The Solar Solution: Bringing Light to Provinces

 

Cocina Juan in Maginhawa Street, Quezon City

There's a small eatery in Teacher's Village offering Latin American inspired dishes with a twist that you guys might want to explore. It is named as Cocina ni Juan which is located along Maginhawa Street near Moonleaf Tea Shop. The place looked welcoming, humble and incredibly full of surprises. The signage is eye catching because of the big chili suspended from a post.It became a trademark that gained a lot of repeat first time customers especially from the foodies who love searching for places that still remain undiscovered for many. This was established some four years ago and a brainchild of three Adviento male siblings. The restaurant is considered a fusion cuisine but started as a TexMex idea. Mr. Robert Adviento went to Nicaragua to work there then decided to return to the Philippines after how many years to put up a unique restaurant together with his brothers. But are you curious who on earth is Juan? It is actually his third brother.

There are three long tables outside the restaurant and actually  an ideal  place to unwind with close friends after school and office hours. Common guests here are college students and yuppies.

Buy NOKIA LUMIA at ABENSON

Cellular phones are a necessity of life. Whether we accept this idea or not, we cannot live without using cell phone each day of our life, make its applications updated and acquire the best and the latest. There's one cellphone brand that I'm eyeing to have this first quarter of 2013. Hopefully, my wish will come true. Nokia is a cellphone brand that I will never ever forget; this used to be my first ever mobile phone and I'm not having second thoughts of shifting from the current brand I'm using to their latest Smartphone! Everybody wants to be different and having a unique phone powered by Windows Phone 8 makes the difference. Who would decline to experience Nokia Lumia 620, Nokia Lumia820 and Nokia Lumia920? I bet no one would do that.

Nokia Lumia is one of the most innovative Smartphones nowadays! One can catch the moment with an 8 MP camera with Carl Zeiss lens; capture perfect group photos with Smart Shoot;  view the world through Nokia City Lens; and last but definitely not the least, show off with vibrant colours, a one-piece polycarbonate body, and ceramic zirconium camera detailing and side keys. I'm drooling to have one already.

Have A Cup of Awesome at Joe Monkey!

Sunday night is best celebrated with a very reliable best friend, so about a few hours ago when I finished my dinner with family, I texted her right away to have some bonding moments. These past couple of days have been very hectic so we deserve some companionable silence together and right now we are here lounging at the newly discovered tea shop along Tomas Morato and it is called Joe Monkey Milk Tea. While she planned of finishing her paper works to be submitted tomorrow morning, I killed my time browsing news online and of course blogging about my fresh discovery.

Clucky's (a partner of Mad for Chicken New York) in Rockwell Center Ortigas

There's a new and exciting brand in the quick service restaurant business that foodies particularly chicken lovers should try. It can be found in its first branch in Rockwell Business Center in Ortigas beside The Medical City. When I first saw the logo I instantly know what it means to deliver and when I first came inside the store I know for a fact that this type of restaurant could offer impressive dining experience that will keep me coming back for more. My hint was right! It has a menu that is not just limited to what their core product is all about for it has a combination of fresh and exciting mains, sides and meals.

As a matter of fact this place that I'm telling, Clucky's,  is a partner of Mad for Chicken, one of the famous Korean fried chicken brands in the USA. If you are in other foreign markets and somebody hears this brand it conjures up positive feedback and standing. Mad for Chicken has a reputation that is worth recognizing because of its quality food and service. The brand was first introduced in new York City. However, here in the Philippines Clucky's is owned and operated by a family owned company who are certified foodies and engages in food and beverage distribution and sales. It is known as MJ&K Holdings, Inc.

