Delectable Spanish Cuisine from Ponce

Need a quick Spanish food fix from Ponce Tapas x Wines

Everyone has been cooking a storm at home for family and yes, we're not any different. It's a little tiring though because someone has to prepare the ingredients, cook it and wash the dishes thrice a day. So this afternoon, I thought Mom oughta have a break from regular programming and got some good Spanish cuisine. I frequent tapas bars and wine depots when things were still normal, so I was craving for Callos. Good thing Ponce had that on their menu. Ponce is just a few minutes away from my home but you can opt to have it for delivery. They also have digital payment channels so social distancing still applies. It's very near Tomas Morato and Timog Avenue, right in 124 Scout Lozano which is easily walkable.

Delivery from Ponce arrived promptly, packaged in easy reheatable containers, very clean!

It arrived still hot, I just had it transferred to plates and bowls but I was raring to have my Callos fix since that was the first thing that catched my attention.

Pork skin, tripe, pork meat and belly, simmered in possible annatto seeds based broth with chili peppers and garbanzos, it was just the perfect match to my butter and garlic bread which I dip this into. Honestly, they make a mean version of Callos and it has been one of their best sellers. I wasn't surprised though because, that silky oil that envelopes your tongue was just made of dreams. One serving of it wouldn't be for sharing usually but folks at home wanted to have it too, I was really saving some of it for "re-heating" as it tastes better, the longer it stays, so I'm saving the left over for tomorrow LOL!

Men need beef in their lives and yes, you can get two in one with this Salpicao Pasta. Bits of garlic, olives, soy and mixed with fettuccine pasta, like a mix of Asia and Italia... I would love to have this sitting down by the window sill while it's raining outside. It's just darn comforting. Flavor profile was in the sweet-savory side so it would appeal to everyone. If you would like to get it a tad salty, go sprinkle the parmesan cheese which they also include with it.

This is their Paella Montana. My personal paella version is very close to this one because I love the crunchy bits that stick to the bottom of the pan. They're very generous with the ingredients like clam and shrimp plus the lovely meatballs which makes this a good surf and turf dish. I would advise you tell them ahead if you prefer a less crunchy version if you want otherwise. Don't take too many photos while you are having this for lunch because it'll be different when it's cold. As soon as you take it out of the packaging, eat it right away! 

Spanish food need not to be difficult or expensive. Theirs in fact are very reasonable, good thing they cater to deliveries these days so I didn't have to go far for my Callos fix. Now if you're up to it, take a breather from cooking at home or the usual fast food joints you often think about these days and get some good ol hearty food from Ponce Tapas and Wine if you live in QC. 

You've got to try it! Call them today at 09176332784. They're the same people behind famous Stoned Steaks, I'd suggest you take a shot of that too.

Salut!

How To Help During the COVID19 Lockdown

How are you? Me, not in the best shape because I flare up so quickly, and I get stressed a lot. I often regret a lot of what I say after a few hours but I'm glad my mum understands no matter what I say or do. I guess it's us coping during this lockdown period, I wish you're all okay though.

Now I've been trying to help in little ways, because I know a lot of people out there are struggling. I've seen former classmates ask for help on Facebook, so I try to give a little more when I can. The Enhanced Community Quarantine is not ending soon and I understand how hard it could be for some people, I have been there. I'm glad PayMaya is still operational until now and the way I send money is thru their "Send Money" option on the PayMaya App. It's instantaneous and people get the money fast, more so if they need it during these days. The app also can send the money via Instapay because the Bank Transfer option on the app works, else, you can do the Smart Padala way so they can get it via Smart Padala agents or Palawan Express. 

Have you heard of the legendary Banana Cookie Lava cookies from Aperitif PH? If not, go ahead and buy a box of 12 from them so that another box of 12 will go to frontliners who need a break. I love what they are doing, it just makes everything so positive amidst the pandemic. It's a nice way to help while you're getting your cookie fix.

Oh and since we can't all go out and pay for our bills, inform your friends and family to do it via PayMaya. Just go to the Pay Bills option on the app and select the merchant, input the accounts and pay for the exact amount on your bill. I made sure to do that because the next thing we wouldn't want to happen is if services like internet and phone connection get cut off while we are all under quarantine. This is a good advice, take my word for it and get extra if you use my code KUMAGCOWPYMY to register. 

Now isn't that nice to know?! Go donate if you can okay? :)

 

Things You Can Do While Under Enhanced Community Quarantine

This is my attempt to at least make you smile 😉😊

COVID-19 is here and we're all under Enhanced Community Quarantine. Our sole duty as citizens is to stay at home to stop the spread of the virus. But I'm sure you're all either BORED, ANXIOUS, STRESSED, WORRIED, UPSET, ANGRY, HUNGRY and YOU'RE NOT OKAY.

I'm here to tell you first, IT'S OKAY NOT TO BE OKAY. I learned that while listening to Jessie J years ago, the lyrics would just hit you... it's okay to cry, to grieve, to be depressed, and you'll get through that eventually.

*Albeit extremely polarized politics is in the way, and no help is being given by my own barangay (some did) or city, I always look at social media and ask people, to continue to be critical so help can be pushed for people who need it, we need to do that as much as we can. You should too!*

Since we are confined to the four corners of our homes, I wrote down things that actually pleased me during this period.

