JOTAN23

Mango Tree Bistro (Trinoma, Quezon City)

noreply@blogger.com (jotan23) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 09:05:49 PST

YUM SOM O GOONG (Php 320)

Pomelo salad with roasted grated coconut and fresh prawns

The pomelo was juicy and sweet!

The grated coconuts were a great compliment with the fruit and shrimp.

TOD MUN GOONG (Php 280)

Deep fried shrimp cakes served with sweet chili dipping sauce

Everybody loved this dish --- 1st dish to be wiped out.

PAD THAI GOONG (Php 350)

Stir fried rice noodles with prawns in Phad Thai sauce

The serving was good for 3-4 pax.

This was also good but I've had better :)

GAENG KIEW WAN NUA (Php 380)

Beef fillet with eggplant in green curry

The beef fillets were so tender and the sauce was just right.

You have to order plain white rice with this.

GAI THA KRAI YANG (Php 280)

Grilled Thai herb chicken with lemongrass served with Northeastern Thai dipping sauce

One of the best dishes served!

The chicken was cooked to perfection - so soft and juicy.

The sauce was also very tasty - sweet and salty.

PLA MEUK GRATIEM (Php 250)

Stir fried squid with garlic pepper sauce

The squid was so soft it can easily be cut by a spoon and the garlic pepper sauce was super yummy!

Again, perfect with a cup of white rice.

TOM YUM GOONG (Php 280)

Spicy Thai prawn soup with lemongrass, lime and red chilies

This could have been one of the best Tom Yum soup if only it was served hotter :)

MANGO TREE BISTRO

Trinoma Mall

3rd level, beside Powerbooks

Phone Number: (63 2) 585 5460

Unique Cleaning Tips

noreply@blogger.com (jotan23) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 07:48:39 PST

Some Unique Cleaning Tips

from "Cleaning Tips You Haven’t Heard Before" - by Reader's Digest February 2012

The best way to dust blinds?
Close them, then wipe up and down with an old dryer sheet. It'll create an antistatic barrier that helps prevent dust from building up again.

Photo by freakapotimus/Flickr.com

The Mr. Clean Magic Eraser is your friend.
It will cut your cleaning time in half for bathtubs, sinks, countertops, and dirty walls

To clean glass and mirrors, use coffee filters, not paper towels.

They leave no streaks or lint — and they're cheap.

Vinegar and water is a great deodorizer for a musty bathroom.

Spray your shower down as you're getting out. It really absorbs the odors, and the smell of vinegar goes away in an hour.

A wet pumice stone will clean a dirty oven faster than any spray-on product.

Vacuuming bathroom mats is a nightmare. Toss them in the wash every week or two instead.

To damp-mop wood floors, use plain water or a water-based floor cleaner like Bona.

Don't use vinegar. The acid in it will pit your polyurethane finish, can void your warranty, and may reduce shine over time.

To clean your microwave oven, microwave a cup of water with some baking soda in it until it's boiling.

That eliminates odors and makes it super easy to wipe away all that stuck-on stuff.

Clean cobwebs with a yardstick covered by a tube sock.

That also works for cleaning under stoves and refrigerators.

Shine your bathroom tiles with lemon oil.

It also helps prevent mold and mildew.

To eliminate that ring in your toilet, drop in a bubbling denture tablet, and leave it for at least 30 minutes or overnight.

The stain will come off with just a few swishes of the brush.

SAINT'S ALP TEAHOUSE

noreply@blogger.com (jotan23) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 08:22:47 PST

Today, we finally had the chance to visit SAINT'S ALP TEAHOUSE.

The place was cozy with a warm ambiance.

I ordered some snacks for my niece:

CHEESY TEMPURA BALLS (Php 90 - 4 pieces)

It tasted like fried cuttle fish balls stuffed with mozzarella cheese and flavored with Taiwan "salt and pepper."

CHICKEN SKIN CHIPS (Php 90)

Addictive!

But I prefer smaller and thinner slices for a crispier bite.

Drinks:

GREEN TEA (Php 110)

topped with WHITE MOUSTACHE (a layer of salted whipped cream)

This was just okay :)

STRAWBERRY MILKSHAKE (Php 125)

a crowd favorite!

The rice crispies were a special surprise!!

yum yum yum

CHOCO MINT DELIGHT (Php 130)

additional Tapioca Pearls (Php 15)

My mom loved it!

It tasted like Andes Mint -- only less sweeter :)

Our Food:

CRISPY CHICKEN SALAD with ORIENTAL DRESSING (Php 170)

The greens were really fresh and the chicken -- crispy and juicy; however, the sauce was a bit too salty for me.

HONEY-GLAZED COFFEE SPARERIBS (Php 195)

The pork was tender :)

The sauce was sweet with a hint of toasted coffee.

BEEF TIPS in GARLIC SAUCE (Php 205)

Super Yummy!

It was like dried beef steak -- perfect with their long grain rice.

Saint's Alp Teahouse is truly a place for EATING, DRINKING and having SNACKS :)

They offer GIFT CERTIFICATES in 100 peso denominations which you can give to your friends and family.

Saint's Alp Teahouse

2F Regis Center,

Katipunan Ave., Quezon City

Tel Number: (02) 881-5167; (02) 990-2194

Twitter: SaintsAlpPH

Email: saintsalp.ph@gmail.com

DONATIONS for Typhoon Sendong Victims

noreply@blogger.com (jotan23) — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 22:28:42 PST

LBC, PHILIPPINE RED CROSS and GMA Kapuso Foundation are accepting DONATIONS for Typhoon Sendong Victims

"LBC will ship your donations for free to those who need it the most. Just drop it off at the LBC branch nearest to you. Let's join together once again in helping our kababayans, together we can make a difference!" - LBC Foundation

******************************************************************

"There are 25 million Filipinos on Facebook. If each one donates 5 pesos to Red Cross we could raise 125 million for Sendong victims.

