If you were gay Bert and Ernie

We're just friends.....right Mr. Ducky?

Much has been said on this online campaign to get sesame street characters Bert and Ernie exchange their vows to each other. But with all the clamor this issue is getting, Sesame Workshop had finally taken its stand and released an official statement on Sesame Street's facebook page that the two muppets are not gay.

Not this year at least.

I must admit, I laughed when I saw the title of the article in yahoo news (which was the reason I read it in the first place). But I have to agree with the people who are voting "No" this time. Watching Bert and Ermie when I was a kid, I just saw them as two people trying to annoy the hell out from each other. Never saw their relationship in a romantic level. They came across to me more as brothers than lovers.

While I'm all about equality and acceptance, I support the idea of making Sesame Street a neutral show where kids could just sing, dance, laugh and learn the abc's of the alphabet. They only get to be kids once, so let the kids be kids.

My Reflection: Whenever I see a bunch of children playing altogether, I can't help but think how pure and precious that moment is. A world without prejudice and resentment, just love. I wish we are all reminded of what really matters.

Please Do Not Disturb!

This scene in Robisons Galleria  had certainly caught my attention. I came across this group of men who, in the middle of the mall, were watching attentively outside a gadget store at the movie being played as a demo of an LCD Tv. What's amusing is that these guys, without realizing it, created a basic cheering formation and even had their arms folded like how cheer leaders do before starting a performance.

I'm assuming that what I've just witnessed is pretty much normal inside Robisons Galleria, for nobody, not even the security guard I spotted a few meters away, wanted to disturb them. I've seen things like this before in public malls, but these people just took the experience to another level.

It only proves that once a man set his focus to a certain thing, no form of distraction can sway him away from it (LOL).

Level Up: Paotsin Has Just Gotten Bigger In Metropoint Mall

It's official! The storm Kabayan had finally left our country. And as strange as it may seem, I felt  positively re-energized just seeing the sun and the clear blue sky it had brought outside my window. I guess I finally have to admit that the presence of light after too much darkness brings hope to people. And to celebrate the return of the sun's ultra violet rays, I decided to share another fabulous lunch experience I had with this fast-food chain I found last Thursday!

I believe we all had those moments when we have to look at the same thing twice just to make sure we didn't get it wrong. This is exactly what happened to me as I was roaming around Metropoint mall looking for a place to eat. I was about to take the escalator when I passed something familiar. I shrugged it off, thinking it wasn't that much of an importance. But then I had this feeling like I just missed "something." And so I paused, and walk a few steps back only to see that one of my favorite fast-food chain Paotsin has finally turned into a big dining restaurant.

Maybe some of you guys already knew about this information. But for me to see something I used to frequent transformed into something as big as a restaurant was just really amazing. It's like getting re-acquainted with an old friend. All the good memories I had spent with my college classmates in Paotsin started coming back. I absolutely have no intention of re-living my college days but just for that day, I wanted to feel a little bit nostalgic.

Aside from my drama, I was freaking hungry as well! And normally, I would order my regular favorite hainanese rice (the green colored rice) plus a dumpling stick. But I felt like I wanted to try something new now that Paotsin had updated the menu list:

Paotsin, known to serve easy to cook Chinese foods, has now added special viands (ulam in tagalog) which customers can choose from and add on their special rice. Personally I feel like this is a great idea 'coz I, for one, have tried all kinds of dumplings Paotsin has to offer during the last four years of my college life. And I feel like I've already reached the point where I wanted something else than dumplings.

Speaking of special rice, Paotsin obviously wanted  new flavors and so they added seafood and lemak on top of their already famous hainanese rice

This, however, is something I haven't tried yet being this menu is new to me , but rest assured I've already written this on my must-eat in Paotsin when I return back.....(very soon!)

Of course dumplings which Paotsin has be known for will never be out of the menu....

