Restaurante Pia y Damaso, Subversive Filipino Cuisine

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Enjoying an authentic dining experience is an important part of visiting restaurants especially unique ones and I think, tradition is everything. 

Sometimes I pass by at the Greenbelt 5, seeing Restaurante Pia y Damaso and thinking it is a Spanish restaurant, so honestly, it looks sophisticated but I thought it's the most expensive. 

I am one of the foodies invited to try food at Restaurante Pia y Damaso and fortunately, meeting the owner, Chef Bambi Sy-Gobio. Restaurante Pia Y Damaso was born when Greenbelt 5 opened in 2007.

Myrna Roman, Azrael Coladilla, Chef Bambi Sy-Gobio, Marco Dennis and Karen Tuazon

Restaurante Pia y Damaso is one of the premier Subversive Filipino Cuisines in the country. Offering one of the best and well known Filipino cuisines with their added twists and character.

Classic entrees and a vintage atmosphere present a feeling like you time traveled to Jose Rizal's days.

According to Bambi, Restaurante Pia y Damaso specializes on colonial Philippine cuisine inspired by Noli Me Tangere. 

The restaurant is a Filipino cuisine, and is called "comido antigo." The restaurant's name and inspiration, history comes. Father Damaso is the kura paroko or parish priest of the fictional town of San Diego, the main setting of Noli Me Tangere. Father Damaso is the biological father of Maria Clara, Crisostomo's sweetheart. He secretly impregnated Dona Pia Alba, wife of San Diego town chief Santiago de los Santos (a.k.a.Kapitan Tiyago). Damaso is popularly described with notoriety, as being the villain of Noli Me Tangere because of his persistent antogonism with Ibarra, and his negative characteristics as being fat and arrogant. . . a subversive person, troublemaker, dissident, agitator, revolutionary, renegade, rebel. . . .

Restaurante Pia y Damaso, naming their food with the use of iconic names from Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo. Subversive Filipino Cuisine" probably what Damaso, also Maria Clara, Ibarra and others accused subversives were accustomed to have.

Here's the subversive treats: First served with the Starters/Appetizers, Salads and Sandwiches, Main Courses & Rice , Dessert & Pastries, Beverages - Coffee, Tea and Chocolate.

Starters/Appetizers

Almond Stuffed Dates Wrapped in Bacon

Spanish Style Sardines with Toasted Pandesal

Filo Tarts with Pork Asado, Apple Relish 

Filo Tarts with Pork Asado is enclosed in crispy filo tarts ...... I love this! Topped with apple relish to make every bite appealing.

Sisig

Salads 

Nga Nga Beef Salad 

Salty sweet chewy beef flakes , green mango pickle, red onions, haw flakes, cilantro, arugula and lettuce. Just wrap everything inside ! :)

Crisp Soft Shell Crab Salad with Mango Pepper and Cilantro Relish

Elias Salad
Elias Salad is seared marinated crocodile meat from Davao, mixed greens, tomato, caramelized pineapple, crisp shallots and mango, cilantro vinaigrette. This cost Php 450.

Main Courses & Rice

Ode to Heidelberg

German platter of brined pork leg, slab bacon, cervelat, kielbasa, wienerli, frankfurter, and Hungarian sausages.

Ostrich beef steak with guava butterThe ostrich is from an ostrich farm in Cagayan. 

Pork Belly with Chorizo and Chickpeas

Kapitan Tiago's Kare Kare

Roast Chicken with Sherry and Pimiento
Roasted chicken quarter with garlic, sherry, spanish paprika, green olives, extra virgin oil, herbs and roasted peppers.

Smoked Tapang Usa
Smoke Tapang Usa is "salted deer meat from Nueva Ecija, green mango pickles, roasted pepper omelette on garlic rice"

Smoked BBQ Mango Pork

Smoked BBQ Mango Pork is "smoked bbq pork with a mango marinade, served with a spinach, apple, raisin, pinenut and garlic rice with scrambled eggs"

Dessert & Pastries

Toasted Yema ParfaitThis new frozen dessert has layers of a special vanilla creme topped with toasted Yema.

