TAGAYTAY : MUSHROOM BURGER

One Saturday, a rare opportunity of early class dismissal had been granted. I was in no mood to go home as my foot itching to travel, while, intestines growls in craving for food. I first thought of Tagaytay – a much accessible area out of the metro and reputed to home of some notable food and establishments, one of which is the Mushroom Burger. I had great long plans of trying mushroom burger way back in college days, yet, for some unknown reason it seemed way too impossible. There were a couple of times I attempted but arrived there with “closed” sign board on door.

Universe and law of attraction seemed to work as three of my classmates tagged along and we went joyride to Tagaytay and agreed to pig out at Mushroom burger. Taking private vehicle c/o Jen we took the Silang – Aguinaldo Highway Tagaytay route. Mushroom burger can easily be spotted, passing casino establishment on left side is Mushroom burger, and guard on stand by will assist and direct you to their spacious parking area. Taking public bus via Tagaytay is much easier; just ask driver and/or conductor to drop you off at Mushroom burger for it’s a prominent establishment in there.

The place includes backyard mushroom cultivating area, which unfortunately was off limits to public. The restaurant itself was no fancy, a typical canteen with screened doors and windows, colored plastic tables and chairs and ventilation was of natural Tagaytay breeze aided with electric fan when needed. The area was spacious enough to accommodate tourist and patrons with no hassle. It was weekend and great crowd was expected. Ordering was like on fast food, only which you’ll be given number and later will be called for you to personally pick your tray at counter.

At counter, visual displays menu of typical fast food from burgers, rice bowl, French fries and sundaes. The focal point was of course mushroom burgers: Regular (73 php); Royal (100 php); King (126 php); Sandwich (82 php); and Pinoy (64 php) that comes with regular French fries and drinks. I ordered the Sandwich mushroom burger meal – shredded mushroom with cheese sandwiched between buns. I was quite disappointed with the actual size as compared to gigantic photos they have on display but overall it was a satisfying meal – mushroom was of great substitute to meat with less of the grease after guilt, it was juicy and flavorful that you forget its mushroom at all, and a satisfying treat of long drive to Tagaytay.

To the management, I noticed the trash bins area near counter should be attended and given emphasis on Good Manufacturing Practices as it gives an off impression to some customers.

BORACAY: Beauty and Madness

Boracay is every traveler’s “it” destination, people flock be it summer or any year round for various reasons: from the obvious offering of 7  km stretch of fine white sand, pristine blue water, sun that guarantees perfect tan and breed of sexy people; this tiny island caters satisfyingly good food, great parties, ultimate relaxation and experiences best kept untold.

It was my first trip to Boracay, boarding Cebu Pacific to Caticlan with 1 hour flight that was occupied with mind fine tuning of itineraries for my 3 day stay. It was a wonderful September morning, sun perfectly warm, flight was smooth and an acquaintance had just confirmed my free accommodation. Visitors are to register upon arrival and to pay 75.00 php for environmental and admission fee, a hand book guide will be given (free of charge) and will be assisted to ferry boats that leads to Boracay Island; then tricycle to station you’re staying – in my case was at station two, a residential / transient place.

As soon I had checked in, I wasted no time and scouted area for my perfect lunch, spa for a whole body massage, souvenir shops and a place to be drunk and be marry. Strolling, I decided to remove my flip flops and allowed my toes sink in and feel the warmth of Boracay’s fine white sand. From station 1 to station 3 locals will approach you offering various water sports and/or activities, such as Helmet diving, which basically involves fitting the head with a heavy headpiece (which felt like a boulder of rock on the boat but almost became light as a feather underwater) that connected to a rubber air tube. You can get your pictures taken below and have them saved on a cd or printed out once you reach the shore (priced at 400 php / person). There is also Parasailing (parachute sailing) in Boracay – the best way to view the entire island, at least for a good 30 minutes; parasailing is not for the faint-hearted and should be done several hours after your last meal.

