When in Manila and afflicted with a deep sense of wanderlust, the Apulit Island Resort in Palawan is the perfect place to cure your ailment!  I realized that it would be a shame for us Filipinos not to  enjoy and witness the paradise that lies in our very shores that is why we’ve decided to feature and suggest more local travel destinations which I’m sure you won’t wanna miss in this precious lifetime!

For a few minutes, we’d like for you to leave those worries behind and get away from it all……

It’s time to reward yourself my friend…..    we know you deserve it!

let’s take you to a place …. a place I’m sure you’d wanna go to

time for you to discover the beauty of the Pearl of the Orient and experience what you  have been missing all this time

come on my friend… time to indulge and spoil yourself

and rekindle that flame once again

time to give-in my friend….  nature  is calling  you….

it’s time

take what is rightfully yours!

relax…. cool down a bit… have this refreshing tropical drink

sit back, relax… everything  will be taken  care off

get ready for a tropical contact high!

Experience the grandeur of APULIT Island Resort, brought to us by El Nido Resorts!

experience the comfort and lavishness of their water cottages

firmly standing ashore to  keep you in touch with nature

feel the security and comfort

experience exceptional hospitality

be mesmerized with this picturesque view right from your cottage veranda

enjoy the peace and serenity as the gentle breeze enfolds you

and witness romantic sunsets like no other

Brace yourself for a gastronomical treat with only the freshest and best……

 starting your day has never been this grand

 feast as you please, drool as you can

 with treats that will surely tickle your palettes

choose from a vast array of healthy mouthwatering dishes

experience a special romantic dinner with this spectacular view

create lasting moments to be cherished forever

and as we call it a night, allow them to wish you the sweetest of dreams

This is just the start my friend…. only the start

 get ready for more!!

Let’s get in on!! Let the good times roll!

don’t forget to greet our ocean friends…. dip-into its cool waters teeming with marine life

get on with your gear and let’s sail away…

…. to a place so pristine and simply perfect!

allow mother earth pamper you.. soothe you

let nature comfort and give you shade… as the sun  gently kisses you with its rays

row carefree and blissfully on its breathtaking shores

let’s dream some more and build sandcastles in the shifting sands

peacefully, as we watch the world go by, may we always find goodness from where we stand

This calls for a celebration my friend! For the abundant now and what’s about to come!

take a sip and try their signature Apulit Breeze

the perfect concoction for moonlit nights and dreamy eyes such as this

Nature and Elegance intertwined….

only in  Apulit Island of El Nido Resorts you will find!

What are you waiting for my friend? It’s time! Time to live some more!

With Apulit Island‘s magnificence  and splendor, I’m sure you’ll be coming back for more!

So when in Manila, we would have to say, Apulit Island Resort is the ultimate place where you should stay!

Truly More Fun In The Philippines !!

Apulit Island Resort

Taytay, Palawan

Manila Sales Office
Mondays thru Fridays, 8:30AM to 5:30 PM (Manila Time)
Address: 18/F 8747 Paseo de Roxas Street, Salcedo Village, 1226 Makati City Philippines
Phone No: + 63 2 9025994
Fax No: +63 (2) 810 3620
General Inquiries  Hotline: +63 2 9025962
Travel Agents Hotline: +63 2 9025951

To view more photos plus a diary of our day to day adventures,click the following links

Apulit  Island Day 1

Apulit Island Day 2

Apulit Island Day 3

Discover the Magnificence and Splendor of Apulit Island Resort in Palawan!

ARMAGEDDON

This 2012,

GRAVITY will pull us CLOSER…
HEAVENLY BODIES will SMASH against each other…
The END of the WORLD will never be any WILDER!

As UP SANDIWA together with Petron and Universal Robina Corporation

In cooperation with Gran Matador Brandy, and Fourth Wall

Brings you
ARMAGEDDON

A Black Party

FEB 11, 2012 @ Blue Onion Eastwood, QC

FREE FLOWING DRINKS | FREE HENNA TATTOO| OUT of this WORLD Games| witness REVELATION unfold at 12MN!

All these and more ‘coz we ought to…
LIVE LIKE THERE’S NO TOMORROW!

(For the benefit of the Aeta Community in Tarlac)

Like us on Facebook (Armageddon 2012)

Follow us on Twitter (@_armageddon2012)

Armageddon Party at Blue Onion Eastwood City

The room, pitch black. The shy hint of fragrance floats in the air.

I grope for the thing my appetite yearns the most. Excitement mounting, you make contact with my wanting lips.

The texture is fantastic! I am amazed by the swirl of flavors you introduce. This is vaguely familiar, but each bite gives birth to a new form of appreciation.

It is both serious engagement and playful folly. No one can see us. I try my best to use every available sense. I try my best to experience this every imaginable way I can. 

No, this is not an excerpt from a film noir; nor is it taken from a leaf of a novela. But When In Manila and hungry for a unique way to celebrate Valentine’s with your special someone, craft up a zero-visibility dining experience without the need for night vision goggles!

The brainchild of Axel Rudolph, manager of Unsicht-Bar in Cologne, Germany, the Dining in the Dark concept has been adapted and reinterpreted by different restaurateurs around the world. In this article, we show you how to whip up such a feast for the senses to fit anyone’s budget and make your loved one feel extra special this Valentine’s.

All waiters at Unsicht-Bar are either completely blind or visually handicapped to rule out any unfair advantage. Well, pretty sure your partner will not object to you having one!

Step #1: Plan with a Budget

The first step is to consider your budget, then plan out when and where you will celebrate Valentine’s. You can do it at home, in a hotel room, or – if you’re gutsy enough – even a fancy restaurant! Just be sure everyone (except your special someone) is informed and amenable to your plans.

The setting usually predicts the gourmet, but you may also start with the choice of food and work your way to a compatible setup. If your partner has been insisting that you cook for her/him, then this might be a good opportunity to put your Michelin star-calibre skills to the test!

Need help? Call up the gang to do things faster, then allot extra portions to share with them.

Step #2: Shop for a Good Blindfold

You want a blindfold that offers zero visibility. To be sure, try it yourself. Look down and see if you can peek through the bottom part of the blinds. Usually that’s the un-blind side that defeats the purpose of the exercise. Try to find blindfolds with unique messages or cartoon characters that your partner likes. You can even ask her/him to choose from several blindfolds what she/he prefers to use.

Blindfolds are fun in more ways than one!

