Chef Luigi Muhlach’s LUMU Beerhouse and Filipino Kitchen

Filipinos have always shyed away from actually eating their own dishes because they’ve always had it, grew tired of it, and perhaps the lack of imagination of people. I often walk in the Greenbelt 3 area to and from events and if you’re familiar with the place and go up the escalator, there’s a stretch of restaurants on the right side that’s not much frequented by people. Well I think that’s about to change now. You’ll see a pretty line of window panes with the letters LUMU. You see, showbiz royalty and Chef Luigi Mulach has just set up shop at this side of town and called it such because of his names sake, and what people used to put in their love letters when it was still done, it means “Love U and Miss U... cheesy I know but it fits the bill. We attended their grand launch together with his friends in the industry, showbusiness and his relatives. Not to mention his super proud parents Aga Mulach and Janice De Belen. Igi Boy has indeed made strides.

I heard about his story, and putting up this restaurant wasn’t that easy because if you’re like me who frequent food bazaars, you’ll see Luigi do the legwork. He prepares the food himself, serve it to customers and it has been like that for a couple of years. So just seeing this happen made him a little bit teary eyed, I could feel how hard he’s worked for it.

I guess it stems from what hits home, this new venture wasn’t much like a posh fine dining restaurant and he wanted it to be a bit more relaxed where friends and family could hang out after office hours. Just casual, not to dressed up, not a speakeasy pub, but more of a beerhouse. The difference though is that it’s not like the ones that your Titos would probably frequent to, no GRO’s, no noisy videoke machines, but nice sturdy tables and chairs, a tight spot in the middle for a band setup, so you could enjoy singing along every night paired with ice cold beer and good pulutan. The food is where the adventure begins too.

That evening, we had the privilege to see Ogie Alcasid sing on stage with the lovely 80’s hits. Staples in my books, I really enjoyed it!

The Chicken Sisig, served on a hot plate. Mix it up and see how the egg yolk envelopes the chopped chicken meat, simple yet delectable, perfect to pair with beer!

Inihaw Samplers, a good treat for those who want good streetfood. It’s got chicken intestines, pork intestines, pork skin, and sweet pork barbecue.

This is their Cuapao, done like a sloppy joe so it’s a little like east meets west. This is good for starters.

Their Seafood Sampler, they know how to cook. No tough pieces, eat it while it’s hot!

They also have goat on the menu aka Kambing Sampler. The Papaitan, and several soup dishes are hearty and comforting, if you want something during a cold night, ask about it there.

This one I’d highly recommend, if you’re a little adventurous that is. It’s native sausages done in different ways. Each piece described according to flavour(adoring Filipino play on words), ingenious.

For the piece de resistance, this is their Lechon Kawali. The perfect cut of pork, lightly salted in brine (probably) then deep fried. I love the crispy skin, soft meat, which you can dip in spiced vinegar or other sauces. I love this a lot. Perfect for Keto.

Aside from these lovely dishes, they’ve got an extensive array of local and international beers. Not to mention even the Mucho size of a popular local one, so you get to save a buck or two compared to dining spots within the area. They have a pretty mean sago and gulaman, Mango drink that they do with flare. They also have cocktails served in glasses or pitchers, I bet they expect you to crawl out happy after all that booze. Try their proteins, the happy conconctions, it’s not that expensive either.

Chef Luigi Mulach

The dedication, the inspiration to serve hearty meals and well done Filipino dishes in a simple setting, plus how he wants to go to the roots of how the barkada system works, making it still affordable, that in itself will spell the success of this new place. Visit LUMU Beerhouse and Filipino Kitchen today at the 3rd Floor of Greenbelt 3 in Makati City. If you would like to hold events or have reservations, call 504-5240.

KUMAGCOW

Fresh Blogs Fast!

You Can Shine the Brightest with White Glo

We've all had our share of stories, when our confidence is at the lowest of lows, and it's not just about the things we talk about, some are just physical like our smile. In this day and age people want perfect white teeth, some have it, some don't, and most of the time... they get ridiculed and laughed at. People like you and me try a lot of things, even whitening from Dentists but we know how expensive that is. We also try to find a process that's fast, effective, and try it out without spending too much. This is where the new brand WHITE GLO comes in.

Richie Burgos, the Sales and Marketing Manager of Syner-geX Corporation says “Syner-geX is just new in the business and we used to only sell fabric conditioners, soaps and cleaning materials. White Glo came in later and we know how tough the competition is. Now we have a home whitening system but it won’t cost you 15-20K like with the dentist. White Glo can do whitening in a week. MOA, Podium, Ayala Mall the 30th, Watsons stores are already selling it and there will be others in the pipeline.”

