Endless Rice + Fire Grilled Chicken Goodness at El Pollo Loco!

When they say Fire Grilled, they're not LOCO huh? This is El Pollo Loco!

See, I've always been thinking of this whole Fire Grilled Chicken since I last visited El Pollo Loco. For those who don't know, El Pollo Loco all started from a Mexican family recipe that was handed down to generations. Founder Pancho Ochoa sold it on the streets initially, and found himself catering to a line in no time. Then he opened his first shop in Southern California which bared the name El Pollo Loco.

In the Philippines, they are under the good people of The Bistro Group. If there's something good in El Pollo Loco like what I've tried in their Megamall branch for years now, it's the Fire Grilled Chicken. There's something about it that's quite mysterious, because it doesn't taste like the usual roasted chicken we have in the PH. It's got that little flair, something that has deep spice, something fruity, citrusy and a little savory. Plus it's expertly Fire Grilled, leaving a really soft, juicy, smoky chicken that you'll surely appreciate once you get a taste of it. Together with it is a side of salsa, freshly chopped and prepared every day, it was amazing!

It's pretty hard to explain in words, so here's a video of my food adventures that afternoon at their Venice Grand Canal Mall branch in Taguig:

 

"Endless Spanish Rice"

For Rice lovers, I bare good news about their current offer called "Endless Spanish Rice" which you can avail of when you order 2 piece chicken with salsa meal. That means, you can have as much Spanish Rice as you want when you dine in the restaurant. I had a few cups myself and I bet, you'll love how it would taste like since it's probably got a smoky paprika and annatto seed base, it's hearty and filling. Who knows, you could battle it out with office mates if you get to have meals at El Pollo Loco.

If you prefer other things on the menu, they've got a wide spread of Loco Sets, Sides, Tortilla, Tacos and those custom made for the Filipino palate. Here's a preview!

Barbecued Ribs, I don't have to convince you do I? It's quite tender, just dip it in the barbecue sauce that comes on the side.

If you've got room for dessert, there's this tortilla bread that they toast up with hazelnut spread inside plus honey and walnuts.

I didn't get to have this because I was already full, but friend says it's good! They had a variety, just ask!

To go with the Fire Grilled Chicken, you might want to have Salad first! They do it fresh!

And because the Venice Grand Canal had water, we might as well take photos under the sun! It was sun bathing! LOL!

There's just so many food items to discover with the El Pollo Loco menu. There are also other side dishes available, so I advise you to just go ahead and ask what's available when you get there. Aside form the Megamall and Venice Grand Canal branch of El Pollo Loco, I heard they're about to open new ones in Robinsons Magnolia, Eastwood City and Trinoma Mall in Quezon City. If you're all been asking yourselves where to eat, you might want to give El Pollo Loco a try this week. I like what I saw, I didn't have take out because I finished my plate, plus it's not that expensive. Meals could probably run around 3-500 pesos a head, depending on what you prefer to order. Go get acquainted with it before the new branches open, it's super good especially the Fire Grilled Chicken. I wouldn't recommend take out because you need to eat it while it's hot, fresh off the grill. Then again if you prefer that, I wouldn't stop you!

As they say, it ain't the same without the flame! Go follow their social channels via @ElPolloPH for more information about it!

Asterra Condominium Rising in Promising Butuan

Butuan City for most have been a surprise in the Caraga region. It's classified as a 1st class and highly urbanized city in Agusan del Norte, nicely tucked in Mindanao. Progress has been happening and livable conclaves are rising, one of which is Asterra. Finding quality housing for families, those who need investments, or simple home buyers would certainly be in-love with this place, as it brings the promise of their other projects in other cities across the country.

 The location is going to be good, as it is right front and center. It's a place where economic gains have also been happening in the last few years. It is after all ranked 13th among most improved cities in the Philippines, and with good reason because it has experienced growth, has more cultural movements, and tons of history.  Seeing Asterra Butuan rise in this site would surely give a piece of modern living in one of the most promising place in Mindanao; especially for those who grew up there and have already called it home. From those starting a family, people who have done remarkably well in their profession, or those who are outside the country eager to find a home for themselves, their family or prefer to make it an investment. Just like condos in Manila, it can be rented out which is not a bad idea when increase in economic activity happens.

