Jeff Klein's Diaries

Hors d'oeuvre (or derv)

2012-02-26T09:27:00.000-08:00

Hors d'oeuvre (UK /ɔrˈdɜrv/ or /ɔrˈdɜrvr(ə)/,^[1] US /ɔrˈdɜrv/; French: [ɔʁ dœvʁ] ( listen), literally "apart from the main work") or the first course, are food items served before the main courses of a meal.^[2]

The French (singular and plural) is hors d’œuvre; in English, the œ ligature is usually replaced by the digraph "oe" with the plural often written as "hors d'oeuvres" and pronounced /ɔrˈdɜrvz/. There are several related terms, such as a one-bite appetizer, as an amuse-bouche.

In short pika-pika or finger food.

10 at Claymore - Pan Pacific Orchard

2012-02-26T07:33:00.001-08:00

Located on the lobby level of the hotel, 10 at Claymore is Pan Pacific Orchard’s signature restaurant and serves contemporary European cuisine. The modern bistro grill is a marriage of culinary excellence with a novel dining concept - where you can enjoy the finest food prepared to the hotel’s exacting standards, but which still allows you to dine in an informal oasis of calm. Using ingredients of luxurious quality, the restaurant’s a la carte menu features an exciting premium meat selection including the internationally sought after Blackmore Full Blood Wagyu Beef.

The live cooking in the show kitchen adds to the theatrics of the restaurant and guarantees the freshness of the dishes as they are prepared before the guest’s eyes.

Cuisine Type:

European

Signature Dishes:

Blackmore Full Blood Wagyu Beef with a marbling score of 9+ (à la carte menu only) The 'Claymore' Grain Fed Australian Rib Eye (à la carte menu only) Tasmanian Free Range Rack of Lamb (à la carte menu only) Claymore’s Bread and Butter Pudding (à la carte menu only)

Dress Code:

Smart Casual

Operating Hours:

Breakfast: 6.00am to 10.30am (Daily)
Lunch: 12 noon to 2.30pm (Daily)
Dinner: 6.00pm to 10.30pm (Daily)

Telephone:

(65) 6831 6686

--------------------------------------------

The Pan Pacific Hotels and Resorts portfolio features 21 premium hotels, resorts and serviced suites across Asia, North America and Oceania. For over 35 years, these properties have delighted guests with sensory voyages, offering an invigorating blend of the best that the Pacific region has to offer.

YOU ARE INVITED!

2012-01-20T09:55:00.000-08:00

Task Force Pride Philippines
General Assembly

January 21, 2012 - Saturday
7:00pm

MCC-QC LGBT Center
56th Mindanao Ave. Project 6, Quezon City

Agenda:
Evaluation of 2011 Pride March
Strategic Planning for 2012 Pride March

We are also looking for Volunteers for our working committees.

Oogachaga - Embracing Diversity

2012-01-20T09:49:00.000-08:00

Oogachaga (OC) is a Counselling and personal development organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered and questioning (LGBTQ) individuals. A non-profitable organization under the umbrella of SPACES Counselling and Community Limited. SPACES (Registration No. 200402955N) is a company limited by guarantee with registered charity status in Singapore (Charity no. 01812). Oogachaga services are supervised by credible professionals and agencies in the fields of psychology, therapy and counselling in Singapore who are familiar with issues facing gay, lesbian, transgendered and questioning individuals.

For more info, you may visit their website or connect them on facebook.

It's more fun in the Philippines?

2012-01-20T09:33:00.000-08:00

Smoking. It's more fun in the Philippines!

Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) had imposed a non-smoking policy in most areas of Metro Manila however, the ordinance itself is defective. This kids on the picture maybe smoking in a smoking area but clearly they shouldn't be holding any of those!

If MMDA wants a non-smoking environment, they should raise sin taxes and increase the price of every box, not per stick!

Fun? right?

Skypark at Marina Bay Sands

2012-01-20T09:16:00.000-08:00

This is Marina Bay Sands (MBS) viewed from my hotel room at Pan Pacific Singapore. Tha architecture is marvelous and its facade, enticing!