Here's how (from the Philippine Red Cross website):

SMS

Text REDAMOUNT to 2899 (Globe) or 4143 (Smart)

G-Cash

Text DONATEAMOUNT

4-digit M-PINREDCROSS to 2882

You can donate the following denominations:
Globe: 5, 25, 100, 300, 500 or 1000
Smart: 10, 25, 50, 100, 300, 500 or 1000" - Rene Domniguez

******************************************************************

Material donations may be delivered to the GMA Kapuso Foundation office Mondays to Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Aside from old clothes, food items and medicines, we also accept hygiene products, mats, blankets, medical equipments, toys as well as other things that are helpful to our beneficiaries.

GMA KAPUSO FOUNDATION, INC

Address: 2nd Floor GMA Kapuso Center

GMA Network Drive cor. Samar Street

Diliman, Quezon City 1103

Telephone Nos.: (632) 982.7777 loc. 9901 / 9904 / 9905
Telefax: (632) 928.9351 / (632) 928.4299
E-mail: gmaf@gmanetwork.com

For monetary donations, the Foundation accepts cash or checks. Finance officers can personally accept these in our office, from Mondays to Fridays, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or you may course your donations through the following:

•METROPOLITAN BANK & TRUST COMPANY (METROBANK)
Peso Savings
   Account Name:GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc.
   Account Number:3-098-51034-7
Dollar Savings
   Account Name:GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc.
   Account Number:2-098-00244-2
   Code:MBTC PH MM

•UNITED COCONUT PLANTERS BANK (UCPB)
Peso Savings
   Account Name:GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc.
   Account Number:115-184777-2
                            :160-111277-7
Dollar Savings
   Account Name:GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc.
   Account Number:01-115-301177-9
                            :01-160-300427-6
   Code:UCPB PH MM

•CEBUANA LHUILLIER (all branches nationwide)

•NO SERVICE FEE CHARGED!

Donation are also accepted in the following banks:

BANCO DE ORO (BDO)
Peso Savings
   Account Name:GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc.
   Account Number:469-0022189
Dollar Savings
   Account Name:GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc.
   Account Number:469-0072135
   Code: BNORPHMM

PHILIPPINE NATIONAL BANK (PNB)
Peso Savings
   Account Name :GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc.
   Account Numbe:121-003200017
Dollar Savings
   Account Name:GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc.
   Account Number:121-003200025
   Code:PNB MPH MM

******************************************************************

AMALIA's Spanish Restaurant, Magallanes

noreply@blogger.com (jotan23) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 02:12:42 PST

AMALIA's Spanish Restaurant in Paseo de Magallanes was a delight to all of us!

We were surprised at our bill because usually, Spanish restaurants are very expensive.

AMALIA's is the perfect Spanish restaurant for groups! :)

A plate of sliced GARLIC BREADS was served while we were still deciding on which dishes to order.

This was nice - crunchy on the ends and soft in the center.

For starters, we planned on having the BAKED OYSTERS. Unfortunately, they ran out of stock :(

It was my favorite in MINGGOY's.

FYI: CHEF AMALIA JOCSON was the head chef at MINGGOY's before (from what I've heard).

So anyway, we just ordered the following:

CALAMARES FRITOS (Php 175) - YUM!!!!

Deep fried battered squid with honey mustard sauce

CHICKEN CROQUETAS (Php 165)

Deep fried chicken fritters with garlic mayo sauce

This was also yummy but it tasted more like potato croquettes and the sauce was honey mustard and not garlic mayo :)

GAMBAS ALA CASA (Php 195)

Spicy sauteed shrimps in garlic and olive oil

This went really well with the sliced garlic breads :)

We also tried the SOPA DE AJO (Php 80)

The garlic soup was very appetizing :)

Definitely a good one to start a meal.

We ordered several main dishes because everything on the menu looked soooo good!

BEEF CALDERETA (Php 285)

Beef stew cooked with potatoes and carrots

This was the group's favorite!

The beef was very tender and sauce was heavenly!

You MUST order this! :)

POLLO AL AJILLO (Php 265)

Chicken breast fillet with garlic and olive oil

I apologize for the blurred pictures because we wanted to eat already :p

The flavor was richly absorbed by the chicken meat.

This is best with plain white rice.

LENGUA CON SETAS (Php 285)

Tender ox tongue simmered in red wine, brown sauce and button mushrooms

Another crowd favorite!!!

The sauce was perfect with the ox tongue and the mashed potato :)

PAELLA NEGRA (Php 260 - good for 2 to 3 persons)

Rice dish with squid cooked in its own ink topped with eggs, green peas and red pimientos

This was just okay. I wish they put more squid ink.

The Paella Negra in Davao was way better :)

PAELLA ESPANOLA (Php 460 - good for 4 to 5 persons)

Rice dish with chicken, Spanich chorizo, shrimps, mussels, eggs, green peas and red pimientos

This was a winner!!!

No doubt it's AMALIA's BEST-SELLING DISH :)

Looking at this picture makes me want to go back to the restaurant at this very moment.

AMALIA's

Mega Center, Paseo de Magallanes

San Antonio St.

Makati City, Metro Manila

Contact Numbers: 852-1381, 944-6300

Cookbook Kitchen

noreply@blogger.com (jotan23) — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 05:32:48 PST

A friend recommended COOKBOOK KITCHEN.

It was pretty hard to find but we managed to reach there with these directions:

From Shaw Boulevard (coming from EDSA), turn right at TORRES St. (Landmark would be CHEVROLET). Then turn LEFT at ARAULLO St.. Take another LEFT turn at the first st. (SOCORRO FERNANDEZ St.).

We started our meal with the SEAFOOD BASKET (Php 320)

Light and crispy calamari, shrimp, fish and onion rings

The squid was overcooked -- too hard to chew, but the sauces were okay.

PASTA AL ADOBO (Php 260)

This was so good! A real PINOY favorite!

