Micha's is a small-ish unassuming bakeshop tucked between a point-point (read: turo-turo) eatery…read moreand a petshop along Grove. I used to walk from campus to my then-apartment (which was a kilometer away) and pass by Micha's. The first thing that lured me in was the smell of cookies every afternoon. I think it awakened the cookie monster in me. I swear on Hitler's mustache, their chocolate chip cookies are divine. They're the perfect combination of chewy and crispy, of buttery and chocolatey, of cute and sexy.. Wait what? Point is, they set the bar way too high, so make sure you're ready for these life-changing cookies. Despite the lack of a comfortable dine-in space and AC, students flock to Micha's around three o'clock every weekday afternoon for a slice or two of their uber cheesy baked macaroni. At forty pesos per slice, it's a real bang for your buck, too.

I'm particularly fond of the setup of French Baker. Good hearty meals, some pasta, some cakes and a…read moreslew of pastries. These combinations never seem to fail. However, what I am not a fan of is the price, though. But, if you're looking at getting the same satisfaction without the disappointment of budget concerns, Micha's down at LB is definitely a good place to go. What to try? Well, how about we start off with chocolate chip, dark chocolate or chocolate crinkles being sold at 35 pesos per 100 grams? Or how about their crazy ,scrumptious servings of baked mac that you'll even eat right out of the foil? Or how about some eclairs or cream puffs without costing you an entire dollar? All of that, you'll get here. So hop on to LB as this little store's waiting for you!

BEST DESSERTS!!!…read more It's been 4 months since we last visited the Philippines and El Hubby and I are still talking about Conti's HALO-HALO and MANGO BRAVA CAKE. Their halo-halo was classic with the ube ice cream and flan on top and had enough beans and jelly on the bottom. It's crunchy, cold and so delicious. The Mango Brava Cake was memorable. It's a frozen cake with layers of cashew meringue wafers, chocolate mousse, cream and real mango chunks. It's sooo good! Besides dessert, they also serve Filipino, American and Italian food. I had LENGUA ESTOFADO and El Hubby had MUSSELS and MUSHROOM PASTA and they were all delish. Keep in mind that their portions are on the smaller side but you will still leave satisfied. I really miss Conti's. Wished we could've dined more than once.

Mango Bravo is superb!!!! Bravo!!! I would definitely come back here just for that. Their cheese…read morerolls are ok. I did like their lengua with mushroom sauce and the shrimps. Food was ok but the desserts divine!!!

Located close to the Starbucks the bread shop offers a big selection of specialty buns and breads…read more Pick out all the breads you'd like and then they'll package them at the counter. They have pre-packaged loaves and rolls as well. I really enjoy the shop for having such extremely soft breads. Personal favorite is definitely the spicy tuna bun. Their selection does range from sweet to savory. I haven't really seen any pastry type items in their display, but maybe some cake. They do have rolls and all easy to grab and go breads on lock!

Oh yes.... Clydes' frappes makes me smile... the prep time might need improvements, still I would…read morego to Clydes in a heartbeat than SB.

When in Tagaytay, you have to get some Buko pie - hey that rhymes! No, I'm not in Marketing but I'm…read morereally into young coconut pie (Buko) which this place definitely knows how to make. After a day of site seeing, hiking, shopping or after a great meal, what a pleasant dessert to have and it's healthy for you. The area also produces great coffee and pineapple so you can pick up their other pies as well. Although I haven't tried any other pie, that'll give me something to come back for. This happens all the time - Expect to wait, when we got there, there were about 4 other parties waiting for their hot, fresh out of the oven pies. And speaking of hot, you can jump on the Skyway and be back in Alabang just in time to have them - still nice and hot. Now there are other wannabes but I caution you on buying their pies because of the lack of coconut meat. Take a look at my pics and you'll see the cascading goodness of layers upon layers of fresh coconut. This goes oh so well with the local barako coffee.

