Discover Top Posts Tagged with #chefnito

Let's Fiesta Iloilo: Day 2

After a day of exploring the Gigantes Islands, we spent our next day of traveling exploring Guimaras Island.

As you can see from this picture alone Guimaras takes pride in the glorious mango. In fact, many have stated that Guimaras breeders produces the sweetest mango of all the Philippines and that's quite a statement.

Unlike Day 1 of our trip, which was spent mostly on a boat, hopping from island to island for Day 2, we were provided with a special vehicle. May I present to you...

*drum roll* The Mango-Mobile!

#letsfiesta #Iloilo #Guimaras #travel #chefnito

Theater + Steven = <3

With #LaCageManila closing last weekend, I feel that I’m at a happy place in my life right now. I mean because #LaCageManila is a beautiful but difficult show and I couldn’t be more proud to say that I was a part of it. At the same time, it makes me reflect just how I got myself into this world...

“La Cage Aux Folles”, 9Works Theatrical 2015

“Grease”, 9Works Theatrical 2014

“Hope For The Flowers”, Young Artists Productions 2012

With only 3 shows under my belt my theater life is just getting started...

My fascination with theater started in 2011 when I watched my good friend Gian Magdangal in the 9Works’ production of “Rent”. I remember being in awe watching the dialogue, singing, dancing all taking place on-stage. The only thing I could think of at the time was how much fun it all looked and I must’ve spoken out loud when I said “I wish I could try doing something like that” because my friend Elai took the initiative to steer towards my 1st ever theater production: “Hope For The Flowers”.

That’s me, Stripe the Caterpillar. In case you didn’t know, caterpilars do wear purple doorags. #gangstuh

One trend I seemed to notice as the days went along, which also seem to be the unofficial 3 pillars of theater:

Hard Work

Long Hours

Very Little Pay

Doesn’t seem to connect, right? Welcome to the world of theater! Yet for some reason, I didn’t seem to mind and neither did the people around me. Whether rehearsals went on for longer than they should have or things had to be repeated multiple times, no one complained.

An ant and a caterpillar getting along fine....just like they would in the real world. Don’t quote me on that.

“No, anything but my leaves!” #caterpillarproblems

Coming from the world of showbiz, this is downright shocking. You make certain Artistas work more or longer than they’re supposed to AND underpay them, well you’re in for trouble my friend. But here, that is the norm and it’s actually quite respectable in my book. Theater people work really, really hard and they don’t ask for anything back in return.

After “Hope For The Flowers”, it took me a while before the theater bug started itching again and I found myself looking around for opportunities theater-wise. Finally, after a stint with The Boston: The Kitchen Musical, I found myself unknowingly surrounded by theater talents.

This project just seemed to fire my desire to return to theater even more as I learned of my co-actors’ shows and other productions they were currently working on. A few of our cast members were even part of the 1st run of 9Works’ production of “Grease“ in late 2014. #foreshadowing

Almost a year later, 9Works announced they were re-running “Grease” and we’re looking for new cast members to fill in the remaining spots. Well, because of my contacts in TKM, I was informed of the auditions and promptly auditioned.

Here I was...2 years from my last theater production, yet 9Works took a shot on me and gave me the role of Johnny Casino (I even got to be Teen Angel for a few shows).

It also reminded me on a conversation I had with my cast mate Nelsito Gomez during a random coffee run. Nelsito, also coming from a showbiz stint, had experience with both worlds and he told me something he noticed. When you step away from showbiz, you don’t really look for it. But when you step away from theater, it always seems to draw you back in. He was right. Being part of this show confirmed what had been on my mind for a while now: I missed performing and being on stage.

Just ask any performer out there, the “high” you get when you’re performing your heart out and the audience is enjoying and reciprocating the energy right back to you is like no other.

“Grease“ was awesome and as it was coming to its close another blessing, not that I knew at the time, was about to come my way. Santi, the producer of 9Works, approached me after a show and asked me if I was interested in joining 9Works’ next show: “La Cage Aux Folles”. Honestly, I wasn’t sure if I could commit to another show with all the time requirements and of course, the lack of financial security.

But after a few days of thinking it over I told Santi I was in and I was offered the role of Jean Michel.

“Anne....so dreamy...”

This was going to be one of the biggest theater roles I’ve ever taken on and little did it cross my mind at the time that it would also be the most difficult.

So many ups and downs I experienced because of this show but at the same time I was able to learn and grow so much during its span. One main difference between the showbiz and theater world I’ve noticed is the sense of family and unity. With the family I have at 9Works and all the people I worked with in “La Cage“ I was in good hands and able to really achieve new heights I never thought I could. From top to bottom, every single person in this cast helped me become a better performer, singer, dancer and artist and I couldn’t be more thankful of it.

