BRIA Homes Display Top Designs at 26th NREA-DHSUD Housing Trade Exhibit

Taking some of their greatest work on display at the Glorietta Activity Center was award winning housing brand BRIA Homes. This was part of the recent 26th Housing Trade Exhibit hosted by the National Real Estate Association and the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development. This was the fruitition of efforts by the two agencies after they held an online convention with developers and stakeholders mid June and held this physical event last July 1st to 3rd in Makati City.

The online event talked much about the effects of the pandemic, inflation, laws with regards to the conditions in the industry. The physical event this July was a golden opportunity to showcase their best work to prospective home buyers and investors. Lots of people had queries and the friendly BRIA Sales Team were at the venue to answer them on the spot. BRIA took time to curate their most in demand house models, a tall tale indication of how they remain bullish in the market despite circumstances beyond their control. Making sure people get quality but value for money homes were a sure crowd pleaser and deals were made too right then and there.

The event was graced by Makati Mayor Abby Binay, Vice Mayor Monique Yazmin Lagdameo, Senior Vice President Benjamin Felix, Jr. of the Pag-IBIG Fund, NREA's Marcelino Mendoza and Glorietta GM Katipunan.

If you're looking for affordable homes in different cities nationwide, check out the BRIA website or their other channels online. If you are seriously considering a property already, they've got ways to reserve a BRIA Home on their website too so you don't have to go to their offices physically and keep yourself safe at home.

MOA Sweet Eats: Valentines Day at Cafe Adriatico

Mall of Asia has been the go to place of people if they're celebrating something special and this February, it's no different because Valentines day is fast approaching. Just like you, there are thousands of people flocking the mall to find a great place to spend a cute Valentines day dinner to make your woman (or man) feel really special. We tried out some of them yesterday and got to try really good ones to get you into that mood of loving. It started right after we stepped into the grounds of Mall of Asia as they promise this time, you'll get to dine in some of Manila's best restaurants, and have the chance to indulge in these sweet eats!

Cafe Adriatico

I've been here for quite a number of times now because this flagship store of the LJC Group of Restaurants is just one of the best places to take your friends, families or loved ones in Manila. They've been in the business for years now and Cafe Adriatico has grown so huge from their humble beginnings in Adriatico Street in Malate, Manila. Aside from my super favorite and well loved Chicken ala Kiev on their menu, they've got a few food items in their arsenal that would be so awesome if you're out on a date or just dining out with someone special. Their charming Spanish-Mediterranean cuisine, old world interiors, would simply put you back to an era where food used to be enjoyed, comforting and ultimately divine. Here's some of the things you should definitely try with their best sellers!

Appetizers:

Hummus with Pita Bread

Hummus and Pita Bread

To start off the meal, we were served two appetizers. This one's called Hummus, it's more of a Greek/Middle Eastern origin and it's made of Chick Peas (pureed), Garlic, then served with a side of hot Pita Bread and Calamata Olives, Pickled Onions and Gherkins (small pickles). The Hummus was so good, velvety, intensely garlicky and if you spread that over the warm pita bread halves, top it with the crunchy and tangy olives, pickles and onions, it's what you call a perfect bite! I would never miss this again in any meal from Cafe Adriatico because I love it so much I took home some of it, but it never reached the car! It's that good!

Callos

Callos

This one's of Spanish origin, I should know, I'm a Bueno. Our version at home is a bit on the oily side. Cafe Adriatico's version is just right, not too oily. It's got the right amount of tripe, pork knuckle skins and Spanish Chorizo. They serve this with a side of Garlic Bread which you'll have to put to good use so you can top them with chunks from the Callos and wipe off your plate afterwards. It's a bit sinful, but of course if you want your man to be happy you don't think about calories at this time. It's like what my own Grandma used to make at home but on a more improved commercial version. If it's a hearty meal you're looking for, order this and you won't be sorry.

Main Course:

Prawns Thermidor

Prawns Thermidor

For seafood lovers, this would be a dream. Prawns Thermidor is not your usual Shrimp dish. They take out the meat, chop it up, cook it with butter and garlic, put it back on the shell and cover it with a generous amount of cheese. The Prawns are huge so you won't be sorry pairing this well with rice or if you ask for another cup or more. I'm a bit allergic but tasting this was so worth it, just bring antihistamines if you're thinking of violating doctor's orders. :)

Lola Ising's Adobo Rice

Lola Ising's Adobo Rice

This one's made of Legends. It's passed on from generation to generation, much like what you have in your home. The Lola Ising's Adobo Rice is definitely my personal favorite among the dishes served that afternoon. One note, they know how to make authentic adobo. There was no place in the meat where it was flavorless, it was just filled with spices, and marinated well so once you take a bit off of it and have it with adobo rice and the adobo sauce, you'll be in adobo heaven. Don't mind the adobo words there because you'll see why I did that once you order this off the menu. Definitely a winning dish, order this for your man on a date will you? He'll kiss you afterwards (just romantically, so don't slap him please!). 

