Friday, July 30, 2010

Ibayo by Barrio Fiesta: A Fresh Catch

Hey, yuppies! Thinking of going out this weekend for a scrumptious seafood meal and after-dinner drinks?  Well, here's a nice catch.

The recently opened Ibayo at San Miguel by the Bay is a refreshing sight amidst the other restobar giants hogging the leisure strip by the bay.  As its name -- Ibayo, meaning "the next town" or "on the other side of", it is an alternative destination to seaside's famous "paluto" restaurants.


Upon entering, you'll be adorned with bright colored paintings on the wall, Filipino-inspired wooden interiors and comfortable seats that could very well represent classic but chic Filipino dining experience.

While there is a wide choice of familiar Barrio Fiesta dishes to choose from such as the best-seller Crispy Pata and the famous Mama Chit'sSpecials, the menu is highlighted by the Ibayo signature dishes including Ibayo White Adobo, Ibayo Crispy Catfish and Ibayo Firesticks.

Save room for dessert! Turon ala Mode, Putubungbong and the creamy, soft Maja Blanca works well with Ibayo's fresh fruit juices and shakes.

And to complete the Ibayo experience, it is highly recommended for one to try the Ibayo signature cocktail drinks.  Most interesting are the Ibayo Sunset, Skywalker, Two Alpha and Mango Bongo.  A bar chow menu including reinvented Filipino favorites like Inihaw na Liempo, Grilled Tuna Belly, Sizzling Mushrooms, Pork Barbeque and Sizzling Corn that will definitely satisfy your short cravings are also available.

This modern bistro style restaurant was put to life by the third generation members of Barrio Fiesta, brothers Tyrone and Tristan Ongpauco.


If you have a hard time choosing from the merry mix of flavors, the best suggestion would be to bring friends... and then you can share.

Chic & Cheaps Scores:
Food:  4/5
Place:  3/5
Service:  Fast, hospitable.  All guests are greeted with crackers.
Budget Guide:  Mid-range (P200 and up); cheaper than Barrio Fiesta
Accepts Credit Card:  Yes.
Address:  Bldg. G Unit 7-8 San Miguel by the Bay Seaside Brgy. 076 SM Bay City, Central Business Park 1-A Pasay City
Business Hours:  Weekdays:  3pm to 12mn
                             Weekends:  3pm to 2am


ANN RECOMMENDS:

Seafood and Carbs Galore...
Barrio Fiesta Rice
Best Kare-Kare I've ever tasted...
Seafood Kare-Kare
Crispy Pata

Adobo without soy sauce? Hmm... but still yummy!
White Adobo
My personal favorite...
Turon ala Mode
Not your ordinary Maja Blanca
Maja Blanca

So refreshing... taste of mango is prominent in this drink unlike the other mango shakes...

Mango Shake
Concocted by one of the resto owners... sweet and refreshing fusion of mango, pineapple, orange, rum, and grenadine.
Ibayo Sunset

For reservations, you may contact Monia Asuncion at 0906-5002782.

Thank you very much for the Ibayo experience Ms. Abby, Sir Artie, Mark Gosingtian, and the Ongpauco brothers.  Not only did I get to savor Ibayo's delectable dishes but also I did met the famous food bloggers whom I look up to. (",)

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Cheap Find: The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf FROZEN SWIRL OPEN HOUSE

Here's a GREAT way to spend your next 3 weekends:

By enjoying an awesome cup of our FROZEN SWIRL yogurt at The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf FROZEN SWIRL OPEN HOUSE!!! :D

Come to FROZEN SWIRL Open House and try their exclusive line of frozen yogurt! Your choice of any of these sumptuous flavors:

The Original, Lemoncello, Banana Caramel, Pomegranate, Berry'd Treasure,
Classic Vanilla, Affogato, Caramel Affogato, Matcha Green Tea ...and TCBL's secret flavor too (http://www.facebook.com/coffeebeanphilihttp://www.facebook.com/coffeebeanphilippines?v=app_4949752878&ref=ts)!
 
