Jollibee continues its tradition of making Christmas brighter with the magic of toys and books as its longest-running Maaga ang Pasko headed down South to spread cheer to children and families in Cebu City last December. Now on its 17th year, the project intensified its nationwide campaign as Jollibee employees, customers as well as Jolly Toy Scouts from partner schools, companies and families in this side of Visayas joined hands to touch the lives of even more children and families in need.

Students from Bagong Lipunan Elementary School in Mabolo, Cebu City and Carreta Elementary School in Carreta, Cebu City felt the warmth and cheer of Christmas as they opened bags of toys and books and enjoyed langhap-sarap Yumburgers  during the school caravan. Jollibee was also present and entertained the kids with a dance number, eliciting wider smiles form the children.

Bagong Lipunan Elementary School Principal Sheila Pancho expressed the entire school’s gratitude to Jollibee’s goodwill. “It’s evident in the expression on the kids’ faces how happy they are with this early Christmas gift. This will surely be a memorable Christmas for all of them,” she shared.

This is also the first year that Jolly Toy Scout families in Cebu were called to participate thru the Maaga ang Pasko gift giving activity and share their blessings with less fortunate families.

“Jollibee is happy to be the bridge between these families. We want to start a Filipino Christmas tradition of giving and we hope this habit spreads to more families,” said Vice-President and Regional Business Unit Head for Visayas/Mindanao Beng Huyong during the Family Gift Giving Activity at Jollibee’s branch in Cebu A.S. Fortuna Branch.

Jollibee, through the DSWD, invited four families from the area — the Andales, Gomez, Antig, and Rafols families as the special beneficiaries of gifts from generous family donors and partners. Apart from toys and books for the kids in their household and Jollibee gift certificates , these families received various gifts ranging from basket of groceries, clothes and other special items from volunteer families like the Suplido family, Jollibee Family Values Awardee from Negros Occidental, as well as the Garcia family and Jollibee’s own District 1 families.

In addition, the beneficiary families were all provided with technical skills training scholarships courtesy of Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Cebu.

Similar Maaga ang Pasko school caravans and the family gift giving activities were held in Manila, Naga, Pampanga and Cagayan de Oro.

Now you can enjoy your favorite breads with a warm cup of Julie’s Kape or hot choco at any of over 600 Julie’s Bakeshop outlets nationwide any time of the day! How’s that to complete you “more than the usual” experience at your favorite neighborhood bakeshop.

Julie's Kape at 14 pesos

Perhaps for many there’s nothing unusual to the sight—it’s Friday night; what do you expect?—but being barely two months old in Cebu with hundreds of competitors, that’s already a big feat.

Trace Its Roots to Cam Sur

Many have often asked about the name’s peculiarity, but both Palma and Fernando don’t want you to think too much about it. It’s simply pays tribute to Bob Marley, whose type of music Fernando really loves, and marlin, a fish that never fails to make its presence known in Filipino dishes. When combined together, they create an image of a family gathering in a beach setting.

Bob Marlin, though, has quite a long history. It started around 20 years ago in Camarines Sur by Palma’s family. It was then called Christie’s Restaurant, after the matriarch who oversaw the entire operations, even in the preparations and cooking of the dishes. Five years ago, however, the siblings took over; and to give in to more modern dining approaches, and perhaps inspired by the sprouting beach resorts in Cam Sur, they changed the name to what it is today. A year ago, they started offering franchises, and Fernando was one of the lucky few to secure one and bring the business to Cebu.

Only Real Pinoy Food

The International School for Culinary Arts once hailed Bob Marlin’s dishes as old school or very traditional. Simply put, the chefs, headed by Fernando, create only authentic Filipino dishes—they don’t take shortcuts. The result is a myriad of appetizing nostalgic recipes that simply fill up your senses.

Two of their main specialties are the to-die-for sizzling marlin slabs and the crispy pata, with ultra-crisp skin that makes it taste almost like lechon. This latter goes very well with their adobo rice. The bagoong rice, meanwhile, has just enough saltiness to whet your appetite. Kare-kare in peanut sauce and bagoong, is also a hit, as well as pinangat or laing, Fernando’s comfort food. These are shrimps wrapped in gabi leaves and cooked with chili and simmered in coconut cream. If you’re willing to take your spicy meter higher, order Bicol express.

Bob Marlin also serves mild cocktails and spirits such as Bubble Gum Drop and One Love and some of the most affordable beers in the city. You can order 5 bottles for only 169 pesos or 24 bottles for 799 pesos.

