Market Basket Alabang: The Modern take on Dampa dining

If you are living down south of Manila and have this craving for fresh seafood "paluto dampa" style, you don’t need to brave the SLEX traffic to get to the bayside restaurants. All you need to do is take a short trip to the Riverside Park? of the Festival mall and check out Market Basket.

Market Basket takes the paluto concept up a notch providing you the freshest catch from the sea, but with the ambiance and setup of a casual dining restaurant.

Market Basket serves fresh fish (tuna and salmon), fresh crabs, shellfish and other seafood—plus their sizzling lechon sisig is just amazing!

Market Basket only uses fresh ingredients to satisfy your paluto with their signature filipino dishes whipped by their resident Chefs headed by the owner's daughter Chef Jinelle Juson and her assistant Chef Arnel Arjona.

 Chef Jinelle Juson and Chef Arnel Arjona

Market Basket is located at River Park at Festival Mall in Alabang, Muntinlupa. 

You have to choose over the fish seafood counter downstairs and have it cooked according to your liking.  I love how fresh everything is including the "lato", The last time I ate "lato" was 5 years ago.

All ingredients, from vegetables to seafood to meat, are sourced from farms around Manila, so customers can be assured of freshness.

Lato and tomatoes

Market Basket is a restaurant offering modern takes on traditional Filipino food. I love how homey the interiors inside with the shabby chic feels to it.

Located at River Park at Festival Mall in Alabang, Muntinlupa City, one of the hottest dining clusters in the South, the restaurant concept marries together the freshest produce from farms around Manila, the sophistication of European food, and Filipino favorites.

We were seated upstairs with the nice view overlooking the river. It was relaxing and you got the "probinsya" feels to it. No to mention that I love their food. If you are watching your diet, you can order the Pomelo salad or Fruits and Nuts salad. (My favorites!)These are sooooo good and delicious without the guilt.

It was indeed a cheat day for me.  I never had anything after the sumptuous lunch.

We had "Sinigang na Ulo at Belly ng Salmon" for our soup.

We were served Fish Ceviche, Crispy parmesan tacos, and sizzling lechon kawali sisig for our Appetizer.

For the mains, we had Seafood Hotpot, Prawn Thermidore, Chili Crab, Steak and Shrimp, Mussels Mariniere, and Sweet Lapu Lapu. 

Pomelo Salad

Fruits and Nuts Salad

Tinapa Rice

Crispy Parmesan Tacos

Fish Ceviche

Chili Crab

Shrimp and Steak

Sweet Lapu Lapu

Market Basket also takes pride on their desserts. If you're craving for cheesecakes and smores. You should definitely include those on your visit.

Smores and cheesecakes!

Sizzling Fruit and Ice Cream

Triple Chocolate Cheesecake

Plus they are serving cocktails anytime of the day! You can choose from Sangria to Pinacolada.

Cocktails!

Market Basket is best known for its seafood dishes. Specialties include their Sinigang na Ulo at Tiyan ng Salmon, their Fish Ceviche, Kinilaw na Tanigue with Lato, and grilled seafood dishes. However, the restaurant doesn’t only limit itself to Filipino food. Executive Chef Mauro Arjona, Jr., with his training under Chef Billy King of Le Soufflé fame, also dishes out takes on European classics such as Prawn Thermidore and Steak and Shrimp, the restaurant’s version of Surf and Turf.



Market Basket is part of the Chef’s Quarter Group, one of the most successful restaurant groups in the country. Owned by another Le Soufflé alum Larry Cortez, the Chef’s Quarter Group also boasts of restaurants such as Chef’s Quarter, Old Vine, Uncle Cheffy, Chef’s Barrel, and Kusé.

Starbucks Philippines supports PETA's annual Summer Workshop

This summer many kids are taking time off from school, and it’s the perfect time to take up a new hobby and hone their talents further. Countless workshops are popping left and right, from cooking to dancing. Kids nowadays can spend some time to pursue their passion and develop their skills. One of the most popular workshops this time of the year are theater workshops which allow kids to discover their unique and creative talents. Not only that, children who enroll in a program like this also get to learn more about our rich culture and artistic heritage.

