Kwento Ni Toto: Gala

2026/05/06

Day in the Life of a Gala Guru in Luzon, SM Supermalls Edition

Marco Polo Demo 5/06/2026 08:02:00 PM

IYKYK: Documenting daily life has become a creative outlet for many, turning ordinary moments into something worth revisiting. From short clips at a coffee shop to carefully curated food features in newly discovered restaurants, creating content offers a personal way to capture experiences as they happen.

For many, each day now brings an opportunity to record and share moments that might otherwise go unnoticed. What once felt routine can take on a new sense of energy, as documenting everyday activities adds a layer of purpose and enjoyment.

At SM Supermalls, the idea of turning simple moments into memorable experiences comes to life. Visitors are invited to explore a day filled with new discoveries across Luzon, where shopping, dining, and leisure are brought together in one place, designed with every kind of visitor in mind.

9:30 AM: Morning Treats & Cozy Vibes

Start your day right with an early morning drift. Sip on your favorite coffee, nibble on freshly made desserts, and soak in all the Instagrammable corners of these content-worthy hangout spots.

Start your day on a sweet note with the first J.CO Reserve in Bulacan at SM City Marilao, now open at the Lower Ground Level. Known for its elevated café concept, J.CO Reserve serves up its famously made donuts, paired with rich coffee blends in a sit-down setting that is perfect for easing into your day or catching up over a well-deserved break.

12:20 PM: Late Lunch Fixes

It’s right at that moment when hunger hits—time to eat! What’s the craving, fam? Chinese food? Japanese BBQ? From huge feasts to comforting bites, it’s never too late to fuel your midday adventures and make your feed as satisfying as your pleased appetite.

● Yakiniku Like
Craving a solo-style feast? Head over to the first Yakiniku Like in Cavite at SM City Bacoor, and take control of your own grill at their fast-casual Japanese yakiniku concept that lets you enjoy solo. Complete with customizable meat sets, individual grills, and quick service, this resto is certainly a great match for that sponty food stop in between errands.

● Wangfu
Get your well-deserved fill at Wangfu, now open at SM City Dasmariñas and soon arriving at SM City Bacoor. Loved for its modern take on Chinese cuisine, Wangfu offers a wide selection of dim sum, roasted meats, and hearty family-style dishes, which makes it a solid choice for a late lunch dining.

4:45 PM: Content Creator Must-Haves

This is where your influencer era goes to the next level. Lights, angles, aesthetics—capture it all. Every mall day can be turned into a scroll-stopping moment, where your creativity can have its work and play!

● Insta360
Make a stop at the soon to open Insta360 store at 4th Level of Cyberzone, SM City Grand Central and explore a range of innovative 360 cameras, action cams, and creator-ready accessories built for capturing every angle. Whether you’re leveling up your vlogs, experimenting with immersive content, or upgrading your gear setup, it’s all about bringing next-level storytelling and creativity to every shot.

● Blk Cosmetics
Freshen up and do some retouching at Blk Cosmetics at SM City Calamba, a local beauty brand focused on uncomplicated, everyday makeup, offering a range of easy-to-use cosmetics from lip products and face tints to skincare and fragrances. Made with skin-friendly formulations for a low-effort, everyday look, Blk is designed for quick routines and on-the-go touch-ups perfect for your everyday vlog.

That’s it! Thanks for being part of a day made more memorable here at your most-loved mall. From fresh finds to unskippable foodie discoveries, SM Supermalls has truly got it all for you. So… until the next vlog, bye-bye!

Follow @smsupermalls on social media or visit www.smsupermalls.com for the latest updates and events.

2023/08/03

updates

Esguerra Farms & Stud Inc.: Discovering Kurobuta Charm and Farm Wonders

Toto 8/03/2023 09:02:00 AM

As the first rays of the morning sun gently caress my awakened senses, I find myself immersed in a breathtaking panorama - a vast expanse of land stretching out before me, adorned with a tapestry of lush green grass and majestic trees. It is nature's brushstrokes painted a scene of unbridled beauty, where the air breeze the natural freshness. This is no ordinary place; it is a harmonious symphony of life, an abundant and self-sustaining farm that seems to hum with the rhythm of the earth itself.

And that would probably be my line dreaming!

So, this vast majestic land is actually called the Esguerra Farms & Stud Inc., comprising the 54 hectare of property nestled in Lipa City, Batangas. It beckons with its diverse array of animals, lush vegetation, and delightful experiences. However, before we embark on a journey to this idyllic farm, there are five (5) things to know that would somehow give you a second thought... not to give in to this opportunity.

1. A Sanctuary for Animal Health:
Upon visiting Esguerra Farms, guests must abstain from visiting other farms or markets for at least three days. This seemingly peculiar rule serves a critical purpose: to safeguard the health and well-being of the animals within the farm's confines. By reducing potential exposure to external contaminants, the risk of spreading viruses and diseases is minimized. Such measures is common in various farms, showcase a thoughtful and responsible approach to animal welfare.

2. Beware the Allure of Nature and Farming:
If you possess an unyielding love for nature, farming, and raising animals, you must proceed with caution. Esguerra Farms possesses an enchanting quality that can captivate hearts and ignite dreams of starting your own farming venture. The sheer beauty of this sanctuary can awaken a deep-seated desire to embark on a similar journey of agricultural pursuits.

