My 1st Pro Food Photography Gig....

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I clearly remember that I promised to refrain from taking pictures of food for a while..but just before the week ended..just after I posted my last entry, I got a text message from one of my mentors (Greg Valerio) inviting me to join him on his next project which was to shoot the menu for this newly opened restaurant inside a hotel located somewhere in Intramuros. Without any 2nd thoughts, I immediately re-scheduled my appointment for that day to give way to this rare invitation.

I remember waking up really excited that day.. the weather was never an issue to me. Rain or shine.. if there's a will, there's a way! We were supposed to start after lunch but the chef had to make some preparations. We didn't really mind for we knew the food had to look perfect! Being a food enthusiast myself, I made an effort to get to know the chef so we could exchange some of our ideas and made suggestions on the design etc. Tay Greg was the lead photographer of course then he would let me do some clicks afterwards.

One by one, the chef presented his finest creations.. a feast for the eyes as well as the tummy!
My idea was to present the food in the most appealing way as possible and to make people crave for more!! So before I clicked the shutter, I wanted to satisfy my eyes first.. I had to feel it!! All my shots I may say were from the eyes of a person who is deeply passionate about food.. someone who shares a romance with the culinary arts.

I noticed I love taking tight shots of food for I think, the closer you are, the more we tend to be attracted to it. The more you see the texture of the meat, the freshness of the produce and the brilliance of the sauce, the more you feel like tasting it!

Here are some of the best shots...

No need for detailed descriptions for the photos speak for themselves..

 For starters we have a plate of cold cuts to tickle your taste buds....

and the chosen beverage.. a tall glass of Watermelon Shake!

A truly refreshing drink!

Let's now begin with the main courses...

A savory Pork dish garnished with red and green peppers!! yum yum!!!

Fish Fillet Szechuan style... now this dish really really made me wanna grab and stuff it in my mouth!! The aroma was just sooooo good! Like a man wearing seductive perfume!! It was irresistible!! FUCK!!!

This next one is also another killer!! Penne Pasta with Shrimps!! Boy oh boy I'm starting to perspire!! Phew!! I believe I need not to tell you on how it tasted (I actually didn't)

Roast Beef Panini.. another tummy filler!!! Love the fries!

Next we have a classic Filipino dish.. Sinigang na Hipon (Sour Shrimp Stew).... Had to decorate the sides to give it a fresh feel!

Pizza has always been on top of my list whenever I eat out!

Here's their version this classic Italian favorite.... topped with fresh zucchinis, mushrooms and a variety of Italian sausages!

The international favorite.. the famous medium rare steak!!!

Most steaks go well with seasoned baked potatoes on the side...

For our sweet ending... A fine delicate serving of  Italian Blueberry Panna Cota...

This shoot was indeed a dream come true for me!

Who would think that this Manila girl who was once exposed to loads of cookbooks during her early years would one day take photos like these? 

I started out as an ordinary food blogger  last year .... eager to show the world her food adventures and culinary secrets.. Never have I imagined that I would one day get serious on taking photos of food!! It's really nice to discover another niche! Makes me feel special!

So far, I get a lot of praises on my food photos.. I know I'm still not an expert so I'm very much willing to learn!

Food Photography is definitely one of my fortes and I aim to show you far better and more tempting shots next time! I only started photography roughly 4 months ago so I'm certain to improve in the days to come..

I just have to stay focused and committed in learning this art.

I am definitely hungry.. not just for food but for more knowledge. Who knows? I may become a  professional food photographer for real!!!! That sounds like a cool 2nd job!!!!!

I hope you liked this entry! Please tell me what you think of the shots!!! I'm dying to hear your comments!

A Place Conducive For Romance....

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You've made a wise decision my friend!! Thank you for visiting my blog! You're doing yourself a really big favor!!! Lay down your woes for a while for it's time for us to fall in-love once again.....

Giggles, starry eyes, blushes, pounding hearts and more giggles... these are what my buddy Badeth and I felt all throughout our Bellini's experience! We weren't prepared for it actually.. but it turned out to be a real treat! Never thought 2 single gals like us would totally feel in-love once again.. Not with eachother ofcourse (we're no lesbos! eeww!!) We instantly felt the love vibe immediately after entering the place. The interiors, furniture, wines, aromas that filled the whole area, the music that'll surely put you in the mood! The feeling was soo magical!! To be in-love is really a wonderful feeling!

