Quezon City, Philippines. SKD Academy one of the leading Culinary schools in the Philippines recently held a 1st Culinary Summit in Amoranto Theater in Quezon City entitled “Power up! Skills is the new global currency”. It was a whole day event that discussed the different facets of becoming a chef.
The day was filled with celebration of empowerment that was imparted to its students and public. The culinary school believes that being empowered to have skills is the new global currency. They aim to help the students acquire new set of skills or enhance their existing culinary skills turning them into a competitive and the best workforce in the country.
“Passion and hardwork is what drives having a valued skill set. Together, we want you to have as an edge when we conquer the culinary world’, Mr. Jefferson Cambamentioned to his opening speech during the summit. To end, this event was a tribute to all of the talents and skills of its students as they raise it to a level that has a potential to go global.
For inquiries about SKD Academy, you may contact 09175171118 or log on to its Facebook page, FB.com/SKD Academy for Culinary Arts.
This event was supported by Destileria Limtuaco & Co. Inc., Cheester, Hunts Spaghetti Sauce, Tramontina, Creamy Delight and Absolute pured distilled water among others. In photo are the chef instructors of SKD Academy together with Mr. Jefferson Camba, Chairman of SKD Academy (4th from left) and Chef Ronel Britania, Executive Chef of Malacañan Palace (5th from left).
GoodAh is well-known for being an all native Filipino food chain when it opened in the 80’s and not only for coining the “si” meals that we loved today but was also the first fast food company to operate an “Open 25 hours” and “7 days a week” food service operations. GoodAh welcomes 2017 with a new branch in Baclaran and an introduction of a new revamped version of one of the most coveted Filipino dish last January 16, 2017. They could not have picked a more greater location as Baclaran is in the heart of the most busy and well visited City in the Metro especially on Wednesday’s when Baclaran church is jam-packed with devotees.
With already 7 stores “Open 25 Hours” in Metro Manila, GoodAh!!! starts this new year with another branch to open. GoodAh!!!’s newest branch will be ready to serve people in Baclaran and quell cravings for their favorite Filipino dishes all day, every day. The Baclaran launch will coincide with another new and exciting dish that many Filipinos love. The popular all-Filipino food chain will be offering their own Krispy take on a favorite Filipino classic dish, Kare-Kare!
GoodAh!!!’s Krispy Kare-Kare or “KKK” uses ground peanuts to give that traditionally rich and earthy flavor to its kare-kare sauce. A large bowl is filled with cooked string beans, talong, pechay, and of course, puso ng saging because it wouldn’t be much of a kare-kare without it. A good amount of soft and juicy beef flank joins the dish. Sautéed shrimp paste gives kare-kare a different dimension to its play on flavors, which is very much like how this Filipino dish became a classic that everyone loves.
But what GoodAh!!! adds to the table is what gives it the “K” in the KKK. The usually gamey ox tripe or what Filipinos usually “tuwalya” is tough to eat if not cooked properly— usually by slowly cooking it in a pot or by cooking it in a pressure cooker. What GoodAh!!! did was to fry the ox tripe to give it a crispy texture, which is a complementing contrast, especially to the soft flanks and rich sauce of kare-kare. It’s a real crispy twist on the classic dish! GoodAh!!!’s Krispy Kare-Kare is available for just Php 299 a la carte or everyone can have it in a set meal for just Php 339.
This exciting new dish is the centerpiece offering for GoodAh’s newest branch in Baclaran, Pasay City opening this January. The launch of the newest branch will have special guests along with GoodAh!!!’s top management heads to enjoy GoodAh!!!’s 8th branch to date. Included in their lineup of guests is GoodAh!!!’s brand ambassador and celebrity talk show host, Mr. Boy Abunda.
GoodAh!!! continues to push culinary boundaries with this new and exciting twist on kare-kare, much like their recent, wildly popular food offerings: Crispy Pata and Bulalugaw. And GoodAh!!! has been doing this for more than 30 years, as seen in their first coined acronym dishes like Tapsilog, Tosi, Longsi, and many others that has become a ubiquitous part of popular Filipino meals today— and each one is “Pagkaing Good for Every-All”.
