Author: livelifeandlove

Hi! I’m Mari. My blog is all about me, my experience, wildlife, photography, travel and adventure, culture, tradition and other people that will give you a better perspective of the time in which you live. In here, You’ll discover the things I love most and passionate about. I usually focus to more educational and informative topics expressing my own thoughts using my own words, ideas, and honest statements. Included here are my collection of facts and dreams with beautiful photographs to make it visible for your inspiration and browsing pleasure. I would like to share my stories with the world, with photographs that will serve as a support to see what I’m describing as you read it.This is to share reality and show the best and good things in life. To the photograph itself, can make your own thoughts and my feelings visible to share with you and my site serves to store my thoughts and ideas. Of course, I can tell a lot of things by looking at the photographs alone following my explanation to achieve my purpose eventhough, photographs can speaks for itself, the author can simply fill up the missing part of it. This is what I want to do in my life, to write, share my learning and stories to make you a part of it. When you come to know more about yourself, you’ll know what you can offer to the world. This is what I can offer to you! I feel great to share with you not only my interesting stories but also to inspire you viewing spectacular and timeless photos. Read my articles about the birds, with my conservation message,and my lifelong dedication and contribution to wildlife.Thank you readers for the positive feedback.I have learned a lot from you. Note: If there is any oversight may have been made is unintentional and will be corrected. If there is any resemblance to any actual place, events, locales or persons is entirely coincidential.

Hongkong Master Cook: Seafood Paluto Restaurant

By livelifeandlove on July 26, 2025

I’m celebrating my birthday in advance, and I’ve chosen this fantastic Hongkong Master Cook Seafood Paluto Restaurant for my special day. My family alongside my siblings and intimate friends are in attendance at my forthcoming celebratory event, bringing the total to 13 attendees, it’s the perfect size for a large round table providing plenty of space for everyone to dine and interact comfortably. I made an advance reservation of private room at this restaurant two weeks prior, as it is often fully booked. Many patrons are coming to this paluto restaurant.

The gathering was scheduled for dinner time and as the host, I arrived earlier than the others to allow sufficient time to buy seafood before the guests’ arrival. I went to the Dampa seaside market located adjacent to the Hongkong Master Cook restaurant to buy fresh seafoods and handed them over to the Hongkong master chef for preparation. They weighed at the counter and informed them of my preferred cooking style. ( Cooking charges based on seafood weight per kilogram ) The restaurant then prepares the dishes which are frequently offered alongside other menu items..

Hongkong Master Cook Seafood Paluto Restaurant

Address: Seaside Market LOT 5-A MACAPAGAL BLVD. Brgy. 76 Pasay City. Metro Manila.

The Hongkong Master Cook is an excellent “Paluto” restaurant located within this area, where the seafood you buy from Dampa is prepared. The chefs, hailing from Hongkong and accompanied by Asian culinary experts, skillfully cook the seafood. They prepare dishes that are incredibly flavorful, showcasing their expertise in various cooking styles, and the chefs here truly create culinary wonders.

Dampa Seaside Market

Dampa is a well-maintained seaside market that is clean, where one can buy fresh seafood of all varieties. Situated in the Seaside Market on Macapagal Boulevard. On the other hand, Hongkong Master Cook presents a delightful “paluto” experience. The restaurant offers a distinctive dining experience where you can choose your seafood and have it expertly prepared by the chef.

Lobsters and Giant Crabs

The selection is super fresh, seafood that’s in season and freshness is essential. You can find all sorts of seafoods like Lapu-lapu, lobsters, prawns, eel, and crabs, usually kept in aquariums to guarantee freshness and that the crabs are alive.

Dampa Seaside Market Seafoods

It has a range of fresh seafood choices, I have observed that the prices tend to be high but worth it. It is important to note that the charges for cooking styles are based on the weight of the seafood, calculated per kilogram. The cost associated with the cooking style varies depending on the specific method you choose, and you will be charged accordingly per kilo.

Hongkong Master Cook Menu

The evening’s highlight is an impressive and stunning seafood feast. To start with, we enjoyed an overwhelming 14 courses to take pleasure in. It was an exciting seafood night. Now, Let’s get started!

Note: I failed to take pictures of the dim sum.

A combination of clams, fish, crabs, mussels, scallops, cuttlefish, oysters and prawns, along with our order of grilled pork ribs, the only soup served piping hot that evening was Sinigang na tanigue and a selection of dipping sauces. All cooking style are designed to accommodate various preferences.

Sinigang na Tanigue

We began our celebration with a steaming bowl of Sinigang na Tanigue soup. It smelled really fresh, and it was a delicious way to start our meals.

Crab with Salty Egg Yolk

Tonight’s favorite is this dish, Personally, I was eager to photograph this attractive dish and I was the first to grab the big claws when the platter arrived on the table.

Baked Scallops with Cheese

The classic seafood platter Baked Scallops with Cheese is a true crowd-pleaser and a genuine favourite among diners.This meal is absolutely delightful, it certainly merits a higher rating due to its flavour and visual appeal. It serves as a highlight for my celebration.

Steamed Suahe

This dish features mild and sweet natural flavors, and it is at its best when the shrimp are fresh, giving it an appealing and clean appearance. I can even detect the aroma of freshness. It’s super tasty when you dip it in Chinese black vinegar. I often make this dish at home too.

