What I particularly love about living near the Tomas Morato area is getting to discover the most…read moreunassuming restaurants in the most random ways. I was driving home from work one night and since it was unusually traffic on my usual route, I decided to make a detour that lead me to Lola Idang's. I have always had the notion that any restaurant that's been around for more than 50 years must be good. While I'm not quite sure how long they have been around, I've been told that they're pretty popular in their other branches. Naturally, I had to go for their popular Pansit Malabon. Upon first bite, I knew I found a new favorite. Their version of the well-loved pansit dish is full of flavorful and doesn't skimp on the ingredients. While I prefer my noodles a little softer, there's nothing else I would change. Next time, I'll make sure to be back to taste their other dishes.

By the name itself, you can expect to gain a bit if comfort from the selection here. Beginning as a…read moresmall house along white plains that turned into a makeshift restaurant, it was through Lola Idang's that I was introduced to the concept of craving. Barely passing by it's original location, it was years before I would encounter it's signature fried chicken and garlic rice combination. Each passing year in between being filled as well with fantasies of when I'd be able tot ry it again. With another branch now at Visayas Ave, I've finally bid my longing for it goodbye! So what to try? Though originally a panciteria, what actually stole the show was it's signature fried chicken. Rolled in salt and pepper and deep fried withoutany additional breading, this scrumptious chicken will remind you of Max's yet just slightly better. At 280 pesos for one whole chicken? Their kitchen and poultry supplier better prepare because I may be the reason for chicken's extinction!

As a child, I've always liked going to Papemelroti, and getting hooked on their specialties: brown…read morepapers, inspirational posters, occasion gift ideas, organizers, and that overall vintage feel! Through the years, I've seen Papemelroti transform and develop into something better. They adapt to the current trends, such as those inspirational quotes that look straight out of Tumble. I recommend taking a look at their quality box organizers, notebooks with gorgeous covers, vintage-looking clocks, and other novelty items that make great gifts to the people you care about. Drop by Papemelroti if you wish to buy beautiful notebooks, wood posters of inspirational quotes, gift your mom and dad those "Best Mom/Dad in the World" plaques, if you just want to find inspiration to design your own things, or just to rewind your stressful life through their aesthetically-relaxing products. Find out for yourself, they have so much more!

Ever read Sophie Kinsella's Shopaholic? Where she describes how entering new shops makes her feel…read moregiddy and how new purchases smell amazing to her? That's exactly how I feel, but not for clothes. For stationery and school supplies. True, there are lot of bigger office and school supply stores around that I can buy generic paper products. But Papemelroti is this nook of *themed* stationery that has a uniform look but different styles and content. PROS: One of the best things about this shop is their social responsibility by using environment-friendly materials and practices. They're also very family- and values-centric; You can find their shops everywhere; They could've sold their items in higher prices, with the pa-hipster and old-school trend, but their prices stay pretty competitive and reasonable; Most of all, their art and design is attractive! Since I was in high school, they've had this sort of trademark look that you know is Papemelroti. CONS: It might be the mall or the frequent customers that may make them tired, but the staff are hardly even trying to help, especially that one time I was looking for little wooden drawers. They are vigilant in watching out for shoplifters, though. TL;DR: Papemelroti has wonderfully cute, inspiring, and affordable items for the paper product-shopaholic in all of us.