Celebrate Christmas Early at Vask Tapas Room’s Sunday Brunch Buffet

Only in the Philippines can you witness people embracing and celebrating the Christmas spirit as early as September. And it’s not unusual at all to see decorated Christmas trees and hear joyous holiday jingles in homes, malls, and anywhere else in the country. Joining in with the Filipino’s contagious holiday vibe, Vask Tapas Room in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig has opened their doors for people who wish to celebrate Christmas early with their ‘Comida de Navidad’ Sunday Brunch Buffet.

Vask Tapas Room Comida de Navidad Spanish Tapas Brunch Buffet BGC Taguig

 

Comida de Navidad Sunday Brunch at Vask Tapas Room 

Vask Tapas Room launched their ‘Comida de Navidad’ Sunday Brunch Buffet last November 15, 2015 and it will run until the 27th of December, making Vask the perfect venue for a pre- or post-Christmas celebration with your friends and family.

Facade of Vask Tapas Room Spanish Restaurant BGC Taguig

Allow us to walk you through the delectable spread of holiday favorites you can enjoy at Vask this Christmas season.

Dining Area of Vask Tapas Room Restaurant BGC Taguig

After making ourselves comfortable in our seats, our server asked us to choose between their free-flowing white or red wine sangrias. Since Mhel’s palate is more familiar with the flavors and tannins in wines, she went for the red wine sangria, while I played safe with the white.

Continue reading Celebrate Christmas Early at Vask Tapas Room’s Sunday Brunch Buffet

6 Reasons Why the ASUS ZenFone 2 Laser Is a Foodie’s Best Friend

Being active food bloggers, it has become more important than ever to own a reliable, fast, and feature-packed smartphone that can help us create better content and connect easily with our readers. We’ve discovered 6 compelling reasons why the new ASUS ZenFone 2 Laser is exactly the phone foodies like us are looking for!

ASUS Zenfone 2 Laser phone review

 

6 Reasons Why the ASUS ZenFone 2 Laser Is a Foodie’s Best Friend

ASUS ZenFone 2 Laser Review - Design and Grip

#6 – Incredible Design and Grip

When it comes to modern smartphones, the exterior is just as significant to what’s inside. ASUS is one of the phone companies who were able to incorporate incredible design with powerful software and hardware into an affordable smartphone. The ASUS ZenFone 2 Laser, with its ergonomic arc design and thin edge of only 3.9mm, lets users hold the phone comfortably in their palms. Its hairline design and metallic finish give the phone a premium look and feel, without being overly priced as compared to other mid-range phones in the market.

What this means is you can comfortably hold the Zenfone 2 with one hand while you’re taking photos of your food without worrying you’ll accidentally drop it and ruin your shot. 😀

Continue reading 6 Reasons Why the ASUS ZenFone 2 Laser Is a Foodie’s Best Friend

Dencio’s Bar and Grill: Chillax Inuman Spot For The Barkada

There’s no better way to blow off some steam after a hard day’s work than chillaxing with your barkada over good food and strong booze. That is exactly what we did when Dencio’s Bar and Grill invited me and my friends to visit their Eastwood branch to try their bestsellers and latest food and beverage offerings!

Facade Dencios Bar and Grill Restaurant Eastwood Taguig City

Dencio’s at Eastwood Citywalk has a simple yet inviting façade that attracts big groups of friends or officemates, who are out for a few rounds of drinks. But that doesn’t mean you can’t drop by just to have lunch or dinner because, after all, do they have a sumptuous line of dishes and drinks that greatly appeal to the Filipino appetite.

Dining Area of Dencios Bar and Grill Restaurant Eastwood Libis Taguig

The interior is very straightforward with its harmonious combination of wooden furniture with natural design pieces, giving it a comfortable and very Pinoy atmosphere. The al fresco dining area is ideal for groups with smokers. For non-smokers like me, they have two spacious air-conditioned rooms on the second floor, which can also be booked for private events.

 

Dencio’s Bar and Grill

Now onto our drinks! We were quite parched when we arrived at Dencio’s, so we ordered four of their bestselling fruit shakes (PHP 85 each). One sip and we knew that they use only the freshest fruits and ingredients in whipping up these refreshing beverages.

