Payless Pancit Shanghai Sweet & Spicy BBQ

Product name: Payless Pancit Shanghai Sweet & Spicy BBQ
Manufacturer: Universal Robina Corporation
Classification: Not-so-new

Review:

Tired of my usual dry noodles at home, I went to the grocery to check out if there's anything new in the noodle section. Fortunately, I found Payless Pancit Shanghai.

I usually buy Payless Pancit Shanghai before but since it's not so popular to the stores near my place, I stopped looking for it and just buy whatever's available. So when I saw this food item and its flavor, I was really glad.

Unlike the other popular brands, Payless Pancit Shanghai uses flat noodles. And for the same price with its competitors, it offers a larger flavor-oil pack plus some vegetables.

As I've said earlier, I've already tried other Payless Pancit Shanghai noodles but I can say that this Sweet & Spicy BBQ variant is the best. Its taste is greatly influenced by Eastern culinary arts. And the flavor really reminds us of the taste of the favorite Pinoy pork barbecue or what we call "inasal". Having this taste in noodles is really impressive.

Payless Pancit Shanghai is also healthy for it has no preservatives added. You can buy it in all leading supermarkets nation-wide and in some local stores near you.

RATINGS

Taste: 93% More please!

Price: 85% Just fine.

Overall: 90.6% Quite impressive

San Marino PR: Sensational flavors star in Sarap at Home Season 4

(Note: PR from San Marino Corned Tuna; taken from Manila Times, Oct. 21, 2011)


ENTERTAINING IMPROMPTU GUESTS? Dealing with fussy eaters? Living on a budget? Working at warp speed and need a faster-than-ever dish that's sure to impress? In the fourth installment of Sarap at Home on GNTV11, expect delicious answers and quick fixes to all these and to your other cooking dilemmas.

PERFECT TOGETHER

This season, resident host Sam Oh will be joined by actress Jackie Rice, hunky model Fabio Ide, and funny man Ramon Bautista to give everyone an exhilarating time episode after episode. What else makes the new season stand out? Sam say, "We're giving the show a bit of a sitcom approach now while still highlighting the many recipes our viewers can create with San Marino products. The unpredictable twists and reveals that are going to happen in Sarap at Home are something to watch out for. With that and the addition of Jackie, Fabio, and Ramon, it's definitely going to be a really, really exciting show to watch!"

Witness how these four get intertwined in each other's lives - Sam falls for her gorgeous neighbor Fabio, who has a crush on her pretty probinsiana cousin Jackie, while comic Ramon is in love with Sam! Who will end up with whom? Better stay tuned!

JUST POP OPEN A CAN!

Tons of incredibly simple, easy-to-prepare, and budget-friendly recipes will surely wow you this season. And all of these dishes are deliciously created with: San Marino Corned Tuna, the number #1 corned tuna in the Philippines, the fiery San Marino Chili Corned Tuna, the full-packed meal San Marino Tuna Paella, and their newest product innovation, the ready-to-eat, no-need-to-fry San Marino Tuna Embutido.

Definitely, turning everyday meals to gourmet meals are made delectably easy and speedy with San Marino! Each product is also rich in Omega-3 and DHA which is good for the brain and heart. So whether you're in the mood for cooking and creating new delicious dishes with San Marino, all you need is to catch each episode of Sarap at Home to learn a valuable tip or two on cooking.

BIZ BEST

Another thrilling twist to the show's new season and wonderful news to those keen on starting up their own businesses: CDO Foodservice will also be sharing helpful tips on how to set up your own food businesses. Be your own success story too by learning important business trade secrets, quality food products, and business start-up solutions that will be generously shared by the CDO Foodservice throughout the season. CDO Foodservice will surely be a huge help in making your dreams of owning and running a business come true, whether you are planning to start up a small business, looking for a foodservice partner or have a food product you want to conceptualize and develop. CDO Foodservice has always believed in making things happen and with their help, so should you.

TRUE TASTE OF THE SEASON

Sarap at Home Season 4 will surely shake up your cooking routine and wake up your taste buds. Get ready for flavor-filled episodes and be part of the everyday lives, struggles, and triumphs of Sam, Jackie, Fabio, and Ramon. Plus, whet your appetite with these four exciting products - San Marino Corned Tuna, San Marino Chili Corned Tuna, San Marino Tuna Paella, and San Marino Tuna Embutido - everyday!

Can't have enough of the Sarap at Home and San Marino duo? Make sure to catch Sarap at Home on GNTV11 Channel from Mondays to Sundays.

Roasters' Rostas

Product name: Roasters' Rostas (Cheddar Cheese)
Manufacturer: Pinnacle Foods Incorporated
Classification: New

Review:

Want some chips with a Mexican feel? Try Roasters' Rostas.

