Malcolm's Burger: 50% Off on All Burgers

Malcolm's Burger Pearl Drive Branch Opening

Gandiva Cafe and Archery Range + Giveaway

Gandiva Cafe and Archery Range + Giveaway
December 9, 2011
By Tiffy and Nicole

Gandiva Cafe (pronounced gandeeva) is the first archery pro shop in the Philippines that's geared towards health and fitness. They offer not only a chance to learn (and do) archery, they also serve vegetarian/vegan food (they have both!) in their cafe. They're really into organic ingredients and they buy it locally.

Their 18-meter range. Tonight, however, the targets are much closer to cater to noobz like us!

They also sell some merchandise. Btw, FREE wifi access for only one drink order!

For vegans, they serve pastries that contain no milk/eggs. I believe that they also have pastries containing milk/eggs for the lacto-ovo vegetarians.

The National Yoga Club of the Philippines also gave a demonstration. Apparently, Gandiva Cafe and Archery Range will also be offering yoga classes. 

We were served their Gandiva VG Burger (Php 198), Four Cheese pizza (Php 225 12-inch, P355 18-inch), Bacon cheese burger (Php 275 12-inch, Php 420 18-inch), and Tuna Pesto (Php 198).

Nicole and I both thought that the Gandiva VG Burger is a little too dry for our taste. Their thin crust pizza is crunchy--the Four Cheese pizza has a slightly sweet taste and their Bacon Cheese Burger doesn't really taste like bacon cheese burger. We ♥ the chili sauce that comes with the pizza. Their Tuna Pesto is good--the taste is not too strong, perfect for those who aren't too keen with herbs. Funnily, the fake meat that came with the pesto, although made from soy, tasted a bit like spam (or there might be something wrong with my tastebuds). 

Their bestsellers are the Tomato Basil Pizza (Php 220 12-inch, Php 350 18-inch) and the Veggie Supreme Pizza (Php 275 12-inch, Php 420 18-inch)

The menu is promising although I think that they have a lot to improve on if they want people to start going veggie!

We were able to chat with Chef Lali Balagtas and let us tell you--she is one of the bubbliest person we both met! When we learned her name, Nicole suddenly went, "Are you related to that Balagtas?" Chef Lali was puzzled, "Which Balagtas?" Nicole continued, "You know! The one who wrote Florante at Laura!" Chef Lali burst out laughing--actually, we both did! No, she's not.

Chef Lali actually hasn't eaten any sort of meat or fish her whole life. This is because her whole family's vegetarian and she was raised as one. Her mom eventually let them decide whether or not they want to start eating meat or keep being a vegetarian. (One small boo-boo: one time, she accidentally ate pasta that contained anchovy even after specifically requesting for it to be removed.) She's lacto vegetarian so she still eats cheese--something that she can't give up. 

Marti Bismark (left), holding a compound bow, explains how it differs from a recurve bow (held by Romnick Balmeo), which is the only bow permitted in the Olympics. The compound bows are more often used for hunting.

Earlier this evening, I was very fortunate to be seated at the table beside that of Tim Bismark, a consultant for the archery range, who passionately talked about his love of archery. Archery, according to him, is an ancient art form that helps man understand focus. An archer for 5 years, he has previously suffered two strokes before. Archery was, according to him, one of the reasons for his faster recovery. 

Nicole has a natural flare for archery! She hit the bulls-eye twice.

Archery Range and Equipment Rental:
Range Fees: Php 150 per hour
Equipment Rental: Php 200 per hour
Instructor's Fees: Php 250 per hour
*They also have a lesson package for Php 6,000 that includes 10 2-hour sessions.

They are open from 9 AM to 9 PM. Friday nights, as well as Saturdays and Sundays are usually busy times for the archery range.

We all got Gandiva shirts.

Now the exciting part: I will be giving away my haul for the night. My haul includes a Gandiva shirt, a Gandiva tumbler, a small bottle of Lavender & Vanilla organic room and linen fragrance, a small bottle of sportspray all-around antibacterial sports gear deodorizer and disinfectant, and a 150-gram pack of 100% pure cocosugar. (I wonder if Gandiva can sponsor a free hour for the winner? PLZ OH PLZ)



This giveaway is open only to Philippine residents--or nonresidents if you're sure I can maybe give it to you some day when I end up in your country? :)

Here's what you have to do:

1. Like Manila Foodistas on Facebook (it's also in the sidebar)
2. Follow us on Google Friend Connect (in the sidebar, just click JOIN THIS SITE--you can use either your twitter/google account/yahoo to follow).
3. Like Gandiva Cafe and Archery Range on Facebook
4. Leave a comment with your Facebook/twitter name and the Google Friend Connect account name that you used.

