It doesn’t hurt to try new, unique, and exciting things to fill up one’s time especially when it comes to food. It also wouldn’t be bad if it is something that you can share with your family or friends. At Island Mall Mactan, a new player in the F&B industry is cooking something that goes beyond what is often tried at any mundane Japanese restaurant. Named Ochee! Kushi Katsu, the Japanese co-owned restaurant has been offering something truly Japanese to everyone’s palate since its soft opening last February of this year. Along with the usual Japanese favorites such as sushi and gyoza, Ochee! Takes pride in serving their very-own Kushi Katsu that is sure to make some noise in the locals and tourists’ taste buds. 

 Ochee! Kushi Katsu's 3 original sauces

 Ochee! Kushi Katsu's 5 Course Kushi Katsu 350php 

     Kushi Katsu is a Japanese dish consists of deep-fried skewered meat and vegetables. The meat and the vegetables are then fried after being coated with egg, flour, and panko. Kushi directly translates to skewers while katsu refers to a cutlet of meat usually pork. The dish may have several variations, but it’s surely best shared. At Ochee! I had the chance to try their 5 course kushi katsu which has white onion, lotus root, pork meat, chikuwa, and shrimp. It was served with Ochee’s 3 original sauces which compliment the kushi katsu so well making the dish more savory. 

 Potato Salad with Potato Chips 150php good for 2-3 persons

      We were served with Potato Salad with Potato Chips as appetizers. Two potato dishes is not a bad idea. The crunchiness of the chips dances so well with the creaminess of the potato salad which contains fresh vegetables and boiled eggs. The salad is served with a wooden mixer making one’s meal more interactive and memorable.

    Ochee! Kushi Katsu's Mochiko Chicken (240php) with its piquant flavor makes it a crowd favorite. The chicken meat has the right crunch on the outside and tender juicy meat which you'll get to enjoy once you start diving into these bite-sized glories. It was served to us with a tangy sauce, but I like it better without the sauce. Either way tastes great. 

     Ochee's Shrimp Ahijo (160php) reminds me of Spanish gambas. I'm not sure if it has butter in it, but it sure does have that buttery taste. Its sauce has that melt-in-your-mouth creaminess which highlights the natural flavor of the fat shrimps. 

      Another notable dish that I’ve tried at Ochee! is the DoteYaki (150php good for 2 persons). Ochee’s DoteYaki is so flavorful and the beef itself is very tender. It's probably the softest beef that I've ever tried. This one’s a real must-have not just for beef lovers.

      Before diving into desserts, we had a bowl of Meat Soup Udon (380php good for 2-3 persons) made from the freshest ingredients available. The warm and hearty bowl made of tender meat and chewy udon noodles is a perfect treat for this rainy June season in the Philippines. This is also a perfect meal for one or maybe two hungry stomachs. Make sure you have someone to share this with because this is a very filling dish that's meant to be shared! 

 Ochee! Kushi Katsu's Green Tea Creme Brulee 200php good for 2-3 persons

        We capped off our dining experience at Ochee! with its heavenly Matcha Crème Brulee which should not be missed. For only 200php (4USD) you’ll get to experience a piece of heaven as the sweetness of the caramelized sugar combined with the slightly bitter matcha blends and melts together in your mouth.

    You can't dine at Ochee! without trying their drinks as well. Which is why I chose to try their 

Blueberry Smoothie (200php) which was topped with blueberries and mint. It's fruity and refreshing taste is perfect when the sun smiles a little bit brighter than usual. It's just one of their finest drinks available so make sure you get to try their other beverages.

      It is a known fact that Japanese restaurants sprout all over Cebu along with the constant rise of Japanese tourists in the whole island. What makes Kushi Katsu different is its real Japanese authentic dishes that comes in friendly prices. It is also located in a very accessible location so if you're craving for some Japanese flavors, go ahead and visit Ochee! Kushi Katsu.

I hope you'll have a wholesome gastronomical experience at Ochee Kushi Katsu as I did once you visit the place. 💖

Ochee! Kushi Katsu is located at 2nd flr. Alfresco Area of Island Central Mall, MEPZ Ecozone, Brgy. Ibo, Lapu-Lapu City. It's open for lunch at 10:00Am-2:00PM and 5:00PM-10:00PM for dinner. For inquiries you may call them at +63 32 410-3614 or +63 917 723 3280.