This year, PETA brings its annual Summer Workshop to more Filipinos as part of its celebration of the company's 50th anniversary. The workshops will be conducted in various satellite venues in the cities of: Makati, Quezon, Angeles and Tacloban. Recognizing the vital role of theater arts in communicating our identity and our highest ideals, Starbucks Philippines supports this program aimed to shape a new generation of artists.

“Starbucks believes in supporting organizations that create opportunities and promote positive change. Since 2015, we have partnered with the Philippine Educational Theatre Association (PETA) as one of the beneficiaries of our planner promotion. We are inspired by their use of theater to raise awareness of important social issues while nurturing the creativity of Filipinos.” said Noey Lopez, president, Starbucks Philippines.

PETA's Summer Workshop started last April 17 and will run until May 28. Courses include Children's Theater, Integrated Theater Arts for Teens, Theater Arts and Creative Musical Theater. In its classes, PETA uses the Integrated Theater Arts approach, a method that PETA has developed since the 70’s. This method uses group dynamics, drama, creative dance and movement, creative sound and music, visual arts, and creative writing and is the company's main foundation for all the trainings it provides.

Children from ages 6 to 8 and older kids from ages 9 to 12 can enroll in the Children's Theater courses that aim to enrich the child's creativity and imagination. Teenagers aged 13 to 16 will benefit from the Integrated Theater Arts for Teens. As they learn to work in a team, they discover their talents and their self-confidence and communication skills are enhanced.

For aspiring actors aged 18 and up, the Theater Arts course gives fundamental knowledge of theater history and appreciation and skills in improvisational theater production. Meanwhile, the Creative Musical Theater course gives students the opportunity to learn more about the fundamentals of musical theater. The program provides comprehensive training that is aimed at enhancing the enrollee's musical theater skills.

The highlight of the course is a final recital: an original work created by each class whose participants get to perform on the PETA - Phinma stage.

"For the past 50 years, PETA has provided Filipinos with meaningful entertainment through theater productions, but aside from that we have also provided much needed theater arts education for the youth. This summer workshop is aimed at unleashing and nurturing the creativity of young people and adults through a unique and holistic process which allows them to shine whether on or off stage," says PETA curriculum director Dr Brenda V. Fajardo.

Starbucks Philippines and PETA have been working together since 2015 to advance the theater community in the country. Starbucks has primarily done this by sharing a part of the proceeds from its planner promotion.

To join the PETA Summer Workshop, visit their website at www.petatheater.com

B Hotel QC: A Concept Whose Time Has Come

Find a most unusual look and design for a hotel at the newly opened B Hotel QC. The mid-scale businessman’s hotel lodged at 14 Scout Rallos St. possesses its own brand of style and gloss that one must see to appreciate.

Stark and Bold
Credit goes to the fast-forward thinking of B Hotel’s managing director Ryan Chan who approved the architectural and interior design proposal of multi-awarded architect Edward Co Tan for the hotel.

 “We wanted something different for the aesthetics of our new branch.  The hotel’s distinctly rugged texture will surely be a welcome change for businessmen and the locals,” Mr. Chan said.

 The main concept behind B Hotel QC was based on “Brutalism,” a profound movement in architecture—a modernist style prominent from the 1950s through the 70s.  Monolithic, geometric sometimes jarring, blocky in appearance, fortress-like—these mostly describe this concrete-based style of architectural design.  The Cultural Center of the Philippines and the PICC (or the Philippine International Convention Center), both designed by the late National Artist for Architecture Leandro Locsin, are perfect examples.  Essentially, brutalist architecture is a no-nonsense style—plain, no mystery, no romanticism.

At B Hotel QC, one will get to see walls of fair-faced concrete, cogwheels at the elevator lobby, and signage made of raw black iron sheets with allen bolts.  Modern furniture, the use of wood and glass complements, carpets of striking colors and patterns, and red-painted walls, however, add a touch of warmth and buoyancy.

The Unbeaten Path
Notwithstanding the hotel’s distinctive ambiance brought about by its extraordinary interiors, the 11-storey B Hotel has a lot of things going for it.  Its location, for one, is very advantageous as it brings one ever closer to his favorite shopping malls, restaurants and coffee shops in Quezon City as well as transit stations for traveling outside the city.

 Local businessmen and traveling executives as well as so-called “weekender tourists” (people living nearby and in adjoining cities that are always on the lookout for their next staycation) welcome the opening of the mid-scale hotel.

