MBB Frozen Factory's Halo-Halo: Classic Filipino Desserts Introduced

"I want to have a good body, but not as much as I want dessert."

~ Jason Love

Nothing beats classic Filipino desserts. Leche Flan, Maja Blanca, Yema, Buko Salad, Mango Float, Bibingka, Cassava Cake and what have you. Some of these were inspired from foreign countries yet we own them by the taste. There will always be a distinct flavor only we- the Filipinos- can bring out from a specific dessert.

To add with the long list of Filipino desserts that we grew up with, especially during special occasions, is the Halo-Halo. It is a popular Filipino dessert which portions of shaved ice, evaporated milk, and various ingredients such as sweet beans, sago, gulaman, tubers and fruits all contained in a bowl or tall glass. To effectively enjoy it, one must mix all of the ingredients well so that flavors will combine.

Last April 29, 2016, MBB Frozen Factory posted a contest promo on Facebook where one can enjoy either of their Halo-Halo or Mais con Yelo desserts. The mechanics was very easy so my friend was able to comply with it. It was necessary to tag a friend and luckily, I was chosen by my friend. To our surprise, we won together with the other participants.

Missy Bon Bon's Frozen Factory is located at the 3rd Level of Centrio Mall, near the cinemas. Sandwiched between Kenko Naicha Tea Lounge and Oro Shawarma. It is a sister brand of Missy Bon Bon which is famous with their breads and pastries, as well as their well-loved gelato. Carrying their signature gelato is MBB Frozen Factory which also offers crepes, sundaes and other cool products.

Adding to their cool dessert line-up are Mais con Yelo and Halo-Halo, both known as classic Filipino desserts. Some of which you can also buy at the streets by side vendors, and now MBB Frozen Factory is selling it, but an upgraded version.

My friend and I met right at MBB Frozen Factory's store. Our smiles that time were bigger than ever. LOL. Then my friend just showed her ID to the woman on the counter for identification purposes and then we were told to wait while they were preparing our Halo-halos. Few minutes has passed, our Halo-halos were then served, lying on top our table. What a divine sight to see. :D

In my heightened bowl, there were the sweet beans, sago, nata de coco, gulaman, kaong, ube, leche flan, sweetened saba, small wafer stick, waffle chip, langka and corn flakes, with the shaved ice under. And the superstar, ube gelato on top of them all. Same portions were given to my friend. We were delighted! :D

As what I have mentioned earlier, it would be better to mix all of the ingredients to combine the flavors. And it didn't disappoint. The milk was very creamy, and the flavor of each of the ingredients were so tasty. It really tasted like heaven in my mouth. Even uttered "yum" every time I took a spoonful of it. One last thing that also made me like MBB Frozen Factory's Halo-Halo is that the shaved ice was served with just enough portion. Like!

I'm so very thankful to my friend "Pretzel" for tagging me in her post. It also served as our bonding time. Just the right treat to keep our conversation going on. We really enjoyed the Halo-Halo.

And for that Mais con Yelo, will try it soon!

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

Things That I Would Like To Do This 2016

"We shall not cease from exploration, and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time."~ T. S. Eliot

A year has just concluded and now we're on the year 2016. Does the new year means new beginning? Naah. It only means that we are continuing to live in this world. Let me ask you these questions. How was your year 2015? Did it end the way you want it to end? Have you done all of the things you've wanted before 2016 entered? Now, let me know your thoughts by commenting below. But before that, I'll be the one to answer these questions first. Would you let me? :D

2015 was a great year, well, for me. I can't enumerate all of the reasons but just to summarize, I had memorable adventures, reunions, opportunities and first times. Yes. And I bet you had too.

And did 2015 end the way I wanted it to be. I can say that it didn't work out right. But still, it was not the worst year end though.

And if I have done all of the things that I've wanted to do last 2015? Naah, I have a long list so I'd say not yet but I'm hoping that this year, I'll be able to fulfill this.

If you're asking what are the things that I've wanted to do last year that weren't pushed through, I have an answer for that and definitely would like to accomplish them this 2016. *fingers-crossed

WARNING: This is going to be a long list. Don't worry, it won't be endless. :D


Things That I Would Like To Do This 2016

Visit The City Museum of Cagayan de Oro (Cagayan de Oro)

Image Source: www.commons.wikimedia.org

The place where one can witness some of Cagayan de Oro's history. Did you know that it was once a water tank tower? This 1922 structure was turned into a museum in 2008 under the ruling of the former Mayor Jaraula. It's a shame, I haven't visited this place yet. Counted some days way back last year to visit this but didn't had the chance. But hopefully I can find time to really enter this museum this coming days. It's very accessible, one can just head to the St. Augustine Cathedral (beside) or the Gaston Park (back) and you can instantly site this tall building.

