More Than I Can Chew

Figaro Dinner Meals

noreply@blogger.com (Jay - agent112778) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 16:25:00 +0000

Hello, Jessie here once again! My brother's still not able to blog, so allow me to post here once again to share to you a very sweet deal I found out recently.

It's nearly the end of Valentine's Day as I type this. I am not one of those who went out with a loved one to celebrate this day as I am sure restaurants and malls would be crowded, and since payday's still a day away, I guess most of us will just have to way a wee bit longer to celebrate V Day.

Recently, my sister Jenn of Tara, Let's Eat! and I were at Figaro in Tomas Morato and we found a very great deal that didn't just satisfy our tummies, it also saved us precious bucks.

Figaro Dinner Meals
at Buy 1, Take 1 at 50% Off

My sister had the Chicken Rice Bake, which reminded me of the cheesy rice she used to cook for me as my packed lunch when I was still in High School. The rice was soft with mild flavors, chicken chunks, mushrooms, carrots, and bell peppers. My favorite part of the dish was the cheese on top. The serving may look small, but since each spoonful is packed with goodness, it was actually enough to make one full.

I on the other hand had the Tofu Steak Rice. Tofu is one of us siblings' favorite food, and I really really love its special sauce. Sure it was a little sweet, but there was something in it that made me eat more and more of it. I actually am craving for it every now and then... simply because the sauce captured my interest and my tastebuds!

Each of the Dinner Meals cost p150. Not bad for a good meal, but currently, Figaro's offering these meals at Buy 1 Take 1 at 50% off. Now that's a very good deal - the p75 saved we could use to try another Figaro dish!

Each of the meals came with a regular glass of Lemonade.

This deal is an ongoing promotion and is happening at 6pm onwards at these participating outlets: Alabang Town Center, Cattleya, Emerald, Glorietta, Greenbelt, Shangri-La, Robinson's Place Manila, Festival Mall, Gateway, Liberty, Tomas Morato, SM City North EDSA Sky Garden, and SM City Sta. Rosa.

True, Valentine's Day just ended... but should you drop by any of Figaro's branches and spent about p500 worth of food and / or drinks, you will receive a free box of Cioccolato Morsi - valued at approximately p100. These chocolatey goodness wasn't so sweet and had a hint of alcohol, which made it really tasty. The nuts not only added texture, it also added taste to the pastry, too. These babies are only available (for free) until 15 February 2012, so grab this freebie while it's still available.

So...shall we see you at Figaro? :)

* Jessie *

Max's Restaruant Valentines Treat

noreply@blogger.com (Jay - agent112778) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:31:00 +0000

*** It's been quite a while since I last posted here on my blog, far too many things to attend to,

but while I still can't fully get back into blogging,
I will give the floor to my sister Jessie for this awesome treat.***

In a few days, it'll be Valentine's Day and for sure many of us will flock to the floral and pastry shops to get our loved ones that awesome Valentine's Day gift. Here in our house, Valentine's Day isn't something we really, really celebrate... but that doesn't mean we won't be treating ourselves with some sweet gifts, right?

Max's Restaurant has been one of our family's favorite restaurants, and this Valentine's Day, they have lined up not one, not two... but five treats (courtesy of Max's Corner Bakery) to make this day of celebrating love ultra sweet.

>>> On February 10 - 14, receive a free box of 9-Piece Assorted Pastry Bites for every purchase of p1500 in any Max's Restaurant branches. Offer good for dine-in, take out, and deliveries.

>>> If 9 pieces of pastry bites will not be enough, or you just want to get the treat without having to order for any Max's Restaurant dishes, just buy your loved one this box of 15-piece Assorted Pastry Bites for only p199.

>>> Like most celebrations, Valentine's Day is often celebrated with cakes, but if you think the typical cakes are a little bit too much to eat, you may consider getting this cute heart shape Chocolate Moist Cake, for only p199.

>>> As cheesy as it may sound, most of us refer to the number 3 as something that symbolizes "I love you." With that, you may consider giving these new cupcakes, especially made for the month of hearts. From left to right: Banana-Chocolate, Black Forest, and Blueberry. Each cupcake cost p50, but if you want to go for three items to say "I love you," get the three-piece cupcake set for only p135.

>>> Also this month, you can get your preferred Max's Corner Bakery Cakes not in their typical circular shape, but in heart shape! Prices vary based on the flavor, of course.

>>> For the kids (and the kids at heart), these cute Sugar Cookies will be a sweet gift.

Max's Restaurant is really about family. Valentine's Day may be a day for couples... but we all can still celebrate it - even with friends, family, or just by ourselves. Spread the love with these treats!

With the exception of the first treat, all other treats are available the entire month of February. For more details about these treats, feel free to check Max's Restaurant Website, Max's Restaurant Facebook Page, and Max's Corner Bakery Facebook Page.

Conzace Viral Smackdown

noreply@blogger.com (Jay - agent112778) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 22:52:00 +0000

There is this "viral" game app in facebook and its called "Conzace Viral Smackdown" brought to us by Multivitamins Conzace.

For those who doesn't know about Conzace, well, Conzace is a Multivitamin supplement from Unilab, the most trusted pharmaceutical company in the country. It has high levels of Vitamins A, C and E plus Zinc for a heavy duty body immunity.

Before I give you the game app rundown, pls do visit first and like Conzace's Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/conzace. Then have your webcam ready, ill tell you why in a short while.After you like the Conzace Page, click "Conzace Smackdown" to begin the game app. Then the app will ask for the usual app permission. View and understand the game mechanics then here's how to play.

First, you need to have a webcam working. the game uses "motion detection". your motion will help you smackdown the viruses. On the first level, we need to smackdown as many yellow microbes we see on the screen by moving our body, in may case, my arm and hand. two points for every microbe we smackdown. after this level, we will get an additional 20 points the proceed to the next level.

On the second level, we must again smackdown the yellow microbes. two points per microbe BUT we must NOT hit the green germs. a deduction of three points for every green germ hits. after this level we will be given 30 additional points before going on to the last level.

On the third and last level, same mechanics as to second level but now we must smackdown the red virus. five points per yellow microbe and red virus we hit and a deduction of five points per green germs. at the end of the level, we will gain an additional 50 points to our total score.

