Not bad for a brunch

I accompany my friend Jerz to pass his requirements in Araneta Center. So we drive our way early in the morning to catch an early trip to cubao. The firm was located located near a condemned cineplex. Where a security guard warned and scolds me that visitors with no business inside are not allowed; I was stopped by his unethical approach, I want to answer him back but I can’t.  I look on the wall and slow get it to the elevator. As I step on inside he advices me to leaved and wait at the near McDonalds store.  (oh yes meh pag endorse si kuya guard even he is working on Pizza Chain a.k.a. PH).

pap para pap pap love ko' to

It’s already 10:00am and when i feel my hunger. I only ate a four spoon full of oatmeal and a cup of hot milk.  so I did what kuya guard told me even I don’t I like it cause there’s no where else to go. I went to Mcdo and order one breakfast meal.

unwrapped 

I choose to have the frequently ordered Sausage McMuffin. It really looks great in the posters but actually it looks dull and plane. The staff asks if I would like to have fried eggs in it but I prefer to try it without egg to taste the difference.

The sandwich was slightly heavy… I guess? Juices are extracted from sausage that brings out the natural flavor of the sandwich.  Even these oils are unhealthy, they indicate the freshness of the meat/patty. The saltiness of the cheese balances and enhances the flavors of the meat. And the buns itself was perfect seasoned with sesame seeds.  YUM!... I take my time to eat this simple but slightly heavy(in terms of calories) since I alone and waiting for my friend. I paired my sandwich with a regular cup of Ice Tea.

where i stayed for hours ;)

Then I look at my clock (11:30am)and realized it’s already lunch. The time flies so fast and I haven’t notice that it’s already lunch. Well that how’s good this sandwich is!

Hail to Supreme Kung Pao Bowl

Jerz asked me a favor to accompany him to fulfill his first destiny. I was excited but uncertain not until he proposed a good deal. He will pay all my travel fee and foodstuff. Hmm well who will say “NO” for that? Kiddin. I’m not after the “free” things since he insists it anyway.  But I’m very thankful for all the freebies! J

A really big chunck of hot and spicy Chicken

Since he has to do it alone (inside the firm), we both accept to be in separate ways. He will finish his business first then will meet again. After 4 hours, he appears to be so stressed and exhausted. And I told him, both of us can not carry our own sole. However, the long day ends with successful results. We ate our 3pm lunch at KFC, Jerz ate a one piece hot and spicy chicken with a strawberry krushers. While I savor the new KFC Supreme Rice Bowl Kung Pao Chicken [100.00php]. This affordable meal, is a mixture sweet and spicy. The asian style sauce compliments the two chicken fillet top with spring onions and fried garlic. It was made less spicy because of the sweetness of the corn. I like this combination that really filled up my appetite. Paired it cool Strawberry Krushers… by this time my krushers was fully loaded with lot's of strawberry bits! <3 what more can I ask for. J

Kung Pao Chicken

My Favorite strawberry krushers

C Congratulations Jerz and do the best you can! Hope you do good on your first day hehe ;)

Baking your own success

Baking is a combined science and mathematics. With proper ingredients, accurate measurements, time and temperature you can achieve you’re desired success.

Ms. Bing Umipig

Ron invited me to attend a baking demonstration in Max’s Restaurant (Balibago Complex, Sta.Rosa, Laguna). I was hesitant at first since the seminar is intended only for the bakery owners; two tickets is supposedly for Ron and her mom given that she can’t make it he ask me to go and I boom!….alam na hehehe.

