Gel Jose

Women empowerment with INEX Active

A new line of workout gear, INEX ACTIVE, was launched last October 23, 2019 at the Mindful Movement Asia Pilates Studio in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig through an invigorating Pilates session headed by Mindful Movement Asia Pilates Studio General Manager Ken Colubio and Pilates coach Regina Del Rosario with INEX ACTIVE Founder and daughter of Senator Pia Cayetano, Maxine Sebastian and Managing Partner Juancho Palacios.

“INEX is short for inexorable which means unstoppable and relentless as we want the name itself to be empowering. We wanted the logo to mean something, so we chose the wolf and the moon. The wolf symbolizes personal power and all that is INEXorable in every one of us; the moon is a symbol of female strength. They say when the moon is full, women are in their highest point energetically. So, we’re hoping that by wearing INEX, women will be able to bring that feeling with them,” – according to Maxine Sebastian.

The event was also graced by notable personalities like Sen. Pia Cayetano, beauty queen-turned image consultant Abbygale Arenas-De Leon, Ms. Earth 2015 Angela Ong, model TV-host Kelly Misa to name a few; and they had the privilege to try and enjoy the newest INEX activewear styles.

The seamless structure of INEX ACTIVE sportswear is mainly made up of nylon which is soft as silk. It is also breathable, durable and odor-inhibiting in which it wicks sweat from your skin to fabric’s surface where it can evaporate. They are available in the sweetest pastels to the most energizing neons.

INEX ACTIVE is passionate about finding fresh ways for women to express themselves through their activewear and ultimately sharing the joy of an active lifestyle. They are big believers in self-acceptance and self-expression. This is why they aim to provide a variety of styles that complement every body type and to encourage women expressing themselves and embrace what makes them unique.

Another core values INEX ACTIVE want to share to their customers is “It’s Cool 2 Care”. They are committed to slowly but surely shifting to a more sustainable business model starting with their packaging options in which their customer can choose between their reusable pouches and their 100% compostable packaging.

INEX activewear is available online at inexactive.com. You can also follow them on their Instagram and facebook account at @inexactive to keep up to date!

About One of A Kind

One of A Kind Marketing is the Southeast Asia’s leading Marketing arm of International Brands catering to Asia. The Company is primarily involved in Brand Marketing, brand building, PR, Events, Ambassadors Athletes Management and Brand Activations, and content creation, as well as in the production of International Event Licensing. Creating the next big brand in the Philippines and Asia.

The brands that they manage and build in the Philippines is Under Armour for the past 5 years, they also cater brands such as Unilab , Chevron, Balesin, Newton, Active Health , Tobys Sports, Lucerne Brands And even stage events like Trifactor Asia as SEA Games Qualifier.

One of a Kind Marketing produces a wide variety of engaging world-class events and programs in multiple sports fields such as Triathlon, Beach Volleyball, Running basketball and all active lifestyle and fitness related activities. The company is also one of the houses of multiple star athletes with different advocacies but w one goal of uplifting athletes’ sports development and strengthening support to our national sports tourism.

One of A Kind Marketing also provides platform and programming for athletes and coaches. Marking them as the top of mind partner for sports events. The Company also owns Trifactor Philippines and into content and event production. It brings its content to worldwide audiences via online and affiliate partner brands internationally. In addition, One of A Kind Marketing has business interests in merchandising and licensing, multimedia services, video production, talent identification, business consultancy all of which complement and enhance the Company’s strength in content production and distribution.

Product details and images provided in a recent press release.

Scientifically delish eats at Bubba Lab, Graceland Plaza

Labmates, are you ready for a bout of experimentation and discovery?

Well, check out the foodie adventure that my fellow foodies and I embarked on at Bubba Lab Graceland Plaza in our pursuit of food knowledge and verifiably delicious eats.

(And, in keeping with Bubba Lab’s theme, and just for kicks, this blog post will be formatted in line with the scientific method.)

Statement of the Question:

Where in Marikina do we go for imaginatively concocted drinks and tasty snacks?

Being a resident of the East, I usually gravitate towards Marikina for foodie adventures since this city is packed with great foodie finds: fresh concepts, creative food executions and enterprising owners.

Hypothesis:

Hmm, the Bubba Lab branch at Graceland Plaza sure seems worth checking out. I already sampled some of its drinks at its Lamp Quarters branch and those were pretty interesting.

Bubba Lab is a homegrown chemistry-themed cafe which set its roots in the foodie haven Marikina. This branch is the second of the brand’s three existing outlets and has recently undergone some renovation to include some botanicals into the space. The change made the cafe even more inviting and Instagrammable, a perfect place for yuppies and young ‘uns to relax and grab a bite while working/studying (there’s free WiFi) or hanging out with friends.

Data Gathering:

Yeah, but what about the food?

Well, let’s see… During its recent Bloggers Event, Bubba Lab treated us to some of its menu items which included:

Labcuterie (Php270). Bubba Lab’s version of a charcuterie, it is comprised of slices of bratwurst. kielbasa and Hungarian sausages served with honey mustard dip and coleslaw.

Supernova (Php260). Named after the stellar explosion, this collection of finger-foods – battered fish, squid fritters, jojos (crispy battered potato wedges) and nachos – served in individual containers in a stand for easy access and served with spice-infused vinegar and three dips of one’s choice are sure to lead to explosions of flavor.

