tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61300187532509431492024-02-07T00:49:47.504-08:00Chinese AdoboChinese Adobohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02424290920585390584noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6130018753250943149.post-30357810790750285132016-05-03T05:39:00.002-07:002016-05-03T06:38:02.634-07:00Sunday Brunch at Food Exchange @ Novotel Manila<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="156">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ansi-language:#0400;
mso-fareast-language:#0400;
mso-bidi-language:#0400;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
With only a vague impression from the sparsely available
reviews on the internet, I and my classmates tried out the relatively new Food
Exchange Sunday Brunch of Novotel Manila last May 1, 2016.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlwZ5OdRNREBw0vnmjQ-XDBeiyv4he8FglWBaSnBv3tmWtxFHsC01maKiqDGGIBQXDe5sqWhoyhqQdx3LUOSRhSMUiXqvizfTlzYqGSLO72kPjCzXCL3lHZihd3xD5Vnglml-AwLKCPfRa/s1600/20160501113944.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlwZ5OdRNREBw0vnmjQ-XDBeiyv4he8FglWBaSnBv3tmWtxFHsC01maKiqDGGIBQXDe5sqWhoyhqQdx3LUOSRhSMUiXqvizfTlzYqGSLO72kPjCzXCL3lHZihd3xD5Vnglml-AwLKCPfRa/s640/20160501113944.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
From first impressions, the lobby and receiving areas of the
hotel were bright, modern and contemporary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
The dining area of the Food Exchange was decorated with colorful and
vibrant local themed murals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You will
appreciate that the tables are spaced well apart providing some semblance of
privacy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ambiance definitely
suggests a good venue for get-togethers.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivztBzS8UT6qFC21i_pX6NgfAUpC2OkvN0vAKLqfqCWfzpfHLS-sx54B2YopyQyfZtiXc3HVCSnVRJbpp3v3KpLBjLs7ixXdwbhhRjhP2BqpyTdosGS_dMbOLyX0A0IZmLptRIr3zA3jrM/s1600/FB_IMG_14622801846802710.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivztBzS8UT6qFC21i_pX6NgfAUpC2OkvN0vAKLqfqCWfzpfHLS-sx54B2YopyQyfZtiXc3HVCSnVRJbpp3v3KpLBjLs7ixXdwbhhRjhP2BqpyTdosGS_dMbOLyX0A0IZmLptRIr3zA3jrM/s640/FB_IMG_14622801846802710.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I usually make a beeline for the Chinese and Japanese
stations, my all time favorite cuisines.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Their Japanese station did not offer tempura but the quality of the
other items made up for it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The tuna sashimi
and Tobiko (roe) sushi were the clear standouts for me. I also liked that the
sashimi were sliced to order.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWthNyrYpyOHwQJCiwxjsuyUhe4g6RXsPQ1x1lXXezUB4dqxm4XI94ypO5ZMnBcYiLV22H2ntdh5HwgW19BOfXH4ARKfBUl1eqhmFzf9SL1N8CKlnZAY0BcDRLjRLprBF3-JDUv6ZLEQK-/s1600/20160501120834.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWthNyrYpyOHwQJCiwxjsuyUhe4g6RXsPQ1x1lXXezUB4dqxm4XI94ypO5ZMnBcYiLV22H2ntdh5HwgW19BOfXH4ARKfBUl1eqhmFzf9SL1N8CKlnZAY0BcDRLjRLprBF3-JDUv6ZLEQK-/s640/20160501120834.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I also enjoyed the cold and salad station which was
surprisingly well stocked. I enjoyed the smoked salmon and shrimp
cocktail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unlike the boiled shrimp in
other buffets, Food Exchange’s shrimp cocktail were umami, juicy and
plump.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a healthier substitute for
deep fried tempura. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I tried a couple of the thin crust pizza, a pepperoni and a
mushroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both were okay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not fantastic but not bad either.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Italian station was also a bit
average.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Black pasta cooked in sage
butter sauce was suggested but it tasted quite pedestrian.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The steak was too well done and tough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the steak got refilled, it turned out to
be too rare for my taste.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Only the baked
Sea Bream made me go back for seconds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The baked fish was juicy and paired beautifully with the white
sauce.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The paella and meat loaf were
also tasty but the red lighting was a turn off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was reminiscent of red lighting used by wet market vendors to mask
the real quality of meat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Good food when
made fresh and prepared with care can stand on its own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The grill station offered prawns, oysters, clams, a fish
fillet (forgot the variant) and pork chops to be grilled, boiled, baked with
cheese and fried in butter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was hoping
for stir fried with tausi or white wine reduction as both are good for clams
but only the four abovementioned cooking options were offered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We tried the grilled prawns and oyster baked
with cheese.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both were okay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A classmate tried the grilled pork chop but
the thin slices made the meat shrink significantly, looking quite anemic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another classmate tried the grilled fish and
swore that it was really good.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPgVT8c734zMc-h_jVkRQuwbyphcm1Cm3TuhTmO3Ikf5Erav8mPA0FIV6wRrfuiM3BIj76Og1NFt_Lc9vkfnksbss3ORRtPmt8AS0FVyCCP7oiT6fmk6be_bBACtfFR6wfFilW0TxtqgpW/s1600/20160501114314.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPgVT8c734zMc-h_jVkRQuwbyphcm1Cm3TuhTmO3Ikf5Erav8mPA0FIV6wRrfuiM3BIj76Og1NFt_Lc9vkfnksbss3ORRtPmt8AS0FVyCCP7oiT6fmk6be_bBACtfFR6wfFilW0TxtqgpW/s640/20160501114314.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
The other reviews left good memories of the Indian station.
