She's the sister of an ex of mine and one of the last persons I expected to see when I agreed to do a food review for Red Crab. It was a pleasant kind of surprise though since it has been 4 years since I saw her last. :)
Thursday, May 22, 2014
142/365 photoblog: Cha
She's the sister of an ex of mine and one of the last persons I expected to see when I agreed to do a food review for Red Crab. It was a pleasant kind of surprise though since it has been 4 years since I saw her last. :)
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
141/365 photoblog: PenPals
Siblings and I had a fun night out. Soon as we left the Cinema for the Solaire Special Screening of Xmen, it started to rain so Y decided to treat us to PenPals. Happiness!
Starbucks Premium Reserve Coffee
With over 100+ stores in the US and with branches in Indonesia, Singapore, and Korea, it was inevitable that the Starbucks Reserve store would make its way over to the Philippines. Opening their first branch in Tomas Morato and a second one in Forbes Town, Starbucks Reserve offers something new and refreshing to its loyal patrons over the years.
Today, they introduced 4 new kinds of coffee beans which are considered to be exotic, rare, and exquisite. They have the Sun Dried Ethiopia Yirgacheffe, the Finca Nuevo Mexico, the Peaberry Zambia Terranova Estate, and the Sumatra Blue Batak.
Aside from the fact that these coffee beans are not that easy to find, it is the brewing process that makes it different from the other coffee being offered by Starbucks. They use the pour over brewing methrod which actually helps out in bringing the fine characteristics and nuances of the coffee. The rule here is to use 10 grams of coffee for every 6 ounces of water. This is the perfect measurement as recommended by the coffee masters.
Impressions and thoughts on the 4 coffee beans.
1. Sun Dried Ethiopia Yirgacheffe
This rare bean is sun dried which allows the flavor of the cherry to be absorbed by the bean. When you take a whiff of this when its brewing, you can literally smell the cherry in the air. Grown at 6000feet above sea level, the effect on the coffee bean is that its growth is slowed down which gives it a more exquisite taste.
This is best served over ice for me. For me, this is the most feminine amongst the coffee beans. Its taste gives off the sense of being sultry and sensual. It leaves you wanting more but it doesn't push you to get more. Instead, it lingers in your throat and makes you remember it hours after you've had your first sip and it nags at you. It flirts with your senses and makes you want to return the next day to have more.
This one is best paired with the Chocolate Muffin.
2. Sumatra Blue Batak
This is the only coffee bean from the Asia Pacific in this series and also the only one that is not recommended to be had over iced. Sourced in Lake Toba, it is extracted from the walls of the crater of the lake where it is farmed which is what gives it its earthy and herbal tone.
Batak comes from the name of the small tribe that processes this and the spicy, toasty scent comes from the intercropping with chili that the tribe does with the coffee beans. When you smell these coffee beans, it will remind you of dry earth.
The flavor and taste is smooth but bold at the same time. Since it comes off as a bit more manly than the others, it is best paired with the Granola and Cheese Muffin since it will complement the taste.
3. Peaberry Zambia Terranova Estate
This African Coffee gives off a strong but mild scent when you take a whiff. Amongst all the coffee, this was the one I was least impressed with, perhaps because it is more citrusy and though there were hints of apple, it was mostly vanilla that I could really sense in the coffee bean. To make it better, pair this with the cinnamon apple scone.
4. Finca Nuevo Mexico
This actually means New Mexico Estate. What makes it unique is that these coffee trees are grown in just one hectare of land and since coffee trees produces only once a year, these beans are very hard to come by.
Owned by the Baumann family, this Mexico beans are actually pretty amazing. One sip and you can immediately smell the melted brown sugar and the candied citrus notes on the coffee bean. I also like that the scent was strong but sweet.
For this one, the best pair would be the Carrot Muffin.
Thank you Starbucks for a wonderful coffee treat. I learned a lot and I finally got to have a feel and taste of what Starbucks Reserve has to offer.
Today, they introduced 4 new kinds of coffee beans which are considered to be exotic, rare, and exquisite. They have the Sun Dried Ethiopia Yirgacheffe, the Finca Nuevo Mexico, the Peaberry Zambia Terranova Estate, and the Sumatra Blue Batak.
Aside from the fact that these coffee beans are not that easy to find, it is the brewing process that makes it different from the other coffee being offered by Starbucks. They use the pour over brewing methrod which actually helps out in bringing the fine characteristics and nuances of the coffee. The rule here is to use 10 grams of coffee for every 6 ounces of water. This is the perfect measurement as recommended by the coffee masters.
Impressions and thoughts on the 4 coffee beans.
