K-LOVE: An Homage to Filipino KDrama Love

Filipinos are so passionate about a lot of things, and during the pandemic, they've been glued to TV sets and monitors just to watch their favorite K-Dramas. This love, is going to be showcased on a new series called K-LOVE, with stars Iza Calzado, Jake Cuenca, Sue Ramirez, Isabelle Diaz and Gabby Padilla.

This will be exclusively shown on the VIU platform and is created by VIU Originals. It's for K-Drama fans, made by fans and for the fans. It all makes sense on how the lives of Filipinos 20-30 years old will be mirrored in this story when they get to see their relationships, how they love, their disappointments,  and how close the story lines of K-Drama shows are in their lives. The fandom of Korean dramas, Hallyus surprise even the actors, when they discover their closest friends, their families all have their own show obsessions.

According to the writer, this is fan fiction as she is a fan of several shows herself. She was inspired by Star Up and Reply 1988. Here's part of the press conference this afternoon.

Iza Calzado, Jake Cuenca, Isabelle Diaz, Sue Ramirez, Gabby Padilla shares their experience making the show. 

K-LOVE will be shown on the VIU app starting October 14 and will be shown in other countries where VIU is available. If you're a K-Drama fan, lover or a silent one, re-live the kilig by watching the series on that date.

There will be previews which you can watch even without signing in on the platform, go do it now!

Take Another Look: Heritage Hotel's Riviera Café

The Riviera Cafe has a selection of dessert items, the Mango Graham is highly recommended!

Heritage Hotel has been something that I usually just pass by going to and from other landmarks like Mall of Asia, MOA Arena or hotels in the area. This 4 Star hotel sits at the corner of EDSA and Roxas Boulevard which is a prime location. Back in the 90's they've had the privilege of being the primary destination for food adventures since the buffet here is legendary, probably one of the firsts who have done it in Pasay City. This is my first visit inside the hotel. I haven't thought about this being a dining destination because as a commuter, it's pretty dark outside. When I went inside, I was at awe of the interiors. To tell you honestly, I didn't know it was this nice. Heritage Hotel definitely deserves another look.

RIVIERA CAFE has been renovated and spruced up recently (and it's now open to the public!). Executive Chef Patrocinio Obia was mighty proud about how things have changed in recent months. For starters, the buffet used to be very dark and the renovations were pretty much a chance to brighten things up. Riviera Cafe will still be homey, very Mediterranean in style; but now modernized with a few light fixtures reminiscent of cafe's. Their menu now boasts of over 21 stations, bringing international flavors and Southeast Asian flair to the buffet. I could tell how passionate he was in making changes, and the other Chefs delivered quite well during service.

The spread was huge, and they've got plenty of dishes to choose from. I had a tiny bite of what I think would be good first before I concentrated on the best ones. Yes, I always had a gameplan when I visit buffets, and Riviera Café was absolutely lovely.

Salads stay cold and crunchy, served with different salad dressings on the side. Note how small servings they have on the station, they do that so you get food freshly cooked each time.

Fancy cheese? I like the funky smelling ones, don't judge!

The Grilling Station had different seafood and meat all skewered up

See that Beef Sate on the top left? They had to refill that plate because of me, it was that good! It was lightly grilled and smothered with peanut sauce that was a bit crunchy. It made a lot of difference!

The Laksa Station is something that you should take a vacation in. They make the Laksa from scratch, the shrimp flavor was intense and this was undoubtedly everyone's favorite that evening.

Carbs? They've got the pasta station waiting. Just let them know what sauce and pasta variety you want, they'll cook it right in front of you.

They've got Hainanese Chicken, I like the roasted one. You would need to put sauces on the meat if you choose the other poached or steamed variety.

They have Lechon and Crispy Pata, I would pass on the sauce as it was too livery (if there's such a term).

For those who love Japanese rolls, they've got a multitude of options laid on the mirrored plates. This was quite filling.

Dimsum had Chicken Feet, I like it.

Siu Mai was also freshly cooked, not overly steamed because it was probably made the same day.

I don't need to convince you with the Beef Sate, it was my personal favorite!

Finish the meal with some seasonal fruits, just to feel healthy about all the grilled food you ate lol!