AAAhhhhh nothing beats the feeling of falling in-love!! The sweet smiles, the glances, butterflies in your guts, the sleepless nights, the thrill of the 1st kiss, how time flies when you talk, the feeling like your soul just wants to come out of your body and unite with that someone, you don't even need to say words for actions says it all..the feeling as his hands would touch yours... I could go on and on....an indescribable feeling! I just love everything about it!! How magical it is indeed when 2 people start feeling adoration for each other...
I believe it's a gift that should be enjoyed, embraced and cherished! Yiheeee!!! Rape! Rape!! hahahah

While waiting for that lucky guy, I keep myself busy these days by just being myself, taking lots of pictures and having fun! Last weekend, I invited my buddy Badeth (Frank's niece) to Cubao Expo for some drinks at Mogwai's. Upon arrival, we noticed that all seats in all bars were taken, leaving us with no other choice...ok ok for the record, I've been really wanting to visit Bellini's for years now, but my timing was always not a good one. This time, it was just perfect! We immediately went in and boy were we mesmerized by the romantic ambiance!We were like transported to Venice with our amores serenading us! hahahahah

It was just love at first sight! I immediately picked a really fancy table near the antipastos ( so I can easily take snapshots!) The waiters were so accommodating! After ordering, I quickly took Maggie (my camera) out of the bag and started taking photos like there was no tomorrow! It made me miss my photography buddy Angkel (uncle) Frank. I'm sure he'd also love this place as well. The interiors were awesome with a mixture of wines, glasses, paparazzi photos and artworks surrounding the area, the lighting so perfect, the aromas very enticing, the music kept you in the mood. In short.. the perfect place conducive for romance.. Love was definitely in the air!

The food was as magnificent as the whole place! I'm at awe! I'm just sooo excited to show you our pics so here they are....

 As you can see, Badeth and I couldn't get over that feeling of excitement.. like tourists visiting an exotic place for the first time! hahaha

Now let's get down to business ... the most fun part! Let's check out the food!
Too bad we already had a heavy meal before this visit. As I said earlier, this trip was unexpected. But what the heck!? There will always be room for some good food! Who cares about dieting anyway? hahahaha

"10 Quattro Formaggio (4 Cheese Pizza) 250php-
Recommended for all you cheese addicts like me!
I'm a big fan of thin crust pizzas so no wonder I'm gonna

give it 2 Thumbs Up! Take it up a notch by drizzling some Chili Oil on it!!
It gave it a really nice kick!! Thinking about it makes me wanna drool! Waaaahhhhh

Antipastos 350php - These appetizers look really
tempting! Perfect with some Foccacia (Italian bread with herbs). You get to have a bit of everything at this price though I think it's costly. It's worth a try! Treat yourself once in a while!

Sweet Wine (80php per glass) - Wahhh what can I say? just looking at it makes me wanna rape someone! hahaha!
I've always been fascinated with wines! I guess the reason why I love the French and Italians so much is because they remind me on how abundant and beautiful life is…The serving was pretty big! Feel the "heat" after a few sips! Worth every peso! Definitely a must try!!

Look closely as Bedeth enjoys her sweet wine experience...... She was never the same afterwards... bitten by the Love Bug perhaps! Naks!

Just before dessert, I tried to recall some Italian phrases I learned way back in college.. surprisingly, the waiter was actually very fluent in Italian! We were really dazzled! Badeth instantly blushed! hehehe
His name is Randy by the way!
We were also fortunate to meet the man behind everything! The owner himself.. Senior Roberto Bellini! He asked me about Italian Operas etc! I surely had a mental block that time! Good thing he could speak English well! Before becoming a restaurateur, he was a Paparazzi... wow! Amazing! A real paparazzi right in front of me!! Some of his photos are displayed on the wall!!! Cool!!!!

Orange Cake (130php) - Warm, filling, sweet and tangy.. I love every bite of it! And because I can't find the words to fully describe it, I believe it's better to show you my facial expressions while enjoying this heavenly treat.....

Before....

.... After! Nuff said!

The perfect spot to express vows of love!!!! Tip to all guys..... No girl could ever say no to any proposal if you take her to this place!!! Simply perfect!!!! I myself would like to experience this one day! Why not?

Allow me to be a little cheesy for a while.....

Here's a picture of me while dreaming of meeting Mr. Right!

I'm certain that it would be such a memorable day!

This moment is definitely worth the wait!

To all interested guys out there.. send me your resumes ASAP!!

ahahahaha I guarantee that the experience would be mind blowing!!! hahahaha

A sweet experience deserves a sweet ending! La Dolce Vita! Life is truly sweet!!!! May we all live life to the fullest and strive to always seek happiness in every endeavor! Perhaps one of the main reasons on why I never tire of looking for nice places and doing what I enjoy is because it's part of my journey to bliss... and I want to share it to the whole world for I want YOU to be happy as well! Living on Earth is Heaven enough for me!

I hope you enjoyed this week's entry like I did! Ciao!!!

Visit them at the Cubao Expo

for reservations....

Bellini's Italian Restaurant

913-25-50

Las Paellas Cafe at the Galleria

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These days I've been very busy reading inspirational books, listening to lots of songs, seeking inspiration for new materials and talking with old old friends. Every lunchtime, before I go to the office, I hang around  at Robinson's Galleria between 12-1pm (tip for my stalkers). After getting off the bus, I go straight to church to meditate and pray... afterwards, I  pass by Mercury Drug to get my daily dose of drugs (to keep me high hahaha!) then to National Bookstore to check out their new releases.

