Yes! I Took the Second Bite at Foodgasm 2

It all began when I received an email asking me to be one of the blogger judge for an event, The FOODGASM 2.  In a nutshell, the event is a food tasting competition which aims to showcase the up and coming food establishments in Metro Manila, where in at the end winners were judged by us, bloggers and foodies all over the metro.   Each participant were asked to  serve 800 samples of their food of choice per official entry at the event and their product will be sampled and judged by 25 famous bloggers and invited chefs.  It all happened last March 9 at the tent of Mercato Centrale, BGC.

Here are some photos of the participants with there uber delish samples.  

 Beware, make sure you had your fill before proceeding with this post, else you might take a bite at your screen.

Ricasa's Kitchen

Food Entry: Flan de Coco

New Zealand Natural Premium Ice Cream

Food Entry: Ice Cream

Sweet Baum Cafe

Food Entry: Baumkuchen

PAIRE Cocktails and Pastries

Food Entry: Ligid and Class A Pairing - Amaretto Sour and Almond Slice

Sugar Rush

Food Entry: Chocolate Kiss Cupcake

Le Kitchenita

Food Entry: Bacon Wrapped Embutido Cupcake w/ Mashed Potato Topping

Shawarma Bros

Food Entry: Lamb Steak Shawarma Plate

Mila C's

Food Entry: Sinantol

Frabelle Foodie Chef

Food Entry: Frabelle Mini Pies

Blue Toque also had  a spot and raffled some sinful chocolate chip cookies.

Sweet Confections by Giselle

Food Entry: Triple Chocolate Fudge Cake

Kuya Boyet's Cheesecake

Food Entry: Neapolitan Cheesecake bites

 With or Without Belgian Chocolates, the crunchy belly bites are to die for!

 Crunchy Belly by Carlos Kitchen

Food Entry: Chocobelly

 Ping Gu Mushroom Fries

Food Entry: Mushroom Fries

 

Granny's

Food Entries: Chicken, Beef

 

 Sophia School Cafe

Food Entry: Veggie Sisig and Veggie Dinuguan

The Cupcake Dealer

Food Entry: Black Velvet

Lipdip Milkshakes

Food Entry: Milkshake

 Queens: New York Comfort Food

Food Entry: Grand Central Cheesesteak

Sisnarp Streetfood Fusion

Food Entry: Jamaisian Bacon Wrap

The Verdict!

I was so happy seeing the sisters of Paire, Kat and Abby Nantes, inspite of being drastically involved in the preparation of their booth still managed to be cheerful to everyone, including me.  Oh, and of course to have a taste once again of their heirloom dish, the Ligid and the refreshing Almond Amaretto.  And what do you know they went home winning the title Expert's Choice!

Other winners are Sophia School Cafe for being the Most Innovative,  Ping Gu Mushroom Fries (People's Choice) and New Zealand Natural Premium Ice Cream (Overall Champion) for winning the awards for Foodgasm: Take the Second Bite.

A Fun Easter Celebration at Century Park Hotel

Easter is a FUN time for Christians around the world, and at Century Park Hotel, colorful ways were seen  to celebrate it last Mach 31.   However, we must remember that Easter is not only about chocolate bunnies and egg hunts. In fact, there is a very special, religious reason behind Easter and we can all learn a lot from it.  Kachina, the venue for the event were jam-packed with kids and parents.  

Dubbed as Easter FUNtasy, the room was filled with merriment and exciting treats.  For starters, a photo booth was set up outside the door, and as you enter, the voice of the host echos throughout the room in inviting sound that have the kids running fo their spot on the games.   

Seeing a bunch of theses colorful eggs I can't help but explain to my kids what it really symbolizes.  Funny,it was  the same question they asked when we had the Easter party last year at Pan Pacific Manila Hotel.
A lot of the symbols of Easter represent new life and new beginnings, the egg is one of those.  Eggs represent a brand new life inside the shell. Since ancient times, rabbits have been used as a symbol of rebirth. Easter also coincides with spring. These symbols are also linked with the season and help us to welcome new life after the darkness of winter.
We came about halfway of the program so every kids had theirs already, while my girls had to start off winning in a game.   Surprises upon surprises where revealed to us.  Apparently, hidden in any of those eggs are awesome prices like hotel accommodations, buffet meals for two, etc.
Every activity have a corresponding prize also, taken cared off by the generous sponsors.

