Want for 2 Mouthwatering Kebab Plates with Iced Tea for Only P100?

MAKATI: 2 Mouthwatering Kebab Plate with Iced Tea (P400 Value) 

 

Here's a deal you might not want to miss! Get 2 plates of this fantastic Kebab plate that is worth 200 each for only 100 pesos? If you buy the deal outright, it will cost P200, but this way, you can get two plates at 100 pesos!

Learn how to get the one hundred pesos voucher for FREE. 

How to get 100 pesos free coupon. 

1. Register for free at this PH Deal Site.

2. After registering, click the purple coupon at the left side and 'buy' it. Don't worry, it's free.

3. It will be credited to your account. 

These two plates of kebab are not the only great deals that you can find. There are other deals such as these brownies! Wow! And, if you follow the steps, 24 of these delicious brownies can be yours at only 125. (That's because the deal gives it away at 225)

There are more fabulous deals in store! Smart shopping is at your fingertips. 

Click here to register to the PH Deal Site for Free. 

Ultima's Kitchen

Being inspired by a recent Globe Tattoo contest, it made me want to share more about what my girls can do and how the create their own unique recipes. Let's say the proud mother in me would like to do so.

This is my eldest daughter, Ultima. Most people call her Timi. I call her 'Mi Ultima'. My late husband used to call her Maritima.

Smart, intelligent, a working college student (UP), she also has 2 Tesda certificates, one for Cooking and the other for Hotel and Restaurant Services. Timi is an excellent cook. She could butterfly a chicken at the age of 11. Being a whiz at the kitchen seems like second nature to her, and like all that she does, she excels.

Her cooking style is one that states, "I have to be true to the recipe but need to make it more awesome" and she repeats her favorite dining experiences by creating the dishes at home.

Here are her apple pies made in the muffin pans- more to share! 

Same pan but now Chocolate Chip Muffins! Mouthwatering!

And, to make one of her favorites more fantastic - more in every bite! 

Sushi and Sashimi Platter.

I hope you enjoyed feasting your eyes on these great dishes!

Beauty and brains, wit and charm, 'everybody loves Timi' is what people say about her. 

She is one of the women in this world who strives for the better, independently, and makes everything and every life she touches more wonderful. 

Strive to be a little more awesome in whatever you do. Do that extra thing to make things better. That extra special touch makes our lives more wonderful, and if you do it daily, then each day, even while at home, will be more memorable. 

Bacalao On A Budget

It's Good Friday and you might want to make Bacalao, a Spanish dish with tomatoes and a very expensive dried cod fish. To be able to make this popular Lenten dish, one can use an alternative for the main ingredient.

The substitute for Bacalao is labahita. It's a kind of Filipino dried fish that is very fleshy, with less bones that most others, butterflied open, and has no head.

Bacalao is easy to make. You don't have to be a kitchen whiz to make it. It a simple saute and boil dish. Here's the Bacalao-Labahita recipe which include the substitutes to be able to make it on a budget.

Bacalao-Labahita


Ingredients:

3 large pieces labahita, soaked in water overnight or for 12 hours
1 large onion, chopped
5 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
1 kilo potatoes, diced
1 can garbanzos, drained, skin removed
1 packet frozen sweet green peas
1 can of crushed tomatoes (or 1 medium sachet tomato sauce/1 sachet or can tomato paste)
1 small can sliced  pimientos (or 1 large bell pepper, seeded and sliced, white parts removed)
Water
Pepper to taste
Olive oil for sauteing (or any other oil)

Directions:

Choose the fleshiest and whitest labahita. After soaking, rinse well under running water to remove salt it was dried in. Shred, discard bones and tails, place aside.

Line the medium deep pan with 1cm of oil. Heat the oil and saute the garlic until light brown and then the onions until wilted slightly. Add in the labahita, stir fry for around 3 minutes on medium-high heat.

Add in the rest of the ingredients. Add enough water to cover ingredients and mix well. Let boil, stirring often. When the sauce has reduced and is thick, the potatoes are cooked, you are done.

Serve with bread or hot rice.

Have a Blessed Holy Week.

The Frap Bar: Extends Earth Hour

It's the little things you can do that makes the difference.

Now that's summer's here, my Mamaita, likes to keep cool. 

"Do you see that little light there on the TV when it's off?" Mamaita said. "That means that thing is consuming electricity. Sure, it might be only a few centavos - but how many TVs do you have in your home?"

How many times has the wisdom of our elders fallen on deaf ears? We might have heard it too often like close the light, use a timer for the aircon, defrost the fridge, open the windows as you need fresh air.

