T.G.I.Friday's 17th Annual Shake, Rattle, & Pour Bartender Championship

Last September 25, 2012, T.G.I.Friday’s Philippines held its 17th Annual Shake, Rattle, and Pour Bartender Championship at their Bonifacio High Street branch. This Inter-Store Bartending competition showcases exciting display of bartending skills of each participant from different T.G.I.Friday’s branches all over the country.

Talented bartenders who participate in this year’s competition includes Joel Delos Santos (Bonifacio High Street),Mike Rabago (Glorietta), Edu Manabati (Alabang), Genrev Bacasno (Rembrant), Wilfredo Marcelo (Malate), Aldrin Javar (Trinoma), Francis Domingo (Robinsons Galleria), Marc Bautista (SM Mall of Asia), Mark Maranon (Ayala Center Cebu), Gino Simbillo (Marquee Mall Pampanga), Lorenzo Midguel Salazar (Davao), Donn Mark Celestino (Eastwood) and Harold Puno (Subic.)

Restaurante Pia Y Damaso at Greenbelt 5, Subversive Filipino Cuisine

It was one of those days when rain wouldn’t let up despite ardent prayers. I could have chosen to stay at home and enjoy the comfort of my soft bed with a good book and a cup of hot cocoa. But instead, I find myself braving the rain on my way to Restaurante Pia Y Damaso at Greenbelt 5. That day, I chose to know more about what this interesting restaurant with quirky name is all about. 

Inspired by the novel Noli Me Tangere which is penned by the Philippines’ National Hero Jose Rizal, Restaurante Pia Y Damaso may convey controversial ring to its name.  For those who are not familiar with the characters, Padre Damaso is a Spanish friar in the novel who impregnated a woman named Pia Alba.  Interesting, I know.  I wouldn’t go into sheer details of the novel, instead, let me share with you how I find the dishes at Pia Y Damaso as interesting as the novel itself.

Grab a Copy of Gala Magazine's September Issue

Hi friends,

Please grab a copy of the September Issue of Gala Magazine.  I am one of their contributors for this month.

My article about food and arts at Balaw-Balaw Specialty Restaurant and Folk Art Museum is on page 92, the food section of the magazine. 

Located at the art capital of the Philippines, Balaw-Balaw is known for serving delectable Filipino cuisine with exotic dishes to boot.  It showcases work of arts created by the patriarch who established the restaurant in the eighties, the late Perdigon Vocalan alongside the works of other local artists in town.  In my article, I talked a little about the history, arts, and some of the dishes which the restaurant is known for.