Mmm...Magnus Coffee! (A chocolate bar review)

As some of you may know, my youngest child MAX's nickname is an acronym for his three names: Magnus Akira Xavier. Walking into a 7-11 one morning, we came across a chocolate bar that had his first name on it and decided to buy it based on that one shallow reason: we thought it was cute that he had his name on a  candy bar Ü

Magnus savouring a MAGNUS bar Ü

After savouring that first candy bar...I was hooked! 

what's a Magnus bar all about?

This dark chocolate, coffee cream centred treat was the perfect blend of all things wonderful in a chocolate bar: smooth, melt in your mouth with just the right mix of that bitter dark chocolate blend and a hint of sweetness to curb the initial flavor. Then there's that creamy coffee centre that delivers a burst of coffee goodness in your mouth with every bite...sigh.. Love at first bite!

Another great thing about Magnus Coffee, is that, like my son, it's 100% made in the Philippines! At around 30 php a bar, it is also much cheaper and better tasting than the imported stuff we have out there Ü

my guilty pleasure!

From the brilliant minds of snack food giant Rebisco Philippines this exciting confection has been around since the 2nd quarter of the year, but doesn't seem to be readily available in your leading groceries and supermarkets. (Ed. Note: dearest Rebisco, won't you produce and deliver more of this wonderful product specially in our City of Pines?)

As scarce as the supply is (maybe due to people hoarding it as it truly is that delectable), this chocolate bar is just too good to pass up! Oh, and if you find some of it at a nearby store, appreciate it if you could put the name and location at the comment portion below Ü


From TMW, may all your wanderings be better than ours!

Bonuan 2.0: The Bonuan Restaurant Review

Taken one dark stormy night, this place makes a great refuge
from both the cold and from hunger

Along the tranquil and winding road of South Drive here in Baguio is a quaint inn and restaurant that draws both tourist and locals alike : Iggy's House.

good food, great ambience

Well appointed and cozy, it houses a pretty decent crowd of out-of-towners especially during the weekends. As wonderful as the inn is, this post will be all about it's own foodie place: Bonuan Restaurant.

fascinating art pieces from the owners' personal
collection surround both the inn and it's restaurant's interiors

Bonuan Restaurant has been around for decades: For those "young" enough to remember, the original resto had been located along Happy Glen Loop, but since then, has only been housed in the comfy walls of Iggy's House.

a well stocked bar for a nightcap or for just chillin' out

As with most of our reviews, I'll start off with the FOOD:

Here's a look at their menu:

The menu consists of all things good and yummy as far as Filipino cuisine is concerned. Reasonably priced and adequately portioned, not to mention spot on with authentic Pinoy flavors, it's worth going out of your way from the heart of the city for a more than decent meal.

appetizers, salads, and so much more

breakfast, snacks and desserts

Of course, a restaurant review won't be complete without the food pics:

inihaw na liempo
(grilled pork belly slices)

inihaw na pusit
(grilled squid)

sinigang na baboy
(pork cubes and veggies in tamarind broth)

sisig
(pig's ears, pork and liver cooked with onions)

karekare with alamang
(oxtail cooked with veggies in peanut sauce with sauteed
shrimp fry on the side)

Phil, the kids and myself were more than happy to indulge in food that was close to a home cooked meal. No skimping on ingredients, well seasoned and served at the right temperature, we all got to eat what we each wanted. By the way, they also cater and have been known to host meetings and seminars at this location.

The Art of Sauce making (sawsawan)

must try: all natural salad dressings made by the resto's
matriach, Auring. 
Wonderful french dressing, strawberry dressing and much more

Did I also mention that service at this restaurant is both fast and efficient? A plus all the way!

quirky, well maintained, cozy and interesting
pretty much sums up the place

For inquiries, restaurant and/or room reservatıons, visit or call:
Iggy's House
#25 South Drive, Baguio City
Tel # (074) 446-7146

pictures of...

happy campers.
thanks Iggy's!

From TMW, may all your wandering be better than ours!

It's SPAbulous! : The Bellfrei Spa Review

Bellfrei Spa...escape from the ordinary

A week of stormy weather had left me restless, bored and stressed with not being able to do things I would normally be doing under better climes.

Russ of Live Vibe Productions
Thanks for introducing me to Bellfrei

Luckily, my bff Russ (a spa enthusiast himself and bff from the broadcasting days) suggested that I check out the latest addition to the Ayala Technohub at Camp John Hay here in Baguio. Bellfrei Spa.

Located at the 2nd floor of Camp John Hay's Ayalaland Technohub, this oasis of relaxation and beautification is simply god sent.

Mr. and Mrs.
Arch. Arnold and Anne Dabo

Owned by the husband and wife team of Arch. Arnold and Anne Dabo, they are the brains behind Bellfrei (which, by the way, is a a combination of their daughters' names IsaBELLa Angeline and Jan FREIanne). Incidentally, they also own and run The Body and Sole Spa at SM Baguio.

the décor

Opening it's doors to the public last July 23, the Asian inspired establishment has a full line up of treatments and services that are guaranteed to rejuvenate, pamper and beautify you.

the reception area

The services and corresponding introductory rates are as follows:

Introductory rates valid til October 2012 

a total of 6 tastefully decorated
brand new treatment rooms may be
found at Bellefrei Spa

With six rooms for various treatments (one of which can accommodate four people for foot works and facial works) one is sure to get some quality "me" time.

the chairs recline for those seeking facial treatments

it's the room with a view

one of the treatment rooms

I was able to get my SPA-on with a foot spa with mask. I was also scheduled to have Bellfrei's Signature Massage (a combination of Shiatsu and Swedish massages), but had to reschedule due to time constraints on my part.

a floral foot soak , sea salt scrub, sole and tootsies
callus removal, a firming mask on my feet and legs 
followed by a wonderful foot rub....heaven!

The treatment itself is suppose to be about an hour long. Aside from pampering your feet, all the way up to your knees, the all-around therapist (yes, the entire staff CAN do all the services offered by the spa) also threw in  hands, arms and head massages with essentials non greasy oil. I heart them!

feet pampering is almost always underrated
set your feet to right...get a foot spa Ü

The Bellfrei Staff
(my spa specialist was Malyn 5th person from the left)
thanks for the great service Ü

Til October, the following packages may be availed:

click pic to enlarge

The spa opens as early as 9 in the morning and closes at 10 pm daily, which is so perfect for those who want to go to the spa after office hours.

For reservations, visit them at the Ayala Technohub at Camp John Hay Baguio or get in touch with them through these #s: 09223980220 or 09169856888

one happy camper

Don't take my word for it. See for yourself and enjoy the wonders of going to Bellfrei Spa. I would definitely be coming back for that full body massage I've been meaning to have.

From TMW, may all your wanderings be better than ours!

****TMW would like to thank Russel de Guzman for some of the photos (and for this great idea) and Mr. and Mrs. Arch. Dabo for my most recent Spa experience Ü