Special Italian Buffet During Weekends at Buona Vita Ristorante Italiano

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Businessmen and entrepreneurs like restaurateurs know that Fridays, Saturdays and Sunday, or otherwise known as the weekend or the busiest days of the week when most people spend longer hours outside because the usual work at the offices are done, and school is of course on a break. It's an opportunity for both young and old to extend their time outside to eat, meet and be merry.

With emphasis on eat because everyone do need to replenish their energy by consumption of food, and if ever, we would always want the best out there to satisfy our cravings at the most worthy price fair for our money.

This is why weekends are often filled with promos and special discounts to attract the attention of the consuming public. Each one of us wants value for our hard-earned money and so we look for the best food offer out there that would truly fill us up with no regrets.

Buona Vita Ristorante Italiano recognizes the need to serve satisfying meals, and in order to please its customers, it has offered a special weekend buffet for only less than P200.

With quite a number of dishes included in the buffet menu, we get to eat authentic Italian favorites led by pizza and pasta choices.

From the freshly mixed salad with Italian dressing called Insalata Mista all Italiana or the awesome breads of many kinds, to the homemade Pumpkin soup called Zuppa di Zucca all Aceto di Balsemico,

Have some pasta  such as the Spaghetti Aglio Olio e Peperoncino, or pizza with the Pizza all Trancio (Five Cheese, Capprisiosa, Salome, Romano).

The Aranchini di Riso or the Deep-fried Risotto balls with meat, cheese and Pomodoro fillings, is also best paired with the Penne Bolognese al Forno that is with ground beef with red wine tomato sauce and parmesan cheese.

Fill up with Porchetta served with mashed potatoes or Pollo Arrosto with roasted potatoes, or choose the plain white rice Riso Bianco.

These servings are more than enough for its price. If you're a big eater, you'll definitely get your money's worth. But it is also important to take note that these are authentically prepared under the supervision of a real Italian Chef and not just anybody who learned Italian cooking from a culinary school. Chef Davide is purely Italian and understands how to cook real Italian delicacies as it was originally prepared.

So if you want to experience how it is like to be in Italy, start with eating their cuisine, and the taste may let you immerse yourself in an authentic Italian food trip.

Thank you to Thomas of Buona Vita Ristorante Italiano for a buffet weekend coupled with game night (If I joined in I could have won) where some of us won additional GCs to let us return to the restaurant and try again the food. But next time is an opportunity to bring along some friends or families so we could share the Italian experience with them as well.

Quiz night tested our knowledge of the restaurant based from the talks of Thomas. But the others at the farther end of the table were contesting they couldn't hear the talk...hehehe... Excuses, they should have just stood up and listened attentively coz the quiz was announced from the start of the event! Seriously, they have another chance to seat nearer Thomas during the next event for bloggers - Pizza night!

Let us also not forget the bonus Pinocchio pizza that they let us try. These treats are ideal for kids who identify the shape similar to that of an ice cream cone, but instead they have pizza filling instead. Maybe they could really put some ice cream on the cone. In reality, it was named as Pinocchio because the original hat shape of the wooden boy toy of Geppetto that came to life was really cone-shaped.

Hhhmmm...nice! But I knew that already so it was not so much a surprise for me. I am insatiably curious and my quest for learning never stops so I keep in mind as well all these trivia especially if it concerns my well-loved animation or cartoon characters from the cutesy Disney to the cool hi-tech anime robots.

So I also remembered a fact they also stated during the buffet weekend - that their tables are uniquely designed. Those tiles that decorate the tables are specially handmade or painted that makes it all different from each other. But this information is just one of the reasons why you should take note of how the owners value the importance of creativity and appeal aside from the comfort they assure their customers that when they dine at Buona Vita, they are to expect quality service matched with an ambiance conducive to a satisfying dining experience.

Buona Vita Ristorante Italiano is located at the Molito Lifestyle Center in Alabang, Muntinlupa.

