November 2018 – Jellybeans in the City

A fresh fusion of flavors at Dong Juan, Quezon City

Along Mother Ignacia Avenue is a hidden gem of a resto called Dong Juan. Despite the number of avid food adventurers among my coworkers, only a few of them are actually familiar with it. So it was incumbent upon your friendly neighborhood Jellybeans to introduce the resto to them.

(Also, the resto offers a 1+1 deal via Zomato Gold. Since two among our group of four are Zomato Gold members, we figured that we will get significant savings on out visit.)

Originally established in Cebu, Dong Juan’s menu initially consisted of gourmet burgers and pizza. It has since expanded to Metro Manila with a branch in Marikina and this one in Quezon City. Its menu expanded as well to include sizzlers, soups, salads and more.

The Mother Ignacia branch is built from a renovated ancestral home in front of St. Mary’s College. It boasts of eclectic interiors with an expansive main dining space as well as private nooks and function rooms for more intimate gatherings.

Our group settled ourselves in the cozy area beneath the stairs, a sunken section that lends itself well to private conversations.

We split among ourselves an eclectic array of food as well:

Dong Juan Green Salad (Php249). Crisp greens served with a vinaigrette dressing of honey, balsamic vinegar and olive oil topped with fried coco milk crumble.

Fish Nuggets (Php169). Cooked to order, these were served hot and crisp, and delightfully ungreasy.

Chili Wings (Php209). Your classic buffalo wings given an Asian twist.

All Meat Pochero (Php299). The classic braised beef stew is made into a sizzler, with fork-tender and flavorful meat and a rich gravy with a hint of tangy tomatoes,l. It went well with either plain rice or fried rice.

While the dishes are familiar, they are given a unique Dong Juan twist through the addition of choice herbs and spices, or the use of healthy oils.

Best of all, with Zomato Gold discount in effect deeming the salad and fish nuggets as free of charge, our group of four was able to deliciously dine in comfort and style at Dong Juan for only Php150 each.

I was glad to have introduced my friends to this restaurant and I have a feeling we will be coming back soon.

This Dong Juan branch is located at 72 Mother Ignacia Avenue, Paligsahan, Quezon City, open daily from 11am to 11pm. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 3740265.

Dong Juan’s other branch in Metro Manila os located at Lamp Quarters, Gil Fernando Avenue, Santo Niño, Marikina City, open Sundays to Thursdays from 10am to 11pm and Fridays to Saturdays from 10am to 12 midnight. For queries, call +63 917 7095969.

Want to score a similar discount? Zomato Gold provides members with 1+1 deals on food or 2+2 deals on drinks. All you have to do is sign up for a Zomato Gold membership here as soon as slots open. (They tend to get snatched up pretty quickly so be sure to sign up as soon as slots become available.) Use my code JELLYB to get 20% off the membership fee.

Hearty heirloom dishes at Romulo Cafe, Tomas Morato

Soldier, diplomat, statesman and journalist Carlos P. Romulo loomed large in Philippine history and more so in the lives of his descendants. Today, they operate a restaurant chain named after him that recalls the highlights of his prestigious career through photographs. Romulo Cafe also serves heirloom dishes which include those served by his wife, Virginia, during their Philippine embassy dinners in the United States where he marshaled for full Philippine independence.

At the invitation of the restaurant’s general manager, Gilbert Caras, my friends and I recently made our way to Romulo Cafe’s original branch in the foodie-friendly Tomas Morato area.

The place has an elegant and relaxed vibe to it. It has cozy and private spaces as well as wide open areas both indoors and outdoors. Its decor combines old-world nostalgia from the black-and-white photographs and a fresh aesthetic with the modern furniture and green accents.

We were treated to an array of Filipino comfort food that took us back in time:

Boneless Crispy Pata Binagoongan (Php698). A pork leg boiled until fork-tender then deboned and deep-fried to a golden crisp served with the restaurant’s own eggplant and tomato bagoong sauce.

Tito Greg’s Kare-Kare (Php510). Oxtail and tripe stew in peanut sauce served in house-made shrimp paste.

Lola Virginia’s Chicken Relleno (Php698). Roasted half-chicken stuffed with ground pork, raisins, peas and chorizo.

Suman sa Latik (Php70). So simple yet so decadently delicious, sticky suman made from glutinous rice and coconut milk is fried to attain that light golden crisp then served in a shot glass in a bed of coconut caramel sauce.