Shortly after check-in, i wished part of my itinerary will be a guided tour at that infamous viewdeck! Clearly, we don't have one the checklist. But something came up!

Next schedule is dinner with our boss. I thought it will be in one of our hotel outlets but i was wrong! We walked through Marina Square and head straight to the famous durian structure, Esplanade! From there, I had a better look of MBS and was thrilled by the ship on top of three pillars! From Esplanade, we had to walk straight where the singapore flyer is.

All the while, MBS became bigger and bigger on the picture. We turned right at Youth Olympic Park and lo! we were on the walkway leading to MBS! It was quite a long walk but the weather is fine! Walking was made easy! MBS is a one stop shop for dining, shopping and gambling! Everything was seamless. We head straight to the elevator, press 57 and where on top in less than a minute!

The sight on top their Skypark was a sight to behold. A 360-degree view of Singapore is amazing! The infinity pool is superb. Everything on top is high! Including a bottle of hoegaarden!:)

Was a great experience. Next time, had to stay here to experience the infinity pool! ;)

Merlion in Manila?

2012-01-20T08:08:00.000-08:00

I was staring at the famous Merlion for 2 minutes when something stupid came in mind.

What if Manila will have something like this on the bayfront?

Definitely not Merlion.

It won't make sense if it'll be copied altogether.

Something that Filipinos can relate to is probably possible.

Like Jose Rizal. But placing a national hero peeing in public is definitely disgraceful.

Or GMA in a wheelchair.

Noynoy puffing smoke maybe?

Or Meriam Santiago cussing?

I guess the latter would be more acceptable.

After all, it's more fun in the Philippines!

ParkRoyal on Beach Road, Singapore

2012-01-20T07:44:00.000-08:00

Stay at the doorstep of Singapore’s convention, tourist and shopping destinations at the PARKROYAL on Beach Road hotel. Ideally placed to take advantage of Singapore's tourist and business attractions. A short walk brings you face-to-face with some uniquely Singaporean tourist attractions like the Merlion and the Esplanade. Getting there is a breeze. You can make use of the excellent transport infrastructure or even take a refreshing seaside walk.

The PARKROYAL on Beach Road is a hotel located near Bugis Village, a highly urbanised and sophisticated attraction, with restored shop houses and shopping complexes. Utmost care has been taken to preserve hints of this area's old-world charm. Be sure you don't miss the 'pasar malam', Beach Road’s very own night market!

The hotel is perfect for both business and leisure traveler. With its ideal location close to entertainment and shopping areas, the hotel serves as an icon of comfort, luxury and convenience.

The next time you travel to Singapore, put ParkRoyal on Beach Rd in your list!

local attractions and more

2012-01-07T01:41:00.000-08:00

Singapore Day 6

We get a chance to visit the neighboring shops and dining places at Orchard Rd. This is Singapore's premier hub in terms of shopping, entertainment and leisure!

Its Saturday, and its jam-packed by both local and tourist!

Here's a glimpse of the major shopping areas and shops!

I love how Abercrombie & Fitch market their products by putting shirtless salesmen on the entrance!

And entering the shop made me feel like am at O Bar! lol

all about Shopping and more!

2012-01-06T04:27:00.000-08:00

Singapore Day 4.

Once again, let the picture do the talking!

Shops, shop, and window shopping! lol

all about Food and more!

2012-01-05T03:21:00.000-08:00

Singapore Day 2.

Let the pictures do the talking!

Para ito sa mga patay gutom katulad ko!

Singapore Day 1

2012-01-02T05:14:00.000-08:00

It was quite an exhausting day prior to my 6AM flight off to Changi Airport. But its worth it! Getting on a plane a night after new year is something I'm not so excited of. Primarily because it has been my routine of visiting some friends right after new year to renew friendship and to let them know I'm not a firecracker casualty ;)

But choice is not my timing! I had to fly!

To make things worst, I had to do my routine the night prior to flying. Maximizing every inch of a second. I got the chance to meet Rani. A special friend. Had coffee at Starbucks Columns and proceed late dinner at Ruby's before heading off to NAIA. Exhausting but its worth it.

