Dampa Express Is Getting Bigger and Better in the New Normal

Owner Simon Lim, Jr, Continues to Hold the Title of "Dampa King"

Dampa Express continues to live up to its name as your go-to place for affordable, fast, and convenient

seafood a la carte treats even during and despite the pandemicl

Our strength is that we've tried to do away with all the inconveniences and complications of most

seafood restaurants," owner Dampa King Simon Lim, Jr, explained. "We've dared to go against the trend

of posh high-brow exclusivity.

Our outlets are not fancy restaurants, so people feel welcome and comfortable, but they're air-

conditioned. And, we have an enclosed videoke room for small family gatherings, like birthdays and

baptismal celebrations."

Making Seafood Accessible to People

Customers do not have to spend too much money on live seafood, worry about picking the right

shellfish or getting the weight of crabs for your family, and wait a long time for your orders to be

cooked."

All customers need to do is visit one of their going on 30 branches, including those that a

open, and order from an exciting menu of family-sized seafood sets.

If they're afraid to go out or travel-or are worried of catching COVID-19 in wet markets for fresh

seafood to cook at home-they can simply dial Dampa Express' hotline or message them for home

deliveries!

"We want customers to feel comfortable. So, we advise them to make reservations if they plan to dine

in on Fridays and Sundays because they might not find enough seats if they walk-in."

However, note that Dampa Express meals are priced and prepared for families. It's known as the

original house of seafood bilaos. "We have no solo meals and we do not compete with fast food outlets.

We aren't a fancy restaurant but we've intentionally veered away with fast food value meals and rice

toppings."

Banking on Seafood Being Pandemic-Proof

"What we have are bilao [large women tray] sets that at P1,100 is more than a bargain for 3 to 4

people!" shared the Dampa King. "And you can upsize that to a killer bilao, our top of the line bestseller,

except for sauce-based dishes."

It's interesting, however, that Dampa Express's specialty, alimango sa bilao [crabs in large woven trays]

was discovered by accident.

"A lawyer friend ordered crabs and for lack of a better packaging for the crabs, had it delivered in a

large woven tray. He took a picture of the generous serving and posted it on social media." The post

generateda lot of likes and bombarded him with inquiries, "so we started using that packaging to

represent our brand."

Now, alimango sa bilao gets from 50 to 100 orders on an ordinary day to 200-250 orders on special

occasions like Mother's Day, on holidays and during the Christmas season December, ringing in a total of

P300K at its peak!

if you're curious what makes our cooking tick, there's really no secret to it. We just cook seafood the

dampa [cottage style, plus we don't stock. What's delivered today will be out by end of the day. So,

everything is as fresh as they can get."

"The only thing we don't have readily available are lobsters but these can be pre-ordered," reveals the

Dampa King.

Rising Demand for Seafood Deliveries

I thought l'd lose everything during the pandemic, but to my surprise sales grew exponentially with

greater demand for deliveries," confessed the Dampa King. "It turned out that seafood is pandemic

proof"

"We've survived with group service, offering a lot of variations-we have shrimp in eight variations, and

banking on seasonal demands. In January, for instance, when people are dieting meat dishes are on a

low, so our tuna sales go up!" he explained.

He acknowledges a great deal of this success on efficient and early deliveries, too. Just what the

sensitive nature of seafood dishes need and for this, he says, "Grab is a real game changer!"

With only the Greenhills branch closing shop for reasons not related to the lockdown, the restaurant

chain had to let go of 100 people overall given that branches had to temporarily suspend operations.

"m confident, however, that looking for new cooks and staff wouldn't be hard because we offer more

than the P160 per day and 1 free meal that other paluto [cooked to order) outlets give.

Thus, Dampa Express continues to operate on 300 employees who receive the minimum wage plus all

the government-mandated benefits they deserve as food service workers.

"Despite the ECQ resulting in only half of our staff coming in to work, we just held on to the motto that

as long as there are orders and people want seafood, we don't stop," avers the Dampa King.

Expanding after A Surprising Demand

Dampa Express wasn't a childhood dream or a dream that took to long on the planning table, In fact, it

was just a business enterprise that a Gold 's Gym marketing consultant, who rose up the ranks to vice

president, got interested in.

