Felix, My Feel-Good Posh Restaurant

The day after the eventful Mother's Day celebration is also a keeper.   My kids had been greeting me for a week, a made-up greeting card in astonishing designs  would make my day even when it seemed to be dull.   This I say bragging,  with my kids who are very creative, loving, and very appreciative, I would say I'm one proud mom and that would never replace any hard-fitting job in a lifetime.   You wouldn't be in my shoes if you know how my day starts and ends, but it would melt your heart when I tell you that my kids would always tell me that I'm the best mom in the world every time  and the most beautiful too!  Hahaha, I wouldn't bargain for that!
We did celebrate the Sunday , Mother's Day, but we weren't able to go to a nice restaurant because almost all were full but it was still okay.  So we decided to go out for dinner the next day at FELIX at Greenbelt 5, Makati.

Felix if you don't know is also owned and operated by one of our great and famous chef,  Chef  Florabel Co-Yatco, who also owned Crisostomo, Sweet Pea and Elias (hope I didn't forget any other restaurants in her line).   Come to think of it this is my third restaurant amongst all her restaurants.   We have tried Crisostomo at Nuvali, Laguna,  Sweet Pea at McKinley Hill and now FELIX.   I guess that would only testify how much diverse and sumptuously-delighting her cuisine is.  

 

My kids loved it here as well, too lucky there weren't  many diners when we were there,  My youngest Danica is as frisky as she could get.  So it was cool to bring out my camera and  capture moments, especially the food. 

We had a creamy mushroom soup first, which my kiddos enjoyed, Clare, a five-mushroom soup with oyster chips.   

 We then ordered, San Raphael, cracker-like, thinly sliced lechon kawali with a nice lechon sauce and slightly spiced cane vineagar.  Sinful but less guilty, since having fried like this, the fats have been drained out.

Next, this amazing big platter of diced up tuna on Chinese soup spoons reached our table.  Everyone was in awe.  Gensan is a refreshing appetite at Felix you shouldn't miss.  Cubed fresh and raw tuna mixed with a wasabi-mayo dressing and some fresh vegetables served with salad greens. 

Another one that's my daughter had finished in less than ten minutes, Ostrea,  baked oysters.  You can order in three flavors, or opt to have all the flavors in one serving, as suggested by our most reliable waiter.  The three sure to love flavors are, Spinach and Bacon,  Cream cheese and Basil, Tomatoes and Anchovy. 

 Ala Ton is a rendition of their pizza,  thin-crust tomato-based sauce with parma ham, spring veggies and smothered generously with mozzarella cheese.
As you can see, the titles of the food were short yet intriguing, why didn't I ever ask the waiters how each recipe was named.    That's how I like Chef Florabel's way of communicating to her diners, somehow her dishes portray a character as if they  are presented as stars in a show.   I remember how Crisostomo's Menu was like,  as if Noli Me Tangere was haunting me till now.  

Lastly, we all had a fair serving of Daniele, oh not my daughter but their pasta dish.  Spaghetti with truffle sauce and mushrooms, now you know how my kids adore mushrooms.

To end, going back to Felix is something I will always look forward to, with or  without my family.   The ambiance is very relaxing with a touch of elegance, I love the beige fleur de lis walls and milky leathered comfy chairs.   It was at first hard to choose which one to get, that would always be a dilemma dining with kids.  But the knowledgeable staff was gracious enough to give us good suggestions, which most waiters in other restos falter. We didn't have to ask for water refills, the food were served fast, as expected in a day like that.  And judging by the pictures, the drool-worthy dishes we had gave us more of the feel-good moments without feeling sluggish and robbed off.

Felix

Greenbelt 5, Legaspi St., Legaspi Village, Ayala Center

Makati City, Metro Manila

(02) 729-9062

Introduction to Food Styling, A Workshop

 

Calling all aspiring food photographers! This is fast, exciting, highly informative and fun! Minimum requirement is a point and shoot (phones and other portable devices are allowed) 6 mega pixel camera.

BOOK NOW.......LIMITED SLOTS AVAILABLE!

