Saturday, August 29, 2015

One More Chance Feel at Bellinis

"Gusto mo talagang malaman kung anung problema ko? nasasaktan ako... kahit alam kong wala na akong karapatan... dahil naisip kong ako naman ang may gusto nito... pero hanggang ngayon unaasa pa rin ako... na sana ako pa rin... sana ako na lang... sana ako na lang ulit..." 

Who would forget that famous line of Basha (Bea Alonzo) from the phenomenon 2007 blockbuster hit of Ms. Cathy Garcia- Molina. And after a long time of waiting, a sequel of it will be released soon this year (2015).. Pretty much sure that this restaurant would again play an important role in the historic love-quarrel journey of Popoy and Basha and of the Thursday night get together of the whole gang...
Let me refresh you of the setting and how the film touches the hearts of everybody..
It took a while for me (a die-hard fan) to discover this place because I don't usually go to Cubao, but when my boss told me about it, I got so interested and excited to try their dishes and see the ambiance.

First, we asked for Focaccia bread...
In other restaurants, they serve this appetizer for free... but here it costs about P100..  Not that expensive though. and in terms of taste, theirs feels more home made..
Then we also had pizza. A large pan size pizza with 4 kinds/ variants.
It's a challenge for me to memorize or even recognize the names of their dishes because it's in Italian words, and since I rarely eat in an Italian restaurant I don't even know how to pronounce some of them. 
The pizza have 4 kinds this one is not written on the menu, but If you asked for such to the waiter they will recommend. One side is their specialty (Bellinis special), the other one is like Four cheese, the other is more of  sausage and the other is anchovies and dried fish.  The fourth is my personal fave...  Pizza is about P500+.

So we could try it all, we also ordered, Quinticco Pasta, platter of 4 types of pasta, about P1,000++. As to them, this platter features their 4 best sellers so why not... 
Since this is commonly being ordered by food bloggers also, I got the chance to google the names of each pasta dish.
Upper left. Tartufo Funghi con Prosciutto. I love the mushroom, creamy taste and the truffle oil. My favorite among the four.
Upper right. Spaghetti al Cartoccio . Personally not a fan of red spaghetti.
Lower right. Fettucine Pesto Mare. Also my favorite, in any restaurant. Their version though is below my type, more basil/ leafy and more meaty taste please.
Lower left. Aglio Olio Peperoncino. Very basic and clean tasting.

The night ended with a complimentary shot of red wine made by the owner (as he say so)... 
This special blend of wine is sweet tasting and helps to clean out the taste of the food in your pallete.
This is also the first time (I think) the I had bonding with my teammates since I transferred work... Not to mentioned the four of us (except the one in my left) are all fans of the movie, so while we were driving our way there we were all reminiscing our favorite scenes. And arguing If someone missed out some parts. hahaha.
Personally I like their food, not only because it gives me the whole feel of my favorite movie but because food really tastes good and authentic. I would always recall my friend saying you would know if an Italian restaurant is authentic (the owner is Italian)... But seriously, their dishes really taste good and/or just satisfying. It's a bit expensive though.

BTW, you don't get savings out of ordering 4 types of variant per dish, but it will help you have a tast of all the best sellers.. :)

Here's my ratings for Bellinis..
Taste: JJJLL
AmbienceJJJJL
Service: JJLLL
Value for MoneyJLLLL

Bellinis Restaurant
Cubao Expo, Cubao
Quezon City, Philippines
(02) 913 2550

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Friday, August 21, 2015

Wonders of Maginhawa -- Z Compound at Malingap

'tis the season when I started to get fat... 

It's a compound of full something to discover like food, culture, and new ideas. A no-fancy place, just pure fun and foodie experience. Malingap Street proudly flaunt Z compound, where they (almost) got it all for you for a weekend foodie get away. There are about 10 restaurants inside the compound and countless of new offerings to try... 
It's like hawkers in other Asian countries. Each restaurant have their must-try offerings. Though, most of them has limited seats and cannot accommodate a comfortable dine-in experience. Here' are the list of food we tried during our visit.
From Meshwe. Chicken Shawarma. Chunky tender chicken wrapped in pita bread. A bit spicy for me but I love the persian-food like taste and the texture of the meat and the vegies...
From Buger Hub . Pilyo Burger. Real meaty and juicy burger patty and the melting cheese made me die... I still prefer the grilled though. 
From Hijo D'Pita. El Chuppacabra Pita. A bit usual 'cause I can hardly feel the meat in every bite. (Check out El Chuppacabra in Makati... it's the best!)
Hijo Ultimo Nachos. Very grand in presentation. Nachos is common but the over-flowing garnish made you wanna try... I don't like the green peas. (personal preference:) )
From Stoners. Chicken Wings. Sweet and spicy glazed chicken.
Pardon 'cause we really cannot try it all... It's a long and tiring day in the office and we just want to unwind with great food and a couple of beer and sweets..
Here are the list of restaurant in the compound:

