Category Archives: NKRecommendation

The largest Skechers Store opens in Ayala Center Cebu

Skechers, The Comfort Technology Company™, is continuing its expansion in the Philippines with the opening of its largest store in the country at Ayala Center Cebu.

Skechers Ayala Center Cebu

The store will be a showpiece for the brand and allow more Cebuanos to directly experience the comfort, style and innovation that defines Skechers around the world.

Photo taken during the ribbon cutting ceremony

Skechers is located on the 1st Floor of Ayala Center Cebu in Cebu City, it features a mid-century modern style inspired design, opening the interior space to bring in the outdoors. The 3,400-square-foot store will offer a wide range of Skechers footwear, apparel and accessories including fashion product, lifestyle looks and Skechers Performance shoes.

There are so many designs to choose from, for sport enthusiasts, they offer Skechers GO WALK, one of the brand’s best-selling categories. Skechers is also offering its enhanced company’s signature comfort innovations—including its patented Skechers Arch Fit Technology™, Skechers Max Cushioning Technology™, Skechers Hyper Burst Technology™, Skechers Air-Cooled Memory Foam®, Skechers Relaxed Fit Technology™ and Skechers Stretch Fit Technology™.

@iamethelbert on TikTok

The Skechers arch fit is good for flat footed or for those who are suffering from plantar fasciitis. For me, I love the Skechers Max Cushioning Ultra. It really dampens the impact of the floor to the body. It literally feels like you’re walking on air. It is super light weight making it great for walking and running.

Thank you, Skechers Philippines.

Skechers USA Philippines, Inc. is operated by Skechers USA, Inc. (NYSE:SKX), The Comfort Technology Company based in Southern California. Skechers designs, develops and markets a diverse range of lifestyle and performance footwear, apparel and accessories for men, women and children. For more information, please visit about.skechers.com and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

The best Valentine’s Day offering at the Oakridge Executive Lounge

I suspect that Valentine’s Day celebration will be something different this year as FB remains replete with posts about the worldwide pandemic, the novel coronavirus ARD. Lovers will have to plan accordingly to avoid big crowds and enjoy privacy without skimping on comfort and indulgences.

In Cebu, what comes to mind for Valentine’s Day is the exclusive Oakridge Executive Club. It offers a magnificent view of the City and premium items on their menu. The place is on the 12th floor of a building and public access is limited. It is quiet and romantic. You’ll be sure that when you dine there, focus will just be on your companion.

On February 14, 2020, a lover’s menu will be offered for lunch and dinner, “Wine & Dine”. Lunch is at P1,395 nett per person inclusive of welcome drinks, a 3-course meal with a glass of wine, and a special gift while Dinner is at P1,695 nett per person with a 4-course premium menu, a glass of wine, romantic seranade, and a Valentine’s gift. The Little Valentine menu for kids is also available, inclusive of a 2-course meal and a special gift.

I recently joined the preview of the offering with the rest of the media group. It was a delightful group date.

Here are some of the items on the menu.

May favorite was the Yin & Yang (Fillet Mignon and Grilled Prawns) I am really curious on what they do with the fries and the Young Love Salad. The dressing of Balsamic Vinegar and some honey combined with the feta cheese is divine. There compatibility got me emotionally affected. I was swooning!

For reservations contact them through the following:

📞 (032) 354 3732

📱 09178116862

Feeling Shiok at Waterfont’s Uno

The weather has been mostly overcast and rainy; the kind of weather that begs for a hot bowl of soup. In the quest for that hot bowl, do you know where I discovered the best laksa in town lately?

Uno at both Waterfront Airport Hotel and Casino and Waterfront Cebu City Hotel serves legit Singaporean food prepared by a Singaporean, Chef Alan Chan in a buffet treat, Shiok.

Aside from its menu staples, Singaporean dishes like the popular chili crabs, Hainanese Chicken Rice, Laksa, Bak kut teh and Beef Rendang among others are also on the the buffet table.

My personal favorite was their Laksa. It was authentic and it reminded me of the busy but clean streets of Singapore. Easily, it could be the best Laksa in Cebu.

Singaporean cuisine is one of those that always got me curious and experimenting at home for their simplicity and diversity of flavor. It is straightforward but at the same time audacious.

Shiok Buffet will run for the whole month of August 2019.

I will keep my dinner schedule open for your invitation. Thanks! 😉

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The Best Facial I ever had at Bodyworx Medical Spa

Last weekend I just had the best facial treatment experience in Cebu at Bodyworx Medical Spa in Retail Unit 1, Solinea Tower 1, Cebu Business Park.