 

On May 20, 2012  at  9 am to 1 pm, Moderne Culinaire Academy will be having a workshop dubbed as An Introduction to Food Styling.   Let Chef Dino Guingona, also an avid photographer teach you how a professional food stylist prepare a sumptuous plate ready for the taking...oops the camera!    A simple point and shoot  "thingamajig" can do the job.    A few of P3999  (includes  food ingredients) will give you an advantage in your food business or your foodie-hobby.

For reservations, please feel free to contact them  

Look for  JENNIFER A. GUILLERMO (Marketing Officer)

Moderne Culinaire Academy

#155 Diego Silang Street, Phase 1

AFPOVAI Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City

Tel No: (02) 843-8071 / 622-9656

Mobile: 0917700-COOK(2665)

Email: jenni@moderneculinaireacademy.com

www.moderneculinaireacademy.com

Pinoy Grill Master: DLSU's Neighboring Inasal Joint

One night my husband and I decided to go on a dinner search.   We head to Malate via Roxas Boulevard, on a motorbike.   Half-way across the bridge of  Buendia, rain came outpouring in heavy drops.   Not so blessed that night, we didn't have raincoats, we should have brought the car but he ought not to.  So that meant we got soaked in rainwater just before finding a shed. 

 It took us 30 minutes to wait for the rain to stop.  We then decided to go to Taft or Leon Ginto street instead to look for one since it's getting late and we are dead starving.
We knew of 8065 Bagnet  restaurant and the intriguing Sinangag Express (also know as SEx), but we saw something new.

The restaurant is just in front of the what used to be football field of  DLSU which now a foundation for their new building.   It is on the second floor of an apartment where Tropical Hut and Starbuck Coffee are also situated.
According to the staff, they've just opened this one last March.  The first branch was in Caloocan, but they are closing that one down. 

At first you will say this is just a typical Inasal and Filipino resto con carinderia feel.   But once you get to experience the food will not say that again.

Let me start of by saying that the staff are very warm in welcoming us, giving us good suggestions on what to order.
A bowl of  hot soup (from Sinigang) and unlimited rice goes with any rice order you make.

 Bhogs' choice, chicken sisig, a fairly seasoned chicken shreds with chili slices.  stir-fried quickly and then set on a sizzling platter, topping with a raw egg to finalize the look.   An order is good for two 

people already.  Not that sensational though but still appetizing.  Two people can share with one serving of this.

Mine was the regular grilled chicken on a stick.  Cooked the inasal way, I'd probably say that this is better than Mang Inasal.   My husband said that this is the chicken inasal he had been searching for a long time, one that has the same taste his grandfather cooks it.   Unlike Mang Inasal, it doesn't have that sweet sticky taste, instead a subtle lemony kick and salt does it.  Not marinated for a long time I guess with soy sauce, or maybe none at all.   Sometimes, the simplest is the best.

And after the much filling dinner, how can one say no to a cold sweet-ending.  Banana and nata de coco was the terrific heat-fighter was a winner.   The rightly cooked saba bananas and shredded fresh nata de coco where  mixed with  milky shaved ice and leche flan slices.  We had to share with this, a few spaces were left at my tummy from gorging two big cups of rice.

Sorry I wasn't able to get contact information yet. since they are new at Taft, I don't think they have land line numbers, but you won't miss it, it is at the building infront of DLSU, Taft, beside Benilde and on the right side is the building where Cafe Noriter is.   Have I told you that they have WIFI for free?  

Mom, now you can freely say… “Go out and play!”

My husband and I were having cold glasses of iced tea when his sight were directed to my daughters who were zombified by computer games on our laptops.   He asked me if I ever miss my childhood times.  Growing up in the ‘80s, we both  remember how much fun we  had playing outdoors with our friends and neighbors, especially during summer. He would bike around our village, I  would play patintero or piko, or hang out at the neighborhood park. It was an idyllic childhood.
And now, as a Mom of a two girls,  a 6-year-old and 8-year-old, I did somehow  wish that my children could spend more time outdoors just like I did. Aside from the fun of the great outdoors, I’ve read from experts that outdoor play can help stimulate children’s emotional, social and physical development[i].
But, I fear that exposure to the sun when outdoors can bring about various skin discomforts on my Dana and Danica like rashes and irritation, malodor and stickiness. Having less safe areas where my  kids can play is also a big concern. Because of these, I’m guilty of one thing – limiting my kids’ outdoor playtime.
I’m sure I am not alone. Many of today’s Moms feel the same way and that’s why JOHNSON’S®, the country’s number one baby care brand trusted by generations, presents a new advocacy campaign to help Moms confidently send their active, growing kids for outdoor play – JOHNSON’S® Play Days.
This summer 2012, JOHNSON’S® Play Days introduces three product platforms that are best for active, growing kids who want to play outdoors:

