March 2020 – Page 2 – Jellybeans in the City

Cute Cheesecake-in-a-Jar from Sugar Salt Cakes & Pastries

Staying at home for the next month or so need not be the punishment we sometimes think it is.

We can stave off the dreaded cabin fever by injecting some sweetness in our lives, like the cute cheesecake-in-a-jar from SugarSalt Cakes & Pastries.

This operation started when thirty-year-old Carmela Aprecio decided to quit her job as a web developer and devote herself towards something she loves: baking cheesecakes!

What began as a hobby that provided sweets for herself, her husband and their friends became a new concept in dessert delivery.

Each SugarSalt cheesecake comes in a 120-gram jar, contains milk, cheese and sugar and costs Php75 per piece. Each cheesecake-in-a-jar should be kept refrigerated and will keep for six days from the time it was baked.

I was able to sample the best-selling Turtle Pie Cheesecake made with dark chocolate, caramel kisses, caramel fudge and pecan nuts over freshly baked cheesecake in a crushed graham cracker crust.

I loved SugarSalt’s cheesecake filling: it’s mildly sweet and richly cheesy, not too stiff and not too soggy. With every spoonful, the chocolate and caramel chips as well as the pecans add texture and flavor. The jar’s serving size is just right for one person… assuming that person is not a dessert addict like me.

I can imagine going through two to three jars of these yummies all by my lonesome.

(Okay, fine! I’ll share some with Hubby and the kids…)

Other cheesecake-in-a-jar variants available are Almond Matcha (made with almond nuts and graham powder on a crushed graham cracker crust) and Oreo (made with Oreo filling on a crushed Oreo cookie crust), both at Php75 per jar.

If you’re in the mood for variety, why don’t you go for a SugarSalt Original Set which has all three variants for only Php225?

Planning a party? SugarSalt accepts bulk orders and can accommodate personalized jar labels. Just email sugarsaltph@gmail.com.

To order your own SugarSalt cheesecake-in-a-jar, fill up this form, and make your payments via BPI, BDO, GCash or Paypal.

SugarSalt delivers only within Mandaluyong, Makati, Pasig, San Juan, Quezon City, Manila, Pateros and Taguig via Grab (requires additional Php59 to Php129 delivery fee depending on recipient’s location). Pick up at its store near MRT Boni Station may be arranged.

Disclosure: Product sample was provided to enable an honest review.

Check out my blog posts on other small enterprises and startups in the food business:

A Marugame Udon Power Lunch, thanks to GrabFood

Just to be clear: I’m a firm believer of the #HappyLunch, the practice of taking your precious lunch break by going out to eat at one of your favorite restaurants or trying out a new place together with your officemates. This is a great way to decompress and bond with your workmates after a busy morning at work.

Lately, though, this can’t always be possible, especially as we’re all encouraged to practice social distancing and avoid crowded areas.

So how can we office-based foodies enjoy the food we love when we can’t go out of the safety of the workplace?

Thankfully, the largest udon noodles restaurant chain in the world, Marugame Udon, delivers via GrabFood!

Marugame Udon is dedicated to provide Japanese authentic made-to-order Udon noodles which are freshly kneaded, boiled and cooked every day. These noodles are made according to the practices in Sanuki, a region in the Kagawa prefecture known for the quality of its udon. The noodles’ flavors and textures are further enhanced by the broths made by the restaurant in small batches to maintain quality.

My officemates and I all placed our orders for two of Marugame’s popular udon dishes thirty minutes before lunchtime (that’s how long the delivery will take).

They arrived hot and steaming, totally appetizing!

Beef Ontama Bukkake Udon (Php210 regular | Php260 large). Made with marinated gyudon beef strips, Japanese poached egg, and mildly sweet bukkake soup.

Chicken Paitan Udon (Php200 regular | Php250 large). Made with sauteed chicken, a soft boiled egg, and creamy chicken soup that calls to mind your favorite chicken sopas.

With their plentiful broth and thick and chewy noodles, these udon bowls are very filling and helped fuel our work for the remains of the workday. I certainly didn’t mind my desk lunch too much!

