Posts by pat
So far, this is the best Hainanese Chicken Rice in Manila
more food photography at foodiemanila.com
*some photos courtesy of Carlos Palma and Maki Eduardo
Anyone whose been to Singapore or Kuala Lumpur will tell you that the food is one of the best things they love about those two places (I have yet to hear otherwise). I’ve been to both and I regularly find myself craving for their local fare. The smells, the flavours, the spices.. oh I miss it. Unfortunately, unlike Singapore or KL, we don’t have hawker centers or mamak stores (Malaysian carinderia) in the Philippines.
One of the dishes I miss the most? Hainanese Chicken Rice (or just Chicken Rice).
For some time now, I’ve been on the hunt for really good chicken rice here in Manila. I’ve come a across some restos and food establishments that serve Singaporean and/or Malaysian fare but they just don’t seem to hit that spot. At the end of the meals, I was often left wanting and only half satisfied.
One day, I came across a post by a popular food blogger praising a dish to high heavens. And I quote: “I’m trying to remember when I last ate something so good I cursed every bite.” She was talking about Stevie’s Hainanese Chicken Rice. Chicken rice that good in Manila? If it is so, I HAVE to try it.
So for our Friday treat, my colleagues and I decided to place our order. We called Stevie on a Thursday to place in our order to be sure its ready the next day. Orders must be made a day before so that they can prepare it fresh. Friday, went to pick it up at 11am so by the time we get back to the office, we’re just in time for lunch.
My colleagues – Carlos and Maki – and I were lucky enough to meet Stevie Villacin himself. When we got there, he was busy in the kitchen but was nice enough to come out to talk to us. We were greeted with a smile by this jovial fellow. He seemed like a really nice person – very warm and sunny. You know what they say about happy chefs… happy chef = happy food = happy eating!
Stevie Villacin
I would’ve wanted to stay longer and find out more about Stevie but he had to go back into the Kitchen (busy day perhaps?). There’ll be a next time for sure. Besides, we were dying to eat.
When we got to the office, we rushed to pantry and took some pictures of the food. Carlos did some food styling while I couldn’t care less about composing my picture as the smell was just beckoning. I took a snap shot and dug in.
Who can give a damn about photo composition when the smell is just beckoning..
As I went to get my share, all poise flew out the window. Shovel chicken into plate. Scoop rice into plate. Dabble sauce on chicken and rice… rush to spoon food in and…oh..my…god. It was damn good. I’d say Stevie can make it better than the Singaporeans/Malaysians (I’m kidding)…if only the chilli was spicier. Stevie had to tone it down for the Filipino palette.
I just kept on going. I’m not quite sure how much I ate but if I’m not mistaken, I think I finished three servings. Yes, this petite little thing ate like a football player today.
Its been a while since just one dish satisfied me like this.
Finally, I found the best chicken rice in Manila (and probably the Philippines??). Now can anyone tell me where to find good Asam Laksa?
Some info:
An order consists of one chicken and on the other tray, the rice. With that comes four sauces – garlic ginger, sweet soy, chilli, and some of the sauce the chicken was cooked in. Its good for 3-5 people, depending on how much you can eat. Chin, the Malaysian partner of my boss was able to finish half an order.
Orders must be placed at least a day before and must be picked up at Stevie’s place. Deliveries are done only for large orders which is equivalent to 8 trays of chicken.
Price: Php 950 / order
Stevie Villacin’s number : 09065084155
Read MoreGoodbye 2009 and My Thank You’s
Its 2:00 am 4th Jan 2010. In a few hours, the world will start beating its busy pulse. Its back to work and back to school. Yes, the festivities of Christmas and New Year are now over. It’s been a good two weeks. But before the wheels of 2010 start to turn and accelerate, I want to make my own personal adieu to 2009.
Goodbye 2009. It’s definitely been a crazy ride. I still can’t believe how much happened within the 12 months that have passed and also the changes and surprises that happened along the way. The odd events around me, travels, the changes in career, the new people whom I met along the way, the old dear friends outside the Philippines whom I got to see again, the farewells I had to make to people who decided to leave the country, the new things I’ve learned, getting the courage to little by little step out of my comfort zone, the humbling experiences, the realizations and shedding of old baggage.
There’s a lot to be thankful for and I truly am grateful.
