Archive for October 2013

Eats: Pamana, A Legacy of Filipino Food

“Everyone must leave something behind when he dies . . . Something your hand touched some way so your soul has somewhere to go when you die . . . It doesn't matter what you do, so long as you change something from the way it was before you touched it into something that's like you after you take your hands away.”
Ray Bradbury, Fahrenheit 451 

 Have you ever visited Tagaytay during weekdays sans the buzzling tourists to enjoy the wonderful scenic views without getting annoyed? Recently i had, and it's such a great experience! One highlight of my visit is our dining trip to Pamana restaurant just along Tagaytay's main road. 

From afar, you'd notice this white 3 storey building that exudes an elegant vibe that you'd immediately conclude that the prices of the food offered here are also sky-high. I also didn't know that this place is owned by the famous and controversial Ongpaucos' (think: Heart), whose clan is famous for their Barrio Fiesta chain of restaurants.

As i entered the establishment, i was immediately mesmerized by what i saw - cobblestone tiles, off-white interiors, old photographs and memorabilia from the 50's to the 90's, antique furniture,  an outdoor view of vivid greens paired with a blue sky canvass which will automatically prompt your involuntary reflexes to put your camera out - point and shoot! We were greeted by  courteous waiters who guided us to our seats while they gave us a history of the  place.

Pamana in english, means inheritance, heritage, or legacy. This was the inspiration for the restaurant's name since most of the items here were relics from former Barrio Fiesta bistros restored and now put into good use. It's like a museum to preserve the memories of how the family started that's why for me, it's like a mini-museum. 

So, to address my assumption about the price of the food, surprisingly, price ranges from 200 - 500 per dish in large servings. We only ordered a few entrees but we were satisfied by all the flavors! Plus, the staff were very courteous that i gave them a huge tip after!



Just a tip, the restaurant has a roofdeck were you'll get a picturesque view of Taal.
Pamana's Binagoongang Bagnet - not too salty and oily like the others, i'd say safer than the usual cardiac delights - LOL!
The creamy goodness of their baked Tahong makes you want to crave for more!
Their classic seafood paella made us want to wipe everything off the serving dish - look at that blue marlin slab!
You should try their rich shakes - like this chocnut chocolate shake!

Aguinaldo Highway, Tagaytay City
Beside Boutique Hotel, near the Tagaytay Rotunda
For Reservations, contact Vangie Reyes +63920 856 1970 



What I Wore:

Turtleneck - H&M
Skirt - Stradivarius
Bag - Bally
Necklace and watch - Parfois
Scarf - Mango
Shoes - Australian

Eats: The Rocketroom at BHS central

So it's another Raintree hangout spot - that's so nice!

Whenever i pass by BHS central, i would always see this dimly-lit place jam-packed with young professionals clutching their cocktails or glass of wine. I never attempted to go here as a "walk-in" guest, since i knew that this is a frequent go to place for people who needs to unwind after a long stressful day. Just beside the slazzy Stella in Bonifacio Highstreet Central is it's sister restaurant called the "Rocketroom".

One rainy holiday though, i was thinking of grabbing a drink with a friend in BGC, and for some reason i attempted to make a reservation 30 minutes before our "call time". Lo and behold, when i arrived at the place, i was the only guest inside the airconditioned part of the place, while a few foreigners were consuming their last bottle of wine. So finally, i was able to have a stress free dining experience here at the Rocketroom maybe because it was a holiday, and the rain was pouring hard.

I like this place at night because it exudes a mixture of modern yet quaint flair which gives you a relax yet cool "feel" at the same time. It's different from Stella, since the latter is all about 'casual' dining experience. 

I only ordered a few entree's on their menu, but one thing's for sure - you could also order from Stella's list(You may click the link below this review for their menu). As for the price, i would say that it's very affordable for ordinary wage-workers like me! :)


I love the "romantic" ambience Rocket room exudes especially during weekdays, when there's not much people hanging out.

Rocket Room offers a selection of different wines and liquor. Tried several glasses of wine at a very affordable price.
Chorizo Bruchettas - Looks very simple, but one serving explodes in mouth watering flavor!
Stella's Porchetta:or "porketta" in English, is a savory boneless pork roasted in Italian tradition. The pig is usua roasted, traditionally over wood. Porchetta is usually heavily salted in addition to being stuffed with different herbs from the wild.
Stella's Aglio e olio. Yes you can order food from Rocketroom's sister resto --- Stella!
Stella's just a door across this amazing hangout spot.
Their version of Gambas is also so delicioso!
With a dear friend and brithday boy Jerard.

Garden Level, Bonifacio High Street Central
Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
Tel. No. 621-3222
Open from 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m.



