Party Party with Vice Ganda and My Unforgettable Stay at Thunderbird Resorts Rizal

To make my February a little bit crazy, I went to Thunderbird Resorts Rizal just by myself to see the much awaited free concert of Vice Ganda.

I really wanna watch her at Metro Bar but I think I still don't have the guts to watch her live (kasi baka okrayin ako, haha joke!) plus (walang kaperahan, symepre).  So given this opportunity, GOrabelles talaga ang lola nyo!

I went to ride a shuttle at SM Megamall and then pagdating ng Ortigas I can already see the signs, "This way to Thunderbird Resorts Rizal".  Iniisip ko, "Wow! Lapit!"  Until nakarating na ako ng Ever Ortigas, Junction, Tikling, at doon ko na-realize grabe ang layo pala.  (Napeke ako ng mga signs)!

Until I dropped to SM Taytay kung saan kami magmeet ni Sarah (ang higanteng prinsesa, mamemeet nyo nag picture niya sa baba).

Nagpapareserve ako sa shuttle ng Fiesta Casino from Thunderbird Resorts pero hinanapan ako ng ID ni manong guard.  Maglalaro daw ba ako sa casino?

Nataon pa namang office ID lang dala ko (sabi na kasi ni Nica magdala ng ID!) KALOKA! Ang bata daw kasi ng itsura ko.  Mahaba-habang interview pa at nakasakay din kami sa wakas.

Nakakatawa sa shuttle kasi may mga lola nagkukwentuhan, parang therapy daw ang casino sa kanya (casino therapy, teh?!) HAHAHA! Pati driver tumawa.  Pero syempre walang basagan ng trip di ba?  Kung iyon ang ikaliligaya ni lola.  Mayaman naman sya!

Tawa tawa pa ko eh di pa pala tapos ang agony ko.  Naharang nanaman ako sa immigration (este sa Casino).  Bata pa daw ako, di pwede pumasok, patingin ng ID, how old are you, when is your birthday???  Of course, naintindihan ko naman ginagawa lang nila ang trabaho nila at bawal talaga ang mga bata sa Casino, pero hindi na ako BA-TA!  harharhar!

With the help of malalim na boses and maayos na pakiusap at sinabi ko kung ano ang pakay ko sa casino, na walang iba kundi si Vice Ganda para mainterview!  "Okay, ma'am pasok po muna kayo, laro po muna kayo matagal pa kasi magstart."  Haha, maglaro daw?

Buti na lang nakita ko si Sir Ryan sa loob ng casino and nagfeel free na kami sa loob at labas ng Thunderbird Resorts.

While waiting for the sister of Anne Curtis, Vice Ganda, pumunta muna kami sa resort at nagpicture-picture!

At last 10 p.m. na, CONCERT na!!!

SAMPLE! SAMPLE! SAMPLE!  Woooooooohhhhh!!!  Hiyawan ang mga tao!

Haaayyyy, napaka-POWERFUL talaga ng boses ni Vice Ganda.  Nakakatawa kasi kinanta niya yung, "I wanna be a billionaire, so freakin' bad... la la la la la la la la..."  Haha, biglang napatingin yung mga naglalaro sa casino (",)!  Alam nyo na kung bakit pero hala sige laro pa rin sila.

Kumuha sya ng isa sa mga madlang people at hindi nya inaasahan na super galing nitong kumanta (naka-libre na si Vice ng 2 songs, hihi).

In between inilalabas nya ang kanyang pagiging kabayo (ayon sa kanya yan, huh!) pero what I mean is yung funny side nya.  In between ng songs nagpapatawa siya na kahit yung iba eh luma na at napanood ko na sa SHOWTIME, natatawa pa rin ako!

GASOLINE BOY:  Sir, magpapa-gas po kayo?
VICE:  Hindi, hindi!  Bibili ako ng sigarilyo para magsama-sama tayong sumabog dito sa gasolinahan.