The only thing missing in its menu is the dessert, but the A-list kitchen team is busy whipping up the most delectable, starting with leche flan.

It Isn’t Just for Reggae Lovers

Besides being a chef, Fernando is a member of a band. His love for music—reggae, in particular—is, in fact, one of the reasons why he’s here in Cebu. Back when he was in college in the University of San Carlos, he was deeply impressed by the city’s music scene. He wants to make sure the reggae culture doesn’t die by putting up this restaurant and inviting reggae bands to play at least once a month.

Nevertheless, Fernando doesn’t want reggae to overshadow what the restaurant really is: a place for families and friends, regardless of their music preferences. Thus, tables are often accompanied by at least 4 chairs, and almost all their dishes are good for around 4 to 5 people.

They also offer reasonable rates for business conferences, parties, and meetings. Their second floor features one huge function room that can hold at most 45 persons. The cost for use varies on the package, though usually they charge 8,000 pesos, which is consumable, for a whole-day use.

More than the good food and reggae-riffic music, Bob Marlin offers comfort, fun, engaging discussions, and incredible laid-back beach-resort experience in one of the busiest cities in the province. It’s no surprise it remains a hit despite torrential rains.

Visit Them Today

True to its homey-beachy theme, Bob Marlin is found in Parkmall, Mandaue City. It is open from Monday to Sunday, from 10:30 a.m. to midnight. For reservations or inquiries, you can call or text 09175808093. Visit and add their Facebook page too.

It was a night of fun and food. Closplayers , bloggers and the media graced the event where many found new friends. The bloggers had the chance to mingle with pizza-lovers in Cebu who won the recently concluded ‘I Luv Greenwich Contest’ conducted by ILuvCebu.com.

The country’s favorite pizza chain introduced two of their newest pizza flavors namely 7 Cheese Overload and Philly CHeese Steak Overload. Its heads presented their newest television advertisements that laughed the many.

ILuvCebu on the other hand, officially launched their site to the public by presenting their avp for the first time. Their members elaborated the ultimate goal of their website and welcomed everybody to visit it once in a while.

by: Angeli Mary Bas

Event Correspondent

That was exactly the romantic ambiance provided by Persimmon Plus to invited couples with its “Loving Every Moment” dinner date held at the Persimmon Plus open grounds which was just adjacent to The Persimmon in Mabolo, Cebu City last Friday, February 18, 2011.

Cebu Bloggers Society experienced firsthand this atmosphere of love as couples enjoy the good food, good music and the perfect companion to celebrate love month. The couples can’t help but notice the nice view of the full moon casting just the perfect amount of light on the urban village that is Persimmon.

And to cap the night, couples were given giveaways courtesy of the different shops housed at Persimmon Plus which consists of a spa, a laundry shop, a dental clinic, a pharmacy, a home furnishing store, to name a few which cater to the needs of the urban village/condominium residents at their convenience.

It was truly a memorable post-valentine experience.
This article is written by Narciso A. Tapia

Marco Polo Hotel, Cebu celebrated Sabores de España, for the third time already. The event was launched on July 16, 2010, and went on until July 25, 2010. It was graced by the Spain’s Ambassador to the Philippines, His Excellency Luis Arias-Romero, and Honorary Consul of Spain, Jaime Picornell, Ms. Gema Pido and Mr. Hans Hauri.

Special performances by the internationally-awarded Filipino concert pianist, Maestor Jovianney Emmanuel Cruz, accompanied by Guitarist Ruben Reyes entertained the guest during the short program. They romanced the audience with a colorful and spellbinding reportoire at the Lobby Lounge.

The ceremonial cutting of the Serrano Ham at Café Marco and unveiling of the quintessential Paella at El Viento Restaurant at Pool bar highlighted the event. The Parade of Chefs and Waiters made the event more festive.

Paella

The main event was the dinner where several Spanish food were served. Gema Luisa Pido, Cebu’s foremost authority on Spanish culinary tradition, brought out her treasured family recipes for Paella, Lengua Estofada, Cocidos, Rellenos, Croquettas, Gambas, Sans Rival, Leche Flan, and other Spanish delicacies – all becoming part of Cafe Marco’s award-winning international buffet.

Related posts:

Marco Polo Plaza Cebu’s Sabores de España by Michael Sinjin Pineda

Marco Polo Cebu celebrates the flavors of Spain by Ethelbert Ouano

“A cup of coffee shared with a friend is happiness tasted and time well spent.”