Steamed Shells with Garlic

Without a doubt, the freshness of clams is essential for an incredibly delicious flavour. Very good!

Sweet and Sour Lapu-lapu

The flavor is amazing; you can taste the freshness, which is the benefit of using a live fish for cooking. The only issue here > is that the plate used is too small for the Lapu-lapu, which is fairly large. The plate size is insufficient for the dish; a larger plate would have been required. Perhaps they must know that you need to used the appropriate dish for larger quantities.

Birthday Noodles

Birthday Noodles is the most significant dish of all. Whether you are Chinese or not, everyone wishes to live a long life. Eating noodles during important events, like birthdays, is believed to help people live longer. In some Asian cultures especially in Chinese and Filipino traditions. This practice is based on the belief that longer noodles represent a longer life.The common desire is to live a long lasting life…

Here is another concern: the noodles appeared overly crowded, similar to the Lapu-lapu dish. A larger plate should be utilized. The head cook ought to be aware of the suitable plate size for larger portions.

Tofu with Century Eggs

Delicious dish, a perfect combination with a slightly spicy flavor. Adds an excellent combo flavor to other foods.

Stir-fried Shells with Tausi Sauce

Two varieties of shellfish, each prepared differently, were offered. Clams make up the first one, and the dish above is known as bagongon or bagungon, a pointed shell.

Stir Fried Squid with Salt and Pepper

The tasty squid is crispy on the outside but soft on the inside. Just the proper way to cook, as meant to.

Inihaw na Liempo

Not too good for me; it’s just okay, I can prepare this type of food better.

Yang Chow Fried Rice

Eating takes more time because of the seafood being served. It takes longer since you need to crack open crabs and shellfish and peel prawns and other seafood shells using a picker, cracker, and our hands.

The “Paluto” concept is the core of the experience, where customers purchase fresh seafood from the Dampa seaside market and then choose a restaurant to prepare the cuisine for them. The restaurant I’ve selected, Hongkong Master Cook, is situated just next to the well-known Seaside Market, which is renowned for its extensive menu and delicious seafoods.

In addition to the paluto options, they also provide items from their normal menu. The restaurant can get very busy, especially on peak days, and service can be slow at times. If you’re planning to dine here, it’s best to come in a group. Going to Dampa seaside with friends makes it more enjoyable, as they can assist you in recommending and selecting the best dishes to try.

Following dinner, we wanted to keep our gathering going, to prolong our get-together so, we all headed to the next place for coffee at Starbucks on Diosdado Macapagal Blvd. It was a delightful early birthday celebration. We all returned home with happy tummy! Thank you Aay!

Note: Another issue to consider is that this restaurant is excessively busy, experiences a high volume of customers,The restaurant staff appears to be hurrying, which negatively impacts the quality of food presentation. Additional problems include the use of inappropriate plate sizes, as the food is overcrowded on small plates. Furthermore, the way the pork is sliced is inconsistent, and the toppings, such as the sliced boiled eggs on the noodles, are arranged in various directions, contributing to the overcrowded and crumpled appearance. On the other hand, some foods are beautifully presented, such as crabs and tofu with century eggs. I’m really hoping that the next time I visit the same restaurant, there will be some improvements. They definitely need to step it up a bit. It’s for their own benefit in business.

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog! Goodnight Fellas!

4 Comments

My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Restaurant Review

Peking Garden: Classic and Imperial Northern Chinese Cuisine

By livelifeandlove on July 24, 2025

One of Manila’s best restaurants is Peking Garden. This establishment presents a delectable selection of traditional and imperial Northern Chinese cuisine, skillfully crafted by experienced master chefs hailing from Hong Kong. In a tranquil and sophisticated atmosphere, guests can savor the finest dishes from the northern provinces of China. The restaurant’s signature dish is Peking duck, which is the star and centerpiece of the table, but other popular dishes have become patrons favorites, such as the scrambled egg white with grouper fillet, double-boiled winter melon soup with assorted seafood, and fresh crabs. Peking Garden offers much more than its renowned duck.

Peking Garden 4th level Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center, Makati city

The complete full meal of 9 courses. Among the 9 courses presented here, all consist of healthy options, particularly a combination of seafood and vegetables. The private room was previously booked with a selection of the best courses.

For family gatherings, we typically enjoyed dinner in a private room to maintain our privacy. The delightful scent of good food envelops us, and we are surrounded by the enticing aroma of delicious dishes all evening long. No major Chinese celebration would be deemed complete without a generous spread of tasty cuisine; it was absolutely mouthwatering.

The evening’s nine course menu. Now, let’s get started!

A cultural practice to drink tea before and after meals, It supports digestion for various reasons, assists in breaking down oily foods, and revitalizes our taste buds.

B’Day E-Fu Noodles with Fresh Scallops in Cheese and Butter Sauce

We began our meal with an appetizer that significantly influenced the overall dining experience. The noodles were cooked to perfection, and the quail eggs were soft and fresh, creating a delightful mix.

Double-boiled Winter Melon Soup with Assorted Seafood

An excellent vegetable shell for serving soup is the winter melon bowl. The shell has the benefit of being rather thick and able to hold onto the heat from the soup.

