Nothing makes a great success story than the kind that is built from the love of ones family which is exactly how this botanical wonderland came to be.
Terrazas de Flores is the only flower terraces in the Philippines located in Malubog, Cebu City. It’s a quick 15 minute drive from JY Square, approximately 1 km away from the La Tegola- Busay road and is home to 127 species of plants and flowers, beautiful art and fascinating poetry.
This flower terraces, which was designed by the owner himself with the help of upland farmers, is his expression of love for his 3 children. During a sit down session with Mr. Barrameda, he shared with us how many aspects of the area were created with his children in mind. His plans of creating a space for local artists to display their works is with his eldest daughter in mind as she is also a very talented portrait artist.
Here, guests can enjoy a selection of coffee, refreshments, pastries and simple yet delicious meals at a reasonable price. For a small entrance fee of P100.00, guests can enjoy the view, take beautiful photos, enjoy the scenery and relax by their cabanas.
FOOD
Terrazas de Flores serves wine, cold cuts & cheese platters, coffee, cakes and other refreshments.
While their menu is still being finalized, you can already enjoy some of their dishes for a little over a hundred. I suggest the mango cheesecake!
THE STRUCTURES
There are tons of places to hang out and enjoy the scenery at Terrazas de Flores. Whether you prefer hanging out by a small pond, inside their glass fixtures or outside surrounded by nature; there is definitely a spot open and welcome for you to relax at. I personally enjoyed hanging by the cabanas sipping on wine and sharing warm stories with a good friend.
THE GARDEN
As mentioned earlier, Terrazas de Flores is home to 127 species of plants and flowers that can be appreciated through the terrace formation in which the area was designed after. It’s the perfect location for photo ops, date nights or even just to take a break from the city and unwind.
To find out more about them and their upcoming relaunching activities, follow them on Facebookand Instagram.
For inquiries and reservations, you may also reach them at 0917 653 4227.
GIVEAWAY ALERT!
Since it’s the month of LOVE, I will be giving away two tickets to 1 lucky person. These tickets entitle bearers to free admission and 1 cup complimentary coffee (each).
To find out how to win these, follow me on Instagram (@issaplease).
There’s a common misconception that good Japanese food usually hurts ones pocket but at Sushi Boy, anyone can enjoy great tasting food that is budget-friendly without sacrificing quality or taste.
Their menu includes a variety of maki, sushi, rice bowls, sashimi and yakimono among many others with their bestselling items being: gyudon, ramen-tantan, gyoza, and California maki using only high-quality ingredients for each and every masterpiece.
This contemporary sushi bar combines everything we love about Japanese oriental food and Western industrial interiors to give us not only a gastronomical experience but a visually pleasing experience at the same time. With their distinct container van housing, Sushi Boy is a 101-square-meter restaurant that can accommodate over a hundred diners making it a perfect place for dates, small intimate gatherings and even parties!
Sushi Bar takes pride in merging Japanese and Filipino tastes which makes them stand out among the rest. Their takes on Chicken Karaage, Crispy Tuna Sisig and Tuna Salpicao are modern tasting and are a refreshing twist to the more traditional flavors, making great additions to their existing menu.
Wow. I can’t believe that it’s been 12 wonderful, crazy, long years! I am literally in tears looking back at all the memories I’ve been able to share to the online world and where this thing has taken me.
I started out blogging when I was 14 years old and back then, I was just an angsty teenager bumming off free midnight dial up internet trying to figure out HTML codes and what marquee effect would go best with my awesome customized cursor. Now, I’m not only Issatalks but I’m also Issaplease which allows me to talk about other things I love which are fashion, food, travel, family- LIFE.
I am the most grateful and blessed person in the world right now to have the things and knowledge (or sometimes, the lack of) that I have right now and once again, for the 11th year, allow me to share bits and pieces of knowledge and aspirations for the year that is to come!
2017
1. Will you be looking for a new job?
In 2017, I can foresee myself taking on new responsibilities which could mean a job or which could mean something else… I don’t want to say too much because I don’t want to jinx it but you’ll definitely know when it happens!
2. Will you be looking for a new relationship?
We already know what that’s like. Both of us, actually. So, no.
