What’s nice about being a Smart Infinity subscriber is that they really take care of you and pamper you. It’s not just having a cellphone plan or a line but it is a lifestyle and a relationship that they build with you. Last night they treated all Smart Infinity subscribers to the screening of MIB3 at Power Plant mall in Rockwell
Inside the theater, we bumped into Noel Lorenzana and Doy Vea. Noel is the new Executive Vice President/Head of Consumer Wireless Division at Smart Communications, which explains the new look and branding for Smart Infinity. Trust me that there will be many more good things to come with Noel leading the brand. Doy Vea is one of the founders of Smart! I’m so honored to be sitting beside these two gentlemen.
Oh my gosh! So happy to bump into my cousins, Donnie and Crickette, watching the movie as well! Watch out for more from this couple and Smart Infinity
My friend, Timmy, introduced me to Sister May!!! I went to visit Sister and loved her instantly! Sister with all smiles!!
Where sister lives which is also her office
I visited Sister to pick up some charm bracelets which I bought from her to help her raise funds for her projects! They were outside by the porch making bracelets
The religious charms which she gets from Italy, the Vatican
And here is the finished product! I love charm bracelets!!
Sister designs other bracelets and she sends them to Italy and sells them there
Reception of the office
Sister belongs to this order
This is another item sister designed and sells to raise money. I like how Sister thinks! She told me that instead of just asking and asking for money as support, she instead make products which she can sell so she can raise money. That way she does not always have to ask
Sister’s materials
More designs – door hangers
A leather factory donates their scrap to Sister and she makes them into bracelets which she sells in Italy
Here are more of the bracelets she makes which are ready to be shipped to Italy
Package to be sent to Italy. This package was so heavy maybe 50 pounds or more and Sister carried it so easily!!!
Sister’s trinkets in her office
She did not let me leave until I had her Italian Coffee. Sister used to serve and live in the Vatican in Italy which explains all her connections with Italy. She continues to visit when she can. She told me that she helps Italian couples adopt kids from the Philippines. She is the one who puts them together.
We sat to chat a bit as Sister tells me all the things she does! I LOVE HER! because she is such an ANGEL! Busy doing many things to serve others
Sister feeds 500 families in Calauan ( together with other big organizations). I am hoping to visit with her one of these days.
While we are having delicious coffee in the heat 🙂 Sister tells me that she does not want to put electric fan in her house/office because it will make you use the fan all the time even if you really don’t need it. And she’s telling me this as she wears her hobbit that looks so warm and she is sweating 🙂 This makes me love her more – her simplicity is admirable!
Oops, even her napkin is from Italy 🙂 They send her many things!
and Wow!! Boxes and boxes of pasta from Italy!!! Donated to her
And as I say goodbye to Sister, I pay her for the bracelets I bought and then on the way out she gives me a whole box of pasta which will feed thousands! 🙂 I came out of there bringing back more than what I gave her – a case of pasta and a feeling of fulfillment meeting such a wonderful person who does so much to serve others!! I feel so rich again!
If you want to help Sister, the cute Charm bracelets are available at
Discover new gastronomical options and more set in the center of the most hip and happening place, BonifacioGlobalCity (BGC).
Bonifacio High Street Central (BHS Central) is the continuation of the sprawling retail and office promenade, Bonifacio High Street, in BGC. President of Fort Bonifacio Development Corporation, Antonino Aquino shares, “BHS Central puts forth the very best that we have to offer. It is part of the unique urban progression taking place in BGC, specifically the continuous building and upkeep of magnificent modern venues for home, work and recreation; and the promotion of a practical and leisurely pedestrian experience.”
This new area has four buildings impressing the synergy of elements of a refined commercial space for avant-garde fashion, dining and specialty shops, well-appointed office spaces, state-of-the-art cinema houses, and events venue — all within a picturesque green landscape and open park.
Two of the buildings are 6-storeys with four floors of office suites and two floors of retail spaces. Another building has dining outlets created exclusively for BHS Central. The restaurants are expected to offer the ultimate in variety of gastronomic pleasures. The line up includes:
Aria is a modern and contemporary Italian restaurant that has a menu inspired by the coastal regions of the Mediterranean. First opened in Boracay, one of the world’s top beach destinations, in 2003, Aria elevated the standards of restaurant designs in the beautiful island wit its stylishly modern, tropical interiors and cozy ambiance and turned itself into one of the top destinations in the island.
