Last Sunday, we decided to have our family meal at Orange Brutus, one of Cebu’s long-standing local fast food chains. This time, our eldest son MT joined us, while our youngest wasn’t around since she had already left for her girl’s dorm in another town for the coming school week.

At the Fuente Osmeña branch, we ordered some of our favorites: sizzling fish pellet, sizzling zapper, sizzling porkchop, a side of fries, and the signature chocolate moist cake for dessert. Instead of soft drinks, we opted for water, which has become a healthier choice for us whenever we dine out.

Among fast food options, we often choose sizzling dishes because they are prepared with high heat, which doesn’t only enhance the flavor but also reassures us that the food is served safe and sanitized. The careful and hygienic preparation at Orange Brutus adds to that comfort. The sound of the sizzling plate and the aroma that comes with it always makes dining more exciting.

Menu and Must-Try Items

Orange Brutus is popular for their sizzling meals, burgers, fried chicken, pancit canton, and signature desserts. Their chocolate moist cake is a well-loved treat in Cebu, and it’s something we always make sure to order. If you’re visiting for the first time, trying at least one sizzling dish and the chocolate moist is a must.

Location and Ambience

The Fuente Osmeña branch is easy to find since it’s located in one of Cebu City’s busiest landmarks. The dining area is casual and family-friendly, making it a good spot for a quick meal or a sit-down bonding moment. Despite being a fast food restaurant, the space feels welcoming and relaxed, perfect for both families and groups of friends.

Our Dining Experience

We’ve actually visited Orange Brutus many times, but this particular Sunday felt worth sharing as part of our family experiences in Cebu. The combination of good food, convenient location, and the warm, familiar vibe of the restaurant always keeps us coming back.

If you’re in Cebu and looking for a place to enjoy local-style fast food with a twist of homegrown comfort, Orange Brutus is definitely a restaurant to try.

Rain’s Achievement at HKICO 2025: Gold and Silver in Python Programming

Every parent knows how fulfilling it feels to see their child excel, and this year was another proud moment for us. My son Rain, now in Grade 10 at Marigondon National High School under the Special Science Class curriculum, recently joined the Hong Kong International Computational Olympiad (HKICO) 2025.

This was Rain’s second year competing in the Python programming category for Secondary 3 students. Last year, he earned a Silver award, and this year, his dedication paid off once again.

How the Competition Works

HKICO is divided into two stages: the heat round and the final round.

In the heat round, participants answer a set of Python programming challenges online within a timed session. Based on their scores, they are ranked and awarded Gold, Silver, or Bronze.

Those who win higher awards get invited to the final round, where the competition becomes more intense and is usually held in person. For 2025, the finals were hosted in Singapore, gathering bright young programmers from different countries.

Rain’s Results

Rain gave his best during the heat round and proudly brought home a Gold award. Advancing to the final round in Singapore, he faced tougher challenges but still managed to secure a Silver award, keeping his streak of consistent wins.

A Journey of Growth

What makes this achievement extra special is not just the medals, but the journey behind them. Competing internationally builds confidence, sharpens problem-solving skills, and helps students like Rain see the bigger world of computer science.

As parents, we couldn’t be prouder. From hours of practice at home to competing against peers worldwide, Rain has shown that perseverance and passion truly pay off.

Looking Ahead

Rain’s coding journey is still unfolding, and these achievements at HKICO 2025 are just milestones along the way. We hope his story inspires other students in his school and beyond to explore programming and aim for more successes in the future.

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Star Bread with Berry Cheese: A Classic Pinoy Snack Reinvented

Discover the nostalgic taste of Pinoy star bread with a modern twist—berry cheese from Emina. A healthy snack idea that balances childhood comfort and grown-up nutrition.

If you grew up in the Philippines, chances are you’ve had star bread from your local bakery at least once in your life. This soft, fluffy, star-shaped bread has been a classic Pinoy merienda (afternoon snack) for generations. I still remember coming home from school, catching the scent of freshly baked star bread, and enjoying it while it was still warm—soft white bread paired with a cold glass of milk. Pure comfort food.

As I got older, though, I became more mindful about what I eat. White bread, no matter how nostalgic, is not the healthiest choice. One of the most valuable lessons I picked up from *How Not to Diet* by Dr. Michael Greger was to ‘DEFLOUR yourself”—reduce refined flour intake to improve health and well-being. That was a turning point for me, but it didn’t mean giving up star bread completely. It just meant reinventing how I enjoyed it.

Star Bread with a Berry Cheese Twist

Instead of spreading sugary jams, I now love pairing star bread with berry cheese from Emina. The sweet and tangy berry flavor blends perfectly with creamy cheese, giving the bread a richer taste without being overly sweet. It’s like upgrading a childhood favorite into something more refined yet still comforting.

