A Breath Of Fresh Air: Sabrina in her latest album "I Love Acoustic 4"

Sabrina. She's a breath of fresh air.

I was in a room full of media people when I got to meet her in person. As always I put my personal taste in music aside and had to have my senses open to new ones. I'm so glad I did because I couldn't imagine what would it be like without me knowing her closely like that.

I'm a skeptic to artists who do covers but I have a friend who I frequently go out with; and I saw his CD collection ~ all in his car. There were only a couple of them but three definitely stood out; it was the name Sabrina in all of them; so I immediately asked my friend about her. Laughed about his song choices too. What makes her so special?! Why acoustic?! What does she sound like?!... he immediately grabbed the CD's out of my hand and inserted it in the car's player. That's when that "Oh, so that's why!" moment happened.

Listening to her was one thing; then I actually saw her during the Greyson Chance concert in Eastwood City. If you saw the multitude of people screaming for Greyson I'm sure you'll be nervous, but she went right through her set and opened for the International artist. This is the first official time I listened to her live!

She was well received by the throng of people that were there. Remarkable voice and the song choices was another story. Then I said "She's good!"... it takes a whole lotta time before I do say that. To say the least, I was impressed.

In her first bloggers night, she was just sitting and doing interviews for media. Her presence was really not condescending. She waved and made sure we were a little comfortable above anything else. She made us feel right at home. I adore stars who do that to me, (ie Rocco Nacino, Kris Bernal, Enchong Dee and Erich Gonzales)... she gets me this time too. Now that I like her, she gave us a very nice chat. We felt so nice talking to her that way. It was so comforting that an artist who racked in multiple PLATINUM awards in Indonesia had her feet on the ground. She never alienated anyone while we were there. Plus the fact that she obliged to sing a couple of songs... now that takes a lot and she did it to the delight of online people I was with at that time.


She has got a lot of things planned for this year, now that she's also broken through the South East Asian market it'll be a lot busy this time. She's got a couple of originals also planned. Her versions of new songs in her NEW fourth album is just as impressive. Make sure you get your own copies of "Sabrina: I Love Acoustic 4" nationwide. I adore her "Last Friday Night", "Rolling in the Deep", "That should be me" and "Moves Like Jagger" version and if you get to listen to it, pat yourself in the back because you did a good thing. She's got 17 tracks and a bonus one so if you purchase it from record bars, it's totally worth it! I promise to buy another one for myself since my friend's going to get this one which she happily signed.

Thank you Sabrina! Stay nice and genuine; and you'll go a lot of places! I believe you'll start change the Philippine singing landscape that only knows belting and equate it to the greatness of their music. You totally deserve the title of Asia's Acoustic Princess! You are way better than that! xoxo

Thank you so much to MCA MUSIC INC., PinoyMag and OrangemagazineTV.com for organizing this event. Thank you also to Red Box, we had a grand time in Eastwood!

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KRAVE Restobar: Makati's Best Kept Secret Exposed!

Right at the heart of Makati City lies an undiscovered cozy place where you can dine to your heart's desire, a restaurant promptly called KRAVE. Since this is Chef Vince Rodriguez's love child with hunk actor DingDong Dantes and a few very private partners; they trusted us to test a few of their best sellers since their inception last November 2011. This spot is usually frequented by executives and employees of nearby corporations and if you haven't been there, you're in for a treat!

The Appetizers!

The Rock Shrimp Popcorn

Covered in light batter, these shrimp pieces will surely start a conversation on your parties. I love how they put in the mangoes and chili to complement the seafood component of this appetizer. You can just pop it in your mouth and the dreamy thick mayo like sauce that comes with the shrimp would explode with sweet - tangy undertones immediately. It's a great starter, we were in for more!

Foie Grais Nigiri

I am an avid fan of Japanese cuisine and Nigiris are quite a staple. This however is like an East meets West thing. The Foie Grais definitely is definitely sinful! Treating it like sushi takes more than what it's supposed to do, I love the small tangy flavor the small amount of sauce on the plate gives. It cuts the heart attack waiting to happen on the foie grais. I would have seconds of these! Though for the ones who are dying to have comfort food I suggest you share this with friends or loved ones, it's just too rich! The saltiness from the caviar breaks the oil goodness. It is something to die for!

