Posts Tagged ‘Filipino’
Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010
“Oh, it’s Ladies Night and I’m feeling right. It’s Ladies Night and what a night! (ooh, what a night)”
Yes folks. It was “Ladies Night” but this all-girls fun didn’t involve drinks or a bar. Metro Card Club staged an all-female poker tournament for three Thursdays. I was only able to join last Thursday and I learned same night that it was its last run.
It was difficult to make creative plays early on because:
- Good or mediocre hands were hard to come by (esp. on a later position).
- The more seasoned players were just grinding it.
- First-timers were calling any bet on the flop even if they only hit bottom pair.
I reached the final table as the second chip lead. Chip lead was Ms. Tournament-Virgin who eventually lost her stack to Jen. Jen became the chip lead. I capitalized on heads-up plays against the short stacks.

Image Source: Metro Card Club website
Four players left. A good poker friend Trish, Jen and one other. Two players folded and it’s down to the battle of the blinds between my small blind and Trish’. I had to raise with my Jack-8 because either it’s a mediocre or good hand that she can push all-in too (which is good for her) or throw her hand away. I didn’t want to do it against her but I also needed a heads up play and gain some chips because the other two have built their stack.
Trish: J? 9c
Jane: Jh 8s
She was even ahead pre-flop.
Flop: 10s 6d 7c
She was ahead on the flop.
Turn: 9?
It was a lucky turn as I hit my straight. The River didn’t make any difference.
It was down to three players and I changed gears. Aggressive play all throughout.
When somebody raises all-in on my big blind or small blind, I let go of my blind and fold my trash hands.
On the button, I had Q-10 suited and raised all-in. Small blind called immediately. Big blind Jen folded.
I showed my hand. She slammed her Pocket Jacks on the table with another J –joy.
Flop: Qc 6d 9d
I flopped my queen. Turn and River didn’t help. It was down to two players.
First hand I had Jacks and went all-in. After a long night, Jen called with a shrug.

Image Source: Metro Card Club website
Well, the cards fell my way. A stroke of good luck.
I was really ecstatic about winning a tournament. The last time I won a tournament was back in 2005? It was more of the game than the cash prize really, but the additional ka-ching doesn’t hurt. And yes, I secured myself a seat for the 3-Million Poker Tournament this month. YEA BABY! \m/
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Tags: ABS CBN, Aces, address, Allan Escano, ante, bacolod, Bar, best, best of the best, big blind, blind, blinds, BMW tournament, buy in, camera, cameras, card, card room, card sport, cards, CCPMG, Cebu, celebrities, champion, Channel, commercial, competition, cost, CPI, Creative Programs Inc., date, davao, Day, dealer, dealers, event, exclusive, extra, Filipino, Filipino blogs on poker, filipino poker tour, fpt, fpt.com, fpt.com.ph, free roll, free to air, gambling, groups, guideline, Hi-5, Hi-5 Million, house player, house players, house rules, how much, how to locate, Iloilo, image, John Estrada, landmark, limited, list of schedule, Local, location, Maike Evers, Malate, Manila, Manila best, Manila Poker, Maxxx channel, Maxxx channel SKY Cable channel 51, metro, metro card club, Metro Manila, metrowalk, Neil Arce, on air, organizer, organizers, owner, owners, Philippines, Photo, pinoy, player, plug, plugs, pocket, Pockets, poker, poker blog, poker group, poker night, Poker Room, poker tour, popular, Priscilla, Promo, reception, restaurant, Restaurants, rival, rooms, rule, rules, safety, schedule, seats, security, service, Sky Cable, small blind, sponsor, sponsored, sport, stage, story, strategies, strategy, studio 23, tale, tales, Television, texas hold 'em, tight, Tips, top 5, Tour, tournament, tournament guideline, tourney, tutorial, TV, Venue, what channel, where to go, win a free seat, www.fpt.com
Posted in Manila Poker Tales | 5 Bites »
Monday, March 1st, 2010
And the winner for Week 1 is…
Francisco Sumio:
“On my recent visit to Bohol this month, I discOVIr an interesting sea creature, I’ve come to encounter “swaki”, I’m not sure of the correct spelling, if swake, suake, or suaki, but this sea urchin of the soft type are eaten by the locals. In Virgin Islands, in Panglao Bohol a vendor came to us offering this swaki, you cut it into half and get the meat inside. You can dip it in vinegar but is eaten straight from the sea.

