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Jay E. Tria

Review: Enchanted Farm Cafe

Posted on December 1, 2013

The Enchanted Farm Cafe invites you to “Eat for Change”.

After a timely Christmas shopping trip to Human Nature‘s flagship store along Commonwealth Avenue, where else to service a rumbling stomach than at the Enchanted Farm Cafe upstairs?

Another social business enterprise, the cafe is “initiated by Gawad Kalinga Center for Social Innovation that bridges the Gawad Kalinga Enchanted Farm, from Angat, Bulacan to the city market. It aims to raise social awareness by promoting home-grown business innovations that develop industry-competent local products while uplifting the lives of the poor.” Literally, going there allows you to eat for change, as the produce, meat and other ingredients used on the menu are fruits of labor of the GK Enchanted Farm. But be assured, a date in the cafe not only fills up the heart but a hungry stomach too.

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A walk through the doors will reveal a small cozy space, lined to the walls with home grown goods for sale from the farm. Theo and Philo chocolates, Bayani Brew iced teas, Cafe de Sug coffee beens, Plush and Play vegetable plushies, cookies, goodies and healthy condiments in kitchen jars and bottles are sitting on the shelves to welcome you in. The refrigerator next to the counter is stocked with more things you can enjoy, like local organic greens, salted golden duck eggs and white cheese (3 slabs on a wooden plank. Yum). Pictures of the GK Enchanted Farm likewise show you where everything you see come from, and poses an invitation to visit the farm for a day trip.

Then there is the menu.

Golden Egg Salad with a side of Kamote Fries with mayo bagoong dip.

One of their options for a picky pescetarian like myself is the Golden Egg Salad for only P120, a mess of organic greens, salted duck eggs and tomatoes with a hefty drizzle of calamansi vinaigrette (which was to die for). It came with a surprise serving of Camote Fries served with mayo bagoong dip that does not taste as weird as it sounds. For P50 more, I got a Bayani Brew (P45 on its own) in its Calamansi, Pandan and Lemongrass variant and their dessert for the day, which was a chocolate chip cookie atop a small pillow of crunchy saba chips. Complete and balanced meal, I say.

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My date Hazel ordered off their appetizer menu, firstly the Kesong Puti sticks for only P100. It was fried, wrapped in lumpia wrapper, served with a herb garlic mayo dip (yum) and a side salad drenched in the same awesome vinaigrette. She also asked for their FilBambu Bamboo Suman for P100 which was served with muscovado sugar, and strangely, though we were not complaining, a side salad as well. She tried the funkier purple version of Bayani Brew which was made from calamansi, lemongrass and kamote tops.

The dishes were served in little quaint wooden bowls in the nick of time. And although I was not yet properly hungry, I was not eating any less than my breakfast-less friend. Each dish was delicious, fresh, and you know it’s good for both body and soul.

If you happen along this far side of QC, make the Enchanted Farm Cafe a sure stop together with the Human Nature store below it. I myself cannot wait to go back and try more things from their menu. Also a trip to that Enchanted Farm is securely calendared for early 2014.

Enchanted Farm Cafe

462 Unit 2 A Commonwealth Avenue, 1119 Quezon City, Philippines

Mon – Tue: 10:00 – 20:00

Wed: 10:00 – 22:00

Thu – Sat: 10:00 – 20:00

Phone# 7825778

Photos are mine. Please credit this blog when taking out.

Makeup and Skincare

Review: ZA True White Plus Two-Way Foundation in Limited Edition Naho Ogawa Case

Posted on December 1, 2013

Flashback 90s: I remember being young, bright-eyed and financially paralyzed, and seeing the spunky commercials of ZA playing over and over in MTV. I wanted a piece of that blue-and-yellow striped powder compact toted by Karen Mok, though I had no idea how to pat it on my round cheeks. By the time I knew how, ZA was no longer in Philippine cosmetic counters, only glimpsed in Sasa in that odd trip to Macau or Hong Kong.

Fast forward 2013: ZA has ditched the retro colors in place of pink, white and silver — classic colors to capture the attentions of any girl. They have also been bought by Japanese giant Shiseido — a surefire way to capture my attention. So when my trusty Shiseido Sheer Mattifying powder foundation hit pan, I trotted on to the cheerful ZA store in Landmark. The thrift trip did not disappoint.

Naho Ogawa’s limited edition 2013 ZA compact case, featuring lots of girly stuff.

