Come To Italianni's This Mothers Day!

Italianni's has been pretty special to my family, as each time my brother comes home from Ireland and feel to dine somewhere, we end up being in this restaurant so we kinda have a lot of memories here. I've also dated a couple or more instances here because I like the ambiance. It's non constricting, not too formal, but you get the classy food and comfy tables that go with it. Also, the food is delish! I mean, who doesn't love Italian food right?

The Interiors

The place can accommodate 80-100 people. Their walls are lined with murals reminiscent of the Italian countryside, hardwood exposed beams, wrought iron chandeliers and garden vine configurations on the window treatments. These are usually seen in Florence, Venice, Rome, or some places like that. I also like the group tables that would be able to accommodate a family or two especially the one on the private room at the restaurant's left part. You get to feel you're in Italy even for a while and sit in warm colors all throughout the restaurant. 

They also have a bar which can whip up mixed drinks, good wine and espresso coffee too. The restaurant also sits on the back part of MOA facing the MOA Eye and the gorgeous Manila Bay. They close it out with shades in the afternoon so you won't feel the heat.

The Food 

We tried their new "Shareable Combos" that only costs Php 945.00. You practically are saving around Php 520.00 in these combo meals and it's intended for 2-3 people. Their servings are huge so if you're just out for lunch with a group of friends, this is definitely something that you could consider. This first one is called the Ribs and Fish Combo.

The fish is local, it's Tilapia and you would probably mistake it for cream dory. It's topped with a velvety Caper Cream Sauce so you get something a bit salty with the bland fish. They've got Pesto Rice with this too so you won't feel shortchanged when having this meal. After all, it's a Filipino staple. I also super duper love the Half Rack Baby Back Ribs which further intensifies when you put the paired steak sauce with it. They have their own home made marinade for the ribs and the sauce felt like it has some fruits it in. It's savory and sweet which makes it totally a hit!

This other shareable portion is called Pork and Chicken Combo. It's got a pasta dish called Aglio Olio, which is like spaghettini in chili and garlic oil. Their version is intensely garlicky, so it's not a good date food. Well actually you can, as long as you both eat it and have mints after. The next one was Chicken Parmegiana, which is fried chicken breast topped with a little tomato sauce, basil and mozzarella cheese. This would be something for the kids. it's crunchy and cheesy, not too tangy. It's just right. Then they also have two large Real Pork Chops with gravy which was surprisingly soft despite its size. The gravy was nice too. They said it's got a chicken base and several aromatics, onions, carrots and potatoes with it. Really filling and can feed 3 grown men. We didn't even get to finish the chops actually.

Aside from these deals, they're giving away small gift cards this Sunday because it's Mothers Day. This will get your Mom another reason to go back to Italianni's for a FREE Caesar Salad. Remember, it will be only available this Mothers Day so pleas come to Mall of Asia this weekend!

For more information about their restaurant:

Italiannis PH

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http://italiannis.com.ph/

Meeting Lourd de Veyra

This guy right here is made of legends. i think he's also a genius, a talker, and a damn good singer. Last time I saw him was in 7107 Music Festival when he performed on stage with the whole Radio Active Sago Project. Sitting amongst the throng of media people, I could hear him discuss history and controversies about Bonifacio, Aguinaldo, Del Pilar and a couple more national heroes in the mix. There's a smart repute, a crazy fact, mostly things that were not uncovered by history books we had in school. It made me realize we were getting dumbed out by textbooks. He goes on correcting facts in his program and adds on different things that may make you doubt what is supposed to be genuine history. It makes you think, at least that part is great.

He just won Gawad Tanglaw of which he's probably one of the youngest guys who ever won it. He's also won awards for his documentaries with National Commission for Culture and Arts. Add to that Hildegarde Awards for "History with Lourd" and Adamson University's Annual Media Awards. He's got a few programs on TV5 like Aksyon sa Umaga, Aksyon, History with Lourd, Word of the Lourd, Chillax and a new one for online consumption entitled "KONTRABANDO" that will only appear in the Word of the Lourd Facebook Page. Now netizens will get more regular treats from this guy, no holds barred.