Chicken Slaw Croissant (Php160). Truth be told: the chicken salad croissant is one of my all-time favorite sandwiches. When one of the fast-food chains eliminated it from its menu, I was near-heartbroken. I’m so glad that this sandwich has made its home at Bubba Lab, and is just a short drive away.

Crinkly Fries (Php75). Crisp and freshly made fries in your choice of flavor: sour cream, BBQ or cheese.

Tater Tots (Php80). Crisp deep-fried balls made from grated potatoes.

Lab Treats. Seasonal creations baked fresh daily which include muffins (Php75 each) – Cheese Overload, Red Velvet, Choco Chip and Chocolate Moist – and huge cookies (Php35/pc) – Oatmeal and Choco Chip.

Bubba Lab takes particular pride in its beverage offerings, and, in keeping with its chemistry theme, the store’s drink menu takes after the table of elements, with each refreshing drink assigned its own symbol.

Stp – Strawberries and Cream Candy Frappe (Php140 medium | Php150 large). Sweet and fruity, a dessert-drink for those with a sweet tooth.

Scp – Salted Caramel Frappe (Php140 medium | Php150 large). A creamy concoction with that sweet-salty flavor.

Mx – Mango Tea Frost (Php105 medium | Php115 large). Another fruity drink, with the sweetness of the mango-flavored tea complemented by the nata de coco.

Cu – Cucumber Cooler (Php105). A zesty refreshing drink perfect for hot summer days.

Bu – Bubba Lab Milktea (Php100 medium | Php110 large). The store’s best-selling drink made from freshly brewed tea leaves accented with chewy tapioca pearls.

Analysis:

Bubba Lab’s finger-food and sandwiches are well-suited as snacks or light meals, and go well with the store’s beverage offerings.

The drinks, on the other hand, are creatively concocted and affordably priced.

The store’s newly renovated premises also provide an attractive and comfortable backdrop for solitary work or lively meetups with friends.

Conclusion:

I therefore conclude that Bubba Lab Graceland Plaza is the place to be for milk tea lovers, where they can also enjoy yummy snacks as they work or hang out with friends.

Many thanks to the management and staff of Bubba Lab for the warm welcome and tasty treats, and to Aileen of Aileen Loves To Eat for extending the invitation!

This Bubba Lab branch is located at Graceland Plaza, JP Rizal Avenue, Marikina City, open daily from 10am to 10pm.

Other branches are located at:

Extension B, C&B Circle Mall, Liwasang Kalayaan Avenue, Marikina Heights, Marikina City
Lamp Quarters, Gil Fernando Avenue, Bgy. Santo Nino, Marikina City

Disclosure: Together with fellow food bloggers, I attended a foodie meetup held in this restaurant. Food and drink items mentioned here were served to enable us to sample the fare to facilitate honest reviews and were not paid for by the attendees, including myself.

Check out my reviews of other milk tea joints:

Introducing Keepr: the first app-based full-service storage solution in the Philippines

Keepr Storage PH is the first full-service, highly-secure, app-based storage
provider in Metro Manila! Available now on the App Store and Google Play, Keepr’s mobile app allows you to securely store and monitor your most valuable possessions without having to leave the house! Prices start at just PHP 449.00 a month.

Keepr: An Extension of Your Home

Metro Manila is one of the most crowded cities in the world, with a population density of 20,785 persons per square kilometer. Combined with the rising costs of living, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find spacious housing in Metro Manila alone. Personal and storage space is fast becoming a valuable resource. Because of this, people regularly look for ways to free up space and bring out the beauty in their homes that are otherwise covered by too many objects.

Enter Keepr: a full-service solution to all your storage needs! Available on Apple and Android, Keepr allows you to clean up without having to give anything away. Keepr adapts to your personal needs by combining high-level security, strategic logistics, and modern technology into an easy-to-use app.

“Vertical living has been growing over the past few years – with an estimated 7,000 new units churned out by developers annually. This has mostly been due to rising real estate prices and scarcity of land within proximity of business districts. Office spaces and residential condo units have been getting smaller and smaller and prices get steeper as household consumption has been steadily increasing,” shares Keepr founder, Anna Moncupa. “We’ve been buying and putting stuff into our homes, and we’re running out of space. We’re basically consuming more but living smaller. Keepr was born out of this fundamental need for space within the city.”

How Does Keepr Work?

Create an Account. After downloading Keepr Storage PH, simply follow the format to create your account through e-mail, Facebook, or Google.
Schedule Your Free Assessment. Enter your mobile number and Keepr’s Storage Expert will get in touch with you right away. This initial assessment will provide our team with the necessary information to determine which monthly plan best suits your storage needs.
Schedule Your Pick-Up. Once you’ve subscribed to a plan, you can now schedule a pick-up by booking an appointment. A Storage Specialist will be on hand to guide you through the process, while Keepr’s team will expertly wrap and pack your valuables in the most efficient and space-saving way possible. Packing services start at just PHP 150.00 per hour, per personnel.
Manage Your Inventory. Keepr’s warehouse is equipped with 24-hour security and CCTV. The constant attention to your personal belongings extends to the access you have right from the app itself. Every item stored with Keeper is photographed, tagged with a QR code, and uploaded to your account. This provides you with constant access and a host of features that allows you to manage and
customize your storage.
Schedule Your Delivery. Want something back? Just select the item you need, set a location, and simply schedule the delivery date for a flat rate of just PHP 500.00! When you’re done, our team will return and pick-up the empty Keepr bins for free.

