Entries Tagged 'Filipino' ↓

Jamba Juice Philippines‘ first branch opened at Bonifacio High Street November of last year.  Four months after, it was followed by Jamba Juice Alabang Town Center. And over the weekend, it just opened its third store at SM Mall of Asia.

Jamba Juice SM MOA

It is not a surprise that Jamba Juice have chosen SM Mall of Asia to be it’s third branch since it is considered the country’s largest integrated leisure destination and has high foot traffic.

“Choosing strategic locations, that are convenient to consumers, has always been one of the integral facets that we consider, when choosing the best locations for expansion,” says Sharon T. Fuentabella, Managing Director of Jamba Juice Philippines Master Franchisee.

I also saw two new mango-based Jamba Juice beverages namely the ‘Mango-a-go-go‘ and ‘Mega Mango‘. I tried the former and was expectedly satisfied. I hope to try the latter in my next visit possibly including ‘Peach Perfection’ and ‘Five Fruit Frenzy’.

New Jamba Juice Mango-a-go-go Beverage

Gimme 5! For Guimaras Promo

Moreover, they have this Gimme 5! For Guimaras promo for a limited time where for every cup sold, Php 5 will be donated to the Provincial Government of Guimaras for the research and development of Philippine mangoes.

Jamba Juice Blender Bike

Gimme’ Me Five Exercise

Jamba Juice also recently launched the Gimme’ Me Five Campaign where customers are encouraged to ride an in-store Blender Bike for five minutes. Upon doing so, they get to donate one mango seedling to be planted at no less than the province where the best mangoes in the world come from – Guimaras province’ Guimaras Mango Park. This is also done  in partnership with the Bureau of Plant Industry-Guimaras National Mango Research and Development Center (BPI-GNMRDC).

That’s free exercise and a good deed in one! 🙂

Jamba Juice ‘Gimme 5’

Jamba Juice Gift Certificate / Voucher Giveaway!

Want more Jamba Juice? Get a chance to try their new Mango-a-go-go, Mega Mango, Peach Perfection, and Five Fruit Frenzy beverages for FREE!, Watch out next week for NomNom’s Jamba Juice Voucher Giveaway contest starting July 1! Subscribe through email (on the side bar) so you’ll not miss it! 🙂

Jamba Juice Gift Certificate Giveaway!

Check out Jamba Juice in SM Mall of Asia and choose a healthy beverage for a healthier lifestyle.

May 31, 2012 – It was a rainy afternoon when I went to Romulo Cafe in Makati City to meet the Knorr Chef Ambassadors. A cooking demo was conducted by the Filipino top-chefs who spilled out their expertise in making traditional Filipino dishes more innovative and modern.

The chefs, with the help of Knorr products help Filipinos to create special dishes that will go extra mile for their families. It was nice to know that all the recipes in the cooking demo can be easily cooked at home, making our usual “ulam” very special and more exciting.

Products used by the Chef Ambassadors

Knorr Chef Ambassadors

Knorr became very mindful in choosing their partners in product and recipe development. And they just had found these individuals who have passion for good and healthy food, coupled with an uncompromising commitment to excellence in what they do.

The roster of Knorr’s chef ambassadors were Chefs Marvin Agustin, Tristan Encarnacion, Martin Jackain and Dianne dela Cruz, with the newest addition to Knorr’s list of chef-ambassadors – Joseph Patrick Anglo. He was one of the judges in the recent Junior Master Chef Philippines. Together, they are able to create unforgettable recipes that highlight what Knorr products can do for every dish.

Knorr Sinigang MixKnorr Sinigang Mix

Knorr Recipes

Knorr Chef Ambassadors

The chefs prepared their signature recipes with the help of Knorr productsto bring out the best on each dish.

Chef Marvin shared his expertise in cooking with his Pinakbet ni Marvin. Chef Marvin made the traditional pinakbet special by topping it with lechon kawali/liempo, making a balanced combination of meat and vegetables.  The flavors of vegetables accentuated with shrimp paste became more brilliant after adding with Knorr Shrimp Cube. Most of the recipes are easily accessible making it really easy to do.