After-Hour Convenience

B Hotel QC has a complete roster of in-house amenities:  An al fresco lap pool with a stunning view of the North Metro, a refined ballroom with a 200-seating capacity, and the Jing Monis salon, the newest branch of the sought-after beauty stylist, can all be found at the third floor. Fitness buffs can get their workout fix at the modern, fully-equipped gym at the fifth floor.

Entering through the main entrance, one can immediately see the options for quenching one’s thirst or hunger: The Lobby Café for a taste of the hotel’s creative take on cuisines, the Pastry Corner where one can indulge in decadent sweets, or the Mezzanine Bar for unwinding with friends or associates.

The Business Center has two function rooms for private group meetings.  Shuttle service to the airport is available as well as car rentals.  For guests with cars, parking will not be a problem as two levels of the basement are allotted for the purpose.

Guests’ safety and well-being is assured with CCTV; every care has been taken to ensure that there are no blind spots on the property.  Security personnel are top-notch yet discreet.

Beyond the Basics
B Hotel’s managing director Ryan Chan believes that a great business hotel should go beyond the basics. “We believe that focus on guest experience and satisfaction is the new business amenity.”

The measure of an outstanding hotel experience dwells not only in the appreciation of its outward beauty, but in its brand of personalized service.  Mr. Chan assures the entire family of B Hotel QC is dedicated to "raise the brand's commitment-to-value to a new level."  The entire staff of B Hotel QC is dedicated in providing guests the ultimate living experience through sincere personal attention to their needs and expectations.

The new B Hotel QC is predicted to create a great impact in the hospitality world. For more information, call the B Hotel Q.C. at tel. no. 990-5000.

5th UPAA Carillon Concert – Musikalikasan features UP Concert Chorus

The UPAA Board of Directors, in partnership with the Alpha Phi Beta Chancery, is presenting the 5th UPAA Carillon Concert – Musikalikasan – featuring the internationally acclaimed UP Concert Chorus, on Friday, May 5, 2017, 6:30 p.m., at the UP Carillon Plaza, in UP Diliman, Quezon City.

The UP Concert Chorus (“Korus”) took home the Grand Prix at the 6th International Krakow Choir Festival in Poland in June 2015. In 2012, they won First Prize in the Folk Category at the Festival Internacional de Musica de Cantonigros in Catalonia, Spain, and the Gold Diploma and Audience Prize at the 9th Cantemus International Festival in Hungary. For these, Korus was accorded the 2012 Lifetime Achievement Award by the Aliw Awards Foundation; PARI Awit Achievement Award, and the 2013 and 2016 Ani ng Dangal Award by the NCCA. Musikalikasan, a tribute to the Green Movement, will be their farewell performance before embarking on yet another international concert tour.

Staged free for the UP Community and all music-lovers, the UPAA Carillon Concert Series, which features award-winning UP artists, aims to heighten awareness for the UP Carillon and its maintenance and conservation needs. Its ringing “voice” constantly resounds to remind us of our responsibility.

We look forward to the pleasure of your company at the Carillon Plaza!

Enjoy 70% off on Estancia Summer Sale

Estancia at Capitol Commons is having a Summer Sale from April 28-30! Enjoy 70% off on your favorite selected items from participating stores. 

Plus, get a chance to win a staycation at El Nido Resorts.

Contest Mechanics:

Get one raffle entry for every php2000 single-receipt purchase from April 28-30 from participating stores and restaurants. 

WATTPAD PRESENTS RETURNS TO TV5 WITH MORE KILIG ORIG STORIES

When it comes to trying out innovations, TV5 is perhaps the most maverick of among our local TV stations.

From offering groundbreaking and sometimes controversial tv series to Tagalized movies that made Pinoys even crazier for Hollywood content, TV5 has a record of trying to offer something new.

But when it comes to TV series, one particular production has sort of become a TV5 trademark-- and that is no other than WattPad Presents.  Sourcing original material from the popular online app and content generated by its users, who could forget (and top rating episodes) include "I am in love with a DOTA Player" or "The Magic in You" which was shot in Disneyland?

