Review: EJ Cafe and Restaurant Korean Food

Naga City - The fourth Korean resto has just opened its doors along Alemda Highway to Naguenos. They might be the latest one to open but I can personally say that they will now top my list when it comes to Korean Food.

Cjzave which is partly Korean, Manna in San Felipe, Koreano Resto in Cetrine Magsaysay and now EJ Cafe and Restaurant Korean Food found at KJA Hotel in Alemda Highway. Yes, their location is a bit difficult to reach. Either you rent a taxi from SM or Robinsons or rent a tricycle (for a special ride) to Almeda Highway. 

To compare, their price is somehow near Manna and Koreano Resto. Some dishes might be higher than the two other restaurants but driving to Almeda Highway and paying a little extra for the food is ALL WORTH IT. Now let me tell you why.

I love their Tofu Soup! I love mushrooms too! And look, you'll also have fun with the tissue, watch the magic happen. lol

Ingredients are FRESH! Twice a week there's a delivery from Manila of some of the veggies that are not available here in Naga like the Kutsai / Kuchai. The Kutsai is one of the side dishes and main ingredient in the fish pancake (center plate) as well as in the soup that we also ate. I might be getting old that I appreciate food now with less or even no preservatives, that's why I really love this new restaurant.

LEGIT and AUTHENTIC! Mr. Kim is very accommodating and entertaining, he will even shares the benefits of eating this and that plus adding up  a little more Korean food culture. And oh btw, the couple, Mr. Kim (legit Korean) and Bicolana wife Ma'am. Zhette, are so nice that it adds color to the restaurant, its a plus point actually. If they are not busy, you might be lucky that both of them might be personally assisting you to the point of teaching you how to eat like a Korean. Mr. Kim taught us how to prepare the Samgyeopsal  and it was so fun learning first hand from a real Korean. 

K-drama fans rejoice! Yeah they have it here as well.

Shabushabu costs P600 per person. Here's why I wouldn't mind paying for that price. Almost all side dishes are personally prepared by the owners, take note, not bought in groceries. Loved the Korean Cucumber, Dilis, Kutsai, Singkamas ahhh almost everything! Everything is fresh and healthy!

Here are some of their food and they still have more on the menu:
Haemul Ramyun at P180
Tteokbokki P250
Galmaegisal P350
Samgyeopsal P300
Samgyeopsal with seafood P350
Bibim Bap P200
Sundubu-jjigae P250
Japchae P250
Ramyun (spicy or mild spicy) P150
Fried Chicken Half P350

This soup was served after our meal. No seasonings were added, making it healthy and it somehow acts like a "pang tanggal umay" after a full meal. But if you feel like adding a few seasoning, you may, or better yet just add some of the side dishes that will complement the taste of the veggies. The mushrooms are for the win!

I just found out that even in Korea, they also have this practice of drinking coffee after having meals. Don't you just love it here?!

Fact: We never drank water the whole duration of our dinner (only after drinking coffee), according to my friend and I quote "Yung parang ayaw mo muna matanggal ung flavor sa mouth mo". But yeah seriously, we only realized that hey"dai pa kita nag iinom tubig oh!" after we were done eating. I think its because the freshness of the ingredients plus the manner of preparation that makes the food more to eat.

Don't ever be shy in asking questions from the owner on how to eat Korean food. You'll learn a lot from the very nice owners and at the same time, they will make you feel at home. You'll never get intimidated because they will let the food communicate to you. All these experiences from this restaurant, I am willing to come back and back for more.

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ejkoreanfood/
Location: KJA Hotel, Almeda Highway, Naga City

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Review: Chevrolet Sail 1.5L LTZ

Sedans are the easily recognizable cars long before there were SUVs, AUVs and many others. Nowadays, huge cars now fill the needs of families when it comes to space and durability. It's now a challenge for many automakers in making sedans as stylish as ever that will still fit the budget of an average-earning Filipino. Not everyone can afford SUVs and here in the Philippines there has been an explosion of sales when it comes to small sedans.

Pili has stepped up a notch when it comes to car showrooms here in Bicol. Chevrolet CamSur in Brgy. San Jose recently had their grand opening sharing to Bicol another American automaker after Ford in Del Rosario, Naga City.

