Being A The Kapihan Ambassadress

You open your Facebook messenger and you got the message that you are chosen to be an ambassadress of a coffee shop you love to go to. What a surprise!

Being one was a privilege. I was not only given discounts on all the food and drinks I ordered but I was able to share the discounts to my friends and family members. I tried my best to taste all of the menus but due to restrictions I wasn't able to. I have a very sensitive throat so I always refrain from cold drinks hence I always order hot drinks. Therefore, my in-laws were the ones who enjoyed the cold drinks. I was also in the process of staying away from any foods containing pork so I was not able to taste some of their delicious-looking snacks. I just relied on my companion's taste buds. LOL! 

As the Kapihan was improving, their menus has improved a lot too. They have added other varieties of drinks and snacks. I always order either the single pour over or the french press but then they have added italian roast which was a lot stronger than the two. Does it suits my coffee taste buds? Definitely! Although it is far from the taste of my ultimate favorite coffee, I still can live with it. 

Being an ambassadress of the Kapihan had taught me a lot. One is to not overuse the privilege given to me, I hope I didn't. LOL! And the second one, I learned to love local coffee shops. This experience was broaden when Gael and I visited Taiwan. Local coffee shops are everywhere in Taiwan which made both of us fall in love with the place. We are really hoping to go back and stay longer there, and drink so much coffee! hahaha!

One thing I wish the Kapihan should implement is the clean as you go. We Filipinos are accustomed to having our trash being cleaned by others and perhaps that's one of the reason why we tend to scatter our trash anyway. In addition, I do hope as the Kapihan grows, they will have the suspended coffee program or the pay it forward coffee. I'd be willing to share what I can. Just my two cents though.

My sincerest thanks to all the staffs of the Kapihan for giving me such a privilege. My apologies for not visiting in a long time as my work schedule became a restriction. If you happen to open 24 hours, I'll be your company everyday. hahaha!

Hotel Review: Adriatico Arms Hotel

I was a little skeptic to go to the city on holidays because I am aware there are so many people especially foreign tourists who might be checking in hotels during those times. But since I am having a lot of issues with my internet connection and at the same time I wanted to spend a quiet Christmas, I then risked to book a hotel. It is more difficult when you are looking for an accommodation for 3 people. 

I searched from all the possible booking sites to get a good deal. My favorite booking site didn't offer a wide range of choices hence I had to use other sites I know. I wanted to stay in just one hotel until my companions arrived but it doesn't seem to be practical since it is more expensive. I then looked for another hotel nearby where I stayed alone and luckily I found one with acceptable reviews. Although I was doubtful considering some of the bad reviews I have read about it, I told myself, there's no harm in trying. Besides, we will just be staying for 2 nights. I got a good deal from agoda for $4,089.96 for 2 nights for 3 people; it's their deluxe room. 

Since I was already nearby, I checked out earlier from Leez Inn right after my work shift to check-in earlier at Adriatico Arms Hotel as I was already feeling sleepy. Just by looking at the map, it's 13 minutes away on foot but I was wondering if I could make it because I was carrying a 3 liter water bottle, my camera bag with my laptop in it and all the lenses and accessories plus my bag of clothes. Upon checking out I know the staffs of Leez Inn were just staring at me perhaps wondering why I had to bring that water bottle. LOL! 

I tried to take a walk however my sleepiness is telling me to take a ride. I hailed for a tricycle but my brain was totally in shock when the driver overpriced me. I am not tight-fisted but then it was too much. Luckily, a pedicab driver saw me and gave me half the fare the tricycle driver asked. I then gave the pedicab driver more than he asked thanking him for not overpricing me. 

I was 3 hours early for check-in but the receptionist just let me check-in for 1 hour early check in fee for 150 php. Outside, the hotel seems to be uninteresting but inside, I was in awe! The guard on duty was all smiles, the receptionist was very welcoming and the ambiance just wants to make me stay longer. 

The room is really spacious. I chose 1 single bed and 1 double bed. It is equipped with a closet with hangers in it. 

Taiwan: First Is Always The Best Part II

After trying to finish our food at Modern Toilet, we decided to go back to out hotel to take a rest to have an energy for our night market tour.

There's a night market near our hotel, accessible on foot which is the Ximending Night Market.There were a lot of foods to choose from but since we can't understand what's written on their food stall, it's just so difficult to buy. Gael and I both don't eat pork so it was more difficult to try without knowing what are the ingredients. But we still tried some.

onion pie

I don't know what's it called :D

It was fun chasing the man above because he and the other stall owners were running away from the cops and we just kept chasing him.

squid 

Highly addictive popcorn chicken

We were so full we couldn't finish everything. The serving sizes were big enough for us to finish everything.  Time to rest for the next day's adventure. 

First stop for the day was Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall. It is in Xinyi District. We took the train going there which was very convenient and this time we didn't get lost. hahaha! It pays to look at the map on the station!

It is not as big as the Chiang Kai Shek but the outside view is awe-inspiring! Of course we didn't just stay outside, we tried to get in and we were lucky enough to witness the changing of the guards. Also, if you appreciate art, the objects inside the hall will make your heart jump for joy.

Even the lighting fascinated me! Who would forget to take their pictures in this amazing environment?

When you are beating the timer of your camera to be included in the frame, this is the result. hahaha! My photo below looks like I wanna pee!

I wouldn't get tired of taking her photo. You know why? She knows exactly how I want her to be on the photo. hahaha! I think she is my soulmate, really! Don't get me wrong, our brainwaves are just wired to fully understand each other. 

Isn't she gorgeous?