UNILAB and Mercury Drug Celebrate 80 Years of Quality and Care with ALAGANG SUKI FEST 2025

8 whole decades is a long time, and that's exactly how long UNILAB and Mercury Drug has been providing quality and care for Filipinos. To celebrate with a bang, they got some of the hottest acts and personalities in the country to headline their show entitled "Alagang Suki Fest 2025". People were just shocked how they were able to combine the Koolpals, Jolina Slaydangal, Robi Domingo, and artist Belle Mariano, world dance champs Legit Status, hot band Mayonnaise, pop prince Darren Espanto, chart topper Maki, Mr. Pure Energy Gary Valenciano, and the country's PPOP girl group BINI.

The venue was packed and they started the show with a few games with the audience to break the ice. 

Jolina was not just the momshie, but a generation that reminded us of the 90's, and how good it was til it lasted. Same with Robi who taught us how to take care of our tummies. Belle Mariano was the surprise of the evening, she was fun and had folks standing up, and went to the audience area because she really just wanted to have fun during her performance. She was really entertaining!

Belle really knew how to work the crowd, and she sang a few 80's and 90's hits, which really made us sing along with her. Her set was fun!

Legit Status showed us why they are world class. With jumps, tumbles and crump moves, we just watched knowing how difficult it is. That's passion personified.

Mayonnaise sang their hit songs, and thought to surprise us with JOPAY at the end of their set. Folks thought they wouldn't sing it but they did!

Darren and Maki really had the young ones mesmerized by their songs (and dance for Darren). Maki had a different sound, it appeals to a lot of folks. Though I haven't heard some of it, I am impressed. No wonder he's always in the mind of international acts who've heard his songs. He's really good! Darren on the other hand has performed his hits, and some of his newly released singles which were loved by many.

Highlight of the evening was Mr. Gary Valenciano, when folks thought it was going to be ballads, he comes completely bonkers with the Maneuvers. He didn't just wear the Mr. Pure Energy moniker, he became it. With high energy moves, songs, he got everyone off of their seats to dance and sing along with him. He brought us to church, he made us stars in our own seats, and that says a lot for a world class performer like him. Super love the evening because of that!

The nation's PPOP Girl Group, BINI made the crowd crazy. With their hit songs, and surprise number in the end, we were all just thankful how our dreams came true courtesy of UNILAB and Mercury Drug Corporation. Thank you for letting us be part of this wonderful celebration of your 80 years. Here's to more in the next few years because I'm sure you'll try an even bigger one right?!

If you want to watch the concert, head on to my TikTok account @kumagcow because I've managed to take videos of it in several parts. 

Thank you for the quality, for the care and the love you bring for Filipinos!

MAKI Hints Full Album Release at BUGHAW Single and MV Launch

One of the nicest songs of this generation I heard was from this artist named Maki. He's gotten a huge following, not surprised because of the quality of the song, but it did have a notion of it being a one hit wonder, til I head the rest of the songs he came out with.

Speaking of which, he just recently released a song called BUGHAW. He also directed the music video, sort of his directorial debut too. This is under Tarsier Records which is under Star Music. They had a launch a few days ago at Matrix in Quezon City. It was quite intimate, with not just his fans in tow because his fellow artists and his whole family went there to support the very talented boy. Angela Ken, his brother Haro and ethereal sounding Dani Zam also performed before him, it was quite a revelation of songs that I haven't heard yet. I felt music in the Philippines had a very bright future after seeing that, no joke.

Here's the part where he got to talk to his fans that evening:

The Zushis, his fan group, all went in throngs to support him. All I heard from them and his family is how he remained humble, down to earth despite the remarkable success he's had for quite a while. He also hinted a full blown album which he plans to release soon, so stay tuned for that. He also wants to create his own short film, preferably Anime themed because he's quite fond of doing the art form. Here's why people adore him, check out the performances that evening on this video:

 

 

Make sure you stream his new single, and wait for the full album he plans to release this year.

Tokyo Tokyo: The Great Donburi Taiketsu Showdown!

When you are presented two heaping bowls of rice and shrimp or rice and maki, which would you choose? Well that's about to become even real as Tokyo Tokyo reveals their best ever Maki and Shrimp Katsu Donburi. They've also gone bolder and pitted these two variants against each other in a one of a kind showdown entitled The Great Donburi Taiketsu!

These bowls have been a staple in every Tokyo Tokyo branch nationwide and it's pretty cool that it's now going to be in the spotlight! Why not?!  

