Our Love for Gerry's Grill 'Tinomok'

My Sunday Group; LMR!

To like and dislike the same things, that is indeed true friendship.

Gerry's Grill

Location: Trinoma Mall
2/F Quezon City

(02) 332-1111

I  remember posting something like "high-school friends are friends for keeps for life"  and I believe that, these 2 beautiful souls happen to be my closest high-school barkada.

LMR (stands for Lady, Marco & Ryan) is  Ryan's creative idea. haha! (matagal pinagisipan)

We all have work on weekdays so we make sure to have ourselves available on Sunday. We keep each others' company for work-out at Fitness First, to coffee, movies and eat! and Gerry' Grill  is our go-to place every after work out.

Our default order: TINOMOK

The three of us agree that this is our favorite from Gerry's grill, Tinomok  is a bit like laing, only better. This is really good, it was featured in many magazines (priced at 185.00).

For this day; Tinomok is paired with Sizzling Mushroom Garlic Chicken 255.00 and  Crispy Pancit Canton at 165.00

We are really homey at this casual fun resto. We get to have a beautiful scenery while eating. We always get our seats in al fresco area overlooking verdant hills from afar. And not bad for mimicking TAGAYTAY…and the weather -good airy and with a whip of cold swaying air touches your head now and then (we normally have our eating session between 5pm to 6pm)

Tinomok (185.00) with Gerry's Grill Fried Chicken (235.00)

The next time you thought about dining out somewhere, tag along a friend/friends. Conversations during the meal provide opportunities for you to bond, plan, connect, and learn from one another. It’s a chance to share information and news of the day or the days prior, as well as give extra attention to your foundation of friendship. Group meals foster warmth, security and love, as well as feelings of belonging. It can be a unifying experience for all.

Until our next foodtrip adventure,

Bibo

Better Alternative: Bear's Grill

Bear's Grill

Location: Timog
104 Timog Ave. Sacred Heart, Quezon City

(02) 442-6494

Manila has no shortage of places specializing in cheap but tasty barbecue chicken and pork, such as the chains Mang Inasal & Chic-Boy.

Bear's Grill offers the same dishes, done in the popular style of Cebu island, but in an environment that is a little more upmarket than a typical fast-food joint. They also have live band to serenade you while you enjoy their food.

The key is to experiment with the sauce selection, which includes calamansi (local lime), chili peppers, chicken oil, vinegar and soy sauce. Mix it up to your taste, then either dunk your food or drizzle the sauce over your rice.

With my good pal Ashley who share the same huge appetite for food  like mine.

All time Pinoy favorite pulutan and ulam: Lechon Manok and Inihaw na Liempo

Their lechon manok (roasted chicken) and inihaw na liempo are the way to go in this restaurant.

Until our next foodtrip adventure, to live a little drink a little!

Bibo

Chillin' at Chilis

Chili's Bar and Grill

Location: Greenbelt 5
Legazpi Village, Makati
(02) 729-2862

It was my good pal Mark Go's send-off  lunch out before he headed back to the US to join the military. 

And Chili's Bar and Grill is definitely a perfect setting being a known American food chain that offers a great fusion of Mexican and American food.

My good mate Mark Go with his 2 first cousins Melo and Jason ( this great friend of mine also considers me as part of his family, and that I am so grateful about.)

Sending my best of luck as he embarks on a new chapter of his life

The Food:

 We got warm toasted chips with salsa as we wait for the food order. 

My side of the table: I have Monterey Chicken: Marinated, Grilled chicken breast wth BBQ sauce, crispy bacon, cheese and diced tomatoes. Served with mashed potatoes and steamed fresh veggies.
Their Side: Since all of them are big guys (as evident on the pics- the are about 6-footer tall) each of them has BIG MOUTH BURGER BITES; four mini burgers with layers of flavor -- crispy bacon, aged cheddar cheese, sauteed onions and Ranch dressing. Served with fries, crispy onion rings, sprinkled with green onions and Jalapeno Ranch dressing.

Closest Buddies Mark and Jason

Melo and his usual comic antics. Mabenta pa din through times.

I don't have any reference because I've never been to the US, this resto for me is a good place if you are just looking for comfort food. The quality of its cooking (esp for chicken) is great. And according to Mark,  Chili's being a US franchise has managed to keep their quality consistent.

The only downside on this branch; it gets to be crowded and noisy. I don't know if it was just lunchtime but every time I pass by this branch in Greenbelt, it is always full.  If it's any consolation though, they serve free chips while you wait.

Until our next adventure foodies,

Bibo

Live a Little Bit!

Cafe Republiq

Newport Mall
2/F Resorts World Manila, Newport Mall, Newport Blvd

Pasay

(0917) 550-8888
A good meeting area before going clubbing to Opus or Republiq. This is Cafe Republiq!

You won't really notice this wonder even if you are regular of Newport Mall. I mean, primarily people visit this area for casino and this is the home of the country's premier clubspot REPUBLIQ!

Coolai and I decided to go clubbing this particular weekend, and since we were too early for the club's opening, we decided to conveniently have a quick bite and drink a little beside the club. And this is how I came to know more about this Cafe! hahaha.

My party-mate Coolai with her bff Cherry Yu

The Lady Gaga of Pinas

Let the good times roll!

Our Order:

DIPS & CRISPS: Spinach and Parmesan Cheese Gratin at PhP200.00

SALAD: Chpped Chicken, corn, tomato greens, peanuts & sesame vinaigrette at PhP335.00

QUESADILLAS:  Roast Chicken, fresh cilantro, fire roasted tomato salsa and cheese PhP240.00

We were suppose to hang out and just kill time in this Cafe before hitting the club but we ended up finishing 2 bottles of wine. I'd say you won't really notice the time if you enjoy the company of your friends and a good setting to back it up!