Adding More Protein to Merienda

Another thing I learned over time is the importance of adding more protein to the diet. Cheese and milk are simple ways to do that. During our travels abroad, I noticed how Western diets often include cheese and butter as everyday staples. Inspired by this, I started swapping sweet spreads with **cheese or butter**—a small but healthy adjustment that makes a big difference.

Nostalgia Meets Nutrition

Now, every bite of star bread reminds me of my childhood afternoons, but with a grown-up twist. It’s still comforting, still delicious, but also a little smarter for my health and to my family. Sometimes, food isn’t just about flavor—it’s about memory, culture, and how we continue to evolve in the way we eat.

So, if you’re looking for a healthier way to enjoy a **classic Filipino bread**, try pairing star bread with berry cheese. It’s a snack that satisfies both nostalgia and nutrition—proof that you can enjoy the best of both

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A Family Feast at RACKS, SM Seaside Cebu

Last weekend, we found ourselves at RACKS in SM Seaside Cebu, a place we’ve often heard about but hadn’t tried in a while. Located at the Mountain Wing of the mall, it’s easy to spot after a round of shopping or just walking around to enjoy the view. The restaurant welcomes diners daily from 10 AM to 9 PM, which makes it convenient for both lunch breaks and family dinners.

Since we were dining as a group, we chose the Southern Favorites Family Platter—a set meal that’s clearly designed with families in mind. It came with:

-Half rack of their famous pork ribs, smoky and tender, brushed with their signature sauce.

-Half serving of Southern fried chicken, crispy outside and juicy inside.

-Two large sides—we went for coleslaw and buttered corn and carrots, both refreshing alongside the meats.

-A big serving of rice for everyone to share.

-A pitcher of soda, which we decided to upgrade to iced tea for an extra ₱100.

And because my youngest is a pasta lover through and through, we added a solo plate of carbonara. Creamy and cheesy, it didn’t last long on her plate!

The moment you step in, RACKS gives off a cozy, laid-back vibe. Wooden accents, cushioned seats, and a warm interior make it feel welcoming, whether you’re with family, friends, or even workmates. The staff were quick to assist and served our food without much waiting time, which made the experience even better.

What’s on the Menu

While ribs are the star of the show here, RACKS offers plenty of comfort food choices. From steaks and fried chicken to pasta dishes, salads, soups, and a variety of sides, there’s something for every craving. Their bundle meals, like the one we ordered, are practical for groups since portions are generous and meant for sharing.

Dining at RACKS SM Seaside Cebu turned into a memorable family meal. The Southern Favorites Family Platter was filling, flavorful, and worth the price, while the extra carbonara brought a smile to my youngest’s face. If you’re looking for a family-friendly restaurant in Cebu that combines hearty servings with a comfortable atmosphere, RACKS is definitely worth a visit.

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Dinner Stop at The Coffee Bar, GMall of Cebu

Cebu evenings can be a challenge when you’re caught in peak-hour traffic. After dropping off our daughter at her dorm one early evening, we didn’t want to spend an hour or two stuck on the road. Instead, we made a little detour and found ourselves at The Coffee Bar inside GMall of Cebu.

I ordered my go-to drink, a hot matcha latte. There’s just something calming about sipping a warm cup of matcha while waiting out the rush. For supper, we went with a beef broccoli rice meal, which was surprisingly hearty and flavorful for a coffee shop option. It was filling enough to serve as dinner, not just a light snack.

Their menu isn’t limited to coffee either. Aside from lattes and specialty drinks, they serve rice meals, sandwiches, and pastries, making it a good place whether you’re after a caffeine fix or a full meal.

📍 The Coffee Bar is located at the ground floor of GMall of Cebu, 8W57+P43, A. Soriano Ave, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu

If you’re ever stuck in Cebu traffic or looking for a chill place to have dinner or coffee, The Coffee Bar is a great choice. For us, it turned a stressful evening into a simple but cozy break.

💅 My Honest Experience with a Gel Polish Extension Kit — Why I’m Hooked?

After months of relying on salon visits for my gel nail extensions, I finally decided to take the plunge and invest in a gel polish extension kit I could use at home. Spoiler alert: it’s one of the best beauty purchases I’ve made this year. 

Pan-fried Tortilla Wraps, ready in 15 minutes, and packed with flavor

Why You’ll Love This Snack

• Speedy: 10 minutes prep, 4 minutes cook.
• Irresistible texture: Buttery-crispy exterior meets molten cream cheese.
• Protein hit: ~17 g per wrap keeps you satisfied.
• Make-ahead friendly: Assemble, refrigerate, then fry when hunger strikes.