Prior to lunch, I spotted a stall that offers henna tattoo and decided to have an Alibata on my arms for a price of 100 php (the cheapest I had canvassed). Food will never be a problem regardless of your budget, there is D’Talipapa that you can do Dampa-style dining: buy seafood and let any of the nearby restaurants do the cooking for you; and D’Mall where fast food urban-dwellers are used to dine-in are everywhere in this area offering affordable yet satisfying meals. I had pizza and pasta that late lunch and had a cup of gelato for 100php doubled as my dessert and cooling agent as I continued my stroll to station 3 to sand sculptures for my picture be taken,  but unfortunately found nothing as local government prohibited such activity for soil contour preservation. By afternoon, I was deeply asleep in preparation for my first night at Island.  

By night, it was complete transformation fire dancers adding carnival effect; buy 1 take 1 cocktail drinks, music that keeps one soul free and alive; and happy people that influences ones mood to party like there is no tomorrow. I bar hop from here to there and rumbled alcohol like a professional chemist; rest room is a major problem for some establishment rely on public CR with long cue of people about to pee.

The following morning was of complete scenario, howling sound of wind and heavy rain had awakened me from my beautiful nightmare. At Starbucks with my venti white chocolate mocha, I stared blank at gloomy sky, bended coconut trees and waves in great rage caused by typhoon Pedring. People seemed unmindful, though water activities were cancelled for safety reasons, its business as usual. I took the time to have a full body massage along the beach, had grilled chicken for lunch, bought some souvenirs and braved myself to swim on raging waves with the Koreans. The night was not of different scenario, in rain coats people intoxicated to fuel oneself for much needed heat in combat to typhoon Pedring. I had settled myself for 2 bottles of San Mig Light, a glass of rum-cola and margarita and ended the night in prayer for a better weather.

 The following morning was worst as I received phone call from Cebu Pacific that my flight was cancelled and had it rescheduled the following day in the afternoon. I was just thankful that my accommodation was free and I still have spare cash to survive a day at Boracay. Continuous rain and strong wind confined me inside my place watching anything in cable channels when I realized that I should be thankful to have a day to experience the real beauty and wonders of Boracay and that typhoon Pedring allowed me to see the other side of Boracay that is a complete madness for the environment:


1. Drainage system goes directly to sea water, this waste water from establishment emits foul odor and possible with microbial contamination

2.  Pet owners, allow their dogs to poop anywhere even on sand along shores. No local authority to monitor and control such prohibited acts.

3. Garbage bins are aesthetically remarkable, but does not serve its purpose effectively.

4.  Establishments permitted to be constructed within limits from shoreline

5.  Flooding evident at D’Talipapa

6.  Inefficient solid waste management program

7.   Margaritas tasted like of calamansi juice (expressing bitterness :D)

8.   Condoms are overly priced (dispose properly :D)

Note: Boracay Reclamation Project - This refers to the 1-Billion php reclamation project proposed by the Aklan provincial government. The 10-year project will comprise of reclamation and development projects in Caticlan and in Barangay Manoc-Manoc in Boracay. The Boracay Foundation Inc. is apprehensive that the 3.2 hectares reclamation along the coastline of Boracay may push through and the foundation is asking to consider the long term impact of project on the world famous island.

BFI cited that there will be sand erosion and Boracay will no longer have its white-sand beach to offer to tourist. Furthermore, studies by the University of the Philippines - Marine Science Institute and Marine Environment and Resources Foundation Inc. which both point out that reclamation may further erode sand along island's shoreline if contour of the island is destroyed (Philippine Star, June 29, 2011).

   

PAULO AVELINO

I don’t personally know Paulo Avelino; I’m not a fanatic neither a showbiz writer nor a movie critic. I’m someone who writes of something about that pleases me, of something beautiful and extraordinary such as the acting prowess that Mr. Paulo Avelino had showcased in the last two weeks of airing of Walang Hanggan ( via ABS-CBN). I rarely got the chance to watch Walang Hanggan but its trending topic in the office during lunch and coffee breaks, thus, I have more or less idea of what the story about. I was on merge doing my thesis proposal and facebook chatting when my aunt called me for dinner. Everyone glued on TV screen when Nathan (played by Paulo Avelino) found out that Katerina (Julia Montes) was pregnant with Daniel (Coco Martin). Nathan rushed home and confronted his parents (Richard Gomez and Dawn Zulueta) about what he learned, there was intensity in Paulo Avelino’s eyes as he delivered his lines with much conviction, the emotion was overflowing but was not overly done. It was his moment that he outshone his veteran co-actors; he was convincing that I was on seat edge as the commercial cued. 

