Today, I receive all God’s love for me. Today, I open myself to the unbounded, limitless, overflowing abundance of God’s Universe. Today, I open myself to your Blessings, healing and miracles.Today, I open myself to God’s Word so that I become more like Jesus Everyday. Today, I proclaim that I’m God’s Beloved, I’m God’s Servant, I’m God’s powerful champion, And because I am blessed, I will bless the world, In Jesus Name, Amen.

Featured Post

The Great Wall of China in Mutianyu

The Great Wall of China is referred to in Mandarin as Wanli Changcheng   (10,000-Li Long Wall or simply very long wall) BEIJING, ...

Monday, January 13, 2014

KIMUKATSU: Yummy Japanese Dishes


KIMUKATSU: Yummy Japanese Dishes
kimukatsu (キムカツ) ebi mayo or prawn mayonnaise, Shangri-la, East Wing,Manila, Philippines,
Joining the Tonkatsu bandwagon in Manila is Kimukatsu (キムカツ).  The most famous pork cutlet restaurant in Japan with multiple locations in Tokyo, Osaka, Yokohama, Sendai, Korea, Hawaii and California, U.S.A, is now in the Philippines!  
decor, ambiance at kimukatsu (キムカツ), Shangri-la, East Wing,Manila, Philippines,
Since it is my first time to eat at Kimukatsu, I asked for assistance from one of the owners. He is very helpful in describing the menu and the types of katsu (short for katsuretsu, meaning cutlet) that they offer. All of them are very friendly so don't hesitate to ask for assistance if you're not familiar with the condiments and dishes that they offer.


Appetizer

Ebi Mayo or prawn mayonnaise (Php210.00 + 10% service charge) is a fantastic appetizer. Kimukatsu's version is very delicious. Their shrimp dish consists of 8 pcs. shrimp, peeled and deveined . Kimukatsu has one of the few shrimp dishes that I like. The shrimp is soft and tasty. It is not really healthy so people with high blood pressure must eat in moderation.

Verdict: 4 fingers



Koshikihari Rice
kimukatsu (キムカツ),white, rice, Shangri-la, East Wing,Manila, Philippines,
I love the restaurant's unique bamboo rice container. Its rice is special, not your normal cheap everyday rice The rice is freshly cooked. It comes unlimited when you order the set meal.

Verdict: 4 fingers


Miso Soup
kimukatsu (キムカツ),white miso soup, red miso soup, Shangri-la, East Wing,Manila, Philippines,
Unlike other Tonkatsu (pork cutlet) restaurant, Kimukatsu offers not one but two types of miso soup:
  • Red
  • White

The white miso soup is creamier and sweeter, which is just right for my palette. I don't like the red miso because of its spicier kick. Some of our companions prefer the red one though, so it all depends on your taste buds. Both has generous servings of sea kelp and diced soft tofu.

Verdict: 4 fingers

Cabbage Salad
Kurogoma, Black Sesame Seeds, Cabbage, sliced cabbage
Unlimited sliced fresh cabbage. For me, its the finest cabbage salad ever. Best with Kimukatsu goma (sesame) dressing and the kimukatsu salad dressing (shoyu paste soy-vinegar).

Condiments

Verdict: 4 fingers


Kurogoma or Black Sesame Seeds
Kurogoma, Black Sesame Seeds, Kimukatsu, Shangri-la, Manila, Philippines
A tonkatsu (pork cutlet) meal will never be complete without the traditional sesame seeds grinding ritual to go with their sauce. Kimukatsu's black sesame seeds are imported from Japan that's why they are limited to only one serving per person.  Black sesame seeds, especially after being toasted, are fragrant and nutty and wholly addictive. Kurogoma or Black Sesame Seeds are also used to promote healthy bowels and in Chinese medicine, they are used to promote healthy kidneys and liver. They also contain phytosterol which apparently helps to reduce cholesterol.
Tonkatsu Sauce or pork cutlet sauce with black sesame seeds, soy-vinegar, condiments, Kimukatsu, Shangri-la, Manila, Philippines
Kimukatsu offers two Katsu sauces:
  1. Tonkatsu sauce (the strong) which is in the black sauce pot; and  
  2. Ponzu sauce (the mild) is in the white sauce pot. 
I decided to experiment by mixing both sauces to my tonkatsu. The first sauce on the right is the preferred sauce of Filipino customers because it is sweeter, while the one in the middle is vinegar with grounded black sesame. 