Well, you wanted wacky.

“Overkill....absolute overkill Jacob.”

“Deputy General of the TFM!”

I love every single one of these extremely talented and passionate people.

I actually started a vlog on my Youtube channel to document the things that happened during rehearsals and whatever else was going on at the time.

-Episode 1 started during our Prod Week for La Cage. For those who don’t know what Prod Week is, it’s usually the week before a show opens and usually the most stressful and you’ll see that in this video.

-Episode 2 continues with La Cage after 2 weeks of shows, Rafa and I were reunited with our Sandy from “Grease” Tippy Dos Santos on our MYX guesting! And I got to be part of a mini series for TV5...*whispers* which airs tomorrow on TV5 at 9PM.

-Episode 3 shows more BTS on the 3rd weekend and also how Rafa and I get ready before shows. Backstreet Boys style.

-Episode 4 the last and most recent shows our closing and the bittersweet feelings that are associated with closing a show such as this. And Ariana Grande makes a special appearance.

After the blessing of La Cage coming into my life, all I can do now is continue to work hard, continue to put in long hours and hope for more blessings to come my way.

Insects thrusting in rejoice after a successful show!

At least, I know now that I have a whole new family that has my back and I’m so thankful for it.

#chefnito #theater #musical #la cage aux folles #Grease

Let's Fiesta Iloilo: Day 1

I know anytime I get to join GMA's regional show "Let's Fiesta" it's going to be an amazing time. For those who haven't caught the show, it's a traveling show that roams all over the Philippines and explores the festivals, foods, history and sights that this beautiful country has to offer.

I've guested on the show before and even posted an entry about our trip to Iligan here on the blog.

Our itinerary this time was to explore the sights of Northern Iloilo. For day 1, we hopped onto a boat and did more hopping around the islands of "Gigantes Islands".

One thing we constantly found ourselves saying "Ang ganda talaga ng Pilipinas" (The Philippines is really beautiful). Every island we visited looked like one of those postcards that you usually buy at a souvenir shop and send to your family back home to make them jealous.

Even though you really didn't visit that particular location on said postcard.

#letsfiesta #Iloilo #travel #itsmorefuninthephilippines #chefnito

Dream. Believe. Survive. Again.

It’s pretty amazing how time really does fly by when you step back and look at the big picture of life. In October of 2009, 9am in the morning, I traveled to SM Davao to audition for Starstruck. Little did I know that this action would lead to such a huge change in the path my life was heading.

If you watch this video and pay attention at the 0:20 mark, you will see a skinny Korean looking kid in a green shirt “trying” to dance. Sadly, that kid is me.

Here’s another shot of my mug during the 1st set of callback auditions in Manila.

Here’s Rocco and I during an elimination night. Safe to say, neither of us were sent home that night.

Look into that lens and speak to the camera! Our photo shoot/modeling challenge with the one and only Jun de Leon.

And it all led up to this, Sarah and I standing as the Ultimate Survivors of Starstruck 5. Look at that face…so sad, happy, and ugly all at the same time. #whataface

A jump to the current day and also a quick little #OOTD.

I think it’s safe to say that I’ve come a long way from that initial audition about 5 years ago and I’ve learned and experienced so much during my Starstruck days and I continue to learn during my showbiz career.

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to be a special judge during the preliminary auditions of the upcoming season of Starstruck. It was such an amazing turn of events for myself. Here I was, returning to Davao, the place where it all started 5 years ago. But this time, I would be the one judging rather than auditioning on-stage.

For the first day of auditions, around 100 plus Starstruck hopefuls turned out and while there were a lot auditioning relying mostly on luck and hope, there were a select few who wowed us with their looks and talents.

As I initially entered the audition venue, I was immediately put on-stage to join a Starstruck hopeful in an impromptu acting scene.

One particular girl called me onstage to perform a duet with her and I happily obliged. When we got to the climax of the song, I was blown away by the power of her voice. Let’s just say, I wouldn’t be surprised if she reached the next stage of auditions.

The next challenge we gave a contestant was to pretend we were a love team and we would then perform a song together on-stage.

And here’s my lovely partner for this challenge…those heels and that blue headband tho’…

Holding hands, getting closer and sweeter…

And then, this happened. Can’t you see…the sparks are flying.

I believe there is a deeper meaning behind Starstruck’s catch phrase of “Dream, Believe, Survive” rather than it just being that, catchy.

Dream - having dreams and/or ambitions in life are extremely important. Dreams will guide you to where and what you want to do in life and are very important. Not everyone has dreams, so if you do, protect yours and work for them.

Believe - having belief in something can be that one thing that can push one to achieve something beyond his/her capability. And some people can attest to “believing” is halfway there to achieving your goals.

