Stage Thoughts: A New Hope Giving Stage Material Hits the Stage!

June is declared as Pride Month for the LGBTQ community.  Various activities where set left and right celebrating this fun filled month.  One thing that will never fade is the need for continual education of the masses regarding the growing and still a challenge status of HIV infection in the country.  Such is the challenge tackled by these brave theater performers – Artist Playground.

The cast and people behind Roses for Ben

This month, they offered 2 gay-themed plays both showing the struggles of those in the gaydom.  They started with Laro by Floy Quintos and ended the month with a hope-filled production of a new musical tackling HIV entitled ROSES FOR BEN.  Written by Rayne Jarabo and directed by Roeder Camañag, with musical direction coming from Jessie Lucas, assisted by Arnold Bacsal and choreographed by Lezlie Dailisan, with inputs coming from the Red Whistle team, this production is designed to educate and inform the masses that having HIV is not the end of the world.  You can still hope and dream for a future . . .a life comfortable despite the disease.

Opening Scene - the cast

Ben is a young professional who has a good paying but time consuming job, a beautiful relationship and a future filled with his dreams and aspiration, when all this came to a startling halt and turn when he came to know that he is infected due to a past that he can no longer retract and withdraw.   What came after the discovery is the key message of this production.

The key points of this production are the following:   that HIV doesn’t choose who it will attach to; that HIV is now a male-2-female-2-male situation – something that HIV studies has been screaming for nearly a decade now; if you are going to play make it safe – used condom and stay with your partner is you have one, if not then pray to all the gods that you be safe; if detected with HIV then take your medicines on time and in time less you go to a higher cocktail of drugs; there is a law protecting your identity whenever you decided to have yourself tested and there is still life after HIV finding.

Despite the nervous attack during press preview night, the performers delivered their utmost and presented a new stage material that is both educational and informative.  My hands then applauded to the following performers for the following reasons:

Khen Dels – he played the role of Jes, the best buddy of Ben.  He maintained his character on and off stage.  He was funny and dynamic without overdoing it.  He nearly fell off the chair but was able to maintain character and control of the scene. Kulang na lang itulak niya si Ben dahil kinuha nito and space niya, but he did it smoothly that barely no one noticed that slight movement ad lib.

Khen Dels (standing on chair)

Anna Nicole Herrera – she played the role of Ms. Queenie -  ang babaeng fashionista (love for shoes), tsimosa-chicadora at bakla all rolled into one.  I simply love her!  She was funny to watch and very entertaining.  She shifted character smoothly.

Jerome Fuguso – he played the doctor.  What was most notable with this actor is his character delivery before being the doctor  - the debunking of the conception on how HIV is transferred.

Tatlong paraan lang para magkaroon ka ng HIV. Ang pakikipagtalik sa may HIV, ang masalinan ng dugo na may HIV at kung pinagbubuntis ka ng ina mo na may HIV. Nakipagtalik ka ba sa tilapia na may HIV?  Nasalinan ka ba ng dugo ng tilapia na may HIV? May HIV ba ang ina mo ng pinagbubuntis ka? Wala!

Bobby Martino – played the role of Sir Wency (head of the company where Ben works) and Mang Boyet (father of Ben).  Hands down and he played both characters with style and grace!  A little control on the singing voice and he is still good.  He is Two-Faced personified – the dirty old Harry and the supportive father.

            

            

Let Me Be Your Daddy Song

As Mang Boyet

Now that is for character play.  For the singing part, I then bow to the voice quality of Beaulah Mae Saycon (Alice) and Miriam Reyes (Denise, Alice sister).  Then can impart the emotional demand of the songs given to them to deliver without damaging their vocal gifts in the process.  They both know how to find harmonic balance when paired with someone, still maintaining the quality demanded from them as a performer.

 

Alice and Denise

As a viewer, I would say that this new musical piece will still grow and evolve every time it goes on stage.  How it is to be handled and delivered is on the hands of the director and the performing cast.  As long as the purpose of educating and informing is maintained then this production will continue seeing the spotlights, various par lamps and stage designs in years to come.

