foodivities

YABU: The House of Katsu

2012-02-07T04:10:00.000-08:00

thanks to Dya who brought us to a new Japanese restaurant. i missed having lunch with them so it was a very good moment to make the time. it was also a long time i last ate Japanese dishes. then we went to this new place in SM Megamall Atrium, Yabu: The House of Katsu.

getting in was easy for us despite the crowded area. Dya got there earlier so we have managed to have our seat. comfy chairs and the table is just right for eating, not too high nor not too low. and wall fixtures are very neat and the ambiance is just right. they even had a comic strip how their specialty is made.

judging the food, it's worth the wait. we ordered two different types of katsudon: Rosu Katsudon and Fish Set (Cream Dory Fillet). complete with grated cabbage, miso soup and slices of pickled radish and cucumber with samplers of pineapple and watermelon.

Rosu Katsudon

Fish Set (Cream Dory Fillet)

while you enjoy the comics strip at the wall, you may want to take a closer look. waiter wore statement shirts that are quite entertaining. for one is the Katsu Ritual:

so how did they got the name? we asked the store manager Mon who explained to us why they chose Yabu. they are translations of 8 (Ya) and 2 (Bu) -- combining them together create a perfect 10 katsudon! and i agree of that. perfect 10 in taste and tenderness. also perfect 10 for the accommodating staff and ambiance of the store.

Yabu: The House of Katsu started on November 11, 2011 and the SM Megamall branch is pioneer here in the Philippines. they will be expanding the store soon and planning to open in key areas in Metro Manila like Makati, Ortigas Business District and even Quezon City. it is located at the second floor of Atrium in SM Megamall.

a business dinner

2012-02-06T21:00:00.000-08:00

thank you to the wonderful couple who treated me last night at Gerry's Grill for dinner. it was unexpected but surely the memories will be cherished forever. Estelle and Ulysses of BizWhiz, i wish you success in your endeavors and may the next days be more prosperous. our little chat will not just strengthen our business partnerships but friendship as well.

i hope that this is not the only time that we'll have our food trippings. see you again soon.

February dinner at TAMERLANES

2012-02-04T21:00:00.000-08:00

it was an unusual occasion for me to take my mother and brother at an unusual dining place in Antipolo. i was there once and it always gets me excited to eat their grilled dishes. it was in Tamerlanes -- a garage converted into a dining area where they serve the best barbecue IMHO.

from pork to squid, to chicken to fish, it guarantees mouth-watering dishes that you'll dig in without using spoon and fork. they really don't offer spoon and fork on the table, you have to indulge with your bare hands.

for February, in celebration of the love month, they will give you a cute twist to the usual serving of rice. instead of cupping it, a heart-shaped rice will delight your eyes.

we ordered 2 chicken thighs, 2 mango salads, 3 stuffed squid barbecues, 2 charred catfishes, and 8 rice. for a cheap Php 1,092 shared by 5 people, that's pretty reasonable for you -- unlike in other restaurants where you can order squid for Php 300.

Tamerlanes is located within the residential area around Antipolo church. and as they always say, where there's smoke, there's Tamerlanes!

Coca-Cola kicks off Christmas in Araneta Center

2011-11-12T05:18:00.001-08:00

in the tradition of Christmas in the Philippines, Coca-Cola has once again hosted the iconic giant Christmas Tree in Araneta Center this evening, November 12, 2011. this kicks off the countdown to the holiday season with surprises and cheers for all Filipinos. as noted, the Philippines celebrates the longest Christmas season all around the world.

the event was also filled with entertainment and freebies like barbecue, pizza, and more treats while enjoying unlimited ice-cold Coca-Cola. artists from big TV networks ABS-CBN, TV5 and GMA offered song and dance numbers for everyone. guests also enjoyed photo-ops with Santa Claus and special photo booths.

and as an added bonus, i was lucky enough to be awarded with Coca-Cola's red box of surprises filled with yummy treats. it is filled with Coca-Cola products, of course, and some stuff to fill your stomach. have a blessed Christmas everyone!

Mang Inasal's 11.11.11

2011-11-11T11:11:00.000-08:00

A fuzz about Mang Inasal's 11.11.11 has flooded mainstream and online media. And now on it's reveal, we are really in a surprise!

Tagged "THE MORE, THE MANY-ER!" Mang Inasal makes new food merchandising history. With more choices in the menu, a partnership with Coca-Cola will surely create more excitement and enjoyment while you dine in Mang Inasal. By adding only Php 29, you can enjoy UNLIMITED Coca-Cola while eating your favorite Mang Inasal meals. So, go and find your nearest Mang Inasal branch to enjoy a lot more food choices and that ice-cold Coca-Cola.

Figaro holds 2nd year of social responsibility

2011-11-05T18:00:00.000-07:00

we consume coffee everyday. some may even consume more than a cup to make themselves preppy for the whole day. but as we enjoy every sip, we should also be thinking how it's made and who makes it. so Figaro Foundation Corporation takes on an act to give back to the farmers and to Mother Earth by conducting the second year of their tree planting activity in Alfonso, Cavite.

i learned different stories on the origins of coffee in the Philippines. also that coffee is not really from Batangas. instead, it was from Amadeo, Cavite where it was seeded by a Spanish priest, and cultivated by his helper who later brought it to Batangas when the priest died. it was also introduced in the galleon trade. and for some time, the Philippines was #4 in coffee exports worldwide.

speaking of number 4, there are really 4 coffee varieties: Robusta, Arabica, Excelsa and Liberica. and the Philippines is a very fortunate country to be included in the "coffee belt" - the region of the world above equator where coffee can grow okay. Cavite and Batangas grow most of Robusta and Arabica since coffee can grow well in the climate of these places.

going back to the tree planting activity, the community of Barangay Esperanza Ilaya in Alfonso, Cavite has allowed the Figaro Foundation Corporation to plant seedlings in vacant lots. a special Memorandum of Agreement is signed for formality between the two parties. thus, making Figaro's way of providing livelihood and bringing back the title to Alfonso, Cavite as the number 1 coffee producer in the country. 500 seedlings of Robusta and Arabica are planted and the community will take charge of growing it. a number of seedlings has grown more than 3 feet already since it's planting last 2009. i was able to plant Arabicas and Robustas and proud to be part of this activity.

with the continuing efforts of everyone to save the environment and the coffee industry in the country, Figaro Foundation Corporation invites everyone to participate in planting seedlings, not just for coffee but also with other crops for sustainability.

Mom's recipe: my CHICKEN MECHADO

2011-10-02T06:25:00.000-07:00

I found the opportunity to reinvent a recipe. I don't know if this was the typical recipe but the bottom line is, it tastes good.

Here's the recipe for my Chicken Mechado:

Ingredients:

1/2 kilo of chicken
2 pieces of bell pepper, diced
2 pieces medium-sized carrot, diced
1/4 kilo string beans, cut into 2-3 inches
4 pieces tomatoes, diced

1 pouch tomato sauce
1 can liver spread
5 cloves of garlic, minced
1 medium onion, sliced
1/2 cup water
soy sauce
salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
1. Saute garlic, onions, tomatoes and add chicken.
2. Add soy sauce, sprinkle with salt and pepper and add water. Cover and simmer or until chicken is cooked.
3. Add tomato sauce and liver spread.
4. Add other vegetable ingredients, potatoes, carrots and beans. Let it simmer for around 5-8 minutes.

Makes 8 servings.

Carmina Villaroel endorses new Del Monte Tomato and Spaghetti Sauce with MMK

2011-09-23T12:00:00.000-07:00

mom and actress Carmina Villaroel has a new love. the one that will take care of her whole family and protect them from diseases. it would have been Zoren Legaspi and it's already his job. but the new help of Carmina comes in a pouch! the new Del Monte Tomato and Spaghetti Sauce with MMK! a great addition in the Del Monte products that not only is a good source of Lycopene, which reduces the risk of cancer and other diseases, adding the benefits of Malunggay, Munggo and Kalabasa. three of the local vegetables that are the greatest sources of vitamins and minerals good for everyone. and also since it is mixed with the rich Del Monte Tomato Sauce, mothers would find it easier to feed their kids with vegetables.

though Carmina's twins eat food with Del Monte with MMK, she still encourages mothers to feed their kids with real vegetables. even her husband Zoren is amazed with the performance of Del Monte with MMK because it made his favorite dishes even more flavorful and nutritious.

so grab pouches of the new Del Monte Tomato and Spaghetti Sauce with MMK and transform your dishes into delicious and nutritious meals. available in your favorite super markets.

how to demolish the KFC Tower Burger

2011-09-16T21:16:00.000-07:00

with all the fuzz about demolishing the newest biggest burger, i finally had the time to do it myself. thanks to Jay who treated us into a movie with Friends With Benefits playing, and refreshments to match it -- including the new KFC Tower Burger.

the challenge is to eat up a whole KFC Tower Burger in 2 minutes or less. the tall burger standing about 5 inches, with mayo, lettuce, hash brown, cheese and chicken that is a challenge on the appetite. and for those who are calorie-conscious, don't try this.

so there it is. I failed! i consumed the whole burger in about 3 minutes and 15 seconds. no drinking, just devoured a whole KFC Tower Burger. i don't know what you're thinking right now, but you can run to the nearest KFC branch and order for yourself. take the challenge.

Chic-Boy's smoking kitchen

2011-09-11T19:00:00.000-07:00

I just want to share this smoking kitchen of Chic-Boy of Sta. Lucia. I am loving my visits here.

Bizu hosts a party for bloggers

2011-09-07T22:33:00.000-07:00

I remember eating at Bizu before with a couple of bloggers. It was really a good time and it was also the time I got baptized with macaroons. And just last night at a special gathering, we had not just good food but we enjoyed the joys of living.

It was a very informative and fun night, discovering the history of Bizu Patisserie. Literally came from two French words, "bisou" meaning: kiss and "patisserie," which is French for "art gallery for food." True enough that Bizu Patisserie has a gallery of yummy food and pastries, hence the name. And also, we found out that the pioneer store was just a building away and after 10 years and as business is getting stronger, they will open another branch in Rockwell and other areas. The owner, Anabel Tanco, must really be very happy when she steps into another property of Bizu. Her fond of the French cuisine and its heritage is very well accepted here in the Philippines as they developed recipes in fusion of French and Filipino taste.

We had games and pretty delicious food served last night. They had made it extra special because Bizu Patisserie believes that all of us should enjoy life. Four courses served starting with French Onion Soup, a Truffle Salad, then a 10-Hour U.S. Roast Beef with potato gratin, grilled vegetables, horseradish and mushroom espagnole. Their Trio Desserts ended the sweet night.

An ongoing contest is set last August 15 to October 31, 2011. All you have to do is capture a moment in photo and upload it in facebook.com/ilovebizu. You can also read the mechanics there. This is in celebration of their 10th year in the business. Show everyone the simple pleasures of life through photos. You can also say it in French: "Joie de Vivre" - The Joy of Living. Find the categories and criteria for judging at www.facebook.com/ilovebizu.

Bloggers enjoying Joie de Vivre at Bizu last night.

Winners in each category may win Bizu gift certificates or even a vacation for 2 at Acuatico Beach Resort. Only by sharing the simple joys of living.

Love is in a San Marino tuna can

2011-09-07T00:50:00.000-07:00

a friend just shared these three wonderful love videos showing sweet marriage proposals. these stories are submitted by common people like us and they have been carefully selected by people of San Marino Corned Tuna. love has indeed taken the story senders into a happy ending. these three videos are titled: Train, Masquerade and Retreat. for me, Retreat by Lester Nono is the most appealing and I may add, who woudn't want a God-fearing man who will find himself and completely transforms into a new man. each of the finalists are very romantic but i find this one the nicest and gets my vote. how about you?

you can watch the other two finalists at http://sanmarino.com.ph/lovewilltakeyouthere/vote.aspx and it can help you win an iPad. imagine that, you fell in love, and you'll fall in love more with an iPad!and for the winner of the video contest, he/she, including the future partner will be flying to Boracay! oh how i miss that paradise. so check out http://sanmarino.com.ph/lovewilltakeyouthere/vote.aspx for details.

Berting's Grill behind the kitchen

2011-08-29T08:38:00.000-07:00

More and more restaurants offer Filipino dishes and they tweak it themselves to make their food unique among the rest. At Berting's Grill in Quezon City, you will taste the whole Philippines as prepared by owner-chef Andrew Wijangco.

It was just a concept between him and LaSallian classmates to put up a business. It's first branch in Ortigas has gained acceptance from the residents and employees within the area. So it's not as bad to raise another restaurant in the entertainment district of Quezon City.

We tried several dishes that I can say, can boost your appetite and good for the bonding time with friends. Munching on crispy anything is a very nice feeling in the mouth. For example, the Lechon Manok has been prepared for up to 72 hours so you get a very tasty and healthy chicken. His Crispy Kare-kare and Bicol Express are experiments on the side.

Some dishes inspired from Chef Andrew's travels. And since he loves to cook, he enhances and makes his menu extra special. There's a little food on the menu unlike other restaurants because they focus on the quality of the food and satisfaction of the customers.

Berting's Grill is not named after any Berto that Chef Andrew knows. He just kept the very-Filipino passion for cooking which eventually paid off.

The Quezon City branch just started last March 2011 and is very accessible. And if you want entertainment, you can go up to the 2nd floor during T-TH-S for an Acoustic Night.

Berting's Grill is located at Scout Rallos corner Tomas Morato, Quezon City. They are open from 11AM to 2AM (Monday-Sunday). Find them on Facebook and LIKE Berting's Grill.

