Eats at Monster launch

I love salmon!  At the monster.com.ph launch, this was lunch. Yum!  Filling, tasty, and no bad aftertaste of fish.

The world's oldest online job seeker's market launches its Philippines-devoted site - monster.com.ph - at the New World Hotel, Wednesday 20 June.  

monster.com is grew its base parallel with the world wide web.   initially rolling out in 1994, it was the 454th company that registered its in the www. 

Intel Ivy Bridge present 3rd generation microprocessors, and the new Ultrabook

At the Intel Ivy Bridge launch in Rockwell last June 15, the leading name in computer innovation introduced the quad-core 3rd generation Intel Core processor family that boasts the best specs in the market to excite legions of users.   

Intel’s Asia Pacific director of product marketing Leighton Phillips was in town to lead the launch.  “This is not a marginal tweak.  This is dramatic change to hit the mainstream computing circuit,” said Phillips.   A veteran with over two decades in the IT industry, Phillips had just come from Computex Taipei, the largest IT, communication tools and equipment showcase in the region.  

From the Ultrabook to smartphones and tablets, extensive funding went to accelerate innovation for this technology, as the shifting demand for devices required the creation of smaller, thinner devices to accommodate mobility.

TEDx@Katipunan Avenue: a parade of game-changers

Thanks to that remarkable lady Harvey Chua for inviting me to watch her husband John Chua's talk at the Ateneo de Manila University at Loyola Heights, Saturday 16 June.

It was an amazing afternoon as a succession of young people took to the stage and simply spoke about simple acts that change lives.

Speakers include Gawad Kalinga British import Dylan Wilk espousing social enterprise.  And also present was the country's youngest mayor, the lady from San Vicente, Palawan Mayor Pie Alvarez, who came to office at the age of 22.   Alvarez encourages young people to enter politics to start a revolution of youth in public service.

'Wear Local' advocate of Postura Project Arriane Serafico, aka the Jumping Model was a delight in her standard colorful clothes and high heels.  Chief Mermaid of Save Philippine Seas, and globally acknowledged/awarded environmentalist Anna Oposa was feisty, funny, and totally female.

Then there was 25-year media veteran Maria Ressa whose slight frame stood tall in rallying journalists to have integrity: 'No to Envelopmental Journalism!' the CNN/ABS-CBN, now Rappler head, says.

John Chua, advertising photographer, citizen activist, was a standout.  He's the quintessential Achiever.  Aside from his 'pet elephant' Maali of the Manila Zoo, Chua has other advocacies that are jaw-dropping.

Totally oblivious to barriers, Chua has changed the lives of PWDs (people with disabilities) and their families, and the people who sign up to help.  John's aptly co-acronymed Photography With a Difference wows and moves people to action, and big name brands are in on it, too!

Forming a coalition group of PWDs: children with cancer, the hearing-impaired, blind, autistic, and the like, lives have been given gifts of memorable experience.  In this case, Chua's drive has enabled these children to 'take to the skies', literally the gift of flight.

Chua also introduced the Batad Weekend Warriors, a movement where volunteers travel to Batad, one of the regions of the Banaue Rice Terraces.  For a long time now, huge portions of the rice terraces have been falling apart due primarily to lack of government rehabilitation funds.

"Our forefathers built the rice terraces without government funding!  Why are we waiting for that?!," the photographer asked incredulously. 

Okuya Bento fills a spot

It's mid-week, and at an event ingress that lasts way into the night, it's eat the first thing in sight. Or the nearest.  Or both.

At the MOA foodcourt, I tried out Okuya Japanese food.  The tuna teriyaki is cooked upon order, but just around 5 minutes of wait.

Big plate of beans sprouts, lots of rice, and thick slices of tuna.  Enough for a big appetite. Yum! 

Oh, and the pancit was a welcome treat.  [It was supposed to be Japanese glass noodles.. ssshhhh.]

GA Printing at the 17th Graphic Expo

One of the country's premier printing company, GA Printing takes part in the 17th Graphic Expo at the SMX.  Silently collecting a number of international industry awards, GA Printing puts the precious trophies on display.

Well known in the industry for quality printing, technical leadership, and attention to detail in all its projects, GA Printing is also gaining ground in creative design.

At the Graphic Expo, GA Printing showcases its extensive product line that includes digital photo books and album, embossed and die-cut and foil stamping specializations.  Also on the shelves are personalized print products including name cards, blank cards and stationery.

Commercial print products are a hit with clients, as GA Printing churns out finely crafted planners, business cards, company letterheads, and annual reports.

It was a successful exhibit as the collection of its best work attracted a lot of interest.   Exhibitors and guests flocked to the booth and checked for themselves the fine sampling of paper, color, and cover textures available for all types of print jobs.

17th Graphic Expo

The 17th Graphic Expo at the SMX from June 14 to 16 partners for the first time with the 3rd Photo Video Expo and Print Tech Manila's 9th Printing Packaging Plastic Paper and Paper Products exhibition.
Organized and presented by Norelyn Babiera, VP of Fiera de Manila, the 17^th Graphic is a yearly event that gathers the country’s printing and graphic design industries under one roof.   Large format printer distributors display the speed, precision and durability of their high-tech equipment.   