Chevrolet recently launched a new subcompact sedan called the Sail and I got the chance to take the unit for a test drive. Now here are 5 details that I really like about this car that you might probably consider it as well. Remember, finding your perfect car is just like finding the close to perfect partner in a few years of togetherness. Hugot! Haha

First feat that I really appreciated is the rear view reverse camera. Most often than not, SUVs have the reverse camera for obvious reasons. So, the Sail having a reverse cam is definitely a plus for this sedan. All you need to do now is to focus on the 9-inch touch screen, android-powered infotainment system right in the middle of your dashboard. 

The Sail may not have a fancy dashboard and exquisite cabin design, but everything you need is there and of course very functional. The top of the line LTZ variant has the standard USB port, center cup holder, steering wheel radio control and Bluetooth Handsfree.

Second would be the 9-inch touchscreen Android-powered Infotainment System with 16GB head unit and Mobile connect with Google Voice Search ready for your travels. For one year you'll get to experience built-in navigational system (Waze) on the unit and have the option to renew it after a year. And oh it also includes Spotify and Google Play Store already. Take note, it's not on your phone but it's on your unit. What's also more exciting is that it has a phone mirroring capability, so even if your are using an iPhone, yes, it can also mirror  what's on your phone, amazing right?! Just don't forget that we are not allowed to use the device when you're on the road because ADDA is in effect. 

Dashcam not included :P

If you are the person who plainly listens to music (or news) without having too much consideration about the quality, then the Sail is for you. The LTZ variant has 4 speakers same with the 1.5L AT LT and only 2 speakers for the 1.3L MT LT. 

Reverse Sensors and Rear Camera (Just right above the first 3 in the temp. plate)

Chevy's are known for space and we mean tons of space. 

Third feat would be the ample head and legroom both in the front and at the back for your passengers. 

Just look at the trunk space! Placed my 10L daysack 

and umbrella (fully extended) for visualization. 

Fourth feat would be the inbuilt sunroof with slide and tilt function. I'm a self-confessed fan of sunroofs! You can tilt it to disperse hot air within the cabin or slide to let fresh air and light in. Perfect for your countryside road trips. Plus, it's a better angle when taking pictures or videos instead of doing it on your windows.

Most of the time, sedans are used for daily transport so it's also important what's under the hood. Engine-wise the 1.5L AT LTZ has responsive transmission with Active Select manual mode for the times requiring complete driver control. From the DOE fuel economy rating, the Sail got an average of 18.26 km / liter for highway driving. Again, fuel consumption depends on the driving habits. 

Fifth, she's got the looks! The orange paint job and the contrasting gunmental alloy on the wheels has definitely made the Sail look sporty and curvaceous at the same time. There are no fancy accessories like bumpers, or bulging fenders, nor huge grilles, but the body lines are very stylish. It also has a good looking front with sporty headlamps and foglights which are becoming a norm for all types of car nowadays.

To be honest there's quite a noticeably body roll when driving over a bend or a corner, but hey it's a sedan so we really shouldn't expect much for it to be sporty. I'm used to a light steering wheel. A simple maneuvering back and forth actually felt a bit of a heavy drag when I was trying to park the Sail in front of the building. Perhaps I'm just not used to it. 

Took the Sail for quite a speed run over the Partido area, overall I noticed that steering becomes lighter as you pick up speed. Highway running is stable even when confronted with strong winds which will make you feel like your car is floating even in rugged roads. 

Black versions or black editions are now becoming an option for buyers. Gone are days for the usual stock in gray or simple silver wheels or accents. Almost every automaker is releasing their black editions or versions. 

What's nice are the safety features which are included in all the 3 variants. It includes 2 airbags in front with ABS (Anti-locking braking system) and EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution). The Sail also has a speed sensitive door locks which means that if you forgot to lock your doors and when you pick up speed, it will automatically lock itself. There is an anti-theft alarm system, child lock, child restraint and seatbelt reminder too. 

Aggressive 16-inch gunmental alloy wheels shod with high performance, low-profile tires for quick road reflexes.

So there, is the Chevrolet Sail for you? Book a test drive now! You have to get to know the car really well and to taking it on a test drive is a must! Visit Chevrolet CamSur at KM 449 National Highway, San Jose, Pili, Camarines Sur. 

What car do you want to see next? The Colorado, The Spark? or The Trailblazer? I'm drooling over the SUVs and I can't help but imagine taking it for a long drive especially this coming long weekend. Until our next review!!!