I am impartial to Indian cuisine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like
my curries spicy and enjoy the fragrant spices used.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, Indian cuisine is not my favorite
and my exposure to it is limited.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Nevertheless, I munch on with my fork and an open mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The grilled prawn was quite good, along with
the fish biryani.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The biryani was fluffy
and aromatic, clearly a standout.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Previous reviews quipped that the resident Indian chef was a plus factor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I begged to differ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am not sure if it’s because of the language
barrier but the Indian chef could have made a greater impact.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When your station is virtually deserted and
you see two confused looking dudes looking at your spread, the chef could have
done more than just give out a sauce dish because we were looking at the mango
chutney.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m sure the Indian station had
a lot more exciting offerings but there is only so much you can do by blindly
experimenting on your own.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Chinese station was disappointing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Roast duck was chewy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The spicy fish fillet was swimming in oil and
tasted bland.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked if dimsum was
available but apparently only siopao was available.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By that time, I’ve already lost interest in
that station.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Chinese station could
have disappeared and no one would have noticed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I would say the same for the ketchup and sauces section.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sure, it’s a novel idea but there isn’t much
food to be dipped in ketchup to begin with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I tried the ketchup, the roasted pepper and thai chili sauce for the
sake of trying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All three were mediocre,
not deserving of an entire station.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are other prepared dishes such as Osso bucco, pepper
beef, stir fried seafood, rosemary chicken and etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a mixture of good and average.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No clear standouts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a also a cheese and cured meat
chiller but some of the meat was already starting to have freezer burn. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dessert is where the buffet shined.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They didn’t have a magnificently arranged
dessert spread (chocolate fondue machine was displayed but not working) but it
was finely curated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The list is quite
extensive and very varied. They had a halo halo station, crepe station, local
kakanins, fresh fruit, prepared cakes and pies and ice cream.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I immensely enjoyed their Capuccino ice cream
and Calamansi sorbet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was even
Guyabano sorbet, but alas I was too full to try.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The dessert station was wonderful in the
sense that there is always something new to try and didn’t disappoint each
time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not even a dessert person but
Food Exchange’s dessert selection was delightful.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Food Exchange did not have an extensive beverage spread but
I liked that it was part of the buffet and the selection of iced teas and
juices was appropriate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also
appreciate that they had a selection of coffee (cappuccino and latte) and teas
(Bavarian mint, green, chamomile and earl grey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFScy-RvA4BfRkuKflFsbGTAX6PR6cABWkEEsQ_t3xUBvboQeyFdpvbknPBhX88vghFbCy4fHzXLxwJHG_3pb-q2-S7NcohhUT7Bm6PbPJgYUPw96eVRd0K9eBhf5nMxkDrDBG_t9_sog8/s1600/FB_IMG_14622801933281474.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFScy-RvA4BfRkuKflFsbGTAX6PR6cABWkEEsQ_t3xUBvboQeyFdpvbknPBhX88vghFbCy4fHzXLxwJHG_3pb-q2-S7NcohhUT7Bm6PbPJgYUPw96eVRd0K9eBhf5nMxkDrDBG_t9_sog8/s320/FB_IMG_14622801933281474.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Service was another area where Food Exchange stood out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Service was friendly, cheerful and
attentive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I stood up to get more