If our total score is high enough, it will be posted on the leaderboard. View the leaderboard before starting a new game so that you will know your goal points to beat. Completing the game being on the leaderboard will give us braging rights plus gift packs will be given away by Conzace. 10 lucky weekly leaders will receive a special gift.

so, after reading this entry, log on to your facebook account and play the Conzace Viral Smackdown game. you can play the game as often as you want, who knows, you might win those gift packs and/or that special gift that Conzace are giving away.

SEE YOU AT THE CONZACE VIRAL SMACKDOWN LEADERBOARD.

my 33rd Birthday (3rd of 3 entries)

noreply@blogger.com (Jay - agent112778) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 23:29:00 +0000

Family Lunch @ Chic-Boy part 2

27 November 2011
Chic-boy
Fairview, Quezon City

Intro:

Part 1 of the Chic-boy Family Lunch is here

On this last part of my birthday series,im sharing to you our Veggies and Dessert orders. But before i move on, i cant help but sharing my views regarding the viral photos of the so called "chic-boy scandal". that said view will be featured lastly on this post.

My sisters ordered these colorful and yummy dishes. If in case you havent seen the second part (the meat dishes) of this series, heres the link. AS I said, ill feature on this post the Veggies and Desserts. My younger sister is into veggies thus we have lots of it for this occasion.

Main Entry:

(Spicy) Gising-Gising. Its like chop-suey with a spicy kick. At first i thought its not that spicy but the sauce and the chopped chili kick my throat thus my though was wrong.

Pansit Canton. Birthdays will never be complete with noddles. besides, our mother loves pansit. She can skip rice for pansit.

the most trending and most controversial (as of today) chic-boy dish is this. Kangkong sa Bawang. as its looks, we somehow guessed that Its chopped steam kangkong then sauteed and topped with garlic bits. as we are eating this, we are asking our baby sister to ask their chef on how they did this dish. its not overcooked, its crispy green, slightly oily but it's OK, it sauteed and the toasted garlic bits on top complements the texture and flavor.

as for desserts, we had:

Turones con leche. a strip of plantain banana wrapped in lumpia wrapper served with milk sauce dip.

and leche flan.

Overall, the veggies are all not overcooked, the colors are still vibrant and crispy fresh. That is why i really dont get the logic is to why someone or some entity is ruining the "kangkong sa bawang" dish. My views on the controversy is below the credits.

AND

Photo herein is captured using
Canon Powershot A580 in
Chic-boy
Pearl Drive cor Commonwealth Ave.,
Quezon City, Philippines
last 27th of November 2011

I guess i have the right to share my views about the controversy since i was had that dish and i can tell that the controversial photo is fabricated. here are some of my observations on why i find it fabricated.

1) the kangkong, both stalk and leaves, are chopped into an average of 1cm in length but "pillar" is inches in length. So i guess if the kangkong is mishandled, "pillar" should be chopped too, but its not, its whole.

2) the fabricated photo has a hint of sauce on it (on the right side of "pillar". but the original dish doesn't have a sauce.

3) "pillar" is more thicker than the kangkong and i do believe its not the typical pest of kangkong. I havent seen such kind of pest in kangkong. snails (kuhol) are to me the pest of kangkong.

4) since "pillar" is bigger than the kangkong, it should have been seen and removed by the crew immediately. The crew will not intentionally leave it behind for it will only put their jobs in jeopardy.

5) I have many more views but it not yet that organized. But I guess, both parties are settling this issue in judicial court.

6) Fabricated or not, we should not judge the whole company by/from a certain branch's fault.

7) lastly since i have these views, i am still "team chic-boy".

agent112778 was LIVE on the "Suplado Show"

noreply@blogger.com (Jay - agent112778) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 14:53:00 +0000

12 December 2011
Suplado Show Studio
Makati City

Intro:

Our co-blogger Ms. Stef of Life and Fever (http://www.lifeandfever.com) asked everyone to create a cancer awareness post for a charitable cause. Many responded including me. (my cancer awareness post is here.) After a few weeks, she then said that some of the responders will be given a chance to guest at the Suplado Show. She created a shorlist of guest and I am one of them. After another few weeks, That show guesting was scheduled on Dec 12 2011 and i made it.

What is the "Suplado Show":

Suiplado Show is an internet talk show aired over Digradio.PH every mondays 9-11pm. The show is hosted by Mr. Stanley Chi - a comedian and TV personality. To me, its somehow like "late show with David Letterman".

I first seen Mr. Stanley Chi on a TV show called "Front Act with Mike and Stanley". Which later becomes "Hecklines" which is aired every Saturdays 11pm over GMA News TV 11.

On with the Show:

As the time goes near 9pm, many of us invited are arriving one-by-one. When Ms. Stef and Mr. Stanley arrived, She set up the buffet table for use to eat as He set-up his desk to start the show.

We are about more than 10 invited guest and each gap will interview three guest. On the first gap, its me with Ms. Jesrhell (hurricanekitty.tumblr.com) and Ms. Gellie (gelleesh.com). I cant remember all the questions and answers that transpired on our gap. Mr. Stanley gave us many times to promote our respective blogs in between Q&As. We also had two phone-in questions and they won our tokens: caller Supermom got my GCs and; a male caller won Gellie's body care products. After our gap, Ms. Stef asked for our cameras so that she can take our souvenir photos.

* left to right : Me; Ms. Jesrhell; Mr. Stanley and Ms. Gellie

Its all fun. Im happy that i promoted my blog and i hope that the listeners on that night will come and visit my and other guests' blogs.

After i finished my dinner plate. I bid thank you and good bye to Ms. Stef then went strait home.

Photo herein is captured using
Canon Powershot SX130is in
R&D Building
Guijo St., San Antonio, Makati City
last 12th of December 2011

agent112778 will be LIVE on the "Suplado Show"

noreply@blogger.com (Jay - agent112778) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 06:28:00 +0000

After posting this entry, ill be going out to Makati City for the "Suplado Show" over www.digradio.ph

Our co-blogger Ms. Stef, author of "Life and Fever" (www.lifeandfever.com) invited me and other bloggers to guest on the Suplado Show hosted by comedian and TV personality Mr. Stanley Chi. Its a once in a blue moon event for me thus it not let it pass over me. We are about six on the list but Ms. Stef said we will be more. More bloggers means more fun thus im trully excited .