I'm a Chic-Boy virgin no more

2011-08-27T06:42:00.000-07:00

i remember laughing at the new barbecue chain that i saw along the street. with it's complex name that has another connotation in the Filipino language, i never knew that it will continue to grow into a competitive food chain in the city.

this is just the first time that i am trying Chic-Boy. a grill restaurant offering Filipino dishes like barbecue etc. the concept is mostly Cebuano, famous for their lechon Cebu -- any tasteful dish even without the condiments. and the most accessible branch to our place is at Sta. Lucia Mall along Marcos Hiway in Cainta, Rizal.

there is very spacious and comfortable space. they even have an al fresco setting for those who want to dine outdoors. and at the walls of the restaurant, a display of their menu offerings that have enticing visuals; all you have to do is to order whatever you want.

for me and my mom, we both ordered Lechong Manok (Thigh Part) with unlimited rice (Php 99). and as i've said, the meat itself is very tasty and the marinade ingredients really sinked in to the meat. you can also find anis and tanglad pieces as you finish the meat. complimentary house soup is included. the vinegar that comes with it compliments well the salt content of the chicken and a little sweet too. i had another 2 servings of rice.

added to the side is Mango Ensalada, (Php 25) composed of ripe mango, tomato, onion and mix it with bagoong.

to finish it off, we had a generous serving of Turones con Leche (JUST Php 30). six pieces of saba banana wrapped and fried and then dip it in to caramelized condensed milk. promise, i love it!

i know that i had nothing yet. next time i'll know the native Cebu Pork Lechon that Chic-Boy offers. can you suggest the next dish that i should try?

TGI Fridays'

2011-08-26T10:19:00.000-07:00

Attention Indianapolis area Friday's® fans! Head on over to your local Friday's® for a great offer of a Dinner and a Cold One for only $10.

Enjoy some of Friday's® delicious entrees including a drink of choice:

Indulgent Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Jack Daniels Pulled Pork Sandwich
Balsamic Glazed Chicken Caesar
Mouth-watering Black Angus cheeseburger

This offer is available every night of the week! For the full menus being offered, please visit:
http://ad.doubleclick.net/clk;244939996;55575682;l?http://www.tgifridays.com/menus/dinnerColdOne_everyday.aspx

Attention Baltimore area Friday's fans! Head on over to your local Friday's for a great offer of a Dinner and a Cold One for only $10.

Enjoy some of Friday's® delicious entrees including a drink of choice:

Indulgent Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Jack Daniels Pulled Pork Sandwich
Balsamic Glazed Chicken Caesar
Mouth-watering Black Angus cheeseburger

This offer is available Sunday –Thursday only. For the full menus being offered, please visit:
http://ad.doubleclick.net/clk;244940026;55575682;n?http://www.tgifridays.com/menus/dinnerColdOne.aspx

Attention Chicago area Friday's fans! Head on over to your local Friday's now to pick 2 items for only $10!

Enjoy some of Friday's® delicious specials (including appetizers, entrees, and desserts):

Spinach Florentine Flatbread
Savory Dragonfire Chicken
Pan-Seared Parmesan Flounder
Delicious Vanilla Bean Cheesecake

This offer is available every night of the week! For the full menu being offered, please visit:
http://ad.doubleclick.net/clk;244940024;55575682;l?http://www.tgifridays.com/menus/pick2for10.aspx

Attention West Palm Beach area Friday's fans! Head on over to your local Friday's now to pick 2 items for only $10!

Enjoy some of Friday's® delicious specials (including appetizers, entrees, and desserts):

Spinach Florentine Flatbread
Savory Dragonfire Chicken
Pan-Seared Parmesan Flounder
Delicious Vanilla Bean Cheesecake

This offer is available every night of the week! For the full menu being offered, please visit:
http://ad.doubleclick.net/clk;244940025;55575682;m?http://www.tgifridays.com/menus/pick2for10.aspx

This sponsorship is brought to you by Friday's® who we have partnered with for this promotion.

Hyphy's gets me hyped!

2011-08-17T07:31:00.000-07:00

You may already have come to this San Francisco-inspired cuisine in Robinson's Galleria's newest food strip called the Veranda. Hyphy's San Francisco Restaurant introduces the fusion of American and Filipino cooking in one place. Developed and served to us by Chef Bruce Lim who has the critical and appreciative taste in Filipino dishes. Now he's sharing to us a taste of what it's like in the west which most of us may get a very long time if we wish to go to the States.

The place is very much accessible and cozy in the middle of the busy streets of Meralco Avenue and EDSA as it sits in the new area of Robinson's Galleria in Ortigas. Professionals and employees in the area can easily drop by and have a good treat. Though there's a limited parking in front of the restaurant itself, you can go down to the Basement Parking of Robinson's Galleria.

And for the fun part, the food is very delicious and I'd love to share it with you. Notice that they also offer Calamansi and Tuyo Spaghetti in the menu just like Chef's Table. I'd really love the fighting sour and salty taste of that pasta dish. Chef Bruce Lim has a good story to share about why he includes the humble tuyo in the main course of his restaurants too.

It was his niece who loves tuyo back in the States. So when Chef Bruce comes to the Philippines, his niece would ask to bring tuyo to San Francisco and experiment on dishes. Gladly we have the Calamansi and Tuyo Spaghetti, one of the best sellers of Hyphy's.

Take time to visit and enjoy the food at Hyphy's. I guarantee that you'll have a great time.

Chef's Table reinvents local dishes

2011-08-16T07:39:00.000-07:00

This was my first time to try out Chef's Table restaurant in Bonifacio Global City. At first look it was a fine-dining restaurant but it will take you to a surprise as you try their menu. Getting there may be a hassle when you commute because there is no accessible public transportation. And if you don't really know the place, you might get lost and take an expensive taxi. But I tell you, the stress on the road will take off when you lift your spoon or fork and put it in your mouth.

Chef's Table interiors provide that comfortable and home-y feeling with soft lights, unusual wall fixtures, a fusion of contemporary design and native elements of wood, metal and glass. Notice the shallow pockets at the sides of the square tables for they make it interactive -- adding a paper sheet on top where you can doodle with the pencil on the side. The concept of the furniture is school but they tweaked it to suit the restaurant business. And from the dining area, you can view the whole stretch of the kitchen. Clean and entertaining, you can see how your food is prepared.

On the upper floor is a small dining area convertible to an intimate function room. And you can look over the whole ground floor of the restaurant while enjoying the good stuff.

And now who says that Filipino food is so simple and cannot go sosyal? CHef Bruce Lim of this restaurant has developed our favorite Pinoy dishes into gourmet masterpieces. Quite surprising transformations from appetizers, to entrees and full course dishes, guaranteed will give you a good food coma. And best of all, the prices are so affordable that everyone who dwells in BGC can enjoy.

You can visit Chef's Table Restaurant at the Ground Floor unit 106 of Infinity Tower, 25th St. corner 10th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City. Or visit their website www.chefstablemanila.com. You can also dial (02) 399-18-88 for inquiries.

visiting Banapple Greenhills

2011-08-11T02:40:00.000-07:00

just visited the newest branch of Banapple in Northeast Square in Greenhills, San Juan with my friends for lunch. i have been to the Blue Ridge branch and this was very comfortable as well. though it was small, the place is very inviting that you can almost not leave the store to go back to your workplace. it is also accessible to the executives nearby like Ortigas, Mandaluyong or Quezon City.

in every Banapple branch, you will be served with mouth-watering foods and it won't take long before you reach the stomach. the staff take the initiative to take your orders and the food gets to your table without expecting too much time. and for a very affordable amount, you will have a good meal anytime of the day.

here are the foods that arrived on our table:

Banapple's newest branch is located at Northeast Square along Connecticut St., Greenhills, San Juan City. You can visit their Facebook Page at http://www.facebook.com/Banapple or visit their site at http://www.banapplekitchen.com/Banapple.html

trying out Panciteria Lido

2011-08-09T12:55:00.000-07:00

I am just lucky that I was given a gift certificate at Panciteria Lido at one event that I attended. My sincere gratitude for having good friends like Ms. Janette Toral who hosted the 2nd Blog4Reviews anniversary. And then good enough that there is a nearby branch of Panciteria Lido near our workplace and I brought Joy with me. We had a very long lunch and enjoyed the hospitality of the staff and of course the food.

Though the place is a little small, ventilation is well-observed and there is proper lighting. You can also get wi-fi signals at nearby establishments so I keep on posting Facebook updates as orders come.

I presented my GC which grants us a complimentary dish. I forgot its name but it really tastes good especially when you dip it in their house vinegar. And to add, I ordered Chicken Sate Rice (P 135) and Joy wants Buttered Chicken Rice (P 145) for herself. We shared our own dishes and loved the texture and softness of the chicken meat. My order came sizzling and steamy. I had to be really careful to take a bite. I almost hurt myself with the heat of my food.

Chicken Sate Rice (Php 135)

Buttered Chicken Rice (Php 145)

And to finish it off, we also had a Mango Sago for dessert. Soft and tangy mango smoothie added with pearls for texture. Sweetness is just right and the natural flavor mango is very strong. Price: Php 65.

And I would like also to commend the good service skills displayed by the staff at E. Rodriguez Ave. branch. We got a chance to meet Ms. Pinky who was very calm while she entertains the guests coming in. All in all, the facility gets 4 out of 5 stars. 4 since there is no comfort room within the restaurant.

You can visit Panciteria Lido at Unit 1, Ground Floor, The Capital Towers Building, E. Rodriguez Sr. Ave., Quezon City. You may also call 414-5496.

FREE COFFEE at McDonalds for a limited time!

2011-08-06T20:46:00.000-07:00

From August 8- 12, experience the goodness of McCafe Premium Roast Coffee for free, just by simply presenting your “FREE COFFEE” coupon from 4:00 to 10:30 am at all McDonald’s breakfast stores nationwide. Watch out as these free coupons will be given away in offices, transportation terminals, colleges, universities and McDonald’s stores starting August 5.

A delicious cup sure to make your mornings even better, McCafe Premium Roast Coffee is made from 100% pure Arabica beans. Handpicked from some of the world’s best coffee-producing regions, McCafe Premium Roast Coffee is roasted and blended to perfection for that flavorful aroma and great-tasting brew. Whether enjoyed alone or paired with your favorite McDonald’s breakfast items, it is the perfect cup to perk you up and add a little something extra to your day for only Php 25.

Have your free McCafe Premium Roast Coffee any way you want - coupons can be redeemed through dine –in, take-out or even drive-thru. For complete mechanics and details, visit the McDonald’s Facebook fan page www.facebook.com/McDo.ph.

on good service

2011-07-23T09:57:00.000-07:00

I have met a lot of different people and still keep myself lowly but keeping the person I'm with in the most comfortable manner. I hope that when I organize events, I deliver well and if I have got an error, I will still accept it and give the fastest solution and then keep moving on. But it's my work. What if I am inclined into a business that deals with hospitality? The point is, the person you serve is always right. If not, acceptance and explanation in a nice way should be kept in mind and in heart.

Just recently, I was with a couple of friends and ended the day at Baang Coffee in Tomas Morato, Quezon City. My good friend, Toots Tolentino, ordered pastries and drinks and kind enough to pay for it. The cashier, Grace Calisay, who was incidentally the OIC for the night had forgotten to give my fudge brownie when everything else is already at the table. So he asked Grace where was my brownie. She breathed out as if there is a lot of stress going on in her and reasoned out that it's because it is being prepared in the kitchen together with my hot mocha. We got confused why it has to take long when all she have to do is put the brownie on a plate and serve it. She even blurted out as if she was making the right point. On our side, we could have understood if she had apologized and told us that our order will immediately follow. Worse, she had released a deep exhale and that annoying body language that irritated my friend.

So as to our disappointment, Tita Toots said if we were in New York, he had already spoke the F-word on her face. But she defended herself and made the situation worse. This is another time that I have learned my rights as a customer and should know when to fight for it. I know her situation but still it was wrong to treat your customer that way and given the OIC position, she must act as a role model to her staff and maintain providing good service skills and character towards everyone. Not that will also raise her voice to the customers. She may never know who she is dealing with.

The story gets worse and worse, we took her name and details of the manager/owner of the coffee shop. One of the waiters had defended her and we still didn't get an apology. They maintained that proud look and character like nothing happened. I almost didn't finish my food because of the bad tension going on inside the store.

To the manager or the owner of the store, please don't tolerate this kind of behavior among your staff. I have no idea why she has to act that way firing words to us and still being proud of herself. I hope that you have to take immediate action and advise your staff to keep her cool. I hope you believe that "customers are always right" at a given circumstance. We got really disappointed on how she treated us.

Hong Kong Roast Express for rumbling stomach

2011-07-19T18:17:00.000-07:00

you have tasted as much Chinese food as you can find. but hidden in Makati is a new establishment that can give you authentic Chinese food at a reasonable price and peaceful environment.

Hong Kong Roast Express is newly erected restaurant at San Antonio Village in Makati City serving good food for the nearby employees that may want to taste it during lunch or after office hours. a perfect place to spend time with your friends and at the same time delight on the warm and delicious food. it claims to be the first authentic Hong Kong food and snack bar in Makati.

the place is just small but very home-y and well ventilated.

and here's the good part:

they serve food that serves 2-3 people and sharing is a great gesture in this restaurant. it's affordable, delicious and memorable. you can find Hong Kong Roast Express in Bagtikan St., San Antonio Village, Makati City. you can call +632 984 7760 / 553 7846

EMPANADA NATION took me to Ilocos

2011-07-18T03:24:00.000-07:00

from 3 cousins who just love food, we are taken to a gastronomic and authentic Ilocano experience with the new branch of EMPANADA NATION in Quezon City. a new hangout to those who miss the food and loves to talk about good experience up north of Luzon. i haven't been to Ilocos yet but EMPANADA NATION has given me a taste of the purely-Ilocano delicacies.

Ilocano food is very adaptable. they offer both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes that are equally delicious and non-expensive. Sarabasab, Puqui-puqui, Bagnet Meal, Igado and Pakbet can provide you with the good energy you need for a long day. i actually love my order, Bagnet Meal that i can say, my ideal breakfast: garlic rice, salted egg, fresh tomato, and bagnet.

and you can actually see how the special and authentic Ilocano Empanada is made. and they are not just trained employees, they are really Ilocanos who know how empanada should be prepared and served.

searching for Empanada Nation is very easy. you can visit their 3rd branch at 26 Sgt. Esguerra St., Quezon City. and it's open from 10AM - 10PM (Sun-Thurs) and extending up to midnight during Fridays and Saturdays. people from Quezon City who love to eat can drop by Empanada Nation for a heavy meal. and beside it is JT's Manukan and Chocolat, where they can party and drink beer while chilling out with good music.

you can contact them at these hotlines (aka the cousin owners): 09235564567 / 09209215385 (Venice) / 09276841079 (Bernard) / 09484701629 (Jen).