My Danica, 7 years old having her bunny rabbit face-painting.

Among the highlights of the day were the favorite Easter activities such as the magic show, face painting, glimmer tattoos, egg hunting and exciting kiddie games like jumping rope and balloon twisting. Winners in each game were awarded stubs which they used to claim their Easter eggs. Jeffrey the eaglet, the Manila Bulletin’s mascot, completed the kid’s entertainment by providing a dance number and by gamely posing with them for a souvenir photo.

Thanks to the support of Galinco, Oishi, Magnolia, Yakult, Asia Brewery, Multi-Care Pharmaceutical, Inc., Mary Kay, Baguio Country Club, Enchanted Kingdom, Happee Toothpaste, Leslie's, Evercell Alkaline & Carbonzinc Batteries, Frabelle Yummy Hotdogs, Jack & Jill Candies, Jack & Jill Biscuits, Miramar Confectionery, HBW Enterprises, Giggle Photo Booth and Manila Bulletin. 
It was indeed a FUNtastic Easter we had last Sunday morning, and thanks a bunch to Century Park for having us experience it.   Not only did my kids and I had girls bonding moment, we also received loot bags courtesy of the sponsors. 
Century Park Hotel have more awesome activities and promos lined up throughout the year so do check their Facebook page for more updates.
You may also call them at 528-8888 or log on to www.centurypark.com.ph.

Ka Inato: Palawan's Famous Inasal Now in Manila

So you think Mang Inasal, ChicBoy, Bacolod Chicken Inasal and JT's Manukan, (oh boy there are more) have stirred foodies of Manila doing the chicken dance, well the tasty chicken business is getting bigger than you think.
Many have been debating on who delivers better when comes to grilling, but before you throw in a fit, let me introduce one that came from Palawan, and said to be the most famous  'inasal'-prepared and restaurant in the area.
Of course, before we go down the nitty-gritty of the Inasal rudimentaries, let me show off their very first branch and it's interiors.

Located at a newly opened establishment in Tandang Sora, Quezon City, the joint boasts of casual yet inviting place to enjoy a hefty meal or a local snack favorite.   

You not only get to delight in the menu offering, you also get a sight of a number of nifty art-works.  Like this for a sample.   One wall is worked-up with heated pigmented glue-stick.   Make sure to come really close to see the textured wall.  The real work of art is revealed only up close but still looks amazing at far-sight don't you think?

Everywhere you look has amazing art works.   So I guess it's enough to have simple wooden seats and table.  No fancy stuff except the food and the arts on the walls.

Their Ka Inato Chicken is so much the same version of the iconic Ilonggo dish.  Grilled over hot coals, marinated and basted with atchuete oil, and served with chili-spiked vinegar  using  breast parts with wing or legs with thigh.   So expect a large proportion of meat at P 98.00 with a cup of rice, atchara (pickled papaya) and free cup of hot soup of the day.
The generous basting of atchuete oil on the chicken perks up your senses, giving it a ruddy color and that fragrant aroma, you can not find on any other kind of grilled meat.
If you are adventurous enough and loves the spicy flavor, I dare you to try the Ka Inato Hot and Spicy Chicken, though priced a wee higher for P 103.00.   I was able to try this.   Well to be honest I never really like spicy food, except that at certain times I got the urge to be brave enough to try it.   (Di lang ako nagpahalata sa mga kasama ko, umusok talaga pati tenga ko hehehe).   You wouldn't expect it at first, because the skin still has the sweetness which fights with the spiciness  but as you dig in some more then the fierce, stingy hotness is revealed, and revealed some more, one cup of rice and a glass of cold beverage was not enough to amend it's spice.   But it wall all good, the meat is cooked thoroughly but is juicy inside.
I asked the owner, what makes them different from other restaurants serving Inasal.   According to the handsome yuppie who owns Ka Inato, Jeffrey  Roxas-Chua, they make sure they are in tune with making our nature sustainable, where in they use coconut shell charcoal, instead of the typical wood coals.

