How I got hooked with Survivor

Survivor is back! On it’s 25th season, Survivor goes to Caramoan, Camarines Sur, Philippines. Isn’t it amazing?

“This place is a tropical paradise!” On it’s 4th episode, ”Create a Little Chaos”, Jonathan Penner; a returnee from Survivor Cook Islands and Survivor Micronesia: Fans vs Favorites; blurted that this is the most beautiful place he’s ever seen. Indeed! 18 castaways were divided into three tribes: Matsing (monkey), Kalabaw (Carabao or water Buffalo) and Tandang (rooster) who will vie for the most coveted title as the sole survivor.

I’m not a Survivor fan. I haven’t even watched a full season ever. But in one of my conversations with an American customer, he mentioned how beautiful the Philippines is and he asked me if I was Pinoy because he’s been watching the most recent Survivor. I was aghast! I didn’t know what to answer so all I could come up was: “Yes. I’m glad you’re watching it too.” He even knew where the exact location is and I was like, oh no! So when I came home from work, I decided to give a shot at watching the show. And that started it all. I take pride watching the show because it truly uncovered the beauty of  the Philippines. This is also a great way to advertise why the country boost beauty like no other. Survivor showed snippets of  unspoiled beaches and awesome marine life, splendid mountains, amazing lowlands and a sanctuary to amazing variety of exotic flora and fauna that are found nowhere else. I am so proud. After watching the first episode, I’m already hooked! Not only because it features my beloved country, but also the show has everything I love about reality TV. It’s not scripted nor fabricated. It shows real emotion and the complexity of  living a life out in an island for 39 days. I enjoy the action, melancholy and comic relief that the “game” offers. The challenges are astounding and unexpected twists are unbelievable. I just can’t get enough. No wonder, Survivor is one of the most successful and most watched reality TV show to date.

Who would have guessed that I would end up being an avid fan?  I started watching previous seasons of Survivor and got fixated with it. Seriously. I’ve researched for the best Survivor seasons so that I know which ones to watch first. According to several surveys and reviews, Survivor Cook Islands, Fans vs Favorites and Survivor Heroes vs Villains are the top 3 by far. I began watching Cook Islands and then Micronesia: Fans vs Favorites and then Heroes vs Villains and in no time, I finished 3 seasons in less than a week! I just started watching Pearl Islands and still have a long list of seasons to watch one after another. I am a certified Survivor fanatic! And I am proud of it. The three seasons that I’ve seen are extremely superb. The contestants were brilliant. Blindsides, flips, twists and alliances are just a few things that add to the excitement of the game. My personal favorite is Micronesia where my ultimate idol Parvati Shallow won as sole survivor. I was sure she’d win Heroes vs Villains but then again, being allied with the worst villain in Survivor History, Russel Hantz, will not get you more votes, I guess. Outlast. Outwit. Outplay. That’s Survivor’s motto.

I love Survivor and I will keep watching now that I’m so hooked with it.
Survivor airs on CBS, Wednesdays 8/7c

BonChon Chicken, Ayala Terraces Cebu

I love chicken. I love fried chicken. For me, the best fried chicken is marinated in soy sauce with a dash of pepper and a squeeze of lemon to add zest in it. Back in the day, a quarter of chicken leg seasoned with soy sauce and kalamansi delights me when I open my lunchbox. It has always been my favorite lunch meal.

BonChon gives me that same flavor with a whole new twist on it. The crispness and sweetness is very endearing. It's double-fry cooking technique makes the chicken savory and truly tasty. It's glazed and moist. I like chicken wings, but growing up, I have always been a drumstick lover. In BonChon, whatever part you order, it gives you the same satisfaction. Chicken Wings is a classic, no doubt. It is very good to the last bite. Their Drumstick is meaty and crunchy and delicious. They also have Chicken Strips that I have yet to try, but I definitely will be looking forward to in the next couple of days. But BonChon is not just all chicken, they have Fries and other fixin'. Surprisingly, I enjoyed the Chapchae! It's a Korean stir fried noodles with sesame seeds, a local version of it will be our famous pansit. Their coleslaw is awesome. The best coleslaw that I've tasted in a long time. Aside from that, they have starters that fits in your every craving and a wide selection on their menu to fill the hunger in you.


