There She Goes

When parents tell their kids to quit their jobs

2012-01-25T03:05:00.000-08:00

It felt like someone kicked me in the face. That’s how I would describe the impending headache. Though I started the day kind of late—11AM to be exact—I still feel like I worked way too much today. But that’s okay, I really love what I do.

I retreated to the conference room and logged on to Facebook for a little down time while I wait for the graphic designer to finish the pages I have yet to finalize. On someone’s wall I found this article titled “Why I Told My Daughter to Quit Her Job.” I read it not because I needed something to occupy my spare time but just because there was a time when both my parents told me to quit my job. Uhuh, they did.

Like the girl in the article, I too went to a decent suburban high school, finished at the top of my class, played varsity sports (chess, nerd alert), and was student body president for as long as I could remember. And of course, there was that social event award that I have to live with for the rest of my life, oh memories of the prom.

I attended one of the top universities in the Philippines and took Journalism because my mother suggested that since I know how to design already, I should harness my writing skills so I could combine them both when I apply for work—a two-in-one deal. My mother was both right and wrong in this aspect but more on that later.

So I took Journalism, learned Spanish, finished college in four straight years without failing a single course, and graduated just in time for me to feel that I didn’t want to write anymore. After spending four straight years in college writing about every freakin’ classic that college professors could throw at you, I was up to my neck with my love-and-hate relationship with this writing thing. I spent the last two years of college hating myself for not taking up Fine Arts. So when I graduated, I bummed around for four months, and took a job at this small outsource advertising agency in Makati as one of their graphic designers.

I spent one year in that “factory.” Day after day, I did nothing but “follow” the design the US clients wanted. It was an outsource design company for the yellow pages in key US cities. There was no room for creativity, really. We had to follow design and color specifications to the letter and decimal points, otherwise, we have to re-do the entire thing. Soon, the challenge wasn’t there anymore. My then officemates often asked me why the hell I wasn’t in big broadsheets when I have a Journalism degree. I told them, “I don’t want to work in newspapers” to which they would ask again, “So why are you designing? Shouldn’t you be writing?”

I guess that when the itch started. From the very start, writing was never a calling for me. It felt more like nagging. And it nagged me for months till I decided to find a copywriting job and enter the mighty world of advertising where I planned to be one of the greatest copywriters in the country. After all, my friends did say that I talk with a certain flair (malandi, in other words) so why not use that skill to make money? And I did.

I quit the “factory” after a year of routine and stifled creativity. That was also when I decided that I don’t want a routinely job. They rot the brain. Like dead-end call center jobs. Every day you do the same freakin’ thing inside your standard gray cubicle. Some even stay for as long as 5 to 6 years. Sure, the money is great but do you really think you have a career? That’s why the land of milk and nicotine world of call centers never appealed to me despite the fact that I could earn three times as much since I’m bilingual. No thank you, I don’t want a dead-end job.

This big beauty brand in Makati gave me my first break in copywriting. I was so happy to be part of the brainstorming sessions, of product development activities, and even the simple but challenging task of finding the right bottle for the right product. While working behind the scenes, I realized that every detail in labels is there for a reason—every font, every color, every icon are carefully selected and embedded to create an overall effective label. I worked with celebrities. I assisted in photo shoots. I interviewed models. I wrote for the in-house magazine. I was in beauty heaven! And it only struck me now that my stint there prepared me for the fast, wild world of Cosmopolitan Philippines.

But I wanted more and my then officemates said that I was meant for more. So I looked for a bigger sky. I landed a job in one of top digital advertising agencies in the Philippines where I got to work with the “big boys” of advertising, the real deal, the heavy weights of advertising houses. I got to work with massive brands like Unilever, Procter and Gamble, Jollibee, Globe, Citibank, and BPI to name a few. I wrote copies, designed websites, designed online and print ads, and participated in major brainstorming sessions of the biggest online campaigns in the country. I was finally in that piece of the bigger sky I was looking for. But then, I guess it was my luck to have flown up in the part of the sky that was being polluted by several clusters of nimbus clouds. I never realized how high crab mentality could fly. They say that surrounding yourself with smart people is a good way to improve. Only there, some people wanted to keep the smarts to themselves. Back then, I didn’t know how to handle these things. I handled it pretty badly, often engaging in email battles and pagalingan sessions. Not to mention, my boots-wearing, Starbucks-sipping, red nails-typing, expensive resto-eating ways are often misconstrued as bitchy and snobbish and (please put adjective here). Well, I guess some people there want me to be like the rest who wear non-descript flats and ho-hum clothes that often make them look like they are on day offs. I simply couldn’t be like that.

I felt unhappy, especially since I found out that some the people I trusted often talked behind my back. And they didn’t say good things. Perhaps the only good thing they had to say about me was that I could stop traffic. It was during this time that I enrolled in a master’s degree program at the University of the Philippines, which was another thing that they talked about behind closed doors. When they found out that I also went to law school, I wonder how many raised their eyebrows. When they found out that I quit both, I wondered how many of them laughed. But I let the whispers be, after all, they didn’t know why I quit. I tried law school because I wanted to be John Grisham’s female counterpart here in the Philippines. I quit because I realized they don’t tolerate profanity in affidavits. I quit MA because I got bored. I got really, really bored. I’m not meant for academe. Besides, most companies couldn’t afford me because of my writer-designer package, how much more if I have those two under my belt? My daddy often warns me of being overqualified. And most of the time, I am overqualified.

And so I was unhappy for a long period of time. The idea of working with top brands wasn’t enough. I felt so depressed that I had to drag myself to work just because I have a deadline and I have a boyfriend who I see after work. That was it. I wasn’t happy anymore.

I talked to my parents about it and told them I wanted to quit my job at the advertising agency. My paycheck there was more than adequate. In fact, it was pretty big for someone my then age (23) and was enough to buy two pairs of boots at Linea Italia every pay day with enough money for my daily Starbucks habit (depression does that to you). But I told my parents I wasn’t happy anymore. They told me to quit.

Of course, you have to understand that I’m a COO (Child of Owner) and the eldest of three children born into a business family. For 28 years, we’ve been catering to the printing needs of clients both here in the Philippines and abroad. And for the past 6 or so years, we’ve been printing coffee table books and the yearbooks of major schools in Marikina and Quezon City with both my parents at the helm of the small printing empire. They need me. But that’s just partly the reason why they advised me to quit my job at the agency.

You see, I’m blessed to be born into a family that knows no competition. I couldn’t think of a single moment when my parents compared us to one another or subtly urged us to get ahead of another. No, my family knows no competition. When we get good grades, we were given something as a prize. Before it was always a new book, a new pair of shoes, or a new bag. Today, it’s Php1,000 for every 1.0 in my brother’s report card every semester in college. Last semester, my nerd of a brother earned Php7,000 in total and both my sister and I gave him something as a prize. My sister gave him a new polo shirt and I think I gave him money for a gimik thing. No, my family knows no competition. Ironically, we all grew up with titos and titas comparing us to some of our cousins—something we never really cared about. I just don’t understand why some people feel the need to look better than us three children, or have better things than what we are given, or compete with the things we do as a family. My sister and brother somehow see why some people need to brag. For me, I just feel pity. It must be truly tiring to keep competing with someone who doesn’t even care to look behind. They never win anyway. For us, we really couldn’t care less what other people think because we are happy just as we are. The only people we compete with are ourselves. We are taught that it’s the simplest way to stay ahead.

Okay, so where was I? So I quit my job at the agency, right at the time when half of the company resigned because of an internal squabble nobody really understood. My decision was set in stone when two of my mentors at the agency resigned. I told myself that I would only work for the best, nothing less. I want to work in a company that really makes a difference. I found nothing of that in the agency anymore and so I left.

I worked at the family business for more than a year—handling projects, designing yearbooks, talking with clients, doing some marketing, and basically trying to whip my parents’ company into shape. But of course, like most COOs would know, the toughest employers you can have are your own parents. They just don’t seem to listen. I also wrote for Cosmo.ph, Total Fitness, SPEED, and Sidetrip magazines. I wrote for clients abroad and basically lived from one freelance paycheck to another but amazingly, I was still able to maintain the somewhat expensive lifestyle that I have and even flew to Hong Kong for a five-day vacation. How I did all that without a 9-to-5 job, I don’t want to think about anymore. But here’s what I do know: that my strength is in publishing and this is the industry I want to grow up with.

I told my parents about it and they said to go find my real calling, may it be here or abroad. I sent my resume to a dozen publishing companies here and abroad and waited impatiently for feedback. I was interviewed for a senior PR writer position for a huge hospital in the Bonifacio Global City. I declined it. I was also interviewed for a Lifestyle Producer position for Yahoo! Philippines. I didn’t push through with it because there was no real writing involved and I wanted an editorial position where I can get to handle a team of writers to produce something really amazing. Of course, even my boyfriend freaked out when I told him that I didn’t follow up with the Yahoo! Philippines job. Even today, he doesn’t understand why I did it. And before we forget, a few years ago, I turned down a job a million girls would kill for.

When I was interviewed by the CEO of an international publishing company, I never knew I’d be where I am now. Well, maybe it’s because when he first interviewed me, it was for an editorial position for a website. And yet, maybe he saw something in me that made him believe I was meant for more and so the company offered me the best job I could ever think of today.

Almost three months into my new job and I already feel like I worked here all my life. That’s a good thing because I feel right at home and right on track. And I realized that when you strongly believe in yourself and in something so much, everything just falls into place, lots of doors open up for you, and you get to see your country and the world differently.

I guess the reason why I wrote this long rant is that I want to prove that parents know best. When they tell you to quit something because it’s making you unhappy, quit it. And yes, a part of growing up is saying no to things that don’t do you anything good.

Now, back to work I go.

I'm a happy red head. :)

Happy place

2012-01-16T08:45:00.000-08:00

See you soon, Bellarocca! :)

Mark my word

2012-01-07T21:33:00.000-08:00

Let today (January 8, 2012) mark the day that

I officially own the word.

It's gonna be LEGENDARY!

Manila is Alive with “The Sound of Music”

2012-01-05T20:32:00.000-08:00

By Katherine C. Eustaquio

Balikbayan Magazine Website

Under the direction of Roxanne Lapus and Musical Director Maestro Rodel Colmenar, Resorts World Manila’s production of the iconic play—The Sound of Music—not only brought to life a classic but transported each and every viewer to a place in time when innocence, courage, faith, integrity, and love are ways of life.

Resorts World Manila’s world-class cast is composed of internationally-acclaimed theatre veterans, starting with Joanna Ampil, who played the lead role of Maria Rainer, and “King of Philippine Theatre” Audie Gemora, both of whom performed during the December 23, 2011 run. Having to portray an iconic character like Maria Rainer could be a grueling task even for theatre veterans like Ampil, especially since every generation has its own version of the icon, like Julie Andrews in the 1965 film version of The Sound of Music. Ampil’s performance justified every single decision that landed her the lead role. On the other hand, Gemora’s portrayal of Captain Georg von Trapp is, more or less, a total reenactment of Christopher Plummer’s performance in the 1965 film. Gemora succeeded in showing how joy, pain, and helplessness can sip through the carefully structured face of a very stern character like Captain von Trapp.

Click here to read full article.

Left Brain-Right Brain

2011-12-28T01:00:00.000-08:00

This is why i still love advertising.

Photo Credits

Sa Ganang Atin: A Guide to Traditional Pinoy Christmas Foods

2011-12-22T22:52:00.000-08:00

Excerpt from Balikbayan Magazine December-January 2012 issue

| TASTE BUDS |
Written by Rowena Diocton | Photography by Alvin John Adriano

Christmas season in the Philippines is one of the longest and most revered in the world. The young and the old anticipate the month of DECEMBER, inwardly wishing for prosperous days in the coming DAYs until January.

On the tiangges and fund-raising bazaars, litters of luminous bulbs are sold to spruce up usually bare windows, doors, and yards. And the Christmas trees never fail to draw a smile even from the weariest faces. Active window shoppers appear to walk in perfect rhythm with the melody and words of classic carols joyously looped in malls in the months approaching the “big day.” Still, another reason most Filipinos get riled up during the season is the scent of freshly cooked Christmas feast.

For Filipinos, the array of delectable dishes that succeed in pleasing the taste buds is partly due to a history of multicultural occupation. To this day, some provinces are coined with the specific type of food usually served on special occasions especially Christmas, fiestas, and New Year. The Ilocanos, for instance, are known for preparing their dishes with bagoong. The Pampanguenos’ sisig and kambing fares are renowned for their delicate preparation and fresh ingredients. Bicolanos’ spicy dishes like the Bicol Express is a favorite pulutan during all-nighters or drinking sessions.

For most parts of the Christmas season, the late night parties and early morning masses are the ones hoarded with a multitude of food vendors lodging on lots right outside the churches or along the highways. Who would turn down any of these season’s delicacies? With their out-of-the-oven scents wafting into one’s nose and sending images of soft bread topped with coconut sprinkles, each thought is triumphant in making anyone yearn for a bite.

HAMON
Filipinos are fond of pork dishes like lechon kawali, adobo, and sinigang. Comes Christmas season, every family’s table is made complete by that special jamon dulce or sweetened ham. Even for the old folks and figure-conscious individuals, the festive holiday is a time to take a mouthful of these soft, delectable, and juicy hamon slices.

BIBINGKA
Ask any Filipino about the first thing that comes to mind when you say Christmas and you’ll surely get someone shouting out, “Bibingka!”

This round and yellow rice cake is a product of mixing glutinous rice dough, coconut milk, eggs, sugar, and yeast. Cooked in a coal-heated mold called hurnuhan, the bibingka is browned by live coal above and underneath it. The result is a tasty smoky-flavored cake complemented with its banana leaf covering and best garnished with margarine, sugar, cheese, salted egg, and shredded coconut meat.

For full stories, get a copy of Balikbayan Magazine December-January 2012 issue

in bookstores nationwide.

______________________________________________________________

Balikbayan Magazine is published bi-monthly by Asian Journal Publications, Inc. Send subscription inquiries to subscription@asianjournalinc.com and advertising queries at advertising@asianjournalinc.com

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A "Toy Story"

2011-12-22T22:47:00.000-08:00

Excerpt from Balikbayan Magazine December-January 2012 issue

| NOSTALGIA |
Written by Rowena M. Diocton | Photography by Jan Paul Jose

A Look at Kids’ Christmas Wishes, Then and Now

“Playstation!” says the 11-year-old Reymart, when asked what—from the bottom of his young heart—he really wants this Christmas. For a moment, a ray of light went past his wide protruding eyes, revealing that excited glimmer angled towards joyful expectation. This kid, though a member of the basketball varsity team, desires a little more techie than the usual new pair of rubber shoes and shorts that he needs for the sports. Like almost everyone in his 6th grade class, he is fixated on a toy that will hold his attention for hours, even days; the kind of toy that, for girls and boys his age, only high technology can deliver.