Fast forward to today, Boracay’s most celebrated Italian restaurant finally opened its doors in Manila, at the Bonifacio High Street Central, FortBonifacioGlobalCity. Making their delicious seafood and meat dishes, mouthwatering homemade pastas, fresh green salads, excellent wine and their famous woodfire oven-baked pizzas—Aria brings to Manila great food and a dining experience that people will surely enjoy.
Beso – modern tapas and wine bar
Cake Club – dessert concept by Manila Diamond Hotel
City dining has become more delicious and exciting as Diamond Hotel Philippines opens The Cake Club. Located at the posh Bonifacio High Street in BonifacioGlobalCity, guests are welcomed by the restaurant’s cozy and sophisticated interiors matched with Diamond Hotel’s signature cuisines and delicacies – providing 5-star dining experience in a relaxed setting.
The Cake Club offers Diamond Hotel’s bestselling cakes, pastries and an a la carte menu selection. The Ube Ensaymada, Supermoist Chocolate Cake, Le Royale and Baked Cheesecake need no further introduction. You don’t have to fly all the way to Paris to delight yourself with Ispahan, Mont Blanc, and St. Honoré, as these specialty cakes are included in new cake line introduced by Diamond Hotel. New additions also include Cecilia, a coconut mousse pie; Vanessa, made from pistachio macaroons and fresh strawberries; and Danielle, a raspberry white chocolate cheesecake, which is, believe it or not — sugarless.
Set to satisfy discerning taste buds is a sublime selection of savory dishes. Starters include Red Beet Soup, Truffle Fries and the much-loved GM’s Salad. A serving of the Porcini Mushroom Crepe, Sato-san’s Mentaiko Spaghetti or Veal Cheek Ravioli is a sure-fire palate pleaser. Then, top it all with a scoop of Diamond Hotel’s homemade ice cream, yes, you read it right — homemade. In delightfully unique flavors like Black Sesame, Genmaicha (Green Tea with roasted brown rice), Azuki (Japanese Red Bean), Chestnut and Rum, Apple Pie, and more; you’ll definitely keep coming back for seconds. These homemade ice creams are also available in one-pint and half-gallon containers for your indulgent cravings.
A fine selection of wines and the award-winning chocolate brand from HokkaidoJapan, Royce Chocolates are also available at The Cake Club. You may also have a cup of Hediard Tea or Malongo Coffee. Both brands have originated in France and are internationally renowned for their distinct flavors and quality.
The Cake Club is the perfect venue to start and end your day. Catch up with your friends and loved ones over a leisurely meal, or just simply reward yourself with a luscious dessert after a hard day’s work. At The Cake Club, indulgence is just a piece of cake.
Crystal Jade – international Chinese restaurant chain from Singapore
Elias – Filipino cuisine by Chef Florabel Co-Yatco
Delectable turn of the century Filipino cuisine comes to Bonifacio Global City with the opening of ELIAS by Chef Florabel Co. Elias is inspired by Spanish Colonial Philippines with dishes and interior aesthetics taken from the period. Even menu items and wall images were inspired by details and characters found in Dr. Jose Rizal’s novel “Noli Me Tangere”.
The menu features several fusion experiments. There’s Legazpi, a dish made of tempura-style prawns stuffed with laing and served with crab fat sauce and Saturnina, an out-of-the-ordinary pizza topped with chicken pork adobo flakes, mangoes and egg. Old favorites are still available such as Kare-Kare ng Kura, a special ox tail stew with native vegetables or the sumptious Adobong Cordero served with crispy kangkong and kesong puti. New dishes include Sopa de Ladislao, Chef Florabel’s take on bouillabaisse of prawns, crab, mussels and fish; the Binagoongan ni Pia, crispy pork cooked in shrimp paste; Kinamatisang Pork Chop, pork slices cooked in sweet native tomatoes and served with itlog na maalat and last but not the least, Paella Negra, a unique version of the Spanish rice dish, with adobong pusit at baboy cooked with pineapples. For dessert, the restaurant carries classic Filipino desserts with a twist like Isabel, leche flan wrapped in spring roll wrappers and served with ice cream; or Trinidad, banana turon with coco jam fondue; or Ibanez, banana split with turon.