Roasters' Rostas is a snack made from roasted corn chips. It is manufactured by Pinnacle, a member of the Rebisco Group. The snack is usually packaged in 25g and in cheddar cheese flavor.

I was able to purchase this food in a local store. It looks new so I didn't hesitate to buy it not because it would contribute to this blog but because it reminded me of Mr. Chips.

Anyway, Rostas is truly different from Mr. Chips. Although they are both made of corn and both cheese-flavored, you can already tell the difference once you take a bite. Rostas chips are thick, crispy and at the same time light and airy. While, Mr. Chips though crispy, they are thin and a bit hard.

With regards to the taste, I refuse to compare Rostas with Mr. Chips especially since the latter is actually of nacho chips. Rostas exudes a certain Mexican appeal making you think of grilled corn with its aroma. Its taste is really remarkable since it has a hint of being roasted and the cheese flavor isn't salty but just enough to blend.

Roasters' Rostas is available in leading supermarkets and some stores near you.

RATINGS

Taste: 92% More please!

Price: 84% Just fine

Overall: 89.6% Quite impressive.

CDO Tocino Loaf

Product name: CDO Tocino Loaf
Manufacturer: CDO Foodsphere Inc.
Classification: Not-so-new

Review:

Whenever I go to the supermarket and buy canned foods, it has been a habit for me to get a few cans of luncheon meat. But just a few weeks ago, I got tired and decided not to buy some for the meantime. So, I stayed at the canned goods section for a while, thinking what else to get. Then,  I spotted CDO Tocino Loaf.

I must admit that the product raised one of my eyebrows and had me curious. I bought two cans and decided to try it.

At home, I opened a can and had the loaf sliced and fried. While cooking, you can already smell the sugary aroma of tocino. In fact, you might even think that what's really cooking is tocino. The only difference is that, this food does not have caramelized sugar on it.

When all is ready, I got some rice and had a taste of the Tocino Loaf. It has this meaty goodness perfectly combined with a hint of sweetness from its flavor. A good choice for viand. And, I'm sure it will also make a good sandwich filling. A baon that kids would love.

CDO Tocino Loaf can be eaten as is or fried with a little amount of cooking oil. It is available in all supermarkets and stores nationwide.


RATINGS
Taste: 92% More please!
Price: 90%  Worth every cent.
Overall: 91.4% Excellent!

Zesto Iced Teas Apple

Product name: Zesto Iced Teas
Manufacturer: Zesto Corporation
Classification: New

Review:

Well, if you're thinking that iced tea only comes in powdered and bottled drinks then think again.

Zesto Iced Teas is the latest beverage from Zesto in the famous tetra-pack packaging. I was looking for bottled ones when my eyes caught sight of Zesto Iced Teas. It appeared unique to me so instead of buying my regular iced tea drink, I tried this one.

The beverage is very refreshing. It fascinated me that the apple flavor of the drink is nice. In fact it is competitive enough to match the bottled ones. And it seems that this latest addition to the competing green teas in the market will give a good fight.

Another thing I like about this product is that it is rich in Vitamin C. Something that we all need with the kind of weather we have right now. Plus extra points since this drink is easier to carry than the bottled ones.

Zesto Iced Teas is available in leading supermarkets nationwide.

RATINGS

Taste: 92% More please!

Price: 83% Just fine.

Overall: 89.3% Quite Impressive.

Monde Coco Bites Cookies

Product name: Coco Bites Cookies
Manufacturer: Monde Nissin Corporation
Classification: New

Review:

Cookies are one of my favorite midnight snacks especially when I'm working. I love munching on them either with coffee or iced tea or cola. So when I spotted Coco Bites in the supermarket, I grabbed some right away.

Looking at the packaging, I had high hopes for this food item. It is the newest biscuit from Monde and I really love their products. As soon as I got home, I opened one pack and took a bite. And... my hopes were gone.

Based on the packaging, the cookies are with real coconut bits. Well they do have coconut bits however, there's something odd in the taste. It's quite confusing as to what makes the taste strange. It might have been that the amount of flour in the cookie is just too much. Or maybe it's because of the coconut flavor. It just doesn't taste right. The cookie and the flavor don't blend well.

I thought that maybe I was wrong for judging it that way. The texture is okay and the taste somehow is still tolerable (like when you're tired and hungry). So as for second opinion, I asked my aunt and cousin to taste the other packs of Coco Bites. When my cousin took the first bite, she gave it the "WTH" reaction and I also saw my tita wrinkling her head. It seems they both agree with me then.

