October 6th, 2012 — Beverage, Cravings, Cuisine, Filipino, Fusion, New Brews
The last quarter of the year is a prime season for new products specially for those catching the Christmas season market. And just when the third quarter of 2012 was just about to end, Pepsi-Cola launched a coconut craze with the new Tropicana Coco Quench drink with super model Charo Ronquillo as its brand ambassador.
Tasting the Tropicana Coco Quench
I have recently tried the 330ml single-serve of Tropicana Coco Quench which retails at P30 and I liked it!
Being a fresh coconut juice drinker myself, I had reservations at first with its freshness since it’s a processed and packed good. I also thought it would be filled with preservatives for shelf-life – I was wrong.
I came to know that Tropicana Coco Quench actually has no preservatives and its container is made with Tetra Pack packaging techonology that replicates the protection of coconuts It has 6 protective layers to maintain quality and freshness for an 8-month shelf-life.
Tropicana Coco Quench 330ml Tetra Pack
Benefits of Coconut Water
- I have gathered some coconut water benefits in this list for reference as well:
- Naturally hydrating with less sugar and calories due to its electrolytes similar to the human plasma
- Rich source of iron, calcium, magnesium and 4 times higher potassium content than bananas
- Helps reduce food cravings and aid in weight loss
- Flushes out toxins
Tropicana Coco Quench – 1 Litre pack (reclosable & resealable)
I think Tropicana banked on the ubiquitous demand of coconut water not only in the Philippines but also around the world. It also brands itself as made from real coconut water and 100% fresh fit for any age. The same demand has also drawn global attention to the Philippines as one of the leading sources of coconut water in the world. I wish the new product all the best for the public to appreciate the portability it offers while getting the benefits of coconut waters
Aside from the 330 ml pack in a pull-tab mechanism, Tropicana Coco Quench also comes in a 1 litre pack with a reclosable and resealable cap for the coconut juice lover. 🙂
September 25th, 2012 — Affairs, Appetizer, Beverage, Chinese, Cravings, Cuisine, Dessert, European, Filipino, French, Fusion, Japanese, Makati, New Brews, Promos / Events, Rockwell, Western, Where To Eat
Although our editor-in-chief has been to previous UTT, Clasrissa and I were first-timers and excited to be “food critics” for a day in the recent Rockwell’s Ultimate Taste Test 2.
The Fruit Garden
Knowing that there would be 40 different food stalls to try at the Rockwell Tent, we had to craft a plan so we can try everything just like how our EIC made it in last year’s Ultimate Taste Test. I couldn’t imagine how to go through each and every booth so I told Clariss that we should start with main dishes such as pork, chicken, and other meat down to the desserts and beverages.
Frisch Liquor Ice Cream
We were given a set of food tray, a pen, and a map with a grading sheet with the names of the participating vendors. It’s actually our passport to every food stall. We don’t have to finish all the stalls but it would be an awesome experience if we do!
The Scoring System:
- 1 – Thanks, but it could be better
- 2 – It’s Okay
- 3 – We had a good time!
- 4 – I love it!
- 5 – Awesome! I would recommend!
Bayani Brew
The UTT management has made it very comfortable for the “food criticsâ€, there’s enough space, drinking water dispenser and disposable plastic cups.
On my list, I actually had 12 different food stalls with a grade of 5, but will shorten it the Top 10. Let me share our great food finds with a grade of 5 at UTT2.
1. Hillside Ranch
o This is one of the most scrumptious meat entrée in UTT2. To be honest, I’m a little picky when it comes to meat. I always want it juicy, moist, flavorful but definitely not salty, and most of all tender! Available in two variants, the corned beef brisket an my favorite  slow roast beef belly. Unfortunately, they are not available in major supermarkets but you can buy them at Trellis in QC and Essel Supermarket in San Fernando, Pampanga (the province where they came from – a place famous for good food).
Hillside Ranch
2. Carlo’s Kitchen
o The crispy, crunchy goodness of Carlos Kitchen pork belly goes very well with a bottle of San Miguel Beer! I got to try it when I visited Mercato Centrale about few months ago. The flavour, which is not too salty, and the crispiness remain the same. Crunchy belly is good for “pulutan†(finger food or appetizer). I almost forgot my favourite Bulacan chicharon!