Reymart’s mother, an overseas Filipino worker based in Hong Kong, agrees that just a decade ago, this would hardly be the case. After weekday classes and during weekends, most children spend their time out on the streets, enjoying the breezy afternoon weather and awaiting supper while in the company of their childhood barkada or playmates.

Reymart’s older brother, on the other hand, was a hard-headed boy to deal with. The time most kids today spend on computer shops and arcades, the older brother spent on rounds of biking, tumbang preso, yoyo, and sipa.

But the times, they are changing. The years go by in an exhausted engine sort of way. Often, it blazes with a bang, sometimes it coughs as if hit by a plague, but always, it leaves legacies large enough to be handled by the smallest hands and large enough to be played; like toys with wheels, now transformed into remote-controlled mechanisms—RC (remote control), as we call them. With the shift in the dunes of time, the smallest things that amaze the youngest minds have also shifted, including their Christmas wishes.

For full stories, get a copy of Balikbayan Magazine December-January 2012 issue

in bookstores nationwide.

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A Pearl’s Lustre Shines Through

2011-12-22T22:43:00.000-08:00

Excerpt from Balikbayan Magazine December-January 2012 issue

| INDUSTRY |
Written by Rowena M. Diocton

The Luxury in Belo Greenbelt Clinic
In this fast-paced world, it’s refreshing to know that there’s a place where the physical manifestations of stress can be averted. When in the city of Makati, beauty guru and “doctor to the stars” Vicki Belo’s Greenbelt branch offers a wide range of services to retain one’s beauty in its full glory. To step through those wide glass doors greeted by the office’s charming staff is a luxury in itself.

THE BRANCH: AN ICON FOR AN ICON
Elegantly crafted by famous interior designers Ivy and Cynthia Almario, the Greenbelt Makati branch is a strong statement of how royalty should treated. With high ceilings and lush interiors in gold motif, each ray of natural light passing through its glass facade bursts in a cacophony of lights, showering the interior with a radiance one can only describe as ethereal. A much talked-about mother of pearl wall lies to the left of one’s sight, a shout out to that world-class demand one’s soul had long been searching for.

Headed by Managing Physician, Dr. Regina Llorin, who has been with Belo since 2004, the branch is assisted by two Associate Physicians, Drs. Joey Muñoz and Jenny Sison-de Leon, who have both served Belo for the last decade. Branch Manager Vivian Limpin oversees operations and ensures that the front and back ends of the business run smoothly.

For full stories, get a copy of Balikbayan Magazine December-January 2012 issue

in bookstores nationwide.

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Adventurous Holiday in Davao City

2011-12-22T22:36:00.000-08:00

Excerpt from Balikbayan Magazine December-January 2012 issue

| Travel |

Written by Danielle Clara P. Dandan | Photography by Davao Wild Water Adventure & Cheekie Albay

It’s the most wonderful time of year again. Do the festive atmosphere and holiday trinkets make you homesick for the Philippines? If you’ve been dreaming of an adventurous holiday vacation back home, then a visit to Davao City should be on top of you to-do list this year. In fact, a vacation in this dynamic city might just fulfill every single thing you listed down in your bucket list and we’ll tell you why.

Known as one of the most disciplined places in the Philippines, Davao City is truly a hassle-free destination for all age groups. Davao Regional Director Arturo Boncato Jr. for Tourism commends Mayor Sara Duterte “for instilling discipline among her constituents and conscious efforts in barangays.”

Davao’s natural gifts continue to flourish because of the positive and disciplined attitude of its people. The city is bursting with so many possibilities that the usual 3 days/2 nights stay is, most likely, not enough for all the city touring, fruit shopping, fine dining, ziplining, hiking, and clubbing that await you in the “Home of the Great Bird of Asia.”

THE ‘KING’ REQUESTS YOUR PRESENCE
The Philippine Eagle Center (PEC) is a research and breeding facility for Philippine Eagles, which is the largest bird in the world. Located at the foot of Mount Apo in Malagos, Baguio district, the facility allows everyone to see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat and appreciate their lineage and beauty.

‘CROCS’ OF A DIFFERENT KIND
Since its opening in 2006, the Davao Crocodile Park remains as one of the most popular wildlife attractions in the city. From a safe distance, guests can now take a closer look at several freshwater and saltwater crocodiles, which can be found in Southeast Asia and Northern Australia. If you’re not a big fan of these king reptiles, you can also check out humongous Bengal Tiger and other interesting members of the Philippines’ wildlife.

For full stories, get a copy of Balikbayan Magazine December-January 2012 issue

in bookstores nationwide.

______________________________________________________________

ASIAN HEADQUARTERS

2nd Floor Unit D & E Fort Palm Spring Cond., 30th St. corner 1st Ave.

Bonifacio Global City, Taguig

Tel: (632) 856-1661 or (632) 856-4921

USA HEADQUARTERS

LOS ANGELES

1150 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90017-1904

Tel: (213) 250-9797 Fax: (213) 481-0854

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

841 San Bruno Avenue West, Ste. 12-14, San Bruno, CA 94066

Tel: (650) 583-6818 Fax: (650) 583-6819

LAS VEGAS NEVADA

3700 W. Desert Inn Road, Las Vegas, NV 89102

Tel: (702) 792-6678 Direct: (702) 591-2178 Fax: (702) 792-6879

NEW YORK

5 Penn Plaza, 19th Floor, NY 10001

Tel: (212) 655-5426 Fax: (212) 655-9241

NEW JERSEY

2500 Plaza Five, Harborside financial Center, Jersey City, NJ 07311

Tel: (201) 484-7249 Fax: (201) 484-7201

HTC Unveils HTC Rhyme™

2011-12-22T22:29:00.000-08:00

PRESS RELEASE:

HTC UNVEILS HTC RHYME™,

AN ELEGANT NEW PHONE EXPERIENCE

HTC Rhyme integrates sleek new design, a refreshed HTC Sense™

experience and a family of integrated accessories with advanced smartphone features

PHILIPPINES – 7 December 2011 – HTC Corporation, a global leader in mobile innovation and design, today unveiled HTC Rhyme™, a new kind of phone created for people who require advanced features but want a phone that is sleek and fits seamlessly into their lives. The result is the elegant HTC Rhyme that delivers a fresh approach of integrating distinct colours, HTC Sense™ and complementary accessories for a natural personal experience.

“HTC intends to present a brand new unique experience to our consumers, where the mobile phone is integrated into every part of a consumer’s daily routines, from work to play. This new approach will continue to put us in the lead for mobile design and innovation and highlight our commitment to our consumers,” said Lennard Hoornik, President of HTC South Asia Pacific. “HTC Rhyme is the first in line to offer consumers a fresh take on the mobile phone experience, including a whole catalogue of innovative accessories like the HTC Rhyme Charm and Docking Station.

Sleek, Fresh and Stylish
HTC Rhyme offers a smart, elegant unibody design in a fresh clearwater colour with every detail carefully crafted to deliver a unique sensory experience. The materials, the curves, and the dimensions are all designed to feel great in your hand, without sacrificing advanced features.

HTC Sense
HTC Rhyme is not only defined by its soft, simple design and distinct colour scheme but by the refreshed HTC Sense experience. This unique twist on HTC Sense carries over the visual language of the hardware design and includes an all-new home screen that provides a clean and uncluttered way to interact with the essentials. The home screen enables quick, uncluttered previews of your appointments, messages or whatever is important to you. HTC selected custom wallpapers to offer a variety of original art to complement the HTC Rhyme experience.
With a beautiful 3.7-inch WVGA, super LCD display and high-quality stereo sound, HTC Rhyme also offers advanced imaging capabilities that begin with its 5-megapixel camera that includes auto focus, power LED flash and instant shutter for capturing those memorable moments whenever they arrive.
In addition, the camera features a number of photo-taking and sharing elements, including face detection, which ensures that friends are always in focus, action burst scene, which automatically takes five consecutive shots of a scene, and panoramic mode, which lets users stitch several photos for those larger-than-life views. The HTC Rhyme’s locked home screen can be customized to display the most important content, making it quick and easy to see social updates, photos, snapping a photo or the weather forecast by simply turning on the display.

Integrated Accessories*
HTC Rhyme’s suite of accessories is designed with the same sensory focus in both function and style. Created to help you experience HTC Rhyme as a natural part of your life, the integrated accessories make your phone more personal than ever before.

HTC Rhyme Docking Station - The Docking Station simultaneously recharges the phone while turning the phone into an alarm clock and music center so you can wake to your favorite songs played directly from the built-in Bluetooth capable speakers.
HTC Rhyme Charm - The Charm is an innovative approach for discretely alerting you to incoming calls or messages while the HTC Rhyme is deep in your bag. The Charm is a small light-emitting cube that attaches to the phone by a cord that can dangle from your bag and also be used to quickly pull the phone out of your bag. It also makes it easy to find your phone buried in your cluttered purse or backpack.
HTC Rhyme Sports Armband - The Sports Armband allows you to work out in style while keeping your apps and music close to you.
HTC Rhyme Tangle Free Headphones - The Tangle Free Headphones take the hassle out of listening to your favorite music.
HTC Rhyme Bluetooth® Headset - The wireless headset follows the same design cues as the phone itself and enables for easy hands free use.
HTC Rhyme Bluetooth® Car Speaker – The wireless speaker clips onto the sun visor in your car for easy and safe driving.

Availability
The HTC Rhyme in Clearwater color will come bundled with the HTC Rhyme Docking Station, HTC Rhyme Tangle Free Headphones and HTC Rhyme Charm and is now available at HTC authorized resellers at a suggested retail price of PhP25,000.

*HTC Rhyme Integrated Accessories is subjected to individual countries bundling packages.

HTC Unveils HTC Radar

2011-12-22T22:25:00.000-08:00

PRESS RELEASE:

HTC UNVEILS HTC RADAR,

HTC’S FIRST WINDOWS® PHONE 7 WITH MANGO UPDATE

HTC boosts of a richer multimedia experience and

seamless communication with latest Windows Phone device

PHILIPPINES – 7 December 2011 – HTC Corporation, a global leader in mobile innovation and design, today unveiled the HTC Radar™ with Windows® Phone smartphone. The HTC Radar is designed to keep you close to the people, news and entertainment that matters to you most.

“The new HTC Radar smartphone raises the bar with new advanced photography, multimedia and social capabilities that enable you to take full advantage of the latest Windows Phone innovations,” said Lennard Hoornik, President of HTC South Asia Pacific. “The HTC Radar’s aluminum uni-body, compact size and finish will capture people’s attention.”

Picture Perfect
HTC Radar features a dedicated hardware camera button which enables you to capture vivid images while the f/2.2 aperture lens and back-illuminated sensor provide improved low-light performance – making sure you never miss that perfect shot. With 28mm wide-angle lenses you can capture more of the scene in front of you while the new panoramic feature lets you create dramatic pictures of skylines and landscapes. HTC Radar can shoot bright and vibrant HD (720p) videos, making them perfect companions for family functions or a night out with friends. And with the HTC Photo Enhancer, you can quickly touch up pictures and upload them to Facebook, tagging your friends as you go using automatic face detection built in to Windows Phones.

“Phones were originally designed for communication, but they haven’t kept up with the way consumers are actually communicating today. That’s why we built Windows Phone to put people first, building in all the key types of communication people are already using right out of the box,” said Andy Lees, President of Windows Phone Division. “The HTC Radar brings a sleek, modern design that perfectly complements this people-first experience, making sure it’s easy to connect & share with the people you care about most so the message always gets through.”

HTC Radar
Elegantly crafted with an aluminium unibody, HTC Radar brings you closer to the important things in life, with the new People Hub from Windows Phone. The People Hub keeps you up to date with your friends’ latest news showing all of your communication history with each person, as well as their recent social network updates and photos. You can also stay in touch using SMS, Facebook chat and Windows Live® Messenger in one conversation, without having to switch applications or disrupt the conversation flow. Alternatively, speak “face-to-face” with new video calling that lets you see your friends’ faces on the bright and sharp 3.8 inch screen.

Entertainment on the move
Utilizing Virtual 5.1 surround sound for a rich audio experience, the HTC Radar is your perfect entertainment on the go. Internet browsing is fast and smooth with HTML5 support. You also get an amazing mobile gaming with Xbox LIVE®, giving you access to a great selection of games for Windows Phone, which include features like Leaderboards and Achievement that connect you with your friends and the Xbox LIVE community around the world.

Availability
The HTC Radar is now available at HTC authorized resellers at a suggested retail price of Php21,500.

HTC Unveils HTC Explorer™

2011-12-22T22:09:00.000-08:00

PRESS RELEASE:

HTC UNVEILS HTC EXPLORER™ – CONTINUES TO
EXPAND THE GLOBAL MARKET FOR AFFORDABLE SMARTPHONES

HTC Explorer delivers an affordable smartphone with HTC Sense and distinct design

PHILIPPINES – 7 December 2011 – HTC Corporation, a global leader in mobile innovation and design, today unveiled HTC Explorer, its most affordable smartphone and the latest addition to its global portfolio of devices. HTC Explorer brings an advanced smartphone experience to first time smartphone customers. With a curved and compact design, a 3.2” HVGA touchscreen and 3MP camera, HTC Explorer offers smartphone performance in an attractive and affordable phone.

“HTC Explorer is an easy-to-use smartphone that puts the customer in control, providing quick access to their most important content and information,” said Jason Mackenzie, president of global sales and marketing, HTC Corporation. “HTC Explorer is simply a smarter phone for anyone and it represents another clear demonstration of HTC’s global commitment to expanding the market for advanced smartphones.”

HTC Sense
With HTC Sense™ integrated, customers experience sharp graphics, vibrant animations, a wide variety of widgets and a cinematic and immersive weather experience. HTC Explorer also includes a customizable lock screen that functions as a real-time window to the customer’s most important information and content, such as social updates, photos, weather or stock updates that are viewed by simply waking up the display. The lock screen also enables quick access to the camera for capturing those important moments. It also includes a new Smart Dialer that displays a one-touch menu for quick, easy dialing of contacts.