This meal was ordered from the Marugame Udon branch located at the Lower Ground Floor, Fisher Mall, Quezon Avenue, Del Monte, Quezon City via GrabFood. Download the Grab App on the App Store or Google Play. Get a discount on your first food order when you use my code: GRABJELLYBEANS.

Other branches in the metro are located at:

Upper Ground Floor, Main Building, SM City North EDSA, Bago Bantay, Quezon City
Ground Floor, Phase 2, UP Town Center, Katipunan Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City
Upper Ground Floor, Main Building, SM City Fairview, Novaliches, Quezon City
Ground Floor, SM City Marikina, Marcos ighway, Calumpang, Marikina City
Third Floor, Building A, SM Megamall, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City
Second Floor, The Podium, ADB Avenue, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City
Ground Floor, Main Mall, Ayala Malls Circuit, Carmona, Makati City
Third Floor, Glorietta 4, Ayala Center, Glorietta Complex, Makati City
Ground Floor, Uptown Place Mall, 36th Street corner 9th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
B7, Bonifacio High Street, Lane P, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig

Making your place look like a million bucks

While anyone can easily admire a chic pad that looks like it came straight out of a magazine, not everyone has the budget for a major renovation or hire a world class designer to spruce up their homes.

Taking design cues from some of the metro’s most sought-after condominiums, these are simple design inspirations anyone can pull off even on a budget.

1. Add depth to your ceiling!

Ceilings have a great influence on how we feel in certain spaces. Low ceilings prompt quick action as small rooms make us unconsciously want to leave faster, while the inviting aura of a room with high ceilings make us want to take our time and relax.

You can highlight the size of your living space using recessed lights for a more modern, understated way of lighting. Likewise, full-length mirrors further expand the space in the room.

In the one-bedroom model unit from Mi Casa, for instance, the interior design done on the ceiling adds visual depth. This works well for an area where you regularly welcome guests. The living room and dining area are good areas to apply this concept because they will greatly benefit from the impression of a bigger space.

2. Let nature illuminate your home for you.

Natural lighting is the best way to brighten up any space.

Actual photo of Marco Polo Residences model unit

Condominium units with floor to ceiling windows not only provide sweeping views but give off the impression of a bigger and more calming living space. You will only be able to take advantage of spectacular views, of course, if your unit is on the higher floors of a condominium unit and where the building itself is located strategically.

Marco Polo Residences in Cebu plays this up perfectly with not only floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows that provide unobstructed views of its mountainous surroundings, the city and the sea in the distance. On the other hand, if you have smaller windows, you can achieve this same feeling by keeping the window area clear of clutter.

3. Opt for earth tones.

Earth tones are timeless and versatile, making it suitable for any kind of home.

Actual photo of Four Season Riviera model unit

The neutral colors, just like in the showroom model unit of Four Season Riviera in Binondo, Manila drive just the right amount of attention to your home and allows you to add your own accent colors here and there. You’ll save on expensive paint jobs by strategizing which segments of your living space to highlight and which you can leave bare.

4. Experiment with open spaces.

Although your studio unit has no pre-set divisions, this does not mean you that you need to fill the void with clunky furniture. You can utilize every fixture and piece of furniture you own to achieve a clean and organized look.

A good example would be using a slim table in a bar-like set up which can help divide your kitchen from your living area through a more open concept.

You don’t need walls to define spaces. You can use partial wood and frosted glass partitions that double as shelves or different colored tiles and rugs to segment floor areas for different spaces. In this model unit at The Capital Towers in Quezon City, the bedroom area is defined by using tinted glass, while the dining and living area are fused into one to maximize floor space.

Actual photo of The Capital Towers model unit

5. Tastefully maximize storage space.

Keep knickknacks out of sight with built-in storage like the shoe cabinet, bedroom closets, and kitchen floor storage in The Seasons Residences in North Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

Actual photo of The Season Residences model unit

Using beds with hidden compartments underneath for clothes and shoes, as well as hollow ottoman seats that double as storage boxes will help eliminate clutter around the house and keep your intimate belongings away from prying eyes as well.

By lessening the use of heavy furniture, you will be freeing-up breathing space in your stylish abode making it easier on the eyes and a delight to move around in.