PARMESAN CRUSTED WHITE FISH (Php 320)

This had a strong rosemary taste but it's okay.

However, the baked fish had a "suya" factor :(

Maybe I should've ordered the one with the wasabi mayo instead.

COOKBOOK KITCHEN

MANDALUYONG BRANCH

8 Socorro Fernandez St., Mandaluyong City

Telephone Number: 724-3595

EASTWOOD BRANCH

1880-A Bldg., Eastwood City, Quezon City

Telephone Number: 709-3593

PAMPANGA BRANCH

Greenfields Square, Km 76 McArthur Hiway, Sindalan,

City of San Fernando, Pampanga

Telephone Number: (045) 455-1252 / 455-1259

BEST TAKOYAKI in InfiniTea, Quezon City

noreply@blogger.com (jotan23) — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 08:49:02 PST

We found the BEST TAKOYAKI in INFINITEA, Quezon City

First, we tried their WINTERMELON MILK TEA (Php 80 - large)

This was 3rd on their BEST SELLER LIST; However, it was way below our expectations.

The drink lacked sweetness and it also lacked in flavor.

I think they added too much water.

Also, the pearls were a bit hard, not chewy, but hard.

Fortunately, their TAKOYAKI (Php 58) didn't disappoint.

It took 15-20 minutes to cook but the long wait was worth it!

We had to order another one!!!

The takoyaki was very meaty, served with real tako bits too!

The sauce was great - sweet and tangy mixed with the salty bonito flakes.

To taste it is to believe!

TIP: If you don't like the Japanese red ginger usually served with the makimono rolls, ask the server to remove the ginger upon ordering.

UPDATE as of Nov 16, 2011

We went back to INFINITEA tonight and we're so glad we tried their other drinks :)

The CARAMEL MILK TEA (Php 85 - large), Assam based, was good especially with the brown sugar jelly.

CHOCOLATE MOUSSE (Php 90 - large) was great! Kids will surely love this drink.

GREEN TEA HAZELNUT (Php 90 - large) was (almost) like Starbuck's green tea frappe.

But our favorite was the SPECIAL ICED TEA (Php 60 - large) -- The Black African Rooibos Tea was the perfect base!!! It was very refreshing and the BASIL SEED was a pleasant surprise too! A MUST TRY!!!!

INFINITEA

D. Tuazon St., Quezon City

(Across St. Theresa's College)

Yummy Burgers in BOULEVARD DINER

noreply@blogger.com (jotan23) — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 01:40:22 PDT

Yummy burgers are found in BOULEVARD DINER!!!

My personal favorite: GORGONZOLA BURGER (Php 180)

***add Php 45 for fries and iced tea

I super love blue cheese on beef!!!

So Yummy!

NOTORIOUS NUT JOB (Php 180)

***add Php 45 for fries and iced tea

What a wonderful surprise!

If you like creamy peanut butter, then this burger is for you!

Aside from burgers, we also tried their finger foods:

CHEDDAR CHARLES (Php 170)

Cheese balls!!!!

Kids' favorite!!! and kids at heart too!

Another treat for kids: CHOCNUT MILKSHAKE ( Php 125)

WINGS (1/2 lb - Php 130, 1 lb - Php 255)

BOULEVARD DINER offers a variety of flavors for you to choose from.

Their HEAT-O-METER ranges from HICKORY (not spicy) to LOVE (cocoa-chili) to HOTTER THAN HELL (spiciest).

We tried the LUST (chili-lime) and it was good :)

BOULEVARD DINER

91 Xavierville Avenue

Loyola Heights, Quezon City

Contact Number: (02) 504-5634

888dinerconcepts@gmail.com

Halloween Costumes - (Made to Order, Quezon City)

noreply@blogger.com (jotan23) — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 02:42:51 PDT

Are you ready for halloween?

Will you be a superhero?

A villain?

or come as your favorite cartoon character?

Why not have your Halloween costumes custom made?

Especially for your little ones:

FOR ORDERS:

Please schedule an appointment with

CATHY

(63) (2) 362-3622

(63) (2) 365-3468

141-C Sto. Domingo St., Quezon City

(corner Del Monte Ave., near Sienna College)

RARE Photos of The World

noreply@blogger.com (jotan23) — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 00:46:16 PDT

I just got this from an email and found it interesting to share :)

CHE GUEVARA and FIDEL CASTRO

SADAM minutes before his death

Early construction of the capital of Brazil

COPACABANA BEACH in Rio De Janeiro

Construction of CHRIST THE REDEEMER in Rio De Janeiro

ALBERT EINSTEIN in Brazil

School grades of Albert Einstein

PAPA PIO XII and Hitler

ADOLF HITLER as a child

Holocaust done by HITLER

JEWS in concentration camp

ELVIS PRESLEY drafted into the Army

THE BEATLES before they became famous

THE BEATLES when they were adolescents

JOHN LENNON, signing autograph before his death

JOHN LENNON's cadaver

OSAMA BIN LADEN's Family, with Osama encircled in the picture

The moment when GEORGE BUSH was notified of the attack of the twin towers

THE TITANIC SHIP before sailing

THE TITANIC at the bottom of the sea

First photograph in history of France

Construction of DISNEY WORLD

BERLIN WALL being torn down

Evolution of COCA-COLA

CHUCK NORRIS and BRUCE LEE

Black Physicians treating a member of the KU KUX KLAN in the ER

CHARLIE CHAPLIN and MAHATMA GANDHI

First Computer ever made

Body of PRESIDENT KENNEDY in 1963

Construction of the Empire State Building

MARTIN LUTHER KING's cadaver

LADY DIANA's accident scene

Football Player dies while playing

POPE JOHN PAUL with the man who tried to kill him

GOOGLE in 1999, when they started

Meicha Quezon City (Meicha's Special Milk Froth Tea VS Happy Lemon)

noreply@blogger.com (jotan23) — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 23:04:40 PDT

My cousin, Fanny, mentioned MEICHA's special milk froth tea last week.

