A long time ago, our mom would leave us with our yayas to play in the playground at the center of Glorietta while she goes shopping.  As much as we loved to play on the ropes and on the slides, we also loved it when our mom would come and fetch us because we would always ask her to buy us some Lil' Orbits Mini Donuts.

During that time, Krispy Kreme with its giant donut making factory has not arrived in the Philippines so my siblings and I loved watching the mini donut making machine of Lil' Orbits each time. 

Years later, we outgrew the joys of a simple play time.  But, we would still buy some Lil' Orbits whenever we shop there with our mom.  As we grew older and we had our own errands, buying Lil' Orbits for pasalubong became a practice.   

Until one day, all the food stalls in the Glorietta center moved out including Lil' Orbits.  Years went by and we thought Lil' Orbits was gone forever.  

Can you imagine our joy when we saw a Lil' Orbits stall at SM Mall of Asia By The Bay as we were walking our dogs?  And, it even has a 3 dozen for P100 promo.  We kept buying there every time eat out or walk our dog in the area.  But once again, it suddenly disappeared. 

One time we were in Alabang Town Center and there it was!  So again we happily bought one.  A few months later, we went all the way to Alabang to try Chairman Wang's.  After dinner we hurried to Alabang Town Center (not to mention pay extra parking fee) just to buy a Lil' Orbits but it was once again gone!

One time I was in Market! Market! and I spotted Lil' Orbits there so I bought some.  I asked the staff why oh why are their branches disappearing.  And, he mentioned there was one in Taft.  I was surprised as it was very near my place.  I took some time to find it and I did.  It is located at the back of the College of Saint Benilde but it closes at earlier than malls.  It closes at around 6 pm.

Every time I could pass by early, I would buy some for the family.  Everyone was thrilled whenever I bring some home.  

But, the last time I bought some and watched the mini donut making process, I noticed that the oil was darker and the mini donuts came out darker as well.  As, I've already paid for them, I might as well bring them home right?  The family noticed the difference.  In fact, they found it difficult to finish.  And, so I guess that was the last time I'm buying one.  And, this is were my Lil' Orbit tale ends.

Lil' Orbits Mini Donuts
Business Address	Taft Metro Manila
Business Hours	11am-6pm
Payment Options	Cash
Product Price Range	21-40

I'm a big fan of cheesecakes.  So when I received an email to taste test Pellegrino's Blueberry No Bake Cheesecake, I gave an immediate yes with a secretive jolt of excitement.

♥ Blueberry No Bake Cheesecake 9-incher (800 php)

As expected, a City Delivery guy rang our doorbell handing out a cool box of Pellegrino's Blueberry No Bake Cheesecake.
 

♥ Blueberry No Bake Cheesecake 7-incher (400 php)

To be honest, as the brand is unfamiliar to me, I didn't set any expectations.

♥ Blueberry No Bake Cheesecake 7-incher (400 php)

Yet, a forkful was all it took to make my lips curl with a delightful smile as the soft cream cheese massaged my tongue with its insatiable mild sweet and salty hints.

♥ Blueberry No Bake Cheesecake 7-incher (400 php)

It was perfectly complimented by the blueberry topping.  But, what made it one of the best blueberry cheesecake that the family has tried is the crust with cashew bits!  I swear not a crumb was left on the box.

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
We Tsinoy Foodies highly recommend you order one and shared it on occasions.  Hindi ka mapapahiya! ;)

As the entire is busy preparing for our Noche Buena Meal, I've decided to take a short break to share with you our favorite cooked ham, Excelente Cooked Ham.

Many years ago, we've tried several hams from different stores and delis.  We've also ventured into various types of ham including Chicken Ham, Hamon de Bola and all sorts.  It didn't take long before we all concluded that the best cooked ham for us is Excelente Deboned Chinese Cooked Ham.

♥ Deboned Chinese Cooked Ham (1,020 php/kilo) *price updated as of 12/16/2014

When you buy any ham from Excelente, it comes witht heir special glazed sauce.  The Deboned Chinese Cooked Ham is cooked perfectly as you can see by its looks. 


The Deboned Chinese Cooked Ham has tender meat that has the right blend of sweetness and saltiness.  It also has the right amount of fats in it too.

Excelente also sells Boned Ham (980 php/kilo), Scrap Ham (740 php/kilo) and bacons.

Have a Merry Christmas everyone!


Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Excelente Cooked Ham is a trusted name when it comes to cooked ham.  I'm sure we're not the only family who is delighted with their products.  Excelente Cooked Ham is a must in the Noche Buena celebration and its the perfect gift item for friends and family too. 

Excelente Ham
Business Address	155- 157 Carlos Palanca St., Quiapo, Manila, Metro Manila
Contact	(02) 733-6355
Business Hours	7:30am-8pm
Payment Options	Cash
Product Price Range	750-3,000