SKY subscribers can continue to expect to get safe customer service, as most of the country eases into a new normal.
As a top priority, SKY is strictly implementing safety measures during in-home services. Before any visit is done, SKY service technicians will call the subscriber first to make sure no one in the household is ill. Only a two-man team is assigned to every home so that one can work inside the subscriber’s home while one can simultaneously work outside to ensure proper physical distancing and less social interaction. Both of them will be wearing PPEs and other protective gear.
In SKY business centers, on the other hand, only a limited number of people will be allowed inside at any given time. Upon entry, customers will be required to go through thermal scanning and answer a symptoms questionnaire. Inside, physical distancing will be observed while plastic barriers are installed at the service desk. Sanitation and disinfection procedures will be conducted before and after every transaction.
Meanwhile, SKY subscribers are encouraged to continue managing their accounts digitally through SKY’s official website (mysky.com.ph/myaccounts) and the mySKY app (mysky.com.ph/app), pay via digital payment partners (mysky.com.ph/digitalpayment), seek troubleshooting guides on its website (mysky.com.ph/help), and contact SKY through its webform (mysky.com.ph/contact-us).
These protocols are put in place to safeguard the health and safety of SKY subscribers, employees and business partners. Subscribers can learn more about these safety measures as they visit http://www.mysky.com.ph/safetyprocedures and bit.ly/skybranchreopen.
To help ease the burden of subscribers during these uncertain times, they may opt to pay 50% of their outstanding balance for due dates beginning May 16, 2020. More details on this are available at bit.ly/skybill.
Stay updated and reach out to SKY by downloading the mySKY app today at www.mysky.com.ph/app.
By Susan Bowerman, M.S., RD, CSSD, CSOWM, FAND, Senior Director, Worldwide Nutrition Education and Training, Herbalife Nutrition
Most of us are making more trips to the kitchen these days. In addition to simply being home more, there are a few reasons we may be eating more often —boredom, in need of a distraction, or perhaps to deal with something a little deeper, like anxiety or depression. In any case, the temptations to eat while stuck at home are heightened for all of us, which can create the potential for unhealthy consequences if we stray too far from our usual diets.
One reason snacking has such a bad rap is because so many common ‘snack foods’ are high in fat, sugar, salt and calories. Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, many health-conscious consumers already stayed away from these types of products; however, now people are stocking up on whatever is available at the grocery stores– changing the way we all eat. Even with these limitations, the important thing to remember is that choosing the right foods – even when we’re snacking – will allow us to maintain our health during these uncertain times.
While some people think all snacking is bad – probably because they equate ‘snacking’ with ‘snack foods’ – but I’ve always been solidly in the pro-snacking camp. For one thing, a small nutritious, balanced snack can help keep you energized between meals, and help control your hunger at mealtimes. When the foods you choose are appropriate, if you are truly hungry, and if you’re able to maintain healthy snacking habits, that’s one less thing to worry about during this pandemic. If you’re worried about how much you’re eating throughout the day, here are five tips to help you snack smartly:
You may actually be dehydrated
Many of us will mindlessly walk to the cupboard and find something to nosh on thinking we need to feed a food craving. The truth is that you may actually be mildly dehydrated, and your body is really just craving fluids. Before you reach for the snack pour yourself a glass of water, or a sports drink with electrolytes, to see if that will help tide you over a little longer, or try a light watery snack, like a piece of fruit.
Healthy snacking can help you to work more nutritious foods into your day
Think of it this way: the more often you eat, the easier it will be to work in your daily servings of healthy foods like vegetables, fruits, and calcium-rich dairy products. Use this opportunity to turn snacking into a healthy practice by preparing snacks that provide a mix of low-fat protein (like nuts, soy protein products or nonfat dairy foods) and healthy carbohydrates (like fruit, veggies, and whole grains). The carbs will get digested first and satisfy your hunger right away, and the protein will give your snack a bit more staying power.