It’s unusual type of seafood for me who grew up in Manila… It has salty flavor but it tastes good.
It’s quite an experience and a must try food.”
*Weekly winners can claim their prizes by visiting the Nuffnang office at Bonifacio High Street. Kindly look for Judd Sta. Maria.
Please expect an acknowledgment email/SMS from Judd notifying you as the winner.
Congratulations!
Join this week’s contest: Week 2: Must-Visit Travel Destinations
and win a PHP 1,000 Ayala eGC!
http://www.janedchua.com/2010/02/17/contest-alert-get-some-ovi-love/
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Tags: 000, 1, account, ayala egc, best contest, Between Bites, Blog, blogs, Bohol, cash, chance, Contest, delicacy, easy, electronic Ayala gift card, electronic gift certificate, Filipino, free Ovi account, janedchua@ovi.com, Manila, march 2010, media, Must Try, Must Try DiscOviry, Nokia Ovi, Nuffnang, OAP, online contest, ovi accounts, Ovi Love, Photo, photos, pinoy, prizes, promotion, register, Restaurants, share, sharing, shopping, Swake, User, users, weekly, what to eat, win, win prizes
Posted in Contest | 4 Bites »
Friday, February 19th, 2010
Rumor has it that Timbaland will have a concert in Manila and his special guest is supposedly Justin Timberlake!!! I love Timbaland but shouldn’t it be the other way around –a JT concert in Manila featuring Timbaland? At any rate, I don’t mind who’s on the spotlight but I would love to see both Justin Timberlake and Timbaland in one show -it would be one sizzling performance!!!

U92 is launching, which is the push behind the concert of Timbaland who is supposedly coming to Manila together with Jojo and JT. I’m so excited to get confirmation on this soon. My only gripe is, I wish it was going to be held in Araneta Coliseum.

Changing Lives: Timbaland and Jojo Live in Manila
(And a surprise special guest… JT, is that you?)
March 27,2010
SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds
Ticket prices:
PHP 4651.20
PHP 3100.80
PHP 1550.40
PHP 310.08
Tickets will be available in all Ticketworld outlets. Call 891-9999 for more details about this show
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Tags: 2010, 891-9999, Album, album launch, Araneta Coliseum, Back to Back, breaking news, Changing Lives, Channel V, concert scene, concert series, confirmation, confirmed, contact number, dance moves, discount, early bird promo, event, events company, February, Filipino, Fort, front act, Globe, group rates, handler, hip hop, Jojo, JT, Justin Timberlake in Manila, Live in Manila Concert, Makati, Makita, management, Manager, Manila, March 27, media interview, media passes, media sponsor, MOA, movement, MTV, music, music channel, news, one show, open grounds, performance, Philippines, pinoy, Press Conference, press release, presscon, price, prices, Promo, promotion, pushing through, RnB, rumor, SM, SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds, sponsor, surprise special guest, telephone number, ticket prices, ticket reservation, ticketnet, ticketworld, Timbaland and Jojo in Manila, Timbaland and Justin Timberlake Live in Manila, Tour, tour manager, true, U92, update, vj
Posted in Press Play, Taste Manila | 12 Bites »
Friday, February 19th, 2010
I got another email today that really got me floating a few inches off the ground (step back David Blaine). She seriously touched a gratifying part of my heart and I choked back a tear while reading her email.