1. Sun Dried Ethiopia Yirgacheffe
This rare bean is sun dried which allows the flavor of the cherry to be absorbed by the bean. When you take a whiff of this when its brewing, you can literally smell the cherry in the air. Grown at 6000feet above sea level, the effect on the coffee bean is that its growth is slowed down which gives it a more exquisite taste.
This is best served over ice for me. For me, this is the most feminine amongst the coffee beans. Its taste gives off the sense of being sultry and sensual. It leaves you wanting more but it doesn't push you to get more. Instead, it lingers in your throat and makes you remember it hours after you've had your first sip and it nags at you. It flirts with your senses and makes you want to return the next day to have more.
This one is best paired with the Chocolate Muffin.
2. Sumatra Blue Batak
This is the only coffee bean from the Asia Pacific in this series and also the only one that is not recommended to be had over iced. Sourced in Lake Toba, it is extracted from the walls of the crater of the lake where it is farmed which is what gives it its earthy and herbal tone.
Batak comes from the name of the small tribe that processes this and the spicy, toasty scent comes from the intercropping with chili that the tribe does with the coffee beans. When you smell these coffee beans, it will remind you of dry earth.
The flavor and taste is smooth but bold at the same time. Since it comes off as a bit more manly than the others, it is best paired with the Granola and Cheese Muffin since it will complement the taste.
3. Peaberry Zambia Terranova Estate
This African Coffee gives off a strong but mild scent when you take a whiff. Amongst all the coffee, this was the one I was least impressed with, perhaps because it is more citrusy and though there were hints of apple, it was mostly vanilla that I could really sense in the coffee bean. To make it better, pair this with the cinnamon apple scone.
4. Finca Nuevo Mexico
This actually means New Mexico Estate. What makes it unique is that these coffee trees are grown in just one hectare of land and since coffee trees produces only once a year, these beans are very hard to come by.
Owned by the Baumann family, this Mexico beans are actually pretty amazing. One sip and you can immediately smell the melted brown sugar and the candied citrus notes on the coffee bean. I also like that the scent was strong but sweet.
For this one, the best pair would be the Carrot Muffin.
Thank you Starbucks for a wonderful coffee treat. I learned a lot and I finally got to have a feel and taste of what Starbucks Reserve has to offer.
PR: Las Casa Filipinas de Acuzar
Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar is a heritage park in the
province of Bataan. It is a project of the New San Jose Builders, owned by art
collector Architect Jose Rizalino “Jerry” Acuzar, which is aimed to showcase
cultural heritage. Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar celebrates Filipino Heritage
through showcase of Filipino talent, ingenuity, and craftsmanship. The legacy
of our forefathers, and beautiful Filipino customs and traditions are desired
to be preserved through the restoration of the houses in here. Las Casas
Filipinas de Acuzar yearns for Filipinos to step back into the past, and
re-live the traditions and practices that are distinct to our culture.
Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar is built on 400 hectares of
land in the town of Bagac, in the south western part of the province of Bataan,
with a total land area of 231.20 sq. kms. or 16.5% of Bataan’s total land area.
It is about 157 kms. north western part of Manila along the National Highway.
Bagac is one of the smallest and oldest towns of Bataan. In the early part of
the 17thcentury, even before the coming of Dominican friars to the island, this
town has already been existent, although it did not have an official name yet.
This town formerly belonged to Mariveles, another town in the province of
Bataan. It also had once become a barrio of Morong, Bataan for the reason that
it could not stand on its own because of its population and income.
Houses, dating from the 18th to 19 centuries, constellate on
this recreated village of cobblestone streets, small plazas and outdoor
sculpture, breathing new life and presenting refurbished dignity. Relocated
from their original sites, they look at once curiously alike and radically
different: powerful testimonies of the past, they meet at and diverge from
various visual and architectural points and by extension, with the way once
kept and maintained domestic histories and human lives within their walls.
Once owned by the socially and economically elect of their time, the awe inspiring structures, around 27 at latest count, flirt with nostalgia and somehow, with notion that the past, seen through the prism of our mundane concerns, is better than the present.
Once owned by the socially and economically elect of their time, the awe inspiring structures, around 27 at latest count, flirt with nostalgia and somehow, with notion that the past, seen through the prism of our mundane concerns, is better than the present.
A living museum of Philippine customs and traditions are
re-born in a community typical of the 18th to early 20th century Philippines.
Historical Principalia or noble class mansions, House of Stone or
Bahay na Bato and Wooden Stilt houses that once, were old and
decaying architectural pieces of a bygone era and slowly
fading into the background of modern urban life are now, restored
in a picturesque setting reminiscent of a Juan Luna or Amorsolo
paintings. These architectural treasures that have been carefully and
painstakingly reconstructed from different parts of the country and rebuilt,
“brick by brick” and “plank by plank”.
