Christmas is just around the corner and folks are busy checking their lists, doing it twice or thrice as they prepare for the most important occasion of the year, the birth of our savior Jesus Christ.Noche Buena or Media Noche, we try to make it special and it won't be festive if there's one thing you love especially on desserts, that's MR. HAT GULAMAN!
Available in different colors, the thing sets quickly after a boil and serving it with cream or sugar and mixing it with your favorite fruits would be an easy prep. Others even use it to firm up their already lovely food like leche flan, crema de fruta, or different panacotta, which always is a hit. If you love pudding, salads, it's very flexible and those potlucks shouldn't be so hard to do because of how quick you can prepare for it.
If you've got an idea, just do it with MR. HAT GULAMAN as it is available in leading groceries and supermarkets, it's even affordable, and always good! Go discover your inner chef today!
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.
The Philippines celebrate Christmas early, and it looks like foodpanda knows how to make it even better. Filipinos call it the Ber months, possibly to mimic Burrr, something folks say when it's cold outside. Aside from the change of weather, people gather for intimate or festive ones to celebrate the season or make memories.
Gone are the days of spending hours in the kitchen because the convenience that foodpanda brings could help you enjoy the 4 months. No need to cook, with a flick of a button inside the foodpanda app, you could order from thousands of food establishments, get groceries and supplies in a jiffy. No need to bring huge pots and pans, utensils or drinks because everything is available there.
As a treat, foodpanda is also taking a Php 100 off your meals with the voucher code PASKONA in food establishments like Mang Inasal, KFC, Popeyes, Pizza Hut, Kenny Rogers, Pickup Coffee, Angel's Pizza or grocery stores like Pandamart. That's a smart idea that everyone should have especially when you are so busy entertaining. This makes it more affordable and take a lot of stress in prepping for the countless Christmas parties, Tree Lighting events, and concerts you plan to go to during these months. New and existing accounts can use this til the 31st of December, details are on the app too!
Isn't that a good deal? Go download it now because I heard there's even more of it available there!
Watching documentaries and seeing the plight of fishermen in the provinces made me realize how some of our fisherfolk's practices are not sustainable. We consume quite a lot of sardines, as it is one of the most affordable food items we have that is properly kept, canned and lasts a long while. In a 2017 survey, they listed 9 out of 10 pinoys actually consume it.
As commercial fishing boats become a norm, overfishing is becoming a huge problem. The amount of sardines they take out from the sea just wouldn't be able to sustain production. Add to that climate issues, and it's a tragedy waiting to happen.
Century Pacific Food Inc. who produces various sardine brands like 555, Lucky 7, Fresca, and well loved brand Ligo launched a campaign called "Sustendido Bulan" at Bulan in Sorsogon. This aims to make sure that sourcing raw ingredients including fish is sourced sustainably. They also want to make sure fisherfolk are educated about processes and make sure the long term supply of it.
They also went over and beyond by doing community work with their products, teaching nutrition to empower the community and have an even better resource management practices in this location. CPFI and Ligo wants to enable they understand that there could be a supply chain that could benefit them all. Through various partnerships, education and innovation, they would be able to balance the needs of people to bring value from the sea to Filipino homes too.
Putting their call "Lamang ka sa Ligo" is a practice that gets both consumers and suppliers at a beneficial standpoint. Something that would not harm the planet and not have overfishing at these locations.
As of now, they have trained 250 fishermen and women about sustainability. They also accredited 500 families as suppliers. They also now created over 850 posts to employ them in plants across the region and had 1075 kids benefit from their school feeding programs. They also noted how rejection rates of fish went from 13 to only 3% and hopefully have eliminated resource strain because of the "Sustenido Bulan" efforts. They are following UN Sustainable Development goals and hope to maintain these gains in the coming years. We fervently hope this becomes beneficial for future generations and be practiced at different locations. It doesn't have to be in one place of course!
Ligo certainly brings value not only from the sea, but to Filipino homes nationwide!
I bake, I cook, I eat a lot and sometimes, you just have to have that sweet end to a meal right?
I distinctly remember preparing all our salads and desserts. Back then, we had to tear up huge bars of gulaman, have it boiled then cooled. It was an arduous process, but now, it's way easier! Imagine doing these tasks in every fiesta, birthday, holiday and more, our families enjoy them the most, especially the kids.