Don't forget to click on the poster to see the participating stores!


It's about time everyone gets to try a cup of Frozen Swirl! See you there!
 
Facebook Fanpage:  The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf

Monday, July 12, 2010

Top 20 Simple Joys of Being an Eastwood City Fan

I am Ann.  I'm from Las Pinas City.  Yes, I'm from the South (ang layo, you might think, hehe) but I keep coming back to the East... Eastwood City, Libis, Quezon City.

Why?

Well, here are my top 20 reasons why I am a fan of Eastwood City.  And to be more particular, I divided them into four categories:  food, activities, places and things.  Hope you love 'em too, guys.



Top 5 Yummy Eastwood City Stuffs

1. A cup of Golden Spoon’s frozen yogurt








My Fave: Vanilla flavored frozen yogurt
Alternative to: A scoop of ice cream















Best Shared With: Close Friend









Perks/Thrills: They have free taste of all the froyo flavors if you still can’t decide.





2. The Sizzlin’ Pepper Steak



My Fave:  Meatball Pepper Rice

Alternative to: Rice Meals

 



Best Shared With: Barkada


 





3.   Red Mango







My Fave:  Original Frozen Yogurt + Almonds + Mochi + Mochi + Mochi!!!
Alternative to:  A bowl of ice cream
Best shared with:  A child who hates tangy yogurt









4.  Xocolat





My Fave:  Frozen "Hot" Xoco - Xocolat Sherbet Balls
My Fave:  Churros







5.  The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf





My Fave:  Banana Chocolate Ice Blended
Best shared with:  Officemates
Perks/Thrills:    Free drinks if ever they have an "Open House"









Top 5 Cheap Activities I Love to do at Eastwood City

1. Watch a dance water show for free and get into the groove at the same time.


 2. Be amazed with the fireworks display.



3. Step into fitness while walking with furry pets.



 
4. See the hottest celebrities and most popular bands perform at the Central Plaza.

5. Bring camera and take unlimited photos with my buddies at the Eastwood City’s beautiful spots.






Top 5 Coolest Spots at Eastwood City

1.  Water Fountain - My friend and I love to play with the hydraulics near the dancing fountain.


2.  Big Ben-like clock tower - It seems like it tells me, “You have all the time to roam around Eastwood City

3.  Ultra 7 Cinema - Movie + Bottomless Drinks + Refillable Popcorn + Twin Seats + Relaxation and Comfort = P400 ONLY

4.  Events area - My first event here was the Belle de Jour Power Planner Launch last October.


 I met new friends...


 Experienced free salon and spa services...


 
Got a lot of freebies... and have been empowered by the talks at the event.


 5.  Chic party hubs

  Open bar courtesy of "The Bar" at the BDJ Launch, Eastwood City






Top 5 Things Eastwood City Have that Other Malls Don’t Have

1. Romantic lighting and star-lit dining during the night at Eastwood City Walk

2. Paris-like ambiance.


3. Grand piano plays to accompany Eastwood City patrons.

4. Excellent butler service.

5. WiFi City.





I  

  
 

EASTWOOD CITY

Saturday, July 10, 2010

From China Phone to Android Phone, From Fake to Original


Simple and Straight.

Yes, I admit.  I own a China phone and  I've always wanted to have an "original" one...

I know, hindi ko dapat tinatangkilik ang ganitong uri nga mobile phone dahil bawal ito sa merkado.  Alam ko rin na dapat hindi ko ito gamitin dahil baka smuggled lang ito.  Kawawa naman ang mga nagbebenta ng original phones.  Pero... wala akong magawa... wala akong pambili ng isang cellphone na nagkakahalaga ng libu-libo.

Kapag gamit ko ang phone ko parang sinasabi ng iba na,  "Yay, China phone!  Tapon mo na yan!   Kapag gagamitin ko ito, pinakatatago-tago ko pa ito sa bag...

Yes, I want change.  I want to buy original.  I want an Android phone.