Mochiko Mochi: Expensive yet Special

My dear friend and I were strolling the mall one pay day afternoon. We were in search of a nice pair of comfy slippers to alleviate the pain of our aching feet when we stumbled upon this elegant kiosk selling mochi. I've seen a lot of this black-colored kiosk in major malls here in Manila and I can't decipher even up to now why this creative Japanese dessert or brand has been earning a lot of rave given its suggested retail price. I've sampled other mochi brands before but this girl friend of mine insisted on buying for the sake of whatever. Japanese desserts keep on mushrooming - there are brands like Mochi Creme, Mochi Sweets, Dezato Mochi and Koori but to tell you honestly this is my very first time to blog about my mochi experience. And Mochiko is the famous one that has a great recall for me, perhaps because it is known to be a pioneer here in the Philippines.

Learning Online BETTER

I have always believed that learning is a continuous process. Each day we acquire new knowledge, skills, value and behaviors that reflect how we live our life. Hence, we learn and unlearn some things everyday and these things could make our life BETTER than ever.  Thanks to the influx of technology and the advent of internet because whether we agree or disagree their presence sustainably make our learning a whole lot easier, faster and enjoyable. Students greatly appreciate the existence of computers and so do the teachers.

It doesn't always mean that you have to be confined within the four walls of a room in order to gain new ideas. Encouragement and inspiration are two of the best things that a teacher could do for their students. Something that could shape the world of the self-learners. Say for example, consider learning as something beyond memorization and homework. There's a lot of creative and fun-filled activities that belong to this category of shaping the self-learner. A lot of people kill their time reading, playing and surfing the internet for more important facts and information and for those who simply has an interest in education or are currently in the field of education, there is a website which is aimed at providing information and material for educators who want to further their learning online in order to become better at what they do.  Imagine a digital learning environment!

Go GREEN: Use Solar as Renewable Energy for Power Savings

Green Heat roof-mounted solar panels for houses in Masbate.

How do we minimize carbon footprint? This issue is what beset us nowadays and for your information there are now myriad of ways on how to do that and in the long run would generally save us money. If you are familiar with the REDUCE, REUSE and RECYCLE campaign which has been an effort of our government for many decades, then it is but proper to acknowledge that you are aware of what's happening in our environment. It is about time to exert much simple efforts to recycle and use earth-friendly materials and efficiently consume energy whenever and wherever we may be.  Moreover, there is also increased awareness and push to go green from the efforts of corporations, organizations, and the media.

To efficiently and effectively achieve those objectives here's the the smartest way to do:  harness the use of solar power technology, or photovoltaic panels also called PVs.  Once it is installed, the system collects energy from the sun to generate electricity, which can then be used to power a portion of a home or office’s electrical needs. We've been hearing a lot about this thing but how does it really work?

Dazzle your Christmas on a Budget in Tutuban Center!

Christmas day is fast approaching and one of the best way to kill time is shopping! And I mean shopping within your means. By now, most of us have finished this task already while some others are still on the rush to find quality goods at its best price. Who says you can’t share the joy and be merry when you’re on a budget? Gone are the days when we live to cash out freely on Christmas gifts. But the hunt for great holiday presents live on and choosing items that won’t put a hole in your pocket is the smartest, merriest way to go.

Light up the room with these stylish lamps at PhP50 and above. Home sweet home with curtains ranging from PhP250 and up per panel and pillows from PhP50 and up.

Disney on Ice 2012 presents Princesses and Heroes

I grew up watching Disney movies and if you are like me who has deep love for all the romance and all the adventures of popular Disney characters then you should be reading the next paragraphs.

Disney on Ice is an annual spectacle at the Big Dome which has tremendous impact not just to kids but even to kids at heart. That certainly includes me. I am pretty sure that for once in our lives we were hooked with Disney love teams and stories of Disney princesses like Belle, Cinderella, Snow White, Ariel, Sleeping Beauty, Rapunzel, Jasmine and Tiana.  Their romance captured our hearts and inspired us big time. 

Another Milestone for The Zen Institute, the country's leading Medical Spa

Façade of The Zen Institute: Ground Floor of the Bonifacio Technology Center

 along 31st Street corner 2nd Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City.

