Feels Like Heaven: Sinfully by Makati Shangri-La

I remember the previous year, I was able to go this dessert shop at Greenbelt, Makati and I couldn't forget the euphoria I had the moment I bought their macaroons. Last week, I was feeling really blue and sad because of the pressure I'm feeling with all the school works so I decided to come back to Sinfully for another round of extreme tummy happiness.

Sinfully's Get Kissed chocolates

Sinfully's signature pralines 

Cookie lollipops and mini chocolate chips

"When words are not enough, have an emoti-cake." 

French macaroons, all available in different flavors! 

Pistachio & chocolate are definitely my favorites.

A perfect dose of sweets for the stressed G.

(c) Kat Aurellano

Sinfully by Makati Shangri-La

Cakes- Chocolates- and other Indulgences

2/F Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center, Makati City

Tel. No.: (02) 729 6626

Top of the World

First outing of 2013. First hiking experience, never again.

January 13, 2012


Every semester, I get to have an out-of-town trip for a major class. This is probably because I'm taking up Philippine Arts and learning and experiencing hands-on activities are better for this kind of course.

For my PA 110, Philippine Indigenous and Ethnic Arts, class we went to Mt. Arayat, Pampanga and was able to meet one of the outstanding Pampangeños for 2012, Sir Mike. He served as our guide tour and brought us to Gintong Pakpak, located at the foot of the mountain.

Magalang, Pampanga - the hometown of National Artist Emilio Aguilar Cruz. It was said that some of his ashes are kept here and the rest were scattered in Mt. Arayat.

Gintong Pakpak is located at the foot of Mt. Arayat. 

The waterfalls is said to be the bathing quarters of Apong Sinukuan, their deity god. Unfortunately, it has been damaged in the long run. Natives still continue to use this place as source of food, and place to unwind. 

Wanderlust: Bataan 2012

I've always wanted to go to places and make a travel blog in the future. It's a dream that I plan to start now.

"The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page." - St. Augustine  

September 01, 2012
Bataan, Philippines

Three hours away from Manila, I went to Bataan along with my college blockmates for a major class, Philippine Arts 198 (Introduction to Cultural Heritage) outing. We had to take the Bataan Transit bus from Doroteo Jose station in Manila at around 6 in the morning and arrived at Bataan at exactly 8AM.

Upon our arrival, the jeepney we rented was already there and the driver brought us to Jollibee for a quick breakfast stopover before the whole trip starts. We met our professor at the terminal and drove our way to Mt. Samat.

9AM: Mt. Samat, Bataan

Mount Samat is the location of the historical marker for the Bataan Death March. Also found here is the Shrine of Valor or Dambana ng Kagitingan which is found near its summit.
From the terminal, we drove our way through the zig-zag roads around the mountain to reach almost the top of Mt. Samat. There we found the Holy Cross/Shrine of Valor which was really a great view up close. We also found ourselves inside the museum that showcases artifacts (Japanese soldier uniforms, bullets, grenades, rifles, pictures, flags, etc.). Unfortunately, picture taking wasn't allowed inside the museum. My professor was also able to buy a framed bullet which only costed Php 2000. Other historical collectibles are sold for a great price (in case anyone is interested, do visit because items are really a great addition to a historical collection).

Shrine of Valor/Dambana ng Kagitingan

 All the while, I thought we could view the Shrine of Valor only by standing from afar. What I didn't know is that we could still hike up going to where the cross actually stands. It took us 400+ steps before reaching the summit of Mt. Samat, and we were able to ride an elevator all the way to the TOP OF THE CROSS. Yes, the view was really breath-taking. The cross showed carvings of the lives and struggles of Filipinos who took part during the Bataan Death March.

Captivating view from the top of the Shrine of Valor.

 1PM: Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar

It was a very wise decision for us to push through our trip by going to the "living museum of Philippine customs and traditions" (www.lascasasfilipinas.com). At first, we had second thoughts because of the price rates they implement. But since we were already in Bataan, me and my blockmates decided that visiting Acuzar would be a first for all of us and it would be nice to have that first experience altogether.

Love for Food: Cafe Boheme & Le Souk

I think it is not a crime for a woman to crave for all these things and have it all in one night.



Cafe Boheme's Creamy Mustard & Chicken Pasta



Cafe Boheme's Clubhouse Sandwich

The great thing about restaurants in BF Homes is that they're just beside each other. These two particular places: Cafe Boheme & Le Souk have to be my favorite hang-out places. Not only do they have a great ambience, they also serve a great list of food.




Le Souk's Greek Seared Fish (P115)



Le Souk's Iced Tea Slush (P35)

Coolatree Ave.

There's this one thing that I hate about internet shops here in the Philippines, ugly ambience (broken furnitures, slow internet connection, too noisy customers playing online games, and the like). You pay for a great stay, not for a rowdy crowd.

A friend of mine, Angelica Aba, owns this internet shop in Taft Avenue, Manila named Coolatree Ave. I have to say it's one of the best places I've been because it is the complete package of the cozy, stylish internet shop.

Coolatree Ave. (located at Unit 131, The Manila Residences,
Taft Ave., Malate, Manila)

Internet rate: P25/hr
Printing rate: P2.50/page

Expect fast service, internet connection & no back aches thanks to
the cozy chairs! :)

What I love about this place, too is that there's that perfect touch of art. As an Arts Management student, I loved how Coolatree is filled with vintage posters that were ordered from antique shops. Some are even collector's items!!

Cafe Boheme

I'm pretty sure most of us hate the fact that Starbucks or Coffee Bean or Seattle's Best has been so crowded lately, that you'd rather stay at home and have that 3-in-1 coffee. Well, I have a perfect coffee place (especially for people from the South) that I can say has the perfect ambience.

Located at BF Homes, Paranaque (beside Le Souk, acroos Tides Bar)

Cozy sofas everywhere! Stay the whole day, it's all good.

This shelf offers great novels, crayons for kids, board games and even chips for
everyone to enjoy.

Cakes ranging from P90-P110/ slice. Worth it, must try their red velvet. :>