Php 299 Buffet + Music at JKAS Place Congressional

In my side of town it's actually easy to do events, host parties or just have a good time because of my proximity to Tomas Morato, which probably has everything we need for anything under the sun.

In the North, not much, but I'm so glad to note that it is about to change with a new spot in Congressional Avenue. It's called JKAS Place at 618 B Congressional Avenue Project 8 Quezon City. It is a full blown restaurant, an events venue and a hangout place after office hours, my friend Rodel Flordeliz of Nognoginthecity.com introduced me to it. They are open from 11am to 11pm but the buffet pretty much starts in the evening, I couldn't believe they've even offered it for a measely 299 which is super affordable. We tried it out for change.

This place is huge, which pretty much could accommodate 200 people. It is divided into three sections, a restaurant cafe in one side, then a music lounge/events space in the other half of the ground floor. They also have function rooms upstairs for private functions and the place is pretty new, no signs of wear and tear, I would be surprised if they have lots of weddings and receptions held here. Though in this part of the metro, they don't do highway robbery and kept their food priced low which I think stemmed from their experience in the food business. You see, they started as a catering company for a couple of years and they know how to keep people coming back. Serving quality but affordable dishes must have been second nature for them.

The day we went there was special, Fridays at JKAS Place had us enjoy live bands namely G7 band and Plethora. The Wish 107.5 bus often also docks in this place so if you're raring to have a grand time with friends and family, maybe a short visit to Congressional Avenue should be done. Check out how fun it was being there during weekends!

They have tons of food for the buffet spread and a dedicated place for preparing your own "sawsawan". If you prefer ordering ala carte, that would be easy. If you are in groups, I would suggest you call in advanced and reserve a table via their phone number 728 22 98 or 09171005086. They do Asian Fusion dishes so if you are fond of the cuisine, they do those lovely spring rolls that are quite good. They also have a mean beef dish you should ask to recommend if you are there. 

You may also see their Facebook page for schedules and additional promos because it's all there! I had a wonderful time with my blogger friends, I would say, the journey there was surely worth it! The food was good especially for the price!

KUMAGCOW
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Fun Things to do in Siargao

Siargao is like a hidden gem that is located in the southeast of the Philippines. It is at a distance of about 800 kilometers from Manila, the capital of the Philippines. Well, famous as the Surfing Capital of the Philippines, the island boasts of enchanting lagoons, bizarre rock formations, and mangrove forest reserves. Take one of those cheap flights to Siargao and explore the paradise with exotic white beaches, coral reefs, and fantastic wildlife.

There is a lot more to do in the surfing destination of the Philippines. Well, if you are not the really the surfing type, you could go for caving or island-hopping or simply explore the beauty of Siargao. The surfing capital of the Philippines is filled with natural gems, a cool nightlife and some great food options that everyone can enjoy. Book cheap flights right away for Siargao and embark on an experience of a lifetime.

Here are some of the best thing to do in Siargao.

• Go island hopping – It is a must to explore the three spectacular islands along the shores of Siargao, and these include Guyam Island, Daku Island and Naked Island. There are plenty of day tours to these islands, and one can look forward to a perfect trip under expert guides and enjoy some fantastic food.

• Enjoy the seafood – You will come across a different kind of fish and seafood at almost every other resort and restaurant here. The best part is that the seafood is very fresh and cheap as well. The cooks of most restaurants and resorts will prepare the fish for you or whatever you desire for a small cost. So, make the most of it.

• Rent a bike- The best way to enjoy and explore the natural landscapes and scenery of Siargao is on a bike. Just hop on your motorbike and let yourself loose within the island. Drive across to deserted beaches, amazing waterfalls, and those endless rice fields. You will discover local villages on the way and get the chance to meet the locals and interact with them.

• Swim in the Magkukob Cave- The locals and the tourists simply love Magkukob Cave because of the refreshing waters that are crystal clear. Get ready to experience the thrill of entering an enchanting cave which is surrounded by baby bats. Dive in those refreshing waters and swim to your heart’s content.

• Try out your rope swing skills - Swing at Maasin Secret River, and it is indeed one of the most picturesque places in Siargao. You can take the boat on the river or spend the morning swinging on the coconut tree that hangs over the water.

• Enjoy a relaxing day at Mamon Island – If you are looking for a spot away from the hustle and bustle of the crowded tourist spots, then head straight for the Mamon Island. The secluded island boasts of clear, blue waters and amazing coral formations. Enjoy swimming and snorkeling here or simply enjoy the peace and calm of the destination.

• Drive on the coconut roads – You must drive on the most scenic road on Siargao, and it lies along the coastline lined with white beaches and coconut trees. You can simply spend the day driving on the road, stop to talk to the locals and learn about their lives and culture.

• Visit Sugba Lagoon – One of the most popular places to visit in Siargao is the Sugba Lagoon. It is a playground for those who love kayaking, diving or stand-up paddle-boarding. The lagoon is surrounded by mountains and has a cliff-diving board from where one can jump into the clear waters.

