Tito Chef Express Introduces New Travelers Menu

Chef Menoy Gimenez of famous "Tito Chef Restaurant and All Things Culinary" based in the south just opened Tito Chef Express at the ground floor of Microtel by Wyndham Acropolis just right across Eastwood City. Now, you don't have to go far in order to get to taste what he has in the nigh side.

I've been able to take a look at Microtel's properties in Manila Bay and Davao, I must say, even at the time I got to know some of their executives back then, I marveled at how humble they presented their property and the restaurants available in those branches. Microtel by Wyndham Acropolis only felt special as it is located in the suburbs of Quezon City - but it can also service those who have business in Pasig, Mandaluyong and Makati. Travelers tend to only spend a few days in the hotel - and since this is not that expensive to stay here, people mostly want something filling, something delicious, something that they can carry around easily and very light on the budget. This is the reason why Tito Chef Express and Chef Menoy Gimenez wanted to design a menu on based on these needs. We tried them over lunch - and having been to a lot of 5 star hotels, their offerings provide quality yet at par meals but priced reasonably.

Salmon Miso Ramen

The Salmon Miso Ramen is made of seared fish, probably dredged in Indian based spices like cardamom and the likes, ramen that's hand made and prepared inside the store then topped with mushrooms, spring beans, nori wrapper (seaweed) and miso based broth. It's perfect for cold weather and can probably feed 2-3 persons depending on their appetite. I would suggest you ask for something to make this hot (pepper or chili) so you can perspire a little and have that spicy kick.

The American Burger

Gentlemen, meet "The American Burger". A quarter pound of pure beef patty topped with onions, tomato, pickles and hot melted sharp monterey jack cheese. To keep it healthy in some way, they put in potato alumettes and their side salad with balsamic dressing. It's beefy, it's filling and tasted so good in the middle. I might have reservations about the bread and prefer something more textured or super soft with oats so it would have a sweet profile. Their sesame seed bun felt a little plain. 

Crispy Squid and Watermelon Salad

 This Crispy Squid and Watermelon Salad might be simple but it's totally good. It's a good thing for lunch or for those watching their weight because it's very good having sharp, tang and sweet profiles because of the fruit and the balsamic dressing. Plus, who doesn't love crispy squid?

Fish in Basil Cream Sauce

 Fish in Basil Cream Sauce is crispy fried Dory fish with a light cream sauce with chopped fresh basil leaves that's very light. For those who prefer a light lunch, this would be a good alternative. It's lightly seasoned and won't be too salty if you're watching sodium intake.

Pork Binagoongan

  This is Tito Chef Express' Pork Binagoongan. If you want something fishy, not too salty and have that pork goodness you love, then this would be perfect for you. The rice is also something to commend because it's perfect to pair with any viand on their menu. You can also opt for plain rice, but just tell them beforehand. They have a cucumber concoction too on the drink list which is very refreshing, order that as well.

Barbecued Chicken Jambalaya

This one is my personal favorite on their menu. The Barbecued Chicken Jambalaya is a pretty tasty dish with intense flavors both coming from the chicken meat which is sweet and savory plus the Jambalaya rice which dawns a more herby, chorizo, smoky flavor. I finished this in a few minutes and it's not that expensive even if it looks like a designer plate that you are getting. You might think it is too oily but that's where the coleslaw looking thing on top goes. I love this!

Spanish Chorizo and Mushroom Penne

This hearty plate is the Spanish Chorizo and Mushroom Penne. It is good too, don't get me wrong, but the Spanish Chorizo chunks is a little too big, making every bite of it a bit too salty. I would have loved to have that sliced a bit smaller (small diced pieces) so you get to have the flavor without making it too salty. It's totally worth it though because the price point is one of the cheapest in the menu. They don't hold back on ingredients which is a good thing.

Smothered Pork Chop on Mashed Potatoes and Mushroom Gravy

The pretty plating of this Smothered Pork Chop on Mashed Potatoes was not just for show. I loved the hefty slices of pork lying on the lovely buttery mashed potatoes served with it. It's soft and they make a pretty good mushroom gravy to complement the Pork Chops and not having it too salty. The dish was hearty, you'll love to have this on a rainy day because it's comfort food that would not break the bank.

Caramel Cheesecake

If there's something that you shouldn't leave with in Tito Chef Express, it would be this Caramel Cheesecake. The sweet part would only be the caramel and the cheesecake seemed to be light and you would be able to eat this with ease because of that. I wouldn't be surprised if ladies would eat a whole cake slice because it's that good. I suggest you take some home for your family and friends, they'll surely love it too.

Eastwood City might be a little saturated with restaurants already and having this place on the other side of the road would present a more classy, yet same priced hearty food choices. If you're out on a date, or have small meetings, or if your team building budget could only allow you to have intimate dinners, you should definitely try out Tito Chef Express. Their Travelers Menu would change from time to time but you get the picture. They can also whip up things not found on the menu just as long as the ingredients are there on their kitchen. So if you are missing something from the Tito Chef Restaurant and All Things Culinary spot in Paranaque, this would definitely be the spot to be in QC. Good comfort food, good location, good ambiance at one of Quezon City's busiest spots, Tito Chef Express could likely be your go to spot if you need something new in the area. Take time to try it!