"1 only wanted one restaurant for my wife, but fate had a different plan for me," he remembers thinking

along the lines of Gerry's Grill or JT'S Manukan. They opened their first branch at Xavierville in Quezon

City, before moving toa bigger location on Kamias Road, just a few hundred meters away

"When we opened one branch, people really welcomed the idea that soon, everyone wanted a branch

near their place-it was totally unexpected!" He nearly closed a deal with a Singapore-based restaurant

operator before COVID-19 came.

"The demand keeps on growing so much so that one prospect even offered an exorbitant amount that

was really hard to refuse just to buy the name, but I thought it's too early for that. Another one from

Dubai wanted to get the full rights to put up branches in the UAE, which I declined," narrates the Dampa

King.

Now, this phenomenal brainchild of Simon Lim, Jr, and his best friend Ronald lledan, is going on 30

branches, of which 10 are provincial franchises and 10 are company-owned.

To date, Dampa Express serves around 2,000 customers daily in all their branches combined. "From the

fruit of our labors, we're able to open a private resort in Pampanga, with a giant crab image as tribute to

our success: katas ng alimango [the fruit of selling crabs"

Holding the Title of Dampa King

"We make the biggest order for crabs in this part of the world. At one time, our orders reached P10.5M

worth of crabs"

This unprecedented success as an innovative seafood restaurant that pioneered "affordability,

accessibility, and accelerated service" in the Philippines has earned Simon Lim, Jr, the title of Dampa

King.

The irony here is, I don't cook and neither do l eat crabs," he admitted. "ve been called Mr Alimango,

Mr Dampa, Crab King, or Dampa King because l've successfully brought Dampa Express to communities

and expanded on the dampa concept."

Dampa Express now boasts the biggest number of branches among any Philippine seafood restaurants,

making it the biggest seafood chain in the Philippines. As a result, the seafood resto business is nowa

multi-million industry.

The Dampa King's success goes beyond the marriage of luck and business acumen-a feat that the

media has praised for achieving the perfect balance in maintaining a day job as a gym employee and growing a business-to his earnest desire to help his staff and acquaintances grow with the business and

to always buy local.

"I make it a point to source everything we use and serve from fellow Filipinos. For instance, all our itlog

na maalat [salted duck's egg] and bilao are from Pampanga. We're 100% Pinoy to give back to the

community."

He still buys all of his vegetables from the ambulant vegetable vendor peddling on their street. "He used

to go about pushing a cart then when he started supplying all Dampa Express branches, he was able to

buy a pedicab and now, he's driving a car!

Dampa Express is now accepting franchise and partnership applications nationwide and for overseas as

well. For the full menu, reservation, delivery and more information, please call 0917 5311703 or +632

79441036 or visit@dampaexpress.official on Instagram and Dampa Express on Facebook.

Frontliners for Frontliners

Frontliners from the country’s foremost food brands, together with an NGO that mobilizes food distribution to different hospitals in the Metro and neighboring cities, have come together to provide support and nourishment to those who have been similarly working the frontlines.

Employees from the Century Pacific Group, Shakey’s Pizza (Shakey’s), Peri Peri Charcoal Chicken (Peri-Peri), and Century Pacific Food (Century), together with Frontline Feeders Philippines (FFP) have joined forces to provide more than 100,000 meal packs to Filipino healthcare workers in over 90 hospitals and facilities in Metro Manila and nearby cities.

Showing a great example of teamwork, each team member makes a significant contribution in this initiative. Century provides processed meats, manages the hospital list, and coordinates with the hospitals on a daily basis. FFP provides the network of hospitals and collects regular information on which hospitals need help the most. Finally, Shakey's and Peri Peri provide meat products, bake bread daily, and does the actual delivery.

Each snack is freshly made, filling, and nutritious. The selection includes freshly baked marinated beef buns, hotdog rolls, ham and cheese flatbreads, pepperoni and cheese flatbreads, as well as ham buns.

The partnership also ensures the right amount of food is delivered at the right time to avoid food waste and spoilage. The meals are meant for merienda or snack, and are individually wrapped so that medical frontliners may eat them when they need a mid-shift gap fill to power them through.

Since the program’s start last April 7, it has thus far provided100,000 meal packs to 90 hospitals and health facilities around Metro Manila, and there are plans to do more.

