THE HILLS ARE ALIVE...

it's almost christmas once again. chances are, the movie the sound of music will appear on tv again. do you ever wonder what happened to the von trapp family? where they are now? sure julie andrews is still visible once in a while but what about the children? and the captain? did they land on any hollywood movie after their sound of music stint?

i did thought about the von trapp children sometimes but never made the effort to really find out what had happened to them. today, i received an email from my friend, lora, & this is what i found out about the von trapp children...

They were having a reunion after 40 years

and all were looking healthy and amazingly well...

i think friedrich looks very good... isn't he a head turner? (number 2)
to find out more about them click here

"Ben's Burjer"

I just heard that Ben's Burjer opened another branch in mandaluyong (outside wack wack).... If you kept track of the ZTE scandal, i bet you're familiar with the "burjer". 

The diner was made famous after former COMELEC chair, Ben Abalos (who apparently denies his involvement in the scandal), referred to his burger as "the burjer worth dying for". He is said that Mr. Jun Lozada frequent Wack Wack Golf & Country Club and ordered his burger.  

Ben's Burjer

Barangka Drive, Mandaluyong City

(next to McDonald's)

Hamburjer : P50.00

Cheeseburjer : P60.00

Double Burjer : P90.00

Double Burjer with Jeese, este, Cheese : P110.00

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.