Every so often, friends (or sometimes complete strangers) send me food that they've made. Usually it's for their new biz idea or something they're starting. All they ask is for some comments and suggestions - and because I love to see all these new businesses flourish, I'm totally up front with them.

I get all sorts of stuff: pastries, barbecue, ice cream, kale chips, fruit juice - you name it. And it's always cool to get surprised at how good these things taste, because for me it means people are being creative, and are thinking hard, and cooking well. One day I want to see a load of our food products on shelves around the world. That's a personal mission of mine -- to help in any way I can to ensure that happens.

Every so often I get grub that before I even taste it I know I'm going to like it. The kind of stuff that makes me swear under my breath -- "t*%!?+a, ano yan?? Why didn't I think of that?? SHET!"

I ain't gonna ramble much longer. Today, my good friend's sis-in-law, Annalou Ayuyao, sent me galunggong sardines (which I have yet to try, mainly because I ripped open the other item), and.... get this: BACON CRACKLETS. Pucha, right? Tama na yan?? HINDI. Masarap ba? OO! Dipped in garlicky vinegar, it's the kind of evilness that your food loving soul craves for. It's screams for hot rice and a detox diet soon after. I don't have to say it. Check it. NOW.

Galunggong Sardines - 200/order

Bacon Cracklets - 250/150grams, 800/550grams

Call Annalou Ayuyao at the evil food hotline -- +639209075498

YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED! Mwahaha!!! Go!

Happy anniversary, Cupcakes By Sonja! Here's to the next 8 and beyond!

I will always give credit where credit is due. Without Sonja Ocampo of Cupcakes By Sonja, my good friend and cheerleader, Just Jonesing would not exist. She egged me on, and continues to make me dream big and do my best - and for that I am forever greatful.

It gives me great joy then, to wish her today (Sept 8) a happy 8 years of existence at Serendra in BGC. 8 years of giving happiness through cupcakes.. 8 years of evolution and progress.. 8 years of inspiring a multitude of entrepreneurs to follow their dreams. That's no small feat!

As a gift to their loyal patrons they're giving away 8 Giant Red Velvet Cupcakes. All receipts dated September 9 to 30, 2014 from any Cupcakes by Sonja branch automatically gives them a chance to win 1 of 8 Giant Red Velvet Cupcakes. Winners will be announced on October 3, 2014.

Check out the details on their Facebook page and on Instagram (cupcakesbysonja). Their hashtag is #spreadingthesweetness

#FoodHits

The Great Ate (Cupcakes By Sonja)