The Filipino Friends Blog

Robin Tomas: Bringing Pinoy to Bloomingdale’s

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Well something different to share with all of you! I found this from the Asian Journal and just had to share this great kudos! Robin Tomas won the competition to design something in cotton and be show cased at Bloomingdale’s in New York!!  Kudos to Robin for an achievement when there were many competitors!  Here’s the story…

Photo courtesy of Giulia Piccari

New York-based Filipino designer Robin Tomas launched his winning T-shirt design last March 19 at Bloomingdale’s 59th Street flagship department store in New York City, just in time for the spring season kickoff.

“I am elated, I am in Cloud Nine, I am numb,” Robin tells us when we cornered him at the launch.

He has every reason to be ecstatic.

Robin joined and won the Supima’s contest for best redesign/rethink of the cotton t-shirt competition last year and his winning design, the V-neck layered tonal tee cotton knit will be sold during a limited run. Supima is the promotional organization of American Pima cotton growers.

“It was quite a wait but I believe in right timing and things happening for a reason. This is the right time because currently, I am also working on my fall collection which I am trying to sell here in New York,” he shares.

A graduate of Parsons School of Design in New York, Robin has also interned for designers Anna Sui and Valentino. He’s also been a menswear designer at Gap, Tommy Hilfiger, and J. Crew.

“I’m setting foot here in Bloomingdale’s not just for me, but for the Philippines as well,” he shares, explaining how his partnership with Supima means for his career as a designer. “The first time I saw the label, I was so ecstatic. I couldn’t believe that my name is being sold in a major department store here in New York.”

The T-shirt is on a limited run, so better head to Bloomie’s now if you want to get a hold of it.

“We’re running out of some sizes already and it’s just the first day. Fortunately, it’s a happy problem,” he says laughing. “And I think my mom is buying half of what’s remaining.”

This is the third edition of Supima’s annual Design Competition, which was previously known as the “Competition for Emerging Designers.” … Read more

So if you’re in New York, stop by Bloomingdale’s and see if you can get some T’s… before it rans out! But am sure they will have ample supply coming soon!  =)

Kinilaw Na Tanigue

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Now, this is the Filipino version of ceviche and my Mom use to make this and it has been quite a long time since I’ve it!  This is sooo good! It’s raw fish that cooks in vinegar! If you’ve not had it.. so give it a try, you will love it as much as we do!  Thanks Philippines Foods & Recipes!

Kinilaw is a Filipino way of cooking that is similar to Latin American ceviche . They both relies on the sour agent of vinegar to cook the raw fish.

Kinilaw Na Tanigue consist of raw fish called Tanigue mixed with vinegar and other ingredients. Its like sushi but tastes even better.

The most important thing in this recipe is to make sure that you will use fresh ingredient available because the taste and deliciousness of this dish depends on the freshness of the fish itself.

Check the below recipe of Kinilaw na Tanigue that is good for 8 servings.

Kinilaw Na Tanigue Recipe Ingredients:

* 1 kg skinned fresh sea bass, cubed to bite size pieces
* 2 tablespoons finely minced garlic
* 1 cup white vinegar
* 6 tablespoons lime juice
* 5 diced tomatoes
* 1 cup finely minced onion
* 3 tablespoons finely minced ginger root
* 1 red bell pepper, diced
* 1 green bell pepper, diced
* jalapeno peppers
* 1/4 cup spring onion, minced

Kinilaw Na Tanigue Recipe Cooking Instruction:

1). Marinate fish in vinegar for at least 30 minutes. Keep it in the refrigerator.

2). Drain and mix with lemon juice and all other ingredients.

3). Serve chilled.

Crispy Squid

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This is one tasty treat…if you like squid which I do!  I hope to make these recipes and try it out on my hubby…I’ve collected so many that I CAN make a menu for a whole month!!  Well, maybe but I have tons of recipes that I would love to try.  So again Thanks to Philippines Foods & Recipes

Here is a simple and easy to follow crispy squid recipe. This recipe is perfect for all occasion.

Crispy Squid Recipe Ingredients:
* 500 gms. squid, cleaned & sliced into tubes
* 2 tbsp. rice vinegar
* 500 ml. water
* 1 tsp. ground white pepper
* 1 tsp. salt
* 2 tbsp. cooking oil, for deep-frying

For the batter:
* 1 egg, well beaten
* 100 gms. plain (all-purpose) flour
* 1 tbsp. cold water
* 1 tbsp. cooking oil
* 1 tsp. salt
* 1 tsp. ground white pepper
* 1 tsp. annatto seed oil

For the garnish (optional):
* 1 sprig lettuce
* 1 cucumber sliced

Crispy Squid Cooking Instructions:

1). Bring vinegar and water to a boil.

2). Blanch the squid, then drain well.

3). Marinate squid with salt and pepper.

4). Combine the batter ingredients.

5). Heat oil for deep-frying.

6). Dip squid in batter, then deep-fry in hot oil until golden brown.

7). Place in serving plate and garnish with lettuce and vegetables.

Enjoy your crispy squid! This is best serve with dipping sauce of choice (e.g. mayonnaise, chili sauce).