BONIFACIO HIGH STREET, THE FORT

Found myself quite unexpectedly in The Fort in Makati City and at the famed Bonifacio High Street at that on The Fort's 5th Avenue. It's a promenade of mind-boggling proportions. High-end boutiques and unique retail stores abound. It's open air and has several pieces of art spread all over the grounds punctuated at times with unusual water fountains. Almost a kilometer long, there are also several restaurants to tempt the most discriminating and adventurous of taste buds and we only have Ayala Land to thank for this newest development in the heart of Metro Manila. It's quite comparable to Clarke Quay sans the fiberglass roofing and the adjoining river, but it can be quite windy at times.

Design detail. A structure that acts both as an art piece and as a street lamp. Behind it is Bookwork Cafe.

Water fountains like this one (see also photos 11 & 12) break the monotony of lines and light.

Ah, the famous Cupcakes by Sonja. Too bad I'm not a cupcake fan.

Mezzaluna, methinks, is one of the most beautiful restaurants in these parts.

Good to see Portico come alive again. Have dined in its former place in Malate (on Adriatico) several times. The food's not particularly amazing, but the interiors make up for that.

Heaven on earth! Fully Booked stands high and proud at 5 floors. Was here to attend a book launching by Fox Publishing. I didn't have time to go around and I am proud to have resisted doing that or else...

Design detail. Buildings are marked by signs like this one.

Nothing in particular except that I like the chandelier. It's made of spoons, forks, and soup ladles.

Design detail. Street lamps.

I attempted to get a better shot of this at 1600 ISO, but my attempts were futile. I really need to learn how to use an SLR properly. My companion's Nikon, however, got a spectacular shot. I almost died of envy.

So this is how it feels like to be a prick.

TIKIM: BROILED SWEET CORN

I am a huge fan of broiled sweet corn. When it's ready, they brush it with margarine and shake some salt on it. It's a little heaven on a cob. (Location: Dangwa, Sampaloc, Manila)

Malasag Eco Park, Cagayan de Oro City


"Hope is the thing with feathers - That perches in the soul - And sings the tune without the words - And never stops - at all." (Emily Dickenson)

TIKIM: KITCHEN

I have been eating in this restaurant, owned by the Ocampos, ever since it opened in Greenbelt 1 in the early 2000's (or is it late 1990's? Geez. My memory fails me). I have always enjoyed the playfulness of the food - from the names down to the presentation, you really know that some thought really went into the whole affair. In fact, KITCHEN has been around long enough that it has become a destination for comfort food (the sister resto, EBUN, is the same but that's for another post). The waiters have been there forever (in the Greenbelt branch - is this the only one left? - I recall with great clarity that some of the waiters have been there forever or some actually were from the now-closed Megamall branch). If this is a sign of good business (employee retention), I don't know what else is. The menu had a major change some few years back. Well, not quite drastic, but they did add another section which features rice meals served on white plates twice larger than the normal human face (which can be quite an embarrassment). My favorite rice meal has always been the Korean beef, but one or two of their salads are really good and so are some selections of sandwiches (served on wooden chopping boards) and pasta. In fact, I have been eating here often enough to order items from memory.

Interiors. I love the fabric-covered lamps and the huge brick wall at the far back. This can be closed by a high curtain to make it private and intimate. The tables are all covered by aluminum sheets. Very clean and functional. The seats are also benches which can be shared with other diners. The idea is a communal enjoyment of all things true, good, and beautiful.

Best seller. Refillable pandan iced tea (Php 40).

Appetizing indeed. Begin your meal with Wrapped and Ready (Php 140) which is really just spring roll served in fried cone-shaped wrappers and comes with a vinegar dip.

Soup. I am a huge fan of pumpkin soup, but I wasn't impressed with this Seafood Pumpkin Soup (Php 100). First, I hated the presentation. It came in a huge low bowl with the cream doing a silly circular pattern on it like we did with champorado when we were kids. You can opt to skip this one.

Appetizer Part Deux. This is mozarella sticks with salsa on the side. Again, I hate the presentation with the mayonnaise thing (do they have a kid running around the kitchen?). This is hardly my idea of "playful." A little respect for the food, please, if not for the diners. It is, however, very mild and actually pleasant. I'd order this again, if ever.

