Thursday, December 29, 2016

Feast in Joy

2nd Vigan tour 2016 
A YEAR-ENDER POST

JOY...the word that's bursting full in my heart as this year comes into a close and ushers in another.  And what better way to end it with, a blogpost.

Wednesday, December 28, 2016

Paradise Dynasty, Legend of Xiao Long Bao Now in Manila


From the moment I have started blogging and writing about the food that I have eaten, Xiao Long Bao had been one amongst the most illustrious.  Though it was not my intention to enlist a couple of places on where to go to try Manila's best-selling xiao long baos, I did try some of them and have blogged about such places.  Since then, more and more foodie-welcoming establishment have popped up and have delighted xiao long bao lovers, from the traditional to the Michelin-Starred restaurants.

Friday, December 23, 2016

A Brush on Specialty Coffee by Dr. Manuel Diaz


Long ago, people in the province would fire up woods to boil ground coffee beans on a huge kettle.  I despised seeing my grandma, pour over some over clean white cups and near it were sugar and Coffeemate on jars to customize your own cup of Joe.  I thought it was tedious and unsafe, but that's how they like having their coffee.

Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Restaurant Depot, Where Savings Come in Big Sizes


Establishments in Pasay in the food-service can now take delight in a newly opened super-grocer. Easily accessible, Restaurant Depot is just a few walks from EDSA and Mall of Asia which aims  It is a membership-only warehouse club for people involved in the food-service industry - canteens, food stalls, restaurants, caterers, home bakers, and chefs. Membership gives you access to a large selection of ingredients, food supplies, and kitchenware in a convenient shopping format, where buying in bulk translates to big savings.

Monday, December 19, 2016

Flavors of an Elegant Filipino Christmas by Chef Jessie Sincioco


Words and photos by Gene Rose Gozum Imphang
IG Account: @msgenerose

If you haven’t planned your Christmas menu yet, now’s a good time to do so.  Take it from the expert as Chef Jessie shares her recipes for an Elegant Filipino Christmas.

Sunday, December 18, 2016

Recipe: No-Fail Classic Holiday Dessert Recipes from Jolly Cow Condensada


Growing up, Christmas had always been the most anticipated feast.  I always, always patiently seat near my mom in the kitchen as she prepares different kinds of salads and her winning recipe is a salad for dessert. Ironic?  Well for us Pinoys it isn't, as we would enjoy loads of Fruit Salad during this season.

Saturday, December 17, 2016

A Bevvy of Asian Flavors in One Oishi World of O, Wow! Bag


Here is a rags-to-riches story you might not have heard yet.

From its humble origins of repacking gawgaw and local coffee and introducing classics such as Oishi Prawn Crackers and Kirei, Liwayway Marketing Corpora-tion has come a long way in the last
seventy years. From then on, Liwayway Marketing Corp has been redefining snack time for Filipino families as they introduce more favorites such as Bread Pan, Ribbed Cracklings, Pillows, Marty’s, Potato Fries, and Ridges. Now with an ever-growing roster of products, Oishi has been capturing hearts around Asia as well, including countries such as Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, India, and China.

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Where to Buy the Best Roast, Ham and Pork Bellies for Christmas


You can have a restaurant-style Christmas dinner right at home and you don't have to stress yourself out preparing them.  There are really good ones in the market, and what's best is that they're just a phone call away.

Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Century Park Hotel is All Set for 2017


Your home away from home, Century Park Hotel, is going big this New Year’s Eve with extravagant lineup of surprises and treats.

As part of its annual campaign to spread holiday cheers to its patrons, CPH is hosting “Let’s go for 41!” a New Year countdown party to welcome 2017 and the hotel’s 41st year in business. The hotel is all set for this grand event happening on the night of December 31st.

NY's Most Mouth-watering 'Cue, Mighty Quinn’s Joins the Roster of Mega Fashion Hall's Must-visit Foodie Joint


All hail the "Mighty Quinn."

