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

Philippine's Best #RunningManChallenge Video

Ever since the Running Man Challenge hit the Philippines, several companies heeded the craze and came up with their own videos.

When Best Western La Corona Manila challenged Victoria Court, the final video showcased the fun, creative, and playful culture of the company.

Their facebook video reached 84K views in less than 24 hours.

Check out the awesome video by clicking on the photo.

What's New in Foodie Kapitolyo

They're not really new establishments, but more of recently explored.

Most would probably frequent the restaurants and establishments along the major street of East and West Capitol, but the side street offers more interesting options.

Click on the link for more of restaurants in Kapitolyo:
Kapitolyo Restaurants

Breakfast at Juanita's

Start your day at Breakfast at Juanita's just beside the famous Cafe Juanita.  They're open as early as 6 AM, serving Filipino Breakfast Meals elevated to new heights.  Try their Chicken Arroz Caldo and Embotido.  The quirky, colourful, eclectic interiors refreshes you to start the day.

Breakfast at Juanita's Signature Embotido

Chicken Arroz Caldo with its array of condiments

Lunch at Pomodoro Pizza

Pomodoro Pizza is located at the corner of San Rafael St. and Sta. Rosa St.  From Shaw Blvd., turn left immediately after passing the gate.

As what the name suggests, they serve Pizza and Pasta, with selections of Italian- Filipino fusion.  On my visit, I tried their Filipino Puttanesca.

Pomodoro Pizza at Night (Photo grabbed from Pomodora Pizza FB Page)

Pomodoros Pinoy Puttanesca

Snack at Kapitolyo Gastro Park

The Park offers countless options, from Mexican-Filipino to Thai - Mexican Fusion, enough to satisfy every craving.

The Filipino Sandwich Bar, serves snack sandwiches filled with filipino favourites like Lechon and Adobo among many others.

The Park is located along 1st Street.  Coming from Shaw Blvd, enter the Gate to Kapitolyo, and turn right at United St.  Immediately after, turn right again to 1st St., where theres a Chinabank at the corner.  Gastro Park is located on the right.

The Filipino Sanwich Bar Food Truck

Ever tried a Mexican Bulalo?

Hainanese Chicken Rice

Mexican Bulalo

Dinner at Ser Chef's Lechon

Right across Kapitolyo Gastro Park is Ser Chef's Lechon, known for their Lechon Macau, which is what we had for Dinner.

Lechaon Macau Rice at 145 Pesos

With this much food option, make sure your hungry the next time you drive by Kapitolyo.

Fun at Work! The New Victoria Court Head Office

Many of you may have already seen this video since its release last month, and most would probably wonder what happens on daily basis.

The slide is my thinking tube.  I would sometimes lie inside the tube to think, or belt out a scream.  Its also a good spot for a selfie.

We are not confined to our tables.  On days when you feel down, you can work over a pile of bean bags.

Not feeling your usual self?  Not a problem, you can be someone else for the day, with matching headpiece!

Also, a stretch here would mean lifting yourself on the pull up bars in between tables.

We do genuinely have fun!

Puerto Galera, My Favorite Summer Destination

Sunset on my First Day!

With the rising temperature in the city, spending the day off a beach somewhere is just too tempting.  Just these past months, I have been to Puerto Galera, twice already and 3 times this year.

It has become my favourite beach destination mainly because of convenience.  A bus ride to the port takes less than two hours and two hours more, you'll be setting your feet on the white sand of White Beach.

An overnight would cost almost the same as a night out with friends.  Its best that you find accommodations that suits your budget.  My favourite is VM Resort.  They are now available through  Agoda, which guarantees you a booking prior to your departure, or just haggle your rate once you arrive.

Being a regular guest, I'm able to haggle my room.  Last Holy week, I was able to get a bargain for my 4 night stay, considering I'm staying alone in a 4 pax room.

I also try to avoid the crowd.  Nothing beats an unobstructed view of the sunset and a bottle of Ice Cold Red Horse on a Happy Hour.

Coco Aroma, My Happy Hour Place

I arrived ahead of the Holy Week Crowd

Loving my Aussiebum Shorts