Pamper day at Nail-a-holics

Because I'm an on-the-go-lass, my mom ask me if I want to go with her to Megamall before I go home after my review. Of course, I say YES! My mom likes getting pampered. And since I'm a fan of being pampered, we had already agreed to get our nails done. It's been more than a month since my last mani-pedi. After having our early dinner, we searched for a nail salon and stumbled upon Nail-a-holics Nail Salon and Spa in SM Megamall. After a week of wanting to have my nails done, I finally had time to visit a Nail Salon. It was my first time to try this nail salon because I usually had mine cleaned and pampered at home by a family friend of ours.

I availed of their Serene Island Manicure while my mom got the Palm Beach Pedicure and footspa. All the methods done were the familiar mani/pedi. Great nail techs as expected. I love how attentive the nail techs were despite the number of clients they were servicing. Often, when I looked inside of salon, they are jampacked with people. It's great to know that service isn't compromised despite the number of clients. Here the services to choose from:

Nail-a-holics Menu and branches

I had my nails painted with Royal Plum. I loved perfect clean nails! I sooooo loved the color of nails. :))

The place is really wonderful to spend a few hours in. The interior is quite amazing. I loved the super comfy couches and the chandeliers for lighting. I'm am quite relaxed throughout the whole procedure. It's nice to know that after a tiring day I have something like Nail-a-holics to give a relaxing, home-y ambiance. It's great that Nail-a-holics is situated in different popular malls around the metro.

The comfy couches

Speaking for myself, I think it was one of the best nail pampering experiences I've ever had. Well it should be. It didn't come cheap. But it was all worth it even I don't used my own money for this. Thanks to mommy for my pamper treat!! Happy kid here!! :)) Our nail techs was very thorough and careful when they cleaned our nails. There was no unwanted wounding or unsolicited bleeding. Most important thing is that she always asked if she was hurting me and she let me inspect my nails is she missed a spot. 

Hands being soaked

Different color Orly nail polish to choose from

I highly recommend this nail salon if you have extra money to shed. It maybe pricier than most nail salons but the service is great. You won't feel cheated out of your well earned bucks. They also have WiFi. I really had a wonderful time being pampered, I am sure to come back to Nail-a-holics because I was satisfied with the service and it is so affordable to be so pampered. The staff are accommodating and friendly and their locations are so convenient because they have so many branches. I am sure to go back and try more!! :))

Milk Tea-rific #2: Gong Cha

Hello guys! I'm back from deep slumber! And I'm back with my milk tea review no. 2! 

Honestly, I'm a milk tea fanatic. I can finish one order of any milk tea. I know. I know. I've been to Gong Cha far too many times already but I'm blogging about it just now. Hehe! :P Let me tell you a slight backgrounder about the craze on Gong Cha milk tea. 

Gong Cha is a Southeast Asia milk tea brand. It was first launched in Taiwan, and now boasts more than a hundred outlets worldwide. Before it even hit the Philippines, Gong Cha has been up and about in SE asian countries such as Malaysia, Hongkong and Singapore. Gong Cha which means tea that is served to the Emperor or Royal Court. 

The only Gong Cha outlets I know here in the Philippines are the ones in MOA, Glorietta and the other one in SM Megamall which I frequent went to when I'm craving for a milk tea fix. Their branch in SM Megamall is enough for a tea place. Situated in 2F Mega Atrium, its interior exudes a simple yet cozy vibe with maroon walls interrupted by smoky swirls of white. Marble top tables and black hard plastic chairs were spaced comfortably and lights dimmed accordingly.

Tea.Coffee.Juice

It is similar to Happy Lemon's concept of cheese and rock salt. Gong Cha milk was slightly salty and sweet at the same time. It was also creamy. If you are the type of person who likes everything a little salty and who would not mind tasting it from a cup, then go for this mil tea place Gong Cha milk variety which comes in an assortment of tea combinations such as green, black, alisan or earl grey. 

