Project Rebuild: Coca-Cola, Habitat For Humanity and Philippine Red Cross

Friday, January 10, 2014


Our brothers and sisters in the Visayas region definitely had better days. With the onslaught of Typhoon Yolanda, thousands of Pinoys from that region suffered a lot. We are still helping, and they are still mourning. They pick up the pieces and we still pray for them. Now more than ever we need to help them to get back on their feet. Coca-Cola, Habitat For Humanity and the Philippine Red Cross are joining forces to rebuild homes in the region and it didn't come at a better time.



Awww.. isn't that touching? For what its worth, the video just implied something significant. Each little help counts. If you are up to it, please do whatever you can to help out less fortunate kababayans in the Visayas but donating even a bit with Habitat for Humanity, The Philippine Red Cross. Each centavo, each peso you give them goes to rebuilding homes and lives in Leyte and other provinces affected by Typhoon Yolanda.

Remember, you can help!

COW

For more information about their stores:
Coca-Cola Philippines
Coca-Cola Philippines
Like them on Facebook


Visit their official website

http://cokeurl.com/rebuildph

#RebuildPH Hotline: (02) 462-1333

Where to eat in Baguio: KETCHUP FOOD COMMUNITY


Skip, hop, roll on the ground and smell the almost minty pine trees around you. That's probably one thing you can do when in Baguio City. Though you might enjoy yourself, there will be a huge debate when you get back to Manila if you don't taste the cuisine that Baguio has to offer. There are a lot of restaurants in the city but you might find gems along the way. That's exactly how we felt when we got to KETCHUP Food Community right in front of Baguio's own Wright Park (Romulo Drive, Barangay Lualhati, 2600 Baguio City).


The Ketchup Food Community started 2 years ago. The place used to be a literal dump of vehicles and stuff but the owners thought about turning this piece of land right in front of Wright Park into something great. It consists of 5 restaurants. You can choose to sit anywhere and order in the others I was informed. The owner also did something unusual as he only wanted start ups for restaurants that will occupy this place. They have no same menu. They also kept the rents small so they can concentrate on the food. The construction and interiors also were quite eclectic. They followed the theme of the names of their restaurants. Rumah Sate is more into indo-asian. Canto makes superb steaks. Yummy Tummy does Thai Food. Rancho Norte serves pinoy all day breakfast that includes tapang usa (Deer Jerky) and kabayo (Horse Meat). Green Pepper makes use of the ingredient on its name and spices up dishes, roasted ones, even desserts - all delectable. We went ahead and ordered their best sellers!

Places to go after Baguio: Mount Kalugong Eco Park in Benguet

Wednesday, January 08, 2014


I've been blessed last December and part of that is the trip to Baguio with some blogger friends of mine. We were able to cover quite a lot in Baguio, but in some whiff of a wind we thought about what other things to do aside from the city landmarks. I'm no nature loving kinda guy but don't get me wrong, I like the adventure of going where nobody's gone. Good thing our blogger cum photographer friend Dean Cuanso (of http://watwatworld.com/) invited us to see Mount Kalugong. At first, I thought we were just going to a hill right beside the Strawberry Fields in Benguet. I was wrong. This was a full pledged elementary rock climbing trail which was just a few minutes away from Baguio City. You'll see a full view of the valley known as the salad bowl of the Philippines. Make sure though that you have appropriate climbing shoes. I went there with a pair of casual Boxfresh shoes from the UK, which was not a good thing haha.

If you plan to go here please contact them through their Facebook page or call 09196728888/09498980328 because it is not easy going up. You'll need a 4x4 perhaps or just do it on foot if you are up to it. 

