Nadaman

By | Foodie, Travel | 8 Comments

One of the best memories of the trip ( of course it had to be food related )…Nadaman at Island Shangri-la Hotel Hong Kong.  

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Though we go mainly for the TEPPANYAKI444104049503_0_bg.jpg

Meet Dad and Mom’s friends, Chef Mok and Dickson.  They have been there ever since we started going to Nadaman……maybe around 20 years ago or even more.  Make sure you look for Chef Mok to do your Teppanyaki!  

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Wow!  Look at that gigantic and FRESH Japanese tomato!!! What a presentation and so delicious! You dip it in a japanese sauce and some salt.318983049503_0_bg.jpg354104049503_0_bg.jpg554104049503_0_bg.jpg754104049503_0_bg.jpg

This was the Japanese Wagyu, the real thing, cooked in charcoal grill. WOW! really just melts in your mouth.   The grill was an interesting piece.  Perfect size for the dining table.  954104049503_0_bg.jpg

That was day 1 when there was no space in the Teppanyaki tables…so we made sure we went back!

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AND THE UNAGI!!!!! This is one of the BEST teppanyaki unagis ( eel ) ever! Chef Mok has a certain way of cooking it that it is so crispy and really really good!!! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!  Showing the step by step way of how he cooked it…197983049503_0_bg.jpg397983049503_0_bg.jpg597983049503_0_bg.jpg

And this was Heart2Hearts main dish!  WOW!!!! Really delicious!!!Rolled beef with foie gras and mushroom inside. Just this with white rice is yum yum!!!!! Chef Mok has a certain way of cooking the foie gras also that makes it so so good.  It deserves a step by step documentation as well!  If someone else can make this, give Heart2Heart a call!  🙂208983049503_0_bg.jpg408983049503_0_bg.jpg608983049503_0_bg.jpg118983049503_0_bg.jpg518983049503_0_bg.jpg

Then he poured this sauce on the teppanyaki grill……the sauce was really really good!228983049503_0_bg.jpg628983049503_0_bg.jpg

And the Grand Finale!!!

Japanese Wagyu ( top ) and Australian Kobe Beef ( bottom )- what will be documented is the Wagyu which is the more premium beef…538983049503_0_bg.jpg

He even has a way of cutting the beef…..938983049503_0_bg-1.jpg

Cooking the beef on top of its fat!!!! 

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WOW!! WHAT A MEAL!!!!!!!! 

But aside from the food really, is also the company.  It is during meals only that the whole group or family gets together.  So, it is fun!  I can’t imagine going alone to Nadaman and having my favorite dish!  It would not taste the same 🙂 

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Hong Kong Disneyland

By | Entertainment, For kids, Travel | One Comment

Disneyland is truly MAGIC!  When you are in Disneyland, you do not have to worry about anything, it is a place where everything is just about being happy and having fun with family and friends whether you are 1 or 100 years old!  

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 HK Disneyland is very small compared to Florida and LA.  Even the rides and attractions are quite limited.  But when in Hong Kong with children, better to go here than to hang out in the city.

Javier and I did not get to see everything still in a day.  But we did have fun! Javs said it was his best day in Hong Kong.

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Even Mickey Mouse was riding and having fun! 

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And whether you are in Hong Kong, Tokyo, Paris, LA or Florida – you will see all kinds of people from all over the world in Disneyland.  Indeed, It’s A Small World!! ( Soon to open in HK Disneyland )

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website:  Hong Kong Disneyland 

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Minstrels by Galaxy

By | Yummy! | One Comment

One of the things I look for in Hong Kong….MINSTRELS!!! So far, I have seen it only in Seibu ( HK$ 15.00 each ) and in Park N’ Shop ( HK$ 10.00 each). It is a British chocolate…..a gigantic version of an M & M. Me and my sister love it!

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William’s Photo Supply

By | Photography, Shopping, Travel | One Comment

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For those who ask me for a “suki” for cameras and photo supply- here is one.  This is actually from my Dad.  Another one of Dad’s friends in Hong Kong.     William has been in Prince’s Building for 35 years already.  It may not be the cheapest in town but you will be sure William will give you your camera as it should be with all the components with it.  Some shops might give you a lower price but might be missing some parts or accessories. In other words, he is a reputable shop.  Location wise it is in a very decent building.  So, do try William when you buy your photo supplies.  

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 Photos taken with an IPhone

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Wee Andreas is 3!!!

By | Celebrations, For kids | 3 Comments

Thanks Gary and Alexie for allowing me to share the photos of Andreas party…that is what happens when you ask me to take photos for you 🙂   

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The Birthday Boy 

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and his brother Agustin 

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Thanks to Mommy and Daddy 

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the venue and the festive decorations 

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the kids 

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and the parents 

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the Food 

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The games and entertainment 

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANDREAS!!!

