Designing Trim & Beyond in Pampanga

Being the Chief Designer for Victoria Court on my 1st 8 years before moving to the Marketing Department, I was challenged to create designs for the banner themed rooms that made the brand popular.  That's why I didn't expect that my last two projects for the company would be a Salon and Restaurant for our business expansion.

I had valuable learnings during my last two months, I never realized before.  Not only was I asked to design it, I was literally asked to supervise, monitor and project manage the construction.

I have never been so immersed in the construction process until this last 2 projects.

I literally purchase all the materials, monitor workmanship, and solve unexpected problems encountered on site.  I think I came out as a better Architect after this experience.

1st Week Progress

2nd Week Progress

3rd Week Progress

4th Week Progress

Final Output

Trim and Beyond is located along Fil-Am Friendship Highway, Brgy. Cutcut, Angeles City
Beside Runningman Fitness Center

My Top 5 Foodie Finds in Pampanga

Having been assigned in Pampanga for work for more than a month, I was able to try out dishes and restaurants that made the province known for its culinary creations.  Here are my top 5 picks.

1. Aling Lucing Sisig

Located at the heart of Angeles City, finding the place can be a challenge. Click on the photo for the location details.

A visit to Pampanga would not be complete without trying the authentic and original Sisig.  They also have a wide selection of grilled items to choose from.  Remember to dress comfortably because the restaurant in non air conditioned and the best time to visit is late afternoon.

2. Mila's Tokwat Baboy

I find it easier to navigate to Milas Tokwat Baboy.  It's just parallel to Macarthur Highway close the welcome arc to Angeles City from San Fernando.

They take pride in their Tokwat Baboy, but their crispy version of Sisig is also popular.  It best paired with their Fern Salad and plenty of rice.

3. 1956 Downtown Cafe

Have you ever tried a Halo Halo sweetened by a Pastillas Cream made from Carabao's milk.  That's just one of the many must try offering s of the restaurant.  On a seperate visit, I was able to sample their Adobo Confit and the Kare Kare.
Downtown cafe is located at the Nepo Quad Center in Angeles City.

Read more of my Downtown cafe experience by clicking on the photo!

4. Apu

I discovered this award winning restaurant by accident.  I was on my way to find an ATM when I chanced upon their modern exterior with a half chopped Lechon displayed on their window.  There's nothing much to see on the first level, but the 2nd floor dining area is sight to behold.  The neutral colors are balanced with the intricately tufted leather seats and wood accents.

They take pride in their Kare-kare, but with a serving portion good for 3 persons, I settled on trying their Lechon.

Apu is located along Sto. Rosario street in Angeles City right before the Holy Rosary Cathedral coming from San Fernando.

5. The Souq

Another beautifull decorated restaurant in Pampanga is Souq, located along Lazatin Blvd. in San Fernando City.

I was a fan of their furniture collection and their venture into the restaurant business is brilliant move.  They offer fuzion food with a capampangan twist, like the Tinapa Pesto Pasta I had.

Make sure you have a big appetite the next time you visit the province.http://moleinthefoot.blogspot.com/2013/01/my-vios-venture-aling-lucings-sisig.html

Downtown 1956 Cafe, A Taste of Nostalgia in Pampanga

Pampanga is known as the Culinary Capital of the Philippines.  Among the significant people that made it popular if Chef Claude Tayag. The person behind Bale Dutung, a by appointment only restaurant in his home where one can sample and experience the best of Capampangan Cuisine.

I have always wanted to visit the place, but the price is just too much for my budget.  That was until I chanced upon a show that features Downtown Cafe from the Asian Food Channel.

Downtown Cafe operated by the same family and is located at The Quad at Nepo Mart in Angeles City.

Here you can sample traditional Filipino dishes with the signature Claude Tayag twist.  The  restaurant is inspired by the late 50's with its leather upholstered chairs, and vintage decors.  It reminded me of the old Diners in Avenida, Sta. Cruz.

I'm currently trying to loose wight, preparing myself for Summer, but I give in to their Lechon Belly Adobo Confit with Mango and Eggplant Salsa.

You can nibble on their Camote Chips while waiting for your meal.  I would have wanted to sample more of their menu, but I have nobody to share it with.

A few minutes later, the food arrived and it tasted just as good as it looks.  This is probably the best Adobo, I've ever tasted.  Even better than my Moms. Sorry Nanay!

Since, my cheat day arrived early, I decided to end my meal with their Halo-Halo, made special by Pastillas and Creamy Carabao's Milk.

I will continue coming back until I have sampled all the food they offer.

Must Try: Puto Bumbong Cake at Lia's Cake in Season

Christmas is my favourite time of the year.  I look forward to having the seasonal favourite food, and as soon as I hear Christmas Carols on the radio, my craving for Bibingka (Coal Baked Rice Cakes) and Puto Bumbong would sink in.

