4 Things About Subway That Impressed Me

1. The power of choice and customization

I really like restaurants (and other products and services) that allow their customers to choose and customize what they will get. In Subway, they allow the customers to choose everything – the flavour of the Sub, the bread to be used, the size, the extras, the veggies, the sauce and whether to make it a meal or not. This works, I think, because when there is more freedom, the customers become more involved in the process. When there is more involvement, there is more fun. Plus it comes rare too as not too many restaurants (and other products and services providers) offer this.

2. Fresher and healthier ingredients

That night, I was actually looking for a new and healthier option. (I think I’ve memorized all the restaurants inside Robinsons Galleria already). So even though Subway is an overpass away from the mall, I pursued it.

Subway actually became a perfect choice for what I was looking for that night. Looking for something new? Check! Looking for something healthier? Check! It is Subway’s brand promise actually – eat fresh and healthy. Subway provides a better alternative for those who are already sick and tired of the run-of-the-mill (and sometimes unhealthy) choices.

3. Simple and organized ordering system

From the starting point to the cashier, Subway’s ordering counter makes sure that the customers are guided in every step of the way. First, I was made to choose the flavour – I tried Steak and Cheese. Second, the bread – White Italian for me. Third, the size – 6 inches. Fourth, I have to choose the extras – I said yes to cheese. Fifth, the veggies – I chose all. Sixth, the sauces – I chose Southwest and Honey Mustard because I like it spicy and sweet. (Customers are allowed up to two sauces of choice.) And lastly, I upgraded it to meal – I chose Lay’s over chocolate chip cookies. And I chose iced tea for drink. I really like that I am also the one who will get my drink from the dispenser.


4. Very friendly crew members

Well, they have to because patience is much needed when there is more customer involvement in the ordering process. Some customers may change their minds too easily and ask too many questions – just like me. But they were all so polite and accommodating.

Kudos to the people behind bringing Subway to the Philippines!

3 Things I Understood About Putting Up A Business While Eating At Angel's Burger

I wasn’t particular hungry tonight but there is something about Angel’s Burger, a 24/7 burger and hotdog stall in the Philippines, that made me come to it. Perhaps, Angel’s reminds me so much of all those sleepless nights when I quit my job to become a freelancer and all I did was write, write and write. I am in that “write zone” kind of night again and maybe that’s why Angel’s popped into my head.

And so I set off into the night only to come back with a blog post idea in my head. These are the three things that I understood about putting up a business while eating my favorite footlong hotdog (with coleslaw and hot sauce) at Angel’s Burger.

1. Availability is king.

No matter how good and no matter how affordable your product is, if it’s not available, it won’t sell.

I remember three remarkable lessons from the past that are aligned with this statement.

First, when I was still working for Lamoiyan Corporation (makers of Hapee toothpaste), there was a season when the most popular toothpaste brand in the Philippines, Colgate, disappeared in the shelves of the supermarkets of the biggest mall chain in the Philippines, SM. It was one of our highest grossing seasons in terms of sales not necessarily because buyers shifted voluntarily to Hapee. But because their brand was not available. I knew back then that the people from Colgate are in big trouble.

That’s when I learned my biggest lesson on availability and distribution management. I realized that no matter how much we, as marketers and manufacturers, work our assess off, if our toothpastes won’t make it to the shelves of our distribution channels, our work are in vain.

Way back in college, I don’t remember being excited about my classes in distribution and channel management. Then in the real world, I realized that the availability of the product is actually as important as manufacturing. This totally changed my perspective in my work as a Trade Marketing Assistant.

My second lesson is now when I am practicing as a real estate broker. In our business, location is king. The philosophy is no matter how beautiful and no matter how affordable your towers are, if they are in bad locations, they will be very hard to sell. In fact, the other side can also be true. If you have an ugly tower in a high-demand location, chances are people will still – at the very least – inquire about your project.

My third lesson is about McDonald’s. I read somewhere before that what made McDonald’s popular is not because it had the best tasting burgers and fries in the world. They key  – as the author discussed – is because it made itself very much available to everyone. It may not serve very tasty food but when the price is right and it’s fast, convenient and available, most likely, it will sell. And sell McDonald’s did!

So, there really are a huge lessons on availability and distribution management. For people like me who would like to put up a business, let us not put availability in the backseat. Some businesses placed it in front like Angel’s and look at where they are now.

2. Price is queen.

The key – I believe – is becoming lower than the competition in terms of price. Let’s say Angel’s biggest competition is Jollibee’s Yum burger. Even without checking out the price, I know that Angel’s win in this category.