I love you for making things bright for POSITs out there!

Concert Thoughts: When We Remember and Stand Proud!

How do we remember things?  By the emotional weight it has in our self? By the lesson it has given us?  By the intellectual impact it has in time?  How?  We remember things but we also forget.   We forget it has no value, no relevance and simply it doesn’t touch us in any way that matter.  That is the thing with history.  That is what REMINISCENCES aim to make any real blooded Filipino feel . . . proud of his culture, past and the people responsible for the things he is enjoying now.

Celebrating a century, two decades and a year of independence this 2019, Filipinos has evolved from the meek citizen colonized to an individual who is a hodge-podge of the past and those of his neighboring countries.  There are the KPop, JPop, New Wave, Rockers, Emo’s, Techies, Flower power, Batang 80’s – 90’s – 2000, Funkers and Punks and others – all influencing the mindset of the growing Pinoy.  From askal to aspin, from pusakal to puspin, we have moved and tried to be politically correct with things.  But how are we with history?  How are we in terms of how we became Filipinos enjoying freedom from colonizers and such?

Such is the challenge Epheus-TRIBU faces on this stage of multicultural and multiracial Filipino setting.  To help remember and re-lit the fire of patriotism is each of us, TRIBU has set a concert of folksongs reflecting the beauty and spirit of the island and the people behind each songs.  From the simple katutubo to that of iconic personas in our past to what we should be now, REMINISCENCES is a concert of our lives as Filipinos.

Epheus – TRIBU is a small group of performers – stage and classical singers alike geared to keep the Filipino classical music alive for all those with the ear and heart to listen.  Preparing a 2-part concert repertoire is no easy thing especially when the task falls unto the shoulders of Sweet Samaniego-Buchanan – a lady trained and groomed in the variety of classical music. The 1^st part of the concert displays the beauty of the Philippine islands from all major island grouping.  Music from Mindanao, Visayas and Luzon were shared and highlighted.  The 2^nd half was a short trip in history giving highlights to three (3) of the most influential in the birth of our freedom . . .our real independence, namely Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio  and Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo. 

Bravo to the whole team of Epheus – TRIBU for delivering a performance that truly matters!  It takes real talent to bring back the music of olden times alive and the memories that it invokes in the hearts of those who attended the said concert.  Held at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati City, it was a night of fiesta (the food) and pure trip down memory lane (the music).  The fun of performing was truly imparted to the viewers as they did choreography that not only reflects the song but also the humor it may have behind the tune and melody.  This 7-man performing team truly owned the stage that night as they deliver what vocal quality and power is all about when it comes to bringing songs into life even if it is but minutes per song!    It wasn’t just a traditional classical Filipino music presentation but a presentation having just the right touch of visual effectiveness.

It was a night worth remembering in ages!  A night that rekindled the fire in our hearts as Filipinos – a race of people with a rich culture, story and personality worth displaying to the world.

Purihin kayo TRIBU sa  patuloy na pagpapayaman ng kulturang ating tunay!

Concert Thoughts: Anton Diva, SHINE! SHINE! SHINE!

It was a night of fun, music, laughter and sparkles as the one and only Diva of a diva was able to perform and conquer the Cuneta Astrodome last June 15, 2019. It was a delightfully dazzling night as Anton Ragaza showed to the public what it means to be a performer that is still grounded.

Commonly known as Anton Diva, he celebrated his total years as a performer in a one-night only concert entitled SHINE XII AD, produced by Teri Onor Entertainment Services (TOES).  There was no dull moment!  The whole night simply passed by as we were wowed by good music, good lighting, glamorous movements and heart full laughs.  From the moment Anton took the stage, there was only one moment wherein he wasn’t in theme of shining shimmering splendor outfit but it matters not much for laughter and music continued – the octopus and jelly fish scene hehehe!

