another reason to go to powerplant mall....

did you know that chicken inasal originated from this place??

moreover, i think they will also sell napoleones during the fair. 

i learned about this wonderful pastry from my bacolod based roommate during my stint in beijing. this sugar glazed croissant-like cream puff is definitely friendly to the palate. i am not a big fan of pinoy dessert, but this one is something i really enjoy having. especially when its fresh from bacolod.  

Proclamation 1625

Non-Working Holiday (October 1, 2008)

Per Proclamation 1625: October 1, 2008(Wednesday) is declared a Regular Holiday throughout the country in observance of Eid'l Fitr (Feast of Ramadhan)

Yey! now there's a reason to get out of your house & explore! see a movie, try a new resto, start christmas shopping!

did you like west side story?

i learned that it was an adaptation from a film a very loooong time ago. i did not see that. i know not much of it (only the song "i feel pretty" was from it). it was my first time to see west side story... on stage.

 

i was excited because christian bautista plays the lead role. he is good looking, by the way. anyway, since i did not know much what to expect, i went to consult mr google. there i saw a lot of reviews about the manila cast. they said christian (playing tony) and karylle's (as maria) singing was not so good but it gets better towards the end... hmmm ano yun?! 

from my point of view, the cast can still improve. christian's voice was ok but still lacks that oomph factor. karylle's singing on the other hand was good (contrary to the reviews)! except that sometimes she forgets the puerto rican accent. 

so whose performance caught my attention? i like anita... she's got real talent! the words are clear whenever she sings. not to mention that her acting was also believable... 

overall, it was a mediocre show -- good to see but nothing really great about it.

20 yummiest (commercially baked) cakes

recently, i found this inquirer page tucked somewhere in my brother-in-law's room. the pictures looked really very tempting. 

as i was reading, i got very pleased to find one of my top fave cheesecake in the list. it's the one from jack's loft. it'd very soft, rich and the sweetness is just right. 

i'm sure many of you have seen this in the inquirer butfor those of you who missed it, i hope this will suffice... enjoy!

By Vangie Baga-Reyes

Philippine Daily Inquirer

As we promised, after giving you the city’s yummiest privately baked cakes, here’s another lip-smacking list of the best-tasting commercial cakes available around town.

The list is based on recommendations of some of Manila’s noted food experts, food writers, foodies and cake enthusiasts.

While there are a lot more cakes that could be included on the list, Inquirer Lifestyle had to trim it down to the more popular and accessible.

So, take your pick and get a delicious visual kick from these calorie-laden cakes.

1. Tarta de Santa Teresa

What: A tempting dessert of sponge cake with light yema filling topped with yema balls and shaved almonds. Sweet but unbelievably light.

Price: P695/whole; P120/slice. One day advance order.

Where: Alba’s Restaurant, 38 Polaris St., Bel Air, Makati, tel. 8966950; One Luna Lifestyle Center, Eastwood, Libis, QC, tel. 6312216; and Tomas Morato corner Scout Lozano, QC, tel. 9251912.

2. NY Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheesecake

What: Baked cheesecake made with premium cream cheese and covered with chocolate chip cookies. Here’s the real treat: the crust is also made of choco chip cookies.

Price: P308 for a slice. Whole cake available by special order for P1,400. Order at least a day in advance. For pick-up only.

Where: Chelsea Market and Café, Serendra, Bonifacio Global City, tel. 9097011. Open: 12 nn-11 pm

3. King Oscar Cake

What: A luscious cross between sans rival and brazo de mercedes, cloaked with crunchy almond flakes and decked with sweet strawberries.

Price: P846/whole. Order a day in advance. The cake can also be customized according to your desired size, including for weddings.

Where: The Peninsula Boutique, Manila Peninsula Hotel, Makati, tel. 8875747 and 8872888 loc. 6771/6769

4. Mango Torte

What: Inlaid with generous fresh mango balls laced with light syrup, this perfectly sweet and chilled dessert is a heavenly experience. It has thick layers of sweetened whipped cream on a chewy-crunchy walnut crust.

Price: P900/large (14-inch round); P760/small (11-inch round). Available daily.

Where: Paz Reyes-Cuerva Bakeshop, 2/F Petron, Dasmariñas Village Edsa corner Arnaiz Avenue, Makati, tels. 8440966 and 8448278; 26 Hidalgo St., San Lorenzo Village, Makati, tels. 8170200 and 8176286. Orders may also be picked up at Ayala Alabang Village with tel. 8509182 and 8425532.

5. Baked Cheesecake

What: Classic New York-style baked cheesecake that tastes delightfully rich and creamy, but light in consistency. It’s dusted with a thick layer of Bianca powdered sugar.

Price: P750/whole; P75/slice.

