Jayke Reyes Launches Self-Titled Debut Album

We Filipinos are truly great singers. Let's welcome this beautiful and talented fast-rising singer named Jayke Reyes! She launches her self-titled debut album "Jayke Reyes" the other day, which contains the carrier single Kay Palad Mo which is a remake;  Perry’s Will;  Paano Na Kaya;  Sana’y Pakaingatan Mo;  and We’re All in This Together that comes with a minus one.

I was so elated to meet this young lady who happend to be a batchmate of my dear cousin during their high school years. During the press conference for bloggers at Tito Boy's Food Republic along Panay Avenue in Quezon City, she shared us that she grew up listening to Broadway songs. Actually she was raised in the US and a daughter of Filipino immigrant. It had always been her  dream to pursue a singing career so when the opportunity knocked at her doorstep, she didn’t hesitate to leave Los Angeles and flew all the way to Manila and make her dreams come true.

CHICKEN DELI in SM North: A Bacolod Original plus GIVEAWAY!

I have been at this inasal house several times already but I will initially share with you my very first encounter with CHICKEN DELI last June with my mother and cousin. Of course this will be followed with several blog posts as the encounter became more and more tasty :) My first photo shows how jam packed and well-loved this restaurant is. Every time I visit the scenario never changes. It was like there is a commotion- a meaningful one. Unlike its direct competitors, this Bacolod orginal since 1983 has only two branches here in Manila while others are situated in Laguna and as expected four more in Bacolod City. This one in SM North Annex is where I usually frequent since it is a type of mall with to go restaurant that has nice ambiance and spacious dining area coupled good Filipino comfort food and fast service. I'm looking forward to try their Tutuban branch, but since I rarely barge the area I do not know when will it happen.

Katsu Cafe in Katipunan, Quezon City

Second day of October when my friend Ness and I went here for a quick yet late lunch. It was about past one o'clock in the afternoon and that was the very time that I am scheduled to a hair pampering session with Azta Urban Salon in Katipunan. We were both starving coming from a far flung place where we covered a different kind of event in the morning. Since we did not accomplish decent breakfast nor morning snack, we ended up in a place that we both discovered after alighting from the cab. I was like so jumpy at the sight of a very favorable cafe named KATSU. At first we were kinda hesitant for the restaurant is still crowded which approximately could carry less than twenty guests. We almost missed dining here since we have to queue while having short temper due to starvation. Remember and imagine the saying, a hungry man in an angry man? It was so thoughtful of the service crew to offer us seats that we cannot afford to sit because they some shoe marks, in short it is quite dirty. Fortunately, four customers left the cafe and that means our turn.

Rai Rai Ken in SM City Bicutan

It was mid-June and there was  an unexpected lunch date with a set of newly acquainted friends here at Rai Rai Ken. Whenever I see one it always reminds me of Japan's famous Ramen. Based on my previous dining experience this is where the best-tasting and appetizing Japanese dishes can be found so I had to give it a try again. Besides, that was a long time ago since I first knew about this Japanese restaurant. Although, it is known for an old-fashioned steamy bowl of ramen, our group opted to order other mouth-watering foods that are not merely concentrated on  a noodle dish.

Experience the Difference at OAT SQUARE in Tomas Morato, Quezon City

Good day fellas! I would like to start my food review with a simple yet quite challenging question. Are you aware of the first and original Oat Store in the Philippines? Perhaps health buffs out there is knowledgeable about this already. It is actually situated along Tomas Morato in Quezon City fronting the Il Terrazzo Mall. Now on its soft opening stage so you better try out this humble place that very well welcomes walk-ins and beneficial to people of all ages. If you are the type who needs a little more dietary fiber on his/her diet, then I assure you that OAT SQUARE will work wonder for you.

You have more reason to smile as one of the business owners is always present to serve you. Glad to have met this young entrepreneur, Ms. Jam Liao, who is also a Thomasian (only that I am a bit older than her). She informed us that store is open daily from 11AM to 11PM every Mondays to Thursdays and Sundays. However, operating hours extend up to 12MN every Fridays to Saturdays to cater late sleepers and  younger crowd who loves bar hopping in the T. Morato area. Ms. Jam was the one who conceptualized the overall look of their very first business venture along with her two siblings Cj and Jaya, which is very much supported by their dear father, Mr.  Jerry Liao.