To date, Wattpad Presents has aired nearly 265 episodes comprised of nearly 65 original Wattpad stories. The show has reached over 2 million viewers with an average audience of 1.6 million per episode. Through the popularity of Wattpad Presents, TV5 has already seen a 30 percent jump in total viewership year over year from 2014 to 2015, including a healthy increase from the elusive teen market of which the show captured 12.6 percent

Thus, it comes as no surprise that the popular episodic mini-series is coming back to TV5 with more romantic and kilig stories.

As the show returns to your television screens, be prepared for an all new exciting set of stories that everyone especially millennials can surely relate to! May it be falling in love with a best friend, a love story with a dark twist or a love triangle, you name it, Wattpad Presents will have it.

To make sure that every scene is created with the highest production value, episodes Will be produced by production houses known for quality films and commercials -Unitel and Firestarter, to name a few. The comeback of Wattpad Presents will also feature more popular titles and authors from varied genres like rpm-com, romance With a bit of action, and even romantic horror stories.

To give you a glimpse of what’s in store for your Saturday Night Kilig Sesh sa
Wattpad, here are the first four stories that will be featured:

(1) “Destined” written by Blue Maiden, which has reads of 22.4 M and the Wattys 2015 winner. The story involves a love triangle that will also leave a question to viewers

“Who do you choose? The one you love or the one who loves?” The premiere episode, which promises to give everyone a “kilig” experience, stars former theater actress Sarah Carlos as Kayla; Ben Isaac, who was Dubbed as one of Chalk Magazine’s Hottest Male Celebs, as Kean; indie actress Kate Alejandrino as Krystal, and Candy Cutie Raphael Robes as Dwayne. Jaime Habac Jr., director of “Im drunk, I Love You”, will direct the premiere episode.

(2) “Just the Benefits” written by Beeyotch, which reached 28.9M reads. The story is about a power couple who still find themselves still drawn to each other after breaking up, so they’ve decided to keep it casual and just enjoy the benefits without any labels.

(3) “Unlucky I’m in love with my Bestfriend” written by Stupidlyinlove, with 38.1 M reads and was published by Summit Pop Fiction. The story is about BFFs Zandra and Zendrick. As time goes by, Zandra finds herself falling in love with her bestfriend.

(4) “Special Section” written by Onneechan, with 17.5 M reads. This is a story about a very controversial high school “Special Section” wherein strange series of events occurred with a romantic mix.

According to Koko Joven, headwriter for Wattpad Presents the challenge is how to best translate the material from a novel into a TV script. "The writing is different because you only have a certain amount of time in a TV episode you have to choose which of the highlights and most important parts of the story to include, so that the fans of the book will also like the episode."

Get your Saturday Night Kilig Sesh fix as the all-new Wattpad Presents premieres on April 29, 9:00 PM only on TV5!

Easy, Breezy Summer Staycation Tips from King Sue

From family bonding activities to cookfests with friends, KING SUE has some suggestions for a cool summer staycation that’s breezy and stress-free.

Prepare an afternoon potluck party.  Dress up your garden and schedule a mouth-watering kind of meet up with friends. King Sue suggests snacks that are easy to prepare.

A refreshing Mango Sausage Salsa Wrap is a great start. Since it’s summer, get fresh mangoes from the market and dice them, along with ripe tomatoes and grilled King Sue German Franks or King Sue Hungarian Style Sausage.
Arrange everything in toasted tortillas for a sweet and savory Southwestern wrap. You may also stir fry some King Sue Bacon and wrap them around steamed asparagus and you have skewered Bacon Wrapped Asparagus.

Go out and be green. You may want to do a morning walk at a nearby park or bike-hop to some museums. Be a tourist in your own neighborhood and discover new places to jog in the morning or  where to walk your dog. Visit a plant shop and purchase some herbs for your pocket garden or if you want a low maintenance hobby this summer, seek out some succulents and learn to grow them. Who knows, you might even use these herbs for a Mayo-free Potato Salad.

Check out the supermarket for baby potatoes, plain yoghurt, sour cream, chopped celery, olives, chopped celery, scallions, quail eggs (sliced in half) and lemon juice.

Boil, and quarter the potatoes and toss in everything. The star of the salad bowl is cooked  King Sue Chorizo Bilbao. Chill and sprinkle some grated cheese and chopped parsley.