We immediately tried it and it was indeed at par with HAPPY LEMON's ROCK SALT and CHEESE Green Tea!!!!

What a great discovery!!! Price is way cheaper compared to size :)

MEICHA offers a wide variety of drinks, so we asked for their bestseller's list:

I know it's hard to read the list because of their chosen background photo so I'm listing it down:

1. OKINAWA MILK TEA (Medium - Php 85, Large - Php 95)

This was okay, but nothing beats SERENITEA's OKINAWA MILK TEA :)

2. MEICHA's SPECIAL MILK FROTH TEA (Medium - Php 80, Large - Php 90)

This is the BEST!!! Highly recommended!

The froth was thick and the green tea base was perfect!
If you love Happy Lemon's Rock Salt and Cheese Green Tea, then this drink is for you!

3. Hazelnut Milk Tea

4. 3Q PassionateTea

5. MEICHA'S COCOA MILK FROTH

This is a good alternative for Happy Lemon's Cocoa Rock Salt and Cheese :)

6. ALOE VERA BASIL SEED LEMONADE (Medium - Php 75, Large - Php 85)

The basil seeds went well with the lemonade.

It would be yummier if the drink was colder :)

7. Aloe Vera Yakult Lemonade

8. Grass Jelly Milk Tea

9. Oreo Chocolate Ice Blended

10. Signature Iced Coffee

MEICHA DELIVERS!!!

MEICHA (near Starbucks Retiro)

126-C Speaker Perez St.

corner N.S. Amoranto St. QC

Telephone Number: (02) 501-2531

Best Xiao Long Bao in Kao Chi, Quezon City

noreply@blogger.com (jotan23) — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 03:09:07 PDT

KAO-CHI RESTAURANT's interior is "Chinese Luxe"

It was very classy :)

You should definitely go and have the Best Xiao Long Bao (Php 138 - 6 pieces) in Kao Chi, Quezon City :)

It was cooked to perfection!

I loved how the wrap contained all the soup inside and how it bursted with exquisite flavors in just one bite.

One tray is not enough for me alone.

The BLACK PEPPER BEEF TENDERLOIN (Php 338) was another surprise to us.

It was sooooooooooooooo tender and flavorful.

You might want to prepare yourself to eat more than a cup of rice with this dish :)

KAO-CHI RESTAURANT
109 N.S. Amoranto St. (formely RETIRO)
Barangay Maharlika, Quezon City
Telephone Number: (02) 410-7799

Nice Affordable Hotel in Makati - A. Venue Hotel Suites

noreply@blogger.com (jotan23) — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 02:52:22 PDT

If you're looking for a nice and affordable hotel in Makati, try A. Venue Hotel Suites.

We got a ONE BEDROOM SUITE (with breakfast for two) for only Php 3,500 (last year) at Agoda.Com

The Living Area was spacious. TV was a bit small but okay.

We appreciated the Kitchen and Dining Area as well because there was a microwave and a sink :)

Shower Room was clean and the towels were fresh.

A. Venue Hotel also provided complete toiletries to use.

The bedroom was very small so it will be smarter to place your bag/luggage at the living area.

We were lucky to get the room with a view.

The wall beside the bed was 90% glass so it was nice.

Yes, there's a safe box in the room too!!!

The bed was firm and pillows were soft. We had a good night's sleep :)

The free breakfast buffet was prepared at GRANVIA CAFE.

Food was DELICIOUS!!! The crepe was very good, sausages were fantastic and the rest were also yummy! With this good buffet breakfast, waking up early would be something I'd do everyday :)

The A. Venue Hotel Suites Makati

7829 Makati Avenue

Makati City 1200

Telephone Number: (02) 403-0865

RISTRA'S MEXICAN GRILL (San Juan)

noreply@blogger.com (jotan23) — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 02:59:47 PDT

RISTRA'S MEXICAN GRILL (San Juan)

There were many choices to choose from until we finally decided on the STEAK BURRITO (Php 340)

This included rice, meat, beans, chili, salsa, sour cream, cheese and greens. The beef was naturally marinated for hours in garlic, ancho and citrus marinade, then grilled.

We opted to "WET MY BURRITO" (addtional Php 90)

They poured over a special sauce on top and blow-torched it.

The STEAK BURRITO was HUGE so you better share it with someone unless you're training for the MAN VS GODZILLA BURRITO contest.

The contest mechanic is for you to finish their Godzilla Burrito, weighing 2.5kg, in just 90 minutes or less.

Winners get bragging rights T-shirt and their Godzilla Burrito for free. LOSERS pay up Php 1,000.

They should give out trophies for this - seriously! this is just crazy! :p

The DRINKS SELECTION was good.

They offer margaritas - with or without alcohol as well as imported beers (mostly mexican beers)

Our meal wouldn't be complete without NACHOS so we ordered the BALL PARK NACHOS (Php 255)

It was the same as the NINE LAYER DIP, but with cheese sauce.

It contained nachos (of course), beans, cheese, sour cream, jalapenos, olives, guacamole, pico de gallo, corn salsa and cheese sauce.

I truly wished I asked the staff to put all the ingredients on the side because the nachos got soggy after, BUT, they were still yummy.

FOOD was really good in Ristra's.

Service was terrible... very terrible.

Ambiance was nice; however, they need to start cleaning the place SOON or else DROPPINGS will definitely accumulate in time.

I wasn't sure if these were rat droppings, or lizard droppings but they're definitely droppings!!!

I know, they're so gross! Fortunately, we were already done eating when we noticed this.

Even if the food was good, we will NOT be coming back here because we don't know if the foods are clean or not :)

I hope they improve.

Ristra's Mexican Grill

(across Serenitea)

J. Abad Santos corner Lopez Jaena St.

Little Baguio, San Juan

(From Wilson St., turn right at Alex III. Go straight until you see Ristra's on your right.)

