Balloon Fiesta - 11th International Philippine Hot Air Balloon Fiesta

Our Awesome Planet and Pinoy Travel Blog presents OAP and PTB Live in the 11th Intl Phil. Balloon Fiesta in Clark Field Pampanga!
Just join us if you want to witness these Awesome Balloons and have fun with photo hobbyists. Here are the details:

What to expect?
A Day Trip full of fun and laughter with Photo Enthusiast and Travel Addicts
FREE Photography Lessons from Anton of Our Awesome Planet
This is a Photo-travel-cum-food trip in Pampanga. Let me tour you to sample the best of Pampanga cuisine :)
Bonus side trip to Zoobic in between the Hot Air Balloon departure/ arrival

How to Join?
Simply put a link to this post from your blog, multiply or friendster site expressing your interest to join us this coming February 10, Saturday. Call or Text me @ 0928 558 8500, Anton (for further questions)

You can cut and paste the html code below:

<a href="http://anton.blogs.com/awesome/2007/01/balloon_fiesta_.html">Philippine Hot Air Balloon Fiesta </a>

Travel Itinerary

Meet up: 3.30am (Yes!) at Shell North Luzon Expressway, February 10, 2007 Saturday
4am enroute to Omni Aviation, Clark Field Pampanga
5.30-7.30am Hot Air Balloon Takeoff Shoot out
8.00am - Breakfast @ VFW along Friendship Road (a secret cozy american place in Clark)
9.00am -- Enroute to Zoobic in Subic
12.00nn -- Lunch @ Meat Plus in Subic
3:00pm -- Go back to Omni Aviation, Clark.
5.30pm-7.30pm Hot Air Balloon Arrival and Night Glow (Bring your tripods!)
8:00pm -- Dinner is a surprise :)

What to bring:
Jacket (it is freezing in the morning)
BYOT - Bring your own transpo -- we don't plan to arrange a common transpo we will do convoy throughout
Photo Camera and preferably Tripod (if you have one)
PAYO - Pay as you order -- you manage your own expenses. Bring 1,000/ head as a budget for this day trip event.

Check out the Photos below. Simply Awesome as Sidney would agree :)

Related Posts:
Balloon Fiesta - 11th International Philippine Hot Air Balloon Fiesta
[10TH Hot Air Balloon Fiesta #1] The 5am Balloon Fiesta
[10TH Hot Air Balloon Fiesta #2] All Balloons Pumped Up, Up, Up and Away!
[10TH Hot Air Balloon Fiesta #3] What to do in the Balloon Fiesta?
10th Philippine International Hotair Balloon Fiesta (PIHBF) @ near Clark

The Venue @ Main Clark Airport

Schedule from official Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta Site

Feb. 10 - THIRD FIESTA DAY
Sat. - Hot Air Balloon Flight
5:30 AM - 7:00 AM
- AFP Sky Diving Exhibition 7:00 AM - 7:30 AM
- Ultra-light aircraft Fly-By from Angeles City Flying Club 7:30 AM - 8:30 PM
- Aerobatic Exhibition by Meynard Halili and Bill Wright 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
- Helicopter Flying Exhibition 9:30 AM -10:00 AM
- Missionary HelioSTOL aircraft Demo by Summer Institute of Linguistic 10:00 AM -10:30 AM - Paragliding Exhibition by French and Malaysian team 10:30 AM -11:00 AM
- AOPA-P Light Airplane Balloon Bursting competition 11:00 AM -12:30 PM
- Choreographed Kite Flying demonstration by Fort Boni Sport Kite Com 12:30 PM- 1:30 PM
- Angeles City Flying Club Ultra-Light Flying display 1:30 PM- 2:30 PM
- Gyro Plane Flying but Gyroplane Rotorcraft 2:30 PM- 3:15 PM
- AFP Sky Diving Exhibition 3:15 PM – 3:45 PM
- Aerobatic Display by Meynard Halili and Bill Wright 3:45 PM –4:30 PM
- CTRM Flight display 4:30 PM – 5:00 PM
- Ultra Light Fly By of the Angeles City Flying Club 5:00 PM – 5:30 PM
- RC helicopter flying demonstration by Rufino 5:30 PM – 5:45 PM
- Hot Air Balloon Flight 5:45 PM - 6:15 PM
- Hot Air Balloon Night Glow 6:45 PM – 7:30 PM