Keepr: The Only Storage Solution You Will Ever Need

“Most storage options cater to bigger corporations with the means and resources to manage their own inventory and logistics, whereas Keepr was really made for SMEs, growing families, and busy individuals,” adds Moncupa. “We’ve combined cutting edge technology and customer-centered ideologies to provide hassle-free storage to the everyday city dweller. Everything can be done online through our website or via app – convenience was one of our main goals when creating our system. It’s really about having a full life and creating more room for the things that truly matter.”

Download Keepr Storage PH now on the App Store and Google Play. Keepr provides you with a host of storage solutions combined with real-time and customizable storage management. Prices start at just PHP 449.00 a month! Learn more at https://keeprstorage.ph!

Product details and images provided in a recent press release.

An authentic taste of Japanese cuisine in Cainta: Fukurou Nihonryori

I have lived in the East for most of my life… in the Far East, it sometimes feels like, because of all these horrendous traffic jams! Sometimes, the hassle of going to places far north to Quezon City or down south to Muntinlupa, for instance, can be quite daunting.

Well, it’s a good thing then that the East is starting to become even more interesting with all the food destinations it offers. That way, Eastern foodies like me won’t have to travel far for gastronomic adventures.

One such destination is Fukurou Nihonryori, located along Marcos Highway in Barangay San Isidro, Cainta. I admit: I have often overlooked this area when I go looking for new food places. I usually gravitate towards the places nearer my home in Pasig, or skip on to Marikina or Antipolo.

This just makes my first dining experience here even more special. Imagine: a treasure trove of Japanese dishes available all this time, right under my nose!

Together with fellow food bloggers from #WeLoveToEatPH, I attended a foodie meetup here and quickly got myself acquainted to a new favorite place for Japanese cuisine in my neck of the woods.

In Japanese, “fukurou” translates to “owl,” while “nihonryori” translates to “from Japan.” The Japanese regard the owl symbol as a lucky charm; in the restaurant, the owl emblem can be seen in the menus and paper placemats.

Inside, the place is simple and welcoming yet elegantly designed, perfect for gatherings of small groups or intimate dinners for two. Pinewood furniture complement the beige interiors highlighted with Japanese watercolors of nature. Light installations add some warm illumination to the room for a relaxing atmosphere and to showcase the meticulously prepared and beautifully presented food. The resto also has a well-stocked bar for those who also want to indulge in some spirits along with their meal.

Our meal of tasty and authentic Japanese dishes consisted of:

Vegetable Fried Rice (Php110). A type of yakimeshi (Japanese fried rice) that complements the other Japanese dishes.

Saba Shioyaki (Php325). Grilled mackerel with a crispy skin and tender meat that’s just so flavorful.

Tebasaki (Php125). A yakitori (skewered meat dish) made of bone-in chicken wings (“tebasaki” translates to “wing tips”) which is seasoned after frying.

Sashimi Moriawase (Php695). A sampler of various sashimi (fresh and thinly sliced fish) which include yummy morsels of salmon, tuna, mackerel and squid.

Tempura Moriawase (Php398). A basket of shrimp and vegetables all coated in light batter and deep-fried, accompanied by a tempura dipping sauce.

Yaki Samon Mayo (Php135). Two hefty slices of salmon draped over balls of Japanese rice and complemented with Japanese mayo and fish roe.

Fried Maki (Php265). Rolled sushi of mango, kani (crabstick) and ebi (shrimp) which is also deep-fried before slicing which gives each piece a crispy texture unlike other maki.

Sukiyaki (Php350 for half | Php650 for full). One of the resto’s nabemono (hot pot dishes), it is made of beef slices, tofu, noodles and veggies cooked in shoyu and Japanese wine giving the broth a sweet-savory taste.

Miso Ramen (Php328). Chashu pork slices, tamago (soft-boiled egg), carrots, wakame (seaweed), leeks and nori in a bowl of slightly spicy miso-based broth.

Zaru Soba (Php220). Chilled buckwheat noodles served with mentsuyu (sauce made from sake, mirin, soy sauce, kombi and dried bonito flakes) for dipping.

Japanese Cheesecake (Php198). Fluffy cheesecake made in the traditional Japanese way drizzled with dulce de leche.

Kinako Korumitsu Mochi Ice Cream (Php158). Vanilla-flavored mochi ice cream topped with soybean powder and syrup.

We also chased our thirst away with some house-brewed iced tea.

These dishes – some already familiar to me and my companions, some not – served as a sampling of the sheer breadth and variety inherent in Japanese cuisine.

I’d love to come back and discover more of it. But that’s an adventure for anothef day.

Thanks to Chelsea Tuazon and the staff of Fukurou Nihonryori for the warm welcome and the fabulous Japanese food feast, and to Alfred Pineda for extending the invitation.

Fukurou Nihonryori is located at Ground Floor, The Pinnacle Plaza, Marikina-Infanta Highway, Bgy. San Isidro, Cainta, Rizal, open Tuesdays to Sundays from 11am to 10pm. For reservations and inquiries, call +63 917 1336302.

Disclosure: Together with other food bloggers, 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 and were not paid for by the attendees, including myself.