As a performer, Anton showed his 22 years of experience being a song master of comedy bars and he was total delight to watch.  He was candid but still casual.  There was restraint on the puns directed to others without losing the laugh punch of things.  He was a star but grounded in his own humble gravity.  He knows where he came from and stays thankful for it, maarunong lumingon sa pinanggalingan ika nga.  Hearing him sing songs sung by his idol and seeing them both occupying one stage (him and his idol Ms. Regine Velasquez-Alcasid), only cemented his right to the title of DIVA.  He is a diva in his own right!  He may not be the total performer but he showed what he learned in years of performing, honed it to the fullest and maintained humble – thus worthy of the title DIVA in real life.

I love the way his family, both biological and performing, showed support that night.  Not only were they there to watch but also perform – sharing their gift of stage and singing to the public.  Love the way the Raging Divas took the stage, with and without Anton on it!  They owned the stage during their spot moment and graciously bowed to the star of the night during their shared moments.  (See the video clip of the opening number attached to this post).  The song Maging Sino Ka Man was more apt to be sung between Anton shared the stage with his Dad; for his father was proud as to whom he is then and now. 

Being a fan myself of the Asian Songbird, there is no need to raise praise as to how they shared the stage.  What is most notable is the way Anton and the kabogabole Vice Ganda interacted – there were true years of friendship behind each words drop and teasing.  Vice Ganda also took a step down from stage ownership knowing that he is there to support and entertain, not be the star that he is.  He is truly gracious as a friend, guest and a performer.

As the night’s event came to a close, it was only the time I realized that it was a long concert but FUN!  As a viewer, that is my take away in that event – pure enjoyment on what I saw and heard.  Anton Diva SHINED that night!

*the video posted was personally taken by yours truly during the event.

https://youtu.be/jhb726XuWmg 

AP Presents: LARO ni Floy Quintos

Parte ng celebration ng Gay Pride Month ang pagsasadula ng buhay kabaklaan sa entablado sa pamamagitan ng isang adaptasyon na gawa ni Floy Quintos hango sa likha ni Arthur Schnitzler na La Ronde – ang LARO.

This photo is from the files of Paul Jake Paule

Gay Pride na nga kabaklaan pa all in one sentence, masyado bang redundant?  Well, wala kayong magagawa doon kasi buwan ng celebrasyon ng mga baklush, ateng, sistah, acheng, sister soul, bakla, bakla, bakla. Laban? J J

This 10 men cast is set to simply present what gay life is all about, past, present and definitely not yet the future.  In other words, eto ay ano ang buhay bading noon at ngayon; ang bukas ay bukas na siya namang ipapasilip sa atin sa Roses for Ben – ang kasunod na production ng Artist Playground for the month of June.  Ang LARO ay nagpapakita kung ano ang buhay ng isang bading . . .bading na nagmahal, nasaktan, ginamit, gumamit, nagpagamit, nagtatago, social climber at jaded.  Lahat ng ito ay itinali at pinagdugtong ng sex – the act hindi kasarian.  Oo, sex is one common factor when it comes to gay life, maliban sa luha.

The sex factor is very much clear on how the play was presented. From 1^st scene till the end, sex is present and active.  It comes in the form of pleasure and/or punishment.  It is up to you watchers to connect to either aspect.  Each character in the play represents a particular type of individual in the gaydom.  A gay who wanted love (the TV, the Student and the Model), another uses it for power and domination (the User-Lover, the Ideal Lover, the Cop), while there are those who simply goes with the flow as portrayed by the Writer and the Callboy.  Unfortunately, there are some who falls into this category of being gay – a category formed by being bruised, battered and realistic; that of being jaded (the Philanthropist).  Maging ano ka pa at maging sino ka man, welcome sa pagiging bakla. Sa hindi bading, eto po ang realidad ng mundo ng mga ka sister soul, welcome at maraming salamat.

