Wonderful World of Kuse ! A Traditional Filipino Cuisine

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I have been invited to see and experience the KUSE. I enjoyed the wonderful world of traditional Filipino cuisine. I had the chance to dine in Kuse's first branch at Venice Piazza in McKinley Hill, Taguig.

I thought what means Kuse? Is that the name of the chef or the owner? Surprisingly, Kusě, among the Tagalogs, refers to the local chef. The word is perhaps derived from the more common term, kusinero. During special occasions in the community, people always ask, “sino ang magku-kusé?” They are always curious who will head the kitchen, who will manage the feast. Being a Kuse is considered a distinction. The Kuse’s reputation lends prestige to the affair, gives pride to the host, and makes everything more exceptional for the guests. 

The menu of Kuse showcases traditional Filipino cuisine -- dishes that are familiar and are regularly sought by the Pinoy palate. It’s the perfect go-to place for local cravings and for entertaining balikbayan guests.

The Chef’s Quarter Group of Restaurants opened the first branch of Kuse in November 2009 at Venice Piazza, McKinley Hill. The second outlet opened its doors last March 2012 at Lucky Chinatown Mall in Binondo which was shortly followed by another at Eton Centris Walk in Quezon City.

Here in Venice Piazza branch, the ambiance is super cool. I love here, feeling that I am in a fresh air cool place around the bamboo trees even the outside is the super heat summer.

The parade of specialties from various provinces include best-sellers such as Pork Sisig Kapampangan, Pancit Lechon de Lucban, Vigan Bagnet, Mini Ukoy with Visayan Sauce, and Batangas Bulalo Soup.

Dining at Kuse is like being in a typical Filipino salu-salo so serving portions are all big enough to share. Other items topping the favorites list of regular visitors are Paco Salad ng Laguna with Kesong Puti and Itlog na Maalat, Sinigang na Bangus sa Bayabas, BBQ Beef Back Ribs Adobado, Kuse Lechong Baka.

I love all the dishes we had but my favorite among the specialties, is - Adobong Kuhol sa Gata! A new and unique menu from Kuse. After trying what they served us, our group asked for more Adobong Kuhol ! 

And as the desserts, Banana Langka in Filo with Caramel Sauce, and the innovative Sapin-Sapin Creme Brulee.

Behind the recipes is Chefs’ Quarter Group executive chef, Mauro Arjona Jr. whose father was a Kuse. “He was actually a farmer in our province Liliw, Laguna but every time there’s an occasion such as weddings and fiesta, he would always be called to cook. And he would work for the love of it, even without pay,” chef Mau recalls. 

The Chefs’ Quarter Group of Restaurants includes Chefs’ Quarter Restaurant, Beurre Blanc Restaurant and Wine Bar, Old Vine Grille, Uncle Cheffy Brick Oven Global Cuisine, and just recently, Larry & Mau Diner.

Kuse at Venice Piazza, McKinley Hill (836-4969) Operating Hours: 10am – 11pm, Monday to Sunday with seating capacity of 50 persons.

Kuse at Lucky Chinatown Mall, Binondo, Manila (708-9576) , Operating Hours: 10am to 10pm, Monday to Sunday. Seating capacity: 70 persons.

Kuse at Eton Centris Walk, Quezon City (709-9817) Operating Hours: 11am to 11pm, Monday to Sunday. Seating capacity: 90 persons.

And watch out soon to open in Festival Mall, Alabang!

Kuse also offers catering services. Visit and enjoy Kuse. It’s the perfect go-to place for your cravings! 

LEADERS & WRITERS CONVERGENCE 2013 (The Boracay Event)

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LEADERS & WRITERS CONVERGENCE 2013 will be held at the Boracay Ecovillage Resort & Convention Center on April 26 to 28, 2013. Student leaders, campus writers, youth leaders of various groups and organizations, people in the academe, as well as respected media personalities in the country, will be at the Convergence to discuss issues seeking to develop and transform our youth to “Be The Change!”

“BE THE CHANGE! The Advocacy of Good Governance and Transparency”

This 3-day event boasts for its environment, cultural, socio-related content and hi-impact input from experts in the field. It will feature visionary leaders, policy-makers, and media experts who have made significant contributions in the society and continue to shape the development of the information, education, and media industry.

‘Moving Leaders & Writers of Integrity for a Better Philippines’, is dedicated to support the promotion of literacy and education, elevate the art of leadership, the fervor of social awareness and the skills to promote writing and leadership among the younger generation, instill in the minds of the youth the importance of protecting the environment from destructive practices, and to value the inspiration to serve unconditionally.

The Convergence will feature high-level panel discussions, roundtables, sessions, lectures, fellowships and awarding rites organized for the young leaders and writers to interact, share ideas, exchange information, enjoy and appreciate the beauty of their talents and to promote the uniqueness of the younger generation as well as their skills and gifts in various sphere of influence. 

What will make it more significant is the participation of fellow guilders from various regions of the country who wish to interact and network with their Visayan counterparts.