My all-time favorite which I usually order is the Gong Cha Winter Melon tea and Milk Tea with Pearl Jelly. A rush of smooth, creamy, and foamy milk cream greeted my mouth and what transpired within the next few seconds was a heaven for my mouth with a cream yet a clean texture. I love the way the foam tastes and when it mixes with the tea. Kabooom!!! A match made in heaven. I could see a sprinkle of a green matcha powder on top. As I dug my straw deeper, my mouth was awash with honeyed overlapping tastes of young winter melon and sugar. The tea flavor is very apparent and that's one of the things I really look for. And for me, what might be an optional ingredient for others can actually be a deal-breaker for me: the pearls. :) The Gong Cha pearls were nice, soft and chewy and therefore merit the my praise as a milk tea fanatic. If you're a newbie in the milk tea craze, go for their sweetened milk teas like the wintermelon and chocolate. 

Sprinkled with green matcha powder

They said there are three ways to enjoy Gong Cha House special. First, is to sip the special cream on top! Itried it and it was heaven! It's so yummy that you would want to order another serving of the cream. Haha! I wonder how they do it. It's creamy and a little bit salty. It's like cheese and milk in one. Super delicious!! :)) Doing the second step to enjoy the cup: Tasting the tea! I took a sip and says: this is really authentic winter melon! It doesn't taste like other milk tea establishments winter melon tea. Last step: Mix the cream and tea! Baboom! It looks like milk tea! But it doesn't taste like milk tea while getting the satisfaction of drinking the tea passing through a thick foamy layer. 

Overall, I was satisfied with my Gong Cha experience and will definitely go back to try out their other specialty drinks. I think the price is reasonable considering that I really enjoyed my drink. Like I mentioned on my past review, other milk tea places were missing something, sometimes it would be the "umay" factor and for the most of the time, the consistency of the pearl. With Gong Cha, the taste of their drink really stands out. Go and try and you might fall in love with it, who knows?? Very distinct and definitely a must-try!! :)) 

Gong Cha Philippines currently has 5 branches all over the metro:

*SM Mall of Asia - G/F Entertainment Complex

*SM North Edsa - 2/F Sky Garden

*Glorietta 4 - 3/F Food Choices

*SM Megamall - 2/F Mega Atrium

*Robinsons Place - 3/F Midtown Level

Check out their milk tea specialty from Gong Cha website and whats new they have to offer on their Facebook page. 

Chew on this: Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken

"Home of the World Famous Portuguese Style Grilled Chicken"

Piri-piri, Peri-peri or Peli-peli is the name used in Portuguese and a number of African languages to describe the African bird's eye chili, a member of the Capsicum plant genus. This is a small and extremely spicy variety. The variations in spelling derive from the various pronunciations of the word in parts of Africa, although "Piri-piri" is the correct spelling in Portuguese. (Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piri_piri)

So, just looking at the definition you can already assume that Peri-peri chicken would have an exotic taste. Hmmmm....Interesting right?!

Together with my dad and sister we went at SM Megamall because my sister is planning to buy a new phone and my dad need to buy new clothes for their company outing. Since, it's tiring to go around the mall and walk through each stores, Mr. Stomach was growling and that was our signal that we should eat to pacify our hunger. It's hard to decide where to eat in a place as big as SM Megamall because there are really lots of good restaurants to choose from but this particular restaurant caught my eye simply and lured to this place out of pure hunger, the SM Megamall branch located on the Bridgeway 3rd level of building B in between Racks and Tokyo Cafe was conveniently situated. Chicken lovers can rejoice with the menu filled with chicken dishes from salads, entrees, wraps, sandwiches, pasta and of course, the Filipino staple, platters and combo meals. If you're craving chicken minus the grease then their charcoal-grilled chicken is a very good alternative.

"OLA, SENOR, SENORA!!!" that will be the greeting you will hear upon entering the restaurant. The place is nice. They got these yellow lanterns above each tables that made it a happy, bright looking place. It has a very light ambiance too. I got excited. I don't know why but the very easy and light feeling made me feel excited to the chicken that we will be ordering.

