Dezaato Pan, Japanese Cafe

After our dinner in Old Chinatown Kopitiam, we decided to chill and hang-out in this newly opened Japanese Cafe named: DEZAATO PAN, translation, according to King is Dessert Bread, I don't know how true? HAHA!

Upon entering the place, I noticed the similarity of Dezaato Pan and Bread Talk. They way their bread is served and displayed is very similar to Bread Talk, the only difference is that one originated from Singapore and the other from Japan. The thing that separated Dezaato Pan from Bread Talk is that is has tables for its cafe drinks, desserts and it has a gelato bar for the kids. The place has this certain homey and comfortable feeling which is a good sign.

One thing I noticed is that they only have one cash register to take your orders. The queue tends build up considering the number of people trying this new cafe place and take-out orders of their bread. They have quite a unique selection in their cafe drinks menu such as Matcha Cafe Latte, Rose Syrup Cafe Latte and etc. What I ordered was the Roasted Nut Cafe Latte, Derick ordered the Dark Chocolate Cafe Latte and King ordered the Matcha Cafe Latte.

We stayed in the open air section of the coffee shop so that we can have a smoke, our drink was served, mine was too sweet, I ended up asking them to redo the whole thing or else I'll get diabetes, sheeesh!! As I sip through my drink, I still am looking for that roasted nut taste until I found out, I already finished the drink without even tasting the flavor of its roasted nuts. It just tastes like a plain Cafe Latte that is really really sweet. Derick's drink tastes average. What I like is what King ordered, the Matcha Cafe Latte, I like how they blend the green tea with the coffee, it is quite surprising and I find it very artistically and intelligently invented. Upon siping through the hot glass, you will capture first the strong fragrance of the coffee and upon masticating the drink, the green tea now leaves its mark on your palette. As you swallow the drink, this is when the taste of the coffee and green tea mix. One doesn't overpower the other, both leaves a separate after taste and aroma.

As a summary, I would rate this new coffee place a 7/10. Dezaato Pan is located along Banawe in Quezon City

Old Chinatown Kopitiam (Part II)

Me, together with Derick and King, went to Old Chinatown Kopitiam for dinner. I was the one who recommended this place to them because I really enjoyed their food. Delicious doesn't even begin to describe the taste of this Malaysian restaurant located in Maria Clara St. (near Banawe and Orthopedic Hospital) in Quezon City. It is King's "despedida" (farewell) treat to me and Derick since he already resigned from MSI-ECS. He seemed happier now after resigning. Why? (CLUE: People from MSI-ECS knows the reason why.... but for the sake of the other readers here it is: sometimes no matter how great the company is, the boss plays an important role in your development and maturity, King never got this from his boss and I guess no one will) Thank God King's boss isn't mine, whew!!

We ordered Bah Kut Teh, Sesame Spareribs and I let them tried the delicious Drunken Chicken. The Bah Kut Teh is the highlight of the dinner, the soup is really fabulous. It is served simering on a small stand with an alcohol lamp. This way, the soup remains hot. The taste is authentic. The soup serves 5 to 6 according to the menu but base on my own opinion, 3 is enough to share. If more than 3 people, you will fight over who gets the last slurp. That is a good explanation of how delicious is delicious this soup is. Another highlight is the dessert named "Chendol" that we ordered, it has red bean paste, coconut milk and pandan jelly served on crushed ice. It is Malaysia's local version of our Halo-Halo. All I can say is this dessert is mouth-watering! So I tell this again, delicious doesn't give justice to the food being served here in Old Chinatown Kopitiam.

Il Terrazo and 145 Fahrenheit

It Terrazo is the newest place to hang out in located along Tomas Morato in Quezon City near ABS-CBN Network. The place houses numerous restaurants such as 145 Fahrenheit, Jack's Loft, Aresi, Omakase, Pink Panther, Banapple, fyi, Dunkin Donuts and more. In its Lower Ground level houses Rustan's Supermarket. Their tagline is: IL TERRAZO - taste it, feel it, live it

Dining in 145 Fahrenheit, although its our 2nd time, gives a totally different and new dining experience for us because this time we ordered a different dish. Dad tried their Lamb Chops and the Wagyu Iron Steak. The lamb is delicious served with a mint jelly. The Wagyu Iron Steak on the other hand is really tender and the flavour of the meat is intact even though it is grilled and seasoned. Their Chicken Caesar Salad is still a winner! One will surely go back to this wonderful steak house even if their price is on the high-end side. Because this is one of the few restaurants wherein you really get the value of your money.