The Zen Institute, the country's leading Medical Spa recently opened another branch in an upscale part of the city known as Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

Owned and headed by Dra. Mary Jane “MJ” S. Torres, the newest center of The Zen Institute is now located at the Ground Floor of the Bonifacio Technology Center along 31st Street corner 2nd Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City. It promises to be the latest destination of choice for Zen Institute clients in the Taguig and Makati areas.

Enjoy the chocolatey goodness of Knick Knacks X-Blast Chocolate Milk Drink

Majority of us I believe has sweet tooth and I'm pretty sure this group of people particularly those known as chocoholics will enjoy reading this article. If there is one type of food that every person on earth loves to indulge in, it has got be chocolate.

Whether it’s plain or chocolate filled, nobody can resist the rich, velvety feel of luscious chocolate gently melting in your mouth. These days, however, chocolate has taken so many forms to give in to the whims of true-blue chocolate lovers. Aside from chocolate bars, consumers have developed a liking for chocolate drinks. Whether bottled or packed, chocolate drinks have become a staple in the pantry of every home. Kids,most especially, love to sip a refreshing chocolate drink so much that it has become their staple baon in school.

Knick Knacks, maker of our favorite chocolate-coated biscuits, recently introduced their latest product, the Knick Knacks X-Blast Chocolate Milk Drink as an addition to your kids’ fun snacking experience. Knick Knacks X-Blast is a premium chocolate milk drink loaded with chocolatey goodness that kids will truly enjoy.

Betty's Body Form

Betty's Body Form has now occupied a new space at Unit 9, Ground Floor Sunshine Square, Liberty Center Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyog City. Since yesterday was its grand opening, the owner decided to have a BUY 1 TAKE 1 promo to entice passersby and guests. They used to have a branch along Boni Avenue but since they want to expand and become more and more popular they transferred to this side of Mandaluyong City.

Perhaps your parents, aunts and uncles have encountered this brand before which was originally labelled as the "Magic Camison." Since 1965, Betty's Body Form has been won by hundreds of celebrities (including Mystica and Regine Tolentino), politicians, brides and powerful women all over the country. The product line has evolved over the years that surprisingly include different types of body forms not just for women but more so for men and kids that they will surely find suitable and helpful in correcting their posture.But seriously, who is the woman behind the brand?

'Si Agimat, Si Enteng Kabisote at Si Ako': Bigger, grander, more spectacular fantasy-adventure in MMFF 2012

This is one movie that we should not dare miss as we have seen the combined forces of "Agimat" and "Enteng Kabisote" in the 2010 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) transform box-office history to the heights of glory.

Two years after, in MMFF 2012, prepare as the two formidable giants of the local filmmaking world -- Vic Sotto and Ramon "Bong" Revilla, Jr. -- once again join their stellar powers and listed the services of an equally bankable actress in the person of Ms. Judy Ann Santos, to come up with the next adventure-filled chapter of their heroic exploits in "Si Agimat, Si Enteng Kabisote at Si Ako."

Zendee (the Random Girl) releases first single entitled 'Runaway'

A new Filipina singing star has risen by the name of Zendee Rose Japitana Tenerefe. She was born and raised in General Santos City and at a very young age she started joining singing contests believing that her talent would give her the means to help her family. A scholar of Filipino boxing champ Manny Pacquiao and graduated with a degree in Information Technology at STI-General Santos City. Shorty after college, she participated in the ABS-CBN talent shows X-Factor Philippines, Pinoy Dream Academy Season 3 and Pilipinas Got Talent Season 4 bu she did not make it to the final cut. Not until she became popular on a video titled "Random Girl" uploaded by Yuan Juan that quickly went viral with over 2 million viewers. This paved the way to be invited to The Ellen DeGeneres Show, where she was regarded as the next big thing.

Wendy’s New BBQnator is BIG-TIME Satisfaction!

I bet you guys have already tried the Baconator or its mini counterpart known as the Son of the Baconator. I am a normal consumer of sandwiches and burgers and to tell you frankly Wendy's is one fast food company that keeps on innovating burgers that guarantee satisfaction. I eat burgers whenever I feel like eating one and the craving must be answered instantaneously.  Recently, Wendy's Philippines unveiled the newest member of the hamburger family and they named it BBQnator! Just by simply looking at the photo above or deciphering the terminology or the product name, one can easily compare this one from the other burger variants. 

