Pinoy treats

Kulinarya has to be one of the most definitive Filipino guidebooks produced. It contains standard Filipino recipes that are pretty simple to follow plus innovative recipes (such as adobong puti, adobo without soy sauce) that make Filipino cuisine more authentic.

The book’s recipes were a collaboration of six of the country’s most talented chefs: Glenda Barretto, Conrad Calalang, Margarita Fores, Myrna Segismundo, Jessie Sincioco and Claude Tayag. Photos are by Neil Oshima and the book is edited by brilliant food critic and writer Mikaela Fenix.

The book was published with The Asia Society Philippine Foundation, in cooperation with the Department of Tourism and grants from Del Monte Corp. and San Miguel Corp. The book aims to make its contribution to the recognition of and appreciation for Filipino cuisine worldwide.

Aside from recipes, there are stories on what is Filipino food, cooking methods applied in Filipino cuisine, sanitation of food handling guidelines, basic butchery information and even pictorial instructions on how to de-bone a bangus (milkfish) and a whole chicken!

The book was launched at the Rigodon Ballroom of the Peninsula Manila and the dinner served was from recipes in the book. Each of the participating chefs gave his or her take on Filipino cuisine while guests were enjoying their dinner. Books were sold at a discounted rate that night and buyers took the opportunity to have the guest chefs sign their copies. The book’s project director was Doris Magsaysay-Ho while the book designer was Ige Ramos.

Kulinarya is truly a must-have for any kitchen in the Philippines or anywhere else in the world!

Soft and tasty

My enterprising niece (and very first godchild among the many) Timmie Hilado has been continuously convincing me to try the bibingka she made. After finally being convinced to try it, I was not disappointed. The mini-bibingka of Bibingkabon surely is, as its slogan says, “the softest and tastiest bibingka in town.” Timmie has the cakes prepared with pure rice and mixes the grated coconut in the batter. They have different flavors such as ube, mais and pandan and the special bibingka is with salted eggs and cheese. The prices are very reasonable, too. She started the company last year and has opened six branches already! Their branches are in The Foodcourt of Sta. Lucia East Grand Mall in Cainta, Shopwise Libis, Shopwise Cubao, inside Rustan’s Supermarket in Gateway Mall in Cubao, fourth floor Foodpark of the Enterprise Center in Makati and in the 12th floor of the Foodcourt in GT Tower along Ayala Avenue. Try it! Their bibingka is a perfect gift for the Christmas season. They also accept bulk orders and cater for parties.

(For inquiries, contact Timmie at 0917-7941984.)

Run for a cause

There’s no doubt running is becoming very popular in the country nowadays. To all those runners and those who are trying to get into shape, here’s a double treat — now you can run and help at the same time!

Real Life Foundation, an educational advocacy organization, is doing a 5-km. and 10-km. fun run at the Bonifacio Global City at The Fort on Nov. 22. Real Life Foundation aims to provide books and send less fortunate children to school.

The race starting point is at the Every Nation open grounds, 32nd Street corner University Parkway. Minimal registration fee is required and is open to 18 years old and above. All proceeds from the race will go to the education of Real Life scholars.

(For more information about the race, log on to www.igivetolife.com)