Gel Jose

Fresh seafood and paluto at Dampa sa Libis

If you’ve got some serious craving for fresh seafood but the beach is quite some distance away, your best bet is to go to your nearby dampa.

Originally, the word “Dampa” is a Filipino term for “hut,” reminiscent of the small houses that line the seaside where fishermen live and make their living.

Today, it is associated with a wet market attached to a restaurant. In this kind of eatery, diners can select the fresh seafood they want to eat and then choose from a menu of ways on how they want these to be cooked for an additional charge, hence term paluto.

As a Pasiguena, landlocked and situated far away from the seaside, I’m lucky that there’s a Dampa sa Libis located nearby.

As is typical with other dampa-style eateries, this one is geared towards catering to large groups in a very informal setting.

The place is suitable for boisterous gatherings of people who love to dine together over their favorite seafood dishes, with little to no concern about the restaurant’s decor or aesthetic. (So if you’re feeling particularly tita-ish, this might not be the place for you.)

However, if you’re game for fresh seafood, cooked upon order and served fresh from the kitchen, this just might be your foodie haven.

During a recent get-together with my in-laws, the extended fam feasted on:

Sinigang na Salmon sa Miso.

Fresh salmon prepared in a variant of the famous dish sinigang which also includes miso (soybean paste) among its ingredients.

Prawn Tempura.

Large prawns battered and deep-fried until golden-brown and served with a sweet soy-based dipping sauce.

Inihaw na Pusit.

A beachside favorite, this dish is made from a large squid stuffed with tomatoes and onions, then grilled for that smokey taste.

Sweet and Spicy Crab.

Fresh crabs cooked in tomato sauce, chilis and other spices with a bit of brown sugar for that irresistible interplay of spice and sweetness with every bite of succulent crab meat.

BBQ Liempo.

For those who have a more carnivorous bent (or those with kids who have not yet discovered a love for seafood), barbecued pork belly is always a delicious possibility.

Leche Flan.

The best way to cap a great meal is to linger over dessert, right? This Pinoy take on the creme caramel will do quite nicely as a post-meal sweet.

When dining at a dampa, it’s best to let your adventurous side out and to savor the good food along with the good company you’re having.

Dampa sa Libis is located at 107 E. Rodriguez Jr. Avenue, Bgy Libis, Quezon City, open for dine-in and takeout on weekdays from 11am to 9pm and on weekends from 10am to 9pm.

For more information, follow Dampa sa Libis on Facebook or call +63 2 86373303 or +63 917 7071553.

Calvin Harris drops new single “Stay With Me,” featuring Justin Timberlake, Halsey, and Pharrell

GRAMMY Award-winning, multi-platinum selling artist and heavyweight producer Calvin Harris continues to soundtrack summer with the release of his new single “Stay With Me” featuring musical giants Justin Timberlake, Halsey and Pharrell out today via Columbia Records/Sony Music. The psychedelic official video directed by Emil Nava also premieres today and features all four artists. Listen to the song here.

The new single marks the first time Harris has collaborated with Timberlake and Halsey, and the second time with Pharrell, who was previously featured on ‘Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1’ and has notably collaborated with Timberlake on countless hits over the years.

“Stay With Me,” a dancefloor ready tune perfect for any party is prime to become song of the summer.

“Stay With Me” follows the release of “Potion” with Dua Lipa & Young Thug and “New Money” featuring 21 Savage from Harris’ forthcoming and highly anticipated new album ‘Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 2’ out on August 5. ‘Vol. 2’ will feature a number of today’s most dynamic artists such as: Stefflon Don, Chlöe, Charlie Puth, Pusha T, Shenseea, Tinashe, Normani, Lil Durk, Offset, 6lack, Coi Leray, Busta Rhymes, Donae’O, Latto, Swae Lee, Jorja Smith, and Snoop Dogg. The album is available for pre-order/save here.

Details provided in a recent press release.

Classic pastries from O’Cakes Patisserie

Got a hankering for some sweet pastries?

