MOA Sweet Eats: Valentines Day at Watami

Watami is one of the newest restaurants from the Bistro Group. We've reviewed a couple of them in the past and obviously, they're getting bigger by the year. Watami as you may have thought is a neo Japanese restaurant with great interiors and lovely flavors. As a Japanese food lover, I always wanted to see what other restaurants are offering so I could compare them with the others serving the same dish. Although there are similarities, Watami had their menu configured quite differently so it's got the basics of a Japanese restaurant but have some other original items that you won't find anywhere else. We asked the kind server to get us their best sellers but I think he got his own personal favorites haha! Not judging though because it is VERY good!

Two drinks were served first. The one on the left is mine. It's the Passion Fruit Mango Tea. The one on the right is the Milk Tea with Black Tapioca Pearls. Both were good but I love the Passion Fruit Tea better, it's new, it's original and you won't see this that much on the menu of other restaurants. See what I mean by them being different from other Japanese restaurants? This isn't just the lone item on their menu that's very original, more reason to find and pay them a visit. We had more of it later on!

Watami Salad

This is one of their best sellers. It's called the Watami Salad. We only got the half serving because we were watching our diet (I kid!) but you can get the whole serving for this one if you're in a group. It would be good for 4 I think but if you've got that vegetable loving friend who just decided to munch on greens, the Watami Salad provides a combination of textures that have been well thought of in its conception. The crunchy leaves, the crunchy fried wonton wrappers, the seaweed, the nibblets of corn, the slices of barbecued chicken, the scoop of tuna with Japanese mayo just provides the beautifully coordinated clashing of flavors and textures. The server was right, this is really good.

Watami's Beef Pepper Rice

There's no shortage of rice, beef strips, corn, and spices on this stone bowl. This is Watami's very own Beef Pepper Rice. It's one of their best sellers too and I'm not surprised because if you compare this with other restaurants, they don't go easy on the ingredients. By the way, most of the restaurant's ingredients are not locally sourced. They import most of them from Japan hence you see a lot of ingredients that are bigger, even better in some areas. The meat in the Philippines they say is a little tough and they had to have softer ones for dishes like these. Price wise, they won't do overkill on you because I barely found anything above Php 500 on their menu. For those trying out the place for the first time, I strongly suggest you ask your servers for the best sellers but don't be afraid to try out other unfamiliar items on the menu.  

The Watami Ramen

The Watami Ramen I think is a hit and miss. It's one of their best sellers and I don't want to challenge that fact. This one was a little on the salty side that we had to ask our server if it was meant that way. He offered they can tone it down a bit but I think if they're doing this in a batch, the bone based broth shouldn't be this sharply salty. If asked if I should order this again, of course! I still love the ramen itself and the meat slices on top of it. Maybe they can improve on it somehow, but if it's a best seller there's really no reason why you shouldn't order it still. If it was a rainy day, then we would surely have this!

Spicy Salmon Tempura Roll

It's a new item on their menu but I highly suggest you get this. If you love spicy stuff and cooked salmon, then this Spicy Salmon Tempura Roll is your best bet. It's a bit on the oily side because the whole thing is deep fried before it gets sliced. The Salmon also gets cooked in that process. Still, it's got that fresh center because they have the chives and chili there. If you're kinda tired about the California Maki, then this would be something different that you can order aside from that. Oh and yes! They've got their own California Maki too if you fancy that!

Assorted Skewers

If you don't like the smoke on Teppanyaki plates, but would love to have something grilled, then Watami's Assorted Skewers would be your best choice. You won't smell like smoke when you're just around for lunch and got to go back to the office. It's a good activity though when you're out on the date so I'd prefer that instead of this. But really, how can you not love something like this no? I specifically love the Japanese mushroom wrapped in chicken and the bacon wrapped onion chives in skewers because of its intense flavor. It's a chance for you to taste everything on a single plate instead of ordering them separately. You can do that if you're got the menu mastered later on but if it's the first time you're dining in Watami, please do get this one! I loved it!

If you're fond of green tea, then get this Maccha Tiramisu. It's intense green tea flavor might confuse you if it's European or Japanese, but really it's the best of both worlds. You're getting that green tea flavor on a rich panacotta like dessert glass, where each spoonful will take you to green tea heaven in a few seconds. This is one lovely way to end the meal, but I bet they've got more!

Choco Parfait

I don't know what they've put into these sweet treats but darn it I LOVE THIS Choco Parfait! It's a chocolate lovers dream dessert and you'll see why people enjoy and indulge on them when you get it on your table. It's pretty, it's sinful, it's got all the things you dream of on a sundae. If you miss ordering this, you won't complete your Watami experience so do me a favor and tell that young man taking your orders to get you one of these! Superb. I can't even explain it. 

