Thunderbird Resorts-Rizal: Weekend Day Tour

Thunderbird Resorts-Rizal: Weekend Day Tour

This is the very first time that I ever set foot at Thunderbird Resorts-Rizal and I was awed. Yes, admittedly I saw old infrastructure and facilities but they were well-kept. The place has great ambiance and great views.

Thunderbird Resorts-Rizal is tucked in a hilly terrain and lies between the foothills of Sierra Madre Mountain and the northeastern part of Laguna de Bay.

One could find solace in its breathtaking mountain scenery. The wind was cool when we stepped out of the bus, making me appreciate nature even more.

I will give a satisfactory rate for the food and efficient staff. It is a recommendable resort for an unplanned family weekend getaway, barkada trips, couples getaway and for individuals who just want to have their own "me" time away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

By the way, we were there for a bloggers day-tour event. 

Upon entering the building, we were served with welcome drinks including some cocktails. Then, they asked us to register our gadgets. Afterwards, they led us to the event center where we were treated to a day of fun games. 

Thunderbird Resorts-Rizal is best known for providing excitement and entertainment altogether in its top-of-the-line gaming facilities at its themed Fiesta Casinos and the variety of social functions and gatherings held at its Event Center.

We did not eat at Koi Restaurant but we were able to sample some of its dishes at the event center so it is safe to say that the food is okay.

Swimming pool

Rooms

Their rooms are quite big compared to some hotels in Manila. The rooms they showed us have 2 double sized beds. Sorry, we did not stay there so all I could share with you is their room rates. Room rates at Rizal Thunderbird Resorts for Superior and Deluxe are at Php7,000 and Php7,500 on weekdays and weekends, respectively. Each room allows four guests.

Day tour

Day tour is hp1,400/ person, Php1,000 of that goes to the food and drinks. Fair enough for day-tours, they provide clean shower rooms, pool chairs and you may use the covered dining area if it rains. Also, if there are more than 12 day-trippers in a group, the hotel provides a room where they could lounge around and put their bags and other stuff.  I think this is considered as good service. Cool right?

Apart for the extraordinary, luxurious and tranquil experience the resort-hotel-casino facility accord its guests, you could also swim or play golf or play at the casino. However, if the guests are into golf, casino, resting-mode, the big rooms are sure worth the price for an overnight stay. 

The distance between Manila and Binangonan, Rizal is perfect for those who want to do a short R and R!

The hustle and bustle of city life is mostly what people would like to escape from for a weekend getaway, which Rizal Thunderbird Resorts can offer in its perfect paradise-like getaway ambiance and facilities.

Since July till September, it offers ‘no more lonely nights’ for family and friends’ bonding via its ‘Bed, Breakfast & More’ promo. For just Php4,333 NET—enjoy an overnight accommodation in a Deluxe room with free breakfast for two.

Another exciting offer is its ‘Triple Treat, Week Starter’ promo is the best R&R, an all-inclusive dining and spa experience for Php8,100* per night (applicable only on Sundays till Tuesdays) and will run until December 15, 2013 (not including the Holidays).

But for six guests, ‘A Villa Experience’ Promo is one with a laid back ambiance in the privacy of a villa is a recommended accommodation. For a whopping rate of Php18,888 is roughly Php3,150 per head. The promo will run until December 22, 2013.

It has been the venue for the popular afternoon telenovela ‘Please be Careful with My Heart’ for one of its party scenes. 

For more details about Rizal Thunderbird Resorts, visit its official website on thunderbird-asia.com.

CRISTINE REYES POSTED ON INSTAGRAM AND TWITTER THE VIDEO OF DEREK RAMSAY HALF-NAKED

CRISTINE REYES POSTED ON INSTAGRAM AND TWITTER THE VIDEO OF DEREK RAMSAY HALF-NAKED

Oh, la la! Derek Ramsay is sizzling hot in these caps! He looks so happy!

A few days ago, Cristine Reyes posted an intriguing status on her Facebook page that she also tweeted and posted on instagram.

“Not just your girl…I am your everything…Eight. Twenty Eight. Twenty Thirteen,” went the post of Cristine.

Apparently, August 28, 2013 represents the day when actor Derek Ramsay and actress Cristine Reyes officially became a couple. The post drew more than 60,000 likes, 492 shares and over 1,000 comments.