Feb. 11 LAST FIESTA DAY
Sun - Hot Air Balloon flight 5:30 AM- 7:00 AM
- AFP Sky- Diving Exhibition 7:00 AM- 7:30 AM
- Rocketry Demo by Arnel Noel 7:30 AM – 7:45 AM
- Ultra-light Aircraft Fly-By 7:45 AM- 8:30 AM
- Aerobatic Exhibition by Meynard Halili and Bill Wright 8:30 AM- 9:30 AM
- Missionary Helio- STOL aircraft Demo 9:30 AM-10:00 AM
- Helicopter Flying exhibition 10:00 AM-10:30 AM
- AFP Sky Diving Exhibition 10:30 AM-11:00 AM
- AOPA-P Light Airplane Balloon Bursting Competition 11:00 AM –12:30 PM
- Choreographed Kite flying Demonstration 12:30 PM- 1:30 PM
- Ultra-Light Flour Bombing Competition 1:30 PM- 2:30 PM
- RC Airplane flying Demonstration by Alvin Alcantara 2:30 PM- 3:00 PM - Aerobatic Exhibition by Meynard Halili and Bill Wright 3:00 PM- 4:00PM
- CTRM Flight Display 4:00 PM- 4:45 PM
- Gyro Plane Flight Demo by Gyro Plane Rotorcraft 4:45 PM –5:30 PM
- Hot Air Balloon flight 5:30 PM- 6:45 PM
- Crew and award night party 7:30 PM-

A Suite Romance Anniversary

I thought twice if I was going to post this. In the spirit of the valentines season, we decided to share this with you. January 11 was our 4th year anniversary and it was kinda difficult to plan surprises these days for my wife. Here is a sneak peek...

Admittedly, it was hard to plan an anniversary surprise for my wife. On our first anniversary, we went to the land of the Samurai's in Kyoto, Japan. Our last two anniversaries was forgettable because of the pregancy in 2005 and I was on travel in Cebu on our anniversary day (which I learned to be a no-no). So this year's anniversary would be different and I learned not to take it forgranted :).

We always wanted to try out Westin's Couple's Spa Room ever since we saw it 2 years ago. When we tried it this year, we realized that the entire Philippines Westin Hotel is now bought by Sofitel Hotel group. They offer three (3) packages under the brand name Suite Romance Package:

Passion (180 minutes) - P7,500
(2) Fresh Fruit Shake
(1) Bottle of Champagne
(2) Passionate Massage
(2) Body Moisturizing Treatment with herbal lotions
(2) Foot Spa treatment
(2) Four-course gourmet meal by Spiral!
30-minute private time for the couple
Use of bathrobe and slippers

Sensual (120 minutes) - P4,500

(2) Fresh Fruit Shake
(2) Sensual Massage
(2) Body Moisturizing Treatment with herbal lotions
Box of hand-made chocolate pralines or truffles
Pot of hot tea infusion
30-minute private time for the couple
Use of bathrobe and slippers

Tender (90 minutes) - P3,000
candlelit whirlpool bath of crystal bubbles
(2) Tender Massage
(2) Chilled bottled mineral water
30-minute private time for the couple
Use of bathrobe and slippers

We tried the Passionate package primarily because of the 4-course Spiral dinner and the foot spa pampering! The photo above is the how the couple's room looks like. This was featured in Us girls, and so I wanted to share with you the actual experience. Bottomline, the massage was great as expected but the Spiral food was so-so. I expected too much I guess on the Spiral dinner but we both agree that the package would have been worth it if the dinner was very good. The room looked old but I must admit it was well maintained. It was a great way to spend our anniversary :)

The suite romance experience starts with a 30 minute private time in the Jacuzzi. The chilled Asti Spumante wine was already waiting for us and we immediately savor the sweetness of this wine.

