Filipino Merienda with Via Mare at 40

     Home is where the heart is! When it comes to restaurant dishes and viands, Filipino cuisine will always be in my heart. Although I'm craving for international cuisines, no one can take the place of Filipino dishes in my heart. So when craving for authentic Filipino food arise, may it be for breakfast, lunch, merienda, or dinner, Via Mare is here to satisfy those hunger pangs anytime of the day!

     I was invited by Via Mare to an afternoon of Filipino food delights. It was an intimate event with lifestyle and food bloggers held in Via Mare TriNoma branch. The branch is inside Landmark so if you're planning to dine in there, be sure to go inside Landmark department store where Via Mare is located. Excited to see what treats we had at Via Mare? Scroll down please and get ready to see those mouth-watering merienda by the one and only Via Mare! 

Filipino Merienda with Via Mare at 40

Via Mare's Brief History

     Unlike other cuisines’ penchant for presentation, Filipino cuisine is served in a more family-oriented manner–without the pomp and frills. And just as many islands there are in the country, so is the number of variations a single dish could possibly have.

     But things changed in September 1975 when Via Mare Seafood Specialty Restaurant opened its doors to the public. After the very first dish was served, Filipino cuisine was never the same again.

     The restaurant did not only change the Filipino’s perception of its own cuisine, it also brought global recognition to the sophistication and complex flavors of the Philippines. Via Mare’s chef Glenda Barretto, who has been at the helm of the restaurant since its inception, and her strong belief in the Filipino cuisine’s potential to be world class is what pushed the restaurant to keep outdoing its achievements.

Filipino Merienda with Via Mare at 40

     While Barretto’s contemporaries would focus on intercontinental cuisine as their piece de résistance, she opted to highlight and present well-loved Filipino dishes with modern touches that made it more palatable to foreign guests. If lumpia was known as a roll, the Via Mare version had the filling wrapped in pouches held together by spring onions. The tinola was also given a fresh take by serving the soup in a carved papaya or as a flan, inspired by the Chawanmushi of Japan.

     “The past 40 years is not only the story of a restaurant, it is a story of the Filipino people,” Barretto said. “Via Mare is our pride as we helped a lot of Filipinos enjoy and be proud of the cuisine that we have here, of recipes that we have enjoyed throughout our childhood, and of what Filipino fine cuisine truly tastes like.”

Filipino favorites loved for generations 

     True to its Filipino heritage, Via Mare serves Filipino cuisine that matches the eating pattern of Filipinos: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and merienda – a meal that is served in between the main meals of the day. 

     Merienda, or light snacks, are as important as main meals for Filipinos. At Via Mare, diners can choose from the following well-loved Filipino fare such as:

PUTO BUMBONG (P80)

     One of the favorite deserts of the Filipinos during holiday season but at Via Mare, it's available all year round. You can choose the kind of cheese you want: cheddar cheese or queso de bola.

Filipino Merienda with Via Mare at 40
Puto Bumbong

BIBINGKA (P160 | P130)

     Another well-loved dessert and my favorite too. I can eat bibingka anytime of the day and any day in 365 days of the year. I don't have to wait for Christmas because Via Mare serves this hot off the clay pot. 

Filipino Merienda with Via Mare at 40
Bibingka

GUINATAANG HALO-HALO (P98)

     This is my mom's favorite snack. I'll treat my mom on my next visit to Via Mare and she'll be surprised with this. Taro, purple yam and sweet potato stewed in rich coconut cream with rice dumpling, plantain banana and jack fruit- this comfort food gives energy with vitamins and minerals at the same time. Talk about go and glow foods!

Filipino Merienda with Via Mare at 40
Guinataang Halo-Halo

PUTO MAYA (P165)

     Oh, so this is puto maya. I was surprised to see the real puto maya. I thought it's just a puto (rice cake) prepared in a different way. It's my first time to see this Filipino dessert- glutinous rice steamed with coconut cream served with ripe mango. 

Filipino Merienda with Via Mare at 40
Puto Maya

 BIBINGKA CASSAVA (P70)

     Another Filipino dessert that I considered 'heavy' as a snack. It's very filling. Carbo loading? Then this is the dessert for you!