Some people prefer a few dash of the pink Himalayan salt at the right corner.

Tonkatsu or pork cutlet
Tonkatsu or pork cutlet, Kimukatsu, Shangri-la, Manila, Philippines
Kimukatsu's tonkatsu is very unique! I was so amazed looking at those paper thin pork cutlets. Unlike the classic tonkatsu (breaded pork cutlet) that are cut into to one thick piece, Kimukatsu's pork loin is thinly sliced. Twenty five (25) layers of paper thin meaty goodness are painstakingly crafted, stacked and rolled to made one regular size tonkatsu. So yummy and flavorful! In Japan, according to my friend, this type of multi-layered tonkatsu is called a "mille-feuille katsu."  Sounds French to me than Japanese. He he he.
Tonkatsu or pork cutlet, Kimukatsu, Shangri-la, Manila, Philippines
 Kimukatsu's tonkatsu filings come in 7 flavors:
  • Cheese
  • Garlic
  • Kurokosho (black pepper)
  • Negi shio (salt marinated green onion)
  • Umeshiso (sour plum with Japanese basil)
  • Yuzu kosho (Yuzu with pepper)
  • plain tonkatsu
Tonkatsu or pork cutlet, Kimukatsu, Shangri-la, Manila, Philippines
Kimukatsu's tonkatsu is not oily unlike other tonkatsu. It is very crispy on the outside and tender juicy in the inside. We are very lucky here in the Philippines because Kimukatsu's tonkatsu costs an arm and leg in Japan while it only costs Php380 per order here in the Philippines, with unlimited Japanese rice, freshly sliced cabbage, complimentary appetizers of Tsukemono (pickled vegetables), mayonnaise, sauce and even unlimited hot tea. I can say that this is a perfect deal. You could even order by the set if you have a companion with you. A family of seven or eight could order the 7 flavors for only Php2,400 Vat inclusive just add 10% service charge though.

Light and fluffy, yet extremely juicy and flavorful, it is the softest tonkatsu you'll sink your teeth in. 

Verdict: 4 fingers 

Kuro Goma Purin or Black Sesame Pudding (黒ごまプリン)

Tonkatsu or pork cutlet, Kimukatsu, Shangri-la, Manila, Philippines

Kimukatsu's version is divine! I have a penchant for sweets.  I love Kimukatsu's black sesame pudding.  It is the best among all the desserts that I had tried in Kimukatsu Php110 plus 10% service charge.

Verdict: 5 fingers 

Japanese Panna Cotta
Japanese Panna Cotta, Kimukatsu, Manila, ShangriLa, New Wing
Japanese Panna Cotta Php110.  Served cold. This creamy goodness is the Japanese version of Panna Cotta ( which by the way literally means cooked cream in Italian ) It is a rich-tasting, absolutely divine dessert. This luscious soft Japanese panna cotta is a perfect accompaniment to your Tonkatsu meal at Kimukatsu.

Verdict: 4 fingers

Green Tea Ice Cream with Mochi 
Macha, Ice Cream, Kimukatsu, Shangri-la, Manila, Philippines
Macha Parfait Two scoops of green tea ice cream with one tablespoon red bean paste, 2 pcs. of mochi. Green tea has a very refreshing green grass aroma. It helps cut the smell of fish and grease in our dinner. The green tea used in Green Tea Ice Cream is called Matcha in Japanese. Matcha is in powdered form, and so it has a much more concentrated flavor than green tea leaves. It is forbidden to be mixed with green tea made with regular tea bag. Matcha is also a drink that is used in the tea ceremony in Japan, but you don’t drink it as much as brewed green tea.

Verdict: 4 fingers


Black sesame ice cream or kurogoma aisukurimu
 kurogoma aisukurimu, Kuro Goma Purin or Black Sesame Pudding (黒ごまプリン), Black Sesame Seed, Ice Cream, Kimukatsu, Shangri-la, Manila, Philippines  
Black sesame ice cream or kurogoma aisukurimu.  