Survive - you hear it more often than not, but life isn’t easy. We’re all surviving or fighting through some personal problem or situation and to get anywhere in life you must work hard and survive.

Auditioning for a show like "Starstruck" isn’t easy at all, to say the least. It’s tiring, nerve-racking, and a bit embarrassing because you put yourself out there for everyone to see. Regardless if only a selected few get called back for another set of auditions, I applaud ALL that auditioned on this day.

You all took advantage of an opportunity, an opportunity that doesn’t always come. I hope you all keep chasing your dreams because you’re the only one responsible for making them come true. Good luck Starstruck hopefuls of Davao and show them the pride of the Davaoeños!

#chefnito #blog #starstruck #dream #believe #survive #Davao

P99 for a BURRITO? Sí! Es posible...with Burrito Brothers!

It was just a normal day, like any other. Here I am delivering spiels for an upcoming episode of Taste Buddies (airing every Saturday 8:45PM on GMA News) and then all of a sudden a surge of latin flavor went through my body...

And just like that Estéban was born.

My journeys with Taste Buddies have taken me to many different types restaurants but today brings on a familiar cuisine and particularly one of my favorites. But then again, according to my posts, which type of cuisine isn't my favorite?

One thing that's hard for a Mexican food lover out here in the Metro like myself is that good Mexican restaurants are too few in existence and most are not easy on the wallet. Well, after talking to both Nancy and Polly and looking at their menu, you can see right away neither is not a problem here at Burrito Brothers.

Flautas (P75 for Cheese/99P for Chicken)

Back to what I mentioned earlier about affordability, 200 pesos at any other Mexican place will get you one burrito but here at Burrito Brothers that will get you two, with change.

Here is myself and Polly constructing our own burritos and you can see, there are many options and toppings you can add to your burrito such as either grilled steak or chicken, Mexican rice, refried beans, tomatoes, grilled peppers & onions, cheddar cheese, and sour cream. That is quite a mouthful for only P99 and P139 for the Super Burrito if you're feeling extra hungry.

This is what they appropriately call a Super Taco (P149) and just looking at the thing, you can easily tell this will feed a small family very comfortably.

Besides the obvious of burritos, their menu also includes other Mexican specialties such as chimichangas, quesadillas, nachos, taco salads and much more.

Nachos (Cheese/Salsa P60, Beef & Cheese P75, Grande P129)

I recommend you try…

Ice Cream Wrap (P79) - an item I did not actually get to try, but it sounds amazing. Vanilla ice cream wrapped in a crisp tortilla, all covered with chocolate syrup and sliced almonds. A dessert with Mexican flair, I like.

Super Taco (P149) - this thing is HUGE (pictured above). I warn you, do bring a friend with you when you tackle this delicious monstrosity.

Sili Wraps (P90) - like a Mexican twist on the delicious cheese sticks. Sili wrapped in a tortilla with cheese, seasoned ground beef, and lovingly deep fried.

Food shots, the professional way.

One thing that’s great about this place, as Polly told me, aside from their great and cheap Mexican food items is that they are very good listeners when it comes to their customers' needs and suggestions. When customers began complaining of the limited eating space, Nancy decided to clear our their then garden and added a few more tables to accommodate the crowd.

That Super Taco tho'.

While Burrito Brothers might be a bit out of the way all the way in Marikina, but I think their very affordable prices and great Mexican fare more than warrants a visit from any Mexican food lover.

Estéban says "gracias".

Burrito Brothers

SSS Village, 69 Lilac St, Marikina, 1811 Metro Manila, Philippines

500-9637, 0917-870-3282

#chefnito #burritobrothers #mexicanfood #blog #tastebuddies

Best Food Forward, my 1st ever food fair!

I had the privilege of being invited to attend the Best Food Forward food fair last weekend. It being my first food fair, I didn't know what to expect but let's just say I was happily surprised to what I saw and experienced.

Hello there sexy...sorry, I was talking to the beef belly, not you.

Keep fighting the good fight Ate.

In our current age of social media, it's easy to just rely on applications to see, experience, and "taste" food virtually rather than actually tasting it in person. It was refreshing to browse around the various booths and interact with the owners, chefs, and creators of the many food creations on display. One booth that particularly caught our attention was the Voila Old Fashioned Jar Cakes booth.

As you can see, the directions are simple. Add water to the jar, mix well and microwave, not bake, the contents for 1-2 minutes and voila! You have a cake in a jar. Sounds too easy to be true, right? But after tasting a sample of their chocolate mud pie, I was surprised. The consistency was a little more gooey than a usual cake, but the taste was there.

