The Final Cut: SM Cinema's Year End Party

SM Cinema's Year End Party entitled, “The Final Cut”, was held last December 30, 2010 at Club LAX. The party was jam-packed with people from different walks of life, overflowing food and drinks and loads of freebies that were given away during the raffle.

SM Cinema highlighted its most unforgettable events for the year 2010 during the program wherein they featured some of their blockbuster movies such as: Shrek Forever After, Inception, Iron Man 2, Avatar, Despicable Me,Twilight Saga: Eclipse,Harry Potter, Narnia and Tron Legacy. Some of the successful promos, events and marketing driven efforts that was implemented was also seen during the night like: Winema, Escape to Brazil, Blockbuster Passport, Box Office Wheels, BIGSHOT, Celebrity VIP Club Launch, Website Launch, Flip Video Launch, Green Film Festival, and Cinekada to name a few.

Another first from the cinema industry was the launch of the new website www.smcinema.com and SM Cinema's very own BCode machines deployed in all SM Cinema branches nationwide that allowed customer to purchase their ticket online and claim their ticket stub just by scanning the special alpha numeric code which they could get via sms or by printing the voucher. Moviegoers can now avail of their tickets easily without the hassle of falling in line.

They are also launching their very own SM Tickets wherein patrons can get the hottest entertainment, concerts, sports and arts events in all SM Cinema ticket booths nationwide and soon via online (www.smtickets.com). Purchasing those tickets will be easy as 1-2-3.

As we start 2011, expect bigger surprises from SM Cinema as SM brings you the best of both worlds as SM presents to you mind-blowing blockbuster movies: Green Hornet, Green Lantern, Thor, Captain America, Transformers, Harry Potter and the Death Hollows Part 2, Kung Fu Panda 2, Fast Five, Breaking Dawn, Mission Impossible 4; world class concerts: Justin Bieber and fun-filled events. All these and more are in store for everyone this 2011. 

SM Sponsors: LAX, Coca Cola, The Bar and Lots A Pizza. Special thanks to our dear media partners: ABSCBN, GMA, TV5, IBC 13, Wave 89. 1, 99.5 RT, UR 105.9FM, Philippine Star, Manila Bulletin, Inquirer.net, UNO Magazine, Travelife Magazine, Tribune Newspaper, Commuter Express, Pilipino Star, People’s Tonight, Business Mirror, World News Newspaper, Freeman Newspaper, Journal Group of Publication, Chinese Commercial News and bloggers.

This event was dedicated to everyone who made SM Cinema their choice of cinema.

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. (",)

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.