Binondo Food Wok Part 1: Intro to Dong Ho's Invitation

I was one of the chosen ones of Dom of Dong Ho's Eskapo to join the fun DIY food walking tour at Binondo. I told him I haven't really gone to Binondo, and I haven't really, that's why I joined his contest.

It's been almost a month and a half after our exploration of Chinatown District in Manila and still I heard some bloggers during blog events that they envy those who joined the food trip with Dong Ho. I gladly raise my hand and say, "I'm one of the trippers. I'm not known in the blogosphere. And I think that's why they don't recognize me on Dong Ho's Binondo Food Wok Series, hehe.



As an introduction to my own version of the series, Archie and I went to Manila Post Office, as our meeting place for the said tour. We met Dom, Doc Gelo, Cher, Chyng and Josh. Dom told us why he chose us and then he gave each one of us the Big Binondo Food Wok Map, the ultimate food and culture guide to Chinatown.



And then the journey starts at the second post...



To be continued...

Club Astoria Redefines Transformation

Astoria Plaza, one of the country's premier full service residential suites, unveiled its new logo in "One Night Only", an exclusive media event held last March 4, 2010.

Media professionals and bloggers like me gathered in the chic Hampton Room of Astoria Plaza in Ortigas. Starting the event, Astoria Plaza Hotel Manager Ping Regalado welcomed the guests. Then Vivian Ng, VP for Operations, took us to a virtual tour of their newest hotel, Astoria Boracay, and she presented an ice carving where the new Astoria logo was embedded. Mr. Boy Abunda, well known host and Astoria's endorser, also welcomed the guests to be members of the Club Astoria.



The new logo of Astoria symbolizes contemporary luxury that Astoria Hotels and Resorts are known for. The lines woven together signify the union of visionary inspirations evident in the designs and features of the hotels and resorts. It also signifies the concerned effort of the staff in providing quality service for the ultimate customer satisfaction.

After unveiling, all the guest were treated to a big surprise as Astoria Plaza gave away beautiful laptop bags and a great surprise treat -- a three days-two nights accommodation for Astoria Boracay gift certificate. Not only that, great food and excellent service were experienced by the guests.

It was indeed a night of transformations for Astoria Plaza. Truly, the new logo will help make new waves for the country's premier residential suite.

Starbucks Coffee Seminar: The Art of Blending and Roasting

What’s Chic?

Last February 2009, I attended Starbuck’s first coffee seminar for this year at One E-Com Center, SM Mall of Asia. I’ve learned a lot from Starbucks history to the kinds of beans that they use, to the roasting progression, and of course what I love the best is coffee tasting and food pairing.

This is the right way to savor your coffee:
1) Smell your coffee.
2) Slurp. The louder, the better.
3) Locate the experience in your tongue. (Sweet, bitter)

(Don’t worry guys, your favorite baristas will teach you how to do it.)

Food Pairing:
1) Slurp
2) Bite
3) Slurp

For me, brewed Starbucks coffee is best paired with Starbucks Chocolate Walnut Cookie rather than the donuts.





That was really fun! There’s more during the seminar, but I will not spoil it here guys. Hope to see more coffee lovers in the next Starbucks seminars.


What’s Cheap?

Starbucks seminars are FREE! Look for the upcoming schedules on Starbucks Philippines Fan Page.

And if you have completed 4 out of 6 seminars, you’ll have a special treat from your best coffee shop in town.


Become a Fan: Starbucks Philippines

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

Belle De Jour 2010 Planner Launch: Exceeding Boundaries

What's Chic?

Last October 2009, Belle De Jour Power Planner was launched at Eastwood City, Quezon City. Belled De Jour girls were luck enough to be treated to exciting activities like yoga activity (Tone Your Body, Cool Your Mind), modeling “I Want to be A Supermodel” and BDJ Scavenger Hunt; and a wide range of fair talks wherein speakers talked about fashion and beauty (Break Fashion Rules, Debunk Beauty Myths), career (Create Your Brand in the Work Place & Reach for the Skies) and a lot more. Other Bellas like me were very happy to meet new friends, learn new things and feel more confident after the affair.

What's Cheap?

BDJ Girls got fresh-off-the-press Belle De Jour Power Planner 2010 for only P480 from the regular price of P580.

The Belle De Jour Planner is equipped with BDJ coupons with envelope, forget-me-not pocket, monthly view pages, goal setting, habit tracker, menstrual tracker, health checklist, vacation planner, special events tracker, Christmas gift list, expense tracker, savings tracker, etc.

Belle De Jour Power Planner users also enjoy perks and freebies at the fair:
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.








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

Get Your Copy Now At Leading Bookstores Nationwide!!!