Mesa to open first overseas branch in California

MANILA - Restaurant operator Foodee Global Concepts said it would bring its Mesa brand to the US next year, hoping to capitalize on growing demand for Filipino food.

The company is looking for a partner for the Mesa outlet in Los Angeles, California which will also be its first overseas foray, Foodee Global Concepts president Eric Dee told ABS-CBN News on Friday.

Mesa, which offers a modern take on Filipino favorites like boneless crispy pata (deep-fried pork knuckle), will open its 50th local outlet in the first quarter of 2018, he said.

"Filipino food is trending in the US and western countries now (but) most of the food that's coming up is Americanized or influenced by Filipinos there. What we want to bring is the authentic feel," Dee said.

Foodee Global Concepts operates popular foreign brands in the Philippines, including Tim Ho Wan and Todd English Food Hall.

Restaurant operator Max's Group and the country's largest fastfood operator, Jollibee, also operate stores in the US, catering to homesick Filipinos.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Former NFL star player kills 3-yr-old daughter in accident: media

Former NFL star player Todd Heap hit and killed his 3-year-old daughter on Friday while he was moving his truck in his driveway at his Arizona home, media reported.

The unidentified girl was hit at about 4 p.m. in Mesa, Arizona. Rescue workers took the girl to the hospital where she died, an ABC affiliate reported.

Heap was not impaired and there was no suspicious circumstances surrounding the incident, police told ABC 15 Arizona.

The Pro Bowl tight end played 12 seasons in the NFL for the Baltimore Ravens and Arizona Cardinals. Heap, a popular player with the Ravens during his 10 years in Baltimore, remains the team's all-time touchdown leader with 41.

source: news.abs-cbn.com