Parent & Child Bonding

Most of us have memories of our parents teaching us how to ride a bike.    And I am sure most of us parents would like to continue this practice with our own children.  But why buy your child an ordinary bicycle when you can give your precious little one a bicycle that will teach about the importance of fitness, the beauty of nature and the gift of giving back to society.

Kawayan Tech Push Bikes

Kawayan Tech Push Bike is a pedal-less bike which one learns to ride by gliding first.  The child’s confidence is developed as he or she controls the speed of the bike and the child’s core is developed, allowing the kid to maintain balance on the bike.  From here, the kids graduate to a pedaled bike withOUT the need for training wheels!

Kawayan Tech Mountain Bike

You might be wondering about the durability of bamboo bikes and think that it wouldn’t be good for much except as decoration.  However, bamboo is in fact inherently strong and after processing, is stronger than steel.  In structural engineering tests, bamboo has a higher tensile strength than many alloys of steel, and possess higher compressive strength compared to many mixtures of concrete. 

Kawayan Tech Bamboo Bike in Action

The Birth of Kawayan Tech:

In 2006, Hecky Villanueva, an urban anthropologist who was then based in Tucson, Arizona with his wife Tammy, was looking for a dissertation topic and learned about Gawad Kalinga (GK).   He then decided to adopt this cause and  even organized GK walks in Tucson and spearheaded 2 GK villages.   In 2008, Hecky heard about bamboo bikes and became fascinated with the idea.  He researched on it and realized that producing bamboo bikes would be a good business venture for himself, GK, and other Filipinos.  So in 2009, together with his UP Mountaineer friends namely Boy Siojo, Eng Chan, John Climaco and Eric Cadiz, Hecky put up Kawayan Tech.    They then invited over bike builder and designer Craig Calfee, through his Bamboosero program, to give a bamboo frame-building workshop. Armed with the proper technical knowledge, they are now ready to build their own bamboo bikes.   Kawayan Tech has produced different kinds of bamboo bikes and has clients from Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland and the U.S.  Sadly, Hecky passed away from aneurysm last November 2010.  His equally committed wife Tammy has taken on his role in the company.  

Gawad Kalinga is just the first community Kawayan Tech has partnered with.  But the company has numerous plans and is bent on reaching out to other communities.

Hecky Villanueva and his Bamboo Bike

Why your child will love a Kawayan Tech Bike:

- Learning to ride a bike is a fun adventure.

- They get to spend quality time with parents.

- They will be proud to own a uniquely Filipino-made and beautiful bamboo bike.

- They learn about the value of nature. (Kawayan Tech’s slogan - We Grow Your Bikes!)

- They will be happy and proud knowing they are helping other people and supporting a social cause. (Kawayan Tech Bikes are  made by the loving hands of GK Sitio Pajo residents)

5 year old boy on his bamboo bike

So, if you’re still thinking about what to give your child or your favorite “inaanak”  this Christmas, consider giving this bike.  It is not just a thing of beauty and Filipino innovation, but a gift that brings hope to other Filipinos this Christmas Season.

Kawayan Techs push bike - a great beginners bike for kids (Php5,000)

Kawayan Tech:

For orders and inquires email:  kawayantech@yahoo.com

Still thinking of what to serve for Christmas Dinner or what to bring for a potluck dinner?  Here’s a list of some places where you can order special and yummy dishes and desserts.   I also included my favorite food discoveries from the recently concluded Ultimate Taste Test. 

Pepitas (stuffed) Lechon - last years Ultimate Taste Test winner

Pepita’s Lechon de Leche -with different kinds of stuffing

Filipino – sisig rice or binagoongan rice

French – truffle mushroom rice

Chinese – chestnut & mushroom, machang

German – potatoes, herbs and roasted garlic

Christmas – rice, chestnuts & cashew

Hawaiian – w/ mango & pineapple

Contact: Dedet Santos - 4254605 / 0917-8660662

Sabroso Lechon

What makes Sabroso Lechon so fragrant and flavorful

Lechon by Sabroso – very flavorful!

Contact: 515 8253 / 515 8259 / 357 0659 / 0922 8416220  

5-hr roasted crispy Japanese Lechon  by The Specialty Kitchen

Contact: 09178911013; 2113993

Home Cooked Pates by Carol Jorge

Pate in Snowman jar - perfect christmas gifts. Even comes with a pate spreader.

Carol’s Home Cooked Pates – So rich & creamy…Yummy!