1. No Bungang Araw
2. Walang Lagkit Feeling
3. No Amoy-Araw

Aside from the products, JOHNSON’S® also brings to Moms and kids the country’s first and only travelling playground that will visit Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao to provide kids a fun and secure place to play in throughout summer.
There are still thousands of kids out there who have yet to experience the joy of outdoor play. But with JOHNSON’S® Play Days, more Moms can now freely tell their kids to … “Go out and play!”

---

[i] www.babycenter.com

 JOHNSON’S® PLAY DAYS 3 BENEFIT PLATFORMS

As the number 1 brand  trusted by generations of Filipino moms in caring for their babies, JOHNSON’S® extends more help to moms of more active, growing kids as it launches its new advocacy campaign, JOHNSON’S® Play Days, this summer 2012.

JOHNSON’S® Play Days addresses the concerns of moms through three complete product platforms best for active, growing kids:

1. No Bungang Araw
2. Walang Lagkit Feeling
3. No Amoy-Araw.

Sa alagang JOHNSON’S®, Laro Buong Araw!

RANGE #1: NO BUNGANG-ARAW

Every Single Filipino Kid Can Experience Prickly Heat/Bungang-Araw

Did you know that 4 out of 10 kids have prickly heat right this very moment? What’s worse is that 10 out of 10 kids can have prickly heat, especially during summer here in the Philippines. Indeed, prickly heat is the top skin concern of moms on their kids.[1]

Prickly Heat is Due to Excessive Sweating

Prickly heat occurs when the body’s sweat glands become blocked. Excessive sweating can cause sweat to become trapped beneath the skin making it easier for dead skin cells and bacteria to collect in your sweat glands. If your sweat glands become blocked, sweat will be trapped underneath your skin in tiny swollen pockets. It will also seep into the nearby tissue and irritate your skin. When the pockets burst and release sweat, it causes a stinging and prickling sensation.[2]

Prevent Prickly Heat Now  

To prevent prickly heat, use JOHNSON’S® Baby Skin Protection Powder on your kid before play. It has zinc oxide that’s a proven anti-bacterial agent and magnesium steareate that repels wetness. With this unique formulation, it helps fight rashes and prevents them from coming back.

NO BUNGANG-ARAW RANGE JOHNSON’S® Baby Skin Protection Powder Price List	SRP/   UNIT
JOHNSON’S® Baby Skin Protection Powder 25g	11.25
JOHNSON’S®  Baby Skin Protection Powder 50g	20.50
JOHNSON’S®  Baby Skin Protection Powder 100g	38.75
JOHNSON’S®  Baby Skin Protection Powder 200g	69.50

  

RANGE #2: WALANG LAGKIT FEELING

Hot, Hot, Hot Summer 2012

PAGASA forecasts that temperatures might reach as high as 36 degrees Celsius this summer. In line with this, the Department of Health (DOH) cautions the public to take extra precaution against conditions like heat stroke caused by hot temperature. [3]

For kids who love to play outdoors, hot is not necessarily “cool”. 

Stay Cool this Summer

Good news because JOHNSON’S® introduces its Walang Lagkit Feeling Range featuring the following products:

• JOHNSON’S®  Baby Cooling Bath with honeysuckle
• JOHNSON’S®  Baby Cooling Powder with honeysuckle that cools the skin in less than 1 minute
• JOHNSON’S®  Baby Tumble Cologne with a with a refreshing fragrance that gives an energizing after-bath feeling

WALANG LAGKIT FEELING RANGE Price List	SRP/   UNIT
JOHNSON’S®  Baby Cooling Bath 200ml	76.25
JOHNSON’S®  Baby Cooling Bath 1000ml	290.00
JOHNSON’S®  Baby Cooling Powder 50g	20.50
JOHNSON’S®  Baby Cooling Powder 100g	69.50
NEW! JOHNSON’S®  Baby Cooling Powder 500g	129.50
LIMITED EDITION! JOHNSON’S®  Baby Cologne Tumble 125ml	51.75

RANGE #3: NO AMOY-ARAW

Because it’s More than Just a Reflection of Good Hygiene

One clear sign that your child is no longer a Baby is when he starts to smell more like an adult. This is especially true when he’s out playing in the sun, hence the popular term “amoy-araw”! As a mom, you want your kid always smelling clean and fresh, not just as a reflection of good hygiene, but also as a reflection of your care.  

