Author: Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco

  • Review of B & P (Cyberscape Alpha, Ortigas, Pasig City)

    Review of B & P (Cyberscape Alpha, Ortigas, Pasig City)

    In today’s fast-paced world, a break is always welcome and needed. For those who find rejuvenation in hearty all-day breakfasts, comfort food and great coffee, the B&P Restaurant in Cyberscape Alpha in Ortigas (under The Cravings Group) grants them that delicious respite. Bright and cozy, this friendly restaurant brings a breath of fresh air in the metro neighborhood. It is a new spot that offers guests both indulgent choices and a stylish atmosphere where one can instantly feel at home.

    Review of B & P (Cyberscape Alpha, Ortigas, Pasig City)

    Ambiance: ★★★★☆

    What does B&P stand for? It’s Bea and Pia, the founders of the restaurant. Sometimes, it stands for Breakfast & Pancakes or Bonding & Pastimes, but the new B&P can also mean: Bright & Pretty.

    B&P was designed by Francis “Nix” Alañon, interior stylist of FTA Design and currently editor-in-chief of My Home magazine. His design looked both quirky, eye-popping and fun. If you go through the entire space, you will also notice the different interesting patterns, colors, and textural elements which give the entire place its playful, cheerful, and welcoming appeal.

    We walked around a bit and we have realized that the dining sets resemble a bed with the headboard as seat backdrops. B&P embraces the breakfast-in-bed idea. The walls are covered with tiled egg prints that look really cute. 🙂 Overall, ambiance here is laid-back, casual yet classy, remarkably designed for its market.

    I also loved the charming rustic side of the restaurant. Wall sconces were used for moody lighting, floral design accents were added on the dining table for a touch of femininity, and geometric-patterned wood flooring looked quite eccentric. The only thing I found not likable was the low ceiling on the second floor with exposed “tube paneling.” I thought it should have been camouflaged with wood for a more consistent feel.

    Service: ★★★★★

    Service was exceptional. Everything was well taken care of. Orders arrived fast and waiters were always ready to answer requests. With that kind of treatment, dining at B&P was like visiting a friend’s home.

    Food: ★★★★☆

    B&P Cyberscape Alpha in Ortigas has a steady menu line-up that encompasses breakfast classics, snacks, and lunch-style dishes that are healthy and sinful. We started our heavy lunch with Asian Caesar Salad (PhP 195), which I thought should be aptly renamed to Pinoy Caesar Salad. 😛 The point is: it was tossed in tinapa dressing and topped with salted egg. It’s salty and refreshing with the crispy wanton and organic Romaine lettuce. This is one of those salads that somehow manages to roll lightness and unfettered indulgence into one.

    One of the signature dishes of B&P is their Mang Benedict’s (PhP 285), the unrivaled King of brunch dishes with a Filipino twist. Unlike the usual Eggs Benedict that comes with toasted, buttered English muffin and ham crisped in butter, Mang Benedict’s is the local version of an Eggs’ benedict that came with pillowy soft poached egg and Hollandaise sauce topped with malunggay pan de sal and stuffed also with chicken longganisa.

    In the event, we were served with Mang Benedict’s, Oyster Mushroom Burger (PhP 250), and Pork BBQ Cheese Sandwich (P250) that were all compressed into a bite-sized hors d’oeuvre. Trust me, these comforting and hearty treats are ideal for anytime eating. 🙂

    Served with French toast and homemade gravy, the Beer-battered Buttermilk Chicken (PhP 450) was deep fried to perfection. I appreciated the tenderness and moisture retention in the chicken. Taste of buttermilk was evident and it was divine. The Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top of the breading added a more inviting flavor. Love it!

    The Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Sandwich (PhP 225) was hot and creamy, served with perfectly grilled cheese sandwich on the side. The tomato soup had a creamy, thick, and a mouth-coating texture. I wondered if it’s a dairy-free version though (for vegetarians).

    Carbonara (PhP 265), tossed in bacon and topped with egg yolk, had a silky texture that gently blanketed the bacon flavor without making the pasta taste excessively salty or sharp.

    Burrito Omelette (PhP 230) offered a pure taste nostalgia. Bacon and eggs are old pals. 🙂 Served with tomato salsa, the richly studded fried rice with crispy bacon was wrapped in scrambled eggs. Eat it without drama. It’s nothing complicated.

    An adaptation of wonton soup, the Red Molo Soup (PhP 175) turned out to be another classic hearty Filipino favorite. This is soup that’s best taken during the rainy season. Pork dumplings in tasty chicken and achuete broth tasted great.

    Don Malutong (PhP 285) at one glance looked like Korean bibimbap. Look closer and you’ll see a good mix of familiar Filipino bites: crispy pork belly, adobo rice, eggs and pickled relish. In particular, the crispy pork belly was like the strata of some rock—you get a layer of fat, a layer of meat, and then the skin on top. The crispiness and delicious of the pork will stay in your mouth, mind, and soul for the next five minutes.

    Saving the best for last, we enjoyed the Baby Back Ribs (PhP 475) a lot. Smoky, sweet, spicy, and tangy at the same time, these pork tender pork ribs with barbecue sauce were the bomb. This dish is a great option at B&P, especially for barbecue freaks.

