Metro Manila Bucket List Challenge

Exploring the country especially all of the 81 provinces can be overwhelming and expensive.  For the city residents like me, lets start by exploring our environs. 
For a person that lived in Metro Manila all my life, its only very recent that I have explored areas outside of my place of residence and work. 

Metro Manila Cities

• Caloocan
• Las Pinas
• Makati
• Malabon
• Mandaluyong
• City of Manila
• Marikina
• Muntinlupa
• Navotas
• Paranaque
• Pasay
• Pasig
• Quezon City
• San Juan
• Taguig
• Valenzuela

Metro Manila Municipality

• Pateros

Have you been to all the cities and municipalities of Metro Manila?

Comment below!

50 Shades the Musical Parody in Manila

The partnership between my company Victoria Court, and VivreFort Entertainment granted me a front row seat to the preview of the controversial and hilarious musical parody of the famous novel 50 Shades of Grey, entitled 50 Shades! The Musical Parody.

I have personally read the trilogy, and also used it as an inspiration for the design of our themed room 50 Shades located in our Pasig property, which was also used for some promotional shots for the Manila production.

To see the room, click on the link: http://moleinthefoot.blogspot.com/2013/07/victoria-courts-50-shades-and-red-room.html

Photo grabbed from Victoria Court Facebook Page

The musical is a fun adaption of the book, with hilarious twists and made more appealing to the Filipino audience.  Most of the cast were imported from the US Production with the addition of Bituain Escalante and some other local talents as understudy.

This must be the sexiest musical production to ever hit Manila stage.

Catch 50 Shades! The Musical Parody starting February 12, until March 5, 2016 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium of RCBC Plaza in Makati.

Visit www.50shadesmanila.com for more details.

Foodie Finds: Momma's Boy, San Antonio, Makati

Our neighbouring Baranggay San Antonio in Makati, is my favourite dinner destination because of the variety of "Hole in the Wall" foodie places in the area.  As I was driving home one evening, I chanced upon a brightly lit entrance. Initially I thought its a drinking place because that time, all i see on the tables were beer bottles.

A few weeks later, I was in the look out for a place to eat after gym, and the alley I took coming from Yakal St. led me to their entrance.  I decided to give it a try.

If not for the tables, I would have mistaken it for a Spa with all the Balinese accents.

The Asian Decors continued to the interiors, with some Thai, and Indonesian Mandalas.

Upon inspection of their Menu, they actually offer Western and Asian Fusion Food.

The appetiser selection seems good, but I'm going for something a bit heavy and tried their Adobo Pasta.  I find them a bit expensive, especially for a solo foodie like me, compared to the other restaurants in the area, but the taste, presentation and ambiance makes it worth the hard earned peso.  

What I found cheap was their beer at 50 pesos.  That explains the group of customers I saw during my first sight of the place.  

They have low tables on the indoor dining area for big groups to lounge.

I would definitely come back to sample their appetiser with a bottle of beer, or maybe a bucket.

My plateful of Momma's Adobo Pasta.  A sweet Filipino twist to the Italian Classic.

Bon Banhmi, Something Vietnamese Around the Corner

Bon Banhmi, located along Mayapis St. San Antonio, Makati City

I thought I have tried everything around my neighbourhood in Barangay Palanan and San Antonio in Makati, that was until I found Bon Banhmi as one of the suggested food places in Foursquare.  Foursquare is a mobile application that recommends interesting places within your vicinity.

Its only 500 meters away from where I was, and in just minutes, I was in front of the store.  They only offer Banhmi, a Vietnamese sandwich made of baguette filled with vegetables and your choice of protein.

It's best enjoyed in the restaurant when its still warm and crispy.   I happened to bring home mine, and is a bit chewy when I finally get to sink my teeth into one.  Nevertheless, its a good healthy alternative to what I usually enjoy in the neighborhood.

You can watch them prepare the sandwich on site!

The different Banhmi variants at a very affordable price.

My Chicken Banhmi!

Volcanic Grill, My Recent Palanan Discovery

Baranggay Palanan in Makati is a typical residential area until the expansion of Cash and Carry that gave way to business opportunities from once a sleepy neighbourhood.

Residents have become creative in converting unused areas and extension of their home converting it into stores, laundry shops, and in this case a restaurant specialising on grilled items.  It took us 3 years before discovering Volcanic Grill along Faraday St., considering that we live a few blocks away.