Another celebrity chef made his way on making a remix of the Sinigang and Bulalo recipe. Chef Tristan combined these two Filipino dishes in Sinigang na Bulalo. Sinigang and Bulalo are two of my favorite Filipino soups and I never thought I can have them in a single dish. The sour flavors of tamarind using the Knorr 2-in1 Sinigang sa Sampalok Mix neutralized the fatty taste of the broth.

Knorr Cubes

Chef Dianne also made fish recipes delicious by teaching us on how to make a mouth-watering Escabeche recipe, a Filipino style of sweet and sour combining vinegar and sugar and blends the taste of ginger that makes it one of the favorite dishes of the Filipino families. Chef Dianne added Knorr Fish Broth Cube to enhance the flavor of Lapu-lapu and make it tastier that usual.

Chef Martin also showcased his mastery in cooking by preparing Organic Sagada Rice Paella With Seafoods, a rice dish full with exciting flavors of different seasonings and topped with the mixed flavors or the ocean. Aside from the different seafoods, this dish tasted perfect because Chef Martin used organic Sagada rice. His secret ingredients are the Knorr Chicken Cube and the Knorr Shrimp Cube.

Knorr Recipe Website

Chef Jayps prepared his own version of ginataang kalabasa and made it more special with the help of Knorr Ginatang Mix, Knorr Chicken Cubes and Knorr Sinigang Mix. He upgraded it into Lechon Kawali with Rosted Pumpkin Gata. Everyone is familiar with this recipe but who would have thought of putting lechon kawali on it and making it a memorable recipe? Oh well, I just love the combination of the crispiness of lechon kawali and the creaminess of the coconut milk.

* Story and Photo by Noks Sosa of SiningFactory.com

Every recipe made by the Knorr Chef Ambassadors were awesome and Knorr products enhanced it further. It’s actually a good idea to have an easier way of preparing good food that our family can enjoy any time. Check more Knorr Recipes at knorrrecipes.com.ph

NomNom Club was recently invited to Knorr’s Chef Ambassador media event in Makati. But before we reveal what happened in that gathering, allow us to share with you one of the featured recipe from Knorr.

Sinigang na Bulalo

Ingredients:

• 350g-400g Beef bone in shank with meat
• 2 tbsps Cooking oil
• 1/4cup White onions, diced
• Waters as needed
• 1 pack Knorr 2-in1 sinigang sa sampalok mix
• 4pcs Siling pangsigang
• ½ tbsps. Calamansi juice
• 2 tbsps Achuete
• Fish sauce to taste
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• ½ cup Fresh and green cabbage leaves, washed
• Red and green seedless grapes for garnish

Knorr Chef Ambassador: Chef Marvin Agustin

Procedure:

1. Season beef with salt and pepper and sear both side in a casserole or pot with hot oil
2. Remove seared beef and set it aside
3. Using the same pot, sauté onions, pour water and return seared beef into the casserole
4. Bring to a boil and simmer until beef is tender. Add water if needed
5. Add Knorr 2-in1 sinigang mix
6. Add siling pangsigang and calamansi juice
7. Using a strainer with the achuete, ladle broth onto the strainer until broth turns into orange. Discard used achuete
8. Season with fish sauce and pepper
9. Add cabbage leaves and simmer for a minute or two
10. Garnish with seedless grapes and serve.

* Photo by Noks Sosa of SiningFactory.com

I hope the above Sinigang na Bulalo recipe was of help to our mothers, foodies, and cooks! Stay tuned with the next article on our Knorr Chef Ambassadors.

Corniche @ Diamond Hotel

As I was heading to Diamond Hotel last night, I got a message on my mobile phone saying “mequeni, mangan na tamu manyaman!” which when translated means “welcome, let’s eat flavorful dishes!” It was the teasing SMS from a friend who invited me to a special dinner buffet inspired from Kapampangan cuisine with Chef Sau Del Rosario. It was an intimate gathering for Diamond Hotel Philippines’ Filipino Food Festival featuring ‘Culinaria Capampangan‘ at Corniche Cafe.

