If you haven't seen it yet, the newest phone from realme Philippines is now available in the market. It's called the "NO WORRY PHONE" because of its ability to be underwater and in heat, but still works afterwards according to recent tests (oh yes we'll also come out with a video soon!). We have been able to unbox this specific unit a few weeks ago, and I've been using this to cover a few events, and by standards, it's performed quite well under circumstances.
For starters, having an IP69, IP68 and IP66 rating would probably give you a clue on how this works. IP69 means it is dust tight and can hold its own in high pressure and temperatures. IP68 means it can be immersed at a certain depth, while IP66 means it is dust tight and won't be damaged on water jets. I took mine to the shower and it didn't even blink. This also means that when you drop your phone into a pool or tub (1.5m) then nothing is going to happen to it.
This phone is available in Lightning Gold, but I've got the Storm Black variety because I love anything monochrome. This is priced at Php 8,999 for the 8GB 128GB unit, but the other one sells at Php 10,999 for the 8GB and 256GB storage phone.
If you get this at realme stores and authorized sellers, you can get FREE Techlife Wireless Earbuds Neo. This is only until February 2. You can also get it from HOME CREDIT for installment plans, or shopping apps if you want to get them online!
When they say Fire Grilled, they're not LOCO huh? This is El Pollo Loco!
See, I've always been thinking of this whole Fire Grilled Chicken since I last visited El Pollo Loco. For those who don't know, El Pollo Loco all started from a Mexican family recipe that was handed down to generations. Founder Pancho Ochoa sold it on the streets initially, and found himself catering to a line in no time. Then he opened his first shop in Southern California which bared the name El Pollo Loco.
In the Philippines, they are under the good people of The Bistro Group. If there's something good in El Pollo Loco like what I've tried in their Megamall branch for years now, it's the Fire Grilled Chicken. There's something about it that's quite mysterious, because it doesn't taste like the usual roasted chicken we have in the PH. It's got that little flair, something that has deep spice, something fruity, citrusy and a little savory. Plus it's expertly Fire Grilled, leaving a really soft, juicy, smoky chicken that you'll surely appreciate once you get a taste of it. Together with it is a side of salsa, freshly chopped and prepared every day, it was amazing!
It's pretty hard to explain in words, so here's a video of my food adventures that afternoon at their Venice Grand Canal Mall branch in Taguig:
"Endless Spanish Rice"
For Rice lovers, I bare good news about their current offer called "Endless Spanish Rice" which you can avail of when you order 2 piece chicken with salsa meal. That means, you can have as much Spanish Rice as you want when you dine in the restaurant. I had a few cups myself and I bet, you'll love how it would taste like since it's probably got a smoky paprika and annatto seed base, it's hearty and filling. Who knows, you could battle it out with office mates if you get to have meals at El Pollo Loco.
If you prefer other things on the menu, they've got a wide spread of Loco Sets, Sides, Tortilla, Tacos and those custom made for the Filipino palate. Here's a preview!
Barbecued Ribs, I don't have to convince you do I? It's quite tender, just dip it in the barbecue sauce that comes on the side.
If you've got room for dessert, there's this tortilla bread that they toast up with hazelnut spread inside plus honey and walnuts.
I didn't get to have this because I was already full, but friend says it's good! They had a variety, just ask!
To go with the Fire Grilled Chicken, you might want to have Salad first! They do it fresh!
And because the Venice Grand Canal had water, we might as well take photos under the sun! It was sun bathing! LOL!
There's just so many food items to discover with the El Pollo Loco menu. There are also other side dishes available, so I advise you to just go ahead and ask what's available when you get there. Aside form the Megamall and Venice Grand Canal branch of El Pollo Loco, I heard they're about to open new ones in Robinsons Magnolia, Eastwood City and Trinoma Mall in Quezon City. If you're all been asking yourselves where to eat, you might want to give El Pollo Loco a try this week. I like what I saw, I didn't have take out because I finished my plate, plus it's not that expensive. Meals could probably run around 3-500 pesos a head, depending on what you prefer to order. Go get acquainted with it before the new branches open, it's super good especially the Fire Grilled Chicken. I wouldn't recommend take out because you need to eat it while it's hot, fresh off the grill. Then again if you prefer that, I wouldn't stop you!
As they say, it ain't the same without the flame! Go follow their social channels via @ElPolloPH for more information about it!
We were in BGC a few days ago to attend popular Japanese restaurant chain TokyoTokyo's Fire and Ice event. We were kind of kept in the dark of what it was all about but I had a pretty good hunch it was about new products in their store. I got my answer right after a few rounds of my favorite TokyoTokyo Red Iced Tea. Mmmm...
FIRE - an element that pronounces a man's courage and fervor. It's the perfect element to also signify hot melted cheese, oozing out on layers of soft meat covered in crispy bread crumbs and fried to perfection. This is their new CHEESE TONKATSU BENTO.
Imagine your teeth sinking into finely shredded cabbage with roasted sesame dressing, tons of melted cheese with pork cutlet covered in crispy bread crumb batter and piping hot rice. Tell me, how can you go wrong with that?!
How cheesy is it?! Let's ask Paul!
You might not be able to hold it up with your chopsticks that long because the melted cheese just drips put of the meat.
Then it was time for desserts!
ICE - made from the element of life, water. It signifies all things living and celebrates the sweetness of it. shows better in the new TokyoTokyo dessert offerings!
This is their new SNOW ICE. It's roots come from the mother of all Asian desserts called Kakigori in Japan. It is said to be the forefather of the Philippines own HALO HALO or the Ice Kacang of Malaysia. They usually serve this at festivals to celebrate and induce luck and fortune. It's also available un three variants namely HaloHalo, Choco Sensation and the Mango Peach Medley. The halohalo is a modern take on the local dessert complete with ube, leche flan, nata de coco and crunchy corn flakes. Choco Sensation felt more of like brownie ala mode as it is composed of brownie chuncks, marshmallows, chocolate sauce and a cherry on top. My personal favorite the Mango Peach Medley resonates that fruity tropical flavors you'll love on a hot Sunday afternoon. All of these desserts lie on a bed of super finely shaved Vanilla ice that gives it just the right amount of sweetness. It's also perfect for sharing!
Tokyo Tokyo also had Kaya F.C. and Daniel Matsunaga there that afternoon. Even the Japanese guys in the team were overjoyed that they tasted a lot of what they had back at home. If they approve it, Pinoys should definitely rush over to TokyoTokyo branches nationwide and get the same Fire and Ice love we had that afternoon.
I'll definitely go back for the Cheese Tonkatsu Bento and the Snow Ice desserts soon!
