Tokyo Bubble Tea Cagayan de Oro: Experience Authentic Japanese Food and Vibe

Source: @elaineebao Instagram

"I could talk food all day. I love good food."~ Tom Brady

One of the things that I can say was my advantage in living in a city (and being employed), specifically in the city of Cagayan de Oro, is that I am able to try different cuisines from restaurants. Well, there comes the struggle of choosing which and what restaurant to visit to since there are already hundreds of restaurants in CdeO. They may be in malls, centers, districts and along the highways. This means, whenever you crave for such cuisine, there will always be restaurants available and accessible for you.

Source: @krismullence Instagram

If it happens that you crave for Japanese food today, then lucky you! Have you been to Tokyo Bubble Tea Milk Tea Place and Restaurant? If yes, awesome! If not yet, head there today! But, no hurries! Let me share my experience (well, actually experiences for I've been there a couple of times already) at this japanese restaurant first.

Bulgogi Nachos of Tokyo Bubble Tea

This japanese restaurant, Tokyo Bubble Tea, just opened its branch here in Cagayan de Oro last year 2014 in February, providing their signature milk teas and delicious japanese dishes. Located at the 3rd Level, Centrio Mall in front of the cinema lobby. And since I'm so innocent about these japanese foods, and due to curiosity, I tried visiting it just this year 2015.

Okonomiyaki of Tokyo Bubble Tea

I was with my officemates when I decided to try japanese food. I was hesitant at first for I wasn't sure if I'm going to like the food, but I took the risk. It's always a pleasure to try a different food. And I ended loving their food and was worth the risk. :D Then, we kept on coming back.

Yogi's Poutine Fries

I only tried some from their menu. Bulgogi Nachos, Yogi's Poutine Fries, Okonomiyaki, California Sushi, and Milkshakes. Well, for me, their Bulgogi Nachos is the star. Spicy, sweet, crunchy, meaty, satisfying! And their milkshakes too. I've had their Double Chocolate, Strawberry and Honey Dew Melon milkshakes, and the latter was my all-time favorite. I also like Yogi's Poutine Fries for I am a potato muncher. The Okonomiyaki was a bit new to me so it really took me time before I appreciated its taste. But the sushi was a struggle for me. I'm not used to it maybe that's why I didn't like it. But maybe for those who are really into sushi, they will surely love it.

California Sushi of Tokyo Bubble Tea

Aside of their japanese foods, I also like the ambiance and vibe inside the restaurant. Japanese music plays on the background and Japanese greetings from the staff are just some of the things you'd expect.

Strawberry Milkshake of Tokyo Bubble Tea

Since then, Tokyo Bubble Tea has been a place for friendly conversations and even simple meetups for me. Definitely an ideal place to spend quality time with friends and loved ones.

So whenever your taste buds demand for japanese food, you can always choose to visit Tokyo Bubble Tea Milk Tea Place and Restaurant. 

Source: @caicaiquina7 Instagram

Travel Bloggers Confessions: All The Things You Need To Know About Traveling

"Certainly, travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living."

~ Mary Ritter Beard

According to Merriam-Webster's Dictionary, traveling (adj) going to different places instead of staying in one place. Does this mean that one can be called a traveler as long as he/she goes from a place to another even just by hours, days, months or even months? Can I be called a traveler for I come from Purok 7, Brgy. Maria Cristina, Balo-i, Lanao del Norte and have gone to Mindanao State University-Main, Marawi City, Lanao del Sur (studied there for college) and Cagayan de Oro City (where I'm currently employed). But I think I really am a traveler. Traveler at heart. :)

"If you wish to travel far and fast, travel light. Take off all your envies, jealousies, unforgiveness, selfishness and fears."
~ Cesare Pavese