I <3 promos. I imagined my eyes must have twinkled at the SA’s mention of a promo. That day, they offered the compact case (usually sold separately, albeit cheaply, for P300++) free with the purchase of two powder refills. Supposed plus: it came in a limited edition design of Naho Ogawa. Naho who? Yeah, I said that too. Her resume on the box said she creates t-shirt designs for Anna Sui, which explains the whimsical drawings on the ZA compact case. The pink version was too teeny-boppy for me. Thank goodness it also came in green.

Minor disappointment: I came with my mind set on ZA’s famed Perfect Fit powder foundation. But alas, ’tis sold out, so the SA offered me the True White powder foundation instead. I’m a disbeliever of whitening care of make up, so the P200 premium for the True White (each refill cost P545) over Perfect Fit’s P300+ price was a bit of a turn off.

ZA True White Two-Way Foundation promises you many things.

ZA versus Shiseido. It is a bit unfair to compare. Shiseido is a high end brand to begin with, but for those looking for a similar feel for less, ZA (much like its sister Majolica Majorca) did the job well. Patted with the sponge over moisturizer or CC cream gives fuller coverage. Dusted lightly with a brush over BB cream or liquid foundation sets the make up. Since it is a powder foundation, I set with a spray toner (Human Nature Balancing Toner is the current favorite) to prevent caking. For my oily skin, coverage lasted a good 5-8 hours needing only an oil blotting sheet. But I did notice the powder separates a bit in the forehead area, thereby needing touch ups and re-blending.

ZA True White Plus Two-Way Foundation ingredients

ZA True White Plus Two-Way Foundation ingredient list

ZA does not claim to be an organic brand, as can be confirmed from True White foundation’s ingredient list. I am no expert in the long term effects of this cocktail of chemicals, but suffice it to say that I experienced no breakouts or allergies. Also, double cleansing at the end of the day is always non negotiable to ensure I’ve washed it all off.

The verdict. I can say nothing definitive about the claimed whitening properties, having used the product for only over a month now and also having no desire for whitening. Is it a perfect substitute for a Shiseido compact? No. Is it a good dupe. Yes. ZA’s version had the mandatory fine-milled powder to ensure good skin fit without the heavy feeling, in a good formula that risks neither allergy nor break outs. For all of those things, ZA moves up my recommended and repurchase list.

Life and Lemons

Furniture Shopping in Paco

Posted on December 1, 2013

After scoffing about all the cons of condo living, I find myself bound to live in one. It is a 21 square meter shoe box — I mean, studio — with high ceilings making an appreciated effort to compensate for the floor space. But still, space is an issue, and so is the furnishing expense. A trusted little bee told me the answer lies in Paco, Manila and so off I go.

A homey scene fronting Bree n Bruce Marketing in Paco Manila.

My aunt who works nearby performed the kindness of scouting the area. After a few inquiries and a lot of haggling, she singled out Bree and Bruce Marketing right along the street. You will see a lot of these furniture, hardware and glass stores side by side and prices I would imagine would be quite competitive. Also, you would have the option between getting the goods right off the shelf or having them made specially. Since we are on a time crunch, ready-to-prop items are the requirement.

I came on a Saturday armed with my list, cash (plastic is worthless down these parts) and a measuring tape, together with my mother and my Manila aunt. The shop opened by 8:30 am and we were the buena mano customers. Luck all around.

First impression: an abundance of stuff. The place is literally stocked through every inch with tables, chairs, dining sets, cabinets, sofas, mirrors, and stools, with beds of all sizes crowding the second floor. There is hardly enough room to shimmy through without bumping into anything. Therefore, I was not wanting for options. Ate Winnie was our sales person and official guide through the maze. Her rote memory of the prices of each stacked item plus her patience for our incessant haggling and querying were impressive. After a short hour or so of scrutinizing, we ordered the following items:

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Total cost: P22,600

Plan: Double deck bed, single size on top, double at the bottom in dark wood. All other furniture in white or light wood.

Reality: Single size double deck bed, all furniture in dark wood. When everything was installed in the unit, the dark wood-all around theme actually worked. I would have wanted an all wood double deck like the one we have at home, but it understandably came with a heftier price tag. Also with those prices, you cannot expect thick materials, so although sturdy, the cabinet for example is not thick enough to be drilled on the wall. With careful use though, I trust these items will go a long way.

By the way, although Ate Winnie was kind and accommodating through and through, she could do nothing about the charges. Paid P200 to deliver the goods in Makati plus an additional P100 to carry our other Paco buys in their truck. A small price to pay to forego the hassle of carrying the stuff ourselves. The kind delivery team arrived at the building on the afternoon of the same day, delivered each item and carefully set up the double deck to finish the deal.