Snacks can fuel your physical and mental energy
It’s actually normal to get hungry about every three to four hours. When you eat regular meals and snacks, it can help keep your blood sugar more stable throughout the day. That’s a good defense against between-meal dips in blood sugar that can sap your mental and physical energy.
Have that second lunch
A substantial afternoon snack can help control portions at dinner. Many people manage to control their eating pretty well during the day but, when the day’s over and it’s time to relax, end up eating a huge dinner. For those folks, a larger afternoon snack—almost a small second lunch—makes it much easier to cut back at the evening meal. The afternoon stretch between lunch and dinner can be a difficult time, so having something a little more substantial like a protein shake, a cup of cottage cheese with some fruit, or even a low-calorie frozen meal. Then you can do your cutting back at dinner time. And, if after-dinner snacking is a problem for you, try brushing your teeth after dinner. It works as a great signal to stop eating.
Re-think your snacking habits
If you’re eating unhealthy, high calorie foods like sweets, chips, and sodas keep in mind that these high calorie snack foods can contribute to weight gain and they offer little, if any, nutritional value. You also should think about the reasons you’re eating and identify whether it’s something other than hunger. If you tend to snack when you’re not hungry (maybe you’re bored, stressed, angry or tired), it’s a habit you might want to think about breaking. Think of other ways to deal with your emotions – take a walk, call a friend, write in a journal or spend a few minutes meditating. Taking a break for a few minutes will give you time to evaluate whether you’re truly hungry or not.
About Herbalife Nutrition Ltd.
Herbalife Nutrition is a global company that has been changing people’s lives with great nutrition products and a proven business opportunity for its independent members since 1980. The Company offers high-quality, science-backed products, sold in over 90 countries by entrepreneurial members who provide one-on-one coaching and a supportive community that inspires their customers to embrace a healthier, more active lifestyle. Through the Company’s global campaign to eradicate hunger, Herbalife Nutrition is also committed to bringing nutrition and education to communities around the world.
Herbalife Nutrition also encourages investors to visit its investor relations website at ir.herbalife.com as financial and other information is updated and new information is posted.
Superhero fans in Asia can look forward to catch the latest addition to the growing repertoire of DC’s television adaptations as the brand new original series Stargirl, starring Brec Bassinger, debuts with four back-to-back episodes exclusively on Warner TV on Wednesday, 10 June at 7pm. Subsequent new episodes premiere same day as the U.S. every Wednesday from 17 June at 9.50pm on Warner TV.
Created by one of the most successful comic book writers of his time, and award-winning screenwriter and producer Geoff Johns (“Doom Patrol”, “Aquaman”, “The Flash”), the thirteen-episode series follows high school sophomore Courtney Whitmore as she inspires an unlikely group of young heroes to take up the legacy of a long-lost superhero team – The Justice Society of America – and stop the villains of the past.
Brec Bassinger (“Bella and the Bulldogs”, “School of Rock”) stars as Courtney Whitmore a.k.a. Stargirl, the new kid in town and Blue Valley High, who struggles to make friends until she forges unlikely friendships with Yolanda Montez, Beth Chapel and Rick Tyler, all with super-powers.
Yvette Monreal (“Rambo: Last Blood”, “Matador”) stars as Yolanda Montez a.k.a. Wildcat, a straight A student at Blue Valley High who never does anything wrong, until she is put in a situation in which she has no control.
Anjelika Washington (“Young Sheldon”, “Shameless”) stars as Beth Chapel a.k.a. Dr. Mid-Nite, an outcast who befriends Courtney and the other members of the new Justice Society of America.
Cameron Gellman (“The Good Doctor”, “20th Century Women”) stars as Rick Tyler a.k.a. Hourman.
Other cast members include Trae Romano (“Robbie”, “The Three Stooges”), Jake Austin Walker (“Lethal Weapon”, “Fear the Walking Dead”), Hunter Sansone (“Unfollowed”, “Little Did He Know”), Meg DeLacy (“The Fosters”, “Zac and Mia”), Neil Jackson (“Westworld”, “Blade”), Christopher James Baker (“True Detective”, “Gotham”), Amy Smart (“The Butterfly Effect”, “Shameless”) and Luke Wilson (“Zombieland: Double Tap”, “”Roadies”). The series is created and written by Geoff Johns. Johns executive produces along with Primetime Emmy nominee Greg Berlanti (“Love, Simon”, “Blindspot”, “Arrow”), Melissa Carter (“Famous in Love”, “Queen Sugar”), Greg Beenma (“Smallville”, “Falling Skies”) and Sarah Schechter (“Blindspot”, “Arrow”).
Episodes include:
Season 1 Episode 1: “Pilot”
Wednesday, 10 June at 7pm on Warner TV
In the series premiere, Courtney’s seemingly perfect life in Los Angeles gets upended with a move to Blue Valley, Nebraska with her mother Barbara (series star Amy Smart), stepfather Pat Dugan (series star Luke Wilson) and stepbrother Mike (series star Trae Romano), and she finds herself struggling to adapt to her new town and high school. But when Courtney discovers that Pat is harbouring a major secret about his past, she ultimately becomes the unlikely inspiration for a new generation of Super Heroes. Written by Geoff Johns and directed by Glen Winter.
Season 1 Episode 2: “S.T.R.I.P.E.”
Wednesday, 10 June at 8pm on Warner TV
After Courtney has an unexpected run-in with a member of the Injustice Society of America, Pat reveals the truth to her about their history. Meanwhile, Barbara is elated when she sees Courtney making an attempt to get along with Pat, not knowing the secret they’ve been keeping. Finally, things take a dangerous turn at Blue Valley High’s open house night when Courtney becomes the target of a dangerous foe. Written by Geoff Johns and directed by Greg Beeman.
Season 1 Episode 3: “Icicle”
Wednesday, 10 June at 9pm on Warner TV
After a dangerous run-in with a member of the Injustice Society of America, Pat warns Courtney to back down from her attempts to go after them. But when she encounters what she believes to be a message from one of them, she urges Pat to help her. Meanwhile, Barbara makes strides at work, which impresses her new boss Jordan Mahkent (series star Neil Jackson). Written by Colleen McGuinness and directed by Michael Nankin.
Season 1 Episode 4: “Wildcat”
Wednesday, 10 June at 9.50pm on Warner TV
After realising that she needs the extra help, Courtney sets out to recruit new members to the Justice Society of America – starting with Yolanda Montez (series regular Yvette Monreal). Elsewhere, Pat’s suspicion is piqued after a bizarre conversation with one of the town’s residents. Written by James Dale Robinson and directed by Rob Hardy.
Season 1 Episode 5: “Hourman and Dr. Mid-Nite”
Wednesday, 17 June at 9.50pm on Warner TV
As Courtney sets her sights on recruiting more members to the Justice Society of America, Pat finds himself one step closer to learning which ISA members may be in Blue Valley. Meanwhile, a search for Rick Tyler (series regular Cameron Gellman) leads Courtney, Yolanda and Beth Chapel (series regular Anjelika Washington) to Cindy Burman’s (series regular Meg DeLacy) Halloween party. Written by Melissa Carter and directed by David Straiton.
Stargirl is amongst the three upcoming DC shows premiering on WarnerMedia channels. The first season of Pennyworth will premiere in Asia exclusively on Warner TV on Monday, 29 June at 9pm and HBO Max Original series Doom Patrol Season 2 will debut exclusively on HBO GO. Premiere date is still to be confirmed.
Warner TV is available on SKYcable ch 34 SD | 197 HD in Metro Manila. To subscribe or for more information on Warner TV, fill out this form.
Show details and images provided by WarnerMedia in a recent press release.
Singapore pop artist Dominic Chin has released BETTER, the fifth single of his 7-track debut EP License To Cry, via indie label Umami Records.