Jollytown opens Season 4

2011-07-09T23:51:00.000-07:00

one day in Jollytown, a time traveler named Mr. Tom Morrow has visited the happy place on earth. and he suggested that to improve the current situation of Jollytown, he sent his robot troops. improvements were good at the beginning however, Tom got very excited, he had lost control over his troops and then later on destroyed much of Jollytown. almost all that is found in Jollytown don't function well even the clock tower.

Mr. Q needs help from the kids, Jollibee and the parents were also helping out to restore the whole of Jollytown like fixing the rainbow, putting up the fry posts, reopening Chris' flower shop, etc. everyone participated and had a lot of fun.

as everything's now in order, Jollytown will be opened again. with a new season comes a new home as it airs on ABS-CBN Channel 2 starting July 7. kids will again learn friendship, respect and moral values as our favorite characters, Jollibee, Popo, Twirlie, Yum and Hetty give us another worthwhile show.

Angel and Phil as new Century Tuna Superbods

2011-07-07T20:29:00.000-07:00

you've seen their sweet tweet-exchanges, we've followed their dates and spotted them together. and now, as Angel Locsin herself takes on a good reputation as a Superbod, Phil Younghusband also joins the healthy lifestyle as the new member of the Superbods family.

a formal launching last Thursday at Intercontinental Hotel, Phil and Angel were named to be the newest Superbod couple of Century Tuna. as living with a healthy lifestyle and possessing beautiful bodies, Phil and Angel are indeed qualified for the spot.

Phil Younghusband and Angel Locsin wishes all of us to promote good and healthy lifestyle by eating right combined with exercise and adequate rest for a longer and fit body. and with eating Century Tuna, you'll reduce the risk of heart attack because it's got the highest level of Omega 3 and good cholesterol.

join Angel and Phil and other the Superbods while enjoying the goodness in every can of Century Tuna.

they also launched new tshirt designs fit for your body and personality. i got the "Shy but Sexy" tshirt designed by Dan Matutina.

photos courtesy of Century Tuna Superbods Facebook.

Joey Pepperoni delicious starters

2011-06-01T20:49:00.000-07:00

there is a new reason to visit more often at Joey Pepperoni. remembering that we used to eat at the Makati branch, we were there to try out their pasta-all-you-can offering. i haven't quite maximized the value of it since i am a small eater. but with the new additions to the Italian-style, pizza-pasta menu, i will definitely endear my stay in one Joey Pepperoni branch.

before digging in to every slice of pizza or their mouth-watering pasta, start with a yummy comfort food called Baked Cheesy Fries. thick fries topped with their special meat sauce, chili flakes, white onion, cheddar and cheese sauce. it's actually very good and i could finish a whole serving. very good matched with iced cold cola.

are you on a diet? try out the Fresh Shrimp Salad. similar to the classic Caesar Salad with the seafood twist. crisp lettuce tossed with honey mustard dressing, topped with croutons and parmesan cheese and shrimp is fit for those health-conscious but would love to enjoy good food.

did i make you hungry? how about getting a taste of their Barbecue Chicken Wings. Joey Pepperoni knows how i like it. the right spiciness and sweetness of barbecue chicken wings perfect with rice. the best staple food that i can eat with my bare hands.

it's just another start. watch out for more Joey Pepperoni posts upcoming in this blog. you can find Joey Pepperoni branches all over Metro Manila. their first branch was located at the Ground Floor of RFM Building along Pioneer Street in Mandaluyong City. more stores located at strategic places near offices and malls, you will find Joey Pepperoni branches almost everywhere! try out their specialties like pizzas and pastas.

Pinoys top-bill new show, The Kitchen Musical

2011-05-30T02:11:00.000-07:00

Karylle and Christian Bautista top-bill the new yummy and informative musical that will hit our televisions through AXN starting October!

Karylle and Christian have been visible in the entertainment scene and it's quite a blessing for them for being chosen to join the cast of The Kitchen Musical and a great honor to represent the Philippines in the top-bill spot.

this Pan-Asian series is participated by the best actors and actresses in the region and will start filming in Singapore this June. they are chosen after producers reviewed the pilot bids from different countries. from the Philippines, Karylle and Christian are joined by two actors, Thou Reyes and Ikee Canoy.

The Kitchen Musical, a one-of-a-kind entertainment that not only feature mouth-watering dishes and desserts, but also informative on what the ingredients of the food and how the food is properly prepared to achieve the gourmet spectacular.

right now, Karylle and Christian Bautista are filming the episodes of The Kitchen Musical in Singapore. the show will be a concoction of sweet love story, salty drama and hot spicy moves with very delicious addition of songs and dance moves that everyone will enjoy.

introducing FIGARO's SPOON MEALS

2011-05-23T22:10:00.000-07:00

it's very rare that i get a chance to eat at Figaro. and i'm getting used to eating pastries and sweets paired with iced or brewed coffee. but Figaro offers new dishes that is available all day to satisfy your hunger.

the new Figaro Spoon Meals comes in two variants, Chicken ala King and Chicken Thyme with Creamy Cheese Sauce. both with svory buttered carrots and corn and steamy rice.

both priced at Php 215 and available all day at Metro Manila branches for now. i loved the taste of the Chicken ala King because of the fusion of mushrooms and bell peppers in warm, creamy sauce. cheesy it is for the Chicken Thyme and it has got other good benefits as believed by the Greeks to be a source of courage is also a good source of iron.

after a tiring and stressful day, it's a good time to grab a plate of Figaro's Spoon Meals to recharge.

coming up for the school year, you can also purchase Figaro's notebook for only Php 199. you can doodle and scribble in hardbound, creatively printed paper for those important and memorable notes.

KUNG FU PANDA toys in every Happy Meal

2011-05-22T17:39:00.000-07:00

start collecting your favorite characters of the upcoming Dreamworks movie, Kung Fu Panda 2 inside every McDonald's Happy Meal. i've started with the panda, Po, who is carried by one of the Furious 5, Mantis. and of course, i also got Master Shifu who balances on a platform.

adding to my collection is Baby Po who is the cutest ever. he holds two chopsticks to pick up a dumpling that slides down to the plate. hehe

get a Happy Meal now at any McDonald's store and grab all 8 toys!

ALJUR ABRENICA for CENTURY TUNA HOTDOG

2011-05-18T06:56:00.000-07:00

hunk actor Aljur Abrenica endorses the new innovation from the country's healthiest food manufacturing, Century Tuna. now unveiling the Century Tuna Hotdog, Aljur is not a baby anymore.

packed with Omega 3 and DHA, the new Century Tuna Hotdog is perfect for the fitness-conscious like Aljur to keep him fit and healthy. that's why he is so thankful for Century Tuna for choosing him as the new endorser.

with a good support, Century Tuna has been earned its name to be the healthiest food and enjoy the flavors of taste, guilt-free. kicking off fitness events like fun runs, modelling camps and competitions, the new Century Tuna Hotdog is a perfect snack for the Superbods.

trying out the new Century Tuna Hotdog, the taste comes close to the regular hotdog, but healthier. it fills you up fast so you can stop getting more -- that's controlling your food intake and still maintain your weight. also, it smells somehow like vienna sausage in cans.

taste the new Century Tuna Hotdogs available in leading supermarkets.

ROYAL WEDDING CAKE

2011-04-28T19:36:00.000-07:00

today will be the wedding day of Prince William and Kate Middleton. we wish them all the best including a happy family and ever-loving relationship.

as it is customary, wedding traditions will not be complete without the wedding cake. the cake is designed by Leicestershire-based cake designer Fiona Cairns as chosen by the couple.

photo by Press Association @ Flickr.

In addition, the couple have also asked McVitie's Cake Company to create a chocolate biscuit cake for the reception at Buckingham Palace. The chocolate biscuit cake will be made from a Royal Family recipe and was specially requested by Prince William.

- www.theroyalwedding2011.org

i remember the cake from my friend's wedding in Boracay. it's not the usual cake, but instead, it's a three-layer stack of chocolate mousse in chocolate cups. the bride's mother, Malou Mariano, shared that making the cake took more than a week to prepare. and coating the cups with chocolate, both white and brown chocolate almost done in trial and error. fortunately, the cake was finished on time before the wedding.

the couple
the cake was frozen in the fridge before it was laid out for display. and it was decorated with real paradise flowers which joined in the line up of the floral design during the wedding. the best part of it is tasting it. a perfect gift from the mother to her bride daughter.

MAGNOLIA FROZEN DELIGHTS to kick off this summer!

2011-04-01T18:23:00.000-07:00

temperature rises this summer but excitement will also get up with the new Magnolia Frozen Delights! with new brands and flavors of our favorite ice cream. grab one of each of these delicious treats:

Sweetie Bites - bite on with the favorite cookie bits in vanilla ice cream with Cookie Crazy and chew on cheese bits in Cheesy Bliss flavors. both for only Php 11.

Twin Popsies - want it cool and smooth? try chocolate and orange surprises for a cheap price of Php 10.

Pinipig Crunch - crunchy and yummy, Vanilla Crisp and Sweet Corn will make you crave for more. it's just Php 13.

Fun Bar - a special surprise for kids. the new Fun Bar comes in 3 flavors: Cotton Candy, Cool Bubblegum and Choco Loco. Bubblegum has even more surprises when you bite into it. try it for only Php 10.

but you don't have to go to a store to taste the goodness of Magnolia Frozen Delights. a roving Magnolia store will pass to your doorstep with these treats. look for the colorful and cool ice cream cart with the friendly vendor in this uniform:

so have a cool summer with the new Magnolia Frozen Delights.

GSM Flavors iParty

2011-03-26T00:24:00.000-07:00

got home a bit tipsy after making it in the first ever GSM Flavors iParty in a condo unit in Makati. after a countless number of times that i had a drinks with close friends, this would be the most fun ever!

of course, we have to follow every house rules made by the host. everyone participated. everyone got excited with things to say in the "Dugtungan" game. congrats to the team that won the challenge.

i wouldn't want to post the party pics here. i might post something that people wouldn't want to be posted. but there are no explicit things that happened. we all just had fun with GSM Flavors.

thank you to Jig and the rest of the gang who welcomed us into a housewarming party. had a lot of games, food and overflowing with GSM Flavors mixes like Lychee Chill, Lychee Kiss (my favorite) and Apple Sprite. best of all, they didn't give me a headache the morning after.

my tastebuds tried GoodFellas

2011-03-24T22:35:00.000-07:00

i've been here around 2 months ago but unfortunately i wasn't able to post anything since there are lost of food served in front of me. i cannot concentrate much on that much food and identify how one recipe differs from the other. so now, as i took myself to lunch alone, i can give you my views on Good Fellas Steaks and Burgers restaurant.

at the corner of K-1 and T.Gener streets in Kamuning, Quezon City, stands GoodFellas Steaks and Burgers restaurant. though it may be hidden from the commuters and motorists sight, it can easily be accessed passing Kamuning Road. it is near Brahma Kumaris for those who are into yoga.

inside is clean and surrounded by western decorations like Mafia groups, gangs and guns which signify that people coming in are strong and possess good conviction trying out their big meals. wifi is also very fast that's why i keep on updating my status which each thing happening.

when i returned, i tried Tommy 3-Fingers with rice and side vegetables (Php 325). three breaded and fried chicken strips are best with mayonnaise rather than gravy. you can ask the waiter for the catsup and gravy if you want to but they served it to me without asking. service points -- 4.5 stars.

before i finished, they already served my Toblerone Cheesecake (Php 150). brown Toblerone crumbles on top of cheesecake. it isn't as smooth as other cheesecakes i've tasted but it tastes good.

i applaud the service that they had there. maybe because i was the only customer and i don't have to ask anything. water is served on time to quench my thirst and the crew is very courteous.

you have to try their steaks and burgers since it's their main dishes. they also deliver. call 413-3187.

BUON GIORNO! opens in Rockwell

2011-03-24T12:08:00.000-07:00

from sacred union of the minds of husband and wife who has both passion for food, Buon Giorno! was born. erected the first branch in Tagaytay City, the latest branch sits on the cosmopolitan dwelling of Rockwell Business Center in Ortigas Avenue, Pasig City.

you will also fall in love with the menu. sit and relax while munching on antipasti and chatting with friends. you'll be even more surprised of what the main course is and delight on the dolce treats in store before you leave. savor true-Italian flavors with their pizzas, pastas and salads fit for your craving appetite.

interiors are well painted with a country environment as you almost hear the birds sing in the middle of a busy area. feel the breeze of cool air despite of the city atmosphere.

take your family and friends over dinner for a soft Wagyu Steak almost melting in your mouth. best with the house wine chosen by the owner himself.

Buon Giorno! Caffe and Bistro
GF, Tower 1 West, Rockwell Business Center, Ortigas Center, Pasig City
7103515 / 5719092

Tagaytay branch
Unit 4 Cliffhouse Tagaytay, Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo Highway, Tagaytay City 4120
(046) 483-2102 or 0905-264-6687

REPUBLIC OF CAVITE: where food and culture clash

2011-03-19T22:39:00.000-07:00

Cavite is the witness to great events in Philippine history. it is where great blood shed from the brave Caviteños who fought against colonizing Spaniards and Americans. in this province, a number of ancestral homes also served as sanctuaries to the heroes from Cavite. and here, the whole world witnessed a lot of firsts like the declaration of Philippine independence, raising of the official flag and the playing of the National Anthem.

Cavite is also a window to our heritage. not only with the natural wonders of Taal Volcano, and the ancestral homes brought up good family ties with delicious delicacies which is taught from generations to generations.

Republic of Cavite Restaurant in Trece Martires takes us on a peek of the Caviteño culture with a number of local dishes Cavite could be proud of:

while feasting on the sumptuous meals of Republic of Cavite, your eyes will tour on a cultural layout of photography, documentation and even the feel of the interior draws you back in revolutionary time. the exteriors of the restaurant resembles Emilio Aguinaldo's home in Kawit which is the site of the declaration of Philippine Independence. and with more stories in line, the culture and history of Cavite unfolds to your plate.

visit Republic of Cavite Restaurant.

Address: City Hall Road, Brgy. San Agustin, Trece Martires City, Cavite.
Contact: (046)686-7271, (046)686-4837, (046)437-6055
Email: info@republicofcavite.com, republicofcavite@rocketmail.com

Website: www.republicofcavite.com

take the SUSTAGEN BODY AGE CHALLENGE!

