Entries Tagged 'Affairs' ↓

When it comes to fried chicken, there’s no doubt that one of the tastiest around is KFC’s Original Recipe chicken. For 45 so good years, Filipinos have been thoroughly enjoying a secret recipe that has been passed on from generations to generations which we owe to the iconic Colonel Sanders who is actually the original celebrity chef.

On May 30, 2012, bloggers and people from the media gathered at Diamond Hotel for an important announcement. In Louisville, Kentucky, a secret manuscript written by the Colonel himself was discovered. It contains not only pages of his life story, but also a collection of 35 of his most treasured recipes.

KFC Launches Colonel Sanders’ So Good, So Real Recipes at Diamond Hotel

Secret Manuscript Revealed

Celebrity Chef Sharwin Tee’s Double-Cheese Hush Puppies with Peach and Basic Ketchup

To give back to its patrons, KFC earlier revealed the Colonel’s secret manuscript which became available last June 5, 2012 for everyone to enjoy by visiting KFC’s official Facebook Philippines page —www.facebook.com/kfcphilippines.

With this wonderful announcement, KFC put up another surprise as they invited-in Filipino Celebrity Chef Sharwin Tee from the cooking show Curiosity Got the Chef, to create his rendition of the Colonel’s Hush Puppies – one of the never-before-seen recipes from the prized manuscript.

KFC Original Recipe Bites

Before we got to enjoy a delectable feast of Hush Puppies and Hush Puppies, event hosts and radio DJs Chico and Delamar introduced another surprise. With the growing market for finger foods, KFC launches Original Recipe Bites – 5 bite-sized pieces of 100% real chicken which uses the same 11 secret herbs and spices that make up the world-famous KFC Original Recipe. With these handy babies, anyone can easily enjoy the all-time favorite Original Recipe anytime and anywhere.

Fully Loaded Meal Treat Promo Extension

And to make the 45th celebration of KFC’s so good food even better, loyal customers also get to enjoy a Fully Loaded Meal Treat promo extension. Feast on KFC’s Original Recipe chicken plus soup, mashed potato, brownie, and a drink for just Php 111 until June 25, 2012, and enjoy P72 discount from ala carte prices. And seriously, I kid you not when I say that this is one of the biggest discounts given by KFC so far.

Colonel Sanders Autobiography

*Story and photos by Sumi Go of The Purple Doll

So KFC fans, let’s all rejoice and take part as KFC Philippines celebrates its 45th year. Enjoy discounted meal dining with the Fully Loaded Meal Treat, munch on bite-sized but equally so good Original Recipe Bites, and visit KFC on Facebook to take a peek on Colonel Sanders’ So Good, So Real Recipes.

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.

Spicy Tuna Salad

Now a Celebrity-Chef, Marvin Agustin opens yet another branch of his Sumo Sam Japanese restaurant; this time at the Gateway Mall in Cubao, Quezon City

Ebi Tempura

Continuing to share his passion for creative Japanese food, Marvin Agustin led the grand launch and opening of his 11th Sumo Sam branch in Gateway Mall last week.

Covered by traditional media and bloggers, Marvin Agustin also exhibited his skills preparing tuna sushi.

He also cut across a loooong roll and had the crowd taste what Sumosam had to offer.

Sumo Sam Gateway Mall Staff

Classy and Funky Interiros

Sumosam Fusion Japanese Cuisine

Sumo Sam Menu

Sumo Sam Japanese Restaurant

Sumo Sam Gateway Mall boasts of a 100-seating capacity dining area and a modern-classy interiors. For the menu, you should not miss the grilled seafood and steaks, rolls, sushi, tonkatsu, with its top 3 best sellers ebi tempura, beef teppan, and chicken teriyaki.

I can still remember Sumosam’s Samurai’s Choice Bento Meal I got to try a few months ago at the Greenhills Town Center branch. Back to the Gateway branch, I also got to try the Hot Prawn Salad,  Spicy Tuna Salad, and Tuna and Pink Salmon Sashimi. They were all good although I was used to the Hot Prawn Salad Chinese style which is hot and with cream. Sumosam’s is more on the traditional-natural salad type.

Sumo Sam Hot Prawn Salad

Chicken Terriayki

Tuna and Pink Salmon Sashimi

Brief History

Celebrity Chef Marvin Agustin

Sumo Sam is on a roll this year with a target of no less than 20 branches in total by the end of 2012. A brief look at the past reveals Sumo Sam as having been conceived by 3 young entrepreneurs: in the persons of Raymund Magdaluyo; Ricky Laudico and Marvin Agustin. They accomplished this together with renowned chefs: The Chef of the stars – Chef Florabel Co-Yatco; Chef Nikki Nicolas, pioneer batch of , and Chef Benjamin Gonzalez.

I’m surely coming back to Sumo Sam Gateway Mall soon. Visit them at the 2nd floor of The Gateway Mall, in Cubao, Quezon City

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.

Today is the day – April 24, 2012 – when a gamut of new beverages, food items, and promos start at Starbucks Philippines. Coffee and frappuccino addicts as you are, you ought not be behind the news. Worry not as NomNom Club is here to make sure you are. 🙂

Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappuccino

1) Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappuccino Blended Beverage (Coffee Based)

The Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappuccino blended beverage is your favorite Starbucks Frappunccino roast coffee with chocolate cookie bits made richer with mocha sauce, and vanilla syrup. And as if that’s not enough, it is topped with chocolate drizzle on cookie crumble blended topping.

If I’m not mistaken, this is the first time Starbucks PH is offering  chocolate whip cream.

It’s like a java chip frap with vanilla syrup. It can remind you of Wendy’s frostee as well. 😛

A yummy treat for the chocolate-loving coffee drinker!

