Three Sisters Restaurant in Kapitolyo, Pasig City

Paul Pike of Three Sisters Restaurant

Skipped one or more traffic lights to travel all the way to Kapitolyo in Pasig City and have lunch at the iconic Three Sisters Restaurant. I think I've been here once when my friends drove by and bought take out but I've never been able to dine at this place let alone see their menu. It was somehow a good thing that we got to not only have their food this time, but also meet the owners. They spent a few minutes of their day to talk to us about the history and how the place started. By the way, they just transferred a couple of houses from their original location and is now at #10 East Capitol Drive Brgy. Kapitolyo Pasig City. The former property they were renting got sold so this place which originally was their home became a temporary place while they transition into a new pretty one soon. 

Paul Pike showed us generations of his family, including Lola Rosa his Great Grandmother standing in front of their store which was only a refreshment parlor in 1941. They only sold soda to offer refreshments to people passing by since they were near a local cemetery (November 1 was a big deal even back then) because it was hot and humid in Poblacion, Pasig. The people who were drinking then wanted to eat something so they put up a restaurant. It got destroyed during the war years and they went to Antipolo to take refuge, when they came back everything was destroyed and they had to start from scratch. They rebuilt it, and opened a new one in the early 70's by buying a new lot. They also showed us their original driver Pablo in photos in their first delivery truck. About the name, they just thought about a catchy name and isn't really reflective of their family because they were made up of 4 girls and 1 boy, it came from a Talcum Powder commercial on radio during the post war era called Three Beauties. It was just spun from that. They gained a lot of exposure because celebrities and other stars came to their place one of which is Nora Aunor who often held press conferences much like what we're used to today. He also showed us photos of the original house and how it served as their restaurant since then. All their staff, practically had family still working in the place because they trusted people especially the recipes of the family. Now some of them are still cooks who make the famous items on their menu. You can also see tons of memorabilia from way back then that are still working in the store. They even use the ordering system when everything else like computers and POS bogs down. They had people come from a lot of places looking for their food. Pop Talk did a show there and their sales went up 60%, then Kris Aquino did KrisTV and the next day, they had to close down because they got 100% more customers after that, some even got mad because they ran out of food literally. The exposure, the community all welcomed it, the young ones included. You can also see students after school, but they still have patrons who have been here for years.

The Food

They're introducing The Fiesta Barkada Meals intended for groups. I can imagine around 3-4 people can have this in one sitting. They already have this on the menu but are having this in one package so people can save more for a meal. Rice is also included but not on the photo. As you can see it's a pretty good deal.

This is Sarap Pinoy. It consists of a bowl of Hototai, Calamares, Crispy Pata, Kare Kare Vegetables, 2 pitchers of Iced Tea and 2 plates of Leche Flan.

This is Hototai. They made this to liken those in Chinese Restaurants and said that this is his Father's version. Paul said they're pretty open to new ideas for the menu and their work hard on making each of them still affordable so everyone could have it in their restaurant.

This is their Calamares. It's a staple in Filipino bar food. They do serve beers I think in the place so if you're up for a celebration, then there's no place better to have good food and local beers that are affordable than here.

This is one of their best sellers, the Crispy Pata. They also serve this with Kare Kare Veggies so you can mix them together and have Crispy Pata meat with your favorite fiesta viand the Kare Kare. It's pretty good in fact, I paired it with the spiced vinegar and shrimp paste (bagoong) that's a little spicy. It's perfect with rice so don't hold back on that.

This is their Leche Flan. The recipe is made by Paul Pike himself and his personal preference is something that's both creamy, dense and not too tangy. It's not too sweet, it's just right and I even took some home too. Folks at home asked me immediately where I got it and they said it was good. Some bloggers got parts of it too and had the same observations. I'd definitely recommend this when you're in Three Sisters Restaurant.

This one's their Pinoy Espesyal. It consists of Chicken Barbecue, Sinigang na Bangus, Lumpiang Shanghai, Pakbet, 3 small bowls of Buko Pandan and 2 Iced Tea Pitchers.

The Lumpiang Shanghai was still hot and fresh. The pork filling was really good and you can still taste how new this batch really is because they probably made it only upon ordering. This would be good as appetizers on what's about to be served, wait til you get the next ones.

The Pakbet still had really fresh and crunchy vegetables on them. They mixed this with Shrimp paste but I didn't really eat bitter gourd that much so I only chose the pieces that I could eat.