Lorenzo’s Way – featuring the best dishes of Filipino chain, LJC Group
Mango Tree – franchise from Bangkok offering Thai food
Nanbantei – Japanese restaurant specializing on Yakitori
Culture Through Taste – The Hip and Healthy Japanese Way of Grilling
Japan, a land known for its unique mix of modern culture and tradition, has always been famous for good food and their commitment to quality and freshness. A culinary journey to Japan, for instance, reveals that its food is not only one of the world’s healthiest but also most aesthetically appealing. This applies to a variety of fascinating Japanese cuisine.In the Philippines, a restaurant dedicated to serving the best yakitori dishes- NANBANTEI OF TOKYO – recently opened its 2nd branch at the new Bonifacio High Street Central to give diners a taste of Japan’s fresh, tasty and healthy grilled dishes. It caters to young professionals, businessmen, families, and just about anybody who loves grilled food done the Japanese way.
Hot Off The Grill
Yakitori means “grilled chicken” in Japanese but at Nanbantei, there’s more to feast on than just chicken. The restaurant prides itself in showcasing its flavorful yakitori dishes — from beef, pork and chicken, to seafood and vegetables.
For that authentic yakitori experience, the most popular items on Nanbantei’s menu are Tebasaki (chicken wings), Aspara Maki (asparagus wrapped with pork), Pork Garlic Yaki (pork with garlic flavor), Tsukune (chicken meat balls) and Yaki Niku (grilled thin slices of beef). They are skewers of succulent meat interspersed with a variety of fresh ingredients then cooked over a hot grill.
Other yakitori dishes that are must-try as well are Shiso Maki (pork with Shiso leaf); Shishitou Maki (Japanese pepper with pork); Nanban Yaki (beef with special Nanban sauce); Shiitake Maki (shiitake mushroom wrapped with beef); Leba (chicken liver); Suna Gimo (chicken gizzard); Kawa (chicken skin); Shake Kushi Yaki (grilled salmon balls with teriyaki sauce); Ika Maki (cuttlefish with Shiso leaf) and Ebi Kushi Yaki (skewered shrimps), among others. Those who prefer an even healthier meal can choose from the vegetable yakitori such as tofu, corn, peppers and other skewered greens.
More than seven decades ago in the town of Sariwon in North Korea, a devoted wife concocted a unique broth recipe for Korean traditional beef barbecue or bulgogi to ease the afflictions of her diabetic husband. Made from a mixture of different fruits and vegetables, the special sauce was prepared with no sugar. The thin slices of silky soft beef blended with the savory marinade of Mrs. Bun-Im Koo created the signature flavor of what is now Sariwon’s legendary bulgogi, Korea’s best-tasting beef barbecue.
From the time Mrs. Koo opened her first restaurant in 1938 to serve her friends and neighbors, Sariwon has grown into a powerhouse dining establishment in Korea, gathering a multitude of international citations. From a small diner with 27 seats, Sariwon’s main branch in South Korea now occupies 500 square meters with 350 seats. Awarded “Best Korean Restaurant” by NBC Broadcasting Company in 2005 and “Best Korean Restaurant” by the Seoul Metropolitan Government in 2007, Sariwon’s galbi (Korean barbecued beef short ribs) has also been cited by the NY Times as “the most tender and succulent in Seoul”.
Sariwon uses only the freshest cuts of premium USDA Choice beef that are carefully chosen, thinly sliced, and marinated in the signature broth of fruits, vegetables, spices, and authentic Korean wine for an extremely tender and flavorful grilled masterpiece.
Sariwon’s imported smokeless roaster, with its state-of-the-art technology, provides hot, ready-to-grill flames so diners can enjoy smoke-free and smell-free surroundings. Freshness is one of the reasons why Sariwon’s bugolgi stands out. At Sariwon, the beef is grilled in front of diners so they can enjoy deliciously hot Korean barbecue right off the grill.
Finally, Filipinos can now have a taste of Mrs. Koo’s lasting legacy as Sariwon opens its first branch in Manila at Bonifacio High Street Central, Taguig. By handpicking only the finest sauces and spices from Korea, Sariwon makes sure that Filipino diners get to savor Korea’s flavorful and best-tasting bulgogi.
Slice – scrumptious and enjoyable desserts
Sutra – fusion cuisine (Pan Asian Mediterranean) with Zuni, Duo Steakhouse and Azya Restaurant Sutra is an exotic, upscale dining venue. This is where cuisine and service go through a sensual process that involves all the five senses at every stage of preparation. So be prepared to have all your senses awakened and pleasured.