“Century, Shakeys, Peri, and Frontline Feeders have come together - each with its own unique resources, capacity, and skills - to extend help in the best way we know how. It’s the least we can do to take care of the people who regularly put their lives at risk as they work bravely and tirelessly to save those infected by the virus,” said Century Pacific’s Nikki Dizon, the initiative’s project lead.

She added, “For the Century Pacific Group in particular, composed primarily of food businesses, nourishing our medical frontliners through freshly prepared food is another meaningful way to live out our mission and vision as a company.”

Century Pacific Food is one of the largest branded food companies in the Philippines, behind household names Century Tuna, Argentina, 555, Birch Tree, and Swift. Shakey’s Pizza is both the Philippines’ largest pizza chain and leading full-service restaurant. Peri-Peri is an emerging fast casual brand in the Philippines known for its grilled chicken and a variety of sauces.

Get Fit and Healthy at Home and Win Php 50,000 from Century Tuna

Being quarantined at home may have limited us from doing what we’re used to do, but it also presents a perfect opportunity to learn new skills and develop good habits such as eating healthy and exercising daily. Not only will these habits help you get fit and put you in a good mood but it will also boost your immune system to help fight off the ongoing virus.

Fortunately, Century Tuna, the country’s leading canned tuna, makes it all possible to achieve as it brings the workout in the comfort of your home and even offers a chance to win Php 50,000 with Century Tuna Superbods At Home.

The Century Tuna Superbods At Home is a 60-day fitness activity where Century Tuna will serve fitness challenges and tips to participants. Every week, participants will get a chance to win a participation prize of Php 5,000, and at the end of 60 days, take home the grand prize of Php 50,000.

To get started, click on Century Tuna’s Facebook Messenger chatbot (found on the top right corner of Century Tuna’s official Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/centurytuna/) where the participant will be prompted to join the Century Tuna Superbods at Home. Users will need to provide the following details: Agreement of Privacy Act, full name, contact number, and email.

Participants will be given one workout every Wednesday for 60 days led by celebrity coaches Nadine Lustre and Alden Richards who will guide them with endurance, cardio, legs, abs and core exercises. Participants will also be served with additional fitness content every day for the whole duration of the challenge, which include healthy recipes, inspirational quotes, fitness tips, and many more!

Each time a content is served, participants are encouraged to submit one photo or more of themselves per week. Photos must also be related to the challenge like performing the given exercise, Century Tuna recipes, or progress photos. One (1) submitted photo will be randomly chosen every Wednesdays to win the participation prize. Previous winners are eligible to win again the following week. To qualify for the grand prize, participants must submit a total of four (4) photos from different weeks.

However, only those who signed up for the challenge during the sign-up period from April 13 to April 23, 2020 will be eligible to win the Grand Prize at the end of the 60-day program. Those who were unable to opt-in during the sign-up period may still join the program activities, but will not be eligible to win the Grand Prize. Winner of the grand prize will be announced on Century Tuna’s Facebook page on June 17, 2020.

Make the most out of your freetime and get a chance to take home Php 50,000 by participating in Century Tuna Superbods At Home now. For full mechanics or to know more about the challenge, visit https://www.facebook.com/pg/centurytuna/notes/.

Over 200 Hot Bods Vie for Century Tuna Superbods 2020

Over 200 hot bods joined the go-sees of the Century Tuna Superbods 2020 at the Seda Hotel in Cebu and at the Megamall Fashion Hall.

This year’s judging panels were up for a challenge as this year’s competition was different, according to COO and EVP of Century Pacific Foods, Greg Banzon, “It’s really more about health, fitness and inclusiveness. As long as their lives are all about being eating right and being fit, they are welcome to join. We are not just looking for a pretty face; we are on the lookout for men and women who can be a great role model for people of all ages.”

The judging panel included Century Tuna Superbods 2018 grand winners Jules Aquino and Angel Jones, Superbods 2012 grand winner John Spainhour, Century Pacific Foods EVP and COO Greg Banzon, marketing director Carlo Endaya, PC&V Communications executive creative director Carol San Pedro and client services director Sol Zoleta. The event was hosted by the gorgeous Gelli Victor.

The contest is open to men and women ages 18 to 60 years old, living healthy and active lifestyles.

Want to know more about Century Tuna Superbods? Visit their official website https://www.superbods.ph/ or follow their social media pages: Facebook (@centurytuna) and Instagram (@centurytunasuperbods). Love Nadine and Alden’s posts and NEW COMMERCIAL? 