(BONUS! +3 raffle entries) On the Disqus form below, click the "like" button and share on either Facebook or Twitter. Please make sure that the Facebook post is set to public. !In your comment, please say that you did the bonus.

You can join until December 16, 2011 (12 MN) and we'll announce the winner later that day (and email you too)! :)

Visit Gandiva Cafe and Archery Range and get your free 6-arrow trial.
Gandiva Cafe and Archery Range
Address: 7th floor One Corporate Centre Bldg.,
Julia Vargas St. cor Meralco Ave., Ortigas,
Pasig City, Philippines
Landline number: (02) 638-8711 Fax #: (02) 571-9999
Mobile # (63) 9175854451 (63) 9175854459
Website: www.gandiva.com.ph
Email: info [a] gandiva.com.ph

One Corporate Centre Location Map

How to get to One Corporate Centre

Earle's Delicatessen

Earle's Delicatessen
by Nicole

Ever since I've been stuck in Ortigas (har har!) I've been complaining about not finding decent food. Recently, I finally decided to go to Earle's Delicatessen.

I first tasted Earle's food a few weeks ago. Some of my bosses ordered different types of deli meats, sausages, and cheeses from Earle's and boy, they sure reminded me of Spanish tapas! (Vino por favor ja ja! - Wine please, ha ha!)

Since I'm not really a meat-eater, I just tasted some and to my surprise, I liked them. They were really good! Oh, the cheese and the meats! I can't believe I liked the meats! :))

Smoked honey ham, honey ham, black forest ham, capicollo ham, maple ham, smoked farmer's ham, roast beef, smoked chicken roast, double smoked bacon, Canadian back bacon, beer sausage (They sell by gram.)

Different cheeses! ♥ - perorino romano, gruyere, brie

Hungarian, Bavarian cheese smokies, European wiener, cheese Frankfurte, Bavarian smokies, pepperoni, frankfurter

I have finally found something really good to eat for lunch since I started my first ever full time job! It took me a while to order because as usual, I wanted to see all my choices before choosing. I finally decided on the sandwich with the longest name - Smoked Chicken Roast with Canadian Back Bacon.

Smoked Chicken Roast with Canadian Back Bacon
(Php 141.00)

I just loved how the flavours complemented each other. 
Totally not your ordinary sandwich!  

Their sandwiches range from PhP 120 to PhP 160. It may seem a bit expensive for a sandwich, but trust me, you'll get your money's worth! SULIT! Really yummy and satisfying! I can't believe the sandwich that I ate is better than my mother's turkey sandwich! HA HA!

My logic is: if it's better than my mother's food, it means that it's REALLY GOOD! I am definitely buying another one soon and will be taking some home for my folks. Hooray, I've finally found yummy food near our office!

Aside from meats, they also have green salads, breads, coffee, and juices. If you're craving for something European, Earle's is one of the best food shops to visit!


Earle's Delicatessen
G1-C Wynsum Corporate Plaza
22F Ortigas Jr, Road Ortigas Center
(632) 687-4415 / 687-4425 / 687-4430 Local 114 or 115

Japanese Burger Master, Sango!

I have learned about Sango! from fellow Foodista, Hannah. Quite a lot of times, I heard how she loves and craves for their Yakiniku Rice Burger with Kimchi. This is why when I saw Sango! by chance when I was with my friends after a meeting, I immediately invited them to try it with me.

I got the Beef Yakiniku Rice Burger without Kimchi (Php 109) since I am not fond of the Korean pickled dishes made of vegetables with varied seasonings. The rice burger is made of beef strips sandwiched in between very yummy Japanese rice patties, with lettuce and some Japanese mayo. I instantly fell in love with this one of a kind burger - definitely a lot better than the rice burgers McDonalds had before in the market.

The Burger Master, as it calls its line of Japanese burgers, is truly one of a kind. You might be skeptical with the concept of Japanese food mixed with American burgers, but I can attest that you'll surely crave for more once you've tried it. It has this evident Japanese balance and quality which you'll truly enjoy.

Next time I would want to try thier Sango Master Cheeseburger. :)

Sango! The Burger Master is located at the Ground Floor of the Pearl Drive Plaza, Pearl Drive St., Ortigas Center. They also have a branch in Makati and in Alabang (where Hannah says serve yummier burgers). You may call them at 636-1991 for deliveries

Review and Photo by Bong

Thank you! ♥

Never did we imagine that our less than four month old blog would be counted as one of the most influential emerging blogs of 2008! We feel incredibly blessed that we were given this honour and we are so very thankful to everyone who believed in us, who cheered for us, and who helped us get to where we are now.