I hope this starts your hunger to look for time to go to one of the nicest places to go to in the Philippines. I'm going there again this summer, see you there!

Gabbi Garcia for HKT Fragrances

You've seen it in her timeline and yes, it's called HKT Fragrances. As Gabbi Garcia made headlines copping several international and local endorsements, she felt it was time to launch her new business (with her partners) and finally come out with a fragrance line catered to this generations needs. They call it Hookt which came from the millennial term shookt and they deemed it perfect name to represent something that the youth can use everyday, because it's affordable, lasts quite a while and something she uses.

Gabbi's personal favorite variety is Yaaass Queen and Extra but you have 10 to choose from so it would match your personality.

Packaging is right, not too huge, not too small and you can carry it around with ease even on flights. If you want to spruce up, freshen up in bathroom breaks, it will only cost you Php 399 on Lazada. Check out the other fragrances on hookt.ph or Lazada or @hooktph in social media channels.

Gabbi adds “I am excited also about my movie project called LSS. The movie will be a musical, Ben and Ben and Khalil will be there. It’s not just them playing music, they will be acting as well. GMA is also developing a concept for me so we’ve got a lot of shows to look out for this year!”

(Thanks to Belo Medical Group, Goodbagph and Maybelline for their giveaways!)

Here's more of Gabbi's interview this afternoon

KUMAGCOW

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Japanese Vixen Naho Oue Desires PH Showbiz Career

My fondness of Japan stems decades of my curiosity about their country. It may have been a decade of Korean Pop culture but we can never discount artists that come from Japan too. They have a different aesthetic, their beauty regimen is also different, so when I got to meet Naho Oue this morning, I had a lot of questions to ask.

She’s a successful businesswoman in Japan. She’s in the country initially to put up a center for stem cell treatments and regenerative medicine. She’s planning to do that in the next few months, but in hindsight, she saw the opportunity to do what she’s passionate about. She wants to have a path of career much like Ryan Bang who even if she’s not a Filipino national, she wants to entertain, be part of the very colorful world of Philippine show business. She’s doing the legwork now and started to learn Filipino first, which she hopes she could master in a few years. She candidly tells us how she fell in love with the Philippines. (Interview was in Japanese but her interpreter helped out conducting the small chat)

Ms. Naho Oue says “When I first came here, I went to the slums of Tondo and Smokey Mountain area, I instantly fell in love with the kids there. I do feeding programs about twice a month if I’m not busy. I am just a conduit of people who wanted to help (from Japan).”

She adds “I do have plans of putting up a restaurant as I already have one in Japan. Maybe in Malate or Trinoma if it happens. Maybe for now while I am waiting for spaces to be available I’ll go put up before Christmas season. Same with the Stem Cell and the regenerative center which I hope will happen soon.”

With twinkle in her eyes she exclaimed “I love Daniel Padilla and Kathryn Bernardo! I have been long wanting to enter showbusiness in the Philippines. Daniel is so pogi! I love him! If I get to be known here I would be better off getting funds from partners because I really want to help kids in Manila. The celebrity status would really help too. I want to learn Tagalog, currently I am doing 1 hour classes everyday to do it. I learn a lot on the internet too. I really love to enter showbusiness and perhaps replicate Ryan Bang’s fortune. I am 26, in Japan I have also modeled a little and I see the opportunity to do that and more is very nice here. I plan to also put up the stem scell clinic here in Quezon City and perhaps one in Makati. Stem cell injections are just some of the usual things we do in Japan. It will be named Dia Lumina here in the Philippines. Stem cell treatments have been very popular in your country but the one we are offering will be very different. Actually, some of the stem cell procedures being done here is banned in Japan; but the one I am bringing in is better. It will be based on human stem cell. Right now as a beauty regimen, I only use stem cell oil. With stem cell, you have to be 18 and up but if you are younger and have skin problems, it can be a cure. It is expensive but in the US it could be even double the price. I don’t know if that accounts on why even if I eat everything I don’t get fat. I love nilaga, adobo and lechon.”

About the difference between pinays and Japanese women, she shares her observations that “Filipinas are very hard working, Japanese women tend to stay at home when they get married, they rarely use make up too.”

About the center, she adds “I will be bringing in Japanese doctors who will do training for the local doctors and staff here. They will need to stay a while and do it so the local ones will be at par or even hopefully even better than them in Japan.”

“Speaking of skills, I also plan to put up a skills school and perhaps try to also find them jobs in Japan. From carpentry, beauty, things like that. I brought my Mom here too so if I do have commitments she can personally take care of him (her cute son). Hopefully he’ll be studying in an international school here in the Philippines.”

Naho Oue will be guesting in several local shows and entertainment news outlets very soon. Hopefully, she’ll get to charm you with her antics, she's pretty, but in some way despite the language barrier, she was very funny and fun to talk to.