Janah Zaplan to Hold Kaya Ko To Concert at Music Museum on June 30

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Millennial Pop Princess Janah Zaplan held a press conference to announce her upcoming "Kaya Ko To" concert to be held on June 30, 2018 at the Music Museum in Greenhills, San Juan.

Among her special guests at the concert are Showtime Hashtag Bugoy Carino, 90s boyband Jeremiah, and promising teen boyband Upgrade.

Janah was Eat Bulaga's sweet young lady quaterfinalist in Music Hero gifted with a husky, cool voice, and now she has transformed into a fierce performer at her upcoming concert. Among her admired performers are Moira Dela Torre, Dua Lipa and Yeng Constantino (for local peformers) and Beyonce for foreign acts.

Janah sings well, and this is perfectly matched with dancing prowess too. She's also interested in acting, and why not, she has the looks to impress and stand out among an already
crowded showbiz scene where only the really talented, influential or passionate would survive.

Her growing fan base seems to give us an idea of her potential, and since she is still so below 18 years old, the possibility of a love team partner would have to wait before fans would feel "kilig" over infatuations, crushes and love affairs.

But who needs a love team to become popular when you have all that are needed to a promising showbiz career.

Present during the press conference were the members of the Upgrade boyband who are among Janah's special guests at her Kaya Ko To concert.

Janah performed a song number to please the media attendees, while Upgrade sang a few lines from some songs to showcase their cool voices.

Also there to support her during the event were her loving parents.

Gravity Interactive Launches Dragon Saga in the Philippines

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Massive Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game or MMORPG still continues as a favorite past time among the teens as a group or team effort activity that is still highly favored as an opportunity to gather together amidst like-minded friends or peers while exchanging banters or cheers for every loss or win in a game.

It's also our way to reach in to our inner desires and aspirations as we travel a different world and converse with avatars of online players exploring within the game. Hack, slash, kill monsters, earn loots as rewards, accept and complete challenges, buy stuff to enhance your wardrobe, improve your fighting skills with high-end weapons, or simply chat among fellow players.

Both online and offline of the online gaming world could become an exciting adventure for everyone, and sometimes could also lead to a career inspired by the game, but sometimes the games could also be frustrating especially if we constantly get owned by the enemy or other team.

Elite announces the Philippine launch of Gravity Interactive's Dragon Saga PH, an action-packed 3D side-scrolling online realm where dragons roam the heavens and earth. Explore the depths of Aether - the exiled dragon's homeland, and save the world from impending war.

The game has a cutesy "chibi" art style reminiscent of cartoons and anime that is sure to catch the gamers (regardless of his or her age) attention.

The game combines an open world and dungeon run mode scheme - offering various PVP modes like Ranking/Ladder and Guild VS Guild that can keep casual and competitive gamers highly immersed into the game experience.

You may select one of the 4 base classes as your character: Warrior, Magician, Archer, and Thief for Humans.

There are also two additional special characters for the Dragonkin class: the Shaman or Twin Fighter. The game has a lot more feature such as the Pet system, Home system, Couple system, Guild and Market.

The launch involved an opportunity to play the game in a friendly competition among some of the attendees where one group won some gadgets as prizes from the organizers. Coreon Gate Internet Cafe was the event venue where attendees were able to witness the game upclose and personal.

What To Do In Butuan

Wazzup Pilipinas!

No choice on the favorite city bit, this is the closest city from my place so how can it not be my favorite? If you can’t at least like the place you’re currently living in, you should either move to another place or buy a rope. There’s nothing more miserable than continuing to live a tortured existence
Alright, let’s get to the new things, the cool things, and the changes that happened to my beloved city. Please note that I don’t exactly live within Butuan. The biggest change is the arrival of Robinsons Mall. Before it was Gaisano that lorded over Butuan City, but now with Robinsons joining the mall fray, people should now be flocking to this modern, airconditioned mall with awesome theaters. Right? Wrong.