Offset and digital printing companies, like GA Printing, are also on-hand to feature the fine craftsmanship and creative designs in paper and printing products like digital photo albums, calendars, business cards, invitations and flyers, as well as an extensive commercial and professional stationery sets.

Fiera de Manila president Mario Babiera told guests and speakers that the event “is to showcase the seamless link of technology and creativity, as well as a great way to network.”

Dulcinea, sweet

Reality check.  Had to stop, sit back and assess... my situation.  I had to reset my schedule for the next week.    I recently accepted a job to make a case study.

It wasn't as bad as I expected it to be. Thank goodness..

Thank you for the support! Will give it another shot.

The Dulcinea meeting was a treat!  Yummy..

Asian Master Chefs at Manila Hotel

The Manila Hotel partnered with the Chinese International Gastronomers Association (CIGA) in hosting the first Asian Master Chefs Competition last April 23, 2012.   At the Fiesta Pavilion, guests were served a series of Filipino-Asian fusion dishes concocted by participating Taiwanese and Chinese chefs.  

 After long hours of preparations, challengers from Taiwan and China emerged as big winners. For the team category, Yuanpei University won the Superior Gold medal and Kuo Ming Hung for the individual category. 

Manila Hotel’s Executive Chinese Sous Chef Josephine Candelaria also won in the individual category with her dish called Adobo sa Mayon (marinated belly).

 









The Asian Master Chefs Competition was organized by CIGA, a group composed of food critics, writers, and culinary professors in Taiwan.   

CIGA is dedicated to the promotion of Chinese and Taiwanese cuisines, and since 2007 has been actively organizing cooking competitions and exhibitions in Taiwan, China, and other Asian countries. 

Inspiration No. 1, Arch. Augusto Villalon

For a book project I am involved with, I have had the honor of meeting Arch. Augusto Villalon.  Very likeable gentleman, superbly unassuming.  Simplicity and clarity.  His words say it all. 

Rockfeller estate above Hudson River-an Amercan majarajah's palace

Sharing pieces from two remarkable and inspiring writers

As a struggling writer, I find inspiration from writers whose work strike me with every word.  One of them is Juaniyo Arcellana.  Juaniyo's father was National Artist for Literature Francisco Arcellana.

Here's Juaniyo's latest article from the Philippine Star.

Thank you Juaniyo for taking the time out to write the U2 anniversary/game-changer article for PANA AdEdge.   And for the Malate dinner at the reborn Penguin.  The pasta is still fuhn taahs teec!

Dem great beasts of the nightly sessions

More juice discoveries on a Sunday

While having to finish a position paper for a students' integrated marketing competition, I am taking the time out to sample my latest product taste test.  Tipco Gojiberry juice hits a spot, all right.  But, not as tongue-talizing as the Beetroot juice last Sunday.

All in all, a good and happy feeling.

It's Salazar for Dice and Tikoy

Gateway has its delights, undoubtedly. Aside from a tropical inspired, glass enclosed garden cafe right smack in the center of the mall, it has a food court with a tiered-seating format.   Remarkably, the seats of the Gateway food court has pretty decent seats (with foam padding).  Said food center also has an atrium style, dining area.

The Araneta Center also has Farmers Plaza (at this stage, it is in a harem-scarem manner), but it does have its secrets.  One of which is Salazar Bakery.

Now, Eng Bee Tin rejuvenated the hopia to global quality with its ube flavors, as well as a hodge podge of fusion flavors like mochipia.    But.. for dice mongo hopia and tikoy, there's nothing better than Salazar.  Salazar Bakery offers its fans all sorts of Tikoy - peanut and mongo flavors - as well as a selection of moon cakes, mini moon cakes, mooncake slices, etc.

While Eng Bee Tin is found all over the Metro, outside of Binondo (Manila Chinatown), Salazar patrons really have to go to Chinatown to grab bags-full of its goodies.

At Farmers Plaza, however, go to the basement, and some of these treats are in the Salazar Bakery branch. 

Another great thing about the Araneta Center is the connection from the MRT to LRT 2.  The latter is the best of the railways.  Maybe because it's the latest.  But, I think the commuters - mostly students and upper-middle class traders, self-employed housewives - that use this Line.

It's the wider cars, better air-conditioning, and the feeling of less caution required.

Coffee press replaced

A day well spent is always good!  Talking about yesterday.   Finished a short piece by mid-day, went to a fruitful briefing, had a good dinner, attended a solemn event... all make for that one full day of A-okay!

At the Gateway, Araneta Center, I took my chance on Wok Magic!  Surprise, it wasn't bad at all! In fact, the rice was abundant!  The food was tasty.  The squid (which is not top on my list of likes) was quite soft and tasty.

The tuna teriyaki was the same.  Funny though, the teriyaki sauce was fluid, not thick.  And it had green and red peppers, and onions. Hhhmm...