Camp out. Check out your friends’ backyards and decide which one is perfect for a campfire night. Assign each person some tasks, making sure someone takes care of pitching the tents, making the bonfire, choosing the music and preparing dinner, and organizing games and other activities. Purchase some chips and refreshing drinks and  forget the King Sue Old English Pork Sausage that will be perfect to skewer with marshmallows over bonfire.

Repeat often. Life is busy and oftentimes, work or school gets in the way of spending time with family and friends. So summer or no summer, make every weekend a great reason for a staycation as there are lots of things waiting to be explored. Use King Sue products in your food adventures, they are the best ingredients to any meal.

Call 881-0530 364-5430, 376-6441 and +639199889642 for inquiries and orders, and check out FB IG Twitter @kingsueham or email sales@kingsue.com. Hashtags Also check out  www.kingsue.com

WWE SMACKDOWN LIVE FINDS A HOME ON TV5

Although my Tatay had been a longtime wrestling fan, from the days of Hulk Hogan in the late 80's, The Rock, Stone Cold and Attitude Era, to the current generation of wrestlers, I was never a fan of WWE until a couple of years ago because of two words--ROMAN REIGNS.

It was actually my partner who introduced me to Roman (through the TV of course) and while he was cutting a promo (wrestlespeak for a monologue) the camera zoomed in on his face... and as he looked into the camera, I felt those beautiful eyes of him looking straight at me as if begging me to watch him every week.

And I did. 

I stayed up late because of WWE RAW, just to watch him, I would clap and cheer everytime he lands a Spear or hits one of his Superman punches,and I would shout and curse whenever Braun Strowman or any other heel would beat up my dear dear Mr. Reigns.

So imagine my disappointment when I heard that the WWE contract with the local cable channel expired. 

Thankfully their absence was just short, as TV5 yesterday announced that  they will be broadcasting WWE’s flagship program SmackDown in the Philippines. 

Roman Reigns might not be there, but at least I would still get to see my other fave--the Phenomenal One AJ Styles.

Beginning Sunday, April 30. TV5 will televise a one-hour edition of SmackDown on at 3PM. 

WWE Fans will be able to follow their favorite WWE Superstars on SmackDown, including John Cena, The New Day, WWE Champion Randy Orton, Charlotte Flair, Shinsuke Nakamura, Kevin Owens, Becky Lynch, etc..

In addition to the broadcast on TV5, SmackDown will be simulcast online at TV5.com.ph and Sports.tv5.com.ph.

“TV5 shares our vision and desire for engaging and entertaining fans in the Philippines,” said Ed Wells, WWE Executive Vice President, International. “This new partnership to televise SmackDown showcases the continuing global growth of WWE while creating a destination for WWE fans in the Philippines to enjoy our unique blend of action-packed, family fun entertainment.”

TV5 President Chot Reyes added: "In the industry of sports entertainment, WWE is second to none. It’s a proven, successful, model organization and an esteemed, iconic brand. We at TV5 are honored and excited to be the platform that delivers the WWE to the free TV audience."

Coach Chot said a lot of the TV5 execs were fans of the WWE so they really wanted to bring it to free TV, and promised that unlike most of its international shows, WWE Smackdown would not be dubbed in Tagalog. 

He also hinted the possibility of maybe even bringing in Raw if there is a strong demand from viewers, so let us all keep our fingers crossed.

For more information on TV5's sports programs, along with its entertainment, news, and gaming content, visit www.tv5.com.ph.

Ease your stress and worries away on Zennya massage services thru Citi Credit card

Get a much-needed respite from stress and make health and wellness a habit by availing of the first digitized spa-on-demand service in the world with your Citi credit card!

Enjoy low rates on Zennya massage services: that’s 50% off for first-time users and 30% off for existing users when you pay with a Citi Credit Card.  You can book a massage through Zennya’s mobile apps, which can be found at the App Store or Google Play, or on its website at www.zennya.com.  Zennya sends therapists to clients’ homes, hotels, or condominium units in 30 minutes or less at the click of a button.

Availing of a luxurious, personalized massage session at your convenience has never been so simple.

When transacting on the Zennya mobile app or through the website www.zennya.com, click on “Book a massage.”  Indicate your session type, massage type, therapist gender, service duration and location in the required fields.

