The Excitement Continues: Whisky Live Manila 2017

It's been a good year for whisky this year, as I've felt it being invited to many brands of it this year. Filipinos have been starting to appreciate this even more because we're getting to know how to actually use it with other things than just on the rocks (oh yes even on cocktail). For purists like me, I find how it is made very interesting. We often don't know how the alcohol was made, what proof, how the ageing process in wooden casks actually take and what goes in it. It also depends on the distillation process, filtering, and tons of other stuff that we are all still trying to understand, but I'm glad they're doing this expo in Manila this October 20 and 21 at the Shangri-la Hotel in Fort Bonifacio, Global City. I was invited to this occasion last year but didn't go because I was so tired from doing events the whole day, and didn't want to get drunk for the next day LOL.

Mind you, this probably would be the biggest outing of over 100 whisky variants, making local connoisseurs have a field day of their own. This is hosted by Grand Cru Wines and Spirits Inc. This will also include the award winning whisky called Kavalan from Taiwan, plus tons of tasting, cocktail competitions, appreciation classes, plus rare bottles... so you better get those livers ready! I'm volunteering my services for the tasting part, you should too! If you want to join, visit http://www.whiskylive.ph now!

KUMAGCOW
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Devon Seron Excited for "You With Me"

Devon Seron has surely grown after her stint in PBB. Several movies, shows, and now a lead role in a movie with 2 K Drama stars called "You and Me". Now there's a funny story behind this because during the auditions, they had a set list of people that they planned to choose from but Devon thought they were doing an indie movie and kinda gatecrashed to be there. Sure enough, she had to go through a KDrama look makeover, then she got the part. They have already finished shooting the scenes for it here in the Philippines and in Korea. They also did a short meet and and greet earlier this year where tons of Kdrama fans went and supported them. Mind you Kim Hyun Woo and Jin Ju Hyung is part of this film, and they are going to be her leading men so imagine how cool this would be on screen.

Devon says "I was a bit teary eyed earlier, but it was really worth the wait. Every role, every part I played I have really worked hard for it. I almost had a year of no work before this so I really took the chance and did this for my family. I only got the chance to speak Korean because I was working with them. Their characters, how they make it is really different. When I got the chance to do the meet and greet, I thought they were going to be a bit snobbish, but they were not at all. They were really charming, real gentlement, and we had to shoot about 80% of it in Korea so it was dreamy. I was like a kid in my dream places, like the parks we went to, that have iconic Kdramas also shot there. I didn't really schedule this but I only asked a friend for a favor to audition for this role. I was already happy to have tried and when I got it, even more. I'm Kim Soriano, a wealthy, obedient, strong woman. She maybe a little matured, but she wanted to be more independent so she ended up in Korea. I actually learned a lot while shooting this because everything is on time and on schedule. They really took care of me when I had problems with the script, I didn't also get used to the weather because when they were already hot, I still had a jacket on and they were laughing at me. But this really was an awesome experience. I had no boyfriend since birth, but I've experienced a lot already and I think that helped."

Director Rommel Ricafort says "We chose her because of the story, we had to look for a Filipina look, so we chose her. There were a lot of people who auditioned, but even of she wasn't there during the process of choosing, I sent the photos to the Korean production, and they put a heart on Devon's photo just like what I was thinking. Even the actors there auditioned, and they're really good actors who won awards recently. You will love Hyun Woo and Jin Ju Hyung in this film."

Make sure you watch YOU WITH ME showing this September 27, 2017. The film also stars Tonton Gutierrez, Assunta De Rossi, Jon Lucas, Hazel Faith Dela Cruz, Lee Seung Yun, Sung In Ja, Shin Dong Hun, Lee Soo Ryun, Oh Ja Hun and the Hashtags. This is produced by Gitana Film Productions, RR Entertainment, Seoul Film Commission, Film Line Productions and supported by MyPhone, Green Cross, Lewis and Pearl Scentshop, Orabella.

KUMAGCOW

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MARUGAME UDON Opens in the Philippines

The Japanese culture and food invasion continues with this new restaurant that just opened in BGC's B7 Section. Say hi to MARUGAME UDON.

A small private event happened a few weeks ago as Suyen Corporation adds another one to their throng of number 1 brands from Japan. Marugame Udon is the same namesake as with Marugame Seimen, and the ambiance alone could take you there without paying a single Yen or a 4 hour flight. You'll love the smell even from the outside of the establishment as they're probably preparing the fresh Udon and Tempura in their open kitchen.

What's mind boggling is the price of the food in this joint because it's not as pricey as I thought it would be. Japanese Udon and Ramen in the Philippines usually costs Php 400+, but they haven't even broken the 300 mark on their best sellers. 

To order, one has to line up and choose their Udon bowl. The open kitchen concept would let you get to know the person preparing your meal, either hot or cold, those udon noodles stay absolutely firm and springy.

The place can accomodate about 80 people in one go and the decor stayed absolutely genuine, much like a noodle shop on Tokyo or nearby prefectures. This would be instagrammable in every corner if it weren't for low light. I bet they did that because it's conducive for eating, rather than talk, you'll love your Udon bowls more.

