Jellybeans in the City

BPI opens biggest flagship branch in Northern Metro Manila

BPI marks its 168th anniversary with the opening of its biggest flagship branch in Northern Metro Manila. From left, BPI COO Ramon Jocson, BPI President and CEO Cezar Consing, Head of Sales and Service Channels An-an King and Division Head for Northern Metro Manila Branches Rally Jereza.

The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) today formally opened its biggest flagship branch in Norther Metro Manila to date—the BPI Shangrila-Shaw branch and Preferred Center in Mandaluyong City, as it marks 168 years of building a better Philippines.

The new flagship branch follows the design of BPI’s other flagship branches in Ayala Insular and Makati Stock Exchange. BPI Shangri-la Shaw showcases the most modern and innovative designs that will complement the Bank’s aim to provide trusted financial advice, and seamless and convenient client experience.

“This new flagship branch, like similar ones in Metro Manila, represents how technology and brick and mortar can be combined to enhance the customer experience. Today’s Filipino customer wants and deserves more, and a modern branch like this one is one way that we can respond,” said President and CEO Cezar P. Consing.

Shangri-la Plaza is a prime spot located in the heart of Mandaluyong and Ortigas, which is why it was chosen as the location of Northern Metro Manila’s first and biggest flagship branch. Mandaluyong and Ortigas are two of the biggest central business districts in the country. The St. Francis Shaw branch was relocated and named BPI Shangri-la Shaw when the site of the old branch was sold to Shangri-la.

The branch is the first in Metro Manila to stay open seven days a week, from Mondays to Sundays.

Enhanced customer experience

BPI Shangri-la Shaw houses the first multi-purpose Preferred Center, a venue for client engagement activities with facilities that enhance experience and deliver convenience and value to clients.

With this latest branch feature, BPI reinforces its commitment to enhance overall customer experience, both online and offline by providing easy access to relevant financial solutions for every Filipino.

“The two-floor multi-purpose events venue located in the branch’s Preferred Center is what makes BPI Shangri-la Shaw unique compared to the other flagship branches,” said Rally Jereza, Division Head for Northern Metro Manila Branches.

In line with its digitalization efforts, BPI also added an interactive self-service screen in the new branch. A large video wall also displays informational videos for clients.

“Digitalization is about enhancing the client experience. This requires that we make the experience of our clients seamless as they move from physical branches to our digital channels, such as the mobile app and website. Our digital transformation journey allows for an omni-channel experience, with clients being able to start a transaction in one channel, and complete it in another,” explained Jereza.

As for the overall branch design, the Bank drew inspiration from the map of the Philippines. The irregularly shaped ottoman seats at the center of the room represent the Philippine archipelago. The swirling lights in the ceiling evoke images of the Philippine climate and the ever-changing winds that sweep over the country.

BPI hopes to build a better Philippines through providing easy and convenient access to relevant financial and enhance overall customer experience in both online and offline channels.

Uncover hidden delights at HidN Lounge, Tomas Morato

Along Quezon City’s Scout Rallos Street, quite some distance from the busy hustle and bustle of Tomas Morato Avenue, is a hidden haven for food and drink lovers.

It’s quite appropriately named, too: HidN Lounge. From the outside, apart from its subtle signage, it looks like any normal house. Step inside, though, and you will find a well-appointed space suited for getting together with friends for dinner or after-work beers, or for enjoying your solitude along with your choice of bar chow and cocktails while being serenaded by the mellow tunes of an acoustic band.

With the help of her parents, owner Kat Kierulf transformed her grandmother’s house into a cozy and comfy watering hole where Quezon City’s denizens can lounge about to relax and have fun, two activities so highly prized given today’s hectic lifestyle. Dim lights, eclectic decor and comfortable furniture form areas where you can have some privacy and stay hidden.

Together with my foodie buddies from #WeLoveToEatPH and #SaanSaPH, I visited HidN Lounge (and passed it by as I was driving, because it is, you know, hidden) to see and taste what it had to offer.

These included:

Roti Canai with Curry Sauce (Php140). I’m not a fan of curry but I liked dipping the warm, chewy bread in the mildly sweet curry sauce.

Spicy Tofu (Php165). Tofu cubes stir-fried in a sweet and spicy sauce. Another dish that had me reaching for the bowl again and again.

HidN’s Caldereta (Php395). An old family recipe of Kat’s mom, Ina, this features tender beef pieces stewed in a rich tomato sauce with potatoes and bell peppers, topped with cheese.