This was all just for fun, and to find that what we do for fun is something that people enjoy and find helpful makes us all very proud. Thankyou, thankyou, thankyou to everyone who reads, comments, shares, enjoys, listens and gets involved in our blog!!

And, of course, thankyou and congratulations to Ms. Janette Toral for hosting and spearheading this wonderful project! There would be no Ten Most Influential Blogs named if not for her.

Again, thankyou so much to everyone who has given us love, support, and votes (hahahh!) -- you know who you all are :) We hope you continue to read and enjoy what we do :)

Lots of love,
Your Manila Foodistas
Joey, Bong, Harrell, Pat, Tiff, Mark, Hannah & Kat

Harrell, Joey & Bong at the Awarding

You guys made this possible -- thankyou!

Restaurant Review | Tokyo Bubble Tea

Tokyo Bubble Tea
Basement, Bldg A, SM Megamall (near the Food Court)
Special Note: Reviews, rating, etc only for Tokyo Bubble Tea's beverage offerings.
Type of Cuisine: Japanese
Average cost per person: Php 85 (US$2.13)
Overall Rating:

The foodista with the most specific of cravings is probably Joey, and this time, on one of our days out, she had yet another rather particular craving. Dragging us to our feet after lunch at Rai Rai Ken, she took us to Tokyo Bubble Tea.

The first thing that strikes you is the look of the place: bright, happy colours leaping out at you and the big wall mural(?) that says "I want my bubbles!!!" It's a very inviting place. The service was great, with the waitresses being very helpful, friendly and accommodating. And, although we can't speak for their non-beverage offerings just yet, we can definitely say that their milk teas, shakes, etc are all extremely satisfying.

Honourable mention goes to their tapioca pearls or, as they refer to it, their bubbles. They are, by far, the best tapioca pearls we've all ever had. They're chewy, soft and fantastic. They rather make you wish that you had a bowlful of them and you'd be perfectly content just munching on them alone. When ordering your drink, we highly recommend that you get your beverage of choice with an add-on of either extra pearls (Php 10, US$0.25), or pudding (Php 15, US$0.38).

Tokyo Bubble Tea is now the go-to place for the foodistas' bubble tea/sweet, cold beverage fix :)

Royal Milk Tea (Medium: Php 70, US$1.75, Large: Php 80, US$2)
This is Joey's favourite (non-water, non-green tea) beverage and the reason for her wanting to go to Tokyo Bubble Tea. It's not very sweet, like milk tea ought not to be. The drink, coupled with the pleasant taste and sensation derived from the tapioca pearls (or "bubbles"), is refreshing and wonderful. (Photo by Joey)

Kiwi Green Tea (Medium: Php 58, US$1.45, Large: Php 68, US$1.70)
This is said to be one of their best sellers. The kiwi doesn't overpower the green tea and, definitely, the way to enjoy this drink would be with extra bubbles. (Photo by Joey.)



Coconut Milk Tea (Medium: Php 75, US$1.88, Large: Php 85, US$2.13)
The drink had the smooth taste and texture of coconut. The experience was enhanced by the add-on silky sweet pudding. (Photo by Joey.)




Almond Milk Tea (Medium: Php 75, US$1.88, Large: Php 85, US$2.13)
The almond milk tea was infused with almond essence which seemed to overpower the milk tea taste, and seemed to make it more like an almond drink than a milk tea drink. It was just as creamy and smooth, though. It also had little almond bits, which made the drink more interesting. Anyway, It was not so bad and was quite palatable, but those looking for a truly -milk tea- experience should not get this one. However, for those feeling adventurous and wanting a twist in their milk tea experience (a really really big twist), the almond milk tea is a something to try. (Photo by Joey)

Strawberry Milk Tea (Medium: Php 85, US$2.13, Large: Php 95, US$2.38)
It has bits of actual strawberry in it, which made it that much better. It was strawberry + milk tea without one taste overpowering the other. (Photo by Mark)


Taro Milk Tea (Medium: Php 75, US$1.88, Large: Php 85, US$2.13)
For Taro lovers, this sweet milk tea is a must-try. The extra pudding, which only cost an additional 15 pesos, made the drink better and more satisfying. (Photo by Mark)



Mocha Milkshake (Medium: Php 135, US$3.38, Large: Php 145, US$3.63)
This was pretty much exactly how it sounds like. You ask for a mocha milkshake, you get a mocha milkshake – A milkshake that tastes like mocha. Nothing more, nothing less. It did taste quite nice though, so this is definitely something that you should consider getting if you want something besides milk tea. (Unfortunately, no photo of this beverage was taken.)

Reviewed by Bong, Hannah, Harrell, Joey, Mark, and Pats.
Special thanks to Cy for review of the almond milk tea.
Photography by Joey and Mark.
See more photos on Mark's multiply and Joey's flickr.