Here’s the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_McwiWqI0bI don’t forget to use the official hashtags when posting: #FishEveryday #EverybodyCanBeASuperbod #EverydayIsAChanceToBeABetterYou.

Seascape Village Independence Day Flash Sale: 1 KG of crabs for P21

Seascape Village is giving freedom-loving Filipinos the best reasons to celebrate Independence Day! From June 12 to 14, the dining complex which offers an authentic seafood market experience, will have a food flash sale where a kilo of local crabs will be sold for only P21!

80 coupons per day will be given away during the promo. The first 40 coupons will be distributed from 12NN to 4PM, and the second batch from 5PM to 8PM.

To qualify, like the SEASCAPE VILLAGE official Facebook page and share the Philippine Independence Day Promo post at least a day before claiming the coupon.

Coupons will only be given to dine-in customers who will pay the P21 fee and show proof that the promo post was shared in their Facebook account. Cooking and service charges are exclusive of the discounted rate, and only 1 voucher can be used for every group of 5 diners.

After claiming the coupon, dine-in customers will only pay 21 pesos for a kilo of live crabs! They can then have it cooked by any of the 8 participating restaurants at Seascape Village.

A more upscale yet readily accessible seafood market with a wide array of restaurants, Seascape Village also offers the most diverse and freshest seafood—from shellfish and tuna, to groupers and imported crabs and lobsters—at prices that will surely fit everyone’s taste and budget!

So, what are you waiting for? Head over to Seascape Village and celebrate Independence Day with your family and friends over a sumptuous seafood dining experience. Seascape Village is located between Sofitel Philippine Plaza and the Manila Film Center at the CCP Complex in Pasay City. Per DTI-FTEB permit number 9711, series of 2019. Visit https://web.facebook.com/seascapevillage/ for more details.

Meat-Free Meal Prepared the Way You Like It

Enjoy sumptuous meat-less meals this Lenten season at Isla Sugbu Seafood City at Venice Grand Canal Mall in Taguig City.

At Isla Sugbu Seafood City, you can abstain from meat by opting for its unique offering called Paluto All-You-Can. Select from a wide array of fresh and live seafood and have it cooked the way you like it until you have your fill.

If you do not have any dish in mind, you can choose from its delectable selection of best-selling dishes such as Salted Egg Shrimp, Oysters topped with Garlic and Cheese, Fresh Crabs in Chili Sauce, Squid in Garlic Teriyaki Sauce and Steamed Parrot Fish. Whether you want something extravagant or just a simple, well-cooked dish, Seafood City is ready to serve appetizing meals for you and your family and friends.

You can enjoy Seafood City’s Paluto All-You-Can at the promo rate of P888 until May 31, 2019. Actual price per head is P1,300.

Isla Sugbu Seafood City, Cebu’s best seafood restaurant, is operated and managed by the Kuya J Group, which also owns concept stores Tsay Cheng Chinese Cuisine, Majestic Restaurant and the heritage Grand Convention Center of Cebu. Recently, the group agreed to develop and grow locally one of the most popular fast-food chains in the United States, Popeye’s Louisiana Kitchen.

Indulge in a meat-less Lenten season only at Isla Sugbu Seafood City. To know more, visit the website www.seafoodcity.ph or follow them on Facebook and Instagram at @islasugbuseafoodcity.

Seafood Dining: Seascape Village is More Affordable Than You Think

The Chinese New Year, a special non-working day, is celebrated by most Filipinos by displaying round fruits, wearing ubiquitous red garments, and gathering together for sumptuous meals.

But while enjoying a relaxed ambiance with families and friends and feasting on delicious food is ideal, it need not be expensive. Seascape Village, a dining complex with restaurants and a wet market, boasts of having the most diverse and freshest seafood supply in the metro – one that is easily accessible and reasonably priced.

“Most people think that just because we offer premium experience, dining here is already expensive. Actually, what Seascape Village offers is the best value for money for all the guests. We have a wide array of restaurants to choose from that will fit everyone’s palate and budget,” said Christine Suntay, Seascape Village marketing and events head.

On February 4 and 5, Chinese New Year’s Eve and Chinese New Year, respectively, Seascape will be having traditional Chinese performances, dragon and lion dances, fireworks display, and Feng Shui reading.