This is their Sinigang na Bangus (Milkfish in Tamarind Broth) which is a staple in every Filipino home. Their version though is a bit on the fruity side because they used more tomatoes to make the broth a little sour. The milkfish is also fresh so you don't have that fishy smell problem. Press on the finger chili a couple of times and mix it in if you prefer a more spicy version of it.

This is Three Sisters Restaurant's Chicken Barbecue. If it's something grilled that's coming out of their kitchen. expect it to be good. I think it's in the marinade they use for these chicken pieces that make it so good. It's a little on the grilled sweet side and I love every bit of it. The lovely caramelized chicken exterior plus the sweet and savory meat would be just lovely on white rice. Order tons of it please!

I mentioned that together with your Barkada Fiesta meal, you'll have three small bowls of Buko Pandan. It's light, it's sweet and would be the perfect way to end the meal. Although, I suggest you order a couple more extras because these next ones are THE best sellers!

This is their famous Three Sisters Restaurant Barbecue. In the few hours that I've stayed in their establishment, I counted about 7 people coming to the counter just to order this and have it for take out. It's soft, it's juicy and the marinade is just superb. I can taste it in each bite and I don't think they put in too much fat in it either. Unlike the usual barbecue that has a piece of fat in the end in the country, they chose to go full protein I guess which just made this super good. Trust me on the barbecue.

Kris Aquino's favorite is this Pork Liempo. She waited quite a long time for this to get cooked, but one bite of it.... she said it was all worth it. I did have tons of this on my plate. I cut it up, and had a sauce on the side made from Soy Sauce and Chilis. Bring on about 2 cups of rice for a single slab and I'm good!

I don't think I have to convince you anymore to have the Pansit Bihon from Three Sisters Restaurant. It's got all the nice things plus a ton of Pork Rind on top. I had half a plate of this and loved how the pork just made this thing more interesting. You get the salty porky bits mixed with the usual homey preparation of Pansit Bihon, what more can you ask for?

Mind you, the prices here are unbelievably affordable. They're not high end, but they can beat those pricey ones in flavor. Make sure you bring your friends and family especially if they miss Mom's cooking. Three Sisters Restaurant presents a worthy alternative to those you prepare at home, and they do it quite well too. They also have a branch in C5 corner Oritgas Avenue but I strongly suggest you go to Kapitolyo as it's more homey and no fuss. Call them for reservations, or if you would like to order in bulk/cater at (02)631-9247. They do all that!

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YOU MUST WATCH: Stand By Me Doraemon

I wasn't too keen watching this movie called "Stand By Me Doraemon" because I thought it was going to be just for kids. The cinema was filled around 50% adults and about 50% kids. Well okay, about 70% kids. I was still excited though because among all the Japanese cartoons I've watched, I felt Doraemon was just in my alley. I like the cute antics he does but not the Tagalized version that made it a little cheap. The English and Japanese version I must say pays attention to the little things, and it doesn't make me get bored because they try so hard interpreting the cartoon in a big way too much that it looks OA. This Doraemon movie is in English, it's probably also meant to be shown on 3D judging from the camera angles and story flow.

I must tell you, I loved the story. I also love the part that they're still finding humor in everyday situations and why it's important to be sane in these times when everybody's connected to technology. They also are giving us lessons in how we can have love, relationships, and learn even without it. You will also learn why bullying is not a good thing to do, something your kids can really pick up from while you explain things. The cat from the future isn't just a robot, because he'll make you realize the value of friendship, and how important it is to value the time you spend with friends and family. I must say, I even saw some of the adults in my row crying in the dark watching this movie. If they got affected that much, I'm sure most of you will too. It's excellent in my books, watch it as they show the film on June 17, 2015 in all major theaters!

You MUST watch this movie!

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Viva Artists Agency

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Tom Rodriguez and Carla Abellana Stars in No Boyfriend Since Birth (NBSB)

We had the chance to visit the set of No Boyfriend Since Birth, a film that brings together one of the most successful pairs in public TV Tom Rodriguez and Carla Abellana. TomCar has been able to transcend their past show together with Dennis Trillo and made MHL a common thing in Filipino homes, then made a film together last 2014 for So It's You. The team up today would make the same audience, the same thirsty romcom deprived people a little serving of Tom and Carla again. This is directed by Jose Javier Reyes and we also talked to him before the shoot.