Carlo’s Kitchen
3. Baked by Anita
o Known for their delicious cupcakes, Baked by Anita surprised us with their newest offering – a flavourful savory pie called the “Wild Mushroom Gruyere & Truffle Oilâ€. The truffle oil made it more appealing to the palate.
Baked by Anita
UTT would not be complete without dessert such as creamy and irresistible ice cream, cakes, pastries and smoothies. Here’s my take on their dessert & beverage section.
4. Blue Togue
o When it comes to desserts, I highly recommend Blue Togue! Initially, I was hesitant to try the cakes and pastries since I had some cheesecake overload the past few days. As of this writing I still have two boxes of Conti’s cakes in my fridge. Nonetheless, their Nutella Mouse Cake looks so divine I can’t resist! And yes, I was bewitched with its moist and creamy chiffon. I highly recommend Blue Togue!
Blue Togue’s Nutella Mouse Cake
5. Matasami Flavoured Shave Ice
o This one is definitely different from other flavoured shave ice I tried in the past. I never thought it would be so smooth, so luscious, so creamy and so delicious! I tried two flavors – the Swiss Cheese and Langka, in favor of the former. The owner was very generous offering us to try other variants but I had to refuse. Perhaps on my next visit, I will try the Hawaiian Shave Ice and their liquor syrups.
o Matasami can be found in: SM Mall of Asia, Robinsons Galleria, Glorietta 4 Cinema Level and soon at Robinsons Magnolia.
Matasami
6. Villa Del Conte
o I’m already familiar with Villa del Conte as boyfie once gave me a box of these luscious, rich, premium chocolates.
Villa Del Conte
7. Saint Alps
o They served us their refreshing Blueberry Double Chocolate which was outstanding!
Saint Alps
8. Bayani Brew
o Bayani brew offers interesting and healthy beverages. I tried their Lemongrass Pandan Iced tea and Purple leaf tea Iced tea. Guess what is a purple leaf tea? It’s actually “talbos ng kamote†(kamote tops)! Interestingly, it doesn’t taste like kamote tops. However, the lemongrass pandan is just like a regular brewed iced tea but I liked it nonetheless! Each bottle costs P35.
Bayani Brew
9. Pinkberry – They served us Coconut Pinkberry and made us choose 3 toppings. It had a good balance of tanginess and sweetness to crave for.  Check out my separate post on Pinkberry.
10. Mochi Sweets
o A soft and not-too-sweet mocha dessert goes well with a cup of hot tea. Since we’re already full, I paired it with Nescafe Dolce Gusto Cappuccino.
Mochi Sweets
With a wide variety of food, I never thought I would be spending almost four hours at UTT2.
Other interesting food items are the Hokey Pokey Ice Cream from New Zealand Natural, Frisch Liquor Ice Cream, Maria’s Ilocos Empanada, Chef Anton, Lulu Belle, & the Plaza.
Bake Buddy
The Plaza
Nutella Rocks
On the other hand, there were two food stalls that I had to visit twice because they run out of food – Chief Wings and Chow Fun. The latter offered us their interesting chocolate butchi.
* Story and photos by Marjorie Pineda of www.livingmarjorney.com
New Zealand Natural
Maria’s Ilocos Empanada
Nescafe Dolce Gusto
Those are my Top 10 food items from Rockwell’s Ultimate Taste Test 2! I was so full I had to skip dinner that night.
September 20th, 2012 — Affairs, Foodie Information, Promos / Events
Medicard Clinic in Makati
Five weeks, 35 sachets of C-lium Fibre, and one Crossfit session after, I’m still alive; and healthier too! 🙂
September 7 came when we had to undergo the second blood test and stress test at the Medicard clinic in Makati  The activity intends to measure the results and difference from whence we started to include C-Lium Fibre in our diet as part of the ‘C-Lium  Lose More Live More Journey‘. To get accurate results, we had a light dinner the night before of the Laboratory examination ( 10–12  hours fasting ).
We had a weigh-in followed by a nutrition  assessment and counselling.