WAHAHAHAHA!!!!  Babaw ng kaligayahan ko!

Pero nakakaaliw naman talaga kasi siya.  Kahit sa mga waiters nakikipagbiruan siya.  Then sa kalagitnaan ng show, aba!  Wala ng naglalaro sa casino... Kanina subsob lahat sa mga slot machines, pero ngayon lahat nakatingin na sa stage!  BONGGA!  It really means that Vice Ganda's funny antics are effective!

Hay, patapos na ang show pero bigla ko na lang nasabing bitin ang show kaya manood na talaga ako sa Metro Bar!

Ayan na!  Photo Op na! (Muntik pang hindi kasi pagod na talaga si Vice at naintindihan namin yun).  Pero HAPPY!  Kasi nakapag-papicture.  Di ko man na-interview, PAK pa rin!

Sarah and Vice Ganda

Yung lang!  Problema pauwi!  12:30 nagpareserve ng shuttle, 5:30 na ang biyahe, AYOS!

Si Sarah nagpapak ng asukal (ng Starbucks) oh di ba sosyal!  Ako naman naubos ko ang isang pack ng DoubleMint!

Pero kahit ganun pa man (oh di ba Tagalog na Tagalog), sobrang HAPPY pa rin kami ni Sarah.  Buti daw at hindi namin sinama ang mga THUNDERbelles sa office kasi aawayin kami sa sobrang late namin umuwi.

Pero hindi naman kami nagsisisi kasi sumaya talaga ang ARAW at GABI at MADALING ARAW namin ni Saring!

THANK YOU VERY MUCH FIESTA CASINO THUNDERBIRD RESORTS RIZAL!!!

Thunderbird Resorts Rizal Event Center Unveiled

In just five years since its establishment in the Philippines, Thunderbird Resorts, Inc. has successfully developed leisure and entertainment businesses in the country with international standards.

It boasts of two world-class properties that hold luxury resort venues catering to leisure, sports, recreation and entertainment activities.

One is located in the highland oasis of Binangonan, Rizal; while the other Mediterranean-inspired property is in the peninsula of Poro Point in San Fernando, La Union.

As part of its development plan, Thunderbird Resorts built the first state-of-the-art, 500-seat-capacity EVENT CENTER in Rizal, a destination perfect for transforming the dull into the dramatic.

The EVENT CENTER held its formal launch on February 18, 2011. A true masterpiece unveiled, guests are welcomed with festive performances from the Buganda drumbeaters and fire dancers.

The ribbon-cutting followed afterwards and was led by Rizal Governor Jun Ynares, together with Thunderbird Resorts executives namely Raul Sueiro, VP for Asian & European Operations; Angel Sueiro, VP for Design; and Fabio Moretti, Country Manager, as well as Former Finance Secretary Roberto "Bobby" De Ocampo. Beauty Queens of Miss Earth Philippines also graced the ribbon-cutting.

ABS-CBN young star Nikki Gil was the host of the night, while World Singing Champion Jed Madela belted out tunes from his hits and classics. Homegrown talents of Rizal, the Angono Youth Musical Ensemble provided the accompaniments for the performances.

Distinguished personalities were also present during the launch: Sonny Dominguez, former Secretary of Agriculture and Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources; Palawan Governor Abraham "Baham" Mitra.

Appealing to the appetite of the attendees, Thunderbird Resorts Rizal Executive Chef Jean Paul Capitaine served delectable Mediterranean dishes that were also fitting to be called masterpieces.

Then, further adding excitement to the celebration, 18 lucky guests went home with their respective raffle prizes such as (10) iPod Touch, (5) iPad, and (3) LED TV.

As the night came to a close, dazzling fireworks lit up the sky and with that, the Event Center Launch celebration ends on a very high note.

Thunderbird Resorts Rizal EVENT CENTER sets the stage for performances, concerts, exhibitions, meetings, banquets, and all other kinds of moments to remember. The night unveiled the latest, biggest, grandest masterpiece in the community – and a facility unlike any other. Where one can experience drama, euphoria, success, bliss, and excitement.