Kurogoma is believed to have health benefits that is why this ice cream became very popular in Japan for a while. It is said to be loaded with minerals such as magnesium, phosphorus,copper, iron and calcium. This is the first time I've ever tried an ice cream with Black sesame flavor. My initial impression is that it was strange because of the texture of the partially ground sesame seeds, but I loved the taste. It has a sweet, roasted and earthy flavor to it. It was unlike anything that I’ve ever tasted before. I just hope they could reduce the amount of sugar though.

Verdict: 4 fingers


kimukatsu (キムカツ),decor, Shangri-la, East Wing,Manila, Philippines,
Service

The service is good. The staff is friendly and accommodating. I just don't like it though when they shouted "Irasshaimase"  in chorus at the top of their voices on my ear when I passed by. They actually remind me of Cyma's enthusiastic chorus of "Opa." Lol.

With their delicious dishes, Kimukatsu gets my highest recommendation. I couldn't wait to go back. 
Kimukatsu Japanese Restaurant
Level 5 Shangri-la Plaza East Wing Shaw Boulevard corner
EDSA, Mandaluyong City
+63(02)7270333
Open from 10:00am to 10:00pm


Thursday, January 9, 2014

QUIAPO: Black Nazarene Feast


QUIAPO: Black Nazarene Feast

Quiapo Church is home to Black Nazarene, a much-venerated statue of Jesus Christ which many Filipinos believe has miraculous attributes.

Faith and action come hand and hand. It may be chaotic but no one could stop the devotees of the Black Nazarene from attending its feast day celebration. 12 million devotees are expected to flock to Quiapo Church and around its streets today.

The annual procession always draws a huge number of devotees who believe that the image has performed many miracles. Msgr. Ignacio, rector and parish priest of Quiapo Church, advised pregnant women, small children, the elderly, and the disabled “not to attend the procession or to distance themselves from the crowd for safety reasons.”
Year after year, Filipinos coming from different provinces and abroad, together with curious foreigners, join the traditional procession. If you want to join the celebration today, expect a sea of devotees carrying the statue of Poong Itim na Nazareno (Black Nazarene) around the streets of Manila, especially in the Quiapo area.

Photos by Collin Yap


Friday, January 3, 2014

Philippine Holidays for 2014


Philippine Holidays for 2014 
For those who are planning their vacation for 2014, here is the list of holidays for 2014.

2014 Regular Holiday List:

New Year’s Day (WEDNESDAY) – January 1
Araw ng Kagitingan (WEDNESDAY) – April 9
Maundy Thursday (THURSDAY) – April 17
Good Friday (FRIDAY) – April 18
Labor Day (THURSDAY) – May 1
Philippine Independence Day (THURSDAY) – June 12
Eid’l Fit’r and Eidul Adha – TO BE ANNOUNCED
National Heroes Day (Last MONDAY of August) - August 25
Bonifacio Day (SUNDAY) – November 30
Christmas Day (THURSDAY) – December 25
Rizal Day ( TUESDAY) – December 30

2014 Special (Non-Working) Holiday List:

Chinese New Year / Spring Festival 2014 (Friday) – January 31
Black Saturday (SATURDAY) – April 19
Ninoy Aquino Day (THURSDAY) – August 21
All Saint’s Day (SATURDAY) – November 1

2014 Additional Special (Non Working) Holidays:

Day Before Christmas (WEDNESDAY) – December 24
Additional Christmas Holiday day after Christmas (FRIDAY) – December 26
Last Day of the Year (WEDNESDAY) – December 31

Special Holiday (for all schools in all levels):

EDSA People Power Revolution ( TUESDAY) – February 25


Happy New Year everyone! Enjoy!


Thursday, January 2, 2014

NEW YEAR COUNTDOWN AT THE TOP OF THE CENTURY


NEW YEAR COUNTDOWN AT THE TOP OF THE CENTURY





Cheers! Happy New Year 2014 everyone!




Wednesday, January 1, 2014

JAR OF HAPPINESS: 2014 Project


JAR OF HAPPINESS: 2014 Project
Starting today, January 1, 2014, I decided to push through with my long time overdue project. 

