OUR AWESOME PLANET

Best Business Plan of the World Competition 2007 (www.bestbusinessplan.ph)

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I'm so proud of this BBP Competition that I agreed to lead this search for the Manila Jaycees. We are on the 4th year of looking for that Filipino entrepreneur team who would bring the glory for the Philippines for four straight years. Our media usually don't cover stories like these (sad to say) not unless you would have to pay for it. For those awesome entrepreneurs out there, submit your Best Business Plan for this year's 4th Philippine Young Entrepreneur Best Business Plan Competition 2007! Check out the website for details: (www.bestbusinessplan.ph). Deadline for entries is on April 30, 2007!! Who knows, you might win $5,000 and an all expense paid trip to beautiful Antalya, Turkey!


The Pride of the Philippines:
Filipinos bag the ‘Best Business Plan of the World’ title 3 years in a row

For three consecutive years now – 2004, 2005 and 2006 – the Philippines has emerged the winner in JCI’s ‘Best Business Plan of the World’ competition, besting thousands of entries from some 100 countries. Thus, Manila Jaycees and all its sponsors take pride in helping bring out the best in budding Filipino entrepreneurs through its flagship project, the ‘Best Business Plan’ competition (www.bestbusinessplan.ph).

The contest is held yearly by Manila Jaycees as part of its search for Philippine entries to the JCI’s ‘Best Business Plan of the World’ competition. Now on its 4th year, the 2007 contest aims to sustain the Philippines’ strong performance in the international tilt. More importantly, Manila Jaycees hopes to inspire more of our young breed of entrepreneurs to come up with the best among the best business plans that are not only feasible but are capable of creating a positive impact on society.

Success Stories

2004 Winner: X-Tal Farms, Inc. by Christian Guerrero of Thames Business School

In 2004, a 27-year-old student-farmer-entrepreneur, Christian Guerrero of Thames Business School in Quezon City, became the first Filipino champion in the world congress held in Fukuoka, Japan for his franchise farming business, X-Tal Farms, Inc. Guerrero won US$5,000 as seed money for his cause-oriented venture, which aimed at helping his fellow farmers in Zambales to adopt modern farming techniques and be able to market their produce profitably. Photo shows Guerrero receiving a replica of his US$5,000 check prize from JCI President Fernando Sanchez-Arias and JCI Interim Secretary General Edson Kodama at the awarding ceremony in Fukuoka.

Technorati Tags: best business plan

2005 Winner: Xilworx by Ruth Michelle Ariem, Alexis Lozano, Michael Estorninos of Far Eastern University

The following year, a group of business students from Far Eastern University (FEU) called Xilworx won world acclaim in the same contest held in Vienna, Austria for their “clean” technology of extracting silver from spent X-ray solutions. Using appropriate technology to collect and process these highly toxic waste materials, Xilworx hopes to augment the local supply of silver and assist industries such as the jewelry sector while still protecting the environment. The FEU team was composed of Ruth Michelle Ariem, Alexis Lozano, Michael Estorninos and their adviser, Prof. Ramon Adviento. Photo shows Alexis Lozano and Ruth Michelle Ariem posing for posterity with a replica of their US$5,000 check prize. With them is 2005 JCI WP Kevin Cullinane.

2006 Winner: MedCorp by Mark Steven King, Ma. Cecilia Mahilum, Faye Zarate, Dhan Morris Samson, and Palarca of Ateneo de Manila University Last 2006, the Filipino excellence continues to shine abroad, this time gaining recognition for endeavoring to market a product that can have significant impact on lowering the cost of health care for developing countries. A group of students from the Ateneo de Manila University, under the name of MedCorp, bagged the grand prize in the Best Business Plan competition sponsored by the Junior Chamber International (JCI) and held in Seoul, South Korea. MedCorp intends to market a product called Carragel. This substance is derived from carrageenan, a red seaweed extract, and is designed as a hemostatic agent, something that stops the flow of blood during operations. The Philippines supplies 80% of the global demand for carrageenan, hence Carragel can be priced over 60% lower than the other absorbable gel and foam variety of hemostats currently used in hospitals. In addition, Carragel is completely safe to use, has a faster absorption time, exhibits much more versatility, and even has the ability to inhibit the growth of cancer cells.

