Comforting Snacks and Tea at Zoyys Republic

Sunday, May 10, 2015




I know it musn't be the opportune time to tell you about this (since there's recent controversy and all) but I've found a new cozy tea shop near UST, at 1047 G. Tolentino Street in Manila. They call it Zoyys Republic, a brain child of 5 entrepreneurial friends who wanted to have a new bangin place to hang out while having milk tea concoctions, small snacks in a mid modern industrial ambiance right in the heart of the city. We  tried some of their teas and snack items while we were there with my friends from the UE Red Tribe. 


The Interiors



The place is nice. They've got parking space for a few cars since it's part of a building. Inside, they wanted to exude a relaxed industrial feel with some accents of wood and glass fixtures on top of shelves. Honestly, I think they're still trying to find their identity and is finding it a little hard filling up huge walls with artwork, books and knick knacks. What I find cool is the ample amount of seating, the re-purposed doors turned into tables and the large wooden bunk chairs in front of the store. They've also got really good air conditioning, so it would be nice to have an escape from the smoldering heat if the sun outside. It's a little problematic for them because people which mostly are comprised of students in nearby universities think that since it looks a little upscale, that their food would actually be expensive too. But really no, I find their prices quite competitive compared to other tea shops in the area who didn't even invest in interiors. This to me is something of a selling point. You get the feel and ambiance of a high end coffee shop yet you only pay for affordable tea concoctions and snack items from their menu. Which reminds me, we have to talk about that too.


The Food


They're kinda limited to tea and snacks now since there are nearby full blown restaurants who serve full meals nearby, like there's even one in the same building. I like what they came out with though because the snacks entails some really good fried comfort food starting off with Zoyys Republic's Chicken Poppers!




The Chicken Poppers was very crunchy. Think of the bite sized chicken meat pieces that are breaded and deep fried. It's lightly salted but it may taste a bit bland to some; but the goal here is not to have the protein alone. On the side of the crunchy fries are small containers with home made mustard based dips that are both sweet and tangy. The contrast of that and the crunchy chicken was a surprise because I don't think most of us are fond of mustard right? It works though and as I see it, you'll like the combination after a while and you might end up asking for more.



You can pair up these fried numbers with the tea choices that they have inside the store. I chose the Grande Apple Yakult and loved the tangy notes together with the fruity drink. My friends had the Lychee Peach Fruit Tea and the Strawberry Tea that's got a black tea base. It's not too sweet and you can ask them to tone down sugar if you prefer. They've got other things on the tea and Yakult list that are all fruit based. Really good.


For something savory and filling, this is Zoyys Republic's Chili Dog. It's moderately spicy, meaty, and you must make sure to have this while it's hot! It's comfort food at its finest. I suppose guys would have this on their own and ladies could share, but it's so tasty they might finish up an order of this or two. The sausage is pretty big, like a frankfurter that's really juicy. I suggest you order this and the next one if you have friends with you.


For groups, you can opt for the Nachos. It was okay, nothing fancy. It does the job of keeping your mouth busy in between conversations. If you're planning to stay and kill time while you're at Zoyys Republic, go ahead and have this otherwise, have this sinful batch of heavenly goodness. I'm talking about the Deep Fried Oreos.



The first time I saw Deep Fried Oreos was during an ANTM episode when Ann Ward won. She eats tons of this and I guess some people here picked it up. It's super cool that you can find it now in Zoyys Republic. It's sweet and it's the perfect way to end your meal. I mean, I had about 4 pcs and left the rest for my friends. That alone tells you how nice it is, and if there's something you should order before leaving the shop, I must say it should be this bar none!

Zoyys Republic is open from 9AM to 1AM on weekdays and Saturdays while 3PM to 1AM on Sundays. There's a lot more on their menu that I haven't even tried yet so if you're looking for something comforting and affordable, drop by Zoyys Republic at 1047 G. Tolentino Street in Manila. I think it's even near EspaƱa that you can walk from there, as it's not too far. Bring your friends too while you're at it. Trust me on the deep fried oreos!


COW

For more information about their establishment:
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Smart Brings Next Level Digital Experience For Filipinos




Has your plan really changed to support your online lifestyle? Imagine the huge amount of data needed these days and the previous ones probably don't apply to you anymore. Well don't worry too much because the biggest network in the Philippines has got you covered! Smart knows how much there is an increasing need for mobile data, so they're coming out with BIGGER data allowances and app based add ons so you don't have to spend too much on what you need. The new Smart Surf Plus Plans starts at Plan 599 which gets you a free app of your choice which you can change every month. Now there's no reason to be tied down to an old one. The Smart All In Plans is now also fully consumable and customizable if you're on post paid. You can opt for more text, more talk and tons of mobile data flexibundles that you can subscribe to. It fits right into your budget and lifestyle. Isn't that awesome?!



