Sana Araw-araw, Pasko: Aling Aida's Puto Bumbong of Malinta, Valenzuela City

Ber months are never complete among us Pinoys if we do not have our puto bumbong and bibingka fix which are best eaten with your choice of hot tea or coffee. But there are times when you would just wish that each month of the calendar would end with the "-ber" syllable. People are just happier, kinder to one another. And, of course, the food way, way better. Di ba, wish mo rin, araw-araw ay Pasko?

Puto bumbong brings back good memories of the holidays.

Aling Aida, a warm and friendly senior citizen who resides in Malinta, just made this simple wish come true through their puto bumbong stall which serves those sticky purple rice cake wrapped in banana leaves whole year round. During the interview, Aling Aida mentioned that they initially offer puto bumbong during the Ber months only. But the people have been very receptive towards the puto bumbong that they sell and so, they tried to keep their stall open every afternoon from December 2017 onwards. It can be read in the One Valenzuela Facebook page that many customers have given praises towards the classic puto bumbong that Aling Aida and Kuya Melvin (her apo who assists her since he was in high school) prepare. Aling Aida has been cooking and selling these steamed delicacies for about 40 years now.

Aling Aida of Barangay Malinta: Tagahatid ng Pasko sa pamamagitan ng lutong puto pumbong.

One Valenzuela was blessed to have a brief talk with Aling Aida who stopped cooking puto bumbong for a few minutes to answer some questions (Salamat po, Nanay Aida.)

Gaano katagal na po kayong nagluluto ng puto bumbong? Dito na rin po sa pwestong ito?

Ah, since 1979. Doon kami dati sa, ano, Western. Doon kasi ang bahay ng lola ko noong araw. Taal po kaming taga-Malinta. Mga Cruz po kami at Doma. 

Bakit po puto bumbong ang inyong niluluto? Matagal ninyo na pong recipe ito?

Niluluto yan sa kawayan. Mula po sa lola ko, hanggang sa nanay ko, tapos ako na, tapos siya na (Kuya Melvin). Nagluluto na at nagbebenta na talaga ang pamilya. Bata pa ako, simula't sapul na.

Ang presyo po dati ng puto bumbong? Noong 1970's?

Ano lang yata, Php2.00 isang balot. Yung niluluto namin ngayon, katulad pa rin ng dati. Hindi kami nag-iiba ng lasa. Yun at yun pa rin ang lasa. Pangkaraniwan, malakas talaga pag Ber na. Tsaka may mga tawag kami sa mga okasyon. Pag Ber na, yung dalawa kong anak ang nagseservice. Ako, hindi na kaya. Christmas party, birthday - mga ganyan. Pagsampa ng September, talagang mabili na.

Aling Aida shares a light moment with the customers who patiently wait for their turn to be served.

Bakit po ninyo naisipang magbenta ng buong taon?

Mabili. Mula January (2018), wala kaming tigil. Tuluy- tuloy, hindi na kami tumigil. Kaya maraming natutuwang mga balikbayan. Dati raw nakakakain lang sila, Ber lang. Mabuti raw kami nagstraight na, whole year. Pag uuwi sila galing sa ibang bansa, may nakakakain silang puto bumbong. 

Yung inyo pong lutong puto bumbong ay classic po, ano? Walang condense, cheese (na hanap ng iba).

Oo, tradisyunal siya. Pero sabi nga nila, masarap. Hindi na kailangan ng iba pa. May libre pang tsaa.

Nagluto nga kami sa Ermita niyan (tsaa), Chinese pinaglutuan namin. Tuwang-tuwa yung Chinese na umorder samin. Mayroon silang kinainang birthday (na nagserve kami ng puto bumbong), nagustuhan nila. Tapos tumawag, kung pwede raw kami sa birthday niya. Hatid-sundo kami, kasi wala kaming sasakyan. Gustung-gusto nila yung puto bumbong. Tapos sabi, tatawagan daw kami ulit.

