Manila Signature Dish: C2 Classic Cuisine

When I resigned from my job earlier this year, I finally had the chance to stay at home because I don't have money, lol and develop a new hobby: cooking. Every night I prepared something different for my nanay and bunso--American, Japanese, Chinese, Indian, and even Thai. But our favorite would be Pinoy food because it's easier and cheaper to prepare. Sinigang, adobo, tinola, ginataan, and ginisang gulay were my most requested dish. I guess it's true that one would never go wrong with the classics.

Over at C2 Classic Cuisine Katipunan, Chef Oliver Gascon and Unilever Food Solutions teamed up to create signature dishes that would showcase the ingenuity of Pinoy restaurateurs.

With the theme "Redefined Filipino Classics Set", Chef Oliver Gascon gave an exciting twist to local staple items. The set include Adobong Sitaw, Crispy Ribs Sinigang, and Dory Escabeche. It comes with a plate of garlic rice, pastillas panna cotta, and a glass of Castillero de Diablo red wine.

Manila's Signature Dishes 2010

Chef Oliver Gascon's Redefined Filipino Classics Set

Joey Pepperoni Pizza Pizza Promo

Next to candy, my favorite "pulutan" would be......

Pizza and Rhum, how classy

However, pizza-for-pulutan could seem pricey especially if you're in a large group. Yung tipong, pag-lapag pa lang ng box, ubos na agad? Bad vibes mehn.  Might as well stick to a cheaper alternative.

makulay ang buhay with kropek

Now, if you really want to satisfy your pizza craving/desire/obsession, I suggest to give Joey Pepperoni a try. They have this verrrrrrrry nice Pizza! Pizza! promo at Php199 for two 8-inch pizzas. It's a nice steal considering you'll be eating something that was actually prepared by an Italian chef. 

Chef Giorgio Bucciarelli, head chef of Joey Pepperoni

I know that Joey Pepperoni is very active with promos. I remember they used to have an all you can eat pizza promo, then followed by an all you can eat pasta. They have several branches around the metro, some of which serves.....BEER. YEY! Nothing beats pizza and beer (and rhum!)!!! The set meals are nice too..it's actually the first dish I ordered in Joey Pep several years ago

2008 at Joey Pep ABSCBN branch (closed already)

I look like a monstaaaaaaaaaaaaaaar. ^_^ But but but..the mozarella sticks are yummy :( And I wish they didn't close down the ABSCBN branch because it was nice and had nice couches.

To know more about Joey Pepperoni Pizzeria, check out www.joeypep.com

Amazing Race Asia 4 Pilipinas

I want to join The Amazing Race if only I:

1. Could drive
2. Can run fast(er)
3. Have a sexy nice(r) body

Jess / Lani. Damn, girl.

Until then, I'll just stick to something I'm very very good at.

@_@

And then take photos with the people who are lucky enough to join the race.

Richard Herrera, Richard Harden, and Lara Pillinger

The Amazing Race Asia Season 4 premiered last September and it's now down to it's last few episodes. And, yey, both Philippine teams are still on the race. So make sure to catch Richard & Richard plus Jess & Lani every Thursdays, 9pm at AXN. Videos and other cool downloadable stuff may be accessed at www.axn-asia.com/tara

Filipino bloggers with Amazing Race Asia Philippine Team

Thanks Abet and Azrael for the photos! :D

Register for the Blue Water Day Spa Fun Run

To raise awareness for the Blue Water Day Spa 'Innovating Wholeness' Fun Run, several bloggers were recently invited to get-together at Kabisera, BHS The Fort. It was a casual dinner aiming to raise awareness for the company's first ever running event.

Company officials, together with celebrity icons Boom Labrusca and Karylle Tatlonghari, were present to answer queries from the guests.

"We aim to get 5,000 registrants," says Joanna Ong, Marketing Manager for Blue Water Day Spa. She also shared with us that the Fun Run will be a whole day activity filled with freebies, booths, and BRAZILIAN MODELS.

Yep. 40.

