the LONGEST CHEESY CHRISTMAS is here!

After breaking the record for the most number of cheesy dishes last year, Kraft Eden Cheese also stepped into the milestone of making the Philippines, the longest celebration of Christmas in the entire world! This is in line with the Sarap ng Pasko Campaign in which places around the archipelago are encouraged to support their own dish entries to win and help their community with the prize at stake. Remember that I campaigned for Bacarra's Cheesy Bagnet Pizza.

The celebration started last September at exactly 100 days before Christmas. And on December 16, at the start of the Simbang Gabi, 9 towns are awarded with fundings from Kraft Eden Cheese. Last December 24 which marks the ninth day of the Simbang Gabi, Mandaluyong City is granted the last winner for this year. A delicious Trio Cheese Delight lighted up the people's morning as they served it in the Umagang Kay Ganda (UKG) set -- a first time in the UKG tradition in bringing out the anchors and reach to the people of Mandaluyong.

Kraft's Category Manager, Alex Tacderas and Senior Brand Manager, Anna Roxas-Sapitan are most thankful for the outcome of the event. They were really amazed how the communities gathered and had very Christmas-y spirit in this campaign. And for the next year, they are again cooking a bigger attempt of Christmas celebration with participation by the whole nation. They are also thankful to the press for imparting the communications to all people and making this greatly possible.

Also, one fortunate family is awarded with one house by the Habitat for Humanity. A great Christmas gift from the partner of UKG and Kraft in extending their corporate social-responsibility.

I hope that the Filipinos do this all year round not just for the sake of joining a contest. But as one nation, we are able to provide for our community. Kraft served as a medium of igniting the Christmas spirit in all of us. I mean, that we are able to get up in any circumstance that may come upon us. We should be thankful that institutions like Kraft are reminding us that we can do it.

And with all of that, Merry Christmas to all.

JOSEPH and JAEMARK'S opens in QC

in 17 years of existence, this restaurant gave the public's palate an unusual twist in seafood. Joseph and Jaemark's Tuna dishes came popular to guests of Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City which includes regular citizens, politicians, celebrities, etc. starting from humble beginnings, Joseph and Jaemark's etched a milestone in the industry.

and now, it's latest branch along Sgt. Esguerra in Diliman, Quezon City beckons on the market from the northern part of Manila. in an old, homey Filipiniana setting, guests will easily have a comfortable feeling dining inside.

it's always the best of trying out the food in a restaurant. firstoff is a delicious and light sampler called catfish salad. scraped and deep-fried costs for only Php 200. tangy mango slices below the crispy catfish to boost your appetite.

we tried a lot on the list and going home immediately would be the last option. the dishes are very delicious because of the special concoction of the sauce put into the tuna cuts.

Stuffed Pechay - Php 200

Panga - Php 400

Crispy Buntot - Php 415

Coco Prawns - Php 450

Joseph and Jaemark's Seafood Restaurant is located at #5 Sgt. Esguerra Avenue, South Triangle Quezon City. for delivery, you may dial 410-TUNA(8862) and 416-3734.

also join Joseph & Jaemark's Family Grill on Facebook.

world's first and biggest BIBINGCREPE in Half Moon Asian Cafe

to celebrate its anniversary, Half Moon Asian Cafe delivers a new world record -- by giving us the first and biggest BIBINGCREPE! a twist in the famous Philippine delicacy, the bibingka, that's crunchy outside, but soft and moist inside. its variety, the BIBINGCRISP is a thinner and crunchier version of the bibingcrepe.

this baby is around 2 meters in diameter, about 6.28m in circumference. cooked in a customized pan with controlled and maintained heat to achieve the perfect bibingcrepe texture. it has 4 different flavors: plain, chocolate, corn and cheese. the whole bibingcrepe can be consumed by around 100 of people in one sitting.

to add more fun during the launch, participants are suggested to decorate their bibingcrepe. below are the designs during the competition:

and of course, what's more pleasurable than cutting of pieces of the giant bibingcrepe and take them home? guests gather around and sliced some of it before the day ended.

Half Moon Asian Cafe is located at 238 Tomas Morato Ext. corner Sct. Bayoran.

get your CDO HOLIDAY HAM now!

anywhere in the world, the Christmas feast isn't complete until there's the lean ham. it may be roasted, broiled or even raw out of the package, it tastes just as good. for me, i like to make a healthy sandwich with lettuce leaves, mayo and tomatoes. but there's a lot of things we can do with the Christmas ham.

CDO is taking us the holidays again as it bring the CDO Holiday Ham. you are sure you're getting the best quality ham because it is packed with meat, and not much fat. also check that it's real. you can see the net markings on the skin of the ham. and when you heat the ham, the fats drip on the sides of the meat so the flavor is maintained in the ham itself. finally, CDO Holiday Ham has no extenders, so you are guaranteed that you are getting all meat. that's what celebrity chef Rob Pengson told us.