Another scene when Nathan was admitted in mental institution, his parents watched him being dragged into his room. Paulo looks helpless as he screams with voice of anguish and distress; in that scene he exhibited variety of emotions: disappointment, pain, anger, rebel and psychotic which he delivered convincingly. It’s a free TV and I was not expecting such deliverance from Paulo Avelino who had made me all praise of him.

Paulo Avelino, born as Michael Paulo Lingbanan Avelino is a product of reality talent show Starstruck (via GMA), In August 2011, he moved to ABS-CBN and stars in the series Walang Hanggan famously known as Nathan Montenegro.  An image model of Bench which billboards had been head turner in Edsa, with sexy image that gradually replaced as multi-talented actor as he also sings with his self titled album under Universal Records and Gawad Urian Best Actor for Sayaw ng Dalawang Paa. 

JOHN GRISHAM

A good reading material is a traveler’s best companion which John Grisham never failed to do so. Graduating from Harry Potter series and Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight saga; I was first introduced to this author through a hand me down old paperback copy of The Brethren by John Grisham – it was intriguing about three disgraced former judges doing time in Florida federal prison. It was engaging and fast-paced with some clever surprises – with allusions to presidential polls and debates, campaign financing, money laundering and offshore financial finagling, I was trapped and raved for more terrific storytelling by John Grisham.

I’m a B.S Chemistry graduate, been in food manufacturing for a decade now and taking MS Environmental Science, thus, John Grisham introduced me to complete new dimension. Studying law is quite boring but reading Grisham’s novel is like being in courtroom and educating me of legal terms such as plaintiffs, denying certiorari, habeas corpus and jargon a prosecutor and defense utters during courtroom drama. Grisham had also served my legal adviser as his novels deals from complicated to simple cases that any ordinary man might encounter. The good thing about John Grisham’s novels is the consistency in providing readers great surprises, you start thinking like a lawyer and allow you to test your ethics, values and conscience as you deal wide spectrum of issues on humanity, environment, gender, money, family, love and life.

John Grisham is the author of eighteen novels and I recommend the following: The Brethren, Pelican Brief, A Time to Kill, The Client, The Innocent Man, Bleachers (I cried on this one), A Painted House, Playing for Pizza, The Firm, The Chamber, The Summons, The Testament, and The Rainmaker.

Some of John Grisham’s novels were translated to motion pictures such as: Runaway Jury (John Cusack, Gene Hackman, Dustin Hoffman and Rachel Weisz); The Chamber (Chris O’Donnel , Gene Hackman); The Firm (Tom Cruise); A Time to Kill (Sandra Bullock, Samuel L. Jackson, Matthew McConaughey and Kevin Spacey); The Client (Susan Sarandon, Tommy Lee Jones); and Pelican Brief (Julia Roberts).

John Grisham lives in Oxford, Mississippi, with his wife Renee, and their two children. A graduate of Mississippi State University and Ole Miss Law School, a lawyer and former member of the Mississippi House of Representatives, he gave up his law practice to write full-time.

Cheesecakes: Five Slices of Goodness

Healthy Grounds

Traversing Aguinaldo hi-way just before Robinson’s Imus, I spotted this quaint establishment that of another many cafés mushroomed in the city. Young crowd dominating the place had my attention. The interior spells out “café” in many modern ways; settled on a couch, one of the barista approached me handing their menu list coupled with their standard greetings. I noticed on menu that some had marking, which indicates as “best seller.” Under cheesecake, the blueberry was marked that I ordered.

On my plate was cheesecake topped generously with blueberries, noticeable thickness that distinguishes layer component, the blueberry added texture with its freshness that gives substance to smoothness of cheesecake. Taste filled with blueberry flavor but allowed cheese to dominate on its own. Goodness priced at 85php per slice.

Cup @ Chino

This tea and coffee shop I found at Robinson’s mall; Cup @ Chino is a newbie in the café arena with promising future in terms of service and quality. Menu was no different from any other cafés that offers pasta, sandwiches, and variety of pastries that includes cheesecake. Blueberry cheesecake priced at 90php was reasonable and soon my two thumbs went up!

