KUYA J RESTAURANT: Unique Fusion of Authentic Filipino Dishes

KUYA J RESTAURANT: Unique Fusion of Authentic Filipino Dishes 

Kuya John Prats, together with younger sister Camille, plus Kuya James Younghusband, together with younger sibling Phil, graced the grand opening of the newest branch of Kuya J restaurant at the ground level of SM Novaliches. It's the restaurant's fourth branch in Metro Manila. 

The lunch event was a showcase of what Kuya J Restaurant is all about.  According to Mr. Winglip K. Chang, the very witty and amiable president and chief executive officer of Kuya J restaurant and its mother company I Kitchen,  Kuya J offers comfort food brought to a level that people, especially Filipinos, can appreciate.  Kuya J's brotherly love brought us to a gastronomical adventure like no other.  I was with my own Kuya that afternoon, that is why, I know how special it is when Kuya cooks for the family. I truly enjoyed all my food adventures with my family and friends growing up. That is why my kuya and I are inseparable.

Its primary goal is to satisfy the Filipinos desire for good food. This is why it has a special team that develops the food offering according to the quality standards of its customers. Kuya J has the most unique fusion of authentic Filipino dishes that have been infused with innovations to make them more surprisingly delightful.

For instance, the Lumpia Presko (Php95) or fresh lumpia has sautéed crabmeat and bamboo shoots stuffed in rolled malunggay-infused wrapper with sweet garlic sauce. That makes it truly a very healthy food. Approved kay Kuya!

Mangga Tuna Salad (Php165) is a fresh and healthy tasty lettuce greens tossed with ripe mangoes and tuna flakes.  My Kuya and I love this to bits!

The Grilled scallops (Php210) na punong-puno ng cheesy butter topping is one of my favorites. Yes, kuya, the Baked Scallops, topped with cheesy-butter mixture, is a must-try, though I know my own Kuya we'll agree with me that next time around I'll ask the chef to skip the salt. It is good with or without rice. 

Tokwa't Baboy in Soy-Tuba Sauce (Php190) is my ultimate favorite. It is basically fried pork belly and Chinese tofu with Tuba vinegar-infused soy sauce. I'll definitely come back for this yummy combo! I'll give this dish Five Fingers as in Perfect!

Its #CrispyPata is a must try! The all-time favorite Crispy Pata is brought to the next level at Kuya J, where this traditional Filipino top-seller is made more tender, juicy, and tasty. An order serves three to four persons, at a price that's quite affordable for the treat. This crispy delicious goodness sells for only Php485. Super mura! 

Chorizo Dinamitas with Garlic Dip (Php170) is a delicious pastry wrapped deep fried jalapeños with Cebu Chorizo and cheddar cheese.  The best either in chili sauce or in garlic mayo dip. My Kuya and I Iove this!

Guinataang Monggo (Php185) is basically the local bean Monggo sautéed with pork meat and coconut milk and simmered for a smooth mixture.

Kuya J reinvented the traditional Kare-Kare (Php399) with a brand new peanut sauce! A must try!

Sawa ka na sa plain rice? Don't worry, because at Kuya J's even the rice gets better. A Thai rice original is re-invented to suit the Filipino taste and was tagged as Binagoongan Rice (Php165). It is cooked with exotic spices from Thailand, bagoong alamang, and topped with green mangoes, pork humba and bell pepper. The taste is a blend of sweet, salty and sour.

Another unique dessert feature from Kuya J is its delicious dessert called Tablea Coffee Flan (Php85). This Batangas tablea-flavored flan with coffee caramel topped with dried coconut meat and cream is so yummy. I keep on dreaming about it up until now.

The classic leche flan (Php50) is so yummy!

Kuya J's classic panghimagas (dessert), presented in both visual and literal eye candy is the creamy mango pandan (Php80). 

The traditional cooler Halo-halo comes with a unique twist - the Fried Halo-halo (Php135) Ala Mode. It has ube, white beans, young corn, nata de coco, lanka and butter beans stuffed in pastry wrapper and deep fried to give the halo-halo a warm take. Then it is topped with whip cream and Vanilla Ice Cream. A must try!