ALSO, Sam Milby and Mika Lagdameo-Martinez (!!!!!!), Blue Water Day Spa's new celebrity endorsers, will be at the event.

THE Mika Lagdameo (source)

They don't call it FUN run for nothing, you see.

SM Fairview Cyberzone Mob Dance

I noticed that flash mob dances have become quite a popular gimik lately. I'm sure everyone remembers that certain Glee episode where our very own Jollibee had a cameo.

Hmmm...maybe the Cebu Jail Dancers somehow started the trend?

Because of its entertaining and buzz appeal, marketers utilized the potential of mob dances in effectively promoting a brand/product. A recent example would be the SM Fairview Cyberzone Launch. They used mob dance to arouse the curiosity of mall-goers and introduce their newly opened gadget/technology strip. For maximum exposure, they held it at the high foot-traffic Atrium wing.

Several bloggers were invited to witness the Cyberzone launch. Our huge thanks and congratulations to SM Fairview and sponsors Gameline, Storyland, Bacolod Chicken Inasal for the successful launch!

Manila bloggers cover the launch

Power on @ Cyberzone

A stage was setup at the foodcourt / supermarket area

Yummy snack from Bacolod Chicken Inasal

SM Cyberzone is definitely a one-stop place for all your gadget needs. It has a broad variety of concept, branded, and I.T. stores, making it a perfect venue for technology-lifestyle enthusiasts who want to keep up in the latest trends. High quality and legitimate products are to be expected from each tenants, assuring customers of their money's worth. I could attest to this because I bought my phone, desktop pc, and PSP at Cyberzone North Edsa.

Now the 15th branch, SM Fairview Cyberzone has over 30 in-line tenants and kiosk stores such as Geco Skin, I Shield, Mp3 Express, Battery Channel, Pivod, Info Maxx, among others. Free high-speed WIFI is also available in all areas so you could research for a particular brand before purchase. Great, huh?

SM Fairview Cyberzone is located at the 3rd floor of SM City Fairview, Quezon City. You may visit other branches at SM City North Edsa, SM Southmall, SM City Manila, SM City Marikina, SM Megamall, SM City Clark, SM City Cagayan de Oro, SM City Davao, SM City Cebu, SM City Naga, SM Department Store Cubao, SM City Baguio, SM City Tarlac, and SM City Bacolod.

Php100 Finds at Robinsons Galleria All Out Clearance Sale

What can you buy with Php100?

For me, it would either be:

A. 4 bottles of beer (330ml), deposit not included
B. 3 for 100 ukay-ukay items
C. 2 Pirated DVDs =p
D. 1 Cheeseburger Meal, extra large fries/drinks + extra ketchup

Limited choices + meh = my emoticons are hurt because I am poor.

So when I recently visited the Robinsons Galleria All-Out Clearance Sale 2010, I challenged myself to look for cool items priced at Php100 and below.

My first stop was Best Sellers bookstore, located at the 4th level of Galleria. Various hardbound titles on Advertising, Sales, Finance, Medicine, Parenting, etc. are being sold at up to 70% off the tag. Definitely a real bargain for readers and collectors alike.

My Php100 below finds (click on photos to zoom):

Php50 Children's Literature

Php100 Adult Literature *wink wink*

A short walk led me to the huge Toys R Us, also located on the 4th level. I felt Christmas the minute I stepped in the store. TOYS TOYS TOYS!

From Php249.75 to Php100

Saw some cute and cheap items that are perfect for Christmas exchange gifts! Everything priced at Php100 and below :)

Newport Cinemas at Resorts World Manila Now Open

Newport Cinemas, Megaworld Corporation's latest feat, unveiled last week with a special screening of Angelina Jolie's "Salt." Housed in the luxurious Newport Mall Resorts World Manila, the new facility will allow viewers to experience luxury and entertainment at the same time.

The latest technology and unique first class service are to be expected from the four theatres:

Newport Cinemas 2 & 4 - conventional 35mm projection theatre

Newport Cinema 3 - 3D Cinema boasting of a Christie Solaria CP2230 Digital Cinema Projector

Newport Ultra Cinema 1 - 80 fully reclining seats with butler services for bottomless drinks and popcorns

Cinema 2 tickets are priced at Php200. Cinema 3D is a Php300 damage. Cinema 4 and Ultra Cinema 1 are yet to be opened.