Like some folks, I really thought that Gaisano would become a shopping wasteland, if you will, with the entry of Robinsons. After all, who would want to shop in a department store that looks like a dolled-up baratillo shop when you have a polished, airconditioned mall like Robinsons as an option? Apparently, a lot of people still prefer going to Gaisano. Much to Robinson’s dismay. In a short amount of time, a few shops that rented space in Robinsons have already closed.


I think two factors contributed to this sorry situation for Robinsons.

First, it’s not as accessible as Gaisano is. You can commute to Gaisano via multicab or tricycle. With Robinsons, you can only ride a multicab. Sorry, but tricycles can’t take you there.

Second, a huge chunk of the Butuan demographic belong to the C, D, E market. Most of these folks are more comfortable roaming around Gaisano than Robinsons.
Both of these factors contributed to lesser foot traffic in Robinsons, leading to lesser business for the shops. So there you have it, my own little foray to consumer economics. Now off to better things. Robinsons is big enough to take those kinds of hits so I’m not really worried about them.

Food and Restos

Some folded in a couple of months, while some have gained enough traction to continue operating. A select few have done very, very well. Chief among these few is Barons. This is where you get the best kinilaw in town. It’s located along JC Aquino boulevard near Veterans Bank. It’s a carwash by day and a seafood place by night. Well not exactly like a normal seafood resto. For one, it only serves kinilaw, sashimi, sinugba, and tinuwa. It’s actually more of a SuTuKil place (like that area in Lapulapu, Cebu) but they do serve liempo as well. The fabulous Carlos Celdran once had the kinilaw in Baron and declared it to be a life changing experience (his words, not mine). Baron’s has opened another branch a stone throw away, still along JC Aquino but I don’t feel the need to try it out yet. Should be the same thing.

Another good seafood restaurant is Islands. If you prefer a cozy atmosphere (unlike the open air, smoky ambience of Barons), with proper waiters and tables and menus and of course good seafood, Islands is the place to be. They’re located in an arcade that also houses Bo’s Coffee and Mandara Spa. Before Baron’s, Islands was THE place for kinilaw. For the past 6 years whenever I arrive from Manila (after visiting the office there) lunch is ALWAYS at Islands.

To me the combination of kinilaw and manok inasal is killer. Did I mention that Islands has the best manok inasal in town? Forget Weegols and Aling Cora (two of the old guards), Island’s manok inasal reigns supreme in this part of CARAGA. When you order the inasal, you don’t get it within 5 minutes. You wait a little bit longer. But that waiting assures you that you’re getting quality cooked food.

Margie’s is still holding its own in the Butuan food scene. It has in fact, for a time, opened a space and a kiosk in Robinsons Mall. For some reason however they decided to close after less than a year. Margie’s also opened Boy’s Asian Cooking, a watering hole for the, well, more affluent set. They offer craft beer as well as imported beers on top of the usual local beers. Boy’s is located right behind DBP.

After a full night of drinking, most folks would crave for bulalo. The best bulalo I’ve tasted so far is Uncle Sam’s bulalo right beside City hall. They close early though, around 2-ish in the morning. Kixx, along JC Aquino, however closes much, much later if at all. Sam’s is more expensive but at least you get to sit in a proper table.

My favorite dawn food place is Pan de Pugon. Lately they’ve upped their offering to include silog dishes. I always go for their Bagoong rice with chicken fillet. It’s fried rice mixed with bagoong and sprinkled with crispy danggit bits. It’s awesome. I go to Pugon at least twice a week around 3-4am. I work nights you see. I think the tinderas there hate me. I always wake them up. Lol. Pan de Pugon is located in the same building as Margies. They’re competing in the cake space but I think Margie’s with their decadent monster cake is the front runner.

