Porfirioness

Hot Break at GT Republique in GT Town Center Pavia

Hot Break recently opened at GT Republique, an al fresco food park in GT Town Center Pavia! It specializes on Laksa and Singaporean dishes. After, all Malaysian Chef CHEE SEONG LOU trained Filipino chefs JUNEL LINAR and SHERWIN HERVAS, who worked for five years at Resorts World Manila, to prepare authentic Malaysian and Singaporean dishes.

Hot Break is owned by REINHARDT BALLENTES, CATHY ALCAMPOR, IRENE DIOCOS and MIKEL FERNANDEZ.

Prawns with Broccoli

Black Pepper Chicken, Sambal Kangkong, Prawns with Broccoli and Laksa

Among the must-haves at Hot Break are Sambal Kangkong, Crispy Fried Noodles, Ginger Prawns, Hainanese Chicken, Black Pepper Chicken, Honey Glaze Chicken and Stir-fried Vegetable.

Just inaugurated, GT Republique’s outdoor setup and variation of food plus good music makes it an ideal new place for Ilonggos to hangout.

Crispy Fried Noodles

Cereal Prawns

Hainanese Chicken

Yang Chow

Crispy Fried Noodles, Cereal Prawns, Hainanese Chicken and Yang Chow

GT Republique

GT Republique

A view from the terrace of the Presidential Suite of The Mansion

Recently, hardworking Public Relations Manager of The Mansion NONOI D. YBIERNAS hosted a cocktail party at the hotel’s Presidential Suite.
He gathered some 20 friends. Some came on time while others rushed from other events. After all, it was a busy night for Iloilo’s most veritable partyphiles.

Mars Florete III and Nonoi Ybiernas; Bo Parcon and Jor-El Espina; Anthony and Melitsa Trinidad; and Rachel Santillan and Benoit Aubert

It was party mode at the terrace that overlooked the function rooms and the poolside. Piped-in chill music set the mood for interesting conversations on social weather, fashion and food!
Chef ARNIE PINEDA prepared a sumptuous array of hors d’oeuvres, carvery and pasta! Everyone also enjoyed on overflowing beveragic delights!

Rara Ganzon, Frances May Bedro and Sheila Bermejo; Nana Jover; Rachel Santillan and Mor Espinosa; and Jor-El Espina, Frances May Bedro, Ia Espinosa-Loring and Rara Ganzon

The raison d’ê·tre of the party was to introduce the Presidential Suite for parties, such as despedida de soltera, stag party and small get-together. After receiving his guests, he took them for a tour of the swanky suite.
As if not enough, the partying continued at Freddie’s. A little birdie told me in molto sotto voce that more parties at The Mansion are slated these hot days and nights of summer!

Nonoi Ybiernas, Matthew Du, yours truly and Nico Gumban

Nonoi Ybiernas, Matthew Du, yours truly and Nico Gumban

The hors d’oeuvres, canapés and carvery prepared by Chef Arnie Pineda and his team

The Presidential Suite of The Mansion

According to Roman Catholic tradition, every Friday of Lent is a day of fasting or abstinence of meat.
With this mind, Courtyard by Marriott Iloilo presented Unlimited Seafood at the Runway Kitchen. It was a foodfest of crabs, shrimps, tuna, shellfish, squid and more!

You can have these fresh bounty from the sea cooked the way you want it — be it grilled, fried, sautéed in butter, baked, dip in a sauce, made into ceviche (kinilaw, just like how I wanted the tuna slices prepared) or steamed in a chowder!
Tonight is another guilt-free Friday with Unlimited Seafood dinner buffet!

Bourbon Street’s Main Dining Hall

All four elements were happening in equal measure at Bourbon Street — the cuisine, the wine, the service, and the overall ambience. And for plus point, the latest culinary hub, which opened its second branch recently at the 2^nd level of Festive Walk Mall, offers a panoramic view of the Iloilo Business Park’s Casa Emperador and Megaworld Boulevard!

A view from the Veranda of Bourbon Street at Festive Walk Mall

The opening night was indeed a festive celebration. Dutch chef GUIDO MIJSEEN whipped up an American Southern Dixie inspired dishes of meats, seafood, salad, sausages and pizza! “It was beefy, cheesy, fishy, chicky and chippy,” enthused lifestyle blogger ANTOINE GREG FLORES! The partying went into crescendo with two hothot DJs dishing out retro music!

Chef Guido Mijseen

The cosmopolitan Bourbon Street, which reflects its namesake in New Orleans, Lousiana, is divided into three areas – the Main Dining Hall, Veranda and Private Lounge.