To add more fun, the show and other invited bloggers will be giving away prizes and goodies as a small token of application to all lucky listeners and callers of the show. As for me, ill be giving away this Gift Certificate courtesy of Tribu Grill Express.

Its tonight (dec 12) at 9pm so do tune in. Click this link on how to tune in to the Suplado Show.

See you later!

my 33rd Birthday (2nd of 3 entries)

noreply@blogger.com (Jay - agent112778) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 23:29:00 +0000

Family Lunch @ Chic-Boy

Intro:

"Where we will be this sunday?" baby sister asked me. "Chic-boy!!!" I answered. "Mommy wants to dine in there too." This is the short conversation we had days before 27th of November.

My baby sister now works at Chic-boy and I guess that made our mother interested in dining in there. We did not went to baby sister's work place but we dined in Chic-boy's Fairview branch because its the nearest branch.

Chic-boy got its name from CHICken and baBOY (pork). Baby sister said that the owners once went to Cebu and tasted the famous Lechon Cebu and felt in love with it thus they put-up this food joint when they got home.

Mother and sisters went ahead to the place. I went first to place an order of Spaghetti as my treat for CFC Singles for Christ.

Main Entry:

For this entry I'll feature the meat section of our Lunch.

Chic-Boy's Specialties:

Lechon Manok;

Lecheon Liempo.

Baby sister love sisig thus she ordered Lechon Sisig with egg.

Baby sister knows I love Japanese food thus she pointed Chic-Boy's Japanese line. She also said that she forgot to order drinks for me thus I ordered a bottomless Ice tea and this Tuna Sashimi.

Both Lechon Manok and Liempo is so good. They reason why I love lechon. I'm skeptical in eating liempo BUT we got a meaty(less fat) part so I had more than the usual.

As for the sisig, the sizzling plate is so big for its content thus the sisig was totally cooked from the remaining heat of the plate. Its good but since it was cooked so well-done we did not totally enjoyed it.

AS for the sashimi. Its thick than the competition but when they served it to me its somehow still frozen so I let it thaw for a while, while I savor our orders.

Next week, I'll feature the Veggie and the Dessert section of our Lunch so please visit me again.

AND

Photo herein is captured using
Canon Powershot A580 in
Chic-Boy
Pearl Drive corner Commonwealth Ave.,
East Fairview, Quezon City, Philippines
last 27th of November 2011

Me and My Eyeglasses

noreply@blogger.com (Jay - agent112778) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 14:19:00 +0000

Me and my eyeglasses are like Diego and backpack. I cant go out without it. I am so tempted to use contact lenses so that I can wear sunglasses on those glary sunnydays. My optometrist said that it would be uncomfortable for me to wear contact lenses because my nearsightedness and astigmatism is to high, the lenses will be thicker than normal. Thus, I'll wear eyeglasses for the rest of my life.

When I was on my 6th grade (aged 13) I always sit on the floor on the front row just copy the lectures on the board. My teachers then asked me to go back on my seat (on the last row for I was one of those tall students) since i cant see the board, i cant copy.

On my 1st year High School, The school conducted a medical exam to all of us. When the doctor asked me to read the eye chart, I really cant read it, i think i can only read the first three lines. When i got home, i shared it to my parents and then my dad asked my mom to bring us to their optometrist (parents also wears eyeglasses). and thats the beginning of my eyeglasses life.

At first, i used lenses made of glass its so fragile, i have to change so often so we used plastic lenses. the problem with plastic lenses, its easily be scratched thus I need to change eyeglasses when it become so dull from scratches.

Good thing technology now a days are so advance, quality lenses and stylish frames are now affordable. As of today, I am wearing a titanium clad frame with ultra-thin glass lenses.

My optometrist suggested that I should use titanium frames so that it will not rust nor tarnish due to my heavy sweating and the ultra thin glass lenses will make it more stylish - thus no more thick as a magnifying lens.

My co-blogger introduced me to Cubik Eyewear. Upon seeing it on their website, its truly is affordable style and quality. They have many frames and style to chose from. As for me, i will still settle for a titanium frames for the toughness i need to face the cruel environment. As I continue browsing their site, this Cubik T101 C2 captured by appetite. I just might win Cubik eyewear simply by joining the Cubik Eyewear Blogging Contest

I want the Cubik T101 C2 because its full-rimed but its weight is like rim-less. I don't like rim-less frames because the lenses are more thicker than for full-rim so that it can became sturdy. I like it because its lightweight -its barely there. The gun metal color really makes it more manly and smart good not only on casual clothes but for formal attire as well.

Cubik eyewear have both style & quality and it also conforms and follows standards by allowing only licensed opticians and ophthalmologists to order prescription eyewear and thats peace of mind for me.

Photo herein is captured using
Canon Powershot A580 in
Panagatan Seafood Restaurant
Opol, Misamis Oriental, Philippines
last 30th of August 2010

Instant Fashion Red Carpet

noreply@blogger.com (Jay - agent112778) — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 23:32:00 +0000

Wedding is a milestone in one's life. I've been invited in some weddings as a guest and as part of the entourage. For me, being a male, outfits for wedding is just simple, I'll just wear casually in short sleeved polo in slocks or ill dress formally : in a long sleeved shirt and tie or; the Philippine Barong Tagalog and its done. But as for women - as I observed - its a detailed task from choosing a perfect pair of footwear that matches an outfit to hair and make-up and nails too. I know, because I live with three women -my mother and my two sisters. The memories of my parents' 25th wedding anniversary is now at the in the back of my mind.

* faces are intentionally blurred to protect privacy and identity

** from the stock photos of sugarplumfairy-lyn

Choosing wedding outfits for women requires full attention to details. First, they will ask the bride when will be the wedding and their motif. after that they will decide weather if the dress will be: store bought; rented or; tailored. One has different pros and cons but store bought is the first choice.

