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Hello creatures!
Welcome to the official website of Stuck in the Philippines!
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My name is Kristian. This is my first blog and it first started out as travel blog. But then I started involving my love for the entertainment scene mainly the movies and concerts scene.

A Japanese delight in the Philippines! Nihonbashi ...
Stuck In The Philippines New Twitter Profile Design
Dine in at Chef Laudico Guevarra's
Hungry? Try some Filipino Comfort Food
IHOP Philippines Food Review
Tips for Filipino travelers
Tips on your first job in the Philippines
Summer in Mayumi, Batangas
Pacquiao vs Bradley 2 Rematch (April 13 - Philippi...
My 1975 experience (The 1975 Live in Manila)
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Time to fire up the grill. Unlike the grill in a place like"YakiMix", this grill fires up and cooks your food a lot faster compared to the "YakiMix" grill which only heats up your food.

Time to fire it up!

Now, I was in the mood for some Japanese food and I'm not talking about "Tokyo Tokyo". People always wonder where is the best authentic Japanese food in the Philippines where even Japanese people would even want to eat that will remind them of the "Land of the Rising Sun",

Do you want some Tuna?

I found this restaurant in Makati which was quite hidden from all the hustle and bustle from the busy streets of Ayala. I thought this restaurant would be a bummer. Boy! Was I wrong! The moment I got it, I was already surprised by the venue. I felt like I was really back in Japan with the furniture and Japanese greetings!

They had their own private rooms complete with the fire grill and comfy seat cushions. I don't remember exactly what I ate but I took the lunch specials which cost around P320. The tuna, the beef was just to die for! The service was just great since I came there at a time when there were no customers.

I can just simply say the food tasted so good that I plan to come back here again. I will let my photos do the talking and you guys can be the judge. The chef really took his/her time on the food and I can tell just by tasting it! Try it out guys and tell me what you think. :)

Believe it or not. This filled my stomach up!

Restaurant: Nihonbashi Tei
Parking: Available (Free) 
Security: 1-2 Security guards
Food: Japanese
Reservation: Yes
Bathroom: Pleasant/Hygienic
Appetizers: Yes
Bottomless drinks: None
Alcoholic Beverage: Yes
Smoking Area: Yes
Space: Enough space but I suggest to reserve in advance to avoid any hassle.
Waiters/Staff: Hospitable
Open: 11am-2am
Address: 806 Arnaiz Ave San Lorenzo, Makati
Telephone: (02) 818-8893

Japanese for a day! My seating area

You can watch the chef do this thing through the windows

Check out the prices!

You can choose US or Japanese Wagyu Beef

My happy stuffed face.

Never judge a book by it's cover. The entrance of the restaurant.

Photo Credits: Kristian Marfori

Labels: Japanese food, Japanese Food Makati, Japanese Food Philippines, Nihonbashi Tei

Stuck In The Philippines New Twitter Profile Design

Twitter just recently rolled out it's new Twitter Profile design. A lot of people do not seem to like it but I seem to be getting the hang of it. I think change is good and this  has made Facebook successful for many years through extensive changes and updates.

Anyway! Follow me on Twitter @stuckinthephils. Tweet your thoughts and I'll get back to you asap.

Photo Credits: Kristian Marfori

Labels: New Twitter Layout, New Twitter Profile Design, Social Media, Social Media Philippines, twitter

Buffet at  Chef Laudico Guevarra's (Photo from Facebook fan page)

I am always in the mood for a buffet! Everyone knows the usual buffet places like Sofitel, Vikings, YakiMix to name a few. I wanted  a unique buffet area where the venue looks great as well. I found this great place at close by Greenhills and I was already struck by the venue! A little history about the place is that they converted their home to a restaurant. Don't be shocked on why it seems more like a house instead of a restaurant.

Entrance to Chef Laudico Guevarra's

It's not your usually buffet venue but I love the Spanish style setting. It's great for dates! Their main dishes is mainly Filipino food with your ever favorite liempo, lechon and pancit to name a few. I love their cakes and appetizers! They have bottomless drinks and from time to time you have some famous Filipino celebrities who come in to grab a bite or two.

The only downside is that there tends to be a lot of people almost every single night. It would be wise to make a reservation ahead of schedule to avoid any confusion or disappointment. I took my girlfriend to Chef Laudico Guevarra's  and we had a great time with the food, the pleasant staff, bottomless drinks and took great photos of the place. I would definitely recommend this for family gatherings and reunion with friends.