Lastly, while your design options may be influenced by your current budget, never sacrifice personal tastes. Any luxurious house will feel like home when it reflects the personal style of its owner. To get your own feel of luxury, visit the nearest Federal Land property show room today or get a virtual tour at www.federalland.ph.

Barbie Almalbis drops inspirational single “Iyong-iyo”

Following the dreamy single “Comment,” which debuted early this January 2020, Barbie Almalbis continues to perfect her signature, swoony alt-pop sound with incisive introspection on her second single.

“Iyong-iyo,” the latest track off her upcoming fourth studio album, tackles a story of strength, perseverance, and faith amidst insurmountable odds. The melodic pop tune is inspired by how the Tabing Ilog hitmaker’s cook found peace from surrendering everything to God during a very difficult time to bouncing back with another chance at life.

Almalbis recounts:

“This song is about Esperanza ‘Bing-Bing’ Maaño, our cook, who’s been in our family for a long time and even married our driver, Dandy. She suddenly fell very ill last year due to a diabetes complication and her medicines were not working. Needless to say, it was such a troubling time for her and everyone who loved her as her future seemed uncertain. She was brought to the hospital and had to undergo amputation surgery, and she shared that it was during this time that her faith in God became more real. While being wheeled into the operating room, she had many fears but suddenly felt peace as she surrendered everything to God. Thankfully, she had a successful surgery and recovered well, and after months of rehabilitation, she learned to walk again with a prosthetic leg.”

Barbie Almalbis co-wrote “Iyong-iyo” with her partner Martin Honasan, who also shares songwriting credits on previous singles “Comment” and “Tigre.” Bing-Bing’s determination and humility inspired the husband-and-wife tandem to write and produce the song.

Recording of the track was done by sound engineer Magic Montano at Yellow Room Studios, formerly known as Tracks Studios in San Antonio Village, where most of the Barbie’s Cradle albums are made. “We had Nikko Rivera on keyboard, Jonard Bolor on drums, and Rommel dela Cruz on bass,” shares Almalbis about the musicians who contributed significantly in the recording process. “The main rhythm section was recorded live, and we did overdubs for vocals and guitars. I also recorded backing vocals at my home studio.”

Barbie Almalbis’s “Iyong-iyo” is now out on various streaming and digital platforms worldwide via 12 Stone Records. It’s the second single off her as-yet-untitled album to be released this year.

Details and image provided in a recent press release.

Bistro Group’s Buy One Take One offers now available every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday until April 30

The Bistro Double Deals (Buy One Get One) have been extended until April 30, 2020.

Now you can have your favorite Buy One Take One dishes delivered every Tuesday, or enjoy them while dining in every Wednesday and Thursday at featured Bistro restaurants.

Every Tuesday beginning March 3, order via Grab or Food Panda and avail of the Buy One Take One offer.

These are the featured dishes in the promo: Italianni’s pizzas, Texas Roadhouse 10-oz Rib Eye, Red Lobster’s Seafood Platter, Denny’s Lumberjack Slam, Fish & Co.’s Seafood Platter, Hard Rock Café’s Jumbo Combo, Watami Katsudon, Buffalo Wild Wings MVP Platter, Bulgogi Brothers’ BBQ Meat Platter, and Modern Shanghai’s Roast Platter.

Meanwhile, dine in at your favorite Bistro restaurants every Wednesday starting on March 4 and enjoy these Buy One Get One on Hard Rock Café’s Jumbo Combo, Watami’s Katsudon, Buffalo Wild Wings’ MVP Platter, Bulgogi Brothers’ BBQ Meat Platter, and Modern Shanghai’s Roast Platter. These are all part of the Wicked Wednesdays specials.

And finally, it’s twice the mouth-watering fun during Twosome Thursdays starting on March 5 because it’s all Buy One Get One on TGIFridays Baby Back Ribs, Italiannis’ pizzas, Red Lobster’s Seafood Platter, Denny’s Lumberjack Slam, Fish & Co.’s Seafood Platter, and Texas Roadhouse Rib Eye. Offer is good for dine-in and take-out orders.

So if you’re looking for a place for a mid-week feast, check out Bistro’s featured restaurants and get the best deals and double the fun!