Seafood Feast at Dampa Seafood Grill, Tomas Morato

There’s something about feasting on the ocean’s bounty that seems so special, especially to us Pinoys. Living in an archipelago, we are surrounded by water teeming with fish, crustaceans and all other seafood that we have found numerous ways to cook and enjoy.

A recently opened restaurant in the foodie-friendly Tomas Morato area is poised to answer the cravings of the QC denizens for fresh, tasty and beautifully prepared seafood.

Dampa Seafood Grill originally opened in Dubai and later expanded to Abu Dhabi, soon gaining popularity among the Filipinos and foreigners working in the Middle East due to its happy and laid-back atmosphere, that signature warm Filipino hospitality, and, of course, great-tasting food.

With the opening of its first store in the country, we can say that the brand has finally come home.

The place boasts of sprawling premises where a large number of people can dine comfortably, both indoors and al fresco. The ambiance is casual and fun, with neon signs and artwork that serve as points of interest or backdrops for the photo opps. While it already has quite a sizeable parking space, it apparently was not enough given the number of people who dine here. Fortunately, two people are assigned to help car owners park or bring out their vehicles.

However, the main draw here is the food. Together with my fellow food bloggers, I feasted on the sea’s bounty and more during a recent Blogger Event held here. These included:

Crispy Salt and Pepper Squid (Php275). Crunchy and crispy, and with a bit of heat, this version of calamari is a great meal starter.

Grilled Squid (Php329). Marinated squid grilled to tasty perfection.

Baked Mussel (Php230). Melted cheese and garlic top these mussels which disappeared as soon as we started eating. Go figure.

Kinilaw na Isda (Php219). The Pinoy version of the ceviche, this is a staple in many gatherings and drinking sessions.

Crispy Tilapia (Php199). Battered slices of tilapia fillet fried to a crispy golden brown. Goes well with the aoili dip. Yum!

Liempo Two-Way (Php348). There’s more than one way to enjoy pork belly: with this dish, you can have grilled or deep-fried. The best of both worlds, IMHO.

Grilled Panga ng Tuna (Php499). One of my childhood favorites: a portion of the giant tuna’s jaw is marinated and grilled. I love digging into the bones for the flavorful meat!

Ultimate Crispy Pata (Php498). Falling-off-the-bone tender (I broke of pieces using just one hand!) and juicy pata (pig knuckles), deep-fried for that flavorfully crispy skin. Something I’m willing to risk “putok-batok” for!

The piece de resistance of any dining experience at Dampa Seafood Grill is the Dump @ Seafest. For only Php1,599, your group of up to 3 people can feast on the days freshest catch – shrimps, clams, crabs, mussels and corn – as these are dumped along with all the rice you can eat onto your table for a messy but happy boodle fight meal. Choose from among 6 flavors for your feast which you can dial up or down in spiciness levels: Mardi Gras (lemon and herb), El Mexico (Mexican spiciness), Salted Eggsperience (salted egg in white sauce), Thai Curry or Cajun (a mix of salt, pepper, cayenne, garlic and chili, just the way the Louisiana Cajuns like their food).

When we sat down to eat, it was perfectly understandable that we would be “galit-galit muna;” we definitely wouldn’t be focusing on social niceties while we’re wolfing down the food. #SorryNotSorry

I especially enjoyed dousing my rice in the salted egg white sauce. Mmmm, yummy!

Each Dump @ Seafest also comes with free two liters of non-alcoholic Fishbowl Mocktails (also available ala carte for Php198/liter). Take your pick among six refreshing flavors: Sex Appeal (brewed iced tea with lemon and grenadine), Green Minded (green apple with lemon), Blue Jobs (pineapple juice with blue curacao), Lindsay Lohan (passion fruit, pineapple and soda), Amaretto Sunset (amaretto flavor, mango, four seasons and fresh lemon), and Incredible Hulk (mojito flavor with cucumber).

Feeling adventurous? Get a colorful cocktail to go with your meal. Ask the friendly bartender for his recommendation.

Needless to say, my fellow foodies and I ate our fill of fresh and yummy seafood and more at Dampa Seafood Grill!

Many thanks to Kristine and the staff of Dampa Seafood Grill for the warm welcome and the wonderful seafood feast and to Aileen of AileenL Loves to Eat for extending the invitation!

Experience Oktoberfest at Dampa Seafood Grill with Buy 1 Get 1 deals on local beers everyday, from opening to closing, this October. This promo is available on Red Horse (Php80), San Miguel Pale Pilsen (Php70) and San Mig Light (Php70).

Dampa Seafood Grill is located at 71 Scout Limbaga Street, Bgy. Laging Handa, Quezon City, open daily from 12 noon to 2am. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 916 105 2421.

Disclosure: Together with fellow foodies, I attended a foodie meetup held at this restaurant. Food items mentioned here were served to allow us to sample the fare in exchange for honest reviews and were not paid for by the attendees including myself.

Get your appetites fired up with Tex-Mex eats at Fiery Style, The Rise

Tex-Mex cuisine is the fusion of American and Mexican food which grew from the culinary traditions of the Tejanos, Texans of Mexican descent. The most popular cuisine in the American Southwest, it is easily identifiable by the heavy use of cheese (more so than mainstream Mexican cuisine), meat, beans, flour tortillas, as well as peppers and spices that give it that signature heat.

