OUR AWESOME PLANET

Leyte Pasalubong

Tacloban is the Ultimate Leyte Pasalubong haven. The top 4 pasalubong from Tacloban are Binagol, Chocolate Moron, Sagmani and Carigara's Pastillas. I would recommend that you buy all your pasalubong from Tita Aida's delicacies along P.Zamora St. (across Chowking).

Binagol (P25? /each) is made in the town of Dagami. It is made of talyan (a root crop similar to gabi). coconut milk and sugar. It is called binagol because the mixture is placed inside a coconut shell called "bagol" and steamed inside. We love the sweet surprise hidden at the bottom of the coconut shell.


Moron (P25? / each) is a suman with chocolate flavor. It is made of ground rice cooked in coconut milk then flavored with cocoa. It is smooth like a budbud kabog. Just imagine a suman dipped in chocolate batirol. Our favorite!

Sagmani (P25? /each) is the less popular among the pasalubong delicacies. It is similar to Binagol but it is made of cassava, gabi or sweet potatoes. It is cooked with coconut cream, sugar and sometimes coconut meat.

Carigara's Pastillas Special (P150). The special pastillas of Carigara is made of pure carabao's milk. . Addicting.

Text and Photos by Anton Diaz. Copyright 2008.

PS. For Tacloban folks -- can you validate my price for Binagol, Moron and Sagmani? I forgot.

The Buzz About Froyo's

Good Morning, Manila!

David's Pure Frozen Yogurt from the Salcedo Market is generating a lot of buzz lately. After 4 weeks of continuous product sampling in the Salcedo Market, Froyo's is definitely a winner. Let me share with you a bit of trivia about it:

- These Froyos are flavored fresh yogurt. They are indeed made from 100% fresh yogurt. No Refined Sugar. Nothing Artificial. Just Fresh Yogurt and another flavor. Don't expect to get a plain yogurt flavor because it would be a bit sour. Most of the other frozen yogurt are made from powdered yogurt. My mom would love this!

- Yogurt is made from New Zealand Milk. According to David, New Zealand milk is the best source for the yogurt. He makes it fresh and it is the secret to his highly raved about Froyo's.

- My favorite flavors are Dutch Chocolate and Vanilla. The Dutch Chocolate is an adult flavor that gives an intense dark chocolate taste. (I think he uses champorado, don't you think?). Vanilla is a favorite because the taste is clean and refreshing. Aidan loves the vanilla flavor. The other flavors are Mango Blast (made with fresh mangoes), Mud Slide (coffee & chocolate with fudge & walnuts), Coffee and Coffee Strawberry.

- Froyo's is named after the popular American term for Frozen Yogurt. Why not name your product with how college students call Frozen Yogurt? It is indeed clever.

- David's healthy stuff is popular in a Waldorf school. The buzz is David sells healthy products in a Waldorf school. Every meal time, his stuff gets wiped out by the kids. When he decided to apply in Salcedo Market, the waiting list was long. The organizers gave him a break on the waiting list and asked him to bring his cart around the Salcedo Market to see how his product will go.

- David is opening a Dessert Bar in Arama, Serendra. Arama is the new name of Chcocolate de Batirol in Serendra (besides Larry's Bar). They got the first franchise and I'm excited that I can get my healthy dose of Froyo's in Serendra. I do hope they open next weekend.

- Froyo's are sold in 3 sizes. 140 gms single serving at P65 , a pint(475 gms) at P190 and 1/2 gallon (1.9 kilos) at P650. To order call Dave +63 918 614-7479 or Rob +63927-263-9198. They also sell Rice Cremes made from organic rice.

Related OAP Posts on Frozen Yogurt:
Cold Spoon Frozen Yogurt - The Next Dessert Craze in the Philippines!
Sorry Ice Cream, I'm On My Way to Pinkberry!
Red Mango-licious
I Love Berries Frozen Yogurt -- The Best Froyo so far in Manila...
Ice Cream Bar (Flavors by FIC)
Yogurbud
The White Hat - Let the Fro-Yo Wars Begin in Manila!
The Buzz About Froyo's
California Berry Frozen Yogurt
Lulubelle
After Lego Island, Enjoy Yoh-Gurt Froz!

Text and Photos by Anton Diaz. Copyright 2008.

The White Hat - Let the Fro-Yo Wars Begin in Manila!

You gotta try this! The White Hat is the closest frozen yogurt taste to Pink Berry. The yogurt is more on the creamy side with a tangy kick. This is the kind of frozen yogurt taste that started the fro-yo craze in the US.