It's March 31 and Earth Hour is tonight. 

Shutting off lights for 60 minutes does signify something, doesn't it? 

Especially since the Philippines has been on TOP of this awareness campaign, I would have to agree totally with an very interesting blog post about extending Earth Hour. Click this link to read the Pevonia Earth Hour blog post.

Extending Earth Hour is an Eco-Friendly Solution the Helps You Save Money!
Saving the planet helps you save your pocket. Though there are some more expensive environmental solutions, in the long run, it is worth it to Go Green. Here's one company that is doing what they can do to make the difference.

The Frap Bar is the newest craze when it comes to cold beverages.

Unlike Starbuck, Figaro, and most of the coffee shops, this is a Philippine franchising company. This translate to less expensive franchising and less expensive frappes!

The Frap Bar is spouting up in many places all over the Philippines and are present in many school events like the recent UP Fair.

Here's their Metrowalk kiosk. For those who don't know, Metrowalk is located at Ortigas Avenue. It's an al fresco place and there is usually free live bands playing in the center of this mall's letter U.

Have a frap, go to the Spa, shop, dance, play poker at the Metro Card Club, and have unlimited drinks and unlimited fun Fluids Metrowalk.

Do have a Filipino dinner before the drinking session at one of the best Philippine restaurants, i-Bagnet.

What did The Frap Bar do?

They changed their containers from plastic to paper. Might seem like a small difference to some but that is a major change when the main thing they serve are beverages.

Do a small thing to make the difference like The Frap Bar.

Max It Out With Maxi

Cooking something truly unique like her own distinct personality, is what my daughter, Maxi, likes doing. Glad to say, her creations are quite great - so the ingredients were not wasted and we get to enjoy something new ever so often.

Maxi (short for Maxima) is truly one not to stick to the recipe book, in life and in cooking, she searches for many references to create her own dish.

The Queen of all Substitutes, she makes do with what is available. If there is a way to cut down the cost but not sacrifice the flavor, she will do so. So, she has got this skill down to a tee - if there is no sour cream, make it, if there is no self-rising flour, make it, and if the pan is not right, find a way.

A true Filipina in every sense, her love for whatever is local has been integrated in her cooking . What makes her recipes different a native ingredient that she would place. Here's one of her original recipes that is totally Pinoy - Ube Muffins.

This was created adding a few teaspoons full of Ube Jam from Baguio. The top is crispy and the inside of the muffin is tender. With less sugar than most other muffins, she was able to make this recipe perfectly wonderful to eat the very first time.

Here's another dish that she made. For the lack of a deep dish pizza plate, she used what was around. The crust of this pizza was awesome and the homemade pizza sauce was indeed one that was made by a tomato lover. Feast your eyes on this deep dish pizza that was high in taste and was made with no olive oil.

Having won the title of Fashion Model Quest in 2009, it's a struggle to keep thin so she makes food as healthy as possible which are still awesomely enjoyable.

Some recipes are made to be stuck to, but if you are bit more experienced, it is possible to deviate a little or a lot from what is written. Use various recipes as guidelines to make your own unique dish to Maxi-mize what you have on hand.

Author's Note: After recently having submitted an entry to the Globe Tattoo contest of which I wrote about one of my daughters, it inspired me to continue writing about my other children. I hope you enjoyed this article and it too inspires you to get off the beaten track, do something new, and use what is readily available to get to lower food expense but still get to eat great.

Here's a video of a few photos of Maxi that I placed together a while back. Enjoy and thanks for visiting my blog!

When Your Memory Card Breaks

Life seems to more difficult for some people. There are more challenges to overcome than others. Sometimes, it seems like an uphill struggle all the way. How can one be an overcomer?

Changing and touching peoples lives to make a difference daily with kind words, a helpful nature, and genuine concern is what one of my loving daughters, Sarah, is known for. She is an exemplary example of how Greatness Starts @Home.

As a child, she would do her responsibilities at home and for her school work before going out to play, to spend time with her friends, listen to their problems, and treats them as family. She still does the same until today.

When she was in grade school, she divided a sheet of yellow pad into 4 columns to make a list of people she knew.  One column was for family, the other one for friends,  and the next two for schoolmates and neighbors. She filled up the pad at the age of 7.

At that time, connectivity was sweeping the globe. Starting of with texting to keep in touch, then going online to use Friendster, MySpace, Yahoo Messenger, then she went on to using Facebook and Twitter.