    B&P Cyberscape Alpha Ortigas not only gives rise to healthy choices and comfort food indulgences. It is also set to become the coffee hangout of choice among those who know their coffee and those looking for their perfect coffee mate. Besides being a great location to meet and chat, B&P offers guests a unique coffee drinking experience courtesy of its Di Bella premium specialty coffee line.

    George Daag, Guest Barista from Di Bella Coffee Australia, showed us two methods of making coffee.

    We also tried the Lime Lemon Mango Cooler (PhP 125) and Strawberry Lemon Quench (PhP 140) for our drinks. These juices had a well-rounded sweet taste that’s wonderfully bright and refreshing.

    Price for Value: ★★★★☆

    Giving a good all-day breakfast indulgence, B&P (Just Like Home) has done a tremendous job in rolling out constant streams of dishes, raising the bar on what comfort food seekers expect from light and luscious treats. In the months to follow, more palate-pleasing items will be added to the menu, courtesy of B&P’s Junior Corporate Chef Angela Villaroman, a young and very promising graduate of CCA, Manila. Prices are okay considering food portions are for sharing.

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/BNPhome/” name=”B & P” description=”Cyberscape Alpha, Garnet Road, Ortigas Center, Ortigas, Pasig City” rev_name=”For inquiries, call (02) 9973218″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2016-03-13″ user_review=”17″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]

  • Top 22 Largest Wedding Reception Venues in Metro Manila

    Top 22 Largest Wedding Reception Venues in Metro Manila

    In the past two weeks, I have been searching for large wedding reception venues in Metro Manila that can accommodate our guests and provide the best possible experience for us on our big day. Those who know me as a PM will surely get how I’m strict about time, budget, scope, and quality. A wedding is another event that takes a lot of organization and planning to complete. In this regard, like projects I handle, there are also resources to control and deliverables to fulfill at certain time points before the wedding.

    Deciding on the wedding reception venue takes utmost importance, as this should really be an ideal place for the celebration. Advanced booking is a must. By “advanced,” I mean one or over one year ahead. Otherwise, there’s a huge chance that your dream spot is already taken. Trust me, I learned it from experience!

    There are so many factors to consider when choosing the finest wedding reception venue. For us, the size of the guest list and the kind of food offered by the place are the two biggest determinants.

    After days and days of searching, we have finally chosen and booked both the church and reception area. 🙂 Since it took me some time and effort to research and review decent locations (hotel grand ballrooms and restaurants in banquet setup), I thought it will be pleasant to share the result of my research already consolidated in one page.

    I hope that this will make it easier for engaged couples, especially those who have over 400 guests, to contact the establishments and shortlist options as well. 🙂

    Top 22 Largest Wedding Reception Venues in Metro Manila

    1. Hotel Jen Manila
    Contact Number: (02) 795 8888
    Location Address: 3001 Roxas Boulevard, Pasay, Metro Manila
    Capacity: 420
    Facebook Page, Website

    2. Gloria Maris
    Contact Number: (02) 570 0921
    Location Address: Missouri St, San Juan, Metro Manila
    Capacity: 420
    Facebook Page, Website

    3. The Peninsula Manila
    Contact Number: (02) 887 2888
    Location Address: Corner of Ayala and Makati Avenues, Makati City, Metro Manila, 1226
    Capacity: 450
    Facebook Page, Website

    4. Raffles Makati
    Contact Number: (02) 555 9744
    Location Address: 1 Raffles Drive, Makati Avenue, Makati, 1224
    Capacity: 500
    Facebook Page, Website

    5. Pan Pacific Hotel
    Contact Number: (02) 318 0788
    Location Address: Malvar St, Malate, Manila, Metro Manila
    Capacity: 500
    Facebook Page, Website

    6. Midas Hotel and Casino
    Contact Number: (02) 902 0100
    Location Address: 1501 Roxas Boulevard, 2702 Roxas Boulevard, Pasay, Metro Manila, 1300
    Capacity: 500
    Facebook Page, Website

    7. Nobu Hotel City of Dreams Manila
    Contact Number: (02) 800 8080
    Location Address: Asean Avenue corner Roxas Boulevard, Entertainment City, Parañaque 1701, Manila, Philippines
    Capacity: 500
    Facebook Page, Website

    8. The Heritage Hotel Manila
    Contact Number: (02) 854 8888
    Location Address: Epifanio de los Santos Ave, Pasay, Metro Manila
    Capacity: 500
    Facebook Page, Website

    9. Hyatt City of Dreams Manila
    Contact Number: (02) 691 1234
    Location Address: Asean Avenue corner Roxas Boulevard, Entertainment City, Parañaque 1701, Manila, Philippines
    Capacity: 500
    Facebook Page, Website

    10. Fairmont Makati
    Contact Number: (02) 555 9888
    Location Address: 1 Raffles Drive Manila, Makati, Metro Manila, 1224
    Capacity: 550
    Facebook Page, Website

    11. Dusit Thani
    Contact Number: (02) 238 8888
    Location Address: Epifanio de los Santos Ave, Makati, Metro Manila, 1223
    Capacity: 600
    Facebook Page, Website

