CLUB BALAI ISABEL: Win Your Dream Wedding Promo

CLUB BALAI ISABEL: Win Your Dream Wedding Promo

On April 20 to 21, 2013, Club Balai Isabel will hold its first bridal fair entitled, “The Wedding Caravan” organized by R & A Events Specialist by Ricci Ang, hosted by Vet Lauzon.
 

This grand event will be held at Club Balai Isabel, located on the romantic shores of Lake Taal in Barangay Talisay, Batangas City from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm. The Wedding Caravan is designed for couples who desire a memorable and tailor-fit wedding. The event will showcase different wedding specialists and designers dedicated to making dream weddings happen.

This two-day event is packed with exciting activities and prizes to be given out to lucky couples. A series of bridal talks, makeovers and more will take place in this gathering. There shall also be a sumptuous food tasting by Juan Carlo the Caterer, a renowned catering service group. A fashion show highlighting the wedding collection of couture designers of the Fashion & Wedding Designers of the Philippines shall also be included in the line-up of events.

Club Balai Isabel will launch their first ever “Win a Dream Wedding” promo during the event. To join the contest, the couple must produce a three-minute creative video telling their love story and their idea of a dream wedding. The winning couple shall be entitled to a first-class Dream Wedding at Club Balai Isabel. The prize package will include a wedding gown by designer Joel Bautista, a special wedding cake by Hearts and Bells, photo and video coverage by Nice Print Photography, wedding invitations by Printrade Society Printers, photo souvenir by Smack Shot Photo Booth, catering by Juan Carlo the Caterer and other services by event partners such as Creations, Dragon Fireworks, Blessed Sacrament Flower Shop, and Ground Zero.

The Wedding Caravan this April at Club Balai Isabel shall be the befitting destination for couples, wedding enthusiasts and specialists taking part in the celebration of love and marriage. 

For more information about Club Balai events and promos, you may call (02) 897-1740, (+63) 9258260323 or (+63) 9178402820 or e-mail weddings@balaiisabel.com. Like Club Balai on Facebook, www.facebook.com/clubbalaiisabel or log-on to their website at www.balaiisabel.com.

T.G.I. Fridays: Stars Behind the Bar

T.G.I. Fridays: Stars Behind the Bar

I was invited by the premier casual dining chain T.G.I. Fridays at its Bonifacio High Street branch for the launch of its “Stars Behind the Bar” tour last March 21, 2013.

Six (6) star bartenders amazed everyone with their flair bartending skills. Flair bartending is the art of preparing drinks while performing spectacular stunts like juggling, flips, bottle-balancing, and even the use of fire to entertain their audience. The stars made everyone stand back with their fire tricks.

During the launch, the six (6) star bartenders were introduced one by one amidst fanfare and applause.

The six (6) expert flair bartenders are: 

• Aldrin “The One” Javar 
• Genrev “The Revolution” Bacasno
• Gino “The Bomb” Simbillo
• Junjun “The Entertainer” Marcelo
• Michael “Unstoppable” Rabago
• Ronilo “The Showstopper” Bautista

The highlight of the night was the astonishing demonstration of the bartenders wherein they pour mixed drinks from Malt cups to the glasses.

Amazing! Bravo! Vodka in Cardice!

 

The six (6) expert flair bartenders who will be featured in the tour had gone through rigorous trainings and were previous participants of the “Shake, Rattle and Pour Bartending Championship” which is now on its 18th year.

Can you see yourself standing in front of a crowd that looks truly amazed by your performance? How would that feel for you when you are able to entertain that whole crowd? Are you interested to learn flair bartending? Then head over to any TGIF restaurant when the Stars behind the bar are scheduled to teach basic flairs and tricks. The six (6) expert flair bartenders will continue to share their bartending skills at different T.G.I.F. branches in Metro Manila.
 