There’s a shop that can serve up what you’re craving for and you won’t have to leave home to enjoy them: O’Cakes Patisserie!

Pastries are baked foods made with a dough of flour, water and shortening (solid fats such as butter or lard). These baked creations are different from breads due to their higher fat content which give them a crumbly or flaky texture. You will find that good pastries are light, airy and fatty but their structure is firm enough to hold the weight of the filling.

Thanks to O’Cakes Patisserie, pastry lovers can simply order their craved-for baked goods online and feast on them with no hassle!

Check them out:

Classic Croissant (Php450/3pcs traditional | Php270/3pcs mini).

Buttery and flaky French pastry that got its name from its crescent shape. It is usually enjoyed as part of a continental breakfast.

Pain au Chocolat (Php630/3pcs traditional | Php280/3pcs mini).

Also known as chocolatine in the southwest part of France and in Canada, this cube-ish shaped pastry is made with the same layers of dough as a croissant with pieces of dark chocolate at the center.

Belgian Dark Chocolate (Php630/3pcs traditional | Php280/3pcs mini).

A version of the chocolatine that takes the shape of a classic croissant.

Enjoy these delicious pastries for breakfast or paired with your favorite brew during your coffee break. You can even indulge your sweet tooth by having them as your dessert!

To order, text +63 936 9494767, email ocakespatisserie@gmail.com or message O’Cakes Patisserie on Facebook or Instagram.

K-pop and K-Chicken at Kko Kko

Still on a high from your latest K-drama binge? Got an urge to get close to your K-pop idols?

Well, hie yourself over to the nearest Kko Kko branch then!

There you can take selfies with Hallyu and K-pop stars as you partake in the cherished Korean meal: the chimaek. It consists of crispy double-fried chicken and cold beer, best enjoyed with your buddies.

You can share a Chicken Fondue (Php598 half | Php998 whole) with the fam like the group I saw when I dropped by. You can dip boneless chicken pieces (your choice of flavor) and other finger food such as onion rings, fries and nachos in hot gooey cheese inside a bread bowl!

You can also get your favorite fried chicken variant for take out, just like I did!

Giving in to my daughter #ExhibitA’s request, I ordered 6 pieces Korean Fried Chicken (Php558) flavored with Yangnyum glaze. She loves this sweet and spicy duality of the sauce, while I love it when she’s happy. (#MotherOfTheYear!)

These crispy and flavorful chicken pieces can be enjoyed on their own (papak Pinoy-style), paired with beer if you’re with friends, or eaten with rice and kimchi, with some soda drinks as a family meal.

This Kko Kko branch is located at The Sapphire Bloc, 35 Garnet Road, Ortigas Center, Pasig City, open daily from 11am to 11pm.

Other branches are located at Trinoma Mall in Quezon City, Market Market in Taguig and Festival Mall in Alabang.

Kko Kko Chicken also delivers via GrabFood and FoodPanda.

To know more about its offers and promos, follow Kko Kko Chicken on Facebook and Instagram.

Perkier Mornings with New Breakfast Dishes at Italianni’s

Mornings at Italianni’s just got perkier with the addition of new breakfast dishes.

And for those who live near Greenbelt, this branch now serves breakfast daily while Italianni’s Bonifacio High Street is open for breakfast on Saturdays and Sundays only.

Jumpstart your day with an item or two from this selection: French Toast and Fruits, Italian Sausage Scramble, Smoked Salmon Scramble, Granola & Mixed Fruits; Avocado Toast, Pancetta & Potato Hash, Croquette Madame and Breakfast Grilled Pork Chop.

Of course, there are the breakfast mainstays such as waffles and pancakes, omellettes, salads, Continental Breakfast selection, local favorites and coffee, tea, fruits and juices.

Bring your Bistro BFF Card and enjoy 20% discount on breakfast fare on Saturdays & Sundays. Follow Italiannis on Facebook and Instagram.

Details and images provided in a recent press release.