Its in the area where motorists don't normally pass.  From the street, you will see an open gate where wooden tables are arranged underneath a tent lighted with huge organic woven drop lights.

Their menu is a collection of Filipino and Asian favourites.  Apart from the grilled items, they also have curries and other asian dishes.  They have monthly specials in case you get bored with their usual offerings.

On this visit we tried the Yellow Curry Chicken and the Katsu Curry, with the Clams in Broth and an order of the Gising Gising.

The place is also conducive to drinking with the sound just loud enough so you can still talk with your companions.  The price is very reasonable, although it takes them a long time to prepare and serve the meals.

Satinka Naturals Bistro & Cafe: A Healthy Haven in Makati

Makati, being the major business district of the country is synonymous to fast paced lifestyle.  Everybody seems to be always moving in a hurry trying to beat time.  My recent discovery along Chino Roces St. Cor. Malugay is such an irony to its busy surroundings.  

As I was waiting for the green light at this Intersection, The name of the place " SATINKA NATURALS" caught my attention.  Initially, I thought they were selling beauty products, but I got a glimpse of tables and chairs as I drove off.  They were in fact, also a restaurant serving organic and healthy dishes.

I was not disappointed on my first visit.  The interiors were nothing fancy, with furniture made from reclaimed wood.  Displayed on one corner are home care products also made from natural organic raw materials.  A board displaying the daily specials is next to it, but you can always rely on their menu for the regular offering.  

Basil Crusted Baked Chicken

I was able to try the Basil Crusted Baked Chicken, which was served with a spicy salsa and mountain rice, complemented with a pumpkin soup and fresh green salad. For a meal that costs a little more than two hundred pesos, It was worth it.  I was so happy with the food that I went back again a few minutes later with a friend for another meal and dessert.

They have a wide selection of beverages, from freshly brewed teas and coffee.  I got myself the mango mint juice which was naturally sweetened.

As I was eating, I suddenly felt the world slowing down with the soothing music and the comforting food.  It's a relaxing and filling escape in the city.  A perfect way to end the busy day!

By the way, the name SATINKA, might come across as an exotic foreign sounding name, but its actually the compressed Talagalog words, "SA ATIN KA".

Visit their FB page for more details:
SATINKA NATURALS
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Satinka-Naturals/239244612921980?sk=timeline

Bite Contemporary Cuisine, Filipino Food Re-invented

It was the payday weekend traffic that lured us into visiting the restaurant.  We were stuck along Yakal St. and the well lit establishment caught our attention.  I remember visiting the same place formerly known as Villa Cafe, its predecessor and was skeptic thinking that it may still be expensive, at least on my standards.

Based on my research, the restaurant is now owned and operated by Chef Jam Melchor, who also co owned Villa, but gave it a more modern upgrade.  I love the improvement in the interiors, keeping the  colours simple replacing the damask upholstered chair to grey and the play of accent lighting.

I love the chairs and the play of warm accent lighting!

What's even more admirable about the place is the fact that they are using the best, healthy, homegrown, local ingredients and dishes,  re-introducing them to diners in a contemporary and creative way. For this visit, we tried the Pinoy Pizzaladerie and Bacon Shiitake Truffle Linguine.  We are reserving their specialties for our next visit, when we're really hungry.

The Salty Kesong Puti, cuts the creaminess of the sauce and the Shiitake and bacon provided flavour and texture.

This Pinoy version of the Italian favourite is a bit sweet from the Longganisa and reminded me of Bibingka (Rice Cakes) because of the addition of Salted Eggs.

We ordered ourselves a 2 glasses of the house merlot while waiting for our meals and the traffic to subside.  With servings enough for 2-3 persons, our less than 1 thousand bill was worth every peso. 

Sinigang na Bagnet at 8065 Bag.net

Bagnet is filipino favorite as it is!  And just when you thought it couldn't get any better, add vegetables and piping hot tamarind broth to convert it into Sinigang.  And if you happen to be in Makati, it's available at 8065 Bag.net along Estrella St. in San Antonio Village, Makati.  It's a perfect warmer on a cold rainy night!

Sinigang na Bagnet

Cant Get Enough of Crash Pad Art Bistro

Crash Pad Art Bistro is one of those places you just keep coming back to.

On this visit we tried the Gooey Mozzarella and the latest Pasta Dish, Bittchanesca (Spaghetti Puttanesca).

That's 8 items on our must try list!!!!
 
