Zenses: Molecular Gastronomy hits Manila

repost.

One of my goals in life has been scrapped out from the check list. At least, somehow.

Remembering a gastronomic delight shown on television not too long ago which featured Europe had me wander and wonder on amazement. I’m a culinary enthusiast who has gone into a rut but the undying want of having food adventures still tingles my soul which drives my itch to travel without limits someday and conquer Spain,Italy or France. With the changes in how Chef’s get to cook and eat, It’s the Osmanthus Liquid Nitrogen Molecular Gastronomy (radical style of cooking) had me vaulting intrigued.

Zenses Sweater

But not for too long. God has made (my) life easier. Although with the recession and the struggle on the economy, he opened an opportunity for us (me) to fulfill in a gastronomic experience and it didn’t need any air transfer or thousands of cash for a food adventure but instead all you have to do is to hop in your mode of transport and have yourself driven around the metro at ZENSES located at A.Venue Makati .

I suggest you tag along a date or another culinary enthusiast.

Thanks to Chef Johann our country has added an awesome feature. A Neo-Shanghai Cuisine which is filled clouded and frosted at night, your eyes would start to marvel what’s going on and your interest would want to bowl over that smoking tequila lime based shooter (Zenses Sweater Php 240+SC)

“What is that?” I startled as I had my arm rest on the bar while watching the bartender pour on tequila and this fog forming liquid on top after; I thought it was a reaction from the liquor as if it was just like blow job concoction wherein you’d have to flame it up to induce more flavor; little did I know – it was already the Liquid Nitrogen! ” Holy Smokes, This is the restaurant where they have Molecular Gastronomy!” hurriedly I called my girl friend and told her that it was the restaurant which she told me about and we’ve been intrigued where at.

Jeman Villanueva

I have too much to thank for Jeman Villanueva,Playboy magazine Event Organizer; a good friend of ours who invited us at the restaurant (It was the launch of the MAY issue of Playboy Magazine) who tapped our shoulders, dragged us at the bar to taste the liquor ” Try nyo yan, The Best! You should have it! Sapak, Tumba ka dyan! ” of course, I didn’t think what he said was true since I know for myself that I won’t get drunk over a shot of tequila but soon after I was about to grab the concoction; the bartender forewarned me to let the cloud settle first. I saw how the liquid nitrogen slowly fade away and a little snow-like-tear disappeared. I gulped it up then Bam! the taste was undefinable and I sure did got hit by a liquor thunder!

After that shot, I switched and settled for Margarita instead of gulping more free shots of their specialty bar drink. Normally I’d be taking more but at that period of time, I knew I had to restrain myself from such glorious free drink as I have yet to taste the food being served and I was on a event wherein Photographers and writers were everywhere. Composure was and had to become my friend.

Zenses Buchi

So, I thought that was “it” – I tried the samplers which was given to everyone. Among all those recreated dimsum and siomai what had me intrigued next was the Chocolate Crumbs coated Buchi, it has an extra kick of spice and a dose of chocolate inside wherein once you have a bite of it, it’ll tingle your taste buds with a love/hate relationship of sweet and spice. It took me time before I was able to finish one since my instinct of over analyzing and wanting to understand what it was made of got me all excited, my favorite Buchi was coated with another favorite ingredient with additional kick – that was brilliant!

Although the experience within the duration of the night wasn’t much of what I have expected, the short experience had a fluctuating impression. ” Hold on, let me go inside and speak with the Chef’s – there must be something more other than what was just served” Excused myself in while my friends were outside. The effort of trying to know what the restaurant has had me check out on the sanitation and how much the chef’s were knowledgeable in terms of what they serve, of course, I was discreet. Bravo! I thought, even though the kitchen was tiny, three of them surely does have space to hustle and bustle and though it was flooded by ingredients, plates and a filled dish washer – they perfectly had all things cluttered organized; the floors were clean and the chef’s, although I was expecting for their chef’s jacket be wicked dirty, they sure did have taken good care of their act clean. Impressive, I must say.

