Good buys and good eats at Robinsons Starmills

The “Starmills” in the name of Robinsons Starmills is derived from the skillfully- crafted and world-famous Christmas lanterns that artisans in Pampanga make. Fittingly, the mall is a good option to do one’s early Christmas shopping. As the attendant rush that threatens to diminish Christmas cheer continues to build up, it is a good idea to take a trip out of the metro and discover the Robinsons Starmills Pampanga mall as an alternative shopping haunt.

We did just that one day and discovered that Robinsons Starmills is a destination not just for shopping. The day trip was ideal. Breezing through the well-paved Northern Luzon Expressway without any traffic- related aggravation, we got to our destination in no time at all. We were pleased with what we found. Although the mall is cozy compared to Metro Manila’s mammoth standards, the selections available there are certain to please a wide variety of avid shoppers.

Humor Your Flip-Flop Fetish at All Flip Flops

The best footwear when embarking on a shopping spree is comfortable flip- flops. There is no room for cramped toes and cramping foot arches while diving for the best buys in a mall. Fortunately the flip-flop craze has taken society by storm, so one does not risk being ridiculed for one’s footwear. Although the high-heeled, candy-colored selections are a personal favorite, the slippers come in a wide variety of colors and designs. Nowadays, one no longer hears a disparaging “Ang laki naman ng bahay mo!”(You seem to have a big house) when one ventures out in public places shod in Havaianas from All Flip Flops. 

Casual and Easy on the Pocket at MOGAO

Contemporary fashion at an affordable cost. This is the lure of Chinese brand Mogao that features interesting fashion styles at incredibly low prices. The store is a standout for the young who don’t want to spend a fortune but want to be hip. There is always something new at the store due to the fact that Mogao’s world- class designing team comes up with over a thousand new styles annually.

Classic Pieces with a Modern Twist at Space Boutique

Cool cottons, flowing fabrics, body sculpting tops. Whether you are trying to hide the bulges or proud to flaunt your perfect form, there is something fashionable for you at Space. The styles are classic so there is no reason to fret that items will be outmoded in the next season. Versatility is key and, with the right accessories, the clothes at Space are suitable for a wide range of occasions.

Be a Rebellious Fashionista at Terranova

We found the most interesting coats, jackets, and sweaters at Terranova. The only drawback was that the sizes that remained were for little children. The adult sizes must have been snapped up straightaway by fashion-conscious shoppers who frequent the store. Terranova is an Italian retail brand that is proud of its “rebellious street fashion.” Definitely not for the staid and stolid, and the shopper needs to have the fortitude and patience to go through racks and racks of potentially dizzying color.

Stick to the Trusted Basics at Retails Specialist Inc. (RSI)

Naturalizer, Florsheim, and Bossini. These are well-known brands that have earned the loyalty of several generations of smart shoppers. Although the range of choice is admittedly limited in the store, the markedly lower costs of items are enough to excite. An element of luck when shopping for footwear is necessary though. The usual sizes run out of stock quickly. Sigh!

Modern Sophistication with Mango

Who says you have to be a fashion slouch just because you shop in a provincial mall? The Spanish fashion label continues to be a favorite for all, regardless of address. Mango is almost a fashion staple for today’s modern women with its wide selection that includes not only clothes, but also bags, belts, fedoras, sunglasses, shoes, exceptional faux jewelry, and other accessories as well.

Nothing Plain about Plains and Prints

There really is nothing plain about Plains and Prints. The clothes may come in the most basic colors, but the cut and workmanship make items from the store a popular choice. The same goes for the “prints.” The brand is almost a decade old, but stays constantly new with the introduction of new designs and fabrics.

… and Kapampangan Delicacies at Robinsons Starmills

Walking around and shopping for good buys takes its toll and when you hear your stomach growling, it is time to head for Fiesta Kapampangan, the mall’s food strip that was just opened recently. “Our roster of Fiesta Kapampangan food tenants is highly acclaimed as pioneers, and no doubt is ‘the best of the best’ in Pampanga, says Melody Joson-de la Cruz, Group Property manager of Robinsons Starmills Pampanga.