Cool as Cucumber Mocktail (Php160). A refreshing concoction of fresh lime and cucumber wit mint leaves.

It was feast of Filipino comfort food – with familiar flavors yet a fresh take in presentation or combination – enjoyed in a stylish and well-appointed restaurant: an experience we won’t soon forget.

This Romulo Cafe branch is located at 32 Scout Tuazon Corner Scout Lazcano Street, Laging Handa, Quezon City, open daily from 11pm to 3pm and 6pm to 10pm. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 3327273, + 63 2 3327275 or +63

Planning your office Christmas party or family reunion? Romulo Cafe can prepare a sumptuous buffet for you and your guests in its lovely function rooms. Its buffet options include:

Set Menu A at Php695/head:

Appetizer: Chicharon and Tinapa Roll
Soup: choose between Monggo or Molo Soup
Noodles: choose between Pancit Puti or Sotanghon Guisado
Beef: choose between Tito Greg’s Kare Kare or Beef Caldereta
Chicken: choose among Lola Virginia’s Chicken Relleno, General’s Chicken or Bacolod Chicken
Fish: choose among Bangus Al Ajillo, Guinataang Hipon sa Kamias or Crispy Catfish
Vegetables: choose among Bagnet Pinakbet, Guinataang Sigarillas, Laing with Adobo Flakes or Gising-gising
Pork: choose among Lechon Kawali, Honey Garlic Spareribs or Crispy Pork Binagoongan
Dessert: Suman sa Latik

Set Menu B at Php795/head:

Appetizer: choose three among Pinoy Nachos, Cheese and Vigan Longganisa Dumplings, Crispy Crablets, Tinapa Roll, Chicharon, Smoked Bangus Plate
Soup: choose among Molo Soup, Sinigang na Salmon sa Miso, Sinigang na Liempo, or Beef Bulalo
Noodles: choose among Pancit Puti, Sotanghon Guisado, Penne Carbonara with Vigan Longganisa, Linguini Puttanesca with Tuyo or Pasta Filipino
Beef: choose among Tito Greg’s Kare Kare Beef Caldereta or Lengua
Chicken: choose among Lola Virginia’s Chicken Relleno, General’s Chicken or Bacolod Chicken
Fish: choose among Flying Tilapia, Bangus Al Ajillo, Guinataang Hipon sa Kamias or Crispy Catfish
Vegetables: choose among Bagnet Pinakbet, Guinataang Sigarillas, Laing with Adobo Flakes or Gising-gising
Pork: choose among Lechon Kawali, Honey Garlic Spareribs or Crispy Pork Binagoongan
Dessert: choose between Suman sa Latik or Assorted Mini Cakes

Want to serve the star of all Filipino celebrations – the Lechon – during your buffet feast? A 3-kg lechon roll is available for Php2,800++ (6-kg for Php5,600++). You can add Cebu lechon to your food items for Php8,000 (small), Php9,000 (medium) and Php10,000 (large).

Other Romulo Cafe branches are located at:

148 Jupiter Corner Comet Street, Bel-Air, Makati City, open daily from 11pm to 3pm and 6pm to 10pm (Tel. No: +63 2 8220286)
Azumi Boutique Hotel, 2205 Market Street, Alabang, Muntinlupa City, open daily from 11pm to 3pm and 6pm to 10pm (Tel. No: +63 2 5561443)

Disclosure: Our lunch was hosted by Romulo Cafe. The food items mentioned here were served for us to sample the fare and were not paid for by our group.

Check out my reviews of other Filipino restaurants:

Lunchtime Sojourn at Lazat Fil-Asian Resto-Bar, Tomas Morato

As I’ve said, time and again, taking a lunch break is crucial for my continued sanity. 🙂

Every once in a while, when our schedules permit it, my coworkers and I come together on culinary adventure to explore the gastronomic possibilities offered by the foodie-friendly Tomas Morato area.

One such place is Lazat Fil-Asian Resto-Bar. Recently rebranded from its former name Cerchio, the restaurant offers a fusion of Filipino and Asian flavors to be enjoyed in a modern, well-appointed and relaxing place. “Lazat” means “delicious” in Malay, which, I think, sums up the synergy of all these elements.