Here are the “Stars Behind the Bar” tour schedule and locations: 

March 21, April 11 and 25, May 9 – T.G.I.F. Bonifacio High Street
March 22, April 12 and 26, May 10 – T.G.I.F. Glorietta
April 4, May 16 – T.G.I.F. Mall of Asia
April 5, May 17 – T.G.I.F. Eastwood
April 14, May 4 – T.G.I.F. TriNoma
April 18, May 23 – T.G.I.F. Malate
April 19, May 24 – T.G.I.F. Alabang Town Center
May 2, April 39 – T.G.I.F. Tomas Morato
May 3 and 31 – T.G.I.F. Robinsons Galleria

METRO MANILA EMERGENCY HOTLINES

METRO MANILA EMERGENCY HOTLINES

Malacañang on Wednesday issued a list of emergency hotlines for travelers heading to the provinces and for those staying at home during Holy Week.

The list included the numbers listed earlier by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, as well as those of other agencies and some local government units.

These include :National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) hotlines:
(02) 911-1406
(02) 912-2665
(02) 912-5668
(02) 911-1873

Philippine National Police (PNP) Hotline Patrol:
117
Send TXT PNP to 2920

Bureau of Fire Protection (NCR):
117
(02) 729-5166
(02) 410-6319 (Regional Director, Information Desk)

Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) hotline
7890
(02) 726-6255

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA)
136
(02) 882-0925 (flood control)
(02) 882-4150-77 loc. 337 (rescue)
(02) 882-4150-77 loc. 255 (Metrobase)
(02) 882-0860 (Metrobase)

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)
(02) 304-3713
(02) 304-3904

Red Cross hotline
143
(02) 527-0000
(02) 527-8385 to 95

North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) hotlines
(02) 3-5000
(02) 580-8910

Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) hotlines
(0920) 96-SCTEX (72839) (traffic hotline)
(045) 459-0522

Skyway System Hotline
(02) 776-7777
0917-539-8762 (Globe)
0999-888-0893 (Smart)
0932-854-6980 (Sun)

South Luzon Expressway (SLEx) hotline
0917-6877539 (Globe)
(049) 508-7509
(02) 584-4389

Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) hotline
(02) 433-8526

Philippine Coast Guard
(02) 527-3877
(02) 527-8481
0917-724-3682 (Globe)

Manila Water Hotline
1627

Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology
(02) 426-1468 to 79 (trunk)
local 124/125 (emergency);
0905-313-4077 (Globe)

Department of Social Welfare and Development
(02) 931-81-01 to 07, local 426 (Disaster Response Unit)
(02) 951-7119

Local government units:

Manila Traffic Hotline – 527-3087
Cainta Traffic Hotline – 646-0044, (02) 248-1743 (hotline)
Las Piñas Traffic – 874-5756, 874-3927, 874-5754, 874-5753
Mandaluyong Hotline – 534-2993 (traffic); 533-2225 (Command Control Center)
Taguig Traffic – 838-4301 loc. 7112
Marikina STOC – 646-1651, (02) 646-1633 (traffic)
Pasig Traffic – 643-0000 (Command Control Center); 643-1111
Makati Public Safety Department – 844-3146, 819-3270 to 71

Take your grilling FLAVOR to the next level!

Take your grilling FLAVOR to the next level!

The summer heat outside makes me remember my childhood. This is the time of the year that we usually held our family reunion at a beach  near our town. We usually had barbecue by the beach plus home cooked meals like Morcon, arroz caldo, embutido, pancit bato, puto, etc. All you have to do is name it and for sure my mama will cook it for everyone.

Let me share a childhood secret recipe. So get your grill out and take advantage of the sunny weather!  

“One flaming passion for flavor! One fiery showcase of grilled cuisine!

Here is one of my favorite Grilled dish. 

Grilled Chicken

Ingredients:

1 whole chicken  chopped
1 onion, chopped
15 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon pepper

1 teaspoon salt
6-8 lemongrass bulbs, bruised1/3 cup Soy Sauce

Mc Cormick Pepper Steak

Preparation method

Prep: 20 mins 

Cooking time: 1 hour 30 mins 

Extra time: 4 hours to 24 hours, marinating

1. Wash the chicken, Clean even the inside part of the chicken and pat dry. Rub the whole chicken, including inside the cavity with chopped onions, garlic, salt, pepper and let marinade in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours to 24 hours.