We watched "Salt" at Cinema 2 and the place reminded me of Eastwood's 3D Cinema. The chairs have ample leg room and are really comfortable. Also, the armrest could be raised so snuggle time is doable. <3 By the way, the cinema's seating arrangement is different. Row A is at the back row, near the entrance/exit. We were seated at Row M, just 2 rows away from the screen. We felt like Angeline Jolie will pop right out of the screen...but not in a good way. Just a tip: make sure to double check your seat reservations if you don't want headaches halfway through the movie.

Anyway, below are some photos from the event. Huge thanks to Megaworld Corporation and Azrael for the invite!

"Salt" Special Screening Tickets

Photo Wall

Red Wine w/ Cha

Newport Cinemas is located at 4/F Newport Mall, Resorts World Manila, Pasay City (across NAIA Terminal 3)

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No Drama in Cervical Cancer

It was a themed event. 50s, to be exact. After an hour of looking for a suitable outfit, I gave up and decided to just go with jeans, a simple floral top, cardigan, and a 4-inch black heels that could poke a hole in your skull. Come 7pm, I arrived at Melo's fresh and "baskil" free, thanks to my mother who lovingly dropped me off the site. <3

Baskil

Minutes later, I found myself seated with Flow, Ohmski, Sire, and Bernie. A server approached immediately and politely asked how I prefer my steak served. "Well done," I answered, as my eyes search the room for familiar faces. A white projector screen waited infront. Old music hummed in the background. Pleasantries were exchanged between tables while plates of starters were being served. It was a typical press conference setting. Or so we thought.

I almost spilled soup on my shirt when a bellowing voice came from one of the tables. A man, who was at about his 20s, welcomed us to the birthday party of his wife Jennifer. How he delivered his speech was a dead give away--he is a thespian. I knew then that this won't be an ordinary event so I braised myself (and my bowl of soup) for the impending show.

With the steaks served, the party officially begun. Guests anticipated the celebrant's arrival until a shocking truth was revealed--Jennifer died, everyone is a suspect. In mere seconds, Melo's was turned into a stage. The interesting set-up made the bloggers curious and entertained at the same time. As the night progressed, more characters were revealed: a devious mother-in-law, the envious sister, the sneaky ex-lover, a discreet best friend--all being probed for Jennifer's untimely death. A single question lingered in everyone's mind: "Who Killed Jennifer?"

After dialogues and punchlines were thrown from either corners of the room, the question was finally answered. Jennifer was a victim of a serial killer--the cervical cancer.

The Clock is Ticking

World Health Organization (WHO) says that there are 510,000 new cervical cases annually worldwide, making it the second biggest cause of female mortality, next to breast cancer. Locally, there are 7,277 estimated new cervical cancer cases per year, with 12 women dying daily from the disease. These are just some information shared to us by a GlaxoSmithKlein Philippines' resource speaker during the event.

 What Cervical Cancer Looks Like (photo by Earth Rullan)

What Causes Cervical Cancer?

Cervical Cancer is usually caused by a chronic and persistent cancer-causing type of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infection. Presently, there are 200 known types of HPVs, 15 of of which are said to be cancer-causing. Prevalent among Filipinas are HPVs 16, 18, and 45.


Detection

Pre-malignant lesions in the cervix may be detected and diagnosed before becoming malignant. Visual Inspection of the cervix with Acetic Acid (VIA) and Pap Smear would help identify these lesions. Yearly Pap Smear tests are recommended for women who have already engaged in vaginal intercourse. Non-sexually active individuals, on the other hand, may start Pap Smear tests at the age of 35.