“nemo dat quod non habet”

I wonder upon an evening star when
an inquiry grew inside my head
 and asked
'What's the best poetry?'

Is it the shooting star 

 on the velvet sky

right when you wish for love?

Is it the alien joys

inside our astronauts

the moment they reach newborn stars?

Is it in you or me?

Or is it something that binds us

in one galaxy?

My heart says 

it’s a voice.

One that shouts:

“I love myself.”

The moon is its mouth and

it’s full when it believes.

art & words: Cristine Despares

Philips Monitors, a global leader in innovative displays, partners with Twentieth Century Fox to promote the release of X-Men: Dark Phoenix in the Philippines. Lucky members of the media were invited to watch this much-anticipated movie. As the official monitor display of the film, Philips Monitors held a special screening of the movie, the latest movie in a beloved movie franchise.

Philips Monitors has always been for the enjoyment of its consumers. It dedicates its business in delivering the best displays for casuals and professionals alike. With Twentieth Century Fox, Philips Monitors continues to bring technology and people together, this time through entertainment and film-viewing. This exciting new film, X-Men: Dark Phoenix, is perfect not only for the big screen, but in Philips displays as well. The film’s special effects are fully realized in Philips’ high-definition monitors.

Philips Monitors Marketing Manager for the Philippines Jack Salamia talked about the growing partnership between Philips Monitors and Twentieth Century Fox. He then unveiled the showcased display units, the E9 curved monitor series, the 32” version of which being raffled off to the media partners who attended.

About X-Men: Dark Phoenix

X-Men: Dark Phoenix follows the story of the X-Men, a group of mutants with superpowers, specifically one of their members, the telepathic Jean Grey. During a mission in outer space, Jean absorbs a mysterious cosmic force that amplifies her mutant powers. Her newfound strength leads her to lose control and become an entity known as the Dark Phoenix. Her growing power posed a threat not only to the X-Men, but also to the world. Now the X-Men has to stop their friend and former teammate from unleashing chaos – but with it comes a heavy price.

X-Men: Dark Phoenix continues the story of X-Men: Days of Future Past and X-Men: Apocalypse. Written and directed by Simon Kinberg, it features an ensemble cast featuring James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, Nicholas Hoult, Tye Sheridan, Alexandra Shipp, Jessica Chastain and Sophie Turner in the titular role.

Philips Monitors Promotions

Aside from the movie screening, Philips Monitors also have nationwide cross-promotional activities for consumers. Customers who would purchase any of the participating models of monitors will receive a premium item. Such items include premium X-MEN: Dark Phoenix themed jackets, backpacks, suit shirts and collectible figurines.

Model	Specs	Premium Items
BDM4350UC	4K Ultra HD, IPS, Built-in-Speakers, SmartConnect	X-MEN: Dark Phoenix Jacket
328E9QJAB	Curved, AMD Free-Sync, LowBlue Mode, Built-in-Speakers	X-MEN: Dark Phoenix Backpack
278E9QHSB	Curved, AMD Free-Sync, LowBlue Mode, VA	X-MEN: Dark Phoenix Suit Tshirt
BDM3201FD	ADS-IPS, Full HD, Built-in-Speakers, HDMI	X-MEN: Dark Phoenix Suit Tshirt
248E9QHSB	Curved, AMD Free-Sync, LowBlue Mode, Ultra Wide-Color	X-MEN: Dark Phoenix Figurine
243E9QHSW	VA, AMD Free-Sync, Full HD, Ultra Narrow Bezel	X-MEN: Dark Phoenix Figurine
243V5QHSBA	MVA, Wide Viewing Angle, HDMI	X-MEN: Dark Phoenix Figurine

The promotion is valid until June 15, 2019, and any purchase of the above models are eligible for the promotion when purchased in any of the following participating dealers:

Participating Dealers and Outlets
Manila
Complink - SM Megamall	PC Express - Gilmore	PC Express - SM Southmall
Octagon - SM Megamall	PC Express - Glorietta	PC Worx - Gilmore
PC Chain Super Store - Festival Mall	PC Express - Makati Cinema Square	PC Worx - SM Megamall
PC Chain Super Store - SM North	PC Express - Market Market	ThinkPC - SM North
PC Chain Super Store - Virra Mall	PC Express - SM Mall of Asia	Vivocom - Gilmore
PC Express - Alabang Town Center	PC Express - SM Megamall
PC Express - Bacoor	PC Express - SM North
Cebu
HYW - Cebu	PC Quickbuys - SM Cebu
Joyo Mktg - APM Mall Cebu	ThinkingTools@mall - SM Cebu
Davao
Computer World Superstore - Davao	PC Worx - Davao	ThinkingTools@mall - SM City Davao

