Susana's by Pelayo's: Comforting Pasta That Might Change Your Life

Susana's mouthwatering signature Lasagna

Quezon City certainly has some really remarkable food havens and one of them is the Banawe area. There's a multitude number of cuisines, and each street still has some dishes to discover, but this one might change your life (oh yes we love puns!).

For those who are familiar with Pelayo's Cafe + Bistro (and their restaurants across Luzon), they've been in the food industry for a couple of years now. Solidly known for their mouthwatering Crispy Pata and Patatim, they have been able to satisfy countless Filipino homes with their quality cooked dishes and hosted tons of events and gatherings too. With the success of the brand in recent years, they continued to innovate, research and develop recipes for the ones at home, and to be able to make their lives easy in preparing ready to eat meals especially for those who they love.

Native Salad with Poached Egg

My personal favorite, the Patatim

Their well loved Crispy Pata

Beef Sinigang for those rainy days

Bangus Sisig

Hearty and corn lovin Suam

That's the secret ingredient to the food they serve and this month, they're launching Susana's Lasagna, a namesake of the owner's (Rad Pelayo) grandmother. We had a half serving of it on a plate to whet our appetite, and to tell you honestly, their version is a really good one. If you're often being served the tangy Italian versions of it in high end restaurants in Manila, Susana's Lasagna is a lot different because they managed to modify the dish to fit the Filipino palate. It's not too sour, not too sweet, but just right. It's also very cheesy, where one should note that even if they made it affordable, they didn't shortchange in the quality of ingredients. This is something they take pride on.

How This May Change Your Life

Susana's by Pelayos is actually starting to grow their business. This means, that YOU have the opportunity to be part of that by becoming a reseller or a franchise owner. It's the holiday season and Susana's Lasagna knows there's a lot of people who dread cooking for a lot of people during this time.

Conveniently sold frozen, you would just need to have this delivered, thawed (if you need it for other days) and put in the microwave or oven. Their goal is to be able to help other entrepreneurs to start their own business by selling them, or even have it be supplied to restaurants and cafe's as well. This means that as a seller, you don't need to do hard labor cooking. Customers have been loving the pasta like we did and the products can last a few months (best to consume in 2 months) but it could last in the freezer for more than that.

Franchise owners have the option of having time tested products both from the Pelayo's bistro menu and the Susanas by Pelayos line of pastas to sell or enjoy. If you're interested, please get in touch with them via their BANAWE BRANCH at 0917 119 3366 or visit them at 74 P. Florentino st. Sto. Domingo Banawe, Quezon City or their LUBAO BRANCH by calling 0917 144 4628 or their address Purok 3, Lourde Lauc Pao, Lubao, Pampanga.

They have these dishes combined in boxes with drinks and other viands so you can conveniently serve guests during events. The pasta from Susana's are also available in Solo, Sharing and Party Size. I bet there's going to be a lot of people who would order this during Christmas or New Year. Ordering is also easy as referrals will be done with nearby sellers/franchisees once they get in touch with their page Susana's Lasagna on FB.

INVOLVED and DOING MORE: Beautéderm CEO RHEA TAN Gets Inducted to Rotary Club of Balibago President Post

It was a very festive mood to see folks from the Rotary Club of different regions all in one place to celebrate the induction of officers and Beautéderm CEO Rhea Tan as the President of the Rotary Club of Balibago (a district in Angeles City). She's no stranger to community work since she built her empire and businesses benefiting scholars, mothers, SME's in different parts of the country, but this opportunity to help in the Rotary Club of Balibago in Pampanga was just too precious to pass. 

Ms. Rei says "We appreciate everyone who's here for District 3790 Rotary Club of Balibago headed by Governor Dr. Philip Torres, AG Bing Gonzales, DS Jong Galang, past District Governors and officers. To my family, my kids Adam Kenneth and Audrey, friends, Beautederm Ambassadors, local and national media, I'd like to thank you for coming together for a very significant night, a gathering of hearts and minds, united in service. It's not by words, but the Rotary Club of Balibago is committed to exert all efforts to uplift the community it serves. I'd like to share 3 of my projects "Rise and Glow Up" to bring self confidence for an initial 20 youth via BeauteHause Clinic. "Yes To Love" where a portion of earnings will go to End Polio campaign of Rotary Club International and "Contribeut: A Scholarship Grant for Tertiary Level deserving students so they could finish their degrees and help their families." 