Using a long-handled cup-shaped spoon, the server gently scraped the flesh of the winter melon and ladled in various shellfish inside the shell before filling each dish with the transparent soup. Picking a piece of shrimp from the winter melon bowl’s edge was our final activity.

It is perfectly suited for 12 individuals. You can observe the variety of seafood in individual bowls, rich in nourishment and flavor. Additionally, you can see how the server fills a small bowl with winter melon soup.

Peking Duck

Peking duck is the “star of the table” when it is served in excellent condition, well-cooked, and smelling delicious. It was pretty tasty, and the skin was crunchy. It is certain to dominate the table. The ceremonial carving and serving are what made it renowned.

The thin meat was carefully placed in a circle on a huge white plate, following the edge of the plate with the crispy skin in the center although, it could go either way. The images demonstrate the distinction between the plate’s edge and center. The duck meat in the center and the crispy skin on the edge of the platter or vice versa.

Following preparation and carving, the entire Peking duck platter was brought to our table with the delicious hoisin sauce, tortilla, and spring onion stalks.

How to wrap strips of Peking duck

Place the spring onion stalk and a thin strip of Peking duck meat on a tortilla wrapper. Place another strip of Peking duck on top and drizzle with sweet Hoisin sauce.

Carving the breast in thin slices parallel to the breastbone and repeating on the opposite side. It appears to be very easy to carve because the knife is sharp; this is the secret to ideal carving.

I found the cutting technique useful, and I’m now using it when I cook at home.

The Peking duck was prepared in two ways once the skin and some of the meat were removed. This is another cooking transformation method that was used to prepare the leftover meat in a different meal.

Golden Suajes with Salted Egg

Nowadays, prawns with salted egg are a popular and delicious dish. You can taste the salted egg, which is crispy, not salty, and pleasantly awakens your appetite.

Scramble Egg White with Garoupa Fillet

Since garoupa and lapu-lapu are the same fish, the grouper fish is referred to as “lapu-lapu” when it appears on menus or at fish markets in the Philippines.

Garoupa fillet is cooked just right, the egg white is just as perfectly a good combination as healthy dish that everyone adore especially the seniors. a wonderful match.

“Shang Pei” Fish Head with Bean Curd

One of my favorites! I like the flavor. The combination of fish head and bean curd makes for a tasty and nourishing meal especially when it comes to this kind of cuisine. I even tried cooking the same thing in the hopes of achieving the same delicious flavor.

It was served in a claypot like this.

Steamed Crabs with Minced Garlic

This is amazing! A refined presentation and taste. Red crabs have large claws and firm, fresh meat. It was perfectly cooked, and I love crabs’ large claws.

The second photo was taken that same evening.

Before I took my first bite of the first portion, I managed to take a picture of my own plate. This dish consists of a little part of Garoupa fillet, few Peking duck flesh and skin, and two pieces of steamed asparagus.

Sweet Treats at the end of the meal

These two desserts provide a delightful conclusion to our meals.

Birthday Bun

It is a lotus seed-filled steamed bun. It is a wish for many more blessings in the future to serve this type of dessert.

Hot Sweetened Almond Puree

The serving of steaming, sweetened almond puree was still piping hot. It had the true flavor of an authentic almond purée and was sweet.

We all enjoyed our dinner party that showcased fantastic cuisine, the presence of dear ones, and a sophisticated setting. The caliber of food, dedicated service, and the atmosphere of the restaurant can greatly affect the entire dining experience. When marking a significant event, whether it’s a birthday, an anniversary, or a weekly family reunion, think about booking a private room, which provides impressive features, including exclusive spaces. Peking Garden is a well-known restaurant that accommodates a variety of celebrations in a spacious and refined environment. It should be acknowledged that events at unique venues necessitate prior planning.

Peking Garden | Greenbelt 5

Located in: Greenbelt 5 Phase 2 Mkt.

Open daily from 11:00am/5:30-9:30pm

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My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Restaurant Review | Shakes, Juices and Smoothies

A Mano BGC: The Finest Handcrafted Italian Cuisine

By livelifeandlove on July 21, 2025

A Mano is an Italian dining establishment owned by Amado Fores. The restaurant’s concept is inspired by its name A mano which translates to “by hand”. It specializes in crafting authentic Italian dishes with a commitment to Fresh and Faithful Italian cuisine. We visited their branch in BGC to celebrate Luyene’s birthday as it was her personal choice of venue. She has a fondness for pizza and pasta. She chose this A Mano restaurant because she wanted us to experience all her favorite dishes that she typically orders here. We were all very eager to try her recommendations, all we needed to do was enjoy the offerings since we all love Italian food.

Margherita Con Bufala (red) and Tartufatta (white)

At A Mano, there are two types of pizza available: the red pizza and the white pizza. Both options are included in the menu, and it is your choice which one to order. Therefore, we decided to sample both varieties, selecting these two along with another option, which I will discuss later as I continue.

Sangria

If you look closely at the cocktails, you’ll notice that each drink has a name ‘A Mano’ printed on the orange skin, making it super easy to spot. This is a cool way for the cocktails to showcase the restaurant’s unique signature.

Amaretto Sour

Before I proceed further, as we are celebrating a birthday here, I would like to invite you to join my family for a toast.

Cheers!

