Gel Jose

New TLC series TRAVEL FOR LOVE premieres on Valentine’s Day

TRAVEL FOR LOVE is a new unscripted series that reinvents the genre of travel shows, with the added element of new relationships in foreign lands. In this series, 5 micro influencers set off on a trip of a lifetime to experience all the magic of new adventures, and the anticipation of meeting potential romantic interests, for the first time.

Travel for Love is a social experiment presenting all the thrills of travel, with a refreshing take on the beginnings of new relationships. This ten-part series takes place in 5 different cities in Asia –Kuching, Yogyakarta, Dalat, Kuala Lumpur and Bohol. Throughout the series, the influencers will experience amazing local flavors, discover stunning destinations and delve into the unique cultures of their host cities, all whilst challenging their comfort zones, by going on three blind dates. After meeting 3 romantic hopefuls, each influencer will need to choose just 1 person, to go on a second date with. Will sparks fly, or will things smoulder and perhaps ignite new,intangible connections?

Premieres Friday, 14 February 2020 at 9.25pm TLC (SKYcable ch 243 HD | 62 SD in Metro Manila).

Ep 1: Mariska Date 1

Fiercely different, Mariska, Tony, Tahanee, Honey and Samantha journey to 5 different cities seeking adventure and love. In the rainforest of Sarawak, musician Mariska from Jakarta meets first date Kevin.

Ep 2: Honey & Samantha Date 1

In KL, Filipina Samantha goes to new heights with first date Alvin. While Penangite Honey meets first date Shane in Bohol exploring romance underwater before taking the plunge into a bizarre situation.

Ep 3: Tahanee & Tony Date 1

New Yorker Tony’s first date Queenie in Dalat involves dancing and it’s an awkward start right out of his comfort zone. Malaysian Tahanee wonders if worldly first date Levi in Jogja is too much for her.

Ep 4: Mariska & Honey Date 2

Mariska meets second date, Dan in Sarawak and is forced to confront her biggest fear; worms. Meanwhile, in Bohol, Honey surprises herself by letting second date Philippe in on a dark secret from her past.

Ep 5: Samantha & Tahanee Date 2

Tahanee meets charming second date Daymasand shares intimate memories of her late mother. In KL Samantha is impressed by handsome second date Dharrshen but things take an unexpected turn.

Ep 6: Mariska Date 3 & Tony Date 2

City slicker Sean, treats Mariska to a trip of a lifetime in Kuching! Tony’s second date Jessie from Dalat loves flowers and sunsets, so she is sure to get his mother’s approval, but can she get his?

Ep 7: Honey & Tahanee Date 3

Thetwo Malaysians, meet their final date. Honey, feeling vulnerable, wears her heart on her sleeve with Marco in Bohol, whilst Tahanee goes on an adventurous date at Gua Pindul in Yogyakarta with Pajay.

Ep 8: Samantha & Tony Date 3

Flirtatious sparks fly when Tony meets Lyn in Dalat. But can they overcome the language barrier? Samantha’s thirddate Ilai in KL has left her wondering if he is the real deal.

Ep 9: THE SECOND DATE_Part 1

It is the ultimate dilemma for Mariska, Tony, Tahanee, Honey and Samantha. Who will they choose for a second date? They reminisce about their journeys and theirdates as they try to make the right choice.

Ep 10: THE SECOND DATE_Part 2

Mariska, Tony, Tahanee, Honey and Samantha meet their chosen second dates. Will they pursue romance or just stay friends? Mariska’s original song Aeroplane debuts in the final moments of this episode.

Show details and images provided by TLC.

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.

All Eyes on Ben&Ben’s upcoming new single and 2 music videos this month!

Ben&Ben is showing no signs of slowing down. In terms of consistency, the nine-piece outfit continues to break streaming records and dominate cultural conversation with releases that resonate with people from various walks of life.

Last January 2020 alone, the acclaimed folk-pop band won Wish FM’s Group of the Year and Urban Performance of the Year for their chart-topper “Pagtingin.” On top of this milestone, the band is currently at number one on Spotify Philippines Top 50, with their cover of “Make It With You.”

