Makati Shangri-la is the best hotel in the Metro!  I’ve stayed here on several occasions and I enjoyed my every stay.  Excellent service, international standards, all the time!  I absolutely love staying at Makati Shang.  There is simply no other in the Metro that comes close.

The Nokia Adventure Race II has been brewing since 2 weeks ago (when I first found out that I am one of the participants) –or a month ago (when they opened the site for application) and I’d have to say that today, when officemates (and my boss!) wished me luck, I only realized that the big day is TOMORROW!!!

I got my nerves clacking inside my skin again –like an old irreplaceable AC that doesn’t purr but BURRRRR the night away.  I need to write about this just to settle my nerves a bit. 

I can’t help but be nervous about how this is going to boil down.  Last year, my partner (Jaime Daez) and I ranked 2^nd, some points shy of grabbing the much coveted prize (PHP 50,000 and the trip to Amanpulo).  This means there’s more pressure on me to kind of come close to that placement –having done it already.  I was so heartbroken by the loss since it’s been my ultimate dream (for four years already!) to go to Amanpulo.  But the most important thing was I gave it my best shot and I had so much fun (hahaha, I know I know, it’s the dialogue of people who lose, but it’s really true.  I am not a hard person to please… okay please do not react Chris.  You must be pulling your hair out now reading that statement.  Read: DO NOT ARGUE.  Especially not on the night before SOTN!).  I took away so much from that adventure race –rediscovering Manila, its people, our diversified culture and my strengths.  Oh and a neat neat N95 phone!  Sweet.   

I was pretty happy with the photos and videos I took last year.  But my main worry for tomorrow is lighting.  Since the race is at night, I don’t know if I can produce any good shots.  I guess I have to leave it all up to the genius functionality of the N82 and its xenon flash –oh, and my partner (Read: Christian Wong a.k.a. Bubba!)  So better pull your weight Mr. Smarty Pants! Hee-hee. 

However our performance rolls out tomorrow night, I’m only but be amazingly happy that I’m doing this with Chris.  I mean how many chances in a lifetime can you be part of something like this?  And have the memories stored in your multimedia phone?  (Yes, that was a cheap shot at promoting Nokia N82.  But I have really fallen in love with my newfound friend!)  …Going back, have the memories shared with your life partner?  Chances are slim to none. 

I cannot look for a better partner.  By better, I mean PATIENT, which is spelled as E-N-D-U-R-I-N-G.  Yes, I do not know what drugs he’s sniffing that allow him to tolerate my craziness and bratinella moments.  (Okay I have done so much flattery, it made people reading it sick enough to vomit on their keyboards.  So you Mr. Wong better suit up tomorrow!  That was the main goal of this paragraph)  

Ok I gotta end this abruptly since I’m all so jittery again… I don’t want the people in the office think there’s a rally going on outside.  Calm down nerves.  

Album:

See this year’s Pyro Olympics like you’ve never seen it before! 

By Gieves and Raymond

Up Close. In Private. On a Yacht.

Forget the hours and hours of jammed up traffic and fighting tooth and nail for a parking spot. Forget the crowd and the race to get at least a decent view of the fireworks display.

This year, join us on a 4-hour cruise around Manila Bay and the best seats in the house are yours. No crowds. No commotion. No craziness. So you can just sit back, relax, put your feet up and enjoy the most spectacular international fireworks competition light up the sky.
 

We can accommodate up to 20 people per trip. Price is P 1,800/head*, inclusive of dinner buffet and drinks. Available dates are as follows:
 

The World Pyro Olympics III
 

May 3 - China and Germany - waiting list

May 10 - Japan and Canada

May 17 - Italy and Venezuela

May 24 - France and Korea

May 31 - Australia and Philippines 

Show starts at 8:00 PM
 

Countries per night may change. We will update you for any changes.
 

Assembly Time: 5:15 PM, Manila Yacht Club

Departure: 5:45 PM

Arrival: 10:00 PM, Manila Yacht Club
 

For inquiries and bookings, SMS Raymond at 0917 8081039. Reserve your slots now!
*50% downpayment is required to secure your slot.

** Pictures from our Valentine cruises are available upon request. 

Link: http://gvsgvs.multiply.com/calendar/item/10007/See_This_Years_World_Pyro_Olympics_Like_Youve_Never_It_Seen_Before

I believe that Angels exist.  They are among us.  I’ve started collecting angels when I was in high school, when I received my first angel figurine as a gift.  Since then, people have started giving me gifts that had anything to do with angels for birthdays, pasalubongs or what-nots.  I have received angel painting, angel frames, angel magnets, angel necklace, angel pendants, angel earrings, angel lamps, angel mugs… The last time I counted my angel collection (3 years ago) it was around 60-70. 

