ARJO ATAYDE and Partners Open New INASAL REPUBLIC MASINAG

It's a Sunday, a fun day to gather with friends and family. During these days, there's nothing more comforting than a great plate of hot white rice, with a few slivers of garlic on top, then drizzled with a whole lot of chicken oil. Then you try and stop yourself from actually enjoying a thick, juicy, smoky chicken inasal pecho, or paa anytime.

We've enjoyed it in INASAL REPUBLIC Tomas Morato and West Avenue, and this time, the folks from the EAST side of Metro Manila will have their own as Arjo Atayde, and his partners Ivan Villamar, Mark San Diego, Director Richard Somes, his cousin Gab Atayde opened their newest branch in Masinag, Antipolo.

This sits right beside SM Masinag (on it's left side) and is a stone's throw away from the Antipolo LRT2 Station if you are coming from the north. This branch is a little special because it veered away from the regular restaurant look they had from their previous branches. They've managed to have a long driveway where you can park to eat. The grill masters are on the left side busy preparing your chicken inasal and other grilled products they have on the menu. The actual restaurant is at the back, air-conditioned, with a little around 16-20 tables, very comfortable, with attentive staff all around. The interiors are adorned with artwork, tropical looking light bulbs in every sector. It certainly looks super festive, something they did on purpose because yes, they plan to have different personalities reflect on their design in future restaurants which they plan to do this year and a lot more in 2025.

 

 Here's a preview of the place and the food which we saw yesterday, let's just say, we loved the new look!

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 We then talked to the young representative from the 1st District of Quezon City and Arjo says "This comes from a family recipe that was prepped by Direk Richard Somes, the usual gathering of friends, and it was so good I had to ask him if he'd want to make a business out of it, and he agreed! We really do believe in the product, we really do believe that we can give authentic Chicken Inasal for people who dine in INASAL REPUBLIC. Hopefully by next year, we would have 15 to 20 branches. We wanted to have this different from other locations, so we curated this with an artist and do the same in future locations. The Chicken Inasal here is authentic, my taste, I traveled to Bacolod and know this is what it tastes like when I was there. I love the Chicken Inasal Paa, and Liempo, those are my favorites! We also have Inasal Flakes, made of Chicken breast meat, and a new item on the menu Chicken Inasal Dynamite where we have those Inasal Flakes in (which I tried later, and it was hot, just the way I like it!)."

He adds "We're all hands on, you can see me and my partners manage operations. Why did I enter the Inasal industry? It's not just because it's a big industry, but I really trust the product. I won't just jump on a business if we don't believe in it."

 

 

Now YOU have the chance to taste it if you are in the Marikina, Pasig and Rizal areas. I would advise you get the Chicken Inasal Pecho, the Sizzling Sisig, the Halo Halo. It's become accessible, but they kept the quality of their food good and prices very reasonable. They also have a variety of Ilonggo favorites like KBL, Kansi, Pansit Molo and more on the menu, it's time you take the trip in INASAL REPUBLIC Masinag and have your share of good comfort food, in this side of town! 

Ysabel Ortega, Elle Villanueva, Sophia Seneron Opens Own a NAILANDIA Salon

Proud owners of NAILANDIA IL TERRAZO Tomas Morato, Ysabel Ortega, Elle Villanueva, Sophia Seneron

It must have been fun doing VOLTES V LEGACY over at GMA when Sparkle stars Ysabel Ortega, Elle Villanueva, Sophia Seneron met on set initially as just mere co-stars, then friends, and now business partners. The three promising stars from the Kapuso network just opened their own NAILANDIA Nail Salon over at IL TERRAZO at Tomas Morato in Quezon City. And by the looks of it, they're excited for what's about to happen to this venture they're doing because obviously, they're so passionate about it.