Stella Wood Fired Bistro and Rocket Room in Bonifacio High Street Central

Prominently located at the luxurious Bonifacio High Street Central is Stella Wood Fired Bistro which opened at the latter part of May 2012.  It has inviting and colorful facade which to me equates to a home I dreamed of. Equally captivating is the al fresco  area where it is so nice to dine and lounge especially during lazy days. It has an air of sophistication which stands out from the rest of the restaurants around the area. 

Stella is open to serve you from 11:30 AM to 12:00 MN.

 

ROCKET ROOM is the neighboring restaurant of Stella which also belongs to the Raintree Restaurants, known to innovate hospitality here in our country. It is considered a bar lounge-cafe that offers wide array of organic dishes and a variety of antipasti plus remarkable selection of liquors. It has eclectic and retro vibe suitable for either quick coffee break or late night out. I never got the chance to shoot a photo of its interior or dining area because our group was immersed in the pleasant ambiance of Stella. Rocket Room has longer business hour, open from 11:30AM to 2:00AM. So be there for the booze and some fun!

FEZ Restobar in Bonifacio High Street, Taguig City

When you hear or see the word FEZ, what comes into your mind? A fez is a type of hat which is known to be a Turkish national headdress. It is described as a flat-topped conical red hat with a black tassel on top worn by men in some Muslim countries. Moreover, fez is also associated to the third largest city in Morocco. However, in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig, it is an unusual concept that represents a wide range of Mediterranean, Arabic and Northern African cuisine. I have never tried a Moroccan cuisine before that is why I was very eager to sample some of their food items a few nights ago.

I wonder why six years ago when I was still employed in a food company in Bonifacio High Street, I never had the opportunity to notice this restobar nor try their offerings. I ponder on the reason behind the mischance until I realize that it is not as flashy and noticeable as it is today, and that they regularly offer above the traditional pulutan and inuman concept which is not my thing before. Fez Restobar is among the few establishments that claim to witness the development of the Bonifacio Global City (BGC) seven years ago. Hence, this place is one of the pioneers on the hip and upscale place we now call Bonifacio High Street. 

 

Fez Restobar has a limited space which I would like to describe as a very intimate yet cozy place. It has  40-square meter space inside which seats about 20 people but has al fresco seating which could cater more guests. Before only drinking clientele could go here but nowadays the management started to reinvent themselves and is now offering hearty lunch and dinner items. By the end of the year, hopefully they would be able to come up with breakfast items to cater office workers, as per the Marketing head.

Neo-Filipino: ANTING

Last September 16, my best buddy and I went to CCP Little Theater to watch ANTING. It was a stormy night, hence flooded streets on our way are expected; but we still have to go with the plan because aside from that will be the last day of performance, I will end up pouting and sulking  for the things undone. 

Neo-Filipino: Anting is actually the second season offering of Ballet Philippines. Just so you know, the season opener was SONGS. This Tony Perez's libretto explores the world of talismans and amulets of Filipino magical traditions. Since yours truly somehow believes on these things, I could say that I kinda relate to the fantastic performance. How I wish my bestfriend was also with me and my grandfather is still alive for I firmly believe these two people will appreciate the ballet performance. It was historical, traditional, and familiar at the same time but with a bizarre approach. I still have not met this known playwright Mr. Perez, though a lot of books about him and assorted spells and rituals were on sale at the lobby. By the way, did you know that he is the founder of Spirit Questors?

Uniqlo has UNIQSTYLE

Photo courtesy of Uniqlo PH FB page

Are you a certified fashionista or street fashionista? Well, I sure hope you have heard a lot about UNIQLO, the world’s fourth largest apparel retail company. Get excited as they bring us the coolest and quirkiest  search of the No. 1 Fashionista courtesy in UNIQSTYLE If you think you have the guts to join then so be it!