Kare Kare Bagnet (Php395). Crispy slices of bagnet from Ilocos on a bed of rich and savory kare kare peanut sauce and accompanied by succulent lightly boiled greens.

Sinuglaw (Php395). The marriage of sinugbo and kinilaw led to this ceviche-type dish made with with grilled pork belly and fresh tuna made drenched in spiced vinegar and topped with salted egg. A great palate cleanser to nibble on in between richer dishes.

Gambas (Php425). Succulent whole shrimp in sauteed in garlic and olive oil. Great by itself as an appetizer or paired with rice. Personally, I was half-tempted to ask for more bread so I can scrape every bit of that flavorful garlicky olive oil from the cast-iron pan.

Lengua Salpicao (Php395). Ox tongue cooked to absolute tenderness and marinated in garlic served with olive oil. A definite winner for me.

Classic Pork Sisig (Php235). A staple among practically all Filipino restaurants, the pork sisig makes it appearance here accompanied by a sunny-side-up fried egg and some chopped liver.

Crispy Adobong Kambing (Php390). Goat meat tenderized, marinated adobo-style, deep-fried for crispiness and accompanied by garlic flakes. Not a bad intro to goat-based viands.

HidN Agenda (Php330). Ten different spirits combined together in a large goblet and set aflame right before your eyes. This is definitely not for lightweights: with just a little sip, you can feel the drink warm its way down your throat. I couldn’t finish my itty-bitty shot glass of this drink. If you’re a seasoned drinker and you’re feeling adventurous, give this drink a try.

21st State Cocktail (Php260). A dessert cocktail made with cognac and coffee liqueur and sprinkled with shaved chocolate on top, this drink is sweet and with a mild buzz. Definitely my kind of drink!

Having uncovered this hidden gem just a little distance from my workplace, I’m already thinking of after-work get-togethers and office celebrations that can be held here. It’s such nifty place to hide away in.

Many thanks to Kat and Ina Kierulf, as well as the wonderful staff of Hidn Lounge, for the great food and drinks, and the warm welcome!

HidN Lounge is located at 21 Scout Rallos Street, Barangay Laging Handa, Quezon City, open Mondays to Saturdays from 6pm to 2am. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 9824422, +63 917 8592355 or +63 917 8850718.

Did you know you can buy two drinks and get the same two drinks for free at HidN Lounge through Zomato Gold? Zomato Gold provides members with 1+1 deals on food or 2+2 deals on drinks.

Disclosure: Together with my fellow foodies, I was invited to join a foodie meetup held at 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.

HBO’s SUCESSION Returns For A Second Season On 12 August

Created by Emmy®, Oscar® and WGA nominee Jesse Armstrong (“In the Loop”), SUCCESSION launches its ten-episode second season same time as the U.S. on Monday, 12 August at 9am exclusively on HBO GO and HBO with new episodes airing weekly. The episode encores on the same day at 10pm on HBO. Beginning where season one dramatically left off, season two follows the Roy family as they struggle to retain control of their empire, and while the future looks increasingly uncertain, it is the past that threatens to ultimately destroy them.

The season two cast includes Brian Cox, Jeremy Strong, Hiam Abbass, Sarah Snook, Kieran Culkin, Alan Ruck, Nicholas Braun, Matthew Macfadyen, Peter Friedman, Rob Yang, J. Smith Cameron, Dagmara Dominczyk and Arian Moayed. Holly Hunter, Cherry Jones, Danny Huston, Jeannie Berlin and Fisher Stevens join the cast for season two. Returning guest stars include James Cromwell and Harriet Walter.

SUCCESSION has been nominated for five Primetime Emmy® awards, including Outstanding Drama Series.

Episodes include:

Season 2, episode 1: “The Summer Palace”
Premiere date: Monday, 12 August at 9am on HBO GO and HBO
Still addled from the events in England, Kendall (Jeremy Strong) tries to make amends with his dad for his takeover attempt betrayal. Logan (Brian Cox) receives some unvarnished advice from his financial banker about the next best move for Waystar Royco. As Tom (Matthew Macfadyen) maneuvers for a new position in the company, Shiv (Sarah Snook) tries to determine whether Logan is playing mind games regarding his successor. Written by Jesse Armstrong; directed by Mark Mylod.

