Unexpected yet overwhelming.
I cannot put into words the excitement when I received a call from PopTalk, inviting me to be one of their guest reviewers. It was Wednesday night (September 20, 2017) and I just got home from work, my phone rang and displayed a strange number. I answered the call and was so shocked to hear the lady from the opposite line introducing herself. It was so silly of me to even clarify what she just said!
I had a short phone interview with Ms. Eunice, PopTalk's researcher, and the rest was just crazy. I had only a day to prepare for my first-ever appearance on National Television! It was so nerve-wracking yet thrilling! Since I have no time to decide on what to wear, I opted for a green Forever 21 bodycon dress (courtesy of a good friend, Ms. Wenna) and my fave white sandals from Erin by Etsy. Popped a pair of silver heart-shaped dangling earrings, applied thin makeup (which was later on retouched by the makeup artist) and breathe deeply...
I was good to go :)
In the morning of September 22, Friday, we were bound to the historical City of Malolos, Bulacan. I was with my co-reviewers, celebrity Gil Cuerva and Chef Jerick Manalo, and of course with the show's host, Kuya Tonipet. After a few hours, (can't remember the exact number of hours because I'm chatting with Chef Jerick, hehe) we reached the first destination, Balai Serafin.
BALAI SERAFIN
It is a small restaurant, which actually resembles a house. Though the space is limited, you won't be short-changed with the array of native paintings and ornaments, all situated in a very cozy atmosphere.
Here's the part of the episode featuring BS:
Below photo was our first groufie! (don't miss our photo-bomber, haha!) Haven't started with the food, yet I feel so full already. A breakfast buffet was served prior to this, good thing I didn't ate that much. Oh God, this is it, the start of pigging-out!
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| With Kuya Tonipet, Gil Cuerva and Chef Jerick Manalo |
Shy at first, I still managed to take some photos, especially the food. Everything is so Instagram-worthy! Filipino food, native designs and relaxing ambiance, what more can you ask for? The whole family will surely enjoy it here.
By the way, the paintings aren't for design purposes only, because they are all for sale. A large part of the proceeds will go to the natives, so if ever you visit Balai Serafin, make sure to check these beautiful artworks and probably purchase one.
It was almost lunch time when we hit the road again. They say that lunch will be served at the second stop, but hey, aren't they full enough? I don't think I would manage to stuff more food inside my tummy!
KALYE MABINI
Second restaurant was Kalye Mabini. We were warmly welcomed by the KM crew, which is simply lovely. Their menu is filled with American-Italian dishes that are surprisingly affordable.
Now here's the part featuring KM:
Of course my blogger instinct was triggered again! I won't definitely miss a snap of each dish (not to mention that their black tables are so perfect for food flat lays!)
The food was good, but I fell in love with the baked mussels and oysters, they were my instant favorite! Also, I am very thankful that we had salad for lunch, as I really needed something light to get rid of the "umay" brought by the meat dishes earlier.
At this time, I felt that I'm more comfortable reviewing the food in front of the camera :) Thank you to Mr. John, the associate producer, for being so patient with us, particularly me *smiles*
Are we saving the best for last? Let's see!
It is almost dark when we arrived at Bistro Maloleno. However prior to this, we visited the Barasoain Church and the Museo ng Republika 1899, which was good because I think I've shed a few calories during the tour and digested most of the stuff I consumed from the first two restaurants.
Now let's get it on again!
BISTRO MALOLENO
"Love at first bite", who said this line? Well just find out here:
The food served to us were all sweet in general, however, the sweetness vary in intensity and accompanying flavor. Though I'm already full, I surprisingly found myself digging to each dish, simply because all of them are delicious! Especially the seafood platter, it was unbelievable! In the end, everything was so "sulit" and "masarap" indeed!
After all the eating, my favorite part was giving the final verdict. My "kadaldalan" was put into good use! Thought I'll be saying a few words only, but yeah, ended up explaining further! On the other hand, I certainly don't want to give a low score though, but I just have to be honest, as I always am with my reviews. Nonetheless, I totally enjoyed the service, the food and everything in between, so definitely "pop na pop" for the three restos!
It was a loooong and tiiiiiiring day that I will never, ever, forget. Truly, if you expect the least, you'll get best! Who would've thought that I will actually appear on TV?! And not just a one-liner scene, but a whole episode! I still can't believe it...Thank you so much papa G.
My heartfelt thanks to the people behind the success of PopTalk---Kuya Tonipet and the entire crew. This may be my first and last episode with you guys, but I'm sure that I'll be seeing you again :) And for my family and friends who patiently waited for the episode to be aired, and finally watched the full episode last October 21 on channel 11 (originally scheduled on the 14th but was moved), I love you all!
I am hoping that this won't be the last, but only the beginning of more similar opportunities (yikes!). If you are also interested to be a guest reviewer on PopTalk, simply follow all their social media accounts and interact! Don't force or harass them guys, let them discover you :) Hoping to see you on the next PopTalk episode!
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| My love from another star remake? LOL |
Cheers to more unexpected opportunities...
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