The "Edsa Woolworth" Press Conference

This 2015, Star Cinema and The Filipino Channel brings you EDSA Woolworth a film written by seasoned US based writer Noel Nuguit and directed by John D. Lazatin. 

The film discusses Filipino American family ties, something unconventional, people bound beyond boundaries of race, language, culture and blood. The Woolworths takes inspiration from countless Filipinos in the US that weather tons of ups and downs, but still manage to stick together, a trait that many Pinoys would be able to relate to whilst they encounter cultural differences in the US, when we almost thought we weren't that much different.

Filipinos in general have close family ties. It's not even in their thoughts to send off older family members to senior homes, so just imagine Pokwang's life getting twisted when she gets involved in choosing family over her personal love life.

Director John Lazatin divulges Pokwang somehow had a say with who she's going to work with. The physical attraction should always be there in order to work smoothly in the set. 

There might be fear in her part doing dramatic scenes but we came feeding off with the roles. She was nervous but she learned a lot from Frankie and Chad, it was fate that brought them together because some of the actors weren't really first choice but ended up taking the roles later on. 

"It's a big swing to do and you have to have a lot of help from your co-actors. If it wasn't for them, shooting this wasn't going to be easy" says Lee O'Brian. "We took care of each other and the Director knows how to talk to and give us what we need. It was easy because of this ensemble. It wasn't too intense, when you see someone in the set and smile the whole time, shoot all day with us, we kept working hard, beyond supporting it was inspiring. I would be happy to work with the crew because we were all easy going. It was warm to walk in this set, we need time to explore Manila too because we're anxious to see more of it!"

This film will show on January 14, 2014 in theaters nationwide and this family film will probably make you cry just like the countless people who have seen it in the US. They hope you get to watch with your friends and family as they really made this with you in mind. There might be conflicts and issues that you will relate to especially if you've got older folks in your own homes. I'm watching too!

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Samsung Releases Galaxy A Series (A7, A5 and A3)

Yesterday was a fine time to see new things at Samsung's realm. They just launched the new Samsung Galaxy A Series over dinner at SM Aura last night. I must say, people know me being an Apple Fanboy but during this evening, I couldn't help but marvel at the new mid range priced phones that they're releasing this January. Yes, they're starting the year with pretty dressed up handsets that would be perfect for those who want a more stylish, metal clad but still fine and dandy.

Glistening on my table were these three models, the Samsung Galaxy A7, the Samsung Galaxy A5 and the Samsung Galaxy A3. You're probably not going to see these guys in different articles that much because they have rarely - slight differences. Obviously these are intended for the younger crowd as they delved more into mobile phones that could actually take decent selfies, but on the looks department you could say this is "modern" and "stylish".

Samsung also promises a better, fuller social media experience with these first of a kind, full metal bodied, slim designed superior hardware that would work extremely gorgeous with the ladies and for men that are more "fashion forward". If you are not that impressed with the looks of the S5 and Note 4, this would definitely satisfy you a bit more. I've heard they're coming out with the normal black and white version, plus a snazzy Champagne Gold in the Philippines. When held, it's not so bulky as it goes around 6.3mm for the A7, 6.7mm for the A5 and 6.9mm for the A7. Screen size is 5.5 inches for the A7, 5 inches for the A5 and 4.5 for the A3. 

I don't want to sound too commercial but I'll say it felt like a naked iPhone 5S which I'd been carrying around that time - but then there's a huge price difference there somewhere. The buttons are different, the effects too, though I'm also loving the cameras in these phones. The A3 and A5 has 5 MP front cameras, and 13MP rear ones. Though you may want to also favor the bigger A7 as the A3 and A5 has a 1.2 GHz quadcore Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor whilst the A7 has 64-bit Snapdragon 615 chipset with octacore processor at 1.5GHz in it. The price difference here looks a bit huge but if want to shell out more, I'd rather stick with the A5 as the A7 might need huge hands to least get a grip of it. I'd almost consider it a phablet if that would spur your imagination. It's a very good phone for the younger ones and I'd rather get this than the other handsets which look pretty plain on the shelves. The metal finish had me almost sold but you have to live Android to get the full pleasure of having it.

  

So in a nutshell, if you want a phone with a decent camera, metal finish, slim, not too bulky, plus it's got awesome beauty effects that we played around with that evening. This is a chinky eyed Asian's dream because it's got the ability to widen the eyes like this! FUN! 

If you're out in the hunt for a new phone that's not ordinary, some bling, cheaper than iPhone and built with Android OS, take a good look at your budget and see if the Samsung Galaxy A Series would be something you would consider. It's priced at Php 24,990, Php 19,990 and Php 16,990. I know I would!

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Food Panda Maginhawa Food Crawl: Moonleaf Tea Shop

It must have been months since I've tasted a brew or two from Moonleaf Tea Shop. It was offered on a small kiosk in Eastwood City when I was still in the corporate world. I got addicted to the Wintermelon flavor and got so hooked with the pearls and pudding add ons that I even trade it for dinner because I got full from it. During the Food Panda Maginhawa Food Crawl, we went to the Maginhawa Branch of Moonleaf Tea Shop which consequently is the brands first store. This was where it all started, and they're proud to say that this is one of 10 company owned stores which is an all Filipino brand. 

It was the holidays so they came out with pretty cool new flavors just for Christmas and New Year. I got to taste Maple Milktea, Maple Yogurt Milktea, and Chocolate Peppermint. I loved it all! This is probably the reason why they have been able to vigorously expand these past few years because as owner Adrian Adriano (who was 24 back then) envisioned, it has encompassed just being an all Filipino brand that could compete locally, as it now has made itself available internationally. It's their second year of franchising internationally so don't be surprised if you'll see this in the middle east, around Asia or perhaps soon in North America. By the way, they are also working with communities by consigning products made by Moms in the area (cupcakes, cookies, baked products). They're doing that in other stores too. Now there's authentic milk tea, a good place to hang out (because they do entertain small meetings, workshops etc.) and a great venue to just chill with friends and family because their drinks bring people closer together... to talk and meet new people too. 

Thank you to everyone who joined us during the Food Panda Maginhawa Food Crawl. Thank you also to Moonleaf Tea Shop for accommodating us for our last stop. If you want to know more about their products, please don't hesitate to visit http://moonleafteashop.com or just visit them at their Maginhawa branch. It's one of the coziest places I've ever been to have tea, so it's your turn!

Food Panda is available both in the App Store and Google Play. You can also visit their website https://www.foodpanda.ph/ and order from there. Food Panda also is location based so whatever restaurant you haven't discovered yet in your area, you'll get the chance to have it right in the comforts of your home. Plus, their menus are ginormous! A few presses of buttons and voila! You'll get what you want, where you need it in a jiffy!

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Food Panda Maginhawa Food Crawl: Cocina Juan

Some of my blogger friends were trying to take selfies outside Cocina Juan. It's on the stretch, at 100 Maginhawa Street in Quezon City. I'd mistake it for a Filipino restaurant but as seen on their menu this would be closer to authentic Latin American cuisine. The interior was rustic, a little mexican going into Filipino shabby chic using a hodge podge of chairs, tables and windows. It's a great place to drink and unwind but they informed me the whole Maginhawa street was barred from serving beer by the local government because of their proximity to schools, though they gladly welcome bringing in wine and the likes without corkage at all. This place is owned and managed by Pat Sodario, brothers Carlo and Tom Adviento. Chef Tom worked in Nicaragua - hence the influence of the food made there. Cocina Juan is one of the stalwarts of the Maginhawa scene and has been in operation for 6 years already. They might have had a face lift but they're still doing good, pretty far from the garage looking setup that they had in the past. Though now, it looks quite nice for new diners, and I think it's time a big crowd experience what they have in store.  

Dinamita

This is Cocina Juan's Dinamita. It's made of deep fried Anaheim Chilies, cheese wrapped in a light batter. Pretty good, simple and hot just the way I like it. No fuss, just real good food.

Nacho Supremo Todo

When Nachos were sent in from the sky, Cocina Juan probably did catch most of it. This is what they call Nacho Supremo Todo. Their love for extremes is already showing in the appetizer alone. It's got tons of nachos, meat sauce, frijoles (beans), Jalapeno Chili, their own Salsa and Cheese. This would be great as a starting conversation piece for a group of friends, or maybe if you're going out with your family. It's a party in a platter and they're just starting. 

Quesadilla con Tomate

This is simple, their Quesadilla con Tomate just has Tomatoes and Melted Cheese on it. The Tortilla is also toasted on the pan so you get that slightly toasty-el plantsa smell which you would love to have in a Quesadilla. I love that. Dip it on salsa, then it would have that Latin flavor a bit more. I don't even like the taste of flatleaf parsley/Cilantro but I think they only added a hint of it so it wasn't as pungent, that's a good thing. It looks like they perfected these starters because of their years of experience, and it shows.

Medio Burrito

If that isn't a presentation, I don't know what else is. This is Cocina Juan's Medio Burrito. They've also made this in beef, chicken or pork. It's also got high quality rice (they chose to have it that way), Roasted Peppers, Corn, Salsa and Cheese wrapped around a 10 inch flour tortilla. The Aioli sauce is actually played around the plate to mimic a peacock's feathers. It looks good on the plate, and tastes light and yummy on the inside. The strips of fried tortilla also gave the normally filling burrito some texture so they did a good job doing that. I love this but it could use more sauce, more heat too.

Meat Burrito

As if the other Burrito wasn't whimsical enough, they went ahead and did a play again on this plate with the Aioli sauce and yogurt. This is their Meat Burrito. It's even bigger than the Medio Burrito which I guess is why they called it as such. It's got the same stuff plus a little element of crunch with the layer of iceberg lettuce. I don't know what is it about their burrito that makes it so light, I think it's with the quality of rice that they make it with. Pretty good.

Aside from the regulars, they've got nice things on the menu that's super perfect for groups. They were not joking when they were talking about BIG servings. This is just one of the varieties of plates that they have. They also have incredible Chimchurri, Pork Ribs, Lamb Chops, Fried Chimichanga (my super favorite!) and practically can cook anything by request as long as they have it inside the store. There's more reason to celebrate at Cocina Juan, you just have to go there and experience the Latin fiesta they can hold in every table, every time you come and visit with your friends and compadre's. I really enjoyed our time there, now it's your turn!

Thank you to wonderful people at Cocina Juan. Thank you also to Food Panda who organized this Maginhawa Food Crawl. You may download the app in the App Store and Google Play or just directly order via web at https://www.foodpanda.ph. They've got tons of restaurants and list the local ones near you including Cocina Juan if you are near... so you can get it fresh, hot and fast. See you in the next one!

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Food Panda Maginhawa Food Crawl: Big B Burgers

On the other side of the road across Homies Pinoy Fried Chicken is this haven for macho burger lovers called Big B Burger Restaurant. Not to be confused with the other more commercial brand that has the same initials, this quaint place in 44B Magiting Street Teacher's Village, Quezon City presents a more rustic, monochromatic full restaurant that can serve up to 40-50 people in one go. 

Don't be afraid to go in. Don't think that the front of house is the actual space because they got the newly renovated space in the back that can get you and your friends seated comfortably.

The front serves as a kitchen so you can order your burgers ahead before you go inside and grab a seat.

They got it all in black and white. They also got very playful with the interior using simple chicken wire and light bulbs as lighting. We even saw some students bringing in their boyfriends and girlfriends for a treat.