Contact: 0917-8955306 / 6723432

Smoked Salmon & Caviar

Bizu’s Smoked Salmon & Caviar - Comes with Melba Toast
(Size 5″ Diameter) 1,800

Contact: 812-6451 / 812-6027 / 893-4645

Deliciosos Caviar Pie

Delicioso’s Caviar Pie

Contact: 9100301 / 6873698 / 0917-8983619 /0926-4735264

Contis Baked Salmon

Baked Salmon by Conti’s –

Php995 – 1,495

Log on to their site: http://www.contis.ph/store-locator.asp

Pork Crown Roast

Bizu’s Pork Crown Roast - comes with a hearty stuffing of apples, chestnuts, and sausages.
14 piece ribs.  Good for approx. 15-20 persons.  5,800

Contact: 812-6451 / 812-6027 / 893-4645

Roast Turkey –with your choice of sides from The Commissary of  Margarita Fores

Each turkey weighs a minimum of 5.5 – 6 kilos and serves 20-25 persons.

Contact: Anna Lopez at 729-0030 or (0917) 513-8945 (lead time: 2 days)

Shrimp & Uni Pasta -Dulcelin

Delicate and luscious uni with shrimp on spaghettini noodles.  A must for Uni lovers.

Contact: 374-2165 / 3742167
36 Times St. West Triangle,Quezon City

One of my Favorites at the Ultimate Taste Test - Shrimp & Uni Pasta

Paella Negra

Paella Negra by Marge Sy

Soft, flavorful rice mixed with the freshest seafood and meat, topped with swirls of creamy lemon sauce.

Contact: 0918 945-8845

Risotto di Mare

Amici’s Risotto di Mare

Amici’s Risotto di Mare is served in their special party tray and loaded with fresh seafood. Amici can deliver your order straight to your doorstep, so this is a great, hassle-free way to prepare for Christmas dinner.

Contact: 747-1111 (lead time 24 hours)

Crab Sotanghon

Crab Sotanghon by King Crab

Serving crabs makes the meal more fun since everyone has to use their hands. In this dish, the fresh crabs are cooked in a pot with spices and sotanghon.

Contact:  7238820 /  7238821 /  723-8823

Best Birthday Misua Ive ever had, so flavorful and not greasy - discovered this at the Ultimate Taste Test.

Chinese Birthday Misua by Green Pigs Kitchen

Contact: 0917-8425659; 2160262; 2160267

Salt and pepper spareribs

Salt & Pepper Spareribs

P1,800 per tray food for 20 persons

Contact: Eleanor Ty of Kitchen Hobbies Cooking Center

7765373 /09088687473 / 09209204822

Chef Mitchie Sison’s Lasagna

P1,500 per order

Contact: Chef Mitchie Sison – 5198905 / 09178206435

Four cheese lasagna

Four Cheese Lasagna by Qitchen 

2,200

Contact: 721-5360 / 0917-8312238 / 0922-8380308

Chicken Galantina

P900/1.25 k chicken. It comes with a gravy or bechamel sauce.
Contact: Fely Evangelista of Mary’s Kitchen – 7114475 / 09053422227

Callos

P640 for 6-8 servings; P940 for 10-12 servings
Contact: Ditas Dizon of Geraldo’s – 09178465399 or email gersison2003@yahoo.com

Dulcelin Gourmet’s American Wagyu Tri-tip Tender and bursting with beef flavor - Served with Japanese Steak sauce or gravy.

P2,200.00.

Contact: 374-2165 / 3742167
36 Times St. West Triangle,Quezon City

Dulcelins Wagyu tri-tip

Dulcelin’s Hickory Smoked Pork Belly - Smoky Pork Belly with zesty Barbecue Sauce

P1,600.00

Contact: 374-2165 / 3742167

Cote de Boeuf USDA Rib Eye Roast Beef

USDA Rib Eye Roast Beef – Bizu 

Comes with an array of grilled vegetables and a tasty mushroom gravy.

Good for approx. 12-15 persons

Contact: 812-6451 / 812-6027 / 893-4645

Bagwang

Manila Q’s Bagwang  –  A combination of three pork favorites (kawali, bagnet and chicharon)

Contact: Cha Morados – 0917 835-8361. Email: cha@joaxingredients.com

Sirloin Steak and Saikoro - another UTT discovery

Sirloin Steak and Saikoro  from Mediado

Contact: 0915-6347272

assorted mini quiches from simply pie

Mini Quiches and Baby Pies from Simply Pie

I love their quiche lorraine, shrimp & garlic quiche and the quiche w/ spinach, feta and sundried tomatoes

Contact: 3412238 / 09228822194

www.facebook.com/simplypie

Foie Gras - Farah Ylagan – 722-4234, 0918-9264671

Lamb Lechon – Robert 0906-8404323

Fresh Seafood -  Mida Food Distibutors Inc.

They have Seabass,Halibut, Gindara, and Salmon.  Also Scallops, Crabs, shells, octopus, squid etc.  They now deliver, seafood products are packed in styro boxes.

