Sandara Park, Thunder, Grace Lee, Sam YG Stars On One Night Food TripInternational Edition on tvN Asia

I heard about tvN a couple days ago through the event of iFlix which gave me the idea that this Korean TV corporation isn't playing around as they've got serious TV and series titles on their belt to release Asia wide. Tonight, we had a glimpse of their upcoming original production of One Night Food Trip International Edition which partakes Korean stars and mix them with local ones in different countries to do three things, EAT, PLAY and COMPETE!

Now that might look so easy to do but believe me there willbe trials in between that they need to do in order to win. It will involve mostly local food (in whatever country they are in), culture (as they will deal with people), attractions (to find the best spots in each country) and everything local! When they accomplish each mission, they'll get a chop on their ONE NIGHT FOOD TRIP PASSPORT. Whoever gets the most chops will get the GOLDEN PASSPORT exclusive for the big winner. 

You'll see different stars in different countries like Jung Jun-young, Cho Sae-ho, Hsu Chia-yang and Waa Wei for Taiwan, Nakjoon Park, Eric Nam and He Ying-ying for Singapore, Hong Suk-chun, Cho Sae-ho and Lee Ki-chan for Malaysia, Sandara Park, Thunder, Grace Lee and Sam YG for the Philippines. 

"The Philippines is one of the most beautiful places in the world, we have unique flavors and you will be surprised how interesting our food will be. It was educational for me and would be a good thing to see on TVN. Sam is so funny, you can't really eat because his humor is very on point, can't really laugh when your mouth is full. My memory of meeting Davaoenos was just so good, they were all so nice!" -Grace Lee

"Grace always wanted to travel with me, but I didn't have load. Now we have a reason to travel, not just a company thing, this is both work and pleasure to showcase how nice the country is, to find the spots and show it to the world. Durian was my wild enemy, I don't know how to eat it but Grace could eat it all! I had nightmares after that. What made it memorable is jumping from one place to another. Shoutout to kimchi and curry team, it was all worthwhile." -Sam YG

"I was taller before, I used to carry him when we were younger, now he's taller than me. We got to see Manila and Palawan in a different light because it's Thunder's first time there. We had to strategize because we didn't eat too much, had to dance several times just to get stamps. When we went to the crocodile farm, we had to eat Crocodile sisig, and I couldn't it was just not the time!" - Sandara Park

"I didn't travel when I was in the Philippines and this was a nice opportunity to connect with my sister and see the other places I wasn't able to go to when I studied here. Our stomach also had limited space so we had to also play just to see who would have to finish the plate. It was also hard to eat the local tamilok, but we couldn't do that." -Thunder

One Night Food Trip International Edition will premier on October 10 and every Tuesday thereafter. The Philippine feature will happen on December 5 at 11pm. Follow their social media accounts @ch.tvnasia on FB, @tvn.asia on IG and @tvN_Asia on Twitter. Go watch them on Cignal and Skycable as they're available there too! 

KUMAGCOW

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RACKS Launches Smoked Chipotle Ribs

I love racks a lot because of their mouthwatering smoky and savory ribs. It's a staple whenever I drop by their big branch here in Timog Avenue and I usually have it with a whole brick of Onion Rings which happens quite often in every visit I make, but I guess there had to be new things on the menu. 

This is the new RACKS Smoked Chipotle Ribs. It's a next level smokiness, it's a next level spice, one that makes these fall off the bone meat vessels an even better dish for those who want it a little more feistier than ever. Think of those chilies and how it's smoky intense flavor would permeate inside the meat and provide that extra kick you've always dreamed of even without the sauce that RACKS is known for. For an even greater, finger licking lunch or dinner, the Chipotle Barbecue sauce would definitely prove you that it's going to be better, so smother it all over!

Thing is, it's only going to be available for a limited time. You should defintely visit the nearest RACKS branch from today until November 5, 2017. I could imagine how much you want your lips to burn and experience this HOT and SMOKY version now. I'm trying it later at the RACKS Timog Branch, so see you!

KUMAGCOW

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No Sugar Added, Low Calorie TRUE TEA Iced Tea

I am so fond of sweets and didn't know until I had a check up that I already have heightened sugar levels according to my doctor. Living with diabetic parents, I was pretty sure I'd be getting it too so I tried to follow my doctor's advice to cut down on almost everything with carbs, starch and sugar. 

I also got a bit addicted drinking powdered fruit juice drinks not just because they have cute and fancy commercials, but was just so good because they taste like real fruit and it indicated they also had it in them. I was a bit blinded about how these drinks actually contain a LOT of sugar, I even had withdrawal symptoms because on a normal day I barely drink water thinking all I did was healthy. So after all that and my Doctor's advise, I stopped cold turkey and did not drink a single drop of powdered juice, iced tea, or soft drink (well sometimes if I get discouraged Coke Zero it is). I took my coffee black often, didn't take Equal, then I heard about Stevia. This plant (photo above taken in a farm near Manila) sounded like a gift from nature, it is a naturally occurring, zero calorie sweetener. They've had it now mixed in food products, including cakes, pastries, even drinks. So imagine my surprise when a friend suggested True Tea Iced Tea.

