Papa John’s better ingredients better pizzas

Papa John’s better ingredients better pizzas

Papa John's U-Mall branch

Papa John’s Pizza University Mall branch. Photo credit to www.vozzog.com.

The first time I heard about Papa John’s was when they opened a branch at the University Mall (U-Mall) on Taft near my place of work and I treated my daughter there for lunch. Sadly, that branch is no longer around but then … good news! There are more branches of Papa John’s Pizza now, and even more are opening soon!

Papa John’s current branches

All over the world there are 4,700 branches. Wow! That’s a lot of branches. In the Philippines alone there are currently 16 branches with more to open very soon. So where are these branches in the Philippines, you may ask? Here’s a map and a list for your convenience.

Some of the pizza markers may not appear at first glance as they are in areas outside of the immediate scope of the map.  However, rest assured they are there.  You just need to either zoom out or drag the map up and down. 😀

Check out the BLUE pizzas.

  1. Antipolo
    1. Emraud Square Plaza
    2. Shell Marcos Highway
  2. Quezon City
    1. Banawe (corner NS Amoranto)
    2. Cubao (20th Avenue)
    3. Tandang Sora (Berkeley Square, Commonwealth Avenue)
    4. Tomas Morato (corner Scout Rallos)
    5. Visayas Avenue
    6. Xavierville (Nueve Uno)
  3. Las Pinas (Dona Nena Business Center Building, Alabang Zapote)
  4. Makati (Jupiter Street)
  5. Mandaluyong (SM Megamall Building A)
  6. Marikina (PACLEB Building, Bayan-Bayanan Avenue)
  7. Paranaque (Don Bosco, Dona Soledad, Better Living Subdivision)
  8. Pasig (Julia Vargas corner Shell C5 Road)
  9. Rizal (Ortigas Extension, Taytay)
  10. San Juan (Wilson Street)

And more branches opening locally are opening soon!

Check out the RED pizzas.

  1. Baclaran (September 21, 2016)
  2. Kalaw (September 21, 2016)
  3. Nangka (September 21, 2016) – 2 branches
  4. Caloocan (October 2016)

Whew!  That’s a lot of branches!  You’re sure to stumble into 1 or 2 branches as you traverse through traffic in Metro Manila. 😀  My favorite branch, though, is the one on Tomas Morato.  Probably because they have more space (multiple floors, people!) but basically, because it’s near where I live, hehe.

Papa John's Tomas Morato

Papa John’s at Tomas Morato corner Scout Rallos Street in Quezon City

Now that you know where to go it’s time to know what you can enjoy while you’re there.

House Specialties

Pizza, pizza, pizza! That’s what Papa John’s is all about.  But there are 6 flavors which they proudly say are their specialties:  All The Meats, Cheesy Bacon Melt, Chicken BBQ, Chicken Bacon Ranch, Super Papa, and Texas Heat.

The last one I tried was the Chicken Bacon Ranch and I really enjoyed it!  Call me weird but I think salad dressing on a pizza is just plain yummy. 😀

Chicken Bacon Ranch ... Papa John's Specialty Pizza

Chicken Bacon Ranch … Papa John’s Specialty Pizza

I could be deluding myself when I say this but … one other reason I like it is because it seems the healthiest choice of the 6. 😀

Sides

Pepperoncini

Pepperoncini

All Papa John’s Pizzas are served with a side of pepperoncini and garlic butter sauce.  When I first encountered this I was surprised.  That isn’t something that happens in other pizza restaurants.  And these are big peppers, similar to the one used in sinigang.  I love spicy food but even I approached it with caution.

The first time I took a knife and sliced a small piece and bit into it … and it was good!  Spicy yes, but also tart, and crunchy!  Then I tried cutting it up and putting it on my pizza and dribbled some hot sauce … even better!  In the end I just picked up the next one and munched on it like chips. 😀

Now, if you (like I) can munch on a pepperoncini then you are sure to enjoy this.

Pepperoncini Dynamite

Pepperoncini Dynamite

The pepperoncini dynamite!  Ta-daaah!!! You’ve likely eaten many pepperoncini in your life whether you’ve realized it or not. But I assure you, they’re nothing compared to Papa John’s Pepperoncini Dynamite. This goodness is bacon wrapped pepperoncini stuffed with cheese sauce for a melt-in-your-mouth surprise.