Tsokolate Eh and Toasted Ensaymada with Queso de bola 
(Php 150)

Brazo ni Dona Vicki
(Php 100)
"Chewy meringue roulade with fresh butter curd"

Bibingka Waffle
(Php 150)
"with Malago's goat's cheese, quezo de bola, salted egg and coco jam"

De Espadana Quezo de Bola Cheesecake
(Php 220)
"Baked cheesecake with santol, prune and fig compote"

Sisa's Dementia
(Php 175)
"Truffle cake with white chocolate almond pastille, dark choco mousse and ganache"

Pepay the Dancer's Halo Halo
(Php 220)
" Red monggo, langka, garbanzaos, kaong, nata, jalea, goat's milk, leche flan, candied kamias, saba, guava, quezo de bola, fresh pastillas and ube purple yum ice cream"

The place - is small but cosy, the interiors are very charming, giving feeling of comfort, warmth, and relaxation.

The food - Restaurante Pia y Damaso manage to do the traditional way of cooking, and with a twist - an exotic ... and a different bland of ingredients. It was my 1st time to eat a crocodile meat, an Ostrich meat and deer meat! They taste like, chicken, or pork or beef meat. The meat is clean and don't have stinky smell. An exotic food that will make you forget what meat it is. 

All the desert were not too sweet and seemed that the combination was perfect. <3

Everything taste is perfect which makes me craving until the last bite. :)

The food were served very quickly and the staff/waiters were very friendly. Thanks! 

I had a very pleasant experience at Restaurante Pia Y Damaso and I will be back with my family and friends. 

Try it and you will enjoy the world of Restaurante Pia y Damaso, Subversive Filipino Cuisines! 

Restaurante Pia Y Damaso is located at 

2/F Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center Makati

Telefax +632 729-5511

Visit the Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PiaYDamaso

“Abot-Tanaw ni George Tapan” Exhibit , Taps Epson technologies for natural looking photos of Filipino indigenous tribes

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"With a camera as his instrument and the outdoors his element, Master George Tapan is known for his timeless and priceless photographs."

Distinguished Filipino photographer George Tapan showcases the diversity of Filipino tribes in his latest exhibit “Abot-Tanaw ni George Tapan” at the National Museum of Anthropology located at the Old Finance Building along Finance Road, Ermita, Manila. The exhibit was unveiled last June 19, and will run Tuesdays to Sundays from 10 AM to 5 PM until August 16.

As one of the original Epson PRO, an eminent group of photographers and graphic artists in the Philippines, George Tapan has been a long-time Epson user, and considers Epson as part of his family.

“For this exhibit, I used Epson scanners and printers, because in my eye, Epson produces the nearest natural color. The right color, archival ink, and the variety of paper or media to choose from is why I chose Epson as a partner for exhibits, including this one. For the “Abot-Tanaw” exhibit at the National Museum, I used Epson’s archival paper that produces no glare, to help me showcase the beauty of the subjects and photographs without using an encasing glass.” 

“Abot-Tanaw ni George Tapan” features the diverse culture of the Philippines as shown by the different indigenous tribes around the country. The subject matter is close to his heart, as showing recognition to these indigenous tribes is part of his personal advocacy. “We should never forget the indigenous people; we should show them respect and give them dignity. Without them, there is no us,” he elaborated.

His many years of traveling in all parts of the country have yielded a wealth of images showing the very essence of Filipino tribal life. “For me, a good photograph captures the spirit of each tribe. Although I give directions and make plans before capturing the images to remove the distractions from the environment, I make sure that the image is very natural,” he explained. 

“I also scan and give them a copy of their own photographs, as they believe that taking photos can steal their souls. By sharing these with them, I make them happy and they feel that I care about their beliefs. My small Epson printer and scanner have helped me do that.”

As George Tapan’s digital imaging partner for “Abot-Tanaw”, Epson Philippines Corporation (EPC) used the Epson SureColor SC-P607 – a reliable photo printer that delivers true quality, unprecedented black density, and true-to-life color gradations and definitions – and Watercolor radiant white art paper and Premium Glossy Photo paper to print the exhibit photographs. 

“Epson is glad to be a part of this demonstration of Filipino talent. As a distinguished member of the crème de la crème of Filipino photographers, George Tapan’s eye for detail has given the world a new perspective. And as his partner in highlighting this part of our culture, Epson is glad to have the technology to give justice in realizing the finer points and overall life-like image reproduction of his photos. After all, the beauty of the Philippines deserves only the best prints,” said Pamela Albar, Head of Epson’s Commercial & Industrial Department.