Aside from the usual residential fare, those who are also planning to  business would do good since it's in a good location. From food, clothing, entertainment, leisure, there's certainly a lot of possible commercial use you can do in the same area. If that happens, jobs could be generated and with the lovely warm people from Butuan, it could really flourish. Since you're in the center of it all, existing educational institutions, churches, markets, restaurants, and transportation can be easily accessed, life would be better.

Add to that the amenities that Asterra Butuan plans to include in the vicinity. You would probably have less reason to go out because everything will be there and more. This while keeping the price of it very reasonable because as their saying goes "affordable but quality" lives on in every home they create. It's a new era in Butuan and yes, Asterra will be part of that.

If this piqued your interest, go get info from them via asterra.com.ph or on AsterraOfficial on FB because it'll all be there!

Your Next Gen Leading Lady YUKII TAKAHASHI

After being a TikTok superstar, she's now a full pledged actress appearing in different TV shows,  including hit series FPJ's Batang Quiapo (opposite McCoy De Leon) and  Puregold Series "Ang Lalaki sa Likod ng Profile" (where she's paired with Wilbert Ross). She's Yukii Takahashi, and there's a ton of projects now lined up for her.

Honestly, I first saw her in person during the massive Puregold TNAP Event in World Trade Center. She's absolutely gorgeous to say the least, and this time, we're getting to see her much closer. You can see why people are just at awe.

She deserves the spotlight (sorry I just had to say that!)

Indeed, so much has happened to her career since she did that stint on TV as part of Sunday Noontime Live on TV5. She regularly appears on "Ano'ng Meron Kay Abok?" which is a sitcom show on Net 25 (with funny man Empoy), plus from what we heard, there will be several huge projects in the pipeline. She's certainly been taken cared of by her management Cornerstone. This is on top of several commercials, endorsements that she's getting involved with recently, and from what we're seeing, she's definitely getting her shine on. Beyond the glam of the entertainment industry, she's a very friendly and smart woman who hails from Tondo, Manila.

Here's our conversation with the gorgeous gal:

By the way, she's also part of an upcoming HBO limited series called "Call My Manager!" together with Queen of Soap Judy Ann Santos and heavily awarded Director Erik Matti. There's also one under MavX Productiosn called "Pangarap Kong Oskars" which you should watch out for. Congratulations Yukii, I'm sure Cornerstone Entertainment will take good care of you. Thank you for the hearty meal prepared by The CLIFF Restobar at Timog Avenue where our press conference was held (Check out Google Maps for new food photos I uploaded there!).

Can't wait to see your star shine even brighter! She's the next big thing.

Camella Holds Fathers Day Writing Contest

He's the man of the house and yes, he deserves all the care that comes with it. It's almost Father's Day, and I heard the folks at Camella would love to make it even more special for you and your family.

Their house coffee brand Dear Joe, a letter writing cafe is holding their very first Father's Day Writing Contest aimed to dish out those proud words on paper as a tribute to our fathers on this special occasion. They are also doing a Father's Day Quiz for everyone, one that would hopefully determine your Dad's personality so you wouldn't need to think about what to give him on the actual day.

Tip: Make sure you showcase how deep your love is and tell the story how you became who you are because of your Dad. 

Aside from that, give those life lessons he gave you and immortalize it with words, something other people could learn from too. 

Best letter writers will get the chance to win a brand new HONOR Mobile Phone and GC's from Dear Joe coffee shops across the country. I bet it's going to be the best gift you can give your Dad! 

All you need to do is follow the instructions listed on the mechanics. Tag Camella's official Facebook page @CamellaOfficial and use the hashtags #Camella #FathersDay #DearAwesomeDad #BrewingLoveforDAD. Who knows, you could be the one!