Hungry Juan

I met Mikey Bustos during Blogapalooza and Ramon Bautista during the Google SoLoMo conference. During both events, both social media influencers were asked regarding their discretion with working with brands and both answered that they really protect their online integrity and credibility by working only with brands they believe in. Netizens are particular about authenticity. When they search for reviews or recommendations, they want it to be real and not just a paid advertisement.

Ramon gives Christmas tip to get the "Simbang Gababes" using Hungry Juan

(http://instagram.com/p/iRTMoaOR28/)

Having met them, we decided to send them our holiday season platter that showcased several products in our menu. I was the one who delivered it to them personally. Their sentiments were very positive and they even shared photos of our products on social media. I've talked to agencies who have briefed me on the costings of making influencers share your brand on social media and so for these guys to do it for free shows that there's really something inherently compelling about Hungry Juan products.

Mikey Bustos loves inviting guests over to share Hungry Juan with

(http://instagram.com/p/iGRfl4q8wH/)

For those of you who are not familiar with the brand, just imagine classic Filipino favorites: sisig, barbecue, roast chicken, even isaw (grilled chicken intestines), and many more! We actually launched a new product very recently that we're very excited about: really yummy 24-piece cut fried chicken we call Juanitos Pritos and the Team Kramer kids loved it:

"Thanks #HungryJuan for our fiesta dinner! Have to say, the BBQ, Roast chicken and especially the fried chicken was super good!" says Cheska Garcia (who is unbelievably beautiful, by the way) on their Facebook page.

Much like the influencers above, I value my integrity and credibility as a blogger as well. I even manage a politics and policy analysis blog (see HarryLeaks) which goes to show how important integrity and credibility is for me. And you know what, I really believe in our products and I'm most especially excited for the changes we have in store for the coming year. And I'm not just saying that because I work for the brand.

I feel that Hungry Juan is underrated and it's a shame because the products are really yummy. I personally love the barbecue and the isaw (you guys know I love street food). And all Hungry Juan products are made with Magnolia chicken and Monterey meats. The premium is in this guarantee by brands that our families have trusted for many years.

Try it for yourself and you too will see why Hungry Juan is worth sharing. Like our Facebook page below to see our menu and follow us on Instagram and Twitter for updates:

Menu: https://www.facebook.com/HungryJuan/app_350601835014779
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HungryJuan 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/hungry_juan
Instagram: http://instagram.com/hungryjuan

Good Earth Roasts, Fort Strip, BGC

Are you in The Fort/BGC and not in the mood for the typical loud places where you can't even converse properly? Check out Good Earth Roasts in the Strip for some laid back drinking and awesome food tripping.

It doesn't matter if you're in shorts and slippers. It's also probably one of the cheapest in the area. They've got buckets of 6 at 390 (I understand it still seems pricey but this is good for this area). Also, they have classic pulutan choices like isaw, tenga, and bulaklak (more expensive than the streets, of course, but way cheaper than Mercato prices). And they're really good. They all dangerously taste like uric acid and a heart attack - perfect with some ice-cold beers. 

And they have an interesting selection of chinese delicacies as well. This is, from what I hear, the edgy modernist spin-off of Good Earth. I'll surely be back to try their roast duck.

Also, all their alcohol is hidden under the right-most corner bench by the TV. Something to keep in mind in case of a zombie apocalypse.

It's across Burger Avenue, in-between the cheesesteak place and the mexican place. Good stuff.

Poco Deli in Kapitolyo, Pasig

Aside from my office mates vouching for this place, I recently found out that your president Noynoy Aquino frequently dines in this place: Poco Deli in Kapitlyo (near Charlie's Burgers). This surely makes it worth the try (not that I give any bearing to PNoy's culinary preferences).

Poco Deli in Kapitolyo

I'm sure he loves to go here because of the bacon slab. It really goes to show as it's apparent in his love for the pork barrel. Anyway, I should be talking about food. Check out my musings on political philosophy and public policy over at HarryLeaks instead.

Poco Deli Bacon Slab and Wagyu Sausages

It was such a delight to find out that this place was open very early in the morning as I was able to indulge in their delicacies before heading to work.

The bacon slab, well, is self-explanatory. It is as delicious as it is allegedly unhealthy. The same goes for the wagyu sausage we ordered. I'm surely going to come back for more as the dishes are perfect pairings for beer and wine and it was too early and I had work so I couldn't really order some drinks.

Insider information tells me that there used to be this really popular deli in Jupiter but then the head chef and owner passed away and so his assistant chef was able to continue the legacy by creating Poco Deli.