Commenting on the growth of the business, Fabio Moretti, country manager of Thunderbird Resorts, Inc. says, “It was challenging but very rewarding. When I look back I can see that we have already come a long way, but at the same time also makes me feel how much more opportunities there are in the future.”

Moreover, Thunderbird Resorts sees to it that the EVENT CENTER will benefit Rizal and its communities, providing them improved facilities that can pave way for more tourism and economic gains.


To know more about the new EVENT CENTER, call (02) 886.5555 or (02) 651.6888. 
Visit www.thunderbird-asia.com


About Thunderbird Resorts, Inc. 
Thunderbird Resorts, Inc. is an international property developer of dynamic, themed and integrated venues that are anchored by casinos.  The company is publicly-traded on NYSE Euronext Amsterdam (Netherlands) and Frankfurt Stock Exchange (Germany) and has operations in Central & Latin America, Asia and Europe.  The Philippines is the Company’s first market in Asia, which will serve as its platform for regional development.  Thunderbird Resorts is focused on being the most successful recreational property developer and operator in each of its markets by creating genuine value for the community, its employees and its shareholders. Additional information about the Company is available on its website at www.thunderbirdresorts.com. 

FREE ADMISSION: Party Party with Vice Ganda At Thunderbird Resorts Rizal

I'm one of the million fans of Vice Ganda on Facebook and I really love watching her videos embedded at FB, so I really wanna see Vice perform live.

I am sure I will enjoy her funny antics as seen on TV.  How much more live?  (I dont know if I will take the front seat.  Pero kahit okrayin nya ako, it's okay).  I just really admire Bangs Ganda's outlook in life as he tells his story in Showtime.

Now, guys, this is the chance for you to see Vice Ganda!



Experience Laughter with Vice Ganda at Fiesta Casino Rizal on Saturday, February 12, 2011, 9PM.

"May nag text!" remember this line made popular by Vice Ganda? Expect that and more as ABS-CBN Channel 2's Showtime host renders both his singing prowess and comedic skills in one laugh out loud night.

Recently, Vice Ganda starred in his first leading role project, a remake of the classic movie “Petrang Kabayo”. With his notable punch lines and charm, the movie became a certified box-office hit. It’s no wonder that Vice is truly a crowd pleaser.

What are you waiting for Madlang People, save the date on February 12 and let’s all Party Party at Fiesta Casinos, Thunderbird Resorts Binangonan!

Free Admission but must be at least 21 years old to enter.

For more information, visit www.thunderbird-asia.com or call (02) 886.5555

FREE ADMISSION: Thunderbird Resorts' Lion Dance Performance and Fireworks Display

Looking where to celebrate the Chinese New Year?  Take it up a notch at Thunderbird Resorts!!!

Usher in the Year of the Rabbit with a Chinese New Year Celebration at Thunderbird Resorts.

According to Chinese mythology, the Rabbit is the emblem of longevity. Those who are born in the Year of the Rabbit said to possess one of the most fortunate signs among the twelve animal signs. Furthermore, the Rabbit symbolizes graciousness, good manners, sound counsel kindness and sensitivity to beauty.

As the lucky stars aligned on this festivity, watch a special Lion Dance Performance and Fireworks Display on February 5, 2011, Saturday, 8PM both in Thunderbird Resorts and Poro Point.

For more information, visit www.thunderbird-asia.com or call (02) 886.5555

Make A Video And Win Thunderbird Resorts Getaway

Dubbed as “Extraordinary”, Thunderbird Resorts launches its first Online Video Contest. Participants will get the chance to win P100k, a Vacation Getaway for Four at Thunderbird Resorts Rizal and La Union, Enjoy Philippines Card and other cool prizes.