If you are in Cebu, check out BonChon in Ayala Center, 2nd level at The Terraces.

They are open from 10 am - 10 pm.

Telephone Numbers: 

(032) 266 2388

(032) 266 0488

Teriyaki Boy: A new favorite

I never liked Japanese food.

Not until someone special introduced Teriyaki Boy to me. Since then, the Japanese cuisine has been on top of my list. I have tried sushi and a random salad from a Japanese restaurant in Davao City called I <3 Sushi before, but it did not interest me at all. Not Teriyaki Boy. It stood up to the challenge. And I'm a certified Japanese food lover since.

Their Teriyaki Boy Chicken is a must-try. It's a tender chicken fillet with a sweet, succulent sauce. You ought a have gohan to match the richness of it's flavor. Another favorite is their Tempura Tuna Sashimi with Tartar. A mildly spicy serving could be requested if you are not a very big fan of a spicy dish. But I tell you, the mayo and tuna goes well together and for me, this is an absolutely satisfying creation to date. Their Crunchy Salmon Salad is also one of the specials. I love the lingering taste of the salmon. The mix of fresh lettuce and the crunch of wanton flakes is a perfect medley to it's savory dressing. The crunchy salmon salad will definitely meet your standards. My recommendations include Asupara Bacon Maki; Shake, Maguro and Kani Sashimi, California Maki and that seared Tuna Sashimi dish rolled in sesame seeds (I can't get hold or remember it's name, though). And surely, you would agree with me when I say that one of the best dishes in the world are made by the Japanese. I love Teriyaki Boy, thanks to that special someone who showed me what I have been missing. Since then, we've been constantly eating Japanese food, and our primary choice has always been Teriyaki Boy. An inexpensive treat for the best Japanese dishes in a modern way.

Teritaki Boy is located at 2nd Level, Ayala Center Terraces, Cebu City.

Casa Verde: Sinfully addicting

Food. That's what we love most. Dining out is always a treat for us. It is one of our bonding activities at the same time relaxation and a chance to enjoy what life has in store for us. We like discovering new cuisines and taking pictures of the entree. A good meal for us is something that makes us plan our next visit to taste the restaurant's or place's dishes again.

Casa Verde is one of our popular choices. Their selection of steak is impeccable. My personal favorite is David Dean's Tenderloin steak served over mashed potato and cheese garnished with fried onions and almonds. Their steaks can be served from rare, medium rare, medium well to well done, depending on your taste. Another interesting menu in Casa Verde is their 9-inch burger called The Big Bang. A total knockout for barkadas who are up for an eating challenge. The most popular, I guess, would be their all-time bestseller Brian's Ribs. A very generous size of baked pork ribs smothered with a unique sauce that keeps you coming back for more. Best paired with either rice or mashed potato. For dessert, I highly recommend Death By Chocolate. A BIG serving of chocolate ice cream with chocolate bar and bits of everything in between.

Another good thing about Casa Verde is that it has a different ambiance. There are lots of memorabilia and classic collectibles being displayed which sets them apart from other restaurants in the city and it has become their trademark.  They currently have three branches in Cebu City. Their main branch is at  # 69 Lim Tian Teng St. Ramos, Cebu City. They also have one at A104 The Walk Asiatown IT Park, Cebu City and in the Terraces Stall 304, 3rd level, Ayala Center where we frequently go.
Click here to get the complete list of their menu.

We totally love pigging out. Need I elaborate more? Words are too scarce to express how food can change your life. Get your experience started as I bring you to one (among the many) of our visits to Casa Verde. Cebuanos' ultimate pig-out spot!