Tapeo Restaurant in the Fort Strip

Tapeo in the Fort Strip in BGC provide some really awesome wines and tapas. I got a chance to some of the selections in their menu during a Rotary Club talk I attended a few days ago.

 

Upon checking their menu, I ordered the jamón serrano right away. This dry-cured Spanish ham has such a lovely complex story to tell. You just really have to listen with your taste buds. It's really so rich and savory. It came with grapes some bread and really awesome cheese. It's a really well-balanced and thoughtfully arranged platter. Something that goes well with a lot of the wines they offer. 

It would be a perfect place for you and your friends to wine and dine before going out around the BGC area most especially since they now have an offer of unlimited tapas Monday to Saturday 2 pm to 9pm.

Above are just some of the amazing selection of  tapas I got to try. I don't even know what they are exactly. Goes to show how you don't have to be a fancy wine or cheese connoisseur to appreciate their dishes.

Their place is right across the NBC tent area of The Fort. Check out their Facebook page: Facebook.com/Tapeo.ph or email them at tapeo.manila@gmail.com.

Shi Lin Taiwanese Restaurant in Alabang Town Center

First of all, it's my first time to step in to the new area of Alabang Town Center and can I just say: MIND BLOWN. I can't believe that mall is just walking distance from my house and I've never seen the new building they've made. I thought this whole time that they were just renovating. That whole area that used to be the old South supermarket and the old National Bookstore is gone. Man, that's where my pediatrician and dentist used to be at. Anyway, on to my post: I just ate in Shi Lin Taiwanese restaurant in that area.

Shi Lin Menu

I'm not entirely familiar with Taiwanese cuisine. In fact the popular Xiao Long Bao is probably the only one I've tried so far. I tried it for the first time back in 2009 when I went to Singapore. My cousin who lives there treated us to a Taiwanese restaurant there. I didn't even know what it was called because I wasn't the one who ordered. At the time I just referred to it as siomai na may sabaw sa loob (siomai with soup inside). I actually loved it.

Xiao Long Bao

I got to talk to a Taiwanese schoolmate back in college and we talked about Xiao Long Bao. He says, he doesn't understand why our siomai doesn't have soup inside. He even tells me that their siopao already has sauce inside. It makes sense because you don't have to put siopao sauce anymore if the sauce is already inside.

Was the Xiao Long Bao I ate as good? Hmm, I don't know. It's possible that it isn't as good because I wasn't really as mind blown as when I ate it for the first time in Singapore.

Taro Dumplings

These taro dumplings on the other hand are excellent! It's something I would seriously recommend if you're planning to eat there. It's so unique and yummy. It's also has this really fresh taste. Supposedly, all their ingredients are imported from Taiwan. I really loved this dumpling preparation. I actually wish we ordered more of it. It's only 110 Php for 6 pieces. It's really really good. 

Spicy Jellyfish

The spicy jellyfish was really yummy. It's the type you'll see in cold cuts usually served in Chinese restaurants only it's served with sesame seeds, chilis, and this sauce of some sort. It's really really good. But then maybe I'm partial to this at the same time I like spicy food and so combined I was really satisfied.

They didn't have wifi though. Wifi is a big factor for me when eating. It probably roots form the Into The Wild rhetoric that "happiness is only real when shared". I love sharing eating experiences. That's why I have a food blog, right? Haha. All restaurants should really consider having wifi. It's instant and free marketing for them because of Twitter, Facebook, Foursquare, and other random social media stuff.

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KFC Gravy Recipe Philippines

There is one problem with getting KFC taken home or delivered: you won't have access to the unlimited gravy. And we all know that the gravy is one of the most important factors that make KFC one of the most awesome fast food chicken providers in the known universe.

Libreng Sabaw?

I woke up today and remembered I had some leftover KFC chicken in the fridge but got disappointed when I noticed there wasn't any gravy. It's just not the same. It's depressing, actually. It makes me feel as if there is no hope in this world.

One of the first articles I ever wrote that got me into the whole earning through blogging thing would be the KFC Delivery Philippines I posted on my Wordpress site one time when I was sick and I had KFC delivered to my house. I noticed that my traffic surged and realized that this was because I was ranking already. I would have to say that a lot of it was luck and randomness. And I quote from that blog post:

"I am sure they put something illegal or radioactive in their recipe. It is surely more than just salt and pepper that makes their recipes so good and addictive. There was a time in my life when I wanted to work for KFC just so I can climb their corporate ladder until I am given security access to their secret ingredients and then after that expose it to the public. I do believe that their KFC chicken recipe has something to do with the Holy Grail or maybe the aliens who built the pyramids"

Later on I wrote KFC Menu Philippines on my HubPages (this is where I get most of my earnings) and slowly made my revenue and content grow. Then eventually, I decided to create this blog, one dedicated specifically to eating and cooking. So really, I owe a lot of my inspiration for writing about food to KFC.

