Malaysia's CHUNK & DUNK Sweetly Lands in the Philippines

Making a sweet landing to Philippine shores is the popular Malaysia based snack brand "Chunk & Dunk". Today is their official launch at the Eastwood City Mall where they have their first branch at the mall's 3rd Floor. This is their first global outlet, something they've wanted to do since its inception in Sabah Malaysia.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by John Bueno (@kumagcow)

They are one of the fastest growing brands in the region, won best dessert in so many places so the Lim Family got in touch with founder Adam Shamil to bring them all here (after having it for 3 straight days in one of their branches). Adam says "Great afternoon! Mabuhay Philippines! I'd like to welcome the ambassador of Malaysia to the Philippines, my family from Sabah, and the Filipinos. Happy Easter to everyone! It's not about me but about Chunk and Dunk, I made my life savings start the world's best croffle  23 months ago and saw it grow to what it is today. You have no idea how we did it in 72 hours but that's what it took to make. I am eternally grateful for them making this happen, from the bottom of my heart, you have no idea on how you became a part of my dreams! I love you! We are now open in the Philippines!"

Passionate, perfection and quality, they now have a whole team in Chunk & Dunk Philippines through their brand partner Lester Lim. Lester says "Like Easter, we are bringing new life. It is my honor to welcome the ambassador and the whole Chunk & Dunk Malaysia Team who have been helping us all the way. My family, and so many other people who contributed to this and made it happen. So many things I want to do and say, but we will continue to make this all better. Let's do this! We hope you love Chunk & Dunk as much as we do!".

Malaysian Ambassador to the Philippines Dato Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino Anthony also gave his message saying how delighted he is and the whole embassy, the country is to witness this occasion. "This is my first foray to Croffle, and I was sold when I tasted it here. You will never forget this, and will have more. This is their first branch, and we have one thing in common, we love to eat. This connection is something that makes us stronger, we might see a diner concept soon, but for the meantime we can enjoy croffle and shave ice desserts on their first branch in Eastwood. This launch also is like navigating the future together, to progress, even if there are conflicts elsewhere in the world. Congratulations Chunk & Dunk, I wish you all the best! "

Pro tip: Get a taste of Philippines exclusive Ube Macapuno flavor if choosing a topping. Either that or Bueno Bueno (for obvious reasons, my last name lol).

If you're in the hood and want a sweet end to your day, visit the Eastwood Mall during mall hours and get that croffle fix fast! Congratulations Chunk & Dunk, can't wait to have more of you soon!

Amazing Kota Kinabalu! (Part 3) : The City, Shopping and More Food!

1 Philippine Peso is equal to 0.07 Malaysian Ringgit. That means, a single Malaysian Ringgit is equal to around 13-14 Philippine Pesos. I was counting the cash I had on hand and would definitely not leave this place without finding a bargain. We didn't waste time so as soon as we got settled, we went ahead and got our money exchanged; then went to malls like Suriah Sabah, Karamunsing Complex and 1 Borneo. There were a lot of things on sale like clothes, electronic gadgets, food, accessories, cosmetics, souvenirs and small trinkets. I saw some really good buys. I couldn't make up my mind what to take home so I only bought a few things (and thought I'll probably buy more the next day). Then we went to one of the best places for a sweet tooth like me. The Cocoa Boutique in Tanjung Aru. =)

Tanjung Aru's Cocoa Boutique

I don't know if you've realized it, but you're actually looking at two life like statues made of pure chocolate. Just look at the intricate details on these works of art! We proceeded inside and saw some more stuff made of the same chocolate. :)

The map of Sabah and schools of fish, then this cute Green Turtle (which is brown now LOL) was there to sat hi to everyone coming into the store. :)

Then the hallway was like chocolate heaven!

They have different flavors available, different fruits, nuts and spices in each chocolate masterpiece. Rumor says, there's a specific postal code for each piece on the shelves, I could live there. =)

Chocolate with Espresso Coffee, Dark Almond (obviously dark chocolate with Almonds), Milk Assortment (Milk Chocolate covered Hazel Nuts + Almonds), Milk Hazelnut (Milk Chocolate covered Hazel nuts).

White Chocolate with Strawberry, Dark Chocolate with Chili and White Chocolate with Coconut.

Milk Chocolate with real Hot Chili, or Mint

Hazel Nut with Dark Chocolate, White Chocolate and Milk Chocolate. =)

I took a ton of these for Mom and Dad who's got diabetes because it's Sugar Free! =) I guess they can still have this in moderation. 

Plus, they've got a lot of the same chocolate put on smaller packs, and they have them on sale. This is perfect for those who want to bring a little something home after their trip. =) I especially love the white chocolate covered almonds because I ate almost a whole pound of it. Don't tell anyone haha!

We had dinner a couple of kilometers away from this place. It was hosted by the wonderful, warm and welcoming people of the Sabah Tourism Board.

Kampung Nelayan Floating Seafood Market Restaurant

It was raining when we arrived at the restaurant. This is in the Bukit Padang district which is almost at the outskirts of Kota Kinabalu. It's part of a Botanical Park that has got a lake and the structures are built on its shores. From the spacious parking lot where we alighted from our bus, you'll have to climb a few steps up to a Malaysian inspired house that's got seating for a couple hundred people. The place was packed, and we somehow figured a few minutes after that there was a show happening on the adjacent platform of across where we were at.

Amazing Kota Kinabalu! (Part 2) : The Pacific Sutera Hotel

Our day in Kota Kinabalu just started and this was what greeted me outside the airport. Most of the cars are Proton, which is all proudly Malaysian made. They are very proud of this in fact, almost all the cabs and city cars carry this brand. Notice too on this shot how the back part of this parking area is extremely covered by huge trees. While we were on the tourist bus it was so evident how almost every part of the city had trees or small forests around them; no joke. It just shows how much they care for nature. We headed off to our awesome hotel afterwards.

Our Accommodation: The Pacific Sutera

The morning was great and as we were flying along the right hand drive highways of Kota Kinabalu, we entered a huge place a few minutes away from the airport. The hotel where we were going to stay was called The Pacific Sutera. Take a look at this!

Nestled at the middle of Kota Kinabalu's Sutera Harbor Resort, this hotel is part of a 384 acre land facility that's got its own resort, golf course, spa, marina and a country club. It's got 956 rooms and suites if you include the Magellan Sutera. This place is perfect for family, executives and business travelers. Pretty cool that we are staying here because its in the middle of everything in Kota Kinabalu.

Outside, we could see a glimpse of their UNESCO World Heritage site Mount Kinabalu (Gunung Kinabalu). The interiors are reminiscent of Hawaiian - Pacific Island hotels but still had that tropical vibe. An iconic marble/granite statue of dolphins shown jumping off waters is placed center of the hotel's lobby. Several indoor plants and Orchids endemic to Sabah are also on display on this floor. Checking in was a cinch since there were no lines on the front desk. They keep that managed because they have several counters up front. The high ceilings made this all so grand too!

 Then we were sent to our respective rooms.

The Pacific Sutera Hotel: Guest Suites Interior

This particular room is situated on the 4th floor's far right side. It's non smoking, and its got 2 beds on quite a spacious suite. 

It's interiors look more modern. The pillows are soft and comfy and would probably cause you to stay in the room too much that you'll forget your trip LOL.