Designing the Studio for Mayad Studios

Mayad's Entrance Before

The Brick Room Before

The Black Room Before

The Blue Room Before

The Green Room Before

The Conference Room Before

Photos grabbed form Mayad Studios Facebook page.

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. 

RampaDora the Explorer Maiden Voyage

Today I am officially launching the 1st tour package for RampaDora the Explorer Tours.

I want to cater mainly to the LGBT market offering affordable packages of road trips I have experienced myself.  I want to customise trips according to our lifestyle and interests, creating a balance of adventure, art and culture.  

What would set our tour group apart from the others is our attention to details.  

Playlist

Every road trip would have a playlist of songs depending on the destination and guest preferences.  

I wouldn't want be stuck on a 4 hour ride listening to rock and 80's new wave, or worst the Porkchop Duo Concert.

VANity Kit

We know how expensive it is to maintain that perfect skin complexion and we would not to destroy that.  Each van is equipped with sun protection essentials from sun blocks to umbrellas (in pink). We also have alcohol, wet wipes and toiletries to keep you feeling fresh.

Interactive

This is something I have observed from other tour groups.  Some function like a transport service bringing you from one point to the other.  With us, we will ensure that all guests will experience everything that the place has to offer and be immersed with the local culture.  Before each trip, we will research on the Must Visit, Must Eat, and Must Do!

I have chosen Taal Heritage Town as the first destination because of its rich history, unique landmarks and places to visit aside from the many activities you can do within the town.

Taal Heritage Town (June 28, 2014)
Pic Pac Package
(Pic Pac Package are for destinations suited for photography and sight seeing.  It can also be a festival)

06:00 AM Meet-up
07:00 AM ETD for Taal Town
10:00 AM ETA arrival in Taal Heritage Village

Day Tour

Museums
Leon Apacible House
Marcela Agoncillo House

Lunch
Tampuhan Cafe

House Hopping
Villa Tortuga
Casa Villavicencio with Snack
Galleria Taal housing the biggest collection of old cameras

Church Tour
Basilica of Saint Martin, the biggest church in Asia
Our Lady of Caysasay

5:00 PM  ETD for Manila

Inclusions:
Transportation, Guide Fees, Entrance Fees, Lunch and Snack.
Optional:
Photo in period costumes at Villa Tortuga (200php)
Climb the Bell Tower of the Basilica (50php)

Rate:
1500/pax minimum of 10

Email me at omarpalero@gmail.com for reservation and payment details.

Mt. Daguldol with Corinthian Architects

The idea to climb for UAP Manila Corinthian Chapter's summer outing was conceived a few months back when we plan for the last quarter of the fiscal years activity.

It's something we haven't done before and I thought would be a nice idea.  We chose a mountain that's relatively easy, since we want to encourage beginners and a location that would allow for other activities.  Our Chapter Treasurer Jared Cruz, suggested Mt. Daguldol in San Juan, Batangas.  I'm familiar with the beach in Laiya, and agreed after being assured that its relatively easy.  I researched on the itinerary from other blogs and thought that we could manage the 2/10 difficulty rating.

I only posted the event invite 2 weeks prior because I was so loaded with work the weeks prior. Since we still have a budget remaining from previous activities, I did not had the event sponsored anymore. I just need to work on the logistics.  Initially, I intended to rent a bus if I have a confirmation of more than 20.  Only 13 confirmed on my event list but including the guests, I will have 24.  Knowing that some would still back out on the day itself, I decided to just get 2 vans that can accommodate up to 30.  I was able to get a rate of 5500 each for 2 days excluding diesel, toll and drivers meals.  It's still a lot cheaper compared to the bus at 21k excluding gas and toll.

The itinerary we used was that from www.pinoymountaineer.com and edited it according to our transportation arrangement.
http://www.pinoymountaineer.com/2007/11/mt-daguldul-670.html

MT. DAGULDUL ITINERARY

Day 1 0600 Assembly at KFC Taft for. Buendia 0830 Pick up Levy at Robinsons Lipa 1130 ETA Brgy. Hugom; Arrange for Guides. Lunch 1300 Start Trek - Beach Front 1530 ETA Mang Lizardo's place 1730 ETA Niyugan Campsite, Set Camp 1900 Dinner / Socials

