Spa Sanctuary in the Heart of a Business District

Surrendering to a therapeutic massage is one of the gifts you could give to yourself. Aside from our daily grind, braving the city traffic almost everyday can give us unnecessary physical and mental strain. But did you know that in the middle of the crazy busy Makati shopping district is a sanctuary called Brazil Spa?

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Le Cafe Curieux and Le Cellier Bring French Food and Wine Affordable to Filipinos

A hole-in-the-wall authentic French restaurant in Makati's nightlife district.

Le Cellier French Wine Selection in partnership with Le Cafe Curieux, recently held a wine, cheese and cold cuts tasting event, extending to Filipinos this French culture of food and wine enjoyment.  Le Cafe Curieux was opened in Makati almost three years ago, and is run by old time French residents in the Philippines. Curiously located smack in the heart of Makati's red light district, which is adjacent to busy Burgos and Polaris streets, this hole-in-the-wall restaurant seem to have a world of its own.

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Meet Garri Tadlip, the Youngest UW Macro Photographer in the Philippines

12-year old Garri Tadlip competes with much older counterparts at international underwater photography competitions.

A child prodigy in underwater macro photography, Garri Immanuel Tadlip is not your ordinary boy wonder. He became a certified open water diver at the age of ten.  He procured his first compact camera at eleven, joined an underwater photography contest, won, and never looked back.

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The 1st Rannie Raymundo Celebrity Dartsfest Revive The Game of Skill

Rannie Raymundo's aim is to put the Philippines back in the map of world darts. Photo: Jeffrey O. Enriquez

Darts is a game that Filipinos can excel in. One need not be extra tall, nor bulky, nor swift, unlike other sports may require. Rather, it entails a lot of mental strength, focus and extraordinary skill. Popular as an English pub game, many pubs (or bars) in the Philippines had dartboards during its glory days in the 70's and 80's. Darts enthusiasts are still very much around today, which was evident at the First Rannie Raymundo Celebrity Dartsfest.

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Top Caliber UW Photographers at the 2nd Anilao Underwater Photography Competition Festival

Dive Dream Team. (left to right) Gutsy Tuason (Philippines), Simon Shin (South Korea), Yorko Summer (Taiwan), Mike Bartick (USA), Jerome Kim (South Korea), Ken Thongpila (Australia), Patrick Eschweiler (Germany), and Kati Hachenberg (Germany).  Photo Credit: Jerome Kim

The best of the best international underwater photographers recently converged in Anilao, Mabini, Batangas in the Philippines.  A total of 106 participants signed up, 60 for Open Class and 46 for Compact Class, wherein 70% come from 16 different nations. An underwater fiesta if you may, the 2nd Anilao Underwater Photography Competition Festival was a splashing success.

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Beaujolais Wine-Dinner Pairing at Spiral's La Veranda

The merry month of November is, for the French, a wine celebrating experience.  The welcoming of the Beaujolais Nouveau, or new wine from the Beaujolais Region is celebrated simultaneously around the world. On this occasion, vineyard owner of P. Ferraud et Fils, Monsieur Yves-Dominique visited Manila to launch his wines in partnership with Le Cellier French Wine Selection and French chain hotel, the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila.

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The Lee Hak Korean Barbecue Experience

Korean "barbecue-ing" is a one-of-a-kind gastronomic adventure. Meaty pork, chicken, beef, seafood or even some vegetables are being grilled right at your table.  A built-in gas or charcoal based grill is installed complete with an exhaust pipe, making diners enjoy the art of grilling and eating.

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Cafe Cubana Crave

Classic Cuban Sandwich

A few months ago, I watched a movie called "Chef", an American comedy-drama film produced, directed and starred in by Jon Favreau.  It was a story of a top chef who quit his high-paying job in a posh restaurant in LA, and started a food-truck business, selling.... guess what? Cuban sandwiches.  

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Thrilling Escape to Corregidor Island

Trambia cruising along a picturesque coastline.