Step #3: News Flash! Guide Your Special Someone Through the Meal

So you’ve cooked up a feast. You’ve blindfolded your partner and have led her/him to a seat. You’ve even served the aperitif! The problem is your partner cannot see anything, and for someone who has been used to using their eyes for practically everything they do, leaving them to figure out how to consume their meal is not only close to impossible – it’s terribly unromantic. 

Self service is NOT the way to go!

Guiding your partner through the course is a great bonding activity for couples. It develops trust and a healthy dependence on the leading of the partner. (Trust me, I’m a psychologist.) Plus, there’s bound to be a lot of holding (and maybe even kissing) as you do this activity together. With that said, have a hearty meal yourself before everything goes down – and brush!

Additional Tips

There are tons of ways to make this experience exciting for the two of you. Off hand, you can ask your partner to guess the items that you’re about to serve. If she/he gets a certain number of items correct, tell her that she/he will receive a prize. (Even if your partner doesn’t win, I think it’s but just to reward her/his effort with the prize, no?)

If you’re preparing the course yourself, try adding something unexpected in your dishes. Think Fusion: add an ingredient to transform a fairly regular dish to something totally unique, or in your lineup of dishes insert an item that is not associated with the other items at all. Be creative, but make sure that you do not divert too much from your theme.

 Our hosts served dark chocolates with green mango bits and salt, ampalaya chips, and suman panna cotta. Plus, each of us had a personal masseuse!

The Little Bird – More Like a Gigantic Bee! – That Inspired This Article

I’ve been itching to write something for Valentine’s; didn’t expect Jollibee to hand me the light bulb! The proudly Filipino food corporation held their own Dining in the Dark event to introduce their new product to food bloggers. It’s the Chicken & Mushroom Pasta, made with portions of real ground chicken meat, sliced mushrooms, and a special blend of tomatoes, herbs, and spices that gives its unique flavor and taste.

Introducing the new Jollibee Chicken & Mushroom Pasta! 

Blindfolded and waiting, the sweet smell of the pasta reminded me of Jolly Spaghetti, but the tomatoes and herbs make the new offering more aromatic. The pasta’s texture is similar to their spaghetti also, with several bloggers remarking that they preferred it to be more al dente. The button mushrooms add crispness to the dish, but overall the pasta still owes its taste to the hint of basil and the other herbs and spices in the sauce.

The Chicken & Mushroom Pasta will be made available in all Jollibee stores nationwide beginning February 9, 2012.

When In Manila and planning on something special this Valentine’s, create your own Dining in the Dark event.

Turn the heat up with some food love.

Make your partner feel like royalty.

And turn off the lights…

First foot on the door and you’ll be welcomed with Bistecca’s projected class vibe. High ceiling, low lighting, cozy glass walls, upscale surroundings. The warm, rich glow atmosphere will wrap around you once you’re inside.

Though decors are not that opulent, the artistic chandelier made out of cola bottles is truly an eye catcher, add up the artistically painted walls.

One thing that they pride themselves with is their luscious, heavyweight steaks.

The Bistecca 122 (Php 295/100g) approx Php2,950. Serves 2-4

Bistecca’s house specialty…I’d say they are “Steaks to Share”. This is their most popular cut, an approximately 1 kilo of USDA Choice Bone in Rib Eye roast. The server will initially present the steak as a whole before having it sliced.  Whole slab of steak, how humongous!

The steak cuts are sublime. It was visibly thick enough, and a well-marbled cut—I can even cut it with a fork and the way it melts in my mouth was just divine. Bistecca serves only USDA certified beef and they highly recommend it to be cooked medium rare but of course they can still cook it in your preferred doneness. 

Three house sauces: horseradish, mustard and peppercorn sauce to give the beef a unique flavour. You can ignore the sauces as I feel they’re not that necessary since the beef has such a nice flavour to it already. It can accentuate your meat or if you just want some pizzazz, try the garlic salt as I think it jives well with the meat.

Next is they drizzled a bit of olive oil on my plate and served us a rack of 3 kinds of salt: truffle salt, spicy salt and garlic herbed salt. The taste of the meat was as massive as its size, tender and moist. I love that it’s not stringy.  It was nicely adorned with that charred crust on the outside and an averagely red colour on the inside. My carnivore pangs were extremely satisfied.

Indeed the price you pay for that slab is worth it. Mouthwatering goodness yet with Bistecca you won’t feel upset with how they treat their meats.

Duck Breast Salad (Php 550) Roasted duck breast on mixed greens with a raspberry dressing topped with dark Chocó.

The nicely fanned out duck breast slices sitting on that mixed greens will spearhead your appetite. The raspberry dressing gave a mild compliment to the duck meat’s flavour, not too sweet that it overpowers the meat. A decadent salad that is recommendable as a light entrée.

Parma Ham (Php 480) Parma Ham on Asparagus topped with Poached Egg.

Ahh, another light healthy starter. If you think that only bacon can make the perfect partner for asparagus, think again. It resembles a bouquet of flowers, artfully arranged!

The Parma hams were like comfortable blankets embracing the spears and that poached egg? It’s merely waiting for your mighty fork to attack it and then gush its sunshine goodness out. 

The ham is as soft and silky as the egg, it instantly disappears in your mouth, needs not much of effort in chewing. That yellow poached goodness is so tempting! I slowly sip the yolk, that’s my way of eating it. Try it rather than pricking it :) You’d know how the yolk will blast inside your mouth then!

Pan Seared Foie Gras (Php 850) Pan Seared Foie Gras with caramelized apples in a Port Wine reduction.

Considerably the highlight of the entrées served. The inside of the Foie Gras was really creamy and the outside was cooked with an ample crispiness. The caramelized apple refreshes ones palate. Though I prefer eating Foie Gras on its own, I think the addition of the caramelized apples gave a new approach to it.

Truffle French Fries (Php 220)

Medium sized truffle fries with a very strong smell, yet very appetizing too. Those with sensitive sense of smell might be a lil put off with this but the aroma was actually the reason you’d find yourself biting from one fries after the other.

Mr. Lito Caballero, Bistecca’s Gen. Manager was so nice to let us taste their desserts as well, as if the spread wasn’t enough to make us full! But as always, the tunnel to resistance was null and void. Thanks so much Lito! 

You can always ask the Bistecca Team for the featured desserts of the day! 

Even if you’re not a meat maven, Bistecca is too tough to pass up When In Manila. A glass or bottle of wine would be perfect for toasting and enjoying the night at Rockwell. Perhaps you’d find yourself frequenting this place more, for times that you just don’t care and wants that Steak Splurge!

