A Must Try: Just Thai in Molito Alabang

Last April 25, I was at Molito Lifestyle Center in Alabang for the Cool Summer Fest 2016 Press Conference. And next thing I know, I found myself together with blogger friends at Just Thai restaurant just within the area. Thanks to Kathy for the invite (though it was just the first time we personally met). Honestly, I haven't tried Thai food before, so I don't have any idea what it's like. I am a self proclaimed foodie, I love to eat and I like trying out different dishes. So basically that night I'm in for a surprise and I liked it! 

Upon entering Just Thai, first thing I noticed was the exotic ambiance, it somehow gave me the feeling that I'm actually in Thailand (though I actually haven't been there yet). The ceiling was high, main colors was yellow orange and brown, tables and chairs are made of wood, and the place was tastefully and not overly decorated with Thai ornaments. The place isn't that big but it is spacious enough and they also have like 2 tables outside to accommodate more customers. Don't worry though because even though it's outside, it still is very cozy with all the bamboo decorations, the Thai lady statue and a mini pond. 

The food at Just Thai are freshly cooked and prepared so there's going to be a little waiting but I tell you, it's definitely worth the wait. What's good about Just Thai is that you can request for the level of spiciness, Thai spicy, mild, or Filipino spicy. I am okay with spicy food, I find it really appetizing but not all of us in the group are, so we had the food modified into mild spicy to almost not spicy at all. So without further ado, let me show you the sumptuous dish we had. Get ready for some Thai food lovin'!

Tom Kha Gai soup P190.00

Tom Kha Gai soup or Chicken in Coconut Soup. At first, I thought chicken in coconut milk as soup? No way! But hey it's really good! It's soo creamy, sour-y with a small amount of heat. 

Pla Muk Tod P320.00

Pla Muk Tod or Fried Calamari. Calamari is one of my favorite squid dish and Just Thai's version is definitely a thumbs up! It's crispy on the outside and the breading doesn't come off unlike other calamari's I've tried. The squid itself is so succulent and tasty, you can opt not to dip it anymore but for more flavors I suggest you do.

Moo Grob P280.00

Moo Grob or Crunchy Pork Belly. It's tender and very appetizing, dip it for added spice. 

Pad Gaprow Talay P280.00

Moving on with the Main dish. Pad Gaprow Talay or Seafood in Basil. First of all, I love seafood so this is absolutely a treat! Mussels, shrimp, squid, fish fillet in rich creamy coconut milk, it's an explosion of flavors and I really really loved it. Though personally, I'd love to have it with more heat and spiciness. But again that's just me. 

BPlah Meuk Gkratiem Manao P300.00

BPlah Meuk Gkratiem Manao or Squid with garlic and pepper. This is my favorite next to the Seafood in Basil. I am fascinated with how tender the squid is. The combination of the herbs and spices give an excellent flavor. Though again, for me it's best if it's a bit more spicy. 

Gai Tod P220.00

Gai Tod or Thai Fried Chicken. Seasoned and marinated to perfection that the flavor deeply penetrates the chicken meat making it savory and juicy. It is also crispy and just like the calamari the breading isn't that thick so it doesn't separate from the meat. 

 Crab Meat Fried Rice. P220.00

The CrabMeat Fried Rice is visually appealing, loaded with julienned carrots, some herbs, spices and of course the crab which is the star of the dish. You can already eat it on its own. 

 Pad Thai P280.00

Pad Thai is a stir-fried rice noodle dish with eggs, flavored with tamarind pulp, dried shrimp, red chili pepper, served with lime wedges and chopped roast peanuts. It's a popular street-food in Thailand, and I was excited to try it. As usual, just like the other food Pad Thai is flavorful and it was just right for my taste. 

What's a meal without desserts? So let's move along...

Khao Niao Ma Muang P260.00

Khao Niao Ma Muang is a sticky rice topped with thinly sliced ripe mangoes and beautifully formed into a rose flower then sprinkled with sesame seeds. The presentation is just so beautiful that I don't want to ruin it. lol I love sticky rice and I can say that it goes well with the mangoes, don't forget the warm coconut cream!

Tha Kho P140.00

Tha Kho is a coconut pudding wrapped in pandan leaves. With my first bite I immediately thought of Maja blanca, both has corn kernels too. It's really good. 