For the drinks, the Dalandan Beer sounds interesting. It pairs well with the fried dishes, and according to Kuya it is good for the beer drinkers and non-beer drinkers alike. I had my fave mango shake though because I couldn't resist not to order Ripe Mango shake (Php85) wherever I dine.

Mr. Winglip Chang emphasized that all of them at I Kitchen believe they have very good products and they have the resources to create the perfect ambiance, the good service, and the ideal price factor.

“We have a combination of everything—we're very sensitive and receptive to constructive criticisms and feedback on how we can improve. Personally, I've always believed that anything we do here is of no use if the customer walks out of the door feeling dissatisfied with the restaurant.”

Chang also revealed that another Kuya J branch will open soon in Metro Manila.

An 80-seater restaurant, Kuya J can accommodate parties and other special occasions.

#kuyaj #whatakuya #smnovaliches #kuyajresto

Overall Rating:

The only way to know good food is to try it.  Head over to Kuya J's Restaurant and judge their food.  I am telling you, you'll not regret it! Ciao! XoXo!

Kuya J - SM Novaliches
Ground floor of SM Novaliches
Quezon City

Kuya J - SM Sta. Mesa

3rd Floor SM City Sta. Mesa
Sta. Mesa, Metro Manila, Philippines
(02) 254.8148

Kuya J - SM City BF Parañaque
3rd Floor, SM City Parañaque, Metro Manila, Philippines
(02) 478.7810

Kuya J - SM City Marikina
Ground Floor Level, SM City Marikina
Marikina City, Metro Manila, Philippines

Kuya J Escario corner Tojong Street, Brgy Camputhaw, Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines 6000
(032) 260.2991

Kuya J - SM City Cebu
Upper Ground Level, SM City Cebu
Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines 6000
(032) 266.8600

Kuya J - SM City Consolacion
Ground Level, SM City Consolacion
Consolacion, Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines 6001
(032) 266.8688

Disclaimer: This is not a paid post. I tried all the dishes mentioned above except for the Dalandan Beer because I had my all time favorite Mango shake.  For any comments/ suggestions you can post on the comment section below or e-mail the author at travelonshoestring@gmail.com

BIGOLI RESTORANTE: Italian Buffet Breakfast For Only Php199

BIGOLI RESTORANTE: Italian Buffet Breakfast For Only Php199

Rise and Shine everyone! Start your day with a sumptuous buffet breakfast at Bigoli! Its Italian inspired Breakfast Buffet is now available from Monday until Sunday.  Yes, dear friends, it is available now even during weekends! Bigoli Breakfast Buffet is here to stay! 

For those of you who enjoys eating like a king, you don't need to have the expenses of a king because at Bigoli you could have an unlimited buffet breakfast for only Php199. Yes, you read it right! An unlimited Italian inspired buffet Breakfast fit for a king for only that tipid amount!

Enjoy delicious Italian inspired breakfast buffet only at Bigoli 

Starting November 1, you and your family or your friends can start enjoying Italian breakfast even on weekends at Ristorante Bigoli Eastwood Libis Quezon City. Ristorante Bigoli (@Bigoli_Official).

Spaghetti Bola-Bola

This is the first time that I discovered Bigoli's Banana Pizza. This is so cool! This is very good for people like me who needs potassium.

#BigoliBreakfastBuffet at @ristorantebigoli Eastwood, Libis QC #yummy #breakfast #goodmorning #BigoliYummyBreakfastBuffet @Bigoli_Official #food #YummyTales #foodie #foodtastic #goodness #foodies #foodgram #HeavenOnEarth #foodgalore #AmazingPrice #love #foodpic #BreakfastBuffet #Buffet #instafood #foodporn #ig #igers #igersmanila #ignation #igPhilippines #IgBicol #IgPilipinas #Italianfood #Italian #ItalianCuisine #Bigoli #pizza #yum #BolaBola #RistoranteBigoli #photogrid #Roadtrip #Friends #Eastwood #Bigoli #breakfast #Instagram

The bridge that connects you to unlimited buffet.

Try Bigoli's satisfying breakfast now na!