Yes. I can call myself a traveler for I've been to other places. I tell you, Mindanao State University-Main in Marawi City is a university slash community. Inside the campus, there are tricycles, jeepneys and pedaled-tricycles. There are also restaurants located at what they call the Commercial Center. Restaurants that offer carbonara, lauriat, shakes, pizzas, and other halal foods (since there are Muslim communities here). Mind you that students who are enrolled and would likely stay for years in this campus usually come from any corners of the Philippines. Indeed, the Melting Pot of the South. How I miss Jeco's carbonara. :(

"All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware."~ Martin Buber

Currently, I'm staying in Cagayan de Oro, specifically at Zone 1-B, Crossing Iponan where I live with my Aunt's family. It was necessary for me to stay in Cagayan de Oro for I was being employed here, and I can't afford bus in a daily basis (nowadays, I get easily get seasickness in bus rides). Aside that I get to stay here in CdeO, I also got to experience how Kagay-anon's life is. So far, I've conquered Cagayan de Oro White Water Rafting. I've had the taste of Kagay-anon dishes through restaurant hopping at malls and leisure centers. I've had the best rides of my life at Dahilayan Adventure and Forest Park. But there's still a lot Cagayan de Oro has to offer. I'm just taking one experience down at a time. :)

"How often I found where I should be going only by setting out for somewhere else."~ R. Buckminster Fuller

 All travel quote images posted in this blog post are owned by the author.

Through all these, part of me still saying that I'm not one of those certified travelers. Those who have gone to farther places, local or international. But I've been reading a lot of travel blogs already. I feel inspired with their journeys. I admire their bravery of quitting their corporate jobs (well, some) and start a challenging and unexpected travels in life. Some was even able to manage their jobs while traveling to places. Might as well learn about traveling from these travel bloggers.

Glen Santillan of Escape Manila

Escape Manila
Escape Manila is a blog that tackles about food, travels and lifestyle. The author, Glen Santillan, share his experiences in the Philippines, Asia and beyond through his blog posts. Meeting people along the road and be able to impart his journey to them is his goal whenever he visits a place. So if you think you share the same interests with Glen, you'll definitely love his blog.

What was your life before you started traveling and what made you think of traveling?

"Before I started traveling, life was a little bit boring. One day, I stumbled upon a travel blog about backpacking. After few days, I found myself in a train going to KL from Singapore. That was the beginning of my 15-day backpacking trip around South East Asia."

~ Glen Santillan 

"Travel, in the younger sort, is a part of education; in the elder, a part of experience."~ Francis Bacon

Allan Barredo of Lantaw

Lantaw

Lantaw is a travel blog that promotes Philippine tourism, providing obvious tracks among the unexplored destinations in the country. With his weapon, he captures two thumbs up images taken from the places he have been. You might get interested with his cave explorations, attended festivals and travel tips.

How traveling has taught you about life?

"Taught me to see things in proper perspective, that there is more out there than what we usually see in our own little bubble."

~ Allan Barredo

"The trouble with travelling back later on is that you can never repeat the same experience."~ Michael Palin

Bino Chua of I Wander

I Wander
I Wander is the product of Bino's goal which is to share his experiences on the places that he's gone too. Places that only few have visited, giving rare information that can change misconceptions. Based in Singapore and Manila, Bino manages to do travels while working. Learn traveling tips and tricks in his blog. There's a lot of information there, you might get drown.

How traveling has changed you?

"Traveling has taught me to be more open-minded and more conscious of my surroundings."

~ Bino Chua

 "Travel becomes a strategy for accumulating photographs."~ Susan Sontag

 All travel quote images posted in this blog post are owned by the author.

Ferdz Decena of Ironwulf En Route

Ironwulf En Route

Ferdz is a professional photographer which evidently shows in his captures, and I really like his travel blog's logo. I always get stunned with his captures, telling a more interesting story about that specific place. His travel in Batanes had me attached and that made me to always get updated of his posts in his blog and even on social media. Mind you that his photography works has been published in publications. Impressive, right?

How do you earn from traveling?

"Lately my travels is part of my work. I get assignments from publications or projects in some companies. I also sell stock images and prints. Partly I also get some income from my blog advertising."

~ Ferdz Decena 

"People who don't travel cannot have a global view, all they see is what's in front of them. Those people cannot accept new things because all they know is where they live."~ Martin Yan

Nina of Just Wandering

Just Wandering

Nina started Just Wandering in 2006, when she was planning for her first solo backpacking trip to Thailand. She shares her experiences, tips, and trip expenses to help and encourage other Filipinos to travel. Who says a pinay can't travel. Bet none. Her recent blog post is a review about a suite in Bohol, Philippines. 

How were you able to sustain your traveling?

"I have a full time job that pays for my bills and leaves me with extra money to put towards my travel fund. Apart from my monthly bills, I don't spend much on other things (except for food and transportation), so most of what I earn go towards my trips."

~ Nina Fuentes

"To travel is to discover that everyone is wrong about other countries."~ Aldous Huxley

All travel quote images posted in this blog post are owned by the author. 

Potpot of Travel Trilogy

Travel Trilogy

Potpot's Travel Trilogy travel blog is a personal blog that mainly showcases the author's recent travels. I've read one of his posts about a place in China that changed my views about this said country. With his way or writing, you'll get convinced and enticed that you're with him on his travels.

What you hate about traveling, if there is?

"What I hate about traveling is the thought that you need to be ready to leave the wonderful people you meet on the road."

~ Potpot Pinili

"You develop a sympathy for all human beings when you travel a lot."

~ Shakuntala Devi

Jon and Gia of Mismatched Passports

 Mismatched Passports

Mismatched Passports is a tandem travel blog by New Zealander Jon and Filipina Gia. They may come from different countries but sure they share the same love for travel. This travel blog also produce excellent photos. I always get stuck in an image before proceeding to the next lines in their posts. Their recent activity was in Hong Kong where they rode a helicopter to have the best view over Hong Kong.

When are you going to stop traveling if you have reasons to? Then why?

"The reason I will stop travelling is to give way to other aspects of my life like my career. I miss engineering a lot. Although travelling is a fun and exciting part of my life, my career also needs some attention. By the way, the answer is only for me. Jon will keep travelling while I go back to work. He plans to focus further on travel writing as a career."

~Gia

"Like all great travellers, I have seen more than I remember, and remember more than I have seen."~ Benjamin Disraeli

No Barriers Just Horizons

 No Barriers Just Horizons

No Barriers Just Horizons is a moto journal containing all of the author's rides, reviews and real stories as what can be seen as it's welcoming slogan. And he is being true to his words for in every blog post that he post, he always impart his very heart and opinion. I get carried away with the way he tells his stories. And here's the catch, I haven't known his true identity for he conceal his name and face in this blog and even in social media. He's just being awesome and cool, let me mention his rides with his bike. :)

Why should people start traveling?

"For me it's really simple. I travel to gain wisdom. That's pretty much all I can say."

~ No Barriers Just Horizons Author

"I have wandered all my life, and I have also traveled; the difference between the two being this, that we wander for distraction, but we travel for fulfillment."

~ Hilaire Belloc

All travel quote images posted in this blog post are owned by the author. 

I really have learned so much about traveling from these travel bloggers who are so committed with what they input in their respective travel blogs. Following them really helps for I always get updated about their new journeys and challenges. Who would not get inspired whenever they post about where they are and what they do during that specific time? Plus, giving me hints of the great wonders that those places can offer. So, did I fuel your flame in traveling? Or, are you a traveler too? I'd be happy to hear anything from you. Share your story with us. :)

Donatello's Kitchen Cagayan de Oro: Affordable French and Italian Dishes Yet Taste Near Authentic

"Not only are pasta dishes delicious, but they are also great, easy options for a quick dinner during a busy weekday."              ~Marcus Samuelsson

 I'm not really fond with cuisines that are unusual to me. I'm used to traditional Filipino foods, fastfood products and street foods, but not with international cuisines. I like some but not really a big fan. It's just that, I'm not confident to eat them because I may end up not liking them and that my money will go to waste. But trying different cuisines has been on my to-do list to make my life not so boring. Risky but I think the experiences are worth it. No matter how good or bad they can be. 