They also join me prepare things, sort of a bonding activity. I feed them while they help me. The difference is, Mr. Hat Gulaman made it easier to do. All they need to do is choose a flavor, mix it according to package directions or customize when needed. They also have unflavored ones so if the baking meant you need to invent one, it would be easy!
Best of all, it only takes a few minutes to form. Your bakes and desserts would taste special, you can use the different flavors to enhance your dishes further... that's how convenient they made it.
Best of all, it's made from actual premium seaweed so there's no fear of it having harmful ingredients, those birthday parties and celebrations would certainly be a great venue to showcase your food, be the star of the show!
Here's some recipes you can try:
Coconut Gulaman Coolers, prep squares, mix it with cream, coconut, then drink and chow it all down.
Summer Mango Gulaman needs the Mango flavored sliced to squares. You can opt for the unflavored ones to make it less sweeter. Use real mangoes so you get that sweet-tangy end for dessert. It'll be amazing!
Almond Lychee Jelly, where as the name suggests, you can mix the unflavored one with almond flavoring. Add chopped canned lychees and lightly mix, it'll be a refreshing one.
Vanilla Milkshake with Gulaman, just blitz Milk, vanilla, Vanilla Ice Cream and drop any flavored gulaman of your choosing, you can have one hit summer drink and prepare it right at home. All good, and easy!
Check out this commercial so you get an idea how to make it.
No matter what occasion, make it even more special with Mr. Hat Gulaman. Because if you're craving for it, they say #NasaHatKoYan. You may visit their website seanlucinc.com for recipes, or follow their social channels too.
In case you are looking for places to eat during Mothers Day, here's a little guide for those who prefer the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City.
There's Italian American comfort food, coffee and pizza at Prologue, some Korean BBQ you can cook ala minute at Maple Tree House, proteins at Yappari Steak, Spanish tapas and wine at Barcino, food from around the world at One World Deli, and the lovely, fresh Italian cuisine at Cibo. SM Mall of Asia will all have this at the installation they have for Grand MOA Hotel at the Grand MOA Fair tomorrow so if you are up for a stroll around the mall, go get your food and drink fix at different places inside the sprawling property and make those memories again with the best woman in the world, your MOM!
There are tons more to look forward to in restaurants and events in the mall on this day, so make Mother's Day even more special at one of the biggest malls in the world, SM Mall of Asia! Follow their social channels for more recommendations.
I couldn't believe it's been a year already. What started out as a normal conversation between diving friends, was all realized in this Maginhawa spot. Your favorite Dark Roast Coffeehouse is now a year old.
Business wasn't all smooth sailing, they admitted to have had challenges because while trying to improve their products and services, they didn't get a lot of feedback at first. Now they're taking suggestions seriously, and they are super thankful about the improvement and growth they have done during this time.
The fun bunch told us about the challenges they had about quality. Because they had different customers telling their preferences, and they also had different baristas at different times of the day, what could be sweet and earthy for one person wouldn't be the same for the other. They were able to standardize a lot of their prep work, their raw materials, considering these all were growth pains and something that businesses like them go through. They initiated telling their team about the standards they wanted to keep, not to say they've already overcame challenges, but knowing it's a continuous process of learning more about it.
Here's our interview with them that evening!
Their location is another one. Maginhawa after all is a food community and has about 5-7 coffee shops with more to open soon. It's not just the competition, but maintaining quality and consistency that every person behind the counter should adhere to. It's a lot of work just to make sure whoever is making the cup would taste the same whatever time of the day, made darker, bolder, better.
The celebration didn't end there as they launched 2 new bread variants particularly the OREO CROISSANT and the BLACK SESAME CROISSANT. They also released a new drink called MIDNIGHT MOCHA. As the name suggests, the breads are more on the sweet side (but not too sweet as Titos/Titas would love). I prefer the BLACK SESAME CROISSANT more since it also has a little nutty flavor with it. These were prepared by the same folks who did BUTTERBOY CROISSANTS who's known for their quality, big, flaky and sinful ones. In fact, it didn't take them long to collaborate with the new flavors because they were very easy to work with. Now you'll get super good croissants here every time.
This month, they're also building a full pledged community. Aside from the good bread and coffee they just launched, they're getting Dark Roast Coffeehouse merch available for loyal customers. With several visits and purchases at their store at the Ground Floor of TKC Square Building, you could get their super cool tumbler and handy dandy eco bag with the Darker, Bolder, Better line on it.
