Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow Movie Review
Posted by Rochelle Sy Chua On January 1, 2012
Honestly, I usually shy away from any MWFF movies. I’m seriously getting tired of seeing Bong Revilla, Vic Sotto and Ai Ai delas Alas in the movies. However, I haven’t seen any movies for a long time and I got curious after seeing friends tweeting about their viewing experience.
So I checked out the trailers of each of the MMFF entries on YouTube. I came to the conclusion that Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow would be interesting.
I initially thought that the movie would be cut into three parts:
- 1st story starring Maricel Soriano, Gabby Concepcion and Carla Abellana
- 2nd story starring Solenn Heusaff, Dennis Trillo and Paolo Avelino
- 3rd story starring Lovi Poe and Jericho Rosales
Apparently, it was just one story. The characters have some connection with each other. If I have to narrate the story, I would still arrange them in a way that there would be three interesting stories within it.
Maricel is a strong woman. Too strong that it caused friction between her relationship with her daughter as well as her marriage with Gabby. After 10 years of annulment, she still had so much bitterness in her. Gabby, on the other hand, is newly married to young Carla Abellana. Carla is beautiful and gets along very well with Gabby & Maricel’s daughter. The story revolves around those 4 characters. One lesson we can take away from this is that we should learn to forgive and forget. If we continue to hold grudges, it will affect not just yourself but also the people around you.
Solenn, on the other hand, is a very modern woman. She’s liberated and extremely sexy. She doesn’t hesitate getting what she wants and she doesn’t care what other people think. She’s carefree, beautiful and super attractive. Paolo is her boyfriend who’s a bit possessive. Agot Isidro is her mom in the movie. She’s having an affair with Dennis Trillo who’s her personal trainer. Solenn upon seeing Dennis (not knowing about her mom’s affair) got attracted to the guy. In spite of the sexy scenes, there’s still a lesson to be picked up there. Loyalty, trust, love, resisting temptation and honesty are just some of those.
Jericho and Lovi are a happy couple. They have a beautiful baby and have just started a family life. Jericho is working for Maricel and due to work pressures, he has given less time and attention to his family. Lovi, misses her singing gig which she gave up for a life with Jericho. As the story goes, they eventually lost their child which was really sad. It is in this story that I shed some tears. Tons of lessons in this too – true love, forgiveness, responsibility and hope.
Acting wise, Maricel, Gabby and Jericho were excellent! Lovi was good but there was a scene that was so funny! When Lovi was crying over her kid, it was too obvious that the baby was just a pillow!!! I felt bad for Lovi for trying so hard to act while we (audience) laughed as the baby was just a lifeless pillow. Solenn, on the other hand, was perfect for her role! She looked good on screen and was a perfect flirt. I’m sure the guys would love watching her scenes in Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow.
My Rating for Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow: 2.5 out of 5 stars
Wishful Thinking in 2012
Posted by Rochelle Sy Chua On December 28, 2011
I have specific goals in the upcoming year, 2012. However, material-wise, I do have a lot that I wish to have. I know that I won’t be able to buy most of them. I do want to keep a list here so I can be inspired enough to at least, make some of them a reality. We’ll never know 😉
On the other hand, I’ll be updating my Bucket List soon. Recently, I have reflected on several things. I decided that I have been focusing on the wrong things. I will be changing it and making the items more actionable and attainable. I’ll do that soon. If you’re interested, please watch out for it.
For this post, I’ll be concentrating on the material things I have always wanted or have always planned to purchase. Some are attainable but most are just my personal wishes. If I win the lottery, I’ll be buying them all. For now, it’s all just wishful thinking…
Apple Products
I believe it’s no secret that I’m an avid fan of Apple. Steve Jobs is my ultimate idol and I felt affected when he died, to the point that I bought an iPod Nano impulsively to honor him.