Schöfferhofer Philippines Unveils Its First Leg of the #SchofferSundown Party Series

Schofferhofer, the newest and most refreshing German wheat beer in town recently held the first leg of the #SchofferSundown Party Series last July 1, 2022 at The Penthouse 8747.

“Everyone missed partying because of the lockdown for almost two years, and we also missed those laid back and chill hangouts with friends that’s why we came up with the #SchofferSundown Party Series. It’s actually the first time we hosted a party at this scale because the first ever beer that we brought in from Germany was May 1st of 2021 so everybody was ordering from home, fast forward to today, we are now present in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. We just wanted to bring people together, with the beautiful sunset view at The Penthouse 8747, good music, and of course our Schofferhofer beers,” according to Ronance Adrian Garcia, General Manager of Schofferhofer Philippines.

Celebrities and influencers present during the first leg of the party series were Phoemela Baranda, Andrei King, Jach Manere, Chin Chin Obcena, brothers Sam and Tohid Ajdani, Brian Poe-Llamanzares, Erika Hocson, and many more. DJs featured were Arthur Tan, DJ Euric, and Margachi.

Schöfferhofer is an urban, trend conscious alternative to ordinary beers that brings out the happiness of every occasion. It is a modern take of the classic wheat beers by being the first wheat beer brewed outside of Bavaria. The Schofferhofer Grapefruit on the other hand is a fresher take on German beer. It is a 50/50 blend of Schofferhofer beer and fresh grapefruit juice, giving it a low alcohol content of 2.5 percent ABV.

Follow @schofferhph on Instagram and Schofferhoffer Philippines on Facebook for updates on the schedule of the next #SchofferSundown Party Series.

Schofferhofer is distributed by WA Global Marketing Group, Inc. and is available in major supermarkets nationwide.

Details and images provided in a recent press release.

Chicken lovers unite for Chicken United

The Pinoy’s love for fried chicken is well-known.

This love has extended to fried chicken various forms as well. From the stripped down and unbreaded variety, to the more elaborate glazed and sauced up versions, we have embraced practically all of the taste and texture possibilities that fried chicken has to offer.

Well, chicken lovers have a new outlet for their obsession: Chicken United!

This online fried chicken shop unites both well-loved fried chicken varieties and exciting new flavors, plus sides, dips and appetizers.

Check them out:

Dynamite with Cheese (Php129). The well-loved pulutan made with cheese-stuffed peppers encased in lumpia wrapper.

Crispy Fried Chicken.

Chicken United’s signature fried chicken wings or fillets, served with the store’s specially curated sauces on the side.

Drunk BBQ (Php219/6pcs | Php419/12pcs). The store’s take on smoked BBQ with a splash of brandy.

Pineapple Spice (Php219/6pcs | Php419/12pcs). Pineapple on pizza may be debatable but you’ll love it on your fried chicken!

Korean Gochujang (Php239/6pcs | Php439/12pcs). Fried chicken the way your K-pop idols would have it!

Dinakdakan (Php229/6pcs | Php429/12pcs). The creamy and flavorful Pinoy dish dinakdakan is given a new form in this appetizing new variant.

Sauced Up Fried Chicken.

Chicken United’s signature fried chicken wings or fillets, coated with the store’s specially curated sauces.

Osaka Takoyaki (Php219/6pcs | Php419/12pcs). Inspired by Japan’s takoyaki capital, this fried chicken is flavored with Japanese mayo and bonito flakes.

So whether you and your pals go for this kind of fried chicken or that, you know that your preferences unite at Chicken United!

To order, visit burpcentral.com or message +63 919 0779670. Chicken United currently delivers within Metro Manila from its cloud kitchens in Mandaluyong and Quezon City but will soon establish its presence east of Manila to serve chicken lovers in Marikina, Cainta and selected areas in San Mateo, Taytay and Antipolo.

To stay updated on its products and offers, follow Chicken United on Facebook and Instagram.

Classic Wagyu Rice from Go-Gourmand

Putting together a special Sunday meal for the family? Or looking for a show-stopping for a barkada get-together or an office potluck party?