Sarah has with the use of  these tools was able create an enormous database of people that she knows and tries her best to keep closely in touch as many as possible.

Now, the 2 essential must-haves for her, as with most of her teenage friends, is unlimited texting and unlimited Internet connection so she can greet them on their birthdays and during Christmas, know how they are doing even if they live abroad, and be there when they need to talk to her about problems with family, school, and relationships, and more.

Sarah seems to be a typical.teenager.

But, little do people know that behind that ready smile, the witty joke, and while multi-tasking to get things done as soon as possible, there is a determined character who works hard and places all her faith in God that she will succeed. And, she is the living testimony on how God's Grace and Mercy has shined in her life - and making other people's life better along the way.

Yes, there are moments of triumphs that one can keep for the rest of our lives, even if our memory card breaks.

In Sarah's young life, having recently turned 18, she has shown that Greatness Starts @Home with a few of her achievements such as:

First. Having graduated high school from Living Heritage Academy, a home study program.

It takes a lot of discipline to do this kind of school work, with minimal supervision, and to be able to focus to complete the work with high grades despite the numerous activities she has with church and with her friends.

After graduation, she was gifted with a scholarship.

Sarah is currently studying Hotel and Restaurant Management, has recently won 3rd place in a cooking contest, and had passed her TESDA NCII test with only 2 mistakes.

Second. Sarah takes care of her grandfather. When my Dad had his stroke, he got half paralyzed. He could not feed himself nor move from the bed.

Sarah is the strongest in the house, and she would move him to sit him up to be feed and more, and was over-all, like a nurse.

Dad has recovered from his paralysis.

Sarah and Mom take turns in doing his massage therapy, and with the right food and proper medication, today, Dad can walk short distances without his cane, can travel long distances, attends parties, converses, uses the computer for games, and is dictating letters again and managing everyone in our home.

I believe this shows how Greatness Starts @Home but this matter cannot be documented. If you had seen Dad after his stroke, this photo happy and healthy photo of him would warm your heart even more.

Third. Sarah is an editor and is listed as an author in the archives of the National Library.

With Sarah typing and editing, and the invaluable contribution of her two older sisters, Timi and Maxi, we were able to create "The Beef Lover's Cookbook" at home.

It was approved by National Bookstore for publishing, and passed the rigorous testing of San Miguel Corporation for them to become our primary sponsor.

This was in 2006. We took a year to make the cookbook and get it published. As of today, we are still getting royalties from the bookstore.

How does Greatness Start @ Home?

There is this popular poem about how to rear children. Though you might know it, it is worth sharing again.

A Child Learns What He Lives 

If a child lives with criticism, He learns to condemn.
If a child lives with hostility, He learns to fight.
If a child lives with ridicule, He learns to be shy.
If a child lives with shame, He learns to feel guilty.
If a child lives with tolerance, He learns to be patient.
If a child lives with encouragement, He learns confidence.
If a child lives with praise, He learns to appreciate.
If a child lives with fairness, He learns justice.
If a child lives with security, He learns to have faith.
If a child lives with approval, He learns to like himself.
If a child lives with acceptance and friendship, He learns to find love in the world.

I am not the perfect parent, but I try to bring up my children as well as I can. I firmly believe that I have great children - like Sarah. I believe that every child can be great, no matter what the circumstances are, as long as   they have developed the strength of character to overcome the obstacles that life puts in their way with patience, by developing the skills, and having integrity.

The dictionary definition of great includes markedly superior in character or quality, remarkably skilled, and marked by enthusiasm. This definition fits my daughter.

Sarah, like my other children, do have lives that show how Greatness Starts @ Home by first being content with what we have and pooling our resources together to achieve more. Success can be measured in many ways, and some can be documented, but I think that the meter ideally should be how happy the child is with their family and how their goodness is shared with the greater community.

Many people say that if Sarah ever decides to run for a political seat in the Paranaque, Las Pinas, and Muntinlupa area, she would surely win. From the junk collector to the richest villagers, the poor and the noblesse will vote for her. If ever this happens, which she right now has no plans of doing, many more people will greatly benefit from her attitude of never-ending constant improvement.

With her busy schedule because of school, her church work with the youth projects in New Life, teaching a Bible study, and going to numerous events such as concerts and birthday parties - Sarah always makes the time to treat people kindly and makes it a point to ensure she is always connected so she can be there when you need a friend to be with, to text, to tweet, or to IM, and share with the most wonderful moments, the saddest events, the plans for the future, and updates about the ordinary happenings of life.

