Searching high and low for an affordable Chinese restaurant (or something like it) in Bonifacio High Street brought us to Wee Nam Kee Hainanese Chicken Rice in Serendra. Ok so maybe it was Singaporean (Well technically Singaporean is somewhat Chinese culture). But anyway here's why we decided to settle.

We wanted to celebrate the Chinese New Year and naturally we craved for dimsums and peking duck among others. But since we already had Kirin (and it goes way beyond our pockets), we wanted to try something different.

So there we were trying to make ourselves comfortable on a quite stiff chair and a drunk table - it swayed for quite some time before someone came to our rescue to edge in a piece of paper between the table leg and the floor.

The restaurant had quite a fastfood feel. The lights were fairly bright and the tiles were really similar to those of fastfood chains.

[caption id="attachment_594" align="aligncenter" width="510" caption="In Wee Nam Kee"][/caption]

But when we tried their Hainanese Chicken, I wanted to forget their drunk table, their quite substandard service and everything else that happened.

[caption id="attachment_595" align="aligncenter" width="510" caption="Barley Juice - Hot or Cold (P55)"][/caption]

Their Barley Juice was okay. Nothing spectacular and nothing to gush about. It had quite a bland type of sweet taste.

[caption id="attachment_596" align="aligncenter" width="510" caption="Hong Kong Fried Noodles (P255)"][/caption]

Now this was the beginning of something great. Wee Nam Kee's Hong Kong Fried Noodles was really mouthwatering. It was flavorful and everything added in it excited our tastebuds.

[caption id="attachment_597" align="aligncenter" width="510" caption="Hong Kong Fried Noodles served HOT! :)"][/caption]

With all that we ordered, we thought we would be able to take home the noodles but like every plate on our table it looked licked clean.

[caption id="attachment_599" align="aligncenter" width="510" caption="Wee Nam Kee Fried Rice (P190)"][/caption]

For some Filipinos, what's pancit without rice? So here's our second carb for the night to go with our pancit and Hainanese Chicken. It had the perfect grain texture and it could actually stand on its own. In hunger I could dispatch it in a minute or two.

Steamed Chicken Rice - Small, Good for 2 pax (P248)

And now for our main event, the star of the night - Wee Nam Kee's Steamed Hainanese Chicken! Seasoned with garlic, ginger and spices. Drizzled in light soy sauce, sesame oil and served with coriander and cucumber. Enjoy the dish with unlimited dips on the table  like chili sauce and pounded ginger.

Chicken Rice (Steamed / Roasted)

Personal Set (Comes with Rice and Chicken Soup) - P168

Small (Quarter 2 pax) - P248

Medium (Half 3-4 pax) - P488

Large ( Whole 6-7) - P888

We just couldn't have enough of it that we had to taste their Roasted version. Jason kept muttering that he was already full and couldn't have any more but as the roasted chicken was placed on our table, he just couldn't keep his hands off it.

Roasted Chicken

I don't blame him. I almost forgot to take a picture and instantly attacked the plate of delicious and juicy chicken. If you ask me which is better, I really can't decide. It's best to try it out for yourself.

By far this was the best Chinese (Singaporean) New Year to date and it had a lot to do with Wee Nam Kee's Hainanese Chicken. :)

Gong Xi Fa Cai everyone! =)

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Wee Nam Kee Hainanese Chicken Rice

G/F Serendra

McKinley Parkway, Bonifacio Global City

Taguig City, Metro Manila

Philippines

(02)822-7095

Sing away: The Sound of Music extended until February 12, 2012!

Last Sunday, I fell in love all over again with the songs of my childhood.

  Resorts World Manila brings to life a well-loved 1965 classic, The Sound of Music and I must say they did a swell job of it. The best part is they're extending the musical to February 12, so be sure to catch it!

[caption id="attachment_582" align="aligncenter" width="100" caption="The Sound of Music extended!"][/caption]

If you're a fan of the movie, I bet you'll love this but if you haven't seen it yet, maybe you wouldn't enjoy just as much but it's definitely amusing to watch. The set was incredible and the cast was lovely.

I can't help but sing along with every song and even shed a tear or two with the all too familiar sentimental moments of Maria leaving the Von Trapp's abode, her reunion with Captain Von Trapp, the children's reintroduction of music in their home by singing The Sound of Music and their performance of Edelweiss in a festival.

My favorite acts were  Maria teaching Do-Re-Mi and the yodelings in her bedroom (originally in the movie, the song in Maria's bedroom was Favorite Things, and the yodelings were done in a puppet show). Err..that's how much of a Sound of Music geek I am.

