Fruit and Flower Basket for Moms this Mother’s Day!
I would love to receive something from my husband and daughter this Valentine’s day. What is it? That I don’t know.
For sure some would think that I would love to receive jewelry, gadgets or any high ticket item out there, but really, all I want is a simple gift from both of them. One or more mother’s day gift baskets (so I can give one to my mom and mother-in-law), perhaps?
Since I am 4 months preggers, I’d gladly say YES to gift baskets full of fruits. It’s fresh and healthy for baby and me plus they’re readily available in supermarkets and online.
Fun Runs in Metro Manila
Fun Runs is now the latest craze in the Philippines, if not in the whole world. One would see invites from various fun runs happening almost every weekend.
According to Wikipedia: A fun run is a friendly race that involves either road running or cross country running with participants taking part for their own enjoyment rather than competition. A fun run will usually be held to raise funds for a charity, with sponsors providing the revenue to cover organisational costs. Fun runs can include novelty categories, such as wearing costumes, and age categories for child, teen, and mature. Fun runs can also be included as a side event to a marathon or other more serious races. Motorcycle, snowmobile, and other motorized vehicle events are also sometimes categorized as “fun runs.”
I have friends who are into fun runs and I couldn’t describe the satisfaction it gives them. On our case, WE TRIED to run. The hubby even bought a new pair of rubber shoes and took various vitamins including the best creatine supplement but we didn’t succeed. The call of our bed was stronger than the call of the fun run LOL
On Weddings, Wedding Cakes and Wedding Rings
Weddings especially beach or garden ones get me teary-eyed. It’s one thing that every woman wants to experience: to have the chance to walk down the aisle in veil and the most gorgeous gown. It’s not part of our plans but if my husband asks me again to marry him, this time in the beach or garden, I’d gladly say yes.
Last weekend, it was our first time to make a wedding cake. The order was from a couple scheduled to be wed in Monte de Portofino, Alabang. I didn’t know who made her gown or she was made to choose between diamond or cubic zirconia wedding rings, all I knew was they chose PH Bakehouse for their cake and cupcakes 
the place
the cake
the cupcakes
Beautiful, isn’t it?
Celebrating United States’ National Cookie Day!
December 4th is National Cookie Day as proclaimed by no less than Cookie Monster in 1980. National Cookie Day is a minor holiday, celebrating cookies in all their sugary glory (wikia). To celebrate with my American friends, let me show you the cookies PH Bakehouse has baked so far:
Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookies (also available in strawberry!)
Rocky Road
Sugar Cookies!
Let’s Talk about Blogging
I can’t believe it! Tomorrow, at exactly 2PM, I’ll be delivering a talk about blogging, it’s kinds and the importance of niches. This would be my first talk about blogging so I’m kinda’ scared, really.
For one, I still have pimples, the battle still hasn’t ended but I have no time and money for acne treatments these days. Second, I am not ready. We were informed just a few days ago and topics were given only yesterday. Third, I’m just plainly scared.
Wish me luck! Will post pictures of the event tomorrow =)
The Yucky Chowking Incident and How They Addressed the Issue
Keep It Clean – A restaurant’s cleanliness and sanitation prove to be important in attracting new customers and retaining old ones.
A few days ago while my precious angel was away for a vacay, the hubby and I have had dinner in Chowking, SM Bacoor Branch. We frequently visit this place, because, of course, we love the food and the customer service, too! But one thing we notice though, they have dirty trays and sometimes, dirty utensils.
My usual routine whenever I visit Chowking is:
Request for disposable utensils and our drinks be placed in disposable cups.
WHY?
Because oil in utensils and drinks only means one thing: they were not cleaned thoroughly.
But what happened the other day was really, really yucky.
I saw a few bits of rice and what-nots on my supposed to be clean plate.
I did not blog about it immediately because, first and foremost, I was too shocked that I didn’t get to take photos of the ‘dirty plate’. I handed it out to the waiter saying “Ay ano ba yan, kuya?”. I just asked for a replacement.
The moment I got home, I posted a status on Facebook explaining a bit of the incident: click here
I should have blogged about it then but since I didn’t have any proof to support my claims, I just channeled my experience in Facebook.
But guess what? An angel saw my post and sent my concern directly to the company president of Chowking himself =) So two days later, a staff from their main office called to inform me that:
- They have two dishwashing processes: manual and automatic, using a dishwashing machine so utensils are thoroughly cleaned.
- The plate rack is placed beside the huge rice cooker so it could have been from there.
I am not familiar with the place, so I don’t know if it’s true. I don’t know how their system works or if they have copper sinks to boot. What I just want to see on my next visit aside from clean food and store are clean plates, utensils, and trays.
They are inviting me to visit their store next week so they could show me that they have actually addressed the issue, should I go?
SM Bowling Center’s Funky Bowling: A Fun and Unique Bowling Experience
Bowling is a game played by more than 95 million people in the world not just because it is fun but it is also a form of an aerobic exercise, similar to walking free weights. Aside from the physical benefits it brings, it also has psychological benefits as it strengthens friendships or create new ones.
These benefits are doubled with SM Bowling Center’s Funky Bowling!
Funky Bowling is a new and more fun style of bowling. Bowlers will be challenged to play different bowling positions given in a card. The card dictates how the bowlers are suppose to bowl for each frame:
- Frame 1: Have someone stand in front of you, legs apart. Roll the ball through their legs.
- Frame 2: Wear a blindfold and use the ramp to bowl.
- Frame 3: Bowl backwards between your legs.
- Frame 4: Bowl while on your knees.
- Frame 5: Bowl between your legs.
- Frame 6: Spin in circles five times and then bowl immediately.
- Frame 7: Sit Indian style and roll the ball.
- Frame 8: Sit on the floor and bowl by pushing the ball to your feet.
- Frame 9: Lie down and bowl.
- Frame 10: Moonwalk in slow motion then bowl immediately.
Me trying out Frame 5
Me trying out Frame 7
dear friend Melody Co trying out Frame 8
With these steps, who would need botox and diet pills and suffer from botox and weight loss pill side effects? For sure you and your friends will laugh your heart out the entire game!
Starting October 30 – November 2, SM Bowling Centers (SM City Cebu, CM City Fairview, SM Mall of Asia and SM North EDSA) will have their Funky Halloween Bowl. There would be A LOT of fun filled activities for the whole family!
Special features and activities:
- The REC ROOM – get a chance to play Rockband and Wii Games
- Photo Booth
- Face Painting
- DJ Set-up and in-house decors
- Trick or Drink!
- Professional dancers
- Funky Bowling
Go Trick or Treatin’ While Bowling!
Funky Bowling Schedule:
- October 30, 2010 – SM Mall of Asia & SM City Fairview
- October 31, 2010 – SM North EDSA & SM City Cebu
For more details, call the following numbers:
SM Mall of Asia
556-1533 too 34
SM North EDSA
441-1802 or 441-1845
SM City Fairview
939-5025 or 936-5523
SM City Cebu
(032) 232-0292
or visit http://www.smbowling.com
Add SM Bowling on Facebook: SM Supermalls Bowling
Follow SM Bowling on Twitter: smbowling
Moet Hennessy Artistry in Manila: Experience the Global Art of Mixing
This momma is no drinker and now I’m blaming my mom for brainwashing me Likewise, I’m blaming myself for not sneaking off and join my friends in their drinking sessions back in high school and college.
A few days ago, Moet Hennessy Asia Pacific invited a few bloggers for dinner and wine tasting event. The drink? Hennessy cognac + ginger ale. I was like, c’mon! Why didn’t you tell me that cognac tastes heavenly?
That’s me enjoying my Hennessy cognac + ginger ale drink
Hennessy came up with a series of events – The Hennessy Artistry. Their aim is to let the world know that Hennessy Cognac is mixable with other drinks. Invited guests will experience a different Hennessy Cognac as it will be mixed with four basic flavors: Hennessy berry, citrus, ginger and apple. Sounds tempting, right?
Next month, the chance to experience these cognac blends will be given to us Filipinos The Hennessy Artistry Manila will happen on November 20, 2010 in NBC Tent, The Fort, Taguig City.
During this event, two international music star DJs, alternative group Pupil, rock band Kjwan and pop group True Faith will come together for an exceptional, once in a lifetime event.
To attend this very exclusive event, one must purchase a bottle of Hennessy Cognac at Encore Super Club, Limbo, Amber Ultra Lounge or M Cafe and participate in an activity with Hennessy models to get your tickets. You will get 4 tickets for each purchase. Note that only 300 tickets are available so better buy a bottle now!
Website: http://hennessyartistrymanila.com, become a fan on Facebook: Hennessy Artistry Manila and follow Hennessy Artistry on Twitter: HArtistryPH for updates!
photo credits: http://pinayads.com
Meet Meik Brammer, Marriott Manila’s New Executive Chef
We got the chance to meet Marriott Manila’s New Executive Chef, Mr. Meik Brammer, a 33 year old native of Beirut, Germany.
Brammer his career breakthrough at the famed Reneissance Zurich Hotel as a demi chef. He took charge in the banquet, outside caterings, and in the lunch buffet in the all-day dining restaurant which gave him the “Associate of the Month” recognition.
Chef Meik’s flamboyant, sociable personality creates a distinctive flair for being flexible as he interacts with the guests. He describes himself as “an outgoing person who would like to interact with guests and delight them in every way possible from a culinary point of view.”
Executive Brammer’s assignment in different hotel properties in Asia, Middle East, and Europe brings a distinct culinary mastery in the international market. He subsequently joined JW Marriott properties in Kuwait, China, and Thailand where he acquired unrelenting creativity and precision in the kitchen which landed him the position of Executive Chef at Hua Hin Marriott Resort Spa in 2006. At the same time, his exposure in a variety of cultures and cuisines has gained invaluable knowledge in both classical and modern techniques throughout his gastronomic journey.
Fuelled by his love for eating and cooking, the young chef also likes to travel a lot. With Chef Meik’s larger than life personality, he looks forward injecting it throughout the hotel’s dining experience. He adds, “Marriott Hotel Manila’s signature fun, high-quality dining experience in a welcoming setting has surely won the hearts and palates of many guests.”
Marriott Hotel Manila general manager Richard Saul says, “We ensure that we hire top-of-the-line talent. In the increasingly competitive gastronomical scene, we understand that our sophisticated clientele expect only the best. Chef Meik’s leadership in the culinary team ensures that we present our guests with distinctive and superior dining offering in the finest Marriott tradition.”
Given the chance to choose the job I want, I’d gladly accept any culinary or pastry positions than any corporate offers such as finance jobs. Jobs in the kitchen are more fun, IMHO. 
Chef Meik showed us how to make his famous lobster soup and his mom’s favorite meal, the German pancakes.
Chef Meik and his magic trick
German pancakes with ice cream!
This is It! John Mayer Live in Manila – Tuloy Na!
If there are Hunter fans, there are also avid John Clayton Mayer fans like me who’s been adoring this American musician, singer-songwriter, recording artist, and music producer since he released his first album Room for Squares in 2001.
His song “Your body is a Wonderland” hits me the most because of how it was made and executed. The same song also won Mayer the Best Male Pop Vocal Performance award in 2003.
This coming Friday, October 1, 2010. John Mayer will hit Manila by storm and like most fans, I am uberly excited!
The METRO Card Club, FEARLESS Productions, Inc. and Channel [ V ] Philippines brings Mayer to Mall of Asia Open Grounds, 8PM of the said date.
