Destinations

Turning Thai in Las Piñas

Various parts of Metro Manila have food havens – e.g. Maginhawa in QC, Jupiter (among others) in Makati, right across DLSU in Taft in Manila, et cetera. If you’re keen to discover what Las Piñas has, then by all means, give Erawan a visit (JB Tan is also becoming the village’s “food hub”, so there are other restos there that are worth checking out).

Published

7 years ago

June 6, 2017

Mikee dela Cruz

I’m sure Thailand has so many delicacies that “arguing” what Thai food is, is somewhat futile. I guess that – just like the Philippines – even popular fares are prepared in different ways in different regions (say, pad thai in Bangkok versus in Phuket). But here’s the thing: So many of the Thai food that – at least we tourists know – tend to be “regulars”, e.g. the aforementioned pad thai, pandan chicken, spring rolls, et cetera. And so these have become – in so many minds – Thai food as is commonly known.

Here’s the catch: Outside of Thailand, so many tried mimicking Thai cuisines; and truth be told, not that many succeed. But occasionally, some manage to capture at least some of the yumminess of Thai foods.

And in Las Piñas, a somewhat austere venue named Erawan manages some hit-and-miss Thai moments…

WHAT’S THERE

The “latest” Erawan (along JB Tan St. in BF Resort) is actually the third “version” of Erawan. The first and second had to close (i.e. lease issues), but because of public clamor (claimed the servers), the owner was sorta encouraged to just keep opening up in different places.

Look-wise, there’s not much there; just wooden tables/chairs facing the street. This isn’t that different from so many home-based eateries I’ve been to in various parts of Thailand (and in some ways, even “classier”, since this is clearly a dining venue, while those in Thailand are just houses-turned-into-eateries).

No, perhaps except for that elephant in the logo (and maybe the plastic chopsticks), there’s nothing identifiably Thai here. I remember a statue of Buddha in the second version of Erawan; but in the third version, it’s nowhere to be seen.

WHY GO THERE

But – as in many of the places in Thailand where I had a lot of fun with the chow – you don’t really come here for the place. Instead, it’s the food that ought to entice you to come here. And on this, Erawan pleasantly surprises now and then…

Tried during repeated visits were:

Papaya salad (P80 for medium; P160 for large) – This one captured the somewhat sweet yet sour lasa (taste) of the Thai original. My one issue is with the shredded green papaya used, with Erawan’s version not malutong (crunchy) and somewhat too soft.
Fresh spring rolls (P70 for medium; P150 for large) – This is spot on, capturing the right combo of fresh veggies stuffed in oh-so-soft (and even pasty) wrapper. The dip, though, could be bettered.
Pad Thai (from P110 for shrimp; from P100 for chicken) – This one is a bit tricky for me, since I recognize that different people may prepare it differently. I am appreciative that it uses many of the ingredients found in Pad Thai in Thailand, but taste-wise… it’s just “almost there” for me.
Laab (Thai pork/chicken salad, P85 for medium; P180 for large) – At least the one I tried was a hit, capturing how I remember Thai street vendors prepared this.
Tom yum (P150 for medium; P250 for large) – This had the right tang. But if there’s one issue here, it’s the portion – if they put even less seafood, it’s like just having all sabaw (soup). Best when eaten with rice.
Thai chicken curry (P100 for medium; P200 for large) – Not as curry-ish as I prefer my curry to be, or even as spicy as I expect it to be. But similar to tom yum, the bigger issue isn’t the taste (it’s good in its own way) but the amount of meat in the serving.

WHY AVOID THE PLACE

Perhaps the biggest “issue” is Erawan’s location. Since it’s in a village (if your car doesn’t have their sticker, you even have to leave your license at the guard house), you have to dayo (intentionally go to the place) just to be there. For many in other parts of Metro Manila, this is a deal-breaker.

Then because the place “sells” itself as a “Thai street food” resto, everything here is sorta laidback – e.g. no airconditioning. If you know how hot/humid Metro Manila can be, then this – too – may be an issue.

IN THE END

Various parts of Metro Manila have food havens – e.g. Maginhawa in QC, Jupiter (among others) in Makati, right across DLSU in Taft in Manila, et cetera. If you’re keen to discover what Las Piñas has, then by all means, give Erawan a visit (JB Tan is also becoming the village’s “food hub”, so there are other restos there that are worth checking out).

Erawan is located at 101 JB Tan St., BF Resort Village, Las Piñas City. For more information, call (+632) 6978185 or 09065570324.

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Mikee dela Cruz

Believing that knowing on its own is not good enough, "you have to share what you know, too", Mikee dela Cruz gladly shares through his writing. A (BA) Communication Studies graduate, he had stints with UNAIDS, UNICEF and Ford Foundation, among others, writing "just about everything". Read on as he does some sharing through Zest Magazine.