The “Barbecue King of New York,” the brainchild of pit master Hugh Mangum, is now roasting in Manila!  Mighty Quinn’s US glory might outshine the barbecue market as it blends both slow-roast techniques from Texas and North Carolina, creating a distinct, “New York-style” barbecue, the first of its kind.

Monday, December 12, 2016

Can you Believe that Cellphones Can Cause Acne?


I had to admit, I'm one of the millions of people that use mobile phones every day.  In fact, there are more ways than one of using it unlike before when it was only meant for calls. Instant messaging came and it didn’t take too long for it to have games and other entertainment features such as a music player and a radio. Today, people use it to get information from the internet, while numerous apps have made it possible to do things with just the touch of their fingertips. There's FB, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat to name a few.  But among the numerous features a mobile phone has, the camera is probably the most used of them all.

Saturday, December 10, 2016

KC Nevada's Corner of the Sky: An Inspiration


Our Own World's Version of An Artist Inspiring an Artist

Maybe some of you (my dear readers) do not know yet that I have two kids in college, in fact, I have a daughter who's taking up Fine Arts at PWU.  My husband and I really didn't see this coming, specially when we were pushing our kids to excel academically.

Wednesday, December 7, 2016

Recipe: Grilled Calamansi Thyme Chicken


Follow my blog with Bloglovin

It's that time of the year when you need to plan your menu for the holidays, but more than that, I'm pretty sure you're still having crunches on your daily meals. Amongst them are not having enough ingredients, probably because of lack of time to go to the market or grocery stores, and how about the baffling experiences you've been having every time you pick up a recipe book.

Pasko sa Intramuros: DOT's Way of Paving Filipino Tradition Back to the Walled City


WOW!  World of Walls...World of Wonder...

Those were the words left to us and the children of Intramuros during yesterday's speech given by Sen. Richard Gordon himself at the event dubbed as "Pasko sa Intranuros" hosted by the Department of Tourism. The man behind WOW Philippines, Senator Gordon placed the Philippines on the world tourism map with his famous WOW Philippines program when he was appointed as Tourism Secretary  and the country’s tourism industry thrived under his watch.

Holiday Gift Guide For Coffee Enthusiast


For a long time now, many cultures around the globe have held coffee in high esteem. Needless to say, in modern times, java is arguably the most popular beverage in the world. Besides the refreshing savory aroma of freshly ground roasts, drinking coffee comes with a myriad of health benefits. For this reason, you can use the theme of coffee to strengthen relationships through gifts.  Every time your loved one uses such a gift, even as they take their treasured cup of java, there is a chance that they will think about you. This keeps the bond of friendship strong and ever vibrant.

Monday, December 5, 2016

Mariah's World on E!


E!’s Mariah’s World gives fans, viewers and “lambs” alike a peek into the life of the award-winning singer, songwriter and icon Mariah Carey.  During the eight-part event, Mariah is faced with the overwhelming demands of her time as she launches her world tour, plans a wedding and is a loving doting mommy to her twins.  Mariah’s World premieres on E! on 6 December, Tuesdays at 9pm.  The docu-series will air globally on E!’s 15 international channels across North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Africa and Latin America.

“Breville-lize” Your Calamansi Juicing


As we approach the end of the year, the onset of the cold season will definitely test our bodies’ immune system. We already rely on it to prevent dangerous bacteria, germs, even cancer cells and parasites, and of course common viruses related to ailments such as colds, cough and flu from entering our bodies.

Sunday, December 4, 2016

Linguine ala Salmon Puttanesca for #FlavorsOfContadina


It's been a while since I last cooked the #KitchenGoddess' Slut's Spaghetti.  Nigella Lawson calls her version of Pasta Puttanesca the Slut's Spaghetti. Puttanesca is said to come from the Italian word "puttana" which when translated to English is whore or prostitute.  Puttanesca is a dish which historically was cooked by Italian prostitutes for reasons such as - cooked to entice their male clients, and for practicality-sake of cooking out of canned ingredients, since most of them has limited time to market for fresh ingredients.