Inspired by my colleague Carlos, I want to send out some love to all those who were part of my crazy 2009.
To my Malaysian friends (and Pinoy friends in Malaysia). Thanks for the warm welcome I always receive from you guys whenever I go there. It’s partly what makes Malaysia feel like my home away from my home. You guys are an awesome bunch. I hope to see more you of in the future. Congratulations to the those who wed last year and are now mommies/daddies and mommies/daddies-to be! Time flies doesn’t it. I still remembered how we partied back in 2006/2007.
To my three closest friends – Alex, Joan, April – there’s just so much to say. Even if we don’t see each other every day since Alex, you are in KL; April, you are in Vancouver; Joan, you are back studying and busy taking care of your juniors… it doesn’t change anything. We always seem to pick up we’re we left off. Its a rare thing.
To Ayka. Thanks for the nerd attacks, the random whatevers, and the rocking at out gigs while you were here. You finally got your SG dream which may not as dreamy you would’ve imaginel. But hey, the good things will roll in. Trust me. If you believe it will come, it will. I do miss hanging out but that’s all part of having to move away. Don’t worry woman, we’ll still see each there
To Nikki. Damn it girl. Why do you have to leave too? Who will be my clubbing buddy? Who will be my random chika session buddy? Your flight to Australia is around the corner. It’ll be a couple of years before our threesome (you, me, April) will be complete again. Those were good times. Nevertheless, I’m happy you were still able to come back here to the PH, albeit briefly.
To Katie. My cool, hot cousin who returned to NYC after a not so brief visit to the Philippines. Too bad we didn’t get to hang out that much while you were here. Blame it on work. At least we got to hang out a bit. Good luck in Polesque! (Did I spell that right?) Show ‘em your pole dancing prowess. I promise, when you come visit again, I won’t be so darn swamped with work. At least we got to hang out for a while.
To the friends from the college Polsci days. So we’re drinking wine together now? What happened to cheap alcohol and beer? I can’t help but be amused at this. I guess we’re all “growing up” now and getting more serious (really?) therefore our “preferences” are evolving. Haha! Right. Good luck to the graduating lawyers and politicians to be and congratulations to those who are doing well now! You guys are awesome.
To family. Oh wow. What to say to a big crazy bunch of people whom I call family? I love you guys.
To the Nuffies, my colleagues. So guys, it has been an interesting 2009 hasn’t it. It was far from perfect but it was great. Thanks guys. I’ve been learning a lot from each of you. My hope is that things get better for the whole team. Let’s kick ass this 2010!
To my former colleagues from Marcus Evans Philippines and Malaysia whom I got to see this year. I’ll never forget my Marcus Evans days.. ever. It was you guys that made the experience worthwhile. One can go insane working for Marcus Evans – the stress, the crazy demands from the big boss… Thankfully, I stayed sane because I had to you guys to make me laugh until cried. I hope we can manage to in touch.
To my other great great friends. Thanks for helping me out when I need help. Thanks for enduring the drama. The clubbing, the gigs, the hangouts, the travels and all the random whatever’s. Thanks for the stories, the laughs and teaching to become better every time.
(Special mention) To airports. I’ve stepped into you a lot this year. Every trip has been a milestone in my 2009. My Bali trip with the family last March, my trip to Malaysia to attend Zak’s wedding, going to Vigan when April visited the Philippines, going to Singapore for the Nuffnang Asia Pacific Blog Awards, and then going to back to Malaysia for some training (and seeing friends in Malaysia). What can I say, I’ve got a mole on my sole. There has been a lot of drama because of you. Its been good.
Oh.. and I just have to say, its not every year you have cars exploding a few meters away from you office!
So many more people to thank… if only I wasn’t sleepy…
2009 has passed for what its worth, it was a good year. I want to welcome 2010 with open arms, an eager mind, and an open heart.
On the eve of 2010, we had full Blue Moon which was right above us when the clock stroke 12mn. It’s a good sign and a good omen. 2010 is going to be awesome.
Read MoreLearning How to Write again
I feel like a cripple who’s learning how to walk again after her cast has been removed. And seriously, I know how it feels like.I have broken my foot in the past and I have gone through the process of learning how to walk again. Its knowing how to do something which was supposedly second nature to you (and something you love) but you just can’t at that moment because the very thing that allows you to do that action is the very thing that’s preventing you from doing it. I know very well how to walk (step, step, step) but it was very difficult because my leg was atrophied. I needed time to build the muscle so I could do something I loved once more – walking.