2011-02-22T20:30:00.000-08:00

did you know that 7 out of 10 (70%) adults are experiencing body aging? it means that you are not as old as you think. moreover, you might be older than what you assume to be. in other words, your calendar age is not the same as your biological age. it is based on Youthopia Media Philippines, Inc. conducted the Body Age Test which is a special scientific evaluation to assess your Biological Age. this calculates your body's reaction to paced breathing and compares this with the predicted values taken from a large normative database.

these days, people are suffering from stress and other things in line with aging. wrong practices in taking care of the body, adding the vices which has an effect in your body. also, taking wrong supplements just to achieve the goal that they desire. people think that they're healthy but experts say that might be right until further tests are done.

i have tried the Body Age Test and i'm proud to share with you the results (hehe):

i have also assessed my lifestyle and the expert commended that i was doing a good job. but she advised me to improve my body through exercise (which i am missing now), drinking milk, and eat a good proportion of food.

and to keep a sound body and fighting the signs of body aging, Mead Johnson Nutrition (Philippines) Inc. launches a campaign. together with premier actor, Mr. Gabby Concepcion, they took the initiative to fight body aging. he said that maintaining a good and active lifestyle, eating healthy, visiting the doctor regularly, exercise and drinking Sustagen Premium with Multi-Defense System will help the body. he also encourages young people to follow his ways in taking care of the body. in his 40s, Mr. Concepcion still look the same when he was in his 20s.

to know more about fighting body aging, Mead Johnson invites all to visit www.bodyagechallenge.com for details.

C' Italia: è il posto da essere.

2011-02-13T14:10:00.000-08:00

Mr. Sy told us of a place where celebrities spend their time when they are in Angeles, Pampanga. and we're lucky enough that we found that place just sitting near our hotel. and with a little drive, we found C' Italia Restaurant. you almost can't notice it with its gloomy exterior. just find the big "C" on the roof.

we almost can't get it because the place has been fully-reserved by night. and we have to check if there's available table for lunch. fortunately, there are a lot of spaces when we get in.

then going in feels like a dungeon but you will be surprised with the hanging plates. it's true that celebrities dive in this place for a good meal. known people in local politics and entertainment drop by to have a taste of their Italian food.

we ordered a roll-up pizza and pasta and we had our full. we also included some soup for warmth which complimented everything we had.

we cannot forget how we are delighted with the design of the place. there's an al fresco setting at the back of the restaurant. more Italian but very circus-y. however, the service takes long but the food is the best!

C' Italian Restaurant is also found on Friendship Highway near Clark Freeport Zone in Angeles City, Pampanga.

NIJI Japanese Restaurant in Angeles

2011-02-12T21:30:00.000-08:00

we were trying to look for a dinner place after spending time at the 16th Philippine Hotair Balloon Fiesta. we had our booth and I admit we really are hungry despite that we just had a potato store beside us. but the job is very tiring and we are drained out from the people lining up just to get a planner or any special prize that they can get.

we cleaned up and got ready for a gastronomic adventure in Angeles City. most of the stations are bars, hotels and there is minimal restaurants that can cater family dinner.

so we stopped here at NIJI Restaurant. a Japanese-themed area where people come in. there are 2 separate areas, the normal table with chairs and the other one is with a built in cooking pot that looks like you're sitting on the floor. as customary, you have to put off your shoes in a Japanese home.

then we ordered teppanyaki. amazing that the service was fast and we don't have to wait for our orders to come. the food is well prepared, well-presented and since you have to cook it yourself, it was fun doing it.

with only the three of us, we only spent around Php 1300 and we're really satisfied of what we ate. we will definitely come back when we return next year!

NIJI Japanese Restaurant is located at the Friendship Highway near Clark Freeport Zone, in Angeles City, Pampanga.

have you tried MINUTE MAID PULPY ORANGE?

2011-01-10T02:16:00.000-08:00

I just drank a bottle of Minute Maid Pulpy. They say it’s got ‘no preservatives added’. Aw, c’mon…It’s bottled juice. Is that even possible? So I thought maybe... real orange pulps are mixed in the processing plant that's why real bits are in the bottle.

I didn’t believe it the first time I heard it’s got no preservatives added. So I read the ingredients (even the fine print) and everything checked out! It really has NO PRESERVATIVES ADDED! That means it doesn’t have ingredients that may turn out to be allergens, or worse...carcinogens! Whew! Now that’s healthy goodness that tastes so good, I... grabbed a few more bottles to share with my family.

So okay, it’s got no preservatives added. That’s really good, right? Not just because it doesn’t have those icky, harmful ingredients, but it also means... grabbed a few more bottles to share with my family.

So far anyone who still has a hard time believing that Minute Maid has got no preservatives added - meaning it's THAT natural, it's almost like it's plucked straight from the tree, it's just as Mother Nature wanted your orange juice to be, it's got nothing but the good stuff yes, none of those potentially toxic stuff that can harm your brain, kidneys, heart; cause tumors aargh- the list of preservatives' bad effects just go on!!! Anyway, just to prove a point on just how good Minute Maid Pulpy is 'cause it's got NO PRESERVATIVES ADDED, I'm gonna strain the juice from the bottle to filter the pulps.

Feels good to know about the real pulpy deal, right? C’mon show me a smile on the comment box, and you might win yourself a Really Pulpy Deal! (That’s a chance to win a Minute Maid gift pack simply by commenting. Sweet! C'mon you just might be picked as the lucky 'commentor'!)

Love,

omar

So why am I writing this to you? Minute Maid Pulpy Orange has just released a contest on Facebook. You can also write to your friends through the Blog Generator and you might win exciting prizes on January 10. Help spread the news! You may help me win that exciting prize by commenting here. :)

the LONGEST CHEESY CHRISTMAS is here!

2010-12-28T05:38:00.000-08:00

After breaking the record for the most number of cheesy dishes last year, Kraft Eden Cheese also stepped into the milestone of making the Philippines, the longest celebration of Christmas in the entire world! This is in line with the Sarap ng Pasko Campaign in which places around the archipelago are encouraged to support their own dish entries to win and help their community with the prize at stake. Remember that I campaigned for Bacarra's Cheesy Bagnet Pizza.

The celebration started last September at exactly 100 days before Christmas. And on December 16, at the start of the Simbang Gabi, 9 towns are awarded with fundings from Kraft Eden Cheese. Last December 24 which marks the ninth day of the Simbang Gabi, Mandaluyong City is granted the last winner for this year. A delicious Trio Cheese Delight lighted up the people's morning as they served it in the Umagang Kay Ganda (UKG) set -- a first time in the UKG tradition in bringing out the anchors and reach to the people of Mandaluyong.

Kraft's Category Manager, Alex Tacderas and Senior Brand Manager, Anna Roxas-Sapitan are most thankful for the outcome of the event. They were really amazed how the communities gathered and had very Christmas-y spirit in this campaign. And for the next year, they are again cooking a bigger attempt of Christmas celebration with participation by the whole nation. They are also thankful to the press for imparting the communications to all people and making this greatly possible.

Also, one fortunate family is awarded with one house by the Habitat for Humanity. A great Christmas gift from the partner of UKG and Kraft in extending their corporate social-responsibility.

I hope that the Filipinos do this all year round not just for the sake of joining a contest. But as one nation, we are able to provide for our community. Kraft served as a medium of igniting the Christmas spirit in all of us. I mean, that we are able to get up in any circumstance that may come upon us. We should be thankful that institutions like Kraft are reminding us that we can do it.

And with all of that, Merry Christmas to all.

JOSEPH and JAEMARK'S opens in QC

2010-12-02T00:43:00.000-08:00

in 17 years of existence, this restaurant gave the public's palate an unusual twist in seafood. Joseph and Jaemark's Tuna dishes came popular to guests of Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City which includes regular citizens, politicians, celebrities, etc. starting from humble beginnings, Joseph and Jaemark's etched a milestone in the industry.

and now, it's latest branch along Sgt. Esguerra in Diliman, Quezon City beckons on the market from the northern part of Manila. in an old, homey Filipiniana setting, guests will easily have a comfortable feeling dining inside.

it's always the best of trying out the food in a restaurant. firstoff is a delicious and light sampler called catfish salad. scraped and deep-fried costs for only Php 200. tangy mango slices below the crispy catfish to boost your appetite.

we tried a lot on the list and going home immediately would be the last option. the dishes are very delicious because of the special concoction of the sauce put into the tuna cuts.

Stuffed Pechay - Php 200

Panga - Php 400

Crispy Buntot - Php 415

Coco Prawns - Php 450

Joseph and Jaemark's Seafood Restaurant is located at #5 Sgt. Esguerra Avenue, South Triangle Quezon City. for delivery, you may dial 410-TUNA(8862) and 416-3734.

also join Joseph & Jaemark's Family Grill on Facebook.

world's first and biggest BIBINGCREPE in Half Moon Asian Cafe

2010-11-23T06:42:00.000-08:00

to celebrate its anniversary, Half Moon Asian Cafe delivers a new world record -- by giving us the first and biggest BIBINGCREPE! a twist in the famous Philippine delicacy, the bibingka, that's crunchy outside, but soft and moist inside. its variety, the BIBINGCRISP is a thinner and crunchier version of the bibingcrepe.

this baby is around 2 meters in diameter, about 6.28m in circumference. cooked in a customized pan with controlled and maintained heat to achieve the perfect bibingcrepe texture. it has 4 different flavors: plain, chocolate, corn and cheese. the whole bibingcrepe can be consumed by around 100 of people in one sitting.

to add more fun during the launch, participants are suggested to decorate their bibingcrepe. below are the designs during the competition:

and of course, what's more pleasurable than cutting of pieces of the giant bibingcrepe and take them home? guests gather around and sliced some of it before the day ended.

Half Moon Asian Cafe is located at 238 Tomas Morato Ext. corner Sct. Bayoran.

get your CDO HOLIDAY HAM now!

2010-11-20T05:38:00.000-08:00

anywhere in the world, the Christmas feast isn't complete until there's the lean ham. it may be roasted, broiled or even raw out of the package, it tastes just as good. for me, i like to make a healthy sandwich with lettuce leaves, mayo and tomatoes. but there's a lot of things we can do with the Christmas ham.

CDO is taking us the holidays again as it bring the CDO Holiday Ham. you are sure you're getting the best quality ham because it is packed with meat, and not much fat. also check that it's real. you can see the net markings on the skin of the ham. and when you heat the ham, the fats drip on the sides of the meat so the flavor is maintained in the ham itself. finally, CDO Holiday Ham has no extenders, so you are guaranteed that you are getting all meat. that's what celebrity chef Rob Pengson told us.

Chef Rob also shared to us one recipe you can do with CDO Holiday Ham. this is his Healthy Green Salad with CDO Holiday Ham.

you just need:

thin slices of CDO Holiday Ham
salad greens (lettuce or soft cabbages)
red cabbage for color
chopped dried cranberries
apple slices
vinegrette (balsamic vinegar and olive oil)

just mix all ingredients and enjoy. this is a healthy combination of meat and vegetables and more special with CDO Holiday Ham. it is already available in supermarkets so you can enjoy any recipe you like even if it's not Christmas yet.

spending time at Bubble Tea

2010-10-30T08:07:00.000-07:00

it's nice to have friends come over for food in the Tomas Morato branch of Bubble Tea. a delectable treat for us foodies. a very satisfying array of courses and drinks served by the friendly crew of Bubble Tea. they serve Japanese dishes to our palates that love food diversity. from appetizing rolls, sushis, sashimis up to drinks, warm or cold, will make you asking for more. the soft and gluttonous dishes are best for gatherings like this.

though i'm a bit sick, having a warm squash soup eased my itching throat and cleared my respiration passage. it is very creamy and very yummy. black sesame added flavor to the soup.

a lot of dishes are served for us to try. i loved the rolls especially Nippon Ebi. it is a panko breaded prawn rolled in sushi rice topped with mango on melted mozzarella cheese. i now have a new favorite other than the California Maki.

pastas are also great at Bubble Tea. choose between these:

to finish it all, a great drink of Bubble Tea's Milk Teas and conversations. pearls below the soothing milk tea after a heavy meal is so good before a sleep. i admit i almost fell asleep after drinking because it is so good. i chose Strawberry Milk Tea; it is not so sweet and you'll love munching on those pearls.

Bubble Tea's Tomas Morato branch is 3rd from the growing network of this food chain. the first 2 branches are located in SM North EDSA and SM Megamall. another child is expected in Wilson Street, San Juan City so people near it can also enjoy the goodness of the drinks and dishes.

they are now conducting a special promo called PICHUR PICHUR. you may check the details at www.facebook.com/tokyobubbletea and you might win a Nikon S230 camera!

FOCACCIA is a slice of Italy

2010-10-15T06:39:00.000-07:00

with a lot of restaurants in the city that offers Italian food, one dining place in The Fort Strip lays in authentic Italian recipes that make your mouth water.

Focaccia Pizza and Pasta Restaurant serves fulfilling and yummy dishes that can be enjoyed by groups. Focaccia is the toasted wheat bread slices or croutons that are dipped in a mix of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. you can have as much as you want as you wait for your orders to come.

to start the meal, three appetizers were served. Shrimp Scampi, Spinach Artichoke Formaggio and the Soup Trio (Tomato, Mushroom and Pumpkin)

Soup Trio (Pumpkin, Mushroom, Tomato)

since tomato is one of my favorite ingredients, its taste really distinguished in every dish. the sweetness and fruitiness of the tomato bursts inside your mouth.

the pasta dishes are cooked al dente. and the best part is, it is great for sharing. you and your friends can enjoy the delicious pastas of Focaccia.

and one of the originals in Focaccia are the thin pizza strips to roll with alfalfa sprouts and arugula leaves. flavors available in Focaccia are Slice of Italy Pizza, Scallopine ala Marsala, Sette Formaggio and Seafoods Pizza. eating these pizzas is fun.

enjoy Focaccia and more of its dishes at The Fort Strip at The Fort, Taguig. bring along your friends or family.

take 3 of your friends to Hennessy Artistry!

2010-10-14T07:24:00.000-07:00

getting in the edge is in these days. and usual things are put into experiments. and even Moet Hennessy pushed its limits aside from being an old man's cognac to be enjoyed with the younger market. and not only that, Moet Hennessy Cognac is now ready to be mixed with other concoctions making it versatile and diverse.

on November 19 2010, check out Hennessy Artistry Manila and mix with the crowd. music and crowd will fill the NBC Tent at Bonifacio Global City in Taguig. Hennessy Artistry Manila will feature big rock bands like PUPIL, KJWAN and TRUE FAITH.