Chef’s

Liquid Nitrogen

Later on, I was notified that they no longer will send out food nor drinks since they all had to clean up; after the tate-a-tate with the Chefs I was surprised on how nice the Chef’s were, they offered to give out the last platter of foodies for my friends and I outside, gave us few drinks to gulp (good for two rounds – Ginger Ale and Beer) and a grandiose last surprise which was the simple yet the most amazing among all food which was laid out to us – POPCORN!

Phew, my charm really did gave a lot of wonder – they only gave us an add on Popcorn. I thought “what is there to look forward to?” Oh shoot! The popcorn which was even presented on a silver casserole wasn’t even pleasing nor is right in any form but the magnificent part has yet to happen – the lady poured out on Liquid Nitrogen on the Popcorn which had me and my friends jaw dropped; Another LIQUID NITROGEN CREATION!

Zenses Popcorn

The simple popcorn which wasn’t even presented very well on that silver casserole gave a bombastic taste after it was infused; Popcorn has never tasted any better!

Now, how I wish I have asked for the Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream. Hah! that’s something to look forward to and frankly, with this kind of curiosity – I was even close to asking Chef Johann if he can accept me as their intern just to know more of their secret recipes and have a taste of the infamous Strawberry Ribs with Cilantro plus unlimited Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream during breaks.

Zenses with the Girls

There’s no need for me to save up for FAT DUCK, FRENCH LAUNDRY and Europe for Molecular Gastronomy, soon. Definitely, that first time experience was a roller coaster of impression high’s and low’s but that last treat had me and my friends wanting to be surprised again for taste. I’m truly honored being part of the launching of Playboy and ZENSES cuisine. truly spectacular! Philippines has been conquered by radical change.

Salute to Chef Johann Santos! May this blog be good enough for another round of treats, Haha!

-kassy pajarillo

Zenses Neo-Shanghai Cuisine
A.Venue, F109 Makati Avenue, Makati City
Telephone: +632 703-4988

 

PR vs. Advertising

Here’s the difference between the two, intiendes?

Advertising PR Paid Placement Controlled – you have complete creative control Will run as often as you are willing to pay Creates Visibility Media-savvy consumers know it’s and ad, and tend to be skeptical Easy if you have $ to spend Free Placement Journalistic Slant – a journalist can write what they want – no matter how you position your story Usually only runs one or two times per story (there are exceptions) Create Credibility Viewed as a third party endorsement Time consuming, not easy, no guarantees

Experiential Learning

Enrolling a child in school is not just about ABC’s and numbers; extra co-curricular activities such as art classes, workshops and sports are beneficial to a child’s development giving them the active and involving process of explorations – just like play.

In a classroom setup, kids experience memorizing facts, learn techniques to solve problems, spoon fed trying to understand class lectures, assignments and tasks to get answers and test problems without ever being exposed to the big ideas why.

“Children investigate everyday phenomena and discover new things in contrast to information handed down by teachers in a traditional classroom. Young children need a lot of action, not a lot of facts” said Child Psychologist Professor Dr. Lillian Leynes –Juadiong, Ph.d of the Department of Family Life and Child Development of the University of the Philippines College of Home Economics

Parents’ role is to present the opportunities that model their child’s attitudes- curious, questioning and willing to explore and solve problems. For a child, learning how to find answers is considered more important than the answers themselves, the investigation process gives children a joyful risk-taking approach to learning.

Experiential learning is letting children do things by themselves, unlike conventional training – learning through textbooks; it gives them the chance to reflect on their intellectual, emotional and physical involvement which develops personal insights and understanding. Children may start with any of the five senses: taste, touch, smell, sight and sounds.

Science is about the big ideas, the experience on discovering and knowing hands-on.  “Scientific inquiry opportunities occur in planned or spontaneous activities, we can guide children’s’ curiosity and help turn a pleasant experience into one that has a deeper learning potential” Dr. Juadiong,Ph.D added.