Where: Ilustrado Restaurant, 744 Calle Real del Palacio, Intramuros, tel. 5272345; Cluster Bldg A-1 Central Precinct Westgate, Alabang, Muntinlupa, tel. 7711276; MetCafe by Ilustrado, 1/F Metropolitan Museum, Roxas Blvd., Manila, tel. 5361566; Café Ilustrado 4/F SM Makati, tel. 8186760; and Pasteleria Ilustrado Bakeshop at Alabang Town Center, Festival Mall, Gateway Araneta Center, SM Mall of Asia, and California Garden Square in Mandaluyong.

6. Tiramisu

What: Layers of sponge cake drenched with Kahlua liqueur, filled with mascarpone cream and dusted with cocoa powder.

Price: P1,200/large; P850/mini; P145/slice

Where: Goodies N’ Sweets, 108 Carpark Bldg., Greenhills Shopping Center, San Juan, tel. 7228740; 4/F Shangri-La Plaza, Edsa, Shaw Blvd., Mandaluyong, tel. 6830411; and 4/L Rustans Makati, Ayala Avenue., Makati, tel. 8133739 loc. 250.

7. Rustic Apple Pie with Butterscotch Sauce

What: Baked fresh every day, this rich and full-flavored apple pie has a nice pecan crust that compliments the sweet filling. The sugary crust comes with a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg and is studded with pecan nuts, then drizzled with butterscotch sauce.

Price: P1,250/whole; P158/slice. Whole cake should be ordered a day in advance. Open 10:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m.

Where: Angels’ Kitchen, 57 Connecticut St., North East Greenhills, San Juan, tel. 7218822 or 7441018

8. Torta de los Reyes

What: Awaken your desire for chocolate with this choco-sans rival cake. It has six layers of wafers sealed with chocolate ganache and buttercream.

Price: P690/big (8x6); P460/small (8x4); P160/petite (4x4); P85/slice. Available every day.

Where: Aristocrat Bakeshop, 432 San Andres, Malate, Manila, tel 5247671; 146 Jupiter corner Saturn Sts., Bel-Air Village, Makati, tel. 8995035; No. 70 Pinoy Shopper Mall Scout Gadica corner Tomas Morato and Scout De Guia Sts., QC, tel. 3711040; Level 4 Robinsons Place Manila, Ermita, tel. 5233923; 2/F SM City, San Lazaro F. Huerta corner A.H. Lacson Sts., Sta. Cruz, Manila, tel. 7862664.

9. Flourless Chocolate Cake

What: Melt-in-your-mouth Belgian choco cake that’s rich and dense and glazed with premium Valhrona chocolate, an ideal way to cap a hearty meal.

Price: P1,600/large; P905/medium; and P265/small. Order two days in advance

Where: Sinfully Circles, Makati Shangri-La Hotel, Makati, tel. 8138888 ext. 7566

10. Cashew Dome Cake

What: A dome like no other! Cashew nuts and chocolate chips in Amaretto cream encased in a cashew nut cake covered with white chocolate ganache.

Price: P895/whole; P150/slice

Where: Cheesecake Etc. G1B Citywalk Eastwood Cyberpark, Libis, QC, tel. 9139194; The Podium, tel. 6873646; SM Megamall, tel. 6830704; Tomas Morato, QC, tel. 9290725; Banawe, QC, tel. 7408588; Mall of Asia, tel. 5560766; Bluewave, Macapagal Ave., Pasay, tel. 8331916; Glorietta 4, tel. 7528211; and Robinson’s Place, Ermita, tel. 4042229.

11. Sansrival

What: Sink your teeth into this delectable dessert made of crunchy layers of not-too-sweet meringue with rich butter cream filling, studded with just the right amount of cashew nuts.

Price: P475/whole

Where: The Purple Oven, 63 Saint Peter St., Oranbo, Pasig, tel. 6314221, 9101363 and 9101364

12. Cashew Toffee

What: Chocolate chiffon cake filled with creamy chocolate mousse, iced with buttercream and adorned with cashew toffee bits and chopped cashew nuts.

Price: P675 for a nine-inch cake. Petite at P250

Where: Sugarhouse Bakeshop, 2nd Level Veranda, Bldg. A, SM Megamall, tel. 634-0610; Perea, G/F Mayfair Mansion, 116 Perea St. Legaspi Village, Makati, tel. 818-8996; Level P-1 Powerplant Mall, Rockwell Center, Makati, tel. 898-1321; and 2nd floor Glorietta 3, Ayala Center, Makati, tel. 840-1074.

13. Banoffee Pie

What: Surprise your palate with this sweet banana slices and chocolate ganache under a mound of whipped cream on a crust made of Graham crackers. It’s worth every calorie.

Price: P500/whole

Where: The Purple Oven, 63 Saint Peter St., Oranbo, Pasig, tel. 6314221, 9101363 and 9101364

14. Polly’s Chocolate Cake

What: Rich, intense chocolate resonates in every bite of this delightful creation. An old-fashioned confection—moist chocolate cake with sticky chocolate fudge icing that’s smooth and not cloyingly sweet.