In Italy “La Dolce Vita” which literally translates to the “sweet life,” celebrates the Italians flair for passion, romance and life’s luxuries from savoring sumptuous meals with family and spending moments with friends and loved ones to listening to passionate music and donning the latest fashion pieces. Indeed, in this wondrous country, everyday is truly La Dolce Vita!
Swiss Miss, the world-famous chocolate powder drink draws inspiration from this luxurious Italian lifestyle as it introduces its newest flavor that evokes the romance and passion of Italy- Swiss Miss Chocolate Hazelnut, Made from premium, imported cocoa and real milk,Swiss Miss Chocolate Hazelnut fuses the aroma and the flavor of roasted, buttery hazelnuts with silky, creamy and frothy chocolate. It’s truly a feast of the senses!
“We’re proud that the Philippines is the first country in the world to try this new flavor. The new Swiss Miss Chocolate Hazelnut flavor is truly a very exciting because of hazelnut’s unique taste and aroma,” said Cathy Castro, Swiss Miss Asia marketing manager.
An affordable indulgence with the right balance of creaminess and sweetness, the new Swiss Miss Chocolate Hazelnut can be consumed hot and cold, at home or even on-the-go.
Living “la dolce vita” is the first ever global Swiss Miss endorser, Anne Curtis. Aside from hosting a top variety show, the princess of all media is also an actress, host and award-winning endorser whose daily activities on social media garners millions of followers.
Anne embodies the essence of the brand by finding the time for leisure and travel in spite of her busy schedule and rewarding herself for her successes. Her recent trip to Italy showcased her passion for life’s pleasures, such as food, fashion and love.
“Work is important, but we should also allow ourselves the well-deserved indulgence by enjoying life and rewarding ourselves after hard-won victories- big or small. with Swiss Miss Chocolate Hazelnut, this is possible anywhere-at work, at home or even while travelling!,” said Anne.
Experience la dolce vita by enjoying life’s little pleasures and rewarding yourself with the new Swiss Miss Chocolate Hazelnut.
Swiss Miss Chocolate Hazelnut is now available in leading stores and supermarkets nationwide. For more updates, visit Swiss Miss Philippines on Facebook and follow them on instagram @SwissMissPH
Have you ever been to a place that takes you back in time yet maintains that modern-day sensibility? I was in awe as I was welcomed by the well decorated Christmas themed entrance of The Legend Villas when I got off the car. Last October 29, 2016 I attended the first ever Blogger Affiliate Get-Together organized by Travel Book at The Legend Villas.
What is the Legend Villas
The Legend Villas is a Filipino owned hotel located at the intersection of Pioneer and Madison street in Mandaluyong. This hotel is hard to miss with its exquisite Old- World charm that can truly be compared to Vigan’s well-preserved Spanish town. In the heart of a busy metro you will surely be enticed to walk in and indulge yourself into the hotels amenities and services. It might give you a vibe that you just walked into a movie set as Legend villas is elegantly designed with fine wood, sparkling Venetian glass-framed mirrors, polished barandillas in a gently curved staircase and a cozy gallinera in a quiet corner.
The Legend villas offers more than just services for recreation but also for business as well as it houses meeting rooms that can fit 25 to 200 guests fully packed with high-quality audio-visual equipment and you will also be at ease knowing that their event coordinator’s are highly trained F&B staff.
Meetings and Banquet Rooms
Banahaw
The first room we toured in was the banahaw hall which is 248 sqm that can accommodate up to 150 banquet guest and 120 for classroom. This hall can be used for weddings and debut as it is adorned by a classic chandelier and a wide area for the stage. The wall on the stage is a classic black and white with an intricate pattern. Legend villas also offers themed signature celebration that is fit for any occasion. I will list down below some of the parties that the legend villas already organized.
