The Tastiest Skewers of Yakitori at Nanbantei of Tokyo

The first time I dined out at Nanbantei, BGC.  I know I have to come back again for they grilled the best yakitori in town. It was the tastiest, juiciest yakitori plate of my life. Nanbantei yakitoris are cooked well done with juices kept intact in each skewer.  Yummy! Good thing for those at the South! Nanbantei of Tokyo is now open at Alabang Town Center

The Japanese word Nanban means “foreigner” and Tei means rest house or teahouse. So when put together, Nanbantei means a place where guests can unwind and have something to eat or drink after a long day of work. In the Philippines, the word Nanbantei has also become synonymous with great food and the best place to try out Japanese yakitori

When Nanbantei of Tokyo opened its first branch in Polaris St., Makati in 1998, it introduced Filipinos to a new way of enjoying Japanese Yakitori. Its popularity quickly grew and soon the restaurant opened its doors in Greenbelt 3 followed by the one in Bonifacio High Street.

Now, NANBANTEI OF TOKYO, purveyor of Japanese Yakitori culture, opens its much awaited branch at the Alabang Town Center.

Located at the Corte dela Palmas, it showcases yakitori items and other well-loved dishes hot-off-the-grill. The third Nanbantei of Tokyo branch spans two levels and can seat up to 90 guests, including those who would rather dine al fresco by the veranda on the second floor. And while its interiors are a mix of modern and classic, Nanbantei of Tokyo continues to provide provides guests with an authentic yakitori experience.

“We have actually gotten a lot of requests to open further south. We see our opening here as the perfect opportunity to spread the yakitori culture to our guests in Alabang, Paranaque, Muntinlupa, Laguna and Cavite,” says Laine Vallar, Nanbantei’s Senior Marketing Manager.

With a new branch and exciting new items, Nanbantei of Tokyo Alabang is geared to please young professionals, businessmen, families, and just about anybody who loves grilled food the Japanese way.

In Japan, the term “yakitori” means grilled chicken. While there are many chicken items on the menu, Nanbantei of Tokyo has an extensive array of grilled beef, pork, seafood and vegetables as well.

As with their other branches, guests are seated and welcomed with complimentary fresh vegetables stick called Namayasai, great when dipped in their signature miso paste.

Now, on to the mains. There truly is nothing fancy about Nanbantei’s yakitori. They are simple and straightforward, yet extremely flavorful and satisfying. Browse the menu and discover bestsellers like Tebasaki (chicken wings), Aspara Maki (asparagus wrapped with pork), Pork Garlic Yaki (pork with garlic flavor), Tsukune (chicken meat balls) and Beef Yakiniku (thinly sliced beef with Yakiniku sauce).

Nanbantei Best Sellers

More pork, beef, and chicken yakitori items that are worth trying are the Shiso Maki (pork with Shiso leaf); Shiitake Maki (shiitake mushroom wrapped with beef); Leba (chicken liver); Bonjiri (chicken tail); and the Kawa (chicken skin). Ask for sticks of Shake KushiYaki (grilled salmon balls with teriyaki sauce); Yaki Ika (grilled baby squid) and Ebi Kushi Yaki (skewered shrimps), if you are partial to fish and seafood. And for veggie lovers, there are yakitori alternatives with corn, tofu and other healthier choices.


If you are lunching or dining with family and colleagues and can’t decide what to order, have a little of everything. Nanbantei of Tokyo has platters and sets with assorted varieties (Yakitori Set, Best Seller, Surf & Turf and Seafood Platters).

Great Flavors at Prices Within Your Reach
Nanbantei’s Great Flavors Selection are big on flavor but, thankfully, light on the pocket. It includes Sushi & Sashimi as well as salad and dessert.