Pizza Places

A lot of pizza places has also mushroomed these past few years. Honestly, the pizzas are OK. Not great, but ok. I go to Caldas however for the pizza, not that I think it’s the best pizza out there but because they have a cool place and you can order beer as well. The combination of pizza and beer is the perfect foundation for a beer belly. So if you’re going for that Dad Bod, it’s the place to be. Caldas is in the Guingona area near the Provincial Capitol grounds. If you’re in Butuan and you’re craving for pizza and beer, that’s where you go. It’s pretty well known so the tricycle drivers should know it. They close around 2am though so better go there earlier.


Butuan Secret Eating Spot

Fine this is not actually a secret. But for some Butuan folks, it may still be. There is a little carinderia along Langihan road called.
They only serve food during lunch. I go there before 12pm to ensure that I arrive before the local offices pause for their lunch break. The halang-halang and the lechon kawali is awesome. I’m not sure how long they’ve operated but I feel they’ve been there for a loooong time and their offering hasn’t changed at all. It’s a closed space if you’re a bit finicky. It’s not like other carenderias where the flavor of the food needs the exhaust from vehicles to give it that peculiar zing.  You should try it out some time.


About the Author:

Barbara Elliott is well-experienced writer and blogger at PhDify.com. She travels a lot and can tell some interesting tips and secrets about successful trips. Barbara has been practicing yoga for ten years and has been teaching meditation for more than three years

Kramerized by Mark Kramer Pastrana and Zumba

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Fitness and health buffs have several ways to get fit and fab but I guess the most effective and fun at the same time way towards the road to a better you is participating in activities involving dancing, and the most popular and highly challenging of them all is Zumba.

Zumba, the exercise fitness program created by Alberto "Beto" Perez during the 90s, has deffinitely reach a level unsurpassed yet by other similar exercise programs. The combination of Latin and International music with invigorating dance moves make the fitness program really fun, and when you throw in superb Zumba instructors of celebrity status like Mark Kramer Pastrana, the activity becomes even more exhilarating and exciting.

Mark vibrantly dancing onstage inspires everyone to workout like there's no tomorrow. Sometimes, the body goes weak to continue but the adrenaline rush pushes in to make us continue with our dancing especially when we see fellow Zumba fanatics getting Kramerized into exceeding our limits.

All that sweat is worth it since we get healthy in the process. Zumba is an activity worth pursuing regularly and emulated by our peers in our same quest to a healthier nation. Our bodies benefit so much to keep ourselves looking more appealing and ready to face more challenges along the way.

The only thing that bothers me is the mindset that only middle-aged and senior individuals need Zumba, or any other similar exercise activity. That is totally wrong because health should be our main priority and it should start the moment we are born. Our parents or guardian should instill healthy activities as part of our daily living. From the food we eat, to the activities we participate in, we should all aim for the better options that leads to better health.

For more photos, and videos, from the Kramerized event, check them out at our official Facebook and YouTube channels.

Rediscovering Our Favorites at SM Food Court

Wazzup Pilipinas!

"Kumain ka na ba? Punta na sa SM Food Court at muling tuklasin ang mga paborito ninyong pagkain. May free 360 degree video selfie pa for every certain amount of food bought.

Participating during our bloggers Instagram flatlay competition were Gracia's Lechon, Sisig Hooray, Chica's Chicharronia, Lydia's Lechon, Chizmozza, Cebu Fiesta, Chef Ala Eh, Panda Shabu-Shabu, etc."

They say specialty restaurants are more likely for the well-off and affluent, but gone are the days when restaurateurs with their superb cuisines make their homes only at their own establishment.

These visionary entreprenuers know that majority of the Filipinos want affordable yet tasty dishes. They now go out of their way to reach out to the masses by offering their specialties at food courts or food parks.

The SM Food Court has been around as far as I can remember. They've been existing even before food parks rose in popularity. They are actually the better version of food parks because it's airconditioned and naturally puts your food at a better and controlled environment compared to foid parks usually situated at open areas. However, the prices for food offered at either places are synonymously the same. For both, the term "You get what you paid for" is untrue for majority of these food stalls because I've tried a lot and many have passed my eclectic taste.