Sabi ko nga, connect na lang kayo sa  eksena at character.  Pwedeng tumawa, pwedeng mapailing, pwedeng tumahimik at lalo-lalo ng pwedeng magcomment –discreetly lang teh at baka nasa loob ka pa ng tanghalan.  Basta sigurado ako na pwedeng magreact. 

10 scenes:10 actors
All from LARO

During the press preview, the production people admitted that there would be some adjustments still to be made, adjustments such as additional music and a little pick-up of pace.  There were some noticeable props traffic challenges, not distracting but definitely needs to be addressed to make things more fluid thus cutting time.  The actors were either comfortable in the own skin or not.  Since this is a semi-stripping kind of stage production, one has to be confident with his skin as his clothes.  I would like to give credit to Gio Gahol who portrayed the role of the User-Lover.  He may not be physically molded to perfection but he was comfortable with his skin and shape that his appeal shows as demanded by his role.  

Since we are at the topic of discussing the performance of the actors then I might as well do things the right way . . .gracefully.  I know not what the challenge of bringing a production to its desired performance level but unfortunately it took 2 scenes before the play truly took flight.  Ano nangyari?  MaMeMiMoMu.  Siguro, a little consistency on how some scenes and characters are to be treated.  Why do I say this?  Imagine this, a domineering person suddenly assumed a sexual position that shows surrender after a bout of dominance (Scene 1 till Scene 2). Doesn’t paint clearly right?  The perfect display of dominance was shown in the 3^rd scene.  The manipulation of the user. The submissiveness of the bottom.  The blowjob eksena sa dressing room which is a clear display of who’s who in control.  Now that is consistency!  Kaso pumitik si TV, biglang loss si User-Lover.  Well that is life, maging bading ka man o hindi – basta nang gamit ka.  Pagpumitik na ang ginamit mo, sana handa ka na maging Luz Valdez ng biglaan.  How about, the bedroom scene?  Sana hindi ka  na lang nagmake-up kung buburahin mo lang din naman on-stage.  Yes, there were smudges of make-up on the pad used.  Sayang ang make-up at effort sa paglagay.  Another actor  worth commendable is Vincent De Jesus.  How I love his way of dropping lines and ad libs (inamin niya na may mga ad libs siya) which doesn’t show as one.  His wit is reflected with his portrayal.  Jaded his role may be but behind the scenes he is one individual full of hope.

As a whole, nakakatuwa ang prodduksyon na ito kasi it only show things the way it is.  No pretensions.  No painted aspirations.  Simple truth.  Yun lang at pawing yun lang.  Maaring may magsabi na hindi gaano alam ang mundo ng kabaklaan ng:  “Ganoon pala kayong mga bakla.  Puro sex.” (Maraming salamat Evo sa linya!)  Masakit ba?  Pero totoo naman di ba?  Isa lang ang sagot ko dyan . . .

“Malaki ang pagkakaiba ng may libog sa malibog.”

Take the play as it is.  Then try to look for the undertones.  Then use the undertones as additional shades in the story as you remember it.  Then now you see the play for what it is.  You then get to see the life of gaydom in its harsh true colors.  Yan ang mundo ng LARO.   

Food Thoughts: Ho Dai Japanese Fusion

As you enter Examiner St., from West Avenue in Quezon City, you would see a slight shift from plain residential to businesses popping up serving the residential community.  A meat shop here and a laundry shop there, but who would have thought that there is an Asian inspired restaurant too in the said area?

Welcome to Ho Dai Japanese Fusion Restaurant!

Personally I would call it Ho Dai, the Asian Fusion Restaurant for it has the classic Japanese, Korean and Chinese style and flavor of cooking.  To be more correct in presenting this restaurant, please welcome to  a Japanese-Korean-Chinese inspired dishes completely refillable now made available in Quezon City.  Yes, you can ask for a refill per plate free of charge as long as you finish it off (no left over’s and to go).  The serving only stops when you say it stops.

