MARINA Oysters * Seafood * Grill: 25 Years of Great Ilonggo Specialties!

Marina has been a very memorable place for me. Ilonggo cooking is pretty close to home since my family hails from Bacolod. A close friend of mine who I always meet in their MOA branch years ago passed away already and when I hear their name, I honestly remember the times we drank a couple of rounds of beer in this awesome restaurant. 

Locally known for the best Oysters in town, this aphrodisiac friendly place is just something people have frequented in the last few years because of what they have in store. The usual isn't really what you think it is because you have to see it, taste it before you can pass judgement on the dishes served in this restaurant by Ross and Madame Marina Luz Gorriceta. This is the 25th year since the restaurant was established and the longevity proves why they have been patronized.

The Food

Kare Kare done their way is quite different. The peanut sauce on this version is actually okay to go even without the addition of shrimp paste. This and the unlimited rice they have plus bottomless ice tea is just amazing! Doing so would also be nice because they manage to ship things from Iloilo. Raw ingredients or condiments, they all got that taken cared of. Without you having to go to Iloilo yourself.

Sinigang na Hipon isn't just Sinigang in their books because they don't use powder. They don't even use Sampaloc because as in Iloilo we actually use a different thing to do that, the "BATUAN". The batuan is like a fruit but it provides more of a fruity kind of sourness and not that sharp kind that tagalog sinigang usually has. You've got to try this!

They ship these guys every day to replenish what they have in store. These are fresh Oysters and they prepare these in different ways. Baked, steamed or just fresh it's something everyone loves on their menu. Guess what they will be doing on their 25th year... if you order this dish on OCTOBER 25, they will only charge you 25 PESOS for each plate (limited to 2 plates per table). THIS IS NOT A JOKE! So if you are around a MARINA branch near you make sure you drop by on this date and be with them to celebrate 25 YEARS of MARINA OYSTERS * SEAFOOD * GRILL.

HUGE and TASTY this slab of meat isn't really meat but a slice of heavenly BLUE MARLIN. Marina will be the next big thing to serve these ocean giants presented as is but marinated with their own secret concoction and grilled to perfection on both sides. 125 per 100 grams, isn't that just amazing?? Now you can have it your way, visit any Marina branches nationwide to get this one on your plate as soon as you say FISH!

For meat lovers like me, something like Crispy Pata won't spoil our day. The crunchy skin and meat on vinegar is just bliss! I just asked mine to be Ilonggo Sinamak which is our own kind of spiced vinegar and it's one of the things they use in cooking. Just ask for it and they'll gladly do it for you!

  

This ginormous fish which is dwarfing my phone (so you can see how big it is) is called the MANAGAT. It's something that drawed oohs and ahhs because of obvious reasons. Had a taste of it and this together with sweet soysauce and some local sinamak over hot steaming rice is just oblivious!

  

Marina has this, Marina Seafood Soup. It had everything you love in it. The thick soup was reminiscent of clam chowder. This would be perfect for rainy days and cold nights. Something you definitely should try.

To end the meal, I had 2 scoops of Gold Rush which is sweet Vanilla Ice Cream with caramel. This was quite nice. There are different flavors, just ask for the Ice cream flavor menu and they have almost every basic ones plus some fancy selections.

 

Two words, Leche Flan. Loving all the choices and the various items in the menu. Plus this thing to end the meal is just super! The only thing is, their specials for OYSTERS for 25 PESOS will only be on OCTOBER 25, so if you guys don't get that deal that they are offering just for that day it'll be your loss! 

Another one is their BLUE MARLIN steak which they will cut 50% off every Monday until November 26. It's all out there, you just have to choose to go at your nearest MARINA branches nationwide!

For more information about their promos

Like them on Facebook!

MARINA Oysters Seafood Grill

Or visit their branches!