My project is my own jar of happiness. Each day, I'll try to write down all the blessings I received for the day so that whenever I feel depressed I can open my jar of happiness.


Tuesday, December 31, 2013

HAPPINESS IN THE CIRCUS


HAPPINESS IN THE CIRCUS







HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE


HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE


Sunday, December 29, 2013

THE WINE BAR 1771: Beautiful Sunset Wedding & Reception Setup


THE WINE BAR 1771: Beautiful Sunset Wedding & Reception Setup
My brother and I were invited to witness the set up of The Wine Bar 1771 for a real wedding and reception yesterday. 
The two-in-one wedding and reception table setup was so lovely. The charming rustic feel makes you want to daydream and plan for your own wedding. I love how the natural sunlight illuminates through the French windows. 
The Wine Bar wedding reception table setup has that rustic, cozy and intimate feel. 
There are beautiful flowers on each table along with large rose cactus on wooden vase. The eco-friendly recycled wine bottles used as flower vases are so cute. Each table has a different wooden number that matches the guests seating assignment. I could spend hours swooning over the breathtaking floral arrangement. The venue's setup also includes fine china, elegant silverware, stem glassware and beautiful centerpieces all set in each table.
The table napkins on each table have individual cupcake souvenirs which add to the picturesque feel of the reception.
The rustic style of this reception is perfect for the sunset wedding.
I so love weddings! Weddings make my heart sing with joy. 
   
The Rustic Autumn Wedding Cake has multi colored leaves design. The wedding cake is very romantic and cheerful. Simple yet elegant. Those tiny autumn leaves radiates happiness and satisfaction on a lazy afternoon.
The large wedding scroll is so unique. Lovingly done by the stylist of The Wine Bar 1771. The old typewriter, hardbound books and colored bottles add to the rustic feel of the wedding set up. The Wine Bar 1771 is indeed the perfect venue for any occasion!

Your wedding day is one of the most exciting days of your life so you must only have the best. If you want a beautiful celebration that will make your dream wedding come true, consider the elegant reception hall of The Wine Bar 1771. It has various distinctive menu at affordable prices to suite your budget. It accepts wedding reception setup for a minimum of 40 people to 60 people. 

The Wine Bar 1771
2F Cafe 1771, El Pueblo Real de Manila, 

cor. J. Vargas & ADB. Ave, Ortigas Center, Pasig City


Wednesday, December 25, 2013

PLACE TO BE: Disney On Ice Treasure Trove


PLACE TO BE: Disney On Ice Treasure Trove 

It's the most wonderful time of the year. My brother and I celebrated Christmas at The Araneta Center! We watched Disney on Ice : Treasure Trove ! Weeeee! I love it! It's my first time ever to set foot inside the Araneta Center Dome! It was a spectacular show on ice! I wish I could watch another set of show before they left! Hays! Just saying out loud my #christmas #wish

A blessed Christmas to everyone! 


Love, 

Travelonshoestring. 


FIVE PLACES TO BOND WITH YOUR KIDS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON


FIVE PLACES TO BOND WITH YOUR KIDS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
It is the time of the year again when kids and kids-at-heart can visit wonderful pasyalan (places to go to) again in the Metro because it's vacation time. When was the last time you bonded with your kid? or with your siblings and parents?

On top of my lists are the following:
  1. Circus Vargas- located at SMX in Pasay City just across SM MOA. A must see US based Circus. I can personally vouch that you and your kids will enjoy this show!
  2. Disney on Ice- located at Araneta Center in Cubao, Quezon City.
  3. Ayala Triangle Light Show- Free
  4. Greenhills Shopping Center. The Rosario Animated Display- Free
  5. Fort Santiago- Visit this heritage site for only Php70 only per person and retraced the steps of our National Hero- Jose Rizal and have fun taking photos at the Fort's garden. There are statues, murals and lifesize cardboard standees wearing Filipino costumes.
Happy Holidays! Don't forget to give thanks to God for all the blessings you received.

Enjoy!


