Jellybeans in the City

3 ways Mang Ding’s Pinoy BBQ in Marikina is perfect for your family holiday gathering

It’s been a year and a half into the global pandemic, and we are just now feeling some loosening of the many restrictions.

With the Metro Manila recently de-escalated to Alert Level 2, kids are now allowed out of doors, emerging from more than a year of being stuck at home.

With Christmas just around the corner, extended families are surely looking forward to the time they can all gather together and catch up.

I know just the perfect venue for such gatherings: Mang Ding’s Pinoy BBQ in Marikina.

Let me tell you why:

1. Going there is like being welcomed into a family home.

Mang Ding’s is located in a quiet neighborhood in Barangay Sto. Nino, Marikina.

Restaurant owner Dindo Cleofas inherited his father’s (the original Mang Ding) love of grilling and wanted a restaurant where he can continue his father’s legacy as well as have a place where he can relax and chill with friends. Together with his wife, Dotie, he converted their home’s garden area into an outdoor dining space where he can serve customers his specialities, hot and fresh from the grill.

The space is shielded from the elements by a roofed pergola and surrounded by lush greenery, most of which were planted and nurtured by their family.

This open-air dining area is well-ventilated, equipped with fans to keep the air circulating and the surrounding plants adding refreshing color and coolness to space.

Walking into Mang Ding’s feels like visiting your favorite tita’s house; it’s a place where you feel right at home.

2. It can serve as your kids’ introduction to Pinoy comfort and street food.

A few months ago, I brought my parents here for dinner and upon seeing and tasting the familiar Filipino comfort food served to us, both my mom and dad waxed nostalgic about the dishes they grew up with. They regaled my daughter with stories about their foodie adventures back in the day.

If your kiddos are the “just fry me a hotdog, Mommy” type, it may be high time to introduce them to the simple yet sublime joys of good, down-home Pinoy cooking. You can be sure that lolos, lolas, titos and titas will waste no time in telling stories about their own experiences with Pinoy comfort food during your family party, and will help instill among the little ones healthy respect and appreciation for our culinary heritage.

You can count on Mang Ding’s to bring to the table an array of MALINIS, MASARAP at MURA dishes such as:

Ensaladang Talong (Php75).

Sizzling Tokwa Special (Php160).

Quarter Leg Chicken BBQ (Php150).

Boneless Chicken BBQ (Php180).

Isaw Manok (Php20).

BBQ Platter (Php575).

Boneless Bangus Overload (Php265).

Pompano (Php380).

Grilled Pusit (Php425).

Tuna Panga (Php485).

And if the children still want the hotdogs, longganisas and fried chicken that they’re familiar with, you can still accommodate their requests here, and even give them a sweet treat for dessert.

Grilled TJ Jumbo Hotdog (Php50).

Grilled Longganisa (Php55).

McJolly Pakpak (Php225 half kilo | Php400 kilo).

Belgian Chocolate (Php150 slice).

Since good food help spark great conversations and great moments, your fam is in for a memorable experience when you hold your get-together at Mang Ding’s.

3. You can enjoy its tasty dishes at home.

The fun doesn’t have to stop after the get-together. You can bring home the yummy Pinoy BBQ at home with you, thanks to this handy box. For just Php599, you get fifteen sticks of Mang Ding’s signature barbecue and isaw served with grilled corn as well as calamansi and siling labuyo for the dipping sauce.

On the other hand, if your family opted for a virtual reunion, you can still partake of the same meal during your Zoom party by sending them Mang Ding’s Ready-to-Grill Pinoy BBQ packs (basting and dipping sauce included) that they can cook at home in a jiffy.

These include, among others:

Liempo (Php360/500g).

Pork BBQ (Php600/20pcs) and Isaw Manok (Php460/20pcs).

Chicharon Bulaklak (Php325/500g).

So whether your clan decides to have a physical get-together or a virtual party over the holiday season and beyond, Mang Ding’s is surely your best bet!

Mang Ding’s Pinoy BBQ is located at Block 3, Lot 13 C Buenviaje Street, Barangay Santo Nino, Marikina City, open for dine-in, pickup and delivery on Mondays to Thursdays from 11am to 9pm and Fridays to Sundays for 11am to 10.30pm.

Reserve the venue now for your clan gathering or book a table for lunch, dinner or drinks by calling +63 916 2853031.

Disclosure: Together with fellow bloggers, I attended a food tasting held at this restaurant. Food items served were not paid for by the attendees.

6 reasons to bring the fam to Manila Ocean Park

One of the happier news that we received lately is that the metro has moved down its COVID-19 alert level status, resulting to the further loosening of restrictions.

This new alert level has allowed leisure and entertainment businesses such as theaters, theme parks and other tourist attractions to open up and accept visitors once again.

More importantly, this means that after a year and a half of being stuck at home, the kiddos can now venture out and explore a bit of the world outside again.