Market-Market
Marina Market! Market!
Fiesta Market, Market! Market!
Fort Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, Metro Manila
Contact Person: Ms. Josie Salontoy
Mobile No.: 0922-879-6744
Tel. No.: (02) 729-0344
Metrowalk
Marina Metrowalk
G/F Metrowalk Mall
Meralco Avenue, Ortigas Centre, Pasig City
Contact Person: Mr. Arman Unisa
Mobile No.: 0922-879-6732
Tel. No.: (02) 687-2881

MOA
Marina SM Mall of Asia
116-117 Veranda North Wing
Entertainment Building, SM Mall of Asia
JW Diokno Boulevard, Pasay City
Contact Person: Ms. Mauriel Tattao
Mobile No.: 0923-280-0800
Tel. Nos.: (02) 556-4224 / (02) 556-0718
 

SM-Sky
Marina SM Sky Garden
SM City North EDSA, Q.C.
Contact Person: Ms. Hope Dayaday
Mobile No.: 0922-8796741
Tel. No.: (02) 332-3462


Timog-Panay
Marina Timog-Panay
No. 79 Timog Avenue corner Panay Avenue
Barangay South Triangle, Quezon City
Contact Person: Ms. Maileen Balanquit
Mobile No.: 0922-879-6735
Tel No.: (02) 332-4174
 
Magallanes
Marina Magallanes
Oakridge Plaza Block 4 Lot 7
Paseo de Magallanes, Brgy. Magallanes
Makati City
Contact Person: Mr. Dan Espinola
Mobile No.: 0922-8796755
Tel. No.: (02) 851-4204

 
Forum Robinsons
Marina Forum Robinsons
Level 3 Food Loft, Forum Robinsons
Boni Avenue EDSA, Mandaluyong City
Contact Person: Marjun Pama
Mobile No.: 0922-879-6751
Tel. No.: (02) 569-8099
Marina Iloilo
Marina Iloilo
Diversion Road
Mandurriao, Iloilo City
Tel. No.: (33)320 1230

The Jonas Brothers Live in Manila and Cebu!

For fans of the Jonas Brothers, it's been a little sad that they haven't played for years. Kevin got married, Joe got lots of solo gigs, so did Kevin. Now since they in some way got their hearts broken a bit, the hiatus must have been painful too but it looks like they still had it on their hearts that some day and some way that the Jonas Brothers would actually play again some day. The tour consequently just became a reality and the better news is that they got to Manila.... and tomorrow Cebu!

They definitely did not lose their charm. Their ability to answer some of the most controversial questions too. We were so glad we were invited by their local record label to this press conference a day before their Manila Concert, thanks to you guys this happened! ^_^

This is my first time to see Nick and Kevin but since Joe is a part of the International Benchsetters I was able to cover his first visit to the country. Story here.

You immediately feel their presence. When they came inside the room their smiles just felt so genuine. You love how they look, never deteriorated at all. They really have taken cared of themselves during the hiatus. Still had that spunk even after not seeing them on screen or Camp Rock!

Girls were shrieking inside the venue and we knew it wouldn't stop. They said hi to everyone and started cracking jokes, saying some short stories about their Manila experience. Did you guys know they even went to Luneta Park? Yeap, you heard that right. Nick even took a photo of the It's more fun in the Philippines" sign there!

They also said it was quite true. It is more fun in the Philippines even though the flight was so long it was all worth it! The fans have been great and people have been all so warm and accommodating. The food was also quite good, which they heard from Joe when he got back to the US.

It was blissful to see them even read some of the questions we wrote down on paper. Some were actually hard to read so Kevin cracked jokes every once in a while about that haha.

Nick obviously was good looking. He was also the most eloquent and answered most of the questions. Quite smart too.

Kevin being exposed on a reality show had his plate full but it was a learning experience he said. Married life isn't that easy but he learned a lot more than the usual about his wife and that he felt was something good. You never get to probably experience that if he was just plainly married and stayed not in the public eye so his show made him realize a lot of things to be thankful for!

Joe Jonas did a pretty good job endorsing the country too because he told them a lot of stories about the Philippines and his last visit here. They saw Joe Jonas' huge Bench billboard on Edsa and Nick just shouted... "Hey I know that guy!" LOL

Joe said they might have forgotten some of the lyrics since they played ages ago but they are so damn excited playing again. They love their Filipino fans and this chance to play in the country is but a dream for them too. It was a treat also to see Joe's hair grow from the last time I saw him. Wish I had his hair.

Yes they do sometimes also fight but never physical. It was just nice that they got to live separately for a while because now they have brought so many things in the table, many things to write about because they lived it. Nick was excited to see how their music have grown and a little changed rom what they have been doing in the past.