BETTER is a poppy, free-spirited song about the joys of being high on love. Dominic Chin shares: “This song is inspired by love! There’s a quote that says ‘falling in love is the best high without breaking the law’, and I fully agree! The whole chorus talks about how flowers smell better, time passes much slower, the sky is BLUE-ER. How you don’t ever want time to stop when you’re with the person you love.”
Fun, playful melodies accompany Dominic’s beautiful and infectious vocals, leading up to unapologetically brash and compelling choruses which he proudly belts out. “I felt like it needed a quirky aspect too, and that’s why I sang ‘You-you-you’ with a slight yodle. AND I love showing off my whistling skills. I have been practicing for years, finally I can properly show it off!” shared Dominic.
Dominic Chin invites us to embrace the unbridled joy and warmth that emanate in his song: “Sometimes we are afraid to love because we are afraid to be hurt, and we don’t say what we feel as much, we don’t communicate enough. Let this song be a dedication to your significant other. Being in love is scary but it’s one of the most beautiful things in the world for humans to experience. ‘The greatest thing you’ll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return.’”
A music video follows this release, as well as a custom Instagram AR filter, which fans can use to get the same “hearts on face” makeup (without the mess) as seen in Dominic’s music video and album art. The rest of Dominic Chin’s EP will be released in the second half of 2020, leading up to his debut show at the Esplanade Singapore on 21 August.
BETTER by Dominic Chin is available everywhere at this link.
Try out the Instagram AR filter here.
About Dominic Chin
Singapore pop artist Dominic Chin creates music with his distinct voice and a blend of electro-pop, soul and r&b. Fuelled by life and all its awkward contradictions, Dominic writes songs from the heart that resonate deeply with his audience.
The 24 year old singer-songwriter from Singapore started covering songs on YouTube in 2010, and his channel has more than 9200 subscribers and 1.3M views. After the viral success of You First Believed, a tribute song he wrote for Singapore founding father Mr Lee Kuan Yew in 2014, he was compelled to start writing more originals. He released his first single CLSE2U in 2018, followed by SHY, HERE and AWARE, and his songs have been featured on major Spotify editorial playlists including ‘Electro Mix’ and ‘Singapore’s Top Acts’.
As part of the initiative to forge regional ties with like-minded artists in Asia, Indonesia’s very own Ardhito Pramono will be joining forces with acclaimed Filipino band, Ben&Ben and Singaporean alt-pop artist, Benjamin Kheng for a star-studded virtual show.
Aptly titled From His Backyard, Online #HappyConcert with Ardhito Pramono and Friends, the first online concert in Indonesia to feature local and international artists, will happen on June 8, 2020 (Monday) at 9 PM (Philippine time) via Loket. Tickets are available here.
The digital show will highlight special collaborative performances and live sessions from his latest EP, Craziest Thing Happened In My Backyard. Released this year, Ardhito’s fourth mini-album pertains to the “backyard” as a metaphorical place to keep good and bad memories, secrets, opinions and ramblings; hence, coming up with songs that “talk about darkness with a twist of cheerful music.” His new single “Here We Go Again / Fanboi” was released on YouTube last June 3, 2020 via a lyric video that sees the Indonesian star performing amidst beige curtains.
Prior to the upcoming digital show which will be streamed live next week, Ardhito Pramono and Ben&Ben have recently collaborated on video-sharing platform, TikTok. Their paper towel challenge, which featured a snippet of Ardhito’s new song, “Here We Go Again,” broke records as one of the most viewed team-ups that featured Asian artists on the app, amassing 47.8 million views in less than 2 months.
About Ardhito Pramono
Born on May 22nd 1995, Ardhito Pramono garnered instant success with the release of his self-titled debut album. In 2019, he won Best Vocal Jazz Artist on Anugerah Music Indonesia, and bagged endorsement deals with big brands such as Biore, Teh Javana, Bintang Marina. This year, the “wonder boy” crooner starred in the box office hit, Nanti Kita Cerita Tentang Hari Ini. He also dropped his critically acclaimed EP, Craziest Thing Happened In My Backyard last February 2020 via Sony Music.