Technology now is so good, you can now chose and buy online just like the Gray & Osbourn who features choice wedding outfits for women at their wedding store online.

For the year 2011 alone, my mother and my youngest sister, i think, was invited for 3 to 5 weddings. My mother was invited to became one of the principal sponsors and my sisters to become guest and our mother's companion. So in every invitation, they really made it into a point that they will dress and look nicely in whatever outfit they wear.The latest wedding they attended was the photo above.

my 33rd Birthday (1st of 3 entries)

noreply@blogger.com (Jay - agent112778) — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 21:21:00 +0000

I celebrated my 33rd Birthday last 27th of November. I am so happy that the Lord has given me another year to live and to love.

I'll be making a three (3) part series that will share how was the celebration went. For this first installment, I'll be featuring

My Birthday Cakes

This cake was made by a homebaker-entrepreneur My Delectable Treats who is based in Sto. Tomas, Batangas. She is my GF's sister. For products and info, visit her in this Facebook Page link.

I'll skip the background story, Ill just jump to feature the cake. As you can see, the cake is so simple, simply because me and GF will still travel for the next 12 hours before we reach our respective homes. Its a chocolate cake (my favorite) on a cream cheese frosting. The cake is so dense and heavy thus a slice is good for my big sized appetite. Its so yummy good! Perfect with coke or coffee.

Thank you so much My Delectable Treats!!!

BUT WAIT THERE'S MORE!!!

My CFC Singles for Christ community also gave me a mocha cake from Goldilocks. Thank you so much SFC North A1E!!!

AND

Photo herein is captured using
Canon Powershot A580

for the My Delectable Treats' Cream Cheese frosted Chocolate Cake
it was taken in our home

for the Goldilocks Mocha Cake
it was taken in Hilltop, Lagro, Quezon City and in our home respectively

last 27th of November 2011

Prawn House Restaurant and Suites

noreply@blogger.com (Jay - agent112778) — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 17:42:00 +0000

Opening of Tablon Branch

25th August 2011
sitio Baloy, Tablon, Cagayan de Oro City

Intro:

Months back (feb 2011) GF and her family celebrated valentines day Prawn House's main branch in Pueblo de Oro, Cagayan de Oro City. As GF shares their yummy family date, "Yummy Seafood" was the first thing came into my mind when I heard about Prawn House Restaurant and Suite.

The owners good management blessed them a second branch and its located in sitio Baloy, Tablon, Cagayan de Oro City (formerly Leo's Grill and Restaurant). This where my entry comes in. Its soft opening and blessing was 25th of August 2011 and it opened to the public the next day. I was on the soft opening thru the invitation of GF's parents.

Main Entry:

Coming back to GF's house after I brought her to work, GF's mother asked me if I want to join them to the blessing of the Prawn House, I said yes without hesitations. "yummy seafood" is now dancing in my mind. From GF's home we went to Leo's Grill and Restaurant. I thought we will go to the main branch (in Pueblo de Oro), but as we went inside, GF's parents were greeted by their tennis buddies. GF's mother then explained that on that day, was the blessing of Prawn House's second branch (here) in Tablon. I grabbed my camera and readied it for my instant "blogger coverage" hence this entry.

First part the blessing.

Second part the reception. I was one of the last persons in line thus my photos of serving dishes is not that good. So, ill just share to you whats on my plate.

Soup : I forgot to asked for its name but it tasted like coconut cream but thin as soup. it has crabs and mussels.

Appetizer : Kinilaw na Malasuge.

Main Dish 1: Crispy Pata

Main Dish 2 : Pata Tim

Main Dish 3 : Prawns

They also have 2 dishes for crabs but i did not got some for I dont like crabs, look at my soup, it only has 1 claw for I only like crab claws.

Ending:

As me and GF's mother shared the table for this lunch, She shared to me the owners' "rags to riches" story. Its very inspiring and I can conclude that the Lord truly blesssed the owners because of their humble hearts.

AND

Photo herein is captured using
Canon Powershot A580 in
Prawn House Restaurant and Suites
Sitio Baloy, Tablon, Cagayan de Oro City
Misamis Oriental, Philippines
last 25th of August 2011

Aligue Pasta and Roast Beef Panini

noreply@blogger.com (Jay - agent112778) — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 16:03:00 +0000

18 October 2011
Catered by Les Paellas Cafe

On my last entry - Canonigo - I admited that there are three dishes in the Canon Pixma Exclusive Product Launch that captured me. First was the Canonigo and for this entry I'll share to you the next two dishes.

The second dish this, the Aligue Pasta:

I admit, I did not enjoyed this because of my diet restrictions - so i have to eat in a very small serving. I dont like aligue thus I remove the head every time I eat shrimps or prawns. I only eat crab meat on its claw.

I dont know if the caterer/chef used the real aligue in this dish but as thge name implies, it tells me "I'm yummy" then I said "I just eat in small portion". I dont like aligue BUT the dish really sounds interesting thus it captured my attention.

Lastly is the Roast Beef Panini.

Yes, I know its just an ordinary sandwich to some but for me, this sandwich is for me considered "once in a blue moon" chance to eat.

Both dishes are yummy, I like the tenderness of the pasta and of the roast beef. sadly, I only ate in small portions due to my diet restrictions (for the aligue) and im so shy to get three pieces of sandwich.

AND

Canonigo

noreply@blogger.com (Jay - agent112778) — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 19:04:00 +0000

18 October 2011
Catered by Les Paellas Cafe

On my last entry - the Canon Pixma Exclusive Product Launch - the organizers gave us free meal and it was catered by Las Paellas Cafe. They have 3 dishes captured me and I'll feature this first for I am so guilty about this. Hear (read) my confession.

Bless me my dear readers for I am guilty. I dearly love sweets. I love cola (softdrinks), Leche Flan, Brazo de Merzedes and this...

The first time I heard about Canonigo is in a culinary show which is sadly off the air months ago. The chef who made the demo in TV said Canonigo is just like Leche Flan. To make it more "appetizing" she made is as tall a possible, its really like Leche Flan in a bucket.

For this one, I like its sweetness (not so light and not so heavy either) sadly, I forgot to put the custard sauce on my share. I want to come back for more. *&^% I should had got 3 slices on my first take.