Price: 

Sail 1.5L AT LTZ P858,888
Sail 1.5L AT LT P768,888
Sail 1.3L MT P713,888

Transmission: 4-speed AT with Active Select Manual Mode

Engine: 1.5-liter DOHC, DVVT

Torque: 141Nm @ 4,000rpm

Power: 107hp @ 6,000rpm

Seating Capacity: 5

For more inquiries, please look for:

JOJO YGRUBAY
Contact No. 0917.778.5266
Email: jojogr.chevroletcamsur@gmail.com

Chevrolet CamSur at KM 449 National Highway, San Jose, Pili, Camarines Sur

Related Reviews:

Ford Everest Titanium Review CLICK HERE

Ford EcoSport Titanium Review CLICK HERE

Ford EcoSport on Food Trip to Albay CLICK HERE

Getting a Car in Bicol CLICK HERE

Chevrolet Sail Review CLICK HERE

My friends enjoyed Sailing!

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Caltex rolls out Fuel Your School in Bicol

Naga City, Philippines. August 2, 2017. "The best way to begin democratizing access to powerful technology is through our public schoolswhere even the last, the least, and the lost can also experience it. Now, more than ever, we need to invest in the minds of our young people," said Vice President LeniRobredo during the recent launch of Caltex Fuel Your School (FYS) Bicol in Naga City.

Above photo shows (L-R) AmCham Foundation Executive Director Jun Salipsip, Department of Education Region 5 Director Ramon Abcede, CPI Country Chairman Peter Morris, Philippine Vice President LeniRobredo, Southern Cross Distribution Inc., Chairman Jose Mari Delgado, CPI Policy, Gov’t and Public Affairs Manager Raissa Bautista during the launch.

Caltex FYS, is a program by Chevron Philippines Inc. (CPI), marketer of the Caltex brand of fuels and lubricants, which aims to raise P3 million to provide modern teaching tools to teachers of high-need public high schools in Bicol. From August 1 to September 30, Caltex will donate one pesos (P1) for every liter’spurchase of Caltex with Techron in any Caltex Bicol station.

We all know that Caltex is one of the major players in the petroleum industry in the Philippines. With proven quality to protect your car's engine and having international standards, why not fuel your car in the next months at Caltex and you will be able to help our Bicolano Youth achieve better educational facilities and aid in learning. We can contribute to this growth, we can share in the development of the youth, so Fuel Your School in Bicol and gas up at Caltex! 

For more information about CYFS, visit www.caltexfuelyourschoolph.com or Caltex Philippines Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CaltexPhilippines.

About Chevron Philippines Inc.

Chevron Philippines Inc. has been operating in the country for more than 90 years. Caltex™, its retail brand, offers high quality products and services. There are close to 700 service stations strategically scattered throughout the Philippine archipelago and employees working in several areas of business such as Marketing, Lubricants and Terminal operations. The Chevron products that are available in the Philippines include Caltex with Techron® fuel and Caltex Diesel with Techron®D, Havoline® and Delo® oils. More information on Chevron Philippines Inc. is available at www.caltex.com/ph.

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Marian Youth Congress 2017

MYC ONLINE REGISTRATION FORMS

1. INDIVIDUAL PRE-REGISTRATION --> http://bit.ly/MYC2017Individual

The Delegation Head will also make a summary of the number of individual participants in their group by accomplishing and submitting the Myc Group Registration Form Online

2. GROUP PRE-REGISTRATION --> http://bit.ly/MYC2017Group

For further details
You may contact the MYC Secretariat at the following mobile numbers:
09481803592 (Smart)
09971422417 (Globe)

Follow the Marian Youth Congress on Facebook CLICK HERE for updates about the #MYC2k17

CLICK HERE for the Peñafrancia Festival 2017 Schedule of Events

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Review: Ford Everest 4x2 Titanium with Active Park Assist

Choosing a car is like finding a perfect match that would fit ones character and transportation needs.  If you're on the look out for a mid-size SUV, the all new Ford Everest can definitely be one your options. From the previous boxy and edgy SUV Everest, we have seen it transformed into a muscular SUV with a commanding presence on the road because of its huge front-grille.

This review is but quite limited, focusing only on a few feats from my Ford Island Conquest experience held last June 23-25, 2017 at SM City Naga. Thanks Ford Philippines for including Naga in your series. It was definitely a good way of getting to know your vehicles and most importantly your services to Bicolanos. 

Interior wise, cabin is awesome with nice leather seats plus techie infotainment features that you can seamlessly operate. Ford's Sync 3 has a unique feat where you can operate your entertainment hands-free. With the use of Sync, you can play your music, call someone too by just using your voice. Sync can also help you listen to your text messages. How cool is that?! Add up the sunroof for your countryside travels.

