Johnny's Steak and Grill at B Hotel

A couple of weeks ago my partner and I were looking for a venue for one of their upcoming events, since it was going to be for the entertainment press, QC was the preferred choice so we headed to the T. Morato and Timog Area to check out the restaurants and what they had to offer.

Our first stop was B Hotel, one of the newest hotels in QC that has been gaining quite a reputation and good reviews from very satisfied guests. This came as no surprise, however, since B Hotel is under the Bellevue Resorts group who also runs, Bellevue and B Hotel in Alabang and the Bellevue Resort in Bohol.  B Hotel is under The Bellevue Group of Hotels, Inc, who also runs The Bellevue Manila

It was already lunch time so we decided to check out Johnny’s Steak House a stand alone restaurant located at the ground level of B HOTEL.

Coincidentally, we ran into our good friend Suzette Morelos, who was also having her lunch there. Suzette says she frequents B Hotel whenever she feels like escaping the horrendous Makati Traffic. It was a good thing as we were able to ask her about the place and give us a little background of Johnnys.

Johnnys opened in late June and despite the tough competition with the numerous steakhouses nearby, is also creating quite a buzz judging from the reviews I’ve read online.

The restaurant, Suzette says is named after Johnny Chan, the chairman of Bellevue Hotels & Resorts, who she said loves steak.

We were handed the menu and the first thing we noticed were that the prices were really very competitive, considering that they use Certified US Angus Beef (CAB). The most affordable steak on the menu was the US Beef Rib Eye 190d, the 300 gram order is priced at P640 which already includes a choice of a side and steak sauce.  I chose to order that with a side of truffle fries. My partner Ed got the  US Tenderlioin Defatted 280 grams which was priced at P790.

I liked the fact that their menu was very simple and straightforward, and for those who are not too familiar with the differences between rare and well done, the menu includes an explanation as well as cooking time so you know how long your order would take.

We both chose to have it medium cooked, which according to the info on the menu: takes 4 minutes to cook, seared outside 25% red center, an internal temperature of 57-63°C  It also says the steak should feel fairly firm and springy. How’s that for setting an expectation?

As for the side dishes you have four choices: Mac and Cheese, Mashed Potato, Cajun/Truffle Fires and their Steak Rice. Like I mentioned I got the truffle fries while Ed got the Mac and Cheese. Suzette also suggested we try the Steak Rice and the Onion rings—so we ordered those as well.

We were barely finished with reading the details on the menu when our steaks arrived. Four minute promise check! It actually took us longer to take photos of the steak and the side dishes.

IMPORTANT NOTE:  don’t take too long taking photos as it will affect the quality of the steak. So it was our fault that our steak wasn’t as hot as it should be.

Now for those who know me, I’m not much of a meat eater, and whenever we get invited to a steakhouse Ed and I would just share and order another dish. But this was an exception. The meat was so tender that I felt like I was drooling as I sliced and forked the first portion. And as soon as the meat touched my lips it was like getting kissed for the first time! I’m not kidding! There was a real tenderness to the meat and mixed with the heat coming from it, it was surreal.

It was actually my very first time to finish an entire order of steak! It was just that good.

As for the truffle fries, I swapped it with Ed’s Mac & Cheese, it was good, but I didn’t like the way it complemented my steak. The better choice would have been the Steak rice which had generous portions of steak bits!

For the sauce I chose peppercorn and also got to taste the mushroom sauce that came with Ed’s order, both were good, and complemented the flavor of the meat very well. Then there was the onion rings, unlike other which hid the onion slice under a thick breading, this one was a bit more balanced.

As Suzette said the owners love steak and it shows, because Johnnys really know how their steaks well.

"What is exceptional about B Hotel Quezon City Johnny's Steak House is that the customer has the privilege to place their order, enjoy and choose their preferred meat cut size and watch the chef prepare it from the kitchen, giving the customer a sumptuous dining experience." said Ryan Chan, Bellevue Hotels and Resort Managing Director
of B Hotels. 

For desserts we tried the Belgian chocolate cake which was included in the Philippine Daily Inquirer’s list of best desserts. It was spot on. The sweetness, the creaminess was the perfect ending to a really sumptous lunch!

Oh I almost forgot to tell you about the ambiance. Much like the interiors of B Hotel Johnnys has an industrial design with bold modern touches that really gives off a millennial modern vibe. It can seat up to 40 people and it’s the perfect escape if you want to spend a quiet lunch.