Saturday, December 3, 2016

BERINGER Wines + M Cafe's Special Menu = Optimistic View That Anything is Possible


Optimism is an intrinsic American value,it is a spirit open to anyone and everyone willing to try. What characterizes America’s past and how it looks to the future is the unshakable belief that anything is possible.

Old Orchard Cranberry’s 5 Simple Lifestyle Tweaks for a Healthier Lifestyle


Striving for a healthier lifestyle can be refreshing and easily achieved with the help of the American juice brand, Old Orchard Cranberry Juice. Did you know that Cranberries are distinguished in the nutrition world because they boast various health benefits? This gives consumers better options and alternatives on how to care for their bodies and live a healthy lifestyle.

The Joy of Shopping for Contadina


I always put everything to a halt when I need to be in the grocery to shop for my family, especially if I'm dealt with a week of grocery items and needful of planning our daily dishes. I allow myself to live in the moment and make sure that a visit to the grocery would be a pleasure. Thus, time isn't a factor and, how could someone shop for a week's worth of food in less than an hour?  For some, it may be a boring chore, but for me, it's a joy.  I love, love discovering new items to use in my cooking and baking.  So, if I'll be pressured (with time or with money), I don't know how I'd feel...

Friday, December 2, 2016

Meet the New Classics at 7107


Contemporary Filipino chefs and been demonstrating their love and passion for local Filipino dishes and leveling it up a notch to meet global trends, this means making plating more elaborate, making the dish more palatable and enticing.

Monday, November 28, 2016

The ‘Magic is Everywhere’ in Resorts World Manila’s Grand Fiesta Manila 2016



With over a month-long revelry filled with delightful entertainment, topnotch cuisine, great family events and a showcase of the best in Filipino culture, Resorts World Manila’s annual Grand Fiesta Manila (GFM) truly encapsulates how Filipinos celebrate the Christmas season.
Intended as a traditional festival that mirrors the true identity of Filipinos—fun-loving and closely knit with family, both Pinoys and tourists have endeared themselves to the many offerings of GFM during the holiday season since 2010.

Sunday, November 27, 2016

Metrobank & IAJ Wellness Corporation Partners at the 2nd Metrobank Wellness Expo 2016


On it's 2nd run the Metropolitan Bank and Trust Company (Metrobank) recently concluded an event that showcases Metrobank’s concern for the health and wellness of its employees, at its head office located along Sen Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City, dubbed as 2nd Metrobank Wellness Expo 2016.

What better brand to support this noteworthy event rather than the IAJ Wellness Corporation (IAJWC)  With a company engaged in the importation and distribution of innovative, highly effective food & wellness products they participated by showcasing their premier brands MATSTONE® Horizontal Slow Juicer and BREVILLE® juicers and blenders.

Saturday, November 26, 2016

Reconnect with Forgotten Flavors at Aurora Filipino Cuisine


Filipino food can never go out of style.  Call it passe, or archaic, or whatever, but for some it is undeniably "the" comfort food for all seasons.  Filipinos, even who are based and born in other countries still succumb to the rice and "ulam" combination.

Wednesday, November 23, 2016

CALABARZON 3RD Tourism Summit


The DOT – Region IV-A through the Office of Public Affairs and Advocacy spearheaded the CALABARZON 3RD Tourism Summit on last November 8, 2016. The summit, held at the Grand Ballroom of Taal Vista Hotel, Tagaytay City was conducted to continually coordinate among various stakeholders all the initiatives in promoting tourism to various provinces.

Recharged for More Work Ahead at Metro Vigan


I would define recharging your batteries as anything that lets you: catch up on sleep, (naps) let go of muscle tension, (massage, yoga) hangout with people you love or really like (socialize) laugh, and slow down your nervous system and heart rate through some sort of relaxation technique (including listening to relaxing music or reading a good book), and getting some form of aerobic exercise that makes you sweat.