Grab from The legend villas fb accountGrab from The legend villas fb accountGrab from The legend villas fb account
Raja
The second room that we went to was the Raja, 142 sqm but it can be divided into 3 rooms that is measuring 47 sqm each. The wood design of the room and the intricate carvings on the ceiling was definitely majestic. This room can accommodate 36 pax per room banquet style and 96 as a whole.
Kulintang
Kulintang is a small room that is 41 sqm and can accommodate 24 pax banquet style and 24 classroom. This one is perfect for small meetings or get together. The floral padded wall gives privacy to the guest.
Del Pilar
Del Pilar is the room we stayed in when we participated with travel books festivities. The room is 66 sqm and can accommodate 60 pax banquet style and 45 pax classroom style. The room is nice and cozy and we were able to move around without any restriction. The activities that travel book set up first was the karma game wherein you write your own name and another person’s name in a piece of paper and you also write down the task that you want them to do. When your name gets picked you do the task that you wrote down for the other person. We were also oriented about the legend villas services, the room tour and we were also introduced to their sister companies such as the kabayan hotel which is near where I live. The paint a picture game requires us to pose the scenario given by the host and freeze. My team did not win but the experience definitely earned me a new set of friends.
Rooms and Rates
The Legend Villas 130 room accommodation is designed with vintage furnishings and cozy wooden accents.
The Villa Suite
Villa suites makes you feel at home with its complete kitchen facilities. I can totally see myself and my family enjoying a great and cozy weekend here. When entering the room you will be greeted by the open space dining area which has a kitchenette and an electric pot. Right next to it is the living room which has cable tv and 2 telephone units.The wall is painted with flowers and plants which was quite refreshing to look at. The area upstairs has a private toilet and bath plus two double beds with cable tv. It also has an executive desk and is fully air-conditioned. Rate of this room is P7300. Extra person is 1100 and the max of the room is 4 person.
Team Suite
Group 3 barkada pose
Team suite is ideal for team building or outing with the barkada or a school trip. The r max capacity of the room 6 person .We were also welcomed by the spacious open area of the living room and dining room. With cable tv both on the ground and upper floors plus 2 telephone units.This also includes two toilets, bath and fully air-conditioned rooms with 2 work tables. The beds are on a bunk type set up. This is priced at Php 10, 600.
Family Room
Walk in closet
The family room is spacious although unlike the first two room, this one does not have its own living room and dining area. One thing I like about this room is the three-way bathroom. This could come in handy when one of your family member is taking too long in the bathroom and you need to wash your face. A sink is set up outside the bathroom door complete with vanity kits. The room also has a walk in closet. Ideal for small families and friends. The room has cable tv, telephone unit and is fully air-conditioned. This is price at 6,700 and has a max capacity of 4 person.
Family plan: 2 adults and 2 children(12 years old and below are free of charge for the room accommodation, sharing bed with parents). For breakfast, children ages 7 years old and below are free of charge, 8-11 years old shall be extended 30% discount.
Deluxe Room
The Deluxe Room is a room ideal for couples, small families or businessmen. The rooms ambiance is quite calming with the wooden paneled window and the way the light illuminates on the room. You can really whisk away your stress while staying here. The room consists of two double beds and bedside control panel. A telephone unit, cable tv, standard toilet and bath and is fully air-conditioned. The room is priced at Php 5,800 and the max people who can be accommodated is 4 person.
Lola Maria
I can’t stop raving about this restaurant ever since I tasted their scrumptious dishes.There was a lot of great dishes prepared for us during lunch time but sadly since I am allergic to bagoong I have not dared touch the Kare-Kare and ensaladang manga with bagoong. My personal favorite was the lumpiang ubod , pininyahang manok plus the baked fish aioli.
I was craving for lumpiang ubod since last week. When I saw it on the menu I was thrilled and it did not disappoint me.The vegetables that was used was crunchy and the sauce was tasty. The baked fish aioli was tender and melted in my mouth. I actually thought it was baked macaroni at first.The chicken of the pininyahang manok was tender and the pineapple does not overpower the taste. I can truly say that they know their Filipino dishes well. The desert was awesome as it balance out the different taste of the dishes.
