Allan K Knows Chicken Deli, the Bidang Inasal of Bacolod

"Sa amoy pa lang, alam mo na!" celebrated comedian and "Eat Bulaga" anchor Allan K declares.

Known for his discriminating nose, Allan is raving about the distinct smell of Chicken Deli's barbequed chicken. "I really cannot define it in words," he continues. "Siguro naaamoy ko yung spices, but sigurado ako na ito ang tunay na inasal ng Bacolod."

The native Negrense should know. After all, he has been enjoying the familiar flavor of Chicken Deli since his days as a young aspiring singer in Bacolod. In between competing in talent contests, and easily winning the judges over with his soulful rendition of the Boy Mondragon hit song "Rain", Allan takes comfort in the authentic Bacolod flavor of Chicken Deli inasal. Salty, not sweet like other inasal, pecho (chicken breast) is his favorite part of the Chicken because "that is the prime cut of the chicken."

To Allan's delight, Chicken Deli has also opened branches in Metro Manila, allowing him to satisfy his inasal cravings on those days when he cannot go back home to Bacolod.

Aside from Allan's favorite pecho, Chicken Deli also serves other choice grilled meats like Chicken Paa (thigh and leg portion), Pork Barbeque, and Pork Liempo. Feasting on pork continues with Lechon Kawali, Pork Sisig, and Pork Sinigang. There are also Pinoy favorites like Kare-kare, Angus Beef Tapa, Inasal na Bangus, as well as Fiesta Salo-Salo for sharing. With all these choices available at Chicken Deli branches, Negrenses can always have a taste of home. And Metro Manila foodies will always have a chance to explore the flavors of Bacolod.

Following his heart… and nose

While Allan was enjoying an amount of popularity in the province, his immense talent longed for a bigger stage to play on. He recalls: "I just felt na I had a very small audience in Bacolod; I saw the same faces every night when I perform. So I said I want a bigger venue."

Thus, he followed his heart and pursued the scent of success. He sought his destiny in Manila.

Allan picks up the tale: "Nung pumunta ako dito sa Manila, part of the plan was to join "Bagong Kampeon", kung saan galing si Regine."

Like many aspiring singers, he attempted to audition. But it took months to secure an audition schedule. Meantime, instead of waiting idly by, Allan began performing in shows and clubs. His efforts started gaining momentum; he was developing a following, not just with music fans, but among singers and artists too. And when his audition was finally scheduled, Allan had changed his mind. "Nahiya na akong bumalik sa contest kasi baka biglang matalo. Baka mawalan ako ng followers," Allan confesses with a grin.

In the midst of this budding career, however, he got the opportunity to join noontime TV show "Eat Bulaga" in 1995, first appearing in the segment "Bulagaan"; later on, as a regular host, he had his own portion "Allan Nose (knows) Best." He considers "Eat Bulaga" to be his showbiz family, and is very grateful that "sila talaga yung unang-unang nagtiwala."

Fast forward to today, with over 20 films to his credit, and a much sought-after host, singer, and actor, Allan plays the unexpected instigator to "Eat Bulaga"'s accidental love team that is AlDub.

That one moment when Yaya Dub caught a glimpse of Alden, that uncertain smile, that shy pabebe wave. Then Allan's teasing. Who would have known? Allan himself was surprised, stunned even, at the snowball effect of that single moment.

"Sino'ng mag-aakalang after 36 years ay magkakaganyan pa ang "Eat Bulaga?" he asks, referring to the phenomenal popularity of AlDub. "Makakuha ng 41 million Tweets, 50+ na rating? Kami nga, ang dineclare namin ay 39 million. Twitter ang nag correct sa amin; Twitter mismo ang nagsabing 41 million."

Allan admits that no one really knows where the AlDub road will lead. But for as long as it lasts, he will be there to encourage and support the team and the fans.

Smiles from Bacolod

Today, as the current face (and nose) of Chicken Deli, Allan draws on the Negrense's joyful spirit. "Kaming mga taga Bacolod, parang we don't take life seriously," he muses. Not that they do not face reality head on. Instead, it is because after surviving so many trials and tragedies, the people of Negros have learned to roll with the punches. They smile at the storm, not because they are resigned to what they cannot control, but because disaster will never defeat them.

"There was a time nga a long time ago, the people in Negros were the rich and the poor, the hacienderos and the sakadas," Allan explains. 'When the sugar industry collapsed in the '80s, ang dami talagang nagutom; that's why there was this Hungry Children of Negros noong araw. So sabi nila (the Negrenses), we have to fight this with our smiles. Kaya nagkaroon kami ng Masskara Festival, wearing masks that show a smile, regardless of the situation. So we were called the City of Smiles after that."

And with a twinkle in his eye, Allan K affirms with a knowing smile: "I feel so happy and proud na na-recognize nila ako as a Negrense; and at the same time I'll be endorsing a product na purely Bacolod. Ito ang totoong chicken inasal ng Bacolod."

For franchising inquiries, please call +639328489957 or call (02) 9030108 email:franchisingchickendeli@gmail.com or visit their website, www.chickendelibacolod.com. Like them too on Facebook& Follow them on Twitter.

You may also visit their other outlets in BACOLOD CITY: Lacson St., Gaisano Mall, SM City Mall, Lopues East Centre Villamonte & 888 China Town Mall.

Just recently, Chicken Deli opened its newest branch at the VTC Mall, Gogon, Virac Catanduanes. In addition to this, they also opened Yubenco, Tetuan Zamboanga; Robinsons Galleria, Maxilom Ave. Cebu City; SM City Iloilo, Manduriao, Iloilo City; La Carlota City, Negros Occidental, and Sm Center Angono, Rizal - the Art Capital of the Philippines.

Metro Manila : SM North Edsa, Annex Bldg. Quezon City, Fiesta Market Market Bonifacio Global City Taguig, Mindanao Ave. cor Road 20 Quezon City, Ayala Fairview Terraces, Quezon City, Q Pavillion UST Manila & Talon Uno Las Piñas PROVINCIAL : SM City Santa Rosa Laguna, Petron NLEX Bulacan, Ayala District Mall, Talisay City-Negros Occidental, Guagua Pampanga, SM City Cauayan - Isabela, Mariveles - Bataan, Carmona -Cavite.