Here's a few photos of Sarah that I compiled. Thank you for allowing us to share some of the highlights of our lives.

Make a video - it's fun, easy and free!
www.onetruemedia.com

Greatness Starts @Home Blogging Contest

Tattoo@Home believes that nurturing a child’s potential can lead to achieving greater things. And what better place to start the road to greatness than at home! Whether a parent or not, share with us those great moments of achievement that started at home and and get the chance to win great prizes such as passes to Mind Museum, Samsung Phones and Galaxy Tabs!

Here’s what you need to do:
1. Write about Greatness Starts @Home with one of the following topics:

IF YOU’RE A PARENT: What is your child’s greatest moment of achievement and how did it all start at Home?

IF YOU’RE NOT A PARENT: What is your greatest moment of achievement Who inspired and helped you at Home to achieve it and why?

2. Include a photo or video of you or your child’s greatest moment of achievement with your post.

3. Include the Tattoo@Home badge (image above) on your post linking to http://tattoo.globe.com.ph

4. Post the direct link to your blog entry as a comment under this post for you to get qualified.

5. We will be featuring your story on our official Tattoo Facebook page (http://facebook.com/GlobeTattoo) the day after your submission

6. Contest will run from February 25 – March 17. Great prizes will be given away every 2 days to lucky participants!

7. Grand Winners of Samsung Champ phones and Samsung Galaxy Tabs will be announced on March 25.

GREAT PRIZES:

Twenty (20) winners of 4 FREE PASSES to Mind Museum (scheduled visit on February 28, 9AM-12PM) for the first 20 posts. This will be awarded on Monday, February 27.
Twelve (12) Samsung Champ phones (Two (2) phones will be raffled off every 2 days to lucky participants for the next 3 weeks)
Two (2) Samsung Galaxy Tabs AND Two (2) Samsung Champ phones for the Best Blogs (One (1) from each topic) based on the criteria below:

Criteria:

Creativity – 40% (Does your blog post successfully integrate well-crafted text with engaging images or video?
Content – 30% (Does your blog post embody what it means to start Greatness at Home?)
Originality – 15% (Does your blog post present your story in a unique way and highlights the subject’s individuality?)
Interaction on Tattoo’s FB page – 15% (Number of likes and comments from unique users about the story on the official Globe Tattoo Facebook page – http://facebook.com/GlobeTattoo)

Sooo Pinoy Ultimate Food Blogger - The Contest and Journey

Wanting to be the Sooo Pinoy Ultimate Food Blogger winner for the contest to win a journey around the Philippines is one thing that I dream of. It keeps me motivated and makes me look forward to something new. The journey includes dining in over 100 different restaurants, and I like that, and who would not?

Sooo Pinoy Ultimate Food Blogger: My Personal Journey

If it was not for the Sooo Pinoy Ultimate Food Blogger contest, I would not have started this blog. That in itself is an accomplishment for I live and work in a virtual world. An example of my typical day is to wake up, turn on the computer, go wash my face, and write a few articles for work while cooking at lunch at the same time. Multi-tasking? Yup. I am a great example of a work at home mom.

Sooo Pinoy Ultimate Food Blogger

Making it to the Top 20

It was quite a wait to know the result of the first round and now am off to the next round with this blog entry.  It must have come to the point where my kids would say "Mom, be cool." Well, I never really did join contests before this one. And when I did, the contest bug bite me hard.

It bit me so hard, I started joining other online contests. RT to Win, Share and Win, Write a Tweet to Win, and practically anything. My kids tell me that maybe it's not the prize, it's the enjoyment of winning.

And it made a lot of my friends on Facebook start reading my post and joining contests too!

As a web writer, my life is mostly online. These kinds of contest provide me with a break, and one that has hope. So, forget about playing games that are a waste of time, and get join the fun by being part of a raffle or contest online.

Sooo Pinoy Ultimate Foood Blogger - More than Just a Contest

Being in the Top 20 is an honor indeed. I hope to make it to the next round. I hope to win. And, by God's Grace and Mercy, if He should make me win. I hope that this group decides that I am the best and most qualified blogger to hold our country's flag up high to promote the cause of great Filipino cuisine.

The One: Sooo Pinoy Ultimate Food Blogger Contestant’s Choice

If you were given a choice to pick one restaurant that may symbolize your country's food, what would it be?

The Search: Sooo Pinoy 
Ultimate Food Blogger Contestant’s Choice

When Filipinos stay in the US for a time, they long for something that is not available. (Walang ganyan sa States)

The Heart: Green Mango (Manggang Hilaw)

The center of every feast and occasion is...

