Semerad Twins and Down to Mars: Chef’s Noodle Newest Endorsers


Some few years ago, I’ve began to love Korean foods most especially their Japchae noodles, Bulgogi, Kimchi, Tteok-bok-i (Rice cakes in hot sauce), Samgyeopsal (Korean pork belly lettuce wrap) and the very famous Bibimbap and Jjampong. It’s a good thing that I’m a huge fan of spicy foods. And almost every day I get to eat Korean dishes thanks to the family that I used to tutor in Ortigas, they’ve introduced their native foods to me and to my co-tutor right from their home. :))

Chef's Noodle Bibimbap- traditional Korean steamed rice with seasoned vegetables, 
beef and egg 

I’m pretty sure you’re very much aware of the K-Pop (Korean Popular music or Korean pop) fad, the Korean style of dressing, Korean hairstyle with dyes, the Koreanovelas on television (they've ousted another foreign telenovela- the Spanish telenovelas), and now presently conquering the global music scene still from Korea, the “Gangnam Style” by Korean pop artist PSY.

In line with the Korean mania, something much bigger has come to the Philippines; the Simisim Group of Companies proudly presents a popular fast-casual Korean restaurant, the very first branch outside Korea, the Chef’s Noodle. Having acquired the master franchise of Chef’s Noodle, the company already has big plans for the hip, new dining outlet, already partnering with popular Korean expats, like model/TV personality/DJ Grace Lee and Korean celebrity Chef Choi In Sun to be its local endorsers.

Model/ TV personality/ DJ Grace Lee and Korean celebrity Chef Choi In Sun 

It’s also interesting to note that Chef Choi In Sun had a hand in developing some of Chef’s Noodle’s mouth-watering specialties, something that should make your visit to the restaurant even more exciting. Having a great range of Korean specialties that ranges from the traditional menu items that are unique to the restaurant, Chef’s Noodle definitely has something delicious for everyone.

So, do you think you've had enough of good news? Nah ah, Chef’s Noodle has just recently added two latest brand ambassadors and they are the hard court heartthrob, Fil- Aussie, Semerad Twins who were born and raised in Brisbane, Australia and the fast-rising and very first inter-pop group, “Down to Mars.”

I was one of the privileged peeps to have been invited to the exclusive photo shoot of the Semerad twins and Down to Mars for Chef’s Noodle held at the Elite Studio, 3rd floor. in A.Venue Mall, Makati Ave., Makati City.  The mood during that time was so light, bubbly, jolly, vibrant and very musical, thanks to “Down to Mars” for specially providing that part, which was in contrast to the bad and rainy weather outside. :))

Anthony and David Semerad during Chef's Noodle photoshoot


Down to Mars happily posing with their Chef's Noodle dishes during the photoshoot

It was an awesome experience having the “Twin Towers” of basketball court, David and Anthony Semerad for an interview with my fellow bloggers. We've learned that they were paternal twins being David as the older brother by five minutes, but they really look very much the same huh! And to be able to differentiate one from the other, I've a tip for you... Anthony’s face is a little bit longer than David’s and that the latter is more like me, funny, humorous and jolly whereas the former is sort of a serious type, but according to David, Anthony has a “playboy” image hihihi. When asked about what they could contribute to the promotion of Chef’s Noodle as one of the latest and official endorsers, David answered, “I guess we could promote it because my brother and I have been to Korea a number of times and we really started like learn to love the food ‘coz we go there, try new foods, it was really a great experience and it’s really healthy food, all the vegetables ... and for us, athletes, we really love eating healthy foods.”

See this: Anthony and David somewhat resemble our handsome actors
 Luis Manzano and Gerald Anderson, agree? :)

The 6’5” (OMG!) twins with a shoe size of 15 (Wow!) even shared that their personal faves from Chef’s Noodle menu are the Bulgogi and Chef’s Noodle with all the meat and veggies, they love it! For those gurls out there who wanna know if any of them are still available? Well, they both admitted that they’re “single to mingle!” Isn't that great? :))

One of Semerad twins faves, the Chef's Noodle- their very own noodles topped with tamago, leeks, bean sprouts, fried tofu, spring onion, red bell pepper,egg roll, bulgogi and their secret beef broth


 Bulgogi Leek Butchu Jun - Chef's Noodle's version of pancake packed with Bulgogi, fresh Kutchai and bell pepper packed in their special pancake (jun) mix. 

What are the qualities that they seek for a girl? They go for the nice personality, she must also be outgoing, someone who can look after herself, she’s gotta be sporty, it should be a sport that they're both interested in. David also wants a girl who could eat a cheese steak! Hmmm... any candidates? :))

Additional trivia: Anthony’s fave color is orange while David goes for blue.