I fancied lemak rice and shark dumplings for lunch. And I must say I didn't expect how crucial the role of my buko juice will be. I felt like I could have emitted fire from my mouth without it. The lemak rice looked relatively normal aside from it's yellow color and some spices mixed to it. But I was totally not prepared of how spicy it could get.

In case you're wondering, it cost me 55 bucks for the rice and dumplings while the buko juice (which saved me taste buds btw) had me paying an additional 20 bucks. So you do the math and the answer should tell you that it's totally affordable to in eat Paotsin. 

Before I end this blog, have I told you that the guy who took my order actually asked me if I wanted a receipt? He had me thinking twice but then I realized  if I don't ask for one, I'll be unfair to the millions of people who pay for their taxes.

Also I asked him if I could take pictures of the place and the food displays for blogging purposes which he easily agreed to but I was suddenly interrupted by another employee and they informed suddenly that it was against their rules to take pictures. When I asked to speak with their manager to explain my side, they weren't really cooperative.

Nevertheless, I enjoyed my lunch in Paotsin and despite the little awkwardness that happened I'm still going back to enjoy their Chinese cuisine. Check them out at Paotsin Specialties at the 3rd floor of MetroPoint mall space 310.

My Rainy Chowking Experience at Robisons Galleria

August started with strong winds and non-stop rains this year. But with PAG-ASA being more reliable of their weather reports and surprisingly considerate with the welfare of students and employees, most of us, particularly the students, had to stay at home due to early suspension of classes. And although the bad weather could prove to be a very good excuse not to get up on our beds, those who have to make ends meet had to endure the harsh storm to go to work.

It is curious that I always find myself outside the house when the storm is at its peak. My first day of August started wet and cold. This time I had to drop by at the office of my potential employer to take two tests designed to reveal if I'm sane enough to work normally. After enduring the process of waiting and answering 10 pages back-to-back of questions which for me seemed all the same aside from the way it was asked, I decided to go home immediately and avoid being caught up in traffic-jams and heavy rains. 

But Alas! I got stuck in a crazy traffic-jam while it was raining so badly that I had to make a stop-over at a nearby mall Robinsons Galleria and allow the challenges to subside. Seeing all the fancy advertisement inside the mall, I suddenly realized that I missed my breakfast and, if I'm not careful, I might skip my lunch too. I knew I needed to eat. And to reward myself for being me, I decided to go for a Chinese lunch! 

One thing that came up to my mind easily (actually the only thing that I thought of) was Chowking, the biggest Chinese fast-food chain in the Philippines. It has been favorite (since it's the only fast-food chain that serves Chinese food that I know) ever since I was a highschool student. Their chicken noodle soup works like miracle to me whenever I'm sick during stormy weathers.

Between looking for a BPI atm machine and Chowking inside Robisons Galleria, I realized I've already spent 20 minutes wandering around. And so I finally decided to ask for directions from the information center. After locating where Chowking was, I entered the line and started checking on what's new on the menu posted on wall behind the counter.


I immediately noticed how improved the Chowking was in Robisons Galleria in terms of the structure of the whole place. The tiles used on the floors were less slippery than before, the counter is noticeably longer and wider, and the employees were all smiling and active in maintaining the whole place clean.


I was so astonished with the improvements I saw that I knew I just have to blog about it. So here are pictures I took which will show you what I'm talking about:

Chowking's counter in Robisons Galleria is longer and wider compared to other branches I've visited before  (Although my camera was not able to caputure the whole thing).



Here you will see that the tiles on the floor were noticeably clean and, based on my personal experience, was not as slippery compared to the other Chowking branches, which is still a concern for me.

I think everyone would agree to me to say that we don't like flies hopping around us while we eat, and to be honest I've experienced that from another branch of this fast-food chain, but Chowking in Robisons Galleria was free from those annoying creatures.


I feel like Chowking is making all these improvements to be at par with Mcdonalds which have been very eager in renovating the structure of all their branches to improve their service to the people. I guess this kind of change is needed if they want to keep their customers happy.