As parents, you are surely on the lookout for a place to take the kiddos to give them a welcome break from the stress of online classes and the monotony of staying at home, while creating a special moment for the family to spend time together and create special memories outside of home.

Well, here are six reasons why Manila Ocean Park is your best bet for your family outing:

1. The people behind Manila Ocean Park are excited to see you again.

After more than a year of being away from their exhibits, outlets and shows, the staff of country’s first world-class marine theme park and premiere educational entertainment destination are happy to be back doing what they love.

Manila Ocean Park Reopening — MOP VP for Sales and Marketing Mary Joyce Tarroza and Media Relations Manager Reden Ramones join us for a photo opp.

During a chat with me and my fellow bloggers, MOP VP for Sales and Marketing Joyce Tarroza and Media Relations Manager Reden Ramones, relayed how Manila Ocean Park’s personnel have looked forward to the reopening.

“We are incredibly thrilled to finally be able to open Manila Ocean Park to the public again, return team members to work, and welcome guests back to enjoy our amazing and educational attractions,” added Mary Joyce.

2. It has reopened 6 well-loved indoor attractions.

With its return to operations, Manila Ocean Park has reopened six classic and fun-filled indoor attractions that appeal to young and old alike.

Oceanarium, for example, is home to over 270 species of marine creatures. Here, the family can walk through a 25-meter long curved walkway tunnel that gives visitors the feeling of being surrounded by sharks, stingrays, eels and other sea creatures swimming overhead.

The Jellies Exhibit, on the other hand, takes the family away to a wonderland of transparent jellyfishes that gracefully float and glide about accompanied by multimedia effects and music. This fantastic display has earned these creatures the moniker “The Dancing Sea Fairies.”

The more adventurous visitors can explore the World of Creepy Crawlies where they can encounter bugs, frogs, spiders and worms and other creatures not for the faint of heart.

The Penguin Exhibit, the first penguin park in the country, lets visitors get up close and personal with Humboldt penguins (also known as Peruvian penguins or Patranca).

At the Christmas Village, the kids and adults can relive the magic and spirit of the holiday season.

Lastly, at the Super Toy Collection, kids of all ages can view the most extensive display of toys inspired by Pinoy childhood superheroes.

With these fascinating points of interest in the park, the family will have lots to explore and discover.

3. You can catch the South American sea lions in action.

The fun doesn’t stop indoors, either.

Step out to the Sea Lion Show and catch these large but adorable creatures perform breathtaking tricks.

You might even get a kiss from one!

4. The family can enjoy a gastronomic journey al fresco

All that fun and excitement are sure to work up an appetite so plop down at the dining area near the Sea Lion Show and feast on on the newly refreshed Asian fusion menu from Chef Ranuka Hettiarachchi.

You may also opt to head down to Garden Dining by White Moon Bar where the kids can explore the greenery while the grownups relax with a drink or two.

Check out my previous experience here.

Can’t get enough of these culinary creations? You can also have these scrumptious dishes delivered to your home. More on that here.

5. Protocols are still in place to keep your family safe

What welcome news it was to hear that kids 17 years old and below, regardless of their vaccination status, are now allowed inside the park, as long as they’re accompanied by a fully vaccinated adult.

Your family can rest easy knowing that your continued well-being is a top priority at Manila Ocean Park.

In line with the guidelines from the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) and the regulations from Philippine government, the theme park is operating at 30% capacity.

Enhanced health and safety measures are also being implemented in accordance with the Minimum Public Health Standards to promote physical distancing, enhanced cleanliness and reduced contact.

Of course, these measures can only be effective with the cooperation of guests so please keep these in mind during your visit:

Secure your Safety Pass by scanning the QR code at the entrance.
Submit to health and temperature checks and, for adults, present your vaccination card and ID prior to entering.
Wear your face masks and face shields at all times.
Keep at least one meter apart. Markers and reminders have been placed in several spots to guide you.
Wash and sanitize your hands frequently.

6. You can take advantage of amazing deals

Until November 21, kids below 17 years old accompanied by a fully vaccinated adults are accepted inside the park according to the IATF guidelines.

The city government of Manila also set the age cap for adult visitors at 65 years old.

So now is the best time to bring the whole family to Manila Ocean Park, especially with these amazing limited-time deals exclusively available at the park’s website until December 19, 2021.

Ocean Escapade (Php499 – formerly Php2,300) which provides access to the 6 reopened attractions at almost 80% discount from the original ticket price.
2+1 Flash Sale Promo. Buy 2 Ocean Escapade vouchers priced at Php595 and get 1 for free. That’s Php1,190 for 3 tickets already!

So not only can you bring the whole fam in for a lot of fun and adventure, you get to enjoy great savings, too!

Book your tickets via Klook now, folks!

Manila Ocean Park is located inside Luneta Park in Manila.

For inquiries, call (+632) 7238-6100 or follow Manila Ocean Park on Facebook and Instagram.

Disclosure: Complimentary tickets and refreshments were provided by the park in exchange for this feature.

Fave rolled pizzas at home from Pazzo Rollio

I belong to a family of pizza lovers.