But sometimes, it takes more than a quick relief from stress-inducing lifestyle, rather you'd need to be taken out of that place which most of the time gives you stress.

Monday, November 21, 2016

Make Your Home Germ-free and Join Us at the #1MCleanToilets Movement


Are you aware that there is World Toilet Day?  It is United Nations day of observance of the global sanitation crisis which was commemorated last November 19.  Did you ever had a discussion about toilet sanitation with any one? I bet not.  It is a topic that never ever been tackled, specially not over a good meal at a classy restaurant, but should have been a part of any conversation, specially when we talk about our family's health and wellness.  But as germ experts, Domex leads the cause for clean toilets in the country and they wouldn't compromise not sharing their expertise.

The Grand Finale of SM Hypermarket’s Streetfood Festival


For me nothing beats Filipino street food. although occasionally I would dream of trying out hawker food from other Asian countries, I would not ever exchange an experience with a funny and accommodating "Manong" preparing my "turon" or "kwek-kwek."

But there is something about getting one's usual street food fix, it's the memories that come back to life every time you dip your fish ball into the plastic jar of sweet orange-colored sauce, or lining up to get your "puto-bumbong" after attending a 5 am mass.  Those days are never gone, only sometimes forgotten.

Sunday, November 20, 2016

Taste Cavite, A One-stop Cavite Culinary Tour



Cavite is just a drive way from us, being lived in Pasay all my life, however I am not really aware of what kind of food Cavite boasts.  Even after living in Dasmarinas, Cavite for three years, all I can ever think of is Digman's Halo-Halo, where it is said to originate in my father-in-law's hometown, Bacoor.

Thursday, November 17, 2016

Chicken McDo and More in the New McShare Box


Family is family, no matter what!

It's simple but it's also complicatedly deep.  When I was young, I used to hear that from parents and never did quite comprehend.  All I know is that I'm annoyed somehow by my siblings and sibling quarrels is just a normal way of life.

Not until when I became a parent myself that I truly understood what it meant.  Our life isn't perfect and no family is, but if you do know a family that is perfect, then, they might be saints of modern times.  Granted they are, or there were, I'm pretty sure that they do had been through some tough times in their family lives.

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

My First RF Experience at The Beauty Lounge by Bianca Festejo


Okay foodies and fellow moms, let's all admit that eating too much can take toll on our body, unless you're eating leafy veggies only (well then I guess you're classified differently, vegan perhaps, not foodie).  Nothing makes me feel better than being full and with taste buds satisfied, however, behind my mind are worries of getting fat, flabby tummies, saggy skin and many other health mal-conditions.

Yankee Candle Now in Manila


What a "scent-sational" news I have for you, America's favorite brand of premium candle is now in Manila.  It's store is such a haven for pure love of scents.  Once you get inside, you'll definitely forget your worries outside the door, every corner offers a different aroma that will leave you either feeling right at-home or nostalgic.

Sunday, November 13, 2016

Have a Ruby Christmas at Century Park Hotel


As Century Park Hotel celebrates four decades of holiday cheers, an array of gem-filled treats and exciting promotions are offered to make your holidays a memorable one.

Cafe Fleur by Chef Sau


It is through driving across towns to discover new restaurants that Bhogs and I add adventure to our somehow drab way of life.  It is our way of accommodating that much coveted work-life balance.

Rekindle Christmas Traditions the Healthy Way with Healthy Options' Gift Boxes


The season of gift-giving is already upon us.  Yes, it was a Christmas in November on the first ever announcement of Christmas package offerings made by Healthy Options.

Nothing is wrong in planning gift-giving as early as now, it's actually best to plan ahead, make your list and do early shopping before everyone else and avoid the rush.  After all, isn't that what Santa Claus is doing every year?

Friday, November 11, 2016

Wiser Choices at Shopwise Harrison Plaza


Women in the modern society had assumed the role of shopping agents or gatekeepers for the family. Like many other women, I exert tremendous spending power, making over 80 percent of buying decisions in our home alone. This role is so entrenched in our culture that shopping has been institutionalized as a "life skill", as part of the nurturing of the family.  Everyone, I mean everyone has to do some shopping or buying somehow.  Wouldn't you want to have a complete stock of things inside your home?

