Welcome OATSIDE!

 

Last May 9, 2023, I went to Intramuros to witness the launch of an oat milk brand that has swept across Asia since early 2022!  

I have been offered free upgrade with OATSIDE in some coffee shops when I ordered my fave cup of Latte.  I always say NO because I am so afraid the taste of my coffee will change!  

When I attended this launch, it totally changed my mind on what OAT MILK can do to my favorite coffee - instead of masking the taste of my coffee, it can actually enhance and make it taste even better!!  Before I gush on about how I love my Oatside coffee, let me share to you what happened during the event.

Singaporean Founder and CEO Benedict Lim began OATSIDE when he saw a gap in the market for plant-based milk that offers a creamy and malty taste profile that is familiar to people who don’t typically drink plant milks.  We know that taste is often a barrier for more people adopting sustainable milks so his goal is to develop an oat milk that could overcome these perceptions.  It was challenging developing such product according to Mr. Lim but obviously, he was able to manage it and succeed in flying colors!

OATSIDE is one of Asia’s few “full-stack” plant milk start-ups.  OATSIDE has retained full jurisdiction over their entire production process, from sourcing its Australian oats to oat extraction to filling.  This allows customization in the production process of our delicious oat milk and the ability to ensure that only sustainbly-sourced ingredients of the highest quality are used.  OATSIDE is plant-based, lactose-free, cholesterol-free and low in saturated fats.

 

Sustainability has been core to the mission of driving plant-based milks globally – production of oat milk requires 90% less land and water and produces 70% less emissions as compared to the production of cow’s milk, which makes it much more sustainable.

Slow Down Saturday with A Good Cup of Coffee

 

Slow down weekend, my kind of favorite way to de-stress.  After a full week of classes I long for the weekend to have more “me time” even if it’s just extra 10-15 minutes in the afternoon.  I usually tutor my son on weekdays in the afternoon so I have the Saturday off of no tutoring so Kyle understood once he sees me sitting on a sofa playing my favorite IPAD games holding a cup of coffee.  GOOD COFFEE.

As a coffee lover, I drink all sorts of coffee, from 3-in-1 to instant but I highly aim for brewed coffee because I can taste the richness and aroma of a good coffee bean!  I only go for Instant when I am rushing but given the choice, I’d go for brewed coffee 100% of my life!

That said, I have a coffee corner with all sorts of coffee gadgets and accessories.  From Drip Coffee to Mokapot, Coffe Grinder, Gooseneck kettle and a whole lot more!

My first and only Mokapot was gifted to me by my brother but I find it NOT enough :P. Size is too small for my addiction so I am glad to have added a new Stainless Steel Mokapot from Havila PH.  

While at it, you can also purchase their huge Double Walled Coffee Mugs.  They have 2 capacities - 375ml and 475ml, I of course went for the bigger one!  They also offer Premium Coffee Grounds which comes free for every MOka Pot and French Press order!  

By the way, the stainless steel Moka Pot comes in 3 sizes - 160ml (3 cups), 240ml (6 cups) and 360ml (9cups).  I went for the latter and it was the best decision ever!  I make once in the morning and store the rest in a tight container for full day of coffee greatness!

Caerus Specialty Coffee + Bistro Review + Kyle's 6th

Kyle turned 6 this week!  It was a last minute decision to book a table at Caerus Specialty Coffee + Bistro  located at Tomas Morato. 

It was a very simple yet successful and happy dinner with both AMW families!

We dined at Caerus Coffee once and was impressed by the various food offerings.  Coming from someone who has been to a LOT of coffee shops in the Metro, Caerus Coffee is one of the few who offers more than pastas and sandwiches.  Because our first dining experience was great, we've decided to book in this restaurant!

Note: They have a function room available for you to book with a minimum of consumable fee.  Call them to check out the said rate!

Potato Chips

Php125.00

Fresh thin cut chips served with tartar sauce

Weekend Food Trip at: Quarks and Quills

I am confident to say, I know ALL the restaurants and coffee shops like the back of my hand!  For the past 2 years, I stay in Banawe every single school day for 4 hours to wait for my son in school.

