F is for FEVER...

Shopping fever at FOREVER 21...November 25 to December 4. Enough said. Time to shop. :)

Filed under FINDS

Cafe Laguna: Filipino Cuisine Made w/ Love

Whenever I go on out-of-town trips, I always make it a point to seek out a homegrown restaurant in the area that I can try. It was on my 7th trip to Cebu that I "discovered" this classy but relaxed Cafe Laguna in Ayala Center Cebu. The well-lit restaurant interiors has a garden theme that makes you feel like you are dining al fresco.

Cafe Laguna menu

Light wood and green motif of the interiors

Browsing through the menu, I noticed that they offered traditional Filipino food that were created from the recipes of the Urbina family that Lita Urbina wanted to share to everyone. My friends and I went to Cafe Laguna for merienda and so we ordered light fares to gives us energy for the afternoon's sightseeing activities.

Me looking at the menu

High school friends Gesel and Emy

My favorite noodles dish is Sotanghon Guisado and this is what I ordered, along with a refreshing glass of very Pinoy cooler, Sago at Gulaman. The Sotanghon did not fail my expectations as it is so delicious and had plenty of chicken strips and vegetables for toppings. The noodles are well cooked and seasoned just right that I did not find the need to add patis (fish sauce) to the squeezed calamansi.

Sotanghon Guisado

Sago at Gulaman

Emy ordered Adobo Manok sa Pandesal that was light yet tasty. Not the usual sandwich, it has shredded pork cooked Adobo style (with soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, black corn peppers and laurel leaf)..

Adobo Manok sa Pandesal

Gesel tried the mouth watering Manggang Hilaw with Bagoong -- thin strips of green mango, tomatoes and onions, with yummy alamang bagoong (shrimp paste) on the side. Just typing this sentence made me crave for it.

Manggang Hilaw with Bagoong

For dessert, Halo-Halo won hands down. The colorful concoction made of red beans, boiled saba bananas, kamote, sago and gulaman, pinipig, topped with shaved ice, ube (sweetened purple yum) and leche flan, was a pure delight by sight and by taste.

Halo-Halo

Cafe Laguna also serves local food at reasonable prices such as lumpia, a variety of pancit, bibingka, puto bum-bong, palitaw, kare-kare, lechon kawali, and bulalo steak, among others. View the full menu here.

As described in their website, Cafe Laguna, formerly known as Mother's Best, began as a labor of love in 1979 in a rented apartment with just ten tables. Because business went well, they eventually bought the place, renovated and expanded the carinderia to become a "place of dining" in 1991. In just three years, Cafe Laguna opened in Ayala Center Cebu and five years more, opened another one as Laguna Garden Cafe.

Cafe Laguna facade at Ayala Center Cebu

Today, the hard work and culinary genius of Lita Urbina paved the way for Cafe Laguna to achieve its dream of becoming a "showcase of Filipino cuisine." Because Cafe Laguna was a labor of love, their customers loved them back enough to help them grow branches in Cebu, Dumaguete, Cagayan de Oro, Ilo-ilo, and Davao. Cafe Laguna, when are you opening in Manila?

Filed under FLAVORS

The Midas Touch

Midas (King Midas) is a popular Greek mythology character known for his ability to turn everything he touched into gold, thus the "Midas touch" phrase. In the Philippines, Midas Hotel and Casino is a newly established hotel in Manila, an exceptional luxury rising from a landmark building (formerly Hyatt Hotel) along Roxas Boulevard. I visited the 227-room hotel for an ocular for an event and I was impressed with what I saw.

Midas Hotel and Casino

Although Midas is out to make a name for itself in the field of hospitality, certain details of the original structure were kept and integrated with the new interiors that can be described as modern glam and luxury. The lobby boasts of a high ceiling fully emphasized by the fiber optic chandeliers and towering chrome shelves that contain dozens of orange boxes (which, I was told, were Hermes boxes from the owner's Hermes collection). Modern Italian designer furniture complete the luxe look.

Fiber optic chandeliers all throughout the hotel

Modern luxe Italian designer furniture

Orange Hermes boxes filled the chrome shelves

Want to have cocktails after a long day at work? Head to the 2702 Lobby Lounge where they serve a variety of cocktails, beverages, wines and spirits. The "Weekend Lounge Nights" every Friday and Saturday treats guests to a relaxing piano music from 6-8 pm, followed by a lady singer from 8:30 pm onwards.