Season 2, episode 2: “Vaulter”
Premiere date: Monday, 19 August at 9am on HBO GO and HBO
Roman (Kieran Culkin) and Kendall (Jeremy Strong) do a “routine health check” of a new media brand to help Vaulter to determine the future of the company. Tom (Matthew Macfadyen) tasks Greg (Nicholas Braun) with sniffing out waste at ATN, as Greg wonders if the divisive media outlet is the right fit for him. Connor (Alan Ruck) and Willa (Justine Lupe) host a soiree to mark their return to New York. Shiv (Sarah Snook) brings Tom in the loop about her future at Waystar and with Gil’s (Eric Bogosian) campaign. Written by Jon Brown; directed by Andrij Parekh.

Season 2, episode 3: “Hunting”
Premiere date: Monday, 26 August at 9am on HBO GO and HBO
Logan (Brian Cox) informs his skeptical management team of his plan to make another attempt to acquire Pierce, a rival media company and one of the most respected names in news, and brings back Frank (Peter Friedman) to work on the deal. Convinced the acquisition is a terrible idea, Shiv (Sarah Snook) asks Tom (Matthew Macfadyen) to deliver the message to Logan at a corporate retreat in Hungary. Greg (Nicholas Braun) worries his pre-meeting with a Logan biographer puts his standing with the family at risk. Connor’s (Alan Ruck) presidential announcement irritates Logan. Written by Tony Roche; directed by Andrij Parekh.

Season 2, episode 4: “Safe Room”
Premiere date: Monday, 2 September at 9am on HBO GO and HBO
Roman (Kieran Culkin) begins a six-week management training program in the Parks division and is irritated about spending so much time with “normals.” Logan (Brian Cox) brings Shiv in for a day at Waystar, raising suspicions with Kendall (Jeremy Strong) and Gerri (J. Smith-Cameron). Connor (Alan Ruck) and Willa (Justine Lupe) attend the funeral of a family friend with a complicated past. Logan and Kendall arrange a covert meeting with PGM CEO Rhea Jarrell (Holly Hunter), as a controversy surrounding a star anchor leads to a day of chaos at ATN headquarters. Written by Georgia Pritchett; directed by Robert Pulcini & Shari Springer Berman.

Season 2, episode 5: “Tern Haven”
Premiere date: Monday, 9 September at 9am on HBO GO and HBO
Logan (Brian Cox) attempts to solidify his buyout of PGM at a weekend retreat at the Pierce family home, where Shiv (Sarah Snook), Roman (Kieran Culkin) and Connor (Alan Ruck) veer from their carefully orchestrated roles. As the Pierces question whether an alliance with Waystar Royco will tarnish their legacy, Kendall (Jeremy Strong) makes his case to Naomi Pierce (Annabelle Dexter-Jones) during a drug-filled night. Written by Will Tracy; directed by Mark Mylod.

Season two credits: SUCCESSION was created by Jesse Armstrong; executive produced by Jesse Armstrong, Adam McKay, Frank Rich, Kevin Messick, Will Ferrell, Jane Tranter, Mark Mylod, Tony Roche and Scott Ferguson. Jesse Armstrong serves as showrunner.

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 which is exclusively available to SKY subscribers. To subscribe, call 418-0000 or your local SKY office or fill in your details here.

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

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.

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Alternative Filipino Cuisine at Abbiocco, Paligsahan

Do you remember that warm, comforting and sleepy feeling you get after a big and satisfying meal?

Well, the Italians call that feeling “abbiocco,” after which Quezon City’s newest restaurant is named.

To live up to its name, Abbiocco Alternative Filipino offers up classic favorites and imaginative reinventions of Pinoy dishes in large servings best enjoyed with others, from intimate get-togethers to large, full-scale celebrations. These well-loved viands honor local and authentic flavors while incorporating contemporary elements and techniques that reinvigorate old recipes.

Abbiocco even included Italian, Spanish and other Western selections to its menu, signifying not just the influences these had on Filipino cuisine but also the growing cosmopolitan tastes of Filipino diners.

Together with my foodie friends, I was lucky enough to join an exclusive preview of what Abbiocco has to offer. During our food tasting event, we were able to try delectable dishes such as:

Soups (sabaw):

House Kalabasa Soup (Php198). Pureed pumpkin and diced biscocho make this a mildly sweet yet savory cream soup.

Cream of Tomato with Malunggay Pesto (Php198). Tomatoes and malunggay pesto enhanced with cream and crispy toast make this a fresh start to the meal.

