Calle Bistro on 11.11.11, Quality Fun for Everyone

If you love food (and I mean lots and lots of good food :)), pop and rock music, games and adventure and everything in between, read on ……… you’re in for a night filled with sumptuous cuisines, quality fun and excitement ……… all while fully enjoying those things you love. Does this sound thrilling to you? That’s because it really is. It’s seriously exhilarating! Calle Bistro is coming ……… our ticket to experiencing that electrifying moment …… to share with our friends and love ones ……… in an event where food, people, music, games, prizes and adventure will collide ……… into a supernova of FUN. So, book the date …… the collision is happening on 11.11.11. Remember, for boredom and monotonous night out, this is an ELI or extinction level impact. :-)

Calle Bistro is a revolutionized food sale project that would bring together local and foreign cuisines in the metro, particularly in an Open Area in Tomas Morato located within the heart of Quezon City, Metro Manila (Philippines). The food event (and more) will cater to young professionals and food enthusiasts to unwind, socialize and explore the rich oriental and western flavors dominating the Philippine food scene. Promising food retail brands and enterprises will be there to provide a one of a kind food socialization experience where people from different walks of life can get a slice of the world right on their plates.

This is promised to be a night of food adventure and grand time made more special by live bands that will be there to serenade the visitors as they indulge in Calle Bistro …… to fill the air with our favorite music …… while guests are savoring the delicious food dishes featured in the food fair. There will be complimentary drinks to quench our thirst, food-related games to fire-up the night and raffle draws of sponsor items and giveaways for lucky guests …… all to make it a true night of fun, delight and excitement for everyone.

The food lineup includes but not limited to the following: Pinoy Delicacies, Foreign Cuisine, Exotic Dishes, Street Food, Grilled Products, Snacks and Beverages, Coffee and Tea Products, Ready-to-eat Meals and Health and Organic Food.

Dinner at Urban Kitchen In Colombo, Sri Lanka

In our quest for good international foods in the Colombo Capital of Sri Lanka, we would often try new restaurants, cafés, bistros, eateries and even food courts offering varieties of international cuisines every time we have opportunity. Last Saturday, after having our monthly shopping for food and grocery provisions, we decided to have our dinner at a chic and cozy restaurant called Urban Kitchen.

The place, located within the same compound of the supermarket we are frequenting, is especially interesting to us because the head chef there is a fellow Filipino whom we once met during the party of the Association of Filipinos in Sri Lanka (AFSRIL). The party was in fact held in the same restaurant but at that time, special Filipino foods not part of their regular menus were served.

The restaurant has near full-capacity customers when we arrived. At least an indication that good food is being served in what appeared to us as a modern and well maintained food establishment. From the seats, everyone has a view of the wide kitchen where chefs and crews are busy preparing the foods.

Fun Family Fishing at The Lakeshore

As I have posted in August 2009, there will be a fun family fishing for the Tarlac Anglers during the Christmas Holiday dubbed as Christmas Fishing Tourney. It is an exclusive family affair open to members and family members of the Tarlac Anglers. Due to hectic schedules, the supposed to be four (4) leg tournament was converted into just two (2) separate fishing events, one in The Lakeshore in Pampanga for the freshwater fishing and the other one in Bane, Pangasinan for the saltwater angling. Whilst it was held during the Christmas holiday, gathering the members and participants proved to be quite difficult due to varied individual commitments. The most promising site, Laiya, Batangas, where trolling is in season, had to be cancelled out due to conflicts of schedules. :(

In spite that some of the members were not available, the tourney pushed through. This post will cover the freshwater fishing held at the 12 hectares man-made lake of The Lakeshore in Mexico, Pampanga on 30th December 2009. The gorgeous and magnificent lake thrives with healthy aquatic life. Among the different varieties of fish seeded and now roaming the vast waters are milkfish (“bangus”), tilapia, “toman” snakehead, mangrove jack, carps, large-mouth bass and sea bass. Reports of big catch such as more than 10 kilos toman snakehead, more than 3 kilos “bangus” and more than 2 kilos tilapia, being occasionally caught by some lucky anglers, gave us the inspirations, though we have been warned that landing one is pretty difficult.

The view of the lake is not bad, for a lake which is a pure product of engineering in a rather flat area of the great plain of Central Luzon, it can be considered nicely done. With the trees and grass that have now fully grown, the place is now a calm alternative refuge for Filipino anglers.

The participants immediately set up their gears upon arrival, just after a short reconnaissance of the area. Everyone was excited and hopeful that luck will strike and hook a biggy.

It did not take long before everyone is busy wetting their lines, casting and retrieving. We can see a lot of big fishes creating a massive splash in the water, but enticing them for a bite needs patience and creativity as the juvenile fish were the ones busy biting our offerings.

