I love Filipino dishes, it's my favorite since I was a child.  Yes, if you're one of those wondering what BENCH Cafe serves, it's all proudly Filipino food.  I cannot think of other local brands that carries Filipino pride like Bench.  I grew up knowing this Pinoy brand through Richard Gomez' TV Commercial back in the 80s. 

Recently, Bench innovated from clothing to a dining concept restaurant called Bench Cafe.  It celebrates its first anniversary at the Bench flagship store in BGC and at the same time launched its second branch in Greenbelt 3.  I was invited to its launch to celebrate their milestone as well as to enjoy a gastronomic experience!  Indeed it was a pleasure being there to taste most of what's in their menu.
First impression of the cafe, sophisticated yet inviting interiors but at the same time casual.  You know it's local but presentation is global.  Ambiance is pretty busy, fun, a place for great conversations among family and friends.  Overall, I like the concept of the restaurant.

Sophisticated yet welcoming interior

#LiveLifeWithFlavor Bench Cafe's overall thrust.  Follow this hashtag for more stories

Here's what I had:
My favorites are the following:

• Bagnet Kare-Kare with Bagoong Rice - It had just the perfect taste of peanut sauce which mixes well with the crisp veggies.  I love that the bagoong we usually pair with Kare-Kare is already cooked with the rice.  It's like a fusion of Filipino and Thai cusine.  I am quite biased to Kare-Kare being my favorite Filipino food since I was younger.
• Pancit Sisig - I've never tasted Sisig the way I tasted it in Bench Cafe.  Surprisingly, it tastes good on pancit!  The flavorful sisig blends well with the humble noodles which is a great alternative to the usual rice.
• Sugpo sa Talangka - I loved this dish!  I wanted more actually!  Please if you have high blood, don't unless you are a risk-taker.  But this dish is deadly delicious and tasty!  Imagine sugpo with talangka?  Ugh!  To die for!
• Turon - I've always loved banana fritters, and this one comes with langka in it.  It's a dessert so expect it to be sweet!  I love that the banana was cooked well with the melted brown sugar glazed perfectly over it.
• Ube Halo Halo - I like this better than its white counterpart.  I tasted and finished the white halo halo, but I like this better because it's different.  One can really taste real deal ube in it.

I can't wait to go back to also try other dishes they recommended such as Sisig Lettuce Cups with Calamansi Foam, the Crispy Lumpia Cones with Tinapa Mousse and Salsa, the Tsoknut Ice Cream Sandwich, and lastly another favorite of mine, Flan B (leche flan with macapuno).

The successful Bench Cafe culinary venture is a partnership between FOODEE Global Concepts and Suyen Corporation.   Bench cafe is located at the second floor of the Bench flagship store at 9th Ave. cor. Lane O BHS, BGC, and second floor of Greenbelt 3 Ayala Center.  For more information and updates, follow Bench Cafe on Facebook and Instagram @benchcafeph.  #LiveLifeWithFlavor

Ever since I became a stay at home mom, I cook a lot more.  It was also the time that I realized how important your cookwares are if you prepare and cook food for your loved ones.  To be honest, months into cooking more often, I wanted to throw everything I owned - the non-stick pans, and the old pans and pots.  I've always been looking for a cooking partner that will last for years and yet won't look old nor ugly, such as the Luminarc glass cookware my mom handed down to me, which my husband accidentally broke into pieces a few months ago.
WHAT?  Not only it had a sentimental value to me, it's the most durable piece of cookware I had.  So I went searching for Luminarc glass cookware (because believe me, the cookware my mom had lasted for years) and praise God, I received one last month!  Just in time for the holidays!

I road-tested it for weeks and I am happy to tell you that my chef-mom heart is beaming with joy and satisfaction for !  One, I am ecstatic that my broken Luminarc now has a replacement.  Two, because I know this is definitely something that would not leave me disappointment in the kitchen department for years to come.  Just like how a Luminarc didn't disappoint my mom.

Here are some of the reasons why I am raving about the Luminarc Vitro Blooming Casserole.