French Onion Soup (Php198). In this localized version of the French dish, caramelized red and white native onions, fresh thyme and rosemary leaves are incorporated in a beef stock base and topped with a layer of melted cheddar cheese.

Appetizers (pampagana):

Fried Shrimps in Salted Egg Sauce (Php388). The trend of adding salted egg yolks in dishes is in full swing in this dish. The shrimps are plump and succulent while the salted egg sauce is subtle enough not to be too overpowering.

Kinilaw na Tanigue sa Calamansi (Php298). I usually associate this local version of ceviche with bar chows and drinking parties but, as demonstrated by Abbiocco, it serves well as an appetizer, too.

Salad (ensalada):

Abbiocco’s Ensalada ala Anton (Php348). In this localized version of the Ceasar salad, romaine and iceberg lettuce are tossed with smoked bacon bits, biscocho, sundried local tomatoes, parmesan cheese and house-made dressing.

Sandwiches:

Abbiocco’s Triple Decker Sandwich (Php358). Roasted chicken breast, scrambled native eggs, smoked bacon and lechon kawali are layered over each other along with cucumber, lettuce and tomatoes with calamansi and garlic mayo in between whole wheat bread slices.

Mains:

6 Hours Braised Lamb Shank (Php1,888). A shanknof lamb is slow cooked for six hours to achieve that falling-off-the-bone level of tenderness then doused in curry sauce and served with Abbiocco rice and side vegetables. The lamb is notably missing that gamey flavor and is well complemented by the mildly spicy curry sauce which makes this – surprisingly – my favorite among the dishes served.

Pinoy BBQ Baboy Back Ribs (Php698). Lean pork ribs is slow-cooked to tenderness, marinated in local lime, soy sauce and honey and served with garlic mashed potato, whole kernel corn and buttered vegetables.

Anton’s Salted Egg Fried Chicken Wings (Php348). Crispy chicken wings are coated in salted egg sauce then served with Mango Avocado Salsa.

Seafood Kare-Kare sa Gata (Php798). Mixed seafoods and vegetables are cooked in a rich peanut sauce and served with bagoong.

Pasta Crema Carbonara (Php348). Firm spaghetti noodles are tossed in a sauce made of egg, caramelized local onions, queso de bola, smoked bacon and pepper.

Desserts (pahimagas):

Leche Flan (Php168). The homegrown version of the creme caramel dessert, made very sweet with condensed milk with a bit of citrusy flavor from dayap rind.

Halo Halo (Php228). This traditional dessert of shaved ice, evaporated milk and other sweetened ingredients is perfect for a hot summer day. I prefer mine without the pinipig, though.

Beverages:

Mocktails (non-alcoholic drinks). Virgin Mojito (lime, mint leaves and soda water), Tornado Twist (Grapes, Tresec and Soda Water) and Shirley Temple (raspberry syrup and fizzy lime soda).

If you’re looking to reinvigorate your relationship with Filipino food, look no further than Abbiocco!

Thanks to the lovely folks of Abbiocco for the warm welcome and the fine food!

Abbiocco Alternative Filipino is located at G/F Metro Stonerich Building, 3 Scout Rallos St. corner Mother Ignacia Street, Bgy. Laging Handa Quezon City, open daily from Sundays to Thursdays from 11am until 11pm, and Fridays to Saturdays from 11am to 2am on Fridays and Saturdays. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 9892350.

Disclosure: Together with other foodies, I attended a food tasting event held here wherein food and drink items were served to allow us to sample the fare. These were not paid for by the attendees, including myself.

Mitsuyado Ramen Shokudo Gives You More Delicious Options at Budget-Friendly Prices

Just when you thought you’ve experienced all there is to it when it comes to ramen dining, in comes another concept from the same company that gave you the Tsukemen experience.

Infinity Foods Alliance, the firm behind Mitsuyado Sei-men: The House of Tsukemen, recently opened a cafeteria-style ramen shop at the Japan Town of Top of the Glo in Glorietta 2 that is reminiscent of the noodle houses in Japan.

Mitsuyado Seimen is a concept that originated from Tokyo, Japan. It specializes in Tsukemen (dipping noodle). This is what it has been known for in the Philippines for the past six to seven years. It is known for making good quality thick noodles for Tsukemen. For Mitsuyado Ramen Shokudo, meanwhile, uses good quality thin noodles.

“Mitsuyado Ramen Shokudo is a ramen house where you can choose your own ramen and pair it with your preferred topping,” explained Judy Kay C. Ang, representative of Infinity Food Alliance.

