hamburger – Author Carlo Carrasco

For burgers and arcade fun in BF Homes, visit Hackensack

April 18, 2025April 17, 2025carlocarrasco

Along the stretch of Aguirre Avenue inside BF Homes subdivision, Barangay BF Homes, Parañaque City is the 1950s-inspired diner Hackensack. To be clear, it is the BF Homes branch of the business whose other branch is located in Quezon City.

I had my first-ever visit there this past February for a lunch reunion and meeting with a dear friend of mine. We both had rice meals and drinks, and we had a nice chat while seating comfortably.

*Daytime shot of a portion of the interior at Hackensack’s BF Homes branch. Comfortable seats and sufficient space for customers.*

*Through the window, customers can watch their food getting cooked.*

I carefully examined Hackensack as it was my first time back then. I noticed they have sufficient parking spaces – spacious enough to allow double-parking – for motorists outside. Upon entering, the 1950s vibe was clearly present through the interior design and the carefully placed decorations. With the nice interiors, cool aircon system and sufficient walking space between the chairs and tables, Hackensack’s BF Homes branch is nice and comfortable to be in.

Recently, I had a 2^nd visit at Hackensack in BF Homes and this time it was dinner with my family.

Food

*This is the Deluxe “Smashed” Cheeseburger and Fries Combo. The cheeseburger had two Angus beef patties.*

During my 2^nd visit, I had the Deluxe “Smashed” Cheeseburger (double-patty) and Fries Combo and a Chocolate Milkshake. The cheeseburger itself came with two Angus beef patties, two wide tomato slices, lettuce and cheese, and it tasted really good. I’m glad I had the cheeseburger as I was getting tired of the cheeseburgers from the more popular burger-and-fries fast food restaurants. Meanwhile, the fries were well cooked and satisfying to eat.

As mentioned above, I had the Chocolate Milkshake although I ordered at least 30 minutes after I finished my cheeseburger and fries combo meal. Hackensack’s milkshake tasted mildly sweet (given the chocolate flavor) but more importantly, it also tasted freshly made.

*The chocolate milkshake was tasty and satisfying.*

Other food that my family enjoyed include the 1950s Onion-steamed Cheeseburger and Fries Combo, the Fried Onion Strings, Fries, the Philly Cheesesteak, Chicken Wings, and the Classic BLT (Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato). I can clearly say that my family enjoyed the food and what was served exceeded expectations.

*The Fried Onion Strings was a delicious appetizer and also ideal when eating with a group of companions.*

*The 1950s Onion-steamed Cheeseburger and Fries Combo*.

Hackensack’s menu offers lots of food and drink options that customers can choose from such as the Chicken Salad Sandwich with Chips combo meal, Clubhouse Sandwich with Chips combo meal, Waffle Fries, New York Frank and Fries combo meal, Mom’s Baked Spaghetti, Monty Brewster and Fries combo meal, Homemade Apple Pie, Steak and Eggs rice meal, Rootbeer Float and more.

Arcade games plus notable comic book artworks

While Hackensack has a strong 1950s vibe with its food, interiors and atmosphere, the place with the two arcade cabinets (where players can stand in front of and play games) is something else. If you know your entertainment history, you should be aware already that arcade games in America (electronic games played on machines) did not exist during the 1950s.

That being said, the two arcade cabinets allow users to pick games from a wide selection of titles from the 1970s to the 1990s. The beauty about have these arcade cabinets is that you can play games absolutely free! No need to insert coins or tokens at all!

The two arcade cabinets inside Hackensack. Each machine contains lots of classic arcade games and the great thing is that customers can play those games for free. Simply select the game, press the button and start enjoying retro gaming fun.

*A few of the many retro games to choose from.*

During my two visits at Hackensack in BF Homes, I had retro gaming fun with Galaga, Elevator Action, X-Men vs. Street Fighter, Pac-Man, the X-Men arcade game from Konami, and Donkey Kong to name some. Other arcade classic available for gamers to choose from include Street Fighter II, Battle City, 1942, Contra, Rambo III and RoboCop to name a few.