Well, Go-Gourmand would definitely have something that’s right up your alley!

I came across one of its ads while scrolling through my Facebook feed, and I just have to admit: napabudol ako!

The featured dish, so appetizingly depicted in the sponsored Facebook post that caught my fancy is its Classic Wagyu Rice.

It just so happened that I was planning to serve something special for the fam as Hubby and I celebrate our wedding anniversary. Being a family of certified carnivores, I was sure that this dish would appeal to all of us.

After all, if the sight of juicy medium-grilled beef slices lying on a bed of seasoned rice won’t be able to command my attention, what will?

Well, I guess Facebook’s algorithm knows how to target me.

I quickly coursed my order through Go-Gourmand’s Facebook Page and scheduled its delivery that very Sunday.

My fam and I were so looking forward to feasting on tender and juicy morsels of Wagyu beef flanks perfectly paired with seasoned and spiced rice, further flavored with Wagyu fat.

It would have been a flawless dining experience, if it hadn’t been for some kinks in Go-Gourmand’s delivery system. My order got so delayed that by the time it arrived, it was already cold and the fam was too hungry to wait for it to get reheated.

Hopefully, these kinks will get ironed out when I get around to my next order!

To know more about Go-Gourmand, follow it on Facebook. You may also send your orders via Facebook Messenger.

Airbnb launches $10M OMG! Fund for the world’s craziest listing ideas

Airbnb is on the hunt for the world’s craziest spaces — and will help foot the bill to build them. Whether it’s the next boot, UFO house, or giant potato, the first-of-its-size US$10,000,000 OMG! Fund is seeking ideas from existing and aspiring designers, architects, DIYers, and makers from around the globe. The fund’s $10 million will help finance 100 of the craziest ideas, giving 100 people an opportunity to turn them into actual Airbnb OMG! Category listings, which are Airbnb’s collection of the most unique homes.

Starting today, anyone with an out-of-this-world idea can submit an application at airbnb.com/omgfund. One hundred people with the 100 craziest ideas will receive US$100,0001 each to make their creations possible and, ultimately, bookable. Ideas will be judged by an expert panel for their originality, feasibility, the experience the space will provide guests, and sustainability.

OMG! Listing_ Big Idaho Potato Hotel - Idaho USA

OMG! Listing_ Corner Getaway BnB - Washington USA

The fund is shaped in part by the growing trend of flexible living that has emerged in the past two years. As part of this shift, Airbnb guests are craving more unexpected spaces that become the destinations themselves, and Airbnb Categories, which launched last month, provide a new way to search for these spaces. More than 30,000 unique listings across the world were added to Airbnb in 2021 and the OMG! Category – which has one of the highest rates of engagement among guests browsing Airbnb – showcases the craziest amongst them, making it easy for guests to discover these listings in places they wouldn’t have otherwise looked.

OMG! Listing_ Yellow Submarine - New Zealand

OMG! Listing_ UFO Futuro styled Flying Saucer - United Kingdom

Hosting on Airbnb provides powerful economic benefits to Hosts. In 2021, all Hosts total earnings in the Philippines reached US$37.7 million, providing locals with important income during the pandemic². Additionally, nights booked at unique properties increased globally by over 49 percent from 2019 to 2021³.

“When the Idaho Potato Commission retired a six-ton prop potato, I took it off their hands and spent $32,000 transforming it into an Airbnb,” Airbnb Superhost OMG! Fund judging panelist Kristie Wolfe said. “I went from making $13/hr to seeing $208,0005 in earnings in less than three years, and leveraged that income to bootstrap my way through additional listings that allow me to express my creativity and connect with hundreds of people in the process.”

