I have worked and lived in Taguig for nearly six years now. I guess one of the things I like the most is that I don't have to go really far to grab something to eat. Especially now that more companies have set up shop in BGC and McKinley Hill, the food variety has gone up faster than you can say Geronimo. (Yeah yeah, the song. I'm listening to Sheppard as I'm writing this.) There are a lot of places to satisfy every craving--some expensive, some within reasonable range.

In #133 on Reasons Why I Love Bonifacio Global City (BGC), is their advocacy to keep the Filipino culture alive, while embracing progress. They just find ways how to make a holiday as festive as it can get in an urban setting, and make people involved in the process. Last weekend, in celebration of Andres Bonifacio's birthday, BGC's Filipino hero namesake, they held the second BGC Passion Fest. As expected, it was a modern fiesta that was executed very well. It had all the aspects of a fiesta you could think of. (There was even a Pabitin game, you guys!)

The Culture

I only got to spend time in the area on November 30, which I also happen to think was the best day to visit since it was the last day AND it was Bonifacio Day. It was also the day when the parade was set. Who doesn't love street dancing? If it were up to me, people should be dancing everywhere they go.






It's no Sinulog, but it was a nice change of scenery to the usual budding business center. I didn't do my research so I don't know if this was a competition. If it wasn't, they should totally exploit the inner competitiveness of Pinoys and make it a barangay street dance competition or something. Some dancers were not really in character, which is only why I said that. But hey, some group of dancers were actually fantastic, too!

The Food

For the munchies, a street intersecting Bonifacio High Street was closed to give way for food stalls by the Mercato Centrale usuals to set up shop. I don't have a lot of photos since I was too busy eating my lechon and deep fried chicken skin but of course, every food stall was a hit. Everyone loves Mercato and the street food vibe!







The Art

There were many interactive spots all over Bonifacio High Street: Pinoy street games with a twist at every corner, enlarged carnival games, umbrella-themed installations, but my most favorite would have to be the Chalk Art Walk. Everyone could participate!


Technically, they could just draw whatever they wanted, but I liked that every kid and kids-at-heart made it to a point to insert their nationalism to their chalk art. I didn't know who they were but I was proud of them all. Ahh and I wished I was gifted at drawing too. I wasn't so I just took photos.









And here's my personal favorite: Baymax Bonifacio! How cute is that! Tell me that's not the cutest thing you've ever seen drawn in chalk!



The Other Art

There were two walkways dedicated for people who wanted to sell their artworks and their hand-crafted items  I bought an earring and my friend bought hand drawn stickers. Apart from that, there were paintings and more handicrafts. If I had money to spare, I might have bought more. These artists need more support so they could continue with their craft.





The Show

To culminate the three-day event, they staged a variety show showcasing talented people. To start off, there were these acrobat duo who can bend and bend and stretch some more. I was not breathing every time they would do something. And there was some phenomenal core strength shown, too!



Then there was a puppet show that was also a magic show. I thought it would be too pambata for me, but I cracked up just as much as a kid would. Like what I said during his performance-- Benta!



Then there was the cultural dance group that performed regional dances. It sure reminded me of the days when I competed in folk dance competitions. They were good! And, uh, I want the balancing skills of this woman! Mad props for keeping it cool!



After this, we actually already left. I know there was a singing group that followed but we were too exhausted, I guess, from the walking (and the eating) that we decided to head home after seven hours of the Passion Fest, and after having one last bite.

I think next year would be bigger and better. Let's all wait and see until then!

After days of rereading blogger reviews about Clawdaddy's Boiling Bags, I finally cave in. I just had to try it for myself as soon as money landed on my bank account. I guess I was justifying that I don't really eat out anymore so this one was okay.

Before and After: 1 hour interval

Although, I must admit that it was a bittersweet experience. We were eating a meal good for four people when there were people in Marikina and other flooded areas who weren't eating anything. But because we only had an hour to finish the meal until our Bourne Legacy screening, the guilt became more about trying to finish the whole thing so it would be worth the money we pay.

Now, on to the meal. We chose the Louisiana Boiling Bag (Seafood Boil Spice flavor)-- a mix of fresh crabs, shrimps, a lone sausage, corn and potatoes. The meal came with a pitcher of either lemonade, iced tea and another kind of tea which I forgot haha. We didn't order any soup, appetizers nor dessert. Just a cup of plain rice each was all we wanted with the bag.

It was as good as they say. From the moment the server cut the bag, the air really whiffed of seafood goodness. The flavor wasn't too spicy, it was just right and not overwhelming. I was surprised that we both didn't order extra rice, usually seafood makes me eat at least two cups of rice. I guess it was because we were both trying to savor the moment and try not to get full too soon.

The service was above average. Servers were attentive even with a packed restaurant on a Friday night. Also, as always, their shell cracker is as reliable as ever. In fact, I like using their stone cracker than the usual clamp-like crackers that other restaurant uses.

Total Wallet Damage: P1694
Louisiana Boiling Bag - P1495
Rice - P30 x 2 = P60
Service Charge - About 9%

Will I order it again? YES YES YES!

ClawdaddyBonifacio High Street

2Lbs. Original Price: Php800. Sale Price: Php500

March 28, 2012.
On our lunch break, me and my teammates decided to spend hard-earned money on the S&R sale. We went to the nearest branch, which is the one in BGC and right off the bat, had problems in inching our way to the parking lot. So we decided to fall in line first, while the designated driver parks the car.