Their serving is categorized into bronze, silver and gold.  Each category has a specific number of dishes being served and all is set for a free refill.  So if you are really hungry (not starving cause the style of eating when starving is not the one advisable on this situation), then bring a friend to help you finish off the plates that doesn’t catches your palate fancy.  I did say it is a fusion of 3-styles and flavor of cooking and so be ready to be confused with some of the terms that I will be using since I will refrain from using those terminology denoting their origin.  All I can say is that it was one happy eating experience.

Here is the list of dishes served to us (I was brought here by a good friend):

-          Crab green salad or commonly known as Kani Salad

-          Gyoza – fried and with kimchi filling

-          Fish in egg batter with light soy-tamarind sauce aka Teriyaki

-          Glass Noodles stir fried - Yakisoba / Rose Cream Pasta or what is available

-          Pork in light batter aka pork katsudon (sa ordinaryong pinoy ito ay porkchop) 

       Korean Fried Chicken-         

-          Spicy Beef Barbecue with cheese sauce

-          Roll Tower or what I call the roll platter

-          Tempura (shrimp, egg, vegetable)

Again I repeat, you can ask for another serving of any of the dishes part of the set that you have ordered.  Just the dish, not the drinks.

Since this is Japanese fusion, there are some things that I wasn’t able to taste, namely those with crab.  Yes I have an allergy to crustaceans.  Simply crustaceans and not the entire seafood offering.  Sorry, but feeling ng iba nakakaawa ka pag may allergy ka sa crustaceans.  Haler!  Meron kaya may allergy sa mani, itlog, taba ng baboy at kung ano-ano pa. Kung ako kaawa-awa ano naman sa kanila na combination pa ang allergy, kahabag-habag?  So the tower, salad, some of the tempura was consumed by my good friend while I enjoy the rest of the dishes served that night.

Spicy Barbecue

Noodles are noodles and any respectable Asian guy will always give thanks to noodles.  Noodle means long life for Chinese, Japanese and Korean alike.  What topped my taste meter that night was the spicy beef barbecue with cheese sauce.  Served on a hot plate, the fat and creaminess from the cheese sauce added flavor to the beef raising the barbecue flavor to a higher note.  The vegetable side dish adds texture to the beef and cheese when eaten all together.  Whatever sweetness the barbecue has is balanced off by the saltiness of coming from the sauce and the vegetable.  This is one dish worthy of going for seconds.

The katsudon and teriyaki – fish (start thinking of Neemo’s friend) and pork comes in its usual form which is meat covered with a batter then fried.  What makes it noticeable is the type of batter and breading used on each type of protein before it was submerged in hot oil.  The fish, being delicate, is matched with a delicate batter made out of egg – my mind is still tossing the idea whether is it more on the yolk or the white used.  The pork on the other hand is covered with a little breading with batter and fried to perfection giving it a crunch without making the meat part tough.  Fried till golden, then placed on a paper towel to soak off or placed on a strainer to drain off the excess oil.  This technique of using really hot oil allows the batter to be cooked fast without affecting the softness of the meat -same technique, different timing for two different protein source.

Regarding the fried chicken, I felt it lacked something to make it more enjoyable and fun to eat.  A little lettuce on the side to serve as a wrapping may give it more texture and flavor.  I know that there is rice made available for those who want but it one wishes to nibble along the course then the greens will help a lot.  The fried gyoza is interesting as a palate opener since what it has inside is kimchi.  Kimchi is your pickled vegetables done the Korean way.  Make sure that you get to finish the gyoza first before finishing the other dishes for it may throw in a challenge later on (The busog na ako, hindi ko na kaya or the nagkahiyaan pa sa huling piraso).

Did I like the experience?  Yes I did!  Will I come back and dine again?  Yes, and with proper reinforcements! 

Located along Examiner Street, this restaurant is not with your usual restaurant façade.  It is one of those residential houses converted into a dining place giving you a homey yet exclusivity feel without breaking your wallet or purse.  Since it is residential by nature, expect to see the owners walking and serving you your meal. 

Come and experience this Asian food fusion the Ho Dai way. 

