The sun was up and burning when I was catching for a taxi ride to Ayala Center Cebu after that nagging cellphone alarm reminded me that I have committed to attend to a media event for the opening of FIC (Fruits in Ice Cream), Ayala Center Cebu. Looking at my insistent list, I was ready to bunk off the event in order to focus more on those that would fatten my wallet but instinctively, I succumb to the summoning pleasures of the Ice Cream, so I attended anyway.

Arriving rather fashionably late and after an obligatory chit-chat with fellow bloggers and other guests, I dig in. I had two scoops of Coffee-Late Lite and NangkaSuy Sorbetes. The contrast was intended for me to be able to at least try all their lines of ice cream. They got almost 40 ice cream flavours in four different lines: gourmet, premium, FIC lite and Pinoy Sorbetes.

NankaSoy was very tasty. I can taste and smell the jackfruit in it. Exactly, what this store promises – a fruit in ice cream. I can taste the fruit juxtapose with the creaminess of the coconut milk, a very good alternative for the lactose intolerant or those that have allergy on dairy protein. Other available sorbets in the market comes with a lot of air softening the ice cream making it easy to melt. I think FIC has a better stabilizer that really holds those air bubble structure together for a better texture and smoother ice cream.

For a guilt-free indulgence, why not try the Lite line of ice cream? It has NO SUGAR and with 50% less calories compared to regular ice cream. The same ice cream but less worries. Who can’t be happy with that?

The ice cream was such a welcome antidote of that stressful list of To-dos. It has the capacity to put you in another world where satisfaction is genuine and joy is real. Simply, it makes me happy.

Suggested Flavors you should try:

Almost all in the Gourmet line like Pistachio, Raspberry Rapture and Caramello con Pastillas. These and all for less than a hundred pesos.

COMPANY DETAILS:

Fruits in Ice Cream is available in Ayala Center Cebu (3rd Floor, next to Chowking) and SM City Cebu (Upper Ground Level by Chinabank and Ace Hardware), as well as Cebu Country Club.

One may avail of big discounts when purchasing the pints and half gallons at FIC Cebu depot, which is located at 13 Bauhinia Drive, Banilad. Telephone No.: 232 8164.

Fruits in Ice cream also caters for special events such as birthday parties, anniversaries, as well as school and corporate events.

Watch out for the new product lines to be launched by May. I tried their Milkshakes and its really good. Its 2 scoops of ice cream plus a little milk blended together. For sure I will be getting it by May.

Worry no more because Cebu is already ready for fast paced lifestyle. Several take out food shops are already sprouting in the city and you don’t need to fret if you come home late to prepare for dinner.

The Yummy Balamban Liempo

One of the common take out food in Cebu other than Lechon Manok is Pork Liempo (grilled pork spareribs). It is the latest food that caught the attention of the Cebuanos. Though new, it has become everybody’s favorite already.

If you want the perfect liempo, you should try Balamban Liempo.

Taste
It tastes not the typical liempo. Its lingering aroma is so captivating that you couldn’t help but be curious of how it will taste. No reek smell that is usual in some grilled pork. As you take a bite, you will be surprised how tender and succulent the meat is. The skin is crunchy and the fat is gooey just the way I like it. The chopped and minced spices are cleverly incorporated to the dish. They are edible and yummy and can not be set aside. You would want to eat it together with the meat. The liempo goes well with their own native spiced vinegar (Sukang bisaya) and with Cebu’s puso (hanging rice).

Serving
It 650 grams of pork. And almost 500 grams when cooked. Good for 4 to 5 persons.

Price
Its P160 pesos per serving. That is if you are a group of five you only spend P32.00 each.
They also have the famous lechon manok sold at P145.00 each.

Branches

1. Tres Borces St. corner Cabahug St. Cebu City near Iamiks Chicken in Mabolo
2. Salinas Drive, Lahug infront of USP Lahug c/o Dhara’s Tapsilogan.
3. Hi-way Mandaue infront of Jolly Ant beside Rose Pharmacy and North Atrium Mall.

Take Out and Deliveries:
Call 2311288. Delivery is available for 4 orders and up of liempo.

History
Balamban Liempo Food corner was established in July 2009. Their liempo recipe is inspired by the liempo the owner tasted at Balamban. Balamban is known for its distinct method of grilling liempo using several local herbs and secret spicies.

Proprietor: Jojo and Honey Vergara of Abucan Balamban
email address: balamban_liempo@yahoo.com
For orders and inquiries: 09226205921, 09285022605 or 4158592
Contact Person: Jojo Vergara or Gaylord Tingzon

more photos here.