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.

TIKIM: MANILA'S OLDEST RESTAURANTS

PINAKA: OLDIES BUT GOODIES NA TSIBUGAN (Oldest Restos in Manila)

1) Tie: AMBOS MUNDOS / TOHO FOOD CENTER aka TOHO ANTIGUA (since 1888)
2) NEW SAN JACINTO FOOD CENTER CORP. aka PANCITERIA SAN JACINTO (since 1894)
3) MA MON LUK (since 1920)
4) RAMON LEE FRIED CHICKEN (since 1929)
5) ARISTOCRAT (since 1936)
6) ONGPIN MANOSA (since 1940)
7) Tie: RODIC'S & LITTLE QUIAPO (since 1949)
8) SAVORY (since 1950)
9) WAH SUN (since 1955)

Source: Frugalchowhound Yahoo Group

PIYESTA NG TONDO (TONDO FIESTA)

When the month of January comes, most Catholics look forward to one major event: the feast of the Sto. Niño - the Holy Child Jesus. Festivals across the country, save for Mindanao, mark the feast with week-long novenas, high Masses, and the most awaited street dancing akin to the Mardi Gras of Latin America.

The most famous among these festivals is, of course, Cebu's Sinulog. Although a recent concoction of Cebu's local leaders (just around 25 years old or thereabouts) to attract tourists to the beautiful island-city, the Sinulog has become the new face of these festivities surrounding the Niño. Of course it would be too unfair not to mention the Dinagyang of Iloilo and the Ati-Atihan of Aklan, both of which symbolize much of what religious fiesta means to the Philippines (the feast of the Black Nazarene is another story).

However, one festival remains obscure and this is the fiesta of the Niño in Tondo, in the city of Manila. I've lived in Cebu for 5 years and I have honestly grown tired of the Sinulog's one-step-forward-two-steps-backward routine, and the blatant commercialization of what is supposed to be a religious festival (I won't be surprised if the Niño will soon find itself clutching a beer bottle instead of a globe). This January, being my first time to visit Tondo, I made sure I was accompanied by a resident in the person of CBCP's Stephen Borja in visiting the "other" Niño of Tondo.

The image of the Sto Niño de Tondo. You can reach this via a staircase on the side of the church.

Altar and cupola glow during the High Mass

Detail. The belfry.

Facade sports left-over decors from Christmas. It is rare to find public clocks that work, but it is doubly rare to find one on a facade of a Philippine church building!

Ubiquitous vendors sprawl across the church's front lawn

Busy side streets surrounding the church

Broken images of several saints and of the Niño take solace in a lonely space near the altar. It is a custom in the Philippines to never throw away broken images of saints as these were blessed by a priest and thus are considered holy.

Pinipig for sale! Fragrant and chewy, they are a tourist's best friend during long walks like this. We used to buy this in San Fernando, Pampanga and Baguio, too.

Light a wish. Each color represents something. Pink for health, for instance. White for purity (of heart, I presume). Green for money. Brown for family requests. Blue is for inner peace. You can pray for all of the above by lighting a mega candle, where all the colors are twisted in one.

Note: This coverage was made in 2006.

THE ANTIPOLO CATHEDRAL (PART UN)

MAGBIHIS NA KAYO NG PINAKAMAGANDA
AT KAYONG LAHAT AY SA AMIN SUMAMA
BAKIT? SAAN BA TAYO PUPUNTA ?
SA ANTIPOLO NA LAGING MASAYA!

CHORUS :
TAYO NA SA ANTIPOLO
AT DOON MALIGO TAYO
SA BATIS NA KUNG TAWAGIN
AY HI.. HI.. HINULUGANG TAKTAK
AT DOON TAYO KUMAIN
NG MANGGA, SUMAN, KASOY AT BALIMBING
KAYA'T MAGMADALI KA
AT TAYO'Y TUTULOY NA SA ANTIPOLO.

II
DOON SA ANTIPOLO INYONG MAKIKITA
ANG MAPANGHALINANG TANAWING KAY GANDA.
AT SA MAYUMING MGA DALAGA
SA SULYAP LAANG MABIBIHAG KA NA.

Listen to it here: The Antipolo Song

I have been to Antipolo City here in the province of Rizal many times in the past two years. My business is based here, but surprisingly I have never really set foot in the city's most important site - the pilgrimage center of our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage. So when a client asked me to do an ocular of the cathedral, I gladly took it upon myself to go and visit.

FROM Manila, you can just leave your cars either in Binondo or Recto and take the LRT 2 (Purple Line) to Santolan. From the last station, there are many jeepneys and FXs that will go straight to the Cathedral. The FXs from Cubao take the Sumulong Highway route, but FXs coming from the LRT Santolan Station take the streets inside Cainta first before proceeding to the winding road that goes up to the cathedral.


The pasalubong center is already to your left before you get to the gate. Drop by here before you leave the Antipolo Cathedral area.

And finally, the moment of truth. No idea if the church that was completed in 1632 is the same as this one since this structure is all concrete. That first church was destroyed by an uprising by the local Chinese community and the subsequent structures were eventually destroyed by several earthquakes. I will still have to find out the reason for the uprising.

The nave is pretty short for a cathdral - it's just 16 pews long, but the size is compensated by an awesome dome. When I got here, a Requiem Mass was ongoing and there were ten (10) coffins at the altar. Freaky.

Detail. The ceiling.

Natural light enters from the stained glass windows so the church doesn't require lights during the day. it's very bright and airy.

Another view of the altar.

The choir is across the altar on the second floor.

The Assumption of Our Lady into heaven. Each of the cathedral's windows feature a famous title of the Virgin.

Detail. The altar up close. The sun rays of the Holy Ghost mimic that of the Augustinian style, although Franciscans and Jesuits ran this church in its early years.

Detail. The image of our Lady, brought to Manila from Mexico in 1626 and turned over to the Jesuit-run Antipolo church in 1633.

Detail. Christ's Resurrection. This is the right panel of the altar.

Detail. Christ's Crucifixion on the left side. I didn't ask anyone, but the style is very familiar. Can anyone please confirm if these panels were by Carlos "Botong" Francisco?

The half-empty cathedral after the mass. Beautiful!