Price: P500 for 8x12 cake; P560 with caramel filling

Where: Polly’s Specialty Cakes and Desserts, Shell Select Magallanes, tel. 8527903; and Pick-up point for Makati is at 8826 Sampaloc Avenue, San Antonio Village, Makati, tel. 8247612 and 4014588

15. Calamansi Torte

What: Layers of crisp nut meringue discs with tart calamansi curd, finished with crème chantilly icing.

Price: P1,000/whole; P120/slice. Whole cake should be ordered two days in advance.

Where: Bagoong Club Restaurant, 122 Scout Dr. Lazcano, Sacred Heart, QC, 9290544 and 9295450

16. Mucha Leche

What: Meaning “lots of milk,” this sponge cake tastes like pastillas de leche, but made special with white chocolate and buttercream.

Price: P475

Where: Aristocrat Bakeshop, 432 San Andres, Malate, Manila, tel 5247671; 146 Jupiter corner Saturn Sts., Bel-Air Village, Makati, tel. 8995035; No. 70 Pinoy Shopper Mall Scout Gadica corner Tomas Morato and Scout De Guia Sts., QC, tel. 3711040; Level 4 Robinsons Place Manila, Ermita, tel. 5233923; 2/F SM City, San Lazaro F. Huerta corner A.H. Lacson Sts., Sta. Cruz, Manila, tel. 7862664.

17. Strawberry Cheesecake

What: Made with premium cream cheese that promises not to leave you too full, this smooth and dense cheesecake gives you a choice of strawberry, blueberry or mango toppings.

Price: P2,010/whole; P168/slice

Where: Jack’s Loft F1 Bldg. Eastwood City, Citywalk, Libis, QC, tel. 4212048; 204 Wilson St., Greenhills, San Juan, tel. 7263582; East Wing, Robinsons Galleria, Ortigas, tel. 6372825; Level 3 The Block, SM North Edsa, 4420134; Level 2 Robinson’s Place, Midtown Malate Manila, tel. 5672023; and Trinoma Mall, Edsa, QC, tel. 9166300.

18. Chocolate Moist Cake

What: A super-moist dark, smooth chocolate sponge cake covered with rich chocolate ganache. It’s enough to give you a sugar rush!

Price: P360 for 6-inch round cake; P550 for 8-inch round cake; P70/slice

Where: Lobby Café, The Richmonde Hotel, 21 San Miguel Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig, tel. 6387777

19. Chocolate Cheesecake

What: A rather heavy sweet ending to a meal, this creamy cheesecake is crowned with a dark, solid chocolate layer dusted with cocoa powder and decorated with chocolate curls, edible gold leaf and apricot.

Price: P1,015/whole; P135/slice.

Where: Dusit Gourmet, Dusit Thani Manila, Ayala Center, Makati, tel. 8673333

20. Chocolate Sansrival Cake

What: Layers of crisp cashew meringue wafers alternately filled with rich mousseline butter cream and chocolate ganache filling. This delightful version of the traditional favorite is covered with the same velvety chocolate ganache generously covered with toasted cashew nuts.

Price: P440

Where: Goldilocks Bakeshops nationwide

Marciano's

went to marciano's at greenblet last week. i had a great time! too bad i was not able to bring my cam so i just used my low-tech phone ....

the ambiance appears confident, expensive, classy & edgy. we were seated at the couch where you can have a little privacy with the anna sui-esque side curtains. it is pretty!

the staff are so so, some are eager and friendly but there was one waitress who rarely smiles... according to my husband, she looks a lot like jackie foster, pretty face, well-endowed both on the north and the south. she has that starlet quality! ... anyway, we ordered...

we had asparagus soup -- i loved the taste, the creaminess except that with my soup were those strands of fibers from the fresh veggie... other than that the soup was great. 

for the main entree, we had thin crusted meat pizza and the very interesting lasagna. the tomato-ey sauce was good. complemented by a herby taste -- just like my pasta! (yabang! haha) i like the fact that they used mozzarella cheese in it... moreover, i was fascinated by the meat filling. instead of using ground beef, my wild guess is that they used corned beef. for those on a diet, this will be very sinful, but for those who do not care, this entree is something to try. you will not be disappointed at all!

lastly, we ordered the dark chocolate ice cream with orange and hazelnuts  -- heavenly!

with all of those, we only spent a little less than a thousand! 

apparently, this american-italian restaurant is owned by no other than mr. marvin agustin nanaman!! this is his 7th restaurant already. he plans to put up more!

rocky marciano, marvin's fave athlete

fried siopao anyone?!

darn! i miss eating fried siopao! 

look at those white buns.... actually, it does not look very appetizing.... but i assure you it is really good... it's like eating pan-fried dumplings... but this is siopao -- gets? 