Some in our group have dined here before and were raving about the Crispy Tadyang (beef ribs), so, of course, the rest just have to all go there to taste it for ourselves.

Even before tasting its food, I was impressed with Lazat’s interiors. A spacious floor space, high ceilings and large windows that let in lots of natural light make the space seem expansive and airy. The combination of sleek, black-and-white furniture with green elements such as large potted plants and hanging greens added a feeling of freshness to the place.

Upstairs are function rooms that can serve as venues for private parties, corporate events or grand family reunions.

Given the size of our group, we ordered a feast from among Lazat’s offerings:

Pakbet (Php265)

Chunks of grilled bangus (milkfish) belly are added to this classic Ilocano vegetable stew.

Spicy Kangkong (Php185)

Water spinach is sauteed in garlic and chilis.

Thai Spring Rolls (Php165)

These Thai vegetable rolls are served with sweet chili and Thai fish sauces.

Crispy Tadyang (Php495)

Crispy on the outside, fork tender on the inside, this beef rib dish is served with Pinakurat (spiced coconut vinegar).

Beef Kare-Kare (Php525)

This signature Filipino dish made of oxtripe and tail stewed in rich peanut sauce and served with Lazat’s house-made bagoong (shrimp paste).

To cap off our meal, we had a cup of Coffee Jelly (Php165), a Chocolate Dome Cake (Pho280) and a Mini Sans Rival (Php200), along with Cafe Americano (Php90) and Cafe Latte (Php100).

Lazat’s food and decor make it a great place for a relaxing, re-energizing weekday lunch or a festive Sunday family brunch.

Lazat Fil-Asian Resto-Bar is located at 76 Scout Limbaga Street, Laging Handa, Quezon City, open daily from 11am to 3pm and 6pm to 11pm. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 3515279 or email lazatqc@gmail.com.

Did you know that Lazat provides free valet parking? No need to stress yourself trying to find parking space just to enjoy great food.

And if you really have no time to go out to eat, Lazat delivers via Honestbee! Sign up for Honestbee using this referral link and get Php500 off for a minimum spend of Php2,500. You can download the Honestbee app on iTunes or Google Play.

Check out my reviews of other Filipino restaurants:

Sartin, Tagaytay

World’s most affordable Michelin-starred restaurant Hawker Chan opens 2nd PH branch in SM North EDSA

When we think of Michelin-star restaurants, what comes to mind are posh establishments and stiff dining etiquette.

That couldn’t be farther from Hawker Chan.

The internationally acclaimed Singapore-based restaurant, famous for its Soya Chicken Rice, has opened a store at SM Mall of Asia earlier this year and is now opening its second branch in the country in SM North EDSA.

Founded by Malaysian chef Chan Hong Meng in 2009 as a small store in the largest hawker center in Singapore serving soya sauce rice, Hawker Chan has since been recognized by Michelin’s Singapore Guide when it debuted in 2016 and every year since, making it the most affordable Michelin-starred restaurant in the world.

Hawker Chan was brought to the Philippines by Foodee Global Concepts, which currently manages fourteen food brands in the country.

Together with fellow foodies and other selected guests, I attended a pre-opening dinner at Hawker Chan SM North EDSA.

Among the dishes we sampled are:

Combination Platter of Char Siew, Roasted Pork and Pork Rib (Php270). Served with either plain rice or Hawker Chan’s signature noodles freshly made daily, it is a hearty meal for meat lovers.

Chicken Platter (Php299 for half | Php598 for whole). Juicy, succulent chicken with that flavorful skin, it just makes you want to get more and more.

Thai Style Tofu (Php160). Our wait staff Ian called it the healthier option among the items served but I’m calling it an addition to the items on my plate (Yep, an addition, not an option. I’m having all of them and who’s to stop me? :-)) It adds a contrast in texture and spiciness to the other dishes.

I don’t know about you, but I’m hoping they open another branch nearer to my place soon so I can enjoy a great, affordable hawker meal!

This Hawker Chan branch is located at the Upper Ground Level, City Center at SM North EDSA, Bago Bantay, Quezon City. With a seating capacity of 56 people, it is open daily from 10am to 10pm.