I am definitely coming back!

Johnny’s Steak and Grill 
Website: http://www.bhotelqc.com/
Facebook: http://facebook.com/bhotelqc
Twitter & Instagram: @bhotelqc
B Hotel Quezon City, 14 Scout Rallos, Laging Handa, Quezon City

Robinsons Luxuria unveils first Westin-branded residences in Southeast Asia

There’s an old adage that health is wealth, and nothing could be farther from the truth especially in this era we live in where we are exposed to a lot of lifestyle and environmental risks

Wellness is becoming the new luxury and a symbol of social status as well.

Recognizing this distinct preference for wellness and luxury, Robinsons Luxuria, the premier residential brand of Robinsons Land Corporation, has announced its partnership with world renowned Starwood Hotels and Resorts, to build a one of a kind property that thrives on these two principles.



With the partnership, Starwood Hotels  and Resorts, one of the leading hospitality and leisure groups worldwide is bringing to the Philippines the first Westin-branded residential and mixed-use development in Southeast Asia.

Anchored on the remarkable synergy of Robinsons Luxuria’s real estate development excellence and Starwood Hotel and Resorts’ expertise in lifestyle branding, The Residences at The Westin Manila Sonata Place is set to transform the local property landscape by fusing world-class hotel experience with luxury residential living to create redefined value.

“Our commitment to serve and offer the best quality residential developments to match the discerning taste of our clients remains strong,” says Frederick Go, President and COO of Robinsons Land Corporation. “We are pleased to partner with Starwood Hotels and Resorts, working with their numerous consultants and experts in various fields to achieve the important standards of the Westin brand.”

“We are positive that our strong partnership will set new benchmarks for luxurious residences in the Philippines. This project will be at the forefront of our portfolio, being the most luxurious hotel and residential project to date of Robinsons Land Corporation,” he adds.

A strategic yet exclusive Metro Address
The Residences at The Westin Manila Sonata Place will rise an exclusive and private residential complex in the heart of vibrant Ortigas. It will share an iconic address with The Westin Manila Sonata Place hotel and the existing twin-tower luxury high-rise Sonata Private Residences at the Sonata Place Complex.

Sonata Place boasts of prime location along San Miguel Avenue, which is one of the main thoroughfares of the bustling Ortigas Center business district. It is surrounded by landmark buildings and establishments, commercial centers, key institutions—hospitals and schools—as well as offices of multinational and large corporations.

Sonata Place is in an advantageous position to cater to the expanding high-end residential market in the Philippines, comprised of highly successful and discerning entrepreneurs, professionals and executives as well as the growing population of expatriates, returning overseas Filipinos and global travellers.



The Mark of Luxury 
Envisioned as a distinctively modern structure with a predominant glass element to achieve understated elegance, The Residences at The Westin Manila Sonata Place will rise above the metro as a new landmark of luxury in the city. Home seekers and investors can select among one-, two- and three-bedroom units as well as premium penthouse units.

Residential units will be designed in signature Westin style, including trademark touches such as The Westin Heavenly  Bed included in every Master Bedroom and the Heavenly Bath shower experience which will elevate daily living into everyday hotel experience. All kitchens will feature Gaggenau appliances and Leicht cabinets to make everyday cooking a pleasurable experience.

Meanwhile, The Haven spans four floors of exquisite signature amenities designed for work, play and leisure. Residents will also enjoy membership in the Starwood Preferred Guest Program and access to other hotel a la carte services through the Resident’s Card.

For more information on The Residences at The Westin Manila Sonata Place, call (0932) 100-0000 or visit www.sonatapremier.com.

The Residences at The Westin | Official Website
The Residences at The Westin Manila Sonata Place is the first Westin-branded Residences in Southeast Asia to make its mark within the luxurious Sonata Place complex located in the heart of Ortigas Center Business District. Soon to rise beside The Westin Manila Sonata Place Hotel and Sonata Private R...
robinsonsluxuria.com

MYNP founder and chairman Dr. Boy Abunda named the MYNP 2016 Awardees

The Best Nanay Awards 2016 of Make Your Nanay Proud Foundation, Inc. was held last October 29, 2016 at the Legend Villas. Ten winners were chosen from the 630 entries from all over the country that were short listed. The winners of the 3rd Best Nanay Awards 2016 were Anecita Fernandez, Espirita See, Heide Aquino, Amalia Ponce, Pamela Alarin, Adelina San Miguel, Virginia Dahilan, Dolores Balana, Purificacion Ubasa, and Maritess Odarbe. 