Personally, I think everything’s good with bacon. 😀

What’s new at Papa John’s?

A lot!  Let’s see now… There’s

  • chicken popper pizza
  • mexican ole – for those who REALLY like it spicy!
  • pepperoni buffalo
  • fried chicken goodness – which is currently only available at the Jupiter branch
  • vegetable stromboli

Not included in the pics above is the pineapple caramel stromboli, which, incidentally, is not yet available in stores but will be soon.

Does seeing all that food make you hungry? But at the same time does it make you worry about your wallet?  Not to worry!  Papa John’s loves the fact that Filipinos love to eat together and so they have a bunch of promos made especially for groups.

The Promos

I confess, I LOVE promos!  Especially when the whole family comes together at home and everyone wants pizza … promos are there to save the day! 😀  Here are Papa John’s super duper awesome promos.

Grab 2 side items for free

Grab 2 side items for free

Two is better than one! Buy any 14-inch pizza and get 2 sides for free from Friday to Sunday only. Choices for free side items are: 4 glasses of iced tea (dine in only), pepperoncini dynamite, cheese sticks, herbed parmesan breadsticks, single served featured pasta and season wedges.

This promo can only be enjoyed in the store and not for delivery.

Super Duos

Super Duo

Double deal! Get 2 Party Featured Pizzas for only P695.

SINGLE FLAVORS: Cheese Trio, Mexican Ole, Island Spice, Papa’s Deluxe, BBQ Bacon Lovers, Crabmeat Marinara, Pepperoni Buffalo, Bacon Cheeseburger Surprise, Honey Chicken Poppers Pizza.

HALF & HALF: Mexican Ole & Papa’s Deluxe are not available for Dine-In.

Pizza Holiday Mondays

Pizza Holiday MondaysStart your Monday with a bang! Grab our selected regular sized pizza for only P129 every Monday only.

Variants included are Bacon and Cheese, Simply Cheese, Italian Sausage and Cheese Trio. Not available for delivery.

P299 Pizza Party Tuesday

P299 Pizza Party TuesdayCome to our Happy Tuesdays. Experience our freshest pizza ingredients. Selected party sized pizza for only P299 every Tuesday only.

Variants included are: Chicken Bacon Ranch, Texas Heat, Simply Cheese, Garden Special, The Hawaiian, Pepperoni, Cheese Trio, Cheesy Bacon Melt and Cheesy Margherita.

Available for dine-in, take out, and delivery.


At the end of the day, though, I must confess, these are my favorites.

Creamy crab meat pasta

Creamy crab meat pasta

Pepperoni Pizza

Pepperoni Pizza

Great food and great company at the #PapaJohnsBloggersNight

A photo posted by Penny Tan (@slvrdlphn) on

Somedays, I just don’t want to think about what I will eat and these two are no brainers. Guaranteed happiness in every bite. 😀

But the best way to enjoy Papa John’s is with fellow foodies. 🙂

Papa John’s Pizza.  Better Ingredients.  Better Pizza.

I think I’m going to hop on over to Papa John’s now.  Doo dee doo …

The Winning Moves of James Reid

The Winning Moves of James Reid

I confess, I am a big fan of James Reid. Not only for his looks but also for his abilities as an actor.

But then, I am also a HUGE fan of Century Tuna.  My all-time favorite is the Century Tuna Hot and Spicy Tuna (a favorite of my family as well).  We have it over rice, with pandesal, on a salad, made into a sandwich spread, eaten as a viand AFTER it was made into a spread, lol! The list goes on. But my favorite baon treats are the Century Tuna Vienna Sausage and the Corned Tuna.

Century Tuna products

Century Tuna products

So when I was invited to the presscon of Century Tuna I immediately said yes. And when I found out that James was going to be there, I decided to arrive at the venue early. 😀

After a big reveal that showcased a body reinvented by Century Tuna, stopped EDSA traffic, and sent fans on a social media frenzy, top actor James Reid appears anew in a TV commercial that gives a glimpse on how thinking like a champion has brought him to where he is now.

There’s no denying that James Reid is one of the hottest young actors today. He’s a social media phenomenon—with millions of followers online, not counting the various fan accounts that his devoted followers set up.

jadineThe highly bankable love team JaDine, in which he is paired with his reel and real life partner Nadine Lustre, has sent their legions of fans in a frenzy, whether in mall tours, concerts, meet and greets, and even online where they are constant trending topics.