Day 2 0500 Wake up call 0520 Start Trek going to summit 0540 ETA summit 0700 ETD from summit 0730 Breakfast 0830 Break Camp 0900 Start Descent 1000 Back at Mang Lizardo's place 1100 Take Naambon Falls sidetrip (1 hr) 1200 Resume descent 1300 Back at Brgy. Hugom; head to beach resorts 1700 Depart for Manila

A few days before the climb we posted the things to bring:

1. Water Containers (Preferably 2 liters per person, water source is abundant in the mountain)
2. Sun Block and Insect Repellant
3. Trekking Sandals or Hiking Boots (No Rubber Shoes or Slippers)
4. At least 3 sets of Light Clothing (Refrain from using or packing Denim garments) Preferably Dry fit clothes and allocate 1 for swimming.
5. Tent, provide tarpaulin undersheeting for moisture protection (can be shared)
6. Food (Dinner and Breakfast only at the camp) & Cooking Equipment
7. Trail food (Jelly ace, nuts, etc.)
8. Head lamp or Flashlight
9. Waterproof your gadgets at cameras.
10. Bring extra cash.

Prior to the event, I was texting  attendees confirming if they have a tent just to be sure we have enough.

Of the 24 guests I was expecting, 16 was present at the meeting place on the day of the climb, and 1 to be picked up in Lipa.

We left around 7:30 in the morning and was in Lipa around 9AM.  We did not stop for breakfast anymore, since some already used the waiting time to grab a meal at KFC.  We arrived in San Juan, around 11 AM, and made a stop at the public market to buy the ingredients for our dinner and breakfast and the supplies we will need.  Before heading to the jump off, Foursquare recommended Marimar Bulalohan for lunch.  Its located at the gas station along the road connecting the highway to Laiya.  They have huge servings and we were able to take with us what was left of the Bulalo, Bopis and Kaldereta.

We arrived at Baranggay Hugom around 1PM.  We were informed that we don't have to trek along the beach anymore, because the road leading to the jump off is accessible by vehicles.  Our guide brought us to a resort where we parked and reserved their cottage for wash up the next day.  After some last minute preparations and hiring porters to carry some of our bags, we started the trek around 2:30 PM.

It was very hot and dry at the start especially at the main road leading to the trail to the 1st station. We were soaking in sweat when we reached the resting hut, but was hopeful that the assault  to  the next station was more gradual.  We were wrong!

My pacing becomes slower and slower as we progress.  I literally am counting my steps and would stop every 10 to catch my breath.  Me, and my climb buddy Daphne limits our rest just until some of our buddies catch up.  We want to see the sunset at the summit.

By this time, I was really looking forward to the Halo Halo Station I've read from other blogs.  I know we were getting near because we can already hear songs from a karaoke emanating from somewhere.  True enough, a few minutes later, we were at the 2nd station.  We passed by a house where 2 climbers from a different group decided not to continue anymore.  I was hoping, that my team would still push through.  We just need to motivate each other.  After having 2 servings of Halo Halo, we were on our way to the third station.

Along the trail is a clearing that offers a view of the bay.  Most parts are forested shading us from the sun, but there are only a few breaks from the assault.  My legs and back are close to giving up by this time, but seeing how far we are into the trek, there's no way I'm giving up.

It took us 3 hours to reach the last resting hut before the Niyogan Campsite.  At this point, we are on the last stretch of the climb.  My motivation is to catch the sunset and lay comfortably in my tent.  We arrived at another stop selling Buko Juice a few minutes later.  That was the Niyogan Campsite, but instead of settling there, we trekked further to a better clearing.  When we reached the area, it was already occupied by a few group of mountaineers.  Although the sunset at this area was breath taking, we decided to push 10 minutes further to the summit, where the clearing is wider and offers a better view of the ocean.  Finally, we found the perfect spot, and settled on our camp area after almost 4 hours of trekking.

After pitching our tent, we immediately started preparing our meals.  One by one, our other companions arrive.   It was already dark when the last of our members reached the camp.

We shared on Hotdogs, what was left of lunch, Sinigang na Corned Beef and Kare Kareng Gulay for dinner.  It started to drizzle as we were eating, but luckily the rain didn't pour.

I was amazed at the strength of my companions.  My former professor is 54 years old, and the others were first timers, but nobody gave up.  Somehow, we took on different roles for the team.  Some went ahead so we can secure our campsite and get started with dinner, while the others supported each other every step of the climb making sure nobody's left behind.  It was really a test of strength and will power, and I think we passed with flying colours.  The rest of the evening was filled with stories of the trek.