Stop the Killing

As the saying goes, prevention is always better than cure. Cervical Cancer Vaccines are now available to prevent women from falling victim to this serial killer. In the Philippines, women ages 10 and above may now avail of a cervical cancer vaccine at around Php8,000. Three shots within a period of six months are all it takes to guard yourself from cervical cancer causing HPVs. Consult with your OB-Gyn for more information about this vaccine or visit http://www.gsk.com.ph/cervarix.html.

Eastwood 3D Cinema is Now Open

Entertainment complex Eastwood City takes cinematic experience to another notch as it opens its first ever Digital 3D Cinema.

During the recent media launch, Eastwood City key persons welcomed everyone in the unveiling of the new theatre in a special advanced screening of "Shrek: Forever After." Representatives from Solar Entertainment group and United International Pictures were also present to congratulate Megaworld Corporation's latest feat. Local celebrities with the likes of Kris Aquino, Baby James, and Gab Valenciano graced the event as well.

Using the Christie Solaria CP2230 Digital Cinema Projector--the brightest digital cinema projector in the Christie Solaria series--Eastwood’s new Digital 3D Cinema allows viewers see a clearer image from every seat in the house. This state-of-the-art technology cinema has a seating capacity of 215, with tickets selling at Php350.00 per, drink and popcorn included.

Eastwood 3D Cinema launch: May 19, 2010

Bloggers enjoyed the advanced screening of Shrek with their families. Thanks, Eastwood!

The Eastwood 3D Digital Cinema is located at the Golden Cinema 5, 4th Level Eastwood Mall. For inquiries, contact the concierge at 7099888.

Do Drink and Dine at Velocity Bar Manila

I have joined [and won] a handful of drinking contest since my first introduction to beer---the honey colored liquid bread from heaven. My recent win was a Php500 voucher for Marriot Hotel Manila. Hands-down, mug-down, the winner was *cough* yours truly. *clap clap clap*

Even Georgina Wilson cheers me on

Okaaaaaaaaay, this is not a Georgina Wilson post. Rather, I would like to share with you (yes you, my sole reader from Uzbekiztan) this fancy place called Velocity Bar.

I'm Ms.Fancy Pants now!

 @ the Velocity Bar Bloggers Night

Velocity Bar, located at the ground floor of Marriot Hotel Manila (across NAIA Terminal 3), is the country's first and only 5-star sports and entertainment bar. Lord Google even informed me that this bar is actually a replica of Velocity Bar Hong Kong! That deserves a million like like like like like!

Epic lighting, zomg 5-STAR!

The place is not solely for sports enthusiast as you could also spend a relaxing night here, either alone or with friends. Also, unlike other similar establishments cramped with people, Velocity is quite spacious so it could serve as an ideal venue for casual meetings or small private parties.

 

I want a room with a bar. Seriously.

Aside from the incredibly amazing modern interiors, Velocity also boasts its wide-range of food and BEVERAGE menu. I put emphasis on the word BEVERAGE because the first thing I ordered when I arrived was a glass of Martini. And, gardemmit, their Martinis are made with premium dry gin...

Not just one row of Bombay Sapphire...

...but a whole case! And it sparkles! Like Edward Cullen!!!!

The bar also offers on-tap local draft beers (Php175 for 450ml, Php200 for 540ml) and bottled local brews such as San Miguel Light, San Miguel Pale Ale, San Miguel Super Dry, San Miguel Cerveza Negra, and San Miguel Premium Malt (Php175/bottle). TIP: If you're going for the bottled ones, I strongly suggest San Miguel Premium Malt as its SRP is Php60, while the San Miguel Ale are just sold for around Php30 a bottle. There's more value for your money if you order the former.

If you want 5-star experience on a tight budget, try visiting Velocity during happy hour to get selected beverages (local draft beer, house wine, soda and pouring spirits) at 50% off! That's from Tuesdays to Sundays, 6pm to 8pm. Hey, Php100 Beer at a fancy place like this is already a good deal! I guess my friends and I would have to try it one of these days. We're plain suckers for happy hours. Meh.

