Why Italianni's still hits the spot for comfort dining

 By Feliciano Rodriguez III

Published May 23, 2026 09:45 am

My very first Facebook video, circa 2009, is of me with my older sister’s barkada, eating at Italianni's BGC. But my memory of that place goes well beyond their BGC branch. I have memories with my dearly departed mother, ordering and ordering extra bread, to savor their yummy olive oil and balsamic vinegar dip. Mom and I would ask for grated Parmesan cheese, and we would sprinkle it liberally onto the dip to add a bit of salty-savory flavor to it.

My go-to dish there is the Spaghetti Vongole and the pasta with giant meatballs. Safe to say, I have a lot of great memories at Italianni’s. And I’m sure many Filipinos do, too. In the succeeding years, admittedly, I grew away from Italianni’s, discovering new restos, and going through different foodie phases—from a Japanese ramen craze, to Korean barbecue, and then a steakhouse phase.

But their “All Yours All Day” promo has reinvigorated my love for Italianni’s, with me realizing that I’ve been eating there more often now. The campaign, now on its fourth season, is perfect for solo dining, treating friends, nephews, and nieces, or simply for those on the go who need a quality, hearty meal quickly. It’s supremely affordable, too. Some of the combo meals are priced below P500, complete with drinks and their beloved complimentary bread. Carb overload.

CLASSIC COMBO Side Caesar Salad, Chicken Parmigiana, and a drink make for an easy, hearty meal set. (Photo: Italianni's)

This May, the casual dining chain rolled out season four of its “All Yours All Day” offering, with meals starting at P385 for a complete set that includes an appetizer, entrée, and drink. The promo continues Italianni’s push to make casual dining more accessible without sacrificing the hearty Italian-American dishes many diners have come to associate with the brand.

I recently added the season four media preview of the new dishes. I love how they keep on calling it seasons. It’s like waiting for new episodes, but with food.

The meal begins with complimentary Tuscan and focaccia bread, still one of the restaurant’s strongest draws for longtime patrons like me. Guests can then choose from appetizers such as the Side Caesar Salad, Pepperoni Pizzetta, Carrot Soup, or Chicken Fingers & Chips with honey mustard for an additional charge.

For mains, diners can choose among Pork Adobo Rice, Grilled Porkloin, Seafood Vegetables and Rice, or Chicken Parmigiana, depending on their appetite and budget. Drinks include a House Blend Iced Tea, while the Blushing Fizzy Tea is available for an added fee. Dessert add-ons such as Affogato and Double Espresso are also available for those wanting to extend the meal a little longer. Now, more bread please!

The promo is available for dine-in customers across all Italianni’s branches nationwide and cannot be combined with other discounts or promotional offers.

SWEET FINISH Affogato caps off the meal with a comforting mix of espresso and ice cream. (Photo: Italianni's)

A sweet, simple twist for the Christmas table

Gulaman brings color, nostalgia and creativity to Filipino holiday feasts

By Feliciano Rodriguez III

Filipino Christmas gatherings are built on memory, passed down through handwritten recipes and stories told in warm kitchens. Among those traditions, gulaman has always had a quiet but cherished presence. I remember making brightly colored jelly with my late mother, the two of us stirring patiently as red and green liquid thickened in a pot. We cut them into shapes once they cooled, a simple holiday ritual that felt like an activity and a treat all at once. Those moments taught me that food need not be elaborate to carry meaning.

That sentiment continues today, especially with pantry staples like Mr. Hat Gulaman finding new life during the holidays. With seven flavored and six unflavored variants, it offers room for creativity, whether one prefers familiar desserts or something new. It sets quickly and requires no baking, which suits the season when the oven is full and the table is already heavy with lechon, roast chicken and pasta. A no bake dessert becomes an easy win for busy hosts.

Classic dishes such as Cathedral Window Jelly still anchor dessert spreads, but more modern ideas are gaining space beside them. Some home cooks now prepare Coffee Delight Jelly Cake or Coconut Langka Jelly, bringing lighter textures after a rich noche buena. Others serve No Steam Chocolate Pudding Cake, smooth and indulgent without extra steps. Even drinks are evolving, with Mango Tapioca Jelly or Thai Iced Milk Tea studded with soft cubes for a refreshing finish.

Families with young children may enjoy Merry and Bright Ornaments Jelly, made with strawberry and pandan flavored gulaman simmered with sugar then molded into festive shapes. After chilling, the jellies unmold like glass ornaments and brighten any Christmas table without much effort.

For a more refined option, Lychee Brulee blends lychee flavored gulaman and condensed milk before chilling in ramekins. A thin layer of sugar on top caramelizes under a flame, giving a delicate flavor and the satisfying crack of brulee without the need for baking.

These desserts travel well, store easily and can be prepared ahead. They are ideal for potlucks and family visits, staying intact even after long drives. Adjusting water measurements changes the texture from firm to gentle wobble, depending on preference.

Gulaman may be modest, but it carries memory, color and joy. On a table filled with tradition, it adds something light and festive. It honors the past and leaves room for new rituals, one jewel toned slice at a time.