What Happens When Two Cuisines Make Amends: The Ping Pong Diplomacy

Does Pingpong Diplomacy serve fusion cuisine? “Not quite,” says Chef Noel Mauricio. Interpretation, he says, is definitely a better word to describe the Chinese-American inspired menu he and Chef Him Uy de Baron designed to leave each customer surprised, intrigued, and definitely wanting more.

Techpreneur turned restaurateur Charles Paw explains that after the Cold War, the first formal communication between the United States and China was the exchange of table tennis players. This was their first act of diplomacy. It was their first attempt to thaw the ice, and the inspiration behind the theme and name of his new restaurant. When brainstorming menu items for Ping Pong Diplomacy, Paw’s vision was to take his customers back in time to the seventies—when Americans didn’t know much about China beyond stereotypes. The restaurant’s interiors are reminiscent of Chinatown in the decade of bellbottoms and disco, and one can expect to enjoy music from the likes of the Beegees, Gloria Gaynor, and Queen as they enjoy their meals. Even the servers sport retro graphic tees with the names of the streets found in the different Chinatowns in the US printed across the front.

But all of these elements simply set the stage, because the spotlight stays on the menu. Chef Noel was trained in Paris and the South of France, and may be best known for his work at French Japanese fusion restaurant, Le Petit Souffle. Trusted by Charles Paw to produce no less than creativity and innovation in the kitchen, he was paired with another kitchen maverick, seasoned Chef Him Uy de Baron, who is most famous for changing the ramen game back in 2013. The two have put their heads together to redefine Chinese and American cuisines, and marry the two in ways that have never been done before. “‘No cookbooks!’ we were told,” shares Chef Noel. “Charles wanted this restaurant to be a literal melting pot of cultures, culinary training, and whatever ideas of Chinese and American cuisine we had.”

And so what does this progressive Chinese look, sound, and taste like? Their most popular dishes include a Wonton Cheeseburger, wagyu beef wrapped in a crispy wonton and served with a sharp cheddar as a starter. The Typhoon Shelter Grilled Prawns, one of Hong kong’s culinary legends, is done Ping Pong Diplomacy-style, covered in crispy garlic and charred pickled vegetables. The Caveman Beef Rib, a melt-in-your-mouth braised beef rib cooked in crispy shallots and zhenjang vinaigrette, is definitely not one to miss. And why not have the Fortune Balls for dessert? Mochi is done with a Ping Pong Diplomacy twist, made with taro, ginger, and black sesame, dusted with sesame crumble, and served with a pistachio cream. 

Ping Pong Diplomacy also has a takeout menu for when you’re hungry in a hurry. There are buns, drinks, and other desserts you can grab through the grills. Their oriental burgers come in three variations, 5-spice Chicken, Cumin Pulled Lamb, and Szechuan Pork Belly—each one skillfully layered between toasted baos. As a takeout dessert, you may choose between Ping Pong Diplomacy’s own version of the original egg tarts and ice cream buns, which are comprised of peanut cake, vanilla ice cream, and toasted bao. Ping Pong Diplomacy also boasts of a drinks menu that includes Rose and Plum Iced Teas, a Cucumber Ginger Cooler, and even a Hong Kong Milk Tea.

For a unique experience of progressive Chinese fare, visit the Ping Pong Diplomacy at the 3rd floor of SM Aura. For more information, LIKE Ping Pong Diplomacy on Facebook FOLLOW @pingpongdiplomacyph on Instagram.

Super crazy anniversary sale at Landers Superstore

Landers Superstore, the country’s fastest growing membership shopping superstore, is now a year old! And to celebrate this milestone event, members can avail of the most exciting promos and exclusive discounts on its SUPER CRAZY SALE extended until July 16, 2017!

The discounts and offers available on the Super Crazy Sale are unbelievably crazy: 50% off on membership renewal, buy 1 get 1 FREE on new memberships; super fuel sale and huge discounts on top-notch brands, on top of a hassle-free shopping experience.

“We are very thankful to all our members who trust us with their everyday needs. Because of them, we are able to celebrate a very fruitful year and the Super Crazy Sale is our way of making them a part of our anniversary celebration,” shared Landers Superstore president Gwen Lim.