Breaking our comfort zones. For this visit, we deviated from the usual rice meal we order and decided to try the other pasta choices we have ignored for so long. This is the Under the Sun (Php 220) seafood pasta with chili cream sauce. Pretty generous and filling.

This is the Crowned King (Php 225) which is fettuccini with maya maya (a sort of white fish with really soft meat) in Florentine sauce. The waiter says it the best seller for the pasta selection and I can see why. Filipinos have a love affair with white sauce (most of us really don't agree much with sour tomato sauce) and this one definitely would be a winner for white-sauce lovers. The butter content is enough to make one keel over, but it's pretty much acceptable and recommended for first-time, non-adventurous diners. And oh, the fish seemed like it came straight from the freezer and dumped into hot oil because it has retained some water in it. Or maybe that was just my imagination. Am I such a finicky diner? Tsk, tsk.

Condiments, cutlery and salt are already on the table within easy reach. Placemats are made of recycled brown paper and cold water is served in former Tanduay bottles with mint leaves inside (see first photo).

I am a stickler for clean toilets and KITCHEN is definitely a winner in this department. Although it's rather cramped in here, one can forgive them because of the nice chandelier and the prints in mirror frames adorning the walls. Way before, there used to be a long mirror here so in the men's loo, diners can ogle themselves while taking a pee but all that is obviously history now (sorry, pervs!). Anyway, this is actually a shared toilet with the restaurant next door, EBUN, which we shall visit next time.

Attention to detail is a gift and the people who conceptualized KITCHEN actually had some winning details we really appreciate. First, the bill is served to you rolled in a shot glass. Next, the change and receipt are served in this paper pocket stamped with the resto's logo (the inverted K) with the words "thank you." Awwww.

KITCHEN

Greenbelt 3

1st level, Ayala Center

Makati City

Tel. Nos. 757-4565 to 66 or 893-5804

WANTED: DOCENTS

SUPERPASYAL is a supporter of the Ayala Museum.

THE NEW GREENBELT V (MAKATI)

While waiting for dinner time, it was decided that a stroll through the newly opened Greenbelt V would be a nice way to get really hungry. Estimated to have cost 1 billion pesos to construct, G5 is a sight to behold. It's like a huge zen project. When we visited, more than ten (10) restaurants were already up and running. It's nice to see a Travel Cafe here (the other branchs are in Tokyo and Seoul; opened to promote the Philippines as a wellness destination to the Japanese). Myron's, known for its steaks, is also here. Seasoned restaurateur Gaita Fores wouldn't be left behind with Grace Park. Chateau 1771 finds a new home here as well at the ground floor near the Greenbelt Chapel. Personally, I am curious to try out Solihiya, John & Yoko, and Cafe Damaso (the latter looks cramped but the overall design - think Pinoy baroque - and little details, especially the silver candle stands on the counter, are what made it very attractive for me). There's a La Maison (not to be confused with La Maison du Chocolat of New York) that serves steaks. Very confusing branding to begin with, but I hope the food is outstanding just the same.

The fashion walk - all of 200 sq. m. of it - will be home to the world's most recognizable brands and the country's best coutouriers. I was surprised to find Cebu's very own Junjun Escario finally opening a shop in a mall in Manila. Congratulations, Junjun! You've truly come a long way.

Samples of lighting fixtures that are art pieces in themselves.

Even the garbage bag receptacle is not spared from the look. It has a very small opening though.

The centerpiece of this new mall is this stage-like area with very unusual lights and open spaces that looks like it's been designed for exhibitions. I think a fountain of sorts will be operational soon.

Detail. Lighting fixtures.

In other portions of the mall, the lighting becomes more dramatic and awesome. The mall is divided into several zones like Filipino Zone, Young Zone, and Family Zone. A spa and a gym will also open on the fourth floor.

Definitely, Manila's mall scene has become more exciting with the opening of Greenbelt V.

MOVING ON...

Beginning March 1 of 2008, SUPERPASYAL will be based here in Antipolo City in the Province of Rizal. We leave our host city of Las Piñas with so much sadness because we loved the place - it is convenient to go home to and so near to Manila, but we need to move on and leave the sad memories behind brought about by twin tragedies that struck our household in 2007.

Here in Antipolo, we will create new memories and will continue to blog about Manila and of our visits around the Philippines. Thanks for keeping up with us! Mabuhay!

