CRAVING FOR RAMEN NAGI AGAIN

Once again THE YAPPY BUNCH needed to go to St. Lukes in BGC so we left early morning. After the follow-up checkup, the boys got hungry so we decided to have lunch nearby. It was bad after all for them na "malipasan ng gutom."

So where to eat? 

The last time Mati, the Yub, and I were in BGC, we ate in RAMEN NAGI because this Japanese specialty just doesn't work well for delivery -- it really should be eaten at the restaurant. When we told Andrei about our lunch, he got so inggit that we promised him the next time we're out, we'll eat at RAMEN NAGI.

So then it is THAT day.

Dan... dan... DANNNNNNNNNN!!!!

We were initially worried that security won't allow little Andrei in the mall (where RAMEN NAGI was located). Fortunately, management let the bunso in as long as we follow safety measures. We noticed too that around BGC there were many kids and even babies going around with their families. I guess since the place is like one big open park, it is safer for people to go around. Yep. We were meant to go out today.

So yay! Cravings answered for little Andrei and for us too!!!!! It was another great day for THE YAPPY BUNCH!

RAMEN NAGI AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!

OUR NEW RAMEN NAGI EXPERIENCE

One morning, the Yub and I had this deep craving for ramen that we mustered up all our courage to go out. Though we understand and follow all rules with regards to the quarantine, we felt that this is the time to go out. We're just going to be extra careful and since some venues allowed in-store dining, we're going.

With our big guy Mati!

ICHIRAN, TOKYO (JAPAN TRIP 2019)

I don't care that it has been commercialized, triviliazed, or "touristized," (he he he he), but when you're in JAPAN, you should have a meal in ICHIRAN!

Hey, you deserve to have at least one bowl of their piping hot delicious rich ramen in your lifetime right?

Never mind that almost EVERYONE in the world has been there and posted about their experience in social media. You may think it lessened its value by being so popular but it shouldn't bother you because it didn't affect the taste. You still need to go there. Hip or not, it's the food that you're going for anyway.

And THAT was exactly how I felt about it.

That's why for our JAPAN 2019 trip, I asked my Mommy if we could go to ICHIRAN. The only ICHIRAN that I've been to was in Hong Kong and I would really like to try it in its motherland JAPAN.

I wanted to eat in ICHIRAN so much that I offered to pay!!!

HALA!

Oh well! It was so worth it. I'm sure the others felt the same (yun lang takas sila sa bayad). Ha ha ha ha ha! Kidding! I really don't mind paying as long as I get to eat my favorite ICHIRAN! I'm so glad that I was able to share this experience again with my boys, and most especially, my Mommers!

And that's the truth. :)

ICHIRAN!!!!!!!

OUR FIRST MEAL IN TOKYO (JAPAN 2019)

We just arrived in JAPAN and naturally the first thing we wanted to do besides resting and unpacking is this:

EATING!!!

Well we're not in JAPAN for our health. Ha ha ha ha ha ha! Besides the sights, we are definitely in the Land of the Orient to get loads of Japanese foods in our bellies. That's why we're excited to have our first real taste of authentic Japanese food for that trip.

And the first order of the day???

RAMEN!!!!!!!!!!!!

BUTAMARU (2019)

THE YAPPY BUNCH went to Tagaytay for the weekend where we stayed in awesome ANYA RESORT. We had a heavy buffet breakfast that morning that we still didn't feel like having lunch while we were in there.

When we got to Manila however, our tummies all grumbled at the same time. With that, we thought of having a bite at our favorite stopover when we're coming from the South....

BUTAMARU!!!!

BUTAMARU was perfect that day because it was raining!

WASHOKU JAPANESE DINER (SUBIC)

After we checked out of our hotel in our SUBIC trip, THE YAPPY BUNCH initially planned to go on straight home because we missed my Mommy so much. Since we were full from a very heavy breakfast, we thought we could just eat when we get to NLEX.