The resort’s thrust is to create extraordinary experiences for its guests, giving them a luxurious vacation lifestyle with each stay. It holds two world-class properties here in the Philippines catering to leisure, sports, recreation and entertainment activities. One is located in the highland oasis of Binangonan, Rizal; the other Mediterranean-inspired property is in the peninsula of Poro Point in San Fernando, La Union. Through the online video contest - which is a trend already becoming popular on the worldwideweb - Thunderbird Resorts would like to share this experience and more.

Just answer “What Makes you Extraordinary” in a video to join. Full mechanics is posted on www.thunderbirdresorts.ph/videocontest. Shoot the video at Thunderbird Resorts – either in Rizal or Poro Point – to have your hands on an Apple iPad.

 “Extraordinary” is Thunderbird Resorts way of saying thank you to all its online fans and followers. Special mention to Enjoy Philippines, Travelbook.ph, and Nuffnang Philippines for supporting the contest.

For more information on the “Extraordinary” Online Video Contest, go to www.thunderbirdresorts.ph/videocontest or visit the official website http://www.thunderbird-asia.com/.

Thunderbird Resorts Facebook Fans Day

On November 15, 2010, Thunderbird Resorts will be having a Thunderbird Resorts Facebook Fans Day wherein online followers can get special room rates (Offer is valid on the day only).



Rizal 3,500 (weekday)/ 3,800 (weekend)

Poro 4,900 (weekday)/ 5,250 (weekend)



Book 2 nights at Poro Point on a Weekday and Get free ZestAir roundtrip tickets for 2



The rates are way cheaper compared to our current Escape to Thunderbird promo: Rizal 4,500 (weekday)/ 5,000 (weekend); Poro 6,000 (weekday)/ 6,500 (weekend)



We will be posting the guidelines by Nov. 12 on www.enjoythunderbirdresorts.blogspot.com

Thunderbird Resorts: Run For a Cause - Ondoy No More

Remember about my posts on how great Thunderbird Resorts is?  Well, Thunderbird Resorts in not only beautiful "outside" but they are also beautiful "inside".  As Thunderbird Resorts Rizal invites everyone to join ONDOY NO MORE run for the benefit of CARITAS Manila on September 26, 2010.

Guys and gals, for only P500.00 registration fee for 3k/5k/10k, you get a Singlet, RaceBib, Thunderbird Resorts discounts, and most importantly you give a donation to Caritas Manila and help the marginalized communities to prepare for calamities such as typhoons.

I really wanna join but  I hope my work schedule will change in order for me to attend this event.  My last was Condura Run (oh, no! It was way back February 2010!).  I really need to get physically active again!


I also wish to see other bloggers I met at the bloggers tour.  I really miss you, guys!

For more details and to download registration forms, visit http://www.race.greenpeaks.net/

Website:  http://www.thunderbird-asia.com/

Facebook Page:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Thunderbird-Resorts/161064168411?ref=ts

Happy Thoughts at Thunderbird Resorts Poro Point, La Union

I vividly remember being captivated by a fleeting image of Thunderbird Resorts Poro Point in a magazine-television show (which is Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho) before, so for years I had longed to visit it.

It's been two weeks since our (bloggers and print media's) 3-days, 2-nights stay at Thunderbird Resorts.  Yes, lucky me!  I had the privilege of living my dream in this Mediterranean-style resort setting inspired by Santorini, Greece.  Visiting this new place also helped me made surprising new discoveries about myself.

Let me share them together with my first-time experiences and random things that made this an easy resort hotel to fall for.

DAY 1 (July 26)

A Fresh Start


It's only just our first stop and I already had my delightful experience with the Sushi and Sashimi Combo at Vegas Cafe.  It's my first time to eat tuna sashimi. (I don't eat raw, actually.) For me, this fresh appetizer is really at par with what the best Japanese restaurants here in the city serve.

Sushi and Sashimi Combo (P750)

Blogging 101


While waiting for our dessert to be served, I had a little travel and food blogging lessons with Sir Estan of langyaw.com.