There are his chart-topping albums including Reid Alert which hit certified platinum level status last May. Then there are his box-office film successes—the 2014 romantic comedy and his launch movie Diary ng Panget; and Talk Back and You’re Dead, the teen romance flick that followed a year later. No doubt, his biggest hit to date is On the Wings of Love, the top-rating primetime series with Nadine that kept viewers glued to their TV sets until its sensational finale.

Clearly, James Reid is on a winning streak and his steady career path is one that is marked by a succession of winning moves. Recently, he joined the ranks of Anne Curtis and Derek Ramsey as endorser of Century Tuna, the country’s number one tuna.

derek ramsey and anne curtis for century tuna

Derek Ramsey and Anne Curtis – celebrity endorsers of Century Tuna

century tuna james reid

#BodyoftheCentury James Reid stars in the newest commercial of Century Tuna now airing on primetime TV.

Becoming part of the Century Tuna family has certainly paid off for the young hunk. He is presently at his fittest—sculpted abs, toned muscles, firm biceps—which can be attributed to a rigorous fitness regimen and a proper diet consisting of good protein that Century Tuna can provide.

It’s no surprise then that James headlines their latest campaign, where he appears in a series of sizzling television commercials: the first, a TV spot focusing on metamorphosis that sent his fans in a frenzy and created a sensation; the second, which is presently airing, revolves around the idea of commitment and loyalty.

Century Tuna couldn’t be happier for having James in its roster of celebrity endorsers. From the very beginning, they already saw a champion in him. “His story is truly inspiring,” said Greg Banzon, Century Tuna General Manager. “It speaks of transformation, the relentless desire to improve oneself. It’s a winning formula that brings many positive lessons for everyone: perseverance, keeping the faith, while staying humble and true to yourself—qualities that make James a true role model.”

james-with-standeeMeanwhile, for James, it’s really all about trust. “I liken it to a championship game,” he reveals. “If you want to win, you naturally want to surround yourself with a teammate you can put your total faith into. That to me is Century Tuna, and I can’t think of any other name that I’d trust to keep my body fit.”

With bated breath, we watch as James continues to transform—from a teen heartthrob to a more mature actor with the determination, the attitude and the body to conquer and win in the challenging world of show business.

Lose weight with a new mindset

Lose weight with a new mindset

weigh-inAs we get older it becomes more and more difficult to lose weight.  It often feels as if we are constantly losing the battle of the bulge – especially once we hit our 40s and our metabolisms become slower and slower and slower.  More than a few just give up and accept their “more curvaceous” selves.

Despite our best intentions we just can’t seem to lose weight.  Perhaps at this point it is our mindset that is holding us back.  In this day and age, when there’s a plethora of unhealthy food to consume and unhealthy lifestyle choices to make, it can be difficult to follow a diet program. But if we have the right attitude to lose weight and maintain our ideal weight, nothing is impossible.

possible

Sheryl Garcia

Sheryl Garcia, who weighed 152 lbs., reached her healthy weight of 112 lbs. in just six months.

Francis Salazar

Francis Salazar started the program in 2011 weighing 325 lbs., and in eight months, he lost 153 lbs.

Sheryl Ehmene Uy-Garcia and Francis Salazar, two Cohen’s Lifestyle Program graduates who have maintained their healthy weight for more than three years, can attest to the effectiveness of conditioning one’s mind to lose weight.

Before adapting their new mindset, Uy-Garcia, an advertising sales unit head in her mid-30s, and Francis Salazar, a technology consultant, both suffered from asthma and obesity.

They turned to the Cohen Lifestyle Program, a rapid weight-loss, and wellness program through nutrition. Salazar started the program in 2011 weighing 325 lbs., and in eight months, he lost 153 lbs. Garcia, who weighed 152 lbs., reached her healthy weight of 112 lbs. in just six months.

Salazar and Garcia share the following “mental diet” tips that they learned from joining the program: 

Assess your relationship with food.

emotional-eatingBefore you can effectively lose weight, you have to understand and deal with the root cause of your problem first –your relationship with food. The two Cohen clients reveal that they were emotional eaters before trying the program. Salazar shares, “I ate when I was happy; I ate when I was sad.” It’s important to be aware of why you may overeat and to stop feeding your emotion in order to successfully maintain your ideal weight.