To avail of the promotion, use the following codes: CITI50OFF for new Citi cardholders and CITI30OFF for existing Citi card users.  Note that your discount will be deducted from the subtotal and that promo codes are for one-time use only.  To complete the transaction, be sure to input and save your Citi credit card details, then click on “Book.”

So get a well-deserved break by availing of a treatment from Zennya. Ease your stress and worries away via massage from now until May 31, 2017.

For more information about this irresistible promotion and other privileges, log on to www.citibank.com.ph or call the 24-hour CitiPhone Hotline at 995 9999.

Meet The Orange Lady: Joby Linsangan Moreno

If Chris de Burgh played with a lot of men's imagination because of the song  "Lady in Red" and Molly Ringwald became a household name as the woman who was "Pretty In Pink," Joby Linsangan Moreno wants to be remembered as the lady who helped women look their best as The Orange Lady.

And now that she's signed up with the Asian Artists Agency Inc, expect Ms. Moreno to be spread the good word about hair care and entrepreneurial success.

AAAI is developing personalities that go beyond the conventional definition of an artist.  And Joby is one that can positively influence people through her success in business. And she inspires dreamers like her to attain their lofty goals.

"Running a business is not merely a way of earning money. It's about putting your heart and soul to something you are passionate about. It is your path to growing and glowing," shared Joby who finished a course in medical technology and is a licensed medical technologist. After graduation, she worked in a local hospital in her hometown Cabanatuan, before answering the calling of her heart.

Joby is the creator of the Orange Blush Salon chain, which started as a small parlor in Cabanatuan and has now 20 outlets spread out in Luzon. It is bound to take Metro Manila by storm after last year's opening of its state-of-the-art flagship branch in Quezon City that was put up as a haven for franchisees.

OBS is a premier stop for affordable haircut and hair rebond service, capturing the 18-40 market of young professionals, young mothers, or just about everyone attuned to the ever-trendy straight hair fashion. While Joby owns half of the existing OBS outlets to date, business players diversifying their opportunity approach tend to like it as good investment or avenue to earn more. More importantly, it is a result-oriented place warmly extending beauty care service to people.

Four years after the franchisee tandem of Atty. Sherwin Tuquero and wife Ciara Bernadette put up an OBS outlet-- the first branded salon to open up in the close-knit community of Victoria, Tarlac, the small town now happily enjoys the constant presence of hair and nail care professionals and the privilege of not having a bad hair day.

A new branch opening in Lipa, Batangas is likewise expected to get that emphatic effect among its townsfolk.

She shared, "We specialize in post-service treatment because it's one way to know if you're constantly doing a good job. If a customer comes back to make use of our warranty offer, which basically means an extra round of service free of charge, it's a chance to prove that for us, the bottomline is really to satisfy clients."

No doubt carrying the moniker "The Orange Lady” sounds cool to Joby, a devoted wife who married her first and only boyfriend in life and a caring mother of three who does mother duties first before giving back her focus on the business. Besides, it's her favorite color and the one thing that quickly differentiates it from other salons.

"The orange color makes me happy. It is not too aggressive like red or too relaxing like yellow. It imbues tranquility, energy, and youthfulness," she explained.

Good point. She related how she needed to hire young people to work for OBS during the start-up years, how she had to learn the art of hair cutting and coloring and attend seminars herself, and how being a businesswoman entails hard work way past the eight-hour regular job.

But she endured everything, from the birth pains of a then-unknown business name to her continuing quest to turn Orange Blush into a national brand. She has pretty much achieved it with peace in her heart, believing she is destined to do this and knowing that problems will always be solved, especially for people making solutions.

One of these solutions is her CSR project wherein she partners with TESDA in creating the Orange Institute of Fashion and the Arts. Here, scholars are guided to learning the technicalities of salon work and given certificates of competency that should give them the door key to working for OBS.

Joby stated, "We put up a training school for would-be salon professionals as our way of teaching kids how to fish. When you can deeply relate yourself to a business you want to go into, it gives you a sense of being. Back in the day I wanted to color my hair myself. I probably knew I wanted to be in the beauty care service business ever since I started combing my hair. After a while I decided I couldn't be in a medicine laboratory, I have to be in a salon!"

To be exact a salon that blushes and so orange, like her.

For more info, please visit fb.com/asianartistsagency and / or call (02) 885-4765 or (02) 405-4423.