POINTERS:  For travel blogging, write about the paths barely taken, much exciting.  And for food, describe the texture and color of the food instead of just saying that it's tasty and yummy.  Also share your experience while eating the dish and what do you remember as you were tasting it, maybe your childhood or another place you've gone through.


Wow, really a great help for beginners like me. (",)

*He also gave me a little photography lessons when the soft, yet resilient panna cotta arrived.  He said to use the zoom effect to focus on the food and not on the other things on the table.  Here's the outcome:

Photography 101


With Sir Oggie of lagalOG.net.  Since it was off-season, our first afternoon was cloudy. At first I said, grrrr, where's the sun?! But Kuya Oggie said that it's still okay to take photos of the resort even if it's gloomy.  Don't go with the usual sunset thingy pictures.


And look what I've got on my cam.

Afternoon Rains


This signaled us to slow down from our activities (which should be swimming and golfing) but good thing 'cause it allowed us to catch up on the latest with each other and take advantage of the free WiFi at Patio Santorini (the lounge area) and the soothing music that calls from within.

DAY 2 (July 27)

Golf Buggy Ride


One of the best firsts during this trip is my first golf cart ride.  Thunderbird Resorts Poro Point offers use of golf carts (P400 per hour) and bicycles enabling you to enjoy going around the property.  You'll only need to make reservations first.

Are you looking for me?  I was behind the lens.  (",)

 

Time to get fit! Another option to roam around Thunderbird Resorts.

Dissecting the Halo-Halo


For me, the highlight of our city tour was our visit to Halo-Halo de Iloko where we had a fill of their best-tasting halo-halo.  We're curious about the pleasing combination of the ingredients (yes, we want to know the secret ingredients).  So Betty, Sol, Doc Gelo and I "dissected" the halo-halo special (haha, I mean we named the ingredients) and found cereals (instead of the usual pinipig), corn kernels, banana, green sago, ice cream, ube, and custard-like substance.  Plus! What a surprise! I found strawberry bits (Maybe they added it because La Union is just two hours away from Baguio City, where the strawberries grows).  Mmm, not your ordinary halo-halo!

Halo-Halo Special (P85)

Ilokano 101


While enjoying our surprising halo-halo, Betty reads the menu and she saw the word, "Agyamanak Apo" and she asked me what does it mean.  Agyamanak apo is simply, thank you.


As I mentioned on my first post, I'm 100% Ilokana (and proud of it), so I armed them with the basic phrases of Ilokano, the province's official dialect.

Beautiful - Nagpintas or Napintas

Delicious - Nagimas or Naimas

 Thank you - Agyamanak

Panoramic World of Thunderbird Resorts Poro Point


It was late in the evening. Kristel of Tel the Wanderer, Kuya Oggie and Kuya Ferdz of ironwulf.net and I were just lazying around and still taking pictures (haha addicts).  To my surprise, I have made a panoramic shot (first time) with my GE J1050 digital camera!  Wow, I've been practicing how to make that shot for weeks and wasn't able to make one.  But during that time, I did!

The Accidental Shot - my first ever panoramic shot using my GE J1050.

Thunderbird Resorts lights the cliff.

DAY 3 (July 28)

Beginner's Luck at Fiesta Casino

First time at the card room.  The card games I only know are "tong-its and pares-pares".  Sounds familiar, huh?  So I felt lucky when we got to experience playing at the Fiesta Casino VIP room (money-less of course).  First game was Baccarat -- a table game using 6 or 8 decks of cards which does not require skill (only luck).  Second game -- Blackjack, almost like Lucky 9.

I found myself playing safe... I was scared pushing the chips all-in.

Things I'll Miss the Most




The Greek mezze-style breakfast buffet at Olive's Restaurant.  I'll miss choosing among the dizzying array of food and drinks.  I love Olive's fried rice!

I'll miss Room 313.  For those three tiring but fun-filled days, this has been Ann and Kristel's home sweet home.  The cozy beds will tempt you to sleep in!