I, for one, has been quite a little off with the Chowking in my place due to poor hygiene maintenance of  the place. In fact, I had an experience where a small cockroach was crawling on my chair as I was eating. I complained and gave my critical feedback to the manager, but that's a different story now is it not? ^^"

The type of structure of this particular branch somehow reminds me of Mcdonalds. But when you come down to it, how a fast-food chain looks like, without compromising hygiene, is not much of an importance than the quality of service they provide. And for me that's what I look for whenever I eat in places like this.

Another thing I love about Chowking in Robisons Galleria was the chairs. From the picture I posted, it may look like the material used for it was made out of plastic. But again, based on my personal experience, the chair was as comfortable as all chairs should be.  For me it was like seating on a chair covered with leather.

The dessert corner, as I call it, has dramatically improved as well with its own counter made bigger and spacious and of course with add-on displays posted on the wall behind it (finally!?!). 

I'm one of those people who are very particular with rest rooms and wash areas. I would intentionally withhold any bathroom issues I have if I found the this part of the restaurant practically neglected. But as you can see from the photos posted above, the wash area finally had been touched with a modern style that it kind of reminds you of those you see in hotels. Also notice how illuminated the mirror was, isn't wonderful to look at yourself in bright lights? 

Chowking's fashion sense in their employees' uniforms would not dare miss my glamorous eyes. I think their new style is both comfortable and easy on the eyes. Though not really timely for the weather since it's cold, I'd go with this look than with their old boring uniform set.

To sum it all up, my lunch experience with the new and improved Chowking in Robisons Galleria was such a delight! With all the improvements seen on their fast-food chain, you can tell that our feedback as customers were taken seriously, and hopefully it will just keep on getting better. Personally, I feel that this branch of Chowking has just raised the notch in providing an excellent quality customer service to its regulars. There's a lot of positive comments I could add on this blog but words are just words until you try it for yourself. So reward yourself with hot chicken soup and share the good news....xoxo 

Fusion: Food Benefit Expo For Bravekids

It's one of those events again where people need to loosen their belts and forget about their horrible methods of diet and exercise. Fusion a benefit food expo had prepared a wide array of free food-tasting from different concepts of food businesses. From the biggest names to the smallest carts, every proprietor had something exciting hidden on their sleeves to advertise their products, attract people and, of course, eventually make a profit.

Fusion was a two day event held at SMX Convention Center. And like all events, you would need to pay for your pass! But who wants to spend a piso when you can get a major major discount on the first day and get it entirely for free on the second day? Well, if you have connections or just a thirst for events like this, you'd probably came across Localroam, a deal-of-the-day website which gives out huge discounts on different products and services. 

It aims to raise money to help a group of children known as Bravekids who have been fighting a battle which regretfully up until now has no known cure - Cancer. But feeble their bodies maybe, they choose to LIVE, EAT, PRAY and LOVE. At the end of day, isn't that what really matters?

So after every drama comes a silver lining -that is the lining of the spoon I've been seeing since I got in the event. But much to my surprise, aside from store owners and staffs, SMX Hall 1 was not as fully packed as I expected. I got there on the second day of the event so I didn't know if the were more people on the first, but nevertheless I can't help but feel disappointed over the lack of publicity this event received. 

Luckily, one particular store whose owners are as lively as they could be (and I really mean LIVELY) shared what they claimed to be a "Food made out of love." Kroket is a fast-food concept derived all the way from Holland but was recreated here in our country to add a Filipino-touch in it. Kroket main ingredients are potatoes and meat products. It is dipped-fried for less than 5 minutes and could be served either as Kroket balls or the conventional long and round Kroket. Their food concept is not only unique but tastes incredibly good as well. Kroket may appear crunchy on the outside but ultimately soft and flavorful in the inside. Matched with garlic mayo and honey mustard, you will never go wrong when you buy this food. Moreover, since potatoes are considered as food for the brain, Kroket proves to be good both for your body and mind.