The Wafu Salad, for instance, is a mix of ice lettuce, spiral carrots, slivers of leeks, drizzled with bonito flakes and bacon bits then slathered with Wafu dressing. The Aburi Salmon and Shrimp–Nigiri prawns and salmon topped with Japanese mayo—are new choices if you want something light. Aburi refers to the Japanese style of partially grilling (torching) seafood on top of nigiri sushi. Chicken lovers will be in for a triple treat with the three new chicken yakitori items: Nankotsu Yaki (a grilled combination of both chicken meat and soft bone), the Muru Kai or the grilled chicken mussels, and Momoniku (grilled chicken meat with garlic cloves). To end the savory meal, there’s no skipping a sweet ending. Apart from the well-loved Coffee Jelly, the new Black Sesame Ice cream is also a must-try.


Kampai!

“We make it a point to stay focused and maintain our core cuisine while coming out with new ones.,” Vallar explains. “For instance, our mouth-watering yakitori is best enjoyed with our hand-crafted cocktails.”

If you want to up your drinking ante, skip the same old vodka, beer or whiskey nights, and have a sip or two of fresh new cocktails.

Say goodbye to your customary beer nights, or that glass of wine to try something fun, innovative and truly Japanese. Nanbantei has uniquely Japanese versions of mojito that you will surely love. The Hibiscus Mojito, a refreshing drink that combines Mojito mint, Bacardi White, hibiscus syrup, mint leaves, fresh lime juice, lime wedge garnish and topped with soda water, goes well with the pork skewers while the Japanese Mojito (Iichiko Shochu, fresh calamansi juice, simple syrup, green tea, ooba leaves & lime wedge garnish, finished off with sparkling soda) is best paired with meat items.

Relish the gentle and delicate mix of flavor of the Malibu Midori (a mixture of Midori Melon Liqueur, Malibu rum, Bacardi white, sweet and sour mix, pineapple juice) when you sink your teeth into the popular chicken and seafood items. Try the Tanqueray Basil, too. It’s a perfect blend of Tanqueray gin, sweet & sour mix, fresh basil, simple syrup, and a shot of sparkling soda.


Try everything with anything, don’t be afraid to mix and match. Nanbantei of Tokyo’s cool cocktails will readily be your new favorite drinks.

Japanese elements
“We strive to maintain the authenticity of service and food preparation required by the franchise, and apply internationally accepted food handling and safety procedures,” Vallar says. Even the décor is precisely Japanese in more ways than one.

From the fresh earth tones of its other branches, Nanbantei of Tokyo Alabang sports a more modern look with its grey tones, modish droplights melding with the dominant colors of Japan. The individual organic-inspired chairs for four are made more vibrant by effervescent red and orange hues. Comfortable couch seating is embellished with red Sakura blossom prints. The overall look is tied in by light wood and a dash of grey to depict the industrial and modern, combined with a fresh and young Japanese vibe. Nanbantei of Tokyo Alabang is a breath of fresh air – its airy, cozy, uncluttered interior with minimalist modern accents and distinctive grilled yakitori dishes give one a glimpse of Japan’s culinary culture that can be savored and appreciated with every bite.

It is open from 11am to 11pm Sunday to Thursdays and 11am to 12mn on Fridays and Saturdays. For inquiries, call 772-0766. Like Nanbantei Philippines on Facebook, @nanbantei_ph for IG and Twitter or you may also visit our website nanbanteiphilippines.com

Pond’s Acne Clear’s Lock + Clear Technology helps you achieve acne-free skin in just three days

Everyone wants to get clear skin and and acne-free face. I remember I dreaded the day when 3 pimples popped altogether in my jaw. I went straight to my dermatologist and had it injected right away. After that,  I bought all the medicines she recommended and used it religiously night and day. But with the right diet, hygiene and lifestyle, everyone can achieve an acne-free face.

The good thing is Ponds's launches the Pond’s Acne Clear’s Lock + Clear Technology last August 2 at SM Mega Fashion hall  with Pond's celebrity ambassadors Julia Barrretto, Claudia Barretto, Alexa Ilacad, Pond’s Beauty Bloggers Nicole Andersson, Kryz Uy, Patricia Prieto and Tricia Gosingtian.

The Pond’s girls demonstrated the simple two-step regimen to get clear and smooth skin. They also shared their own testimonials on the positive effects of this latest range from Pond’s by doing the 3-day #PondsAcneClear Challenge.