Here’s to the birthday celebrant, Buon Compleanno “Luyene”!

Now that we’ve had our toast, let’s return to the main topic.

In the Menu, A Mano restaurant presents a Brunch featuring Toast, Eggs, Savory dishes, and a Full Italian breakfast for two. Additionally, it offers Homemade fresh pasta, Artisanal dry pasta, and Risotto. The menu also includes Raspadura and a selection of Drinks. The main menu comprises Seconfi, Contorni, Grande, and Riso. For pizza, patrons can choose between two varieties: Red and White pizza. The wine selection is also available, along with sparkling beverages and desserts.

Caesar Salad

We began with a chilled appetizer, the Caesar salad, followed by a pizza entrée leading to the main course and then drinks and desserts. Let’s get started!

Pizza originated in Naples, Italy. There’s a popular tale that on June 11, 1889, to pay tribute to the queen consort of Italy, Margherita of Savoy, the Neapolitan pizza maker Raffaele Esposito crafted the “pizza Margherita,” which has become the most beloved pizza globally. Today, it is the most popular pizza in the world.

Margherita Con Bufala

Margherita Con BufalaI is a straightforward yet flavorful blend of tomato sauce, mozzarella di Bufala, and basil. Mouthwatering even just to look at the photos and soon you’ll be tempted to give it a try too.

Tartufatta

Tartufatta, a rich blend of Truffle cream, Fortina, and Mozzarella Di Bufala.

4 Formaggi

4 Formaggi or Quattro Formaggi pizza is prepared using four types of cheese: Mozzarella Di Bufala, Gorgonzola, Emmental, and Parmigiano Reggiano. Honestly, this flavor is something I’ve never experienced before. Italian pizza is definitely the best.

A Mano Handmade Style Pasta That Everyone will Love

For the pasta, we chose two types based on the preferences of our family members.

Garganelli Bianco

Garganelli Bianco pasta features a delicious blend of truffle butter, cream, peas, and prosciutto di Parma.

Tagliatelle Al Ragu

Tagliatelle Al Ragu pasta is a delicious mix of ragu bolognese and parmigiano reggiano. It was really great, I personally love pizza and pasta. Next time I come back to this restaurant, I’m definitely going to try the Primi Pasta: Pomodoro e Basilico, Tortellini Alla Panna all fresh handmade pasta.

Tuscan Buttered Chicken

Chicken Parm” with Burrata

Panna Cotta

Panna Cotta is genuinely outstanding, the delicate sweet gelatin is creamy and showcases a perfect presentation, molded neatly and encircled by a delightful sugar crunch.

Burrata Gelato Soft

Burrata Gelato Soft is an exquisite cold dessert that truly satisfies after a delightful meal.

Mango Shake

We all truly enjoyed the food we tasted and we can’t wait to come back for more. Thanks, Luyene!

The beverages are made with the same care as their dishes, utilizing fresh, seasonal ingredients and time-honored techniques. The service is commendable however, the restaurant is somewhat limited in size, making it difficult to accommodate a large number of patrons. We waited patiently for our turn to be called to take our place at the table after others had vacated.

This review is just our personal take, but if you check out this restaurant, you’ll get to form your own opinion about the taste and service too. Highly Recommended, Give it a shot!

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Gardening/Greenery/Garden Insects | My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Travel and Adventure

Ornamental Kale: Stunning Japanese Cabbage

By livelifeandlove on July 16, 2025

A stunning blend of Japanese decorative cabbage which is also called Flowering kale, showcases vibrant hues of pink, cream, purple, white and green. This plant is visually captivating with its colorful leaves, making it a popular choice for decoration. Although, they are edible, they tend to be more bitter and have a tougher texture. They are often used as a garnish because of their appealing colors and shapes. These plants belong to the Brassicaceae family and are known to have their colors become more intense in cooler temperatures, changes its color when exposed to cold.

The Cherry blossom is often considered the most famous flower in Japan, however, there are numerous other stunning flowers that bloom even in winter, such as the Flowering Kale. I was enchanted by this cabbage which displays a variety of colors that caught my attention during photography. It was my first encounter with this vibrant cabbage which is not found in my home country.

2 Different Varieties of Ornamental Cabbages

Varieties that have smooth leaf edges and wide flat leaves are typically called Flowering cabbages whereas those with jagged or fringed leaf edges are known as Flowering kales especially the ones that have ruffled or curled edges on their leaves, which are sometimes referred to as coral.

Flowering kales or Coral Kales

In the Philippines, we grow our common green cabbage for its tasty leaves, which are featured in many dishes and salads. On the other hand, ornamental kale is primarily grown for its beautiful and vibrant leaves.

I snapped these gorgeous ornamental cabbage photos while visiting Tokyo and Osaka. I managed to get a few shots at Tokyo DisneySea, Garden near Mirokuin Temple in Kyoto and around the gardens near Japan’s Mt. Fuji but these aren’t the only flowers I photographed, I also captured various types of winter flowers and plants especially the famous Cherry Blossoms.

Stay tuned for more updates coming your way soon…

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog!

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My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Travel and Adventure | Wildlife/Animals/Pets

Whispers of Serenity

By livelifeandlove on July 15, 2025

Nature’s beauty in a grassland landscape provides a serene natural setting, featuring a gentle breeze, soft light, and the sounds of nature that create a sense of peace and tranquility. The expansive open fields offer a calming and restorative experience, fostering a connection to nature that quiets the mind and promotes feelings of inner peace.