Hennessy Artisty Manila is a global campaign that promotes quality drinking and in tune with the lifestyle of Filipinos today, diverse and fun. the event also signifies that Hennessy VSOP can now be mixed with other concoctions that will suit the taste of those who drinks it.

this is a very exclusive event. to get in, just avail a 70cl of Moet Hennessy VSOP to get 4 tickets to the party on November 19 at NBC Tent. for more details, LIKE them on Facebook or visit http://hennessyartistrymanila.com

new pizza flavors from Greenwich

2010-10-14T00:08:00.000-07:00

Greenwich has developed 2 new flavors of their famous pizza. introducing the Top That Pizzas: Chili Buffalo Wings and Onion Rings and Meatballs and Fries.

Meatballs and Fries Pizza

This pizza is topped with real meatballs and a dash of original Greenwich Pizza fries. a combination of sweet and sour in one pizza top. crunchy fries over gummy cheese to match with munchy meatballs.

Chili Buffalo Wings and Onion Rings

like the first pizza, the chili buffalo wings and onion rings experiment on taste and texture of the pizza. the sour cream compliments the pizza tomato sauce.

these are available in all Greenwich outlets at an affordable price. you may call 5-5555 for delivery.

i am allergic to SHRIMP - - help!

2010-10-10T04:08:00.000-07:00

lately i just discovered that i am allergic to shrimp. after eating in a buffet where they serve shrimps, not too long i just this itches that start from the head and then it will cover my entire body. just a very icky situation that i cannot stand when i get into meetings, events and other socials.

i tried taking in antibiotics but it only stops the itching for around 30mins. then i feel the itches again. then my officemate gave me Cetrizine HCL and it has been the most effective yet. i haven't consulted a doctor.

is there a way that i can grow over this? i miss eating shrimp and i am now complaining why in the world one of the most delicious foods is now the one i have to avoid. i am worried of the upcoming buffets and parties! help me please!

Chili Cheese Rolls

2010-10-10T03:04:00.002-07:00

Chili Cheese Rolls is one very easy recipe to team up with beer. it is also called Dynamite because it looks like a dynamite. here's how to make this crunchy and palatable recipe.

Ingredients:
green chilis (seeded, stems intact)

cheese, small julienne strips

lumpia wrapper

oil for frying

Procedure:
1. stuff in the cheese strips inside the slits made on the chili.
2. wrap the chili with the lumpia wrapper exposing the stem.

3. fry the rolls until golden brown or crunchy.
4. serve with sweet chili sauce.

vote for Bacarra in Kraft's 100 towns of Christmas

2010-10-09T06:14:00.000-07:00

it is an honor to present to you a nominee of Kraft Eden Cheese's 100 Towns of Christmas. the nominee is Bacarra, Ilocos Norte. one of the main delicacies of Ilocos Norte is the bagnet which is another kind of chicharon - crunchy and appetizing.

Bacarra joins the list of Kraft Eden Cheese's 100 Towns of Christmas by submitting a creative twist to the bagnet -- the Chessy Bagnet Pizza. a homestyle version of the meat lover's pizza.

Bacarra is known for the Bacarra Bell tower and the Bac-bacarra Festival. the traditional folksong Pamulinawen also hailed from this town written by Isidro Castro and composed by Julian Dacuycuy Sales which are Bacarreños. rich culture and heritage is found at Bacarra homes and buildings.

how to greet people in Bacarra? here are the samples translated in English:
Naimbag nga bigat - Good morning.
Naimbag nga rabii - Good evening.
Naragsak a Paskua - Merry Christmas.

do you love Bacarra? just log-in to www.sarapngpasko.com and make it get to the Top 9. Bacarra might win upto Php 2 Million worth of support funds from Kraft Eden Cheese.

ESTERO fast food

2010-10-02T09:06:00.000-07:00

this was the first time i took a closer look at Ongpin St. in Binondo, Manila. as it is part of the Chinatown in Manila, i never knew that there are more food choices within the area apart from the luxurious Chinese cuisine. shopping is one reason to walk along Binondo and the tour wouldn't be complete without food. after hearing mass from Binondo Church, my friend suggested that we take Estero Fast Food to fill our grumbling stomachs.

getting to Estero
Estero is a local call for creek. the fast food is located along the stretch of Ongpin. from Binondo Church, walk left of Ongpin until you pass two bridges. Estero is just beside the second bridge by the creek as the name suggests.

Estero is just a simple eating area. you will see simple tables and chairs just like in a carinderia setting. you just have to sit and wait to be attended and make your order.

the food choices are surprisingly cheap. for ala carte, the prices range from Php 60 - Php 200 from small to large orders. we ordered small sizes of these dishes:

Crispy Frog Legs - yes, we ordered crispy fried frog legs. for a first-time frog eater like my friend, she didn't find anything disgusting about it. in fact, she appreciated it. deep fried frog legs dipped into sweet and sour sauce are good as appetizers. she even ordered more to go. Php 100

Nido Soup with Quail eggs - to warm your stomach, take a sip of nido soup. Php 70

Fried Rice - rice is a Filipino staple, of course. Php 60

Beef with Broccoli - i always find this in any Chinese restaurant. thin strips of beef meat sauteed with broccoli are still delicious anytime. Php 80

everything costs less than Php 500 upon billing. we would be happy to return and enjoy more of their menu. the place is also clean and you can see how they prepare your food so you're guaranteed safe to what you're gonna eat. they also have a second floor where it is air-conditioned for a comfortable eating.

unusual strawberry dishes

2010-09-24T23:34:00.000-07:00

before i went to Baguio, the only recipes I know with strawberry are cakes, ice creams, and everything for dessert. and during my stay in Baguio, i learned that 2 usual dishes at home can be done with strawberries.

first is the Strawberry Taho. at home, the usual taho recipe is just soft warm bean curd with pearls and sugar syrup. but in Baguio, they have strawberry flavoring. that's why it also has a pinkish color.

another one is the sinigang with strawberry. it follows the traditional recipe of sinigang in any meat choice you like, whether beef or pork. and then pieces of whole strawberries. a warm treat of strawberry.

it's always nice to have new variations to food. i would like to try them sometime at home.

how to make BIBINGCREPE

2010-09-23T18:35:00.000-07:00

i've learned this when i was in Baguio. the staff of Half Moon Cafe is generous enough to share to us how to make the dessert. all we need are the following:

Ingredients:
1 pack of your favorite hotcake mix, prepared using the package instructions
baking soda
margarine

filling may include all or any of the following, these can be substituted by other :
cheese (shredded)
marshmallows
chocolate bits

Procedure:
1. get 1 1/2 cups of hotcake mix. mix a pinch of baking soda.
2. on a hot non-stick pan, (or glazed with butter or fat) pour the hotcake mix and spread it up to the rim. then allow to bubble and then cover after 1 minute. spread a little margarine to taste.

3. wait for around 30 seconds then slowly take out the hotcake and transfer it on a plate. divide the cooked hotcake into two. fill the first half with cheese, chocolate bits, marshmallows or anything desired then cover with the second half like a sandwich.

4. cut the sandwich into bite-sized pieces. enjoy.

FREE Chicken Bourbon from DELIFRANCE

2010-09-16T00:53:00.000-07:00

are you fond of tongue twisters and you just enjoy to eat? let me tell you this:

i received an email that made me curious to say this tongue twister thrice as fast as i can: “How much bourbon could a chicken drink if a chicken could drink bourbon?”

it's just an easy tongue twister and i would love to get my reward. a sampler of the Chicken Bourbon from Delifrance! i just clicked to claim my coupon and then printed it to present to the nearest Delifrance outlet.

now i'm inviting everyone to TAKE THE CHALLENGE and get your own samplers yourselves! thank you DELIFRANCE!

Coupon Eligibility
Only persons who are at least 21 years of age can enter.
Campaign Starts
August 27, 2010 @ 07:00 am (SGT)
Campaign Ends
October 31, 2010 @ 09:00 pm (SGT)
Coupon Expires
October 31, 2010 @ 09:00 pm (SGT)

FREE GELATO every Wednesday!

2010-09-06T02:28:00.000-07:00

thank you Ed for sharing this:

drop by at Greenbelt 3 for 100 scoops of Gelato!

clever household tips

2010-09-05T23:55:00.000-07:00

here are little tips in the household that you might want to apply. trying won't hurt but these are clever ideas.

Take your bananas apart when you get home from the store. If you leave them connected at the stem, they ripen faster. (I didn't know that!)

Store your opened chunks of cheese in aluminum foil. It will stay fresh much longer and not mold!

Peppers with 3 bumps on the bottom are sweeter and better for eating. Peppers with 4 bumps on the bottom are firmer and better for cooking.

Add a teaspoon of water when frying ground beef. It will help pull the grease away from the meat while cooking.

To really make scrambled eggs or omelets rich add a couple of spoonfuls of sour cream, cream cheese, or heavy cream in and then beat them up.

For a cool brownie treat, make brownies as directed. Melt Andes mints in double broiler and pour over warm brownies. Let set for a wonderful minty frosting.
Add garlic immediately to a recipe if you want a light taste of garlic and at the end of the recipe if your want a stronger taste of garlic.

Leftover snickers bars from Halloween make a delicious dessert. Simply chop them up with the food chopper. Peel, core and slice a few apples. Place them in a baking dish and sprinkle the chopped candy bars over the apples. Bake at 350 for 15 minutes!!! Serve alone or with vanilla ice cream. Yummm!

Reheat Pizza
Heat up leftover pizza in a nonstick skillet on top of the stove, set heat to med-low and heat till warm. This keeps the crust crispy. No soggy micro pizza. I saw this on the cooking channel and it really works.

Easy Deviled Eggs
Put cooked egg yolks in a zip lock bag. Seal, mash till they are all broken up. Add remainder of ingredients, reseal, keep mashing it up mixing thoroughly, cut the tip of the baggy, squeeze mixture into egg. Just throw bag away when done easy clean up.

Expanding Frosting
When you buy a container of cake frosting from the store, whip it with your mixer for a few minutes. You can double it in size. You get to frost more cake/cupcakes with the same amount. You also eat less sugar and calories per serving.

Reheating refrigerated bread
To warm biscuits, pancakes, or muffins that were refrigerated, place them in a microwave with a cup of water. The increased moisture will keep the food moist and help it reheat faster.

Newspaper weeds away
Start putting in your plants, work the nutrients in your soil. Wet newspapers, put layers around the plants overlapping as you go cover with mulch and forget about weeds. Weeds will get through some gardening plastic they will not get through wet newspapers.

Broken Glass
Use a wet cotton ball or Q-t ip t o pick up the small shards of glass you can't see easily.

No More Mosquitoes
Place a dryer sheet in your pocket. It will keep the mosquitoes away.

Squirrel Away!
To keep squirrels from eating your plants, sprinkle your plants with cayenne pepper. The cayenne pepper doesn't hurt the plant and the squirrels won't come near it. (Wonder if this works with rabbits? Sure gonna give it a try)

Flexible vacuum
To get something out of a heat register or under the fridge add an empty paper towel roll or empty gift wrap roll to your vacuum. It can be bent or flattened to get in narrow openings.

Reducing Static Cling
Pin a small safety pin to the seam of your slip and you will not have a clingy skirt or dress. Same thing works with slacks that cling when wearing panty hose. Place pin in seam of slacks and ... At DA! ... Static is gone.

Measuring Cups
Before you pour sticky substances into a measuring cup, fill with hot water. Dump out the hot water, but don't dry cup. Next, add your ingredient, such as peanut butter, and watch how easily it comes right out.

Foggy Windshield?
Hate foggy windshields? Buy a chalkboard eraser and keep it in the glove box of your car When the windows fog, rub with the eraser! Works better than a cloth!

Re-opening envelopes
If you seal an envelope and then realize you forgot to include something inside, just place your sealed envelope in the freezer for an hour or two. Viola! It unseals easily.

Conditioner
Use your hair conditioner to shave your legs. It's cheaper than shaving cream and leaves your legs really smooth. It's also a great way to use up the conditioner you bought but didn't like when you tried it in your hair.

Goodbye Fruit Flies
To get rid of pesky fruit flies, take a small glass, fill it 1/2' with Apple Cider Vinegar and 2 drops of dish washing liquid; mix well. You will find those flies drawn to the cup an d gone forever!

Get Rid of Ants
Put small piles of cornmeal where you see ants. They eat it, take it 'home,' can't digest it so it kills them. It may take a week or so, especially if it rains, but it works and you don't have the worry about pets or small children being harmed! (This will definitely try!!!)

INFO ABOUT CLOTHES DRYERS
The heating unit went out on my dryer! The gentleman that fixes things around the house for us told us that he wanted to show us something and he went over to the dryer and pulled out the lint filter. It was clean. (I always clean the lint from the filter after every load clothes.) He told us that he wanted to show us something; he took the filter over to the sink and ran hot water over it. The lint filter is made of a mesh material .. I'm sure you know what your dryer's lint filter looks like. Well .... the hot water just sat on top of the mesh! It didn't go through it at all! He told us that dryer sheets cause a film over that mesh that's what burns out the heating unit. You can't SEE the film, but it's there. It's what is in the dryer r sheets to make your clothes soft and static free ... that nice fragrance too. You know how they can feel waxy when you take them out of the box ... well this stuff builds up on your clothes and on your lint screen. This is also what causes dryer units to potentially burn your house down with it! He said the best way to keep your dryer working for a very longtime (and to keep your electric bill lower) is to take that filter out and wash it with hot soapy water and an old toothbrush (or other brush) at least every six months. He said that makes the life of the dryer at least twice as long! How about that!?! Learn something new everyday! I certainly didn't know dryer sheets would do that. So, I thought I'd share!

Note: I went to my dryer and tested my screen by running water on it. The water ran through a little bit but mostly collected all the water in the mesh screen. I washed it with warm soapy water and a nylon brush and I had it done in 30 seconds. Then when I rinsed it .. the water ran right thru the screen! There wasn't any puddling at all! That repairman knew what he was talking about!