Beef Spareribs Ninja

Beef Spareribs Ninja

You might think this one's an odd ball because it looks so Asian on a Spanish Mediterranean menu, but for those who love beef, the Beef Spareribs Ninja is truly something you should not miss out. This is very spicy and if you're looking for something similar to Korean Beef Stew less the sesame oil, then this would be something that should interest you. One bite out of it would give you this intense savory flavor, and you MUST pair this with white rice so you don't confuse flavors. 

Coupe Adriatico

Coupe Adriatico

This Coupe Adriatico obviously is a signature dessert from Cafe Adriatico.  Think of huge mango balls, slices of Bananas, prolly flambe'd, topped with blueberry sauce and tons of Vanilla Ice Cream in the center. It was begging to be eaten. If you want to end the date on a perfect note, please do not leave the restaurant ordering this or the other desserts they have on the menu. They've got tons of them hence a section was just full of these and merienda desserts. Make sure though that you only have one dessert spoon so when you end the meal, you can do that Lady and Tramp scene and have this in lieu of the Spaghetti. You can thank me afterwards!

Cafe Adriatico certainly knows what they are doing when it comes to casual/fine dining in Manila. If you want to see more of these and their other restaurants, check out LJCRestaurants.com.ph for more information. Reserve while you can especially when it's International Pyrolympics Season, oh that starts today by the way! I think I'm going there too later, so see you!  

For more information about their events:

SM Mall of Asia

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Visit their official website

http://twitter.com/TheMallofAsia

AirAsia.Com's New Number 742ASIA!

Hear ye! Hear ye!

Ladies and gentlemen, children of all ages!

It's time you fly with the youngest fleet in the Philippines... and that's Air Asia.

They are even making it easy for you because starting February 25, AirAsia’s going to have a new customer hotline number. It will be as easy as dialing 742ASIA or 742-27-42.

It doesn't end there! Since they want all their services to be more convenient to soon to be passengers of AirAsia, they have commissioned partner 7-Eleven stores (starting February 28) so you can pay online promos using cash instead of your credit cards. Freddie Herrera, Commercial Head of Air Asia Inc. said “Filipinos will now embrace this new concept of paying cash for airline tickets via our payment partners option because of its simplicity and convenience”. Imagine, if everyone reserves a ticket, just line up on your favorite 7-11 branch and pay over the counter. Isn't that neat that you can book flights to Taipei, Singapore, Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur? Even domestic flights to Davao (in the South) and Kalibo (for Boracay).

So what are you waiting for? Check out deals on http://www.airasia.com/ph/en/home.page or call 742ASIA or 7422742 and pay on any of their authorized payment partner establishments near you!

For more information

Please visit their website at 

http://www.airasia.com/ph/en/home.page

JLo Out! - Ate Gay In!

It looks like it will be a riot in Mall of Asia Arena this Friday. On November 30, 2012 it'll be a huge concert happening from the one and only Mash Up Queen "Ate Gay". She's one fine comedienne and I had so much fun watching her shows in local bars in QC, but to put her in MOA Arena is just EPIC!

She's nervous because she's following the concerts of Regine and JLo and to add to that this is her first time to ever perform in a big stage such as the MOA Arena. She was so touched about the outpour of support from big celebrities that are also slated to guest on her show this weekend. There will be tons of dance numbers which she never knew she had to do in order to make this concert bigger and better than what you think will happen on "AKO NAMAN!" which she properly named her concert.

She also prepared mashup numbers never before heard in any of her shows and that's surely going to crack us up BIGTIME! This is produced by That’s Ntertainment Productions and Directed by Philip Lazaro and Andrew de Real. Guests include The Company, Aiza Seguerra, Aegis, Anton Diva, Allan K and the Talentadings, X-Factor, John “Sweet” Lapus, SexBomb Dancers and the one and only Superstar Ms. Nora Aunor!

Ticket prices are as follows:

VIP A (FIRST 10 ROWS) Reserved Seats - P2,120
VIP B Reserved Seats - P1,590
PATRON Reserved Seats - P1,590
LOWER BOX A (201-202/221-222 and FIRST 5 ROWS OF 203-208/215-220) 

Reserved Seats - P1,060
LOWER BOX B (ROW F ONWARDS OF 203-208/215-220) 

Reserved Seats - P800
UPPER BOX Reserved Seats - P530
GENERAL ADMISSION Free Seating - P270

You can also order tickets thru www.smtickets.com or simply call 470-2222 for ticket reservations. Don't miss this chance to see the SuperComedyStar Ate Gay!

Going Beyond Good: Q Bistro!

One quaint afternoon, we were invited to have lunch at a very posh medium sized restaurant in Mandaluyong City. It's a minute walk from the posh mall The Podium where you just have to cross the street where you'll see a Yamaha store and turn right on the street called Topaz. You'll see the restaurant on the second door. It's called Q Bistro!

The Interiors

They've got the essentials. Bar selections are wide, classic tables and chairs. Simple lines but definitely upscale. Design wise, I didn't see anything complicated. Their tableware, although simple was quite nice too. It just fits in on what they wanted to execute and they use white plates as canvas. Overall, the ambiance was quite reminiscent of the ones in New York/SOHO districts.