3. New house?
Yes! I moved places in 2016 and as much as I love my tiny room, it wouldn’t hurt to have a bigger space.
4. What will you do different in 17?
I’m definitely going to do a lot of new things in 2017 but I’m going to try and keep 2016’s mindset of never closing my doors and continually discovering & exploring new things.
5. New Years’ resolutions?
To work hard on my craft.
6. What will you not be doing in 2014?
Forgetting to count my sheep, being so indecisive and revolving my world so much around one single person.
7. Any trips planned?
China! (I honestly don’t know why I’m saying this with so much enthusiasm. lol)
8. Wedding plans?
:>
9. Major thing on your calendar?
Lots of vlogging and blogging projects, PAPA COMING HOME & other stuff
10. What can’t you wait for?
For my papa to come home!
11. What would you like to see happen differently?
Right now I just want the world to be a better place- less conflict, superficiality, entitlement, trash and traffic & more opportunities, creative outlets, respect and peace.
12. What about you will you be changing?
2016 was a rough journey which took a lot of self evaluation & reflection in order for me to find this peace which I feel like I now have towards 2017. There are so many things I wish I could have changed from the year that is about to pass but in reality, if I never experienced them, I never would have discovered this new person. So… I don’t really know what I’ll be changing in 2017. Maybe my hair color.
13. What happened in 2016 that you didn’t think would ever happen?
OH LORD, WHERE DO I EVEN BEGIN?!?
14. Will you be nice to the people you care about?
Always. If not, even more.
15. Will you dress differently this year than you did in 2016?
Sure.
16. Will you start or quit smoking?
Quit. I feel like I say this every year but the end of this year has been great in this genre. So let’s keep doing it!
17. Will you better your relationship with your family?
Of course, always.
18. Will you do charity work?
If given the opportunity, yes.
19. Will you go to bars?
Never really liked going to bars so I’m going to keep staying away from them.
20. Will you be nice to people you don’t know?
I am ALWAYS nice to people I don’t know.
21. Do you expect 2017 to be a good year for you?
Yes because 2016 sucked the life out of me!
22. How much did you change from this time ‘til now?
A whole lot. I don’t even feel like I’m the same person sometimes! Well, not really. But I feel great about myself and I feel like I am so much stronger than I ever was so that’s a great way to feel and to start the new year.
23. Do you plan have on having a child?
We will just have to see. (woah!)
24. Will you still be friends with the same people you are friends with?
I have been blessed with more friends in this life that I could ever need and if God wants to bless me with even more, than by all means, why not?
25. Major lifestyle changes?
Most likely, yes. :>
26. Will you be moving?
Hopefully by the end of 2017 but we’ll have to see how things work out.
27. What will you make sure doesn’t happen in 2017?
No more break ups in 2017, please!!
28. What are your New Year’s Eve plans?
The usual dinner with family. Lots of love & cheer for this festive season ❤
29. Will you have someone to kiss at midnight?
No matter the circumstances, no matter how much 2016 tested us- I will be kissing the same person I have been kissing for 5 years. Gaaah!
30. One wish for 2017?
For it to be kind, fruitful, travel/ adventure/ family & love filled. Only good things for 2017 and for forever.
We all have something to be grateful for this year whether if it’s the opportunity to share your thoughts to the world, to be kind to one another, to be of service, to provide others with a wonderful experience or to even just be alive! This year, Air Asia shares with us a heartfelt reminder of the things we ought to be grateful for and their thank you’s for being able to provide us with a wonderful traveling experience through their world- class service of the world’s best low- cost airline.
I would also like to take this opportunity to share 12 things that I am more than thankful for from the year 2016…
Being able to have a voice.
I am just one tiny person in this vast universe but through blogging and now, vlogging, I have the opportunity to share my thoughts; ideas & talents with the world. I never thought that my opinion or skills would be appreciated or yearned for but through your emails, comments, likes, shares & so much more, I feel like I am someone in this big bad world and that feels so great!
