Scoop Adventures at Winter Garden Desserts: Where Sweet Treats Meets Science

Talk about dessert, that’s my favorite part of the meal being a self confessed sweet lover. But not just anything sweet will satisfy my cravings because I want something ultra fulfilling. 

When my friend Rodel, invited me to try this new ice cream store in town, I thought it would be the same old ice cream shops Ive been through…to my surprise, it wasn’t. Defintely, its more than just an ice cream store – it’s awesome!

Welcome to Winter Garden Desserts, my perfect wonderland in Katipunan area, where people can experience nitrogen desserts and find comendable home-made ice cream. Winter Garden’s concept was based on Kazahana, a meteorological phenomenon where snow ironically falls on a clear blue sky. 

Fall in love with the beauty and romance of snowflakes glittering in the sun with its stimulating blue toned walls -- simply perfect to experience the Kazahana. 

What makes them more than just an ice cream store? Watch them make ice cream from scratch in just two minutes! What’s more amazing? With the help of liquid nitrogen you instantly get the ice cream you are craving for.

According to studies, the liquid nitrogen at -321 degrees Fahrenheit helps in immediately freezing the ice cream with less ice crystals, creating a smoother and creamier blend compared to a regular ice cream store where it takes a first blast freeze and the use of a commercial freezer in order to freeze the ice cream that makes it grainier in texture with larger crystals. For Winter Garden Desserts, it’s the flash freezing that makes it the creamiest almost like a gelato. Now that’s Science!

Have a taste of their Sweet Treats:

Whoever said you can’t have campfires in the morning? Here’s Morning Campfire with toasted marshmallows, homemade cornflakes in flash frozen milky vanilla delight.

Rockin’ Rocky Road with its goooooeeyy, ooooeeyy, fudgy remake of your classic rocky road.

Omnomnom says Cookie Monster after gobbling up a whole lot of this butterliciously good cookies n’ cream.

This is your Grandma’s heirloom peanut butter ice cream recipe with healthy chunks of peanuts and peanut brittle. Its so good that you can actually Make Grandma Proud.

Italians will never say no to this Nociolla -- Nutella infused ice cream.

Sugar burnt to perfection blended with exotic Mediterranean sea salt. Sugars in the Sun that will undeniably combination will turn your passion into obsession.

Winter’s Breath Snow Blooms that will make you chant in Roses are Red, Violets are Blue, Popcorns and Mallows, flash frozen for you.

Whatever they say, this picnic tray will make you play. Sweets and smokes!!! Smokes and sweets!!!

Nothing surely beats the chill of winter on a warm meal. So, what are you guys waiting for? Huff and Puff with the kids and the kids at heart as they will surely enjoy bonding at Winter Garden Desserts. .. and before I forget, price is very affordable… trust me its pocket friendy and student budget ;p

Visit Winter Garden Desserts now located at 299 Katipunan Avenue, Loyola Heights (across Ateneo, beside National Bookstore, just behind Sango and Ersao). 

Open from 12nn to 10pm, Monday to Sundays.

Don’t forget to share your experience by using the official hashtag #wintergardendesserts

110th Country for my 30th: In Cambodia

Dalai Lama’s instruction in life: Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before…. And that’s what I did – it’s my 110^th country for my 30^th birthday… in Cambodia.

Travelling to Cambodia is not difficult, but you should plan in advance what to do and what to bring. Make sure to book in advance to get cheaper hotel rates and tour discounts and pack your bags with light clothing to make it comfortable for you walking around this warm-weather country.

No one knows for certain how long people have lived in what is now Cambodia, as studies of its prehistory are underdeveloped. But let me show you around Siem Reap where we spent 4 days exploring. Siem Reap is the major tourist hub in Cambodia with a few facilities, minor surface roads and a little bit of nightlife.

The sensational ruins of Angkor may be the main attraction, Siem Reap’s exquisite temples, secluded beaches, charming villages and magical markets deserve lots of attention too. With genuine locals ready to share a sincere smile, Cambodia will steal your heart to enrich your spirit.

Places to visit in Siem Reap and a little of its history:

Angkor Wat

 Despite the so many things to do in Siem Reap, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Angkow Wat is still the primary draw for tourists. Constructed in the 12^th century by the Khmer people some of the temples were restored and some still overgrown with jungle vines. The scale of Angkor Wat is overwhelming (so much to see) and you can choose from a 3-day, 2-day and a day pass that will only cost you $20. Guides can also be hired for $20 a day and can spaeak most major languages too.