Kraft Eden Cheese starts 100 days of yummy Christmas

2010-09-04T19:51:00.000-07:00

Christmas is around the corner and Kraft Eden starts the celebration in the Philippines by bringing in 100 new dishes from 100 provinces. these ingenious recipes are from indigenous ingredients and traditional recipes with a twist from Kraft Eden Cheese. last year, only 9 provinces were chosen to host Keso de Gallo in line with 9 mornings of Misa de Gallo - the traditional morning masses as novena for Christmas.

and now, Kraft EDEN extends Christmas by bringing us Eden Sarap ng Pasko: 100 Days of Christmas and now not just to 9 places in the Philippines, but 100! as they say, the more, the merrier!

the event kicked-off with carols from Las Piñas Boys Choir who set the whole atmosphere in Christmas season. yes, it is official, it's Christmastime in the Philippines.

the countdown to Christmas started in SM Mall of Asia launching Eden's 100 Sarap ng Pasko. this is a roadshow to the 100 provinces where each of the province hosts a unique dish inspired by Filipino Christmas and traditions. below are some of these dishes:

Muntinlupa City - Kraft Malunggay Fetuccini

Balingasag, Misamis Or. - Fish Malunggay Balls with Kraft Eden Cheese

Lapu-lapu City - Special Cheesy Kaldereta

part of the launch featured the single Sarap ng Pasko dahil sa Eden sang by Pilipinas Got Talent Grand Winner Jovit Baldivino and other talents from the show.

Nomnom Club turns 1!

2010-09-04T17:35:00.000-07:00

certified foodies gathered together for the first anniversary celebration of the Nomnom Club at the Greenwich function room at SM North EDSA. hosted by Nomnom Club founder and admin Jonel Uy, also the person behind LetsgoSago. the small party was full of fun and prizes from different sponsors and of course, we all look forward to another year of success for the Nomnom Club. 09-09-09 marks the birthday of the Nomnom Club and the celebration was made in advance. :)

food bloggers and followers of the Nomnom Club wore food-inspired shirts as outfits. Greenwich, as host of the venue, prepared a sumptuous merienda for everyone with their BIGATIN pizzas and pastas. SolidHosting.ph also gave hosting solutions to bloggers for their sites.

congratulations to Nomnom Club and we look forward to another successful year!

hail the SOUPERSTAR!

2010-08-29T01:12:00.000-07:00

when i eat outdoors, i always ask for a miso soup or a cream soup to make my stomach warm and to enjoy everything at the table. but restaurants are asking for extra chargers for the soups i order unlike from the carinderias where it is served free! i also tried improvising soups from the stuff in the kitchen but nothing has been successful. and it takes so long to prepare.

until the SOUPERSTAR is introduced. she is a domesticated-Carrie as we should put it. Lea is a mom and a wife who is sharing her experiences and, more importantly, her recipes in her blog, http://souperstar.ph. with a woman like her, who could need more tricks in the kitchen. her secret is having packs of Knorr soups at the kitchen cabinet which is easy to prepare. one example is she added a twist to the regular fried chicken staple and called it Chi-Ka-Knorr, a combo of the CHI-cken, KA-nin (rice) and KNORR.

"Remember my best friend Kaye, the girl from Unilever whom I ran into at the grocery last week? I forgot to mention she also helped me out with this little online hobby of mine. She told the people at Knorr about my mention of their product on my blog (the Knorr Cream of Corn soup she enthusiastically endorsed), they saw it and offered to co-sponsor it! Hence the apt website name – SOUPerstar.ph. Yay, thank you Knorr!” says Lea for being chosen as the Knorr Souperstar.

the Souperstar blog also features photos of Lea's experiences with her husband, Paolo and child Gab, who are also enjoying every food feast with Knorr soups. she adds that she is too blessed to be called the Souperstar and now it's her time to give back to her readers.

THE LOOP at ICF@FEU Makati

2010-08-27T05:44:00.000-07:00

it was a pleasure to meet Chef Joey Herrera of The Loop which is located at the newest campus of FEU in Makati. the campus is very interesting and my favorite is that they have a demo kitchen looking like one you see on TV. they cozy chairs for the spectators while the enjoy watching the cooking demo in front of them. i got so excited at it and ideas popped from my head that maybe someday, i'd do an event there.

the Loop restaurant also offers entertainment to those who will visit it. you can see the entirety of the kitchen from where you sit. and thus you are guaranteed that what you eat is safe and well-prepared.

the interiors are inviting and doesn't intimidate anyone. as the name of the place suggests, you'll find a lot of loops.

Chef Joey not only did he toured me around the two floors of the culinary school, he even let me try these dishes. they look and taste really good and you'll never expect that these come from a fine dining restaurant.

first we tried an unimaginable dish to appear in the menu clashing with italian, asian, and american cuisine. Miem Kam is a very vegetarian appetizer wherein coconut pieces and a cut of lemon is wrapped by a leaf. in the Philippines, it looks like nganga and the roll will be dipped in a sweet-sour, kind of a marmalade. a pinch of sourness from the lemon compliments the sweetness of the dip.

next on the appetizers list are the Egyptian Dukkah and Kesong Puti Triangle. Egyptian Dukkah tastes very Middle Eastern. you'll dip pita bread on sesame oil then dab it to ground dukkah. very curry but delicious. Kesong Puti Triangle is a variation of our kesong puti, only it's wrapped and fried. it is best to eat warm because the cheese melts.

Egyptian Dukkah and Kesong Puti Triangle.

then we had Green Pea soup. Chef Joey added a little twist by putting dry and crunchy green peas to the soup. so you'll have pieces of peas that's something to bite into.

the Crispy Chicken Pasta very much tasted like Szechuan Pasta Bowl from KFC. no offense to Chef Joey but they both taste really good. i even loved it more since he didn't make it spicy.

when it's time for dessert, he offered us rice pudding first. it's like suman in a wrap then drizzled with milk and caramel. you might think of other variations to this but it's good by itself.

to finish it all, we had scramble for refreshment. like ice cones, the flavor is poured over ice shavings. Chef Joey might have suggested that it's cool to put some gin or vodka perhaps in it. hehe..

notice that we didn't have much meat except for the Crispy Chicken Pasta. the Loop believes in wellness that they use indigenous ingredients. for my visit, almost all dishes only come from plant ingredients. and i had my fill.

Belgian Waffle and Coffee Jelly Frappucino

2010-08-11T01:00:00.000-07:00

this is my kind of dessert. i even remember the times when me and my officemates get out of work to have a break and order Belgian Waffles of different flavors from Starbucks. warm waffles topped with whipped cream and drizzled with caramel, strawberry or chocolate syrup. i always have the caramel. and for only Php 70, we enjoy the short happiness.

the Coffee Jelly Frappucino is quite new. i had its first sip in Tomas Morato. when i had my first grande, the staff at Starbucks gave me a card where i can doodle what i think about the frap. then you will detach the coupon which grants you another grande of the same product. quite nice isn't it? then your drawing will be posted on the Starbucks Bulletin Board along with the others.

who says we're in RICE SHORTAGE?!

2010-08-11T00:29:00.000-07:00

i was so hungry and since me and flowell are meeting up to see CATS: Now and Forever near DLSU Taft, i decided to go to the nearest Jollibee outlet and ordered a 1-pc Chickenjoy meal. i saw this little announcement by the counter and it says that they have UNLIMITED RICE. they also got a tarp that says: "SARAP TALAGANG KUMAIN KUNG MAY LIBRE KANG KANIN!"

not all stores have this but i was lucky enough to take advantage of it. even the cashier told me that they are offering free unlimited rice for every order of Chickenjoy meal. i had my Chickenjoy meal and i just have to keep my receipt when i want more rice.

i got 2 more packs of rice. approximately 1 cup each. so guess how hungry i am.

kitchenware and restaurant supplies from Wasserstrom

2010-08-06T05:15:00.000-07:00

putting up a business is really not that easy. you need the capital, manpower, location of business, type of business, your market and of course, the supplies. good thing that there are cheap suppliers that help you maximize your capital with a lot of equipments. especially when you want to put up a restaurant, restaurant equipments are really needed for bulk cooking.

for one is Wasserstrom gives restaurant supplies in the greatest deal. these utilities are perfect for professional chefs.

Wasserstrom restaurant supplies are a great choice for food and hospitality industry. you are guaranteed the best for it has been the number 1 restaurant supplier in the world since 1902.

JIMM'S 7-IN-1 COFFEE launched

2010-07-31T19:42:00.000-07:00

it all started with 3-in-1, then more and more ingredients are added to coffee bringing in more benefits to our body.

Goldshine Pharmaceuticals, Inc. has developed the coffee drink that will give you healthier benefits while having a sip and not just keeping you awake for that active lifestyle. after extensive and long period of Research and Development, they have now launching Jimm's 7-in-1 coffee. on the press launch last July 31 2010, members of the media and spectators at the Market! Market! Activity Center are now informed of the benefits that the product has to offer.

Jimm's 7-in-1 coffee not only has coffee, sugar and creamer but also natural ingredients which have special functions:

Agaricus mushroom - the natural immunity enhancer. it also helps reduce excessive immuno reactions to maintain body balance. and the best thing is, it also prevents cancer and its development.

Ginseng - the famous root of life which is now getting its attention in the marketplace. used as an herbal supplement, natural tonic and health food.

Reishi - sets the body into relaxation but in a safe way. proper rest needed by the body reduces toxins caused by stress and pollution and also promotes peace of mind.

Spirulina - many people who are into weight management are going to like this benefit. internal cleansing has been one of those and it is noted that it has not caused any allergic reaction.

for only Php 138/box, get these benefits for a healthy body by drinking Jimm's 7-in-1 coffee.

according to Dr. Louie Michael Lee, medical consultant of Goldshine Pharmaceuticals, Inc., there are also specially-designed Goldshine products for special needs, like for people with diabetes, they have sugar-free products. for people who might be suffering osteoporotic problems, Jimm's coffee products' cream is a good source of calcium for stronger bones.

it is also good to know that Goldshine Pharmaceuticals, Inc. products are clean and safe since it carries with the Halal seal of approval. Jimm's Coffee is also distributed in Guam, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and New Zealand.

Greenwich dinner with bloggers

2010-07-29T19:28:00.000-07:00

thank you again, Greenwich for that special invitation to dinner. slowly we are getting to be new BFFs. LOL and to share to everyone, we were really full eating Greenwich pizzas especially the BIGATIN PIZZAS. and just to share to everyone, get your mouth watering for these:

Greenwich's 5 Cheeses and Garlic Overload Pizza

Greenwich Pizza Fries (Cheese Pizza flavor with Pizza sauce dip)

Greenwich's special White Chocolate Brazo de Mercedes that i really love. this dessert is made by Red Ribbon but only available at Greenwich. white chocolate curls on top of fluffy Brazo de Mercedes. perfect with coffee.

Heavier on a higher level!

2010-07-29T18:47:00.000-07:00

if most of you who thought they know what's inside the Greenwich box, you're maybe right because it's been on the counter for around a week now and it's in the TVCs. some have tried it and i know they have the same reaction as mine since they are so good and satisfying!

Greenwich presents the new heavy BIGATIN pizzas!

two pizzas that are overloaded with toppings: the HUNGARIAN SAUSAGE and BACON OVERLOAD or SHRIMP AND GARLIC OVERLOAD. choose or get them both for a fun feast with your friends-barkada. available in thick or thin crust that you will surely enjoy anywhere.

and speaking of barkada, in line with the BIGATIN PIZZAS are two additional BIGATIN personalities to the original Greenwich barkada. eventologist, TIM YAP and basketball star, CHRIS TIU leveled up the fun as featured in the TVCs.

so visit the nearest Greenwich outlet now or dial 5-55-55 for Greenwich delivery to try out these new pizzas.

what's in this Greenwich Pizza Box?

2010-07-27T20:33:00.000-07:00

thank you Greenwich for sending me four boxes of yummy pizzas which i shared with officemates. now, guess what's inside.

if you don't have a hint, i will release it on Friday morning. :)

1st Philippine Chocolate and Ice Cream Show Photos

2010-07-14T18:00:00.000-07:00

it's so nice to have attended the first day of the 1st Philippince Chocolate and Ice Cream Show at the World Trade Center. even so, it was more fun when there's no much people going around since there's an alleged "typhoon" when the sun is high up. there's also no power in most of Luzon after the strong winds shut off the power. it is perhaps one of the yummiest events that i've ever seen since i love sweets.

entering the exhibit halls, you will find different chocolate suppliers, manufacturers, machine developers and sellers. explore your imagination to create the chocolate you love.

at the center of the expo, you'll immediately see chocolate creations that are truly splendid. intricate details are put together to build one fascinating chocolate sculpture which can be smelled when you enter the halls.

and here are the winners of the chocolate sculptures:

2nd, 1st and 3rd placer

as you wander more in the exhibit halls, a cake decorating competition is taking place at the kitchen at the end of the hall. different chefs from schools, hotels and other chocolate inspired businesses show of their talents to bring in the most creative cakes.

are here are some of the creations:

it was a really yummy event i should say. though i only attended the first day, i'm still hoping for a bigger and more exciting Philippine Chocolate and Ice Cream Show!

see more pictures here.

FUN TRAVEL COMPANIONS by M&M's CHOCOLATES

2010-07-12T05:21:00.000-07:00

we all have been fascinated with cute things especially when it reminds us of our childhood. we always wanted freebies attached to everything that we bought in. and what great memories we have when we take chocolates for our past time.

during our childhood, we always search for especially-labeled packages that contain these prizes. up to now, there are promotions that make us go wild with exciting prizes. for example, M&M's Chocolate packages might give us travel companions bearing their cute mascots, Red and Yellow. Red, the original chocolate candy in red shell; and Yellow, the peanut candy in yellow shell.

each M&M's product has corresponding points. so you can collect higher points:

FOR 1 POINT
1 pc M&M's Milk Chocolate 40g
1 pc M&M's Peanut 40g
1 pc M&M's Crispy 34g
1 pc M&M's Minis 30.6g
1 pc M&M's Milk Chocolate 47.9g
1 pc M&M's Peanut 49.3 g
1 pc M&M's Orange 34g

FOR 2 POINTS
1 pc M&M's Milk Chocolate 100g
1 pc M&M's Peanut 100g

FOR 5 POINTS
1 pc M&M's Milk Chocolate 200g
1 pc M&M's Peanut 200g
1 pc M&M's Milk Chocolate 232.5g
1 pc M&M's Peanut 232.5g

FOR 8 POINTS
1 pc M&M's Milk Chocolate Funsize 202.5g
1 pc M&M's Peanut Funsize 202.5g
1 pc M&M's Milk Chocolate Funsize 267.9g
1 pc M&M's Peanut Funsize 264.8g

take note that products within 2010 and 2011 are qualified to redeem the merchandises. the merchandise will be head-turners when you have one and you will be the envy of everyone. great things to collect! but it would not be impossible anymore because everyone can have them too by just collecting points from buying M&M's CHOCOLATES. the more M&M's the more points you'll get and will be ready to redeem these items:

Luggage Tag worth 7 points

Sling cum Massager Bag worth 40 points

Folder Blanket worth 80 points

Backpack worth 130 points
once you've collected your points, you can redeem it to over 135 USSC locations within GMA and Luzon. or at Concepts in Action Inc., G/F 92 New York cor. Purdue Sts., Brgy. E. Rodriguez, Cubao, Quezon City. you may call the hotline at (632) 7094847 when you want to claim your prize.

promo runs from July 15 to October 15 2010 only. again, the more M&M's wrappers, the bigger and better premium that you'll get. so grab your M&M's now!