Step-by-Step Recipe (Makes 6 Wraps)

Instructions

1. Prep filling: Heat a slick of oil, sauté corned beef for 2 minutes. Stir in tomato sauce and simmer for 1 minute.
2. Assemble: Spread ½ oz cream cheese on half of each tortilla. Add corned beef mixture, olives, and zigzag Japanese mayo. Fold in half.
3. Pan-fry: Melt 1 Tbsp butter in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Fry 3 wraps at a time for 2 minutes per side until golden. Repeat with remaining butter & wraps.
4. Serve: Slice in thirds, top with more olives if desired, and serve hot.

Nutrition Facts (Per Wrap)

(Estimated using USDA data; adjust as needed based on your ingredients.)

A Quick History of the Tortilla

Printable Recipe Card

CRISPY BEEF & CREAM CHEESE TORTILLA WRAPS
Yield: 6 snack-size quesadillas | Time: 15 minutes

INGREDIENTS
• 6 whole-wheat tortillas (6–8 in)
• 12 oz canned corned beef, stir-fried
• 6 Tbsp tomato sauce
• 3 oz cream cheese, softened
• 3 Tbsp sliced black olives
• 3 Tbsp Japanese mayonnaise
• 2 Tbsp butter, divided

METHOD
1. Heat a pan over medium; quickly sauté corned beef (2 min). Stir in tomato sauce; cook 1 min.
2. Spread ½ oz cream cheese on half of each tortilla. Add corned beef mix, olives, and mayo. Fold closed.
3. Melt 1 Tbsp butter; pan-fry 3 tortillas 2 min per side until crisp. Repeat with remaining butter & wraps.
4. Rest 1 minute, cut, and serve hot.

NUTRITION (per wrap): ≈ 390 kcal | 17 g protein | 24 g carbs | 25 g fat

Pro Tips

• Swap corned beef for shredded chicken to reduce calories.
• Add sriracha or salsa verde for a spicy twist!

Happy snacking—and may your buttery, beefy tortillas crunch their way onto everyone’s “For You” page!

#WholeWheatTortilla #15MinuteSnack #QuesadillaHack

Looking for the perfect way to wrap up summer and celebrate Father’s Day? Our recent island hopping adventure to Nalusuan Island, Caohagan Island, and Sulpa Island offered the perfect blend of turquoise waters, vibrant marine life, and priceless bonding moments. Whether you’re a family traveler, an adventure seeker, or someone who just wants to escape city life, these three gems in the Cebu-Mactan area are a must-visit.

🛥 Island Hopping Rates and Details

We rented a private boat for ₱4,500, ideal for a group of 6–8 persons. The ride was smooth and scenic, with endless views of the sea and sky. Here's a breakdown of entrance fees per island:

Nalusuan Island: ₱300 per person

Caohagan Island: ₱75 per person (managed by Puntod Resort Corporation)

Sulpa Island: ₱100 per person

Nalusuan Island, part of the Olango Island Group, is a marine sanctuary paradise. It's best known for its long wooden pier, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant coral gardens.

What tourists love about Nalusuan:

* Snorkeling: Swim with schools of fish just a few steps from the pier.

* Underwater scenery: Great for underwater photography and marine life watching.

Amenities: The island has clean restrooms, cottages, and a restaurant serving fresh seafood.

This is a top pick for both beginner and seasoned snorkelers. Bring your goggles—fish here swim so close, you’ll feel like you’re in an aquarium.

Just a short ride from Nalusuan, Caohagan Island offers a more laid-back, cultural experience. Famous for its white sandbar during low tide and friendly locals, it’s a place where time seems to slow down.

What tourists look for in Caohagan:

Sandbar strolls and shell hunting

Affordable grilled seafood lunches

Souvenirs made by local islanders

Photo ops with nipa huts and native canoes

Entrance fee is very budget-friendly at ₱75, making it ideal for large groups or those on a budget.

🏖 Last Stop: Sulpa Island

Our final destination was Sulpa Island, a small but stunning island with a more secluded and untouched vibe. It's perfect for picnics, swimming, and kayaking.

What tourists love about Sulpa:

Fewer crowds – it's peaceful and ideal for relaxation.

Clear, calm waters – great for kids and casual swimming.

Raw island beauty – no commercial structures, just you and nature.

The entrance fee here is ₱100 per person, well worth the serene experience.

🌞 Final Thoughts: Father's Day in Paradise

Celebrating Father’s Day through an island hopping adventure gave us not just Instagram-worthy moments but true quality time with our dad and the whole family. Each island has something unique to offer—from snorkeling and seafood to sandbars and serenity.

If you're planning your own escape near Cebu, we highly recommend this 3-island route: Nalusuan → Caohagan → Sulpa. It’s family-friendly, budget-conscious, and refreshingly memorable.

Travel Tips:

Book your private boat in advance, especially on weekends.

Bring your own snorkeling gear if possible.

Pack sunblock, hats, and drinking water.

Bring small cash for island fees and food purchases.

Make the most of your summer’s last hurrah—island hop, bond, and bask under the sun with the people who matter most.