In addition to the existing retro gaming vibe the arcade cabinets provided, there were these very notable comic book covers and artworks displayed on the walls near them. Having read and collected superhero comic books in the 1990s, I recognized a lot of notable artworks there such as WetWorks by Whilce Portacio, X-Men by Jim Lee, Youngblood by Rob Liefeld, Spider-Man by Todd McFarlane, and Superman by Dan Jurgens.

*Are you a 1990s comic book enthusiast? Check out the selected comic book materials displayed as decorations.*

With good food, a comfortable retro place and retro gaming fun, Hackensack really stands out nicely among the many food joints inside BF Homes. As of now, it is the one place in the entire South Metro Manila where you can enjoy meals and arcade games together.

To learn more about Hackensack, visit their Facebook page by clicking https://www.facebook.com/hackensack.ph. To visit their BF Homes branch right now, click the Google Maps location link at https://maps.app.goo.gl/EHAAteZTZXwgeggw9

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

I had a nice burger meal at Meat Plus Café in Subic Bay

January 31, 2025January 27, 2025carlocarrasco

Have you visited the Subic Bay Freeport Zone lately? I did. After completing an assignment there, I decided to have a meal at Meat Plus Café before driving all the way back to Alabang. It was an opportunity for me to eat there for the first time since 2018. Not only that, I was curious to try a burger meal there.

For the newcomers reading this, the Subic Bay branch of Meat Plus Café has been in business for a long time and it continues to attract a steady stream of customers (including the loyal ones who love to consume more from them) to this day. The restaurant is very popular for its meat servings like steaks, Beef Salpicao, burgers, oven-roasted beef belly, BBQ pork ribs, hamburger steaks and more. They also have notable alternatives such as the Seaburger, fried chicken and salmon. Salad, soup and side dishes are also offered.

Meat Plus Café is located at 65 Sampson Road inside the freeport, just footsteps away from the SBMA Fire Station. There is also a huge parking area in front of the restaurant which is so easy to find. For its precise Google Maps location, click https://maps.app.goo.gl/6CD6VwZPsGzBanG26

*These are the meat platters being offered to customers and families.*

Eventually on a Friday afternoon, I parked my car and entered the restaurant. Even at past 3PM, there were still several people eating inside with some chairs and tables left vacant. I went to the counter and looked at the menu carefully searching for their burgers. Early on, I chose the Meat Plus Burger and when I asked the lady (behind the counter) if it came with French Fries, she pointed to the combo meal which includes the said burger with fries and a drink. Since it was the complete package, I ordered the Meat Plus Burger combo meal and added a standalone serving of coleslaw (to add more vegetables). I paid a total of P435.

After about ten minutes waiting and sitting comfortably, the waiter served me my meal. Take a look at the images below.

*The combo meal I ordered has the Meat Plus Burger, fries, a slice of tomato, a slice of cucumber, condiments and a small serving of coleslaw. This combo meal costs P355.*

On my plate was the Meat Plus Burger, fries, condiments, cucumber slice, thin tomato slice and a small serving of coleslaw. Good thing I ordered a standalone coleslaw (not pictured) because I really wanted more veggies in my meal.

*A closer look at the Meat Plus Burger. It has two Angus beef patties, cheese and onions. The bread was smooth.*

After consuming the fries first, I grabbed the Meat Plus Burger, carefully inserted the tomato slice and cucumber slice, and then took my first bite of it. The burger was pretty delicious and the flavor of the meat is very unique as the two patties were actually Angus beef patties. With each bite of the burger – with the Angus beef flavor combining with the cheese, cucumber and tomato slices – came more enjoyment on my part. Alternately, I consumed the coleslaw and my drink (diet soda). The burger was so tasty, I did not use the condiments at all.

*This is the remaining Meat Plus Burger I had. The tomato slice and cucumber slice were added already.*

I am very glad I had Meat Plus Café’s combo meal with their signature burger during my last visit in Subic Bay. In fact, my meal there was a late lunch for me and I was really starving when I got inside. I would love to return to Meat Plus Café – Subic Bay once I return.

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For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Retro Gaming Ads Blast – Part 14

July 29, 2024June 7, 2024carlocarrasco

Welcome back readers, fellow geeks and electronic gaming fans!

In this edition of the Retro Gaming Ads Blast (RGAB) series, we will take a look at another batch of retro gaming print ads – including arcade flyers – from the 1980s and 1990s.

