It was a hot, hot Saturday afternoon.  Bubba picked me up from the spanking new office of Geiser Maclang after lunch.  Since we were already in Makati, Bubba thought of picking up the ice cream Bev texted him about.

 

This wasn’t the first time Bubba tasted Bev’s homemade ice cream.  The first time he tasted it, he kept yapping how he liked it.  I couldn’t relate that time.

 

 

I tried the ube version when there was “Burger Wars” at Bev’s place early this year –where she and Gretchen did a burger cook-off.  Delicious grilled burgers… it was a tough call to choose the better one.  I’d save that for another post.

 

Black Sesame Ice Cream

 

Since we didn’t bring a cooler like Bev instructed, we had to eat the ice cream ASAP.  No complaints here.

 

Bubba’s car was our sole witness as we scoop one ice cream bite after the other like we were in a tight race.  I don’t know if I can get ice cream with black sesame flavor that’s as good anywhere else but I simply love Bev’s Black Sesame Ice Cream.  The flavor wasn’t too overpowering but you get that right hint of black sesame amidst the dense texture of creaminess. 

 

The heat was extreme outside but the ice cream was as intense.  Bev, I’d be first at the door when you open an Ice Cream parlor.

 

 

Bubba told me that Bev invested on a good (read: expensive) ice cream maker at home and the quality of her ingredients is top-notch.  I wish I know how to do this at home.  I can’t wait to try her other flavors.  She came up with Earl Grey Tea Ice Cream last week and we are dying to find out how that tastes like.

 

For small orders, contact Bev Tiu at emailforicecream@gmail.com.

 

Thanks Bev!

 

 

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Right after a fresh and hearty dinner at Tsumura, Bubba drove me to Jupiter Street in Makati, where he claims to have found the “chocolate martini” I’ve been looking for.

 

From the same Philippine distributors of the famous chocolate brands, Maitre Chocolatier provides another venue for chocolate lovers to get their hands on a great selection of chocolate bars, candies, and other assortments. 

 

 

The chocolate brands they exclusively distribute include Ferrero, Toblerone, Lindt, Stork, Rittersport and Frey.

 

On the Table

 

Bailey’s Chocolate Vodka Martini PHP 130

I wasn’t really too thrilled with the Bailey’s Chocolate Vodka Martini.  I wasn’t even served a dessert spoon to help me scoop the chocolate mush at the bottom, unless it comes with a stick of chocolate I can comfortably stir it with.

 

 

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Ice Cream Corner

 

Ferrero Hazelnut Gelato PHP 30

 

 

 

Chocolate Pistachio Gelato with Lindt Pistatchio PHP 30

 

 

Cappuccino Gelato with Ritter Sport Cappuccino PHP 30

 

 

The ice cream scoops were creamy and delish, makes me think that this is a perfect ice cream dessert place after a wonderful dinner some place else.  The different scoops brought out the distinct chocolate flavors of each brand.

 

He’s the ”sweetness” in My Deep Dark Chocolate heart :D

 

Service was so-so and without much enthusiasm.  The interiors with plush furniture are foxy, modern and posh –and all the sweets around create a romantic vibe perfect mood setting for a date.  I only wish that service could be more inclined.  I will probably go back with Bubba to try the other chocolate concoctions.  Eye-loving the chocolate sampler with churros and will try it the next time.

 

There are so many other desserts to try: White Chocolate Strawberry Mousse, Toblerone Marbled Crepe, Ferrero Hazelnut Crunch, Chocolate Fondue… I want the classic hot chocolate paired with the chocolate sampler! Mm-mm!  I got my name written all over it!  

 

 

 

Maitre Chocolatier Boutique Café

2A, No. 28 Jupiter corner Astra Streets,

Bel Air, Makati

(632) 897 8559/(632) 896 2529

 

 

Maitre Choclatier Boutique Café Album

 

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“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:

 

1. Good or mediocre hands were hard to come by (esp. on a later position).
2. The more seasoned players were just grinding it.
3. 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.

 

 

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.

 

 

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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Rotating power outages is scheduled again in Luzon that may last from four to five days.  National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) said that two electricity plants in Luzon are currently down due to a boiler leak.  Hence, Metro Manila will have to deal with another series of blackouts this week until the two plants are restored to normal operation.

 

Schedule: http://www.meralco.com.ph/Consumer/news/pdf/6PM-8PM_(Part1).pdf

 

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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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Bubba and I celebrated our 3^rd year anniversary Wednesday night, (02-10-2010).  I volunteered to think of our dinner destination but it was a stressful week at work this week so I just passed on the task to Bubba.  He was trying to keep it a mystery but when the car hit Zamora St. somewhere in Manila, he looked at me and knew that I knew where we were headed (his forever complaint is, it’s really hard to surprise me).  With a heavy sigh and a shaking head, he said, “I should write a book entitled, How to Date a Date Expert.”  I just laughed.

 

 

The 2650 gate opened to a discreet residence with a beautiful patch of garden.  There are some tables outside where one can enjoy summer dining.  We parked conveniently inside and walked towards the house.

 

 

A classic garden-type of setting across a serene Koi pond surrounded by lush greenery sets the stage for the dining ambience in My Mother’s Garden.  The vibe of the residence of National Artist for Architecture Pablo S. Antonio follows the same warm rustic charm as the outside.

 

 

 

The architectural buildings that Pablo S. Antonio created are displayed in framed photographs hanging on the wall.  Bubba pre-ordered so while waiting for them to serve the dishes, I gave Bubba my gift –the music video of his surprise party.  We played it on his laptop creating a bit of a noise (alternative song by Daughtry) in the otherwise tranquil place.

 

 

The place for me is reminiscent of the relaxed feeling of dining at Casa San Pablo in Laguna. 

 

How sweet huh, we can fit 3 more people between us ;) 

 

(Oh, he brought me flowers)

 (Uhm… uhm… uhm… *vocalizing*)

 

On the Table

 

Salad with Homemade Dressing

Fresh greens with two choices of dressing

 

 

Grilled Shrimps

 

 

Clams

 

 

 

Mustard Chicken

 

 

Tenderloin Steak

4 pieces of tender and juicy steak –cooked medium with au jus sauce

Highlight of our entire meal are the steak and the refreshing drink (assorted fruits concoction).  We really enjoyed the succulent steak.

 

 

Pasta (choice of fettucini or angel hair)

*with black olives

*with fresh tomatoes -pomodoro style

 

 

White Rice and Brown Rice

 

 

Assorted Desserts

 

 

 

We were adequately served -although it could be better.  We were almost done with desserts when the beautiful Malu Veloso arrived.  According to Bubba, she was so easy to talk to and was very accommodating.  Malu Veloso also designs bridal gowns -check out her bridal shop at the lower ground level of Podium. 

 

(That’s our PEACE sign)

 

My Mother’s Garden accepts private bookings so be sure to reserve ahead of time especially this coming Valentine weekend.

 

 

My Mother’s Garden

2650 Zamora St.

Pasay City

(632) 831 8407

Malu Antonio Veloso (+63917) 600 8886

 

My Mother’s Garden Album

 

 

Driving Directions:

Drive through Edsa, turn right to the street before you reach Taft Avenue.  Landmark for the street is Kabayan Hotel –that’s Zamora St (near Taft  MRT Station).

 

 

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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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More Photos from the Virlanie Foundation Christmas Outreach:

 

Photographer: Madz Alsola

Date: December 20, 2009

Venue: Virlanie Foundation House in Makati

Time: 2PM – 7PM

 

Games…

Stop Dance

Who’s moving?

Peace bro!

Genuine Smile

Candid

Cutesy

Kweng and Issang

Smart MJ

Goody Treats

Briefing without a brief? LOL

Candid

Session

Grouping

With Kweng from Cali

Group with Maddie

Berks + Madz and Friends + Me + Bubba = Christmas is in the Hearts

 

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The Venetian Macao Resort Hotel is looking for Gondoliers and Streetmophere Artists positions for February 2010.

 

GONDOLIERS

 

On its 4 Venice styled waterways, Gondoliers will be required to steer gondolas while serenading guests with Italian operatic selections.

 

Job Requirements:

 

Vocal skills will be fundamental to the position.

Conversational English is a necessity

Have a well groomed, professional appearance.

 

Please prepare:

One Italian song, a capella

One other piece of your choice- pop, jazz, Broadway, etc.

 

Also, be prepared to improvise dialogue in an Italian accent, and to recite a short monologue in an Italian accent.

A pianist will be provided- please bring sheet music if necessary.

 

                                                                 STREETMOSPHERE ARTISTS

 

Vocalists

Please prepare:

 One Italian aria from the Classical or Romantic period (i.e. Mozart, Verdi, Puccini)

 One other piece of your choice- pop, jazz, Broadway, etc.

 

Vocalists must also be able to execute and perform choreography/movement while singing, and have the ability to sing as soloist in addition to an ensemble setting.

Sight reading ability is a plus.

 

Basic Requirements:

 

* Classical training and Stage performance experience is a plus 

* Good customer service skills

* Enjoy interacting with the guests and taking photos.

* Be able to follow direction and be flexible to changes

 

MUSICIANS

* Ability to perform as a soloist and as part of an ensemble

* Ability to learn music quickly and accurately

* Be able to follow direction, work well with others, be flexible and maintain a professional attitude and image at all times

* Should possess strong improvisational skills

 

Pianists

Please prepare:

* one solo piano piece from the classical repertoire

* one aria accompaniment from the Classical/ Romantic repertoire (Vedrai carino, O mio babbino caro, Quando m’en vo)

 

There will be sight reading from a piano score as well as from a lead sheet, as these skills are fundamental to the position.

 

String Musicians (violin,guitar,viola,cello)

 

Please prepare:

* One solo piece from the classical repertoire

There will sight reading from a piano/ vocal score, as well as from a lead sheet. These skills are fundamental to the position.

 

Please bring resume and head shot.

 

Audition Details:

Date: January 15 and 16,2010

Time: 9:00am to 6:00pm

Location: Philippine Opera Company

15 Garcia Villa Street, San Lorenzo Village, Makati City

Telephone number: 892-8786 or email: zarah.aguila@venetian.com.mo

 

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Did anyone catch the last UFC pay-per-view?  Frank Mir won against Cheick Kongo while BJ Penn badly cut his opponent’s forehead. 

 

 

Check out the new Ecko Unltd’s Limited Edition Frank Mir shirt- fresh from his latest victory against Cheick Kongo SRP PHP 1,750 and are available in the following Ecko stores:

 

Trinoma 2nd Level

Eastwood Mall, 2nd Level

Festival Mall, 2nd Level

Marquee Mall, 2nd Level

 

Frank Mir Walk Out shirt

 

“Uncrushable.”  Wear Frank Mir’s UFC 100 and 107 Walk Out tee.  This Ecko tee is screen printed with a skeleton knight riding the infamous rhino with gold foil logo in front and “Uncrushable” in back. 100% cotton.  Machine wash.  Imported.

 

 

Get this limited edition shirt before they ran out of stock!

 

 

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