Have you ever wondered how the delightful donut came about?
Back during the time when New York was still called New Amsterdam, Dutch settlers were making olykoek (or “oily cake”). Historian and Sleepy Hollow author Washington Irving described these as “balls of sweetened dough, fried in hog’s fat, and called dough-nuts or oly koeks: a delicious kind of cake.”
The donut is said to have gained its characteristic ring shape in 1847 when American Hanson Gregory punched holes into the dough to prevent uncooked portions in the middle.
Today, donuts comes in various shapes, from the most common ring shape, to donut holes and filled, and also in a myriad of flavors.
They have become so ingrained in culture that there is actually a day dedicated to celebrating donuts. In the late 1930s, the Salvation Army started a fund-raiser called National Doughnut Day to help those in need while also honoring the Salvation Army “Doughnut Girls” of World War I who served donuts soldiers.
By today, it is has grown into an international celebration wherein donut lovers the world over feast on their favorite donut treats.
This year, I celebrated International Donut Day with the fam at home when I got a dozen Krispy Kreme OG donuts for our dessert.
International donut brand Krispy Kreme is most famous for its light and fluffy original glazed donuts which have recently been re-dubbed as “OG” donuts.
These are usually best enjoyed fresh and hot off the line but with restrictions on movement outside of home still in effect due to the community quarantine, I had to have these OG donuts delivered to me. You should have heard my son cry “Do-NUT!” as soon as he saw the boxes! I just had to reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds to approximate that “hot from the line” feel.
With more and more Krispy Kreme branches in the metro re-opening, with donuts available for delivery or pickup, donut lovers can get their hands on their favorite Krispy Kreme donuts by ordering online, calling Krispy Kreme’s hotline +63 2 88879000 or by coursing their orders through GrabFood or Lalafood.
This Krispy Kreme branch is located at Il Centro, Santa Lucia East Grand Mall, Cainta, Rizal.
It has been more than three months since the pandemic has essentially turned our worlds upside down.
As we waited for quarantines to be lifted and restrictions to be loosened, many of us found ourselves willing time to hurry up so things can get back to normal.
But we can’t really go back to the way things used to be, right? Not when the threat of COVID-19 or any future communicable health risk still looms.
Hence, the emergence of The New Normal. While businesses re-open and people are more frequently moving about, the following principles still apply:
Increased importance of personal hygiene
Practice of physical distancing
Focus of all activities in the home
Transition of most interactions to digital
To help ease the way towards The New Normal, several Filipino bloggers have taken it upon themselves to broach topics relevant to the transition. They create content to guide, inspire or entertain as we all grapple with the changes to our way of life.
Keepin’ Fit and Healthy
If the pandemic has taught us anything, it is the value of one’s health. We have seen how this viral infections has wreaked havoc, not only on one’s physical well-being, but also on one’s finances and social interactions. Also, keeping fit has become challenging for many with exercising outside the home and in the gym no longer among the options available. It is no wonder, then, that bloggers have chosen to dwell on how to maintain one’s health and fitness during this time.
Prevention is better than cure so it’s good that we continue monitoring ourselves if we develop symptoms, but at the moment, there’s just so much strain on medical workers and doing a self-check is the least that we can do to help. – Manila Millennial
Dale Palisoc of The Little Binger, on the other hand, shares a list of free apps and websites on home workouts that can help his bingers to keep on track with their health goals.
We spent every single day at home because we are restricted and it is not safe… But you know what it is not healthy to stay stagnant. We still have to keep on moving. The big question, however, is how to do it? Especially now that gyms are closed and it is terrifying to jog outside… – The Little Binger
Home is the place to be… stuck in?
The home emerged as the safest place to be in, but, as most of us discovered, it is not always the most comfortable or the most entertaining. People who are used to going out and having a social life now find themselves isolated. Families who used to just see each other at dinnertime or on weekends now spend the whole day in each other’s company. The problem that arose from these scenarios is how to while away the time while “stuck” at home? These bloggers may have just the answer.