Tuesday, November 8, 2016

A Sweet Escape at Providore SM Aura


When I heard all about Raintree Restaurant's new baby from a common friend in FB, I got excited and have been expecting more info about it, which Mela have been successfully executing.

However, it took me quite some time to finally visit SM Aura and get to see their new resto concept.

Monday, November 7, 2016

The Noble Grape at the 16th Grand Wine Experience


Perhaps there is truth when Benjamin Franklin said "the discovery of wine is of greater moment than the discovery of a constellation." " The universe is too full of stars, " as he added.

Well, I love looking at the stars, but there are times that their glitters and sparkles are not that valuable as sipping a good wine that just makes you say, "Ahhh! Don't you just love life and this refreshing sparkling glass of sweet champagne."

Thursday, November 3, 2016

DOT confirms PHL hosting of Miss Universe 2016

Photo credit

DOT Press Release:

After all that has been said and done, Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo on Thursday welcomed the latest announcement of the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) confirming the 2016 Miss Universe pageant in Manila next year.

Wednesday, November 2, 2016

Happy Cows Produce Creamy Jolly Cow Fresh Milk


Apart from Jolly Cow Fresh Milk’s creaminess and full-bodied texture, the best part about it is its free-range quality.

Banh Nam Now at The Venice Grand Canal


So much for the perks of being at home in one of my favorite mall.  This mini Venice in Manila is a host to many Italian and locally franchised restaurants in the country.  Though basking in these is quite amusing, there are times I also long for something different, something Asian, yet flavors and culture authentic.  Something like a taste of Vietnam.

McDonald’s Stripes Run 2016 Registration now open for Manila and Cebu



Now on its 7th year, McDonald’s will once again host its much-awaited annual family-friendly event. Join in the fun with family and friends while helping children learn how to read at this year’s McDonald’s Stripes Run: Run for Reading.

Recipe: Pumpkin Oatmeal Muffins


I've been receiving a couple of products from friends from the marketing fields, and I love it when they send me locally sourced out products.  Some of the products I've been getting comes from Hunt and Gather events and Apotheca.

Another package came in from Rustan's in support of local artisans and in promoting their new section for their recent advocacy - Super Goods.

Tuesday, November 1, 2016

# SilverPortraitsofHappiness at Shangri-La Plaza


Shang captures moments of happiness for 25th anniversary celebration. Shangri-La Plaza continues celebrating its 25th anniversary by creating special Shang moments with all mall guests. This time, through a free photo studio session with photographer Patrick Uy, you and your loved ones can have your very own #SilverPortraitsofHappiness.

17 Phone Photos That Will Make You Try Single Origin in Rockwell x SeatsPh Promo


Are you in pursuit for a perfect cup of coffee?  Or a place where you can just take a breather while indulging the coffeephile in you?  Or perhaps you needed a good meal that partners itself with a really good cup of coffee.

I found a place, though it's their second branch already - SINGLE ORIGIN, Rockwell.

Monday, October 31, 2016

Flat Iron by 1771, New Favorites Hot Off the Griddle


No, I'm not endorsing a new brand of flatiron (which I'm hoping I could) or am I telling a story of how I learned to iron clothes with a memorable flat iron.  This blog, as what it's supposed to is about a new restaurant that I recently tried with Visa credit card and eventually loved.

Sunday, October 30, 2016

Wizarding Academy at The Venice Grand Canal


This Halloween, Megaworld Lifestyle Malls invites all families for the Wizarding Academy, a magical Halloween Celebration at the most romantic mall in the Philippines, the Venice Grand Canal.

Marvel at floating candles, join a costume trick or treating event, try fun activities, interactive booths, and shop for wizarding supplies, merchandise and treats at a magical bazaar that will bring the world of wizarding to life in family friendly experience.