My favorites entries this year revolved around my personal struggles, realizations and experiences- things that I were scared to post online but surprisingly, the ones that garnered your love and appreciation. Here are a few:
I have been blessed with the gift of family & friends who have supported me all the way. Sure, I get teased a lot for being a “blogger” but they’re not just there for me when I need my photos or videos taken but most especially when it comes to being a shoulder I can cry on, designated drivers when I’m too drunk to function (yes, it’s happened!) and fulfilling my perpetual needs to discover the world.
I wouldn’t be the person I am today if it weren’t for these people and I might not be able to name all of you but do know that you make my life so much better just because of your existence!
3. The Issatalks book.
Issatalks is and will always be my firstborn child. My blog is like a best friend, a sponge, an extension of who I am and sometimes, the Issa I wish I could show the world. This year Paolo gifted me with a hardbound copy of my blog entries from 2011- 2015 (but he promises to print the rest. hehe) as a way for me and us to remember our relationship when we lose our way. It’s been a rough (<- biggest understatement of the year!) for us but we’re stronger than ever and this book is more than just a reminder, it’s a dream come true. I can’t wait for the rest of the entries to be printed for my future library! ❤
4. New experiences.
2016 was a year of self realization, actualization and just finding out who I wanted to be and figuring out how to become that person. Along with this mantra, came a lot of wonderful experiences whether through travel, the people I surrounded myself with and just the things I did.
I moved back to the city, I joined more events, put myself out there some more and ventured into a new creative outlet- YOUTUBE.
5. Being under CPA MCN Adober’s Studio.
Gosh, it feels awesome to say it- I’m a Kapamilya! It’s been sort of a slow year for me in terms of vlogging as I’m still really trying to figure out what kind of content I want on my channel but given the circumstances, I am still blessed beyond comprehension as my craft and potential has been recognized by a network that breeds talent- ABS CBN. How many people get to say their under ABS CBN? A lot. lol. But still, I’m one of them!
6. Finding a support system in this industry.
A lot of you must think that being in the blogging/ vlogging industry is so “ma-showbiz” but it’s actually not the case. Sure, we have our moments, like every other group does but for the most part, we’re all just a bunch of normal, semi-crazy, insanely passionate people who share the same dreams and goals and try to help each other out!
I’ve found my rightful place in this world with my Cebu Fashion Bloggersand Adober’s Studiofamily. I’m at peace, I’m at home and gosh, I couldn’t ask for another support system like them!
7. Being able to work with different brands.
Gosh, I worked with so many brands and establishments this year sometimes I have trouble keeping up! It’s been such a hectic year and thinking about it now, I don’t even understand how I had the time to sulk and have moments of sadness. -.- I was given so many opportunities this year and I am grateful for each and everyone of them. I might not be able to name all of my favorites, but here’s to trying!
8. Being able to work with different photographers.
Honestly, what would my instagram feed and blog photos be without awesome photographers? Thank you for allowing me to be the subject of your photos, guys. I can’t wait for more collaborations in the coming year!
Blanche, you’ve taken a break from blogging to welcome a wonderful life form into this crazy world but before your baby, you brought life to a world I never knew of before- CRAZY HAIR COLORS. I want to thank you and Angelique for introducing me to something that has brought me out of my comfort zone and has given me so much fun this year. If it weren’t for you, my hair would be alive, for one (haha), but dull and untaken care of. So thank you, I miss you and please date me soon!
10, 11 & 12. Love, adventure & a million lessons.
More than anything, I am grateful for the gift of love whether it be platonic, romantic or passion for the things that keep us alive. I have learned soo many lessons, gone on so many adventures and loved completely- almost dry. I am so much smarter and better than I ever have and as much as I loathed a lot of parts of 2016, I will fondly remember this year.
To the people I love, spent this year with, no longer keep in touch- thanks for keeping it real!
This post is extremely long and that is because I am extremely grateful!
I thank the Instagram and Facebook Gods yet again for leading me to a humble hotel/ restaurant that is quietly tucked away in the heart of my most loved city. If you’re a bit over 40 years old, St. Moritz might not be a secret to you as it is to us younger folks- apparently, it’s been around for a while.