The complex was built between 1130 and 1150 AD by King Suryavarman II and was intended to symbolize the universe as the Hindu Khmer understood it: the moat stands for the oceans around the earth; the concentric galleries represents the mountain ranges surrounding the divine Mount Meru, the Hindu home of the Gods which is itself embodied by the five central towers. The walls are covered with carvings depicting the God Vishnu (to whom Angkor was principally dedicated), as well as other scenes from the Hindu mythology.

Banteay Srei

Found inside Angkor Wat, the temple that translates to “Temple of the Women”. It illustrate scenes from the Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata and is Angkor’s most beautiful temple.

Ta Phrom

It is the most popular of Angkor’s temple where the first movie of Tomb Raider was filmed. Ta Phrom became an active Buddhist monastery and university.

Angkor Thom

The Bayon and Baphuon temples form only part of what was formerly the giant city of Angkor Thom, once thought to hold a population of 1 million. You can see there th Elephant Terrace, Terrace of the Leper King, Phom Bakheng and the five entrance gates.

There's a Little Circuit where you can see Ta Phrom, Ta Keo, Banteay Kdei, Sras Srang, and Prasat Kravan.

The Big Circuit is for the Preah Khan, Neak Pean,, Ta Som, East Mebon and Pre Rup.

Meanwhile, the Rolous Group you can find the Bakong, Lolei and Preah Ko.

Lastly the Outlying Temples where Banteay Srey, Kbal Spean, Beng Melea and Phom Krom are located.

You may also try the balloon ride in Angkor Wat, an exciting way to see the massive temple complex that will cost you about $35.

Tonle Sap Lake & The Floating Village

It is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia and is an ecological hot spot that was designated as a UNESCO biosphere in 1997.

Angkor National Museum

It houses thousands of artifacts recovered from Angkor Wat and the surrounding areas in an impressive building. Art, statues and a well-planned video presentations make this museum well worth the $12 entrance.

Smile of Angkor

Discover the wonder of the temples of Angkor in this grand epic show that celebrates the Angkor dynasty and is promoted by Cambodia Tourism Ministry. It is an interesting spectacle that explains the dynasty’s history from foundation to prosperity through tales to folk customs with the highest technology. The show is directed by experts in Cambodian Culture and the Fine Arts Ministry as well as the team responsible for the closing ceremony of the 2008 Olympic Games. For only $38 we were able to see the show with dinner buffet.

 Pub Street

Nightlife is right here where most of the foreigners would dine and party afterwards.

Probably, you can also try the fish spa…

Didn’t get a chance to see Phnom Penh but we were glad to visit the historical spots in Cambodia.

For my 30^th birthday, it was nothing grand just something I love to do the most – travel! It’s on my blood…..and for my next stop next month, Hello China!

A Piece of Europe in Macau

After invading Europe, Africa and the Caribbean the past few years, here I go with my Asian Invasion and this year I’m starting off with Macau on Valentine’s Day.

Join me as I take you on a day trip adventure in the so called ‘Vegas of the East’ and what I describe to be as the ‘Little Europe in Asia’.

Macau is a city of duality with its fortresses, churches and the cuisine of its former Portuguese colonial masters speak to an exceptionally Mediterranean elegance on the China coast, combined with alleys, temples and shrines. It is the only place in China where gaming and gambling is legal.

Formed by the islands of Taipa and Coloane wherein Taipa used to be an island of duck farms and boat yards decades ago and the small island of Coloane was a haven for pirates until 1910. Although luxurious villas and hotels are now built on the islands, Macau still retains its old ways of living.

Before going places in Macau, make sure to exchange your money with their local currency which is MOP or Macau Pataca in other cases they do accept Hong Kong dollars as well. ATM’s are just everywhere, especially just outside Hotel Lisboa where you’ll find half a dozen.

You might want to check the weather too or you’ll be so unprepared like me who brought some more leg warmers along the way as I wasn’t prepared of the cold freezing weather of 6 degrees Celsius on the month of February.

Despite the freezing weather, nothing can stop me from exploring this little piece of Europe in Asia. Here are the places not to miss in Macau:

St. Paul Ruins – one of Macau’;s most famous landmark which was originally built in the 17^th century, destroyed by fire in 1835 and what remains today is the façade of the Church & St Paul’s College. The façade sits on a small hill, with 66 stone steps leading up to it. The carvings have Jesuit images with Oriental themes such as a woman stepping on a seven-headed hydra, described by Chinese characters as “Holy Mother tramples the heads of the dragon”. A few other carvings are the founders of the Jesuit Order, the conquest of death by Jesus and at the very top, a dove with wings outstretched. Going here, you can take any of these bus numbers 2, 5, 10, 18, 19 & 26A.