They serve fresh fruit ingredients (finally!) unlike the Korean-owned yogurt establishments which include Cold Spoon in Clark and Yogurbud. What makes Pink Berry and Red Mango so unique is the assortment of ingredients. In White Hat, their signature ingredient is home-made cinnamon flavored granola. I would recommend that you combine the granola with any fresh fruit toppings.


Related OAP Posts on Frozen Yogurt:
Cold Spoon Frozen Yogurt - The Next Dessert Craze in the Philippines!
Sorry Ice Cream, I'm On My Way to Pinkberry!
Red Mango-licious
I Love Berries Frozen Yogurt -- The Best Froyo so far in Manila...
Ice Cream Bar (Flavors by FIC)
Yogurbud
The White Hat - Let the Fro-Yo Wars Begin in Manila!
The Buzz About Froyo's
California Berry Frozen Yogurt
Lulubelle
After Lego Island, Enjoy Yoh-Gurt Froz!

Check out the White Hat Menu

This one is super expensive. The small one (4oz) sells for P85 yogurt only while the large one (6oz) at P115. You would have to pay P35 for two toppings. Net, you would have to pay P140 just to indulge on this frozen yogurt treat. The Pink Berry and Red Mango in the US are expensive because their store is as big as a Starbucks cafe with bright funky colors. White Hat on the other hand is just located in a small booth in Mall of Asia.

Net, White Hat is recommended in terms of fro-yo taste, but it is expensive. It is definitely a healthier alternative than a Frapuccino from Starbucks.

Mamma Mia in Manila! 2009?

A Petition to bring the Smash Hit Musical Mamma Mia to Manila!

I just watched the movie Mamma Mia and enjoyed it, because of the songs and the wacky adaptation of the smash hit musical Mamma Mia on screen. Most of the Filipinos watching in the movie theaters were singing along the ABBA songs and having a great time. All of the people leaving the cinemas had a Last Song Syndrome of either Mamma Mia or Dancing Queen. Mamma Mia is a certified hit in Manila!

I watched the Mamma Mia musical live in Las Vegas in 2003. The live performance is 10x better than the movie. Just imagine bringing the live Broadway show Mamma Mia to Manila. This is the kind of show that would attract more Filipinos to watch and appreciate Broadway shows. Mamma Mia in Manila would be the greatest show ever played, in the tradition of Miss Saigon and Rent.

Why would Mamma Mia in Manila will be such a hit?

- We have so much talent here who can sing, dance and act as part of the cast of Mamma Mia Live.

- The sets of Mamma Mia are simple. We can even be more creative with the set.

- Manila has proven that it can successfully stage Rent, Miss Saigon, Avenue Q, and West Side Story.

- Filipinos love ABBA and any karaoke session is not complete without singing and gyrating to the song Dancing Queen.

- The target market of Broadway musical shows belong to the ABBA generation.

I do hope that Audie Gemora or Bobby Garcia will be able to get the rights for this show. I can't wait to see Mamma Mia in Manila.

Text and Photos by Anton Diaz. Copyright 2008.

About Diabetes - Why should we care about Diabetes?

First 100 Buyers of West Side Story Tickets from OAP get a FREE copy of the book "What You Should Know About Diabetes."

In celebration of the Diabetes Awareness Week (July 14-20, 2008) in the Philippines, Our Awesome Planet in cooperation with Ampalaya Plus will be giving out 100 copies of the book "What You Should Know About Diabetes". We will give out the book to the first 100 buyers of West Side Story Tickets from OAP.

The book is written by doctors from UP College of Medicine It is written in very simple and easy to understand English and Tagalog. The book is geared towards educating the patient and the caregiver (from the patients relatives to their househelp). The book also includes a sample meal plan that is easy to follow.

I personally know of some bloggers and food writers who are diabetic. I'm very concerned about this as well and I want to contribute to the awareness of this disease in the blogosphere. Maybe you also have some tips on how to battle this disease.

Why should we care about Diabetes?

• There is no denying that diabetes is a growing problem with an ever increasing number of diabetic being diagnosed of the condition at an alarmingly young age.

• There is no cure for diabetes. The best way to control diabetes is by changing one's lifestyle. The way we live plays a strong part in determining how early the condition sets in and how fast the condition progresses. Most doctors agree that the best approach to diabetes would be diet and exercise. Medication is prescribed when the blood sugar level remains uncontrollable or if the patient admits being unable to comply to the diet and regular exercise.
  