Stay connected with family and friends
Track social updates from colleagues, friends and family with the People widget that displays social updates in a single easy-to-view thread. You can also easily send a photo, video clip or location in a message with just one touch.

Fast Intuitive Web Browsing
HTC Explorer provides a complete web browsing experience with Adobe® Flash® support, and is the first in its class with a HVGA display, allowing you to run nearly all of the applications in Android Market. Smart URL prediction provides quick access to the top 100 websites, while automatic URL correction streamlines web navigation. Users can make restaurant reservations or connect to customer service hotlines just by tapping the phone numbers listed on any website. And if you’ve forgotten to print out the map of your destination, simply tap on the address to bring up a real-time map and its location.

Take control of your life
The HTC Explorer allows you to access multiple work and personal email accounts and combine different calendars into a single view. Appointments from each calendar are displayed in different colours to deliver a clearer picture of your busy day. New calendar invites are also managed from one tab allowing you determine the best use of your time. HTC Explorer offers you control over your data and mobile services with a usage monitor that tracks your call minutes, messages and data to keep you on top of your spending.

Availability
The HTC Explorer in metallic black is now available at HTC authorized resellers at a suggested retail price of PhP11,900.

About HTC
HTC Corporation (HTC) is one of the fastest growing companies in the mobile industry. By putting people at the center of everything it does, HTC creates innovative smartphones and tablets that better serve the lives and needs of individuals. The company is listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange under ticker 2498. For more information about HTC, please visit www.htc.com.

Samsung Series 7 Chronos

2011-12-22T22:06:00.000-08:00

PRESS RELEASE:

Speed and Performance, Right from the Start

Samsung Electronics Philippines Corporation ( SEPCO), a leader in digital media and digital convergence technologies, today announced the launch of its premium Series 7 CHRONOS notebook PC during its press conference at Time Bar in Makati City.

Encased in a stunningly thin and compact aluminum chassis, the high-spec Series 7 CHRONOS with Intel’s Core i5 processor embraces the ExpressCache™* technology, providing an extra 8GB of flash memory on the motherboard. This enables a faster start-up as well as increased overall performance with up to two times faster web browsing (based on Microsoft Internet Explorer) and two seconds wake-up.

In addition to exceptional speed, the Series 7 CHRONOS also delivers maximum performance in its high quality display. Incorporating Samsung’s latest ‘MAX screen’ technology, the Series 7 CHRONOS enables users to experience an extra inch of immersive viewing without sacrificing mobility or portability with the 15” display contained within the form factor traditionally associated with a 14” model.

“Following the success of our stunning Series 9 Notebook, we are expanding our premium notebook range. With the Series 7, we have matched powerful new features with Samsung’s design and engineering excellence to produce a truly special product,” said Eric Sulit, Business Unit Head SEPCO IT. “Our goal is to create notebooks that constantly inspire and enrich customers’ lives. The Series 7 CHRONOS represents the peak of personal computing, letting you do more faster.”

Powered by Intel’s i5 processor, the Series 7 CHRONOS delivers unrivalled pace right from the start with ExpressCache™, a technology that accelerates boot-up and start times. Samsung’s FastStart sees the PC ready to use in just two seconds, a 33% time-improvement on previous models, while Quick Boot has the notebook ready to go – from cold – in just 24 seconds.

The performance of the Series 7 CHRONOS is further enhanced by the notebook’s extended battery life. In addition to the battery life of up to 8 hours on a single charge (based on MobileMark test scores), Samsung’s Battery Life Plus technology keeps 80% of the cell’s original capacity in a life cycle lasting up to 1,500 charging cycles. This ensures that the battery can last up to five times longer than other notebooks.

See More, Experience More
Samsung’s elite engineers have succeeded in greatly reducing the bezel size of the Series 7 CHRONOS, allowing a 15” display to fit into a profile usually used for 14” models. The result is a stunning viewing experience, with a larger screen in the form factor of a smaller model.

The Series 7 CHRONOS also benefits from Samsung’s Superior LCD technology, a display that delivers a next-generation HD+ (1600x900) high-resolution viewing experience. The Series 7 CHRONOS boasts of SuperBright 300nit brightness, 16 million colors and an anti-reflective screen, films and pictures look rich, vivid and crisp, with noticeable improvements in color depth.

Graphics performance is guaranteed with the inclusion of an AMD Radeon HD6750M graphics card where films, games and multimedia can be enjoyed with faultless playback. Samsung’s SoundAlive™ technology then ensures that audio playback matches the visual quality to provide a mesmerizing audiovisual experience. Finally, users can also use built-in 1.3mp HD webcam to keep in touch with friends and family, all in crystal clear clarity.

Stunning Design meets Smart Usability
The Series 7 CHRONOS has been designed with an eye-catching style to complement its stunning performance. Crafted using modern brushed-aluminum, the durable casing gives the Series 7 an exclusive, sophisticated look. Thin and compact, the 14” Series 7 weighs just 2.17kg (4.78lbs) and is just 23.9mm thick.

The Series 7 CHRONOS design is not only good-looking, it is also highly intelligent. An automatic sensor ensures the backlit keyboard and LCD are either dimmed or brightened as according to lighting levels.

Samsung has also included two pieces of software designed to improve the user experience. Easy Migration enables simple, guided data migration from the user’s previous PC to their Series 7 using either a USB connection, Wired LAN or WiFi network. Samsung’s Control Center also allows full control over the features on your PC, ensuring the user can manage their device and the way they use it.

The Samsung Series 7 is available nationwide at P59,900.

BPI Treats Clients to a David’s Salon Pampering Promo

2011-12-22T21:33:00.000-08:00

PRESS RELEASE:

The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), the country’s leader in electronic banking, and David’s Salon, the largest chain of salons, recently launched a thrilling treat this Christmas, the “Pay Easy, Be Gorgeous” Promo, with a “mini-salon show” held at the Event Center, SM Megamall. Customers were encouraged to experience BPI Express Online, and were also treated to a live hairstyling demo done by Mr. David Charlton. Leading the event were BPI Senior Manager Anj Mirasol and David’s Salon President and CEO, David Charlton.

“At BPI, clients enjoy ‘less banking time and more me-time’. Now, with this partnership with David’s Salon, we encourage our clients to make more time for the things that really count by choosing to manage their accounts easily and conveniently with BPI Express Online,” shares Anj Mirasol, Senior Manager, BPI. Through BPI Express Online, you can pay bills to over 300 merchants, including Meralco, Globe Telecom, Sky Cable, Smart Telecom, Manila Water, Ateneo de Manila University, BPI Express Credit Card, as well as the Philippine Red Cross.

Photo shows (L-R) Carlo Gatuslao, Assistant Vice President, BPI; Anj Mirasol, Senior Manager, BPI; David Charlton, President and CEO, David’s Salon; and Patrick Zulueta, Marketing Manager, BPI.

By simply enrolling a deposit account, and paying a bill through BPI Express Online during the promo duration, clients will be qualified to receive a coupon which entitles them to a free treatment at David’s Salon, including a haircut, manicure, OR pedicure at participating David’s Salon branches. Promo is open to existing BPI, BPI Family Savings Bank and BPI Direct clients. Promo runs until February 26, 2012.

For more information about BPI 24/7 Banking, visit www.bpiexpressonline.com.

Brilliant, Awesome Google!

2011-12-19T02:24:00.000-08:00

Words by Katherine C. Eustaquio

I saw a friend's status update about Google-ing "Let it Snow." Brilliant. Just brilliant! Good job, Google!

Happy holidays!

JOSE MARI DEL ROSARIO Bringing Home the Microtel Dream

2011-12-09T06:52:00.002-08:00

Excerpt from Balikbayan Magazine December-January 2012 issue

| INDUSTRY |

Written by Danielle Clara P. Dandan

They say that one’s passion can be traced back to one’s childhood. This is very much the case for Jose Mari del Rosario, President and Chief Executive Officer of Microtel Inns & Suites (Pilipinas) Inc. and Microtel Development Corp.

His father, Ramon del Rosario Sr., was the first Filipino CEO of an American multinational firm in the 1940s and subsequently, Philippine ambassador to Canada, Japan, and Germany. Since Mari was youngest in a brood of seven kids, his father took him along on these diplomatic postings, an adventure that allowed him to see and experience many hotels around the globe. Apart from being a well-traveled lad, it could be said that Mari literally grew up in the hotel industry.

This rich exposure prompted the young Mari to dedicate his career to the hospitality industry. He graduated from one of Switzerland’s renowned hotel schools and later went to Cambridge, Massachusetts to get his master’s degree. Despite his academic achievements from international institutions, Mari told himself that experience would be the best teacher; off he went for a year-long management training program at the Peninsula Hotel Manila and another year at the iconic Imperial Hotel in Tokyo.

One may wonder what could make a hotelier—especially someone who has built his career in a five-star hotel business—venture into a limited service hotel chain.

“The typical hotelier schooled in the five-star category would always want to stay there,” Mari said. “I guess after I did my MBA, I shifted my brain to the most practical realistic business side for the Philippines.”

Mari admitted that he looked at many hotel brands but he decided that Microtel was the one suitable for the Philippines. He believed that this no-frills hotel concept was the perfect model to upgrade the quality of accommodations in key destinations all over the country. At the same time, this would address the needs of the underserved mid-market.

For full stories, get a copy of Balikbayan Magazine December-January 2012 issue

in bookstores nationwide.

______________________________________________________________

ASIAN HEADQUARTERS

2nd Floor Unit D & E Fort Palm Spring Cond., 30th St. corner 1st Ave.

Bonifacio Global City, Taguig

Tel: (632) 856-1661 or (632) 856-4921

USA HEADQUARTERS

LOS ANGELES

St. Paul Manila, My Second Home

2011-12-09T04:03:00.000-08:00

Excerpt from Balikbayan Magazine December-January 2012 issue

| NOSTALGIA |

Written by Marionette Ocampo-Martinez

It is 1948. The war is over, and people are picking up the pieces of their lives. My family has moved back to the city after spending the war years in our hometown, Bacoor, in Cavite. Our parents, Florentino and Stella Ocampo, have looked for a school not too far from our house in Pasay, and have brought my sisters, Amelia, Florella, and me to St. Paul College of Manila. I am seven years old, but because I was accelerated twice in the province, I am now in Grade Five. Like edelweiss, I am small and white (read “pale”), clean (at least in the morning) and bright (though not discernible yet).

St. Paul College of Manila is just recovering from the ravages of the Liberation of Manila, which practically razed it to the ground. The Chapel of the Crucified Christ was almost completely destroyed, but the façade, with the life-like statue of the Savior on the cross remained intact, as if to proclaim that the goodness of God will triumph over the rampage of the infidels.

Our classrooms are on the Georgia (now L. Guerrero) side of the campus, those of the high school on the Florida (now M. Orosa) side. The chapel is right in the center of the campus as Christ is right in the center of the Paulinian’s life. Most students run up the stairs to the chapel before going to class (ah the joys of having strong bones!). We have regular confessions, first Friday holy hour and benediction, first Saturday Mass for the Blessed Virgin in the chapel, whose wooden floors are kept shining by Madre Victor and Mang Gregorio.

There are acacia trees all over the campus. They provide shade and the comfort of green, but they are also home to “higads” which periodically fall and cause a lot of itch and discomfort.

We have physical education classes in “the shelter” and we wear big ugly black bloomers as we walk on balance beams to the tune of “Glow little glow-worm, glimmer, glimmer.” Our favorite game is playing tag while jumping on the stone benches beside the grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes. She must be watching over us for no one has fallen from the slippery benches.

After class, we look curiously at the Sisters’ starched cornettes drying on iron sheets outside the laundry. We wait for our “sundo” at the Tennesse (now Malvar) gate, and Mang Romulo calls out our names.

It is 1952. The Administration and College building is blessed. Our waiting area has been moved to the Herran (now Pedro Gil) side. The school is beautiful. There are acacia trees sheltering the statue of Jesus and St. Margaret Mary Alacogue. In front of the statue is a fish pond, with pretty goldfish swimming between lotus fronds, and all around the circular driveway are flame trees adding a burst of color to the scene. We sit on the front steps of the new building and wait for our cars entering the driveway.

For full stories, get a copy of Balikbayan Magazine December-January 2012 issue

in bookstores nationwide.

______________________________________________________________

ASIAN HEADQUARTERS

2nd Floor Unit D & E Fort Palm Spring Cond., 30th St. corner 1st Ave.

Bonifacio Global City, Taguig

Tel: (632) 856-1661 or (632) 856-4921

USA HEADQUARTERS

LOS ANGELES

Balikbayan Magazine Dec-Jan 2012 Foreword

2011-12-09T03:27:00.000-08:00

In all my travels, I’ve never seen people more warm and welcoming than Filipinos.

Whether you are in the United States, Asia, or Middle East, no group of people is more ready with a kind smile and that “kababayan” aura that never fail to make you feel less alone especially when you’re traveling solo in an unfamiliar turf.

Growing up in Manila—and with my alma mater standing proud right in the middle of España—I’m a witness to the country’s urban evolution. I've seen the rise of world-class infrastructure and entertainment hubs not only in Manila but all over the country; I've conquered the many “adventurism” spots that almost made an iron woman out of me; I've tasted the freshest produce—including the intriguing durian fruit—and the finest local cuisine each amazing Philippine destination has to offer; and lastly, I've witnessed over and over just how strong a balikbayan’s love for the country really is. It is, absolutely, the tie that binds.

It is with this fervor that I joined Balikbayan Magazine as the new managing editor. The new editorial team is composed of the so-called “2nd generation”—young blood, as others call it. In these pages you’ll find not only tales of triumph, not just places of interest, not just features on the “most wonderful time of the year”, but the strong, almost intoxicating, element that binds us all—the love for one’s country.

As I write this in a coffee shop along Ayala Avenue, I could see the famous avenue light up with its annual Christmas display. I now end this foreword sincerely wishing that may the holiday season light you up with so much joy and may this issue bring you a lot closer to home.

Merry Christmas from Balikbayan Magazine!