MedCorp was formed as part of a marketing course assignment in college, which required students to come up with a business plan to market a new or little know product or service. The team members stumbled upon Carragel through its original developer, Dr. Lucille Abad, a senior science research specialist at the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute. Now, the team – composed of Mark Steven King, Ma. Cecilia Mahilum, Faye Zarate, Dhan Morris Samson, and Palarca – has plans of partnering with Zuellig Pharmaceuticals to tap its distribution network, starting with Southeast Asia and on to the Pacific rim countries within five to six years. Manila Jaycees looks forward to another success story in the 2007 International Best Business Plan competition – and eventually at the 2007 JCI World Conference in Antalya, Turkey! (www.bestbusinessplan.ph)

Paying it Forward for a Cost of Friendship

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Thanks to Friends of Our Awesome Planet!! One of my motivation for blogging is to gain more online friends and meet the fabulous Filipinos in and out of our country. Some just started as readers, then became acquaintances through comments/ email exchanges. At some point, I do hope to cultivate online friends that lasts. This is why I prefer food trips with small groups, photo tripping, blog meets/ eyeballs, and I make it a point to answer each and every comment (even if it is a delayed response). Also, there are people who ask me to promote their sites and most of the time I oblige as long as it is awesome and for the cost of friendship (free :) - as Pauline, our Media Manager would use to say. It is also a way for me to pay it forward to friends of Our Awesome Planet who are generous enough to share my site with people, give me word-of-mouth tips, and continue to read through out the blog's 27 months existence.

Technorati Tags: Our Awesome Planet

This blog would continue to be an online live biography of our life and our adventures hoping someday that Aidan and Baby 4 will be great leaders of our country. Imagine, they can look back at their childhood/ formative years and read history through the eyes of their parents. Sometimes, I'm tempted to transform it to a magazine type site or to fully commercialize it. I would often resist that temptation because I want it to continue to be personal and to document "experiences" rather than doing reviews for the sake of content. "Where is the fun in that?", I would ask myself.

It would continue to conform to the highest standards of integrity, honesty and truth. These are the traits ingrained in me by Papa Procter and we call it PVP or Purpose-Values-Principles which is the core essence of the company that I've been loyal to for close to 12 years now. Also, my mom would always say that don't strive to possess earthly treasures but rather strive to collect treasures in heaven. That is why, my blog is a way for me to fulfill my personal mission in life to:

Touch One Heart. Inspire One Mind. Save One Soul. No Day but Today!

Sorry for making this a sentimental post. I usually have moments like this because I am humbled at people letting me know that they read my blog and when I look at the blog statistics. I do hope that I can pay it forward by sharing with you the Very Best of the Philippines and offering my "friendship".

email: anton@diaz.ph
blog: anton.blogs.com

Doughnut Miss it this Easter!

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I was surprised that when I arrived from Singapore today, I got 6 boxes of half-dozen Easter Egg Doughnuts from Blooey. That was a pleasant surprise and I gave some to my team. Honestly, the chocolate and cream cheese toppings were so sweet that it is screaming calories every time you bite into it. These egg shape doughnuts does not have a hole so that you get that full carbo rich experience. How I wish they would start having those light or fat free doughnuts or healthy doughnuts (i know it is quite a contradictory but I'm just hoping that there would be one someday)

I'm more excited about the fun activities on April 8, Easter Day in Bonifacio High Street and Serendra. Thanks again to Krispy Kreme and see you there on Easter!

