Maya Navarro

Rare instance that a customer will move her reserved date, so this unexpected dinner slot was taken by a very lucky girl who happens to be the sister of my good friend from college. She is none other than Maya Navarro, younger sister of my dear friend Kytes Navarro whom I haven't seen for ages. Anyway, I have this short story lang about how Maya planned to surprise her boyfriend for his birthday. She asked him to accompany her for an interview on a Sunday somewhere in Makati. She said its on 20th floor, a condo in Malugay St. cor Buendia. When they arrived, Maya was surprised to see that the condo is a low-rise condo with only 5 floors. She still pushed through her plan and you'll see that it turned out well thru the photos below.

Maya was the very first to try the Spanish set meal menu then after her a lot of customers also preferred the same set meal. This is Spanish potato salad.

For dessert they had Crema Catalaña

Maya with her boyfriend...

Photo snippets of the birthday celebration.

Maya works for Wyeth Phils. in Sales Marketing

Happy couple :-)

The souvenir photos I had with the couple

Thanks Maya for dining! Hope you had a great time...

Kelly Lim

One day I suddenly found myself reminiscing my Fine Arts days because of Ms. Kelly Lim. She's a Multi-Media student at College of St. Benilde, School of Design. I was fascinated about the big changes nowadays in terms of different medium in executing designs. All of those medium were computer-based or they are simply program-based. Oh well...8 years ago since I graduated from UST Fine Arts where everything was still manually done. During that time computer rendition was only allowed during my third year. So definitely Kelly is now part of the new era of Fine Arts where everything goes digital.

Here's Kelly with her boyfriend Anton who is also a Multi-Media student at CSB. Since they are both an art-based couple they shared me plenty of stories about their likes and dislikes, strengths and weaknesses, adventures and misadventures about art.

They looked at my painting. They appreciated and analyzed it, just like art students doing in ART APPRECIATION 101.

They both enjoyed participating in the photo session.

Sweet photo snippets of Kelly & Anton after the dinner.

Kelly's being a pure chinese didn't become a hindrance to their relationship eventhough Anton is a filipino. I believe Kelly belongs to the modern and non-traditional chinese clan.

We shared tons of stories. There would have even been more, if the night wasn't so short.

Kelly reminds me of Jodie Santa Maria-Lacson. They have a resemblance... am I right? Thank you so much Kelly and Anton for the long conversation we shared, it's the longest so far... Good luck in your studies and in your relationship.

Denmark Yaneza

Another kapamilya in the house and he's none other than Denmark Yaneza. He works for ABS-CBN Interactive and a co-worker of Albin Lim who also dined here last year. He's with his Korean girlfriend and they had the Italian set meal. The girl doesn't understand either English or Tagalog so I was wondering how these two people converse. Iasked Denmark and he said that he can speak a little Korean and his girlfriend can understand a little of Tagalog. I'm glad the girl appreciated the food I served.

This is the bruschetta platter they had for appetizer. I found it funny when Denmark's girlfriend used her fork to eat the bruschettas. She seemed to have such a hard time eating. I didn't know how to tell her that she can use just her hands eating those bruschettas.

This couple proved to me that language and nationality are not barriers.

I felt sad when I learned that she's going back to Korea then to the United States to study. Denmark is also leaving for Perth, Australia. If language is not a barrier, then maybe distance is.

Thanks for dining and spending your few moments together.

Manu Pantaleon

Manu Pantaleon is another deduction from the roster of bachelors. He is working as a technical consultant in Lawson PSCC. He is already engaged to Abie, who works for IBM Solutions Delivery as a Developer and Analyst. They met each other while in college at De La Salle University. They have known each other for very long time now and they are about to settle down.

Behind the roman blind, I was busy preparing all the dishes that Manu and Abie will share for that night.

This is the famous Shrimp and Mango Medley, still waiting for the dressing to be poured and the shrimp to jump over.

This is my new addition to my Thai Set Meal, Grilled Squid with Basil stuffing and Bagoong Fried Rice.

How hot can u get with my Chicken Curry Wansoy? It’s full of flavors because of the curry, coconut milk, and wansoy leaves, herbs and spices plus red and green jalapenos.

Reggie was peeking at Manu and Abie to get this souvenir photo.

Manu and Abie will get married in 2008.

They both want to get into photography but they still don’t have their digital SLR with them.

This was the portion where I have my conversation with the couple.

Thanks Manu and Abie for dining… Best wishes!

CONDO CENTRAL Magazine

Condo Central July 2007, The Artist Chef Inside...

A full spread article and photos featuring yours truly and Mariel Lorenzo as the author. Double click on the image to read the full article.

Published photo of Nadia Camit-Upton and Graham Upton.

With the Condo Central Team
Editor: Carlomar Doana, writer and photographer.

Souvenir photo.

Mae Javaluyas

Mae Javaluyas is a night owl. All the while I thought Mae was a call center agent because she works at night. I was wrong. She works for MEGASPORTSWORLD somewhere in Malate. They where my first customers after my long summer vacation.

I rendered this photo in black and white with nice black twirl on top to match the avant garde look of the couple.

They allowed me to take pictures and they both gave me their best smiles.

Mae was with her boyfriend Eric...

I don't remeber exactly what they were celebrating, but I'm happy that a lot of girls nowadays surprise their boyfriends in a unique way.

We all enjoyed the night and I always find time to include myself in at least one photo.

Thanks for dining, Mae and Eric. It was great chatting with the both of you.

Claire Cruz

Doña Clarissa Cruz, is a certified account executive that jumps from one agency to another. Her career path from DDB to DYR to SAATCHI and now TBWA has given her a lot of experience. Contrary to her career, she is very faithful when it comes to her lovelife. Through thick and thin and through sunshine and rain, I'm glad to see Claire and Rex still together, getting better and stronger.

I'm glad that Claire and Rex finally tried The Artist Chef. There are some friends who feel awkward if I will be the waitress, cook and dishwasher for the night. I always tell them that I don't mind at all. I'm happy with what I'm doing. Good thing that this couple didn't feel that way.

This dinner night was really for Claire because she was celebrating her birthday. I know men in general are not mushy but it's pretty cool that Rex participated well. :p

The participation of Rex went beyond my expectation when they danced together with the music I played. Sweet dance performed by the couple while the three of us were laughing out loud. I captured the moment with my camera (with their permission, of course).

I know they enjoyed the dinner and the night together. They are so full that Claire took home the Goat Cheese Spring Rolls I prepared.

Rex was my teammate in DDB Makati during my stay there. My fellow Art Director now turned into an ACD. He is the alcoholic of the SMART Group--that's our common joke about him. And because of that I served him my famous Blackbeer Float with Honey during the dinner. Cheers to you Blackie!

They are blessed with a beautiful daughter and her name is Maxine.

Oh well this photo is my souvenir photo to prove that Rex can really be a jackass at any given photo opt. There's a take two of this photo, the one I posted above with the menu they chose.

Thanks Claire and Rex for dining and thank you also for the Tuna Empanada you gave me as pasalubong. How sweet...awww...