My urologist actually advised me to avoid gravy. He says uric acid is dangerous for my history of kidney stones. That's when I shoved all the office and medical supplies on his desk onto the floor. I walked out of his clinic, climbed atop his receptionist's desk, and then addressed my fellow patients:

"Give me liberty or give me death!" I shouted, "you can take away everything but don't take away my gravy!"

Itlog na Maalat na may Kamatis (salted egg with tomatoes)

Salted eggs with tomatoes, very easy to prepare and absolutely delicious. This classic Filipino favorite is surely satisfying in spite of its simplicity!

Itlog na maalat na may kamatis (salted eggs with tomatoes)

I was going through the fridge, looking for something to eat and figured I should prepare myself this classic dish and eat it with rice. It's really so simple to make and for something that's this simple it's really so good.

There's this wonderful contrast of textures and tastes with the salted eggs and the tomatoes. And the yolk, my favorite part, is so complex. It really goes perfect with the freshness of the tomato.

Plus, it's very affordable. I remember eating it when I used to live alone during college. And since I had a fixed weekly allowance, for something that's this affordable, I really got my money's worth.

It's interesting how this blog continues to earn in spite of lack of posts. Since I told myself I will be focusing on blogs and articles that are more profitable, expect to see more frequent updates here in this blog. Thank you for dropping by!

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Bulalo Recipe of the Philippines

The bulalo is probably one of the best recipes that Philippine cuisine has to offer. It's basically the beef leg bone part (I don't really know what it's called) softened and cooked to perfection in a very simple broth. No fancy ingredients or techniques needed.

Eating the bone marrow part is probably one of the most pleasurable things you can do here on earth while you are alive. And with that pleasure, of course, comes risk. It is very unhealthy and dangerous but I guess that is part of the thrill of eating bulalo. It is like the extreme sports of food. There's a big risk that it can kill you but it's fun and it reminds you that it's good to be alive.

Last night when I got home, it was the best surprise to see a steaming hot bowl of bulalo on the kitchen table. And being that I live in a hypertensive household and that I am an 'only child', I can have the bone marrow all to myself. It was gluttonous and sinful. It's so good that it should be illegal (this is a metaphor because I do not support prohibition or lifestyle regulation by the state).

And it's not just the bone marrow. It's also the soft, melts-in-your-mouth meat, the fats and litid around the bone and within the meat itself. When asked to describe it, it's really a lot closer to pleasurable than just plain delicious. And then top it off with some soy sauce, calamansi, and chili.

And now all I can do is recall the memories of last night as I write here in front of my laptop hungry and bored.

Mercato in the Fort

After a fun night out with your friends in the Fort, it's perfect to go food tripping in Mercato food bazaar.

It was actually my first time there and I felt like a kid entering a huge toy store not knowing where to go first or what to buy with the money I had. And I guess that's one of the main problems of such a competitive market such as this food bazaar: you won't be able to try everything in just one night and you'll miss out on so much unless you come back for more.

The prices aren't as attractive as the food they are selling though. Surely the rent in this place is very high because so many things are overpriced, in my opinion. I ended up spending 25 pesos for a stick of isaw which on the streets would only be around 5 pesos each. I'd have to say that having around 200 pesos or higher would be perfect for a good food trip night here in Mercato in the Fort.

Food places that open until late (or 24 hours) are always a the best and now what more if it's a bazaar with competing stalls! Those who are indecisive will surely be tortured in this place and bombarded with seemingly unlimited choices. Several suggestions from friends that I have to try when I go back there would be the Japanese hotdog, the Angus kebab and many others.

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Eating Gotong Batangas in Batangas

The best place to eat Gotong Batangas will of course be in Batangas. We were actually in Lipa on our way home from Laiya. And that's the most perfect thing because Gotong Batangas is also most of the time referred to as Goto ng Lipa.

After a tiring weekend at the beach, getting to eat a warm bowl of Gotong Batangas was the absolute reward. Ideally, I'm not even allowed to eat this (mas masarap ang bawal!). I'm advised to avoid internal organs and other stuff high in uric acid and bring us to the popular Filipino concept of "Minsan lang naman e". hehehe.