White Glo came from Barros Laboratories in Australia. They have been in the Philippines but wasn’t able to distribute any of the Diamond series so here we are doing it. The White Glo Diamond Series is a kit. It’s got a tray and whitening gel which you can use and leave for 10-30 minutes. You would need to use it 2-3 times a day for optimum results. Then rinse, you’ll see the difference after that. White Glo bright nights are films that dissolve so you can whiten instantly. Just put in the film and it will dissolve on your teeth, perfect for parties and events if you need the boost in a jiffy.

The White Glo Whitening and Enamel Mouthwash removes bacteria on your mouth, we also have White Glo Extra Strength Whitening Toothpastes which consists of the Professional Choice, 2 in 1 with Mouthwash and Charcoal Deep Stain Remover which costs Php 199.75 to Php 229.75.

We also have a Travelers Pack which is the Professional Choice with a pouch and toothbrush that’s perfect for your short trips. We also have White Glo Pure and Natural which is hypoallergenic, no sodium lauryl sulphate, no flouride, no triclosan, no parabens, no sugars, no peroxide, no bleaches, no sulphates, no harmful dies, no harmful chemicals, vegan, gluten free, and use only organic ingredients. We also have an eco friendly bamboo tootbrush. We started in Watsons and we saw how it picked up there and plan to have distribution in other huge malls very soon. We are available nationwide now because we have it in KCC in Mindanao and Duty Free in Subic.

Dentists had a convention early this year and they tried it. They bought it too and plan to sell it to their clients because it is affordable. We may plan to also sell these online and it’s all FDA approved.”

I haven't tried it personally but with the Miss Australia 2015 and the other video bloggers who have sworn it's effectivity, I guess there's no harm in trying. I'll see if we can purchase the kit the next time I'm in Watsons. 

Hope you guys try it out too!

KUMAGCOW

Fresh Blogs Fast!

Learn from the best: Film, Art, Music and Food with Axe YOU

Tonight was a nice time to have a few drinks in the Poblacion area. It was packed as usual, hobnobbing with celebrities was a no brainer because you could hear the conversations from the other tables easily. Though it’s not the thing we were there for, I kinda enjoyed it. AXE also was there to introduce a few things to us including a short talk with Gino Santos, director of hit films Ex with Benefits and the recent Sin Island.

He’s one of the 4 new endorsers that is launching, as he is connected with film. Of course just like him, the road to succes wasn’t easy.

Life is not about stereotypes, breaking the norm, you got taste, dreams, a vision, you’ve all got something and AXE is now going to help you get there. These 4 endorsers are not just eyecandy, but will help you create your own world. They’re going to walk the talk.

Direk Gino Santos for example will be having a Masterclass this June 23 called “BEYOND CINEMA” as he talks about his experience these past 6 years, creating films, advertising and sharing his story. He’ll also bring in a couple more people whom he has worked in the industry so participants would be able to get a glimpse of how it is to do indie, mainstream movies and TV commercials.

Aside from Direk Gino, artist and street mural expert Jappy Agoncillo, Chef Nicco Santos and talented rapper Curtismith will also be holding different events so they too could share their wares offing their skills to hopefully inspire a generation or more and be YOU. This is all part of the #AXEYou campaign that they are part of, and I’m so glad they’re offering this to the public. If you want to join, you may visit their website and see if you could become a part of it. Here’s the link: http://bit.ly/AxeYou .

First up is Innovating Traditions with Nicco Santos which will happen on March 17, 2018. Then the second one is called Word Shop with Curtismith which will happen on April 21, 2018, third is Art Wars with Jappy Agoncillo on May 26, 2018. Then Direk Gino's Beyond Cinema on June 23, 2018. You need to submit entries to become part of it, if you get chosen, then that's the start of something really BIG! Make sure you submit it 5 days before the actual date of the event, the earlier the better!

You may sign up with their masterclass and enjoy the privilege of being part of #AXEYou. You may visit their Facebook page for more information here https://www.facebook.com/axephilippines.

Hurry! I’m not even joking, there are a lot of people interested to join this!

KUMAGCOW

Fresh Blogs Fast!

