Cebu, Philippines - The Perfect Tea Shop

The Chocolate Chamber (TCC) @ Behind Sarrosa Hotel

Chocolate

Raquel Choa, a Cebuana, fell in love with the idea of chocolate and decided one day to become a chocolate connoisseur... out of the blue, or so I heard. This place however does chocolate a little different than one would expect. It gives you that "Well Hello Dahlin' would you like to grab some afta-noon Tea... I've actually got some scones and some choh-kuh-late and stuff" feel.

Bakes and Spreads

The aforementioned chocolate at her shop is best paired with the soft breads they so freshly bake and serve with their own home made mix of PBJ, chocolate butter, and yes... cookie butter. 

Exquisite China

If you're lucky and you often are, they ask you when they take your order for a hot beverage, what color China you want it served in... Every piece of serving-ware from their 3-inch water glasses, their pearl clad teaspoons, to their adorable "I wanna take you home" teacups, boasts class.

Chocolate Infused Brewed Tea

The best part of it all is their novel idea of brewed tea infused with chocolate. Go down their list of 30 something (maybe more) teas and pick any which one to infuse with the good ol' Cacao. I did the Chocolate Infused Lavender one and my friend did the Chocolate Infused Hibiscus Tea. It's an interesting taste!

High Tea

But wait there's more... They also serve "Tea Sets" AKA, "Tea Pairings", you know... like Wine Pairings... or Champagne Pairings... but instead of that it's... Tea Pairings; with chocolate tea, baked goods, spreads, salads, sandwiches a top a three tier dining set?... something like that.

I spent hours at this tea shop convinced I had nothing better to do and for some reason, it seems to have that effect on it's other consumer's as well. I spoke with Anthony Choa, Raquel's son who was just perfect enough to schedule a tour of their chocolate process. What I got back was, organic, cacao, rocks... SOLD!

Sri Lanka - Must Do's

I shall move here!

Everyone develops the Lankan fever from the Lankan hospitality... My favorite place in the world!

Ok so here we go:

Tea

Anywhere you can get it, hot and with warm milk

Galle

for surfing! Book with Cantaloupe Hotels 

House of Fashion Outlet Mall

The dollar won't be to 136 SL-Rupees forever so hit this high quality outlet mall that is one of the most economical in the world

Kama  

A bar with great pop music of the last few generations and the good songs actually last more than 10 seconds

Hilton Colombo Residences 

This hotel is for bigger groups and longer stays... But it won't stop me from listing it as my favorite for it's ridiculously awesome service and the best Sri Lankan food I've tasted (way to go Chef Sesha) okay!!! judge me, as this may be one of the few touristy-like places I recommend, nevertheless best experience at this hotel.

Help The Charity Committee 

A group of five ladies very active with humanitarian work. This is a great foundation and if you have time it never fails to make you feel helpful to get to know a group like this. Give them a call see what their facing, ask if you can help for a day or two or just learn about what is going on.

Adam's Peak 

See trip advisor for this. Always wanted to do it, never did, but I hear it's one of the funner things to do. Need to be physical fit for this

Waterfalls at Horton Plaines/Ella 

Just fall in love... Just do it... Right now! Right now!!

Raja Bojun Restaurant 

So there were a couple places on trip advisor, lonely planet that suggested and re suggested the same other places, however this place not on the trip guides is ranked #1 by locals... It did not disappoint. Be prepped for real Sri Lankan food and real Sri Lankan spice.

For a tempting guide pick up the #1 travel magazine called, Tripin Sri Lanka (edited by my darling cousin, Amrita Advani)

ABOUT ME AND MY TASTE

25% Tourist 25% Local 50% Traveler

The blog leaves out the SO-SO's, in-betweens, and the GOOD places. I blog only the BEST, places I would do again and again, crave repeatedly, and places I would feel bad having to leave.

I value time as a busy person, and I want to impart that others should too, 4 Hour Work Week Style, and Paretto's Principle Style of only choosing what absoultely matters.

• I bullet point for easy reading

I've done OCD research on  THE TOP PLACES rated by many, blogged by many and tried by many, I then try them out for myself if it is deemed worthy and then further limit the selection. I find that many times there is really only ONE or TWO top places instead of 10... and so I opt for the few.