For the newcomers reading this, Retro Gaming Ads Blast (RGAB) looks back at the many print ads of games (console, arcade, computer and handheld) that were published in comic books, magazines, flyers and newspapers long before smartphones, social media, the worldwide web and streaming became popular. To put things in perspective, people back in the 1980s and 1990s were more trusting of print media for information and images about electronic games and related products.

With those details laid down, here is the newest batch of retro gaming print ads for you to see and enjoy…

1. Lufia & The Fortress of Doom for Sega Genesis print ad

*Considering the eventual scrapping of the Sega Genesis port of Lufia & The Fortress of Doom, this old print ad might as well serve like a tomb stone.*

I want to start with this mostly black print ad about the Japanese role-playing game (JRPG) Lufia & The Fortress of Doom coming to the Sega Genesis console. This game was released on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) in America and on the Super Famicom in Japan in 1993 and achieved commercial success for the Japan-based publisher Taito. In an attempt to keep on building up the success, a port of the game for the Sega Genesis (Sega Megadrive in other countries) was announced but ultimately it got canceled. It should be noted that Taito’s American division close down in 1995 and the sequel Lufia II: Rise of the Sinistrals was released in America by a different publisher. That being said, this particular print ad is a sad reminder of a broken promise for Sega Genesis gamers as well as Lufia and JRPG fans who wanted to play the 1993 RPG on a different console.

2. Cloak & Dagger arcade flyer

*The front of the arcade flyer. There is even a mention of the Cloak & Dagger movie.*

*Details of the game explained with arcade operators in mind. I find it odd that there is a vacant amount of blank space on this side of the flyer.*

Cloak & Dagger, the Atari arcade game that appeared in the 1984 movie of the same name (read my retro movie review by clicking here), has always been an arcade conversion kit as this arcade flyer showed. For the newcomers reading this, an arcade conversion kit allows the arcade operator to replace an old game without having to buy a brand-new arcade machine. Very cleverly, Atari targeted arcade machines of Robotron: 2084, Defender, Stargate and Joust (all were from the competitor Williams Electronics) with Cloak & Dagger. The Cloak & Dagger flyer’s front shows a picture of the pieces of hardware (for insertion into the arcade cabinet plus some physical adjustments) plus decorations for the exterior of the arcade cabinet. The other side of the flyer contains the technical details that make it convenient for arcade operators to understand on how to convert the older games (limited to the above-mentioned Williams games).

3. NBA Live 95 for Sega Genesis print ad

*This print ad is still exciting to look at, especially when you are still passionate with basketball.*

Back in late 1994, Electronic Arts (EA) revamped their NBA-licensed basketball game franchise with NBA Live 95 which came with a major game redesign that includes the isometric on-court perspective, T-meter for free throw shooting and more. NBA Live 95 was also the first entry of the NBA Live franchise and brand which lasted for decades. This print ad of the Sega Genesis version of NBA Live 95 has the clever display of several screenshots along with pics of the shot clock emphasizing suspense. The basketball action images themselves are not only eye-catching but strong enough to get gamers excited. This is still a solid print ad to look at.

4. X-Men: Mutant Apocalypse print ad

If there is anything significant about X-Men: Mutant Apocalypse, it is the fact that it was Capcom’s first-ever X-Men-based production that was also released a month before their own hit arcade game X-Men: Children of the Atom came out. Setting aside Capcom’s involvement, this game contains notable elements from the comic books that strongly resonated with dedicated X-Men fans. Apart from the two screenshots and the game box cover, this print ad has X-Men artwork by Andy Kubert who already was the regular artist of the X-Men monthly series.

5. Space Ace multi-platform print ad

*Anyone who is a fan of Don Bluth’s works in animation should be able to recognize the art style of this ad.*

First released in the mid-1980s, Space Ace was a LaserDisc video game that was designed and produced by the legendary animator Don Bluth (An American Tail, The Land Before Time, Anastasia). After achieving success in the arcades, new versions of Space Ace were subsequently released on many other platforms, including the consoles and computers that used disc drives in the mid-1990s which this print ad emphasized. By looking at the lower part of the print ad, you will see Sega CD, 3DO, Macintosh and PC as targeted platforms. The most notable visual feature of the ad was, unsurprisingly, official art of Space Ace.

