"Mang Inasal"

We Filipinos love food, period.

We like to experiment on our mixes & sauces. Condiments complete our meal, just like eating while one foot is elevated onto another chair or eating with our bare hands.

Mang Inasal has captured majority of the Filipino market who loves pinoy casual dining. They were able to give that nostalgia, in a good way. I personally love their chicken marinade, steamed rice, ensaladang talong, saging con yelo, etc.

Scrumptious food, homey ambiance, both thumbs up!

One common denominator to all of their branches that I have dined in though is the not-so-pleasant services of their crew.

They don’t usually smile, nor pay attention to their customers’ needs. But, dining several months back, there was this one guy, in Mang Inasal Avenida branch, - new entry I believe as he wasn’t wearing a uniform that time, just plain white polo shirt & black pants, his name is Razon Enriquez, if I remember it correctly. Among all of the Mang Inasal crew I’ve encountered, he was the most dutiful & cordial.

I asked his name & he tensely asked why. I smiled then assured him I liked the way he treats his customers & pinned his name for credits on their message board. I really hope he was given due merits by Mang Inasal management.

Bottomline, will I go back again to Mang Inasal? I have been back & am a regular customer of Mang Inasal. I like their food. It would be a bonus though if their crew smiles a little, that would go a looong way.

Check Mang Inasal Menu here

"BPI Banking Experience"

My on-the-side job, commonly known as “raket” requires me to transact with banks & other financial institutions – cash withdrawal, deposit & payment. Among all these, it is with BPI & BDO that I take pride in dealing with.

BDO’s extended banking hours are really valuable for the working class market while BPI’s automated teller system is really such a breather. Maybe intimidating at first especially for a layman like me, but, nah, once you’ve laid your finger on the screen, everything glides smoothly. Most of all, it is in fact, the fastest bank transactions I have had. And my bonus point – the tellers in Shaw-Araullo Mandaluyong branch are actually pleasant – they seem to look forward in seeing their clients again. Thumbs up! Happy client here.  

Find a BPI branch near you!

"Princess for a day"

“Princess for a day”

In an isolated humble abode in an exceptionally remote terrain, I was invited to spend the rest of my weekend in. It was my childhood friend who amiably requested me to join her with the rest of her folks. She now lives in the US with a loving husband and a cute son. They were on a vacation. 

We haven’t seen each other for roughly 13 years, so I was more than thrilled to say yes! But then again, I thought, how will I get myself up there? 

Atimonan, Quezon is unquestionably a very far place. Heck, it’s a round about 5-hour ride by land, so the idea of proceeding made me have second, third, and even fourth thoughts. It saddened me, it was an exceptional chance to see them. 

Then here came a message from her brother, my then not-so-closed pal , who used to be a snob. He’ll fetch me. Wow, atypical opportunity, and who am I to refuse? 

Together we brought ourselves to the bus station, it was a long, long, never-ending way. After a little chit-chat and a bulk of silence moments, we were at the Lucena, Quezon Terminal. One more bus ride then we are almost there. More or less than one hour of roving the ravine-filled road passed by, we’re at the bayan, at long last! After giving him the nth-time “are we there yet” look, he uncomplainingly answered with “isang tricycle na lang”. 

We bunged at this gorgeous white beach house after passing through several modest dwellings along the rough provincial road, it was an oasis in the desert. Yes, it was indeed distant, but it was not at all as humbly secluded as I expected it to be. 

As I came into the complex, I was greeted by the calming ocean breeze together with my friend and her relatives who were joyfully playing tong-its in an incredibly romantic beach deck donned with a massive Talisay tree that gives an ample amount of shade, accessorized by a lovely hammock. Then I smilingly contemplated, it was after all, worth it. 

Chow time! I was presented with sumptuous helpings of food. I was fully stuffed. Lots of rest and conversations helped us digest what we indulged in a while ago. 

Dusk approached, with numbers of my friend’s relatives, in front of a television, on a cozy veranda, we were joined by San Miguel Pale Pilsen plus green mango, peanuts, and crabs which my friend’s bro made himay for pulutan! Calories and carbs were placed into oblivion but the night was definitely to remember! 

I got up at quarter before six in the morning, the exhilarating thoughts of the passionate beach view somehow helped me woke up that early. I welcomed the morning with a quick trip to the bathroom and headed straight to the beach porch,… to find out that the cool zephyr and the amazingly stunning sunrise were patiently waiting…

"Madayaw ang Dabaw"

“The Land of Promise” is Davao’s tag. This is probably the reason why I have been dreaming to set my foot on this (then) elusive destination. Until call of duty approached. I knew there won’t be time for play, but the thought of going thrilled me just the same.

We stayed at Grand Men Seng Hotel. Generally, they’re ok.

 The 4-day visit to Davao was an activity-packed itinerary. We were busy bees, but as they say, give people with sumptuous servings of food and everything would be perfect! My 2 officemates who are both locals toured us around.

First stop which became our mtg. place was Blugre Café. Most of us ordered their must-try durian coffee. It was nothing I’ve had before. Surprisingly palatable!

Our dinner was the best part, so far, I must say. It was in an irresistible buffet restaurant called Let’s Crab Eat! Whoa! Crabs!!! Pig-out time, yay! We literally stayed until closing time. To all the staff of Let’s Crab Eat, thanks for letting us linger for a while... A while?!... Hehe.

We had lunch at Luz Kinilaw the next day. It was an old style, modest eatery with authentic Davaoeño cuisine, and this is where known personalities dine, I was told. Their kinilaw is served fresh raw. Refreshing, indeed! Oh, and not to forget, their huge chunk of grilled tuna, ‘twas heaven!

We had to cross the street by foot to our next food stop came night time. My office mate kept on hugging every post every time we are about to cross the street. Then she showed me this push button post. Apparently, pedestrians may press this to give signals to drivers. I had to give it a try. Cool!  

  

The following day was the convention proper. The booths’ concept were Kadayawan Festival, so the season’s harvest like fruits, flowers & grains were overflowing. Our fruits on display were constantly waving at us so we had to give in & finally gave them a try.

Davao’s santol & suha are simply amazing. Their suha were oh so juicy & sweet! That’s why it became our midnight snack the night before & breakfast later on. Yumm!

The activity was in fact tiring but positively creditable.

Our reward? Let’s Crab Eat, the repeat! As expected, our group was the last to leave. 

Have you heard death by crab? This could be it!

  

Davao, you are truly promising. See you again!

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