2. Heat the grill. Take the chicken out of the refrigerator and stuff the chicken in bamboo skewers.
3. Put the chicken in the grill make sure to cooked both sides of the chicken. Add the oil to the leftover marinade sauce and baste the chicken with sauce a couple of times. Check if done already by poking through the inner thigh and if the juices run clear it's done. 

You can pair grilled main dishes with your favorite family recipes, such as potato salad or pasta salad. In our family reunion my mom pays and prepare everything. In your case you can ask everyone ro bring a salad of their choice. Salads make it easy to serve a large, hungry crowd at your family reunion. By assigning parts of the meal to different families, you’re assured of a variety of things to serve, and having something for everyone.

How about you? What grilled dish would you prepare for your Sunday family and/or friends gathering?”

Speaking of grill. McCormick will hold an event that highlights its Grill Mates line. Dubbed as the McCormick Grill Nation, the event will feature its different seasoning mixes through serving grilled meats that all attendees can enjoy! This will be held on April 7, 2013 at Bonifacio High Street, Lane O cor. 9th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. The event will start at 4pm.

The event will have a cover charge of Php100 but with that a lot of freebies will be given away! (The event is open to the public, however, food samples will be given to participants who purchase 5 packs of McCormick Grill Mates Seasoning Mix – you get these with the P100 already!).

You can get McCormick Grillmates Seasoning Mix, a specially branded McCormick apron, a chance to win the McCormick grill kits and a chance to win the top plum for the day –an outdoor griller during the raffle. Of course, attendees will also be able to taste different grilled meats from our partner concessionaires.

There will also be a cooking demo, games, and live entertainment from surprise guests.

The next time you grill some beef or pork why don't you spice up your grilled beef or pork with McCormick Pepper Steak Seasoning Mix. Made with pepper and garlic bits, it will surely give your grilled meats a flavor boost.

Be a part of the McCormick Grill Nation on April 7, 4 p.m. onwards at the Bonifacio High Street!

FUJIDENZO: My Preferred Glass Top Chest Freezer

FUJIDENZO: My Preferred Glass Top Chest Freezer 

Did you know that I used to be a businesswoman long before I started blogging. I used to sell Inihaw na Manok (grilled chicken) in the province. Since I am now residing here in Metro Manila, I am thinking of opening a similar business here. Opening a new business is not that easy so I am considering the idea of a partnership. As I am well-versed with the grilled chicken business, I think it would be wise if I will have a partner with similar interest (cooking) and the financial capacity needed in order to start a small chicken business. 

We will be needing a space of 1-1/2 meters x 1-1/2 meters, at least two helpers, electricity and a sturdy freezer. According to a friend who sells grilled chicken in Legazpi City, the brand of Freezer that is most appropriate for a chicken business is Fujidenzo. I learned from him that he uses Fujidenzo Freezer because of its dual-function. It can be used as a freezer or as a chiller. Not only does it have a durable design, it also comes with a 5 year-warranty on compressor and a 2 year-warranty on other parts. You need not worry on after-sales service as there are 100 Fujidenzo service centers nationwide. Plus it's the trusted brand by major businesses like Arce Dairy, Bounty Fresh and King Sue.

Fujidenzo Freezers can also be use for ice cream business. They are available in the following models and capacities:

A. Solid top Chest Freezer 

FC-22 ADF 22 cu.ft. Chest Freezer/Chiller (Dual Function)
FC-18 ADF 18 cu.ft. Chest Freezer/Chiller (Dual Function)
FC-13 ADF 13 cu.ft. Chest Freezer/Chiller (Dual Function)
FC-08 ADF 8 cu.ft Chest Freezer/Chiller (Dual Function)
FC-06 ADF 6 cu.ft Chest Freezer/Chiller (Dual Function)
FC-04 ADF 4 cu.ft Chest Freezer/Chiller (Dual Function)

B. Glass top Chest Freezer 

FD-22 ADF 22 cu.ft. Sliding glass top freezer (Dual Function)
FD-18 ADF 18 cu.ft. Sliding glass top freezer (Dual Function)
FD-11 ADF 11 cu.ft. Sliding glass top freezer (Dual Function)

For more information on Fujidenzo Freezers and Chillers, you can check www.exatech.com.ph . 