KRISPY KREME’S EASTER DOUGHNUTS are here! (PRESS RELEASE)

Krispy Kreme, America ’s most loved doughnut, offers new egg-shaped doughnuts in the spirit of Easter. With five colorful designs and two flavors – chocolate and cream cheese. These egg shaped doughnuts are great substitute for Easter egg hunts too!

Enjoy great value with Krispy Kreme's Sweet Easter Treat when you purchase 1 dozen Assorted with Egg Shaped Doughnut and a medium Frozen Blend or Iced Espresso for just P379. Hurry! This offer is until April 15, 2007 only.

Plus! It's our 1st Easter in the Philippines . So join us on April 8 as Krispy Kreme celebrates Easter with fun-filled activities for the entire family.

Visit us at Bonifacio High Street, Bonifacio Global City , Taguig City and Ground Floor, Bldg. B, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City .

Share some Egg Shaped Doughnuts today!

Technorati Tags: Krispy Kreme

Lecheng Pastillas 'to

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I think I finally found the best pastillas in Manila.  Christine of Ramblings from a Gypsy Soul brought these Jumbo Pastillas during Poch's despedida dip party and we immediately got hooked!  Christine was also responsible for my Sonja's cupcakes addiction way before it opened in Serendra.  I finally succumbed to these Jumbo Pastillas temptation and we had to buy two boxes to satisfy our soon-to-be pastillas addiction. Finally, this might be the Best Pastillas in Manila!

Pastillas is one of those that conjured up childhood memories similar to our all time favorite chocnut. It was sad that it became a commodity and for a time, it was satisfied being sold in a generic unbranded cardboard box decreasing in size over time. Iya's Jumbo Pastillas decided to revive its lost glory starting with a maroon cow inspired box perfect for giving it as a gift or satisfying the most requested pasalubong of balikbayans in other countries.  The pastillas of our childhood days is quite large and after seeing this 2.5 inches long jumbo pastillas (3.0 inches with the white cover), you would conclude that this the authentic pastillas. The actual pastillas itself is smooth, sweet and enough to make you forget how sinful it is.

Technorati Tags: jumbo, pastillas, puppy

 
We are in pastillas heaven now and my search for the ultimate pastillas is finally over.  Not unless, some readers can share their own best pastillas secret. Let me know and maybe we can have a pastillas taste test.  One box of Iya's Jumbo Pastillas sells for P250 / box which contains 24 pastillas. Effectively, each one would cost P10.40 and I was wondering why not just add one more pastillas to simplify the computation into P10/ pastillas. I actually have no reference as to how much Sevilla's pastillas would cost.

 
Aidan is now  creating his own pastillas childhood memories and he looks at his mom for a nod of approval before devouring another pastillas.  He now has a mental memory of how good these white japanese paper covered sweets that we hide even the photos of these pastillas or else, the two boxes would not be enough for the three of us!

Iya's Jumbo Pastillas (P250/box)
Fruit stall in Market Market,
Tel:  729-0325.

Tel. (02) 843.9066
Guingona's Residence
2320 Morado St./1392 Palm Ave. Dasmarinas Vill., Makati

Directions:
Enter Dasmarinas village via the gate near Sanctuario de San Antonio Church.
Leave your ID and tell them you are going to 2320 Morado St.
Drive straight and turn on the second right.
It is the corner house along Morado St. and Palm Ave.

Jewel Box, Mount Faber, Singapore

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Mount Faber View -- The Highest Point in Singapore.

"An Extraordinary hideaway which stands out with its pleasing sense of rustic sophistication. The Jewel Box offers an ethereal ambiance in which you will enjoy the privacy and tranquility of nature, as well as the exquisite variety of bars & restaurant. In the midst of an enormous wealth of flora and fauna, of colorful sunsets, and songs of birds, this exuberant architectonic combination offers the most spectacular scenery of the city and harbour and is perfect for after-work drinks, intimate dinners and serious partying"
(www.mountfaber.com.sg)

(Left to Right) Apurva (Indian), Siriwan (Thailand), Mui - The boss (Singaporean), Donald (Australian), Alex (Singaporean), Birthday Boy Steven (Malaysian), Calvin (Chinese), and Mark (Australian).