Chef Sau Del Rosario

Hailing from the “Culinary Capital of the Philippines“, Chef Sau of Villa Cafe brings to Diamond Hotel the genuine flavors of Pampanga at the buffet from May 10 to 19, 2012. As featured chef, he creatively infused local dishes from Pampanga in the Corniche lunch and dinner buffet.

Main Dishes

Some of the dishes include Aligue Fried Rice, Lamb Shanks, Pinakbet with Shrimp & Crispy Pata, Fresh Lumpia Ubod, Steamed Lapu-Lapu, Adobo-Quesong Puti & Salted Egg Pizza, and Ceviche with Pomelo, among others.

(L-R; T-B) Aligue Fried Rice, Fresh Lumpiang Ubod; Steamed Lapu-Lapu; Adobo,Quesong Puti & Salted Egg Pizza

Camaru Spring Roll

Recommendations

Of particular interest to me were the Camaru Spring Rolls, Crispy Pata Kare-Kare, Young Lechon with ‘Bringhe‘ and Pork Sisig Foie Gras with Organic Egg.

Camaru is actually a cricket delicacy in Pampanga but had a twist this time where it was put inside a spring roll with some vegetables; perhaps to  mitigate the thought of eating insects for the uninitiated. 🙂

The Crispy Pata Kare-Kare was already a visual feast by itself; and the taste did not disappoint (TOP PHOTO).

Pork Sisig with Foie Gras

As if having a young crispy lechon was not awesome enough, they made it more interesting with ‘Bringhe‘  or the rich Capampangan paella. To describe it as moist curry rice is an understatement. (no photo)

With all that said,  I think the highlight of the night is the Pork Sisig Foie Gras with Organic Egg. You don’t come across authentic pork sisig quite often outside of Pampanga, and adding foie gras just placed an exclamation point to the dish.

Don’t miss this one when you visit the Culinaria Capampangan feast. It somehow constitutes 50% of your Capampangan culinarya experience. 🙂

Other almost similarly good dishes include Bistik with Shitali Confits, Ox Tongue Cream of Mushroom & Corn, Fried Catfish Fillet with Buru Fermented Rice and Vegetables, and Chicken Galantina Roulade.

Bistik with Shitali Confits

Pinakbet with Shrimp & Crispy Pata

Ceviche with Pomelo

Chicken Galantina Roulade

Fried Catfish Fillet with Buru Fermented Rice and Vegetables

Ox Tongue Cream of Mushroom & Corn

Dessert

Culinaria Capampangan Desserts

It doesn’t end there. Dinner buffets are not complete without desserts and since this should be Pampanga-inspired, we also have our line up of Kapampangan desserts in the form of Ube Halaya, Brazo De Maiz, and Tibok Tibok (which is from Fresh Cows MIlk) to name a few. Check them out at Taste of Manila blog.

Guests availing of the buffet also get a chance to win roundtrip airline tickets for two to Bohol with accommodations. The Culinaria Capampangan food festival is in partnership with Philippine Airlines, Crossover 105.1 and Avis Rent-A-Car.

Visit Corniche at Diamond Hotel and get a taste of Capampangan cuisine for Php 1,600 nett per person. (Php 1,888 nett with unlimited tropical juices). For reservations check the contact info below.

• Diamond Hotel Philippines
  Roxas Boulevard corner Dr. J. Quintos Street, Manila
  Tel no: (632) 528-3000 local 1121
  Email: bizcenter@diamondhotel.com
  Website: www.diamondhotel.com
  Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/diamondhotelphilippines
  Twitter: http://twitter.com/DiamondHotelPh

Culinaria Capampangan @ Diamond Hotel's Corniche

If you are not the traveling kind of person, this is your chance to have a taste of the culinary capital of the Philippines that is Pampanga. Please do not miss this opportunity and catch Diamond Hotel Philippines‘ Culinaria Capampangan at Corniche Cafe.

Batangas Vice Governor Mark Leviste

Magnolia is one of the first names in the ice cream industry in the Philippines.  And just in time for the festival month of May, Magnolia Ice Cream launched a new collection called “Best of the Philippines.”