Dr. Sugar Estella-Mantilla and Dr. Andy Mantilla are aesthetic medicine doctors who are both driven with passion in giving the best treatments and hands-on care to all their patients. They are obsessed in providing high-end services and personalized facial medical care.

They offer not your typical off-the-shelves facial treatments; every patient will undergo a free/complimentary skin analysis using their state of the art Visia Skin Analysis before any treatment will be applied to them—the skin evaluation is so advanced it can even determine skin age. After that is the part where it becomes personalized, based on the skin analysis result they will recommend the perfect and most appropriate facial treatments for their patient.

For the luxurious feel and comfort, you’ll be surprised how their prices differ from the other premium clinics. Plus, you’ll get to consult and meet the doctors themselves. For myself, I got a good skin regimen advice after they examined and evaluated every skin care product with their brands that I am currently using whether or not they are appropriate for my skin type and if they could address to my skin problems. That is a major takeaway!

It is one of those clinics that will certainly win your trust at first visit. After my treatment which took around 3 hours I was already excited for my next session.

New Operating Hours:

Monday-Saturday: 10 am-9 pm

Sunday: 10 am-6 pm

Doctor’s Clinic Hours:

Consultation and patient’s for laser: 1:00-5:00pm

Book an appointment today.

Call or text +639663778935/ 0324792081 to set an appointment.

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Enye’s New Items on the Menu for 2019

I found the Best Paella Negra of the Philippines.

I had the chance to try the new items on the menu of Enye by Chele Gonzales at Crimson Resort & Spa Mactan. Enye is one of Mactan’s pride restaurants that appeal to all ages. Its food is classic, yet timeless and the ambiance is artfully fashionable with intimate atmosphere.

A welcome glass of a newly popped bottle of wine commandeered and psyched up our senses to gourmandize the 12-course dinner Chef Chele Gonzalez had assembled himself as a special preview of their reengineered menu. For 3 hours, he thrilled us with Enye’s new offerings together with their perfected staple — the Paella Negra.

We started with four appetizers. First, the Wagyu Beef Flamenquin, a breaded, deep fried wagyu beef with camembert filling. This is one of my personal favorite among the new items. A crunchy crust that enveloped the tender wagyu and melting camembert cheese was a party of texture in the mouth.

Vieiras Gratinadas came next. It was a gratinated baby scallops with bechamel sauce, ham and cheese. I could smell the fresh ocean waves roiling into our plates.

Then came the croquettes. The first was Croquetas de Setas y Trufa, a bechamel croquettes with mixed mushrooms and truffle oil. This was scene stealer. Although the presentation was simple, its flavor was bursting. It made me realized that Bechamel is the life partner of mushrooms. Their combination is divine.

Another set of croquettes was rolled out on our table. The Croqueta De Mariscos (seafood croquette) highlighted the fact that we were just a few meters away from the whispering sea of Mactan.

It was an umami overload, after the appetizers. We proceeded with the first “official” course, the White Snapper Fish and Scallop Ceviche. Interestingly, I’ve learned that ceviche is not necessarily the same as “kinilaw”, the latter uses vinegar to cure the fish while the former uses citrus juices. On our plate was a white snapper cured by Peruvian Tiger’s Milk, a citrus-based marinade with fish juices, tempered by coconut milk and curry espuma or foam. Everything was in equilibrium, infusing air to the coconut cream and curry provided a gentle stabilization of the acidity extracted from the lime.

Just as when our sense of taste was reset by the tartness of the ceviche, the Seared Foie Gras was served. The runny yolk that percolated on the seared foie gras, together with the port wine sauce, was devilishly piquant. I forgot that they were two cholesterols plotting a conspiracy. I was so in the zone, I could not abort the mission.

We were getting ready for the two mains, but before that, we washed up with some soup, a Baked Grouper Fish Fillet. The aroma from the broth, although served on a lower temperature from what we expected, was not just a tease to the olfactory nerves, it was also good for the gustation system. The swimmer crab provided a distinct flavor that carried the dish all the way to the last bite.

The mains were Paella Negra and Cordero Asado de Manera Tradicional.

The Paella Negra on their old menu was already exquisite as many other Paella Negra out there in the market. Yet, they are determined to position their Paella Negra ahead of the game. Instead of the typical shrimps, mussels, mayonnaise and whatever customary seafood toppings, they topped it with grilled large octopus tentacles, juicy scallops, and green herb and saffron aioli to kill the competition down to its knees. It was a knock out — a unanimous decision, at least in our long table of ten. I think the secret was the Soccarat, the crust that formed at the bottom of the paellera, as any good paella should have. No, it is not burnt, never. It takes a very experienced chef to determine the perfect time when the paella is ready. Ours was served on the dot. Perfect!