Yes I did mention tourist above, however my main frequency is that of a traveler, who looks for experiences and not so much sites.

I like doing, learning, eating, singing, dancing, experiencing more than just looking

I enjoy luxury... but i can be happy underneath a banana tree in the pouring rain on top of a mountain

I like to take my time but can improvise with a hectic schedule

I love convenience and peace of mind

I value safety

My favorite area of the home is the bathroom... so i pick places that are clean ...and conducive :)

Im a picky eater, but I try everything (except shrimp, I'm allergic to that.. who am i kidding ill still try it anyway)

Incase of an emergency like one mentioned above, I have a medical background... a strong one, so Im well regulated when it comes to keeping healthy on trips

I enjoy life

I actually am an actress/singer/dancer/TV Anchor with a propensity towards comedy, but what the heck does that have to do with anything here (... I thought it might be cool to mention)

I try to say it all... honestly (ie. "yes that was a little wet," " I like it that way," "it's that tiny??!!".. you get the picture...)

... Sometimes I like to cuss, i know not very ladylike... When I'm happy I cuss, when I'm disappointed I cuss, when I ... I should really stop cussing...

In Conclusion

If you only have 1 day to be in a city, theres no sense in trying everything... you only have to try the best that that city offers. That will give you enough time to take it easy in between these top choice activities, versus if you tried everything rated high on travel sites and blogs. If you do the latter you are less likely to enjoy everything you do and you may not have time to absorb everything or time for relaxation or more urgently, contingencies. 

If you have several days in the city, you would, with this blog, at least check off the best things off the list and then proceed to the others, other sites recommend. 

In my experience a smart traveler chooses to enjoy a limited number of really cool activities/restos which gives him time to relax, reflect, absorb and even stay safe and healthy and be able to think and plan better, as oppose to smash 10 top picks off other sites, not all of which may really garner the same amount of fun, because of a hectic schedule, or they just simply are not really all that fun.

So Read and Enjoy at your own Risk, and I thank you for giving me the opportunity to write to and for you!

Cebu, Philippines - Dance Classes

Among my number one must do's in Asia, are dance lessons at 

The Dancesports Team Cebu City Studio.

Who Are They:

Dancing with the Stars, So You Think You Can Dance, Empire State Competitions, all the other fad shows pale in comparison to the beginners, intermediates and the pros at this school. Their instructors are the same instructors of Blackpool's champions Leunis and Malitowski. Other prolific instructors also fly in to witness and teach at this studio, as it is really one of a kind in the world of dance.

What They Do:

Sometimes their students train 10 hours straight 7 days a week, and more impressively when flown to compete against the pros in other countries, pros who have slaved through years of kiss ass tug of war with judges and coaches just to move to the next round, or win gold, these out of town "newbies" sweep 90% of the gold medals right off their hands and are never shamed to be seen with silver or bronze.

One of A Kind:

They are the only dance school in the world who teach in cascade, which means they recruit hundreds several times a year, (most kids from the streets, or of low socio-economic status), and their students eventually become teachers within a short span of time, and then teach the new students who become teachers and so on. Their size and foundation is formidable. They won the Guinness record back in 2007 for the largest dance class in the world (7000+)

How To Schedule:

To schedule a class call or visit DTCC (Kevin, Eo, Roi, Jeff, Wilbert - are my teachers - but they have a good group of females and other male instructors also very good)

Choose between Cha Cha, Rumba, Jive, Samba, Paso Doble, Waltz, Viennese Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, Argentine Tango and so on.

Be prepped to learn stretching and work out techniques, basic steps, then an open routine and all the way up to highlights right in your first session

Very Nice.. How Much:

Prices are competitive for the local Filipino, however for the tourist, its a steal at Php 300 or USD7 for one hour of a real challenging class (not the "rip off" $65- $100 deal you would get at many schools in the US, who will only stick to a syllabus, then talk your precious time through the class to use up the time of the class so you won't learn enough and be compelled to buy more classes)

Wear comfy shoes, gym shoes or heels with straps if you don't have dance shoes, and then if you like it, contemplate having them make you shoes for cheap, ready in a week.

