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

OPA! Best Pork Chop at Cyma

The last time we were here was'nt  good. It has nothing to do with the food nor the service. We were forced to eat the food that was advance ordered for us that we did not like.

On this visit, we were able to explore the other items on their menu, and it was so good that i just might dream about it tonight.

Hirene Brizola (grilled pork chop, 495php)

Cyma Chopped Salad (350php)

Chicken and Seafood Yiouvetsi 400 php

Meet "Mole", My Blog Mascot!

What I accomplished out of boredom this afternoon!

Mole... My Blog Mascot showing his Nunal sa Talampakan!

and my blog header, with "Glut"

Rock & Roll 4: The Dice Game by Christine Ong-Te Events

The last quarter of the year is also the busiest months for the events and wedding industry suppliers.  Coincidentally, just before this time, we enjoin our Chinese brothers and sisters in celebrating the Moon Cake Festival prompting wedding and event coordinator Christine Ong-Te to come up with The Rock & Roll dice game in 2009 at the Penthouse Ballroom of Lancaster Suites.  The first one was a huge success that it became the sought after Party before the actual Party Season starts yearly.

Now on its 4th year, the recently opened Blue Leaf Filipinas, from same group behind the popular Blue Leaf Events Pavilion in Taguig served as the venue to more than 300 wedding industry suppliers.  Seeing the place for the first time, one can't help but admire the modern adaptation of Filipino decors that adorns the halls and landscaped courts.  The event hall was made even more lovelier with flowers from Angel of Hearts and the styling by Flowers and Events by Teddy Manuel.

Unlimited food and drinks were provided by one of catering industry institutions, Josiah's.

I brought home a can of Coke, Pringles, Starbucks Drink and the 2nd Prize Cash!

Kadense provided the entertainment, while fun hosts Abet Rana, Jason Magbanua, Jerome Go, and Max Tiu took turns in giving out raffle prizes to lucky winners.  

Attendees were also treated to unlimited booze by Event Shaker, and Photo and Video Booths from Tera, Pose and Print and Slowmoo.tv.

Of course the main highlight of the night was the Dice Game.  Guests were grouped into tables with participants not exceeding 12.  Each participant take turns in rolling the 6 dice trying to get the combination that corresponds to a prize.  Some were lucky to bring home the grand prize per table but everybody went home as winners.

Congratulations to Christine Ong Te Events for once again successfully gathering Wedding Industry Suppliers and providing the much needed break and opportunity to socialize before the peak month starts.

Photo from Noel Aranzaso of Pose And Print Photo Booth

Luljetta's Hanging Gardens and Spa: A Relaxing Weekend Escape

After a long and tiring workweek, most of us are looking for a relaxing weekend destination and we found just that nestled along the slopes of Antipolo.

Luljetta's Hanging Gardens has all the ingredients to a relaxing weekend escape.  It's a spa complex that includes massage huts and rooms, infinity and massage pools, hut tub and sauna, set amidst a garden landscape that offers a view of Laguna Lake and Manila in the distant.

It was an e-flyer at facebook that prompted my interest to visit the place.  Upon further research on it's exact location, I found out that it is owned and operated by the same family behind another Antipolo landmark, Loreland Farm Resort.  Luljetta's is the recent development to the 8 hectare property, this time offering spa services that includes body and foot massages, body scrub, and salon services.

Last Saturday, we were able to convince 8 other friends to join me and my partner on this Antipolo weekend road trip.  Surprisingly, a friend coming with us knows one of the owners Mr. Ramon Marinas and arranged the reservation for us.  It is best that you schedule your visit in advance since they only have 5 Therapist especially if you're a big group.

There are many options to reach Antipolo City.  The more popular routes are via Sumulong Highway and Ortigas Extension.  Since we are picking up another friend in Libis, we decided to take the Marcos - Sumulong  Highway Route.  We found ourselves right in front of Antipolo Church where we turned right and asked for directions to Loreland which everybody seems to know.  A few minutes later, we found Unciano Hospital where a small road marked with directional signages guides you to the resort entrance.

Here's a more reliable instruction as grabbed from their website:

PRIVATE TRANSPORTATION:

FROM C.P GARCIA AVE, FORMERLY KATIPUNAN AVE., IN QUEZON CITY

If you’re coming from Quezon City, take the route from C.P. Garcia Avenue (formerly Katipunan Ave.) going to Aurora Boulevard. Follow the road going to Marcos Highway. Don’t go to the flyover.

Head for Sumulong Highway. That’s when you see Masinag Market to your left, you will have to make a right turn to Sumulong Highway.

Follow the highway until you reach the  intersection of Taktad Road. Turn right. Go straight then turn left at Aquino Blvd. Go straight and when you see the first triangle park (Aquino Park), turn right. Go straight.

