Watsons Switch & Save: Enjoy more by spending less

Thanks to generations of wise mothers, Filipinos have been raised to become smart, practical shoppers, always in pursuit of the better deal, the bigger discount, the best value. When it comes to following a budget at home, while it is common for many to scrimp on luxuries like eating out and shopping, personal essentials like toiletries, medicine and vitamins should never suffer from the budget cuts.

In order to be a successful budget-saver, heartthrob crooner and new Watsons ambassador Christian Bautista believes that one should recognize the value of true savings. 

There is a clear difference, he insists, between being frugal and being cheap, and a difference between saving and scrimping. While scrimping is getting by (uncomfortably, at that) with barely enough, smart saving is about choosing the better value, getting the most by spending less.

“(In my own definition and understanding), saving is preparing for the future. It is sacrificing just a little bit so that you and your children can enjoy in the future. Scrimping, on the other hand, denotes something more negative. It is an attitude that’s based on fear. I prefer to save so that I can enjoy,” he adds. 

As the new ambassador of Watsons Switch and Save campaign (he joins other ambassadors Tessa Prieto-Valdes, Patty Laurel-Filart and Iya Villania-Arellano), Bautista believes in the commitment of Watsons to make quality products more accessible to the Filipino consumer.

“You shouldn’t feel that you have to spend an arm and a leg for your personal essentials,” he says. “As an artist, I stock up on mouthwash, toothpaste, charcoal toothbrushes and breath strips and other things since I sing. Watsons offers all of these. And these are not just any cheap alternative, they are good quality that can match what’s in the market. Maganda at mas mura (It’s good and cheaper),” he reveals, adding that he’d rather save on toiletries so that he can splurge on his other passion, which is travelling. For his next trip, he hopes to walk the streets of his favorite city again, London. With Watsons, he knows he’ll be one step closer to achieving that dream vacation.

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In fact, by switching to the Watsons Label products, like Bautista, smart shoppers can get anywhere from 30 percent to 80 percent savings. By bringing down prices, Watsons allows consumers to stretch their purchasing power so they can spend more on their other needs, wants and luxuries like a new phone or car, or a much-deserved vacation.

 Branded vs. Generic

Karen Fabres, Watsons senior manager for marketing, recognizes the hesitance of some Filipinos towards buying generic brands. “There’s the misconception that generic brands are inferior, but abroad, especially in the US, the majority buys generics. Unfortunately, in the Philippines, only a small percent do, so they’re missing out on a lot of savings,” she shares.

“Watsons is able to provide them at more affordable prices because we use formulations that are off-patent and which have already been proven effective. When launching new medicine, innovator brands have to raise prices to ensure ROI to cover the expenses of their marketing, research and such. This is not the same situation for generics, which have already been proven and tested safe,” she adds.

“A lot of our customers take maintenance meds. But according to some studies, the average Filipino consumes only around 50 to 70 medicines in a year, where it should be 365 (one for each day). The reason they don’t take their proper dosage is because their budget is limited. Imagine, if they switched to generics, they can save money and be able to take their medicines accordingly, allowing them to live a more fulfilling, quality life,” shares Victoria Encarnacion, marketing director for Watsons Personal Care.  

Despite being a bit wary of generic medicines, Filipinos are still very smart shoppers, with specific wants and standards from their products. Today, they are more discerning when it comes to shopping admits Encarnacion. “They no longer want just generic soaps and lotions; they look for anti-bacterial, moisturizing, whitening, etc. They look for variant products that provide more function.” To address the growing demands of the evolving market, Watsons has diversified and come out with new variants to their current list of products, delighting budget savers everywhere.

Another trend that Encarnacion is seeing is the fact that consumers are gearing towards a more active lifestyle, with Filipinos placing more importance on their health and taking vitamins even before they get sick.

Actress, singer and aspiring athlete Iya Villania is one of those who look to Watsons for help, to support and sustain her new healthy living. “I’ve been a Watsons girl for two years. Prior to becoming an ambassador, suki na ako. I buy a lot of its tissue, makeup stuff, and especially Watsons Foot Ease gel cushions.” With the savings she enjoys, she is able to allot more to her other activities and indulgences like training for marathons, shoe shopping, eating out, and travelling with her husband Drew.