MESA (modern Filipino Restaurant in Tomas Morato)

noreply@blogger.com (jotan23) — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 03:00:50 PDT

MESA (modern Filipino Restaurant in Tomas Morato)

It was my aunt's birthday and we decided to try out MESA in Tomas Morato this time.

For starters, we had POMELO SALAD with LATIK (Php 250)

This was interesting - pomelo chunks tossed with toasted grated coconut and house dressing.

and then we had "A LITTLE BIT OF..." (Php 380)

If you like fried appetizers, then this one's for you :)

It's A LITTLE BIT OF crispy tawilis, crispy shrimp, calamares and adobo flakes.

Most of us ordered Bottomless Lemonade and Iced Tea (Php 65)

FYI: Drinks are refillable up to 10pm only.

Our Main Dishes were:

SINIGANG na BABOY

in GUAVA and PINEAPPLE (Php 270)

I don't like sinigang na baboy in general so I didn't try this one but they said it was okay.

CRISPY FRIED TILAPIA (Php 290)

The meat was tender and crispy! Yummy with the 4 different sauces on the side.

LAING 2 WAYS (Php 150)

Taro leaves, pork, shrimp paste and coconut cream, topped with adobo flakes, served original and crispy

I wasn't able to distinguish which one's better :)

LAING FRIED RICE (Php 145)

Stir fried rice with gabi leaves and coconut cream

(served dry)

This went well with all our dishes. Yum!

SISIG RICE (Php 170)

Stir fried rice tossed with pork sisig and topped with fried egg

This was also good but I liked the laing rice and bagoong rice more :)

BABY SQUID in OLIVE OIL (Php 270)

This was super good!!! A MUST TRY -- definitely!!!

APAHAP (Seabass)

Steamed in Dayap and Chili (Php 80 / 100grams)

This was okay. It would be better if it was juicier like the one we had in AZUTHAI :)

CRAB with SALTED EGG SAUCE (Php 650 / piece)

SUPER SULIT!!!

The crab was huge, meaty and tasty!!!

We'll order this again next time!

All in all, we had a fab time. The service was GREAT, especially the crew themselves!!!

Thanks again to the staffs of MESA Restaurant for a wonderful evening :)

MESA

264 Tomas Morato cor. Sct. Fernandez

Quezon City, Metro Manila

Telephone Number: (02) 441-5197

AFFORDABLE HOUSES by The New APEC Dev't Corp

noreply@blogger.com (jotan23) — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 03:32:26 PDT

AFFORDABLE SINGLE ATTACHED HOUSES

by The New APEC Dev't Corp

MODEL UNIT

Living Area

Kitchen / Dining Area

Bathroom

Second Floor Study Area

Bedroom 1

Bedroom 2

Bedroom 3

LOT AREA - 80 sqm

FLOOR AREA - 60.5 sqm

with car garage, 3 BR, 2 T/B, with ceiling and partitions

FEATURES and HIGHLIGHTS

- entrance gate with guardhouse

- clubhouse

- playground

- basketball court

- centralized water supply

- concrete roads, curbs and gutters

- underground drainage system

- Meralco electrical system

- INDIVIDUAL LAND TITLE

- AVAILABLE THRU PAG-IBIG / in-house financing

HOUSING SPECIFICATIONS:

- long span colored roof

- steel roof framing

- steel casement windows

- complete toilet and bath

- complete electrical wiring and fixtures

- complete water / plumping pipes and fixtures

PROJECT SITES: (Laguna, Cavite, Bulacan)

MARILAO GRAND VILLAS

Loma de Gato, Marilao, Bulacan

along the highway

8 min to NLEX

15 min to SM Marilao

ARABELLA HOMES

Pulo, Cabuyao, Laguna

8 min to ASIA BREWERY PLANT and NESTLE PLANT
2 min from Cabuyao exit
2 min from Bus terminal going to Lawton, EDSA, LRT, Buendia, etc.
near Municipio ng Cabuyao
along the highway
commercial lots also available

BIRMINGHAM VILLAGE

Pulo, Cabuyao, Laguna

8 min to ASIA BREWERY PLANT and NESTLE PLANT
2 min from Cabuyao exit
2 min from Bus terminal going to Lawton, EDSA, LRT, Buendia, etc.
near Municipio ng Cabuyao

MONTE CARLO TOWN HOMES

Bancal, Carmona, Cavite

1 ride to Alabang, Lawton and Makati

walking distance to Gov. Drive

Accessible to public market, school, churches, hospital and industrial zone

24 hour access in public transportation

Accessible to Perpetual Help College GMA branch, EARIST, ICC, and other private or public school

SAMPLE COMPUTATION

Total Contract Price - Php 1,596,600

DISCOUNT - (Php 100,000)

NEW TCP - Php 1,496,600

Reservation Fee - Php 20,000

Loanable Balance - Php 1,185,000

NET Downpayment - Php 291,600

PAYABLE in 32 months - Php 9,112.50 per month with 0% interest

PAG-IBIG FINANCING:

30 years - (estimate) Php 10,325 / month

FOR INQUIRIES and FREE TRIPPING

Please contact JOTAN at 0923-959-6836

or email me at jotan23@yahoo.com

AFFORDABLE DUPLEX by The New APEC Development Corporation

noreply@blogger.com (jotan23) — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 01:54:20 PDT

AFFORDABLE DUPLEX

by The New APEC Development Corporation

MODEL UNIT

Living Area

Dining Area

bathroom

Second Floor Study

Bedroom 1

Bedroom 2

Bedroom 3

DUPLEX without Garage

Lot Area: 54-57 sqm with ceiling

Floor Area: 44 sqm - bare type

Floor Area: 52.3 sqm with ceiling and 1 toilet

DUPLEX with Garage

Lot Area: 62-71 sqm

Floor Area: 49.6 sqm - 2BR, 1 T/B, with ceiling and partition and garage

Floor Area: 56.4 sqm - 3BR, 2 T/B, with ceiling and partition and garage

FEATURES and HIGHLIGHTS

- entrance gate with guardhouse

- clubhouse

- playground

- basketball court

- centralized water supply

- concrete roads, curbs and gutters

- underground drainage system

- Meralco electrical system

- INDIVIDUAL LAND TITLE

- AVAILABLE THRU PAG-IBIG / in-house financing

HOUSING SPECIFICATIONS:

- long span colored roof

- steel roof framing

- steel casement windows

- complete toilet and bath

- complete electrical wiring and fixtures

- complete water / plumbing pipes and fixtures

PROJECT SITES: (Laguna, Cavite, Bulacan)

MARILAO GRAND VILLAS

Loma de Gato, Marilao, Bulacan

along the highway

8 min to NLEX

15 min to SM Marilao

BIRMINGHAM VILLAGE

Pulo, Cabuyao, Laguna

8 min to ASIA BREWERY PLANT and NESTLE PLANT
2 min from Cabuyao exit
2 min from Bus terminal going to Lawton, EDSA, LRT, Buendia, etc.
near Municipio ng Cabuyao

MONTE CARLO TOWN HOMES

Bancal, Carmona, Cavite

1 ride to Alabang, Lawton and Makati

walking distance to Gov. Drive

Accessible to public market, school, churches, hospital and industrial zone

24 hour access in public transportation

Accessible to Perpetual Help College GMA branch, EARIST, ICC, and other private or public school

ARABELLA HOMES

Pulo, Cabuyao, Laguna

8 min to ASIA BREWERY PLANT and NESTLE PLANT
2 min from Cabuyao exit
2 min from Bus terminal going to Lawton, EDSA, LRT, Buendia, etc.
near Municipio ng Cabuyao
along the highway
commercial lots also available

SAMPLE COMPUTATION OF DUPLEX WITH GARAGE

3 Bedrooms, 2 Toilet & Bath

Lot Area - 67.5 sqm

Floor Area - 56.4 sqm

Total Contract Price - Php 1,437,865

DISCOUNT - (Php 100,000)

NEW TCP - Php 1,337,865

Reservation Fee - Php 10,000

Loanable Balance - Php 950,000

NET Downpayment - Php 377,865

PAYABLE in 24 months - Php 15,744.37 per month with 0% interest

PAG-IBIG FINANCING:

25 years - Php 7,649.65 / month

30 years - Php 7,304.67 / month

FOR INQUIRIES and FREE TRIPPING

Please contact JOTAN at 0923-959-6836

or email me at jotan23@yahoo.com

AFFORDABLE TOWNHOMES FOR SALE by The NEW APEC Development Corporation

noreply@blogger.com (jotan23) — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 09:04:45 PDT

AFFORDABLE TOWNHOMES FOR SALE

by The NEW APEC Development Corporation

MODEL UNIT 1

Living area

Dining / Kitchen

Bathroom

Second Floor - Study Area

Bedroom 1

Bedroom 2

MODEL UNIT 2

Living area

Dining Area / Kitchen

Bathroom

Second Floor study area

Bedroom 1

Bedroom 2

Lot Area: 36 sm

Floor Area: 44 sqm

Features and Highlights

- entrance gate with guardhouse

- clubhouse

- playground

- basketball court

- centralized water supply

- concrete roads, curbs and gutters

- underground drainage system

- Meralco electrical system

- INDIVIDUAL LAND TITLE

- AVAILABLE THRU PAG-IBIG / in-house financing

Housing Specifications:

- long span colored roof

- steel roof framing

- tiled bathroom

- steel casement windows

- complete toilet and bath

- complete electrical wiring and fixtures

- complete water / plumbing pipes and fixtures

PROJECT SITES: (Laguna, Cavite, Bulacan)

VICTORIA TOWNHOMES

(by CUMBERLAND Development Corporation)

Brgy. Pooc, Sta. Rosa Laguna (near Tagapo)

5mins drive to SM Sta. Rosa Laguna, Near Robinsons Place, Target Mall, Pavillion
3mins tricycle drive to Bayan ng Sta Rosa, NBI, Munisipyo wet and dry market
3mins tricycle drive to Church
Near Schools and Hospitals
also Near to Enchanted Kingdom
Easy access going to Makati or Manila via SLEX and SKYWAY 30mins drive only
Choose from Mamplasan exit or Balibago exit or Mayapa exit in SLEX

CARLTON RESIDENCES

Brgy. Dita, Sta. Rosa, Laguna

15 min from Sta. Rosa exit
15 min from Pulo/Malilit exit
5 min from Wet Market
15 min to ASIA BREWERY PLANT and NESTLE PLANT

HOWARD VILLAGE

(by CUMBERLAND Development Corporation)

Brgy. Tagapo, Sta. Rosa, Laguna

5 min WALK to SM Sta. Rosa
8 min WALK to Robinson's supermarket

BIRMINGHAM VILLAGE

Pulo, Cabuyao, Laguna

8 min to ASIA BREWERY PLANT and NESTLE PLANT
2 min from Cabuyao exit
2 min from Bus terminal going to Lawton, EDSA, LRT, Buendia, etc.
near Municipio ng Cabuyao

BOSTON HEIGHTS

Toclong, Imus, Cavite

Near Robinsons Imus, Imus Cathedral, Our Lady of Pillar Hospital Imus Market
One ride away from Lotus Mall Imus

MARILAO GRAND VILLAS

Loma de Gato, Marilao, Bulacan

along the highway
8 min to NLEX
15 min to SM Marilao

GLENDALE RESIDENCES

Sta. Clara, Sta. Maria, Bulacan

near Walter Mart Sta. Maria Bulacan
10 min from Bocaue exit
10 min form Sta. Maria town proper
near public/private schools and hospitals