Fruit Shakes at Dencios Bar and Grill Restuarant Eastwood Taguig City

Can’t decide between ordering nachos or pork sisig? Don’t fret; you can now enjoy both with Dencio’s Macho Nachos (PHP 175). At first, we had no idea why it was named as such, until we took our first bite and realized that the dollop of meat on top of the nacho chips was actually made with sisig.

Macho Nachos from Dencios Bar and Grill Restaurant Eastwood Taguig City

The next dish that landed on our table was the Pancit Dencio’s (Platter PHP 205 | Bilao PHP 449). It’s a plate of canton noodles with fresh vegetables, pork, and seafood, all tossed in a thick and super flavorful sauce that I seriously wanted to eat it with a cup of rice. Haha!

Continue reading Dencio’s Bar and Grill: Chillax Inuman Spot For The Barkada

Jollibee Peach Mango Sundae – A Sweet Twist on a Classic

Jollibee’s Peach Mango Pie is one of our long-time favorites. We enjoy it nice and warm, with the sweet flavors of the peach and mango filling oozing out of the crisp pie crust. We also love it chilled. Ken and I are even fond of dipping it in Jollibee’s vanilla sundae, and we both agreed they should start offering a Peach Mango Sundae. Guess what, our wish has been granted! 😀

Jollibee Peach Mango Sundae

When we heard about Jollibee’s new Peach Mango Sundae, we didn’t waste any time. We just had to try it. It’s as good as we imagined. The bits and pieces of the sweet and tangy peaches and mangoes on top of the creamy vanilla sundae were simply perfect together. 🙂 We also paired it with Jollibee’s Peach Mango Pie. Ang sarap! You have to try it! 🙂

Continue reading Jollibee Peach Mango Sundae – A Sweet Twist on a Classic

Gandiva Café Archery Range Reopens in Ortigas, Pasig City

Archery has suddenly boomed in popularity, all thanks to the bad-ass bow-and-arrow-wielding book and movie characters like Legolas, Hawkeye, and Katniss Everdeen. I’ve been seriously curious of trying this sport since I’m a huge fan of the Hunger Games Trilogy! Good thing I was invited to attend the grand re-opening of Gandiva Café Archery Range in Ortigas, Pasig City. It was the perfect time to bring out my inner Fatniss Everdeen! Haha!

Facade Gandiva Cafe Archery Range in Ortigas Pasig City

 

Gandiva Café Archery Range

Named after a mythical bow in the Indian epic poem, Mahabarata, Gandiva Café Archery Range has brought new meaning to archery as a sport and as a hobby in the Philippines when they opened their first branch in 2009 at SM Mall of Asia. It didn’t take long before they were able to put up another branch in Ortigas, Pasig City, to cater to the growing interest of Filipinos in archery.

Gandiva Cafe Archery Range in Ortigas Pasig City

Their Pasig branch had to close temporarily because the management has decided to transform the area into a fully air-conditioned international standard archery gym, which can accommodate up to 18 meters of shooting.

Gandiva Cafe Archery Range Facilities

It’s not just the archery range that went through a major overhaul. They’ve also added an Archery Armory, where people can avail archery equipment and get repairs or servicing.

Vegetarian Food at Gandiva Cafe Archery Range Ortigas Pasig City

In case you didn’t know, they also have a vegetarian café, serving meatless food choices and an array of refreshing beverages. I particularly enjoyed their vegetarian buffalo wings. They were made from gluten, which had the texture and consistency of chicken meat. If faux meat dishes are this good, I wouldn’t mind going full vegetarian. I swear!

Continue reading Gandiva Café Archery Range Reopens in Ortigas, Pasig City

Master Garden: Authentic Filipino Food in Malabon City

In the 8 years that we’ve been living here in Malabon City, we witnessed it transform into one of the hottest foodie spots in Metro Manila. What this city lacked, however, was a casual dining restaurant that we can proudly call an original Malabon food concept, until Mr. Ernesto Chan, the genius behind the Master Siomai dynasty, has decided to establish Master Garden Filipino Specialty Restaurant, with the ultimate goal of putting our humble city on the Philippine culinary map.

Facade of Master Garden Restaurant in Malabon City

Last week, we were invited by the Master Garden team to visit their restaurant and try their sumptuous dishes. Of course, I said yes! We only live 15 minutes away, so I would be crazy to turn down that offer!

