Hmmmm

It's been a while since the last time I wrote an entry. Actually, it's been a while since I visited this blog. I was a bit surprised that still, quite a number of people have been visiting. :)

It made me think if I should "resurrect" this blog. :D I've been really busy these past months, made a career move that has kept me occupied physically, emotionally and mentally hehe. I'll probably try to post every week, that is, if I'm not so busy and tired with work.

The months that I've been away, I've seen a lot of new faces, met new friends, tried out different kinds of food but I didn't take the time to take pictures. I'll probably try to do that again, taking pics. I can't wait to go back to Pinas, looking forward to a long holiday, away from stress. :D

Wee Nam Kee

Before leaving Manila, I thought I had to try out Wee Nam Kee. It was rapidly gaining popularity so I knew I had to try it. It was, I believe a weekday, at around 5PM in Ayala Triangle. Since it was still early, we were able to secure seats. As I've heard, it gets too crowded in the evenings and you have to brave long queues to get yourself a seat. It was a good thing that we didn't have to waste much time.

Inside the restaurant, they made it look like you're in the middle of a street. For the viands, we ordered a medium sized steamed chicken which was good for 2 and cereal prawns. Steamed chicken tasted a bit bland for me, should have tried the roasted chicken instead. Cereal prawns tasted great, loved the cereal flakes. It could have been better only if they had taken out the shrimp shells already.

Steamed Chicken

P248 (if I remember it correctly :P)

Cereal Prawns

P375 / 4pcs

There was nothing really special about this reastaurant. I even find it a bit expensive. I've tried out a few versions of Hainanese Chicken Rice, steamed or roasted, and I can say nothing beats the one served in Raffles Hospital. :-P

Caramia

In Ayala Triangle, after eating Bonchon Chicken, it's recommended to try out Caramia. In almost any branch, it's usually located inside an Amici restaurant. Caramia offers Gelato or Italian ice cream while Amici offers pizza , pasta, etc. Prices are pegged at around P70 per scoop. Not bad. :)  

Happy Birthday Tamtam!

Happy 1st Birthday to my dearest nephew Tamtam! Look at how much you've grown in just a year. :)

Tamtam: a few days old

Tamtam, several days before his first birthday

Playful Tam @1 yr old

We love you Litot! :)

Conti's

Conti's is a restaurant well-known for its wide range of cake selections. I've always tried their breakfast menu since I was then working on the night shift. But then, it only offers very limited choices in the morning and most of the entrees are not available. But since we had already shifted to a regular morning schedule, we decided to try out items from their regular menu one Friday afternoon. It has a few brances but I've always tried the branch in Serendra. 

The Gambas tasted good, though serving size was really small. Chicken Ala Kiev tasted great too but after a few bites, you'll be fed up with its creaminess. I didn't like the Roast Beef, beef was not tender, it was a bit gooey. You had to keep on chewing. The cake? Of course I liked it, I've always ordered it for dessert ever since. :) I like it since it's frozen, not too sweet and it has nuts in it. Serving size is great too, can be shared by 2 persons. 

Gambas Champinon al Ajillo
P175

 

Chicken ala Kiev
P250



Roast Beef in Mushroom Sauce
P295



Mango Bravo
P120



Five Cows Ice Cream

I saw some old pics stored in my phone. These were taken a few months back:

Ice cream from Five Cows, located in Trinoma Mall (4th level). Prices range from P150-P200. :)

 

Deals! On Group Buying Sites

Group buying websites are becoming popular nowadays. These sites offer promos, discounted prices on almost anything: from food items to dining in restaurants and movie tickets to vacation deals. To name a few, we have a few popular online buying sites: Ensogo, Cash Cash Pinoy, Deal Grocer, Buyanihan, LocalRoam and Metrodeal.

First voucher that I bought was from Ensogo. It featured an overnight stay for 4 people at Mines View Park Hotel at only P1350. It even included breakfast. It was really a steal considering the hotel seemed really new. Downside was we could not buy multiple vouchers for an extended stay.

These are some of the deals that I've availed so far: 

 Metrodeal Voucher
Set of 12 Heavenly Cupcakes from
Mitchelle's Sweet Kiss for P225 instead of P900

Not worth it, cupcakes were small compared to regular cupcakes being sold nowadays. Size is comparable to the base of a regular-sized soda cup in Jollibee, slightly bigger. They also looked and tasted really ordinary. Bread/ base used seemed to be heavy and somehow a bit sticky (running out of words! :D). I can't really describe it but its texture is totally different compared to cupcakes from Frostings or Cupcakes by Sonja. It didn't have that light fluffy texture, the feeling of craving for more once you've tasted it. It tasted like, "so this is it"? If I had only seen the cupcakes beforehand, I will never buy them even for P200.

