Therese in the Philippines: Bon Chon Chicken

Intro: You probably don't know this, but I went home to the Philippines last January. In the span of the 9 days that I was there, I tried 5 new restaurants around the metro, and I even went out of town! Therefore, let me take a short break from my Taiwan posts and in my next few entries, I am going to write about the new places I've been to in and around the metro!

I first heard about Bon Chon Chicken around 2 years ago, when it was still new. I had always wanted to try it but back then, their only branch was in Makati and I don't really like going there. Long story short, I was finally able to try it at their Regis Center, Katipunan branch.

According to their official website, BonChon is a Korean word meaning "Original Village." They promise crispy, juice, and flavorful chicken.

It was a struggle for us to order because there weren't menus available by the counter, and the big screens behind the counter were moving. The screens would change items every few seconds. After a couple of minutes of intently looking at the screens, I finally decided on the Boxed Meal C - Drumsticks/Thigh Ricebox. What's good about this set is you could mix and match the parts. I only got the 1 piece thigh (95php) though. You could opt for the 2 pieces set, which costs 145php.

After ordering, you have the option of going for the Soy Garlic Sauce or the Hot Sauce. Since I'm not a really big fan of spicy food, I went for the former. True enough, the chicken was crispy, juicy, and flavorful.

My friend ordered the Kimchi coleslaw (45php) along with her meal, and I was able to take a bite. We weren't big fans because it didn't have that spicy kick that Kimchi is supposed to have.

They currently have 13 branches around the metro. You can check out www.bonchon.com.ph for the list of branches and for the menu as well. It would help to at least have an idea of what you want to order because the screen really is confusing! Had I known that they have bulgogi wraps (among other things), I would have ordered that too. Maybe next time!

Katipunan: Tia Maria's Cantina

Katipunan: Tia Maria's Cantina
December 15, 2011
By Tiffy

Even though I've studied at the University of the Philippines for 5 years now, I've never been to Cantina. As far as I know, it's a popular drinking place for the students around the area.

I was at the Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology (IESM)'s Christmas party when a bunch of us decided to eat somewhere else afterwards.

Nachos Grande | Php 335 | USD 7.65

The thing I hate about eating nachos is that the salsa and cheese are usually all on top and by the time you reach the bottom of the plate, there's no more of the salsa or cheese left. But this one did not disappoint.

Piña colada pitcher | Php 240 | USD 5.48

Piña colada glass | Php 90 | USD 2.05

The pitcher is pretty small--around 4 glasses. It wasn't good. This is by far the worst piña colada I've ever had. It was tasteless and didn't feel like it had any alcohol in it. 

Carne Asada Quesadillas | Php 245 | USD 5.59

Their quesadillas were really good. I would definitely go back even for just this dish. 

Any other dish you would recommend?

Tia Maria's, Katipunan 
(right beside Shakey's)
Katipunan Ave. cor. Alvero St.,
Loyola Heights Quezon City,
Metro Manila Philippines
(02) 426-2350

It's open everyday from 11 AM to 2 AM except on Sundays when they close at 12 MN.

Yummy Magazine: March 2012

YUMMY magazine celebrates fifth anniversary with an all-new look

Say hello to the fresh new look of YUMMY magazine this March! Following the introduction of new sections and columns, YUMMY puts the final touches on its makeover as the pages in the fifth anniversary special are revitalized and injected with a more energetic vibe to better enhance your reading and cooking experience.

“It’s a new look, yes, but you’ll also see that we’ve upheld the YUMMY approach that has been appealing to you all these years. The recipes are still easy and friendly, the tips plentiful, and the ideas creative and inspiring,” says YUMMY editor-in-chief Becky Kho in her editor’s note.

Aside from the added features and the brand new look of the magazine, readers can also look forward to YUMMY’s annual food business features this month. The issue is packed with inspirational stories of Filipino entrepreneurs who have introduced their own homegrown brands to the market.

Food entrepreneurs Katrina Ponce-Enrile of Delimondo, Mary Grace Dimacali of Café Mary Grace, and Peter Chen and Juliet Herrera of Serenitea show you how you can make that big leap to entrepreneurship. Be inspired by their success stories and learn how you can turn your own fascination with food into a business.

Plus, YUMMY gives you a primer on bottling, which covers preparing containers for long-term preserving and proper canning techniques. Learn also how you can make your own spreads, jams, and condiments, all in this month’s issue.

Tiffy: John Robert Powers Experience

John Robert Powers Experience
by Tiffy
February 18, 2012


Manila Foodistas was fortunate enough to be invited by John Robert Powers to attend their Visual Poise Class. I've been hearing about JRP from TV shows when the various hosts would thank JRP for this and that. JRP also gives out gift certificates to a lot of school organizations.

The whole place feels intimidating. Since it's the "founder of modern day billion dollar modelling industry", I was pretty sure that everyone had already noticed what a klutz I am. 

 

Our classroom

Different classes being conducted

Skirt and high heels for the ladies!

Our instructor, Ms. Rosky Balahadia Hilado

(who also instructs a class on social and business etiquette)

The visual poise class teaches you the importance of correct posture in developing self-esteem, inner-confidence, and positive attitude. It also emphasizes the value of good posture and the integration of body movements in enhancing agility and developing graceful movements. 

There are three levels and the class includes coaching in walking, sitting, rising, hand positions, going up and down the stairs, and more.

For the two hours of class that we had, we learned how to stand up--where to put our hands, how to position our feet, how to pull yourself up and make yourself look taller than you really are, how to walk, et cetera.

It was a pretty interesting class and I'm pretty sure that I'd probably take it if I have some spare cash lying around.

They have other classes as well and they're all aimed at helping you with your personal, social, and professional advancement. It emphasizes self-knowledge, communication skills, interpersonal skills, image, and personal style.