I have a lot of Apple products. iPod Video, iPod Nano, iPhone, Apple Extreme Base Station and MacBook Pro are just some of them. But you know I can’t get enough of Apple products! Every Apple product is so cool that I want to own each and every one of them. Yes, I’m that crazy with Apple. I’m a hard core Apple fan!
- Apple iMac 27″ 3.1 GHz ($1,999)
the iMac is such eye-candy. Whenever I see them in Apple stores, I dream that I use it everyday at home. I’m planning to buy one either in year 2012 or 2013. A lot will depend on my budget, but this will definitely be on my shopping list for the next two years.
- Magic Trackpad ($ 69)
When I get the iMac, I’ll surely get this accessory called Magic Trackpad. I’m so used to the multi-touch technology on my MacBook Pro that I don’t think I can live without it. Since Magic Trackpad is created for the iMac. It’s just perfect to get it together.
- Apple Battery Charger ($ 29)
Again, another accessory that I will buy together with the iMac. The iMac comes with the wireless keyboard and magic mouse. Both need batteries to work, and since I’m an Apple fanatic, I want my batteries and charger to be Apple-branded.
- Time Capsule – 3GB ($ 499)
When I bought my Apple Extreme Base Station (router), the Time Capsule wasn’t released then. I think it only took a few months for Apple to come out with Time Capsule. I was a bit devastated. If only I waited, I could have just bought the Time Capsule. I wanted to retire my Apple Extreme Base Station. This 3GB Time Capsule model is a perfect replacement for it. For now, it’ll only be my wish.
- Apple TV ($99)
With iCloud officially out, it makes sense for Apple users like me to get an Apple TV. The Apple TV is just a small gadget but it’s powerful. It can easily access our purchased movies, TV shows, music and photos right on our widescreen or flat screen TV. I heard rumors that a new version will come out soon. So my wish will be to have the next version of apple TV 🙂
- iPhone 5
iPhone 5 isn’t out yet but that’s the next phone that I will definitely purchase. I know iPhone 4S has just been launched a few days ago. I almost bought one, like really bought one! I know my finances will be compromised if I went through it, so I’m glad I wasn’t able to. If there’s a wish, that is to have an iPhone 4S but as a goal & plan, I’ll get the iPhone 5 by 2012.
- iPad 3
Rumors are saying that iPad 3 will come out very very soon. So I hope to get that or probably the iPad 4. To be realistic, I don’t think I have any budget for an iPad in 2012 🙁 It’s sad… I don’t have a tablet yet and I’ve been wanting to have an iPad ever since the first version came out. I’ve been joining raffles and contests hoping to win one. Unfortunately, I don’t have any luck with it. Well, right now, owning an iPad will continue to be a wish.
Fashion Accessories
In the past, I never appreciated the value of branded bags and accessories. I’ve always felt that women were just throwing money away buying those expensive Louis Vuitton and Hermes products. However, after buying so many Php 1,000-priced bags and throwing them away after just two months of use, I learned that I’m actually wasting more money buying cheap and poorly made stuff.
With this new outlook, and my new appreciation for branded bags, I now have a list of fashion bags and accessories I would like to have in the future. Looking at my shopping goals for 2012, these items will still not be something I would buy. I wish that soon, I’ll get the chance and the will power to finally buy them as I know I want them and need them.
- Louis Vuitton Long Wallet Origami ($ 705)
I want a Louis Vuitton bag so it just make sense that I would want a matching wallet with it. Upon browsing through the whole Louis Vitton wallet catalog, only one design caught my eye and it was the Louis Vuitton Long Wallet Origami. It’s pretty simple outside but when you open it, you can see the uniqueness of the interiors. The wallet is inspired by the traditional Japanese art, Origami, which I really, really personally love! 🙂
Features: grained calf leather and monogram canvas lining, shiny golden brass hardware, rear zipped coin compartment, 12 credit card slots, two large interior bill compartments and three smaller interior bill compartments.
