The BEST only available at the BEST! 🙂
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The BEST only available at the BEST! 🙂
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We organized a visit to Grace who recently was diagnosed with stomach cancer.  I realized that I have known Grace for so long since we were still working at Rustan’s and recently she joined us again with Mom.  Grace helps us with our papers and our food and  she has been very patient with me in the office.  She would even offer her food to me when I did not have enough.  Then one day she just told me she had to go see the doctor….then I did not see her anymore till I heard the news.
So I made it a point to come over to see her and many many others who love her came and joined! We drove quite far to see her and it was worth it, she was crying when we arrived and she had lost much weight
We celebrated the Holy Mass at her parish, San Lorenzo Ruiz Parish Church in Taytay RizalÂ
and apparently Grace is very active in her parish, three priests even said the mass for herÂ
And we had a small gathering after with some foodÂ
Luzanne, Grace and Des all worked together in the Men’s department of Rustan’s at one point. Â Des was the boss of Luzanne and Grace reported to Luzanne. Â Luzanne and Des also have cancer ( breast ). Â Des and Luzanne started a pot to help Grace with her treatments and was able to raise enough for one treatment and working on a second one. Â We love all three of you!!
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Rustan’s group againÂ
And we received a beautiful message from Grace. Â WE LOVE YOU GRACE! KEEP STRONG!Â
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Visit the new Silver Vault Boutique inÂ
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We got to try Raku which is right beside XO 46. Â Both places are owned by the same couple, Andrew and Sandee Masigan
Previous entry: Â XO 46 September 5, 2011Â
I am not really a Ramen person but James is. Â So he had the Ramen and I had the hotdog which I thought was something unique and Chef CK said that it was inspired by the popular Japadog from Vancouver! Â
The place was full for lunch! Thank you again to Chef CK Kalaw for hosting our lunch. Â Small world since I found out CK is the bestfriend of my cousin, Robbie! Â And that the owner Sandee Masigan is the food stylist for SansRival magazine of Rustan’s Supermarket. Â More power to Chef CK and Andrew and Sandee!!
Hokkaido is the largest and northernmost of Japan’s 47 prefectural-level subdivisions. It is bordered by the Sea of Japan, the Sea of Okhotsk and the Pacific Ocean. A popular vacation destination for the Japanese because of its cool climates, Hokkaido was the host of the 1972 Winter Olympics, which took place in its capital, Sapporo. Its clear bodies of water, snow-capped mountains and pastoral beauty lend Hokkaido a stunning and serene enigma.
Sapporo was the birthplace of miso ramen. The incorporation of miso in the soup gives the broth a fuller, earthier flavor, in addition to certain nutritional values thanks to its high levels of vitamins and minerals. According to Andrew Masigan, the entrepreneur behind Advent Manila restaurants, “The secret to good ramen is in the broth.” Assimilating the fermented miso into the soup provides a comforting, filling and flavorful experience.
Andrew would know. As a former recipient of the Monbukagakusho (formerly Monbusho) Scholarship, Andrew studied at Japan’s exclusive Sophia University, famous for educating such greats as Morihiro Hosokawa, Japan’s 79th Prime Minister; the late Hisashi Inoue, award-winning playwright and author; and George Takei of Star Trek fame. In spite of the prestige of his academic institution, Andrew found himself staying with a family that was not well-off. The host family’s house was literally just a place to sleep; Andrew had to find work for his own spending money during his semester-long sojourn. He found himself apprenticed at a ramen house. His food & beverage entrepreneurial skills awoke during this time; he handled virtually every single job in the little ramen house. A love for authentic Japanese ramen awoke in Andrew and it was just a matter of time before the consummate businessman began his own ramen house.
