MARIBETH Wong is a woman flying high on her dream. She is the managing director of Philfood Inc., which provides catering services to school canteens, and with concessions at domestic and international airports (VIP Lounge, Silver Kris Lounge of Singapore Airlines, Royal Orchid Lounge of Thai Airways and PAGSTOP Lounge).

What she has achieved in 16 years has been no small feat. But she remains unassuming, kind and painfully shy. Her success is well-deserved.

Last week, in a meeting in her office, she asked her staff to serve dim sum for merienda, prepared by her in-house Hong Kong Chinese dim sum chef who works for one of her food companies, Five Spices Dianxin Food Corp.

"Maribeth, this is good stuff!" we told her as we tried her siopao.

Then came the siomai and dumplings. It's the real deal, no extenders!

My next question was: How much was the siopao? The dumplings?

"Depending on whether it is regular or special. Regular asado is P10 and the overstuffed asado, P15." The siomai, she said, was P6 per piece.

I was so excited that I popped the next question: Would you sell them to us regular folks?

She replied: "Why not?"

"So people who plan to have big parties can just call you and pick up packs of frozen or steamed dim sum which are ready to serve?" I asked.

"Why not?" she said again. "Pwede pang i-deliver!"

Her price list is perfect for the holidays, especially when people hold big parties on a rather tight budget. Her spareribs are so sarap! You must give it a try!

Check these out: Siomai regular (pack of 25's)-P135; siomai with shrimp (pack of 25's)-P200; siopao mini asado/bola (pack of 12's)-P115; kutchay/sharksfin dumplings (pack of 40's)-P300; butchi per order (pack of 25's)-P200; fried noodles (20 orders)-P800; spare ribs (pack of 40's)-P500; fried rice (good for 10)-P400.

Decent, nice and clean, is how I describe her dim sum offerings. It's priced right, pwedeng pang-party; pwede ding pang-negosyo at pambahay.

Call 0920-9602182 / 8877563-66.

Thai fruit and veggie carving

I recently met Larry and Laong Hertz through Cecille Ysmael. The couple have decided to call the Philippines their home and have since been promoting the dying ancient art of Kae Sa Luk (Thai fruit and vegetable carving).

Today, Laong shares the skill and beauty of her edible masterpieces with those who wish to learn the ancient art. I have tried many times to learn it and I must say, it is not for everyone. Definitely not for me!

But for those who appreciate them as centerpieces for dinner parties or as presents, Laong does one-of-a-kind edible arrangements.

You could also book her for exhibitions and parties to teach your guests a thing or two about fruit and vegetable carving. Call Larry Hertz at 0908-2501470.

If you wish to see Laong in action, she will be at Thai at Silk, The Fort, starting Nov. 7. Call 0917-8229818 for details.

Packed lunch

Can you recommend packed lunch that costs less than P50? Every year, at this time, our company requires this service. Your help and tips are always appreciated.

Mike A.

If you are a child of the '70s, for sure you know the skin clinic along Edsa which most women patronized then-the clinic of Dr. Uy, which still exists.

Inside is a barbecue stall called Shinto Nasi which sells chicken and pork barbecue with soy-flavored rice, served with teriyaki sauce. It costs P35 for one mini-barbecue stick with a huge serving of soy rice. For P50, you get two sticks plus rice! It's decent.

We all order every time we go. We're all patrons of the clinic-three generations of us- thanks to Mom, who, at 82, is still beautiful with perfect skin.

The best part, Mike, is while you wait for your order, you can also go stretching! Try it! By Christmastime, you'll be glowing! Hahaha! Call Benedict at 0922-8141686.

They also sell mineral drops called CMD which they use after cleaning dry, open wounds. I use it in the kitchen, too. Cuts dry up and heal the following morning! Amazing! Pero super hapdi!

The Gourmet Cocinera Holiday Series Designed for Household Cooks and Beginners starts Nov. 4.
For inquiries, call (63 2) 928-9296 / 927-3008.