KATHERINE C. EUSTAQUIO

Managing Editor

Balikbayan Magazine

Asian Journal Publications

______________________________________________________________

Balikbayan Magazine is published bi-monthly by Asian Journal Publications, Inc. Send subscription inquiries to subscription@asianjournalinc.com and advertising queries at advertising@asianjournalinc.com

ASIAN HEADQUARTERS
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LOS ANGELES
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LAS VEGAS NEVADA
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Tel: (702) 792-6678 Direct: (702) 591-2178 Fax: (702) 792-6879

NEW YORK
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NEW JERSEY
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Tel: (201) 484-7249 Fax: (201) 484-7201

An early year-ender post

2011-11-23T06:46:00.000-08:00

I’m happy to announce that I recovered all the files I lost in the corrupted USB drive. Good job, back-up files! And so, just like everyone else in the world, I’m still a person with a past.

Last weekend, we finally moved into our new place. I spent two days packing and unpacking things and everyone finally realized just how much books and magazines and journals and thingamajigs we all have. Haha! Mom gave away most of the things she kept aside for the reasons she had already forgotten. Daddy decided to give away what was left of our massive collection of encyclopedia (we were all nerdy kids, what do you expect?) and us kids filled a huge balikbayan (there’s the clue :D) box of clothes and shoes and bags that we no longer use. I gave away two old pairs of the most expensive shoes I ever bought with my own money and a pair of boots I no longer wear. Lucky cousins, I know.

As I was unpacking my journals, I came across the ones I used from 2007-2008, the years that I still consider, somehow, magical because of the romance, the friendship, and the adventure that made me who I am today and landed me one of the biggest writing gigs I ever had…so far. The one from 2007 was tattered and old and smelled of faint mud because I fished it out of the flood waters during the aftermath of the super typhoon Ondoy. Yes, I kept it; after what happened and after all these years. The one from 2008 smelled of unused pages. I hardly used it but because it was bloody red and I was in Starbucks gaga mode that time, I bought it.

I’ve read and reread and relived the pages several times. Sometimes I feel tingly, sometimes I feel rage, and on rare occasions, I feel that I wanted to go back and punch some people in the face. Regardless of my mood, I always feel nostalgic as the pages take me back to the past; also surprised…of how much and how often I used to write my thoughts down.

I was about to place the journals in my cabinet when I remembered what Rio told me last week. Better yet, I remembered Rio’s whammy on me. I took a hard, long look at the journals and realized they were keeping me from moving forward. After all, they were reminders of the bygone years that I still regarded as beautiful…until now.

I thought of finally throwing them away.

So I called Rio, Ria, and Jet to ask what they think of what I was about to do. They never picked up. That’s when I realized that it was something that I needed to decide on my own. And so, with one last heavy sigh, I threw them away.

And then I fished them back from the garbage because I realized they hold all my contact information and accounts’ passwords. I tore out those pages and, finally (finally!) threw the journals away.
When Rio finally replied an hour later, I told her my latest realization:

Excerpt: “I threw them away because I now see that they represent friends I’ve lost (Sam), friends who are fake (Eunice), and the affair with the ‘light of a dead star’ (Dexter). Ergo, it represents a life that I don’t live anymore. As for the memories, I’ll make new ones. More amazing than the ones I’ve already lived.”

Yes, I can now say their names out loud here for the entire world to see. Why? Because I’ve outlived it. I no longer have qualms about saying just how much bullshit those people are actually made of. I’ve held the falling bridge together for as long as I can remember that I could feel the weight of it on my shoulders. So now, I’m burning it down for good. There are instances when you need to burn bridges to allow the light to show you the way.

As I try to make use of what I’ve learned in The Secret, I realize all the more that people are do responsible for their own happiness. And that’s exactly what I’m doing.

Wherever I go and whoever I meet, I can look anyone straight in the eye and be as proud as I want to be. I’m thankful for the new job, new set of friends with new traditions (vodka shots for newcomers in BGC) newly revived old passions (publishing), a brand new GLOBAL (literally and figuratively speaking) arena, and a new home to start the coming year.

Yes, I’m just like everyone else who has a past.
But unlike before, it no longer holds me back.

Burning bridges

2011-11-23T03:02:00.001-08:00

Words by Katherine C. Eustaquio

Last weekend, I let go of my old journals just as I let go of fair-weathered friends.

Today, I just lost my past.

2011-11-17T02:48:00.000-08:00

Dear universe,

Today, I just lost my past.

To be more specific, I just lost all of my files in USB #2, the one that contains zipped files of photos from 2009 to present. Plus my portfolio.

Normally, I would have gone… “!#$%$^%&^*&” but surprisingly, I was calm and poised and almost serene as I tried to recover what I could using Recuva. And I did recover most of them, including the folder that contained photos I couldn’t replace. Thank God.

As for the rest of my files, they high resolution copies are gone forever, including all of my 2010 photos. Of course, I still have copies on Facebook and Multiply (buti nalang) but I can’t get the high resolution copies back. They’re long gone.

And yet, somehow, I feel okay. I’m trying to adapt what I learned in The Secret: it’s all about how you see things. It could have been worse. Besides, when we were hit by the Typhoon Ondoy and all of my novel manuscripts, high school photos + letters, bags, shoes, clothes that I took very good care of for as long as I can remember got wiped out in one night, I realized that I could do without those things and three years later, look at me, I have new novel manuscripts; I finally see which high school friends are for keeps and which ones are only there when they need something from you; new bags, shoes, clothes, and a brand new job in a brand new city in a brand new industry. As for the photos I lost, I’ll create new memories.

Besides, I just lost the photos. I didn’t lose the ones in the photos. And for that, I’m very blessed and grateful.

--

Side story: This morning, I was talking to Rio about the artist she was referring to me. I recently found out that he worked in the magazine that used to mean something to me. Rio asked why I keep on going back to that past.

I said, “They say it’s because I love the drama.” Rio said, “The little things, the little coincidences that don’t mean a thing. Mas maganda na buhay mo sa kanya.”

Ayan tuloy, hours later, na-wipe out ang old photos ko. She put a whammy on me!
Hahahaha.

Seriously now, I just feel that every thing’s new. New crowd, new job, new friends, new goals, new home in Pasig, and if I get that condo, new home in Bonifacio Global City. I just feel that I’m no longer that person I used to be.

As for the photos, I can recover most of them online. Low res, high res, ganon din yun.

So yes, The Secret’s right. It’s all in the mind.

Hong Kong: A Pinay’s Take on Asia’s World City

2011-10-14T06:19:00.000-07:00

Words by Katherine C. Eustaquio
Photos by author and Jester Derla

To say that we’ve planned our Hong Kong vacation for months is an understatement. We planned for it way too much that we even downloaded Google Earth to get a bird’s eye view of where we would be staying for 5 days. Jet even memorized the MTR system for god’s sake. But looking back, I’m glad we did because it paid off big time.

Unlike other tourists who wanted to see Asia’s World City for the first time, we decided not to get one of those tour packages from travel agencies with a planned itinerary because, as we like to stress, we wanted to explore on our own.

“Good luck,” Nicia, one of my best friends, said via Facebook chat during one of those weekends when Jet and I Google-d for places to visit in Hong Kong. “Ginawa namin yan dati naligaw kami.”

“But that’s part of the adventure,” I replied while reading about the tourist Octopus card HSBC was offering.

“Like I said, good luck,” Nicia replied. “Kung ako sayo kukuha ako nung tour package kasi may discount sila sa mga attractions.”

But I remember the many stories my old supervisor and good friend, Ate Donna, told me about those tour packages. Sure, they’ll give you good rates, good discounts, good deals, but that also means limited time to explore the place on foot. You have 10 minutes to do this, see that, pose here, eat that, and hurry up people, we need to board the bus. Stat!

We didn’t want that for our first out of the country vacation. We wanted to explore Hong Kong on our own and see, feel, hear, smell, and taste every bit of it that we can get. If we get lost, so be it, it’s all part of the great adventure!

And yes, we did get lost. Airport palang!

SEE YOU SOON, MANILA!
We were scheduled to fly on October 5, 2011. Our flight leaves at 7:55AM so we had to be at the airport by 6AM. I’ve been flying domestic for as long as I can remember. For domestic flights, you really need not be there two hours before the flight, especially if you’re flying in the morning. You can check in 30 minutes before your flight and still make it. But it was both our first time to fly international so we didn’t want to take chances.

We were adamant about not asking our families to drive us to and from the airport. We were even more unyielding about asking them for help with the preparations because we wanted to prove to them that we can do this on our own. So at exactly 5:45AM, Jet and I took a cab from my house to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). We arrived a little past 6 o’clock in the morning and thankfully, there were still no lines in the check-in counter. After paying our travel taxes, we finally checked-in and looked for a good place to have breakfast.

We decided to have good old-fashioned Pinoy breakfast at Cowan Asian Express while filling out our departure cards. After a good serving of Tapsilog and Daingsilog, we proceeded to the Terminal Fee Counter where we handed over our Departure Card and ran to the gate to board our plane.

Good old-fashioned Tapsilog at Cowan Asian Express

Good old-fashioned Daingsilog at Cowan Asian Express

Ba-bye, Manila! See you in five days!

Off to Hong Kong we go! :D

ARRIVAL IN HONG KONG

It was a 3-hour flight but we landed in Hong Kong 20 minutes ahead of schedule. The weather was just perfect—cloudy with a hint of rain. It took us a while to get to the immigration because we thought that the Automated People Mover was the train.

The Automated People Mover

But you wouldn’t get lost here, really. There are signs everywhere and almost everyone knows English. We forgot to get our arrival card during the flight so we filled them out at the Immigration Hall. With our baggage cleared and our passports stamped, the great Hong Kong Adventure begins!

HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

The Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) spans to a total of 1,255 hectares and caters to about 95 airlines with 900 daily flights to 160 destinations around the globe. It’s the third busiest international passenger airport in the world with world-class facilities and services. You’ll find many luxury stores with global brands here along with restaurants that offer both local and international cuisine to suit your fancy.

After having our U.S. dollars exchanged to Hong Kong dollars, we had a quick lunch at Burger King.
Yes, our first meal in Hong Kong was American, shame on us.

Oddly, the serving here is bigger, specially the fries.

After a quick meal, we headed to the Coach Station where the public buses are located. There are many ways to get from the airport to the city. We were advised to take the A21 “Cityflyer” bus so we can get a good view of the city during the ride. The double-decker buses are so cool and people really fall in line to get to the bus. There were no pushing and shoving; no “barkers” yelling the bus’ routes; and perhaps the most “oh wow!” experience of it all was that there were no bus conductors inching their way from the front to the rear of the bus to get your fare. Before boarding the bus, you have to buy your ticket at the ticketing station or you can just swipe your Octopus Card as you board the bus.

On our way to the Coach Station

We sat on the upper deck. We passed through the Tsing Ma Bridge, the world's seventh-longest span suspension bridge. There was no traffic as we drove through what looked to me was the SLEX in Hong Kong. There are designated bus stops all over the city. You can’t just yell “para” and alight at any place you please. That’s one of the first few things I began to love about Hong Kong and my wish for EDSA. World peace.

We got off at the Tsim Sha Tsui bus stop along Nathan Road. Jet was in charge of finding us a guest house in Hong Kong. Months before our flight, he already had this area memorized. And of course, Hong Kong is big on signs because of tourists that come here all over the world, so we had no trouble finding Haiphong Mansion where the Majestic Guest House was located.

MAJESTIC GUESTHOUSE
We spent almost two months Google-ing for the most affordable hotel in Hong Kong but we decided to forego the lavish hotels and settle for a guest house. Besides, we would be spending the entire day outside. We figured, it’s not worth paying almost HK$700++/a night if you won’t be there most of the time, right?

After a thorough research, Jet decided to book us a double room at the Majestic Guest House, which is located at Flat 11 on the 15th floor of Haiphong Mansion in the Tsim Sha Tsui district, in the intersection of Nathan Road and Haiphong Road and just beside the Kowloon Park. The ground floors of most buildings in Hong Kong house small boutiques, shops, and restaurants that it’s quite hard to find the small entrance to most guest houses located on the upper floors. We passed by the Haiphong Mansion entrance twice before we found it.

Haiphong Mansion entrance. Photo credit: Majestic House website

We were greeted by the owner, Mr. Thomas (his English name), who communicated with us through e-mail months before our trip. We booked a double room HK$450 a night. Since it was our first time here, we wanted to check out the room first before booking for the duration of our stay. Like most guest houses in Hong Kong, the room was pretty small. You can stand on arm’s length and that’s about the width of your room. The double bed was on the left with a small bed table on the right. There’s a small TV set and a full body mirror beside the door. The bathroom was small too but it has a toilet bowl, shower, a heater, and a bathroom sink.

Actually, Jet was quite anxious about us getting a guest house instead of a hotel because he knows that I’m not used to small, confined spaces and how I’m used to staying at 5 star hotels in the Philippines. To put it simply, he knows na maarte ako. Honestly, I was a bit surprised at how small the room was but I was even more surprised when I realized that I like our room so much and it felt like home already on our first day. I’m sure Jet felt just as relieved to hear me say that I liked the place. Nabunutan sya ng tinik, haha!

Majestic Guest House Double Room. It's really small but very clean.

Photo credit: Majestic House website

With that, Jet asked Thomas to reserve our room for the rest of our trip. Unfortunately, they were fully booked already and he could only accommodate us for one more night. Yikes! However, they have a sister guest house called the Sealand Guest House located just across the street. We can transfer there on our 3rd night for an overnight stay. Now, the problem is that we don’t have anywhere to stay in on our 4th night! But there are many guest houses in Hong Kong. Bahala na si Batman!

Note: There’s a “Majestic House” building along Cameron Road. That’s not guest house. Don’t be confused.

Majestic Guest House
Flat 11, 15/F., Haiphong Mansion, 53-55 Haiphong Road, Tsimshatsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
Contact Number : (852) 6288 5968
E-mail : thomas@majesticguesthouse.com.hk
Website: http://www.majesticguesthouse.com.hk/main.htm

View Larger Map

AVENUE OF STARS

After settling in, we finally went on our first tour on foot. From our guest house, we crossed the street and walked the length of Nathan Road towards the Avenue of Stars, which is located at the Tsim Sha Tsui Waterfront Promenade. This HK$40 million project officially opened in April 27, 2004 in celebration of the best names in Hong Kong’s film industry including Jet Li and Jackie Chan.

I've always been curious to see this busy avenue with my own eyes. Well, it wasn't that impressive. I don’t know. Maybe I'm not really easily impressed but we had fun taking photos nonetheless.