Mitsuyado Ramen Shokudo was born because the company wanted to offer a fast-paced restaurant to satisfy the ramen cravings of Filipinos. In the Philippines, ramen has been priced on the average of P400-P500 per bowl. Through Mitsuyado Ramen Shokudo, it wants to bring ramen appreciation to a price level that is more affordable, which is about only P180 per bowl.

Their ramen offerings include the Hakata Ramen, a pork-based broth that originated from the Hakata District of Fukuoka in Kyushu in southern Japan. They also have the white original Hakata Tonkotsu Ramen, Red Spicy Ramen (which makes use of the Japanese spice, karashi), Black Garlic, and Green Matcha.

To add variety to the ramen they ordered, customers are encouraged to customize it by selecting from various favorite Japanese toppings. Choices include the Charsiu, Sukiyaki, Ajitama, and Boneless Pork Chop, among others. Ang said that there are currently 10 to 12 toppings, and this number can increase in the coming months.

“We want to offer something different to the popular ramen, and we want it to be very affordable. At Mitsuyado Ramen Shokudo, customers can enjoy good quality noodles at very budget-friendly prices,” said the company’s Marketing and Customer Care Specialist April Faith Alquiroz.

Now, if you want to enjoy your ramen with other popular Japanese food on the side, you can do, too! For Filipinos who love rice, meanwhile, there are donburi options available. There are the Pork Cutlet Rice Bowl Don, Ebi Tempura Don, Chicken Karaage Don, Boneless Porkchop Don, and Gyoza to choose from.

Ang said that after their Glorietta ramen shop, they will be opening another Mitsuyado Ramen Shokudo in Vertis North. In the coming months, they will also be unveiling a CoCo ICHIBANYA Curry House in Top of the Glo before the end of the year.

Infinity Foods Alliance is among the many companies focusing on Japanese concept restaurants by entrepreneur Hubert Young, who has been credited for growing the UCC Coffee chain in the Philippines. He is also set to open the biggest Japanese fast food burger chain Mos Burger in the last quarter of the year.

Mitsuysado Ramen Shokudo is located at Top of the Glo, Roofdeck, Glorietta 1, Ayala Center, Glorietta Complex, Makati City, open Sundays to Thursdays from 10am to 9pm and Fridays to Saturdays from 10am to 10pm.

Restaurant details and images provided by Mitsuyado Ramen Shokudo in a recent press release.

Yummy and healthy eats at Nomi Cafe, BGC

Being a foodie, I find that when given a choice between what is flavorful and what is healthy, I would usually go for flavor. For me, eating is not just something I do to nourish my body; it is also something I do to calm my mind, soothe my soul or warm my heart.

The thing is: sometimes, there doesn’t have to be a line between flavor and health. At Nomi Cafe, for instance, Japanese food are prepared using fresh produce and premium ingredients to present diners with a meal that whets their appetite while helping them keep themselves healthy.

On our way to our staycation, I took my mom and my daughter to Nomi Cafe in Bonifacio Global City. (Yes, we’re three generations of women out for good food and good vibes!)

We liked the chill, casual and relaxing vibe of the place, from the use of pastel colors, the fun sayings on the walls, to the faux greens under the glass tables that give diners a feeling of nature and freshness.

One of Nomi’s founding partners, Take, was there to tell us more about the cafe’s origins. Take and his friends synergized what they like about their favorite modern Japanese cafes in Kyoto, Osaka and Kyoto, and brought about Nomi Cafe in Bonifacio Global City to a receptive Filipino dining public.

We were able to enjoy some of Nomi Cafe’s yummy and healthy offerings such as:

Beef Me Up (Php350). A balanced bowl of sauteed beef tenderloin, roasted garlic, broccoli, bell peppers, mixed greens, olives and soy garlic dressing on top of steamed Japanese rice, this is perfect for my mom who’s into getting more veggies in her meals. If she wanted to, she could have opted to replace the rice with brown rice or cauliflower rice.

My mom paired this rice bowl with a Berry Power Up (Php180), one of Nomi Cafe’s low-fat smoothies. This drink is made of strawberry, blueberry and acai shipped from Brazil which are then blended with coconut water and yoghurt. This, and the other drinks we ordered, also make use of earth-friendly bamboo straws which makes my environmentally aware daughter very happy.

Pork Katsu Curry Rice (Php330). My daughter has been craving for Japanese curry for some time now, so it’s fortunate that she chanced upon this dish. The katsu pieces were tender and tasty and well complemented by the potato, carrots and curry sauce.