Chef Rob also shared to us one recipe you can do with CDO Holiday Ham. this is his Healthy Green Salad with CDO Holiday Ham.

you just need:

thin slices of CDO Holiday Ham
salad greens (lettuce or soft cabbages)
red cabbage for color
chopped dried cranberries
apple slices
vinegrette (balsamic vinegar and olive oil)

just mix all ingredients and enjoy. this is a healthy combination of meat and vegetables and more special with CDO Holiday Ham. it is already available in supermarkets so you can enjoy any recipe you like even if it's not Christmas yet.

spending time at Bubble Tea

it's nice to have friends come over for food in the Tomas Morato branch of Bubble Tea. a delectable treat for us foodies. a very satisfying array of courses and drinks served by the friendly crew of Bubble Tea. they serve Japanese dishes to our palates that love food diversity. from appetizing rolls, sushis, sashimis up to drinks, warm or cold, will make you asking for more. the soft and gluttonous dishes are best for gatherings like this.

though i'm a bit sick, having a warm squash soup eased my itching throat and cleared my respiration passage. it is very creamy and very yummy. black sesame added flavor to the soup.

a lot of dishes are served for us to try. i loved the rolls especially Nippon Ebi. it is a panko breaded prawn rolled in sushi rice topped with mango on melted mozzarella cheese. i now have a new favorite other than the California Maki.

pastas are also great at Bubble Tea. choose between these:

to finish it all, a great drink of Bubble Tea's Milk Teas and conversations. pearls below the soothing milk tea after a heavy meal is so good before a sleep. i admit i almost fell asleep after drinking because it is so good. i chose Strawberry Milk Tea; it is not so sweet and you'll love munching on those pearls.

Bubble Tea's Tomas Morato branch is 3rd from the growing network of this food chain. the first 2 branches are located in SM North EDSA and SM Megamall. another child is expected in Wilson Street, San Juan City so people near it can also enjoy the goodness of the drinks and dishes.

they are now conducting a special promo called PICHUR PICHUR. you may check the details at www.facebook.com/tokyobubbletea and you might win a Nikon S230 camera!

FOCACCIA is a slice of Italy

with a lot of restaurants in the city that offers Italian food, one dining place in The Fort Strip lays in authentic Italian recipes that make your mouth water.

Focaccia Pizza and Pasta Restaurant serves fulfilling and yummy dishes that can be enjoyed by groups. Focaccia is the toasted wheat bread slices or croutons that are dipped in a mix of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. you can have as much as you want as you wait for your orders to come.

to start the meal, three appetizers were served. Shrimp Scampi, Spinach Artichoke Formaggio and the Soup Trio (Tomato, Mushroom and Pumpkin)

Soup Trio (Pumpkin, Mushroom, Tomato)

since tomato is one of my favorite ingredients, its taste really distinguished in every dish. the sweetness and fruitiness of the tomato bursts inside your mouth.

the pasta dishes are cooked al dente. and the best part is, it is great for sharing. you and your friends can enjoy the delicious pastas of Focaccia.

and one of the originals in Focaccia are the thin pizza strips to roll with alfalfa sprouts and arugula leaves. flavors available in Focaccia are Slice of Italy Pizza, Scallopine ala Marsala, Sette Formaggio and Seafoods Pizza. eating these pizzas is fun.

enjoy Focaccia and more of its dishes at The Fort Strip at The Fort, Taguig. bring along your friends or family.

take 3 of your friends to Hennessy Artistry!

getting in the edge is in these days. and usual things are put into experiments. and even Moet Hennessy pushed its limits aside from being an old man's cognac to be enjoyed with the younger market. and not only that, Moet Hennessy Cognac is now ready to be mixed with other concoctions making it versatile and diverse.

on November 19 2010, check out Hennessy Artistry Manila and mix with the crowd. music and crowd will fill the NBC Tent at Bonifacio Global City in Taguig. Hennessy Artistry Manila will feature big rock bands like PUPIL, KJWAN and TRUE FAITH.

Hennessy Artisty Manila is a global campaign that promotes quality drinking and in tune with the lifestyle of Filipinos today, diverse and fun. the event also signifies that Hennessy VSOP can now be mixed with other concoctions that will suit the taste of those who drinks it.

this is a very exclusive event. to get in, just avail a 70cl of Moet Hennessy VSOP to get 4 tickets to the party on November 19 at NBC Tent. for more details, LIKE them on Facebook or visit http://hennessyartistrymanila.com

new pizza flavors from Greenwich

Greenwich has developed 2 new flavors of their famous pizza. introducing the Top That Pizzas: Chili Buffalo Wings and Onion Rings and Meatballs and Fries.

Meatballs and Fries Pizza

This pizza is topped with real meatballs and a dash of original Greenwich Pizza fries. a combination of sweet and sour in one pizza top. crunchy fries over gummy cheese to match with munchy meatballs.

