wazzuppilipinas Archives - Krish Catapang

UP Circle of Administrators brings to you PITCH PERFECT 2

May 13, 2015 – SM North Edsa The Block Cinema 2

UP Circle of Administrators (UP Circa) , a duly recognized socio-academic organization established in 1992 in the National College of Public Administration and Governance in UP Diliman, brings to you the most awaited and highly anticipated screening of Pitch Perfect 2 which was held on May 13 at the SM North The Block Cinema 2. The screening is a fund-raising event or an income generating project for the organization.

Early before 7pm people were already in line at the event, stoked for the movie. Perks of falling in line early, you get a free Krispy Kreme glazed donut, only to be given to the first 100 people. KK (Krispy Kreme) also handed these cute paper hats with the official KK logo. When you purchase a ticket, it is inclusive of snacks and drink from the sponsors handed in paper goodie bags.

The cinema was jam-packed, before the screening UP Circa held games and ice breakers with amazing prizes in store. The first game, you have to guess how many XO candies are in a plastic sealed bag. Then second game, is like ,who sang it way better to the song of “When Im Gone (Cup Song) by Anna Kendrick” with the use of the Krispy Kreme cup. The winner was decided who has the loudest applause. The third game, a group of 6 friends should participate and give movie titles to a corresponding letter of a given word. The hosts and other members of the organization were able to pull it off and handed out prizes coming from their major sponsors.

I don’t want to give out everything and be a spoiler about the movie, all I can say, If you loved the first movie, you might go LSS for the second, especially the last song. The movie’s gist focuses on the Bella’s Senior year at Barden University and then an unfortunate event happened during a production number at Kennedy Center. The only way for the Bellas to gain the respect of all again is to win the world championship. It is not gonna be an easy road for the Bellas, rivalry with another acapella group from Germany called the DAS SOUND MACHINE and journey for the Bellas to rediscover their sound again.

The Barden Bellas slayed it again with their up to beat covers and tracks joined by a new Bella sister EMILY JUNK, a Barden Bella legacy. Definitely the movie was way funnier than the first and had bigger production numbers .If you expect more of “FAT AMY”, Definitely yes, prepare yourselves (HAHA) not only her, also the other funny Barden Bella characters and Charming treble makers.

Congratulations! To UP Circa for a successful event and Thank you for the warm accommodation for me and my friends. All the best and more projects and events to come. Thank you also to Wazzup Pilipinas for the invitation.

The event wouldn’t be possible with the help of the following sponsors Universal Robina Corporation, Jack ‘n Jill Chippy, Nissin Cup Noodles, Jack ‘n Jill X.O. Candy, Krispy Kreme and Kalibrr. Partner organizations with UP Geological Society and UP Enkindle And Wazzup Pilipinas as the official medial partner of the event.

@krishgeekness Pitch perfect goodies from last night's screening brought to you by @upcirca and the following sponsors Krispy Kreme, Nissin Cup Noodles, Chippy, Sun Glo- zesto and XO candies with #WazzupPilipinas as media partner — @krishgeekness Pitch perfect goodies from last night’s screening brought to you by @upcirca and the following sponsors Krispy Kreme, Nissin Cup Noodles, Chippy, Sun Glo- zesto and XO candies with #WazzupPilipinas as media partner

Persia Grill

I have always been comfortable with food from the Middle East. I am not an expert in their palettes of flavors but I have learned to love it because in Oman, where I was born and raised, there was never a day I missed it. Growing up I had the perks of travelling abroad with my family, because my dad works for an airline company, and had the opportunity to tour some countries around the Gulf. Now, after graduating, I wish I could see and know more.

This week, I got the chance to visit Persia Grill, owned by the Kazemi family. The restaurant is chiefly run by Kian Kazemi, eldest son of the family, who graduated from De La Salle College of St. Benilde with a degree in Hotel Restaurant and Institutional Management. You may recognize his face: former Pinoy Big Brother Housemate (Season 2) and co-host of a show on Abs-cbn/TFC called “Trip na Trip.” He also has a travel series on his YouTube channel entitled, “Kian is NoWhere.” To our pleasant surprise, he graciously hosted our meal when we came to visit.

Kian talked about his college days, recalling how he would often invite friends to come over to his place and serve them Persian food. Outside of that, he would sometimes sell shawarma sandwiches in school. Being half Persian and half Filipino, his vision was to one day bring Persian cuisine closer to the Filipino market. He stays true to his roots by familiarizing himself with the history, culture and tradition of his Persian heritage.