The slow braised lamb shoulder paired with rustic roasted potatoes and some greens filled us to the brim. The roasted potatoes coated with some spice was something I would want to eat again the next day. I was so close to ordering one for take away.

Certainly, the dinner was never exhausting but definitely we didn’t mind to get some energy boost from the new sweet treats of Enye.

The Apple Tart was an interplay of textures from the light and bubbly apple foam, soft and chewy roasted apple, and smooth vanilla custard and ice cream.

The Choco Mango Cebu pairing was my favorite dessert. It was like they were having their day off from the tug of war of flavors. It was so well balanced, no overpowering. Everything contributes to its refreshingly vintage indulgence.

The Tarta de Queso Casera made a sensible connection of the definitive taste of apples and mangoes. The rum ice cream on the side wrapped up the night.

Enye operates from 6:00pm to 10:30pm everyday. It is always a good idea to reserve a table for special dinner. Dining at Enye is always special.

Atty. Ethelbert Ouano (@iamethelbert) together with other Sun Prepaid Ambassadors Michael Karlo, Banisa, and Sinjin. #SUNParaNimoCebu

Atty. Ethelbert Ouano (@iamethelbert) together with other Sun Prepaid Ambassadors Michael Karlo, Banisa, and Sinjin. #SUNParaNimoCebu

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Seafood Fiesta at Montebello Villa Hotel

Montebello Villa Hotel introduces their new themed dinner buffet, Seafood Fiesta. Enjoy your favorite seafood every Friday from 6:00PM to 9:00PM for 799 per person.

I should get an award for this plating. :p

A good spread of seafood kinilaw and other famous seafood dishes are waiting for you at La Terraza in Montebello Villa Hotel.

Your selections include:

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Sugbusog Gihapon the Sinulog 2019 Feast

Celebrate Cebu this Sinulog in the most immersive way possible through a culinary journey that explores the best and most popular heritage and contemporary food from Cebu.

All these food are served under one roof without the hassle of heavy traffic jams. In one buffet spread, one can enjoy different kinds of kinilaw, Cebuano entrees including lechon, kalderetang kambing, and humba and for dessert, masareal and tagaktak. These are the Cebuano food offered in the latest edition of Marco Polo Plaza Hotel’s Culinary Journey, Sugbusog Gihapon along with the staple international offerings of the restaurant.

In time for Sinulog, Marco Polo Plaza Hotel celebrates the grand festival with a feast of classica cebuano favorites at Cebu’s Best Premium Buffet Restaurant, Cafe Marco, from January 15 to 21, 2019.

Let me share to you my appetizer, main course, and dessert plate.

Pit Senyor!

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Movenpick’s Chocolates for Dinner

A few days ago I tried the latest offering of Movenpick, the latest culinary craze, chocolates on savory dishes.

The quality of Swiss craftsmanship is world-famous and even the country’s chocolate is produced with legendary precision. Who else can give us better chocolates but Mövenpick. Their own brand of chocolate is made in keeping with the tradition, as well as its own culinary values that date back 70 years, and is produced in Switzerland using 100% cocoa butter.

As I landed from Manila, I rushed to Mövenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu’s The Sails restaurant anticipating what would be a refreshing dinner and also a “happy meal.” (Fact: Chocolates are antidepressants.)

We started with salmon fillets enlivened with dark chocolate. Salmon fillets were marinated for long hours like a mackerel sushi. Shime Saba is my favorite among the sashimis and I think I found its salmon counterpart.

The savoury tarte tartin with a white chocolate was a palate cleanser. It sets the mood for chocolates that night.

The seven chocolate-inspired creations include: marinated ‘beetroot salmon’ with root vegetables and 72% dark chocolate to enhance the meal’s rich earthiness; ‘tomato tarte tartin’ where ‘white lemon’ chocolate complements the goat’s cheese, pine nuts and coffee beans; ‘sea bass and green tea’ – a light foam of green tea, almonds, nuts and Mövenpick ‘Maple Walnut’ is the star; ‘minute beef goulash’, with a traditionally-made Hungarian goulash sauce, enriched with dark chocolate; ‘lamb shank and pesto’, slow-roasted and then refined with pistachio and hazelnut chocolate pesto; and ‘duck breast and potato pie’, with white chocolate, lime and pepper giving the pink-roasted meat a delicate yet spicy freshness.

I should say, my 2 favorites which I think were the standout dishes were the lamb shank pesto and the duck breast and potato pie. The lamb shank was slow cooked and off-the-bone but the meat was firm and never saggy. It was very good. The duck breast was at its perfect color, pink. It was smokey and flavorful. It has a good amount of skin on it. With ducks, you’ve got to have the skin.