As a purist in life and work ethic, it is not surprising therefore that Andrew as chosen Hokkaido ramen as his inspiration for the culinary fare at his little Japanese restaurant, Raku. Nestled comfortably in the heart of Manila’s Central Business District, “raku” is literally translated into “sense of bliss” or “happiness and contentment.” The food served at Raku strives to commit to this promise – to have its patrons leave happy, contented, fulfilled and blissfully sated. Hokkaido food was a no-brainer for Andrew; as the center of agriculture of Japan, its popular products are Kobe and Wagyu beef. Since the cows are treated with so much care and concern, the meat and dairy products that come from Hokkaido serve as the perfect foundation for Raku’s heartening gastronomy. Says Andrew, “Filipinos are more familiar with Shoyu ramen (literally, soy-based broth). The Japanese however typically prefer thicker and more substantial sauces, or the types made with miso.” As we know, miso ramen originated in Sapporo, Hokkaido’s capital.Â
Keeping with his promise of faithfulness to original Hokkaido cuisine, Andrew has infused Raku’s menu with many ramen choices – not just miso ramen, although he will admit that this variation is his favorite. Raku has variations of the four basic ramen flavors: Shoyu (soy-based), Shio (salt), Tonkatsu (pork broth) and, of course, miso. Served with characteristic Japanese minimalism on beautiful pottery imported straight from the inscrutable country, Raku is easily an authority on Japanese noodle preparation. However, it is worthy to note that you will be surprised – the different noodle dishes bring consumers to a unique noodle experience. Executed flawlessly by Andrew’s nephew and Executive Chef CK Kalaw, who trained at Le Cordon Bleu in Australia, Raku’s noodles have a playful and distinct touch while still maintaining the soothing and familiar flavors.Â
Back to the playfulness of the cuisine: Andrew’s gyoza is just as light-hearted as the ramen. The gyoza festival at Raku brings in cheerful gratification with its innumerable choices all revolving around basic flavors of pork, chicken, shrimp, scallop and salmon. Interesting aftertastes transport the enthusiast to the agricultural serenity of Hokkaido, lingering on your palette like the unruffled composure of the scenery. Nevertheless, there is an underlying light-heartedness to the gyoza, from the fused variations to the more classic types. Take for instance the scallop gyoza, which imports its ingredients straight from Japan. Although the first bite is typical, the true flavors abound once you swallow, releasing memories of woodcuts, mountains and chilly peaceful lakes. The same holds for the more playful scallop curry kyo, whose curry mayonnaise provide an interesting twist on a long-beloved flavor. The shrimp gyoza is clean and refreshing, whereas the kabeyaki gyoza’s bonito flakes remind one of the seas that surround Hokkaido and the icy beauty that made it an obvious choice for the Winter Olympics.Â
A definite must-try is the various udon (noodles made of white rice flour) dishes. From the Hamaguri Udon, a delightful baby clam-and-Hondashi-sauce fare, to the Ebi Remon, a fresh shrimp in lemon bonito oil that impeccably combines a zesty acidity and a subtle saltiness, the noodle selection at Raku does not disappoint. Andrew explains further why he decided to begin a ramen house. He recalls his semester away with respect for the hard work of the Japanese: “The Japanese would have a quick meal of ramen, gyoza and beer (after work). Then they would go somewhere else to drink. Then to sober up, they would go back to the ramen house (before going home).” This same routine is what Andrew strives to develop in his beloved Philippines. The respect for the Japanese culture even goes as far as the dĂ©cor: a gifted photographer, Andrew adorned Raku with beautiful images of Japanese scenes, including an arresting and mysterious geisha with her distinctive snow-white makeup and cherry-blossom lips.Â
 Andrew Masigan is the moving force behind Advent Manila. A political enthusiast and an excellent writer, Andrew is at times quiet and reserved; at others, effervescent and interesting. Andrew himself is a play on opposites: he is a classy gentleman on the exterior, with a mischievous boyishness on the interior. This same spirit extends to Raku, which provides its consumers with comforting and legitimate Hokkaido cuisine in a typical Japanese setting, but surprises them with a playful and impish after taste – much like Andrew himself. All in all, the effect really does lend a sense of blissful happiness and contentment.Â
Raku is located at the ground floor of Le Grand Condominium, 130 Valero Street in Salcedo Village, Makati City. For delivery and take-out, call 553-6632. XO46 Bistro is a member of the Advent Manila Restaurant Group.
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My friend, owner of b+b studio, Carmen Jimenez Ong, is reminding me not to forget to exercise after all the eating that we do!  🙂  So here is the latest from her studio
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Redcord was founded in norway in 1991 (20 years ago) as an answer to a man’s search for personal rehabilitation and recovery from back pain. Â As a former gymnast and builder, he created a method for building core and peripheral strength, and used equipment that one could use not only in the gym, but also in his own home and bring during travels as well. Â (redcord is the father of all suspension systems and is what TRX (est 2004) has based its system upon.) You may want to reserve a slot in the introductory workshop, since that is open to b+b clients.
