May 2024 – Jellybeans in the City

Deliciously affordable food adventure at StrEATs in ibis Styles Manila Araneta City

Looking for a food adventure that’s deliciously varied yet affordable? Then ibis Styles Manila Araneta’s all-day dining restuarant, StrEATs, should be right up your alley.

ibis Styles Manila Araneta City is the first ibis brand of the Accor Hotels Group in the country. The economy hotel chain characterized by creativity and playfulness pays tribute to the vibrancy and energy of its location through callbacks to cultural milestones.

For instance, the newly opened hotel’s interior is peppered with photo spots that harken back to the Thrilla in Manila, the legendary fight between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier held at the Araneta Colisuem. Hotel guests and visitors can then take their photos for ‘gram in these themed spots.

StrEATs leads the way to awesome food adventures

StrEATs serves as a pathway towards various international culinary journeys, with a rotating menu carefully curated by Executive Chef Massimiliano Pauletto. While enjoying StrEATs’ well-appointed setting and frenetic energy, foodies can look forward to flavorful discoveries with appetizing stations that include:

Plus, you can always request for freshly made Baked Oysters and creamy gelato from Novotel’s Indulge at their respective stations.

Make the most out of your StrEATs experience!

Whether you find the prospect of an all-you-can-eat buffet daunting or you’re a seasoned buffet diner, here are a few tips to make sure that you maximize your time there:

Start small. Sample small portions of a variety of dishes. This allows you to taste everything without getting full too quickly.
Prioritize. If you’re a carnivore like me, go for the higher-cost items (like seafood, meats, and specialty dishes) if you want to get the best value.
Mix It Up. Alternate between different types of food (proteins, vegetables, carbs) to keep your palate interested and avoid flavor fatigue.
Pace Yourself. Eat slowly and take breaks. This helps with digestion and allows you to enjoy the meal longer without feeling uncomfortably full.
Post-Meal Activity. If possible, take a walk after your meal. It aids digestion and can help you feel less bloated. Fortunately, Gateway Mall is just a few steps away!

StrEATs daily serves breakfast from 6am to 10am at Php999/person, lunch from 12pm to 2pm at Php1,299/person and dinner from 6pm to 9pm at Php1,499/person.

StrEATs is located at Fifth Floor, ibis Styles Manila Araneta, General Roxas Avenue, Araneta City, Quezon City. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 8248 8444 or email IbisStyles.ManilaAranetaCity.Restaurants@accor.com.

Know more about ibis Styles Manila Araneta by visiting its website, or by following it on Facebook and Instagram.

Check out my posts about Accor Hotels and Restaurants:

Novotel’s Prana Indian Cuisine hosts Taj Uncorked: An Indian Champagne Dinner

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

Ice cream indulgence at Indulge, Novotel Manila Araneta

5 reasons why Novotel is your family’s staycation destination

Aloha to a spectacular summer with Kenny Rogers Roasters Hawaiian Roast and Burger

Hold it!

Just because we’ve been experiencing some early onset of rains, it doesn’t mean that the summer season is over. We can still look forward to a few more days of sunshine.

There’s no better time to enjoy Kenny Rogers Roasters Hawaiian Roast and Burger, fun and festive limited-time additions to the chain’s healthy and flavorful offerings with a deliciously tropical twist, thanks to the sweet and tangy queen of fruits: the pineapple!

Want something new for the family meal? Indulge the brood with Kenny Rogers Roasters Hawaiian Roast Chicken. A whole roasted chicken marinated in pineapple juice and topped with Hawaiian glaze and pineapple bits, it’s sure to whet everyone’s appetite!

Choose from these filling group meal options:

Hawaiian Roast Ala Carte (Php845 whole | Php440 half | Php235 quarter)
Hawaiian Roast Group Meal (Php1225). 1 Whole Hawaiian Roast, 4 Side Dishes, 4 cups of rice, 4 pieces of corn muffins, and 1.5L Soda
Classic and Hawaiian Roast Group Meal (Php1225). 1 Half Hawaiian Roast, 1 Half Classic Roast, 4 Side Dishes, 4 cups of rice, 4 pieces of corn muffins, and 1.5L Soda
Hawaiian Roast and OMG Unfried Fried Chicken (Php1225). 1 Half Hawaiian Roast, 4pcs OMG Unfried Fried Chicken, 4 Side Dishes, 4 cups of rice, 4 pieces of corn muffins, and 1.5L Soda
Hawaiian Roast, OMG and Pork Baby Back Ribs (Php1375). 1 Quarter Hawaiian Roast, 2pcs OMG Unfried Fried Chicken, 1 Half Slab Pork Baby Back Ribs, 4 Side Dishes, 4 cups of rice, 4 pieces of corn muffins, and 1.5L Soda

Tired of your usual baon for your school or office lunch? Opt for a solo meal that combines the roast chicken with your favorite sides and make your lunch the envy of your officemates!