Aged is definitely one of the words I would use to describe St. Moritz as it differs completely from the bustling, concrete walls and minimalist designs that oh-so-often fills our news feeds. Here, cold metal stools are wooden bar stools and linear furniture are cozy, comfortable floral fitted chairs. Sure, the interior may be a sight for sore eyes in some ways but it’s its quirkiness that grows on you plus their steaks are pretty damn good.
Mother- daughter dates are always things that I look forward to especially if my mom gets the bill when it’s somewhere new and fun. I had already heard of St. Moritz and had added it to my list of places to go to so when my mom suggested to bring me there, I could not say no. Come on, who wants to eat a steak alone? No one.
We ordered a 450 gram rib eye steak for P1,100.00, had it slices into two and some pasta on the side just in case. Truthfully, we hardly even touched our pasta nor do I remember what it was. The steak was more than enough and I still have dreams about it until today…
I usually prefer my steaks medium rare but after much contest from my mother who paid for lunch prefers her steaks grilled medium, I had no say in the matter. Either way, I fairly enjoyed it as the meat was juicy, soft and it melted in my mouth. In fact, I opted to skip the steak sauce and eat it as it is because it was pretty flavorful already and steak sauce would feel like an insult.
Oh hello, I forgot about you…
Now if you can’t afford a steak or if you’re just looking for a new place to dine, try out or hide at then here’s a their full menu for you to contemplate on but I would push for the steak, of course. I wouldn’t wait too long to go there though, word around the city spreads fast and it is the Christmas season, after all.
Lemme me know if you’ve had any of their other dishes and what you thought about them!
With their aim to highlight Philippine coffee as a platform for nation building, Bo’s Coffee launched the Bo’s Coffee Starter Kit last November 12, 2016 at Bo’s Coffee SM Seaside in Cebu.
The Coffee Starter Kit is Bo’s Coffee’s annual Christmas merchandise aiming for it to be a tool for togetherness, allowing friends and loved ones to enjoy Philippine coffee at home.
The Kit includes your very own (1)Hario V60 Pour Over Cone, (2) a Bo’s Coffee clear Christmas cup, (3) A Starter Guide that includes the history of Philippine coffee and coffee recipes you can enjoy at home, (4) 40 Grams of Benguet beans, (5) two coffee filters, (6) Postcards by artist, Artu Nepomuceno, highlighting the lives of the coffee farmers of Ambuklao, Benguet, and (7) a burlap bag designed by social enterprise, ANTHILLFabricGallery.
Redeeming the Bo’s Coffee Starter Kit is easy. Here’s how:
1. Download the Bo’s Coffee Mobile app on the app store of Google play
2. Unlock each e-voucher after a P250.00 minimum purchase on a single receipt
3. Unlock 5 e-vouchers for your own Bo’s Coffee clear Christmas cup
4. Unlock all 10 e-vouchers to complete the Bo’s Coffee Christmas Kit
The Coffee Starter Kit, like many of their efforts this year, is an embodiment of what the Bo’s Coffee brand stands for. Every purchase of the Coffee Starter Kit contributes to the livelihood of their chosen community, the Ambuklao farmers of Benguet. A portion of the proceeds will also be given to the same farmer beneficiaries.
Find out more at their Facebook account and website if you want to learn more about Philippine coffee!
Cebuano dog lovers rejoice- the first ever dog cafe in Cebu, Lovey Doggy Cafe, is finally open! Located at the GQS Plaza (in between UC Banilad & Petron Gas Station), you can now spend the afternoon cuddling with extremely cute and friendly furry friends of different shapes and sizes.
For P100.00/ person, customers can spend a maximum of 1 hour inside the Playpen where you can also bring your four legged buddies inside- given that you can provide their updated vet cards. This small and reasonable fee, plus a minimum food/ drink purchase of P100.00/customer also allows you to lounge around their second floor which is cutely designed after outdoor parks except, with indoor ventilation. Yess.
Once inside the playpen, customers can play and feed these friendly babies with the available doggy treats that are sold for only P10.00. I highly suggest that you invest in a couple of packs to catch their attention otherwise, you’ll end up chasing them and relying on your distraction skills to actually catch their attention (like what we had to do!).