- Louis Vuitton Totally GM ($ 1,290)
I want a huge everyday bag. I bring too much stuff that normal-size shoulder bags just doesn’t cut it. I don’t have a point & shoot camera but I always bring my DSLR which is a bulky gadget. Only a big bag can fit it. So I’m glad that Louis Vuitton has one! Now I want to have this! However, the price is just too steep that I don’t know if I want to shell out that kind of big amount for a shoulder bag.
Features: two flat straps fit comfortably over the shoulder, wide zipper closure, three flat pockets on the inside, interior D-ring to attach to pouch or key holder and golden brass pieces.
- Rolex Watch – Datajust Special Edition 81338 ($43,260)
I love my Nano watch but just in case I want to keep a watch as a treasure, I would want to own a Rolex. It’s damn expensive so I don’t think there’ll be a chance for me to get one. Well, there’s no harm in dreaming, right?
Features: 34 mm yellow gold & diamonds, white mother-of-pearl set with diamonds and diamond-set pearlmaster bracelet.
- Tiffany & Co. Jewelry
They say that diamonds are a girl’s best friend. In all honesty, it doesn’t have an appeal to me. If I have to choose between gadgets and jewelries, it would be a no-brainer, I’d choose gadgets 🙂 However, if ever I need to own jewelry, I would want the ff.:
Jean Schlumberger Lynn bracelet ($ 21,500)
Bracelet in 18k gold with round brilliant diamonds in platinum.
Jean Schlumberger Lynn earrings ($ 2,500)
Earrings in 18k gold with round brilliant diamonds in platinum, for pierced ears
Jean Schlumberger Lynn necklace ($ 37,250)
Necklace in 18k gold with round brilliant diamonds in platinum. 15″ long.
Photography
My best gadget purchase for Year 2011 is the Nikon D7000! I loveeeee it! I’ve been using it heavily since I bought it last February 2011. It’s the best mid-range DSLR out there. However, I only have one lens (35mm prime). During travels and events, I realized that having only a prime lens is really hard. Like for example in the FHM event I attended this year, I had to borrow a zoom lens as my prime lens just wasn’t good enough, considering I was seated far from the stage.
If I had enough resources, I would buy more accessories for my Nikon D7000. Here’s my wish list:
- Nikon 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED ($ 800)
For wide-angle needs, this 10-24mm Nikkor lens would fit perfectly.
features: DX-format, ultra wide-angle 2.4x zoom lens with focal length ranging from 10 to 24mm (picture angle is equivalent to a focal length of 15 to 36mm in FX- and 35mm formats), Newly developed optical system features two ED glass and three aspherical lens elements, Superior reproduction capability, with the distortion that is common with ultra wide-angle lenses dramatically reduced, Silent Wave Motor (SWM) ensures smooth, quiet AF operation, Two focus modes available – M/A (manual-priority autofocus) and M (manual focus), Seven-blade rounded diaphragm for natural blur effects and Internal focusing (IF) system means the lens barrel length does not change during focusing
- Nikon 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6 VR DX ($389)
For telephoto lens needs, this 55-300mm Nikkor lens would fit my taste perfectly.
features: Super-telephoto 5.5x zoom lens covering 55-300mm focal range (angle of view is equivalent to a focal length of 82.5 to 450mm in FX/35mm format), Vibration Reduction (VR II) enables sharper pictures while shooting at shutter speeds up to four stops slower than would otherwise be possible, Two ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements minimize chromatic aberration for superior picture quality and High Refractive Index (HRI) lens achieves high specifications and optical performance.
- Nikon SB-910 ($ 550)
For my flash needs, this newly released Nikon SB-910 would be perfect!
features: Three illumination patterns (standard/even/center-weighted), with increased light distribution accuracy, are available to match every shooting environment, Automatically detects Nikon FX and Nikon DX formats and selects suitable light distribution angles, Power zoom function covers wide 17-200 mm (in FX format) or 12-200 mm (in DX format) zoom ranges, AF-assist illumination, compatible with multi-point AF system, covers wide 17-135 mm focal length range, New MENU button enables quick access to custom settings, while improved LCD panel GUI (graphical user interface) enhances operability, Durable and heat-resistant, easy-to-use, hard-type color filters (fluorescent or incandescent) included and Automatically detects color filter types and transmits filter information to camera for optimum white balance setting
- Nikon EN-EL15 Rechargeable Li-ion Battery for Nikon D7000 ($72)
My camera battery always runs low on power. Sometimes, I tend to forget to charge my camera so it really makes so much sense for me to get an extra battery for my beloved Nikon D7000.