Did you know that there’s a possibility that you can enjoy Hawker Chan’s Soya Chicken Rice for a year at this branch? Simply be among the first ten customers when this branch opens on December 4 and 5. The 11th to the 20th customer will get 6 months supply, the 21st to the 50th will get 3 months supply and the 51st to the 100th customer will get a month’s supply. Remember: you found out about it here (and maybe treat me to one of those free Soya Chicken Rice, maybe? Hehehe!)

And with Christmas just around the corner, you can treat your fam-bam to a family-sized platter of Hawker Chan’s mouthwatering roasts – Char Siew, Roasted Pork and Soya Chicken – good for six to ten people.

Hawker Chan’s other branch is located at Ground Floor, Entertainment Mall, SM Mall of Asia, Mall of Asia Complex (MOA), Pasay City, open daily from 10am to 10pm.

Disclosure: Together with other food bloggers, I was invited to attend a Pre-opening Event held in this restaurant. Food items mentioned here were served to allow us to sample the fare and were not paid for by the attendees, including myself.

A bounty of sweetness: Sugarhouse’ 2018 Christmas Catalogue

With the holidays almost upon us, it is definitely the time for sharing the gifts of the season to our loved ones: good cheer, warm wishes and, of course, sweetness.

And since we’re talking about sweetness, if you find yourself at a Sugarhouse store, you’re at the right place.

Sugarhouse has been around since the 80s, opening a small cake store at Anza Street in Makati. Today, Sugarhouse has four full dine-in outlets serving full meals along with cakes and pastries; two semi-dine-in stores serving selected menu items along with baked goodies, and a kiosk dedicated to cakes and pastries.

Sugarhouse recently launched its 2018 Christmas Catalog, giving us a bounty of options to spread sweetness during the holidays.

During a Blogger Event hosted by Sugarhouse Marketing Consultant Jeffrey De Real Rusios at the Sugarhouse outlet in Glorietta, I checked out the goodies included in the catalog together with fellow bloggers and got some ideas for spreading smiles and satisfied tummies this Christmas:

Bring a light and fluffy Taisan (Php180 whole loaf), a hearty Banana Loaf (Php180/midi loaf; Php400/big loaf), or a zesty Orange Raisin Loaf (Php210/midi loaf; Php500/big loaf) to share during family gatherings and celebrations.

Contribute a box of Food for the Gods (Php240/box of 4 bars; Php480/box of 8 bars) to the office potluck and help chase away the office blues of your workmates.

Chillaxin’ at home over the holiday break? Enjoy a cup of of your favorite espresso brew paired with a sweet-salty Quezo de Bola Ensaimada (Php68/pc) with your special someone.

The Noche Buena feast may be alredy quite filling but there should always be room for dessert! Cap it with a decadently creamy Leche Flan (Php130) or a piece of the perennial Christmas favorite: Fruitcake (Php450/loaf).

And when the kiddies knock on your door on Christmas morning, treat them to some Polvoron (Php180/box of 6; Php350/box of 12) or Salted Caramel Chocolate Popcorn (Php90/pack; Php215/jar).

These sweet treats are sure to be a hit among those who are near-and-dear to you this Christmas. Do check them out at your nearest Sugarhouse outlet!

This Sugarhouse branch is located at 3rd Floor, Glorietta 2, Ayala Center, Makati City. For inquiries, call +63 2 2457180 or +63 923 2717732. In fact, if you want to customize a holiday gift pack, just ask Store Head Liza Oafericua to help you put together a winning combo of goodies.

Other Sugarhouse branches are located at Santolan Town Plaza and at Greenhills Shopping Center in San Juan, at Dela Rosa Carpark 1 and at Powerplant Mall in Makati, at SM San Lazaro in Manila and at SM Megamall in Mandaluyong.

Disclosure: Together with other food bloggers, I was invited to attend a Blogger Event held in this restaurant. Food items mentioned here were served to allow us to sample the fare and were not paid for by the attendees, including myself.

Three things to discover at Tittos, Kapitolyo

Kapitolyo is considered to be the foodie haven of Pasig, the city’s answer to QC’s Maginhawa Street and Marikina’s Lilac Street.

Kapitolyo is the place to be if you want imaginative and extraordinary dining experiences, in establishments that veer off the beaten path when it comes to restaurant concept, menu items or decor.

One such restaurant is Tittos Latin BBQ and Brew.