Rappelling at Mapawa Nature Park (Cagayan de Oro)

Image Source: www.weather.com.ph

I've been to this place before when I was in high school but a lot has already changed in this place. Mapawa Nature Park currently has different leisure and adventure facilities where families and group of friends can really enjoy. But I haven't seen this specific falls before where one can enjoy rappelling. I'll definitely invite some friends and share with them this nature adventure. Located at Malasag, Cugman, Cagayan de Oro City.

Enjoy the Cityscape at High Ridge (Cagayan de Oro)

Image Source: www.aikocaliso.wordpress.com

Located at Macasandig, Cagayan de Oro, which was only accessible by private vehicle or taxi, but that was before, for High Ridge currently offers free shuttle service. Shuttle is stationed at Brgy. Macasandig Covered court (in-front of Corpus Christi School) following schedules. This is convenient for me for transport was really the problem before, and now that they have free shuttle service, I can say that they have considered the customers' concerns. This restaurant on a hilltop brags about the customers being able to see Cagayan de Oro's cityscape which some says, the view is best at night where the city lights have already awoken. This alone excites me, and that I'm so eager to be able to visit the place. I've already talked some of my friends and opened the idea of going to high ridge maybe anytime this year, so I'm hoping for it to really happen. 

Nature Viewing at Ultra Winds Mountain Resort (Bukidnon)

Image Source: www.explorecdo.com

Loving the view as shown in the picture. My sister's statement about Ultra Winds is that the place is similar with Bukidnon's Dahilayan Adventure and Forest Park, having leisure and adventure facilities too. I've also seen some of her photos that were taken at night, and the fog was thick and that the wind was really chilly. I've been to Dahilayan before but wasn't able to stay there up until night so a night at Ultra Winds would suffice. But they said that the road going there was a challenge so I was thinking that this would make my friends to back out from the idea of visiting the place. But for sure, the experience will be worth it. I think that's what really counts.

Chasing Falls: Katibawasan Falls (Camiguin)

Image Source: www.ronilapao.wordpress.com

I am definitely that person who is so fascinated with natural waters such as waterfalls. As far as I can remember, I have already seen 3 waterfalls namely the Mintugsok Falls in Cagayan de Oro, Maria Cristina Falls and Tinago Falls both in Iligan City. The latter was the best falls I've seen yet, and I bet everyone who have been to Tinago Falls would agree. And this Katibawasan has been a dream to me since when I have known about Camiguin. And probably, If this dream will be lived to reality, I would love to tour the whole island of Camiguin. I was thinking to have this this coming Holy Week celebration.

Chasing Falls: Dodiongan Falls (Iligan)

Image Source: www.tripadvisor.com.ph

Since Iligan City is called the City of Majestic Waterfalls, who would not think of exploring all of its falls? I had this idea last year's December month but I wasn't able to do it due to lack of time and resources so I'm hoping that this time, this year, I'll be able to enjoy Iligan City's waterfalls. This Dodiongan Falls is just one of those falls that tourists and locals can find in Iligan City. Impressive right?

Chasing Falls: Mintugsok Falls (Cagayan de Oro)

Image Source: www.cdodev.com

I might have mentioned earlier that I've been and seen Mintugsok Falls way back in high school but I want to relive that moment this year. Since we were in a camping that time, we were just given less time so we weren't able to really enjoy the falls. Now that the place has been renovated, I know it'll be safer to trek the Malasag mountains. How I wish I can bring with me my high school batchmates and to think that it could be our reunion. So excited with the idea. :D

Cave Exploring: Macahambus Cave (Cagayan de Oro)

Image Source: www.e-philippines.com.ph

When we were headed to the first River Rafting base last September 2015 (yes, I've already conquered Cagayan de Oro's whitewater rafting and I'm proud of it), we passed by the Macahambus Adventure Park and said to myself that I would love to explore it. I've never entered a natural cave before so this is an opportunity for me. I didn't mention Palawan's Underground River yet for I think I can't really get there this year. Maybe the next year's post, it'll be included. :D

See Divine Mercy Shrine in Person (El Salvador)

Image Source: www.misamisoriental.gov.ph

Just a 30-minute ride from the city proper is The Divine Mercy Shrine in El Salvador. Last year, my friend and I decided to go at this place but didn't happen. And just as 2015 was about to end, she got engaged with her boyfriend so this idea is no longer possible. Just wishing her the best. But anyways, I'm still thinking of going to this place with friends, or maybe, with my family. Large group of people do visit the place when religious celebrations happen, being the largest religious landmark yet in Northern Mindanao.