It didn't feel hot inside and you can smell the burgers being made in the grill. I was prepared to taste something unusual because of the things that I saw on the menu while going inside the restaurant. It's conducive to groups but not too high end because this is mainly a student "friendly" area. Big B Burgers started out as a small entrepreneurial venture of friends Joelle Luviengco, Eric Galvis and Pibo Pagadion. Their dream was to put up enough money to send them all to Cebu so they could attend festivities at Sinulog. They used to sell customized burgers to friends, school mates, organizations and fairs inside the University of the Philippines. When they graduated, they built the first restaurant out from scratch and now extended the space with monochrome details because they wanted to emphasize on the colors of the food. They actually have a plan to expand to more stores soon but are now concentrating on getting more people to experience it first in the Maginhawa area. To be honest, I envy them because they are so young to have this promising business in their hands. They're doing something that they're passionate about and earning at the same time. Which leads us to their well researched and whimsical menu, here we go!

BallsBalls

Meet Big B's BallsBalls. It's a bowl full of Tater tots and meatballs smothered in melted cheese nested on a medium sized metal bowl. Isn't that lovely? Isn't this a sight for sore eyes? I know. If you love comfort food, they have every reason for you to visit the place and curl up with some Pink Potions (Peach Flavored Soda?) to go with it. Though I must tell you a big secret, there's a bit of a performance that goes along with that if you order it with "feelings". That's something that I won't tell you so you have a great reason to visit them at the corner of Magiting Street. 

The Secret "Feelings" ingredient will be added by these guys, you should catch them while you're at Big B's

Poutine Ng Ina

Playing with puns they made this with the French Canadian Quebec based Poutine as inspiration. The original one has Fries topped with a gravy sauce and cheese curds but this local one which they call "Poutine Ng Ina" pays homage to Mom's cooking and a little less of the cheese. Although most customers don't blurt it out and usually order it by pointing on the menu, it genuinely sparked interest with a lot of people who might want to experience it like the real thing. I've had it in hotels before (the real Poutine) but I find their version is really good. I would recommend this more than any other starter on their menu but they really have a few, so there's a good excuse to try them all! I loved this to say the least and if I'm going back there, I'll order this for sure!

Bongga Burger

We first tasted this burger called Bongga! Yes, the Bongga Burger. It's patty is made from 50% Beef and 50% Longganisa meat. It's sweet and savory and would be so ideal for kids who want that sweet touch on their burger. As for the dressing, they've got special concoction that is mayo based, with pickle relish and a multitude of secret ingredients. They told us people might be able to copy their patty and if they didn't innovate in that area too much, they might find other brands pirating their formula. So to make things different, they've got the dressing guns inside the store which they use so profusely, so liberating on your own burger. They let you determine the amount of dressing you want in your own burger and I haven't seen that anywhere else in Manila.

This one's called BAM. The BAM burger consists of 50% Bee and 50% Spam Patties. If you love SPAM and the lovely Hawaiian favorite in the can, then this one's for you! Among the burgers, this was well received by the bloggers. I found the one I ate a little on the salty side but they all said it was just right. This one was even their favorite too so if you want something everyone does, this might be your best bet. It's ingenious in fact to think of these combinations. As for me, I chose this last burger as my personal favorite.

This is Big B, just like me, it is the sinful one. It's made of 50% Beef and 50% Bacon, it's patties are made of legends. I love the beefy and smoky mix so after one bite of this and the fabulous dressing that they have inside the store, I closed my eyes and said hallelujah! These young guys and gal had been doing their homework. What's even better is that they can do these burgers for Quarter, Half or One Pound varieties. I would love 2 pounds of this meat next time haha! But really, it's something that could rival the best in the business. The bun is also sweet which makes it appealing to all ages, none of those dried ones that go tougher to chew. The "Poutine Ng Ina' also is available in bigger servings so if you're up to MORE, don't be shy to say so.

This is one of the nicest burger joints to go to this year. I would gladly go back for the BIG B and the Poutine Ng Ina Mo when I have the chance to visit the Maginhawa area again next month. You should too. Thank you so much to Joelle Luviengco, Eric Galvis and Pibo Pagadion for letting us get to know BIG B in an even BIGGER way. Thank you also to Food Panda for organizing this. Til the next restaurant! By the way, please download the Food Panda app on App Store or Google Play. There's so much restaurants in your area that you can conveniently order from through the app or directly via https://www.foodpanda.ph/. Try it out for a change and see how it could change the way you look at food delivery again!

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