 The Board of Judges included  Direk Jerome Chavez Pobocan, yoga teacher Lex Bonafe, Dr. Jacel Mabansag of EARIST, Barangay Chairwoman Rosa Magpayo, JT Tubil of Accenture, Arlyne Fernandez of Virlanie Foundation and Zelfa Alvaro of Couples for Christ.

In his speech, MYNP founder and chairman Dr. Boy Abunda lauded the roles that the awardees played not just as mothers of their families but of their communities as well.

“We are here tonight because we want to deliver a message that again and again, we should keep on talking about our mothers being the best mothers. That we should keep on talking about the truth that this world is, will be a better place because of the way we treat our mothers. And this place is going to be a better place if we can be the best children to our mothers,” Abunda said.

He also added that this is a time of our lives that we need an inspiration -- we need heroes, we need people to look up to – our mothers.

In spite of poverty, Anecita Fernandez of Masambong, Quezon City, was able to send her children to school. Likewise, she helps her friends and people in the barangay with their needs in her work as barangay staff. 

Dr. Espirita See is an eye doctor from Cagayan Valley. A disciplinarian, she taught her children the values of frugality and hard work. Her grown-up children have also joined organizations that help the poor. Heide Aquino is a retired professor of Spanish at Ateneo de Manila University. She spearheaded the Jolly Senior Citizens of East Kamias and sends children to college, even if they are not her relatives.

Amalia Ponce is a mother not just to her family but to her community and the school where she works. Pamela Alarin is a mother who is also a tricycle driver with four children. Neighbors seek her opinion because of her positive frame of mind.

Adelina San Miguel is the 73-year-old founder of Tahanang Balik-Alay, a caregiving home for the aged in Taytay, Rizal. Virginia Dahilan sent her six sons to school on a meager government salary and later helped her community as a barangay kagawad. 


Dolores Balana is a 61-year-old pharmacy aide at the Bataan Provincial Hospital. Always cheerful despite poverty, she sent her seven children to school.

Purificacion Ubasa is a 76-year-old mother from Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte. She heads the Catholic Women’s League chapter and still works as a marriage counselor. Marites Odarbe has Parkinson’s Disease but nevertheless works as breadwinner and has written a book, Trust 
His Will – A Personal Journey from being a Person with Disability to a Person of Destiny (POD). 

The 10 awardees received a mother-and-child trophy handcrafted by Ifugao sculptors, cash, gift certificates and products from the generous sponsors that included M.E. Sicat Construction, Generika, Great Image, HBC, La Carmela de Boracay Resort Hotel, Techno Marine, BDO-Kamuning, International Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Orange Blush Salon, Jollibee, ChemWorld Fragrance Factory, National Book Store, McDonalds and Puregold.

MYNP is a civic organization of Filipinos who love their mothers and who want to honor them by helping themselves, others, their communities and the country.

For more details about MYNP, please visit their website www.makeyournanayproud.com and  FB Fanpage www.facebook.com/MYNP.OfficialFanpage or contact the office at (02) 413-5868  or  e-mail at makeyournanayproud@yahoo.com.

Western Union, bridging OFW families worldwide

When we were still in college, my three siblings and I never thought about working abroad. Our family business had been doing relatively good, and we could never leave our parents behind. But like they always say, people change, priorities change and we have to make decisions.

The first to leave was my sister Dalyn, she was a nurse and it was really the practical thing to do. After a few years, my two other brothers followed suit, but unlike my sister, they had to work several different jobs in order to support their growing families here.

After all everyone want to provide their kids with quality education, have a car, build a dream house and have the chance to travel once in a while.

Dalyn is now a Canadian Permanent Resident at Vancouver, while my two brothers have established themselves in Abu Dhabi.

Etisalat  

Corniche Residences ,Abu Dhabi (where I lived for a year)

I also tried my luck 3 years ago, and applied for a job abroad.  I prayed and considered a lot of things and asked for signs. I was leaving a fairly good job which I was quite comfortable with, but at the end of every month, there was just not enough left to support my family and afford me some petty luxuries like my skincare, makeups and books.

Corniche beach right beside my building

So I took a risk thinking it was my last chance of earning enough money to provide a more comfortable life for my loved ones.