Filipino Merienda with Via Mare at 40
Bibingka Cassava

PALITAW (P55)

     This Filipino merienda reminds me of my childhood. Every afternoon, my siblings will wait for the palitaw vendor to pass by our house. It's classic- poached rice patties with grated coconut and sesame seeds.

Filipino Merienda with Via Mare at 40
Palitaw

     They also have comfort food like arroz caldo, tokwa’t baboy, pansit, fresh lumpia ubod to name a few that's also serve during merienda. 

ARROZ CALDO (P205 | P185)

     This rice porridge is served plain with egg or chicken for a savory meal. A comfort food perfect for cold weather. 

Filipino Merienda with Via Mare at 40
Arroz Caldo

DINUGUAN AT PUTO (P205)

     Some foreigners call it 'chocolate beef', it's one of the favorite dishes among Filipinos. According to Wikipedia, dinuguan is a Filipino savory stew of meat and/or offal (typically lungs, kidneys, intestines, ears, heart and snout) simmered in a rich, spicy dark gravy of pig blood, garlic, chili (most often siling mahaba), and vinegar. Paired with puto for a happy tummy meal!

Filipino Merienda with Via Mare at 40
Dinuguan at Puto

LUGAW TOPPINGS (P225)

     Rice porridge topped with adobo flakes, salted duck egg, crisp tofu, pork kilawin, fried wonton, garlic flakes and spring onions. Oh, super love this lugaw toppings because it's very filling and full of flavor! This bowl is good for sharing :)

Filipino Merienda with Via Mare at 40
Lugaw Toppings

 LOMI (P190)

     Another noodle dish that's perfect during rainy season but of course you can have this any season you want!

Filipino Merienda with Via Mare at 40
Lomi

 FRESH LUMPIA UBOD (P132)

     This is just a small version of the lumpia ubod- a spring roll of ehart of palm with pork and shrimp. The wrapper is made from scratch and surprisingly it's good. The texture is soft and a little chewy.

Filipino Merienda with Via Mare at 40
Fresh Lumpia Ubod

 TOKWA'T BABOY (P172)

     Fried tofu and boiled pork in garlic-soy vinaigrette. One of my faves! I can have this anytime of the day.

Filipino Merienda with Via Mare at 40
Tokwa't Baboy

 PANCIT LUGLOG (P230)

     Via Mare's inimitable pasta delight of rice noodles with luscious shrimp sauce and savory toppings. Should I say more? The photo says it all!

Filipino Merienda with Via Mare at 40
Pancit Luglog

     Ending scrumptious feasts on a sweet note are iced desserts such as halo-halo, mais con hielo, and guinomis. If you want to try these three cold desserts but you're already full, you can try the shooters.

SHOOTERS (P98)

     A small serving of halo-halo, mais con hielo, and guinomis served in a small glass. Satisfy your iced desserts cravings with these three. 

Filipino Merienda with Via Mare at 40
Shooters: halo-halo, mais con hielo, guinomis

     These offerings are good for sharing so fret not about the price. I was overwhelmed by the servings at first, o if I'll do the math, the price is okay. It's worth every peso you'll spend!

     “At 40 years, we have shown the world and most especially our fellow Filipinos, what Filipino cuisine is all about – it is about the freshest of ingredients cooked in influences of our ancestors and the rich heritage of the Filipino nation, sprinkled with the love and affection of a Filipino chef,” Barretto said. 

     Delight in the well-loved Filipino flavors and savor your classic family favorites at Via Mare. Truly, you can never go wrong with Filipino food. It's simple but full of flavor and inspiration. These classics what others would call will always have a special place in our hearts. I do hope you'll agree even though some of you may be craving for international cuisines, these food offerings from Via Mare have imprinted memories from childhood that you'll cherish for a lifetime! What's your favorite merienda in Via Mare?