i saw this pix from the blog of real living. it appears that they went on a little field trip to chinatown and discovered this excellent merienda. i used to have this often as a child. (my grandparents lived in ongpin) ... now i want to go to chinatown & have a little resto hopping! hee!

photo from real living blog

Hey Jude!

i got so amazed by this little korean boy... if i have a son like him, i would have sent him to the tv stations already for vtr and start earning! hahaha bad mama! anyway, i hope you'll enjoy his video too

CANON SALE!!!

getting more crabby

i am craving for crabs again... but this time, i am missing two crab places that are not in manila....

no signboard seafood restaurant in sg and chili crab under the bridge in hk.

let me tell you about the crab of no signboard first ... 

they cook their huge sri-lankan crabs with loads of white pepper, spring onions and some garlic... you will have to eat this with rice or a refreshing drink because it can get really spicy, in a good way. this place is a must for every tourist and local alike... i went to this place each time i visited singapore. i just had to have their crabs... other must try in this resto is their deep-fried crayfish. they fry it with some milky cereal. its really good to combine the two dishes as this second entree is on the sweet side and can moderate the chiliness of the crab.  i remember eating even the crumbs that are stuck on the skin. it is that good. 

i recently learned that no signboard opened their newest branch at the venetian, macau. now there are two places to eat at when in macau! i'll tell you about the other one next time...

moving on to the next crab place....

this place is currently listed on Hong Kong's Best Restaurants under cheap eats (it's not actually cheap! approximately HK$380 for the smallest crab).

anyway, if you're looking for a nice, fancy place to eat, this is not for you. but if you don't mind sharing your table to some strangers, you will survive here. this tiny restaurant is almost always packed, therefore, it's better to be there really early or super late (the place can be cramped until daybreak. opening hours: 5pm-5am). 

crabs are from vietnam. unless specified, their king crabs are australian. they are really really huge!! and yummy too! but the australian crabs can get a little more pricy than that of their vietnamese. your choice! another decision to make is the level of spiciness that you can take. mild, medium, strong, very spicy & so on... 

their crabs are known for swimming in those fried chili and garlic. i actually eat it with my other dishes. i've always wondered how they make it.. its so good!

this is also a must try dish. steamed scallop on shell with mushrooms & vermicelli. 

around HK$40 each

another best thing about this place is the stir fried clams with black bean. i'm not a fan of black beans but this i really love. the sauce goes very well with their plain pan-fried thin noodles. 

now i am hungry! darn!

my only best bet now would be my fave crabs here in manila....

No Signboard Seafood Restaurant

#01-14/16, 8 Raffles Avenue, 

Esplanade Mall

Singapore 039802

Tel:63369959

Spicy Crab Under the Bridge

405 Lockhart Rd., 

Causeway Bay, 

Hong Kong. 

Tel: 2893-1289

Another Boracay Getaway Promo

Dane Cook hates his new movie poster

at first glance, i thought, what is wrong here? (aside from the fact that alec baldwin is missing) in fact it kind of look fresh to me.... but after reading his views on it... i saw the flaws. 

The entire text below was lifted from Dane's Blog at myspace dated august 13.

Before the downpour let me just say that my new movie, "My Best Friends Girl," is the best / funniest film I've done yet. It's got a terrific cast. Kate Hudson, Alec Baldwin, Jason Biggs, and myself really kicked the funny around. This movie showcases our talents accordingly as it expands on them. It's a fun R-rated flick. An edgy comedy with a dash of romance.

That being said, let me address the fact that although I'm not a marketing major, I have a bit of a trusted reputation after 18 years self promoting. I'd like to inform you I had no say in this marketing campaign, but if I did, things would be different since it is obvious that this poster is boring / odd and has zero to do with the movie I performed in.

Here are a few things that truly blow about my upcoming movie poster to promote the release of the film opening on September 19th:

1. Graphics:

Whoever photoshopped our poster must have done so at taser point with

3 minutes to fulfill their hostage takers deranged obligations. They should have called Donnie Hoyle and had him give a tutorial using "You Suck at Photoshop" templates. This is so glossy it makes Entertainment Weekly look wooden.

2. My head:

The left side of my face seems to be melting off of my skull. I guess I am looking directly into the Ark of the Covenant? Are they going for the bells palsy thing here? My left side looks like Britney Spears' vagina.

3. The Stare.

My character apparently has fallen in love with a strand of Kate Hudsons hair. Kate's mannequin is desperately in love with the inside of my right ear while Jason is half stunned, half corsage.

4. Lips:

It looks like I'm wearing Maybelline Water Shine Diamonds Liquid Lipstick. My characters name is now Winter Solstice and I'm a hooker with a heart of gold. Jason is my floral carrying pimp, while Kate is my first trick!

5. Fashion:

My character is sporting a very high collar. I mean damn they should be snow capped at that altitude. It's going for the vampire lurking in the castle basement vibe. An Olympic pole vaulter would have a tough go clearing that collar. I'm also able to turn my head comfortably 360 degrees, because I was raised in an abandoned barn by a family of owls.