For the first time ever, I agreed to spend the night in Corregidor.  I have been coming to this historical island for many years, but only to join the day trip tours. 

Craving for excitement and a new adventure, I decided to go for the overnight stay.  I made the right decision.

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Gearing Up for the 2nd Anilao Underwater Shoot Fest

          

          

Scuba diving is one of my passions. I discovered the underwater world for the first time in Cebu, during a Christmas vacation in 1998.  Fast forward 16 years today, I may have countless experiences under my (weight) belt, but one thing I still dream of is to be an underwater photographer. Shelving this at the moment, and looking up to others who take amazing photos underwater (I met a whole lot as a mermaid), I am gearing up for the surge of awesome underwater photographers from here and abroad, coming over to next week's 2nd Anilao Underwater Photo Competition Festival.

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SOIREE BEAUJOLAIS 2014: Manila Join the World in Celebrating French Wine Harvest

Board of Directors of the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the Philippines, from left to right; Jean Caillard, Steven Rouche, Cyril Rocke, Bernard Flour, and Martin Ruby.  Photo: Ted Claudio

Every third Thursday of November each year, millions of cases of Beaujolais Nouveau young red wine make their way down the hills in the French region of Beaujolais to the bars, restaurants and bistros across France.  Not all cases are unloaded within French boundaries, as more will soon be opened in other parts of the world.

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Lakan is Ready for the World

Named after a warrior-ruler who embodies strength and nobility, Lakan - Extra Premium Lambanog, is the multi-stage handcrafting of coconut nectar into liquor.  But more than the ordinary lambanog, Philippine Craft Distillers, Inc. (PCDI), is proud to announce Lakan, a liquor of true Filipino spirit, ready for the world to indulge in.

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Bacolod City Hosts First Homestays of the World Summit

Charming interior of Nature's Village Resort in Bacolod City.  Photo: www.naturesvillageresort.net

Filipino hospitality is renowned worldwide.  We cherish family customs and traditions that are uniquely Pinoy.  Family relationships are the building blocks in our community, making our culture endearing to the world.

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Creature Fest at Resorts World Manila

The spirit of Halloween is well, and hauntingly alive at Resorts World Manila, the country's first and leading tourism and entertainment hub.  

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Search is on for the Perfect Match

Photo by Edel Santiago of http://thekitchengoddess.blogspot.com/

The Perfect Pint Gastro-Pub is currently presenting the first and only Craft Beer and Food Pairing Showdown in Metro Manille, and I enjoin them in inviting everyone to find their perfect match.

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Wine-Pairing Dinner at the Top of the City

I am re-discovering Pan Pacific Hotel Manila .... and I am glad. The last time I was here was some years ago, when I used to book our corporate guests wanting to be in the middle of bustling Manila.  It was a good choice, then and now.

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October Happy Hour with the Belgian-Filipino Business Club

(l-r) Le Cellier's Bernard and Jorinda Flour, Chef and Owner of Alchemy Ms. Tina Moscardon, et moi.

The merry-month of October has seen a lot of festivities that are more special and better than the ordinary.  True to their joyful spirit, the Belgian-Filipino Business Club in the Philippines recently held an October Happy Hour at medieval-like resto-bar Alchemy, which is located on Durban Street, Bel-Air Makati.

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vOffice Open for Business in Makati

A vOffice or virtual office is actually not found in cyberspace, rather, it is a physical office a businessman or entrepreneur can go to. For as low as 700 Pesos an hour rental fee, you have a meeting room good for eight people. 

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The OPM Hitmen Delivers Outstanding Show at the Museum

(L-R) Richard Reynoso, Rannie Raymundo, Renz Verano and Chad Borja.
Photo: Gary Reynoso

I have to admit, my smile never went away in the almost two-hour-and-a-half duration of the show.  I was laughing and smiling and cheering and clapping..... and believe it or not, "singing" to familiar songs I grew up with, like "Friend of Mine", "Don't Know What To Do", "Bituing Walang Ningning", and more.  Okay, okay, maybe for most part, I was giggling for the "kilig" songs performed by the still very handsome young men.  But hey, I think I can do that for another 2 hours for as long as Richard Reynoso, Rannie Raymundo, Chad Borja and Renz Verano were on stage.