SM Supermalls presents Green Film Festival for high school students

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The SM Environment Committee aims to involve education as a primary way to support communities and cultivate the love of the earth. 

In a bid to raise awareness on the current state of environment to encourage positive action towards preserving the eco-system, SM Supermalls kicked off its environmental advocacy project, the Green Film Festival (GFF) by showing its first documentary to hundreds of public high school students at the SM Megamall cinema.

The GFF screening was held last Tuesday and was attended by officials from the Climate Change Commission (CCC), Department of Education (DepEd), Movies and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and representatives from the USAid. The project aims to educate and make Filipinos aware to the plight of our earth today through a visual information campaign for eco-awareness.

Students from the Neptali Gonzales High School in Mandaluyong City were shown a 45-minute TV documentary produced by GMA 7 called “Pagbangon” which tells the story of survivors of super typhoon Yolanda especially in Eastern Visayas and how they coped with the tragedy and rose from the devastation.

Visit GFF,  held every third Tuesday of the month, from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM, except for the months of March and December which will have special screenings dates on the first Tuesday of the month due to class schedules.

The screenings will be shown to students for free in 49 cinemas in various SM Supermalls and six Walter Mart malls all over the country. The GFF is a project of SM Cares, a Division of SM Foundation and the CSR arm of SM Prime Holdings, Inc., in partnership with MTRCB, DepEd and the CCC. Special screenings will also be held to reach out to the 1.9M out of school youth in the country.

Liza Silerio, Program Director of SM Cares Committee on Environment and Sustainability, said they aim to reach 1 million grade school and high school students which is the reason why the malls are encouraged to add more screen dates for special student groups to reach the goal.

“We want to spread the environmental advocacy using the visual medium and through this festival, we want students to see the beauty of our planet, teach them value of conserving our shared resources and plan and practice environmental efforts towards a sustainable future for our children’s children,” Silerio said.

CCC head Secretary Mary Ann Lucille Sering, who was present during the initial screening told the crowd that there is a need for countries worldwide to unite in the light of the worsening effects of climate change and work to address the problem.

She said the government is doing its part locally through its public information drive to raise people’s awareness on the changes happening in their country and on how they would prepare for future calamities.

Silerio stressed that SM has always been involved in environmental conservation advocacy and projects. She said SM Prime Holdings President, Mr. Hans T. Sy, is a member of the Private Sector Advisory Group (PSAG) of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction and has committed to furthering disaster awareness locally, in places of operation as well as the malls’ tenants and customers who are considered stakeholders in the company.

SM Prime Holdings created the SM Cares program which consolidates Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, ranging from environmental conservation, assistance to persons with disabilities and special needs, elderly and nursing mothers, as well as care for children, women and OFWs. 

“We highlight our award-winning projects that include, among others the Trash to Cash recycling market held in the malls every first Friday and Saturday of the month, the Green Retail Agenda forum for mall tenants, contractors, and suppliers and of course, the SM Supermalls Green Bag. The SM Environment Committee aims to involve education as a primary way to support communities and cultivate the love of the earth. These are some of the projects that show our support for the community.” Silerio said.

The SM Environment Committee is just one of the groups under SM Cares and it specifically aims to promote environmental sustainability through, mall, tenant and community endeavors while simultaneously combining “going green” with good business.

To know more about SM Cares, please visit :

 www.smcares.com.ph,

www.facebook.com/OfficialSMCares 

or email smcares@smsupermalls.com.

Effortless Shopping! Great deals from Starmobile and Lazada

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The Philippines’ most innovative local brand, Starmobile, and international online shopping giant Lazada come together to bring the best smartphone deals at the Effortless Shopping Sale.

From today until July 26, 2015, Filipinos nationwide can avail of three of the hottest Starmobile devices with great discounts and amazing freebies.