Applications will be reviewed by a judging panel of boundary-pushing design authorities, an architectural expert, and an Airbnb OMG! Category Superhost:

Iris Apfel, incomparable and irreverent centenarian style icon
Koichi Takada, founder of Sydney-based international studio Koichi Takada Architects, known for emotive design inspired by the natural world
Kristie Wolfe, Airbnb Superhost and prolific creator of OMG! Listings including the Potato Hotel, Crystal Peak Lookout, Big Island Treehouse and Cocoon Cottage
Bruce Vaughn, Disney alum, and Airbnb’s VP of Experiential Creative Product

The $10,000,000 OMG! Fund opens today for a period of 30 days, through July 22 at 11:59 am PHT. The 100 fund recipients will be selected by the panel over the next several months, with the intent of having their newly-constructed spaces complete next year. To apply, visit airbnb.com/omgfund.

Note:

¹For more information, including a list of eligible countries, see the Official Rules.

²According to Airbnb data of Hosts earnings in 2021

³Kristie Wolfe’s income represents Airbnb earnings from January 2019 to May 31, 2022. Like Kristie, every Host’s experience hosting is unique. Host earnings vary widely depending on many factors, including availability, price, acceptance and cancellation rates, occupancy rate and the demand in the listing location. Globally, the median earnings for an OMG! Category Host active between Jan 2018 and May 2022 was over $48,000.

About Airbnb

Airbnb was born in 2007 when two Hosts welcomed three guests to their San Francisco home, and has since grown to 4 million Hosts who have welcomed more than 1 billion guest arrivals in almost every country across the globe. Every day, Hosts offer one-of-a-kind stays and unique Experiences that make it possible for guests to experience the world in a more authentic, connected way.

Details and images provided in a recent press release.

Let’s #ChooseTheSarapEveryday with Chewsarap

Despite the pandemic that still rages on, life continues.

Amid the trials and challenges we face, and continue to encounter, there are moments that we choose to savor, and milestones that we celebrate. Those are the times when we choose the sarap out of life.

One such moment is the birthday of my eldest. My unica hija – whom I usually refer to in this blog as #ExhibitA – is now a young adult, and I wanted to mark the day with a special meal.

However, with my busy work day, I didn’t have time to shop for ingredients, let alone spend time in the kitchen putting together various dishes.

Fortunately, I won’t have to, thanks to Chewsarap!

Operating on the philosophy that good food need not be expensive, this cloud kitchen offers a well-curated menu consisting of Chinese, Korean and Filipino cuisines, affordably priced and available in portions ranging from solo to family and party trays.

#ExhibitA’s birthday feast consisted of:

Hot Prawn Salad (Php350 for 2-3 persons | Php600 for 4-5 persons | Php900 for 7-8 persons).

Succulent prawns tossed in mayonnaise and cream then topped with sweetened fruits.

Salted Egg Chicken Wings (Php240/3 pcs | Php900/12 pcs).

Juicy chicken wings covered in Chewsarap’s special salted egg sauce.

Roast Beef (Php450) half portion | Php850 full portion).

Beef belly cooked sous vide for forty-eight hours and served with gravy and barbecue sauce.

Hainan Chicken with Curry Rice (Php300 for 1-2 persons | Php500 for 3-4 persons | Php900 for 6-8 persons).

Chicken cooked sous-vide on top of curry rice and served with ginger and soy dipping sauces.

The fam loved the varied dishes I served for my baby girl’s birthday dinner. Our intimate feast included old favorites as well as new flavors that broadened our culinary horizons, all made fresh on the day of delivery.

Plus, ordering this feast was so easy. Here’s how:

Visit chewsarap.com.
Select your orders.
Upon checkout, fill up your delivery details and choose your shipping option (pickup or delivery).
After getting the total bill, make your payments (cards/e-wallets, bank deposit and GCash are accepted).
Send proof of payment via Viber or by messaging Chewsarap on Facebook or Instagram.

Want to cook show-stopping viands such as these without the work of food prep?

Order Chewsarap’s Ready-to-Cook Meals such as:

Chicken Tenders
Beef Tapa
Japche Noodles
Pork Sisig
Beef Stew

Why should we choose the hassle, when we can #ChooseTheSarap, everyday?

Disclosure: Product samples were provided.