And now am here!

Touchdown was 10AM. Rush to grab some nom-noms and hit the sack.

The hotel was amazing. It was a hassle free and seamless check-in and everything went well beyond expectations.

I had to do a whole lot of walking to get dinner! A friend suggested i should try chicken rice at Bugis St. The weather is lovely and the time warrants a good stroll.

A great day to start my 10day business trip!

Tomorrow shall be another exciting yet sunrise to sundown event! Am all booked! Heheheh

to be continued...

Geisha 101: Putukan

2011-12-31T07:42:00.000-08:00

Rosebuds goes Oscars!

2011-12-30T18:47:00.000-08:00

Will full fashion and regalia, Rosebuds Ozamiz celebrated its 10th year anniversary with style.

With this years historical event, Rosebuds goes Oscars as members paraded its costumes and beauty on a red carpet.

Held at Royal Garden Palace Hotel Ballroom, the organizations' decade of existence has imprinted pride among its members and the community they served.

An upcoming gift giving is currently scheduled for the benefit of orphans and detainees in Ozamiz City.

Special thanks to all sponsors:

Freda Cagaanan, Aissa Aguinod, Ramil Irog Irog and Jaime Tomada

About Rosebuds:

The core value of belongingness and solidarity among its members is the driving purpose of the ROSEBUDS OZAMIZ. Dedicated to promote, protect and cooperate to the full satisfaction and best interest of its members.

Empowering for the advancement of the member’s potential and anchoring its services to the highest standards of integrity, excellence and honesty. To achieve public acceptance guided by the inherent principle of morality, decency and efficiency.

In the effort to build and sustain a capable and self sufficient organization and to eventually serve as an example of success and efficiency to other cause oriented organization, the spirit of close fellowship with one another and working as a team is the answer.

Ultimately ROSEBUDS OZAMIZ shall endeavor to make itself the epitome of individual and self reliant organization, the esteem of society contributing its modest share in nation building and growth.

Check their website here.

Geisha 101: Sexuality

2011-12-29T22:05:00.000-08:00

when 3 J's meet

2011-12-29T02:13:00.000-08:00

Jeff,Jake and July

Jake has left early for LA early this morning. He was here for vacation and will prolly be back after 2 years!

It was an amazing vacation for sure.

He had a whole lot of amazing stories to bring to LA.

But I guess he should be back very soon.

He left his heart at Berjaya Hotel. ;)

Metamor-poses!

2011-12-23T02:34:00.000-08:00

The Untold Stories of Jorge Ejercito.

I met Jorge a year ago when we were both hired to work for Hilton. His silence despite his stature as Ejercito was very intriguing. Thus, Geisha and his Friends did their homework but to no avail.

He is a fun loving guy and spends no more than any dull moments.

But something tragic took place that very night when i was celebrating my natal day.

Of course buhay pa si Jorge at lalong hindi ito tribute sa isang kaibigang namayapa! (lels)

It was a night of my bigday celebration spent in our colleagues pad when something unexpected broke everybody's drunk moments. I had left for a hearty massage that night and the rest goes on tickling their throats with alcohol.

Jorge called. It was a deafening cry. A child looking for comfort. Somehow out of control and desperately wanting an immediate resolution.

The rest were puzzled.

It wasn't until everyone arrives at his place they even knew they defy the law of mileage and distance, cutting the hour trip from Makati to his place by half.

It was devastating. A child in solitude finds comfort and solace to the most unexpected angels in wee hours of the night. Angels who were apparently drunk. Angels who defies the speed of light to help Jorge and save his life in the process.

Few months passed and Jorge had recovered from the pains and wounds of what humans called LOVE. Baboons called it LUST. (lels)

Like a recuperating cancer patient who wished no more than living a longer life, his recovery as far as my recollection is concern, was tremendously fast. Too fast that i haven't noticed how he'd been over the next few months.

It was both a plan of luck and hope that we've decided to check other greener pasture. Like a celebration of beauty and brains, like a screening of over one thousand candidates vying for the Miss Universe title. It was unfortunate though that he didn't make it. If it wasn't through him, I shan't be here fulfilling my dreams of getting a Geisha World Tour for free. Hehehehhe

My friend Thank you.