One day later, the new man in her life, TV5 prized actor Derek Ramsay, confirmed to his own Twitter followers that he and Cristine are now officially a couple, thus, ending several months of speculations that the two are secretly dating.

In a recent Twitter post, Derek was asked by one of his followers to react on news that he is in a relationship with the actress when he had said in the past that he will never date someone from show biz.

Derek replied: "I did say that I'll never date someone from show biz and that I'd never date Cristine coz she is a friend. I eat my words."

Cristine confirmed that she had already met Derek's parents.

Cristine also did not deny that they went out together for lunch and dinner dates and the actor even invited him to play golf. She said Derek told her everything, including the controversies that were linked to him.

When asked what she likes best about Derek, Cristine replied: "Pareho kaming baliw, pareho kaming outgoing. Family man (siya) and yun ang pinaka gusto ko sa kanya."

Rumors of Derek and Cristine dating started January this year when they were spotted in Pico de Loro Beach and Country Club in Nasugbu, Batangas.

The two are currently working opposite each other in Viva Films' "My Trophy Wife." Derek recently posted about “one of the wildest bed scenes” for the film, although he did not mention whether it was Cristine or other co-star Heart Evangelista he was doing the scene with.

Cristine tweeted a video of Derek that she had apparently taken with her mobile phone. Cristine's voice can be heard from the background, the video shows a half-naked Derek clowning around during what appears to be a break from the shoot. He looks so happy.

                               

Congrats Cristine! Please don't break Derek's heart.

KRIS BERNAL AND ALJUR ABRENICA: Stars in GMA 7's Prinsesa ng Buhay Ko

KRIS BERNAL AND ALJUR ABRENICA: Stars in GMA 7's Prinsesa ng Buhay Ko

Kris Bernal and Aljur Abrenica are now back together in GMA 7's primetime TV for Ang Prinsesa ng Buhay Ko (The Princess of My Life).  A “kilig-filled” comedy-drama starting September 23, 2013, which will be shown after 24 Oras (24 Hours) newscast.

This is a piece of good news to all die-hard #Alkris fans. It's been a while since the two had their last project together in "Coffee Prince". 

Only a few loveteams in showbiz have that ineffable magic between them. A tiny spark that explodes when shown on TV, leaving us swooning over a romance that we want to will into reality. 

That magic is present in Prinsesa Ng Buhay Ko, the newest primetime TV offering from GMA 7. The pretty Kris Bernal plays the role of "Princess".  She is not your ordinary type of princess but a very a persistent and determined woman who weather through life’s storm and many challenges. She unexpectedly stumbled upon romance with Nick-Aljur Abrenica’s character who turned out to be her childhood "puppy love" at the orphanage.

Aljur and Kris are so cute! Look at the picture. Aljur is making faces while staring at Kris.

How do the two of them maintain the sweetness and kilig (tickled pink) factor of their loveteam? It seems to me that the chemistry, fame and kilig factor which make a perfect love team are always present with AlKris, right peeps? No wonder, their fans never stop loving them both. They continue to support and love their loveteam despite them having their own respective private life. I think their fans don't care that they might never give them a real-world happy ending as they've always given them a lifetime supply of kilig with matching theme song.

Kris is so sweet! Oiiii....

What keeps you busy during your hiatus from the primetime scene?

Aljur: I attended charity events for abandoned women, I had several mall tours and of course I became the leader for GMA All Stars show every Sunday.

Kris: I went to Europe together with my whole family. I took the opportunity to spend quality time with my family. I also spent quality time with my loyal fans as well. Aljur and I also visited the GMA TV subscribers in Canada.

Thank You so much to Congo Grill on Tomas Morato for our food. 

Follow Kris and Aljur on Twitter and Instagram

For Kris;
Twitter  @soKrisme
Instagram @KrisBernal

For Aljur:
@iamAJAbrenica
AJAbrenica

Please visit and LIKE the GMA Artist Center On Facebook for all updates about the show.

GRUB!: A Hole-in-the-Wall Restaurant

GRUB!: A Hole-in-the-Wall Restaurant

Oozing with Food Appeal. Grub! will offer this yummy burger soon.