Sitting on the bench. Admiring the view

Parking: Available (Free)
Security: Security guards and security cameras
Food: Filipino
Reservation: Yes
Bathroom: Pleasant/Hygienic
Appetizers: Yes
Bottomless drinks: Yes
Space: Can be crowded and noisy. If you are on a date, ask to be seated closed to the food
Waiters/Staff: Hospitable
Timings: Mon - Sun: 11:00 am - 2:00 pm, 7:30 pm - 10:30 pm
Address: 387 P. Guevarra St. cor. Argonne St., Addition Hills San Juan, 1500 Manila, Philippines
Contact Numbers: 705 1811 / 705 1874 / 502 5006 / 0917 311 2222

Beautiful fountain. I don't think that you can make a wish

The VIP or meeting room is seated at the left side of the house

Photo Credits: Kristian Marfori and Chef Laudico Guevarra's Facebook fan page

Labels: Buffet Philippines, Chef Laudico Guevarra's, Chef Laudico Guevarra's Food Review, Filipino Buffet, Filipino food, Food Philippines, Greenhills

Filipino street food: Kwek kwek, Fish Ball and Kikiam

We all have that special comfort food in our stomach and in our hearts. Since it's the holidays and most of the stores are closed, the only option is provincial food. There is a lot of street food in the Philippines with the ever popular "Balut". But if you are not in the mood to test your manhood just yet let's try the simple street food which almost anyone can enjoy.

Don't let the looks deceive you. Filipino Dirty Ice-Cream.

I first tried this in Cavite. I was really hungry to the point that anything that doesn't look appealing will still taste good to me. I suggest to try the "Kwek Kwek" and "Fish Ball". Don't forget to dip into their special sauce. I have no idea what that sauce but it definitely hit the spot. I would normally eat barbeque chicken or liempo. But these street food is very affordable and delicious!

Another delicacy that I love is "Dirty Ice Cream". You would usually see these street vendors roll up with their ice cream karts. I first thought how would this ice cream be any different from all the ice-creams that I have ever taste. The answer was a lot! It was really small ice-cream but it has this unique street flavor to it. The best part is you can bring a cup or class to instead of the ice-cream cone so that you eat more than you bargained for.

Longanisa from Lucban, Quezon Province

Now this all about Filipino comfort food but I have to include "Longanisa.  This is so delicious that I would never go tired of it! I highly recommend that you but the longanisa from Lucban, Quezon. The longanisa just doesn't cut it for me. This would goes with any type of meal whether breakfast, lunch or dinner! I can eat around 20 pieces of longanisa. That's how much I am addicted to it!



Photo Credits: Kristian Marfori

Labels: Dirty Ice Cream, Filipino food, Filipino street food, Fish Ball, Kikiam, Kwek kwek, longanisa, Provincial Food

My breakfast meal at IHOP in Bonifacio city. Mouthwatering isn't it?

As a food lover, I figured that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. My favorite is either pancakes or bacon and eggs. Now that's a yummy meal that will kick start the day for you! I can admit that I still have to look for other restaurants which gives a decent breakfast meal but I will start for now with IHOP Philippines.

I first tried IHOP in Arizona and I have to admit that it's America's favorite pit-stop for truckers. I usually eat at this place either after a night of clubbing or before work starts. Now what I really appreciate about IHOP or International House of Pancakes is the service. The service makes me want to come visit the place over and over again. The price is not that expensive, and yet it fills my stomach up for the day.

Now the IHOP Philippines branch in Bonifacio City and Mall of Asia have the same menu. However, there seems to something different when I eat at IHOP in the Philippines. I really dislike waiting in line for long hours just to get a decent meal. You would be surprised on how long the lines can be here in the Philippines. It can really test your nerves and can be excruciating! The seats are so cramped up that you can barely have a good morning conversation with your friend. It gets that noisy especially on a weekend. I prefer the IHOP branch in Bonifacio city than in Mall of Asia. Why? The answer is simply that they have a bathroom.

Nevertheless, the meal was really good and the service was just perfect. I even had a free drink since I complained that my Coca-Cola drink does not have enough fizz in it. They did offer their blueberry and strawberry pancakes which was awesome. I would definitely recommend to eat here but not during the morning hours and definitely not during the weekends. I just wish they had a drive-thru to make it easier for people in a rush.

Happy eating!

Photo Credits: Kristian Marfori

Labels: Bonifacio City, Food Review, IHOP Philippines, International House of Pancakes, Mall of Asia

Time to fire up the grill. Unlike the grill in a place like"YakiMix", this grill fires up and cooks your food a lot faster compared to the "YakiMix" grill which only heats up your food.