PASALUBONG: A UNIQUE ZAMBOANGA TREAT

Whenever my Aunt would visit me in Manila, I always ask her to bring me sati, a street food that is very popular in (and can only be found there, I think) Zamboanga City. This is made of chicken meat that is diced in really small sizes (hardly bite sizes; you can eat it in one gulp) and comes with a really mean sauce for dipping. It'd blow your head off, but it's really unforgettable stuff (think red cayenne pepppers). Sati de Zamboanga is actually its the city's version of satay, pretty much something that can also be found in other Southeast asian countries like Malaysia and Indonesia (may have originated in Java).

Tip: Keep the sauce refrigerated. It easily spoils, usually within the day it is made. This is because of its coconut content.

THIS SERVES AS YOUR INVITATION...

Photo courtesy of www.bambooorgan.org

SUPERPASYAL invites you to attend the 33rd International Bamboo Organ Festival in my home city of Las Piñas. Please refer to the information below for the schedule. Welcome and mabuhay!

GALA (Thursday, February 21, 2008)
Solo organ music - Ghislain Leroy (France)
Misa de Sales (1826) from Iglesia de Baclayon, Bohol - with the Las Piñas Boys Choir
Bach Cantata no. 82 - Andrew Fernando, solo baritone, with Festival Ensemble conducted by Chino Toledo

AN EVENING OF ORGAN MUSIC (Friday, February 22, 2008)
Full program of organ music on Bamboo Organ and Auditorium organ by Ghislain Leroy (France)

CONCERT UNDER THE TREES (Saturday, February 23, 2008)
Popular music performed in the church patio

FIESTA MUSIKA (Sunday, February 24, 2008)
The Las Piñas Boys Choir Concert

ORGAN AND VOICES (Monday, February 25, 2008)
Repeat of Gala Concert

MESSA DI GLORIA (Wednesday and Friday, February 27 and 29)
Celebration of the 150th birthday of Giacomo Puccini with a performance of his Messa di Gloria. Andrew Fernando and Randy Gilongo, soloists, with Festival Orchestra conducted by Chino Toledo, and a mixed choir. The Concerto for Two Organs BWV 1061 will also be performed by Armando Salarza and Dr. Johann Trummer (Austria).

Contact Information

Contact Persons
Caesar Antonio / Lhet Aranda
Telephone
(+632) 510-3839
Postal address P. Diego Cera Avenue, Poblacion, Las Piñas City, Philippines 1744

AND THE BEST PHILIPPINE BLOG IS...

So, you think you got what it takes to be considered one of the Philippines’ finest bloggers? Well, here’s your chance!

It’s coming sooner than you’ve expected. We’d like to announce the official launching of the 2008 Philippine Blog Awards. This time, we want to make it bigger and grander. So, we’d like to seek your support for biggest blogger gathering of the year.

Please help spread the news.

If you’d like to sponsor this event, you may contact me (abeolandres@gmail.com) for the Sponsorship Package or fill out the sponsorship form here. We’d like to allow the blogging community to participant, not only in the awards, but also during the awards night itself. If you’d like to help by lending us your time, skills and talent, please contact Gail at kutitots {at} gmail {dot} com. If you’d like to help promote the event and the awards itself, please blog about it, put up a logo on your site/blog (get logos here), submit creative banners and badges for distribution, and send us your photos of last year’s event (send to Gail again). The details on the venue, time and dates will be announced later on.

Content from http://www.yugatech.com/

KIONG HEE HUAT TSAI!!!

FEBRUARY 3: REMEMBERING THE DESTRUCTION OF MANILA

The Tiger and the Rape of Manila

by Denis Warner, Melbourne
International Herald Tribune

Late in the afternoon of Feb. 3, 1945, the U.S. 1st Cavalry Division was closing in on Manila. Hopes were high that the city would fall to General Douglas MacArthur's forces without bloodshed or damage.

In the evening, an American tank crashed through the gates of Santo Tomas University. The university, established by the Spanish in the early 1600s on the north bank of the Pasig River, had been turned into a concentration camp.

The internees were jubilant at their release. As U.S. forces pressed on toward the center of the city it seemed that the recapture might be painless. Yet a month later, the Philippine capital was in ruins.

Read the rest of the article here.