The Eco-Plaza, Pasong Tamo Extension, Makati

This is a new building along Pasong Tamo (now Chino Roces Avenue) Extension in Makati City.

I first noticed this building when it was being built. I knew then it was something different because I noticed it was built like layers of terraces.

I cannot remember exactly when it opened, but the next time  I knew the building was finished. From the name alone, Ecoplaza, I’m sure it’s an environment-friendly building. Being one is something we really have to be from now on.

EcoPlaza address: 2305 Chino Roces Avenue, Makati City.

Man On The Streets

Saw this man on Pasong Tamo (now renamed Chino Roces Avenue) Extension, Makati. It was a Sunday, and so he had the street to himself. What if it’s a busy day, do we provide lanes for handicapped people?

SM Makati Baggers Danced to “Nobody”

Last August 30, Sunday, we went to Makati for some malling. As wont we headed for the SM-Glorietta-Landmark-Greenbelt stretch.

That Sunday or that particular long weekend,  August 31st was a holiday, SM Makati was on sale! There were lots of people and lots of stuff for sale in the corridors.

It was one festive mood! Then we heard some commotion and saw a group of SM Baggers dancing to the tune of the infamous song Nobody.

They were all-male group, and they were good! When they finished dancing, the crowd applauded.

CD-R King Opens on Arnaiz Street, Makati

CD-R King opens a new branch at Dona Concepcion Building on Arnaiz Street (formerly Pasay Road). The store is much more spacious, and has more items.

Getting there: From EDSA, turn to Arnaiz Street (formerly Pasay Road). Dona Concepcion Building is at the back of Rapide and Park Square 1.

Check it out!

Royce Chocolate Mallows

A very good friend from Dubai gifted me with a box of Royce Chocolate Mallows last week. I like the choco mallows because they are not too sweet. The sweet mallows are covered with dark chocolate. So the bitter and sweet taste play in your palate really well.

A combination of bitter and sweet is my favorite actually.

Royce chocolates are available at the ground level of Greenbelt 5.

Jollibee Opens at Alphaland Southgate Mall

Last April, I wrote about Southgate Tower rising soon on EDSA corner Pasong Tamo Extension. Well, four months later, the Southgate Tower Mall opens.

I caught the opening last week  (or was a couple of weeks ago), but I was on my way to work, and had no time to stop by for some photos. I’ve been meaning to. Perhaps, one of these days.

In any case, last Saturday, I passed by the Alphaland Southgate Mall again, and luckily was able to snap a shot. On the ground level of the mall are Jollibee, Chowking, Le Couer de France, Terriyaki Boy, The Sizzlin’ Peppper Steak, and BDO.

This place is gonna be another destination for Metro Manila commuters. For one, the mall is connected to the Magallanes MRT station.

Ayala Avenue Filled Up for Tita Cory

Yesterday, the remains of former President Corazon C. Aguino were transferred to Manila Cathedral from La Salle Greenhills.

The route of the motorcade was from Ortigas Avenue to EDSA to Ayala Avenue, then to Buendia, to Manila.

As the parade drew near Ayala Avenue, office workers in Makati trooped to Ayala to pay their last respects.

I just noticed that my shots were not able to capture the yellow confetti. Thanks Paolo, my 6-footer officemate, for taking these shots.

More photos HERE.

Tapella Opens in Greenbelt 5

In a land where Spanish influence is seen in manners, in clothing, and in cuisine, it’s still good to discover a place where you can have that innovative Spanish flavor in every bite.

You will experience this at the newly opened Tapella Restaurant at Greenbelt 5, Makati.

When I went there, I was warmly welcomed by its amiable Executive Chef Alexandra Cacho. Muy bonita!

She gamely gave us a chitchat before the food tasting began. She told us that every year she would go home to Spain and be updated on the latest in Spanish cuisine. She would bring what she learned to the Philippines and innovate. She also added that Tapella has new dishes every six months, retaining of course the popular dishes.

Tapella interiors are cosy. The chairs are comfy and even if it’s a bit small indoors, there’s still some room to move around. The outdoor part is also perfect for al serenidad dining. The outdoor bar is perfect for dining and wining at nigthtime and enjoying the greenery of Greenbelt.

After a few minutes, the serving of different Spanish dishes began. We started with white garlic and almond soup shooters. It was my first time to taste some cold soup shooter. The taste was distinctly garlicky and you chew on bits of almonds. When you toss it up, you end up munching on slices of a grapefruit. It warms up the palate for the next dishes.

More appetizers came, whic are equally a delight to the palate.

the camembert with caramelized onions

chorizo stewed in red wine ~ yum!

cocido meat on fluted bread

garlic sauteed shrimp the modern way

el Bulli – calamari with black ink – this was topped with aioli dip

and my fave among the appetizers served was the octopus with paprika salt & virgin olive oil ~ twas my first time to taste octopus, and never thought I’d love it.

After the appetizers were the paella in different flavors. I must admit it was also the first time I tasted paella that I liked. I even texted Wizheart to tell him about it. The rice was perfectly cooked, and the flavors of salmon (the salmon paella was for the non-meat eaters), meat blended well together.

picadillo paella

creamy seafood paella

Alaska king crab paella

manchego cheese, chicken, asparagus, and shrimp paella

They have about five varieties of paella. You should check each one out!

The paella was served with the yummy steak! Burners were set up on the table, and beef strips were served. It was up to us if we wanted the meat to rare, medium rare, or well done.

Too bad, I had a meeting at 2:30pm so I didn’t stay for the desserts. But I know Tapella desserts are to die for. If their appetizers and main dishes tickled my palate, how much more the sweets.

Friday “Wine Nights” from 6 to 9, wine lovers can enjoy overflowing wine served with tapas for only Php600.

Indeed, at Tapella, there is a new way of dining. It’s fine dining on yummy innovative Spanish cuisine at popular prices.

As Tapella’s dining principle says:

“Start with a traditional base, pour an infusion of unique contrasting flavors and a spoonful of intense passion, a dash of talent and a sprig of innovation. Finish off with disconcerting textures and illusion.”

Getting there

Tapella Restaurant is at the ground level, Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center Makati. For the uninitiated, the resto is nearer Greenbelt 1.  You take the Greenbelt 1 exit going to Greenbelt 2. Right at the exit doors, you turn left right away, and you won’t miss Tapella.

Call for reservations: 757-2710 OR email at inquiry@tapella-restaurant.com.

Vamos a comer! =P~

Wendy’s Wrap & Roll

I haven’t been to Wendy’s for a long while now. So when I passed by Greenbelt 1 yesterday, I thought of dropping by for Frosty.

Then I saw their new offering, the Wrap & Roll. It’s chicken breast fillet and lettuce wrapped in pita bread. You have a choice of ranch or honey mustard for the dressing, and you can have it in regular or spicy.

I chose the spicy honey mustard dressing. I didn’t regret it. The chicken breast fillet was tender, juicy, and crunchy on its sides. The veggies are crunchy, the pita bread prepared just right, and the dressing, good! Overall, the wrap was yummy and filling, considering it was a bit small compared to other wraps I’ve sampled. =P~

The wrap & roll costs Php59.00. Frosty regular is Php35.00.

Check out Wendy’s new Wrap & Roll!

Revisiting Tokyo Tokyo Metro on Valero Street, Makati

Finally got to sample Tokyo Tokyo Metro’s food last week with Wizheart. One word about our experience: YUMMY!!!

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Tokyo Tokyo Metro on Valero Street, Makati