Visit and like their FB Page to get updates and promos:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Crash-Pad-Art-Bistro/448629761893983

Bittchanesca (150 php)

Gooey Mozzarella (195 php)

Crash Pad Bistro.. An Escape Within the Concrete Jungle

Judging from the picture, you would not expect that this place is actually located at the ground floor of one of the condominiums in Makati.  Crash Pad Bistro is at the upper ground floor of Palm Towers along Saint Paul St. San Antonio Village.

The mis-matched chairs and tables and the chalk board walls reminded of Mogwai (now closed) a favorite hangout in Cubao Expo, but this place has a charm of its own. 

While waiting for your meal, unleash your creative self by writing or drawing something on the freedom wall.

The menu consists of pasta, sandwiches, burgers and breakfast meals for tenants rushing to go to work.

We tried all the varieties of their pasta like the Hickory Pork (155php, a bit spicy and sweet), Chicken and Eggplant (150php, red sauce), but my favorite would be the Tuna and Veggie (165php) not only because its healthier but I am drawn to the slightly savory salty taste of the tuna muted by the vegetables. 

Tuna and Veggie

Chicken and Eggplant

We also had the Bird Burger (150php), which is a meal in itself paired with ice cold San Mig Light (40php) that they now serve.

Bird Burger (150 pesos)

Unfortunately, they sold out on their specialty burgers, but it just gives us a reason to come back.  Our dinner extended to 3 hours leaving the place at 1:00 AM.  With a great meal, friends and a quaint little bistro like Crash Pad, time flies fast.

Owner and Chef Mong, hard at work preparing our meal!

Crash Pad Bistro is Located at the Upper Ground Floor of Palm Towers along St. Paul St. Between Bagtikan and Estrella in San AntonioVillage, Makati

Out of the Mall Places to Eat in Makati

I'm guessing that most people have already tried out Restaurants and Food establishments inside the malls, so I have come up with a compilation of worthy places to eat along the streets of Makati.

1. Mr. King Kebab along Vito Cruz Ext. Baranggay La Paz
They serve authentic Indian and Pakistani Food.  The Biryani Rice with Chicken Curry and Samosa are my favorite.

2. Bag.net 8065 Estrella Street, San Antonio Village
You'll be surprised on how many ways to eat Bagnet with their selections.  Fish option is also available and the price, very reasonable.  The place gets packed during meal time so be prepared to wait to get seated.

3. Aling Sosing's Carinderia, Dian St. Cor. Zobel Roxas, Palanan
It was an episode of Travel time with Susan Calo Medina that made me look for the place years back.  They are known for their home cooked meals and the Bulalo.  It only takes a few hours for them to sell out so better come early.

4. Gulli Village Cafe and Purple Oven located in front of Sacred Heart Parish in San Antonio Village.  The paella at Gulli takes time to prepare, 30 minutes at least.  I suggest you order in advance, attend mass and feast after.  Just hop next door to Purple Oven for Dessert.

5. Top Meal Foodhauz along Villena St. is among the Ang Pinaka List for places to eat in Makati.  They are known for their Bicolano dishes.

6. Kitchen Knight along Sampaloc Street in San Antonio Village.  They deliver meals for the night owls or those who have midnight cravings.  They have a variety of rice meals and their cupcakes are too cute to eat.

7. Patpat's Kansi also along Sampaloc Street near the corner of Kamagong Street.  They have grilled items but is known for the Kansi, a slightly sour version of Beef Nilaga.

8. Som's near Rockwell.  They serve authentic Thai dishes, and grilled items at night.

9. Suzu Kin along Kamagong St.  Visit the place for your Japanese craving.  The set meal is a value for money.  On rainy days, my favorite is the Nabiyaki Soba.

10. Wingman, The Collective along Malugay St.  They have shoestring fries to compliment the wings that comes in different flavors.  They also serve a mean burger and salads.

11. Romulo Cafe .  The interiors might be intimidating to some, but the price is very reasonable and the modern twist to Filipino classics are a must try.

12. Buddy's along Kalayaan Avenue.  Straight forward  Filipino classics are their specialties.  My favorite is the Pancit Habhab, Dinuguan and Lechon Paksiw.

13. Pino and Pipino along Jupiter St.  l.aing Stuffed Crispy Pata is my favorite among many others.  The Chicken Binakol with Buko Strip and ripe papaya is perefct for the rainy day.  Pipino, the vegetarian counterpart is a must for the health conscious.