Food Thoughts: Southbound Café

Welcome to the first city in the south after the metro, San Pedro City!  Yes, we are no longer a town but a city!  And because we are now a city, the shifting of façade shall continue to go on for years to come.

What was once a spot of another business is now manned by a couple whose initial idea of a business extension turned into something more and thus profitable.  Such is the story of this café in the south.  Welcome to SOUTHBOUND CAFÉ!

As you pass by the small bridge connecting Laguna and that of Muntinlupa, you would notice a car care shop (GOODYEAR Signage) at the left (coming from Muntinlupa, right if coming from United San Pedro).  If one will look closely, you would see a well lit, shop on top of it.  That my dear is the exact location of Southbound Café.   This is one café originally conceptualize as a simpleng kapehan of customers of the car care shop.  Presently, the wife is managing the café while the hubby takes care of the car care shop; a nice little set-up for a couple doing business.  Helping out in the management of the café is Chef Jan Zamora – a food and business minded chef in one.

Now what do they have? 

I have tried a number of their food creations and honestly, they were all good!  Flavorful and filling are the two main words to describe the food in this café.  Flavorful because there is food preparation technicality that is applied on each dish being served thus presenting to all the flavors needed and expected in a dish.  Filling because you know you are belly full even before you leave the store.  Add to that the comfortable ambiance of the place and what you have is a café worth your time and money.  A café that you will and may visit again and again.  Now back to the question . . .

If you are looking for a light snack but still able to sate your hunger, then I recommend their sandwiches for you sink your teeth on.  No connection to me being a witch ok.  The chicken sandwich is chunky, creamy and light.  The chicken is not shredded but chopped after being seasoned and grilled.  The mayo used is sweet according to my taste buds; which is true when I tasted their grilled cheese sandwich.  That touch of sweet creaminess added flavor to a nicely toasted bread and gives it that light palate and tummy feel.  Pairing of their sandwiches was not hard, for you can either have a hot drink or a cold one and still have the same sandwich taste that is not commercial in flavor.  The grilled cheese sandwich is acceptable for me in the sense that it has that gooey feel when served and eaten still warm.  It would have spelled a big difference in the palate if (a) a slice of tomato was placed, (b) a stronger flavored cheddar was used instead or (c) both.  The tomato will help cut through the creaminess of the mayo and the cheese giving it dimension in flavor.  A stronger flavor cheese (6 months above aging) will give it flavor contrast to the mayo and toasted bread.  Just my opinion on how a grilled sandwich should be café style.

  

They also have a cheeseburger that you can munch on.  Classically presented in terms of stacking but definitely not classical in plate presentation for it is served in a wood-crate/box.  Not in a tray, not on a hot plate, not on a plate but in a wooden box crate style sized for your burger!  With some corn chips on the side, drizzled with cheese sauce, then you have one burger that kicks ass in presentation.  How about the taste?  The recipe is a personal creation of Chef Zamora, thus you are assured that it is not commercial.  There is something intriguing about it though.  The flavor of his patty reminds me of something that I have tasted before.  Not coming from another restaurant but something that my mom has made decades ago.  And yes, it was a pleasant memory.

From their sandwiches, I now turn my attention to their pasta.  I have tasted two out of four of their pasta offerings (not bad eh!) and this is what I have to say.  Gourmet style in serving it may be but it definitely packs a punch in the taste department.  The techniques applied to the pasta I’ve tried definitely show the craftsmanship of the people preparing it.  The carbonara that they serve will definitely be a favorite not because of the overflowing of sauce but the creaminess of the sauce.  It has the expected creaminess from the sauce but it is made creamier due to a generous helping of parmesan cheese.  As you toss it, the more you distribute the flavor of the ham (not bacon), mushroom and cheese.  That helping of cheese truly made a difference!  The sardine pasta is another matter.  No cheese to make it yummier so to speak, simply oil where it was kept prior to use. This is pure love in a plate!  Not spicy but has a light nutty undertone which enhances the dish.  This is one oil-base fish pasta that doesn’t leave you with a greasy feel on your palate and no fishy smell too.  Pasta pa lang busog ka na!