She was so touched when she was introduced by her Mother, Ms. Pacita Ramos Anicoche who told us about her story before the achieved success in the industry. She wants to help those with mental health needs, earn funds for the end Polio campaign through several company owned branches, and continue the successful scholarship programs not just for her employees, students from her previous school, and now students from the Balibago district. To date, she has already had several students finish with Latin honors which she is so proud of. She wants to use her voice to benefit others, sit at the table and let others too. She thanks the Rotary Club of Balibago for the trust. She hopes to also influence others to do the same. 

Together with Ms. Rei, Ms. Mylene Timbol, Ms. Chona Lee and Ms. Doreen Canyong from the Beautederm group will be part of the officers to make sure they would be able to accomplish a LOT during her term. 

As a surprise, Ms. Rhea got the one and only Piolo Pascual to escort her to the stage, which had almost everyone's jaw drop. He also sang a few songs but folks were just too excited and took photos with him on stage, not surprised. Aside from that, her super supportive Beautederm Ambassadors Alma Concepcion (who's been with her for 15 years), actor and former Vice Governor Ejay Falcon, beauty queens and actresses Maricel Morales, Rochelle Barrameda, Thia Thomalia, actors Jimwell Stevens, Kimson Tan, Jojo Abellana, PBB Celebrity Collab Edition's Josh Ford, singer comediennes Kaikai Bautista, KitKat, Darla Sauler, Pepita Curtis, and award winning actress Gillian Vicencio were there to show their support for Ms. Rei Tan. Also a few weeks ago, she also had Belle Dolls brand ambassadors Miguel Tanfelix and Ysabel Ortega to help her with a local school, giving bags, hygiene kits and more (which she plans to continue during her term).

 Here's her speech on video:

She's already the Girl Boss everyone wants to be and could have just enjoyed the life she has right now, but Ms. Rhea wants to get involved in what could BETTER her community and help those who need it. She wants to DO MORE and now help people on a bigger scale. The Rotary Club has been established almost 120 years ago, aimed to have professionals with diverse backgrounds could form meaningful friendships. With this goal and the popular 4 way test, they are doing more good with the organization. Ms. Rhea wants to continue the good things that they've started, add the best ones that she's accomplished with her company to take Rotary Club of Balibago and its members to new heights.  

And she's just starting! Congratulations Ms. Rei! 

Razon's by Glenn: In the Business of Serving "DELIGHT!"

Filipino comfort food is always served at Razon's by Glenn. It's a company built with family - and love. Consequently, they're celebrating their 21st anniversary and are gunning to have 60 branches by years end. The chain is largely known for their Palabok, Halo Halo, Bibingmamon, Beef Tapa, Beef Kare Kare, and new innovations on the usual Filipino flare. Their menu stemmed from real Kapampangan heritage and flavors, so you don't get disappointed in what they serve.

The Beef Kare Kare is a bit sweet and can be eaten even without bagoong. The peanut sauce has home made peanut butter in it, which they made themselves. The Bibingmamon is available in 4 flavors namely Original (which I prefer), Cheesy Melt, Custard and Nutty Custard. The Beef Tapa is on the sweet, smoky, and spicy side, but quite tender. Their Fresh Lumpia is good and savory, it felt like what grandma used to make. They have a hefty serving of Pork Chop with gravy (my personal favorite served that afternoon). They also teased us with their conceptual Crispy Palabok, which I'm sure young ones and everyone would enjoy!

For those looking for something extra comforting, they've got Caldo Overload which you can ask for refills if you want more. You get the fuzzy feeling that comes with it on a rainy day.

Razon's by Glenn is third generation owned. Their grandma gave them freedom to be creative in recipes, hence the variations they made with the dishes.

Bibingmamon is quite nice, as the name says, it's a cross between the Christmasy Bibingka and the fluffy Mamon. This was quite delicate and perfect to pair with coffee.

Razon's by Glenn has always been regarded as the best spot for Halo Halo. This Special Halo Halo was quite satisfying despite it only having a few ingredients. I personally think it's the Macapuno that makes it different from the rest in the market.

We also got to talk to the owner and President Mark Anthony "Glenn" Razon. Right now, they have 36 branches operating nationwide, but aggressively plan to have 100 of these stores before 2030.

Glenn reiterated "We are not just selling products, we are providing delight!". This is the reason why people who visit their stores feel happy every time they get to taste the dishes coming out of their kitchen. It's also a family spot, so whether you're a Lola who wants their merienda fix or the cutest bunso that wants something sweet, Razon's by Glenn makes every moment special no matter what age group you belong. 

Visit their stores nationwide, or if you prefer to be part of the movement, they are looking for franchisees. Just get in touch with them via their social channels or official website razonsbyglenn.com.