I felt transported back in time! Their choreography was very similar to that of the original.

Every feeling of my childhood was stirred and replicated once more and I found it bittersweet again to bade them farewell. It still is difficult to say goodbye to wonderful classics such as these. What is more beautiful is that though the feeling may be the same, the insights are different. This is what classics do to me whether in books or movies, in every decade it brings out a new realization. In the concept of love, family, loyalty and nationalism for this particular play.

Just recently I found out that Edelweiss is a kind of flower. I just loved it as a song then but singing out the lyrics last Sunday, I kind of wondered what it meant. First heard it when the children's supposedly new stepmother mentioned it as she met them, and then during the Von Trapp's final performance. Thought that it was a flower since it bloomed and grew as I sang with the lyrics. True enough it was. A flower that only grew in the Alps. It was actually a song that expressed their opposition to the Germans.

Nonetheless, the play was still magical to me. Hats off to the powerhouse cast starred by Joanna Ampil and Audie Gemora. Their fantastic voices will forever echo in my memory.

[caption id="attachment_583" align="aligncenter" width="510" caption="Yessiree I enjoyed it!"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_584" align="aligncenter" width="510" caption="Captain Jason Von Trapp"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_585" align="aligncenter" width="510" caption="Wanted to be behind the walls of an abbey before :)"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_586" align="aligncenter" width="510" caption="Odd one out =p"][/caption]

P.S. Please bring back Mary Poppins too. :p

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The Sound of Music

Resorts World Manila

Newport Performing Arts Theatre Level 3

Ticketworld: 891-9999

Shows are every Friday, Saturday and Sunday

Tickets ranging from Php 1,000 - 2,000 :)

Cibo: Perfection of al dente pasta and pizza deliziosa!

You'll never go wrong with Cibo and on their 15th year this August, I can't wait what they'll come up with!

You see my favorite cuisine is really Italian (next to Filipino of course) and Cibo has satisfied my taste for the deliziosa!

It was our first time to supposedly attend the Sunday service in CCF Eastwood, but we weren't aware of the time THEN, so we missed it. =( We just decided to have lunch instead. In the new Eastwood mall, it was a no-brainer to pick Cibo.

Spaghettini Alla Romana (P225)

 To get our fix of al dente pasta, we tried the Spaghettini Alla Romana. It was sardines, extra-virgin olive oil, fennel, chili peppers and red pesto. Absolutely delicious!

I read an article in PhilStar that years back, clients of Cibo chef and owner, Gaita Fores would complain that the sauce of the pasta was too little. She would often reply that the Italians equally celebrate the flavor of the pasta itself and its sauce. And true to what she said, the pasta in itself was already a delight and the flavor of the sauce was rich in taste complimenting it very well.

[caption id="attachment_573" align="aligncenter" width="510" caption="Prosciutto Di Parma (P358)"][/caption]

 This was their bestseller I suppose as it's the lone pizza that occupied 1/4 page of the menu, YOU WOULDN'T MISS IT. If you can't say it nor spell it (I had to double check their menu twice to make sure I spelled it right), you're sure to find it anyway. Prosciutto Di Parma had a generous amount of tomatoes, Parma ham, aromatic arugula best mixed with slices of mozzarella cheese.

 For some reason, even if I chomped down the whole thing I don't feel the least bit of guilt. It probably had to do with the arugula greens on it. And besides, cheese is healthy right? It gives us calcium.... for strong bones. :) Ok I'm justifying so I could eat the whole piece. And yes my appetite is that huge.

Cibo  definitely did satisfy my Italian cuisine craving. So if you're up for some Italian lovin', and there isn't a warm-blooded, all Italian male hungry for and generous on amore around. Think Cibo. Hunger no more, Italian lovin' is right at your door! :)

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Cibo

2nd Flr. New Eastwood Mall

Libis, Quezon City

470-2426

 

Cozy and comfy at Mom and Tina's

If anything, Mom and Tina's has mastered the art of coziness. They've made efforts to do so too with their yellow-lit and warm atmosphere, comfy couches and sweet notes on their menu that will make you feel just right at home.

Li'l sweet note to mom from Tina :)

 More than just  a wide array of desserts and goodies, plus their scrumptious chicken empanada (P35) [a must take home for pasalubong!], Mom & Tina's also serves appetizing comfort dishes like my all time (oil-drenched) favorite,  Chicken n' Chips which I can barely resist.