1st Philippine Chocolate and Ice Cream Show Schedule of Seminars and Competitions

2010-07-09T07:15:00.000-07:00

what to expect in the 1st Philippine Chocolate and Ice Cream Show? well, not just an overload of yummy sweets but also a showcase of talent and outrageous but amazing designs by chefs in the country. also, learn techniques to create your own chocolate masterpieces by distinguished speakers. below is the schedule of the whole exposition:

July 14, 2010 Wednesday
7:00am – 9:00am Set-up/Move-in Chocolate Showpiece Challenge (Individual Display Competition)
9:00am – 10:00am Judging Chocolate Showpiece
9:30am Opening Ceremony
11:00am – 12:30pm Chocolate Cake Battle Royale (Individual Live Competition) Batch 1
1:00pm – 2:30pm “Maxim Duranium & Cookworks Hotel-Hostel & Restaurant Quality Cookware” by Chef Darin Epp, former Executive Chef of Royal Caribbean Cruise Line Ramesh Trading Corporation
2:30pm – 4:00pm Chocolate Cake Battle Royale (Individual Live Competition) Batch 2
4:00pm – 5:30pm “Coffee Business Seminar” by Ms. Sussana F. Edilo of Equilibrium Intertrade Corporation

July 15, 2010 Thursday
9:00am Set-up/Move-in Praline & Petit Fours Challenge (Individual Display Competition)
9:00am – 10:00am Judging Praline & Petit Fours Challenge
11:00am – 12:30pm Plated Dessert Wars (Individual Live Competition) Batch 1
12:30pm – 1:30pm “Towards A Better Life” by Mr. Francisco Reyes, Marketing Coordinator, WAKI
2:00pm – 3:30pm Plated Dessert Wars (Individual Live Competition) Batch 2
4:00pm – 5:30pm Plated Dessert Wars (Individual Live Competition) Batch 3

July 16, 2010 Friday
10:00am – 11:30am Ice Cream Innovation (Individual Live Competition
11:30am – 1:30pm “Basic Goods Needed To Run An Essential Restaurant” by Mr. Mohit Sohal from Import-Head Hotel & Restaurant Department World Class Concepts Corporation
2:00pm – 3:30pm PFESCORP (Tentative)
4:00pm Awarding Ceremony

FREE OREOS by playing at SHAREOREO.COM

2010-07-09T06:19:00.000-07:00

I just received an email telling me that I can claim my FREE OREOS at the nearest 7-Eleven store. a link directed to shareoreo.com will let me claim that OREO pack by just registering to be legit.

so i tried. and there are games that you could increase your FREE OREOS when you visit 7-Eleven. learn how to TWIST, LICK and DUNK electronically and give a couple of mother and son a bonding time together with OREO.

like other food games, you can make your friends have FREE OREOS! just send them an invitation to check out shareoreo.com and let them discover how to get FREE OREOS!

now i've registered, and played the two games, i am just waiting for my email to get my own FREE OREOS!

1st Philippine Chocolate & Ice Cream Show

2010-06-27T19:15:00.000-07:00

Willy Wonka and his fans will be happy for 3 days of chocolate and ice cream in the First Philippine Chocolate and Ice Cream Show on July 14-16 2010 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

featuring all chocolate and ice cream suppliers, sellers, manufacturers. even hotels, restaurants that chocolate and ice cream lovers will go gaga for everything sweet! this is indeed the sweetest show in the Philippines!

organized by Pastry Alliance of the Philippines. you can check their website at http://philchocoshow.weebly.com/index.html

interested buyers and guests can come and avail 50% OFF of registration fees on or before June 30. just log on to http://philchocoshow.weebly.com/pre-registration.html

Brother's Burger Hamburger Day

2010-06-17T02:02:00.000-07:00

reserve the date: JUNE 23

get a HALF POUNDER hamburger only Brother's Burger Capitol Hills at 50% OFF!!! as they celebrate Hamburger Day.

call now to order in advance at 9314011 / 9323840 or 3858614 or drop by at the Brothers Burger Capitol Hills branch from 11AM - 10PM at Capitol Greenstreet Commercial Center, Capitol Hills Golf and Country Club, Capitol Hills Drive, Old Balara, QC.

Red Ribbon's special Father's Day Cake!

2010-06-15T17:37:00.000-07:00

June 20 is Father's Day and Red Ribbon has thought of a great special gift for the number 1 man in your life.

presenting...
an 8" round chocolate cake covered in blue polo fondant icing. priced at Php 550 and available for a limited time only, June 18-20.

only available at Red Ribbon.

Chefography: Pau Sia

2010-06-10T22:54:00.000-07:00

Chef Pau Sia is the sous chef of Unilever Food Solutions, and a 'suki' of SM Hypermarket, where he buys most of his ingredients. he is one of the judges of SM Hypermarket's SUPER CHEFS tournament and shares her recipe of Menudo.

Menudo

Ingredients:

1 kilo of pork, chopped into cubes
150 ml Knorr liquid seasoning
5 g ground pepper
40 g chopped garlic
40 g chopped onion
800 ml tomato sauce
100 g carrots, chopped into cubes, blanched
100 g potatoes, chopped into cubes, blanched
3 g sliced chorizo bilbao
30 g liver spread
40 g Knorr pork cubes
Water
600 g green peas (fresh or frozen)
5 g kasubha
30 g raisins

Procedure:

In a mixing bowl, marinate the pork with Knorr liquid seasoning, ground pepper and garlic. Marinate overnight.
Saute the pork until half-cooked. Set aside.
in a sauce pan, sauté the onion and garlic. Add the tomato sauce and simmer for 5 mins.
add the remaining ingredients including the pork and simmer for another 5 minutes until the pork is fully cooked.

Chefography: Caren Bayhon-Yrastorza

2010-06-10T22:47:00.000-07:00

Caren Bayhon-Yrastorza is a former news anchor, a mom and a foodie who enjoys going to the grocery. She authors the site, theeatingroom.wordpress.com - a blog for cooking enthusiasts where one can find easy to prepare recipes and must try dining places. she is one of the judges of SM Hypermarket's SUPER CHEFS tournament and shares her recipe of Caldereta.

Caldereta

Ingredients:

1 kilo beef brisket
About a dozen medium-sized tomatoes, cubed
1 pc calamansi
Half cup soy sauce
1 head of garlic, minced
Laurel leaf
2 large onions, minced
3 pcs siling labuyo, chopped
5 medium-sized potatoes, cut crosswise
2 pcs red bell pepper, julliened
A small bottle of pitted and stuffed olives
Salt and pepper to taste
3/4 cup tomato sauce (for coloring)

Procedure:

Season beef with salt and pepper then marinate in soy sauce and calamansi for 30 minutes. Set aside.
Layer the ingredients in a casserole such that tomato is at the bottom, then marinated beef, garlic and onion at the top of the whole ensemble. This way, flavors lock in the beef that’s in the middle of the assembly.
Pour in about 3 cups of water to help liquefy and wilt the tomatoes at the bottom. Bring to a moderate simmer.
Once drying out, continue pouring in water until beef tenderness is achieved.
5. Add the bell peppers, laurel leaf, sili and the pitted olives. Mix in the tomato sauce. Set aside.
Meantime, deep fry the potatoes.
Pour the beef mixture onto a pyrex dish. Garnish with fried potatoes on top.

Chefography: Deejay Santos

2010-06-10T22:35:00.000-07:00

Chef Deejay Santos is the chef of Sysu Group of Companies, the company that brought us Clara Ole, McCormick, Kikkoman and Lee Kum Kee products. He is also a 'suki' of SM Hypermarket, where he buys most of his ingredients. he is one of the judges of SM Hypermarket's SUPER CHEFS tournament and shares two dishes of the famous Adobo.

Kikkoman Rosemary Scented Chicken Pork Adobo

Ingredients:

1/2 kg pork (pigue/liempo or kasim). Cut into small cubes.
1/2 kg chicken (drumstick or wings). Adobo cut
6 tbsps Kikkoman Soy Sauce
3/4 cup vinegar
1 cup water
2 tbsps oil
1/2 cup garlic, minced
2 tbsps rosemary
1 tbsps black peppercorns. Crushed
1/2 tbsps sugar
1/2 cup water
2 pcs laurel leaves

Procedure:

Place all ingredients in a heavy bottom stock pot or braising pot.
Simmer for about 30-40 minutes until pork cubes are tender.
Cook until brown on all sides.
Serve immediately while hot. Serves 8 - 10.

Lee Kum Kee Chinese Chicken Pork Adobo

Ingredients:

500 grams pork lean, adobo cut
500 grams chicken, adobo cut
¼ cup cooking oil
8 pieces Garlic, crushed
1 tsp peppercorns
½ cup vinegar
½ cup LEE KUM KEE Soy Sauce
Brown sugar to taste
1 piece Bay leaf
2 tbsp LEE KUM KEE Panda Oyster Sauce

Procedure:

Wash chicken & pork well & drain.
Marinate chicken & pork with LEE KUM KEE Premium Soy Sauce, vinegar, pepper, garlic, and bay leaf for 30 minutes.
Drain chicken & pork from marinade. Set aside the reserved marinade.
Heat frying pan and add cooking oil. Fry the chicken & pork until brown on both sides.
In same pan, put in the reserved marinade, sugar, and LEE KUM KEE Panda Oyster Sauce.
Simmer over low heat until liquid has been reduced by half. Serves 8 - 10.

SM Super Chefs cooks Filipino basics

2010-06-10T21:58:00.000-07:00

Pinoy hospitality never misses food on the table. so much we love eating that we learn to experiment on what we already have. the wide array of choices and resources have tweaked the Filipino mind to think of something new, more exciting and more delicious.

SM Hypermarket has seen its image the same as the Filipino culture. they have compared the wide selection of food available to the festivals and beautiful hospitality to their exceptional services. in SM Hypermarket, you can always find something new. and as much as Filipinos want to search for great finds, SM Hypermarket has seen this opportunity to transform three famous dishes in a high-class but affordable staple - adobo, caldereta and menudo.

thus creating SM Super Chefs! a reality based challenge of food enthusiasts using ingredients that can be found at SM Hypermarket. the search is on for the best chef that can deliver a twist on the three dishes above.

CLICK HERE FOR MECHANICS

the show will be hosted by celebrity chef Tristan Encarnacion, and will have the remaining cooks strive to please the discriminating palates of the panel of judges – restaurateur and chef Rolando Laudico, culinary school proprietor chef Reggie Aspiras, and broadcaster and food enthusiast Winnie Cordero.

the cook who bests all his or her competitors and claims the title of SM Super Chef will take home a P100,00 dream kitchen showcase, and go on a four-day all-expense-paid trip to Singapore for a culinary training.

SM Hypermarket's Super Chefs

2010-05-26T17:45:00.000-07:00

SM Hypermarket has launched a contest open for all those who spend their times in the kitchen! SUPER CHEFS combines three big reality shows - Iron Chef, American Idol and Survivor! and like these shows, interested participants will undergo three stages: 1. audition, 2. elimination and 3. the grand finals. TV chef, Chef Tristan Encarnacion will host the grand finals on Asian Food Channel.

to get qualified for the audition round, interested participants just need to present a P1,000 single or accumulated purchase from any SM Hypermarket inclusive of the sponsors’ product together with your cooked dish on the submission day. throughout the competition, their creations will be judged by celebrities like Winnie Cordero and the country’s top chefs like Reggie Aspiras, to ensure that only the best survive.

DISH TO SUBMIT: ADOBO
June 15 - Centris Station, Valenzuela
June 18 - Marilao Molino, Sucat, MOA

DISH TO SUBMIT : KALDERETA
June 16 - Bicutan, Pasig, Clark
June 19 - Novaliches, Mandaluyong
June 30 - Makati, North Harbour

DISH TO SUBMIT : MENUDO
June 17 - North EDSA, Las Piñas, Taytay
June 23 - Muntinlupa, Rosales, Baliwag
June 25 - Fairview

The grand winner of the SM Hypermarket Super Chefs will get to take home a kitchen showcase worth P100,000 and go on a 4-day all-expense-paid trip to Singapore for a culinary training. Runner-ups will also win a P50,000, P25,000, P15,000 or P10,000 SM gift certificates.

The contest runs from May to July 2010. For details, visit any SM Hypermarket branch, log on to www.smhypermarket.com, or like Super Chefs on Facebook.

SM Hypermarket Super Chefs 2010 is sponsored by Unilever Foodsolutions, Nestle, San Remo, Purefoods, Selecta, Kraft Miracle Whip, Cheez Whiz, Eden Cheese, McCormick, Lee Kum Kee, Kikkoman soy sauce, Clara Ole and San Miguel Beer.

sign up and get FREE SKITTLES

2010-05-26T00:22:00.000-07:00

i know you can't resist a bag full of colorful, sweet and yummy SKITTLES. try clicking the image below and register.

it's just simple! forward this to your friends and it's a race to get YOUR WON BAG OF SKITTLES!

mom treated me on Mother's Day

2010-05-09T21:18:00.000-07:00

hehe as it is customary that children should treat their moms on Mother's Day, she's the one who treated me for dinner.

my mom and i were really close friends. we go to the accessible malls when we have time. and after hearing mass in Ali Mall in Cubao, we decided to get dinner at Sbarro's. we ordered pasta and an Angus Steak quiche. sorry i didn't have any photos because we ate them right away -- talk about hungry.

we talked the whole moment almost everything. we also talked about how people stare at us wandering about our orders. haha. then for dessert, we got into the nearest DQ and ordered sundaes. mine was caramel and hers was strawberry.

when we go out, we always go to department stores, eat cheap or go to the movies. and when we find something interesting, we imagine how it will be placed in our good home.

to all mothers out there, HAPPY MOTHERS DAY.

