A shared passion

Tell me who your friends are and I’ll tell you who you are, right?

Indeed, there have been many clichés about like-minded people banding together. With the same interests, they reach similar goals faster and enjoy the process, too, because they have each other to share the journey with. Makes sense.

No wonder then that Michael V. chooses his projects wisely. Apart from the long-running Bubble Gang and his hot new show, Bitoy’s Showwwtime, he also had recently made the winning move of extending his alliance with Gerry’s Grill, one of his long-time endorsements.

Gerry’s Grill owner Gerry Apolinario happily announced few days ago that as soon as the New Year kicked in, Michael V. renewed his contract with them. Friends first before business partners, the two are already planning how to make the resto-bar even more successful than it already is.

Gerry’s Grill is such a winner that they can afford to hold a monthly eat-all-you-can, drink-all you can event. Called Gerry’s Grill Circle of Friends Party, it unfolds in one Gerry’s Grill branch at a time, the most recent of which was in Ali Mall, Cubao.

Many who attend the Gerry’s Grill parties can hardly believe the overflowing food and beverage are absolutely free. It only hit them when they reach the buffet table where they then help themselves to the sumptuous fare with absolutely no strings attached. Why, they can even return for second and third servings. Unbelievable but true.

For Gerry, it’s all about confidence in quality food and service. He said that though it seems there’s no return of investments from the monthly binge, he knows that all attendees will remember Gerry’s Grill and will be their first option the next time they think of eating out with friends and family.

The Gerry’s Grill Circle of Friends Party has been so successful that more and more people attend every time a new one is held. From the first party at the ABS-CBN branch a few months back, the most recent one in Ali Mall attracted more than 500 people. The next one is Alabang, surely, will even have a bigger turnout.

Gerry said that even their three branches in the US are enjoying unprecedented patronage not only from Filipinos but foreigners, too. Because very few people there can afford the luxury of having helpers, they really appreciate it that they could eat excellent food — especially the grilled ones — without the hassle of preparing and cooking it themselves.

Another factor in Gerry’s Grill success is their effort to offer people something new regularly. They recently added 10 new items in their menu that have become instant hits among its customers. Some of these are Pinaksiw na Galunggong, Sinigang ng Ulo ng Salmon sa Miso, Adobo Beef Ribs, Kinunot and Sizzling Tokwa con Carne.

And because Gerry’s has been around for years in the food business, they know how to anticipate the various needs of their customers. If you cannot go to a Gerry’s Grill resto, or if you want to celebrate elsewhere but serve Gerry’s Grill food at the same time, then avail of their catering services.

Nothing to celebrate but in a celebratory mood? Then have Gerry’s deliver your favorites to you. Just remember that a P300 minimum order is required for all delivery and orders are accepted only from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Bon appétit!

Art 2 Art’s February episodes

The radio program Art 2 Art, recipient of the 2009 Catholic Mass Media Award for Best Educational Program on Radio, continues to bring “Usapang sining at kultura para sa lahat” this month.

Hosted by prima ballerina Lisa Macuja and produced by the Manila Broadcasting Company, Art 2 Art features the following episodes:

Feb. 14 — Ultimate ballad icon Basil Valdez, whom Lisa points to as one of her idols, shares his beginnings in music — as a folk singer in a bar in Malate, before becoming part of the Circus Band in the ’70s. Basil and Lisa, who first worked together in Tuliro…Ngayon at Kailanman some 20 years ago, are teaming up anew for Ballet Manila’s Ballet and Ballads show.

Feb. 21 — Actor, director and environmental activist Roy Alvarez discusses with Lisa how he divides his time for his varied interests and also how he gets to use his fame to advance causes close to his heart.

Feb. 28 — Art 2 Art caps the month with a National Artist tribute. One of show’s unique features, the episode focuses on a chosen National Artist whose contributions to Philippine art and society will be discussed with the help of a resource person.

Art 2 Art is aired nationwide every Sunday, 3:30 to 4 p.m., on dzRH, 666 khz on the AM band. It is viewed simultaneously on Channel 9 via Cablelink and  accessed on the Net via dzrh.tripod.com.