2nd Tranche of Excise Not for 2018 Oil Stocks

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi on Thursday (27 December) enjoins oil industry players to empty first their 2018 oil inventories before applying the second round of the excise tax to petroleum products for 2019.

The DOE, in close coordination with the Department of Finance, the Bureau of Customs and the Bureau of Internal Revenue, devised a mechanism to closely monitor existing oil inventories following the implementation of the second tranche of Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law on 1 January 2019.

“We are ready to implement the second tranche of TRAIN, which imposes additional excise taxes to various commodities like petroleum products by New Year,” Sec. Cusi said.

Sec. Cusi explained, “We have to ensure the proper implementation of the second tranche of Train, because the new collection will be used to support our ‘Build Build Build’ programs, free tuition fee and medical assistance for our kababayans.”

The energy chief emphasized, “With the imposition of the additional excise taxes, we are stringently looking at the 2018 inventories of oil companies in order to protect consumers from unjust trading and profiteering once the second tranche is operationalized.”

“The sale of old stocks, referring to the remaining balance of the inventory ending 31 December 2018, which was not covered by the second tranche of excise taxes should not be collected from the consumers. Otherwise, it would be a violation of the law- not only administrative penalties like closure of the establishment will be imposed, but also the criminal penalty of large scale estafa,” Sec. Cusi further said.

“We are confident that everyone will cooperate so that we will all have a prosperous new year for 2019,” Sec. Cusi concluded.

The DOE, together with its partners and stakeholders, provided mitigating measures to help consumers cope with the effects of TRAIN Law during its first implementation, such as fuel discounts through the corporate social responsibility and promotional programs, pantawid pasada, energy efficiency tips, rigorous monitoring of gas stations to ensure good quality and right quantity of petroleum products, among other measures.

Project T Solutions Takes Pride of Its Second Serviced Office and Co-working Space in BGC

Wazzup Pilipinas!

We all know how economical and convenient it is to just rent an office at a co-working or shared office setting and equally share facilities with other tenants. This is quite true for those startups or low-budget entrepreneurs who want to create a stable business presence yet save on resources.

Congratulations to Project T Solutions for their 2nd offering of a Serviced Office and Co-working Space, also in Bonifacio Global City (BGC). Project T shared offices / co-working space takes pride in being able to get 100,% occupancy rate in less than a year on their first venture (at Bonifacio Stopover Corporate Center).

Now with their 2nd offering, after seeing the amenities they offer (from the tour which Nicole led), it is not surprising if they beat their own record even if they now occupy two floors (15 and 16) of the Twenty-Five Seven McKinley building, also in BGC.. We were informed the 16th floor already has two companies renting soon.

I loved this particular building because the floors have lots of windows. I would prefer to setup an office where there are windows for proper ventilation and natural lighting. It definitel looks a lot better than a totally enclosed office space.

It seems the co-working space or shared offices business is in demand because of the many benefits it gives especially for start-ups or small businesses, and Project T even made it more convenient and comfortable with the extra amenities that they offer - gym, table tennis, yoga and Zumba classes, a shower, and 250 mbps Internet access with three ISPs (Globe, PLDT and Eastern Telecoms) to be assured of no downtime.

Congrats Project T Solutions, and to the founders for the success.

There's More than Just the Best Nachos in Town at Fiery Style Southwestern Flaming Grill

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Congratulations to the latest branch opening of Fiery Style Southwestern Grill which is located at the ground floor of Estancia Mall in Capitol Commons, Pasig City. We met the owner and video-interviewed him even before the event started. I was still a bit under the weather so my voice was still hoarse so please excuse how unpleasant I sound. I was early to arrive so I took the time to interview the owner to spend the time more productively.

Eventhough my wife would no let me go attend another restaurant event, I made it to this particular event since she was not at home to dissuade me. The reason she keeps stopping me is because I'm already too fat. My shirt size which was originally a Medium before I started blogging is now at an Extra Large size. Whoah, and I've been blogging for just almost 6 years! Imagine how many restaurants I've visited and feasted on their specialties.

However, this is the first time I've got invited for this particular restaurant which I've been seeing on my Facebook social media timeline. You could say I was curious enough, and since this particular branch was just in Pasig, my home city, I was more than determined to be there.

With just a few minutes notice from an invite sent that same day just a few minutes before call time, I immediately booked a Grab car to speed up to its location. I was surprised that I made it only 5 minutes past the 6pm call time, and was even more surprised to see my invitee was still not there yet.

So what else to do but make the waiting time more productive. I approached the owner, as per advise by one of the people there, and asked for an interview if possible. Luckily, my request was granted and so that's where I found out more about Fiery Style Southwestern Flaming Grill.

What's inside the cylindrical tin can? Nachos!!!!

Fiery Style Nachos almost collapsing

Tasty and crunchy nachos all stacked up that high. Be careful because they may fall outside the plate.

With 5 branches already making noise, Fiery Style could indeed have the rights to boast about their American / Mexican dishes especially their customers' favorites like the nachos served uniquely coming out from a cylindrical tin casing and almost leaving you with a thought of "Will it keep in shape or fall down like a building demolished by expert bombers". I had to order it since the owner said during the interview that it is their specialty claiming it as the best nachos in town. Intrigued at first but later convinced that he was indeed truthful to his words.

OMG! The Lord of the Wings is indeed ....Lordy

Don't you just love looking at these 24 chicken wing beauties... with three flavors and three dips

You may also try their Chicken Wings named creatively as "Lord of the Wings" and served hooked in skewers like shish kabob or barbecue style and hanging in their customized rack. It's 24 chicken wings, 8 of each, topped with the following flavours: Hot Hot Hot Sauce & Jalapenos, Nacho Cheese Sauce & Bacon, and Texan-style BBQ,

The galleon is ready to set sail!!!