Chewy Junior Cream Puffs

 

I also recently bought a voucher also from Metrodeal. It was for a set of 12 Heavenly Cream Puffs from Chewy Junior: P200 instead of P439. It was also a really good deal. The cream puffs tasted good, not too sweet compared to Beard Papa. My mom and my brother even liked them considering that my brother is not fond of eating sweets. I should have bought more. :)

Turning Points

Turning Point: a point at which a very significant change occurs; a decisive moment - http://www.thefreedictionary.com/

I am thinking of what to blog since I haven't written in days. Since this is a personal blog, I've decided to share... something a bit personal perhaps.

Everyday, we make choices: what to eat, where to go, what to do first, what movie to watch. A lot of times, we find it difficult to decide. But what if we need to decide on things that are a lot more complicated than that? What if it's a choice between where you want to be and where you should be? A choice between what you want to do and what you have to do? There are instances when you are torn between the things you are used to and things that are unknown. Will you be willing to leave your comfort zone: the people, the places, the routines that you're used to for a chance to grow? Will you be settling for something mediocre like the others eventhough deep inside you know you are capable of achieving more? It probably boils down to how brave you are to risk everything that matters to you now to be able to achieve something great.

Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant

After Japan was hit by a tragic earthquake, then followed by a massive tsunami sweeping off millions and billions worth of properties, another fear cast off Asian skies. Text messages circulated in the Philippines saying that following the blast of Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant in Japan, radiation will hit Asian countries including the Philippines. It was said to happen today, March 14 2011 at 4PM, Philippine time. The message said that if it rains from 4PM until tomorrow, everybody should avoid it as it contains acid rain and will cause severe damages to the skin or even cause cancer as Japan winds are blown off to Philippine territory.

However, news items claimed that everything is a hoax and that the country is safe from radiation exposure. Fukushima officials only imposed a 10-20 km exclusion zone which means that they are confident that beyond that, people are safe. Also, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) assured that winds from Japan are not headed towards the Philippines. They said that in fact, winds from the Philippines appear to be moving toward Japan.

A little sign of relief...

Happy 1st Month!

Today marks Anything Random's first month. Happy Birthday!!! ☺☺☺

Free Boracay Package - A Contest by WOW Philippines Travel Agency

Since we are planning a family get away to Boracay, I was searching online for the best deals. I accidentally stumbled upon http://www.boracay-packages.com/ and found out that they have a contest. Prizes at stake are boracay all-in packages. I haven't won any contest before and hopefully, this changes the losing streak. :D Join now!

Le Soleil de Boracay - Win a Free Boracay Package only from - WOW Philippines Travel Agency, Inc.

WOW Philippines Travel Agency, Inc. is one of the most respected and trusted names in Philippines Travel, arranging short trips and family vacations to any of the 7,107 Philippines Islands. We have been specializing in all inclusive packages since 2005 to top destinations like, Boracay, Palawan, Bohol, Cebu, Puerto Galera, Baguio, Tagaytay, and Manila as-well-as other island destinations.

WOW Philippines Travel Agency, Inc. is the 1st travel agency in the Philippines to offer FREE VACATION PACKAGES  to BORACAY ISLAND, the number #1 Philippines Tourist Destination. Now everyone has a chance to WIN a FREE all expenses paid vacation to Boracay, and all you have to do is to enter the contest is to CREATE a BLOG and paste this info into it, that’s it, it’s just that easy.

Enter our Free Boracay Vacation Package Giveaway at – http://www.boracay-packages.com/

3 Days / 2 Nights - Le Soleil de Boracay Hotel

Enjoy this staying at this luxury resort in Boracay located in station 2 where all of the party action is. Le Soleil de Boracay hotel specializing in pampering their guest with beautiful rooms, delicious food, and excellent service from their professional staff.

Flights to Boracay - Manila to Kalibo Airport via Philippine Airlines

No true vacation package is complete without having the air-fare included. WOW Philippines Travel Agency, Inc. will be including ROUNDTRIP AIR-FARE from Manila to Kalibo and back to Manila. Once you arrive at the Kalibo airport you will be greeted by SOUTHWEST Travel & Tours, and transported to Boracay Island via a tour bus.

Boracay Island Transfers - Kalibo Airport to Boracay (roundtrip)

SOUTHWEST Travel & Tours is the OFFICIAL transport company of WOW Philippines Travel Agency, Inc. SouthWest Travel & Tours has been in business for over 15 years, and is considered one of the safest carriers in the Philippines.

Daily Breakfast – Buffet Style

The winners to this Free Boracay Package will also have included a daily breakfast, served buffet style at the beachfront restaurant of Le Soleil de Boracay resort.