For more information, 
visit www.viamare.com.ph

Like them on Facebook: Via Mare

Good Times!~

About Via Mare

     Via Mare Corporation is a duly registered company backed by 40 solid years of experience. It opened its very first Via Mare Seafood Specialty Restaurant on September 5, 1975 and has since grew and continue to be a frontrunner in the restaurant and catering industry. The brand has become synonymous to the phrase “of splendid cuisine and fond memories” as it has been part of the most historic moments in the country – from state visit of presidents to the Miss Universe pageant. It could very well be said that Via Mare is a part of this country's history and culture—a distinction solely enjoyed by the Philippine's premier restaurant and catering company.

     Via Mare’s corporate strength lies in its core product: the food. With its dynamic food offerings, Via Mare ensures that every dish served conforms to the highest standards of Current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMP) to meet the discriminating taste and preference of its clientele.

The Dangers of Sick Days

     I always worry if Kenzo is showing signs of fever. I can't focus on what I'm doing and I can't even sleep at night. I became paranoid and keep on checking his temperature from time to time. He was confined in the hospital once, and I'm always praying that it won't happen again. Since Kenzo is already a pre-schooler, I don't want him to get sick because he will be absent in class. When kids skip school due to illness, they miss more than just a class – they miss opportunities for growth

     More and more Filipino children are contracting viral and bacterial disease because of weak immune systems, a recent clinical study published in the Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism reveals. This growing prevalence of infection in school-age populations is particularly urgent because a single sick day may affect many different facets of your child’s life, including time-sensitive activities like going to school to attend classes.

The Dangers of Sick Days

     Multiple sick days are likely to set back your children’s education, as well as their overall development and growth. Classes are typically dependent on very specific timelines, and whenever schoolchildren get sick, they miss valuable lessons that may prove to be crucial later on in the school year. This compromises the pacing for their growth as individuals. It can be very hard for students who are often absent to get back on track.

     With school in full swing, it’s important to make sure that your children are kept safe from infection. Thus, there is a strong need for better ways to give children the nutrients they need to stay healthy.

     Thankfully, parents have an easy, enjoyable way to help protect kids from infection and keep them in school – pineapples.

The Dangers of Sick Days

A serving of pineapple a day helps strengthen immunity

     Just what do canned pineapples have that make them our children’s new disease-fighting sidekicks? As studies show, a lot actually!

     The said clinical study checked the possible effects of canned pineapples as a practical immunity booster. A nine-week randomized, controlled trial was conducted on 98 elementary school students in Paco, Manila. The students were divided into three groups. Two of the three groups of children were regularly served Del Monte Pineapple Tidbits. The third group served as the control group and was not given any canned pineapples. 

     Only the groups who took regular servings of Del Monte Pineapple Tidbits had an increased resistance to disease and infection, with those taking two servings (140g per serving) demonstrating higher granulocyte production. 

The Dangers of Sick Days
Del Monte Pineapple Tidbits

     Granulocytes are key components of white blood cells and are important players of the immune system. They are the fighter cells that detect and kill disease-causing viruses and bacteria. Finally, a healthy solution that’s tastier than most!

     The results show that adding 2 servings of canned pineapples to your children’s daily diet goes a long way towards protecting them from sickness. Giving children #DMPineappleADay is a quick, easy, and delicious way of strengthening their immunity, while supplying much-needed nutrients like Vitamin C, Vitamin B2, fiber, and manganese. 

     A stronger immune system can help prevent children from missing out on many opportunities. With this, children will be able to fight off infection, keep attending classes, and make the most of their precious time in school.

Product Review: Silka Premium Whitening Papaya Lotion SPF30 with Milk and Honey

     When in doubt will you still say YES? Do you have the guts to say YES to a new skin care product because it promises more than what you're expecting? To tell you honestly, I've been skipping a few brands of skin care products in the display shelves because I think they don't work. I'm so picky when it comes to whitening lotions because for me fair skin is more than just the white complexion. Fair and flawless skin should be healthy and nourished. It must be protected from pollutants and damaging sun rays. So for me a whitening lotion must have the right amount of spf plus added skin beautifying ingredients.