Contact: 5240006 / 0917-8902327
Email: sales@midafood.com

La Comida – reasonably priced caterer, puto bumbong and bibingka

Contact: 4260471

Amber’s Pichi-pichi, pancit malabon, spaghetti, pork barbeque, fried chicken

Contact: http://www.amber.com.ph/

Flavored Taho by the bucket – 0917 – 814120o

Dimpys Frozen Brazo

Dimpy’s frozen Brazo – 843-8086

Karens frozen brazo trio

Trio of Frozen Brazos from Karen’s Kitchen - Manila Vanilla (Original), Green Tea & Strawberry

Contact: 898-2280 * Telefax (632)898-2880

red velvet

Karen’s Kitchen Red Velvet Cake P650

Contact: 898-2280 * Telefax (632)898-2880

Pistachio Sans Rival – Delize by Jill Sanduque

33 Sunrise Drive, Cubao, Quezon City
721-7022 (ask for Lea, Mimi, or Vangie)

Conti’s Mango Bravo  - http://www.contis.ph/store-locator.asp

Caramel Cake  by Costa Brava

12 Polaris St.
Bel-Air Village 3, Makati
896-6872 / 896-1267

Mango Torte

Dulcelin’s Mango Torte 

Contact: 374-2165 / 3742167

Jack Daniels and Absolut vodka Brownies (UTT discovery)

Jack Daniel’s and Absolut vodka Brownies – Blackinese Brownies

Contact: 09228352482 http://facebook.com/blackinesebrownies

Cupcake de Mercedes (UTT discovery)

Cupcake de Mercedes - Joanie’s Cupcakes

Contact: 09175272671/ 2160289

Custard Cake

Custard Cake - Joan and Jane Cake Bites

Contact: 4486454/ 0922-8245579 (Cathleen) 5422168 / 0922-8246822 (Michelle)

Local delicacy Inutak

Inutak - M Siblings

Contact: 09199917989

Last November 19 and 20, mommies and moms-to-be gathered at the Rockwell Tent for the Mommy Mundo Bazaar.

This ultimate lifestyle event for mommies showcased new, unique and exciting products from different mompreneurs.    With a wide array of products like clothes, shoes, food items, toys, health care products, gift items etc. plus freebies and raffle prizes,  I’m sure all the mommies enjoyed this special day.

It was also the launching of the Mommy Planner 24/7 and the Mommy Mundo Passport.

Mommy Planner 24/7 - This will be my planner for 2012

Great finds:

Make-up, nail colors and brushes from Digital Traincase (www.digitaltraincase.com)

Fashionable Nursing Wear from Mommy Matters (mommymatters.multiply.com/)

Fashionable toddler shoes from Tot Couture (totcouture.multiply.com/)

A fashionable way to keep germs away - Shopping Cart Cover / High Chair Cover from MOMtrepreneur Shop, Level 4 Shangri-la Plaza (www.facebook.com/MOMtrepreneurShop)

Perfect for O.C. moms - 5-in-1 Ear & Forehead Thermometer (www.facebook.com/MOMtrepreneurShop)

Cute outfits for kids from Brussel Sprouts (brusselsprouts.multiply.com/)

yummy Mommy Treats for nursing moms (www.mommytreats.ph)

A unique way to preserve your babys milestones (www.facebook.com/castandframe)

personalized CDs (facebook.com/ilovekiddietunes)

protective electric fan net (www.facebook.com/MOMtrepreneurShop)

eco-friendly kids shoes from Spain (www.cientashoes.ph)

Mustela skin care line - level 4, Shangri-la Plaza

Clear see-thru Shoe Boxes (www.facebook.com/MOMtrepreneurShop)

scented candles and room sprays (www.amberlightslaguna.com)

Doll making kits w/ birth certificate (www.facebook.com/MOMtrepreneurShop)

great gift items for boys, only 300 each (www.facebook.com/MOMtrepreneurShop)

Ann Taylor Overruns - Dresses for 850 - 500, jackets at 500, pants at 200, blouses 350 - 350 and tank tops for 50 pesos! I was even able to score 2 dresses at 650 each! Woohoo!... and for a cause Takes the guilt out of shopping

See u at the next Mommy Mundo Event!

Finally, a complete planner made just for moms!

Mommy Mundo presents its maiden issue of the MOM 24/7 Planner!

MOM 24/7 is a 6x8inch hardbound, spiral-bound planner with special planning pages with space for Mom’s schedules and kids’ schedules as well. On each planning page there are special portions for reminders for our different concerns and roles as well as space for our essential to-do lists.

To make us more efficient mommies, MOM 24/7 also has special forms such as Health record pages for mom, dad and each child (up to 3 kids), family vacation planning pages, party planning pages, and more.

To help us run an organized home, there is an expense tracker, grocery list, menu planner, yaya/ household help record pages.

Of course Mom 24/7 has “Me” pages such as goal planning pages, idea pages, and a menstrual tracker.

PLUS! MOM 24/7 has discount coupons from Mommy Mundo partners!

