Modern Filipino Cuisine at Sentro 1771

A few days ago, I received a message on my Facebook wall from Sir Anton, author of pusangkalye.net, inviting me to join them in a food event hosted by Sentro 1771. So who am I to say no? This is a great opportunity plus another write up for me, so right away I said yes without any hesitation (and it was clearly a clever choice).

Sentro 1771 is part of the 1771 Group of Restaurants. The group includes Cafe 1771, Winebar 1771 and Sidebar which is located in El Pueblo Real de Manila Ortigas and Chateau 1771 situated in Greenbelt 5. If you're wondering what's the significance of 1771, well, it is a street number where the first restaurant of this group originated. Going back, Sentro 1771 is known for serving local Filipino cuisine but reinvented them and added a twist of Swiss and French style. Have you heard/tasted Adobo sa Gata? How about Lamb Calderata? Hmmm how about Corned Beef Sinigang? These are just some of the best sellers in Sentro 1771. It's unusual and creative but I assure you great satisfaction. Especially those who are fond of Filipino dishes. By the way, Sentro 1771 is located at Serendra, BGC, Taguig and also in Greenbelt 3.

The Sentro 1771 that I visited was their Serendra branch. I was a bit late so when I came in, most of the bloggers where already there but luckily, the food haven't served yet. While waiting, I've got to know lifestyle, food and travel bloggers which were also invited by Sir Anton. I've got to meet:

Sir Edgar and Sir Ramil of pinasmuna.com  |  Doc Gelo of docgelo.com  |  Blogger couple  Ms Marjorie (livingmarjorney.com) and Sir Jonel (gadgetgambit.com)  |  Sir John of kumagcow.com  |  Ms Stacy of tsinoyfoodies.com  |  and Ms Edel

I had fun chatting with these bloggers. Hearing their stories and opinions on the world of blogging amused me. Adding to this nice chat is the laid-back interiors of Sentro 1771. They have a stylish fixtures, paintings and nice decorations hanged on the wall and importantly, (well, for me) the restaurant is well lighted. A perfect venue for family bonding, class reunions and even dine out with colleagues.

Then after some time and without knowing, the food started to serve on our table and they all look delicious and presented very well. They served us from appetizers, to their main meals, down to their desserts - in short, it was a complete meal.

Duck Pancakes (170 Pesos)

The first dish presented to us is Duck Pancakes and served in 4 pcs per order. Peking pancakes filled with strips of native duck slow-cooked in beer, rhum vinegar, soy sauce and muscovado sugar.

Scoop it or wrap it up!

Macau Chorizo and Cheese Tidbits (240 Pesos)

Serving is good for 2. Macau Chorizo and Cheese Tidbits is a mini spring rolls filled with Macau chorizo, shallots and keso de bola.

That's a customized newspaper for Sentro 1771

Lamb Caldereta (480 Pesos)

Boneless lamb shoulder stewed with carrots, bell peppers, tomato sauce and spices. You can also request if you want it to be served in mild or spicy.

Chicken Adobo sa Gata (250 Pesos)

Serving is good for 2. Chicken Adobo that retains the vinegar-garlic peppercorn balance but thickened with coconut milk.

Camote Cups (240 Pesos)

Carved sweet potato filled with stir-fried cabbage, Baguio beans and carrots. Served in 4 pcs per order.

(Upper left) Lamb Caldereta | (Lower left) Chicken Adobo sa Gata | (Right) Camote Cups

Seafood Bagoong Rice (530 Pesos)

Good for 2-3 persons per serving. Rice topped with grilled squid, garlic shrimp, and hito flakes. You can request for brown rice or red rice. Just add 45 pesos.

Specialty of the House: Sinigang na Corned Beef (595 Pesos)

Of all the food that were served to us, this is my favorite one and really a must try! Now I know why this dish earned so much positive feedback among food bloggers and foodies. This is an unbelievable recipe. Good for 2-3 persons per serving. This dish is comprised of corned beef short plate and boneless beef shanks in tamarind broth with native vegetables. How does it sounds to you?