Oh well, it's not that bad though. Maybe Monde can still do something about it. Like make it sweet or add some more milk to taste.

Monde Coco Bites is available in all leading supermarkets and in different stores nationwide. Grab some and tell me if you have a different opinion from mine. It will be much appreciated. :)

RATINGS

Taste: 75% Oh well...

Price: 81% Just fine

Overall: 76.8% Not bad.

Free Milo Energy Meter

(Disclaimer: Image below does not belong to the blogger and was just taken (and cropped) from the Milo facebook fanpage)

For people who are always on the go and wants to know how much energy they have consumed, here's the perfect gadget for you: the Milo Energy Meter!

Milo Energy Meter is a handy tool that allows people to monitor their energy. You can say that somehow it is similar to a pedometer (gadget used to measure one's foot steps when walking or running).

To get one, you just simply have to buy one 1kg. Milo pack or 200 peso worth of Milo (other packs). Then after making your purchase, keep your receipt in order to claim the energy meter.

To know where you can claim your free energy meter, go to the Milo facebook fanpage. Click Milo Energy Meter link at the sidebar. From there, check for the available schedule and store where you could claim the freebie. Mark it on your calendar and don't forget to go there.

Bring your receipt in your selected store. Remember, only one receipt for one energy meter. Therefore, the receipt you should present for claiming one energy meter is a single purchase of either one 1kg. Milo pack or 200 peso worth of Milo (other packs).

So hurry! Drink Milo now and get your own energy meter.

Win a Boracay Trip with Nescafe Points

(Disclaimer: The photo in this blog post does not belong to the blogger. It was just taken from the web. Sorry but site's url was forgotten.)

Want to win a trip for two to Boracay?

Or how about some exclusive Nescafe items?

Well, here's how...

All you have to do is earn Nescafe points by using Facebook applications at their fanpage. To start, sign-in at your Facebook account and "like" the page.

Next, go to the Nescafe Insights application. You will then be asked for permission for access for the application. Click to allow access. Then, you will be redirected back to the Nescafe Insights. Click again to start the survey. You will be asked to create your account for yourNescafe Points. After that, you can already proceed with answering.

Remember the more points you have, the bigger your rewards. Monthly draws are awaiting everyone who were able to accumulate lots of points. Gadgets and electronic devices are among the usual monthly prizes. Other information regarding the promo are available at the fanpage.

So start collecting points now! It's never too late to register and join. You still have so many days left. After all, promo ends on December 31, 2011.

Lucky Me Pork Ribs

Product name: Lucky Me Pork Ribs
Manufacturer: Monde Nissin Corporation
Classification: Not-so-new

Review:

It was a rainy evening and I was craving for some hot soup. Yet, I'm a bit tight on the budget so I thought of cooking some instant noodles instead. I went to the nearest store and saw Lucky Me Pork Ribs. I've tried almost every product of Lucky Me except for this one. So I guess it's just about time.

Lucky Me Pork Ribs is one of the recent flavors added to the "instant mami" line-up. It was launched just a few months ago. You might remember its commercial of a blind-folded woman tasting the noodles saying that it was able to beat Lucky Me.

This product like the other regular flavors of Lucky Me, also has one pack of seasoning only and is very easy to cook. Since it is created similar to the other regular instant mami, the noodles are just exactly the same. With that, I focused my attention more on the flavor.

I was really curious on how it's gonna taste. My idea of pork ribs as a dish is usually associated with caldereta and sinigang. But then, I can't imagine any of those in an instant noodles. That's why I'm just so grateful that Lucky Me didn't adopt any of those as a flavor.

The soup tasted like a local pork stew. It's aroma and meaty flavor are very appetizing and really ideal for a cold weather. Although I think the noodles would be better if there would be a few bits of meat and vegetables just like what they have for their gourmet noodles.

Lucky Me Pork Ribs is available in all stores and leading supermarkets in the country. It is priced just like the regular Beef and Chicken Mami.


RATINGS
Taste: 90% Yum-yum!
Price: 85% Just fine
Overall: 88.5% Quite Impressive.

Lipton Ice Tea Sparkling

Product name: Lipton Ice Tea Sparkling
Manufacturer: Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, Inc.
Item Classification: New

Review:

Lipton Ice Tea Sparkling is the most recent beverage Pepsi. It is a thirst-quenching drink that gives a new twist to the good old ice tea.

A carbonated drink, this new product comes in a 500mL plastic bottle which you can conveniently carry around with you. It is available in zesty lemon flavor with the added touch of Lipton's popular iced tea.

Based on my different experiences of drinking iced tea, I could say that this one's really different. When I took my first gulp, I was quite confused because its taste somehow resembles the softdrinks Mountain Dew and Seven Up. Apparently, I haven't looked at the manufacturer at that time yet. So when I found out, my doubts were quickly erased.