My baby girl, who also happens to be a matcha connoisseur, opted for a Matcha Weight Loss Smoothie (Php190), a banana smoothie infused with organic match flown in from Japan, to enjoy with her rice meal.

Tantanmen (Php395). In yet another instance that proves my #RamenPhase is here to stay, I opted for this spicy and hearty ramen given the day’s sudden burst of rainfall (which, thanks to the inconstant weather deities, dried up by the end of our meal). Tantanmen gets its richness from the sesame seeds and paste incorporated in the soup flavored with ginger, spring onions and other aromatics. Together with the bits of ground pork and tamago, it presents a complex flavor that I just can’t resist.

I got myself a Mango Madness (Php180), made with fresh mangoes mixed with bananas, coconut water and cinnamon to cool and refresh my palate after the Tantanmen.

Nomi Style Cheesecake (Php250/slice). For dessert, we treated ourselves with this confection composed of matcha cheesecake on a graham cracker crust topped with a rich matcha-flavored mousse.

Thanks to the wonderful folks of Nomi Cafe for this fun foodie adventure with my favorite girls!

Nomi Cafe is located at Ground Floor, W City Center, 30th Street corner 7th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, open Mondays to Saturdays from 11am to 12 midnight and Sundays from 12 noon to 8pm.

Disclosure: Our meal was sponsored by Nomi Cafe as a way for us to sample the fare in exchange for an honest review.

Happy fam brunch at Over Easy, Marikina

When we think of brunch, we think of ladies leisurely eating a meal while exchanging gossip.

However, one Tuesday, while my mom was out doing errands, my daughter #ExhibitA and I decided to take my groovy dad out for brunch at Over Easy.

So, after a short trip from our house in Pasig to this trending resto in Marikina, soundtracked with classic rock ‘n roll from my daughter’s Spotify, we found ourselves at Over Easy’s sprawling premises.

And my dad lost no time taking a pose! (So now we know where I got it from! 🤪)

Actually, the resto’s premises is quite conducive to photo opps (“IG-worthy” is how kids today would call it).

From the colorful wall murals to the artfully displayed tchotchkes, Over Easy exudes an atmosphere of warmth, comfort and welcome while still retaining that “cool” factor. Badly put: you might get dragged here by your tita, but, deep inside, you wouldn’t mind.

Yep, you wouldn’t mind hanging out here one bit especially once you’ve tasted what Over Easy has to offer such as what we enjoyed during our brunch with Daddy-o:

Macaroni and Cheese (Php220). This is actually #ExhibitA’s go-to dish. Over Easy’s version features creamy and hot melted cheese mixed in with macaroni and topped with bacon bits.

Fish and Chips (Php295). Fish fillets coated with beer batter, deep-fried until golden brown and served with parmesan dusted potato chips and tartar sauce.

BBQ Ribs (Php510 for half-rack with 2 side dishes). Fall-off-the-bone tender braised ribs, then grilled to get that rich smokey flavor, then served with Over Easy”s signature barbecue sauce. All I can say about this dish is that the bones were picked clean by the time we’re done.

While my dad sipped on his Coke Zero (Php55), #ExhibitA and I treated ourselves to a European Strawberry Cooler (Php140), a refreshing fizzy drink flavored with sweet strawberries (yeah, it’s a tita drink, hahaha!)

Lava Cake (Php195). Our foodie adventure here wouldn’t be complete without dessert. We got ourselves a molten chocolate cake topped with classic vanilla ice cream and doused with chocolate syrup. What a perfect way to cap our meal!

This brunch may not have been an all-out gossip over drinks sesh among ladies but it allowed my daughter and me to spend some precious time with my dear daddy.

Over Easy is located at G&W Terraza, Mayor Gil Fernando Avenue, San Roque, Marikina City, open Mondays to Thursdays from 7am to 11pm and Fridays to Sundays from 7am to 12 midnight. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 2554686.

Disclosure: Part of our meal was sponsored by Over Easy through gift certificates shared by Harvard of Always Hungry PH.

VERY RALPH, the first documentary portrait of fashion icon Ralph Lauren, debuts 13 November on HBO GO

VERY RALPH, the first documentary portrait of fashion icon Ralph Lauren, debuts same time as the U.S. on 13 November exclusively on HBO GO. The feature-length film reveals the man behind the icon and the creation of one of the most successful brands in fashion history. VERY RALPH is directed and produced by award-winning documentarian Susan Lacy (HBO’s “Jane Fonda in Five Acts,” “Spielberg”).