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Sugarleaf and Jertie's Kitchen Tandem in Going Green

Don't panic, it's organic!  Going green is not as difficult and boring as it seem. This was proven by resource speakers, sisters Jaclyn and Jertie Abergas, together with Angelo Songco, during the recent sneak-preview of their upcoming organic preparation workshop at the Sugarleaf Makati.

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A Holistic Health Experience at Meta Factor Wellness Center

Holistic Health (or holistic medicine) is, according to the Wikipedia, a diverse field of alternative medicine, in which the "whole person" is focused on, and not just the malady itself.

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Going Back in Time with Barbara

Growing up, I have visited Intramuros a number of times as I would join my mother take her foreign guests to this famed walled city.  I have always been intrigued with Philippine history, from the colonization of the Spaniards, to the events that folded during World War II.  There was so much to grasp in my then very young mind, but thanks to the existence of Intramuros, I would imagine how it must have been during those times, with this city within a city at the center of them all.

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Scholastic Readers' Cup: Philippine Schools Awarded in Literacy Contest

Do you love books?  Would you prefer reading e-books or physical books?  In today's internet era, we sometimes wonder if children still go to the library, appreciate books, borrow them and actually read them at home.  Is the term "bookworm" still applicable to children and teens born in this millenium?

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Philippines Hosts the 1st International Paragliding Accuracy Championship

Press Release

The country takes on a new challenge this year, as Air Sports Adventure Philippines (ASAP) sets in motion the history of Philippine aerial sports with the the 1^st International Paragliding Accuracy Championship (IPAC 2014).

Paragliding pilots representing more than 11 counties around the globe will be flying down to Sitio Seguil, Bgy Tinoto, Maasim in Sarangani Province for this much anticipated event set on August 22-24, 2014.

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A Virtual Office That Exists for Mobile Entrepreneurs

PBNet enjoys vOffice facilities during membership meetings.

Many modern entrepreneurs work virtually, meaning, doing business mostly using the internet and is always mobile, connecting to clients and products in cyber space.  In today's world where one can do business from home to anywhere in the world, having a base office that one can go to say once a week or just to meet clients in a corporate environment can come in handy.  

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RWM Masters 2014 Dangles One Million Dollar Prize Money

Present during the Resorts World Manila Masters 2014 launch were (from left) Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club Chairman Bob Sobrepeña, Resorts World Manila Chief Operating Officer Stephen Reilly, Asian Tour Chairman Kyi Hla Han, and 918.com Marketing Director Maideline Aure.

Golf, anyone?  With a million dollar prize like that, I wish I knew how to play golf, and be a "master" in this sport. Now on its 2nd year, the Resorts World Manila Masters 2014 will take center stage on November 20 to 23, 2014 at the prestigious Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club.

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Jacqui Magno Performs at Palacio de Maynila, July 26

It was a privilege for me to join Ms.Jacqui Magno over lunch at Martinilly's for an "intimate" interview about her upcoming birthday concert, "Moonlight and Love Songs," which will hold center stage on July 26, 2014 at the Palacio de Maynila Tent along Roxas Blvd. Malate.  Show starts at 8 PM.  

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Las Paellas BF Homes Bring Excitement to Family Dining

Spanish cuisine has a lot of influence in Filipino cooking, a fusion of two not so different cultures.  Rice, being the most basic among them, most Filipinos  cannot last a day without eating this grain, whether it be brown, white or red. True to form, a paella dish is a favorite, a big hit to each Filpino.

