Pizza Republic Pick + Mix Cagayan de Oro: Decide Your Own Pizza Creation and Enjoy Freshness and Uniqueness in Every Bite

"There's no better feeling in the world than a warm pizza box on your lap." ~Kevin James

 I've never been a fan of pizzas before. I just hate the slices of onions, the strips of bell pepper. I really don't eat them, but that was before. I started loving pizzas when I also started working. Whenever there are celebrations inside the office, we usually order pizzas. Sometimes, my friends and I go out and visit a pizza parlor to munch slices of pizzas. Then pizzas became my cravings.

You might have heard about some of the well-known pizza restaurants and shops like Greenwich, Shakey's, Pizza Hut, Yellow Cab, etc. Well they are widely known. But there are also shops that are  locally known like of Cagayan de Oro's Calda Pizza and Alberto's. But wait, do you know a pizzeria which can let you choose the toppings for your own pizza? Definitely Pizza Republic Pick+Mix!

Pizza Republic Pick+Mix by Guiseppe Genco can be located at the former Rosario Arcade Strip in Limketkai Center. 

There is so much space inside the restaurant that can cater maybe up to 50 persons or more. The interior is hued with wood colors with numerous light bulbs hanging above. 

They also have their freedom wall. As you can see, there are no available spaces to write anymore. That must mean that a lot of customers have already visited and did write on this wall. Impressive!

Basically, their 10-inch pizza (8 slices) is priced for P245 good for 2-4 persons. But they also have what they call as "pizzeta", 7-inch pizza (4 slices) that costs P145 with a drink of your choice. 

Reasonable price for fresh from italy ingredients and dough, and actual preparation of your own pizza!

To dress up your own customized pizza, there are more than 60 toppings to choose from. Remember, the taste of your own pizza depends on the toppings you chose. But anyway, no matter how your pizza looks like or how weird your topping choices are, a pizza will always be a pizza that you love. And that for sure, your pizza will still taste good. :D

It may take time for you to choose which toppings you'd like but definitely worth the time. A reason for you to get excited about what pizza you will gonna have after it get flamed in the wood-fired oven.

These images were taken during my recent visit at Pizza Republic Pick+Mix together with officemates.

And the image above shows the three customized pizzas we - my officemates and I - had the last time we visited Pizza Republic Pick+Mix for lunch. We were very satisfied with the pizzas we munched.

There may be a lot of pizzerias situated in different corners of Cagayan de Oro, but Pizza Republic Pick+Mix is the only one pizzeria that lets you customize your own pizza. No wonder why it gathered a lot of Kagay-anons during its opening last October. So, how do you like Pizza Republic Pick+Mix? Would love to hear from you!

Restaurant Damaso Cagayan de Oro: A Place for A Simple Family Food Tripping

"There is no sincerer love than the love of food."

~George Bernard Shaw

One of the things that I get excited about is definitely trying new food. Well, it's not literally new food but is new to me which others might have already tasted it. Let's say for an example, Eggs Benedict. It is new to me because I haven't tasted it yet but a lot of others, specifically Americans, have had of it already. Enough explaining. Well, at least, I made myself clear. LOL

Sikwate Ice Cream with Coconut Snow

Have you heard about the so called Sikwate Ice Cream? It is an ice cream powdered with Coconut Snow. If you haven't heard of this dessert yet, bring with you your friends to Restaurant Damaso, only in Cagayan de Oro City.

Restaurant Damaso can be located where Mom’s Corner Restaurant was formerly homed, at Pabayo corner Toribio Chavez Streets (ground floor of Casa Crystalla). They serve a wide range of international dishes, from Sweet Italian Sausage, Spaghetti Vongole, Fuego To Go Ribs, to Cerveza Ice Cream with Burnt Honeycomb. And the list goes on.

Steamed Mussels with Brown Butter

I met Sikwate Ice Cream in an article from a CdeO lifestyle blog which featured Restaurant Damaso. Not exaggerating, but I was really curious about how it tastes like. Just so glad because one of my friends decided to have desserts in Restaurant Damaso. D-E-S-S-E-R-T. This word is much exciting to hear I tell you! Though we were after their desserts that time, these were what we ordered: Steamed Mussels with Brown Butter, Cerveza Ice Cream with Burnt Honey Comb, Cream Cheese Ice Cream and two servings of Sikwate Ice Cream with Coconut Snow.

Steamed Mussels on my plate :D

I'm not really fond of eating shelled seafoods such as this mussels but I ended loving the dish. Soft, chewy and buttery.