“I’m really not that big of a spender. While others would invest in designer bags, I prefer backpacks.Nakakahiya nga kasi parang ako lang yung actress na hindi nagdedesigner bag. And when it comes to travelling, I won’t travel Business Class. Don’t judge if I’m in Economy!” shares the radiant beauty.

Iya and Christian are only two of the many Watson shoppers who have learned to switch and save for better deals. Even if they’re successful and they have the means to buy the best and the most expensive personal care products in the market, they think about their purchases and know the importance of saving up for what matters most.

Christian puts aptly into words what Watsons and many budget-savers believe and strive for: “Life is short. Balance your life in both work and play. Save and enjoy.” Indeed, with Watsons, you can spend less to enjoy more.

Dove Beauty Summit: Real Women, Real Beauty

At the first Dove Summit, the industry’s beauty leaders, celebrities and bloggers gathered at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Harbor Tent to celebrate real beauty. In crisp white outfits — the style choice we were advised to wear — and fresh, perfectly painted faces, we were ready to parade into the immaculate, white lounge and make merry. But before we could catch up and fully appreciate each other’s Instagram-worthy outfits, a slight change of plans.

“Please return to your rooms and remove all your makeup,” said Lexi Schulze-Berenguer-Testa, our bubbly host. Laughter ensued, smiles broke out. But as the minutes dragged on, a subtle but still palpable nervousness began to set in. “Even mascara? Or lipstick? Everything?” we asked.

Most women seemed game to play along, but there was an undeniable number who seemed hesitant. One divulged that even her husband has never seen her without makeup.  (She would wake up before sunrise just to pretty herself up).

Apples Aberin, the PR head of Unilever, gently urged the rest, as she stood onstage sans makeup. Underneath the bright klieg lights, she wasn’t shy to admit that it took a little bit of will power for her not to reach into her purse and pullout her concealer. “Unmasking is an emotional journey,” admitted Apples. “But you can become comfortable, too. Our wrinkles and laugh lines tell a story.”

If Aberin, a stalwart in Philippine fashion and modeling and one of the most recognized executives in the country, needed the security, the armor of makeup to feel better, what more us regular gals?

In a country where women have been recognized as the most beautiful in every major international beauty pageant, and in the metropolis where thousands of “selfies” are uploaded by the second (enough for Time magazine to proclaim Makati City and Pasig City as the “selfie” capital of the world), one would believe that Filipinas are not only confident, but they should have a better, healthier self-image. But the unfortunate fact is that only seven percent consider themselves beautiful. A shocking statistic, indeed.

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In a global survey conducted by Dove, with the participation of 6,000 women, in 20 countries, including the Philippines, it was found that “two out of three women felt pressured to be beautiful. And one out of two women felt critical of themselves. In the Philippines, 93 percent of Filipinas don’t even like the way they look,” stressed Mian Datu-David, Unilever marketing manager for skin.

Hoping to tip the scales and change the statistics, Dove steps in with its Real Beauty, Real Care campaign. As the leading brand in personal care, Dove believes that real beauty can be found in every person. And through its wide range of personal care products: Dove Skin, Dove Hair and Dove Deo, Filipinas can get the real care that they deserve. “We aim to inspire women to realize their personal potential for beauty. Dove believes that every woman has a potential to be her most beautiful self and that is what real beauty is all about,” Datu-David said.

Panagbenga: Baguio in Bloom

Baguio proves that despite urbanization, a city can survive not only the test of time, but can also be reborn into the most beautiful bloom in the garden.

(Photo taken at The Manor, Camp John Hay)

When the Americans first arrived in the 1900s, Baguio was untouched and beautiful in its natural state – 1,500 meters above sea level, a marshland during the rainy season and a pasture for cattle the rest of the year. Perhaps because of its climate, Baguio (from the Ibaloi word bagiw, which means moss) was declared by the Americans as the summer capital of the Philippines on June 1, 1903.