6. Flesh:

It's no secret that I'm more rugged facially due to a drunken visit by the teen acne fairy, but according to this poster I've got perfect porcelain flesh. I look like the fuckin' bathroom floor at Caesars Palace. One of Marie Osmond's dolls would look at me and say "shit ... that guys got flawless skin!"

7. Hair:

It's actually a close up shot of Tom Sellecks Magnum P.I. mustache they photo-slapped on my noggin'.

8. The set:

Pick one. This entire film takes place:

A. on Gattaca

B. at the Fortress of Solitude

C. inside a crystal wind chime

9. The cast:

Alec Baldwin is so fucking funny in this movie! Is he on the poster? I think so. He plays the wise talking plant Jason is clutching.

10. Final thoughts:

I set out to make a movie like the men and women, that you and I respect, are making. My generation of comedians, actors, directors and producers that I wish to collaborate with as I build a solid body of work.

Granted, one poster stinking up the joint isn't the end of the world. Yet it sends the wrong message about our movie and I just wanted you to know, that I feel the pain. I really love the film and I know from past missteps marketing wise that the wrong poster sends the wrong audience into the theater.

Thanks again for all of your support. If you have not seen the red band trailer (which is excellent and represents the flick accordingly) watch it below! Just click of the mute button and your rolling!

PS - "Its funny what love can make you do." I just threw up all over this awful poster.

Wow, wait ... it looks better.

Hey ... I love my new movie. Jeez ... it IS funny what love can make you do.

Cookbook Kitchen

i am missing our weekly hang out at the cookbook kitchen! we, ylc teachers, would go there just  to unwind, do semestral reports and yearbooks or simply just chitchat and chill. the owners are always very nice and generous to us... free wine... etc ...  please don't think that they give out freebies to all of their patrons, this is only possible because one of us, zenia capati, is the daughter in law of the owners... she must have paid for those freebies... we don't know! she won't tell... although dad, Mr. Capati, is always very happy to entertain us.

i'm sad because i don't get to join my colleagues as often anymore because i live veeeery far now. i'm sure i am missing a lot of chismis already! i only get bits and pieces of those chikas in school... anyway, i'd like to share their good food... do visit cookbook kitchen at 8 Socorro Fernandez St. cor. Luna Mencias St. Mandaluyong City (Tel: 724-3595). 

Check out the menu that i made for them:

Must Try: CBK Greens -- i love the taste of dried mangoes with the greens, Parmesan Crusted White Fish -- their bestseller, Pork Steak -- filling, Pasta Adobo (not in the menu) -- it's so good i had 3!!! servings of this at zenia's bday buffet, Pasta with Sausage -- if you like a little kick of spice, Scarlet Cake -- simply divine!

click here to see more of the mouth-watering dishes that they offer.

The Big Garment Sale

This happens two to three times a year in Meycauayan, Bulacan. its the most anticipated sale because its the only place where you can buy the cheapest branded clothes and shoes (a/x Php350+, mng Php100+, paul smith Php500+, antik, miss sixty, true religion jeans Php550+)!! i have been meaning to go to this sale since i found out about it from anton's blog. no that it's here again, i still don;t know if i am going. the reason is that i can't drive alone--that far! & no one is willing to go with me... anyone willing to tag me along?

Their complete address is : Acefree Street, Sterling Industrial Park, Meycauayan, Bulacan. Just take NLEX and get off Meycauayan exit, and turn towards Iba (there is a sign), and you should be by the gate of Sterling 2kms after Caltex.

Manila International Book Fair

i went to powerbooks makati this afternoon. i didn't realize that my powercard is already expired... i found this out when i was paying. so while i was filling up the renewal form, the saleslady gladly told me that they will be having a book fair starting tomorrow. i got more excited when i found an e-mail from powerbooks with this ad:

i hope there will be discounts and freebies like they used to have....

Twilight

have you heard of the twilight series? its just last week when i first heard about it. i got very curious because they say its "the new harry potter".  i heard twilight is a love story between a vampire & a human.  how can it be so special? isn't this very common? is it that good to be anticipated by many readers? 

anyway, as i was browsing the net to find info about the stephanie meyer books, i found out that they have already made a movie based on the book! here is what i found:

the story will go about when the vampire finally finding his soulmate, after many decades, in a human being.

out in theaters by nov 20,2008!

harry potter & the half blood prince on the other hand is moved from nov 21,2008 to july 17, 2009

SPAS Reunion

i received this email from spasalumni... 

Hop on board and get ready to...

Blast Off!

All St. Peter the Apostle School Alumni

are invited to send 3 to 5 representatives per batch

to the Alumni Association kick-off party!

Expect a night of good food, fun games, raffle prizes and a lot more!

Be at 

St. Peter's Hall of Hope 

on Saturday, Sept. 27,

6:30 PM. 