So I thought it was going to be one of those drinks that tasted like chalk (oh yes I've tried them all), but really, TRUE TEA tasted like the actual iced tea we love. I then introduced it to my Mom, my Dad, then my sister helped herself, so that one box that I had was gone in one day. If that doesn't look like they liked it, I don't know what will. I have a huge mug at home which I fill with ice and water, even if it's a little more diluted I could still taste the tea on it because they use real black tea leaves which was a relief for me. Now I can have my usual fix of iced tea without the guilt because this has no added sugar and is low calorie. Perfect for my diet now, oh yes I am doing that.

True Tea Iced Tea is available online through Lazada, leading supermarkets and groceries nationwide. Hope this makes your iced tea dreams come true even if you're cutting down on sugar. I'm still enjoying it, it's got Vitamin C too. So cheers!

Jin Ju-Hyung and Devon Seron for You With Me

I was so glad to have been able to cover the first press conference of this movie because I got to actually get to know Devon Seron more. They invited me again but this time it was extra special because she's going to be with one of the lead actors Jin Ju-Hyung. The movie You With Me is about a Filipina who seeks freedom from her over protective parents and she chose to do her journey in South Korea to teach English, then meeting Korean stars Kim Hyun Woo and Jin Ju Hyung. I was more familiar with Kim Hyun Woo because I watched that KBS drama The Gentlemen of Wolgyesu Tailor Shop, so knowing Jin Ju-Hyung was going to be here, I got to know him even more other than his appearance in Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth that was also shown in the Philippines.

Ju-Hyung said "This opportunity to work in the Philippines is a great thing. We are so blessed yo finally see it materialize. Hopefully this is a start of more things to come. My character is cute here, that's his weapon. As for the story, that's a secret. She is kind and I like her personality, her manners, for sure she is girlfriend material. We are just friends, we are close friends so we talk a lot. Working with Direk Rommel made me relax so I could act easily, I feel comfortable because we understand each other when it's shooting time. It's so different working with Korean directors because it's a bit more difficult. Compared to other Asian actresses I've worked with, it was more comfortable with her. I am interested in working here, if there is a chance to work with other actresses too. We had a lot of meal time together also with Devon and Filipino crew because it felt like family. That is what I want to also have in Korea, if possible. My next KDrama will also be exciting, it's called "Live Up To Your Name"."

Devon Seron explains the concept of the movie and said "You with me is a romantic drama about a family, doing online teaching that got her to South Korea. Ju Hyung is a very serious guy, I open up to him because he can speak English. Hyun Woo is a comedian in real life, so funny, and when we are together we're like a ruckus. To be honest, I got to talk to Ju Hyung a lot more because of that. I am actually nervous about this movie especially now that it's coming out. I was shocked to know that this was an international film, because when I auditioned I initially thought this was an indie film. I learned a lot about acting, I know I have a lot of things to improve. I just learned about it through a friend and got picked even if I gatecrashed this audition. I asked for a favor so I am so thankful. When I auditioned almost the all the auditionees were theater actresses. It was different working with them, their dedication is not normal because they wait there even if it's not their scene. They also set meetings just to read lines, and it's not a thing in the Philippines so for me that is impressive. During the audition I was just being myself, I didn't have to sugarcoat and get emotional sometimes and I get overwhelmed. They did a 4 days shoot here and did it fast, that accounts for 30 percent of the film. I would like to work with more artists, anyone would do."

Jin Ju-Hyung was kinda stiff in the beginning and I think he was finding it a bit hard to communicate his emotions to the press. Later on, he began to become super playful. He began teasing Devon Seron to guys like Jon Lucas and James Reid whom he probably read about in social media, true enough Devon began turning red because Ju-Hyung didn't stop mentioning their names as the press was asking questions. I began looking at Ju-Hyung differently, I think that's exactly what women find very cute about him... he was a bit crazy that afternoon LOL!

Anyway, I think Devon Seron would probably have two men escorting her in the upcoming Star Magic Ball, if all goes to plan, she will be flanked by two gorgeous Korean leading men in the occasion. Kim Hyun Woo and Jin Ju Hyung would really look good during that evening, I'm sure of it. Devon should really start braiding her long hair because it might reach Seoul South Korea once it shows on theaters this September 27 under Gitana Film Productions directed by Rommel Ricafort. I'll be at the premier night tomorrow, and I hope to see Kim Hyun Woo tomorrow (I'm a fan!).

KUMAGCOW
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