10 Reasons and Beyond Why I Love Aling Banang's

  I remember the days when my hubby and I were still dating. There were times when we were so burned-out after the day's work and we would go to Aling Banang's in San Juan to savor the taste of our comfort foods--- Pancit Canton and Special Halo-Halo! 

This habit was our destressor! Savoring the delicious taste of these scrumptouous meals would bring us fond memories of  home-cooked dishes from the province . We could help but keep coming back for more because dining there was like going home! We were welcomed in its cozy ambience and our hungry stomachs were satisfied by its hearty meals!

 

Aling Banang's Official Logo (Photo Credits: Aling Banang's Official Facebook Page)

 For me,  Aling Banang's is different from other eating spots here in the metro  due to the following reasons:

1.MENU

Aling Banang's has a wide array of mouth-watering dishes to choose from---appetizers, sizzling viands, noodle dishes, and desserts perfect for dining anytime of the day!

Sample Menu (Photo Credits: Aling Banang's Official Facebook Page)

2. TASTE

 You could taste that the food is prepared using only the finest, freshest, and high quality raw ingredients. No artificial flavoring added! The food melts in your mouth. It is just right, simply delicious, and nothing too fancy! 

It is prepared upon customers' request to make sure that it is served as fresh as possible to meet their best dining experience!

3. AFFORDABILITY

Believe it or not, price starts from Php 10.00! Perfect for bargain hunters and people on a budget!

 4. BIG SERVINGS

I remember when we ordered food for Mom's birthday. One serving of Lomi (Php 45.00) could feed two to three persons; Php 100.00 worth of Lumpiang Shanghai was good for five persons,while the small bilao of Pancit (Php 300.00) could feed six to ten persons! That's real value for money!

Food for Mom's 59th Birthday, her favorite Pancit Canton with Lumpiang Shanghai. 

 

5. CLEANLINESS and SAFETY

The owners make sure that their workers are practicing personal hygiene and proper working dress code and ethics. They also follow safety and hygienic measures in food preparation and store maintainance for the clients' welfare and staff members as well.

Miss Chiqui Mendoza-Gatchalian of Aling Banang's with her staff in uniforms at Umagang Kay Ganda 2011 (Photo Credits: Aling Banang's Official Facebook Page)

  6.CREDIBILITY

It is  true to its claim that it has the best Pancit and Halo-Halo in town! If you try its other dishes, you can consider them as its signature dishes too! They are all yummy!

 

7.BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS

The core value of Aling Banang's is its close family ties and loyal clients are treated as family. Its legacy is the close, genuine, and intimate relationship with clients and staff members. 

In preparation for the Summer 2012 Outing of Aling Banang's Staff in Praferosa Resort, Pansol, Laguna (Photo Credits: Ludy Mendoza Faraon)

 

8. ACCESSIBILITY and AVAILABILITY

 Aling Banang's has many branches in different strategic locations here in Metro Manila.

THEIR AUTHENTIC BRANCHES are:

• N.Domingo near SM Centerpoint----- (02)7443562 
• Crame----- (02)7442026 
• Shaw----- (02)7940679 
• Sta. Ana----- (02)3538144 
• F.Blumentrit Street ----- (02)3852171 
• Near Aquinas School----- (02)5084451 
• Maysilo, Mandaluyong----- (02)4099342 and 5097323
• Kalentong----- (02)7170633 
• Aurora and Arayat----- (02)7232004 
• E.Rodriguez----- (02)7226398
• Kamuning

Most of its branches are open between 7:00 AM to 12:00 AM. For branches that are open 24 hours like in N. Domingo, they close at 5:00 AM and open again after an hour.

Branches are still being put up soon to reach more people as possible.  

A shot from Aling Banang's Kamuning Branch---my bestfriend's favorite branch

 9. HISTORY

Aling Banang's is known for it's good and affordable meals for 80 years.

It is rooted in hard work, labor of love, and loyalty. After learning its history, now I understand why people from all walks of life love their hearty meals and go back again and again. To learn more about its rich history and other details, you may CLICK THIS link.

10. OWNERSHIP

Who would have thought that after a few years I would meet one of its owners, Ludy Mendoza Faraon, and become one of my best buddies in Nursing School. I got all the necessary information about Aling Banang's straight from the horse's mouth.  

From R-L: Ludy Mendoza Faraon, one of the owners of Aling Banang's, Belle Dellova (our good friend), and yours truly during our B.S. Nursing graduation practice at PICC

 I wouldn't forget the day during tropical storm Ondoy, when Ludy, Belle , and I were stuck in South Superhighway for 15 hours due to heavy floods. Ludy and Chiqui (her sister) were talking to each other on the phone and were so concerned with some of their staff members because their homes were almost under water and they had no place to go. They also had problems with their other branches that time but they prioritized the safety of their staff members. The two sisters instructed some of their family members to rescue those staff members from their homes and let them stay in their stores that were not flooded. Her mom, Ms. Rebecca, also cooked Pancit for the entire barangay that was victimized by Habagat. 

Their concern for others was innate. These stories touched me and made me love Aling Banang's and the people behind it more! 