Today, Tex-Mex cuisine has spread across the globe. In Metro Manila, for example, a fairly new entrant called Fiery Style Southwestern Flaming Grill is steadily establishing a foothold in local food scene by recently opening its twelfth branch at the Assembly Grounds at The Rise by Shangri-la in Makati.

Located some short distance from Makati’s commercial district, this new restaurant is poised to provide the area’s office workers and local residents with tasty and affordably priced Tex-Mex fare.

Together with fellow food bloggers, I attended Fiery Style’s grand opening where we were treated to a sumptuous repast:

Fiery Nachos (Php388). Multi-colored corn chips topped with nacho cheese sauce, guacamole, tomato salsa, refried beans, black olives and barbecue-flavored pull pork. The dish is served still inside its mold and when the mold is pulled off with great fanfare (and an exclamation of “Sorpresa!” from the server), you get a tower of nacho goodness. Note, however, that it is prone to toppling down (due to the weight so many toppings) so it’s best to dig in to this as soon as possible.

Steak Ala Familia (Php998 promo price | Php1,198 regular price). One of Fiery Style’s Mucho Octoberfest offers, this consists of 1 kilo of flame-grilled rump steak cooked to tender and flavorful medium doneness and served on a hot skillet. Great for a family of carnivores!

Lord of the Wings (Php998 promo price | Php1,198 regular price). Eight pieces of chicken wings topped with Hot Hot Sauce and Jalapenos, eight pieces topped with Nacho Cheese Sauce and Bacon, and eight pieces topped with Texan-style BBQ. All together, these are twenty-four pieces of chicken wings with flavors that should appeal to everyone in the barkada.

Galleon of Bones (Php928 for supremo | Php1,578 for ultimo). BBQ pork ribs, chicken wings, pork hammers and beef ribs served with multi-colored nacho chips, coleslaw, Texan-style BBQ sauce and chorizo rice.

Baja Supromo (Php928 for supremo | Php1,578 for ultimo). A platter for seafood lovers with spicy butter garlic shrimps, fried cream dory fingers, grilled salmon loin and salted egg calamari.

Mexican Cheese Quesadilla (Php378). Flour tortillas stuffed with Mexican cheese, ranchero sauce and shredded lettuce, served with guacamole, sour cream and salsa.

Chili Chocolate Fudge (Php278). A decadent piece of chocolate fudge cake topped with vanilla ice cream and drizzled with chocolate sauce.

Southwest Churros (Php238). Fat fingers of fried pastry dough, best enjoyed with a dollop of vanilla ice cream and dipped in thick chocolate sauce.

New York Frozen Cheesecake (Php228). A pleasant surprise as its rich and slightly tangy taste departs from the previous iterations of New York Cheesecake that I’ve tried. The crust is just thin enough to add some sweetness and texture to the cheesecake filling. I ended up finishing off the dessert served to our table. #SorryNotSorry

Mexican Coffee (Php280). A hot beverage of kahlua, tequila, coffee and whipped cream with a few spicy dashes of chili. This can either perk you up or give you a buzz. Or both.

Daiquiri (Php148). A cocktail made of white rhum and fresh lime juice.

Lychee Paloma (Php178). Tequila shaken with lime and lychee and served in a salted rim glass.

Strawberry Southwest Margarita (Php188). Fresh strawberries mixed with lemon, lime and tequila and served in a sugared wide-rim glass.

Minty Mojito (Php158) and Strawberry Minty Mojito (Php178). Fresh lime and mint leaves mixed with white rum for a refreshing drink. You can have one flavored with fruits like strawberries for more variety.

Did you know you can get unli refills of the Paloma, Margarita and Mojito for only Php278 for classic and Php378 for flavored variants? Now you can really toast to the good times!

On a tight lunch budget? Get one of the eight combinaciones – combo meals for less that Php300 – which already comes with a viand, a side dish and your choice of rice such as this Grilled Fiery Porkchop (Php238) with sauteed tomatoes and garlic in mango puree. An affordable fired up meal!

So if you find yourself in Makati and in the mood for a fired up Tex-Mex meal, hie on over to Fiery Style!

Many thanks to Mon Bautista, Vanni Sanchez and the crew of Fiery Style for the warm welcome and the fabulous food, and to Miguel dela Rosa of Mplify for inviting us.

This Fiery Style Southwestern Grill branch is located at Ground Floor, Assembly Grounds at The Rise, Malugay Corner Tindalo Street, San Antonio, Makati City, open daily from 11am to 10pm.

Other branches are located at:

Ground Floor, North Wing, Entertainment Mall, SM Mall of Asia, Mall of Asia Complex (MOA), Pasay City
El Calle Food & Music Hall, Second Floor, Newport Mall, Resorts World Manila, Newport City, Pasay City
Upper Ground Floor, Expansion Wing, Festival Mall, Filinvest City, Muntinlupa City
Forbes Town Center, Burgos Circle, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City
Second Floor, Eastwood Mall, Libis, Quezon City
Third Floor, Uptown Place Mall, 36th Street Corner 9th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City
Ground Level, Estancia Mall, Oranbo, Pasig City
Eton Centris Walk, Quezon Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City

Disclosure: Together with fellow foodies, I attended the restaurant’s grand opening wherein the food items mentioned above were served to allow us to sample the fare in exchange for honest reviews.

