I didn’t really know there are a growing number of trick eye (or trick art) museums in the Philippines. But it’s not hard to understand in a country which is the texting and selfie capital of the world! Trick art is clever, is perfect for photography and I love the imagination behind it. I certainly […]
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Had a terrible time this morning. At 3 am, I woke up to the sound of heavy, nonstop rains and even heavier thunder. I got up and peered through the kitchen window where I could see that the water level at our gate was non-threatening and went back to sleep. But in 30 minutes, a neighbor’s ringing of our doorbell woke me up again. I checked the situation outside the house and panicked that some flood water already entered our garage! This didn’t happen even during the worst of Ondoy or even Habagat. What’s worse, we live in a bungalow so no way to escape up. My toddler had to be carried to safety to the neighbor’s two-story townhouse and my car (a sedan) had to be pushed to higher ground too…again, by kind-hearted neighbors. Bless their soul!
In situations like this, the community spirit of Filipinos shines bright like a diamond. I am sure there are a lot of unsung heroes coming out of this calamity that will remain like that…unsung. However, am not talking about PAGASA, the government weather agency, which didn’t give citizens the appropriate warning, as usual. It was mainly a guessing game for most people as mega heavy rains pelted the streets yesterday.You went out of the house at your own risk. It was only later in the night that peeps realized the danger of the situation when the weather bureau declared that rainfall warning had been upgraded to RED.
So here are photos to give our readers from afar an idea of the situation, as monitored in the social networks:
At the Southern Luzon Expressway (SLEX) with cars submerged in the floods (pic via Twitter) -
A flood-prone area going to Intramuros, with the Manila City Hall’s giant tower clock standing guard -
A street in our city of Paranaque. Note the submerged vehicles. So yeah, it makes to invest in an SUV, pick up truck or Hummer in this kind of weather 
A common sight: parents/older folks carrying kids to safety in neck-deep, chest-deep waters (lucky if it’s only knee-deep) – image via @momblogger’s Storify
Even quiet, sheltered, secluded subdivisions were not spared. Here’s a photo posted by a friend in Facebook of their situation in Bricktown Subdivision, Paranaque -
As of press time, a state of calamity has been declared in the entire Laguna and Cavite provinces. We hope that those needing rescue have already been moved to higher ground. Those in the evacuation centers need our help as well. Stay safe and God bless the Philippines!
From our friends at The Maya Kitchen is this announcement about an exciting cooking class. Go if you like Thai food!
” Renowned chef J. Gamboa of Cirkulo Restaurant puts on a different hat as he takes on Thai cuisine as guest chef of The Maya Kitchen on May 25, Saturday, 10am-1pm.
Chef J. Gamboa will be joined by Chef Malichat of Azuthai Restaurant. Cirkulo and Azuthai are parts of a chain of restaurants that includes Milky Way at Rockwell Power Plant and V-Mall Greenhills; Azuthai, Tsukiji and Milky Way Café all at the Milky Way Building, 900 Arnaiz Avenue corner Paseo de Roxas, Makati.
The two chefs will demonstrate popular Thai dishes like Tom Yum Goong (Hot and Sour Prawn Soup with Lemongrass, Kaffir Lime Leaves and Fresh Coriander); Goong Pad Prik Kratiem (Chili Garlic Prawns); Geng Kew Wan Gai (Green Chicken Curry); Pla Naeng Ma Naw (Steamed Apahap with Lime, Fish Sauce Garlic, Coriander and Chili) and Khao Niao Ma Muang (Mango with Sticky Rice).
Chef J. Gamboa belongs to a family of restaurateurs led by Malu A. Gamboa who runs the restaurant chain. He is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and the Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, New York. He is Executive Chef of his family-owned restaurants Cirkulo, MilkyWay, Tsukiji and Azuthai.
Chef Malichat is a native of Nakhon Sawan, Thailand and has worked in 5 star hotels in Germany, China, Pakistan, Ukraine and in Thailand for over 20 years.
For more information on other course offerings, log on to www.themayakitchen.com or e-mailcontactus@themayakitchen.com or visit The Maya Kitchen Culinary Center every Tuesday to Saturday at 8F Liberty Building, 835 A. Arnaiz Avenue (Pasay Road), Makati City or call 8921185 / 892-5011 local 108 / Mobile No. +63947 835 2290.
Buddha-Bar is an international bar and restaurant chain found in cosmopolitan cities like Paris, Monte Carlo, Prague and Dubai. But it is the one in Manila that is a must-visit because it is the biggest Buddha bar in the world! The MNL location, found in Picar Place, Kalayaan Avenue, Makati is truly massive and seven star!! I was surprised that a club like this exists in the Philippines. I guess the only thing that works against it is that it is out of the way from where the hip social set normally gather in Greenbelt or the Fort … but maybe this is all intentional on the part of the owners(s)
One photo I took of the place at night where it is bathed in lush reds and gold, surrounded by expensive-looking Oriental furnishings. The amber lighting adds to the overall romantic effect.
The rooftop pool deck was a revelation. It looks perfect for outdoor gatherings or al fresco parties that should be de rigueur (required) this summer.
We checked out Weekends at the Terrace, happening every Friday and Saturday at the roofdeck. For only P1,500, have an unlimited fill of their buffet grilled items plus vodka and rum. The food was really good and is a good introduction to the Buddha Bar experience. Compared to the dark main lounge downstairs, the vibe is more relaxed in the poolside area with engaging sounds played by the resident Buddha-Bar DJ.
One of the in-house Japanese chefs pose beside the buffet offering. We spotted kebabs, satay, tempura, grilled prawns, noodles and other irresistible treats.
Just opened in 2012, Buddha Bar is itching to be discovered as a must-try destination for gourmet food.The chow we had was certainly extraordinary and kept to international standards. Here’s a sampling: (photos courtesy of Buddha Bar Manila)
Do not pass up the Chicken Salad. The crunchiness of the chopped veggies and tortilla melded well with the tasty sesame dressing. Can’t help but come back for seconds!
The Sea Bass with Tamarind Sauce is a well-deserved indulgence for fish lovers. Each bite was heaven. Try also the Roasted Sea Bass marinated in ginger.
Crunchy Rice Shrimp Jalapeno , a unique fusion dish that is just as addicting.
I am only a social drinker but their cocktails were some of the best I’ve had of late. Here’s some heady mixes to check out from their drinks list: Heart of Darkness (fresh grapes, vodka, port wine, soda, lemon juice); the Majestic ( basil, pineapple juice, vodka, syrup); and the Ultimate ( fresh pineapple with almond milk, rum mix, Cointreau and maraschino syrup) …. to name just a few!)
Do check out their ongoing promotions:
Shisha Nights at P300 per shisha flavor… 16 flavors to choose from.
Business Lunch from Monday to Friday at P895 net per person inclusive of appetizer, main course, dessert, signature iced tea and tea or coffee
Early Bird Specials from Monday to Saturday with 20% off on all food from 6 to 8pm
For inquiries and reservations, call Buddha-Bar Manila at 856 6719, 856 6859, check out the website www.buddhabarmanila.com, or https:www.facebook.com/BuddhaBarMNL or follow them on Twitter @BuddhaBarMNL
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