According to Baguio City Rep. Mauricio Domogan, World War II in the Pacific started and ended in Baguio City. It started with the bombing of Camp John Hay by the Japanese Air Force and ended with Gen. Tomoyuki Yamashita signing the surrender of the Japanese Army in the US Ambassador’s residence at Camp John Hay. 

While many of today’s generation may not know of Baguio’s rich history and its role in World War II, they are certainly familiar with the city’s festivals, especially its internationally-acclaimed flower festival, the Panagbenga.

Now on its 14^th year, the Panagbenga – a Kankana-ey term for “season of blooming” – continues to fascinate tourists, both local and foreign, with the color and grandiosity that accompanies every festival. 

Panagbenga boasts of blooms from the whole color spectrum and a rich cultural heritage, formed by the local government as a tribute to the devastation of 1990 Luzon earthquake and to celebrate the unique cultural and historical identity of the “summer capital of the Philippines.” 

From a two-day floral and float parade in 1995, the festival has since grown into a more complex, five-week celebration composed of star-studded mall shows, traditional dances and concerts on Burnham Lake, open markets along Session Road, art exhibits, rice wine contests, jam sessions, firework displays, and many more. According to Domogan, over 1.5 million visitors trekked to Baguio during the last festival. The number of tourists was so overwhelming that even Victory Liner requested assistance from the local government to help coordinate parking for the150 buses that arrived every 10 minutes. 

And I believe those numbers. During the Grand Float Parade and Grand Street Parade, you literally could not see the buildings because of the walls of people who lined Session Road, inching themselves closer to get a better view of the bright theatrical floats and dancers in their majestic costumes mesmerizing the crowd with their acrobatics and choreography. It was a stunning sight – the waves of children in green abaca costumes and headdresses running downhill mimicking the sway of pandan fields, the smell of strawberry taho and colored roses that were as big as your hand, the applause of the approving crowd who showered the participants with pink and yellow confetti. It was truly a treat for the senses. More than 40 schools from the region participated in the Grand Street Parade and 23 floats appeared for the Grand Float Parade.

According to the “veterans,” there were significantly fewer floats than last year which may have left some spectators disappointed. Domogan and Mayor Reinaldo Bautista, Jr. explained that they had anticipated fewer floats because of the current economic conditions. But though sponsors may have tightened their pockets with their floats, they had contributed to other Panagbenga events. 

The event strategy for the Panagbenga was not to focus solely on the parades but to break down the celebration into smaller events to create different audiences for longevity. By creating more events and dividing the audience, more people were able to partake in the overall festivities, thus helping lessen the coordination problem experienced in previous Panagbengas when accommodations were scarce and traffic was hell during the entirety of the festival. But regardless of the added events, the Grand Street Parade and Grand Float Parade remain to be the favorite, the highlight of the Panagbenga. 

From the luxurious accommodation at The Manor at Camp John Hay, to the breathtaking burst of color and culture along Session Road, my Panagbenga experience was nothing short of spectacular. The Panagbenga organizers pushed the festival to the extremes and had succeeded; a hard feat to top for the coming year. So for 2010, as a new traveling convert, I will make sure to take a pilgrimage back to the “City of Pines” to see if it will continue to rise up to the challenge. 

First published in PeopleAsia Magazine

4000 Miles: Love in Between

The award-winning play,4000 miles, covers the distance between two hearts, that of Leo Joseph-Connell (played by Jef Flores) and his grandmother Vera Joseph (Baby Barredo) .



After his bestfriend dies due to a violent accident, while on a cross-coutry bike trip, Leo pays a short visit to his elderly grandmother at a West Village apartment to seek solace. Over time, their differing personalities and the generational gap becomes apparent, leading to sometimes painful, other times, funny encounters.However, no matter how often they may butt heads, their sincere affections for each other help them maneuver through the sometimes difficult circumstances.