Sa isang araw po, gaano karaming puto bumbong ang niluluto ninyo?

Kami? Ngayon? 15 kilos. Masaya kami na mabili.

Nakakatuwang experience po ninyo?

Ung binabalikan kami. Iba raw yung puto bumbong namin. Syempre yun lang, matutuwa ka na dun. Tsaka sabi nila fresh yung aming niyog. Kinukudkod talaga namin gamit ang kamay (manual). Di kami gumagamit ng makina...Tsaka yung tsaa daw, iba ang lasa. Kapag ininom mo, talagang lumalasa. 

Matagal na po kayo dito?

Oo, siguro mga nasa 10 or 12 years na rin. Matagal na, alam na nila andito kami.

Working until the sun sets.

Ano po ang gusto ninyong sabihin sa mga tumatangkilik sa inyo, Nay Aida?

Salamat! Kasi, marami silang kumakain. Iba raw yung lasa nung puto bumbong dito eh. Ito raw pag kinain mo, lumalasa ang niyog at asukal. Hindi raw mahirap nguyain. Ito raw masarap at mura. Tsaka malinis. Bente pesos lang, kayang-kaya ng bulsa. Tara, kain na.

Maraming salamat po, Nanay Aida at Sir Melvin. 

Would like to buy some puto bumbong? Aling Aida's Puto Bumbong can be found in Malinta Market, Valenzuela City.  You may see their humble stall in Cuevas Bakery during the afternoon, around 3:30pm to 10:30pm.

It's Everyone's Fiesta!: Eatsploring the Valenzuela Food Fiesta and Christmas Bazaar 2017 (GIVEAWAY ALERT!)

Filipinos love to eat and Valenzuelanos are no exception. One Valenzuela observed a very steady food movement in the city and this trend culminates on the month of December with the annual Valenzuela Food Fiesta and Christmas Bazaar which is organized by the City Goverment of Valenzuela.

Picking up from the very successful event last year, the Valenzuela Food Fiesta and Christmas Bazaar 2017 came in with a huge buzz which left Valenzuelanos and city visitors hungry after shopping or after going to the Valenzuela City People's Park but very full right after going to the food fiesta. C.J. Santos Street (Old City Hall), the location of the food festival, is very easy to spot since it is just across the park and City Hall Complex. Thus, it is also very accessible via McArthur Highway or Maysan Road.

Valenzuela Food Fiesta and Christmas Bazaar 2017. This huge sign will greet you at C.J. Santos Street.

Everyone is welcome to eatsplore the food fiesta from 5:00 in the afternoon up to 1:00 in the morning every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday this December. The street turns into a foodie's paradise once the clock turns 5! As of this writing, you can still catch up on the following dates: December 21, 22, 23, 28, 29, 30. There are new food stalls and trucks on each weekend so there's always something new to discover.

Laugh at jokes and sing along with comedians on the stage. Look at that big crowd! 

What to expect at the food fiesta? A variety of food which will make you go loco on what to try! One Valenzuela suggests that you bring your barangay with you because it is more fun to eat and share plates of food with family and friends. Now, let One Valenzuela guide you amongst some of the food stalls at this year's food fiesta through a picture walk below. WARNING: The following graphic content will make you hungry. Really hungry.

Sweet Surprise!

Hungry for hungarian? These sausages are literally hogging the limelight at Php50.00 a stick. 

Gotta slice 'em all! There are three flavors to choose from: Ham & Cheese (Php70), Hawaian (Php89), and Special (Php99).

This plate of burger and fries goes for Php100 from RM Grill Hauz Burger. There are other varieties. Choose between Autobots and Decepticons burgers (Php100 to 170). They also have a humongous burger named Nemesis Prime which can feed  4 to 6 persons (much like a big family! or the crew!) and is priced at Php555.

Chef Yu's Fried Siopao (Php22 a piece). Chef Yu is only open until 8pm in the evening so try to be early at the food fiesta if you want to get some of these soft and fluffy buns.

Ethan's Cafe is also at the food fiesta! Look at these gorgeous boneless bangus ensalada (Php150/piece)

One of the things that One Valenzuela likes about the food fiesta is that it brings together many of the local burger joints, bakeshops, food stalls, and restaurants which are located in the various barangays in Valenzuela City. Some of these are the following: Big Bad Burger (Malinta),  Chef Yu (Malinta), Ethan's Cafe (Marulas), Hakobe Takoyaki & Food Hub (Arca Yard - Karuhatan), Lucky Garage Grilled Burger (Pariancillo Villa), and RM Grill Hauz Burger (Pariancillo Villa). Thus, you no longer need to travel from one barangay to another just to have a taste of Valenzuela.

Love Ice Cream's (LIC) fried ice cream is a labor of love. Watch as they work on your ice cream (Php60/cup). Flavors? LIC has: oreo and mallows, strawberry and graham, blueberry and graham, mango and graham, banana and chocolate, rainbow and mallows, popcorn and caramel (interesting!), cookies and chocolate, coffee and chocolate, and matcha and caramel. LIC also has crepes: mango nutella, banana nutella, blueberry caramel, and peanut butter caramel.

A line of takoyaki babies! (4 pieces for Php50). Want okonomiyaki? Get it from Hakobe at Php120.

Snapped at a Lucky Garage Grilled Burger order before it was delivered to its rightful owner! Burger price range is Php65 to PHp300+ depending on the size. 

Wagyu Steak Rice? Malcolm's Burger truck is also in the house!

There are also a number of stalls and food trucks which are from neighboring cities in Metro Manila. This makes the food fiesta a diverse place to find something to eat! The food fiesta boasts of a variety of cuisines like Filipino, American, Italian, Japanese, and Chinese. You would spot a number of fusion food too. 

If you are up to a challenge, One Valenzuela found this tapang kabayo (Php90) at one of the stalls.

Some shawarma action on a beautiful night! Rice and pita varieties are offered.

A taste of Bacolod in Valenzuela City? Other than the popular chicken inasal, you will also find several other meat for grilling in this stall. And of course, where there is smoke, there's good food!

Boodlefight Fiesta by Syiesha has three sets of boodlefight meals which you can choose from. Set A (Seafood with Pork Bundle), Set B (Seafood Bundle), and Set C (Chicken and Pork Bundle). Syiesha is a local boodlefight restaurant in Valenzuela City. 

Big Bad Burgers offers these gourmet burgers which you will want to sink your teeth into. Do you know that they also have a spot at the Malinta Jeepney Terminal along C.J. Santos which is open every weekend? One Valenzuela loves their epically-grilled burgers and she knows that you will love 'em too. Big Bad Burgers also churns out unique dishes from their kitchen which will make you think that the chef-owner is a wizard with a passion for cooking!

Other than the savory meals and snacks, there are also sweet pastries and desserts which one can also try out. There were yema cakes, red velvet cake, sinful chocolate cake, brazo de mercedes, crinkles, and blueberry cheesecakes slices from different stalls. J.Co donuts were also sold at the food fiesta which are good for pasalubong.  

After eating a good meal, you might want to bite on something sweet. Here is a snapshot of EJ Cakes' table of sweets and pastry goodies.

Little Joy has a beautiful rack of blueberry cheesecake slices (Php90/slice).

J.Co, anyone? Php250 per half dozen box and Php45 a piece. Half wishing that there is already a J.Co outlet in the city! 

Did you get hungry? One Valenzuela bet you did.

Feasts like this make One Valenzuela appreciate the fact that the local government extends its arms to make the city a liveable city. Its residents are provided with not only the basics in life but also the opportunities to spend quality time with their family and friends through good food and wonderful places to visit in the city. Hindi mo na kailangang umalis pa ng Valenzuela (You no longer need to go outside Valenzuela.).  