When parents allow kids to hear about how a flower blooms, describing the colors surrounding them and the origin of how things are made, the craft and the origin of consciousness becomes so exciting. And that’s often not what they feel after each class.

As the cliché goes – Experience is the best teacher. The restless and self-questioning scientific mode of thought is a virtue.

When children get excited about what’s surrounding them, they realize they’ve got the power to think, digest and skeleton pair what they found out. They’ve gain to gauge that they’ve got the power to criticize, to ask questions, to not simply accept that it’s beyond their purview. It’s not only the ideas and the content, but the mode of thinking that ultimately comes across when they’re exposed to science in the way they get to in activities.

Since children are natural scientists and parents are often the child’s first teacher, let these inexpensive experiential activities get your Child exploring.

SMELL

“It smells like… “

Let them close their eyes and describe what they smell; compare one after another.

Supplies

Cotton Balls

Cups for the following:

Alcohol

Onion

Lavender oil or oils

Lemon or Calamansi

Vinegar

Cinnamon

Coffee

Chocolate

Fruits: Orange, Apple, Banana

SIGHT

My Little Camera
Kids will have fun pretending to take pictures of what they see with this kids craft idea.

Supplies

Empty Small Box
animal crackers box works great
Construction Paper
2 Plastic lids from a water bottle or milk
Crayons, Markers or Paint
Scissors
Exacto Knife (adult use only)
Tape or glue
Shiny Wrapping Paper

SOUND

Lollipop Drum
So what’s a lollipop drum you ask?  A lollipop drum is a hand held drum (sort of shaped like a lollipop) that you spin in your hand to make noise.

Supplies

Empty Ribbon Roll
BBQ Skewer or Unsharpened Pencil
Construction Paper
String
2 Wooden Beads
Crayons, Markers or Glitter Glue
Scissors
Hot Glue
Stick Glue or Elmers Glue

TASTE

Popcorn Jewelry
Kids will love making these necklaces and then eating them.  You can even make this family movie night and eat your popcorn necklace or bracelet while watching the kids’ favorite movie. Thread that popcorn!

Supplies

Popcorn
Spices like garlic, cinnamon, butter, etc.
Food Coloring (optional)
Thread
Needle
Scissors

TOUCH

Slimy Goo
This is a perfect kid’s craft idea to really explore the sense of touch.  Kids will have a blast letting the slimy goo drip from their fingers.

Supplies

Cornstarch
Water
Food Coloring

Article references:

http://www.cool-kids-craft-ideas.com/ ,   http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/lets-go-sciencing

NIDO FORTIFIED Science Discovery Center

Get those wondering and wandering eyes ready for an educational tour around the scientific world of nature and technology. Buckle your seatbelt as you travel to outer space while staying indoors; see other planets and galaxies in a 15-meter dome Planetarium. Be dazzled in a full interactive, real-time 3D planetarium with all dome video playback, complete with star field and astronomical capabilities; your jaw would drop as the digital surround sound for total visual pleasure would immerse you in the images and sounds that defines learning fun in a different level.

Located at the Southside Entertainment hall of SM Mall of Asia you’ll be able to find NIDO FORTIFIED Science Discovery Center waiting to be explored.  A modern oval reception and the Digital Planetarium welcome you right in the middle of the center, for a ticket price of Php 330 you’re about to experience a one of a kind theme park you’d want to visit over and over again.

“Be Sure to allot chunks of time once you’re [at NIDO FORTIFIED Science Discovery Center] there” says 27 years-old walk-in visitor.

Wandering starts upon seeing parents and children taking huge leaps of steps with thug on the Bug Rug, the 3D Snibbe interactive “Madagascar Forest floor” where crawling crickets, lady bugs and insects must be stepped on meanwhile a small LCD Screen is flashing about Entomology.

Types and milestones in photography development, historical facts about cameras used from all these years and trivial facts posted on the walls are found at the Image Port together with the Creative Park exhibit booths which consists of 3D paper art displays.