This is just the first year and they've managed to do a LOT in that short amount of time. I'm super happy for them and wished I could do the same with my set of friends. Folks usually won't suggest that, but seeing their success and milestones so far, I wouldn't be surprised if they're going to be huge soon.
Congratulations DARK ROAST COFFEEHOUSE on your anniversary!
Popular modern Filipino and Asian inspired restaurant MESA just renewed their ties with Primetime King and Kapuso Star Dingdong Dantes as they continue having him as the endorser for the restaurant chain. The event was witnessed by Dong's Manager Mr. Perry Lansigan, MESA CEO Rikki Dee, their COO Eric Dee and their VP for National Operations Raymond Federigan. This continues a very effective partnership between the MESA group and Dingdong who's well identified with their brand and the life sized standees in store across the country.
Eric Dee says "We planned 120 stores last 2020, we were delayed because of obvious reasons. We are back on track this year for 2025. Our growth's reason is Mr. Dingdong Dantes, our vision of our Road to 100 is coming true. We will continue to celebrate Filipino heritage in our stores, our food, enjoyed by families all over "
Ricky Dee added "I want to thank Dingdong for coming to our lives. When we thought about it, it was unanimous. Til today we believe in him, and we are looking forward to more years of being together."
Dingdong extends his thanks for the trust given to him and said "Congratulations to the MESA group, I am so proud and honored to be part of this brand 6 years ago. Now, we are raring to be part of the road to 100 and my inclusion in it. I said a few years ago that I'll be part of it, I will be branch 88 and we will announce it very soon. To Filipino families, we will reach you, even in Hawaii. This brand will become bigger and stronger."
He adds "Our values are aligned, common goals, and we both believe in quality. Without getting into details, they will take care of me. I'm planning to put it near Sixto's school so Marian and I will be in it often. We can't wait to do that. We bond over food."
Dong adds "What the stomach experiences is the same in memories. We dine out, we eat, and I'm a foodie. I love the Crispchon and it's good to share. Being with other people, sharing it with the ones you love, it's what we do every week and it is special."
Here's some scenes from the event this morning and the press conference, please enjoy!
With this happening this 2025, there will be more events and activations where Dingdong will be a part of and soon, more stores for him too as he said he's also planning to open one in his neck of the woods. Currently, MESA is present in Ayala Malls, Eastwood, Festival Mall, Fisher Mall, One Ayala, Robinsons Malls, SM Malls, and more. They are all under Foodie Global Concepts.
The Lunar New Year came to me quite differently this year as the folks from ISKAPARATE.COM had us join their Chinese Delicacy Cooking Workshop last week at the All About Baking store in SM North Edsa The Block in Quezon City. The workshop was facilitated by the very nice Chef Cathy Yu of Save Bakery and Cafe Philippines.
First off, it was the first time I've seen All About Baking, and they've got everything you need with that hobby and more. Folks would feel like a kid in a candy store when you're there, as all the ingredients, equipment, even the materials you need to have a successful bake shop is all there!
The event was done through ISKAPARATE.COM's site via DTC Promos Inc. They got several subscribers join in which includes Customers, Mothers, Entrepreneurs, Business Owners who would want to learn to prepare and cook delicacies apt for the occasion. They were a pretty nice group and saw how some experienced ones helping the others which was a pretty sight to see. Aside from Chef Cathy Yu,
DTC Promos Inc. President and COO Ms. Marissa Dames also talked to us about ISKAPARATE.COM's referral program. Those who are planning to have their products on the site were also accommodated by the ConnectSys who told them about the Vendor referral program and how one could earn from it. If you wish to be part of that, just message them on Iskaparate's Facebook page or their published email address.
To join the TAP or Tell A Pal Affiliate program, one just needs to share or promote any product from their website and have it monitored through the ReferralPlus platform. The site views activities from your account and monitors your commission. Just create an account at the ReferralPulse website after registering at the ISKAPARATE.COM website.
Going back to our workshop, they had us learn the ropes in making Egg Tarts, Fried Milk (made with Arla Full Cream Milk!), Almond Cookies (with McCormick spices), Gyoza (used Lee Kum Kee Soy Sauce for the marinade and dip), Baked Honey Pork Steak Char Siu (used Lee Kum Kee sauces too), and the Huat Huat Noodle (using SYSU products). We made them all using the high tech UNOX ovens at the shop (oh yes it's also there!). All of these are available at the ISKAPARATE.COM website which would be a very convenient way to prepare for meals, special occasions since it's an all in one store. They also give exposure to those who would want to start a business, one that's got the online store, logistics and marketing know how prepared for those who need it.