• There is a new label called Pre-Diabetic. This refers to those who are highly predisposed to diabetes either because of hereditary predisposition or because of the nature of their lifestyle (no execise, poor diet, stress, overweight, etc). Research shows that most Pre-Diabetic develop diabetes within 10-years from the time this condition is first recognized, UNLESS THE PATIENT SHIFTS TO A HEALTHIER LIFESTYLE.

• The Philippines is poised to join the ranks of the top 10 countries with the most number of diabetics.
  
  

For more information regarding the book please visit www.gonatural.com.ph or email ampalayaplus@gmail.com.

Our Awesome Planet in partnership with Ticket2Me invites you to the Saturday Opening Night of West Side Story Manila!
September 6, 2008,Opening Saturday Night 8pm at the Meralco Theater, Ortigas, Pasig

Buy Your West Side Story Tickets Now from OAP!

West Side Story Manila. Seat Plan: Reserve Your Best Seats Now!

Orchestra and Loge Center (1,200)
Orchestra and Loge Sides (P1,000)
Balcony Center (P 700)
Balcony Sides (P 500)
All Major Credit Cards accepted.

Email me: anton@diaz.ph or call me +63917-LOVEOAP (5683627) to order and pay via Bank Deposit

Tacloban City -- Top 10 Foodie Secrets of Tacloban (Part 2)

6. Ayo Cafe

I like the cozy and homy vibe of this cafe. They are famous for their Spanish-style bangus and orange ribs. One of the interesting displays inside the restaurant is Anjanette Cabansag's (the owner) collection of Coke stuff.

Ayo Cafe Menu
Entree, Salad, Omelets, Pasta, Main Meals, and Hot Coffee and Tea
Waffles, Desserts, Shakes and Smoothies, Fruit Juices, Lemon Lime, Nature Chillers, Coke and Pepsi, Beer

Spanish Style Bangus (P130). Brings back memories of the spanish style sardines I used to love when I was a child.

Assorted Cheese Wraps (P60). Simple with a nice presentation.

Anjanette Cabansag's Coca Cola Collection. I wonder if this is also part of Coke's campaign to paint the town red like in most sari-sari-store in the city.

Ayo Cafe
#5 JCO Arcade Apitong Road, Tacloban City
(+63 53) 325-4461

7. Guiseppe's Italian Restaurant

For 16 years, Guiseppe is the best italian restaurant in Tacloban. Joseph (Guiseppe in italian) Bonavitacola married a filipina and decided to establish a family in Tacloban. Taclobanons would go to Guiseppe for special occasions and celebrations. They are famous for their steaks and pizzas. For Manila tourists, people would come here if they don't know where else to eat in Tacloban. Guiseppe is to Tacloban as Sutokil is to Cebu. The food is really good but why would you want to eat in a Manila-style restaurant when you are in the province.

Antipasta, Pasta, and Beef | Pizza, Desserts, Shakes and Beverages | Seafood, Pork, Chicken, Vegetable and Filipino Specialty

Pizza All Toppings (P185) served on thin crunchy crust.

Steak with garlic and herbs

Joseph Bonavitacola's Guiseppe's Restaurant
173 Avenida Veteranos
Tacloban City, Leyte

Telephone: +63 53- 321-4910 or 327-0832
Mobile: +63 917 3060122
Email: jbona123@yahoo.com
www.giuseppesresto.com

8. Jose Karlos Cafe

Jose Karlos is the best and original Filipino designed cafe in the Philippines. This is better than any of the Filipino cafes I have seen (like Kape Isla, Bo's Coffee, etc.) in Metro Manila. Starbucks would look like an ordinary chain of coffee stores compared to Jose Karlos. I would like to commend the owner for a job well done with this cafe.

Jose Karlos Coffee Menu: Expresso, Brewed Coffee, Iced Expresso Beverage, Froccino, Chocolato, Tea, Fruit Chills, Pancakes and Waffle Special, Sandwiches.

It is nice to hang out here instead of Gloria Jeans or Bo's Coffee. In fact, the only edge of those other coffee shops is the free WIFI they offer. For Jose Karlos, I don't understand why they prefer to have an internet cafe and decided not to offer Free Wifi. Most local tourist these days are looking for FREE Wifi spot and I do hope they can offer this service.

The ambiance feels like you are just hanging out with your college friends at home.

Jose Karlos Cafe
in Front of Santo Nino Church

Tacloban City -- Top 10 Foodie Secrets of Tacloban (Part 1)

The foodie scene in Tacloban City is underrated. Most people think that Guiseppe Italian restaurant is the only exciting foodie place in the city. I was so excited to explore the different flavors of Tacloban. I'm planning to share it with people via a Food trip/ Heritage/ Sangyaw Festival Tour of Tacloban next year. In the meantime, let me share with you the top 10 foodie secrets of Tacloban.

