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Taste Authentic Maranao Palapa and Pater at Doi Cravin’s in Cebu

Doi Cravin’s and Doi Palapa— unwrapping Moro food culture, one pater at a time. 

Have you ever encountered a steamed rice dish wrapped in banana leaves with shredded meat? If you have, that dish is called Pater, which is Maguindanao’s heritage dish. Many people have tried recreating the dish and adding twists, but the original is still a crowd favorite. 

If you love Pater, then you need to try it with Palapa. Palapa is a condiment that is put on top of Pater, adding a spicy kick and elevating the dish. Speaking of which, there is a new HALAL food restaurant in Cebu that specializes in one of the best Pater, Palapa, and Pares — Doi Cravin’s.

Doi Cravin’s: Bringing a Piece of Mindanao to Cebu 

Doi Cravin’s is the place for faultless and authentic Pater, Palapa, and Pares. Their chef hails proudly from Mindanao and is a master of creating traditional Mindanao dishes. Moreover, they offer different kinds of Pater such as Beef, Tuna, and Chicken. 

And, of course, the meal would not be complete without adding a pinch of Palapa to the Pater. Team Sugboph was given a fantastic chance to try the popular combo, and here’s what we think. 

We tried the Chicken Pater, and the dish definitely hit a home run. The steamed rice was soft and packed with flavor. The scent of Banana leaf was infused in the rice, giving it an aromatic scent and a subtle banana leaf flavor. 

And the shredded chicken was also “chef’s kiss”. It was savory, full of flavor, and went perfectly well with the rice. The Pater itself was already so good, but the Palapa by Doi Palapa made it ten times better.

The correct way to eat Pater with Palapa is to mix them both together. When we took the first bite, our taste buds immediately welcomed an explosion of flavors. The Palapa added an intense spice to the Pater, which complemented its sweet and salty taste. It also had a strong ginger flavor.

Initially, we thought that there were chilies in there. However, the owner shared that what gives the Palapa its spiciness is the ‘Sakurab.’ Sakurab is a kind of shallot that is native to the Lanao provinces of Mindanao.

The meal was very filling, and every bite was heavenly.

Aside from the Pater and Palapa, they also offer Beef Pares, Fried Chicken Rice with Palapa, and many more. They even serve desserts that are new every week. Other than that, Customers can also purchase their own jar of Doi Palapa.

Homey Restaurant Vibe

Doi Cravin’s has a physical branch located in Mandaue. You will be greeted by a homey vibe when you enter the establishment. The owner expressed that he wanted the customers to feel at home. He also wants everyone who visits the restaurant to feel comfortable while they enjoy their meal. 

There are plenty of chairs and tables available. Diners can also see tons and tons of Doi Palapa jars as they are displayed on a shelf.

The owner also added that he would add art pieces to represent and showcase Mindanao’s beauty. 

Doi Cravin’s with Doi Palapa is bringing the taste of Mindanao closer to Cebuanos, and we are here for it. Head over to Doi Cravin’s and savor the spicy goodness of authentic Maranao Palapa and Pater. With that said, ready to take on the heat?

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

Best-sellers: 

  • Chicken Pater with Palapa
  • Beef Pater with Palapa
  • Tuna Pater with Palapa
  • Beef Pater with Palapa

Other Information:

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact location: D.C. Bldg., H. Cortes St., Corner F. Cabahug Ext., Subangdaku, Mandaue City, Philippines. Beside Cityscape Hotel.

BY COMMUTE: N/A.

BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Doi Cravin’s” or “D.C. Building” in Mandaue. Parking space is available.

Dine in Comfort and Luxury at ROCKS Grill & Tavern

There is more to food than just how good it tastes. The whole process involved while making the dish is what makes every bite worth it. 

This particular restaurant in Cebu will make you want to appreciate the food in its entirety as they introduce conventional flavors and international grilling to the Filipino palate.

Are you ready to dine? Then make your way to ROCKS Grill & Tavern.

Experience a “Comfy” Luxury at ROCKS Grill & Tavern

Let’s talk about ROCKS Grill & Tavern’s look and ambiance. The restaurant’s exterior is all matte black, and on the wall, you’ll see “ROCKS By Mona.” It’s simple yet mysteriously sophisticated. 

Meanwhile, when you enter the establishment, you are greeted by a beautiful interior of black and gold. The seats also have a hint of the colors mentioned above, and the tables sport a marble look. 