BTW, the photo is the serving platter not my dessert plate.

Canon Pixma Exclusive Product Launch

noreply@blogger.com (Jay - agent112778) — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 18:25:00 +0000

What's the best thing you've ever printed?

18 October 2011
SM North EDSA Cyberzone
4/f SM North EDSA Annex,
EDSA, Quezon Cty

I got an email from Nuffnang Philippines. They are inviting me to attend the "Canon Pixma Exclusive Product Launch". After the RSVP instructions, they also asked me to send a photo that to me was the best thing I ever printed. I send it and it was featured on the photo exhibit.

Of course, I am so proud that my photo was posted on that wall. That wall was seen by mall goers and launch audience alike. A little background on that photo.

It was I can say one of the best photo I ever printed. It was taken at Divine Mercy Shrine in El Salvador, Misamis Oriental, Philippines. It was my first time to be in Mindanao. With me to take that photo was my GF and her parents. It was also my first time to visit them thus that trip was so memorable. Memories are best on prints isn't it?

We then registered and went inside the event area. I took shoots at the exhibits. They exhibited the photo works of Canon Pixma Brand Ambasadors :

Mr. Jo Avila who exhibited his family photos;

Mr. Per-Andre Hoffmann who exhibited his world adventures;

and Mr. Jun Miranda who exhibited his Cambodia tour.

As I go around the Ambassadors' exhibits the band is sharing their talents. They are really good. The songs they interpreted had this new sound, not just acoustic but the percussion gave it a Latin beat.

After those photo shoots, It's time to charge up a bit. Las Paellas Cafe catered the snacks but this is good enough for me - I'll wont have my dinner. It is a buffet just present your food & drink stubs and to make it more best, it's self-service :D

from 12 o'clock position clockwise : Mozzarella Sticks; Crispy Squid Tentacles; Canonigo; Pasta Chorizo; Chicken Fingers and; Roast Beef Panini. (no photo on ice tea, sorry)

After I ate, I went again to the ambassadors' exhibit for a second wave of glance then I viewed and photo shoot the exhibition for Canon Pixma Printers.

There are 14 printers on display but these five stands out (from topleft corner clockwise) Canon Pixma MP287; Canon Pixma MG8270; Canon Pixma E500; Canon Pixma iP4970; Canon Pixma MG 5370(center).

Then the program started, I went to the front row beside my sister. The program was hosted by the lovely Ms.Honey.

A welcome remarks from the Vice President of Canon.

A video presentation was shown to launch the said five printers. Trivia game was next which participated by some members of the Audience. Then they raffled of minor prizes.The host went to the printer exhibits and asked two of the exhibitors to demonstrate the power of Pixma.

Ms. Jill Santiago of Canon Philippines present the performance of the Pixma Printer both on the field and on the market.

Definitely owning a Pixma Printer is an investment to one's company or home or business. On her presentation, she shared where Pixma got its name. Pixma came from "pix" of "pixel" which means quality print up to the smallest pixel and "ma" from "maximum speed". In short, Pixma means "Fast and Highest Quality prints and images".

Then a game of "scan and print", then another round of raffle of minor prizes. geess! they have lots of prizes instore. Game winners took home a Pixma printer "each" and the consolation prize of a expensive watch. Not bad at all! my sister even got one prize from the raffle.

The host went back to the stage and called the ambassadors to answer 2 questions : What was the best thing you've ever printed? and; Why Pixma?

Mr. Hoffmann's best printed photo was the "Christ the Redeemer in Rio, Brazil" He then shared that I was taken ridding an helicopter just to get those clouds. He chosen Pixma because of Quality.

Mr. Avila's Best photo was "grandfather and grandchild" He shared that this is the most touching moment he captured. In the photo was Mr. Avila's kids and his father. He chosen Pixma for low printing cost.

Mr. Miranda's best photo was the this temple in Cambodia. He chosen Pixma for performance.

With the ambassadors on stage, they announced and awarded the best photo submitted.

The winner, Ms. Joanne Ladrido was not around anymore thus the awarding did not took place and the event was concluded with a raffle of major prizes, they gave away 6 pixma printers.

Sadly, I did not had a chance to own one. Before leaving the event, we took a photo in the Pixma wall and as we leave, organizers gave us a loot bag containing two Rudy Project pouches, a pen and a stick-on notepad.

Even though I wasnt lucky enough to bring home a pixma, I'm still happy to see my photo on that photo exhibit and that exhibit will be there until the 28th of October. That's not just print but an imprint that delighted me always.

Photo herein is captured using
Canon Powershot A580 in
SM North EDSA Cyberzone
4/f SM City Nortth EDSA Annex
EDSA, Quezon City
last 18th of October 2011

Appetite Magazine's Restaurant Festival 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Jay - agent112778) — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 17:24:00 +0000

Grand Launch

13 October 2011

Grand Atrium

2/f Shangri-la EDSA Plaza

Mandaluyong City

Prelude:

My sisters attended a culinary event and they covered it as invited bloggers. As that event nears to end the organizers(or PR) gave them this ticket (photo below) and they gave it to me.

I was so thankful to them - most specially to my sister Jenn (http://taraletseat.blogspot.com/) for giving me this ticket. I already accepted that I can't join the Restaurant Festival because my Facebook friends are not enough to generate "likes" during the campaign period. Since I have my ticket to the event, I can surely come together with my sisters.

Check In:

We arrived at the venue two hours early. We don't want to be in EDSA after 5pm so that we will not be caught in rush hour traffic. We strolled a little and stayed at the food court. At around 6:30pm we registered at the check-in counter and the organizers gave us this little booklet that serves our "passport". We have our ticket (look at the ticket, it says "passenger") and our passport and we will just wait for our Launch time. As we wait, me and my sister Jesz (http://sugarplumfairy-lyn.blogspot.com/) strolled more by visiting all participating restaurants and taking their Facade Photos. Then we came back just in time for the Launch.

Pre-Launch:

When gained access to the event area. We took our camera(s) as we took photos of all featured dishes of all participating restaurants. We did this so that we can have good -if not best- photos of the dishes before serving.Ill feature these photos after this entry. After the in-flight catering photoshot, we secured our cocktail table as we wait for the Launch.