And before serving, diner has an option to choose the level of sourness of this dish. A great idea to get the satisfaction of customer since all of us has different standard of what Sinigang should taste like in terms of its sourness and tartness. Genius!

A must try! Should not be missed when visiting Sentro 1771

Banana Tart (150 Pesos)

Puff pastry with a light custard topped with caramelized saba banana slices. 

Yum!!!

Fried Suman and Mangoes (180 Pesos)

Rolled out suman fried to a light crisp and topped with ripe mangoes and served with sweet coco jam.

Kakanin with mango on top? Try it people!

Keso Flan (220 Pesos)

A baked but light, no crust cheesecake served with queso de bola and red egg (itlog na pula). Their recipe says: "Parang Bibingka na hindi!" The suggested way to eat this is to have a sliced of cheesecake on top with a small piece of queso de bola and "itlog na pula".

Please excuse photos in this blog post. I only used my camera phone for this entry. I'm still saving up for that lens. Aw.

Overall, it was a great event and food trip. Sentro 1771 did a great job on balancing Filipino taste along with Swiss-French style. They give a modern twist to Filipino's all time favorite dishes. Visit them to witness it for yourself and don't forget to bring along your friends, families and colleagues. Kainan na!

Special thanks to Sir Anton of pusangkalye.net for inviting me to this food event.

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post. I accept partnership proposals as long as they are relevant to travel, outdoors, and tourism. For advertising inquiries, please use the contact form on the Contact Me page of this site or directly send me an e-mail at aremgelogo@gmail.com. 

Food Trip at "Food Truck Park" in Capitol Commons, Pasig City

Food truck is a mobile kitchen or canteen that sells and transport food. Commonly they are in the form of vans and school buses that has an installed kitchen and a large opening or window for food display. These mobiles are also coated with the brand's prints and logos in which I believe is used to have a quick recall to potential customers. In the US, food trucks are now making their way and name in the food and business industry. Food Network channel even produced a show called "Great Food Truck Race" wherein different food truck businesses compete on each other and at the end of every episode, the truck who sold the least will be eliminated. The show is now on its 4th season which also shows how popular are food trucks today and how it is being patronage by people.

Food trucks are not something new in the streets of Manila, but putting 10 or more food trucks in one site is a different argument. Yes, 10 food mobiles that sell from appetizers to main dishes, and even, desserts. An organization called "Metro Manila Food Truck Association" gathered food truck owners and joined forces to an exciting gustative adventure for Pinoy Foodies.

Capitol Commons is the place to be. It is located in the corner of Meralco Avenue & Shaw Boulevard and it is just across from the famous Kapitolyo in Pasig. Capitol Commons is the newest urban destination that showcases prime residential developments, office spaces, and now, a Food Truck Park.

This was an unexpected food trip. Good thing Alvin brought his camera. 

Future Food Critics (Photo from Alvin Dela Rosa)

I was with my workmates when I visited Capitol Commons and as soon as we reached the Food Truck Park, we were like everywhere the area checking each and every trucks deciding what to try and eat.

Kuyang

Kuyang is a Filipino-style food truck which offers classic pinoy dishes serves as rice toppings. Some of their sumptuous food are Liempo Meal, Bistek Meal, Chicken Longga Meal, and Tenga Meal. That's right, they serve rice with pork's ears. Very street food. Their best sellers are Lechon Kawali Meal and Chickapork Combo.Chickapork is basically fried chicken skin and pork rind bits served as 1 meal. It may taste good, but it should be eaten in moderate.

Jo, Jo.. Hihihi (Photo from Alvin Dela Rosa)

Big Bite Avenue

On ther hand, Big Bite Avenue owned by celebrity Carlo Aquino (and his girlfriend) is known for its homemade burgers and poutine. Poutine is a Canadian dish prepared with French fries savor with gravy sauce and cheese curds. Sound flavorful huh? Big Bite Avenue's best sellers are Barbecue Burger and Chorizo Longganisa Burger.

They already have their Big Bite Avenue's burger (Photo from Alvin Dela Rosa)

Shawarma Bros

Shawarma Bros is the "talk of the town" food distributor in Food Truck Park. It is not only because of their great tasting shawarma but also because of the very distinct look of their truck. Based on what I've read in the net, they even patented the design of their truck. Wow! These folks are very determined to secure their uniqueness among other food trucks. Well, they are best known for their Lamb Steak Open Plate Shawarma served with biryani rice.

