So here stands the Grand Old Lady herself, beckoning passers by to enter her stately lobby and partake of the pleasures that were once reserved for the high and the mighty. Of course, I’m talking about the Manila Hotel.
Unilever’s Fearless Kitchen Challenge did challenge me and my supposed skills in the kitchen. The idea was that each team would cook four dishes using lamb as the main ingredient. I was both excited and scared because I don’t really have that much skill in the kitchen, except when it’s time to eat.
My buddy Gerald Sta. Ana and his lovely wife Verna, has recently welcomed their youngest daughter, Gerica Veronique Sta Ana into the loving fold of the Catholic faith. Nikki was welcomed to Christianity at solemn rites at the Manila Cathedral.
Last May 13, 2008, I was invited to witness the first Nokia Mobile Entrepreneur Awards at the Makati Shangri-la hotel. The event (already blogged by Noreen) showcased not only admirable entrepreneurs who have made it big despite meager resources, but also the Shangri-la brand of service along with Nokia Philippines’ gracious hospitality and excellent public relations. Though there are some companies that have an innate disdain for bloggers (most especially food bloggers), Nokia Philippines has always been very friendly to bloggers and have always included us in their guest list. Hats off to Nokia Philippines!
I always believed that good food need not be expensive. For me, it’s always a matter of finding the right food place that suits your taste. Sure, hotels and High Street will always house the best culinary talents, but these gourmet celebrities have always had their humble beginnings, such as in the canteen, panciteria, carinderia or turo-turo. To weed out these possible gourmet geniuses, I’ve always made sure to feature restaurants that the average employee can dine at, being one myself. My personal rule, good food should be available to anyone with a P500 peso bill (US$ 11.75). Though I have managed to dine at more opulent restaurants, my favorite restaurants have always been those that do not require an SSS loan to enjoy. So far, I believe I have adhered to this rule. I am hopeful that the price of food will not go up too high that my Ninoy will still be enough for a dinner and a movie. Wishful thinking, some might say.