Their spacious dining area blends natural furniture and design pieces with modern architecture, creating an inviting and cozy place to enjoy authentic Filipino food. The similar design concept can be observed at Master Garden’s second branch, which has recently opened last October 9th in Tomas Morato.

Dining Area at Master Garden Restaurant in Malabon City

We began our lunch with a plate of their Pinakbet (Php 175) with a generous mix of vegetables sautéed in their homemade bagoong and crispy pieces of lechon kawali, making it the perfect dish to jumpstart anyone’s appetite.

Pinakbet from Master Garden Restaurant in Malabon City

Continue reading Master Garden: Authentic Filipino Food in Malabon City

Magnum White Chocolate Almond ‪- Let’s #CelebrateWhite‬!

Imagine this: thick white Belgian chocolate coating with bits and pieces of almond that beautifully cracks as you bite into it, revealing a rich, creamy vanilla ice cream inside. Mmmm.. mouth-watering. We’re describing the newest indulgence that we just discovered: Magnum White Chocolate Almond.

Magnum White Chocolate Almond - with white Belgian chocolate coating with almond pieces, and vanilla ice cream inside

We already fell in love with all the flavors of Magnum. Ken and I can’t get enough of Magnum Almond. I was speechless on my first taste of the Magnum Gold. Our nanay’s favorite would have to be the Magnum Classic. See, there’s a Magnum flavor for everyone. 🙂

Now, white chocolate lovers would definitely revel in this newest Belgian chocolate creation from Magnum. They revealed this flavor last September 30, and if you’re like us who can’t wait to get a first taste of this indulgent Magnum White Chocolate Almond, you’ll be delighted to know that they’re taking over the malls around the metro on Sunday, October 4. #CelebrateWhite as you take a bite into this new Magnum ice cream flavor, along with your favorite Magnum ambassadors and dance to the beats of the hottest DJs in town. Follow @MagnumCelebrateWhite on Instagram to know more about this party!

Continue reading Magnum White Chocolate Almond ‪- Let’s #CelebrateWhite‬!

Kuya J Restaurant Names Jericho Rosales as Their New Celebrity Endorser

Kuya J Restaurant, formerly known as ‘Ang Kan-anan ni Kuya J,’ has started as a modest family business in Cebu, which quickly blossomed to becoming the Cebuano’s favorite restaurant. And now they’re finally taking over Metro Manila with the help of the new ‘Blockbuster Bida ni Kuya J,’ Mr. Jericho Rosales!

Facade Kuya J Filipino Food Restaurant SM Megamall Mandaluyong City

 

Blockbuster Bida ni Kuya J

When I arrived at Kuya J Restaurant in SM Megamall for their event and saw a standee of Jericho Rosales outside, I initially thought the restaurant was owned by Echo. That assumption was put to rest when our host, Sam Oh, called in Mr. Winglip K. Chang, the President of Kuya J Restaurant, and Chef Sheena Koseki, their Executive Chef, to present us Kuya J Restaurant’s newest celebrity endorser.

Jericho Rosales Chef Sheena Koseki Winglip Chan for Kuya J Restaurant in SM Megamall MandaluyongJericho Rosales, Chef Sheena Koseki, and Winglip K. Chang

Putting a face on Kuya J has two main criteria: one, his first name should start with the letter J (obviously hehe); and two, he must be someone people can consider as the “kuya ng bayan” for his good track record and his irresistible charm. With those two things in mind, Jericho Rosales was definitely the perfect choice!

Kuya J Restaurant proves that they know the recipe for the next viral TV commercial by putting Jericho Rosales together with some pretty girls, catchy music, and Kuya J’s mouth-watering dishes! By the time you’re reading this, you might have already seen their new TVC, but if you haven’t, well, you can watch it below:

Kuya J Restaurant

Kuya J Restaurant is definitely one of the fastest rising Filipino restaurants in the country that offers delicious and authentic Filipino food in a simple yet relaxing locale that will surely make you feel right at home!

Interior of Kuya J Restaurant Filipino Food SM Megamall Mandaluyong City

Their SM Megamall branch has just recently opened in June. And as if their 18 branches in operation are not testament enough on how successful the Kuya J Restaurant is, they surprise us by announcing that they are opening 50 additional stores nationwide before 2015 ends!