Brilliant advertisement! #truck #hashtags (Photo from Alvin Dela Rosa)

Marga and Ate Kath with their shawarma (Photo from Alvin Dela Rosa)

Mexikombi

Mexican food served in a Volkswagen Kombi makes up the name of this next food truck. For me, they have the coolest truck among the food trucks in the park. Old school service van on its finest. And For foodies who loves Mexican food, I am sure you'll love Mexikombi because (based on one of my friend who'd tried Mexikombi) they sold food with true Mexican taste and flavor. And affordable too.

Try to focus on Volkswagen Kombi (Photo from Alvin Dela Rosa)

Hungry Rover

This is number 1 on my list. Before we even gotten to the park, I have already decided that I'll be buying at Hungry Rover and try their popular Angus tapa. Reason is, I've read tons of great feedback about it and they said it is a must-try when visiting Food Truck Park. My verdict, I confirm all the rumors about it. It is really tasty, flavorful and tender. Plus, the price is just right with the amount of serving. Really a must try!

Sorry I don't have a decent shot of Hungry Rover's Truck. (Right Photo) Angus Tapa from Hungry Rover (Photo from Alvin Dela Rosa)

Other participating trucks are: Ser Chef's Lechon by Mitzi, The Cheesesteak Shop, Mio Gelati which serves unique gelato flavors, Truck Bun, Jasper's House of Chicken, and a whole lot more.

Food Truck Park is an open space area where people can decide whether to eat their orders on provided tables and chairs around the park or just have a picnic style whereas sitting on the grass. You decide.Capitol Commons is a good place to relax and bond with whoever you are with while eating. I envy those offices who are just near and walking distant to this place. Sigh.

Thank you guys for taking me here! Till our next food trip! (Photo from Alvin Dela Rosa)

The rise of food trucks has shown people that good quality food doesn't need to come from a stand-alone and fancy restaurant. I can't wait to see these food trucks grow and be available in different parts of the Metro.

Note: Before you visit the Capitol Commons to experience this exciting event, check first the Food Truck Park FB page for schedules.

7 Awesome Gift Ideas for the Travelers in Your Life

Christmas season has finally arrived and with it comes the bustle and hustle of gift buying for our friends and love ones. Deciding a gift for travelers is quite complex and tricky. There are many types of travelers out there and they are very different from one another, ranging from cowboy-style backpackers to a classy jet setters, but I have here some gift ideas that you may find useful to give to your love ones and friends who loves to travel. Well, honestly speaking, this also serves as my wishlist for 2013. =]

1. Chargers -  Power banks and Adapters

Wishlist status: I already have these. Yeah.

Power banks and Solar Chargers. These have been an essential to travelers since the era of smartphones and tablets arises and conquer the world of travelling. Gadget fanatics and hikers will definitely love this things since they have limited source of electricity whenever they hit the road.

Photo from PowerRacks.com

Adapters on the other hand are very useful for people who travels outside the country. The Universal Adapters comes with different plug shapes and sizes that matches the outlets found in countries around the world. A common Universal Adapter has the 3 pins plug, 2 pins, slanting pins, and circular plugs. These types of sockets are commonly used in UK, Europe and US. There is also an adapter wherein it converts a single socket/electrical plug in to 2 or more electrical plug. Having this, you may now charge your phone and your tablet simultaneously and eliminate the usual routine wherein you'll wait for the first gadget to be full before you can able to charge the other one.

Photo from Ubergizmo.com

2. Bags - Body Bag and Dry Bags

Wishlist status: Please give me a TNF body bag and/or dry bag #beggingHere.

Well aside from backpacks and strollers, I find body bags very useful. I use it as a secondary storage for things which I frequently used in travelling (eg. wallet, coin purse, passport, bus tickets, etc). So instead of putting them to your main bag and digging them up whenever you needed it (which may result clutter whatever the things inside your bag), why don't you put them on some of these in which you can immediately get them, and put them back in no time.

