After another grueling week of handling online events, I finally took a long rest. I then checked my Facebook to see what’s up. It’s HoYoFest, MiHoYo’s special event for its fans in Southeast Asia.
The Moon Rabbit Cafe in San Juan is the lucky restaurant to represent HoYoFest in the Philippines. I’ve seen and shared their posts on Facebook. What brought me to decide to have my lunch there is a post from a cosplayer I’m following.
As soon as I woke up (late, as my body needs to recharge), I got myself up, booked my ride to the cafe and spent time outdoors as I’m just in time for the next session. Several people have reserved the cafe in order to get official merch, too.
Meanwhile, I, as a walk-in diner, just want to take lunch in a themed cafe. Working hard left me no choice but to play hard or else my sanity’s gonna tilt. It’s darn time to have some rest and recreation.
As a walk-in diner, it took a bit of time until the doors were opened for me to dine in. I kept myself busy by then. When I’m allowed to get inside, I am greeted with a nice, welcoming ambiance befit for a themed cafe.
The Cafe
The current theme is MiHoYo’s otome game Tears of Themis, which is something my Animazing Show co-host IK is gushing for. Long story short, it’s a Romance x Detective x Adventure game first released in Mainland China in July 2020, and worldwide one year after.
I’m not a gamer myself, so the best way for me to appreciate the cafe is to look at the character designs. Posters are scattered around, hanging chibi illustrations are in the ceiling, and there’s a lot of post-it’s in two designated areas.
The Food
Of all the four featured dishes, I ate two. I was inclined to order the orange spare ribs dish but my eyes are looking at the other dish: Ama’s homemade meatballs.
I believe I finished eating the rice first then the meatballs. Forget the rice – the meatballs are flavorful. Dip it in ketchup, it gets a bit more flavorful. Did I forgot to mention that if you eat the meatballs together with the pickled ginger, it tastes different versus the ketchup?
Complementing the set is the hazelnut coffee and the sweet mango pudding. Just the right touch.
The Cosplays (Yes, there are!)
Moving on, just before I partake into this meal, I got to talk to cosplayer Lix Tsu and her friend Aizi. Reserving a dine-in schedule takes time, and for Lix’s friend who is based in the province, it takes a lot of effort to confirm a slot.
I feel for the staff assigned for the reservations, because I also called to book my slot last-minute as well (as in ‘yung last minute na).
I also saw a familiar face: cosplayer Mitsuru, cosplaying as private detective Luke Pearce. Complete with a bouquet of flowers for you. (Prompt: Aiiiiyeeeee)
I’ve taken some photos of the best post-it’s from the cafe, which are posted on Facebook along with the rest of the photos from this post.
Lastly, I picked up the orange spare ribs on the way back home, just in time for the Animazing Show episode with Kamiya Juu. That was one heck of a day for me.
By the way, since HoYoFest is a Southeast Asian event, have you seen this cosplay from Larissa Rochefort at their HoYoFest cafe? Also, have you taken a look at my other food posts?
It’s been long since I’m able to take pleasure in the fruits of my labor, and so I did it again — this time, I paid a group of mages to transport me to a different dimension.
I had already paid my dues to the mages as soon as they announced the trip, and setting aside the delay because of the onslaught of Typhoon Ompong, I guess the wait was worth it. The good thing about paying the dues is that I don’t need to go to a local currency exchange as they accept local currency (Php 1 = 1 Quartz).
I am transported to a secret gathering inside Chaldea, and they refer to that gathering as Cafeterium Chaldeas. It’s so secret, they have requested me not to take photos of the figures who have welcomed us in their humble abode. Some of them dressed in their casual clothing, some as either maids or butlers.
It was time for them to welcome us. The Napoleon of Crime, James Moriarty, briefed us on what will happen.
In that gathering, we are the masters for the day. We are given the right to command a servant based on the value we paid beforehand.
Afterward, we are guided to our chosen places. After a few moments, I got approached by a notable figure in Chaldea — none other than Dr. Romani Archaman.
Just as I have been taken to my place, I saw my AniZone colleagues in front of me. I didn’t think that I’ll be placed in that space with friends since I went alone and early from the assigned schedule of 12 on the clock. That got my hope of having a good time up.