Here's a bright suggestion. Why not share the Valenzuela City experience with the people you know who come from other places? Bring them at the Valenzuela Food Fiesta and Christmas Bazaar. After all, it's everyone's fiesta!

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GIVEAWAY ALERT!

Thank you, readers for a great 2017! From one foodie to another, One Valenzuela is having a giveaway!

Blogging this 2017 has been awesome. Salamat po for accompanying One Valenzuela this year. As a way of thanking you, dear readers, One Valenzuela is having a year-end foodie giveaway. Three lucky winners will be drawn from the people who will be leaving answers to the question:

Ano ang THE BEST na nangyari sa iyo ngayong 2017? 

(What is the best thing that happened to you this 2017?) 

Just leave an answer as (1) a comment below, (2) on Twitter (Retweet + Comment), or (3) on the One Valenzuela Facebook page (Comment + Share post). You are only allowed to leave one (1) answer on each platform (a maximum of three entries per person). So, what are at stake? One Sieyesha Set C Boodlefight, another will win three Big Bad Burgers' Shaka Burgers, and one will win a Lemon Square Round Chocolate Cake. 

   

1 Winner: Big Bad Burgers' Shaka Burgers (3 pieces) (to be claimed at the Food Fiesta)

1 Winner: Set C Boodlefight by Syiesha (to be claimed at the Food Fiesta)

1 Winner: Lemon Square's big round chocolate cake (to be claimed at the Lemon Square Bakeshop along Maysan Road, near CMIC; a few meters walk from the Food Fiesta site.) 

One Valenzuela will be announcing the winners on December 23, 2017, Saturday and will be contacting the winners via Facebook, e-mail, or Twitter, whichever is available.

Hope that you will join the giveaway!

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GIVEAWAY WINNERS!

Please check the link HERE for the full post on the winners.

A Day for All Mothers

Mothers are the wingless angels who are sent by the heavens to give light to humanity. We call them with different names- mama, mommy, nanay, inay, mum and so on. With all the work and love that they provide, it is then very vital to have a day to celebrate their existence. To all Valenzuelanos, give your moms a hug today. And to all Valenzuelana nanays, let One Valenzuela greet you a very happy mother's day. Keep shining!

It will always feel good to be remembered. Family is not always by blood. A sweet cupcake from Lemon Square Bakery Treats along Maysan Road, Valenzuela City and a red rose from student assistants. Thank you.

Happy Mother's Day!

Simbang Gabi at San Isidro Labrador Parish Church, Malinta, Valenzuela City

Simbang gabi (or "night mass") is among those popular traditions practiced by Roman Catholics in the Philippines during the Christmas season. Here are some snapshots of the simbang gabi at San Isidro Labrador Parish, Brgy. Malinta, Valenzuela City. The first mass began at 4 a.m. in the morning.

A few minutes before 4 a.m. Rev. Fr. Bogs Ortega lead the mass.

Christmas tree fixture at the side of the church.

Hot puto bumbong and bibingka await Valenzuelanos outside the church.

Did you complete the series of simbang gabi, Valenzuelanos? 
Merry Christmas po from One Valenzuela! 

Abe San Japanese Resto at Brgy. Malinta, Valenzuela City

A few months ago, a dining place caught the attention of One Valenzuela as she and a handful of students traversed Gov. I. Santiago Road in their school service on the way to the National Library. It read "Abe San". From there, she took a mental note that she will visit it in the future.

This Good Friday, One Valenzuela went for a joy ride in the city together with hubby and Little One Valenzuela. After stopping by Pasolo Maternity and Medical Clinic, they then went to  Abe San. 

Luckily, Abe San was open. It has a wide open space for parking vehicles. By observation, the place can accommodate a small group of people and she somewhat wished it was a bit cooler especially now that we're in the middle of summer. But after being greeted with a warm smile by Mr. Abe (he even took their motorcycle helmets and placed them neatly at the side of the table), One Valenzuela knew that they are in for a treat.