1. Rafael Farms Garden Restaurant

Rafael Farms is a cross between Sonya's Garden in Tagaytay and The Farm @ San Benito. Named after the adopted son (or grandson) of entreprenuer Rene Tampi, Rafael Farms is my vote for the best restaurant in Tacloban City. Rene started with a restaurant in Tacloban called "Join Us". It is a favorite meat place in the city and popular for ready-to-cook food and supply of meat.

A set menu only costs P220 which gives you a choice of salad; a side dish of green rice, potato sticks or sweet corn; a main course of pork, chicken, fish or baby back ribs, dessert and drinks. In Manila, P220 is the average cost of one gourmet dish. Check out the rest of the menu @ Rafael Farms.

From the Sandwich Bar, Drinks, Desserts, Barista Specials
Rafael's Farm Special Treat (P220), From Grandma's Recipe Box, Noodles from East and West
Family Favorites: Cool and Light, Grilled Pork from our Barbecue Pit, Chicken, Seafoot, Marinated Steak.

You can conveniently visit San Juanico Bridge which is only approx. 20 minutes from the farm.

Rafael Farms
Brgy. Pagsulhugon, Babatngon,
LeyteTelephone: +63 915 9200325 or +63 53 -325 0729.website: www.rafaelfarm.com

Inside the main dining area, the ambiance is characterized by crocheted tablecloths, wooden/ garden chairs, seats covered with banig, and artwork-for-sale all around the dining area.


I would also recommend the big servings of Halo Halo ala Rafael Farms for merienda!

2. Rizal Avenue Barbecue Stalls and Aling Manang's Native Chicken.

If Bacolod is Manukan country, Tacloban is Barbecue country! Eating barbecue at night is an experience you shouldn't miss.

There are two recommended barbecue places to go. First, is the Baldevia Siblings's Barbecue stand along Rizal Avenue near the Tacloban Market. They use a special kind of marinate for their barbecue which is served with a special kind of vinegar. I have eaten in the RTR plaza, or the barbecue places near the bay, the Baldevia's barbecue stands out to be the best.

Second, I would recommend Manang's Native Chicken barbecue stand. You can see Manang's stall along Justice Romualdez at night. She serves a special kind of native chicken barbecue that only she can provide.

Don't miss to eat these Tacloban longganiza. It is sweeter and more meat than fat.

3. Ocho Seafood Grill
Cristina Gonzales would probably agree that this is the best fresh seafood restaurant place in Tacloban.

Eating baked scallops is one of the guilty treats when you visit Tacloban.

Ocho grill is a modern seafood paluto restaurant where you order from a fresh display of seafood and specify how you want it cooked.

Don't forget to order the fish skin chicharon that I've only seen in Ocho grill.

Ocho Seafood & Grill
Sen. Enage Street, Tacloban City
Telephone: +63 53 325-4171. 523-8808

The Dark Knight Premieres in IMAX SM Mall of Asia, Manila

BATMAN - The Dark Knight
premiered in IMAX SM Mall of Asia in Manila, Philippines last night.

It is brilliant, dark and disturbing.
It is definitely, a Christopher Nolan masterpiece.
We were emotionally involved with the fears and hopes of the citizen of Gotham.

I was scared of Joker. Heath Ledger's performance was no joke.
I'm torn between giving him a standing ovation for his performance or
Feeling angry with the way he terrorized the citizens of Gotham.

The IMAX screen brought Batman to life.
It was responsible for the fears and drama that the audience felt.
I felt like I'm a citizen of Gotham City.

Most of the cinematic and action scenes are filmed in the highest IMAX film resolution.
You can distinguish the IMAX 2D scenes where the pictures are taller than it is wide.
With this, you are engulfed by the emotions and drama of the entire scene.

The trailer was just a teaser.
If you love it, wait till you see the rest of the movie.
Bravo to the brilliant writer of The Dark Knight!

A lot of people died in the movie.
Heath Ledger died after shooting this movie.
It was neither a happy or sad ending.

Saying that this is "The Movie Event of the Year" is an understatement.
This is not for kids and I would not consider this a cartoon anymore.
Just watch it.

Text and Photos by Anton Diaz. Copyright 2008.

P.S. Reserve your tickets @ SM IMAX (+632) 556 IMAX (4629) / 5560242). P350.
The Dark Knight opens on July 17, 2008.
The best seats in Imax are the top rows M,N,P,Q and pick the center seats.