I've always wanted to have a massage with my wife beside. I'm still in search of other nice massage couple rooms. My wife loved her massage but for me, it was just so-so. I know how to differentiate a good massage, from a trying hard massage. For me, it was more of the latter.

Interestingly, the bed converts into a table like a transformer.

A Suite Romance Menu (See the Menu) -- Since the package is good for two, you can select 2 appetizers, 2 main dish, and 2 desserts.

Prawn Sinigang. Filipino Style Sour Soup with Fresh Prawns and mixed Vegetables.

I can still remember vividly in my taste bud how salty this Sinigang was. The presentation was great, and the ingredients were fresh.

Beetroot and Goat Cheese Salad. Roasted beetroot, balsamic onion and herb salad finished with French goats cheese and organic arugola.

Forgettable and bland taste.

North Asian Tuna Tartare. Diced sashimi grade tuna, red onion, coriander finished with Yuza dressing.

We were wondering was is this and I can't remember how it taste like.

Bibimbab. Rice Pot with assorted vegetables and minced beef.

The bibimbab was decent but there is more rice than the ingredients. It was so huge that it is good for 2 people.

Rare Grilled Tuna Loin. Grilled tuna loin fillet with baby tomatoes, zucchini, fennel and a light anchovy and red pepper dressing.

This Tuna taste like a steak but the tuna is not tasty and you should put the red pepper dressing to make it taste good. I would have to give them great raves for a great presentation though. The Tuna serving was big enough and goes well with the extra rice of the Bibimbop.

Greek Yogurt Panna Cotta. Served with Lychee and rose compote and sesame snap.
Trio of Sugar Free Delights. (at the back) Chocolate clusters, fresh fruits in aloe vera, mixed berry ice cream.

The only highlight of the evening was the sugar free desserts and the panna cotta. We loved it and perfect way to end the meal.

The passionate package ends with a 30 minute heavenly foot massage. Just perfect and it was all worth it except for the disappointing Spiral dinner...

Joel Mendez and Cathy Velez
Sofitel Philippines Sports Club and Spa
Direct Line: 832-6904.

Roshan's Lemon Torte

I love this cake! The tangy lemon fights with the taste of sweet walnutty meringue. I would call it the yin-yang of cakes. I would not even attempt to describe this cake further. The Queen of Desserts, Lori, described this perfectly and I cannot agree more.

"A torte in this case is three layers of crunchy meringue with roasted (whole!) walnuts baked right in. When eaten, the walnuts shatter in the mouth, giving way to the meringue’s subtle crunch of complaint before melting on the tongue in a sea of sweet, releasing a dazzling tang of lemon. Roshan has said that she can actually vary the intensity of the lemon curd in the torte, depending on the request of the client. (Oh, in that case then, maximum intensity for me, please.)" (see: Roshan’s Lemon Torte by Lori, dessercomesfirst.blogspot.com)

It was difficult to take a nice and properly sliced shot of this cake. It crumbles and sticks unto the knife. The lighting was not perfect for a cake shot and everyone was already mouth watering at the sight of this cake. Lori eloquently described this cake as:

" Roshan's lemon torte is the real thing: no soggy layers of meringue and no lack of nuts that have been crushed to a fare-thee-well. Here,the nuts are whole, the meringue crisp, the way it should be. The lemon curd is true to its essence, with just enough butter and yolks to round out the sweetness and bite." (see: Roshan’s Lemon Torte by Lori, dessercomesfirst.blogspot.com)

"This scintillating work of lemon is disguised, almost pristinely, in a layer of whipped cream with dainty rosettes. It makes the torte look almost too nice, practically angelic – hiding the citrus-y firebomb that burns within. Hit me, baby." (see: Roshan’s Lemon Torte by Lori, dessercomesfirst.blogspot.com)

It was indeed a perfect Birthday Cake for Aidan! I'm sure you could put lettering on top of this cake if you want to give this as a gift. Thanks to Watergirl for the tip on this!!

