XIN TIAN DI MANILA: New Heaven on Earth Dimsum Buffet

XIN TIAN DI MANILA: New Heaven on Earth Dimsum Buffet 

Xin Tian Di Manila is Crowne Plaza Galleria Hotel's resident Chinese restaurant and it offers unlimited dimsum buffet. Located at the 4th level of Crowne Plaza Galleria Hotel.

It prides itself to being able to cater to the most discriminating and fastidious Asian palates in all of us. Oh, please don't get me wrong. Its dimsum buffet is not only confined to dimsum alone, it also has basic staples like everybody's favorite Yang Chow Fried Rice, wanton beef noodle soup, congee and a lot more. Well, correct me if I am wrong, I think the only missing parts are the fruits and salads.

Passing by the hallway of Crowne Plaza Galleria Hotel, we saw this wall advertisement labeled Tempting Tuesdays. 

This surely made me want to try its unlimited dimsum.  It got me and my brother really curious. Well, if I remember it right, the first time I encountered the word Xin Tian Di was when I was in Shanghai, China, where I proceeded to Xintiandi after visiting The Bund. In Shanghai, Xintiandi is a trendy car-free district, lined with bars, restaurants and world-class shops and boutiques, housed in renovated traditional Shanghai-style lane houses (shikumen) featuring a unique blend of European and Chinese design.

Xin Tian Di (Chinese: 新天地; pinyin: Xīntiāndì) literally means "New Heaven and Earth".

As I walk through the restaurant's front door, I got this feeling of nostalgia. It makes me think about my food adventures in China. The place is really nice and fancy as one would expect from a hotel’s restaurant. 

The staff are very courteous and accommodating. Plus, they're always smiling. That's truly a service with a smile.

Upon entering the restaurant, you will be ushered in to your table.

We walked past the restaurant's wine selections on the right side.

Here, guests could choose their favorite magazines and Chinese newspapers. They can read while waiting for their order.

The decors and figurines are really nice. 

The round tables have ample space between them. You won't feel crowded at all. 

The booths have high backs and almost feel private.

For our food photos and review please click here!

My Birthday celebration. Please click here.

2013 Miss World-Philippines Winner: Megan Lynne Young

2013 Miss World-Philippines Winner: Megan Lynne Young

Candidate #20, Actress Megan Young, 23, from Olongapo City, was named the 2013 Miss World-Philippines during the pageant coronation night on Sunday, August 18, 2013.

Congratulations Megan Young Miss World Philippines ‪#‎MWP2013‬ ‪#‎MeganMW2013‬ ‪#‎MissWorldPH2013‬

Megan Young will represent the country in the upcoming Ms. World 2013 pageant to be held in Jakarta, Indonesia on September 28, 2013.

The heavy favorite, 23-year-old actress-turned-beauty queen, who bested 24 other contestants for the coveted title, also won special awards during the pageant such as:

1.  Best in Fashion Runway: Megan Young

2.  Miss Sports by FILA: Megan Young
3.  Miss Olay: Megan Young
4.  Miss Reducin: Megan Young
5.  Miss Laguna: Megan Young
6.  Miss Bold and Glamorous by Revlon: Megan Young
7.  Miss Bench Body: Megan Young
8.  Miss Figlia: Megan Young

Other Special and Sponsored Award Winners are:

1.  Best in Talent: Samantha Mae Bernardo
2.  Best in Gown: Bianca Paz
3.  Best in Swimwear: Janicel Lubina
4.  Miss Friendship: Zahra Bianca Saldua

5.  Miss Novu Hair: Patricia Ejercitado
6.  Miss Redux Fat: Bianca Paz
7.  Miss Pantene: Zahra Saldua
8.  Miss Photogenic: Janicel Lubina

1st princess-        Janicel Lubina
2nd princess-       Zahra Bianca Saldua
3rd princess -       Paula Bianca Paz 
4th princess -       Omarie Linn Osuna

Megan Young shared that she’s aiming to take the crown at the international Ms. World pageant.

“I wanna prove to them that well, of course, my goal there is to win it,” she said.

Since the franchise’s separation of the Ms. World-Philippines title from the Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc., Megan is the third holder which handles the Philippine representation to the Ms. Universe pageant.

The actress will follow the footsteps of 2011 Ms. World first runner-up Gwendoline Ruais and 2012 Ms. World top 15 contender Queenierich Rehman. 

DAVAO CITY: INDAK-INDAK SA KADALANAN (STREET DANCING) 2013

DAVAO CITY: INDAK-INDAK SA KADALANAN (STREET DANCING) 2013

Indak-indak sa Kadalanan (Street Dancing), one of the most awaited highlights of the week long Kadayawan Festival in Davao City, pushes through as scheduled this August 17, 2013, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Indak-indak, a mardi gras-like event, is a street dance competition participated in by representatives from different schools, communities, and organization in their colorful tribal costumes and props. 