Grub! is a new hole-in-the-wall restaurant inside the ABS-CBN Compound. I saw it on my way out after a press conference at ABS-CBN. The first thing that caught my attention is the rustic and raw feel of the facade. 

Another factor is the eye-catching quotation on the restaurant wall like "Eat what you love. Love what you eat."

Grub's door has also a quotation in it. Hmmm... I can't read it from outside. So, I went inside. It reads: If you leave here hungry, it's your fault! Well, that makes sense!

I also noticed an empty display rack. I think they'll soon sell cool Grub! merchandise like shirts and mugs. 

The Grub's way to order:

Serve yourself and grab some condiments here:

The staff shirts are cute! 

Customers could leave their own quotations or comments on the blackboard at the right side of the restaurant.

So Cute!

I was surprised with the fashionable "rustic" interiors of Grub!. It's designer is very artistic.  No wonder, the place is almost full even if it is pretty new.

 Grub! is inside ABS-CBN compound.

For my food trip at grub! please click here: http://yummy-tales.blogspot.com/2013/08/grub-oozing-with-food-appeal.html

China Visa Requirements: For First Time China Tourist

China Visa Requirements: For First Time China Tourist 

Listed below are China Tourist Visa's Basic Requirements For Philippines Passport Holders who will pay for their own expenses:

1. Duly filled-up Application Form. Must be neat. Avoid erasures.

2. One piece recent 2 x 2 or passport size colored photo, with white background, front view full face and wearing no hat. Glued on the form. Do not stapled/clipped/taped.

3. Passport with blank pages and valid for at least 6 months before the tour.

4. Photocopy of passport's information page and emergency contact page.

5. Original NBI clearance valid for travel abroad.

6. For those working in NGO, religious organization, media, entertainment industry, seafarers, vessel crew, you need to execute and submit a personal Guarantee Letter plus another Guarantee Letter from your company/employer. Both letters must state that the applicant will not conduct any task related to his profession, that the trip is for tourism purpose only, and that he will fully abide by the law of the Chinese government.

7. For First Time Applicants and for those who have sponsors, submit additional requirements.

Note: First Time Applicants are those who have no China Visa Sticker and Immigration stamps. Applicants with China Visa but no immigration stamps are considered first-time applicants

8. Personal appearance for first-time applicants is required for applicants 16 years old to 21 years old.

9. Other documents required by the Visa Officer if necessary.

Additional Requirements for First-Time Applicants- If a company will sponsor the trip, provide the company's bank certificate, sponsorship letter from the company and the company's business registration. 

- If an individual will sponsor the trip, provide his bank certificate, sponsorship and invitation letter, copy of sponsor's valid residence visa and passport information page or Chinese national ID.

If applicant will pay for his own expenses:

1. Latest ITR with BIR-received stamp and issued for the last taxable year (Original and Photocopy)
2. Original Bank Certificate with Official Receipt / Debit Memo. Acceptable accounts are Savings and Current account from commercial or rural bank and should be opened at least 6 months prior to applying for visa. The account should have a Average Daily Balance(ADB) and Current Balance of at least PHP100,000 per applicant, 18 years old and above

Bank Certificate should include:
- with check write
- account opening date
- type of account
- average daily balance
- to-date current balance

In addition to the Bank Certificate:
- Statement of accounts detailing the transactions for 6 months or
- Passbook detailing the transactions for 6 months

3. Invitation letter from China
An invitation for Tourist should be issued by Authorized Travel Agency or from other institutions and individuals

Authorized Travel Agency:
a) Tourism Administration Bureau of Chinese Province, Autonomous Region or Municipality Directly under Central Government
b) CITS Group Corp, CITS Head Office, CTS Head Office, CYTS etc.