This is a good spot to get a panoramic view of the beautiful Victoria Harbour. It’s also a good place to catch the famed A Symphony of Lights show that features more than 40 buildings in both sides of the Victoria Harbour. The show boasts of a spectacular synchronized light show that pay tributes to the remarkable energy of the city as well as the diverse culture you find here.

Starbucks Coffee at Tsim Sha Tsui East Promenade.

They say it's the best Starbucks Coffee branch here in Hong Kong.

The overpass at the Sha Tsui East Promenade.

We purchased our Hong Kong Disneyland tickets at the Avenue of Stars Kiosks and we got a free umbrella in celebration of their 5th year anniversary. After breathing in the sights and sounds of promenade, we took the escalator near Deck N Beer and Starbucks to get to the overpass that would take us back to Salisbury Road.

The author trying out her photography skills at Salisbury Road.

And here's the shot. Beautiful Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade buzzing with activity.

Salisbury Road

Our tired feet

We were here sometime past 5pm, I believe. On a weekday, no less!

That's almost rush hour, right? No traffic!

We walked towards the exit back to Salisbury Road and passed by the Middle Road Children's Playground where families enjoyed the good weather. There were also groups of old men sitting in benches quietly breathing in the lively energy from the kids.

In terms of land area, Hong Kong is pretty small and if you can't expand horizontally, expand vertically. It's nice to see that in this congested concrete jungle, you can find vast and well maintained parks like this one-- --elevated parks, to be exact, that seem so far away from the lively city.

Middle Road Children's Playground

Near Middle Road Children's Playground

We took the exit near King Ludwig Beerhall back to Salisbury Road.

View Larger Map

1881 HERITAGE

We took our time walking along Salisbury Road. We passed by The Peninsula Hong Kong and the YMCA Building. In Canton Road, we reached the famed 1881 Heritage, a sprawling 130,000 square feet of beautiful Victorian architecture that features a heritage hotel, a shopping mall that boasts of international luxury brands, and an exhibition hall.

We passed by The Peninsula Hong Kong on the way to 1881 Heritage

1881 Heritage in Salisbury Road

You'll find a wide selection of international luxury brands here.

"I don't know when, I don't know how, but I know something's starting right now..." :)

1881 Heritage
Opening Hour: 10am - 10pm daily (Exhibition Hall)

Address: No. 2A, Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon

Tel:+852 2926 8000

Website: www.1881heritage.com

HONG KONG STAR FERRY

After exploring the beautiful Victorian architecture at 1881 Heritage, we crossed Salisbury Road to get to the Hong Kong Star Ferry Terminal near the Tsim Sha Tsui Clock Tower to cross the beautiful Victoria Harbour to get to Hong Kong Island. Now, there are many ways to get to Hong Kong Island from Kowloon. The fastest way is to take the MTR but since we have yet to pick up our Airport Express Travel Passes from the Hong Kong MTR Station, we decided to board the double-decker “Shining Star” ferry for the experience. After all, it was named as one of the “50 Places of a Lifetime” by the National Geographic of Traveler.

In the 1920, these ferries were the major means of transportation when you want to get to Hong Kong Island. These third generation double-decker ferries allow you to slow down and enjoy the Victoria Harbour view through the open decks. The Central Compartment on the lower deck has an air-conditioned café where you can buy coffee to accompany you while breathing in the magnificent view.

The fare for the Shining Star ferry is HK$3 and instead of the usual soft plastic

card-type MTR-style ticket,you get a Star Ferry token from the vending machines.

The Star Ferry token is about the size of a P1 coin here in the Philippines.

The ferry was swaying when i took this photo. Yes, it was swaying madly, splashing water where we stood in line and in fright. Just like what Captain Jack Sparrow did in PofdC movie because the tourists got excited when they jumped on board almost at the same time. But look, the old man in the photo seemed oblivious to it all. I wonder what he was thinking.

The Central Ferry Pier Link Building

The view from the very long pedestrian overpass linking the

Central Ferry Pier Building to the Hong Kong MTR Station.

Now off to The Peak Tram we go!

THE PEAK TRAM

From Kowloon, there are many convenient ways to get to The Peak Tram. You can take the Star Ferry to Hong Kong Island and take the 15C bus from the terminal beside the Central Ferry Pier Building. It’s a 5-minute bus ride to the lower Peak Tram terminal in Garden Road.

But we wanted torture, sorry, I meant adventure, so we walked north from the Central Ferry Pier Building all the way to Garden Road. That’s really far, so far that my feet were screaming “mercy” during the entire uphill walk. It took us 20 minutes to get from the pier to Garden Road on foot but at least we got some leg exercise during our vacation.

Snapshot from the pedestrian overpass. We arrived in HK on October 5, 2011, the day Steve Jobs died. When I took this photo, we haven't heard of the news yet. That's the Apple Store in IFC Mall. There were so many people we thought they were having a sale or something (i wonder if Apple holds sales...). As it turned out, the people dropped by the store to say their goodbyes to Steve Jobs. :(

Before going to The Peak Tram Lower Terminal, we passed by the

Hong Kong MTR Station to pick up our Airport Express Travel Pass, a special

type of Octopus Card for tourist.

A month before our trip, Jet purchased these Airport Express Travel Passes

online because of the HSBC promo. It's HK$300 each and can be used for UNLIMITED RIDES

in the very convenient and very reliable Hong Kong MTR for 72 consecutive hours.

Moreover, you also get great discounts when you purchase the Airport Express Travel Pass such as:

PCCW (a telecommunications provider) Wi-Fi - 25% discount on 24-Hour Pass
PCCW mobile - HK$10 off the Rechargeable SIM Card
Hong Kong Disneyland - HK$30 off the Published Price of 1-Day Adult Admission Ticket (pay with Visa and get an extra HK$5 off)
Hong Kong Ocean Park - 10% off Daytime Admission Ticket
Ngong Ping 360 - 10% Discount off Cable Car Ticket or Journey of Enlightenment Package or 360 Holidays Guided Tour
Peak Tram & The Peak Tower Sky Terrace - 10% off on Peak Tram Sky Pass

Credits: MTR Website

The Bank of China (Hong Kong) is one of the most recognizable buildings in the city skyline

and one of the most famous landmarks in Hong Kong.

We're finally here! The walk to Garden Road is an uphill adventure. Whew!

The Peak Tram Lower Terminal can be found in Garden Road. Since we love the night skyline so much, we decided to go here at night. The line to the ticketing station was very long that we almost decided to drop the tour but it’s one of the “must visit” tourist attractions in Hong Kong and besides, we wouldn’t want to waste all that exercise for nothing. (The photo above was taken on our way back so you could see the ticketing station without the long line.)

Now, here's the long line I was talking about.

Thankfully, the long line was moving fast and it took us only 15 minutes to get to the ticketing station where we bought two adult tickets for The Peak Tram & Sky Terrace 428 at HK$ 65 each. We also got to use the 10% discount we got from the Airport Express Travel Pass.

Upon getting our tickets, we spent another 10-15 minutes waiting for the tram. There were just so many people that night that we didn’t get to enjoy the Peak Tram gallery. I was almost breathing into the neck of the person in front of me, that’s how crowded the terminal was. Finally, the Peak Tram arrived and oh no, it’s just like the Philippines’ MRT on rush hour.

Here comes the Peak Tramway!

Unlike in other attractions, unahan sumakay sa tramway! As in unahan. Walang matanda, walang bata, walang buntis, walang babae, to each his own. When we boarded, there was this huge (and smelly) man who blocked the path in front of the entire crowd to let his girlfriend in first. Hinarang talaga yung tyan nya, nakakainis! But the important thing was, we got to sit.

There were a lot of women standing during the ride. I wanted to offer my seat but oh well, I was tired from standing for almost an hour. Maybe next time. If i were to describe the Peak Tram ride, it would be this: parang Inception lang. Naka 45 degrees angle kami! The peak tramway is pulled by steel cables and climbs a total of 1,200 feet towards the Peak Tower. It was a bumpy ride and the view was amazing and since we were climbing at a 45 degrees angle, the buildings looked like they were leaning!

Quick photo op before the tram leaves again.

The Peak Tower is an architectural wonder and is one of the most stylish and amazing structures in Hong Kong. It houses many souvenir shops, retail stores, and restaurants where you can enjoy the view while dining. The highly popular Madame Tussauds wax museum can also be found on Level P1 of the Peak Tower. We decided not to go the Madame Tussauds because we find it so ordinary.

But of course, Jet had to take a photo with Bruce Lee.

And try one of those traditional Chinese jackets they sell here at The Peak Tower.

View from the Sky Terrace 428

If you want to get the highest and definitely most awesome 360° view of the Hong Kong skyline, head to the Sky Terrace 428 which stands at 428 metres above sea level. It was very cold up here but the view was worth all the walking and waiting in line. From the Sky Terrace 428, you can see the magnificent Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong Island, and Kowloon. From here, you can also see some of the remote and lavish residential houses of government officials, business tycoons, and several celebrities.

If you want to enjoy tranquil walks, you can go to the Lions Pavilion, the Victoria Peak Garden, or the Governor’s Walk located just beside the Peak Tower. We decided not to go to these places because it was already dark but if you want to enjoy the panoramic view away from the mass of tourists at the Sky Terrace 428, you can seek calming refuge here.

The Peak Galleria, which sits right in front of the Peak Tower, has more dining choices for those looking for American comfort food like McDonald’s, Delifrance, and Starbucks Coffee. It also houses many clothing stores and souvenirs shops but the prices here are particularly higher compared to other souvenir stores in Hong Kong so we didn’t buy anything here except for dinner at Mak’s Noodles, a popular noodle house in Hong Kong.

The Peak Tram is truly one of the most fascinating tourist attractions here in Hong Kong. It took another 15 minutes of waiting time before we boarded another tram back to Garden Road in Central. We took the MTR and swiped our Airport Express Travel Pass for the first time and by golly, I love the MTR!

The Peak Tram

Opening Hours: 7 AM to 12 Midnight

(Mon - Sun & Public Holidays)

Email : info@thepeak.com.hk

Website: http://www.thepeak.com.hk/

View Larger Map

HONG KONG MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY (MTR)

Personally, I think Hong Kong's Mass Transit Railway (MTR) is one of the most fascinating things about this city. For the longest time, the Philippine's Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line 2 was the only train system I knew, having used it for almost three years in college. In law school, I used to take Metro Rail Transit (MRT) to Cubao Station and then transfer to the LRT Line 1 to get to Vito Cruz. I'm used to the shoving and pushing and the occasional but downright sleazy butt squeeze during rush hour. So when I rode the Hong KOng MTR at Central Station for the very first time, I wanted to stay there forever. Haha!

Months before we left, Jet had the Hong Kong MTR system memorized. I even joked that he was overdoing it, O.A. sa preparations, but it actually paid off that he had the lines memorized so he knew which stations to get on and which ones to get off and which ones have intersecting lines. Of course, like everywhere else in Hong Kong, each MTR station is packed with signs wherever you turn so you wouldn't really get lost here. But when I looked at the map of the entire MTR system for the first time, mahilo ako sa sobrang astig. Parang Facebook status lang, complicated! Here's a photo:

But you know what, after taking the MTR for 5 days, I actually memorized the entire thing. Each MTR station is like a shopping mall. You'll find a variety of shops, restaurants, retail stores, and even massage centers.

The walkator in Central Station (Island Line). It's a long walk to get to the Tung Chung Line.

At first, it's quite intimidating but you'll get the hang of it.
You just need to read the map and remember which station to get off and which exit to use.

Just remember which exit to take. You won't get lost, there are signs and maps everywhere you look.

The MTR ticket machines are fully touchscreen. First, touch lightly the station you're from and then press the station you're going to and poof, you'll see on the screen just how much it'll cost you.

Here's what the single journey ticket looks like. Of course, we maximized our Airport Express Travel Pass.

The Hong Kong MTR system is very convenient and very reliable. There's a train every 2 minutes!

Just one of the posters we took a photo of at the MTR station in Tsim Sha Tsui Station. You know why. :)

Wide. Clean. Fast. Convenient. Reliable.

I could live here. :D

Now we sleep.
Tomorrow's a new day for adventure!

Feeling Teenager at the Candy Fair 2011

2011-09-29T00:42:00.000-07:00

Words by Katherine Castillo Eustaquio

Here’s a little trivia about me: Throughout high school and even during the first two years of college, I was really into Candy Magazine. Eureka! I’ve always loved print media. Anyway, there was a phase in my teen years when I was never without that magazine. Richard Gutierrez was the hottest teen in my days (guess my age, go!) and it didn’t help that we attended the same university. Well, at least I think he did because there was one morning when I saw him at my building’s lobby. I remember that day. I was getting my first cup of coffee from the vending machine when he passed by. My head went Blair Witch. Suffered from stiff neck for the rest of the day but it was worth it.

I read Candy Magazine cover to come. I even applied to the “Council of the Cool” one summer. I wrote them a smashing cover letter, sent an A4-size, fully body photo of me as a teenager (awkward state + ano-ba-yan outfit), and a list of my achievements in high school (class president, school paper EIC, etc). I waited for two months. When they finally published the then Council of the Cool members, I was devastated when they didn’t get me because I really wanted to write for the magazine and on their website. I felt horrible. I felt like I wasn’t “cool” enough.

But then, eight years + a stack of Cosmopolitan Magazine later, a “fun fearless female” opportunity was offered to me and I grabbed it by the balls. You see, sometimes, just because you didn’t get that thing or that gig or that job you’ve always wanted, doesn’t mean you’re not worth it or you’re not good enough. Sometimes, it just means you’re not yet ready or it isn’t for you and that there’s a bigger opportunity that awaits.

Eight years, Cosmopolitan’s Bachelor Bash (oozing 69 bachelors), and vodka + coffee habit later, I was invited by BrandSpeaksAsia to this year’s Candy Fair 2011. At first, I was quite hesitant to go. After all, I’m no longer a teenager. Baka hindi na ako maka-relate! But I decided to go. After all, before I became so Cosmo, I was once a Candy Girl.

The Candy Fair is an annual event by Summit Media’s Candy Magazine. It’s the grandest teen event of the year where teens can participate and enjoy school fair activities, get free makeovers and loot bags, and, of course, see the teen heartthrobs—Candy Cuties (future Cosmo 69 Bachelors)—in the flesh. The event is also graced by top teen personalities like this year’s Elmo Magalona, Sam Concepcion, Enrique Gil, and Jake Vargas. The Candy Fair 2011 was held last September 24, 2011 at the Mega Events Venue in Pasig City.