food, my used plates magically disappeared.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Not only that, service was smart enough to leave the sauce dish and
chopsticks behind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t you hate it
when you stand up to get more sushi, only to find out that they already taken
away your sauce dish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPnACi6eHIEPaQSEyaznv5p789MIy-doWjxNocCO4fESczcoZCoaF_Y5E8Pzq8yoS7rx8X7hfv4-lKM27I5oU0AHUuLj6TQd5qxqXXMz05aAttjzESKdLQqTAXvLqRp35Xu3uxTORlsWtF/s1600/20160501114448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPnACi6eHIEPaQSEyaznv5p789MIy-doWjxNocCO4fESczcoZCoaF_Y5E8Pzq8yoS7rx8X7hfv4-lKM27I5oU0AHUuLj6TQd5qxqXXMz05aAttjzESKdLQqTAXvLqRp35Xu3uxTORlsWtF/s640/20160501114448.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Overall, Sunday brunch at the Food Exchange was good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The buffet had its strong and weak
points.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has all the essential ingredients
to be great but lacks the execution to lift it to the next level.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope that the spread can live up to its
classy ambiance and superior service.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
Chinese Adobohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02424290920585390584noreply@blogger.com0Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines14.5995124 120.984219514.4765839 120.822858 14.7224409 121.14558099999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6130018753250943149.post-51205363200712599402014-07-23T22:03:00.003-07:002014-07-23T22:03:40.693-07:00Backpacking Transportation to BoracayEvery time I travel to Boracay, I always seem to ask the same questions I'm faced with on each trip. So I ended up researching the same few issues again and again. So I figured I might as well write my own post on it to save time on the future.<br />
<br />
Travelling to Boracay has become so familiar that I usually opt for the backpacking route. So here are the what you need to know when you want to get to Boracay, the kuripot way.<br />
<br />
GETTING TO NAIA<br />
<br />
Option 1 - NAIA Airport Shuttle<br />
<br />
For local trips, I usually end up taking Cebu Pacific because it's cheaper. To go to Terminal 3, there is an airport shuttle in Pasay Rotonda. It is usually parked inside the terminal on the side of the south bound MRT Station. The bus is painted white and has no visible markings. Just ask the conductor/driver if its the airport shuttle. Fare is fixed at 20 pesos (as of July 24, 2014). It leaves every hour from 6:00 am - 11:00 pm. From Pasay Rotonda, it heads to the arrival section (ground floor) of Terminal 3. You will need to leave at least 3 hrs from departure time as it takes the bus some time to be full before it leaves. There also might be heavy traffic.<br />
<br />
Option 2 - Nichols Jeepney or Tricycle<br />
<br />
If you do have a very early morning flight, the shuttle bus won't be a viable option. Alternately you can take either Public Utility Jeeps plying the "Nichols" route or Tricycles. Both will drop you off at the curb right at the mouth of the arrival section of the airport. You will have to walk around 3 -5 minutes to the airport gate. For the tricycle, if you are alone, they charge 50 pesos for the special trip or 8 pesos if you wait for the vehicle to become full<br />
<br />
ARRIVAL IN BORACAY<br />
<br />
Getting to Caticlan Jetty Port<br />
<br />
You have either flown to Kalibo or Caticlan to get to Boracay. So here are the directions for both Airports.<br />
<br />
Kalibo Airport - Flights are generally cheaper to Kalibo but it is around 2 hours away from the Jetty Port. Upon arriving at the airport, you have the option of either taking a van or a bus. The van generally cost 150 pesos per person. The vehicles parked just outside the terminal seems to be cheaper. The van option will be a little tight but will be faster to leave. The tourist bus is run by Southwest Tours and cost 200 pesos. It is spacious but takes some time to get filled. The bus also has one stop.<br />
<br />
Caticlan Airport - Upon arriving, if there are 3 - 4 of you, it is better to take the Tricycle right across the arrival exit of airport. It cost 50 pesos fixed, for a capacity of 4 persons. But if you are alone or want to save money, you can actually walk to the jetty port. It is around 10 minutes away by walking. Upon exiting the arrival door, walk to your left and exit the airport compound. From the airport gate, walk to the right until you reach a busy intersection, I forgot the name of the hardware store but you won't be able to miss the intersection. There are also signs pointing to the left for the Jetty Port. Upon reaching the intersection, cross the street and walk towards the jetty port.<br />
<br />
CATICLAN JETTY PORT<br />
<br />
This is very straightforward. Boats depart for Boracay from 6 am - 7 pm. Here are the breakdown of fees<br />
<br />
Terminal Fee - 100<br />
Environmental Fee - 75<br />
