In SM Baliwag, the sisig rocks! And you get free wi-fi, too!

I usually do not accept invites to bloggers’ events where you are somehow ‘obliged’ to write about specific products and services. The simple reason is that I do not want to compromise the integrity of this blog. If I want to write a about a restaurant, for example, I make sure that I will pay for my meal.  However, I sometimes (very very rarely, I must say) make an exception particularly if I know that the visit may help future buyers/consumers in their decision-making.

One such opportunity came when hubby and I were invited to  a bloggers event in SM Baliwag in line with the launch of the mall’s wi-fi access. I really wanted to turn down the invitation but I surmised that I also have to try wi-fi services in malls and more importantly, I really cannot say “no” to our good friend and former website administrator, Dave (who’s done a lot for building our site-in-progress, Asyanna.com). The two-hour trip to Baliwag was pleasant enough and provided me and hubby some quiet moments just looking at the clear blue skies and green rice fields of Bulacan. Upon arrival at the mall, we were welcomed with movie treats (JR and I opted for “Shrek Forever After, the Final Chapter”) that eventually led to a nice lunch feast.

I can say that a lunch that comprised of Pinoy Lugaw’s fresh lumpia, Chef Chow’s shabu-shabu, Baliwag’s Lechon Manok and Liempo, and Sisig Hooray’s pork sisig are well beyond my daily capacity for lunch (wink! wink!) but I really enjoyed the food for the most part.

The lechon manok and liempo are really impressive. Perhaps it goes to show I am really a die-hard ‘carnivorous’ in my previous life (I have been trying to veer away from meat the last couple of years) and as they say, old habits never die! But then who could resist these yummy treats, beckoning to you as if they are bottles of sweet sweet wine suddenly appearing in the horizon while you are sweating in the middle of a Saharan desert? You bet, I am not that disciplined yet!

I also enjoyed the shabu-shabu although my standards somehow are a notch higher after marrying a chef-in-progress. I dare say it needs a bit more of the taste that can only be produced from a dash of spices and herbs (instead of just salt and the pepper). However, over-all, it is already satisfying given that it is a fast food fare.

The fresh lumpia is also good but then again, I have also tasted better ones in the past. One thing I  would recommend to its ‘creator’ is to go easy on the sugar of the sauce. I think it was too sweet. Except for this downside, I will definitely still enjoy it especially if I just wanted a small meal the next time I visit SM Baliwag again.

What’s the winner for me? It is the dear “old” pork sisig! Mind you, I am not really a pork-lover. Nutritionists will probably cry in horror over this post but then again who says it is easy to say “no” to temptations? ;D I just LOVE Sisig Hooray’s Pork Sisig! They definitely deserve lots of “Hooray”!  I will certainly recommend it to SM mall-goers but I must also remind everyone to go easy on cholesterol intake. ;D After all, health is wealth!

This has been an enjoyable day. Food, wi-fi, the company of great people (and bloggers!), and an adoring husband who always makes sure I am happily fed…what more can I ask for?

This day definitely rocks! Thank you, SM Baliwag, Dave, and to all the sponsors!

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This is not a paid blog although the event is an sponsored one. This blogger does not normally attend bloggers events for the reasons cited above.