Oh, well, it taught me that dining at Bourbon Street could also happen at a spiritual level!

Bourbon Barbecue Ribs and US Pepper Steak

Original Buffalo Wings and Louisiana Garlic Beef Burger

Four-Cheese Pizza and Cajun Cream Seafood Salad

Royal Baked Salmon

Gourmet Sausage Pizza

Royal Baked Salmon and Gourmet Sausage Pizza

Cajun Burger

Triple Cheese Beef Burger

Cajun Burger and Triple Cheese Beef Burger

Bourbon Special Pizza

Crepe Orange Flambé

Bourbon Special Pizza and Crepe Orange Flambé

Poison of the night: Dalmore Scotch Whiskey

Poison of the night: Moscato Red Wine

Poisons of the night: Dalmore Scotch Whiskey and Moscato Red Wine

Tahum Pop Up Festival Working Committee members: Gem Lacson-Din, Rara Ganzon, Jor-El Espina, Marjorie Florete, Sheila Bermejo and Frances May Bedro

The much-awaited Tahum Pop Up Festival opened its three-day run at Megaworld Iloilo Business Park Showroom with a big bang. It was well attended by movers, shakers, achievers and influencers in society, business, government service and profession!

Tahum was a lifestyle pop up festival of artisan and Filipino crafts with Modern Filipino and Filipiniana themes for booths. It featured food, fashion, jewelry, home, lifestyle and Assumption Tahum finds.

The Assumption Iloilo sisters snip the ceremonial ribbon to open Tahum Pop Up Festival.

Spearheaded by MARJORIE C. FLORETE, President of Assumption Iloilo Education Foundation (AIEF), the passion project was all about wearing, eating, supporting, loving and promoting local.

It was the first and biggest curated all-Filipino pop up festival in Western Visayas. Open to the public, it gathered exhibitors from Cosmo-Manille, Cebu, Bacolod, Antique, Capiz and Iloilo!

Mother and daughter team of Martina Bespoke: Marissa and Bettina Gorriceta

Bettina F. Gorriceta, Beverly Rosales, Joji Rosales, Maritess Lim, Sarah O. Peña and Marissa Florete-Gorriceta

Marjorie Florete and Pauline Gorriceta-Banusing with sisters from Assumption Iloilo; Yoly Marquez-Lim Altavas, Susan Caperonce-Florete and Arlette Deles-Ledesma with friends; Mother and daughter team of Martina Bespoke: Marissa and Bettina Gorriceta; and Bettina F. Gorriceta, Beverly Rosales, Joji Rosales, Maritess Lim, Sarah O. Peña and Marissa Florete-Gorriceta

According to fashion designer JOR-EL ESPINA, a member of the Working Committee, “Tahum highlighted the heart and artistry of the modern Filipino.” The support of Tahum definitely kept alive the weaving industry of the Indigenous People. The festival also aimed to propagate the creativity, talent and craftsmanship of the local artisans.

Jor-El Espina, Bo Parcon, Sheila Marie Golez-Tiongco, Nonoi Ybiernas, Louie Malaca and yours truly

Ia Espinosa-Loring and her Ingrid Candles; Courtyard by Marriott Iloilo’s pride and joy, Nico Ivan Acebedo Velasquez, Joy Alonte and Cleofe Albiso, with fashion designer Jor-El Espina; Au Palomar, Annalisa Chusuey, Susan Caperonce-Florete and Marjorie C. Florete; and Jor-El Espina, Bo Parcon, Sheila Marie Golez-Tiongco, Nonoi Ybiernas, Louie Malaca and yours truly

Tahum was indeed a showcase of Filipino products with global appeal, products that are relevant in the modern time, products that can be worn and used with pride, and products that go beyond the traditional gift or pasalubong.

The proceeds from Tahum will go to Assumption Iloilo Education Foundation’s Gifts that give bACK campaign. This will fund deserving scholars the gift of Assumption education and for the improvement of school facilities and faculty development.

BJ Chavez and his accessories

Apple Baubles booth of Vadette Tan Ong

Antiques from Komoda

BJ Chavez and his accessories; Vadette Tan Ong paints a design on a fan; Apple Baubles booth of Vadette Tan Ong; and antiques from Komoda

Needless to say, Tahum Pop Up Festival was a resounding success, in terms of sales, products and attendance. A little birdie told yours truly that the Working Committee is now planning for its part two!