These photos were taken during my visit to Nara Park, the capital of Japan’s Nara Prefecture, a scenic destination. Here, you can interact with and pet over a thousand free-roaming sika deer.

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Events/ Holidays/ Special Occasions | My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Restaurant Review

Red Lantern: Authentic Chinese Cuisine

By livelifeandlove on July 9, 2025

It was my sister’s birthday and my other sister had arranged a reservation for four at the Fresh International Buffet, Solaire Resort North. However, upon our arrival at Solaire, we discovered that the buffet restaurant we intended to celebrate in was closed due to renovations. We were taken aback as we had not been informed in advance which led us to search for an alternative dining option for our celebration. Ultimately, we all agreed to celebrate at the Red Lantern Restaurant.

Red Lantern Solaire Resort North is a high end restaurant renowned for offering some of the highest quality dim sum in Metro Manila along with a classy fine dining option. It is sophisticated Chinese restaurant featuring elegant decor, plush carpeting and a beautiful ambiance perfect for any celebration. It’s also famous for its top-notch ingredients and a menu that includes classic dishes like Peking duck and Suckling pig.

It’s a culinary adventure unlike any other, sure to delight your taste buds and make you want to come back for more delicious experiences.

It also features a variety of private dining rooms that cater to different group sizes. They include rooms called Wealth which accommodates 12 guests, Fortune which seats 15 and is equipped with an LED screen, and Prosperity which can host 30 guests. Additionally, guests have the option to merge Fortune and Prosperity to create a larger venue that can hold up to 45 people. The rooms are also characterized as “Sophisticated, “Elegant, “Intimate,”and “Luxurious.”

Red Lantern Solaire Resort North: Private Dining Room

The private dining area is ideal for celebrating occasions without interruption. It is secluded from noise, allowing you to enjoy privacy with your guests.

Since we’re celebrating a birthday, similar to other buffet restaurants, they offer a birthday cake adorned with sparkling candles for the celebrant.

Red Lantern Solaire Menu

The menu was categorized into nine options: The Homemade Chinese Barbecue, Soup and Broth, Dimsum, Rice Roll, Deep-Fried and Baked, Main course, Rice, Noodles, Congee, and Dessert. This is a list of the foods that are offered. You may make informed decisions about what to order by selecting from the available choices here.

We appreciated a diverse selection of options showcasing an impressive variety. The taste was excellent, and the presentation was top-notch particularly when 4 to 5 types of dim sum were combined on a single plate.

Chef Jason Wong is a prominent culinary expert, food influencer, and television host and a judge. He is recognized for his contributions to the program “Jason’s Table” on TaiwanPlus. Currently, he heads the culinary team at Red Lantern in Solaire Resort North, fusing traditional Cantonese methods with modern creativity.

Red Lantern Solaire Kitchen

Red Lantern Solaire: Unique Culinary Journey

There are no issues regarding the service. The restaurant servers are very attentive and genuinely take care of your needs, whether it is to place additional orders or to refill water and provided thoughtful recommendations and made certain that we felt at ease and content throughout our meal.

What is available on the menu? We did not opt for fine dining since my sisters preferred the all-you-can-eat Dim sum.You can view all the images of the food here, showcasing nearly every variety of Dim Sum that has been sampled. Let us not prolong this discussion, as it requires numerous food photographs to illustrate. From the images, you can assess the presentation while I provide descriptions of the flavors. Now, Let’s get started!

Barbecued Pork Glazed with Honey Sauce/Chilled Marinated Pork Knuckle/Marinated Shredded Chicken with Wasabi and Thai-Style Bean Curd

For our starter, we selected a combination appetizer featuring four different items on a single plate. This was the initial dish we sampled, and I’m already beginning to enjoy it. I’m optimistic that the next one will be even more delightful.

Single-bite appetizers are particularly favored in fine dining establishments, highlighting the restaurant’s culinary creativity and attention to detail. They enhance the overall dining experience.

Tomato with Enoki Mushroom and Tofu in Superior Stock

For the second course, we had Tomato with Enoki Mushroom and Tofu in Superior Stock, which was served hot and delicious. Everyone enjoys the soup that is served, it’s delicious and comforting. There are several pieces of chunk tomato and diced tofu. I appreciate how they blend those ingredients together.

This was my first encounter tasting Tomato Soup with Bean Curd. As you can see, it’s a clear broth without any small bits floating around.

For the initial two dishes which serve merely as an introduction, I found myself feeling quite eager to sample the subsequent orders. It’s thrilling to uncover new delightful flavors.

Deep-Fried Cheese and Prawn Spring Roll and Deep-Fried Mashed Yam Puff Dumpling with Diced Chicken and Mushroom

It had a crispy exterior and a tender interior. The yam, chicken, and mushroom filling provides an unexpectedly delectable new experience and the cheese and prawn filling produces a lovely taste. This has a really distinct deep-fried flavor.This is a well-prepared deep-fried dish that will undoubtedly provide you with the essence of delightful flavors.