Viola!

Now for curtains and pots and pans and bathroom implements…

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If you found this post helpful, grateful for a coffee!

Life and Lemons

2013 Birthday Round Up

Posted on December 1, 2013

It’s my birthday. Let them all eat cake!

If you let it, quite a few special things happen when you hit another birthday. I think the secret is in waking up on your special day feeling that it is special. Like you’re a kid in your new pajamas opening your eyes to your 7th birthday anticipating a pony. I knew I wasn’t going to get a pony, but I learned a few new things, which I think is what you are supposed to do on your big 2-8, really.

1. The thoughtful presents count more. A birthday greeting from my mom, a Loki 7/11 tumbler and plastic violet birthday sunglasses from my sisters, a chocolate mousse jr from officemates = priceless.

2. God reserves the year’s best presents for your birthday. He gives you the things you need without you asking for them. Hopefully He also doesn’t mind if you keep fervently repeating the same request at each opportunity for prayer.

3. It’s not all about you. It’s about family and friends. It’s about the people I could help in my tiny little way. And as Charlie so wisely said, it’s also about my mom:

“I love my mom so much. I don’t care if that’s corny to say. I think on my next birthday, I’m going to buy her a present. I think that should be a tradition. The kid gets gifts from everybody, and he buys one present for his mom since she was there, too. It think that would be nice.”
– Charlie (Perks of being a Wallflower, Stephen Chobsky)

Photo credits to willworth.co.uk

Food Review Healthy Living

Review: Greens Vegetarian Restaurant and Cafe

Posted on November 10, 2013

Greens, literally: Greens Vegetarian Restaurant and Cafe lives up to the name from the moment you cross the gate. Photo by Hazel Caasi

One newly adopted cat and several vegetarian-related and animal-lover-related Facebook likes later and here I was: back to being a pescetarian. The end goal is to be a vegetarian or even a vegan, but how am I supposed to do that with my love for all things sushi? The mystery remains.

In the meantime, I have been on the lookout for affordable, delectable pescetarian-friendly eats that would shame all who did not believe in the cause. First on my list is Greens Vegetarian Restaurant and Cafe, and what better excuse to try it than my monthly (umm) Satur-date with my friend Hazel, the Envisci-goddess cum photojournalist extraordinaire cum lover of all things nature.

Greens was conveniently located in QC, and was easily reached through a short taxi ride from Capitol Medical Center thanks to trusty iOS GPS. Other means to get there are detailed in their Facebook page here.

Home is where the good-for-you food is. Warm interiors at Greens. Photo by Hazel Caasi.

Just like most of the restaurants in QC, Greens was a quaint, home-turned-restaurant affair. Cross the humble iron gates and you are welcomed by a tarp bearing the name and plants and climbing vines with trees that lord over the landscape, as if guarding the little koi pond. It seems the koi pond is a requirement with these QC restos. I’m going to keep count of them from now on.

If you expected the interior to be homey as well, it will not disappoint. Lived in chairs and tables dot the floor, with globes of light hanging from the ceiling. We arrived a little bit past 12pm, just in time for lunch.

From top left: The doorway to vegetarian goodness. Selected from the menu: Primavera pasta, Melanzane Parmigiana, Greens Three for All. Photo by Hazel Caasi.

The thing with my friend and myself is that when we order, we forget that we are only two girls with limited stomach space. We need to have an appetizer, one main course each, drinks and of course, dessert (non-negotiable). But for Greens, they have serving sizes good for one person, so we were able to sample their menu without needing a doggy bag afterwards.

We ordered their Greens Three for All (P150) for appetizer – because getting a sampler is always a good idea. You can select 3 appetizers from their menu when you get this. We chose their veggie sticks, potato patties and fried mushrooms. Since all of these were fried, I’m pretty sure the vegetables’ health benefits were already zapped at the pan. But in any case, the veggie sticks were a wonderful creation. Thinly sliced assorted vegetables covered in nori, batter and deep fried – it offered a unique bite. Their potato patties and fried mushrooms were good too. I only wish there were more potatoes. Deep friend potato is my Kryptonite.

For the main course, I had the Melanzane Parmigiana (P115), which quelled my sudden craving for baked eggplant smothered in cheese. I suppose this dish was not vegan but it was definitely vegetarian, as if the vegetables substituted for meat and lasagna noodles. The eggplant was baked to perfect tenderness with a bite, and cheese in any form is always awesome.

Hazel, if I remembered correctly, got their Primavera pasta (P80) which was your regular tomato-and al dente-noodle affair. Good, of course, but by this time I was regretting a little bit that we were not adventurous enough to try their non-meat sisig, barbecue and other hits. Obviously I am still new to this mock-meat idea. Definitely next time.