The brainchild of a group of friends who consider themselves “titos” already (hence the restaurant name), Tittos has a relaxed yet vibrant vibe that appeals to the titos and titas in all of us. From the huge colorful murals, its spacious indoor and al fresco dining areas, its friendly and accommodating wait staff to its huge servings of Latin American comfort food that appeals to the Pinoy palate, Tittos is the place to be for gastronomic adventures and fun times with friends.

However, there is more to Tittos than meets the eye which I found out when I attended a foodie meet up held there. And since I like to blab about my discoveries, here are things about Tittos that will make you hie yourself off to Kapitolyo stat.

One: It recently launched some new appetizing menu items.

Imagine sharing a meal with your crew that includes gastronomic delights such as:

Tapas de Chipa (Php295). Soft puff pastries served tapas-style with cream cheese, smoked salmon and truffle honey.

Tuna Tirataki (Php275). A Brazilian take on the Japanese tataki, sashimi-grade tuna is seared and served with a tangy spice mix, fried garlic, and garnished with a delicate black coral tuile.

La Lucha Salad (Php320). A very healthy salad that mixes in the trendy ingredient quinoa with mixed salad greens, corn, candied cashews, tempura-style oyster mushrooms, cherry tomatoes and crumbled white cheese drizzled with a honey balsamic dressing.

El Cesar’s Salad Burrito (Php320). In this Latin American deconstruction of the classic Ceasar Salad, lava-grilled chicken mojo is wrapped in flour tortilla together with mixed lettuce, soft-boiled eggs, garlic croutons, fresh parmesan, cherry tomatoes and Tittos’ own house-made Ceasar salad dressing, and served with some potato fries on the side.

Chiquittos (Php155). Fried chicken taco done as a deep-fried roll accented by white cheese and Mexican crema.

Garlic Shrimp BBQ Pizza (Php325) and Truffle Pork Pizza (Php345). Substituting the normal pizza dough with a flour tortilla, these pizzas give you maximo satisfaction through either the spicy garlicky barbecued shrimp toppings or the strips of pork belly over bechamel sauce together with melted cheeses.

Pasta Negra con Gambas (Php375). Squid ink linguine tossed with stir-fried prawns marinated in citrus and garlic bits.

Blackened Tuna Jaw (Php745). Lava-roasted tuna jaw rubbed with Latin spices served with grilled lime and honey chipotle sauce.

El Puerco ala Brasa (Php395). Tender slices of pork belly rubbed with dried red chilis then lava-grilled and topped with mole verde sauce.

Tittos Signature Steak (Ribeye: Php1,750/400g, T-bone: Php1,450/500g, Striploin: Php950/350g)

Pan-seared angus steaks served with torched sofrito butter, crispy beef bits, Peruvian pink peppercorn, lime and Latin gravy.

Now, with these new inclusions to the Tittos menu, all the titos and titas have great reasons to come together and grab a bite!

Two: You can look forward to cool events and exciting promos come December

On December 2 from 7pm to 10pm, you can enjoy a Sunday Chill Night with acoustic music artist Tiara Shaye, along with five bottles of local beer and a plate of Nacho El Gigante for only Php399 or unli wine with a serving of Batata Frita for only Php499.

On December 4 – Taco Tuesday- get a Buy 1 Take 1 deal on all street tacos – Chiquittos, Chicharrones, Salted Egg, Shrimp, Beef Barbacoa, Baja Tuna and Venduras.

Visit Tittos’ Facebook Page to get updated on upcoming promos and events.

Three: It has a secret bar.

Shhh!

If you’ve ever been at Tittos and wondered what the “Ask for the secret” sign was all about, it’s the bread crumb that will lead you to a secret bar: Rm 16.

If you titos and titas ever want to disappear for a while to enjoy a drink (or two… or three…), check it out by seeking the big red vending machine, which, similar the closet to Narnia, leads you to a vastly different place: a speakeasy with subdued lighting in contrast to Tittos’ vibrant lights, and that serves cocktails and drinks with some Latin flair.

Curious about Tittos yet? Come on over to 16 East Capitol Drive, Kapitolyo, Pasig City. Call +63 2 5323414 for reservations. Tittos is open Mondays to Thursdays from 11am to 10pm, Fridays to Saturdays from 11am to 1am and Sundays from 10am to 10pm.

Disclosure: Together with other foodies, I was invited to attend a foodie meetup held in this restaurant. Food items mentioned here were served to allow us to sample the fare and were not paid for by the attendees, including myself.