Lamoiyan Cororation brings HAPPEE smiles to Filipino kids

(L-R) Kathleen Magee, co-founder and President, Operation Smile, Inc.; Dr. William P. Magee Jr., co-founder and Executive Chairman, Operation Smile, Inc.; Dr. Cecilio K.Pedro, President and Chief Executive Officer, Lamoiyan Corp.; and Roberto Manzano, President and Executive Director, Operation Smile Philippines, Inc., during ceremonial turnover ceremonies held recently at the Bicol Medical Center in Naga City.

Leading Filipino oral, dental and personal care brand manufacturer Lamoiyan Corp., makers of the popular Hapee toothpaste, recently strengthened its support for Operation Smile Philippines, the local subsidiary of Operation Smile, by donating a total of One Million Pesos to the group in order to help provide reconstructive surgery to children and young adults with “cleft” problems or facial deformities under its “The Journey Home” medical mission. This year’s mission coincides with the global celebration of Operation Smile’s 30th anniversary and is a month-long, multi-site effort. It is the group’s biggest international mission ever mounted in the country and in the world, with 1,000 Filipino and foreign volunteers from 35 countries providing 3,000 free dental treatments.

*Press Release

7th Parol Festival in Las Pinas City

The city of Las Pinas once again proved that it is ‘the lantern capital of Metro Manila’ as residents of its barangays showed their ingenuity in creating the best Christmas parols (lanterns) using recycled and indigenous materials at the 7th Parol Festival’s lantern-making competition.

Parol Festival has become a popular event in Metro Manila and in other parts of the country as well. Ms. Cynthia Villar, Managing Director of the Villar Foundation has helped boost this three-generation parol making industry in the city of Las Pinas for its yearly festival. Parol Festival was held at its new venue - the Villar Social Institute of Poverty Alleviation & Governance (SIPAG) along C-5 Extension in Pulang Lupa Uno. St. Joseph Bamboo Organ Church was its former venue for the last six years.

MOULINEX YOU COOK VIDEO RECIPE CHALLENGE YEAR 3

The YOU COOK Year 3 was launched at the SM North Edsa Prestige Lounge last November 29. Certainly, for over three years, a prestigious brand Moulinex has been organizing its cooking competition entitled,  Moulinex You Cook Video Recipe Challenge. So what is this all about? It is actually a competition among culinary and hospitality management students, wherein entries are submitted in video clips showing the ingredients and procedure through a cooking demo using Moulinex food preparation products. Perhaps to most of us this is just way too easy particulary those who have been to great exposure in kitchen work and basic knowledge and skills in cooking. 

The Moulinex You Cook Video Recipe Challenge, being on its third remarkable year shall be on the lookout for female cooks who have the passion for serving delectable home-cooked meals and can serve as the epitome of the modern woman who appreciates easy preparation of dishes with the use of innovative products such as what Moulinex offers. Moulinex has always been about making the lives of women easier so they would like to recognize and celebrate the cooking prowess of the Filipina women through this project. At home, we have several Moulinex appliances that has been with our family for ages.

NUTRITALK: A Night of Sweet Indulgence

More that a week ago, I was invited by my college professor, Ms. Joan Sumpio, who is also a colleague in Nutrition and Dietetics industry to cover a company and product presentation of the new company that she is now connected with- Nutritalk. The event took place at the Century Park Hotel with the theme "A Night of Sweet Indulgence." 

You might be wondering what exactly is Nutritalk. As a Nutionist-Dietitian, I know that this company could be an answer to better our health and wellness thus, it innovates products that are beneficial to our health. Nutritalk, as a matter-of-fact is your weight management specialty company which offers weight and fitness management products.Its products are well-researched, formulated and manufactured based on approved Food and Drug Authority (FDA) standards.

Run for 10 for the benefit of TEN Moves!

“Run for 10” will be staged on January 13, 2013 for the benefit of TEN Moves!, the social mobilization campaign of Bayanihang Pampaaralan that seeks to raise funds for the construction of 10,000 classrooms nationwide by encouraging individuals to donate PhP10 everyday for 10 months or a lump sum of Php3,000.

If you are a runner or one who simply devotes himself into good social works, then this could be something which you shouldn't miss. I for one will join the said run, not just to shed off excess fats after the Christmas season but more so to contribute to this campaign in order to at least achieve the goal for the benefit of Filipino schoolchildren in my humble and sincerest way.

In Metro Manila, Run for 10 will start off at the Ayala Triangle Gardens, Makati City, with 2.5 km, 5 km, and 10 km race distances. Simultaneous runs will also be held in at least 10 other key areas nationwide: Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Dipolog, Dumaguete, Legazpi, Pampanga, Tarlac, Zamboanga, and Zamboanga Sibugay.

Experience Christkindlmarket: A European Christmas Tradition

It is certainly a season to be jolly!!! And I'm pretty sure most of us are already humming ♩ ♪ ♫ fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la ♬ ♭ ♮ and what's the better way to enjoy the first few days of christmas month? I bet you would want to enjoy a European Winter Christmas. Yes! You got it right. How? Simply head on to SM Mall of Asia Ice Skating Rink and experience a European Christmas Celebration, better known as Christkindlmarket. For your information it is fist in Manila and you must not be the last to experience the pleasure of holiday shopping and MORE.I went here twice and you could just imagine how joyous my stay was. There were so many activities and performances which are very interesting to witness. Keeping you self busy this season by attending events like this is like triple the fun and I assure you that this is way better that bumming around in your home all day.

This is my boarding pass to a European Christmas.  Ticket is priced at PhP200 each.  There are a lot of vendors participated the first ever Christkindl Market here in Manila and surely there's a lot to discover and experience. You'll certainly won't leave the place without a bag or two of goodies or gift items. One will feel like experiencing the Christkindlmarket in Nuremberg, Germany. This will run from December 3-9, 2012 so hurry and have an early Christmas shopping the European way.

Pedazos De Panocha in EMPORIA Christmas Bazaar Makati City

 Banana con Panocha Muffins

Christmas is certainly in the air and to complement the holiday season I would like to share with you here what my sweet food blogger friend and her business partner have been baking and telling us all about. I was luckily invited to conduct a taste test of their Christmas goodies venture and as an avid fan of pastries I could excitedly write about my experience. Apparently, what will unfold here are the freshest baked creations made because of their smart ideas, great choices and skillful hands. Fresh ingredients which are locally sourced is ideally what they are so proud of. Now, allow me to tickle those taste buds of yours . . .and make sure to have your glass of water ready to properly hydrate you with all the sweet indulgence as you scroll down. Please ready some napkins as well :)

 Banana con Panocha Loaf Cake

Math and Science teachers get 3-step salary increase

Photo courtesy of Google

The Department of Education has come out with the implementing guidelines on the grant of 3-step salary increase for teachers of Science and/or Mathematics in public schools to further improve their teaching of these major subjects.

The Department of Budget and Management has earlier issued a circular pursuant to a Joint Resolution No. 4 of the Senate and House of Representatives which states that teachers with specialization in Science and/or Mathematics shall be given additional pay three steps higher than his/her assigned grade.

The National Budget Circular No. 531 series of 2011 states that the grant of a 3-step salary increase serves as an incentive for teachers to specialize in Science and/or Mathematics in line with the thrust of giving focus to teaching these subjects as early as in basic education.

“Science and Mathematics are critical tools of industrialization which we surely need to improve our global competitiveness,” said Education Secretary Br. Armin A. Luistro FSC.

Fely J's Kitchen in Greenbelt: Filipino and Asian Home Cooking

Photo courtesy of LJC Restaurants

A humble and generous woman treated me and some selected few beautiful people at this sophisticated restaurant in Greenbelt last month. It was like a mini get together at her favorite dining hub that offers a variety of Filipino and Asian dishes. Matter-of-factly, we were slated to meet at Lolo Dad's but due to her deep craving for Fely J’s Dilis-cious Rice we had no choice but to submit to her overwhelming desire. I was so looking forward to this very experiential moment together with the good-natured people I met this 2012 and I love how the relationship grows into a meaningful one. And with a tasteful note we had a simple celebration at a place named Fely J's Kitchen that certainly feels like home.

But who is this Fely J by the way? Well, this woman is better known as Felicidad de Jesus-Cruz, mother of the late restaurateur Larry J. Cruz (LJC Restaurants). Fely J's served as the premium place to features her treasured recipes which she collated in her travels. And here are some of them. . .

 

Fely J's Bangus Belly PhP395

The classic and famous sinigang made of guava. So rich, tempting and extremely luscious. This is the great Filipino comfort food that undeniably mirrors our excellent cooking and reinvention. I never tasted this kind of sinigang before that I almost forgot where I truly was. I truly enjoyed every soup spoonful with its exact amount of sourness, veggies and meat slices that will leave you intensely desiring for more. Believe me this is a must try soup. I HEART Fely J's Bangus Belly!

FlapJacks in Theater Mall Greenhills

It was all Soul's Day when Ma and I went here to grab a delightful and great dinner. For some reasons I wanted to go to Greenhills to spend some quality time with her. I was answering again the call of my itchy feet that is so uncontainable. Before actually taking our meal at this familiar neighborhood restaurant, we went to tiangge, roam around until we have depleted our energy and realize that we needed some replenishments.

The FlapJacks Restaurant is known as a home of Your Favorite American Comfort Food. I cannot recall the time I was at this place but for sure I have dined here before enjoying unlimited coffee and some pancakes. I've always considered myself as laking Greenhills Shopping Center or laking San Juan so I'm well aware that this was exactly where Pilita's Restaurant-Bar stood before, owned by highly-acclaimed singer and host. Few years back I witnessed the presence of some local artists here especially Kuya Germs.

KOMRAD Mao's Hunan and Sichuan Kitchen in Il Terrazzo Mall, Tomas Morato

A few nights ago, I was advised by a friend to try her highly-suggested new concept restaurant in Timog area. Popularly known as KOMRAD, it is a Hunan and Szechuan cuisine that foodies particularly those who loves Chinese cooking to drop by and study the offerings. As someone who possesses a deep liking for the said cuisine, I was full of high spirits in traveling all the way from Cubao to this side of Quezon City. Weeks had already passed since I last landed in Il Terrazzo Mall where the newest dining place is located. A prime spot I must say. To my surprise, Komrad is currently occupying the space of The Real Thing Diner which became a lunch date place of my close friends early this year.Something I'll blog anytime soon.

When I first stepped inside this restaurant, I knew that I will be fed properly and delightfully. I appreciate the red, white and black theme coupled with a lot of frames dainty hanging against the wall. It is as if the person  portrayed on those frames are closely scrutinizing the diners. I felt I was on a different dimension, perhaps during the time of Mao Zedong. Moreover, the menu reveals a lot about Cantonese and Szechuan cuisine. Here's what me and my friends gobbled up at dinner :)

Local hog and poultry industry cries foul over BOI decision

Hog and poultry producers in the country are up in arms over a recent decision by the government allowing a Thailand-based agribusiness company to operate a multi-billion peso integrated facility in the country.

“All our hard work, blood, sweat and tears will be put to waste if the Thai company is allowed to operate here. It will not only kill the business of local producers who worked very hard for many years but will also be detrimental to the national economy,” a local producer, who requested anonymity, said.

The Board of Investments (BOI) released a decision recently allowing Charoen Pokphand (CP), a large agribusiness enterprise and Asia’s largest swine and poultry producer, to put up Charoen Pokphand Foods Philippines Corporation (CPFP).

CPFP has been given the green light to build a P2.32-billion integrated hog facility that will produce 3,647 metric tons of slaughter hogs, and six huge poultry farms, with an annual parent stock capacity of 25,453 heads producing 21,847 metric tons of chicken.

“What we are complaining is that CPFP, a foreign company, was given the license to operate a facility in our country with multiple tax incentives, including tariff-free importation of feeds and equipment. Local producers were not given these same incentives at all,” the local producer said.

Calamity season underscores need for readiness

The height of the wet season in the country isn’t getting much help from the spate of other natural disasters like earthquakes and a string of typhoons. While such upheavals may be considered normal because of our orientation along the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, there’s the even larger context of climate change whose impacts are felt all the way around the world. Climate change or global warming has become evident in recent years as regions experience extreme climates, from warm seasons hitting record-high temperatures to wet seasons exhibiting massive precipitation. This is precisely the reason why organizations from both the public and private sectors call for extra vigilance. As an advocate of safety and awareness, Eveready Philippines is taking an active stance in educating the public about being always ready when disaster strikes. “Now that we are at the height of what we can rightfully call ‘typhoon season’, Filipinos are again reminded to ensure that their family is always ready,” says Energizer representative Johanna V. Emata “This, of course, starts with awareness of certain situations and proper knowledge of which equipment and supplies are needed to be ready for any type of calamity.”

The first thing to do at the onset of any calamity is to keep watch over the situation regardless of whether you are located near disaster-prone areas or not. This means keeping constantly updated with breaking news about the progress of the storm and related developments over television or radio.

