Wild Juan - Where East Meets West

Chef Thomas Murillo

April is a busy month for a good number of people in the food service industry as Madrid Fusion 2017 takes place.  From April 6 – 8, 2017 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, people from near and far places come together to share their passion for food.  Part of the delegation representing Calabarzon is the chef behind the placed tagged as “definitely not your ordinary food find among the rising places at Tagaytay Ridge”; this is Chef Thomas Murillo of Wild Juan.

His love for food started young and he took his first step towards it during his sophomore year as a Consular and Diplomatic Affairs student at the College of Saint Benilde.  He decided to take commercial cooking and culinary arts at First Gourmet Academy and had his apprenticeship at 2nds after.  This lead him further by becoming one of the pioneering member behind Paprika PH and years later his own restaurant at a family-owned place at Tagaytay Ridge.  Wild Juan is born.

Wild Juan bears the concept of East meets West and is delivered with the hospitality of Filipinos in the Southern part of Luzon.   His food creations are something that we are all familiar with but are delivered with a twist and flair.  Perfect sample are the Sisig Paksiw, Krispy Kasoy Kare-Kare (KKK) and Gumbulalo.  Three common dishes but comes with a new level of flavor and goodness due to techniques and passion.

Learning never ends for Chef Thomas as he earns his NCII Commercial Cooking and ServSafe:  Food Safety & Sanitation certificates.  He pushes himself to be the best and at par to the world, thus making his quality for food high and passion much higher.  He doesn’t stop there as he then shares his knowledge and passion this coming Madrid Fusion 2017 to foreign delegates and proudly represent Calabarzon.

Chef Thomas Murillo, stays humble yet proud of his craft thus from love of food it now is a burning passion.  Come at the biggest food event this season at the SMX in Pasay or visit Wild Juan located at KM 68 Tagaytay-Nasugbu Highway and experience the comfort and passion that he shares at every plate served.

The Wild Juan is located at KM 68 Pinesville, Tagaytay- Nasugbu(National) Highway, Tagaytay City, 4120, Philippines

For Inquiries/reservation: +63 9154324196    +63 9178404211

LAUGH OF THE CENTURY- "A Night of Comdey & Laughter"!

LAUGH OF THE CENTURY- "A Night of Comdey & Laughter"!

When was the last time you had that teary-eyed-while-rolling-on-the-floor chuckle? Consider yourself blessed if you just had one!

From waking up at 4am to be drenched in sweat in a 5-hour traffic to a monsta-boss who’s speaking Martian, who would have time for a jaw-locking comedic chance?  Tame your stress level down and have the Laugh of the Century!
Experience Manila’s finest stand-up comedians and witness them tackle issues with their funny angles. Have a look at Winer Aguilar, Victor Anastacio, James Caraan and Alex Calleja crack the audience up.

Take advantage of the Early Bird Rates at 50% off from April 1 – 20 at Php300 for Regular Admission or Php 450.00 which includes UNLIMITED Drinks (yep, you read it right!)

Gather the crew and give them that Laugh of the Century on April 21 at 5F Event Center Century City Mall, Salamanca St., Corner Kalayaan Ave., Makati City at 6pm – 9pm.  To reserve tickets, call 0937-8247013.

Laugh your lungs out this Friday and gear up fine for the upcoming work week!

REGION 10 GOES MADRID FUSION MANILA 2017 FEATURING THE BEST OF THE BEST

By: Arnold A. Alesna

Madrid Fusion Manila 2017, the biggest food event of the year, went into a spin as Region 10 brought in the best of the province in a variety of kakanin.  With Regional Director Marie Elaine S. Unchuan of the Department of Tourism (DOT) leading the way, Region 10 aimed to win the heart and stomach of all attendees of the event, local and foreigner alike.

A good number of gastronomic wonders are to be expected and seen at this year’s Madrid Fusion.  Region 10 was all set to give and serve their own tongue-wonder creations and win the hearts of people to come and explore and taste what they have to offer as a region, as a province and as Mindanao.
With this year’s delivery of the best delicacies from the region, RD Unchuan aimed to let people knew that there is truly more than what is known about Region 10.  From point to point of the region, the whole Region 10 DOT was ready to wow those in the event with what they were presenting in the 3-days event.  From Bukidnon to Misamis Occidental, a good selection of delicacies was presented as part of the gastronomic wonder of the region.  The delegations are as follow:  RD Marie Elaine S. Unchuan - DOT10, Josephine H. Roque – DOT 10 Focal Person, Leonila S. Arguelles – Kitchen Focal Person, Chef Benzar Aradani , Camille Ambalario – Chef’s Assistant , Nelia B. Lee (Food Sponsor), Agnes Garcia Sue (Food Sponsor – Clarin, Misamis Occidental), Mayor Clive Quino and Mrs. Rina Quino (Food Sponsor -Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon) with other DOT 10 personnel.   