In this dimension, I’ve felt I’ve met familiar personas hosting the figures such as Gilgamesh (Caster), Artoria Pendragon (Zero), Illyasviel and even Berserker of Black!
As we wait for our temporary status as masters, Moriarty called our attention. With him is a mug that says “King of the Remote,” and with him is Archer with a small yellow bag. The mug has the names of the servants present, while the bag has a list of orders. Most of the masters there may refer to it as gacha, but I refer to it as a light Russian Roulette, exaggeratedly speaking. I don’t know what will happen to me once I pick my combination.
Sure enough, some masters got the servants from the other table, but it’s quite odd that I got the one with me from the start — Dr. Archaman himself.
The command was for Dr. Archaman to sit on my lap.
“Oh.”
So he did. I was at a loss for words, but I didn’t fail to ask him if he’s OK afterward. I’m good.
That was just mild — the other temporary masters-to-be? Not so much. Look, even Moriarty got so much scared with a combination someone picked, his mustache fell off and he had to grow one again with the power of magic. That reminds me, he called for Merlin to assist him with that.
If I can force someone from that area to speak their narrative about this so-called mini-game, I will do; but I have to keep my composure.
We continued our small talk with the colleagues in the table — joining us is Artoria (Zero) and Dr. Archaman who also offered water to us as we roll — until the time has come that we summon our servants as masters for that day.
The one on my left has successfully summoned Mash Kyrielight. The one on my right was able to summon Artoria (Zero) who is just with us.
Do you know whom I’ve summoned? Gilgamesh (Archer).
The King of Kings. This weakling has summoned the King of Kings! I have been blessed by some kind of luck to summon Gilgamesh (Archer)!
So we met.
Having knowledge of the King of Kings in this universe, I perceived him as a cold person who is much boastful than this loudmouth of a yuppie. I don’t know what approach I will give to him — until I realized he’s keeping it calm. He’s chill about this whole gathering. Gilgamesh? Chill? About this?
Of course, he still does not serve anyone — he’s being served — yet, he chose to take time off his throne and serve me.
Just a few moments after, I just saw Artoria (Zero) serve what seems to be chicken fillet… that felt so wrong, considering that I’m facing THE BURGER KING. I asked Gilgamesh (Archer), “What are our choices?”
He replied with two: That, or Burger Steak.
I went with the flow and asked for the latter, much to the awkwardness of the situation.
I intended to visit Chaldea for lunch (and go back in the present dimension to host Otaku Musika at Tiendesitas), and I was greeted with this medium-sized burger steak that is not too small for me to be unsatisfied, not too large for me to waste it, but just right for me to have a full tummy.
Complementing this is a chocolate shake in a glass jar with ice cream on a stick and wafers in it. The steak also tasted just right for my palate; and while the shake felt too sweet for me, I can request water to balance it out.
Speaking of Gilgamesh (Archer), I remember that there’s another Gilgamesh who discovered this area called the Fairview Leyline. It’s revered as a Summoners’ Paradise, although there are risks in partaking in it. You may want to ask your friends if they know this.
I looked at the clock. My time’s running out. I’ve got to do something. I asked my colleagues for suggestions, but in the end, I went to challenge Gilgamesh (Archer) to an arm-wrestling match.
I called for witnesses. This is epic. I can feel it.
Moriarty proctored the match. Being me, I didn’t set any wagers. It’s all in the spirit of fun.
The signal’s off. I tried to turn the tables to my favor, but foolish me is challenging the King of Kings with the strength of around ten times as me. Thinking I can win over this power is insanity.
He set my arm down in a few seconds. I lost the game. The witnesses have documented the ordeal. We get back to our places.
Someone rang the bell. It’s calling for the attention of us fellow masters.
It’s Berserker of Black. She has with her this box of pictures that serve as mementos inside the Cafeterium.
She spoke the words of optimism. It doesn’t matter what she was doing, SHE SPOKE. SHE SPOKE WITH SUCH CLEAR WORDS. I have understood her thoughts. “She must’ve been taught by Moriarty,” I overheard.
I can afford her offer, so I paid 20 Quartz to pick a photo. I just expect for three photos like what my colleagues got, but I got just one.
