Metro Manila – Jellybeans in the City

Taiwanese Culinary Bliss at Din Tai Fung, SM Megamall

Are you on the hunt for a taste of authentic Taiwanese cuisine that will leave your taste buds singing? Well, look no further than Din Tai Fung. This award-winning Taiwanese restaurant, renowned for its exquisite Xiaolongbao, has found its way to the heart of the Philippines, and it’s not just a restaurant – it’s an experience!

The Moment Group brought the magic of Din Tai Fung to the Philippines in 2015, opening its first branch at the ever-vibrant SM Megamall. Since then, this food haven has expanded to other locations, including BGC, Power Plant Mall, Greenbelt 3, SM North EDSA and SM Mall of Asia, delighting the metro’s foodies.

During a recent shopping trip with my Hubby and son at SM Megamall, we treated ourselves to a Taiwanese feast for lunch at Din Tai Fung.

The Meaning Behind the Name

Ever wondered about the meaning behind Din Tai Fung’s name? Each character holds significance that aligns perfectly with the restaurant’s vision. “鼎” (Din) stands for Wok, symbolizing the traditional cooking method used to create some of their delectable dishes. “泰” (Tai) represents Peace, and that’s exactly what you’ll find at Din Tai Fung – a peaceful and welcoming atmosphere for you to indulge in Taiwanese goodness. Finally, “豐” (Fung) stands for Abundance, promising a dining experience that leaves you fully satisfied and wanting more.

The Concept and Ambiance

Similar to other Din Tai Fung restaurants, the ambiance of its SM branch is marked by simplicity and understated charm.

While waiting for our table, we watched the expert chefs busily crafting the dimsum and rolling noodles from scratch.

The newly renovated interiors feature light wood walls elegantly adorned with LED screens and anime-style posters, minimalist wooden tables and chairs, and a relaxed dress code which set the stage for a laid-back yet elegant dining experience.

Whether you’re here with friends, family, or just treating yourself, Din Tai Fung promises an atmosphere that allows you to focus on what truly matters – the food.

Efficient Ordering, Serving, and Payment Process

One of the most unique aspects of dining at Din Tai Fung is the efficient and interactive ordering process. As my Hubby, son, and I settled into our seats, we were handed a clipboard with a list of mouthwatering dishes. Excited to explore the menu, we ticked off the dishes we craved, specifying the serving size and quantity we desired. Our choices were swiftly logged into the restaurant’s system, and a printed list was posted on our table to guide the servers in delivering the dishes we ordered.

After our meal, we settled our bill at the counter where payments via cash, credit or debit cards, Maya e-wallet are accepted.

The Mouthwatering Taiwanese Feast

Our lunch feast at Din Tai Fung was a combination of our all-time Taiwanese food faves as well as new dishes we wanted to try. The resulting symphony of flavors whisked us away to the streets of Taiwan.

Din Tai Fung’s iconic Pork Xiao Long Bao (Php375) are delicate parcels of heaven. Thanks to a visual guide shown by the wait staff, we were able to savor the full experience of eating our xiao long bao. This involved dipping our dumpling in a sauce made with made with ginger slivers, soy sauce and vinegar, placing it on a spoon and poking a small home into to release the broth, and then gently biting into it to get the full flavor explosion from the soup and the luscious pork filling.

Hubby couldn’t resist the Hot Sour Soup (Php215). The tangy, spicy, and savory broth filled with vegetables and tofu warmed him up for the rest of the meal.

Apparently, I also couldn’t resist the temptation of the Pork Roasted Garlic Bun (Php175), thanks to the rich, savory flavor of its pork, garlic, and scallions filling combined with the fluffy, steamed bun.

The Shrimp Shao Mai (Php255), on the other hand, is a treat to the eyes and tastebuds, thanks to its delicate wrapper and the sweetness of shrimp mingled with pork and mushrooms.

To balance our indulgence, we savored the Organic Spinach (Php285), lightly stir-fried with garlic and scallions. This simple yet delightful dish was a refreshing break, adding a dose of health to our feast.

The Salted Egg Squid (Php465), made with crispy, tender squid slices coated in a salty, savory egg batter, is an old favorite that we can always go for.

The 3 Cups Chicken (Php305), on the other hand, was a delicious viand cooked to perfection in a soy sauce, ginger, and scallion sauce; the chicken was tender and juicy, complemented by the rich sauce.

Of course, we couldn’t skip the Shrimp Fried Rice (Php275), a delightful combination of shrimp, chicken, and vegetables tossed in a fragrant soy sauce, ginger, and scallion base. The crispy rice and the medley of flavors complemented the other dishes in our meal.

