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Archive for 2012-10-21

Zark's Attack!

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There was no way I was going to let this semestral break pass without visiting Zark's. I've been prodding my uncles to have a burger fest with me but we were all too busy and our schedules were never in sync. I guess you could say this dining experience took months to prepare for and it was well-worth it. 

Back when I was still studying in De La Salle University Manila, I would frequent this burger joint feeling hungry and leaving happy. I didn't care if I smelled like a greasy patty, although I'm pretty sure my seatmates in class did. Nevertheless, I always left Zark's feeling satisfied and eager to back and ready to try a different burger on their menu.

Armed with over 20 variants to choose from, it's no surprise students flow in like an army of ants throughout the day. If you're a student from DLSU-Taft, you're bound to try a burger or two at Zark's. Unless of course you're extremely health-conscious and eat mostly carrot and celery sticks. The great thing about this burger joint is that they offer the most drool-worthy and unimaginable burger flavors out there and are budget friendly. There's no need to worry about burning a hole through your wallet if you plan on eating here. Imagine eating a burger quadrupole of the usual burger served at restaurants. Throw in some thick-cut fries on the side and a glass of iced tea and you've got yourself the ultimate burger experience! Of course, let's not forget the ongoing eating contests at Zark's. Two of their burgers, namely Jawbreaker (P250) and the Tombstone (P500), are on the menu not just as another meal option, but also as a way to prove that you are worth having your face plastered on their Wall of Fame. It's such an excellent way to reel in students and gives people are completely different eating experience with friends and family. I've always wanted to give it a shot and I just might go for it one of these days.  Any takers? 



A lot has changed since my last visit to Zark's more than 2 years ago - more choices on the menu such as the Luther Burger, which is a double bacon cheeseburger on a honey glazed Krispy Kreme donut (perfect for those who enjoy the sweet and salty combination) and the Deep Fried Bacon-Wrapped Burger (I'm pretty sure the name speaks for itself). The interior improved as well. What used to be a small, minimally lit 4 table-wide eating place is now brighter and able to hold more than 30 people. 



Nachos Galore (P85)

Torilla chips topped with cheese sauce, lemon garlic, bacon and tomato salsa on the side.

The first thing I reached out for was not the nachos generously smothered with cheese, but a strip of bacon that was staring at me in such a provocative manner. This appetizer is good for 4 people or sometimes 1 famished lad/lass.  Zark's takes their bacon seriously so expect to see a lot of it in several of their burger selections.

My Uncle Bing and his Homerun Burger (P125)

Cheeseburger with caramelized onions. My uncle downed his burger in about 5 minutes or so. He is the ultimate competitor when it comes to eating contests. Believe me, folks. So on our next visit, I'm going to make sure he signs up for the Jawbreaker or Tombstone challenge! 


Pau massacring her Deep Fried Burger

My cousin Pau has the appetite of a grown man. I was surprised when she finished only half of her burger. I saw her trying to catch her breath as she dipped her last bite of the burger into the barbeque sauce. You can only imagine how laborious it was to finish. 
Candy Bacon Burger (P170)

Apart from the Luther Burger, this is another selection on the menu that fuses sweet and salty.  There's no way you can go wrong with bacon. Ever. 

Just look at those strips of bacon glisten with its caramel coating. Mmm. 

Deep Fried Burger (P185)

I ordered for the Floyd Chicken Burger (P135) at first but it wasn't available. So, I ordered the next best thing - the Deep Fried Burger. Printed below this item on the menu, it read: "This should be on your top-10-foods-to-eat-before-you-die-list" and it was deep fried, including the bread. I don't think it could get more inviting than that. They have a 1/4 pound version of this but I ordered the 1/2 pound burger - that's two thick patties with cheese, mushrooms sandwiched between two deliciously deep fried buns. The edges of the bread were crispy, slightly sweet and I could almost taste the oil in the browned portions of the buns. I wish I had more of the bread to chow down.


Take a peek inside this double cheeseburger. These days, you can fry anything. From chocolate bars to cookies and now burger buns too. This world is becoming a scarier place to live in. *insert nervous laughter here*

Yours truly and my new favorite burger

I think the brief description on the menu that came after the name of this burger served as a fair warning - it is not meant to be eaten often. I wanted more of the bread and more of the cheese-slathered patty. I think I'll save my next Deep Fried Burger order for when I turn 50. 
My plate after
Yeaup, I wolfed the whole burger and most of my fries. Still think I'm not qualified for the Tombstone challenge? 
















Zark's Burgers
2nd Floor
Archer's Nook Building,
Taft Avenue (above Yellow Cab)
09237372517 / 392-12-11
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Microwavable Brownie In A Bowl

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Whilst enjoying being a bunch of lazy daisies, my cousins Pau and Patch decided to try out this quirky recipe originally called "Brownie in a Mug". Since we wanted a bigger serving, a bowl was used instead of a mug and it was the perfect dessert to have on a cold, rainy day. The only thing missing was a cold glass of milk and since we didn't have any, we simply worked our imaginary juices to its maximum potential and pretended we had something to accompany our warm brownie treat.

This recipe is incredibly simple and you only need 5 ingredients in small amounts. All you need to do is mix all the ingredients, pop it into the microwave for 60 to 90 seconds and you'll instantly have a fudgy brownie ready to spoon into your mouth! You can double the recipe if you prefer to eat/serve more since this serves only one person. 


A handful of chocolate chips


We used MILO as our "cocoa powder" and I was surprised to find out that it tasted incredible after making this brownie! I'm pretty sure I'll be using this when I bake in case I need to add in cocoa powder to a recipe. 

Mixing the dry ingredients.


After adding water and oil to the dry ingredients, mix it up and top with chocolate chips.


Tada! The finished product. Quick, simple and easy. 


