Wazzup Pilipinas News and Events

Sunday, October 4, 2015

Mercato Centrale is Now Even Better at its New Location

Wazzup Pilipinas!

We interviewed co-founder RJ Ledesma, the man who wears many hats, and tried out the equally many dishes available at the new spot of the always festive Mercato Centrale that is now located at 25th street corner 5th avenue of Bonifacio Global City in Taguig. Here you'll see the "Between the Lines" astronaut mural created by the art duo Cyrcle from Los Angeles. The mural is actually more popularly known as "The Spaceman."

The new location is just opposite The Forum building where some restaurants are also located but I guess they may now have something to fear every Friday and Saturday, 6pm-‐3am, as Mercato Centrale offers so much with very affordable prices to boast. You'll be able to buy a meal here for only an average of Php 100 only, with quality that is comparable to other dishes served at top restaurants.

RJ Ledesma mentions some of his highly recommended brands in the video interview and encourages everyone to check all the others as they truly offer excellent choices.

In my case, I've got to try five dishes from the food stalls offering churros (Don Churro), cheesesteak (Ultimate Cheesesteak), Garlic Chicken rice meal (Edgy's Food Trip), layered crepe (Cakes by K ) and lasagna (Chicago Pizza). There was a Php 100 food coupon from Auntie May's that says it's good for the next visit, but the owner, Auntie May herself, gave the blessing to serve it to me already and even allowed me to not pay additional because the Angus Beef Salpicao dish was worth more than Php 100. Also, another coupon from JD's Takoyaki bought me 4 pieces of the yummy street food.

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Now making their presence felt in the Philippines is a new product that will change the way you eat bread. The product comes with different fillings but the outside appearance all look the same except for the colors of the Japanese writings in the wrapping.

The Hattendo Japanese Chilled Creams Buns were sort of weird at first touch because I was totally surprised it was cold, or as they say "chilled." I'm not really used to having cold buns for snacks, but I gave it a try. Why not? I asked myself. This was my first time to try something like this but definitely liked the product at my very first bite.

It was actually on display at an event that I attended on August 27, 2015 so the curiosity within me stepped in to inquire about the product from always want to try something new. Thus I immediately approached the lady who was attending to the Hattendo booth. There I found out from her that it was free for tasting, and she asked me to get one that I like. I asked for a recommendation on which flavor was the best and she gave me three choices. I chose the Custard flavor, and gladly can say I enjoyed it up to the last bite.

I found myself coming back to ask for more because I wanted to try out the other flavors like Matcha, Azuki Bean and many others, and luckily got to eat my second piece of Hattendo Japanese chilled cream bun that day, of which eventually they approached me and said that they will give me a few more in exchange of a blog review. They probably realized I liked it so much so they're giving me a great chance to splurge on the product. I agreed because that's great news that will also give me the opportunity to share it with my wife and kids.

Wazzup Pilipinas!

You friendly neighborhood Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas was invited at the media and VIP event of the PhilBike Expo 2015 event for its opening ceremonies and press conference plus the biking stunts exhibition of the three cycling superstars who visited the Philippines event from Spain, France and Italy, namely Viki Gomez, Matthias Dandois, and Vittorio Brumotti.

The PhilBike Expo is the country’s first and largest trade and consumer show dedicated to the promotion and development of cycling. Top and up-and-coming bicycle and sports brands put their best and latest wares on display and testing for the ever-growing local riding community. An indoor MTB track and BMX street park was also available for both play and competitions.

We took a special video coverage of almost everything so you could also see what went on during the first day of the event that was not yet open to the public. Sadly, I missed out on Vittorio's exhibition as it was scheduled far later in the afternoon of the same day. I actually waited for his turn but unfortunately I was waiting at the wrong end of the SMX halls. I thought he will also be doing his stunts at the same platform where BMX Bikers Matthias and Viki performed noontime.

Below are the videos I took of the event, plus interviews with two of the cyclist. Photo ops with the three cycling superstars are also here, plus photo coverage within the videos to be uploaded soon at our official Facebook page. Check out more videos at our YouTube channel.

Also here are the profile of the two cyclist as per official press release of the organizers.