Destinations

Singapore Cable Car launches world’s first Skyorb Cabins

Exclusively designed for the Singapore Cable Car, the SkyOrb Cabin is the world’s first chrome-finished spherical cable car cabin. Unlike conventional cabins, the spherical design of the SkyOrb Cabins breaks the boundaries of traditional cable car aesthetics, offering a futuristic and captivating look.

Published

1 month ago

April 4, 2024

ZestMag.com Staff

Mount Faber Leisure Group officially launched the new futuristic SkyOrb Cabins on the Singapore Cable Car – Mount Faber Line. The launch of the SkyOrb Cabins took place at Mount Faber Peak, as part of the Singapore Cable Car’s 50th anniversary celebrations. The event was attended by Bob Tan, Chairman of Sentosa Development Corporation and Thien Kwee Eng, Chief Executive Officer of Sentosa Development Corporation, as well as Michael Syn, Chairman of Mount Faber Leisure Group and Buhdy Bok, Managing Director of Mount Faber Leisure Group.

SkyOrb Cabins – A cabin like no other in the world

Exclusively designed for the Singapore Cable Car, the SkyOrb Cabin is the world’s first chrome-finished spherical cable car cabin. Unlike conventional cabins, the spherical design of the SkyOrb Cabins breaks the boundaries of traditional cable car aesthetics, offering a futuristic and captivating look.

The SkyOrb cabin boasts a spectacular view through its glass-bottomed floor

Fitted with glass-bottomed floors to allow guests to view the scenery below their feet, the new cabins offer guests an elevated journey with a stunning panoramic view of the skyline. As night falls, a captivating ring of lights surrounds the cabin windows, casting an illuminating glow that imparts a distinctly futuristic ambience.

The SkyOrb Cabins have been thoughtfully designed with double window louvres at the front and triple window louvres at the rear, providing enhanced air ventilation for guests on board. To offer an exclusive experience, only seven SkyOrb Cabins will join the existing fleet, enriching the vibrancy of the Sentosa skyline.

SkyOrb Cabin on the Mount Faber Line

“Each SkyOrb cabin, a gleaming chrome orb soaring through the sky, embodies modern design. These cabins offer guests a one-of-a-kind experience, taking them on a discovery between Mount Faber Peak and Sentosa, unveiling breathtaking views along the way,” said Mr Buhdy Bok, Managing Director of Mount Faber Leisure Group.

Collaboratively designed between Mount Faber Leisure Group and renowned cable car cabin manufacturer CWA, the SkyOrb Cabins showcase product innovation and commitment to creating new unique experiences for guests. Based in Olten, Switzerland, CWA has enjoyed a long partnership with Mount Faber Leisure Group since the first generation of the Singapore Cable Car cabins was launched in 1974.

The SkyOrb Cabins will be open for guests to experience from 20 March 2024 and tickets will be available for sale at the Singapore Cable Car Mount Faber and Sentosa Station ticketing counters from the same day. Mount Faber Line and Cable Car Sky Pass ticket holders have the privilege of upgrading one-way of their round trip (between Mount Faber and Sentosa Cable Car Stations) to a SkyOrb Cabin experience. This upgrade costs $15 per person on weekdays, and $20 per person on weekends and Public Holidays.

Destinations

Japan ranks as top leisure travel destination for Filipino travellers: Visa study

According to the data, 24% of surveyed Filipino respondents have traveled overseas for leisure or business purposes in the past year. This trend aligns with a broader travel resurgence across Asia Pacific, with 37% of those surveyed reporting overseas travels within the same period.

Published

1 month ago

April 3, 2024

ZestMag.com Staff

Visa, a global player in digital payments, has published its most recent Green Shoots Radar study^[1]. This quarterly report analyzes consumer sentiments across various sectors, such as financial services, commerce, and travel.

The study reveals a surge in travel frequency among Filipino travelers. According to the data, 24% of surveyed Filipino respondents have traveled overseas for leisure or business purposes in the past year. This trend aligns with a broader travel resurgence across Asia Pacific, with 37% of those surveyed reporting overseas travels within the same period.

Japan emerged as the top leisure destination for Filipino travelers, with 32% visiting in the past year. Singapore (22%) followed by Hong Kong (21%) and Thailand (18%) were the next most popular destinations. For business trips, Singapore led the list with 25%, followed by Japan (23%), and the United States tied with Hong Kong at 18%.

Filipino travelers prefer to book flight tickets directly from the provider’s website (44%). Among those respondents who booked their accommodations through Online Travel Agencies and paid the full amount upon booking, using credit cards is the most popular payment mode (41%), followed by mobile/e-wallets (28%).