Explore your delicious lunchtime possibilities:

Hawaiian Roast Solo A (Php315). 1 quarter Hawaiian Roast, 1 cup of rice, 1 Side Dish, and a corn muffin
Hawaiian Roast Solo B (Php315). 1 quarter Hawaiian Roast, 1 cup of rice, 2 Side Dishes, and a corn muffin
Healthy Fiber – Hawaiian Roast (Php360). 1 Quarter Hawaiian Roast, 1 regular Caesar Salad, 1 regular side of corn & carrots, and 250mL bottled drink
Healthy Protein – Hawaiian Roast(Php360). 1 Quarter Hawaiian Roast, 1 regular Caesar Salad, 1 cup of rice, and 250mL bottled drink

Want something to nibble on as you explore the great outdoors? Sink your teeth into a Hawaiian Burger, made with 1/3-pound beef patty layered with sweet and savory Hawaiian Glaze, cheese, onion, tomato, and lettuce, sandwiched between slightly toasted sesame buns.

Snacking is made a lot more fun with these mouthwatering options:

Hawaiian Burger Ala Carte (Php265)
Hawaiian Burger Combo (Php300). Comes with a side of crunchy chips and a drink.

Enjoy your tropical feast at home when you order your Kenny Rogers Roasters’ Hawaiian Roast and Burger for delivery right to your doorstep at kennyrogersdelivery.com.ph or through Kenny Rogers Roasters’ delivery hotline +63 2 85559000, as well as via GrabFood and FoodPanda.

Or you can drop by your nearest Kenny Rogers Roasters branch.

For more details about its offers and promos, follow Kenny Rogers Roasters on Facebook, Tiktok, Instagram, Youtube and Twitter.

Check out my previous posts about Kenny Rogers Roasters:

Eggs-perience eggs-tasy with Kenny Rogers Roasters’ new Salted Egg Chicken line

Chimichurri makes a comeback at Kenny Rogers Roasters!

Deliciously healthy meal at home with Kenny Rogers Roasters’ Roasted Chicken Group Meal

A festive feast of Kenny Rogers Roasters Smokehouse BBQ Roast & Ribs

A taste of extravagance with Kenny Rogers Roasters’ Truffle Collection

New flavor for the summer: Kenny Rogers Roasters’ Mango Habanero takes taste buds on a swicy adventure

A taste of authentic Indian cuisine at Annapoorna, Quezon City

For a long time, I thought that Indian food is not for me. Having grown up with an aversion to spicy viands, as well as a strong bias towards my mom’s Pinoy home cooking combined with Western fare courtesy of movies and TV shows, South Asian cuisine to me was as exotic and almost alien as food can get.

Thankfully, I later developed a more adventurous palate, thanks largely to my husband who, over the years, took the necessary pains to introduce me to food items that have a little more kick to them.

It just so happens that one of his favorite cuisines is Indian food.

So when Annapoorna opened its branch right across my office building, I was more than ready to give it a try.

Indian cuisine is a celebration of diversity, with each region boasting its own unique culinary traditions and signature dishes. Fortunately, when Annapoorna serves up these diverse options, it makes them fresh upon order so that spice levels can be customized. This way, aside from bringing an authentic taste of home to its loyal clientele of Indian nationals residing nearby, it also allows us Pinoys who are unfamiliar with Indian food to easily expand our culinary horizons with its offerings.

Curious on delicious dishes that await at Annapoorna? Check these out:

viber_image_2024-04-26_22-05-30-557 — A sumptuous array of flavors at your fingertips at Annapoorna!

From personal experience, exploring new and unfamiliar cuisines may seem daunting at first, but, if my foray into Indian cuisine at Annapoorna is anything to go by, the delicious discoveries you’re bound to make are definitely well worth the effort!

Here are some tips to prime you up for this extraordinary gustatory experience and make your dining journey at Annapoorna even more memorable:

Start mild. Indian food may be known for its myriad of spices but it does include milder dishes like Butter Chicken and Malai Chicken tikka to get you started. Ask the staff for recommendations or request for milder versions of the spicier dishes.
Use your hands. Annapoorna’s naans are great for scooping up meats and dipping into flavorful sauces.
Enjoy the accompaniments. You’ll notice that most of the dishes are accompanied by dips and sauces that add a whole new dimension of flavors to the dishes.
Bring your friends and fam along. Most of Annapoorna’s dishes are good for two to three people so go ahead and share the experience with your loved ones.