Currently, there are twenty seven heritage architectures, each full with memories and history. Walking along village cobblestone streets or riding one of the caruajes (horse-drawn carriages) commands a feeling of nostalgia and wonder, romance and appreciation of simple living at its best. At Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, the legacy of our forefathers and the beautiful Filipino traditions live on. A showcase of Filipino talent, ingenuity and craftsmanship, Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar takes pride in the past... And keeps its hope for the future.
Currently, there are twenty seven heritage architectures, each full with memories and history. Walking along village cobblestone streets or riding one of the caruajes (horse-drawn carriages) commands a feeling of nostalgia and wonder, romance and appreciation of simple living at its best. At Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, the legacy of our forefathers and the beautiful Filipino traditions live on. A showcase of Filipino talent, ingenuity and craftsmanship, Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar takes pride in the past... And keeps its hope for the future.
For more information on the Las Casas project, you may visit
our website at www.lascasasfilipinas.com
My Monde Mamon Summer Experience
Every year, I plan to send my son to workshops that will nourish his creativity and talent. Every year, I fail to do so and so this year, I decided that instead of sending him to workshops or lessons, I will just bring him along to my activities, especially the ones wherein kids are encouraged to be brought along and one that can help him develop the skills he has and the abilities he needs to improve on.
I make our bonding more memorable by capturing every moment I possibly can by taking photos. I plan to scrapbook them and jot down notes here and there so that when my son grows up, he will not find it hard to remember almost every details we went through.
Summer experiences need not be expensive. The only thing that matters is that you are doing what you can to develop your child and trying your hardest to ensure that he has not only a great future but also a great summer.
I make our bonding more memorable by capturing every moment I possibly can by taking photos. I plan to scrapbook them and jot down notes here and there so that when my son grows up, he will not find it hard to remember almost every details we went through.
Summer experiences need not be expensive. The only thing that matters is that you are doing what you can to develop your child and trying your hardest to ensure that he has not only a great future but also a great summer.
20 Ways You Can Be The Best Friend Ever
I have friends that I have known since I was in kindergarten so I am either really fun to be with or they are just left with no choice. Either way, here are 20 things that I believe I do which makes me the best friend ever ....
1. I share my fats with them. When I have food trips, I make sure my friends join me. As they say, if you can't be thin, let no one else be thin.
2. I make them laugh. I'm a natural comedianne.
3. A real friend calls and even when it is the middle of the night, you can call me or better yet, I will call you because “With GoUnli20, it’s now easy to call without a need for a prefix and it’s just P20 for unli calls, 15mb of mobile surfing, and 20 texts to all networks! Kaya if you need a friend, don’t call me, I’ll call you!”
4. I am a great shopping buddy.
5. I'm a great listener and I know when to shut up.
6. I do blog giveaways and my friends join. Sometimes, they win. Most of the time, they don't.
7. Travel buddies. We can plan great trips on a budget.
8. Food trip!
9. Freebies!
10. I spontaneously break into song and dance in the middle of the mall ala-Glee which makes them laugh. Sometimes, they cringe though. Hahaha.
11. I can sing the entire OST of The Big Bang Theory and I sing it whenever we have a BBT moment.
12. I bring them to great events.
13. I'm honest to a fault.
14. I'll bring a friend to watch this if I score tickets.
15. I treat them to Starbucks every November and December so I can complete the planner stickers. It's the though that counts right? :)
16. I am very huggable. I'm fluffy.
17. I scream like a banshee whenever there is a roach which leaves them laughing hysterically.
18. I'm the one that organizes our group events.
19. I give personalized gifts and strength.
20. I am faithful and loyal.
1. I share my fats with them. When I have food trips, I make sure my friends join me. As they say, if you can't be thin, let no one else be thin.
2. I make them laugh. I'm a natural comedianne.
3. A real friend calls and even when it is the middle of the night, you can call me or better yet, I will call you because “With GoUnli20, it’s now easy to call without a need for a prefix and it’s just P20 for unli calls, 15mb of mobile surfing, and 20 texts to all networks! Kaya if you need a friend, don’t call me, I’ll call you!”
4. I am a great shopping buddy.
5. I'm a great listener and I know when to shut up.
6. I do blog giveaways and my friends join. Sometimes, they win. Most of the time, they don't.
7. Travel buddies. We can plan great trips on a budget.
8. Food trip!
9. Freebies!
10. I spontaneously break into song and dance in the middle of the mall ala-Glee which makes them laugh. Sometimes, they cringe though. Hahaha.
