HOW TO COMMUTE TO SKY RANCH

HOW TO COMMUTE TO SKY RANCH

Tagaytay City is a good place for a quick getaway from the hustle and bustle of Metro Manila especially so since SM Land opened Sky Ranch and Sky Eye last March 2, 2013. 

The easiest way to go to Tagaytay City is via FX Van for Php 200.00 from Starmall, Shaw Blvd. Starmall is in front of Shangri-La Mall in Edsa. But you could also opt to ride the bus.

Here are the options:

Option #1: FX Van from Starmall, Shaw Boulevard
Option #2: FX Van from EDSA Pasay Rotonda to Nasugbu or Lemery route
Option #3: Buses from Harrison Plaza to Mendez-Tagaytay 
Option #4: Buses in EDSA Pasay, behind Sogo and Mcdonalds like Crow Transit and DLTB 
Option #5: Buses from TAFT BUENDIA - JAM Transit going to Batangas
Option #6: Buses from Lawton like Kirby Bus to Tagaytay

Tagaytay City is very accessible via public transport.

•  If you take the FX, you can ask the driver to drop you off at Olivarez Plaza or Tagaytay Rotonda.
• Then you can take a trike or jeepney (Php8.00) to go to Sky Ranch

TAGAYTAY SKY RANCH: My Sky Eye Experience

TAGAYTAY SKY RANCH: My Sky Eye Experience

We recently visited Tagaytay Sky Ranch. You wouldn't miss this amusement park because it is just beside Taal Vista Hotel along Aguinaldo Highway in Tagaytay City. 

The center of attention is the Sky Eye which commands a huge presence along the ridge. The Sky Eye is the tallest Ferris Wheel (also known as Observation Wheel) in the country at 63 meters (207 ft) with 32 gondolas or capsules beating the Mall of Asia (MOA) Eye at 55 meters (180 ft) with 36 gondolas and the Enchanted Kingdom's Wheel of Fate at 130 ft.   If we consider Tagaytay City's elevation of 2,000 ft. above sea level, this means we will be enjoying the highest point of the Sky Eye at 2,207 ft. wohooooooooot!

But we have to admit that the Philippines is still far from beating the tallest Ferris wheels in the world.  Way back in 2008, my brother and I tried the tallest Ferris wheel in the world - the Singapore Flyer at 165 meters (541 ft) and it was an awesome experience. Each gondola has a very wide space, comfortable seats and individual earphones where you can hear the voice of an English speaking tour-guide. There's also a video presentation before you board the gondola. We were able to see parts of Indonesia and Malaysia while aboard the gondola at or near the highest point of the Singapore Flyer.

Still on my must ride lists are:

• Star of Nanchang in China at 160 meters (525 ft.)
• London Eye at 120 meters (394 ft.). 

Aside from the entrance fee of Php50.00 (which is a promotion until May 30, 2013 based on their post at the teller's booth), you have to pay another Php150 to ride the Sky Eye. For details, see Sky Ranch.

The ride is one loop around lasting for only 10 minutes or less. Bitin! The gondolas are a bit small and can only fit 4 people. Mas matagal pa pumila kaysa yung kabuuang pagsakay. Nakaka disappoint :-( To the owners of Tagaytay Sky Ranch: Kindly make it at least three (3) loops please!

What saved the day is the view from the top. Yes, folks! As you approach the top, you'll have a 360 degree-view of Tagaytay City and you'll also see the wonderful Taal Lake and Taal Volcano.

Beside Sky Ranch, a Science Discovery Museum and a row of restaurants are being built to complete the Sky Ranch experience. Overall, we felt that the ride is not worth it for one loop, 10 minutes at Php150 per head. Yes, you have to pay separately for the rides inside the Sky Ranch Sky Fun Amusement Park.

 

Despite all that, I guess I am lucky 'coz at least I can say that I have experienced to ride in the tallest Ferris wheel in the country today. 

I just hope they make some improvements in the future.

TAGAYTAY: Sky Ranch, Sky Fun!

TAGAYTAY: Sky Ranch, Sky Fun!

The newly opened complex in Tagaytay is named "Sky Ranch," whereas the amusement park within Sky Ranch is named "Sky Fun" and the Ferris Wheel within is "Sky Eye."

Recently, we had weekend discoveries in Tagaytay.  Tagaytay City is a conglomerate of fun-filled destinations. Aside from the buko pies (young coconut cream pies), bulalo (a Filipino stew made from beef shanks and marrow bones) and the unobstructed view of Taal Volcano, the city has a lot more to offer like the Puzzle Mansion and Sky Ranch. What used to be a vacant lot beside Taal Vista Hotel was turned into an amusement park complex by SM Land.  Disclaimer: This is not a paid nor sponsored post.

The Sky Eye

Sky Ranch is a leisure park that is envisioned to be one of the definitive Tagaytay City's experiences for local and foreign tourists alike.

 

The Sky Ranch Entrance Fee is Php100. It is a good thing that there is an ongoing promotion until May 30, 2013 - a whooping 50% discount. Yehey! My friend said that if you are a Taal Vista Hotel Checked-In guest, you can get in for free at Sky Ranch. Senior Citizens and our physically challenged brothers and sisters get 20% discount from the regular rates on entrance and riding loop ride. The rent for a Gazebo is Php750 from Monday to Thursday and Php1,000 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Mime artist near the entrance to Sky Eye

 When we got inside the complex, we found out that we had to line up at the Sky Fun ticket booth to buy tickets for each ride individually. There are no ride-all-you-can tickets or packaged rates at the moment. It can get chaotic, especially if there's a huge crowd on weekends.

Express Train ride costs Php50.00 per head.

Mini Pirate Ship ride costs Php50.00 per head.

Super Viking ride costs Php100.00 per head.

Wonder Flight ride costs Php50.00 per head.

The kids could play here too.

 

Carousel ride costs Php50.00 per head. For sure, this carousel looks more attractive during night time.

Nessi Coaster ride which costs P50 per head is safe even for children. It gives a powerful adrenaline rush when the mini-roller coaster goes all the way to the top and goes down into a spiral loop. The spiral and turns are amazing. Weeeeeeeee!

 

Horse Back Riding (P250/30 minutes per person). The horseback riding is very expensive, considering you just go around a looped trail. I hate to compare but at Puzzle Mansion the rate for horse back riding is only Php50.00. Geeezz! Sky Ranch, what can you say about this? That is already times five.

We were a bit disappointed with our overall experience at the Sky Fun Amusement Park. Aside from difficulty in parking because of the huge weekend crowd the ongoing construction can put you and your little ones, not to mention your cars, in jeopardy. For God's sake, it is still a hard hat area. I believe the construction should first be completed before the rides are opened to the general public. Riding the Sky Eye is also a bit disappointing experience. The windows are filthy and you really can't fully appreciate the view on board the Sky Eye because of the dirty and low quality plastic windows used. But for curiosity's sake you can try to head there during weekdays when there are lesser crowd than during weekends.

 

I hope to come back in the future to see a better Sky Ranch and Sky Eye  Please make it better and please don't forget to provide ample and safe parking space for all your guests.

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 .