1. It's Versatile - The Luminarc Vitro Blooming may be used on top of any direct heat source.  Because of its unique high thermal resistance properties, it's suitable for use on the following:

• Gas stoves
• Electric stoves
• Induction stoves
• Oven
• Halogen
• Ceramic
• Microwave

2.  It's highly heat resistant.  it can withstand temperatures from -40C to 800C and tolerate fluctuations in temperature (up to 380C), which means it can be transferred directly from freezer to oven or direct flame for reheating, thus saving precious time and energy.  In fact this material was even used by N.A.S.A during the design of the external ties of the space shuttle.  Imagine the heat coming from a space ship!

3.  It's easy to clean and store.  Easy to clean and dishwasher safe, it fits modern lifestyles making it a perfect addition to small and large kitchens.  What I personally love about this is that because it's made of glass, left-over food or burnt foods could easily be removed.  I also didn't need to be extra concerned about scrubbing it fearing some layers or coats might be scraped off and make the pan/casserole less useful or less functional, unlike other cookware materials.

4.  It's Durable.  Luminarc Vitro is made of Vitro-ceramic material which guarantees exceptional thermal, mechanical and chemical reisistant.  Having tested or used in N.A.S.A. also says a lot about this casseroles durability.  Plus like what I've shared, my previous Luminarc cookware stood the test of time!

5. It's practical and convenient.  Instead of separate cookware to boil, stew, steam, fry, roast and grill, Luminarc Vitro does it all, which can go from the freezer to the fire and directly to the table. Ideal for those who do not want the hassle of  dishing food from cookware to serving ware, saving you time and less dishes to wash up later.  Us moms, we don't have the luxury of time and extra energy, so anything more convenient to do and use, we instantly fall in love with.  I am sure, like me you'll love the convenience of having the casserole too!

5.  I'ts environmentally safe.  It's 100% Hygienic / Non Porous.  Luminarc Vitro is produced with the latest technology and made from pure and natural materials with extremely fine pores, anti-bacterial, odor and stain free, making your food 100% safe and hygienic for consumption.

6.  New and Improved Design VITRO Blooming is inspired by French morning blooming rosebushes (water drop on flower) with a newly improved lid & bigger ears which allows you to hold it easily. With the lid that fits inside the rim, you will not have to face with problems of spilling when cooking. The improved rim design also prevents soup from spilling when pouring.

7.  Availability and Sizes.  The Luminarc Vitro Casseroles are available in selected SM, Robinsons, Metro Gaisano, Landmark, Gaisano Malls, Lazada, Shopee and other leading department stores nationwide.  It's also available in different sizes, from 1L, 1.5L, 2L, 3L, and 5L cassesroles.  Also available 1.5 saucepan.  There are also 2 designs or colors, Amber (the one I have) and White.  Both have the same durability and heat resistance.

I really love the Luminarc because of these qualities and I've been using it for weeks as you've seen in my IG stories. 

Some tips on handling or making the Vitro Blooming Casserole last for years:

1. It's still breakable because it's glass so to avoid unwanted breakage, use a potholder when cooking and handling the casserole and its cover.
2. Clean right away after use.
3. Store in a safe place away from small children.

For more information, visit http://www.luminarc.com or like them of Facebook.

Surprisingly, it's not a well-known fact especially in our country that potatoes can be a great source of nutrition for moms-to-be.  I guess it has something to do with its trait as a starchy carbohydrate which women who are body-conscious eliminate from their diet.  But did you know that potatoes are rich in Potassium and Folate?
I've been a mom three times and all my pregnancies had been healthy.  My last pregnancy came as a pleasant surprise to me and my husband.  I found out about my bun in the oven when I was about to end my first trimester.  OH MY!  Had I known right from the beginning that I was expecting, I would have seen my doctor immediately to properly care for my most delicate pregnancy phase, took multivitamins especially rich in folate, and ate healthier.  But you see on the other side, even without knowing I was pregnant that time, my baby inside was at his tip top shape.  I recalled what I had been doing and eating during my first trimester that made the baby healthy and normal even without artificial sources of vitamins and minerals.  I lightly exercised and ate a lot of foods with potatoes in it.  POTATOES helped me get through my first trimester smoothly.