I ordered the Everyday Platter B (1/4 pc. Peri-peri chicken, 2pcs. Parmesan shrimp, Corn and Carrots, Java rice and gravy for P235) because I was so hungry, excited and my appetite has been crazy lately I forgot to take the picture of it! Hehe :P And I chose the Lemon and Garlic flavor for my chicken . It's worth it. The price is reasonable as the serving is big. Big enough for a little girl with a monster stomach like me. My chicken? Simot-sarap! As in sarap to the bones. ^-^ The chicken tasted different than the usual grilled chicken that I'm familiar with. You can taste some herbs and other flavors on it and the good things is, you don't need to dip it in gravy to enjoy the chicken because it is good as it is.

My dad ordered just a 1/4 pc. Peri-peri chicken also in a Lemon and Garlic flavor and my sister chose to have Classic Carbonara with 2 pcs. finger bread on the side. Every time you order chicken the servers will ask you what marinade you prefer. They have Lemon and Garlic, Mild spicy and Hot and Spicy. Service at this branch was fast which was perfect because we were all starving.

Classic Carbonara

1/4 pc. Peri-peri Chicken (Lemon & Garlic)

The Platters (A,B,C) seems to be making it big, eliminating the need to decide on a three-course meal, being budget friendly. The best thing about Peri-peri is the P49 unlimited soup and beverages promo. Take note, the soup is not just something cupped out from a dish; we are talking about the real soup here. 

Their menu and price list

Depending on the day (they have two choices per day) and based on my experience, they have Mushroom Soup, Corn Soup, Carrot and Pumpkin Soup and Broccoli Cream soup. May be because it's weekend that there are many soup choices. 

My top pick is unexpectedly the Carrot and Pumpkin Soup. Creamy, tasty and healthy. Second on my list is the Corn Soup because I am just a corn person. The Broccoli Cream Soup is a must try too, although the Mushroom soup is so-so.

Carrot and Pumpkin Soup

Mushroom Soup

For the beverages, they've got tons. I ordered a mango shake coz' I don't feel like the drinks available for the promo. Hihihi Mango juice, Lemon Iced tea, Strawberry juice, Sodas (Pepsi products), Coffee, Hot tea and the list goes on.....The soup and drinks were self-service so you can really get as much as you want. How would they know you availed of the unlimited deal? :P They use different glasses and soup bowls than those for regular servings, of course! 

Whether you are a big eater or on a diet, there's always a room for you. Average price per meal range around P150 - P250, depending on the included number of sides. They also serve Salads, Burger and Quesadillas. One thing I'm sad with Peri-peri is they didn't offer any kind of desserts or sweets! :( I hope they will add it up in their menu in future time. 

My handsome father

Me, Daddy and big sister happy tummy!!

With all our orders in Peri-peri Charcoal Chicken, overall, I must say that this restaurant is actually highly recommended since they are not the usual chicken mean you will have plus considering the price, they are not really costly. It was still a satisfying meal. We'll go back there for sure and still have to try other good food that they offer next time. I couldn't move out of really bloated tummy by then! If you come across this restaurant, try it, don't chicken out!! Indulge!! :D

Milk Tea-rific #1: Happy Lemon

My sister just gave me a good news!! At long last, HAPPY LEMON is at Megamall. No need for me to go to Eastwood or Greenhills just to satisfied my milk tea craving! Yeyyyy! I was a bit shocked with excitement the moment I saw it. 

I think I have become a Happy Lemon addict. I have been recommending it to a lot of people Because it's really good. I just cannot get enough of it. And yes, I can already say two thumbs up for their milk tea. 

I really, really enjoyed Happy Lemon! I ordered Milk Tea with OREO cookies and cream with pearls for Php100.00 which is one of my personal favorites! :D 

It has a mantra of "HAPPY EVERYDAY!" I think this is a tag line for their product telling the customers to buy 'Happy Lemon everyday!' :)))

For those people who are just near Megamall, try this one out it is really good and affordable price. Their pric range from 75 to 100+Php. But if you really wanna try this one out. You can go to any Happy Lemon store near your place.I think they also have branches in Eastwood, Greenhills, Powerplant mall and Trinoma. 

I finished everything with a big Happy Lemon smile on my face. I would definitely come back here and try their Lemon series. 

For more info: Happy Lemon branches

*4th Level, Eastwood mall

*2nd Level, Greenhills Promenade

*4th Level, Trinoma mall

*2nd Level, Powerplant mall

*3rd Level, Megamall Bldg. A