Outrigger Boat Fee- 25<br />
Total 200 pesos<br />
<br />
The boat ride is only roughly 10 - 15 minutes. <br />
<br />
Cagban Port / Boracay Island<br />
<br />
Upon arriving at Cagban Port, you can either take the tricycle parked inside the port or outside the gate near the gas station. Do not take the mini cab as it costs 300 pesos. If you take the tricycle inside the port, most likely they will take you for a tourist and charge you a fixed 100 pesos per trip. If you are alone, it is better to go outside and flag a passing or waiting tricycle for a minimum of 10 - 20 pesos depending on distance. A special trip or a trip wherein you are reserving the whole vehicle for the duration of trip is 100 pesos.<br />
<br />
A special trip to Puka Beach will cost you 150 pesos fixed per trip. Some of the tricycle drivers have a tendency to rip off tourist so beware of the going costs and ask the resort or front desk for current rates.<br />
<br />
RETURNING TO MANILA<br />
<br />
On the return trip, the tricycle cost is the same as arrival. Either take a special trip for 100 pesos or 20 pesos to the port if you are the sharing the vehicle. The cost of the return jetty port trip is 125 pesos (100 pesos terminal fee and 25 pesos boat ride)<br />
<br />
Upon arriving at the Caticlan Jetty Port, if you are heading to Kalibo Airport, vans are waiting and cost around 100 - 150 pesos, Southwest bus cost 200 pesos. If you are heading to Caticlan Airport, tricyle cost 50 pesos fixed, or you can walk to the airport.<br />
<br />
Kalibo Airport and Caticlan Airport both charge 200 pesos for the Terminal Fee. Upon Arriving in NAIA Terminal 3, you can take the same Airport shuttle waiting at the farthest right side of the driveway of the arrival hall. <br />
<br />
Bon Voyage.Chinese Adobohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02424290920585390584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6130018753250943149.post-81117077775395709122013-08-27T00:12:00.000-07:002013-08-27T00:39:59.312-07:00Surot in One Tagaytay Place<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
I’m
recounting my encounters with “Surots” at Room 511 of One Tagaytay Place to let
the management realize the gravity of this event. There is no compensation for a ruined weekend
and going through a sleepless night feeling paranoid that “Surots” will come
crawling again.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
I
have previously stayed at <st1:street w:st="on">One
Tagaytay Place</st1:street> before around 3 years ago and had a
satisfactory experience. So when a friend
graciously invited me to spend the night using his vouchers, I accepted his
invitation. Along with 5 friends and a 2
year old baby, we drove to <st1:street w:st="on">One
Tagaytay Place</st1:street> on the afternoon of August 24, 2013. Check-in was uneventful. We had two vouchers for two rooms on double
occupancy, hence requested for two additional beds. Everything seemed to be going well. We retired at around 1 AM. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8zfuNA2tuZQ_nRg-ugc_C7UTJq9Gv8eGN78ucswSOxA-m9lXL64piMoPRltuEIpErzzh8CGr_Wm6VUag2S0IV52HEuDluJmfJkQfbjgTQ5UV7ZGFzpDKXzQJH2XIBPavo1WVwaF3ICRSD/s1600/Bed-Bug1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8zfuNA2tuZQ_nRg-ugc_C7UTJq9Gv8eGN78ucswSOxA-m9lXL64piMoPRltuEIpErzzh8CGr_Wm6VUag2S0IV52HEuDluJmfJkQfbjgTQ5UV7ZGFzpDKXzQJH2XIBPavo1WVwaF3ICRSD/s200/Bed-Bug1.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not actual picture, but so readers can <br />
compare with the insect in the<br />
video.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
At
around 2:30 AM, I woke up with an itchy sensation on my finger. I tried to go back to sleep and ignore my
itchy finger but I started to itch all over.
I went to the bathroom for a closer look at my finger which now had a
swollen bump similar to an insect bite.
I also had bumps on my nape. I
decided to check my bed for an insect and was shocked to see what appeared to
be a “Surot”. Using the hotel WIFI, we confirmed that these
insects were indeed “Surot”, commonly found in crowded and unclean beds but
should NEVER be seen in hotels such as <st1:street w:st="on">One Tagaytay Place</st1:street> (video attached <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PaHZz4AeG4c" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank"><span style="color: yellow;">Crawling Surot One Tagaytay Place</span></a><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span>).<br />
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: center;">I killed the insect with
my fingernail which excreted blood. So I
woke my two other friends and was horrified to see multiple blood engorged
“Surot” crawling on the other bed (attached video </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Skpec0gk1gs" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank"><span style="color: yellow;">Surot and Bloodstains in One Tagaytay Place</span></a><span style="text-align: justify;">).</span></div>
<span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: justify;">I
called up the front desk to report the problem.