I went to UAE. I was excited and thought it was going to be the best decision I was going to make.
I was free to choose the job that I want but freedom felt  different then. I have given up every comfort and made it work thousands of miles away from home. I know it made me capable of doing anything. I applied as as Customer Service Representative at one of the established telecommunication in Abu Dhabi. I became this strong willed woman that I never thought I was.

Train Station to Dubai

When Christmas came,  I thought of sending money to my kids. I went to the nearest mall in my place which was the Al Wahda Mall and asked for a money transfer at the concierge. The lady advised me to Western Union located at the 2nd floor of the mall.

Since I was a new  they asked for my employment ID, mobile number and recipients information in the Philippines and filled up some card and gave me a Western Union ID for my next transaction. The transaction was very fast and after 2 hours my kid received the money and texted me about how fast it was.

Since then Western Union became my choice of money transfer because it was faster, more convenient and much more cost-effective and has reasonable exchange rates. Somehow despite the homesickness being able to send money home quickly and easily gave me a bit of comfort knowing that it would make my kids happy.

Corniche beach,  my view for  a year

They have agent locations in over 200 countries and territories worldwide, and just this August, WU users in the Philippines can send directly to bank accounts in the USA, UAE, India, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Nigeria, Italy, New Zealand and China. In addition, the Western Union app is already available in several countries, and will make it easier for the recipients to track your transaction whenever and wherever they are.”

So if you have relatives abroad planning to send something back home, its best to refer them to western union for fast and easy remittances

Reliving memories through FUJIFILM Photo Diary

Remember those photo albums where our mothers kept memories of our first birthdays, graduation, first communion with labels intact in each page?  Do you remember what you looked like? When we were innocent and dorky. What were the fashion trends then?  Feeling nostalgic yet?

During those days, my mother collected around 6 photo albums and showed it to anyone who visited our house.  She was so proud of every celebration she took pictures of and kept it neatly intact inside an album.   It was pretty awesome collecting pictures and put in an album during those years because that was the coolest/sweetest thing to do to preserve memories, at least to my mother. Now that I am in her age,   I kind of like the idea now and would love to buy a photo album and print all my snapseed-ed pics taken from my mobile phone. And get creative with wasabi tapes and all those cute stationeries. Until FUJIFILM came up with Photo Diary. The best invention so far, my mother would be happy.

Recently FUJIFILM PH launched FUJIFILM Photo Diary with celebrity mom Cheska Garcia Kramer and Filipino-Australian model Lauren Reid, who’s also the sister of FUJIFILM endorser James Reid.

They discussed and shared their photo diary to the media and  showed what photos they have collated.



The Photo Diary is made of high-quality FUJIFILM photo paper and special insert material to make the pages withstand wear-and-tear. However, unlike the expensive coffee table books that take months to create, the best part about the Photo Diary is that it takes as fast as 24-hours to produce (production time may vary). In just about a day or so, you can have your most treasured snaps in a high-quality, hardbound photo book.

Everyone wants to preserve memories and organize photos into an album but it is a tedious task. Sorting through an overabundance of snaps and deciding on a layout takes time.

The FUJIFILM Photo Diary is the answer to the growing demand for putting photos together into an album, properly selected and labeled, and accomplished in minutes. Developed through F UJIFILM’s Image Organizing Technology, the Photo Diary enables you to make an original album out of a year’s worth of images or to simply mark a milestone or two. Instead of choosing hundreds of photos manually, the Image Organizing Technology software will automatically select the best photos for you and arrange it in the best layout possible. Because of this, you can row create a ready-to-print layout in just five minutes. There are also several design templates and vibrant color schemes that users can choose from to make their photo-customizing

Another amazing feature of the Photo Diary is that it makes for a very handy repository of memories. It is like owning your own coffee table book instead of the traditional photo album. It is not bulky and can be tagged along wherever you go.

FUJIFILM is confident that Filipinos will take to the Photo Diary very well because Filipinos are a photo-loving nation, from mothers who cherish and preserve memorable family moments to young millennials who express their creativity with well-curated and stylized photos. The Photo Diary is the perfect tool to document life’s important milestones: weddings, birthdays, graduations, and favorite travels.

The price of the Photo Diary starts at Php 999 for a minimum of 16 pages, up to Php 2,199 for a maximum of 40 pages. Available at the Wonder Photo Shop and F UJIFILM authorized dealers, the Photo Diary is a fun, easy, and modern way of documenting photos and making them a lasting keepsake, handed down horn generation to generation, and shared among family and friends.