Here's A Sneak Peak of Yours Truly and DTCC!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iaE1l752k2Y

merd!

Buenos Aires - Must Do's

Parilla Pena - Empanadas, Steak and Wine
I still have dreams of this place, and I swear one day soon I will buy a ticket just to fly in and out of BA to satisfy this craving. The best steak and empanadas I have tried among all the other Trip Advisor Steak places in BA.

El Cuartito - Pizza and Pepsi
Pizza here is good, what makes it special is that you are eating it in a 1930's cafe, that is packed with Argentinians and tourists alike (meaning hungry) and the energy of the place is bustling. Its a good stop for hangovers, actual meals, or an afternoon snack. It's a historic spot so it just makes you feel trendy and cultured when you have pizza here. Ask for their best seller. 

Volta - Ice Cream and Coffee
I stumbled in this cafe because they were the only ones on the block that offered me "En Chofe" an adopter extension cord for my laptop. I tried their coffee and I went from a 0% caffeine lady to an "Oh My God I gotta have that Argentinian Cafe-addict" Their Ice cream is also pretty good. In fact It's so good it's like Sensodyne to the Whitener's teeth. I know that reference didn't sound delicious... It's really good you'll sacrifice the pain... Better?

Take Wooden Train (Line A, Buenos Aires Metro, Between San Pedrito and Plaza de Mayo)
This trip just makes me giddy. I know I know, Im not the girl who takes wooden transpo on a day to day basis, no rickshaws, horse drawn carriages lately.. but a wooden train ... come on! The Hong Kong transit system has a lot to learn about keeping it full of character. (if you aren't aware of the HK Transit system, it is one of the most efficient and state of the art communes of metal in the world moving people to and fro, in and around that very colorful city)

Cocina Sunae

Advanced reservations only! But a must do!!! This chick Sunae is a mom, blogger, grocecrier and chef from NYC who married an Argentinean. At the beginning of the week, She writes about her upcoming menu to be served only to ten or so exclusive tables. The next few days is grocery and prep for the big night. She continues to post TID bits and photos online about the surprises you as the guest of this feast will be up for, then finally D day arrives. The big Dine in day, where you get to try what you've read about throughout the week. This is Genuis!

www.cocinasunae.com

Cabana Las Lilas

On the pricier end, but actually very tasty pricey... For the love of money and for the love of food. Try coming with a big group so you an try course after course and possibly split the bill later. Order limoncello shots in between courses and finish with Dolce De Leche. Good place to get full and drunk! I spent three hours here ... Eating, Drinking... This is the life!

Cebu, Philippines - Exotic Chinese Food

Choi City Restaurant @ Banilad Town Center (BTC)

Order

Dimsum (the best, and freshest I have tried, competitive with Hong Kong!)

Roast Pork (their specialty)

Rock Lobster (caught live)

Sea Mantis (caught live)

Sizzling Ostrich (caught live)

Seared Lapu Lapu (the fish caught live... if you get that pun)

Dessert

Mochi (like eating a baby's butt... Ez that guuud!)

Highlights

Service is outstanding: They actually are known as having the best servers in town. Customer Service is one of their core values and they get debriefed up to twice a week on service and standards.

Servers

They are all spectacular, my favorites are Mark, Elon, Elmer and the one of the owners Mark Co (who is a bit of an expert on exotic food)

Cebu, Philippines - Historical Resto

Beehive Restaurant @ F. Ramos, Cebu Philippines


WHO

Beehive was, is and will always be a local favorite to a certain kind of Cebuano. The old rich Spanish families, the elite, the educated of the day went as kids, then took their kids, then their grandkids to eat at this restaurant. Families dined here, celebrated here and this was the place many years ago that was the place to be.

CHARACTER

Fortunately... it is still around and the recipes have not changed, the taste has not changed, and neither has the ambience. Sure the walls look a little outdated, and the paintings hanging up are the same as right after they renovated the place back when I was a little girl...  that consistency of character is the winning charm of Beehive.