Bistecca

122 Joya, Rockwell, Makati City

403-5231

bistecca@gmail.com

When in Manila and a die-hard pro wrestling fan, chances are you can only get your fix through watching wrestling on TV or on YouTube (if you hate the commercials and fast forward through the women’s wrestling matches).

Manila has not had a chance to witness a live wrestling event since 2009 but that will change when WWFX, or the World Wrestling Fan Xperience: Champion Showcase Tour 2012, hits our shores this weekend.

The outfit promises to be the most fan-interactive wrestling promotion this side of the world. One of the ways it plans to prove that is through the WWFX Fan Contest.

The WWFX Fan Contest will give two lucky fans (one male and one female) the chance to be part of the event as either a guest ring announcer for one match, or as a manager, accompanying one of the superstars during his/her match.

To be part of the contest, fans must answer the question, “Who is your favorite Wrestler on WWFX?” and post a picture of themselves holding their ticket to the show and upload it on the show’s like page, https://www.facebook.com/WWFXManila

When WhenInManila.com contributor Stan found out about the contest, he knew he wouldn’t be able to resist the idea of possibly being the guest ring announcer at the event, so he took my pride, swallowed it, and joined the contest. 

See how Stan transforms into a Wrestling Pro Announcer for this contest on the link below

The contest ends this week and Stan could be days away from living out a boyhood dream. His photo can be found over at https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2538463227064&set=o.147318528706454&type=3&theater, where you can find his answer to the question. (Hint: My answer involves the letters M, V, and P)

The WWFX Champion Showcase Tour 2012 is on Saturday, February 4, 7:30 PM, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Among the wrestlers performing live on Saturday are former WWE superstars Carlitos, Chris Master, John Hennigan, Shelton Benjamin, Rhino, MVP, Hurricane Helms, and “Mr. Ass” Billy Gunn.

Pro Wrestlers in Manila: WWFX World Wrestling Fan Experience

When in Manila and looking for a cool relaxing place to chill, I suggest you try lounging at CaliforniaBerry! For all you frozen yogurt addicts out there, I’m so sure  you’ve heard about CaliforniaBerry being one of the pioneers and front runners when it comes to frozen yogurt desserts. I’m sure you’d agree that a strong company like this is really tough to beat with their variety of fresh delectable toppings on that rich creamy yet guilt-free cup of yogurt goodness! They are the only yogurt chain in the Philippines to guarantee 100% nonfat frozen yogurt (others contain at least 2%)!

The good news is that, I recently discovered that they really have a lot more to offer!! Yeah! Aside from their classic frozen yogurt delights, they recently introduced more sweet and even savory pasta treats on their menu! Let’s check ‘em out!

as you enter their store (Tomas Morato) you’ll definitely be greeted by their friendly staff!

oh! My guests have arrived! As you can see, the place looks very cool and refreshing! It also has free wi-fi making it an ideal place to spend a cool relaxing day! They are also open up to 3am on weekends! great!

Meet Mike, Bing and Bea! My friends from the Manila Soul Scene

we tried their pastas and we find their  Cheesy Lasagna to be the tastiest!

Then it was time  to pick our toppings for our frozen yogurt!!

We were asked to pick 3 toppings as we please!

you can choose from their chocolatey choices and fresh fruits

Pick the cup you fancy! No worries ‘coz it’s 100% guilt-free!

now we go to the best part! woaaaaaahhhh!!

Meet my cup: regular yogurt with cheesecake chunks, walnuts and peaches! This is soooo me!

Kuya Bing had blueberry yogurt with rice crispies, choco chips and cherries! Neat!

nom nom nom!

we all enjoyed sharing our own unique creations!

Bea had regular yogurt, crushed grahams, banana chips and mangos!

We noticed that the banana chips were too thick. I hope they can change it to thinner slices to give it that light perfect crunch!

But wait! There’s more!!! In their intention to serve you with more exciting treats, CaliforniaBerry recently introduced  more cool additions to  their menu!

Introducing….. CaliforniaBerry‘s delicious sweet milk teas

left to right: Taro, Boba, Honey Milk Green Tea milk  teas

They also have fresh fruit yogurt blends……

Banana Rama

 Last but definitely not least, meet their Ice Ice Baby!

it’s basically shaved flavored ice topped with goodies!!

For this one, we had Taro shaved ice with mango, cereals, almond slivers and condensed milk!

This is really very interesting! It’s actually my 2nd time to have flavored shaved ice

I think this will become a hit soon!

Come on! Spoil yourself a bit! You deserve it! =)

don’t be shy!

So when in Manila, be sure to invite your best buds, spoil yourselves  and indulge with cups of deliriously delicious 100% nonfat  goodness which only CaliforniaBerry brings!

California Berry

1103-B East Tower, Philippine Stock Exchange Center, Pasig City

telephone:  (+632)368.39.17 or (+632) 368.39.76

join their Facebook Page

CaliforniaBerry: Makers of 100% NonFat Yogurt Desserts Now Offer Milk Teas and Shaved Iced Treats!

When In Manila, we have long awaited the arrival of one who can properly craft a gems and stones into something truly worth admiring.

Just like a diamond is time’s definition of coal, Manila’s long wait has finally crafted us Victoria Panopio.

Victoria Panopio, hailed as one of Mega Magazine’s “Young Women to Look Out For,” is half of the designing mind behind Panopio Jewelry, the other half being her sister – Beatrice Panopio.

This new Panopio collection was inspired from the baroque pearl, called as such because this pearl’s shape isn’t round.  It varies from pearl to pearl so much that they initially wanted to call the collection “If it’s not BAROQUE, don’t fix it.” 

The Panopio sisters really concentrated on getting inspiration from this material for this collection.  Jewelry collections are usually based on a particular look for a collection, instead of a material.

Panopio has a certain way about their items; the look, the feel, the style. When regular customers see a piece, they can automatically tell that Panopio designed it. 

“It’s very difficult to put into words what sets our work apart design-wise, but suffice it to say, our clients see it.”

Panopio Jewelry prides themselves in custom-made pieces, so if someone would like to get something done, just give them a text.

When In Manila, get yourself an avant garde piece of jewelry custom made to your style, life and personality from the elegant Victoria Panopio and her Panopio Jewelry Boutique.

Their website panopio.com will be up soon for more info.

 
An appointment for a custom piece can be booked through these two shops:

Panopio
Shop #3 Basement Shopping Arcade,
The Peninsula Manila
Makati, Philippines
Book Through Michelle: 09053405207

Bijou
2nd Floor Filipino Zone
Greenbelt 5
Makati, Philippines
Book through Stella:  0909263097299
or through email:  vicky@panopio.com

Victoria Panopio Jewelry: Elegant Custom Made Jewelry in Manila

When In Manila and you are looking for that annual planner that has amazing “inserts”, very much handy (– just the size of a regular notebook) and aesthetically pleasing with a touch of “his and her” theme, then grab your self the Belle De Jour Power Planner and / or Navi Life Planner.

