My Unforgettable McCormick Flavor Nation Festival Experience

McCormick has proved once again that they know the perfect recipe for an epic party – food, music, arts, and booze – at the first (hopefully, not the last) McCormick Flavor Nation Festival, held at the Activity Center of Bonifacio High Street in Taguig City last May 16, 2015.

McCormick Flavor Nation Festival at Active Fun in Bonifacio High Street Taguig City

 

McCormick Flavor Nation Festival

Dubbed as the biggest foodie event of this summer, McCormick Flavor Nation Festival was a celebration of more than a decade of the Filipinos’ patronization of the reliable line of products by McCormick. It was obvious: brand recognition was not the target of this this event. McCormick is already a household name, and we’re all familiar with their herbs and spices. In fact, there are usually sections in supermarkets dedicated solely to displaying McCormick products. This gastronomic festivity was actually geared to introducing loyal customers to unique and surprising ways of using McCormick products to elevate the flavors of food and (who knew?) even drinks!

For PHP 150, attendees were each given an Event Passport and a complimentary McCormick Starter Pack loot bag, containing select McCormick products worth PHP 100 and a copy of the February 2015 issue of Appetite Magazine.

Event Passport for McCormick Flavor Nation Festival in Bonifacio High Street Taguig

Photo grabbed from Jill of @TheFoodScout

The Event Passport gave us access to savor sample size dishes from all 10 participating concessionaires, taste drinks prepared by the resident mixologist, watch live musical performances, and get a chance to win amazing prizes from their on-site raffles and contests.

 

McCormick Infused Dishes

The first purveyor that I visited was Fived Rice by Chef John Reyes, featuring the chef’s interpretation of the three variants of McCormick Rice Cookers – Biryani Rice, Nasi Lemak Rice, and Hainanese Rice.

McCormick Rice Cookers Recipe Mix at McCormick Flavor Nation Festival

My favorite among the three was the Biryani Rice for its appetizing color and bold flavor. Plus, it was topped with raisins and cashew nuts, giving the rice dish an interesting texture.

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Finally, the McRib! We’re Loving It!

Seeing all the hype online about McDo’s McRib sandwich only made Ken and I salivate with anticipation to finally taste it. Only select stores had them available when we first heard that it’s finally here in the Philippines, so we had to control our craving for it. 😀

McRib giveaway!!

Fast forward to over a week ago, McDo sent us McRib sandwiches, and I invited my office friends after work to taste it with me. We had a McRib party! 😀

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Gourmet Strip: The Best of Shangri-La Plaza Restaurants

There’s no contest; Shangri-La Plaza remains one of the top foodie destinations in the Metro with its impeccable line-up of food choices and cuisines that you will not find anywhere else.

Gourmet Strip Event at Shangri-La Plaza Mandaluyong

Now they are inviting you to the biggest foodie event of the summer to taste and experience the best of Shangri-La restaurants in one gastronomic stage at this year’s Gourmet Strip event.

 

Gourmet Strip at Shangri-La Plaza

Gourmet Strip is a food sampling and selling fair that will highlight the bestselling dishes from the mall’s most popular restaurants for two weekends – May 15 to 17 (Asian cuisine) and May 22 to 24 (American and European) – at the East Atrium of Shangri-La Plaza. And the best part yet: admission is absolutely FREE!

Gourmet Strip at Shangri-La Plaza Event Poster

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McCormick Flavor Nation Festival: Feast for the Senses

If you search your cupboard at home right now, there’s a big chance you’ll find a McCormick product just lying around. Their products are true Filipino household staples. McCormick has also played a big part in my home-based pastry business since I use their high-quality food colorings, spices, and extracts to whip up my bestselling cupcakes. These are the very reasons why I immediately accepted their invitation to attend this year’s McCormick Flavor Nation Festival.