Best of the Philippines

Everybody got to taste the Magnolia Ice Cream Best of the Philippines Flavors

In the gigantic media launch, Magnolia Ice Cream revealed the “Best of the Philippines” collection: the Macapuno Banana and Macapuno Langka representing the province of Laguna, Coffee Crumble and Tsokolate Tablea (chocolate) from the province of Batangas, Mangoes & Cream of Guimaras, and finally the Ube Keso (cheese) from the cool climate of Baguio. It reminds me of the ube jam from the sisters of Good Shepherd.

Special Guest DOT Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Jr.

Magnolis Ice Cream Team with DOT Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Jr.

Magnolia Ice Cream Best of the Philippines Grand Media Launch

Obviously, the “Best of the Philippines” ice cream collection is in line with DOT’s current tourism campaign, “It’s more fun in the Philippines.” The honorable DOT Secretray Ramon Jimenez, Jr. himself was a guest speaker in the grand launch and admired the nationalistic-themed ice cream collection. The newest flavors of Magnolia Ice Cream do not only taste good but also promotes tourism and nationalism in the country.

I believe these are the best flavors I have tasted in the Philippines, not only because of the yummy flavor, but also because the variants that promote tourist spots and festivals of the Philippines. Imagine that, nationalism that can be promoted even through our ice cream. 🙂

Like what they said in the event, “Huwag maging dayuhan sa sariling ice cream” (Don’t be a foreigner in your country’s own ice cream”). I agree, even the ingredients used in manufacturing the ice cream and its sources, are very Filipino.

Magnolia Ice Cream Best of the Philippines Collection: Macapuno Banana, Macapuno Langka, Coffee Crumble, Tsokolate Tablea, Mangoes & Cream, and Ube Keso

Nationalistic Packaging

Moreover, the reusable plastic containers are illustrated with Filipino festivals that we can be proud of and organizations of the provinces each flavor represents. A truly colorful packaging befitting the colorful flavors of Magnolia Ice Cream’s Best of the Philippines collection!

MIC General Manager Mayo Alcon said that the flavors best represent these provinces in the same way that the brand promoted the Baguio Good Shepherd with the Ube Keso variety.

* Story by Athena Tria of AthenaTria.com for the Blogger Apprentice Challenge. Photos by NomNom Club

The media launch was a success and I know the newest flavors will be a success too specially the Tsokolate Tablea from Batangas which is my favorite (although most seemed to like Baguio’s Ube Keso most)! Thank you to Magnolia Ice Cream for bringing out the “Best of the Philippines!”

Partnering with global cosmetics and beauty brand Body Shop, Max’s Restaurant is making Mother’s Day more special for Filipino moms this coming weekend!

Family members who will be celebrating Mother’s Day at Max’s Restaurant with a minimum spend of PhP 1,300 will be receiving a luxurious bottle of Body Shop’s Shower Gel – soap-free, lather-rich and fruit-infused as a gift to pamper MOM on her special day.

Max's Fried Chicken

Think of the iconic dishes sinigang, kare-kare, and crispy pata, and you’ll definitely think of Max’s “sarap to the bones” fried chicken, Add to that the bottle of Body Shop Shower Gel special treat and that complete’s you family celebration this Mother’s Day!

“In the Philippines where mothers are respected for being the “light of the household,” people take the time to dine together as a family on Mother’s Day. One of the most nostalgic places to re-unite and celebrate with family has always been Max’s Restaurant,” said Edgar Allan Caper, Marketing Director for Max’s Restaurant.

Catch Max’s lush treat starting today – May 7, until May 13 at any Max’s branch nationwide. Treat Mom at Max’s Restaurant this Mother’s Day!

Lulu De Castro, Greenwich Marketing Director, gives the welcome remarks

Anne Curtis has been a long time endorser of Greenwich Pasta, and together with Solenn Heuseff and Kelly Misa, they form the Greenwich Pasta Girls group!

Yesterday, in a media gathering, they proved Greenwich’s newest Spaghetti Supreme‘s catch-phrase “More is Better” by performing more-than-expected dares with the media and male host-DJs Chico Garcia and Gino of RX 93.1.