Belle De Jour Power Planner and Navi Life Planner 2012

Since this is a split of “his and her” planners (but that is just the concept you can use both if you wish), let me start off with one fitting for me and my fellow girlies everywhere – the Belle De Jour (BDJ) Power Planner.

Belle De Jour Power Planner 2012

For the non-French speaking people out there like myself as well as to save you the trouble of hitting up Google translate, “Belle De Jour” is a French fashion lingo for “it” girl, the modern-day renaissance woman who dares to achieve her goals, lives her dream life, makes a difference in her community, while doing everything in great style.”

And of course then comes the Navi Life Planner – tagged as “your life navigator” for my guys out there.

Navi Life Planner 2012 “Your Life Navigator”

Price: Belle De Jour (BDJ) Power Planner 2012 costs Php 598 a piece while the Navi Life Planner 2012 costs Php 520 but do not let the amount pull you away from them. Here’s why:

What’s Inside: Aside from the beautiful look from the outside – and the materials used, these handy and compact planners are equipped with so many tools.

1. Coupons! – Yes coupons, if you sum them all up, the price for one is more than enough for what is in store for you from all the discount coupons and freebies these planners have. I am pretty sure this will pull you closer to getting it.

Belle De Jour Power Planner 2012: Freebies / Coupons and Page Tools

2. Useful pages and tools:

Belle De Jour Power Planner: Monthly Tools and Pages

Navi Life Planner 2012: Pages

a. Whilst Belle De Jour Power Planner 2012 has the goals page (for personal life, fitness/health, financial, career, new things to learn and new experiences to try) Navi Life Planner 2012 has the same which also includes a Bucket List page.

b. What good would a planner do without the monthly and weekly pages which is laid out specifically considering the “his and her” theme?

c. Both also have the travel page tracker wherein could be very useful for someone who aims to be not only a citizen of his/her own country but the world (travel wise).

I would love to talk more about Belle De Jour Power Planner 2012 and Navi Life Planner 2012, but I will leave it up to you guys and girls to grab your own piece and start jotting down every events in your life, no matter how big or small.

So When In Manila, and you are up for recording / writing meaningful events in your life. Get a Belle De Jour Power Planner 2012 and Navi Life Planner 2012 in all bookstores out there or to know more about them and order online visit:

http://www.belledejourpowerplanner.com/bdj/index.php

Side note: Tho, its the 31st of January, 2012, this can be a great gift this coming 14th of February for your lovely lady and/or man.

Belle De Jour and Navi: Your handy and trusty Life Planners for 2012

When in Manila, don’t ever miss to eat  the famous Filipino dishes - Adobo, Kinilaw and Kilawin. And what makes these dishes more flavorful with every bite is the wonder ingredient, vinegar (suka’ in Tagalog). And when you think of vinegar, there is only one brand that comes to mind - Datu Puti!

If you grew up in Manila, you cannot miss those Datu Puti commercials with its talents and models doing the signature “muhkasim” (sour face) pose. It is funny to say that only Datu Puti can make Manny Pacquaio’s face distorted.

Now, here is the new offering from Datu Puti – Pinoy Kurant Spiced Tuba Vinegar.

The color looks like a cooking oil, but the minced chili (chili seeds included) swimming at the bottom makes all the difference. If you are like me who loves anything spicy, this is the vinegar for you and your Chicharon!

The instructions says to shake well before opening (or pouring). Now, that makes the bottle a little cloudy, that signals the start of fun food trip!

When I opened the bottle, the strong smell of fermented sap already filled my nostrils – that kind of aroma that only Datu Puti can give.  I never realized that in a matter of seconds, the aroma already fills the kitchen like an air freshener. It is that strong!

When I poured it in the soy dish, I see minced chili, seeds, chili flakes and fiber rolling down together. It was timely that we have Salted and Dried Milkfish (Daing na Bangus) to test and taste the new Spiced Tuba Vinegar. 

A pinch of a fish and a quick dunk on the soy dish, the food went straight to my mouth. The signature Datu Puti vinegar taste is there – with that sudden kick of spiciness, and it explodes with every bite. Even after I swallowed the food, it left a burning sensation in my mouth – a good feeling of hotness that calls for another bite. 

I love the idea that there is no need for us to buy Siling Labuyo (Bird’s Eye Chili) and soak them in vinegar to get that spicy flavor we wanted when enjoying Tokwa’t Baboy, Calamares and even Tocino! I should really try this with Chicharon!

When in Manila, get  Datu Puti – Pinoy Kurant Spiced Tuba Vinegar from supermarket or your suking tindahan, and make it your kitchen staple! 

Datu Puti – Pinoy Kurant Spiced Tuba Vinegar is available in leading grocery stores and supermarkets. SRP Php58 for 375 ml bottle. 

When in Manila, Enjoy Filipino Food with Datu Patu Spiced Tuba Vinegar (In Tagalog: Suka)

When in Manila and looking for your next pair of kicks, check out the adidas adizero Rose 2.5, the fourth installment of Derrick Rose’s signature shoe. Weighing only 11 ounces, the adizero Rose 2.5 has upgraded most of its features to provide D-Rose his need for speed and maneuverability.

The adizero Rose 2.5 features a top down Google Earth view of Derrick’s Englewood roots embossed into the toe box and upper. Signature details include “ROSE” on the tongue and three stripes branding on the back of the shoe to emphasize his speed on the court.  The sockliner features an infrared color and Derrick’s signature as a nod to his motivation and inspired play on the court. Derrick’s jersey number “1” is also featured on toe.

Patterned from the previous adizero Crazy Light line up, it features a premium SPRINTFRAME execution and enlarged SPRINTWEB area to reduce weight, add support and allow maximum motion control. The adiZero Crazy Light outsole traction system is utilized and has varied engineered thickness to ensure maximum grip in high wear perimeter zones, and less thickness and weight in low perimeter zones like the midfoot.

If that won’t get you excited, the Rose 2.5 is also powered by miCoach, making it the smartest basketball boot by far! miCoach turns the shoe into the ultimate digital training tool by letting you track and upload performance data including speed, maximum speed, number of sprints, distance, distance at high intensity levels and time.