Oh, it sure felt just like high school. There was a Marriage Booth, a Garden Hedge Maze (Harry Potter, anyone?), a Message Tree that’s full of shout-outs from sugar rushed teens on Post-it notes, a huge board game, and several booths from the event sponsors like Skinwhite, Carefree, PLDT, Pure 'n Fresh, Lip Ice, Coca-Cola, and the crowd favorite, Post-it, where teens enjoyed writing their shout-outs on the Freedom Wall.

The wall was filled with multi-colored Post-its with teen thoughts ranging from sweet to just plain hilarious. If there’s one Post-it note that caught our attention, it was this one (even though we found it on the floor):

It was my first time to attend the Candy Fair and it was so sweet to see mother-and-daughter combos going from one booth to another, getting their nails painted, and having their photos taken together. It also brings back a lot of memories from my childhood when my friends and I barricaded the Music Booth so we could play our favorite songs and make “secret” dedications live on air. It also reminded me of the years when we spent almost half our fair money on ransom so we could get a friend out of the Prison Booth and the dreaded Marriage Booth. It’s quite thrilling to see young couples doing that HHWW thing and it’s fun to see groups of friends huddling around Candy Cuties, asking for photos and autographs, and looking downright flushed after. The more things change, the more they stay the same, because that’s how Cosmo Girls look like after getting their photos taken with half-naked, totally ripped men during Cosmopolitan’s Bachelor Bash. Regardless of age, women squeal.

Jet and I had a great time. Ahh youth.
Kudos to Candy Magazine for another successful Candy Fair this 2011.

Winner Lines:
“That’s what you’re wearing?” asked my mother.
Normally, my mother doesn’t care what her kids wear as long as we don’t look dugyot. My mother’s very unconventional. She’s the kind who tells her girls to wear shorts instead of jeans, spaghetti straps instead of T-shirts. But on that particular day, my mother asked me about my clothes and did a mula-ulo-hangang-paa look.
“What?” I asked.
“Bakit ganyan ang suot mo?” asked Jet, my boyfriend, who picked me up at home.
I was wearing a body-hugging top, a pair of maong shorts, and wedges. In my head, I look cute.
“Hindi tayo sa Cosmopolitan Bachelor Bash pupunta,” said Jet.
“Ano ka ba, I’m trying to send a message to the kids. This (points to self, head to toe) is their future. Candy Girls are the future Cosmo Girls.”
My boyfriend just rolled his eyes.
“Malay mo, may future FHM Sexiest kang makita don,” I teased.
“Sira ka talaga.”

Kath to Marist: “Nakakatawa kasi two weeks ago, medyo X-Rated yung event na pinuntahan ko (Cosmopolitan Bachelor Bash 2011). Ngayon naman PG-13!”

Like Warm Apple Pie :)

2011-09-28T00:31:00.000-07:00

Words by Katherine C. Eustaquio

It's raining outside and I feel like baking. The first apple pie I baked was a knockout. Jet and I made it together one night earlier this year. I had him peel and the cut the apples (they were uneven in shape, by the way) while I kneaded the dough. He kept wincing. It was the very first pie I made from scratch and it was awesome! I lost the recipe so I had to Google for another one. Found this one in the Joy of Baking website. It's better than the first one.

Anyway, this recipe calls for an apple-cinnamon caramel-like syrup but I ditched that one because I didn't want the pie to be too sweet. Let me share:

Old-Fashioned Apple Pie

Pie Crust:
2 1/2 cups (350 grams) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoon (30 grams) granulated white sugar
1 cup (226 grams) unsalted butter, chilled, and cut into 1 inch (2.5 cm) pieces
1/4 to 1/2 cup (60 - 120 ml) ice water

Apple Filling:
2 1/2 pounds (1.1 kg) apples (about 6 large), peeled, cored, and sliced 1/4 inch thick (about 8 cups (2 L)
1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated white sugar
1/4 cup (55 grams) light brown sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice (substitute: white vinegar)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 tablespoons (15 grams) cornstarch (corn flour)

Instructions:
1. To make the pie crust, mix the flour, salt, and white sugar in a mixing bowl.
2. Rub in the cubed, chilled butter pieces into the flour mixture. Use your hands. It's fun. Make sure the butter is chilled. Makes all the difference if you want a flaky dough.
3. Drizzle in ice water and mix just until the dough comes together.
4. Dust your counter with some flour and start kneading the pie crust. Divide the dough in half. Use a rolling pin to roll the first half of the dough out into desired thickness. Transfer the dough in a 9inch pie pan. Press the dough into the bottom of the pan. Make sure there are no air bubbles trapped at the bottom. Set aside or place in the refrigerator to chill. Roll the 2nd half. Set aside to chill.
5. Peel, core, and slice apples thinly.
6. Mix in the white sugar, brown sugar, lemon juice (white vinegar), cinnamon, salt, and cornstarch. Toss gently.
7. Pour the apple mixture in the pie crust.
8. Cover with the 2nd half of the dough and press the edges together. Trim excess.
9. Use the excess dough to make pie decorations like hearts and stars or leaves using a cookie cutter. Use your fork to seal the pie edges firmly.
10. With a sharp knife, make incisions on top of your pie to allow the steam to escape.
11. Brush the pie with egg wash if you want a shiny top.
12. Bake the pie in the oven at 350 degrees F for 45 minutes or until the apples are cooked and the crust is brown, flaky, shiny, and beautiful.

NOTE: This takes so much willpower but you mustn't cut into the pie the moment it comes out of the oven. The juices will run out and you will end up with an apple pie soup, like this one:

If you do end up with a runny pie filling because you couldn't control your appetite, you can remove the excess liquid (it won't affect the taste, I swear) and bake the pie again for about 10 minutes. Once baked, cool the pie for about an hour (or until you run out of patience) before serving. Enjoy. :) Best with vanilla ice cream.

Check our BaconTunaMelt's Apple Pie Recipe, Lattice Top-style: http://www.bacontunamelt.com/2011/09/homemade-apple-pie-made-easy/

Bulgogi Brothers is finally here!

2011-09-10T21:01:00.000-07:00

Korea's best is finally here!

Opening Date: September 8, 2011!

15 First Dates by Duets Events

2011-09-01T04:54:00.000-07:00

DuetsEvents recently held its first speed dating event, 15FIRSTDATES, last August 26, 2011 at Q Bistro in Ortigas Center, Pasig City. Here are some of photos from the event.

What is Speed Dating?

It is a formalized matchmaking process or dating system where men and women are rotated to meet each other over a series of short "dates", usually lasting from 3 to 8 minutes. At the end of each interval, the organizer rings a bell or clinks a glass to signal the participants to move on to the next date. At the end of the event participants submit to the organizers a list of who they would like to provide their contact information to. If there is a match, contact information is forwarded to both parties. Contact information cannot be traded during the initial meeting, in order to reduce pressure to accept or reject a suitor to his or her face.

Advantages of Speed Dating

- Everybody is purportedly there to meet someone unlike in bars, disco etc.

- Participants are grouped into compatible age ranges

- Time efficient

- The structured interaction eliminates the need to introduce oneself

- Quiet enough for people to talk comfortably

- Participants can come alone without feeling out of place.

- Alternatively it is something that women who like to go out in groups can do together

- People do not feel pressured to select or reject each other in person

- Time limit ensures that a participant will not be stuck with a boorish match for very long.

Event organized by Duets Weddings and Events

Venue and Food courtesy of Q Bistro

Souvenirs: Cupcakes by Duets

For more information about DuetsEvents, you may contact the secretariat at the following numbers:

Mobile: 0922.8799057 or 0916.6599991

Landline: 343.5587 or 5850931

Email: duets.speeddating@yahoo.com

Source: DuetsEvents

Outbox: Total Fitness Magazine July 2011

2011-08-24T00:03:00.000-07:00

I used to think that pumping iron is a waste of time. That was my pre-gym mentality. All that changed when my partner asked me to be his gym buddy so we can hang out after work. I became a gym addict and frequented the gym more than he did. I realized that hitting the gym after work is a total stress buster and that weightlifting isn't just for the vain. You need determination, endurance, and discipline to sculpt and tone your muscles.

I joined the Brickroad Fitness Gym last January 2011 as part of my new year’s resolution to have a more active lifestyle. It’s also a great way to coax myself away from my desk. But what makes gym time more exciting is the challenge that my partner gave me. In preparation for his sister’s wedding on December, my partner sponsored my gym program.

We came up with what we call The 8888 Challenge, after the gym’s 8th year anniversary promo wherein an 8-month gym membership for only P8,888 instead of their usual P2,000/month fee. The deal/challenge is that I have to lose a target weight loss of 15lbs by December through workout and healthy diet alone. Use of performance enhancement drugs, diet/slimming pills, and excessive sauna usage will render the deal invalid and will entitle him to a treat defined but not limited to services and products such as restaurant, health / wellness / grooming centers, gym equipment, electronic gadgets and the like.

A monthly weigh-in is also agreed upon, which makes me feel like a boxer gearing up for a fight. If I fail to reach the target weight loss by December, I have to reimburse the interest for each pound set at P1,100 each and a treat.

We even had this deal formalized with a legal contract that we signed last May 2011 in the presence of two witnesses. Silly? Maybe. But it’s a good motivation. Let’s see how this will turn out.
Meanwhile, let’s all get active and bet fit—in mind, body, and soul.

Katherine C. Eustaquio
Contributing Writer

For more information about Brickroad Fitness Gym, you may call (63-2) 682220 to 81

"Ganoderma Lucidum is on top of all Superior Herbs"

2011-08-22T23:08:00.000-07:00

Text and Photos from Gano iTouch website

GANODERMA LUCIDUM is the scientific name for a species of Red Mushrooms and is said to be more powerful than Ginseng. Known as the "Miraculous King of Herbs", Ganoderma (also known as Lingzhi in China; Reishi in Japan and Youngchi in Korea) is listed as a Superior Herb in Sheng Nong's Pharmacopeia, an ancient Chinese Herbal Text dating back over 2,000 years.For thousands of years, Ganoderma Lucidum (the Red Mushroom), a kind of medicinal fungi, has been highly regarded by the Chinese as the "Miraculous King of Herbs.

Ganoderma is said to be able to improve the body's healing ability, maintain a healthy body and promote longevity. Ganoderma has been shrouded in mystery for more than 2,000 years. Under the attentive research done by domestic and foreign scholars in recent years, as well as the cooperative analysis and clinical experiments done by hospitals, colleges and pharmaceutical manufacturers, Ganoderma has shown to have the ability to help the body function more effectively, efficiently and optimally.

Gano iTouch Products:

NUTRACEUTICALS

GANODERMA is produced from a combination of 6 species of Ganoderma

--the "Miraculous King of Herbs." Ganoderma supplement may help support

general well-being and nurture the body's defenses.

EXCELLUM is the mycelium of Ganoderma Lucidum which contains a spectrum

of ingredients such as vitamins, minerals, and enzymes. GANO EXCEL is the

world pioneer in producing and commercializing mycelium.

MIXED OYSTER POWDER is from fresh oysters, which helps in the dilation

of blood vessels for both men and women. It also helps improve blood

circulation and especially promotes health of the male gland. It also

helps improve condition of men with Prostatitis and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH).

HEALTH BEVERAGES

GANOCAFE CLASSIC is an instant black coffee blended from quality

coffee enriched with Ganoderma Lucidum extract. Rich in aroma and classic

in taste, Ganocafe Classic is your satisfying cup of coffee.

PIOIR GANODERMA COFFEE 3-in-1 is a nutritious beverage that is made from

Ganoderma Lucidum extract, quality coffee and sugar. PIOIR Coffee is the

first known concoction in the world that comes from the combination of coffee and Ganoderma.

GANOCAFE MOCHA is an exclusive combination of premium coffee beans,

cocoa beans and Ganoderman Lucidum extract. It is specially blended to give you

an authentic cup of smooth and creamy coffee. It is distinctively local yet international in flavor.

GANOCAFE GINSENG TONGKAT ALI is an exotic blend of coffee.

It is blended from selected coffee enriched with Ganoderma Lucidum extract,

Eurycome Longifolia Jack, Ginseng, and sugar. It's a distinctive cup of coffee

full of additional benefits.

For more inquiries about other Gano iTouch products, you may contact Gano iTouch Health Adviser Voltaire Espinolla at 0916-5108460

Someone like you

2011-07-24T10:19:00.000-07:00

“There’s nothing quite like the feeling when you’re listening to a song written by someone you don’t know or you’ve never met who somehow manages to describe exactly how you felt at a particular moment in your life.”

Sometimes it lasts in love,

but sometimes, it hurts instead.

DuetsEvents presents 15FIRSTDATES

2011-07-08T21:18:00.000-07:00

DuetsEvents

presents

15FIRSTDATES

“A Speed Dating Event for Young Professionals”

7PM Friday, 8.26.11

Q Bistro

G6 & G7 The Malayan Plaza, Opal cor. Topaz Road

Ortigas Center, Pasig City

Open for ages 25-35

Attire: Semi-Formal

For more information please contact Duets Events Secretariat

Mobile: 0922.8799057 or 0916.6599991

Landline: 343.5587 or 5850931

Email: duets.speeddating@yahoo.com

Registration Fee: Php700 (Cocktail will be served)

What is Speed Dating?

Advantages of Speed Dating

- everybody is purportedly there to meet someone unlike in bars, disco etc.

- participants are grouped into compatible age ranges

- time efficient

- the structured interaction eliminates the need to introduce oneself

- quiet enough for people to talk comfortably

- participants can come alone without feeling out of place.

- alternatively it is something that women who like to go out in groups can do together

- people do not feel pressured to select or reject each other in person

- time limit ensures that a participant will not be stuck with a boorish match for very long

Copy from DuetsEvents

Welcome to the Old Fishing Village: SIBID-SIBID FOOD PARK

2011-07-07T04:02:00.000-07:00

Layout Design and Text by Katherine C. Eustaquio

Photos by JC Agustin

Published in Sidetrip Travel Magazine Jan-March 2011

The name “Sibid-Sibid” refers to an outrigger canoe that is used in fishing villages. Since their debut in 2009, the family owned and operated Sibid-Sibid Food Park has become a favorite among locals and tourists who visit Legazpi City. Apart from an amazing menu filled with healthy seafood dishes, the restaurant is also known for its unique fishing village architecture and ambiance, notable hospitality, and amazing food at very reasonable prices.