Gotong Batangas is differnt from normal goto because it doesn't have rice. When asked about it, I usually respond that it's a bit similar to the popular goat preparation of papaitan (we actually have a whole dead goat in our freezer right now, I'll blog about that as soon as we cook it).
It's weird how some Filipinos themselves are deterred by these kinds of ingredients. Last night, I was watching the Vienna episode of No Reservations and saw that these kinds of ingredients were actually a delicacy there and something that they're really proud of whereas here, even when it's all local produce, people will actually consider it exotic. McDo mentality. They are missing out. Oh well, to each his own.
I usually get Gotong Batangas right by the entrance of Nasugbu in Tagaytay (which is technically also Batangas already). You'll surely pass it on your way to Punta Fuego or Tali. It's really one of my favorites. In fact, if you Google search "Gotong Batangas" you will see one of my old entries on HubPages as the number on result on the first page:

You'll be surprised to see how many people search this every day and it is surely a significant contributor to my earnings as a blogger.
And, another reason why I love this is beacause people who serve this will usually give free refills of the soup to those who order. Yup, libreng sabaw. :D

Instant Vietnamese Noodles (Phở)

On my way home the other day, I decided to go to 711 to buy food so I can eat something while watching the stuff I downloaded or while surfing the internet.

I saw this instant vietnamese noodles. Vietnamese food is actually one of my favorites ever and probably even beats my love for Japanese food. The photo on the right side panel of this blog is actually me eating vietnamese noodles.

The instant noodles was 55 pesos, if I remember correctly. It's quite pricey compared to other local instant noodles but quite cheap compared to other imported instant noodles (the Japanese ones are very expensive but very good as well).

It wasn't really that good. I guess cause the experience was incomplete. It didn't have the bean sprouts and the leaves (I'm not sure what they are and I'm lazy to Google). It didn't have the meats. The soup was bland perhaps because I usually put sriracha sauce (one of my favorite sauces ever as well).

So all in all, I wasted 55 pesos but at least I learned. Next time, Yakisoba na lang ang bibilihin ko.

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How to Cook Poached Eggs

Sick of fried egg? Just a few moments ago, I decided to cook some poached eggs for the first time in my life.

my not so helpful tutorial video on how to make poached eggs
I used to watch Top Chef all the time and I remember some challenges would require the contestants to cook poached eggs because it requires a lot of skills and techniques. Basically it's just boiled egg but making it look perfect requires a lot of delicate movements and timing. So I decided to make some for myself and try it out instead of just going for the typical fried egg.
I still prefer fried egg, of course. Healthy food would usually sacrifice taste. But hey, it's my first time so I'm sure I'll learn more about it as I cook it more times. I need to practice on sauces and other things that will compliment the egg. I'm sure eventually my poached eggs will be more preferable than my fried eggs (and more presentable too).
There's really no excuse anymore in having conventional and boring meals. The internet gives us all these information on different recipes and cuisines most with step-by-step guides and tutorials. Plus, even without the internet, there will always be the imagination that provides reckless and unrestricted creativity.
I am the eggman.

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Longganisa for Breakfast

Nagluluto ng longganisa
piniprito ang itlog
yan ang aking almusallongsilog; wag kalimutan ang spicy vinegar

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#NowPlaying: M Black - Heartbreak (Bare Noize Remix)

Alabang Country Club Chicken Satay Recipe

Satay is actually originally a Thai dish, I think. The first time I was able to try it was in chinatown in Singapore. Talk about complex fusions and overlapping cultures.

Here's the one that's available in the menu of Alabang Country Club. It's actually pretty good. A friend once commented that it's even better than what she tried in Singapore. One of the chefs is actually a friend of my parents and his Singaporean. I think his name is Joseph and he's from Sta. Elena (they're currently the food concessionaire in the club).

I really love the complex combinations of flavors of satay. It's very unique and not so prevalent in Philippine cuisine. And so right after coming back from Singapore, I wanted to try cooking it right away. Luckily, you can buy these instant mixes of the marinade and the sauce. I found mine in South Supermarket in Alabang.
I'm actually still here in the club, in the library. I just came from the sauna. Such a lovely experience. I feel so healthy and detoxified. Just using the wifi here. But yeah, I'm so sleepy. If you follow me on my twitter you'll know why. So be sure to follow me to get updated on my latest blog posts and other random things happening in my life: @harryinitiative

Mga Kwentong Alinsunod sa Kakulangan sa Pagtulog

Gusto ko sanang kumain sa Jollibee. Alas-dos na ng umaga. Naalala kong 24 hours nga pala sila dito malapit sa bahay ko sa Laguna.

Kaarawan din nga pala ni Rizal noong isang araw at naisip kong ito’y magandang oportinidad na mabawi ang aking pagiging higit pa sa hayop o malansang isda. Dito sa bayan ng Laguna lumaki si Jose Rizal, sa may dulo lang ng SLEX, sa Calamba.

Ang Jollibee ay isang institusyon na sa Pilipinas. Basta pritong manok, makakaasa kang hindi magsasawa ang mga tao (lalo na ang kabataan) sa kanilang chicken joy na talaga namang huling-huli at swak na swak sa panlasang pinoy. Ika nga nila, “laman muna, balat later!” Talaga namang panalo at nakakatakam.

Natakot silang mapatumba ng inihaw na manok ng Bacolod kaya’t binili nila ang Mang Inasal na siya namang hinahamon ngayon ng Chic-Boy. Nakakamangha talaga ang mga benipisyo ng kompetisyon sa merkado (yan ang tunay na apelyido ni Pepe!).

Naging laganap at popular ang konsepto ng unlimted rice. Isang bagay na talaga namang nakakaakit at tinatangkilik ng mamamayang Pilipino. Ang ating bansa ay mayaman sa agrikultura at ang kanin ay talaga namang parte na ng ating araw-araw na buhay.

Konting ulam para sa maraming kanin—isang isyu ng kahirapan o kaya naman ng katakawan? Hindi ko alam. Pero may kilala ako na nakapag 9 na extra rice sa Tokyo Tokyo. Meron din namang may kaya ng apat na siomai ipapagkasya sa apat na kanin, idaan na lang sa toyo at chili oil. Bukod sa panlasa, para sa mga pinoy, mas importante na nakakabusog. Kanin all you can = kanin all the way.

Sa pagtuloy ng aking kwento, hindi na ako kumain sa Jollibee. May bayad pa kasi ang parking doon sa Paseo De Sta. Rosa (aba, extra rice na din ang sampung piso!). Bumili na lang ako ng siopao sa 711 (bumili din kasi ako ng prepaid load).

Kaninang hapon bumili nga din pala ako ng manggang sorbetes, mga instant noodles (si Jose Rizal ay mahilig sa pancit), liempo, at ang matagal ko ng pinagiisipan bilihin na salami milano (ang alam ko ay isa to sa mga naging paborito ni Rizal noong siya ay nasa Europa). Di ko alam kung ano talaga ang patutunguhan ng sinusulat kong ito. Basta tunkol sa pagkain ang blog na ito, diba? Maaga pa ang gising ko bukas at wala akong shower water heater kaya dapat ako’y matulog na (mahirap maligo ng malamig na tubig kapag puyat ngunit hindi pa ako inaantok).

May mga nagsasabi na muntik na daw mag retract si Jose Rizal dahil sa kanyang chicks na si Josephine. Sabi ko nga: kahit si Superman ay meron din namang kryptonite. Parang ikaw, ikaw ang aking kryptonite.

Bukod sa extra rice mahilig tayong mga Pilipino sa libreng sabaw. Beleyted na Happy Birthday, Dr. Jose Rizal.

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Kung nagustuhan mo ang sulating ito baka magustahan mo din ang:

1. HarryLeaks - gusto mo bang umunlad ang ating bayan? halina't bisitahin ang blog na ito at alamin kung paano.

2. Ang Aking Twitter - maging una sa mga makakaalam ng mga bago kong blog post at iba pang nangyayari sa buhay ko.

Beef Pares and Street Food

I always love looking for hole-in-the-wall type of places to eat in. Not only will you be able to buy very affordable meals, you will also be able to try out local recipes and delicacies.

A few months ago, my girlfriend and I got a chance to find this really good place that sells beef pares. For 35 pesos, you will surely be satisfied. It's different from all the beef pares recipes I've tried and it's so affordable.

I have written about Philippine street food before. I am very intrigued at how foreigners would think some of the local food we eat is gross but really it's a cultural thing. Not because something is unusual to you, does not mean that it is already something you should be afraid of.

Don't you just get sick of having McDonald's? or any of the other typical fast food chains? It is about time that you just explore a bit. A good meal is probably just a few streets away. You'll get to try out something new and at the same time get a chance to save money! Now that's what I call satisfaction.