Beside is the family tied Smart Media Center where Gesture Trek is found; be astounded by groups of families hanging on to this area swaying their hands and exerting  their entire body movement detected by a green wall as they play drums, feel the beach volleyball or guarding the goal during a football game.

Numerous LCD Screens and keyboards are interactively filled with educating videos and games such as Spongebob Diner Dash and hanging trivia which parents can share their children and children can tell their parents about: Did you know that Wall-E means “Waste Allcoation Loaded Life after Earth Class? And Miley Cyrus’ nickname was baptized from her dad because she loves to smile when she was still a baby?

Frank Hilario, Educator and writer says “The [NIDO FORTIFIED] Science Discovery Center challenges the child we have, and the child in all of us. “

A little further, be caught stunned at the 106 years old vintage car 1904 Rochard Brasier Roadstar which was used by our late President Manuel L Quezon parked at the Transportation Nation, have the “License to Fly” at the Flight Simulator using two (2) control sticks and get to tour inside the engines that will run “tomorrow’s vehicles” aiming an emphasized eco-friendly alternatives to fossil fuel.

At the Grossology Gallery, learning about the human body is being showcased in a thoroughly fun and wacky interactive display. The Burp station, Barf Barf game and the Urine test to name a few plus other sensory activities showcased.

On the second floor, dive into a digital tour of the Philippine Coral reefs in a virtual reef. Have a conversation with Mr. T the virtual fish friend who has stories to share about his marine adventures and will motivate you to take part in saving our seas.

“Every time we go there, my son never tires of checking out the exhibits and playing in several of his favorite galleries. Bring the whole family and enjoy a one-of-a-kind-experience. I’d bet your kids would ask to come back there again and again as my own kids do “   says Ruth Manimtim- Floresca, Freelance writer

Get even more excited as you pose and have your photo taken inside a life-size displays of famous TV and movie characters like the Terminator, r2d2, and Astroboy at the Robot Hall of fame; stand on a metal platform that imitates a real earthquake at the Earthquake Simulators and send email messages with your photo four years into the future using a touch computer screen at the Time capsule and get to play at the coolest kind of RC game where four people can take control of each robot of a big square glass case at the Robot Tanks.

“Personally suggest you finish all the exhibits before you go for the most captivating part of the entire educational adventure and wear a jacket” says Butch, father of 4 children.

The 160 seat, 180 degrees, 15 meter 3d/4D Digistar planetarium which is considered to be one of the best in the Southeast Asia screens 4 kinds of documentaries 30-40 minutes each day.  Unknowingly you’ll be caught with your flitting eyes as each visual swerve around the dome. Something you wouldn’t want to miss, something which would make you and your family want for more. You can enjoy Stars of Pharaohs, Dark Star, Wonders of the Ancient World, Seven Wonders, and Passport to the Universe, Cosmic Collisions more with popcorn!

Treat your child to only the best educational theme park at SM Mall of Asia – NIDO FORTIFIED Science Discovery Center.   “It’s a different world in there, and it’s all yours for viewing. If nothing else, it does put the fun in learning, and that’s priceless. Take it from a Teacher” added by Frank Hilario, Educator and Writer.

The NIDO Fortified Science Discovery Center is a member of the Association of Science Technology Centers Incorporated (ASTC), the international association of science center and museums that promotes understanding and appreciation of science. Founded in 1973, ASTC now has more than 540 members in 40 countries.

For more information about NIDO FORTIFIED Science Discovery Center and ticket reservations, call 556 2153 or for group bookings inquiries please call 556 -0331.

Scientastic Wonders

For every child, they think their parents know all the answers to their questions. Why does she have to sleep and wake up early? How do you prepare breakfast? Why do leaves fall from the trees? Their inquiries go on.