Super crazy anniversary sale

From hand soap to rugs, to wines and kitchen utensils, Landers Superstore offers up to 50% discount on all home and lifestyle needs. Show off your clean yet elegant Gibson Duraliving Dinnerware set for only P899.75 from an original price of P1, 799.75. Or grab a bottle of Palmolive Classic Dishwashing Liquid and get an extra one for free. You may also gift your kid with an Official Marvel Comics Licensed RC Iron Man Helicopter for only P1, 299.75, half the original price of P2, 599.75. Or better yet, get an extra SurPrice with Woolite Extra Dark Care Laundry Detergent for only P1.00! Yup, you read it right; it’s on sale for only P1.00! Avail of this super crazy anniversary sale until July 16, 2017.

On its first anniversary, Landers Superstore offers 50% off on membership renewals. For a blissful shopping experience, become a member now and enjoy buy-1-get-1 special privilege until June 30, 2017.

Shop at Landers’ first Superstore at 1240 EDSA Balintawak, Apolonio Samson, Quezon City or come visit the second store, Landers Superstore – Otis at 1890 Paz Guazon St., Paco, Manila. But if you’re in the Queen City of the south, you may also visit Landers Superstore Cebu at #23 Minore Park, Cardinal Rosales Ave. cor. Pope John Paul II Ave., Cebu.

For more information and to know more about Landers’ exclusive anniversary shopping promo, visit http://landers.ph/.

Avon Releases “Best Sets Ever” at Never Before, Never Again Prices

Avon, the leading beauty brand in the Philippines for cosmetics as well as hand and body lotion, has released its “Best Sets Ever” deals for the month of June. The promo includes three sets of beauty must-haves that are offered at “never before, never again” discounted prices for the whole month of June.

The “Best Sets Ever” promo includes a mix of top-selling brands in lotion and color categories paired together in three separate sets. The Best of the Best set is comprised of Skin So Soft Hand & Body Lotion and Avon True Color Perfectly Matte lipstick priced at only P299. Skin So Soft is formulated with vitamin C and glutathione that promises visible whiteness and healthy glow in just three days of continuous use. Avon True Color Perfectly Matte lipstick gives true matte look that never cakes and cracks while giving the velvety soft feel in one swipe.

The Big Beauty Set is composed of Avon Care lotion and One Great Mascara for only P289. Avon Care lotion’s Vita-E complex provides deep nourishing for 24 hours of moisture for the skin. It is hypoallergenic and dermatologically tested to suit Asian skin. One Great Mascara gives lashes dramatic curls, length and volume for high definition appeal.

The Brightest & Boldest set has Avon Naturals lotion and Simply Pretty Color Magic lipstick as a pair for only P189. Avon Naturals lotion contains flower extracts that release a calm and soothing effect on the skin. Simply Pretty lipstick puts fun in lipstick application with its unique color-changing feature.

Avon lotion and color brands are endorsed by two of the country’s loveliest celebrity influencers today – Anne Curtis and Angel Locsin. Anne particularly likes Skin So Soft for keeping her fair skin glow, while Angel raves about Avon True’s vibrant colors that stays longer and goes with her different looks.

The Best Sets Ever promo is available through any Avon Representative or via online at AvonShop.ph.

Don’t have an Avon Representative? Visit www.avon.ph or like Avon Philippines on Facebook to find out how you can get in touch with a Representative.

Want to order Avon on-the-go? Download the Avon Brochure application from the Google Play or Apple Store to start browsing our latest brochure today! The Avon Brochure app will connect you to a nearby Representative, so you can enjoy personalized service!

Disney Channel’s Tangled: The Series Giveaway

Rapunzel lets down her hair in Disney Channel’s brand new animated series “Tangled: The Series”! Premiered last May 21 at 11:30AM (Mal/Phil), the series is set between the stories told in Walt Disney Animation Studios’ acclaimed 2010 film “Tangled” and its short film “Tangled Ever After”. The series has Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi reprising their roles as Rapunzel and Eugene respectively.

With a new visually vibrant animation style inspired by Rapunzel’s drawings in the original film, the show follows Rapunzel on her adventures as she acquaints herself with her parents, her kingdom, and the people of Corona. Along the way, her irrepressible spirit and natural curiosity about the world lead her to realize that there is so much more she needs to learn before she can accept her royal destiny as Princess of Corona.

