Grilla SM MOA by the Bay: A Food Symphony

Texture to the max, depth of flavor, and the choices of different regional Filipino food, Grilla at SM MOA by the Bay is a great place to visit when wanting to get the perfect vantage point for that famous sunset by Manila bay with the drink and dine experience that will make you satisfied.

Grilla offers individual dishes and food platters, and the servings are hefty. The presentation is like a Filipino fiesta, and when the table is laden, it is so time to eat a leisurely feast.

The food experience of Grilla includes crunch. The fried fish dish that is typical of a Filipino household is made better by the coating, and the platter has different kinds of fish, to include tilapia and bangus. I was delighted with the presentation and this is pegged as my favorite dish.

Grilla SM MOA by the Bay has a"palayok"which is a clay cooking pot that is the way food was cooked during the olden times. This clay pot holds a mixture of meat and seafood that must have been simmered for hours to get full-bodied soup with a depth of flavor that is distinctly unique.

Make sure to leave room for dessert, as there is the "turon" which is made from saba bananas that are wrapped and deep fried, and the platter with ice cream, "leche flan" which is made from milk, eggs, and sugar, and "palitao"that is made from finely ground rice powder that is cooked in water until it floats.

With outdoor and indoor dining with a high ceiling, two access doors, one from the street and the other one by the seaside walk, nearby parking, when you would like to enjoy Filipino food with the sunset by Manila bay view, at affordable prices, you have to go to Grilla at SM MOA by the Bay.

2 Pesos Only Remittance Fee

Fast remittance, super low fees, and the convenience of being mobile - it is possible to get rid of the atrocious fees for sending money internationally and locally with Token Hub.

This company started off in Japan over a year ago and currently has over 100,000 members in Japan, Hong Kong, Korea, and the Philippines. The remittance system makes a vast difference as you can send in the country's main currency, in US dollars, and with the use of a virtual currency, the Eternal Coin. To change currency for remittance purposes, is as easy as clicking, and then it will be converted at the prevailing rate.

As many of us have to send money and would like to do so in the fastest way possible, without the hefty fees, and be able to cash in or withdraw to any bank, Token Hub provides this solution, with the mobility to do so online without having to go to a remittance center, wait in line, fill out forms, and with the astounding low cost of remittance fees of only 2 pesos.

If you want to learn more about this, you may join one of the many seminars of Token Hub or become a member. To become a member is free, there are no fees, no cash out, no money to be spent. It is like opening up an account at any remittance center.

Learn the steps to becoming a member by reading the Eternal Coin: Token Hub Asia Tutorial

Want to learn more and get to attend a free seminar? Send me an email at lucindadominguez@gmail.com to get the update.

Life in HTML

Drifting thoughts go back to the view. Wind blows slightly, rustling through my hair. Sound of teenagers laughing and - wifi everywhere. A world complete, the nearness made the heart skip a beat, be still, yet - as soon as the day is done, the tiredness of the waiting takes over. Much has been said, enough has been said - the will of the wind? Shall we say to go with the flow will be foolhardy, as that is the deteriotation of the beauty. A seat and a talk, momentarily looking down and away to stop the tears from falling, that hestitant goodbye, a replay of so many other times, yet such is the time - and that is lost for all time.

Drifting thoughts of how wondeful it could be - and in the stillness of this night - how far away it seems. Sadness flows and once again, life is in Html, with the pictures unseeen, all codes and symbols, refusing to go back to compose... Html, to figure out what is behind the picture, and that dowsnt work. Perhaps...

Perhaps listening to others solidifies the block. The 360 degree turn has long been forgotten, thus all is accepted, yet the fear threads -

It was not me... Such a dull pain. Knowing that the devotion on wasted matters is the trajectory of.. Limited.

Perhaps. As the counter goes on, time refreshes with a twist, still in html, coded. Perhaps...

Thus time has had it time and the approach to will begins, and the beauty of releasing the spirit adheres to the soul. Once alone. Once more alone. Such is the travelled path - in spiteful anger of the grounded materialism -
Be it all for squat.

Breathing, no frantic misgivings, no drastic action. Go with the flow. The tears have dried, throwing inthe towel but one more
Time -
As life is in html.