6. BurgerTime arcade flyer

*The front of this flyer could make you crave for burgers.*

*The technical and creative details on the rear of the flyer.*

Bally/Midway came up with this arcade flyer of BurgerTime which itself went on to become a beloved classic game. The front showed a very enticing looking hamburger that looked like it could fill a person’s belly and tingle his or her taste buds. Then they showed the hand-drawn in-game characters looking like they really are interacting with the hamburger. The back of the flyer shows details that emphasize what the game is about, why it could be a fun arcade addition and what the specs are. This is an engaging arcade flyer.

7. NCAA Final Four Basketball print ad

*Do you know anyone who played this college basketball video game?*

If there is anything notable about video gaming in the 1990s that is missing today, that would be the presence of multiple basketball video games released by different game publishers. Along the way, there were some college basketball video games such as NCAA Final Four Basketball developed by Bitmasters and published by Mindscape. This print ad had enough screenshots to show what the game looked like and how it played. The ad also mentioned that the game had 64 real NCAA teams and logos as well. This 1994 video game did not have a strong reception from game critics although it received a very high rating by GamePro magazine. NCAA Final Four Basketball has long been forgotten.

8. Indiana Jones’ Greatest Adventures print ad

*An eye-catching print ad from a more memorable time when the Indiana Jones franchise was still under the full control of George Lucas and his enterprise.*

Indiana Jones’ Greatest Adventures was an ambitious 2D side-scrolling adventure game that also served as an adaptation of the first three Indiana Jones movies (1981-1989) of Steven Spielberg and George Lucas. Like the Super Star Wars trilogy of games that preceded, this one was a challenging and lengthy game filled with lots of action. This print ad only showed Indy’s whip and hat but the screenshots, the text description and the game box cover (which has a young Harrison Ford as the iconic Jones) were more than enough to convince viewers that this was an Indiana Jones game.

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Zark’s Burgers now serving customers inside Festival Mall

May 14, 2024May 13, 2024carlocarrasco

If you crave for burgers and fries, and if you are searching for a unique burger experience here in Alabang, then you should try visiting the brand new Zark’s Burgers branch inside Festival Mall, Filinvest City, Muntinlupa.

*This is what Zark’s Burgers looks like inside Festival Mall at the ground floor.*

Zark’s Burgers had its grand opening inside the said mall on May 10, 2024. Specifically speaking, the burger joint’s newest branch is located at the ground floor right beside Dairy Queen (DQ) and it is just steps away from Festival Mall’s food court in close proximity to National Bookstore. The new branch is easy to spot as the burger joint has its eye-catching sign composed of red and white colors.

For the newcomers reading this, Zark’s Burgers started in 2009 as an 18-seater hole-in-the-wall and they had a 3-man crew. As time passed by, the business gradually expanded as more customers flocked to them for burgers which they found tasty and even unique.

*See anything interesting on Zark’s menu?*

Already featured in the media and in blogs, Zark’s Burgers has an established reputation of being creative with the way they cooked their burgers which in turn delighted not only mainstream customers but also food enthusiasts who have specific expectations about how burgers should be presented and how tasty they should be. Of course, the business is not just selling burgers as they also offer hotdog sandwiches, rice meals, fried chicken, boneless fried chicken sandwiches and more.

Now that Zark’s Burgers’ Festival Mall branch is already operating, it will be interesting to see how they will keep up with the competition inside the said mall which already has lots of places where burgers and fries are being sold. In fact, a few steps away from Zark’s is a branch of Wendy’s which consistently attracts customers.

*Zark’s Burgers Festival Mall branch is just steps away from the food court and right beside Dairy Queen (DQ).*

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, are you excited to visit Zark’s Burgers branch inside Festival Mall? Do you think Zark’s Burgers has what it takes to keep up with the competition as the mall already has lots of food joints that sell burgers?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

A Look Back at Action Comics #454

February 26, 2020March 5, 2020carlocarrasco

Disclaimer: This is my original work with details sourced from reading the comic book and doing personal research. Anyone who wants to use this article, in part or in whole, needs to secure first my permission and agree to cite me as the source and author. Let it be known that any unauthorized use of this article will constrain the author to pursue the remedies under R.A. No. 8293, the Revised Penal Code, and/or all applicable legal actions under the laws of the Philippines.