At the heart of the series is Rapunzel’s relationship with her friends and family. Beloved characters from the feature film accompany Rapunzel on her journey, including love interest Eugene Fitzherbert (aka Flynn Rider); her loyal chameleon sidekick, Pascal; her no-nonsense, dutiful horse, Maximus; and the Snuggly Duckling Pub Thugs. The series will introduce Cassandra (voiced by Eden Espinosa), a tough-as-nails lady-in-waiting who becomes Rapunzel’s confidante; and builds on her relationship with her parents, King Frederic (Clancy Brown) and Queen Arianna (Julie Bowen).

Rapunzel’s relatable, heartfelt and comedic stories model the importance of building and nurturing relationships, and of exploration and self-discovery. With her strength, confidence, positive disposition and creativity, she is a role model for young viewers who are learning to take on new responsibilities just as she is.

To celebrate Rapunzel’s grand return across Southeast Asia, Disney Channel presents the multi-platform character hunt Tangled Quest. From 21 May to 30 June, kids and families can take part by snapping a picture of Rapunzel, Eugene, Maximus or Pascal with the Tangled Quest insignia on Disney Channel and Disney-owned social platforms and upload it on the Tangled Quest website (www.tangledquest.com). 80 lucky winners will stand a chance to win exclusive Tangled-themed goody bags.

The series features songs produced by Academy Award-winning Disney Legend Alan Menken, who also composed the songs from the feature film.

Tangled: The Series can be enjoyed on demand or through live TV simulcast on the Disney Channel App, available for download on the Google Play or App Store. Globe subscribers can get full access to all content and games on the app, visit globe.com.ph to find out more.

Baskin-Robbins Opens Two Branches In Pasig City

Great news for ice cream lovers in Pasig City:  Baskin-Robbins, the world’s favorite ice cream brand, spreads more fun and excitement as it opens two new stores in Pasig, one in Ayala Malls The 30th (Ground Floor) and another in SM East Ortigas (Ground Floor).

Baskin-Robbins SM East Ortigas (Ground Floor)

Definitely a crowd favorite, Baskin-Robbins offers a wide variety of ice cream flavors to choose from, including a new flavor every month. In addition to innovative flavors, Baskin-Robbins specialty frozen desserts, cakes and thirst-quenching beverages are also available to satisfy your sweet tooth. Baskin-Robbins ice cream cakes can be customized to your preferred design, size and ice cream flavor making it a show-stopping dessert for all kinds of parties and celebrations.

Baskin-Robbins Ayala Malls The 30th (Ground Floor)

Mark your calendars and plan to stock up on your favorite ice cream flavors on every 31st day of the month when all Baskin-Robbins branches offer a whopping 31% off on pints, quarts and half gallons!

Wednesday is Pink Day at Baskin-Robbins! Don’t forget to wear or carry something pink when you drop by any Baskin-Robbins store on Wednesdays to get a free scoop of your favorite ice cream flavor with every purchase of a double junior scoop.

Established in 1945 by founders and ice cream enthusiasts, Burt Baskin and Irv Robbins, in Glendale, California, Baskin-Robbins is recognized as the world’s favorite ice cream brand. It is also the world’s largest chain of ice cream specialty shops, providing quality and value to foodies everywhere with more than 7,300 branches located in nearly 50 countries around the world.

Indulge in your cravings of this international favorite. Visit the newest Baskin-Robbins stores in Ayala Malls The 30th and SM East Ortigas!

Other Baskin-Robbins shops are located at Central Square, Bonifacio High Street, Uptown Place Mall and SM Aura in Bonifacio Global City; Greenbelt 5, Glorietta 2 and Glorietta 5 in Makati; Trinoma Mall, SM Fairview and SM North EDSA (2/F and The Block) in Quezon City; SM Southmall in Las Pinas; Solenad in Sta Rosa, Laguna; SM Dasmariñas in Cavite; and SM Pampanga.

For more updates, check out www.baskinrobbins.ph or its social media accounts: facebook.com/baskinrobbinsph, Twitter, and Instagram @baskinrobbinsph.