All of this can be done by the revolutionary miCoach SPEED_CELL. All you need to do is snap it on your laces or tuck it inside the Rose 2.5 (yes, there is a small compartment for the SPEED CELL. Cool eh?). The miCoach SPEED_CELL captures 360-degree movement and measures key performance metrics including speed, average speed (recorded every second), maximum speed (recorded every five seconds), number of sprints, distance, distance at high intensity levels, steps and stride rates. The on-board memory stores all your measurements during your game or training for up to seven hours and then wirelessly transmits the on pitch performance data to your tablet, PC or MAC.

The adiZero Rose 2.5 Home & Away colors retail at Php 6,995 and will be available this February 2 at adidas outlets. adidas will also be launching exclusive colorways (below) of the adiZero Rose 2.5 in adidas stores located at Trinoma,Greenbelt3, Powerplant Mall, SM Malls and at Titan:

• Year of the Dragon - Jan 23, 2012 (Out Now)
• Home - Feb 2, 2012
• Away – Feb 2, 2012
• Dear Mama – Feb 9, 2012
• All Star Weekend – Feb 17, 2012

 

 

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/adidasPhilippines.

Here in wheninmanila.com, we wish for you to find ease and happiness that is why we do our best and make time to provide you with the things you need to know…to keep you informed, inspired and entertained in the hope that you may also find your way. We want you to feel good NOW! So in order for you to find that “ease,” here’s something which we highly recommend you do this year.

I couldn’t exactly count the wonderful things and experiences which I have been attracting ever since I made a promise to myself that I will always choose happiness no matter what. And because of my firm belief in the Law of Attraction, allow me to introduce to you something which I believe will help you in your journey to happiness.

I believe it’s high time you experience  The Book of Ten – The Little Black Book of Life!

I just got a copy of the book and I can’t wait to tell you about it!

finally!!

I feel so blessed when I got the chance to exchange thoughts with its author Kathryn Pua! How nice it is to meet someone who share the same vision as yours. We used to be “lost” souls as well, but due to our yearning for “meaning,”  we bravely chose the path less traveled.  The book came as a result of her intention to share her wisdom and the secrets on how she was able to achieve the happiness she is now enjoying. I’m very impressed with the passion and dedication which she has shown so far and this is one reason why I’m giving my full support to her. I believe that everyone should have a copy of this book!

I believe it is time for you to have this!

By the time I got the book, it reminded me of the movie Eat, Pray Love. I knew I just had to reward myself with a good book and a good meal shared with a good friend that moment so I invited my friend Badeth for dinner  at Va Pensiero for they serve authentic and simple Italian style pizzas which I think are closest to what Julia Roberts also enjoyed in the movie. I knew I just had to set the right mood and ambiance while reading it! hihihihi

 rewarding myself with a good book and a good meal shared with a good friend!  

 hmmmmm….. I find it to be very interesting. The book is loaded with a lot of inspiring and motivating words!

 my friend Badeth was also very impressed with it

 I enjoyed doing the activities which the book asked me to do. It made me realize a lot of things. It made me think about the things which I have been neglecting and depriving myself with.Unlike all regular planners where you’re asked to list down the things we HAVE to do and accomplish, in The Book of Ten, you are given the freedom to just be yourself and write the things we WANT to do!

It is a book that will help you reflect and ponder on the things which really matter to you. The very vital things which you know will complete your existence. It is loaded with activities, ideas and even free space for you to freely write anything and everything!Feel free to write down your dreams, aspirations… the things which will make you happy! Let this book guide you in your journey to live the life which you promised yourself you’d live!

Let me share to you my story….

Years ago, I used to be so pessimistic. I had too many fears and woes. I hated myself so much I couldn’t even take a photo of myself for I  believed I was so ugly. I rejected so many opportunities because I never had any confidence in myself. People looked down on me, I was often ridiculed, criticized and often told that I was never to succeed. The saddest part was… I believed them. Little did I know about this invisible box which I confined myself in for the longest time. It was when I was at my lowest where I finally realized that enough was enough and that I will never allow people to treat me that way ever! Slowly, I struggled to pick up the pieces of that broken me and slowly allowed my wounds to heal. I went on a journey deep deep inside my soul in order for me to be whole again. It really takes a lot of courage to dare know the real you. With a lot of prayers and the support of my family and friends, It didn’t  take too long for me to get back on track. When I was finally able to switch my vibration to a much positive one, unexpected things started to unfold and until now, I’m still at awe with the things I am receiving. It really pays to have faith that all is well and that everything will be for the good. I realized that when you do your best to align yourself to your source and be who you are, all the universe can do is soothe and support you all the way! Everything for me is possible now. My life is so fabulous and ever unfolding!

Years ago, I dreamed of seeing Palawan but since I couldn’t really afford to travel, I never seriously planned to go and if I would, I’d just book the cheapest ticket, sleep at the cheapest inn and take the cheapest tour. Roughly 2 months ago while my  partner Frank and I were chatting during one of our out if town trips, I remember telling him that Palawan would be a nice destination to go to next. We really had no plans then for it was just a casual talk. Perhaps we have unconsciously placed an order to the universe and miraculously, after only 1 day, I received a call that we were to be sent to Palawan and stay at a premiere resort….

got more than what I wished for

dreams do come true

It is never too late my friend! Now is the perfect time to love yourself and give it the attention it needs. Life is too short to be wasted on unimportant people and things. Life is supposed to be good for you! Be happy! Smile a lot! Count your blessings. Look for reasons to feel good. Dig out positive things in the past. Look for positive things from where you stand and expect positive things in the future. Let your heart serve as your compass and the Book of Ten  as your map to help you find your way so be sure to get a copy of this book especially when in Manila!

The Book of Ten – The Little Black Book of Life

by Kathryn Pua

click here to order!!!  

Eat, Pray, Love and Read The Book Of Ten – The Little Black Book of Life! 

I told you all that David Archuleta sounds totally pinoy!

Check this out! I got to hang out with my friends from TV5 and got to hear him sing this at the studio. I’m not the biggest follower of David Archuleta but I was just really impressed at how much he prepared for this and how pinoy he sounds.

I heard him sing it a few times, sounding perfect, but each time his people came out saying David wasn’t satisfied with it yet and thought that he could do better. So he just kept recording it over and over again. This of course also really impressed me.

It seems that the great singers and artists out there are absolute work horses who strive for perfection!

Way to go Archie!

David Archuleta sings “Nandito Ako”: A sneak peek.

The long wait is over!