There’s a new cat in town, and they call it Coffeecat. The name may sound like an international coffee brand, but if it’s humble beginnings will be traced, everyone will be surprised to know that it is a proud Philippine brand.

Coffeecat first opened its doors in May 2009 in Torres Street, Davao City. It marks yet another milestone with its second branch, in Cebu this time, at the Asiatown IT Park’s newest high-rise development, the eBloc Tower. It was on July 16, 2010 that Coffeecat made its way to Cebuanos’ hearts, promising to further enrich the highly developed coffee culture scene in this city already spoiled with choices.  Coffeecat serves the pure goodness of 100% premium Arabica coffee, making it not just another brew in the City.

The concept for Coffeecat was fructified out of a dream of creating a new type of rendezvous – one that mixes modern, industrial, and minimalist elements yet retains a warm and cozy ambiance for good conversations, great beverages and delectable dishes. Coffeecat is a perfect stomping ground for some hearty laughters with family and friends, alone time with a good book and cup of brew, private discussions with colleagues and sweet moments with a special someone. It is a celebration of coffee and life.

CoffeeCat Cebu is 90 square meters of stylish and chic space which can accommodate a total of 60 guests with its indoor and outdoor seating combined. The café specializes in expertly handcrafted beverages made from premium coffee blend illy®, a careful balance of 9 types of pure Arabica beans from South and Central America, India and Africa which creates the unmistakable illy flavor always identical in any espresso cup, wherever it is drunk around the world; non-coffee drinks like Avalanche™ Ice Blends and its signature product – Yogo™ Premium Frozen Yogurt in Original or Green Tea Flavors.

• MISSION-VISION

Coffeecat Mission: To delight people we meet and serve. To offer the best coffee experience through our quality products and customer service.

Coffeecat Vision: To be a reference for coffee culture and excellence. An innovative company offering only the finest products.

Coffeecat is a lifestyle coffee concept owned and operated by Coffeecat Corporation. For more information, visit yourcoffeecat.com.

Related posts:

CoffeeCat opens in Cebu! – by Michael Sinjin Pineda

Coffeecat in Cebu Opens – by Ricky Louie de la Cruz

Coffee Cat now opens in Cebu at the eBlock IT Park – Ethelbert Ouano

Coffeecat Rocks Cebu – Jorich Ponio

On July 17, 2010 (Saturday), the Lapu-Lapu Central Elementary School participated in the said competition. Categories include the Sabayang Bigkas, Jarchitecture, Sandwich Art Making, Palamantasan Cheer and an Essay Writing Contest.

Kraft Cheez Whiz chose to do a school-based program to further raise public consciousness.

“School is, second to home, where children learn basic lessons and values.” Alex Dan Tacderas, Category Manager for Cheese and Spoonables, Kraft Foods Philippines, shares. “That is why we wanted to direct our cause and execute our program in schools–in both an enjoyable and educational way.” Tacderas adds.

“These schoolchildren are at the stage of developing a sense of responsibility. This is why we want them to realize the significance of proper nutrition themselves–through a series of fun, creative and learning activities.” Paolo Serrano, Senior Brand Manager of Cheez Whiz, Kraft Foods Philippines explains. “These are children and we all know they prefer learning in a fun yet challenging way. We wanted to relay our cause to the schoolchildren through competitions.” Serrano further states.

Below are the Winners for the Lapu-Lapu Elementary School Leg.

Sabayang Bigkas
Coaches: Sheila R. Dumagil, Lucena S. Ngujo, Sarah V. Igoy
Teacher / Adviser: Shiela Dumagil, Lucena Ngujo. Delia Anongos, Jessica Hiyas, Sarah Igoy, Dalela Sumalinog
Name of Team: Team Aktibo

Essay Writing Contest
Montessa Despi

Jarchitecture
Coaches: Emily Lou Curiba / Dexter Postrano
Teacher / Adviser: Dexter Postrano, Estrella Marañon
Name of Team: Ch-Wezzy Body Protector

Sandwich Art Making
Dina Mondelo (mom) and Zamantha Mondel (kid)
Coach: Susie T. Yu
Adviser: Verna Alipar
Name of Recipe: Crunchy Cheese Stick-wiches

Palamantasan Cheer
Coaches: Edlynne Baguio and Marian Dungog
Teacher / Adviser: Sarah V. Igoy
Name of Team: S.H.E BRATS

Winners will compete at the Regional eliminations, and succeedingly to the National Finals.

Kraft Cheez Whiz and DepEd declared “Palamantasan” as a nationwide nutrition advocacy that will be conducted until the month of September.