With an uncanny ability to turn his dreams into reality, Ralph Lauren has built a multi-billion-dollar, global powerhouse out of his aspirations, becoming a living embodiment of American optimism and the American Dream. For more than 50 years, he has celebrated the iconography of America and defined American style, translating his vision and inspiration into one of the world’s most widely recognized brands. In VERY RALPH, as he enters his sixth decade in business, Lauren reflects on his journey from a boy from the Bronx who didn’t know what a fashion designer was, to becoming the emblem of American style all around the world.

Offering unprecedented access to his life and work, Ralph Lauren speaks candidly in extensive interviews about his childhood, his five-decade-long marriage, the early days of his company, his response to criticism, his inventive multi-page ad campaigns and his pioneering vision which includes a remarkable series of firsts: Lauren was the first designer to create and market a complete lifestyle brand and expand into home furnishings, one of the first to champion diversity on the runway and in advertising and the first to create immersive retail environments that transformed the shopping experience.

VERY RALPH also features vivid archives from 50 years of the fashion brand, as well as intimate, revealing interviews with Lauren’s family, long-standing colleagues and other notables, including Anna Wintour, Karl Lagerfeld, André Leon Talley, Hillary Clinton, Robin Givhan, Jason Wu, Naomi Campbell, Martha Stewart, Calvin Klein, Tyson Beckford, Tina Brown, Diane von Furstenberg, Jessica Chastain, Vanessa Friedman and Paul Goldberger.

Susan Lacy is the creator and former executive producer of the celebrated WNET series “American Masters,” which is shown on PBS nationwide. She has won countless Emmy®, Peabody and other industry awards, and has produced and directed a broad library of acclaimed films exploring the lives of America’s most enduring cultural icons. Her previous HBO documentaries include the Emmy® nominee “Spielberg,” which debuted in 2017 and “Jane Fonda in Five Acts,” which debuted in 2018.

HBO Documentary Films presents a Pentimento production; produced and directed by Susan Lacy; produced by Emma Pildes and Jessica Levin; executive produced by Graydon Carter.

HBO Original Series as well as live channels are available for streaming on HBO GO which is exclusively available to SKY subscribers. To subscribe, call 418-0000 or your local SKY office or fill in your details here.

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

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Silicon Valley

HBO Comedy Series Silicon Valley returns for sixth and final season

The HBO comedy series SILICON VALLEY returns for its seven-episode, sixth and final season this October exclusively on HBO GO and HBO. A collaboration between Mike Judge and Alec Berg, the Emmy®-winning and Golden Globe-nominated series takes a comedic look at the modern-day epicenter of the high-tech gold rush, where the people most qualified to succeed are the least capable of handling success.

The series stars Thomas Middleditch as Richard, Zach Woods as Jared, Kumail Nanjiani as Dinesh, Martin Starr as Gilfoyle, Amanda Crew as Monica, Jimmy O. Yang as Jian-Yang, Suzanne Cryer as Laurie Bream, Matt Ross as Gavin Belson and Josh Brener as Big Head.

The Atlantic hailed the show’s fifth season as “exciting” and “hilarious,” while A.V. Club praised the series as having “one of the best comedic ensembles on television.”

Judge and Berg serve as executive producers, writers and directors. Executive produced by Clay Tarver, Lew Morton, Michael Rotenberg, Tom Lassally and Jim Kleverweis; co-executive produced by Ron Weiner, Sarah Walker, and Daisy Gardner. Created by Mike Judge & John Altschuler & Dave Krinsky.

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

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A new foodie haven: Shizuka Cafe, Little Baguio

With all the frenetic activity at work and at home, don’t you sometimes for a place where you can just relax and enjoy your time alone or with a few close friends?

Well, look no further than this relatively new cafe located a few minutes’ ride away from Greenhills.

From the outside, Shizuka Cafe may blend in among the many dining establishments in Little Baguio, but inside is a welcoming and cozy haven. Muted lighting and artfully displayed Japanese-themed bric-a-bracs make it a comfy and relaxing place, in line with the meaning of its name – shizuka, which means calm, peaceful, silent and quiet.