Friday, December 20, 2013

WIN CIRCUS VARGAS: Tickets Giveaway


CIRCUS VARGAS: Tickets Giveaway

Attention: Mommy, Daddy, Grandma, Grandpa, Uncle, Auntie, Ate, Kuya, Baby, Yaya

Circus Vargas' Magikaria Turns up the Action this holiday season! America's top performing circus is in the Philippines to give the Filipino People an exciting holiday treat!

Circus Vargas' Magikaria is where mind-blowing illusions meet adrenaline-pumping stunts for a breathtaking spectacle that will have you on the edge of your seat. Combining the visual splendor of a magic show with the high-flying daredevilry of the big top, Magikaria is the culmination of imagination, danger and mystery. Witness the eye-popping illusions and marvel at the death-defying acrobatics and much more. 

Circus Vargas brings to the country its most exciting production:
  • Gravity-defying flights
  • flashy costumes
  • fun dance routines
  • and other deliriously delightful antics
  • “MagiKaria, A Fantastical Magical Experience.” 
Meet Matti The Clown of Circus Vargas 'Magikaria' and Jon Weiss, who hosts Circus Vargas and also does balancing antics.

Circus Vargas promises to bring back the old school circus entertainment with modern twists. There’s the fluidity of the aerial ballet that uses streams of chiffon material hanging from the ceiling. There’s also Zorro Low Wire who leaps and flips over various obstacles in his way, and other acrobats doing some fun trampoline-style tricks.

“MagiKaria, A Fantastical Magical Experience” is slated from Dec. 25 to Jan. 1, 2014 at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City from Dec. 25 to Jan. 1, 2014.

Tickets are available at SM Tickets, SM Cinema, and Snack Time outlets. For information, call 519-8984, e-mail info@tpiguam.com or visit www.circusvargas.com.



Entrance to the CIRCUS VARGAS event at SMX CONVENTION CENTER for a silver ticket is Php 590, but Travel on a Shoestring is hooking Five (5) people with Two (2) free tickets each . Simply join the giveaway below, which will run from December 20 to 30, 2013. Please join if you will be able to attend on January 1, 2014 at 1 o'clock in the afternoon only, so we won't waste the slot.
  • Winners will be announced on December 30, 2013 here.
  • Prizes are as follows:
               *5 winners of 2 ticket each for FREE entrance to Circus Vargas. 

Mechanics:

  • Open to all but you will need to pay for your own transportation and incidental expenses in claiming the tickets and going to the event. 
  • Only 18 years old and above are allowed entry to the contest. If you win two tickets you can plus one your child. 
  • It is mandatory to do each of the assigned task on the rafflecopter. Absence of one task will disqualify your entry. 
  • Please don't forget to Comment your name, e-mail address and post the url of your tweet, url of Facebook share. ( FB share and Tweet must be set to public, so I could check it.) 
  • Don't comment as anonymous please. Entries using anonymous identity will not be honored. 
  • Complimentary Pass will be forfeited if not claim on the designated time and date. 
  • If after the contest you unfollow or reverse whatever actions that was required. You will not be allowed to join future contests anymore.
Simply wait for the Rafflecopter to load and follow the instructions:-)
Have a Merry Christmas! God bless you!


Thursday, December 19, 2013

GIRL,BOY,BAKLA,TOMBOY: Vice Ganda's Toughest Role to Date


GIRL,BOY,BAKLA,TOMBOY:  Vice Ganda's Toughest Role to Date

Vice Ganda plays each of the quadruplets, a girl, boy, bakla, tomboy. Directed by Wenn Deramas. This is Star Cinema's official entry to the MMFF 2013. Showing starting December 25.

Direk Wenn shared that they started filming last July and are still doing the finishing edits up until now. He shared that this is the most difficult film he ever directed. 

Among the four characters he portrayed Vice Ganda had difficulty portraying the role of a lesbian. The easiest role for him is of course being a gay.  Yes, it is a fact so that role was easy. It is open secret that Vice Ganda loves to be a woman so it is given that he can portray the girl role with so much conviction. 

According to Direk Wenn, Vice Ganda deserves an acting award for this film.


If you want to laugh, watch this movie.


Welcome

 

Travel, Photographs and Lifestyle Copyright © 2010 LKart Theme is Designed by Lasantha