With overwhelming support from music fans and industry peers, there is no doubt that Ben&Ben is simply defining the times that we live in: the band pours their energy in uplifting our fellow countrymen with their brand of accessible but well-crafted music. “It really boils down to the heart behind the song,” Miguel Benjamin, vocalist and guitarist points out. “When a song is written as a vessel to carry a message that is beyond ego or prideful intent, and simply mirrors the feelings, experiences and lessons that come from a higher place, then somehow it may find its way from the artist’s soul to at least one other person’s heart, and that is always enough. We fully know that it isn’t up to us to produce these works out of our own will, but we are simply vessels for some greater message to fulfill itself through us.” Striking a balance between relatability and raw honesty, the band has managed to push things forward with songs that not only capture an emotional spectrum, but also throb at the core moment of one’s personal experience.

To give back to the community responsible for contributing to the group’s unrelenting success, the award-winning ensemble is releasing two new music videos from the best-selling full-length album, Limasawa Street and a brand new single this month, under Sony Music Philippines. “We just really wanted to put out new material that reflects the blissful and bittersweet experiences we’ve been through over the past few months, both visually and sonically,” Miguel Benjamin stresses. “All these we want to do for our fans, in the hopes that they get through whatever rough patch they are in. It was a spur of the moment decision, really. We felt that we owe it to them, cos they have been pouring out so much love for us in the past few months.”

In the next few weeks, Ben&Ben is set to debut the music videos of their hit songs “Fall” and “Masyado Pang Maaga”—directed by filmmakers Raymond Dacones and Jorel Lising, respectively. According to Miguel, the treatment for “Fall” represents them “as a band and the themes and moods” their art stands for, while “Masyado Pang Maaga,” depicts “a real story that most of us have found ourselves in at one point of our lives.” The talented musician-performer adds, “Both of them aim to paint a visual universe that is uniquely Ben&Ben, with whatever sabaw ideas we’ve come up with so far.”

As finale for the string of releases this month, Ben&Ben will be dropping the new single “Sa Susunod Na Habangbuhay” very soon. The Sindikato-managed outfit debuted a performance of the highly anticipated tune at the Samsung Awesome Concert last February 5, 2020, which trended on Twitter Philippines for several hours. “We don’t want to say much about it yet, but it’s our most personal, painful song so far,” says Paolo, the other half of the Benjamin brothers. “Miguel wrote and sung it, and we’re playing it in our live shows. We’ve heard that lots of videos of the live version are going around, and we find that super cool.”

Expect more surprises from Ben&Ben after February’s wave of releases. As Paolo puts it, “everything is outward at this point, and whatever outpour of energy we give out is not because we want the love to be given back, but because ours overflows.”

Band details and image provided in a recent press release.

HBO’s brand new comedy series RUN debuts 13 April

Written and produced by Vicky Jones, HBO’s new half-hour comedy series Run, debuting same time as the U.S. on Monday, 13 April at 10.30am exclusively on HBO GO and HBO, follows a woman whose humdrum life is thrown upside down when she receives a text from her college sweetheart inviting her to drop everything and meet him in New York to fulfill the pact they made 17 years earlier.

New episode premieres every Monday at the same time, with a same day encore at 10.30pm on HBO.

Starring Emmy® winner Merritt Wever (“Godless,” “Nurse Jackie”) and Domhnall Gleeson (“Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker,” “Ex Machina”), Run is a romantic comedic thriller about a woman, Ruby Richardson (Wever) who walks away from her ordinary life in the suburbs to revisit her past with her college boyfriend, Billy Johnson (Gleeson), with whom she made a pact 17 years prior that if either one of them texted the word “RUN” and the other replied with the same, they would drop everything and meet in Grand Central Station and travel across America together.

Recurring guest stars for season one include Emmy®, Golden Globe and SAG winner, Phoebe Waller-Bridge (“Fleabag,” “Solo: A Star Wars Story”) as Laurel, a woman who Ruby and Billy meet on their journey; Rich Sommer (“Mad Men”) as Laurence, Ruby’s husband; Tamara Podemski (“Coroner”) as police detective Babe Cloud and Archie Panjabi (HBO’s upcoming “I Know This Much Is True,” “The Good Wife”) as Fiona, Billy’s former P.A.

Executive produced by Vicky Jones, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Jenny Robins, Kate Dennis, Emily Leo and Oliver Roskill of Wigwam Films. Run is produced by eOne, the studio behind acclaimed HBO series Sharp Objects.