For those who didn't catch the show last night, there's another one in Cebu so if you've got the chance to go there make sure to get tickets of their last night performing in the Philippines!

These guys are good looking, so nice and genuine in person. To see them playing in the Philippines is just happiness. They will also be performing with Anna Maria and have flown to Cebu already. They'll be there at around 11AM. I'm sure their fans wouldn't mind seeing them all together again through this tour. Rush to the Pacific Grand Ballroom at the Waterfront Hotel in Cebu! There are also some more playdates in the US that I've seen in their other posters. Make sure you get their album soon coz I've heard they are selling like hotcakes too!

For more information about the Jonas Brothers and their Philippine tour

Like them on Facebook!

Jonas Brothers Philippines

Produced by That's Ntertainment

GEAR4: Amped Up. Party Ready. In The Philippines!

Too good to be true but it is, GEAR4 just launched their line in the Philippines.

We were witness to that a couple of days ago at the posh Craft Pub and Grill in Fort Strip. GEAR4 being the premier iPod and iPhone accessory brand seems to be spreading their wings in Asia Pacific and the Philippines smartphone market definitely is a place to reckon with. Dubbed as the texting capital of the world we are some of the most saturated phone users and the number of iPhone, iPad, iPod and other apple mobile devices are just but a normalcy in this country. GEAR4 which is owned by a UK-based company, Disruptive Limited knows we need them too to get our devices protected, made pretty and kept being used for various applications. Speakers of all forms and sizes were shown to us that evening and it was awesome!

It's none of those cheap ones (quality wise) you see out in the market. It's the real deal and I've heard them being used with smartphones that night and when it was pounding, it really did. What first caught my eye were these cute, adorable birds from Rovia.

These Angry Bird Mini Speakers boasts clear and impressive sound in its ultra portable size.
 - Link multiple speakers via 3.5mm cable
- iPod, iPhone, iPad compatible
- Android Compatible
- Expandable bass port
- Up to 8Hrs playback
- 1390.00 Philippine Pesos SRP

Airzone Series 1 
- AirPlay Enabled
- FM Radio
- Charged iPod / iPhone / iPad
- Remote Control

The Airzone Series 1 is an iPad, iPad 2 & iPad 3, iPhone 3GS/4, iPod touch (3rd/4th generation) compatible dock that is designed for the sleek and classy audiophile that not only boasts performance but not sacrificing in the looks department. With it's FM Radio capability, you won't miss that new track you've been eagerly waiting for in the airwaves or that radio show you love!

 HouseParty Rise

- I'ts got a Wireless Remote Control where you can control your speaker over Wi-Fi
- A brand new spanking Animated Weather Display so you can wake-up knowing the weather
- Auto-Sync Time and Alarm just by using the dock to sync with your Apple device
- Wake-up to your FM Radio station or your favorite Music by letting it do that so he can wake up!
- Auto-tune sound, Save and Edit your favorite FM stations
- Dim your speaker display and use swipe gestures to go to your next song. So hightech!

This particular hardware is app enhanced which means there's a corresponding app you can use in your own smartphone to control some of the features of this device aside from just using the controls on the box itself. Pretty neat eh?! It can also synch with alarms you set on the other devices you have as long as its compatible. 

The Unity Remote seen on the right side can actually control all your iPad, iPhone and iPod touch. Yes it can control all of them with just one gadget. Isn't that neat to see something like this? Now it'll be easier to just use and everything will just work with one thing to maintain. It makes everything convenient!

There were a lot more in the display and I find them all impressive. They have really re-branded and shown a lot of promise since their inception in 2006. Now they are gearing to other smartphone models that are compatible with Android too. GEAR4 is really more than an accessory manufacturer now. Just by looking at this full range of speakers and other accessories you are surely going to be on a thrill ride into non dedicated Apple or Android OS products. They will take this accessory brand to greater heights and show why quality wise they are number 1 in the UK!

They are also adding more things to their line so make sure you check out their website for more information. You don't have to settle with anything less. I've seen some already listed in Lazada.ph maybe you guys should go ahead and visit!

GEAR4's Website is found at

http://www.gear4.com/

Distributed in the Philippines by IONTECH