Manila and Madrid Meet at The Pen.

A special dinner was prepared by Michelin Star Chef Mario Sandoval and Filipino culinary ambassador, Chef Myrna Segismundo at Old Manila of The Peninsula Manila last Saturday. 

The guests were served a six-course dinner that tickled our palate with Filipino and Spanish dishes. 

Sopas Bulalo Sa Biyas ng Baka

Erizo de Mar con Laminas de Trufa Negra

Cococha de Atun, Compota de Tamarillo y Crujiente de Tapenade

Asadong Kordero

Sorbete de Almendras Tiernas con Yuzu y Sopa de Fresa Asada

Maharlikang Tsokolate

Cheers to happy tummies!

The girls didn't mind the food coming out a bit late. Here we are stealing Chef Mario for an Instagram opportunity.  Follow him on IG @chefsandoval

Your bloggerina, Jane Dee, Chef Mario Sandoval, Kaye Tinga and Steffie Chong.

When Chef Jill Sandique came out, we also grabbed the opportunity to capture the moment. I absolutely love her Pistachio Sans Rival (call 7217022 to order). 

Chad Alarcon, Chef Jill Sandique, yours truly and Tim Yap.

Not only was it a night filled with good food, it was also a time to catch up with great friends.

Cindy Yang

Tim Yap

After dinner, we followed SFV to Salon De Ning for a night cap and 70's- 80's music. 

To the most gracious host, thank you SFV.

Steffie and GM Sonja Vodusek

A moment to exchange juicy stories with Chad Alarcon, Arnel Patawaran and Hector Reyes. 

A photo so celebrate the decision of Mario Katigbak to join the Instagram world. 

A Very Short Story:

Friday night.....

 

Saturday night.....

Monday morning......

Someone please tell Chef to stop stalking me....

The End. 

Joy Luck in OM.

It was only last week when we celebrated the birthdays of Eric and Christine. 

We had it in Old Manila, one of my favorite restaurants. 

My JLC is all about their alcohol. I really wish I could keep up but I am more of a sweet cocktail kinda girl. 

The early birds get to have a selfie. 

Dennis, Cherry, Peter, Ylaine and your bloggerina. 

When the gang was complete, my favorite part started....eating. 

Too hungry to inquire, not sure what this was. All I can recognize from the photo is bacon and balsamic vinegar. Sounds good enough to me. 

This simple salad is a winner. Why? Davao's goat cheese, that's why.

Burrata Cheese with Cherry tomatoes. 

Most tender braised short ribs. 

Pan seared Salmon.

And of course, birthday cakes. 

Happy Birthday friendships!!!! 

Old Manila, The Peninsula Manila

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The New Old Manila.

Are you ready for the new OLD MANILA? 

It's officially my new favourite fine dining restaurant in the country. 

It's not only delicious food prepared by Chef de Cuisine Ricardo Acquits but it's the wonderful service. 

These are my personal choices. 

Marinated Cherry Tomatoes, fresh basil in black balsamic with Burrata cheese. 

Blue Crab Tortellini Langoustine, seafood cream sauce and olive oil caviar. 

Veal Tenderloin, pesto crust, green asparagus, parmesan cream, beef-balsamic jus. 

Dry Aged CAB Rib Eye. 

This is already split into two because there's no way I can finish one order.

Baileys Semifreddo, coffee cous cos, coffee ice cream. 

My gang for the three times I have eaten in the new OLD MANILA. 

Lucy, yours truly, Mario, Rajo and Richard. 

Ghia, Joie, Steffie, Owee, Chad, Marbee and your bloggerina. 

My Yap and Vecchio Family and my baby girl.

OLD MANILA

The Peninsula Manila

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Robert Blancaflor Does it Again.

Although I know so well what his creative mind can do, Robert Blancaflor has once again amazed me at the magical transformation that he pulled out of his hat for the birthday dinner of Ms. Cris Albert and Ruffa Gutierrez at Old Manila, The Peninsula Hotel.

I have seen his work many times before. In fact, I have asked him to do a few of our events and I was always very happy with the outcome. So happy that I decided to show you a before and after look of what he can do. This is just a private dinner for 40. Small venue, but strict requirements by Ms. Cris Albert. 

"I want it dark and romantic."

If you have been to Old Manila, you can say that with the original decor, it is already quite romantic. 

I was only too excited to see what RB will do with it to make it even more so.

Photo by Peninsula Manila

He started taking out all the tables and chairs. 

This is what I saw before I went up back to my office.

I peeked inside The Conservatory where the flowers are being arranged. 

And this is how it was when I got back for the party. 

Truly proud to know you and have you as a good friend, Robert. Amazing work, as usual.

Visit his website here. 

ROBERT BLANCAFLOR GROUP.

The cake is by Ms. Penk Ching.