September 2020 – Page 5 – Jellybeans in the City

Fried Chicken ‘n Biscuits at Popeyes

Contrary to my initial assumption, Popeyes Louisiana Chicken, Inc. was not named after my childhood hero Popeye the Sailorman. Instead, owner Al Copeland always claimed that his inspiration for the name of his fried chicken company was Det. Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle, Gene Hackman’s character in The French Connection.

That wrong assumption aside, I had no other expectations when Hubby requested that we take advantage of Popeyes’ free delivery promo to get some of this resto’s famous fried chicken for our merienda.

We have been busy working from home ever since the start of the community quarantine and one of the usual highlights of our workday is our afternoon snack break.

SG R&B trio brb releases new single off sophomore EP

Just months after the release of their debut album, Singaporean R&B trio brb. returns with a brand new single, “my type”— now out on all digital and streaming platforms worldwide.

Beyond the suggestive title, “my type” alludes to navigating the feelings that come with loving someone. Messages of acceptance and understanding are accompanied by a wistful chorus set against a tropical beat that is sure to leave you bopping.

Steeped in radiant electronic beats and soulful production, brb.’s latest jam brims with experiments gone right. But make no mistake: it’s a song that grapples with optimism—the kind that surges with both finesse and adrenaline, but delivered with the occasional oddity that we’ve come to experience from the alt-R&B group’s previous material.

“We hope to introduce a different energy into our upcoming releases. Our EP relationshit was rather somber and we wanted to write happier songs this time round. We’re excited for you to hear what we have in store this year.”

“my type” is taken off brb’s upcoming sophomore EP which is slated for release in 2021.

Image and details provided in a recent press release.

‘Tis the start of the season for fam celebrations with Silverspoon

Just like that: September is here, momshies. And so begins the world’s longest Christmas season.

And while the whole world is still battling that dread virus, you still shouldn’t let it keep you from celebrating what joys you can, right?

Life does go on, so let’s celebrate it with good food, especially now when you won’t have to slave away in the kitchen to serve the fam a show-stopping meal, thanks to SilverSpoon.

The brainchild of thirty-year-old financial advisor and budding food entrepreneur Decebelle Montefrio, SilverSpoon brings tasty gourmet dishes to your table for your family to enjoy.

It was Decie’s dream since her college days to pursue her love of cooking and have her own food business. When the pandemic struck the country a few months after she returned to the Philippines from Canada, she decided to set up an online food business instead. By June this year, Decie has launched SilverSpoon, offering viands that appeal to the Pinoy palate which are also close to her heart such as:

Roasted Potato Wedge Snack (Php180). Generous wedges of potatoes, flavored with herbs and seasoning and oven-roasted until golden brown. It’s great for munching while binge-watching your favorite TV shows, or as a appetizer to a fabulous meal.

Butter Garlic Shrimp Platter (Php630). Plump shrimps lightly breaded and coated in a flavorful sauce of butter and garlic, great with lots and lots of rice! Also available in a solo meal with rice and veggies for Php230.

Honey Garlic Liempo Platter (Php380). Tender grilled pork belly glazed in a sweet-savory honey garlic sauce. Also available in a solo meal with rice and veggies for Php150.

Lechon Kawali Solo Meal (Php150). Deep fried pork belly with crunchy skin and flavorful meat served with rice and veggies. Also avail also as a Platter for Php360.

Spicy Adobo Solo Meal (Php150). Decie’s childhood pork adobo recipe with a bit of a spicy kick. True to the adage that adobo gets better in its second serving, leftovers from this generously portioned dish were also great as adobo flakes the next day. Also available as a Platter for Php350.

To order a belly-filling and heart-warming gourmet meal for your family, message SilverSpoon on Facebook or Instagram, or text +63 936 8102017. Pre-orders for next-day delivery are accepted until cut-off at 8pm. Payments via GCash, BPI or BDO, as well as cash on delivery are accepted. Orders may be delivered from SilverSpoon’s kitchens in Commonwealth, Quezon City to anywhere in Metro Manila (delivery fee to be shouldered by the buyer).

So, momshies, have a merry early start to your holiday celebrations with SilverSpoon!

Disclosure: Product samples were provided to facilitate an honest review.

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

Love Plus Foundation gives back by helping Filipinos in need during the pandemic

Our lives have been disrupted and impacted by the pandemic in unprecedented ways. The corona virus has affected our day to day lives and is slowing down the economy for almost six months – and people still cannot see the light at the end of the tunnel. During these hard times, an organization who works under the radar are helping Filipinos to cope up on the effects of the pandemic.

Love Plus Charity Foundation, an organization founded by Chinese national, Hu Sun, started to provide aid in their own little ways by means of food delivery for front liners on different checkpoints, across several cities back in March when the government imposed city lockdowns in the country. The organization wanted to reach remote areas that were not focused on by mainstream media – which draw attention from several individuals and organizations, that lead to the growth of donation to the foundation.

“We are not brothers by blood, but we think of Filipinos as a part of our family because they welcomed us with open arms. I think it’s time for us to return the favor and provide assistance in any way we can because that’s what a family does. They help each other get through the rough times.”, said Hu Sun.