For those who are itching to hear David Archuleta sing in Tagalog, here is an exclusive preview to his rendition of the famous OPM ballad, “Nandito Ako” (written by Aaron Paul). This will be the official theme song of his upcoming eponymous primetime series with homegrown Kapatid talents Jasmine Curtis Smith and Eula Caballero.

And from what the first 43 seconds indicate, David’s fans will not be disappointed.

Just listen to that voice!

Keep visiting www.followarchuleta.ph as we will be releasing the full song very soon!

And stay in touch with fellow Archie fans on Twitter by tweeting #followarchuleta.

David Archuleta Singing Filipino Song “Nandito Ako” and Sounds Totally Pinoy

When in Manila and you want to rest from the hustle and bustle of city living, you’ll find that a lot of entertainment options are available, the most popular of which is – you guessed it right – movie.

And to TriNoma Cinema 7 I went, thanks to Sanuk’s cool movie treat. Sanuk, the international brand of funky and comfy footwear, expressed its gratitude to its loyal clients and Facebook fans with a grand eyeball highlighted by a special screening of Contraband.

And a neat movie experience it was.

Contraband is your standard heist movie, tackling issues of betrayal, corruption, and family. Chris Farraday (Mark Wahlberg) is a former smuggler who is shoved back to smuggling to pay off the debt of his brother-in-law Andy (Caleb Landry Jones) to a drug dealer, Tim Briggs (Giovanni Ribisi).

The huge debt, which resulted from Andy’s failed drug smuggling operation, is due in two weeks, a tight deadline that in part sets up the suspense in the movie.

What follows are scenes filled with tension. The movie keeps the audience on the edge of their seats as they follow Chris and his team obtaining counterfeit dollar bills, loading them into the cargo ship on time, keeping them out of the knowledge of the already suspecting captain, all while Chris struggles with news about Tim hassling Chris’s wife (Kate Beckinsale) and two boys.

Apparently, the movie gets the thriller part right by enriching the plot with a race-with-time energy. But it generally struggles with reality. Many of the scenes, not to mention the circumstances that lead to these scenes, are potentially impossible in real life and are only fashioned and set up in a way to excite the audience.

But then again, it’s a movie of purely fictional kind – the type wherein everything is possible for well-intentioned people like Chris. And with Chris I empathized. Just like the rest of the audience, who obviously enjoyed Contraband and the exciting freebies from Sanuk.

Of course, our thanks go to Sanuk Grand Eyeball. True to its tagline – “Smile…Pass it on!” – Sanuk wants every client to experience the happy, cool vibe and to be so inspired to share it with others.

And definitely, with such a generous heart, Sanuk will be coming up with fab events such as this especially for the Sanuk community. So When in Manila, watch out for them! 

Like Sanuk on Faceboook

Visit their website: www.sanuk.ph

Contraband Movie Review: Premiere Night Starring Mark Wahlberg and Kate Beckinsale

When In Manila and looking to go bag trendy without hurting your pockets, then come by a Crumpler Store near you and check out their Crumpler Limited Edition Bags!

5 Million Dollar Home (above)

Polished professional. Aspiring Amateur. Happy snappy chappy or chapette. It makes no difference. If you want to haul a basic set of camera or video equipment, and protect it from the elements and things that go bump in the night or day, give the Five Million Dollar Home a shot.

Offering more capacity and flexibility than the Four Million Dollar Home, it’s as tough as old boots, water resistant, comfortable to carry and choc-a-bloc with quick access pockets and customisable space.

4 Million Dollar Home (above)

Polished professional. Aspiring Amateur. Happy snappy chappy or chapette. It makes no difference. If you want to haul a basic set of camera or video equipment, and protect it from the elements and things that go bump in the night or day, give the Four Million Dollar Home a shot.

Offering more capacity and flexibility than the Three Million Dollar Home, it’s as tough as old boots, water resistant, comfortable to carry and choc-a-bloc with quick access pockets and customisable space.

The Hoax (above)

Reserved only for LTD Edition projects, The Hoax is always a crowd pleaser.

The Barney Rustle Blanket (above)

The exceptional that proves the rule, the full-featured Barney Rustle Blanket manages to be all things to all people seeking a messenger style bag as uniquely perfect as themselves.

Proportioned to carry loads without ever weighing you down, it fits A4/foolscap-sized folders in its 14-litre main compartment, plus all your digital doodads and everyday essentials across an array of easy access pockets. Dual velcro flap seals and closure straps with quick release locks keep everything secure, while the extra-wide, padded shoulder strap with patented third leg keep everything stable.

Loud and proud with its kaleidoscopic colour way combos, the Barney Rustle Blanket features a water resistant 1,000D outer complete with reflector strip and accessory loops, and a 300D Rip-stop lining. Like all Crumplers, it comes with a ‘Til death do us part’ lifetime warranty.

Western Lawn (above)

Like a little more personal space for the personal belongings you can’t carry on your person? Then join yourself at the hip with the particularly schmick Western Lawn.

A no frills, no fuss, less-is-more messenger style baggage buddy, the Western Lawn is large enough to hold an A4/foolscap-sized folder, and organised enough to compartmentalise your carryings on into two external pockets, three internal pockets and a large main cargo space in whatever way takes your fancy.

The water resistant 1,000D outer features a dual velcro-fastened flap for security, and a slashing contrast stripe for show. There’s also a strap trap accessory loop, while the Quick Flick™ buckle lets you adjust the carrying height of the Western Lawn as easily and expeditiously as its name suggests.

Crumpler Bag SRPs:

Crumpler Limited Edition Bags are available at:

Crumpler Bonifacio Highstreet

Crumpler Trinoma

Crumpler Megamall

Crumpler Robinsons Ermita

Crumpler Limited Edition Sling Bags, Camera and Laptop Pouches

When In Manila, if you haven’t seen it, then you need to check out the “Pak Yow” music video!

Thi Pak Yow Music Video is reportedly a teaser for a 12 episode web series starring Mikey Bustos that’ll be released online.

It’s a really fun video and I’m excited to see the actual show! My favorite part has to be the “Who’s your coach – Freddie Roach” lyrics.

Anyway, I’m also assuming that the “Pak Yow” is a play on words with Manny Pacquiao’s name and making is sound like an “F U” in taglish.

When In Manila, do the Pak Yow! 

Check out the Manny Pacquiao Prison Musical: Pak Yow Dance video below!

“PAK YOW” First single from Prison Dancer: The Interactive Musical webseries, launching in March 2012.

