LAGUNA – On Purple Wings

Upperdeck Bar & Restaurant

Upperdeck Bar & Restaurant #boozfoodfungames

There is virtue in work, there is virtue in rest. Use both and overlook neither. ~Alan Cohen~

If you’re the type looking for so much more than food and drinks and chilling down south? Upperdeck bar and restaurant has more. They have pool, billiard hall, tattoo sessions and they have live acoustic and open mic jam. There’s ladies night, pay per views, name it.

There’s no denying that Upperdeck is a place where I can bring my friends not because the Owners are my friends but because the place is literally noteworthy. =)

A sweet couple so busy, still made time to see me. =)

So, one night, Jen and I went to the place and these are what we truly enjoyed. Most of their “Best sellers”!

One of the best iced teas I’ve ever tried! =)

To check on their complete menu, please click this link: https://www.facebook.com/upperdecksanpedro/

It’s interiors by the way is not the soft type, and not too stiff at the same time. It has some quirky side and what’s eminent is its’ masculine side. Giving you hints that the prime movers of this cool place are actually four gentlemen. =)

Those are liquor bottles cut in half, so creative! =)

Over-all look and “feel” is just perfect for their offerings. =)

The whole idea just popped out during one of their usual time together and as determined as these four are, it came to life. Serving thousands who’d always leave pleased and are already planning as to when they’re going to go back. Just like Jen and I did. =)

So when you’re heading down south, wanting just to chill, unwind and enjoy the night, treat yourself by visiting Upperdeck!=)

Photo credits: https://www.facebook.com/upperdecksanpedro/

By the way, this is one of my favorites. Surely, everyone will pass the requirements right? Easy! =)

Address: Block 15 A-1, Lot 2, Main Road , Rosario Drive, Rosario Complex (2nd & 3rd Floor of Spin Off Express Laundry)
San Pedro, Laguna 4024
Contact number: (02) 817 5262
Opening hours: 10:00am to 2:00am

Bricx Cafe & Bistro Bar

Bricx Cafe & Bistro Bar

“True friends are families you can select.”~Audrey Hepburn

Sometimes, I had this realization that I do not need to go as far to find some beautiful places to dine. Sometimes, it’s just a stone throw away from where I am located.

Jen and I recently discovered (accidentally) a cool place to dine and unwind: Bricx Cafe & Bistro Bar located in Pacita Complex, San Pedro, Laguna.

It is inviting due to the rustic interiors which you can perceive from the outside because of their glass facade.

brx 4 — What’s important nowadays to most people is that they have WIFI! =)

And this “attention-grabber” signage.

signange — https://www.facebook.com/pg/bricxcafe/about/?ref=page_internal

I even interviewed the attendant as to when did they open and why the news didn’t reach me. ahaha!

Out of excitement, you will notice that the combination of our orders are a bit weird as they didn’t complement one another. It’s like I wanted to try everything in their menu.

I got a burger, Jen got nachos and we craved for shrimps too.

It is recommendable if you happen to be nearby, the ambience feels expensive, yet, the menu list is affordable. And taste might not be “to die for” though it can meet expectations. The attendants are very accommodating too. They were trained to focus on up-selling too. =)

And there’s a spot which you can consider Instagrammable! =)

It is located at Pacita Avenue, Pacita Complex 1, San Pedro, Laguna. For reservations, you can call them too: (02) 838-4659.

January 13, 2019February 15, 2019

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Luna Cafe…

Luna Cafe…

“Coffee and friends, make the perfect blend.”

On my way to work, I spotted this newly-opened coffee shop in our hometown. Luna Cafe. It looks cozy from the outside, and I saw some splashes of the color pink inside. I instantly wanted to pay visit and check their menu so I scheduled it immediately over the next weekend.

I have been on the look-out for a coffee shop ala “Starbucks” that’s just near my place, like a rendezvous. I think this one’s the nearest so far. I have a leaning with “Picked” but it is 2 rides away from where I lived. And Starbucks is an hour drive from home.

