Topics of Interest

Saturday, December 23, 2017

Eskaya Resort & Spa Beckons This Holiday

It was a most enchanting and invigorating experience as Eskaya Resort, one of Bohol’s most exclusive holiday and vacation getaways, opened its doors to the lifestylebohol team of Bohol Chronicle. The boyish- looking and very young resident manager Prof. Andrew Fernandes  warmly welcomed the team to the sprawling property.

 a peek at the villa interiors
 Imagine having your own infinity pool that overlooks the Bohol Sea





After a quick tour and a close look at the villas that have retained the local feel and flavor with their Filipino architectural design and look, we were guided to the Lantawan restaurant where a feast of fresh catch from the sea awaited us. Aside from the kinilaw, stewed and broiled fish, we were also served Filipino faves like kaldereta and bulalo.    
 One gets an unobstructed view of the infinity pool from the restaurant


 Slivers of salmon overload
 Mango Creme Brulee



The rest of the afternoon became a blur as we engaged in casual banter with Prof. Andrew who hails from Pampanga. The young resident manager shared that aside from the exclusivity, tranquility and privacy that the resort offers to the their discriminating clients and guests, his team takes pride in the warmth and sincerity of their customer service which makes a stay at  Eskaya Resort & Spa truly memorable.  
 With the young & astute Eskaya Resident Manager Prof. Andrew Fernandes
all's quiet and serene at the beachfront   
 forest interlude



Sunday, December 17, 2017

J. CO is Finally in Bohol!

Finally, J.CO, one of the world’s fastest growing donut & coffee chains is in Bohol! J.CO opened to a huge throng of Boholanos who were eager to sample the delectable donuts and coffee last December 8, Friday at the Island City Mall.
Among the delectable and sinfully sweet J.CO donuts
and coffee with latte art
 
Prior to the grand opening, Your Roving Eye, along with a select group from the press and bloggers were invited to the media launch  of J.CO and what fun the group had not only with open bar but with all the fun games and interactive sessions to welcome the highly successful donut chain in the province.
Your Roving Eye with AGC’s amiable and friendly PR guy Ritchel Mutia


  
With fellow bloggers and certified foodies 

J.CO’s creamy & soft donuts are known for their eye- popping and high quality toppings and fillings such as toasted almonds, premium dark and white chocolate and other ingredients.J.CO's donut flavors (over 45 flavors and counting) are either named using eponyms or word plays such as puns. 
 more than 45 flavors
 J Cool  (frozen yoghurt)
 Your Blogger finished off everything
 J Club (donut sandwiches)
 J Pops (mini bite- size donuts)


In fact, their most popular donut flavor, Alcapone, is inspired by most-wanted American gangster Al Capone.  Other bestselling products are their J.CRONUT (croissant donuts), J.POPS (mini bite-size donuts), J.CLUB (donut sandwiches), J.COOL (frozen yogurt), and gourmet selections of savory pastries, sandwiches, and salads.
 with DJ Sean and DJ Noel
 Your Roving Eye with Jofel Nistal, Paulene Quinal- Nistal
and her sister Patrisse

 with J. Co top honchos 
Their J.COFFEE line features a wide variety of coffee beverages ranging from the classics to iced blends.     

  J. Co loot bags for the press who attended the media launch
 J.CO in ICM is the first in Bohol and their 45th outlet in the Philippines since it entered the country in 2012.
 

 

Sunday, December 10, 2017

Bluewater Panglao Hosts Unforgettable Gustatory Experience

A couple of nights ago, Your Roving Eye, along with a select group of lifestyle writers from Cebu and Manila, was  invited by Bluewater Panglao to a Filipino- themed degustation dining experience aptly named “Hayop sa Sarap na Degustation” to kick off the resort’s annual Christmas tradition named “Pasko sa Bluewater”
The eyecatching menu promised a delightful evening ahead

By the way, for those out of the loop, degustation is a French culinary term that refers to sampling an array of small dishes served one after the other. The term also encompasses ideas like savoring of food with all the senses, appreciation of ingredients and the chef’s technical skills and enjoying food with good company. Last Friday’s  degustation involved sampling small portions of some of the featured chef’s signature dishes in one sitting.

Filipino knick knacks for that unique Pinoy Christmas flavor

 great conversation pieces


  

Everyone could feel the coming of the holidays with the very Filipino Christmas decorations and conversational centerpieces that bedecked the dining tables.  The gustatory experience at the resort's Aplaya Restaurant which started promptly at 7 pm was a very creative 12-course Filipino-inspired degustation celebration capped by Pepita’s Lechon de Leche. 
The iconic tartanilla takes the spotlight


 
Dedet  dela Fuente also known by food enthusiasts as the Lechon Diva behind the popular Pepita’s Kitchen in Makati was in her elements that night. Funny, endearing and warm, she welcomed all guests including the top mavens of Bohol’s travel and tours industry by sharing the story behind Pepita’s Kitchen and gave the proper introductions as each dish was served.

 Dedet dela Fuente, The Lechon Diva” shared her passion for food at
the Bluewater Panglao event

We started the whole shebang with a lambanog shot into the martini glass, where it magically melts actual pink cotton candy. It was surprisingly delicious and set the tone for the rest of the evening.

Among the memorable dishes was the Hiplog which combined hipon  (or shrimp) in itlog na maalat (salted egg) sauce. The shrimp is coated with rich crab fat butter and topped with bits from the salted egg. 
 Jo Philipps, Paolo Rigotti and Juriz try their hand in preparing the “Tuslob Buwa”
while 
Bluewater top honcho Margie Munsayac looks on
Most of the curious guests including yours truly stood up to help prepare the “Tuslob Tuwa” at a cook-it-yourself station near the dining tables.  We also had the “Sipit sa Sarap” , huge crab claws  with aligue sauce.

Before we were treated the ultimate treat, we were served the perfect palate cleansers, refreshing ice candy in ginger and kalamansi flavors that rid traces of the previous dish.

Baked lechon bread becomes hot conversation piece 
Finally,  we were served the “Pepita’s Lechon de Leche”, stuffed with truffle rice and served with divalicious labuyo sauce. The crispy lechon skin is brushed with gold powder and you can’t help but notice the dish has a miniature Philippine flag stuck to it. Well, it is a Philippine pride after all after being awarded in London as “The Tastiest Dish in Asia”

 The Lechon de Leche stuffed with truffle rice 
Because of a prior engagement, I wasn’t able to wait for the dessert. Anyway, there’s plenty of opportunity though for this holiday season, Bluewater Panglao will be showcasing g the best of Filipino culinary treats as well as its array of international cuisine. After all, what is Christmas without the overflowing food and drinks ?

All in all, it was one of the best gustatory experiences I’ve ever had. Good food, delightful company and the most cozy Christmas ambience. The perfect way indeed to kick off the holiday season!

See you at Bluewater Panglao this Christmas!

Friday, November 17, 2017

Miss Baguio is Miss Silka Philippines 2017

Nineteen year old Andrea Fe Gomez of Baguio City was crowned Miss Silka Philippines 2017 at the conclusion of the exciting and star- studded pageant held at the Activity Center of Market Market today.

Ms. Gomez received P150,000 in cash plus gift certificates, merchandise and an endorsement contract with Silka for 2018. Her chosen charity will also receive P100, 000 cash donations.
 Andrea Fe Gomez is Miss Silka Philippines 2017
Named 1st RU was Miss Silka Quezon  Ashanti Shaine Ervas, 19 years old, 2nd RU was Miss Silka Cebu Nicole Borromeo, 16 years old and 3rd RU was Miss Silka Cagayan Valley Nikita Pearl Teichmuller, 19 years old.  
L-R: !st RU, Miss Silka Philippines 2017, 2nd RU & 3rd RU




Cosmetique Asia Corp., makers of Silka beauty & skincare products, is behind the annual beauty search that gathers more than 30 regional and provincial winners.
 The queen in her gown and swimsuit



Bohol’s Sheena Marie Licong in the Swimsuit Competition



the girls moments before the announcement of winners

Hosting the pageant were actor Mikael Daez and 2014 Miss Universe- Philippines MJ Lastimosa. Amazing celebrity guests such as the handsome Sam Concepcion and Silka Ambassador Yassi Pressman were among the performers.

Photo Credits: Silka Skincare FB Page

Will Sheena Marie Give Bohol Its First Miss Silka Philippines Crown Today?

Today, November 17, we shall find out if Sheena Marie Amper Licong will give Bohol its first ever Miss Silka Philippines crown. After arriving in Manila last Nov 14, Miss Silka Bohol 2017 plunged head- on with the series of activities leading to the coronation scheduled today.  
 Sheena Marie for Miss Silka Philippines 2017
The 19 year old BS Physical Therapy student competes with more than 30 provincial and regional candidates from all over the Philippines for the honor of becoming Silka beauty & skincare products’ image model and product endorser. 
 Sheena joins other Silka beauties for a Showtime guesting


Bohol’s highest placement since it sent a candidate in 2008 is 1st Runner Up courtesy of Geraldine Bernido Topsnik in 2015.  Bohol’s 10- year participation in the nationwide beauty search has also yielded a Top Ten finish in 2013 and a 3rd Runner Up placement in 2012. 
 Bohol's bet holds her own during presscon
Calling all Manila- based Boholanos to cheer for Sheena Marie as she competes for the title of Miss Silka Philippines 2017 today at the Activity Center of Market! Market! at The Fort, Taguig City, 2pm.


 Good luck Sheena Marie!


Hosting the pageant are actor Mikael Diaz and 2014 Miss Universe- Philippines MJ Lastimosa. Amazing celebrity guests such as the handsome Sam Concepcion and Silka Ambassador Yassi Pressman are among the performers.


Please continue to show your love and support for Sheena!

Sunday, November 12, 2017

Alturas Campus Icons 2017 is On!

Alturas Mall was abuzz with activity one sizzling afternoon as close to a hundred male and female headturners from Bohol’s campuses showed up for the screening of official candidates fort Alturas Campus Icons 2017. 
This year’s official candidates for Alturas Campus Icons 2017

Applicants cooled their heels while waiting for the results


Billed as Bohol’s grandest interschool personality searches, the beauty & personality competition will highlight Alturas’ 32nd anniversary. Thirteen males and 14 females made the first and final cut.
CMM, University of Bohol, BIT & St. Mary’s Academy



STI, Cristal E, DCPNHS & EnScieMa

LSNHS, HNU, BWS & Sacred Heart Academy

Bohol Wisdom School, Holy Name University, DCPNHS, University of Bohol, BIT, ENSCIEMA, STI, Cristal E and schools from Jagna, Loon, Tubigon, Guindulman and Calape are among the participating schools.


 Your Roving Eye with AGC's PR guy Ritchel Mutia



AGC Auditing Team made sure that the results were accurate

The judging panel with event host Ferome Almine

Your Roving Eye, Miss Silka Philippines 2015 1st RU Geraldine Topsnik & AGC’s top marketing guy Ritchel Mutia composed the judging panel that selected the official candidates.

VOTE for your favorite campus icons through this link:

http://www.alturasbohol.com/campusicon/

IMPORTANT DATES:

Sunday, Nov 19, 3 pm, Alturas Mall for the Talent Competition 
Friday, Nov 24, 8:30 pm, Bohol Wisdom School Gym for Pageant Night

Admission is free