</span><span style="text-align: justify;">After around 10 minutes, a housekeeping crew knocked and transferred us
to the room across.</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;">By that time it was
already around 3 am, I tried to go to sleep but sleep didn’t come until around
5 am as I still felt very itchy all over.</span><span style="text-align: justify;">
</span><span style="text-align: justify;">I also worried that the bed also had more “Surots” in it.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
After
breakfast, we talked to the GM who expressed disbelief at the occurrence and
mentioned that this was the first time that “Surot” was being reported. He was nice enough and promised to look into
the matter. He also mentioned about
waiving our incidental charges and “titingnan nya kung paano sya makakabawi for
the inconvenience.” The GM also
mentioned that “Surots” may hitch a ride in bags. We talked to the GM again inside the room and
showed him the dead insects of which the GM replied that it was too big to be
“Surot” and that “Surot” are invisible to the naked eye (are you kidding me?!).
Around 30 minutes later, my friend, who owned the vouchers, talked to the GM
who mentioned that he will waive the room charges.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
So
it was to my classmate’s surprise that during the checkout, the receptionist
asked him how we would like to settle the room charges, cash or credit card?! My classmate retorted that their GM had
already mentioned waiving the room charges.
The receptionist, without further instruction from anyone, immediately replied
by saying we had two options either to waive the 2 extra pax charge of 2.4K Pesos
or the return of the vouchers. If
management was really sincere about assuaging our discomforts, then why would
the receptionist go through with the farce of asking how we would like to
settle the room charges? We chose the
first option as we had no intentions of returning to <st1:street w:st="on">One Tagaytay Place</st1:street>. To make it worse, when we were leaving, the
receptionist asked my friend if we came from out of the country. This last comment made us feel as if they are
insinuating that we may have carried the “Surots” into the hotel.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
The
six of us are a group of businessmen and professionals and know that unexpected
incidents do happen during the course of any enterprise. Having guests being bitten in two Surot
infested hotel beds should have sent the management of <st1:street w:st="on">One Tagaytay Place</st1:street> scampering into full
alert instead of this underwhelming response and insulting farce at the
checkout desk.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
We
would have chosen the offered options without any further comments and would
have let this matter pass. BUT the
receptionist’s dishonest ruse of asking us the manner of payment right on the
onset convinced us that management is half hearted with dealing with the
incident. We are a group of reasonable
travelers and the management of One Tagaytay Place had their chance last Sunday
to quietly close this matter but the final deceptive act during the checkout
left us with an itching responsibility to let the travelling public know about
this experience. To the owners and
management of <st1:street w:st="on">One Tagaytay Place</st1:street>,
please clean up your act and please please <span style="color: yellow;">CLEAN YOUR SUROT INFESTED BEDS!!</span></div>
Chinese Adobohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02424290920585390584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6130018753250943149.post-15636812088626690932013-02-15T22:19:00.002-08:002013-02-15T22:29:54.726-08:00The Preservation of the Hookien Culture<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="156">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><img src="//img2.blogblog.com/img/video_object.png" style="background-color: #b2b2b2; " class="BLOGGER-object-element tr_noresize tr_placeholder" id="ieooui" data-original-id="ieooui" />
<style>
st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) }
</style>
<![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ansi-language:#0400;
mso-fareast-language:#0400;
mso-bidi-language:#0400;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
In the Philippines,
when people typically meet new Chinese friends, they tend to ask the same few questions.
One of which is "Why do the Chinese only marry their own race?"