He was just in Pagasa Island the other week of which 91 people there where only 2 females were around. He also got threatened by China as he was supposedly flying over their military territory. He was offered to appear on TV initially by Patrick Paez who's now part of TV5 News. He wanted things out of the box, short videos, like Word of the Lourd. They found out later on that more people went on watching the shows on Facebook, back when it was just starting and they didn't have limitations in that channel. He's not the usual uptight coat and tie anchor, but he sure is making waves on TV like he's king. He also went to say he's committing sin right now, with a lady from Star Cinema but he's all good because that's just a take back on his Radio Active Sago Project times when he thought that he'll have tons of girls as a rock star. He said he was always "nganga" and went home not meeting her most of the time. They're still together and still happy with their dogs.

You'll hear more of his brand of news in these shows. Kontrabando will be shown online with Jun Sabayton, RA Rivera and Ramon Bautista as cast. Remember, they won't be filtered there so expect things to be crazy, like crazy serious! It's got room for improvs, taped quite raw and very silly. He puts it like "Tarant@dong News" and the best there is in the world. You just gotta see this.

For more information about their network:

TV5 Manila

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http://www.tv5.com.ph/

Taisho Ramen & Teppanyaki House Opens Newest Branch in SM Light Mall

We're back once again in one of my favorite ramen places in the metro, this is Taisho Ramen and Teppanyaki House. They just set up shop at the new Light Mall in Mandaluyong City which sits right across the Boni MRT station along EDSA. I loved Taisho even when they only had one place at the SM Sky Garden because of their authentic Hakata regional recipes. I also learned they really were passed on to them by Japanese chefs, all authentic from that prefecture. 

The Interiors

The place can sit around 50 to 60 people. It's a little big than the other branch in SM Sky Garden, SM North Edsa. They had very good floor area and has maximized the space which they felt was better compared to their first store. Owners thought it was going to be a gamble but in the few days that they have opened, they are doing quite good, even more than what they expected. The clientele is a little different. Instead of just the usual mall goers, Taisho was frequented by people who live in nearby Light Residences of which some of them actually go breakfast, lunch and dinner. I'm not surprised though as I've figured that I still love Taisho Ramen & Teppanyaki House Karamen over other ramens that I've tasted elsewhere, and I've actually done a lot mind you.

Design wise, they've got this new open kitchen concept where you can see how they make the ramen bowls right in front of you. They also got this line of seats in the same place so if you're alone, you don't have to suffer not eating in peace with vacant seats and eat like how the Japanese actually do it. Remember, bone based Hakata broth is the name of the game and it shouldn't be an issue if you would want something comforting right? Location wise, it's also very convenient because if you're coming from the MRT station, there's an entrance which can take you to the second floor of Light Mall directly. You then just have to go down a floor and find Taisho right beside BDO which is also below Shakeys and the still in construction branch of Samsung experience stores. Trust me, I haven't tasted any ramen yet that could beat them in the bone broth department. 

The Food

There are some new things in the menu. Much to my surprise, they're going healthy these days and I super love some of the items because it looked like my Japanese favorites that has gone on a diet. Here are some of them!

This is their Kani Salad. Its got strips of Kani, mangoes, fresh lettuce, cherry tomatoes and smothered with mixed creamy Japanese mayo and wasabe as dressing. It's good, filling and would be something good for lunch for those who are watching their weight. It's a tad on the creamy side and only got a hint of the wasabe, I liked it a lot.

I love Cold Soba noodles, but I didn't know that they also have something similar in the Hakata region which uses ramen instead of noodles made of buckwheat flour/green tea. This is the Hiyashi Ramen. Aside from the served cold ramen, it's got slivers of cucumber, strips of cabbage, onion leeks, tamago and chashu. It is going to be dipped in Hiyashi Soup with sesame seeds on it. You may request for the intensity or hotness of your dip as well. Of course, I asked for deadly spicy levels like what I always want for my broth and they did oblige! It was super good, super fresh. I can even see health freaks liking this because it felt more of a salad while we were eating it. Definitely something I'd go back for when in the Boni area. I loved this really.