Roshan's
32 Aries St. Bel-Air 3 Village, Makati (Entrance gate is in Jupiter St., Buendia side)
Contact Number: 631-7786
Cakes can either be picked up in Makati or Pasig area, just inform them where you'll get it.

Balducci Birthday Bash

It was great to capture this photo moment! Thanks to my sister-in-law, Clauds who took this picture -- priceless !

Aidan's Birthday is on January 19-- last friday. Coincidentally this falls always within the Sto.Nino celebrations which usually happens on the third Sunday of January. My little Sto. Nino is two years old already and I can't wait to experience what they call the terrible two stage. We were planning a birthday celebration for him and we thought whether or not to plan a children's party.

I liked last year's celebration at Je Suis Gourmand -- private and a time when our two families are together once again. I kinda like that setup at the moment, since I'm sure Aidan won't still remember and appreciate a children's party. We might just plan a grand celebration on his 4th or 7th year :) I actually told my wife that I prefer to celebrate it with family and if possible to just travel during his birthday. When he is old enough to appreciate disneyland in HK, we might do that on one of his birthdays.

There were two choices for us, the new Tagaytay China Palace Restaurant in MOA or a Balducci Italian Restaurant in Serendra. I preferred the China Palace place but it would be far away from most family members and it was a little bit expensive. When we saw the second floor area of Balducci, we thought that this would be a nice cozy place for the family birthday dinner. A place where Aidan and his cousins can roam around freely without disturbing other customers.

We liked the golden chinese tseongsam that his Sachimpo gave last Christmas. It would have been perfect for China Palace but admittedly, Balducci is relatively cheaper than a chinese lauriat.

Overall, Balducci was not as great as we expected. It was OK for us and we loved the ambiance -- very conducive for chit chat and group dinners

Happy Birthday to our Little Sto. Nino, Aidan!! Thanks to all the greetings!! One of these days, he would see and appreciate them. Here is a sneak peek of the Balducci Birthday Bash @ Serendra....

The Diaz and Uy Family. It is always a riot when we meet because of the kids. So it is tough to find a restaurant that is child friendly and won't be frowned upon when the kids are playing around. And for the guests, their privacy might be violated by the kids.

Salmone Affumicato (Php 340++). We made a bad choice with this order. It was thinly sliced and yet so expensive.

Estiva Lattuga (210++). Summer Salad of fresh mixed greens, plump tomatoes, black olives & eggs.

Supposed to be the bestseller but we find it ordinary with a plan vinaigrette dressing.

Fettucine Marinara (P310++). Complete name is Fetticine all'uovo alla marinara con porcini. Seafood fettucine with porcini mushrooms.

We find this pasta dish malansa but we finished it anyway.

Ama, Angkong and Lola, Lolo of Aidan. Aidan would fondly call his lolo as "wowo" and lola as "wowa". So far, his favorite is his wowo, and he always ask his momma, "Wowo" with the asking facial expression.

Gnochetti al Salmone con rucola (P360++). Gnocchi in Salmon sauce in arugula.

If you don't mind the arugula, this pasta dish is one of the best. The creamy salmon taste is addicting that this dish was finished in a few seconds.

Polletto al Mattone con spinaci salsati (490++). Grilled flattened and deboned spring chicken served with sauteed spinach.

The spinach adds to its herby taste, but we would prefer Andok's over this.

Carre d' Agnello alla Griglia con salsa alla menta (P570++). French-cut rack of lamp, grilled, with our home made mint sauce, accompanied by roast potatoes, grilled vegetables and polenta.

Grigliata di pesce e crostaccei con insalata mista (P 580++). Grand seafood flatter fresh from the grill accompanied by fresh mixed greens.