WHY ARE POTATOES GOOD FOR MOMS TO BE?
I remember during my last pregnancy, I was always happy.  I felt energized.  I felt strong.  I wasn't sickly.  Lastly, I was eating a lot!  I lot of vegetables and fruits but more of potatoes, and occasional servings of my favorite sweet cravings.  I had a healthy pregnancy.
But what made that last pregnancy memorable and special, was not knowing I was pregnant during my first trimester.  Like what I shared earlier, I gave in to my cravings for mashed potatoes, potato cream soup, nilagang baka with potatoes, potato salads, and steamed potatoes.  And upon consulting my doctor, she said that it's good that I included potatoes in my diet because that's what helped me get through with my trimester without any complications nor what most mothers fear - miscarriage.

So why are potatoes super food for moms-to-be?  I'll tell you what my nutritionist friend told me.

FOLATE - Potatoes are high in folate, which is important in pregnancy for normal fetal brain and spinal cord development. Folate is needed for the development of DNA and other genetic material. As the baby grows, he or she will gain energy in the womb through glucose. This may explain why blood sugar levels may drop and cravings for starchy food begin.  So this explains why I had potato cravings during my early pregnancy stage. 

POTASSIUM - Having potassium in a pregnant woman's diet could help avoid horrible leg cramps at night.  Did you know that although a banana is one good source of potassium, still the best source of potassium is the potato?  I was also surprised to know this.  Plus eating potatoes help avoid fatigue and constipation.  This explains why I was always feeling happy and energized during my pregnancy. 

NO FAT, SODIUM OR CHOLESTEROL - These are three things moms on the way need to lessen in their pregnancy diet. 

VITAMIN C, B6, IRON, and FIBER - these help in digestion, lower blood cholesterol, increase immunity from common colds and cough (which I really prayed wouldn't have throughout my pregnancy).  Iron is good for the blood, that's why doctors give pregnant women iron supplements to aid in having a healthy pregnancy.  All these are present in potatoes which make it a super food for moms-to-be.

HOW HEALTHY POTATOES SHOULD BE COOKED  OR SERVED?
Sure we may crave for fries or hash browns because after all these are made from potatoes right?  But there are healthier ways to serve or eat potatoes.  When expecting or praying to conceive, opt for potatoes which are boiled or steamed. Limit fried (such as the case of potato chips, fries, potato balls, and hash browns).  And when choosing steamed or boiled potatoes, don't smother it with dripping cheese or putting too much butter and salt in it.

Everything has to be in moderation. Over consumption could result to health issues.  Remember, to also add other vegetables and even fruits to pregnancy diet.  Choose fruits rich in vitamin content than sugar.  Eat your recommended amount of protein from meats too.  Potatoes also are good sources of protein which expecting moms also need.   So just remember to always eat right and make sure diet is balanced.  Remember that your choice of lifestyle and dietary choices will have a great impact on the health of the baby.  So eat right, especially during the first trimester of pregnancy.  Add potatoes to your diet, you won't go wrong with potatoes.  To also be safe, plan your pregnancy diet with your doctor or nutritionist.

POTATO RECIPE I LOVE: MASHED POTATO
As shared earlier, I craved a lot for mashed potatoes or baked potatoes during the unknown first trimester of my last pregnancy, so I am sharing with you the simple recipe that helped me have a healthy pregnancy producing a normal and healthy baby boy (who is now 2.5yo by the way).

1. Peel and cut 8 medium-sized US Potatoes.  
2. Put the potatoes in a large pan, add enough water and bring to a boil for 15-20 mins.  
3. Drain water and put on low fire.  
4. Mash the potatoes.
5. Add 2 tablespoons of butter, salt, pepper, and ¼ cup milk.  Mix all ingredients.  
6. Make sure there are no lumps and the mashed potato is creamy.
7. Serve with a smile.

There you have it loves. just make sure to overall increase your veggie intake in general, and take a good long look at how potatoes can help your nutritional needs. Potatoes could be the answer to the nutrient gaps so many women are experiencing, this is whether you are expecting or not. 

So go grab a potato today.  Make sure to get high quality US Potatoes to ensure you get the best nutrition you and your baby would need!  Purchase US Potatoes at from major supermarkets and groceries nationwide. For more information on US potatoes, you can get in touch with the local Potatoes USA-Philippines office at +632.534.8534 and info@synergyasia.biz. You may also
visit www.potatogoodness.com or like and follow Potatoes USA-Philippines on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/PotatoesUSAPhilippines.