This isn't the first time that they have held an event of this magnitude, and yes, they told us to expect more of these in the coming months. Being a new member of the site made me feel I belong, and seeing them help SME's, and even offer micro loans made me realize the extent of effort to put in this place. They know how folks could start their own business, in hopes to change lives in the process.
With all these, I now think I'm a good cook. :) So if you want to experience this too, go join the fun over at their website.
This is the first time I've seen a LOT of people clad in their best garb and outfits that could resemble royalty in Mindanao, but right smack in the heart of Ortigas Center's Crowne Plaza. We were there for AlBarakah, a new brand of halal certified food chain in the country. For those who don't know, Halal certified food is a bit scarce in this side of the country, but with their presence, it would now be possible for halal food and ingredients to be served in different parts of the country.
This is the brainchild of AlBarakah CEO Ameerah Tamundong who says "It is a bit difficult to adhere to dietary principles in Metro Manila and different parts of the country. With the existence of AlBarakah, good halal certified food and drinks is now accessible for Filipinos. We also have different dishes to serve for our Filipino patrons if they're looking for carefully prepared meals."
At the venue, they had Muslim attendees enjoy dishes like Shredded Corned Beef, Minced Hash Corned Beef, their 3 in 1 brown coffee, and also white coffee. They also had Protein Bites which could serve as snacks in between meals, or even before athletes race, as it's got peanuts, almonds and other seeds. Each is assured of halal certification and lawful in Islamic ways. If you're in need of their services, visit their social channels on FB or their website albarakahph.com as all the details on how to order will be there.
It really is happier here at SOLAIRE Resort North as the BER months usher in the world's longest Christmas season that only happens in the Philippines. We went here from Manila and for starters, we got serenaded by the one and only Concert King Martin Nievera. This was done with several of Solaire's executives like Gregory Hawkins, Donato Almeda, Thomas Arasi, Enrique Razon Jr of Bloomberry Resorts Corp, PAGCOR's Alejandro Tengco and Vina Oca, former Chief Justice Diosdado Peralta, Mayor Joy Belmonte of Quezon City, and good looking birthday boy Congressman Arjo Atayde.
Both of their properties in the south and north will be offering holiday inspired room packages, fun experiences, entertainment like no other and food that is world class. At the Solaire Resort property, they had Lea Salonga and American Idol's Clay Aiken. In Solaire North, they also had Ballet Philippines and a whole choir to sing along Christmas songs which everyone enjoyed!
If you want to be part of the festivities, go follow them on their social channels or visit Solaire North, Fresh or Solaire Resort in the South. I had so much fun with them in several events and entertainment coverages, so I'd be so surprised if you don't feel the same when you're there!
It must have been a little too hard for people to absorb the term work-life balance. Whoever coined it must have been buried in work still to take credit for it, but I fully understand because we all have such a fast paced lifestyle. This makes you think a lot about how you could start your day right.
Yes, a good routine would certainly be beneficial for folks like us. Starting at breakfast, we need to make sure we have the right amount of food that can increase our energy levels so when it's already time for work, we have the power to induce productivity when we need to. A short prayer, meditation, would clear your mind off things before ticking off tasks in the office.
Waking up with a meal like yogurt and oatmeal would be sufficient, something fruity and light so you don't feel sluggish in the first hour, to last throughout the day. Like Dr. Angelica Carsula who does this most of the time, she feels it's best to have a low fat yogurt, and team it up with something that is good for digestion (oh oatmeal does that!).
Aside from the usual fare, you could add activities to help you get into the mood. There are tons of exercises that Eloiza Regaliza suggests you do, particularly running and riding a bike. It gives her focus to do a lot, but never forces friends to over exert themselves, just encourage them. She even adds eggs, veggies and bread with the yogurt too.
Popular host Show Suzuki can be seen extra energetic every time we see him in events. He does the same routine to make sure he has the energy to also make the audience feel his vibe, as it is one of his priorities. He gets one of these Nestle Yogurt cups to push him at the start of the day. This is with the help of over 1.25 billion live healthy bacteria that not only gives the energy, but also strengthens his bones and boosts his immunity. He makes sure it is part of his breakfast, because he cares much about his gut health. If you want to see the possibilities, go follow Nestle Yogurt FB and IG accounts, their website, or simply but a cup off fridges in leading supermarkets and stores nationwide!
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.