It is more than the profit they get that matters. It shows on how they give back to express gratitude for the blessings they receive each day by continuously bringing gastronomic delight to their clients and helping others who are in need.

In line with this, I would like to share what we think about Aling Banang's as a gesture of our appreciation :

Hubby on Aling Banang's Tapsilog: "This is the best Tapsilog I've tried so far!"

Alena P. on Aling Banang's Sizzling Sisig:"This is mind blowing! Super sarap!"

Mom on Aling Banang's Pancit Canton:"Ito ang gusto kong timpla. Masarap talaga!"!

Me on Aling Banang's Special Halo-Halo:"Refreshingly delicious! It melts in my mouth! My comfort food..."

Obviously, we could feel all the love in the food they serve! 
After learning the roots and core values of Aling Banang's---its triumphs and victories, trials that came but conquered, and also the love and excellence that transcend with it as fruitful years come and go, I fully understood the reasons why it serves affordable and palatable dishes---meals made with love and passion.It is the owners way of giving...In return they are blessed.

 If you want to satisfy your cravings with the best but affordable Filipino dishes, visit any of Aling Banang's branches. You may also call for inquiries about delivery and catering services and experience heaven here on earth right on your doorstep!

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Vanch B.'s Photo of Her Version of Nino Muhlach's Fried Rice Recipe

Thanks to my dear friend, Vanch B., for sharing this photo of her version of Nino Muhlach's Fried Rice Recipe. She said that she added egg and used butter instead of cooking oil.

 You may click the link below to see the recipe.

Nino Muhlach's Fried Rice Recipe

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What's In Store For You?- Working Mom Magazine July 2013 Issue

Mothers work from sun up to sun down! It is a vocation that encompasses a lot of hard work, patience, and love. Mothers devote so much of their time to their families that sometimes they forget to give time to themselves. 

If you're a non-stop devoted mom who needs time to take a break, WORKING MOM JULY 2013 issue is a must-read!

This is definitely a page-turner! Thanks, ABS-CBN Publishing!

Why? This "YOUR HEALTH SPECIAL" issue talks about moms finding time to pamper and reward themselves (p. 14) with a lot of options to choose from like switching hair colors and how to manage it (p. 15); changing looks by choosing vibrant hues (p. 20) and knowing the five must-have wardrobe basics (p. 22); planning a DIY family trip (p.106); or exploring new places to shop for groceries and drinking a good cup of coffee (p. 111).

I am sure that some moms due to their very busy schedules may eat too much of everything just to relieve stress, always giving in to their cravings even if they are unhealthy. I admit, I was guilty of this! Because of this bad eating habit, I gained weight! Tips from "Snacks that Love You Back" (p. 38) that tackles swapping unhealthy food with food that has big benefits, "Lose the Weight--The Fun Way" (p. 34), or playing with your kids outdoors with traditional Pinoy games (p. 93) could help you shed off excess pounds!

 

For "Crafty Moms", they could turn their passion for crafting into a lucrative business like I did. Personalized do-it-yourself items are in demand nowadays (p.80). They may create unique stuff like doing a make-over on tin cans (p. 102). They can earn extra while saving the environment!

Laughter decreases my negative stress. Reading topics about revisiting the path of celebrity moms (p. 70) and remembering what's in during the 90's (p. 77) would surely make readers laugh too!

In times when we feel that we are burdened with so much motherly duties, it is nice to know that there are moms out there who reveal their best secrets to a balanced life  (p. 56). We are just like other moms who make things happen from outside the limelight in our own special and unique way (p. 74).

Being a mom of two boys, school-age and toddler, is very challenging especially when my eldest becomes a little jealous of his little brother because he used to have the attention all the time. Amanda Griffin-Jacob (p.47) talks about how she handles this situation and get inspired on how motherhood transformed her into an "It Girl" to a proud momma! 

My toddler tends to be autonomous. There are power struggles when I deal with him sometimes. If I get impatient, I might hurt his feelings. Tips on how to handle this (p. 90) give us ideas on how we could be firm without being too harsh on our toddlers.

This is just a tip of an iceberg! There are more helpful articles that make parenting a best experience! 

WORKING MOM JULY 2013 issue gave me a better perspective on how to balance my personal and family life. It made me realize that I should love myself more so that I could give more love to others especially my family whose care was entrusted to me. Remember, we couldn't give something that we don't have.

Aside from my own insights about the articles, I let my mother and husband read the magazine and I used it as a reading material for our "Mother and Son Bonding" that we usually do before I send my eldest to bed. Here are their favorite articles and why they love them:

Mom: "I like what Amanda Griffin-Jacob said that she should cater first to the toddler then to the baby because the baby wouldn't have a recollection of what his brother does when he's jealous. I agree with the insights of the authors of "He Said, She Said" (p. 96) about saying goodbye that the best way to help the child cope with loss is to be simply being there with him, listening and choosing the right words to say. The article of Queena Lee-Chua (p.99) is very helpful in praising the child the right way. I remember the days when you were still young. Ganyan din ang ginawa ko."