(Bistro’s Buy One Get One Promo on featured concepts and dishes are available every Wednesday and Thursday. Deliveries c/o Grab and Food Panda are available on Tuesdays only. Promo is extended until April 30, 2020 only and cannot be combined with vouchers and Senior Citizen or PWD discount cards.)

Promo details provided in a recent press release.

Five exciting food finds at the SUCEXPO 2020

As a foodie, I’m fascinated by what goes into the dishes that I enjoy whether through restaurants or products I buy in retail.

More than just simple ingredients, so much effort and study go into the development of current and emerging food trends.

This is why I’m so glad that the academe, particularly the country’s state universities and colleges (SUCs), are helping small enterprises develop viable food businesses, among others, which are heavily supported by the schools’ research.

During the ART OF SUCCESS: 2020 State Universities and Colleges Expo, the research products of participating schools were showcased which included exciting food-related products.

These included:

Bangus Kropek from Iloilo State Colleges of Fisheries

Maximizing the fish pond within the school grounds, the research group headed by Ms Janet Bayona, developed multiple food products based on the bangus (or milkfish). The production of the bangus kropek (flavored crackers), in particular, now serves as an income-generating livelihood program for the local BJMP inmates.

Pakaskas (Buri Sugar) from Batangas State University

Mr. Anthony Lat, on the other hand, with the help of the Department of Science and Technology, is helping to develop a sugar substitute from pakaskas, a popular palm sugar snack originating from Isla Verde Island in Batangas. This sweet is usually packaged in buri baskets, and is known for having a low glycemic index (which is great for those trying to control their blood sugar) and can be applied to almost anything that needs sweetening.

Branana Delights from Polytechnic University of the Philippines

PUP’s Pulilan campus has developed baked goods which incorporate rice bran and bananas; hence the name, Branana Delights. These goodies are quite healthy and fiber-rich, and are sure to give those with a sweet tooth their much-needed sugar fix.

Calamansi Juices from Tarlac State University

Ms. Cecilia Corpus was assisted by Tarlac State University in productizing her calamansi-based juices which had evolved from throwaways from excess calamansi supply, into juice concentrates that she gave aways as gifts and now into ready-to-drink beverages that can be sold in retail. She credits the university in helping her upgrade her products with a longer shelf life and the proper use of additives.

Mushroom Biotech Project from Rizal Technological University

Prof. Angelita Medalla spearheaded the university’s biotech and urban farming project which made use of the tunnels within the school’s Boni, Mandaluyong campus to grow edible mushrooms which can be use for food and medicine.

These are just some of the examples of the collaboration between the academe and local communities featured in the #SUCExpo2020. Ongoing from today until March 11 at the Trinoma Mall Activity Center and hosted by Rizal Technological University, the SUC Expo is an initiative of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to recognize the passion of SUCs for innovation and cooperation with the public outside their halls.

Many thanks to Prof. John Estrellado of Rizal Technological University for inviting me to this event, and to Ms. Angelica Nicole Lopez of RTU Junior Marketing Association for guiding me through the exhibit!

Family-style dining at 121 Restaurant, Allegro Center

Makati is a pretty bustlin’ place during weekdays but come the weekend, many of its happenin’ venues turn into relatively quiet spots where you and the fam can go for a meal.

Take 121 Restaurant at Allegro Center for example. After hours during weekdays, it may be a watering hole for Makati’s young urban professionals.

During one Saturday, however, it was the setting for a nice family-style lunch where my fellow foodies and I enjoyed 121’s take on down-home Pinoy dishes, such as:

121 Pork Sisig (Php289 solo | Php1,029 barkada). The staple of any Filipino dine-out experience, 121’s version is meaty and crunchy.

Empanada (Php39 per piece | Php159 for 5-piece sampler). Available in vegan steak picado, ham and cheese, chicken pastel, pulled pork and beef picadillo flavors.

Lumpiang Shanghai (Php219 solo | Php839 barkada). Remember those lumpias that are practically all wrapper? Well, these are overflowing with minced pork, surrounded by a thin layer of golden brown crispy lumpia wrapper.

Pork Sinigang (Php279). The Pinoy’s go-to soup dish!