Long ago in the history of American comic book publishing, there was a time when superhero comic book storytelling were not told as dramatic serials but rather as standalone stories laced with outlandish ideas.

For this retro comic book review, we go back to the year 1977 as we focus on a Superman story that would not be told again in this day and age. To say the least, its cover art is, by today’s standard, over-the-top in terms of presentation. kapiHere is my look back at Action Comics #454 published by DC Comics with a story by Cary Bates and visuals by Curt Swan and Tex Blaisdell.

Early Story

The comic book opens with a preview of things to come showing a weak Superman urged by a few people to fly and chase the Toyman.

And then there was the question: What good are super-powers without the stamina and endurance it takes to use them?

The story begins with the Toyman escaping after pulling off a bank robbery. As he flies higher, he sees Superman coming towards him. After using a trick to delay Superman, Toyman uses a special trick to twirl Superman at high speed and literally throws him away to an unknown destination. The villain escaped and, some time later, Clark Kent/Superman finds himself too tired and drained. Because of this, he becomes desperate to consume food and beverages just to keep going. This problem affects both his career and social life.

A454p1 — *When was the last time you saw Clark Kent so exhausted?*

Quality

Action Comics #454 explores what would happen if Superman lacks energy and requires a lot of rest and many meals to stay active. To see him eat as many as sixty hamburgers per minute is quite funny to see.

Being weak puts Superman at a disadvantage when it comes to stopping the criminal Toyman. As the Man of Steel flies at high speed to chase the bad guy flying in a personal aircraft, the chase drains him a lot.

When it comes to storytelling, this one is pretty short lasting only thirteen pages. What I find impressive is that the creators managed to tell a standalone story of good-versus-evil as well as answering the question as to what caused Superman to be so weak in the first place.

Superman flying tired.

Conclusion

To put it clearly, Action Comics #454 is definitely a very short literary escapade that still manages to be fun to read. It sure is outlandish and I strongly doubt DC Comics will want to put Superman through heavy eating in today’s age of comics. Is this comic book a classic? Not exactly but it sure is a satisfying, fun read from an era when outlandish superhero storytelling in comic books was the norm. If you are seeking this as a collector’s item, be aware that a near-mint copy of Action Comics #454 is worth $23 at MileHighComics.com as of this writing.

Overall, Action Comics #454 is recommended.

Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. Also my fantasy book The World of Havenor is still available in paperback and e-book format. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com

My Observations: The UJT Burger from Union Jack Tavern

August 13, 2019August 13, 2019carlocarrasco

Burgers have long been popular here in the Philippines and they can be bought from several makers like the fast food joints which are quite numerous.

At the expanded area of Festival Mall, Filinvest City, Alabang, Muntinlupa City, Union Jack Tavern has been selling and serving burgers to customers. Just open the menu when you visit them and then you will find the UJT Burger.

*The UJT Burger served to me in open sandwich fashion.*

Sold for less than P300 as of this writing, the UJT Burger comes with a large plate filled with fries (which are thicker and less greasy compared to the fries sold by others) and the open sandwich with one half of the bun with the vegetables on top and the other half with the onions and beef covered with melted cheese.

In my recent stop at Union Jack Tavern, I had the UJT Burger and I started first with the fries which are quite filling and I like the fact that they are not too greasy to handle.

With the burger itself, considering the size, I took me a little effort to put the two buns (with their respective toppings) on top of each other to form the burger.

Then I took a bite on what parts are suitable for biting because this one is not the usual burger. The burger patty itself is quite thick and certainly not flat. After biting down the bread with the vegetables, I finally got to bite the cheese-covered burger patty. The result? The burger patty was quite tasty on its own and definitely worth going for. Then there is also that nice taste when biting the bread, the burger patty, the cheese and the vegetables altogether.

It may not be too visible for those who like burgers but failed to check Union Jack Tavern’s menu, but there is no doubt that the UJT Burger is a delicious and filling burger meal just waiting to be discovered.

The UJT Burger is highly recommended and I encourage you visit Union Jack Tavern at Festival Mall.

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