Ramen Sora: No Ramen No Life!

Ramen Sora opens at the Waterfront Avenue in Subic

My comfort food consists of hot steaming bowl of mami, congee and then ramen. When ramen becomes a rage in Manila last year. I checked out the first ramen house that was available together with a friend. I first ate out at Fukkouka Makati and the rest was history.  At first glance, ramen has a resemblance to mami but the difference lies in the soup and ingredients. It is mostly creamy based on the soup.  Ramen (ラーメン) is a noodle soup dish that was originally imported from China and has become one of the most popular dishes in Japan in decades.  Ramen restaurants, or ramen-ya, can be found in virtually every corner in Japan and produce countless regional variations of this common noodle dish. Ramen is the most affordable dish in China and or Hongkong, but here in Manila, you have to scowl php400 for a decent bowl. I have been to 5 Ramen restos in Manila and I should say, Im still exploring other ramen houses as well, as I am a fan of legit spicy ramen, the spicier the better.

From L-R; Chef Nori, Chef Yoshi, Chef Tommy and Gerry Apolinario

Last December 20, 2014 I was invited to check out the new ramen restaurant Ramen Sora at Waterfront Avenue in Subic. Gerry Apolinario of the famous Gerrys chain of restaurants decided to bring Ramen Sora here in the Phils from Las Vegas, USA. upon seeing that Ramen Sora holds a new promise in the food business, The men behind the Ramen Sora Nori, Yoshi and Tommy were excited for the first store in Subic  and claimed that they are on the process of putting up their second branch in Cebu.

Corn Butter Ramen

Shio deluxe Ramen

Menma Ramen

Miso Ramen

When I checked their menu, the ramen that intrigued me is the one with corn and  butter, so I ordered for that with the shoyu (soy)  soup as base as I am not a fan of the salt. The taste was fine with tomago and chasu. I feasted on their noodles. They were on their dry run that day, its okay to spice it up a little bit, if you prefer it with chilis. Noodles are freshly delicious, its not soft or hard, its the way I like it cooked. The interior has a homely feel to it as if youre eating in Japan with the legit ramen.

Born in Hokkaido Sapporo in 2003. Ramen Sora Subic is only the second branch overseas after Las Vegas, Nevada USA., which has a 5-star rating at travel website tripadvisory.,com

Considered Japan's culinary center, Sapporo is often the go-to district for those who want to indulge in the best of Japanese food like Ramen Sora.

Chef Yoshi Ishise, the man behind the restaurant's best tasting ramen, explains: "Ramen is one of Japan's staple dishes just like the rice to filipinos. We could not live without ramen. At Ramen Sora we put our heart and soul into preparing dishes because we want to make our customers happy. Isnt happiness life's ultimate goal?"

Chef Yoshi along with his team of Filipino chefs and partners from Prime Pacific Grill, Inc (PPGI) guarantee that they will transport Pinoys to Sapporo to enjoy the best ramen they will ever taste from Ramen Sora.

PPGI is also the operator of Filipino favorite Gerry's Grill, Kusina ng Gerry's, Aresi (Italian American restaurant) and Sweet Chili (Thai restaurant).

If you happen to drop by at Waterfront Subic, dont forget to check out Ramen Sora, Aresi and Gerrys as well. Then tell me what is your favorite ramen flavor.

Sweet Chili is Now Open at Fisher Mall

Craving for a Thai food? Choose the authentic and affordable Sweet Chili. The local restaurant chain Gerry’s has expanded its portfolio of brands with the opening of
Sweet Chili, Thai Fisha and Noodles House located at the upper ground level of Fisher Mall on along Quezon Avenue in Quezon City.

Sweet Chili Pic Early Faves - Bagoong Rice, Chicken Pandan and Pad Thai with Egg

The restaurant’s affordable menu offers include Soups (Sea Food Tom Yum, Noodles in Clear Soup), Chicken (Chicken Pandani, Stir Fried Spicy Chicken in Basil Leaves), Pork (Grilled Liempo), Dry Noodles (Pad Thai Plain or with Egg), Seafoods (King Fish with Mango Salad, King Fish in Five Kinds of Herbs or in Red Sauce), Rice (Bagoong or Plain) and Desserts; are prepared by a well-trained team headed by Thai Chef Phairat B. Phonbon.

Gerry’s other brand is Kusina ng Gerry’s, a fast-casual, do-it-yourself restaurant which opened in March 2012.

Gerry's Open its Newest Branch at Ayala Fairview Terraces

Gerry’s recently opened at the 3rd level of Ayala Terraces in Fairview Quezon City.
With 17 years culinary experience the Filipino homegrown restaurant has become a food icon enjoyed by a variety of clientele.

The leading restaurant in the country is also set to open its branches at Robinson’s Place Tugegarao, Cagayan; Meycauayan, Isabela; Star Mall Cebu City; Fisher Mall, Quezon City; SM Sta Mesa, Manila; Aseana City Paranaque, and the province of Iligan in 2014. Gerry’s operates at least 60 branches in the country with overseas outlets in Singapore, Qatar and the U.S.

Quezon City Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte (second from left) and Ms. Philippines Earth-Air 2013 Nancy Leonard (center) cut the ceremonial ribbon at the opening of Gerry's at the third level of Ayala Fairview Terraces in Quezon City. Also in photo are Gerry’s vice president for marketing Grace Apolinario (left); Miss Philippines Earth-Water 2013 Alma Casal (second from right) and Miss Philippines Earth-Fire 2013 Athina Karla Chia (right).

 A spacious al fresco dining awaits guests who wish to enjoy the view of the mall’s lush green settings.

 The new outlet has a wide dining area with a separate function room which can accommodate 60 guests – perfect for meetings, and celebrations of any occasion.

 Gerry’s enclosed bar area with a huge LED TV for the hippest music videos or favorite sports programs.