A taste of Asia at Asian Taste, Seascape Village

Asia is home to many countries with varied geography, climes and cultures, giving rise to richly diverse cuisines.

At Asian Taste Seafood Restaurant, located at the foodie haven Seascape Village in Pasay City, this diversity is showcased and celebrated.

While the dining area at the ground floor is set up like a typical Chinese restaurant – complete with 10-seater round tables, each with a lazy susan so people can eat family style – the second floor VIP rooms add a stunning view of Manila Bay. Despite Seascape Village being a “paluto” area – where diners can buy their fish and other seafood from the wet market within the complex and have them cooked by the restaurant, Asian Taste added some fine dining elements to their diners’ experience with well-appointed surroundings and accommodating wait staff.

As explained by restaurant manager, Ryan Uy, Asian Taste’s menu spans several Asian cuisines, including Chinese (of course!), Japanese, Thai, Malaysian and more (even Filipino!), giving its diners a literal taste of Asia. To this end, the restaurant employs two chefs from Hong Kong who bring their flair and expertise in cooking up tasty Asian dishes.

Together with fellow foodies from #WeLoveToEatPH and #SaanSaPH, I attended a food crawl organized by Seascape Village, the first stop of which was at this restaurant. Here, we tasted some of its signature dishes which included:

3 Cups Chicken. Also called sanbeiji, this Taiwanese braised poultry dish got its name from the traditional use of 1 cup each of soy sauce, sesame oil and rice wine. Basil, ginger, garlic and spring onions are added to flavor the dish. Legend has it that a sympathetic prison warden prepared this dish (using these limited number of ingredients) for the Chinese poet and patriot Wen Tianxiang prior to his execution ordered by Kublai Khan.

Pompano in Tausi. This mildly-flavored fish is fried instead of steamed, giving its skin a slight crispy texture which contrasts well with the black bean sauce.

Salt and Pepper Liempo. Don’t be fooled by the seemingly simple preparation of this dish: juicy pork belly seasoned with salt and pepper then stir-fried to a golden brown and topped with chilis and garlic make for a flavorful viand.

Mango Lapu. This Singaporean dish is made of lightly-battered and fried lapu-lapu, topped with strips of green and yellow mango that added sweet and tart elements as well as contrasts in texture to the dish.

Golden Beans. Crisp French beans lightly coated with salted egg yolk batter, another culinary influence from Singapore.

Prawn Tempura. Large juicy tiger prawns covered in golden crispy batter. These have an extra layer of bubble-like batter for added crunch.

Asian Taste is clearly the place to be for a taste of Asia – different facets of a cuisine rich in stories and traditions, expressed in every dish.

Many thanks to Ryan and the staff of Asian Taste Seafood Restaurant for the warm welcome and the wonderful meal and to Jen and Louie of Seascape Village for inviting us.

Asian Taste Seafood Restaurant is located at Seascape Village, Atang dela Rama, CCP Complex, Pasay City (near Sofitel and Manila Film Center), open daily from 11am to 12 midnight. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 8520877 or +63 917 8557926.

Disclosure: Together with fellow foodies, I attended a foodie meetup held at this restaurant. Food items mentioned here were served to allow us to sample the fare in exchange for an honest review and were not paid for by the attendees including myself.

Chocoholics’ delight at Tsokolateria, Tomas Morato

Being a chocoholic, I get all excited whenever I see chocolate bars or chocolate-based desserts.

However, chocolate can be so much more than desserts.

At Tsokolateria, for example, chocolate in the form of tablea (cacao tablets) or variations thereof, infuses almost every dish from salads, soups, kakanin (local rice delicacies), breads and main dishes, as well as, of course, desserts.

The cacao or cocoa plant made its way to the Philippines from Mexico in the 1700s by way of the Galleon Trade. Today, the Philippines cocoa industry is the primary producer of cocoa beans in Southeast Asia and boasts of its own rich chocolate culinary traditions.

Here in my neck of the woods, the foodie-friendly Tomas Morato area, Tsokolateria co-locates within the same premises as Pamana and Hawaiian BBQ. All three restaurants are part of the Happy Concept Group, the company owned and operated by third-generation restaurateur Happy Ongpauco-Tiu.

At Tsokolateria, Ongpauco-Tiu showcases the versatility of native chocolate as it serves as a main ingredient or as an add-on to various dishes – whether sweet or savory – and drinks.

I’ve visited this branch twice this week in my eagerness to sample as much of its offerings as I can. Check out what I’ve been able to try so far:

Oh My Gulay (Php200). Tsokolateria’s Bruschetta Pan de Sal topped by mushrooms, cherry tomatoes,spinach and quezong puti crumbles served with sugared kamote (sweet potato) fries and flavorful bulalo broth which was the soup of the day. For me, this is already a complete – though relatively light – meal!

Tablea Champorado (Php220 for solo | Php395 for double). This is not your normal champorado from a store-bought box. Nope, this is made the old-fashioned way: using mountain rice cooked in native tablea and served simmering-hot with adobo flakes, chicharon and crispy fish chips on the side for interesting contrasts of tastes and textures.

Palitaw at Tablea Syrup (Php130). This flat rice cake made from ground malagkit rice got its name from the way it pops up (“litaw”) to the surface of the boiling water once it’s done cooking. The rich, dark chocolatey tablea syrup adds another dimension of taste to this classic Pinoy merienda dish.