Luna Cafe happens to be sitting beside another coffee shop. I just wondered why the owner of the place allowed tenants in similar businesses, it should be offer a variety as they will both benefit from it, looking at it, the other coffee shop looked gloomy, there was no guests at that time. While there are 2 tables occupied at Luna cafe.

Their interiors is the typical shabby looking, modern take of whats’ eclectic since they combined industrial chairs with girly and chic pieces, there are even flowers mounted on their walls that are made of papers. It actually added charm to the place or could be, because I just love the color pink.

My instant favorite is this wall. It inspired me to mount photos of those personalities that somehow inspired me and impacted my mindset, the likes of Mother Theresa, Frida Kahlo, or maybe even a photo of Madonna along my own portrait. Ahaha

Jen got quesadillas, as always, it has become her favorite. I tried the chipotle, because It reminds me of someone very special looking for chipotle when he visited the Philippines a few months ago.

We also wanted to try the mozarella logs, which also reminded us of the mozarella logs from Spatzle. I think I want to go back.

One of Cafe Luna’s best sellers are their artisanal coffees, intricately prepared in an artistic way, good to look at but you will always wonder if you’re going to eat all those decors since they are edible. Or should I leak the dripping chocolates on the sides of the mug.

I had avocado and Jen had their best seller specialty coffee: Cadbury Nutella.

The serving time was a bit longer than usual, so I again questioned what if it’s peak time. Jen asked me to not complaint and told her I will complaint, I am just sharing my views just with her. Or maybe they should have this standard spiel of informing their guests prep time of each item that we ordered.

Anyway, I just took photos of each corner to kill time, I even went out and took this pretty windchime, a hot air balloon, which is made of glass. It’s sound is so pacifying as soft wind came in that late Saturday night.

Their line-up isn’t pricey and I think is worthy for another visit when boredom at home hits me or should I need a little change in my environment. Anyway, it’s just 15 minutes away from home.

Cafe Luna is located at: Pacita Avenue, corner 16th avenue, Pacita Complex, San Pedro, Laguna.

Some photos courtesy of: http://www.decobake.com.ph/luna-cafe

February 22, 2018April 4, 2018

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Let’s Go Spinning

Le’ts Go Spinning – An inspiring tale of this couple’s leap in the DIY service laundry business

“Sometimes life is about risking everything for a dream no one can see but you.” ~

Gone are the days when Jane and Leo would need to wake up early to go to work and take turns to file vacation leaves whenever their daughter has an important activity in school. Primarily, It was their daughter that fueled this couple to venture into this DIY service laundry business.

This isn’t their first try. They have tried several businesses that didn’t work as expected. However, those setbacks didn’t stop them from trying and finally making it. They dared to be their own bosses.

And it was all worth it. Leo said, being persistent is the key. Among others like teamwork, since this is literally something that he and his wife worked on together. Their positive outlook in life, not being easily discouraged for every mishap was a major factor as to how far they’ve gone. And they expect to go farther.

And being together in this, they draw courage from each other, courage to take risk. And in so doing, they are now enjoying the fruits of all of their labors. And luck being on their side, after 4 busy branches, they are now with their first franchise.

So, why self-service laundry when there are other businesses to try? It is the fast-paced life of most Filipinos. They thought of making things easier for people whose always running out of time, giving them opportunities to spend quality time for their families.

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Work life balance that is sometimes difficult to achieve. And to add that they thought of something that won’t need a special skill, a business that is easier to manage, because it is based on the performance of each machine.

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As it is literally, DIY (Do it yourself) thing. The core of the business is more of a need, not a want. That after shelter and food, we all need fresh and clean clothing. That was the bottom line.

It is given that all entrepreneurs motivating factor is to earn bigger. But for this couple, it is first and foremost – family. They so much wanted to spend more quality time for their only daughter.