     A few weeks ago, I was invited to an event where saying YES means a lot. Saying YES to all the things that we want to achieve. I presume you know that feeling- achieving what you have planned for so long but suddenly you lose hope because something is bringing you down. This also can happen in the products that we're using. Like for example in whitening lotion. Yes, I love using whitening lotion but I fear of basking under the sun and doing simple things like biking or playing with my son because I fear of getting dark. But because there's one brand of lotion that will make me say YES in doing what I'm afraid to do under the sun, I think having a fair and even skin tone without the fear of sunburn can now be achieved with Silka.

Product Review: Silka Premium Whitening Papaya Lotion SPF30 with Milk and Honey

Why YOU SHOULD SAY YES with SILKA:

• With Silka lotion with spf30, your Skin can say YES to anything.
• Silka lotion with spf30 whitens, nourishes and protects your SKIN from sun damage anytime you’re outdoor and even on a cloudy day.
• With Silka lotion with spf30, YOU can now say YES to Outdoor challenges, YES to Balanced skin, YES to confidence under the sun, and YES to living beautifully.

Product Review: Silka Premium Whitening Papaya Lotion SPF30 with Milk and Honey

     I've been using Silka Premium Whitening Lotion in Papaya with Milk and Honey for more than two weeks now and I can say I had a wonderful experience using the product. I underestimated Silka's power before. My sister-in-law swears by Silka and now I believe in her statements. To tell you honestly, two weeks is so short to gauge Silka's whitening effect on my fair skin. I guess using this religiously will give me better results in the whitening department. But if you have morena skin tone, using this everyday, twice a day for a month will give you noticeable results.

Product Review: Silka Premium Whitening Papaya Lotion SPF30 with Milk and Honey

     Anyhoo, I'm satisfied with the results after two weeks even though it didn't make my skin whiter. I can see the glow after every use. The price is also a plus. To know more about my experience, scroll down dearies. 

Product Review: Silka Premium Whitening Papaya Lotion SPF30 with Milk and Honey

Premium variant of Silka Papaya Lotion:

• With SPF30- If you want a healthy, white and protected skin, Silka Premium Lotion with spf30 is your best choice. Silka Premium lotion is your best choice for everyday essentials because it provides everything your skin needs.
• Higher price than the regular Silka lotion- Silka Premium lotion is the upscale and advanced version of our regular lotion. It provides better benefits (higher SPF) but still has lower price than competitors, thus sticking to what SILKA has always been known for - offering more for less
• Sizes: 50ml, 100ml, 200ml
  Milk and Honey (orange) 50ml- 52.00, 100ml- 93.50, 200ml- 165.50
  Olive Oil (green) 50ml- 55.00, 100ml- 98.50, 200ml- 174.00
• Variants: Papaya with Milk and Honey, Green Papaya with Olive Oil

Product Review: Silka Premium Whitening Papaya Lotion SPF30 with Milk and Honey
Silka Premium Whitening Green Papaya Lotion with Olive Oil and Silka Premium Whitening Papaya Lotion with Milk and Honey 

Silka Premium Lotion in Papaya with Milk and Honey SPF30

     Experience fairer and smoother skin with Silka Papaya Lotion. Formulated with Papaya Enzyme and Vitamin B3 to effectively help lighten skin tone. Enriched with Milk and Honey for a softer, supple and smoother skin. Enhanced with Antioxidant Vitamin E to help protect you from premature aging effects of sunlight and pollution.

Product Review: Silka Premium Whitening Papaya Lotion SPF30 with Milk and Honey
Silka Premium Whitening Papaya Lotion with Milk and Honey

size: 200 ml

price:  165.50 php (Around $3.55+)

place bought: Free

Available in all leading supermarkets, groceries, drugstores, and department stores nationwide.

instructions for use: Apply liberally all over body and massage into skin. Use twice daily, morning and night.

ingredients: Water, Octylmenthoxy cinnamate, Octyl Salicylate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Niacinamide, Cyclomethicone, Ethylene glycol distearate, Propylene Glycol, Propylheptyl Caprylate, Titanium Dioxide (and) Diethylhexyl Carbonate (and) Polyglyceryl-6 Polyhydroxystearate, Steareth 2, Steareth 21, Benzophenone3, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Cetyl Alcohol, Cyclopentasiloxane (and) Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Dimethicone, Phenoxyethanol (and) Ethylhexyl glycerin, Fragrance, Ethoxydiglycol, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Sweet Almond Milk Protein, Acrylates/C10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, Triethanolamine, D-Panthenol, Alpha Tocopheryl Acetate, Carica papaya Enzyme, Honey, Disodium EDTA, Butylated hydroxytoluene