THIS IS A FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVED-BASIS. ENSURE YOUR SEAT AT THE EVENT BY FILLING IN THE NECESSARY FORMS AVAILABLE BY REQUEST ONLY. EMAIL YOUR REQUEST AT: leadersandwriters@gmail.com.

Globe Business’ Affordable Postpaid Solutions Protect Entrepreneurs from “Bill Shock”

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Postpaid plans are ideal for Filipino entrepreneurs who prefer to enjoy a features-rich mobile phone and data account that’s always ready—without the service cut-offs that happen when, say, a pre-paid plan runs out of load. 

The downside, of course, is the trauma that can happen when the entrepreneur receives his or her monthly bill. This trauma is so significant and distressing that it already has a name: “bill shock”.

To prevent bill shock and the distress it causes, Globe Business has come up with postpaid solutions that keep entrepreneurs happy with a variety of customized, reliable services that are also very affordable. In this way, entrepreneurs can keep communications costs down while maximizing the benefits brought to their business by telecoms technology.

These Globe Business postpaid solutions are perfect for entrepreneurs who do business while on the go: they are assured that wherever they are, they are backed by by a postpaid plan that provides instant communication and access to critical data for decision-making and deal-making. 

Business Plus Plan Zero allows you to build your own service package. Plan Zero means it comes without an offered postpaid plan. Instead, it focuses on specific services that cater to specific needs. Business Plus Plan Zero comes in four groups of services, each with their own primers. 

Globe Business provides postpaid subscribers with Business Plus Plan Zero--which comes with no pre-determined postpaid plan. Instead, it allows postpaid subscribers to choose the set of services that best fits their needs. Those who are heavily dependent on texting, for example, can choose from Unli Text (P200) or Unlitext All (P600). Business Plus Plan Zero provides quality, affordable, and reliable services and protects post-paid subscribers from the trauma of "bill shock" which is experienced when they receive unexpectedly high billings.

If you are interested in enhancing your calling opportunities and expanding your reach to a wide range of networks, pick from the following services: UnliBloop (P100), Unli Call (P300), Duo (P399), Super Duo (P499) or 100 Local Calls (P400). 

However, if you are are more inclined to sending messages, you might opt for a different set of primers. Choose from 300 Local Texts (P100), Unli Text (P200) or Unlitext All (P600). 

For those who need quick access to their e-mails, as well as the internet, these services may be of use: 100 MB worth of mobile browsing (P100) or Unli Data (P1000). 

Lastly, if you have a Blackberry and need services that are specific to your phone, there are also primers for you to choose from: BIS License (P400), BES License (P500), Unli BIS (P600) or Unli BES (P1000). 

However, if you are looking for a plan to accompany these features, you should sign up for Globe Business' Business Flex. Avail for any of their consumbale plans: Plan 500, Plan 800, Plan 1200, Plan 1800, Plan 2500 and Plan 3500. Plan services 800 and above are also welcomed to add one primer service. Choose from Unli Call, Unli Text, Unli Text All, Unli Data, Unli BIS and Unli BES. The rest of the primer services may be made available as add ons. 

Are you very dependent on making business calls but are afraid of "bill shock"? Traumatic, unexpectedly high billings are prevented by Business Plus Plan Zero through reliable and affordable services that are tailored to post-paid subscribers' needs. Make those important calls to clients and partners by choosing from the   following services:  Unli Call (P300), Duo (P399), and Super Duo (P499). All these are available only through Globe Business.

Be aware that primers attached to Business Flex are deducted from your consumable amount. Primers cannot exceed their MSF and are renewed and charged full against the consumable amount ever 30-days. 

Running a business can be demanding but investing in a Globe Business postpaid plan will help run your business smoothly. Discover how using telecoms technology from Globe Business can give you more time for the most important things in life. Just get in touch with your Globe Business Account Manager; or visit any Globe Store; or call the Globe Business Hotline at +632 7301010. You may also log on to http://www.globe.com.ph/business. 

Globe Business is the corporate arm of Globe Telecom, the leading mobile telecommunications company in the Philippines. Globe Business provides wireless and wireline solutions for a diverse set of industries, businesses, and commercial enterprises. It assures SMEs of affordable, reliable, and dependable services for all communication needs, both wireless and wireline solutions, to generate the highest possible profit at the lowest possible cost.

Stay Pretty with BDJ Box Beauty Social on March 24!

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Mark this day ! Join the first BDJ Box Beauty Social and win an April BDJ Box!

Let's be happy and stay pretty always!  

Here's the Mechanics:

1. Like the BDJ Box Facebook fanpage and this Photo.

2. Share this photo on your Facebook wall. The photo must be viewable to the public. Don't forget to tag BDJ BOX and SM Mall of Asia Official in your entry.

3. Email the link to your shared post to rissa@belledejourpowerplanner.com with your name and contact details with the subject: BDJ Box Beauty Social Facebook Promo by March 20, 2013.

