KAI MONTINOLA Appears at the "HEARTS AND BELLS" Event in Megamall

My favorite cake brand is ramping up their stores with an even bigger look as "Hearts and Bells" unveiled their newest branch at the 2nd floor of SM Megamall Building B in Mandaluyong City. One great thing was PBB Teen housemate Kai Montinola was gracing the event (we had the pleasure of meeting her in previous occasions) and it was certainly lovely to know that she's here to support them and give a huge thanks. She personally met with the owners Mr. Reynold and Marita Laddaran too.

For those who don't know, Hearts and Bells actually was responsible for the actual cake that Kai had during her debut (18th birthday) which is why she really see it fit to be present during one of the brand's biggest event this year. If you're familiar with the brand, they usually have those square kiosks and fridges but now are sporting a bigger, new look. They've been able to grow to over 15 branches over the years and have a very loyal following because of their buttercream cakes, which are not too sweet and tastes so good! 

Cakes by Hearts and Bells (photo from their FB page, edited by me)

The folks from Hearts and Bells had Kai cut the ribbon for their newest branch. People from all walks of life suddenly packed the area, trying to take a glimpse of the PBB alumnus, Star Magic artist and the new store. We had the pleasure of talking to Kai after the event, and we got to talk about a few things regarding her recent endorsements, shows, music and future plans. She was gorgeous, very eloquent, very smart too. 

Kai says "They were the ones who made my cake during my debut, to return that favor and thank them, I am here today. Even if they've been very quiet, they've grown as a brand and now have 15 branches all over the country. I love that they're not showy, not commercial, I love how they do business and I'm glad I'm here."

Talking about her recent wins, she attributes it to PBB and her journey there. She adds "My biggest achievement though is just being able to push through, not really the title that I've achieved, but with all the challenges that came my way, I am glad I am still here. Add to that my first album, and my first MMK appearance, I can say I'm still ready for more."

She also feels elated on how brands have continued to trust her and became their endorser. She's very new in the industry and felt her dreams are starting to all come true. To be chosen by these brands, she feels honored and validated. She also feels the good kind of pressure this brings and hope to become better at it and her craft. Though she feels that she still has a LOT of things to learn. She chooses the brands that are the same with her morals, also tells us how thankful she is for the team that supports her career.

Here's our whole interview with Kai after the event:

I would like to take this bit and say thank you and congratulations to Hearts and Bells on their recent achievements. Be assured that I'll continue to order my Mocha flavored cake from you guys every occasion that I can. Thank you also to Kai for being so nice that afternoon, and for letting us interview her after the event. Really appreciate it! Here's wishing more success in the coming years as your star shine brighter! 

Easy Parties with Red Door Kitchen

My life is crazy. Even if people think this is fun, it's packed with events left and right and I wouldn't recommend it for anyone. I must say, I appreciate TIME so much that I really spend it wisely on weekends to catch up on sleep, or do a fine job of reconnecting with friends and family. Now since I sleep late and wake up late, I don't have (sometimes) the luxury to actually cook for about 6-8 people. It's a scary task and I don't have the hands to wash the dishes, but if I do I would. Last Saturday, I woke up around lunch time (okay my Mom woke me up) because I forgot I scheduled a feast for the weekend. My Mom was already cooking Spaghetti and I forgot to tell her to relax because everything is taken cared of. Just look at this spread, this is from RED DOOR KITCHEN.

I always pass by this area when going to Manila or nearby Banawe for events or restaurant hopping (as they are located between D. Tuason and Cordillera streets). They have their establishment in one of the shacks there identified with an actual Red Door (so you can't miss it!). They specialize pickup or delivery of great party food which you can even schedule ahead of time. That to me is convenient especially if you're not the type who cooks or have the time for it. I'm a schedule freak so if you can arrange for it before it happens, that's a life saver.

Aside from that, they can accommodate orders even if you need it within the day. Ask them and it should be easy. Like if you have relatives from Canada (oh yes it happened to me just now!) and they need to take something from home, I'll let you in on some great pasalubong items which you can order from them too!

This is UBE ENSAYMADA. Imagine swirls of soft baked bread intertwined with semi sweet ube and loads of salty grated cheese and glistening sugar on top. It was good baby, it was so good it was gone once I opened the box it came with.

My favorite on the other hand is the CHEESE ROLL. I like how this one mixes the love that the ensaymada has but got a thick stick of cheese in the middle. Perfect for cheese lovers like me.

Oh my, I wonder what's inside these wonderfully packaged round things. Now the way this works is that you have to BUILD YOUR OWN COMBO. You have to CHOOSE YOUR NOODLE, then CHOOSE YOUR MEAT and ENJOY.

