Is Guevarra's Overrated?

Chef Laudico Guevarra's
387 P. Guevarra St. cor. Argonne St., 
Addition Hills, San Juan

My BFF brought me plus her office staff to this popular place in San Juan. I've heard about this place from so many friends and read reviews about how good (and cheap!) the buffet is (and how difficult to book a reservation).

I fell in love with the old house which was converted to a restaurant: the "oldness" (squeaky wood floor, high ceiling) is still there. But personally, the good points stop there. Maybe, I was expected too much. Alright, I expected way too much. And maybe, I should not have visited Guevarra's during the Christmas season (there was this group of really rowdy people whose voices lorded it over the whole place!). Maybe, maybe.   

But to be fair about it, there were some food items that stood out. Lechon was good and so was the chicken (didn't try the pasta). Well, that's about it. I told myself to just focus (read: pig-out) on dessert and stuff myself with it (something I almost always do). 

So, how was it? Better that I don't answer that.    

Ryzza Mae: Mama... Waaah!!!

Lahat tayo... as in lahat tayo noong bata ay dumating sa puntong we wanted something so bad na talagang kinulit natin ang mga Nanay natin just to have it! To the point of throwing a tantrum. No one is excepted. Even Child Superstars like our own Ryzza Mae. It's part of growing up. We have to remember that she is like any child, sikat lang siya. 

The good thing about Aleng Maliit is madali naman siyang kausap dahil maganda naman ang pagpapalaki sa kanya. And the people of EB are also part of that process plus the fans who love her and are always there for support. Maswerteng bata!    

Having Ted's Lapaz Batchoy in ILO-ILO!

Ted's Oldtimer Lapaz Batchoy
SM City Ilo-Ilo

Extra Super 

La Paz Batchoy (P70)

 

I really had to try Ted's Oldtimer Lapaz Batchoy right here in Ilo-ilo. I want to compare Manila's version which I've grown to love all these years. Well, the verdict? 

I couldn't put my finger on it but I prefer the one I had at SM City Iloilo. Nasa isip lang siguro, but hey, I was in Iloilo the home of Lapaz Batchoy so I might as well to enjoy the food the way I want to.    
 

Ryzza Mae's Mini-Concert!!!

It was during a commercial break when the star of the show suddenly broke into a mini-concert! At take note, isang napaka-challenging na kanta ng Aegis na ubod ng taas! Ambitious ang little girl! Surprised nga ang guest na si Joey Albert na isa sa mga respected name at matagal na rin sa music industry! At ano ang hatol sa mini-concert ni Aleng maliit?? Thumbs up!

Shake that body! 

Let's groove! 

Alex III: PANCIT CANTON!

Alex III Restaurant  
L26 B14 Chevelle cor Pontiac Sts., South Fairview Park Subd., Fairview, QC #376-5179

Pancit Canton (P369)

I prefer Pancit Canton over Pancit Bihon anytime. But the thing is, some kusineros use Canton noodles that have that overpoweringly unusual taste especially, the ones purchased from the palengke. I should know, it happened to me... twice. 

The Pancit Canton in Alex III has none of that. Promise.

Another thing, their Pancit Canton is masarsa not dry that you can actually make ulam with your steaming white rice (what carbo on carbo??). By the way, invite your friends if you plan of ordering this in one of your Alex III visits. This pancit can feed 3-4 hungry (male) tummies! 

Ryzza Mae: Hello! Hello! Helloooow!

Inaaliw ni Ryzza Mae ang sarili habang hinihintay ang stylist na tutulong sa kanya na magpalit ng costume when we chanced upon her sa costume area. At automatic naman sa kaya na kumaway sa aming camcorder para mag-hello sa mga readers at mga fans niya! Hellooooooooooooooow!

Ryzza Mae's Many Funny Faces!

She was patiently waiting sa backstage after her show with her make up stylist. Being a polite young lady, binabati ni Ryzza Mae ang bawa't mapadaan. At napansin din namin ang mga iba't-ibang funny facial expressions sa kanya. Maybe she was just bored. Pero hindi naman. Aleng Maliit was just being her. Funny without trying. At yun ang cute sa kanya. Agree?

Fried Ice Cream & Coffee at the Saddest Resort!

The Deck 
Villa Paulina, San Jose
Occidental Mindoro

Fried Ice Cream (P120)

The resort where we had our lunch didn't have real coffee. They only serve 3-1 instant. Thank you anyway. When the waiter sensed my disappointment, he suggested another resort (Villa Paulina) where, he claimed, serve good brewed coffee. The thing is, its a good 20 minute tricycle ride away. What the hell. 

Villa Paulina, I must say, is the saddest resort I've ever been in (reminded me of those Hollywood horror B-movies). There were only one room occupied and the resort staff (except for the security guard) was nowhere to be seen. It was only when I started raising my voice that roused them from their hiding places (I had to do it!). The Deck, is situated at the second level where you can see a melancholic beach. Picture this: Grey sand with occasional thin dogs sniffing around.

Good thing that the coffee they served was freshly brewed and deliciously bitter and the Fried Ice Cream (they used Rocky Road!) was well, surprisingly good (though, it was really oily). Well, we had to leave the place right after finishing the dessert. I didn't want my excitement of going around San Jose for rest of the afternoon day doused by the sad resort. Where's my tricycle? 

Eggs Benedict @ Maple!

Maple
San Antonio Plaza, 
Forbes Park, Makati

Eggs Benedict (P315)

"Their signature topped with Canadian bacon, poached eggs and hollandaise sauce served with crunch country fries"

It was a beautiful Sunday morning and we wanted a really heavy breakfast. Our favorite breakfast, Alexa along dela Costa was under renovation and Wildflour was, as usual, packed. When we suddenly remembered the Prime Rib Tapa of Maple in San Antonio.

They didn't have the Tapa that morning so we just settled for Eggs Benedict and their Maple Omelette. Not bad. Not bad at all.

Maple Omelette (P295)

"Omelette with button mushrooms, onions, red and green bell peppers, ham, bacon and cheddar cheese, served with country fries"