Belle de Jour Power Planner 2011 Fresh-Off-The-Press

Hey, bellas, do you wanna be one of the first ladies who will get fresh-off-the-press Belle de Jour Power Planner 2011?  Well, here's the squeal IT girls!

The BDJ 2011 Planner will be launched on October 2, 2010 (2 p.m.) at Venice Piazza Mall, Taguig City.  I still have no idea of the price yet, but for sure it is worth it and so affordable.  As I remember, for the girls who attended the BDJ Fair, they got a certain discount.  I was able to buy my BDJ 2010 Planner for only P480 at the launch but (in malls, it costs around P550).  See the big difference!

You will surely enjoy the event, guys and gals.  Belle De Jour Power Planner supporters will also enjoy perks and freebies at the fair.  Last year, there were free massage from The Spa, free hair makeover from Azta Urban Salon, free ice cream from Selecta, free lunch, open bar with The Bar, free photo sessions, free fortune telling, free hand wax from The Strip, free Garnier samplers and other freebies from Motolite and Ace Water Spa.  (This is aside from the coupons that you will get from the planners.)

The event is not just about freebies, girls.  After I have attended the fair, Bellas like me were very happy to meet new friends, learn new things and feel more confident after the affair.  I am sure Belle de Jour will again, this year, arrange exciting activities and a wide range of fair talks wherein speakers will talk about fashion and beauty, girl power and a lot more.


Check the post on my BDJ Power Planner 2011 Launch experience last year:
http://chicandcheaps.blogspot.com/2010/02/belle-de-jour-2010-planner-launch.html


Register to be part of BDJ Circle:
BDJ Webiste: http://belledejourpowerplanner.com/
Become a Fan: Belle De Jour Power Planner

Kraft Eden's Sarap ng Pasko: World's Longest Christmas Celebration

It was a busy Saturday afternoon because after attending NomNomClub's first anniversary, I, together with the other bloggers, rushed to SM Mall of Asia to witness the world's longest Christmas celebration with Eden's Sarap ng Pasko: 100 Days of Christmas.

As early as September 4, Eden Cheese -- the country's well-loved cheese brand spearheads the world's longest Christmas celebration with Eden's Sarap ng Pasko:  100 Days of Christmas.


We were surprised to see 100 unique cheese-based dishes from 100 towns nationwide to compete as the country's number one dish.  I was happy to see representatives from Las Pinas City (yes, everyone knows I live here), La Union and Pangasinan (and yes, I spent my teenage years on both towns.)  I am really proud they are included in the list.

Las Piñas Boys Choir serenaded us with early Christmas carols.  Cute little boys!

Pilipinas Got Talent Finalists graced the event as Kraft Eden unveil it's blue-lit Christmas tree at SM MOA Music Hall.

And as "The Company" singers grace the audience with their soothing voices, foodie bloggers enjoy Cafe 5845's  oozing-with-cheese recipes.

First time to see a cheese fountain and I love to dip small, soft churros-like bread here.  I thought it was salty but surprisingly the taste was subtle (not so salty, not so sweet).

And I keep coming back for these sweet treats especially the cream-puff-like dessert.  Crunchy on the outside, chewy inside and drizzled with chocolate on top.  Heavenly!  It was made more creamy by Eden Cheese (but you won't notice the cheese.)

From Cafe 5845, let's go to some of the participating towns and their very own original cheese dish.

Vote for your town and help them win P2,000,000 support fund and P100,000 for yourself.  Just send an Eden carton and be counted.  Visit www.sarapngpasko.com or call 72-PASKO for more details.


NOW, these are the town dishes I will surely vote for.  You know why?  It's either I used to live in these towns or there's something special I love about these towns  (i.e. my parents grew there, I've visited the place, I was born on that city, and there's something I love about that place).

Vegetable Florets con Cheese -  Agoo, La Union

What's the town known for?

The town of Agoo is known for their strong faith and devotion. The miracles that have happened in this place like ; the resurrection of a dead five-year old girl and the earthquake of 1892 where the image of Nuestra Senora de Caridad was not damaged have made Agoo famous. So get to know more about this town and have their Vegetable Florets con Cheese while you’re at it.

Cheesy Gluttonous Rice Roll - Alaminos, Pangasinan

What's the town known for?