The MOM 24/7 Planner will be launched and available at the Mommy Mundo Bazaar on November 19 and 20 (Saturday & Sunday) at the Rockwell Tent!

The MOMMY MUNDO BAZAAR - The ULTIMATE Lifestyle Event for Moms, showcasing the most interesting finds (from different mompreneurs) for you, your baby and kids, for your home, and for other members of the family!. Plus different Mommy & Kiddie Events, a photo corner and hourly Raffle Draws!

 There are 3 ways to get a copy:

OPTION A: GET the MOM 24/7 PLANNER (worth P350) FOR FREE by applying for a Mommy Mundo Passport Card!

OPTION B- Get the MOM 24/7 Planner at a discount at the Mommy Mundo Bazaar!

OPTION C- Get the MOM 24/7 PLANNER anytime after November 20!

Pls. click on the the link below for complete details on how to get your copy!

http://www.mommymundo.com/mom-events/mommy-mundo-promos/the-mom-247-planner/

I have been a fan of Chef Ariel Manuel of Lolo Dad’s, so when I heard that he opened an Asian resto, I jumped at the chance to try it out.

Phat Wong is located on the the ground floor of  LRI Business Plaza in N. Garcia St. (formerlyReposo St.) Makati.

My hubby,  mom-in-law, and I went early on a Monday night.  We started out with an appetizer of Blue Crab with Crab Fat on Lemongrass Dumpling  served with a yummy roasted garlic aioli dip.  I loved it.  It was soooo delicious, and savory.  We also tried the Deep-Fried Adobo and Menudo Pao, soft semi-sweet buns stuffed with either adobo or menudo.  My hubby liked the adobo better, but I preferred the menudo

Blue Crab with Crab Fat on Lemongrass Dumpling

Deep-Fried Adobo and Menudo Pao

Shrimps, Pomelo and Young Coconut

We also ordered the Shrimps, Pomelo and Young Coconut.  What an innovative presentation!   It has generous servings of succulent prawns, pomelo and lettuce inside.  It was refreshing!  The freshness of the young coconut meat was perfectly complemented by subtle hints of Kaffir Lime and coconut milk.   This was my mom-in-law’s favorite.  This dish is sheer ingenuity and loaded with fantastic flavors!

For our main entrees, we had Bistek U.S. Rib-Eye, Hainanese Fish and Sesame Battered Deep-Fried Prawns. 

Bistek U.S. Rib-Eye

Hainanese Fish

Sesame Battered Deep-Fried Prawns

Now, Bistek is a typical Filipino favorite but Phat Wong ‘s version is tender U.S. rib eye topped with lots of caramelized onions.  My hubby really loved it and couldn’t get enough of it.  The Fried prawns were also very tasty but I personally would have preferred it to be more garlicky.

My favorite is the Hainanese Fish.  I have tried so many versions of Hainanese Chicken both here and abroad, but this is the first time I tried hainanese fish and I must say, I made the right decision.  The dish was served with plain soup and hainanese rice.  I was pleasantly surprised by the soup.  I expected it to be the usual bland variety, but surprise, surprise!  The broth was so flavorful and had a deep earthy flavor to it.  And the hainanese rice was not greasy at all!  The fish itself was so fresh and served with 3 kinds of sauces.  First is the ginger sauce, which had macadamia nuts in it.  The sauce was wonderful and did not taste nutty.  Instead, the nuts gave it just a hint of sweetness.  Next is the kecap manis, a reduction of palm sugar, star anise and soy – a delightful blend indeed! .  Lastly, they served the super spicy chili sauce.  Together, the elements of this dish is a great symphony of flavors!  Gosh, I don’t mind eating this everyday.

Hainanese Fish (with soup rice & sauces)

Of course, we can’t let the evening end without dessert so we ordered the Baked Meringue.  It came on top of fresh mangoes & bananas, bathed in fresh Pandan cream.  It is light, fragrant and just the perfect dessert to cap our dinner.  At this point, my pant buttons were already threatening to pop out.  Yet we just couldn’t resist trying the dessert Chef Margie sent over.  It was Asian Pannacotta with Mangoes and Thai Basil syrup. The Thai basil cream and syrup provided a perfect contrast to the tartness of the mango panacotta.  This is truly a refreshing and satisfying dessert.  I learned that this comes with their daily Bento special (see menu below).  And for those looking for a great coffee experience, they serve great Vietnamese Iced Coffee w/ Milk at only 85 pesos!

Baked Meringue

Asian Pannacotta with Mangoes and Thai Basil syrup

Overall, it was a great dining experience.  I would definitely go back soon!  And for those entertaining balikbayan friends, tourists or expats, Phat Wong is definitely a very good alternative to the usual Filipino or Chinese restaurant.  The proof is in definitely in the eating!!!

Phat Wong Menu

Bento Specials