It's a competition of choreographed and theatrical dance in the tribal beat of drums and/ or other musical instruments performed in the major streets of Davao City.

It will have two (2) integrated components that will start simultaneously at 8 a.m.:

1. street dancing showcase - participants will perform street dance pieces continuously in a forward-moving manner; and

2. showdown performance - participants will perform in an on-the-round manner with a minimum of 5 minutes and maximum of 8 minutes.

There are two categories in this competition. One is the open category (or that with “out-of-town” contingents); and the other is Davao City-based category.

Participants in this competition must be at least 7 years old.  The minimum number of participants is 30 and maximum is 100 dancers. The minimum number of musicians is 20 and maximum of 50.

Source: FB page of City Government of Davao

The 24 contingents in this year's competition will perform their respective street dances starting from San Pedro St., to C.M Recto Avenue, left to Roxas Avenue, then left to C. Bangoy St., to Crooked Road, to San Pedro St.

The showdown performance will be held at the Rizal Park along San Pedro St.

Pamulak Kadayawan

"Pamulak" highlights on August 18 8am-12nn respectively.

- August 18, 2013 – Pamulak sa Dalan - Thousands of colorful flowers are formed into different shapes that the creator prefers. Aside from the fresh flowers, they include also fresh fruits. This is the most-watched even in the annual festival. 

Pamulak Kadayawan (Floral Float Parade)

Perhaps the most colorful event not only in Mindanao but in the entire Philippines -- this exhibit of vividly designed floats is always the extreme highlight of the festival. The colorful spectacle will hit the road on August 18 starting at the Roxas Ave. en-route to San Pedro St.
As Dabawenyos celebrate Kadayawan for the bountiful harvest season, this vibrant exhibition simply couldn't be excluded from the lineup of events as it shows the rich vegetation of the Davao Region.

The floats will be decorated with various ornamental plants and flowers while fruits and vegetables are also used to add color to the different floats.

Three categories are entered in this floral float competition including the big float, small float and the non-motorized or two-wheel float categories. The floats will be judged based on their symbolism, design and creative use of materials.

Hiyas ng Kadayawan: The Grand Quest for the Festival Gem

This event is a beauty pageant like no other as it features the most gorgeous and brilliant ladies who will banner their respective tribes.

It will be a battle of beauty, brains, and talents as the 10 contestants will be judged based on their knowledge of their own tribe, personal character and their performance in the cultural skill showcase.

The cultural skill showcase already kicked off last August 15 while the Grand Coronation Night is set to get underway at the Almendras Gym Davao City Recreation Center on August 17.

Other Highlights

The Sayaw Mindanaw Finals will fire off at the SM City Annex on August 16. This event is somehow like the Indak-Indak but will be held indoors.

The Hulagway sa Kadaywan Photo Contest is ongoing while the Tunog Mindanaw, that was highlighted by the performance of original compositions by musicians across Mindanano, recently concluded at the Taboan Matina Town Square last August 11.

Various sporting events will also be held in different venues in the city with the Mayor Inday Sara Z. Duterte 27th Kadayawan Sports Festival.

There are also huge discounts for authentic Mindanaoan merchandise at the Lumadnong Gama and Dayaw Market at People's Park together with the Kadayawan sa Pasalubong Center at the Pasalubong Center along Palma Gil St.

Known as the Festival of festivals because of its vibrant sounds and colors, Kadayawan's Indak Indak sa Kadalanan attracts many people in the city and all over the nation, especially photographers.

RULES DURING KADAYAWAN: No Backpack, No Parking

RULES DURING KADAYAWAN: No Backpack, No Parking

Hello, loves! Mabuhay! For all tourists visiting Davao to witness the Kadayawan festivities like the Indak-indak sa Kadalanan (Street Dancing) and Pamulak Kadayawan (Floral Float Parade), please be informed that DAVAO City Police Office (DCPO) urges the public to refrain from using backpacks and big bags.  Vehicle (motorcycles included) owners or drivers are also not allowed to park their vehicle on restricted areas particularly along the parade route. Ignoring security measures especially during the major events of the Kadayawan sa Dabaw Festival is a big No No!

Davao police are really serious in implementing security measures to protect the city and its people. More than 2,000 police and military personnel were deployed in the city for Kadayawan, including the 600 additional security from police and military provincial headquarters in Davao Region.

The resolution passed by the Davao City council stated that individuals carrying backpacks will be prohibited from entering the identified routes of the parade and street dance unless properly inspected by security personnel.

Davao police discourages the public from carrying the following types of bags during Indak-indak and Pamulak:

• backpacks
• sling bags
• utility bags 

To avoid inconvenience, please use see-through bags or clear plastic bags instead.Please be warned that police authorities will arrest anybody, even media, who resists or refuses to have his/ her backpacks inspected. Don't worry they will not jail you. But they will arrest you if you do not cooperate and please note that you will not be allowed in the restricted areas. All confiscated bags can be claimed at the San Pedro Police Station.