Churros Waffles with Strawberry Overload (Php230, good for two). Waffles made from churros batter accompanied by strawberry halves, native honey and tablea syrup.

Tsokolate ah (Php190, good for two). Hand-made hot chocolate drink made from native tablea, diluted (the “ah” comes from “aguado” which means “watery or thin”) by the addition of water and milk.

Tsokolate eh (Php190, good for two). Rich hot chocolate also made from native tablea which, because it is undiluted, is thick (the “eh” comes from the Spanish word “espeso” which translates to “thick”), has an earthier and pleasantly bitter taste and is generally considered the more authentic iteration of the native hot chocolate when compared with tsokolate ah.

Tsokolateria Signature Mocha (Php150). Native chocolate with milk and a shot of native coffee and served with a Choc Nut candy for added sweetness.

Tsokolateria more than establishes its creativity in crafting a menu permeated with chocolate. I think there’s a lot more to discover here and I look forward to the opportunity to taste more of its dishes.

That said, the resto should work on its queuing: on my second visit, my orders took too long to be served that my lunch break was over by the time they reached me.

Tsokolateria is located along Mother Ignacia Avenue, Bgy. South Triangle, Quezon City, open daily from 10am to 10pm. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 3743798.

Another branch is located at The Boutique Bed and Breakfast, 45 Aguinaldo Highway, Tagaytay City, open daily from 9am to 9.30pm. For reservations and inquiries, call +63 46 4131798 or +63 46 4131885.

Food trippin’ nearby at Buffalo Swing, Caniogan

Though a proud Pasiguena, I admit that the incessant traffic jams in and around my city do sometimes get to me. These nuisances get in the way of so much: errands, appointments and, of course, foodie adventures. So whenever possible, to lessen the travel time and the frustration that comes with navigating the metro’s streets, I do try to find nearby places to indulge my food cravings.

Fortunately, Pasig City already has a lot to offer in terms of foodie destinations.

One such place is Buffalo Swing Cafe, a small eatery along Sixto Antonio Avenue that specializes in American comfort food: flavored chicken wings, pizzas and pastas. Owned and operated by Ingrid Mediarito, it is co-located with her baking supplies store named Ingrid’s.

Ingrid has long recognized the need to address the Pasiguenos’ need for affordable and easily accessible dining choices which led to her making her cafe’s food available to locals via delivery. A while back, in fact, when I was so busy running errands one Saturday that I didn’t have time to prepare food for my family’s dinner, I just ordered some wings and pizza from Buffalo Swing Cafe via Honestbee.

Honestbee has since stopped its operations in the country (oh, Honestbee, you are sorely missed!) but another delivery option is now available: via Zomato.

However, for this blog post, let me tell you more about my actual experience visiting Buffalo Swing Cafe together with fellow foodies from #WeLoveToEatPH and #SaanSaPH where we enjoyed its freshly made comfort food:

Pizzas

All Cheese (Php300). Made with four kinds of cheese: cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan and cream cheese and flavored with garlic. Wonderfully cheesy!

Meat Overload (Php320). A carnivore’s dream on a pizza crust: pepperoni, Hungarian sausages, breakfast sausage and beef toppings and topped with caramelized onions.

Pastas

Aligue Cream (Php180). A decadent cream-based pasta flavored with aligue (crab fat).

Bacon Tomato (Php160). Flavored with tomatoes and savory bacon, this pasta has the slightly sweet taste that kids love.

Spanish Sardines and Olives (Php160). Slightly spicy pasta dish made with Spanish-style sardines.

Wings

These flavorful chicken wings, cooked to crunchy and juicy goodness, are priced at:

Php155 (5 pieces, one flavor)
Php300 (10 pieces, one flavor)
Php585 (20 pieces, two flavors)
Php1150 (40 pieces, two flavors)

These wings go so well with the resto’s pizzas and pastas, but they’re also great on their own. I’d love to have some delivered the next time there’s a big movie on TV so I can have something yummy to munch on while I’m indulging my inner couch potato.

Buttered Parmesan.

Spicy Salted Egg.

Salt and Pepper.

Sweet and Spicy.

Flamin’ Lemon.

Honey Soy Sesame.

American BBQ.

For dessert, we had Luleepops (Php20), a real treat for me since this is the first time I’ve tasted an avocado-flavored iced candy.

And we chased away the heat from some of the spicy chicken pieces with refreshing Lemonades (Php40 each) and a sweetly decadent Rootbeer Float (Php100) made with A&W Rootbeer.

So whether you’re a local or a dayo (visitor) from another city, check out Buffalo Swing Cafe for tasty, tummy-filling comfort food.

Many thanks to Ingrid and the staff of Buffalo Swing Cafe for the warm welcome and the yummy eats!

Buffalo Swing Cafe is located at 363 Dr. Sixto Antonio Avenue, Caniogan, Pasig City, open Mondays to Saturdays from 11am to 9pm and Sundays from 5pm to 9pm. For inquiries or reservations, call +63 922 8864381.

No time to drop by Buffalo Swing Cafe? Order your food via Zomato! Just click on the link below.

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 and were not paid for by the attendees, including myself.