Tikoy

It is a tradition that every Chinese New Year celebration, one must have tikoy served together during New Year dinners. This tikoy, or Nian Gao, symbolizes prosperity, luck and most of all togetherness as well as solidarity as one family. Togetherness and solidarity, the reason being is that Tikoy is a sticky rice cake serve as a dessert. One must have a share of tikoy in order to make this new year celebration complete. Tikoy is also given as a gift to people who we would like to share our blessing, luck and togetherness, whether it be friends, family or business associates.

Tikoy is best served fried after dipping it in an egg bater.

Tikoy as explained by Wikipedia:

Nian gao, Rice cake, Year cake or Chinese new year's cake is a food prepared from glutinous rice and consumed in Chinese cuisine. It is available in Asian supermarkets and from health food stores. While it can be eaten all year round, traditionally it is most popular during Chinese New Year. It is considered good luck to eat nian gao during this time because "nian gao" is a homonym for "every year higher and higher." 年糕 - 年高

Kiat Kiat

Kiat Kiat, also known as "little ponkans" are from the same family of Oranges. They are very delicious when in season. It is easy to eat them since their skin can be easily peeled and is not tough. Since they are really small compared to the normal size of oranges, you will not encounter any problems with the seeds being bitten as such would create a bitter after taste. Not a good taste if that happens, I'm telling you! These little wonders are one of my favorite fruits.

It is also used as one of the main symbols for the Chinese New Year. Kiat Kiat together with pineapple is used for luck and prosperity because of its round shape, also the same shape of coin or money. This is hanged in the door entrance of the house.

Kung Hei Fat Choi! (Year of the Ox)

The reign of the rat has finally concluded and it is time for us to welcome the year of the ox.

KUNG HEI FAT CHOI!!

There are 12 animal signs that guide us in our everyday lives.

Rat - 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020
Ox - 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021
Tiger - 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022
Rabbit - 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023
Dragon - 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024
Snake - 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025
Horse - 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026
Sheep - 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027
Monkey - 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028
Rooster - 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029
Dog - 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030
Pig - 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031

Marcus Sedgwick

I recently discovered new set of books to read after I finish with the 4th book of the Twilight Saga series, Breaking Dawn. I discovered this through my cousin, Cathy, during our Chinese New Year celebration in Kitanlad. The book is entitled "The Book of Dead Days" and "The Dark Flight Down" both were written by Marcus Sedgwick.

To know more about Marcus Sedgwick, please click here for the link to Amazon.com

This is readily available in Fully Booked.

An American Diner in Manila (Gram's Diner)

Do you realize that whenever you watch some American Hollywood flicks, some scenes show the characters dinning in an American Diner. You can see how juicy and thick the burger is and the fries or mashed potatoes look oh so yummy right? I always feel my stomach grumble whenever I see scenes like the one I described in the movies. How I wish we have those diners here in Manila.

Not until lately, after watching a not-so-good movie, we ended up eating in Grams Diner. Upon entering the establishment, I can already feel the American Diner atmosphere. As the waitress gave us our menu, I excitedly browse through it. I ended up ordering a Philly Cheese Steak. I wonder how it tastes though. When the food came, to my surprise, it met my expectation. It is delicious and very tasty. You can actually taste its onions and beef even though everything is melted in a very delicious serving of cheese. This diner not only serves the favorite All-American diner menu but it also has some Filipino dishes fused as well. Good thing this diner adapts to its environment.

So if you guys are up for a feel-good meal, go to Gram’s Diner located in Rockwell Center near UCC, Cantinetta, Starbucks and Pancake House. The price is very afforadable too.

Cyberzone in SM Annex, the largest!

If Singapore has their Funan IT Mall and Simlim Square for all the latest gadget and technology available in the market. We may not have quite a mall that matches what Singapore has but certainly we have a new and nice Cyberzone in the newly built SM Annex in SM City North EDSA. Cyberzone is an area made famous by SM. This is where all the computer retail shops are located. This is where you will find the latest technologies and gadgets that is available in the market here in the Philippines.

You may all know that computer stores look dull and boring and also the area in which they are housed. But with this new Cyberzone, you guys are definitely wrong. They placed art, innovation and design into its designate area to give you a completely different feel. Gone were the days wherein computer stuffs are boring, now, its all about art and fashion with computer. Talk about innovativity right?

Cyberzone North EDSA was first located at the Carpark Building but then relocated in its new and present location at the SM Annex Building. It has two floors and they are claiming in their ads and billboards that this is in fact the largest Cyberzone there is. If I remember correctly and if my memory serves me right, the first ever Cyberzone area is in SM Megamall Ortigas.