Lounge Nights at Midas

Spacious and high-ceiling lobby lounge

Midas also offers sumptuous food at the Cafe Midas where they have several buffet stations to serve a variety of dishes to their guests. The cafe is spacious and has that garden feel because of the green leaves motif and comfy seats.

Yummy bread spread for starters

Several buffet stations for a gastronomic feast

Relaxed and comfy dining seats

Spacious dining area

The hotel has several function rooms for events and celebrations. I noticed that the garden theme extends there as well as seen on the design of the carpet, wood cut-outs on walls and ceiling, which were made more dramatic by the color-changing lights.

Garden-motif function rooms for various events

Vine cut-outs and changing lights adorned the ceiling

Our event set-up, round tables to seat 100 pax

Midas has great prospects for the future as several facilities are expected to open soon -- a Japanese restaurant, a Chinese noodle house, and the casino. But as it is now, Midas is a breathe of fresh air, a break from the traditional hotel. Even Manny Pacquiao, the People's champ, has made Midas his official hotel residence this year. That surely is a sign that indeed, the hotel has that magical "Midas touch."

Filed under SIGHTS

A Cherry Mobile Christmas

I attended the Cherry Mobile launch event a couple of years ago when it was a just a fledgling newcomer. Moving forward, Cherry Mobile has come a long way, having inched its way into the mobile phone market. At the recent launch of its latest products, Cherry Mobile is set to once again shake the market with its newest line-up of powerful Android smartphones and tablets.

Dual SIM Smartphones

Following its release of Orbit, the first 3G Dual SIM Android in the country, Cherry Mobile further strengthens its true dual SIM capabilities in its smartphone collection. In bringing Wi-Fi and Android 2.2 Froyo technology together, hip and colorful power phones were created -- the new full-touch Candy and its touch & QWERTY type version, Candy Chat. Both units, which support micro SD card up to 16GB, are a steal at Php3,699. The purple unit caught my eye so I'm putting it in my Christmas wish list.

Full-touch "Candy" mobile phone

Touch and QWERTY "Candy Chat"

As if Candy and Candy Chat are not shining stars enough, Cherry Mobile introduces the Stellar unit. Stellar, in black, is the serious-looking phone which allows users to get a refined user interface and access to thousands of available applications through its Android 2.3 Gingerbread platform. Powered by Qualcomm 7227T 800 MHz processor and sports a 3.5” HVGA Capacitive Touch Panel, its other features include a 5.0 MP camera, Wi-Fi and GPS capabilities. Functioning also as a portable hotspot, Stellar shines at a price of Php7,899.

Portable hotspot phone "Stellar"

Cherry Mobile levels up to dual core with Magnum 2X, the phone that look like it really means business. Powered by NVIDIA Tegra 2 Cortex A9 Dual Core processor, each running at 1 GHz. With Android 2.2 Froyo upgradeable to Gingerbread, users get to have a solid smartphone experience -- seamless multitasking between applications, accelerated web browsing and refined gameplay interface. It also sports a dual camera with 5.0 MP Main, portable hotspot, Wi-Fi and GPS features. Magnum 2X flaunts a 3.8” WVGA Capacitive Touch Panel and retails for Php15,899.

Dual core "Magnum 2X"

Tablets for All

In keeping with the times and the demands of the market, Cherry Mobile now makes tablets available for all as it launched two devices for the techie Pinoy -- Cherry Pad and Cherry Pad Turbo. Cherry Pad runs on an 800 MHz processor and Android 2.2 Froyo platform, and retails for an affordable price of only Php3,899.

Basic tablet "Cherry Pad"

On the other hand, Cherry Pad Turbo, the higher version of Cherry Pad, is equipped with a 1.2 GHz processor and Android 2.3 Gingerbread. Watch high quality multimedia with its HDMI port or take a snapshot with its 2 MP camera. Go Turbo for only PHP 6,899. Check! Another one for my wish list but I'll decide when I get to try and review it one of these days.

Enhanced tablet "Cherry Pad Turbo"

Both tablets have 7” Full Touch Screen, Wi-Fi Connectivity, 4GB internal storage and expandable micro SD card up to 32 GB.

Premium Tablet

Taking multimedia, gaming, browsing and multitasking experience to a whole new level, Cherry Mobile created its first dual core tablet, the Supreme. This powerful and premium tablet boasts of a slew of features -- comes with Android 2.2 Froyo, upgradeable to a higher version. Supreme is built with Nvidia Tegra 2 Dual Core processor, running at a speed of 1 GHz. With a 10.1” capacitive screen display and HDMI output, it’s really a supreme offer at Php16, 899.