Learning through observation is the first step in discovery.  “There’s science behind everything we see and do” said Multi-awarded educator Dr. Josette Talamera Biyo

Take the kids to your garden and observe the ants walk in line following a leader on a trail. Where are the ants going? See the worm, when it burrows underground, how come they make it easier for roots of plants and trees to dig deeper into the soil for water?

You can introduce science concepts indoors and outdoors, the challenge is how you’d be able to encourage your child observe the surroundings; these new information connects to her knowledge and enriches her understanding. As you prepare their meal, narrate as you demonstrate how you fry an egg, mix flour and its other ingredients for pancakes; teach them how to pour milk in a glass and define what is half-filled to a full glass, what adding ice cubes can do to warm milk. Through experiential learning, they grasp answers on how things are made of.

Kids are amazed by all these little things made together with their parents.

In doing chores, sit down with your child and enlist what needs to be done. As you two move along, the way she observe how you do it, how it must be done, the process on having hands-on learning enhances your child on the art of efficiency.

What can you do to pieces of old rag quilts and cloths? A little project together, transform what seems to be pieces of trash into useful containers, bag or bed comforters; the process of gathering materials, cutting each piece according to the desired pattern (shapes), stitching to sewing, and learning techniques binds you and your child to a joint effort creating a by-product. What a way to teach your child to recycle items at home, too!

All kids need the knowledge and skills that make up what we call “science literacy” – the ability to make sense of the world around them.  Parents who can see the world through her child’s eyes make a great companion in discovering. Share the enthusiasm when your child finds something fascinating, even if it’s a piece of twig.

By helping kids learn how to observe, collect evidence, and draw conclusions, science helps your child sharpen their thinking about the ideas and events they encounter in everyday life. Having to understand how it’s a part of our daily lives can give children a great foundation.

Wherever you are, whatever you’re doing, you’re probably enjoying the benefits that result from a scientist’s work, which includes what you and your child experience every day.  Possibilities are endless!

Partial list on my bucket

Since I blog using my mobile phone, its pretty easy to just grab the gadget and type away whatever is buzzing on your thought bubble while you try to fall asleep. half an hour later after bed time, I thought about my bucket list; what is remaining and what else should be in it.

Before I hit 25 I told myself I will finish a marathon, this year as the clock tick tock to my 26th, I have conquered what is on top of my list and made it the dream come true. I ran a full marathon on the 22nd of May 2010 at Nuvali, Sta. Rosa through the well orchestrated and planned event by Jaymie Pizarro.

Let me dig holes and check on what’s left on my bucket list..

1. Play the guitar and learn how to play the bass
2. Celebrate my birthday elsewhere every year
3. Buy my own SUV in manila
4. Own a house I can call mine
5. Be a Yogi
6. Take the marathon unto the next level, Ultramarathon.
7. Nurture a triathlon
8. experience sagada

2010:
1. Save and secure a 100k in the bank
2. Maintain a dollar account
3. Have my weight down and maintained to 130 lbs and then we’ll take it from there.

4. Marathon

5. Run for a Cause

 

I’m sure there are more but I’ve got to conk out.

 

The Advice

Never admit or show your weakness to your colleagues.

There is a different language in every industry.

Dress like a Pro even if everyone seemed to be dressed comfortably casual

Be cautious and remind yourself to always be initiative

In every problem there is a solution. Always extend a recommendation or your opinion to discuss

Ask. There are no stupid questions to those who are curious.

Always ask for feedback for every move you make. For evaluation.

There are unspoken expectations for how fast trackers should behave. Know the rules of your new workplace.

Be decisive and in the know at all times

10 Principles for Success (by Sen. Dick Gordon)

2010 Presidentiable candidate Sen. Dick Gordon shares his views, his principles towards the success of 2010.

By Lynda C. Corpuz

MONEYSENSE MAGAZINE

Asked how ordinary Filipinos can improve their lot in life, Sen. Dick Gordon, who has enjoyed a fruitful and accomplished life, shares his key principles for career and financial success:

Asked how ordinary Filipinos can improve their lot in life, Sen. Dick Gordon, who has enjoyed a fruitful and accomplished life, shares his key principles for career and financial success:

1. Be ambitious. Umaasa tayo lagi sa tulong. Kahit anong hirap mo, you have to be ambitious. Being ambitious is not negative.