Whenever I see an angel picture or ornament, I’d get really excited and look at it intensely, but since I didn’t want to break the tradition (of not having bought anything for my collection), I just bond with it for a moment and leave.  It’s pretty neat that all of the angels in my collection were gifts/souvenirs/passed on.

My first visit to Angel’s Kitchen made me reminisce the time I used to name my angels (yes, I told you I’m psychotic).  I even had a special display case for my favorite ones.  The restaurant is a small space to begin with about 10 tables only.  2 stitched angel frames greet you as you enter the door.  Angel Kitchen is a bright and welcoming restaurant.  White walls are decorated with rectangular wooden framed mirrors.  White spherical lamps dangles from a well-furnished semi-high ceiling.  Rich wooden tables and chairs total the whole look.

On the Table:

Pinakbet Paella with Liempo PHP

Bubba’s order.  Rice and Pinakbet vegetables cooked together with a binagoong flavor.  2 huge crispy pork liempo on top of the rice were tender and tasty.  I ate 3/4s of the dish and ¼ of it is already filling.

Lamb Curry PHP

Cushee’s order.  So predictable since I love lamb and curry and the idea of marrying the two is really a brilliant contribution of Persian cooking.  It was served with apple chutney, which was a good balancer for the spice of the curry.  The lamb curry was delicious but I prefer it spicier the next time.  I didn’t detect even 1 degree of heat from this curry. I had to ask for chili pepper flakes just to add pizzazz to the dish.

Pork Binagoongan PHP

Bubba’s order.  It was equally as flavorsome as the lamb curry.  We asked for more sauce though and the wait staff didn’t oblige since the sauce were portioned per order.  All the dishes could use a bit more sauce on the side.

Angel’s Kitchen is located along Connecticut, Greenhills.  Next door to Konbini Market.

Link: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/390/08_0328-_Angels_Kitchen#

The crisp white color scheme is enhanced with graceful drapery billowing from the ceiling, while rattan floor-length divides the reception from the dining area.  Comfortable seating makes you eased snugly into the chairs. 

Executive Chef and Owner, Chef Laudico has created a diverse menu and brings his own cooking mastery to a selection that infuses the local fares that we have come to love through tradition.

Begin your Bistro Filipino experience with: 

Ubod Spring Roll PHP 250

Crispy lumpia cone filled with chorizo, prawns and heart of palm topped with spicy sinamak sorbet

However, for New Year’s Eve dinner with the Wongs, we had the following as starters.

Fish “Ball”

Served the same way as the Ubod Spring Roll, each fish ball was placed inside a shooter glass with the sauce inside.  When you bite into “ball”, you automatically hear a crunch followed by oozing cheese and filling.

3 Kinds of Mangoes and Fresh White Cheese PHP 300

Meslun Salad tossed in Dijon Bagoong Vinaigrette topped with dried green and ripe mangoes, tomatoes and kasuy crusted kesong puti.

Entrée 

We all got one dish each that sums up to 6 different entrées on the wooden table.  I’m forgetting now some of the dishes but the following are what I remember.

Paella Stuffed Squid PHP 450

Traditional wood fire cooked seafood paella stuffed in grilled squid topped with clam and mussel fritters in roasted capsicum sauce

I have to say that this dish was a bit disappointing.  The squid was tough while the paella lacked flavor.  The mussels that garnished the entrée were overcooked.

Foie Gras with Adobo Overload PHP 750

Seared Foie Gras on steamed pork adobo sticky rice in banana leaf topped with chicken adobo crisps and adobong kangkong

Claypot roasted chicken with tamarind and fragrant herbs served with roasted vegetables and sweet potato gratin

Pacific Gindara PHP 450

Grilled local gindara fillet in banana leaf served on grilled vegetables and crab roe sauce with lemon zest

I think Aunt ordered a salmon dish if I’m not mistaken, which I tried and liked.  I actually cooked a feast back at home for New Year’s dinner with my family.  I had my second round of eating when we met with Chris’ family at the fort around 9pm for a late dinner.  I’m glad that even if I booked late, Bistro Filipino was able to accommodate my reservations that evening.

Although I was disappointed with my chosen dish, I have to say that the rest of what I tried were good and they have such an interesting bend on Filipino-loved dishes which are original and genius.

