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Eats in Cebu: Orange Brutus
From being the first hamburger joint in the city, Orange Brutus marks a milestone as it celebrates 35 years of a fast-food experience that is distinctly Cebuano.
Every Cebuano, it seems, has a story about Orange Brutus. In the case of photographer Mark Philip Dales, it was fond memories of the place he used to frequent during his childhood days, spurring on a rather nostalgic conversation with the fast food chain’s chief executive officer Jocelyn Quintos Kokseng, Kristian Kokseng and creative consultant Jaclyn Abregana. “My family would bring me to the Colon Fairmart branch, since it was the premiere destination for every Cebuano before.” he recalls over a glass of Mango Brutus as we wait for the Zee Lifestyle Directory cover photo shoot to begin. “I remember my mom always ordered the Mexicali, while I would get their burgers and shakes.”
“When we opened our first store in Colon back in 1980, fast food hamburgers and hotdogs were not common snack fare as we know it today,” explains Jocelyn. “As the popularity of burgers and hotdogs grew, we started opening more stores at strategic locations to be more accessible to our customers.” Eventually, in the 1990s, the demand shifted from snack items to meals, which led Orange Brutus to add more products, including their now cult-favorite Sizzling Burger Steak.
Orange Brutus has come a long way since that small hamburger joint back then. After 35 years, it is currently one of the biggest fast food chains in Cebu—not to mention a homegrown one at that. Currently, they have 22 outlets all over Cebu and Mactan, with a 23rd branch in Danao set to open soon. Beyond the number of branches, however, is the food that keeps people coming back for more.
“We only serve food that we ourselves eat, and we try to make them as healthy as possible,” says Jocelyn, explaining that Orange Brutus does not use MSG in most of its products. Their raw ingredients are also ozonated to eliminate bacteria, harmful hormones, antibiotics, pesticides and insecticides. They also use healthy oils for frying, and burgers and burger steaks are charbroiled.
The menu itself has evolved over the years, with an offering of about 50 items. Besides sticking with the bestsellers, Orange Brutus introduces and reintroduces their own takes on different comfort food such as humba, sisig, and pork steak on a quarterly basis. “You can say that Orange Brutus changes with the times and tries to cater to the wants and likes of its customers,” adds Jocelyn. “We have beef, pork, fish, chicken and vegetables. It’s a one-stop food stop for the whole family.”
Despite the competition in the form of international fast food chains, Orange Brutus has held up impressively on its own. The delicious food, the reasonable price points, as well as offering a distinctly Cebuano fast food dining experience has made Orange Brutus a favorite among the locals. Even with more than three decades under its belt, the fast food chain shows no signs of stopping, and it’s only going to bring more stories for people to tell as the years go by.
ORANGE BRUTUS
Delivery Hotline: 6332. 422 8000
Official Website | Facebook | Instagram
by Patty Taboada photography Mark Philip Dales of MadWorldPhotography
Originally published in Zee Lifestyle Directory, April 2015. Like Zee Lifestyle Directory on Facebook
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The Homes of Zee–Holiday Edition: Christmas House No. 3
Christmas House No. 3
Check out why this holiday home is on our list of 12 Cebu homes this season. Zee.ph offers a glimpse of Cebu’s holiday homes from far and wide. Please follow our series as we bring you a different home in the next few days!
Welcome to Christmas Home No. 3, where the season’s spirit is adorned in elegant white hues. This cozy abode is nestled near Cebu’s bustling IT Park, which radiates tradition and festive cheer. The homeowners, a delightful couple, eagerly await the arrival of their only daughter and her family from Manila.
As you enter this winter wonderland, a white Christmas tree takes center stage, adorned with glistening ornaments that shimmer in the soft glow of fairy lights. The white decor creates an atmosphere reminiscent of a snowy holiday retreat. Opting for a white-themed Christmas isn’t just a stylistic choice; it’s an invitation to embrace simplicity, purity, and serenity during the festive season. The neutral palette provides a canvas for creativity, allowing each ornament to stand out and making memories more vibrant. It offers modern living and timeless elegance, creating a perfect backdrop for family celebrations. Peek inside the magic of a white Christmas as this welcoming home awaits the joyous reunion of loved ones.
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The Homes of Zee–Holiday Edition: Christmas House No. 1
Check out why this holiday home is on our list of 12 Cebu homes this season. Zee.ph offers a glimpse of Cebu’s holiday homes from far and wide. Please follow our series as we bring you a different home in the next few days!
This sleek house seamlessly blends into its natural surroundings while exuding a modern aesthetic that sets it apart as one of the most stylish homes in Cebu. Upon entering, the interior’s clean lines and minimalistic design immediately capture the essence of contemporary living. The couple’s home reflects their impeccable taste and dynamic lifestyle, which revolves around work and travel. Every corner of the house seems to narrate a story of the couple’s journey through fashion and design.
The living area is adorned with carefully selected holiday decor that complements the overall simplicity. Large glass windows invite abundant natural light, seamlessly connecting the indoor and outdoor space from day to night. The choice of neutral tones enhances the sense of tranquility within, offering a retreat from the bustling energy of Cebu below. The residence is decked out in restrained holiday cheer, a curated canvas that mirrors the couple’s artistic inclinations. Every element, from bespoke furniture to curated art pieces, is thoughtfully chosen to create a harmonious environment that speaks volumes about the occupants’ creativity and global influences.
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LONDON IN FULL BLOOM: An Exclusive Look at the recent Chelsea Flower Show
The Chelsea Flower Show in London, one of the most prestigious horticultural events in the world, returned in full glory in May 2023, captivating visitors with its stunning displays and landscape designs. Held annually on the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea in London, this year’s show proved to be a true feast for the senses, showcasing an array of breathtaking gardens, vibrant floral arrangements, and innovative landscaping. The 3-day event showcased 36 outdoor gardens, including four balcony gardens for small spaces. Inside the giant pavilion, blooms compete with each other, exotic flowers, roses, and many more.
The 2023 Chelsea Flower Show embraced a Nature’s Harmony theme, with a strong focus on sustainability and mental health. The show’s organizers emphasized the importance of sustainable gardening practices and biodiversity conservation, inspiring attendees to create beautiful outdoor spaces while preserving and protecting the environment.
What’s Cebu got to do with the Chelsea Flower Show in London? One person. James Doran Webb (https://www.jamesdoranwebb.co.uk), an Englishman working with driftwood, has been displaying his artworks for several years. James collects cast-off driftwood and shapes them into beautiful animal shapes that find places in some of the most iconic gardens. Leaping horses, owls, reindeer, and the occasional dragon, James Webb’s creations are avidly collected by landscapers to add accent to gardens in all sizes, using cast-off wood, fitting perfectly with the sustainable element—something Mr. Webb has done quite well for the last decade.
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The Philippine International Flower Festival will be held at the PICC in Manila from January 14 to 18, 2024. Watch out for more info from our website!
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