My little boy, in particular, is such a pizza monster, he can devour it all day, every day!

My challenge as a mom is how to expand his food horizons (and hopefully incorporate more vegetables into what he eats),

Fortunately, the solution to my problem is just a few phone taps away as Pazzo Rollio delivers via GrabFood!

The name “Pazzo Rollio” translates to “crazy rolls” in Italian, quite fitting for the resto’s crazy good rolled pizzas.

Wafer-thin pizza dough is slathered with cheese sauce and toppings, then baked in a hot oven and served with arugula and alfalfa sprouts, ready for rolling. (The inclusion of these greens, by the way, takes care of my need to incorporate veggies into my son’s food intake.)

Yes, you might find rolled pizzas in other pizza joints in the metro, but Pazzo Rollio’s are among the least expensive and the most varied that I know of.

Check out my go-to orders!

Spinach Artichoke (Php260 solo | Php480 family). Topped with spinach, artichoke, fresh garlic and parmesan over cheese sauce.

Big Bang Supreme (Php270 solo / Php490 family). Topped with bacon, ham, pepperoni, caramelized onion and mushroom over cheese sauce.

Wild Truffled (Php270 solo / Php490 family). Topped with parma ham, mushroom, truffle salsa, honey and caramelized onion.

Whenever I need a tasty snack for the fam (especially for my little boy), or an additional dish to go with my homemade Baked Macaroni to serve to guests, I just bring out my phone and order these rolled pizza faves from Pazzo Rollio.

I think that Pazzo Rollio rolled pizzas may be great additions to my family’s holiday spread this Christmas!

Pazzo Rollio is currently open for takeout and delivery at these branches:

Third Floor, Robinsons Magnolia, New Manila, Quezon City
SM Hypermarket, Frontera Verde Drive, Ugong, Pasig City

Wondering what it would be like to dine in at Pazzo Rollio? Check out my pre-pandemic foodie adventure with my foodie friends at its SM Pasig branch!

Thai BBQ Original Restaurant, Ayala Vertis North

One of the cuisines that I have been missing since the start of the pandemic is Thai food, largely because there are not too many Thai restaurants in my neck of the woods, and a lot of them took a pause in operations during the lockdown.

I do carry some fondness for Thai BBQ Original Restaurant, though, as I was able to meet up over a tasty meal with my friend visiting from Singapore at its Glorietta Branch.

It’s Ayala Vertis North branch was also the setting of one of my last happy lunches with my co-workers, where we took the opportunity to have a break from our usual work and catch up over good food.

This restaurant chain originated in Los Angeles in the late 70s, offering the best flavors of Thailand. It set up shop here in the country in 2016, aiming to reignite the Pinoy’s taste for Thai cuisine.

In recognition for its dedication to serving authentic Thai dishes, it has been awarded with THAI Select, a awarded by Department of International Trade Promotion which certifies not only the food, but also the hospitality and the atmosphere of the restaurant.

Thai food surely made for a welcome break from the normal packed lunches or fast food that I usually have when in the office.

During our pre-pandemic forays into Ayala Vertis North, my officemates and I had one of our happy lunches here where wesaid “Sawadeeka!” to some of the resto’s signature dishes.

Tom Yum Goong.

Traditional sour and spicy soup flavored with herbs and spices with some shrimp added in.

Pad Thai.

Rice noodles, shrimp, peanuts, a scrambled egg, and vegetables are stir-fried in a wok and tossed in Pad Thai sauce, which gives its signature tangy salty flavor with a hint of sweetness.

Thai Original BBQ Pork Belly.

Specially marinated tender pork belly, baked and grilled in a special Thai BBQ sauce.

Thai BBQ Spare Ribs.

Generouse cuts of falling-off-the bone tender marinated pork ribs grilled and served with sweet and spicy Thai BBQ sauce.

Crispy Oyster Cake.

Oyster cakes battered and pan-firend then served on a hot plate with chili sauce.

Massaman Curry.

A fusion of Thai and Indian culinary influences which make use of red curry paste, dry whole spices and peanuts.

It’s been a while since I’ve been here and I’ve also been missing the friends I shared this delicious meal with.

The good news is that Thai BBQ Original Restaurant has reopened several branches for dine-in, takeout and delivery to sate the Thai food cravings of its Pinoy fans.

Makati: G/F Glorietta 4, Main Driveway (next to Ascott Hotel), Makati City (Wed to Sun | 11am to 8pm)
Quezon City: Level 2 Ayala Malls Vertis North (Beside Trinoma), North Avenue, Quezon City
Pasig: Level 1 Food Village Bldg. B Tiendesitas (beside Rico’s Lechon), Ortigas East, Pasig City

So it won’t be too long before I say “Sawadeeka!” again to awesome Thai food. Hopefully, I can say the same to the friends that I miss.

Follow Thai BBQ Original Restaurant on Facebook and Instagram to keep updated on its latest offers.