Buy a Table Figurine in Lifestyle House of Decors (Cagayan de Oro)

Image Source: www.aboutcagayandeoro.com

I've noticed a lot of crafts store around the city and haven't entered a single store yet. I'm fond of crafts, ironically having no table figurines yet, so a visit to Lifestyle House of Decors would do. Hoping to find unique and one of a kind figurines at this store. And I've thought of giving some to my mother, so she can display it somewhere in our house.

Have a Cup of Coffee from Chardiel Coffee Machine Cafe (Cagayan de Oro)

Photo Source: Facebook: Chardiel Coffee Machine Cafe

Not so fond of going to coffee shops for I prefer coffee sipping at home, but a time at Chardiel Coffee Machine Shop is a must. Being the newest coffee shop to open in the city, their interiors are inviting and which suggests a true coffee moment ambiance. Located at Door 111, Great Spot Arcade, J.R. Borja Extension, a motorela or taxi-ride will take you there.

Kogi-Q Luto-luto Ta! (Cagayan de Oro)

Photo Source: Facebook: Kogi Q

I was embarrassed the last time when I invited two of my friends to Kogi-Q thinking that it can be found in Ayala Centrio Mall until I realized it is located in Limketkai Mall. Red-faced so we headed to Tokyo Bubble Tea instead for we have no time to take a ride going to Limketkai that time. That's why I included Kogi-Q Luto-luto Ta! in this list. I was just curious about this restaurant letting you cook and grill your own food. Yes, you heard it right! Drooling just by imagining it. Yum!

Visit Pane e Dolci and Try their Sylvannas

Image Source: Instagram: Pane e Dolci

I have this friend who just teased me with her eating sylvannas. Why? She already have known that I've always wanted to try sylvannas before when my cousin's wife shared a photo of sylvannas on facebook, and ever since that time, I was craving for it. Ever tried it? You must have been loving it, and I'm here waiting for that time when I can really have a taste of this heaven's treat. Hoping for it this coming week. Yayy!

So, this list isn't really a long list right? For it seemed impossible for me to complete all of what's in my mind the time I was writing this. Back to you, have you done these things already? Or you want to do these too? Let me know your thoughts by commenting below. Cheers for a fun-filled 2016! :D

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.

Missy Bon Bon's FROZEN FACTORY Cagayan de Oro: Get Cooled with Their Best Gelato Combos and Creations

"Not to like ice cream is to show oneself uninterested with food." ~ Joseph Epstein

Missy Bon Bon has been known for their fresh and delectable pastries. Their main shop is located near Limketkai Center having a stall in Ayala Centrio. Along with their sweet and overwhelming pastries, is their gelato. Many MBB patronizers also commended about their cool product. Maybe then this was the reason why Frozen Factory was established. An MBB brand selling their popular gelato.

Frozen Factory can be located at 3rd Floor, Ayala Centrio Mall, beside Oro Shawarma and just near the Cinema ticketing area. It's location is just right for a lot of people pass by, either they're headed to the cinemas or to the activity center.

Missy Bon Bon don't really miss to put well-designed looks to its shops. And this Frozen Factory is sure a great designed one. It really looked like a factory for its interior having pipes and numerous light bulbs. And they are wise with choosing the right complementing colors for their brand.

Frozen Factory has a variety of gelato flavors. I was with 3 of my friends when we decided to stop by at the shop and try their gelato. That time, the flavors that had us excited were Cookies n Cream, Coffee Crunch, Vanilla, Mango, Peanut Butter Fudge, Durian, Donatella, Biscotto, Ferrero Rocher, Pistachio, Blueberry Cheesecake and Strawberry. 

I chose Peanut Butter Fudge while my friends had Strawberry, Cookies n Cream and Coffee Power. Coffee Power is a variety of their Double Sundae, along with I Want S'more, Berry Merry, Nutty Monkey, Cookies n Cream, Sunrise Malibu, Snow Queen and Brownie Salted Caramel.

Gelato flavors

Coffee Power

While their Triple Sundaes are Apple Crumble, Black Forest, Choco Fizz Float and Rockies. 

They have Cone-o-Matic creations which are gelato served in waffle cones. Varieties were Pretty Nutty, Choco Overload and Fruity Fiesta.

