ATELIER VIVANDA MANILA: Michelin-Star French Bistro Restaurant in BGC by Chef Akrame Benallal

Marco Lobregat happy to be holding Atelier Vivanda's Holstein Bone-In Beef

The famous Michelin-star restaurant by Chef Akrame Benallal is finally opening its doors to Manila this February 2, 2016. Atelier Vivanda is going to offer full set course meals which will be at Php 2,300 per head, vat inclusive, complete with one starter, one meaty entree, an all-you-can-eat potato side dish and one sumptuous dessert.

WAGYU BGC: Best, Authentic and Highest Grade A5 Japanese Wagyu Beef

Did you know that A5 is the highest grade given to the finest Japanese beef?

WAGYU BGC serves only A5 Japanese Wagyu (Ohmi, Hida, Kagoshima, Saga). Yes, only the best for their customers. You don’t have to travel to Japan to satisfy your wagyu cravings. WAGYU BGC is supplying certified and documented wagyu beef imported from Japan. Okay, going back to the different kinds of wagyu beef served at Wagyu BGC: Ohmi has a sweeter taste and lower melting point. Ohmi and Hida are like the “Hermes” of Japanese Wagyu beefs while Kagoshima and Saga are “Louis Vuitton.” All of these have a low melting point so never leave them at room temperature because they will literally melt due to its beautiful marbling.

JENSEN KINDER FARM: Organic Farming Adventure For Kids

“Jensen Kinder Farm is an organic backyard farm that offers training on practical urban farming for children and adults.”

Stacy Borromeo, owner of JKF, wants to help promote organic farming through her mini-farm by opening her backyard to the public. With Jensen Kinder Farm, she can now educate people by teaching farming methods and techniques to children and adults for their urban houses. She aims to raise awareness about organic farming and hopes to inspire people to become organic consumers so that there will be more demand for organic products and support organic farmers in return.

Below is a photo-blog of the fun farming adventure we had last weekend :)

BATANES: Celebrating The Joy of Life

There are no words to describe Batanes and its beauty. More than the breathtaking scenery, I was even more impressed and amazed by its people, the Ivatans. They have shown me how easy it is to find joy in life: the simpler, the better.

Ivatans value Honesty and Integrity more than the material stuff. They value education. They value hard work and perseverance. Did you know that there are no out-of-school youth in Batanes? I commend the local government and the teachers in Batanes. There are no beggars and no street children. Everyone gets to eat and live in a comfortable way. They live an honorable life.

As of the moment, there are only a few places in Batanes that have an internet connection, and I hope it remains this way to preserve what they have. I believe in the power of social media and its ability to influence people and at times, its tendency to make people crave for more “wants” in life. For now, let us treasure the peace and serenity of Batanes – because with the contentment of a simple life, they have found the joy of life.

15 Things To Do In Puerto Princesa, Palawan

Puerto Princesa: another paradise in Palawan that captured my heart.

Aside from visiting the Subterranean Underground River, below are some of the things we've experienced or wanted to try that I’d like to share with you: food, tours, tips, where to eat and where to stay in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.