The Soul: Roasted Pig (Lechon)

A meal is not complete without these.

The Life: Sauteed Vegetables

The Comfort: Beef Stock Soup (Bulalo)

The dessert was delightful with a unique dip which tasted like condensed milk..

The Sweetness: Crispy Wrapped Deep Fried Bananas (Turon)

The Spirit: Establishment Boom 

After one month of operation on May 2010, Chic-Boy sold its first franchise. Now, it has 79 dine-in stores and 47 under construction. If you will recall the trend of Shawarma stalls, Siopao kiosks, and Noodles with Chili-Garlic sauce, these all started sprouting like mushrooms to get established into our food lifestyle. Chic-Boy is top of the roasted chicken (inasal) trend right now.

At first, I thought that Chic-Boy meant a guy who likes girls (chicks) then I found out that it meant chicken-baboy as their 2 key dishes are the Cebu Lechon Manok and Cebu Lechon Liempo.

Sooo Pinoy: The Service

Ordering is done in the counter and the food is delivered to the table, piping hot. The fork and spoon are wrapped in tissue paper. The food is placed in the center for you to get your own plate. 

The service? Exactly what you will expect from a typical Philippine restaurant - you want service, call the waiter or bus boy, and if he is busy, go to the counter.

Chic-Boy: The Difference

To get value for your money. Chic-Boy is it. The serving portions is double of what other restaurants serve with unlimited rice and soup.

The Cebu Lechon Liempo had crispy skin, was tender, and delicious. The Cebu Lechon Manok was cooked perfectly and very tasty.

Sooo Pinoy: Breaking Down Barriers

Chic-Boy, Molito, Alabang is the only place that I know where wealthy Alabang boys will sit down to dine with people that are taxi drivers and sale representatives.

It is, I believe, a restaurant that breaks down the barriers set by money by serving food that is affordable to all. The food is so good, no one cares about anything else. People are treated equally with the same amount of food and service.

If you want to eat great food, go to Chic-Boy. More than saving money and getting full, it truly breathes the life and soul of Sooo Pinoy food.  

Frank and Carols Chocolate Cake - Think Chocolate Cake

Frank and Carol's gourmet cakes has a chocolate cake that must have been made in heaven. Frank and Carol's chocolate cake is unlike those commercially made chocolate cakes. Want to find out more about wonderful gourmet cakes?

Enter the world of delicious treats with this Frank's and Carol's review. 

For the Love of Cake

Frank and Carol's - Best Gourmet Cakes

One of the featured bakery products at the Pavarti Store (located in Trinoma that belongs to the Ayala Malls group) is the chocolate cake. This food item I personally consider to be the best I have ever tasted. Being a cookbook author, I have made a number of chocolate cakes but have never achieved the moist nature that exemplifies the cakes of Frank and Carol's.

When I was younger, there was a popular chocolate cake called Cookie Monster. I still remember the taste of that one and how all us Assumption girls where delighted with this chocolate cake as it had a terrific filling.

I don't think the Cookie Monster chocolate cake is still commercially available. And one thing that I can say about comparing these 2 chocolate cakes is that Frank and Carol's is definitely a lot less sweeter. The icing of the Frank and Carol's chocolate cake is in a shade of mocha brown while the other one was dark brown. This gourmet cake has chocolate shavings on top and an awesome filling that makes the visible and delightful difference to each forkful.

Frank and Carol's chocolate cake can create more memorable occasions.

                         

Frank and Carol's - For Desserts and Snacks

This bakery has a number of other gourmet cakes such as one of their newest product which is the Black Forest cake. For the ones who would want a chocolate cake with more ingredients and a touch of white icing, this is quite appealing, Frank and Carol's Black Forest cake is the gourmet cake to serve as a dessert or snack when you want to provide an alternative to their classic chocolate cake.

The Pavarti Store also has Frank and Carol's chocolate chip cookies. An wonderful treat for kids of all ages, you might want to take home a few for your children to snack on.

Frank and Carol's - A Cake for All Reasons

If you want a chocolate cake that is made with real gourmet chocolate, is moist, less sweet, and a lot less expensive than other gourmet cakes, get a Frank and Carol's. It will be the best cake that you can serve to your family and friends and to give as a gift.

When you want eat great chocolate cake or any gourmet cake, go to the Pavarti Store at Trinoma to sample the Frank and Carol's mini cakes and buy the larger ones for sharing.