Weigh-In
Nutrition Assessment: Lost 2 lbs, lost 2 inches from waist, light diet @ 2200 kcal/day
Regular Exchanges of Food / Day
Treadmill Stress Test
All was going smooth but I was already in a hurry during my Treadmill Stress Test because I had an academic class to catch by noon somewhere in Quezon City. My students were waiting for me as I am also an IT instructor, aside from being a social media consultant and blogger.
The tests were the same as before where the treadmill started at a slow pace whose speed gradually increase in time. The incline also increased as the test progressed while a medical doctor observes on the side. (top photo)
Treadmill Stress Test
Blood Serum
Blood Test Results
A few days later, I got the blood test results.
In summary, the general outcome of my blood test were well within the normal ranges. The highlight of which was that I lost about 2 more pounds from the initial 63.4 kilos a month ago.
Little did they know that I have a belly problem (love handles). It’s getting some mass and I want my 6-packs back! 😛
With my slim built, the others were kidding that they were surprised I actually had something more to loose. 🙂
Blood Test Results (from 1st examination)
I myself was surprised. I thought I might have gained weight since even though I was taking C-Lium in the mornings. I was generally still carefree of what I eat during the day and just a bit conscientious of my carbohydrates intake at night.
To put it visually, here are some of my before and after photos.
‘Before‘  (in Singapore King Crab) and ‘After‘  (in Legoland Malaysia) Photos
As per the insights I have gained in participating in this activity, blood results aside, I can truly say that C-Lium has improved my digestion and daily bowel movement.
With regards to continuing the ‘Lose More, Live More‘ with C-lium, I suggest you continue on this daily morning breakfast routine:
Thank you to C-Lium Fibre for accompanying us in this journey and to Medicard for making sure everything was going well from the inside. I hope this series of Live More-Lose More Journey was able to inspire at the very least, some of you, in living the healthier life while enjoying it as well!
September 18th, 2012 — Affairs, Beverage, Cravings, New Brews, Promos / Events
San Mig Coffee Super
Anne Curtis further reaffirms her status today as one of the entertainment industry’s most visible and most successful stars as she becomes San Mig Coffee‘s newest brand ambassador.
“I am a regular coffee drinker and drinking coffee helps me a lot during a very busy day. The good thing about San Mig Coffee Super Packs is that there seems to be a variant for any time of the day…†says top celebrity Anne Curtis Smith.
This latest development form San Mig Super Coffeemix Co. Inc. is a step forward as they introduce new variants in launching the San Mig Coffee Super Packs – its newest line of coffee mixes. With the city’s super busy individuals in mind, the San Mig Coffee Super Packs contain energy-releasing B vitamins such as B1, B2 and B6.
San Miguel Super Coffeemix Co. Inc. General Manager Michael Allan Castro with Anne Curtis
San Mig Coffee Chococino
The four variants are:
- San Mig Coffee Super (20g)
- San Mig Coffee Brown (25g)
- San Mig Coffee White (28g)
- San Mig Coffee Chococino (25g)
San Mig Coffee Brown
I’ve tried all four with my breakfast recently and the first one is aptly named “Super” for its strong & bold coffeemix with full-bodied taste. The ‘White‘ one is on the creamy side with a smooth taste while the ‘Chococino‘ is cocoa with a blend of coffee.
But among the four, I liked the ‘Brown‘ most for its rich coffee taste and the distinct taste of brown sugar.
San Mig Coffee White
San Mig Coffee Super Packs
How about you, which of the four San Mig Coffee Super Packs would you be most interested to try?
September 12th, 2012 — Affairs, Promos / Events
C-Lium Brand Ambassadors
I was not able to realize the intensity of the Crossfit Work Out session care of C-Lium until the big day came when we were actually at the Philippine Army Gym. The Crossfit workout featured the exercises that they adapted in the C-lium Lose More Live More website.
My shortcoming was I did not do a prior research on what Crossfit was all about and what we were to undergo. I had much confidence that I will be able to do it whaterver it will be.
C-Lium Brand Ambassadors @ Philippine Army Gym
I was both right and wrong. 😛
After a bried lecture from our coach on strength strength & conditioning in contrast to mere bodybuilding, we were oriented on what we are about to do:
- 7 Wall Balls
- 7 Push Ups
- 7 Box Jumps (High/Low)
- 7 Burpees
- 10mins AMRAP
Crossfit Gym
Crossfit Program and briefing
They all sound new to me except for the push ups. Even after his demonstrations, they didn’t really looked that hard.