With the revitalizing of the food courts of SM, as witnessed during our bloggers social media challenge via Instagram and/or Facebook, we got to see special attractions as bonus features that customers can avail after eating at SM Food Courts. The 360 degree video selfies are totally cool to have and repost on our timelines, especially if you do it with families, friends or colleagues. The Koi fishes in an aquarium is also a splendid site to see that would attract children rare to see upclose these colorful sea creatures.

What were the foods served on our photo challenge?

#RediscoverYourFavorites #KumainKaNaba #KKNB #SMFoodCourt #WazzupPilipinas #PambansangBlogger #Foodies

Renee Salud and the Philippine Tapestry Fashion Show at Hotel Jen Manila

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Undoubtedly among the icons in the Philippine fashion industry, Filipino Fashion Designer Renee Salud, more popularly called Mama Renee by his celebrity clients, or Kuya Renee by his staff and team, never fails to impress with his exquisite and seemingly eccentric designs featuring the major weaves of the Philippine archipelago spanning from Luzon, Visyas to Mindanao. These mix of modern yet ethnic look created with both comfort and style in mind are totally of international appeal.

The fashion icon known as a fairy godmother to many aspiring beauty queens who won their crowns wearing his creations, has catered to a wide range of clientele including popular showbiz personalities. He has earned the title of Ambassador of Philippine Fashion for his many ingenious creations featuring Philippine materials, weaves and artistry.

I would personally want to wear his creations for myself not just to flaunt but to feel proud and honored wearing an attire symbolic of Philippine culture and heritage.

More photos and videos at our Facebook fan page at http://www.Facebook.com/WazzupPilipinas

and our YouTube channel.at http://www.YouTube.com/user/wazzuppilipinas

The Philippines indeed has a rich history of age-old artistry that we should patronize to boost Filipino identity. We should often make use of indigenous materials not only to showcase the colorful art form created by Filipino artisans in exemplifying traditional wear, but also to help promote its origins sourced from all over the country.

We don't need to look far because fashion designers could just roam around the Philippines and get ideas for elegant outfits that could be truly world class when we put our hearts and minds, even souls, in its fabrication.

The Philippine Tapestry fashion show by Renee Salud was held on June 11, 2018 at Hotel Jen Manila in Pasay city.


Photography by Bert Briones

DOTr, SETSCO to roll out modern PUVs

Wazzup Pilipinas!

In its relentless effort to provide quality, safe, environment friendly and affordable public transport, the Department of Transportation (DOTr), through the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), gave green light to the Senate Employees Transport Service Cooperative (SETSCO) to roll out their new public utility jeepneys (PUJs), that are compliant under the PUV Modernization Program.

On Monday afternoon, 18 June 2018, 15 out of the total 35 modern PUJ units, which will ply the route of StarCity/CCP to PICC, GSIS/Senate to MOA to PITX and back, will initially be launched.

DOTr Undersecretary for Road Transport and Infrastructure Tim Orbos and LTRFB Chairman Martin Delgra III are expected to be joined by Senate President Vicente Sotto, Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri, Senators Aquilino Pimentel Jr. and Sherwin Gatchalian during the launch.

SETSCO is composed of 22 operators headed by its Chairperson Remedios Venturina, and is among the 3 pre-selected cooperatives to participate in the initial implementation of the PUVMP. 

The pre-selection was made by the Office of the Transport Cooperative (OTC), whose recommendation was based on the cooperative’s good standing, financial capability, and its established management structure.

SETSCO is by far the second cooperative to have been granted a franchise to operate due to its compliance to the PUVMP. It was able to obtain a loan from the Development Bank of the Philippines.

According to LTFRB Chairman Delgra, this goes to show that transport leaders are realizing the need for a better system.

"Kaya naman po talaga itong gawin. Nakasuporta po tayo sa mga kooperatiba basta't kumpleto ang mga dokumento, may maayos na ruta at kaisa natin sa pagsusulong ng PUVMP. Sila rin naman po ang makikinabang dito sa bandang huli,” said Chairman Delgra.