Four reasons to gather and celebrate at Food Exchange Manila, Novotel Manila Araneta

Yes, the holiday season is definitely upon us. Throughout the metro, families are planning their Christmas merriments and get-togethers.

Why not have your holiday feast with family and friends at the Novotel’s buffet restaurant Food Exchange Manila?

Food Exchange is the hotel’s premiere buffet restaurant, a culinary theater where talented and renowned chefs demonstrate their skills in frenetic activities across six bountiful and interactive cooking stations: Japanese, Chinese, Indian, grill, international favorites and desserts.

You and your near-and-dears will find many to love and enjoy at Food Exchange, especially during the Christmas season, such as:

One: Its Christmas Carnival theme.

Christmas is all about fun and festivities, and nothing embodies those holiday moods better than a Christmas Carnival. Check out the fun decor that will surely get you in a festive mood.

Two: Its Holiday Cooler.

Specifically for the season, a new non-alcoholic (thank heavens!) mocktail was crafted by the hotel’s mixologists. Dubbed the Holiday Cooler, it is a refreshing mix of fruity and candy flavors. For me, it’s a glass of pure holiday joy.

Three: Its Holiday Buffets

Its Noche Buena Feast on December 24, which starts from 6pm to 9pm, includes Novotel’s special lechon cooked with white wine, Cranberry Glazed Ham, Canadian Style Herb Crusted Prime Rib and Herb Stuffed Roasted Turkey for only Php2,588++ per adult. Food Exchange’s Midnight Christmas Buffet, which starts from 11pm to 1am, is available for only Php1,988++ per adult, while Christmas Day Lunch, which starts from 12 noon to 3pm, is available for only Php2,588++ per adult.

https://flic.kr/p/2c3L8gW

Four: It’s gift kiosk.

At a loss as to what to give your loved ones for Christmas? Check out the kiosk near the restaurant’s entrance which offers specially made Christmas goodies and hampers.

Choose from among its sweet treats: Novotel Chocolate Crinkles at Php50/pc, Chocolate Chip Cookies at Php60/pc, Ham Ensaymada at Php90/pc, Cinnamon Roll at Php100/pc, Food for the Gods at Php120/pc, Pannetone at Php200/pc, Banana Chocolate Spice Cake at Php650/loaf and Stollen at Php750/loaf.

You can also opt for a hamper of holiday goodies at Php2,990/box which contains: Candidato Compranillo Red Wine, 160g Manchego Cheese, 100g sliced Jamon Serrano, 100g sliced Noco Jamones Salchichon, Nanay Luisa’s Queso de Bola Spread, 125g Iberian Pork Liver Pate, 150g Knackebrot Crackers, 120g Green Olives with Chili and Novotel Christmas Crinkles.

Novotel’s Food Exchange Manila makes it easier for you to enjoy fun and festivities with family and friends.

And if all those reasons are not enough to get you and your family rushing to Food Exchange Manila, here’s another one: Get up to 50% off the buffet rates when you book your table via Eatigo. Use this link when you register and get rewards points that you can redeem for gift vouchers and restaurant freebies.

Food Exchange Manila is located at Novotel Manila Araneta Center, General Aguinaldo Avenue, Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City. For reservations, call +63 2 990 7888.

Disclosure: Together with other food bloggers and press representatives, I was invited to attend the launch of Novotel’s Christmas offerings. Food items mentioned here were served to allow us to sample the fare and were not paid for by the attendees, including myself.

Need some tips to maximize your eat-all-you-can experience? Read my buffet survival guide.

A lesson on friendship from “Ralph Breaks the Internet”

Six years after the game Sugar Rush and its denizens from Turbo, video game bad guy Ralph (voiced by John C. Reilly) is pretty satisfied with his life. He and best friend Vanellope von Schweetz (voiced by Sarah Silverman), who is growing bored with the predictability of her game, hangs out every night after their day’s work at the arcade.

After a mishap that resulted in the arcade owner Mr. Litwak unplugging Sugar Rush leaving its denizens homeless, Ralph and Vanellope decide to leave the confines of the arcade and venture to the vast, uncharted world of the internet to save the game.

In the course of their adventures, they meet Yesss (voiced by Taraji P. Henson), the head algorithm of the trend-making site “BuzzTube” and Shank (voiced by Gal Gadot), the tough-as-nails driver from gritty online auto-racing game Slaughter Race.