Continue reading Kuya J Restaurant Names Jericho Rosales as Their New Celebrity Endorser

5 Quick Tips for Cooking For One

I’ve been living away from my family for over a year now. I got used to our nanay and Ken cooking our meals at home, so I had to go through a big adjustment when I decided to move out. I’m now staying in a studio condo unit that has a small kitchen with not much wiggle room. In this tiny kitchen, I surprised myself when I realized I can do a lot even with such a tight space.

My tiny kitchen, a place I can call my own hehe

As much as I hate to admit it, when I first started living solo, most days, I relied on food delivery and frozen / processed food. I realized, after a few weeks, that I need to change this because 1) it’s not healthy for me, and 2) it’s been causing a big dent on my expenses. I’ve been wanting to learn more about cooking, but I never took it seriously. I have bookmarks upon bookmarks of different recipes, and yet I’ve only tried making around 10 of them in the past 5 years. Last July, I decided I needed to do something about that, so I’ve been cooking more and enjoying the goodness of home-cooked meals ever since.

Creamy pasta I made for me

I decided to share with you some quick tips for foodies who are like me, living solo, with this desire to cook and eat good food in their own homes. And, maybe soon, I’ll start sharing my own Mhelinamnam recipes. 😀

TIP #1: Invest in quality kitchen tools.

For me, this is vital. You’ll be using your kitchen tools for a long time, so better invest in quality products. Also, look for kitchen tools that will help you come prep time and washing up afterwards.

In my opinion, a non-stick pan is crucial. It doesn’t matter what your cooking skill level is, you must own a non-stick pan. It not only beautifully cooks dishes like fish, meats, eggs (oh my goodness, eggs!) and sauces, but you also minimize your use of oil, making your meals healthier. 🙂

Cooking omelet with my Lock & Lock Hard & Light Black & Silver non-stick pan

Thankfully, I found a non-stick pan that works on my induction stove – the newly-launched Lock & Lock Hard & Light Black & Silver non-stick pan. It’s lightweight, and it promises improved resistance to scratch and corrosion with its 3-coating Dupont Teflon. You can find this in Lock & Lock boutique stores and in leading stores nationwide. Trust me, this is a lifesaver! I am #LockedInLove with it. 🙂

I can now pan-fry meats and seafood without worrying about food sticking to the bottom of the pan. Cleaning up is also easier with this non-stick pan.

Continue reading 5 Quick Tips for Cooking For One

Dreaming of Becoming a Chef?

If you are not quite sure what career path to take, there are certainly many jobs you can choose from. Some require more education than others. There are many things you will need to consider when you are choosing a career. First of all, how much money will you be satisfied with earning each year? Make sure that the career you choose has the income potential you are looking for. You should also be certain to choose a career that you will enjoy doing for many years to come. Why should you become a chef like Tim Love?Here are some of the biggest reasons.

Tim Love - Chef

1. Great income potential

It is no secret that chefs make great money. While chefs do spend many hours on their feet, and the hours can be quite long, they are compensated accordingly. It is also possible for a chef’s pay to go up substantially during his or her career. You can work your way up the ranks to become an executive chef of a classy restaurant. This position pays extremely well. If you want to maximize your income, you can choose to open your own restaurant. While this will be a significant financial risk, the financial rewards can be huge if your restaurant is a success.

2. You can work in many different locations

If is common for chefs to change jobs frequently during their careers. This sometimes happens because a chef will get a better job offer somewhere else. However, chefs will often quit a job because they want a new experience. Working in the same kitchen can become boring. Chefs can find work in hotels, restaurants, resorts, cruise ships and many other places. This allows a chef to have a new adventure, while also earning a living at the same time.

Restaurant

3. Chefs are always in demand

The economy has been bad for a long time. However, professional chefs have not been affected by the economic downturn. In fact, there is more of a demand for chefs now than ever before. This is a profession that is always in demand, so if the restaurant you are working for goes out of business, you will not be out of work for very long. If you are able to prepare a wide variety of foods, there will always be someone willing to hire you. In these uncertain economic times we are living in, being a chef is one of the most stable professions out there.