The Berserker of Black rejoiced, ringing the bell in her hand. I got a special photo.
I was asked to pick a memento of Jeanne d’Arc or Mash. I chose the latter. It is a keychain of Mash. I believe it was processed through the help of some engineers and machinists inside Chaldea, but in the real world, this is made out of hardened acrylic, edge-carved to perfection.
While I am glad about the happy distraction, I still have a problem: My time’s still running out. I don’t want to waste my experience as a master for a day in this gathering.
I called for a janken match against Gilgamesh. As with the previous challenge, I called for witnesses — but this time, we had a wager: If I win, he will give me another chance to command him, but if I lose, I’ll only have one more command in my perusal.
It’s a race to three, one-blow janken match. Rock. Paper. Scissors. I hesitated to choose scissors as he’s more into paper and rock. Paper, maybe because he is a conqueror of some sort. Rock, maybe because his throne stands solid?
Then again, I lose.
Artoria (Zero) asked me if I am satisfied with my overall experience inside Chaldea — I proudly said: “All of my sufferings, for this? I am happy.” Grateful is an understatement. Look, these figures don’t know I’m turning a new leaf the day after, but they still gave me a great birthday present.
Time is up for me. I asked Gilgamesh (Archer) one last command. “Let’s have a bro-hug.” So we did.
“I’m looking forward to seeing you in another dimension soon.”
“You too.”
He then left afterward.
I looked at my colleague to the right. He’s in a dire situation. He has not done anything yet. Artoria (Zero) is disappointed with him. He tries to justify, but we ask him to do something for Artoria (Zero).
Before we continue, here’s an odd sidenote: A day before this, I was a judge in the Otaku Musika singing competition at Tiendesitas, and I saw this cute Aya Maruyama who sang and danced to the tune of Pastel☆Palettes’ Shuwarin☆Drea~min.
As soon as we are finished judging the first half, she was nowhere to found. At the end of the day, I tried looking for tips from my information network. turns out she’s going to a parallel dimension.
The lead I found states this name: Florence Nightingale.
As soon as I got on my table, I asked Artoria (Zero) if she’s present in the gathering. Turns out, she’s among the servants present. The persona hosting her is quite fantastic — one day, she’s a cute person, the next day, Florence Nightingale is with her. It’s like day and night!
Towards the end of the gathering, Moriarty said that everyone can go wild — and so I did.
As soon as I approached her, I stated the magic words with the compass: “Shuwa, shuwa…” That started my small talk with the persona hosting her until I was told by a witness: “You have to run.”
Ahahahahahaha…. I’m in danger.
The small talk I had got cut, and I had to hail for transport back to the current dimension.
I may have broken some rules of engagement as I did it, but I felt that it was worth it. I’m effusive about this.
It’s unbelievable to see the servants serving masters like us and in action. If only the watchtower is open and accepting of this, then I can request to be transported there more often.
Either way, this must be fate.
tl;dr
I quite dragged you to a long narrative of 1,762 words, so here are the points you need to know:
The ambiance is welcoming.
The food is good — the burger steak is delicious, the shake’s a bit too sweet but you can balance it with water.
I got a Mash acrylic keychain as a special prize in the bromide gacha.
I challenged Gilgamesh to an arm-wrestling challenge, and then a rock-paper-scissors challenge, both of which I lost.
I want a part two of this.
I recommend this for all fans of the Fate /verse— while I only watch the first installment of the “Heaven’s Feel” movie as well as some episodes of Prisma Illya, the whole Carnival Phantasm and the ongoing Today’s Menu for the Emiya Family, I didn’t felt discriminated. Fate/, to begin with, is a dark story.
What they are doing is already well-done, just a few tweaks and they will be wonderful. This one is for the books, meaning scholars can take advantage of this in their scholarly Customer Experience research. I want to see a study on this. Make it happen, guys!
I paid Php600 for this, and the breakdown is well-justified. That is aside from the goodies I got.
I didn’t think that I will be able to juggle two activities in different places with time so short. Thanks, Angkas for helping me go from point A to B.
My luck in gacha that day must have come from the King of Kings.
If only the Department of Tourism can support these kinds of activities, that would be grrrreat. But that’s just me.
