Experiencing PANDA PLATES: Flavors of the World in Quezon City

 

Manmaru Japanese Restaurant, Pandan Asian Cafe took out their best dishes!

There's often a discussion between friends and family where to eat, but I think this doesn't happen often in Quezon City. Here, we've got choices, choices that you don't have (I kid!). Oh how I love being in my hood, and people know it. Imagine, you can feel like you've been around the world just by going through several restaurants in Tomas Morato. This is the experience done courtesy of the folks from foodpanda. They properly call it PANDA PLATES: Flavors of the World in Quezon City. Hold on to your seats because this is good! 

Chili's Tomas Morato had Half Slab of Ribs, Truffle Burgers, Molten Chocolate and Salmon.

 

As you can see, Quezon City did not disappoint when it comes to food from around the world. We also went to BASTA Cafe in Kamuning, pick ups from Dulcinea in Tomas Morato, had deliveries from Amici in the Scout Area and end with a feast at CHILI's in Tomas Morato. You can literally walk to these establishments but might take a while in some of them. Good thing we've got the foodpanda app to ease the burden on folks during this rainy afternoon. 

The Quezon City Tourism Department's Ms. Yasi Jorge told us this is one of the city's best culinary destination and they're glad that foodpanda is doing it here. It has been a vibrant way of showcasing food culture, tradition and innovation. Every street offers new flavors, a new story, and great experience. They're happy to be a part of the gathering that makes food from this place shine. There's a lot of home grown restaurants and establishments in this place and they're raring to welcome guests even more. Added it's a culinary capital that is worthy to be explored. This gives emphasis to give support in everything local. The dining culture is alive and thriving in QC, and definitely more to explore!

Ms. Jade Legazpi foodpanda's Senior Account Manager also shared how they'll be launching promos specifically during Quezon City's founding anniversary. This was on October 12th where they gave up to 20 percent discount on QC restaurants, so make sure you follow foodpanda's social media channels so you wouldn't miss promos like it in the future. foodpanda's Jerome Mangahas also awarded winning participants in the days event. It was really fund and we didn't go home hungry, thanks foodpanda!

Can't wait to have another one of these food crawls happen soon!

KAI MONTINOLA Appears at the "HEARTS AND BELLS" Event in Megamall

My favorite cake brand is ramping up their stores with an even bigger look as "Hearts and Bells" unveiled their newest branch at the 2nd floor of SM Megamall Building B in Mandaluyong City. One great thing was PBB Teen housemate Kai Montinola was gracing the event (we had the pleasure of meeting her in previous occasions) and it was certainly lovely to know that she's here to support them and give a huge thanks. She personally met with the owners Mr. Reynold and Marita Laddaran too.

For those who don't know, Hearts and Bells actually was responsible for the actual cake that Kai had during her debut (18th birthday) which is why she really see it fit to be present during one of the brand's biggest event this year. If you're familiar with the brand, they usually have those square kiosks and fridges but now are sporting a bigger, new look. They've been able to grow to over 15 branches over the years and have a very loyal following because of their buttercream cakes, which are not too sweet and tastes so good! 

Cakes by Hearts and Bells (photo from their FB page, edited by me)

The folks from Hearts and Bells had Kai cut the ribbon for their newest branch. People from all walks of life suddenly packed the area, trying to take a glimpse of the PBB alumnus, Star Magic artist and the new store. We had the pleasure of talking to Kai after the event, and we got to talk about a few things regarding her recent endorsements, shows, music and future plans. She was gorgeous, very eloquent, very smart too. 

Kai says "They were the ones who made my cake during my debut, to return that favor and thank them, I am here today. Even if they've been very quiet, they've grown as a brand and now have 15 branches all over the country. I love that they're not showy, not commercial, I love how they do business and I'm glad I'm here."

Talking about her recent wins, she attributes it to PBB and her journey there. She adds "My biggest achievement though is just being able to push through, not really the title that I've achieved, but with all the challenges that came my way, I am glad I am still here. Add to that my first album, and my first MMK appearance, I can say I'm still ready for more."

She also feels elated on how brands have continued to trust her and became their endorser. She's very new in the industry and felt her dreams are starting to all come true. To be chosen by these brands, she feels honored and validated. She also feels the good kind of pressure this brings and hope to become better at it and her craft. Though she feels that she still has a LOT of things to learn. She chooses the brands that are the same with her morals, also tells us how thankful she is for the team that supports her career.

Here's our whole interview with Kai after the event:

I would like to take this bit and say thank you and congratulations to Hearts and Bells on their recent achievements. Be assured that I'll continue to order my Mocha flavored cake from you guys every occasion that I can. Thank you also to Kai for being so nice that afternoon, and for letting us interview her after the event. Really appreciate it! Here's wishing more success in the coming years as your star shine brighter! 

QC Councilor Alfred Vargas Dedicates Recent Accomplishments to Manager Lolit Solis

QC Councilor Alfred Vargas just graduated from the University of the Philippines School of Urban and Regional Planning (SURP). He attained GWA of 1.028, and was recognized as class Valedictorian, even given the Dean’s Medallion in this very same course.  

As you may know, the showbiz industry is still grieving with the recent passing of Lolit Solis, manager to the stars and prolific entertainment scribe. She is also Councilor Alfred's manager for over 21 years, which is why he was extremely emotional upon accepting it. 

During his speech at the UP Film Center, he didn't forget to dedicate his accomplishments to Ms. Lolit, cried on the podium and said "This is for you!"

He also gave thanks to his wife Yasmine and kids Alexandra Aryana, Cristiano and Aurora for the insurmountable support and sacrifice during this period. He emphasized how love and compassion plays when doing urban planning for a city. He also egged his classmates to do the same, with kindness, as it plays a crucial role with planning urban dwellings. He adds "It would be quite meaningless if we be unconcerned with others. We shouldn't abandon these principles and do what is right. We can't be blind or numb about the lies, corruption and poverty because it is a reality. It's not enough to use our hands, we need to use our hearts, and compassion. That and good governance will bring social justice and bring dignity for those living in the state."

 

He also stated how important their roles are in looking for solutions to address overpopulation, the housing shortages, lack of infrastructure, issues with the environment, health, safety, education and inequalities. He reiterated the importance of listening to the needs of the public, of every sector, especially the marginalized ones before executing plans in the industry. This is something that he has learned early being a public servant. He also cited the Quezon City Persons with Disabilities Affairs Office (PDAO) wherein it has bore fruit, with the passage of the National Integrated Cancer Control Act when he was still congressman of the same district. He encouraged them to use what they learned from the course to improve lives of those living in their city, one area at a time.

After his undergrad degree in AB Management Economics from Ateneo in 2002, Master’s degree in Public Administration from UP Diliman’s National College of Public Administration and Governance (NCPAG) in 2021, he now plans to accomplish a PhD in Urban and Regional Planning at the same institution. Dedicating this to his late manager was an apt act, Ms. Lolit would have been mighty proud of his accomplishments as she was when she was still with us.