Executive producers Vicky Jones and Phoebe Waller-Bridge founded the DryWrite Theatre Company. In 2013, Jones directed Waller-Bridge’s stage production “Fleabag,” which was later adapted into an Emmy®, BAFTA and Golden Globe-winning television series. Jones also served as a writer on “Killing Eve,” the Emmy® nominated drama series, which was created by Waller-Bridge.

HBO is available on SKYcable Ch. 54 SD/Ch. 168 HD (for Metro Manila, Cavite, Laguna, Bulacan, Lipa-Batangas) or on Ch. 402 SD/710 HD (for Bacolod, Baguio, Cebu, Davao, Dumaguete, General Santos, Iloilo). SKYdirect subscribers can watch it on Ch. 22 HD. HBO Original Series as well as live channels are also available for streaming on HBO GO. To subscribe, call your local SKY office or fill up this form.

Show details and image provided by HBO in a recent press release.

Check out my posts on HBO shows:

Come and play at the Johnnie Walker Arcade: a fresh take on the classic arcade experience and on whiskey

Johnnie Walker, the world’s #1 Scotch whisky, opens the Johnnie Walker Highball Arcade, an immersive space designed to push the boundaries when it comes to whiskey. Putting the spotlight on the Johnnie & Lime Highball and the rest of the Johnnie Highball Collection, the Arcade will open its doors on February 6 and will culminate on February 8 in celebration of International Scotch Day.

Setting up shop in the second floor of the new Poblacion haunt Kondwi for its three-day run, the Johnnie Walker Highball Arcade is a fun and immersive way to discover and enjoy the big, bold flavors of Johnnie Walker, starting with its signature serve, the Johnnie & Lime Highball.

Smokey with a kiss of citrus, the Johnnie & Lime Highball is a fresh-tasting take on whisky and is perfect for both whisky newbies and lovers alike. Best served in a chill tall glass filled with ice, the Johnnie & Lime Highball consists of Johnnie Walker Black Label, lemon lime soda and, and a slice of lime as garnish.

“There is only one rule when it comes to drinking whiskey, and that’s there are no rules,” shares Rian Asiddao, Diageo Reserve Brand Ambassador. The Johnnie & Lime Highball, together with the drinks in the Highball Collection, is a testament to the fact that there are so many ways to enjoy whiskey.”

At the arcade, guests have the option of enjoying their Johnnie Highball served in flights or prepare on their own at the DIY Highball Bar. When guests order the Flight, they will enjoy the complete Johnnie Highball Collection: Johnnie & Lime, made using Johnnie Walker Black Label; Johnnie & Ginger, prepared using Johnnie Walker Double Black; and Johnnie & Apple, which has Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve as its base.

Meanwhile, for those looking to make their own cocktails, the DIY Highball Bar is the perfect stop. For every purchase of Johnnie Walker Red Label or Black Label Pocket Scotch, visitors get access to the DIY Highball Bar’s mixers and garnishes, and can make their own Johnnie & Lime Highball. Make sure to visit between 8-10PM on February 6 and 7 to catch the mini masterclass led by Lester Ligon, Diageo Reserve World Class Philippine Bartender of the Year 2018; and Rian Asiddao, Diageo Reserve Brand Ambassador.

The Johnnie Walker Highball Arcade promises visitors a thrilling time as they play at basketball and skeeball booths in exchange for premium Johnnie Walker merch; and at the free-to-play air hockey and foosball booths for a little competitive fun with friends.

Of course, no arcade experience is complete without a coveted prize. Visitors are in for a challenge at the crane claw machine, where aside from the chance to score Johnnie Walker merch, lucky clawers stand to get a two-day Regular Wanderer Passes for Wanderland 2020 happening on March 7 and 8.

Last but not the least, Johnnie Walker will celebrate international Scotch Day in style. Happening on February 8, the #1 Scotch whisky brand is once again partnering with the VeryDone Crew, a collective of DJs and artists known to bring the house down at Manila’s most happening hotspots. Pop in to catch Nix Damn P, Euric Lumanog, Rammy Bitong, and the rest of the VeryDone boys.

“At the heart of Johnnie Walker is the drive to continuously create new and interesting experiences where consumers can appreciate whiskey, and we’ve brought this to life in previous concepts such as the Johnnie Walker House and the Johnnie Weekend Series,” shares Fatima Espineda, Diageo Marketing Manager for Culture and Advocacy. “Where the Arcade invites consumers to imbibe a playful spirit, we want to encourage the same behavior in the discovery and enjoyment of our whiskies.”

