When was the last time you discovered something new? 
Last month, I received an invitation to Nestle’s Weekend Discoveries. The invitation generally stated that it would be a day of food trip and field trip at the same time. A map was attached with photo clues but nothing written as to where we would be heading. More like surprise destinations for us. I didn’t get any details other than the date, time, and the general plan for that Saturday. A person who craves for adventure (that’s me) will always be up to adventures like these. With minimal knowledge of the plan, my decision still clung onto YES.
9 in the morning, selected bloggers were asked to meet up at Mom & Tina’s along C5. A buffet breakfast, which included Mom & Tina’s famous tapa strips, was given to us.
Since everything will be a surprise for us, a short orientation was given to brief us on what will be happening.
 I couldn’t help but take photos of the homey wallpaper and furnitures of Mom & Tina’s.
After our breakfast and orientation at Mom & Tina’s, everyone was asked to hop inside the coaster and leave our cars behind. Besides, Mom & Tina’s will be our final stop. Inside the coaster, there were fun social media contests. A question and answer game via Twitter. The host announces the question then the first one to tweet their answer bags the price. Sample question is, “What is the name of the city of where we’re heading?”, clues were given together with the question. It wasn’t the battle of tweeting but it was more of a battle of the Fastest 3G or WIFI connection inside the coaster.
I got to tweet my answer correctly…BUT…. someone’s 3G connection was faster than mine. Well well well, should I change my network loyalty? Hehe.
The answer to the question was Antipolo City. The city where we headed was Antipolo, which was not that far from our starting point.

First surprise stop: Abueva Pottery / Crescent Moon Cafe

Lanelle Abueva-Fernando, daughter of national artist Napoleon Abueva, welcomed us to her successful pottery business, Abueva Pottery. A short tour around, showing us how ceramics and pots are made. Since 1981, Abueva Pottery specializes in hand-made stoneware. The demand grew higher and higher through the years. So Abueva Pottery innovated by using molds for faster and efficient productivity.
Most of their clients are 5-star hotels, famous local Japanese restaurants with numbers of branches (Sumo-Sam, Yabu), beach resorts (Anvaya Cove) and more.
Molding pots could be fragile. Just a wrong spin and mishandling of the pot can lead to a disaster. Just take a look how soft and fragile the clay is. According to Ms. Lanelle, pottery making is somehow therapeutic and relaxing. Although this requires strong focus and concentration. Or else, you might not be happy with the results.
Ms. Lanelle molded this pot right on the spot. If you are interested to learn, Abueva Pottery offers classes to train kids and adults of all ages. Anyone has the chance to make pottery as their hobby. Don’t think it’s too late for your age. You have the chance now!
Pottery making – a check mark on my bucket list! Yahoo!

Next stop: Pinto Art Museum

Art geeks rave about this museum in Antipolo City. I really didn’t know what to see and expect at the museum but I was glad this was part of our surprise destination. I don’t think visiting art museums is my kind of thing. If museums is what we’re talking about, I guess I’m more of visiting science museums, techie museums or any museum where I could be more entertained. So I had very low expectations.
Pinto Art Museum is the home of Dr. Joven Cuanang’s antique collections. Oh there were a lot!!! If I had that much art collections, I think I’d need a big space, copy Dr. Cuanang and create my museum as well.
Observed that a bunch of art works are about Consumerism and how it affects people, the on-going social issue of this planet.
After exploring around Pinto Art Museum, the summer sun was already pushing me to get a drink. It was already lunch time and the heat was screaming out. I thought there was another stop for our lunch. On a positive note, lunch was served at the museum, catered by Bizu.
The tropical heat was reaching every part of my body. The need for a cold and yummy drink was felt during that time. Very timely for Nescafe who came out of the picture and gave everyone Nescafe-in-a-can on our tables.
This was the kind of drink I was craving for at that heating moment. I am not a heavy coffee drinker nor a coffee enthusiast but I discovered that day that a can of Nescafe coffee can really match up our local tropical weather. Nescafe-in-a-can was exactly what I needed to quench my thirst, other than my favorite drink, water.
So far, my favorite is Nescafe Mocha flavor. Next, is Nescafe Latte. And lastly, Nescafe Espresso Roast, the strongest among the three.
What I love about Nescafe? Convenient and affordable! A can of Mocha and Latte costs Php29.00 (SRP), while Espresso costs Php18.00 (SRP). Fits the budget and coffee taste. Nescafe in cans are available in local convenience stores, groceries, sari-sari stores and more. The heat of summer cannot go wrong with Nescafe-in-a-can.
Surprise Guest: Bianca Gonzalez
Another surprise occurred when Bianca Gonzalez appeared and was presented as Nescafe’s brand ambassador. This coffee fanatic has been a Nescafe drinker since her younger years. It was not difficult for her to be the brand ambassador because of her love for Nescafe products. What a lucky lady! She just hit 2 birds with one stone. In addition to that, I enjoyed our chats over Nescafe coffee. But more than that, I was entertained more when we discussed my favorite topic, food. I love that she loves Japanese food too!
A jam-packed day filled with new discoveries and learnings. My Saturday turned abnormal by going to these places at Antipolo City. Big big thanks to Nescafe for this experience! 🙂
So, what have you discovered this summer? Care to share your thoughts?
Share it with me! I’m just a TWEET away. 🙂
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Pray, Eat and Love.
Cheers,
The Food Scout

Abueva Pottery

Location: Sapang Buho, Ascencion Road, Barangay Dalig, Antipolo City, Philippines
Contact: +632 630-5854 / +632 658-3866 / +63 917-5232356
Pinto Art Gallery
Location: No. 1 Sierra Madre Street,Grand Heights, Antipolo City, Philippines
Schedule: 9am-6pm (Tuesdays-Sundays)
Contact: +632 697-1015

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