Jeff Navarro, Country Manager for Visa Philippines, said, “As cross-border travel gains momentum in the Philippines and the region, we have a significant opportunity to maintain visibility throughout travelers’ journeys. This involves being present during destination searches and bookings, using Visa cards on travel apps for smoother transactions, and engaging consumers with authentic travel and shopping content to create a secure and seamless digital payments experience for everyone, everywhere.”

The future of travel remains promising, with 65% of Filipino respondents planning overseas leisure travel in the next 12 months. The top three leisure destinations intended in the next 12 months are Japan (38%), followed by South Korea (29%) and Singapore (16%). For business travel, Japan (19%), Canada (13%), and South Korea (12%) are the most likely destinations.

According to Visa’s Global Travel Intentions 2023 study^[2], majority (89%) of Filipino travelers used credit (44%) and debit (39%) cards when travelling, for the benefits of cards’ wide acceptance (56%), accepted at ATMs (49%), and ability to be used both online and within apps (43%).

Visa’s most recent Consumer Payment Attitudes 2023 study^[3] data also reflect cards as the preferred mode of payment when travelling, where 25% of surveyed Filipinos use credit or debit cards online and 21% use via swipe or insert when traveling overseas.

[1] The Green Shoots Radar survey was conducted online in 14 markets covering more than 8,000 respondents, including 500 consumers in the Philippines in January 2024, towards male and female respondents aged 18-65 with a minimum household income of PHP 12,000.

[2] The Global Travel Intentions Study is the largest and longest running global consumer insights program from Visa, which surveys travelers across continents on their travel journey and payment behavior. The study was conducted across April-June 2023 to more than 1,000 Filipino respondents.

[3] The Visa Consumer Payment Attitudes Study was conducted in Oct-Nov 2023 via online interviews with 1.000 Filipino consumers across the country with a demographic mix of ages (18-65), genders and income levels.

Travel

Tips to prep your motorcycle for safe road trips

Here are key steps to ensure your motorcycle is in top condition and ready for a safe and enjoyable riding season.

Published

1 month ago

March 22, 2024

Rachelle Grace Tan-Estrecho

With longer days and sunny weather, the open road beckons to two-wheel owners. Preparing a motorcycle after it’s been in storage involves several key steps to ensure it’s ready for the road after the winter months. CTEK, the global player in vehicle charging solutions, provides recommendations for riders to prep their vehicles for peak performance and peace of mind on the open road.

“Life on two wheels epitomizes freedom and exhilaration, but unforeseen challenges can arise at any turn,” shared Bobbie DuMelle, President of CTEK North America. ‘With proper preparation, riders can bid farewell to battery woes and enjoy their ride.”

CTEK recommends some key steps to ensure your motorcycle is in top condition and ready for a safe and enjoyable riding season:

Vehicle Inspection

Give the entire motorcycle a thorough visual inspection, checking for any loose bolts, leaks, or damage. Pay attention to areas such as the frame, exhaust system, and bodywork. Do a thorough inspection of your motorcycle including fluids, tires, brakes, lights and electrics, chain and sprockets, fuel system, air filter and suspension.

Battery Test

Ensure the battery terminals are clean and free of corrosion. Charge the battery if it’s been sitting idle. CTEK recommends using the CTEK CS FREE, which features Adaptive Boost technology to ensure precise delivery of power and swiftly charge any 12V lead acid or lithium battery, resurrecting a dormant motorcycle battery within 15 minutes without the need for a power outlet. With intuitive LED indicators, the CS FREE keeps riders informed, signaling when their battery is primed for ignition. Moreover, it offers sustained maintenance charging, whether via conventional grid power, solar panels, or a 12V service battery, effectively extending battery lifespan by up to threefold during idle seasons.

Maintenance Tasks

If the motorcycle has been sitting for an extended period, drain and replace the fuel. Check fuel lines and filters for any signs of damage. Clean and lubricate the chain, and check for proper tension. Inspect sprockets for wear and replace if necessary. Inspect and clean or replace the air filter to ensure optimal engine performance. Check suspension components for any signs of wear or leaks. Inspect fork seals and adjust suspension settings as needed. Test the throttle, clutch, and brakes to ensure they are functioning smoothly. Lubricate cables if necessary.

Test Ride

After completing all maintenance tasks, take the motorcycle for a short test ride to ensure everything is functioning properly. When you’re on the road, take your CTEK CS FREE with you. With a built-in rechargeable battery fueled by rapid USB-C input, the CS FREE retains its charge for up to a year, rendering it a steadfast companion for on-the-go storage. Equipped with versatile USB-A and USB-C ports, it ensures seamless connectivity for charging smartphones, PCs, tablets, cameras, and an array of devices, ensuring uninterrupted adventures.