  • Me Love You Long Time - Offers Vietnamese foods and other Southeast Asian fusion.
  • Bagneto - From the name itself, putok-batok bagnet is the main attracction.
  • Samu Eats -Japanese famous dishes can be grabbed here.
  • Bochic - Pork Fest. From pork chop, pulled pork buns to pork barbeque
  • The Backyard Reservoir - Italian pasta, sandwhiches and pizza.. There's wine too.
  • BBQ Zone - Specializes in pinoy-style barbeque
  • Big Scoop Ice Cream - the only branch I've seen by far. The main ice cream parlor I know that offers Big Scoop is at Pinaglabanan San Juan City. But you can try their ice cream in some buffet restaurants. Best Vanilla and Avocado and Chocolate (and other variants) ice cream ever...
  • and others- may not be updated based from my last visit... (I'll see If I can go there again some other time)
Budget - P100 to P500 depends on how many restaurants you want to try.
Here's my ratings for the Z Compound in general.
Taste: JJJLL
AmbienceJJJJL (I kind'a like the hawker feel)
Service: JJLLL
Value for MoneyJJJLL (It depends on how you control the temptation) 

Z compound, Malingap Street. Near Maginhawa street. UP Teacher's Village Quezon City.

Mark My Name.

Thursday, August 20, 2015

Hiam Chicken Inato

Initially I didn't want to go there because why will I eat chicken inasal (barbecue) in Palawan where in fact there are plenty of other dishes to try... But when I heard of the name "Inato", Suddenly It became interesting... Things playing on my mind are, why will they call it Inato instead of its popular name inasal? Is it because that's the way they call it in their dialect? I know its kind a pathetic to ask that but who knows there's really a reason why?
What made it different from the large food chains offering same dish?

The name, when translated means "this is our chicken." Judging from the translation itself, Haim Chicken Inato owners seeks its patrons to own the experience, to become at home with the place that they will not go anywhere else to find good food
(Palawanboard.com)

Each region has their pride of how they do their chicken barbecue... in Bacolod for example, their famous for their Chicken Inasal where the taste is a blend of sweet and tangy marinade... We'll it’s common for us Filipinos to like sweet blend for food be it on pasta, bread and of course basic dishes... Same thing with Palawan's Chicken Inato...
We also tried their seafoods bulalo. A healthier choice than beef bulalo. Less oil and more vegetables with a creamy soup...
Team were very happy with the simple dish we have tried in this place...
The Inato in Palawan made me think of trying other "Inasal" version from other regions, which I'm sure they also have...
Budget :90-150 per person.
Here's my ratings for Hiam Chicken Inato, Puerto Princesa, Palawan.
Taste: JJJLL
Ambience: JJJJL
Service: JJJLL
Value for Money: JJJJJ
Check out Hiam's Chicken Inato website at inato.com.ph or call (048)433-2261 or email marketing1@inato.com.ph for reservations.

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.

Saturday, August 8, 2015

Let's Shake The Planet with Praises

It's so exciting that Planetshakers will again rock Manila, not because I'm a heavy fan of them but because once again another assembly will be done to lift praises to the Lord.

Becca Music, the productions that brought Gospel and Christian concerts like Hillsong Worship 2015, Saved Festival (No Other Name) 2014 and many other concerts, proudly brings Planetshakers Live in Manila this August 13 and 14 at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

PLANETSHAKERS is passionate to see generations worldwide unite together. Known for their inspirational and upbeat music, this Australian rock band wants to see generations rise up to a purposeful life, and be empowered by music to make a difference in the world. Well-loved by youth and young adults, Planetshakers events have a way of affecting positive community development wherever they go, challenging our young people to live an abundant and self-giving life.

Hailing originally from Adelaide, Australia, the Planetshakers Band is now based in Melbourne. With over 20 internationally-acclaimed albums, the band tour annually to the USA, UK, Europe, South Africa, Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand.