Great performance by Tito RJ, my cousin Bea and Michael Chan!!Â
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Michael Chan with RJ Jacinto
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 Many friends and family were there to watch and enjoy the evening
More photos from Philippine Star article by Tita Frannie Jacinto
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=724555&publicationSubCategoryId=83
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The Lobby celebrates its 35th birthday tomorrow, September 14, 2011 by offering the iconic Halo Halo Harana and Grilled Schueblig at P35.00 each – one peso for every year The Peninsula Manila has been in operation.
The September 14, 2011 Lobby promotion will be strictly on a no-reservations and first-come/first-serve basis. Added conditions to the promotion: 10% service charge and applicable government taxes will be added to the final bill; beverages and other menu items aside from Halo Halo Harana and Grilled Schueblig will be at regular prices; transactions will not accept marketing tie-up discounts; there will be no take-out; both items must be ordered and consumed at The Lobby, and orders will not be shared.
This is a half-day only promotion – September 14, 2011, from 12:00 noon to 12:00 midnight.
For inquiries or restaurant reservations, please call The Peninsula Manila at (63 2) 887 2888, extensions 6694 (Restaurant Reservations), e-mail diningpmn@peninsula.com or visit peninsula.com.
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Ever wonder why there are certain women who are so comfortable in their own skin that they move around with such poise and command such power. For these women, the secret behind their pristine confidence lies underneath – the perfect lingerie that fits them like second skin.Â
Intimately feminine, Marks and Spencer offers a wide range of lingerie from the Limited Collection. Fun, fashionable and contemporary, the collection comes in the latest prints and fabrics, and in a selection of colors and style to match more body shapes.
The ideal choice for everyday wear, Marks and Spencer’s strappy vests is the perfect style. Made of natural cotton, women can choose from an assortment in the season’s colors. Women can now look forward to mixing and matching these vests to create the right outfit.Â
At Marks and Spencer, discovering that perfect and natural support is possible. Women can find the ideal bra that is perfect for all their needs. For everyday wear, they can try the T-Shirt Bra in non-wired or under wired form. Seam-free and with molded cups, this bra gives smooth lines and great shape under her clothes.Â
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For women who give priority to fitness, the Sports Bra is the ideal choice for their active lifestyle. Giving firm and gentle support for different impact activities such as yoga, cross training, tennis and running, women will be amazed how the bra minimizes bounce and movement.
A basic essential, the Strapless Bra can be worn in five different ways: conventional, halter neck, strapless, one shoulder and cross back. Made for a flattering fit, secure support and great flexibility, women can be worry-free about not having the proper bra for any her outfits. Flatter Me Bra answers the problem of those who are sensitive to silicones found in most strapless bra. This is the new innovative bra shape that has deeper wing shape and additional boning that eliminates the unsightly bulging on the sides of the bra. The deep plunge shape gives great added push-up shape.Â
Get set for sensational cleavage with the Amazing Add 2 Cup Size Push-Up Bra. Using super light form which weigh in at half the weight of traditional gel pads, women can create the illusion of adding two cup sizes to their natural cleavage.Â
Marks and Spencer also introduces its new and improved Shapewear pieces with 34% Lycra fibre for outstanding zoned shaping power to control you curves and create a smooth silhouette. Much lighter, softer, and easier to get on, this no side seams shapewear will appear invisible under clothing. Women can choose from their four shapewears – Body Define Waist and Thigh Cincher, Body Define High Leg, Body Define Thigh Slimmer, and Body Define Waist Cincher.Â
Add a pop of color with a drawer full of everyday cotton rich knickers in pretty prints and colors. Designed with added stretch for comfort and shape retention, women can choose from the printed multipack, plain multipack and Bonded No VPL Knickers in various styles such as garter string, garter bikini, bikini, Brazilian, shorts, high leg, midi and full briefs to suit your every mood.Â
With Marks and Spencer’s stylish lingerie, the secret for a woman’s long-lasting confidence is found.Â
Marks & Spencer is exclusively distributed by Rustan Marketing Specialists, Inc. and is available at Shangri-La Plaza Mall, Glorietta 4, Alabang Town Center, Greenbelt 5, SM Megamall A, Robinson’s Place Manila, Power Plant Mall, Ayala Center Cebu, SM City Pampanga, Gateway Mall, SM City North Edsa, Robinson’s Galleria East Wing, SM Mall of Asia, TriNoma Mall, Marquee Mall Pampanga, Paseo de Sta. Rosa Outlet Store, Limketkai Center in Cagayan de Oro, and Eastwood Mall.
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