Pau & Patch are only pretending to be happy in this photo. I kid, I kid. This chocolaty brownie is best enjoyed warm and with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Mmm. 

Polished Flutter

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Now that sembreak has officially begun, I decided to whoop it up by blogging about my first ever outfit post! I've had these goodies in my room for quite some time now and am excited to finally reveal the different online fashion stores (and other outfit posts will have store-bought clothes, of course) that make shopping so much more convenient and accessible. 



I have to thank my mum for doing all the work "behind the camera" - from the styling, to putting on my make-up and even taking my photographs. When it comes to putting on make-up, I always leave everything to the hands of my mum or people who are actually capable of treating the human face as a canvas just waiting to make art out of it. Here's the shout-out you've been waiting for, mum: THANK YOU, WONDERWOMAN! 





Digiprint Floral Shorts, Sabrina


"Stef" Peplum top with gold button closure at the back, Sabrina



Peplum seems to making waves lately (no pun intended) and I can see why - it flatters the figure of a woman especially with a cinch at the waist area and the pleated end adds a feminine touch.


Do pay Sabrina a visit online by visiting the following links for a lot more pretty printed, floral blouses, skirts, shorts and pants: 

instagram: teenasabrina


"Audrey" beige pumps, iSawshoez




Pearl necklace from my mum's collection


I've always wanted nude pumps and now that I finally have a pair, I'm going to make sure these babies are constantly showered with a lot of T.L.C.

I have to say, iSAWshoez have such a wide variation of shoes. From pumps to stilettos in all sorts of colors, designs and shades, you're bound to find something that will catch your fancy! You won't find yourself ending up like Cinderella because iSAWshoez will definitely have something that will fit you perfectly.

instagram: isawshoez




More outfit posts to come and a lot more giveaways are coming your way! My giveaway with Serendipity Lane is still ongoing and will end on October 31. If you still haven't joined, visit this link and find out how you can win accessories:  http://woodenspoonsandmuffintops.blogspot.com/2012/10/serendipity-lane-blog-giveaway.html



Global Pinoy Bazaar 2012

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Yabang Pinoy Launches PHmade:
“It’s Worth Buying For”

Yabang Pinoy intensifies its consumer revolution campaign through the PHmade movement.

The pioneering Filipino pride movement, through PHmade, yet again encourages Filipinos to support Filipino ideas, business concepts, products, and services. The campaign aims to educate Filipinos, through videos, print materials and events, on the availability and viability of Filipino brands, and on the positive impact that going local contributes to the economy.

PHmade’s tagline “It’s Worth Buying For” encourages each Filipino to think twice before spending: is it really worth buying for? Yabang Pinoy believes that small things, when done together, can create a big difference. If each Filipino became conscious of where he spends one peso, he will understand how each choice affects himself, fellow Filipinos, and the country. PHmade also aspires to influence Filipino entrepreneurs into supporting local natural and human resources.

Indeed, patronage of locally made goods and services should be a lifestyle. It enables homegrown brands to improve and compete against foreign brands. The local economy also improves as money goes back and forth between consumer and business, employee and employer. And as more entrepreneurs create, develop, and expand their businesses, more job opportunities are generated. PHmade recognizes Filipino ingenuity and the role of each Filipino in nation-building.

PHmade focuses on seven categories: Produce, Home, Footwear, Fashion, Personal and Home Care, Food and Beverage, and Entertainment. The campaign will continue to collaborate with Filipino entrepreneurs and encourage them to continue to improve their products and services and to always aim for Filipino brands to be global brands.        

PHmade is a project of Yabang Pinoy, the pioneering Filipino pride movement that started in 2005. As it celebrates its 8th anniversary, the organization includes it among numerous Filipino pride projects, such as the Y.A.B.A.N.G. Camp (Youth Achievers Building A Nation of Greatness Camp), Yabang Pinoy Goes to School, Pinaka-mahabang Todo Patintero, Global Pinoy Bazaar, and many more. In the 8 years that Yabang Pinoy has immersed itself in various nation-building activities, it re-affirms its belief that true progress and development in our country will start once Filipinos begin living a proudly Filipino lifestyle.

Other exhibitors include Agos Pilipinas, Dodong Purontong, Doodled Tees, MY Likha, Rurungan sa Tubon Foundation, DCG Fashion, Babaylan Treasures, Bead It By Mikki, BUG&KELLY,Cultus Couture, Designs By Abby Jocson, Dragonfly Desserts, Whisk, Erb and Chet, Erzullie, Estrellas Manila, HDY Trading, Home and Office Accessories, I love Koi, Kandi Treats, Likhang Artesana Inc., Lotus Bloom,Lulu Swing,Marble and Co., MISISPI, Papelapelap, Pic Season, Polymer Guild of the Philippines, Precious Herbal Pillow, Sabrina, Sewn Sandals, Sinude, Sol Accessories,Manila Sole,Storage Solutions,SUELAS,The Artland Printer,The Greenbean Company,Theo and Philo,Ti & Me Handiworks Co.,TONI & BERNE, Toppicks Clothing, Tribute Shoes, V&M Naturals,Vesti,W.E Garage,Your Unik Xchange, Zeal Carry Enterprises, Zelisse Intimates, Tinywonder Trading,DCG Fashion, Aromateria Scents & Sensibilities, With Love Clothing, Pink Label, Yadu, Kape ni Juan, among others.


Yabang Pinoy invites every Filipino to be part of the PHmade movement. As early as now, save November 10-11 2012 for the 8th Global Pinoy Bazaar - a showcase of Filipino products made with 100% Filipino Love and Pride.

For more information on Yabang Pinoy, visit www.yabangpinoy.com or email yabangpinoy@gmail.com or contact Maricris Sarino at 0917-8151513 and 211-7789.