Product Review: Silka Premium Whitening Papaya Lotion SPF30 with Milk and Honey
It has a thick consistency

What I like:

• The price- pretty affordable because a 200 ml is less than Php 200.
• The scent- I'm surprised that it doesn't smell like baby powder. There's a mild but refreshing scent.
• It has a thick consistency but it's so easy to spread and apply.
• Once applied, the lotion is absorbed easily.
• It is very light and non- greasy.
• Moisturizes my skin feels instantly.
• It makes my skin soft and smooth to touch after application.
• It gives instant glow on skin after application.
• It contains a good amount of sun protection- SPF30 to be exact.
• It didn't gave me further irritation or allergies or whatsoever even though I've been using this lotion during the time I suffered from seafood related skin allergies.
• Batch, manufacturing and expiry date printed on the bottle.
• Available in 3 sizes: 50 ml, 100 ml, and 200 ml
• Easily accessible.

What I don't like:

• I didn't notice a fairer skin since since I'm already fair to begin with. 

Will I repurchase? Yes, it's in the realm of possibility.

Recommendation:

     I give this a 4.5/5 rating. Even though there is no significant change in my skin tone, this lotion is promising. Aside from the whitening department, we also need to consider the amount of spf and skin beautifying factors in a lotion. This also contains skin vitamins like milk, honey, and vitamin e so not bad for a very affordable lotion. I also like the scent and it's a plus for me. I have tried several brands of whitening lotion in the market that has the same effects in my skin like Silka but this one trumps in terms of scent and price.

     Overall, I highly recommend Silka Premium Whitening Lotion if you're looking for a non-greasy lotion that has a decent or should I say good amount of spf perfect for everyday use. But if you'll be staying for long hours in the sun, you still need to use a separate sunscreen for added protection. Thank you so much Silka for having me and for letting me realize that more than white skin, a balanced and healthy skin means living happy and  beautifully!

To know more about Silka:

Like them on Facebook: Silka Skincare

Follow them on Twitter: @SilkaSkincare

Follow them on Instagram:

Good Times!~

Product Review: Kodomo Toothpaste for Children

     Hi dearies, here's a short review of Kenzo's favorite toothpaste as of the moment. From the first time we saw it in the grocery shelves until now, Kenzo is always excited using this brand of toothpaste. I guess this is because of the flavor, it's toothy fruity plus the scent that lingers after brushing his teeth.

     I'm not expecting this toothpaste to make his whiter. I just want to make sure that even though he doesn't have permanent teeth yet, he is starting to care about oral health. More details about Kodomo Toothpaste below :)

Product Review: Kodomo Toothpaste for Children

According to Kodomo's website:

     There is common misconception that milk teeth are not important since it will be replaced by permanent teeth. The truth is: milk teeth play an extremely important role in the grown and development of every child. They also hold the spaces for the growth of permanent teeth and impact on speech and mental development such as confidence and self-esteem. Yet, 4 out of 10 preschoolers in Singapore have severe tooth decay**, which can affect children’s general health.

     Established since 1982, Kodomo believes in cultivating good dental habits from young. Using Lion Japan’s advanced dental technology; Kodomo has specially developed a wide range of children oral care products for babies and children aged from 6 months to 12 years old.

     Kodomo children oral care range is available in cheerful animal designs (I think this is not yet available here in out country as I haven't seen one) and fruity flavors to make brushing a twice daily fun activity for children.