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Thanks for swingin’ by! 

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Another book printed by Picture Books

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Previous entry:  Christiana is 1 and Joshua’s 4! 


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Witchkins Cookbook launch and cooking classes

By | Events and Launches, For kids, Summer | One Comment

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Steaming cauldrons, delicious concoctions, and wonderful creations.  Welcome to the world of cooking as seen by three sassy little girls- Carmela, Anna M and Katrina, together with Katrina’s brother, Sir Nigel.  I’m beaming with excitement as I invite you and your kids to the launch of my book, The Witchkins Cookbook. 

April 13:  Powerbooks Greenbelt, 3PM

April 19:  Hooked on Books (Quezon City), 3PM

April 20:  Powerbooks Alabang Town Center, 3PM

April 27:  Fully Booked Serendra, 3PM 

Goodies await those who attend!  Come and join in on the fun!See you then! 🙂  Mel

 

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Previous entry:  Witchkins Cookbook February 17, 2008 

Band Camp 2008

By | For kids, Summer | No Comments

Jaime and his cousin, Ramon, joined Band Camp last year and they really had a great time.   

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Timmy dela Rama’s original composition called WISH. Performed by all the kids from Band Camp 2007. 

 

 

[wp_youtube]jSgfDo7JUPY[/wp_youtube][wp_youtube]1JKqRnGkAUo[/wp_youtube][wp_youtube]4xXRp6y3BUg[/wp_youtube][wp_youtube]zxej8WtSCog[/wp_youtube]This year, the location of the camp is in a more convenient location.  I have tried to put everything here from their website with almost all the information that you will need to know.  Bandcampis for everyone and anyone who enjoys music and at the same time having fun together with other music lovers.  So, do not worry if your child is a beginner or if he or she simply wants to learn.  This will be the perfect venue because everyone helps each other and shares what they know.     

 

“Getting to know music intimately allows the children a better chance at expressing their uniqueness. Getting to know music in this way will spark the discovery of how original each and every human being is.”

Butch Roxas, classical and electric guitarist, Camp Director, Bandcamp 2008 

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It’s what you’ve always wanted to do – Rock in a Band! Jazz it  up with a big band! Jam with the professionals! Improvise. Perform.

If you are between 11-18 years old, love music, and can play a musical instrument or sing, you are invited to join BandCamp!

There will be daily lessons and band practices, workshops and concerts where campers play with professional musicians. 

  1. BulletBandCamp is a non-profit parent-organized camp.  It is a live-in contemporary music camp for young musicians. It is two weeks of playing music every day with kids of the same age and performing in concert with professional musicians.  

  2. BulletCampers have daily instruction in their instruments and daily band practice. They join workshops, and play in concerts.   The whole program is designed to broaden young people’s  music experience and interest. 

  3. BulletBandCamp is a collaboration with University of Santo Tomas Conservatory of Music teachers who are all professional musicians — trained in classical tradition but who also play contemporary music.  There will be 8 senior musicians in residence who will teach bass guitar, electric and acoustic guitar, keyboard, voice, drums, percussion and jazz violin.  

  4. BulletBandCamp is in collaboration with the Beacon School. To ensure that the children are safe and rules are kept, there is a Den Mother in residence with three assistant facilitators.  The Den Mother is from the faculty of the Waldorf School.

 BandCamp is a live-in only camp.

This year, BandCamp will be at The Beacon School, PCPD Compound, Taguig, Metro Manila. A Den Mother from the faculty of the Waldorf School, Ms. Laarni Aranas, will be in residence for the duration of the camp to ensure that children are safe and rules are kept. Ms. Aranas will have three assistants also in residence at all times: Aeon Mapa (a guitarist), Joshua (a singer) and Muriel Gonzales (a violinist). Sleeping quarters are at the second level of the Beacon School, and meals will be served at the cafeteria in the same building. Indoor and outdoor  concerts will also be in the same campus. For campers who have been accepted, please note registration is from  2-4 pm of May 4th at the Beacon School.    Move out is at 9 pm of May 18th. Please make sure you have everything in the LIST OF THINGS TO BRING, and have signed copy of the medical form and waiver when you register. 

 

  1. The eight live-in teachers of BandCamp are mostly from the UST Conservatory 

    1. of Music.  All are classically trained musicians who play professionally.


     

  2. Camp Director/ Classical and Acoustic Guitar:  Butch Roxas

  3. Bass Guitar: Ruben Reyes

  4. Voice director: Patrice Pacis

  5. Keyboard Director: Lyndon Aguilar

  6. Percussion and General Music: Franco Octaviano

  7. Guitar and General Music: James Peter Namit

  8. Jazz Violin: Michael del Rosario

 

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  1. THE PROGRAM includes  individual lessons  when necessary, band practice , workshops and the chance to play with professional musicians in 9 evening concerts.