The Lava Roll

They weren't joking when they said that they'll get this out for CHEESE lovers out there! They gave us a treat and even served this flaming hot literally because there was "fire on it" too. Those small patches are all burnt edges as the fire easily melted everything on the plate. The roll had lots of scallop pieces on it that would act like rocks in normal lava. It was a treat to see and I suggest you get your kids or someone who adores cheese have this instead of the appetizers! This will fill you up in no time!

KRAVE Texas Steak Roll

After going back and forth to East and West cuisine another treat comes in this long plate. Imagine thick slices of meat surrounded by Japanese rice then rolled in wasabe and a light batter. This is lethal as far as spiciness goes because the amount of Wasabe is quite generous in every bite. Boys would love this for sure! I loved it so much because I can pack a lot of heat but for those who want everything else a little less spicy I suggest you get the other ones. This is not for the faint of heart ladies, but if you are upto a challenge then let's get it on!

The Tuna Tower

Designed as a rice salad; this Tuna tower surely has become a crowd favorite. Pleasing to the eyes plus flavor that does not disappoint, how can you go wrong?! All the nicest things you can ever think of in a sushi roll is also here, it's like an open faced version of it. It's designed to be shared and mixed fully. We really didn't touch it quite much because it was too pretty. If there was one thing I'd have for starters, this would surely be it! The tuna albeit is raw so you must have this salad cold than usual.



Pizza

Beef Carpaccio Pizza

I love Italian food and this Beef Carpaccio Pizza just hits the spot! Slivers of raw meat ran over by peppery arugula leaves, salt, pepper and parmesan cheese on a thin crust can I just go on and one with this?! The point is, it's so good that nothing was left of it after a few minutes. This is easily one of the nicest pizza's I've ever had next to the Basilica which also Chef Vince Rodriguez has in his other restaurant. This is really a good buy in my books. I love the balsamic vinegar also which gives it a sweet tangy finish. People will wipe it off their plates so make sure you eat this while it's still hot!

The Main Course

Dinosaur Beef Barbecue Ribs

Yes, I did swear with a couple of times while eating this scrumptious chunk of meat. Sorry I couldn't put the expletives here. You know how it is to eat something so delicious almost pitch black because of the "caramelization" of cranberries it was marinated in. The meat tasted so sweet outside and too soft that it literally falls off the bones. It's not soo spicy but it has hints of thyme if I'm not mistaken. If I had this everyday, I'd be glad to do it. For those who plan to share this with friends, I guess you can but its something you really want to eat on your own because it is SOOOO GOOOOD!

Basted with the marinade and probably light cream to make it more special, this Dinosaur Beef Barbecue Ribs is our choice for those who love meat and for men who like it MEATY.

Pair it up with your favorite Red Portuguese wine and you would never forget this evening when you are out with your friends and family. By the way, KRAVE has one of the greatest wine selections I've ever seen... if you are an avid fan of pairing please do go there.

Angus Pinwheel Steak

The best cut of meat flamed - hanging on a bed of soft creamy mashed potatoes and firm Asparagus spears. End of story. You can't leave KRAVE without getting one of these shows because the food is a spectacle on itself. You'll get the envy of everyone at the restaurant and everyone will watch your table as this lovely, juicy piece de resistance lands your mouth with every scrumptious bite. Please, have your napkins ready because your mouth will water every time you gift yourself with something special like this! I'll let the pictures do the talking.

Steak Oil (front), Red Wine Gravy (left) and Peppermint Sauce (back)

You can put these things on top of your steak for a unique, scrumptious experience. Some mix it up but I prefer a more pure approach which means I'll taste them one by one separately. If you want to taste heaven on earth I suggest you take a bite of this steak!