THANK THE FRONTLINERS

If you have friends, family, or know someone who are still working while we are in quarantine, say THANK YOU because they need it. They are risking their lives out there, spare them from further stress and make them feel your love even in your own little way.

DONATE IF YOU CAN

If you have extras, don't hesitate to be human, don't hesitate to be kind and give what you can for those who need it most. GMA has Healing Hearts where their artists perform for you on livestream and ask for donations, and proceeds go to Kapuso Foundation that directly help the needy. Aside from that, get in touch with the Office of the Vice President so they too can help medical personnel go to the hospitals and procure PPE's for them so they'll be safe as they treat those who are getting sick. PayMaya also has a cashless donation channel via the app, simply choose from organizations you wanna help at donate.paymaya.com and do it on the Pay Bills section of your PayMaya app. They already raised almost 8 Million pesos through that which will go to Unicef, Caritas Manila, PLDT Smart Foundation, PGH Foundation and more. Smart, TNT and Sun retailers are also still in operations so you get calls, texts and internet even under these conditions. Private corporations including the MVP group also have done relief efforts with their Tulong Kapatid CSR arm which includes help for health workers to provide them with PPE's and medical supplies. Shopee also did the same and have gotten 3,000 test kits and 100,000 surgical masks for frontliners, but I have my reservations with the politician they channeled this to. GCash on the other hand has pooled over Php 18.14 Million to help support frontline workers and provide assistance for those affected with the pandemic. They will buy medical gears and supplies and the others will be channeled to organizations such as Caritas Manila, ABS-CBN Foundation, Globe BridgeComm, Generation Hope, Hapag Asa Foundation, Red Cross, World Vision and UNICEF. You can donate through the Pay Bills function of your GCash app. I'm so happy private corporations are doing their part.

Which reminds me, Century Pacific Food Inc. (makers of Century Tuna) donated 1M packs of assorted canned goods and milk through the National Government and partner local government units. They're very good people.

SMILE EVEN FOR A FEW MINUTES

To make you strong and encourage you in these trying times, Star Magic Artists have joined to make “Believe” which is an inspirational music video which includes Piolo Pascual, Maja Salvador, Jolina Magdangal, Enchong Dee , Yeng Constantino, Inigo Pascual, Shaina Magdayao, Vina Morales, Dimples Romana and lovely Liza Soberano. Some Covid-19 survivors and patients also are included, that’s just heartwarming to know.

ABS-CBN will also be staging a digital concert series called "ALL MUSIC: Artists At Home Sessions". Over 60 of them including Lani Misalucha, Jake Zyrus, YouTuber Karl Zarate, Janine Berdin, my favorite Hashtag Ryle Santiago and more will be performing to benefit the Pantawid Ng Pag-Ibig Program which they have put up. Donations can be done with their ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation Inc - Sagip Kapamilya bank accounts BPI Peso Account 3051-11-55-88, Metrobank 6363636-08808-1, and other channels. 

MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

Sarah Geronimo-Guidicelli just joined the roster of endorsers for TNT. Maine Mendoza is also going to be MYX Celebrity DJ this April. (Aba VJ Maine! - She has a new single out called Isa Pa With Feelings) iFlix has a new K-Drama called "When The Weather Is Fine" which they stream express from Korea. It stars Park Min-Young and Seo Kang-Joon (a love story in their old hometown) so they could find love and healing. Gay guys and gals are going crazy over a new BL Thai series called 2gether starring Bright Vachirawit Chivaree and Win Metawin Opas-iamkajorn who play lovers, one is Rockstar and Campus Crush Sarawat and a male Cheerleader Tine. 

Anyway, I only wish you all stay at home and attend to your parents. Love them, also your family even if their political sides are different than yours. Pray, we all need to get through this and hope normalcy happens soon. Stay sane!

Matteo Guidicelli and UNIQLO Sport Utility Wear

UNIQLO just came out with new Sports Utility Wear that jazzes up your run of the mill everyday clothes and turn them to efficient and technologically advanced workout clothes. Now that's good news for people on the go or young professionals who workout before and after office hours as it will be doubly convenient to do so.

If you're the type who sweats profusely, feel sticky with your current ones and need a change everytime you do things, they've come out with UNIQLO Dry Ex which prevents these from happening and with its design, make you move comfortably in strainous or regular gym sessions. They also do good because they incorporate polyester fibers from PET bottles and upcycle them so you get a quick drying polo shirt, no odor too. 

Felt cute so I wore this mesh fibered shirt for a Bamboo bike tour around BGC. It was a bit dangerous, but I enjoyed it!

There were a lot of choices from Women's Dry Ex Crew Neck Shirts, Women's Airism UV Cut Jackets, Women's Airism Soft Leggings, Men's Full Zip Hoodies and Dry Ex Shorts, they've made it with quality in mind and yes, it's comfy.

You may also check out the whole collection using the UNIQLO Mobile App, I have taken advantage of the 300 coupon welcome gift and bought around 3k worth of clothes which I use for workout at home.

Guys and gals took to the floor and worked out with celebrities and models plus Matteo Guidicelli. I was overjoyed he remembered me from previous events. They got so intense with that session.

Now go head to UNIQLO after the lockdown of Manila. We need to get back in shape when life goes back to normal.

Cheers! Hope you all stay safe!