  2. DAILY SCHEDULE: 

  3. Mornings: general music instruction, sight singing and theory, individual and group instruction per instrument.  

  1. BAND CAMP 2008 DAILY TEACHING SCHEDULE.

    * schedules are subject to change at any moment and will be announced.

  2. MORNING SCHEDULE

  3. 7:00 – 8:00 – BREAKFAST  

  4. 8:30 – 10:00 – MUSIC RUDIMENTS(THEORY) AND SIGHT SINGING  

  5. 10:00 – 12:00 – INDIVIDUAL AND GROUP LESSONS  

  6. LUNCH

  7. AFTERNOON SCHEDULE

  8. 1:00 – 4:00 – BAND/ENSEMBLE PRACTICE

 

  1. * if there are no workshops students may use this time for further practice or for recreational activities.

  2. DINNER

  3. EVENING SCHEDULE

  4. 8:00 – START OF CONCERTS

 

  1.  
    1. SUNDAY, MAY 4

    2. 2:00 PM- 4:00 PM – REGISTRATION / ORIENTATION 

    3. 4:00 PM – OPENING CONCERT 

      1. 1) TRIO – 3 GUITARS RUBEN REYES, BUTCH ROXAS, JAMES PETER NAMIT 

      2. 2) INTRODUCTORY SPEECH

      3. 3) THE ’07 PROJECT – students from bandcamp’07

      4. 4) THE FACULTY BAND FEATURING VIOLINIST, MIKE DEL ROSARIO

      5. 5) THE GUITAR ENSEMBLE, “ELECTRIC COUNTERPOINT” by Steve Reich, Ruben Reyes –conductor 


      1. START OF FIRST WEEK

      2. MONDAY, MAY 5

      3. AUDITIONS FOR BAND PLACEMENT, NO CONCERTS. 

      4. TUESDAY, MAY 6

      5. START OF DAILY PROGRAM, NO CONCERTS. 

      6. WEDNESDAY, MAY 7

      7. DAILY SCHEDULE, NO CONCERTS. 

      8. PRACTICE FOR MAY 8 CONCERT. 

      9. THURSDAY, MAY 8

      10. 7:30 PM – STUDENT AND FACULTY CONCERT “ACOUSITCS ALLOWED” 

      11. FRIDAY, MAY 9

      12. 4:00 PM – GUITAR ENSEMBLE WORKSHOP 

      13. 7:30 PM – GUITAR ENSEMBLE CONCERT 

      14. SATURDAY, MAY 10

      15. 4:00 PM – THE ART SONG WORKSHOP WITH RANDY GILONGO AND PETER PORTICOS 

      16. 7:30 PM – THE ART SONG CONCERT 

      17. SUNDAY, MAY 11

      18. FAMILY AFTERNOON 


      1. Second WEEK – GUEST ARTISTS AND WORKSHOPS

        * STUDENTS WILL PERFORM IN EVERY CONCERT BEFORE AND SOMETIMES WITH THE GUEST PERFORMER.

      2. MONDAY, MAY 12

      3. 4:00 PM – INDIGENOUS MUSIC WORKSHOP WITH TUSA MONTES 

      4. 7:30 PM – THE TRIBAL MUSIC CONCERT WITH TUSA MONTES 

      5. TUESDAY, MAY 13

      6. 4:00 PM – BIG BAND MUSIC WORKSHOP WITH TOTS TOLENTINO 

      7. 7:30 PM – THE BIG BAND CONCERT, TOTS TOLENTINO, CONDUCTING 

      8. WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY, MAY 14 AND 15.

      9. 3:00 PM – COMPOSITION AND MUSIC PRODUCTION WITH TONTON AFRICA 

      10. 7:30 PM – CONCERT FEATURING COMPOSITIONS OF STUDENTS 

      11. FRIDAY, MAY 16

      12. 4:00 PM – SONGWRITNG AND PERFORMING WORKSHOP WITH NOEL CABANGON

      13. 7:30 PM – CONCERT – NOEL CABANGON 

      14. SATURDAY, MAY 17

      15. 4:00 PM – ROCK WORKSHOP WITH BENNI’S BAND

      16. 7:30 PM – CONCERT – BENNI’S BAND 

      17. SUNDAY, MAY 18 – CULMINATING CONCERT

      18. ALL DAY REHEARSALS FOR ALL GROUPS

       

 

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  1. BAND CAMP 2008 SCHEDULE OF CONCERTS

    * Except for the First Concert,STUDENTS WILL PERFORM IN EVERY CONCERT BEFORE AND SOMETIMES WITH THE GUEST PERFORMER.