Starmobile OCTA: True Octa Core Smartphone with 2GB RAM and Near Field Communication Technology

Now only P8,490 (was 16,990 save 50%) with free 3-in-1 Wireless Charger, Bluetooth Speaker & Mic and Starmobile UNO B206 feature phone

True Octa Core Processor: built for speed and power efficiency 

5-inch full HD for super sharp images 

2GB RAM for multitasking 

Amazing Photos with the 18+8MP cameras 

NFC enabled for instant file transfers and transactions 

Wireless Charging compatible–less wear and tear on the USB port 

USB-OTG capable for reading USB accessories and flash drives 

MHL: output images on HD TVs or projectors 

Elegant looks with a CNC-cut aluminum frame 

Starmobile KNIGHT Visions: Watch TV, shoot photos and videos, and share moments like never before 

P9,990 with free Starmobile UNO B206 featurephone 

Digital TV-enabled: cable-quality TV viewing that’s clear, free, and mobile. 

Compatible with ISDB-T and DVB standards in over 65 countries 

13MP Sony camera with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) for super sharp images 

Quad Core with 2GB RAM for multi-tasking 

5.5-inch HD Screen: watch and enjoy with friends!

Starmobile TURBO: Intuitive All-Around Smartphone with the Latest Touch Features

Now only P4,990 (was P5,990–save P1,000!) with free Monopod and Starmobile UNO B206 featurephone 

Double Tap to Wake and Sleep: Lock and Unlock the screen by tapping 

USB-OTG capable for reading USB accessories and flash drives 

Multipoint Gestures: use 2 or 3 fingers to execute commands 

Smart Camera Controls: talk or tap to capture 

Offers are good from July 21-23, 2015 on desktop and the Lazada mobile app and from July 24-26, 2015 exclusively on the Lazada mobile app.

Apart from these, the Starmobile KNIGHT X is now also offered on Lazada with exclusive freebies.

Purchase the most powerful Pinoy Android phone for only P15,990 and get a free pair of Starmobile Bluetooth Earphones with NFC, Tempered Glass Screen Protector, and Monopod.

Even More Discounts

You can get an additional P400 discount when you use the voucher code: “STARMOBILE” upon purchase of any Starmobile gadget worth P2000 and above from www.lazada.com.ph/shop-starmobile.

This special code is valid only from July 21 to August 20, 2015.

For more information on Starmobile products and more awesome deals on Lazada, visit www.starmobile.com.ph or go to www.lazada.com.ph. 

TAGS: discount, Effortless Shopping, Great Deals, Lazada, Offer, sale

Nike basketball athlete, Paul George, was in Manila to inspire and enable #Rise players

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NIKE BRINGS PAUL GEORGE TO MANILA TO INSPIRE AND ENABLE #RISE PLAYERS

Rise players are inspired to challenge their limits to realize their true potential

Nike basketball athlete, Paul George, was in Manila to be the first mentor to the 24 players from #Rise, Nike’s first ever reality documentary and basketball development program.

George arrived on Sunday, July 19, and dropped in on local kids playing basketball at a tenement court, getting his first immersion into Pinoy streetball.

On July 20 George opened the House of Rise, the main training ground for Rise players, and introduced the 24 Rise players. The Rise players have embarked on a six-week journey of high-level basketball training from professional coaches led by former Gilas head coach Chot Reyes and former national player now Talk ‘N Text team manager Jimmy Alapag

Since July 15, the Rise players have been living like a Nike athlete – professional training every day consisting of skills drills and strength and conditioning workouts. Training is conducted by Nike Rise coaching staff led by Coach Chot. They will be aided by elevated training tools that will help them analyze their game and get better at it, raise their level through speed, shooting and defensive exercises, and be motivated by athletes who will share their own Rise stories.

The Rise players have been equipped with the best Nike Basketball product innovations that include both training apparel and footwear. For supporters and fans, the Nike Rise collection of tees and signature athlete shoes will be available at selected Nike stores beginning July 2015.

“There is no lack of basketball talent in the Philippines. But there may be a lack of opportunity. Every basketball player wants to reach new heights in his game so he can bring his game out there and reach his or her basketball dream. Nike wants to help them get out of their comfort zone so they can make that next step that will make them rise to the top of their game. By providing them with a professionally run basketball program and product innovations to support them, they can hopefully make their dreams come true,”said Patrick Reyes, Country Marketing Manager of Nike Philippines.

The audience can follow the 24 kids on their Rise journey until the final 12 players that comprise the Rise Team are chosen over TV5, every Sunday starting July. For behind-the-scenes and additional training content, go to Nike.com. Keep track of online content through #Rise.