The handsome Semerads are presently taking the same course (Business Marketing and Communication) in San Beda and they plan to play at the NCAA next year. Being an older brother, David’s advise to Anthony: “I always tell him to listen to me (laughing). I feel that I have the responsibility; I have to take care of him so, even if I’m only five minutes older, I’m still there for you” that’s what David has to say while tapping Anthony’s shoulder. Awww, these twins are so sweeeeet!

What do they have to say to all of their fans and followers? “We just want to thank them for their support and having been there for us in everything we do, keep following us. We feel honored, we feel blessed that we have that, it’s a push,” the Semerad twins.

Happily torn between the adorable "Twin Towers" hihihi 

The Semerad twins invite everyone to check-out Chef's Noodle



And now, it’s our turn to interview and have a little chat with the Down to Mars group members. Officially, they’re being co-managed by Ms. Geleen Eugenio and been posing as one of the regular mainstays in GMA’s "Party Pilipinas" every Sunday. My first question was, “How come ‘Down to Mars,’ how did you arrive by that name?” Jang Seung Ri, the group’s spokesperson answered, “Ibinase po nila ‘yung Down to Mars sa down to earth kasi naniniwala po kami na ang sikreto po sa showbiz para maging successful ka is kailangan mong maging grounded, maging humble, kahit mabulag ka pa ng spotlight o ng fame, kailangan mong maging humble kasi ‘yung mga nasa ibaba ‘yun ‘yung itinataas. And at the same time, sa Greek mythology, men came from Mars and ang babae naman po came from Venus.”
Very well said, Jang.

The very cool and grounded, "Down to Mars"

Down to Mars has signed a contract with Polyeast records and a 3- year exclusive contract with GMA Artist Center and are currently seen in another GMA tv program, ‘The Coffee Prince” during weekdays. The group even shared that their music was being influenced by Asian and Western music like the Backstreet Boys. They even compose their songs in their self-titled album, “Down to Mars;” each of them has contributed to the success of their first album launch that was held last May this year. The group consists of Kenji Chua, the lead singer, Yheen Valero, Kiro Rivera, Jang Seung Ri, Daisuke Hagihara, Jefferson Song, and new member Sky Young.

How does it feel being one of the latest endorsers of Chef’s Noodle? “Natutuwa po kami talaga kasi basically sobrang mahilig po kaming kumain ng mga noodles, mga ramen at any kind of noodles at saka swak na swak din po kami sa Chef’s Noodle,” Jang replied. How does it feel being the first inter-pop music group? “Masaya po kasi gaya nga po ng definition ng inter-pop, pinaghalu- halo nga pong music ng Chinese, Japanese and Korean at the same time ang common ground namin kami, mga Pinoy kami so, ‘yung ma-recognize po kami na inter-pop, masaya po kami talaga.”

If you wanna know their favorite dishes from 
Chef’s Noodle and why, just watch this short video

Chef's Noodle Jjampong- Korean spicy seafood noodle

Starking Fire Sushi- Chef's Noodle signature sushi, truly a must-try! 
This is not your usual sushi, the presentation and premium taste of this sushi dish is sure to amuse you!

That's me with "Down to Mars" during the photoshoot

Other Chef's Noodle Must-try dishes include:

Bulgogi Leek Kimbap- seeweed rice rolls with beef and leeks

Beef Curry Dupbap- warm rice topped with beef curry and seasoned vegetables

Bring your friends and loved ones along and get to enjoy a delightful dining experience from one of Korea's most popular restaurant chains! With prices set at Php 95 and up, truly affordable and worth it. Sampling the Chef's Noodle menu is sure to fit any budget. 

Branches:
2nd floor of University Mall, Taft Avenue, Manila 
 Ground floor of Atlanta Center, Annapolis St., Greenhills, San Juan.

 Call for Express Delivery: 
Manila - 7089520 / 4050129 
San Juan - 2340266 / 2340840. For more on Chef's Noodle

Facebook page: Chef's Noodle
Twitter: @ChefsNoodlePhil


If you wanna check-out more photos of the Semerad twins and Down to Mars from their photoshoot just click HERE and hope you'll like my page too! Thanks! 









