Ilustrado, the home of heritage Filipino-Spanish cuisine shares well loved dishes from our heroes’ hometowns at The Maya Kitchen, 9am-1pm on October 26, Saturday with Boni Pimentel, Ilustrado president and his chefs taking center stage. 

Recipes include Umbuyan, tinapa flakes sautéed in olive oil and wrapped in pechay leaves has its origins in Manila where Andres Bonifacio was born. Bagnet with KBL Sauce is an Ilocano version of lechon kawali with kamatis, bagoong and lasuna as sauce. Juan Luna and Antonio Luna are the proud sons of Ilocos Norte. Manok ng mga Bayani, chicken simmered in bold textures of dill, kamias, ground peanuts and toasted rice is inspired by no less than President Manuel Luis Quezon who hailed from Baler, Aurora. National hero Jose Rizal from Biñan, Laguna inspired Jaleang Bayabas, very ripe guavas peeled and mashed in milk and sugar. Rounding off the recipe line-up is Paella Ilustrado, Spanish rice dish with pork, chicken, seafood, chorizo bilbao, peppers and peas which is a consistent bestseller in the restaurant menu.

Ilustrado located at 744 General Luna Street, Intramuros, Manila opened its doors in 1989. Through the years it has expanded all over the metro and has also made a name in catering for clients such as Malacañang Palace and other government agencies, foreign embassies, multinational corporations, local businesses and prominent personalities. It is also a favorite wedding reception venue due in part to its proximity to some of Manila’s historic churches.

For more information on other course offerings, log on to www.themayakitchen.com  or e-mail contactus@themayakitchen.com  or visit The Maya Kitchen Culinary Center every Tuesday to Saturday at 8F  Liberty Building, 835 A. Arnaiz Avenue (Pasay Road), Makati City or call 8921185 / 892-5011 local 108 / Mobile No. +63947 835 2290.

Straight from northern Palawan's Municipality of Taytay, a 4-hour land travel, Rome checked-in at Puerto Princesa's top-notch hotel - Hotel Centro.  He arrived at exactly 2 pm.  Standing at the front of a brand new, modern-classic designed hotel, Hotel Centro's visual impact has a gorgeous appeal, Rome thought.

His arrival was expected, there was a feeling of belonging as he approached the reception. Sincere affection and kindness were reflected from the guard's smile to the attendant greetings... "Good afternoon, welcome to Hotel Centro", he cordially said while opening the glass door for Rome. The gentleman on reception called for a welcome drink, had him registered quickly, handed him his electronic key card and offered to give Rome a guided tour of the hotel but he politely declined because he was desperate to freshen-up and take a short nap before his scheduled dinner with his friends.

Opening the wooden door of room 203 that use electronic identification door lock system was a pleasant surprise. Hotel Centro's newly built deluxe room was beautifully finished, with lot of woods, neutral colors, top-notch fixtures and fittings, and generous bathroom. His room was comfortably fashioned with work desk, 1 queen-sized and 1 single bed. Acres of fluffy immaculate whiteness cover the bed with a fluffy duvet and comfortably soft pillows. With free internet access! It was such a glorious and delighting room.

Equipped with Samsung LCD TV with cable channels, there's an in-room movies and DVD player in his room. It's sexy, grown-up and eminently stylish room, he figured.

There's a silver tea & coffee electric kettle with china tea cups and complimentary tea & coffee amenity. Plus, a mini bar with in-can sodas and 2 complimentary bottled water in it.  

The shower streamed generous amount of hot or cold water. It gave him a proper drenching with comprehensive supply of bath amenities from Pure Herbs. Pure Herbs contain the finest formulations and created using natural botanical ingredients, from pure essential oils of Rosemary, Melissa and Thyme. According to its website, Pure Herbs products is renowned for their healing powers, sophisticated fragrances and a rich array of natural and organic extracts to truly nourish the skin, soothe the body and revive the soul. Two sets of fresh and tidy white towels were neatly hanged on towel bar.

Hair dryer, vanity set (face care with 3 cotton buds and 3 cotton pads), shower caps, polishing file, shoe polish sponge, shaving kit complete the bathroom amenity.

An electronic safe box fitted for laptops & gadgets was available to use inside the closet for safety and security of his valuable items.

Hotel Centro offers high standards and provides top quality, comfortable accommodation. He slept perfectly well and concluded that this room is godsend to business and leisure travelers who have limited time exploring the city in a forest or to amorous couples looking for a couple of hours of privacy.