11. I can sing the entire OST of The Big Bang Theory and I sing it whenever we have a BBT moment.
12. I bring them to great events.
13. I'm honest to a fault.
14. I'll bring a friend to watch this if I score tickets.
15. I treat them to Starbucks every November and December so I can complete the planner stickers. It's the though that counts right? :)
16. I am very huggable. I'm fluffy.
17. I scream like a banshee whenever there is a roach which leaves them laughing hysterically.
18. I'm the one that organizes our group events.
19. I give personalized gifts and strength.
20. I am faithful and loyal.
Monday, May 19, 2014
139/365 photoblog: Rudstin
Thank you for a wonderful morning. I really hope that this friendship will last and be true. :)
Swensens at The Block
Swensens recently opened a kiosk at SM The Block. This is great news to the people in the North for they finally get to have a bite of heaven whenever they visit and have a bite of Swensens ice cream.
"The first Swensen's Ice Cream Store opened at the corner of Union & Hyde in San Francisco in 1948, and a new American Icon was born. Founder Earle Swensen knew he could succeed if he gave his customers three things... quality, quantity, and value for their money. His recipes called for using only the finest ingredients and exacting ice cream making techniques. By good old fashioned trial and error, Earle Swensen developed a perfect blend to ensure that Swensen's customers would get the maximum taste from each and every flavor.
But the key to lasting success is keeping up with the times. Over the years Swensen's has recognized that America is changing the way it indulges itself as more and more folks are becoming conscious of their diets and modifying their lifestyles accordingly. We felt that shouldn't have to mean sacrificing the fun of eating Swensen's Ice Cream, so we developed a whole line of lifestyle products that still give our customers all the delicious taste they've come to expect at Swensen's. So, if you have a special dietary concern such as fat and cholesterol, we think we've got a product just for you. Just ask your server for an information pamphlet.
And don't forget to stop by our take home counter and pick up a hand packed pint or quart of your favorite Swensen's Ice Cream. It's the perfect treat for an enjoyable evening at home."
Swensens has over 20 different kind of ice cream dishes ranging from sundaes, banana split, and hurricanes which is a combination of 5 different kind of ice cream. My personal favorite is the Nutty Rocky Road Sundae.
They also offer other things on the menu which is sure to be a personal favorite.
I liked their choco latte and I liked that aside from ice cream, they also serve coffee. :) Swensens The Block is located on the 2nd floor. eve
Wildfllour Cronuts
Finally, I was able to try it. It so happened that I was at Podium for an event and lo and behold, there were two pieces of cronut left at Wildflour.
I bought the strawberry and vanilla. B ate the strawberry one which I gathered to be really good since he finished it in less than 10 minutes and forgot to offer me a taste. LOL.
I had the vanilla one and I can definitely say that "my oh my! this is really good!" It was cruchy yet soft at the same time. The creaminess was overwhelming but in a really good way. It was sweet but not overly so. It was just so good. Like, ssssooooooooo good!
So there. I finally understand what the fuss is about but I wouldn't fall in line for 4 hours for this. I would buy it when I have the chance but I wouldn't fall in line that long for it. :)
I bought the strawberry and vanilla. B ate the strawberry one which I gathered to be really good since he finished it in less than 10 minutes and forgot to offer me a taste. LOL.
I had the vanilla one and I can definitely say that "my oh my! this is really good!" It was cruchy yet soft at the same time. The creaminess was overwhelming but in a really good way. It was sweet but not overly so. It was just so good. Like, ssssooooooooo good!
So there. I finally understand what the fuss is about but I wouldn't fall in line for 4 hours for this. I would buy it when I have the chance but I wouldn't fall in line that long for it. :)
Sunday, May 18, 2014
138/365 photoblog: Reunited
They have known each other since childhood. They have lost one. They drifted apart. After a few years, they are reunite though not for a good reason for it is because of the loss of another once more.
The world is round. No matter what happens, true friends will always find a way to each other.
Saturday, May 17, 2014
137/365 photoblog: To Do List
I was doing some things today but my mind wasn't in it so I ended up personalizing my journal of to do list. I find that I work best when I jot things down. I placed my photo and that of my son with a reminder so that when I feel tired, I will be reminded to just keep going.
Carmina Villaruel comes home to Jollibee
When I first saw her commercial when I was young, I wished it were me. When I saw her debut on TV, I wished I was her. When her husband proposed to her in the most magical way possible, I really wished I was her. Finally, last week, I got the chance to meet the woman whom I have been wanting to secretly be.