Din Tai Fung at SM Megamall is quite worth a visit, with every dish is crafted with meticulous care and attention to detail. The ambiance is inviting, the service impeccable, and the flavors unforgettable.

So, foodies, if you’re looking for an authentic Taiwanese dining experience that’s full of peace and abundance, Din Tai Fung is the place to be. Head over to their branches across Metro Manila and embark on a culinary adventure with your loved ones while savoring some of the finest Taiwanese cuisine around.

This Din Tai Fung branch is located at Level 2, Mega Fashion Hall, SM Megamall, EDSA corner Doña Julia Vargas Avenue, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City, open daily from 10am to 10pm. For inquiries, call +63 2 89971935 or +63 919 0845376.

Other branches in Metro Manila are located at:

City	Address	Operation Hours	Contact Number
Pasay City	Level 1 South Entertainment Mall, SM Mall of Asia	10 AM-10 PM (Mon-Sun)	+63 2 85271364 / +63 928 5124433 / +63 928 5181466
Quezon City	2nd floor, City Center, SM North EDSA	10 AM-10 PM (Mon-Sun)	+63 2 84590292
Taguig	LG/C1, Bonifacio High Street Central, Bonifacio Global City	11 AM-11 PM (Mon-Thu) 10 AM-1 AM (Fri-Sat) 11 AM-1 AM (Sun)	+63 2 88091865 / +63 919 0785209
Makati City	R1 Level, Power Plant Mall, Rockwell Center	11 AM-9 PM (Mon-Thu) 11 AM-10 PM (Fri) 10 AM-10 PM (Sat) 10 AM-9 PM (Sat)	+63 2 88382344 / +63 919 0845732 / +63 960 4383830
Makati City	Level 2, Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center	11 AM-9 PM (Sun-Thu) 11 AM-10 PM (Fri-Sat)	+63 2 71211933 / +63 919 0845370

Stay updated on Din Tai Fung’s menu and offers by visiting The Moment Group’s website or by following Din Tai Fung on Facebook and Instagram.

Creating an urban oasis: Houseplant care tips for city dwellers

In the bustling city of Metro Manila, creating an urban oasis within the confines of your home is a delightful way to break a way from the drab and gray concrete jungle and reconnect with nature. Houseplants not only bring beauty and freshness but also provide a sense of tranquility and improved air quality.

However, taking care of houseplants in an urban environment requires some special considerations. City dwellers, keep these factors and tips in mind to successfully nurture and enjoy your indoor green companions.

Choosing the Right Plants for Your Urban Home

Consider the lighting conditions. Assess the natural light available in your home and choose plants accordingly. Low-light tolerant plants such as pothos or snake plants are suitable for shaded areas, while succulents and cacti thrive in bright, direct sunlight.
Account for space limitations. Opt for compact or vertical-growing plants that fit well in small living spaces. Look for hanging plants, trailing vines, or plants that can be placed on shelves or windowsills.
Assess maintenance requirements. Consider your lifestyle and available time for plant care. Choose plants that align with your commitment level, whether low-maintenance or more demanding.

Nurturing Houseplants in an Urban Setting

Adequate Lighting:

Maximize natural light. Position plants near windows to receive ample sunlight. Rotate plants regularly to ensure even growth.
Supplement with artificial light. If natural light is limited, invest in grow lights to provide the necessary light spectrum for plant growth.

Managing Humidity:

Increase humidity. In Manila’s dry climate, plants may suffer from low humidity levels. Grouping plants together, placing them on trays filled with pebbles and water, or using a humidifier can help create a more humid environment.
Mist plants. Regularly misting your plants with water can provide a temporary boost of humidity.

Watering:

Establish a watering routine. Different plants have varying water requirements. Learn about your plants’ specific needs and establish a consistent watering schedule. Typically, it’s best to water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Avoid overwatering. Ensure proper drainage for your pots and avoid letting plants sit in standing water, as it can lead to root rot.

Soil and Fertilization:

Choose well-draining soil. Use a high-quality potting mix that allows excess water to drain away while retaining enough moisture for the plants.
Fertilize appropriately. Feed your plants with a balanced liquid fertilizer according to their specific needs. Follow the recommended dosage and frequency, avoiding overfertilization, which can harm the plants.

Pests and Disease Management:

Regular inspection. Routinely check your plants for pests, such as spider mites or mealybugs. Early detection allows for prompt treatment.
Natural remedies and prevention. Utilize eco-friendly pest control methods like neem oil or insecticidal soap. Practice good plant hygiene by regularly cleaning leaves and removing dead or decaying matter.