Power tablet "Supreme"

With these latest additions, Cherry Mobile lives up to its promise of delivering products that equate to high end brands at extremely competitive prices. The smart phones will be released by end of November while the tablets will be available by early December.

Aside from a smashing smartphone and tablet collection, Cherry Mobile also combines style, functionality and affordability in its Christmas phone line-up, dubbed as the “Cherrys of Christmas.” A wide variety of new Dual SIM models, TV phones, Touchscreen, and Wi-Fi ready handsets are up for grabs this season at special discounted prices and other freebies.

For more information on latest products, prices and promotions, please visit the Cherry Mobile website at www.cherrymobile.com.ph and Facebook page at www.facebook.com/cherrymobile.

Photos from Cherry Mobile

Layouts by MyHappyRealm

Filed under TECH

Christian Bautista: Outbound

He may not have brought home the grand prize but he sure is treated like a superstar by fans, not only in the Philippines, but in the Asian region as well. Dubbed as the Asiansation, Christian Bautista has gone far from the days since he started singing professionally. As a performer, he has improved his vocal prowess and has slowly transformed from being a mere balladeer to a well-rounded performer -- a singer, actor and now a dancer (he is getting there).

Smile! Christian Bautista lit up the room when he arrived.

I met Christian Bautista recently at the bloggers conference for his newest album Christian Bautista Outbound and was I floored by his candidness, wit and charm. No wonder he gained popularity among fans quite easily. When asked about the magnitude of his success in the region, he has quite a number of achievements to boot: multi-platinum record award in the Philippines and in Indonesia; his songs translated into different Asian languages; TV guesting and endorsements in the Asian region; acting in local movies and theater shows; TV roles here and in Indonesia and Singapore, the latest being the hip and happening "The Kitchen Musical" where Christian was tasked to do some dancing (and danced he did!).

Sharing his plaque of recognition from the National Youth Commission:

Exemplary Asean Youth in the Field of Entertainment and the Arts

Having done all those things, what more can we look forward to? His Outbound is something to watch out for as the album drew Christian out of his comfort zone. The album boasts of a great selection of 8 tracks -- a good mix of slow and upbeat ballads -- born out of collaborations with music producers and artists he met and worked with from the United States, Korea, Japan, Singapore, and Indonesia. Christian met Tat Tong, the composer of "All That's Left" while taping for "The Kitchen Musical, through Kewei Tay with whom he recorded "Please Be Careful With My Heart" in Singapore. The collaboration with tat Tong also produced "Unphotographable" and "What Can I Do." In the "All That's Left" music video, Christian pairs up with CosPlay Queen Alodia Gosiengfiao.

My signed copy of Christian Bautista Outbound

Aside from Christian's collaborations with Tat, "Outbound" also features noteworthy works with Grammy-nominated multi-platinum instrumentalist Jim Brickman for "Never Far Away," the K-Pop R&B Trio One Way for "Wrong Number," Indonesian songwriter Satrio for the hit song "I'm Already King," and with Avex Japan's Baby M for the duet "Sakura." Other songs in the album are "Faith" and "Never Far Away."

He also has an upcoming concert here in Manila, I coaxed that out of him in the Q&A but he won't reveal details any further. See the short Q&A video here:

My Q&A with Asiansation Christian Bautista

Christian shared that he has matured as a person and improved as a performer, having gained a new-found confidence to do things he has not tried before. "Honestly, I do feel that I'm at my best so far. This is the right time to pursue new paths and direction and with your support and a personal sense of renewed energy and devotion, I am ready to face the challenges of the future," referring to his aspirations of working in Europe and in the United States of America. Indeed, the album title "Outbound" could very well be prophetic of the future of Christian Bautista's career.

Christian Bautista sings "I'm Already King" Live

Thanks to Universal Records, Pinoy Magazine and Orange Magazine TV

Please visit my YouTube Channel for video uploads: http://www.youtube.com/user/denzcalnea?feature=mhee

Filed under EVENTS

Goldilocks' Best Kept Secrets Revealed

My early memories of Goldilocks, aside from the bedtime story, are my birthday cakes. Always excited to celebrate my birthday, I look forward to the gifts and of course, the cake, as I have a different theme every year -- from superheroes, to Easter bunny (yes, my birthday would often fall on Easter), to ballerinas, to Disney princesses, and more. Suffice to say, like me, Goldilocks has been a part of every celebration in the lives of Filipinos, be it birthdays, weddings, baptisms, graduations, anniversaries, or just about any get-together for delightful sharing and thoughtful giving through good food.