What I like most in this drink is that it is refreshing and it has just the right taste. It's not too strong, not too sweet and not too sour like other sodas and iced tea out there. Plus, it's healthy too!

This product is made with no artificial flavors and no colorants. Also, it is done with less sugar and less calories. Truly suitable for health-conscious people who wish to have a gulp of a healthy carbonated drink.

Lipton Ice Tea Sparkling is sold in all leading supermarkets nationwide. Also available in 1litre bottle and in juicy apple flavor. This drink is best consumed when cold so please refrigerate.

RATINGS

Taste: 90% Yum-yum!

Price: 83% Just fine

Overall: 87.9% Quite impressive.

Mocha Topps

Product name: Mocha Topps
Manufacturer: Suncrest Foods Incorporated
Item Classification: Not-so-new

Review:

Mocha Topps is one of the best-selling cupcakes right now here in our area. In every sari-sari store I go to, there's always a pack hanging and being sold. And from what I've noticed, one pack (containing 10 pcs.) only lasts for 3-5 days. It aroused my curiosity and so I checked it out for myself.

At first I was expecting that like some of its competitors, this cupcake is just as annoyingly sweet. But, I was wrong.

Even though Mocha Topps is a mocha cupcake filled with vanilla cream, covered with frosting and topped with candy sprinkles, I could say that the sweetness it possess is tolerable and just right. In fact if you're a coffee lover, you might fall in love with its heavenly scent and taste. It is soft and rich in mocha goodness. And the filling blends very well with the cake making you crave for more.

I could say that it's an awesome treat for a dessert and a wonderful companion too for coffee. But of course, you can eat it anytime you wish to indulge on its yummy taste. I recommend you to have it refrigerated before eating even just for half an hour for best results.

Mocha Topps is available in all leading supermarkets and stores near you. Also in other flavors: cheese and chocolate.

RATINGS

Taste: 98% More please!

Price: 90% Worth every cent.

Overall: 95.6% Excellent!

How to make a Camel

Sorry, but we're not making a camel dish here. The Camel I'm referring to here is the cocktail created with the use of coffee, melon juice and gin. It is a liquor that hardly makes you drunk and often regarded as a ladies' drink.


I've tried drinking this one and I could say that it tastes nice. Not even bitter and quite addicting. So, I asked my aunt who mixed the drink for the recipe. Here it is...

Ingredients:

1 bottle of Ginebra San Miguel gin (350 ml)
1 litro pack of melon juice (35 g, preferrably Oishi Sundays)
1 pack of  brown coffee (25 g, preferrably Kopiko Brown Coffee)
1 tall glass of water


Procedures:

1. Get a pitcher and pour the glass of water. Mix the brown coffee and melon juice. Make sure that all the powder has dissolved.

2. Pour the bottle of San Miguel Ginebra gin to the pitcher. Stir the mixture.

3. Add some ice to chill then serve. This drink is best enjoyed with some chips or fries.


Well, now that you know the procedures of making a camel, you can already try it with your friends. However, please drink moderately.

Happy weekend!

Chiron Chicken Inasal

Product name: Chiron Chicken Inasal
Manufacturer: Stateline Snack Food Corporation
Item Classification: New

Photo above at your left-hand side is the Chiron Chicken Inasal flavor. Photo above at your right-hand side is the Chiron Crispy Pata flavor.


Review:

Ever since the launch of Marty's, a lot of other vegetarian chicharon emerged from different food companies. Some of them, you can already see at the nearest sari-sari store to you. While others are still struggling with the tough competition. Among them is this product.

Chiron Chicken Inasal is the latest vegetarian chicharon from Stateline. I saw this product at a grocery store a few minutes tricycle ride from our house. I was just about to ignore it but I suddenly got interested when I saw its flavor. Chicken inasal - hmmm... tempting!

When I opened the product, the enticing smell started emanating. You can already have a hint of the taste of barbecue just by merely smelling the food. I noticed that unlike other chicharon snacks, this one is thinner and really has a bit of resemblance to chicken skin. When I took a bite, wow... it's crispy! And the taste, you can compare it to a roasted chicken with sweet barbecue sauce.

Another good point about this snack is that it is healthy. It is made from vegetables and has no cholesterol. A perfect companion for parties, outings, watching tv and even at work.

This snack is also available in Crispy Pata flavor (see photo above). Sadly, this product is not yet visible in all the leading supermarkets. But I am hoping that soon it would be.


RATINGS
Taste: 91% More please!
Price: 85% Just fine.
Overall: 89.2% Quite impressive.