4. Entries will be raffled and one winner will receive an April Box!

Just answer the question: What's your "I honestly can't live without it" Beauty Product? and send your answer, along with your name, mobile number and top 3 talk choices to hazel@belledejourpowerplanner.com

Click this link to see the event's talk titles and details https://www.facebook.com/notes/bdj-box/save-the-date-to-first-bdj-box-beauty-social/226898634122563

Cut-off for all entries is on March 22, Friday.

For more details check out their Facebook Page: facebook.com/bdjbox

To get your very own BDJ Box, visit their website: www.bdjbox.com

Mabuhay Restop’s Manila Vanilla!

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Enjoying wonderful world to sing, dance and dine for Bayanihan with Mabuhay Restop’s Manila Vanilla! Last week, we had awesome homestyle dinner, with regional Philippine specialties and family favorites. The place is so nice and spacious venue for meetings and special occasions. People can have breakfast, lunch or dinner meetings, Filipino-Themed Children’s Parties and Family Reunions.

We enjoyed the experience of MANILA VANILLA , the Cultural Dinner Show while we having  a sumptuous Filipino buffet dinner!

MABUHAY RESTOP in Roxas Boulevard , near Manila Ocean Park, and Rizal Park, offers a unique tourism experience of the Philippines, with the Filipinos. Enjoy Filipino homesyle cooking, different Philippine regional specialities, and some family recipes and favorites with a Filipino twist. 

It is a widely known fact that Filipinos are very hospitable people, so much so that they greet guests not by asking, “Kumusta (How are you)?” but by asking, “Kumain ka na ba (Have you eaten)?” Such quirks and other peculiar Filipino traits are celebrated in Mabuhay Restop’s Manilla Vanilla--a unique musical comedy directed by Nestor U. Torre, with music composed by Ryan Cayabyab.

The show tells the story of a Filipino family as they prepare to open their home as a bed & breakfast. Served with deliciously self-deprecating humor and lighthearted song and dance numbers, the show will tickle your funny bones and serve as an enjoyable introduction to those new to Filipino culture.

Aside from a night of pop-cultural entertainment, audiences will also get to enjoy a delicious Filipino buffet of home-style dishes and different regional specialties.

Mabuhay Restop’s Manila Vanilla! stars Celine Fabie of the Ryan Cayabyab Singers and Spotlight Artist Centre's "Katy: The Musical," Astarte Abrahan of Resorts World Manila's "The Sound of Music" and Repertory Philippines' "A Portrait of the Artist as a Filipino"; singer and comedian Andy Bais; and entertainer and Gawad Kalinga volunteer Edward Fernandez.

As a museum, travel café, and social enterprise in one, Mabuhay Restop is devoted to promoting Philippine culture and heritage in creative ways while making a difference. The social enterprise has committed to give 30% of Mabuhay Restop’s net income to Gawad Kalinga, a Filipino nation-building movement dedicated to eradicating poverty and restoring human dignity through building empowered and sustainable communities

“At Mabuhay Restop, we want our guests to get to know and experience the Philippines like never before,” says owner and president Rose Cabrera, a UCLA-educated California lawyer and GK advocate. 

“We don’t just offer great food and entertainment; we also offer voluntourism tours and other avenues to provide visitors with an opportunity to create better lives for communities who need it most.”

Other attractions to its repertoire of shows, Mabuhay Restop also offers something for the kids and kids-at-heart with Mga Kwento ni Tita Beauty, also written and directed by Nestor U. Torre. A spin-off from Mga Kwento ni Lola Basyang, the show features creative and theatrical storytelling featuring 6 original Filipino and English tales imbibed with valuable moral lessons. This will be Saturdays (3pm) show and includes special Pinoy Merienda for the kids!

For a different Philippine travel experience, Mabuhay Restop offers the Voluntourism or Kalinga Tours. 

They provides visitors a totally different Philippine travel experience by taking them not just to beautiful tourist spots in Bicol, Bacolod, Palawan, and Davao, but also to several Gawad Kalinga villages, where they can experience the warmth and hospitality of the Filipinos, practice compassion in action, and understand the soul of bayanihan. 

Additionally, Mabuhay Restop also offers the Bayan Tour, a 3-hour guided and interactive tour in Rizal Park for visitors who wish to learn more about the Philippines and the Filipino. This tour features the one-of-a kinds "I am Filipino" art exhibit with 12 Filipino artists like Ugu Bigyan, Nemi Miranda, Ramon Orlina, Ryan Cayabyab, JC Buendia and Ernie Francisco, and Albert Badz Magsumbol.

 Stained glass art displayed above their buffet table

Ultimately, Mabuhay Restop aims to make a difference in the lives of Filipinos through social tourism and entrepreneurship. “We want to be able to set an example to other entrepreneurs by showing it is profitable to invest in the poor and partner with them through social enterprises.”

Let's experience the Philippines like never before by joining a KALINGA TOUR which will take you not just to Philippine tourist spots, but also to a Gawad Kalinga village where you will experience the much vaunted warmth and hospitality of the Filipino, practice compassion in action, and discover hope.

More pictures, click Here.