Abe San Japanese Resto

Kawaii paper lanterns!

The Japanese restaurant was opened five months ago by Mr. Abe and his Filipino wife. Mr. Abe cooks the food for diners. You would not mind the modesty of the place knowing that your sashimi shall be prepared by a real Japanese. This scenario reminded One Valenzuela of Suzuki Japanese Carinderia in Tondo, Manila. 

You'll find the following in Abe San's printed menu: tonkatsu, gyudon, oyakodon, katsudon, burger steak, fish fry, gyoza, koroke, omurice, tonteki, teriyaki (pork and chicken), tempura, ika ring, french fries, oden, sashimi, and sushi. Most of them are in the 35 to 60 pesos price range. Only the ika rings, tempura, and sashimi are in the Php100-150 bracket. 

Got no idea of what you will get? Look at Abe San's walls

Asking for their bestsellers, Mrs. Abe suggested something which was not on the menu. "Try our ramen.", she said. After a while, the group settled for two bowls of ramen (Php120 per serving), a plate of gyoza (Php35), tamago (Php70), and two bottles of ice cold soft drinks.

Abe San's Ramen (Php120.00)

Tamago (Php70.00)

Mrs. Abe said that one can also order a set of this at Php380.00. 

The ramen's soup was really good! Ang sarap! One Valenzuela definitely enjoyed the ramen. The gyoza is satisfactory. Hubby loved the tamago, especially its sticky rice.  

There's a reason to go back here since Mr. Abe's wife recommended One Valenzuela to try out another type of ramen. This and the other food listed on the menu made her look forward into visiting Abe San on another occasion. Before the group got on the motorcycle, Mr. Abe said "Salamat!". 

You are welcome. Until our next visit! 

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There is beauty in simplicity.

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Abe San Japanese Resto

Address: No. 5 Gov. I. Santiago Road, Malinta, Valenzuela City

(Infront of St. Louis Compound and right after Bible Institute for the Deaf)

Telephone Number: (02)444-8316 / 0939-1944526 and 0929-3363153 (Updated as of Jan. 15, 2015)

Business Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily

Some readers are asking for directions on how to reach Abe San. Thus, here are some images to help you eatsplore your way to Abe San's humble resto.

From MacArthur Highway

You will find Abe San right after the Bible Institute for the Deaf (red inverted triangle)

Updated: May 9, 2015
Updated: Abe San is already closed as of October 2015. Hope to hear about their whereabouts if in case they open up again in another spot.
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All Day Convenience Store Now Open in Brgy. Malinta, Valenzuela City

All Day Convenience Store in Brgy. Malinta, Valenzuela City

All Day's Pizza Bar at Php35.00. It comes with a free iced tea.

Having pizza cravings in the middle of the night? Problem solved!

People checking out the store line up in front of the cashier to pay 

An All Day personnel has informed One Valenzuela that they also have branches in Brgy. Paso de Blas and in Brgy. Bignay. Upon further inquiry, she also learned that the All Day Convenience Store chain belongs to the Villar group of companies. 

The store is open from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m daily. It can be found at the back of Mercury Drug-Malinta Branch and is along Maysan Road.

Soon to Rise: Malinta High School

One Valenzuela saw a number of grade school students going through the gates of a walled open space in Malinta where a new public school will be built. Mmm, why not get the chance to visit the site too? Here, Malinta High School will soon rise. It was once a vegetable patch.

Construction of a new school (Photo taken on a weekend)

 360 degrees turn at the site

Construction of more classrooms

Plant from the groundbreaking ceremony

Uwian na! Some kids playing after their classes at Malinta Elementary School. As of this writing, the gates are now fortified and construction is on going.

After seeing how the kids run and laugh in the open field, One Valenzuelano think "They need a playground!" (^_^) But for now, she's happy to know that more schools are being built for the Valenzuelano youth. 

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Thank you for visiting One Valenzuela blog!

