T o celebrate the Philippines’ 120th independence, Starbucks launched the Island Series collection, a line of mugs and cards that showcase the colors and symbols of the three island groups in the country.

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There was a point in time when people living in the north would scoff at the idea of driving down south for a meal (or even a visit to their southern friends). But the area has become a full-fledged dining destination with unique restaurants offering delicious and mouthwatering food. Now, no one blinks when someone suggests visiting a quaint eatery in BF Homes or Alabang. And as someone who has lived in the south for more than 20 years, I am happy.

A new restaurant has popped up in the south and is set to join the great dining scene here. It’s called Akrotiri, (Greek for peninsula) and it focuses on Eurasian cuisine, with dishes from Asia and Euro-Greek cultures.

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In Quezon City, one of the most frequented eat-all-you-can restaurants is Quezon Buffet Restaurant, an eatery known for its Fil-Hispanic cuisine prepared by executive chef and partner Kalel Chan. The price points don’t hurt, either: meals are affordably-priced at P499 per head during weekdays and P599 during weekends.

Now, Quezon Buffet Restaurant goes healthy with its partnership with Doña Elena, using its olive oils, canned tomatoes, and olives.

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Who says coffee chains can’t collaborate with fashion labels? Two of my favorite things in the world just collaborated and I can’t get enough of the collection. I’m talking about Starbucks and cats!

Starbucks recently partnered with French fashion house Paul & Joe for a line of limited-edition drinkware, tote bag, Starbucks Card, and the Bearista inspired by Gipsy, Paul & Joe’s founder Sophie Méchaly’s pet cat. Paul & Joe fans will instantly recognize Gipsy, who has also become the brand’s symbol.

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Hong Kong is home to many Michelin-starred restaurants but I always seem to miss them whenever I’m there. I always find out about it when I’m home, so I end up waiting (and praying) for them to open here or hoping that I remember to visit it the next time I’m in Hong Kong.

One of the restaurants I’ve yet to try is Kam’s Roast, a legendary spot known for their roast goose. Kam’s Roast is run by Hardy Kam, the third generation of restaurateurs behind the Michelin-starred Yung Kee Restaurant, and Robert Chua, a prominent TV and movie producer in Hong Kong who has ventured in the culinary scene. The restaurant has been so successful that they earned a Michelin star, one of the culinary industry’s top recognitions, within four months of opening.

Now, Kam’s Roast is in Manila and I got to try it ahead of its opening on May 15.

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A lot of people lead busy, multi-faceted lives that sometimes, meals take the backseat. I make time for breakfast, lunch, a little snack in the afternoon, and dinner no matter how busy I am because food fuels me and I feel unmotivated when I’m hungry. On busy days when it looks impossible to eat, I make a quick stop at Starbucks.

Starbucks may be known for their coffees and Frappuccinos but the coffee chain also has a line of lunch menu options for days when you want a little pick-me-up.

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For me, one of the best ways to enjoy the summer is with a Starbucks Frappuccino in hand. Summer isn’t my favorite season so I’m always looking for ways and excuses to stay indoors where there’s airconditioning. But because I’m an active guy who moves around a lot, I need an ice-cold and delicious drink. This makes me a regular in Starbucks stores around Metro Manila.

This summer, my drink staples would be Starbucks’s newest offering: the Tea-ramisu and the Midnight Mocha Frappuccinos! I got to try the drinks before its April 11 launch and fell in love.

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My work is largely home-based but I go out so much that it feels like having an office job. And like any office job, there are times when I come home late, tired, and hungry. Everyone has eaten dinner so I have to wonder where I’m going to get food.

I’m sure there are plenty of people who can relate to my predicament. And I bet there are plenty more who live alone who have to cook after a long day at work and the commute. Eating out every day? What a concept.

I discovered a new delivery service that prepares hot, ready, and delicious meals prepared by chefs and delivered on the day itself. It’s called City Chef and they believe in delivering home-cooked favorites straight to their customers’ doorsteps, right in time for dinner.

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