The mammoth catch is quite elusive. We have been casting, waiting, retrieving and casting again for several hours and everyone is still yet to catch their 1st good size fish. Since it is getting late, and everyone is still skunked, my brother wisely decided to change the fishing style and targets the tilapia. He also helped my son to change his set-up to avoid getting bored. And they started catching pan-sized fish, still small by our standard, but good eating. This was noticed by my daughter and wife who followed through and soon, they too, were reaping tilapia as well as small “biya” (a type of freshwater fish) and flowerhorn (cichlid) which we all released.

During the final hours, we are all into tilapia catching mood. But the young ones who changed gear earlier and are probably better angler that day easily took the trophies. My daughter was declared the second placer, winning a nice Lemax GFC Action Rod donated by my brother Bogs.

My son Naven easily bagged the first priced trophy of a nice Abu Garcia Ambassadeur Conventional Reel donated by Bojo. Whilst he originally came to the lake with only a mammoth “toman” or “bangus” bigger than his previous catch (more than 2 kilos in Island Cove) in mind, his decision to change tackle early on and be satisfied with tilapia earned him the championship.

We, adults, may be disappointed that no biggies were bagged, but both young winners were quite happy that they outsmarted us. Sometimes desire for a bigger take will end you with an empty hand. But we are glad though that the young ones were elated. After all, that day was really arranged for their enjoyment.

Over-all, we had a great time. It could be happier should other family members were able to join and should biggies made a bite. But as we always said at the end of every unproductive fishing adventure, there is always a next time. We bid the night good bye with a huge smile as we shifted our mind to the next event which is the Pangasinan saltwater fishing. c“,)

Flowers of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka maybe considered as a relatively tiny island but it possesses a high level of biodiversity. In fact, it has been identified by the environment activist group Conservation International (CI) as one of 25 biodiversity hot spots in the world. It has a remarkable high proportion of endemic species among its flora and fauna with 23% of its flowering plants and 16% of its mammals being endemic in the island. The special features of its biodiversity are mainly due to its wide range of topographic and climatic variations.

The year-round hot and humid climate of southwestern Sri Lanka makes the ideal climate for many varieties of orchids and other flowering plants or angiosperms (Angiospermae or Magnoliophyta), while the dry and cool climates of the central highlands are perfect for the many other varieties of colorful flowers that thrive in such climate. So the whole island is a source of magnificent sights of many beautiful flowers that come in different sizes, shapes and colors.

During our visit to one of Sri Lanka’s most popular cities in the high country, Nuwera Eliya, we were immediately captivated by the natural splendor of the many flowering plants in all of its parks. No visitors could resist such an inviting grandeur of vibrant flowers and everyone will end up taking photographs to somehow preserve the beauty even in digital images. Maybe it’s a human thing; that we always want to immortalize such wonderful sights which brings joy and elation to our hearts.

For you to somehow enjoy the sceneries that captured our deepest emotions, this photo tour is specially provided. Be delighted!

Flowers... are a proud assertion that a ray of beauty outvalues all the utilities of the world. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Flowers seem intended for the solace of ordinary humanity. ~ John Ruskin

If you've never been thrilled to the very edges of your soul by a flower in spring bloom, maybe your soul has never been in bloom. ~ Audra Foveo

Bread feeds the body, indeed, but flowers feed also the soul. ~ The Koran

Need I say more? c“,)

The Best Pizza in Sri Lanka

One of the first restaurants I visited when I arrived in the Southern Sri Lanka some four years back is the “Spaghetti & Co”. It happened when we treated a Chinese visitor to a dinner and our Japanese manager brought us to the place. I can vividly remember his first words describing the place as “the best pizza house in Sri Lanka”. I initially laughed off his declaration and considered it as a bit of exaggeration. But when I tasted the home-made pizza in the said restaurant I thought there might be truth to it. Other restaurants here (at least the ones we have tried) serving pizzas are short of even equalizing the pizza they serve at “Spaghetti & Co”. Of course there are “Pizza Hut” and “Domino Pizza” outlets in the capital city but they are in a different category.

Since that day on, we regularly return to the restaurant for their pizzas and pasta. Even our company parties are sometimes held there so that all expatriate staff can fully enjoy their specialties. This month alone, our group has dined there for at least 3 times that I decided to make a post of the restaurant and their amazing pizzas. I will do a separate post on their equally good pasta some other time.

“Spaghetti and Co” is located in the land side of the famous Hikkaduwa Beach Resort area which I have posted earlier. It is said to be owned by an Italian couple who chose to live in the island. We were told by the waitress that the husband is the one actually preparing all the pizza and pasta dishes. Just from the looks, one can easily identify that the foods are really prepared the Italian way. Unlike the typical Filipino style pizza, the crust is thin and the toppings are minimal.

Frequent visitors of the beach are sure to have knowledge of the restaurant since it became the favorite dining place of most tourists of Hikkaduwa. It opens at six every night and is always full during peak seasons. The place is cozy, comfy and set inside a relaxing garden. Eating delicious pizzas in such a pleasant place is really a pleasure after a tiring day in the beach or in our case, from the office.