3. An Immersive Learning Experience:
A visit to Esguerra Farms offers a rare opportunity to gain a holistic perspective on animal husbandry. From nurturing of the famous Kurobuta or black pigs of Berkshire, Boer and Anglo Nubian goats, lambs, racing horses, Peking ducks, and Tilapia fish to cultivating fruits and vegetables, the farm embraces a comprehensive approach to sustainable living. Engaging with this diverse ecosystem imparts invaluable knowledge, making it a compelling destination for anyone seeking hands-on, educational experiences.

4. The Irresistible Temptation of Kurobuta Meat:
Prepare yourself for a tantalizing culinary encounter at Esguerra Farms! The farm proudly presents the exquisite Kurobuta, or Black Pig, meat—a delicacy that surpasses the ordinary pork found in the market. It's the wagyu of pork! Kurobuta are farmed in a strictly regimented natural and stress-free way without any synthetic antibiotics and growth hormones. It is similar to how wagyu is raised. Once you have savored the delectable flavors of this premium meat, purchasing regular pork might forever be a choice marred by hesitation.

5. A Priceless Encounter with Mr. Herminio "Hermie" Esguerra:
If fortune smiles upon you during your visit, you might have the incredible opportunity to be personally guided by the farm's visionary, Mr. Herminio "Hermie" Esguerra. A veritable treasure trove of wisdom and experience, Mr. Esguerra's guided tour is an extraordinary privilege. While the experience comes with a symbolic price tag of $100 per hour, the memories and insights gained from this encounter are utterly priceless.

The Farm Tour Experience

When I say priceless, it is indeed priceless! Sometimes words aren't enough to describe the emotion, the feeling, and the experience. The Esguerra Farms & Stud Inc. offers far more than the enticing blend of nature and agriculture but of human-animal connections.

Before entering the premises all are subjected for disinfection or decontamination. Even vehicles are sprayed with disinfectants to kill any contaminants, bacterias or viruses. This is one way of keeping the farm uphold with its health and sanitation standard for the safety of the animals inside the farm.

For me, it is a rare opportunity that the owner, Mr Herminio "Hermie" Esguerra personally led the tour and shared his stories on how the farm started and formed to what it is now. From just a simple horse farm it grew to include other livestock such as the Berkshire pigs, goats, lambs, ducks, chickens, fruits and even vegetables.

To make to tour enjoyable and probably unforgettable, Mr. Esguerra punched in some interesting jokes. From nation building to some witty and funny stories. Honestly, I enjoyed every moment of the tour. It's my dream to have a sustainable farm like the Esguerra. I would probably spend my retirement owning one.

From horses to goats to pigs and up to even the fishes, all are raised inside the farm naturally without any chemicals or synthetic antibiotics and growth hormones. If you're familiar with the term 'free-range', that applies to this farm. As these pigs are allowed to range freely in pasture with plenty of sunlight, fresh air and space. So every animals inside the farm are stress-free.

Since, I love farming and had some few experience in hog raising, it piqued my interest of the technology of how they raise these animals. How they manage to incorporate innovation into farming and animal husbandry. Some of these technologies are simple and yet effective, like how the pigs are harvested stress-free, the shelters of the animals, and the system of raising the mudfish or hito.

The Palate Experience with Kurobuta Meat

The royal meat of pork, or the wagyu of pork. Juicy, tender and expensive. Yes, it is expensive but why settle for cheap when you can have the healthy top class of meat.

That day was almost an all meat day! I got to taste the Cochinillo, the Coppa Cut of meat grilled to perfection, and many more. You can really taste the difference between the Kurobuta and the usual meat. The juiciness is quite different. You can taste the fatty part of the meat but it's not as greasy as the one we buy in the market. I think it was called the "lard," which is the healthy and intensely tasty, creamy fats. But of course, all in due moderation.

My sum up thought

The Esguerra Farm is living a sustainable and eco-friendly environment where their animals grow. So the end products are not just fresh but natural in all its aspect. So, will I look for their products, will surely do. Since most of the products today are packed with synthetic antibiotics and growth hormones may it's about time to find a better alternative that are safe and healthy.

Where to find Kurobuta meat?

Well, if you hunger for the exquisite taste of Kurobuta meat, they can be find in the following retailer stores like healthy options, All Day Supermarket, GrabMart and more. If you want you can also order from their website www.esguerrakurobuta.com.

You can also find them being serve in various hotels and restaurants like Okada, The Peninsula Manila, Sofitel, Grand Hyatt, City of Dreams, Solaire, Wild Flour, Nikkei Robata, 1120 House, The Black Pig, Wolf Gang's Steak House, Miyazaki, Kai, and many more.

Esguerra Farms and Stud, Inc.

Lipa City, Batangas

Esguerra Kurobuta Pure Berkshire Meat Shop

Herma Building, 94 Scout Rallos, Brgy. Sacred Heart, Quezon City

Tel No. 8922-3421 local 216

Retail : 09178203382

Wholesale: 09178524669

www.esguerrakurobuta.com

esguerrakurobuta@esguerrafarms.com

www.facebook.com/esguerrakurobuta

www.instagram.com/esguerra.kurobuta