Not that I’m stroking my ego (but yes, maybe I am, a bit. I’m pretty down this week so I need to feed on the gushing positive vibe from this), but I’m going to share with you folks her email and I surely hope she doesn’t mind.
—————–
Between Bites Email (betweenbites@gmail.com)
February 17, 2010
Hi Jane,
I’ve been an avid follower of your blog ever since I bumped into it when I was researching about Yaw-yan. I was mostly interested in knowing about women who go into kickboxing or mma here in the Philippines. I wanted to encourage women who feel helpless in tough situations especially one that needs self-defense to try out kickboxing. Sadly though I had to stop yaw-yan because of my schedule. I work in a contact center as a trainer and most of the time, my schedule changes. I could be in the morning shift this week and graveyard the next week.
I always enjoy reading your blog and recommend it to people who want to read interesting stuff online. They in turn have become your followers too. What I love most about your blog is that it’s very personal and you allow us to experience what you experience in a whole new level. Before your blog, I always log on to www.clickthecity.com for what’s in and out. The difference is that I feel so detached and I don’t feel the writer’s personality in articles. I still check out their site but I always check your blog first now.
I want to start a blog just like yours but injected with my own personality. I’m currently in Cebu and there are so many places and experiences that I want to try out here and in Bohol that I just want to share them. You are so creative, smart and witty Jane and I don’t think I can be at par. I would like to know how you started, what motivated you and what keeps you doing it. If you were to ask me, I’ve started several blogs but never had the heart to keep doing it cause I felt lost most of the time. Not knowing on what to write and how to write. I needed something to motivate me and your blog has done just that. If you can create and touch lives just by writing in your blog I am definite that I can do the same. You see Jane, when I feel down or I need something to cheer me up, I sometimes go to your blog. Makes me feel that I can still be hopeful and that there are so many things to celebrate in life.
I kinda hesitated to write this email cause you might not have the time to read it but then I read your post on “Dear John” so I am sure that you would take the time to read your readers email. Well, I’m just dropping you a note to say Hi and thanks a lot!
Nadine
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Between Bites’ Response
February 19, 2010
Nadine, it’s the third paragraph that blew me away. Thank you for sharing a part of you particularly the long lost love of writing. It’s not always easy to write and most of the time, I feel that I’m short-changing my readers when I write about some mundane or insignificant stuff that only I can actually relate to or find significance in. I actually think I was a better writer back in high school or college because there were less distractions and for some reason, I had better writing technique. Now, it’s just writing on top of my head or drawing inspiration from elsewhere. Most of the time, a strand of happy vibe can already keep the writing fluid flowing. And yes, YOU can definitely touch lives as well –just put your heart in it.
Most definitely, there are many things to celebrate about Life. One just has to have the appetite to find the good in life.
Thanks for your heartwarming email, Nadine.
—————–
Saying she reads Between Bites before Click the City has got to be the best feedback I’ve ever received (with love to CTC, of course!). *Blush* I also like the fact that she shared a lot about herself to me too. I know it’s not always easy to put yourself out there.
I have the urge to fly to Cebu and give you a TIGHT SQUEEZE!

Your email really brought a ray of sunshine in my week –and emails I receive from readers like YOU inspire me to keep finding a bite of happiness from the food I eat, places I go to, weird scenarios I get into and people I meet.

Big LOVE,
Jane
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Tags: BB before CTC, best food blog, Between Bites, Blog, blogger, call center, Cebu, Click the City, comments, contact center, Dear Jane, Email, feedback, Filipino, fly to Cebu, inspire, Manila, Nadine Fortich, Philippines, pinoy, reader, readers, response, Thank you, trainer, training, trainor, writer, writers
Posted in Dear Jane | No Bites »
Wednesday, February 17th, 2010
Ovi you? Ovi me? Let’s Ovi everybody!
Between Bites is giving away a total of five Ayala electronic gift certificates worth Php 1,000 each from today until March 2010! If you want to win, all you have to do is share your “Must-Try DiscOviries for 2010,” and get the chance to win an eGC. Every week there will be a theme for the entries:
Week 1: Must-try food/dining places.
(February 18-24, 2010, Thursday-Wednesday)
Week 2: Must-visit travel destinations.
(February 25-March 3, 2010, Thursday-Wednesday)
Week 3: Must-have items (clothes, shoes, toys, gadgets).
(March 4-10, 2010, Thursday-Wednesday)
Week 4: Must-watch movies.
(March 11-17, 2010, Thursday-Wednesday)
Week 5: Must-try activities.
(March 18-24, Thursday-Wednesday)
To join, register for a free Ovi account at http://www.ovi.com/ and use your new Ovi email account to send your name, mobile number, and your Must-Try Discoviry to janedchua@ovi.com.
These weekly contests will be from Thursday to Wednesday. Between Bites will be announcing winners Thursdays of every following week. Each weekly winner will receive a Php 1,000 Ayala eGC!
This contest is sponsored by Nokia Ovi.
Share your DiscOviry!
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Tags: 000, 1, account, ayala egc, best contest, Between Bites, Blog, blogs, chance, Contest, electronic gift certificate, Filipino, free Ovi account, janedchua@ovi.com, Manila, march 2010, media, Must Try, Must Try DiscOviry, Nokia Ovi, Nuffnang, OAP, online contest, ovi accounts, Ovi Love, Photo, photos, pinoy, prizes, promotion, register, Restaurants, share, sharing, User, users, win
Posted in Contest | 27 Bites »
Wednesday, February 17th, 2010
With summer fast approaching, travel plans and summer getaways are coming up. It’s nice to know that when you use your Metrobank Credit Card to book flights or shop for your summer essentials, you’ll also get free treats from Greenwich!

As early as February, you can enjoy a Greenwich Beefy Baked Macaroni for a minimum spend of P2,000 and Greenwich Solo Pizza for a minimum spend of P3,000. Plus, for an accumulated spend of P10,000 get a Greenwich Family Thin Crust Pizza, perfect for takeout on the way to your summer outing!
PROMO MECHANICS
Per DTI-NCR Permit No. ____, Series of 2010.
For the latest promos, visit www.metrobankcard.com
This promotion is open to Metrobank Visa/MasterCard Credit Card, Go! MasterCard, Femme Visa, World MasterCard, and PSBank MasterCard cardholders.
Cardholders must surrender their charge slips to get FREE Greenwich Products.
For a single charge slip with a minimum valid spend of at least P2,000, get ONE of the following:
Free 1 order of Beefy Baked Macaroni
Free 1 order of Meaty Spaghetti
For a single charge slip with a minimum valid spend of at least P3,000, get ONE of the following:
Free 1 order of Solo Pizza
(Available variants: Greenwich Special, Hawaiian, Ham & Cheese)
Free 1 order of Lasagna Supreme
For accumulated charge slips worth a total valid spend of P10,000 get ONE Family Thin Crust Pizza. Available variants:
Ultimate Hawaiian Overload
Greenwich Special Overload
Triple Ham & Cheese Overload
Philly Cheesesteak Overload
Extreme Cheese & Sausage Overload
Hawaiian Classic
Ham & Cheese Classic
Valid spend includes all retail transactions (examples of retail transactions are purchases at groceries, department stores, gasoline stations, restaurants, etc.), and merchant installment transactions (examples of merchant installment transactions are installment purchase of appliances, jewelry, etc). Online or internet credit card transactions are excluded from this promotion.
To redeem the free Greenwich products, cardholders must surrender their original valid charge slips, and present their Metrobank Visa/MasterCard Credit Card, Go! MasterCard, Femme Visa, World MasterCard or PSBank MasterCard at any of the participating Greenwich branches.
For the charge slips to be valid for redemption:
Name and card number on the charge slip must be the same as the name and card number on the Metrobank Visa/MasterCard Credit Card, Go! MasterCard, Femme Visa, World MasterCard or PSBank MasterCard Credit Card presented.
Transaction date of the surrendered charge slip must be within the promo period.
Unreadable charge slips are not valid for redemption. Cardholders must redeem Greenwich products using their charge slips before they fade.
Promo period is February 1 to April 30, 2010; redemption period is from February 1 to June 30, 2010. Cardholders can avail a maximum of three products per day.
Redemption will not be allowed on the following dates: February 14, April 1, and April 2, 2010.
Should it be proven that a cardholder was able to redeem Greenwich products without adhering to the above mechanics, the cost of the Greenwich products will be charged to the cardholder’s credit card account.
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Tags: account, bank, bank promotions, best blog, cash, contact number, corporate office, credible, credit card, credit limit, Filipino, FREE Red Ribbon pastries, gift giving, Greenwich, Greenwich treats, how, how much, Jollibee Corp, lifestyle, Makati, malls, Manager, Manila, Marketing, Metrobank branches, Metrobank Card, minimum, online banking, online transaction, Pasta, Philippines, pizza, price, procedure, shopping, spending, telephone number, the best credit card, tie up, trust, where
Posted in Taste Manila | No Bites »
Tuesday, February 16th, 2010
Ever since I read about Arpee’s post on Ya Kun Kaya, it’s been a breakfast I’ve long coveted. That’s the reason I was really bent on trying Ya Kun Kaya in Singapore last October 2009 when I went there for the Nuffnang Blog Awards. Our schedule was too tight that I only had the travel back from IKEA to Link hotel in Tiong Bahru (30 minutes before our private bus supposedly leaves for the airport) to find the most popular all day breakfast place. Jen and Kate were with me during my quest. Unfortunately, we didn’t have enough time to cut it so we just settled for another Kaya place in SG.


Fret no more because Singapore’s Favorite Coffee Chain is now in Manila! Taste the very best of coffee and Kaya breakfast in the heart of Ortigas Center. Lucky me, this is only a stone-throw away from my office.
On the Table
Kaya Toast (Half PHP 115, Set Menu PHP 140)
2 slices of delicious Kaya toast with butter –has the right lightly toasted crunch of the bread, slathered with butter and just enough green sweet coconut spread. Satisfies when washed down with Ya Kun’s famous coffee tarik or the traditionally pulled coffee.

There are different hot drinks available. Get conventional with the Coffee “O” or Tea “O,” which is black (as pronunciation of O in Chinese means black) or try it with a bit of milk and order Coffee “C” or Tea “C.” Other drinks in the menu include Hot Milo, Hot Mocha, Hot Chocolate, Ginger Tea, and Japanese Green Tea.
Yummy soft-boiled eggs –I got the set meal so I got two eggs. I seasoned with a bit of special Japanese soy sauce and pepper. Richard did notice that I love pepper.

Noticeably, the Ya Kun eggs were cooked perfectly, which other Kaya stores can’t quite get, where the eggs usually come out with still some raw uncooked parts. My little spoon broke into that fountain of yolk and I was soaked in sunshine delight. There’s no brighter day than eating wet and perfectly prepared eggs with the crunch of your toast.

Hankering to slurp more yellow-k goodness, Bubba stopped me from ordering another set because eating 4 eggs (I already had two) will ruin my diet for the Bali trip.

Cheezy French Toast Kaya Set Menu PHP 150
1 slice of cheesy French toast with Kaya –for people like Bubba a.k.a the Cheeseman who likes their toast with cheese, this is the must-order. They also have cheese toast with kaya (PHP 140) if you’re craving for grilled cheese sandwich.



Yin Yang –fragrant coffee and tea drink
Richard let us try the Yin Yang, which is not part of the menu (but feel free to order this during your Ya Kun Visit). Yin Yang is part coffee and half tea –get that stimulating coffee flavor and the calming effect of tea.


Start your day right with the breakfast of champs at Ya Kun Kaya Toast. You missed to start the day with that delicious breakfast? Ya Kun Kaya Toast is open from 7AM to 11PM so get your breakfast fix even way after breakfast time –all day everyday!
Ya Kun Kaya Toast
G/F AYK Bldg., Escriva Drive (Right beside Astoria Plaza)
San Antonio Village, Ortigas, Pasig City
(632) 470 4285
7AM-11PM
Ya Kun Kaya Toast Album
Related Post
Singapore Day 3: IKEA
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Tags: address, best food blog, branch, branches, Breakfast, breakfast fix, champions, champs, cheese, cheesy, cheezy toast, coconut ham, Filipino, food blogger, franchise, grilled cheese sandwiches, Kaya, location, Manila, menu, Metro Manila, Online, operation hours, ortigas, owner, Pasig City, peanut butter, perfectly cooked egg, Philippines, pinoy, price, pulled coffee, Richard Co, SG, Singapore, soft boiled eggs, sunny side up, toast, wet and runny, where, Ya Kun Kaya in Singapore, Ya Kun Kaya Toast
Posted in Inside Dish | 3 Bites »
Wednesday, February 10th, 2010
Roses are red. Violets are blue. But they’re deeply unoriginal, and costly, too.
So instead, why not spread the sweetness of the season by indulging in a love triangle—all you have to do is log on to www.toblerone.com.ph for great ideas on how to celebrate Valentines Day in sweeter and more original ways.
Digital Love
Log on to www.toblerone.com.ph and check out the Toblerone Fanpage where a community of like-minded, chocolate lovers await. This interactive site invites users to share their thoughts on different V-day traditions and gift ideas making it easier for singles and couples to share the sweetness of February.
Ask and You Shall Receive
Nix the roses and go for the tried and tested: chocolates. Online, you can check out Toblerone’s gift giving application, which allows you to send virtual sweet treats to friends and loved ones this Valentine’s Day.
Mix and Match
Play a little game of Cupid this season by trying out Toblerone’s matchmaking application. This fun, online application lets you mix and match buddies online to check their compatibility and romantic potential.
Be Mine
There’s no denying that love is in the air—and clearly it’s on store shelves too. Spread the sweetness literally and figuratively and grab a limited edition Valentine’s Day Toblerone.
Speed Dating
For the single and ready to mingle, be sure to head on to UNO Pizzeria Restaurant and Bar at San Miguel By the Bay on February 11 at 7pm as Toblerone, in partnership with Thinkpadd and UNO Pizzeria, hosts a Valentine’s Day speed dating exclusive.
Whether you’re basking in unbridled romance or unbridled panic—Toblerone has got you covered. Be sure to log on to www.toblerone.com.ph and discover new ways to spread the sweetness on Valentine’s Day.
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Tags: charm, charmer, Chocolates, community, Dates, February, Filipino, ideas, Makati, Metro Manila, Pinoy Valentines, Promo, romance, romantic, sweet, sweetness, Taste Manila, toblerone, Valentines 2010, Valentines Day, Whats Not to Love with Toblerone
Posted in Inside Dish | 1 Bite »
Tuesday, January 19th, 2010
Bubba first found out about this secret place in a magazine. Bubba called the number trying to place a reservation but it was a packed night –as the usual in most days. Bubba tried calling again right after mass last Sunday around 830pm and fortunately as fate would have it, we were advised that we can be accommodated that evening.

After hearing mass at Sanctuario de San Jose and running quick errands at Shangri-la, Bubba and I headed out to Maginhawa St –the famed street laced with interesting foodie discoveries. It wasn’t very difficult to locate VGIB (Van Gogh is Bipolar), just tread along Maginhawa St. in Sikatuna Village and look for the landmark, Redbuck’s. That pathway going to the inner duplex will lead you to an evening you would definitely remember.

There is a sign on the door that says, “Welcome! Please remove your shoes. Thank you,” which reminded me of my own “Shoe Stop” sign (thanks to my good friend Mon for the artwork!) I placed by the door of my condo several years ago. I held intimate dinners with groups of friends frequently in my small rental condo unit and was really anal-retentive obsessive-compulsive about the grime that “shoes” bring in. That’s why I’ve asked guests to remove their shoes and if possible, disinfect their feet with the wipes/alcohol before coming in. All my friends can attest to how squeaky-clean my condo was and how spotless the floor was. It wasn’t only my neat freak attitude kicking in, but also, engaging with a clean “base” (feet) makes for a fresh and raw/natural ambience –open and free.

Van Gogh’s Front Door

Replica of the “Shoe Stop” sign I had at the condo

Back to Van Gogh, my jaw dropped at the sight of the living art space –make that art and food space. The span of art in every corner and inch of the room emits so much energy that one can’t help but be stirred.





I seriously love this old-fashioned cabinet (reminds me of my Grandma’s cabinet)

The bell clonked and our attention immediately shifted to the face behind the little kitchen window placing newly cooked dishes on the counter. We meet Jetro, a travel photographer and the creative director behind the art and food of Van Gogh is Bipolar. He good-naturedly welcomed us to his rousing abode.

Upon my probing, Jetro shares the story behind VGIB and alludes that people misconstrued this sanctuary of his as a mere “restaurant.” It is not. This is, first and foremost, Jetro’s private refuge, where his most intimate of thoughts and talents weave into a creative spin.

Before anything else, read the House Rules. Key word: Self-service. No one waits after you. After perusing the nonconforming menu that informs one about ingredients that release happy enzymes, Bubba wrote our orders on a sheet of paper and gave it to the kitchen.


As we patiently wait for what the kitchen offers, we stuffed ourselves visually with the artistic splendor of his apartment. Unique is probably the word that guests usually mouth off stepping into VGIB. Other than being distinctive, I would say that the place is quite engaging. The naked eye sees the red graffiti wall at one end of the room, 2 regular coffee tables with seats, 2 low coffee tables with rugs/pillows for sitting/lounging, and a main dining table for groups of 5 or more. But other than the obvious, there is so much stimulating vibe in the whole room radiating from the different quirky art pieces hanging, etched, written, deconstructed, and basically pieced together.

I wish I had my own boudoir that channels my very own energy and thoughts in the spaces between.
On the Table
Spanish Plum Mint Tea PHP 55
The engagement doesn’t stop with the furnishings and art fixtures –it stems to the food as well. When you order tea, you choose your own pot from the table decked with teapots, shot glasses and tea/coffee jars. Tagged on the menu as an “Extra Upper,” it is mint tea with blend of premium quality organic Spanish plum tealeaves. The teacup is decorated with a lone fresh mint leaf. Pour yourself a warm start to an elevated food experience.



Axl Rose’s Egg Shot PHP 25
Organic egg submerged in hot water for 5 minutes served in its eggshell and with honey mustard or Jetro’s special black sauce. The shot glass is already filled with the wild honey and special black sauce. The food in itself is again very interactive. You crack your own egg, carefully pour the yolk and whites inside, stir the mixture and do the shot. Bubba valiantly tried the shot and said that it can perk you up immediately. Texture wasn’t slimy and was more of a soup shooter full of protein with a hint of balsamic sweetness that perks the mood.
Egg is an excellent source of protein that gives that “extra kick” you need especially when soft-boiled.


Pres Clinton’s Meal – Van Gogh Rice PHP 275
Grilled Aussie Lambchops with organic black mountain rice with olive oil/bagoong sauce and olive oil/soy sauce base.

Despite having read (in another blog) a not-so-good feedback on the lamb chops, I boldly ordered it, knowing that one man’s claim might be another woman’s tasty treasure. Boy, am I so glad that I didn’t let that stray me away. The lamb chops were brimming with flavor, balanced out well by the organic black mountain rice that’s full of texture. Add a distinct layer of flavor by dabbing a bit of the black mint/rosemary semi-sweet sauce. Try a shade of saltiness by dabbing it in the bagoong with sprit of calamansi sauce.

There’s a slice of orange as garnish. Take a citrus route and get the pulps on your rice. I also loved the fresh herbs such as the stalk of marigold and basil in the dish –giving a fresh minty note that pulls the dish together.
Emperor’s Fish PHP 255
Bubba was supposed to order Roosevelt –a salmon dish that’s a house specialty but they ran out. Bubba opted to get the Emperor’s Fish. It was a special of the day. I wasn’t able to note what kind of fish was served but it tasted clean and light like sole. The fish was moist and cooked perfectly. The Emperor’s Fish was also accompanied by organic mountain rice.



Jim Carrey’s Sardines PHP 99
This is usually accompanied by mountain rice but since they ran out, we were asked if we wanted it served with pasta instead –of course! Variety is always welcomed. Bubba and I both liked the sardines that had a tinge of spiciness that wakes up the senses.

Mel Gibson’s Darkest Sins (2) PHP 125 each
It’s a vodka shot deep in dark chocolate with walnut and almond. When you take the shot, get wonderfully overwhelmed with the dark chocolate… slowly and smoothly, a shadow of bitter liquorish flavor travels in your buds… and steadily, you feel warmth in your mouth, then feel the heat or intensity crawling up to your throat and nose, surrendering a fervor inside. An hour later on your way home, the impression it left you is still vivid.

Thanks Jetro for welcoming us in your “world”.


In the coming weeks, Jetro will no longer accept walk-ins and will fully focus on by-reservation format only. Cooking is a fondness of his and he wants to be able to share this in a happy busy kitchen but not a frenzied one.
Van Gogh is Bipolar is an almost full encounter of Jetro’s senses –from visual art to textural and taste experience of his food concoctions. The dishes are bright and delightful. Place is charming, the food are innovative and on the whole, experience is utterly memorable. It is already a treat in itself to meet someone as passionate as Jetro.
Leave with an inspiration.
Van Gogh is Bipolar
154 Maginhawa St.
Sikatuna Village, Quezon City
(632) 394 0188
0929 163 8592
Van Gogh is Bipolar Album
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Thursday, January 14th, 2010
There’s going to be a fight on March 14, 2010 (Manila Time). Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao will stand at one corner. The question is, who will stand at the other corner? Will it be Ghanaian Joshua Clottey or Floyd Mayweather Jr.? After weeks of negotiation circus, Top Rank’s Bob Arum finally decided to set the WBO welterweight title fight against Clottey. The negotiation fizzled out between the two dominant American boxing promotional companies when Mayweather Jr’s camp demanded for a rigorous drug testing procedure –random examination like the Olympics that can be really close to the fight night.

The boxing commission only requires urine testing but the stringent drug testing will call for random blood and urine sampling prior to and after the proposed fight. Team Pacquiao couldn’t agree to the blood testing 30 days before the match concerned that this might affect Pacman’s performance. Pacquiao filed a lawsuit against Mayweather’s camp last month, claiming several members had defamed him by intimating he uses performance-enhancing drugs.

The Pacquiao-Mayweather fight was supposed to be one of boxing’s biggest revenue-generating fights. There’s still time before March to reopen talks but Arum has closed his doors to Mayweather for March, more especially that he feels Mayweather will start the nonsense media talk again about the testing and regulations.


Pacquiao’s new opponent in Clottey is a strong, aggressive African that beat Zab Judah of the United States for the IBF Welterweight title in August 2008 and lost a split decision to Puerto Rico’s Miguel Cotto last June.
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