See the modern ambiance of intricately designed interiors and wall designs, a tribute to the cultural tradition that inspired us. Hear and enjoy the eclectic vibe of unpretentious sound mixes that feeds the longing of your soul; Taste the appetizing pan-Asian menu infused by traditional Mediterranean favorites, and pair it with our exquisite cocktails, liquors and wines. Smell the air of pleasurable banquet that encourages an infectious vibe of enthusiasm. Feel the warm service of our staff, the unassuming character of our gastronomy and the exhilarating experience of our ambience.
Sutra is the perfect place for private parties, family gatherings, special events and business meetings. Its aesthetics enables it to cater to every client’s preferences, whether large or small.
Sutra’s tasteful blend of tradition, fusion cuisine, contemporary comfort and attentive service will surely renew your senses. Indulge your soul in this lovely experience.
Village Tavern – franchise from North Carolina, USA
Celebrating Classic American Cuisine
Flavorful and delectable dishes, award-winning wines, stellar service at incredible value- all these are yours to enjoy at the new VILLAGE TAVERN. It is a place for food lovers who are discerning in taste, serving and price
The newest member of the Bistro Group of Restaurants, Village Tavern or simply, “VT” offers the best in classic American cuisine served in a warm, comfortable and inviting atmosphere. Located at the 2 level of the Bonifacio High Street Central, the Philippine branch is the 11th Village Tavern restaurant and the first international store outside of the USA.Upscale Casual DiningEstablished in 1984 in North Carolina USA, Village Tavern was inspired by the tradition of the Old World tavern, viewed as the heart of the community and a hub for information, entertainment and nourishment. The heart of our menu is the selection of new twists on classic American favorites. Filipina Executive Chef Mary Grace Viado of Village Tavern USA has created a wide-ranging menu which includes our 100% Whole Wheat Flatbreads and Steaks. We also offer an award-winning, world-class list of premium wines available by the glass and bottle so each guest is sure to find the ideal complement to their meal and palate.
Similar with the first-developed stretch of Bonifacio High Street, the BHS Central is also an invigorating urban destination of green scenery, public art and exciting commercial fronts. But BHS Central’s park is twice the width of the first phase.
Highlighting its landscape is the interactive water plaza which showcases the features of a play fountain, fog fountain and water curtain cascades. This plaza may be converted into an amphitheater stage for special events.
After the sumptuous wine and dine, watch out for exciting stores to complete your ultimate lifestyle experience as you keep up with the trends and be in style with soon to open retail stores and fashion hot spots.
With these interesting line-up of dining options and much-awaited chic boutiques, BHS central will definitely be the next favorite destination in the Metro.
This time we were here for brunch!! Yum Yum nachos while we are waiting for brunch to be served!
Starting this Cinco de Mayo 2012, Chihuahua Mexican Grill is offering their Weekend Brunch
Every Saturday and Sunday from 11am-3pm, Chihuahua will be offering their latest Brunch specials that will kick off the weekend fiesta in your mouth and tummies!
Elian and Ines preparing our brunch!! I would also like to Congratulate the couple on their engagement last month!!
James and I liked the breakfast burrito!! The bacon and cheese with egg plus the mexican chorizo was really good. Particularly we liked the Mexican chorizo which they make themselves! YUMMY!!! Let us know if you will sell that chorizo by the pack!
Breakfast Burrito: scrambled egg topped with queso and homemade Mexican chorizo, country potatoes, refried beans, salsa, pico de gallo, ketchup and a strip of bacon, wrapped in a large tortilla.
If you’re into tacos, try the Breakfast Tacos: three flour tortillas filled with eggs, queso, chorizo, country potatoes, salsa and pico de gallo, and also topped with bacon!
Breakfast Burrito Bowl: Mexican rice, refried beans, black beans topped with eggs, chorizo, queso, bacon and all the fixings!
They are also offering some special Brunch Cocktails, to ease you into the weekend.
Try a Mexican classic, the Paloma: a tart and tangy mix of Tequila, Ruby Red Grapefruit juice and fizz. If you need that extra kick of Vitamin C, a Tequila Sunrise, with fresh OJ and Grenadine, might be the way to go. We also have a refreshing original concoction, the Maya Magic, which has tequila, triple sec, fresh pineapple juice and cranberry juice.
End the leisurely meal with our featured dessert, the Capirotada: a traditional Mexican bread pudding made with dried fruit, nuts, and Monterrey Jack cheese topped with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream, crème anglaise and Cajeta—a Mexican milk caramel that takes 4 hours to make.
This deserves 3 photos because it is so so good!!! That 4 hours is worth it!!!