Say No to Amoy-Araw

JOHNSON’S® introduces its No Amoy Araw Range featuring the following products to keep your kid smelling fresh:

• JOHNSON’S®  Baby Slide & Bounce Cologne with a sweet and fruity fragrance
• JOHNSON’S®  Baby Summer Peach Bath with Vitamin E and the natural essence of Peach Leaf
• JOHNSON’S®  Baby Pink Blossoms Powder with long-lasting fragrance

NO AMOY-ARAW RANGE Price List	SRP/   UNIT
JOHNSON’S®  Baby Cologne Slide 25ml	17.00
JOHNSON’S®  Baby Cologne Slide 50ml	31.00
JOHNSON’S®  Baby Cologne Slide 125ml	61.00
LIMITED EDITION! JOHNSON’S®  Baby Cologne Bounce 125ml	51.75
LIMITED EDITION! JOHNSON’S®  Baby Summer Peach Bath 200ml	62.75
LIMITED EDITION! JOHNSON’S®  Baby Summer Peach Bath 1000ml	236.00
JOHNSON’S®  Baby Pink Blossoms Powder 25g	11.25
JOHNSON’S®  Baby Pink Blossoms Powder 50g	20.50
JOHNSON’S®  Baby Pink Blossoms Powder 100g	38.75
JOHNSON’S®  Baby Pink Blossoms Powder 200g	69.50
JOHNSON’S®  Baby Pink Blossoms Powder 300g	92.50

NEW! JOHNSON’S®  BABY DAILY SUN PROTECTION LOTION

 Sun’s harmful UV rays are everywhere, even indoors!

Did you know that even when your child is fully clothed or indoors, as much as 70% of the sun’s harmful UV rays can still penetrate and harm his skin? That is why your child needs special protection made for his sensitive skin.   Introducing new JOHNSON’S® Baby Daily Sun Protection Lotion, a first from JOHNSON’S®  -- protects children’s skin from the sun even when mom thinks she’s got it all covered.

A Child’s sensitive skin can be an easy target of UV rays

Your child’s skin is still developing so it is not yet fully capable of protecting him against environmental stresses like the sun’s harsh rays. It also has less melanin, which acts as natural protection against UV rays, making him more susceptible to sun damage. While his skin might not be showing signs of sun damage now, excessive sun exposure can build up over time and can result in wrinkles, sunspots, and even melanoma, a type of skin cancer.

Complete your Play Days with Gentle & Effective Sun Protection

JOHNSON’S® Baby Daily Sun Protection Lotion contains special ingredients that can block as much as 90% of the sun’s harmful UVA/UVB rays, offering wide sun protection. Its Clinically-Proven Mild® formula is light and non-greasy, making it safe and comfortable for everyday use.

Grab a bottle of JOHNSON’S® Baby Daily Sun Protection Lotion in Mercury Drug, Baby Company, Watsons and selected supermarkets near you. It is available in SPF 15 100ml and SPF 30 50ml with Suggested Retail Price of PHP230.00 and PHP215.00 respectively.

To know more about JOHNSON’S® Baby Daily Sun Protection Lotion, visit: www.Babycenter.com.ph/sunprotection 

The Simplest Pink Birthday Party

 My baby is now 8.  Last May 5, the girls planned a mini-party.   They have been wanting to swim and bask more in the sun, but due to the many things we need to consider, and one is budget, we had to set the idea aside for a while.   I'm just so blessed with kids who don't throw tantrums if their wants would not be met.  