Another booth that stood out was the Pink Wasabi booth with their "sushi-like" desserts. I’m a sushi lover myself, so I was immediately drawn to their booth but was shocked to learn that these were actually dessert look-a-like replicas of the real deal.

Oh you know, nothing out of the ordinary here, just a humongous skillet of paella.

Here’s my beautiful partner in crime, Kate, modeling a delicious bowl of seafood paella. For all of you guys out there looking for fitness and health tips, I definitely recommend you give her a follow here whatsthefword.

If you're a foodie like myself, I definitely recommend you visit a food fair and for many reasons:

Convenience - rather than driving all over town to try numerous types of food, the food literally comes to you. You can easily try tens of different types of dishes and cuisines depending on the size of the fair and your stomach capacity. I mean, come on, how often can you say you had shawarma, a Bratwurst, Kung Pao noodles, paella, and strawberry coffee ice cream all in one day?

Personal Element - more often than not, the person greeting you at a booth is either the company's owner, chef, or someone with the knowledge to educate you about their product and what makes it so special.

Newfound Knowledge - a constant during the food fair were cooking demos on-stage of various types of cuisines and dishes. Who knows? you might go home from the food fair with a couple of new recipes to try at home for your family, friends, and of course, your fine self.

What's the current trend in food - food fairs can give you insights to what’s current and the upcoming trends in food right now.

Food (duh) - most of the food on display is either free to sample or on sale at very special prices to encourage you to try them. Definitely a win-win.

Don't go alone! - I had a lot of fun at the food fair but I think what made it even more fun was that I was with a group of friends. We were able to share our experiences and even divide and conquer on what was "good" and "not good" that day at the fair. Here's my group of food soldiers!

Before I end this entry, I have to thank the awesome woman behind my attendance the Best Food Forward food fair today. I actually met Gwen during our Taste Buddies visit to Marmalade Kitchen and she told me about how she was organizing an upcoming food event and here we are months later reunited. Thank you so much Gwen!

I think it's safe to say my 1st experience at a food fair, won't be my last. I'm definitely looking forward to the next one and encourage you to attend one also!

#BestFoodForward #FoodFair #chefnito #blog #food

20 Facts About Me

Was browsing around tumblr and started reading theuncommonreader's "20 Facts About Me" post and she supposedly tagged "everyone who read this post." Kind of lazy if you ask me, haha, I love you BFF! Here goes nothing...

My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving and I was actually born on it. It just kind of sucks that it's an American holiday and I'm kind of not in the U.S. anymore, but I do love me some turkey.

I was Superman last year for Halloween.

I broke my leg on the first game of the soccer season during my junior year of HS.

When I was about 6 years old, I wanted to be an astronaut. The funny thing, I didn't even know what an astronaut was at the time.

I've been called almost every race under the sun: Korean, Japanese, Vietnamese, Chinese, Mexican, etc. I'll say it again, but I'm sure it won't be the last, I am 50% Portuguese, 25% Filipino, 25% Chinese.

When I was little, my Dad used to think it was hilarious to explain to me that I was adopted and that he found me in a Korean orphanage. I, on the other hand, would cry my eyes out.

I'm a HUGE San Francisco 49ers fan. If you by any chance are one too, we are automatically best friends. No questions asked.

I am extremely inflexible. *shrugs*

I am also extremely broadly shaped, so please don't bring me to tightly quartered places, or I will promptly knock down everything in the area that can be knocked down.

I once rode the bus home from school when I was in the 1st grade because I thought it would be fun even though my Dad picked me up every day from school.

I've studied 4 languages so far in my lifetime (Spanish, Japanese, Korean, Tagalog). English still remains my only fluent one, but my Tagalog is getting there.

My best friend, Jet, is Cambodian, but I could've sworn he was Filipino. I think that's actually the 1st thing I asked him when we met.

I act, dance, host, and on occasion, model. These are 4 things I had NEVER tried doing until 4 years ago. #starstruckkid

This is what I looked like about 15 years ago.

And this is my current self in 2014.

I hold a Culinary Arts degree from the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco, California aaaaaaand I became an "artista" in the Philippines. Go figure.

I have small eyes. It's probably one of the first things you'll notice when you meet me. Funny story. When I was still in elementary school, my mom used to tell me not to smile so big in our class pictures so that you could see my eyes. I wish I was making that up but I still love my Mom to death.

I was born in Southern California (Oceanside) but I was raised in Northern California (Sacramento), so don't be alarmed if you hear me use the word "hella" multiple times in a sentence. #NorCal #916 #represent

Favorite color: red.

I sometimes dress up as a tattooed lion for work.

I'm tagging everyone who reads these 20 facts about myself! I'd love to read 20 facts about all of you guys, so please tag me in your #20factsaboutme post so I can read them! Cheers!

#chefnito #20factsaboutme