But then he had to give time limits such that we should do each of the above-mentioned exercises for a certain number of repetitions within a limited period of time – that is when things started to get nasty and muscles began to complain. 🙂
In the final round, we had to do all 4 sets as many times as we can within 10 minutes. We had fellow program partners who we counted for and counted for me as well.
Crossfit Workout Participants
Crossfit Push-ups
I was more than satisfied with my performance having finished 4 rounds of the complete 4 sets within 10 minutes. Itwas beyond my expectations; perhaps taking C-Lium everyday was a factor (naks). 🙂 Kidding aside, the better digestion, regular bowel movement, lower cholesterol, and decreased weight, of course, did help in having one’s physical tone prepared; albeit C-Lium is not a strengthening vitamin but a fiber supplement, just to be clear.
Crossfit Aftermath: Food
After the Crossfit work out, we also had lunch at the same time a mini-seminar with a nutritionist who shared how to deliciously combine C-Lium into one’s diet and into good-tasting dishes. One of which was a healthy soya-nacho serving and after-workout juice.
C-Lium and Good-Tasting Food
Soya-Chips / Nachos with C-Lium
Benefits of Crossfit
What was good about this whole basic crossfit workout program was that the 4 sets of exercise targetted different muscle part of the body. The ‘Wall Balls‘ was for the upper arms, the push ups for the chest, the ‘box jumps‘ for the legs and abs, and the ‘burpees‘ for the overall body tone.
Our thanks extend to Crossfit, C-Lium, and our trainer for introducing us to the Crossfit workout and C-Lium which became a good supplement to their exercise program.
September 11th, 2012 — Affairs, Casual, Coffee Shops, Cravings, Cuisine, European, Filipino, Fusion, New Brews, Promos / Events, Quick Service, Restaurants, Western
If I’m not mistaken, this would be the first time Starbucks Philippines is offering breakfast tapa in their menu. Probably a come-on for those looking for a local taste, the new Starbucks sandwiches for breakfast are available starting today which also includes the Spam Black Pepper, Forest Ham, Breakfast Tapa & Egg, and Ratatouille & Mozzarella Cheese.
Released on a significantly historical day of September 11, the all-day breakfast sandwiches are made available in all Starbucks stores around the Philippines. I hope you are trying one now as you are reading this food blog so you can relate to my feedback.
The new Starbucks breakfast sandwiches has somehow made my breakfast more sophisticated as I’m simply used to either the usual Filipino breakfast of rice with egg and tapa or corned beef, or the more western style of milk and sandwich combo.
Starbucks Forest Ham Sandwich
For example, the Forest Ham is made with slices of forest ham, scrambled egg white and smoked Gouda cheese which makes it more flavorful as a sandwich but with less fat and on healthy toasty oat bread.
The second one is a vegetarian sandwich – the Ratatouille And Mozzarella Cheese (TOP PHOTO). It’s a healthy blend of cheese, spinach, tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, portobello and shiitake mushrooms, garlic and onions – all packed in-between a multi-grain bread. The usual perception on vegetarian sandwiches is being bland, but this one isn’t. In fact, I love it and wouldn’t have known it was vegetarian.
Starbucks SPAM Black Pepper Sandwich
Beef Tapa with Egg Sandwich
I’d predict the third would be a blockbuster – the Spam Black Pepper. Everyone’s favorite SPAM® is spiced up with black pepper, creamy scrambled egg and layered with melted American Cheddar cheese on cornmeal bread
And finally, Starbucks puts a twist to the traditional favorite Filipino breakfast – the ‘Breakfast Tapa & Egg‘.
Starbucks Philippines added garlic mayonnaise and put it in a whole wheat bread, instead of the staple rice (of course, we’re talking about sandwiches). It was an interesting approach for someone used to having their beef tapa in the morning with rice. 🙂
New Starbucks Breakfast Sandwiches (Starting Sept 11, 2012)
I’ve got the chance to try all the new Starbucks breakfast sandwiches which are all priced similarly at Php 115 (US$2.78), Generally all four are good but my recommendations are the Ratatouille & Mozzarella cheese on multigrain bread and Spam Black Pepper w/ egg & Cheddar cheese on cornmeal bread.