Extraordinary sound selections from Nokia Personal Audio, coming this 11.11!

Nokia Personal Audio by RichGo celebrates its first 11.11 campaign in the Philippines with BIG surprises prepared for all Nokia fans and audio enthusiasts! #MyNokia

Surprise 1: Up to 50% OFF on Nokia Favorites

Fans get to choose from a wide variety of True Wireless Audio devices without breaking the bank. Customers can get discounts of up to 50% OFF on Nokia #FanFavorites, which will be available in all Nokia Personal Audio online stores from November 11 to 17, 2021.

Below Php1,500: Nokia E3100 (23% OFF) at Php 1,099 only! (From: Php 1,440), Nokia E3101 (25% OFF) Php 1,499 only! (From: Php 1,999)
30% OFF and Above: Nokia E1200 (32% OFF) Php 1,699 only! (From: Php 2,499), Nokia E3200 (32% OFF) Php 1,699 only! (From: Php 2,449), Nokia E3500 (34% OFF) Php2,299 only! (From: Php 3,449)
50% OFF: Nokia P3802A (50% OFF) Php 3,249 only! (From: Php 6,449)

Shop now!

Buy Now

Surprise 2: Limited Edition – Nokia P3600

True to its promise to bring affordable and quality wireless audio devices, RichGo Philippines will be releasing an addition to its PRO device line, the Nokia P3600 Pro True Wireless Earphones. A LIMITED- EDITION release, this new device aims to bring back the superb aesthetics of legacy Nokia mobile devices with sleek, shiny and curvy chassis for only Php 4,499 (11.11 price).

Targeted to empowered young individuals, the Nokia P3600 sports a sleek metallic charging case (reminiscent to the 2005-released luxury Nokia 8800 phone) that makes it a sure head turner for its striking looks. Aside from its mesmerizing aesthetics, the P3600 boasts a bang-for-the-buck audio configuration. The P3600 earphones is equipped with a Knowles Balanced Armature driver combined with an 8mm dynamic driver to deliver Hi-Fi quality music. One driver handles the mid and high frequencies and another takes care of the bass so users can enjoy a full spectrum of well-balanced sound.

The P3600 also enable users to immerse themselves in the scene with its “Gaming Mode” that reduces delay and delivers sound in sync with the on-screen action, so gamers will never miss a critical sound again.

The Nokia P3600 will be released in LIMITED QUANTITY, and each purchase comes in an impressive Tin Can packaging which makes it a perfect gift idea for those who love style and function at the same time. Truly a collector’s delight!

Product Availability

The Nokia P3600, together with the rest of the Nokia Personal Audio products on sale will be available from November 11 to 17, 2021 in all online shops of Nokia Personal Audio by RichGo on Lazada, Shopee, and its recently launched Facebook Shop that delivers nationwide.

Details and images provided by RichGo in a recent press release.

The Jelly List: Merienda classics for your holiday snacking

The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes a certain sense of nostalgia for days gone by.

Some of my favorite childhood memories involve snacking on classic Pinoy delicacies for merienda during my holiday break.

Merienda, or sometimes called minindal, may refer to either the mid-morning or mid-afternoon light snack eaten to fill in the gap in-between meals.

Luckily, we Pinoys grew up with a myriad of food items that we enjoy for during this snack time. Some of the classic merienda fare may have been overshadowed by Western snacks over the years, but I’m glad to see that many are regaining popularity, spurred by the efforts of foodies and these food entrepreneurs.

Ferino’s Bibingka

Ferino’s Bibingka started in pre-war Tondo, Manila when Mang Ferino Francisco started selling kakanin outside his family’s home. While most of his stores closed with his passing, the Ferino’s Bibingka brand was revived by his grandson, Sonny Francisco, who began to operate bibingka dine-in and takeout stores in 2016.

Ferino’s version of bibingka, the Bibingka Extra Super, is made of pure galapong mixed with two fresh eggs, topped with salted eggs and kesong-puti.

Ferino’s Bibingka accepts orders via:

Phone: +63 2 76227104
Mobile: +63 917 6502331
Facebook Messenger
GrabFood

More deets on Ferino’s Bibingka here.

Ka Mely’s Bibingka, Atbp.

This Cainta-based food business got its start when the Alcantara family matriarch Amelia – also known as Ka Mely – decided to expand her Bibingka-selling business to include the production of native delicacies. Today, it is a well-established food manufacturer with three physical stores as well as regular resellers.

Ka Mely’s Bibingka is more of a rice cake made with sticky glutinous rice topped with caramelized sugar and coconut cream.

Ka Mely’s Bibingka, Atbp accepts orders via:

Phone: +63 2 85155467
Mobile: +63 917 8533766 and +63 908 8876992
Facebook
Instagram

More deets on Ka Mely’s Bibingka, Atbp here.

Mama Lola’s Suman sa Latik

Foodpreneur Thirdee Duran turned her mom’s recipe for suman sa latik into a thriving food business during the quarantine.