Featured Monitor: The 328E9QJAB

Following its mantra of “Innovation and You”, Philips Monitors develops displays that bring only the best viewing experience. Showcased in the premiere was the Philips 328E9QJAB, a 31.5” Curved Monitor with AMD Free-Sync and sleek, narrow bezels. Its ultrawide display allows for comfortable viewing at any angle. It also uses advanced technology that lessens the strain it may cause the viewer’s eyes, letting you extend your Sunday night movie marathons.

328E9QJAB Specifications
Panel Size	31.5”
LCD Type	VA LCD
Resolution	1920x1080
Refresh Rate	60Hz
Response Time	5ms
Chipset Ready	AMD Freesync
Vesa Mount	100x100
Connectivity	VGA, HDMI, Audio In & Out

The 328E9QJAB is part of Philips’ E9 series of monitors, which is available in 24”, 28” and 31.5” models.

About Twentieth Century Fox

One of the world’s largest producers and distributors of motion pictures, Twentieth Century Fox Film produces, acquires and distributes motion pictures throughout the world.  These motion pictures are produced or acquired by the following units of Twentieth Century Fox Film: Twentieth Century Fox, Fox 2000 Pictures, Fox Searchlight Pictures, Twentieth Century Fox Animation and Fox Family.

About Philips

Philips was founded as far back as 1891 in the Netherlands, and has since engaged in more than a century of innovation and entrepreneurship.

Thanks to the company developing timeless business values, Philips has become one of the most highly recognized and trusted brands in the world today. This comes from a tradition of caring about people’s needs, innovating based on ever-changing insights, and working to make a positive change in people’s lives – traditions as meaningful now as they were in the company’s beginnings.

Philips Monitors stand for excellent picture quality, and providing innovative solutions to problems people really care about. To reflect this Philips commitment, Philips has created the slogan: ‘Innovation and You’.

Learn more about Philips Monitors at facebook.com/philipsmonitorsph

 

    SM Supermalls, together with the Department of Tourism (DoT) launched the campaign "Malling is More Fun in the Philippines" last month in most of its branches in the whole Philippines. According to DoT, the campaign seeks to invite locals and tourists alike to experience the joy of shopping in the Philippines. It is grounded on the fact that tourism in the country doesn't stop at its tourist spots, these days, more and more tourists also find pleasure in shopping. 

   As part of the campaign, various activities were held in SM Supermalls. In Cebu City, SM City Cebu and SM Seaside Cebu malls held food fairs and culinary demos. Exclusive sales and contests were also introduced for mallgoers to participate in. I got to visit both malls and enjoy the festivities prepared by SM. 

     One of the spectacular activities that I was able to take part in is the cooking demo at SM Seaside which was spearheaded by Chef Raki Urbina of Cafe Laguna. The skillful chef prepared a couple of sumptuous Filipino dishes (with a twist) and a very interesting drink. 

       

      Chef Raki played with the flavors of the Philippines in front of the Cebuano audience as he introduced a playful twist on the classic Filipino favorites Bistek Tagalog, Palabok, and Ginger- Lemonade juice.

Instead of serving the Bistek in the usual way, Chef Raki served it together with puso (hanging rice). The dish is an instant hit for those who have tried it. Its rich flavor and aroma took the mallgoers to a special part of their childhood.

Pinoy favorite Palabok was served with a twist when Chef Raki decided to roll it in a rice wrapper and created palabok rolls instead of the one served on a plate with its sizzling toppings. 

Chef Raki's very-own ginger lemonade juice is not only refreshing but also very healthy. The drink was served with some slices of cucumber and a dash of mint, but what binded all the flavors together is vinegar - Chef Raki's little secret! This is one drink that I would love to try at home and serve to my family. It's easy to make, and you don't need crazy ingredients to create it. 

   SM City Cebu also held a cooking demo and a food flat lay contest which was open for all mall goers. Contestants were provided with food and tasked to create a creative flatlay with it. I couldn't let the moment pass without joining so I did and fortunately won. 

  The campaign was a success and the series of event held was fun and informative. All thanks to DoT, SM Supermalls, and to the talented chefs who have imparted their skills to the audience.