Painted hairbrushes and bags

Atsara, pickles, sardines and ginamos from T Flavors

Painted hairbrushes and bags; atsara, pickles, sardines and ginamos from T Flavors; accessories from Virtucio; and ginamos from Kusina Estrella  

Anja Rivera, Babes Rivera and John Justo

Nowadays, Mrs Wharton is on the roll. It recently launched “Weddings by Mrs. Wharton.” It is its 2019 Dessert Table for stylish events!

Tres charmante BABES RIVERA, the woman behind Mrs. Wharton, and event stylist JOHN JUSTO were responsible for the beautiful set up.

Before the guests, who included brides-to-be, event organizers, social influencers, youtubers and bloggers, partook of the sweet treats, they were treated to a free 10 minute back and hand massage by masseuses from Spa Rivera, the sister company of Mrs. Wharton.

Naked Cakes and more

The Dessert Table with Naked Cakes and more

Meals and more at Mrs. Wharton

Garden Salad with watermelon and nuts

Sandwich, Salad and Cream Soup

Garden Salad with watermelon and nuts; and Sandwich, Salad and Cream Soup

The subtle change at Mrs. Wharton made a bit of a difference. Not only was there a movement of furniture from here to there and touch up of paint on one of the walls, the menu was expanded to include sandwich, salad, soup, rice meal, drink and pasta choices!
Of course, my favorites – Mango Delight and Red Velvet cakes – are still the must-haves.

Indeed, it was a hearty lunch well-spent!

Mrs. Wharton has two outlets — D’Jabez Bldg., 21st Gen. Luna St., Iloilo City Proper, Iloilo City and Ground Floor of Southpoint in SM City Iloilo.

Chef Brian’s Slow Cooked Pork Chunk

Pork Barbecue on a Stick

Chef Brian’s Slow Cooked Pork Chunk and Pork Barbecue on a Stick

Waldorf Salad

Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Waldorf Salad and Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Triple Decker

Pulled Pork Sandwich with Waldorf Salad

Triple Decker  and Pulled Pork Sandwich with Waldorf Salad

Cottage Pie and Lasagna Grilled Cheese

Mango Delight and Red Velvet 

The cooler juices: Watermelon Shake, Freshly-squeezed Lemonade and Tarragon Calamansi

Tribu Ilonganon members and The Mansion team pose with the Iloilo Dinagyang Festival 2019 Champion Trophy and other awards before the hotel’s façade.

Tribu Ilonganon members and The Mansion team pose with the Iloilo Dinagyang Festival 2019 Champion Trophy and other awards before the hotel’s façade.; and The Mansion’s Arvin de Leon and Nonoi Ybiernas

After 11 years, Tribu Ilonganon of Jalandoni Memorial National High School won the top prize at the Iloilo Dinaygang Festival 2019 Ati Tribe Competition. It bagged the championship in the 2006 and 2007 editions of the festival! Along with the Best Choreographer award for GERLIN G. FRANCISCO, it also received the Best in Choreography and Best in Discipline trophies!

With these accolades, there was a good reason to celebrate! And The Mansion, one of its major sponsors, did just that for its well-deserved victory! It hosted a grand luncheon at Boracay Ballroom and the Poolside Function Rooms for the 500-strong tribe, which is up of the management and artistic team, trainors, warriors, dancers, drummers, supporters and teachers.

Blogger Antoine Greg Flores

Blogger Antoine Greg Flores; and the Iloilo Dinagyang Festival Ati Tribe Competition Championship trophy and other awards, and the image of el Señor Santo Niño, the patron of Iloilo Dinagyang Festival

Jalandoni Memorial National High School Principal SALVADOR BESARES, who manages Tribu Ilonganon, musical director RAYMUND FEROLINO, costume designers PAUL JEROME PINUELA and JOEBERT MODINA, artistic director RHENO MAR S. SOQUEÑO and associate directors LOUIE GEPULLA and RON MATTHEW ESPINOSA hobnobbed with The Mansion’s DERICK LIM, NONOI YBIERNAS, ARVIN de LEON, FERDINAND YANES, VICKY ESCOTO and Chef ARNIE PINEDA.

Jalandoni Memorial National High School Principal Salvador Besares; Tribu Ilonganon choreographer Gerlin G. Francisco, who bagged the Best Choreographer award; Tribu Ilonganon management and artistic team; and Helen Chin, Elma Solilapsi, Nic Reyes, Salvador Mijares, Derick Lim and Ferdinand Yanes

With the championship, Tribu Ilonganon will have the chance to represent Iloilo Dinagyang Festival in Aliwan Festival, the mother of all Philippine festivals!