Aside from route rationalization, one of the key components of PUVMP is fleet modernization.

Usec. Orbos stressed the importance of safety and convenience with due consideration to Persons-with-Disabilities (PWDs) passengers. 

"Dapat po ang mga modernong public transport, hindi lang ligtas at kumportable. Ito ay dapat para sa lahat. Pag sinabing lahat, kasama po rito ang mga senior citizens o nakatatanda, gayundin ang mga PWDs,” Usec. Orbos said.

Meanwhile, despite opposition from some minority transport groups, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade stands firm in his commitment to modernize the transport sector.

"We cannot delay nor deny the public of their right to convenient, affordable and roadworthy mass transport. Pinangako iyan ni Presidente Duterte kaya tungkulin ko na siguruhing iyong mga bulok na at hindi na dapat pang sakyan ay maialis na natin sa kalsada,” Secretary Tugade said.

Unfazed with threats of transport strikes, 

Tugade said "Magrally sila kung gusto nila. Sunugin nila effigy ko kung gusto nila. But I will insist on the PUV Modernization program. Hindi ko sinasagasaan mga driver at operator sa paghahanapbuhay nila. Ang pakiusap ko lang sa paghahanapbuhay nila, 'wag ka namang bumawi ng buhay ng iba."

Wazzup Pilipinas Awarded as World Class Philippine Company

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Congratulations, Wazzup Pilipinas for being awarded as a World Class Philippine Company at the Gabi ng Parangal of World Class Philippines Awards during the gala night held on June 16 at City of Dreams Manila grand ballroom.

Receiving the award is Wazzup Pilipinas founder Ross "Pambansang Blogger" Del Rosario, together with his wife, Wilma Del Rosario. Both are actively managing the site known as the Pambansang Blog ng Pilipinas - self-declared but living up to its name since it was founded way back 2013.

Wazzup Pilipinas is a multi-awarded online publication or more popularly known as a blog site but has expanded to even collaborate as a radio, TV and print media content provider, aside from the hosting experiences.

According to our founder, the award is dedicated to all the partners, sponsors, contributors, supporters, correspondents, and all other people who in one way or another have helped in making Wazzup Pilipinas truly world class.

This is specially recognizing as well the ever growing readers of the Wazzup Pilipinas site and social media network (Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, etc).

Wazzup Pilipinas will continue with its commitment to share only quality and really significant content beneficial to all our readers and viewers. The site aims to bring back the glory of blogging as it was originally intended - to share real life experiences as it happens, to help promote quality products, services and talents especially Philippine made, uplift tourism efforts within the country, and raise the bar of excellence for the Filipinos.

The awards night had the presence of distinguished celebrity and government personalities like MMDA Spokesperson Celine Pialago, Actress and businesswoman Ara Mina, Afficionado Owner Joel Cruz, and a lot of entrepreneurs, restaurateurs, andvother business owners that excel in both their business and management of it.

Several performers like dance troupes, a chorale, a puppeteer and ventriloquist, a celebrity singer, etc., also entertained the awardees while having their delightful dinner provided by the City of Dreams Manila.

The recognition as World Class Filipinos and Philippine Companies are indeed well deserved by the individuals and companies that continue to pursue world class excellence for themselves their products, services and people. Kudos to companies who invest on the mprovement of skills and intelligence of their team by providing continuous training proframs for career and personality development. We would like to commend the management who understand the need for rest and recreation for their team. Special mention to perks, privileges, bonuses, and other rewards to recognize extraordinary work performance, and even honesty or good moral character.

The most important part of a company is its people who play the vital role to sustain its excellence. To recognize them with even just a sincere Thank You is highly appreciated.


Photography by Bert Briones

#WazzupPilipinas #PambansangBlogger #WorldClassPhilippines #GabiNgParangal