After this run, catch the Johnnie Walker Highball Arcade at different festivals and hotspots. Learn more about it on Facebook and Instagram.

Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands including Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, J7B Buchanan and Windsor whiskies, Smirnoff, Ciroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness.

The Bistro Group opens more restaurants in time for “Love Day”

The vision is clear this 2020 as The Bistro Group’s expansion continues, with more stores slated to open in time for Valentine’s Day.

Steak-eating, food-loving Makati cowboys and cowgirls are in for a “yeehaw” dining experience since Texas Roadhouse opened its new home in Greenbelt 5! Hand-cut steaks, fresh – baked bread , made from the scratch sides , fall-off-the-bone ribs… these are what TEXAS ROADHOUSE has to offer.

Meanwhile, ITALIANNI’S, Bistro’s concept that has been synonymous to great Italian-American food good enough for sharing and fitting the Filipino manner of feasting, opened its 21st branch at the new Ayala Malls Manila Bay. Now, more people can have their share of salads, pizzas, pastas, and other dishes that promise an “Amore di Merrier” dining experience.

Have a taste of Spanish cuisine BCN by Las Flores which is now open at the 2nd Level of Conrad S Maison! Enjoy tapas, paellas, jamon, chorizos, pescados, corderos and seafood platters, meticulously prepared by Spanish Chef Alfredo Rodriguez. If you are there to wine and dine, you will love BCN’s Wine Room that houses over 100 wine labels.

TGIFRIDAYS, which recently turned 25 this December, is hotter than ever! Opening its 25th store at the Ayala Malls Manila Bay this February, fans and foodies will get to enjoy burgers, classic ribs, fajitas and other bestsellers people have loved since day one.

Relive those rockin’ memories as HARD ROCK CAFÉ rocks Glorietta Mall even harder in February! It sure will be a popular go-to destination for live music, merchandise, memorabilias and American comfort food. Have a fill of its legendary burgers, hickory smoked ribs, chicken and pork dishes, a great way to enjoy a lunch or dinner date, anytime of the day.

Finally, WATAMI JAPANESE CASUAL RESTAURANT is also opening this February at the new Vista Mall Nomo (North of Molino) in Bacoor. Treat yourself to sushis, sahimis, ramen, tempuras, aburi, and pork and chicken katsu sets.

It promises to be love-filled months this year at all Bistro restaurants, so be there and celebrate relationships and life!

Details and images provided in a recent press release

Come see what Sammy’s Cookin’

Craving for a sweet treat? Need to bring something to the office potluck? Or want to send a thoughtful and delicious gift?

Well, Chef Sammy’s cookin’ up something absolutely amazing for you!

Chef Sammy Isidro, the singing chef who masterminds the kitchen of Sammy’s Restaurant in Cainta, also whips up yummy desserts under the brand Sammy’s Cookin‘.

Chef Sammy developed his culinary chops in between singing gigs at the Hotel Mulia, a five-star hotel in Jakarta, Indonesia, where he and his wife Dorothy worked as professional singers for over 17 years.

Upon their return to the Philippines, they put up their own restaurant – Sammy’s in Cainta – where they serve up tasty Indonesian-inspired dishes as well as serenade guests with a song or two after every meal.

Chef Sammy also set up another line of business – Sammy’s Cookin’ – to provide catering services as well as deliver cakes, pastries and other sweets to foodies within Metro Manila.

This also extends the reach of his cuisine well beyond the vicinity and operating hours of his restaurant.

Here is a sampling of the treats you can order from Sammy’s Cookin.’

Banana Bread (Php300/loaf). This seems to be a staple among bakers, professional or otherwise. Chef Sammy, of course, goes well beyond the rudimentary bread and gives you a loaf of pure scrumptiousness. Unpack and slice it and the smell of banana and vanilla will waft to your nostrils. Bite into the moist bread and you will taste the burst of sweet banana flavor in your mouth. Truth be told, I can finish the entire loaf by myself in one seating. (My daughter #ExhibitA would insist on helping me in this endeavor. Quite unnecessarily, I might add.) Still, in the off- off-chance, this banana bread doesn’t get wolfed down as soon as it reaches you, it keeps for seven days at room temperature and for three months in the freezer. (Why keep it in the freezer, though? Banana Bread, get into mah belly!)