“This is really about someone who is at that point in her life when her body has given up on her and all that she is at this point is a fountain of wisdom. At the other end of the spectrum is a man who is about to begin his life, who is lost in so many ways. Between them, there are 4000 miles of experience and wisdom,” director for the play Bart Guingona shared in a press statement.

First staged Off-Broadway in 2011, the critically acclaimed play was a finalist for the 2013 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and named the Best New Play by the Obie Awards in 2012. New York Times had also hailed Herzog an outstanding playwright.

Review...

The play carries itself with quiet confidence, able to deliver a heartfelt story laden with sincerity and wisdom without resorting to an overly heavy and dramatic dialogue. Thanks to Amy Herzog's writing genius, the nuances of each character and their honest interactions make for a truly touching story that every one must watch. And for anything else, Baby Barredo is just simply charming- a true light of talent that not only fittingly trains the spotlight on her own prowess as a theater actor, but allows for her fellow actors to shine onstage as well.

The play, 4000 miles, will run at Greenbelt Mall 1 until March 29. Prices start at P400. for more information , call Reportory Philippines at (63) 843 3570 or TicketWorld at (63) 891 9999

4000 Miles will run until March 29 at Onstage Theatre, Greenbelt Mall 1. Ticket prices range from Php400 to Php600. For more information, call Repertory Philippines at (+632) 843-3570 or Ticketworld at (+632) 891-9999.

Timeless Luxuries to Love at The Shang

A lady wants many things but what she yearns for most is to be remembered and appreciated. Needless to say, with Valentine’s Day just around the corner, choosing the perfect gift for her – one that clearly expresses all that that cannot be articulated in mere words – becomes a challenge. Fortunately, Shangri-La Plaza, the country’s top upscale lifestyle destination, offers a variety of luxury gifts and items, fitting for this season of love. 

While the typical dozen red roses, chocolates, and stuffed toy animals may bring a smile to a loved one’s face, nothing brings the same sparkle to her eyes as the brilliance of exquisite fine jewelry. Truly, every girl deserves to feel like it’s Valentine’s every day.  

Fall in love with these mesmerizing pieces from renowned jewelry brands and heirloom makers: Jewelmer, Golcondia, My Diamond, Rustan’s Silver Vault, Diamantaire, and Stardust. From simple statement pieces to more intricate creations, find everything that her heart desires –and more – only at this unique shopping address.

1.     Golcondia: Diamonds Are Forever

Mid-Level 2/3, East Wing

Taking its name from the region in India, fabled for its most perfect diamonds, Golcondia fulfills the same promise of producing only the most flawless specimens. The first showroom of its kind in the country, Golcondia has perfected the science of diamond making and has elevated the art of design with its handcrafted “jewels of everlasting love.” Compared to mined diamonds, Golcondia’s stones are 100% conflict free and are cultured in a controlled environment. Much like orchids that are cultivated in a greenhouse, cultured diamonds are grown in replicated conditions that result in the same stunning product. Thus, Golcondia diamonds are not only sustainable and the more socially responsibly choice, but they are chemically, physically and optically equal to mined diamonds in every respect.

And it becomes all the more exciting as even ultra-rare diamonds–those that come in pink, blue and yellow hues–can be cultivated. As seen in the showroom, the vivid tints and brilliance of each colored Golcondia diamond are unparalleled; a sign of true luxury. Share this exquisite beauty by gifting your loved one with the limited edition 18K rose gold LOVE bracelet, which comes with a solitaire pink cultured diamond. This stunning personalized gift comes at an unprecedented value, available only for the month of February.

2. Diamantaire: Shine Bright like a Diamond

Level 2, Main Wing

Here at Diamantaire, with its dazzling selection of designs, you can be assured that each piece is one of a kind as no design is ever duplicated. From bracelets to studs, dangling earrings and pendants, Diamantaire does not shy away from its use of precious gems and diamonds. Featuring diamonds of varying sizes, set in gold along with sapphires, rubies and emeralds, the array of elegant designs will have every girl swooning. Sky’s the limit when it comes to creativity, which is why each piece deserves to be displayed on a crown or paraded on a runway, and not simply tucked away in a jewelry box to be gazed at. Diamond connoisseurs will also have to calm their beating hearts once they chance upon Diamantaire’s prized creation- the stunning 10-carat heart-shaped stud earrings (a whopping 5 carat each!). With playful creations that inspire and excite, how can a girl not be absolutely smitten?