As modern life continues to evolve, the factors attributed to common skin conditions like acne are also becoming more complex and multifaceted. In a study conducted by the Pond’s Institute, increasing urbanization and pollution in the environment have led to the formation of dangerous nanoparticles in the air that are 20 times smaller than our pores. Coupled with changing diets and daily stresses of work, these changes in our surroundings wreak havoc on the skin, causing bacteria, pore clogging, and acne more than ever.

The study also revealed that as acne afflicts more Filipinas, more are also turning to unqualified sources for treatment advice, ushering in the need for effective over-the-counter dermocosmetic products that are accessible and easily understandable by consumers.

“More often than not, women turn to home remedies and regular soap to cleanse their skin and to try to cure acne,” said Dr. Peachy Paz Lao, Fellow of the Philippine Dermatological Society and Chair of the Dept of Dermatology of Makati Medical Center. “However, what they don’t know is  using a facial cleanser or facial wash instead in their first step of acne treatment is more advantageous. Soaps are alkaline while our skin is naturally acidic and disturbing this acidic milieu in the skin alters the skin’s normal protection against bacteria and environmental stress. Erosion of this acidic mantle also leads to dehydration of the skin leading to scaling and dryness.”

In order to address this pressing concern, Pond’s, the number 1 face care brand in the Philippines, formulated an innovative combination of Thymol and Terpineol (TT), for the New Pond’s Acne Clear product range. Imbued with revolutionary Lock + Clear technology, the new Pond’s Acne Clear is the first in the world to lock powerful acne-fighting Active Thymo-T Essence, which penetrates deep inside bacteria cells to clear acne from the root. This breakthrough helps acne-prone women have clearer, smoother skin in as fast as three days. “At Pond’s, we aim to develop products so we can equip Filipinas with credible, clinically-proven solutions and information that combat the changing environment,” shared Mian Datu-David, Unilever Philippines’ Marketing Director for Skin. “With the new Pond’s Acne Clear Facial Foam and Leave-On Expert Clearing Gel, Filipinas can now get acne-clear skin in just two steps, and in as fast as three days.” 

The new #PondsAcneClear Facial Foam and Leave-On Expert Clearing Gel are now available at all leading drugstores, supermarkets and department stores in the Philippines. Pond’s Acne Clear Facial Foam is available in 2 tube sizes: 50g – P 85; 100g – P 155, as well as 2 sachet sizes: 10g – P 15; 4g
P 6, while Pond’s Acne Clear Leave-On Expert Clearing Gel is available in 20g
– P 180.

Learn more about how Pond’s Acne Clear’s Lock + Clear Technology helps you achieve acne-free skin in just three days at http://bit.ly/2aguDyO.

Overcome the obstacle course at "American Ninja Warrior" on Warner TV

I have seen the show American Ninja Warrior last year and I was hooked right away. I have seen the obstacles and admired those who finished it.  It was fun and how I would like to get in shape again, it was my motivation. I admired the women who took the courage to join and finished the obstacles. Im glad that I get to finally watch the show at Warner TV starting August 15, and every weekday after that,  at 7:20pm.

If your childhood dreams include becoming a ninja warrior, then this is the show for you. From August 15 on Warner TV you can revisit that dream and root for your favorite contestant in American Ninja Warrior (ANW).

Based on the long-running Japanese show Sasuke, ANW is an action-packed series that follows competitors as they tackle a series whole slew of challenging obstacle courses across the US. Those that successfully complete negotiate their regional event move on to Las Vegas where they face a stunning four-stage course for a grand prize of US$1m.

If this has awakened your inner-ninja, and now you’re thinking of ways on how you can become a warrior and overcome the ultimate obstacle course, here are a few tips to help you achieve your dream.

1.    Work on your strength.

Ninja warriors take pride in their amazing strength, specifically upper body strength which helps them get past a mixture of horizontal and vertical obstacles. At the gym, the monkey bars, dumbbells and seated chest press are equipment types that can help you strengthen your upper body. You can also create a body weight routine that strengthens these areas doing push ups, or if you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, you can always learn parkour or rock climbing.