I've been asked this same question several times and would usually give a
decrepit response without giving much thought.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNegwiRVgnxqMOLisOipG7Fpk5RkqYrYLJYqY9VJ_7xMvSDTQweVvoVCY7VUhL4tjDCzI_AZDEPIBH8qJoyq3LX3X7z46iKoQjzePliKLOhlBn5YI6yqfIpQgojfdwJIE-1EJ3Z6L-KzMf/s1600/Photo0338.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNegwiRVgnxqMOLisOipG7Fpk5RkqYrYLJYqY9VJ_7xMvSDTQweVvoVCY7VUhL4tjDCzI_AZDEPIBH8qJoyq3LX3X7z46iKoQjzePliKLOhlBn5YI6yqfIpQgojfdwJIE-1EJ3Z6L-KzMf/s320/Photo0338.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Traditional Glutinous Rice also known as Tikoy </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Due to circumstances, I’ve stayed home to help out my mom
and consequently spend a lot more time with her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like the general Chinese culture, the Hookien
or Fujian Chinese culture is ingrained with a lot of traditions, an
amalgamation of ancestor worship, peasant practices, Taoist and Buddhist
festivals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of the customs aim to
protect and prolong the family line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Similar
to the Hookien dialect, the practice of such traditions are done through word
of mouth and are never taught in school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Most of the traditions I know, I learned by observing how my mom did it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
This brings us back to the question, “Why do Chinese parents
prefer Chinese partners for their children?” I don’t think it’s a racial thing
but rather a collective effort to preserve a cultural heritage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Traditionally, sons are expected to learn how
to earn a livelihood while daughters are expected to practice and preserve family
traditions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In a way, marrying a
non-Chinese bride threatens a way of life and a cultural heritage preserved
through the centuries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Both of my sisters in law are non-Chinese and are clueless
about most Hookien practices and will probably remain to be so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since I’m the one usually home, it falls unto
me to help my mom prepare for festivals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A cultural heritage ultimately defines a person’s identity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It would be such a pity if centuries of
traditions just die out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do hope that
regardless of gender, more Hookien Chinese would learn and preserve their
culture.</div>
Chinese Adobohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02424290920585390584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6130018753250943149.post-17379645540025095922013-01-25T03:12:00.002-08:002013-01-25T03:15:11.870-08:00New Year, new reasons to write<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="156">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ansi-language:#0400;
mso-fareast-language:#0400;
mso-bidi-language:#0400;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have since taken a hiatus from updating my blog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But a friend encouraged me to take it up
again, so here I am. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My primary reason
for starting a blog then was to air my distaste at the underhanded way that Dusit
Hotel Manila managed its promotional vouchers sold through Cashcashpinoy.com.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It highlighted the fact that even though honesty
is the best policy, even the largest names in the business community have
chosen not to do so. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Merchants approach
voucher websites primarily because they want to promote their products and
services. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a business graduate and an
entrepreneur, I know that honesty and good value is the only way to build a
loyal customer base.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately, by shortchanging
and sugarcoating lame deals, merchants and voucher websites achieve the exact
opposite.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I do believe that good value without the hefty price tag can
still be found in the Metro.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So for the
New Year, I would try to write more about finding good eats in the City.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I still purchase voucher deals now and then,
but not from Cashcashpinoy.com.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of
the common problems I encounter is the lack of solid and reliable reviews about
certain merchants.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would try my best
to write about every deal that I try as a way of paying it forward to other
blog writers who took the time to write an honest review. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So thank you and stay tune. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
Chinese Adobohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02424290920585390584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6130018753250943149.post-61070085148699890672011-08-30T21:24:00.000-07:002011-09-02T19:49:52.951-07:00No Guarantees from CashcashpinoyThis is a follow-up to my Dusit Basix/Cashcashpinoy experience. In the process of trying to figure out what my legal rights with regards to these vouchers, it starts to dawn on me that buying from Cashcashpinoy is the same as playing Russian roulette. It may seem a good deal in paper but you are actually gambling. I asked Cashcashpinoy what steps are they doing to protect their consumers and here is what they wrote back:
<br />
<br />"CashCashPinoy.com cannot process and grant requests for refunds and/or exchange of goods and/or services. Once the User finalizes the purchase process by checking out, the sale is considered perfected. . . . . . . <strong>Any controversy, dispute/s and/or claim/s for refund/s and/or exchange of purchased items which may either be good/s and/or service/s shall be addressed and resolved by the specific Merchant from whom the User purchased the good/s and/or service/s.</strong> "
<br />
<br />So right from the start, consumers are not protected by the party that brokered the deal, Cashcashpinoy. The most that Cashcashpinoy will do is forward complaints. If you have issues, then you are on own. Imagine if its an isolated case and you are dealing with a large company, good luck getting a feedback, let alone a refund.
<br />
<br />Be forewarned as well that Cashcashpinoy has no listed telephone number, a simple prerequisite for most trustworthy businesses. Metrodeal is another website that doesn't have a number.
<br />
<br />At this stage when competition is fierce, it is prudent for group buying websites to protect their consumers. Groupon has gone as far as promising a full refund if you are unhappy with a purchase. So be forewarned when buying from Cashcashpinoy. ABSOLUTELY NO REFUNDS
<br />Chinese Adobohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02424290920585390584noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6130018753250943149.post-66315063902339405242011-08-08T03:42:00.000-07:002011-08-30T21:20:01.196-07:00My Letter to Cashcashpinoy<div id="yiv258157754yui_3_2_0_2_131277831793650">I'm writing on behalf of my friends, whom I dined with at Dusit Basix Dinner Buffet last August 5, 2011. I was able to convince both of them to purchase the vouchers because of the inclusion of free-flowing wine/beer in the beverage choices.