The seminar was provided by ADSIA Marketing Corporation one of the premiere supplier of baking solution needs. The event was jam packed a staggering 150 participants from the 87 bakeries in Laguna are present. According to Ms. Bing Umipig (host), they only reserve for 100 covers (seats) and they expected only two participants from every bakery (the owner and the baker). J Ron and I laugh softly cause we violate the rule, his the owner and I’m a baker friend, but how much more with the other guest bringing along 2-4 of there relativesJ. (lol)

The event was 30 minutes behind from there actual schedule. Mr. Raul J. Cruz director of the ADSIA initiates the event by discussing the foundation of ADSIA and its role in the economy. The company has a baking school in Alabang, Muntinlupa and production facilities in Cebu. They also supports the High end and the low end bakeries nationwide. Consequently, The ADSIA supplies the biggest bread provider in the Philippines (Gardenia), the majority of fast-food chains (Jolibee, Max’s, Bread Talk and etc.) and also the local Bakeries. All their products are very cost effective and maintains a high quality standard;

Fermipan (3rd Generation)	Yeast
Fermipan 2 and 1 (4th Generation)	Yeast
Credo Bread Improver	Bread Improver
Super 7 Anti-amag	Keeps the freshness of the bread up to 7-12 days

The objective of the seminar is to help the bakery owners to innovate their products to make their bakery business a financially rewarding career. The company encourages the owners to maintain the quality of their product despite of the increasing cost of flour, sugar and gas.

10:21 AM: Snacks

While we continue listening they provide a medium size Ube Ensaymada and Zesto™ Guyabano Juice. The Ensaymada are really good, its soft, creamy, and very ubelicious! J I like it very much, now I’m fuelled up to pay attention to the next part of the seminar.

Mr. Lino and Mr. Jerico

The hands-on demonstration shows how the products should be used. Instructions are stated in recipes provided during the registration. Two gentlemen demonstrates on how to prepare the perfect dough for sliced breads, hamburger buns, hotdog buns, Monay and Asian sweets like Hopia, Hopiang Hapon. At the same time they also provide tips on how to handle breads properly to prevent baking problem. Some problems discussed are the irregular shape, pocket holes, blisters, uneven distribution of filling and etc. This step by step demo took only for a while, and the production was made faster by the use of electric mixer. But according to the host, it is inappropriate to use mixer with the local breads because it is only intended for cakes and pastries. They only use it to save time and energy. More interesting facts are shared through out the demo. Even the room temp rise up the participants are well interested, they even raise there own concern about there baking experiences. This exchange of information from the experts and the bakery owners really educates me a lot.

Hotdog Buns

Now the breads are done kneading, they are rested and waited to be emulsified for 3hrs. tagal dba? But as they say “mas sumasarap ang tinapay pag hinihitay”. 

Lechon Bread

Asian Sweet Dessert

People seems to be hungry, they instantly turn their chairs when they saw the food attendant holding the glasses of iced tea.

12:21 PM: Luch Break

ron with 5 kilos of  Eagle Soft Flour

Since the event took place in Max’s, we already expected that it would be Chicken. A side course of Chopseuy paired with an iced cold tea completes are lunch. While having our meal they started to give out prizes, raffles are drawn and fortunately Ron brings home 5 kilos of Eagle Soft Flour courtesy of Morning Star Milling Corporation. J Well after all we are the 2^nd bakery to register. More prizes are given away; they make sure that everyone who participates will take a souvenir (aprons and cap) in the event.

For the record local bakeries use the tantsa system or presuming the amount and cost of the ingredients. The ADSIA would like to eliminate this system and provide a lecture on Baker’s Percentage. The use of this formula will help the bakery owners to have the overview of their expensenses and also to prevent loss of sale.

And the most exciting part of the seminar is the evaluation of baked products. All pastry is not only pleasing to the eye but also heavenly taste good! The bread are firm, heavy and compact, no air holes sobrang kakabusog wala nga lang panulak (lol).

Hopia

asian sweets figure 1

More pastry

More and more pastry

Hotdog Crossant

Asian Sweet figure 2

Asian Sweet figure 3

Mr. Nilo Carrying the 3 Lechon Bread

Ron and I 

The seminar was all worth it! waah I learned a lot! i really appreciate Ron Aransay and her mom for inviting me! :)

Advocafe

Walking in the polluted city was a miserable experience. My sweats are like heavy rains that never stop pouring on my steamy head; my damp hanky is an evidence of my exhaustion. I feel tired, dizzy and my feet are already protesting to stop and have some break.