* Tall P165, Grande P175, Venti P175

2) Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappuccino Blended Beverage (Cream Based – Zero Coffee)

The same as number 1 above but is cream-based instead of coffee.

Strawberries and Cream Frappuccino

Something for the chocolate lover who wants a coffee alternative; maybe even for kids too. It’s just like your all-time favorite Magnolia Chocolaitwith cookie bits.

Did you know that you also have the option to ‘blend‘ your cream into the beverage (instead of ‘just on top’)?

* Tall P165, Grande P175, Venti P175

3) Strawberries and Cream Frappuccino Blended Beverage

Not really new, it’s more of a focus featured beverage highlighting the However-You-Want-It Frappuccino beverages.

It’s your favorite Strawberries and Cream frappuccino with the option for soy, non-fat milk, or your defualt whole milk.

* Tall P155, Grande P165, Venti P175

4) Sausage Pizza Roll (P95)

Replacing the current sausage roll, this flaky pastry is filled with a smoked frankfurter and cheese pizza sauce. A true comfort food that can easily satisfy that impulsive craving for a quick soft bite.

Don’t forget to have it warmed.

Sausage Pizza Roll

5) Fish and Chips Wrap (P150)

A filling wrap of fish fillet, herbed potato wedges, and dill mustard egg sauce. It’s big and enough to substitute for a full meal. If you’re wondering, the chips is inside. 😛

Fish and Chips Wrap

6) Chicken Grape Almond Salad on Classic Ciabatta Bread (P150)

Available in a Starbucks Philippines stores nationwide, this is a tangy sandwich of chicken, celery, roasted chopped almonds, sliced sundried tomatoes, and interestingly grapes, with lemon-mayo sauce and hints of tarragon and Emmenthal cheese sandwiched by crunchy Ciabatta bread.

My favorite made better with the twist of adding grape slices! It’s the anti-thesis of a boring food, there’s so much in every bite! 🙂

Chicken Grape Almond Salad Sandwich

7) Cookie Crumble Cheesecake with Chips Ahoy (P130)

This is for the cheesecake and Chip Ahoy cookie lovers combined. The baked cheesecake is topped with chunky-chewy Chips Ahoy cookies + chocolate chips with a base / crust made of assorted crushed Chips Ahoy cookies.

However, it’s not type of cheesecake. I’m for the sinfully sweet, smooth, and soft ones.

Cookie Crumble Cheesecake

8) Whoopie Pie (P75)

Whoops, it’s big! And the two bulging eyes seem to beg you not to eat them. 🙂

This redesigned returning favorite from last year is a sandwich of two fudgy dark chocolate cookie cakes filled with white roasted marshmallow cream icing and chocolate chips. At first, it looked like a really sweet treat that’s painful to the tooth but turned out just ok.

Whoopie Pie

Although it’s a bit pricey at P75, the fun factor, specially for the kids and kids-at-heart, makes up for it; somehow. lol

It’s cuteness would also have been multiplied by ten if it was just a quarter of its current size. Who knows, Starbucks Philippines might just come across this blog and have the mini Whoopie Pies next season. 🙂

Cuteness Overflowing: Starbucks Whoopie Pies (Sampler Size)

9) Customizable Starbucks Tumblers: 16 oz. Cold Cup Tumbler (P550)

Twist and turn (step 1). Write (step 2). Erase (step 3). Those are the steps into ‘customizing‘ your ‘customizable‘ (woah!) new Starbucks Tumblers!

After the twist-and-turn, you could remove the outer cup and ‘write‘ your favorite Starbucks beverage label on the surface of inner cup. Common sense also suggests to use a non-permanent white board marker. If you think your favorite Starbucks beverage will not change, like forever, then feel free to use a permanent marker. 🙂

Customizable Starbucks Tumblers (How To)

So lets say that you’re as brilliant as I so you use a non-permanent marker, then you could easily erase it (step 3; pardon the watermark which blocked the ‘erasing’ action) with any tissue paper or cloth.

After which, you simply twist-back the outer cup and viola – give your labelled and customized Starbucks tumbler to your barista!

The Cold Cup tumbler is the one on Step 1 and Step 2A photos.

10) Customizable Starbucks Tumblers: 16 oz. Stainless Steel Tumbler (P1095)

Please see number 9, but you can have hot beverages in these! I want to have this one!

The Stainless steel tumbler is the one on Step 2B and Step 3 photos.

11) Scratch Card Promo (Buy 1 Take 1)

For the first time in Starbucks Philippines history, they’re having a scratch-card based promotion, just like in the lottery. 🙂

From April 24 to April 29 (or until supplies last), buy one Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappuccino Blended Beverage and get one scratch card to win an exciting treat that you can use for your next Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappuccino Blended Beverage purchase!

Scratch card redemption is until June 11, 2012.

Starbucks Scratch Card

Prizes in the scratch cards can be

• one free add-on
• double free add-ons
• buy-one-free-one beverage!

12) Starbucks Happy Hour / Frappuccino Happy Hour (50% Off)

The Starbucks Happy Hour is back! Your favorite Starbucks However-You-Want-It Frappuccino Blended Beverage will be at half-price EVERY MONDAY from 2PM to 6PM from April 30 to May 28, 2012!

Starbucks Happy Hour

Starbuck's Love Fernandez

The long lines will surely be back, but this time, instead of the previous 2 hrs, you’ve got more time allotment of 4 hrs!

That’s a DOZEN of new things to remember at Starbucks Philippines starting today – April 24, 2012 (except for the Starbucks Happy Hour which starts April 30)! Hmmm…which one to try first? 🙂