A box of Mama Lola’s Suman sa Latik contains six pieces of banana leaf-wrapped suman and a generous helping of latik, more than enough to satisfy your suman craving.

Mama Lola’s Suman sa Latik accepts orders via:

More deets on Mama Lola’s Suman sa Latik here.

Bantay Bread

This Ilocos-based family business started out in 2010 as a local panaderia supplying morning pan de sal to its patrons. During quarantine, the family behind Bantay Bread set about pivoting their business to operate in their new business environment by expanding its product offers and its coverage areas to now include Metro Manila.

Its Pianono – named after Pope Pius IX also known as Pio Nono – is basically a sponge cake roll with a sweet buttercream filling

For more details on its product offerings and availability in your area, follow Bantay Bread on Facebook and Instagram.

More deets on Bantay Bread here.

Pampanga’s Cheesebread

The Metro Manila reseller of Pampanga landmark LBS Bakeshop, it has brought its famous Cheesebread to the metro.

These golden, cheesy and sweet balls of bread defies description. You simply have to taste it for yourself.

Pampanga’s Cheesebread accepts orders through its Metro Manila reseller – Pam via:

Facebook Messenger
Viber: +63 998 9694531

More deets on Pampanga’s Cheesebread here.

Tita She’s Bakery

Pan de Sal, the most common bread roll in the Philippines, is made with flour, yeast, sugar, eggs and water and is a staple many breakfast tables.

Its softer, longer and more buttery and sugary version, on the other hand, is called Spanish Bread.

Antipolo-based foodpreneur Tita She’s Bakery adds delicious and colorful twists to these classic breads by integrating cake flavors into them such as ube, cheese, ube cheese, ube choco, choco cheese, choco hazelnut, banana cake, banana hazelnut and carrot cake.

Tita She’s Bakery accepts orders via:

Mobile: +63 967 7613909
Facebook

As you can see, there’s quite a lot of options for merienda treats in the metro that will bring back pleasant childhood memories. Try them out and let me know what you think!

The Sopranos prequel The Many Saints of Newark premieres exclusively on HBO GO from November 11

The Many Saints of Newark, the much-anticipated feature film prequel to David Chase’s groundbreaking, award-winning HBO drama series The Sopranos, premieres exclusively on HBO GO from November 11. Filipinos can stream or download all six seasons of The Sopranos on HBO GO now.

In The Many Saints of Newark, young Anthony Soprano is growing up in one of the most tumultuous eras in Newark’s history, becoming a man just as rival gangsters begin to rise up and challenge the all-powerful DiMeo crime family’s hold over the increasingly race-torn city. Caught up in the changing times is the uncle he idolizes, Dickie Moltisanti, who struggles to manage both his professional and personal responsibilities—and whose influence over his nephew will help make the impressionable teenager into the all-powerful mob boss we’ll later come to know: Tony Soprano.

The Many Saints of Newark stars Alessandro Nivola (Disobedience, American Hustle), Tony winner Leslie Odom Jr. (Broadway’s Hamilton, Murder on the Orient Express), Jon Bernthal (Baby Driver, The Wolf of Wall Street), Corey Stoll (First Man, Ant-Man), Michael Gandolfini (TV’s The Deuce), Billy Magnussen (Game Night, The Big Short), Michela De Rossi (Boys Cry, TV’s The Rats), John Magaro (The Finest Hours, Not Fade Away), with Emmy winner Ray Liotta (TV’s Shades of Blue, Goodfellas) and Oscar nominee Vera Farmiga (Up in the Air, The Conjuring films).

Alan Taylor (Games of Thrones, Mad Men), who won an Emmy for his directing work on The Sopranos, helmed the film from a screenplay by series creator David Chase & Lawrence Konner, based on characters created by Chase. Chase, Konner and Nicole Lambert produced the film, with Michael Disco, Marcus Viscidi, Toby Emmerich and Richard Brener serving as executive producers.

Taylor’s behind-the-scenes creative team included director of photography Kramer Morgenthau (Creed II, Thor: The Dark World), production designer Bob Shaw (The Wolf of Wall Street, The Sopranos), Oscar-nominated editor Christopher Tellefsen (Moneyball, A Quiet Place) and costume designer Amy Westcott (The Wrestler, Black Swan).

The Many Saints of Newark was shot on location in New Jersey and New York, and several beloved characters from the original series that inspired the film are featured in the movie. During its six-season run, The Sopranos—widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential television drama series of all time—was honored with 21 Primetime Emmy Awards, five Golden Globe Awards, and two Peabody Awards, to name only a portion.

Stream or download The Many Saints of Newark from November 11 and all six seasons of The Sopranos now on HBO GO.

HBO Original Series as well as live channels are also available for streaming to SKYcable subscribers on HBO GO for as low as Php99/month.

SKYcable subscribers can activate HBO GO via Lazada

CLICK HERE

Not yet on SKYcable? Subscribe now. Get your priority pass.

CLICK HERE

Details, video and images provided by HBO in a recent press release.

