Day 13: Competition 2 + Inked

Started the day by heading to S&R to note prices of ingredients. Oopppsss, much to our dismay, doing so is not allowed so we were told off. Quite a silly rule since the price is indicated on the packaging anyways.

Next surveyed another competition! Tried their food and surprisingly, Nee and I liked it. So much better than the first place we tried. Restaurant ambiance was well thought of too. Managed to get the average number of people who lunch there on weekdays and weekends. Rather sneaky of us.

Ended the afternoon by accompanying a friend who is getting a tattoo at Vice Ink, Makati branch. Got lost a bit since they moved to a different location. Clean place and friendly staff. It's located at The Collective. There wasn't a lot of people, which is unfortunate since it's a really promising concept/great potential. Maybe better marketing/PR? Tattoo didn't hurt daw but I've got a pain tolerance the level of an ant so it probably wouldn't apply to me.

Day 10: Mercato Centrale

Back in Manila. Despite being MIA for the past 4 years, feels like we've never left. Same faces, same conversations, same stories. Oh girl, I've missed you.

Went to Mercato Centrale weekend market at BGC to scout for possible suppliers. Was able to get an idea of prices for organic produce. Saw some avocados and they're not the same as the one we're used to (at least for Nee). One thing we noticed while going around is that most people's first point of conversation is in English even though it's so obvious we could speak Tagalog. Feels so different compared to all the other countries we've been to. Is this a good thing or a bad thing? You decide.

Day 5: Panjiayuan Antiques Market

Went to Panjiayuan Antiques Market, where my friend and I ended up buying some really cool paintings. It was freezing, no kidding. Our fingers and toes went numb and I now have a little understanding of what it’s like to freeze to death. This week’s meant to be the coldest time of the year in Beijing.

Bought this magnificent painting!

Although eighty percent of what is sold here is fake, it’s still a great place to shop for gifts and knickknacks. I stumbled across a really pretty, hardbound Alice in Wonderland storybook, with the title engraved in pink and black. It would have been an excellent gift for a curious little lady. I regret not buying it!