NOVEMBER 2: All Souls' Day Prayer

NOVEMBER 2: All Souls' Day Prayer

Tomorrow ( November 2 ) is All Souls' Day. Traditionally, Filipinos celebrate All Souls' Day every November 1, which happens to be All Saints' Day.  All Souls' Day must be observed every November 2 because that is the real day of prayer for the dead, particularly but not exclusively one's relatives.  

Let me share to you brother Bo Sanchez prayer for our departed loved ones. 

Light a candle in your altar if you like or you can recite this prayer to your loved ones when you visit them at the cemetery. Okay lets begin our prayer for all our departed loved ones 

Father, I thank you for all my Loved Ones; 

Today, I especially thank you for all who have died,

I totally surrender each of them into your Big Hands and Loving Embrace.

(Note: Imagine each person being embraced by Jesus.) 

Jesus, I will follow you until my last day on earth;

I look forward to enjoy Heaven with You forever,

Including a happy reunion with all my loved ones through eternity!

Amen

Credits to Bo Sanchez

James Reid & Ericka Villongco Had a Bad Break-Up

James Reid & Ericka Villongco Had a Bad Break-Up

Ericka Villongco admitted to everyone present last night during the press con of Relaks, it's just Pag-ibig that March this year, at around the time the loveteam of James and Nadine was being launched in Viva Films’ Diary ng Panget,  Ericka and James Reid had a bad break-up. Their romantic involvement lasted for three and a half years. Watch the video interview at http://www.webmags.info/2014/10/video-ericka-villongco-on-james-reid.html

James Reid and Ericka Villongco's photo is from Ericka's tumblr account.  James and Nadine's photo is by yours truly.

Yes, their relationship started long before the Fil-Australian James joined PBB (Pinoy Big Brother).  Ericka said that was the time when James Reid was still a virtual unknown. James was taking Tagalog lessons back then because he wanted to learn how to speak Tagalog. She met James when he starred with her and her sister for their first album’s music video. She said they started out as friends. James was very honest and has a unique style of courting. He was direct to the point.

Photo Credits: Tricia Gosingtian from Ericka Villongco's Tumblr Post

She wished that they parted ways as friends, but admitted that they did not. Ericka clarified that there was no third party involved.  She said that James was loyal, very faithful, very loving. Ericka also shares that she and James have the same set of friends. That is why there are instances when they bump into each other in gimmicks but unfortunately they are indifferent with one another. They don't greet nor say hi to each other.

Ericka used to be a part of the duo Krissy & Ericka, together with her sister Krissy, 20. Yes, Ericka, at 21, is only 10 months older than Krissy.  Ericka is now concentrating on herself and her studies.  She is now a second year college student at Enderun. She's also trying acting, initially in Relaks, it's just Pag-ibig. Co-starring with papa Piolo Pascual’s son Iñigo Pascual.  

She plays Iñigo's childish girlfriend who terrorizes Inigo's driver played by Smokey Manaloto.

"Relaks, it's just Pag-ibig" is based on the Swag King series. It is produced by Sprint Film and will be distributed commercially by Star Cinema in movie theaters nationwide.  Showing starts on November 12, 2014. 

RYU RAMEN & CURRY RESTAURANT: The Art of Tantanmen and Curry

RYU RAMEN & CURRY RESTAURANT: The Art of Tantanmen and Curry

RYU (Pronounced as re you / r'YOO, the R-sound is halfway between the English R and English L) means "dragon" in Japanese. The name came about because all of the five owners of Ryu Ramen And Curry Restaurant (RYU) were born in the year of the dragon. And just like the legendary creature, RYU captures the imagination and gastronomical experience of those who get to enjoy its dishes. 

The five partners (singer/ comedian Ogie Alcasid, Edwin Dazo, Neil Castillo, DJ Vergel de Dios and Quezon City Councilor Joseph Juico) came up with RYU because they all love Japanese food. They all claim to have a passion for Ramen.

Tan tan tan tan... the Tantanmen Five.  RYU's latest offering for the Japanese Food lover! The tantanmen, or dandan noodles, is a specialty noodle dish of China and Japan recognized for its red soup, which is known for its incredibly spicy broth. It’s become the unofficial favorite of many in ramen houses in the Philippines, with some variations playing down the heat with the use of peanut sauce.

