#PusoToTheMax

Last week, I was invited to attend an event at Max's Restaurant. Receiving the invite, I only had one thing in mind - that it might be a meet-and-greet event with Coco Martin as his new movie is about to be shown this week. While eating dinner, I heard murmurs from fellow bloggers asking "What's with Meralco Theater?" and more I felt this would be a Coco Martin related event, maybe we will be part of the premier or something.

When we got to Meralco... gym, not theater, the surprise was revealed. It wasn't a movie event like I (and most of us) thought and/or expected, but a special day to celebrate another one of Philippines' pride - The Gilas Pilipinas, who are set to fly to Spain for the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup, scheduled to happen August of this year.

Top - with team captain Jimmy Alapag and coach Chot Reyes

Bottom - with LA Tenorio, Beau Belga, and Larry Fonacier

It was a pleasure to meet and greet the players and the coaching staff of Team Gilas Pilipinas. All of them were very friendly and accommodating, allowing all of us to have pictures taken with them. Sadly, one of their members - Marc Pingris - couldn't make it to the event, but being there was already a blessing for all of us.

In college, I was little ga-ga over local basketball... I even once went with classmates to Reyes Gym to have pictures with some basketball players. Over the years, I lost interest with it, but the story of Gilas Pilipinas was something I know by heart, and the way they won over South Korea during the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship truly became one of the most inspiring stories in Philippine Sports. These players showed a lot of heart and courage, something that will instill in the hearts of the many Filipinos, no matter what sport or career they have.


Before their practice (which we got to watch), they had a photo-op with the people of Max's Restaurant, and seeing the managers in this sort of situation made me realize why most of my dining experience at Max's Restaurant had been pleasant. I always believe that the way the staff in the low ranks treat the customers is also a reflection of how pleasant their work place is, and whenever, wherever Max's Restaurant I visit, the staff treated me with a friendly, yet professional demeanor. Even my foreigner friend opted to dine at Max's Restaurant in the three times he traveled here in the Philippines!

Max's Restaurant, like I said, is the official restaurant of the Gilas Pilipinas on their way to the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Spain. Isang pulso, isang puso. If you want to share your support, please share your images taken at Max's Restaurant at any social media platforms with the hashtag - #PusoToTheMax.

Laban, Team Gilas Pilipinas!

*** Jenn ***

Chef Patrice Freulson at The Maya Kitchen

It felt really good to be back inside The Maya Kitchen, as it was another chance for me to learn and discover new things about food. For the month of May, the guest chef is none other than Chef Patrice Freuslon, owner of the Society Lounge.



Chef Patrice was born in France. He studied Culinary Pastry in The Gaston Lenotre School, Taillevant, Fauchon, Ritz. He was given a Rated A, the highest rate for a chef, by the Gault et Miliau, the best food guide magazine in France.

He has served as Executive Chef in Le Berlioz in Grenoble, France as well as on board the renowned cruise ship Maxim’s de Mers. There was also a stint as Executive Pastry Chef in Hotel Hyatt Regency in Houston, Texas as well as successful collaborations in Lebanon and the Middle East.

Chef Patrice describes his cuisine as a ‘passion, a modern labor of love’ as he skillfully combines the flavors of Asian ingredients with French technique.

For this featured class, he prepared five dishes:

Jollibee Now Offer Creamy Shakes

It's been more than a month since my last post, I feel I have to apologize for the absence, but I do hope you understand my side - it's been an emotional roller coaster for me, but I am doing well now. The past two months, I traveled to Pangasinan twice, and I also got to set foot in Puerto Princesa City (Palawan) for the first time. The out of town trips weren't as lavish as my previous trips, but they were surely memorable and something I will treasure forever.

I will try to update the blog as often as I can (I still don't have a netbook so that is still my biggest blog hurdle), and what better way to start anew than to share something new to all of you dear readers.


I was one of the first few to try the latest offering from Jollibee. You may not notice it, but year after year, the leading fast food chain in the Philippines is actually releasing a summer treat to help cool down the scorching temperature brought by the summer's heat.

To date, Jollibee offers the float, sundae, and the mix-in treats. This year, it's time for them to offer a creamy slurpy treat - the Jollibee Creamy Shake.

{more at the jump}