We were so tired for socials that only half of the Emperador Light was consumed.

We woke up to a cold foggy morning.  After warming myself with coffee, I volunteered to get water from the source 10 minutes away so we can cook rice for breakfast.  After eating, and picture taking, we cleared the camp so it wouldn't be too hot on our way down.

The descent was faster.  We were stopping on stations one after the other, and it only took us less than 3 hours to reach the Jump-off.  Initially, we were suppose to have lunch at the cottage and order food from one of the Turo Turo in the area, but our accomplishment that weekend was too great that it calls for a celebration.  Instead, I decided to bring them to Sulyap in San Pablo after washing up and having light snack at the beach.

Happy Trekker L-R: Jared, Ana, Eileen, Angelo, Vhic, Gabbie, RAMM, Sheyne, Syoti, Candy, Ryan, Allan, Omar, Ludel, Levy, Alpha, Daphne

We left Laiya at 1 PM and arrived in San Pablo an hour later.  While waiting for our orders, the others took time to tour the property and gallery.  The place and the food was the perfect reward for our accomplishments that weekend.

Photos grabbed fro Sheyne, Eileen and Sir Gabbie's album.

Chef Laudico Guevarra's Buffet

The 1920's House turned restaurant

I was inspecting a project site in Mandaluyong with my best friend along Lawson St. in Addition Hills last week, and it was him who suggested the idea of trying out Guevarra's a few corners away along Argonne St.

Tucked hidden from the main streets of San Juan and Mandaluyong is Chef Laudico Guevarras's.  It's a 1920's house that is converted into a buffet restaurant showcasing the culinary masterpieces of Chef Roland and Chef Jacqueline Laudico.

From the narrow streets, you will be guided through the entrance gate to the parking area.  We were a bit early for dinner, but I'm guessing it's more challenging during peak hours and weekends.

Inside, the halls and rooms of the house were converted in dining areas, and function rooms.  The decors are simple,  reflecting a vintage vibe with old photographs and art hanging from white panelled walls.

A huge hall on the side of the house showcases the creations of our local Masterchefs, displayed on a long buffet station.  Don't hassle yourself in making choices because you need to try everything.  My favourite would be the Lechon and the Angus Beef Kare Kare.

What's even more admirable about the restaurant is the price.  They are actually cheaper than some of the buffet restaurants in Malls.

Check our their Father's Day rate:

Please take note, that dining is done in batches, so be mindful of the time to maximise your meals.  If you arrived late, say 6 PM, you can opt to avail the early dinner rate for the remaining hour, or just wait until 7:30 PM for the full 3 hour dinner service.  The only difference with the batches is the price and the time constrains, but the food is just the same.

The Culinary Masterpieces of Chef Roland and Chef Jacquilene Laudico

One of the function room, for a more intimate gathering

It's a good place to bring your family for any occasion.  I will be coming back with friends and this time, will ensure enough space in my stomach to sample everything!

Follow them on Facebook

Chef Laudico Guevarra's

https://www.facebook.com/ChefLaudicoGuevarras

387 P. Guevarra St. cor. Argonne St., Addition Hills San Juan, 1500 Manila, Philippines705 1811 / 705 1874 / 502 5006 / 0917 311 2222Today 11:00 am - 2:00 pm, 7:30 pm - 10:30 pm

Marikina's Pan de Amerikana

I'm assuming most city dwellers would least choose Marikina as a weekend destination, but you'll be surprised with what this city has to offer, especially for foodies.

The list of the must visit restaurants are endless and for this one, I choose to explore the most popular which is Pan de Amerikana.

We just finished our sportsfest at Marikina Sports Complex and decided to spend what remains of the morning for brunch at this place before going to the office.

As what the name suggests, I was expecting a bakery, but from the street, I can see that its more of a garden set up that reminded me of Cafe by the Ruins in Baguio and Kublai's Place in Davao.

Near the entrance is where they take your orders from a menu board behind the counter.  The food offerings consisted of classic filipino favorites, but their price is very reasonable.

The garden dining area is shaded with twigs as trellis.  On one side is pond and on the other corner is giant chessboard where you can play while waiting for your order.

I ordered Tinumok (ground pork wrapped with taro leaves in coconut cream sauce, 60 pesos) and Crispy Mushroom (50 pesos as an appetizer).

I'm definitely coming back here with friends!