The police will do everything as humanly as possible to secure everybody. They appeal to all to follow the rules set so that you will not be inconvenienced. With regards to parking, no vehicle will be allowed to park along the parade route.

Any vehicle seen parked along the parade routes will be towed.  Zero parking starts on the night of August 16, 2013.

By the way, hobbyist photographers who will be covering Indak-Indak sa Kadalanan and Pamulak Kadayawan on Aug. 17 and 18 are advised to get their sticker passes from the City Information Office (Rm. 18, 2nd Floor. City Hall of Davao). Bring with you any valid ID. You can also bring your old Kadayawan IDs or Photo Club IDs.

There will be no coverage fees imposed for non-media photographers and hobbyists for access to Kadayawan events.

Please follow the rules and have a happy Kadayawan! Be safe everyone! Enjoy!

KADAYAWAN 2013 SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES

KADAYAWAN 2013 SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES

Kadayawan Festival is a week long thanksgiving celebration in Davao. And according to the people in Davao the term "Kadayawan" is derived from the Mandaya word “madayaw”, which means a warm and friendly greeting used to explain a thing that is valuable, superior, beautiful, good, or profitable.

Allegedly, long time ago, Davao’s ethnic tribes residing at the foot of Mount Apo would converge during a bountiful harvest. This ritual serves as their thanksgiving to the gods particularly to the “Manama” (the Supreme Being).

Various farming implements, fruits, flowers, vegetables, rice and corn grains were displayed on mats as villagers give their respect and thanks for the year's abundance. Singing, dancing and offerings to their divine protectors are the highlights of this ritual.

EKSTRA: Now Showing in Cinemas Nationwide

EKSTRA: Now Showing in Cinemas Nationwide

This is the first time that I saw Vilma Santos with no make up in a movie. She deserves to be called the star for all season. She is really a wonderful actress.

Please do watch the indie film "Ekstra". It will be shown in theaters nationwide beginning August 14, 2013. You will surely not regret watching the film. Go and see the movie in theaters. Let's help our Philippine movie industry. No to pirated DVDs.

Top 10 weird visa applications

Top 10 weird visa applications

Are you applying for a Visa to go somewhere? Maybe to work or live out your dream? 

Are you aware that your reasons for applying do matter when filling up the application or when interviewed? So, I suggest you put your acts together and make sure it agrees with the laws of the country that you want to access so you'll get higher chances of getting approved. Global Visas is a private company that helps individuals and businesses wishing to secure visas in the country of their choice thus, Globalvisas.com has put together a list of the ten weirdest applications they have come across with in the last 12 months. When asked for their reasons for travel, applicants gave an unusual array of answers - from the illegal, to the unexpected, and the frankly odd.

We are all unique individuals in every sense of the word, that’s already given, we all have certain hopes in our lives, which might have been inspired from your favorite show, a novel or maybe sparked from an article you read in the past. This somehow, though slim in chance may have pushed us to gain interest in trying our luck and living that glorious aspirations outside the Philippines. I guess everything is possible now-a-days but then do consider the list I have below, if you are under this spell, and consider this wise.

According to them, the ten strangest reasons for applying for a visa are the following:

1) A South African man applied for a European visa, by saying he wanted to go to Romania to become a vampire hunter.

2) On his UK visa application, a Brazilian man said he wanted to bring "flamenco to the streets of Norwich".

3) A Russian woman applied for a European visa, so she could work as a prostitute in the Netherlands.

4) An embalmer from Mexico applied for a visa to ply his trade in Spain. When his criminal record was unearthed, the visa was refused.

5) On his European visa a Mali man said he was skilled with a pirogue, and wanted to transfer his skills to gondola driving in Venice.

6) A UK man listed his profession as a dog food taster on his US visa application.

7) A man in the Philippines applied to travel to Australia because he was "evading the local authorities".

8) One woman applying to move from France to the US gave her profession as 'foot model'.

9) A woman applied for a UK visa, saying she had "seasonal work as a zombie" .

10) A Peruvian man applied for a European visa to work as an "alpaca shearer" during "shearing season".

Note that every country has certain laws and limitations when come to this. So for an absurd reason of running from the a crime here in Manila, don’t count your luck on it. If ever you fall into one of the list or you are at loss of what better career options to file for, it would be good to seek out professionals who are adept to this kind of application, and those that could assure your visa approval.

Don’t get into shameful discussions about your reasons and thus getting disappointed on a disapproved application and eventually not finding a vampire or zombies in some countries.

On Global Visas

Global Visas has won for its clients the most difficult battles as far as visa facilitation is concerned, such as immigration to Australia. The expertise of the Global Visas team allows it to deliver the best quality service in the lodgment of spousal, fiancée, tourist and working visas. The company holds the distinct advantage of having personnel in destination countries as well as constant updating of visa regulations in these areas: the USA, Canada, UK and other parts of Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Asian territories. Visit http://www.globalvisas.com/ for more information.