Just like the Chicken Alfredo Pasta that my friend and I had in a restaurant in Ayala Centrio Mall. I didn't like the taste. It's too oily for me so I handed my plate to my friend. He liked it while I gulped the beverage I ordered with it instead. It saved me from the too-oily taste. Ick. But that was way months ago. It didn't halt me from trying new tempting dishes.

Image Source: Elton Ladd Batinga's Facebook

Located at Divisoria Arcade, R.N. Abejuela Street, Cagayan de Oro City, Donatello's Kitchen offers French and Italian dishes in a platter.

So basically, what a platter will contain are a piece of Grilled Chicken on one of their 6 sauces (depends on what you prefer) and your chosen 2 of their 8 side dishes (depends on what combination you can think that is best).

Alfredo, Marinara, Pesto, Gravy and Chili paste are their 6 sauces. Their side dishes are plain rice, Java rice, Mac N' Cheese, mashed potato, Alfredo Linguine, Marinara Linguine, Pesto Linguine and young corn and mushrooms. They also have refreshments to choose from which are lemonade, mint iced tea and calamansi juice.

The first time that I visited Donatello's Kitchen's stall in Divisoria Arcade (beside Dunkin Donuts) was when I was with my friends (work-related friends in which we had an interview with the owner and was an honor for me to join them). And honestly, I wasn't unsure about their menu. I don't recognize them, except the refreshments. LOL :D

When we were asked what platter to have, I instantly looked at their menu and tried to figure out what combination that works well. I ended up choosing the marinara sauce for the grilled chicken, Mac N' Cheese and Pesto Linguine. That was weird right? Even the owner asked me if I'm being sure of having those combination. I just nodded. I wouldn't know if I will not try it.

Grilled Chicken on Marinara Sauce with Mac N' Cheese and Pesto Linguine

All images posted in this blog post are owned by the author.

Here are the other platters created by my friends. Our orders are a bit different to each other for we decided to try all of what they have in their menu. *wink

Grilled Chicken on Gravy Sauce with Java Rice

Grilled Chicken on Pesto Sauce with Mac N' Cheese and Mashed Potato

Grilled Chicken on Chili Paste with Alfredo Linguine

Grilled Chicken on Marinara Sauce with Mac N' Cheese and Young Corn and Mushrooms

Mint Iced Tea

Lemonade

Honestly, I felt excited when we were served with our respective orders. Especially the grilled chicken. It smelled great while being grilled. After taking a lot of pictures of these platters, we dived into eating them.

I really liked their grilled chicken. Tender and well-grilled. And the marinara sauce. I didn't expect that it would really complement with the chicken. Well, I'm fond of tomato sauce so Marinara was a best choice for me. And the Mac N' Cheese! Haven't tried it before so I was really fascinated about it. Since I like cheese, Mac N' Cheese became an instant favorite of mine. But not the Pesto Linguine. Not my usual take with pastas such as Spaghetti, Macaroni and Carbonara. It was my least favorite. But I bet it would be a favorite to Pesto buffs.

Take Out Packaging

Overall, my visit there with friends was great. The food was delicious, I'm winking to that grilled chicken, and was a pleasure to meet the owner who was so kind.

For those who are really into french and italian dishes, Donatello's Kitchen is always there for you. Prices range from P79.99 to P149.99. They also offer delivery. Open from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM during weekends and extended on weekends. Visit Donatello's Kitchen facebook page for promos and updates.

Commonly, French and Italian Cuisines from restaurants inside malls and target areas are expensive. Not a doubt. Glad that Donatello's Kitchen is already here in Cagayan de Oro to provide Kagay-anon cravings with this kind of cuisines.