2. Have the right work ethic. Bawal ang tamad. Lalong bawal ang tanga. Manage by objective. Instead of a quick fix or instant gratification, practice delayed gratification. We should go for meritocracy. Hindi palakasan. Palakasan pa rin dito.

3. Learn a skill. Poverty is an absence of choice. That’s why you have to continue learning. You have to learn a skill. I never tell people “good luck.” I always tell them “good skill.” Be creative. Nasa Diyos ang awa, nasa tao ang gawa. God gave you skills. God will not help you if you don’t help yourself.

4. Work, save, invest, and prosper. You have to work. Address your needs but always save. Get into a business. Get life insurance or a personal accident insurance kung `yun lang ang kaya mo. We need a provident fund especially for our OFWs. We have 11 million Filipinos abroad. You put them and our people here in a provident fund, we can prosper ourselves. Combine GSIS and SSS funds and come up with a provident fund, just like what Singapore did. People have to learn to save something

5. Help. Find extra time to help. Volunteer with the Red Cross. Kapag alam mong ginawa mo, bibiyaan ka. Helping others is a reward in itself.

6. Lead by example. The Philippines would improve if it elects a leader who can inspire, able to communicate by word and deed, provides a vision, extracts values, and displays integrity. Demand from your leaders. Ask for their qualifications. Look for their record.

7. Be independent. I had to fight big guys but I couldn’t tell my dad. He encouraged me to learn judo to protect myself. You have to learn to survive. You have to learn to stand your ground. Those guys who tried to bully me, I stood up to them.

8. Learn from your mistakes. I learn from my mistakes. I learn from other people’s mistakes. There’s only one thing I can never learn: to be overly materialistic. I don’t pay the media to cover me. I don’t pay for my press releases. If my being straightforward is a mistake, that’s a mistake I’ll keep on repeating.

9. Be assertive. We’re like makahiyas. We shouldn’t be. We shouldn’t be an adapting culture. We’re resilient but we don’t assert ourselves. We’re a happy people. That’s good psychology. We laugh at ourselves. We’re an accommodating culture. We shouldn’t be. We should live by the national anthem, by our oath.

Make fear your friend. During the Mt. Pinatubo eruption, I told myself we’re not going to allow ourselves to die here. I prayed, “If you’re going to take me, take me. Please though, don’t make me look bad as I lead.” You must make fear your friend.

Things I’m Happy About in January

Basic Wardrobe of a Young Professional

My present occupation truly has been molding me from a young lady to blossom into a woman filled with confidence and spunk. Although my base of growth being a hotelier made me used wearing suits, coats and stockings; for the present job that I am in, we dress in a smart business casual attire – nothing too corporate, not too tacky and definitely far from being ragged but rather Professionally comfortable.

In the professional workplace, however, you ARE being judged on your appearance from the moment to set foot in your agency or a client’s boardroom.  Fair or unfair, your status in the workplace is impacted by your choice in couture.

I am actually grateful for what I am being molded to as, we are being taught to be ready to face clients, guests and whoever else everyday. You wouldn’t know who you will be bumping into office hours or not.

These are the key building blocks of your professional wardrobe. Whether you have a last minute meeting or a hectic morning, with these pieces you will never have another “I have nothing to wear” moment.

Top 10 must haves for your work wardrobe.

1- Black Pants
2- Solid Skirt
3- White Blouse
4- Fitted Blazer
5- Cardigan
6- Solid Dress
7- Black Shoes
8- White and Black Tshirt
9- Classic Watch
10- Tote Bag that will fit your resume

Don’t just stick to black and white. Neutral shades will boost up and compliment your wardrobe.  This may be brown, charcoal, or even olive.

List taken from source