Gladly we found an interesting store in a small street of Malate. The store was name ADVOCAFE, it was only one of its kind in the area. The store was uniquely designed to describe it’s own purpose. According to their facebook fan page “it (advocafe) serves as a marketing center for organic products, and a facility to raise peoples’ awareness on the life, culture and rights of the indigenous peoples in the Philippines”. This innovation creates a connection between the people in the city and people from the farthest part of the country.

Outside the store you can already see there wide options of bread and pastries. I can’t take off my eyes on the stall; aside from the very delectable display they are very much inexpensive. The ambience was different as we enter the store. Although the establishment is small the room was filled with interesting displays. One wall of the walls demonstrates the advocacy of the store.

The other wall displays the beneficiary of the store, it also showcasing the artistry of the different tribes in the country. They designed the interiors using indigenous materials like bamboos, sawali, banig and other native mats. The room is very ethnic looking but in a modern way.

Jelyn ordered a Chocolate Brownies [35.00php] and paired it with refresh Calamansi Juice [25.00].

 Ron ordered a big crème puff [35.00php each].

I bought a sliced of Mango pie[55.00php].

 Well curiously we exchange plates to experience others delectable pastry dishes. Jelyn’s chocolate brownies are soft but not chewy. Brownies should be moist and sweet but apparently this kind was less sugar and more of the nutty flavor. The nuts in these brownies are not evidently seen by the naked eyes,  they grind the nuts as small as course as possible. This is good for people who wanted to enjoy brownies with less amount of sweetness. Ron’s huge chocolate cream puff was an outstanding. The chocolate shell of the cream puff is perfect, not too soft but not too hard. The custard and vanilla combination makes the cream puff sweeter. Truly a satisfying treat! And now for my piece of Mango pie. Look can be deceiving ika nga, I’m very entice by the appearance of this beautifully made pie. It was the most eye catchy among the all the pastry displayed on the warmer. And surprisingly, it was the not so good one. L sad to say… the pie was made of flaky crust, layered with egg pie filling and top with three mango slices. The taste is like a regular egg pie with a little kick from the mango slices. I would just like to comment on the consistency of the pie, it was too hard, my fork can not evenly slice it slowly. Too bad, probably the egg yolks are over whipped.

Most likely the best to taste in this café is there coffee but I’m not a coffee lover. Maybe they bake pastries that will compliment with the taste of the native Filipino coffee. But it’s alright, the good thing in this café is that we help our natives while we enjoy our small pleasure…. Eating!

I hope ADVOCAFE will go on with there advocacy and continue to inspire other people to do the same thing.

Food Score:3/5    Place:5/5    Service:4/5

located in Groundfloor, Ramon Magsaysay Commercial Center, Malate, Philippines

Whooper Jr.© Stunner

After commuting from Laguna to Makati, we arrived at Glorietta hungry and restless.  We take a break and settle of ourselves in benches near the Glorietta’s activity center.  Until Jelyn textd : “ Kain na kau, malayo pa aq, muntinlupa ata to. Take out nalang ako. J”. So Ron and I stood up and I roam around the mall to search for a heavy and affordable meals.

Restaurants and food chains are scattered everywhere, but none of them offers affordable meals. So we end up in Burger King. Before entering the room, it’s a must to carefully watch our steps because the floorings are uneven. We approach the counter and place our two orders of Whooper Jr. Stunner. 130.00php per order we enjoy a regular size of beverage, french fries and a Whooper Jr. and the to top it all a free cold and sweet sundae.