3. My Diamond: My One & Only

Level 1, Main Wing

Known for its wedding bands and engagement rings, My Diamond consistently produces pieces that are truly timeless; nothing too audacious or over embellished. One such example is the Unity Ring, a chic, seamless design that marries the masculine and feminine halves of a couple. The ring features a single white gold band with a 0.4- carat solitaire diamond (for the lady) that slips into another ring formed by two outer bands (for the gentleman).Uniting to form one special ring, no design better embodies the beauty and nature of a commitment. Aside from commitment rings, My Diamond also offers a staple of necklaces, dainty pendants and bracelets.

4. Stardust: Romancing the Stone

Lower Ground Level, Main Wing

With over 20 years of experience, Stardust helps breathe new life into family heirlooms by restoring the luster of well-loved jewelry. Specializing in repair and cleaning, Stardust treats every piece that passes through their skilled hands with utmost care, respecting both the sentimental value and heritage of each. Aside restoring jewels to their original glory, Stardust also offers their own made-to-order creations, designed by owners/ mother-and-daughter tandem, Marina Jocson and Shereen Ivy Soriano. While the former describes her style as “classic elegance”, the latter’s designs showcase more modern lines and sensibilities.

5. Jewelmer Joaillerie: Pearl of the Orient

Level 3, Main Wing

Working on the design philosophy that “poetry is in the details,” Jewelmer elevates the art of fine jewelry to brilliant new heights by celebrating French design and Filipino sensibilities. Bringing to the forefront our national treasure, the coveted golden South Sea pearl, Jewelmer continues to capture the hearts of the young and the young-at-heart with its versatile “Watch Me” design that can be worn on the wrist or around the neck; and the auspicious “888” design, which proudly makes use of 8 golden South Sea pearls and 8 diamonds; available in 8 designs. Ignite or rekindle a love affair with these wearable pieces of art.

6. Rustan's Silver Vault: All that Glitters

Level 2, Main Wing

It is love at first sight once you step into Rustan’s Silver Vault. With its thoughtfully curated pieces, chosen from the latest collections of renowned international brands like Hermès, Roberto Coin, Marco Bicego, Mikimoto, and Yvel, among others, Rustan’s Silver Vault presents only the best for its most discerning clientele. Whether it’s gold, diamonds, polished stones or luxury watches, one can be assured that you can find the perfect gift to suit any occasion or any woman. Undoubtedly, it will be a match made in heaven.

Great Gustations at The Shang Part 2

6.     Spatzle

Level 5, EW 

The first of its kind in the Philippines, Spatzle describes it’s cuisine as European fusion. Promising fresh, light yet nourishing meals, Spatzle is all about highlighting and combining subtle flavours and presenting the dishes in a truly unique way. The embodiment of this philosophy is the Banana Bread Florentina. And I love the concept. It’s a surprising combination of chewy, warm banana bread topped with sautéed spinach, mushrooms, thick smoked ham and soft scramble eggs. It’s sexy and comforting at the same time, and hits all the right spots on the palate.  I would have this everyday for breakfast – and wouldn’t mind eating this for lunch and dinner, too! The roesti (a traditional potato pancake) and the Carbonara spatzle with egg will undoubtedly be a hit among children as well, even the picky eaters. It introduces something new to the kids, while still giving them something that’s familiar.

Spatzle doesn’t shy away from experimenting and improving its menu which is why diners are encouraged to drop by during the weekends for some of their special offers. One weekend menu must-try is the famed Weekend Pork Belly. Complement your healthy plates with their signature drinks- the Watermelon Lemonade and All Natural Citrus Cooler, which uses honey instead of sugar syrup.