If it weren't too busy that day I'd have this table right beside the kitchen, so I could do my favorite past time in the world, people watching.

There were about a hundred guests that evening including beauty queens, artists from ABSCBN and GMA, Instagrammers, influencers and bloggers. Of course the main man himself Ben Chan was there together with the executives, CEO of Marugame Seimen from Japan. They flew all the way here just for this!

Curry Rice - My heart skipped a beat after they served this on my table. I am so much of a fan of Japanese curry and this was hot, super thick just the way I liked it. The beef strips were soft, it was subtle, not overly spicy, laid over a heaping bowl of hot white rice. I loved this but they had other hits on the menu.

Tempura - They had tons of choices for the tempura. I had one, okay two of the Ebi (even if I was allergic I had to give in!), a few sticks of Chicken Karaage, the Vegetable Tempura plus Sweet Potatoes. They serve this freshly cooked, so don't forget to have this with your Udon Bowl. 

Gyudon Rice - You don't have to go far to get a bowl of full Umami goodness. I could taste a hint of sweet sake, dark soy  and smell it too. If you are finding comfort food with strips of beef, a little fat, this bowl of rice would be a good place to start. Make sure you have this as soon as they put it on your tray because it's best when it's piping hot. You don't even have to add anything but I tried this with Japanese chili oil that day and it was even better. I think I just like everything that's hot LOL.

Teriyaki Chickendon - This would be a great treat for kids who love anything sweet and savory on their food. Make sure you order this for them because it's tender and would make you full in a jiffy. This would also be best for take out since it won't get overcooked on your lunchboxes, and it's a pretty good deal for the price.  

Beef Ontama Bukkake Udon - You won't find anything fresher as these hand made noodles on their joint. They have researched and looked for the perfect flour available in the Philippines so they can recreate what they legitimately serve in Japan. Think of thick udon noodles served in a hot broth with soft strips of beef gyudon, caramelized onions with all the umami goodness in it plus soft cooked tamago which you can just poke as it envelopes each strand of udon on your bowl. It's super good, you'll instantly be a fan and know why it's number 1 in Japan. 

Now I don't want to just make you drool with these photos, I suggest you go to BGC's B7 section and look for Marugame Udon for the best Udon and Tempura in Manila. You get it for less than the price of other Japanese restaurants in Manila but get the legit taste of what's served in Japan, wouldn't that be a nice idea to have it during this long weekend? To know more about the restaurant, follow them on their social media accounts https://www.facebook.com/marugameph/ and http://instagram.com/marugameph on IG. I loved it, you will too!

Your Coffee Habit Is About to Change: Try MASKAPE

As a coffee drinking country, we've been more attuned to what's available. Some of which are just things that our parents got used to, or consume because of name recall, or things that are imported, thinking they are superior because they're well advertised using different famous personalities. There's nothing wrong with that, but I think there's good ones out there that doesn't have to cost that much. I couldn't put my finger on why they sometimes have to be priced high for instant coffees. I'm glad they're opening up the market for local companies and this one's nice. Have you heard of Maskape?

It's a new instant coffee brand from Mighty And Strong Foods Corporation, so this is manufactured locally. They use imported robusta beans, ground them up and get them blended with the right amount of sugar and cream to fit the taste of Filipino coffee drinkers. I like the fact that they have different variants to fit the different moods I had all week and yes, I like what I had even for less. I saved me a bit of money because it kept me from going out of coffee shops that serve good coffee for a hefty price. Yes you pay for the ambiance and all, but for practicality this is a good thing especially when it's raining like cats and dogs outside!

The Brown and Creamy variant had that light caramel taste you get when using brown sugar in coffee. This is what I'd like to have during breakfast, even just with bread alone. I am like most of you, I dip it into the hot coffee and eat it like a treat. This is pretty good but only costs Php 5 would you believe? 

For a little more strong caffeine kick, try the Maskape Strong and Rich variety. This would help those who need a little boost during long meetings, to at least keep you awake while everyone else is reporting. I know some who sleep when other people talk too much so I'm suggesting this to him!

Mom and Dad likes this White and Creamy one. I guess they want a more roasted smell and something that's extra creamy. I was already getting a bit nervous from tasting it all in one breakfast so I skipped this on this day and tried it the next day haha.. I guess that's how addicted I am to coffee.

For those who want it a little less creamy, the Maskape Original would be best. I think this is closer to the taste of that popular brand. I think it would be nice if you try this out in lieu of that because this costs less without disappointing you on flavor and aroma.

For purists like me, sometimes I don't want a lot of things in my coffee. For a more local flair, they've got this Maskape Barako Gold variety. Sure to wake you up in the morning and keep you awake during those crucial times, this has less sugar and no cream content. Perfect for those who want to keep it simple in the morning or night.

Now here's a brand that can get you all the coffee you need without breaking the bank. If you plan to stay at home and just make a cup or two while at work, try Maskape for a change because honestly, it doesn't need to be super expensive. Right?