If there is craving, that's enough reason. When you want to indulge in the very best, that's a great reason. If someone has a gathering, it's time for sharing.

Please visit Frank and Carol's Facebook Page for more information. 

Think Chocolate Cake!

Coke Light 2L - 27 Pesos Lang

I am not sure if the place still has stock, but I was able to buy Coke Light for only 27 pesos. I frequent the place as it is one of the 24 hours stores that is similar to a fast food Philippine restaurant.

I usually order the Bicol Express. Dad likes the Calderata. I also like the Fried Chicken. It's a good thing that this place is always open as sometimes, I am too lazy to cook, want to eat something different, and bring home some food. Highly affordable and great tasting, I highly recommend you try buying food from here.

Maybe this sale is not available at all branches, but in the Mini Stop Aguirre Branch corner El Grande Avenue, which is in front of BPI, there is Coke Light at this incredibly cheap price.

I checked the expiry date of the bottle and it's still on March. I drank it and it was totally great. Though I love Coke Regular, Coke Light is also very nice.

So, if you live in the area of BF Homes or have friends who do, you might want to get a few bottles before the supply runs out. If you know anyone from that area, text them, post this link on FB, or tweet.

Coke adds Life and this post can help you save money. Do subscribe to my blog so you won't miss out on what's cheap and great to drink and eat at the various Philippine restaurants. 

California MakiOnly 50 Pesos

Want to indulge in California Maki? Mura lang, 50 pesos only. Sobrang sarap. Less fattening than other California Maki's at other Philippine restaurants as the mayo is just right.

For mayonnaise lovers, a big dollop is welcome. But most of us are dieting and are concerned about the triglyceride intake. When you try this weight conscious California Maki, the reduce amount of mayo does make a wonderful difference. It is made even better because there are more of the poppy little orange eggs that surround their special promo sushi.

It was a delight for me and my daughter to enjoy this promo. We ordered California Makis and Cold Soba noodles at the BF Homes Branch. The coolness of the places was just right and comfortable. The chairs and table were just the right height.The service was excellent.

The presentation was terrific even when compared to expensive Japanese restaurants. Who would expect that a fast food chain would give 2 small piles of wasabi which was more than enough. Who would expect the size of a promo sushi to be the correct one? Who would anticipate that the Cold Soba noodles will be served on a bamboo mat with shaved ice surrounding it?

If you want to order California Maki for only 50 pesos, go to any Teriyaki Boy. Go today while this Philippine restaurant's promo is still available as it will end soon! For more details, visit the Teriyaki Boy Facebook Page.

Ang Paborito ni Lolo: Kape at Champorado

In Memory of Lolo Pepe


Typewriter lang ang gamit niya noon, at ang hirap mag-bura ng mga mali. Kaya kapag ako na papagod sa trabaho bilang manunulat, parang naririning ko siyang nagsasabi, "Kung ako may computer, hindi lang 1,000 libro ang naisulat ko."

Maraming isinulat ang Lolo Pepe ko katulad ng Balarila, Panitikan, at ang Thesaurus-Dictionary English-Pilipino. Ang Lolo Pepe ko ay itunuring na “Bayani ng Wikang Pambansa”. Dahil sa sipag at tiyag niya upang magkaisa ang ating bayan, ginawa niya lahat upang maging National Language ang Tagalog.

Trivia: Ang paborito ng Lolo ko na si Jose Villa Panganiban ay Kapeng Barako at Champorado. Kailangan ang kape ay galing sa Batangas at kami ay galing Tanauan at ang merienda na kanin na may tsokolate ay upisahan kainin galing sa gilid ng plato at yun ang medyo malamig na at hindi makakpaso.

Never Ending Constant Improvement

My Lolo always said to me that I will too be a writer like him one day, and I am. The things that I learned while hanging out in his office-library drove me to author "The Beef Lover's Cookbook", which was published by National Bookstore and sponsored by San Miguel Corporation featuring ingredients  of products from Monterey, San Miguel Beer, Magnolia Cream Cheese, and more. 

Later this year, as it has been approved, by God's Grace and Mercy, I am going to release my "Culinary Dictionary." It is currently in the process of selecting words that are going to be illustrated as per request of the publishing house.

It is my goal to bring the world together with the language of food - like being able to order a hamburger in any country you are in, in a way, like he did, instilling Tagalog as the National Language to bring unity our country that has between 120 and 175 languages, out of which 4 are no longer spoken.

Lolo said that the Filipino language is a living one as it constantly evolving and always changing. I think you can say the same for Philippine cuisine.