All SPAS Batches, 

send your representatives now!

To confirm your attendance, contact President Paul Cheng '04 at

mobile number -- 0917-525-2986 or

email address -- paulcheng29@ yahoo.com.

i wonder if there will be a lot going... i won't be able to... it's debbie's wedding... are you going?

Rockwell Tent Bazaars

There will be a series of Rockwell Bazaar going on once a month from september to december 2008. its happening on sept 12-14,

october 24-26,

nov 28-30

december 12-14

at the Rockwell Tent... 

moreover, there will be a shopping soiree on october 30-31

this will feature top local and foreign designer stuff for the shoppers' delight!

click here for more details.

so mark your calendar now.

powerplant events

just found out that rockewell's baker's dozen is back!!! all weekends of september - december! whee!

on my way home, i saw a new sign posted by power plant mall. they will be holding a series of urban bazaars this september!! i can't quite remember the exact dates though... i'll find out tom and post it asap! 

ladies, get ready to shop! 

time to doze off! zzzzzzzzzzzzz

Calbee Chips

its my husband's top favorite chips. whenever we travel to hk, we will have to bring home a box of it! last year, we discovered that they have already released a jumbo pack. this made my dave very happy! as you can see in the photo...

i heard it is already available in our local grocery stores but i have not seen it yet... not this flavor. besides, according to my source, calbee chips here are sold around Php80 per bag. but in hk, it would be like half of the local price tag. 

calbee hot & spicy potato chips are very tasty while its very hot... some chips tend to lose their flavor when it gets too spicy. not this one... 

Croc-o-Dial by Crocs

crocs has a new product for your cellphones, MP3 players and digicams... it's a universal case, made with the same material of those clogs. it is designed as a protection from getting scratches... these can be accessorized with jibbitz as well...  i know charchar will be very disappointed with this news because she thinks that the crocs are just too ugly! ... i am a fan of crocs footwear but i am not sure about these items...

Amazing Race Asia Season 3

starts tonight on axn!

team philippines will be represented by couple geoff rodriguez and tisia silang. will we have a chance this time? find out more about the racers tonight... actual race episodes will start on september 11, 9pm.

i'm excited!!

SM Manila Grand Sale

it's the weekend sale at SM manila. go there tomorrow morning (from 10am-12noon only) and get 10% additional discount when you present your SM advantage card. slash 5% more if you use bdo credit card... 

Ajisen Alabang

i promised to write a blog about my recent experience at our local branch of ajisen... 

the menu was a little different from the ones in hk. at first i got confused because i cannot find my favorite noodle soup. yun pala, you will have to add around Php75 to make your basic soup creamy... not bad ... as long as i get to taste my ultimate favorite... my sukiyaki beef noodles in creamy curry soup was served in a huge bowl! i though i will not be able to finish it... but i did! ... because it was as good as hk's. dave's bowl on the other hand was so so and tiny ... 

overall, you get a value for money meal at ajisen ... simple and no frills. definately going back!

OKTOBERFEST 2008

third eye blind coming to manila to grace the san miguel oktoberfest 2008. dashboard confessional was supposed to come to open the longest bar... dream come true pa naman sana si oliver! hahaha ...

along with third eye blind, rivermaya, itchy worms, parokya ni edgar, rico blanco, sugarfree ... and a whole lot more are performing that night... 

anyway, oktoberfest 2008 is early this year... kick off party will be on sept5 at san miguel ortigas center. this party will aim to break 2 of the guiness world record: to have the longest bar and the most number of people toasting beer!

spa at your home

i miss having spa at my home... with the gas price going up, its pretty wise to have your spa at the privacy of your own home...

since we moved to our new home at pque, we never had a chance to experience spa at our house anymore... yes you read it right! the spaholic brings the whole spa set-up to your place so that you won't need to leave your house anymore. (they provide the bed, linen, candles, oils...) all they need is a 220v socket for their little stereo. they play some nature themed sounds to help make the ambiance appear more spa-ish. ain't that fabulous?! to top it all, they also bring tea to offer after the every massage! 

ok.... so why can't i have the same service anymore? its because they can't come to my place... they only cater to homes in makati, san juan, qc, alabang and bf homes pque... but i am just a few blocks away from bf! i hope they will reconsider my request soon... i'm still making kulit! ... 

check their very reasonable prices:

Spaholic Massage (P500 an hour) combination of Swedish, hilot and Hawaiian massages

Sui Thai Massage (P500 an hour) 

Bentosa (P650 an hour) an ancient cupping treatment 

Hot-Stone Massage (P650 an hour)

Dagdagay Foot Therapy (P500 an hour) 

Javanese Lulur with Yoghurt Wrap (P700 an hour) 

Salt Glow Body Scrub (P700 an hour)

how would you like to have a spa party? they do offer packages for special occasions too...