Coffee Choco Brownies (Php420/ 16 squares). Anybody who knows me knows I’m mad for coffee and chocolates. Imagine my joy whenever I have an opportunity to enjoy both! These brownies exude a mild aroma of coffee, just enough to perk up the attention of a true blue coffee lover. There’s an ultra-thin crusty topmost layer that, when bitten into, gives way to a chewy chocolatey brownie with chocolate nuggets here and there adding some texture to every bite. I shared some squares with Hubby and these yummies definitely have his vote. Similar to the banana bread, this keeps at room temperature for seven days and in the freezer for three months.

Choco Cheese Martabak Manis (Php355/order). I’m really having trouble describing this because I can’t quite grasp how intensely it appeals to me. Another food obsession of mine is cheese, and guess what: this dish has cheese. The cheese that adds a salty dimension to an otherwise sweet stuffed pancake flavored by chocolate, crushed peanuts and condensed milk. I had my first taste of this dessert at Sammy’s Restaurant and I have not forgotten it. You would be hard-pressed to stop at just one or two pieces (or three or four or ten!). Other variants of martabak manis available are Chocolate-Only (Php205/order) and Cheese-Only (Php245/order). This keeps at room temperature for two to three days, but, personally, it won’t last that long in my home. Even my picky eater son likes this!

There are lots more available to order at Sammy’s Cookin.’ To get your hands on these desserts and delicacies, just call +63 939 1483960 or course your orders through its Facebook or Instagram pages at least two days before you need them.

Sammy’s Cookin’ accepts payments via BPI or BDO and can deliver to anywhere in the metro via Grab or Lalamove (delivery fee to be shouldered by the customer).

You may also opt to pick your orders up at Sammy’s Restaurant from 10am to 5pm. It is located at 14 Raspberry Bend Street, Valley View Executive Subdivision Phase 3, San Juan, Cainta.

So the next time you want to treat yourself, or your nears-and-dears, to something sweet and delish, do check out what Sammy’s Cookin.’

Many thanks to Chef Sammy and Dorothy for these yummy treats.

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

Nitro 7 Coffee & Tea Bar, SM Pasig

You’ve probably heard of cold brew coffee but what about nitrogen-infused cold brew coffee?

Nitro 7 Coffee & Tea Bar is the first of its kind in the country, operating on a new technology in coffee and tea preparation.

At Nitro 7, single-origin Ethiopians arabica coffee beans are brewed in low temperature for 18 hours, then infused with nitrogen before being served on tap, similar to draft beer. The entire painstaking process from brewing your Nitro 7 coffee to serving it to you takes two days.

Cold brewing the coffee increases its caffeine content while lessening its acidity, making this the preferred coffee of people suffering from hyperacidity.

Infusing it with nitrogen, on the other hand, reduces the coffee’s bitter taste while thickening its texture and adding some milk sweetness to the brew. The result: the Black Nitro, Nitro 7’s signature black coffee which also serves as the base for its other coffee flavors.

Thanks to GCs I received during the epic #WLTEChristmas Party and also from Harvard of AlwaysHungryPH, I was able to treat my daughter and myself to a coffee break at the Nitro 7 Coffee & Tea Bar in SM Pasig.

There we enjoyed some of the coffee bar’s more Irish creme-based variants:

Irish Creme Breve (Php145). A creamy blend of nutty, chocolate, vanilla and whiskey flavors.

Irish Caramel Creme Nitroccino (Php170). An ice-blended coffee which mixes the flavors of Irish creme and the sweet richness of caramel.

We also treated ourselves to some desserts available at the store such as the New York Cheesecake (Php135), two pieces of Crinkles (Php35 each) and a Revel Bar (Php55).

The desserts are good accompaniments to the coffee drinks which remain the stars of the show.

This Nitro 7 Coffee & Tea Bar branch is located at Ground Floor, SM Center Pasig, Frontera Drive, Barangay Ugong, Pasig City, open daily from 11am to 10pm.