2.    Work on your balance and footwork.

In order to successfully traverse multiple obstacles, you also need balance and footwork. Refine your balance with a balance beam, skateboards and stability balls, among others. Meanwhile, rock or wall climbing will not only harness your upper body strength but also your footwork coordination.

3.    Work on your willpower and discipline.

Becoming a ninja warrior doesn’t happen overnight. When training, you need a detailed plan, discipline and an endless supply of willpower. It has been reported that some ANW contestants train for at least a year before joining, and training for ANW is much more complicated than you would expect.



4.    Work on achieving your optimal body-mass ratio.

Ninja warriors come in all shapes and sizes. In fact, some body types have an advantage over others. But no matter what your body type is, the best thing that you can do is to achieve your optimal body-mass ratio, which means your measure of body fat cannot go beyond what your weight and frame can support. While the bulky and muscled types may look strong, this also means that all that body mass can weigh you down. So it’s best to work according to your body type, not against it.



5.    Work on your narrative.

No, this is not just some random fact. ANW, unlike most competition shows, does not hold a casting call, which means your chances of joining the competition heavily depends on your video submission where you won’t be able to personally charm the producers. So the only way to get their attention is to present your story well. Figure out what makes you different and create a pitch. So whenever you get a chance to join any competition (hopefully it’s the Philippines’ version of ANW), you’re prepared.

That aside, what better way to prepare yourself than to load up on inspiration? So make sure to catch seasons 1 to 4 of American Ninja Warrior starting August 15, and every weekday after that, at 7:20pm only on Warner TV.

More on Warner TV this August
Also this month on Warner TV, you can relive the shenanigans of brothers Charlie and Alan Harper in the twelfth and final season of Two and a Half Men with double episodes starting August 5 at 8:10pm. Starring Ashton Kutcher and Jon Cryer, the Emmy® Award-nominated comedy shows us what it’s like to be a 21st century man dealing with women, sex, dating, divorce, mothers, single parenthood, sibling relations, surrogate families, money and, of course, love for Alan’s son, Jake who makes each one strive to become a better man.

Warner TV is available on SKYcable Channel 77, SKYcable HD Channel 197, Cignal HD Channel 119, Destiny Cable (Digital) Channel 77, Destiny Cable (Analog) Channel 80, and Cable Link Channel 30. For more updates on the best in action, comedy and drama, follow on Facebook.com/WarnerTVAsia.

Give2Asia partners with Philam Foundation for Philam Paaralan

Among the notable traits that Filipinos possess are generosity and helpfulness.  Wherever they might be, Filipinos aim to aid their fellow countrymen by donating to charities or by sending money overseas.

This is made possible through Give2Asia, which is a non-profit organization based in San Francisco, USA, that serves as a conduit to bridge resources from Filipinos abroad who want to donate to noteworthy programs that benefit fellow Filipino-Americans in Asia.

(L-R) Give2Asia President Birger Stampherdahl and Incoming Chair Mr. George Sycip 

with Philam Foundation President Max Ventura

The Philippines has received a big donation from Filipinos overseas through Give2Asia, who partnered with Philam Foundation in the construction of “Philam Paaralan” classrooms in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyen, in the hope of bringing back a sense of normalcy and an environment conducive for learning.

Each Philam Paaralan classroom is typhoon-resilient, fully-furnished and complete with restrooms and water sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities.


Together, Philam Foundation and Give2Asia continue to provide charitable works throughout the country.

Philam Paaralan is the flagship program of Philam Foundation, the CSR arm of the Philam Group, with the mission of helping people to live longer, healthier and better lives.  To date, the program has constructed 101 classrooms since it started 4 years ago in 2012.

Orange Blush Salon opens Metro Manila flagship salon in Spark Place Cubao

I started coloring my hair 4 years ago, I remember highlighting it with burgundy and dark brown as my base. Burgudy is the one color that is only visible to sunlight. I was not adventurous with hair coloring then. As the years go by, I experimented with brown copper, and ash light blonde with my long layered hair. I had a side swept bangs and it suits me. I kept the side swept bangs since then.