People were won over by the delicious suman from Clarin, Misamis Occidental, the crunchy peanut brittle, the delicate pastel by Vjandep from Camiguin, that grated young corn delicacy called binaki  and chicharon from CDO, the peanut goodness of Cheding’s from Iligan City and the sweet pineapples of Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon.  Paired off with it were the various coffee goodness of the region.  Not only are delicacies featured but also the Humba de Oro and Ostrich Salpicao; two dishes displayed during the regional lunch last April 8 under the careful hands of Chef Benzar Aradani.

A good number of gastronomic wonders are to be expected and seen at this year’s Madrid Fusion.  Region 10 was all set to give and serve their own tongue-wonder creations and win the hearts of people to come and explore and taste what they have to offer as a region, as a province and as Mindanao.

Chef Kalel Demetrio with a Style

Chef Kalel Demetrio – the man behind the name Liquido Maestro (Liquid Master). Started his journey in restaurant business from being a staff worked his way into being a bartender and now  running Liquido Maestro. The chef with passion of his craft, an innovator of concoctions presenting it in style.

Kalel caters to all age bracket of his customers. Offering a different twist to your regular drink. Making you savour the taste of herbs in the special liquid that quenches your thirst and wanting for more. He serves it with showmanship.

Not only can he create drinks of wonder but also food of delights.  He has collaborated with other restaurants creating flavors that are delicious to the palette. He also now have a restaurant where in he shows his kitchen and bar skills.  Like any other chef’s, he believes in stimulating the senses of people to enjoy the bounty coming from Earth.  Not only are his drinks visually and taste bud-dancingly good but also has texture and scent delight.  He likes to explore the local market of a certain place to know the community and see what unknown goods he can harvest and try in his laboratory.  Part of the long list of bars and 
restaurants wherein his creations are featured are:  Big Bad Wolf, Gorda and Green Pasture.

Chef Demetrio a hardworker but never forgets his love ones and friends. He always make it a point to have time and entertain them. Knowing the virtue of balance with work and celebrating life.

SUMAN SA CLARIN MADRID FUSION MANILA 2017

SUMAN SA CLARIN, A MUST EATS FOR DELICACY LOVERS!

Madrid Fusion Manila 2017 on it's third year in Manila was once more a successful and fulfilling event held in Smx Moa Convention Center. Showcased different foods and drinks from all over the Philippines and Spain.

Part of the Region 10 contingent was the product from Clarin, Misamis Occidental – the various sticky rice cakes or suman ng Clarin.  Nearly all 17 flavors were displayed for tasting and sold in the 3-day event.  ASEC Fredrick Alegre, along with some visitors, was wowed with the number of flavors that Clarin was able to showcase during Madrid Fusion, knowing that this is the first time that the said municipality has joined in this kind of event. 

 The flavors of Clarin’s suman were as follow:
Mango – sticky rice with ripe mango slices, cooked in coconut milk and sugar.

Pinya – sticky rice with ripe pineapple slices, cooked in coconut milk and sugar.

Durian – sticky rice with durian slivers, cooked in coconut milk and sugar.  The durian’s strong scent is not present, making this a delightful way of enjoying the fruit.

Tsokalate – sticky rice with tablea made into a spread, cooked with coconut milk and sugar; making this rich in local flavors.

Tsokolate with Mani – similar to tsokolate with added with peanut flavor coming from processed peanut spread.  Also cooked in coconut milk and sugar.

Moron – a classic suman in the Visayan region.  

Balintawak – created in honor of a place where it was made, this sticky rice goodness is with coconut meat made sweet by cooked coconut milk/oil (latik).

Classic – this is your standard sticky rice, wrapped in leaves and cooked using coconut milk and sugar.

Carrot – with shredded carrots made into a slightly sweet paste, this is mixed into the sticky rice and then wrapped in leaves before being cooked in coconut milk and sugar.

Ube – another root crop common in the area, the purple yam is made into a semi-sweet paste that is mixed with the sticky rice before being wrapped in leaves.  Cooked with coconut milk and sugar.