Greens housed other green buys: Human Nature products and other select vegetarian goodies like mock meat, malunggay tea, etc.

Greens opened in August 2001. It is a genuine lacto vegetarian restaurant. That means no meat, no fish, and no eggs. Vegan options are also available.

92 Sct. Castor St., 1103 Quezon City, Philippines

(632) 415-4796, +639327830534 (sun)

greensresto@gmail.com

Photo credits to Hazel Caasi 🙂

Movie Review

Review: Thor – The Dark World

Posted on November 3, 2013

Thor: The Dark World proves to be a mighty sequel

I walked in the theater with high expectations while cushioning my heart for failure. The first Thor movie had me making googly eyes at the Norse god of thunder and by natural law of transitivity, at Chris Hemsworth. Thor’s stint at that epic movie mash-up that is the Avengers solidified my fandom. And thanks to his charismatic, intelligent portrayal in both movies and the actor’s charming Twitter antics and appearances, my affection grew for the god of mischief, Loki and by the same transitive law, Tom Hiddleston.

Historically, with that much bias and high hopes, disappointment is sure to follow. Add to that the slew of trailers released for Thor: The Dark World. The sneak peak of the visuals were definitely breathtaking, the action scenes orchestrated to be massive, with Thor and Jane Foster reunited at last. I feared the film will fall back on those elements – CG effects, winding action sequences, a flimsy love angle — all held up by a soup of a story.

Why, I was happy to be wrong.

Thor: The Dark World‘s success is built on the harmonic marriage between its greatest assets – the literally epic realms wherein Thor and the Asgardians live and prosper, and the mortal, human relationships that somehow makes everything believable. Odin claims, “we are not gods.” And as the film moves, you believe him. Thor is not invulnerable, his hammer Mjolnir is not invincible. Odin, though the Allfather, is not God Omniscient and ever wise, and was actually revealed to be narrow-minded, arrogant, and discriminating at his worst. The characters have to make choices and sacrifices just like any mortal. Heimdall, Fandral, Volstagg and Lady Sif chose treason in full trust and support of Thor. Sif chose to look past her unrequited love and take up her warrior’s spear instead. Queen Frigga‘s brave spar with Malekith obviously had no wholly triumphant end, but still I was hopeful until the blade slid through her flesh.

Thor and Loki: the uneasy alliance of brothers.

Since I speak of hope this might be the best segue to the most important relationship of all in the film. The Avengers’ triumph in New York ended with Loki — master-diva of the evil plot — in shackles and behind Asgardian bars. We see him unrepentant, unaffected by Odin’s might and venom. But we see that Frigga can reach him where Odin, and maybe even Thor could not, and there sparks the flicker of hope. When Thor approaches him with a thinly sealed pact, Thor’s frankness about his complete lack of trust of him, and absent desire to grieve for their common loss could have been the best way to approach the sly Loki. Thor made it known to Loki that he is stronger, wiser, less gullible than before. But when they were playing out the plot together, Thor and Loki’s bickering and natural chemistry showed that their bond lies deeper than both would recognize. Loki’s willingness to lend his talents and magic to Thor’s cause, to protect Jane and fight for them, reveals the slim possibility that he may not be too far gone. Yes, I say that even with how the film ended.

Jane proves that an astrophysicist is no damsel in distress.

Jane’s relationship with Thor, central in the first film, is a crucial plot line here too (albeit less so than Loki’s). Their easy chemistry and strong attraction that went beyond realms anchored the film to Earth (pun intended). I liked it that Jane, though not a warrior princess like Sif, was not the typical damsel in distress. She is intelligent, confident, and brave, enough to hold her own even in front of Asgardian royalty. Although she started the movie as a host to one of the most menacing energies in the universe, Thor could not have saved the Nine Realms without her scientific genius and her team.

That said, the film benefits greatly from its stellar cast. Led by the charismatic, much improved Chris Hemsworth who brings the god of Thunder to realistic life, flanked by superstars Natalie Portman, Anthony Hopkins, Rene Russo, Christopher Eccleston, Stellan Skarsgard among many others, and of course, the one and only Tom Hiddleston, Thor: the Dark World was equipped with more than CGI to deliver Marvel movie magic.

Is this still my biased word? Definitely. This review is my personal opinion after all. But if I have managed to entice you to watch Thor: the Dark World, then my work here is done. See you again for Captain America: The Winter Soldier and X-Men Days of Future Past.