After 20 years, she is finally back in the arms of Jollibee and now, she gets the chance to be in the commercial with her family. I loved the concept of the commercial because it pays tribute to her original commercial back in the 90's. I love that they were able to incorporate more of her family and still remain true to the concept.
Jollibee's choice of family is absolutely perfect. The Legazpi family is the perfect balance just like the Jollibee Spaghetti is. I love that they were so real and so unscripted, just like the Jollibee Spaghetti.
Thank you Jollibee for another awesome event. Thank you for the dancing doll and the monopod.
After 20 years, she is finally back in the arms of Jollibee and now, she gets the chance to be in the commercial with her family. I loved the concept of the commercial because it pays tribute to her original commercial back in the 90's. I love that they were able to incorporate more of her family and still remain true to the concept.
Jollibee's choice of family is absolutely perfect. The Legazpi family is the perfect balance just like the Jollibee Spaghetti is. I love that they were so real and so unscripted, just like the Jollibee Spaghetti.
Thank you Jollibee for another awesome event. Thank you for the dancing doll and the monopod.
Friday, May 16, 2014
Thursday, May 15, 2014
135/365 photoblog: Qaldi Bloggers Night
Client was very happy and impressed with how I handled the bloggers night. Thank you Lord.
Axe Gold Pass
Soon as I saw the Beetle, I knew that I made the right choice in choosing Axe Gold. Living the gold life is definitely something that I can get used to and is definitely something I look for in a guy. Now that I am what you would call a woman of the world, only the Axe guy who can live the gold life would be good enough for me.
A survey conducted by the AXE
global team had mixed results. While 78% of women prefer to go public with a
Chocolate man on social media, around the same number would rather end up
marrying the Gold man.The debate raged on, from which Filipino celebrity best
represented a Gold Man (Luis Manzano being the most popular result) to which
Marvel superhero best embodied the two personas. Captain America? Definitely a
Chocolate man. Ironman? Solid Gold.
These two personas were created to
represent the two top temptations of women. Dark Temptation is the embodiment
of sweet seduction, with its chocolate notes making it the best-selling variant
AXE has ever had since its launch in 2009. And given that Gold Temptation is
the newcomer in the Temptation range, made specifically for the sophisticated
man, it is only natural that the curiosity and interest of the general public
gravitated toward this scent which has notes of spices and golden amber.
They sprayed Axe Gold during the launch and I can definitely say that I was swept away. Should a guy pass by me and he's wearing this, I can honestly say that my nose would probably be following this guy if only to take another whiff.
Axe's Gold resident hottie, Solenn Heausafff, seems to agree for she also rooted for Axe Gold.
To celebrate the launch of the new
Gold Temptation made for the sophisticated man,AXE is giving one lucky guy the
ultimate prize: a chance to live the Gold Life through the AXE Gold Pass.
The AXE Gold Pass is a guy’s ticket
to the Gold Life, which translates to an extended weekend trip to Las Vegas
with two of his friends where he will have access to the VIP lifestyle. Our winner will also get the
privilege of owning one of the most iconic cars in the world – a brand new
2014 Volkswagen Beetle, boasting a powerful 1.4 liter TSI Turbocharged
engine, with 118kW of power and 240Nm of torque, revamped design, and a 7
speed direct shift gearbox transmission. Lastly, the Gold Pass winner
will also receive a condominium unit in the Fort that AXE will lease for him for
a year. These are among other privileges that only AXE can give, such as access
to the best events, clubs and parties for the Gold Pass winner.
To win the AXE Gold Pass,guys just
need to buy an AXE Gold Temptation can, access the Gold Pass tab in the AXE
Philippines Facebook page (facebook.com/AXEPhilippines), and get their friends
to vote for them. The top 400 men with the most votes immediately qualify for
the next round, where eventually they will get trimmed down to the final three.
These three will then compete in the Gold Pass Challenge, where the ultimate
winner of the AXE Gold Pass will be determined.
The AXE Gold Council will join forces
to choose which guy best epitomizes theAXEGold Man. The AXEGold Council is
composed of the AXE Resident Hottie,
Solenn Heussaff;the Sophisticated man, Luis Manzano; the Romantic at Heart, KC
Montero; along with other AXE Ambassadors such as Radio DJs Tony Toni, Slick
Rick, and Sam YG. Each Gold Council member will make time to mentorthese
gentlemen - grooming them to be the ultimate AXE Gold Man.
Spray on the Gold Life and join the
AXE Gold Pass Contest today! Who knows, you just might be that lucky guy to win
the crib, the ride, and the trip of a lifetime!
#AxeGold
#AxeGoldPass
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