Other branches are located at:

Makati: Food Choices Third Floor Glorietta 4
Mandaluyong: Fourth Floor SM Megamall Building B, 123 Pioneer Street Highway Hills
Manila: Third Floor Robinsons Place Manila, Ground Floor LA Village at Youniversity Suites Sampaloc
Quezon City: Lower Ground Floor Robinsons Magnolia, Level 1 Robinsons Galleria, Lower Ground Floor SM City Fairview, The Annex SM City North EDSA, Eastwood Citywalk 1 Libis
Pasig: 2nd Floor Ayala Malls the 30th, Cinema Level Ayala Malls Feliz, Emerald Mansion Garnet Road
Valenzuela: Mezzanine Floor Pond Building

Get 20% off on all love seats at BLIMS Love Sale from Feb 14-29

Valentine’s Day is nearly here and for you couples out there, BLIMS has a special treat just for you: a sale on its love seats!

While the term love seat can refer to a variety of seating options – from a wooden bench with two cushions to an S-shaped sofa, also called a tete-a-tete or a courting bench, on which two people can sit while still facing each other – it most usually refers to a two-seater sofa.

Did you know that love seats originally had a very different purpose? They were first built in the 17th century to allow ladies clad in voluminous gowns – yes, the type that used hoops and had layers of fabric and petticoats underneath – to sit down in comfort.

Over the years, women’s fashions shrank into slimmer forms, allowing more room in the seats. It became apparent that these seats gave courting couples a place to chat in private, or stay close with one another, while still adhering to cultural norms of the time. Thus, this piece of furniture came to be known as the love seat.

Today, love seats grace homes of couples or singletons who have come to appreciate their style and comfort, as well as their economy in required space and multitude of uses.

During its Love Sale from February 14 to 29, BLIMS Fine Furniture gives 20% off on all love seats which include:

Charlotte 2-seater Sofa. A perfect blend of style and comfort, it features a double arm cushion design and plush seating. Place this in your bedroom as an extra but stylish seating option.

Hinoki 2-Seater Sofa. Premium leather sofa with soft key arms and black metal legs. Lounge here while reading a book or drinking a cup of hot cocoa during these chilly nights.

Finlay 2-Seater Sofa. Plush and luxurious, this premium leather sofa brings sophistication and comfort to your space with its generous low arms and sleek metal legs. Snuggle up with your significant other on this sofa while watching your favorite TV shows.

At BLIMS, you can find a complete variety of furniture, with categories such as:

Living Space – take your pick from an wide collection of sofas and dining sets.
Sleepshop – BLIMS is equipped with a wide array of bed frames and mattresses that will give you quiet serenity and peaceful slumber,
Recliners & Loungers – indulge yourself and bring home a seat you can just sink into.
Office World – find the items that allow you to take charge.

Check out BLIMS’ website, Facebook Page or visit any of its 19 showrooms nationwide to see which pieces are perfect for your home.

For more details on the promo, visit the BLIMS website.

Took a ride on Seoul Train Korean BBQ, Tomas Morato

Don’t worry: this ain’t the train to Busan.

This is Seoul Train Korean BBQ, oppas and unnis, the resto with the back of a green train for its facade along Sgt. Esguerra Street in Quezon City.

Last Thursday, I took a ride with my fellow foodies on a gastronomic adventure during Seoul Train’s #ChewChewThursday Media Event to mark its reopening after it was temporarily closed for renovations at the end of last year.

There, I seemingly took a quick trip in SoKor as I explored the resto’s unique interiors, from its train station-like hallway, its cabin-type dining area and the downtown Gangnam feel of its upper floor which houses a mini-mall selling K-Pop items.

Seoul Train was the brainchild of renowned concert producers Happy Sy-Go and Vernon Go. The resto’s design concept and menu is a fusion of their love for great food and traveling.

During the event, Seoul Train launched several things that Korean food lovers are sure to love:

The upgrade to smokeless charcoal grills which takes away much of the “amoy usok” we associate with Korean BBQ joints. During grilling, the smoke is sucked away by the built-in vents, greatly reducing the smoke.

The inclusion of new dishes in the menu such as Jajamyeong (black bean noodles), Tteokbokki (rice cakes in spicy sauce), Dakbal (spicy chicken feet), Tangerine Chicken, Naejantang (beef tripe and intestines in broth) and Kimchi Godeungo-Tongjorim Jigae (spicy fish stew).

The introduction of the Dosirak, Korean bento meals available for take out. K-food lovers can choose from nine different dishes – Dry Beef Bulgogi, Beef Bulgogi, Yangnyeom Galbi, LA Galbi, Samgyeopsal, Ssamjang Samgyeopsal, Dak Gui and Bul Dak Gui – and enjoy their choice of viand along with rice, kimchi and fishcake.