Last year, Orange Blush Salon was launched at the SM Megacenter Cabanatuan City. They offered to color my hair and I said yes to Red or Ronze this time.  Ronze is a mixture of copper red and bronze brown. http://lemongreenteaph.blogspot.com/2016/01/get-latest-hair-trends-at-orange-blush.html
I maintained it with a sulfate free conditioner and Purple shampoo which I bought from LUSH at Glorietta Makati.

The color worn off for 7 months and when Orange Blush Salon opened up their Cubao branch. I had it colored red at the tips ombre style, since I had a Medium Ash blonde base 2 weeks prior to ombre.

The Orange Blush Salon was launched on July 28 at Spark Place Robinsons Cubao. The launch was attended by Ms. Joby Linsangan Moreno, president of Orange Blush Salon, Orange Blush Salon execs and media.

"We want the people to know that they, too can own a salon," says Joby Linsangan Moreno, president of Orange Blush Salon.

Orange Blush Salon with more than 20 branches, launches its first Metro Manila flagship salon located in Spark Place Cubao.

Very soon, two franchise branches will open: one in Sta Cruz Manila and another in Quezon City area. "We are targeting to launch 8 more franchise branches this year," she says.

Franchising has been at the forefront of Orange Blush expansion plans.

"We want to broaden our reach to as many markets, not just in the provinces but in the metro as well," she explains.

Orange Blush Salon is a story of success from being a probinsyano (brand) conquering the the big city.

"We carry with us that unique and probinsiyano brand that we represent,” she explains.

Orange Blush Salon opened its first branch in Nueva Ecija in 2003. Joby who has always been interested in the beauty business started the first Orange Blush Salon from the remnants of a financially strapped  salon about to close shop. "I was then looking for a small place to set up my own beauty business when I saw this small beauty salon about to close." Several years later, Joby has grown her beauty salon business that it now has franchise branches.

"We want to inspire people. We also want to encourage them that they too can open a business of their own."


For franchising and other info visit http://www.orangeblushsalon.com

It has finally been found: The missing Goldilocks 50th Anniversary Cake!

Early last June, Goldilocks billboards in key areas of the metropolis simultaneously displayed a giant 50th Anniversary celebration cake. The signature cake was truly attention-grabbing, featuring a delightfully decorated mocha cake with a number 50 candle topping it off.

Roughly a week later, however, countless people were perplexed when these cakes literally went missing,leaving a gaping cake-shaped hole hole right in the middle of the billboards. Discussions and theories flew left and right on social media, with news reports in mainstream print and television following suit. People wanted to know… where was the Goldilocks 50th Anniversary Cake?

After a long search, it has finally been found. Thousands of people looked for the missing cake, and many found it in participating Goldilocks stores all over the city.  Using an automated raffle machine, Goldilocks named five winners of Php 10,000 cash among those who found the cake, namely Resly Morgado, Joahne Pauline Adaya, Maria Elizabeth Andres, Junella B. Doliata, and Maria Camellia Cabigon. Ten morereceived a cash prize of Php 5,000 while five more won PhP 1,000 worth of Goldilocks gift certificates.

All of the winners were first overwhelmed with curiosity, but ultimately, had fun and are now looking forward to more amazing promos from Goldilocks.

To know more about Goldilocks promos, follow Goldilocks on Twitter or Instagram at @GoldilocksPH, on the Goldilocks Facebook page, or at the official Goldilocks website at www.goldilocks.com.ph []

Experience the Granny Goose- Sip and Gogh booth at Robinsons Place and Trinoma

Mall-goers had a blast solving the mystery that lies inside the “Chained Chamber”
Granny Goose’s #MoreThanTheUsual Experience in collaboration with its first extraordinary partner: Mystery Manila. If you missed this exciting activity, make sure to catch Granny Goose’s #MoreThanTheUsual Experience this August in partnership with the country’s first paint and sip studio, Sip and Gogh.

Visit the Granny Goose - Sip and Gogh booth at Robinsons Place Manila on August 6; and Trinoma Mall on August 13 for a fun-filled painting session. Channel your inner Van Gogh as you recreate paintings prepared by Sip and Gogh, while munching to Granny Goose’s well-loved snacks. You’ll be able to paint Granny Goose in their Eastwood and Ayala Heights branches for the whole month as well. Follow @GrannyGoosePH on Facebook and Instagramto learn more about their upcoming events.