Celebrate 20 years of Harry Potter movie magic with Cartoon Network and HBO GO

It’s the 20th anniversary of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone and fans can relive the movies on Cartoon Network and stream a four-part Wizarding World event on HBO GO

Break out your wands and ready your best spells, charms and potions as Cartoon Network and HBO GO mark the 20th anniversary of the film Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.

For the very first time, the first four of the Harry Potter 8-movie series will air on Cartoon Network (Skycable Ch 43 SD/178 HD & Cignal Ch 74 SD/220 HD) every other weekend, starting with the one that started it all on Saturday, November 13 at 8pm. Mark these dates to follow the amazing tale of The Boy Who Lived and his battles against Voldemort:

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, November 13
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, November 27
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, December 11
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, December 25

All movies are also available to stream on HBO GO. The final four titles will debut on Cartoon Network in early 2022.

And if that’s not enough magic for you, check out the brand-new Wizarding World competition event, Harry Potter: Hogwarts Tournament of Houses, which streams on Monday, November 29, exclusively on HBO GO.

The show, hosted by Academy Award®-winning actress Helen Mirren, continues the Wizarding World spirit showcasing ultimate fan glory on a never-before-seen scale. Featuring hundreds of trivia questions and special guest surprises, this unforgettable event of a lifetime will unveil which fans know the vast, intricately detailed universe like the back of their hand as they compete to take home the Tournament of Houses championship trophy.

Here’s what else fans can look forward to before the end of the year and remember to follow and share all the excitement on social media with #20YearsofMovieMagic.

Discover More Magic Online

Fans are also invited to visit HarryPotterMovie20.com, and unpack exclusive content from the most iconic moments of the movie that started this global theatrical phenomenon.

Reminisce on the most iconic moments from the first film, test your knowledge with a host of quizzes, catch a glimpse of the work behind the scenes and learn more about everyone’s favourite boy wizard and his friends, fantastic beasts, magical items and so much more. Packed with fascinating facts and features, the site will make you fall in love with the Wizarding World all over again!

Fans will also be able to see if they’ve got the skills to be a seeker by trying out the new “Catch the Snitch” Wizarding World Instagram filter.

Top Up Your Hogwarts Trunk

Also, don’t miss the chance to grab some can’t miss collectibles, together with toys, accessories and DIY kits to transform your home and bring the Wizarding World to life, in your own special way.

Filipinos can get ready for spellbinding adventures with Spin Master’s Wizarding World collection of wands, playsets and dolls. Playout all your Hogwarts dreams by collecting and connecting the Magical Minis Hogwarts Castle, Magical Mini dolls and playsets. Get sorted into your own Hogwarts house, with 15 phrases, and full facial movements from the talking Sorting Hat toy. Available online at Shopee and Lazada or retail stores Toy Kingdom and Toys “R” Us.

If you are looking for activities to spend with your loved ones, Mattel has launched its special edition Harry Potter Scrabble that includes the unique vocabulary from the Wizarding World as well as 36 Hogwarts cards that bring an even more magical spin to the game. These special edition sets won’t be available for long, so grab yours online at Shopee and Lazada or retail stores Toy Kingdom and Toys “R” Us.

About Wizarding World

In the years since Harry Potter was whisked from King’s Cross Station onto Platform nine and three quarters, his incredible adventures have left a unique and lasting mark on popular culture. Eight blockbuster Harry Potter films based on the original stories by J.K. Rowling have brought the magical stories to life and today, the Wizarding World is recognised as one of the world’s best-loved brands.

Representing a vast interconnected universe, it also includes two epic Fantastic Beasts films, (the third releasing in 2022), Harry Potter and The Cursed Child–the multi-award-winning stage-play, state-of-the-art video and mobile games from Portkey Games, innovative consumer products, thrilling live entertainment (including four theme park lands) and insightful exhibitions.

This expanding portfolio of Warner Bros. owned Wizarding World experiences also includes Harry Potter New York –a brand new flagship store, Warner Bros. Studio Tour London –The Making of Harry Potter, Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo, and the Platform 9 3⁄4 retail shops.

The Wizarding World continues to evolve to provide Harry Potter fans with fresh and exciting ways to engage. For the worldwide fan community, and for generations to come, it welcomes everyone in to explore and discover the magic for themselves.

HBO Original Series as well as live channels are also available for streaming to SKYcable subscribers on HBO GO for as low as Php99/month.

SKYcable subscribers can activate HBO GO via Lazada

CLICK HERE

Not yet on SKYcable? Subscribe now. Get your priority pass.

CLICK HERE

Details, video and images provided by HBO in a recent press release.

At home at Ome Japanese Cafe

Don’t you sometimes just want to be in a place where you feel right at home? Somewhere that you can be with family and friends while enjoying good food and good company?

Well, located in a family-friendly neighborhood in Quezon City ii a quaint and cozy Japanese eatery that brings comfort and happiness through its delicious and affordable Japanese comfort food.