Time to fire it up!

Now, I was in the mood for some Japanese food and I'm not talking about "Tokyo Tokyo". People always wonder where is the best authentic Japanese food in the Philippines where even Japanese people would even want to eat that will remind them of the "Land of the Rising Sun",

Do you want some Tuna?

I found this restaurant in Makati which was quite hidden from all the hustle and bustle from the busy streets of Ayala. I thought this restaurant would be a bummer. Boy! Was I wrong! The moment I got it, I was already surprised by the venue. I felt like I was really back in Japan with the furniture and Japanese greetings!

They had their own private rooms complete with the fire grill and comfy seat cushions. I don't remember exactly what I ate but I took the lunch specials which cost around P320. The tuna, the beef was just to die for! The service was just great since I came there at a time when there were no customers.

I can just simply say the food tasted so good that I plan to come back here again. I will let my photos do the talking and you guys can be the judge. The chef really took his/her time on the food and I can tell just by tasting it! Try it out guys and tell me what you think. :)

Believe it or not. This filled my stomach up!

Restaurant: Nihonbashi Tei
Parking: Available (Free) 
Security: 1-2 Security guards
Food: Japanese
Reservation: Yes
Bathroom: Pleasant/Hygienic
Appetizers: Yes
Bottomless drinks: None
Alcoholic Beverage: Yes
Smoking Area: Yes
Space: Enough space but I suggest to reserve in advance to avoid any hassle.
Waiters/Staff: Hospitable
Open: 11am-2am
Address: 806 Arnaiz Ave San Lorenzo, Makati
Telephone: (02) 818-8893

Japanese for a day! My seating area

You can watch the chef do this thing through the windows

Check out the prices!

You can choose US or Japanese Wagyu Beef

My happy stuffed face.

Never judge a book by it's cover. The entrance of the restaurant.

Photo Credits: Kristian Marfori

Labels: Japanese food, Japanese Food Makati, Japanese Food Philippines, Nihonbashi Tei

Stuck In The Philippines New Twitter Profile Design

Twitter just recently rolled out it's new Twitter Profile design. A lot of people do not seem to like it but I seem to be getting the hang of it. I think change is good and this  has made Facebook successful for many years through extensive changes and updates.

Anyway! Follow me on Twitter @stuckinthephils. Tweet your thoughts and I'll get back to you asap.

Photo Credits: Kristian Marfori

Labels: New Twitter Layout, New Twitter Profile Design, Social Media, Social Media Philippines, twitter

Buffet at  Chef Laudico Guevarra's (Photo from Facebook fan page)

I am always in the mood for a buffet! Everyone knows the usual buffet places like Sofitel, Vikings, YakiMix to name a few. I wanted  a unique buffet area where the venue looks great as well. I found this great place at close by Greenhills and I was already struck by the venue! A little history about the place is that they converted their home to a restaurant. Don't be shocked on why it seems more like a house instead of a restaurant.

Entrance to Chef Laudico Guevarra's

It's not your usually buffet venue but I love the Spanish style setting. It's great for dates! Their main dishes is mainly Filipino food with your ever favorite liempo, lechon and pancit to name a few. I love their cakes and appetizers! They have bottomless drinks and from time to time you have some famous Filipino celebrities who come in to grab a bite or two.

The only downside is that there tends to be a lot of people almost every single night. It would be wise to make a reservation ahead of schedule to avoid any confusion or disappointment. I took my girlfriend to Chef Laudico Guevarra's  and we had a great time with the food, the pleasant staff, bottomless drinks and took great photos of the place. I would definitely recommend this for family gatherings and reunion with friends.

Sitting on the bench. Admiring the view

Parking: Available (Free)
Security: Security guards and security cameras
Food: Filipino
Reservation: Yes
Bathroom: Pleasant/Hygienic
Appetizers: Yes
Bottomless drinks: Yes
Space: Can be crowded and noisy. If you are on a date, ask to be seated closed to the food
Waiters/Staff: Hospitable
Timings: Mon - Sun: 11:00 am - 2:00 pm, 7:30 pm - 10:30 pm
Address: 387 P. Guevarra St. cor. Argonne St., Addition Hills San Juan, 1500 Manila, Philippines
Contact Numbers: 705 1811 / 705 1874 / 502 5006 / 0917 311 2222

Beautiful fountain. I don't think that you can make a wish

The VIP or meeting room is seated at the left side of the house

Photo Credits: Kristian Marfori and Chef Laudico Guevarra's Facebook fan page

Labels: Buffet Philippines, Chef Laudico Guevarra's, Chef Laudico Guevarra's Food Review, Filipino Buffet, Filipino food, Food Philippines, Greenhills

Filipino street food: Kwek kwek, Fish Ball and Kikiam

We all have that special comfort food in our stomach and in our hearts. Since it's the holidays and most of the stores are closed, the only option is provincial food. There is a lot of street food in the Philippines with the ever popular "Balut". But if you are not in the mood to test your manhood just yet let's try the simple street food which almost anyone can enjoy.