Boracay Activities - Island Hopping Tour

For one full day our winners will enjoy a tour around Boracay Island that includes snorkeling, as-well as visiting surrounding beaches. (does not include entrance fee into Crystal Cove)

BonChon Chicken

Recently, a lot of buzz has been created by Ayala Triangle Garden so since it was a Friday payday, we decided to explore what it has to offer and what the buzz is all about.

Ayala Triangle is like a small park amidst the Makati CBD. It is bound by 3 major roads: Paseo de Roxas, Makati Avenue and Ayala Avenue. It appears to be a breathing space from the bustling crowd and noise of the Metropolis. Several restaurants, around 10 or more, are found in the area. This includes Wee Nam Kee, Amici, Caramia, Golden Spoon and BonChon Chicken to name a few.

We decided to try BonChon Chicken. The place easily gets packed but since it was just around 6pm, we were able to secure a seat.

BonChon Facade

For 3 pax, we ordered these:
1 Chicken Wings Medium (12pcs: half spicy and half soy garlic) - P365
2 French Fries - P45 each
Drinks

Chicken Wings, Fries

Soy Garlic and Spicy

We ordered their Lemon Iced Tea (22 oz) and thought it was too big. It was that big for a cause though, the Spicy Chicken was really spicy. We liked the Soy Garlic more but still, Shakey's Buffalo Wings taste better. :)  

Iced Tea

With three drinks included, we spent P573. Not bad, but it's not that filling though. We ended up looking for dessert as we were not that satisfied. Nothing special, it's just that it was really crispy especially the Soy Garlic. As a final verdict for BonChon Chicken, the crispiness of the chicken wings, that's what the buzz is all about.

Chevvy :)

There was a Car Exhibit in Mall of Asia and I found this. Since the car was predominantly blue (and not to mention shiny, sparkling shiny :D), I liked it instantaneously, no questions asked. The color combination easily catches anyone's attention. This is a Chevrolet Cruze, price is pegged at around P800k to probably around P1M. Probably in 10 years. =p

This is a good alternative to a Chevvy Camaro, aka Bumblebee, which costs around P3M up.

San Miguel by the Bay

San Miguel by the Bay is the long stretch of restaurants found along the Seaside Boulevard of the Mall of Asia. As its name implies, it is located beside the Manila Bay and has replaced what used to be the Baywalk.

There are a lot of restaurants there: from Seafood restaurants that accept palutos from the Seaside wet market, bars like Pier One and Giligan's, coffee shop like starbucks, to food carts that sell street foods.

Dad and Mom's Restaurant. For 5 persons, we ordered shrimp with butter and garlic, pork sisig and bulalo (deadly :D). We spent around P1700, inclusive of drinks and rice.

Dad and Mom's Shrimp with Butter and Garlic
Shrimp from the Seaside Market: P480/kl
Cooking Fee: P200/kl

There are also several things that can be done to kill time: bungee fun, picture-taking with human statues, playing basketball arcade, trying out the zipline, riding what appears to be a zorb (large balloons that move afloat a small pool) and also the bump cars.

Bump Cars
P50/head

We also played a game of bowling inside the mall. A few strides away from San Miguel by the Bay. The place appeared to be cozy since there are several couches provided in the lane area.

SM Bowling Center - Mall of Asia
Operating Hours: open until 12 MN on weekends
Rate: P140/game
Shoe Rental: P30



couches in the playing area

And also, as an added attraction, there is a fireworks display every Saturday at around 7 or 7:30 pm. :) 

Secure Your Things

Anywhere you go, whatever TV show you watch, any newspaper you read, for sure you'll find an article about robbery or theft. Due to the living conditions that we have nowadays, especially that in poverty-stricken countries, theft and robbery have always been rampant. It's because you do not have to work to live comfortably, it's like easy money.


However, for those ordinary people that get robbed, it's a different side of the story. Losing your hard-earned money and properties in an instant creates an enormous feeling of grief. That's why it's always important to secure your things. We need to secure our most valuable possessions from these criminals who prefer to risk their lives in exchange of instant money.


There are a lot of ways to secure our possessions but the most common way for ordinary people like us are the use of lockers and locker accessories. The most convenient and perhaps the most reliable and widely used are the metal lockers. They can be used to store a lot of valuables in schools, offices, the gym and sometimes even at home. It's not a guarantee that your things will be 100% thief-free but you have better chances of escaping or avoiding theft. There are a lot of stores around that have lockers for sale and you can also buy them online to save yourself the hassle of going out and selecting the most appropriate locker that fits you and your valuables. Just remember to select the best one and you're bound for a good night sleep. :)

Cupcakes by Sonja

There is an extensive increase in the popularity of cupcakes nowadays. Instead of buying cakes, buying these cupcakes proves to be a better alternative since you get to enjoy different flavors that come in small servings. Also, these little cakes appear to be more enticing especially when topped with cream that comes in different colors which makes it more appealing especially to the kids and kids at heart. :) There are a lot of brands well-known in taking advantage of this cupcake fad: Frostings, Yummy Piece of Cake, Cupcakes by Sonja, just to name a few. I recently tried Cupcakes by Sonja which is found in Serendra, BGC, Taguig. A few colorful tables and chairs that remind you of an afternoon tea greet you as you enter their shop.