 Imagine the Maki Donburi that mirrors the best seller California Maki which has got deep fried Kani scores of crispy onion rings smothered with Japanese Mayo and a savory sauce.

Then look at the other bowl of  Shrimp Katsu Donburi that mirrors their Katsudon that contains a crunchy shrimp patty in Tokyo Tokyo's original sauce topped on a bed of steaming hot white rice. 

The only problem then is, what will you choose? :)

Tokyo Tokyo has taken pride in making your food experience in their stores premium but affordable with these choices. Now, you can get these treats for less than a hundred pesos. Ala carte bowls of these wonderful Donburi bowls cost Php 85 but if you wish to have your meal complete with a glass of softdrink then you can get it for Php 99, isn't that a great deal? I know, but here's how you can get a thousand bucks worth of gift certificates courtesy of our friends from Tokyo Tokyo. Click on this!

JOIN THE GREAT DONBURI TAIKETSU GIVEAWAY HERE!

Please make sure you answer the survey only once. Otherwise, you will be disqualified. Good luck!

For more information about their stores:

Tokyo Tokyo Philippines

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Visit their official website

http://www.tokyotokyo.ph

Good Food and the Winner of our Tokyo Tokyo Philippines Giveaway!

This restaurant has been our go to place when I was in college. Without mentioning how many years ago that was, we find comfort in the four corners of this Japanese food mecca because it's affordable and the Red Iced Tea just hits the spot in a tropical country like ours. I'm sure you've already eaten here a couple of times because they've got some of the best Japanese food varieties available all throughout the day! This is TokyoTokyo!

They have a variety of them in store but I ordered the Godzilla Burger to try it on for size. It's a pretty big one and quite tasty. It's best you have this eaten while in store so you can have it still hot off the grill. The meat is moist, the cheese is thick, plus the wasabe mayo on this thing is really good. Very JapaNICE if I may say so. You should try the Shitake Mushroom and Shogun Burgers too.

They are veterans in this industry and you can't say anything bad on their Tempura. The sauce and all were probably developed over the years; making it a bit perfect for the Filipino palate. It's a tad sweet, but really good if you're finding something to satisfy your shrimp cravings.

This one's part of their SUMO MEAL deals. I wanted something crunchy and that's what I got with the Honey Chicken Teriyaki plus the savory Beef Misono. I wanted more rice and they did fill up my bowl with hot white rice as it's unlimited in some stores like in Ali Mall. If you're out with a friend or two, this is a score!

The pot stickers aka Gyoza was also tasty. I like the vinegar they served with this because its really tangy that it cuts through the fat coming from the dimsum. The skin had the right thickness too. I had two servings... so don't ask how I got this big. Really good, plus the price is very reasonable. A cup of rice can make this better!

Their Kani Salad and the Mango Kani Salad presents a good alternative for those who want it more healthy. Although I must warn you I still ate a lot after munching some of these veggies because the Japanese mayo is undoubtedly so creamy you'll want more!

Their California Maki and Spicy Beef Maki was really good. The serving might be too small for you though because you'll definitely want more. Don't worry, they have bigger servings via Maki Platter which you can order for 235 or 275 bucks. If you want something to take home or just enjoy with friends, this is definitely something that you should order right after you dine in Tokyo Tokyo. If I was asked to choose, the Spicy Beef would definitely win.

Spicy Chicken, Tempura Miso or Braised Pork Ramen, you can't go wrong with that. It is advisable to have this inside the store because they serve this hot. The broth is really nice and not that salty. The steamy bowls would be the perfect thing to have in this weather... else, you can have the Udon if you prefer something a little more filling because the noodles on that's pretty phat!

There's more TokyoTokyo food to share with your friends and family. You can't miss them in major malls and establishments. I enjoyed sitting there with my Red Iced Tea plus all these food with my family. It's time you make your own moments at TokyoTokyo Philippines. Don't just stand there! Go drag your friends there too!

 

Before I forget, I'd like to announce the winner of my TokyoTokyo Philippines Giveaway. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Congratulations to Ms. Mei Santiago! You just won P1,500.00 worth of gift certificates courtesy of our friends from TokyoTokyo Philippines and KUMAGCOW.COM. Hope you get to treat your family and friends there. Happy New Year too! We'll get in touch with you using the information you have on your entry. Again, CONGRATULATIONS! Happy for you! =)

For the others, don't fret as we'll probably more giveaways soon on KUMAGCOW.COM!  

For more information about their stores:

TokyoTokyo Philippines

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Visit their official website

http://www.tokyotokyo.ph/