Entertainment
Another interest of mine is gaming. I remember I used to give up sleeping time just to be able to level up my character in a game. When I was very young, when Super Mario Bros. was all the rage, I already showed that kind of love for gaming. Even after so many years, gaming is still something I really love. As of now, I play a lot of games on my PC and iPhone. However, I still want to have a gaming console for myself. And of course, I would want to have the complete experience thus would want to upgrade my entertainment system for it! 🙂
- Sony Playstation 3 320GB Move Bundle ($350)
Sony Playstation 3 has been in my wish list for 3 years. You know what? I actually bought two units of PS3 already! However, the PS3 system was lost/stolen not once, but twice! Talk about tough luck! I was devastated! Maybe, if I buy it the 3rd time, situation will be different. Third time’s the charm, right?
Bundle includes: 320GB PS3 system, DUALSHOCK®3 wireless controller, PlayStation®Move motion controller, PlayStation®Eye camera, Sports Champions™ game
- Sony Playstation Dualshock 3 Controller ($55)
One Dual 3 controller is not enough for Sony PS3. That’s why I will get an extra controller if I end up buying the Sony PS3 320GB bundle.
- Sony Playstation Move Motion Controller ($30)
One move motion controller isn’t enough, it should have a partner! 🙂 Two is always better than one! 😀 It’s definitely sad playing alone.
- Sony PS3 Wireless Keypad ($ 50)
It’s difficult to chat using the dual shock 3 controller so I would want to buy at least one of these (at least for the main controller). If I have extra money, I will get two.
- Samsung 55″ LED 3D TV – UE55D8000
I currently have a 32″ Samsung LCD TV. Since 3D is getting popular, I think it’s time for me to upgrade. I want a bigger screen TV (55″) and a 3D capable one! I hope to fulfill this wish in 2013 or 2014 🙂
Home & Living
For me, living comfortably does affect our moods. Especially since we consider our home our sanctuary, then it should be something we invest our hard-earned money with. You might not agree with me but I’ve come to that conclusion from personal experience. I believe that we should only have a FEW items in our home so it can be maintained better. Cluttered spaces really is a pain (believe me!).
I’ll be fulfilling one of my biggest dreams in 2012. In preparation for that, I want to buy tons of things! Since I’m starting over, I literally will not bring anything from my old home. However, I can’t afford all of the new items in 2012 so they’ll stay in my wish list for now.
- Tempur Cloud Mattress 25 – Queen Size
I haven’t had any good sleep. Even if I try to lie down for hours, I still can’t get myself to sleep. But when I go to a nice expensive hotel, I tend to sleep easily. So I conclude that my beddings currently at home aren’t good for me. Thus, I want to invest in good beddings. Where else can I get high-quality mattress but in Tempur, right?
- 2 pieces Tempur Original Pillow – Queen Large
In relation to the Tempur mattress, I would want to match it with good pillows. So I’m sticking with Tempur as well. I know Tempur’s products are so expensive. However, I thought, aren’t we spending more time in bed than in any other place?
I want two pillows, since I’m getting a big bed 🙂
- The Travel Set
I realized that I needed this after the retreat that I attended last December 2011. For me, if I need to bring something so I can have a good sleep then it’ll be Tempur-branded. I also think that when I get to buy the mattress and pillow above, I will surely find it hard to sleep without them when I travel. Thus, my wish to have the Tempur travel set.