Note: For those who have an invitation letter for tourist issued by Authorized Travel Agency in China, you do not need to submit the following requirements:

1.  ITR with BIR received stamp
2.  Bank certificate and statement

4. If you cannot provide the invitation letter, submit round trip airline ticket and hotel reservation.

5. A.) For employed persons, also provide the following:

• employment certificate
• company ID
• SSS ID 
• SSS contributions
• TIN ID
• latest ITR

    B.) For businessmen, provide the following:

• business registration of company
• TIN ID 
• latest ITR

    C.) For students: Provide Valid school ID

CHINA VISA: Where to Apply

The Embassy in Manila	Address of Consular Office: 2nd & 3rd Floor, the World Center, 330 Sen. Gil J. Puyat Avenue, Makati City, Metro Manila
The Consulate in Cebu	Address: Cebu Fil-Chinese Volunteers Fire Brigade Building, Don Julio Llorente Street, Barangay Capitol Site, Cebu City 6000  Consular Districts: 11 provinces on the Visayas islands of the Philippines including Siquijor, Northern Samar, Western Samar, Eastern Samar, Southern Leyte, Leyte, Iloilo, Negros oriental, Negros Occidental, Bohol, Cebu
The Consulate in Laoag	Address: No.216 National Highway, Brgy 1, San Francisco, San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte 2901 Consular Districts: Cordillera Administrative Region, Region 1 and Region 2
Fees	Fee for Regular Service, Express Service, Rush Service

VIDEO: PNoy Agrees to Abolish Pork Barrel

VIDEO: PNoy Agrees to Abolish Pork Barrel

Source: Remate.ph

President Benigno Aquino III preempted the nationwide “Million People March" protest rally scheduled on Monday (August 26, 2013) against the graft-tainted pork barrel funds and yielded to public pressure and announced today, Friday, August 23, 2013,  that he now agrees to scrap the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF), a 360-degree turnaround from his statement last Monday that pork barrel has its good uses and must not be abolished.

In his speech, Pnoy directed the Department of Justice and other agencies under the Inter-Agency Anti-Graft Coordinating Council to investigate, prosecute and jail those who pocketed public funds and to seize their ill-gotten wealth.

Ben Affleck is the next Batman aka Bruce Wayne

Ben Affleck is the next Batman aka Bruce Wayne

Warner Bros Pictures announced Thursday, Aug 22 (Friday, Aug 23 in Manila) that Ben Affleck will replace Christian Bale as Bruce Wayne in the upcoming untitled Batman-Superman feature for Warner Bros set to open worldwide on July 17, 2015.
Affleck will star alongside Henry Cavill, who will reprise his role as Superman/Clark Kent, in the still-unnamed sequel to 2013's "Man of Steel."

"Affleck and filmmaker Zack Snyder will create an entirely new incarnation of the character in Snyder’s as-yet-untitled project—bringing Batman and Superman together for the first time on the big screen and continuing the director’s vision of their universe, which he established in 'Man of Steel,'" 

"We knew we needed an extraordinary actor to take on one of DC Comics’ most enduringly popular Super Heroes, and Ben Affleck certainly fits that bill, and then some. His outstanding career is a testament to his talent and we know he and Zack will bring new dimension to the duality of this character," Greg Silverman, President of Creative Development and Worldwide Production for Warner Brothers, was quoted as saying.

Snyder also expressed his excitement about the casting of Affleck, noting, “Ben provides an interesting counter-balance to Henry’s Superman. He has the acting chops to create a layered portrayal of a man who is older and wiser than Clark Kent and bears the scars of a seasoned crime fighter, but retain the charm that the world sees in billionaire Bruce Wayne. I can’t wait to work with him.”

Kroll added, “We are so thrilled that Ben is continuing Warner Bros.’ remarkable legacy with the character of Batman. He is a tremendously gifted actor who will make this role his own in this already much-anticipated pairing of these two beloved heroes.”
The new Super Hero film is being scripted by David S. Goyer from a story he co-created with Zack Snyder. Charles Roven and Deborah Snyder are producing, with Benjamin Melniker, Michael E. Uslan and Wesley Coller serving as executive producers. Production is expected to begin in 2014.

The film is based on Superman characters created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, and Batman characters created by Bob Kane, published by DC Entertainment. 

#BetterBatmanThanBenAffleck,  Ben Affleck as Batman

Is Ben Affleck the Right Choice for Batman?

DAIANA MENEZES: Uno Cover Girl September 2013

DAIANA MENEZES: Uno Cover Girl September 2013

Controversial Brazilian Model, actress,TV host Daiana Menezes posed naked on the September 2013 cover of UNO Magazine.

Menezes wears nothing but a black necktie to cover her left breast in the cover image shot by fashion photographer Xander Angeles. The cover line reads: “Brazilipina Bares Her Soul. Daiana Menezes in her sexiest pictorial ever!”