Grilled Liempo (Php249) and Grilled Porkchop (Php249). We Pinoys sure are fans of inihaw! These are juicy, smoky pork belly and pork chop pieces that go so well with good ole’ steamed rice and 121’s very own secret sauce!

Champorado Cheesecake (Php119). The Pinoy’s favorite breakfast cereal is now in cheesecake form! Need I say more?

These specialties are best enjoyed surrounded by your nears-and-dears during a boisterously happy lunch, just like we did!

Many thanks to Daryl and Issa of 121 Restaurant for having us!

By the way, with Zomato Gold, you get a dish free when you dine at 121 Restaurant with a friend. Zomato Gold provides members with 1+1 (Buy 1 Get 1) deals on food or 2+2 (Buy 2 Get 2) deals on drinks. All you have to do is sign up for a Zomato Gold membership here. Use the code JELLYB to get 45% off the membership fee.

This 121 Restaurant branch is located at Second Floor, Allegro Center, Pasong Tamo Extension, Magallanes, Makati City, open Mondays to Saturdays from 9am to 1am. For reservations and inquiries, call +63 2 88560529.

Other branches are located at:

121 L. P. Adamson building, Leviste Street, Salcedo Village, Makati City
Ground Floor, Venice Piazza, McKinley Hill, Taguig
Third Floor, BGC Stopover Pavillion, Rizal Drive corner 31st Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
Eastwood Citywalk 1, Libis, Quezon City

Disclosure: Together with other food bloggers, I was invited to attend a food tasting 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.

Israeli singer-songwriter Vanna releases debut single High Hopes via Umami Records

Israeli singer-songwriter VANNA has released her debut single High Hopes via Singapore based indie label Umami Records on Friday, 6 March 2020.

Produced by Roy Avital of Tel Aviv based indie-electronic trio Garden City Movement and mastered by Matt Colton (James Blake, Muse, Coldplay), High Hopes is a song about not giving up, even in the darkest, loneliest moments of one’s life. “In the end we must ‘run slow, with high hopes’, be patient, and face the future with optimism.” shares VANNA, “I wanted to let people know that they are not alone and there is always hope.” A gently fingerpicked acoustic guitar sits at the centre of Roy’s production which he combines with VANNA’s unique voice, wafting a piano, strings and other instruments in and out, immersing the listener into the raw emotions of this song.

A music video produced by award-winning independent filmmaker Matan Balalty, set in the beautiful forests of Mount Eitan in Jerusalem, accompanies the release of this single.

High Hopes is the title track of VANNA’s debut EP which will be released throughout 2020. Over the last 3 years, VANNA has been working closely with producer Roy Avital on this EP, delivering a delicate fusion of indie electronic, pop, and folk influenced by artists like RY X, Oscar and the Wolf, SYML and Sóley.

Born and raised in Tel Aviv, of Indian and Iranian parents, VANNA grew up immersed in music, culture and diversity. Creating music is her way of confronting and understanding the turmoil she feels within herself, and she hopes her songs will touch others going through the same struggle. She is also a graduate of the Rimon School of Jazz and Contemporary Music.

VANNA’s next show will be at the Hateiva, Tel Aviv on 23 April 2020, and she is planning a tour to Singapore, India and Nepal in the fall of 2020.

High Hopes by VANNA is available everywhere at this link.

Details and image provided in a recent press release.

Ben&Ben joins Eric Chou and other Sony Music Asia artists on “Forever Beautiful”

Ben&Ben takes part in a regional collaboration expressing solidarity and support for those affected by the outbreak of iCOVID-19 Coronavirus.

The folk-pop collective joins Sony Music artists across Asia in delivering a spectacular take on Taiwanese superstar Eric Chou’s original track “Forever Beautiful.”

Featuring 15 artists from nine countries across Asia singing in both Chinese and English, including Chou himself, the collaborative remake titled “Forever Beautiful: All for One Version” conveys an important message through these touching lyrics: we may speak and sing in different languages and represent the many ethnicities and cultures of Asia, but we are all united with solidarity and support. In these challenging times, music can bring hope and peace along with the message of love and compassion.

“In this time of fear and uncertainty, it is important to remind people that they are not alone and that even the most dreadful things give way to new beginnings,” shares Ben&Ben vocalist and guitarist Paolo Benjamin. “It was cool to do this project with some of the most talented and generous artists across Asia.”