Waffle Cones

Banana Nutella, Mango Supreme and Strawberry Cheesecake were their varieties for Crepe Zone.

And they also have Super Splits, Banana Split, Cookie Monster and Yin & Yang.

My friends and I dined inside, occupying a table and 4 chairs on the farthest corner, and took great moments there. Talked at random things, laughing while enjoying the pleasure of eating gelato. But know that the little store is not good for dining in with large groups since dine in area is narrow just enough for a maximum of 6-8 persons, better to take out their great gelato and have it wherever you want to go inside the mall.

I can't get enough of their gelato so I took my second gelato, but Sans Rival this time. And guess what, my friend took my suggestion to first try the Peanut Butter Fudge which was my first gelato too. She loved it very much, and I couldn't agree more!

Sans Rival

Great news is that MBB Frozen Factory offers Buy 1 Take 1 on all of their gelato at any Missy Bon Bon branch, and that includes MBB Frozen Factory in Ayala Centrio Mall, from 10am to 2pm. This is valid until mid-November! So what are you waiting for?

So, when looking for a place to just chill and enjoy sweet pleasures in Cagayan de Oro? There can only be MBB Frozen Factory.

Pengoo Cagayan de Oro: Chill with Their Best Snow Creams

"My love for ice cream emerged at an early age - and has never left!" ~Ginger Rogers

Undeniably, cool refreshing products such as ice cream, popsicle, ice pops, milk bars, ice candies and what have you are simply irresistible. Ever since we were kids, these are our happiness. And be honest with me, you even cried whenever your mom or dad won’t buy you one? LOL. Well, that happened to me too. And we are not the only ones.

Photo Source: www.thesweetestoccasion.com

In our neighborhood, there’s a seller who roams around selling his coconut and ube flavored popsicles. We can tell if he’s around whenever he sound his bell. Of course, he’s always present every summer, and that means we want it to fight the heat. My parents love them too.

Photo Source: www.sweetdirtyicecream.tumblr.com

And sometimes, whenever it’s fiesta in our grandparent’s neighborhood, there’s always this “sorbetes” or dirty ice cream (ordered homemade ice cream) that we call available for every guests that come, of course, for us too. I really enjoyed my childhood because of this, and even until the present.

Photo Source: Pengoo Twitter

Enough of recalling the past, cause nowadays, there are more cool products being introduced. From gelato, seoul cane ice cream, fried ice cream, and snow creams. Mentioning snow creams, it happened that I found a snow cream shop here in Cagayan de Oro while I was scrolling my Facebook news feed. And that shop is Pengoo.

My officemates and I were so curious about Pengoo so we decided to try their snow creams, and that happened to be our bonding time too.

Located at Abejuela St, Divisoria Arcade (2nd floor of Jonies Chicken), Cagayan de Oro, Pengoo is a medium sized shop with mostly five tables and a number of chairs in it. It was our first time there so we were really excited upon entering the shop. There were 7 of us, so we occupied the two circular tables.

Cool Creation: Strawberry Saturdays
Photo Source: Pengoo Facebook

Then we were about to order our snow creams. You can choose from three sizes of cups with their respective prices 45-60-80. They have different flavors of shaved ice, toppings and drizzles. It’s up to you what combinations you prefer. But know that they also have what they call as Cool Creations, a prepared set of combinations that you can choose from. Pricing starts at 95php.

Cool Creation: Vanilla Snow Cream with Chocolate Sticks, Brownies, and Oreo Crumble
Photo Source: Pengoo Facebook

Cool Creation: Vanilla Sky
Photo Source: Pengoo Facebook

Vanilla-flavored Shaved Ice, Brownies and Vanilla Drizzle

Chocolate-flavored Shaved Ice, Oreo Crumble and Condensed Milk Drizzle

I had my snow cream composed of Chocolate-flavored Shaved Ice, Oreo Crumble, and Condensed Milk. I don’t know but I just chose this combination. All of us had medium-sized snow creams. Like kids, we enjoyed the whole of it. Overwhelmed with it's not-so-overpowering sweetness but at the same time, not bland. Just balanced for our sweet tooth.

Our  Snow Cream combinations

Their opening hours are:

Monday - Thursday : 11:00 am  - 8:00 pm

Friday - Saturday : 11:00 am - 10:00 pm

So if you are fond of sweet and cool food trips, Pengoo is a must-to-go shop. From the kind staff, great ambiance and addicting snow creams, my officemates and I really had a great time laughing while our snow creams melt in our mouths and sharing silly stories. We can really attest to that.