Don't let the looks deceive you. Filipino Dirty Ice-Cream.

I first tried this in Cavite. I was really hungry to the point that anything that doesn't look appealing will still taste good to me. I suggest to try the "Kwek Kwek" and "Fish Ball". Don't forget to dip into their special sauce. I have no idea what that sauce but it definitely hit the spot. I would normally eat barbeque chicken or liempo. But these street food is very affordable and delicious!

Another delicacy that I love is "Dirty Ice Cream". You would usually see these street vendors roll up with their ice cream karts. I first thought how would this ice cream be any different from all the ice-creams that I have ever taste. The answer was a lot! It was really small ice-cream but it has this unique street flavor to it. The best part is you can bring a cup or class to instead of the ice-cream cone so that you eat more than you bargained for.

Longanisa from Lucban, Quezon Province

Now this all about Filipino comfort food but I have to include "Longanisa.  This is so delicious that I would never go tired of it! I highly recommend that you but the longanisa from Lucban, Quezon. The longanisa just doesn't cut it for me. This would goes with any type of meal whether breakfast, lunch or dinner! I can eat around 20 pieces of longanisa. That's how much I am addicted to it!



Photo Credits: Kristian Marfori

Labels: Dirty Ice Cream, Filipino food, Filipino street food, Fish Ball, Kikiam, Kwek kwek, longanisa, Provincial Food

My breakfast meal at IHOP in Bonifacio city. Mouthwatering isn't it?

As a food lover, I figured that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. My favorite is either pancakes or bacon and eggs. Now that's a yummy meal that will kick start the day for you! I can admit that I still have to look for other restaurants which gives a decent breakfast meal but I will start for now with IHOP Philippines.

I first tried IHOP in Arizona and I have to admit that it's America's favorite pit-stop for truckers. I usually eat at this place either after a night of clubbing or before work starts. Now what I really appreciate about IHOP or International House of Pancakes is the service. The service makes me want to come visit the place over and over again. The price is not that expensive, and yet it fills my stomach up for the day.

Now the IHOP Philippines branch in Bonifacio City and Mall of Asia have the same menu. However, there seems to something different when I eat at IHOP in the Philippines. I really dislike waiting in line for long hours just to get a decent meal. You would be surprised on how long the lines can be here in the Philippines. It can really test your nerves and can be excruciating! The seats are so cramped up that you can barely have a good morning conversation with your friend. It gets that noisy especially on a weekend. I prefer the IHOP branch in Bonifacio city than in Mall of Asia. Why? The answer is simply that they have a bathroom.

Nevertheless, the meal was really good and the service was just perfect. I even had a free drink since I complained that my Coca-Cola drink does not have enough fizz in it. They did offer their blueberry and strawberry pancakes which was awesome. I would definitely recommend to eat here but not during the morning hours and definitely not during the weekends. I just wish they had a drive-thru to make it easier for people in a rush.

Happy eating!

Photo Credits: Kristian Marfori

Labels: Bonifacio City, Food Review, IHOP Philippines, International House of Pancakes, Mall of Asia

April Events
The Cranberries Live in Manila @ SMART Araneta Coliseum (April 10, 2012)
LMFAO Live in Manila @ SMART Araneta Coliseum (April 11, 2012)
Taking Back Sunday Live in Manila @ Sky Dome (Apr 13, 2012)
Israel Houghton and Planetshakers Live in Manila @ SMART Araneta Coliseum (Apr 21, 2012)
Avenged Sevenfold Live in Manila @ SMART Araneta Coliseum (Apr 26, 2012)
Vertical Horizon and Ed Kowalczyk Live in Manila @ SMART Araneta Coliseum (Apr 28, 2012)

May Events
Lifehouse Live in Manila @ SMART Araneta Coliseum (May 26, 2012)
Taylor Dayne and Edwin McCain Live in Manila and Cebu @ Waterfront Hotel (May 30, 2012)

Buffalo Wings N Things, click here