Cheese overload @ Sandwicheese

March 13, 2013

Part of their brochure

 This is the last day of our office mate in this project so as dictated by office tradition, we had our lunch out. We were planning on going to this place a month ago, but it never pushed through ---until now.

The Place.

Sandwicheese is a cozy little place beside Banapple (Katipunan Ave.) Don't be surprised if you see Banapple products because this is also owned by the same people. I initially thought that they serve cheese sauce as condiments---like ketchup and mustard---so much for wishful thinking. Ha!

Our Orders.

As usual, I'm not a sandwich person so I ordered a sandwich that I think would last me until dinner. I ordered their Drippin' Roast Beef Sandwicheese (160php) - corn meal bun, roast beef, caramelized onions, cheese spread, topped with mozzarella and cheese sauce. Our officemate offered to pay for our drinks and 2 sides. I ordered Banapple's brewed iced tea *sorry I forgot to take note of the price and they ordered the Cheese boulders (cheese with jalapeño-approx. 50-65php) and Skin-on fries (approx. 50-65php)*sorry I also forgot to take note of their prices---maybe because I didn't pay for them ^_^ ---so technically for me, they're free :)

The Size and Taste.

First came the cheese boulders. 6-7 pcs. cheesy jalapeño balls(fairly priced). It was nice, though I expected the cheese to be made up of the chewy type of mozzarella. I personally think that it lacked something. Maybe a little saltiness from the cheese and more jalapeño. Maybe a dip would also help.

Next that came in was the Skin-on fries. These are jumbo-cut fries with the skin on--obviously. It came with a garlic dip (I'm not sure if it was mayo or cream cheese, but I'm sure of the garlic.) For me, the fries was better eaten as it is.

When my order came, I was literally stumped. "How am I supposed to eat this???" The bread length is the typical length of a hotdog bun, but it was filled up with the roast beef and the caramelized onion that I'm suddenly thinking of ways how to fit the sandwich inside my mini mouth. >.<   Since I'm the only girl in the group, I decided to drop being the girly girl and temporarily forget the word 'Poise'. *good thing we were the only diners then ^_^

From the pictures available in the internet, I initially thought that they placed cheddar cheese on top of the sandwich, to my surprise, it was good 'ol mozzarella. I would've liked it better if it was melted. :) The beef was juicy though some pieces are a bit on the tough side. I'm honestly expecting a different roast beef taste, but as some would say, "don't expect". I didn't get much flavor from the caramelized onions but I did appreciate the cheese spread they put in the bread. 

Banapple's brewed iced tea is one of those likable iced teas. :)

The Verdict

Overall, even though there are few minor setbacks, it was a good lunch. And even though, it's just sandwich, it was a heavy meal. I would love to go back and try the Hickory Shredded Pork Sandwicheese and maybe buy a jar of their cheese spreads.

*There was one thing in that place that got me thinking...I wondered why there was a jar of Fita biscuits beside the counter. It was neither offered nor served while waiting. I didn't bother asking the cashier.

*Sorry no pictures

To vote or Not to vote

Several electoral campaigns have started to come out a few months ago. TV ads, jingles, issues about the candidates, and posters are everywhere. And here I am, still clueless on who to vote for in the next elections.

Here's my opinion on the whole elections:
(I think I have a few countrymen with this view) => My vote will be wasted. If I vote, the available candidates are relatives of the current politicians. If I don't vote, the candidates who "gain" the favor of more voters wins the election.

I think that there should be a law indicating that a candidate could only spend a maximum of Php50k for campaigns. This includes the amount given by their sponsors. That way, even if all candidates will spend all of the money to buy the votes of the people, this will still not guarantee their seat in the government.

Another problem is that their platforms are not comprehensive. All they do is to make sure their faces are all over the place -- be it on the newspaper, television, posters, or other campaign materials.

Criterias for being a candidate should be stricter.
One, they should not be related to anyone in office for their term.
Two, the candidates should at least be a college graduate. And they should have an above-average GPA.
Three, they should also have a clean record. No traffic violations, no criminal records, no bad reputation. A genuinely honest-to-goodness citizen of the Philippines.
Four, there should be some sort of practical examination for these candidates to prove their competency for the position and their psychological stability.
Five, lifestyle checks should be conducted and their net worth should be broadcasted to the whole country even before they take office. Then, after 6 mos. in office and every subsequent year, the same checks will be conducted and they should be investigated once abnormalities occur.
Six, they should be actively participating in outreach programs/charities, or any activity that would prove that they are genuinely running for public service for at least 15 years.
Seven,  they should not own a company/corporation just to avoid conflicts of interest when it comes to creating a law.

So why couldn't at least some in this ideal list be implemented when it comes to elections but are necessary when finding a regular day job???  Regular job interviews require you to be a college graduate and before you get employed, you take an exam and then you are interviewed. They also require your NBI records and all sorts of legal documents.

Another frustrating fact is that most of these candidates' platforms target the alleviation of poverty. I've lived for 20 years but hey, nothing's happening. So why do the taxes of the hardworking masses go to the poor who depend on the government when they themselves don't do anything to improve their social situation? Why can't these politicians target the improvement of rural areas to prevent migration to urban areas?

So you see, it's hard to make a decision. If I vote, my vote gets wasted. If I don't vote, same thing happens.

Side note: (totally not related to elections) Why do government official/employees have transport services? Why can't they commute like any other normal citizen? So they could experience first-hand the situation of their countrymen.

Spending Spree

I'm not the typical gal who splurges on make-up, shoes, clothes, and bags. 

I'm the kind of girl who spends most of her income not on the latest gadgets, but on food trips and adventure trips. From my blog posts, you would notice that I have been actively spending on food. I guess this year of the snake is not a thrift year but a spending year for the year of the ox like me. I still have places to go for the first half of the year. Next major stop: Baler!! Yay! So watch out for my post :)