“WheneBER I see girls and boys…” It’s officially the start of the BER months and for Pinoys, it is special because it is considered the prelude to Filipino Christmas countdown, the longest holiday season celebrated across the globe. Shopping, food preparation and family bonding, it’s no surprise that the spirit of holiday festivities has filled the air, even trending on social media. However, it may not be entirely the same during the pandemic as people movement and grand celebrations are still limited as part of the implementation of nationwide quarantine.
While the economy as a whole is hurting due to the impact of Covid-19 pandemic, many business owners, especially small and medium entrepreneurs, are striving to get back on their feet and move forward to the new normal. With the goal of supporting local brands, franchises and entrepreneurs, majority of the foods and beverages featured in this listicle will hopefully get the financial inflow they are currently aiming for to thrive (and be of service to the community) in the next trying months.
Aside from safety reasons, these businesses understand the importance of staying at home during these dire times so online transactions (buying, selling, cashless payment and delivery arrangement thru websites and social media pages) are now available, enabling convenience and accessibility more than ever. With this, the next time you crave for something delicious, just order online to any of these 5 must-try foods and beverages while on quarantine.
1. Ice Cream (Aice Guadalupe Cebu City)
Once a mass market ice cream brand in Indonesia, Aice ice cream has gained a momentum in the Philippines due to its delightful taste, healthy benefits and affordability. One franchise store in Guadalupe, Cebu City is my go-to frozen dessert shop during the pandemic. I usually order a box full of ice cream sticks, chilled mochi and sundaes for my family and friends and as per individual testimony, Aice didn’t disappoint.
AICE is known for its delicious and affordable ice cream goodies, and for as low as ₱10 per stick (other selections are pegged between ₱15 to ₱26), you can get your ice cream fix amidst the quarantine on a budget! So, whether you are craving for some Japanese desserts like mochi or coffee crispies or fruity flavors like mango slush, melon milk and watermelon ice sticks, Aice got you covered! See full menu and price list here: Aice Ice Cream
2. Rigatoni Pasta (Mushy Cravings)
My usual midweek Craving: Baked Rigatoni Pasta by Mushy Cravings. For only ₱120, you can never go wrong with a hearty pasta dish ~ simple yet satisfying baked rigatoni! For those not familiar with rigatoni pasta, it is a hearty pasta tossed in a flavorful meat sauce, then topped with plenty of parmesan cheese and baked until golden brown.
It is the best rigatoni pasta I’ve ever tasted, promise! Perfect mix of mouth-watering flavors and classic cheesy and soft texture. This healthy dish right here will probably complete your quarantine celebrations or satisfy your pasta cravings in any time of the day.
3. Chicken Waffle and Tapa Rice (Bicester Cafe)
Bicester Cafe is celebrating its 3rd year and thought of giving back to the Cebu community for all the warm and unending support. Conveniently order brunch, coffee and pasties at the comfort of your home now that your fave corner is more accessible online. From August 17 to Sep. 17, you can get 30% off when you order through its webstore www.bicestercafe.com and use the promo code Bicester@3.
But wait, there’s more! You can also get a Matcha Latte for FREE for every order with the code vivomigsgee (valid until September 30). Yesss, so go ahead, indulge and satisfy your cravings with Bicester Cafe’s 3rd anniversary treats! I totally love two of their best-sellers: chicken waffle and tapa rice.
4. Cheesecake and Cream Cheese Milk Tea Series (Golden Sugar)
Craving for a milk tea? Try the newest Milk Tea brand in town -> Golden Sugar! Golden Sugar Milk Tea products are off the charts with its whacky combo of classic flavors and frothy textures. Legit yummy, with a perfect blend of sweetness and creaminess that you’ll surely love.
And oh, the black pearls are fairly soft and chewy just like the original boba in Taiwan. Golden Sugar cheesecake and cream cheese series are my fave, I enjoyed finishing all 3 cups in one sitting.
P.S. Will surely try the mochi toppings in my next Golden Sugar milk tea fix soon!
5. Moma Cinnamon Roll (Kitchen Palazzo)
Craving sweet pastry a little extra today. With the goal of supporting local businesses, got two boxes of freshly baked Moma Cinnamon Roll by Palazzo Kitchen. (IG @Palazzo_Kitchen)
If you love gooey cinnamon buns, then you’ll surely love the Moma Cinnamon Rolls even more – made from quality fresh ingredients and handled with love. Everyone raves about these homemade soft cinnamon rolls during the quarantine, so you may want to try some of its best-sellers: original rolls and assorted (with delicious toppings Oreo, Cream Cheese, Matcha, Almonds, Cappuccino and Chocolate to choose from).
Pre-order your fave now. Pick-up and delivery available. Accepts COD and bank transfers. Contact Number: 0925-5777-222
Cravings Satisfied? Support Local Business During the Pandemic
There you go mates! Supporting these small and medium businesses will not only empower the dream of these entrepreneurs but it also enriches the life of ordinary people during the pandemic. The power to spread goodwill lies within all of us. We live up to this essence of helping each other by nurturing collaboration, fair economic trade and sustainable source of livelihood. In conclusion, buying from independent and locally-owned businesses is good for both communities and the economy, so go ahead, indulge and put your money where your heart is!
Wishing you all safe and bountiful online food-shopping spree!