Pepi Cubano: An Uncompromising Cuban Sandwich Supreme

It is not my desire to be remiss when pointing out a treasure for the purpose of sharing. So, aprés months of extensive research on where to find an authentic Cuban sandwich in the Philippines, the one where it best led the husband and I were to this gem of a sandwich shop in Gallardo St. Makati, Pepi’s Cuban Sandwich!

Let me not prolong the curiosity. Here it is, the Cuban sandwich in the Philippines that has captured the meaning of the bread-fillings-bread concoction. The Pepi Cuban Sandwich is indeed complete with the puerco asado, ham, cheese, dressing, mustard and the pan cubano pressed closely and tightly, altogether here the concert of these flavors and the crunchiness of the bread blend beautifully to make one ricisimo,  esquisito, deliciso sanguche cubano. Claro que sí ! 

Other fares and variation include the chicken, vegetarian, media noche (plain ham and cheese) and the beef steak Cubans. I urge you to try the joint which has been in existence from 2006. They began as a home outfit that delivered the sandwiches to the offices and word of mouth is what got them to where they are right now. Today they deliver, cater and has even been offered to open up at the malls all around capital, not just the capital but I say nationwide and why ever not? 

Sabòr!

Verdant Sonya's Garden

I know a bank where the wild thyme blows,

Where oxlips and the nodding violet grows,

Quite over-canopied with luscious woodbine,

With sweet musk-roses and with eglantine:

There sleeps Titania sometime of the night,

Lull’d in these flowers with dances and delight;

And there the snake throws her enamell’d skin,

Weed wide enough to wrap a fairy in...

~ W. Shakespeare from "A Midsummer Night's Dream"

The most enchanting garden one will ever lay their eyes upon in the Philippines is Sonya's Garden located in Tagaytay, which is roughly a 2-hour drive heading south from Manila. I had heard about this place that will transport you to a Shakespearean soliloquy in "A Midsummer Night's Dream" in years past but have only been graced with time and good company to visit it 3 days ago. It's a very well kept secret garden, truly verdant with blooming flowers and shrubbery all year round. The garden is also fecund with vegetables, herbs and fruit-bearing trees which are served at their organic restaurant and just the thought of that is quite exultant. Kudos to the owner, all gardeners, caretakers and horticulturists because the wonder they have achieved here is worthy to dwell in the annals of the history of Philippine gardens.

 

 

The cabanas decorated with lace, flower-patterned sheets and embroidery of sorts found all around the garden property are romantic and I will say, this whole reservation is capable of surpassing the botanical gardens I've been to in some cities outside the Philippines.  

Planting and landscaping began in 1998 at Sonya's Garden and as one may expect, all shrubberies, trees and flowering plants have taken root making the organic flow and growth of all manner of flora a marvelous sight to imbibe.

Herewith is a photo of their house salad served at their conservatory restaurant area:

Varieties of Morning Glorys, Hibisuses, Impatiences, Hydrangeas, Butterfly Peas, Geranium flower varieties, Mums and many, many others hang or lay about everywhere. 

Aside from the luscious garden itself, the property houses a bakery with their artisanal boulangerie items; an apothecary where lotions, spices, oils, candles are sold, a gift shop, the restaurant I mentioned earlier and a bed and breakfast.

Visit the place if you are able, it will be an experience.

Urban Island:

Saw this angle and thought it photograph worthy as an urban pop art shot. This is at a McDonald's in Tacloban City, Philippines and I think it's gnarly man...

Tacloban City, Philippines: Dom Spiro Spero

Things are getting back to normal in Tacloban. Taclobanons are doing their best to rebuild, though tent cities are still prevalent, I am told. But truly, after the rain will come sunshine as long as there is life. 

Dom Spiro, Spero, one might say. 

Havoc: Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda

Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda destroyed my city - Tacloban City, Philippines, by now, you perhaps have  been inundated of the horrific photos in the major news outfits. 

 I could not function in the first few days until I heard from my immediate family - they are safe but has to leave the city as it's not livable at this time. It made me want to be there with them come hell or high water (no pun intended this time). 

I am grieving for my hometown, for the loss of life, homes, basic necessities, food, water and medicine. This was unexpected.To make matters worse, the relief aid did not arrive to the people intended until the 7th day and up to now, there is still scarcity in the remote areas because of the backward mentality of the self serving, shameless politicians.

Occasional reports say that my fellow Leyteños are trying to have a semblance of life but there is still many to be done, from the clean up, burying the dead, more food and water, rebuilding of their homes and the continuation of their lives. I was thankful for the tremendous response from the International Community, countries, private organizations and individuals who stepped up and stood in the gap, Kudos! and Salamat.

I will not be reluctant in asking for donations on behalf of my fellow Leyteños because the need will outweigh the resources. If you are inclined please donate to:

CFTPM

OR:

any other Charitable Organizations you prefer. 

Thank you.

11.8.2013: Please Pray for the Philippines

Hope for the best...

Sorry, but it's not all Rosy

Random Man in a Market Place

I snapped this photo when I went to a wet market place while I visited my family in the Philippines. I saw this man from across the street while buying veggies, fish and meat, It's a part of life, I says.

However, this made me wonder whether this man's condition was congenital, a result of a disease or from an accident. I never knew, but what haunts me as well as makes me understand is that even if there are many who have fallen into misfortunes or challenging circumstances, if each one of us are touched by just one, perhaps there will be enough compassion to go around?

Places I am taken to by God's grace really do teach me.

Blog Cover Deconstrcuted & Blog Content Explained

 Bohol, Philippines

Don't know why but starting and editing blogs are fun for me. A nice past time; there's an element of hope in conceptualizing what the blog, the layout, the outcome and what the possibilities could be.

 my niece Kayla

So it follows that I have another one and after years of starting one after the other, just as I think to myself, I have found the style and flow desired, in comes another of my ideas. This one may be a bit like Simple Snippets, the blog I had which I thought would be the simplest, most easiest blog to manage yet still look cool. But alas, even that one became cumbersome. 

Shrimp Pasta Salad

With "et al. by Y.," I sincerely endeavor to make it as random, informal but the coolest of all the blogs I've had. I borrow plenty from a lot of my favorite blogs, some from my own personal friends and others from masters who are indeed constant and are much publicized. 

 Manhattan, NY

In any case, I will not promise that this will be the last blog I will start and not finish, but it is my intention that this will be the most enjoyable.

random girl who loves ties

And by the way, just as what the blog description and the blog title suggests, this will be about travel, spirituality, design, cuisine, events, people, music, books, living and many, many other things which I want to blog about!

random violin in the Internet

only pic not taken by me on

this set of pics...