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Healthy Food Can Be This Good

This place breaks the myth that healthy and organic food are tasteless.  The dishes at Sugarleaf makes one forget that he is actually eating healthy, simply because the food tastes good.  I am so happy to discover a place where they serve gluten-free, sugar-free, dairy-free meals, snacks, desserts and shakes.

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Loire Valley Wine-Pairing Buffet at Spiral Manila

The most sumptuous hotel buffet and the biggest array in Asia is found in the Philippines.  Top that with the finest wines to pair each dish, and you've got the most amazing dining experience.  Spiral's La Veranda is located at Sofitel Philippine Plaza, a luxury five-star hotel by the spectacular Manila Bay. French based Sofitel, in partnership with Le Cellier French Wine Selection, recently held a wine-pairing dinner, featuring wines from the vineyards of Fournier Pere et Fils from the Loire Valley in France.  Guest of honor was Monsieur Claude Fournier, who graced the occasion, bringing with him wines directly from his family-owned vineyards.

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Professional Bloggers Taking it to the Next Level, Elects New Officers

RAFFY PEDRAJITA, ARABELLE JIMENEZ, MARLON MAGTIRA, RAFAEL PEKSON II, RON VILLAGONZALO, IAN BACUNGAN

The internet and mobile landscape is developing in such a rapid pace, it’s like melted mercury that seeps in the corners of every country in the planet.  In this digital age, internet and social media users increase in number every second, thus making online publishing and digital marketing a very effective communication tool for an individual, company and organization.  The publicity is immediate, viral, and the reach is unlimited.

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13th TOYCON: The Biggest Pop Culture Event, June 20-22

I believe all of us should maintain our child-like characteristics.  It is a source of positive attitude and inner happiness, which makes life more rosy.  But there really is a culture of toy collecting and a popularity in gaming, cosplaying and comic book collecting,   It is a whole new level altogether.  Thus, pop-culture events are cropping up in the Philippines, and the  TOYCON is now on its 13th year.  

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CARMELO'S Continue Steak Legacy, Now in Greenbelt 5

WAGYU STRIPLOIN, GRADE 9. MELTS-IN-YOUR-MOUTH GOODNESS!

There is only one name that is a cut above the rest when it comes to premium steaks.... Carmelo "Melo" Santiago.  The founder of Melo's Chain of Restaurants since 1988, he is undisputedly the country's Godfather on everything and anything "steak".  Pioneering wagyu steaks in the Philippines in 2007, his eldest daughter, Chef Cristina Santiago-Rivera is at the helm of the latest go-to-wagu-place in the country, aptly called CARMELO'S WAGYU STEAKS, located at the garden level of Greenbelt 5, Makati City.

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Mermaids Help Save Dolphins

Mermaids and dolphins love each other.  It is a statement proven when I went to participate at Project MOM: Mermaids On a Mission, during Mother's Day weekend in Subic.  As a Mermaid Swim Coach, this is a very meaningful activity for me, because not only did I swim with dolphins, but together with fellow mermaids, helped raise funds for the sick, wounded and stranding marine mammals.

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Food Pairing with Craft Beer Hits the Metro

Craft beer is here!  A revolution in appreciating pale ales is happening in Metro Manille.  Top that with fine food, and you've got a dining experience that is truly enjoyable to the palate.

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Hypnotic Energy at Le Cafe Curieux

"Surfing in Turquoise", by Madame Chris Farre

What comes to mind when you hear anything French?  Is it food, their culture, or the arts? All of the above? Yes, it is possible.  Because all three .... food, culture and the arts can be found in one place, not in Paris, but right in the heart of Makati!  LE CAFE CURIEUX (kyur-i-u), in English meaning the cafe of curiosities, is a hole-in-the-wall authentic French restaurant located in between Polaris and Burgos Streets.

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Gracious Jacqui Magno Jams at Primos

Ms. Jacqui Magno jams during Musician's Night Mondays @PRIMOS,
with guitarist Angelo Garcia, drummer Benzon Ang, bassist Eric Jodloman and keyboard player Rey Infante.