Usually, our regional team meets twice a year and I always look forward to the group dinner. It is the only time I'm able to go to "bloggable" places, otherwise, we spend most of the time between the hotel and our Novena office. I was excited because I've never been to Mount Faber which is allegedly the highest point in Singapore. We went to Jewel box, Singapore's Iconic Hilltop Destination, which serves a 4 course set menu of salad, soup, entree and dessert. Despite the fantastic 180 degrees view of Sentosa, the lush forrest, and nearby islands, it was not enough to compensate for its uninspired ambiance and cuisine. They also have a very nice and enticing website but I have a hard time to even say that the food was OK.

In any case, it is always a nice experience and more learnings about Singapore. Thanks Alex for arranging this!

Technorati Tags: Mount Faber, puppy, Singapore

Jewel Box, Mount Faber Leisure Group
www.mountfaber.com.sg

OMAKAZE Maki Fever!

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Suki Market's Sushi Bar (P150) for a bilao of 35 california makis! (taken from my point and shoot)

I am loving makis right now and there are two places worth raving about! The first one is from the soon-to-become-popular Suki Market in Dapitan where you can buy a bilao of 35 california makis just for P150! You can't beat that price anywhere but you need to go to the Suki Market to get these. This is perfect for gatherings or potluck sunday lunch with your in laws.

Omakaze's JSC Platter (Jurassic, Seabreeze, and Crazy Maki Combo) (P550++).

The second one is from the now popular Omakaze for the fusion Makis created by Ed Encisa. Literally, Omakaze means "at the Chef's pleasure" and Chef Ed was trained in Furusato and his brief Middle East chef stint in Bermuda. His popular maki creations include Jurassic Maki (P230++) composed of Ebi Tempura, Kani (crab meat), Ebiko (orange thingy), salmon skin inside out unagi and Crazy Maki (P140++) composed of spicy tuna & salmon inside, scallion and ebiko outside. Personally, I love the Jurassic Maki because of the texture of the salmon skin, different unique taste of the ingredients, and you can't go wrong with unagi and ebi tempura.

Technorati Tags: japanese, maki

Omakaze Menu Selections
Donburi and Oyster Specials
Seafoods, Tempura Dishes and Vegetables
A la Carte Beef, Pork, Poultry and Tofu Dishes
Sushi and Sushi Side Order
Appetizers, Soups, Nabemono/ Menrui
Side Orders, Bento Box, Desserts Beverages

Spicy Tuna Salad (P170++) Raw Cubes of Tuna with Salad Dressing

I loved this spicy raw tuna collection and surprisingly it did not taste raw at all. I liked this spicy dish but it was quite heavy because of the dressing.

Tempura Ice Cream (P60++) -- a lot of images come to mind with this signature Omakaze dessert. Just think about it as ice cream wrapped in tempura batter. The name is interesting but nothing really special aside from the unique presentation but Aidan definitely loved this one.

Omakaze @ Intrepid Plaza in Libis. Other outlets are located in Tomas Morato and Alabang.

Omakase LIBIS
2F Intrepid Plaza Bldg
E. Rodriguez Ave., Libis QC
Tel# +632 437 0075

Omakase ALABANG
Lower Level, Casa Susana Bldg.
Madrigal Ave., Alabang, Muntinlupa
Tel# +632 771 1443

Omakase MORATO
284 Scout Rallos corner
T. Morato Ave, QC (back of Shakeys)
Tels# +632 412 0002/ 412 3222

Philippine Blog Awards Interview

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Home & Living Blog Finalist @ 2007 Philippine Blog Awards
dessert comes first
Finestkind Clinic and fish market
MarketManila.com
Our Awesome Planet
Wifely Steps

Jhay, of The Four-eyed Journal (http://jrocas.com.ph) sent me a list of interview questions for the Philippine Blog Awards for his blogging series entitled: " The road to the PhilippineBlogAwards: Nominees Spotlight". I decided to answer some of them.