Yaki Buta Tantanmen

So yummy that you'll end up rubbing your tummy!

You'll surely enjoy the rich flavor of tender pork ribs, stripped off the bone, with vegetables and noodles in a bowl of miso-based soup. #ryutantanmen #tantanmen5

Ebi Tantanmen

RYU never scrimps on shrimps in its Ebi Tantanmen.  I've never seen so many shrimp bits goodness packed in a single bowl!  Ryu's Ebi Tantanmen is so flavorful, especially with its miso-based stock packed with ample serving of vegetables and noodles.

Karaage Tantanmen 

The chicken is absolutely heaven! Hefty chicken with shiitake mushroom, vegetables and noodles in a bowlful of miso-based broth.

Gyu Tantanmen 

Generous slices of tender beef with vegetables and noodles in a savory miso-based soup

Classic Tantanmen 

Yaki Buta, Gyu, Ebi, Karaage, or Classic? Which of the #Tantanmen5 is your favorite?

Katsu + Cheese + Curry + Rice = Happy and satisfied Tummy!  

We also tried its Katsucheese Curry and boy was I happy that I tried it!  It is so yummylicious! The cheese is oozing and its flavor is so good!

Just like me, you'll be a convert and would be wanting for more.

Cap off your weekend with a savory bowl of its Yaki Buta Tantanmen! Try this and all the #Tantanmen5 at your favorite ramen place #ryuramenandcurry #smjazz #smdcjazz #jazzmall #jazz #jupiter #reposo #makati #ryutantanmen #tantanmen.

@ryuramenandcurry 

For a Php280 Tantanmen, RYU Ramen is certainly cheap for a ramen place. Tantanmen 5 are all delicious and they did not disappoint. Though I am a bicolana I can't eat extra spicy ramen. It is good to know that in RYU Restaurants you could request the chef to tone down the spiciness of its Tantanmen. Ika nga, have everything in moderation.

Its serving size is quite big.  In fact, a group of four to six persons could share one big bowl of tantanmen ramen. So, price wise, its tantanmen 5 ramen are all worth your hard-earned peso.

Tamanegi is fried vegetable that can lessen the spiciness level of your Tantanmen,  making you crave for more ramen!

Affordable yet huge ramen servings that will surely leave you with a full belly. That's the RYU Ramen's promise.

Ryu's wall is decorated with a Japanese Dragon Drawing.

This review is made possible by Open rice ph. #ead6 Thank you for the invitation, Heidie.

Rating:

RYU RAMEN & CURRY RESTAURANT Branches:

- Tomas Morato cor Sct. Lazcano, Quezon City 709-8789
- U.P. Town Center, Katipunan Ave., Quezon City 294-3574
- SM Jazz Residences, Jupiter St. cor N. Garcia, Makati City 874-1022

Store Hours: Mon - Sun: 11:00 - 02:00

Sharing Expertise And Showing Genuine Compassion To Others

Sharing Expertise And Showing Genuine Compassion To Others

My ate Dindin Daliva is one of a kind. It is very rare that you'll find someone with the expertise and genuine compassion for our less fortunate brothers and sisters. Genuine compassion is understanding the suffering of another. For me, the most effective way to show your compassion for others is to empathize or to put yourself "inside the skin" of the other. Yes, to truly empathize you ought to "go inside" their body, feelings, and mental formations, and witness for yourself their suffering. Only through that action will you truly understand another human being. 

Most of us only has shallow observation of what our kababayans in the Vizayas area had went through during Haiyan (super typhoon Yolanda).

Like our political leaders, we are all outsiders because it is not enough to see our kababayans (countrymen) suffering on the news.  I believe that you and I must become one with the subject of our observation. Because it is only then that we can be in contact with another's suffering. Yes, that feeling of compassion can be born in us. 

Thank you fellow Dindin Daliva for the opportunity to share your expertise in helping at the grassroot level and congratulations for the biggest Emergency Pedagogy workshop that ever rolled-out in the Philippines. You and all that make up the IRelief Foundation did a really wonderful job. It is an honor to have you as a friend. You are a real life hero who works even when there is no camera around. (In fact, she's not aware that I feature her here. Sorry, ate Dindin, I only want to share to others your good example in helping people in far-flung areas.) 