Stir-Fried Sliced Beef and Celery with Black Pepper Sauce

I recall having 2 additional servings of this. The taste was incredibly delightful and the beef was exceptionally tender. It makes me feel like I’m bringing more order to this.

Crispy Fried Prawn Salad with Mixed Fruits

This delightful prawn salad combines the sweetness of fruits. We placed an order for two. The prawns are remarkably fresh. As we sampled it, we found ourselves in the midst of additional orders.

Steamed Lapu-Lapu Fillet with Black Bean, Chilly and Golden Garlic

The Lapu Lapu fillet is incredibly fresh. I ordered two for myself, and it was a satisfying choice. This dish is also quite healthy, making it just perfect for me.

Sweet and Sour Pork

It showcases exceptionally tender and crispy pork that allows one to distinctly experience the sweet and sour flavors of pineapple. My sister appreciates the flavor, which sets it apart from those of other dining establishments.

Stir-Fried Water Spinach with Garlic

I really enjoy these vegetables, they were fresh and green, and the stems are nice and tender. They taste just like I thought they would.

Pan Fried Carrot Cake with Preserved Meat and Scallops

My siblings really enjoy this one. I completely forgot to try it, and by the time I went to get some, it was all gone! They had eaten it all..

Fried Rice with Chicken and Salted Egg Yolk

I stayed away from rice for a bit since I really enjoy the Steamed Lapu-Lapu fillet, which I made my rice substitute.

This is the Dim Sum cart packed with all sorts of Dim Sum options. It gets super hot when the server sets it down on our table. Every Dim Sum we tried was delicious!

Shrimp Dumplings with Coriander

I remember eating 2 of these, OMG! I seriously can’t believe how my appetite just skyrockets after tasting it. I should probably eat it right away for new orders, or else I won’t be able to stop.

Steamed Pork Ribs with Black Bean and Steamed Chicken Feet with Sichuan Sauce

The Spareribs Dim Sum is exceptionally delicious, I ordered three portions. The pork ribs consisted of only a few small pieces with bones included. It is a limited quantity Dim Sum, requiring three to four baskets for one person to consume. The Dim Sum basket contains only two pieces of chicken feet. The chicken feet are somewhat slim, preventing you from fully enjoying the flavor. Nonetheless, the sauce is quite delicious.

Preserved Meat Dumplings with Scallops

Wrapped in authentic Nori seaweed with a hint of Japanese flavor!

Steamed Glazed Fluffy Barbecued Pork Buns and Steamed Red Bean Bun

The ideal Steamed Glazed Fluffy Barbecued Pork Buns features a snowy white color and a cracked top while the Steamed Red Bean Bun is a delightful sweet treat. It is freshly made with a fragrant dough that is fluffy and tender and the filling is perfectly proportioned. What an excellent estimation by the chef. I first thought it was a typical treat that other fast food restaurants could offer but the flavor and texture are entirely unique. This is significantly better than other eateries I have experienced.

Discover what’s inside the Glazed Fluffy Barbecued Pork Buns

Kataifi Roll with Avocado/Sesame Ball with Lotus Paste/Sweet Milk and Passion Fruit Jelly/ Baked Egg Tart

A dessert feast featuring a variety of sweet delights presented on a single plate. If you are satisfied after a meal, you may experience a craving for something sweet, which is when a dessert is usually enjoyed. Among the four dessert varieties on the plate, I particularly prefer the Egg Tart. The Sweet Milk and Passion Fruit Jelly is light with minimal sweetness. The Sesame Balls have a crispy exterior and a soft, sweet interior. The Kataifi Roll with Avocado is exceptional, offering a unique sweetness from the avocado that I was craving.

Chilled Mango Sago with Pomelo

Here is our conclusion, a chilled dessert that will conclude our meal. We all commend this dessert, it was sweet and exceptionally delightful. Overall, we are all very pleased with the dining experience.

It was July 7 when we visited this Red Lantern buffet, just a few days after I wrote this blog. You can be sure that all the food served here is still fresh and you will have the same experience if you decide to try this restaurant. I’m sure you’ll be proud to show it off to your guests.

It was my sister Ann who treated us to this buffet. I am grateful to my sister for her thoughtfulness, generosity, and kindness. I am fortunate to have a sister like you. God bless!

The four of us thoroughly enjoyed our dining experience here, we felt particularly special especially the birthday celebrant. We will definitely return to this restaurant soon. Thank you for the excellent food!

Operating Hours > Lunch 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM Weekdays Lunch 1st Seating 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM Weekends Lunch 2nd Seating 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM Weekends Dinner 5:30 PM – 10:30 PM Daily

Red Lantern Solaire Resort and Casino North

1 Solaire Way, Vertis North Bagong Pag-Asa, Quezon City

Metro Manila, Philippines

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Events/ Holidays/ Special Occasions | My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Restaurant Review

Lugang Cafe: Finest Taiwanese Cuisine

By livelifeandlove on July 4, 2025

We have no celebrations aside from the fact that it is Sunday, typically our designated family day for dining out. We prioritize quality time together at least once a week as the other days are mainly dedicated to work. We chose to have dinner at our favorite restaurant, Lugang Cafe Megamall. One benefit is that all family members have similar tastes and favorite dishes, making it easier for us to agree on our orders. A Sunday family day out provides an excellent opportunity for fun and good food.