Want an authentic of the most authentic Taiwanese cuisine that the country has to offer?  Fat Fook is definitely what you're looking for.  The fast growing Taiwanes chain, Fat Fook, opened its newest  and fifth branch in the heart of Bonifacio Global City in Taguig, The Globe Tower and it was my honor to host its intimate media launch last November 23.
Fat Fook is owned and managed by the same group that operates Ramen Nagi, conceptualized by the group's executive chef, Rachel Kao, who is born in Taiwan and grew up in the Philippines.  Their expansion in the BGC area makes it very accessible to the professionals in the BGC area, which is a different target market altogether compared to their other four more branches located in different malls in Manila, whose target are mostly families

Fat Fook restaurant is proud to say that opening this branch is a milestone for them and what differs them from the rest are the following:

• It is the only restaurant in the area of BGC that has a Take-Out counter which is perfect for its target market - the professionals- who are always on the go and don't have enough time to wait a long time for an authentic Taiwanese food to be served.

• Their Taiwanese Street Food are as authentic as it can get as they are sourced directly from Taiwan and you couldn't get them from anywhere here.

• The dishes are authentic Taiwanese but adjusted to suit the Filipino millennial palate.

• The restaurants' ambiance is elegant but all the food in their menu are value-for-money.

• All dishes are good for sharing of two to three people, so definitely the menu prices are very practical and come in friendly price points.  Perfect for large groups of friends or colleagues and families.

• Their menu has a wide selection of food to suit everyone's taste and preference, from meats, to noodles, dumplings, vegetables, and many more!  Definitely there's something for everyone!

I was that mother who worked all her energy and enthusiasm in the office just to be able to provide my children's needs.   I had just one before and was a single mom too, so imagine the roles I had to play and time I had to manage to make him feel secured and loved at the same time.  I was intentional at making everyday moments fun and happy even if I had to do it alone those days.  Jollibee was our ultimate hang out place before I go to work, and as his favorite pasalubong.

Jollibee released their newest heartfelt video which showed how parents making the most of the time they spend with their children by making everyday activities such as playtime, snack time, bath time, and bedtime more fun and memorable.  I totally remembered myself when I was a full-time working mom.  I braved the traffic, the rain, finished deadlines, just to be home on time to make it before my son's bedtime.  Watch this video, for sure many of you can relate to this sweet-sarap moments complemented by a classic favorite that has captured the hearts of Pinoy kids of different generations: Jolly Spaghetti.
“The latest Jolly Spaghetti video is our tribute to Filipino parents who tirelessly find ways to connect and bond with their children, even in the smallest ways like sharing their favorite sweet-sarap treat,” said Cathleen Capati, Jollibee AVP for Marketing – Flagship Category. “Childhood always goes by so fast and for parents, it’s important to enjoy and cherish every moment with our children.”

(L-R): Jollibee Philippines Brand Engagement Officer Celina Tan; Jollibee Philippines Brand Manager for Jolly Spaghetti Kat Silvoza; Jollibee Philippines AVP and Marketing Head of Flagship Category Cathleen Capati; parent panelists Melissa Ricks, Tina Lata, Japoy Lizardo, and Delamar Arias with their kids; Jollibee Philippines Assistant Brand Manager Rein Locsin; and Johnjo Paje.

For decades, Jolly Spaghetti has always been a delight for Pinoy kids of all ages. A pioneering fast-food offering that perfectly captures the Filipino palate, Jolly Spaghetti boasts of a unique sweet-sarap sauce, meaty hotdog slices, and a generous sprinkling of grated cheese on top of freshly prepared noodles “We at Jollibee hope that this video inspires parents to make even the simplest day-to-day activities, such as enjoying a common favorite like Jolly Spaghetti, a means to connect with their kids for that bonding na walang kasing-sarap,” concluded Capati.

I agree that daily activities with kids make a great bonding time with the kids.  Though I am a full-fledged stay-at-home-mom now since I resigned last February, there are still days that I have to be reminded of this.  Kids first before chores.  Kids first before anything else.  Thanks Jollibee for the simple reminder of how bonding time is important for kids.  They grow up soon and I don't want to miss important years in their lives when I am still needed - I have to be present.
sharing with the family! The Jolly Spaghetti Family Pan is available for dine-in, take-out, drive-thru, and delivery transactions in Jollibee stores nationwide. For more heartwarming stories and information on the Philippines’ number one fast-food brand, like Jollibee Philippines on Facebook, subscribe to Jollibee Philippines on YouTube, and follow @Jollibee on Twitter and Instagram.