This is one of the value for money and healthy food options in the menu. There is a lobster slice, prawn, squid, and tanguingue. It was grilled technically well and you can't find any fault in this seafood platter. However, my mom was not impressed and just kept silent when I asked her how was the food. She would usually commend a good dish if it does meet her approval but I got none.

Salmone affumicato, mascarpone e caviale (P380++). Smoked salmon with fresh Mascarpone cheese and caviar.

My sister-in-law, Claudette restraining herself from eating this carbo-rich pizza that taste great with the salmon topping.

Quattro Formaggi (P350++) Four cheeses.

One of their best pizzas because it was wiped out in seconds! Their pizza dough was also the bread served while we order our food.

Rustica-Mozzarella, funghi, cipolla, salsicia e rosmarino (P360++). Fresh white Mozzarella with mushrooms, onions, Italian sausage and rosemary.

I don't think you can make a pizza taste good by giving it a lot of Italian names.

Napoli-pomodoro, Mozzarella, capperi, acciughe, etc. (P300++). Fresh Mozzarella, fresh tomatoes, capers with anchovies.

No comment.

It is always very hard to make Aidan look directly at the camera. After a few shots, this was the only decent photo of Aidan looking at his uncle. I don't intend to post family shots but I want Aidan to see this when he is old enough.

Of course, in the chinese tradition, we always wear red during birthdays.

A view from the top. It was nice to have this acoustic guitar player serenading the people.

There is a wine cellar beside Balducci called Barolo. They have a private dining area in the second floor. You can try that out if you want to have a private function.

Balducci Ristorante
Serendra, Bonifacio Global City
Taguig City 1634
Email: info@loperagroup.com
www.loperagroup.com

Tel# 856-0676, 856-0865 for reservations

Wanted: someone who has had a food-borne illness and is willing to share his or her story with Reader’s Digest Asia

Maybe you know someone who fits the profile below...

*****************

Dear Mr. Diaz,

Congratulations on your engaging and upbeat blog!

May I request your assistance? I am a freelance writer-editor-photographer who's writing an article on food safety for Reader’s Digest Asia. It will focus on food-borne illnesses in Asia and how they can be avoided.

And I need to interview someone who has had a food-borne illness (that is, an upset stomach due to microorganisms such as Campylobacter, Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella, Norovirus, or Vibrio bacteria). There has to be laboratory confirmation that the bum tummy resulted from any of these food bugs.

Would you know of anyone who fits the above description? Please email me or text me.

I’ll be grateful for your help in promoting food safety in Asia.

Thanks and regards,
:-) Dinna

Get Updated!

Enter your Email Address:

Latest Restaurants

Makansutra Disappointment...

Wagyu Stone Grill... yummy...

Laya on the 4th of July

How authentic is Indian by Nature?

Are you hungry for Sango?

Lusso's Foie Gras Burger

Amici + Red Ribbon = Caramia Gelateria

Corner Tree Cafe (Vegetarian Food)

Manna Korea Garden

Choto Stop in Little Tokyo

Read More: Restaurant Index

3 Things I learned on My First Day in AIM

What did the Pilot Class say About the Maven Secrets Program?

Do You Want to Win a Maven Secrets Scholarship?

My First Day in AIM

AIM Internet Marketing Course

The Terrace at 5th (with AIM Team)

Balangay's Voyage

Diwata ng Lahi

Bon Voyage, Balangay! Be part of this historic event!

After 40 days, the Balangay is complete!

The Voyage of the Balangay

OAP Friends :)

Your Comments

• Alana on The Original Lechon Bread?
• darci on Makansutra Disappointment...
• Anton on The Little Mermaids of Manila Ocean Park
• Anton Diaz on The Original Lechon Bread?
• Anton Diaz on Heads or Tails - a new kaya place in Mall of Asia
• Sara on Heads or Tails - a new kaya place in Mall of Asia
• ed on Digital Daddy Blog Contest
• joverjoy on Digital Daddy Blog Contest

Powered by TypePad
Member since 11/2004