Tamarind Juice P80.00

As I was looking at the menu for drinks, I was torn between the Lemon Grass Juice and the 

Tamarind Juice. I think I have tasted the Lemon Grass juice before so I chose the Tamarind. It's sweet, sour and surprisingly refreshing. Though I think the flavor is a bit strong to my taste bud, but it's not bad at all. I actually enjoyed it. 

I bet you are already drooling just by looking at the pictures. Yes they all look appealing and definitely tastes good too. With every bite I felt like I'm being taken to Thailand, I learned that Thai dishes aren't simple, I find it really complex. They pay attention to every details by combining different herbs and spices and choosing the right ingredients making sure that the food doesn't just taste good but is also aromatic and presentable.

I really enjoyed my first Thai cuisine experience thanks again Kathy! And because of that, last night, I took my in laws with me at Just Thai in Molito Alabang since we are just near the area. Here's what we ordered, last night.

 Tom Yum P190.00

Tom Yum is one of Thailand's famous soup. It's hot, sour and it has prawns. You can definitely taste the complexity of flavors. Though I'm not a fan of this. 

Gai Ob Bai Toey P290.00

Gai Ob Bai Toey or Pandan wrapped chicken. It's a flavorful boneless chicken which became a hit to the kids and the husband. According to Jaear he liked the orange dipping sauce, it was sweet with just the right amount of spice. 

Pad Talay Prik Pow P280.00

Pad Talay Prik Pow or Seafood in Chili. It's mixed seafood and I guess everyone of us loves seafood so much. It looks so spicy right? But guess what, it's not! So basically I'm the only one who loves spicy food, so we had the all the food's spiciness customized, since there were also kids eating. My in laws liked this one, well we all did.

 Pad Phak Kung Sod P250.00

 Pad Phak Kung Sod or Broccoli flower with Carrots and Shrimps. One thing I noticed is that the Broccoli with beef or shrimp is a staple in our menu every time we eat out so here it is once more but this time it's Thai version. It was good though the shrimp was only like 3 or 4 pieces (bitin) hehe.

Khao Krok Kapi P250.00

 As usual Jaear only ordered the steamed pandan rice. But my in laws and I enjoyed this Khao Krok Kapi or Bagoong Rice. It's savory with contrasting flavors of the sweet and salty shrimp paste, zesty green mangoes, fried eggs and dried small shrimps. It also has chili on the side if you want it to be spicy. 

Last night I ordered the Lemon Grass Juice and I was right, I actually tasted it before! Jaear who's kind of a picky eater didn't really liked it, he said it tastes like medicine. It wasn't that bad but I personally prefer the Tamarind juice.

Another night of Just Thai lovin' this time with my family where I got to taste other dishes. However, just like the first time the the food were customized not to be spicy. I guess I have to eat there alone next time so I can have the food adjusted according to my preference, spiciness wise. Haha! 

Taste authentic Thai cuisine at Just Thai

 Visit them at Molito Lifestyle Center, Alabang

Tel. No. 808-4058

For more details check out their: 

Website: http://www.justthaicuisine.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Just-Thai-194210380589164/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justthaiph/

Learn and Play at South Champs Learning Center, Las Piñas

I was 5 years old when I started going to school, by that time I already know how to read and write as my mom home schooled me for the first four years. 

Following the old tradition, I also enrolled Tristan in a real school when he was 5 years old. But I admit it wasn't really a good choice. Tristan had a bit of a hard time adapting. I disregarded the fact that we grew up in a different environment. Growing up in the province with extended family I was exposed to a lot of people, I played freely outdoors compared to my kids which are mostly confined indoors and has limited contact with other people. Also with the busy life we have now, without a house helper and especially now that I already started working at home I am guilty of not providing enough time to actually home school my kids. So this coming school year I am already decided to enroll Athena to school, she's 3 turning 4 years old. The only thing that needs to be decided upon is the school. 

Of course as a mom I want what's best for my kids, well that's what every parents want right? So I am searching and checking different schools to send Athena to since Tristan's school only accepts Kindergarten up to High School. And very timely, I found out through Mommy Bloggers Philippines a new school here in Las Piñas, the South Champs Learning Center. 

South Champs Learning Center is an educational institution established last August 2015 to provide quality early childhood education aligned with the K-12 program to develop and equip early learners for future studies. 

South Champs Learning Center offers Progressive education because they believe in establishing a strong foundation in learning both socially and academically to help preschoolers develop into bright and independent individuals, ready to take on the next level.