"Yes, it really is her!", I said to myself when I spotted her at Primos Cuisine and Lounge. THE Ms. Jacqui Magno, Philippines' Queen of Jazz, and multi-awarded jazz artiste, was seated several tables away from me. I first came across Ms. Magno back in 1988, when I was part of a concert at the Araneta Coliseum, as a (then) young jazz dancer, under the tutelage of Douglas Nierras.  But that was like almost 26 years ago! Now, by fate, I was excited to hear her beautiful voice once again.  I have always been a fan, ever since I heard her song, "Capture the Changes," written by Boy Katindig.

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Woohoo Wednesdays on Ice!

It may be in the middle of the summer season right now, but you can have a taste of icy partying every Wednesday night at Imperial Ice Bar! For a moment there, I thought I was transported to Russia.  One literally enters a room made out of ice, complete with a bar and blocks of ice as bar stools.  Of course, coats are provided at the door in this sub-zero climate.  I was told that the best drink to order is a Bacardi vodka to warm up the blood. Now, this is what I call chilling!

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Clubbing in the Sky

Everything seems to be shining... and sparkling on the roof deck of 71 Gramercy, the hip new club to hit Metro Manille.  The club, located on the 71st floor of Gramercy Residences along Kalayaan Avenue, Makati, is a dizzyingly new hangout place to wine, dine and dance!  It has three sections;  the fine-dining area, the luscious lounge with leather sofas, and the cool roof deck over-looking a great sparkling view of the city as far as the human eyes can see.

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Original Pilipino Music is Alive with The OPM Hitmen

The OPM Hitmen live! @PRIMOS

When was the last time you attended a show and sang along with almost every song performed? That is what happened to me when I watched The OPM Hitmen live.... not only once, but twice!  I watched them at the Music Museum last February for a pre-Valentine show, and lately, at Primos Cuisine and Lounge in Greenfield District, Mandaluyong City.

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Musicians Find New Home at PRIMOS

 

A "melting pot" is a metaphor for a society where many different people of various background come to live in a place to form a community, and function as one.  This best describe the atmosphere of Musician's Night happening every Monday at Primos Cuisine and Lounge! The resto-bar, which opened in October of last year, has a steady growth of patrons, many of whom are becoming regular customers, thanks to good food, good company and great music!

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Ciçou Spreads French Taste in Greenhills

Galette plus 2 Ingredients of Choice:
  Egg, Bacon, Gruyère Cheese, Goat Cheese, Mushroom, Ham, Tomato,
Bell Pepper, Herbs, Salad, Chicken, Home-made Pork Sausage, Sardine, Tuna  

Brasserie Ciçou, one of the most beloved French restaurants in Metro Manille, has found its new haven in the heart of Greenhills, San Juan.  Formerly located in Pasay Road, Makati, gastronomic fans of this establishment would trail them anywhere they go, no matter what.  The reason is simple.  La nourriture est magnifique et delicieux!

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Le Cellier and Aubergine's Lunch with Pleasure

     Aubergine is one of the first few restaurants established at The Fort a little over 10 years ago. Inconspicuously located above the more visible McDonald's across St. Lukes Hospital, many would pass by this corner unaware of the thriving restaurant frequented by expats and Filipino businessmen alike.  Owner and Chef, Hans Schallenberg, a German national, also runs a school, teaching Filipinos international Culinary Arts.

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Drive Through the Philippines' Tourism Highway

Caravan participants at the Bangi Wind Farm, Ilocos Norte

Explore the Philippines’ countryside charm and cultural gems through driving at the first Asia Pacific Drive Tourism Conference, Auto and Travel Show scheduled at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center, Jan. 29 to Feb. 2, 2014.

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Le Cellier says Bon Appetit!

One of the Philippines' premier wine stores, Le Cellier French Wine Selection, partners with Resto Bon Appetit!  La Boutique, a hip French restaurant in the heart of Davao City.

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