SAMPLE COMPUTATION:

TOWNHOUSE

Bare Type (cement finish and no partitions)

TCP (Total Contract Price) - Php 646,232

DISCOUNT - (Php 30,000)

NEW TCP - Php 616,232

RESERVATION FEE - Php 5,000

NEP (Net Equity Payment) - Php 51,232;

NEP - 15 months to pay - Php 3,415.47 / month

LOANABLE AMOUNT - Php 560,000

PAG-IBIG FINANCING:

30 years to pay - (estimate) Php 3,786 / month only

FOR INQUIRIES and FREE TRIPPING:

Please contact JOTAN at 0923-959-6836

or email me at jotan23@yahoo.com

Jozu Kin (Burgos Circle)

noreply@blogger.com (jotan23) — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 02:43:24 PDT

It was Ligia May's big 31 Y.O. and we celebrated it at Jozu Kin (Burgos Circle)

We started off with HAMACHI CARPACCIO (Php 480) - thinly sliced yellowtail with extra virgin olive oil and lemon zest.

This was very disappointing. It was just like regular Hamachi Sashimi, but in a more expensive price. Adding a bit of ponzu sauce would help a lot.

MAGURO TOGARASHI (Php 125) - spicy tuna with crunchy tempura batter and wasabi mayonnaise

This was really really good! A MUST TRY indeed! This reminded me of SUSHI KUSHI TOO's BRITTLE TUNA :)

GYOZA (Php 155)

This was just okay.

Our Main dishes were:

ASPARA KANI MAKI (Php 225) - asparagus roll with crabstick, lemon zest and bonito flakes

YUMMY!!!

DRAGON ROLL (Php 265) - unagi, ushi ebi, cucumber and mango

Another good roll :)

NEW STYLE MORIAWASE MAKI (Php 850) - aspara kani maki, beef teriyaki roll, parisian roll, chirashi roll, crispy kani roll

Parisian Roll - crabstick, arugula and mango wrapped in crepe

I loved the NEW STYLE MORIAWASE MAKI rolls :) If you'd like to try their different rolls, you won't go wrong with this one.

Rice - Php 55 to Php 199 pesos per serving

CHICKEN MUSHROOM RAGOUT (Php 387) - grilled boneless chicken topped with assorted Japanese mushrooms and asparagus in creamy champignon sauce drizzled with teriyako sauce, dusted with togarashi and freshly cracked black pepper

It was like chicken teriyaki with a twist :)

CHICKEN TEPPANYAKI (Php 220)

This was just okay.

US TENDERLOIN BEEF (Php 520)

This has the same sauce as the chicken teppanyaki but the beef was super juicy and tender. Another MUST TRY!

USHI EBI TEMPURA (Php 350)

They used black tiger prawns and the batter was just right, not too thick nor soggy :)

TARTUFO SPAGHETTI WITH SMOKED SALMON (Php 340)

This spaghetti with truffle cream oil was very heavy, meant to be shared with 3-4 pax :)

*BURP*

JOZU KIN (BURGOS CIRCLE)
Burgos Circle, Forbes Town Center,
Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
(02) 403-1875

Ukokkei Ramen Ron (Arnaiz Ave., Makati)

noreply@blogger.com (jotan23) — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 01:58:55 PDT

It was another ramen day for us and we chose to try UKOKKEI RAMEN RON in Makati.

We arrived around 7pm. The place was already full so we had to wait for another 20 minutes or so.

FYI: We heard that the best seller was not in the menu - TANTANMEN RAMEN (Php 390). It was like AJISEN RAMEN's spicy pork ramen.Unfortunately, it was sold out for the day.

To start, we ordered GYOZA (Php 120 - 5 pcs)

These were really really good!

TORI KARAAGE (Php 180) - boneless fried chicken

very juicy! Yum!

Our drinks:

Soda (Php 60)

GREEN TEA (Pitcher - Php 100) --- do NOT order this!!! It was just like drinking plain ice cold water.

We tried two different ramens:

UKOKKEI MISO CHASHU (Php 380) - miso based soup (less salty)

UKOKKEI SHOYU CHASHU (Php 380) - soy based ramen noodles (it was a little too salty for me)

The ramens did not disappoint, but I think it was a bit expensive. Also, I hope they'll add an egg next time :)

For me, ATSU ATSU RAMEN and AJISEN RAMEN are still the better alternatives for a ramen fix :)

Ukokkei Ramen Ron
Tesoro Building
822 Arnaiz Ave.,San Lorenzo Village
Makati City
Tel Number: (02) 856-4588

Kanin Club (Ayala Triangle)

noreply@blogger.com (jotan23) — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 03:53:43 PDT

Kanin Club (Ayala Triangle) was full when we got there.. and it still was when we left :)

(So you could just imagine how noisy the place can be during lunch or dinner time.)

Since I love crab fat, we ordered the ALIGUE RICE (Php 149 - good for 3-4 pax)

This was a bit disappointing because they weren't able to bring out the aligue taste :(

FYI: Kanin Club also offers ALL YOU CAN KANIN for 60 pesos only

CRISPY DINUGUAN (Php 261)

"Our most copied signature dish! Pork heavenly deep-fried to a crisp then set in a semi-dry stew of pork blood. Proven to have convinced non-dinuguan eaters to like the dish" - Kanin Club

The description said it all!!!!

CRISPY PORK BINAGOONGAN (Php 231)

This was like chunks of meaty chicharon in a bed of bagoong sauce. Yummy!

CRISPY TENGA (Php 179)

Kids loved this crispy pork ears!

BINUKADKAD NA TILAPIA (Php 246)

Nothing special, just plain fried tilapia.