To give you an idea of the type of pizzas they serve, let me delight you once again to a photo tour of their sumptuous creations. Here are just some of the many entrees which we have tried and tasted. Drool and enjoy. :)

New Millennium – made from fresh tomato, mozzarella cheese, streaky bacon, mushroom, egg, sausage, onion and green pepper

Hikkaduwa – made from fresh tomato, mozzarella cheese, shark meat, tuna meat, calamari, onion and oregano

Mare & Monti – made from fresh tomato, mozzarella cheese, salami, mushroom, calamari and prawn

Gamberetti – made from fresh tomato, mozzarella cheese, prawn, garlic and olive oil

Calzone – made from fresh tomato, mozzarella cheese, ham, mushroom and egg

Calzone Monti - made from fresh tomato, mozzarella cheese, ham, salami, mushroom, egg and eggplant

All of the above pizzas are a knock out. You can add some drops of olive oil and hot sauce and a dash of ground pepper and chili pepper flakes if you like. Gamberetti, Mare & Monti and New Millennium are my personal favorite. Really mouth-watering. Italian pizzas at its best. I have re-created the Gamberetti several times in our kitchen and will do a post next time. c“,)

When we are full and extremely satisfied (we should be, after that quite heavy meal), we can just enjoy the romantic setting of the surroundings……….while slowly sipping our drinks……… feeling the cool sea breeze as it soothe our faces………listening to the calming sounds created by birds and insects………..as we plan our next return.

After all, with superb pizzas, the fun never ceases. :)

A Cool Holiday at Kandy, Sri Lanka

After long stressing months of hard work in a major construction project, a holiday in a tranquil, serene and lush environment is a respite every member of our group is looking forward to. With desire to attain complete relaxation in a level which will allow us to calmly reconnect with nature and rejuvenate our strained mind and lost strength, Kandy (Sri Lanka) is the perfect place to go in this island nation. It is our natural gateway to the exciting peaks of its hill country.

Kandy is the English name for the city of “Maha Nuvara” (Senkadagalapura) located in the centre of the island. It is the last royal capital of Sri Lanka and is a major tourist destination and one of the most scenic cities. It is developed around two open spaces of an elongated square. At the end houses the culturally important administration buildings of the old capital and a majestic quadrangular man-made lake. Being the second largest city of the island, it is both an administrative and religious city.

Kandy lies at an altitude of 465m above sea level in the midst of hills in the Kandy Valley looped by Sri Lanka's largest river: the Mahaweli. It crosses a vast, peaceful and beautiful tropical plantations composed partly of rubber tree and mainly of tea. It is among the best source of the world famous Ceylon Tea. And tea pot here is huge!

Kandy is famous for the many temples that the city could be called the cultural capital of the island. One of the most significant of which is the Temple of the Tooth (Palace of the Tooth Relic) that houses the Relic of the tooth of the Buddha. Originally part of the Royal Palace complex of the Kandyan Kingdom, it is one of the holiest places of worship and pilgrimage for Buddhist around the world. It was last of a series of temples built in the places where the relic, the actual palladium of the Sinhalese monarchy, was brought following the various relocations of the capital city.

The Palace of the Tooth relic, the palace complex and the holy city of Kandy are associated with the history of the dissemination of Buddhism. The temple is the product of the last peregrination of the relic of the tooth of Buddha and the testimony of a religion which continues to be practiced today.

Kandy’s pleasant temperate climate, its lovely location and its rich history has made it a favorite haven for travelers. It has a huge number of hotels and restaurants to suit any budget. There are some international hotel chains and several local hotel chains providing star class facilities. Other accommodations include guest houses and home stay providers.

With wonderful facilities, our group enjoyed the accommodations a lot. After a relaxing moment, the pool is there for a swim to flex your muscles and show your abs. There is a wireless internet connection whichs allows you to contact your better half and assure her that you are in the office working hard (alright that’s a joke, wife always understand it is necessary to visit places like Kandy once in a while). Likewise, there is a comfortable bed to gracefully sleep on when you get tired, and a spacious kitchen to cook your favorite dish and feed your colleagues who are constantly hungry and in search of food.

For you know, it is only after a decent meal that they can really relax. Feel that they are privilege………important…………and above all…………the master of their time……….in the true sense of the word.

Another famous attraction of Kandy which the group visited is the Royal Botanical Garden. It is situated in Peradeniya about 5 km to the west of the city centre and is reportedly visited by some 1.2 million people per year. It is probably the largest botanical garden on the island with over 60 hectares of immaculately designed lawns and tropical foliage.

For Engineers like us, these shapes and forms are astounding scenes.

The wide polished landscape is simply captivating.

The diverse natural environment is just awesome.

Being in such a magnificent park, expect the usual clowning around to be the main activity of the group. I guess the fun wouldn’t be complete without it.

Every image will show the highest level of fun and enjoyment felt by everyone. Tiresome and even slight rain shower could not slow down the tricks.

All in all, holiday in Kandy was a wonderful experience. It left great memories which will be cherished forever. A permanent mark in the heart that could make us jump for joy by the mere thought of it. c“,)