See the photo above? That one was parked a week ago at the SM City North EDSA – The Block in Quezon City. You gotta spot that UNIQSTYLE Truck and experience the high quality, fashionable and functional clothes from UNIQLO. To be able to join the UNIQSTYLE Search for UNIQLO's No.1 Fashionista, either visit this truck which will be roving perhaps near you, so better check Uniqlo's FB fan page from time to time to get updates, for a chance to win up to P32,000 of UNIQLO Shopping Spree. How cool is that?

The 1st ever RUN UNITED PHILIPPINE MARATHON

Photo courtesy

Run United goes the 42Km distance. Can you imagine that? And just so you know this is the first ever RUN UNITED PHILIPPINE MARATHON that everyone has been buzzing and so more and ore runners are so excited to participate in the newest addition to the Philippine's running calendar which will be on October 28, Sunday. 

To make this a sure fire success, Unilab Active Health (ULAH) and Runrio as its partner organizer are tediously doing everything to make sure everything is under control. 

Above photo shows the Run United Philippine Marathon 21K and 42K Finisher’s Medal. Colorful, big and an awesome bragging right! Excited to know who will bring home these medals.

Italianni's is now BIGGER and BETTER in SM Mall of Asia

Italianni's branch in Mall of Asia underwent a renovation last month and is now open to serve not just gastronomists and connoisseur of good food but also families and friends who simply love to experience true American-Italian dining experience. It is no secret that at this side of the huge mall, is a bigger and better dining area which could cater big groups anytime of the day. It was such a blissful dinner for me and my foodie contemporaries as we were able to taste, feel, see and try the old and fresh face and offerings of Italianni's last week. Allow me to spill the beans little by little.

I learned to appreciate what Italian dining experience  truly is when some of my friends and classmates in college some 6 years ago need to underwent their training in some Italianni's branches. This was for the completion of our course in Food Service Systems. And even up to now, that same feeling is present. .of being right at home and a sense of eating while dreaming in an Italian family villa. I know for sure that you guys also recognize the old country ambiance and warm hospitality that staff delivers from entering the restaurant up to the point you bid goodbye.

Bo's Coffee in Now Brewing along Jupiter Street, Makati City

A homegrown coffee, Bo's Coffee is now open along Jupiter Street in Makati City. If your workplace is within Barangay Bel-Air then that goes to show that caffeine craving can be answered anytime- on your way to work for a quick breakfast, stimulating ender for lunch or dinner, or simply a fine merienda fix. TBo's Coffee is known for using and serving only freshly roasted beans from the Philippines. Hence, there is fast turnover of coffee beans in every store and not a single bean has lasted a month at most. This ensure the best coffee experience each time. I was so honored to be among the ones who contacted by their Marketing arm to know the place/brand better and feel the good ambiance that it offers.  Unwinding has never been this relaxing and cheerful.   

PRECIOUS MOMENTS Manila Showroom: A Restaurant and Giftshop

I've been eyeing this heavenly place for months and wish to have quality time at their SamBrew Cafe branch before with a close friend even for just a cup of good coffee and a plate full of pastries, but my hopes of visiting never materialized until one Sunday morning I found myself wandering inside this restaurant and giftshop called Precious Moments. Precious Moments is a brand which is known worldwide and has been a leader in the collectible industry for over 3 decades now. Hence, this place in Baranggay Palanan in Makati is widely-known by figurine and doll collectors and enthusiast here in the Philippines.  It was suddenly like a dream-come-true situation for me to finally trod a mystical space like this. And from the bottom of my heart I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Ms. Joy Felizardo, a foodie friend and the one I consider an older sister for inviting us over this place; and more so to Mr. Jojo Sonillo, President of Precious Moments Manila, who joyfully and with great hospitality welcome us into his dear showroom. 