The highlight of the day, I got to replace my mom's 5-cup coffee press which I broke in 2010.  Voila!

Thank you Starbucks for stocking up on this beauty once more.

House of Flying Daggers poster in Pancake House Greenbelt 1

Sleeping at 4am has its rewards. Well, only if you've finished the job, and met the deadline. This morning was one such morning. 

That the client liked the work, is a bonus.

Heavy day with breakfast meeting and Pancake House Greenbelt 1 has a poster of House of Flying Daggers! Whoaaaah!  Of course, I took a shot of it.

Takeshi Kaneshiro rules!  Or should I say, Jin Cheng Wu!

 On to a lunch lecture featuring Out-of-Home advertising technology.  McDonald's in London flashed its icons and characters on a tall building on King's Road.  All passersby that could shoot a sundae on their mobile phones claimed a free sundae at McDonald's. 

Rain poured, and almost rendered the city at zero visibility.  Wow, it's a sneeze away from June, and at 2 pm, there it came.

Heavy questions today: Should I get a Smart-Sun postpaid at P549 a month?  Or should I just buy a CDR King brand.  Their iPhone clone is only P2,400!  The Blackberry clone is P1,680.  Their basic Nokia version is only... P990.00!  

Wow!

And there's MyPhone.. sighs.

Choices.

This just in.  Message from Globe: We are changing our network equipment and technology to give you a better experience!  We are currently rolling out our modern network for better quality and reliability of calls and texts, faster downloads and surfing.  This program is part of our commitment to give you superior customer experience.  Modernization will soon arrive in your area. 

Hear, hear!

Xabi Boss!

Xabi Alonso, Real Madrid's No. 14 is my favorite football player.  He's the celebrity endorser of Hugo Boss for España! Muy guapo!

Xabi Alonso, the former Liverpool and Real Sociedad man, is so solid playing in front of the defenders that no player has been able to replace him perfectly.

Alonso has the ability to not only pass the ball, but also tackle it well; a requirement of a player playing in his position.

The Spanish midfielder, from the Basque Country,  is considered to be a deep-lying playmaker,  sitting down right behind the midfielders aiding the team with his inch-perfect passing, long shoots and good tackling ability.

Therefore, Alonso belongs to a breed of players who are not only dying out but who are also a rare find. Hence, replacing him in the Real Madrid first-team is a task which is not every player’s cup of tea.

Becky's Kitchen, best of home-style bakeshops

One of the city's best kept secrets is Becky's Kitchen. It's a lovely bakeshop that has the standards, with a little twist. 

You want fudge brownies?  Well they have the walnut and cherry versions.  Becky's Kitchen bakes the king of all Prune Cakes, plus a lovely Swiss choco cake with rich icing. Yummy!

They have the standard Ensaymada (my favorite pastry). This has a version with queso de bola.  Of course, there's cheese roll and food for the gods.   And the cinnamon roll is ever so soft.  Double yum!

Be careful, the stuff's addicting.  

When in the area of Vito Cruz and Bautista, drop by Becky's Kitchen. The shop's closed on Mondays, take note.  

Green along Taft

Full day today. Early morning rush to DLSU library archives.  This yearbook project is proving very rich and deep in history.  The University is 101 years old.  It's in the historic city of Manila, along Taft Avenue.   

Bliss Market at Vargas Museum in UP

The UP Vargas Museum presents Bliss Market: Exchange in Time | Space of Transience.  Perhaps in homage, or plain remembrance, of UP Bliss.  

Remember how it was once a landmark housing project upon entering the majestic avenue leading to the Oblation?

The exhibit brings the community face-to-face with its (fading) glory.

It may be a call to arms:  let's sustain what UP Bliss was constucted to be.  And that is housing. Provide homes.    But we're talking about the Bliss Market - and the transient, rushing, non-reflecting bustle of human activity.  Activity, human.. no matter how fleeting is an exchange. 

The Bliss Market exhibit may be nostalgia stylized.  But nostalgia, nonetheless.

Post no Bill: From Object to Icon at Tin-aw

At the Somerset along Makati Avenue, Tin-aw is a cozy gallery that gives out Choc-nut for free.  If that isn't enough reason to visit, check out Post no Bill, the current exhibit.

From the Central Riverbank Painting Series by Alwin Reamillo

Post no Bill is a sign that is found all over.  No one actually knows exactly what it means.  Nonetheless, Post no Bill is part and parcel of daily life. 

Cabinet with collaged bottles by Christina Quisumbing Ramilo

The exhibit features cross-generational artists using everyday signs and signages, and all other stuff one wouldn't even give a second glance at.

The exhibit is refreshing, familiar, yet.. stylized.  It is a gallery after all.

Beat exhibit at Lopez Museum

The Beat exhibit at the Lopez Museum is a dark and moody experience.  It is historically rich in narrative, but the dark brown hues and blurry colors predominant in the pieces give a heavy and deep visual on the pieces.   

Talo from Dalena's Jai Alai series

La Derrota de Limahong by Hidalgo