The Ford Everest is incredibly light to drive, has great suspension with amazing ground clearance plus water-wading capacity like any other midsize SUVs. With 2.2-liter turbodiesel engine it offers smooth acceleration with impressive power. When I drove the unit during the Ford Island Conquest I was really able to affirm its driving with ease and comfort and it actually feels like driving the smoothness of a sedan but with so much power in it having a 158hp and 385Nm, 2.2-liter turbodiesel engine. I could imagine driving the Everest at the Old Zig Zag Road in Atimonan Quezon, boy I bet the steep and winding roads would be an easy breezy for this SUV.

The 4x2 Titanium variant of the Ford Everest can park itself. We have first seen the Park Assist feat of Ford from their sedan line up, the Focus. Imagine a mid-size SUV parking on it's own, well almost, since you still have to follow instructions after finding a parking spot. It's actually a fun feat of Ford that can definitely assist those who cannot perfectly do PARALLEL PARKING. I have tested the Park Assist feat twice, one at night, with enough space in between two EcoSports and one during daytime where it was more challenging because the parking spot was lessened it terms of space.

All you have to do is follow instructions. Damn this tech is very clever!

Just look at the distance between the two cars. Perfect parallel parking!

Now if you are a newbie driver, it's a must that you be able to do parallel parking without the Active Park Assist feat, but again it's a fun technology that we can actually appreciate. It's really ingenious!

For a more detailed specs on the Ford Everest's performance, capabilities and others head over to the website HERE.

Until our next car review my fellow Bicolanos, let's see what we can drive next.

For inquiries and quotation:
You may contact Arnel Barquilla
(0917) 579 9669
(0939) 917 6260

Related Links:
Ford EcoSport Titanium Review CLICK HERE
Ford EcoSport on Food Trip to Albay CLICK HERE
Getting a Car in Bicol CLICK HERE
Chevrolet Sail Review CLICK HERE

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Peñafrancia Festival 2017 Schedule of Events

On this page you will see the updates of the Peñafrancia Festival 2017 Schedule of Activities. Bookmark this page now!

September 8, 2017 - Traslacion Procession
September 16, 2017 - Fluvial Procession
September 17, 2017 - Feast Day of Our Lady of Peñafrancia

PARTIAL LIST OF CIVIC AND RELIGIOUS EVENTS FOR THE 2017 PENAFRANCIA FESTIVAL
(Source: Naga City Ceppio)

September 6 -  7pm | Miss Bicolandia 2017 (Venue to be determined)
September 7 - 7pm | Little Princess of Bicolandia (Venue to be determined)
September 8 - 12nn | Traslacion Procession
September 9 - 7am | Regional Band, Majorettes and Fancy Drill Competition, Plaza Rizal
September 9 - 7pm Marian Youth Congress (Basilica Minore Grounds)
September 10 - 4am, South Star Drug Run for Wellness Plaza Quezon
September 13 - 7am Scouts Parade and Inter-School DBC/DLC Competition, Plaza Quezon
September 14 - 7am, Civic Parade and Float Competition, Plaza Quezon
September 14 - 1pm, Penafrancia Voyadores Festival Street and Pilgrims' Dance Competition, From Naga Metropolitan Cathedral to Plaza Quezon
September 14 -  8pm KM FM Sarong Banggi, Sarong Kanta, Sarong Musika Concert, Plaza Quezon
September 15 - (SPECIAL NON-WORKING HOLIDAY IN NAGA CITY, PRES. PROCLAMATION NO. 654 S. 2013)
September 15 - 7am, 9th Bicol Region Military Parade Competition, Plaza Quezon
September 16 - 12nn, Penafrancia Fluvial Procession, Naga River
September 16 - 7pm, Handog ng Bombo Radyo at Star FM Concert, Plaza Quezon.

Important: Organizers planning to conduct events such as pageants, sales, carnivals, processions, concerts, etc. this Penafrancia Fiesta are requested to coordinate with the City Events, Protocol and Public Information Office (CEPPIO) within the soonest possible time. The CEPPIO shall be finalizing the official calendar of events on August 11. The Events Calendar is scheduled for printing the next day.


Note: The Jesse M. Robredo Coliseum's roofing, windows and court shall be repaired this August, hence not available for use.

Religious Events

Source: Penafrancia Basilica Minore FB

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ADNU Holds ASPAP Regional Conference

Naga City, Bicol - On July 24-25, 2017, the Association of Schools of Public Administration in the Philippines, Inc. (ASPAP, Inc.) and the Ateneo de Naga University, an active member of ASPAP, Inc. in Region V and the host institution for this year, will be holding an ASPAP Regional Conference with the theme “Empowering Stakeholders for Sustainable Development” at the Arrupe Convention Hall, Ateneo de Naga University, Naga City.