Alaminos is the home of the world-famous Hundred Islands Natures Park, the very first National Park in the Philippines. With the Hundred Islands known the world over, Alaminos is one place a nature savvy would want to go to. But as for the foodies, indulge in their Cheesy Glutinous Rice Roll and get to appreciate their caves and giant clams as well.

Cheese Boom Bomb (Granada) - Las Piñas City

Once home to former President Emilio Aguinaldo, Las Piñas City is an one of the prominent tactical locations in the South during the Spanish Colonization. Recognized as the most peaceful and cleanest city and Hall of Famer in “clean and green” by the Prestigious Global 500 Roll of Honour of the United Nations Environment Programme, (UNEP), it houses the Bamboo Organ–known as a National Cultural Treasure. Hear the chimes of this monumental spot and be blown away by this city’s Cheese Boom Bomb.




*UPDATES*


After posting this,  I have already collected 3 wrappers and that means I have 3 entries!!!  Good Luck everyone!  Last submission of entries will be tomorrow, December 1, 2010.

Ibayo by Barrio Fiesta: A Fresh Catch

Hey, yuppies! Thinking of going out this weekend for a scrumptious seafood meal and after-dinner drinks?  Well, here's a nice catch.

The recently opened Ibayo at San Miguel by the Bay is a refreshing sight amidst the other restobar giants hogging the leisure strip by the bay.  As its name -- Ibayo, meaning "the next town" or "on the other side of", it is an alternative destination to seaside's famous "paluto" restaurants.

Upon entering, you'll be adorned with bright colored paintings on the wall, Filipino-inspired wooden interiors and comfortable seats that could very well represent classic but chic Filipino dining experience.

While there is a wide choice of familiar Barrio Fiesta dishes to choose from such as the best-seller Crispy Pata and the famous Mama Chit'sSpecials, the menu is highlighted by the Ibayo signature dishes including Ibayo White Adobo, Ibayo Crispy Catfish and Ibayo Firesticks.

Save room for dessert! Turon ala Mode, Putubungbong and the creamy, soft Maja Blanca works well with Ibayo's fresh fruit juices and shakes.

And to complete the Ibayo experience, it is highly recommended for one to try the Ibayo signature cocktail drinks.  Most interesting are the Ibayo Sunset, Skywalker, Two Alpha and Mango Bongo.  A bar chow menu including reinvented Filipino favorites like Inihaw na Liempo, Grilled Tuna Belly, Sizzling Mushrooms, Pork Barbeque and Sizzling Corn that will definitely satisfy your short cravings are also available.

This modern bistro style restaurant was put to life by the third generation members of Barrio Fiesta, brothers Tyrone and Tristan Ongpauco.

If you have a hard time choosing from the merry mix of flavors, the best suggestion would be to bring friends... and then you can share.

Chic & Cheaps Scores:
Food:  4/5
Place:  3/5
Service:  Fast, hospitable.  All guests are greeted with crackers.
Budget Guide:  Mid-range (P200 and up); cheaper than Barrio Fiesta
Accepts Credit Card:  Yes.
Address:  Bldg. G Unit 7-8 San Miguel by the Bay Seaside Brgy. 076 SM Bay City, Central Business Park 1-A Pasay City
Business Hours:  Weekdays:  3pm to 12mn
                             Weekends:  3pm to 2am


ANN RECOMMENDS:

Seafood and Carbs Galore...

Barrio Fiesta Rice

Best Kare-Kare I've ever tasted...

Seafood Kare-Kare

Crispy Pata

Adobo without soy sauce? Hmm... but still yummy!

White Adobo

My personal favorite...

Turon ala Mode

Not your ordinary Maja Blanca

Maja Blanca

So refreshing... taste of mango is prominent in this drink unlike the other mango shakes...

Mango Shake

Concocted by one of the resto owners... sweet and refreshing fusion of mango, pineapple, orange, rum, and grenadine.

Ibayo Sunset

For reservations, you may contact Monia Asuncion at 0906-5002782.

Thank you very much for the Ibayo experience Ms. Abby, Sir Artie, Mark Gosingtian, and the Ongpauco brothers.  Not only did I get to savor Ibayo's delectable dishes but also I did met the famous food bloggers whom I look up to. (",)

Gelatone - My Chic and Cheap Gelato

What’s Chic?

