OpenRice.com holds first-ever mini-eyeball

Manila, Philippines - OpenRice.com.ph marked May 18 for its first-ever mini-eyeball for OpenRicers.

Among the almost 5,000 members of the community, only 10 lucky members were invited to the event. They were chosen for their continuous patronage and significant contribution to the website’s success in bringing more quality reviews to all food enthusiasts in Metro Manila and across the country. 

Chelsea Market & Café at The Podium played host to the event, attended by media partners, namely Cora Llamas (Manila Bulletin and Health Today Magazine), Jona Loren Atienza (Hinge Inquirer Publications), Renz Alcantara (www.nomnomclub.com), Marvin Estigoy (Cook Magazine), and Mike Policarpio (Health & Fitness Magazine).

The sumptuous lunch, prepared by Chelsea Market & Café, was not touched until everyone took a photo of each dish laid on the table — taking the best shot for their review to be posted on OpenRice.com.

This first mini-eyeball paved the way for these reviewers to meet their fellow OpenRicers.

Under the big top: Cirque performer Dergin Tokmak with his crutches Photo by Patrick UY/AsianDragon

When it started last year, OpenRice.com was able to build an online community of reviewers who write about their dining experiences because, like most Pinoys, they just love eating good food. Today, OpenRice.com has more than 6,000 dining reviews and growing on daily basis.

Also present at the event was the general manager of OpenRice.com Philippines and 88DB Philippines Inc., Racquel Cagurangan, who sent her appreciation to the loyal OpenRice members.

“We encourage more food lovers to visit OpenRice.com and join other OpenRicers as they share their unique dining experiences,” she said.

To date, more than 20,000 reviews of food establishments have been uploaded to the site. This signals the growing trend of food junkies going online for information sharing, a very Pinoy trait... bayanihan online. 

Flags representing the different nationalities of Cirque du Soleil’s artists surround Varekai’s striped tents: (from left) Georgie Diaz, Georgina Wilson and author Aurora Diaz-Wilson after watching the dress rehearsal.

“Our loyal OpenRicers represent a huge part of what we have achieved so far and we hope that they will continue to support OpenRice.com and at the same time, help other food lovers out there who need an online guide to the best food destinations in the country,” said Leah Cabalde-Fajardo, business manager of OpenRice.com Philippines.