Driven by the Kazemi family’s love for food and bringing people together, Persia Grill established its first location in Salcedo Village, Makati City in 2007. With recipes originating from their grandmother’s kitchen in Tehran, Iran, Persia Grill’s dishes are 100% authentic and deliciously healthy

The menu features wide variety of Persian cuisine, neatly designed and deliciously descriptive. Their price rates are affordable (http://www.persiagrill.com.ph/menu.html). Note also: they serve HALAL food.

Persia Grill has a casual dining vibe, making it a good place to chill and eat with friends and family. Cozy, ambiant and well-put, the interior is perfect for an Instagram-worthy post.

I have always been a fan of Hummous P120(a dip composed of mashed chicked peas) coupled with pita bread—for me the best merienda ever! Sir Kian introduced other Persian dips like Salad Oliveyeh P120—a potato dip with with chicken, egg, dill pickles, olive oil and Persian spices; the famous Baba Ganoush P115—eggplant, olive oil and special spices; and Must O’khiar P115—cucumber and garlic dip.

What I like about Persia Grill is that they serve premium and authetic beef. The picture above is Abgusht P260,made of beef, chick peas, white beans and potato with dried lemons.

Biryani,a dish of flavorful spiced rice and your choice of meat,combines the most exotic of Persian spices into one mouthwatering dish. (Here’s a tip: drench biryani in garlic sauce, or yoghurt dip—sarap!)

Remember: you have dig in to the bottom of the pile—the meat is at the bottom.

Back in Oman we used to have beach parties, and I remember very fondly: they were not complete without grilled Kebabs. At Persia Grill, they served us their classic Beef kebab along with their lemon and spicy varieties.

The (a) Fallafel P185, a fried tart made from chicked peas.

(b) The Persian Rice P65 was the blockbuster at our table. As a nurse, I loved the healthy tip they wrote on their menu: “Steam-cooked, long-grain Basmati rice, known for having low glycemic index (good for diabetic patients).”

Their best seller, © All-Vegatable Musakka P225, is a tasty dishmade with onion, eggplants and tomato, chick peas, cooked in olive oil served with pita bread and yoghurt.

Something exotic, (d) Sizzling Ox Brain P140.

(e) Persia Grill Chicken Barbeque P175.

A variety of selection of drinks can also be found in their menu. I highly recommend their (f) Creamy Yoghurt Shake P85 (bestseller) and try also their selections of (g) tea and coffee too.

This is (h) Must O’Asal P130,a lovely dessert made of yogurt, honey and muesli. In the Middle East, people love their yogurt, that’s why if you notice, Persia Grill has plenty of yoghurt-infused dishes on their menu.

There are also Filipino desserts on the menu as well, such as (i) Leche Flan P65and (j) Pastillas Cheesecake P130.

I made sure to save space in my tummy for the shawarma. Here is a story: the first shawarma I tasted here in the Philippines was actually at PERSIA GRILL, at their SM MEGA MALL branch. It was my best friend, Aimee’s birthday treat to us. Mostly we just ordered shawarma, just because we love shawarma.

The Shisha (sometimes called hookah) at Persia Grill comes at an affordable price, with flavors ranging from double apple (best seller), strawberry, mint, four seasons and more, depending on availability. Not bad for P299.

I definitely recommend Persia Grill to my friends from the Middle East, especially those currently based here in the Philippines. It’s a new hangout spot and a place to reminisce those good old days. For those who are interested in tasting authentic Persian cuisine here in the Philippines, Persia Grill definitely worth your time and money.

I would like to thank Sir Kian for his warm hospitality in accommodating us, and the kind staff and crew. Should you find yourself in need of Persian food at your next party or celebration, Persia Grill also offers catering services. Check out for their other branches and contact numbers (more information at www.persiagrill.com.ph).

Don’t forget to like their FB Page (https://www.facebook.com/persiagrill), follow them on Instagram @persiagrill and check out Sir Kian’s account @kiankazemi for updates.