With such exciting new additions to its facilities and menu, Seoul Train is the destination for Korean food lovers.

Many thanks to Jillian Subido of Pulp Media for the invitation and the management and crew of Seoul Train for the fun event!

Seoul Train Korean BBQ is located at 28 Sgt. Esguerra Street, Barangay South Triangle, Quezon City, open daily from 11am to 2.30pm and from 5.30pm to 10pm. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 82872446 or +63 917 7722203.

Disclosure: Together with other foodies, I attended a media event held in this restaurant. 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.

A home of gastronomic delights at Tahanan Bistro, Antipolo

As a foodie, I live for those food adventures that just take my breath away.

And my visit to Tahanan Bistro did just that.

Having earned the distinction of being one of Zomato’s Top Foodies Choice in Antipolo in 2019, Tahanan Bistro hosted a food tasting event attended by East-based foodies.

Tahanan Bistro opened in July 2016, the brainchild of Keesha Reyes and husband Kevin Tuason. They turned part of her family’s ancestral home made entirely from reclaimed wood from old houses and bridges into a casual fine dining 45-seat bistro.

The restaurant showcases creative takes on local ingredients, the masterpieces of her father, sculptor Benji Reyes, and a stunning view of Laguna de Bay beyond the surrounding verdant forest to provide diners with a relaxing and inviting haven away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

This place, though impressive in style, is still a home. In fact, guests are asked to remove their shoes upon entering, partly as a form of respect to the homeowners, and partly to help preserve the beautiful wood floors.

The kitchen is helmed by Kevin who brings his considerable culinary training gained during his stay in Melbourne, Australia. Tahanan Bistro offers set meals at Php1,350 (+10% service charge) per person. Named after famous mountains in the Philippines (Halcon in Mindoro, Iraya in Batanes and Mayon in Albay), each set consists of five courses with dishes hinged on the produce and flavors found in country, some of which my fellow foodies and I were able to sample.

Gising Gising (included in the Iraya set). An appetizer of prawns and winged bean dumplings, leeks, coconut cream, herb oil, chili oil and house-made crispy pork floss.

Danggit (included in all three sets). A light and refreshing salad made with quinoa, cherry tomatoes, mixed greens and roasted zucchini in lime vinaigrette.

Pininyahang Manok (included in the Halcon set). Smoked pan-seared chicken thighs, grilled pineapple, coconut, hasselback potatoes, carrot puree and capsicum.

Bistek Tagalog (included in the Iraya set). Braised beef shank, adlai, onion puree, charred white onions, parsley oil and fried enoki.

Binagoongan (included in the Mayon set). Crispy pork belly in a sauce made with tomato and shrimp paste puree, Greek yoghurt and Baba Ghanoush in a house-made flat bread.

Fruit Salad (included in the Iraya set). A dessert made chia pudding, bits of seasonal fruits in a campange sabayon topped with a cashew biscuit.

Ube (included in the Halcon set). Purple yam and white chocolate lava cake with cheese ice cream topped with an Edam crisp.

The dishes served combine the familiar and the new: the ingredients are home-grown but made novel with the addition of a few elements and foreign influences. They are also well-complemented by a refreshing glass of Lemongrass Iced Tea (Php95).

Given that access to this awesome place (and these delectable dishes) are possible only during weekends, and only by reservation, there is a definitely an air of exclusivity and specialness in the dining experience.

If you’re planning an cozy dinner for two or an intimate gathering for close family and friends where you can enjoy a well-curated and crafted menu as well as breathtaking views, Tahanan Bistro is your best bet.

Tahanan Bistro also offers ready-made products you can bring home to enjoy with your family such as ground coffee beans and butter spreads, among others.

Many thanks to Kim and the staff of Tahanan Bistro for the warm welcome and the delicious meal, and to Trisha and Donna of Zomato for extending the invitation!

Tahanan Bistro is located at 22 Loresville Drive, Lores Farm Subdivision, San Roque, Upper Antipolo, Rizal, open Saturdays to Sundays from 11am to 4pm and 6pm to 10pm. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 925 8801487. Walk-ins are not entertained.

Disclosure: Together with other food bloggers, I was invited to attend a food tasting held in this restaurant. Food items mentioned here were served to allow us to sample the fare and were not paid for by the attendees, including myself.

Check out my posts on other places for your romantic date in the metro: