Tag Archives: philippines

A Grand Gourmet Experience

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spirals1

spirals, sofitel manila

It was one unforgettable pre-Christmas dinner as well as post-birthday celebration of my nephew Denden.  I and my family were in Spirals, Sofitel Manila last night.   Spirals is the country’s biggest and widest array of culinary delights with 21 interactive Ateliers.

For me the best features in the buffet were the mouthwatering Chinese Dimsum; a raw bar of sushi and sashimi; the wide array of artisanal cheeses (inside the much raved about cheese room); the juicy steaks at Churrasco; the paneers and tandoori; and, of course the unlimited Foie Gras.

Though this was not my first time to dine at Spirals I still get so overwhelmed, I failed to take photos of the buffet.

the staff probably knew that i have a crazy noisy family we were billeted inside a vip room

sofitel staff probably knew that i have a crazy noisy family, we were billeted inside a vip room

me and nengkoy loved this bread...

me and nengkoy loved this bread…

a view from the hotel lobby

a view from the hotel lobby

No wonder Spirals at Sofitel this year was chosen as the Best International Buffet by the prestigious Manila’s Best Kept Restaurant Secrets (MBKRS Awards).

Burp…

Multo Inspired Collection

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photo from interaksyon.com

Major Fail.  That is what I can say about the recent Lesley Mobo fashion show (being part of the recent Philippine Fashion Week).  The video’s first frame dated the show October 29, 2013.  This made me confused.  Was the snobbish-looking event held last October 29, 2012 was just a rehearsal?

The first frame also indicates that the designs would be for the 2013 Spring and Summer collection.  I was expecting for a more upbeat background music to be used in the show since spring and summer seasons usually brings a more festive and cheery mood.  Instead, music used was a chilly dirge-like sound.  The music used made me expect that anytime in between gaiting models, a dead soul would appear and would scream at the top of its lungs to scare off the wits of the audience.

This was the first fashion show that I have seen that the catwalk was not in the hub and midpoint of the venue.  The models were made to walk on a stage and along the borders of the venue.  It felt like the event’s highlight was the classy candle-lit dinner while the actual fashion show was just a prying disturbance.

The event was held last October 29, two nights before the Halloween.  The designs in the collection were indeed multo-inspired (ghost inspired).  The show’s title should have been “Kaluluwa Ni Morticia: Babaing Itim, Babaing Puti”.  Those designs were nothing but Halloween-y.  Not in a fun Halloween sense but in a more creepy terrifying angle.  Those designs had nothing to do with either the colorful spring or the joyful summer.  Those audiences who graced the show for sure now know what it feels like dining inside the house of the Addams Family.

It was too over-thought to the point of being pretentious.  It’s no longer stylish or classy.

Hindi kasi ako inbayted.

My Delusions for LRT 1 Extension

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In the news last week, it was announced that 4 final bidders for the Php 60-billion Light Rail Transit (LRT 1) Cavite extension project are among the biggest business groups in Asia.  While I was reading the news it was funny for I was wondering what the extended LRT 1 line would be like in the future being based and predicated upon by who among the bidders would be chosen.

One of the final bidders is the tandem of Metro Pacific investments and Ayala Group, owners of Smart and Globe telecommunications respectively.  Would this mean that in case this rare tandem wins the bid there would be free wi-fi inside the train? And since these business empires own ABC 5 tv station and chic malls respectively, would there be days when showbiz personalities be assigned as kaheros and kaheras (cashiers) while the riding public can shop for trendy garments and dine elegantly inside the train?

What about the other builder, that is, SMC Infra Resources, the owner of San Miguel?  Would this mean there would be free bottle of San Mig Light beer or a complimentary grilled Purefoods hotdog on stick for the riding public if they buy stored-value tickets?

Another bidder is the tandem between Malaysia’s MTDC and South Korea’s Samsung.  Would this mean, there will be a promo in which the biggest LRT spender/rider will have the chance to win a free trip to Malaysia and Korea?  And what about not allowing IPhone users to ride the LRT 1 extension since it will be constructed by Samsung?  Would a Samsung cellphone’s Contactless Payment feature through its NFC (near field communication) chip be utilized in paying for your train ride? Imagine, having your Samsung phone simply touching an NFC payment reader and you are allowed access and entry inside the train?

Lastly, there’s the DMCI Holdings, one of the most reliable residential construction company of this country.  Would there be a promo for the train-riding public of having a chance to win elegant fully-furnished houses in one of the lush residences of Metro Manila whom they developed?

I know that these are too farfetched.  And I know that I am nuts.

By the way, my first train ride was the old LRT 1 line that stretched from Baclaran to Monumento during the early 80’s.  Nengkoy (my mother) tagged me along one weekend to ride this electric-operated train, the first in Metro Manila.  During its first few months of operation the Marcos regime decided that the fare would be free and complimentary for the citizens of the metro to get the feel on how safe it was.  During those naïve and inexperienced era, the Manila citizenry had the notion and misconception that you could get electrocuted when you ride the new train since it is run by electricity.

Still by the way, when Nengkoy and I reached Monumento we entered Jackman store in Caloocan to buy a piece of payong (umbrella) then went back again to Baclaran still via the LRT.  That was one of my most exciting train rides.

Choo-choo-choo!

Ironing Board Cover: A New Pinoy-LV Merchandise

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Louis Vuitton is known to be an irrationally expensive leather bag.  The most expensive LV bag so far is actually equivalent to a fully furnished 1-bedroom condo unit here in the Philippines.  LV actually has diversified in terms of its products.  They no longer just vend eclectic leather goods.  They also sell timepieces, accessories, apparels, shoes, fine jewelry and even luxurious condoms.

lv condom (is this haute couture?)

After looking into the website of genuine and authentic LV, their fashion house actually has yet to feature one product that is however already circulating here in the streets of Metro Manila.  It’s the LV Ironing Board Cover!

a new pinoy-lv merchandise (available only in the streets of metro manila)

I purchased myself a piece and replaced the old and grubby cover of my 10-year old ironing board.  It snugly fits the wooden plank and gives a perfectly smooth and even ironing surface because of the triple-layer construction.  What’s more, unlike the usual LV merchandise, it’s cheap.  The toothless street vendor is selling it at 100 pesos (US$ 2.35), but using my impeccable charm in haggling I got it at eighty pesos (US$1.88).

Read this aloud the way a jolly Home TV Shopping voice-over does it: “Put fashion into your ironing!  LV Ironing Board Cover, it brightens up the ironing! It brightens up your home!”

It’s platsa taym…

Penshoppe Had A Jackpot With Zac

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zac efron

There have been a considerable number of A-List Hollywood celebrities who has been commissioned to endorse and be an image model of a Filipino branded clothing line.  This marketing approach in away establishes Filipino-made apparel in the global fashion trend.

Nicole Scherzinger of Pussy Cat Dolls, Bruno Mars, Joe Jonas and Chris Hemsworth has done it for Bench.  Ed Westwick, Ian Somerhalder and Leight Meester has been commissioned by Penshoppe.  Beautiful and talented international superstars Alicia Silverstone and Natalie Portman were featured by Kamiseta.

But among the most flourishing and effectual among this approach was the one recently carried out by Penshoppe.  Zac Efron.  His Penshoppe endorsement which resulted to his visiting the country created such big fuzz.  His visit caught the attention of all media mediums both local and international.

Penshoppe had a jackpot for choosing with Zac!  I wonder what Bench – Penshoppe’s stiffest competitor is gonna do.  Will Bench bring back Steven Seagal to the Philippines who happen to have endorsed Tanduay Rum in the past?  Hahaha! It’s your move Ben Chan.

I guess the reason behind this is because Zac has been so sincere and genuine in expressing his long-time desire to come over to the Philippines to experience the place, the people and the culture.  Thanks to his dad who had colorful stories and experiences about the country in the past (when Zac was still growing up and was still a non-showbiz personality).

Zac was so effective in kindling the interest about the Philippines he even discussed his short yet notable stay and experience here during his guestings at Ellen and  Jimmy Kimmel Shows.  He was so encouraging, I myself wanted to go the Philippines even though I am already living here.

Panalo ang Penshap sa’yo Zac!

Feeling Kafkaesque

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Feeling kafkaesque.  This is exactly how I felt because the severe and cruel Cyber Crime Law of the Philippines takes effect today.  Without the implementing rules and regulations of this newly implemented law, it evokes nightmarish feelings of disorientation and helplessness.  A lot of mixed-up thoughts would sneak into my mind on what shall be a specific idea that can be posted, shared or “liked” on my social network account that will not make me a cyber criminal.  I feel so disoriented with this law that it even came to a point of thinking that “liking” a photo of a freshly cooked medium well steak posted by a friend on Facebook would be so offensive to the vegetarians these vegetarians can file a case against me.

Feeling kafkaesque.  This is exactly how I felt after watching the multi-awarded movie entitled Give Up Tomorrow which has a limited run in few movie houses in the metro.  It is a docu-film about Paco Larranaga who was convicted of a crime which the movie claims he clearly did not commit yet struggles for the elusive justice and vindication.  His life and his family have been overpowered by the bizarre and cruel Philippine bureaucracies.  I felt so baffled and perplexed about the incomprehensibly complex and illogical circumstances he was faced with regarding the embarrassing Philippine justice system. His struggles as well as the events that transpired and still transpiring sent me chills, I was squirming on my seat while watching.  I have nothing but remorse for this man and his family.

Grabe, ang sakit sa anit! Ikaw? Nakakapkaisk ka ba?

My Country In 2 Minutes And 42 Seconds

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This post is not intended for my fellow Filipinos.  This is for those living a life outside the Philippines.  My country’s target this year is to hit the 4.5 million foreign tourists this year.

Have you been part of these fortunate inhabitants of this planet this year?  If not, watch this and decide if you wish to be part of that 4.5 million souls living outside of my fun country.  Watch this so that you can simply decide why you being a foreign tourist must come to the Philippines…

Also, if you’ve not been here this year, you still have roughly 90 days to be here and enjoy the smell, the tastes and the sights and sounds of my country.  See you here…

Eksayting!

Vogue-ing Baguio: The Potential Fashion Capital of the Philippines

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i can never wear this ensemble in manila

I always believe that fashion is governed by the temperature.  People for sure dress up differently when they go up to Baguio.  It’s a strange thing that happens unconsciously.  You can’t just pack a simple shirt, singlet, shorts and jeans when going up to spend a day or two in Baguio.  That is why for me cool breezy Baguio City has the full potential to become the fashion capital of the Philippines.

People in the Pine City can wear lots of layers, lots of dark or neutral colored fabrics and lots of accessories to go with it.   Baguio can have warm sunny days from March to July and very cold weather from August until the end of February which means it is but logical to see true shifts in wardrobe throughout the year.

In Manila or other places in the Philippines that has invariable temperature donning in a trench coat or wrapping your neck with a scarf would simply be laughable.  When a lady feels cold in Manila, which is never an outdoor occurrence but usually inside a cinema, a mall or a hotel, she would simply wrap herself with a shawl or ask somebody to adjust the aircon.  But in Baguio, when it’s cold outside you would have to have chic overcoats, trendy scarves, stylish knitted hats and even fashionable knee-high leather boots.  Thus, you could simply play dress up!

Too bad, only few Baguio inhabitants seem to have embraced the idea that their place can be the true fashion capital of this country because of the climate.  They are so drawn with Manila-fashion they do not realize that they can actually improvise and vogue-up the Pinoy fashion which could flicker worldwide fad, craze and attention.

Yeah, living in Manila looks good but staying in Baguio feels good.  If Baguio is a drink, it is a Martini while Manila is an Iced Tea.  When it comes to fashion, Manila is the Los Angeles of the Philippines but Baguio can be its New York.

Hoy Baguio gising!

Bus Movies

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On a long journey via bus what do you usually do? Are you the type who would bring tons of salty chips to nibble? Are you the forty winks aficionado? Are you the bus’ bookworm? Are you the creature who would simply gaze outside the window?  Or are you the beast who would drain your battery’s digital gizmo?

Very long travels by bus could be very daunting.  That is why a lot of bus companies try to be innovative by introducing various facilities available inside these massive roadsters – free WiFi; cool drinks and sandwiches for sale; air conditioning; toilet facility; shock-proof LCD flat screen TV with DVD player; reclining chairs, etc.  These add-on features aims to further enhance passenger’s comfort over a lengthy journey.

I have been to two long journeys via transit buses in the past week (first was an 8-hour journey to Baguio and just the other day was the two-and-a-half-hour travel to Magalang, Pampanga).  Adding up all the hours I spent inside the bus on a round-trip-basis would be a total of 21 hours.

While inside those buses, I was all the types I inquired above.  But what I noticed every time a movie will have to be played on TV inside a Filipino bus, the film has to be a Hollywood movie.  I will not rant about the pirated DVD being used by these bus companies but instead the type of movie being shown.

I guess it would have been better and my focus would have been more stuck on TV if the movie being shown were the black and white 50’s and 60’s Filipino film that were shown in the pinalakang tabing (silver screen).  The time spent inside the bus could have been more pleasant and comforting seeing the young and stunning Gloria Romero, the then skinny Dolphy and plump Panchito and Dely Atay-atayan, the bubbly Rosemarie Sonora, debonair Mario Montenegro as well as suave Rogelio Dela Rosa or Diomedes Maturan.  The Pinoy film to be shown would be at its best if, of course, the contrabida (villain) would be the wicked Bella Flores.

Further to this suggestion, it would be best if contemporary Filipino short indie films would be featured in between these classic full length movies.  This I guess would be one great vehicle for the unrecognized and undistributed yet artistic short indie films gain wider viewership.

If this fantasy would turn out to become a reality in the future, this would improve and further bind Pinoy cultural cohesiveness.  It presents the Pinoy film heritage and at the same time makes the riding public aware of the richness of the prevailing film industry.

Spending bus hours on the road could have been more comfortable and enjoyable!

Ang Tagalog ng bas ay bus.

Colors of Abe’s Farm by a Newbie in Photography

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Here is my first venture into the world of photography using only my iPhone as my tool as well as the wonders of photo apps, Instagram and Camera360.  As a newbie, I decided to start with landscape, still life and plants as my subject using only the natural light.  These photos were taken at Abe’s Farm located in Magalang, Pampanga.

You be the judge if I have the inkling and if this could be my possible fallback career…

title: wooden wheel

title: wind chimes

luggage

title: blue stones and a pathway

title: bricks column

title: modern hut

title: violet tips

But then again, Abe’s Farm is such a beautiful place any clear, sharp and on-focus shot you make still ends-up being very nice.

Konti pang praktis!