This is a passion not just for food but the passion for sharing, this is Restaurants Against Hunger. This is the first public act in the Philippines and it started with Action Against Hunger (1979) to once feed Afghan refugees during the Russian and Afghanistan war. They have 40 years experience and started in the Philippines during the year 2000, helping in central Mindanao with food programs. Hunger exists everywhere, not just malnutrition but how to detect and treat it is done by prevention. Access to clean water, not just food security is done so it could reduce malnutrition for children. They want to make sure it sustains the community, they are an NGO and converge during conflicts and help the population recover. They provide water and sanitation, and they will be able to do more with your help says Javad Amoozegar, the Country Director for Action Against Hunger Philippines.
Today, the Philippines is following the footsteps of UK, US, Canada and Spain by launching Restaurants Against Hunger. Joining various restaurants on their belt, and the Chefs in between, Chef Rolando Laudico is the ambassador for this cause and with the act of putting proceeds of particular dishes served in over 103 restaurants in the Philippines called DISHES THAT FEED MORE that will give life saving impact for kids with malnutrition. They will transform villages, do healthcare, educate and deal the things that stand in their way.
There are children that have low height for their age, kids that have stunted growth. That means 4 Million Filipino kids we are talking about. The country is ranked 9th in the world when it comes to stunting, undernourished kids doesn't just mean physically, but also mentally. Malnourished kids are bound to be caught in a cycle of poverty 20% of the time but in all these challenges, we can overcome it. We can help kids survive just by going and ordering these food items on their menu. It's time to put them on your list this 2016 as it will run from November 15, 2016 to January 15, 2017. You can register your restaurants too until November 30 at www.restaurantsagainsthungerphilippines.org or like their Facebook page @RestaurantsAgainstHungerPH, follow them on IG @RestaurantsAgainstHungerPH and on Twitter @EndHungerPH or their official website www.accioncontraelhambre.org/es/filipinas.
I got up early in the morning and covered 2 events, then drove all the way to Clark Pampanga to take a shot of Chef Laudico's Feast, a new brand, a new restaurant under the belt of celebrity power couple Chefs Rolando and Jackie Laudico. They've been raring to branch out and take what success they've had in their Manila based restaurants to the outskirts, particularly this booming location frequented by locals from the north, central Luzon and Metro Manila areas.
Chef Laudico's Feast can sit up to 200-ish people. With some optional seating outside for smoking patrons. I like the bunk chairs with views outside so you can do my favorite activity in the world, people watching.
My personal favorite on the buffet, is this. It's the Belly Lechon. Soft belly meat and thin crispy skin, how can you not love that? Make sure you leave some skin for other patrons because they also need to get that experience, without the use of MSG. It's a trait that they're abiding to, I'll tell you about it later.
US Grade AngusRoast Beef, sliced thinly, with warm gravy, perfection.
They've also got a ton of seafood on the menu, but most probably you'll see Steamed Crabs and Shrimps as it is locally sourced. Only the freshest of course!
They have a dedicated Sushi Counter. It's a permanent fixture on the buffet area. They also prepare Sashimi, small bites that make you say Mmmm...
For Dimsum lovers, you'll love the variety of Siu Mai that they have on the steamer. I came back for seconds of course! But remember, you're tasting lovely food at their best, without MSG.
For those on a cheat day, yes you can have this. It's Lechon Kawali with all the pork goodness in it. It's actually surprising to see that they don't put MSG on it but it still tastes so good. Who doesn't love pork done like this right? Plus imagine their Apple Liver Sauce with hot white rice, I know!
Chef Jackie says "This is how we mind and think about the food we serve, this is like a fiesta and we're bringing it into the malls. We love fiestas and in these occasions, we see people cook from scratch. Here we're going to do the same without MSG, enhancing flavors without shortcuts. We've been doing this since the very beginning and we want to promote that flavor, we work with suppliers to achieve this and promote the fiesta culture by using the freshest ingredients, where everyone is a friend and let people experience that."
Chef Lau adds "This is different, every kitchen is. Our Chef's here are all Kapampangan and we didn't call them the culinary capital for nothing. We're more global than Guevarras here. Everyday there will be Filipino, international and Asian dishes because we have Japanese and Korean patrons too who would like to have our take of their cuisines. We will also be doing a Christmas menu here but it will be different from Guevarras in Manila."
He also mentions "This is a different group, we have local partners so you can expect authenticity in what we'll serve on the table. Our interiors are also works of art from local artists from Angeles, San Fernando and nearby towns. For us Chefs, we like to cook for people regardless of what most connoisseurs would think. We're expanding and we hope people would appreciate what we please ourselves with, and let them try what we think is good."