Lo and behold, foodie fate has something else planned for us. For pasalubong, the others planned on passing by this Korean grocery before going home. I thought that since I was going to buy Udon for our dinner with Mommy that night, I would check out what they had as well. I also hoped to get these slippers that my Mom wished for in our last Korea trip that we weren't able to buy. Here's hoping I'll be successful here.

Yun lang we shopped longer than usual that it's better to just eat something now and just have a straight-to-home drive later. Hala! Ha ha ha!

Pareng Jojie saw this Japanese restaurant beside the Korean grocery and suggested we try it. We checked the price, as well as menu items, and it was all swak na swak for us.

And that's how we got to encounter WASHOKU JAPANESE DINER in SUBIC! Read on to see how we liked it!

WASHOKU!

IPPUDO RAMEN (GREENBELT)

Believe it or not but between the two of us, it's the Yub whose food cravings we always follow.

Yep. You better believe it kapeng mainit.

The Yub kasi is a picky eater who has A MILLION specifications on the food that he'll eat (he's like Sally in When Harry Met Sally pero intsik... and a GUY!!!!). As for me, I'll eat anything that's why when we go on dates or making plans with friends, I'm always like "I'm fine wherever you guys like." Of course I have food cravings din but the Yub has MORE, and he's actually a bit annoying when he pushes for it. Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!!!!

One night, he was REALLY craving for Ippudo. As in REALLY. Whatever I say to him, he'll answer in the name of Ramen:

Me: "Yub, labas tayo mamaya nila Mariane."
Yub: "San tayo? Sa Ramen?"

Me: "Yub Greenbelt tayo mamaya ha? 8pm"
Yub: "Tamang tama, may Ramen sa Greenbelt."

Me: "Yub, ang init ngayon no?"
Yub: "Buti na lang may aircon sa Ippudo."

SEE WHAT I MEAN???!!!

Hay naku sometimes I have these evil thoughts to intentionally go somewhere else just to spite him. Either that or sarap nya basta batukan. Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!

Yup. Model wife di ba?

ANYWAY....

So one night, we'll be meeting with Manong Fred and the BGP Mariane. And, you guessed it, we went to IPPUDO RAMEN to answer Yub's insane craving. I know that normally, Ramen restaurants are not ideal when it comes to meeting up with friends because you have to eat and go. With IPPUDO however since they have many items in the menu, we were all able to join our cravings that night (ESPECIALLY THE YUB) and stay for more chika!

IPPUDO!!!

OMG ang cute ko dito. He he he he he!

OF JOHN WICK 3 AND UMA UMA RAMEN

It was a very busy Saturday for us but even though our schedule was jampacked, we still have the eye on the prize.

Yup! We have a date with JOHN WICK!!!!

We have been following the series of this loner ex-assassin ever since his Baddie Buddies came out (Robert Mccall "The Equalizer, Jack Reacher, Bryan Mills "Taken", Frank Castle "The Punisher", etc). Though I personally feel that the others could take him, I would still go for John Wick more because, well, I love Keanu Reeves!

I'm happy too that Master Mati is also obsessed with JOHN WICK because movie nights are more enjoyable with him.

So for that night, we turned down invites from friends, we three have a date with JOHN WICK!

And it's surely going to be a WOOOAHHH night!!!!

We'll be watching JOHN WICK later and it's just fitting that before that epic movie, we'll be attending Master Mati's KALI practice.

RAMEN NAGI GALLERIA AGAIN (2019)

As part of our wedding anniversary celebrations, we thought of having a special day with the little lords and have them join our fun. After all, our Anniversary also signified the official start of our family that's why the boys should always be included in the "party".

For today we went to Robinson's Galleria and had another shopping day (aka use up the GCs that I won in our last Christmas Party... he he he he) where the boys and I got a LOT of Avengers shirts (ENDGAME! WOHOO!). After shopping up a storm, I asked the little lords where they wanted to go for lunch and their cravings were unanimous: they liked bowls of piping hot rich soup with chewy noodles. With that, I know what they were going to say next:

RAMEN NAGI.

