Saturday, March 21, 2026
Eggs Benedict or Eggs Benny as I lovingly call it, has always been my ultimate breakfast indulgence. Back in the day, I would make my own at home—carefully poaching eggs until the yolks turned perfectly runny, layering them over toasted English muffins with ham or bacon, and finishing everything with a luscious, lemon-kissed Hollandaise sauce. A sprinkle of parsley and a light dusting of paprika, and just like that, brunch was complete.
It’s the kind of dish that feels both comforting and a little luxurious—something I don’t come across often in Iloilo’s café scene. So when I heard that the newly opened branch of Born in Bread along Commission Civil in Jaro was serving Eggs Benedict, I knew I had to go.
After wrapping up a few early morning errands, I made my way to the bakery café, craving something familiar yet special. From the moment I stepped in, the space felt warm and inviting—cozy interiors, thoughtfully designed, and the comforting aroma of coffee lingering in the air.
What stood out immediately was their brunch menu. Instead of the usual tapsilog-style offerings, they present a more curated selection of continental breakfast dishes—refined yet approachable, and perfectly paired with their impressive lineup of croissants, both sweet and savory.
I ordered the Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict, along with an iced mocha, and couldn’t resist taking a cream puff to go. The dish arrived beautifully plated, and more importantly, it delivered. The serving was generous, the smoked salmon added a delicate richness, and the Hollandaise sauce struck just the right balance of creamy and citrusy. The egg could have been softer though. A lettuce salad with bright and tangy vinaigrette dressing balanced the dish. Every bite felt indulgent without being overwhelming.
It’s rare to find a place that gets Eggs Benedict just right, but this one certainly did.
I’m already planning my next visit—to try their other Eggs Benedict variations and explore more of their croissant creations, especially the Bacon Jalapeño and Banoffee Croissant. And next time, I’ll be sure to linger a little longer, coffee in hand, soaking in the café’s cozy atmosphere.
Because honestly, Born in Bread? It feels more like Born for Bread—and definitely born for brunch.
Thursday, March 12, 2026
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| Starbucks Year of the Horse 2026 Assorted Crepe Dentelles |
If you’ve ever visited Taipei, chances are you still dream about its iconic pineapple cakes, milk tea, and bustling night markets. There’s something about Taiwanese snacks and café culture that lingers long after a trip ends. The good news? You don’t have to fly back to Taiwan just to satisfy those cravings.
Enter Night Market, an online specialty store that brings a little slice of Taiwan straight to your doorstep in the Philippines.
Night Market offers a thoughtfully curated selection of Taiwanese delicacies, premium teas, instant coffee, and stylish lifestyle finds. It’s the kind of online shop where you can browse for a box of authentic pineapple cakes and end up discovering beautifully designed mugs, aesthetic home items, or trendy collectibles that capture Taiwan’s modern design culture.
One of the highlights for collectors and Starbucks fans are the limited-edition Chinese Zodiac merchandise releases. At the moment, the Year of the Horse Starbucks mementos are especially sought after—unique items that you won’t typically find in Philippine Starbucks stores. For those who love rare coffee merchandise or culturally inspired collectibles, these pieces are definitely worth adding to your collection.
Beyond the products themselves, what makes Night Market especially appealing is its accessibility. No matter where you are in the Philippines, the store offers nationwide shipping, making it easy to enjoy Taiwanese treats whether you’re in a big city or a quieter province.
So the next time you’re craving Taiwanese milk tea, nostalgic pineapple cakes, or beautifully designed lifestyle pieces, you might not need a plane ticket after all. A quick visit to Night Market could be the next best thing to strolling through Taipei’s vibrant night markets.
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| COVERME Double Zipper Shoulder Bag |
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| Oolab Ice Cream Bar Series Ceramic Tumbler |
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| Red Sakura x Gudetama Pineapple Cakes with Egg Yolk Gift Box |
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| Oolab Stay with You Straw Cover |
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| Barista 2-in-1 Instant Coffee Latte (100 packs) |
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| Sunny Hills Pineapple Cake |
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| Earl Grey Milk Tea |
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| GIANT Momentum- iNeed Latte 24 |
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| SADOMAIN Enamel Saucepot |
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| Biore Marshmallow Whip Facial Wash |
Friday, February 27, 2026
Artificial bouquet
Celebrate the freshness of the season with a curated selection of spring‑inspired finds from IKEA Philippines (the world's largest), featuring soft pastel textiles, nature‑themed décor, light wooden accents, and vibrant pops of greenery that bring an airy, uplifting feel to any space while capturing the simple warmth and renewal of spring.