My son studies at Quezon City while we live in Manila, driving him to school means it is more feasible to stay there and wait for him rather than going back home to brave the traffic. 

With 4 hours in my hands, I bring my laptop and take my work wherever I go (thank you Lord for Freelance jobs!)

Because I am also a researcher by profession, I was able to find a restaurant perfect for not only freelancers like myself but students alike!

Quarks and Quills!  

Fast FREE WIFI - CHECK!

Good coffee - CHECK!

Yummy food - CHECK!

Comfortable environment - SUPER CHECK!

They also have discounts available at Booky app but I felt a bit shy to use the discount as I stay there to use their internet connection, stay in a nice air-conditioned room, use their electricity at times to charge my laptop (nahiya ako, and they deserve the amount I pay!) 

I actually tried a lot of their dishes in the menu but for some reason, I wasn't able to take good photos because they are mostly for takeaway.

Skin-On Fries

Php95.00

These are thick-cut fries bake d until really crunchy.  I like the fact that it is baked so it isn't greasy!

Stop and Smell the Coffee

It was more than a month ago, March 10, 2018 to be exact when my dad fell off the stairs.  He was confined in a hospital for series of tests for 2 days and he was released as everything "seems fine".

As much as the results were all good, dad became restless, he can't move much due to pain and his usual activities which he does on his own is turning out to be a major challenge.

Fast forward to 2 weeks after the fall, I visited him as usual to feed him and give him some TLC (massage!).  I asked him what he wanted to eat - noodles, rice or congee.  And all I heard was mumble.  He can't seem to speak anymore.  

We brought him to the Emergency Room and we learned his left brain suffered stroke and his speech was the first target.  The news drained me - I felt like a kid all over again.  I wanted to cry but I needed to stay strong at the same time.  

Everyday seems to go by pretty quickly.  My usual crazy schedule became crazier as I need to insert hospital visits in between mommy duties.  It was tiring - yes, but it was something me and my siblings chose to do!

There's always a silver lining (as they say), true enough, there is a glimmer of light!  My dad is currently home and settled, he is still having difficulties in communicating and we need help with Speech Therapy but at least, I know he's safer! 

But, as for any machine - in my case, my body.  Overwork means my body is finally going downhill.  I have difficulties waking up in the morning and I feel sleepy and tired midday.  Don't worry, I'm not depending on coffee to give me the instant boost of energy, I actually stopped drinking for quite some time surviving some days without coffee or maximum of 1 cup a day!  That's a huge change considering I'm a 3-4 cups drinker!

Top: SM Woman
Pants: Zalora
Shoes: Shoegar

Today, I realized that I need to slow down a bit.  While waiting for my son in school, I've decided to OPEN my laptop not to work but to write this personal post to share with you that my life, other peoples' lives and YOUR life isn't perfect.  We are all carrying a certain baggage on a daily basis but we try our best to put a "happy mask" on our faces because life needs to goes on! 

The world won't stop just for you. 

With my dad's stroke episode and my mom's near-death experience several years ago, I realized, I need to STOP and SMELL the COFFEE (Figuratively).  We need to stop and enjoy life because we may never know when our coffee will get bitter or worst, stale!  

And since we're on the topic of coffee, the relaxation happened at Figaro Coffee Banawe, it wasn't the greatest place to "tambay" as the electric plugs aren't working and at some point (or some area of the room at 2nd floor), it gets hot with the sun coming through.

But as I said: STOP AND SMELL THE COFFEE

Eureka Moment: Drip Coffee Made Easy!

Seriously, do I have to mention it again?

I an a coffee-lover.

I have different kinds and types of coffee ready at home so it always feel like you're in a coffee shop if you have a coffee session with me at home!

It started when my brother was also sending me various coffee paraphernalias (okay, that does not sound right) but yes, we have coffee machine, bialetti, etc...

Would you believe I still settle for 3-in-1 instant coffee most of the time?  I can hear gasp down here!  Well, I am almost ALWAYS on a rush so waiting for coffee to "brew" and turning on the machine, waiting for it to "warm up" really takes up so much time!  