To be able to have lasted this long in the business, Goldilocks' success (and recipes) must be heavily guarded, so I was surprised to receive an invitation that said Goldilocks' best kept secret will be revealed. True enough, Goldilocks launched The Goldilocks Bakebook with the intent of sharing its best loved recipes and the Goldilocks legacy.

The brains and brawn behind Goldilocks, sisters Milagros and Clarita, and their sister-in-law, Doris, shared a passion for baking, cake-decorating and cooking and opened the first Goldilocks store along Pasong Tamo, Makati in May 1966. The two sisters pursued the same passion towards perfection, by carefully developing each Goldilocks recipe, and by building the company to what it is today. Through the years, Goldilocks has been capturing the hearts (and stomachs) of Filipinos here and abroad with the Goldilocks’ Signature bakeshop favorites, such as fluffy mamon cheesy ensaymada, ever-soft chiffon cake slices classic polvoron and mocha roll, among many others.

Cheesy Mamon

Luscious Cassava

In celebration of 45 Goldilicious years, Goldilocks writes a new chapter in its storied legacy – honoring its past while establishing a heritage for the future – through the Goldilocks Bakebook.

The Goldilocks Bakebook is a historic collection of 108 recipes, 211 pages of eye-catching photos, and an overview of the company’s beginnings. The bakebook took 7 years in the making, endless kitchen-testing, and the invaluable effort and dedication of a hardworking team in order to pass on a priceless legacy to loyal Goldilocks consumers and followers.

Colorful Rice Cakes (Puto)

Yummy Mocha Roll

Freddie Go, Sr., Chairman of the Board of Goldilocks, envisioned and began the groundwork for this fitting tribute to Mrs. Milagros Yee and Mrs. Clarita Go, the two women who have tirelessly and relentlessly pursued the perfection of each Goldilocks product.

Sweet Crema de Fruta

Merengue and Polvoron Cake

Flipping through the pages of the Goldilocks Bakebook, I was delighted to see their precious recipes and at the same time, the story and people behind the Philippines' leading bakeshop. I am excited to try the recipes one by one and make my own sweet Goldilocks moment. But the book is far from being just another recipe book or coffee table book as The Goldilocks Bakebook is a unique recipe in itself, a product of love, devotion and gratitude to millions of Filipinos who have made Goldilocks a part of their lives.

Having my Goldilocks Bakebook signed by

(l-r seated) Clarita Leelin-Go and Milagros Leelin-Yee

The Goldilocks Bakebook by Milagros Leelin-Yee and Clarita Leelin-Go (with Food Styling done by Chef Heny Sison and Food Photography done by Neal Oshima) is available in all National Bookstore branches, and select Goldilocks outlets. Get your copy now. Got mine already and will start trying out the recipes in time for the coming Christmas holidays.



Filed under EVENTS and FINDS

A Wooden Puppet's Tale

Who doesn't know the story of the wooden puppet who wished to be a real boy? And that his nose grew long every time he told a lie?

As an early Christmas offering, TANGHALANG PILIPINO, the resident theater company of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) is proud to bring back Pinocchio, Gusto Mo Bang Maging Tao? at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theater), from November 18 to 20, 2011.

This adaptation by George de Jesus of the well-loved classic tale of Carlo Collodi will be filled with songs, humor and colorful costumes that will surely delight the whole family. Pinocchio, Gusto Mo Bang Maging Tao? will retell the magical adventures of the wooden puppet whose quest to become a real boy leads him to learn about life, love and honesty.

This top-notch production also aims to impart socially-relevant insights as it tackles environmental awareness and addresses the urgent need to teach the young generation to be active participants in environmental protection.

Pinocchio, Gusto Mo Bang Maging Tao? features Tanghalang Pilipino’s very own Actors Company; a creative team of multi-talented theater artists.

Give your friends and loved ones an early Christmas treat! Bring your kids to the CCP and let them enjoy the spectacle, music and merriment as you enter the magical world of Pinocchio.

For more information, please call Tanghalang Pilipino at 832-3661.

Filed under SHOWS

Quote Post - 2

Here's my quote post for the week:

Have a LOVELY weekend!


Filed under QUOTES