HOLY WEEK 2013 ADVISORY: No MRT And LRT Operations

HOLY WEEK 2013 ADVISORY: No MRT And LRT Operations

The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) would like to remind all passengers of the Metro Rail Transit  (MRT 3), Light Rail Transit (LRT) 1 and 2  that  there will be no MRT 3, LRT 1 and 2 operations from March 28 to 31, 2013. 

The Metro Rail Transit and Light Rail Transit (LRT) 1 and 2 will cease operation for four (4) days in observance of the Holy Week 2013.

The Regular operating schedule are to resume on Monday, April 1, 2013 at 5 o'clock in the morning.

Maundy Thursday (March 28, 2013)

LRT 1 - CLOSED
LRT 2 - CLOSED
MRT 3 - CLOSED

Good Friday (March 29, 2013)

LRT 1 - CLOSED
LRT 2 - CLOSED
MRT 3 - CLOSED

Black Saturday (March 30, 2013)
LRT 1 - CLOSED
LRT 2 - CLOSED
MRT 3 - CLOSED

Easter Sunday (March 31, 2013)
LRT 1 - CLOSED
LRT 2 - CLOSED
MRT 3 - CLOSED

Please take note that the last trip for both MRT 3, LRT 1 and 2 will be today, Wednesday, March 27, 2013 at 8 p.m. 

LRT 1 - runs from Baclaran in Pasay City to Roosevelt in Quezon City
LRT 2 - runs from Recto in Manila to Santolan in Pasig City
MRT 3 - runs along EDSA from North Avenue in Quezon City to Taft Avenue 

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NESCAFÉ CAFÉ-IN-A-CAN: My Weekend Discoveries Part 2

NESCAFÉ CAFÉ-IN-A-CAN: My Weekend Discoveries Part 2
 
We all cheered upon learning that our first stop is Lanelle Abueva-Fernando’s café and pottery studio, the Crescent Moon Café.  This little haven is one of Antipolo City's prides.  It's the residence of ceramicist/ potter Lanelle Abueva-Fernando, daughter of National Artist for Sculpture Napoleon V. Abueva. When we alighted from the coaster van, the first thing I noticed was the  surroundings. The place is so heavenly. Crescent Moon Cafe is located within a big garden with many trees and a Koi pond. And by the way, it is hard to miss the big beautiful Lotus flower at the other side of the pond.
 
We were then asked to enter Crescent Moon Cafe where Lanelle Abueva was waiting for us. She explained to us how she started everything way back in 1981.  

There you can find contemporary ceramics, beautiful pottery, decorative porcelain and stoneware using rich glazes and vibrant patterns and ceramics. You can even spot some custom-made candle holders and pots for popular spas and restaurants. There are also hand-painted pieces which you could use as unique dining table centerpieces. Crescent Moon Café also has an “overruns” section where you can buy Ceramic items for only Php 200 per kilo. Overruns are rejected items that have some imperfections and didn’t pass quality control. Remember, pottery-making is an art, not a science. Therefore, minor imperfections may occur on the pottery. Yeah, you can buy these items way cheaper than an average meal.

Within the same compound, there is a "Studio Pottery" where workers do their art. This workshop is located inside the compound just a few meters from the restaurant. Lanelle Abueva patiently explained to us each step in the process of pottery making. Here, we were able to see the workers in action with our own eyes. We were able to see the different molds and interview some of the workers.

A pottery field trip will never be complete without seeing the potter herself throw some clay into the potter’s wheel!

From the workshop area, Lanelle led us into another area within the property. We all sat down and she then demonstrated to us how she centers her clay and turns it into a cylinder and a bowl afterwards.

 
A bucket of water and sponge are must-haves in pottery-making. Here, Lanelle taps her clay at low speed to the center of the wheel head. She makes sure that her clay will not go out of place as she spins the wheel faster.