Oh, make sure to try their Kambak-Kambak.  "Kambak" is short for 'kambing' (goat or mutton) and 'baka' (cow or beef).   A spin-off from the Filipino feast requisite dish, Kalderetang Kambing and Kalderetang Baka.    Stewed in tomato sauce, the two meats came out to be tender, enough to easily melt in your mouth, with slices of potatoes, carrots, bell peppers and green chilies.   You will definitely fall in love with this dish, as uttered by Jeff, "mapapa-'kambak' ka sa sarap." Yes, I will come back for more for  this.   Can't wait for them to open near us though.

Another infamous festive dish given the Palawan's twist.   Kare-Kare (Yamang Dagat) or Seafood Kare-Kare.   Shrimps, mussels, maya-maya, and squids swim gladly together with the vegetables (that are not overcooked and soggy) in the thickened peanut sauce.   Together with the salted shrimp paste (bagoong), nothing can ever go wrong with this as a partner for your steamy rice.

Make it happen to end a rightful lunch or dinner with some sweet endings like Leche Flan and Puto Pandan.

The cheapest priced leche flan at P 28 is creamy and sweet enough to take out the "umay" factor from all those dishes.   The puto (rice cake) is best for snacks with coffee or the house blend iced tea.

Address:   G/F RMR Square, Tandang Sora,
                Brgy. Pasong Tamo, Quezon City
                (near Visayas Ave.; behind Caltex and Robinson s Supermarket.)

Contact numbers:  4011990

The Grand Lifestyle Summer Trade Fair and Bazaar

CBB Events are glad to inform you that the  "Summer Lifestyle Trade Fair and Bazaar" is on May 23, 24, 25, 26 - 2013, with shopping time from 11AM to 9PM at the same newest, classy, beautifully elegant venue: The Filinvest Tent. located at  Filinvest City, Alabang.

The organizers wish to extend the info.  Apparently, there had been a change of date, due to the request of some importer merchants because the great bulk of their new products is due to come from abroad by May.   On the part of exporters and online entrepreneurs, more new styles and creations are coming out on the month of May.

Upon noting this, they are welcoming investors and entrepreneurs who wish to showcase their products to the market on levels Class A and B from residents of high-end villages and corporate offices' staff from the surrounding area.

Here are the specifications of the booth, feel free to choose the ones that suit your business-needs which for sure will lead to surprising big income starting the event this May.

Booth prices for solo, full-panelled booths on all the 4-days occupancy are:

1.) P10,000 - 2sqm., 2 side open, with 3-meter panelled walls for hanging items display, horizontal wide area inside.
2.) P12,000 - 3sqm., 2 side open, with 3.5-meter panelled walls for hanging items display, bigger area inside booth.
3.) P15,000 - 4sqm., 1 side open, 2-meter frontage, with 6-meter panelled walls for hanging items display.
4.) P18,000 - 4sqm., prime center area, 2 side open, with 4-meter panelled walls for hanging items display.

Moreover, check out important details on the booth you may want to rent out.

1.) The P12,000 booths are from Booth No. 54 to 119 as well as Booth 15 to 22. They are located on the left side of the layout.
2.) The P15,000 booths are Booth Nos. 2 to 14, 40 to 48, 51 and 53 - all located on the first row in the layout near the entrance and exit.
3.) The P18,000 booths are all located in the prime center area from Booth No. 120 to 233, as well as Booth Nos. 23 to 39, 49, 52
4.) The P10,000 booths will be half of any of the vacant 4 sqm. booths which will be divided into two by a 2 meter wall partition. The half booths will be treated as solo booths with 3 meter walls for hanging display.
5.) The panelled walls of the booths can also be used for tarpaulin promo display of corporations and companies.
6.) Product sampling and flyering are also allowed in your booths
7.) Concessionaires who are paying for 2 booths or more are allowed time for seminars, fashion shows and product promotions on the stage for 1 hour on any one (1) day of the event.

For booth booking & participation and signing of the contract, please call CBB Events Secretary Ms. Kris de Guzman at 931-0852 / 861-0006 / 0919-6222498.

Ma. Concepcion P. Bersola and Christine Babao of CBB Events would love to have you join this charity event for a cause. 

Hope to see you there!