We chose to sit near the door so Jelyn could see us immediately. While waiting, we started our lunch by combining the two french fries. hmm the fries not too crisp and not salty. Yay don’t know why, maybe the fries are over hold in the warmer. Hmm so I started to take a zip with my glass of sprite but before I drink I was fascinated to observe my cup turns it colors from transparent to red. The reflection of red straw affects the color of the cup wee haha parang akong batang pinaglalaruan yung straw. J

Now, I’m ready for the stunner. The Whooper Jr© was already a complete meal, with protein from the grilled meat, with sliced tomato, onion, lettuce and a spread of special sauce. As I squeeze the sandwich, juices excrete indicating that is fresh. The meat was so tender, moist and not over done. The course was so heavy; in fact I can’t consume it in one sitting.  All I can say it’s perfect for my hungry appetite.

We are almost done when Jelyn arrived. And she asked us what to order, and what well we can suggest but nothing more nothing less a Whooper Jr.© Stunner.

Food Score: 4/5          Place: 3/5          Service: 4/5

Langka Hotcakes

              One of my favorite fruit is Langka (jackfruit). Especially when it’s ripe, its distinct smell and flavor made me to crave. I only ate langka in halo-halo in summer and ginataan on a rainy day.

                Fortunately, a family friend of ours brought us a gigantic jackfruit.  I wonder how my father carries it on bare hands. Aside from its spikes, the langka was so huge and heavy. As my father slowly cut it, the unique smell suffuses around the house. Sobrang nakakagutom.  I can’t wait to take a bite on the succulent yellow langka.

                While watching the showtime finals, I decided to prepare a merienda. Instead of eating a regular pancake, I use the langka meat to add a new twist.

                To make it easier I use the Pilsburry™ one-step creamy vanilla hotcake mix. I started preheating a non-stick pan on low fire to prevent burn.  In a medium size container, I put the dry ingredients (100g pilsbrurry™ hotcake mix, 2 table spoons powdered milk, 1 table spoon sugar) and add ¾ cup water. Mix the batter until the large lumps disappear. Pour the batter on the pan, the amount will depends on your desire size. Add the chopped langka meat on the hotcake. After a minute or until the bubbles break on top, turn over and cook for another minute or until the other side is golden brown. Then it’s done.

 Let’s start plating, put the hot cake on a round plate brush it margarine and sprinkled it with sugar. Do it again, on top of the other hot cake. I made up to 4 servings of hot cakes. I garnished the last hot cake with chopped langka and sprinkled it with more sugar.

  YUM! It’s like a tower of pancakes. It was my first time to experiment Langka in a major major way (lol), and I’m very satisfied with what I’ve done. I took a small bite and I was very impressed with Langka.  The sweetness of langka is a good substitute for Honey. It adds chunkiness and balances the vanilla flavor of the hot cakes. What else could I ask for?.. I paired it with a glass of cold soda (coca-cola) to bring more happiness! J

Blue Corner

By roaming around the area we discovered that the cheapest way to eat in Paseo in Sta. Rosa. It was located at the right most corner of the Paseo 4. Many patriots from different social classes enjoy eating in the Blue Corner.

Even the place was fully crowded and not very conducive, the people continuous to patronize the eatery. They provide simpleng lutong bahay but what makes them differ from the other kalenderya is they have that unique taste na masarap talagang balikan. Aside from that they have the fastest service I ever experience. There turn over never stops, literally they only come and go.

Together with ron,cee and jelyn. We enjoy our sumptuous meals.

The super sizzling sisig, it was tastefully done and not to oily.

The sweet chopped liempo.

And for our veggies is a plate of chopseuy.

We filled our stomach with this plenty dishes.   Blue corner is definitely a must try for those who are looking for a very convenient and budget friendly meals.

Food Scores: 4/5   Place:3/5    Service: 4/5

A cup of my cappuccino

                 I don’t drink coffee unless it’s cappuccino. Since I was a young I do not like to drink brewed coffee although brewed coffee is the healthiest way to enjoy. I have my own way to create my own coffee. The best coffee cup for is one part coffee, four part milk and three part sugar. Now my coffee secret is revealed madami nagsasabi masarap ako magtimpla nan coffee but actually it’s just according to my preference.