Community quarantine may be a disorientating experience, especially for those of us who are used to spending most of our time outside the house. But, it’s also essential to look on the bright side, while channeling our energy into some productive activities. – Living Beyond Style
Beyond my motherhood duties to my two sons, I have come to appreciate the time I have: to do things I have always wanted to do but never got to, because I have always put them aside. – Wendyflor.com
Don’t forget to smile and be positive regardless of what situation you are in. One creative hobby helps us a lot to be more productive and manage our mental health to lessen the stress level. Despite the current situation, it always good to remember you got the passion to do things right and be the right person to deliver results to continue your undeniably creative hobby. – Youthsoloartsy
How can we get our hands on those food!
Anybody who knows me also knows that the enjoyment of good food is central to my happiness. When the community quarantine was implemented, my foodie friends and I worried about our favorite restos, and rightfully so. The restaurant industry was among the most badly hit by the pandemic and the resulting lockdown with the reduced clientele, lack of manpower and rising overhead costs putting a huge strain on their finances.
Those who were able to pivot their operations to be viable by making their food available for pickup or delivery stand a chance at surviving in The New Normal.
Plus, for those who are not used to cooking their own food, having tasty and easily accessible food options will make the quarantine restrictions seem not as harsh.
Through all the difficulties we faced due to the pandemic, we are buoyed by the hope that someday it will end. When that day comes, we need to be prepared on what do do.
Practice social distancing as much as you can. When exploring city centers and parks, take cycling tours instead of walking tours or bus tours. Cycling presents the least risk of coming into close contact with other tourists. Plus, cycling is great for your health at any time! – Ivan + Khris’ Travels
#30DayNewNormalChallenge aims to help citizens face this New Normal phenomenon. This will allow us to just live day-by-day unaware that we have adapted positively with this universal change. – Wandering Good Vibes
Karla Obispo of Travel with Karla, on the other hand, provides a playbook on how to be a decent person in the time of COVD-19 which I think still applies into The New Normal.
There are many ways on how to be a good citizen in the time of COVID-19. I hope you choose to be one. – Travel with Karla
Navigating the way into a new set of circumstances, norms and environments as a result of COVID-19 may seem daunting, but be assured, your blogger friends are with you ready to share what we can to guide, inspire or entertain you into The New Normal.
Many thanks to my fellow bloggers for contributing to this post!
Can’t wait to watch new episodes of the HBO Max Original series Love Life, starring Oscar® nominee Anna Kendrick? The wait is over! Three new episodes of Love Life will drop today, 4 June, while the final four episodes will be available next Thursday, 11 June exclusively on HBO GO. The first three episodes of Love Life premiered same time as the U.S. on HBO GO last Thursday.
Love Life, a fresh take on a romantic comedy anthology series, features “an Emmy-worthy turn from Kendrick” (Decider, Joel Keller) and “should be the first thing you watch on the new streaming platform” (Glamour, Anna Moeslein). It has “a sharpness and a depth” (Vanity Fair, Richard Lawson), “the writing is sharp” (Uproxx, Kimberly Ricci), and star “Zoë Chao is a standout” (Entertainment Weekly, Kristen Baldwin).
The series comes from creator and co-showrunner Sam Boyd (In a Relationship) and is about the journey from first love to last love, and how the people we’re with along the way make us into who we are when we finally end up with someone forever. Anna Kendrick (Pitch Perfect, A Simple Favor) stars in the first season along with Zoë Chao (Downhill, Strangers), Peter Vack (Someone Great, The Bold Type) and Sasha Compere (Miracle Workers, Uncorked).
Kendrick serves as an executive producer alongside Paul Feig (A Simple Favor, Bridesmaids) and Dan Magnante (Someone Great). Sam Boyd, who wrote the pilot and directs, also executive produces with co-showrunner and executive producer Bridget Bedard (Transparent, Ramy). Love Life is produced by Lionsgate Television and Feigco Entertainment.