SEAFOOD KARE-KARE (Php 298 - prawns, mussels, squid and veggies)

They served the super yummy seafood kare-kare on a plate and not in a bowl. But if you want more sauce, you may ask for more, free of charge :)

All in all, KANIN CLUB is a great place for a large group of people because the serving is huge and the price is cheap :)

Average cost per person would be 200-300 pesos only :)

Kanin Club
Ayala Triangle Gardens
Ayala Avenue, Makati
Telephone Number: (02) 621-6109

BIG BETTER BURGERS

noreply@blogger.com (jotan23) — Wed, 25 May 2011 02:22:45 PDT

Craving for burgers?

Try BIG BETTER BURGERS - they serve affordable premium burgers in grilled buns.

I ordered the MUSHROOM LOCO (Php 147) - 1/3 lb grilled burger, lettuce, quezoloco, button mushrooms in burgundy sauce

I love it!!!

The beef was so juicy and the bread was perfect!

BISTRO RICE (Php 110) - 1/3 lb grilled burger, topped with button mushrooms and burgundy sauce on steaming rice

They also have rice toppings! This was similar to my order :)

It was really really REALLY good too :)

BIG BETTER BURGERS

Order at QUICK DELIVERY 2121212

bigbetterburgers@gmail.com

Tel Number: 332-6578

Teach Good Manners to Kids

noreply@blogger.com (jotan23) — Tue, 10 May 2011 23:29:29 PDT

I have always admired parents who make sure that they practice and teach good manners to their children.

Here are 25 manners every kid should know by age 9 (a really good read from Yahoo)

"Your child's rude 'tude isn't always intentional. Sometimes kids just don't realize it's impolite to interrupt, pick their nose, or loudly observe that the lady walking in front of them has a large behind. And in the hustle and bustle of daily life, busy moms and dads don't always have the time to focus on etiquette. But if you reinforce these 25 must-do manners, you'll raise a polite, kind, well-liked child." - Parents.com

Manner #1

When asking for something, say "Please."

Manner #2

When receiving something, say "Thank you."

Manner #3

Do not interrupt grown-ups who are speaking with each other unless there is an emergency. They will notice you and respond when they are finished talking.

Manner #4

If you do need to get somebody's attention right away, the phrase "excuse me" is the most polite way for you to enter the conversation.

Manner #5

When you have any doubt about doing something, ask permission first. It can save you from many hours of grief later.

Manner #6

The world is not interested in what you dislike. Keep negative opinions to yourself, or between you and your friends, and out of earshot of adults.

Manner #7

Do not comment on other people's physical characteristics unless, of course, it's to compliment them, which is always welcome.

Manner #8

When people ask you how you are, tell them and then ask them how they are.

Manner #9

When you have spent time at your friend's house, remember to thank his or her parents for having you over and for the good time you had.

Manner #10

Knock on closed doors -- and wait to see if there's a response -- before entering.

Manner #11

When you make a phone call, introduce yourself first and then ask if you can speak with the person you are calling.

Manner #12

Be appreciative and say "thank you" for any gift you receive. In the age of e-mail, a handwritten thank-you note can have a powerful effect.

Manner #13

Never use foul language in front of adults. Grown-ups already know all those words, and they find them boring and unpleasant.

Manner #14

Don't call people mean names.

Manner #15

Do not make fun of anyone for any reason. Teasing shows others you are weak, and ganging up on someone else is cruel.

Manner #16

Even if a play or an assembly is boring, sit through it quietly and pretend that you are interested. The performers and presenters are doing their best.

Manner #17

If you bump into somebody, immediately say "Excuse me."

Manner #18

Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and don't pick your nose in public.

Manner #19

As you walk through a door, look to see if you can hold it open for someone else.

Manner #20

If you come across a parent, a teacher, or a neighbor working on something, ask if you can help. If they say "yes," do so -- you may learn something new.

Manner #21

When an adult asks you for a favor, do it without grumbling and with a smile.

Manner #22

When someone helps you, say "thank you." That person will likely want to help you again. This is especially true with teachers!

Manner #23

Use eating utensils properly. If you are unsure how to do so, ask your parents to teach you or watch what adults do.

Manner #24

Keep a napkin on your lap; use it to wipe your mouth when necessary.

Manner #25

Don't reach for things at the table; ask to have them passed.

***This article was originally published in the March 2011 issue of Parents magazine.

Best Apple Pie - A La Diane (Quezon City)

noreply@blogger.com (jotan23) — Mon, 09 May 2011 22:30:30 PDT

We have been passing by A La Diane Restaurant all the time and thought that it was time to try it out -- we're so glad we did!!!

We tried the BABY BACK RIBS (Php 150)

It was very tender and flavorful!!!

The LASAGNA (Php 100) was creamy and yummy as well (enough for one person only)

Saving the BEST for last was the APPLE STREUSEL PIE with BUTTERSCOTCH SAUCE

I've had plenty of apple pies in the past but A LA DIANE's was the BEST!!!

WHOLE - Php 700

SMALL - Php 360

SLICE - Php 75

A LA DIANE is open Mondays to Saturdays from 9:30AM to 8:30PM.

A La Diane
Sto. Domingo St. corner Sta. Catalina St.
Quezon City
(near Sienna College)
Tel Number: 712-8914

Milk + Tea Station

noreply@blogger.com (jotan23) — Wed, 04 May 2011 01:22:18 PDT

We just had lunch and saw this newly opened Milk Tea Station.

The place was really small for customers to stay; so it's best for take-out.

We tried the following drinks:

CARAMEL MILK TEA - very good but we liked SERENITEA's OKINAWA more :)

STRAWBERRY MILK TEA - one of the best strawberry milk tea in town!!!

HONEY ALOE LEMON - i love the aloe vera bits!!! a must try!!!

MILK + TEA PRICELIST

If you're around Timog/Tomas Morato area, be sure to try out MILK+TEA (milk plus tea) STATION

MILK + TEA STATION
Unit 101-A Imperial Palace
Timog corner Tomas Morato
Quezon City
healthy@milkplustea.com
Contact Number: (0917)-538-7921