  2. SUNDAY, MAY 4

  3. 4:00 PM – OPENING CONCERT

  4. PROGRAM :  

  5. TRIO – 3 GUITARS (RUBEN REYES, BUTCH ROXAS, JAMES PETER NAMIT) 

  6. THE ’07 PROJECT (Students fron Band Camp ’07) 

  7. THE FACULTY BAND FEATURING VIOLINIST MIKE DEL ROSARIO

  8. THE GUITAR ENSEMBLE, “electric counterpoint” by Steve Reich, Ruben Reyes – conductor

  9. THE BIG BAND, Tots Tolentino – conductor 

  10. THURSDAY, MAY 8

  11. 7:30 PM – STUDENT AND FACULTY CONCERT “ACOUSTICS ALLOWED”

  1. FRIDAY, MAY 9

  2. 7:30 PM – GUITAR ENSEMBLE CONCERT

  3. SATURDAY, MAY 10

  4. 7:30 PM – ART SONG CONCERT

  5. MONDAY, MAY 12

  6. 7:30 PM – THE TRIBAL MUSIC CONCERT WITH TUSA MONTES

  7. TUESDAY, MAY 13

  8. 7:30 PM – THE BIG BAND CONCERT, TOTS TOLENTINO, CONDUCTING.

  9. WEDNESDAY, MAY 14

  10. 7:30 PM – CONCERT FEATURING COMPOSITIONS OF STUDENTS

  11. THURSDAY, MAY 15

  12. 7:30 PM – CONCERT FEATURING COMPOSITIONS OF STUDENTS

  13. FRIDAY, MAY 16

  14. 7:30 PM – CONCERT – NOEL CABANGON

  15. SATURDAY, MAY 17

  16. 7:30 PM – CONCERT BENNI’S BAND

  17. SUNDAY, MAY 18 – CULMINATING CONCERT

  18. 7:30 PM – OUR LAST WALTZ.

 If you are between 11-18 years old, sing or  play an instrument at the beginner or advanced level, you are invited to apply by filling in the application form and sending it to us. Very advanced students are accepted for limited slots.

COST: 

P16,000 inclusive of lessons, workshops, food and lodging, and two free BandCamp T-shirts.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

Fill up the Application Form and email to bandcamp2008@gmail.com.   

We will email to acknowledge receipt of your application and schedule you for an interview with the camp director. 

Campers from BandCamp 2007 do not require interviews. 

After the interview we will email notification of your acceptance into BandCamp 2008. We will require a reservation fee of P3000 within a week of notification. This fee is non-refundable, and will be deducted from the enrollment fee of P16,000.

The enrollment fee is due in full on April 15, 2008. 

All bank details will be emailed to you on notification of your acceptance to BandCamp.

 Email us at bandcamp2008@gmail.com

 

Call us at 8962561 / 8995544 

Ask for Marge Sevilla

website:  BandCamp 2008 

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Elbert’s Lunch at Steak Room

By | Foodie | 3 Comments

Heart2Heart is happy to announce that Elbert’s Steak Room is now open for lunch!!!!  They just started their dry run yesterday.  For now he has 4 main courses to choose from, but Elbert told me there will be a Tapsilog dish and a Steak Diane dish. You can still order the dinner menu but you need to give advance notice so they can prepare.  I highly recommened making reservations.  We were able to try the set lunch and we will definitely be in Elbert’s for lunch again and again and again!    579019269503_0_bg.jpg979019269503_0_bg.jpg489019269503_0_bg.jpg 

Elbert and his brother Adrian are a team in running Steak Room.  Adrian is the Chef who concocted all the recipes for the new lunch menu.   Elbert is the owner and is a great guy.  As I get to know him better, I  like him as much as i like his steaks which is  A LOT!  🙂

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 Elbert’s Steak Room is located at:

3/F Sagittarius Building III

111 H. V. de la Costa Street

Salcedo Village

Makati City 1227

Philippines

 


  1.  located right across Somerset Salcedo, diagonally across a Ministop, two floors above the Indian restaurant

    Sagittarius Building III,  the one to the left if you’re facing the building

    there’s a 7-11 in the next building (Sagittarius Bldg II)

  2. Sagittarius is perpendicular to Leviste Street

     3rd floor and there is no escalator nor elevator, sorry

 

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Previous Entry:  Elbert’s Steak Room September 18, 2007 

Website:  http://www.steakroom.com/Home.html 


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Bistro Ikea

By | Foodie, Travel | 2 Comments

Make sure to pass by Bistro Ikea even to just get a snack!  Only because you just have to have your cheapest meal in Hong Kong!  Maybe not even in Manila you can have snacks as cheap as this……and it is YUMMY!! Definitely VALUE FOR MONEY!

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A snack for HK$ 7.00 – hotdog and soft serve!  and it was YUMMY!! 

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