While giving guests an authentic seafood market experience – complete with tanks full of live seafood and the traditional haggling for lower prices – Seascape Village has evolved this experience into something better. The dining destination inside the CCP Complex has beefed up measures to ensure the security of its guests, wide parking spaces and valet service for convenience, and an exciting mix of restaurants.

Located along the coast of Manila, Seascape Village also offers one of the most beautiful views of the unparalleled Manila Bay sunset.

“With our guests always our top priority, we have ensured that only the freshest produce are sold here at Seascape Village, if not live, these produce are flown in fresh from various parts of the country. We also have our own ice production facility to keep cold products cold,” said Suntay.

Seascape Village brings together the treasures of the Philippine seas – from shellfish sourced in Roxas, among others, to crabs and lobsters from the Pacific coast, to groupers from the Visayas, tuna from Mindanao and everything in between, including the majestic view of the setting sun on the horizon of Manila Bay. Truly, it is an experience no other dining destination can offer.

“The best way to experience Seascape Village is to come and visit us and see and taste for themselves what we offer,” said Suntay.

Seascape Village is located between Sofitel Philippine Plaza and the Manila Film Center at the CCP Complex in Pasay City.

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

Celebrate the Lunar New Year with feasts of the country’s freshest seafood only at Seascape Village. The wide array of restaurants offers a variety of dishes that will satiate everyone’s cravings.

Usher in the Year of the Earth Pig at Seascape Village while indulging in the freshest seafood from around the country. Live lobsters, crabs, fish, even groupers, are available at affordable prices.

Mega Sardines Announces Exciting New Variants and Piolo Pascual's 2nd Year as Ambassador

Passionate and fun-loving Filipinos have a new cause for celebration—heartthrob Piolo Pascual has extended his term as Mega Sardines’ brand ambassador, coinciding with the reintroduction of an exciting array of Mega Sardines variants.

It was a veritable fiesta as Piolo signed his new contract with Mega Sardines, a Filipino staple that is loved by people across the country. Piolo, after all, reflects the heart and passion behind Mega Sardines, as well as its promise of #MegaGandaAngBuhay, which is word play of the phrase “may igaganda ang buhay.”

The relaunch of Mega Sardines’ variants evokes the joy that comes with a true Filipino fiesta. The variants are a festive assortment of exciting flavors and create a feast of the senses, with new offerings such as Mega Sardines in Spanish-Style, Mega Sardines in Natural Oil, Mega Extra Hot Sardines, Mega Fried Sardines Tausi, and Mega Fried Sardines Hot and Spicy. Through the years, these well-loved flavors have become an important part of family meals and have come to define the Filipino way of life.

Piolo’s association with the Mega Sardines brand is deep-rooted. Not too long ago, Piolo starred in Mega Sardines’ multi-awarded TV and radio ad, which showcased the brand’s unique and meticulous 12 hour catching-to-canning process. The process captures the company’s dedication to bring only the best to Filipinos, para sa ikagaganda ng buhay. In the ad, Piolo takes Mega’s fishing boat as a witness to the hard work of the men and women who bring Mega into the tables of thousands of Filipinos around the country. It also shows Mega Sardines’ state-of-the-art equipment, which ensures the freshness, cleanliness, and quality of its products.

“Mega Sardines is part of Filipino life so much so that it’s a staple in Filipino homes, and so is Piolo Pascual. His presence on our screens––whether big or small––has been impactful over the years and truly shows Filipino excellency, and that’s why he’s perfect as Mega Sardines’ brand ambassador,” said Mr. Marvin Tiu Lim, VP of Sales and Marketing of Mega Global.

Mega Sardines will also be launching a series of short films called #MegaGandaAngBuhay which features inspiring short films that is sure to touch the hearts of Filipinos everywhere. The short films will showcase contemporary Filipino stories about their struggles, passions, and unwavering resilience.

With the renewed collaboration between Piolo and Mega Sardines, Filipinos can look forward to enjoying the brand’s promise that #MegaGandaAngBuhay.

All variants of Mega Sardines are available in supermarkets nationwide. The new Mega Fried Sardines, though, are exclusively available in SM Supermarkets, SM Hypermarkets, and SaveMore stores nationwide. For more information, please visit the website www.megaglobal.com.ph and Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/officialmegasardines/.