They probably call it galleon of Bones because all that will be left afterwards are bones

or the combo dishes served in a boat-shaped container called Galleon of Bones (Supremo P828 and Ultimo P1528) - another creatively named specialty containing an assortment of comfort foods - BBQ ribs, chicken wings and meat pork hammers, beef ribs served with southwest chips or our choices of fiery rice, coleslaw and Texan BBQ sauce.

The US Sirloin steak looks so yummy but it was a  bit tough to chew when cooked medium well

It's not my first time yo experience a similar themed restaurant but Fiery Style has its unique qualities that makes it stand out from the others I've dined in. For the Steaks, I've tried their US Sirloin (P348), and ordered it cooked medium well. I've managed to consume everything but I find it a bit tough to chew.

Queso Grande Beef Burger is also in a boat? Well I know where it's headed...sailing to my tummy!

What I really loved was the burger I ordered - Queso Grande Beef Burger (P268) composed of cheddar cheese sauce, American cheddar cheese, Herb cream cheese and Mozzarella cheese. With all those cheese it is without any doubt pleasing to the taste buds. I'm a cheese lover so I was appreciative of this particular combination of taste. Just like how I love pizzas with triple cheeses, the burger was gone first.

Fiery Style may have the similar Mexican favorites like the quesadillas, tacos, burittos, and of course I could never miss out on the chimichangas, salsas and guacamoles to make the flavors of the food really bursting in goodness ( added specialties to complete the dining experience (added specialties to complete the dining experience), but the restaurant also has so many American dishes like numerous kinds of burgers (who doesn't love burgers and these are totally superb than those coming from fast-food restaurants, but of course you pay more for quality ingredients and taste) and steaks (maybe next time they will let me try the rib eyes (more expensive) so I could check if it is more tender than the one I tried, again you pay higher for the better ones) - more choices that are equal favorites of the majority.

Brother Churros from a different mother

Using a different phone with camera, is this better than the above photo?

Lastly, for dessert, I tried the Southwest Churros (P188). It is without any doubt better than the more popular one out there. I loved the sugary texture of each  though it was a bit too soft to hold in one piece as mine keep breaking apart every time I dip it into the chocolate or vanilla ice cream.

Loved the hot chocolate. If only I'm back to perfect health I would have tasted the cold drinks too.

Capturing the hit chocolate using another smartphone

For drinks, I ordered the Mexican hot chocolate (P108) and followed by Brewed coffee (P88) since like I said earlier, I was still recovering from a cold and my wife prevented me from drinking anything cold. As you would deduct, I love my wife so much that I follow her every command. Hehehe!

Going back to the hot drinks, I can't say anything out of the ordinary for the drinks I tried but they were not bad at all. In fact, I would have ordered second servings but it was a busy night and I could see the waiters so busy attending to the other paying customers. Their faces were already showing signs of fatigue so I opted not to add further stress to their dilemma.

Photo ops with the owner and the husband and wife tandem who are both bloggers and print media

The interview with Mat also revealed that they plan to open more branches soon. Wow! They are aggressive and must be doing great to dare open more branches. I guess Filipinos must love this kind of cuisines to satisfy their cravings for a good and filling meal, that are also reasonably-priced. I am always willing to pay more for quality food than eat junk food at fast-food joints.

Should they add images of fire here too?

Their logo is like a fiery sun

People are already gathering towards the restaurant. It was a jam-packed evening

The balloons indicate the newly-opened restaurant is in its soft opening

This poster reminds me of an animated movie, and there was live acoustic entertainment

The ambiance at this Fiery Style branch is so Mexican-ish so those Havana lovers should definitely visit! Hey, I also loved the live music and DJ, but I believe it is too loud that people are not able to converse audibly. Maybe lower down the volume enough to let people have a casual discussion and catch up with the latest viral or trending rumors or controversies online. Lol! But who wants to talk when you're too busy munching on satisfying food. Maybe just let the good vibes of the music take you to the better state of euphoria while enjoying their dishes. Now that sounds a lot more heavenly!

Busy, busy, busy even as early as 6pm

Families, colleagues, and many others are filling up the place as early as 6pm

Cinco de Mayo reminds me of another movie

Mexican-inspired images decorate the restaurant.. Are those Mexican food?

This is my first time to visit this brand of restaurant and am not familiar with the other branches so I couldn't compare. But I am surely recommending this for friends and family who want to chill and have fun during Fri-Yay and Satur-Yay nights!

Though expect more people during weekends as they are gimmick nights. For weekdays, the after office hours may also be a bit crowded. We were there on a a weekday but soft opening day and we were surprised how customers kept coming in.  I guess it's time for the management to look for bigger places to put up their restaurants.

Again, congratulations to Mat and thank you to sir Migs and Claire for arranging this bloggers event. Though there was no program of any kind and everyone was just allowed to order anything we want, my video interview with Mat made it more satisfying, as I really don't want to just eat and run. Also check the video feature I did about the restaurant on our official Facebook page at http://www.Facebook.com/WazzupPilipinas - a longer video which also includes the interview at the last part plus images of the food and happenings during the soft opening, not to forget the dance of two Tita bloggers upfront to the amusement of other customers a bit surprised but delighted.

If the place was a bit more spacious, i would have joined them ... Lol! But I have to reserve my dancing prowess and keep it still hidden for a while and only let it out when Mat and Migs invites us to a bigger branch, hopefully soon!