<br /></div><div id="yiv258157754yui_3_2_0_2_1312778317936313">
<br /></div>However on the day itself, when I asked for wine/beer from a lady attendant, she said that wine/beer is no longer included in the beverage choices for voucher holders while it was obviously being served to other guests. When my friends arrived, they asked from another lady attendant why wine/beer was no longer included. That was when she agreed to give us a single round of wine. They never offered to refill the glasses even though we were sitting right beside a table where they were religiously refilling the glasses. If it was self-service, they didn't mention it nor was wine/beer visible in the beverage station. If we weren't being inquisitive, we wouldn't even have received the single round of wine.
<br />
<br />The buffet spread was also very limited. There was no oysters, no dimsum or peking duck , or sashimi as advertised. I understand buffet spreads varies, but for them to replace popular choices with a Lumpiang Ubod station simply baffles me. Dusit Basix Buffet is the only hotel buffet in Metro Manila that doesn't have a Chinese station, a Japanese station without sashimi and a Lumpiang Ubod station which no one ate from. If Dusit Thani Hotel hoped to advertise Basix Buffet, they certainly succeeded. It is as the name implies, it is VERY BASIC. Please check your expectations at the door because you will just be disappointed. Sorry on being harsh, but this experience has totally ruined my impression of this grand dame of a hotel.
<br />
<br />As for Cashcashpinoy, when we purchase from/recommend your website, we are also purchasing a promise from you to deliver on the terms advertised. You simply cannot ask us to renegotiate the terms of the voucher each time we face the merchants themselves. I'm a businessman as well and i understand the growing pains in business. The moment we recommend your website, we put our reputations on the line as well. I have assured friends and family that as long you read the terms and conditions, they will be fine. But based on this experience, apparently it is no longer true.
<br />
<br />Whether it is a shortcoming of Dusit or Cashcashpinoy, I am simply disappointed with this experience. The voucher business is based on trust. Without it, I'm not sure I will purchase from nor recommend your website in the future.
<br />
<br />
<br />Chinese Adobohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02424290920585390584noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6130018753250943149.post-66561172404841870782011-08-05T21:26:00.000-07:002011-09-02T19:51:33.960-07:00Cashcashpinoy Sucks<div style="text-align: justify;">I rarely complain but in this case i feel compelled to write about my experience with Cashcashpinoy.com so that future consumers can be warned about the potential pitfalls of this website and other group selling websites.
<br />
<br />Three of us purchased and used 3 vouchers of Dusit Basix Buffet last August 5, 2011. I was able to coax my friends to purchase the vouchers because Cashcashpinoy expressly advertised that wine/beer was INCLUDED in the buffet deal. It is even still posted on their Facebook account (deal dated May 2011). When we ordered wine, the attendant said it was already excluded from the deal. It was INTENTIONALLY EXCLUDED from voucher holders as we saw that regular patrons were being served beer/wine. There was also other things that Cashcashpinoy advertised which were not included such as dimsum and peking duck stations.
<br />
<br />Some people might argue that we already got a good deal paying P699 compared to the full price of P1.4K. To begin with, the buffet spread is nowhere near the discounted price let alone the full price.
<br />
<br />Some people might ask, why didn't you point it out to the staff of Dusit Thani Hotel? We did and we got a single serving of wine which is still a far cry from what was advertised. If what was advertised was delivered, we shouldn't even be arguing. Why didn't we argue harder? Do you really want to make a scene when you just wanted a relaxing night with your friends?
<br />
<br />Funny thing was I have a friend who purchased around 20 vouchers and used it earlier on during the effective period. They got everything advertised. Perhaps Dusit Thani Hotel Manila felt they got the losing end of the deal and thus unilaterally renege on their side of the bargain. Good job Dusit Thani Hotel Manila. I will forever remember how you shortchanged me and my friends.