Ysabel, Elle and Sophia went out a couple of times during the filming of VOLTES V LEGACY but always found themselves going to a NAILANDIA Salon in BGC which they loved because of the service they get. True enough, they felt right at home to be called "SUKI" because it's the least they can do to take care of themselves, their looks, especially for the demanding requirements of being celebrities in GMA. After realizing they wouldn't probably meet after the show, they promised to see each other regularly which is why they thought of doing business. They decided to incorporate with equal shares, and now they've put up a company that would be able to do other businesses. Their child project however was this NAILANDIA Salon. Now you can go to this branch at the ground floor if you want Nail Art, Manicure, Pedicure, Foot Spa, Paraffin Wax, Massage, or your eyelashes done in a jiffy. They took sweet time training all their staff to make sure you get your money's worth each time you go to a Nailandia branch. Here's their story on how they started:

During the first few days of operations, they had family, friends, especially those who helped them put up the salon. It wasn't easy, and they had to ask favors from a lot of people to finish the construction of this branch. The look definitely was white and bright, you'll feel relaxed just as soon as you step into the establishment. It was cold and breezy, the perfect ambiance while you get your nails done, and yes, even I tried to get my nails worked on. I say, they did quite an excellent job with what I had in mind!

 

Supportive boyfriends (I think hehe) Derrick Monasterio and Miguel Tanfelix

They've got this done and plan to do more in the future. Aside from that, they're raring to do a good job in the separate projects they are doing right now. Ysabel by the way will be appearing in Firefly together with Miguel Tanfelix, Elle on the other hand will be doing projects with Derrick Monasterio (who was also there by the way and said "I LOVE YOU!" loudly when they cut the ribbon), plus Sophia who will be doing more episodes of Pepito Manaloto. As much as they've worked on their shows, they want to also do businesses together since they are now a corporation. They will be at the branch every now and then so if you're fond of them, go visit them today!

Congratulations Ysabel Ortega, Elle Villanueva and Sophia Seneron... you are now proud owners of your own NAILANDIA branch. Here's to more days of working hard, and harvesting the fruits of your labor.

Healthy Roast Chicken from Liam's Farm To Table

Tired washing the dishes, pots and pans so what better way to get some needed rest by ordering roast chicken. What makes this Liam's Farm to Table viand special is that it's organic, it's fresh, no anti biotics was used so you get that natural chicken flavor you deserve.

It comes in three flavors, Liam's Orginal BBQ Chicken, Portugese Grilled Chicken and Chicken Inasal Liam's Style. They herbs they use permeate to the chicken because they're never frozen and I liken it to those you get in hotels and restaurants. They have different sauces available too like the roasted chicken gravy, peri peri, inasal and little atchara. I like the Peri-Peri and Inasal the most. To order, just call 09563946899.

If you're the type that want something for later, you can heat it up in the oven or play around with it. You don't need to put much effort because it already has flavor, and I like it. I like it a lot! If you're around QC or nearby areas, give them a call to get your own roast chicken fix! I already had mine. Their branch is located in Sct. Lozcano near the Tomas Morato area.

Let's eat!

Authentic Southern Cooking at PALM GRILL Tomas Morato

The Philippines is blessed with a rich culinary heritage and the rest of the world still has to discover what we are as a nation, our food included. Located at the corner of Scout Castor and Tomas Morato in Quezon City is a little known restaurant called PALM GRILL. I’ve been here a couple of times because of events by GMA and private companies - and I was happy because it’s in my neighborhood. I could literally walk from my house to there in just a few minutes.

I wanted to actually go on a solo adventure to Zamboanga and its neighboring provinces, but when I booked flights to that region I think I always get bumped off or got cancelled (twice) and security wise I was advised to tone down my looks and not look like an almost 6 foot lad with blond hair so I wouldn’t stand out from the crowd. I dreamt of doing street photography, to mostly people and even for once, maybe catch a glimpse of a real deal Vinta, a boat which can only be seen in that place. It never came true, so I was a little sad I couldn’t tick that off my bucketlist. Aside from that, when I went to Sabah Malaysia a couple years back, I got a glimpse of the food I wanted to have from that region. Apparently, most of their dishes are similar with what is served on a daily basis in the Southern part of the Philippines, which I have checked and confirmed. I knew I couldn’t live without trying the real thing, real Southern Philippine dishes that caught my eye.