After a stressful afternoon at work, my officemates and I checked into the much-talked-about Gelatone located at Level 2, Greenbelt 3, Makati City.

While we’re choosing between their soothing gelati and sorbets, one of my officemates asked the crew, “Miss, what’s “Gela-tone’s” best selling gelato?” Hahaha, we laughed at her and all of us were in chorus saying, ‘It’s “Ge-la-to-ne” not “Gela-tone”.’ And the crew said, “One of our best sellers, Ma’am, is the Nutella.”



We ordered four different flavors, Nutella (hazelnut with chocolate), Amaretto, Black Cherries and then I also tried the Raspberry sorbet. We really had a hard time deciding which flavors because all of them look enticingly delicious. We recommend the Amaretto flavor. It’s not cloyingly sweet unlike the Nutella flavored gelato. According to the lady who says “Gela-tone,” the Amaretto has the perfect contrast among the four.

Gelatone will make the choices even tougher because they also offer paninis and fresh pastas. We still haven’t tried any, but no worries ‘cause we are coming back to satisfy our cravings. ‘Til the next pay day, Gelatone!

What’s Cheap?

One (1) Gelatone scoop = P100 (either cone or cup)






WEBSITE: Gelatone
Become a Fan: Gelatone

Walk on Water Balls: Chic and Cheap Activity for Kids

What’s Chic?

San Miguel by the Bay also known as Seaside Boulevard is really known for having bars and seafood restaurants around. But now, you and your kids can enjoy afternoons at One Esplanade because they have made it into some kind of a children’s park. They have playgrounds, little gym equipment, and they also have bump cars, and what we really love is the “Walk on Water Balls” or WOW Balls.

As its name suggests, you literally can walk into the water but you will need to be inside a big transparent ball.






That boy is MJ, our cute little neighbor enjoying the WOW Balls. But before he went inside that big transparent ball, we have some emergency signals. I told him to give me signs if he can’t catch his breath so I can approach the crew. But as he went inside, it seems like he really enjoyed it. He jumps, he does his tumbling thing and shouts.

After playing, I asked him questions.

Ate Ann: What does it feel inside the ball?

MJ: It’s hot, but I really love it.

Ate Ann: But can you breathe inside?

MJ: Yes.

Ate Ann: Did you enjoy it?

MJ: Yes, I enjoyed it. Can we go back here?

Ate Ann: Sure! (He asked me to come back, it means that he really liked it!)






What’s Cheap?

P50 for 10 minutes. At first, I was thinking that 10 minutes is too short for your P50, but now I know as MJ said that it’s hot inside, and when he went out he was full of sweat.




This is really a good activity for your children but first consider these things:

Player Safety Information

1. Not recommended for players with heart trouble/high blood pressure or respiratory illnesses.

2. Not recommended for pregnant women.

3. Not recommended for players who have had recent surgery.

4. Not recommended for players with neck trouble.

5. Not recommended for players with back trouble.

6. Not allowed for players that exceed 150 pounds weight limit.

Blog My Butter Event: The Body Shop and The White Hat

What's Chic?

The Body Shop, one of the country's premier cosmetics company brings back its "Originals" on January 8, 2010 at The Body Shop, Robinson's Galleria. Bloggers celebrated to a wide The Body Shop products sale and to a short program about the Originals collection and TBS Body Butters.

The Originals collection comprises a fresh, fruity line-up of cleansers and moisturizers for our face and body and hair care products.

I Love Originals include Dewberry Bath and Shower Gel, Dewberry Lotion, Fuzzy Peach Bath and Shower Gel, Banana Shampoo, Banana Conditioner, Green Apple Bath and Shower Gel, Ice Blue Shampoo, Cucumber Cleansing Milk, Cucumber Freshening Water, Passion Fruit Facial Cleansing Gel and Carrot Moisture Cream.

What's Cheap?

The body butters and Originals collection are available at great prices that will make you feel like you have stepped back in time.

The White Hat Italian Frozen Yogurt partnered with The Body Shop to give a chance to the bloggers to experience the creaminess and elegant swirls of their frozen yogurt for free.

I also was lucky enough to score one body butter and one originals and got a chance to rub elbows with pro bloggers and other media partners.





WEBSITE:
www.thebodyshop.com.ph
www.thewhitehat.com.ph

Become a Fan:
The Body Shop, Philippines
The White Hat Italian Frozen Yogurt