Saan pa kaya dadalhin si One Valenzuela ng kanyang mga paa?

Would love to hear from you. Any suggestions? Kindly drop a line or two below at the Comments Section. 

Gong Xi Fa Cai! A Visit to Chinatown in Binondo, Manila for Chinese New Year 2014

And One Valenzuela thought that she'd miss Chinatown yesterday! Comparing it from last year's celebration, there were more people who visited the place. Though it is jam packed with visitors, the cool jacket weather provided a lot of comfort. 

For those who weren't able to go to Chinatown (and for those who can't get enough of Chinatown!), here are some of the sights and scenes in this year's festivities.

A view from LRT Carriedo

The Arch of Goodwill, your pass to Ongpin Street.

Dragon statues all over Chinatown give the place an old world charm.

At Plaza Sta. Cruz, you will see the Arch of Goodwill and Carriedo Fountain.

The whole family enjoyed watching the dragons dancing in front of several establishments. Just the sight of the colorful decorations and lucky charms dangling on their stands will definitely make your day.

Dragons a midst the sea of people

Going through! Dragon watching along Ongpin Street

Now that's what we call Dragon Dance!

Other than the dragons, you'll also see some other cool stuff like this man dancing with balls!

Most bracelets go for Php50.00.

Find out what they do to the bracelets that you buy.

As always, there is a long queue for Shanghai Fried Siopao. Cheap and delicious at Php16.00 per piece.

Fish shaped tikoy at Php50.00 (small) by Ha Yuan Restaurant

Sincerity Cafe & Restaurant at Yuchengco Street is known for their good tasting chicken.

Carvajal Street

Various preserves and nuts at Carvajal Street

Quick Snack along Carvajal Street is known for their fresh lumpia.

Blind man singing Country Road by John Denver

"Ako'y isang bulag na umiibig sa'yo". He sings well! Found him near Carvajal Street.

"Ubos na po ang hopia!" said an Eng Bee Tin personnel.

No more hopia? A lot of people still flock to Eng Bee Tin to buy tikoy and their other products.

Beautiful Binondo Church

Roman Ongpin (1847-1912): Patriot, Civic Leader, Philanthropist

More about the man behind Ongpin Street 

Photo opportunity with Mr. Geric Chua of Eng Bee Tin, son of  Filipino-Chinese businessman Gerry Chua.

Dong Bei Dumplings

Hong Bon Bridge: A fast way to Lucky Chinatown Mall

Lucky Chinatown Mall entrance

One Valenzuela's family ate at the mall since the popular restaurants in Ongpin are full. After checking out the boutiques in Lucky Chinatown, they went back to Ongpin Street to see a few more places that they missed before heading back home.

A Korean store along Ongpin Street: bought a blueberry and raspberry flavored ice cream bar (Php60.00) for dessert.

A peep at the "Estero". Look for LGA Fastfood and try out some frog legs!

Til next year Binondo! Or maybe soon for a food walk! More luck and prosperity this year for everyone!

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How to reach Chinatown in Binondo, Manila from Valenzuela City:

From Brgy. Malinta, ride a jeepney going to Monumento LRT (Php10.00). Next, ride the train and go down Carriedo Station (Php15.00). From there, Plaza Sta. Cruz is just a 5 to 10 minutes walk.

Carriedo Station

As always, One Valenzuela advises that you enjoy having your Binondo Food Walk on a regular day if you wanted to avoid the long lines in restaurants there. Bring water and avoid wearing flashy jewelry. It is suggested that you also put your valuables in a sling bag.  

Kindly see the article "A Little Bit of Dumpling Heaven" for Dong Bei Dumplings. For more photos on Tasty Dumplings and Cafe Mezzanine check out "Chow Time in Binondo".

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Thank you for visiting One Valenzuela blog!

Saan pa kaya dadalhin si One Valenzuela ng kanyang mga paa?

Would love to hear from you. Any suggestions? Kindly drop a line or two below at the Comments Section.