                Today is a rainy day, tomorrow is Monday what more can I say. Lol. Gosh Rebecca syndrome strikes back again. The weather is so perfect to enjoy a cup of my cappuccino. I not usually drink coffee, most of the time I prefer to drink milk. Actually everyday, laking bear brand po ako at wala parin tatalo sa Alaska. I love to drink milk, sometime I take twice and thrice a day. But today I got my cappuccino.

   I like the aroma and tase of cappuccino; it’s so perfect it’s not too sweet and not too bitter.  Just right to enjoy in the rainy weather. Sometimes I paired it with oatmeal cookies or any cookies. Hmm it was really good. I remember when have my ojt I sneak at back door and make my own coffee and not only that I was also get some biscotti for free.  Oops.. huli! [Lol]

                I turned on the television and watch tv patrol. I thought it was only rainy day but surprisingly there was a typhoon.  The news keeps on flashing the victory of the eight division world title list Manny Pacman Pacquiao. 90% of the news is all about the man of the hour. So who knows that there is a typhoon signals. L Anyway I’m happy for Manny hopefully he will give up his boxing career and focus on his obligation as the Congressman of Saragani province. J

White Hat

                Since yen has to pick up a surprise birthday gift for her BOSS :p . She invited us to go out for  merienda and suggest having it in white hat. Well according to her, it was Jelyn’s idea to try white hat but unfortunately she wasn’t able to come.  Jelyn had her first interview in abalang, and we are hoping that she’s doing well.

                White hat (Italian frozen yogurt) in Jejemall (SM City Calamba) is located at the ground flr level. Well it was an open space that can accommodate up to 15 to 20 sitting capacity only. Hmm it’s really a quite small area but very comfortable to sit in.. When Jerz arrive, we finally approach the counter and place our orders. A regular combo will cause you for 125.00php/cup and a large combo is 155.00php/cup. You can choose from there wide option of hats.

                Because we are so frugal, we only choose to have regular combos. J  Yen was to first one to pick her own combo and she chooses to have the Baker's Hat then jerz crave for chocolate and he choose to have the Choco-Loco Hat while I choose the sweet lover’s hat.

                They have this list where you can try their best seller but at the same time you can also try to make your own hat.

                We took a sit on the long couch beside a cool side table lamp. Seeing my hat made more me excited. I can’t wait to taste it, it really looks so yummy, especially when seeing the syrups are slowly melting. Ahh  It was super mouth watering.  Yen’s Baker's Hat was made of cheesecake, blueberry and almond clusters . Jerz’s hat was Choco-Loco Hat, overloaded with different kind of chocolates; it’s like a mountain of chocolate lava. Mine was lover’s hat. It was a combination of chocolate and berry’s with a drizzle of strawberry syrup. Gosh it’s was so delectable and very nutritious.

It's really a best treat! a must try! Every hat is unique just like the three of us.  I have a well time spent with Jerz and Yen. Gosh can’t wait for my next white hat!

Food score 4/5     Place 3/5     Service 3/5

For those who are fun of sweet desserts and wanted to keep in shape white hat is the best for you. Here are there must tries:

• The Baker's Hat: cheesecake, blueberry or red cherry, almond clusters
• The Choco-Loco Hat: brownies, dark choco drops, Oreos
• The Cobbler's Hat: peaches, crushed graham, walnut streusel
• The Camper's Hat: marshmallows, chocolate syrup, crushed graham
• The Wizard's Hat: sprinkles, Fruit Loops, marshmallows
• The Health Nut Hat: granola, cranberry, mango or kiwi
• The Cooky Hat: cookie dough, walnuts, white choc drops
• The Monkey Hat: banana, brownies, caramel
• The Pinoy Hat: Chocnut, barquillos, cashew
• The Lover's Hat: cherry, dark choco drops, cashew