Kroket is prepared almost instantaneously which is why it compliments the lifestyle of people who don't have enough time for their break and still want to get something healthy and scrumptious . Added to their menu list are two refreshment drinks which were derived from the same inspiration and were made out of fruits. Nutri drink and Revitalize will sure quench your thirst and re-energize you.

Belle and Menchin, two empowered and beautfiul women, are the brain and beauty behind the success of Kroketten. They showcased their product in Fusion Food Expo to share with customers and future franchisers what they learned and reinvented from Holland. These girls are incredibly humble and nice. Yet their irresistible charms will sure make you buy their Kroket.  I'm very grateful to meet these ladies who foster women empowerment and independence. 

Fusion Food Expo held a raffle draw to give chance to their visitors to win prizes  given by their sponsors

A Raffle draw was held on that day and 2ndavenue sponsored the major prize with an apron filled with different kitchen utensils on its inserts. Although my sister I didn't win that day, 2ndavenue gave us our own aprons to show how much they appreciated our presence. We love you 2ndavenue!!!

That's about it for the FUSION FOOD EXPO FOR BRAVEKIDS. I hope their event would be more lively and fun next the time I visit. 

xoxo

The B&T Experience!

It's not everyday that I get to be a plus one of my sister in a blog event of a restaurant which takes proud of its Mexican cuisine. Burritos & Tacos Mexican Kitchen Restaurant takes you to a different level of experience as they let you taste a little bit of Mexico with their crunchy tacos, salsas and delicioso burritos.

Eye-catching tacos will surely drive your appetite to eat and indulge to its natural cravings.

B&T, located at  G/F 368 Sekai Center, Ortigas Corner Madison St, Greenhills, San Juan, has made it possible for shoppers around the area to relax their tired feet and fill their abdomens with Mexican fast-foods which were not only made delicious and fresh but also guaranteed clean and healthy.

I had the chance to personally visit B&T and discover for myself what the food of the restaurant is all about. Being new to "mexican-food," I was not familiar with the menu but B&T's staff were kind enough to explain what's on the board.

For starters, we got served with tacos and salsas. I'm rating their serving time as average,  approximately about 10 -15 minutes at max. When they finally brought out our food, the scent of the beef was hovering in the air. I could really tell that whatever it is inside the taco must taste awfully good (just thinking of it makes my mouth watery again..lol).

I knew fresh made tacos could be really hot so I had to be a little cautious to avoid my tongue from getting blisters. But after taking my first bite, I forgot all about the heat and started dipping my taco with its partnered salsa. The beef filling lived up to my expectation, it was just as soft and tender as all beef meat should be. The vegetables tasted like fresh and green. But my favorite part of the taco meal was the salsa. It's intriguing how they made it really. The spices were mixed just right that my taste buds were just oozing with joy as I eat it.

Just before we were done with our first meal, the second dish arrived. This time it was the "burritos." They toasted the bread just right to compliment the filling (My ate and I don't eat pork normally so everything laid on our table was filled with beef). And just like with the tacos, the burritos were matched perfectly with their salsas!

What I noticed after eating my first meal was that the food was heavy in the stomach. Just After 2 rounds of taco, I had to loosen my belt a little to breathe. I would suggest this place personally to people who are up to exciting things and adventure. Eating foods not normally seen in our regular fast-food chains are definitely something worthwhile to try. Though I hope  B&T would place a wifi in their restaurant so it can entice young people and college students to do their group meetings and other school related activities while enjoying their tacos and burritos. I also believe that people who work mostly online would benefit from having a wifi in the place.





Now there is more reason to visit Greenhills than looking for affordable gadgets and accessories. I'm looking forward to visit B&T very soon and just relax and eat my tacos while catching up with my girlfriends.

Like them on facebook & while your at it, check their latest promo and events
B&T Mexican Kitchen (Facebook link)