One time the three cousins, Dana, Jaeda and Danica, were talking to each other about their dream birthday parties.  Danica will be 7 on September, she knows all our options and she liked each one of them.    Jaeda on the other hand had hers last April but still boasted of a future Hawaiian themed party in Boracay.   Whilst Dana said, I don't need to have a party.   I'm already 8 and mommy and daddy should not spend much because we need money for school.   I'll just ask her to buy me more books.   But the two were not satisfied, telling her to have a pink party with their Barbies and "stuffies".    I'm more of thinking like a tea party is what Danica tried to tell her.   

So on her day, I asked her what she would like to have on that day.   She didn't mention any.   But I know there is something in her mind but was kind enough not to ask it.   I don't know, we moms can tell what might be on their mind.   So I rushed off to the top floor, swept the fallen dried leaves on the floor, arranged the potted plants and thought of ways to decorate the whole area.   We bought pink colored papers, cut them and made pinwheels and cutesy paper cut-outs.

It was a party planned just in the nick of time.   For our princess to enjoy her birthday, with a life as a gift from God.  With all the pains she literally undergo everyday of her life and surviving each day is such a wonderful blessing to our family.  

So enjoy the pictures, they are what the girls might have envisioned it and eventually had,  without putting too much effort and money on it.

Pink and white gummy candies and strawberry flavored jelly beans on empty honey jars

Pink Soda, it's only Sprite with gel food color in Rosso (Gourdo's)

Fight heat with colored ice candies

What's a birthday party without the cakes.   Forgive me but my powers weren't enough to bake her cakes plus the party was just a spur of the moment, so we had to use necessary sources. 

Goldilocks Strawberry cream in 6"in round,  Sophie's Mom  famous Cupcakes

So we hurriedly went to Mega mall to check out cakes from Goldilocks and at that time Sophie's Mom's Bakeshop had their cupcakes on a 10 % discount.  We bought ice cream with three flavors, Chocolate, vanilla and strawberry from Selecta. 

You see all she wanted was to have even for a short time normal kids have as snacks, candies and more sweet treats, which however is not allowed for her to take even in moderation.   

No she didn't  consume a lot, and yes she tried everything in small and counted quantities.   And that for her was enjoyable enough.

 

 Wouldn't that be an amazing simple, very affordable  but fun intimate party?   Everyone in the family contributed something just to make this happen, and we are all contented we all did it.   The smile and the laughter on that day is more than enough to give them even more as they too share their joy and love.

 

And the Lord speaks His promises.   While they were playing, we all noticed the rainbow on the east side of the sky, which for me is a sign that healing is already at work and we just all need to have faith in Him and rely in His promises.   

2 Peter 1:4
And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.

Read more: http://www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/the-promises-of-god-10-powerful-bible-verses-1/#ixzz1urjDjKSt

Shared on Pink Friday Meme

Casa San Luis Pastries: Un Superbe Gâteau

I have a confession, I adore extra-ordinary cakes and pastries!  Hhmm, if you're an avid reader of my site, you would probably say, "come on, that is so obvious!"
Well this time of year, in the mid of the first to the second quarter, cakes have been a necessary table-pleaser.   March has been the ultimate birthday month, where me, my daughter,  my sister-in-law and my best friend celebrate our natal day.   This actually is a concluding post to my last one, and it was still about an incomparable selection.
But now that it's May and today is the global celebration of Mother's Day, let me send my gift to all you moms reading and might have been drooling (sorry about that) over this post.
Okay, another confession, I should have been slimming down, to keep me staying young-looking (humility aside) because my kids have been noticing my tummy sagging and my belly bulges.   I want to keep my identity a bit mystifying.   You see people who would meet me for the first time would see me as a young unmarried professional, and when I tell them about me having four-kids, they get surprised,  mostly when I tell them about my eldest entering college this year.   "Say what, you have a son going to college, you must have married really young!"  With an exclamation point, to exaggerate on it, and of course I would get flattered.
Alright, confession day it is.   I've been getting this habit of searching for the top of the line and unparalleled sweet confection, not just the sheer joy of  moist cakes, but a plethora of dessert types.

 Now you have seen it, the best by far mousse cake I have tasted.   My kids never liked mousse cakes, even chocolate eggnogs or  soft pudding, but when they tasted this, it changed their lives.  I have been baking for a long time but never did I attempt to make this one.   If you like the mousse cake in Red Ribbon, which we all have grown  up with, you will most definitely love this!