Senado Square – Macau’s urban center for centuries and still remains to be a popular venue for celebrations as it is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is covered with a wave-patterned montage colored stones formed by the Portuguese. In 1940, there used to be a statue of a Portuguese soldier named Mesquita who was responsible for the deaths of many Chinese soldiers during the hostilities with the Qing Dynasty. There are shopping centers and traditional Chinese Restaurants around the square. Going here, you can take any bus with numbers 2, 5, 10, 18, 19 & 26A.

The Venetian Macau –  the world’s largest casino and Asia’s most thrilling entertainment destination with its lavish Italian marbled facilities, amenities and attraction. Get overwhelmed over 350 international shops and boutiques, be dazzled by the street performers, or take a ride on an authentic Venetian gondola, all found inside the resort. Complimentary Venetian Shuttle Bus to Venetian Macau from: the Airport, Gongbei Border Gate and at the Ferry Terminal.

Macau Tower – is the 10^th highest freestanding tower in the world and 8^th in Asia. Soaring 338 meters above the city, its Observation Deck dominates the skyline and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Macau cityscape, China, the Pearl River and some islands of Hong Kong on a clear day. There is a Revolving Restaurant which seats 250 persons which takes 60 minutes to complete one revolution. If you are that adventurous person like me, don’t miss out the World’s highest bungy jump that will take you on a free fall at a speed of up to 200km/h wherein before landing into a specially designed airbag, jumper will be able to experience a few air rebounds. Going here, you can take any bus with numbers 9A, 18, 21, 23 & 32.

Kun Iam Statue – is the statue dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy. Made of special bronze, the dome shape base like a lotus flower is a center where information on Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism are available. Going here you can take any bus with numbers 8, 12 & 17.

Wine and Grand Prix Museum – the only one of its kind in Asia where visitors can understand the cultural importance of wine in the Portuguese tradition, daily life and celebration rituals. Visitors can even taste different types of wine in their wine tasting called “Prova de Vinhos”, a matchless experience for only a small price. Meanwhile, the Grand Prix Museum displays photos, videos, articles, cups, records of champions and other commemorative items. Built in 1933 it is situated at the Tourism Activities Center on Rua Luis Gonzaga Gomes. Going here, you can take any bus with numbers 3, 10, 12, 17, 23 & 32.

City of Dreams – a must experience destination with its rare integrated resort combining stimulating amusement, an incredible array of accommodation, regional and international dining, as well as designer brand shopping. There are two theatres, the first called “The Bubble” that currently shows an immersive HD media projection entitles “The Dragons Treasure”. The second, “The Dancing Water” theater that features an in-the-round water show, the largest of its kind in the world. With The Bubble, a stunning multi-media attraction and The Boulevard, a chic lifestyle zone surrounding entertainment, restaurants and shopping boutiques.  Complimentary City of Dreams Shuttle Bus to City of Dreams from: the Airport, Macau Maritime Ferry Terminal, Taipa Temporary Ferry Terminal, Macau Lotus Bridge Check Point, and Macau Barrier Gate Check Point.

Macau Giant Panda Pavilion – nestled on the hillside at Seac Pai Van Park in Coloane in a fan-shaped layout of about 3000 m². Two viewing paths of different elevations align along the front edge which includes internal facilities such as the logistic center with panda dens, bamboo-washing and storage quarters, feed preparation room and warehouse, veterinarian clinic and others. Outside the park is a souvenir shop and some snack shops and cafes in the vicinity.

Of course what’s a trip to Macau without trying their Macanese Cuisine, a blend of Southern Chinese and Portuguese Cuisines, usually seasoned with spices such as turmeric, coconut, milk, cinnamon, and bacalhau. Famous dishes include Galinha a Portuguesa, Bacalhau, Pato De Cabidela, and Stir-Curry Crab. The Pork Chop Bun is the most popular snack and desserts such as egg tarts, ginger milk, and almond cake.

Let’s just say my 2-day stay in this little piece of Europe in Macau has been short yet sweet. Plus don't miss out my feature in Macau Magazine this March 2014.

 My 108 country for the record and still counting ‘coz a lot of countries is yet to be unraveled by your Globetrotter, Rheens.

As often as possible, while you’re young, go some place you’ve never been before. Experience new places and new things. You might find yourself with someone or somewhere that makes you much happier than your previous circumstance. The Earth is so vast with unique and beautiful places, why wouldn’t you want to go explore them?