Sango!: Japanese Burgers in Town!

Posted as another entry for Juice.ph's Write Some Juice contest. Please don't forget to vote for me! 

While everyone is on the hunt for the best burgers in town, there's one burger joint that should not escape anyone's scrutiny. Called Sango!, this burger restaurant is best known as a Japanese burger station. Who would have ever thought that the Japanese had more to their menu than the typical sushi, tempura, and ramen? In fact, who would have ever thought that the Japanese had burgers of their own kind? Certainly, Sango is one restaurant that lets everyone in on the secret. 

Although it is not relatively a new restaurant, it has expanded quite vastly over the recent years. Opening branches all over the metro, it has allowed each individual to have an opportunity to dine in a nearby branch close to their home. Originally, Sango! can be found in the close proximity of the Little Tokyo complex across Makati Cinema Square. Now, there are branches in Edsa Shangrila mall (Ortigas), Powerplant mall, Rockwell (Makati) and in South Supermall (Alabang).

I used to frequent the original branch-- Creekside Mall (Makati) with my friends. But ever since I moved, I preferred going to the branch in Powerplant Mall because it felt a bit more homey. 

Sango! Rockwell Branch

It still had the trademark flat screen LCD TV which showcased some of the famous Japanese TV shows and anime. They also have a variety of anime books and Japanese newspapers available for those who are waiting for their order. 

Japanese library!

While many love their Master Burger and Master Cheese Burger, it is also good to experiment with the other dishes from time to time. The other popular favorites include theYakiniku Rice Burger, Teriyaki Burger, Master Double Burger,Maccha Asuki Cornflake Shake, and the Master Fries. They also have options for those who don't eat beef such as the Fish Burger, Chicken Curry Burger, and their selection of healthy salads: Fresh Salad and the Goboh Salad.  


Ever since Sango! released their Curry Beef Rice Burger, I was immediately hooked. It was not like any typical burger. Here are the reasons why this burger is so different from the rest:

Sango!'s Curry Beef Rice Burger (P180)

1. It does not use bread. Instead, it is sandwiched by Japanese rice tightly formed like a burger patty. 


2. There's no burger patty. Instead, the Curry Beef Rice burger has thinly sliced pieces of beef marinated with a Japanese curry sauce. It is then topped with cabbage and a special sauce with it. 


I suggest eating this burger with a fork because it can get pretty messy. But it will be so worth it! 


Don't forget to pair this burger with a side order of Master Fries and Calpis Soda so you can get a free upsize for your drink.

Free Upsize!!!

Master fries are wedge fries covered with a Japanese beef sauce, the same sauce that they put on the Master Burger and Master Cheese Burger. On the side, you have ketchup and sliced onions to complete your meal. 

Sango!'s Master Fries, regular size (P115)

Calpis soda is a refreshing alternative to water or ordinary soda. It tastes pretty much like Sprite but has a sweeter aftertaste. 

Calpis Soda, (P50)

With a different taste and exquisite interiors, it's no wonder why Sango! is called The Burger Master. 

Trying Out Focaccia's Rolled Pizza

Last week, I came home from my dad's province with a sore body and a flu. That's why I decided to eat a lot of vegetables to help boost my nutrition. There was one day I wanted to eat rolled pizza--much like Yellow Cab's Dear Darla pizza, which I absolutely love. So when I found that Focaccia- Slice of Italy had their own set of rolled pizzas, I was so excited to try it. I didn't want to order from Yellow Cab because (1) I was going to eat it by myself. I can't finish Yellow Cab's serving, (2) I didn't want to wait for delivery, and (3) I was already in A Venue so I might as well just order to take out the dish.

I ordered the Tartufo al Funghi (mini) to take out because I wanted to go home before dark. Plus I was going to eat it on my own so I just had the mini. I wish it came in a smaller option still but it was already acceptable for the price (P299). What I really liked about Focaccia was that they offered different toppings and flavors for their rolled pizzas. Unlike Yellow Cab, which only offers Dear Darla.

Their cute wall!

While waiting for my order, they served me complimentary Focaccia bread along with Balsamic Vinegar mixed with Olive Oil (ala Italianni's). I didn't like the bread though because it was too dry for me. So instead of munching on it, I just had a glass of cold water to quench my thirst. Luckily, my order arrived in just 10 minutes.

Complimentary Focaccia bread

When I got home, I was eager to eat my dinner. I didn't like that it was stored in a plastic container because the pizza didn't retain its shape. I was sad to discover that they didn't have the chili oil that usually came with the Dear Darla.

Tartufo al Funghi, Focaccia
P299

Also, the crust was a bit soggy from the oil. I think this is because it was stored in plastic so the excess oil was absorbed by the crust.

What it looks like when rolled

Overall, I found it okay. I'd eat there again but maybe not take out anymore. Well, I'm excited to try their pasta and gelato.. There's always next time! After all, it's just in my neighborhood! ^,^

Focaccia: Slice of Italy is located at the Ground Floor of A. Venue Mall, Makati Avenue, Makati City. For inquiry or reservation, call them at +6327299403.

My Japanese Friend Loved Balot!

