be consumed for only Php30.  Perfect for sharing with friends and family, Tropicana Coco Quench is also available in a 1 Litre pack with a reclosable and 100% resealable cap.

PCPPI brings a strong portfolio of exciting beverage products for the Philippine market with the launch of Tropicana coco Quench.  Other brands under PCPPI include Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, 7-Up, Mirinda, Mug, Gatorade, Tropicana, Lipton, Sting, and Premier.

About Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, Inc.

Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines Inc. is the exclusive bottler of PepsiCo beverages in the Philippines, with a relationship spanning 65 years. Lotte Chilsung, one of the biggest beverage comapnies in South korea, is the lead shareholder of PCPPI as an independently-listed company and co-manages it with PepsiCo. PCPPI manufactures and sells well-known brands such as Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, 7-Up, Mirinda, Mug, Gatorade, Tropicana, Lipton, Sting, and premier. It has established manufacturing facilities across the country, serving at least 440,000 outlets and providing employment through its extensive distribution network. PCPPI was awarded "Pepsi Bottler of the year - Asia" in 2006. To learn more, please visit us at www.pepsiphilippines.com.

A few weeks ago I received an invite from Max's Restaurant and Max's Corner Bakery as they launch their latest, new and exciting campaign “Max's Merienda Mixes” which offers great selection of merienda favorites that can be mixed and matched. The event was hosted by Wilma Doesn't and they showcased the best of Max's which starts with letter “M” like the letter “Ms” in Max's Merienda Mixes. It was a warm event on a rainy weather!


Ms. Monette Aldos, Sales, Operations and Marketing Manager for Max's Corner Bakery shared that “Merienda is an integral part of every Filipino's gustatory routine. With this new campaign, Max's corner Bakery seeks to create an experience that is light, fun and heartwarming for every Filipino. We want them to enjoy great food and the goodness of Max's Corner Bakery's home-baked goodies that are 100% made with love, always.”


The event was really filled with fun and excitement. Though it was rainy and gloomy bloggers were at high as Max's treat bloggers with raffles with great prizes. Since the most common letter used for this particular events was “M” they've matched their prizes with “M” activities. Started with “Malling” which they raffled GIFT CERTIFICATE to spend for malling. “Music-trip”, music lovers does enjoyed the prize because it was an MP3 PLAYER. Then “Movie watching” which they've given away a DVD PLAYER, we were expecting to win this one but unfortunately we didn't won it. Lastly, “Magluto” (Cooking) which their prize was a MICROWAVE OVEN. Too bad, I didn't get any of those but since Max's was generous enough, they've also raffled away MAX'S GIFT CERTIFICATEs. This time I got one out of the five. Great blessing!


Then the best part came and participants of this event were given a chance to experience mixing and matching treats of the “Max's Merienda Mixes”. According to Mr. Bobby Simborio, Corporate Media & PR Manager for Max's Group of Companies “Max's Merienda Mixes reaches out to merienda-lovers of all ages. It is not only budget-friendly, the choices of Max's Corner Bakery and Max's Merienda items are also sure to make any mouth water. Max's will no longer be just a place for a hearty breakfast, or a sumptuous lunch and dineer. It is the new place to experience delicious and indulgent afternoon snacks that are absolutely Filipino. This promo is a value-for-money offering that integrates the compenents of a fast-casual dining restaurant – comfort, quality service and exceptional food. Our customers can also enjoy unlimited wi-fi service while taking pleasure in their favorite Max's Merienda Mix.”









So what are the merienda mixes to mix and match? Well merienda enthusiasts can choose from any Max's classic merienda dishes like Pancit Luglug (plain), Pancit Canton (small) or a petite bowl of triple-chocolate Champorado pair it with Max's Corner Bakery products like the freshly-baked Ensaimada, Cheese Roll, or a slice of Cake Roll with different flavors – chocolate, mocha, ube, mango and jelly. Of course merienda wouldn't be complete without the drinks, so customers can choose from Pepsi softdrink, a cool glass of Sago't Gulaman, or a steaming cup of Brewed Coffee.


Of course I enjoyed most of the mixes and it was fun doing the mix and match. For those who would want to experience the merienda mixes just head on to Max's Restaurant from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm. this promo started last July 19. Aside from this merienda treat, there's also a chance to win a travel to visit one of the branches of Max's in the USA and watch a pop icon concert as well. Isn't it exciting! Check out the full mechanics of the promo here http://www.maxschicken.com/mcbmerienda/index.php?/home/promo_mechanics.

Max's Merienda Mixes is also available for take-out and delivery. Customers may conveniently dial Max's delivery hotline 7-9000 for quick delivery service within Metro Manila or place their orders online by logging on to www.maxschicken.com.ph.


