WARNING, do not read if you are hungry.

For my birthday two weeks ago, I decided to hibernate and spend some alone time up in a cabin. It was just me and my yaya for a good 4 days and 3 nights. It was wonderdul. I took naps, listened to my music, played games on my iPad, slept early and woke up late. I walked around the village and got my fill of fresh air. 

Now that I am back to civilization, I have very dear friends that want to celebrate my birthday with me. First up was Jasmin and Dennis and they treated me to a delightful dinner in Sala. 

This is my Chef Colin Mackay Overload Experience. 

We all had the 5 course meal and up until now, I still can't forget how delicious everything was. 

Let me show you. 

Jasmin and Dennis had the fish. 

And I had the duck. 

The pannacotta is to die for. Absolutely yummmmmmy!!!

Of course we had our happy liquid but because I ate, I didn't get drunk. 

When one proved to be insufficient, we headed back to the poolside of The Peninsula and had another. Perfect way to end the evening.

Thank you so very much Jasmin and Dennis for showing me so much love. 

The very next day, Venisse and Joanna had my birthday lunch at Blackbird. In all honesty, I was more impressed with the food I had this time and now, I am even more excited about going back for more. 

Next time, there will be no sharing for this order. ALL MINE. 

Cheers to all our travel plans! 

It's funny that all our arms are crossed over our bellies but after what we had for lunch, go figure. 

Thank you Ven and Jo for a wonderful lunch. 

Because I absolutely admire Chef Colin and how consistently good the food his restaurants have, our third dinner celebration was held in People's Palace. This time, with my good friends Victor and Liz Aliwalas. 

Photo courtesy of howomg.com

This is actually my first time to try this fresh spring rolls as I always get the fried one but this is my new ultimate healthy favorite dish! 

HAD to have noodles as it is a birthday must. 

Always and forever one of my orders, Chicken with Cashew. 

Morning Glory with pork. 

And for that evening, we HAD to try the strawberry pavlova. SOOOO much better than the passion fruit. 

Fried Banana fritters with coconut ice cream. 

To my dearests, thank you for celebrating with me. I truly had a blast. 

Believe it or not, next week, Sala Bistro is on my list. Stay tuned. 

The Chefs of PDS!

Two weeks ago, I was invited to judge a culinary challenge by the Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS). It is the only specialty society for dermatology accredited by the Philippine College of Physicians and the Philippine Medical Association.

Sounds serious right? But it turned out to be CRAZY FUN!!! 

In the spirit of fellowship, they organized for the first time a cooking challenge event entitled “PDS Masterchef: Reality Cooking Experience”. It was a fun day for all the members of the society where they fostered camaraderie and promoted the benefits of healthy cooking as part of achieving healthy skin.

I am not sure why they chose me to judge but it's either my healthy skin or my healthy appetite. Probably the latter. 

Twenty-five (25) dermatologists aspiring to become chefs for a day was divided into five teams. Each team was given a mystery box wherein they have to come up with an appetizer, main dish and dessert course in four hours. 

The teams set up a buffet station for the judges and spectators.

When all cooking was done, it was time for the REAL chefs and I to taste their cooking.

You would not believe that some of the dishes were prepared by the doctors who have never stepped in the kitchen before that day. 

A pastry chef ex-bf that told me that dessert making is much more difficult than hot dishes to prepare. I kinda tend to believe him about this which is why I was blown away with these three particular desserts that the doctors made.

Owner of Cafe Ysabel, Chef Gene Gonzalez gave out 5 high end knives which he signed. 

The winning team! Congratulations!!! 

Thank you Dr. Jasmin Jamora and Dr. Anna Palabyab-Rufino for inviting me to be a part of this special occasion. 

Jasmin, my date, Jacqueline and yours truly.