The Sandwich Guy in SM Megamall

Friday night, on our way to EDSA Shangri-La Mall in Mandaluyong City, my dearest cousin and I decided to grab for a quick bite at The Sandwich Guy in SM Megamall. Since Taken 2 movie screening will just be an hour and a half away and that the neighboring mall can be done by foot works, we decided to satisfy our hungry stomachs with their filling, fast and fresh snack offerings. At least we are full by the time we reach the movie house and can concentrate well on the movie. I don't wanna be associated by my cousin  with the adage, "An angry man is a hungry one."  It has been ages since I went to have my FRESH NOT FRIED meal at their Robinson's Galleria branch, the one which I consider a go-to sandwich shop that is super accessible for me even during my quality movie date.

J.CO Donuts & Coffee in SM Megamall

Donuts selection area

Ever wondered what does J.CO stand for? Oh well, the people behind this most-sought after donut and coffee company originated in Indonesia are not going to spill the beans. That adds mystery to ths brand and further provokes public interest and excitement. Yours truly was invited by OpenRice Philippines and J.CO Donuts and Coffee SM Megamall branch last week for a brief yet sumptuous breakfast session with the marketing heads and staff of both companies along with food bloggers and OpenRicers.

Bar and Cashier Station

CUE Modern Barbecue in Bonifacio High Street Central

Bonifacio High Street Central boasts of high-end shops and restaurants that shopaholics and foodies should not dare miss. One of the concept restaurants that could teach you how to cheat now and then is 'Cue Modern Barbecue. It is a cozy casual restaurant opened last May that offers American cuisine and I am warning you, in here you must be game to eat, drink, cheat and be merry! Special thanks to OpenRice Philippines for inviting me to explore yet another prime restaurant on this side of Taguig City.

As what the restaurant's name imply, they innovate barbecue in such a way that their offerings are impossible to turn down. Why? Because they select, procure and use only high quality cuts of meat combining various ingredients such as home-made rubs, sauces and marinades. After which, meats are either roasted, braised or grilled to perfection. So are you now ready to take your cue?

Feeling carnivorous?! Must be :) See those illustration that depict different cuts of beef, pork and chicken as you enter the place? That side definitely snagged my attention. It is as if I am back again to college studying my Basic Foods course.  I'd never expect my first time experience here to be this educational or rather informative for the guest to know what part of animal are they wolfing out. It was some sort of a review for me who took B.S. Nutrition and Dietetics.

CrePes & Cream in Resorts World Manila

Crepe is of French origin that is like a very thin pancake and usually made of wheat flour of buckwheat flour. I learned to appreciate the art of making and eating crepe when I started managing a bakery and restaurant a few years back that is offering French cuisine infused with Filipino taste. But how do you guys want your crepe? Do you want it sweet or savory? Last August, Alwin, Ness and I went to this crepe shop in Resorts World Manila right after taking our sumptuous and magnanimous late lunch at Red Crab. It was all our first time to try this colorful, little and trendy cafe  that is sort of jam packed that night.

Just like how I want it and it should be, all of their crepe creation are prepared fresh upon order. Guests could have as much as over 30 different flavors to choose from like savory crepes, vegetarian crepes for those who are on a diet and of course dessert crepes for those who have sweet tooth like me. And for those who want to be unique, a Create-Your-Own-Crepe option on their menu will suit your need. Crepes in this modern cafe ranges from Asian to Western flavor and I think they have everything every foodie needs. Moreover, they also offer some sandwiches and coffee too. However, I was rather sad of the service of one of the staff who made our order because she looks disgruntled with the flow of customers like frowning all the time. But that never affected with the way I look forward to wolfing down my desirable sweet crepe and the bonding it could create with my two friends. I requested for fork and plate because that is how I love to eat mine and they generously provided us with paper plates, sporks and napkins, only to realize that at the end of our snack time we never used the plate. It is therefore highly suggested to eat it like the way you handle your ice cream.

BUFFET 101 International Cuisine in Mall of Asia

I was here with fellow bloggers a couple of months ago after being invited for the launching of the newest, fun and healthy potato Dutch snack in

Mall of Asia. As a person who has big love for buffet I was very very excited to try out Buffet 101 which has overwhelming positive raves online and even through word of mouth. I remember when I swayed my brother to celebrate his 30th birthday here but was curtailed as he just planned to comfortably celebrate it at home.