Ate Dindin and her team went to far-flung places not reached by the government agencies and other organizations.  ( Mga lugar na hindi mapuntahan dahil sa layo at hirap, mga kinalimutan na ng gobyerno at iba pang mga tumutulong na nag concentrate lang sa Tacloban)  Unlike the dole out system by the government and other charitable institutions, she teaches the villagers in different remote barangays how to fish and does not simply give them fish. 

For instance, the iRelief Foundation gave the fisherfolks in New Buswang, Kalibo, Aklan, a machine that converts pruned branches from bakawan (mangrove) trees to charcoal briquettes (briquets) and taught them how to use it.

Alternative and sustainable source of livelihood. Joyful times indeed come to the new beneficiaries of fishing nets from Barangay Bantigue, Panay, Capiz and twenty new fisherfolk-beneficiaries in Barangay Agojo, Panay, Capiz!!

The system she adopted helped them to be self-sustaining (or self-sufficient). So far, it is more successful than that where victims being helped by the government just wait at the evacuation centers and are given dole outs.

Ate Dindin calls herself a child whisperer because she's now helping traumatized children in different places.  Her team continues to conduct healing sessions for traumatized children in different areas in the Philippines.  

                 

She left the corporate world to share her life with others. 

After a disaster,  everyone is left scarred to their souls. Children are given priority for trauma management not because they are the most vulnerable but because they are the most powerful. When our children start to laugh again amidst the despair, all the adults get healed.

She works tirelessly in silence, reaching areas such as the low-lying and remote island barangay of Bantigue, Panay, Capiz. It takes 30 to 40 minutes ride by boat to reach the island of 296 households whose fisherfolks remain unreached by any livelihood recovery and rehabilitation intervention.

Just like ate Dindin, UNILAB believes in 'Husay at Malasakit' in serving people, that is why in every product it produces, it makes sure that its facilities and procedures are safe, so that it will be able to take care of the Filipino people better.

This day and age, the country has braved various calamities that, if anything, have only strengthened our solidarity as Filipinos. But to fully rise again as a nation, we must be able to have both excellence and compassion (husay at malasakit) in everything we do, especially when in service to others who are in need.

Unilab, being the biggest pharmaceutical company in the Philippines, believes in the power of husay at malasakit and has geared the company’s belief in this.

It may have changed its processes in line with the rise of technological advancement, but its heart will always be present in the manufacturing of its healthcare products.

Rest assured that in all the innovations it creates, the health and safety of the Filipino people are always at the core.

The distribution of its products is scattered across the country—from Luzon, Visayas, to Mindanao, to reach out to everyone in need of superior and affordable healthcare products.

If anything, Unilab believes in the spirit of genuine concern to make the lives of other people better.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/unilab
Twitter: www.twitter.com/unilab_ph
Instagram: instagram.com/unilab

With its new TVC, Unilab shows its husay at malasakit thrust and hopes to influence as much as it can to the nation. After all, what matters the most is the number of lives we touch when we reach our triumphs.

HOW TO COMMUTE TO EASTWOOD FROM CUBAO

HOW TO COMMUTE TO EASTWOOD FROM CUBAO

Nearest MRT and LRT2 station to Eastwood would be the Cubao Station.

•  Alight in Cubao station. 
• Then walk towards General Romulo Avenue corner Aurora Boulevard, Cubao, Quezon City.  Yes, dear that's the street where the former C.O.D. displays were used to be shown. 
• That street at the corner of Aurora Boulevard where you will find a Mercury Drug Store is the street where the jeepneys coming from Cubao pass by going to Rosario, Pasig (and Antipolo area). The jeepneys pass through C-5. These jeepneys are the only ones plying through C-5. 
• Get down at the foot bridge just adjacent to Citibank Towers in Eastwood City.

Note: Commuting via jeepney might be inconvenient to some but you'll be able to save money. Fare is only Php10 to and from Eastwood.  If you have the budget then by all means take a cab but get ready to pay between Php90 to Php110 depending on the traffic situation in the area.

Happy commuting!  Stay safe!