Dang! I was planning on not having carbs today!!!

Oh well! I really wanted to make the little lords happy during our anniversary. So yes, RAMEN NAGI it is. Guess I'll be having extra inches again (probably the amount as our anniversary years... he he he he).

That's okay. It's our Anniversary anyways. Time to party hardy....with RAMEN!! He he he he he!

WOHOOO!!!

SANDAIME JAPANESE RESTAURANT - EASTWOOD

My eldest Mati will be having his prom soon for Junior High and he cannot be more than excited.

I know... I know.... How can an event that is causing so much anticipation to my first born is giving me the dreads? Don't get me wrong, I trust that he won't do any hanky panky but it's just that I find it hard to accept that my little boy with the biggest cheeks and super pink lips is in Junior High already and excited about his prom.

And to think, that he really insisted on attending his prom with a date!!!! Noooooh!!!

WHYYYYY???? Isn't he happy with me anymore????

At first I was volunteering myself to be his +one and I made these certain arguments to convince him:

-- I'll take loads of pictures of him with his friends.
-- I'll give him my share of the food (since I'm on a diet).
-- I'll put sapin on his back just in case he gets pawis.
-- I'll give him loads of I LOVE YOU'S!!! Much more than any other date could give him!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm serious.

My son violently disagreed and insisted that he'll find his own date. "WHYYYYYYY???" I thought. "Didn't you promise that I'll be your number one girl forever???"

Of course, he was 3 years old back then, but still, it's only been 12 years. COME ON!!!!!!!!

Anyway, Master Mati got a date and we arranged for a formal family meet-up in Eastwood. We were all excited and looking forward to meeting dear Olga and her family. The fact that she agreed to be Mati's date for the prom makes me love her already. Add to that, even if we're all strangers the Mom allowed Olga to be my son's date made them my forever friends. He he he he he! And get this, both families will take Mati and Olga to the prom to take pictures, chat up, and eat while we wait!!!

See? It's a date made in heaven!!!

Olga and her family lived in Marikina so the Yub and I thought that it would be better to meet somewhere that would be near to them. When it was agreed that our venue would be in Eastwood, there was still the matter of which restaurant to go to for dinner.

"What's Olga's favorite food?" I asked.

The Mom didn't want to say it at first but after a lot of prodding, we learned that Olga's favorite is Japanese.

So perfect, I thought. I was craving for some mean old Japanese food too!!!!

With that, we have agreed on meeting up at SANDAIME. We haven't eaten there but it had high recommendations online so it's definitely worth a try.

And yup, as expected, it was a super fun night! I didn't know what I was nervous about -- Olga and her family were just lovely that it felt like meeting up with old friends.

Soon to be family kaya???

Naaaaah.... Bawal daw.... Ha ha ha ha haha!!!!

SANDAIME!!!!!!!

THE GRID FOOD MARKET AGAIN

The YAPPY BUNCH have a new favorite in Powerplant Mall --   THE GRID FOOD MARKET!!!

We loved the food because everyone took their pick in the cuisine they liked. There were also several stalls that offered not your usual food court menus but instead served special gourmet dishes that kept everything exciting. Another great thing too was that the servings were big enough for sharing! Kaya yay! That would make it more affordable for me and the Yubhub!!!!!!!

So now, whenever we're thinking of a place to eat in Powerplant Mall, we would always blurt out in unison...

THE GRID!!!!

Yup! With that, everyone will be truly and deliciously happy!!!!!

THE GRID FOOD MARKET!!!

Yup! Again and again!!!!!!!!!!!

IPPUDO RAMEN (POWERPLANT MALL)

THE YAPPY BUNCH were in Powerplant Mall for some lunch, window shopping, and people watching. When we had nothing else to do, we all got home and got ready for a late siesta and some serious idle time in the TV room.

Yep. I guess we're the close relatives with the sloth. Tee hee!!!!

Then my Mom called me saying that they'll be having dinner at IPPUDO RAMEN with Daddy's sisters and asked if we would like to join them.