Acknowledgements:

Thank you,

Sir Kian Kazemi

Ross Del Rosario, Wazzup Pilipinas

Aimee Garcia

Ms. Carol P. Layog

Lampara Books Launches Moymoy Lulumboy: Ang Batang Aswang

Lampara books have been a pioneer publishing house known for publishing works of Filipino writers, who create original stories full of values and lessons for children. They specifically incorporate the richness of the Filipino culture and tradition into their stories. After years in the industry, they still know how to captivate their readers, and their readers have stayed loyal all throughout.

In addition, of their roster of original works comes a story of fifty percent mythology, fifty percent adventure, and definitely hundred percent originally Filipino made. It is a coming-of-age story entitled, “Moymoy Lulumboy: Ang Batang Aswang.” Subtly reminiscent of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter chronology, the story comes in a compilation of series that is fit for readers of all ages. People would definitely enjoy this series written by Segundo Matias Jr., simply called, “Kuya Jun.”

(Segundo Matias Jr.”Kuya Jun”– Author and Jomike Tejido-Illustrator)

On September 18, 2014 at the Mall of Asia SMX Convention Center was a press launch of Lampara’s latest young adult fiction series, “Moymoy Lulumboy: Ang batang aswang” coincides with 2014 Manila Book Fair. Hosted by Ms. Gay Castro and Sir Toots Tolentino, the event was well-attended by people from the press, media and young fanatics of the series. A breathtaking musical performance by the FEU Theatre Guild entertained the crowd.

(Jolly hosts, Sir Toots Tolentino and Ms. Gay Castro)

(the FEU Theatre Guild’s breathtaking performance)

I was able to grab a copy of the book on the day of the launch itself. The cover illustration is very distinctively Filipino. The creative genius behind the art, no other than Mr. Jomike Tejido, is an award-winning illustrator with works recognized in Scholastic Publishing and Oxford University Press.

The story focuses on Moymoy Lulumboy’s life, adventures, and discovery of his real identity as he sets foot in the world of Gabun—a world of mythical creatures created by Sir Jun. Moymoy was brought to the human world as a baby by Montar—an elf or duwende—who served as the right hand of his mother, a Tibaro or earth goddess. Moymoy was then placed under the care of a human, Tracy, who raised him. Growing up, Moymoy had the ability to shape shift into various creatures. His adventures start as he enters world of Gabun, where he meets beings of the kingdom. Modeled after Philippine mythology, these creatures were comprised of the aswang, tikbalang, manananggal, kapre, and many more. Moymoy was born with markings on his chest—a map of the land of Panalturan, sacred land of the Tibaro species. The other half of the map, could be found on his twin brother named Alangkaw, who was raised by Buhawan, a corrupt Tibaro. His motive is to reunite the twins and use the map for his own greedy purposes.

Growing up, Kuya Jun was fascinated by mythical beings. A native of Pampanga, he spent his childhood playing along rivers, streams and fields. Living in the province greatly influenced his works as a writer, especially in the creation of Moymoy Lulumboy (fun fact: the main character’s name was actually taken from Lulumboy, a town in Bulacan).

When asked if he sees himself as Moymoy, Sir Jun answered, “Partly, yes.” I had to ask him who he’d pick to play the lead role, should there be a film adaptation of the series; however there is no one just yet. Mr. Matias has published almost 1500 books for children and young adults, following known series titles, and winning prestigious awards for his works as a writer. He has also written screenplays for Viva Films, Seiko Films and Regal Films.

Selfie with Sir Enrico Santos, ABS-CBN Writer & Producer

I am not an avid reader of books in Filipino, but as I read Moymoy Lulumboy, the illustrations captivated me and brought the story to life. I could visualize every chapter in my mind because the images are vibrant and the words are easy to understand. The book is a great read for anyone into Filipino mythology, folklore, or creative fiction. A rumored sequel is in the works, though not much has been said about it yet.

I had a glimpse of the workshops and events at the Manila Book Fair, where Lampara, Precious Hearts Romances, Black Ink, Life Is Beautiful Creatives (publishers of Wattpad and Booklat stories), and other Precious Pages subsidiaries participated. I saw that Filipino writers have been given much recognition for their works, both locally and abroad, which makes me proud of our Filipino literature and rich cultural background. With the recurring trend of novel-to-film adaptations, supported by passionate fans, this series by Kuya Jun is sure to make waves among the young Filipino readers. This makes me proud of traditional and modern Filipino literature and excited to see what’s in store for its revival. It was an awesome experience, I can’t wait to attend next year’s Manila Book Fair.