Heritage Hotel's Riviera Café deserves another look, another try. With the changes they implemented on the buffet, the amount of people they can accommodate in the floor and guest rooms, this would surely be a good place to dine in for those special occasions and events. They're also HALAL Certified and has been the go to place of Malaysian and Indonesian Embassies for meals and meetings. If you want to reserve a table or their venues, call 0288548888 and press local 7355 or 7357. Trust me on the Beef Sate, it's one of my favorite places now to dine in. The buffet costs Php 1,188 and is currently open Thursdays to Saturday Dinner, and Sunday Lunch.

You can also stay in Heritage Hotel's many rooms. They are planning to renovate those as well. Now you've got more reasons to go there!

Dimsum, Savory Meals and Afternoon Tea at MODERN SHANG

It's like clockwork to go to MODERN SHANG after church or just strolling around the mall for the love of dimsum and savory meals. You know you're going to a legit one when much of the diners are actual Chinese and see them enjoy the meals in store. Recently, they're given us much more reason to go there as they launch their "Afternoon Tea" that only costs Php 400- Php 600 and is already good for 2-4 people. With dimsum, noodles, even pudgy dessert items, it can surely fill you up without breaking the bank.

These were what we tried at the MODERN SHANG branch in Greenbelt 5 a few days ago. They spruced up the place and I must say, the modern Chinese French look felt quite bougie, I liked it a lot. You won't be disappointed bringing in friends and family because by any standards, they'll find it cool. The food too is pretty solid, as they've been doing these for several years, I think they've had the hang of things early on and made sure their dimsum choices are above grade. I actually had seconds on some of them and contemplated to have a few more because it was that good.

Vegetable Dumplings

Meat Buns

Har Gow

Chicken Feet

Shrimp and Pork Siu Mai

Salted Egg Custard Bun

Xiao Long Bao

My personal favorite, the Hot and Sour Soup

Salted Egg Shrimp (ordered a la carte)

They've got good drinks too, this was Citrus and Mint.

The Afternoon Tea sets cost almost Php 600 and can save you almost Php 300

There's really more on the menu but I think they'll make a hit with the "Afternoon Tea" meals they have listed on it. It's got the right amount of protein and carbs, dimsum items that anyone would find filling at that price.This is only served from 3-6PM on weekdays, totally worth it.

MODERN SHANG is at the Greenbelt 5's 2nd Floor, They also have branches around Metro Manila which serve the same menu, but I would strongly suggest you give this branch a visit. It looks fresh and modern, and your family will love it too!

An Essential Stop: Balai Palmera Restaurant and Pasalubong Center

My affinity to Tagaytay and its nearby towns stem from property and family we have in Silang, Cavite. I also love the weather, especially when it's cold. There's also lots of places to go in the area where family, friends, your solid peers could take refuge, unwind and go home after a few hours because of its proximity to Metro Manila.

But when you're going back home, it's a sin to not pass by a shop or store that sell local produce, for what we call pasalubong, something that's always innate with Filipinos. We've found a new spot called Balai Palmera Restaurant and Pasalubong Center located along the Tagaytay-Sta. Rosa Road in Barangay Pasong Langka Silang, Cavite.

Check this new dining destination at the Sta Rosa Tagaytay Road in Silang, Cavite. It's called Balai Palmera Restaurant and Pasalubong Center. The restaurant sits at the back and serves really good Filipino food. The interiors and views are amazing! #balaipalmera #balaipalmerapasalubong #balaipalmerarestaurant #thebestbukopieinsilang #ibasasilang

Posted by Kumagcow on Sunday, October 2, 2022

You may head on to Balai Palmera Restaurant and Pasalubong Center by following them on Google maps. They're very easy to find along the Tagaytay-Sta. Rosa Road.

 

Here are some of my favorites on the menu, you can always ask them if you have something preferred for your event, they can always arrange something for you. 

Crabs with coconut milk

The owner and staff who welcomed us at the restaurant

Fresh Lumpia

Binagoongan

Crispy Pata

Steamed Pampano

Kaldereta

Kare Kare

Chicken Inasal

Dinakdakan

Kinilaw

Fried Fish

Thank you so much to the wonderful people of Balai Palmera, I will be back there soon! If you want to call or contact them for orders, it's 09458695392 for the restaurant and 09275017616 for the pasalubong center. They've got a mean on at the pasalubong center which you should definitely visit. Don't forget to take home the coveted BUKO PIE which makes this place legendary! The Chef says they do quality assurance in the buco meat they use and have researched well about the flaky pastry they use for it. There's also the Raisin Bread which I loved as it was freshly baked that same day.

It's Filipino... with a flair, and it made my trip there worthwhile.