Such a letdown, that day. Imagine our frustration when we saw the line before the door, only to be pushed down further when we saw that line going through the whole parking lot, up to the parking exit.

But do you know what was more irritating? That is to know the next day that THE line was for the pushcarts. If you were to go, cart-less, then there wasn't a need to fall in line. It's not as if we'll do bonggang shopping. We just went to buy stuff we want, at a fraction of the regular price, like chocolates, SPAM, etc.

Come Thursday, my teammates returned. I didn't. I was working from home. My teammates, knowing how much I liked pistachios, asked me if I wanted them to buy me a bag. I said yes. Needless to say, it was a good bargain. And surely, I will be registering for my own membership card and shall gear up for the next S&R Sale around September (?)

Or not.

But one thing I do know, even though my tummy is still butete-like full, I would dine at Kuse in a heartbeat just for their beef back ribs.

No, this is not a tiny serving. The serving fork was just ginormous.

Whenever I ask sets of friends who haven't tried Kuse, they always get to taste this dish (because I always MAKE them order it, no matter what!), and consequently, we leave the resto with them vowing to eat there again. It's either I'm such a great endorser, or their food is just that good. Maybe both?

Lumpiang Hubad

Grilled Liempo

Adobo Rice

Aside from these, we also ordered Batangas Bulalo and lots of extra rice. They don't bill for service charge so we were a little surprised when the total amount did not exceed PHP2K. We were five, by the way.

Kuse, The Venice Piazza

We eat Pancit Lucban with rice. Hello, carbs!

I have not been a fan of pancit, probably because it has always been on the party tables in my home since I could remember. Pancit Palabok, I have been fond of but it's not easy to make at home and there's not many restaurants that serve a decent version of it. Come corporate years, I have been exposed to Pancit Malabon, which tastes like palabok but has a different noodle. Still, they are those that can only serve one purpose, as a snack.

Then there's Pancit Lucban from Buddy's.

I first tasted it on my teammate's birthday. Her religion does not practice celebrating birthdays but when I was so excited for her that day, she made an impromptu decision to treat me to dinner. It was a weird experience for me, putting vinegar on pancit. But surely, the vinegar makes this dish complete.

Even up to now, when Xy and I stroll down Market! Market! and we could not think of any place to eat, Buddy's would always be a default choice, and so is the Pancit Lucban. Also, we eat this with rice.

This heaping plate of Pancit Lucban only costs PHP155. Good for 2-3 people.

Buddy's Pancit Lucban at Longganisang Lucban,Market! Market!

I've been craving for crabs for almost two months. Friends left and right have promised to accompany me in restaurants that serve them but all these have been postponed. So when my boyfriend asked me to watch Pirates of the Carribean: On Stranger Tides in the IMAX theater in Mall of Asia, I had that glimmer of hope that I'll finally be able to eat steamed crabs.


We were there by 6pm and got tickets to see the last full show. Since the movie wasn't due to start in 6 hours, we had plenty of time to watch the sunset and then go to Seaside Dampa for dinner. We went scouting for the best prices, asking for crab prices resto by resto. There was one who offered a 20% discount to be slashed off from the paluto price but even with the discount, the total of the paluto and the crabs' market price were still steep. After a round of asking prices, we decided to eat at Julie's.

Our selection was pretty simple, I wanted crabs and he wanted Sinigang na Hipon so we ordered half-kilo of both. 

These? All mine

Included Xy to show how big the bowl is

Ensaladang Mangga

Rice good for 5 people

We shared the sinigang and we still got to take home half of what we ate. He let me eat the crabs all by myself but because I'm a good girlfriend, I gave him two claws. Tee hee!

Things you might wanna know:
-The smoking area could be too noisy as there are bands that play at night. For a dinner for two, it's best to eat indoors where you can actually hear one another.
-Being friendly will take you places, er give you discounts rather. We got 10% off the paluto charge.
-Price: 
1/2k of crabs + paluto (P380)
1/2k of sinigang na hipon + paluto (P360)
Ensaladang mangga (P100)
Big bowl of rice (P100)
Coke in can (P40)
Iced tea (P40)
Total: P1020  

Note: Sorry for the crappy photo quality. I forgot to bring my camera.

Saan ba masarap kumain pero hindi masakit sa bulsa? 


Kung may magtatanong sakin nito, 8065 Bagnet ang isasagot ko.

Bagnet (bàg-net; Ilocano dish) [n.] deep-fried pork chunks, preferably the liempo (pork belly). The whole big chunk or large cut of pork (with the skin intact) is boiled, drained, air-dried, then deep-fried until crisp brown and the skin has tiny bubble-like blisters on it

Basically, kung nakakita ka na ng Lechong Kawali, parang nakakita ka na rin ng Bagnet.
Eto nga pala yung ilan sa mga kinain namin.

Bagnet Kare-Kare

Bagnet Sisig

Frozen Buko Pandan

Bukod sa pagkain, marami ding mga paintings sa walls nila. Yung iba daw dito e gawa mismo ni Kitchie Nadal, dahil kapatid niya pala ang may-ari.






Meron din silang doodle wall.


Siyempre, hindi kami pwedeng umalis ng walang nailalagay sa wall.


At eto nga pala kami bago umuwi. Medyo di sila nakangiti, napagod ata sa sobrang kabusugan.


So yeah, kung nakarating ka sa part na ito. Salamat sa pagbabasa! Hindi naman pala sobrang haba ng post, marami lang pictures. At bago ko makalimutan, may free wifi din sila.