Until our next adventure, and yes "Plunge boldly into the thick of life, and seize it where you will, it is always interesting"

Bibo

Good times at 121 Grille and Restaurant

121 Grille and Restaurant

Location: Goethe Institute 

L.P. Leviste Street (near Villar Street)
Salcedo Village, Makati City
Tel:  892 8301

Looking for a good place to have a couple of beers and pulutan after office hours with some friends and officemates?  Then 121 is a place for you, right within the heart of Makati.

(What I'm Wearing: Top:OxygenTee, Jacket by TerraNova, Jeans by Forever21; Shoes by Kickers)

The Gloomy lights of Salcedo Village

The 121 in Salcedo Village is set outdoors, in the roofed entrance area of an office building, which means the staff will probably find space for you even if you show up with more than just a handful of people. There's a staircase and you can just park at the entrance of the building if you worry not to see your car being parked at the street. And need not worry, no towing in this area.

Enjoy after work the Filipino style: alfresco, with an ice cold San Miguel Beer ("below zero").

My second visit (in a more relaxed get-up and highlighting my newly purchased Kenneth Cole casual shoes); I ordered the exact same thing- MOJITO and Below-Zero San Mig Light for washing (haha) accompanied by their version of Buffalo Wings.

Until our next adventure,

Bibo

You should eat here: Bugsy's Bar and Bistro

Bugsy's Bar and Bistro

Location: Pasig
Unit C City Golf Plaza, 105 Dona Julia Vargas Ave

Ugong, Pasig

(02) 489-4985

Hazel loves going to Bugsy's (everytime she's here in Manila for vacay) as she waits for me after my work.

Some see this place as a drinking hole after office hours and to those who frequents the area.

Dining in here is actually a great experience. If you have not been here yet, I would highly recommend to check 'em out to be able to try their delicious culinary delights.

Bugsy’s has lots of culinary delights to offer. Let me breakdown what we're having for tonight:

Lamb Chops: French trimmed Australian lamb, mashed potatoes 295.00

Taco Salad175.00,

Fish and Chips: Battered dory fish fillet, fries, lemon butter sauce 195.00
Iced Tea for me at 45.00 and Canned Mango Juice and 4 Season Juice for her also at 45.00 each.

Dig in!

Excited for my food after a long day at work

Caught Off-guard: Stop taking photos, i'm busy. uhmmmm-- starving really!

Looking so fresh while enjoying her guilt-free fish and chips

We figure, we need to have our dose of caffeine so we headed to the nearest Starbucks Coffee Shop at Ortigas Home Depot

a true fashionista, this girl right here breathes signature clothing and accessories. 

My Starbucks Staple: Caramel Macchiato 

and there she is enjoyin her TEA

More coffee for a lot of catching-up, every moment matters!

Our budget is kinda damaged higher than the usual. Haha! But despite  that and- yes a tolerable waiting of serving the food (they might have prepared every dish extra special-- I just don't know if they have a resident chef), I would still come back here at Bugsy’s Bar and Bistro because I am still seeing the value for money. You should eat here at Bugsy's.

 Until our next foodtrip adventure, Happy Weekend guys;

Bibo

Now Showing

More than 4 years ago, I met my college classmate (who is now a Film Instructor at the University of the Philippines) in Cubao. He told me that he is looking for a replacement of the lead actor of the film he was about to make and asked if I could consider doing it. I knew that he realized I was willing to take the part- and sure i did.

It took more than a year of filming ( mainly because we could only do it on a weekend plus the director was such a perfectionist that many a times I was on a brink of giving up. haha) and as of this writing, it will be shown starting on Friday as part of the Philippine Arts Festival 2014 sponsored by the NCCA, DOT, SM among others.

This is more of a one-man show being the Writer, Producer, Cameraman, PA and Director of the brilliant Chridtian Tablazon. And I am so proud to be part of the ensemble.

So if you are in the area, before it will have a run in Manila (hopefully soon) please come and support this film. And a talk about the film follows at the Xavier University, Ateneo de Cagayan. See you all there!

Credits to the owner of the photo ( grabbed from Christian's facebook page)

Until then,

Bibo

Lasang Pinoy: Gerry's Grill

It's Sam's Despedida Party!

Gerry's Grill

Location: Trinoma Mall

North Ave., Quezon City

(02) 332-1111

Gerry's Grill is one of those few restaurants (within the mall) that can cater to those who wants to binge (especially on authentic Filipino dishes) and at the same time enjoy and have some (alcoholic) drink. And such a perfect setting for a surprised send-off party prepared by my very good friend Ryan Malgapo for his good friend Sam.

I guess that High-school friends are friends for keeps (for life).  Us (Ryan and I) here doing some chit-chat before the other guests arrived.  You see, it pays to be an early bird.

Great selection of local beers and great colors to match too.

Super Cheat Day!

Crispy Pata

Serving amount is sufficient for a hungry tummy! The taste satisfies the cravings.
Gerry's Grill has been a fave for me for years and this branch didn't fail our appetite's calling.

Chicken Fingers and Fries

Kare-kare

Grilled Chicken

Carbonara Pasta

Gerry’s Grill provides its diners with an ambiance that is perfect for a get together like this Sam's send-off party. The place is so inviting and so unintimidating it attracts the dining as well as the family crowd. 

They also have live band that plays good music while you enjoy the great food served on your table.

If you are looking for a place to satisfy your food craving and to chill out with your family and friends,  then Gerry's Grill is the perfect place of choice. Its menu fits right into any occasion and budget.

Until our next foodtrip adventure,

Bibo