Noting Vanellope’s desire for the excitement and unpredictability of the online racing game, and admiration for Shank, Ralph worries that he may lose the only friend he’s ever had.

Central to the story is Ralph’s growing insecurity in his position as Vanellope’s best friend. His growing clinginess and selfish possessiveness land them, and the entire internet, into more trouble.

While the first movie was focused on the growing bond of friendship between Ralph and Vanellope, the sequel posits that the bond is strong enough to survive them being apart.

It took me many years to learn this lesson myself: that the true test of friendship is that you don’t have to cling to each other for the relationship to stay strong. If the bond is strong enough, and the people involved are whole enough unto themselves, letting go of each other allows the relationship to be enhanced by their exposure to different people, viewpoints and experiences.

Pretty soon, I might face the same situation as my kids become their own persons and grow into adulthood.

View this post on Instagram

So excited to be able to be able to spend time with my kiddies watching #ralphbreakstheinternet! Truth be told, I’m a #kidatheart. #meandmysky #skylifeph

A post shared by Jellybeans in the City (@beingjellybeans) on Nov 24, 2018 at 8:45pm PST

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It’s that look of wonder we see when the movie starts and they join the merry adventures of their beloved characters. This. This is why #ILMJ. #RalphBreaksTheInternet. #meandmysky #skylifeph . . . . . . #movie #moviedate #whattowatch #moviejunkie #movieblogger #cinephile #filmgeek #moviegeek #movieaddict #beingjellybeans

A post shared by Jellybeans in the City (@beingjellybeans) on Nov 25, 2018 at 12:14am PST

But for the meantime, I’ll enjoy my time with them.

This block screening of “Ralph Breaks the Internet” is a joint project of SKY and the Disney Channel (SKYcable ch 47 SD and ch 250 HD). Through its SKYlife events such as this, SKY rewards loyal subscribers with exclusive privileges and experiences.

Disclosure: I work for SKY and part of my job is promoting its products and services, especially the content it provides to its subscribers. I consider being able to share my love for TV shows and movies and the experience of watching and talking about them with like-minded people some of the biggest perks of my job.

Filipino food favorites with a twist at Sartin, Summit Ridge Tagaytay

Three powerhouses of Philippine cuisine join together at Tagaytay restaurant Sartin. Dining here will present you with choice dishes from Quezon, Tarlac and Bacolod, culinary influences behind the same family that brought us Josiah’s Catering and Fat Daddy’s Smokehouse.

Located inside the swanky hotel, Summit Ridge Tagaytay, Sartin’s tasteful and elegant decor makes an elegant backdrop for family brunches or romantic dinners. The fresh chilly breezes and the wide expanses of greenery and blue sky just outside the window will get diners in the mood for homegrown dishes that warm both the heart and tummy.

The restaurant got its name from the traditional enamel-plated tin plates that used to be ubiquitous in many Filipino homes. Sartin dinnerware currently hold pride of place in the restaurant’s display area.

Together with other foodies, I was invited to a sojourn in Tagaytay to sample some of Sartin’s signature dishes, which include:

Kalabasa, Kamote at Kesong Puti Salad (Php405). Roasted kalabasa (pumpkin) and kamote (yellow sweet potato) tossed with grilled local white cheese in Sartin’s house dressing.

Batchoy (Php305). This classic dish from Iloilo features a rich broth with fermented shrimp paste called guinamos, egg noodles, pork and beef slices, shredded chicken topped with pork chicharon bits and roasted bone marrow.

Kansi (Php655). Bulalo places are scattered all across Tagaytay but Sartin one-ups all of them with this dish made with bulalo beef shank simmered in broth flavored with souring ingredient batwan, along with langka (jackfruit) and tanglad (lemongrass).

Pesang Isda (Php295). A new take on the pesa dish wherein the sauce of rice, ginger, cabbage and pechay replaces the usual broth.

Kilayin Kapampangan (Php325). Chopped pork lungs, liver, pork belly and garlic, slow-cooked in vinegar and broth.

Callos (Php449). Beef knuckles, tripe and meat simmered in tomato sauce with garbanzos, chorizo and peppers.

Laswa (Php295). A light vegetable stew of kalabasa, okra, sitaw, saluyot and shrimps.