Sardine Pasta

Carbonara

For those who wants full starch aka rice every supper, they also serve rice meals, baby back ribs and wings.  Their rice meals are your typical breakfast favorites – tapa, longanisa, corned beef, tinapa and such.  It is like an all day breakfast access without waiting for the sun to rise.  The baby back ribs were tender with a familiar barbecue flavor and a sweet adobo-like glaze on the side.  You can either have it with rice or fries, it is up to you.  If you are in the mood to share, then have it with fries or what they call platter serving - best eaten with your hands.  Don’t worry for the place has a wash area that you can use afterwards. If not in the mood to share, then have the ribs with rice (single/solo) and simply enjoy every bite of that yummy meat.  As for the chicken, you can either have it solo serving or platter style also.  If you wish to know all the chicken flavors in one blow, then I would advise you to have it in group/platter style. You will have all 3 flavors in one serving – barbecue, buffalo wings and parmesan.   The barbecue glaze is perfectly suited for white meat without distorting the image of a traditional pork barbecued.  The buffalo wings has the signature spice kick it is known for while the parmesan needs a little more boost (unfortunately).

Now that is my opinion on the food that the café has.  How about the drinks?  I did mention that they have a cold and hot selection that you can choose from.  From classic coffee creations to frappes, brewed tea to cold fruit tea creations and smoothies, they have something for you.  From a simpleng kapehan, it is now a respectable café on its offerings.  Warning to those with weak heart:  DO NOT try their coffee if you don’t want to be rushed to the E.R. due to palpitations.  It definitely has a kick ass attitude and I LOVE IT!  Coffee lovers, aficionados and fan, come and enjoy a cup of SOUTHBOUND CAFÉ’s signature bean brew and you will definitely come back . . .for more!  They people preparing your cup definitely knows their business.  The right temperature, the right amount of coffee to milk, the right froth  . . .they mean business . . .coffee pleasure business that is.

The fruit flavored ice cold tea drinks that they serve is simply perfect in this summer heat.  Regardless of the heat, I personally thinks it is still a winner even after summer.  Same is true to their smoothies.  It is creamy and fruity at the same time.  Simply flavored syrup or real fruit mash it may be, it is still one enjoyable drink.  A little thicker and what you have is the level-up of a smoothie (adjust it more and what you have is ice cream!)  Now their frappes are another matter.  I have only tried two (2) flavors and both have my vote of being a favorite – The Popcorn and The Toffee Crunch.  What makes them stand out for me is neither the elaborate presentation nor the size of the serving but the flavor itself.  The popcorn frappe tasted like caramel popcorn and the toffee crunch did have that toffee caramel flavor.  Add to that the toppings used and you would say : “Is this for real?”  Popcorn drizzled with caramel sauce is used for the popcorn frappe while chopped walnuts are topping the toffee crunch frappe.  REAL WALNUTS!  Not cashew, not pili nut, not peanuts but real chopped walnuts!  Mahal kaya ng walnuts noh!  How about the sweetness?  It is still at the right sweetness level that those bordering in diabetes can still enjoy.  They do have water available to drink afterwards to help wash down the sugar. J J

Chicken Sandwich paired with Pomegranate Iced Tea

What else is there at SOUTHBOUND CAFÉ?  Beside’s that it is accessible to the commuting public, open’s late in the afternoon, good food, lovely coffee creations, cool drinks, relaxing ambiance and a good internet connectivity . . .it doesn’t hurt to say that the one preparing your food is a tad appealing, what else is there not to like about the place?  It is homegrown!  Pag-aari ng pinoy, luto ng pinoy at negosyong nagmula sa pagmamahal ng pinoy.  Halika na sa San Pedro City Laguna at ng matikman ang comfort na bigay ng SOUTHBOUND CAFÉ!

END of STORY :-)