Authors
Ristras
by Trina T. Epilepsia
posted on Wednesday October 28, 2009 in Food
“Hey, you guys haven't touched the burrito yet,” Chef Rob Goco pointed out.
Grazie Grassi's!
by Trina T. Epilepsia
posted on Friday July 24, 2009 in Food
Apparently Grassi's Restaurant has been around for a while. Pardon my ignorance, as Grassi's owner Beat Grassi did when I admitted that my earliest memory of his restaurant was Grassi's Cafe in Rockwell back in the early 2000's. The original Grassi's, the fine dining joint, first made waves among local foodies during the 1990s in Pasig. But let's focus on the here and now. Grassi's latest reincarnation is here in Alabang, and boy, are the Southerners rejoicing.
Caffe Puccini
by Trina T. Epilepsia
posted on Wednesday June 10, 2009 in Food
To say the Filipinos love Italian food is an understatement. In every neighborhood, there is at least one Italian restaurant that everyone raves about. For those living or working in the Fort area, Caffe Puccini remains a top draw.
Talking In Tongues
by Trina T. Epilepsia
posted on Monday May 25, 2009 in Food
As most restaurants in Makati , Talking Tongues serves a distinct cuisine (in this case, Indonesian), to a multicultural clientèle eager to lap up a new experience or reminisce past travels. The first time I ate there, I shared my meal with two Indonesian girls, an Irishman and a French guy. Across from us sat an Indian family. Outside was a solitary Chinese man eating a bowl of curry. And holding fort at the corner of the room was a table of Koreans ordering up a storm of sates and fried rice.
Jaemark's Tuna Grille
by Trina T. Epilepsia
posted on Friday March 20, 2009 in Food
When I walked in Jaemark's Tuna Grille for lunch one sunny Saturday, only a couple was inside. But the place had just opened, at 11 a.m. Pretty soon the place would be filled up with people, most of them families from the nearby villages surrounding the Magallanes Paseo Center where the restaurant is located. According to Kristine Bernardino, Jaemark's representative, the restaurant also sees a lot of yuppies coming home from work in Makati or Ortigas, having dinner or a nightcap, and waiting for the southbound highway traffic to ease up.
Mad About Fu
by Trina T. Epilepsia
posted on Wednesday March 11, 2009 in Food
There was a collective gasp in the room when the duck was brought out. Its vibrant, golden skin glistened with oil and through the cracks; fragrant steam was lovingly beckoning to our appetites. While Bea enthusiastically took pictures, Marian and I eyed each other warily.
The Stock Market
by Trina T. Epilepsia
posted on Friday February 27, 2009 in Food
The words stock and market aren't inciting much excitement these days, but if you are feeling a little brave, try your luck with The Stock Market restaurant in Bonifacio High Street-- you just might come feeling like a winner.
Let's Play!
by Trina T. Epilepsia
posted on Tuesday February 3, 2009 in Events, Food
So first off, you may ask, why Tuesday? "It was the night that was given to us," laughs Tedmark Cruz. Most days of the week (yes, even Thursdays) were already rife with events in most clubs and venues, and only Tuesday remained relatively free. Along with Sunday, Tuesday seemed like a rest day for nocturnal events.
Purple Feet
by Trina T. Epilepsia
posted on Monday December 29, 2008 in Food
I have this unfortunate habit of Google-ing my food cravings. A typical search usually includes the words “best,” “new,” and (when I am feeling adventurous) “secret.” This process has led me to the oddest places all over the metro. One day it led me to the back of Wine Depot in Nicanor Garcia Street (formerly Reposo), in a place called Purple Feet.
Welcome To The Club
by Trina T. Epilepsia
posted on Wednesday November 5, 2008 in Food
"Hey have you heard of Kanin Club?" I asked my friend Bea one day. She replied nonplussed, "Sounds nice. What do they have?"
A Pretty Good Mix: Design Fusion '09
by Trina T. Epilepsia
posted on Tuesday October 28, 2008 in Events, Style
Design Fusion always captures an interesting crowd during Philippine Fashion Week. The crowd is a hodgepodge of people, but they are mostly young and dressed like they just stepped off the virtual pages of fashion/party blogs. This underlying style preference, which is playful and highly referential, is what buoys most of the designers who join the Design Fusion show.
Café Mondial
by Trina T. Epilepsia
posted on Wednesday October 8, 2008 in Food
I arrived late at Café Mondial. It was totally my fault (somehow 11 am and 1 pm melded into one mess...), but when I got to the restaurant, it was my group of friends looking up guiltily from their plates and not me.
