That particular Chowking branch was transformed into a bar-esque party place with lots of music, dancing, and bright orange lights, smoke effects, and confetti. 
The event was hosted by Chef Rosebud Benitez, Jericho Rosales, and Chinggay. Jericho demonstrated the chicken dance and taught us onlookers how it's supposed to be done. Later on there was a dance contest wherein everyone in the event was an automatic participant -- I won an orange Swatch watch for my efforts... :p
Plates and plates of Chowking's new Oh!some Oh!range Chicken were brought out. I want to clarify that this is different from the Chowking Duets Mandarin Chicken they introduced last November. Mandarin Chicken had more of a sour vinegar-based flavor, while Orange Chicken has a thicker and more citrusy sweet sauce. An Oh!some Oh!range Rice Chow Meal costs P69 while a Lauriat Meal complete with Chicharap, Crispy Noodles, and Buchi costs P125.
We were also joined by Chowking President Erwin Elechicon. He did the chicken dance with Echo too. :pAnyways, the surprise of the night was when I got called aside and informed that Mr. Elechicon wanted to meet me and talk to me. Astonished, I asked why. I was just told that he scanned through the guest registry, saw my name, and told the person in charge to find me. I was mystified to say the least.
It turns out that he wanted to personally apologize for my horrible Chowking delivery experience several months back. I was rather taken aback, I didn't think any of the Chowking folks read my blog... what more the president himself! He said he read my blog within 24 hours after I posted it (I guess it helps that it's actually on the first page of Google when you do a search for "Chowking delivery"). The branch manager who contacted me after the incident said she found out about it when she reviewed their delivery logs.
Mr. Elechicon proceeded to tell me how they had my call recordings pulled out from the call center so the whole management committee could listen to everything that had transpired that night. He said they took immediate action to make changes in the delivery system -- and I can actually attest to this. We gave Chowking another chance by calling for delivery and they made it a point to inform us that they were going to be a bit late.
He also thanked me for attending the event even after my experience. I told him I have nothing against Chowking and its food. My hubby and I actually dine in at Chowking a lot when there's nothing to eat at home. It was just the whole delivery fiasco that pissed me off so I refrained from calling for delivery for a few months afterwards.
As for the Oh!some Orange Chicken, let's just say it's not quite up to the level of Panda Express' Orange Chicken in the US but it's pretty okay. Chowking's Beef Tapa breakfast meal is still my undisputed favorite. I actually try to get it before 11am so I can have it as an early lunch... :p
Like this post? Subscribe to this blog by clicking HERE.
Become a Facebook Fan for more food adventures from Animetric's World.