I happened to pass by a stand selling this items on my trip to Pampanga along Macarthur Highway in San Fernando.  I was so excited that I had to beg Starbucks to let me have them at their cafe.  I think its best paired with coffee.

The Puto Bumbong Cooking Contraption

Bibingka is cooked by sandwiching the batter
with coals on top and bottom.

A few days after, I saw on Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho a feature on the Puto Bumbong Cake from Lia's.    I have been craving for it since.  Lia's is very close to where I work along East Capitol together with the other foodie places in Kapitolyo, Pasig.

I finally gave in to my craving last Friday.  It's a bit expensive at 210 pesos per slice, but this really is one of a kind and I just had to try it.

The cake is moist lighter version of the original.  The muscovado sugar topping and grated coconuts gives it that familiar flavour.  The dark brown caramel sauce is indulging.  It's a definite must try in Pasig.

Perfect timing!  I totally blend in with the interiors!

Giant Lantern Festival 2015

 For the last 3 years, I make sure that I wouldn't miss this Christmas Festival.  Please check out the schedule of exhibition.  Don't forget to explore the many foodie places in San Fernando while you're there.

Giant Lantern Festival 2013

Visited the exhibition for the first time last year, and the lanterns were just a spectacle to see!  Check out the dates for this year or better yet, include a tour of Pampanga with my itinerary!

• Dec 15 to 21, 2013 · 7 PM · Robinsons Starmills, CSFP
• Dec 25, 2013 to Jan 3, 2014 · 7 PM · Robinsons Starmills, CSFP
• Dec 22, 2013 · 7 PM · Telabastagan, CSFP
• Dec 23, 2013 · 7 PM · Greenfields, Sindalan, CSFP
• Dec 24, 2013 · 11 PM · City Proper, CSFP
• Dec 27, 2013 · Nepo Center, Angeles City
• Dec 28 to 29, 2013 · Marquee Mall, Angeles City

You can read about my 2012 visit on this link:
http://moleinthefoot.blogspot.com/2012/12/a-tour-of-pampanga-and-giant-lantern.html

Awake for 24 Hours Over the Weekend!

The day started early for me and my Corinthian family last August 31, 2013, as 49 members and guests assembled at the parking area of CW Balintawak Home Depot from 6:00 am to 7:30 am.  We were en-route to the famous San Guillermo Church in Bacolor, Pampanga after making a quick stop for breakfast at NLEX.

We arrived at the church around 10:00 am and toured the Interiors and the Bacolor Museum that houses the Church Collections of Religious Icons, Models, Paintings and Pictures of the original 12 meter facade of the Church.  San Guillermo is famous for its history.  Half of the Church was buried in Lahar during the Mt. Pinatubo eruption, September of 1991.  The people of Bacolor still uses what's left of the structure after unearthing and relocating the original Baroque inspired Retablo.

We then moved to the neigboring town of Betis in Guagua to visit the Paris of St. James de Apostle popularly known as Betis Church.  Considered as the Sistine Chapel of the Philippines, most of the interiors was adorned with paintings by Simon Flores (1838-1904).

The Philippine National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) has designated the conservation and protection of more than 30 other Spanish-era churches to be of utmost importance. These were registered as National Cultural Treasures. These churches were given priority status not just due to their historical value, but also based on the geographic representation of various regions across the nation, and include Santiago Apostol Parish Church in Betis, Guagua, Pampanga.  It is also one of the remaining churches in the Philippines with wooden floors.  It also showcases the talent of Betis in woodcarving evident in the door details.

By 11:30 am, we went back to the City of San Fernando for an Eat All You Can Buffet lunch at Partyland.  After the filling meal, we proceeded with the tour and boarded the bus to Las Casas de Acuzar in Bataan.

It was close to 4:00 pm when we arrived.  Their service Jeepney transfered us from our bus to one of the houses called Casa Jaen for the welcome drinks.  After registering at the reception, we proceeded with the guided tour of the restored houses in the property.  We were awed not only by the beauty of the details and the houses but also with their individual stories and how it was acquired.  The tour ended around 5:00 pm and used the remaining hour to freshen up, take pictures and rest in time for the cultural show at 7:00 pm.

After watching the performance of the Las Casas de Acuzar dance troup, we boarded the bus again for our return home to Manila.  We made a quick stop at NLEX again for dinner and was at Balintawak interchange by 11:00 pm.

I arrived at the house around midnight.  I quickly showered and change to the black outfit imposed by event I was attending.  We purchased VIP Tickets for a cocktail table that comes with a bottle of booze.  The Bigfish Black Innovation at World Trade Center.  The party started out slow for me, maybe because I was tired already, but after a few servings Bacardi, I was jumping with the crowd to the music of the featured DJ's.

We went home around 6:00 am after having breakfast at Rufo's at their new location at A. Venue in Makati Ave.