The Philippine International Pyro Musical Competition by the way will start at 7:30 PM on Saturday. So if you love fireworks as much as I do, please don't hesitate to drop by these restaurants before you get to the main show! The ones beside Manila bay will be offering really good seats, I suggest you get the ones there. The sunset is majestic, the fireworks display would be lovely to see from that area. Trust me on this.

For more information about their events:

SM Mall of Asia

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Gorgeous GMA Artists Visit Soldiers in V.Luna Hospital

Rich Asuncion, Sheena Halili, Yasmien Kurdi and Colleen Perez (not in photo) celebrated their birthday at the VLUNA Hospital

I think this story is just in time. We've heard the horrible news about the 44 fallen soldiers who lost their life to MILF men. Unfortunately, there's still an ongoing investigation to find out who ordered who and who's responsible for the death of these heroes. Anyway, I was fortunate enough to witness a worthwhile birthday celebration at the VLUNA Hospital in Quezon City. Stars of GMA Rich Asuncion, Sheena Halili, Yasmien Kurdi and Colleen Perez wanted to at least give back to the community and spend some time with soldiers that have been sick, injured and on rehab while they are have served the country all these years. We all have dreams, these men are just like the rest of us, they have families, they have kids to support but they still chose to defend it against the country's enemies. It's for this reason that these ladies find it important to at least make them happy, even just for a while.

The ladies started by singing and dancing with the men, women, their relatives who are all confined at the hospital. Their smile, it was priceless. You wouldn't even see that they have reasons why they are confined there, but some even if they've got one leg left, some confined to a wheel chair, they all joined Rich, Sheena, Yasmien and Colleen standing up a couple of times so they could participate with them.

Yasmien's wish is just to have Yagit to further be successful and she's even excited to share that there will be more things to watch out for in the story of the show. She also got her daughter there and everyone adored her - she even started to play along with the crowd. Star quality? Perhaps, but just like any parent, Yasmien would want Ayesha to finish her studies first before anything else. She greatly credits the viewers for the success of her show and promised you'll be seeing something shocking in the coming weeks, especially with the issues behind Elisa and the Dad. 

Talking with Rich, she only wished for her studies to be done on 2017. That's quite near and it's UP. She also wishes to have a love life soon. She's independent, she's got lots of friends, she entertains all of them but hopes he arrives soon, she's so ready! Haha :) She also thanked everyone who supported Yagit and now it's going to be extended, I heard until April if I'm not mistaken. With the event, she thanked Artist Center. She didn't have a celebration personally but this event really made her realize she still has a lot to thank for. She also wishes everyone would support the soldiers, as they've given so much for the country. Rightfully so, they deserve all the help they can get. 

She also added "Congratulations to MJ Lastimosa, she's done a great job representing the country and I'm proud that we came from the same trainer. The fact that she represented us, we all should be proud of that. For us you are the winner! Thank you!". She also teased that there will be a lot of things to happen in the story, she even hinted a wedding will happen real soon! Who? She wouldn't tell, but you know how that goes. 

Sheena celebrated in  Baguio and had some "Family Time" because she's going to be very busy in the coming months. She doesn't want anything, but she wants a real, exclusive love life. She's 3 years single but is still looking for that perfect guy. She's not choosy, but she just knows what she wants now. Simple things, a sense of humor, adventurous, stable, affectionate, nothing big really. In VLUNA Hospital, she felt really good to have seen the soldiers and says thanks to Artist Center for making this event possible. They may have gone to kids centers, some seniors and these soldiers are way different and it was touching to see them smile even at their state. She's working hard and also thinks about her education. She still wants to finish her studies and it is very detailed so sometimes she needs to go to her classmates house just to understand subjects even if she had to go right after a shoot. She feels her grades are a little sacrificed because of her work but hopes she can go back to it seriously. She's not contented with just plain studying at her capacity and wants to do more because she knows what she's capable of. They had so much fun that afternoon and thanks all the soldiers for accommodating them.  

Thank you so much to their sponsors Thai Tea, Mogu Mogu, Boardwalk, Flawless and GMA Artist Center for chipping in so they could give the soldiers some gifts too before they left the hospital that afternoon. 

For more information about their artists:

Official GMA Artist Center

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SMLEI and Viva Brings SineAsia!

Filipinos love movies. We've been watching Hollywood films since the first world war and we haven't let down since. With the age of television and the internet, we have grown quite close to our neighbors liking to Asian films. Those that come from South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Thailand, Japan and other Asian countries are pretty much the flavor these past few years. SM Lifestyle Entertainment Inc and Viva International Pictures knows how much you like it and they're bringing these sought after Asian films much closer to your communities through SM Cinema theaters. They call it SineAsia Theater.