• Use Kodomo soft-bristled toothbrushes for thorough cleaning while gentle to gums
• Use Kodomo fluoridated children's toothpaste to protect teeth against cavities effectively
• Visit dentist twice a year

Product Review: Kodomo Toothpaste for Children

• Helps to provide Dual Protection (Enamel Protection and Cavity Prevention) against tooth decay. It has: Xylitol - a safe and natural ingredient to enhance the fluoride action; helps to strengthen teeth enamel and Active Fluoride that helps to fight against cavities 
• Sugar-Free
• Available in 4 flavours (2 sizes): Strawberry, Grape, Orange, Apple 

Product Review: Kodomo Toothpaste for Children

size: 45g/ 1.4 oz

price: 31 php (Around $0.66+)

place bought: Hypermarket, SM Fairview

instruction for use: For children 6 years old and below use a pea-sized amount for supervised brushing to minimize swallowing. In case of intake of fluoride from other sources, consult a dentist or a doctor.

ingredients: Sorbitol, Water, Silica, Xylitol, Propylene Glycol, Titatnium Dioxide, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Flavor, Zantham Gum, Algin, Sodium Polyacrylate, Sodium Saccharin, Sodium Fluoride, Methylparaben, Butylparaben

Product Review: Kodomo Toothpaste for Children
Not a twist up cap/cover

Product Review: Kodomo Toothpaste for Children
Strawberry and Apple flavor

What I like:

• The packaging is attractive. I believe that this kind of visual means "brushing of teeth is fun" for my son.
• The cover of this toothpaste cannot be rotated, you have to manually force it upward to open and I prefer this type of cap so that Kenzo would not play with it when I'm not around.
• The price is so affordable.
• It has 4 flavors to choose from.
• The scent is true to the flavor of this toothpaste.
• After brushing his teeth, the apple scent lingers.
• A pea-size is enough for one brushing.
• It bubbles unlike other toddler's/kid's toothpaste available in the market today.
• It contains Xylitol and it's sugar-free.
• This toothpaste contains sodium fluoride to strengthen teeth but some moms would veer away from this because they fear that their toddler will swallow the toothpaste if their children still don't know how to gargle and spit. 
• There's a batch, manufacturing, and expiry date printed on flap of the toothpaste box.
• Easily accessible.

What I don't like:

• Contains parabens.

Will I repurchase? Yes. This is Kenzo's favorite brand of toothpaste as of the moment and we use different flavors on rotation.

Recommendation:

     I give this a 4.75/5 rating. As for the parabens, as long as Kenzo is not swallowing the toothpaste I'm good with it but I'm still a bit worries because there are reports that parabens can cause cancer. Anyhoo, teach you children at an early age to brush his teeth 3 times a day. If you can, include gargling and spitting so that you will not worry about ingesting the fluoride present in his toothpaste. 

What's your little one's favorite toothpaste brand? Share your thoughts on the comment section below :)

Good Times!~

Shake Shake Fries is Back with 3 Exciting Flavors

     When Kenzo saw the new McDonald's Shake Shake Fries tv commercial, he ordered me to go to the nearest branch of McDonald's and buy him one. We gave in to the Shake Shake Fries temptation and bough the cheesy butter flavor. If you haven't visited McDonald's yet, read more detail here why you should visit the nearest branch now!

     McDonald’s gives customers another snacking experience they can look forward to with the return of the Shake Shake Fries!

Shake Shake Fries is Back with 3 Exciting Flavors

     Well-loved for satisfying cravings, Shake Shake Fries can now be enjoyed by McDonald’s customers in three (3) exciting flavors—the spicy yet oh-so-sweet BBQ,the melt-in-your-mouth doubly-delicious Cheesy Butter, and the savory flavor of cheesy tomato Pizza—making each snacking experience different every time.

     Customers can get a free upgrade to Shake Shake Fries with every purchase of any medium or large value meal with fries.They can also opt to go for the perfect sweet and savory combination of Shake Shake Fries together with the refreshing and creamy CokeMcFloat. For those who prefer to enjoy it on its own, Shake Shake Fries ala carte is also available for only P65.

     Don’t miss out on this limited-time offer! The Shake Shake Fries is available in all McDonald’s stores nationwide through Dine-In, Take-Out, Drive-Thru and via McDelivery.

     Loving the Shake Shake Fries? Share your Shake Shake Fries Experience :)

For more information, visit www.mcdonalds.com.ph

Like them on  Facebook: McDo.ph

Follow them on Twitter or Instagram: @McDo_PH 

tag your Shake Shake Fries experience with #ShakeShakeIt