Spaholics Home Spa 

0917-5313531 or 6335880 

spaholics_homespa@yahoo.com

20 yummiest (privately baked) cakes

By Vangie Baga-Reyes
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 07/02/2008

MANILA, Philippines—For the first time, Inquirer Lifestyle is coming out with the 20 yummiest cakes in town. The selection is based on the recommendations of some of Manila’s top food experts, food writers, foodies and cake lovers.

Specialty cakes prepared exclusively by home-based bakers or hobbyists from various gated villages are on this list. (We’ll have a different list of the yummiest cakes sold at commercial outlets soon.)

These specialty cakes range from the super-rich chocolate creation with perfectly piped fudge icing, to the cool, creamy frozen confections garnished with seasonal fruits.

So, feast your eyes on these pages and take pleasure in these decadent all-occasion cakes. Actually, they’re just a phone call away.

1. Concorde
Come-on: Layers of crisp chocolate meringue and velvety chocolate fudge blend into one divine dessert.
Cost: P750. Order two days in advance. For pick-up only
Creator: Delize by Jill Sandique
Call: 7217022 and 4978811; mobile: 09052522517 and 09228262673. Address: No. 33 Sunrise Drive, Cubao Q.C.

2. Pistachio Symphony
Come-on: Two layers of soft-as-pillow chiffon cake with chopped pistachio nuts suspended in the cake. Creamy custard is sandwiched between layers. A generous amount of cream covers the cake with more pistachios on the side and a medley of fruits on top as its crowning glory.
Cost: P850 for an eight-inch cake. To ensure freshness, two days advance notice is requested. For pick-up only.
Creator: Dorothy Ferreria
Call: 706-3541 and 0919-566-9977.

3. Dulce de Leche Cheesecake
Come-on: A refreshing calories-rich Dulce de Leche-flavored cheesecake on a pre-baked cookie crust and iced with freshly whipped cream and caramel sauce swirls.
Cost: P725. Available every day.
Creator: Forget Me Not specialty cakes by Pixie Sevilla-Santos
Call: 7232776. Address: No. 60 Broadway Street, QC.

4. Pistachio Sans Rival
Come-on: Buttery and rich four-layered oval-shaped sans rival has thin, crispy meringue that really holds up well without crumbling. The silky butter cream filling is studded with chopped California pistachio nuts that give the cake a nice green color and sweetish, nutty flavor.
Cost: P875. Order two days in advance. For pick-up only.
Creator: Delize by Jill Sandique
Call: 7217022 and 4978811; mobile: 09052522517 and 09228262673. Address: No. 33 Sunrise Drive, Cubao Q.C.

5. Turtle Pie
Come-on: Hard-to-resist chocolate confection with chocolate chips and chopped almond filling under thick Oreo crust. It’s topped with caramel sauce and tastes like chocolate ice cream cake. It really melts in your mouth.
Cost: P950. Order in advance
Creator: Baby Yulo
Call: 8108078 and 8124961. Address: 19 Kawayan Street, North Forbes, Makati.

6. Caramel Cake
Come-on: To lust for, this melting, light chiffon cake under a blanket of glossy caramel is charmingly adorned with butter cream flowers in lovely colors. Makes for a pretty centerpiece.
Cost: P550 for an 8-inch round cake with caramel filling and P500 without filling. Order two days in advance.
Creator: Estrel’s
Call: 3722965 or 3717938. Address: 54 Scout Tobias St. corner Scout Limbaga. Bgy. Laging Handa, Q.C.

7. Mocha Nelusco
Come-on: Tender mocha chiffon cake iced with smooth mocha butter cream and topped with crunchy cashew praline. This stunner is well worth every calorie.
Cost: P750 for an 8-inch round cake. Order a day in advance. For pick-up only.
Creator: Costa Brava by Judah Liu
Call: 8961267, 8966872 and 09178340815. Address: 12 Polaris Street Bel-Air 1, Makati City.

8. Claycakes with Chocolate Sauce
Come-on: This custom-made birthday cake is made with finest ingredients but with much love and patience as well. Sink your teeth into this confectionery creation and be surprised to savor the wicked richness of dark, moist chocolate underneath the beautiful gummy icing. This cool cake that tastes as good as it looks brightens and completes every festive table.
Cost: P4,000 and still depends on your choice of art cakes. Order two weeks in advance.
Creator: Claycakes by Karla Lapira-Magbanua
Call: 6461739, 6761733 and 0917-9246032. Or visit www.claycakes.com.

9. Mango Madness
Come-on: A delightful pairing of sweet cream and alternate layers of fresh mangoes in crunchy crust. The oval-shaped cake is utterly elegant (and almost too pretty to eat)!
Cost: P1,000. To ensure freshness, two days’ advanced notice is requested.
Creator: Park Avenue Desserts by Chef Buddy Trinidad
Call: 8346636 or e-mail parkavenuedesserts@yahoo.com.ph.