Lyrics to Manny Pacquiao musica “Pak Yow”:

Pak Yow

(Do the Pak Yow)
Manny Pacquiao is his name
he will punch you in your brain
you can do just like he does
when you put on your boxing gloves

(Pak Yow! x4)

Manny Pacquiao is the best
You know he can beat the rest
Sometimes when you touch his punch
His fist will eat your face for lunch

(Pak Yow! x4)

Everybody duck the rope
duck the rope
duck the rope
duck the rope

Everybody rope a dope
rope a dope
rope a dope
rope a dope

BUBOY!!!

Manny Pacquiao is the king
king of all the Philippines
right jab
he can kick your ass
left punch
take off your moustache

(Pak Yow x4)

Who’s your coach?
Freddie Roach x8

Who’s your coach?
Ask yourself that question…

Credits:

Music and Lyrics by Romeo Candido
Production by Romeo Candido
Vocals by Norman Alconcel
Background Vocals by Nicco Lorenzo Garcia, Pierre Bayuga, Ron Josol, Mikey Bustos, Romeo Candido, Norman Alconcel, Joseph Sevillo, Jeigh Madjus
Mix and Mastered by Scott Purdy
Cinematography by Barry Cheong
Choreography by Diana Lady Di Reyes
Production Design by Johnny Nghiem
Special thanks to Legends League for Graphic
From Prison Dancer : The Interactive Musical
Written by Romeo Candido and Carmen De Jesus
Produced by Ana Serrano
Video Post Production by 1188 FILMS: http://weare1188.com/

Manny Pacquiao Prison Musical: Pak Yow Dance

When in Manila, be sure to sample the gastronomic delights its bustling streets have to offer. More and more confectionery shops have been opening up their doors to all kinds of sweet teeth, with mouth-watering desserts ready to be devoured and enjoyed. Such a gem can be found along the corner of Santol Street in San Antonio Village, Makati.

Sophie’s Mom, a charming little bake shop nestled along a quiet neighborhood is managed by…who else? Sophie’s mom of course! Tonette Rosal is a very talented baker with three daughters (the eldest being Sophie), who has taken her sumptuous red velvet cupcakes out of the kitchen and into a place where more people can enjoy them.

Opened in the middle of 2011, Sophie’s Mom offers a wide range of breads and pastries for the very lucky homes near it, and has had a steadily growing number of followers ever since. The area is void of any tables and chairs, as it is mainly set up as a traditional take-out bakery with customer purchases meant to be enjoyed at home.

Among their bestsellers are their yummy cupcakes and Mochi ice cream balls. They also sell a variety of breads and cookies, and can be hired to make custom-designed cakes and cupcakes for parties and special occasions. All Sophie’s Mom products are made fresh every day, with the finest quality ingredients to make sure that each bite is a splendid treat! We got to have a little chat with the lovely Ms. Tonette to take us through their products as we sampled them.

My personal favorite, and incidentally their all-time bestseller, is their Red Velvet cupcake. This delightful cupcake is deliciously moist, filled with lots of chocolate chip bits and topped off with a very decadent cream cheese icing on top.

Coming at a close second is their delectable Dulce de Leche cupcake, a super rich chocolate cupcake with dark chocolate ganache frosting and a dulce de leche-filled center. Best enjoyed warm so you can bite into the cupcake with the filling oozing from the center; it’s crazy sweet!

Lighter cupcakes that are just as sweet and delicious are their Tres Leches cupcakes filled with (fresh!) mango or strawberry slices inside.

We also got to try their strawberry and frozen brazo Mochi ice cream balls and their very popular Mochi truffles. Staying true to their home-made vibe, Sophie’s Mom makes all their ice cream from scratch, making their Mochi balls incredibly creamier, richer and tastier than most Mochi balls around! A fresh batch of their fruit ice cream flavors are made every day, filled with chunky bits of fresh fruit and without any artificial sweeteners, food color, and flavors.

Another treat worth trying is their ingenious Stookies, which are soft and chewy chocolate chip cookies stuffed with a whole Oreo cookie inside – a cookie within a cookie; it’s twice the awesomeness!

What I love most about this quaint little bake shop is their absolutely cutesy interiors, which are every bit as sweet as the pastries they offer. What’s more is that much care and attention is put into every confection – creating desserts and pastries you’d love to bring home for friends, family, or yourself! So when in Manila, don’t forget to pay Sophie’s Mom a visit!

Sophie’s Mom Bakery and Confectionary

8760 Santol St., San Antonio Village, 1203 Makati, Philippines

Website: http://www.sophiesmom.com

Tel. No.: 856-4849 / 404-8165 / 0920 912 9952

For a list of items and prices, visit their Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/sophiesmomonline

Sophie’s Mom: The Sweetest Bakery and Confectionary This Side of Makati

I’m not ashamed to say that I love food. Hence the reason why I go around the metro looking for the best places that offer the best eats. The Marriott Hotel has only been operating for a few years so their buffet is pretty new in this side of town (at least to my knowledge), and I was eager to try what they had. My family and I visited just a few days after New Year’s. Not a bad way to start the year I’ll say. 

The first thing that greets you when you enter the cafe is their wide selection of desserts and can I just say? Wow. From cakes t to puddings to (stop me from drooling please), their home made ice-creams, i tell you, I was about ready to give up trying everything else if only to go straight to their mouth watering desserts. But of course, that had to wait.

The buffet boasts of their international culinary stations. Filipino, Chinese, Japanese, US, and much to my surprise, Indian.  They also had an extensive salad station,to the utter delight of my wannabe healthy self. So yes, the dessert station may have seduced my tummy, but the salad station helped me find my way back to my healthy self again (which didn’t last for long really). Top your greens with your choice of smoked salami, pepperoni, red beets, croutons, throw in perhaps some glass noodles (not your usual but I had to try it) and your good to go. Suffice to say I was happy with their salad station, I don’t doubt the healthy people will find themselves quite content here as well. 

And that was the best of my efforts to stay healthy. The rest of the glorious food called me by name (or so I imagined). After the salad, I had to try their Chinese food…dumplings, roast duck, fried rice, wanton. I did enjoy the chinese fried rice very much and wanted to eat more but I knew I had to leave space for the other stations that beckoned.

 If you know me well enough, you would know that I can’t stay away from steak. I sometimes have to order good ‘ol Prime ribs from the US but good to know that good US prime meat can be found here at the Marriott Cafe. You could aslo ask them to cook it just the way you want it. Medium well for me. Try it with their mashed potatoes and pepper corn gravy. Melts in your mouth. 

Their Japanese station offered the usual tuna sashimi, tempura, maki’s so I had to get just a little of everything. The sashimi’s were fresh so that alone made me happy with their Japanese station. 