There are some stories that I left out of this story, but the gist of the experience is still intact. Congratulations to the team of Cafeterium Chaldeas for a job well done. Special thanks to AniZone for having me cover this event.
I am currently at the 1st Pasig City Trade Fair which is held at Estancia at Capitol Commons, and part of the things I do (aside from overseeing if there will be any activity on stage) is to try out what Pasig has to offer.
Just a few hours ago, I conducted a fireside chat with the Pasigueno businessmen, and I had fun talking to them about doing business on social media, as well as promoting businesses.
The fireside chat was over abut I’m still on the table, talking to the owner of Inang’s Tamales Corner (Cocina de Tamales) Ms. Regina Sula as I taste one of her eight versions of Tamales, originally a spicy and salty Mexican dish. Ms. Sula’s tamales is made of coconut milk and rice flour, and introduces it as healthy food that the young can eat, targeting students and the like.
I tried their Chicken Adobo tamales, which has salted egg on it. The soft, base taste mild, and the added Chicken Adobo topping complements it. If you want to get the best out of it, add the salted egg on each spoonful and feel the combination of all three flavors in your mouth.
Inang’s Tamales can be eaten as breakfast or dinner, but it can also be eaten as a snack. Inang’s Tamales is available for Php75 each — aside from Chicken Adobo, it’s also available in Corn, a la Cubana, and 5 other flavors. Its store is located at 103-B Sagad St., Pilapil, Pasig City.
…and that’s a wrap! I got another one for mom at home so she can try it too.
Last week was a busy and a happy one for me — me and Ma were given an opportunity to bond together overnight at the Mall of Asia Complex, where I gave her a taste of Indonesia through a dessert served at the World Street Food Congress located at the Concert Grounds.
The Congress has set up three huge tents (plus one for the dialogue), filled with food stalls which are cooking amazing food from different parts of the country and the rest of the world.
There’s cooking demos, band performances (the one I saw is featuring Color it Red), and lots of dining spaces. Last year, I tried a ₱200 Chey Sua Carrot Cake from Singapore, now I’m trying (finally) a delicacy from Indonesia: Martabak.
This ₱260 dish has four slices of pancake made from glutinous rice, filled with various flavors such as matcha, red velvet Oreo, peanut butter, and chocolate. Ma likes this sweet dessert, of course!
For the drinks, I tried the Sugarcane Juice and Singapore’s Bandung drink (around ₱60–70 each, I forgot) using the consumable coupons, and both are refreshing. The Bandung drink, made from rose syrup, is the real deal, thanks to its rosy smell.
I went there just in time for the first day of the Congress — tomorrow is the last day, and I’m sure there are more choices to choose from. I was able to try more than one dish this year— if , and if, we count the drinks as dishes. Maybe by next year’s Congress I can really taste two or more dishes.
21 West Capitol Drive, Kapitolyo, Pasig City — open from 11 AM to 2 PM, and 5:30 PM to 10 PM
Barangay Kapitolyo in Pasig is the home to Gastro Park and a lot of restaurants where those who want to wind down after a week of work can do so through food.
There’s this resto called Haru located at 21 West Capitol Drive, just a few walks away from where I work. I always see it on my left as I pass by.
Two weeks ago, Animax Asia treated the otaku media to a delicious meal there — The Reimaru Files’ Chad and Anime Pilipinas’ JM and Red posted their meals online.
I told myself, “Screw you all, I’m now going to eat there.” So I did.
I was supposed to eat there on a Friday night, but then something came up and I went stress-eating all the way there on a Wednesday.
I treated myself to a bowl of Chasyu Ramen (₱218) and Salmon Maki (₱199). I tried the maki first. I forgot if it was 7 or eight pieces when I took this photo since I am already craving for it. I can’t say that it’s the best for its price; but as you can see from the photo, the salmon there looks fresh and delicious.
If you are really into making the most out of your visit there, you go for their ramen. The Chasyu Ramen is big, the soup’s spice is just right, and the meat is easy to chew.
Overall, the food and ambiance was worth it. You can easily feel the slice of a typical Manila-based Japanese resto there, only better — the calm environment and the ambient sound that goes with it really helps.
Now that I’ve eaten here, I don’t feel jealous of my colleagues anymore. I’m looking forward to visit Haru again soon.