Visit www.facebook.com/maxsrestaurant and www.facebook.commaxscornerbakery to sign up for Max's and Max's Corner Bakery's fan page. Get more thrilling updates from the Filipino's most-loved brands.

Alert! Alert! Alert to all COFFEE lovers!  Here's something that will entice you very much.  Black Canyon Coffee will be opening tomorrow, June 22, 2012 at SM City Southmall.  So as their treat,  the1st customer will become KING OF THE CANYON which will enjoy 1 year supply of Coffee and a special table reserved ALL YEAR.

So be there as they open and be the first!

Now on its 16th year of serving Just Roasted Freshness, Bo’s Coffee has come so far from its humble beginnings as a six-table kiosk in Cebu to being one of the country’s most successful coffee brands. With its growing branches nationwide and a loyal community of coffee lovers, Bo’s Coffee is now opening its fifty-sixth (56th) store in the Philippines.

This new branch is nestled right inside the Nuvali community. Nuvali is a destination where people can meet up, go shopping, or just relax. In an avenue where people can embrace nature and savor life, Bo’s Coffee Solenad is definitely a place for quick coffee fixes, meet ups, and unwinding. Customers can enjoy Laguna’s fresh breeze as they sip a cup of brewed coffee, or stroll by the picturesque views of the lake while they drink the sweet concoctions of Froccino Primo.


During its official store launch, Bo’s Coffee Nuvali also offers two latest selections:

1. Biscotti Amaretto as the Summer beverage - Blended coffee with biscotti and Amaretto syrup topped with whipped cream, dark chocolate drizzle and crushed biscotti sprinkles
2. Fillet O’ Dory Cream Sandwich for Lent - Golden brown, crispy breaded cream dory fish fillet with fresh lettuce in tangy tartar sauce

The fifty sixth (56th) branch shows the big difference from the time when the coffee shop culture was not fully grasped. Today, Bo’s Coffee continuously grows with Mr. Benitez’s passion to bring world-class coffee experience to the country. Bo's Coffee looks forward to even more aggressive expansion in the coming years, both locally and abroad.

This March 1 (Thursday), 10 am at the PICC, Kyle Imao, hailed as the First Pinoy Junior Masterchef will be in the midst of major players in the food and beverage industry. The 12-year old champ will do the ribbon cutting for Tradecon as it launches its 5th Annual Food and Beverage Expo and HORECA (Hotel, Restaurant and Caterers Expo) which will run until March 4.


Over 300 exhibitors will be present at the expo,including both local and international suppliers, distributors, and manufacturers. International exhibitors from Indonesia, Malaysia,Thailand, Vietnam, Korea and the United States will also showcase their products.

For more information, log on to pifbex.com or call 395-5009.

Food has always been the way to a man's heart and I'm sure a lot of women will be attending this event to find more ways in preparing dishes for their love ones and beloved husbands but of course men will also be there because a man knows how to cook is a plus.  Of course the main attendees perhaps are those who wanted to engage into food business and looking for something quite different and will click for the masses and different customers.

The event was held in Fersal Hotel in Malakas Street in Quezon City just behind the Quezon City Hall.  This place was especial to us and being there brings back sweet and unforgettable memories.  Anyway, the event was the launching of TRADECON's 5th Annual Philippine International Food and Beverage Expo (PIFBEX) together with the Hotel, Restuarant, and Caterers Expo (HORECA) .  It's bound to be a delicious affair as chefs, bartenders, caterers, restaurateurs, hoteliers, and other foodies are coming together on March 1 to 4 for the said event.

The PICC Forums 1, 2, and 3 are going full on foodie mode as major players in the Food and Beverage Industry - from the sweetest neighborhood bakery owner to the most luxurious hotelier - converge and explore endless possibilities for their businesses.

Over 300 exhibitors will be present at the expo, including both local and international suppliers, distributors, and manufacturers covering all aspects of the F & B industry, from food service, to food processing and packaging, to catering, to equipment and storage, to ingredients and supplies.  For this year TRADECON will be expecting around 12,000 visitors that will visit the event.

Aside from the exhibition, the four-day event will also feature a barter exchange seminar, cooking demos performed by professional chefs, a Dessert Making Competition, Cocktail Mixing Competition, and a search for the best Home Cook.  For sure there will be great prizes awaits for every winner of this competition.

Now on its fifth year, PIFBEX has been answering to the needs of the thriving, ever-changing F&B industry, ensuring that the Philippine food scene remains at the top of its game.

For this, TRADECON is inviting all Students, Exhibitors and Visitors to be a part of the PIFBEX and HORECA 2012!

For more information, they can be contacted at 395-5009, 395-5137, 343-3368, they can also be reached through their email at www.tradecon.inc@gmail.com or their website www.pifbex.com or like their facebook page www.facebook.com/PhilippineInternationalFoodandBeverageExpo.