Filipinos tend to access everything on mobile now and Smart started it initially by providing FREE internet. People could got used to the fact that information can now be reached through smart phones and these Surf Plus Plans just made everything easier. They can pick freebies such as Youtube, Spinnr (for those who stream a lot!), Instagram, Twitter or Facebook (for the social network addicts), Line, Viber, Whatsapp, Facebook Messenger (for those who chat a lot), Gmail and Yahoo Mail (for the workaholics) and Waze (for those who always gets lost and the street smart). Freebie apps access will be counted against their monthly data allowance. i'm sure there's enough room for that!



Mon Isberto mentions "Recognizing UBER and DOTC's confirmation yesterday of their business model just starts something big also in the way people access data in the Philippines. It's the best with Smart!"

"We're now doing innovations. We talk to consumers, we're making it better, easier for those who need great post paid plans. We've got the best!" says Ms. Kathy Carag.

"This time we're packed with super sized data that you can get with freebies and good phones built in to all of Smart's new Surf Plus Plans. You can choose one per month. You can change it via Smart's very own postpaid app. Starting at Php 399.00 you can get free phones until Php 1,999.00 plans. The nicer the phone, the higher the plan pf course. You are really in control. You've got 30 Flexi Bundles to choose from!" says Ms Manabat who heads Postpaids for Smart.



Great Phones!



If you're planning to get one from Smart, they've got phones like the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge, the Sony Experia M2 Aqua, the Sony Experia Z3, the Lenovo S90, Samsung Galaxy A5 LTE and the Lumia 532. Now, you've got more reasons to get post paid plans from the biggest network in the country, that's also got the best deals there is in the Philippines.


Ciao!
KUMAGCOW
Fresh Blogs Fast!



COW

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The Cast, Director and Author of "Para Sa Hopeless Romantic"

Saturday, May 09, 2015


The Cast, Director and Author of "Para Sa Hopeless Romantic"


It was an awesome day to talk with some of the stars ofPara Sa Hopeless Romantic (For the Hopeless Romantic) at the VIVA offices in Ortigas. I haven't been able to do this because I've been really busy these past few days and I thought this was an opportune time to get to know Direk Andoy Ranay, the author of the book Marcelo Santos III, and the stars of the film. We were also with the charming AJ Muhlach, the gorgeous Shy Carlos, the demigod James Reid and the beautiful Nadine Lustre. I've covered the grand presscon a few weeks back here but I've never been able to sit down with them so intimately like this. I could see them up close, like see the real complexion of their skin, the small things they do for each other. I couldn't wait to take photos of them, thanks to VIVA who made this possible./div>

Para Sa Hopless Romantic

About being hopeless romantics....

Mothers Day Specials at Ayala Malls



It always is a special day when you take time out from work and get your whole family to Ayala Malls, the country's premier shopping destination. They've got everything you need in one place and this weekend, they're making it even more special as they celebrate the most loved person in your home, your Mom this Mothers Day.

Since they're the perfect establishment to be in for pampering, shopping, food and entertainment, they're making it even better this May 8-10 as they launch the "All About Mom Fair" and turn the venue into a full bloomed flower and fairy land. You'll see mall merchants, Mommypreneurs whip out the best things to shop for while thinking of the best woman on Earth, your Mom. There will also be a mommy crafts corner so your kids, or Dad could make their own gifts for Mom while you're there. 

If your a new mom or fond of reading, authors Amanda Griffin-Jacob and Bianca Araneta-Elizalde of Project Mom will also be there in Abreeza on May 8, Alabang Town Center on May 9, the Trinoma and Glorietta on May 10 to sign books and give motivational talk for mommies. Isn't that great?! Aside from that, they'll also be giving out some loot bag goodies for #100LuckyMoms in Glorietta 5 to make it even more special! 


If that's not enough, they're also holding an Instagram contest for you and your family. Just post a photo of your Mom and a one word description of her why she's a "perfect mom" with the hashtags #MothersDayAtAyalaMalls and #everythingmom. You'll get the chance to win special lootbags so you can give it to your mom too. After all, it's her day!

This is Ayala Malls, this is for your Mom. Visit www.ayalamalls.com.ph for more information about their events.



COW

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