For travelers who are fond of  water activities and beaches, I suggest you give them dry bags. These bags come in different sizes and of course, its waterproof. No more worries on getting things and gadgets get wet whenever in an island hopping trip.

Photo from Scuba Symphony

3. Plane Ticket / Voucher

Wishlist status: I accept ticket destined anywhere in the Philippines! #coron #davao #amanpulo

Encourage him/her to travel more by giving a boat or plane ticket to his/her favorite state, province, or country. Tip: wait for a seat sale or promo before buying. This will save you up to 50% or more than the regular prize.

Win 1 round trip ticket from AirAsia Zest - Click here

Traveling is fun but the long drive and activities in between travel is exhausting. A voucher on a spa, body massage or facial treatment is a great way to treat your wanderer buddy/love one. 

4) Organizers / Packing Cubes

Wishlist status: Still waiting for somebody to give me this. When it comes to my wishlist, it is not in my top priority though. #lols

Selecting what to pack is quite easy. However, packing (organizing) them inside the bag is a different issue. Not every backpackers have the gift of spatial visualization (this includes me). But with these cubes, packing and unpacking is simplified since things are organize and easy to locate. With a variety of sizes available in the market, you'll definitely find one that will perfectly fit on your (or your friend's) travel bag.

Photo from Everyday North of 60 Further South

5) Clothing and Accessories

Wishlist status: I prefer polarized sunglasses from Neff or Oakley. For hoodie, A Men's Surgent Hoodie from TNF pleaseeeee... Color: TNF Black/ TNF Red #feelingero

Travelers also want clothes and accessories. Giving us something like sunglasses as gift will makes us happy too. It does not only make us stylish but also protects our eyes from direct sun rays and dust during our travel. Another stylish stuff you can give are earphones. Listening to music or watching a movie is just the perfect activity for killing time during long travel, drive and flight. Noise cancelling headphones are the best type you can actually give. Other thing that I can suggest are jackets and scarfs -- Essentials for the cold times, a great source of warmth.

Photo from Action Sport Optics

Photo from The North Face

6) Swiss Army / Multi-Tool

Wishlist status: I already have this and named it "Stanley".

Travelers are fascinated on things which are compact, multi-purpose and space saver. With that, Multi-Tools are always on top of the list for gift ideas for backpackers. It comes in small size yet it serves several functions. Other versions include items like knives, tweezers, bottle opener, folding scissors, screwdriver bits and others. A very handy tool for people who loves outdoor activities like trekking and camping.

Photo from Promo-Wholesale.com

 7. Go Pro Camera (currently number 1 on my wishlist)

Wishlist status: I hope Go Pro pips will be able read this blog and give me a Hero 3 Black Edition... I hope. Hope. Dear God. Please

The HERO3+ Black Edition, to be specific. A very handy camera - small, compact, light yet a mighty cam. Perfect gift for people who are engage in extreme sports and adventures. Records HD videos. Video resolutions can go up to 4k and with its 12mp camera, you can shoot up to 30 frames per second. Not only that, it is also waterproof. So you can have underwater shots on the pristine waters of Palawan, Davao and Batangas. How cool is that huh?

Photo from All Things Photography

There you have it. I hope I helped you out on deciding what to give this season to your love ones and friends who love to travel. And hey, if you have other things on your mind you may use the comment section below to share it. I'll be glad to read your thoughts. Advance Merry Christmas everyone!

** My entry to Out of Town Blog's contest - Travel Bloggers Christmas Wishlist

A Day at Pico de Loro Cove - Hamilo Coast, Nasugbu, Batangas

Batangas homed some of the most beautiful beaches and resorts in Luzon specially the Nasugbu part of it. Though it may not possess the whitest sand, the relaxation that visitors may experience due to nature that surrounds this place fairly makes it up. Therefore, it is not surprising that this place has always been on the list of Manilenos whenever they are, or should I say, whenever we are ask on where to go for an out of town trip. Having said that, we chose the town of Batangas to hold our team building/team outing!

It was pretty tough to decide where we should go. There are lots of potential resorts in Batangas and we have bosses coming from different sides of the world so we need to consider high class place but also not to risk our own pockets. Haha.