House Salad PhP119

A salad that is a mixture of fresh lettuce, mango and watermelon cubes. Fruity, refreshing and delectable starter. Clucky's serves their house salad in a different way weekly. This is to assure they only use the freshest  ingredients and whatever fruits in season available that go well with the recipe. A plate is good for 2-3 people sharing but since I super duper love fresh salads I believe I can finish this big plate :)

PLDT myDSL’s best commercial for me is…

Are you familiar with the most-talked about  PLDT commercial? If so, then I believe you could somehow relate to the number of events featuring the family of Derek. If not, then you should familiarize yourself with the said sequence of heartwarming situation by watching the four PLDT myDSL Anna Banana commercials; but before proceeding to that allow me to express my thoughts first in which series best shows family-sized connection and sharing at home. In my opinion, PLDT myDSL’s best commercial for me is the last one when Mr. David Lorenzo, the dad of Derek getting the help of his son, Dee-dee (his daughter) and Aria (winner of the Search for Derek's New Anna promo) to sing an apology song to Mama Berns for losing their dog, Booster. It warms my heart as the kids sincerely and effectively express their dad's sorry or apology to their mom for what happened to their lovable dog. It is a family bonded with love, forgiveness, understanding and sharing that is worth emulating. The bonding or should I say family 'spark' is present that surely makes you giggle and  your heart smiling forever. It promotes raising a happy and loving family.

Derek’s Anna Banana Song

             

Derek got busted

             

Everyday Mom in Quezon City: Healthy and Yummy. Naturally!

It is still fresh in my memory how one of my closest friend in the blogging community and I were planning to visit this small pastry shop along Scout Tuason in Quezon City a few months ago after attending an event at a restaurant near it, until I  got an  invitation from a dear friend to visit Everyday Mom  one afternoon. It was just the beginning of the week to sweetly welcome by being inside this cute and dainty doll house-looking shop selling only homemade treats.

Everyday Mom is open to serve you daily from 11AM to 9PM. Each individual who enters the shop is expected to have a happy heart and a bright disposition. It is said that, "A happy heart with a happy mind results to a peaceful and graceful well-being." I liked the vibe once you are inside for it expresses love, sweetness and humility. It feels like home that you want to stay and have a nice conversation with somebody that you could perfectly kill time with over some cupcakes and cookies even if free wifi is not provided. I observed that most of the customers are repeat and loyal ones who are fond of taking out baked goodies -in pieces and in bulk. The shop could only cater less than 10 persons but the owner is planning to expand the area anytime soon.

Ka Inato Palawan's #1 Chicken hits Manila!

It is obvious how inasal or inihaw restaurants occupy our city since we can almost find them everywhere, and undeniably were liked by local and international tourists. But the invasion is never to stop anytime soon for recently two of my food blogger friends and I discovered an exceptional inihaw chicken place in Quezon City that you must strive to get to know better as well.

Ka Inato Palawan's Number 1 Chicken apparently originated from the largest province in the country (Palawan) where it is considered a pride; just like any other inasal fast food restaurants, it specializes in charcoal grilled chicken. So how do this became became the personal favorites of Palawenos?  Matter-of-factly, Inato means “atin” in Palawan and “inihaw” in the southern area of the Philippines. When the two words are combined it fittingly describe the house specialty Original Chicken Inato and Inato Chicken Special (the hot and spicy version), both a must-try of course.

The dining area has white floor that contrasts wooden tables and chairs that accordingly  filled the resto. Huge paintings are everywhere which could surely caught any one's attention. We went here past 2PM where lunch crowd is nowhere to be seen. This is the very first branch in Manila and there are two branches in Palawan- the one is in  Rizal Ave, Puerto Princesa City and the other is located in KM 4 North National Highway Corner, San Manuel Rd., Bgy. Tiniguiban, Puerto Princesa City. If you are pure blooded Palawenos, I'm sure you know exactly where to spot Ka Inato but for local tourists and foreigners I know that these branches deserve their time.

SMACKED SNACK: KFC Barbecue Shredder

One past midnight on our way home, my guy friend and I suddenly experienced abdominal contractions due to empty stomach. And we thought the best way to answer that was to take a short midnight break before finally hailing a taxi cab. Good thing there was a 24 hour KFC nearby.

Since I was so intrigued about  the Barbecue Shredder after seeing print and tv ads and I also got tired with my default order (Chik 'n Fillet Sandwich and macaroni salad) whenever I visit KFC, I ordered this one sensational burger for myself. I was hoping that this won't fail me.