Anyhow, the organizers had a last minute change of plans since we should have had our early dinner at Yakimix. I do not know what exactly transpired, but I should say that Buffet 101 was a perfect choice and tantamount to an excellent and world-class food, service and cleanliness.

Hair Care Solutions at Azta Urban Salon in Katipunan

What is the most depressing hair problem that you have encountered lately? In my case it is hair fall :( I started perming my hair when I reached my senior year in college, that was year 2006 and it was kind of a vogue during that time. Any girl would love to add volume for their hair be it short or long. I used to have a long and layered straight hair that I have been meaning to take on a drastic change and perm (short for permanent) came in to change how the way I look. From dull and lifeless hair to a glamorous hairstyle- curls and waves augment my confidence. But you know what, after perming my hair regularly, I mean yearly that is usually a week before my birthday arrives, I encountered several hair issues that I certainly believe have connection with my permed long hair. These include hair thinning, hair fall, dry and breakage but I must say that the most alarming one is hair fall. Everytime I comb my hair using large detangler comb or brush, I always end up seeing clumps of hair falling out. This deeply saddens me. Since I recognize such an afflictive scenario, I started using assorted shampoo brands that could help me somehow solve the problem and I even had a haircut as hair length is an important factor in hair loss.

Max's Junior Master Chef Party Theme: A Celebration of the Most Unforgettable Kiddie Party

Perhaps, five to ten years from now I will become a mom, one who is level headed enough to throw a birthday bash for my beautiful son or daughter. People love celebrating different occasions and kids love celebrating their natal day too. Do you still remember how your parents put together the best kiddie party for you when you were one or seven years old? How was it? What was the theme? It is a fact that it took  our parents a significant amount of challenge, patience, creativity and preparation in order to make it the most memorable birthday bash for you. We need to be pleased otherwise it is congruent to disaster.

Last September 29, yours truly was invited by Max's Restaurant at their pioneer branch in Tomas Morato Quezon City as they present to parents, foodies, kids-at-heart and children their newest and amazing part theme called Max's Junior Master Chef. They acquired the license for Junio Master Chef, a smart move for them and their guests in order to help create the most exciting and indelible celebration for young Max's enthusiasts. As we all know,  Master Chef, the adult counterpart of Junior Master Chef, is a prestigious and successful reality cooking show that gained following and rounds of applause all over the world. If you regularly watch the program Junior Master Chef you therefore learn that kids featured in the show have the ability and passion for cooking.

Jelly G Thai Milk Tea in 500 Shaw Zentrum

Do you guys know what is the newest milk tea place in town? And to be very specific it is a brand that specializes in making Thai Milk Tea. Yes! It is not exactly the same milk teas that we regularly consume and saw in prime malls here in the metro though it also boasts of being natural and freshly-steeped. If you are a habitual tea drinker then you could probably have known this before. Let's welcome in the roster of tea craze . . . Jelly G Thai Milk Tea!!!! I was so fortunate to discover and try their newest branch just in time for their store blessing the other day, situated at the ground level of the Shaw Zentrum in Mandaluyong City. Most of its outlets are stall type but the owners are beginning to invest on a fast casual dining set-up to cater more guests as they improve on their product line up that is too different and peculiar from what we are used to. So teaholics out there who do not just like sipping tea but snacking as well. I highly suggest you visit this place and be impressed like I did.

Upon entry, you'll notice that the place seem so alive with its vibrant neon green and white color combination. Something that represents growth and even nature-like. On the left side near the entrance is a shelf filled with food stuffs and knickknacks like Spicy Mango, Peanut with Sesame Seeds, Baby Empanada, Dilis with Sesame Seeds, Tamarind candies which are sold per pack and cupfuls of ground coffee and tea leaves samples which guest could examine, hold and smell anytime they want. 