*** Photos are taken from manufacturers’ websites ***
So there, that’s my list for Year 2012. I’m sure there are more items that I want but that’s what I remember for now. I’ll be updating this list throughout 2012. Items may change as well if upgraded versions come out.
I have a feeling that my wish list for 2013 will be the same as this one! hahaha! I hope I’d be able to at least clear out at least 1-3 items in this list in 2012. Let’s see. 🙂 Do you have a list of your own?
Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol Movie Review
Posted by Rochelle Sy Chua On December 24, 2011
I’ve seen the trailer of Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol before and I was really intrigued! Considering how old Tom Cruise is, he looked so awesome still. I wondered if he could still carry an action film with him top billing it.
I rarely watch movies these days. So I was glad that the Smart iPhone 4S launch included a free screening of the 4th installment of Mission Impossible!
Tom Cruise plays Ethan Hunt, leader of the Impossible Missions Force (IMF). He has to lead his team to track down a terrorist who has gained access to Russia’s nuclear launch codes. They have to stop the guy from striking. However, due to circumstances, the IMF has been disowned by the US government and Ghost Protocol has been invoked. Now, the team has to find a way to stop the disaster without any help or support from the US government and at the same time, find a way to clear their name.
At the start of the movie, I saw a familiar face… a handsome hunk… and he is Josh Holloway of Lost! If Tom Cruise has to stop doing the Mission Impossible franchise and there’s a need to continue it, I would definitely wish they would pick Josh to replace him. Gosh, Josh Holloway is such eye-candy and he actually looked great for the part! He can either be the next Ethan Hunt or James Bond for that matter. Well, I don’t care! I just wanna see Josh Holloway on screen again 😀
The movie has tons of action but I admit they are a bit impossible to happen in our world. I guess we do know that it’s really just a movie. But what the heck, I watched the movie to be entertained. Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol has the right amount of action, suspense, adventure and even sense of humor. I love that we were laughing the whole time. I never thought they put in as much humor as action in Mission: Impossible – 4th Protocol but I truly welcome it.
Many people have been asking if they need to watch the first three Mission Impossible movies before catching the 4th installment. I say it doesn’t matter as I myself have only watched 1 out of the 3 previous movies but I still understood Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol. So go on and watch as even though the movie wasn’t realistic, it was entertaining 🙂
My Rating for Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol: 3.5 out of 5 stars.
Smart’s Holiday Camp Out launches the iPhone 4S
Posted by Rochelle Sy Chua On December 16, 2011
December 16, 2011 is a date that all Apple fanatics have been waiting for. It is today that Apple launches iPhone 4S in the Philippines. But you know what really makes this day so special? There’s no exclusivity anymore among mobile providers! We, consumers, are now free to choose which telecom company we want to subscribe to for iPhone plans.
Smart Communications went all out when they closed down Powerplant Mall in Rockwell to officially launch the iPhone 4S! When I got an invite to cover the event, I just couldn’t resist it! I knew the event was going to be huge!
As expected, the event called Smart Holiday Camp Out was a BIG success!
Look at how many people attended and subscribed to a Smart iPhone 4S plan! Everyone was willing to sacrifice their sleeping time just to be able to get their long-awaited iPhone 4S! Tons of people lined up to register and sign up for a plan.
Smart employees were working hard the whole night ushering eager customers where to go so they could get their new iPhone 4S phones.
Guests were also treated to free screenings of Mission Impossible 4: Ghost Protocol, free games at Q Power Station and free-flowing food & drinks at Burgoo/Sumo Sam/Cibo/Starbucks/Coffee Bean & Tea Lea. Me and my friend spent most of our time playing games at Q Power station and we definitely didn’t miss watching Mission Impossible 4 (review coming up soon!). Before we went home, we got ourselves drinks from Coffee Bean. I think I had too much coffee that I ended up still wide awake at 6AM hahaha! Oh well, it was worth it! I had a great time enjoying all the free activities at Powerplant Mall. I don’t think this will ever happen again so I was really glad I experienced it! Thanks Smart! 🙂
Smart brought in international artists Jermaine Dupri and Lupe Fiasco and they definitely brought down the house! On the other hand, DJ Skratchmark, DJ Ace and DJ Mars Miranda brought music mixes that prompted guests to dance! What a party!