Tides
by Trina T. Epilepsia
posted on Friday September 26, 2008 in Food
I never really know what I end up drinking in Tides. I always turn to tried-and-tested fare when I go out, but each time I visit this open-air bar in the South, I always end up with a conga line of rainbow-colored drinks that taste so yummy I always -- always -- end up drinking way, way, way too much.
Chi's Brick Oven Kitchen
by Trina T. Epilepsia
posted on Friday September 12, 2008 in Food
"Oh my God, it's so good..." Marsha gasped, as she took a generous bite of the pizza. A tear rolled down her eye. Then another and another...
Comedy Cartel
by Trina T. Epilepsia
posted on Wednesday August 20, 2008 in Events, Activities
Girls always say they like guys who can make them laugh. If she leaves you stammering for the right words, why don't you catch a Comedy Cartel show and see if you can pick up a few pointers.
Cafe Français
by Trina T. Epilepsia
posted on Monday August 11, 2008 in Food
What do you eat after drinking? This drinking nation of ours has spawned not only a series of un-exportable liquors (too see who is most 'macho') and suspicious hangover remedies (keep yourself hydrated-- that's all you need to know), but also a highly specialized late night cuisine scene. Number one on the list are the tapsilog or pares dives, followed closely by Chinese restaurants serving up hot and tasty noodles and dumplings, and then by various burger joints. Notice a trend here? Greasy, tasty, comfort food are the norm. These ubiquitous eateries attract a diverse group of night-shift workers, call center agents, and club kids winding down the night with their favorite plate of chow.
Churrito Cafe
by Trina T. Epilepsia
posted on Friday August 1, 2008 in Food
It was dark and a stormy night the day my friend Burg and I braved the whirling, bustling mutiny that is BF Homes in search of Churrito Cafe. Southern folks (meaning those living within proximity to SLEX) have been all agog over this tiny, Spanish-themed cafe that was giving a certain established churros chain a run for its money.
Bigoli
by Trina T. Epilepsia
posted on Monday July 21, 2008 in Food
Something smells delicious in the fourth level of TriNoma. I started breaking it down as I followed my nose to source of this scintillating smell. The scent's top note is a dough, creamy and light, popping fresh out of an oven, flooding the room with warmth. It's quickly followed by a generous dollop of rich, yellow butter melting into the bread, every last creamy bit sopped up. Then there's the sharp salt and sexily pungent garlic-- lots of it. Pounded and slathered onto the buttered bread. I opened my eyes and found myself standing in front of Bigoli. Around me, several other people were also gawking, following their noses to this bright and busy restaurant. One of the waiters approaches me, “Can I help you ma'am?”
Philippine Fashion Week: A New Generation
by Trina T. Epilepsia
posted on Tuesday June 3, 2008 in Events, Style
Philippine fashion's torchbearers were front and center last week, showcasing their debut collections during Philippine Fashion Week 2008.
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Graceland Estates and Country Club
by Trina T. Epilepsia
posted on Wednesday May 28, 2008 in Accommodations, Food, Travel Blog, Places, Escapades
After a bumpy three-hour drive from the metro, our group finally made it to Graceland. The drive was difficult with heavy traffic, muddy roads and non-stop rain. Inside our cramped car, the mood was just as stormy. We'd skipped breakfast and and stayed hungry way past noon. As we winded our way to the rain-soaked entrance of the resort, lightning streaked the sky and the clouds were an angry shade of gray.
[read more] [7 Comments]
V For Victory
by Trina T. Epilepsia
posted on Friday May 2, 2008 in Events, Places, Music, Dance
April 10 was V-Day for many musicians, especially for those sick of ratty recording studios, filled with old and broken instruments, piles of dust, and cliché reminders of the rock and roll lifestyle.
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Fafi-tastique!
by Trina T. Epilepsia
posted on Friday April 25, 2008 in Shopping, Style
Whenever MAC comes out with a new cosmetics collection, make up junkies wait with bated breath. When the first photos of the Fafi line were released, anticipation grew exponentially. The Fafi series was the result of a collaboration between MAC and the French graffiti artist Fafi, who is famous for her colorful artworks and sassy renditions of girls in urban settings. The look is decidedly young, full of bright and bold colors that perfectly complement the sizzling summer weather and graphic fashion trend.
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I (Don't Really) Need A Hero
by Trina T. Epilepsia
posted on Friday April 18, 2008 in Movie Reviews
Stephen Hawking quotes Celine Dion, and Tom Cruise cannot fly. That's about all you need to know about Superhero Movie.