7.     Duck & Buvette

Level 2, Main Wing

A favourite among the foodie crowd, Duck & Buvette lives up to its hype. Its refined use of fresh and flavourful ingredients and exquisite technique are well appreciated. The star of the menu is undeniably the D&B Crispy Half Duck Confit. To make confit, the fowl is cured in salt and spices for a day or two, before being slowly cooked its own rich fat for that melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness. It takes three days to prepare this masterpiece and one will definitely taste the love and passion poured into it. The perfectly golden fowl is served with ratatouille duck rice and a cranberry carrot side.  For more depth, add a little whole grain mustard to the confit. A bright balance to the dish is the Grilled Octopus salad with lemon-chili-hazelnut dressing and fried capers.  D&B is also quite proud of their breads, which they bake from scratch using their own signature wild yeast. The crusty sourdough bread is heavenly with just a dab of butter or dipping sauce. For this visit, we also tried the Cafe Provencal pizza. The crisp, flat pizza crust serves as the perfect canvas to highlight the varied Mediterranean toppings of shrimp, capers, olives, parma ham, anchovies, garlic and mozzarella. Words do not do justice to all of D&B’s dishes; it’s best to experience a plate yourself.

8.     Poetry & Prose Patisserie: Let Them Eat Cake!

Level 1, Main Wing

“A party without cake is just a meeting.” This insightful quote by Julia Child embraces a small section of the wall in Poetry & Prose, perhaps a fitting reminder to all those who come here that dessert is, indeed, necessary.  For first timers, it’s recommended to try their decadent Chocolate Eclair and the L’Opera, a layered masterpiece of almond sponge cake, sweet buttercream and chocolate ganache. The desserts are not overwhelmingly sweet and are pretty light on the palate. Sample a little bit of everything with the Queen’s Tea Set. Work your way up from the bottom layer of finger sandwiches to the dense selection of scone with raisins and clotted cream, and finally the delectable desserts on the top layer. But it’s not all sweets at Poetry & Prose; savory selections are also available.

The traditional souffle gets a savory upgrade with the Herb & Cheese Souffle. Before it even reaches your table, the enticing aroma of herbs- a heavenly combination of basil, parsley, oregano and thyme - tantalizes the senses. The Smoked Salmon in Phyllo Pockets is another light and satisfying dish. The golden flaky crust hides a thick filling of smoked salmon and warmed, crumbled ricotta cheese. To bring out the flavours of the dish, a heavy cream with capers and tomato oil is drizzled over it.  For those looking for that sweet escape, Poetry & Prose offers just that.

9.     Pages: Deli divine

L evel 1, Main Wing 

Pages is the counterpart of its sister restaurant, Poetry & Prose. But comparing the two is like comparing apples and oranges. Pages exudes a more masculine appeal with black sheen walls and chic chairs. Here, instead of coffee and tea (though they do serve both), enjoy a glass of wine with your favourite American-Italian deli favourites and selection of cheeses. Staying true to its concept, dishes are given fun, literary names. The hearty sandwich made from sourdough bread, a medley of fresh vegetables, homemade mayo, turkey hickory, salami, gruyere, and mozzarella with taro chips is called The New York Bestseller. While Pages’ simple and straightforward roast chicken dish is named, Much Ado About Nothing. Taking the theme further, with every order, diners get a tiny scroll on their plate, with a memorable quote from the book after which the dish is named.

.Woo Galbi – Taste of Korea

Level 6, East Wing

Bringing the authentic, traditional taste of Korea to the heart of Manila, the modern family restaurant, Woo Galbi, deepens our love and fascination for the Land of the Morning Calm. Tickling the Filipino palate for sweet and savory, the Mixed Meat Platter is a great starter for customers who are just learning about the new popular cuisine. The platter offers a selection of fork-tender slices of beef, chicken and pork that are drizzled over with a sweet teriyaki sauce. To warm your tummies, the seafood stew made with prawn, white fish, squid, scallops and clams, Haemul Tang, dances around the taste buds with its kick of heat. Of course, like all Korean dishes, dishes are enjoyed with Banchan, a variety of boldly seasoned appetizers including sweet beans, pickled radish, sweet chilli dilis, sautéed spinach and crunchy bean sprouts. Here, they believe that variety is, indeed, the spice of life.