 
Crescent Moon Cafe
Ascencion Road, Barangay Dalig, Antipolo City
Tel.: 658-3866

NESCAFÉ CAFÉ IN-A-CAN: My Weekend Discoveries

NESCAFÉ CAFÉ IN-A-CAN: My Weekend Discoveries

  
It is a fact and you could not deny it. More and more people are becoming mobile, making their weekends the official time to discover new places and new experiences. My best buddy, Ate Ning, is always on the lookout for seat sales, travel promos and the like. Yes, you can say that she makes new discoveries and fun ways to bring her friends and loved ones together. 

In that connection, I am super thrilled to share to all of you my latest weekend discoveries. Last Saturday, March 23, 2013, I was one of the selected bloggers invited by Nescafe to experience #weekenddiscoveries. 

Our day started at 9 o' clock in the morning at Mom and Tina's Bakery and Cafe (along C5 road in Pasig City) where we had a hefty breakfast and a glass of Iced Nescafe Espresso Roast coffee. Worth a special mention is the restaurant's yummy and spicy Hungarian Sausage. You people ought to try it!
 

Right after breakfast we were asked to get inside the coaster van without much idea on our destination/s.  Annalyn, Ate Reg, Vincent and I found vacant seats at the rearmost part of the coaster van. While the coaster van was jam-packed that some bloggers had to sit on the jump seats at the center aisle of the vehicle, I was happy to meet and mingle with new friends in the blogging community. We were so excited to discover what Nescafe has in store for us. 

 

The Hint.  The official invitation states that we should come in chic explorer/ casual resort wear.  Its official invite has symbols/ logos and time.  Plus, a special instruction for us to bring WIFI-enabled handsets and/ or tablets because our weekend discoveries activities will require us to use our personal gadgets. Aside from those hints, we really don't have any idea where the Nescafe team is taking us. We were busy asking one another where our possible destination/s is/ are. Then our host suddenly asked us to connect to the available wifi connections and asked everyone to tweet with the hash tag #weekenddiscoveries where we think our destination will be. I tweeted Antipolo City and guess what? Yes! I won and got this Nalgene food grade water container! Yehey! Update: It exploded. #Warak #madeinchina?

First Stop. Abueva Pottery 

Lanelle Abueva-Fernando is a potter based in Antipolo City.  She specializes in hand-made functional stoneware ceramics since 1981.  She welcomed us at her Crescent Moon Cafe.

Next Stop. Pinto Art Museum

We had our lunch at Bizu Patisserie inside the Pinto Art Museum where they offered us Nescafé café-in-a-can in different flavors to try out. These are: Iced Latte, Mocha, and Espresso Roast. I immediately raised both my hands when the waiter asked us who wants the Mocha flavor. It turned out Bianca Gonzales, Nescafé café-in-a-can newest endorser, also loves the same flavor.

NESCAFÉ CAFÉ IN-A-CAN is a discovery in itself, making it the ideal companion in making new discoveries wherever you are, whenever you are.

NESCAFÉ CAFÉ-IN-A-CAN comes in three variants.

The Ice cold NESCAFÉ Latte is a cold and delicious coffee treat with its premium and milkier taste of coffee quality. In this tropical heat, Ice cold coffee is a refreshing treat.

NESCAFÉ Espresso Roast gives a cold coffee drink with a more intense flavor which is ideal whenever you need a strong boost during the mornings. My fellow blogger Ana loves this flavor.

NESCAFÉ Mocha is a cold and sweet coffee treat with a hint of chocolate which works best when one does not need that extra caffeine fix.

My favorite among the three flavors is the Iced Mocha. You just have to make sure to take it just before noon so you don’t end up being awake all night. Yes, I still treasure my beauty sleep.

How about you? Which ice cold cafe-coffee flavor do you enjoy?

NESCAFÉ CAFÉ-IN-A-CAN packed in a convenient ready-to-drink format is available at gasoline stations nationwide. Now, you can get that strong boost wherever you are!

Overall, it's been a bit physically challenging but fantastic weekend.