Shizuka’s Chef Paul Tan and his partners introduced quite a lot of innovations and advocacies to the local dining scene which include Shitzuka’s drives for artisanship (by carefully crafting its food and beverage offering), sustainability (through minimizing the use of plastic in its operations), local commerce (by sourcing its ingredients for its homey Japanese cuisine and finely craft coffee beverages from local merchants) and diversity (by employing differently abled staff).

Together with my foodie friends from #WeLoveToEatPH and #SaanSaPH, I was able to sample some of the well-crafted dishes that Shizuka brings to the table. Check them out:

Onion Tempura (Php125). Onions coated in tempura batter then deep-friend and served with wasabi aioli. I love how texture of the onions and the flavor complexity that the wasabi aioli adds to the dish.

Pork Gyoza (Php150). Five pieces of the popular pork and vegetable pot stickers. In contrast to the usual gyoza from other restaurants, these come in pretty square shapes.

Nachos (Pho180). Crispy wonton wrappers doused with a sauce made from three cheeses and topped with soy Bolognese and parmesan cheese. I found myself reaching into this bowl and popping those nachos into my mouth again and again.

Tori Tebasaki (Php155). Tender chicken wings glazed with a sambal sauce, an exotic take on the chicken wings dish.

Tori Salad (Php180). Mixed greens with grilled chicken and miso balsamic vinaigrette.

Katsu Sando (Php190). Breaded ground pork katsu sandwiches coated with house-made tonkatsu sauce.

Tori Pesto (Php165). Sandwich with freshly grilled chicken and shiitake tossed in pesto sauce.

Nori Mac and Cheese (Php190). Shell macaroni in a cream sauce made of mozzarella, cheddar and parmesan served a crispy nori. I tried this hearty pasta dish with both with a touch of seven spices and without and I like it better without the spice.

Gyu Salpicao (Php290). Flavorful tenderloin in garlicky salpicao sauce over rice served with a sous vide egg. Salpicao is oftentimes a hit or miss with me: any excess in salty, sweet or spicy flavors tends to detract from my enjoyment. I’m happy to discover that this version of the dish is very well-balanced with added richness from the sous vide egg.

Tori HBS (Php210). Crispy fried chicken tossed in honey butter glaze over rice, also served with sous vide egg. What makes the Gyu Salpicao a standout also applies in this dish.

Big Breakfast (Php230). Imagine waking up to a hearty breakfast of hefty pancakes smothered in premium butter, generous slices of Italian sausage and fluffy scrambled eggs. Heck, fill yourself up with this meal any time of the day.

The Nursery (Php115). Peanut butter cream cheese with chocolate soil. A real treat for a sweet tooth like me.

Better than Doughnuts (Php100). My first taste of freshly made Southern American-style beignets more than met my expectations. Fluffy and chewy and perfectly complemented by matcha or chocolate ganache, this serves as a wonderful cap to the meal.

Shizuka Cafe also brings imaginatively crafted beverages to the table. These include:

White Genmaicha Cha (Php108 for 16oz | Php128 for 22oz). One of the Flaky Sea Salt and Cheese series, this features a not-too-sweet earthy rice and green tea flavor. I would have loved it sweeter but this would be good for those who are managing their sugar intake.

Strawberry Milk (Php118 for 16oz | Php138 for 22oz). Fresh strawberries blended with milk and also topped with Flaky Sea Salt and Cheese. I wish it could have maintained its consistency (we took a long time taking pictures) but it is sweetly refreshing just the same.

Cold Brew Latte (Php108 for 16oz | Php128 for 22oz). The more caffeinated among the Flaky Sea Salt and Cheese series, this is good for those looking for a pick-me-up.

Strawberry Chamomile (Php145). Refreshing loose-leaf chamomile tea and strawberries.

Sparkling Yuzu Mojito (Php220). This refreshing citrusy drink is made with yuzu and lime fruit juice, tonic water and white rhum.

Strawberry Sakerita (Php230). Loose-leaf chamomile tea blended with fresh strawberries and sake served in a glass with salted rim. A sweeter and milder Japanese version of the margarita, one I can imagine myself enjoying again and again.

So when you’re feeling overwhelmed or just want to unwind in a relaxing and welcoming environment, head off to Shizuka Cafe. Bring your friends with you for an extra good time!

Shizuka Cafe is located at 709 Jose Abad Santos Corner F. Calderon, Little Baguio, San Juan City, open daily from 8am to 10pm. For inquiries, reservations and pick up arrangements, call +63 926 0792964.

No time to drop by Shizuka Cafe? Order what your craving for via Grab Food and have it delivered right to your doorstep.

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.