Bistro Filipino

Net One Building, The Fort

8560634

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/326/07_1231-_New_Years_Eve

Ingredients: 

Wheat Bread

Spanish Sardines

Olive Oil

Basil

Laguna White Cheese

Philadelphia Cream Cheese 

Procedure: Toast the wheat bread to a crunch.  Spread Philadelphia cream cheese on the bread.  Fillet the Spanish sardines and place on bread with fresh basil.  Drizzle a drop of olive oil.  Place the Laguna white cheese on top.  Ready to serve.

When I was a kid I loved twirling hula-hoops around my waist, arms or neck. Now, I don’t know if I can still twirl it around my waist for more than 5 seconds –or for more than 5 “shakes.”  Yes, it’s likely that I am going to lose in a hula-hoop competition, but not in an eating contest!  I’m sure fire to put up a good fight!

The first I heard of this restaurant was when I was doing a site ocular in West Gate.  I wasn’t able to try their Alabang branch then but last year, I invited Chris for dinner at their Shangrila branch.  I was so glad that I didn’t have to travel all the way down south.  We ordered Mess of Steaks (medium) and the Paella Negra served in bamboo.  I was tempted to get the Paella Sisig but decided against it since I wanted a taste of squid ink that night.  The Mess of Steaks (PHP 265++) was a “messy” plate of different meats.  It had barbecued roast pork, ribs and huge kidney beans.  The beans, Chris really enjoyed, were sweet and tangy with just the right crunch and softness.  I didn’t touch the pork but I loved the barbeque basting on the ribs.  It wasn’t fall off the bones kind of meat but it was soft and chewy.

The Paella Negra (PHP 225++) confirmed that I made the right choice.  The serving was good for 3 hungry people (yes we finished it, just the two of us).  The rice was rich with the squid ink flavor and yet only few got stuck in our teeth –giving us a “pirate” smile.  By pirate, I mean Johnny Depp type of black toothy grin.  Seriously, it barely stained at all. 

After an early morning of Ultimate Frisbee at the Fort, we trekked to Francis’ house to freshen up and eat lunch.  We were supposed to order delivery but I wasn’t too keen on eating pizza that day.  After a good workout, my food instinct is begging me to pig out like a king.  Subsequent to a lot of running and morning sun, my tummy deserves to pack in different types of food.  Good thing nobody was picking up on the other end so we decided to eat out.  The group, knowing that I’m a gourmand, left the decision to me on where to chow.  This gave me a second chance to visit Hula Hula so the group trooped to Shangri-la Plaza.  

Since we were 11, my initial idea was to have everyone share in a luau feast, which is fun and economical.  But since everyone wanted to try different things, Leia suggested that we order individually. 

Even without me saying, Chris can hear from a mile when my tummy is grumbling.  He suggested that despite just us two splitting, we should still get a luau feast, usually for 4 people.  That’s one of the many things I love about him –our connection with food.  I not only have a partner in mind, body and heart, I have a cohort in stomach –my partner in passionate crimes of eating.

We decided to get the Bora Bora feast (PHP 1,070 tax included).  The food came smeared on top of a square wooden board about the same size as the table that the two of us are occupying –which estranged us from the group.  The massive spread included grilled squid (which I fancy!), 3 pieces of barbeque wings, grilled fish, 3 think rectangular slices of pineapple, eggplant and okra veggies, a slab of inihaw na liempo, about 5 cups of bagoong rice, and chips. 

To everyone’s surprise, we finished the whole thing… Categorically, I ate more than Chris (he doesn’t want to admit!).  We were so bloated but oh man, that was one heck of yummy eating!  I was so full I couldn’t talk afterwards.  Let the empty table of food speak for itself.  I’m glad didn’t have to go to a beachfront to enjoy well-grilled treats!    

Here comes the lousy part… The restaurant’s interior wasn’t at all impressive –to say the least.  It has the same theme as Polu Kai in Serendra, -Hawaiian concept.  But Polu Kai wins hands down on interior and room space.  Wait staff in Hula-hula is more attentive though and service was fast.  The place was so cramped that it’s hard to fit in large groups.  They can do something about tidying up their washroom too.  It reeks of poor sanitation.  And you know what they say about restaurants with dirty washrooms –the kitchen is dirty too!  It wasn’t really inviting to pay another visit no matter how swell the food is with a washroom leaving a bad impression.