Over the years, educating children about proper nutrition has been one of the primary advocacies of many institutions. Palamantasan revolutionizes the learning experience of school children in corporate-sponsored nutrition education.

To know more about this, you can join Palamantasan and make a pledge. With Palamantasan as a promising project to help children become healthier in more ways than one, the country is continuously given the hope of a better and brighter future.

Related posts:

• Kraft Cheez Whiz’s Palamantasan Kicks Off in Cebu by Agnes Jimenez
• Kraft Cheez Whiz Palamantasan in Lapu-lapu Central Elementary School Cebu by Karen Veloso
• Kraft Cheez Whiz: Palamantasan ng Sarap by Jorich Ponio
• Kraft Cheez Whiz teach Grade Schools Kids about Nutrition by Palamantasan by Gerrymie Tampus
• Cheez Whiz Palamantasan 2010 by Clarence Mongado
• Palamantasan: A Way to Good Health for Children by Milafel Hope Dacanay
• Kraft Cheez Whiz: Palamantasan 2010 by Edcel Ceniza

The lunch buffet was attended by personalities from TV and print media, and from the Cebu Bloggers Society. The guests were given an amazing array of sumptuous dishes from the appetizer to the main course, and finally, the dessert.

Here are some of the food offered at the buffet:

1. Cebu Tomato Party
2. Pinsec Lasap
3. MarinatedGgrilled Kesong Puti
4. Samal Rice – black rice with sliced squid for toppings
5. Desserts – left to right: Salabat Creme Brulee, Mango and Coconut Pannacotta, Dried Mango Sansrival, and Ilang-ilang Ice Cream
6. Pakbet Serbesa con Carcar
7. US Beef Belly Asado

And here’s an exclusive interview of CBS with Chefs Gino and Gene Gonzales:

The Café Marco at Marco Polo Plaza serves lunch from 12:00 noon to 2:30pm and dinner from 6:30pm to 10:00pm. For inquiries and reservations, call 253-1111 loc 8254 or e-mailmpplaza@marcopolohotels.com.

Related posts:

• 3rd Filipino Food Festival at the Café Marco by Xerxes Bernadez
• 3rd Pinoy Pinoy Filipino Food Festival! at the Marco Polo Plaza Cebu! by Gerrymie Tampus
• 3rd Filipino Food Festival at the Marco Polo Plaza by Mark Alessandrew Abitona
• filipino food festival @ the marco polo by Debbie Rojonan

Christmas in the Philippines always includes the traditional Misa de Gallo. After such would be the perfect time for families to munch on native treats. But is this custom still being celebrated nowadays? Or do people go to church, go home and continue their own busy lives like any other day? To revive the real Pinoy Christmas Spirit, Kraft Eden Cheese made possible the event called Keso de Gallo, 9 days of reviving the goodness and enjoyment of our very own native delicacies.

(Read the complete entry here: Eden Revives The Real Pinoy Christmas Spirit by Bryan Karl Yuson)

Parallel to the nine-day Simbang Gabi, Eden brought the goodness of Filipino dishes to Pinoys in nine different towns, namely, Bacolod City, Iloilo, Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu City, Naga, Butuan City, Laoag, and Pampanga.

“We may have lost a lot during the typhoons but the strong winds and torrential rains are not enough to dampen of faith and optimism for these Holidays,” says Alex Tacderas, Category Marketing Manager for Cheese and Spoonables, Kraft Foods Philippines. “That’s why Kraft Eden Cheese is bringing Keso de Gallo, to multiply the joy of this season for families nationwide because we believe that Christmas deserves a longer feast and merry-making.”

In cooperation with top media outlet ABS-CBN, non-government organizations and the local government units, Eden has been setting up programs and activities in the different towns, wherein a cook-off was also held for the most innovative native dish that incorporated Eden cheese participated by various schools. The winning dishes were then served as a treat to the churchgoers after the mass. Not only did the people taste their native bibingka and puto bumbong (traditional egg and rice cakes) made more delicious with Eden cheese, they were also able to make new cheese dishes that everyone enjoyed emphasizing Eden’s versatility campaign, “Dahil kay rami talaga nating nagagawa pag may Eden Cheese.” (Because we can do so much with Eden Cheese.)

More “cheesy” posts:

• Keso de Gallo by Kraft Eden by Ricky de la Cruz
• A Cheesy Christmas for Pinoy by Mark Monta
• Not just an ordinary Misa de Gallo experience by Jorich Ponio