The hubster is such a huge fan of pancakes, we decided to check out Slappy Cakes. Yes, we know it's been around for a while now, but if you're living in Qatar (like us) and only get to vacation in the Philippines every two years, you'll know why this is something very new for us.

As I've said, Slappy Cakes has been around for quite a while. They first opened their doors in Oregon in 2009 and came to the Philippines in 2013. What sets it apart from other breakfast restaurants is that they have griddles built into each table giving us, the costumers, the freedom to cook our own pancakes. What I love about this concept is the fun and interactive experience it brings - the hubster definitely enjoyed himself making pancakes.

Pancake Sampler

First, You have to choose from different batter flavors which costs Php255 - Php260 per 8oz bottle. Flavors are: Buttermilk, Chocolate, Peanut Butter and Red Velvet. If you can't quite decide on which batter to choose, they have a new item on the menu which is the Pancake Sampler. 5oz bottles of Red Velvet, Chocolate and Peanut Butter, all for Php350. My favorite is the Peanut Butter mix, no need for additional toppings or maple syrup.

Next, you have to choose your fixings and toppings. If you're still feeling lost, don't worry, they have some combination recommendations which are perfect and reliably proven to be all-time favorites. We chose the whipped cream, chocolate and banana as our toppings. Toppings ranges from Php40 - Php90

And the hubster started his work with the griddle...

the Dexi Pancake

the Marco Pancake

Hubster went full-on artist-mode. Even the kids on the table next to us was watching.

A quiet little hideaway concealed in the cliffs of Antipolo, just a few minutes from Pasig City, is Luljetta's Hanging Gardens and Spa. I chanced upon this while watching TFC while we were still in Doha and knew right away that we just had to go. The first thing I did our very first day in Manila was to make reservations for our anniversary. It was nothing compared to what we had originally planned, but we were feeling hopeful while we were entering their premises.

• Access to Hanging Gardens Facilities (Sauna, Dr. Fish Spa, Heated Jacuzzi, Hydro-massage Pool, Infinity Pools, Meditation Lounges)

Locker Room

Jacuzzi

Hydro-massage Pool

Infinity Pool

The infinity pool is where we took the most time staying. For me, this is the best place to really waste your seven hours of stay in the garden.


Since Luljetta is located in the cliffs of Antipolo, expect a lot of steep stairways.  It was quite a workout if you ask me, but totally worth it.

Cottages

• Snacks of Antipolo's Best Suman at Luljetta Cafe

Antipolo's Sumaka

Complimentary snacks are available at the cafe. Antipolo's Sumaka, Fried suman (rice cake cooked in coconut milk) with mangoes, kasoy (cashew) nuts and latik (caramelized coconut cream.) I loved this snack, it's not too sweet which is just perfect for my tastebuds.

I'm not really a fan of tea - I actually consider myself a coffee person. But when you add milk into the picture, I may consider. Milk tea has grown popularly in the Philippines, there are milk tea shops all around the Metro. I can still remember a time when there was only Quickly to satisfy our milk tea cravings.

My sister is an avid fan of milk tea and has dragged me to one shop, Teasome Place in Il Centro (can you believe this place was just a parking lot the last time I was here.) There was also the traffic situation in the area, so we had to find a place to hang out and let the traffic die down a bit before we went home.


The interior is very fun. I love the wood textures and the greens (fake, but it adds life to the place) that were used to create a sort of homey feel. The mismatched furniture was also spot on.

Choco-Banana Milk Tea Php95.00 & Wintermelon Snow Php100.00

I was originally looking forward to the Choco-Mint milk tea, unfortunately mint was not available. I was happy with my Choco-Banana, nonetheless. My sister had a Wintermelon Snow which had some rock salt and cream cheese in the mixture. I pretty much did not like the salty taste but she loved it. Different strokes for different folks, I suppose.

Potato Wedges Php100.00

Chicken Chops Php90.00

They also have some snack items on their menu which was good to share. We had some potato wedges - just because I love them - and some Chicken Chops. The Chicken Chops reminded me of a certain snack we always had during grade school days, but I can't exactly point a finger on what it is. It's basically peppered chicken strips but are a perfect match to the milk tea.

I'm definitely going back, even just for the Chicken Chops.

Everything was at Php20.00 which is really a very good buy. Although, there were some issues regarding organization and foot-traffic flow, but I think that you only get what you paid for.

• Use the bathroom before you leave the house. They have a toilet inside the warehouse but the line is crazy and I can't assure you of the cleanliness.
• Bring a bag or a box where you can put your purchase/s.
• Bring a sanitizer/wipes/alcohol. You'll need one when you're finished going through the books.
• Wear comfortable clothes. It can get really rough inside the warehouse so it would be better if you could move comfortably.
• Bring an extra dose of PATIENCE. Believe me, you'll need it.

My dad's a huge fan of Mongolian buffets and since its very rare that he is in Manila these days - he's in the South most of the time and came home just for our vacation - it was time for another Mongolian dinner.


What I love about this place is that they have cheats for the sauces. Whether you're into something sweet or spicy, they give you the perfect sauce mixtures to obtain the taste you want. Of course, you can also play around with the sauces.


They also offer cakes and other pastry items - we ordered a Sanrival Cake to-go because we were so full from the buffet.

Single bowl Mongolian Dinner costs Php260.00 and buffet Mongolian Dinner costs Php360.00. If you're not into Mongolian style meals, then you can check out their ala carte meal items here.

You can find Sweet Inspirations Cafe along Katipunan Ave., in front of Ateneo de Manila. They are open from 6:00am to 11:00pm daily. It can be very busy especially during dinner time and parking is very scarce.

You can also check them out here: Website and Facebook.