Acoustics was quite nice. I didn't make an effort to eavesdrop in conversations on the next table because I didn't hear em at all. Conversation on your table didn't really get amplified unless you make an effort laughing that hard. A plus in my books.

They also have some trinkets and decors for Christmas already up. This one is the way to their second floor where several private rooms/function rooms are found. It's cozy and I find it quite nice for small/intimate parties.

Q Bistro's Food!

I was lucky to have met Chef Mia K. Capay and a couple of good people from Q's. The Executive Chef who trained at Professional Culinary Institute in California aka French Culinary Institute had this place as her lovechild since 2006. Serving international contemporary and local dishes with their own flair, Q Bistro has been able to gather its own crowd at the busy Malayan Plaza in Ortigas Center. Chef Mia is also ServeSafe certified and a member of American Culinary Federation. She's also Halal certified quite recently much to the delight of the Muslim/Middle Eastern patrons.

Watermelon Salad with Black Vinaigrette - Simple yet delectable play on this fruit, this cold salad is perfect for summer or just any tropical country such as ours. This plateful delight of watermelon pieces plus the black vinegar is a perfect pairing of sweet and sour. It's not overpowering and the chiffonade of mint makes it the perfect thing to start your dinner. Yum-o!

Light Onion Soup - As part of the starters, servers gently ask you for freshly cracked pepper on your light onion soup. It tasted a bit with bouillion on my mind but I hope not. It was served hot and fast but this batch I think was a bit salty. It was okay for me though.

What surprised me at this time was the people assisting us on our table. They constantly filled my water goblet and offered drinks at the right time. I'm impressed.

Liver Pâté, or Pâté Maison with Crostini - It was pretty good to have this spread on little bread. It's light and creamy. They also had something with Tinapa flakes on it which was just out of this world. I suggest you ask for that. This would be a pretty good thing while talking over coffee. Or maybe while just hanging out with friends who love food. Exactly.

Adobo Sa Mangga (Adobo in Mango) - If you remember the mangoes you love with Soy Sauce and a little sugar (which I adore!) this one is quite reminiscent of that. It's a play to the ordinary chicken adobo. With the meat falling off the bone, the saltiness of shrimp paste and tanginess of green mangoes grounded together, you can feel the fight between the two components of this dish which translates into a successful extraordinary adobo flavor you'll absolutely love. The soysauce and garlic becomes well rounded components of this out of this world interpretation of the usual adobo. Love it! So make sure to have this ordered when you dine there.

Toblerone Cheesecake - Who can go wrong with Chocolate and Cheesecake. Your well loved Toblerone just made extra special with cream cheese and a spoonful of sugar. It's heaven on earth. Not to mention their lethal Carrot Cake which when we arrived was already out of stock because of the high demand for it! Don't miss these suggestions and you're good to go!

Eat All You Can Mongolian Buffet

Since I dined on a Wednesday, they've got an Eat All You Can Mongolian Buffet available. Glad to oblige, I got my bowl readied to engage in war. Of course I brought my appetite and did the next best thing... to dig in!

Carrots, jicama, toge, chinese cabbage, mushrooms, onions, bell pepper, string beans, fishballs, kikiam, condiments are sesame seeds, spring onions, peanuts, sugar, lemon water,sesame oil, garlic water, garlic, chili, tomatoes, sauces are chili oil, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sweet chili sauce, sweet soy glaze, mongolian sauce, chili garlic sauce, rice, egg noodles and glass noodles. You tell me, what's not to like in these ingredients? 

When I chose my favorite ingredients, they ask you to give them your bowl so they can cook it for you. In a Mongolian, you control your destiny. So mine was extra spicy!

They give you a number so you know which bowl belongs to you.

They give you this tangy orange concoction to cleanse your palate in between meals. 

It's Orange Sorbet. Yummy!

They returned my bowl covered. Steaming hot off the wok! Since we were asked for Beef, Chicken, Pork or Fish as options, I chose Beef. :)

Awesome and spicy just the way I like it. Then, as if it wasn't sinful enough they offered me a couple of spoonfuls of Chicharon. Yes, pork cracklings on top of my Mongolian bowl. How can I say no to that?! =)

And so I died LOL.

Buffet choices were changed quite regularly (every week it was different I heard). I'm so going back to this place soon and probably bring my officemates too. Q Bistro has definitely delivered on what they stand for. Going Beyond Good. Oh, and did I forget to mention that service was impeccable?! =)

For more information about Q Bistro

Please visit their website

http://www.qbistro.net


Like them on Facebook!

Q Bistro

Or visit their place

Q Bistro
G6 & G7 The Malayan Plaza, Opal cor. Topaz Road, Ortigas Center, 1600 Pasig


Store Hours:
Mon - Sat: 6:00 am - 10:00 pm
Sun: 6:00 am - 10:00 am

Tel. No. 7061668
Email inquiries@qbistro.net

/*Special thanks to their Marketing Supervisor Ash Salonga and Chef Mia Capay for everything! =)