Progressive education is a reaction against the traditional style of teaching which teaches facts largely at the expense of understanding what is being taught. - www.about.com 
Progressive education emphasizes learning by doing. So it's going to be more engaging compared to the traditional way of learning.

Kids will learn how to pay and interact at an early age.

Mission

South Champs is committed to provide learning experiences for each child in preparation for early success and school readiness thru an effective and innovative curriculum that enrich each child’s social, emotional, physical, cognitive, intellectual and creative studies.

Vision

We strive to be a quality early childhood institution developing and shaping future champions.

Core Values

 C – Confident

H – Humble

               A – Active and Alert

         M – Motivational

P – Patient

     I – Innovative

     O – Organized

    N – Nurturing

South Champs Learning Center's classrooms are colorful, neat, air-conditioned, equipped with fun learning materials and is very conducive for learning. Each class only has a maximum of 6 pupils and will be facilitated by 2 teachers. 

This is one of the 2 classrooms in the main building which caters to Junior and Senior Toddlers. 

Athena during their first day of cooking workshop. 

This year, they were able to expand. The expansion building also has 2 classrooms in it which will cater to Nursery and Kindergarten. It also has its own play area. 

Lots of  books to choose from!

Learning materials that will surely get the kids engaged.

 Organized toys

 More toys that will allow them to have fun while learning.

Overview of South Champs Learning Center's Programs

School Preparedness Programs

        - This program aims to prepare toddlers for the big school by introducing basic                                       academic lessons and life skills, and supplementing these with fun and interactive activities.

• Junior Toddler – 1.8 to 2.6 years old
• Senior Toddler – 2.7 to 3.4 years old

Preschool

         - This program is for kids who are ready to take on a more intensive approach to learning with             daily classes and use of textbooks.

• Nursery – 3.5 to 4.5 years old
• Kinder – 4.5 to 5.5 years old

Tutorial Services
        - This service provides one-on- one, in-depth academic assistance and school review for students          in Preschool to Grade 6 to further enhance required skills to progress in school.

• Intensive tutorials
•  Read and Write Program

Admission Requirements:

1.  Photocopy of NSO Birth Certificate
2. Two 1x1″ and two 2x2″ ID colored pictures of the child
3. Two 2x2” photo of the parents
4. Two long brown envelopes
5. Medical Certificate from pediatrician

Steps in Enrollment:

1. Registration
2. Assessment exam and interview
3. Payment of fees
4. Submission of requirements
5. Start with school

Last April I was able to explore the school as Tristan and Athena got to experience their first Summer Workshop because South Champs offered us to attend their Tiny Chef Cooking Workshop for free. I will be creating a separate blog post about that. 

If you are from Las Piñas or from neighboring towns, South Champs Learning Center is definitely worth checking especially if you want your children to experience quality education.

Learn and play at South Champs!

Enrollment for SCHOOL PREPAREDNESS PROGRAM is now open! Reserve now, limited slots only!

For more details you can contact them on the following:

Website: www.southchamps.com

Facebook: South Champs Learning Center - Las Pinas

Email: wearemindchamps@gmail.com

Phone: 800-8904

Mobile: (0917) 867-7779

South Champs Learning Center is located at  #467 Real St., Almanza Uno, Las Piñas City just near SM Southmall.

Newly-Enhanced Novuhair Formulation boasts 19 Natural Ingredients

Are you suffering from hair loss or scalp problems? 

Now is the time to say goodbye to that hair loss and scalp problems with the newly-enhanced formulation of Novuhair. With 19 natural ingredients, the leading medicated topical scalp lotion is now almost 100% natural. 

“The Novuhair Topical Scalp Lotion used to only have 12 natural ingredients. Its improved formulation has a much better fragrance and a cool and minty feel. It also has anti-dandruff properties, as well as nourishing and moisturizing effects on the hair and 

scalp,” said Sheila Mae Velilla, CEO of Nutramedica, developer and distributor of Novuhair. 

Aside from producing a more effective solution for hair growth, the changes were necessary to make the product 100% compliant to the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive (ACD). 

“Nature has provided a safe and effective answer to hair loss and scalp disorders with Novuhair. It is the only topical scalp lotion in the market that has the highest concentration of natural ingredients, FDA-certified and ACD-compliant. Novuhair is a homegrown, proudly Philippine-made product that is globally competitive. ” added Velilla.

Made of herbal ingredients that include moringa oleifera, panax ginseng, virgin coconut oil and the natural essences of rosemary and peppermint, Novuhair nourishes the scalp and hair by increasing the flow of nutrients and improving blood circulation to the scalp. Novuhair also helps hydrate the scalp, maintain the hair’s natural luster and prevent early hair graying, hair dryness and itching. 