This 2015, the band is returning to the Philippines with a mission to awaken, empower, transform and equip the Filipinos to fulfill their God-given destiny. Through fervent praise and worship, inspirational teaching and powerful acts of the Holy Spirit, this night will be one of the unforgettable moment where we can be touched and impacted by God like never before.

Planetshakers will also be featuring songs from their latest album released this year, so be sure to get everyone in all your friends and family involved!
Popular Planetshakers music:

Turn It Up


The Anthem


Beautiful Savior


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Tuesday, August 4, 2015

Ted-- The Old Timer

Travel. This, I say is one of the most exciting part of my job and also one of the most tiring thing to do... So much more with the complaints on the physical stress, the idea of traveling and getting to explore the culture, food and of course market behavior are the things that excite me every time we visit other region...

Iloilo for example.

Since our direct flight from Manila to Iloilo has been cancelled (on the last minute) by Cebu Pacific (as we always experience) we took Bacolod and transfer to Iloilo via ferry boat... With all the transfer and trips since 8am we reached Iloilo port at 1pm tired and hungry...

While on our way I'm already thinking of what to eat and first thing that came into my mind was to try their famous Batchoy... I really want to try the authentic once since this is my first time in Iloilo.
Our local friends directed us this fast food type restaurant name Ted's.

Ted's Old Timer Lapaz Batchoy was established in 1945 by Teodoro "Ted" Lepura and was tagged as one of the "original"batchoy.
Initially, one of my colleagues didn't want to go here because according to her this restaurant has branches in malls in Manila so nothing so exciting about Teds. But I badly want to eat Batchoy in Iloilo, and thought of maybe there's a difference in terms of taste because the locals know better how batchoy should taste.
So we started the lunch with Rice Meals or they call it Namit Meals. All day specials served with a small bowl of batchoy (your choice of noodles).

Chicken Prito. It's so basic and nothing much to expect of the marinade, but I love chicken anyways. :) What I like about this is the taste feels like the one cooked at home.
Bangus. Marinate is also feels like the one done in home. Very basic taste though.
Sisig. Its a bit sweet If you don't put calamansi but the taste is just okay. You don't expect best sisig in Iloilo, that's not their specialty.
The soup in the meal may not be enough to fulfill our cravings so we ordered extra and when I say extra it really means big.

Beef Sotanghon. Vermicelli noodles in beef broth soup with spring onions and roasted garlic. The rich beef soup is so good and soothing.
Extra Super Batchoy. The superlative name defines it all. Full-bodied pork bone soup with noodles and pork meat and liver topped with ground pork skin-pop and roasted garlic. Yes. the pork skin-pop and roasted garlic has a very important role in the play of flavours.
So we asked for an extra ground pork skin-pop and roasted garlic for FREE.
The team left with happy tummy and ready for another battle at work. (Pardon my face here:P )

Budget : P100- P150 / person

Here's my ratings for Ted's Old Timer Lapaz Batchoy
Taste: JJJLL
Ambience: JJLLL
Service: JJLLL
Value for Money: JJJJL

Check out their facebook account for more details and updates
at https://www.facebook.com/tedslapazbatchoy

Happy Eating.

Mark My Name.

Monday, August 3, 2015

Yes KPOP Concert (PR)

KPOP Sensations Asha and Fameus are coming this September 2015 in the Philippines .

This coming September to October 2015, Zoomanity Group of the Yupangco Group of Companies invited two of the famous KPOP sensations in the Philippines; Asha (Girl Group) and Fameus (Boy Group) will be at Ynares Sports Complex at Shaw on September 18, 2015 and SMX Convention Center, Davao on October 2, 2015.

Zoomanity Group, the leading company in theme park industry, thru its affiliate Yupangco Exhibits and Shows(YES) has come together with Redstone Media Production to bring you the latest sensations in Korean Pop Music. We are proud to present to you “YES KPOP CONCERT” featuring two new rising KPOP groups ASHA and FAMEUS.

KPOP has thousands of followers here in the country and still continues to grow in number. These fans of all ages (from kids to teens, to young adults) loyally support their favorite KPOP Group and this can easily be proven by the numerous KPOP trending topics in the social media and music scene worldwide!

For sponsorship please contact:
TAG Media and Public Relations at 09166299381 or email to gracenicolas@yahoo.com.

Enjoy!



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