Creating a plant haven in your urban home in Metro Manila is an enriching experience that connects you with nature amidst the city’s hustle and bustle. Embrace the therapeutic benefits and aesthetic beauty of greenery, transforming your urban dwelling into a serene sanctuary. Happy plant parenting in the vibrant heart of the city!

Pictures featured here were taken during visits to Green Pot & Shovel Garden, a plant nursery and one-stop gardening shop located at Lower Park, Greenmeadows Avenue, Quezon City. For inquiries, contact +63 925 7289981.

Know more about its offers and services by following Green Pot & Shovel Garden on Facebook.

Check out my previous posts about gardening and green spaces:

New to being a plantita? Keep these tips in mind

6 ways gardening may be good for you even in your post-pandemic era

SKY intensifies Oplan Kontra Putol Campaign with Barangayan Roadshows in Metro Manila

SKY, a leading cable and broadband provider in the Philippines, is stepping up its fight against rampant illegal cable cutting and theft through its “Oplan Kontra Putol” campaign. The company is bolstering its information drive with “#OplanKontraPutol Barangayan: Sama-sama Laban sa Putol-Kable,” a grassroots initiative that aims to educate the public about cable cutting and how it affects the daily lives of communities relying on cable TV and internet connectivity.

Illegal cable cutting has been a persistent problem, with SKY and its telco partners reporting over 472 incidents in Mega Manila and Cebu since January 2022. To address this issue, SKY is partnering with barangay and local government unit officials across Metro Manila to conduct a series of Barangayan roadshows starting in May.

#OplanKontraPutol Barangayan Roadshow

The #OplanKontraPutol Barangayan roadshows cover topics such as intentional and accidental cable cutting, mistaking fiber cables containing copper, and the effects of illegal cable cutting on households, businesses and communities. Presentations also discuss RA 10515 (Anti-Cable Television and Cable Internet Tapping Act of 2013) and articles from the Revised Penal Code on Theft and Malicious Mischief alongside their corresponding repercussions to perpetrators found guilty of illegal cable cutting.

The events also highlight SKY’s continuous programs and collaborative efforts with various telcos in the country. The company will share its five-pronged strategy to readily address these situations, which includes technical visits, filing of barangay reports, monitoring of affected sites, deployment of SKY team for assistance, and call-to-action to report similar cases.

The first leg of the Kontra Putol Barangayan roadshow was held May 9 at the Muntinlupa Sports Center, attended by barangay representatives from hotspot areas for illegal cable cutting in the city. During the talks, Muntinlupa was lauded as the city in Metro Manila with the lowest number of reported incidents of illegal cable cutting since 2022, and no reported incidents since the start of 2023.

SKY credits this achievement to the dedication of the Muntinlupa City local government in creating a safe and secure environment for businesses to operate and people to thrive through upholding the rule of law.

SKY will then bring the event series to other hotspot areas in Metro Manila such as Quezon City and San Juan soon.

Reporting Illegal Cable Cutting

SKY encourages subscribers and concerned citizens to report cases of illegal cable cutting to prevent further service interruptions to households. Reports can be made through SKY’s 24/7 messaging platform KYLA on Viber, Facebook Messenger, or SKY’s official website. For those based in Mega Manila, SKY also ensures the availability of its security hotline +63 2 34499111 for daily monitoring and reporting of cable-cutting incidents. Reports can also be filed through www.mysky.com.ph/kontraputol.

Details provided in a recent press release.

Disclosure: I work for SKY and part of my job is promoting its initiatives to improve services to its subscribers.

Quick and affordable Asian cuisine at 5 Spice American-Chinese Kitchen

In a place like Metro Manila, finding affordable and easily accessible food that appeals to your taste buds can be a challenge. With the fast-paced lifestyle and traffic congestion, people are often left with limited time and energy to search for good food.

However, the desire for delicious and satisfying meals is still strong, and many people are constantly on the lookout for affordable and convenient options.

Fortunately, 5 Spice American-Chinese Kitchen is now in the metro, with two branches ready to serve up filling and budget-friendly meals in the form of rice bowls and bar bites.

General Tso’s Chicken (Php130 rice bowl | Php220 bar bites). Crispy fried chicken coated in a sweet and spicy sauce.

Sweet & Sour Pork (Php140 rice bowl | Php240 bar bites). Tender chunks of pork that are marinated in a sweet and tangy sauce.

Braised Beef Meatballs (Php150 rice bowl | Php260 bar bites). Savory meatballs made with ground beef simmered in a sweet and savory sauce flavored with Chinese spices.

5 Spice Signature Seafood (Php160 rice bowl | Php260 bar bites). A delicious dish that features a combination of battered and deep-fried seafood like squid, crabstick and fish doused in a flavorful sauce.