“The homegrown recipes are great culinary treasures, passed on from one generation to another.” No question about that. Pampanga province is well known for the tradition of excellent cooking, making us doubly eager to check out the food choices.

Aling Lucing: Just as Good as the Original Sisigan along the Riles

Sisig is the pulutan made up of pig’s ears, snout, and face that is cooked, chopped, mixed with onions, spices, and liver to make a savory dish. Years ago, a detour to Lucita Cunanan’s food stand beside the railroad tracks in Angeles City was mandatory to get a dose of the carnivorous treat. Constant pestering of Aling Lucing caused her to reveal some secrets about her well-known dish. Apart from slightly grilling the meat to attain the distinctive smoky flavor, chicken livers and chopped onions are added to the mixture in an aluminum pan. The pan was important, she said, to remove the lansa. We tried the recipe, but it wasn’t quite the same. On the other hand, Aling Lucing Sisig at Robinsons Starmills seemed to capture that remembered taste. The best part about this new franchise owned by Angelito Ong is that one does not have to venture too far from the expressway.

Slow Food Selections at Kanan Kapampangan

Whether it is pancit palabok (P350-P500 per bilao), dinuguang baka (P50), assorted kakanin (P80-P150) or native chicken arroz caldo( P40), the merienda fare is cooked slowly in the traditional way. The method intensifies the flavors and is testament that good food need not be too complicated. The selections at Kanan Kapampangan represent home-style cooking at its best.

No Food Politics at Mejicano’s Grill

The other job of Rex Calma, Mejicano’s Grill owner, is municipal councilor. Calma is a native of Mexico, Pampanga, hence the name of his food outlet. The grill is kept busy with pork barbecue (P30), grilled tilapia and liempo (each P60), pusit (P80), and other choices constantly cooking, but the outlet also serves traditional Kapampangan fare like tugak betute or frogs stuffed with ground pork. If you have adventurous foreign guests who fancy themselves as Andrew Zimmern of Bizarre Cuisine, this should be an interesting and productive stop. There is no reason to pretend. Those bulging Mr. Universe stuffed frogs are really quite good.

Our Favorite Things at Cecilia’s

No need for us to peruse the menu. Through the name alone, Cecilia’s Crispy Pata and Bulalohan, we are able to make our choice. The excellent pata has a crunchy outer skin, while the meat inside is tender and easily falls off from the bone. Both are excellent with a dipping sauce of soy sauce made slightly piquant by chilies and calamansi. One is torn between this and bulalo with its sinful and delicious marrow. The solution: Have both. Other items on the menu are patatim, bulalo steak, lechon kawali, and binagoongan. Non-artery-clogging side dishes include ensaladang pako, ginataang hipon Kapampangan, and atsara.

Traditional Savories at Navarro’s

This outlet owned by Gil M.Navarro is a favorite destination for balikbayans. There is a constant and steady turnover of taba ng talangka or crab fat paste (P90-P290), burong hipon or fermented shrimp (P45-P145), burong dalag or fermented mudfish (P45-P145), atsara, dried mangoes, pork chicharon, and dried melon. The reason for the popularity of the canned and bottled foodstuff is that when homesickness threatens to creep in, one merely drives it away by indulging in hometown comfort food.

The Sweet Stuff at Emy’s Sweets and Pastries

For homesick countrymen who would rather chase the blues away with traditional sweets, Emy’s makes authentic Kapampangan pastries. The choices include cashew tarts, polvoron, barquiron, uraro, pastillas, and peanut nougat.

Nuts about Munching at Edelyn’s

Filipinos who love to nibble on chicheria between mealtimes will surely enjoy Edelyn’s greaseless peanuts, cashew nuts, and garlic chips. Edelyn’s Homemade Nuts is a small- scale but promising enterprise based in the town of Minalin, Pampanga. The company distributes its products throughout Pampanga and nearby provinces.