Today, I gave thee credit for the beauty thine possessed!

In the truest sense of it, you deserve nothing but the best.

Now that you've finally completed your metamorphosis, let the fluidity of your prowess elude every man, woman and child. Let your beauty defies every law of nature. Let your substance keep you away from doing yet another terrible things in your lovelife.

I warn thee, thou shan't do it again because your angels are now in heavens!

all set and good to go!

2011-12-22T21:35:00.000-08:00

My itinerary is all set!

Will be flying right after new year.

But its going to be a busy sched as usual. For the next ten days I will be visiting hotels in Singapore as part of my Geisha Asian Tour. Am kidding right? Lol

Here they are. I hope i could take good pics and could give good reviews for these hotels.

I shall update my readers daily if possible, and hopefully this will help you in making or creating plans for accommodations on your trip to Singapore.

www.jffklein.com now na!

2011-12-22T19:33:00.000-08:00

Finally, after a long wait, I was convinced to get my own domain.

It wasn't an easy decision when I could've sticked to blogspot and pay nothing. But i guess it's time to invade the net with my name! LOL My name is not narcissa though.

I started blogging few years ago when blogosphere was full of friendly, accommodating and helpful individuals. They read your post, put comments on it, let you know if you've done some technicalities and above all give advises on how to maximize your full potential and prowess in writing.

They also give honest commendation on your posts whenever they find it sensible and never failed at giving you their outright inputs.

But i miss those moments.

Those sensible bloggers whom i admired has left blogging, though some has stayed behind limelight.

And I survived.

Afterall, i don't buy friends from somewhere, i gain them through trust, depth, substance and a whole lot of sense!

This is the reason why I get my domain and i shall remain as low profile as possible. ;)

Happy Holidays to All

2011-12-21T22:17:00.000-08:00

Our country is in tremendous grief.

Our fellows in Northern Mindanao is in dire need.

Tulungan po natin sila.

Iparamdam po natin ngayon ang tunay na diwa ng pasko.

Pagbibigayan, pagdadamayan at pagmamahalan.

Wag na po nating isisi kay Gloria Arroyo ang bagyong Sendong.(lol)

Tama na po.

Happy Holidays!

Isang Paalala Mula sa Geishang sushunga-shunga!

2011-12-13T23:47:00.000-08:00

I was so motivated to work that Tuesday morning thus I leave too early.

The weather was perfect and I was so confident at taking my time taking PUJ.

And then the camera started rolling.

I was in the middle of the right bench when passengers flooded the jeep. Since its a public vehicle, I can't complain no matter how congested the seats are, nor how stinky those baboons in this young morning.

To make the story short, bumaba ako sa jeep and it wasn't even after three steps that i noticed my pocket was already empty. That stinky baboon beside me stole my ID's and phone. Kelangan ko pa naman yung fon na yun!

Pero am still thankful yun lang ang kinuha. Sana wala sa mga kasabayan ko ang ninakawan pa.

I still have faith that no matter how hard they try to work for a living, kahit Bangko Sentral pa ang nakawan nila, they would still remain paupers!

Mabaho, dugyot, kawawa....basura!

Straight Talk from the non-straight guy

2011-12-06T02:31:00.000-08:00

Ladies and Gentleman,

I would like to make a habit to feature great, talented, and interesting blogs everyday!

This will be my advocacy to give credit to bloggers whose expertise not only give info's and ideas but also touched lives!

"Straight Talk from the Non-Straight Guy" is the personal blog of Raffy Aquino.

I've known this guy during the conception of "Rainbow Blog Philippines". It was a year of limelight and a year of supernova when the emergence of gay bloggers are to the multitude. These are bloggers who not only blog from someone else's G-Spot, but blogging from the heart.

This Blog features numerous details about gay advocacy and events. It highlights topics not common on coffee shops nor salons. It tackles sensitive issues in the most fashionable way.

A must read for people of all gender.