Then we came across Pico de Loro Cove of Hamilo Coast, Nasugbu, Batangas. It is a private beach club owned by SM investment group. It is so private that the only way for an individual to access this place are 1) to own an apartment unit, 2) know someone that owns a unit and have an endorsement from them 3) or book a room at Pico Sands Hotel. Being tagged as private, staying at Pico de Loro is accompanied as a luxurious trip. Thank Goodness, we know someone who owns a unit and have us endorsed. That lessen our expense BIG TIME!

How to get there?

1. Take SLEX (Southbound) headed toward Laguna.
2. Take the STA. ROSA EXIT and turn right after the toll booth. Follow the road all the way to Tagaytay City. (Alternatively, you may choose to take the ETON EXIT (after STA. ROSA EXIT))
3. Once you're along Aguinaldo Highway in Tagaytay City, you will pass: Josephine�s Restaurant, Taal Vista Hotel
4. When you reach the Junction of Balayan (Caltex Station at the Right), turn right again to go to Nasugbu (You will pass Central Azucarera de Don Pedro on your left side)
5. When you reach the Shell Gas Station (Left side), turn right to go to the Nasugbu Town Proper.
6. Go straight until you reach the road that will take you uphill. You will pass by the �Brgy Wawa� arch and the following developments: Canyon Cove, Kawayan Cove, Terazzas de Punta Fuego, Tali Beach Club, Peninsula de Punta Fuego
7. Go further uphill until you reach Pico de Loro by following the yellow signage of �Hamilo Coast�

Disclaimer: Please don't ask me or clarify anything about the given direction above. I just got it from their website. All I knew was during our trip, it was like a never-ending roadtrip. Haha. Well, kidding aside, it was 3-4 hours of long drive from Manila to Pico de Loro with the suggested direction.

Its Christmas at Pico de Loro lobby!

Pico de Loro Cove is a 37.5 hectare of coastal community with lots... i mean tons of activities/amenities to offer which includes both outdoor and indoor activities. They even have a tagline that says it will take 40 hours for an individual to experience all sports and recreational activities of Pico de Loro. And I strongly believe on that. However, he or she should also prepare his/her wallet to cover all the acts.

They also have an infinity pool here

The management cares for their visitors. External shuttles roams around the vicinity and take every visitors to their desired place. It is free of charge and there's a frequent rotations. This eliminates long wait to go from one place to another and also saves time.

Team CertPoint!!! Yeah!

I can say that this beach club is suitable for all types of vacationers. Why? Because the activities they offer here doesn't focus on a single type of customer.

Sports oriented type of guests may use/rent their badminton facilities, basketball court (indoor), beach volleyball and table tennis. For Family bonding, enjoy some bowling session and karaoke at their KTV hubs. Extreme seekers and adventurers will definitely enjoy banana boat, scuba diving, jet skiing and hiking. While nature trippers should avail the cove tour and water taxi. Also, health conscious can do biking and jogging around the vicinity.

Sun bathing. Anyone?

Perfect for brisk walking, jogging and even biking

Lastly, food enthusiasts. Bars, restaurants and cafes are available and offers wide varieties of food in terms of selection. One will definitely satisfy his or her taste buds.

Ate Mars enjoying the variety of food

Three fourths of our stay were spent at the beach part of the club. Summer season is still far to come so we really missed being on the beach. The shore is quite big. It has lots of umbrellas and beds which are perfect for sunbathing. Beach volleyball and soccer area are also located at the beach shore.

The girls are now ready for some water action

Team QAs and Developer :P

Sorry guys I will not lay on that one

We were only there for a day trip and it is definitely not enough to experience all of what Pico de Loro can offer. But it was definitely a great experience. Luxurious trip on its finest actually. I don't know if I could be here again yet I still hope someday.

Chill time!

Hamilo Coast, Pico de Loro - Nasugbu, Batangas
For reservation, contact Pico Sands Hotel at (02) 214-7888 or (0917) 809-1289
For membership inquiries, ontact Pico de Loro at +632.902.8053
For amenities ratings and other information, you may visit their official website. Click here.