DID WE??? Of course we did!!!!

Though it would disturb our declaration of laziness at home, it was our duty to our appetites and tummies to dress up once again and go to Powerplant Mall. Big steaming bowls of our favorite IPPUDO RAMEN awaits and were just too good to pass up.

Tapos we'll be treated pa?

Ay kakaripas talaga kami ng takbo! He he he he he he he!!!

IPPUDO RAMEN!!!!

IPPUDO RAMEN in Powerplant Mall just opened July of this year and woah, as expected, the lines are always long.

THE GRID FOOD MARKET (POWERPLANT MALL)

It was a holiday and that meant that THE YAPPY BUNCH would be out and about for some silly family time. It may be tempting though to stay at home and just sleep the day away but then our stomachs grumbled and we suddenly remembered how we all wanted to try out the new THE GRID FOOD MARKET in our favorite Powerplant Mall!

E you know us, we're a slave to our tummies and cravings. Ha ha ha ha ha ha! The best part too is that we ALL felt that way so everyone was excited to go. Yup! We all had the same mindset for that day.

Naks! The family that craves together, stays together nga naman!!!

:P  

OHAYO RAMEN BAR WITH MY FAMILY

When the Yub and I had a date in OHAYO RAMEN BAR, we made several posts and raves about our delicious dinner that I received several messages from my family asking where that restaurant was.

"It's just in San Juan" I said. To which my sister instantly replied "Then that's where we'll eat after Sunday mass."

"Ay ok po. Sige po ate po."

See how nice and meek I am when it comes to food???

But really, deep inside I was going like "YIPEEEEKIYAYMADAPAKAAAAAAAAAHHHH!!!!!!" He he he he he he! Free lunch nga naman in our favorite new restaurant e bakit ba???!!! Tee hee!

I'm so weird.

Yihiii!!!! We're in OHAYO RAMEN BAR!!!!

OHAYO RAMEN BAR AGAIN AND AGAIN

When the Yub and I recently had a date in OHAYO MAKI X SUSHI, we loved the food so much that we predicted that it will be the "start of beautiful ramen-ship."

But.... we were wrong. Dan... dan... DANNNN!

Well sorta.

While at the stall in OHAYO MAKI X SUSHI, the server informed us that they also had a branch that had a real restaurant setting near Gilmore. The yub, being snooty all of a sudden, wanted to try out that branch when we can.

And when we did, we truly enjoyed the whole experience: we loved the food, the place, the airconditioning,  the parking spots, etc. Kaya ayan na talaga.... "The start of a beautiful ramen-ship!"

If the weather's cold and chilly, or if you want to avoid us, just bear in mind that we'll be in OHAYO RAMEN BAR -- our new favorite when it comes to ramen!!!!! 

 

We're in OHAYO RAMEN BAR!!!

OHAYO had limited space that's why seating could be a problem when the place gets packed. Good thing they have these bar stools that suited hungry us just fine.

OHAYO MAKI X SUSHI

I think it's no secret already how much the Yub and I love Ramen because many times you'll hear (or read) our raves on our usual favorites like RAMEN NAGI, IPPUDO, MENDOKORO RAMENBA, ICHIRAN, etc. etc.

As in paulit ulit!!!! OMAYGASH!!!!!!!!!!!

One stormy night however, the Yub and I got stuck extra late at my office because it got flooded real bad (I'll share at the end what it looked like). With that, we were naturally craving for something piping hot to get in our tummies to warm us up real fast.

Good thing while I was scrolling my Instagram account, I came upon the post of my favorite MASARAP BA where she shared this Ramen stall she discovered in Quezon City which served quality Japanese food at very cheap prices.

So of course, when the Yub heard "noodles" and "cheap" in one sentence, his ugly face went DING! DING! DING!!! "ABA AY! PUMUNTA AGAD TAYO DON!!!!"  He said.

And so we did.

The great thing too was that when we got there, the rains stopped and we had a parking spot right in front of the humble ramen stall. So it was REALLY meant to be!