I have to admit I've kind of given up trying to visit the UPLB area of Laguna, unless I have some…read morefamily or friends to visit nearby or past the town of College. Luckily, I noticed recently that some food brands have been making their way to the "pasalubong centers" now sprouting all over the Santa Rosa road to Tagaytay Ridge. Original Buko Pie did one better and opened its own store/baking center here; when you queue (if you do), you can be sure the batches are freshly made. Turnover is seriously - and justifiably - high. The pie is flaky and buttery, but not too much so; the filling has a certain bite, and the right amount of young, sweet, chewy coconut to keep you going. I dare you to have only one slice, warmed gently in a toaster oven, a la mode, or with a sprinkling of cheese on top.

Ever since I opened a small home baking business, I've always taken the opportunity to patronize…read moreother bakeries and dessert stops as part of "research and development" (I know: excuses, excuses!). Baby Cakes, hidden in the basement of Evia Lifestyle Center, and seemingly out of place beside a hardware, a pet shop, a salon, ATMs, and the restrooms. But it can't be denied that it's a pretty little store. True to its name, it displays the daintiest of cupcakes, cakes, cookies, and other desserts. My sister and I sampled the classic Red Velvet Cupcake, and it did not disappoint. I hate crumbly (as opposed to moist) cupcakes, and this one was moist, with a balanced frosting to cake ratio. It was not too sweet, too! The next time you find yourself at Evia and you want a little something to satisfy your sweet tooth or to bring home to your loved ones, look for this tiny sweet shop and discover its treasures.

Now there's a tart that I wished was available in Manila, but don't be dismayed as this delicacy is…read morejust located in the nearby city of captivating views and sceneries, Tagaytay. Almira's Buko tart, simply has the amazing and delectable coconut tarts for me. They've mastered the creation of tarts as the saltiness and the crunchiness of the crust, together with the sweetness of the soft coconut, tastes heavenly and every single bite is addicting. Although the name says buko tart, they bake several luscious tarts such as Mango Cheese Tart, Banana Caramel Tart, Blueberry Cheese Tart, Cherry Cheese Tart , and my personal favorite; Fruity Tart . It's tangy and sweet and just sensational. Also available are the usual Pinoy delicacies such as Nilupak, barquillos, otap, and so much more. Be on the lookout though when going to Almira's Buco Tart Haus as you may drive past them, they're just a small store with teracotta roof and cute pink sign.

This international research facility is at one of the farthest corner of arguably the biggest…read morecampus in the UP system, and it's usually a bit tricky to go there if you don't have a car. But, as hard as it may be to reach, I assure you that it will all be worth it once you try out their own coffee shop's offerings. With brews that can even satisfy savants, you'll be surprised that they're actually serving them for half the price you'd be expecting. One good example? A cup of caramel macchiato is only 50 pesos! And don't be deceived by the affordability! Take note that the people staying in IRRI are internationally acclaimed pros, so that being said, you'd be pretty sure that there's a reason they're not choosing the cheaper 3-in-1's instead. To top that, IRRI's coffee shop will also partner your brews with an ambiance that are just as enchanting! Sitting right beside the café is a garden with a coy pond with the cool breeze rustling the leaves as you sip your morning brew, IRRI will definitely prove that it's worth all that trouble to get to.

One of the best Starbucks locations I've ever been to! The Starbucks on Aguinaldo Highway in…read moreTagaytay not only serves your favorite drinks and pastries, but also offers a stunning view of Taal Lake -- making it a perfect spot to relax, unwind, or catch up with friends. I ordered my usual drink (Spanish Latte with and extra shot) and an Egg Sandwich and it was made perfectly. The staff was friendly, efficient, and welcoming, even during a busy time. The café itself is spacious, clean, and beautifully designed with cozy indoor seating and scenic outdoor options. This branch blends the comfort of Starbucks with the calm and beauty of Tagaytay. A must-visit if you're in the area!

Amazing view with a good cup of chai latte! Was in town to dine and see the tall volcano view as we…read morehappen to pass by this Starbucks location. Best plan ever.