    12. EDSA Shangri-La Hotel (Isla Ballroom)
    Contact Number: (02) 633 8888
    Location Address: 1 Garden Way, Ortigas Centre, Mandaluyong City, 1650
    Capacity: 800
    Facebook Page, Website

    13. Novotel Manila Araneta Center
    Contact Number: (02) 990 7888
    Location Address: Gen Aguinaldo Avenue, Araneta Center, Quezon City, 810
    Capacity: 800
    Facebook Page, Website

    14. The Century
    Contact Number: (02) 524 1821 / (02) 528 8888
    Location Address: GF, Century Park Hotel, 599 Pablo Ocampo St, Malate, Manila, Metro Manila, 1004
    Capacity: 840
    Facebook Page, Website

    15. New World Makati Hotel
    Contact Number: (02) 811 6888
    Location Address: Esperanza St, Makati, Metro Manila
    Capacity: 840
    Facebook Page, Website

    16. Manila Marriott Hotel
    Contact Number: (02) 988 9999
    Location Address: No 10 Newport Boulevard, Newport City Complex, Pasay City, Manila, 1309
    Capacity: 900
    Facebook Page, Website

    17. Makati Shangri-La Hotel (Rizal Ballroom)
    Contact Number: (02) 814 2580
    Location Address: Ayala Avenue corner Makati Avenue, Makati City, 1200
    Capacity: 960
    Facebook Page, Website

    18. Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria
    Contact Number: (02) 633 7222
    Location Address: Ortigas Ave Corner Asian Development Bank Ave Ortigas Center, Quezon City
    Capacity: 1000
    Facebook Page, Website

    19. Holiday Inn Galeria Manila
    Contact Number: (02) 633 7111
    Location Address: One Asian Development Bank Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig, 1655
    Capacity: 1000
    Facebook Page, Website

    20. Manila Hotel
    Contact Number: (02) 527 0011 local 1274
    Location Address: One Rizal Park, Bonifacio Dr, Ermita, Manila, Metro Manila, 0913
    Capacity: 1000
    Facebook Page, Website

    21. Solaire
    Contact Number: (02) 888 8888
    Location Address: Aseana Ave, Parañaque, Metro Manila
    Capacity: 1300
    Facebook Page, Website

    22. Sofitel
    Contact Number: (02) 551 5555 loc 6999/7018
    Location Address: CCP Complex Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City, Manila
    Capacity: 1500
    Facebook Page, Website

  • Book Review: Don’t Speak Good. Speak Well! (The “Nosebleed” Edition)

    Book Review: Don’t Speak Good. Speak Well! (The “Nosebleed” Edition)

    English is our second speaking language in the Philippines. Speaking and writing well in English indeed help in a lot of everyday situations. This applies not only at work when we need to present to clients, vendors, and internal teams, but also when we have to communicate with family and friends effectively. If you want to understand the rules of English grammar, pronunciation, and punctuation without thinking of it as “rocket science,” Don’t Speak Good. Speak Well! (The “Nosebleed” Edition) must be a healthy and smart read.

    Book Review: 3 Reasons I Recommend Don’t Speak Good. Speak Well! (The “Nosebleed” Edition) to All Filipinos

    1. Small and easily portable

    Don’t Speak Good. Speak Well! gives the basics of using the right English words, expressions, and conversation strategies for practice and learning. It provides easy-to-follow, practical information for improving your command of English grammar. Reading this book will remind you to brush up on your proofreading abilities. I like that it’s small and portable. You can take it as a good book to read during travels or carry it in the office for reference and professional needs.

    2. Especially relevant for Filipinos

    Don’t Speak Good. Speak Well! has less than 120 pages and it has broken down the major topics to short chapters. It offers quick and clear explanations that I’m sure many Filipinos can relate with. Its first section opens up to Filpinism, pointing out inaccurate and awkward expressions Filipinos are used to use. The examples in each of the chapters are down-to-earth and they drive each point home.

    3. Clear and simple

    Don’t Speak Good. Speak Well!‘s directives do not go around in circles. This book is well structured, strict to the point, and meticulous. I appreciate that it sheds lights on the most common pitfalls and errors in grammar usage. People who experience difficulties with English grammar should find this book extremely useful. This is a must for those whose goal is to become more effective and proficient communicators and writers.

    Wrap Up

    The fact is that multilingualism is highly valued these days. In the Philippines, people who are good in English are presented mostly with more job opportunities than those who are stuck in “carabao English.” Don’t Speak Good. Speak Well! is a great contribution to Filipinos who want to get better at English…nosebleeds and all. For more information about this book, please visit this Facebook page.

  • Healthy Options: Chinese New Year Celebration (KidZania Manila, Bonifacio Global City)

    Healthy Options: Chinese New Year Celebration (KidZania Manila, Bonifacio Global City)

    One of the best things about Healthy Options is that the management hosts a carousel of events throughout the year where employees and their family can have their share of fun. For Chinese New Year 2016, we were all invited to the “Children’s Party” at KidZania in Bonifacio Global City. We were allowed to play together with kids at the Activity Center since it was a private event for our company. 🙂

    What is KidZania?

    KidZania is like a giant playground of real life. It offers several ways for children to grow and develop their skills including their social, emotional, and physical abilities. It also encourages children to use their imagination and work with the end goal of earning KidZos, the official currency being used in KidZania, with every job they perform. Through role-playing, they get to understand the world of grown-ups better, as they pretend to be grown-ups themselves.

    Our “KidZania Manila” Experience

    We checked in at the KidZania International Airport counter where we were issued our boarding passes, the KidZania City map, and a check that’s worth 50 Kidzos. The KidZania “Cebu Pacific” staff also made us wear security bracelets which I guess are used to track the places where we would work. In normal occasions, the adult’s bracelet is linked up to the kid’s bracelet.

    After signing up on the registration sheet as required by the “Events team” in our company, we were good to go. I felt like a kid once again upon entering the KidZania City proper. Everything looked beautiful, close to real, and almost magical. 🙂

    We met with our colleagues shortly and had delicious snacks prepared by Cafe Via Mare in a buffet setting.

    Our first stop was the bank. We visited BPI KidZania to have our checks be encashed to KidZos, so we could have some money to start with.

    At KidZania Manila, every center has an activity guide posted outside with the following information:

    • description of the activity or job to fulfill
    • amount of KidZos that can be earned from accomplishing the job
    • amount of KidZos to be paid in exchange of goods or experiences
    • estimate duration of the job
    • capacity or number of people that can enter/work at the same time
    • ages that are allowed to participate in the activity

    To have an overall appreciation of the careers and trainings available, we walked through the entire place and explored all centers in KidZania. We observed that kids were having fun doing the mundane and boring things adults do in their daily work routine to contribute to the society. It was funny and cool that the act of fire-fighting, working in a supermarket, tax collecting, cleaning, etc. all seemed fun for the little ones! 🙂

    At KidZania, people say “kai” to mean “hello” and “zank you” to mean “thank you.” We greeted all establishments where we worked and thanked everyone cheerfully for the lessons and experiences.

    The tasks required were pretty simple and straightforward but innovative. Most of those we experienced lasted from 15 to 25 minutes. In each center, the staff held a briefing and told us what to do in a friendly manner. I liked that they used words couched in terms that are easy for kids to understand. Some even asked if we preferred English or Filipino as the medium of instruction and communication.

    I thought three to four hours of stay in KidZania may be just right to supplement a child’s education. We ended up earning over 120 KidZos after working in about six centers.

    Pharmacist at Mercury DrugFood Assembly Crew at McDonald's  Tax Collectors at KidZania Tax Office 
    Firefighters at the Fire Department 
     
    
    Radio DJ Host at ABS-CBN DZMM Radyo Patrol 630Gasoline Station Attendant at ShellNursing Newborns at St. Luke's Medical Center
    
    
    

    We felt proud and happy to find two centers of Healthy Options in KidZania Manila. One is where kids can become the ultimate green grocer or the cashier who mans the cash register and checks out items at Healthy Options Supermarket. Here, they will be trained on how to use the payment terminal with a kid-friendly interface. 🙂 Other activities include scanning items, bagging items, and printing receipts of buyers. The other Healthy Options joint is where KidZania guests can purchase products from the store. Yes, it’s a real store inside KidZania!

    Healthy Options Supermarket (for role-playing)Healthy Options (actual store)
    

    Right before we left, we went to KidZania Department Store to purchase girly hair clips in exchange of our hard-earned KidZos. 😛 By the way, guests may save their KidZos and spend the money on their next visit at KidZania.

    I’m only at my fifth month now with Healthy Options, and I can clearly see how this company values every member instead of treating each one like “just another worker.” The management takes good care of the employees, and employees feel important and well appreciated by leaders.

    Everyone went home with a smile stretching from ear to ear on their face that night, and some even with prizes from the “Star Wars” costume contest. Thanks, RSS, for this wonderful opportunity! 🙂 It’s been a fun and meaningful celebration indeed! Every angel will cherish this memory for a long time.

    with Romy S. Sia, Healthy Options MD, and Angel

    KidZania Manila Ticket Prices

    Visitor Type Ticket Description Mondays-Thursdays Fridays – Sundays and National Holidays
    Children (4-14 years old) Full price Php 900.00 Php 1,100.00
    Toddlers (1-3 years old) 45% off from full price Php 500.00 Php 600.00
    Babies below 1 year old FREE FREE FREE
    Guardians (15 years old and above) 30% off from full price Php 630.00 Php 770.00

    For more information about KidZania Manila, visit www.manila.kidzania.com, “Like” KidZania Manila on Facebook, or follow KidZania Manila on Twitter @KidZaniaManila and Instagram (KIDZANIAMANILA).

    Operating Hours:

    • Mondays to Thursdays: 9AM – 4PM
    • Fridays to Sundays and National Holidays: 9AM – 2PM, 3PM – 8PM

    Admission and Role-play Guidelines:

    • Kids below 8 years old must be accompanied by a guardian at all times.
    • Guardians may only enter the play city when they accompany a child or children.
    • Role-play activities are for kids from 4 to 14 years old.
    • Some role-play activities such as Climbing Building, Fitness Lab, and Stadium require athletic shoes and specific attire.
    • Kids below 4 are considered toddlers and may only play in toddler designated areas.
    • KidZania Manila may require from its Visitors proof of age before they are allowed entry. This includes any valid ID, including a government-issued ID, school ID and NSO-certified birth certificate.
    • KidZania Manila may refuse entry of visitors who misrepresent their age.
    • KidZania Manila disclaims any liability from any injury to Visitors who have misrepresented their age in connection with a particular activity.
  • Review of Big Jap (24H Apartment Hotel, La Paz, Makati)

    Review of Big Jap (24H Apartment Hotel, La Paz, Makati)

    At Big Jap in Makati, budget-friendly tabs and good service embellish the subdued ambiance. Big Jap is the only restaurant housed in 24H Apartment Hotel. It serves Continental breakfast from 7:00AM mostly for hotel guests and offers à la carte Japanese food from day to night. While this restaurant looks unassuming from the outside, inside this cozy venue, an experienced chef who has worked in Japan produces fabulous Japanese dishes of good quality. Awesome set meals earn plaudits of “wow.” More on these below.

    with owners Raymond and Maritess

    Review of Big Jap (24H Apartment Hotel, La Paz, Makati)

    Ambiance: ★★★★☆

    Big Jap is a relaxed, comfortable contemporary Japanese restaurant featuring sumo as its overall theme. There’s no wresting going on, but I guess part of that concept is that it serves big plates of reasonably priced food made with top quality ingredients.

    Dining area is wide and spacious, so this restaurant can accommodate small to large groups. There’s also a small function room at the back for more intimate dining with friends. This place does not mimic a full-on authentic and traditional Japanese design, but you can still fall in love with its very simple aesthetic that is clean and modest.

    Service: ★★★★★

    Service was kind, helpful, and accommodating. Staff handed me out the menu and gave me the Wi-Fi Internet password upon request as soon as I walked into the restaurant. Orders came out fast and served with a smile.

    Food: ★★★★☆

    Rice Toppings (Donburimono)

    Oyakodon (PhP 175) is a classic form of Japanese rice bowl dish. Oyako means “parent and child” and this makes oyakodon represent “the chicken and the egg.” Big Jap’s version was both delicate and comforting. It’s not too salty and soy sauce was not too strong either. The slightly caramelized onions gave it light sweetness. Putting a thin layer of sesame seeds on the rice prior to laying down the main dish would add a nice flavor and a bit of texture.

    Gyudon (PhP 190) is another popular Japanese dish consisting of sliced beef and egg. Simmered in a sweet soy sauce-based sauce and served over a bowl of steamed white rice, the beef was tasty. I just hoped that there could be an option to add more raw eggs to give out a richer flavor and creamy consistency on the meat. Gyudon, after all, won’t taste as good without a crown—or crowns—of golden yolk.

    With mildly sweet sauce, Butanikudon (PhP 165) was a bit of a letdown for me and it wasn’t very memorably. The pork slices with onion combo was a bit too plain and dry to my liking.

    Big Jap’s Shoyu Ramen (PhP 220) had a very light, clear and thin broth that was mediocre. I thought there are better versions. The noodles were excellent though. They were not starchy and the texture was just slightly springy giving a good bite.

    Eat All You Can Set

    Nope, it’s not a seasonal deal. You can get unlimited Shrimp Tempura (PhP 250 individually), Deep-fried  Tonkatsu (pork chops) (PhP 145 individually), Scallion Rice, and the Iced Tea Special (PhP 55 individually) at only PhP 448. Exemplary! All in this set tasted supremely good. The tempura and tonkatsu were fried nicely and not too greasy. The complimentary sauces (wasabi mayo, tempura sauce, and teriyaki sauce) on the side were well-balanced and palate-pleasing.

    Set Meal

    Big Jap’s Team Sumo (PhP 758) is another great steal. If you find it hard to choose which to order, getting this sumo platter (for four people) will make your day. You can choose among “tonkatsu, teriyaki, or teppanyaki” for Pork, “katsu, teriyaki, or teppanyaki” for Chicken, and “kani tempura, katsu sakana furai, or tempura squid teppanyaki” for Seafood to make up your own set meal. This also comes with yakisoba, nikuyasai itame, gohan and red iced tea. Home run.

    Desserts at Big Jap get an A+ in my book.

    The Buco Supreme (PhP 65) was delicious and dreamy. I’m not sure why and how it’s added to a Japanese restaurant’s menu since it’s not too “Japanese.” Regardless, this is an absolute must-order! 🙂 I enjoyed the light sweetness and perfect creaminess punctuated with shredded young coconut.

    The Coffee Jelly with Ice Cream (PhP 65) tasted like holiday cheer. It’s like a soft flan with vanilla ice cream mixed with coffee explosions in your mouth. Yum!

    The Banana Surprise (PhP 125, big; PhP 85, small) easily became one of our favorites. Topped with cream, the banana fritter in cake form was made with light batter. It was thick, moist, and fluffy! This sweet treat may have cost me a few calories, but it was so worth it. 🙂

    Price for Value: ★★★★☆

    Big Jap is a brisk ten-minute walk from Ayala. If you’re working in Makati area, this can serve as one of your go-to business lunch spots. Best of all, you can walk right in without a reservation—even if you’re not wearing black designer duds or in a formal attire. 😉 Prices have good value, considering the portion, presentation and the tastes of food. Each dish was substantial in its own way, and for that, we will definitely pay Big Jap a return visit. Thanks to Aldous for the invite!

    [schema type=”review” name=”Big Jap” description=”24 H Apartment Hotel, P. Ocampo Street, La Paz, Makati City” rev_name=”For inquiries, call (02) 2469069 ext:556″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2016-03-02″ user_review=”17″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]

  • Review of Misto at Seda Hotel (Bonifacio Global City, Taguig)

    Review of Misto at Seda Hotel (Bonifacio Global City, Taguig)

    Misto at Seda Hotel in BGC is where you can consider having a low-key celebration or a milestone, a special event, or just talking casually with family and friends over a decent meal. With quiet and classy ambiance, this restaurant is projected as an oasis of excellence bespeaking indulgence without a trace of pretension. We came here for lunch last Sunday to celebrate my parents’ 28th wedding anniversary. Food tastes were on point, and the servers made us feel great.

    Misto is an Italian word which translates to “mixed” in English. The reason why the restaurant was named such is that the cuisine it serves mixes both Italian and Filipino food together. While it caters breakfast buffet in the morning (mostly complimentary for hotel guests), Misto provides a varied à la carte menu during lunch and dinner with mouth-watering dishes that can tempt everyone.

    Review of Misto at Seda Hotel (Bonifacio Global City, Taguig)

    Ambiance: ★★★★★

    Interior design is on fleek. The mix of industrial modern contemporary and the elegance ambiance are irrevocably intertwined. Misto at Seda Hotel seems like an ideal place where you can spend a family-friendly, elegant, business-like dining by day or a romantic date at night. Color theme looks relaxing to the eyes, as it has let go of visually upsetting patterns. Nude tones and light shades create a soothing joyful atmosphere to the dining room. Tables are well-placed and seats are all comfy, too. 🙂

    Service: ★★★★★

    Presentation is everything. From the moment I called for the reservation, the service team behind Misto handled booking of the date professionally. Upon entrance, we were given freedom to choose seats and were handed the menu.

    Waiters checked on us occasionally without being obtrusive. Orders were served quite fast. This restaurant for sure has all the elements of a stellar customer service that translates to a great dining experience.

    Food: ★★★★☆

    One of the reasons why we selected this restaurant is that it offers several vegetarian courses on its menu. Since it’s our parents’ special day, we aimed to impress and delight my dad’s palate with vegetarian dishes which are more creative and a bit different from usual home-cooked ones. For appetizer, we got the Spinach Artichoke Dip (PhP 300). Two kinds of bread were paired with the dip. The spinach artichoke was rich, creamy, and velvety. It was so good that we thought it could possibly lead one down a leafy green-loving path.

    Tired of heavy salads that are overdressed? The Classic Caesar Salad with Smoked Salmon and Crispy Bacon (PhP 380) can totally change that tune. With crispy romaine hearts tossed in light caesar dressing and topped with croutons, Parmesan cheese, the salad came with lovely smoked salmon and tasty bacon bits which clang perfectly to the greens. This entree was hearty as it was flavorful.

    Another vegetarian option we had was the Porcini Mushroom Ravioli (PhP 400). The mushroom flavor came through unadulterated. Stuffed with sauteed porcini mushrooms and covered with onion cream, the ravioli tasted earthy and homey. The finishing touch of tomatoes and chopped mushrooms on top added a layer of flavor that elevated what was otherwise an utterly humble pasta dish.

    Misto’s Vegetarian Lasagna (PhP 350) was also a thing of uncomplicated joy. Baked with layers of zucchini, a pile of eggplant, and roasted tomato, the lasagna was topped with momay sauce and served with pesto toast. This is definitely highly recommended.

    To have a true sense of “Misto” (mixed), we did not pass up the chance to have a good balance of Italian and Filipino food. Our top two local picks for lunch were the Bagnet (PhP 450) and the timeless Kare-kare (PhP 650).

    Bagnet, or deep-fried pork belly, was served with garlic fried rice and pickled vegetables. It was intensely crisp and crunchy on the outside and meltingly tender within. Truly, it’s one of the great pork dishes of the world. Try it and you’ll be smitten! 🙂

    Kare-kare, on the other hand, should be perfect for those who want traditional Filipino comfort food. It’s one among the many Filipino dishes that strongly captures the essence of the Philippines’ most unique, idiosyncratic, and underrated culinary tradition. The stew was cooked with vegetables in thick, savory peanut sauce and served with white rice. It’s even better when eaten with shrimp paste (bagoong).

    For desserts, we sampled the classic Italian dessert: the Tiramisu (PhP 350). The texture turned out to be too runny and too creamy, almost like an ice cream in a shot glass. I didn’t like very much. 🙁 It lacked the furry layer of bitter cocoa powder that I was expecting from a wonderful version of tiramisu. More booze and coffee flavor onto the sponge could have added an extra oomph.

    The Chocolate Praline Mousse with Fresh Raspberry Coulis (PhP 310) looked gorgeous! The chocolate praline mousse was indulgent and velvety. It was formed like a ganache, a buttery smooth creation that literally melts on the tongue. Overall, this sweet treat was okay but not exactly what we can call “a taste of heaven.”

    Price for Value: ★★★★☆

    Misto at the ground floor of Seda brought us satisfying and drool-worthy Filipino and Italian food for lunch. Prices are fair and have great value. We left the restaurant with a full stomach and a happy heart. 🙂

    Seda BGC Hotel is the first wholly-owned and managed brand of Ayala Land Hotels and Resorts Corporation. Seda means “silk” in Filipino and it guarantees a seamless hotel service for guests.

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/sedahotels/” name=”Misto – Seda Hotel” description=”Seda Hotel, 30th Street Corner 11th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City” rev_name=”For inquiries, call (02) 9458888″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2016-02-28″ user_review=”18″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]

  • Our Engagement Story: A Valentine’s Day Proposal

    Our Engagement Story: A Valentine’s Day Proposal

    It’s official, Louie and I are ENGAGED! 🙂 We are extremely joyful and ready for this next adventure in our relationship. We appreciate all the nice greetings, comments and support from our friends and families. Many people have asked me how he proposed. After repeating it about ten times now, I got pretty good at telling it:

    How He Asked

    We usually see each other every Sunday afternoon. Last Sunday was no different, except that it was Valentine’s Day, and so I expected our dinner date to be extra special.

    At 3:00PM, he fetched me from Mandarin Sky in Banawe, where my cousin celebrated his birthday. Then, we drove to his house where he said we would stay while waiting for his reservation at the restaurant at 8:00PM.

    Since I had a bad cough the previous week and preferred to rest at home, topics and stories to share have piled up. We talked for two hours but it felt like 20 minutes.

    Video (Part 1)

    Suddenly, he had me watch a video he made. It was a short video showing a day in his life—what he does from the time he wakes up in the morning, yada yada yada. Before it played, he excused himself out of the room because “he had to get something from their main house.”

    I watched the video alone and thought it clearly showed his personality and his sense of humor. It was enjoyable and worth critiquing. Knowing him, I was positive he would ask me for a technical review since he had been spending some time learning how to create video content that will engage viewers in various subjects. 😛

    The storyline was well established early on. The tone of narration, music and sounds, ambient transition effects, and acting of the characters (Louie as himself and the animated Dodsy, my doll) were great. I was completely unaware that it was a video cuing for something else.

    The video ended with a black screen and “EATING TIME” as the only caption. I guessed it was time for us to head out to the restaurant for dinner. From behind the door, Louie emerged, covered my eyes, and walked me to their living room that was transformed from simple to va-va-voom romantic!

    Dinner Date: Not an Average Valentine’s Day Celebration

    The adornments looked visually impressive. With candle lights and rose petals scattered around, the room conjured a feeling of romance. The table setting and comfortable seating were ideal as well for a quiet tête-à-tête. If I were to rate the ambiance like I normally do for my restaurant reviews, it would be 5/5 stars. 😀

    Louie served us food from Ombu Modern Filipino Restaurant in Tomas Morato. Ombu is a specialist for awesome Filipino food with twist. Tastes were not revolutionary but rich and excellent nonetheless. We had Tinapa Croquettes (creamed smoked fish coated in breadcrumbs), All Meat Pizza (Hungarian sausage, longganisa hamonado, bacon, salted egg whites, mozzarella, kesong puti), and Smoked Bangus Spaghettini (olive oil-based pasta flavored with garlic and smoked milkfish).

    For our drink, Novellino Strawberry Passion was a pleasant surprise. It’s a casual 4.5%-alcohol wine blended with natural strawberry extract that enhances the wine’s fruity character and gives it a refreshing finish. Since the dishes went a little too heavy on the salt for our taste, the sweet wine turned out as a good complement. 😉

    I was delighted to see the effort he exerted for all these, but it was just the icing on the cake…

    Video (Part 2)

    After dinner, I gave him his gift. It was a long sleeve polo and a pack of coffee (he recently discovered his love for coffee). To my surprise, he said he has something for me, too. I thought the whole dinner experience was the gift, but that wasn’t all.

    Another video began to play.

    The Sweetest Marriage Proposal on Valentine’s Day

    The video’s concept followed “Maalaala Mo Kaya” (MMK) with Louie as both the letter-sender and Ms. Charo Santos. 😉 It was an episode centered on his views and feelings towards me, our relationship, and basically all the amazing highlights from the years we spent together. His kind words sounded genuine. I felt in awe of the thoughtfulness he put to making the video so unique and special.

    This time, the video ended with an instruction, and it was for me to go through the door to the kitchen and follow the lead. I got lost at first but found the right way eventually. Apparently, the rose petals sprinkled on the floor were the lead to the room on the upper floor.

    And there he was—in the middle of the room, with one hand holding a bouquet of roses and another, in his pocket. I thanked him for the flowers and told him how I tried to open so many doors to find him. For a moment, it was quite comical—until with a smile, he pulled out the ring, got down on one knee, and asked me to marry him! (Christina Perri’s A Thousand Years was playing as background music.)

    My heart dropped and my face lit up with pure happiness. I did not even look at the beautiful diamond ring. I immediately said yes, certain as the sun rising in the east. ♫ Oh yes. I jumped into his arms and hugged him tightly. He hugged me back. 🙂

    Louie is extremely romantic, and our engagement story shows that perfectly. It was one of the most precious nights of my life. 🙂 For starters, I had absolutely NO IDEA that engagement was anywhere close to happening for us that night.

    Thanks to his brothers for helping with the setup and taking our pictures. 🙂

    How We Met

    Louie and I met in 2007 in our first year, third term in DLSU. We were taking up BS-ICTM (Information and Communication Technology Management) and were classmates in some of our classes. I thought he was cute but that’s all it ever was, nothing I imagined the man I would fall in love would be like. It wasn’t a year later when we started to talk.

    Mostly we discussed about academics, homework, and only a little about personal life through online chat. In person, we exchanged two-second glances and quick hello’s.

    Fate gave us a little push. Sparks flew when we realized how much our lives aligned. We knew it was something we could not ignore and so we explored further. We were friends for two years before we became a couple.

    We’re now at our seventh year, and I feel so grateful to have him. He’s just the kindest and most loving person. He inspires me to take chances and be adventurous. He’s always right there and does everything he can to make sure I feel safe. With him, I feel right at home. ♥

    Now I have a wonderful fiancé and one big wedding to plan! I can’t wait to marry the man of my dreams and create more meaningful scenes in our “MMK episode” to share with you guys. 😛 So exciting!

  • Review of Commune PH (Poblacion, Makati)

    Review of Commune PH (Poblacion, Makati)

    After having lunch at Corner Tree Cafe in Bel-Air, we drove up to Poblacion to try Commune’s fluffy animal 3D coffee art which has been trending on Instagram lately. The designs look unbearably artistic and inspiring! If you’re like us who are into ridiculously cute-looking stuff like this, it’s a no-brainer to visit Commune PH in Makati. 🙂 Otherwise, I think you’ll be fine at the confines of this chic cafe while taking a step back and simultaneously admiring the tremendous level of skill involved in making coffee.

    Review of Commune PH (Poblacion, Makati)

    Ambiance: ★★★☆☆

    The aesthetics of Commune looked clean and almost monochromatic, as is the architecture of the space itself. Each of the sections was arranged in a way that encourages social behavior but that also respects privacy. The one at the left of the serving counter featured a tall, high-top, bar-height set of table and stools, offering a comfortable setting for solo eaters.

    Running down the central portion was the long communal table, which is most ideal for those who have a sense of kinship and are fine to overhear their neighbor’s conversation. The one at the right side had regular dining tables, perfect for people who do not like rubbing elbows together with seatmates. When you’re seated here though, you get less opportunity to meet a new friend or a cute stranger. 😛

    Overall ambiance was bright but not too cozy and inviting as more cafes in the city. Adding perspective and working as an accent, the chalkboard wall with writings and scribbles makes up for a more fun and playful environment. The only thing I didn’t like and almost could not stand was the heat. Perhaps this was because we were so near the windows.


    Service: ★★★★★

    Service was kind and accommodating. Seeing the process of how the staff made our coffee was a good experience. It could be tricky to get a grasp on the dynamics. Truly, the execution of the art of the cappuccino we ordered requires some skill that elevates an ordinary cup to something special. There’s a theatrical aspect to it and it’s so satisfying when the outcome looks right.

    Food: ★★★★☆

    We had a quick scan on the menu and did not hesitate to ask the staff which item has the 3D art on it. It’s the Cappuccino (PhP 120), he replied. We had the bear, cat, and dog designs. 🙂 These coffee were blended to perfection and they felt like liquid silk on the tongue. The milk was a little too foamy and frothy but nothing disastrous. We took some minutes taking photos of the “character coffee” before finally taking our first sip.

    Price for Value: ★★★★☆

    High expectations were met at this cafe with its irresistible coffee designs. Commune must be a new local favorite. It certainly attracts a casual crowd that relishes a “quiet enough to talk” setting. Reasonable prices matched with fair value seal the deal for a great moment to share with friends. Food entrees, and not only coffee, are also available. We have to be back next time to try! 🙂

    Because of my Gourmet Society card, I scored 20% discount off the bill! I won this card from Sam Oh’s Instagram contest a few months ago. Gourmet Society Philippines is a dining privilege card that provides its members 20% off their restaurant bill. With more than a hundred restaurants, they are rolling out more exciting offerings that will change the way dining is done here in Manila. Check out their FAQs page to learn more. 🙂

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/CommunePH/” name=”Commune PH” description=”36 Polaris Street, Poblacion, Makati City” rev_name=”For inquiries, call (02) 2756324″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2016-02-13″ user_review=”16″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”20″ ]