How does it feel to be nominated for the PBA?
I'm honored to be one of the finalist in the Home & Living Category. Although, honestly, I would have wanted to be in the Photoblog or Travel Category.

Who do you think will win in your category?
I think categorically in terms of hits, popularity, and alignment with the category, Joel, of Marketmanila.com will win this.

Why do you think you should win?
If ever, it is because I'm passionate about promoting the best of the Philippines.

What would you do if you win?
Good Question. Win or lose, we will party after the awards night!

What do you think of the Philippineblogawards?
It is about time. This should be a lot lot better than the webby awards.

Is there a blog that's not nominated but deserves to be nominated in the PBA?
We should also honor the bloggers who are part of the committee :)

Would you join the next Philippineblogawards?
I would join to meet new blogger friends.

Any messages to your fellow nominees?
Lets party on March 31!!

email: anton@diaz.ph

The Big Garments Sale by Exclusive Invitation only.

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Take a time out first from your online multiply shopping because the Great Bulacan Sale is here.

Unfortunately, I cannot send invites anymore to the Great Bulacan Sale which is scheduled for March 30-April 1(a bit earlier this year). You have to go with somebody who would have an invite and register yourself in their database to be invited in the next one. In the past year, most of the oap readers would have gotten an invite and you should have gotten a message from Divine.

Subject: EXCLUSIVE INVITATION to THE BIG GARMENTS SALE - Meycauayan, Bulacan
To: divine flores <xxxxxxx@gmail.com>

Dear Friends,

If you are looking to buy clothes for summer, going abroad, or just stocking up for the year, please come to our first sale of the year this Mar 30 to April 1. That's Friday to Sunday, for a change, we included the Sunday because a lot of people requested and they wanted to get their hands on the goods before Holy Week vacation.

We are having the Big Garments Sale earlier than expected this year because new stocks came in early. Also, we are disposing some aged stock for as low as 200 pesos so the price will be very very cheap. Expect to see more fashion brands such as Zara, D&G, Miss Sixty and even Killah which has been gaining acclaim in the global market, a lot of jeans, and more of the RL shoes that people keep re-ordering.

Hope to see you at our Meycauayan warehouse! For more details, kindly look for Divine at XXX-XX-XX or XXXX-XXXXXXX . For directions/map, she can forward to you through fax or email, but you should be able to remember how to get here right?

For security purposes, please bring ID, we will be cross-referencing your names with our guest list.

Disclaimer:

This email has been forwarded to you because you registered in any of our previous sales. KINDLY DO NOT FORWARD to anybody else, as we will not be able to entertain them as properly as we should. Your support is much appreciated, and we would like to make this event exclusively to you, in thanks. Our apologies for not being able to entertain more of your referrals but our current space is not feasible.

The Farm @ San Benito, Temptation Island and Baby 4

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Aidan's Ka Puso :)

It was the first time we got interviewed together as a couple in GMA 7 last Saturday. We got interviewed for the article I wrote last year,
The Farm @ San Benito --- Did it really create an impact on the way I live? Apparently, The Farm will be featured in Mel & Joey on April 1, Sunday and they wanted to get testimonials and stories about couples who experienced the Farm. In April or May 2004, Rache and I went there to experience the 5-day detoxification package which opened our eyes on the impact of eating dead food specially animal meat to your body. We were convinced that living a vegetarian life is the way to go and this carnivorous lifestyle will catch up on us in our senior years.

