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.

Victoria Court Celebrates Valentines Day With A Heart

The days leading to Valentines Day would have to be one of the busiest for motels.  Victoria Court makes this celebration extra special by getting our guests involved with our advocacy on HIV prevention.

As our giveaway, we have partnered with Project Red Ribbon, A non government organisation whose aim is to educate the public on HIV awareness and prevention through the resources of the Department of Health in giving out free Condoms and Lubricants to our guests.  To make it more fun, we have included an Eye Mask and packaged it as a Pleasure Kit.

All check-ins starting February 13, gets to receive this gift until supply lasts.

We encourage our guests to spread Love, and not the Virus.

Happy Valentines Day!

#PerfectMatch Lechon and Monggo

SUTUKIL at Isla Sugbu Seafood City

I have been visiting Cebu on a monthly basis the past few months, and we try to discover places to eat each time.

This, we tried out SUTUKIL at the Grand Cebu Convention Center.  It was their lamp post banners that prompted me to visit the place.  They're all over the city.

As it turns out, SUTUKIL is just a special offer at the Isla Sugbu Seafood City.  You get to choose from 4 different packages enough to feed 4 person for 1600 pesos.  It comes with an appetiser, an additional dish and the rice platter.

We got Package A, that included Fish SUgba (Grilled Fish), Shrimp Tula (Shrimp on Broth), and Fish   KILaw (Fish Ceviche).   The appetiser was a seaweed salad and the additional dish was grilled chicken.  You may opt to choose the type of seafood with the other packages.

You can also choose from the selection of seafood on their mini market and have it prepared anyway you like.

It was a welcomed Cheat Meal after starving myself for last 2 weeks.

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.

Can I Get a Manila? Pubcraaaawl!!!!

The same group that's turning strangers into friends and giving the best night life experience in Boracay is now back in Manila.

A few weeks after the announcement of Manila Pubrawl, all the slot for the relaunch has been filled up.  I literally beg to be included and they we're kind enough to accommodate me.

I made the mistake of going to the old location of Chihuahua Mexican Grill in front of A. Venue along Makati Avenue, but the new meet up location is at Z Hostel.  Make sure you're there by 8PM.

Similar to Boracay Pubcrawl, shirts were given which you can jazz up any way you want to, a shot glass, baller and stubs for free shots on 5 different locations within the Burgos District.  There are rules, games, and challenges you need to accomplish along the way, all designed to turn strangers into friends. I don't want to give out too much information.  It's for you to experience.

Manila Pubcrawl partners for this run is Z Hostel, Lokal Hostel, Filling Station, Café Curieux and Club Royal.

Make sure to bring extra cash to sample the special offers from these partner establishments.

I came alone, but at the end of the night, met awesome new friends, discovered new hang out places, and laughed a lot.  Truly one of the best party night ever!

https://www.facebook.com/ManilaPubCrawl/?fref=ts

Happening every Saturday!
Reserve your slots now at
www.pubcrawl.ph/booking

Limited 50% off on the first 40 people!

(Regular price: 990)

Contact Nos:
0917 795 4799
0908 444 9426

Photo Credits: https://www.facebook.com/ManilaPubCrawl/?fref=ts

New Year in Boracay

If you are planning to spend a New Year in Boracay, these are the things you need to consider.

1.  Secure your flights early.

Plan your arrival and departure.  Flights would get more expensive as you move closer to the date.  The earlier you book your flight, the more chances of you getting promo fares.

2.  Book your Hotel.

There are many options on where to stay in the island, depending on how many are you and the budget.  AirBnB has cheaper options as low as 700 pesos per night.

3. Scout for the most reasonable New Years Eve Dinner

Dinner buffets are expensive.  It's better that you scout for the best offer the moment you arrive.  If you're just after the fireworks along the beach, its free for everyone to see.  But if you want to settle in a place to get a good view, take the Dinner Buffet at Hap Chan in Boracay Regency.  Its the most reasonable and it entitles you an entrance to the beach for good view of the fireworks.

4.  Take the Southwestern Airport-Hotel transfer service.

For a little more than what you would normally pay to commute, this saves you the hassle of long lines and waiting time.

5.  Party with Boracay Pubcrawl

If you're travelling alone, this is the best way to make friends and enjoy Boracay's nightlife.

Those are my basic tips.  i would let you explore the food and activities for the remainder of your stay!