Lugang Cafe is a restaurant that specializes in Taiwanese and Chinese cuisine welcomes you to savor the rich flavors and vibrant dishes that truly embody the essence of Taiwanese dining. Compared to traditional Chinese restaurants, the interiors are impressive. It’s well-lit, stylish, and modern. It is also designed to cater to various dining preferences. In addition to these delightful dishes, extensive menu filled with a range of culinary delights. I particularly value their commitment to avoiding the use of chemical additives. We have dined here multiple times and each time we’ve come, it has been consistently crowded. There was never a time that we went here that it wasn’t full and we always waited until they called our names from the front desk. A little patience is required but it’s definitely worth it because nearly all of our favorites hit the spot and satisfy our cravings.

I captured this beautiful image of the first five dishes we ordered. Some items have been previously enjoyed, which is why we often reorder them. However, we are also keen to try new dishes that we have not yet sampled, prompting us to order the new offerings.

Seafood Spinach Soup

We started our dining experience with the Spinach Seafood soup, however, I found it to be somewhat too strong for my taste. The taste of the spinach was rather intense, and its color appeared as a very deep green. The flavor did not appeal to me, as I could distinctly detect the scent of spinach. Nevertheless, I chose to attempt it because it was the initial dish presented at the table. We are trying this soup for the first time; usually, we choose hot and sour soup, which is certainly very enjoyable, we have chosen to attempt this on this occasion!

Wasabi Mayo Prawns

The prawns with wasabi mayo are incredibly tasty, the broccoli and shrimp were prepared just right. The prawns were crunchy on the outside but still soft and tender within. I truly enjoy this way of presenting the dish, it is lovely and enhances the flavor wonderfully. It offers a nice balance to the richness.

Roasted Meat Combination

A classic Chinese cold dish that brings together meat and seafood in one serving. These cold dishes are crafted to be both delicious and refreshing, just like this one. While cold dishes are prevalent in Chinese cuisine, especially as part of a multi-course meal, they typically include Century egg slices, roast pork slices, seaweed, and pork asado. This is a fantastic combination that creates a complete meal on a single plate.

Steamed Pork Xiao Long Bao

Xiao Long Bao is the family’s favorite and the star of the table. We’re all obsessed with this dish. It is truly exceptional. I can’t remember a single occasion when we didn’t get it while dining here, it’s always present on the table and one basket never satisfies us.

Steamed Pork Xiao Long Bao

The Xiao Long Bao flavors are available in 3-piece, 5-piece baskets and 8-piece baskets exclusively for dine-in.

How to Properly Eat Xiao Long Bao

To enjoy Xiao Long Bao take a dumpling, create a small hole to release the steaming broth, and take a sip. I enjoyed the next bite of the dumpling, enhancing its taste by dipping it into a ginger and vinegar sauce which is essential for dipping. I really appreciate the finely chopped ginger, it offsets the richness of the aromatic flavor making it so delicious. I love it!

Beijing Shredded Pork with Chinese Pancake

A classic dish that is featured in nearly every upscale restaurant. It consists of tender strips of pork tenderloin sautéed in a savory sauce, set atop a bed of steamed leafy greens. This dish is served with a delicate Chinese pancake, reminiscent of a Mexican tortilla.

How to Wrap Shredded Pork with Chinese Pancake

On a Chinese pancake, place a thin strip of shredded pork and then the spring onion stalk. Hold one end of the tortilla and fold it halfway. To ensure adequate enclosing, fold both borders and roll it again.

Chicken Topped with Scallion and Ginger Oil

A tempting selection of Taiwanese dishes includes a delicious white chicken topped with ginger oil and scallions give a zesty kick, boosting the dish’s tastiness, and they add a classy and tasty finishing touch. This meal regularly features in our orders, I was thrilled with the taste and the reasonable cost, although the portion size is inadequate for us. Thankfully, we have other dishes to enhance our dining experience.

Beef Tenderloin with Crispy Garlic

This is also my family’s favorite. They love the tender, succulent beef tenderloin paired with crispy garlic, which is sure to melt in your mouth and awaken your taste buds.

Oyster Omelette with Sweet and spicy Sauce

I thoroughly appreciated the distinct flavor and delightful taste, the presence of bean sprouts elevates the overall experience even though the oyster included is relatively small. You can easily identify it when you cut into the oyster cake. Regardless, it’s still quite enjoyable.

Lugang Birthday Noodles

Birthday noodles are merely acceptable to me. This dish is typically included in our orders, particularly when a family member is celebrating a birthday, and it is essential for everyone to partake due to the belief in long life.

Honey Garlic Squid

The Honey Garlic Squid is just average but other family members claim it is somewhat tart and has small portions. Because the amount wasn’t enough for my family, I hope they add more.

Golden Fried Rice with Egg and Shreaded Pork

It is tasty and aroma is very good. I’m satisfied with this kind of fried rice. I don’t eat much fried rice, I was trying to limit intakes especially at night but sometimes. I really can’t control my cravings to satisfy my senses..

I added this item; it was meticulously and elegantly crafted. What a lovely floral design created with carrots, a stunning addition to embellish a prepared dish.

Cranberry Juice with Mango

The juice is incredibly refreshing, making it a perfect drink for various occasions. It was so delightful that I will definitely order it repeatedly.