Turn left at Hamaka Park Triangle which is near Ynares Sports Center. Follow the road leading to Unciano Medical Center. McDonalds should be on your left. From there, turn right. There are signs giving directions to Loreland Farm Resort. Follow the signs.

FROM PASIG

From Ortigas Avenue in Pasig City, go straight to Ortigas Extension leading to Rizal Province. Take the U-turn slot at Tikling area in Taytay (beside Manila East Hospital) before going up to Antipolo. In Antipolo, you will reach Hamaka Triangle Park, turn right here. Ynares Sports Center and Rizal Provincial Capitol should be on your left. Straight ahead. A few meters away is McDonalds. Turn right at Unciano Medical Center. Follow the signs that will lead you to Loreland Farm Resort.

Upon our arrival at Loreland Farm Resort, we were guided to the Spa Lobby where we chose the services we will avail from their Spa Menu.  They have an on-going Rainy Day Promo with different inclusions.

SPA PACKAGES

CLEANSE 
Php 800.00
2 hours
Inclusions: use of hydro pool, heated jacuzzi and sauna at Phase 1 of Spa with 1 hour Luljetta's signature body massage.

REVITALIZE
Php 1,500.00
3 hours
Inclusions: Use of hydro pool, heated jacuzzi and sauna at Phase 1 of Spa with body scrub, herbal foot bath, pedicure and Luljetta's signature body massage.

SERENITY 
Php 2,500.00
5 hours
Inclusions: use of hydro pool, heated jacuzzi and sauna at Phase 1 of Spa with body scrub, body mask, facial, foot spa pedicure and Luljetta's signature body massage.

INDULGENCE 
Php 3,000.00
6 hours
Inclusions: Use of hydro pool, heated jacuzzi and sauna at Phase 1 of Spa with body scrub, facial, hand spa with paraffin wax, manicure, foot spa, pedicure and Luljetta's signature body massage.


Since we want to be able to try as much of the amenities as we can, we availed the Cleanse Package that allows us the use of the pools and a massage.  To have a better understanding on what to get, it's also advisable to tour the place first.

After the tour, we were guided to the lockers where we changed to our swimming shorts.  The first area we tried was the hydro pools.  The hydro-pool is divided into 3  sections.  The rain jets, the main infinity pool and the reclining ponds.  We would have loved to stay longer but the water was getting colder as the afternoon progresses.

We decided to try the heated pools instead. All 10 of us fit in one Jacuzzi.  We also tried the salon and steam room.

After exploring the water amenities, the first 5 of us availed the massage on the Tropical Resort Type Massage Huts.  We were asked to change into robes and was guided to a room good for 4 and another one designed for couples.  Air-conditioned rooms are also available, but we want the rustic charm of the bamboo inspired hut.

We were so hungry after the relaxing massage and ordered ourselves meal from the resort restaurant, Verde Resto.  They will deliver your food at any area in the Spa.  Instantly, the Pancit Bihon became our favorite, and ended up having 4 orders of the same dish.  After the light dinner, we lounged on one of the huts as we wait for the others to finish their massage treatment.

Everything seems to slow down after the massage.  It's as if you just want lounge, be still, and enjoy the view and surroundings a few hours more.  Nobody want's to leave!

I think Luljetta's Hanging Gardens has that affect on people.  Thank you Ramon for being a gracious host!

For more information and contact details, visit their FB Page:
https://www.facebook.com/LuljettasHangingGardens
and website:
http://www.bienvenidotours.com/luljettas-hanging-gardens-and-spa.html

Top Model Suite

I'm a big fan of the series prompting me to design a room with the model concept.  This is my conceptual sketch of the room and below is the rendered model! 

Watch out for it's launch on our Pasig Branch!

Almond Chicken Kare-Kare

On my previous blog entry, I mentioned about having tasted Chicken Kare-Kare for the first time that uses Almonds instead of Peanuts and decided to make it myself.  This is my version and it turned out better than what I expected.

Almond Chicken Kare-kare

Ingredients:
3 Tbsp Oil
1 Small Onion Chopped
3 Cloves Garlic Minced
500 grams Chicken (Tinola Cut)
3 cups Water
2 Shrimp Cubes
4 pcs Eggplant sliced diagonally
1 pack Mama Sita's Kare Kare Mix dissolved in a cup of water
1 small bundle of String Beans cut into 3 in sections
4 leaves Pechay
1/2 cup almond slivers

Procedure:
1. Saute onion and garlic in oil, then add the chicken.
2. Season the chicken with Salt and Pepper and allow it to lightly brown on both sides before adding the water.
3. Drop the shrimp cubes to dissolve and boil chicken until cooked. 
4. Let the water reduce, then add the eggplant slices.
5. Add the kare-kare mix to the broth and allow to thicken.
6. Add the remaining vegetables, and almonds and let it simmer for a few minutes.
7. Just before serving, top the dish with a few sprinkles of almond slivers.