As Jane was saying,they have been dedicating their skills to their employers for so many years, helping them grow their money and it came to a point, that they thought of saying goodbye to an 8-5 job, and think of a business they can call their own.

They also thought that having their own business, they would be able to help more people, an innate character of this couple, as I know them personally through the years.

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Of course, venturing into this, they were confronted by a handful of ups and downs. They no longer get a fixed income, that thought of receiving a specific amount twice a month is like being out of their comfort zones.

It was tough at first, but as the branches continue to flourish, the difficulties they had to endure together, tasted sweet in the end.

Just recently, their first franchise being operational already, allowed them to expand and extend the products and services they can offer to clients through other people with similar mind-sets. Those who wanted to be their own boss too.

The tag line: “Saving energy, time and money” is so befitting to their vision. Improving quality of work life thus allowing more time to spend with the family or oneself. If others dream big, they dream bigger. I asked the two of them in sync, how do they visualize the future? They see the map of the Philippines with their logos scattered in all parts of the land from end to end. And that is definitely big right?!

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SPIN-OFF pilot branch is located at:

Rosario Complex, San Pedro, Laguna. You can contact them at: 533.9592.

August 20, 2017March 25, 2018

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Niña’s Kitchen in Biñan, Laguna

Niña’s Kitchen in Biñan, Laguna

“Everyday may not be good, but there is always something good in everyday.”

Niña’s Kitchen is probably one the most talked-about restaurant in Laguna. Or becoming if I may say. It is a residential house which ground floor they turned into a commercial one, serving Filipino dishes (with a tweak) from breakfast to dinner.

I have been seeing it every so often from social media threads lately and out of curiosity, I dragged Jen one Sunday afternoon.

What made it more famous than its’ competitors is because it was endorsed by our former Ms. Universe since the owner is a friend (and a classmate) of hers.

The most photographed item that they offer per my research is the “suman sa lihiya (lye)”. So it was my first reason why I wanted to visit their place. My mom used to prepare this before, and I really miss it. She is old already and can’t perform usual tasks anymore.

The place is snug, there are decorative objects equally distributed in the garden,

there’s even a bike with a basket holding a bouquet of flowers, which created a country-feel and very laid-back scenery. Relaxing and thought-provoking as well.

The dining area is quite huge, which can hold more or less 50 guests. There are actually three separate rooms to dine and we chose the one in a corner. The space outside is huge too.

It leads to the front yard too though it stays unopened and the entrance for guests is the one in the main dining hall where the counter and kitchen is situated.

Jen and I both sitted in the tufted bench beside that gorgeous red door.

On your left upon entrance is the stairs with quotes that I spotted in several blogs. So I made sure we have a picture on it. #thisthingwithstairs

The decors that are equally distributed in every corner were hints that most of which were from the owner’s many travels.

We’re supposed to order pasta and burger, but they’re no longer available. According to the attendant, there was a surge earlier. When we came before dinner time, only three tables were occupied giving me the liberty to take photos of items that are interesting to me.

We then chose pizza with pepperonis and still they’re no longer available. We ended up ordering the one with mushrooms. Jen ordered for the churros and I got my suman sa lihiya.

As a disclaimer, the attendant warned us that the pizza must be consumed immediately. The pizza is good, a healthy option since it is meatless. But true enough, in all fairness, we were warned, the pizza dough got firmer, and it’s no longer chewy to the bite.

The churros for me is over-rated, there is nothing special to it except for that mint leaf, just as how you expect churros to be, while the chocolate dip is good, it didn’t remind me of a brand, and only a good chef can do it or it is home-made. =)

The Filipino way of gathering is skillfully interpreted in this place. Local favorites infused with some internationally known dishes and a homey ambience. Huge tables, family pictures, souvenirs, hanging plants, a Sto. Nino to guard the place, the greenery, makes-up for the over-all cozy feel.