We finished our dinner with ‘chocolate pavés au chocolat’, combining milk chocolate, crispy cocoa bean fragments, sizzling pecan nuts and slightly bitter matcha powder, all with a hint of green tea and paired with an espresso. I am not really into sweet treats but these are just on the right amount sweetness.

Mövenpick chocolate the hero of seven dishes in its latest global campaign, which runs from 10 October to 20 November 2018.

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Plus63 Music and Arts Festival with Showtek

By now you probably have already planned your great Sinulog Weekend 2018. Looking at the week weather forecast it seems that it will be another wet Sinulog this year.

Anyhow, it’s always fun in Sinulog, rain or shine.

The party with Steve Aoki last year continued, rain or shine!

 

There is one Sinulog Party that has been getting rave reviews from its patrons, that is Plus63 Music & Arts Festival. In fact, I wrote about my anticipation of it (read here) last year. There is one thing very glaring the sets apart Plus63 Music and Arts Festival from the rest of the parties and concerts in Cebu and the City Hall seems to agree with me —The security was tight and very well managed. It was like entering to a themed park. The crowd moved freely and was wild (in a good way).

 

Plus63 Music & Arts Festival 2018 Map

Plus63 is also able to get a prime venue apt for the celebration. Ayala Business Park is in the center of all the festivities with ample parking spaces, huge space where people can move around, and most importantly it is very accessible to everyone. Perfect for fireworks too. Watch for it!

So did you buy your tickets already? Get it before the the day and save stash for your snacks.

They have great food options inside too.  Pina Coolada, Donya Wagyu, and Tipsy Pops are just two of the several local startup food vendors that will be there.

Be ready to party with an eclectic mix of international and local musical acts. Some of the country’s best talents Marc Marasigan, X Factor, Gino V, and Victor Pring on the mic, will be making sure the whole party is lit!

To top it off. Plus63 brought in Steve Angello, and Steve Aoki, in 2016 and 2017, respectively, to headline the event. This year, they are bringing in Showtek!!!

For more information, visit their Facebook page.

Spanish Buffet at Montebello Villa Hotel

Spanish cuisine is something that is not very strange to the Filipino palate. Its traces are evident in our feasts on celebrations and special occasions. From tapas to roasted whole pigs, Spanish cuisine is regarded as a luxurious indulgence.

I was curious about the Spanish Night in Montebello Villa Hotel after reading some facebook posts of my friends raving about it. I immediately chatted two friends, Carlo and Ted, who are also aspiring chefs themselves, to accompany me and check on the Spanish buffet. I wanted to learn more about Spanish cuisine, and these two will be able to provide fresh perspectives and inputs about it.

 

Ted, Ethy, and Carlo.

 

Reservation is always appropriate. A call to the hotel to reserve a table for three was in order especially that the Spanish Buffet is only available every Saturday night.

The moment we were seated, we were approached by the waitress in red and black flamenco dress for our drinks. I had Sangria of course. It was served in full glass with a prominent scent of mixed fruits.

Swirl.  Smell. Sip. 

At first sip, I already know that it could be a good contender for the best Sangria in town to date. Sweet, effervescent, and innocuously potent. It was reminiscent of my own Sangria concoction I had during every fiesta. A mix of 3:1:1 red wine, white wine, and Sprite, with slices of my favorite fruits. It was a Spanish Holiday in a wine glass.

It wouldn’t be a Spanish buffet without the staple callos and lengua. I honestly had kept my expectations low considering the price of the buffet at P649.00 per person. Surprisingly, they are sensational! A product of laborious food preparation, the meat is tender and the spices are balanced, nothing overpowers the other. It was very good that I became so curious about the chef behind them. I asked a little background of the chef. I was told from a grapevine that the chef was from a restaurant which used to be on the top spot in Cebu Spanish food dining. No wonder these food do not only taste familiar, they were actually exceptional.

 

This Lengua is TDF!

 

Callos is an acquired taste. Glad, I acquired it.

Another favorite that I should mention was the Pescado En Salsa Verde (Hake in Green Sauce). The aroma of the spices and butter not only teased your sense it lingered in your mouth. Although the piece of fish that I had was a bit dry, the sauce still made it noteworthy. It was indeed an unforgettable dish that goes along with the memorable spanish songs like the timeless Bolare played by the band on the background.

 

Pardon me for skipping the dessert. I am not really a dessert kind of eater. I am trying to cut down my sugar intake so that I can still have my coke and favorite coffee. The dessert spread on the buffet were promising though. I saw some churros and flans.

 


Why not have the dinner by the pool?

 

The Spanish Buffet is available every Saturday Night. It opens at 6:00PM. Candle lit dining by the pool with some Spanish vibe on the air could be a very good option. 

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