As a living language, Taglish is okay, that's why airplanes cannot be called 'sasakyan panghimpapawid. As Philippine cuisine is adaptable, we can create the same food with different ingredients, which are based on what is available locally like kung walang calamansi, lagyan ng lemon.

His pet peeve word was 'upuan' which is the Tagalog word for 'chair'. He couldn't stand the fact that the purists wanted to call it, "salung-pwet". He raised his hands in the air while walking around in a fury shouting, "Salong-pwet, salong-pwet.- ano ba talaga ang salong-pwet - hindi yan upuan... yan ay toilet!" Ang bastos nga pakingan - at magpasalamat tayong lahat dahil ang salong-suso ay hindi din na tuloy kaya ang suot pa din ng mga babae ngayon ay bra.

Why do I have to write on the web?

Having reached a high level of success in this field of online industry, notably one of the writers for one of the top reviews sites in the US, once a BusinessBlogWriter, and now an SEO expert, I am glad that he had taught me all his secrets.Now that I can create more time, I have turned to blogging for my own pursuit, which is about anything Filipino.

Online work is very challenging, as the Internet audience is very finicky, and one has to go with the trend. There are writing skills that cannot be learned from any book, and these I have. There are other online skills that one can only learn with studying all the time.

The mission online is making a website reach the top ranking of Google search engine results. I can do that with only 2 articles like this example is another reason why I am probably one of the best Philippine writers. This is what I am trying to achieve with this new blog.

If a Picture Paints a Thousand Words

What qualifies a good writer? If they can paint a picture with words.

Bloggers have it easy as adding images makes it more attractive. But, can Google read images? Alt Tab might do the trick. Will it make the website rank? Content and keywords are the ruling factors in this industry.

A blogger has to be more than just self-serving. What kind of information does an article share. Is it simply about a personal experience? Can a one-liner that can change the world? It has to be the pursuit of something more...

What is that pursuit that qualifies an excellent writer?

Is it entertaining?
Is it well-written?
Does it have a lot of visitors and comments?
Are there a lot of followers?
How much time was spent in writing the article?
Was there extra time and effort made in creating the post?

Hey, is that it? Take a few snapshots, place nice sounding words, and put it on Tumblr? Make friends with other writers and bloggers to use the power of web linking?

Heck, then to be called an excellent writer, one should join a popularity contest.

An excellent writer gives helpful information. Hopefully, one that is uplifting. Like Wikipedia, there has to be something learned.

Kung may natutuhan ka na kahit isang bagay dahil sa isinulat kong ito, ang ginawa ko ay hindi nasayang.

Please visit any National Bookstore branch to buy a copy of my cookbook and the dictionary of my Lolo. For people overseas, you may get your copies at Amazon.com. Author's note: I would like to thank Sooo Pinoy for creating their 'Ultimate Blogger's' Contest. It was a turning point in my life and helped me decide to regularly update various blogsites.

Fil-Am Cooking Competion - In the News Jan 23, 2012

You might have seen it on the news, how there was a cooking contest of Phil-Americans in California.

It was quite a sight to see ice cream champorado with the tuyo just by it's side. Akala ko walang ganyan sa States, eh, walang ganyan dito!

Filipino Fusion Cuisine at it's finest. I do believe we can all learn something new from our foodies abroad.

You may want to learn more about the contestants - and get the winning recipes!

Here's the link of how Pinoys abroad are promoting Filipino food.

Click here to find out more about this cooking contest, winners, and what are their recipes.

Gourmet Chocolate Cakes Guide

Give in to your chocolate cravings as dark chocolate is good for you. There are times that you totally must indulge that sweet tooth and if you do, pick only the best.

One way to diet is to avoid food items that are mediocre. So if there is a cake that is commercially made, take only a sliver of a slice or pass. Save your calorie intake for something that deserves it.

The decadent delight of chocolate makes it one of the world's most favorite flavors.

Why are so many people addicted to chocolate?

One of the reasons is the way our mind works. Having tasted a certain flavor that created pleasure, once the object is recognized, the desire to attain the same kind of pleasure turns into a craving.

Don't let your chocolate cravings control you. Control it and eat only gourmet chocolate cakes.

Why cake?
Because you can eat more that just a chocolate bar.

Why gourmet?
For the assurance that it is really dark chocolate. Some may be bitter sweet, a few super thick and totally heavy contrary to the ones that are light and fluffy. A gourmet will search for one that is moist. That's because the true gourmet chocolate cakes really are moist. They are in fact elegant desserts that may come in many stylish designs with an option to have additional ingredients such as cherries or nuts.