Kinilaw

Where else to taste the freshest kilawin aside from the restaurant

that is inspired by a fishing village? (P135.00)

Highly Recommended

Ensalada Mix A platter of freshness: seaweeds, steamed eggplant slices

and diced tomatoes and onion served with a special dip made

with coconut milk and secret herbs.

Highly Recommended

Canoos Negro Slices of “canoos” squid with ink are

cooked in coconut milk and chili. Served sizzling style. (P145.00)

COCIDO

The day’s freshest catch cooked with shrimp,

vegetables, and young coconut meat. A truly satisfying soup

perfect for lunch and dinner. (P145)

Highly Recommended

Sizzling Mix Seafood Everything you look for in a seafood restaurant is

in one sizzling platter—shrimp, crab, squid, fish and vegetables (P185.00)

Highly Recommended

Sibid Express Don’t ask for Bicol Express. In here, they call it the “Sibid Express”

which is the fishermen’s own version of the famous local dish.

Made with sailfish or tuna instead of pork. (P145.00)

Highly Recommended

Pinakong Hanit

Big chunks of mud-crab (alimango) simmered in coconut milk

and fiddlehorn fern are served in a sizzling dish.

Truly, a Sibid-Sibid wonder dish. (P155)

Tinutongan

An original Bicolano dish. Slices of native chicken are cooked in

smoked coconut milk and mixed with young coconut heart. (P195.00)

Highly Recommended

Platter of Fresh Pili

Made for tourists (and even the locals) who have yet to try the actual pili fruit.

The flesh can be eaten either dipped in Sibid-Sibid’s special dip (same one from the

Enasalada Mix) or with white sugar. Both a dessert and a viand,

the pili fruit is fleshy, tasty, and surprisingly good.

Highly Recommended

Yena Ice Cream

Enjoy Bicol’s home version of “sorbetes” served with pieces of fresh fruits,

crunchy pinipig and a piece of sugar cone. (P40.00)

Treat your taste buds to the flavors of Sibid-Sibid Food Park and enjoy their culinary masterpieces that are made with only the best and naturally-grown ingredients that could be one of the secrets behind their distinct and wonderful flavors.

SIBID-SIBID FOOD PARK

Peñaranda Street, Bonot, Legazpi City

Operating hours: 10AM – 9PM

Many thanks to restuarant owners

Gilberto A. Abyon and Virgillo Olivera

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Layout Design by KCE

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Misibis Bay Resort

2011-06-23T06:20:00.000-07:00

Layout Design and Text by Katherine C. Eustaquio

Photos by JC Agustin

Published in Sidetrip Travel Magazine Jan-March 2011

The Trail to Paradise

Whether you arrive by a chartered plane from Manila via Misibis Aviation, onboard a luxury fast craft for a 20-minute ride from the Legazpi Port Area or an hour-long drive by land, the trail to this tropical hideaway is part of your luxurious adventure and cultural awakening.

It’s quite interesting to note that most guests still prefer to travel by land. En route to Misibis Bay, guests are picked up at exactly 8 o’clock in the morning at the dock area of Embarcadero de Legazpi. The hour-long drive would take you on a quick heritage road tour of the different districts in Legazpi City–Rawis, Arimbay, Bigaa, Padang, and Sto. Domingo.

Barge Ride to Misibis Bay

Guests are given a short yet rich history of the famous landmarks in each district. You can make a quick stopover at the Typhoon Reming Memorial Shrine, at the age-old Sto. Domingo Church, and even at the famous black sand beach resorts in the Sto. Domingo district. You need to cross the Sula Channel in order to get to Misibis Bay. The barge ride will only two minutes before you set off for another 15-minute ride before reaching the secluded paradise that is tucked away in south-easternmost part of Cagraray Island.

Welcome to Paradise

Upon reaching Misibis Bay Resort, guests are embraced with a warm welcome from the staff as well as a demonstration of the traditional Ibalong dance ritual. Guests are handed cold towels and welcome drinks and then ushered to the high-ceiling, all-glass reception area overlooking the resort.

The Traditional Ibalong Dance Ritual

After the brief welcome remarks and complimentary snacks at the reception area, guests are directed to their respective villas. Day Tour guests are given a receiving villa where they can leave their luggage and refresh themselves before starting their Misibis Bay Resort Day Tour.

Luxurious Accommodations

Misibis Bay Resort offers a variety of elegant, spacious, and ultimately relaxing villas that are all perfectly suited for honeymooners, friends, and families.

The villas are strategically scattered across the property to offer guests with the feeling of seclusion and serenity. Both spacious and unpretentious, each villa features a tasteful intermingling of modern chic inspirations as well the smart and elegant use of native materials like abaca, banig, and ratan.

The more luxurious villas have a large reception area, a kitchenette, a jacuzzi, a private pool entrance and even an exclusive plunge pool that is located at the balcony. Each villa is furnished with a massive bed, a sitting area, a spacious bathroom, a stocked mini fridge, an LCD TV and an iPod dock complete with speakers, and the other modern conveniences that guests could ever ask for.

The wall-to-ceiling glass windows give a fantastic view of the beach or the lagoon and infinity pools (depends on which villa you choose) as you enjoy another grand welcome gesture of complimentary drinks, snacks, and lavish foot wash.

Take a dip at the resort’s three main pools: The infinity pool, the “lagoon” pool that snakes its way to about half of the 3-storey structures where some villas are located, and even the kiddie pool with your children.

For a more serene way of spending the day at the resort, you can de-stress at the lavish beach front cabanas and sunbeds or go The Essences Spa, which is located the highest building in the area where you can get not only the signature Mt. Mayon Stone Therapy Massage (that makes use of lava rocks) but also an amazing panoramic view of the entire Misibis Bay Resort.

ADVENTURES IN MISIBIS BAY

But if you’re itching for some seriously fun land and water sports adventures, Misibis Bay Resort is famous for that. All-terrain vehicle (ATV) rides are also available in Misibibis Bay (1800+/Hr / per ATV).

If you’re a fan of zip lining, you can also do that at the Eco-Energy Park, which is located a short drive from the resort. The Misibis Bay Resort’s Escapade Package includes the use of non-motorized outdoor activities such as the Hobiecat Sailing, kayaking, snorkeling (inclusive of protective gear), windsurfing, diving, and mountain biking. The resorts charges separately for motorized water activities like the banana boat ride, jetski, speed boat rentals and other sport activities.

		Rate (PhP) / Per Person	Rate (PhP) / per tour	Remarks
Water Sports:	Banana Boat Ride		2500++	per 15 min
	Jetski		2000++	per 30 Min
	Wake Boarding		2,000++	per 30 Min
	Knee Boarding		2,000++	per 30 Min
	Speedboat rental / 1 hour		4000++	per hour
	Regular Dives (Boat, Tank, Weightbelts)		2000++	per dive
	Introductory Dives	1,500++		per person
	Dive Equipments (BCD, Regulator, Wetsuit)		1000++	Per Day
	Dive Instruction	16000++		per lesson / per pax

Outdoor Activity:	ATV Rides / 1 hour		1800+/Hr	per hour/per ATV
	Zip Linning ( Eco-Energy Park)	TBA	TBA	TBA
	SEGWAY PT-X2		2,000++	per 30 Min
	SEGWAY PT-X2		6,000++	per 12 hours/ 1 day
	Bottom Fishing	500++/per pax	3,000+++	per hour/max of 6 pax
	Sunset Cruise	500++/ per pax	3,000+++	per hour/max of 6 pax

BUSINESS + LEISURE IN PARADISE

The resort has other recreational activities the Segway rides along the beach front and Misibis Bay property; indoor games like table tennis, billiards, board games, and dart; and even a KTV and Mahjong room that doubles as a waiting area for guests. A small gym facility is also available as well as a huge, fully-equipped playroom for the kids complete with Wii and Play Station units, an indoor playground, and a sandbox.

Moreover, the resort’s business center has an expansive library and fully-equipped rooms designed for business meetings. So it’s always easy to squeeze in a little business while you’re on vacation in this lush and secluded tropical paradise.

A Taste of Misibis Bay

SPICE MARKET

Opening Hours: 6AM - 10PM

The resort’s main restaurant—Spice Market—offers a taste of pride Bicol dishes gourmet style. The menu basically features local delicacies with a finer twist like the Misibis Beef Steak Tagalog made with Angus beef, Kilawing Tanigue, and “Adobong Manok sa Gata.” Inspired by fishing villages of the region as well as Southeast Asian flavors, Spice Market takes great pride in their serving of freshly caught seafood.

Adobong Manok sa Gata

Kilawing Tanigue

Guests may request for the “Fresh Catch of the Day” on the menu and have their seafood prepared to suit their preferences. Unusual local ice cream flavors like sili, ginataan, and pinipig ice cream are also served at Spice Market. Their signature dessert, the Leche Flan turon, was created only by accident but ended up being a crowd favorite among the guests of the resort.

Misibis Beef Steak Tagalog

Dela Playa Beach Grill and Tapas Bar

Opening Hours: 6AM - 10PM

Apart from their grilled seafood and mouth-watering steaks, the Dela Playa Beach Grill and Tapas Bar also offers themed buffet for resort guests. Local Filipino delights such as dried pusit, tapa, danggit, sweet and spicy dilis are served along with other breakfast staples.

Sula Bar & Lounge

This is where the infamous Cagraray Sunrise cocktail was born. The poolside bar is the perfect location for a drink with friends or with that special someone while watching the breathtaking sunset of Misibis Bay.

Note: Complimentary pandan water, gourmet cookies, and “ice candy” made from seasonal fruits are afforded to guests all over Misibis Bay.

Indulge in Serenity…

Misibis Bay Resort’s lush location in Cagraray Island plays the biggest part in its allure both to the locals and foreigners. The vast waters of the islands, the gentle breeze and the world-class accommodation are only three of the things that make Misibis Bay Resort the talk of not only the province where it belongs, but also in different parts of the world.

Come and indulge in a different kind of serenity. Perfect for newly-weds,

Misibis Bay Resort is, true to its word, a dream come true.

MISIBIS BAY RATES FOR 2011

3 days and 2 night package NET RATE PER PERSON
ROOM CATEGORY	Single	TWIN SHARING	TRIPLE SHARING	QUADRUPLE SHARING


POOLSIDE
Junior Suite Deluxe	31,888	20,888	18,388	N/A
Premiere Villa	32,888	23,888	21,388	N/A
One Bedroom Deluxe	35,388	26,388	23,888	21,888
One Bedroom Premiere	37,888	28,888	26,388	23,888
BEACHFRONT
Junior Suite Premiere	35,388	26,388	23,888	N/A
One Bedroom Luxury	39,388	30,388	27,888	25,888
Luxury Villa	43,388	34,388	31,888	N/A

Rates Include

* 2 Nights and 3 Days luxurious accommodation

* Full board meals ( 2 bfast, 2 lunch and 2 dinners)

* Round trip airport transfers ( LEG airport - Resort - LEG airport)

* Scheduled Activities to choose from(City Tour, Intro Dive, ATV , Island hopping, Bottom Fishing , Windsurfing, Snorkeling)

* Free use of non motorized sports equipment

* Guaranteed 30 activities to choose from in the resort ( see below activities)

* Welcome amenity

* Free access to the health club and the 3 swimming pool

* LCD television with cable programming

* IPOD Docks

* DVD / CD Player

* Mini Bar

* Wifi Access

* In room Safe

* Daily Newspaper

* Pool and Beach butlers

* 24 hour room service and butler service

* Full concierge services

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

* Rates are NET inclusive of service charge and resort fee

* Rooms are subject to availability

* Kids below 7 years of age are free to stay (ROOM ONLY) when sharing the room with parents (as long as no extra bed is required)

Misibis Bay Map

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Layout Designs by KCE

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Gilian's Sea Wharf Chef

2011-06-23T05:42:00.000-07:00

Layout Design and Text by Katherine C. Eustaquio

Photos by JC Agustin

Published in Sidetrip Travel Magazine Jan-March 2011

A Seafood Restaurant for the Budget Travelers

The concept is similar to the “paluto” in the city, only here, it’s located at the seaside, thus the classier ambiance. Gilian’s Sea Wharf Chef, the new sizzling seafood place in Embarcadero de Legazpi, offers the best of the whole “paluto” experience with its selection of only the freshest seafood, finest ingredients, and a seaside view of the majestic Mayon Volcano.

Highly Recommended

SIZZLING MIXED SEAFOOD
Clams, squid, fish meat, and shrimp are cooked in a savory sauce and served sizzling.
Perfect for pulutan at the seaside. (P250.00)

GRILLED TANGUIGUE with Rice and Atsara (P165.00)

SIZZLING TUNA with Rice and Atsara (P165.00)

Highly Recommended

SPARE RIBS with Rice and Atsara

Two big slices of spare ribs marinated and cooked to perfection. Good for sharing. (P150.00)

Highly Recommended
GRILLED BALIDBID with Rice and Atsara (P165.00)

Highly Recommended

HALF CRISPY JUICY SPRING FRIED CHICKEN with Rice and Atsara

Flavorful and perfectly cooked. Good for sharing too. (P165.00)

BICOL EXPRESS (P75.00)

Apart from grilled and sizzling seafood, they are also famous for their soup dishes like the Sinigang na Sugpo (P250.00), Sinigang na Lapu-Lapu (Small-P100.00 / Large – P180.00), and Chicken Corn Soup (Small P30.00 / Large P150.00) that are suitable for cold, rainy nights by the sea.

Gilian’s Sea Wharf Chef is open every day starting 10AM. They have a limited selection of beer and alcoholic beverages but the seaside restaurant is beaming with huge groups of diners every night.

Come and experience the best and freshest seafood dishes in Legazpi City.

GILIAN’S SEA WHARF CHEF

Embarcadero de Legazpi

Dampa, Seaside

Many thanks to Chef Alex F. Espartinez

Layout Design by KCE

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Smalltalk Café: A Taste of Italy without the Jetlag

2011-06-14T08:11:00.000-07:00

Layout Design and Text by Katherine C. Eustaquio

Photos by JC Agustin

Published in Sidetrip Travel Magazine Jan-March 2011

Try these recipes and enjoy the flavors of Italy with Bicol’s authentic flair

and local ingredients without leaving the Philippines.

