Chef Sonny Mariano's blueberry dishes are Khaiba

A Mention of the word "blueberry" would probably conjure up the image of Elvis Presley singing Blueberry Hill: "I found my thrill on Blueberry Hill/On Blueberry Hill when I found you/ The moon stood still on Blueberry Hill."

- CHING M. ALANO

While this love was never meant to be, the song became the most-loved, biggest pop hit and an R&B best seller in the 1950s.

One rainy day, we found ourselves chasing the blues away and listening to the people from the United States Highbush Blueberry Council as they sang praises to this small but mighty fruit during a berry delicious lunch debut of Khaiba's pop-up at the Balmori Suites in Rockwell, Makati.

"We came to promote the consumption of blueberries not just in the Philippines but around the world," said Kevin Hamilton, vice president of global marketing and communications, US Highbush Blueberry Council.

Did you know that blueberries are loaded with nutrients—antioxidants and phytochemicals that help protect against heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, and cancer? A superfood that's high in nutrients but low in calories (only 85 cal per cup) and sugar, regularly eating blueberries may improve brain function, lower high blood pressure, improve memory and delay age-related cognitive decline.