Hula Hula

Shangrila Mall  

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/385/08_0309-_Ultimate_Frisbee

Mimi invited Christian and me to dinner on one slow Saturday of January.  The first option was to dine buffet style at Shangri-la’s Heat, but Mimi and Chris at the last minute moved it to Florabel, Podium.  Mimi is Christian’s best buddy when he was still working in Asia Brewery –both of them brewing folly promdi language that has become an eternal joke between the two.   

Chris shares a lot of stories about Mimi showing the fondness that he has for her and appreciation for the friendship that they had cultivated working for 2 years together.  Mimi, like me, was witness to Chris “past” life of chick magnetism.  Wait, wait, did I quantify it by saying “past”?  Snicker.  

I was sick that whole week but I couldn’t pass a chance to spend time with Mimi.  Besides, the inside scoop was too juicy to forego.  My voice was totally raspy that night so I left the conversation between the two of them. 

Chef and restauranteur Florabel Co worked at Le Souffle for 10 years before opening a restaurant she can call her own –which is very well apparent in the resto’s name.

Comfortable and classy setting best describes this posh restaurant, where one can have a leisurely meal and never feel rushed even if the closing hour draws near.  It was a late dinner past 9PM but we still caught an atmosphere of fine dining and professional service.

A human-size flowing water fountain, large mirrors and red comfy couches prepped against the wall make up for the simplistic interior.  Artwork of flowers and the low lights give the dining area a classier look.  The wait staff courteous and knowledgeable about their menu is always a major plus.

Since I was sick, please allow me to not remember the actual name of the dishes and price.  I recall that the entrée prices range from 700-1,000.  Let me visit another time and study the menu.  I was in a hurry to order because there were more interesting stories need to be exchanged griping our table.  I ordered salmon while Chris ordered a lamb dish and Mimi only had salad and soup since that was her second dinner that night. 

I started on my salmon that had some potato crisps on top with a bit of white cream sauce.  I was happy that it wasn’t overcooked.  It is quite tricky to cook salmon because you need to keep the moist and the juice enveloped inside.  The salmon tasted fresh and moist.  I finished my plate ahead of everyone.

The 2 racks of lamb on a bed of couscous cooked in red wine sherry were also exquisite.  I love couscous served in Mediterranean cafes while it was his first time to try it.  Something about fine grain of pearls that was not enjoyable for him as the rice lacked volume.  I ate half of the couscous and tasted the lamb that was tender and was full in meat flavor.

That dinner was such a huge remedy to my feverish body and mind.  Great food and equally great company completely relaxes me from tip to toe.  Thanks Mimi for the wonderful treat and quiet evening (relatively quiet… you guys were chatting nonstop) spent with you.  You are always such a joy to be around with.

Florabel

Ground Level, Podium Mall

ADB Avenue, Ortigas Center

638.7527

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/340/08_0119-_Florabels_Podium   

March 31, 2007. My first all Vegan lunch occurred at the famous Farm of San Benito in Batangas. 85% of the food served in their Vegan restaurant is actually raw (read: not cooked). They use several methods of blending, soaking, dehydration and culturing in preparing the veggie dishes in order to keep as much of the enzymes as possible. The lunch felt so enriching because even if I ate 3-4 plateful of salads and different entrées, I felt so light afterwards. For some reason, it was an internal body-cleansing feeling.

We chose to have our lunch at the open-air veranda amidst the tall trees and pseudo-jungle. Fresh food and fresh air go hand in hand as we completely felt a surge of natural energy while chomping away the greens. We were served four kinds of dishes with buffet trip to their salad bar. I remember the opener as my favorite Segafredo appetizer –Mozzarella, Tomato and Basil drizzled with olive oil. The Farm’s version is less salty and fresh.

The Farm at San Benito, a 6-year old facility in the city of Lipa, was awarded as the Best Retreat and Best Holistic Healing Program by regional publication of Spa Asia. The Farm deserved that award in it’s entirety because it is a retreat where one can breathe freely, the eyes satisfied with relaxing colors of abundantly green and tasty healthy food that cleanses the body and mind.

After lunch, we took a stroll around the huge multiple hectare land. We took a dip at their mini-waterfall pool and enjoyed our privacy since there were only the two of us.

They offer different kinds of rooms that ranges from USD 98.00 ++ to USD 750.00 ++. The Anahaw Terrace is the one that I particularly liked. The room rate is USD 175.00.

Even if it was a short visit, I felt a surge of new energy as my body restored balance and vitality through a short stay at The Farm at San Benito.