According to Chef Mona, the restaurant’s owner, she wanted an interior that’s simple and clean. In addition, as you go in, you will see a Wood waterfall as the centerpiece. Chef Mona also shared that she wanted to incorporate a touch of nature so people could experience it while dining in the city.

Diners can also choose to sit by the grill area so they can get a first-hand look at how the dishes are prepared. But wait, there’s more! Soon, ROCKS Grill and Tavern will be introducing big meats and diners can also witness how they are preapred up close. 

ROCKS Grill & Tavern’s location gives it a hint of exclusivity. However, it is a bit hard to find, but that’s part of the whole experience. Because once you find the restaurant, tasting the food makes the travel worth it. 

ROCKS Grill & Tavern Introduces a Deeper Level of Flavor

They say there is a difference between truly tasting and just eating, and at ROCKS Grill & Tavern, you will encounter dishes that bring out the authenticity of taste. Team Sugbo.ph had the amazing opportunity to try out the restaurant’s “Must Eat,” which was a great experience.

Going Loco for Tacos 

For starters, we took a bite of their Tacos. Of course, we’ve had tacos before, but the ones at ROCKS Grill & Tavern were definitely different. Every part of the Taco tasted fresh, from the corn shell to the grilled bits of meat, to fresh onions and herbs. 

Chef Mona shared that they take pride in their all-natural ingredients and recipes that are made from scratch. Instead of using regular and pre-made taco shells, they use corn flour. What makes the tacos at ROCK’s Grill & Tavern different is that the taco shell itself already has flavor. The taco was also a bit charred on the side, which elevated the taste. The salsa was also very fresh.

A Little Bit of Everything in One Plate

We were served two kinds of food boards: the Mini Board (Jamaican Chicken) and the Beast Board.

The Jamaican Chicken from the Mini Board was new to our taste buds. It was spicy, sweet, and had a hint of smokiness. The chicken was also incredibly tender. Meanwhile, the beast board caught us by surprise because it got a little bit of everything on one plate.

The beast board comprised smoked bacon, sausage, potatoes, ribs, and grilled pineapples with cinnamon. The ribs were tender and juicy, and packed with flavor. The sausages were really good too. But the star of the show was definitely the smoked bacon. 

The smoked bacon was entirely different from store-bought ones. Each bacon had layers and layers of smokiness. The more you chew, the more the flavor comes out. Chef Mona also shared how the meat used for the bacon is marinated for a week. This allows the meat to fully soak up the flavor. After marinating, the meat is then smoked for 12 hours and up.

Also, good news for spicy lovers! Almost all of their dishes have a bit of a kick to them—especially the tacos. But don’t worry, if you aren’t a fan of spicy food, you can always mellow the heat down with the grilled pineapple with cinnamon. The pineapple’s sweetness perfectly combats the spiciness of the dish. 

Of Ocean and Spicy Salsa

And, of course, we had to try something from their seafood menu. So we got to taste their grilled oyster with spicy salsa. The oysters were grilled perfectly, and the salsa was a literal punch to the palate, in a good way.

Premium Margarita, A Tacos best pair

What’s the best drink to pair tacos with? Premium Margarita, of course. The Margarita at ROCKS Grill & Tavern is made with premium Mexican tequila as a base. They also add fresh lime to the mix. 

Aside from a Margarita, the restaurant also offers different cocktails, coffee drinks, and more, such as Burnt Mallows Coffee, Tiramisu Coffee, Forbidden Fruit, and Coco Strawberry & Cream.

Chef Mona guarantees that all their dishes are made from natural ingredients. There are no preservatives added. From the marinades and the sauces, everything is made from scratch. 

At ROCKS Grill & Tavern, Timing and Feeling is Everything

But how does ROCKS Grill & Tavern maintain the level of flavor of their dishes? You could say the two most important ingredients are timing and feelings. The cooks at ROCKS Grill & Tavern, especially Chef Mona, pour their hearts and soul into cooking each and every dish. 

Chef Mona said that when cooking, the person should really feel good on that day.

You’ve heard people tell you not to cook on a bad day because it affects the taste of the food; it turns out they were absolutely correct.

At ROCKS Grill & Tavern, you are not only paying for the food, but you are paying for the whole experience. It is a great place to socialize, have fun, and spend time with people who matter to you the most while indulging in incredible eats that will make you appreciate food. 

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

MUST TRY: 

  • Mini Board Jamaican
  • Taco Solo
  • Beast Board
  • Grilled Oyster
  • Margarita

Other Information:

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact location: Molave St., Escario, Cebu. Just behind Diamond Hotel.

BY BUS: N/A.

BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Rocks Grill & Tavern” in Cebu. Parking space is available.

You can Now Fly to Seoul, Hongkong, and more for only ₱1 with AirAsia

Summer surely can’t get any better than this! 

It’s the summer season and also graduation season for students. So if you are looking for the perfect gift for a graduating student, then surprise them with a trip to Hong Kong, Taipei, Seoul, and more! But don’t worry; this fantastic deal won’t hurt your wallet.

Seoul, South Korea | Photo from Unsplash

AirAsia dropped another seat sale for a base fare as low as ₱1. The booking period is until May 28, 2023. Meanwhile, the travel period starts today until September 30, 2023. 

The seat sale covers different international destinations such as Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, South Korea, and more. In addition, local destinations are also included in the ₱1 promo, like Boracay, Bohol, Cebu, and Palawan.

The promo includes seven kilograms of hand-carry baggage and is exclusive of terminal fees, travel tax, and other surcharges.

Hong Kong | Photo from Unsplash

What are you waiting for? Book now and kickstart your summer vacation and graduation celebration!

Beyond the Crash: Pinay Law Student Gives Her Commencement Speech after getting hit by a car inside an Ivy League School

This Filipina law student beats all odds after fully recovering from injuries she sustained after getting hit by a speeding car at an Ivy League Campus. 

Maria Veronica Manalo was at the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law Campus when she got hit by a vehicle while crossing the street. She was in so much pain and was brought to the hospital. It took weeks for Manalo to recover, and she even needed therapy.

Photo from University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School YouTube Channel

Like a true fighter, the Filipina law student regained her strength and rose above after the crash. That’s not all; after her horrific experience, she was still able to deliver her speech as her graduating class’ commencement speaker. In addition, Oprah Winfrey was also there as the guest of honor. 

Who is Veronica Manalo?

Veronica Manalo is the daughter of Dr. Rafael A. Manalo and Emma M. Manalo. She is the first lawyer in her family. She graduated from the University of the Philippines College of Law. She also teaches at the University of the Philippines and the Rizal Memorial Colleges of Law.

Photo from University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School YouTube Channel

Veronica graduated from Penn Carey Law School with a Master of Laws Degree Program. She also has a degree from The Wharton School under the Wharton Business and Law Program. That’s not all; she also contributed as an editor of the Penn Carey Law Journal of International Law.  Manalo also acted as the coach for the Penn Carey Law Moot team. 

Getting hit by a moving vehicle is no joke. But Veronica stood her ground and did not let the misfortune hinder her from moving forward. Congratulations, Veronica.

You can watch her full speech here:

This Company is Willing to Pay $100 per Hour Just to Watch Tiktok Videos

Let’s be honest; once we hold our phones, get comfortable, and open Tiktok, best believe we will be scrolling for long hours.

We might even hear our mom’s reprimanding us that scrolling through the app won’t make us rich.  But don’t worry; this company is your next best excuse for why you will be on Tiktok for the next 10 hours. 

Photo from Unsplash

Ubiquitous, an influencer marketing agency, is willing to offer three people $100 per hour for 10 hours. The company is looking for people 18 years of age and older. These people should know how Tiktok works, especially trends. 

To apply for the gig, you must subscribe to Ubiquitos’ Youtube channel and send them a short explanation of why you are the perfect candidate for the 10-hour Tiktok Watching job. The deadline for application is on May 31. After seven days, you will receive a notification from the company. 

This step is for Ubiquitous to seek emerging trends to help their influencer marketing. 

Photo from Unsplash

Do you have a lot of time on your hands? Then this might just be the side hustle you are looking for.  Earn $100 through Tiktok? Sign me up!

Moira Still Dominates Spotify as the only Filipina Artist to Exceed 1B Streams

Moira’s songs definitely rip our hearts out, but with her recent achievement, we can say it’s worth it.

Photo from LJay

Moira Dela Torre dominates Spotify as she surpasses 1 billion streams, making her the first solo Filipina artist to be part of the “1B Spotify streams club”. The artist was also dubbed Spotify’s “Most Streamed Filipina Artist” and “Most Followed Filipino Artist” of 2023. 

Other artists who are part of the “1B Spotify streams club” are December Avenue and Ben&Ben.

Photo from Moira Dela Torre  Facebook Page

And again, Moira dropped two smashing hits this year, such as Ikaw at “Sila” and “EME.” At the moment, Moira Dela Torre is on the road for her world tour, and most of her shows are sold out. Moira will be performing in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, this July 2. Moreover, she will also have a concert in Davao on August 26. 