I didn’t know that all along, this same restaurant a few minutes away from my house actually served the authentic southern Philippine dishes I was looking for. Owner Miggy Moreno says “All the dishes here are what I had during childhood, it’s made the same way with ingredients we’ve flown in from Zamboanga. It’s the reason why you’ll get the same taste as if you’re really there.”

The place can probably pack a little over a hundred people. It’s got two floors where you can also find your spot as it’s interiors are fit with flowers and leaves, which I find to be all instagrammable if there is such a word.

The top floor is like a loft, perfect for small functions or parties. They do accomodate that so if you’re looking for a good meal (with new food) this would be a nice place to book.

The second floor is just as pretty. I think they have spent a lot of time thinking about the interiors using wood, bold colors as base, and I think it works.

Now I mentioned I have dined here previously right? I remember having this Green Chicken that time so I wanted to have it again during this small luncheon. It did not dissappoint. The chicken wreaks of coconut their house spice base which reminded me a lot of Malaysian and Indonesian dishes I had in the past. I must admit this is my favorite. Imagine having this and piping hot white rice on a rainy afternoon, it’s like a different kind of comfort food.

The Green Chicken

Tiyula Itum

During our lunch, we were invited to try their newest item on the menu. They call this Tiyula Itum. It’s a Tausug dish similar to our local Bulalo, but it’s got this intense herby but mildly spicy beef flavor. They brought this here because they knew Tomas Morato was quite a competitive place for restaurants. This would defintely make them stand out. You can also ask them to adjust the spiciness of the dish if you prefer a spicier one (which I do by the way) and they would gladly do it for you. They serve this with a little flare, with a live torched bone marrow which you can scoop off and mix in with your rice and broth. If you’re like me who wants the perfect spoon, this is so sinful but so worth it. The broth was hot, has chunks of meat boiled for hours so it is ideal to have this while it’s hot.

The Knicker Iced Treat

This is their version of the Zamboanga Knickerbocker which they call Kinicker Iced Treat. Think of it as a Halo Halo on steroids because it’s got lots of local fruit pieces, ice cream too. I think this would be one of the things you should order to end the meal, especially if you’re a sweet tooth.

They have coffee

They also have a mean coffee. If you’re just around the area and looking for a place to chill, this could be a good place to start before you run amuck and spend the night clubbing.

The food is authentic as it gets because they source their ingredients from Zamboanga. They also have CURACHA with Zamboanga Sauce which I also suggest you get for your meal. Make sure to bring family and friends because the service is not intrusive (which I like) but you can talk to them casually, if you’re just having a drink, that can be done.

If you wish to know more about the place, check out their instagram account @palmgrillph and their social media channels, just search!

Call 3731688 or 545177. They are open everyday 11am to 11pm. Go start your Mindanao journey at Palm Grill.

I am obsessed with their Green Chicken!

Unbelievable Meal Deals at HIGHGROUNDS Cafe Scout Rallos

Meat Platter with Different Sauces, more good deals at Highgrounds Cafe

I have been here quite a lot but have never seen them serve actual food aside from the pastries. Interestingly enough, it has always been difficult for people to have a decent coffee shop in the Tomas Morato area these days and I’ve never written about this place because I want it for myself - sometimes or often. People flock the Starbucks branches nearby but I’d rather go here (this HUGE one) or other small coffee shops because they have some special perks that your popular one doesn’t even come close with.

This place is primarily the BEST internet gaming hub in the country. Two floors are dedicated and house the latest Predator machines and gamers from across the world (oh yes they did), play here because it’s that good. Now it’s very important for them to have the accorded nutrition so they do have the right amount of eye hand coordination needed to beat other teams. They just introduced new group meals on the menu and I’m ecstatic for you to see how this makes this place even better.

The meat platter we ordered had all the steak lovers drooling. The lovely steak, the huge rib, the quarter chicken and tatsy Hungarian sausage. It was good and of course, it was gone in a few minutes.

Their other meal package had these pizzas on them. I figured we could go back there a few days ago and ordered it. You can choose two pizza flavors, this one had the crust made with squid ink hence the color. Included in it are 5 drinks (you can choose the iced tea flavor), the southern fried chicken (which I’ll show later), a full plate of pasta (I chose Pesto), the two stretched pizzas, plus 5 Korean Ice Cream varieties. Honestly it’s a steal if you can feed 5 people with it.

Fried Chicken, super crunchy!

I like my fried chicken like this, doused in flour, breaded nicely that’s why it comes out extremely crunchy. It’s also got chips on the side so you’ve got more things to talk about while having snacks. They have dirty rice so for people who believe RICE IS LIFE, then you may order that as well.

Salmon with Mushrooms in Ponzu Sauce

For something a little more fancy, they’ve got Salmon on top of mashed potatoes, mushroom pieces, lima beans, ponzu sauce and micro greens. It may look intimidating and a lot, but it’s worth it. Especially if you have female friends, this would be counted as their more healthy option. They prolly had this seared and oven baked before they put everything together. Quite good.

Crispy Pata

For those who crave it, yes they have Crispy Pata. Their dipping sauce is more on the sweet side but you may ask for condiments as you please. I asked for Tabasco and it was easy for them to whip it out because they’ve got good wings too.

For the piece de resistance, they’ve got the hits in their cafe for our dessert. The first of which is Red Velvet Crinkles (my personal favorite), then the cold Brazo De Mercedes, plus the Pistachio Sansrival. Game over. Now if you’re in the Tomas Morato area and looking for wifi connection, Highgrounds Cafe can accomodate you and lease 2 hours of ultra fast wifi connection for every 150 peso purchase. They can also have you use the wifi for a fee; very cheap actually if you’re uploading Youtube videos or downloading stuff, this would be the perfect place for you.

Highgrounds Cafe is located at 67 Scout Rallos Street in between Tomas Morato and Scout Torillo streets in Quezon City. They’ve got real good coffee too. Meal packages for 5 starts around Php 1999 and the other costs Php 2999, but trust me it's a FEAST, worth every penny.

KUMAGCOW

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New Restaurant: Isaribi in Tomas Morato

Nestled right at the back of Zirkoh in Tomas Morato along Scout Lozano in Quezon City is this new Japanese-Neo Oriental Yakiniku place called ISARIBI. It means Fishing Fire (a fire used to lure fish at night), a masterpiece from ancient Ichigenkin music which was drawn from the poems made by Kakinomoto Hitomaro. It reflects the Japanese life during the 7th and 8th century when fishing was life, it kept them all inspired and entertained I guess.

They already have 5 branches in Japan and they are planning to open 2 more soon. In the Philippines they already have one in BGC and Makati, and while it was a hit Japanese shop in the former, they had Korean and Yakiniku lovers in BGC so this new one is in Quezon City had the best of both worlds. The branch is actually different as they will mix in Yakiniku and Korean to the menu. They source almost everything in Japan and have suppliers that shipped regularly. Though imported, they managed to keep the prices low (surprisingly). Japanese Chef Misayuki Sato prepared their specials and let us try the lovely food. Take a look at this!

Japanese Sazae Shells, Oysters, Scallops had us drooling when they grilled it on the smokeless contraption in the center. They also used their home made Wari Shoyu which they ferment themselves, a thing that other restaurants probably don't do.

Salads are festive, I am impressed by their spread because they meticulously prepare each item. 

The SASHIMI is out of this world, they also use premium Kikkoman just for it. They have huge servings made in boats with smoke, it was something they do in Japan so they're bringing it in!

I also love the Makis, but make sure you use their house soy sauce because it's better than the store bought ones.

If you're not doing anything this weekend or looking for a Mothers Day venue, I would suggest you go to Tomas Morato corner Scout Lozano and check out Isaribi Japanese Restaurant because it's so darn good, and way affordable compared to premium Japanese restaurants in the area. 

KUMAGCOW

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