 

Hubby: "One of the root causes between parents and their kids is miscommunication not because our children don't want to follow but in most cases is due to our inability as parents to convey our message in the language that they understand. Magic Words (p. 90) help us understand and speak in the language of our children." 

Kuya: "I like Beijing's Kiddie-Friendly Places (p. 108). They're so amazing! I also like Awesome Stuff for the Tub (p. 85). They're so cool!"

 

I encourage you, moms out there, to grab a copy of Working Mom July 2013 issue! CLICK THIS to watch its TVC and have a feel of what's in store for you!

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My Chicken Curry Using McCormick Curry Seasoning Mix

According to Wikipedia, Chicken Curry is a common delicacy in South Asia, Southeast Asia, as well as in the Caribbean (where it is usually referred to as "curry chicken"). A typical South Asian curry consists of chicken stewed in an onion and tomato-based sauce, flavored with ginger, garlic, chillies and a variety of spices, often including turmeric, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, cardamom and so on. Outside South Asia, chicken curry is often made with a pre-made spice mixture known as curry powder.

Sounds yummy and tastes even better when eaten with rice! For some people, cooking it in a traditional way is difficult.  Why are they supposed to do it the old way when it can be cooked in a quick and easy manner but the taste is very close to the authentic one?

Now, cooking Chicken Curry is made easy and hassle-free using McCormick Curry Seasoning Mix! This is how to do it based on the cooking instructions written at the back portion of the label.

 

 Ingredients

1 pack McCormick Curry Seasoning Mix

1 cup water

2 cups thick coconut milk or 3/4 cup milk

1 kg meat, cut up

4 medium potatoes, cubed

2 medium carrots, diced

1 medium red bell pepper, cubed

cooking oil for frying

Procedure 

1. Dissolve McCormick Curry Seasoning Mix in water. Set aside.

2. Brown meat, potatoes, and carrots in oil. Set aside.

3. In a pan, pour in the dissolved curry mix, browned meat and vegetables, and coconut milk. Cook over medium heat and let boil for a minute.

4. Add in red bell pepper. Simmer until sauce thickens.

The ingredients and cooking procedure are found at the back of the packaging.

6. Serve while hot with plain rice!

My Version

I used chicken. I boiled it first before frying it on its own oil. I set it aside and used the same oil in browning potatoes and carrots. I used four cups of thick coconut milk extracted from two grated coconuts instead of two cups as stated above. I added green bell peppers too and a dash of salt to taste.

Ooopps,sorry! I wasn't able to plate my Chicken Curry to make it look more appetizing. I took this photo immediately after cooking.

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Easy Homemade Cheese Pimiento

My aunt taught me how to make Cheese Pimiento when I was eight years old. She would cook every ingredient and I found it very tasking. That discouraged me to cook it myself.

Now when I make my own version, bell pepper is the only ingredient I need to cook! It takes less than 30 minutes to finish everything! Not only that, this Cheese Pimiento is packed with nutrients! Red bell pepper is rich in Riboflavin, Thiamin, Niacin, Potassium, Manganese, Vitamins A, C, E, K, B6, dietary fiber, and Folate. Butter and cheese are milk products and they are rich in protein! Sugar has carbohydrates. I added a little just to balance the saltiness of cheese, because too much sugar is bad for the health. 

 This can be a perfect dip for crackers and nachos or spread on toast that your family would surely love!

Ingredients

• 1 bar (225 grams) Dairy Creme Buttermilk
• 1 bar (175 grams) Eden Cheese
• 4 teaspoons white sugar
• 1 medium red bell pepper

 

Procedure

1. Melt butter in room temperature. When it's a little soft, cut it into small cubes. Let it melt further.

    2. Boil bell pepper for 5-7 minutes while melting butter in room temperature. Let it cool and mince. Set aside.

3. When the cubed butter is very soft, grate cheese and put it in a bowl with butter.

 

4. Add sugar and minced bell pepper too.

5. Mix all ingredients together until well-blended. Use fork to mix them easily.

6. When the mixture is paste-like, put it in a dry and clean jar for storing. Keep refrigerated and consume within 3-5 days.

Toasted Bread + Cheese Pimiento = PERFECTION!

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Follow My Blog with Bloglovin'!

It's been almost two years since I updated my blog in Bloglovin'! I had a hard time claiming my blog yesterday. Finally, it's done! Thanks to the very helpful and accommodating Miss Johanna Carlberg! Now I am back to Bloglovin'! Hope to post more blogs soon! 

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

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Ariadne R.'s Feedback on "My Chewy Sugar Coated Fried Bananas" Recipe

"...Thanks for sharing ur version of caramelized banana! I soooo love it! Hihihi before i tried doing banana que but i always failed.. But now, i can have my banana cubes anytime i want coz i can easily do it.. Lol"---Ariadne R.

 

Thanks for sharing these photos and feedback, my dear friend, Ariadne! They made my day! God bless you & your hubby! Miss you!

Sincerely,

Ate SJ

  
You may click the link below to see the recipe
My Chewy Sugar Coated Fried Bananas

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