I've already visited quite a number of restos in this mall but I often find myself settling for this place because of its ambiance, a friendly waitress named Sher and ofcourse the variety of Spanish cuisine which they offer. I guess I haven't metioned before that my grandma is actually half Spanish (too bad I got my skin color from the Pinoy side but I love it anyway!) so I grew up in a house with servants, kusineras, hardineros hahaha no joke! I would sometimes hear my Lola speak in Spanish and I would often find her in the kitchen, preparing her signature dishes (those were the best days!).

 Lola influenced me in so many ways.. my love for food, cooking, the good life and partly in music as well 'coz every "siesta" (afternoon naps), she would either turn on the radio or play some old records on the turn table. Hahahah I remember I would often pretend to sleep 'coz failure to do so would mean no "merienda" (snack) Bwahahaha!

Anyway, this place reminds me of my Lola a lot that's why I feel really at home here. If  I'd have the chance to see Lola soon, I'd like to take her here. Too bad it's been a long time since I last saw her for our house is actually being guarded by a fierce evil dragon named .......hahahah secret! I heard my Lola is still fine though not as strong as before.. I think she's already 85yrs old. God I miss her sooo much! (huhuhu can't help it)

Ok ok, let me talk about the food....

Lapu lapu Fillet- 185 pesos

- Crispy Lapu-lapu fillets fried to perfection topped

  with a very flavorful safron mushroom sauce which

  compliments the fish well!

I know I've been on a strict no-rice diet lately but what the heck! This is really really good food we're talking about!

During my next visit I didn't feel like eating rice anymore so I tried their Spanish Chorizo Pizza

 This crispy paper thin crust pizza tasted like a million bucks! I'm a big fan of thin pizzas by the way! It's loaded with mozzarella, onions, garlic, olives and chorizo!

Oh before I forget, it costs around 190 pesos. I find it a bit costly for such a small pizza though..

hmmmm maybe next time, I can feature my very own pizza recipe! haha why not?Mine all mine!!!!!

Next time, I plan to order Fish and Chips, Spanish Adobo rice and ofcourse, I can't wait to try their Paellas!! It's good for 3-4 persons so I guess I'd have to invite some of my chums!

If you wanna join me, you're very much welcome! Just email me so we can set a date ok?!

Ciao!

Growing up with 3M Pizza Pie

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Despite the countless Pizza outlets around the country, 3M Pizza Pie holds a special place in my heart......





Aside from its very unique Pinoy taste, I can say that 3M Pizza has been part of my childhood. It served as my reward for sleeping in the afternoon... Lola (grandma) would always give me spare coins after waking up and would allow me to run to the nearest 3M Pizza a block away from our house. I was a sickly pampered spoiled brat then... so my trips to 3M Pizza were considered as minutes of freedom!! hehehe

The stand didn't look like a regular one, it was very small.. very very small...with one chair, a hand painted sign and a locally made oven that you had to put on a stove burner. It was placed just beside a local drugstore along Anonas Rd, QC. If I remember right, a slice costed around 2 pesos (around 1985 I actually thought it was expensive! hehehe). I was amazed by the fact that I can buy per slice!! I only knew 2 kinds of pizza during that time.. 3M and Shakey's! hahaha I remember my family would often eat at Shakey's Ali Mall. It looked very different then for they had regular bands performing live. Those were really fond memories. Anyway............



When my grandparents migrated to the US, mom and I had to move to Fairview 'coz my parents got separated in 1986 so I never had the chance to enjoy 3M Pizza for a very long time.... It was only in 1998 when I found out that 3M Pizza was still in business. Most of them are now located in shopping malls with very presentable kiosks and colorful ads. I was very impressed 'coz they were able to preserve the taste after all these years! They even introduced more varieties... but the crust and distinct sauce remains the same!

I think they don't use mozzarella cheese though..but I think that's what makes it so Pinoy.








3M Supreme medium (150pesos of 3$)

-signature crunchy thin crust dough topped with their

secret pinoy style sauce, generous layers of ham, pepperoni, sausage, onions, pineapple chunks, bits of bell peppers and loads of locally produced cheese baked to perfection! I like it really toasted! hihihi











The medium size is ideal for 2 hungry tummies.

After Jr and I had a stressful afternoon in preparation for a gig that night, we've decided to take a quick break and reward ourselves with delicious slices of 3M Supreme.













Now you see it....








Now you don't!!!







Bwahahahaha I want more!!!!


Weekends become more rewarding with good food shared with the people you love! Naks!



Enjoy life's simple rewards!!!!!

Happy Birthday Jr!! May God shower you with more blessings!