As much as I'd hate to admit it, I've only been "converted" into Japanese food worship only a few years back. I grew up in a kitchen that mastered the oily goodness of Filipino food down to a science, and even when we went out, our family would constantly seek the same thing. It took eating out on my hard-earned salary to finally be able to sit down and appreciate a subtle, artful Japanese meal. I haven't looked back since then, with Japanese food ranking high on my list. Ranking much higher on my personal list of Japanese favorites, however, is Tonkatsu, a deep-fried pork cutlet dish served since the 19th century. The words "deep-fried pork" might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of authentic Japanese cuisine, but it is as genuine as it can get, and for me, it feels closer to home.

Go the extra mile with your Tonkatsu by smothering it with their special sauce and cabbage shreddings. Lifechanging, I tell you!

FOOD OVERLOAD AHEAD!:)

I know I'm not exactly a "food blogger", but then again, don't get me started on talking about good food. I could probably go on and on about it for hours. I LOVE discovering great places to eat just as much as I do movie dates or shoe purchases. Admittedly we 've chosen not to eat out as much as we used to (honestly because I'm desperately trying to count my calories and lose weight haha), but when we do go out on those special dinners together, the boyf and I are always on the lookout for some key elements: a great ambiance, excellent location, and great value for money. It's more than just what you eat,  but rather an intimate experience made better with food that's equally memorable.

With that, I knew I couldn't refuse Kate and Carla's (who has an AMAZING blog by the way--click here) invitation to an exclusive preview of The Suite Room, a brand-new offshoot project from the creators of the Casa Verde franchise. We all know that we can't think about Casa Verde without having "great food" and "even more great food" come to mind, so I know I needed to be there. There's going to be a lot awesome food photos coming up, so hold on to your diets:

All images from the Ersao Authentic Taiwanese Street Food Media and Bloggers Launch last February 9, 2013

No need to pack your bags and head all the way to Taiwan for that authentic Taiwanese taste that sticks -- in Cebu and several parts of the country, one must simply head on to any branch of Ersao Authentic Street Food to experience a delightful snippet of Oriental food heaven.

A few weeks back, I had the pleasure of attending the Media and Bloggers Launch for Ersao Cebu at JCentre Mall in Mandaue. We were treated to a smorgasbord of their Taiwanese style cuisine offerings and their huge selection of milk teas. Safe to say that all of us went home super full that night, and with a better insight of Taiwanese street food culture!

Having started 12 years ago, Ersao is one of the country's pioneers in the milk and pearl tea business. They eventually expanded their selections to popular Taiwanese favorites such as steamed dumplings, snacks, rice toppings, and specialty noodles. Cebu is the company's first venture outside of Luzon, strategically located in the bustling JCentre Mall. What's also fantastic to know is that Ersao prices only range from P45-195 only! Talk about delicious and authentic without breaking the bank.:)

Head on over to Ersao and experience the new and exciting flavors (and not to mention healthy!) of Taiwanese cuisine for yourself. Ersao is conveniently located at the 3rd floor of JCentre Mall in Mandaue City. Visit their Facebook page here to keep up with all things Ersao!