First published in The Philippine STAR
Photography by Manuel Generoso

Great Gustations at The Shang Part 1

Making a meal is a modern art. And like any other creative discipline, it takes the same deft touch of a true artist to create something extraordinary. A chef is very much an artist, drawing out  flavours and aromas from simple ingredients and boldly weaving them into an inspiring feast. But more than just having skills, a true culinary artist is one who knows when to break free from a recipe and follow his dictate of taste.

Therefore, a meal is more than simply satiating appetite; it’s about creating an all-sensory experience. While a good meal sufficiently feeds, a great one nourishes the body and soul.

Here at Shangri-La Plaza, the top lifestyle destination and home to an exciting array of world-class restaurants, they not only promise a warm, filling meal but an experience. From time-tested culinary classics to new epicurean delights, The Shang holds no reservations in giving gourmands all that they want and need.  

1.     Epicurious : Exclusively Artisan

Lower Ground Level, East Wing 

Satisfy your curiosity at Epicurious, a one-stop deli, food emporium, café and culinary studio all rolled into one. Built on a shop, cook and eat concept, cosmopolitan foodies can simply take an unhurried walk around and select from the wide array of artisan food items that tickle and excite the taste buds. After selecting your ingredients, you can have your meal cooked  by the distinguished Epicurious’ council of chefs right before  your very eyes eyes.  The freshest, the most flavorful ingredients cooked by fine chefs ensure the tastiest bites gourmands could ever dream of.

While dining at Epicurious, do not pass up on the Charcuterie Board, Artisan Lasagna and the US Angus Rib-eye Steak with Mashed Potatoes and Garden Salad. Piled generously with slices of delectable dried meats and cheeses (including Manchego, Chorizo Pamplona, Jamon Serrano, soft gouda and assorted dried fruits and nuts), the Charcuterie Board perfectly primes the palate for the hearty meal ahead.  While many would consider pasta, especially lasagna, an ordinary dish, Epicurious elevates this well-loved classic to an awe-inspiring experience.  Luscious layers of tomato sauce and cream, locked in with a top layer of cheese and bechamel sauce makes for a sumptuous and sinful bite. Familiar and comforting, the lasagna makes you think of home and your mother’s cooking. While it should be good for sharing, after taking a spoonful, you’ll be selfishly thinking to have it all for yourself. For something meatier but equally appetizing, the Rib-eye Steak, cooked to a perfect medium rare, reveals a flavor unmatched. This mouth-watering dish is tender to the bite and is best eaten with the side of creamy mashed potato or garden salad. Epicurious, with its extensive array of cheese, dried meats, pastries, wine and chocolates, is a melting pot where you can find the finest ingredients and gourmet produce from all around the world.

2.     Lombardi ‘s Authentic Italian: Simplicity at its Finest

Level 4, East Wing

The anchor of great Italian food is fresh flavors brought out from the best ingredients; simplicity over elaborate preparations. And this is the same philosophy that is embraced by  Lombardi’s, an authentic Italian restaurant known for its delicious pastas and pizzas. Baked in a brick oven, their thin crust pizzas always come out perfectly crisp and hot. Their Quattro Formaggi pizza is a particular treat as I adore the rich, salty combination of Provolone, Fontina, Gorgonzola, and Mozzarella. The Spaghetti Aglio Olio Peperoncino con Gamberetti is a nice breaker from the richness of the pizza. Tossed in olive oil and garlic, the simple pasta is topped off with plump, nicely colored prawns. Not to be overlooked on this menu, of course, is a family favourite – Rustic Ossobuco with Saffron Risotto. Slow cooked for hours and braised in a flavorful tomato-based broth, the meat comes out fork tender and perfectly seasoned every time. Take a trip back to Italy with this authentic Milanese dish.  