Posted in: , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Posted by :

Callalily's "Flower Power" album, a comeback campaign

Callalily has new label, via Universal Records 

It has been three years since the popular Pinoy rock band, "Callalily" had their last album. During the band's bloggers conference held just recently at the Universal Tower with the Universal Records top execs, lead vocals Kean Cipriano, together with co-band members Tatsi Jamnague, Aaron Ricafrente and Lemuel Belaro, admitted that they've been working on their latest album for three years and that they've been working so hard on it that every detail, every article, every word that they had put on every song really matters. "Flower Power" doesn't only mark as the band's comeback album; it is also their first record from their new label, their new home, the Universal Records. 

Callalily signing their contract with the Universal Records top execs during the blogcon

After the contract signing, Callalily performed 3 songs from their latest album

Check out their song "Buhay," one of my personal faves



Some of you might be wondering why Flower Power? Oh well, according to Kean, "Callalily is a flower kaya Flower Power. Power of Callalily." The lead singer even added that, "During the late 60's and early 70's, ang flower power is para s'yang advocacy, parang campaign noon na about peace and love. And feeling namin ito na 'yung right timing kasi sa mga fans namin, sa mga "Callalistas," flower power kami, tapos they love us very much, kami 'yung flower power nila. Tapos dahil three years nga, naisip namin s'yang gawing comeback campaign." That really made a lot of sense, right? Very well said, Kean. :)) 

While we still couldn't get over with their live performance during the blogcon, yet, we still had another very rare experience with the band. I was so delighted for the very reason that we also get to listen three more cuts from their latest album. And of all the songs played and we've listened to, the song HKM (Hindi Kita Malilimutan) caught my ear and attention. It was so touching and the words had so much meaning that it really struck me. Even Kean admitted that, it is also one of his fave cuts since according to him, "Tungkol ito sa mga na-mimiss ko na tao na wala na kasi sila dito, kasama na nila 'yung mga anghel. Saka iniyakan ko ito sa studio eh, I have to admit, unang kanta ko pa lang ng first line."


Finally! Callalily's "Flower Power" album cover

Flower Power Tracklist:
  1. Pasasalamat
  2. Sabik na Sabik
  3. HKM (Hindi Kita Malilimutan)
  4. Lapit
  5. Buhay
  6. Pansamantala
  7. You and I
  8. Buhos ng Ulan
  9. Walang Sumipot
  10. Para Sa'yo

Tatsi, Aaron, Kean and Lemuel 

That afternoon was filled with surprises; it was also a very memorable, fun, happy and informative meet-up with Callalily. It was like a "getting to know" moment with the band,  we never expected (I bet you don't either) that Lemuel's family owns the very famous "Lala" chocolate factory, cool huh! Aside from that, Lem is also a member of a band named "Banda ni Kleggy," which Kean asked us to also support, all for the love of OPM. We've also known that Tatsi is a culinary graduate, cool! And here's another interesting trivia --- they're all still single! Well, Kean adamantly admitted that he's exclusively dating; Aaron's status is "It's complicated," while Tatsi said, "Nag-iipon muna talaga ko ng solid eh bago....  pera muna haha," and Lemuel's reply was "Career muna s'yempre, di ba, madaling magmahal pag mas maraming pera hahaha (joking)." Everyone was laughing and enjoying every moment shared with the band as if we were a big, happy family. :)) 

Callalily with the bloggers

Seriously, Callalily expressed their hopes about their latest album and their upcoming launch on October 12, 2012 at the Eastwood Central Plaza, 8pm, they said, "Gusto sana naming marinig s'ya ng mas maraming tao, gusto sana namin na marinig s'ya ng mga kaibigan n'yo, mga kapatid n'yo, mga pinsan n'yo na masabi namin 'yung kwentong sinasabi namin dito sa album na 'to." It is a celebration of new beginnings, friendships and good music. So guys, feel-free to watch them and be part of their comeback album launch this Friday, okay? They promise us a different kind of experience, isn't that exciting? So let's join them! ;-) 

They'll be also having mall tours as part of the Flower Power album promo, check out their schedule:

Oct 21, Sun - Robinsons Nova Market, Activity Area, 5pm
Nov 2, Fri - Robinsons Place Lipa, Activity Area, 5pm
Nov 3, Sat - Robinsons Sta. Rosa Market, Fountain Area, 5pm
Nov 4, Sun - Robinsons Metro East, Activity Area, 5pm
Nov 11, Sun - Robinsons Place Dasmarinas, 5pm
  
Another trivia: Their single "Pasasalamat," which is included in the album, was the bestselling single of www.mymusicstore.com.ph and trended on Twitter during the day of the release itself. 

Special thanks to Universal RecordsLionHearTV.netPinoy Song Magazine and GSM Blue for making all these possible. 