There were tons of celebrity guests as well who hosted the all-nighter camp out making sure that the event would be something that no one will never forget! KC Montero, Magic 89.9 radio jocks Slick Rick, Tony Toni, Sam YG, Mia and Andi 9 were among them.
iPhone 4S is now available to Smart’s prepaid & postpaid subscribers at various plans. When I first saw it, I was tempted! I almost subscribed in spite of my plans of waiting for iPhone 5. Smart’s iPhone 4S plans are that good! I never thought it would be that affordable considering how iPhones were priced before.
Unfortunately for me, I recently just shelled out a lot of the money I had set aside for the iPhone on car repairs – a girl’s gotta have her ride, after all! So for now, a new iPhone will remain a dream for me to fulfill next year. By the way, I just realized that that’s what 4S means – well for me anyway… iPhone, 4 Sure!
Here are the details for iPhone 4S from Smart:
If you’re a prepaid subscriber, you can get iPhone 4S in Smart’s retail stores across the country at Php 33,200 for the 16GB model, Php 38,200 for the 32GB model, and Php 43,200 for the 64GB model.
Cafe Via Mare
Posted by Rochelle Sy Chua On December 16, 2011
It’s quite surprising that I haven’t blogged about Cafe Via Mare. It’s a restaurant that I always love to have merienda in. Their bibingka, especially their puto bumbong and palitaw are the best in the Metro. I guess I felt that blogging about Cafe Via Mare’s snack menu wouldn’t be enough for a single blog post.
Luckily, this time around, me and my friends decided to have a full lunch at Cafe Via Mare at our favorite mall, Powerplant in Rockwell. I said to myself, finally, I can blog about the restaurant! I also vowed that in spite of being so full, we will still try out most of their yummy desserts. Via Mare’s desserts are to die for! In spite of having such delicious selections, they are reasonably priced. That is why, I always crave for food in Cafe Via Mare.
The ambiance at Cafe Via Mare’s branch in Powerplant Mall is so nice. Since it’s located beside the back entrance of the mall, it has nice natural lighting brightening up the inside. The seats are pretty comfortable too as most are couches.
Cafe Via Mare has been operating for over 20 years. They are known for their Filipino dishes. As they continue on with their business, Via Mare elevates Filipino cooking to make it at par with the world’s best.
Me and my friends ordered Cafe Via Mare’s bestselling dishes. We ordered a lot hahaha! There were only 4 of us but I think we had enough food for 6 people! 😛 Oh well, in spite of that, we still finished every single dish. Doesn’t that prove how good the food in Cafe Via Mare are?
Our Main Meal
- Tiyan ng Bangus Sinigang sa Miso (Php 265)
The best Filipino soup for me is Sinigang. The only thing we thought about was to decide between pork or fish belly. Since we wanted to be healthy, fish was our best bet. The menu says that the dish is good for 2. I’m just glad that the serving was so generous that it was enough for the 4 of us. I love that the sinigang had the right sourness, the fish meat was tender and it didn’t have any bones so it was easy for me to enjoy the dish.
- Kare-Kare (Php 360)
A popular dish in Via Mare that has ox tripe and tail cooked in peanut sauce. For me though, the dish isn’t complete without the bagoong alamang sauce. Via Mare’s bagoong sauce I believe was cooked the traditional way. I’ve always preferred processed bagoong sauce that is sweetened. However, I guess the plain ol’ original bagoong taste suits Cafe Via Mare’s kare-kare much better.
- Sun-dried Crispy Tapa (Php 280)
I admit when I ordered this, I thought it was sun-dried crispy PATA. Apparently, it was sun-dried crispy TAPA. Blame it on me and my failing eyesight hahaha! Oh well, when the dish came, I was surprised but still, I welcomed it as it was a new offering from Cafe Via Mare. I’m all for trying out new dishes.