Camille Pratts and Neil Ryan Sese for “Ang Forever Ko’y Ikaw”

GMA is amping up their morning tine slot starting with this promising show called “Ang Forever Ko’y Ikaw!”. Topbilled by Camille Pratts and Neil Ryan Sese, they’ll make you swoon with their love story from Mondays to Fridays at 11:30AM. They will also be together with some of the most talented actors from their stable Bruno Gabriel and Starstruck’s Ayrs Mariano. They’ll be challenging a tough pairing in the other channel but I’m sure they’ll be actually putting up a good fight. Their premise, a love story that has got to do with fate, chances, love in unexpected places which would make viewers root for them right from the start of the show.

Neil Ryan Sese

This is based on a true story of the relative of one of the writers. It’s like they had coffee, same flavor, same shop, sat in tables but never met. They also dined in restaurants, ordered the same food at the same time but never even saw each other. Then in one party, they were introduced, they didn’t know they lived in the same condo, both single parents and now want to keep their lovelife FOREVER, and didn’t know they were right beside each other, all along.

Now they go through a dating phase, the comedies included. They also met through alter ego accounts, kindred spirits but didn’t know they knew each other. GMA Entertainment Content Group and Marco Fundales’ concept seemed too true, until this love story that talks about destiny HAPPENED.

Their Director Jude Paulo Diangson says “It will be different because of the treatment, it will focus on light romance, but not shallow. It has substance and authenticity, that’s our target and it’s weired because I was able to watch this and felt it. The story is not complicated, easy to understand but not too conflicted.”

The magnanimous Ms. Odette Khan

Ms. Odette Khan says “Well I want you to know that there is no acting involved, this is me and my daughter in law and I am so happy to be part of this. I will treasure this award I got for the rest of my life, we all know we work hard for this and I think it’s mine and no one can take it. The only kid I have passed away in this show and I don’t like her. Yon! Thank you to GMA 7 the best network ever!”

Camille Pratts

Neil says “This is my first time to be a romantic leading man, I’m not scary this time and I had to be more natural. I’m really thankful they chose me to play Lance. I knew he’s hopeful. The material alone is promising and we don’t have to do anything but just follow the process and hope it would reflect with the audience who will watch this show. Camille is pretty and fun to be with. I feel bad about the passing of Direk Maryo but the last time we talked it was about this project. He told me to get more good looking and macho, but I told him I can do that macho part though the good looks part is already as is.”

Camille adds “The challenge really is just toning down the intensity. I love romcoms because it looks effortless but really does have to do a lot with it. It’s a good thing even normal people can have a second chance, that’s what I want people to pick up from this show. I also believe in serendipity, in God’s perfect time you will meet your special someone. When I read this, it felt so familiar, my lines even felt like it in real life. It’s probably why Ginny as a Mom and her journey, I could totally relate with her. It’s not going to be gone in my life, it’s always going to be there. Vj and Nathan are my priorities, that’s where I pour because it’s always going to be part of my life. God has plans for us and I didn’t see parts of my life like this, but it came for me and my kid, I think that’s why we have this. We love Ms. Odette dearly, we even sometimes laugh so much we had to stop taping. Neil will be topless in one scene, so you have to watch this. The things you will see here can happen in real life, it would be easy to love the story because everything is relateable and simple just to be able to entertain. Back then I had to get raped and stuff but in this script we had to fall in love. Our director made it even easy for us to do this. I am grateful that GMA believes in me, this is a blessing to be in this show even if I just gave birth.”

Bruno Gabriel

The gorgeous Ayra Mariano

Bruno says “I haven’t really loved enough people to know if serendipity is true or not but I’m sure there’s someone out there for all of us. As a follow up to Grind, this looks different because it’s younger, humorous, and we’re excited we got even more close. We haven’t had scenes yet (Camille) but happy to work with Neil because reminds me of my real Dad. Pretty much the same with Ayra, I would be happy to continue this love team with her. ”

Ayra Mariano says “It’s our first time to work with them, super happy to be with them on scene because you are not intimidated. I am so glad management gave us this roles and build our loveteam. I think this is what’s happening with out love team, I can work with Migo but I’m happy with Bruno. We still have people hoping for that to happen because of TOTGA, so anything goes.”

Archie Alemanya

The sexy Kai Cortez

Kai Cortez says “I love Camille, but this has been the first time I worked with her in a series. I see a lot of things we have in common and as far as friends go, we’re good.”

Again if you’re up for a feel good light romantic show, then you should watch “Ang Forever Ko’y Ikaw!” on GMA’s morning slot at 11:30AM, March 12 right before Eat Bulaga.

KUMAGCOW

Fresh Blogs Fast!