What I Wore:

Dress - Banana Republic
Bracelet - 
Shoes - Ever New

Eats: Singapore Food Republic by Nasi Lemak

 “One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.”

 - Virgina Woolf

I'm a sucker for all things nice and delicious, that's why i am very happy to announce that finally, Singapore Food Republic by Nasi Lemak (owned by H.K. Tan) opened their second branch at the 4th Avenue of Fort Bonifacio Global City. It's very near St. Luke's Hospital, just at the backside of HSBC building.

Aside from the gastronomic delights offered here, what I also particularly like is the quality of their service. When i went to visit this resto, I met the owner himself, Mr. HK Tan. When i saw him, he was just clad in a yellow shirt and jeans, walking around clutching a dishcloth.

He went to every table and asked the customers how the food was like, and suggested the proper way (or the best way) of eating some of the dishes. He made sure that all the dishes were served properly and on time, (he actually served some of the orders himself!) setting a good example to his employees. Then i remember, a good leader should "get his hands dirty sometimes".

For me, this restaurant offers the best of what Singapore has to offer, only nearer. So, to those from the South who finds it difficult to go to Robinson's Galleria Ortigas just to get a taste of delicious Singaporean cuisine... we now all have a go to place! So far I'd rate all the dishes , the service, ambience, and the value for money a 5/5. I would love to go here over and over!


Of all the Hakaos i tasted in Asian restaurants here in Manila, by far this is the best i've tried.
Their Hainanese Chicken comes with 3 different sauces. The chicken looks and taste very fresh!
Their Shanghai Beef Strips are very tender.
This one is a favorite! Singapore Seafood Hofan. You can also order Beef instead of pork.
The owner, Mr. HK Tan (claims to be an amateur), is the one who took all the photos in his restaurant. I actually met him personally, and I would say that he is very hands-on  and very warm at the same time! Best customer service!
Singapore Famous Claypot Chicken
Crispy Baby Squid: To die for!


Sinagpore Food Republic is located at:
Ground Level, Commercenter, 30th Street Corner, 4th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City

Fighting Our Inner Demons

Fighting your way back on your feet when life knocks you down, while they all thought you can't rise again, is what makes you a true survivor.
 
 
It’s nice to be back. I’ve been trying to find time to post something here, unfortunately my work expends most of my time, what’s more appalling is that a succession of unfortunate events took place.  I was lost – literally, and figuratively. I have completely gone awry. 

There are times when we go astray as an aftermath of wrong turns and faulty decisions made fueled by worldly motives or desires. Sometimes we are prejudiced with our choices even if juxtaposed to what’s really good, just because some things are packaged in an ornate fashion. There are times that we discard all the values mugged up since childhood, including the frequent “reminders”, or basic life morals taught by our parents.



 

We tend to listen more to the “tiny voice” of our impulsive conscience since it gratifies those desires. That tiny voice, the demons inside us are calling out “come here I’ll give you something more”, not noticing that we are walking further from the right trail since our eyes are transfixed to the opposite direction, ignoring ciphers saying that we’re heading the wrong way, our demons continually deceiving us. We realize we’re just going around in circles—til we get anergic from exhaustion, prompting us to finally make the distress call.


You find yourself in the middle of nowhere, lost, emaciated from fatigue, frustration, what’s worse is that in the end, you’re still left empty handed.
Question is, how are you going to fight the demon inside?

What I Wore:
Top and Jeans from Replay
Cap from Chaps
Studded Bracelet from Promod
Necklace from Mango Touch
Peep toe heels from Australian

Eats: Happy Tummy, Baguio City

Happy Tummy is a Thai restaurant among the group of restaurants or "food community" at the heart of Wright Park in Baguio City called Ketchup.

This place is a really nice respite from the hustles and bustles in the city. Happy Tummy particularly caught my attention among the restaurants there also because of my penchant for Thai food - think popular dishes such as Pad Thai, Curry, Thai Milk Tea oozing with the perfect concoction of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors at a very affordable cost!

Price ranges from Php 150-200 per dish in ample servings. Aside from the price, what's also good is that the ambience is really cozy especially at night, a good place to take your special someone on a date.In terms of palatability, i would say that their dishes are worth a try!

My favorites are their Pad Thai, Fried Tilapia in Tamarind Sauce (cost range depending on size of fish: small at Php 150 and large at Php 250), Catfish with green mango salad, Chicken Curry, and Tom Yum soup.


Group of Restaurants in Ketchup


HAPPY TUMMYIs located at Romulo Drive (beside Wright Park) right after Pacdal Circle (where St. Joseph Church is located)
Baguio City
Mobile: 0923 878-4968
Email: happytummybaguio@gmail.com
FacebookHappy Tummy

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