3rd Largest Mall in the World!

Well just so you guys know SM Annex is finally open. Well I think they opened in time for the holiday season last December but not until recently that I get a chance to visit the newly opened and erected SM Annex, part of SM City North EDSA.

This is in my own personal opinion, this is SM's way of coping and innovating themselves because there is a huge and tough competitor just in front of them, Ayala's Trinoma. Before SM City North EDSA was the lone mall in this area until the Ayala's built an alternative choice, which is again, Trinoma. As a result, the mall goers, if not all, were halved. They have been really adapting by adding the so-called "Sky Garden" which is set to open this year.

A brief history, SM City was the first supermall of SM located in North Quezon City. It opened in November 1985. It was renamed to SM City North EDSA. At present, with the construction of the three annexes (The Carpark Bldg, The Block & The New Annex) this makes SM City North EDSA the 3rd largest mall in the world.

I am a huge fan of malls both locally and internationally. I was awed on the transformation of the new SM Annex. It is pretty and very modern. The layout and the interior for me is perfect. It gives this whole new clean, classy and elegant feel.

Pizza Anyone?

No its not Shakey's and definitely its not Pizza Hut either. Yellow Cab? Sorry, not quite.

It is NY Pizza, a new kid in town located in San Juan. I was at first hesitant to order from this unknown pizza place but it won't hurt if we try it out right? To my surprise, their pizza is very delicious. It is not oily and the flavour is not overwhelming. They also have unique flavours that will satisfy one's urge. They only serve 18" pizza but you can order it in whole or in half. You can also mix up to 4 flavors in one pizza. Definitely they have their on gimmick. What I like is the supreme and the cheesy chicken. So to all those who are living within the area, please try this NY Pizza, I am highly recommending this one. It is worth a try.

You can call NY Pizza for delivery at this number: (632) 722-9898

Angel's Kitchen

Today is the birthday celebration of one of my cousins, Mahrra. There is no other place better to celebrate your wonderful birthday with family and friends than Angel's Kitchen. The place gives a cozy, clean and wonderful ambience. It's like dining in your own cozy living room. It has this certain intimate feel. I haven't started with the food and the great desserts they have. Since tonight is a celebration, the pictures as you can see are in huge buffet-style servings.

First stop, is the salad. How crisp and fresh are the greens topped with soft shell crabs and sweet walnuts. Innovative isnt it? Truly one of a kind and this is only the start. We ate grilled chicken with pineapples, lamb curry with apple raisin chutney, salmon topped with mashed potato and the highlight of the whole dining experience is its "Pakbet" Paella with bagoong (shrimp paste) and chocolate sauce. Who in the world would ever think mixing chocolate and shrimp paste? Yup! Only here at Angel's Kitchen. Pakbet is a native vegetable dish on the other hand. This is served with "Bagnet" (fried pork) on top. Imagine a native vegetable dish served paella style. Now that is what I call FUSHION!

I strongly recommend this restaurant to everyone who wants to know what Fushion cuisine really means. The food is great, the place is cozy, clean and wonderful all you have to do is look for friends or family to accompany you and your whole dining experience will be superb.

Angel's Kitchen is located at # 57 Connecticut St. North East Greenhills, near Capricciosa, Konbini Japanese Grocery and UCC. Tel Nos. (632) 744-1018 / (632) 721-8822

Consumer Business Review (MSI-ECS)

It is always a heart-thumping experience whenever we have business reviews with Mr. Jimmy Go, the president of MSI-ECS and Ms. Princess Chua, my boss, the SVP of the company and the Sales and Marketing Manager for the Consumer Division. We do this every quarter, semi-annual and annual. Since the holidays are over and its January, we did our annual business review for the whole consumer division. Products under the consumer division are as follows: Samsung Printers & Consumables, Samsung Monitors, HP Deskjet, Laserjet, Scanjet and consumables, Imation, Targus, Ozaki, Genius and Sony Digicams. We started at 2:30pm and ended at 9:30pm, good thing Mr. Jimmy Go treated us for a delicious Kenny Rogers' Sandwich dinner.

Business reviews is a good way of looking through the business of each and every product line and improving what needs to be improved. This is also a good way of voicing out concerns in other divisions and departments. What I don't like about this is the commitment and the pressure that will be given to you. This can also mean a restructure of the whole division as well. Scary but it is a fact that we all must accept.

Hopefully this 2009 will be more productive and be more successful for the whole division particularly for the products that I am responsible for, Targus and Ozaki. Good luck to all of us!