Chili Buffalo Wings and Onion Rings

like the first pizza, the chili buffalo wings and onion rings experiment on taste and texture of the pizza. the sour cream compliments the pizza tomato sauce.

these are available in all Greenwich outlets at an affordable price. you may call 5-5555 for delivery.

i am allergic to SHRIMP - - help!

lately i just discovered that i am allergic to shrimp. after eating in a buffet where they serve shrimps, not too long i just this itches that start from the head and then it will cover my entire body. just a very icky situation that i cannot stand when i get into meetings, events and other socials.

i tried taking in antibiotics but it only stops the itching for around 30mins. then i feel the itches again. then my officemate gave me Cetrizine HCL and it has been the most effective yet. i haven't consulted a doctor.

is there a way that i can grow over this? i miss eating shrimp and i am now complaining why in the world one of the most delicious foods is now the one i have to avoid. i am worried of the upcoming buffets and parties! help me please!

Chili Cheese Rolls

Chili Cheese Rolls is one very easy recipe to team up with beer. it is also called Dynamite because it looks like a dynamite. here's how to make this crunchy and palatable recipe.

Ingredients:
green chilis (seeded, stems intact)

cheese, small julienne strips

lumpia wrapper

oil for frying

Procedure:
1. stuff in the cheese strips inside the slits made on the chili.
2. wrap the chili with the lumpia wrapper exposing the stem.

3. fry the rolls until golden brown or crunchy.
4. serve with sweet chili sauce.

vote for Bacarra in Kraft's 100 towns of Christmas

it is an honor to present to you a nominee of Kraft Eden Cheese's 100 Towns of Christmas. the nominee is Bacarra, Ilocos Norte. one of the main delicacies of Ilocos Norte is the bagnet which is another kind of chicharon - crunchy and appetizing.

Bacarra joins the list of Kraft Eden Cheese's 100 Towns of Christmas by submitting a creative twist to the bagnet -- the Chessy Bagnet Pizza. a homestyle version of the meat lover's pizza.

Bacarra is known for the Bacarra Bell tower and the Bac-bacarra Festival. the traditional folksong Pamulinawen also hailed from this town written by Isidro Castro and composed by Julian Dacuycuy Sales which are Bacarreños. rich culture and heritage is found at Bacarra homes and buildings.

how to greet people in Bacarra? here are the samples translated in English:
Naimbag nga bigat - Good morning.
Naimbag nga rabii - Good evening.
Naragsak a Paskua - Merry Christmas.

do you love Bacarra? just log-in to www.sarapngpasko.com and make it get to the Top 9. Bacarra might win upto Php 2 Million worth of support funds from Kraft Eden Cheese.

ESTERO fast food

this was the first time i took a closer look at Ongpin St. in Binondo, Manila. as it is part of the Chinatown in Manila, i never knew that there are more food choices within the area apart from the luxurious Chinese cuisine. shopping is one reason to walk along Binondo and the tour wouldn't be complete without food. after hearing mass from Binondo Church, my friend suggested that we take Estero Fast Food to fill our grumbling stomachs.

getting to Estero
Estero is a local call for creek. the fast food is located along the stretch of Ongpin. from Binondo Church, walk left of Ongpin until you pass two bridges. Estero is just beside the second bridge by the creek as the name suggests.

Estero is just a simple eating area. you will see simple tables and chairs just like in a carinderia setting. you just have to sit and wait to be attended and make your order.

the food choices are surprisingly cheap. for ala carte, the prices range from Php 60 - Php 200 from small to large orders. we ordered small sizes of these dishes:

Crispy Frog Legs - yes, we ordered crispy fried frog legs. for a first-time frog eater like my friend, she didn't find anything disgusting about it. in fact, she appreciated it. deep fried frog legs dipped into sweet and sour sauce are good as appetizers. she even ordered more to go. Php 100

Nido Soup with Quail eggs - to warm your stomach, take a sip of nido soup. Php 70

Fried Rice - rice is a Filipino staple, of course. Php 60

Beef with Broccoli - i always find this in any Chinese restaurant. thin strips of beef meat sauteed with broccoli are still delicious anytime. Php 80

everything costs less than Php 500 upon billing. we would be happy to return and enjoy more of their menu. the place is also clean and you can see how they prepare your food so you're guaranteed safe to what you're gonna eat. they also have a second floor where it is air-conditioned for a comfortable eating.

unusual strawberry dishes

before i went to Baguio, the only recipes I know with strawberry are cakes, ice creams, and everything for dessert. and during my stay in Baguio, i learned that 2 usual dishes at home can be done with strawberries.

first is the Strawberry Taho. at home, the usual taho recipe is just soft warm bean curd with pearls and sugar syrup. but in Baguio, they have strawberry flavoring. that's why it also has a pinkish color.

another one is the sinigang with strawberry. it follows the traditional recipe of sinigang in any meat choice you like, whether beef or pork. and then pieces of whole strawberries. a warm treat of strawberry.

it's always nice to have new variations to food. i would like to try them sometime at home.