In case you haven’t noticed, Halloween is upon us. And that means all eerily good stuff—movies, decorations, costumes, candies, and what we’re most looking forward to, the food.

What’s even more exciting are the delightful deals Eatigo has in store for its loyal patrons. This Halloween, expect a spooktacular selection of buffet restaurants that both kids and adults can enjoy. With the Eatigo app, easily snap up time-based deals that go as high as 50% off your total bill!
Another fresh buffet is the elegant all-day restaurant of Cucina in Marco Polo Ortigas. Their interactive open kitchen is a treat to both the sight and taste. Honing innovative continental and Asian cuisines, visitors often rave about the paella, steak, sushi, lobster, and salmon sashimi. 

Dining at its best is tucked within the Garden Café of Luxent Hotel. It’s rather quiet compared to other buffet restaurants, but the diverse offerings are equally good. The lechon belly is a crowd-pleaser with its flavourful meat and exquisitely crunchy skin, as well as the chicken cordon bleu.
Millennials or old-fashioned gourmands will delight in Midas Café located inside Midas Hotel. In 2012, it was awarded as one of Asia Tatler Dining's best restaurants featuring an outstanding buffet station bursting with haute choices and decadent Western to Filipino favorites.
Last but definitely not the least is the bright, bold, and modern Marriott Café in Marriott Hotel. The open-theatre kitchen aims to captivate hungry diners with their sumptuous spread of local and international fare. Truly, it’s a mouth-watering experience.

The best part is all of these restaurants are readily available and eagerly waiting for you on Eatigo. Just download the app, sign up, and scour the many delicious deals on the page. Trust us, they’re too good to pass up on!

It’s been four months since my kids started their school year and as their lessons and activities advance, so does their need for motivation and energy to keep on going and moving.  I have two boys who are in school, one in junior high school and the other one in elementary.  The toddler is schooled at home through lots of playing, running, hopping, singing, and dancing. 

My athlete teenager, artist grade-schooler, and exploring toddler.

If there’s one food which I would always encourage my children to eat, it’s potatoes.  Why?  Here are some reasons:

1. A potato is a vegetable I don’t need to force them into eating.  This means less “fights” because they naturally love it already!  Thanks to Fries (which I buy from the supermarket’s frozen section – should have the seal of US Potatoes!) which they love so much. 

3. Potatoes are Vitamin-rich!  They aren’t just good source of good carbs.  In fact, potatoes are rich in vitamin C to boost kids’ immunity, vitamin B6 which improves cognitive function (perfect for all the math problems and memorization in school), and potassium for my active boys’ healthy growth and building of muscles.  Over all potatoes are quality carbs that help optimize both mental and physical performance.  It’s fat-free, sodium-free, and cholesterol free!

You see, potatoes aren’t to be ignored or taken for granted, they are packed when it comes to nutritional benefits not only for our school kids, but for us as well.  Thankfully nowadays, we have more potato meal options which we could offer our family.  Thanks also to Potatoes USA, an organization that has brought US frozen, US tablestock and US dehydrated potatoes to our shores. 



Sharing with you my own recipe:

Pork Chop Con Patatas In Gravy Sauce

INGREDIENTS:
5 pork chops
3 cloves garlic chopped
1 med onion chopped
2 large POTATOES
2 tbsp flour
2 cups water
2 tbsp butter or margarine
2 tbsp soy sauce
Salt
Pepper
Cooking oil

PROCEDURE:
1. Heat oil and fry salted and peppered pork chops. Once cooked set aside.
2. Lessen cooking oil, add butter, then sautee garlic onion, add squared POTATOES.
3. Add cooked pork chops.
4. Dissolve flour into water then pour into the pan. Mix and make sure there are no lumps.
5. Add soy sauce then simmer for 5 mins in low fire.
6. Done.  Serve with steamed rice.

Preparing and portioning your potatoes are a step towards healthier and happier kids. It’s time for them to learn that there’s so much more to power snacking and right eating than just avoiding sweets.

High quality US potatoes in a wide variety can be purchased from major supermarkets and groceries nationwide. For more information on US potatoes, visit www.potatogoodness.com/ or like and follow Potatoes USA-Philippines on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PotatoesUSAPhilippines/.