Sweet Chili Thai Fish and Noodle House

Gerry's Grill has been a staple in Filipino and Asian food since 1997 and it has been able to give friends, family, some of the best dishes and beer pairings since then. Owner Gerry Apolinario felt it was time to diversify their portfolio and since he's been well traveled, he wished of a place that would be able to take authentic Thai flavors to the Philippines but not charge an arm and a leg. It's important for him to earn just like any business but if the Filipinos couldn't afford it then no one would be able to experience these dishes. This is the start of how they pictured this new joint at the new Fisher Mall in Quezon Avenue, Quezon City. They called it "Sweet Chili Thai Fish and Noodle House".

The Ambiance

The place has got seating of a round 40-50 people and extended outside for around 30 more. The interiors consist of a couple of "spices in spoons" murals in walls and has ample amount of natural light coming from the back. The space got maximized since the floor area is a bit small, but it's got an Open Kitchen as a focal point. There are also two huge aquariums on the side for the fresh and live fish that they serve to diners. It does make a difference when you taste something freshly caught of course! There's also a loft to house the kitchen's extension because they need the space for prepping ingredients of a fabulous menu. Let's take a look at that next! 

The Food

The available condiments

If it's Thai food that you're after, they have the condiments that go with it. In Thailand, small stores have these on bowls. Sweet Chili Thai Fish and Noodle House wants you to experience what it is like in Thailand so you've got pickled chilis, sambal chili, dried chili, and pickled ginger. I had the sambal chili on my plate and it was so good, I almost emptied the whole jar!

Kamias Shake

I've tasted one of these in Cebu, but I think Sweet Chili Thai Fish and Noodle House wants a small fusion too of Thai and Filipino so they made this available for drinks. Pretty good too and not too tangy.

The 5th Philippine International Motor Show

It was a night of fun and laughter as we joined the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI) a few nights ago at Draft at the Fort Strip when the shakers and movers of different car manufacturers in launching the 5th Philippine International Motor Show. It will happen on September 18-21, 2014 and on these 4 fun filled days they'll be whipping out new concept cars, their new flagship vehicles and internationally released ones just to be seen in the Philippines. Last year was well attended and this is why they are even bringing more things to the table including additional facilities for after sales service sections so brands can show how they implement best practices after consumers get their cars. There's new software and prime technologies included in the exhibit where other brands would also be able to see competitors in the same industry to ultimately trump each other. Consumers then would be able to check where research and development goes as far as the automotive industry is concerned.

Hon. Gov. Jose Alvarez, the Chairman Emeritus of CAMPI, was so happy to see the participants getting bigger every year and thanked the Presidents and Executives of the respective brands. With the advent of even bigger profits this year pegged 22% this 2014, the future seems bright with the Philippine auto industry. This years exhibitors will include Beijing based BAIC and China's JMC, German car maker BMW, Mercedes Benz, Volkswagen, Korea's Daewoo, Kia, Japan's Honda, Isuzu, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Toyota, Mazda, Suzuki, Lexus and French car maker Peugeot.

Atty. Rommel Gutierrez says that it's also the perfect time to show that the organization is serious about driving economic progress in the country. They are ready to make the theme "Progress in Motion" a reality, that's why they are eager to show this year's line of exclusive, prototype cars to aid and see where we are right now in the automotive business line. 

Dante Santos, the current VP of CAMPI also informed us that this won't be a complete celebration without getting in the consumers in the mix, before the toast, he told us that there will be huge sales that will only be offered on PIMS days at the World Trade Center and you won't see them anywhere else. Aside from big savings, you will also be able to take advantage of perks coming from the brands directly... some of which can't be even seen in display rooms anywhere else. Other than that, you'll learn more about the newest model of cars available in the Philippine market and get the best deals without breaking a sweat. Meet ups of car clubs, pretty car show models, accessories, parts and services will be at your fingertips if you come over. Remember, it all starts when you come to the World Trade Center Philippines on the 18th of September. Be with the world's best car manufacturers even by staying in one place and you'll see what the Philippine International Motor Show is all about!

For more information about their event:

5th International Motor Show

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Visit their official website

http://www.campiauto.org

Forever 21 Releases Pre-Fall 2014 Collection

Forever21 releases pre-fall collection in the Philippines. (Photo credits on this article, all from Forever21. Images not mine.)

Whenever I'm in a mall, I always look at what's new in Forever21 to either, get inspired or just see things that I don't have yet. It's one of the few places where you can in fact be a little conscious of your style and deem still find something new to wear for the season. Well, the news is they came out with their pre-fall collection. Forever21 is steadfastly changing the fashion retail landscape with new store layouts, creative graphics and designs, add in some really decent shoes and accessories... it's heaven for men and women who wants only the best for their money's worth.

The mantra is to let loose and run wild - they have already achieved this buttoned up skirts, fitted ones, relaxed pants, jackets and shirts that every man would love to have in his closet. Stripes and plaids included.

If you want something ultra chic without looking cheap, this is the time to do it. Forever21 has the dresses and the armament to make you who you are and who you wish to be. This season has more in store for those who are not afraid to be themselves and ultimately be the best versions of themselves to impress everyone else on the stage because she deserves it.

Run to the malls and get your Forever21 merchandise from SM Megamall, SM Makati, SM City Cebu, SM North Edsa - The Block, Mall Of Asia, SM Lanang Premier in Davao, SM Aura Premier, SM City Fairview, SM City Clark, and SM Southmall soon. I already got some shoes that I haven't worn yet but if I see one in this collection that would fit my taste, I wouldn't hesitate! Go shop!

For more information about their stores:

Forever21

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Visit their official website

http://www.forever21.com/

SM Mall of Asia's International Food Festival

One of the largest malls in the world SM Mall of Asia just made the whole month of September even better by making a one of a kind celebration. The mall has it all, and with the advent of families, tourists and people like you going to MOA, they've prepared a celebration like no other with the MOA International Food Fest slated this September 5 up until the 30th. Participating brands and establishments will dish out a lot of special dishes just for this occasion and luckily we were there to experience it first hand before everybody did last weekend. We hopped on the electric cars in Mall of Asia and tried out different restaurants in different locations. First up is Congo Grille in the mall's left side.

Congo Grille

Congo Grille is more of a Filipino restaurant serving grilled and non grilled specialties that cater to groups and serves family style. They also have packages for five, ten or thirty people called Tribal Feast and even have Pinoy Salo Salo for those who want something different. 

The branch in Mall of Asia's left wing can seat up to 150 and have al fresco options if you want to be a little rowdy with your friends. They do serve beer too so if you want a break from the office, then this is a good place to start your night. Congo Grille is affiliated with restaurants like Karate Kid, Tempura, Flavors of China and Holy Cow. If you love those brands, then you'll love Congo Grille better. 

Big Better Bangus

We also got to taste one of their best sellers called "Big Better Bangus". It's a huge, a gigantic milk fish that's marinated, breaded, deep fried and sprinkled with a generous amount of garlic. I absolutely loved it especially the stomach. I think when I bit into it, it was almost an inch thick! I went to heaven and back after that.

 

The dipping sauce is made of sweet soy and a piece of chili. Breaking that up in the little bowl was really nice.

To finish it off, I had this glass of Mango shake which is just one of the drinks on their menu. They have a lot so make sure you take a look at it when you visit Congo Grille.