For more information about their restaurants:

Tito Chef Restaurant

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http://www.titochef.mobi/

Free HIV Counselling, Testing and Treatment at QC's Klinika Bernardo

It's alarming, it's not a joke and it's time we put it to stop. I've joined several causes for HIV and it's good that there is an effort at least, but still the rate of increase is something to worry about. Unfortunately, Quezon City has the highest registered number of cases, and in the Philippines 77% of the total new cases come from NCR. It has increased up to 25 percent and estimates say that in 2015 we might get to 45,000 no joke. I am distraught at the numbers, but more importantly depressed at what could happen, the person beside you might be a carrier and we don't even know it. 

Danton Remoto says "Mind you, we've got 1.5 Million people already who died from for AIDS/HIV cases and since I'm from "laglag" now and not from "ladlad", I'm helping the Quezon City government with efforts to address these issues." 

"The state of HIV in the Philippines has rapidly changed in the last 5 years, and it's growing. The number of HIV infections is now 1 new case every 1 hour and 15 minutes, which is about 17 cases per day. There is now 21,000 diagnosed since then. Sexual contact is still the number 1 way of getting it and sharing needles is next. Filipino males are the highest, it also stems from unprotected sex. What's alarming is 15-24 years old comprise 30 percent of this number. We might have less smoking, drugs and vices but have increased sexual adventurism. Thank you to USAID for their invaluable assistance to this effort. We hope all government units follow suit." says Assistant Secretary Pauline Urial of DOH. 

Senior Public Advisor in USAID Dr. Milton Amayun adds "In the Philippines when we talk about HIV we often think of bad news, but really the threat is real. Out of the total number of HIV cases, 93 percent is male. This requires focus, and would you believe there is 812% growth since 2008. We congratulate the QC Government for we encourage everyone, just like Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte here to get tested. The US Government is supporting the Philippine government efforts, and piloting things like this one in Quezon City is impressive. I hope others follow suit. We are very please to partner with them in fighting AIDS/HIV with the objective to have 0% increase, 0 discrimination and reaching out to more people in need." 

Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte says "The first step in making a solution in this problem is accepting that there is a problem. We proactively partner in Government and NGO's to set up places like Klinika Bernardo and ensure the health services are given to them. The change will make it conducive to people and we will make additional clinics in other parts of Quezon City. This is part of our continued support to the youth so they have somewhere to seek advice from, especially health concerns. We are progressive, we are going to move forward and will also put up a specialized one for women at the Quezon City General Hospital. We have a gender sensitive anti discrimination ordinance that includes the LGBT sector, they now have equal rights in services. To know is to live, we recognize it is our responsibility to address this issue." 

Mayor Herbert Bautista proudly says "The officers of our health department are professional career officers. They are the ones who are really running the government. To be able to continue programs and implement policies, our thrust is heavily relied by bureaucracy. We come up with the policies and have a progressive council that knows that this issue should be dealt with. We do not condone, but we accept facts and reality. Klinika Bernardo is only a small investment and we hope it gets done in other cities especially in highly urbanized ones. The impact of this is very strong, we thank USAID when they first presented it to me. It was impressive, the purpose is to make the HIV council to monitor on a regular basis. We are very fortunate to be lower than some ASEAN countries but we do know this contribution is important and we will annually do this in our programs without compromising their privacy. We will also launch more communications plans, and perhaps build homes or shelters for people with HIV too. USAID has been our partner in TB and other diseases and I hope we continue to do this with Department of Health and our Vice Mayor for this, and the other issues that have been addressed with that. We just have to let them know that there's government presence, a government that will take care of them too." 

Klinika Bernardo is the first male sexual and reproductive facility in the country. The sooner you get tested, the sooner you can get treatment. This is why Klinika Bernardo had a facelift, it is now conducive to go back for testing and counseling. Their clinic is just behind Ramon Magsaysay High School in Cubao, Quezon City. It's easy to see and spot, just look for the leaf symbols on the street and on the building!

For more information about their cause:

klinika.bernardo

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Ruffles Grand Fans Day for Kathryn Bernardo

I was there the first instance that Kathryn Bernardo signed up with Ruffles, the popular bag brand found exclusively in The SM Store. Back then, this lady already did hold a lot of promise. From several hit shows, blockbuster movies and a flourishing love life, she was bound to be one of the most successful stars in TV land. KathNiel as most people call Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla's fans, have always sternly supported all the products that they have endorsed in the same period. Kathryn in fact is a special girl, and with the life she has, Ruffles stuck to her like glue because she genuinely loves the brand and even got the chance to be part of the team behind the collection they unfolded that afternoon. It was a day of celebration, it was a great party thrown by Ruffles, Kathryn's greatest fans and the people who continued to love the pair since the very beginning. What love you ask? It's love that even if they have lives of their own, they went to SM Skydome, together with a thousands of her fans to let Kathryn Bernardo sit and watch, evenly enjoy their performances that showed how they loved her. Love her this much.