But not only that, Angel’s even introduced a new purchasing scheme – the perpetual and the never-ending “Buy 1, Take 1” promo. Through this, buyers were placed under the impression that they can actually buy two for the price of one. In Tagalog, we even have a term for it – “sulit”. Or getting more of what you pay for.

But of course, Angel’s is not doing a sacrifice sale every single day. That is called suicide, not business. The price for two is actually the price for two. Period. No special promo going on.

But what Angel’s unlocked is this – all else equal, Filipinos will most likely choose the product that has a freebie over the one that has one.

3. Overall quality and taste are the heirs to the throne.

Personally, I like Angel’s footlong hotdog with coleslaw and hot sauce. With its price, I find it even tastier than the schubligs, bockwursts and other foreign-sounding sausages you buy in cinemas. You see, when you are stingy, the price becomes part of the overall quality and taste. Haha!

But no, seriously. Angel’s got some hotdog that is good enough for a repeat purchase with a low barrier to entry in terms of price and availability.

Kudos to this burger stall that has kept me company during those sleepless and hungry nights while doing some overthinking – just like tonight.

P.S. Photos were taken on a different day.

Best Tasting Spanish Bread

Spanish Bread is very popular in the Philippines. Despite its name, it is believed that the Spaniards did not actually hand down this yummy bread to the Filipinos.

My favorite Spanish Bread can be bought at PhP 5 each in an old bakery in Pureza St., Sta. Mesa, Manila. A few years ago, Julie's Bakeshop built one of their stalls in front this old bakeshop. Guess which one still stands until this day?

It's the old Spanish Bread bakery.

Angel's Burger

Angel's Burger is a popular burger stand in the Philippines. They popularized the Buy 1, Take 1 promo of burgers and they are open 24 hours. I was very surprised to see some of their stands in places as far as Talisay, Batangas and Tagaytay. I think Angel's Burger is all over the Philippines by now.

I like Angel's Burger a lot. During late night works, it is my companion being near my place in Sta. Mesa. Aside from satisfying my stomach hunger, it's a huge marketing case in my head. How can a humble burger stand be as big as this now?

26 Photos of Filipino Street Foods That Will Make You Homesick for the Philippines

Banana cue, turon, tokneneng, hotdog, kikiam, samalamig and softdrinks.

6 Important Realizations While Eating in Masuki Restaurant in Binondo

1. You can actually mix beef and chicken in a dish.

I have never seen any dish like the noodles I ordered in Masuki. There was beef and chicken in it and it tastes really good. I have no complaints.

2. Siopao sauce is being spooned before.

I got used to eating siopao with the sauce being pressed from a plastic bottle or a sachet. It was my first time to eat siopao in a place where I should be using a Chinese spoon to scoop the siopao sauce out. I will describe it as a high Chinese society kind of dining experience. No plastic bottles. No sachets. Let’s be authentic Chinese here.

3. Noodles and siopao make a perfect combo meal.

This is another first time for me. I have never eaten a bowl of noodles and a siopao together. Not yet. Until, I came to Masuki. It was great.

4. Chinese people are great manual workers.

Carbs on carbs on carbs? With the kind of diet like this on Masuki, it was pretty easy to figure out that the original patrons of the restaurant are those who need energy the most. Who else can finish a bowl of noodles and a siopao in one sitting?

18 Awesome Photos Taken Inside Cafe Juanita

Inside Cafe Juanita is a festival of colors.

15 Top of the Mind Filipino Restaurants Where to Take Your Foreign Friends

One day, I asked for recommendations through a Facebook shoutout for the best Filipino restaurant within the city where we can take our visiting friend from Japan. I was overwhelmed by the responses and thought of blogging about these restaurants.

Here are the top-of-the-mind recommendations in no particular ranking (just alphabetical).

1. 9 Spoons

www.ourawesomeplanet.com

Ying Ying Tea House: A Night Food Trip in Binondo (Chinatown in Manila)

Ying Ying Tea House is not easy to find. It is located at the corner of two streets, Dasmarinas and Yuchengco in Binondo, Manila's Chinatown. Good thing the people around are hospitable and warm. They know the place and will not hesitate in giving you directions.

While waiting for the food to be served. Notice the spoons and forks immersed in hot water, so old school Chinese restaurant!

They tied a yellow ribbon at the counter. They hanged some yummy-looking meats as well.

If there are no condiments on the table, it's not a Chinese restaurant.

Ying Ying Tea House can boast of their service tea. It tastes really good. Above all, it's free.

Yang Chow Rice is alright. Personally, I can survive with just plain white rice.

Okiam Chicken. Not their best chicken dish. I'd rather have Lemon Chicken or Sweet and Sour Chicken. Okiam Chicken is simply a platter of fried chicken served with a small bowl of sweet and sour sauce resembling ketchup.