  

Slice was enormous in terms of thickness and length without compromising the taste. What makes this cheesecake special – base was not made out of crushed graham cracker but of real baked goodies; visible was slight oven burnt on crust that added home made taste and aroma. Saltiness and creaminess blends rightfully with sweetness of blueberry on light note.

Purple Oven

Purple Oven is distributor of cakes and baked products of Starbucks; cheesecakes at Starbucks display innovativeness in terms of flavor variation and texture. Chocolate cheesecake crumble tops my list – visually exquisite and taste superb. A bit pricey at 130 php a slice but the celebration of flavor and satisfaction is enough reason to spend.

French Baker

French baker is everywhere – strategically located on ground floor of every SM malls; Bringing in French baguettes, croissants and bagels French baker had stretched further with introduction of macaroons for Parisian lifestyle. Oreo and/or blueberry cheesecakes have been my staple dessert after having grilled vegetable Panini.  Slice bit smaller in comparison to others but just enough to finish of a meal. Presentation was commendable and taste uniquely unforgettable; Indulgence at 70 php a slice.

Trivia: Herbert – Henry Sy’s son and Koa’s Xavier classmates – had earlier told Johnlu Koa (French Baker owner) about plans to open a high-end shopping mall in the SM City Annex. There was an obvious fit as SM was looking for a new anchor store or food categories that could complement their existing lineup of donuts, bakeshops, pizza, and burger joints. Koa grabbed the opportunity and offered a new business concept that didn’t exist at that time – The French Baker. As they say, location is everything. After opening 4^th store at SM Megamall, Johnlu realized that he should negotiate for no less than the prime location in the ground floor. This I learned during a small talk with Johnlu’s brother at PTTC while on our lunch break from Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) seminar.

Oven Maid

One of proliferating concessionaire at De La Salle University – Dasmariñas’ Square is Oven Maid; students flock for their value meal as well as array of desserts that includes blueberry cheesecake – the base was made of crumbled chocolate cookies that added twist of crunch texture, thick and enormous enough for sharing. This one is for those with crazy sweet tooth with cookie crumble crust exude sweetness, yet gives great contrast with saltiness of cheese.  Amazing fact is that a slice cost 35 php only – A true value for money coupled with palate satisfaction!

   

CIRCLES EVENTS CAFE

Ms. Paula May De los Reyes of The Philippine Star featured an article about “Must-try buffet restaurants in Metro Manila.” The author named four (4) of Metro’s highly recommended buffet restaurants which are definitely worth every Peso you spend namely: Li Li Restaurant (Hyatt Hotel and Casino, Manila), Sambo Kojin (Eastwood, Greenhills, and West Ave), Vikings (Seaside Boulevard, MOA, Pasay City) and Circles Event Café (Makati Shangri-La).

This serves as affirmation for Circles Event Café – working in a food company, I was once assigned to assist our in-house chef in research and development for recipes which includes documentation and sensory evaluation. For research aspect, we received invitation from our boss for a lunch buffet. Thanking for her generosity, we learned that we are tasked to scout menu that is exciting, different, unique and for us to dissect flavors and transform into actual recipe with our own interpretation.

The venue was Circles Event Café, it was Friday lunch hour and the place was busy with crowd in serious business for exquisite taste, fine dining and culinary experience. Good thing we have reservation and soon settled I ordered bottomless iced tea in combat for carbohydrates, protein, sugar and fats I’m about to in take. Circles Event Café features a wide selection of cuisine found in different station, what makes it special is that chefs of different nationalities are stationed to assist with all heart by knowing ones preference and delightfully prepares your plate in particular to salad dressing and pasta sauces that I started with for warm up.

Geared up, I freely roamed the area and scouted for something exciting, different and unique menu but I had difficulty for everything at their buffet table was appetizing and falls under category I’m in search for. Circles Event Café was haven not just of food but of good food that will definitely delight your palate in every form; captivating cuisine that selections travels from Western to Asian. I must commend chef of Filipino cuisine for offering such authentic and native delicacies that is to be blamed for patrons for coming back and forth – it was best seller!

At one point I was carnivorous – lamb chops, steaks, roast beef and roasted duck; my plate went fishy – oysters, tempura, shrimps and salmon; went oriental with dim sums; dessert was tempting that I had sinned of gluttony. Over hot tea, we billed out – with 2,800 per head it was definitely a great value for money - Luxurious dining experience!