The choice we have isnt whether to be gay or straight..The real choice is between denial and embracing who we are. The real choice is between living life in the shadows or walking proudly in the light.The real choice is between a slow death and an honest life.."-Adam Bouvier

next destination - Singapore!

2011-12-06T02:04:00.000-08:00

When I was young, whenever asked what I wanted to be when i grow up, I always dreamed of flying. Although it is impossible for us humans to fly, I later understood that my dream job is something that requires travel.

It wasn't until lately that I had a chance to fulfill tidbits of thine dream when my current job requires travel.

April this year when I went to Melbourne in a flash! It was a short business trip and I made sure i leave no stone unturned. I made almost every bit of the travel memorable.

I have had several domestic travels posted in my blog. But those posts aren't so enticing and sumptuous because I don't get a chance to check every hotel's F&B section. Although, my business requires hotel inspection, it's strictly confined to meetings, cocktails, more meetings and a little tour.

As the year 2011 pave its way to a more exciting 2012, Geisha will do another yet exciting trip to Singapore. This will involve inspection of probably 3 hotels within our range of properties and some tours and sightseeing perhaps! Yeah, am not sure yet because I ain't to mix it with pleasure! LOL

I shall blog about it soon. But for now, let the picture shows some glimpse of it!

avant-garde daw!

2011-12-05T23:39:00.000-08:00

An Avant-Garde motif.

Si Nikki Minaj.

Si Maritess.

Si Kylie Minogue Sayson.

Si Ate Shawie.

Si Kakai Velasquez!

dahil hindi natutulog ang Geisha - Dose Oras!

2011-12-05T02:18:00.000-08:00

Sabado noon. A-tres ng Disyembre. Alas Tres ng hapon.

Binagtas ni Geisha ang EDSA para makahanap ng taxi patungong Malate. Mainit ang paligid. Maalinsangan. Kinuha ang geisha fan sa folder kung saan nakaipit ang mga Certificates para sa best in costume, best in float, most number of participants at early bird award para sa pride parade.

Tatlong minuto, naging kinse na. Nganga pa rin si Geisha.

Hanggang nakakuha rin sya ng taxi. Hinanap ang fon. Tinawagan si Yffar. Magsisimula na daw ang parada. Napabuntong hininga na lang sya. As usual, late na naman sya sa parada. Hindi na naman sya makakasali. Manonood na naman sya.

Huminto ang taxi sa harap ng Malate Church. Andun na ang ulo ng parada. Maingay. Mainit. Madaming becky. Madaming protesta.

Halo-halo ang naririnig sa paligid. May busina ng sasakyang animo'y galit at hindi makalusot sa haba ng parada. May mga relihiyosong taon-taon na lang sinasabay sa gay pride ang kanilang rally.

"Magbalik-loob na kayo sa Dyos!"
"Babae at lalaki lang ang ginawa ng Diyos"
"Mga bakla salot!

Pero deadma lang ang karamihan.

Nakatayo pa rin si Geisha sa gilid ng simbahan. Bitbit ang digicam at ang folder na may lamang certificates. Lumalakas ang sigawan.

"Karapatang lesbiana, ipaglaban!" "Ipaglaban!"

Palakas ng palakas habang palapit ng palapit kay Geisha.

"Ibaba! Ibaba! Presyo ng Burat!"

Paulit ulit ang hiyawan. Napayuko si Geisha. Tumatawa mag-isa. Sumisigaw pa rin. Paulit-ulit.

"Ibaba! Ibaba! Presyo ng Burat!"
"Ibaba! Ibaba! Presyo ng Burat!"
"Ibaba! Ibaba! Presyo ng Burat!"

Hinanap ni Geisha si Yffar. Nakita nya ito. May bitbit na pito. Parang MMDA. Nagta-traffic sa mga dumadaang sasakyan. Pilit hinimay ang mga tao laban sa malalaking trak na any monument ay dudurog sa matagal ng pamintang durog.

Nakita sya ni Yffar. Ngumiti lang ito.

Hinanap ni Geisha ang pupuntahan ng parada. Alam nyang sa haba-haba man ng prosesyon sa Orosa-Nakpil pa rin ang tuloy. "Dun ko na lang sila antayin para iabot tong folder", Naisip nya.