Hope you'll follow Callalily on Facebook and @callalilyband on Twitter. 
You can download "Pasasalamat" on MyMusicStore and on iTunes


Thumbs-up for Flower Power!!!


Of course Kean pogi and me hehe


Flower Power means love and peace. And let's all allow it bloom... 












Posted in: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Posted by :

A Special Tribute to Filipino Moms by Max's Restaurant and Body Shop




"If the whole world were put into one scale, and my mother in the other, the whole world would kick the beam." -Henry Bickersteth

We've all grown celebrating Mother's Day every second Sunday of May each and every year and we're all accustomed to that. On May 13, Sunday, it will be such a great day to celebrate Mom's day :)) . What do you think Max's Restaurant and Body Shop had come up for all the moms out there?


Bent on ensuring that diners will have an exciting and unforgettable experience on Mother’s Day, Max’s Restaurant has partnered with global cosmetics and beauty brand Body Shop in coming up with a heartwarming surprise for the most special woman in our lives.

Family members who will be celebrating Mother’s Day at Max’s Restaurant with a minimum spend of PhP 1,300 will be receiving a luxurious bottle of Body Shop’s Shower Gel - soap-free, lather-rich and fruit-infused! It’s the perfect gift to pamper MOM on her special day.

That's me with my friend Jenny, Kokoy and Angie during the event

We were gastronomically pampered by Max's Restaurant 


“In the Philippines where mothers are respected for being the “light of the household,” people take the time to dine together as a family on Mother’s Day. One of the most nostalgic places to re-unite and celebrate with family has always been Max’s Restaurant. Mothers and family members, regardless of age, lifestyle and cultural background, find comfort in its homey interiors and the passionate service of the staff,” said Edgar Allan Caper, Marketing Director for Max’s Restaurant.

During the press launch of Max's Restaurant and Body Shop partnership event for MOMS, the  very amiable and famous host of GMA 7's "Unang Hirit," Ms. Lyn Ching-Pascual was so lively and had given all the right info and details regarding the said event. She's actually a mother of two cutey kids, Gaby and Matty, an avid book-reader herself, who's also into blogging check her personal blog here


Lyn Ching-Pascual 





The symbolic Max's Restaurant and Body Shop shopping bag...


is officially


open! :))) Yay!


Of course, picture, picture! hihihi :D


We were also asked to post our mom's pics on the board provided with our corresponding answers to the question: "What do you love most about your mom?" Towards the end of the program, the organizers had picked up three "most heartwarming" messages posted on the board. :))  It was really a very enjoyable moment with all my fellow bloggers and media peeps despite the heavy rain that poured over that one special afternoon.







Red roses were offered by Max's Restaurant staff during the event, aww sweet!


Thank you Max's for all the pampering! 


Max's Restaurant is like a home next to our home, whether they are in the busy Metro or searching for respite in the provinces, the familiar inscription that reads “the house that fried chicken built” has always spurred a feeling of enthused anticipation for the scrumptious spread of home-cooked dishes and heirloom recipes that have been in the Max’s tradition for more than six decades.


The ohhsssome sumptuous lunch we had :P


Max's "Sarap to the Bones" Fried Chicken with sweet potato side dish, very Pinoy! 


"Nakakagutom naman talaga!"


The beckoning smell of piping hot Sinigang, classic Kare-Kare oozing with thick peanut sauce, the crackling sound of Crispy Pata as one’s fork penetrates its perfectly crunchy skin, and the unforgettable experience of Max’s “sarap to the bones” Fried Chicken, the Filipino’s iconic dish - these are just simply difficult to resist. Cap this sumptuous meal with an exciting bottle of Body Shop Shower Gel from Max’s.


Happy Mother's Day to the most wonderful and loving MOM in the universe! No amount of adjectives or any metaphoric phrases could ever describe you. Actually, my love for you couldn't be written or typed in any form, I know that you know how much I dearly love you. Thank you for bringing us to this world and for raising us so well.

BONUS TRIVIA: 
  •  Sarap to the bones was put to the history of Max's Restaurant by "Nanay Ruby" which everyone enjoys until now, thanks to her. ;)) 
  • Max's Restaurant in Scout Tuazon, Q.C. was its very first branch in the world! 


Catch Max’s lush treat from May 7-13 at any Max’s branch nationwide. Prepare to create the most touching moment for MOM on Mother’s Day – simply because she deserves it.


So, let's celebrate Mother's Day at Max's Restaurant, kita-kits!!! 










Posted in: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Posted by :
Showing posts with label Pinoy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pinoy. Show all posts