Barely two decades ago, Filipinos did not consider wellness and relaxation as essentials in coping with their fast-paced and stressful lifestyle. Since The Spa pioneered the luxury day spa concept in the Philippines when it opened in 1996, the wellness landscape has greatly evolved in the country and many Filipinos have learned to reward themselves with well-deserved, deluxe pampering. Revolutionizing the local spa industry through the years, The Spa has transformed from a trailblazing establishment primarily offering spa services into an institution that provides a comprehensive wellbeing and lifestyle portfolio known as The Spa Wellness.To date, The Spa Wellness not only provides relaxation but also fitness with barre3, and beauty with SKIN Dermatology and Laser Center, as well as The Spa product and service line.
Discerning spa aficionados have come to expect tranquil environs, soothing services, and premium products, each time they visit a wellness center. This is due, in no small part to the advancements introduced by The Spa Wellness. Each of its seven branches, situated in the chic urbane districts of the metropolis, welcomes its clients with well-appointed interiors. With its relaxing and serene ambience, The Spa Wellness’s treatment facilities are designed to provide an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Staying in tune with the body’s needs and going with the flow of life’s natural rhythm are at the heart of every successful holistic wellness regimen. These same principles have guided The Spa Wellness in expanding its repertoire of services: developing treatments that respond to the changing needs of their clientele and elevating the concept of holistic wellbeing to an art. Not content to rest on its reputation for lavish head-to-toe pampering, The Spa Wellness engages licensed practitioners and offers Oriental, alternative and personalized healing therapies to harmonize their clientele’s body and spirit. Acupuncture and Bowen Technique sessions are available by appointment at its The Fort branch.
Keeping up with fitness-conscious Filipinos inspired The Spa Wellness to bring to the Philippines a revolutionary exercise regimen called barre3. The brainchild of celebrity fitness trainer Sadie Lincoln, barre3 integrates the best practices of ballet, yoga, and Pilates to provide a full-body workout that promises leaner, longer, and stronger bodies. Personalized instruction and small class sizes ensure that proper attention is given to technique and that the moves can be tailored to each client’s problem areas and fitness goals. barre3 exercise studios are located in the Alabang, Eastwood, The Fort, and Rockwell branches, and will soon open in TriNoma Mall.
With health and fitness seamlessly integrated into its lifestyle services, venturing into beauty was an organic transition for The Spa Wellness. Its Skin Dermatology and Laser Center provides a comprehensive range of skincare and aesthetic services leveraged on the latest research, specialists accredited by the Philippine Dermatological Society, and state-of-the-art dermatology equipment, ensconced in a languid and luxurious atmosphere
The Spa also offers an exclusive product range for customers who want to recreate the day spa experience, or wish to share these luxurious treatments with loved ones. Aromatherapy sets and essential oils evoke lush sensations, while special gift certificates and packages allow recipients to select from its wide range of wellness services.
Total wellness is true beauty—The Spa Wellness continues to share this vision with Filipinos and the rest of the world. As an accredited member of the International Spa Association and Philwell (formerly Spa Association of the Philippines), The Spa Wellness is one of the crown jewels of the local spa industry and is critical to the campaign to introduce the Philippines as premier health and wellness destination. Spa enthusiasts both here and abroad can look forward to more illuminating treatments from The Spa Wellness in the future, bringing us all one step closer to the nirvana of health and well-being. To book an appointment, visit http://www.thespa.com.ph.
My Mom and my sister, Tina love Susie’s. I think everyone loves Susie’s 🙂
My sister Tina sent her driver all the way to Pampanga to buy Susie’s because she loves the Maja Blanca! Thanks for sharing it with the family 🙂 YUM YUM!!
It’s not good without this!!
At dinner with Lolo Benny, Tita Nedy brought this!
INUTAK! Not such an appetizing name but wow YUUUUMMMMY too!!!
Both Huck Gee and Christian Tamondong will be present for the special one day launch on June 2 Saturday at 5: 30 PM in the shop premises of Secret Fresh.
International orders for Puchaa can be made through email freshmail@gmail.com while local orders are on a first come first serve basis.
Secret Fresh is at Ronac Art Center, Ortigas Avenue, Greenhills, San Juan, Metro Manila.
Secret Fresh is open from Mondays to Saturdays from 2-10 PM and Sundays from 1-6PM.
You may also contact Secret Fresh at 570-9815 loc 7. Updates can also be tracked through Secret Fresh on Facebook, http://www.freshmanila.blogspot.com/ and http://www.twitter.com/freshmanila and through their website www.secretfresh.net
Recent Comments