Ome Japanese Cafe prides itself on its fresh ingredients and meticulously crafted dishes. These culinary creations were honed from the extensive experience of its chef/owners Christine Ramos and Gerivic Orocio in restaurants both here and abroad.

During a recent foodie meetup with my foodie friends from #WeLoveToEatPH, I was able to experience Ome’s signature dishes as well as new menu selections.

Hand-crafted sushi

Ome’s chefs demonstrated their considerable skills with these beautifully assembled sushi rolls.

Ome Signature Roll (Php285). House-cured Norwegian salmon, cucumber and cream cheese topped with crab, masago and Srirach aioli.

Embassy Roll (Php260). Shrimp tempura, crab, cream cheese, tempura flakes, tobiko and sweet creamy sauce.

Tokyo Roll (Php385). Shrimp tempura roll topped with unagi, mango and eel sauce.

Crispy Spicy Salmon Roll (Php230). Spicy Norwegian salmon with cucumber, mango and tempura flakes.

Cucumber-wrapped Shrimp Tempura Maki (Php350). Shrimp tempura, romaine lettuce, crab and mango wrapped in a wafer-thin, katsuramuki-style slice of cucumber.

Hearty and heart-warming Ramen

Filling and tasty ramen will surely satisfy hunger while appealing to the need for tasty comfort food.

Chicken Paitan (Php385). Roasted soy chicken, mushrooms, soft-boiled egg and black garlic oil top ramen noodles in a rich and creamy broth made from pressure-cooked chicken bone broth with bonito salt and kombu.

Tan-Tan Men (Php350). Sauteed ground pork, corn, bok-choy and sesame egg in sesame broth seasoned with chili oil.

Partnership with Real California Milk

Collaborating with Real California Milk, Ome Japanese Cafe developed a tasty selection of viands that was incorporate high-quality cheeses.

Udon Carbonara (Php380). Hearty udon noodles topped with thick-cut smoked bacon, poached egg and mozzarella ina tasty carbonara sauce.

Japanese Omurice (Php340). Creamy omelet spiced with a bit of Pepper Jack Cheese on top of Japanese fried rice and drizzled with Hayashi demi-glace sauce.

Chicken & Cheese Katsu (Php320). Panko-breaded chicken cutlets wrapped around oodles of cheese, accompanied by shredded cabbage and katsu sauce.

New menu items

Pretty soon, Japanese food lovers will be able to enjoy these newest culinary creations.

Tepanyaki Wagyu Beef Cubes (Php485). Tender beef slices smothered with Hayashi demi-glace accompanied by seasonal veggies and creamy mashed potato.

Shrimp and Seasonal Vegetable Tempura (Php295). Deep-fried shrimp and veggies covered in batter enriched with dashi broth, making the resulting tempura crisp, light and airy.

Sweet endings

What better way to end the meal than on a sweet note with these scrumptious desserts?

Matcha Panna Cotta (Php180). Mango puree and muscovado sugar on creamy matcha-flavored panna cotta.

Mango Pudding (Php180). Succulent slices of fresh mango top a rice pudding enriched with coconut milk.

Feast on these dishes with your nears and dears at Ome’s well-appointed cafe or have them delivered to your home.

Ome Japanese Cafe is located at Chimes Square, 77 Congressional Avenue Extension, Quezon City, open daily from 11am to 8pm.

For inquiries, reservations and delivery orders, call +63 2 70886066 or +63 917 6293212.

It also accepts delivery orders via BeepIt.

To know more about its latest promos and offers, follow Ome Japanese Cafe on Facebook and Instagram.

Disclosure: I attended a food tasting held at this restaurant wherein the food items served were not paid for by the participants, including myself.

Make Way for the Golden Moment: The NEW Magnolia Gold Label Ice Cream Is Here

Not all ice creams are created equal. The creamier, the better! While some are simply lackluster in taste and creaminess, we’ve found the one that hits the spot — one that can make moments golden in every scoop.

The good news? This velvety smooth and naturally rich ice cream is now within your reach. Celebrating its arrival, the country’s exceptional talents came together to celebrate The Golden Moment: The Magnolia Gold Label Reveal Party last October 26. The reveal introduced the NEW Magnolia Gold Label Ice Cream, now made with fresh carabao’s milk which makes it creamy and is Certified pure with no artificial flavors.

Since 1925, Magnolia has always been a well-loved and world-class brand that holds a huge part of our culture. Reinventing its way to reach their gold standard, they’re taking ice cream to the next level. Get ready to taste not just the classic flavors, but the ones that’ll spark your curiosity and satisfaction. Take Wintermelon Milk Tea and Table Yema for example! Getting to finally enjoy these blissfully decadent and creamier treats is truly a golden moment for us to celebrate. They also came up with these 2 unique new flavors that are delightful as the sound of their names suggest—Choco Peanut Butter made with the beloved and authentic Skippy Peanut Butter and the S’mores made with premium vanilla ice cream blended with graham bits and toasted marshmallows swirled with dark chocolate fudge that will bring you to an indulgent campfire experience!