The victory party was highlighted by several rounds of raffle to the delight of everyone present! (Photos by Ray Tabafunda)

The Mansion Public Relations Director Nonoi Ybiernas; and Nonoi Ybiernas, Erika Calomot, Kristel Faye Adrias, April Krizia Panes, Teodorico Lorca Jr., Josie Mae Espares, Maeth Java, Shainee Lou Bautista, Mary Jade Delid and Ferdinand Yanes

The participants at Kaon Na Ta! Food-Travel Fest at Ayala Mall in Bacolod City

The participants at Kaon Na Ta! Food-Travel Fest at Ayala Mall in Bacolod City; and DOT officials try the lechon.

Negrense star chefs and cuisine were recently topbilled at Kaon Na Ta!, a food-travel fest, at Ayala Mall in Bacolod City. It was spearheaded by Department of Tourism and Ayala Malls Group. A spectacular event, it gathered hundred of gourmets, gourmands and the curious!

“Coming together for this year’s finale celebration of our rich culinary diversity shows our people’s unity, and love of fun and food,” said DOT Undersecretary ART BONCATO, Jr.

The three-day event turned into an outrageous boodle-fight as food-loving Negrenses feasted on the extraordinary recipes concocted by acclaimed Negrense chefs for public degustation.

Famed chef MARGARITA ARANETA FORES was one of the celebrity guests. A native Negrense, she reminisced her childhood experiences in Bago City that sparked her passion for food ingredients like adlai and squash, and cooking. “We’re grateful to the DOT headed by Secretary BERNA ROMULO PUYAT for providing a bigger platform to farm tourism through which our farmers can market their produce,” she said

Atty. Helen Catalbas, DOT IV Regional Director; and Chef Margarita Araneta Fores

Adjudged Asia’s Best Female Chef in 2016, MARGARITA A. FORES captivated the audience with her live rendition of her “blue adlai steeped in blue pea flower salad with burrata from casa, truffle oil, parmesan and tomato.”

Not to be outdone were Negrense chefs, namely DON COLMENARES, JP ANGLO, NICO MILLANES, JOERI ARRO, PATRICK GO NIÑO LAUS and KALEL DEMETRIO. Also known in international culinary scene, they wowed the food enthusiasts.

DOT Region 6 Office Director Atty. HELEN CATALBAS lauded the efforts of various stakeholders, in partnership with the DOT, to make food tourism a significant contributor to the country’s sustainable tourism program. She credited the local government units (LGUs) in Negros Occidental Province, tour, hotel and resort operators and farm-eco park entrepreneurs for the successful Kaon Na Ta! in the “Land of Sweet Surprises.” “It takes the whole village indeed to pull off this feat, gathering such distinguished culinary luminaries in the City of Smiles to put a stamp on the Western Visayas region as premier culinary destination,” said Atty. CATALBAS, who made sure she didn’t miss her favorite sicad-sicad squid rings.

Chef Margarita Araneta Fores demonstrate on how to prepare “blue adlai steeped in blue pea flower salad with burrata from casa, truffle oil, parmesan and tomato”; and Chef Don Colmenares

Also featured in the food-travel fest were  Bacolod chicken inasal, habichuelas, grilled tuna, ginamos na hipon, blue crabs, pasayan shrimps, piaya, bitso-bitso, puto, panara fresh lumpia, leche flan, saba sticks, bibingka, bitchokoy, macapuno, squash maja, binagoongang manok and fresh pineapples.

The week’s event was the seventh edition of the food-travel fest series in partnership with the Ayala Malls Group. It was launched simultaneously in Legazpi City, Albay and Cebu City in October 2018. Then they were followed by events in Cagayan de Oro City in November; and in Sta. Rosa City, Laguna, Clark, Pampanga and Davao City in December. The series represents DOT’s version of the Kain Na! food fair advocated by Sec. BERNA ROMULO PUYAT during her tenure as undersecretary at the Department of Agriculture (DA).

The DOT chief has also held its own version of Philippine Harvest, an agri-tourism fair where farm produce and “emerging tourist sites” in the country were showcased.

To help boost food tourism, the Ayala Malls Group agreed to make available its branches in the key cities to serve as Kaon Na Ta! venues for the three-day events, free-of-charge. (Photos provided by DOT IV Regional Office)

Kaon Na Ta! at Ayala Mall in Bacolod

Kaon Na Ta! at Ayala Mall in Bacolod

Earl Gariando, Tine Cordero, Marjorie C. Florete, Leo Bartolome, Bulak Loring, Adante Leyesa, Quennie Contreras, Frances May Bedro, Vincent Ascalon, Alex Barles, Arnel Papa and Jor-el Espina; Judgee Lopez Peña, Sarah O. Peña, Rica O. Peña and Dr. Red Sarabia; Markus and Eva Duenneisen; and (Seated) Sandra Sarabia-Gomez, our host Susan Caperonce-Florete and Prima Buckley-Sweeney are joined by Nikko Cid, Pane Rosales, Joe Delina, Neira Totengco, Angel Gómez, Pangging Rosales, LynnieDegayo-Denila, Chona Layson-Bondoc and Marjorie C. Florete.