Cerveza Ice Cream with Burnt Honeycomb

You might be wondering we ordered a lot of ice cream which is not for dinner, well, just to let you know we already had our dinner at a near food stall, Donatello's Kitchen. So Steamed Mussels was just right, and then ice cream marathon! LOL. We then tried their Cerveza Ice Cream. I enjoyed its distinct taste. And the burnt honeycomb, it tasted like meringue to me. A must-try!

Cream Cheese Ice Cream

Then Cream Cheese Ice Cream was next. Hmm. Well, it tasted too sour for me. But still, we were able to empty the plate. Meaning, we still loved it. :D

Sikwate Ice Cream with Coconut Snow

And last but not the least, the STAR, in my opinion is Sikwate Ice Cream with Coconut Snow. I used to always drink hot sikwate at my grandmother's place during mornings, and that I really enjoy it. As well as this Sikwate Ice Cream! The sweet taste of the ice cream, the sticky caramel under it and the sprinkles of powdered snow complements each other. Definitely one of the desserts that I like so far in my life. And no doubt, this is going to be my forever favorite whenever I get to dine at Restaurant Damaso. Have a taste, then you'll know what I'm talking about. :D

Aside of the food, what's best in this restaurant is that you are able to meet the owners, for they serve what you ordered themselves.

Restaurant Damaso left an impression to me with that Sikwate Ice Cream. But I know that there are more of their dishes that I must try. I tell you, to taste is to believe! Head on to Restaurant Damaso today and have a taste of their proud dishes. I am also proud about them. Only in Cagayan de Oro! :)

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.

Bistro Rivale Cagayan de Oro: A Place For A Sumptuous Lunch

"When I eat with my friends, it is a moment of real pleasure, when I really enjoy my life." ~ Monica Bellucci

Recently, I was losing my appetite. Blame it to my fever. So, I only eat in minimal every meal. A cup of rice and a saucer of viand. Satisfying, but in a low level. I can't be like that for forever! Great that last Saturday, all of my officemates decided for a lunch out. At Bistro Rivale! Spell excited. E-X-C-I-T-E-D. For the food. LOL

Bistro Rivale

I've read in a blog featuring about Bistro Rivale and that they serve satisfying yet affordable foods. Plus, they serve Spanish Cuisines. My excitement was at it's peak. LOL. So, at that moment, I was really eager to try their food. Lucky that all of us from the office went at the location which is at Big Tree Arcade along Kauswagan Highway, Cagayan de Oro.

Since that was lunch time, the sun was so high and scorching. But we were unstoppable! We arrived there wondering what foods will be served to us. Then we placed ourselves to wherever seats we prefer. The interiors look simple but already showing a homey vibe and a touch of Spain with the framed images.

Roamed my eyes around the place, talked, laughed, and minutes later, foods were served one at a time.

Pica Pollo of Bistro Rivale

Pica Pollo landed on our tables. A dish of fried chicken with a tempting gravy. Irresistible! Yes, fried chicken but what's unusual about it was the gravy. Never tasted like of it from anywhere else.

Rivale Sisig of Bistro Rivale

Then we heard sizzle sounds. And there they are, Rivale Sisig are being served to us. Just the smell and the sound of the sizzling meat, already teasing me to have a taste of it.

Paella Mixta of Bistro Rivale

Then this Paella Mixta. Look at those variety of seafoods? But I won't lie that I didn't take a spoon of it, I avoided tasting it that may worsen my cough. And I really regret that. Should've took the risk. But anyways, my officemates loved it and left nothing of it. I envy them. But will definitely try soon. Can't wait!

Iced Tea with Strawberry Slices

Our refreshing drink was disguised as pitchers of Iced Tea with Strawberry slices. Honestly, haven't got to eat a raw strawberry in my life so I was really curious what it really tastes like. So I harbored all of the strawberry slices leaving others with none at all. :P

Patatas Bravas of Bistro Rivale

We're almost done eating when their Patatas Bravas arrived on our tables with a sour cream dip. I really loved it!

We were really having a great time there, chilling, killing time, after a sumptuous lunch. Again, talked and laughed at random topics. I really enjoyed the place, the food and the people I spent that time with.

So, whenever you and your family or friends are looking for a place to have lunch or food tripping, take a ride and bring yourself to Bistro Rivale. Spanish cuisines right at Cagayan de Oro. Believe it! Well, if you don't? See it for yourself!

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.