Chicken n' Chips (P235)

Deep fried, breaded chicken fillet served with french fries and tartar sauce. No more, no less! I can just have these all day. Fried food is really my ultimate comfort food - remind me to cut that out from my diet soon. But for now, let me enjoy the natural high this brings. ü Other series of these were Fish N' Chips at exactly the same price and Shrimp N' Chips at P325. 

Mom and Tina's Chicken Relleno wasn't top of the line but was satisfying.

Chicken Relleno (P190)

Baked stuffed chicken slices with sauce, served with coleslaw and rice. It might appear unfilling and unfulfilling though, but don't be fooled it's downright comfort food and lip-smacking delicious! 

After those savory delights, we moved on to the sweets.

[caption id="attachment_552" align="aligncenter" width="510" caption="Mocha Fudge Cupcake (P42)"][/caption]

The cupcake was fluffy and the mocha-flavored icing wasn't too sweet - the caramel fudge just added the right sweentess to it that tickled our taste buds in its creamy and sweet goodness.

Hershey's Kisses Brownie (P30)

Small but absolutely flavorful! Mom and Tina's Hershey's Kisses Brownie was made to be loved. It wasn't sinful as a moist chocolate cake - it just gave you the right dose of sweetness that would get you going for the day. It's the instant upper and it's bite-sized too leaving you guilt-free yet a chocolate-cake-worth of happy.

P.S. Mom & Tina's finally opened along Katipunan! Just across the shared bridge of Ateneo de Manila University and Miriam College.

 Students and Katipunan-lovers alike can now enjoy Mom & Tina's comfort food and homey goodness whenever they want!

Been there twice and you bet it's just as nice. For coziness though, you ought to try the one along C-5. ü

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Mom & Tina's Bakery Cafe
FRDC Building
106 E. Rodriguez Jr. Avenue,
Pasig City, Metro Manila

914-0833 or 571-1541

An unreflected life is a life empty of meaning.

So momentarily I look back and count down my Best 11 of year 2011.

11. PCBC Young Pro Camp in CWC, Naga - My first wakeboarding experience. Met a lot of great friends - my roomie Juvy was the best (learned a lot from this tough yet sweet mom), and reconnected with my roots in Naga. It was definitely an enriching experience.

Young Pros in CWC

10. Yao-Lianko Wedding - Second stint in wedding hosting. Glad I didn't fall flat on my face. Learned that preparation is everything! Took several meetings with the couple, a waste can full of drafts, and a lot of debating on what to throw and what to keep on the script.  At the end of the day, we know it by heart. Execution is just as crucial, but really preparation is the key.

Final script for the Wedding hosting

9. Kapati-Run 365: One Life a Day - 1st time to be part of the organizing team for a race. It was tough but if you don't have the luxury of time, it pays to work smart instead of working hard.

Kapati-Run Team

8. Coron Adventure - Conquered my fear of the sea. I can't swim you see. But here in Coron, I had no choice but to kick on.  It was swimming after swimming after swimming. I learned to just JUMP. The fear was actually worse than just swimming. And if you don't JUMP, you'll never know what you're missing. So if before I dread the waters, now I can't wait for my next sea adventure.

Out at sea in Coron

7. GLC in CCF - How do you make sense of your faith if you can't articulate it or express it? Attended level 1 of GLC to refresh what I know about God. It also clarified some confusions and helped me to be able to articulate and communicate my faith and my love for Him. I would still want to study theology in the future, but here, everything is simplified from who God is, who am I to Him, and how I should direct my life for His glory.

GLC in CCF (pic c/o Jason)

6. Toastmasters Membership (Greenhills Prime) - You won't believe it but I'm incredibly shy. I can hardly stand in front without peeing my pants. But last 2011 was the year to conquer some fears. So there I dared to face up to the challenge. My first time was really nerve wracking but it's actually the excitement of treading on unfamiliar ground that keeps you going. As the year begins, I'm about to make my 4th basic speech (minus the notes!) and soon I promise myself, I won't recognize myself after this course. Pro or not, I will be better than I was.

1st Basic Speech: Beautiful Monster as suggested by mentor Chaw

5. My first 3 KM (Kapati-Run) 5 KM (Jubilee Fun Run) 5 KM (All Terrain Race) and 10KM (Urbanathlon) race - Who knew I would be running.... and this far?? My first 1km race 2 or 3 years ago was the worst! I lost my breath within a few meters away from the starting line and I decided to walk the rest of the race. It may seem like an easy sport but running like any other requires a lot of discipline, mental "psyching" and believe it or not emotional readiness and persistence. Once your mind cannot endure any more, it's your drive to push further that will do the running for you. I'm glad to say that I finished the race - dirt, obstacles, and all... [and I'm not the last.] Yey!