Kalkag Rice (Php215). Fried rice with dried shrimp, chives and garlic.

Valenciana (Php495). Glutinous rice cooked in broth with turmeric topped with Chinese chorizo, pork mussels, shrimps, squid, peppers, peas and hard-boiled egg.

Grilled Pork in Coconut Aligue Sauce (Php485). Pork cooked sous vide then grilled drizzled with a coconut and crab fat sauce, over tortang talong (eggplant) and topped with crispy kangkong (water spinach).

Kalderetang Kambing (Php650). Goat meat stewed in rich tomato sauce, a variation of the meat stews from the Iberian peninsula brought to the country by the Spanish colonizers.

Tibok-tibok (Php245). Kapampangan flan made of carabao’s milk that got its name from the way the mixture approximates heartbeats while being cooked. It is similar to a maja blanca, only creamier.

Leche Flan (Php175). The classic caramel egg custard flan but made even more compact and bursting with creamy sweetness with every bite.

Among the dishes served, the most memorable for me are the Kalderetang Kambing (one of this month’s specials), the Callos and the Tibok-Tibok. I look forward to returning here with my family during on of our Tagaytay trips for a great meal of our favorite Filipino food.

Sartin is located at Summit Ridge Hotel, KM 58 General Aguinaldo Highway, Maharlika West, Tagaytay City. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 2406816.

Celebrating your birthday anytime soon? Until January 31, 2019, birthday celebrants get Php500 off their food bill (with a minimum single receipt purchase of Php2,499). This offer can be availed of any day within their birth month.

Disclosure: Together with other food bloggers, I was invited to foodie meetup held at this restaurant. All the food items mentioned here were served to allow us to sample the fare and were not paid for by the attendees, including myself.

Check out my reviews of other Filipino restaurants:

The first 3D buffet experience in the Philippines: SIX Doors BBQ Buffet

Here comes a new buffet dining concept that’s sure to appeal to foodie adventurers: a 3D dining experience!

Managed by Kungfu Master Cooking Group, Inc., SIX Doors BBQ Buffet is the first buffet restaurant in the country with 3D element features: a 3D-inspired stage, 3D reception, table mapping projections at the VIP rooms, and a whole gamut of 3D experiences that will give diners an extraordinary experience.

Recently, my daughter #ExhibitA and I joined other foodies, bloggers and media reps when SIX Doors BBQ Buffet held its Media Launch prior to its grand opening on December 5.

SIX Doors has an open dining area that can accommodate over 200 people and function rooms that can seat anywhere from 10 to 40. With a showcase of European, Asian and Brazilian dishes, including a BBQ and churrasco grilling station, a sushi bar, a beverage and filling station, pastry chillers with artfully presented confections and cakes, a hotpot area and an extensive collection of wines and beers, SIX Doors is ready to be the newest buffet dining destination.

However, the restaurant’s claim to fame is its 3D dining which can be experienced at the VIP Rooms. It immerses diners in another world through images projected on the tables and all throughout the room.

Dining in the VIP Rooms also affords patrons with butler-style service and an exclusive premium menu selection.

After its grand opening, SIX Doors will treat its guests to exciting performances and stunts from 7pm onwards, such as:

Jenine Desiderio (December 10)
Bobby Skyz (December 12)
SIX Doors Living Statues with SIX Doors Mascot FIDO (December 15, 18, 19, 22 and 29)
Clark Dizon (December 20)
Selena Marie (December 28 and January 4)
The Bloomfields (January 15 and 20)
Jinky Vidal (January 26)
Joey G. (January 30)

https://flic.kr/p/2amT6B3

SIX Doors BBQ Buffet Rates are (exclusive of service charge):

Weekday Lunch: Php859
Weekday Dinner, Weekend Lunch/Dinner: Php1,390
VIP Room: Php4,500/head

SIX Doors BBQ Buffet is located at 2nd Floor, Uptown Mall, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 918 4843255 or email sixdoors3dbbqbuffet@kfmc.ph.

Photo credits: Images of the 3D Dining Experience in VIP Rooms provided by SIX Doors. All other photos are mine.

Disclosure: Together with other food bloggers and media representatives, I was invited to join this restaurant’s pre-opening Media Launch. All the food items mentioned here were served to allow us to sample the fare and were not paid for by the attendees, including myself.