Lola Maria offers an all-day dining with Filipino Cuisine and selected international dishes.
Opens at 6 am to 10 pm.
Amenities and Services
The swimming pool so was inviting that I just wanted to take a quick dip in. It was a perfect location to eat your lunch or dinner since the lanai and datu meeting room is beside it.The pool is open from 8 am to 9pm. Legend villas also offers complimentary parking, fitness gym and cardio equipment, 24/7 business center( with mailing, fax and parcel delivery services and u smaller meeting room and function rooms.
Airport transfer and shuttle service( with surcharge),24/7 front desk, free wifi, room service, valet,laundry service, in room massage, meetings and events services, safe deposit box, 24/7 security and daily housekeeping.
Overall Experience
Legend Villas is one destination that transcends your expectation and show you what Filipino hospitality and culture is all about. If you want to experience Vigan in the metro this is the place to be.
TravelBook.ph is the fastest growing Online Travel Agency (OTA) in the Philippines which boasts more than 2,700 hotel listings all over the country. If you are a blogger and you want to earn more with your blog and attend exclusive events, trainings, seminars, and blogger getaways to different Philippine destinations, please sign up at affiliate.travelbook.ph.
How to get to Legend Villas
If you are going to be commuting via mrt you should go down to boni avenue station and walk thru robinsons pioneer because it will only take 5 minutes via that route.
If you are coming from the airport its going to take 30-45 minutes to get there.
All rates are subject to change without prior notice .
Extra person charge: Php 1,100 per night.
Guarantee policy
Reservations not guaranteed may be released 72 hours before arrival.
All reservations are to be guaranteed by either credit card, cash or online deposit.
In the event of cancellation within 72 hours of scheduled arrival, all reservations will be subjected to one-night charge; and a full charge( maximum three nights) in the event of non-arrival on the day.
Check in after 2pm
Check out 12 noon
Follow them on their Social Media Accounts and Online Promos
Antipolo known as the pilgrimage city of the Philippines houses a lot of wondrous places to visit. It was still raining when I went out of the house to go to the pick up location where I would meet my fellow bloggers for the Antipolo getaway by TAG media. Antipolo holds a special place on my travel list as this was the place where I learned how to play golf and it is also one of the places for affordable resorts for our family outings. The moment we alight at Antipolo Church the sun was already shining signifying a good voyage for all of us .
Antipolo Church
We started our morning exploration by attending a mass at the Antipolo Church. This church is known as the National Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage. The church has also an area on where devotees can touch the hem of the dress of the Our Lady of Peace and voyage statue. I was not able to take any pictures as it was not allowed on that area. You can also buy delicacies and pasalubong (souvenirs) outside the church such as the famous suman(glutinous rice cake) and cashew nuts.
Hinulugang Taktak
Hinulugang taktak is popular for their waterfalls and is considered to be one of our national parks. The water on the falls was still dirty but that was understandable since the park itself is under rehabilitation. This place would be ideal for family picnics and you can also take a dip on the pool on the other side but it tends to be overcrowded during the summer season.
Rate
The entrance is for free and all you need to do is sign your name on the reception area at their main entrance.
Mystical Cave
The road that leads up to the cave was a bit rocky and it look deserted when we alight on the foot of the mountain. Inday Nelly Deles was the one who discovered the Mystical Cave in 1970. According to our tour guide’s story inday was only 7 years old when she started dreaming about this cave. They also said that Inday was originally from IloIlo and since she was seeking for this cave , she ended up going to Antipolo. This cave is 7 storeys deep and quite popular among religious people. This is also popular among filmmakers . Shows such as marina and enkantadia was shot on this very cave. When we got inside, there were a lot of stalagmite and stalactite that was formed with the water dripping from the cave’s ceiling. On the middle of our hike to the mystical cave we saw a hut that sells different colored candles which signifies a different belief. They also held mass and weddings inside the cave. Some rock formation was shaped like a wing and a heart.