[read more] [1 Comments]
Too Much
by Trina T. Epilepsia
posted on Friday April 18, 2008 in Movie Reviews
Manay Po 2: Overload is kitschy, brazen, and had the promise of being an honest-to-goodness comedy. Except it never delivered.
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Summer Belles
by Trina T. Epilepsia
posted on Wednesday April 16, 2008 in Shopping, Style
Ever fancied yourself as Francois Hardy or any of Jane Birkin's girls? What about the luscious model Laetitia Casta or French Vogue editor Carine Roitfeld? If you want to realize your Gallic daydream, fashion brand Promod could be the answer. Together with The Natural Source and Flojos, the French retailer showed a couple of girls how to dress in a style that is both tres chic and fit for the Manila's soaring temperature.
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Rory's
by Trina T. Epilepsia
posted on Tuesday February 19, 2008 in Food
Drinking is still the default activity for college kids. It was your parents’, your grandparents’ and your neighborhood Mang Rudy’s weeknight event. Years from now your kids will stumble home drunk and incoherent and you will look simply mutter, “drink some water” because you’ve done the same.
[read more] [26 Comments]
Can't Buy Me Love
by Trina T. Epilepsia
posted on Tuesday February 12, 2008 in Shopping
Valentine's ain't about love. It's about romance. Here's a guide to making sure yours lasts for a while.
[read more] [5 Comments]
Facing Forward: Make-Up Trends for 2008
by Trina T. Epilepsia
posted on Monday February 4, 2008 in Shopping, Style
The late great make-up artist Kevyn Aucoin claimed that he never bought into those seasonal make up collections. He wasn't much into trends either. His advice was to wear what you feel like, when you felt like it. Smart words. Of course, there is thin line between being adventurous and being misguided. The difference is in the undertaking: Amy Winehouse (style-wise) is audacious. Britney Spears... well, you get the picture.
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Fashion Forward: Trends for 2008
by Trina T. Epilepsia
posted on Thursday January 31, 2008 in Shopping, Style
Fashion is highly subjective: one girl's denim du jour is another's 'mom pants.' Actress Sophia Loren once claimed that being sexy was 50 percent what you actually have and 50 percent what others think you have. Confidence and attitude will trump trendy clothing anytime. That said, there's nothing wrong with wanting to know the latest looks or trying out new styles. Knowledge is the key, that's why it's important to do your homework before you head out to the store. If you don't have time to troll the glut of fashion websites and are suspicious of salespeople, then read up and see what things pique your interest.
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A Light That Never Goes Out
by Trina T. Epilepsia
posted on Thursday December 27, 2007 in Movie Reviews
Bahay Kubo is being marketed as a Pinoy version of "Mano Po," a movie series that regaled local academy voters in film fests past. This is unfortunate because, as good as its predecessors did, this delightful movie stands on its own and should not be attached to any sort of franchise.
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Wake Up and Smell the Kopi
by Trina T. Epilepsia
posted on Monday December 24, 2007 in Food
Imagine waking up to soft sunlight, cooing birds, and a cool breeze smelling faintly of chocolate and butter and freshly baked bread. You pad down the hallway and find yourself in a honey colored kitchen, your breakfast spread out in front of you. There is toast, brown and thick, smothered with sweet coconut jam and rich butter; steaming milk tea and two perfectly soft-boiled eggs in a delicate white saucer. A tiny, narrow dish holds exotic spices. Near the center, a curious-looking noodle dish, drowning in a thin, red sauce, strewn with chopped peanuts and tiny buds of shrimp. A calamansi is delicately balanced on the fork and spoon. You settle down in comfortable booth, take a sip of tea, fold out the crisp newspaper, and proceed to take your sweet, sweet time having breakfast.
[read more] [6 Comments]
Last Minute Christmas Shopping
by Trina T. Epilepsia
posted on Thursday December 20, 2007 in Shopping
Ok, it's the last week before Christmas. Admit it; you haven't done all your Christmas shopping yet—right? And most likely, it's the gifts for the family that you are postponing. You don't know what they want, or worse, you do and you can't afford it. What's a good child, brother, or sister to do? Well, you can start by scrolling down this article, printing it out, and heading to the stores listed below. Welcome to the wonderful world of last-minute shopping, except this time, you won't be handing your nearest and dearest with some pre-packaged, anonymous gift from some random retail store.