It also helps to be oriented on PAGASA’s Public Storm Warning Signals (PSWS) as well as their recently released color-coded rainfall advisory, which would help people be ready for any possible situations. While PSWS corresponds to increasing storm intensity from PSWS#1 to PSWS#4, the rainfall advisory tracks the level of rainfall that determines rising water levels.
 

Code Yellow means heavy rain that will deposit about 7.5 to 15mm of water—a situation that requires constant monitoring of the weather condition because of the possibility of flooding. Code Orange, on the other hand, means intense rain that will deposit about 15 to 30mm of water. This code requires people to be alert for possible evacuation due to threat of floods. Code Red, like any other red-alert status, means danger. With more that 30mm of rainfall, low-lying areas are to expect serious flooding that would require residents to immediately evacuate.

The 2nd OFW & Family Summit

On its second year, the OFW and Family Summit of the Villar Foundation and GoNegosyo once again attracted record number of participants. Overseas Filipino workers (OFW) returnees as well as their families once again trooped to the World Trade Center in Pasay City in full force for the one-day summit on November 22.

Senator Manny Villar and Cynthia Villar—Chairman and Managing Director, respectively, of the Villar Foundation— joined by a representative of Pasay City Mayor Antonio Calixto, GoNegosyo’s founding trustee Joey Conception and Executive Director Ramon Lopez led the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Concepcion and Mrs. Villar led the lineup of speakers and resource persons. The Former Las Pinas Representative emphasized the important role and contribution of OFWs in the country in her speech as she encouraged OFWs and their beneficiaries to handle their salaries and the remittances they receive very well by looking for business opportunities.

Balik Tanaw Kay FPJ: THE FIGHT CONTINUES

The man who was “FPJ” is gone, but his legacy lives on.

FPJ is "Da King" of Philippine cinema. His life story, as well was the stories that he tells in his movies, inspire, not only because they tell of seemingly insurmountable obstacles, which are conquered by pure and honest intentions and unwavering hopefulness in the goodness of the Filipino hero.

At an early age, FPJ’s father passed away, which forced him to drop out of high school, and carry the responsibilities of the head of the family. He started in the movies as a stuntman, and worked his way up to being the “bida,” and would eventually earn the title of being the undisputed “King of Philippine Cinema” or “Da King.”

Throughout his struggles, he never forgot his humble beginnings. He never forgot how it is to be poor and the poor always preoccupied his mind and ruled his heart. He was naturally generous-hearted. He did not only give, he lived a life of giving. He helped everyone, even those he barely knew. Whenever he can help it, he would shy away from the camera. This sincerity in giving a part of himself has endeared him to many, if not to all Filipinos. He is not just a hero in the movies, he proved to be a bigger hero in real life.

Peri-Peri Gill House in Greenhills Promenade

It is no secret how we Filipinos love chicken very much. But what if it is not the usual type of  crispy-icious and juicy-licious Pinoy recipe that we can never outgrow? That I personally took as a challenge and to be very honest it was hard to deviate from the gold standard chicken that I used to know- be it fried or not. Peri-Peri Gill House is a casual type of restaurant that is popular for its Portuguese style grilled chicken. Wherever you go there are all sorts of chicken recipe that are worth-trying for and this one from Peri-Peri comes with their signature hot pepper sauces that mainly use the African birds eye chili. So now let me share you my dining experience at their branch in my hometown San Juan City. Allow me to start with their core product- the legendary Portuguese style grilled chicken!

1 Whole Per-Peri Chicken (Lemon & Garlic)  PhP 490

1 Whole Peri-Peri Chicken (Mild)  PhP 490

Araneta Center's Dairy Queen Dress Me Up Fashion Event

I was invited by a blogger friend named Steph to cover and witness an event for Araneta Center's Dress Me Up: A Fashion Bloggers’ Event last November 10, Saturday. It teams up with Dairy Queen for an exclusive holiday fashion event featuring the fabulous Binibining Pilipinas 2012 winners! I was so unsure of my work schedule when she messaged me weeks before the event but I was so elated by the fact that this will be such a wonderful experience for me especially that I am an avid fan of DQ since time immemorial. Just a day before the event I confirmed my attendance and in no time I found myself inside the Gateway Suites Sapphire Ballroom.Certainly, I came in my most chic Black and Red attire to nicely blend with the crowd.

DQ Blizzard treats for everyone! For your information, the latest delectable treats from Dairy Queen are as follows: the Black Forest Blizzard, Black Forest MooLatte, Black Forest Blizzard Cake, and DQ Christmas Dilly Bar!

Starbucks Christmas 2012 Kick Off Party in Bonifacio Global City

Everybody was happily invited to the much-awaited Starbucks Kick-Off Party of the year. It was actually announced at the Starbucks Philippines Facebook Fan Page three days before the event. It was held at the open area in front of Starbucks Bonifacio High Street from 5PM to 8PM last November 3, Saturday.  Had it not been to my dear friend I would have missed this great event. As a coffeeholic I learned to appreciate Starbucks blends and its yearly Cheer Party and Nights of Christmas. Even though I was not yet a blogger then, I excitedly attended most of their public events provided that it is accessible to me. Of course I am always with my best buddy and some of my close friends.

My buddy and I were there at past 5PM and it was just after an hour that we finally got our orders. I went searching for a table and seats, while he tediously fall in line. Certainly, it was a successful event! Showing you above the queue inside the Starbucks store.

Pogi Points: The Not-So-Gentleman’s Guide to Looking Good

Just when you think you’ve read it all, a book like Pogi Points comes your way to burst your bubble. Soldiers of love, beware.

Stanley Chi, the genius behind the bestselling Suplado Tips series (read: over PhP2M worth of books sold in just one year) goes out of his comfort zone to write a “not-so-gentleman’s guide to looking good”, as the cover of his newest book, Pogi Points, announces brazenly.

Chi is out to prove he’s not a one-hit wonder after his first humor book, Suplado Tips, underwent reprinting five times in a year. The follow-up Suplado Tips 2 fared just as well, if not better, establishing Chi’s reputation as a legit writer who can sell books to people who don’t normally love reading.

Pogi Points is a collection of tips on how to get ahead in love through strategic behavior. It teaches the naïve boy how to act around his object of admiration (or obsession, whichever applies). 

Red Buffalo Wings and Pizza: A True Americal Original in Greenhills Town Center

I recently discovered a new and upbeat diner near my residence in San Juan City and it is called Red Buffalo Wings & Pizza. Yours truly was actually invited by OpenRice Philippines along with fellow food bloggers at this small yet attractive restaurant in my hometown that is just a stone's throw away from home. A type of American diner or a New York themed fast causal resto with a mixture of new and traditional American food styles, that is owned and operated by Ms Cheska Zamora herself. I asked her point-blank if she is in any way related to the incumbent Vice Mayor of San Juan City, Francis Zamora but she honestly answered me how she wished. So if ever you'll encountering her in the future, you already know the answer.

It has a cheerful ambiance that is very conducive for groups of people who enjoy hanging out late at night enjoying their set of comfort foods like burgers, pizzas, fries, pastas and milkshakes. So if you are from San Juan like me or anywhere near like Ortigas, Mandaluyong and New Manila, Quezon City and looking for certified true American meal, I must bet this is the right venue for you and your friends. No worries for the store schedule as it is open daily from 11AM until 12MN but closes at 2AM every Fridays and Saturdays. It has ample parking space as well. You cannot easily notice this restaurant as if you traverse Granada Street as McDonald's is the first thing that'll cross your eyes. It is actually located at the back part of Mc Donald's and my friend Yedy and I used the drive-thru to access the place easily.

This is the side view of the newest American diner in town. For the meantime, the management opted to run this very store first and hopefully soon they'll be opening another branch near you. So it is something we must watch out.

Village Tavern in Bonifacio High Street Central

It was my first time ever at this newest member of the Bistro Group of Restaurants called Village Tavern, located at the prime spot of Bonifacio High Street Central particularly at the second level. It is known to many as  the best in classic American cuisine served in a warm and inviting atmosphere. And did you know that this is considered the 11th Village Tavern restaurant here in the Philippines and also the first international store outside of the United States of America?  My curiosity was really piqued by those great information about the place and made me more interested in knowing their offerings and meeting new faces as well. So does VT met my expectation or not???!! I came from a pleasant job interview and offer that day so I guess it is but proper that my experience here is something that is congruent with how my day went.

The Village Tavern in Bonifacio Global City was built April of this year, but the brand was established in 1984 in North Carolina. As per my research, Village Tavern was inspired by the tradition of the Old World tavern treated as a hub for information, entertainment and nourishment. Hence, the heart and soul of the community.