<br />
<br />This experience shows the extreme weakness of the organization behind Cashcashpinoy.com. This website also does not a listed telephone number you can call. I suppose they already expect to receive a deluge of complaints and they want to hide behind an email address. So next time you are planning to purchase vouchers for an occasion. Don't buy it from Cashcashpinoy. Because at the end of the day, they cannot guarantee what their merchants promise and you cannot trust what they write even if its in black and white. So consumers, BEWARE OF CASHCASHPINOY.COM
<br />
<br /></div>Chinese Adobohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02424290920585390584noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6130018753250943149.post-66378015509298284052010-01-09T21:30:00.000-08:002010-01-09T21:38:57.008-08:00Presidentiables and Food Supplements<span id="profile_status"><span id="status_text">Presidential Candidates are like those food supplements flooding the drugstores and airwaves. Promising everything from stopping aging on its tracks to transforming you to a coca cola bottle. At the end of every commercial and at the back of each packaging, it states " No Proven Therapeutic Effects." It might as well have taken back everything it has promised previously. <br /><br />Election after election, we have gone through bouts of fervent promises and promises silently broken. Perhaps it is time for elective candidates to remember what they learned when they were kids. Lying is not acceptable behaviour and it bears consequences. It is not the constitution which needs to be changed but election law. CEO's of private companies are hired based on a promised result, when results are not evident at the time provided, they are sacked. <br /><br />It is time for false promises to stop and real reforms to begin.<br /></span></span>Chinese Adobohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02424290920585390584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6130018753250943149.post-445824231567188932010-01-09T20:30:00.000-08:002010-01-09T21:00:27.001-08:00tis the season to be garlickyThere is nothing more chinese filipino than fresh lumpia. The current local incarnation comes with that garlic flavored sweet sauce. Filipinos are a very saucy people for some reason, siopao with sauce, siomai with sauce and etc. The local Chinese can't help but get suck into the sauce mania. Thus, enter the traditional Chinese fresh lumpia with garlic sweet sauce.<br /><br />As far back as I can remember, my family has prepared lumpia during the first few months of the year. Possibly due to the abundance of cheaper vegetables of which the dish is primarily composed of. Also because of the appearance of one essential herb/vegetable which is available only during the colder months of the year, Green Garlic. It is the young garlic plant before it matures into garlic bulbs which we commonly see. Green garlic is what imparts that aroma that defines a good Chinese lumpia. Most commercial establishments usually substitute ground garlic as it is readily available all year round. They also omit certain ingredients to cut on costs. Nevertheless, next time that you see fresh lumpia with garlic sweet sauce, you'll know that you are in the Philippines.Chinese Adobohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02424290920585390584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6130018753250943149.post-49611360688204684852010-01-06T21:13:00.000-08:002010-01-06T21:35:32.640-08:00All in the name of religion.Last night, i received an unexpected phone call from a classmate. Surprisingly, when she asked if i knew who she was, I knew immediately who she was, considering I last talked to her around 7 years ago. <br /><br />Amidst the greetings, she had a request. One that is still bothering up to this very moment. She explained that last April, her only daughter who is 5 yrs old, went into seizure while recovering from a fever. She was admitted into a hospital and subsequently went into comatose, from which she woke up from 3 days after. But her motor skills were already impaired.<br /><br />My classmate and her family including her husband's family believes in this religious sect which revolves around Karma and the interconnection of lives past, present and future. They believe that our souls pass from creature to creature gathering good karma till we reach fruition into nirvana. <br /><br />My classmate's request was for me to help her child by joining their sect. My initial reaction was what does religion have to do with your kid. Apparently, they believe that by convincing another person in joining their sect, they earn good karma by saving another soul from damnation. They hope that with enough karma, her child will heal. Its kinda way out there but it is what they believe.<br /><br />Which brings me to my dilemna. I think I'm still on a religious journey. I was educated as a Catholic but I have obviously wandered off the path and generally consider myself as an Agnostic. I am generally critical of religions that believe that they are sole avenue of eternal happiness. I still believe that heaven is for everyone. I could oblige her request and make her happy but suffer the potential damage to my sanity or I could decline and forever damage our friendship.<br /><br />What would you do in my position? How far would you go in the name of friendship?Chinese Adobohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02424290920585390584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6130018753250943149.post-8217593458573231392010-01-06T20:27:00.000-08:002010-01-06T20:52:57.703-08:00Start of a hopefully good beginningBeen meaning to put a blog, but like many others, never really got down to starting one. I don't believe in keeping diaries as its tantamount to leaving a body of evidence in plain sight. Its like stealing candy from a store with the wrapper in your hands. Although it does seem an interesting idea to have a window to your previous experiences.<br /><br />As for the name of the blog, Chinese Adobo, it seems to be the best representation of what i am. Essentially Chinese, but with a Filipino character.<br /><br />Anyway, i hope this isn't the last of hopefully many more posts on this blog. Happy New YearChinese Adobohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02424290920585390584noreply@blogger.com0