Tonkatsu Night

Got invited to taste the food of the newest restaurant at Centrio Mall - Tonkatsu by Terazawa. It was a rainy Tuesday evening but that didn't stop me to taste the classic favorite in Japanese homes which is the tonkatsu.

Tonkatsu, is a Japanese food which consists of a breaded, deep-fried pork cutlet. There are two main types, hire (pork fillet) and rosu (pork loin). It is often served with shredded cabbage.

The dish, Tonkatsu, is showcased, as created by Japanese restaurateur and chef Akinori Terazawa. Chef Terazawa uses the traditional Japanese method of preparing this dish, incorporating aging the meat by wrapping it in white cloth for 3 days. And said that this procedure produces meat that is irresistibly flavorful and juicy.

Kurobuta, dubbed the angus of pork, is meat from the original strains of Berkshire hogs from Japan.

Iberico. Popularly known as "Pata Negra," these Iberian pigs are a special breed found in the south and southwest areas of Spain.

Condiments: Tonkatsu sauce, salad dressing, toragashi, sesame seeds.

Chasoba Salad. My personal favorite I just love its taste. It has vegetables, egg, ham, tomatoes, cucumber, pasta and Japanese mayonnaise .

Fried chicken wings.

Pork Karaage.

All sets are served with refillable shredded cabbage, tonjiru (miso soup with pork), and your choice of Japanese rice or brown rice. It's my first time to taste shredded cabbage with salad dressing and I love it. It can already fill-in the rice but the delicious Japanese rice is irresistible also. Yes, Im such a rice lover! ^_^

Kurobuta Katsu.

Iberico katsu.

Hire katsu. The pork meat is locally bought. Its also good to know that among the cities in the Philippines Cagayan de Oro has the tastiest pork meat that really is perfect for tonkatsu.

Seafood Katsu with imperial prawn, oyster and hire.

Frozen Green Tea. Undeniably my fave as well! This dessert is a 4-layered dessert of egg meringue, green tea ice cream, custard cream and graham crust.

My dinner dates; Irene of Mindanaoan.com, Ding of TraveltaBai.com and Bang of Syudadsakagay-anon.blogspot.com. Also in the photo are the staffs and managers of Tonkatsu by Terazawa.

Have you been to Tonkatsu by Terazawa? What's you're fave on the menu?

Swimming at Marco Hotel

Another swimming weekend with my girlfriends... This time we picked Marco Hotel's swimming pool. Marco Hotel is a place to be for sports minded people. They have a sports complex which offers indoor tennis court, badminton court, table tennis and rock climbing. Marco Hotel swimming pools varies from kids, regular adults, sports, and Jacuzzi with the fee of 100.00 pesos person.

Lately, swimming has been our ultimate bonding and stress relief from the toxic virtual job. I also took this opportunity to learn more and practice swimming specially that my mermaid swim has improved. Yes! Im so proud and trying-hard on that mermaid swim. ^_^

Top: Basic House | Maxi Skirt: Denise

Location: Alwana Business Park, Claro M. Recto Ave, Cagayan de Oro 9000, Philippines
Phone: (8822) 732542

Korean Drama: Bel Ami (Pretty Man)

Just finished watching Bel Ami. When this drama was announce I was excited because Jang Geunsuk and yes lame but I guess I havent really IU's drama's. I really though it's going to be exciting but then again ratings of this drama are dropping low. Just a few days ago, I told a friend, Im planing to watch Bel Ami she said she is having second thoughts of watching this drama because a lot of people said its not interesting.

Nonetheless, I still go on and watch the drama. Thank God I did! The drama is not bad after all. I actually find the drama interesting. I usually skip scenes when I find it boring but on this drama I didnt get to skip much because I feel every scenes must not be missed. The story is a must watch on this drama.

Why low ratings?

I do figure out the reason why the drama gain low viewers rating, this is because of the cast. Jang Geunsuk and IU has no chemistry. IU may have played her character well but I really dont see any romantic chemistry with her and Jang Geunsuk even with Lee Jangwoo. I dont even smile and shiver when lead characters has some romantic interactions and lines nor get hurt when characters are broken hearted. I just dont see the connection of each characters. I have seen a lot of drama's of Jang Geunsuk and even if I dont like the female lead cast I was able to watch to the end because the romantic interaction is there.

Main Cast

Jang Geun-suk as Dokgo Ma Te

A man who discovered as early as kindergarten that he was prettier than most and could get special treatment because of it. As he grow old he made use of his beauty to get what he wanted. Until one day his mom passed away and left him with shuttered dreams for his mom and the true identity of his father.

IU as Kim Bo Tong
The average girl from Ma Te's neighborhood who is madly crushing on Ma Te since junior high. Bo Tong is very close with Ma Te's mom and when she passed away she helps Ma Te a lot so that he can succeed.

Lee Jang-woo as David Choi
The young, friendly Marketing Director who falls for Bo Tong and always helps her out.

Han Chae-young as Hong Yoo Ra
The glamorous, successful woman who introduced herself as Ma Te's  ex sister in-law. She know's Ma Te secret identity and will help him create his own business for him to meet his father. Han Chae-young will also gave him the guide of woman he needs to conquer to survive the business competition and corporate lifestyle.

Have you seen this drama?