Truly Filipino: Titus Pens iDoodle Event

The Titus Pens iDoodle Battle of the Champions was a fantastic event. It had students from all over the country that were all determined to win. iDoodle was held last Dec. 18, 2015 at MOA at the activity area. The theme for the on-the-spot ballpen art contest was "Pasko sa Pinas".

 

The start of the event was heart-pounding as the drum beats filled the air. The dancers wore unique costumes that showed true Filipino ingenuity, as they had walis as head gear and has clothing accents, and even used the common bilao to accentuate the dance in a way that I have never seen before. A church choir sang Filipino Christmas songs and that, for me, truly heralded the season.

There were many activities for the guests. I was able to get to create cupcake art, and went around observing the other activities such urban sketching, travel bag design, and fashion illustration, as I can't draw very well.

There was a comic book artist that I got to talk to. I am quite interested in as my brother used to have a comic store and we have a collection. The guy was Harvey Tolibao, who is a Marvel and DC artist. I am so happy to have met him. We spoke about Whilce Portracio, the Filipino Marvel and Image comic book artist, and how we had a comic book signed by him - and yes, Harvey kindly accommodated my request to not just sign my bloggers ID, but he also drew the new Star Wars character!

When the drawing competition started, it was an amazing scene to see hundreds of students concentrating. I walked around and saw so many styles, some light sketches, some darkly shaded, and thought about how the varied the creativity of these kids was, which is one of the factors that would surely will make the judging by Nedalin Mirands of Senior Convention Services Officer, Department of Tourism, Hero Angeles, Andre Manguba, Lei Melendres, and Harvey Tolibao, very difficult.

The Winners:

Battle of the Champions:

Champion - Ely James Gumba (Cebu) - 91.57%
2nd - Joshua Villena (Batangas) - 90.50%
3rd - Artemio Bongawan Jr. (Davao) - 88.52%
4th - Marion Rustell Helicame  (Davao) - 88.52%
5th - Cris Legaspi  (Bacolod) - 88.42 %

Pasko sa 'Pinas

Champion - Kristopher John Paguirigan -96.67%
2nd - Jonel Belmonte - 89 %

3rd - Jerico Cedric Maravilla - 85.67 %

Hanns Duct Tape Product Review

Duct tape to temporarily fix a leaky pipe busted radiator hose or a leaky pipe? It has been done. Duct tape is has many uses with the primary purpose as a packaging tape. There are so many uses and people have made wallets and cellphone cases from this kind of tape, and even used it to upholster a sofa!

Hanns Duct Tape

Made by Miles and Levels, Hanns Tape has duct tape and other products such as electrical insulating tape and anti-slip tape. This specific one featured in this product review is a heavy duty packaging tape. It is made from quality materials, has a superior adhesive, strong backing and is durable. It is used to seal packages like boxes to secure them, for affixing and joining things like rods that have to be held together, and for protection of surfaces.

Product Testing

Hanns duct tape was tested on a leaky pipe.

This tape was tightly sealed inside a plastic cover so when it was opened, it was clean unlike other tapes that no wrapped in any form of packaging. It wasn't easy to open the packaging by just tearing it off, so I used a pair of scissors.

It was easy to pull up the part that was to be used, and wrapping it tight around the leaky pipe did not require a lot of tape. There was no sticky residue on the hands from the tape, and it effectively stopped the leak. After a few days, I observed that taped was still secured tightly around the leaky pipe, though it was a bit "bloated" and there was very slight seepage at the ends of the tape. Though there was still slight seepage, the major problem of leaky pipe was fixed. Hanns duct tape work as a temporary fix, and it has been over a week, and it is still working/

Many people, especially fixer uppers, do value duct tape, saying that is is an essential supply to have. I have heard stories about how this guy was able to fix a busted radiator pipe using duct tape, and it served them well until the nearsest gas station, and how duct tape was used to "repair" a leaky rood.

Hanns and other Miles & Levels Brands

More than just a packaging tape, Hanns duct tape can be used for minor repairs.

It does not have any residue as you can see in the picture above, as the adhesive does not show.

It is an excellent tape to own, and a must have in every household.