HBO Original Series as well as live channels are also available for streaming to SKYcable subscribers on HBO GO for as low as Php99/month. To subscribe, call your local SKY office or fill up this form.
Show details and images provided by HBO in a recent press release.
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.
After hours is that precious time when the day’s work is done and we can finally sit back to relax and spend time with friends.
After Hours is also the name of a newly opened bar in foodie haven Tomas Morato. This is where my foodie friends and I, shortly before the Covid-19 and the ECQ came down upon all of us, were able to enjoy a few hours chillin’ in each other’s company while discovering all the fun to be had after hours.
1) The buzzy welcoming vibe
You would think that Tomas Morato would already have its fill of concept bars but there’s definitely room for more, especially this one.
With its ample parking space, trendy decor, comfy furnishings, a playlist made up of 80s and 90s hits (which my friends and I sang along with!), excellent chows and a well-stocked bar, After Hours is a haven for those looking for some well-deserved R ‘n R.
2) Chill drinks
According to co-owner Rey Trillana, the focus of After Hours are on cocktails, whiskey and a bit of wine, drinks to chill with after work. Each cocktail is handcrafted (no pre-mixes). For whiskey connoisseurs, the bar also boasts of a well-curated whisky collection. Guests even have the option of getting the bartender to craft something Out of the Blue, based on their favorite liquor and taste profile.
During our visit, my foodie friends and I were able to sample:
Jack Estate’s Pink Moscato. A fresh and fruity wine from Australia.
Perfect Pear. A fruity non-alcoholic mocktail for lightweights like me.
Smoked Old Fashioned. The classic mix of bourbon, simple syrup and Angostura bitters, served with a bit of smoke and flair.
Red Sangria Spritzer. Handcrafted sangria made with wine, brandy, mixed berries, chamomile honey, calamansi and soda.
After Six. Gin mixed with elderflower liquor, lavender syrup, egg white and lemon juice.
Punch Drunk Love. After Hours’ signature cocktail made with spiced rum, chai pandan syrup, lemon and pineapple juice, Angostura bitters and clarified milk, served with a dehydrated pineapple.
3) Tasty bar chows
Of course, we needed some chows to go with those drinks, and After Hours has a very good kitchen going managed by Chef Miggy. He and his crew whipped up some tasty bar chows to complement our drinks, such as:
Beef Salpicao. Tender USDA beef tenderloin sauteed in a garlic butter sauce, definitely a favorite among tipplers and foodies.
Oh, such a happy time! There were good food, good drinks and good company.
But then, the community quarantine came and, sadly, After Hours had to close its doors for a while.
It seemed like the entire bar industry had been severely affected by the community quarantine.
However, a few weeks ago, I had the pleasant surprise of finding out that it had resumed operations to enable its loyal customers to get that After Hours experience even while at home through Buy One Take One offers on its wines, its signature cocktails by the bottle, as well as a selection of its bar chows, all available for delivery or pickup!
Thanks to Rey Trillana and the rest of the management and staff of After Hours Bar for having us and congratulations for succeasfully pivoting your business to operate in The New Normal.
So until the next time I can visit After Hours again, I can enjoy my after hours at home.
After Hours is located at 125 Don A. Roces Avenue, Barangay Laging Handa, Quezon City. To order its bar chows, wines and cocktails for pick up or delivery, fill up this form, send a message over Instagram or call +63 917 1767383.
Disclosure: Together with other foodies, I attended a foodie meet-up held in this restaurant. All the food items mentioned here were served to allow us to sample the fare to facilitate honest reviews and were not paid for by the attendees, including myself.
Did you know that there’s such a thing as an International Sushi Day? On the 18th day of June every year, food enthusiasts the world over celebrate one of the jewels of Japanese cuisine: the sushi.