Always remember your weight-loss motivation.

familyLosing weight can be difficult, but it doesn’t have to be, especially when you focus on why you want to lose weight. “During one of my monthly ER visits, the doctor warned me that my asthma was fatal and I would expire early if I didn’t take care of myself. I enrolled in the Cohen’s Lifestyle Program because their approach is very personal. They made me focus on my ‘why’ – to live longer for my husband and kids,” shares Garcia.

As for Salazar, his family’s medical history compelled him to finally say goodbye to obesity. “A couple of my uncles died due to diabetes and stroke, and my mom knows that my current situation is a ‘ticking time bomb.’”

Have a support system.

There may have been times when you wanted to give up, but with the help and support of your family, you can push through with your weight-loss journey and reach your goal.

support systemGarcia and Salazar stayed committed to the Cohen Lifestyle Program with the help of their families. “A key factor that helped me stay committed to the program is my supportive husband who encouraged and cooked for me whenever he could,” shares Garcia.

In addition to family support, it is also important to have the support of others who understand what you are going through and are supportive of your desire to lose weight and be healthier. Cohen Consultants often meet with their clients, such as Francis and Sheryl, to help them on their weight-loss journey.

Set realistic expectations.

realistic-expectationsWeight loss doesn’t happen overnight. You have to work for it, including sacrificing some indulgences. “Before Cohen, I only ate pork, rice and soda, no vegetables and fruits, but now, my plate always has salad with protein,” Garcia shares.

Sometimes no matter how hard you try to stick to your diet program, setbacks happen which can slow down your weight-loss progress or even increase your weight. The most important thing is you do not completely let go of your goal and you get back on track with your weight-loss program as soon as possible. Before you know it, you can reach your goal.

Salazar says, “Now that I no longer need to lose more weight, it is okay to indulge once in a while, but not overindulge. It’s okay to enjoy food. We eat to live, not live to eat.”

Change your perspective on food and diet.

perspectiveYour mindset on food and diet is an essential factor in losing and maintaining weight safely and effectively. Salazar shares, “I learned that food is not supposed to run my life. That food is there for nourishment, but not to control me. I learned to be a more moderate and responsible eater.”

Garcia reveals, “It’s time to think of my family, not just my comfort. I eat to survive and only occasionally, eat to enjoy. Cohen teaches the discipline and the tools on how to make the right food choices, and I haven’t had any asthma attacks from the first day I started the program!”

 

To know more about Cohen’s Lifestyle Program, visit www.CohenLifestyle.com.ph, or visit http://www.facebook.com/CohenLifestylePhil on Facebook and http://instagram.com/cohenlifestyleph on Instagram.

If cooking is not your thing and you are more of a delivery kinda guy or gal then check out this post on Cohen’s Meals on Wheels … healthy food delivered right at your doorstep.

Nestle Crunch Blizzard, Dairy Queen’s Blizzard of the Month

Nestle Crunch Blizzard, Dairy Queen’s Blizzard of the Month

Dairy Queen, your favorite ice cream brand, introduces its latest addition to its soft serve offerings that will surely satisfy your craving for good quality dessert! Treat yourself with Dairy Queen’s Blizzard of the Month, the all-new Nestle Crunch Blizzard!

crunch blizzard trioTo me this yummy dessert is happiness in a cup. 🙂  This mouthwatering dessert comes in three exciting and unique flavors.

The Crunch Blizzard Trio

almond crunchAlmond Crunch Blizzard is made with delectable Nestle Crunch &. almond blended with Dairy Queen’s signature soft serve for that ultimate nutty and flavorful taste.

overload crunchTo all chocolate lovers out there, chomp on the new Overload Crunch Blizzard! This second variant is made with cookie crunch, Nestle Crunch and Dairy Queen’s soft serve with swirls of cocoa fudge that melt perfectly in your mouth.

strawberry pretzel crunchAnd what’s not to love about the exciting strawberry-flavored blizzard! Strawberry Pretzel Crunch Blizzard is made with deliciously sweet strawberry toppings and crushed berry knots blended with Dairy Queen’s soft serve that is really worth a try.

strawberry, chocolate, and vanilla flavored crunch blizzard

3 cups of guilty pleasure 😀

I had the pleasure of trying them all.  Initially I thought I would like the strawberry crunch the most and then later I realized that the chocoholic in me would not be stopped … the overload crunch is my favorite. 😀

To be fair, it isn’t just the chocolate that drew me, it was mostly the crunch.  I like texture in what I eat and the overload crunch had the most texture.  To improve it I would most likely ask them to add almonds and pretzels in it.  Hey, I did say I like texture. 😀

Dairy Queen’s Nestle Crunch Blizzard is available for a limited time only, so head over to Dairy Queen stores now! Follow Dairy Queen Philippines on social media and visit www.dairyqueen.com.ph for more details.