The Regional Conference will serve as venue to discuss among Public Administration/Governance (PA/G) faculty, researchers and scholars from ASPAP schools all over the country the relevant topics that currently characterize Philippine PA/G with focus on Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development. Specifically, it will feature the Role of the Different Sectors in Sustainable Development, Frameworks of Awards and Exemplars on Good Governance for Sustainable Development. 

Faculty, researchers and scholars, and practitioners from the members of ASPAP, Inc. and the other Higher Educational institutions (HEIs) and from the other sectors, namely, Local Government Units (LGUs), Business, Civil Society Organizations and Youth are invited to participate in this activity.

REGISTRATION DETAILS:

Registration Fee: 
ASPAP Member School - P2,800.00
Non ASPAP - P3,500.00

Contact Person: Dr. Malu C. Barcillano

Director, Center for Local Goverance

Public Relations Officer, ASPAP, Inc. 

Contact Name: Association of Schools of Public Administration in the Philippines, Inc. (ASPAP, Inc.) and the Ateneo de Naga University 

Telephone Number: (054) 472.56.73, 473.84.47 local 4719 or 0927.831.22.81.

Email Address: ateneoclg@gmail.com

Website URL: http://www.adnu.edu.ph/2017/06/13/aspap-regional-conference/

ABOUT ASPAP

The Association of Schools of Public Administration in the Philippines, Incorporated (ASPAP) is a non-stock national organization of college and universities in the Philippines offering public administration/management education programs.

The proliferation of schools in public administration/management which is indicative of the increasing recognition of public administration as a distinct discipline, and of its potential contribution toward the professionalization of the Philippine Civil Service, has made it imperative for these schools to pool their institutional resources with the end in view of improving the content and methodology of the discipline. 

For more information, please visit: www.aspap.org.ph
or contact  these numbers:
(+632) 981.8500 loc 4161 and 4153; (+632) 925-7422 /
Fax: (+632) 926-1432
Email: nedy.aspap@yahoo.com

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Bicol Caltex retailers throw full support behind public education through Caltex Fuel Your School

Naga City, Bicol - Caltex retailers in Bicol region recently rolled up their sleeves to help the highest-need public high schools in their community through Caltex Fuel Your School (FYS). From August 1 to September 30, every liter of fuel purchased by motorists will be matched by Caltex with a donation of one peso (P1). The retailers agree to raise P3 million to acquire much needed equipment for learning Science, Technology, Engineering and Math subjects in public high schools, especially with the advent of grades 11 and 12.

Photo above shows Caltex retailers from Bicol region being trained on Caltex FYS by Chevron Philippines Inc., marketer of the Caltex fuels and lubricants, and Southern Cross Distribution Inc., Caltex branded marketer for Bicol and central Philippines.

For more information about CYFS, visit www.caltexfuelyourschoolph.com  or Caltex Philippines Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CaltexPhilippines.

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At Home Furniture by Olivan Home Depot

After visiting Olivan Home Depot in Magsaysay Avenue, we needed a new tv rack and a sofa for our tv area. I have seen many available home furnitures in the depot and knowing that they have a sister company in Concepcion Grande primarily showcasing HOME and INDUSTRIAL furniture called At Home, we decided to include it as one of our options.

We canvassed around home depots in Naga and found similar items on display and guess what, they have the lowest in price. Discounts vary but again they had the lowest offer given a similar furniture for that matter.
The location (Former RoyalAn Hotel) is not far from our home but honestly this is the first time that I have visited the store. Same reaction with that of the store in Magsaysay, @Home is soooo spacious and there are many available designs to choose from.

What I appreciate is that, the store is indoor and air-conditioned too to keep the fixtures in good condition. The tv rack and sofa convertible to a bed both got good discounts. We had them delivered for a minimum charge and they installed the rack even though I insisted that I can manage. (see photos towards the end). It was good customer service experience indeed! Hoping that management will continue to keep that kind of service.

Our new tv rack

Our new sofa for our tv area. (remotes and throw pillows not included haha)

Location: Ground Floor, ANR Building (Former Royal An Hotel), Beside BDO Bank
Concepcion Grande, Naga City
Contact No.: (054) 205 08 62 / (054) 881 84 20
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/athomeolivan/

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