I also sat on one of the stones that claimed to be healing illnesses. I learned a lot from this trip like whenever someone stepped on a rock with crystals it will die.
There was also a bath tub shaped area on which the residents that lived near the cave gathers their drinking water.
When we got out of the cave it was already raining so hard so we took shelter in a nearby hut and let the rain subside.
Rates
The entrance fee is P40 pesos each.
How to go there?
If you are in Antipolo Church you should ride a jeepney going to Antipolo Hills subdivision. From there alight off the terminal and ride a tricycle going to mystical cave.
Cafe Lupe
What is Cafe Lupe?
Is a hostel and restaurant fused together that offers a stunning view of the city. It is owned by Alvin Carranza which is now managed by his son Head Chef Albright Carranza and was built on 2003 . The place is designed to give a laid back vibe without the restriction of over thinking of what you need to wear.
How to go there?
There are two ways to go to Cafe Lupe
From Cubao
1.Via Cogeo ride a jeepney to Antipolo
2. Look on the right side of the road as you can already see it along the highway
From Ortigas
1. Ride via UV express going to Antipolo
2. Alight to the church and look for a jeep that is going to Masinag
3. Look for the Hotel on the left side of the road.
Amenities
Hostel
The interior and exterior look of the hostel and the restaurant was both minimalistic and modern .We were welcomed by the hostels spacious and cozy main lounge.
The main lounge has a bar, a billiard or pool table and air hockey table.
It also has a board map to let the guests know the floor plan.
On the side of the main entrance there were mac computers and a wide seating area facing the LCD tv.
Their wifi connection is weak as it does not reach up until our rooms. There are a total of 8 rooms and it gives you that feeling that you are at home . We were assigned to room # 3 which was the melba’s farm room.
All rooms are air conditioned and has its own humidifier. Our room has two single beds and a large wooden cabinet with a mirror that stood in the middle of it. On my side of the bed there was a small window that overlooks the family KTV rooms. There was also an LCD tv on the foot of our beds. The bathroom was ordinary but complete with toiletries and a hot shower. The hostel also offers daily housekeeping.
On the second floor of the hostel is the function room which can accommodate up to a 120 people. This is ideal for events, parties and intimate gatherings. There was also an outside deck that overlooks the city.
Restaurant
There was a stage outside the restaurant where the live bands perform at night.
Also outside is a mini area where there are swings, a slide and a tent for the kids to enjoy.
There are tables set up outside for guests who wants to enjoy the sun, the view of the stars at night or if they want to watch the live performance of the band while dinning.
Upon entering the restaurant you will be welcomed by their bar which offers cocktails and other alcoholic beverages. They also have portraits of team Azkals and a stunning view of the city. The restaurant also offers a stable Wi-Fi connection.
FAMILY KTV
The room that was given to us was room number 3 and it was spacious enough since we were 9 in our group. It was also air conditioned and the song choices were updated with the current trend. A portrait of the eiffel tower can be seen on the walls The table can hold a lot of dishes since we had our dinner inside the KTV room. One of the KTV rooms has its own bathroom but when we visited it was already occupied by other guests.
FOOD
The food is a fusion of Filipino and Mexican style. My personal favorites was the pasta, liempo, kadjos and definitely their nachos which is one of their bestsellers. They also serve cocktails and other alcoholic beverages that can suit your mood while belting out a song or enjoying the stunning city view.
Their breakfast meal is being offered all day and it is already included when you book a room with them.
STAFF
The staff was very accommodating and attentive with all our needs.
What I love About Cafe Lupe
I had a goodnight’s sleep at our room and the hot shower was working fine plus it smelled nice due to the humidifier.
Overlooking view of the city is what boost Cafe Lupe from the rest as they have their own deck.
If you like to sing then their KTV is definitely worth a try. We stayed up until 2 AM belting out songs. For music lovers you can enjoy the live band until 2 AM as well.
The laid back vibe that the place exudes is perfect for a relaxing weekend with your family, friends or significant other.
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