Chef and restaurant owner, Ms. Bernadette Peralta Factora, wanted to open a small restaurant business when she came home to Bicol almost 11 years ago. Since there were many local eateries in Legazpi City already, she and her brother decided to offer Italian and American dishes to the locals who yearn for a taste of something new. What started as a small front yard restaurant with only twelve (12) small round tables evolved into a quaint home restaurant that became the “talk of town.” And when tourists started pouring in because of the whale sharks in Donsol, her brother suggested they fuse local dishes with foreign ones. With their an array of delectable fusion dishes and a homey interior filled with photos and other memorabilia of the “Old Albay”, Smalltalk Café has become famous not only for its signature dishes but also for its strong connection to the city’s glorious past. Perfect for couples, families, and groups of friends, people come here to dine and strengthen the bonds they make. Come, let us have “small talk” at the café.

Pili Basil Pasta

Highly Recommended

Smalltalk Café’s take on the famous pesto dish.

Made with savory garlic, large strips of basil leaves and crushed pili nuts. (P110.00)

Bianco e Verde

Highly Recommended

The new pizza dish that would keep the town talking.

Made with pesto, cream, parmesan and mozzarella (P231.00)

Laing Pizza

One of Bicol’s favorite dish on a thin crust pizza

with cheese and pineapple slices.

Ten's Salad

Highly Recommended

An refreshing salad made with “sigarilyas” or “purupagulong”

in Bicolano, tomatoes, onions and vinaigrette. (P40.00)

Highly Recommended

PASTA PINANGAT / LAING

Smalltalk Cafe’s first dish that was embraced warmly by the local market.

An interesting fusion of a province favorite with an Italian flair. (P95.00)

BICOL EXPRESS PASTA

The province’s all-time favorite dish is turned into a sauce served

with al dente pasta. Made with pork meat, alamang, sili, and garlic.

Highly Recommended

PASTA MAYON

You could only find it here! Laing-filled ravioli with tuna sauce

that resembles the Mayon Volcano flowing with lava right on your plate. (P95.00)

SMALLTALK CAFE

051 Doña Aurora St., Legazpi City, Philippines 4500

(052) 4801393 / (052) 4378708 Smoltok_cafe@yahoo.com

Many thanks to Didette N. Peralta

Layout Designs by KCE

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Hotel Venezia

2011-06-14T05:38:00.000-07:00

Layout Design and Text by Katherine C. Eustaquio
Photos by JC Agustin
Published in Sidetrip Travel Magazine Jan-March 2011

Whether you arrive by land or by air, a warm and cozy haven awaits you at this comfortable and stylish haven that feels so much like home.

Nestled in an exclusive and semi-secluded community of Renaissance Gardens along Washington Drive is one of Legazpi City's luxury havens. Its strategic location offers guests with more than just stylish and comfortable Bicolandia home for their stay in Legazpi City but also the right mix of privacy and serenity.

Welcome to your Bicolandia home…
The genuine hospitality is greatly felt the moment you walk into Hotel Venezia’s stylish main lobby. Guests are ushered to the tasteful waiting area where welcome drinks are served.

The warm and cozy interiors of Café San Marco welcome guests to their new abode. The soft lights, cozy chairs and contemporary chic theme of the restaurant are reminiscent of the famous Bicolandia charm.

Classic and Exquisite
Hotel Venezia offers a variety of accommodations with forty stylish and comfortable rooms and suites to come home to after a long day of discovery in Legazpi City. Each tastefully decorated and spacious room is equipped with modern luxuries and conveniences such as King-size beds, double beds, an IDD phone, LCD TV with cable channels, DVD player, mini bar with a small fridge, unlimited Wi-Fi connection, plush bathrobes, and private showers to name a few. The rooms and suites also carry safe deposit boxes to secure your jewelry, cash, and other important documents for added security.

Standard Room Php 4,270 / night

Junior Suite Php 5,490 / night

The One Bedroom Suite has a spacious living room

as well as a bath tub to soothe away your stress and worries.

One Bedroom Suite Php 6,710 / night

Hotel Venezia is also a highly recommended venue for business functions. Its business center is complete with function rooms, event facilities, audio visual equipment, unlimited Wi-Fi connection, and computer rentals to ensure the convenience and success of your business ventures. And when business is all said and done, you take a dip at the pool, engage in a tennis match or avail of the 24-hour reflexology service Hotel Venezia offers.

A hearty breakfast feast awaits...
Breakfast is served at Café San Marco every morning from 6AM to 10AM. A delectable array of Filipino favorites like tapa, longganisa and danggit are served either ala carte or buffer for the guests to enjoy. A buffet of savory kakanin like maja blanca, puto and mini cakes are served next to a large serving of sliced fresh fruits.

LOCAL RESIDENCE RATES

ROOM CATEGORY NON-CORPORATE RATES CORPORATE RATES

Standard rooms Php 4,270nett Php 3,660nett

Junior Suites Php 5,490nett Php 4,880nett

One Bedroom Suites Php 6,710nett Php 6,100nett

• Rates are quoted in Philippine peso

• Rates are subject to tax and service charge

• Rates are for single and double occupancy

• Additional person charges is Php 976nett

• Children 12years and below will be free of charge when sharing the room with parents (as long as no extra bed is required).

Standard Amenities:

• Daily complimentary continental buffet breakfast

• Complimentary roundtrip transfer (airport-hotel-airport)

• LCD color television with cable programming

• Unlimited complimentary high speed internet access

• In room safe

Hotel Venezia

Renaissance Gardens, Washington Drive, Legazpi City

Contact Numbers (63 52) 481-0877, 481-0888 and 820-0888

Facsimile numbers (63 52) 820-4790 and 820-5824

E-mail: hvrsvn@discovery.com.ph

Website: www.hotelvenezia.com.ph

Layout Design by KCE

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1st Colonial Grill: A Legazpi Chef’s Delight

2011-06-14T05:29:00.000-07:00

Layout Design and Text by Katherine C. Eustaquio

Photos by JC Agustin
Published in Sidetrip Travel Magazine Jan-March 2011

TRIVIA: Their first branch was located at the old Milwaukee Hospital building in the Old Albay District that was used by the Japanese soldiers as part of their quarters in 1942. Thus the name “colonial.”

BABY BACK RIBS

The very tender pork meat has been rubbed with an array

of savory spices and then grilled. (P299.00)

KANDINGGA

The classic bopis dish with a Bicolano twist. (P159.00)

Highly Recommended

TINAPA FRIED RICE

The restaurant’s signature “complete meal” dish is the one that puts them

on the map of Legazpi City. Flavorful fried rice with tinapa flakes and slices of salted egg,

green mangoes, and tomatoes are served in a small “kawali.” (P199.00)

BUKO CHOPSUEY

An interesting twist of the staple chopsuey dish

that makes use of coconut milk and fresh, young coconut slices. (P179.00)

BICOL EXPRESS

The entire Bicol region has over 25 versions of the famous Bicol Express dish.

The one served at 1st Colonial Grill is one of the most notable of all.

FIVE-SPICE GRILLED CHICKEN

Perfect for families and big groups, the chicken is marinated

in five secret spices and then grilled to perfection. (P180.00 half / P360.00 whole)

Highly Recommended

WINGS OF FIRE

Buffalo wings are usually eaten with beer. Here, they cook the wings in beer.

A must-try for the fans of spicy food, the fiery wings are cooked in a thick,

spicy sauce and then topped with bits of siling labuyo for that extra hot factor. (P265.00)

Highly Recommended

Pasta Bicolana

The Pasta Bicolana is a new item on the menu. Al dente pasta is tossed

in an olive oil-based sauce sprinkled with the local

and very tasty Guinobatan Longganisa.

Home of Unusual Ice Cream Flavors

Get a taste of some of the most rare ice cream flavors in the country. Their Sili Ice Cream (P79.00) is, perhaps, the most intriguing of all. Ironically, it’s not as hot as its name suggests. The Malunggay Ice Cream (P79.00) tastes a little bit like Green Tea ice cream while the Tinutong [rice] na Ice Cream (P79.00) will remind you of the pinipig crunch in a staple halo-halo dish. On the other hand, their Pili Ice Cream (P79.00) is remarkably smooth and flavorful with just the right crunch from the sprinkling of pili nuts.

1st Colonial Grill helps boost Legazpi City’s tourism by using local ingredients that can be found in the province. The branch in Villa Amada Hotel opens early to accommodate the crowd of students from nearby universities who frequent the restaurant for breakfast. Its homey and laid-back interior plus its strategic locations make it a favorite lunch and dinner place for locals and vacationing backpackers. Next time you’re in Legazpi City, make sure you drop by 1st Colonial Grill for a taste of home-cooked Bicolano dishes and genuine hospitality and warm greetings not only from the restaurant staff but also from the owners themselves.

1st Colonial Grill is located at the following:
Villa Amada Hotel, Daraga City

Pacific Mall, Legazpi City

SM City Mall, Naga City

Layout Design by KCE

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Villa Amada Hotel: A Simple Hotel with an Exceptional Service

2011-06-12T02:09:00.000-07:00

Layout Design and Text by Katherine C. Eustaquio

Photos by JC Agustin

Published in Sidetrip Travel Magazine Jan-March 2011

Villa Amada Hotel’s façade is simple and unpretentious but the moment you walk into the hotel’s small entrance next to the 1st Colonial Grill along Rizal St., you will realize that the hotel’s level of quality service and genuine hospitality make up for what it lacks in its exterior.

A simple yet genuinely warm welcome awaits you at Villa Amada Hotel.

The hotel’s small lounge located at the ground floor.

Stairs leading to the hotel’s front desk located at the 2nd floor.

ROOM ACCOMODATIONS

Family Room (P3,600/night)

Villa Amada Hotel has three (3) types of room accommodations. The Family Room (P3,600/night) is comprised of two adjoining rooms with one (1) double bed in one room and two (2) twin beds in the other. Along with the Deluxe Room (P2,000/night) and the Standard Room (P1,600/night), they are all fully furnished and equipped with the guests’ basic necessities including free WiFi. Guests are also afforded with free shuttle ride to and from the Legazi Airport.

Family Room / Deluxe Room

Standard Room

As Legazpi City’s tourism continues to soar, the number of small and medium hotels in the city also rises. Amidst competition, Villa Amada Hotel remains as one of the top five hotels that are highly recommended not only by seasoned backpackers, but also by word-of-mouth from friends and relatives.

VILLA AMADA HOTEL

Rizal Street, Sagpon, Daraga, Albay, Philippines 4501

Tel: (052) 483-5243, 483-4251

Email: villaamada_hotel@yahoo.com

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Embarcadero de Legazpi : Bicolandia’s City of Merchants

2011-06-12T01:13:00.000-07:00

Layout Design and Text by Katherine C. Eustaquio

Photos by JC Agustin

Published in Sidetrip Travel Magazine Jan-March 2011

The new entertainment hub of Legazpi City offers you more than just world-class stores and restaurants that serve mouth-watering Bicolano dishes. The Embarcadero de Legazpi is on its way to becoming one of the city’s pride destinations when it comes to adventure tourism.

The Embarcadero de Legazpi is a major development at the Legazpi Port area; a project that aims to encourage foreign investments not only in Legazpi City but also in the entire Bicol region.

Imagine one of Makati’s most famous lifestyle hubs right beside the city harbor with the majestic Mayon Volcano as its scenery by day and the ships’ lights by night. International retail brands, as well as renowned local and international restaurants, line up Embarcadero de Legazpi’s plaza.

Embarcadero’s Celebration Plaza is the heart of Embarcadero de Legazpi. Located right in its center, the plaza houses the Playland, several tiangges, a multi-purpose event area, a huge open space for guests who want to try the Segway, and a fantastic location for events.

Embarcadero de Legazpi’s seaside area has a line-up of “paluto” restaurants that boast of the freshest seafood. From their own versions of the well-known Bicol Express, to sizzling seafood and to mouth-watering laing, there’s really nothing better than eating outside in the open sea air as live acoustic bands serenade you while you’re sipping a bottle of cold beer or two.

Prime Spot for Adventure Tourism

The Embarcadero de Legazpi gives a new dimension to entertainment hubs with its array of water sports and recreational activities to try.

Zipline (Php 150.00)

Definitely a must-try for everyone who visits Embarcadero de Legazpi. Take a grand leap from the top of Embarcadero’s lighthouse and get a magnificent 360 degrees view of the Mayon Volcano with the sea just a few feet below from where you are suspended.

Go Kart Racing (Php 75.00 per 2 laps, inclusive of protective gear)

For an adrenaline rush activity that you can share with friends and family, Embarcadero de Legazpi has its own Go Kart race track right beside the sea.

Interesting Fact: Embarcadero’s Go Kart Racing facility keeps track of the fastest lap ever made on the track. Get your gear in check and go set a new record.

Jetski (Php 1,200.00 per 15 minutes)

Everyone’s favorite extreme water sport can now be done right beside the mall. Jetski enthusiasts will surely enjoy navigating the vast waters with the view of the Mayon Volcano just nearby.

The Embarcadero also offers paddle boat rides, parasailing, and even a helicopter ride for guests who want to get a panoramic and closer look at the magnificent Mayon Volcano.

Make Way for the Segway

Segway (Php 200.00 per 15 minutes)

Now, for an interesting and one-of-a-kind recreational kiddie activity that is closer to the land, suit up and jump on a Segway for a fun way to go around Embarcadero de Legazpi. Joy stick navigation. Adjustable joystick, easy, even kids can ride, environment friendly, battery operated.

How to get around…the Embarcadero style

Going back and forth to this new entertainment hub is a breeze and eco-friendly via the brightly colored E-Tricycles and E-Jeepneys.

E-jeepneys

Php 5.00 - Going out of Embarcadero de Legazpi

Free of charge/free shuttle going inside Embarcadero de Legazpi

E-tricycles

Php 15.00 - Embarcadero de Legazpi to Legazpi City proper and vice versa

Php 2.50 - Celebration Plaza to Breakwater and vice versa

Php 2.00 - Celebration Plaza to City Boulevard's Entrance and vice versa:

Php 50.00 - E-tricycle rent (within Embarcadero Area) for 2 persons per 15 minutes

Legazpi City’s new entertainment hub has really given the harbor area a new life in a new light. Embarcadero de Legazpi is the only mall in the city that stays open until midnight and therefore is a favorite hangout place for locals and tourists alike.

Embarcadero’s picturesque lighthouse is a magnificent sight to behold at night and this is a clear manifestation that its home is shining brightly in its mother city and it wouldn’t be long before the rest of the country—and the world—take notice and follow the light that would lead them to Legazpi City.

Layout Design by KCE

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