Angels and Demons was for me the best novel written by Dan Brown. Some may disagree with me but I actually preferred it over Dan Vinci Code. I finished the book in a day and could not stop reading till the end. This is the reason why I waited for the movie version with much excitement and vowed to watch on the first day it is shown locally.

Fortunately, I learned from co-bloggers that TV 5 was having an advance screening last friday and all I had to do to get the free ticket was post on plurk. Unfortunately the limit was reached when I logged in but I still tried my luck. To end the story, I qualified! However last friday was really a toxic day with some clients and commitments plus traffic from Buendia to greenbelt. The show was at 730pm and five mins prior I was still inside the car caught in a stop light. I didnt wait to reach greenbelt 3 instead I told my driver to drop me off in makati avenue and

I made a dash to the cinema and barely made it. It was a prequel to the thrilling movie ahead and boy was it one. Since it was ages ago since I read the novel, I really can’t remember all the details except for some places which made the movie more interesting for me as I have visited them all a couple of times in my past travels. I did not have dinner then so wanted to buy some sandwich but they said the movie will start exactly 730pm as the program was about to end so all I was able to grab was popcorn and water. I was glued to my seat from start to finish despite the fact that I really needed to rush to the ladies room

Robert Langdon’s quest to save the four most lkely successor to the Pope who were kidnapped. The Illuminati and anti-matter were the most talked about and written terms when the book came out. Related books regarding this secret society lined the bookshelves. When I went back home I looked for my book to check out the ending and found out as always, it was slightly different with some details left out.

I cannot reveal more information as it will be a spoiler for those who have not watched it. Nevertheless this action packed thriller must surely not be missed. Below is the teaser trailer of the movie.

Bookmark to:

Bebeth recommended Cafe Juanita when we had to bring Ruben, our balikbayan friend from Vienna,  out for dinner.  She was raving about the food to high heavens so despite the fact that it was located in Pasig, quite far from the south where I live, I agreed.  I always like to try to new stuff.

Apparently one needs to have a reservation in order to be assured of a table as it gets full at all times.  Upon entering, I marveled at the eclectic decor of the place.  There were lots of antique teacups with matching saucers hanging from the walls, crocheted table linens, mish mashed designed wall coverings and hanging lanterns each with a different type of bell supposedly to call the waiter.

Bebeth recommended the Pinoy Ratotoy (ratatouille), the bagnet served with  a salad of fresh tomatoes, and bagoong.  I ordered the crispy hito with green mangoes and had to ask their recommendation of a fish dish as I do not eat meat.  Of course they mentioned that the most popular is the Crispy Lapu lapu which is the most expensive in the menu at almost 600 pesos. 

Continue reading this post…

Bookmark to:

I heard about this restaurant from my classmate in Ayurveda class. He said its the newest place in town and the food “kinda ok”. He said it is quite pricey but he didnt pay

I keep passing the place even when it was being constructed but never thought of trying it as I knew it is expensive. One day last week, I was sick and tired of the usual places in greenbelt and wanted to experience the food.

However I had to check the menu first as I don’t eat meat. The receptionist recommended the Laing Pasta, one of their speciality.

Since I was hungry, I also ordered a clear soup and the artichoke dip.  The soup was great as well as the dip although it was on the oily side unlike the one served in Italiannis which was just right.

Since I took soup plus the dip, by the time my pasta arrived I was almost full so was not able to finish it.  Actually I would have tried to but the waiter kept trying to clear my table.

That was one thing that really irritated me with this restaurant.  The ambiance was good as well as the food but perhaps they thought they were doing right but they should always ask if I want my plates cleared.

Since it was the nth time the waiter asked and due to exasperation I just allowed him to get my plate.  I don’t think I will come back unless I am invited by friends.  I didnt like my experience with the waiters.  Lack of training.

Bookmark to:

Whenever my good friend Maritess Cancio-Suplico and I will go out for lunch after the regular mass in their Goodwill Building, we almost always end up at Cucina Victoria at Power Plant Mall in Rockwell.

The woman behind the success of Cucina Victoria is Vicky Pimentel whose natural flair for concocting sumptuous meals at home became the starting point of her future career in the restaurant business.

Vicky Pimentel with Maritess Cancio-Suplico

Everything started when she thought of preparing  bottled pasta sauces to participate in a bazaar. She brought with her a  hundred bottles with a  variety of sauces, all of which were immediately wiped-out in a day, leaving almost nothing at the end of the second bazaar day.

Orders started pouring in and in no time, Vicky found herself cooking full-time.

Inspired by this success, she and her business partner — Manolet Lagdameo — decided to go into the restaurant business with all of Vicky’s sauces to lead the way and the rest is history.
Cucina Victoria captures a mixture of Italian and other internationally inspired dishes.  These were all adjusted to suit the discriminating Asian Filipino taste.

Some of the choices that have secured the nod of food critics, are their  Bruschetta, Funghi al’erbe, Capellini Giaponese, Oriental Salad, Clam Chowder, Lentejas, Gambas, and Beef Salpicao.

Some of their delectable Desserts include,  Double Temptation, Apple Pie A La Mode, and Natilla.

Quesong puti with sun dried tomatoes on Open faced pandesal

Salmon with Asparagus on Angel Hair Pasta

Cucina Victoria at the Power Plant Mall evokes a very homey atmosphere with photos of regular clients adorning its wall. The cozy Mediterranean inspired atmosphere, splashed with the colors of citrus  and azure, is surely a breather from the usual  corporate surroundings and welcomes guests into a colorful and lively kitchen.

Bookmark to:

Last night, my friend Mia from Indonesia arrived with two of her friends. They, like me, are all going to attend next weeks Wellness Summit organized by Spa Asia. They arrived earlier so they will be able to learn the now world famous Hilot. I was able to find them a good trainor who can give them a crash course in a few days.

I brought them to Greenbelt 2 at Masas restaurant since it’s the only place serving authentic filipino food late last night.

Continue reading this post…

Bookmark to: