Buku Buku Cafe : Perfect Place for Books & Food Lovers

Cavite is a fast developing place, with malls and various establishments being constructed side by side. I have lived in Dasmariñas city for more than 10 years and all these new establishments excites me. However, working in Metro Manila and seeing all the wonderful places to eat and explore there makes me hope to see more of that in Cavite. Especially to have more themed cafes and unique restaurants that me and my friends can spend quality time together.

So glad that Buku Buku Cafe opened in one popular mall here in Cavite. Located at the ground floor of Promenade wing of The District Mall Imus.



It has unique interior decoration and when you enter the ambience is very calm, peaceful and perfect for an alone time or quality time with friends. The openness of glass walls makes use of natural light instead of those harsh bulb you usually experience in some fast foods/restaurants.



Who wouldn't love the books hanged on the ceiling combined with wooden pieces with pops of color here and there.



I also like how they make the place interactive and friendly such as this "Hugot Board" where you can place messages or whatever you have in mind.



You can read this book if you want to pass time, but if I remember correctly they will ask for a valid I.D before you can bring a book on your table.



Nice selection of tea... they also have a gift shop besides the counter where I found some interesting stuff. Too bad i was not able to take a photo :(



I like the variety of their menu. You can eat here if you are looking for something heavy. Unlike those cafe who only offer drinks, pastries and cakes. The prices of food are also worth the quality of what they will serve you.



Just look at this pulled pork sandwhich that my friend ordered! It is so heavy , you can even share this for 2! The plating is also adorable right? :)



I forgot the name of his drink but it is very delicious and as you can see, has generous amount of toppings! I just went for a simple mint lemonade.



At that time, the first 2 desserts I ordered where not available, so I just chose this banana fruit cake displayed at the counter. it was okay, nothing different from other banana cakes I had.



I forgot the name of this cake but it was one of their best seller and boy it is really good! It's not very sweet but the richness of the chocolate both in the cake and frosting is superb! It was so filling we were not able to finish it. haha





Then comes another fun part, board games! I so love this element in the cafe and I'm very happy we have this type of place here in Cavite!

Overall Rate:
Ambience = 10
Food = 7.5
Service = 9

I would definitely come back and bring more friends with me.

Check out their facebook fanpage for more details. I believe they are preparing lots of fun activities for their costumers!

Buku Buku Cafe Facebook Page

Furry Friends at Velvet Friends Cat Cafe

I have always wanted to go to a cat or dog cafe after reading so many things about it on the internet. That's why I'm so happy that one cat cafe finally opened in a very convenient place for me. I'm talking about Velvet Friends Cat Cafe at the Blue Bay Walk Pasay City. My friends and I were able to purchase 50% promo via Metro deal and it was really worth it especially for a first timer like me! Without the discount, their rates are  P190 for children below 10 years old and senior citizens, P240 for students and P290 for regular customers. This already includes a 1 hour stay in their cat haven & a free milkshake. 

Upon entry, you will be greeted by a very fun and cat themed room. Their decoration is simply adorable and every corner screams cat! 

Their sweet treats are also embelished with cats decoration.

I am happy with their price range, very affordable , delicious and of good value.

I tried their strawberry milkshake while my friends had vanilla milkshake and boy it was so delicious!

For an Php 85 milkshake, it was really good. The shake is made of pure ice cream so what you'll get is a glass of full creamy and flavor packed drink. 

We waited for the first group to finish because we want to enjoy a less crowded space. The room accomodates maximum of 15 person. 

Just a few notes if you plan to visit the place. 
- Bring socks. Yes, no shoes allowed inside the "haven".
- Worry not about bringing many stuff as they have lockers for your bags. Only cameras/phones are allowed to be brought inside the haven.
- Wear something comfortable, especially if you want to go after those meow meows who choose to retreat in the unreachable corners of the room.
- Worry not about the fur sticking on your clothes. Velvet's got a lint roller. 

Checking out the cats while waiting.

Rules inside the cat haven.

Lockers

Now it's time to go inside! Their friendly staff will orient you first about the do's and don'ts inside to ensure harmonious visit with their furry friends! Someone will also orient you about the personalities of each cat, like who wants to be touched, who hates people, etc. 

Cute I.D.'s to identify your time

Inside the haven. How I wish I have this in my house.

Real life Garfield!!!

The gentle giant. He keeps on avoiding me though. Haha!

They have toys that you can use to win their heart.