Strawberry Yogurt Smoothie

I personally think it’s a healthy option; it has a sweet flavor and is a frozen delight made with strawberry and yogurt. It’s large enough to serve the whole family. This cold dessert is perfect for sharing with everyone and makes a great ending to a meal. Desserts can provide unexpected advantages that go beyond simply being a delicious treat.

Taro Dessert

A perfect Dessert for the evening.

Thanks to excellent food preparation, Lugang Cafe remains the top Taiwanese restaurant in Manila. When there are numerous patrons, you may experience a wait however, it is advisable to make a reservation in advance. The items on the menu are what truly define a successful business.

The main issue arises when the restaurant is at full capacity and operates on a first come, first served basis. Occasionally, you may find yourself waiting for your turn, resulting in a bit of a delay. Additionally, they serve the dishes sequentially; while it’s acceptable for appetizers and soup to be served first, we prefer other orders to arrive simultaneously. The experience of enjoying the meal is enhanced when everything is served together. A delay often occurs due to a high volume of customers, making it challenging for the servers to handle.

While it’s not a significant problem that any restaurant might face, Lugang Cafe. it remains one of the best!

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog! Goodnight Fellas!

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Gardening/Greenery/Garden Insects | My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Travel and Adventure

The Blooms that Caught my Eye – The Kamunting Flowers

By livelifeandlove on June 30, 2025

These flowers really grabbed my attention when we hiked up the mountains of Sagada, especially at the spot where we checked out the Sea of Clouds in Marlboro Hills. It’s known as Karamunting flowers (Rhodomyrtus tomentosa) commonly referred to as Rose myrtle, a wildflower that thrives in the chilly mountains. Kamunting flowers have a lovely violet-pink mix with six petals and red and yellow sepals. It’s an evergreen shrub that produces a round brown fruit.

We set out to visit the area at 4:00 AM to catch the sunrise and the sea of clouds. We climbed to an elevation of 1,600 meters and reached the top by 5:30 AM. It was still dark, but these wildflowers bloomed so beautifully that they were the first thing to grab your attention before you even took in the mountain views.

The Lovely Blossoms

I took a few photos of Kamunting flowers because I was so enchanted by these gorgeous blooms. They were the most stunning wildflowers I captured in Marlboro Hills.

These flowers are really lovely and they even glow in the dark.The upcoming post will feature more northern blooms. Sagada is adorned with breathtaking flowers that flourish throughout its mountains, riverbanks, as well as in both upland and lowland areas.

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My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Wildlife/Animals/Pets

How do dogs greet one another?

By livelifeandlove on June 23, 2025

Lovely greeting pictures of Frosty showcasing him as he meets and greets dogs of different breeds.

I have three dogs: Ruby, a Chow Chow, Frosty, a Coton de Tulear and Maki, a Jack Terrier. Frosty always joins me for my morning walk, while the other two bigger dogs stay at home. I plan their walks separately because I can’t manage all three dogs at once. Whenever I take Frosty for a morning or afternoon walk, he greets all the dogs we encounter in the park. It does not matter whether the dog is large or small, as long as it is friendly, they will rush to meet my dog. I believe this is simply a natural way for dogs to greet or communicate with one another, their body movements can be easily recognized through eye contact, tail wagging, and body posture. Interestingly, dogs occasionally sniff each other’s behinds, don’t you think? Is that truly a pleasant scent?

Having a Dog as a Pet

If you’re looking for a genuine friend who will love you no matter what, get yourself a dog! Spending time with my dog keeps me both mentally and physically healthy.

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Gardening/Greenery/Garden Insects | My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Recipes for busy moms/Fruits/Desserts/Salad/Decorative Ideas

Papaya with a Star-Shaped Seed Cavity

By livelifeandlove on June 18, 2025

The Philippines is home to various types of papaya, including well-known varieties such as Sinta, Red Lady, Sunset Solo, Kapoho Solo and among these, the royal star papaya stands out due to its unique internal cavities, which are shaped like a perfect star. It is recognized for its pleasant aroma; while some people find it sweet, others describe its flavor as mildly sweet, yet it boasts a long shelf life. It is indeed fascinating to observe how the interior forms into a star filled with seeds. One great thing about royal papaya is that you can enjoy Royal Star papayas even when they’re half ripe. Royal Star papayas represent a novel hybrid variety of Carica papaya.

The Royal Star Papaya is an incredibly nutritious tropical fruit.

Papaya, a tropical fruit renowned for its benefits on digestive health, is rich in vital nutrients, enzymes, and antioxidants, it is also recognized for its health advantages, certain compounds in papayas may possess anticancer properties and reduce the risk of heart disease in addition to numerous other health benefits.

I personally planted this papaya in our backyard, and it has developed into a beautiful, fruitful plant that produces many fruits capable of sustaining the family, you can count on it to provide us with fruits every week. Even after we pick the fruits for this week, you can still see the ripe ones ready for the next week. It is a wonderful pleasure to enjoy the benefits of the tree you have planted.

Core Section of a Star-Shaped Papaya

The star-shaped cavities are a natural variation in the structure of the fruit, especially when it has been cultivated from specific hybrids or varieties.

This star shape is formed by the configuration of the flesh and seeds within the fruit.

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