101 WAYS TO COOK OYSTER at Marina

2010-05-09T09:01:00.000-07:00

thanks to Marina Seafood Restaurant for inviting us to see the different ways to cook oyster. all i know is that you can have oyster fresh or in sauce style. but Marina offers more!

below arebaked oyster in cheese, fresh chilled oysters, fried oysters.

below is kinilaw na talaba (oyster cooked in vinegar)
Marina Seafood Restaurant has been known famous due to its oyster servings but it also provides more Filipino dishes especially Ilonggo dishes since it's origins are from Iloilo.

mokke at the Mushroomburger

2010-05-08T03:39:00.000-07:00

we went out to try the Katipunan branch of the Tagaytay-famous MUSHROOMBURGER. the no-meat burger with the same sumptuous taste. i can still remember my first visit in the original branch and enjoy feasting on the burger while looking over at the Taal Volcano; also relaxing on the chilly breeze of Tagaytay.

here in Mushroomburger, again there's no meat. i ordered Royal Burger for Php 95.00 for a value meal and it has these layers: a bun, mushroom omelette, lettuce, cheese, mushroom patty, and then the sauce. looking like a quarter-pound burger, it's already filling.

the newest Mushroom burger sits in front of Ateneo De Manila University.

Restaurant Review: MOOMBA

2010-05-05T08:32:00.000-07:00

we had this meeting for an event i am organizing. since it was for lunch, i looked into the directory and found this MOOMBA BAR and RESTO.

at the corner of Mother Ignacia st. and Chino Roces Ave in Quezon City, MOOMBA sits on an accessible landmark. though lunch time is a dull time for the place, you will be rewarded with great ambiance and food that is ok on the budget.

interiors are very relaxing and not that glarey bar setting. rattan seats and cushions felt like it was more than a fine dining restaurant. rustic looks give good points from me.

Greenwich's American Idol Overload!

2010-03-17T00:00:00.000-07:00

it's the top 12 in the latest season of American Idol! and while watching the biggest singing competition in the world, Greenwich Pizza is bringing to us this new pizza:

introducing the AMERICAN IDOL OVERLOAD. it has seven ALL-AMERICAN TOPPINGS: bacon, beef burger, bratwurst sausage, onions, green bell pepper, mushrooms and crunchy shoestring potatoes topped with 100% mozzarella cheese! it also comes in a customized AMERICAN IDOL box completing that IDOL experience. it is only available for a limited time as the show runs so you better have it while enjoying the show.

and Greenwich has been known from their makulit advertising campaigns and for this product, they bring you again the Greenwich Gang of John Lloyd Cruz as Kris Allen, and the others namely, Anton as Adam Lambert, Issa as Carrie Underwood and Bruno as Chris Daughtry. watch out for their cool TVC to be launched today.

you can also BE A FAN of American Idol Overload on Facebook. just search American Idol Overload.

Danish Cookies prepped me up

2010-02-13T21:57:00.000-08:00

it was getting late and i was at the White Hat event along with other blogging friends. i arrived home hungry and wanted to have my body on sugar rush to keep awake before i head to the office to get to the Philippine Hot Air Balloon Fiesta.

and surprisingly i found a can of Danish Cookies on the table!

mom said it was from her pupil and it was a gift for Valentines Day. i almost finished half of the can but i reserved some pieces so i can have some when i returned home from Clark. they were really creamy and yummy and not too sweet. the soft cookies are sprinkled with sugar crystals and they are perfect for coffee. excellent night i had that day.

ATENEO BLUE EAGLES is WHITE HAT's CELEBRITY FOR CHARITY

2010-02-13T04:05:00.001-08:00

i never knew that White Hat, the yogurt store that surprised me with their yummy and a little expensive treat, are in tune with social responsibility! they have a program in support of the AHON Foundation (Acts of Hope for the Nation) which is building libraries to increase literacy of our children here in the Philippines. and not just building schools, they have celebrities helping them too! and for the month of February, celebrating the love for education are the Ateneo Blue Eagles!

the Ateneo Blue Eagles and the AHON beneficiaries

this is a very Jesuit gesture from the Eagles because i know that the order of the Jesuits is to extend and educate people. i congratulate the Ateneo Blue Eagles for supporting this kind of programs like the AHON.

on February 13th 2010, people will have a chance to meet the Ateneo Blue Eagles and have their pictures taken, autograph signing, and tshirt selling. if you also purchase a cup of White Hat yogurt, part of the proceeds will go to the program that supports literacy.

the meet and greet the Ateneo Blue Eagles was held at the White Hat branch at Shangri-La mall from 1-5PM.

Hearty and Yummy Cakes this Valentines

2010-02-05T03:51:00.000-08:00

it's the best occasion to be sweet to your love ones. and Red Ribbon knows how to make it even more special by bringing you two new cakes perfect for the Valentine Season.

a heart-shaped choco pound cake covered in white icing and distinctively suggests I LOVE YOU to the one who will receive it is no other than Red Ribbon's Roses and Kisses cake for the Valentines. three edible roses and Hershey's kisses will surely be appreciated by the one you love on top with a customizable message. you can say I love you, I wanna keep you or I'm sorry to spread the love in the season. it is only available for February 12-14 for only Php 330.

if three is not enough for you, why not try FOUR? there are FOUR types of chocolates in Red Ribbon's addition to their cakes that spell H-E-A-V-E-N. yes, the new Heaven Cake from Red Ribbon is composed of a chocolate brownie layer, mousse, chocolate icing and curls. that's four tempting-goodness combined in one mouth watering dessert.

the Red Ribbon Heaven Cake is available starting February 9 priced at Php 335 for junior size and Php 560 for regular.

I got my PatayGutom.com keychain!

2010-02-01T23:37:00.000-08:00

everybody was talking about in Plurk that they already have their keychains. i was hoping i'll get mine when i returned home. and then when i opened my closest i found this:

i already suspected that this was the one that they have been talking about. i was more excited to open the package and surprised that it was really the keychain.

immediately i clinged it to my bag and now boasting it wherever i go. i am proud of having a PatayGutom keychain. thanks jehzlau for the treat.

When GMA is around

2010-02-01T01:45:00.000-08:00

the president of the Republic of the Philippines visited the office. i thought we had free lunch for that day covered by Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's staff. there's food alright, but only for the higher management. they had a private meeting.

and so five of us went to a nearby restaurant and ate. it is Baliwag, one of the best roasted chicken restaurants. instead we had pork barbecue, sisig and kangkong from the menu.

we are indeed full.

Texas Roadhouse Grill with folks

2010-01-10T05:53:00.000-08:00

i just wanna share the food we ordered one time at Texas Roadhouse Grill in El Pueblo in Ortigas Center, Pasig City. i already converted my Texas Roadhouse Grill gift certificates to a delectable meal.

i never thought that we ordered much and we were just three who will eat them. GCs were enough to cover all food but i added almost Php 500 for the VAT and service charge. isn't it that it should already be included in the menu price? what do you think? but i just figured out that we should reward the good service of the crew from Texas Roadhouse Grill and not just enjoyed everything for free. but Php 500 for tip? that's a lot!

Get an AICA scholarship

2010-01-06T23:07:00.000-08:00

a nice school located in Pasig is offering a rare opportunity to those who want to cook. just fill out the form at http://www.aicaculinary.com/scholarship/ and you are entitled to an entry as they raffle the slot.

Founded in 2004, the Academy for International Culinary Arts prides itself in providing world-class education. The AICA faculty is composed of top professionals that are renowned in each of their respective fields of culinary arts. Our chefs not only serve as mentors to our students, they impart the passion and genuine enthusiasm that sets them apart as masters.

the Perfect Breakfast

2009-12-28T10:09:00.000-08:00

warm, comforting and yummy. that's what i want for a good breakfast. sometimes complimented by either coffee or hot chocolate, it's best to wake up with a healthy and heavy breakfast to start the day. for today, i had this on my plate:

fried rice, smoked fish and salted egg with tomato

rich in carbohydrates, proteins, vit E for better skin and energy for the day. what's on your plate?

Chefography: Claude Tayag of Bale Dutung

2009-12-24T18:00:00.000-08:00

within the large fields of Central Luzon, there are great finds of culture, heritage and most especially food. following a great morning of Christmas spirit of Keso de Gallo, we headed to Angeles, Pampanga for another batch of great breakfast at Bale Dutung.

the place is owned by Chef Claude Tayag. other than being a great cook, he is also an artist and an architect. he designed Bale Dutung himself together with his loving wife, Mary Ann. the place is really welcoming and despite it is inside a subdivision, you might assume that you are in the middle of green fields because air flows nicely throughout the place. adding to the nice atmosphere are the wooden furnitures made by Claude Tayag himself.

when we arrived at the place, we are welcomed with a cool drink to revive our senses and appreciate the whole thing that Bale Dutung has to offer. later on, a warm sip of Tsokolate Batirol matched with San Nicolas cookie started an even better breakfast.

then, we feasted warm and heavy but delicious dishes of Bale Dutung. their Dinuguan, tamales and suman really almost completed my whole stay at Pampanga. i have never tasted Dinuguan like how Chef Claude has prepared it. he added kamias on the dish making it a little sour but it's still yummy.

we also had a little tour around Bale Dutung to explore the artistry of Chef Claude. unusual artworks but portraying the rich culture of Pampanga is shown in his paintings.

Bale Dutung is located at:
Paul St. corner Francis St., Villa Gloria Subdivision, Angeles City, Pampanga, Philippines

not everyone might be able to get to Bale Dutung for it has strict policies on reservations. you may opt to have your reservation by emailing claudetayag@yahoo.com.ph and enjoy the warm hospitality of Chef Claude and his wife.

Kraft Eden's Keso de Gallo warms Bacolor, Pampanga

2009-12-24T17:46:00.000-08:00

in the Philippines, we celebrate the longest Christmas period in the whole world. as September steps in, Christmas cheers greets everyone and big time preparations happen in every household up to the streets. Christmas is even more felt when the 9 days of novena starts at December 16. coming from the church early in the morning is best with a warm breakfast like the bibingka and puto bumbong. a hot sip of chocolate drink compliments the rice dishes.

and during noche buena at Christmas Eve, the table serves quezo de bola and ham as additions to the festive meal. and speaking of cheese, Kraft Eden cheese brings to everyone a special feast featuring their product in line with the record-breaking 5840 dishes. this time, they bring the Keso de Gallo to nine provinces to give Christmas cheers.

after hearing the 9th misa de gallo in San Ildefonso Church in Bacolor, Pampanga, a warm breakfast of the humble puto (a rice muffin) with a twist. adding to the recipe of puto is squash making it healthier and can be appreciated even by kids without knowing it. this is an ingenious addition to the table not only for Christmas but in the whole year round. i would like to congratulate Kraft Eden who has not just brought this event to Bacolor but also as to extend cheers to the less fortunate and those who have experienced the tragic effects brought by the lava flow happened more than 20 years ago.

kids and adults enjoyed the meal with a hot cocoa and the Christmas spirit is greatly felt as the kids choir sang in the background. i have seen the smiles as i walk over the big ruins caused by the lava. you can really feel how much these people are so happy when these kind of events come to the area. on the other hand, though it was great depression that came upon them years ago, im really thankful that the kids are so lucky that they didn't experience it and the adults are still with them. they really deserve something to receive and Kraft Eden has made it possible and made their Christmas meaningful.

CENTO: party place at the center of the Metro

2009-12-18T00:51:00.000-08:00

within the party environment of Quezon City is a new place that lures in more people that will extend the night with matching great music and great people.

aside from the party ambiance with smoky interiors, the food is also great for a little munch while you mingle with your friends. top of the line shooters as they call it, lighten the mood of those who drink it. concocted from a special mix, everybody will surely have fun

CENTO BAR address: 41 El Jardin del Presidente Condo, Sgt. Esguerra St. corner Sct Bayoran St., South triangle, Quezon City near ABS-CBN and GMA broadcast network studios.

Japanese Lunch at Omakase

2009-12-15T01:22:00.000-08:00

this is my first to get lunch out with my new officemates. at first i was hesitant to go because i may not bring good relationships with them. good thing my longtime friend, joy, was there and we are reunited as workmates. my new officemates are nice too and they have been accommodating and helpful with the tasks that i've been given. the road isn't that rough for me with them. *naks libre nyo ako!*

we headed to Omakase at Il Terrazzo in Tomas Morato in Quezon City. it serves Japanese dishes with a cool ambiance in the middle of busy, urban life. freshly cooked and prepared Japanese dishes will satisfy hungry and craving stomachs with mouth watering sushi and other yummy dishes.

we ordered a variant and we definitely are stuffed with the following dishes: soft shell crab, guyu chizu maki, uni tempura and 2 plates of deluxe party platters.

uni tempura and deluxe party platter
what's the rate? i rate this place good and the food is also good. the crew members are also nice and they are very accommodating. you are able to get your request right away. and with a relative time of preparation for the food, you are guaranteed with a nice serving.

Ice Cream House's Tiramisu Magic

2009-12-12T08:31:00.000-08:00

my mom taught me how to make a peach tiramisu. though it doesn't have a five-star rating unlike those you order in restaurants, you can have a nice piece of tiramisu by just layering these ingredients:

Graham crackers
mixture of cream and condensed milk (1:2)
peaches

but just tonight, me and my friends went out for a long walk. and at the end we tripped over the Ice Cream House located in Riverbanks Mall in Marikina City. i didn't know what to order first until i saw their Tiramisu Magic.

2 broas pieces on top of 3 scoops of chocolate, mocha and vanilla icecreams and drizzled with chocolate syrup and decorated with a sweet cherry on top. with a very interesting presentation -- closest to the ones they serve at restaurants -- the price is very cheap! for only Php 60, you can indulge at a very satisfying and yummy dessert whenever you feel like it.