Max’s Corner Bakery Unveils its Newest Sweet Treats

Max’s Corner Bakery ushers in the love month with three, new indulgent confections: rich Red Velvet Cupcake, heart-shaped Chocolate Truffle Cake, and sweet and luscious French Macaroons in a variety of colors.

 “This season, we want to create the most heartwarming memories for couples and families by introducing three mouthwatering treats from Max’s Corner Bakery. These new additions to Max’s Corner Bakery’s wide array of pastries and desserts  reinforce our commitment to come out with the freshest and most delectable treats for every special occasion,” Monette Aldos, Operations Manager of Max’s Corner Bakery.

Max’s Corner Bakery’s newest sweet offerings are perfect and budget-friendly. For only PhP50 per piece, customers can surprise their loved ones with the delightful sweetness of the Red Velvet Cupcake topped with cream cheese frosting, or the rich decadence of the Heart Shaped Chocolate Truffle Cake for only PhP199. For bite-size goodness, diners can try a pack of 3 colorful and deliciously light French Macaroons for only PhP 88! These yummy desserts will be available in all Max’s Restaurants from February 1-28.

As a special treat from Max’s, customers celebrating the season of hearts at Max’s with a minimum spend of PhP1,500  will be  receiving a free pack of Max’s Corner Bakery’ French Macaroons from February 11- 17. Surely, these treats will make any meal special. Sharing the love with your special someone, family and friends will become even more unforgettable. Head on now to your favorite Max’s Restaurant and get a taste of how sweeter life can be with Max’s Corner Bakery’s newest sweet treats - made with love, always.

*Press Release

Perfect Combination: You, Me, and Rossi Sweet Red

As it symbolizes a lot of aspects of love, wine has become a common sight in romantic occasions, the most popular of which is Valentine's. Whether given as a gift paired with chocolates and flowers or as a special drink for the dinner date, having a bottle of wine on Valentine’s sparks passion, romance, and love.

Of all the kinds of wine, sweet red wine is the most apt symbol of love. Its color expresses passion and its taste evokes enchantment, making it feel a lot like love. Akin to every sip of sweet red, love is full of surprises and delight. Such charm is experienced in every sip of Rossi Sweet Red.

Crafted from grapes grown in California’s sun-drenched vineyards, Rossi Sweet Red is bursting with flavor and aroma, creating a different kind of sweet. According to Von De Torres, Managing Director of Emperador Distillers, it is what a real sweet red wine should be.

“All the flavors of vanilla, bright cherry and wild raspberry come together in a deliciously sweet complement of fresh fruit and a velvety soft finish. This is real sweet red wine that suits Filipinos’ preference for sweet wine. ”

Every year, couples look forward to Valentine’s, thinking of creative ways to celebrate the special day. Crafting a different celebration from the years past has become a regular challenge. But with Rossi Sweet Red, a memorable Valentine’s is easy -- it's your perfect choice for every sweet moment of the Heart’s Month.

UNO Lounge in Greenfield District Mandaluyong City

Are you in the mood to party? Weekend has just begun and there is a blooming party venue at the heart of Mandaluyong City which is worth looking out for. It is known as UNO Lounge which is situated at The Hub in Greenfields District. If you have checked in at the Uno Pizzeria in SM Mall of Asia, imagine this place as a notch better than that because of its posh interior and sumptuously appointed lounge. When I first saw this a few months ago, I know that there is something magical inside that I have to uncover.

Hand washing area :)

TeaTap Cafe in Wilson Street San Juan is WORLD OF TEA

I love Mondays though I know a lot of people slightly unlike the beginning of the week. I love Mondays because aside from it marks the beginning of another week, it is an opportune time for me to discover great experiences and great food spots as well while dealing with new individuals. Last Monday, after conducting a brief food review at a pastry shop in Tomas Morato, Quezon City, my food blogmates and I went directly to Wilson Street to scout for a milk tea shop and in no time we found ourselves inside a cafe serving tasty tea called TeaTap Cafe. This is where we killed time while waiting for our next food stop to commence in Rockwell Center in Ortigas, just a few meters from our chosen place to stay and have tea time. That day, I learned that TeaTap Cafe is under the same umbrella of Kozui, a favorite dessert place of mine located along Tomas Morato. that was introduced to me by my bestfriend last year.