This is my personal favorite, and I'm sure every one else that goes to Taisho Ramen & Teppanyaki House too. You must have this while its hot. The Karamen Ramen had the best broth, plus the intense hotness you want in a bowl of ramen realized. The thick soup, they make it fresh and do not do shortcuts as they don't use any powders/MSG in any of the food items. They also use the best ingredients, have them delivered daily, just to get you the best things on a bowl. That's dedication to the craft right there! If you're a fan of bone based broth, you won't be disappointed with this creamy version and I must say I've never seen any other Japanese restaurant who has it. They do things differently, really good. I also love the pork slices, but really it's in the broth. Thank me later!

 See this last photo above? You've got Gohan (rice), Green Tea, my favorite Karamen Ramen, side salad (with super good Sesame dressing), Teriyaki Chicken (which tastes so good and served with corn slices, potato wedges, string beans, and more side salad), Gyoza. All of these are actually bundled up for the affordable price of Php 499.00. Unbelievable! Imagine, the price of the Karamen Ramen alone is already in that region, but you've got tons of things together with it. This is definitely a steal and they won't mind giving you an extra bowl as this can probably feed two people. If you don't eat big meals it's always good to share! They've got like 8 different combinations in a separate leafed menu which I suggest you check out when you visit their branch in Boni.

 

The Ebi Tempura looks also nice too. Jeman of Orange Magazine had this. I was a little not too keen having it since I'm a little allergic to seafood. My Mom loves this on their menu together with the tartar sauce if I'm not mistaken.

Hot outside? No worries, Taisho Ramen & Teppanyaki House has desserts! Aside from the best selling Vanilla and Green Tea ice cream, they've got Strawberry Kakegori and the Macha Kakegori. They say this actually is the origin of our own native Halo Halo and I could see the similarities. This one was executed quite simple, no fuzz, just flavored ice and a little beans, all good. They also have this in Grape and Peach, so feel free to ask if they have it available.

If you're around Mandaluyong, Makati or nearby communities, try Taisho Ramen & Teppanyaki House in SM Light Mall. They have mall parking and can be accessed directly from the MRT station. There's no reason NOT to enjoy ramen and other things from the Hakata region. Just give in to real good quality comfort food from this one of a kind ramen and teppanyaki place. They just opened this May but have been in the business for years. There's a reason why people go back, I can't force you to go there but please do try the ramen. See the reason why I love it!

For more information about their restaurant:

Taisho Ramen Teppanyaki House

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Visit their official website

http://taishioramenteppanyakihouse.com

Make Your Own Havaianas 2015

When you saw this photo, did you feel a little old? Haha I know! It's the 10th year of Make Your Own Havaianas and their doing it in Hawaiian style this time at the Glorietta Activity Center. I've had a few pairs myself so if you're hoarding them at home, take them out and use them on the beach, the outdoors, or just about any place you go and take your Havaianas to.

Aside from the great music, they let us choose our own soles and match them with whatever straps we wanted for it. You can also personalize the thing by latching in lots of pins which you can put on the strap as well. 

The pin choices this year are super cool too as they followed the theme, making it extra cool with the Hawaiian vibe. I liked the aloha, the coconut, the camera, the burger, the hotdog, coffee, beach bum, road trip and fish pins personally. They also made us a complimentary hand stamped pin because we were the first people to have it.

I love Havaianas! Thank you for having us to celebrate individuality once again. My pair will be put into good use I promise and if you're looking forward to get your pair, come to the Glorietta Activity Center and make your own pair. There's 12,000 combinations to choose from, you can make your own Havaianas from May 7-10. They'll be at 17 malls anyway so I'm sure there's one near you! 

Mahalo! And cheers to making your own Havaianas this year! Thank you to Tasha who made my pair too! 

For more information about their products:

Havaianas Philippines

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http://www.myoh.havaianasphilippines.com/