Kiss Aging Goodbye with Watsons Anti-Aging Products and get to win shopping points

With so many anti ageing creams, scrubs, balms. lotions, masks and serums to choose from in the market today. All claim to do one thing: slow, or even reverse, the immediate and long-term effects of ageing. Dont forget too, that the food you eat also plays a major role in your skin.  Fruits and vegetables high in flavonoids and carotenoids–two powerful plant-based antioxidants–help remove free radicals from your skin and body that cause premature aging. To help achieve wrinkle free skin, buy one anti aging serum that would suit your skin and eat food that is high in antioxidants.

Everyone has been in a quandary and in the look out for that one holy grail of a product. The one misconception is that a high end cream is better than a drug store find.  At Watsons there are better beauty quality products that is worth recommended for a fraction of a price.

Watsons launches the Kiss Aging Goodbye campaign on August 4, the event was hosted by Watsons Celebrity Ambassador Ms. Patty Laurel Filart and attended by beauty bloggers and Watsons executives.

Watsons is helping thousands Kiss Aging Goodbye in its latest anti-aging campaign and comes up with great deals and discounts starting August 4 to September 21 in all Watsons stores and SM Beauty Section nationwide

What is it? Watsons Marketing Director, Ms. Viki Encarnacion, explains, “The Kiss Aging Goodbye campaign is what Watsons is all about. It’s an educational effort with a two-pronged approach, teaching our customers how to prevent the negative effects of aging by taking care of themselves inside and out. We are literally helping people ‘Look good. Feel great.’ And it’s a wonderful thing.” Here’s how the two-pronged approach works.

Watsons Krisel Macatangay, Viki Encarnacion, Christine Villongco, Myta Macatangay, Kim Reyes and Karen Fabres

I discovered recently that Snail slime slow down the onset of wrinkles, blemishes and acne as well. Snail slime masks, the number one beauty product in Korea is now available at Buy 2 Take 1 at Watsons PH for only php110 or php55 each. This is much cheaper than Korean Facial Masks and as effective as well.

Watsons Snail lifting & moisturizing facial mask soothes, regenerates collagen and heals skin too. I tried this beauty gooey wonder January of this year and it did the tightening effect of the skin for a fraction of the price.

I have tried so many anti ageing products at Watsons for the last 2 years and I would recommend the L’Oreal Dermo Expertise Revitalift Range for wrinkle free skin, a skin care solution inspired by laser, that promises younger looking skin in 4 weeks.

I saw some facial masks with Collagen by Watsons Intensive Nourishing Facial Mask. It is enriched with Collagen and Vitamin E to repair dryness and enhance skin’s elasticity. I would try this and anything with collagen on is what I need today.

Feeling so great inside it shows on the outside- that’s the second lesson in keeping yourself young. Topicals and creams are a great start to your anti-aging regimen. A lot of the signs of aging we see on the outside is caused by the body breaking down on the inside. Calcium deficiency and lack of collagen are two common culprits. To help prevent a haggard look, you should give yourself the added nutrition you need in the form of food supplements and ingestible beauty aids. One of Watsons’ favorites is the iVi Collagen Ready-To-Drink, with 10,000 mg of Collagen that helps smoothen fine lines, and lighten dark spots for that forever-young glow.

There you have it, the ins and the outs of anti-aging according to Watsons. But before you run out to the store, we will leave you with three things to remember.

1)  If you want to keep your beauty longer, keep your beauty bases covered from nutrition to skincare, inside and out.

2)  You’re never too young to start looking old. Start preventive maintenance in your early 20s.

3)  There’s no better place to start your anti-aging regimen than the store that always brings you great beauty advice, amazing products, and fantastic prices. You got it! See you at Watsons for the Kiss Aging Goodbye sale!

Now you can #kissaginggoodbye. Look good and feel better at Watsons and avail of their anti-aging products until Sept. 21!