Their cupcakes are boxed individually just in case you decide to buy  only a few pieces. 

I tried some of their cupcakes and here goes:

I didn't like the Vanilla Sunshine, the topping seemed to be grainy, as if it was made of fondant. It was also too sweet yet still bland for my taste.

Vanilla Sunshine


I liked the Pistachio Berries and Cream and Berries and Cream. Toppings were both creamy and texture was smooth. The bread used for the cake tasted a bit creamy too and wasn't too sweet for my taste.
  

Pistachio Berries and Cream




Berries and Cream

  



The Banana Monkey Pie was extra sweet. The base was sort of grainy and seemed to be made up of crumbled sugar, mixed with banana and nuts. The frosting was so-so.

I liked the Red Velvet Vixen's frosting. Without reading the desciption, the moment I tasted it, I knew it was made of cream cheese. The bread was a bit creamy too. 



Banana Monkey Pie

    

 

Red Velvet Vixen

  













Vanilla Sunshine: P55
Pistachio Berries and Cream: P85
Berries and Cream: P80
Banana Monkey Pie: P85
Red Velvet Vixen: P70 

Red Velvet Vixen

Vanilla Sunshines

Cupcakes :)



Still, I find their cupcakes a bit expensive as compared to other brands. For instance, Frostings offers their Sansrival Premium cupcake for only P55 and the other Extra Premium Cakes such as Black Forest and Tiramisu at P70. There's no real notable difference in the flavor anyway and Frostings' cupcakes can be found in major malls in Metro Manila which makes it more accessible. So for me, when it comes to cupcakes, I still prefer Frostings compared to Cupcakes by Sonja as it also has a branch in Market Market and Trinoma. =P Well, that's just for me anyway. :D



China's Snow Storm

December 2007. It's been more than 3 years since my first snow encounter. :) I can still vividly remember how we all reacted upon seeing the first batch of small white substances falling into thin air...
 We were sent to Hangzhou, Zhejiang in China for training at around September 2007. Since we were all from the Philippines, where the weather is just sunny or rainy, we haven't really had any snow encounters. Then one December afternoon, a few days before Christmas (while we were all sulking as we would not be spending it with our families), I saw a few white substances near the window sill. Then one of my friends shrieked excitedly and yelled. "Wow snow!" :D

So we all went outside and were happy to see the ground partially covered with thin snow. One of my friends even opened her mouth to check how snow tasted like. :p It was a happy experience, surreal even.

The grounds partially covered with snow.

After a few days and the excitement had died, we were all complaining about how cold the weather was. Heaters and doubled blankets were not enough to provide warmth. Then we were informed that there was a snow storm, a storm that hasn't occurred to China in years.

 
Photos taken during the snow storm. Roads were all covered in snow and vehicles rarely passed by.

Happy Valentine's Day!

February 14. This day is known as Valentine's day, a commemoration of romantic love between individuals. Anywhere in the world, you'll see that this day is widely-celebrated. Days or even weeks before, couples busy themselves into thinking of gifts to give to their loved ones or ways on how to celebrate this famed Day of Hearts: vacation packages, romantic get-aways, a dinner set up by the beach, a picnic at the park, a box of Belgian chocolates, a bouquet of roses, well the list seems to be endless. But I guess you don't have to spend much or worry yourself to show your love to someone, a movie date and a dinner afterwards will probably do. But then, to avoid the traffic and long queues in restaurants as lots of people rush outside to celebrate this day, it's probably best to do it some other day. Anyway, a celebration of love should not be confined to one day, should it? :) 

♦ Happy Hearts' Day everyone, may you all have a good one! :) ♦

To Begin With

Welcome back! Well, that's the first thing that came to me the moment I began to type my first ever post, well, not really. I previously had a blog, which was associated with my Friendster account, but deleted it so I haven't blogged anything in a million years. No regrets since I don't even remember my Friendster password now that Facebook has overpowered it. Hmmmm, what will I write? I really don't know yet as of now. Politics? News? Weather? Sports? Nope, I don't think so. Probably, but I think they will mostly be about food, travel, movies. Who knows, random thoughts may include news, or even politics? =D Anyway, I've got loads of free time now so that means I've got loads of time to blog. Watch out. ;)