10. Frozen Brazo de Mercedez
Come-on: Also known as Brazo Mantecado, it’s a cool concoction of brazo made out of gooey, chewy “yema,” layered with ice cream, topped with meringue on Graham crust. It brings any meal to a memorable close.
Cost: P600 for a 9"x9"-cake.
Creator: Dimpy Camara
Call: 8438086 and 8439021.

11. Mango Charlotte
Come-on: This is the ultimate mango indulgence! This frozen confection is generously cloaked with Chantilly cream, vanilla-flavored whipped cream all over and daintily designed with spiral of mango slices on top.
For every bite, you get to taste the gentle crunchiness of cashew-flavored crust, the sweetness of mangoes and silky whipped cream.
Cost: P950. Available for delivery and pick-up.
Creator: Sweet Bella by Cristina Santiago Rivera
Call: 8440680 and 8449905. Address: 1730 Banyan Street, Dasmariñas Village, Makati.

12. Strawberry Charlotte
Come-on: Inlaid with generous fresh strawberries, this frozen cake is a temptation that will magically melt all resistance. Layers of cashew meringue with Chantilly cream topped with fresh strawberries and capped with pretty white chocolate butterflies, the creator’s signature touch.
Cost: P1,450. Available for delivery and pick-up.
Creator: Sweet Bella by Cristina Santiago Rivera
Call: 8440680, 8449905 and 0928-5025027.

13. Pastillas de Leche Cheesecake
Come-on: Undeniably very Filipino, this not-so-sweet and densely baked cheesecake comes with generous topping of pastillas from Pampanga. It’s served with thick caramel on the side.
Cost: P1,000 for a 9-inch round cake. Available by special order.
Creator: Uppercrust by Doren Tayag
Call: (045) 8883357 and 09175312712. Address: 35-3ST. 2 Carmenville Subdivision Angeles City.

14. Dark Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch
Come-on: This super dark chocolate confection certainly brings the ooohs and aaahs to the table, charming and exciting everyone. It has a yummy combo of hazelnut crunch with crème brulee and caramel cream. A real showstopper!
Cost: P1,200. Order two days in advance.
Creator: Park Avenue Desserts by Chef Buddy Trinidad
Call: 8346636 or e-mail parkavenuedesserts@yahoo.com.ph.

15. Red Velvet Cake
Come-on: Surprise your palate with this dramatic-looking chocolate cake with its unusual bright red color that is sharply contrasted by cream cheese with white chocolate curls on top.
Cost: P500 for 8-inch round cake. For pick-up and delivery within major financial districts
Creator: Karen’s Kitchen by Karen Young
Call: 8982280, 8982880 and 09175252004. Address: 428 Adalia Street, Palm Village, Makati City.

16. Chocolate Ganache
Come-on: Any self-respecting chocoholic can tell at first taste that this is rich, moist and really flavorful. This lets you get your chocolate fix any day, anytime. Enjoy the dark milk chocolate goodness.
Cost: P650 for 8-inch round cake. For pick up and delivery within major financial districts
Creator: Karen’s Kitchen by Karen Young
Call: 8982280, 8982880 and 09175252004. Address: 428 Adalia Street, Palm Village, Makati City.

17. Pandan Cake
Come-on: Pandan-flavored chiffon cake with pandan-flavored butter cream with chocolate shavings on top.
So good it will be hard to resist a second slice.
Cost: P650 for an 8-inch round cake. Order a day in advance. For pick-up only.
Creator: Costa Brava by Judah Liu
Call: 8961267, 8966872 and 09178340815. Address: 12 Polaris Street Bel-Air 1, Makati City.

18. Good Ol’ Fashioned Chocolate Cake
Come-on: Every time you crave for chocolate cake, grab a slice of this decadent sweet thing with sinful fudge frosting and thickened custard filling. Sweet but unbelievably scrumptious.
Cost: P1,050. Order in advance.
Creator: Homemade by Roshan by Roshan Samtani
Call: 6317786 and 09178336286.

19. English Sticky Toffee Pudding
Come-on: For those who are tired of cakes covered with whipped cream or butter cream, here’s a perfect alternative that’s prepared with lots of dates. It’s called pudding. However, this is a moist cake with caramel topping (the sticky part). It’s plain and simple but flavorful. It comes with extra butterscotch sauce.
Cost: P450 for 7-inch cake. P900 for 9x12 cake. P300 for a loaf (minimum of two). Order two days in advance. For pick-up and delivery.
Creator: Katey Q’s Cakes by Olive Isidro-Cruz
Call: 6477636, 6477632 and 09178191808. Address: No. 1 Hillside Lane Blue Ridge, QC.

20. Strawberry Shortcake
Come-on: Freshly baked three-layered chiffon cake spread heavily with glorious whipped cream and strawberry flecks. It’s topped with imported strawberries.
Cost: P1,400 (round cake) and P1,500 (rectangular). Order two days in advance.
Creator: Baby Yulo
Call: 8108078 and 8124961.