Direk Joey says "I have students who are with me in this shoot, I'm passing on the torch to hopefully an even better generation. The story of this movie is about a girl who's obsessed about the guy she fell in love with in high school, whom she hoped is the guy that was named on a fortune telling session. She hoped it was Carlo, but when the guy came back there were just so many things that made it complicated. It's basically a comedy but we're deviating with something like a Wattpad story. It's going to be more simple. I worked with Carla in Somebody to Love and the most logical choice for the partner is Tom. It's been a while with Regal and this is a good comeback. Mike Tan will be like a third wheel, Bangs Garcia too. It tells about falling in love when you want to, when you had to but it won't work. Regal is trying to do something like Cinemalaya but for now they're thrust is working with young and promising directors. I'm line producing a lot of movies by other people, though not big budgeted, we're making them mainstream. There are so many successful ones now and hopefully we can give them a chance. We're also giving chances to new actors, because talents nowadays are so hard to find. They're lucky to last 5 years.

 

In new breeds JM De Guzman is very promising although he was really very experienced already, Liza Soberano too, I may not be able to direct her but she's the next big thing. I love her face. Among the really new ones, I really believe in them. I'm back to teaching and back to La Salle, I'm doing a lot of things and I'm doing things that I want to do. Regal gives me independence and make new Directors, it's something that I wanted to do for a long time. I'm doing this for the new generation. It's an apprenticeship now but they decided to stay. No matter how many classes they take, it's different here. I even have my Assistant Director come from UP, there are really good ones there and I really encourage kids, if this is what they like I fully support them. This film will be released in September I don't know the next one but there are a few more that I'm going to do for Regal Films. I don't want to do MMFF anymore because it's commercial and you really have to battle with big studios there. Promo needs it. I loved the part where English Only Please because a blockbuster, it's not a great film but it's different and you offer something new and true with artsits like Jennelyn and Derek, I'm so happy for them. Also for That Thing Called Tadhana where the talents really shined."

When we sat down with them Carla Abellana said "We worked together for My Destiny last year but the movie, it's been a year. I believe it's very well known what NBSB means. I was 18 when I had my first boyfriend, every relationship was a chapter in my life, there's bitterness and sadness, there's always hurt and paint. The similarities between Carla and Carina is being hardworking, Carina on the other hand was just too expecting, I won't be like that. I listen a lot to Direk Joey because I know what demands he has for the character. She's a workaholic, young and determined wedding planner. She's got frustrations, I couldn't put down the script because I was always laughing alone and people were looking at me. It's that good and exciting. It's very fun. This scene is Carlo's brothers wedding. Carlo's ex ended up with his brother so you know it's awkward. There's a lot more into this story and you'll be feeling good after you leave the theaters, that I assure you. "

Tom on the other hand said "Here, I'm Carlo Mercado, I was medical student then but wanted to always be a photographer. I was Mr. Popular, a little cocky, attention of girls back in high school made him that way. He is funny but we haven't done much of it yet but it's something that a matured guy would probably do. I can relate to him, it's not love at first sight (the relationship with Carina), you always have to take a second look. He went to Canada and made his own adventures, sometimes it's a platonic thing in a different time. It happens in real life and friends find out that there's something there. People build from there, from a seatmate, to friendship, then to a relationship. I've seen unconventional things happen, and he understands it. That's what make this character very interesting and hopefully people would come to enjoy it when it shows in theaters soon!"

No Boyfriend Since Birth is written by Noreen Capili and this is produced by Regal Films. I hope people would appreciate this new TomCar pairing, they're cute together. Showing very soon!

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Regal Films

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Jane Oineza for BUM Black 2 School

Jane has been so loved by many and this isn't her first campaign with BUM. The BUM Black to School campaign further solidifies the brand's belief that individuality in or out of campus is definitely achievable. Jane is a sweetheart, an immensely talented actress that can do goody two shoes in one day and a bad girl in the next. She's very flexible, she pulls emotions from her personal experiences and that's why a lot of people adore her. That genuine factor, that love for  the craft, that innate style and superb taste in clothing whether casual, formal or street all fits in because she's real. 

Jane has jumpers on this shoot. Just like her, the outfit can be worn in casual or street purposes. It's very easy to jazz up, just change tops and it's a completely different outfit. You don't need to buy a new one, basically just mix and match. The multitude of long sleeved shirts in BUM's Black 2 School line can almost make you survive a week without repeating an outfit. It's trendy and fashionable without breaking your budget.

Jane even has worn this outfit in shows, provincial tours and even her daily soap operas. It's young, but she's definitely not afraid to experiment. Try it with existing clothing (the ones you have in your closet) and it'll still work. That's how BUM made these colorful pieces, they think about you too! 

The next time you go to a mall, or their boutiques, try on the couple shirts and the jumpers. They'll fit you and your loved one, you'll look cute together too! This is just the first installment, watch out for out next posts and who knows, you might be seeing your favorite BUM endorsers right here on KUMAGCOW.COM! 

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