He told us "There's no secret, you just have to do it from scratch and never shortchange our customers. It takes a while to perfect things. The reason why we're Chefs is that we genuinely make people happy because of our work, so people get happiness from our food. Aside from Kapampangan's love to eat and commune, we realize that this is a melting pot on it's own. Name a town here, a couple of hours here, and they still go here. I'm so surprised they drive all the way here just for food, and I get touched and also talk to them when we're here."
Here's a view of what to expect in Chef Laudico's Feast! Enjoy!
Chef Laudico's Feast is now a new dining destination when you're in Clark Pampanga. If you want to taste what he's known for in Guevarras or his other restaurants in Manila and don't want to drive all the way there, come to Clark Pampanga (just at the back of SM Clark) and take a lovely meal with family and friends. Thank you Chef Jackie and Chef Laudico for having us! I'm sure you'll get a LOT of people to appreciate what you put on their tables. Imagine a ton of birthdays, anniversaries, celebrations on the dinner table will happen because you've got Chef Laudico's Feast over there! I can't wait to go back soon!
Chef Laudico's Feast is on soft opening right now but you may book reservations through 09063512688 and 09493248382. They are at the Ground Level of BPO 1 SM City Clark and is just right across Radisson Inn Clark, go FEAST all you can!
Rey Valera, Rico J Puno, Marco Sison, Rey Valera, Hadji Alejandro and special guest Ms. Jessa Zaragosa will be at the New Port Performing Arts Theater this
It was an idea born from the OPM Legends concert in Resorts World (more of like a reunion) and they wanted an even more endearing tribute to hit makers and their hit songs. It's about two or three years since they've done it and they're excited to see those who still love OPM. Rey Valera says "I'm sure they'll be glad to hear the hits from the 80's and 90's but we'll do more modern songs so it'll be something they'll be looking forward to in a grander venue, bigger show. Hadji is our scriptwriter, to talk in front of the crowd. We don't even have a director, so expect the greenest jokes that he couldn't say be done by Rico J. It's going to be more personal and funny! Being a songwriter and producer, I still try to do things with composers and see if that will also work and introduce them even if they didn't win in the show. I call it a Songwriting Project, I do that aside from the judging, we discover talents there."
Marco Sison adds "I am nervous but Hadji helps us a lot to put things together. I'm from the outskirts of Manila but I get to rehearsals early. We often still arrive early for the show. They arrive when it's already the concert. Nonoy is not gonna be here as he is based in the US. When we got in touch with him we already finalized materials, we tried but we didn't have time. I think he had a bad experience with Ana Puno *he jokes*. I like how they're also reviving our songs in contests so I think it's timely."
Hadji adds "What's great is that we already have worked together in the past and we won't be trying hard telling each other jokes, calling names because we already know each other. We just have yo be good boys now that Jessa is also here."
There are more offerings next year from StarMedia (producer of this show) like Martin Nievera and Lani Misalucha on Valentine's day in Solaire called Masquerade. Tickets for this show are now available at Ticketworld.com.ph at 8919999 and SM Tickets at 4702222. You can also buy online at www.smtickets.com.
Having interviewed her a couple of months ago was such a cool experience already but I just heard TV5, led by Ms. Luchi Cruz Valdez received awards from the PMPC Star Awards for Television last October 23, 2016. It is through her leadership that they have gotten that Best Public Service Award for TV for AKSYON TV's Buhay OFW and also hard hitting reporter Erwin Tulfo for the acclaimed prime time news show AKSYON Prime. The news organization is still in it's infancy and might I tell you they're not as big as the other station's man power but they have delivered in quality, and reported at par where they need to, when we need it.
Ms. Luchi Cruz Valdez has also been bestowed an Excellence in Broadcasting Award, a feat only done by veteran broadcast journalists with the likes of Maria Ressa, Mike Enriquez and Rey Langit among others. They have gone above and beyond their duties, and Ms. Valdez has spearheaded local programs such as Emergency Response Unit and Rescue5 which has served countless lives in and around the country. She says "News5 will continue to uphold its commitment to keep the public informed and make Filipinos knowledgeable about issues of national interest. We hope to continue to provide our viewers with fast, accurate and relevant news and information - essential for building a stronger and informed nation." It's so refreshing to note that even at their limited capacity they have exceedingly delivered fast and accurate news reports, more convincing town hall type presidential election coverage and a great public service programs up until now.
Be assured they're going to have more shows catered for the Filipino public and expect the best only from TV5's NEWS5.
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