You can never go wrong with Chicken Feet.

My first time to eat Steamed Lumpia. It's the star of the night! I can have it again next time.

Ying Ying's Xiao Long Bao. You can let go of this one and just try Radish Cake. It doesn't have the soupy substance inside it, unlike the real ones found in China.

Our table, after a few minutes.

A photo of four satisfied customers.

A photo in front of the counter.

Getting wacky with Ying Ying's staff and dimsums.

With just a few walks outside Ying Ying, you shall see the Filipino-Chinese Friendship Arch.

The old Savory! They serve the infamous Savory Chicken there.

A dream come true. A photo in Jones Bridge.

The header of my blog is a photo of Plaza Moraga, taken more than fifty years ago. Today, this is how it looks like. At night.

Notes: Ying Ying is open from 7am to 2am everyday. It's perfect for a night food trip like what we've had. They serve good drinks too, like soy milk and mango-sago.

The Daily Favor Café: Where to Eat in Manila

I have always been on a lookout for a café that will help me escape the city.

Need some quiet time? This man does it right.

Surely, cafes with big names in Manila are cool. They have really nice baristas who smile a lot and are genuinely interested in people. They have nice-looking interiors dominated with earth-tone colours that will remind you of the countryside. And they also have very comfortable couches that if you’re a sleepyhead, you must stay vigilant or you’ll fall asleep!



In fact, I love the big cafes in the city. I have no qualms. Nothing. Except for one.



They are usually crowded.



I go to cafes for two reasons. It’s either I want to catch up with my reading or I want to do some work that I can’t do at home. Doing these things, for me, require incredible amounts of concentration. I just can’t do them in crowded places. That’s why I have always been on a lookout for locations within the city that will help me, well, escape the city.

If you see this signage, it means you're there!

When my friend, Jam, told me about this hard-to-find café somewhere in Pasig, I am more than excited. Finally, an answered prayer. I know businesses will usually build their establishments where the crowds are but this one is a salmon, the fish that swims against the current. I can’t wait to see the Daily Favor Café.



So we decided to go with Jenavee, our songwriter friend who was finishing up a song that time. I knew that it was the perfect moment for us to meet each other. She will find inspiration there and me and Jam will have the chance to hear her new song before it gets aired in some Christian radio station (prophetic on this one).



The Daily Favor Café is so much different from all the cafes that I went into. I have been into really good ones, here and in Shanghai. But the Daily Favor is not only hard-to-find, I believe that it also is a piece of heaven.

Daily Favor's Hainanese Chicken Rice

Wherever you look inside the café, you will see inspiration. There are biblical quotes on the left and some inspirational books on the right. The whole café is embellished with grace!



My friend, Jam, told me that the café is owned by a Filipino businessman and a Singaporean-Chinese. She had the chance to take a photo with them inside the café during her last visit. It was a real treat for her to meet the owners. Though I wasn’t able to meet them during that day, I was able to chat with them online to know more about the café that they brought to life.



Bert and Joshua, the owners, met in a local church in Singapore. They became friends and soon enough found themselves venturing together in a business in the Philippines. They imagined a café where they will be able to nourish both the body and the soul. The body, through their sumptuous Filipino and Singaporean dishes and desserts served daily. And the soul, by sharing the Word in their own way.



This grace-filled imagining birthed the Daily Favor Café.

Puddings galore!

That day, I got myself the bestseller, the Hainanese Chicken Rice with Taro Pudding as dessert and Wintermelon Milk Tea for my drink. I think Jam and Jenavee went for the Nasi Lemak, the other bestseller.

Aside from the food, the other things that I enjoyed during my stay inside the Daily Favor are the books (being a bookworm, myself), the couches, the free WiFi, the warm servers and the quietness of the whole place. It’s the café that I want! I figured that it’s not only good for my quiet time. I can also see myself bringing my friends from Victory Ortigas there. I think it’s just a ride away from our church and it’s perfect for One2One sessions and small group meetings.



I have never stayed long in a single establishment in my life, except for this one. We arrived at around 2:00PM and left at around 7:00PM. In the evening, one of our friends, Monty, joined us and then we decided to have dinner in another place.

(L-R) Me, Jenavee, Jam and Monty

Sleek Tip: Visit the café in the morning or in the afternoon to sip some coffee or milk tea. Bring your book or laptop with you and just unwind, unwind, unwind. If you love books, check out some of their books and get out of the café as a changed person. It’s perfect for quiet times. If you have a group friends, bring them there too and have some tasty puddings. A hundred bucks is more than enough budget per person.



Daily Favor Cafe is also open to private functions and to catering and delivery requirements.