Launch:

As you can see, I used the words "passenger"; "passport"; "check in" and; "Launch". Yes! the motif of the launch is "flight". The program started by a lively greeting from the Chief Stewardess (the host) Ms. Sam Oh. She welcomed us with her warm smile and hospitable personality. She then called the flight crew to deliver their speeches : First, from the Associate Publisher of Appetite Magazine, Ms. Monique Buensalido; then the Editor-in-Chief of Appetite Magazine, Ms. Nina Daza-Puyat; then a representative from Mastercard (sorry no photo, the official photographer came infront of me) lastly, Ms. Lala Fojas of Shangri-la Plaza.

Ms. Daza-Puyat and Ms. Fojas unveiled the banner as the "Restaurant Festival 2011" as they declared the festival open and will end at the last day of the month of November. The festival have a sampler menu and it will cost from 500 to 700 Philippine Pesos (depending of the restaurant). On the next entries I'll feature these menus, for the mean time, sample on these samples I got.

But if you are so excited to know more of these, go to Appetite Magazine's Website Restaurant Festival Page

In-Flight Food:

I had these yummy goodness that really tickled my appetite. The photos herein are just samples & less compared to the one you'll get when you dine at the participating restaurants.

For round 1 samples from Sing Hainanese Chicken House : Hainanese Chicken (bottom) and Fish Cake(w/ toothpicks).

For Round 2 samples from Secret Recipe : Chocolate Indulgence Cake (right) and Black Pepper Chicken (left)

For Round 3, samples are getting to run out of stock then I need to watch out for my sister's bag & for our table as well thus I'll get a little bit of samples.

These are from : (top of the rice) Clawdaddy : (L) Smoked BBQ Chicken Quarter and (R) Buffalo Wings; (bottom of rice);

from Cravings : (L) Mango Cream Crepe; and (C) Chicken ala Pobre w/ Mushroom Gravy and;

from Cafe Provencal : (R) Grilled Chicken Provencal

The sample from Cafe Provencal is so small but my appetite is still up and big thus even its hopeless to get the "right" serving of samples, I still went to the next remaining restaurants.

For Round 4, samples from Lemongrass : Pork BBQ (on top of rice) and Lemon Chicken (on the left)

with a little twist of the plate and a little push of the samples, I still got these thumb sized samples from Crustasia : (bottom left) Hunan Cumin Ribs and (top right) Battered Shrimp (its just a part of the Grand Javanese Sampler)

another push and this Pork Humba from C2 managed to get into the plate.

Good thing the Ice Tea is free flowing but there's more restaurants to go to but sadly, they ran out of stock thus I did not had a chance to get from :

Pho Hoa who have these spring rolls and crepe. I really like to have those.;

Pepper Lunch which should be my 2nd round but they have a little stock so I did not got one. and yes, i cant move on as of this writing.;

Cyma's Chicken Souvlaki which I also wanna try.;

lastly I also did not have a sample from Green Tomato who serves this Sausage and Shrimp Pasta, Four Cheese Pizza and Tiramisu.

But wait! there's one more. As the saying goes "one more for the road", so before the event ends I still manage to eat sample deli sandwiches from Pages Deli, this yummy Sausage sandwich which they call "journey to the center of the earth" (bottom) and turkey and bacon sandwich which they call "animal farm" (top left).

PS : the green part of the silver lined paper plate is a reflection of the lighting.

Deparure:

While resting, we talked to our fellow bloggers and got a chance to have a photo ops with Ms. Daza Puyat, Ms. Oh and Ms. Buensalido. A few more photo sessions at the event's wall and off we go home.

Once again, thank you Appetite Magazine for this event. I enjoyed alot. Thank you Ms. PR (i forgot her name) for the loot bag. and thank you dear ladies for the souvenir photos we had, its an honor to meet you.

AND

Photo herein is captured using
Canon Powershot A580 in
Appetite Magazine's Restaurant Festival 2011 held at
Grand Atrium, 2/f EDSA Shangri-La Plaza
EDSA corner Shaw Blvd.,
Madaluyong City, Philippines
last 13th of October 2011

BC Bloggers Secret

noreply@blogger.com (Jay - agent112778) — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 00:04:00 +0000

Im joining this bloggers group so that I can connect my site to its fellow members. With this, I am encouraging all my blogger readers and followers to join this group.

Its a group created by http://www.mommydiary.net/ who aims "to put our blogs into the map".

Do you want to put your blog into the map of blogsphere? if yes, join us now

Domain and Web Hosting

noreply@blogger.com (Jay - agent112778) — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 15:50:00 +0000

I was so happy when I bought my domain name. At first, I am sad because my blog title was bought by another entity and he/she is selling it. I did not bother to check its price it might have an undesirable results - malware to high price. So I stick to my web name and thus the name behind the domain. My happines of being a "dot-com-er" is enough for me to celebrate. Its a one year contract and I need to renew it this November.

Most of Blogger events and blog giveaways offers promotional coupons and even free one-year domain name with web hosting as a prizes. My sister even got one one-year web hosting. Since we are both hosted by this platform, she cannot get the web hosting as of this moment. One time, she even gives it away to me but I have to decline. But I did asked her for we will just save it for next time. Who knows, it might be useful in the future. Further more, Web Hosting is really a good investment. Its like owning a company's stock certificates that in due time it will have a lucrative offer or rewards. My sister then agreed, we will save her Web Hosting Certificate for the rainy days.

Blog post courtesy of Alma who writes for a promotional coupon blog catering to World Soccer Shop and World Rubgy Shop. Check out the latest 1&1 Coupon and midphase coupon.

@ Greenwich

noreply@blogger.com (Jay - agent112778) — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 16:54:00 +0000

MooShake

27 April 2011

Greenwich

Divisoria, Cagayan de Oro City

Part 1 here

So after buying the blank CD that GF requested, I waited for her. When she's out on her masteral class, we meet at Greenwich. We shared for the usual pizza and pasta meal and we had this for dessert

We both agreed to get the double chocolate. Its good, sweet & creamy and its not worthy to be called "double"! You know why? Look at the photo first.