During my last ordeal at a food fair and probably the grandest, I met one of the owner of Casa San Luis Pastries, Julien, a French man who married her business partner and the baker, Carmela.   I was so petrified with ll the goodies laid down on their table.    This hunk of a guy, so cunning enough to  invite me to try some of his wife's creation.    Since then I have been craving for the most sumptuous cake  have tried on Best Food Forward, just last March.   Thanks to Chef Anna of My Pink Wasabi for giving me complimentary tickets, btw.

As you can see, it's a triple-decker of chocolate heaven.  The bottom is lined with dark chocolate cake, which is dense but moist. Topped with a hefty layer of soft and silky smooth Belgian chocolate mousse cake.   Yes it didn't stop there as you can see, on it is a lovely layer of white chocolate mousse (which I never had since I've been trying out  different kids of mousse cakes), finally ending it with butter cream.     If you love Choco-nuts,  "tsoknut" or sugary peanut bar contending for a chocolate title, like my sister and my kids,  you will go head over heels on this.    A mystical sprinkle of what seemed to be gold salts can also be chanced upon looking closer.

I guess this would be enough reason for me to run a mile or so.   But I still do not mind myself carrying extra baggage with a slice of this. 
Casa San Luis carries a vast assortment of sinfully delighting sweets and quiche you wouldn't want to miss. 

Order from them by calling  0916 644 8522 or e-mail them at  casasanluispastries@gmail.com.

To see more of their sampled treats visit their Facebook page  www.facebook.com/casasanluispastries
.Do follow them on Twitter as well,  @CasaSanLuis

John Paul Lawrence Cabido: A Hero in His Own Self

 "Enriching sports development  beyond diversity, history will transcend..." (adapted from the Kalilangan GenSan festival's theme)

I was never into sports when I was a child.   Believe it or not, my sports when I was in elementary  was Patintero and Piko, if that would be considered sports.   Even when I became a parent,  I didn't put much emphasis on having my kids  pushed into seriously be a part of any sports.  Though I did enroll them in swimming lessons, I did not really give deeper thoughts on sending them to any sports events.  Though my eldest, Darren have the capability to be one- graduating as an MVP for Water Polo at their school's meet- I just let him be, without any pressure whether he would want to continue it in college or not.   Maybe I lack something as a parent, maybe he could be one of those participants I came to witness at the Lingayen Palarong Pambansa, maybe something could have motivated or unmotivated him not to be that determined.

Opening Ceremonies of the Palarong Pambansa 2012

The day began where all the traffic merges down to Narciso Ramos Grandstand, Lingayen.   As the best of the athletes stand for the country and against each other as they show off  their winning talents to this year's Palarong Pambansa.

Delegates fill up the stadium streaked in yellow, as everyone await for the opening activities and remarks from President Benigno Aquino, Jr..  

Here is a map of the whole Pangasinan region where the official events for the Palarong Pambansa will take course during the May 6 to 11 games. 

DepEd and Pangasinan To Open 2012 Palaro Today

 The Department of Education has completed the preparations for the 2012 Palarong Pambansa and is all set to kick off the national sporting event in Lingayen, Pangasinan today, May 6.

“We are confident to say that all necessary arrangements have been secured to make this year’s Palaro truly remarkable and successful,” DepEd Secretary Br. Armin A. Luistro FSC said. The Secretary also promised a clean, green, and hi-tech Palaro this year.

MYP's Nutella Ferrero Chocolate Cake and More

Let me just  quote  Margaret Anderson, "Life for me has been exactly what I thought it would be, a cake, which I have eaten and had too."  

We would sometime say that life is a box of chocolate,  that you never know what you're gonna get (quote from the movie Forrest Gumpp),  where a person's life is likened to a box with chocolates of different flavors, but times had evolved, you can choose to have a box with the same flavors and you know what to get after.   
A cake maybe just a cake, eaten to sweeten a bitter day, or to highlight a special occasion.  For me it's a whole lot of emotions, perspective  and all, but for bakers, they are works of passion and of one's artistry.   For Chef Anna Marin Chua, of My Pink Wasabi, it's her ingenious way of making people special, a love from her oven.