To get a feel of what Mount Kalugong has to offer, here's a video I made of the short side trip :)



And that's how good it feels from up there! =) This is only my second time to go to Baguio, it's a renewed romance with the city. Benguet was definitely a perk!
COW

For more information about the tour:
Mt Kalugong Eco Park
Mt Kalugong Eco Park
Like them on Facebook


Visit their official website

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mt-Kalugong-Eco-Park/172690992820188

Modern Filipino Comfort Food at Sentro 1771 Fort Bonifacio

Monday, January 06, 2014


One that needs no introduction is this regular runner hangout in Serendra - Fort Bonifacio area is Sentro 1771. Remember my article last year here when I adored their breakfasts? It was mighty clear that I had to go back. It was cool because I got to also see new people and talk about pressing issues in Manila. It was comfort food, chat and a nice afternoon. How can you beat that?


Had one of their best selling drinks. This is the Dalandan Juice. It was just the right thing to have that hot afternoon after I commuted to Ayala. The traffic, long queues and travel time was an issue but when you get this... you'll forget everything. The tangy, sweet concoction was the perfect thing to douse off that heat from outside. A must try!


For appetizers, we got this Macau Chorizo and Cheese Tidbits. Not as porky as it sounds. The spices were more of a deep pepper and paprika-ish flavor. The cheese component brings this to the forefront of kids favorites so order a batch or two if you happen to have small kids with you. They'll love it!


The much talked about Sinigang na Corned Beef takes the stage and gathers some ooohs and ahhhs from the table. I distinctively remember having this a couple of months ago which was awesome, but this batch was a little off - must be something in the broth that I don't know (or the refill that happened above). I still suggest you go for this, don't ever leave that place without experiencing it because as I remembered, this was heavenly. Must take it while its hot!


I don't really eat fish that much but this one's phenomenal. I really like what they did to this "Fish of the day in Pandan". They must be changing white fish on whatever's fresh and available through the fish monger. It was really good. Meaty, flavorful and hit it with a tangy spritz of lemon plus a spicy salty mix of Soy and Chili. Argh, I miss it already!


Vegetarians need not despair as they also have these Camote Cups on the menu. Julienned slices of carrots, camote, string beans and other veggies makes this a hearty treat for those who prefer to cut down on fat. Pretty simple but you must eat this fast right after it comes out of Sentro 1771's ovens since it won't be as good when its cold. They also got herbs on it which mostly is the thing that puts flavor on this thing together with that sauce on the side. Much like a stir fry that is grilled and more hearty. You get me? :)


For someone who loves lamb meat, this is something really cool. This boneless lamb shoulder stewed with carrots, bell peppers and spices on thick tomato sauce is just the right thing to have if you craved for Sentro 1771's Lamb Caldereta. They can have it cooked a little more spicy if you prefer a HOT version of this on piping hot rice. This is our kryptonite.


Want to be more adventurous with rice? Sure! This Seafood Bagoong Rice is the perfect thing to pair with your favorite viands morning, noon and night time. The mix of rice, grilled squid, garlic shrimps and hito flakes then topped with green mangoes just spells home.


Dessert in Sentro 1771 also comes so pretty. This is their Fried Suman and Mangoes. The sticky rice is smothered with caramel syrup and topped with fresh - golden - ripe mangoes. Dreamy in every bite, this is a modern take on the Filipino mangga't suman we enjoy through the years. It's the perfect thing to end a meal.


My favorite among the things that were served that afternoon is this! It's their Keso Flan. It's a baked light no crust cheesecake served with slivers of queso de bola and salted red egg. The contrast of sweet, salty and cheesy just undoubtedly hits the spot. Never miss this one on the menu. You'll regret it.


Fluffy and crispy filo dough surrounded by chocolate and caramel lines plus cream custard and bananas blistered on top... this is their Banana Tart. It's nice and light. I thought it was going to be hard to finish this after those other items above that I ate. Surprisingly, this is so easy. I just blinked and it went poof!

Whatever the occasion, Sentro 1771 always has something new on the menu. The classic Filipino dishes even have a modern twist. Comfort food and the nicest desserts in one place... dine and be with the ones you love this year as they celebrate their 10th year. Honest and good, that's Sentro 1771 for you! 


COW

For more information about the restaurant:
sentro1771
SENTRO 1771
Like them on Facebook


Visit their official website

http://www.sentro1771.net