This is the CHINITOYO. This one is their own recipe. I like how it's packaged well and has got a life of it's own. What I mean about that is the combination of flavors. It's a little sweet, boldly savory and a little spicy too. It's their best one, their best seller. Building the combo, I chose the CHICKEN CHOPS as meat for this dish. I like it a lot because of how they did the breading, I mistook it for that Taiwanese Porkchop I so love from Chinese restaurants, so this one is a healthy option. They even packed the vinegar neatly, so I could put it in a smaller dish and enjoy lunch with my family. I would strongly suggest you order the same, the generous servings and tasty accompaniments are just awesome.

Oh don't get me started about the PALABOK. Their version is with thick rice noodles, really thick eggy sauce, scrumptious shrimp and is super good. They have the pork cracklings on a separate packet so it doesn't get mushy when it arrives. They also provide calamansi for those who would like some. The meat paired with this is the LIEMPO BARBECUE. It's meaty, but hell of a lot soft because it's cooked perfectly. I don't know how they marinated this thing but man, it kinda threw me off as it felt like barbecue from Aristocrat. I definitely dig this the most, so if you're a meat lover... don't trip on your way out because this is so precious. Nothing was left for my Dad LOL. 

 Now this was a surprise. We had company who didn't like the SPAGHETTI of the other take out place (you might know what that is), but this one didn't just pass with flying colors.. she was raving about it. True enough, when it was my turn to get some on my plate, this was wonderful. I felt like a kid again. Now you know those things that could kick some of your childhood memories? This was it. It's sweet, a definite challenger to the more popular Filipino spaghetti without tiring you at all. It's something you would come back for more. Oh and if you're not doing anything, please try the LUMPIANG SHANGHAI. It's meaty, not too hot, has that crunchy exterior you love.

If you're a little more adventurous, please do help yourself with the KUNG FU SHRIMP. It's a very good version of Kung Pao Pasta, hotter than usual so it's right for me. I love extremely hot stuff but even though it was just enough, it was lovely! I also like the mushrooms and peanuts, it was a play of textures. I was a little full already during this time but the spice was just so inviting, I had seconds of this. You can also order the pasta and noodles individually, but I strongly suggest you get the combo instead. It's the better option and could save you a few bucks.

For those who would still need a little more carbs, take a LOAF BREAD with your combos. You don't have to go out and buy it from the local bread shop or bakery. They already have some available upon order so don't hesitate to add this on your list.

Now what's a celebration without a cake. Good thing my family loves UBE CAKE, but if you're the type who couldn't make up their mind... they've got one they call CANT DECIDE CAKE wherein they put around 4 flavors in one putting. I super duper love this ube cake though because it's fluffy outside, and the cake wasn't really too sweet which was perfect for the diabetic people in my house. It felt like eating a jar of that lovely ube jam you used to take home from Baguio, and it's really good. I would get one for my Dad's birthday on Sunday. He deserves a treat!

I took photos of the brochure so you get an idea. You can always look it up or ask them while you order. They are also on Facebook

For those who are already tired about the same old food you order for birthdays and special occasions, RED DOOR presents itself not just as a super great alternative, but an equal or even greater promise to be present in your special days. It's affordable, it's so good and if you're going to ask me, it's even better than the usual. I would personally feed this to my friends and family, and it's complete with protein on the combos so you don't have to think about stuff to add because they've got a menu that's really well though of. Add to that the lovely cakes and baked goodies which you can take for a ride, hey it's a home run! 

They also have the CHOCOLIQUOR CAKES BY MARICAR REYES POON which is so popular nowadays, you don't have to look further. Call the RED DOOR KITCHEN office hours at 442-9888 or their mobile number 0999 477 7333. I am already hungry from editing this article, but I'll have to hold it. You go ahead and call them, your family will enjoy something new, something real good for a FUN PARTY!

Hope someone orders a cake for me!

Salted Cheese Yakigashi from KUMORI

Yakigashi means "lightly baked cakes" and with really good fervor I got that specific treat yesterday. Japan is just like LOVE that every time it comes to our door, you welcome it with open arms an hug it tightly. This is where KUMORI comes in, whenever you want something good from Japan like cheesecakes and stuff, their store is one place to start in. I have bought a couple of batches whenever my relatives from Canada, the US and EU come to the Philippines and it was really a treat. This time, they wll let us have a new kind of Yakigashi, a thing made of dreams in fact.

This is Salted Cheese Yakigashi. Imagine a slice of fluffy yellow pound cake, a bit moist, but not too sweet. Biting into it you can feel the little morsels of salty parmesan cheese, making the cake more alive every time.  

It's also perfect to pair with coffee, warm milk and can even be reheated in the oven or microwave. I prefer mine to be a little cold though, because it feels so much better with the hot coffee. Like yin and yang, like itchy and scratchy, like Spongebob and Patrick, get the idea?

Now if you want to experience the same good cheese heaven we had in KUMORI, just go to their branches in major malls nationwide!

KUMAGCOW

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