FLAVOURS OF ILOILO

It was a very inspirational day as The News Today, Mezzo Magazine and StepJuan all joined forces to create social awareness to the Ilonggos about the pediatric cancer. The symposium coincided with the Iloilo leg of Tomas Leonor's STEP JUAN "Walking expedition" to help raise funds for the Philippine Children’s Medical Center, where children with cancer seek treatment. A simple forum was held at the Emilion Function Rooms at the Roadhouse along Gen. Luna Street where guests were enlightened about the disease through the resource persons led by Dr. Julius Lecciones, Pedriatric Oncologist and Head of the Philippine Children’s Medical Center . A benefit dinner followed that night at Hotel del Rio wherein proceeds will go for this cause. Here are some literature about the said project. Pediatric Cancer Cancer strikes even the young. In the Philippines, one Filipin o child dies of cancer every three hours. What kills them is not the disease itself but the lack of funds for seek...

The premiere dining and entertainment complex in Iloilo City, The Avenue, recently launched a whole new line up of wines to serve its clientele. From the cellars of Sommelier Selection Inc ., come a total of 10 French wines that will add colour and flavour to the sumptuous specialties served at various restaurants in the comple x. Romain Geitner of Sommelier Selection Inc. A special wine tasting session was held last Saturday at The Astoria of The Venue Function Rooms where invited guests were able to sample each and every wine in the collection. The wine list includes Cotes de Chateau Guibeau, Gueule de Loup, Louis Cheze Syrah, Cuvee de Galets, Rive Haute Merlot Tannat, Cox Pinot Noir, Mescladis, Paulo de Coste Blanc de Blancs, Rive Haute Colombard and Cox Chardonnay. Guests were also served with an array of delectable “cocktail”food including a cheese and cold cuts platter (consisting of “an array of assorted cheeses, salami, prosciutto, cheddar, brie and blue cheese), salmon and m...

Spyco Marketing Productions Manila presents Havaianas Beach Bar 2011, a one night open bar event in the city to be held in three venues! Held simultaneously held at Club Aura, Bourbon Street (The Avenue), and Flow Superclub last May 28, 2011. Top three caliber DJs namely DJ Christian Raeuber, DJ Marie Garcia, and DJ Nikki Taylor will be rockin’ the night, to be joined by two Brazilian Samba Dancers Luane Pasinatto and Alex Pain along with fire dancers and percussionists. The DJS DJ RAEUBER. Christian Raeuber, German-Filipino, is known for his colorful and energetic style of dance music. His multicultural and revolutionary approach to music d id not take him long to hit the big clubs such as Embassy (now referred to as Encore) in 2007. Brainchild of themed nights such as the original Models Night in Manila's known night spot 'Tabu', DJ Raeuber not only entertains with his signature house vibe to his remarkably appealing audience, but is adept in formulating fresh night con...

Brewing up an enthusiasm for the good things in life, Bluejay Coffee and Delicatessen has wisely carved its niche as one of the best coffee shops in Iloilo. Built not just be cause of the owners’ love for coffee but also to answer to Iloilo city’s need for a more sophisticated venue. With two swanky branches located at strategic districts in city, Bluejay was born out of passion and concern - passion for coffee and concern for a developing city that was and still is in need of more top-rank establishments befitting its progressing status. The restaurant has upped the ante by offering the Ilonggos a classier and hipper take on the usual coffee-and-dining experience. Cleverly resisting the compulsion to put all its beans in one filter basket, it did not just limit its market to the java-loving crowd, but has also introduced the deli-cum-coffee shop concept to local food enthusiasts. But as first impressions tend to last, many people still think that one has to have a deep pocket in orde...

The heavy rains that afternoon did hamper the scheduled opening of Coffeebreak's latest branch and as I was informed the first full franchise branch in Iloilo City. Father Bernabe Tutana led the short opening service while Mss. Fe Robles and Margareth Florete led the ribbon cutting ceremony afterwards. As invited guests started to pour in, they were welcomed with the usual modern and hip ambiance of Coffeebreak is popular for. With food display affront the usual brown and black motif, it was a very familiar sight with a much more familiar aroma in the air. Of course there's the signature canopy couch that often makes guests rush in to get but with Plazuela de Iloilo branch offering a good view and ambiance inside out- there's no need to rush in. A special occasion deserves special food and it never failed. A mix of Coffeebreak's specialty rolls (ham and cheese rolls and more ), a big version of Better Than Sex cake) and lasagna plus special eats brought in for the event...

More than a decade ago, a simple restaurant set “amidst the rice fields” in the outskirts of Iloilo City created quite a buzz among Ilonggo foodies. But first, finding its location posed a major challenge to those who wanted to discover and experience what the fuss was all about. When chances see m bleak, out of nowhere - rows of parked cars and patrons spilling over reveal the open secret! Peppy Thai Deli is the brainchild of former missionaries who served in Thailand before. Upon retirement they decided to bring their experience to Iloilo in the form of gastronomy. The restaurant was originally located in Sambag, Jaro (then moved in the Desamparados area). The concept of the Gequillana family serving a foreign cuisine “turo-turo” style revolutionized the Iloilo dining scene. It was by then Ilonggos have tasted authentic Thai cuisine from those who actually know the taste by heart and lived the art of cooking. On the menu Thai cuisine is among the most celebrated in the world and Il...

Almost hidden in plain sight along Lopez Jaena Street in Jaro is an unassuming pizza joint. At first, it seems to proudly announce its specialty – Chicago Style Pizza but a closer look would reveal it’s actually the name of the restaurant. Initially, it never sparked my interest but when a fellow blogger, “Inday Hami” (www.iloveiloilo.com) revealed some very interesting notes (aside from her good reviews of the pizza), I became curious and wondered what makes a Chicago-style pizza different from all other pizzas. A Chicago-style pizza is a deep-dish pizza style developed in Chicago, USA in 1943. It has a buttery crust up to three inches tall at the edge, slightly higher than the large amounts of cheese and chunky tomato sauce, acting as a large bowl. “And unlike most pizzas, it cannot be folded and usually cannot be eaten with hand.” answers Father Espiridion Celis, owner of the pizzeria. Father Boy as he is fondly called, is among the most familiar faces of the clergy in Iloilo City...

A few weeks ago I got a call inviting me to a forum discussion at a hotel. An email came requesting me to be a part of a group that would discuss "something" about Iloilo. The lifestyle of the Ilonggos including shopping, entertainment, dining, leisure and almost about anything. It was basically getting the pulse of the Ilonggos on how vibrant the Ilonggo business scene is now. And today at the Emerald FunctionRoom of the Smallville 21 Hotel I found out it was an intimate group - with just around a dozen participants representing the business, public service, media and other sectors of Iloilo City. I was then greatly honored to be part of this since I thought there would be around 50 participants. We sure did discuss all about Iloilo as mentioned above and it was a very fruitful discussion with them getting the pulse of the locals views on everything in our city. But as requested, I am not going to divulge any information about it - what more we talked about and who they w...