The chef, I was also happy to find, was someone I knew from my high school days. The little sister of a batchmate of mine. She is no longer little though, and she was in her chef’s uniform looking all serious and grown up and all of a sudden I felt like a proud older sister, haha. Chef Marianne Reyes whipped up a delicious pasta dish for me which I’d have to say, was my favorite for the day (Thanks Chef!). So definitely try their pasta station and if you don’t know what to put in it, ask the chef to make something special for you too, I’m sure you won’t regret it. 

After all that I had, you would think that I’d have no space left for dessert, but no. The dessert station still called so who was I to say no to those delicious mini cakes? I tried so many! For the health conscious, try their sugar free cheesecake. The home made ice cream is not one to miss either. They had an array of flavors but the Palawan honey walnut was the obvious family favorite. 

As you’d have already guessed, we all enjoyed our visit at the Marriott Cafe. So whether you’re feeling health conscious or ready to feed your stomach crazy, Marriott Cafe should definitely be on your list of new places to try in the metro. So when in Manila, and ready for some good food, you’ll know where to visit next!

Special Thanks to Chef Marianne Reyes for being so gracious and hospitable :) This won’t be our last visit!

No 10 Newport Boulevard,Newport City Complex,

Pasay City · Manila, 1309 Philippines

When In Manila, Ballet Philippines ends its 42^nd Season with undying love in the all-new contemporary ballet, “Pusong Wagas” on February 17 to 19 at the CCP Little Theater.

BP resident choreographer Alden Lugnasin creates his original contemporary ballet based on the legend of the city of Mandaluyong, with libretto by Nicolas B. Pichay and original music by independent music icon Cynthia Alexander.

Set in pre-colonial Manila, the story highlights the exemplary love of Luyong, a gifted carpenter, and Manda, a tribal princess, and their sacrifice in the face of the coming foreign invaders. This work is co-produced by the City of Mandaluyong and Hon. Mayor Benjamin Abalos Jr.

BP Artistic Director Paul Alexander Morales says, “We are encouraged that local governments like Mandaluyong find it important to support works that have historical and cultural significance, and we hope that it will encourage the other local governments and the national government to do the same.”

Tickets are at P600 to P1000, with performance dates on February 17 and 18 at 3 PM and 8 PM, and February 19 at 10 AM and 3 PM. Student and senior citizen discounts apply.

Ballet Philippines’
“Pusong Wagas”
Category: dance, contemporary

Pusong Wagas, is a full-length work by resident choreographer Alden Lugnasin with original music by an independent music icon, Cynthia Alexander. Based on a libretto by Nicolas B. Pichay, this production is inspired by the legend of Mandaluyong. Set in pre-colonial Manila, the story highlights the exemplary love of Luyong, a gifted carpenter and Manda a tribal princess and their sacrifice in the face of the coming foreign invaders. This work is co-produced in cooperation with the City of Mandaluyong.

Date and Time:
February 17, 2011 / 3PM & 8PM
February 18, 2011 / 3PM & 8PM
February 19, 2011 / 10AM & 3PM

Venue: Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (CCP Little Theater)
Tickets: P1000 / P600

Ballet Philippines’ “Pusong Wagas” perfect for Valentine’s weekend

Buffed & Polished laid its humble beginning as a nail lounge nestled just at the back of the Phil. Heart Center in Quezon City.  They are located in Eastside Condominium along Malakas Street. One look and you’d think that their services are way too expensive, come on- condos everywhere!? But they charge averagely and yet the services are commendable.

The elixir that makes Buffed & Polished special is their commitment to deliver great style and customer service. Add a dash of uniqueness, a batch of talented hands, appreciation for creativity and artistry, and wrap it all up in an environment that fosters creative thinking…that’s Buffed & Polished at your service.

As any artist would say, “You gotta have the right tool for the right job.” Aside from terrific results, they think it’s important to align themselves with fashion forward salons that are already hitting big in the market.

Got any designs in mind? Fret not; they have the kinks worked out. From subtle pedicures to flashy manicure colours to seasonal designs; it’s easy to secure the style you want at Buffed & Polished. While other salons tango with either the shade or colour of the month, their staffs are focused and are trained in creating looks ranging from the funky to the classics.

Buffed & Polished goal is to reinvent the nail experience. More than manicures and pedicures, they want you to experience a new concept that promotes health and personal pampering all while maintaining affordable pricing. If quality and variety are what you’re looking for, then this is the nail salon for you.

It’s a very nice place but this is not a salon wherein the decor sort of overwhelms you. The no-frills atmosphere is the first tip of that you’re going to get a good value and you’re not paying for a lot of exorbantly-priced fixtures.

To get the most bang for your buck, you are automatically given the Buffed & Polished card, and receive discounts or even free services and products on your future visits. You can also purchase Gift Certs in which you can hand over to your best friend and have that pampering session together!

Become a tidier, more polished version of yourself  When In Manila. You only need 15 minutes of scrubbing…and BAM! You have the most beautiful nail job ever..not to mention you’re still rocking it after 3-4 weeks!

Buffed & Polished

Unit 108 Eastside Condominium

121 Malakas Street

1100 Quezon City

211.4590

I’m truly at awe and speechless for this surprise! This is really something unexpected!  I feel so thankful and blessed with all the great things which are unfolding. With all the food bloggers around, I never thought my entry would even top the 1st round! Actually, I rarely join competitions. I’m simply happy with the things I’m doing. Eating out, doing crazy things, capturing moments and putting them all in writing is second nature to me. =)

Thank You So Much Sooo Pinoy for finding my entry worthy enough! I feel very honored to be part of this glorious event! I’m so excited to meet my fellow bloggers who qualified as well. I’m sure interacting with them and hearing their stories will be such a delight! I’m certain that this experience will be sooo awesome!

I’d like to thank all my friends for their support especially my partner in crime Frank Ruaya for believing in me and for the fantastic photos we create together with each adventure we experience! Of course, I’d like to thank our ever supportive editor-in chief Vince!!!

There is more to be done… sooo many places to see,  sooo many flavors to taste,  sooo many people to meet,  sooo many memories to capture and  sooo many stories to tell! This is gonna be an experience of a lifetime!!!

To read my official entry kindly click this link: http://www.wheninmanila.com/flavors-of-life-sweet-memories-bitter-ends-sour-notes-and-salted-eggs/ 

To view our humble blog, visit EATS A DATE  

When In Manila’s Very Own Mae Ilagan Tops Round 1 of The Sooo Pinoy Search for the Ultimate Food Blogger!