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Duvet cover and pillowcase
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Spring was just around the corner- a season meant for warmth, light, and open skies. Instead, Tokyo greeted me with kan no modori, the return of the cold. Just when the Yoshino sakura had reached their fullest bloom, winter quietly slipped back in.
Single-digit temperatures.
A grey sky.
A chill that lingered in the hands.
Last spring, I bundled myself into a warm Zara coat and headed to Nakameguro with a friend, determined not to let the cold steal the moment. Armed with Japan’s iconic transparent umbrellas, we walked down the district’s gentle slopes toward the Meguro River, where hundreds of cherry trees arched over the water in soft pink abundance.
There is something about traveling in less-than-ideal conditions that strips away expectation. Without the postcard sunshine, you begin to notice subtler things- the sound of rain tapping against plastic umbrellas, the hush of people walking slower, the intimacy of shared silence.
Nakameguro Cherry Blossom Esplanade stretches along the river like a delicate corridor of blossoms. Branches heavy with petals leaned toward one another as if in quiet embrace. The chilly breeze carried sakura petals into the water, where they floated downstream in silent procession.
Cold hands. Warm sakura heart.
The rain deepened the colors. The mist softened the skyline. Lanterns glowed faintly against slick stone paths. Each breath rose visibly in the cool air, small clouds of warmth against the chill.
As petals swirled around us, it felt as though the trees themselves were leaning in — protective, gentle, almost tender. I felt embraced by the moment-by the season itself.
The trees were hugging me, yes.
And in that moment, I understood something simple: warmth does not always come from the weather. Sometimes, it comes from presence — from choosing to walk forward anyway.
Here are the haiku I carried home from that morning:
Meguro River
cherry petals drift in rain
cold hands, a warm heart
morning mist and rain
lantern glow on slick stone paths
breath warms my chest now
Umbrellas whisper
petals float like confetti
cold fingers, warm smile
When life grows challenging, I close my eyes and return to that spring memory in Nakameguro. I remember the hush of rain, the softness of falling petals, and the quiet strength of stepping out into the cold rather than waiting for perfect conditions.
In a world that constantly urges us to wait for better timing, that morning taught me something simple:
Go anyway.
Walk anyway.
Bloom anyway.
And sometimes, carry a transparent umbrella-just in case.
Monday, February 23, 2026
There’s something sweetly magical about discovering a flower that feels like it chose you.
This week, it was a cluster of soft purple asters blooming gently under the Bucida spinosa tree — delicate, cheerful, and surprisingly resilient. They looked like tiny stars sprinkled across green stems, catching the morning light just right. And of course, I had to learn how to grow them properly.
If you’re dreaming of adding a pop of romantic purple to your little city garden, here’s everything I’ve learned.
What I Love About Asters
Asters (often called Michaelmas daisies) are classic cottage-garden flowers with daisy-like petals and sunny centers. They’re charming without trying too hard. Not dramatic. Not fussy. Just effortlessly pretty.
They bring:
- Soft color to small garden spaces
- Pollinators like bees and butterflies
- That “English garden in the city” vibe
- Full morning sun
- Well-draining soil
- Consistent but not excessive watering
- Mixed garden soil with compost for better drainage
- Watered deeply 2–3 times a week
- Pinched the stems early so they grow bushier
- Removed faded blooms to encourage more flowers
Where They Thrive
In our tropical Philippine weather, asters love balance:
Too much water? They sulk.
Too much shade? They stretch and flop.
They’re happiest when things feel balanced — kind of like us.
A Little Secret for Fuller Blooms
If you gently pinch back the stems when they’re still young, they grow thicker and fuller. More branches = more flowers.
Think of it as encouraging them to glow up.
Why They Feel So Special
Asters bloom when many other flowers start fading. They show up late, but beautifully.
There’s something poetic about that.
They remind me that not everything blooms at the same time — and that’s perfectly okay.
If you’ve been thinking of adding something romantic but resilient to your garden, consider asters. You can buy them in a pot in your local plant garden. They’re proof that even in the middle of city life, softness and romance can thrive.
With love and petals,
🌸✨
Cristy in the City
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