[read more] [2 Comments]
Pinoy Christmas Treats
by Trina T. Epilepsia
posted on Friday December 14, 2007 in Food
Christmas has finally rolled into town. Without a doubt, the season is the best reason to eat, drink, and be merry. And seriously—what would Filipino Christmases be without the boxes of sapin-sapin mysteriously appearing in the refrigerator? Or the pillow-soft bibingka and fragrant puto bumbong welcoming you as you stumble out of Simbang Gabi? Hungry yet? Then get on as we go all around the metro for the best kakanin in town.
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Party Face 101 with G-lish
by Trina T. Epilepsia
posted on Wednesday December 12, 2007 in Events, Shopping
On a balmy Saturday, December 8th, females flocked to Rustan’s Essences in Shangri-Plaza to help celebrate a good year in make up with G-lish Cosmetics. Party Face 101 was an event most females cannot resist—a free makeover, free make up, free pampering, and, best of all, free cupcakes! All because you were such a good customer, hoarding all the delicious make up in the G-lish line. It’s like having your cake and eating it too—Marie Antoinette (The Sofia Coppola version anyway) would’ve been proud. The late monarch would’ve have also appreciated the special G-lish section, cordoned off from the rest of the Essences department. Creamy white dressers were sprinkled with colorful, shining, shimmering, splendid make up; a tiny bar stocked with pink lemonade in cocktail glasses; best of all, a towering cupcake stand filled with sugar, spice, and everything nice.
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Full Circle
by Trina T. Epilepsia
posted on Thursday December 6, 2007 in Food
Eating out in the early Nineties, Manileños only had to choose between the Triple V aisles. Nowadays there is a motley crew of cuisines to choose from: Persian, Indian, Thai, kosher… If you want a sampling of each, you could hop from one restaurant to another along Makati Avenue. Or you could drop in Circle Café along Tomas Morato; less effort and more bang for your gut.
[read more] [7 Comments]
Put A Hat On It
by Trina T. Epilepsia
posted on Tuesday December 4, 2007 in Events
December 1st marks World AIDS Day. To commemorate the fight against the disease, young designer Mich Dulce, Everywhere We Shoot! (EWS) and MAC Cosmetics teamed up for a fashion photo exhibit aimed to raise awareness.
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Club Serena: The Real Big Easy
by Trina T. Epilepsia
posted on Thursday November 29, 2007 in Accommodations, Food, Places, Health & Beauty
"What time is it?" A friend of mine asked. We were having a candle-lit dinner on the beach while waves lapped lazily in the dark. Sporadic dog barks could be heard from a distance. I shrugged in response.
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Wigged & Proud: Fearless Women Take a Day Off
by Trina T. Epilepsia
posted on Friday November 23, 2007 in Events
Laughter and beauty abound last November 16, when fifty breast cancer patients and survivors from the East Avenue Medical Center and the Philippine General Hospital were treated to an all-day pampering event. The L’oreal Academie played host to PLDT – SMART Foundation’s first Wigged & Proud activity. Along with the I Can Serve Foundation and the Philippine Foundation for Breast Care, Inc., participants in the event included the following companies: L’oreal, Prive, Hairbytes/Hair Tattler, David’s, Benefits, Angelo Falconi, and Francis Lee.
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The Sound and The Fury: Greyhoundz celebrates Dekada
by Trina T. Epilepsia
posted on Thursday November 22, 2007 in Events, Local Music
Slashing and burning their way into the set, Greyhoundz blazed a blistering musical revue of a decade’s worth of hard-hitting rock while a rapt audience followed them deep into music’s heart of darkness. In their aptly titled concert Dekada, held last November 16 in Club Dredd, Greyhoundz ran amuck with their instruments as they showed the crowd just why they are still a force to be reckoned with, ten years after they razed their way into the top of the Pinoy Nu-Metal scene.
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Notes from the Underground
by Trina T. Epilepsia
posted on Wednesday October 31, 2007 in Music, Local Music
Listen up- set your tuner to 105.9 fm for RJ Underground Radio and get a dose of the punktastic sounds from the Golden and Modern ages of rock with hefty slices of Original Pinoy muzak in between. Yes, this RJ, dear children, but it isn’t Sunday afternoon with your folks.
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DJ Van Buuren Heats up A-Venue
by Trina T. Epilepsia
posted on Wednesday October 17, 2007 in Events
Sound, light and body heat reached critical mass at A-Venue last October 5. Manila played host to the first of the BigFish events this month. Superstar DJ Armin Van Buuren flew in and dazzled the metro's party and music-philes with his soul-moving brand of trance.
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