Nutramedica is going global and will start shipping Novuhair to the USA, Middle East, Europe and Asia. The first batch of shipment to the USA will be available in California by second quarter of 2016. The company has obtained partnership with a distributor in Kuwait, and is currently facilitating product registration in Denmark.

Novuhair has been awarded by Watsons Philippines as the Most Successful New Brand of the Year in 2012 and has been recognized as the leading Medicated Hair Care Brand from 2012 to 2015. Just recently, they introduced Filipino music icon Gary Valenciano as their latest endorser.

Novuhair Topical Scalp Lotion, Shampoo and Conditioner are available in all Mercury Drug Stores and other leading drug stores nationwide. 

For more information visit www.novuhair.com, like the brand’s official Facebook Page at Novuhair Official, and follow it on Twitter at @NovuhairNatural. You may also call the Novuhair hotlines at 4136570 and 09228830575 and order online at Lazada and regaloservice.com.

What's A Ukulele?

I have once mistaken a ukulele into a guitar. Both have a number 8 body shape though ukuleles are also available in a non-standard shape, such as cutaway shape and an oval, usually called a "pineapple" ukulele. Ukuleles are also smaller and it only has 4 courses of strings. Ukulele is sometimes abbreviated as uke and is actually a member of the lute family of instruments. Some known and good ukulele brands  are Alvarez, Alfred, Diamond Head, Hal Leonard and more. 

MOLITO's COOL SUMMER – Ice Cream, Desserts and More Festival 2016!

I'm sure you'll all agree with me that this year is by far the hottest summer ever. Mr. Sun is surely doing its job pretty well. But without a doubt, summer is still one of the most awaited seasons every year, right? 

It's during this season that we get to go on vacation getaways, spend more time with our loved ones, get reunited with some important people in our lives, have fun and of course eat! The scorching summer heat is more than enough reason to munch on some of summer's all-time favorite food like halo-halo and ice cream to name a few. 

Recognizing this situation that us Filipinos go through every summer, Molito Alabang launches its very first COOL SUMMER – Ice Cream, Desserts and More Festival 2016. It aims to bring the whole family together in a fun-filled and entertaining event that would make summer really enjoyable. It will be held on May 13-14, 2016 (Friday and Saturday), starting 4:00PM at the Molito Lifestyle Center. 

The Molito Lifestyle Center is a truly a perfect spot. Situated in the affluent locale of Alabang in Muntinlupa City, the name MOLITO is actually a Spanish word which connotes a “little mall”. It’s peaceful and breezy ambiance is perfect for relaxation, family dining, get-togethers, business meetings or to just simply chill the night out while having your favorite drink or coffee. Indeed, Molito is a place for those who want to lighten up away from the crowd.

Molito has a colorful floor fountain that matches the beautiful green lawn where children can play and the landscape is very conducive to casual chilling amidst the night wind. 

The Molito Cool Summer Fest 2016 will gather different ice cream manufacturers, distributors and specialty stores. Aside from ice creams, other related-products such as desserts and sweets will be

highlighted. There will be booths from the exhibitors and sponsors showcasing their products. Visitors will be surely delighted with the free products (samples), games, raffle and live music entertainment from guest bands. Admission is free.

The MOLITO Cool Summer Fest 2016 event is organized and supported by PMCM Events Management.

MOLITO ALABANG LIFESTYLE CENTER

MOLITO Alabang Lifestyle Center is a popular amusement park in the southern part of Metro Manila during the 80’s – “Big Bang Sa Alabang”.From what used to be barren land, now home to one of the ideal and thriving lifestyle destinations in the south.

Very soon, the Molito Lifestyle Extension area will open showcasing new restaurants, health and wellness establishments, retail and other lifestyle shops. With its mix of stores, Molito will cater to the needs of different customers that will definitely suit their lifestyle preferences.

MOLITO Alabang is indeed a true haven for those who love simplicity and elegance. It continues to aspire to make one’s stay a worthwhile experience because MOLITO believes that what matters is the personal connections that kindles our love for community life in our own distinct styles.

MOLITO. Love your lifestyle.

See you all there South peeps! 

MOLITO Alabang is located at Madrigal Avenue corner Alabang-Zapote Road, Alabang, Muntinlupa City and owned and operated by Belville Development Corporation.