There are a few rules that should strictly be practiced upon entering the playpen such as: no flash photography, no picking up & walking with the dogs, no feeding of human food and etc. These are to ensure the safety of the dogs and of the customers so that everyone can have a good time. I highly encourage everyone who plans to make a visit to the cafe to take the time to read these rules because dogs can be as playful or as vicious as you make them so it’s always good to be safe and to treat them with the utmost care and respect.
A few breeds that inhabit Lovey Doggy are: a Corgi, a couple of Pugs, a French Bulldog, a Siberian Husky, a Poodle, a Beagle, a Pomeranian and a Chow-chow. They’re all friendly and bursting with energy but should be left alone during their “down” times- they eventually get tired from all the eating and playing, yo
As far as interior goes, the second floor which is purely devoted to lounging and enjoying their food selections is beautifully decorated and perfectly maintains the whole “dog park” theme. With striped couches, comfortable lounge chairs and fake grass carpeting the floors, even your own pets will feel right at home with you as you wait for your turn at the playpen or relax after having spent some time playing.
I would definitely spend the day here with friends, kids and family!
For doggy related updates, follow Lovey Doggy on their official Facebook account.
For reservations contact 0915 260 5059
Operating hours are everyday from 10:00AM – 10:00PM
I’ve always been quite honest with my readers on this blog which is why I shamelessly admit that I am not a fan of Ramen. It’s pretty lame considering half the population of the world absolutely LOVES it but to be honest, I think it’s just meh.
I partly think that my lack of appreciation comes from the fact that 1. I don’t like soup/ broth and 2. I don’t know anything about Ramen. The second reason may not deem true to most of you but I find food more interesting when I know a little bit more about it, it’s history and it’s “claim to fame”.
A couple of months ago (you can tell by the color of my hair…), I was invited to attend a short class about ramen at the Barikata Ramen Bar and as hesitant as I was, I went anyways. I’m glad that I did though, despite my complete ignorance on the topic because I got to learn so much (which I will discuss below) and I got to eat a lot of noodles. lol. And although I might not be crazy Ramen ’til this day, I definitely have a new respect for it.
So here are 3 things I learned about ramen:
The name Ramen is of Chinese decent but these noodles were actually invented in Japan.
2. There are 4 types of broth: Shio (salt), Tonkotsu (pork bone), Shoyu (soy sauce) & Miso (miso and fish broth)
//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js3. Tonkotsu broth, which is what is served at Barikata, comes from boiling pork bones, fat and collagen over high heat for many hours. This process suffuses the broth with a hearty pork flavor and a creamy consistency.
CAFE UNO, which is located at the ground floor of Waterfront Cebu, is and has always been one of the premiere dining destinations when it comes to class and quality food and service. Although Cafe Uno has been around for quite some time, having garnered the loyalty of avid foodies, there is still a common perception that hotel food can be a bit pricey. And I can’t lie, there might be some truth in that, but I believe that some things in life are worth spending for and that you always get your money’s worth especially from a prestigious hotel chain.
But now, at P888.00, food lovers can finally enjoy their famous buffet without having to worry about breaking bank. At this reasonable price, you can now take advantage of their buffet that highlights the best food all around the world like sashimi from Japan, lechon from the Philippines, laksa from Singapore, pasta from Italy and many more!
For those who are thinking that their food selection might not be as huge as compared to the common trend of buffet chains lately, you can expect that each dish at Cafe Uno is always up to par. Quality over quantity is what I always say 🙂
Here are a few photos from my recent trip there:
Salad bar with fresh vegetables, cold cuts and cheese- the perfect appetizers
Japanese station with tuna sashimi and different maki rolls
The Filipino station with all our homegrown favorites
Seafood City’s latest offering for the month of October is a gastronomical experience like no other. For P680.00 you can enjoy their PALUTO All- You- Can which includes their seafood, meat and a fruit platter which can be cooked according to your preference. At their discounted price, you can help yourselves to their wide array of fresh seafood choices excluding their premium items such as lobsters, crabs, grouper, stone fish and the sea mantis which are charged separately.
PALUTO All- You- Can is not for the greedy though as left overs will be charged P 1,360.00. But with food as good as theirs, left overs are highly unlikely so dine away!
Drink all you can beer
Issa Talks... Alot 