3.     Balboa: Pasta Perfection

Level 4, East Wing

 Named after the famed (fictional) boxer played by Sylvester Stallone, Balboa offers you a ring side seat to the best Italian-American feast in the building. Chef Giorgio Bucciarelli, the talented chef at the helm of Balboa’s kitchen, forbids taking shortcuts when it comes to his dishes. In fact, his adamance to make everything from scratch is highlighted in his newly launched collection of Artisan Pasta. This “customize-your-own pasta” menu uses their signature pastas which are crafted right in their kitchen. And what delights customers is that the pasta comes in four varieties and colors: green (spinach), red (tomato), yellow (saffron) and black (squid ink). One dish that has me coming back for more is the Black Squid Ink Pappardelle with Putanesca Sauce. Its shocking, bold color and subtle salty flavour of the sea (from the squid ink) create a completely enticing bite. Every morsel surprises you and before your mind can even wrap itself around the fantastic meal, you’ve cleaned your plate with the last piece of crusty bread. The other pasta varieties come in more child-friendly colors, but with the same fantastic subtle flavors.

For group dinners, the Buttermilk Roasted Chicken and Dry-Aged Rib-Eye Steak are highly recommended. Served with hefty helpings of mashed potatoes, the roasted chicken and steak remind you of big family celebrations during Thanksgiving and Christmas. How can it not be a joy to eat? Moist, juicy and tender, they are delicious on their own. But drizzle them with Balboa’s homemade gravy and you’re in heaven.  To cap off any meal at Balboa’s, reward yourself with the San Honore, an uplifting dessert made with delightful layers of puff pastry and light Chantilly crème. It soothes the palate and ends the entire meal on a sweet note. 

4.     Wicked : Simply Sinful

Level 5, East Wing

Walking through the glass doors of Wicked, the inner child awakens, excited by the array of colourful sweets and mounds of chocolates. Satisfy your sweet tooth with bestsellers such as the Red Velvet Cupcake, Chocolate Bark and Brookies. The Brookies are my particular favourite. The luscious dense brownie, sandwiched between two cookies and then dipped in dark chocolate, has a great crunch when you bite into it. A glass of milk, which comes with the order, helps wash everything down. The Chocolate Bark, on the other hand, is made with chewy vanilla and chocolate marshmallows blended with crunchy honey graham and enrobed in decadent dark chocolate. If you’re ever feeling low, opt for this quick sugar high. For something sexy, the Chocolate Fire Cake will give you that soft flush in your cheeks thanks to its surprise ingredient- chilis! Wicked is a sinful temptation I will never feel guilty surrendering to.  

5.     Teddy’s Burger: The Bigger, Better Bite

Level 6, Main Wing 

Teddy’s Burger is the ultimate belly buster, a meal of epic proportion. Named the best burger in Hawaii since 2001, Teddy’s Burgers are made from 100 percent ground chuck USDA beef that are charbroiled to perfection, meaning less grease and more smoky flavor. But what separates them for your typical burger joint is its potato bun, which is fluffier, sweeter and softer. If the regular portions are too much for you, try burgers from the Great Kahuna line which offers burgers in smaller servings, fitting for the Filipino appetite. For a burger foodie like me, it’s hard to choose among the different variants. But the top three would have to be the Bacon Me Crazy, the Samurai and the Kukaelio.  The Bacon Me Crazy features an overload of bacon, dollops of cream cheese, drool-worthy cheddar, onions and decadent truffle honey. The Kukaelio is another mean burger. A huge portobello mushroom is first stuffed with cream cheese, grilled onions, garlic, cheddar and bacon bits before it’s deep fried and slapped onto a burger patty and bun. The Samurai, topped off with nori strips, a tangy teriyaki sauce and wasabi mayo with crispy sweet potato strips, is made exclusively for Shang. When at Teddy’s, you don’t wash your meal down with water. (That’s for wimps!) Have your choice of milkshakes, which uses four generous scoops of your preferred ice cream: chocolate, strawberry, peanut butter or vanilla. Here, it’s go big or go home.

First published in The Philippine STAR
Photos courtesy of Manuel Generoso