Made with vinegared rice, seafood, vegetables, and even tropical fruits, sushi has embodied several tenets of Japanese food such as the use of fresh ingredients, simple and natural cooking methods, exquisite presentation and portion control.
A well-made sushi is akin to a work of art.
So on this day of all days, we can’t just have any ‘ole sushi. Nope, on International Sushi Day, we deserve sushi with that extra oomph to elevate our sushi experience.
Plus, given the restrictions on movement and dining out in the metro due to the community quarantine, we need sushi that is can be delivered to our homes.
Oh, how to solve this quandary? Well, allow me to share with you my top picks for extraordinary sushi in the metro for you to enjoy on International Sushi Day.
Soru Izakaya’s Lava Maki
Soru Izakaya’s has long been known for playful and whimsical takes on sushi and it’s Lava Maki is no exception. Salmon skin, crabsticks and mango are topped with cubes of salmon and tuna doused with a mixture of spicy mayo and teriyaki sauce, making it a savory and slightly spicy treat for the palate.
To order your Lava Maki from Soru Izakaya, fill up this form, or text +63 917 7040515, +63 917 6363526 or +63 935 7830298.
This deep-fried sushi roll made with spicy tuna topped with ebiko and scallions is crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, quite an exciting contrast that adventurous sushi fans love!
Course your order for the Spicy Maguro Roll from Omakase through GrabFood or FoodPanda or call the Omakase branch nearest you (Marikina +63 2 86316588 or +63 917 5590746 | Don Antonio +63 2 77995891 or +63 977 3881954 | Molito +63 2 84033279, +63 2 87711443 or +63 906 4917798 | Il Terrazo +63 2 83324115 or +63 905 3369648 | Ayala Feliz +63 2 82536354 or +63 956 0164604).
Icho Japanese Restaurant’s Foie Gras Aburi (Php250/pc).
Every now and then, you want to treat yourself to something indulgent, right? Well, this Foie Gras Aburi is your best bet. Lightly broiled goose liver with balsamic teriyaki sauce placed on top of sushi rice make for a decadent sushi experience.
To order your Foie Gras Aburi from Icho Japanese Restaurant, call +63 2 85350020 or +63 917 1346027.
Made with fried salmon skin, salmon, kani, mango, teriyaki sauce, sesame and cucumber which made for interesting contrasts in textures and flavors in each mouthful, this sushi roll deserves its five-star moniker.
Course your order for the Five Star Roll from Hanako through GrabFood or FoodPanda or call the Hanako branch nearest you (Better Living +63 2 88280189, +63 2 75010189 or +63 917 7144278 | SM Pasig +63 2 85848708 or +63 917 7144287 | Regis Katipunan +63 2 83323626 or +63 907 4879346).
Fukuruo Nihonryori’s Yaki Samon Mayo Nigiri (Php145).
With two hefty slices of salmon draped over balls of Japanese rice and complemented with Japanese mayo and fish roe, this made for a decadently delicious sushi dish.
Course your order for the Yaki Samon Mayo Nigiri from Fukurou Nihonryori through GrabFood or call +63 2 82866662 or +63 915 5451245.
This dish is a modern take on how to enjoy sushi: a donut-shaped sushi rice base topped with tempura, egg, yuzu kyozu mayo and mozzarella cheese. It’s quite a feast for the eyes and the tastebuds.
Course your order for the Lava Sushi Donut from Grillin’ Ape through GrabFood, FoodPanda or LalaFood, or call +63 2 83677135.
One of the food items to gain prominence during the quarantine, the Sushi Bake combines the exotic flavors of sushi with the comfortable homeyness of baked casseroles. Meatsumo’s Sushi Bake is made with sushi rice, kani, mango, zucchini, Japanese mayo and tobiko, the flavors we expect from California Maki but packaged in a half tray good for four people, with portions to be scooped out and placed in nori squares for maximum enjoyment.
To order your Sushi Bake from Meatsumo, fill out this form, send a message via Facebook or Viber +63 933 1346534.
Jellybeans in the City 