But truthfully, I crave for the taste of brewed coffee and thankfully, my friends have been gifting me various DRIP-On coffee and to be honest?  I am not as impressed as the ones that are really brewed to goodness!

Until recently, I've tried KEY COFFEE Drip-On (Php410.00)- first introduced in Japan as the first premium single-serve coffee brew system!

The best part?  They also got a DRIP-On Variety pack as I am someone who is VERY Loyal to my husband but not with coffee #lol

The Drip On Variety Pack contains Special Blend, Mocha Blend, Original Blend, Kilimanjaro Blend and Prime Origins (the flavors varies in season so that makes it even more exciting!) 

Weekend Food Trip at: All Day Cafe

Ever since I found All Day Cafe a month ago, I've returned 3 times to be exact!  Well obviously, I go back because the place serves GREAT Coffee!  But there's more to that!

The Cafe Restaurant isn't big like those giant retail chains but comfortable enough to even host a family gathering!  The first time I dined here was during lunch time and we got the place to ourselves with aircon in fullblast in HOT summer weather --- they got me at good air-conditioning system.

But that's not just it, the staffs are helpful too!  And oh, they also sells yummy Salted Egg Potato Chips!

Now let's talk about the food!  For a Cafe Restaurant, they actually have a good number of feel-good-tummy food!  My favorite is their Daing na Bangus!  I even picked my mom and dad and drove them all the way to Banawe just to try this exact dish!  It's perfect EVERY TIME!

Weekend Food Trip at: Third Space Studio Cafe, Banawe

You will always have me at "COFFEE SHOPS".

Ask me out on a date and tell me: "Let's have Coffee."  My heart skips a beat!

It was one SUPER HOT lunch time when we just came back from "School hunting" for Kyle Nash.  As Mr. AMW was busy taking care of his "bank errands" at BDO, I chanced upon a nice looking cafe/restaurant called Third Space Studio Cafe.  Judging by the look on the outside, I knew it will be a place I would enjoy chillax-ing.

And my gut-feel was super right!

The Coffee Jelly Frappe (Php145.00) isn't something I'd go back for but I would definitely give their "hot drinks" a try!  The coffee lover in me definitely wasn't that impressed with this drink, nothing bad but I have had better.

Let's talk about the ambiance, the Cafe/resto is quite huge!  You get a nice space with differently designed tables and chairs and half of the area (at the background of photo below) is a huge space where I saw customers playing basketball!

(Masaya na kami sa loob, promise, ang init eh!)

The cafe/restaurant was filled with sentimental music (both Tagalog and International songs) from a cute jukebox right next to the door!  This is definitely a huge PLUS for me who's an intense music lover!

Weekend Food Trip at: Bill's Bear Cafe, Robinsons Place Ermita + CBTL's New Offerings

I think it was a sudden decision to stop by Robinsons Place Ermita last weekend because we need to buy something!  And as always, the Mr. and Mrs. always ask each other: "Where to eat?"  and finally, after seeing Bill's Bear Cafe right at the center of the East Wing of Robinsons Place Ermita for quite some time, we knew we had to give the restaurant a try considering how hungry we were! 

Thankfully, the restaurant provides high chair, one of the best kind of high chair I must say (with longer back rest).  So made the quickest decision by ordering their "meals". 

But while typing this, we really regret not ordering their pizzas!  

Diced Beef served with Dry Garlic Slices in Mushroom Sauce

Php389.00

The beef is soft and tender and tastes really good!  I can't complain about the serving as the price is just okay for a set meal with rice, a bit of salad and creamy soup.  I can't give 2 thumbs up for the Mushroom Sauce though!  It was just okay, not the mushroom sauce my tongue was accustomed to.

Weekend Food Trip at: Paul Boulangerie BGC

You all probably know by now how much of a coffee person I am!  I get excited whenever I have a hot cup of coffee right in front of me and I am the type of person who likes to drink at least a cup after breakfast, lunch and dinner + just because.  