This is one of the most expensive cat they have, it costs around Php 150 thousand pesos!

This cat is Mr. Snob, he doesn't want to be touched or carried.

Helloo cutie pie!

Playtime!

                                                                                                              

Cats trying to get away from us! haha

1-hour bonding with many cats is enough to play with them & take unlimited photos (and yes, selfies) with the gang. Just no use of flash please Their cats are harmless, but of course guests are expected to be gentle on them. Velvet Friends hosts14 cats of many breeds. From ragdolls, to british short-hair to puspins (pusang pinas), they're all here. Some are playful, one can be grumpy, another seem to be lazy. Whatever their traits are, one thing's for sure...it's cuteness overload!

Best time to go is either early morning (store opens at 11AM) or late afternoon (dusk to evening) as most of our feline friends are into "siesta"-mode from lunch til mid-afternoon.

So plan your next bonding at Velvet friends cat cafe!

Velvet Friends Cat Cafe

Unit 218 Cluster H, Blue Bay Walk EDSA cor Macapagal Blvd., 

Metro Park Bay Area, CBD, Pasay City

Facebook: Velvet Friends Fangpage

Create Memories at Precious Moments Restaurant & Gift Shop!

I've been eyeing this place for a long time already. The name itself always make me wonder what surprises are waiting inside everytime the bus on the way to the office pass by it. Then, living in Makati during weekdays brought me closer to this place until finally! I was able to try having dinner here with my dormates. There are so many things to commend in this place, first, its irresistable cuteness and adorable displays! They change their decorations after several months that's why,expect to have different ambiance every visit. Secondly,the service. So far based from our visit, the staff are very nice, attentive and accomodating. The place feels very home-like and kinda have that antique and dainty feel. And of course, the food, they are nice just like the place. So here goes a detailed review:

We ordered hot tea in a pot, because we want something light for dinner. The tea was nice and refreshing, if I can remember correcty, it was Orange-citrus or Orange-lemon tea, something like that.

Hot Tea in Pot Php 60.00

Then, for our first meal, the huge Samburger, which they are also known for. This is an 8-inch burger that can be shared by 4 people. It is accompanied by potato chips and is very cheap! I mean, for a huge burger, it really is cheap! It has good amount of patty , veggies and sauce. It's delicious, considering the price but a bit watery that the bread somehow turned soggy in the end, maybe because of the veggies. You must try this or else your visit won't be complete.

Samburger w/chips Php 137.00

We also ordered their Classic Carbonara which is not that classic. For me, classic is having that usual cheesy, creamy and miky carbonara taste but this one has more unique and distinct flavor than the usual Carbonara. You can really taste the herbs and olives exploding in your mouth which minimizes that creamy and heavy taste of the pasta. The serving was good for 3-4 people.

Classic Carbonara Php 260.00

For desserts, we also had their very special cupcakes. It is very affordable and delicious. For a Php 50.00 cupcake, it is absolutely worth it! 

Various cupcakes at Php 50.00 each

My favorite is this orange cupcake. I fell inlove with just one bite! The zest really kicks in as soon as you bite it, the frosting was light and refreshing, then a delightful jelly-like orange filling awaits at the center of the cake. I really recommend this cupcake!

My second favorite is this banana and carrot cupcake. This is also good because you can really taste the flavors. Though I find the texture of the cake kind of rough, maybe its because of the carrots. The frosting looks cute.

I'm responsible for picking the next cupcake. It reminded me of the delicious Alcapone donut of J.Co that's why I chose it and it didn't disappoint. If you love nuts, you'll like this cupcake.

Lastly is this dark coffee cupcake. If you love chocolate and coffee,then this is for you. The cake is moist, a perfect match for the thickness of the chocolate frosting, then inside you'll find dark chocolate to tone down the sweetness of the frosting and cake plus a coffee bean on top.

That endedour meal. There are still so many food on their menu that we wanted to try but we were already full by then. Below is their menu for reference.

They also have a private room called "Pineapple Room" good for about 12 people perfect for intimate gatherings, the room rate is Php 5,000, which is consumable plus no time limit, pretty cool huh? Asides fom this, they have packages for parties, catering, etc. 

This place is not only a restaurant but also a gift shop! They offer wide variety of Precious Moments items, perfect for souveniers, gifts or simply as collection! Your eyes will enjoy every side and corner of this place. More photo below.

 We will definitely go back to this place! Moments are Precious in Precious Moments Restaurant & Gift Shop!