About Dairy Queen

dq logo smallDairy Queen® is one of the largest ice cream chain in the world … It offers a lot of variety presentations of delicious soft serve, like class_!c and dipped cones, shakes, sundaes, Royal Treats, Moolatte, Blizzard®; and DQ® Cakes. The Dairy Queen system has more than 5,700 locations operating throughout 24 countries including the Philippines.

In the Philippines, Dairy Queen is owned and operated by the Philippine Pizza, Inc., the same franchise owners of Taco Bell and Pizza Hut.· It currently operates 80 stores that are strategically located all over the country.

Dairy Queen is proud to be different, unique, and fun, because it has an optimistic ambiance that encourage you to love life to the fullest. Whether it be any celebration, a family day, a self-indulgent moment, or a mere break to satisfy one’s dessert craving, the Dairy Queen experience makes you always come back for more.

Taste the hype with Taco Bell’s Chalupa Supreme

Taste the hype with Taco Bell’s Chalupa Supreme

Taco Bell's Chalupa

Taco Bell’s Chalupa

Taco Bell, the world’s leading taco food chain, invites you to #tastethehype as it innovates the classic taco with Chalupa Supreme.

The Chalupa Supreme features a deep-fried crispy and chewy flatbread filled with seasoned beef, sour cream, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes and a three-cheese blend. The result: a delightful mixture of textures and flavors that is distinctly Taco Bell. Transforming the everyday taco into an experience you won’t find anywhere else.

Chalupa ala carte or in a meal?

Already satisfying on its own, the Chalupa Supreme is available for P99 when ordered a la carte. Pair it with nachos and your favorite soda for a full meal for only P149.

chalupa

You may be asking … what makes the chalupa so different from a taco then?  It certainly looks the same.

For starters it is bigger than the average taco and certainly more filling.  Second, the “shell” is made of bread, not a taco shell, making it a heavier meal.  Think back to the last new offering of Taco Bell, the Gordita Supreme.  It’s the same flatbread but this time it is fried and shaped into a taco shell.

chalupa-shell
Tastewise I would say it tastes just like the Gordita.  The only real difference is that the bread is fried.  I have friends who have tried both the chalupa and the gordita and they have said that they prefer the chalupa.  Personally, I would rather have the gordita because I find it easier to eat.  I’ve got a quirk, I don’t like messy eating and, trust me, the chalupa is MESSY.

But then, some would argue that there is no neat way to eat a taco anyway and, what is a chalupa but a taco on steroids, right? 😀

So go ahead and #tastethehype today as Taco Bell’s Chalupa Supreme is available for a limited time only.

Learn more about Taco Bell’s latest offering, the Chalupa Supreme, and try other delectable treats that you’re sure to love only at Taco Bell! Visit the official website at www.tacobell.com.ph, or check out their official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/tacobellPHL, the lnstagram account @TacoBellPHL, and the hash tag #TacoBellPHL across Facebook and lnstagram.

About Taco Bell

taco bell logo black and whiteTaco Bell, a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE: YUM), founded over 50 years ago was known for its fun exploration as it ventured a different path in the fast food industry by introducing Crunchy Taco to the United States of America.

Today Taco Bell has over 6,500 restaurants world-wide. Millions of customers come to Taco Bell every week for that unique experience no other restaurant can offer. An experience brought to life through Taco Bell’s menu innovation and the smiles of those who create, serve and eat Taco Bell’s delicious food.

In the Philippines, Taco Bell began in 2004. Since then the brand has continued to explore the possibilities with its customers. Taco Bell Philippines brought the first Live Mas concept store to Asia with its flagship branch at Gateway Mall, a true testament of the brand’s commitment to give their customers more – in terms of value, quality and dining experience.

Currently Taco Bell is located at Gateway Mall, TriNoma and Alabang Town Center. For more information, visit their website at www.tacobell.com.ph. Follow Taco Bell on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ tacobellPHL) and lnstagram (@tacobellphl).

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