Hanns duct tape is made by Miles & Levels. There are other products such as the double side tape.

Miles & Levels has other brands to include Air Spencer, Red X and the popular Autogard. These products are available at most hardware stores, such as Ace Hardware.

Acceler8 Coworking: Wine and Cheese Event

Networking and chilling at a coworking space such as Acceler8 does have it's own rewards. To be able to hang out to meet new people, learn something new, collaborate, and possibly, find clients - it is a plus to be able to mingle with a business-oriented crowd. Going to bars means that there is not much business to be done as those places are for unwinding, so the wine and cheese event at this Makati coworking space did provide the right atmosphere to unwind with a few glasses wine or a couple of bottles of beer, and get to network.

Jan. 25, 2017

Broker's Night: Wine and Cheese Event

Acceler8: Finman Bldg, Level 7-1, 131 Tordesillas st. corner Bautista, Makati 

Acceler8's Broker's Night was a very nice event, and I got to meet a few people and chill. What I did miss, as I arrived at about 9 pm, was the referral program that was discussed, and I would like to go back there soon to find out the details. This Makati event space is great, though I was not able to check out the office spaces, from what I learned, the occupancy was very high, yet there is still space for individual coworkers like me.


Makati Coworking Space

Visiting Acceler8 was an experience, and the impact that it made on me was the realization that coworking spaces provide a community, that of freelancers and independent professionals, among others, who do want to focus on their being productive but also make time to take a break.

As many people do work online, be it full-time or part-time, the choices a year or so ago where to go, here in the Philippines, was limited to having a home office or going to a coffee shop - but now, there are coworking spaces that can be used by individuals and coworking spaces that do have rooms for rent, for 5 people or more. The rental of coworking space can be hourly, daily, up to monthly, and there are some that are consumable hours.

The advantages of using a coworking space is that it is an instant office. There is no need to shell out money to place a down payment or deposit for a rented space, no need have to furnish the place, nor pay for bills such as that of the internet or electricity.

There are other advantages.
Learn more by reading about the Positive Psychology of Coworking Spaces.

KPub BBQ The Fort: Chinese New Year Celebration

With unli food and live entertainment, the celebration at KPub BBQ The Fort was such a wonderful way to start the Chinese New Year. Located at 5th Avenue corner 28th Street, The Fort Entertainmemnt Complex, Bonifacio Global City, this buffet restaurant is also an event venue.

The Crib band - Blogger Claire Pajarillo Santiago

This Korean buffet restaurant that has a stage and big screen - is fully equipped for entertainment - and the good news is, that booking events in this place ensures a packed house as the unlimited buffet is one of the few that has every dish tasting great.

The grilled food is the healthy option and there are choices of what to indulge in, such as bacon, thinly sliced beef, and marinated pork. The unlimited food includes the fresh green salad, 6 kinds of appetizers to include the must-have kimchi, a clear soup, fluffy white rice, kimchi rice, and iced tea as the beverage. The price of the unli buffet is just about 500 for 2 hours, and that is a gastronomic experience, and there are other options to include the no limits buffet experience.

The friendly and highly efficient staff made the whole event run smoothly, as the unobtrusive service was that of a hotel, where your needs are met even before you request for service, such as the iced tea glasses being offered a refill before it is fully consumed, the delightful appetizers that are the exciting start and side dishes of a Korean meal set on the table, the crispy salad, and heart-warming soup - and to highlight the satisfaction of a grilled meal with the kind of rice that is so fluffy and white...

Bloggers Manfred Manalo and Tin Gonzaga

Friendly management team

Good Food, Good Reviews

When one of my daughter went to KPub BBQ at the Fort Strip, she told me that is was so good, and describe the place as a super win to eat at because of the unli buffet at the right price.

To consider the fact that most of the restaurants around the Fort area have high prices, for unlimited food at KPub BBQ is a practical choice to make as it is a complete meal. The place is large and seating may be reserved in advance.

For parties, and events, it has a large screen and a stage, microphones, and additional monitors at strategic places, a full bar, it does provide savings to dine and hold events here - and the good news is, there is additional fee to booking the place - just find out the details of what a great deal you can make by visiting the place or making inquiries using the information you can find at the KPub BBQ The Fort Facebook page.