Address: 20-A M.H. Del Pilar St., San Nicolas, Pasig City, Philippines

Tel: (02) 934-3683

Email: beblessed@dailyfavor.co

Facebook: www.facebook.com/dailyFAVORcafe

Puratos Carat Ganache Live Demo with Chef Hasset Go

Chef Hasset Go is in need of 10 bloggers to come to this event on March 8, 2012 at 1:00pm - 5:00pm. Witness his live demonstration on new chocolate recipes and techniques using Puratos Carat Ganache! See you there!

To register, please place your e-mail addresses at the comment box below. Thanks!

List of participating bloggers here. Congratulations and see you there!

1. Foodie from the Metro
2. Serial Tripper
3. Purple and Hue
4. Spread Some Awesome
5. Tin Gonzaga
6. Travel on a Shosetring
7. High Gear Full Throttle
8. House of JCJEE
9. Larawan at Kape
10. Singlemom Supermom

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Strawberry Fields Forever: My Baguio Strawberry Farm Experience

It had always been a dream for me to go to the Strawberry Farm in La Trinidad, Benguet. I had been to Baguio a couple of times but I never had the chance to visit the famous farm. But during my last visit to Baguio during the third week of February 2012, a few days before Panagbenga Festival, I swore I won't miss it anymore. And so I went.

Tip #1: Never leave for the Strawberry Farm later than 7:00am. Traffic can be ugly in Baguio. The farm opens as early as 6:00am. As much as possible, be there at that time for maximum farming experience. It's fun seeing the dew on the leaves you know?

We arrived at the farm of my dreams at around 6:30am. Not bad. This morning photo of the strawberry field as well as the houses and hills in La Trinidad relaxes me a lot.

When we arrived, we were greeted with a smile by the kind-faced caretaker of the strawberry field we went into. There are actually a lot of them in here but he was the first one we met so we decided to pick in his field. That morning, he had already harvested this basket full of "Festival" breed of strawberries. Festival strawberries are the elongated shaped and bloody red colored strawberries growing in La Trinidad.

Tip #2: Notice that every other walkway in between rows of planted strawberries are wet. Some are dry. This means you can only walk upon the dry ones. Don't get slipped ok? 

My Shanghai Photo Diary (Part 2: The City Tour)

My Shanghai Visual Diary is a collection of photos I took during my half-year stay in a beautiful city in Mainland China. The beautiful city is often called the "Paris of the East" and I spent many days of freedom, friendship and happiness in there. This photo collection is my gratitude to everyone who made that experience for us everlasting and unforgettable.

Part 2 is about our first city tour.

Good morning! Morning starts right when I have a glimpse of the beautiful Wudong Lu. Across our dormitory in Fudan University is another university called Shanghai University of Finance and Economics. 

Our first stop is Pudong. And behind us is the infamous Oriental Pearl TV Tower which is quite the top of the mind iconic structure when Shanghai is the topic. Oriental Pearl TV Tower is third tallest TV and radio tower in the world.

Some of my co-scholars- Diana, Eds, Lani, Renee and Kuya Ritchie.

A photo with my co-fur loving friend, Sol.

My Shanghai Photo Diary (Part 1: The Basics)

My Shanghai Visual Diary is a collection of photos I took during my half-year stay in a beautiful city in Mainland China. The beautiful city is often called the "Paris of the East" and I spent many days of freedom, friendship and happiness in there. This photo collection is my gratitude to everyone who made that experience for us everlasting and unforgettable. 

Part 1 is about the beginning. How we settled down. And how we went with the basics.

February is quite rainy in Shanghai. I always wake up freezing. Thank God water heater was already invented. This is my usual view in the morning taken from where we stayed, the Fudan Foreign Student Dormitory. FFSD is like the United Nations in one building. A lot of foreign students stay there while they take classes in Fudan.  

I heard one Korean said during a seminar for volunteering students that most foreign students go to China not to study. They read the Lonely Planet instead of their textbooks. I couldn't blame them. China was very beautiful. This photo was taken inside the convenience store at the ground floor of the dormitory building. That's my Gege (Chinese for big brother) in front of a gondola with some of the most delicious instant noodles in the world.

This is the storekeeper. She became our friend. She takes care of the store in the mornings. All the foreign students get everything that they need from the store- breads, tissues, drinks, milk, beer, nicotine, notebooks, pens and many more. This is where I get my internet card. 

After breakfast, we boarded the same vehicles that took us from Pudong International Airport to the dormitory. It was a chance to look at the beauty of Shanghai again. Only this time, I'm already taking pictures. Even the ordinary roads were beautiful in my eyes. Manila is still my first love. But undeniably, roads looked better in Shanghai.