Set to make their US debut at the annual South by Southwest Festival in Austin, Texas, Ben&Ben is one of the most successful Asian acts in the region— breaking records in the country with 9 songs simultaneously on the Spotify Philippines’ Top 50 chart. Their current single “Sa Susunod na Habang Buhay” recently shot straight to number one with a million streams on the aforementioned platform, within 2 days of release.

The nine-piece act represents the Philippines as part of the vibrant and diverse roster of Sony Music Asia featured in “Forever Beautiful: All for One Version,” including Eric Chou (the original singer/songwriter) and singer Kelly Cheng from Taiwan; Wafa, a member from Bahiyya Haneesa (an acapella group), and R&B-pop singer NYK from Malaysia; music acts Benjamin Kheng, Narelle, and Sezairi from Singapore; HÀ LÊ, a vocalist from Vietnam; singer-songwriter and producer E.viewz from South Korea; singer Fatin from Indonesia; singer-songwriter Jocelyn C from Beijing; and artists Phil Lam, Jason Chan, and Cath Wong from Hong Kong.

“Forever Beautiful: All for One Version” is now available globally on all streaming and digital platforms through Sony Music Taiwan. Proceeds from this song will be donated to relief efforts by 韓紅愛心慈善基金會 (Han Hong Love Charity Foundation) for those affected by the outbreak of iCOVID-19 Coronavirus.

Details and image provided in a recent press release.

Nathan & Mercury drops two new singles “Fools (Reprise)” and “Fake Love”

Now leaning toward a more exciting sonic direction, Nathan & Mercury has raised the bar in terms of producing songs that combine a wide variety of music styles.

Fans will be elated to know that the pop/R&B outfit is back with two new singles, “Fools (Reprise)” and “Fake Love”—released on the very same day via Sony Music Philippines.

Written, composed, arranged, and produced by the band, both tracks update their foray into multi-genre experiments with newfound ambition and front-to-back confidence, discarding their inhibitions to make room for more past and present sonic convergence, soul and gospel influences, and shamelessly honest songwriting.

On Fools (Reprise)

The new iteration of “Fools” unpacks rare moments of emotional vulnerability and restraint. The reprise version, according to guitarist and vocalist Nathan Huang, includes a different set of lyrics and a more stripped-down arrangement, but manages to capture the moroseness of the original.

“We had a different vision in mind for Fools,” Huang shares. “However, we want to give off the same message, each line still sung with pain and yearning for better days. While Fools is already gospel-y as it is, we kicked it up a notch by adding in instrumentation and a much colorful play of the chorale. Short but sweet with a total running time of 1:28, Reprise, as we fondly call it, gives off a solemn and intimate vibe.”

On Fake Love

“Fake Love” sets the course of where Nathan & Mercury is headed as a musical group. “In as short as 3:34, we experimented on our usual repertoire by mixing in instruments we’ve never used before (i.e. brass),” Bassist Angelo Sison explains. “We mixed together several of our influences, particularly in pop and R&B, with hints of gospel and hip-hop. As a song, it speaks of not wanting anything less than real love—one that shouldn’t cost anything but is freely given.”

Guitarist Alex Samonte points out how difficult it is to produce and arrange “Fake Love,” which initially had 3-4 versions ended up getting scrapped at the very last minute. “We had to get a choir and brass players and the whole thingamajig, then took us a good while to gel everything together. But after a month or so of production, it all went well. I mean, I’d like to think it did.”

Both songs are intended to be released as a single track, given that it goes without saying that the two are connected: From being a fool to craving for real love. But according to Daniel Monong, the band’s drummer, they felt that “Reprise” and “Fake Love” can stand on their own individually. “So yeah, we’re releasing them on the same day because the two belong to each other.”

Fun fact: Nathan & Mercury spent a total of 30 studio hours for the whole production of both songs, not including the mixing and mastering. It’s also their first time to record for 13 hours straight in a single studio session.

Nathan & Mercury’s dual singles “Fools (Reprise)” and “Fake Love” are now available on Spotify and other music streaming/download platforms worldwide.

Details and images provided in a recent press release.