It should be triple - choco bits on top (nestle crunch I guess); choco syrup; and milk chocolate shake. Its so yummy, another reason to have chocolates. Its a promise that every time me and GF is in Greenwich, this mooshake is a must to have.

Photo herein is captured using
Canon Powershot A580 in
Greenwich Divisoria (CDO)
Abuela St., Cagayan de Oro City
Misamis Oriental, Philippines
last 27th of April 2011

@ Jonie's Sizzlers and Roast

noreply@blogger.com (Jay - agent112778) — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 21:00:00 +0000

Roast Chicken Sandwich

27 April 2011
Jonie's Sizzlers and Roast
Divisoria, Cagayan de Oro City

The first time i went inside the Xavier University Campus was on 23rd of April 2011 but it was about 7pm, its dark and I only visited was the chapel. Im so glad on this day (27th of April 2011), it was my first time to go inside by daylight. My primary purpose to photo shoot the chapel to get clear photos and to go to Museo de Oro. I did manage to capture the chapel then I went to Museo de Oro. Sadly, it was closed for renovations. Looking at the brighter side, it will look better on my next visit.

Since I did not went to Museo de Oro, I now had about 2 hours to spare, GF will be out of her Masteral class. So I went to Jonies to have some snacks and wait for GF.

CDO's Divisoria has a new building and it houses new food joints and Jonies is one of them. Since im there for the snacks, I'll order a sandwich. Oh! yes! the rice meal is tempting but its early for I just had my lunch an hour before I ordered this:

Its good but my expectations was high. It taste like roasted chicken w/ mayo which is good but I expect a thicker filling. It has lettuce w/c is good but I felt I did not ate. :( i should have ordered the rice meal instead. Well next time :D

I waited for a while then GF asked me to buy her a blank CD for her slideshow. So off I went then meet GF on the next door food place. For she was hungry after her class. Want to know what this about? Read next entry.

Photo herein is captured using
Canon Powershot a580 at
Jonie's Sizzlers and Roast
Divisoria, Cagayan de Oro City
Misamis Oriental, Philippines
last 27th of April 2011

The Next Azkals and Volcanoes

noreply@blogger.com (Jay - agent112778) — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 18:12:00 +0000

In the sports news, The Philippine Soccer Team called "Azkals" and The Philippine Rugby Team called "Volcanoes" gave their outmost effort in putting the country's name in their respective sport. I salute you guys and keep up the good work.

Whats the difference between Soccer and Rugby anyways? When I was a child, its really a big puzzle for me and I cant really understand why both are called football. The other one is kicking the ball and the other one is running the ball. Here are some thing I just found out.

Football is the most wide played sport in the world. It was called "football" or "foot ball" because its a sport on foot or a sport that needs more foot work.

Rugby is called such because it started in "Rugby School" in England. The game involves physical contact thus the uniform has this armor like padded suit and helmet. The ball is elliptical mostly brown in color and its outlawed to kick the ball thus it is held and ran towards the goal.

As for the Soccer, the ball is spherical with black and white pentagon spots. The ball is kicked or bumped using other body parts except the hands. Only the goalkeeper is allowed to touch the ball.

Soccer is not new in the country. Even before the Azkals, football stars are in the schools. There are two universities here in Manila that have two to six soccer fields. As for the Rugby, I havent seen a rugby field here but I seen some kids and teens who have a rugby ball and play fetch. Since they dont have the standard Rugby gear, they can play it in a soft manner.

Soccer matches are held every year in some schools here. The kids are so passionate to the game, they look and play like professional athletes. During these events, major sponsors pour in to make the event possible and during the games they have booths to give away promotional coupons. The kids and parents are happy to see such kind of support. These kids really feel like they are little Azkals. I seen kids running and sliding in the corridor just to practice their moves. After their game while resting, they air their sadness because of the highly priced shoes. Even if they can afford it or even if they have discount vouchers, chances are the stocks are limited almost none or the kids' size is not available. So they resort to borrowing shoes from their friends or to those who graduates from school or the most common scenario, when a big kid had out grown their shoes, they gave it to the small kids.

The Azkals and the Volcanoes lifted the kids spirit to their sport. I do hope and pray that these kids will excel in the field and for me, the only way that we can support these kids are thru our cheers and providing them the gears to help them play. A kid with a complete gear has high morale to achieve.

Blog post courtesy of Alma who writes for a promotional coupon blog catering to World Soccer Shop and World Rubgy Shop. Check out the latest world soccer shop coupon code and worldrugbyshop coupon code.

World Teachers Day 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Jay - agent112778) — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 02:59:00 +0000

"Teachers for Gender Equality"

I came across to this photo in Facebook and I admit I cant find the real source of this photo BUT the description says "Re-post if you are a teacher, love a teacher, or appreciate a teacher." Since I do appreciate a teachers' love for work and their dedication is a commitment definitely I can say that "a teacher is a hero". Im not telling this because my GF is a teacher but read letter in the photo then you will see how much I appreciate them. What struck me most was the last line.

photo from Facebook from an unknown author

The word was "investing" not "expending". What the difference you might ask. Experts say that "investing" is expending money to gain returns but expending has nothing to gain thus wasting money. For example, if we buy a freezer for household use that is expending but if we use the freezer to sell - something like ice or process meat - that's investing because we gain something in return.

As for the teachers. they use their own money to buy chalk; materials for visual aids; they even buy some school supplies(paper, pencils/pens) and give it to their students' use. For what? to see their students excel in life and mold them as future leaders, and movers and shakers of our country. That's what they gain thus they are investing.

In the provinces, specially in northern Philippines, some of the houses have this wooden or metal engraving that bears the name and profession. One day, a teacher walks infront of that house and thank the Lord by saying "Thank God! You made him an engineer, he was my former student when he was still in High School".

When was the Last time we thank the Lord for our teachers? Today, right now is the right time.

I salute you our dearest teachers for your dedication, commitment and hard work in molding us to became a better person, a better citizen. With that, I thank You. May the Lord grant you wisdom, knowledge, protection and guidance in every thing you do.