The Dessert

Caviar and Fresh Fruit Panacotta

For the sweet tooth and not so sweet ones, you can gauge your freedom from standards with this concoction of Caviar, Fruit and Panacotta served in jiggers because you will dig the mid sweet tones it gives out plus the salty taste from the caviar and tanginess from the fruits. It's simply a mixture of sweet, salty and sour so you better make enough room for this otherwise get this other one that's achieved rave reviews from all their restaurants!

Chef Vincent Rodriguez's Signature Bread Pudding

I have tasted this one in Red Garlic when I got the chance to review that successful restaurant and I'm sure people will flock this joint just for the taste of this one. Creamy, much like creme brulee rather than your pinoy stale bread based pudding, you should try this out. You will surely forget yourself. Am I clear?! :)

The Ambiance

The place can probably sit from 30-40 people. They are open from 11AM to 2PM and 6PM to 11PM so make sure you get reservations.

The kitchen is pretty neat. It's open so you get to see where the heat of the action is.

As I've mentioned earlier KRAVE has one of the best wine choices in the metro, so if you are up to celebrate a special occasion, a bottle or two of the best wines in the world would be so great!

Oh and one more thing, I actually have praised and raved about the ambiance. It's perfect for people who want a romantic, cozy ambiance. I love the song choices too. So if you have something to want this valentine's season or that next special occasion, make sure you have Krave Restobar on your list. Yes, I do strongly suggest you try it out first before you get convinced with my article. What are you waiting for?!

Need I say more?! Satisfy your cravings at KRAVE Restobar!

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The Scandalous Sy Family Dinner

It was a grand night meeting bloggers from north to south. Since it was Chinese New Year fever a few weeks ago, a secret invite was sent out to bloggers indicating an event at Mango Tree Bistro. Though the menu was more on the Thai side we were definitely treated to a festive Chinese inspired theme party complete with the drama that goes in with it. Yeap! We were all in for a surprise!

The Dinner was served!

Tom Yum Soup, if it has shrimp I can't eat it... I'm allergic sorry!

Thai Green Curry, this was nice! I love Thai food specially this one if it was extra hot!

Sauteed Squid, this was okay. I took a bite but didn't get too much of it otherwise I'll have allergies :)

This is by far my favorite on their menu, breaded tofu! It was good!

I love Chicken Satays and this one was made more special because of the skewers made with lemon grass. It changes the flavor so much, I love it!

Light and refreshing this concoction of peach, lychee and bits of beets (I guess) was a hit!

After having dinner, the SY FAMILY came out and gave a few words.

They thanked everyone who came to this dinner that they hosted. It was kind of unclear to me why they did this but I went along with the drama. They introduced their sons next.

Da gei/Ge ge or older brother a scholar, an accomplished businessman and the Dad was very proud of him.

Didi or Younger Brother- an athlete that won several gold medals, always on top of class.

Then the youngest one barged in. Later on we found out that she was affected by the ROTA Virus which caused her to have diarrhea and other complications at an early age. This hampered her developmental skills and so she was a little rowdy as you might have guessed. Did you know that thousands of kids actually have this in the Philippines?! Mostly in their infancy and it does affect their skills later on in life.

The Dad didn't understand why his child was like this initially... but without the understanding of the parents and her siblings she wouldn't have a normal life. Underachiever, childish and pretty late in learning her cognitive skills were not as advanced as those people of her age. This is the after effects of the ROTA Virus. It's the second highest cause of death in the Philippines for kids ages 5 and below.

A Doctor and representative from GSK actually explained to us that there are several vaccines now available in the market that could prevent this from happening to children.

I still adore her though. We sat right next to each other while doing a couple of games with regards to guessing some viruses and diseases. We should have won, but you know there are cheaters hahaha. (joke!)


Good thing the Doctor said that the DOH is doing headway on making a national campaign against this virus. I'm sure pretty soon that there will be better health programs that would even make this particular vaccine available in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Thank you so much to GSK for keeping us informed, we really enjoyed this night. Sorry I was really noisy that evening, it really shows how much I enjoyed meeting everyone! =)




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