And THAT was the start of a beautiful friendship....

Or FOODship for that matter.

:P

The Yub and I are in OHAYO MAKI AND RAMEN BAR!!!!!!

MASARAP BA was not kidding when she said this was a simple stall because what we got was a "carinderia-like" kiosk by the road.

MENDOKORO RAMENBA (MAKATI CITY)

I think it's no secret how much I love Ramen -- the lure of chewy noodles in a fatty and rich broth is just too irresistible!!! I don't care if the weather is chilly or sunny. As long as I'm craving for the piping hot bowl of ramen, I will do what I can to have it. If I wasn't watching my carb intake, I'll have it everyday... with rice!!! He he he he he!

That's why when my kumareng Gail strongly recommended MENDOKORO RAMENBA, I made a mental note that the Yub and I will try it VERY soon. We have actually tried its sister company YUSHOKEN in Molito, Alabang, but we were still uber curious about this branch in Makati City.

One night, the Yub and I were finally able to make our way to Makati to have a taste of this popular Ramen joint.

Now were we happy or was it all just a waste of time?

Read on and find out!!!!

Dan... dan... DAN!

MENDOKORO RAMENBA!!!!

It was a Thursday night when we decided to go to MENDOKORO RAMENBA thinking that since it's a weekday, the diners would not be as many.

IPPUDO ON A FAM NIGHT

I'm sure you know by now how THE YAPPY BUNCH should always have ramen in our system; it's almost like a body necessity that when we don't slurp on piping hot soup and noodles, we'll become weak and useless.

Yes. Ramen is somehow like life support but in a delicious way. He he he he he he! And since we had a deep need for it one night, we asked my Mom and Kuya to join us!!!! 

For that night, we were craving for hot bowls of ramen in IPPUDO!!!!!

ICHIRAN AGAIN (FOR THE 2ND CONSECUTIVE DAY)

I know that I just made an ICHIRAN post recently...

I know that I could just include this in THAT said post...

I know that I have made several posts about Ramen already...And I know that we just ate in ICHIRAN the night before....

But ICHIRAN was just THAT mind-blowing and deliciously awesome, that if I had a choice, we'd eat there EVERYDAY!!

And I'm NEVER going to be sorry that we're indulging in their delicious Ramen when we should be having Hong Kong food!

Helloooo! Pagbigyan nyo na ang senior citizen no?

That's just a corny joke by the way.

:P 

(Ang saya saya ko o! Sarap batukan. Ha ha ha ha ha!)

And THE YAPPY BUNCH are back in ICHIRAN!!!!

To think that we were just here YESTERDAY! Yup!!!! We blame our bunsoy Andrei because he loved ICHIRAN so much that he didn't stop saying how he wanted to eat there the whole day. 

Even if we're not asking him! Ha ha ha ha ha ha!!!!

It's okay. Secretly, we're all happy that he insisted on going back because we all wanted to return to have that uber delicious bowl of noodles that we had the night before.

ICHIRAN HONG KONG (2017)

For our Hong Kong trip, the little lords were our bosses and we centered our vacation with their happiness and fun in mind. However, I had one request that I deemed superkaduper important when we go to Hong Kong:

We should eat in ICHIRAN. Period.

I know it was not the same as what they had in Japan but I saw how this popular Ramen joint was featured and raved by many youtubers that I was kicking myself why we didn't try it when we were in the Land of the Rising Sun. At least, Hong Kong would be the next best thing and it important was for us to have one meal there. True enough, the Chinese Adonis planned and plotted when and where we'll be going. Even if it was SO far from our hotel, we'll travel far and wide to get a taste of that famous hot bowl of noodles.

And that we did. With delicious and unexpected results!!!!!! 

We are in Causeway Bay and we're going to eat in ICHIRAN!!!!!!!!!!!!

My bunsoy was a very picky eater and just wanted to stay in our hotel. But he was a good sport in our long travel to look for ICHIRAN!