"Teachers for Gender Equality" is this year's global theme. The UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) picked that theme because they aim for more women in the teaching profession. Yes, they are more female teachers than men but two-thirds of illiterates are women.

WHAT?! two-thirds of illiterates are women? hmm? I don't know what made them say that OR what are their sources BUT for me, in my own opinion I only have two main reasons why.Before I share that, let me first say that illiteracy knows no gender.

First is culture. Some - if not most - of world culture is prohibiting women to pursue education thus they can't pursue any career or field of expertise. I hope that the world will allow women to pursue education

Second, is the fact that women has a bigger population than men. they say that three babies are born females is to one male baby.

Since its a fact that women has the bigger population, I just hope and pray that world's cultures will allow women to pursue education and career. Its not only for women empowerment but also for the progress of our culture. Let me share this to you as my ending statement and as an example why I'm sharing this.

The Philippines have many cultural groups. Some call it tribe, other are called ethnic group and some call it Indigenous people. There is this one cultural group - lets call it a tribe - that prohibits women to pursue education. One young lady disobeyed their rules, went downtown and pursued education. She then became a teacher. After a few years, she went back home to teach their tribe's children. At first the male adults are mad and angry at her but as they see the tribe's progress thru the education she is giving to the kids, they allowed her to continue, they even built a bigger hut to be their school building. And they lived happily ever after.

Appetite Magazine's Restaurant Festival 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Jay - agent112778) — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 15:27:00 +0000

Campaign Period

Appetite Magazine, the country's most appetizing culinary magazine will celebrate its founding anniversary with a gastronomic treat. On the 13th of October 2011 in Shangri-la Mall they will lunch a most anticipated culinary event.

I always wanted to go to a festival and Appetite Magazine is having one and its called "Appetite Restaurant Festival 2011" for their anniversary this October. To get free invites, "like" their Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/appetitemag then we simply SAVE and POST the photo below on their wall with the description “I want to go to the Appetite Restaurant Festival!” and ask your friends to "like" it. The top 3 photos will get exclusive invites for two (2)! Just a reminder, you must SAVE & POST the poster as a photo on our wall.

I want to go to the Appetite Restaurant Festival because I want to taste the world! Please do help me to go there by "like"-ing my entry at their Facebook wall.

They also have a Twitter Account at http://twitter.com/#!/appetitemag (@appetitemag)

@ Max's Cagayan de Oro

noreply@blogger.com (Jay - agent112778) — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 16:17:00 +0000

GF's Parents
36th Anniversary

26 April 2011
Max's Restaurant Cagayan de Oro*
Tiano-Chaves Streets, Cagayan de Oro City

* this branch is now close and they transferred to Level 1 Robinsons Place Cagayan de Oro last August 26, 2011

Its GF's parents wedding anniversary. GF's eldest sister instructed us (me and GF) to buy cake for the parents. We pick up her money at the courier office before proceeding to pick up the cake at Red Ribbon Bakeshop of CDO's Divisoria.

We held it in Max's Restaurant so that I can also use my two Gift Certificates with a face value of Regular Fried Chicken (half) each.

and GF and 3 younger siblings all shared for the dinner. We just added the usual rice and drinks and these two yummy dishes:

Oriental Beef With Mushrooms;

and Chopsuey;

I really like and enjoyed our dishes. All meats are fork-tender; the veggies are not overcooked and they retained thier appetizing colors; and the serving are all generous enough we all ended with a full tummy.

For me, if it its fun family satisfied dinning, it shoud be catered by Max's Chicken. Many of my life's wonderful memories was catered by Max's and this is an addition to that wonderful memories.

PS: Thank you so much Food Friday Meme for featuring my last week's entry.

AND

Photo herein is captured using
Canon Powershot A580 in
Max's Restaurant Cagayan de Oro*
Tiano-Chaves Streets, Cagayan de Oro City
last 26th of April 2011

* this branch is now close and they transferred to Level 1 Robinsons Place Cagayan de Oro last August 26, 2011

Bloggers' Manifesto

noreply@blogger.com (Jay - agent112778) — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 17:17:00 +0000

My Code of Conduct as a Blogger

While I'm blog hopping, I came across to this wigget. with full curiosity I cliked it.

Then it lead me to "The Blogger’s Manifesto" which serves as a guideline for Best Blogging Practices of the current and future members of Digital Parents Australia. I do belive on this manefesto and yes, even if it was created as guidlines for the said community/group, the founder of this manifesto - Ms. Brenda Gaddi - is opening it to all blogger all over the world who wish to adhere to it. Since the day I started blogging, I knew that I should be an ethical blogger and this manifesto really put words to what I feel as our code of ethics in blogging, thus I'm sharing this menifesto.

Do you agree to the manifesto? Can you adhear to it? Me? I will! its now my concrete code of conduct as a blogger. If you are too, visit Blogger's Manifesto now to know more and then sign up into their Honour Roll then copy and paste the badge to your site.

Photo herein provided and taken from
Bloggers' Manifesto

@ Red Ribbon Bakeshop

noreply@blogger.com (Jay - agent112778) — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 12:49:00 +0000

Chocolate Fudge Cake

26 April 2011
Max's Restaurant Cagayan de Oro

Its GF's parents wedding anniversary. GF's eldest sister instructed us (me and GF) to buy cake for the parents. We pick up her money at the courier office before proceeding to pick up the cake at Red Ribbon Bakeshop of CDO's Divisoria.

GF sponsored the anniversary dinner. We held it in Max's Restaurant so that I can also use my Gift Certificates with a face value of regular half sized fried chicken.

For this feature ill share to you first the anniversary cake. I thank the Max's Restaurant for allowing us to bring the cake in without any corkage fee. They even let us use some utensils. We only ate a quarter and save the remainder for the next day savoring.

I love the icing and the filling. you really cant go wrong with red ribbon cakes. BTW, cake topper is not included nor bought at red ribbon. GF cant recall how she got the topper for it was ages ago and she came across to it when she cleaned her bookshelf.

ADDENDUM:

01 October 2011
*This entry was featured in Food Friday Meme's September 30, 2011 entry.

AND

Photo herein is captured using
Canon Powershot A580 in
Max's Restaurant
last 26th of April 2011