Mother’s date
the Okonomiyaki-specialty restaurant’s instagram-worthy interior. The new look is inspired by Japan’s street scenes, so diners can choose to sit on benches under a cherry blossom tree, in a fish market stall, or even inside a “cinema house” that plays old Japanese movies. Here, mom can feel like she’s part of a J-drama episode.
Mom is sure to enjoy fresh-off-the-grill Japanese pancakes and its mix of premium meats, especially as she does not exactly have to do the cooking herself. Dohtonbori’s friendly staff are on hand to fire up the table top grill and mix and flip the food items in time for its hungry guests amid the appetizing aromas emanating from under the cooking lids.
The restaurant is also set to launch a new menu to accompany its best sellers such as the Hiroshima Okonomyaki (a large barkada-style pancake filled with cabbage strips and noodles) and the De Luxe Okonomiyaki, (scallops, squid, and beef pancake). Dohtonbori Philippines franchisee Kim Cruz says that 19 new delicacies will be introduced soon such as a four-Cheese Okonomiyaki and a tabletop-cooked chocolate pancake topped with ice cream for dessert. “Wewill also be introducing okonomiyaki that requires more performance in their preparation. Since people already know what an okonomiyaki is, we want to let them see what else can be done with the dish.”
She is also excited to launch their mega okonomiyaki which is perfect for big groups. “When we have barkadas or large families over they usually order three okonomiyakis. This one is really big and really unique. Our staff needs to use a mixing bowl for it.” She says that the mega order will come in choices of pork and cheese and these are sure to be family favorites.
Dohtonbori branches are located at SM Mall of Asia, SM North Edsa, Cullinan Prime Building, 8 Missouri Street, Greenhills, San Juan, and now at the UP Town Center in Quezon City. For more information, visit the Dohtonbori Philippines Facebook page.
Heaven on earth
If mom seeks inner peace and a change of pace, there’s a place that’s just an hour’s drive away from Manila for that. Busy city mommies will love the tranquility that Eartheaven Recreation Center offers and here’s a fun fact -- it was actually inspired by a mom whowanted her own place to take a break.
The San Mateo, Rizal property is owned by hospitality expert Wyden King, who shares that Eartheaven is an answer to a calling. “It was a place for my late mother who has always envisioned it as a recreation center or a resort for healing. It was a refuge -- it was her refuge, and she called it by the prophetic name of Earth Haven.”
King reveals that the mission and purpose of the newly inaugurated recreation center is to serve as a sanctuary for reflection, coupled with fun activities that can be enjoyed by families or church groups seeking enlightenment or a simple spiritual break from routine.
Rev. Joe Mauk who oversees the property’s operations says that Eartheaven is open to everybody who wants to learn about God’s grace and abundance while surrounded by His creations. “This is a beautiful place for reflection.”
The center can cater to large groups such as church congregations or families who would like to take in the beauty of nature. Aside from a pavilion where gatherings can be held, a sparkling swimming pool, and wide open spaces that invite reflection and meditation, the property also has facilities that are perfect for teambuilding activities. Among the popular attractions are the obstacle course, a mud crawl area, the Rappeling course, and the Spider Web. Guests can opt for a day pass to enjoy these activities or stay overnight at cottages, dormitory- style rooms and nipa huts.
Training camps can be assisted by Eartheaven’s on-site staff. Another activity that can be done is a trekking adventure, where the river that runs along the property leads to nine beautiful waterfalls. It is also envisioned to become a pit stop for mountain bikers who enjoy the inclines that San Mateo has to offer.
During their stay, guests can enjoy a conference-type service with set meals at appointed times. Because it is a spiritual retreat center, the management has three requests: no smoking, no alcohol, and spiritual reflection with the aid of a video library of Rev. Mauk’s teachings using his popular spinning top technique.
King says that at the heart of Eartheaven is a mission where guests can have an encounter with God, for them to experience the Creator’s love. “This is a place Eartheaven Recreation Center offers and here’s a fun fact -- it was actually inspired by a momwho wanted her own place to take a break. for people to be healed or transformed and they can leave Eartheaven feeling restored.”
Eartheaven is located at 1 Army Road, Barangay Silangan, San Mateo, Rizal. For more information, visit www.eartheavenrec.com or the Eartheaven Recreation Center Facebook page. For reservations, call (0920) 9779700, or e-mail eartheavenreservation@gmail.com.