Three reasons to have your Sunday brunch at Sultan Mediterranean Grill, Makati

I believe that Sunday mornings are a time to be lazy in the sense that you deserve some downtime after each hectic work week. It is a time to wake up a bit late (catching up on some zzz’s you cut short Monday to Friday by having to get up at the crack of dawn to make it to work on time), take a stress-free drive along the city’s streets (with only a bit of light traffic, thankfully!) and meet up with friends to catch up over a tasty meal.

That’s what I did last Sunday together with my foodie friends from #SaanSaPH and #WeLoveToEatPH.

The venue for this lovely get-together? Sultan Mediterranean Grill in Salcedo Village.

And here are three reasons why you should hold a similar Sunday brunch here.

One: It’s a hidden gem in the heart of Makati

You would think that the Makati area is always a hotbed of frenetic activity but come weekends, it is actually quite laid-back and quiet, perfect for the titas who just want to have a catch up with friends while enjoying a tasty meal.

This restaurant is located in one of the old buildings along one of the side streets from Paseo de Roxas which, sans the weekday office crowd, is free from traffic jams and has lots of available parking space.

The resto itself, which opened in 2010, has a cozy hole-in-the-wall quality. Walls lined with white subway tiles are accented by Middle Eastern-style artworks and spice shelves. The seating area can accommodate thirty people so if you want to hold an intimate family party here, you’d be right on the mark.

Two: It takes you on a journey through the deliciously complex flavors of Mediterranean cuisine

You know that basic and blah flavors will not do for you, especially not for your Sunday brunch, right?

Well, Sultan Mediterranean Grill brings you exciting flavors through exotic dishes that will tease your tastebuds while sating your appetite.

The resto’s menu is comprised of the flavorfully diverse dishes from countries spanned by the Ottoman empire. This cuisine is influenced by impact of the Mediterranean Sea to the region’s climate, agriculture and history, giving rise to food centered around oil (from olives), bread (from wheat) and wine (from grapes) with many influences from nearby European countries such as Spain and Italy.

For our Sunday brunch, Sultan Mediterranean Grill laid out a feast of its bestsellers which included:

Wild Mushroom Soup (Php150). A creamy and hearty soup made from scratch with porcini, shiitake and button mushroom. It has a rich and earthy flavor and it got us all excited for the rest of dishes.

Combination of 3 Dips (Php330). Freshly made pita bread carefully wrapped in cloth to be dipped into hummus (made from blended chickpeas, olive oil, tahini, lemon and garlic, muhammara (a subtly sweet dip with smoky undertones made from roasted red peppers) and baba ghanouj (the classic Middle Eastern dip made from roasted eggplants blended with olive oil and spices). The pita bread were warm, soft, slightly chewy and perfectly frame the flavors of the dips.

Grilled Vegetable Salad (Php280). Crisp lettuce tossed with grilled beef, eggplants, zucchini, pumpkin, corn, bell pepper and onions and served with homemade tarragon dressing. If you don’t often eat vegetables, try this and the smokey flavor of the veggies will help you develop a new appreciation for plant-based food.

Vitamin Boost (Php280). A salad of mixed lettuce, grilled chicken, quinoa, mango, orange slices, cranberries, onions, cucumber and walnuts and served with orange cranberry dressing. I just love the mixture of fresh and fruity flavors in this salad.

Beryani Rice (Php100 for solo | Php250 for family). A classic Persian rice dish flavored with special herbs and spices.

Beef Shawarma (Php160). Sultan’s signature shawarma makes use of the resto’s secret blend of seasoning that helps to tenderize the beef prior to grilling. Served with cucumbers, tomatoes and onions and packed inside a warm pita, it is already a meal by itself or a welcome addition to our feast.

The Sultan’s Kabab Platter (Php625). A combination of any four of Sultan’s kababs and skewers, ours consist of chicken kabab, beef kabab, lamb kabab and beef koobideh. Made from imported meats, these kababs are flavorful and juicy, well-complemented by the beryani rice or by any of the dips then wrapped in a piece of pita bread.

Braised Lamb Shanks (Php625). Juicy lamb shanks stewed and braised in mixture of herbs and spices for three hours before being served with buttery Basmati rice. The meat is so tender, it literally falls off the bone!

Fruit Yogurt Shakes (Php115 each). Fresh fruit blended with yogurt, adding a bit of tartness that complement the sweetness. Mine is the Mixed Berry shake which blends blueberries, blackberries and strawberries into a refreshing drink that goes well with Sultan’s signature dishes.

Three: A Mediterranean food is good for you

Mediterranean cuisine’s predilection for vegetables, fruit, whole grains and the use of healthy fats from olive oil make Mediterranean dishes quite healthy. Dining on these exotic fare gives you the double benefit of great taste and good health. However, as with everything else in life, moderation is key.

So this Sunday, make Sultan Mediterranean Grill the setting for your brunch with friends or family (or both!) to enjoy great flavors in cozy and quiet surroundings.

Many thanks to Ms. Remy and the crew of Sultan Mediterranean Grill for the warm welcome and the delicious meal!

Sultan Mediterranean Grill is located at Valero Plaza Condominium, San Agustin Street, Salced Village, Makati City, open daily from 11am to 10pm. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 8944900.

Other branches may be found at:

Victoria Plaza, 1 Brixton Street, Kapitolyo, Pasig City
The Corner Market, Second Floor, The Podium, ADB Avenue, Ortigas, Mandaluyong

Check out my reviews of other restaurants serving Mediterranean dishes: