CABRINI Hits Philippine Cinemas Today June 19th

If you are religious, faithful, care about other people, or know an OFW, you definitely should watch this movie called CABRINI. This stars Cristiana Dell'Anna, John Lithgow, David Morse and an ensemble cast of Italian-Americans, because this is mainly, a story about them.

Cristiana plays the role of Francesca Cabrini, a woman who after landing in New York's shores, saw the shocking plight of immigrants, their children, and the condition they live in. The story is TRAGIC right from the moment she stepped foot in Five Points, a place where she saw the orphaned children, the abused women, the people who live through unbelievable means. She was frantic, and wanted to do something about it. 

Cabrini was also with other nuns, whom all worked from sun up to sun down preparing what's supposed to be an orphanage so they could house the kids, take them away from the streets and burrows, the sewers of the same city. They began feeding them, cleaning them up. They did sew a lot of clothes, they looked quite nice in dresses and suits which the nuns personally had woven, and sewn together. Though this was the time they began noticing, they needed funds in order to serve a lot of children (bambinis).

But just like the Philippines, the politicians had a different view. They felt there should be no funds, and they should never be seen as part of the city. It was disheartening to see how when Chrisitana was making headway together with the nuns and community, they began sabotaging, do unnecessary things to stop them from flourishing on American soil. It felt like when they already had a roof on their head, they begin throwing a ton of bricks on top, or burn them to the ground because they didn't like what they were seeing.

She started to device a way to put the spotlight on those who need help specifically the immigrants, Italians, and children. After getting displaced, lack of funds, she began believing she could do more for the voiceless, those who are quarantined and in the slums, the ones with dignity and still have the chance to live. She does ALL these while suffering from an incurable disease (back then). A woman who in spite of adversities, used art, a second language, her faith and love in order to make sure the women, children and people she serve gets adequate medical care, nourishment, and dignity they deserve.

Watch this trailer to get a grasp of the story

Her story based on real events is so inspiring. The dark treatment/color grading for this masterpiece by Director Alejandro Monteverde was apt for the mood they wanted to exude. Its excellent, and warrants you to definitely see and hear her story, on how this once sickly but feisty lady from Italy became the first American saint, and patron of immigrants.

It shows in the Philippines starting today, June 19 in theaters nationwide!

The Party Continues at Salvatore Cuomo & Bar Philippines

Joined a few friends in the blogging scape a few days ago at Salvatore Cuomo and Bar in GF Uptown Parade in BGC. It sits at the corner of 9th Avenue and 38th Street and is frequented by party goers this side of town. On Saturdays, DJ David Ardiente takes the lead and plays awesome songs that could be enjoyed by Millennials, Gen XYZ's and just about anyone who just wants to have fun.

Moscow Mule

Sangria

Espresso Martini

Aperol Spritz

Aside from the usual fare (of beer, wine and hard drinks), they've got really mean cocktails like Espresso Martini, Moscow Mule, Sangria, Aperol Spritz which you should definitely try.

I could picture this place as a launch pad for other bars around the area but I'm pretty sure after a few rounds of cocktails in this joint. you'll never want to leave and just enjoy the night with friends and family here.

Brushchetta Porchetta

Carpaccio

Now to make sure you don't drink with an empty stomach, they've got several pizzas and antipasti you can enjoy while you hold your cocktail on your other hand. It's a great conversation starter, there are several single people right across the bar for that. This place gets pretty packed on the weekends so make sure you get here a bit early if you have dining plans. They also have a really mean Truffle Pasta, I didn't get to see it on the table anymore because it was that good.

Don't be sad as it'll all be a blur when you get home (don't drink and drive of course!). This place has good food, good drinks, just bring the companions or see people there. Take the trip to one of the hottest spots in BGC, and make that night an epic one at Salvatore Cuomo and Bar.

Homey Comforting Dishes at Mamma Mia Uptown Mall BGC

Uptown Mall BGC just keeps getting better. At the iconic fountain in front of the mall stands another restaurant that would be able to whisk you off your feet and send you to Italy (as it felt like it). This is Mamma Mia, located at the Upper GF Uptown Mall 36th Street Fort Bonifacio, Taguig. 

It's got modern interiors, wood, brick and metal mostly for the bar. Seating can accommodate about 40-50 people at a time and have bunk chairs and seats for groups 8 or more arranged. 

They have new group meals on promo so if you're with a few of your officemates looking for a cozy and homey meal, this might be a good place to dine. Also, their bar has adequate booze to take early patrons before you need to party elsewhere because most of the big ones are nearby. 

It was early afternoon, so I had two drinks. One is the shake made of red grapes and the other, they concocted a Sangria which they can arrange upon special requests. Ask the friendly bartender/server for it.

The salads are undoubtedly different with the addition of Polpo Con Patate (Grilled Octopus with Potatoes, Arugula, Onions tossed in Pesto Vinaigrette). Slightly chewy and savory grilled octopi mixed in with that peppery arugula, I love it!

Quattro Formaggi Pizza, stretched thinly then thrown into the oven, made it crunchy, salty on sides and so good and cheesy. Love how this was served hot, fresh and fast! Imagine, my boss could finish this in 5 minutes. He would love this I'm sure because like me, he's so fond of cheese.

Their Spaghetti Carbonara ala Mamma Mia is quite creamy, the yolk is just underneath and the pasta is topped with bread crumbs and parmesan cheese so you get more texture than usual.

This is Mamma's Roasted Chicken which you can get in quarters, half or whole. It's a huge one, prolly can feed up to 4 even with huge appetites. Very flavorful, cooked nicely so it's soft and juicy. 

I have dined in the mall several times now but I'm glad there's a homey Italian place that would remind you of Tuscany here in Uptown Mall. I would choose to go here before meeting up with friends and have a bottle or two. They have booze, hard drinks, and pretty affordable considering this is the BGC area. 

Try it out, it's quite good!