The tap brew is served on this crazy HUGE heavy glass

San Miguel, my favorite saint

Cantonese Soup Kitchen at Banawe

Banawe, QC is not only a place for car afficionados, it's also a place for foodies. Razon's, Mr.Poon, Chinatown's Best, Le Ching, Tramway, Savory, and Causeway are just some familiar names you'll see along the stretch of this well-known street. Then, one day:

"Hello fellow bloggers, See you tomorrow at 7pm for the food event. Venue: The Cantonese Soup Kitchen (although the signage says Canton Soup Kitchen) Unit C-847 Banawe cor. Linaw St., Quezon City. The restaurant is located right beside Figaro."

CANTONSOUP-WHAT.

I'm a frequent customer of the the place across Figaro (Slice 'N Dice, not the other one, you naughty naughty you) but I've never seen Canton Soup Kitchen. I didn't want to google so I wrote down the address on a piece of paper (because I'm old school like that) and made my way to the venue with a huge heavy bag filled with flashlights (don't ask).

The restaurant, which was quite small, was filled with customers when I arrived. I proceeded to the 2nd floor where Rowena (thanks for the invite, btw) welcomed me with a smile. She then said, "order ka na ng soup kasi it's good for one only." I was handed the menu and was surprised, curious even, with the different varieties of Chinese Herbal Soup being offered.

The caption reads: "Chinese Herbal Soups Menu is a most natural dietary way to good health. Adding Chinese Herbs to soups is a long tradition and a distinctive feature of Cantonese Cuisine. Chinese herbs have very well-known curative functions for the human body. And one of the mose common way to use Chinese herbs is to brew them together with meats over slow fire for 2 to 3 hours, releasing all the essences and nutrients of the ingredients into the soup - which the body can absorb and assimilate quickly without having to digest and breakdown the meats and herbs. This is the most ideal and natural way to obtain loads of nutrients minus the calories."

I was quite hesitant to order anything from the list because I don't want to eat anything with herbs. We have chinese tea at home and I don't drink it because of the taste. Don't like. :( But I decided to give CSK a try so I ordered the Cogon Grass with Spareribs Soup (Php170).

served on a tall slim bowl, filled to the rim

It's description on the menu says: This soup is concocted to act on the heart, lung, stomach, and urinary bladder channels and acts on the Qi in the lung and the stomach. This herbal soup is recommended by traditional Chinese doctors to help heal nose blead and alleviate pain in urination.
 
The urinary bladder part got my attention because I have annoying UTI problems. The Qi part I didn't understand at all. The nosebleed part made me lol.

cogon grass with a hefty portion of meat

you need not eat the meat nor the grass, just finish the soup because all the nutrients are there, k?

Ristorante Bigoli says Grazie!

"Grazie!" exclaims a Ristorante Bigoli staff whenever a satisfied customer presses the smiley button.

Recently opened at The Annex SM City North Edsa, Ristorante Bigoli offers a variety of Italian dishes such as pasta, pizza, and gelatos.

Upon entering the restaurant, you will be welcomed with warm yellow lights and colorful wall design that give a homey feel to the place.

The manager, Alexis, guided us through the different dishes they had to offer. We started with the basics: Spaghetti Bolognese (Php80 / Php115), Fettuccine Carbonara (Php100 / Php140), and Spaghetti Al Pesto (Php90 / Php130). You may choose from Solo or Grande, depending on your appetite.

 

I love garlic breadsticks! It's nice that Bigoli offers FREE refills for every pasta order. :) However, I wasn't too impressed with these three pastas. It was too....basic. Also, I've been to several pasta restaurants such as Amici, TOSH, Italliani's, and Belinnis and I love that they have parmesan cheese and/or spiced olive oil to compliment their dishes. Too bad Bigoli didn't provide us with any. :( But, hey, they just opened so I believe there's still room for improvement!

We also tried two of their special pasta offerings: Meltique Beef Pasta Bigoli (Php125) and Lasagna (Php180)

 

According to Alexis, the Meltique Beef Pasta is their newest addition to the menu and has proved quite popular among their customers. The dish is made with handmade tube pasta (looks almost like Lomi to me) with red sauce and topped with tender beef slices. Bell peppers are also added to give a bit of spice to the creation.