Men's Health Urbanathlon Finisher

4. Simbang Gabi Outreach - The best part about Christmas is not really about receiving but in giving. Because Christ Himself exemplified and embodied the greatest gift that was given to us. This year Simbang Gabi, a project of ABS-CBN Marketing, set the tone for me on having the attitude of giving. What's fulfilling in giving is knowing that you've actually gained more from opening and extending your arms.

Simbang Gabi outreach mission accomplished

3. World Youth Day Madrid 2011 - Seeing the Pope was an experience that I treasure. But the actual journey exceeded those 4 treasured moments. Being part of this momentous and worldwide event led me to a closer encounter with Jesus Christ by seeing Him in the many faces of young believers. It was a pilgrimage more than a vacation, it was dependence on God more than finding your own way, it was more of prayer than giving in to the noise of the world. More than those, it was also a reminder for us to remain rooted to our faith.

World Youth Day Madrid 2011

2. Vicariate Youth Day / Parish Youth Day - The culmination of World Youth Day is not an encounter with the Pope but sharing this journey and experience to the youths back home. I trust that even if I wasn't to deliver it as effectively as I wanted to, they have embraced the experience of encountering Christ as we did.

VYD in Good Shepherd Parish

1. Gaining an Archivel family - Getting to know my family in Archivel my Papi Cefe, Mami Juani and my 3 brothers : Alvaro, Andres and Daniel was the best gift God has given me this year. He brought me back to the origin of where our first loves should come from - our family. Despite the language barrier, the difference in culture, we were able to connect in the most special way. We were able to defy boundaries and embrace each other like the family we have back home and more. God has allowed me to experience the love I thought I would never know of.

Truly God gives the best gifts and  blessings to His children even more than we deserve.

I started praying about the World Youth Day 2011 at the start of the year. From the application to the visa and everything in between. Visa finally got approved to my persistent prayer and when I got my itinerary, found out that we were leaving exactly on my birthday, August 8. I knew that this was God's gift to me. Not only did I receive the gift of friendship, the love of a new family but above all I got to know Christ deeply.

Mulero - Amador family in Archivel

 So here's to the wonderful experiences, the great memories, and the overflow of blessings of 2011!

Cheers to new beginnings this 2012! =)

 

Up for an elegant flambé with a finale of flaming desserts? Well you walked through the wrong door, this is not it. =)

But Torch was such a delicious surprise even without the flame that came with its name. It wasn't the least bit disappointing. It was a tad pricey though but if you're out for a laid back dinner or a night out with friends, this place is best for that much longed for, and much deserved Friday chill out.

  The Soft-Shell Crab Salad I started to attack as soon as the plate was laid on the table hinted that it was going to be a promising dinner.

(Not to mention that their crew was especially nice too that even before we decided to place our order, house water was served, they were very attentive to our needs and ready to move  at our slightest whim)

[caption id="attachment_500" align="aligncenter" width="510" caption="Soft Shell Crab Salad (P299.95)"][/caption]

The mangoes and grapes that were in it gave it the extra oomph. They weren't that generous though with the soft shell crab, but it was enough that we didn't have to start a war on who would get what.

It gets better. Torch's Chicken Barbeque Sandwich really made my mouth water.

Chicken Barbeque Sandwich (P294.95)

It was covered in melted cheese and the grilled chicken breast was oozing with Torch's special Barbeque sauce. There's nothing like the good ol' cheese to get my lips smacking. Other burgers on the menu looked equally appetizing like their Chicago Steak Sandwich which I dare try next time.

Now when I thought it couldn't get any better, their Smoked Jabanero Glazed Salmon gave my tastebuds the time of the night.

[caption id="attachment_504" align="aligncenter" width="510" caption="Smoked Jabañero Glazed Salmon (P384.95"][/caption]

Served with unagi citrus sauce, mango salsa and garlic parsley rice. I was abstaining from rice but when I took a bite of salmon and rice - man. FORGET that No-rice diet! Bring in the whole sack. The salmon was fresh and it had a delicious combination of flavors that was complemented well by the garlic parsley rice. I just had to have more! Too bad though I was just given one bite left.

Everything on their menu was comfort food at its a-little-pricey best. From burgers to seafood, to salad and even japanese food on their menu. It offered a little more to your simple cravings.

If I'm going back? Let's just say I'm hot for Torch.

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TORCH
63 Connecticut Street, Greenhills, San Juan
Telephone: +63 477-3771, 502-0000
Email: torch1208@yahoo.com