PETA, please don't be mad...

I've never seen anyone eat so many balot in one night, definitely not a foreigner. So last night, I was hanging out with my friends at Botongs Up, A. Venue Mall, Makati. What started as a night with a few bottles of beer turned into a crazy night. Of course, the fun started when Mark and CJ (my Korean friend) arrived. By then, Ryo and I had already drank 3 bottles each.

Me and Mark (Margaret), whom I haven't seen in MONTHS!

But when CJ arrived, he treated all of us to shots of the bar's Blue Fuck-- a drink with Cointreau and Blue Curacao. It was strong and I could taste the alcohol. After the shot, we had another couple of beers each before deciding to head home.

Ryo and CJ-- the Japanese and the Korean

Well, I know I went home after but I heard the two guys went to a KTV somewhere... Hmph. They didn't bring me. Probably picked up some girls. Haha! Kidding guys! 

Because you guys didn't bring me to KTV, here's my pay back ^^

Oh by the way, can anyone link this video as a video response to Mikey Bustos' tutorial on how to eat balot? :)

Trixie Dresses Nice #1

Because I promised that starting 2011 I'll be making my wardrobe better, I need to keep it. I believe that fashion is a way to express your personality and art. It is a way you can channel who you truly are. I believe fashion does not have to be high end or luxurious. It is simply a way of being.

So for my first fashion post, here's the outfit I wore to the 4th Philippine Star Ball press conference held last February 11 at the Makati Shangri La Hotel. More on that soon!

The obligatory mirror shot. 

Outfit

Shirt: Smart Tower, Makati (P150)

Jacket: Caliope (P999)

Skirt: XOXO (P780)

Shoes: Parisian, SM (P999)

Come to think of it, I bought my whole outfit from different sales. Except for the shirt, but still it's quite a buy!

Makati Residents: Beware! Snatcher on the Loose

Wow.

This just in. A stranger stole my friend's laptop while she was walking home in Legaspi Park, Makati City. Her house is just 1-2 minutes away from the area and some guy suddenly snatched her laptop from her. I know I'm being stupid because there are really thieves everywhere but I did not expect there would be any in Makati City.. Let alone the CBD area! Wow! Where are our policemen? Ever since Vice President Jejomar Binay turned over his post as the Mayor of the city to his very own son (yes, his own son), things have been getting out of hand.

When VP was still the Mayor, there were no workers allowed to work on the streets of the city during office hours. I remember going home in the wee hours of the morning and they were hard at work. What's more is that they end each shift by setting aside their things and making sure that everything has been returned the way they started. Now, they leave the streets cluttered with their tools and do not even bother to finish the work they started on time. What has happened to Makati???

And wow, I was planning to transfer to Makati sometime next year. This is a HUGE disappointment since, like my friend, I am fond of walking in the streets of Makati. We have long trusted that the CBD area is safe and is being patrolled by Makati cops. Last time, I heard that there was a mugging incident in the Paseo-Ayala underpass in mid-noon yet no one did anything! It was the middle of the busy day and knowing this, I'm sure there were a lot of people in the area.

What has happened to the city I have long admired? Is this still the neighborhood I choose to live in? How can we be assured we are safe if they [Makati officials] can't even keep their residents safe? They can't even patrol the CBD streets!

My heart goes out to my friend. Good thing she was not hurt. But it looks like the thief followed her from Greenbelt, as she left work. As she told me, the thief was waiting for someone in Legaspi Park, with his motorcycle running and a helmet on his head. When she came near, he yanked her bag away.

CBD. Central Business District. W-O-W!

my friends and I with Mayor Vice President Jejomar Binay

Of Hair Cuts, Breakups, After Parties, and Sex

When it comes to hair, I love to experiment. One minute you’ll find me growing my hair, the next a cropped hairstyle. And although I may have never had the best hair, there’s just something about a haircut that makes me feel empowered after one. With me, you can always tell that there is something bothering me—once I get a major haircut: a breakup, new career, change in life, and many more.

Yesterday, I went to Mr. Shin of Beautybrick to have my hair cut. This is my second time with him and he has not disappointed me. The result of today’s haircut is a 20s hair style that I have always wanted to go for. The reason for my haircut was so I could exude a new me, through my hair, a new personality. A few days ago, someone really angered me so much. I couldn’t believe that anyone could be so mean, so evil. But I met the devil and made a terrible deal with him—one that stomped on my dignity, pride, and my essence of being a woman. Thus, I decided to get a haircut along with my change of personality.

And it (the haircut) was perfect for the Sex and the City After Party I attended last night. Along with my editor, Carla Sibal, we went to Shangrila Makati to attend the exclusive event Moet & Chandon hosted for the success of the movie.

Earlier, I was able to watch the movie with my family. I couldn’t stop laughing at Samantha! She was so horribly funny! And oh, everything is such a marketing strategy. Looking at it in a marketer’s ideals, the movie was a perfect way to promote Abu Dhabi, new designer apparel, and new terms (e.g. Black Diamond instead of Blue). I recommend anyone to watch the movie. It’s really good.

As for that devil: be careful ladies. You might find yourself face to face with him.