#WonderfulMindaNOW: Cagayan De Oro Recommended Places

I mentioned in my previous post that I will be exploring Cagayan De Oro for #WonderfulMindaNOW campaign right? Well, I really had fun going out and about in the city that I'm thinking of doing this more often. Will be featuring more of this local go to places in Cagayan de Oro in my CDO guide blog, but ofcourse will also update outfits and personal thoughts here. ;)
So without further adieu here's the top 10 go to places I can recommend.

1. Oh My Pastry & Cafe

Looking for the best silvanas and homemade pastries in CDO? Checkout Oh My Pastry at Yacapin - Velez!

The delicious Silvanas and Sans rival from Oh My Pastry!


Cozy and relaxing spot! Selfie and Instagram worthy... ;)

2. Lifestyle District

Lifestyle District the all-in-one hangout, relaxation, dining and entertainment destination in CDO!

3. PopRock Bakeshop & Cafe

Where you can find the tastiest Banoffe. A must try dessert! Pop Rock also serve affordable meals.


PopRock Bakeshop & Cafes Banoffee...

4. Sonrisa Vista Resort

Sonrisa Vista Resort the newest and coolest resort in the city. Its a work in progress but the place already offers a lot of entertaining things to do.

Indian Village at Sonrisa! Enjoy Indian experience with their tipi's.

5. Dave's Beanery Cafe

Dave's Beanery offers serenity from the hustle and bustle of the city. A great place to just chill!

Specialty main dish is Beef Mania. Panini with fries is a must try too!

6. Stargate Dream Vacation Resort

Nice view of the Cagayan River at Stargate Resort swimming pool.

7. Inilog Grill

Inilog Grill is where Kagay-anon's chill, listen to live music and have fun at night. Inilog Grill serves Pinoy foods. They have live acoustic music, free use of dart boards and has sports TV.

Fresh Hito, available in the following recipe: deep-fried, adobo, grilled and ginataan.

8. Vicente De Lara Park.

One of the oldest park in #CDO. The park is located in front of the Provincial Capitol building where the government of Misamis Oriental seat. It also serves as ideal place to jog in the morning and to stroll in the evening as it has pleasant atmosphere and romantic view.

9. Missy Bon Bon Breadshop

Famous bread shop in #CDO... Missy Bon Bon! They offer breads, cakes, sandwiches, pasta, all-day filipino breakfast, all-day pancakes & toast and gelatos.

Bread selections

Gelato selections...

10. Guru Climbing Gym

If your looking for a sports activity in #CDO try wall climbing at Guru! They have exciting walls for you to climb that will surely satisfy your adventurous sid


Have you been to this places in Cagayan de Oro? What are you and your friends favorite places to recommend? Share it at the comment section below. :)

Style Origin 2014: Mensweek

Ayala Malls once again sets the stage for Style Origin on June 7-8, 2014 at the Centrio Mall Activity Center.

On the first day was the Mensweek. Male models parade on the runway in style featuring the latest trends from Global Filipino designers for Mensweek on June 7, 6PM. There is not much styles that I like but will featuring some standout styles that was showcase in the runway.

This top actually come with a built in bag at the back. The is see-through also. It'll be epic to see someone wearing this locally but I know most man wont dare wear so unless on the runway or pictorial.  :D

Crown.Pink.Feathers. This details shouts girl-ish style but I actually think its okay minus the crown though when worn. :D

The top is made of rubber. Guess this one is inspired from a parrot bird, very colorful. It kind of look tribal also though except for the material of the top.

This is the look I'm digging of all collections.

And yes Joseph Marco grace the runway. He wore a suit design by M Barretto.

Photos above grab from sir Rich Neri Concepcion

Below are photos with fellow CDO bloggers at the event.

And the greatest shock was during the introduction of Joseph Marco because I just first heard he will be one of the lead cast of the Pinoy remake of the Korean drama Pure Love. My oh My!

Here's my outfit on the day...

Exploring Cagayan De Oro For #WonderfulMindaNOW

Just received a challenge to share the many interesting things that can be found in my beloved city, Cagayan de Oro. Since I have not been out and about for quite a long time, found this opportunity or great excuse to just out and about in Cagayan de Oro. Will be exploring the top 10 coolest spots in the city. This could be the following:

• Hole-in-the-wall Cafes and Restaurants


• Local music Acts


• Best Street Fashion


• Picturesque scenes in the city


• Great escape and secrets

The challenge will take place in my Social media accounts so do follow and check my Twitter: @venussmileygal, Instagram: @venussmileygal and Facebook: Emotera Goddess. You can also keep track what other fellow Mindanaoan bloggers are sharing by following #WonderfulMindaNOW.

Exciting isn't it? This is why I'm pretty excited for this campaign! And I am gearing up by subscribing to Globe's GoUNLI20PLUS post photos and status updates on my social media accounts anytime, anywhere.

If you're a Kagay-anon join me on this challenge and lets explore the coolest places in Cagayan de Oro. You can also recommend to me from thing to do, restaurants, gig spots, to the best selfie places and many more! Feel free to tag me, or send comments and messages on any of my social media accounts. Will be looking forward to hear from you all!

Country in the World Best Fits My Personality

What Country in the World Best Fits Your Personality?

Answered this quiz and the result is France! My ideal country is Europe specifically somewhere in London. France not bad at all. How I waish I could live there someday. ;)