Bi•Ø2: The Oxygen Food, Maginhawa

Mostly it is loss which teaches us about the value of things or persons in our life.

When Jetro Vin Rafael’s partner was diagnosed in 2016 with Stage 4 terminal colon cancer, they thought that it would be just a matter of time before the latter will join our Creator. But before completely surrendering to the Big C, they tried to give a damn good fight. And in the end, succeeded. Hallelujah.

So, how did they find the cure? According to Jetro it wasn’t chemotherapy, radiation, artificial medicine or surgery but simply “oxygen food” that saved the love of his life.

Oxygen food are food that's alive. They are living food that literally breathes. Raw, vegan foods abound with oxygen in their cellular structure. Clinical research has shown that oxygen within the living food increases the ability of their nutrients to be synthesized by our cells. The cooking of even the healthiest vegan food eliminates all its oxygen content, so it is way much better to eat them raw.

Inspired by the miraculous healing of his partner mainly because of having a strict oxygen food diet, he opened Bi•Ø2, a 100% alkaline based natural nutrition and oxygen food specialty store and cafe. This is the first of its kind in the Philippines. And this is Jetro’s way of thanking God, and paying it forward especially for families with family members who are suffering from cancer.

Guyabano hot tea

Plant salad

Mushroom black mountain rice

Lemongrass cold tea

If Jetro’s first quirky restaurant “Van Gogh is Bipolar” is known for its “beauty of the dark” concept, his Bi•Ø2 projects “beauty of the light”. The store is airy, bright, and has this very-millennial vibe (the murals inside the store have scientific significance, while the artworks outside celebrate life and mother nature). I had salad and mushroom black mountain rice with edible flowers and live plants. They were delish and refreshing, even the iced and hot teas. The store’s products are scientifically designed to activate immune system and heal the body in a cellular level. Those with cancer or other ailments may try his alkaline-based drinks (raw oil, raw banana vinegar, raw tamarind vinegar, and raw kombucha) as an alternative form of medicine.

Life is uncertain, eat dessert plants first.

Bi•Ø2: The Oxygen Food

Unit C #154 Maginhawa St.

Sikatuna Village, Quezon City

Tel. No.: 0956-7980184

Poblacion Dining Room + Commune, Makati

I have the one whom my soul loves.

Café latte

Durban salad

Kimchi rice

Pork longganisa pasta

Peanut butter, guava jelly banana sandwich

Commune and Poblacion Dining Room are popular adjoined café, bar and restaurant in Poblacion, Makati, serving delicious comfort food and coffee latte art as cute as kitten.

Poblacion Dining Room + Commune

#36 Polaris cor. Durban Sts., Poblacion

Makati City

Deli de San Honore, Tagaytay

St. Honoré (also known as Honoratus) of Amiens in Northern France, is the patron saint of bakers and pastry chefs. Deli de San Honore, a homey bakery and gourmet restaurant of Chef Jeremy and Kate Joson in Tagaytay, was named in honor of the patron saint.

The couple are former New Yorkers (Chef Jeremy worked as a baker in New Jersey) but decided to return to the Philippines to establish their own food business and dream bakery. It later evolved into a restaurant upon the request of their regular patrons, who wanted a decent meal with pasta or rice, aside from their usual staples – the special country and sourdough breads.

Though many rave about their pizza, it was their Herb de Provence porkchop that captured my heart and palate. Served with side salad, garlic rice, and sweet pickles, it was cooked to perfection.

Complimentary bread

Stuffed chicken breast

House salad

Herb de Provence porkchop

Pizza Bianca

Lemon curd shortcake

I also like the ambience of the restaurant, especially their garden area. They grow their own herbs in their little nursery. Orchids and wild animals such as civet and Philippine eagle also co-exist in the place.

From Manila, take Nasugbu or Alfonso bound bus from Lawton, Buendia or South Terminal in Pasay. Get off in Brgy. Neogan (landmark is the Antonio’s Cabana signage on the highway). From the highway, ride a tricycle going to the Deli; or it’s a 5-10 minute walk.

Deli de San Honore

Purok 138, Zambal Rd.,

Brgy. Neogan, Tagaytay City

Tel. Nos.: 927-8649, 0915-9591675