The dish is basically beef sirloin that is sun-dried. I thought that the dish would come out crispy but apparently for me, I had a hard time eating it. I guess it was too dry for my taste. For beef sirloin, I still prefer it cooked with sauce. My friend disagreed with me though, she liked this dish.
- Rellenong Talong (Php 120)
An old-time Filipino favorite is rellenong talong. It’s broiled eggplant stuffed with ground pork and wrapped in scrambled eggs. No matter how simple the dish is, the taste just lingers in my mouth. The ever-reliable ketchup made the dish more delightful.
- Calcag Rice (Php 135)
Calcag rice is another addition to Cafe Via Mare’s menu. I must say, among the main dishes that we tried out, this was the best. I couldn’t get enough of it. It was too damn tasty! Calcag rice is made with sun-dried shrimps, bagoong and scrambled eggs. The chef hit the jackpot with this recipe! It was perfect for me! I will definitely order this again when I get back to Cafe Via Mare.
Cafe Via Mare’s Popular Desserts
We were already full after finishing our main meal. However, we already agreed from the start that we would be ordering Cafe Via Mare’s desserts. I told my friends that we shouldn’t pass on them, especially the puto bumbong. I think even if they didn’t agree, I will still order hahaha! Cafe Via Mare has the best Filipino desserts and they are pretty affordable. If only they have branches that are more accessible, I could be dining there every afternoon for their Filipino delicacies. It’s that good and I’m not exaggerating.
- Palitaw (Php 45)
I super LOVE palitaw! If only Cafe Via Mare offers eat all you can buffet of their desserts, I will definitely take loads of palitaw. I couldn’t get enough of it. They are poached rice patties covered in grated coconut, sugar and toasted sesame seeds. Hayyy, it’s too damn good! I really didn’t care that I’d be eating so much sugar. Whenever I get the chance to eat Via Mare’s palitaw, I immediately forget my diet.
- Puto Maya (Php 138)
I love suman (sticky rice). I don’t get the chance to eat them at all (the native ones). I know that several Filipino & Thai restaurants serve them. However, they all have the same style in presenting them which is accompanied by sliced mangoes. The mangoes are a nice touch but it was always the sticky rice that I crave for. I really love the consistency of the glutinous rice flavored with coconut cream, every spoonful had so much flavor and it didn’t feel sticky at all inside the mouth. I love the presentation Cafe Via Mare did with this dessert too. I don’t understand why they called it ‘Puto Maya’ though.
- Bibingka with Laguna Cheese and Salted Duck Egg (Php 115)
The most popular menu item in Cafe Via Mare has got to be their Bibingka. Their bibingka are freshly cooked. Looking at the bibingka served to us, it was surprising that we all wanted to dive in ASAP. It certainly was mouth-watering, especially seeing the butter melting in front of our very eyes. How heavenly!
We get to choose which ingredient aside from Laguna cheese to be included in the bread: salted duck egg (Php 115) or quezo de bola (Php 138). I still preferred salted duck egg. Hayyy, so yummy!
- Puto Bumbong (Php 70)
Puto Bumbong is a delicacy everyone loves to eat during Christmas time. I, on the other hand, always crave for it even during summer time. There’s no right time for us to eat appetizing food and that is certainly how I feel with puto bumbong. I have eaten a lot of puto bumbong but I believe that Cafe Via Mare serves the best one! It’s pretty obvious how tasty the dish is by looking at the picture right? Puto bumbong is cooked in bamboo tubes and steamed. Not the simplest way to cook but it’s definitely worth it after eating the dish.
We had a satisfying meal and you don’t have to guess that we were full! hahaha! I think I’ll go back to Via Mare very very soon. This post is making me crave for their desserts again!
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Cafe Via Mare
G/F Power Plant Mall, Rockwell Drive cor. Estrella St. and J.P. Rizal Ave., Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines
(02) 890-5930