YOKOCHO JAPANESE FOODCOURT

A craving for Japanese dishes will be easily satisfied by a food trip to Yokocho Japanese Foodcourt located at Victory Food Market. It is near Baclaran Church and right besides Berma Shopping Mall. Go straight to the 4th floor  of Victory Food Market where in ten different food stalls offering a variety of Japanese dishes.

Yokocho Japanese Foodcourt is the brainchild of Shingo Jake Akazawa the President of Japan Food Ventures. They offer authentic Japanese cuisines. The head cocinero is Keita Kamimoto with Filipino cocineros.

The Japanese food joint has an extensive menu to satisfy those looking for affordable yet real taste of the Japanese foods.  New eats at this brand new locale after a tiring day of shopping or going to Baclaran church or simply having a gustatory experience.

A sumptuous wide array of their menu  includes freshly made noodles for their ramen, crunchy and juicy vegetables, the best cut flavorful beef and fowl and other ingredients from reliable supplier.

The ambiance of the place is relaxing, clean, simple and very conducive for dining. A parade of the Japanese eats are mouthwatering to the senses and would surely delight the palette.

Yokocho Japanese Foodcourt is perfect for lovers of Japanese flavors since it is affordable and authentic having their head cocinero who is Japanese. So it is Japan in Baclaran Manila!

2017 Back-to-School New Product Release!

2017 Back-to-School New Product Release!

 The Earth-loving-planet-saving twins are in hot pursuit of their mission to help save Planet Earth! This 2017, Coco and his twin sister Kimmy are working hard in helping kids realize the value of saving Planet Earth. NOW, more than ever is the time for kids to realize that our planet needs help. The recent changes in our weather like typhoons are proof enough that we all need to move NOW!
Funtastic International Inc., established in the country almost 17 years ago, is behind the Cool Kids, Baby Bliss, Creadough, Zigo, Latitude, and Fluffy Friends brands. Colorful and lovely characters make up the Cool Kids Brand. These amazing characters have different roles to play in teaching kids how to care for the environment.

Cool Kids has also launched its new line of “FUN-tabulous” School bags and accessories. The new line of affordable, good quality school bags features the different characters of the Cool Kids friends; Royal Princesses, Glam Girlz, Forest Fairies, Viron Transformer, Earth (Geobot), Air (Aerobot) and Water (Aquabot)  robots, and Space rangers to name a few.

Cool Kids has also launched its newest line of baby toys and furniture under the brand Baby Bliss. This exciting line of very safe and cool baby toys is like no other. Its wood look mixed with full color has brought a fresh look to the baby toy industry. Baby Bliss toys are competitively priced and they also offer wonderful learning experiences to our little ones.  Baby Bliss by Cool Kids aims to teach moms to help in environmental care.


Cool Kids has also launched a brand new line of amazing dough toys through Creadough by Cool Kids. This creative line of dough toys brings out the imagination and creativity in children and allows them to use their hands to explore, imagine and create amazing shapes and images.

Another new range of toys to look forward to is Zigo by Cool Kids. The Zigo line of blocks not only brings out the creative juices of our little ones, they actually help prepare children to be future engineers and architects. Every kid at one time or the other has played with blocks to bring out the best of their imagination and creativity. With Zigo competitively priced, parents do not need to spend a lot to provide their children with this wholesome deal of fun and creative building.

For Back to School 2017, Cool Kids has launched a brand new line of fashion bags for our little “fashionistas” and fashion forward buddies who want to follow the footsteps of their older siblings. Made of amazing quality materials, Cool Kids bags is the perfect companion of our children in school.

Funtastic International has also launched for Back to School 2017 its newest line of bags for High School and College kids as well as for adults through Latitude. Latitude is a brand that removes all limits and allows you to express yourself. Made of excellent quality materials, this fashion forward line of bags takes the user to a whole new level of experience given the amazing features of these bags both inside and out.

Funtastic International Inc., in its commitment to preserve the environment, donates part of the proceeds of the sale of its products towards environmental care. For every purchase of any item from the Cool Kids product line, you not only get great product, you also get to help save our planet Earth!

The public will see new Cool Kids collection starting March in the shelves of major department stores nationwide. In the meantime they can already choose from other existing Funtastic products, equally attractive, fun and affordable, that are available nationwide.

Visit the Cool Kids website, www.coolkids.com.ph, this website will give kids and the kids at heart a chance to learn about Cool Kids and their planet saving advocacy. It will also give the visitor a chance to see first hand the new products of Cool Kids.

For more information they can also log on towww.funtasticstuff.com and www.coolkids.com.ph to learn more about the company and its products.