WHAT TO ORDER

When you go order: Osso Bucco, Beehive Burger, Sizzling Steak, and finish with their Beehive Roll

It is so seldom that things remain the same in life, people grow old, forget, sometimes pass on... but this restaurant has kept these memories of good ol days and the good ol people so fresh, that that nostalgia whether you're eating there again and again, after so long, or for the first time, brings about a warmth and a sense of wonder with every bite.

Manila - Cronut and Pistachio Au Liet Pairing

WildFlour Cafe + Bakery @ The Fort

Cronuts: the freshest donut-croissant in the world I've tried so far

..... paired with ......

Pistachio Au Liet: An oral orgasm that tastes like the goodness of Being tucked under the sheets during christmas by your lover

Prepared ever so delicately by Executive Chef Allen Buhay, good friend and silly dude :)

Sindhi Weddings - Highlights

If you ever get a chance to be-friend a Sindhi or most Indian's for that matter, get close enough and along with the other perks of friendship they might just invite you to their wedding. A 1M or > event, 4-5 days of parties and about 2-4 hours of sleep each night, and 10 dress changes at least that what it was for the cousins of the groom (yours truly included), 400 PAX since it is a destination wedding otherwise 1000PAX for in town wedding. So here is what it features

Engagement Party

Engagement Party - 8 months prior, in town, 1000pax, Buffet Dinner, Open Bar till 6AM, Full Stage, Lights overhead and lit dance floor

Day 0

Arrival of Most Guests 12NN - Greeted by Drummers each time the shuttle would arrive with a new batch

Arrival Lunch 1PM - Buffet

Arrival Dinner 9PM - Shuttle to a Thai Restaurant by the water, buffet style, with stations for Khao Soy

Day 1

Janya 10A - Thread Ceremony for the groom

Janya Lunch 1PM - Buffet, Pasta Station, Non Vegetarian section and Vegetarian

Tours 3PM - Tiger Tours, Temple Tours, Water Sports Tours

Welcome Dinner 8PM - Themed "Sassy and Classy" Sushi Station, Crepe Station, Pasta Station, Peking Duck Station, 15-30 Min Massage for guests pre-Dessert, Acoustic Entertainer from India

Youngster's Party 12MN - Themed "Army-Navy" Shawarma Station, and Open Bar till 6AM

Breakfast 6A - Buffet

Day 2

Breakfast 8A - Buffet for those who didn't stay up all night

Ghari 10A - Ceremony

Pool Party 12NN - Themed "Neon", Buffet Lunch, Noodle Station, Coconuts unlimited, Zorb Ball in the Pool, Live Mermaid in the Pool swimming around like no ones business, Massage Station, Hot Tub, Rain Stage, Couple and Parents Enter via ATV, Open Bar

Mendhi 8PM - Painting of Girls Hands/Legs Ceremony

Sangeet 11PM - Themed "Ethnically Elegant", Dinner Entertainment Party, Buffet, Indian Singer and Band, Stage with Lights, Lit Floor, Open Bar

Breakfast 6AM

Day 3

Breakfast 8AM

Lunch 12NN

Bharat 3PM - Ceremony where all men dress up in same outfit and parade around the hotel and follow groom to pick up the bride for the wedding, Pick Up Truck with Boom Speakers and DJ and his mixers, Hotel Bar Staff on Wheels distributing 1000ml bottles of Grey Goose to all the grooms boys in the crowd with nozzles to pour drinks straight into the girls mouths.

Wedding 4PM - Themed "Indian Chic", Ceremony where it is done, Priest talks about 5 pillars that hold married couple together, and how to control gain and desire with the other pillars. Hindu teachings stressed and inspire guests, couple walks around fire 5 times and then pronounced husband and wife and then wife's name is changed.

Afternoon Tea and Snacks 6PM - overflowing Chai Tea and Indian Street food made fresh, Puri, Tiki, and other indian snacks and sweets

Salon 7PM - Hair Dressers on call to prep for Next party

Reception 10PM -  Themed "All That Glitters" Buffet, Open Bar,  Singer and Band from India, Speeches by Bride Side and Grooms side, Toast by parents, Lit Dance Floor, Surprise Dance by Groom, A Surprise Number by yours truly

Breakfast 6AM

Day 4

Breakfast 8A - Buffet

Lunch 11AM - Buffet

Airport Shuttle for Departure 1PM