Solenn Heuseff exhibited her skills in make-up by giving an audience participant a make-over under 3 minutes. She also did a Solenn Heuseff signature catwalk (…and crawl). 🙂

Solenn Heuseff

Solenn Heuseff Make-Up Skills

Kelly Misa, on the other hand, showed her prowess in yoga in different poses and positions.

Kelly Misa

Kelly Misa Doing Yoga

And finally, in Anne Curtis’ turn, almost everyone would have already guessed what was her dare of proving ‘more is better‘ through nothing less than – singing (in a capella at that)!

Anne Curtis Smith

Anne Curtis sang “I Will Always Love You,” as shes said, ‘in her own version.’ 🙂

And since ‘more is better,’ one song cannot suffice. The crowd asked for ‘more.’

To which Anne surprisingly sang Adelle‘s “Rolling in the Deep.” Listen to the YouTube upload of our recorded video and roll deeply in your chair at home while listening! 🙂

Not letting her go, the crowd demanded ‘more.’ This time, Anne Curtis Smith proved her acting prowess by delivering the “I Want More” phrase in a multitude of different emotions.

More Anne Curtis...since 'More is Better' 🙂

Cookie Cabrera, PR & Corporate Affairs Manager, with the Greenwich Pasta Girls

The Greenwich Team led by Mr. Luis Velasco

Greenwich Spaghetti Supreme

Now if you’re wondering what this “More is Better” is all about, blame it on the new and improved Greenwich Spaghetti Supreme! The event highlighted the Greenwich Spaghetti Supreme with added 25% serving of noodles, more premium beef, and more sweet tomato sauce plus 1 stick of garlic bread. I’ve tried it and it was indeed more meaty and cheesier at only Php 49 and Php 59 with drink!

Brand Manager of Pasta Joanne Ingalia in Hot Seat with the Girls

Greenwich Pasta Girls: Solenn Heuseff, Anne Curtis, and Kelly Misa

Greenwich Spaghetti Supreme

Truly, it was one enjoyable afternoon with Anne Curtis, Solenn Heuseff, Kelly Misa, and the rest of Greenwich’s team showcasing why “More is Better” with their kabarkadas and Greenwich Spaghetti Supreme.

After the introduction of Chicken Rice and Tofu Steak almost three months ago, Figaro has added anew two dinner meal variants – Crusty Dory Fillet in Creamy Pesto Sauce & Rice Pilaf and Pan-Seared Chicken Barbecue with Java Rice.

Figaro Crusty Dory Fillet

The Crusty Dory Fillet was just ok. I liked the Pan-Seared Chicken Barbecue more which had flavorful chicken strips. Add to that the special sauce, java rice, and string beans.

The sauce is more on the sweet side which may be loved by some, and disliked by those who want their barbecue sauce with more pepper. Nonetheless the Filipino taste would prefer the former.

Dinner meals are only available 6pm onwards.

Figaro Dinner Meal: Pan-Seared Chicken Barbecue

More of Figaro Milk Teas (plus Popping Boba)

Wintermelon Frost: Figaro Milk Tea

From five milk tea flavors namely the Strawberry Lemon Iced Tea, Raspberry Milk Tea, Taro Pudding Milk Tea, Strawberry Milk Tea and Taro Pudding Chiller Feast comes two new interesting flavors. I got to try the Wintermelon Frost with classic tea and Honeydew Frost with Figaro tea.

Honeydew Frost: Figaro Milk Tea

The Wintermelon Frost with classic tea (P100) reminds me of the sago’t gulaman. I love it but I find the sweetness overpowering the tea flavor. In addition, the toppings called popping boba and pearls adds enjoyment with every sip as the popping boba somewhat ‘explodes‘ in your mouth. 🙂 You have to experience it yourself!

For the Honeydew Frost (P100), it had a strong tea flavor which is what I usually look for in milk teas.

* Story and photos by Marjorie Pineda

Now, it will be very easy for me to choose which flavor of milk tea to order. So, what’s your favorite milk tea flavor and Figaro Dinner Meal? These two new milk tea variants are available starting today at all Figaro stores – April 11, 2012!