Gracing the event are Marvin Agustin and Happy Ongpauco-Tiu, who shared their golden moments and their love for the new Magnolia Gold Label Ice Cream’s sweet indulgence. Both chefs and restaurateurs, Marvin and Happy described how they meet the gold standard when it comes to their restaurants. For Marvin, it was quality, consistency, & pure hard work, saying, “It has always been my dream to run a restaurant and food business kahit nung nag-aartista palang ako. I knew kailangan kong paghirapan yung pangarap ko para maging reality”. Happy, coming from a family of restaurateurs, mentioned that it’s indeed longevity. “To be the gold standard, you need to reinvent without sacrificing quality and service”, she says. They both agreed that their restaurants are just like the new Magnolia Gold Label Ice Cream, a product of hard work and tradition. It’s based on a rich history, giving us deliciously creamy ice cream that’s proudly Pinoy with world-class flavors that suit every taste. Among the flavors, Marvin’s favorites are Double Dutch and Rocky Road, which are the staple flavors in their family celebrations. But recently, he has been fond of the indulgent Quadruple Chocolate andthe new Choco Peanut Butter made with authentic Skippy peanut butter! Meanwhile for Happy, S’mores has been a flavor her kids enjoy because of it chocolate fudge and graham bits. Her other favorites are Tablea Yema that she recalls as a favorite during Sunday lunches and reminiscent of the Magnolia Chocolait drink she loved drinking growing up and ofcourse, Rocky Road, which reminds her of the first-ever dessert she made in her restaurant.

Beauty queen Megan Young also joined in the celebration. As an ice cream lover herself, tasting the lush creaminess of the new Magnolia Gold Label Ice Cream made her reminisce about her golden moment: being crowned as the country’s first and only Miss World! Now, she loves to enjoy this luscious comfort food with her hubby in their favorite flavors: classic and rich Vanilla which she described as the vanilla of vanillas, mellow yet premium Ube, and Pinoy with a creamy twist, Taro White Cheese. “The flavors are unique and perfect for celebrating different milestones”, she shares. With its elevated taste without artificial flavors, she reveals that the new Magnolia Gold Label Ice Cream is worthy of her life’s golden moments, and that it truly lives up to her standards.

Speaking of golden moments, this event wouldn’t be complete without our Olympic gold medalist, Hidilyn Diaz. Her presence in the event was the cherry on top, sharing that the new Magnolia Gold Label Ice Cream for her is a taste of success and that she reserves her cheat days to enjoy this. For Hidilyn her favorite flavors is the luscious Mango Dark Chocolate (which she also revealed that she sometimes loves to enjoy all to herself!) and the very Pinoy flavor Kesong Puti. It’s her reward after a long day of training, especially when she just wants to chill. “Once a week, may cheat day ako so dun ako kumakain ng ice cream kasi mahilig kasi ako sa ice cream talaga. So pag medyo pagod sa training, dun ko nilalabas—kumakain ako ng ice cream” she adds. This world-class Filipina deserves only the best and truly the one that levels with her accolades just like the new Magnolia Gold Label Ice Cream. As she was parting the interview, she also invited the viewers to try it “Deserve natin lahat mag-ice cream. Masarap talaga itong bagong Magnolia Gold Label Ice Cream. Walang halong biro. Try niyo na!”.

Wrapping up the celebration is a short but sweet appearance by Asia’s Multimedia Star, Alden Richards. He’s a self-confessed Magnolia Gold Label Ice Cream fan, that’s why when he discovered that it’s now made creamier, he got excited to try all the flavors! Now that he’s also reinventing himself from being a host, singer, actor, gaming content creator, and now a restaurateur, he relates this to the new Magnolia Gold Label Ice Cream being very courageous in introducing new flavors that’s unique yet caters to the standard of Filipino taste. A few from his must-try list is his ever favorite, the fusion that is Avocado Macchiato which is close to his heart, the decadently toasty and one of the new flavors S’mores, and the creamy, elevated classic and generously speckled Cookies and Cream. Now with more reasons to indulge, he’ll surely add more to his list for more golden moments!

Just like our guests, your golden moments, too, deserve to be enjoyed with delightfully rich and heavenly ice cream. Now we can all get to try the premium new Magnolia Gold Label Ice Cream since they have a Christmas promo just in time to make our holiday celebrations GOLDEN! Get a 1.3L tub of the new Magnolia Gold Label Ice Cream for only P295 starting this November 1 until December 31, 2021!

Experience this next-level creaminess in the new Magnolia Gold Label Ice Cream, a world-class taste made for golden moments. Every tub is a golden treat! Go ahead and indulge — after all, nothing beats the gold label.

Shop Magnolia Gold Ice Cream at supermarkets and grocery stores, or online via San Miguel Frozen & Chilled on Shopee and Lazada, The SMC Hub and other online partners. Follow Magnolia Ice Cream Philippines on Facebook for updates.