In grand ceremonies at Shangrila Chinese Restaurant in Quezon City, executives from SMLEI and Viva International Pictures including Mr. Hans Sy, Mr. Vic Del Rosario and Mr. Edgar Tejero officially signed the contract for the creation of SineAsia. This is the start of the synergy of two entertainment giants in order to bring Tagalized Asian films into movie houses nationwide!

The movies such as Lee Min Ho's Gangnam Blues will be the official attraction in the grand launch. It already earned 7.6 Million dollars on its first week and will also preview with other films like From Vegas to Macau (starring Chow Yun Fat), Once Upon A Time in Shanghai, SPL2, Mourning Grave, My Love My Bride and Rise of the Legend among others. SMLEI already is dedicating one theater in SM Megamall, SM Sta. Mesa, SM Fairview, SM Iloilo, SM Bacoor, SM Cebu, SM Manila and SM North Edsa. 

Now there's more reason to watch BIGGER, BETTER and NEVER BEFORE SEEN movies that Pinoys from all walks of life would surely enjoy! Remember, it's Lee Min Ho on the grand launch this March 4, 2015. Even the ladies during the event were screaming at the sight of him talking in Tagalog, so just imagine when it shows on Theaters nationwide! 

Ciao!

KUMAGCOW

Radio Superstar Now on TV5: Call Me Papa Jack!

I've known this guy for quite some time now. It's been years actually because we have the same hobby, that's photography. Unknown to me at that time, he's a radio superstar from Love Radio 90.7. I didn't know he was very popular because I only listen to one radio show in FM and thought all the others were passe, I was that stupid. Anyway, lo and behold, everybody else was listening to him in his radio station. The thing is, he's the love guru, the kind that other people fall in line for so he would be able to give them what they want... the real truth.

He's a good listener, he says he's not really a good advisor, but he reckons he is good at piecing things together. It's that kind of talent that he says is essential to the success of his radio show. He completes the story for them, get the pieces together and see a clearer picture of what the situation is. He gives the credit to his listeners and callers but says the only contribution he gives is that capability to make it easier for them to understand what seems to be a difficult situation for others. To the public, he feels he's that friend they can talk to whenever they feel like it. It's the ideal situation, talking to them even behind the camera. 

His compatriots in the station Kris Tindera and Shai Tisay served as hosts during the event

He treats every single one of his callers the same, without prejudice. He doesn't feel he's transitioned already from behind and in front of the camera. He's not used to all of the glamour that comes with the territory, but he hopes he gets there soon. Where does he get it? He says he's not a genius in answering questions, but he creates a very good timeline and profile people. That's where he understands the story, where it matters most, he reads the lines in between, that's exactly his talent. Sometimes when someone says "He fooled me", they just don't see the part where the relationship experienced a "part where they fell in love" in the first place. It matters to most people, the part where he gives advice, he just gives normality to a thing that could never be accepted by that person. He gives that picture also of normality, and thinks it's a gift. He could have learned it in some places but he thinks it's more of a skill that came naturally. He admits that he doesn't usually practice what he preaches, but that doesn't make him a bad person if he gets to make people cry. Everytime, he even says sorry to people that have been fooled by guys like him. He believes LOVE is trial and error, but when he got married, he realized at some point, every person means everything to someone. He feels blessed that in some way, God gave him more than what he asked for and thanked him or that.

Aside from the family he's got now, he's thankful for the trust TV5 has given him. Now he's trying to get the human side in front of the camera, he's learning a lot and he hopes what he's doing in radio translates into TV as well. When asked about his dream interview, he wishes to have Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago hands down. She's his idol. He had a television show in the other channel and he did have a concern about it because he had tons of memories from that show, about family, he even cried because he felt it was pretty emotional there. The deal breaker here though is that this new show is going to be much like his radio show, but he's going to have more contributions, and will challenge him more because the production is very open about his input. He wants to work in an environment where people appreciate his growth as a person, where he never second guesses himself and wishes that it'll be something that would open opportunities, more blessings this year, and the years beyond that.

He wants to put in record that he's apologizing to his wife. He spends quite only a few hours with them after a hard days work, and he thinks he lacks on that department. He wants to make a great family, a more productive one, to make it a more meaningful journey in his life. Luckily his wife is VERY supporting, and always makes it a point to be with him when they can go out together. He's thankful for that. With the tons of projects, endorsements, shows that is lined up for him, he's blessed with a very understanding wife and remarks that it's where his happiness is contained. It's been a long journey before he got to this state, trust me, I know.

Call Me Papa Jack will be in your TV's every Saturdays at 10 PM on TV5. It's time you see the good looking guy behind the voice, take your celebrity down on the couch and talk with them like real people. Get the 411 on relationships with a real person, a real man who did so much things when he was just another voice on radio. He's that same friend you'll just have to see on TV from now on, even if he's going to be there every weekday on the radio. 

For more information about their network:

TV5 Manila

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