Shang Palace Dim Sum Plus gathers a crowd

We arrived without a reservation on a Saturday lunch date only to be informed that all the tables were occupied. So, we were asked to wait for around 30 to 45 minutes before finally getting a table.

Since the dining hall was full, the place was a bit busy and not enough waiters were available. The experience was similar to dining in a popular Cantonese restaurant but with a more refined, albeit simple, ambiance. 

The presence of many foreigners in the room reminded me of another restaurant in Hong Kong that closed recently but was popular among expatriates – the American Restaurant (Peking Food).

https://joyposadaswrites.blogspot.com/2016/04/american-restaurant-peking-food-at.html

It was no surprise that the Shang Palace in Shangrila Hotel, Makati attracts a lot of diners because the dim sum buffet is an all-you-can-eat affair for only P1,094 net during Monday to Saturday lunch.

Diners choose from a menu of around 37 dishes including dessert plus each person is entitled to pick one main course from a list of 7 dishes. 

We didn't get a chance to take many photos but this barbecued pie was among the top favorites. The dish is also on the brochure cover.

Here is a list of our recommended dishes...

Dim sum

Steamed crystal skin shrimp dumplings
Steamed pork dumplings with fish roe
Spinach dumplings stuffed with shrimps
Steamed barbecue pork buns
Deep-fried spring rolls
Barbecued pork pie

Appetizer

Honey-glazed barbecue pork
Jelly fish and soy egg

Soup

Sweet corn soup with shredded chicken

Rice and Noodles

Yang Chow fried rice 
Fujian stir-fried noodles

Main Course

Sauteed scallops with asparagus in XO sauce
Sauteed beef with celery in Sichuan sauce
Hot prawn salad

Dessert

Chilled mango puree with sago and diced mango
Almond soya jelly with lychee
Deep-fried stuffed sesame balls in lotus paste

Overall, the food was good but the ambiance and offerings can be improved. In other dim sum buffet lunches, drinks and/or house tea are provided. 


Also, the managers tried to compensate for the lack of waiters. Nevertheless, there were some dishes that took time to arrive. This usually happens when the restaurant is full.

Of course, the servers were all friendly and tried their best to complete the service.

Irritability is one sign of depression in kids

Dr. Hugo recommended limiting screen time and encouraging social interaction with others, as a means to combat depression in kids. 

In a talk given by Dr. Larimer Hugo titled “Depression and Anxiety in the Youth: Tips, Tools, and Techniques for Parents,” he defined depression as a persistent and pervasive sadness, boredom, or irritability that is functionally impairing. 

He continued to explain that irritability is one of the common signs among pre-pubertal children and adolescents, citing temper tantrums and non-compliance as manifestations of the former and angry outbursts for the latter. 

The symptoms also include somatic complaints or feeling ill. For teenagers, there is increased sensitivity to rejection from others or difficulty in maintaining relationships.

Dr. Hugo is a psychiatrist who received his residency training from the UP-Philippine General Hospital. He was also a Post-Residency Fellow in the same hospital. He currently practices as a Consultant Psychiatrist in Cabuyao, Laguna.

He gave parents advice on how to handle children who are depressed. He cited communication that involves dialogue, expressing concerns in a non-judgmental and non-threatening manner, and listening, not lecturing the kids.

According to him, it is also a balancing act where parents need to ask, but not too much. There is a need for gentleness with persistence and also the opportunity to help but to respect the teenager’s independence as well.

General techniques include minimizing conflict between spouse and the child, pursuing a healthy diet and lifestyle, encouraging social connections, and limiting screen time (not totally eradicating it). A stable sleep pattern was also important to maintain overall health.

During the open forum, he was asked whether it is okay for the parent to talk to his child after discovering secret suicide plans. He said that since life is already at stake, the parent can have a heart to heart talk, in a non-threatening way to show the child that someone is concerned.

He also said that it was important to choose one’s words carefully so that the child will open up when asked.

Dr. Hugo mentioned the habit of some millennials who utter to word “suicide” without much thought. He said that it is important to understand the context with which the word is said and whether there is really serious intent to harm.

Jeweler Hans Brumann exhibits his art at Shangrila Makati

We chanced upon the art exhibit of Swiss jeweler Hans Brumann titled "Paysage" at Shangrila Hotel in Makati. 

His sculptures were interesting as they made use of various materials. The above "Barong Barong IV" rendition was made from Kamagong, Molave, Narra, Yakal, Mother of Pearl, and Green Resin.

The Philippines has been his home for decades and the Filipino theme is evident in his sculptures such as this one called "Esteros."

This "Badjao" artwork also included the granite tile as material.

Abstract artwork using Lapis Lazuli.

Watercolor paintings of the European countryside were also part of the exhibit. Paysage is the French word for landscape. The exhibit runs until October 26, 2018.

Quattro opens with live music and art at Ayala Museum

Congratulations to Ayala Museum art teacher Eileen Bondoc Escueta and her former students Mary Irma Lara, Minda Ventanilla, and Joy Uygongco for their newly launched exhibit called "Quattro."

The Artist Reception held last October 6, 2018 Saturday was well-attended. The paintings are on exhibit at Ayala Museum's ArtistSpace until October 17, 2018.

This painting by Eileen Escueta is called "Joy Luck Club." The group of four artist friends can easily relate to this title.

Flowers were a common theme at the exhibit. Painter Irma Lara had a lot of renditions on this subject. 

Eileen's prized possession includes this watercolor bird painting that has reached international shores.