Its the same with writing. Its been a while since I’ve written something which is for others to read (aside from my last blog posts. Those were warm ups). I don’t know how good I am but I’ve always loved writing. I keep a notebook with me where ever I go to write down or draw the most random things. But for that’s as far as it has been ever since I graduated from college. Its as if my mind has atrophied from years of not being able to churn out compositions, papers, forced creative writing (which I did enjoy despite it being forced and graded).
I’ve been craving to create something and this is the easiest and best way I know. (Next would be dancing but that’s another story for a another time.. and that another muscle I’ll need to rebuild)
So here I am -
Overcoming that fear of “what if no one reads me”.
Reactivating an atrophied mind and building muscle.
Learning to write again.
…I remember when I finally got to walk again. I was really happy. I never took my foot, nor walking, for granted again.
World Pyrolympics Day 1
Do you remember what it was like being a kid in a candy store? Or if you had the chance to step into Toys ‘R Us when you were a kid, do you remember what it felt like? Two words : child-like wonder (was that three?). That “woooaah” moment with your mouth hanging open as you just stare in amazement.
That’s how it is for me when i see fireworks. I become eight years old again.
Last Saturday, 21 Nov 2009, was the first Saturday of the World Pyrolympics. And of course, this pyrotechnics fanatic didn’t allow herself to miss out!
For those who don’t know what the World Pyrolympics is, its where the world’s best pyrotechnics teams come together and compete by showcasing awesomely dazzling fireworks displays. If I’m right, this is the 4th World Pyrolympics but the first time for it to be “pyromusical”. Think colorful explosions in the sky synchronized with music.
And yes, this happened and is going to be happening for the next couple of Saturdays in Bonifacio Global City, PHILIPPINES. You don’t get this just anywhere folks.
Last Saturday, Germany and China took the stage. This Saturday, it’ll be Canada and Australia. 5 Dec will be Japan and Italy. For 12 December, it’ll be South Korea and US. The last Saturday, 19 Dec will be the fellowship of fire where the Philippines will be participating.
Here are the videos of the displays for Germany (courtesy of Vince of WhenInManila and Anton of Our Awesome Planet):
Germany (part 1)
Germany Part 2
The next one is part 2 of China’s display. When part 1 is posted by When In Manila, I’ll post it as well.
Between the two, I think China owned it! I wish you were there to see it. The video doesn’t do justice. Its just too bad that it rained during China’s set. I thin thats the reason why it became very smokey.
What do you think of the view from which the videos were taken? Best seats in the ENTIRE house ain’t it? That’s where I will be the coming Saturdays. Wooh! Ask me where. Maybe I’ll tell you.
By the way, general admission also has a GREAT GREAT view. Its only 200 pesos for a ticket. Its well worth it. My friend and I watched from the SVA (special viewing area) which is right in front of the launching point. The view was great as well.
I’m very excited to see what tricks in the bag the other countries have. I’m looking forward to Japan and Italy. I hear they are countries to watch out for. Italy won in the last World Pyrolypmics. Japan is very secretive about their fireworks shells. They refuse to see to foreigners. That’ll be a very interesting night. We’ll see.
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After the fireworks … chill time
Chika sessions with Nikki
Apple Martinis and Margaritas at New Orleans after the Pyrolympics
Read MoreTesting out my WordPress Account
I’m pretty excited to be here on WordPress with my own domain. Hello friends!
Right now, using WordPress seems a bit daunting – new dashboard, new controls, more features than that of blogger… I’m only learning the tech side of a lot of things. Being semi-dyslexic, I can be quite slow with technical details. With a little patience and a LOT of focus, and help from some friends, I’ll get this blog up and running.
Themes-wise, I’m yet to learn the codes and techniques for HTML or CSS. I want my blog to be ME. Later on, I would like to create a blog thats catered to giving helpful information to its readers. The blog theme? Still no idea.
There is a lot to learn but I know learning WordPress will be really helpful in the future. Its not just for blogging, you never know for what purpose this tool can be used for.
Looking forward to establishing my little place in cyberspace.
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