Cupcakes by Chef Ken of Certified Foodies for McCormick Flavor Nation Festival

 

McCormick Flavor Nation Festival

Mark your calendars! On May 16, 2015 (Saturday), McCormick Philippines will be hosting their first McCormick Flavor Nation Festival at the Activity Center of Bonifacio High Street in BGC, Taguig.

McCormick Flavor Nation Festival 2015 at Bonifacio Global City Taguig

This summer’s biggest foodie festival will let you experience a one-of-a-kind gustatory adventure with the Flavor Nation Specialty Food Stalls and the Spiced Beverage Bar, where guests can experience a variety of gastronomic dishes and cocktails all infused with McCormick herbs, spices, and meal mixes. There are even stalls that will be pairing their dishes with the 3 variants of McCormick Rice Cookers: Hainanese Chicken Rice, Biryani Rice, and Nasi Lemak Coconut Pandan Rice. Flavored rice? Count us in!

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Experience Japan’s Sakura Season at Tokyo Bubble Tea

For hundreds of years, the Japanese people have been observing their “Hanami” tradition, where they enjoy picnics under the blooming cherry blossom trees during Japan’s spring season. Travelers all over the world are packing their bags to join in on the celebration. But like the most of us, we don’t have the free time and—let’s admit—the financial capacity to splurge on a trip just to witness Japan’s iconic Sakura Season. But don’t fret; Tokyo Bubble Tea has finally brought the Sakura Season right to the Philippines with their newest offerings—the Sakura Bento Trays and Sakura JCC Milk Teas.

Facade of Tokyo Bubble Tea in SM North EDSA The Block Quezon City

 

Tokyo Bubble Tea at SM North EDSA The Block

I dragged my good friend, Rose Ann, with me since she’s more familiar with the Japanese culture. She’s an online English tutor and it’s her amazing job to talk with Japanese people all day. We visited the Tokyo Bubble Tea at SM North EDSA The Block in Quezon City for it’s the branch nearest to us.

Interior of Tokyo Bubble Tea SM North EDSA The Block Quezon City

Upon entering their store, we were greeted by their very accommodating staff. One was even game enough to strike a pose for a picture. This branch has limited seating capacity. I remember my family deciding to have dinner here one time, but we had to wait 15 minutes to get seated because the place was jam-packed with customers. I was also quite surprised with their cake display, since the last time we were here, they only had a handful of cakes to choose from. Now they’re selling more than 10 varieties of cakes, and they all look so sweet and delicious!

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Pamper Your MOMspiration at Discovery Country Suites

Exactly a week from now, we will be celebrating the day of the most important woman in our lives. Since no amount of money can ever match how much hard work our mothers have put into raising us, one way we can repay them is by making them enjoy a truly relaxing experience they will never forget, like treating our beloved “MOMspiration” to an amazing Mother’s Day weekend at Discovery Country Suites in Tagaytay City.

Facade of Discovery Country Suites in Tagaytay

 

MOMspiration at Discovery Country Suites

Give your mother the ultimate royal treatment with an overnight stay at any of the Deluxe, Premiere, and Master Suites that all come with country breakfast and 60-minute massage sessions for 2 persons, wine and cheese sundown cocktails, and a 10% discount on food and beverage at Restaurant Verbena. You are also free to use their Jacuzzi with a beautiful view of the Taal Lake.

Outdoor Garden and Jacuzzi Area at Discovery Country Suites Tagaytay

 

Deluxe Suites (Andalucia, Saint Tropez, and Ceylon)

We were given a tour at one of their Deluxe Suites, the French-inspired Saint Tropez Suite, which features two queen-size beds, a spacious bathroom, and an impeccable view of Discovery Country Suites’ garden.

Saint Tropez Deluxe Suite at Discovery Country Suites Tagaytay

A night at any of their Deluxe Suites starts at PHP 8,838 nett, including all the services and amenities mentioned above.