Tropicana COCO QUENCH for a Hip and Healthier Lifestyle

Tropicana launches its newest and coolest beverage craze in town last September 27 at One Esplanade, Pasay City. This beverage is said to be a must-have drink for health and lifestyle enthusiasts of all ages and it is popularly known as Coco Quench. The influx of this product is so timely as what I've read, heard and learned form recent international news, coconut water is so much in demand abroad particularly among Hollywood celebrities. I believe you have encountered about this scoop as well as this growing new market is easily embraced by many even if it is locally and perennially available in our country. 

Our family is regularly consuming fresh coconut water with meat and that is every Saturday and Sunday to be very specific. We actually expect buko vendor to deliver three or more servings in our home placed in a sturdy translucent plastic bag each serving portion, which is PhP25 per buko.

Misis Cynthia Villar files Certificate of Candidacy (CoC) for Senator

October 2, 2012. A day after the proclamation of the Administration's 2013 Senatorial Slate, I was again invited to cover an event along with some selected bloggers to witness the filing of Certificate of Candidacy of Mrs. Cynthia Villar for senator in Intramuros, Manila. On a cool and windy nine o'clock  in the morning there was already large group of people  so alive and noisy but in a pleasant way. That is how they are going to treat their forthcoming beloved Managing Director of Villar Foundation and former Congresswoman of Las Pinas City. Minutes later, everyone were caught in a heavy downpour that suddenly subside yet return quickly. The weather did not dishearten Mrs.Villars supporters, instead strengthen them and kept them solid.

Mrs. Hanapbuhay, CYNTHIA VILLAR officially joins the Administration's 2013 Senatorial Slate

 

Mrs. Cynthia Villar aka Misis Hanapbuhay

Rumors become truth as wife of Senator Manny Villar, otherwise known as 'Misis Hanapbuhay' will officially run in the Philippine Senate election next year. I was actually invited last Monday, October 1, 2012, to witness such an important political event in the history of our country held at the Cory C. Aquino Kalayaan Hall of Club Filipino in Greenhills, San Juan City. Attending a prime celebration like this being attended by major TV networks journalists and reporters was like a wake-up call for me to practice again my Right of Suffrage and therefore vote only the best candidate for the position. 

Vaseline Men to XTERRA Off-road Triathlon Championship in Maui

A few days back I attended the sendoff presscon for  first Philippine team composed of Vaseline men for their XTERRA Off-road Triathlon championship in Maui, a known prestigious event among sports enthusiast. It took place on a brunch time at Milky Way Cafe in Makati City. Vaseline Men XTERRA Weekend in Cebu happened early this year and the said brand is serious in raising the bar for Filipino triathletes by forming a Philippine team that is confident, competitive and man enough for the competition. Let us not forget that we are talking here one of the biggest triathlon series in the world and the selected man are challenged to bring home the bacon and make our country proud. But who will represent Philippines? Actually, the team will be composed of Coach Noy Jopson and celebrity athletes Matteo Guidicelli and Drew Arellano plus two more lucky participants to be selected via the search for the best Filipino triathletes in the Vaseline Men XTERRA Tri-Outs Camp: Race to Maui.

SoundMax Media & TJ Media Product Launching Show

I was cordially invited by SoundMax Media and TJ Media about two weeks ago along with two bloggers to cover the product launching of their newest Karaoke Machine that recently hit the Philippine market. The occasion was held at Palacio de Maynila in Roxas Boulevard, Manila where prizes and lots of surprises await the lucky attendees. TJ media products are exclusively distributed in the Philippines by SoundMax Media Marketing Corporation, just so you know. I love the event as all their newest and coolest products are very well appreciated by Filipinos who are so talented when it comes to singing. Yes singing already become second nature to us. No wonder a lot of song number surprised all the guests that evening and it was undeniably full house.

Present during the event were Atty. Wilson C. Vinoya, CFO of SoundMax Media, Mr. Paul T. Camangian, President & CEO of SoundMax Media, Mr. Jae-Hwan Yoon, Chairman of TJ Media, Co., Mr. Glenn Michael Santos, Manager of Technical Support, Mr. Nick Jeong, General Manager of Philippine Operation, and last but definitely not the least, Mr. Jonathan A. Masangkay, Sales Director of SoundMax Media.