Nilakad ni Geisha ang Remedios Circle at kumaliwa sa Bacobo sabay kanan ulit. Nakita nya ang kababagsakan ng parada. Inaayos pa ang stage di pa tapos sa sound check ang mga hitad.

Nag-antay si Geisha hanggang sa dumilim na ang paligid.

Makulimlim na ng matapos ang parada. Nagsimula na ring magtawag ng participants si Yffar. Kanina pito ang hawak nya ngayon nama'y microphone. Pwede! Consistent!

Tiningnan ang orasan.

Mag aala-sais na. Kelangan ng umalis ni Geisha para sa isa pang event na dadaluhan nya. Isang cooking festival.

Lumapit si Geisha sa stage. Inabot ang envelope kay Yffar.
Nagpaalam ng maayos sabay run the world by beyonce. Hindi nya alintana ang dami ng kapatid sa pananampalataya. Naisip nya, 'kung ititiwalag ako ng mga 'to, deadma na!'

Tumakbo. Kumaripas ng takbo. Tumakbo ng bonggang-bongga!

Pumara ng taxi sabay pahatid sa Ayala. Sa may RCBC Tower. Kung saan gaganapin ang cook fest.

Excited ang Geisha. Mukang maraming pagkain at inumin. Cook Fest eh!

Tumagal ng bente minutos yung byahe nya. Hanggang sa makarating din sya.

Tinungo agad agad ang elevator para sa Carlos Romulo Auditorium.

Bigla syang nagulat. Iba ang nakapaskil sa pinto. At mukhang gutom ang mga nandun.

Hinanap nya ang pangalan nya sa registration booth. Nakasulat buo nyang pangalan.

Mali pala ang narinig nya sa balita. Hindi pala cooking event kundi Philippine Blog Awards.

Naghanap si geisha ng upuan. Pumwesto sa lugar kung saan mag-isa lang sha. Nakiramdam. Nagmamasid.

Hanggang sa nagsimula ang awards night. Tinawag pa isa-isang finalist.
Excited si Geisha subalit bigla ring nawala ng di tinawag ang Geisha Diaries.

"Mukhang mali nga ata 'tong napuntahan ko. Sabi kasi ng friend ko aatend daw ba ako sa cook fest sa RCBC tower?", naisip nya.

Naisip nyang magtanong kung may isa pa bang auditorium baka nandun ang hinahanap nyang cook fest subalit biglang tinawag ang buo nyang pangalan.

Napatayo sya bigla. Nagulat. Bakit?
Pinaakyat siya sa entablado at biglang inabot sa kanya ang kahon na may nakalagay na Nokia 101.
Ayos to ah! Hindi na masama!

Sinipat uli ni Geisha ang relos. Mag-aalas dies na! Tamang tama tapos na ang event.
Dali dali syang lumabas sa auditorium at tinungo ang elevator. Naghanap ng taxi sabay pahatid pabalik ng malate.

Kelangan nyang makahabol sa benefit concert ng officemate nya. Para din ito kay baby Kurt. Kundi dahil sa word na benefit gusto na sana nyang umuwi at kumain ng bongga.

Walang traffic. Mabilis lang ang byahe. Narating agad ni Geisha ang Forbest.
Pleasantries after-which nakikain sya ng pulutan.

Hindi sya kumain that day. Akala nya talaga COOK FEST yung sa RCBC hindi naman pala.

Pinagtawanan sya ng lahat. Umatend daw sya ng cook fest pero gutom sya! LOL

Natapos ang concert bandang alas dose. Ngunit gusto pa uminum nung mga ksama nya. Niyaya nya sa Baler, Aurora. Sumama naman sila.

Kumain, tumagay, kain ulit, kwentuhan hanggang sa malasing.

Pinagdiskitahan ang isang boteng tequila.

Tumingin ulit sya sa relos nya.

Alas-kwatro na.

Twelve hours mahigit din syang gumagalaw.

At dahil hindi naman masamang matulog ng lasing, borlog na ang geisha!