The Farm at San Benito

Office Address: G/F, Shop 10, The Peninsula Manila Ayala Ave., Makati City

Resort Address: 119 Baranggay Tipakan, Lipa City, Batangas, Philippines.

Tel No: 884.8074

Info@thefarm.com.ph

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/189/07_0331-_The_Farm_at_San_Benito

One of the more memorable weekends of 2007 was spent at Casa San Pablo, April 8.  Casa San Pablo is your sanctuary at the outskirts of Manila –your home away from home.  Passionate art collector Boots Alcantara, who we briefly met during our stay, owns the secured quarters amidst pine trees, sprawling lawns, and different petite multiplexes.

The country-inn is a good jump off point for Viaje del Sol –which is San Pablo’s local art and culture tour in the sphere of Laguna and Quezon.  Part of the Viaje del Sol tour of this historical part of NCR are Patis Tesoro’s Kusina Salud, Carlo’s workshop, Patio Verde, Villa Escudero, Ugu Bigyan’s Café and Jay’s Kinabuhayan Café. 

After checking in at Casa San Pablo, we had a hefty lunch at Kinabuhayan Café owned by Jay Herrera.  Interestingly, Jay’s house is simply designed, with very few walls, even the living room is open air.  There is a tree house at their porch.  It was minimalistic in a native way.  Dining at Kinabuhayan Café is an experience in itself as you dine al fresco style on a table perched against a tree.  One plate costs PHP 500 (PHP 1,000 per couple) and you get served the dish of the day –or whatever Jay feels like cooking on that day.  On our plate was a huge serving of aromatic rice, spicy herb chicken and greens.  The greens had some miniature flowers in it.  Jay said it was edible so we had our first taste of edible flowers.  Everything on the plate was delectable, especially the chicken!  We had the best spiced-chicken our taste buds ever savored in this lifetime.  I tried to make my own spiced-chicken at home but I simply cannot re-create a master’s creation or even come any close to it.  (Hats off to you Jay!!!)

Halfway through the plate I was already full, but I still managed to finish everything in front of me.  We were served with Laguna hot chocolate with pinipig and it was just the right drink to cap our yummy meal.

We exchanged stories with Jay and Jay’s trusted right hand, Winston.  We also played with Jay’s cute dogs.  They offered us shots of lambanog.  I looked at Bubba’s face when he downed it so I declined.  However, since nothing has disappointed me yet, I conceded.  The lambanog was whopping strong!!!  It got me wired right after that one shot.

Jay was really kind to offer us a trip to Kubli Spring.  Winston accompanied us to the spring and even treated us to a round of cold beer.  Winston shared stories about Laguna and the people there.  Bubba and Winston played the guitar while we took in the beauty of the afternoon and enjoyed our sound trip.  Since the Kubli Spring visit wasn’t planned, we didn’t have any other clothes with us.  Yet that didn’t stop us from taking a dip.

After that lovely afternoon at the Spring, we went back to Casa San Pablo to bathe and rest.

Casa San Pablo has that homey rustic ambience.  Each room was uniquely designed as Boots Alcantara showcases different works of art.  The room we had was quite small but it didn’t cramp our accommodation.  The AC was working perfectly; the bed and bathroom were clean as a whistle.  There was no TV unit in the room, only a couple of good books on the bedside table, which made this a secluded and relaxed weekend. 

That night, we planned to go back to Jay’s for dinner but unfortunately since we don’t know how to get there at night, we were advised to eat somewhere nearer to avoid getting lost.  We went to Kusina Salud, unfortunately they were already closing by the time we got there at 8pm.  We managed to find a grill restaurant nearby that had a fascinating landscape.

The next morning, we had the Casa San Pablo breakfast of the local corned beef, egg, garlic rice and longganisa. We also had drink all you can hot chocolate with pinipig.  Breakfast at San Pablo felt like eating in front of a beautiful painting.  The food was good and eating a table of good Pinoy breakfast with the view of the garden was something you’d want to wake up early for every day.

Directions:  From Manila, after the San Pablo border, stay on the Maharlika Highway. You will see a Caltex station to the left, right before a fork in the highway. The right side of the fork heads straight to Lucena, the left leads to San Pablo city. Take the left road, this is Colago Ave. Watch for the Community Hospital on your left. Shortly after the hospital, to the right, is Kay Inay Resort. Turn into the resort gate, Casa San Pablo is inside.
 

For Reservations: Prior reservations must be made. Please call 0917-8126687. 

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/188/07_0408-_Casa_San_Pablo#