Moira Dela Torree continues to tell a story through her songs, which is why she deserves the 1 Billion Streams. Those streams represent how much people can relate to her music. 

Photo from Moira Dela Torre  Facebook Page

Congratulations, Moira Dela Torre!

Behind the Screens: Clout Chasing Explained

Wanting to be famous on social media is okay. Wanting to get attention and traffic to your social media pages isn’t wrong. But posting on social media for clout? Then you can kiss the “fame” goodbye and hug “infamy” hello.

Photo from Unsplash

In this day and age, people use the power of social media to be noticed; however, some become so desperate that they result in dangerous or degrading acts. Can we go back to when posting on social media was meant for fun and keeping memories? You know, before the term “clout chasing” came to be? 

But what is clout chasing anyways? Let’s talk about it here. 

Clout Chasing and Clout Chasers Explained

The word clout wasn’t always something negative. It simply meant “popularity,” but because of the immense power of social media, the word “clout” just got a whole new meaning. 

Simply put, clout chasing now is the act of wanting to be famous; to do so, a person tries even more dangerous and foolish ways to get attention. Now, clout chasers are people who do the act of clout chasing. There are so many instances where people were clout chasing or branded as clout chasers online. 

Photo from Nikocado Avocado YouTube Channel
Photo from Logan Paul YouTube Channel

To set an example, Two brothers were called out for doing a fake kidnapping prank just for views. Unlucky for them, an off-duty police officer was actually on the scene. Oh, they got the views and attention they wanted, just not the way they hoped. 

Another form of clout chasing is talking ill about another person online. Some clout chasers will post nasty things about other people just to make themselves feel and look good. 

Calling Out vs. Clout Chasing

If a person did you wrong and still has not addressed the issue, then calling them out is justifiable. However, posting about a person and talking about them online, even if they have settled the matter privately and apologized, is already adding fuel to the fire. 

Photo from Unsplash

Here’s a new saying: “Some things are better left unpublished.” If the issue can be settled privately, then that’s healthier. Calling out is okay, but do it responsibly.

Is Clout Chasing dangerous?

No fame in the world is worth risking your life and dignity for. Clout chasing can be dangerous once people put themselves or others in harm’s way. If you want to get noticed on social media, do it safely and responsibly. You can bring yourself up without bringing other people down. You can get attention and traffic to your social media account without putting yourself in dangerous and controversial situations.

Photo from Logan Paul YouTube Channel

Final Word

As stated before, there is nothing wrong with wanting a little fame. All that matters is what you do and how you execute your journey to stardom and success. Social media either makes you or breaks you; it’s up to you to decide which of the two you truly desire. So be famous; just don’t be problematic. 

Photo from Unsplash

Sea Route from Liloan to Camotes Island set to Operate this May

Camotes Island is known for its azure and crystal waters, as well as the powdery white sand and incredible beaches. It also has popular diving spots for those seeking a bit of thrill. 

Now, here’s good news for Cebuanos looking to visit the Lost Horizon of the South; Camotes Island will soon be one RoRo away from Liloan. 

Poro Town Hall | Photo from Vallacar Transit, Inc. Cebu North Facebook Page

Vallacar Trnasit, Inc. Cebu North, announced on its Facebook page it will start its operation for the Liloan to Poro, Camotes Island. May 26, 2023 (Friday) is the target date of operations. However, Vallacar Transit, Inc. Cebu North still has yet to announce the schedule and fare rates.

This new sea route will cut travel time from Liloan to Camotes Island. Cebuanos have shared their sentiments in the comments as they show their delight at the news. 

Photo from Vallacar Trnasit, Inc. Cebu North Facebook Page

Make sure to visit and follow Vallacar Transit, Inc. Cebu North for further updates about the official schedule and fare rates.

ChatGPT Conquers Smartphones

ChatGPT goes pocket-sized!

Photo from Unsplash

If you remember, ChatGPT became a global hit because of its ability to generate human-like responses to questions and commands. And now, ChatGPT is already available on the Apple app store.

OpenAI, ChatGPT’s developer, announced that ChatGPT is going mobile. According to the developer, the app will allow users to receive specific information they need. ChatGPT is already rolling out in the United States and will be available in other countries soon. 

Photo from Unsplash

The mobile version of ChatGPT will have the same features as that of the web app. OpenAI also said users can get cooking guidance, travel plans, and more through the app. It is free of charge, and It will soon be available on Android devices.