Memories at Blow-Up Babies

Last January 04, Sunday, after the wedding of my cousin, we went straight to Serendra because mom, Jerwin and I have an appointment with Blow-Up Babies for our family portrait pictorial. We realized, since we are dressed up for the day because of the wedding, we might as well take advantage and get our picture taken.

It has been a long long time plan already to have our family portrait but it always gets postponed or moved. Thank you for Chin, Jerwin's girlfriend, because she gave a wonderful Christmas present to mom. It is a 1-year membership at Blow-Up Babies, a studio located at Serendra in The Fort, Bonifacio Global City. This is the main reason why we decided to push through with this long time family plan already.

Anyways, here are some of the pictures: (more pics here, and also at my account in Friendster and Facebook)

Arya Persian Restaurant

Thank God Its Friday, and Friday also means its our Daddy Day. We had our dinner at Arya Persian Restaurant. Next to the very famous Hossein's I guess Arya is another well-known Persian Restaurant in the Metro. They serve very delicious dishes such as Koobideh, Royal Joojeh, Keema w/ Pita Bread, Humus, Roti Chennai and Lamb Biryani to name a few. The price is a little bit on the high side but definitely it will give you your money's worth.

Arya as explained by Wikipedia means: is an ancient Sanskrit term for Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Zoroastrians and Buddhists. The term has a variety of positive meanings, usually in spiritual contexts. It is not to be confused with the modern derived English adjective "Aryan", which has had a variety of meanings but is today mainly used by scholars in the context of the sub-branch of Indo-Iranian languages referred to as Indo-Aryan languages.

It is such a good thing to have more choices of cuisines and restaurants in order for our palettes to try different flavours, spices and dishes that the world can offer. We may not be able to travel the world to be able to taste their cuisine but we are sure lucky that they are finding us. All we have to do is trm them out....

Arya is located at Unit L-9, Promenade Greenhills, San Juan City. Tel No. (632) 727-5062

Baked Potatoes of Oliver's

Baked potatoes are one of my favorite side dishes. It is tasty, delicious, mouth-watering and I consider this less fattening compared to French Fries or Mashed Potatoes. Oliver's Super Sandwich serves delicious baked potatoes and it goes really well with your sandwich. Among the four choices, I have tasted the bacon mushroom melt and the herbed cream cheese. The Bacon Mushroom melt is the usual pick and favorite, the herbed cream cheese on the other hand is the least. Why? Because during the holiday season, all of the 4 variants of their baked potatoes were already out of stock, since I am craving for a baked potato, I ended up ordering this one instead. To my surprise, this tastes really really delicious and the herbed cream cheese baked potato tops the list of baked potatoes, at least in my own opinion!

Oliver's Sandwich can be found at the Bonifacio High Street and other branches nationwide.

Tagaytay City, Cavite

We were suppose to go to Enchanted Kingdom but later found out that there is a long line of traffic going to Enchanted Kingdom and we can imagine how jampacked the place is. We then reached a consensus to go to Tagaytay instead.

Tagaytay is really windy and very very cold during this time of the year. We were already wearing jackets already, zipped up to nearly engulfing our bodies with the jackets we own but we still feel cold. Talk about cold here in the Philippines, I guess that was around 14-16 degrees if I am not mistaken plus the very windy atmosphere makes it even more chilly.

Tagaytay is around 1 hr to 1hr and 30 mins drive away from Manila. Take the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and exit at Sta. Rosa. After the tollgate, turn right at dead-end road. Go straight, the road will take you to Tagaytay as you notice your ascending slowly. You'll know when your in Tagaytay when the air becomes more chilly. Tagaytay is a great place to visit, to hang out and relax. Tagaytay is a city of the province of Cavite.

We just chilled, walked, hanged-out, took pictures and later decided to eat at Carlo's Pizza. Took pictures again and chatted unendingly. After eating, we then went to Casino Filipino, I played Blackjack (21) and luckily I won P3,500.00 that night. Went to Starbucks to treat my friends for a coffee drink. We call this "balato" when you win something, you share part of it to your friends or people that supported you. After a tiring and very fun night, we headed back to Manila.

It was a very fun-filled day, a great way to start the year right with friends. I feel so happy to have such wonderful friends, thanks to you guys: Eng, Eka, Dek, Caysing, Noelle and Cedric. Happy new year guys!!!! (Ivan is in the states by the way... )

Here are our Pics: (more pics at my multiply site, http://www.jonas321.multiply.com/)

Happy Happy New Year!!!

Wishing everyone, specially you my dear readers....

A VERY HAPPY AND A PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR!!

May this year bring all of us happiness, prosperity, success, good health....