So whenever I meet up with clients, friends or just chill by myself or with the love of my life (ahem Mr. AMW!)  I like to just sit, and relax and enjoy coffee with wonderful conversations!  But of course, it doesn't hurt if the bonding comes not only with good coffee, but good food and a wonderful VIEW.

I got them all at Paul Boulangerie.  I've dined a couple of times at their SM Aura branch but it was all for meeting so I didn't get to really whip out my camera and take photos (nadiyadiyahe ako :P)  But finally, when I'm actually in Paul BGC branch for the first time and it wasn't work-related, ahhhhh such picturesque cafe!

Paul Boulangerie is a French Chain of bakery/cafe restaurants established in 1889 in France.   The interior has this Parisian feel and I actually enjoy how relaxing the place was.  I was just a bit side-tracked by sales people staying outside the restaurant.  

AMW Bulletin: OWL Coffee Philippines

Who loves Coffee?

*high five*!  I love coffee so much I literally breathe coffee!  (No bad breathe ha!)  #lol

I literally talk so much about coffee my friends from Blogosphere knew my coffee addiction!  

I am into brew coffee but I'm always in a hurry so I highly depend on 3-in-1 coffees as well and you name the brand, I've tried them all!

One instant coffee brand that I highly recommend which I got to know when I traveled Malaysia during my "nene" days!  Owl coffee is my "pabili" when I have friends working at airlines asking me what I want if they travel to Singapore or Malaysia.  

Thankfully, Owl Coffee is available in the Philippines so no more "pabilis".  

In the Philippines, Transaxion Unlimited Corp., is the exclusive importer and distributor of OWL and OWL is Singapore's leading brand of Coffee and Tea.  OWL was established back in 1956 so you know these are good coffee because they have been around for quite some time!

Today, you will see OWL in leading supermarkets and groceries in various flavors ---

•  3-in-1 strong
• 3-in-1   Regular Low Fat
• Teh Tarik (Milk Tea)
• Ginger Tea with Honey
• Kopitiam Roast Kopi-C - uses evaporated milk for its creamer giving it a smooth mouthfeel.
• Nanyang white Coffee Gula Melaka - with coconut sugar for its sweetener for a richer aroma

 But aside from the fact that they are available locally with all those flavors, OWL Philippines has a promotion going on that excites me and my baby! 

Have you tried OWL Coffee?
Are you a coffee or tea drinker?
I don't have to answer this question, you know it by heart for now :P 

Please LIKE AskMeWhats on Facebook 
Follow AskMeWhats on Twitter  
Get "photo-updated" on Instagram (search "AskMeWhats")

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!
 

Something New: My Current Coffee Love

Hi everyone!  Who loves coffee?

Well I do!!!  I really do!  My close friends and blog readers know how much of a coffee-drinker I am!  I would drink 3-4 cups of coffee a day (brewed and instant), but my coffee intake was halved since my life has been a whirlwind during these past few months!   

My decreasing coffee intake does not decrease my knowledge of coffee!  *laughs* Go with me to the coffee aisle in any supermarket and I can give you feedback on most of the instant coffee brands! So technically, I'm still a coffee-queen in my coffee world!  :P

You may ask, what keeps me busy these days?  It is me being a first-time mommy and yaya-less, let's not forget the move (we're still not done unpacking) plus the upcoming U.S. trip that we're all looking forward to!  But of course, with my time management skills, I can squeeze in at least 2 coffee breaks, the first in early morning when Baby AMW is still asleep and the second in the evening when he dozes off.  Isn't it obvious my schedule is super dependent on this little monkey?  (Don't tell him I said that! hehehe)   

So back to my coffee break. I want my 2 cups of coffee a day to be worthwhile!  Like I always tell Mr. AMW, "Seize every single moment, eat and drink what you crave for and not settle for less!" (No wonder I'm not losing weight!  *laughs*)

Thankfully, NESCAFÉ Cappuccino is back!  This is one instant coffee that does not taste "instant" at all! Let me tell you (or show you) why...