 

Normally, a fans day would require the actual celebrity to entertain her fans even from the beginning. This time, they made Kathryn sit down and watch, together with her family, friends, some people from ABSCBN management and the people from Ruffles. Then the festivities started. 

One thing that I found really cute was when this kid came out and participate with Kathryn's fans. Kathryn also noticed the cute little kid and asked him questions after the show. Isn't it awesome to find kids this young to adore Kathryn too?

The performances were quite mixed. Some had just plain cheers. Some had cheers, music and songs mixed in them. Some had dance numbers. Some had original compositions played there too. Though in the last bit of where they had to perform, this Mom stole the show and just told the reasons why as Mothers, they supported Kathryn too. She was just as passionate as the rest of the younger ones in the event, though while everyone was actually waiting for her to sing something, she continued to talk more, this was where we had laughs with DJ Jaiho of MOR. Jaiho also called one important man in Kathryn's life, and that's Daniel Padilla. He was trying to congratulate Kathryn Bernardo through the call but since everyone was shrieking in the Skydome, they couldn't hear Daniel Padilla at all. The mere "hello" of Daniel though just made everyone go gaga. He made his point across though. This is a Kathryn Bernardo event and Daniel must have been so proud of her feat.

They also played games where a ton of them would be able to guess, take answers and pass messages until the last member. The closest won. One of the prizes was a life size standee of Kathryn Bernardo. I saw a lot of the grew envy of that girl who won it, hehe I wouldn't blame them because it would probably look like you're with Kath the whole day at home if you get one. :)

Kathryn Bernardo then took the stage and sang her heart out for her latest single included in her own album, would you believe if I tell you almost everyone knew the song already and memorized it even if it's not out in the market? If she does come out with it, she's surely going to get it sold out!

For those who didn't get to the event, here's a treat for you guys! Please watch her in this song!

We love Kathryn Bernardo. Ruffles too. When this happened, you got the event to trend worldwide! Your support has made this campaign successful and I hope you get to see the new collection at all "The SM Store" branches nationwide, Ruffles will be there for sure! By the way, Ruffles is planning more things for Kathryn so please watch out for more, because there's a ton in the pipeline.

For more information about their products:

Ruffles Bags

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Krem-Top's New Campaign: Change For The Better

I felt a little nationalistic when I arrived at Romulo Cafe in Makati City. One of the most popular Coffee Creamer brands in the market Krem-Top just launched their campaign called "Change For The Better", to spark individuals to make the move and make that transformation to personal improvement and learn how it impacts the community as a whole. 

Assistant Brand Manager for Krem-Top Ms. Nikki Tan says "This campaign has been a little personal last year and this time they're taking it to the whole country so they can have change given to a greater populace."

Dr. Mina Ramirez, President of the Asian Social Institute says "Truth and beauty is one, our language defines us and if you see the image of "The Bayanihan" reflects on our language. Our language is empowering and if you can't translate it directly, it is made that way to signify some parts of our language defines who we are. Going back to our roots is a way to connect, ascertain our values and be one with our fair, ourselves. Filipinos are cheerful, all of you smile. You teach children to do this very early, you confuse world news when you smile in cameras during the Yolanda and Ondoy. We are very thankful people, we acknowledge good deeds and try to always exert effort to pay back whatever favors are given to you. We move like a big family and we are resilient because we always believe in a higher being that will take care of us when we are in need. We need to re-learn these core values that are already natural for us. How to be "Mapagpasalamat" (Thankful), "Matatag" (Strong and Resilient), "Masigasig" (Diligent), "Mapagmalasakit" (Selflessness) and "Magalang" (good mannered), we all have these traits from our being, our pronouncement and personification as Filipinos. It's all integrated, our development is not economic, it's wholistic and that's what separates us from other nationalities. This year is harvest time, we will transform our country as a great nation this 2015."

The gorgeous event's host Ms. Gelli Victor also included some messages from Papa Jack, and he says "Why don't we try it? It's natural, we must always challenge ourselves to change for the better so we will be better Filipinos." whilst Richard Yap intercedes "Let's not think about changing that much, but showing more of the truthful things within us, with the help of Krem-Top, we will change for the better."

"Our success stories stems from being in a tight situation, we always have a "can do" spirit. We always find ways to have a solution to everyday lives. Our "Bayanihan" spirit ties us together. We also find ways to make it fit. We have compassion, we're not that rich in gold but our uniqueness is the smiles that we carry, you can't find that anywhere else. I wouldn't trade the world being a poor Filipino than any other nationality" says Jim Paredes who also spoke at the event. 

Blen Fernando VP for Marketing of Alaska says "We are optimistic that this project will help create awareness about the need to restore core values of Filipinos. We also hope we become better version of ourselves for the benefit of our families and country. We will continue to support the Filipino spirit as it makes us a better and stronger nation"

To know about Krem-Top's "Change for the Better" Campaign please visit their social network channels http://www.facebook.com/AlaskaKremTop and @kremtopPH on Twitter. 

For more information about their campaign:

alaskakremtop

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http://www.alaskamilk.com