The annual Dinagyang luncheon of bon FLORETE famille at its well-appointed penthouse at the family-owned B&C Square is always a must-attend event. In this year’s affair, the regulars – family members and closest friends — were all accounted for. They hobnobbed with “new faces.”

Amid the revelry and reverberating drumbeats on the streets of Metro-Iloilo, everyone enjoyed on an array of sumptuous dishes prepared by DoVa Brunch Café.

Neira and Joe Totengco

Elena Muyco, Mark Muyco and Atty. Raul Muyco

Luna, Mars III and Beia Florete with Michael Ho

Romy Bondoc and Ray Gomez

Neira and Joe Totengco; Elena Muyco, Mark Muyco and Atty. Raul Muyco; Luna, Mars III and Beia Florete with Michael Ho; and Romy Bondoc and Ray Gomez.

Our hosts with the most, couple MARS and SUSAN FLORETE and their children MARS III with his wife BEIA, tres charmante MARJORIE and Atty. CHRISTINE, took turns in welcoming the guests.

Vince Ascalon, Trina Ilarde, Poma Malantic, Jor-el Espina, Mikki Licop and Adrian Navarro

Susan Caperonce-Florete, Drs. Lex and Candice Tupas and Marjorie C. Florete

Zedrick Señeres, Marjorie C. Florete and Jasmine Castelo

Mars Florete Jr. and Judgee Lopez Peña

Vince Ascalon, Trina Ilarde, Poma Malantic, Jor-el Espina, Mikki Licop and Adrian Navarro; Susan Caperonce-Florete, Drs. Lex and Candice Tupas and Marjorie C. Florete; Zedrick Señeres, Marjorie C. Florete and Jasmine Castelo; and Mars Florete Jr. and Judgee Lopez Peña.

While the buffet table groaned with gastronomic treats, the bar overflowed with beveragic delights – from vodka, scotch, brandy, champagne to ice-cold beer!

In between bites and sips, everyone exchanged hot topics on politics, social weather, fashion and what-have-you till late afternoon!

Susan Uy Reyes, Yoly Marquez-Lim Altavas, Jessica Ledesma, Arlette Deles-Ledesma and Susan Caperonce-Florete

Susan Uy Reyes, Yoly Marquez-Lim Altavas, Jessica Ledesma, Arlette Deles-Ledesma and Susan Caperonce-Florete.

DJ Edwin Zulueta and DJ Vince

The Mansion PR Manager Nonoi Ybiernas with couple Tata and Bulak Loring

Yours truly with my UPCI High School classmate Juan Miguel Fuentes

Jun-Jun Sia, Albert Jerez, Jericho David, Jennifer Pagcong, Nacy Hechanova, Erriz Lanceta and John Robert Lui

DJ Edwin Zulueta and DJ Vince; The Mansion PR Manager Nonoi Ybiernas with couple Tata and Bulak Loring; yours truly with my UPCI High School classmate Juan Miguel Fuentes; and Jun-Jun Sia, Albert Jerez, Jericho David, Jennifer Pagcong, Nacy Hechanova, Erriz Lanceta and John Robert Lui.

Smarting from the successful Born To Be Alive Party last year, Freddie’s Kitchen + Bar held a Part Two.  So, the long Dinagyang weekend began for Metro Iloilo’s most veritable partyphiles!

The Titos and Titas of Iloilo grooved with a groupie of millennials to 70s, 80s and 90s music of hotshot DJ EDWIN ZULUETA and DJ VINCE.

In between flashdancing on the dancefloor, everyone enjoyed on gastronomic and beveragic delights the bar has to offer! Freddie’s Kitchen + Bar is the specialty resto-bar of The Mansion Iloilo!

Oh, well, it was fun all night long!

US-based Sheila Arocena and Iloilo’s Bad Boy of Fashion Bo Parcon; siblings Gila Ybiernas-Oquendo and Nonoi Ybierna; and the “Star of the Night” Jevy Ubaldo;

Jeff Hill, Max de los Reyes and friend; and Nacy Hechanova, Jasmine Castelo, Dodo Miñosa and Nonoi Ybiernas