When the Chinese Medical Team first arrived in the country to provide their expertise in combatting the deadly virus, Love Plus Charity Foundation spearheaded the translation between them and local health care officials to make sure no message is lost during translation. With over 50 individuals going hand in hand to donate food, medical equipment, and other necessary items to combat the corona virus, Love Plus Charity Foundation doubled their efforts especially on the months of April and May when they visited major hospitals in NCR, including Lung Center of the Philippines, RITM, Jose Abad Santos General Hospital, Bulacan Medical Center and so much more. Love Plus Charity Foundation was also one of the first organizations to provide aid in terms of basic necessities such as food and water when the Pandacan Church caught fire back in July.

As of August 1, 2020, a combination of 487 Chinese organizations and individuals have donated to Love Plus Charity Foundation, garnering a total of Php 6,000,000 in cash, 3,144 boxes of surgical masks, 1,340 sets of PPE, 2,000 sets of rapid test kits, baby essentials like formula milk and diaper, in addition to food donations such as rice, bread, instant noodles, canned goods, fruits and vegetables, enough to feed an entire community.

When the government implemented another lockdown on August 4, Love Plus Charity Foundation did not waste any time to lend another helping hand to Filipinos, despite of challenges such as distance and heavy rains.

“We believe that in times like these, there is no nationality, but only unity. The Philippines has been our home and we felt like it was our responsibility to help anyone in need – no matter the distance and race, as we need to rise up in the middle of this pandemic.”, said Hu Sun.

Love Plus Foundation will continue to lend a helping hand to those in need, with their next mission to provide aid schools and students, as we take on the new normal when it comes to education. Contact Love Plus Foundation on Facebook or contact InfinitUs Marketing Solutions via email at info@infinitusph.com for more information.

BTS launches world premiere of “Dynamite”

Global superstars BTS recently released the music video for their new single “Dynamite” worldwide through their official social channels.

The new music video of “Dynamite” is colorful and bright, featuring retro concept props, hairstyles, and attire. The overall mood is lively and vibrant from start to finish, perfectly capturing the joyful energy of the song’s melody and lyrics.

It opens with the image of BTS as they stand gathered but soon scatter. The members one by one express their own style and individuality in different spaces.

BTS delivers dynamic performances in and out of various locations, including a room, doughnut shop, record shop, basketball court, luxurious stage, and open field. The “Dynamite” music video shows off not only remarkable group choreography but also improvised dances, as well as solo and unit performances. The members perform with seriousness and charisma, but also brighten the mood with playful expressions.

The second half of the music video features vibrant “color powder” rocketing into the sky, accentuating the explosive energy and joyful performance of BTS as they dance on an open field.

This vivid Disco Pop track marks the superstar group’s first-ever song to be released completely in English; having sought a “breakthrough” to overcome a sense of disheartenment stemmed from the current global climate, BTS embarks on a new challenge through “Dynamite.”

BTS, an acronym of Bangtan Sonyeondan or “Beyond the Scene,” is a South Korean boyband that has been capturing the hearts of millions of fans globally since their debut in June 2013. The members of BTS are RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook. Gaining recognition for their authentic and self-produced music, top-notch performances, and the way they interact with their fans, the band has established themselves as global superstars breaking countless world records. While imparting a positive influence through activities such as the LOVE MYSELF campaign and the UN ‘Speak Yourself’ speech, BTS has mobilized millions of fans across the world (named ARMY), topped prominent music charts, performed multiple sold-out stadium shows across the world and has been named as one of TIME 100: The Most Influential People of 2019. The band has also been recognized with numerous prestigious awards like the Billboard Music Awards and American Music Awards.

Image and details provided in a recent press release.

Comfort-snackin’ with 616 Burger

If the past few months of quarantine has taught me anything, it is that we need every bit of comfort we can get.

These are not normal times and we are not operating at our usual capacity. Therefore, we need to treasure what sources of joy or contentment we have.

Personally, I take comfort in good food. When I feel overwhelmed during a busy workday or in the midst of mounting house chores, a bite into something delicious will soon set me – and the world – to rights.

To you, my dear foodies, I’m happy to share my discovery of a new source of comfort: 616 Burger.

This passion project of twenty-two-year-old recent UST grad Alyanna Manuel started off as her quarantine pastime and side hustle. Building on her family’s experiences in running food businesses, and her own love for cooking, she started whipping up her favorite comfort food and offering them online at affordable prices. Her menu items consist of familiar snack items that are leveled up by way of ingredients and preparation to satisfy the palate of discriminating foodies.

The Crunchy Bacon Burger (Php160), for instance, is made with pure beef burger patty flavored by six spices and well complemented by the smokey bacon, slices of fresh veggies and its garlic mayo sauce inside a freshly baked bun. Crunchy bits of Piknik add some interesting texture to every bite of this juicy burger.

The burger’s trusty sidekick, the Cheesy Overload Fries (Php85), on the other hand, has a crispier texture than other fries due to its light breading. The sauteed ground beef and cheese sauce added some heartiness to this side dish.

If you still can’t get enough of cheese, then grab a Cheese Quesadilla (Php110), buttery toasted soft tortillas encasing high quality cheese.

Snacking on these gave me and the kiddos a happy respite in an otherwise crazy day.

To get your hands on these comforting snack items, message 616 Burger on Facebook or Instagram or fill out the online order form. Cashless payments via GCash, Paymaya and BPI are accepted. 616 Burger’s snack items can be delivered from Don Enrique Heights in Quezon City to anywhere in Metro Manila.

Disclosure: Product samples were provided to facilitate an honest review.

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