This cafe is so near my home, let's just say one jeepney ride which is about 5 to 10 minutes travel time. I believe this is the biggest milk tea shop, the coziest, friendliest and the most exciting place to be in. It has strong wifi connection, presentable staff but not smiling, has huge dining area with variety of secluded spots to choose from, has enough vacant parking space, and last but not the least, it has an area where exciting nd colorful merchandise can be found. Our group of 4 members settled on a semi-circle couch at the middle of the cafe fronting the cashier and bar area.

Hair Color and Digital Perm Experience at Envy Me Salon & Spa Robinsons Galleria

Permanent wave is a kind of hairstyle that I always wanted to wear though some find it too challenging and costly to maintain.  For me it'll never go out of fashion. I was too agitated perming my hair before I graduated in college some 6 years ago; and since then I have this yearly ritual of subjecting my long hair to traditional perm in order to produce lovely small and big curls. This year is different from the last perming sessions I had for I just had my first-ever digital perm experience about a week ago! After the procedure I told myself that this is the kind of perm that women won't hate.

I gratefully accepted an invitation from Envy Me Salon & Spa  days before January 2013 ends. In so doing, I was given the opportunity to try any of their services. What else would I desire? Of course it should be something I never had before. That day, I met Buddy who gladly welcomed my presence one weekday afternoon at  their branch in Robinsons Galleria. He is the current Salon and Spa Manager of all the branches and this is their family business.  Most of the time he stays there to supervise his staff and interacts with guests especially for first-timers. It is surprisingly impressive to note that though I went here on a Monday, the salon was filled with clients of different races.

Derek Ramsay is the new face of Dunkin' Donuts

One sunny afternoon, I attended a private media event at Dunkin' Donuts Sheridan Street in Mandaluyong City, because the country's leading donuts, coffee, baked goods chain has the new face to introduce. It is no other than Mr. Derek Ramsay who surely salivate the crowd's taste buds, well both literally and figuratively! So while waiting for his appearance, bloggers and members of the press have a delicious time to taste Bunwiches, Froothies, Frios, hot beverages and of course assorted flavors of donuts. Sky's the limit!

In my case, I had my favorite Bacon, Coleslaw and Tomato Bunwich coupled with Strawberry Froothie :) Enough to satisfy my satisfy my hunger and need for good lunch.

Papa John's Pizza offers Championship PBA Meal

Papa John's Pizza is now officially serving its newest promo called the CHAMPIONSHIP MEAL which is good for 5 and 12 persons. A few days back together with some OpenRicers and food bloggers we experienced what it is like to be a PBA star and eater even just for an hour or two.  The said group meal is exclusive for Papa John's making them "The Official Pizza of the PBA".  

PBA Meal for 12 which is worth PhP2499 (save as much as PhP926) consists of the following: (3) 12" Pizzas (any flavor), 12 pieces Chicken Wings, 4 orders of Pasta (choice of Diablo Burst, Carbonara or Bolognaise), and 12 Regular Sodas. Should you want to avail of the limited edition PBA T-Shirt, an additional of PhP150 is needed.

Welcome to the Kanin Club at The Hub, Greenfield District Mandaluyong City

We finally made it to the Kanin Club! My best gastronomic partner and I unexpectedly landed at this restaurant during one of our date days this year. We were scouting which food place to best have our dinner among the short list of restaurants at The Hub in Greenfield District when we saw the face of a restaurant that has very Filipino appeal and kind of speaking to us to be home after a day filled with activity. True enough, he is slowly becoming successful in terms of trying all the fresh food hubs with latest dining concepts that he once promised me. And yes, we seize the day!

Chuck's Deli now offers 1/4 Slabwiches and Lunch Bag!

Chuck's Deli is known to many as 'Home of the SLABWICH!' And for sure Slabwich afficionados and slayers would be ecstatic for there's some good news worth spreading. I just find out that Chuck's Deli is now serving 1/4 Slabwiches! Great thing about the new promotion is that it starts at a whopping low price of  only PhP99!!! That's just so awesome.