I can have my cake and eat it too?
Yes, because when you eat gourmet chocolate cake, you get to satisfy your cravings in less bites.

Where to find gourmet chocolate cakes?

There are many Philippine restaurants that serve gourmet chocolate cakes. But, it surely to your advantage to buy from a bake shop.

The way to recognize a great chocolate cake, in my opinion, is by it's simplicity. There are a lot of cakes that are disguised by icing and look fantastic but the true test is in the eating.

There are many kinds of gourmet chocolate desserts like Black Velvet cakes and truffles. Yet, if you want the most awesome one, many people will agree that it has to be a classic chocolate cake. Such simplicity is beauty - if you can say that about a cake. The correct words would be...

Delicious. Yummy. Special.
Like Frank & Carol's Chocolate Cake

To find the best gourmet chocolate cake in the Philippines, go to Trinoma and drop by the Parvati Store. For more information online, visit Frank & Carol's Facebook Page.

Gourmet Gifts for Valentine's Day - The Bubbly

Valentine's Day is now around the corner. Have you thought about what you might get that special person?

Feeling a bit naughty? Want to place someone in a romantic mood? The most effective way to do so is with to prepare a dinner at home. Going to one of the restaurant's in the Philippines is good, but if you can't afford to or want to do something different, take out the candles, and serve... aphrodisiacs.

Bring out the Bubbly!

A bit of the bubbly will make any dinner extra special - or after dinner more exciting. Champagne, of course, is expensive but here's a clue of what you can do to still get the enjoyment of popping the cork and the tingling sensation of drinking a bubbly.

If you can't afford the real thing, there is a fabulous alternative.

It's called Asti Spumanti. There are a number of labels to choose from but my all-time favorite is Martini & Rossi.

I remember Ralph's Wines that was located in Makati Avenue. From these humble beginnings, Ralph Joseph, worked hard pursuing his dream to be one of the best wine merchant in the Philippines. The younger brother of Ralph was usually around also, working on papers, and aiding his brother to reach the dream - which they did.

One night, I stepped into Ralph's Wines, and Ralph was there. He waved at me, dropped everything he was doing, and pulled me excitedly towards the upright chiller filled with wines and spirits, perfectly cold and ready to drink.

Ralph pulled out a bottle and said, "Try this!".

I did, and it was love at first sip.

That one sensational taste that I will not forget, along with the multitude of wines and spirits that Ralph asked me to try over the years with his tasting events, which are all wonderful.

Go to the nearest Ralph's Wine to see what kind of fizzy drink you can serve on Valentine's or any other special occassion. If you want red or white wine, try Ralph's Wines exclusive labels. I am sure the any of the staff can recommend to you a bottle of great wine that's suits the most discriminating taste.

Click here for more information about Ralph's Wines.

Frank & Carol's Takes the Cake

Chocolate cake is a beautifully rich dessert. Do you want one made with a very special chocolate cake recipe?

Frank & Carol's is one of those bakeries that primarily specialize in single item which is the chocolate cake. You can get round ones in different sizes from large to mini. For an more unique cake, this chocolate dream can be bought in the shape of a heart.

The desserts at the Parvati Store, which is located in Trinoma, like this Frank & Carol's chocolate cake, are so fabulous! The frosting is superb!

The interior of the Parvati store is welcoming. The same is true of the employees who are very pleasant, which personalized the experience for me and my friends.

We couldn't decide what to order so we went for three distinctive minis of the most moist & scrumptious desserts I have ever had.

Not merely were the desserts to die for, but the service from Parvati Store was quite excellent.

Gourmet Chocolate Cake

Frank & Carol's cakes are extremely moist, and my family has served them to visitors on holidays - everyone LOVED it!

You can order and it will be delivered so you can have their wonderful desserts sent your family as well as friends.

My mouth still waters just thinking about this gourmet chocolate cake.

It is designed for every special occasion. I've taken these magnificent desserts to client's offices, brought them into the workplace for our staff, used it as my potluck, and to give as a gift. Each and every time I have brought a Frank & Carol's cake, I have heard many compliments as well as yum, yum!

If you are shopping around for a way to satisfy your sweet tooth, and have a longing for a gourmet chocolate cake, try this place out. This chocolate cake may just become your favorite to eat and give away.

Frank & Carols chocolate cake takes the cake.

To get more information about these gourmet cakes, check out the Facebook Page of Frank & Carol's.