Head over to Annapoorna’s branches for a taste of delicious and authentic Indian cooking, open for dine-in and orders from 11am to 1am:

Unit 4, Gateway Regency, Robinsons Pioneer, Mandaluyong (Tel: +63 966 1443154; Follow on Facebook and Instagram)
Mother Ignacia Avenue across ELJ Communication Center, Quezon City (Tel: +63 977 0642263; Follow on Facebook and Instagram)

Photo Credit: Selected individual food shots courtesy of Glenn of The Adventures of Jogpen.

Ben&Ben Lights Up Fans’ Hearts with the Launch of Liwanag House and New Single ‘COMETS’

Ben&Ben, the beloved Filipino folk-pop band, once again captured the hearts of their fans with a series of exciting events. Known for their soul-stirring melodies and heartfelt lyrics, the band recently launched the Liwanag House, a creative and communal hub that promised to be a beacon of inspiration and connection for fans and artists alike.

Liwanag House: A Beacon of Creativity and Connection

The Liwanag House, located in the heart of Metro Manila, was more than just a physical space; it embodied the band’s mission to foster a sense of community and shared creativity. This new concept store was designed to serve as a home base for exclusive releases, limited-edition merch, and community-driven gatherings. The band wanted to create a place where everyone felt heard, valued, and welcomed.

On May 18, 2024, Ben&Ben performed at the atrium of Robinsons Galleria to mark the official launch of the Liwanag House. The nine-piece band played some of their biggest and most acclaimed hits, including the viral smash “Sa Susunod Na Habang Buhay” and their new single “COMETS.” The event drew a large crowd of enthusiastic fans who had the chance to score exclusive passes through a series of engaging activities at Robinsons Galleria.

The grand opening at Level 4, ADB Wing of Robinsons Galleria, offered fans an up-close and personal experience with the band. They could purchase exclusive merchandise, take selfies with the band’s memorabilia, and even catch a glimpse of the band rehearsing and manning the store right before the concert.

The Launch of ‘COMETS’: A Celestial New Single

Coinciding with the opening of Liwanag House, Ben&Ben released their latest single, “COMETS.” This emotionally captivating track, penned by Paolo Benjamin and Miguel Benjamin and co-produced by Indonesia’s Petra Sihombing, explored the ephemeral nature of relationship fallouts and disconnections. The song, which had gone through several iterations since 2021, conveyed mixed feelings of loss and hope, ending with a message of gratitude and acceptance.

“Though mostly dwelling on that feeling of loss, the song ends with the hopeful realization of gratitude—being thankful for ever having experienced any of it at all,” Ben&Ben explained. The single resonated deeply with fans, who praised its hauntingly beautiful melody and emotional depth. “COMETS” aimed to help listeners navigate through the realities of life’s fleeting moments, offering a sense of understanding and hope.

A Heartwarming Video Campaign with Robinsons Malls

In addition to these exciting announcements, Ben&Ben partnered with Robinsons Malls for a heartwarming video campaign set to their hit song “Araw-Araw.” The video followed the band members as they explored the various corners of the mall, experiencing love, joy, and happiness. The campaign highlighted the diverse offerings of Robinsons Malls, making it the perfect place to create memorable everyday moments.

Robinsons Galleria, the home base of Liwanag House, became a hub of special activities and personalized experiences for the band’s fanbase. The video campaign celebrated the opening of Liwanag House and reinforced the band’s message of connection and community.

Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Ben&Ben and Their Fans

With the launch of Liwanag House, the release of “COMETS,” and their inspiring partnership with Robinsons Malls, Ben&Ben continued to lead with their hearts and creativity. These initiatives highlighted the band’s musical prowess and their unwavering commitment to their community.

As fans eagerly embraced these new developments, it was clear that Ben&Ben’s journey was far from over. With every new song, project, and collaboration, the band reaffirmed their place as one of the most cherished and influential acts in the Filipino music scene.

For those who had followed Ben&Ben from the beginning, the recent flurry of activity was a reminder of why they fell in love with the band in the first place. For new fans, it was an invitation to join a community where music, art, and heartfelt connection thrived.

In the words of Ben&Ben, “Liwanag sa Liwanag”—light to light. This was just the beginning of a brighter, more connected future for everyone who shared in their musical journey.

Details provided in recent press releases.