Experiencing Asia at its BEST in LITTLE ASIA Tomas Morato, Quezon City

Little Asia means a little of everything for me. I've started to get to know the place in 2007 with my college barkada, with whom from time to time we meet at their Greenhills Promendae branch to have great food, good time and enjoy each others company. Frequent visits means infecting my family and relatives to try this restaurant and be wowed with the mixture of diverse high quality cuisines that can be found truly in Asia. Last week, I had a late lunch with a few foodies from the blogosphere at the Tomas Morato Avenue branch wherein my palate was given a chance to discover more Asian fusion dishes. I'm so  lucky to have met the  president and founder of the restaurant, Mr. Charlemagne C. Lim, who was good natured and very accommodating.

Revisiting Jelly G in Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong City

If you are a frequent visitor of my blog, you may have noticed that I already featured this milk tea place before. For those who have not yet seen my review, kindly click this link. It's just so nice to revisit a place like Jelly-G especially if you are greeted in a Thai language (written on the board), which means hello. Before, what was written in the board is their authentic Thai noodle offerings but unfortunately they are not available that day. You know what,  of all the milk teas I've tasted nothing is at par as what they offer so be amazed with the authentic, creamy and perfectly blended THAI milk tea when you reach this humble Thai milk tea nook. It's totally different from what we customarily drink.

We started with bowls of Tamarind Candies and Spicy Mango Candies which we eat non-stop because of its addictive properties - sweet, sour and salty at the same time. We finished eating these candies  mindlessly which are all imported from Thailand while waiting for our bread toasts.

Eat with LOVE at Chateau 1771

The month of LOVE is finally here! So have you guys already decided where to take your loved ones? There are plenty of fine dining restaurants which offer signature dishes here in the metro that are expected to be full come February 14. How about treating your girlfriend, boyfriend or mom and dad for a romantic and unforgettable dinner ahead of time? And there's one restaurant I know which surely inspires you to eat and love.

For something to be defined as “signature dishes” it’s already successful. But for a restaurant with a solid fan base says that there’s something for a limited time only, it should capture anyone’s attention. And for the first time in twenty five years, Chateau 1771’s executive chef Vicky Rose Pacheco introduces her top picks for lunch and dinner set menus for the Valentine’s Day: a feast of light, fresh and festive for lunch while dinner features the rare French classics. 

For lunch, worth the highlight is the watercress soup with lavash bread and its relieving, sophisticated texture. A natural super food, it’s heartwarming and oozing with revitalizing nutrients. While the main course, it will give you two options, but since grilling steak is a serious business at Chateau 1771, the seared U.S. beef tenderloin with blue cheese stuffing (P1, 300+) is a hefty reward for any meat lover. Made visually appetizing with grilled eggplant, zucchini, broccoli drizzled with roasted potatoes and fragrant roasted potatoes in olive oil, rosemary, and thyme, the 200 grams of pan seared beef laced with roasted garlic bacon sauce is brimming with juices and stuffing in every slice. If a version of this kind of flavor is what you’re rooting for but shying away from meat, go for the baked fish of the day (P1, 100+)—grilled and made tender with lemon, capers, thyme, and almonds. Judging from the risotto’s heavily-packed add-ons such as squid, shrimps made tasty in chicken and fish stock then topped with butter and parmigiano reggiano as a tasty finish, the risotto is the only fitting pair for a delicately cooked main course. 

Healthy Options is now selling 'Good food grown the good way'

The leading natural products brand Healthy Options proudly introduces Organika: Celebrating Life on the Farm, its new organic product line last week at  e’s Bar and Restaurant, EDSA Shangri-la Hotel. So the next time you visit their store you shall see that it now offers organic vegetables, pork, chicken, eggs and herbs which are all sourced from local farmers. Yes, everything is locally produced which in return strengthens the economy and boosts farms profitability. The brand is really serious about keeping its mission to provide the most nutritious, best-tasting, and top quality products to health-conscious Filipinos.

Wondering where exactly do these good food grown? Healthy Options proudly disclosed that it is at the foot of Mt. Banahaw and near the two-storey high Majayjay Falls with the total area of five-hectare organic farm. An entirely promising local source of healthy, flavorful and best quality products the store has been known for.