Tel and I love the long cylindrical pillows.  (",)

The Santorini Dome.  I love taking pictures here.  When you go to Thunderbird Resorts Poro Point, look for it at the lobby and strike a post just like what I did!

I took this picture two minutes before we leave Thunderbird Resorts. (",)  Nice one!

And of course, I miss the bloggers (Doc Gelo, Kristel, Kuya Ferdz, Kuya Estan, Kuya Oggie), Betty (Female Network), Sol (Sidetrip Magazine), and Princess and Nica (Thunderbird Resorts).

Nothing really compares to the life lessons, happy things and best firsts I experience here at Thunderbird Resorts.

Visiting news places is not just about learning cultures, meeting new people, and trying out local cuisines.  It's about you.  It's about you discovering the passions that inspire you towards greatness.

Additional Information:

Vegas Cafe - It is just a 10-minute walk away from the hotel or you can ride a shuttle that drives within the compound.

City Tour - Separate arrangement and reservation  is required.  Includes visit to Pindangan Ruins, Ma-Cho Temple, Halo-Halo de Iloko and La Union Botanical Garden.

Fiesta Casino - Open 24 hours for gamers

Olive's Restaurant - Serves breakfast buffet early in the morning till 10:00 am.

The Cliffs - This is nine-hole golf course with golf carts and caddy service.

Thank you very much to Thunderbird Resorts Poro Point management and to Nica Serrano for the bloggers' fun-filled stay at Thunderbird Resorts Poro Point.

So if you plan to go places, why not start at Thunderbird  Resorts Poro Point.  From now till September 30, 2010, they have this promo below.

If you just want to tour around Thunderbird Resorts for a day, they have this day tour promo.  I actually plan to bring my family here when we'll visit our vacation house at Pangasinan and take advantage of the promo.

Promo for the golfers

Contact Information:

Thunderbird Resorts Poro Point

 Resort Address: Poro point Freeport Zone, San Fernando City, La Union

Telephone no.: +63.72.888.7777

Makati Office:  24 F Salcedo Towers, 169 H.V. Dela Costa St., Salcedo Village, Makati City

Telephone no.: +63.2.886.5555

Fax no.: +63.2.894.3333

Email: pororeservations@thunderbird-asia.com

Website:  www.thunderbird-asia.com

Facebook:  Thunderbird Resorts

Twitter:  @tbrphilippines
Blog: enjoythunderbirdresorts.blogspot.com  

Thunderbird Resorts: Another Reason to Love Northern Philippines

From the ten bloggers who were invited to the three-day immersion at Thunderbird Resorts Poro Point, I was the only one whose roots are from La Union.  But I find it funny because even though I spent my teenage years there, I know nothing about the rich history and captivating places in La Union.

I have no idea that surfing was a trending sport in my lolo's hometown, and that I can find a Santorini-inspired beach hotel in its capital, San Fernando City.   See? I am a stranger to my own land!

Thunderbird Resorts Poro Point

But thank, God! We're given the squeak to experience La Union through Thunderbird Resorts Poro Point.


Here's a sneak peek of the bloggers' food and travel adventures:

Sushi-Sashimi Combo at Vegas Cafe

The Dome

View of South China Sea

The Cliffs Golf Course

Pindangan Ruins

Ma-Cho Temple

Our Lady of Namacpacan Church

Baluarte

Halo-Halo de Iloko

Thunderbird Resorts at Night

Have you noticed anything?  Not all of these pictures are taken from Thunderbird Resorts property.  Some were from our visit to the city.  And that's the most fun thing of all!!! When staying at Thunderbird Resorts Poro Point, they will not just let you experience their world-class facilities and amenities, but they will also let you create new experiences outside the Mediterranean-inspired property.


I love Northern Philippines more!!!

Thunderbird Resorts - Poro Point
Poro Point Freeport Zone,
San Fernando City, La Union
Philippines


Telephone Number: (+6372) 888-7777

Email:  info@thunderbird-asia.com