Hapag Heritage Cuisine Restaurant Review

Heritage food served and prepared with hotel standards at the right price is what makes Hapag Heritage Cuisine a must-visit for locals, foreigners, and balikbayans. Located at 140 Maginhawa Street, Sikatuna Village, Quezon City, this restaurant is at the food street, with parking space, and provides a dining experience that makes Filipino food much better. The leveled up difference is seen with the presentation of the various dishes and desserts. The food is prepared using the true ingredients of the olden days, without the flavor enhancers that we commonly use nowadays, with the nutritional value and that golden, trigger memory taste.

Comfort Food for Filipinos

What is served is comfort food to Filipinos, as the beloved taste that makes us remember how our grandmother or other relatives use to prepare our celebratory special dishes and our every day meals. Hapag Heritage cuisine is a cut above the rest of Filipino restaurants as the hotel standards of food presentation and service is strictly implemented and the there are unique dishes that are a culinary discovery.

Watch this so temptingly appetizing food video!
Courtesy of the Hapag Heritage Cuisine Facebook page

Preserving Filipino Recipes

To serve heritage food is a way to keep our culture, and most recipes that are served at Hapag Heritage Cuisine has been handed down. Family recipes are made in the same way with an upgrade from the usual presentation of being served, as what you can expect is food that looks like it was made in a hotel at reasonable prices.

Affordable Filipino cuisine made according to heritage recipes 

Prepared and presented in accordance with hotel standards

Dishes that have the longed for taste because the ingredients used are complete, with no shortcuts in the food prep process, and the final dish presented is true to form, just what is expected such as the Kare-kare and the Crispy Pata.

There is superb attention to detail of the presentation, bringing the wonderfulness of home-cooked food into a higher level. Exciting dishes  have been developed, unique delights that have the visual impact and the fusion of old and new such as the Buko Pandan cheesecake.

If you are tired of mediocre dining, places where there is just good food, restos that have such a high price and such small servings, and want to enjoy hotel standard food in a relaxed, unhurried, atmosphere...

If you have been looking for a place to bring foreigners to try real Filipino cuisine, or balikbayan relatives and friends that long for the food that they miss...

If you want a blast from the past food experience, go to Hapag Heritage Cuisine.

Skippy's Bar and Grill: Australian Day Celebration

Going to such a friendly place that has so many things to do, is one of the reasons why I totally enjoyed the Jan. 26, 2017 Australian Day Celebration at the chill Skippy's Bar and Grill, located at the ground floor of The Forum, Federacion Drive, Taguig.

When I got there by 5pm, the party had started as many of the guest arrived early to be able to make the most of the "longest happy hour" price reduction on drinks. Us bloggers also had a enormous treat as we were made to try 3 of their huge drinks, like this pink margarita.

Skippy's bar also has a 15 pesos per buffalo wing promo which is available on Monday to Wednesday. These are big and filling, as all of their dishes and beverages are in big servings, and even their cocktail drinks have a super upsize for that party sharing delight. Their pizza crust is super thin and crunchy, and recommend the Cajun pizza as it has that kind of great spicy heat level. This restaurant serves lamb shepherd's pie, beef pot pie, sausages, and more as you can see at Zomato, and some of these dishes are fully loaded with a siding of mashed potatoe. The price is affordable and since the servings are large and the food is great - to eat there is a win.

What is nice about this bar is that it is a "let your hair down" place. Unlike most other bars that you would have to dress up for, here you can go in casual clothing and dance without shoes, as these Australians did to the music of Coldplay. The relaxing atmosphere of the bar adds so mush more to the fun ambiance, and there are other activities aside from the dance floor, such as billiards, darts, and live band music on certain nights of the week. This band was great and got us grooving to the music. To celebrate Australian Day at Skippy's Bar and Grill was, for me, the best real way to celebrate it, as it's like a home bar to many Australians.

 If you have been looking for a chill and relaxing place to hang out, with great food and fabulous cocktails, if you want a fun time, go to Skippy's Bar and Grill.

  For more information, visit the Skippy's Bar and Grill Facebook Page.