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Jollibee Big Burger Steak : For Your BIG Appetite

I’m sure many of you would agree: there’s something about Jollibee that keeps us coming back for more even with the wide variety of restaurant choices that are available to us. 99% of the time that we visit a Jollibee store, I just have to order their Burger Steak. I’ll have to admit, it’s my favorite alongside their Chickenjoy. So when I heard about Jollibee’s Big Burger Steak, I simply had to have it. 😀

Jollibee Big Burger Steak - as thick as the Champ burger patty

The distinct taste of Jollibee’s Burger Steak is something I seem to always crave for. My friends, and Ken, can attest to this. And the Big Burger Steak definitely satisfies my big appetite. 😀

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Hole in the Wall: Not Your Typical Food Court

Filipinos love dining at food courts for three main reasons: variety, convenience, and affordability. However, there also exists two major drawbacks that are quite off-putting to diners. First, most food courts allow similar food concepts to compete with each other, so it’s a familiar scene to see 2-3 sizzling or Filipino cuisine concepts in one food hall. Secondly, some of the food being offered are so mediocre that one would wonder how they were permitted to put up their shops in the first place. What if we tell you that there’s a new food spot in Makati that has all three reasons why we love food courts, minus all the drawbacks? Yes, there is and it’s Hole in the Wall at Century City Mall.

Hole in the Wall Food Court at Century City Mall Makati

 

Hole in the Wall

Hole in the Wall at Century City Mall is redefining the term, “food court,” by featuring a curated and hand-picked list of food purveyors in a space one would not typically associate with a food court. At first glance, the place would remind you of hawkers in Singapore, but once you’ve taken a good look around, you would know that food courts don’t look as fancy and modern as Hole in the Wall.

The Greenhouse Dining Area at Hole in the Wall Century City Mall

The Greenhouse

The dining area is divided into 5 sections: The Greenhouse, The Den, The Barn, Al Fresco area, and the whole second floor. The Greenhouse is the first area that would greet you once you come into Hole in the Wall. The tables and seats here are a good mix of plush couches, wooden chairs, and benches.

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Discover Adventure at Farmers Market Day Tour

For over 40 years, Farmers Market, a landmark at the Araneta Center, has been distinguished as an unparalleled source of fresh meat, seafood, and produce in Metro Manila.  Now they’re setting the bar even higher as they officially launch the Farmers Market Day Tour, a major first in the history of the Philippine market.

Farmers Market Facade at the Araneta Center Cubao

 

Farmers Market Day Tour 

Farmers Market holds its first Farmers Market Day Tour, in participation to the gastronomic feast, “Flavors of the Philippines,” by the Department of Tourism for the whole month of April. This project aims to transform our old and boring market day into a fun and interactive adventure, where you get to discover new things and experience Farmers Market anew.

Farmers Market Day Tour Map

 

Farmers Market for Madrid Fusion

On April 23, Farmers Market will be welcoming the elite chefs featured on Madrid Fusion Manila 2015 - the most anticipated event of the year that will bring together renowned chefs from Spain and the Philippines in a single culinary stage.

Madrid Fusion Manila 2015

I consider myself fortunate for being invited, together with some select local bloggers, to be the very first people to experience the Farmers Market Day Tour before the arrival of the participating chefs and international press for Madrid Fusion. And as an avid fan of local beauty pageants, I was even more delighted to find out that our tour guides will be none other than Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach (Binibining Pilipinas Universe 2015) and Hannah Ruth Sison (Binibining Pilipinas First Runner-Up).

Binibining Pilipinas 2015 Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach and Hannah Ruth Sison for Araneta Center

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Enjoy Instagram-Ready Persian Food at Dweet Gastropub

The weekend before Holy Week, we were invited by Dweet Gastropub to give their revamped menu a try. Since they’re only a few blocks away from where Mhel is staying in Makati, we accepted their offer.

Special Kebab - Dweet Gastropub

Dweet Gastropub first opened their doors November of 2014. After almost two months, they decided to update their menu to better accommodate the palate of their target customers, which were mostly Makati office workers.

Facade of Dweet Gastropub The Collective Makati

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