September 7th, 2012 — Casual, Cravings, Cuisine, Dessert, Filipino, Foodie Information, Fusion, New Brews, Nomnom Loves, Quezon City, Quick Service, Restaurants, Robinsons Magnolia, Sweet Shops, Western, Where To Eat
Magnolia Flavor House on Dry-Run (Augugst 2012)
Do you still remember the Magnolia Ice Cream House along Aurora Boulevard?
If it doesn’t ring a bell to you, you might have been too young or were not even born yet in Manila during the 1990’s when the Magnolia Ice Cream parlor was an iconic landmark for families and ice cream lovers. It was the place to be when you talk about banana splits, parfaits, and special ice cream concoctions such as the peach melba sundae.
With the opening of Robinsons’ newest mall – Robinsons Magnolia – in the very same spot where the old Magnolia Ice Cream House once stood, the new Magnolia Ice Cream House was born. The mall itself was named Robninsons Magnolia because of this nostalgic history. It’s now called the Magnolia Flavor House.
New Magnolia Ice Cream House beside Starbucks
The new Magnolia Ice Cream House – the Magnolia Flavor House -Â is located in the garden area right beside a Starbucks coffee shop under construction and not within the mall premises.
They were in dry-run last month when we visited the ice cream parlor but I believe the menu selection now would have increased.
Here are some photos of the new Magnolia Ice Cream House in Robinsons Magnolia at night.
Magnolia Ice Cream House
Magnolia Ice Cream House Menu (they now have more selections)
Robinsons Magnolia Garden
This is a photo of the Magnolia Flavor House from the top during the day.
Magnolia Flavor House by day
Magnolia Flavor House (New Magnolia Ice Cream House)
Robinsons Magnolia Garden
Dona Hemady corner Aurora Boulevard, New Manila, Quezon City
September 5th, 2012 — Affairs, Appetizer, Beverage, Casual, Chinese, Cravings, Cuisine, Dessert, European, Filipino, French, Fusion, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Malaysian, Mexican, New Brews, Pizza / Pasta, Promos / Events, Quick Service, Restaurants, Street Fare, Sweet Shops, Western
NomNom with Anton Diaz (right) in UTT
In Rockwell’s Ultimate Taste Test 2011, NomNom was able to conquer 51 food stalls. How many would this year’s count be? On September 15 and 16, test your appetite and set your own records at Rockwell’s 2nd Ultimate Taste Test happening at Rockwell Tent as brought to us by Anton Diaz‘ Our Awesome Planet together with San Miguel Lifestyle Brews and more.
This two-day food tasting event happens from 11 in the morning up until 9 in the evening of both days. Get to taste samplings from over 40 home-based food businesses, concessionaires, and Power Plant mall establishments as they set up shop to have food lovers, connoisseurs, and foodies, become ” food critics for a day.“
Food Rating Activity
Rockwell’s ltimate Taste Test traditional ratings of the food by the visitors within the scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest, will be one of the event’s highlights. The top performing food stalls with the average rating of 3.8 and above, will be specially features in Anton Daiz’s Our Awesome Planet blog in October 2012.
Rockwell’s Ultimate Taste Test 2011 Score Sheet
Purchase Tickets
The ticket rates for the tenth (10th) edition of the Ultimate Taste Test  (UTT) is at P585/person/day or P1,000/person for 2 days. This covers the food taste portions and a bottle of San Miguel Super Dry, Premium All-Malt or Cerveza Negra (age 18 and above).
Buy the tickets from Creative Juice Office (Tel. # 5707827) during office hours or Rockwell Customer Care (Tel. # 8981702) during mall hours . You may also email admin@ultimatetastetest.com for questions and inquiries.
Rockwell’s Ultimate Taste Test 2012
For Interested Food Suppliers
Interested in becoming one of the food suppliers? Email the organizers at admin@ultimatetastetest.com.Â
Buy your tickets now as only 1,000 tickets to be sold are allocated per day. See you at Rockwell’s Ultimate Taste Test 2 in 10 days! 🙂