Also, one of our motivation for spending so much for this 5-days detox package is to conceive a baby. Yes, the Farm has a reputation of helping couples conceive a baby by detoxifying the body from toxins and creating a stress free environment. We actually read in a Woman's Today australian magazine that an australian actor (Ian) and actress (Rachelle) came to The Farm for their baby honeymoon. So, somehow we are thankful to the Farm because after 9 months, Aidan was born on January 19, 2007.

Aidan fooling around with the microphone. We are not sure if he will be a performer or a politician someday.

On other matters, Thanks to Socky for the nice Friday night blog despedida dip party for Poch. The pot roast, the different home made dips, and coffee alamid were perfect! We will miss you Poch and we do hope we meet Rama before you leave for Canada. Congratulations to Wysgal for getting into Wharton! Woohoo!! galing mo :) We are looking forward to your Whartonite blog posts...

I can't believe it that we watched the 1980's Joey Gosengfiao's masterpiece Temptation Island to end the despedida night. It was hilarious and I remember watching a CCP Play based on the Temptation Island movie. What made it hilarious was that the director intended it to be a serious movie of life during that time in manila. Also, what was amazing for me was to see snapshots of manila during the early 1980's and the standard of sexy women during that time which we would consider now as fat.

Finally, Baby 4 is on the way! Yes! We just knew this week and I was still in denial until now :) Aidan was code-named Baby 3 :) Aidan is now a Kuya or Ahiya!! We are grounded for the moment probably until Rache's second trimester. We are excited and hoping that it is a siobe...

Bale Dutung Postcards

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READ: Claude Tayag's Bale Dutung - The Best Kapampangan Restaurant in Pampanga

Awesome "Kayuran" Collection.  This is used to grate coconut meat.

Technorati Tags: Claude Tayag, Pampanga

 

Giant Wooden links

 

Bale Dutung Hallway

 

Lifting wooden santa claus.

 

Sorbetes and Suka -- imagine the combination.

 

Pots and Pans collection adds to the overall rustic ambiance.

 

A Balancing Act.

Aidan in an Alien World.

Bale Dutung -- Wooden house.

Saveur's Asia's Soul Food

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(Click here for the Bigger Version - Saveur - Feb 2007: Asia's Soul Food )

Read First:
MarketMan's Scoop on Saveur & Cradle of Flavor

This is the first time I've subscribed to an international food magazine because they are starting to realize that Asian food is one of the best in the world. You gotta read Saveur's 100 list to realize what an honor it is for the Filipino Food to be #28 and it is entitled Asia's Soul Food. I've been to the US, London, and recently to Dubai and Egypt, still, nothing compares to the Asian food! Thanks Saveur for this great recognition and hopefully Filipino food is starting to get the international attention it deserves!

Here is an awesome tip for you: I subscribe most of my magazines digitally via Zinio.com and you can still get this Saveur Feb Issue for $5 and a 12 month Saveur subscription for $19.95. Zinio now has an extensive collection of digital magazines that you can read offline in your PC (but keep the site away from your kids). If you just want to try zinio out I'll give you a secret tip-- here are FREE subscriptions to some of my favorite ones and there is no catch :)

Business Week
PC Magazine
Computer Gaming World
Electronic Gaming Monthly
Computer Shopper
Science Digital Edition

You can also get FREE business magazines if you are comfortable in giving information about yourself. I got CIO Insight and Baseline magazines via this --> FREE business magazines.

Enjoy!!

Technorati Tags: Saveur

World's 10 Largest Shopping Malls

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Officially, we can now claim that 3 out of the 10 largest shopping malls in the world are located in the Island Paradise of the Philippines!! Woohoo! This is according to Forbes.com article World's Largest Malls based on leasable retail space. Remember this statistic-- our malls in the Philippines is bigger than any mall in the United States. No wonder, Filipino's national pastime is Malling. Maybe, this is one of the evidences that Philippines is now a Second World country according to President Arroyo.

Forbes.com World's 10 Largest Shopping Malls

1. South China Mall, Dongguan, China (2005, 7.1 million square feet)

2. Golden Resources Shopping Mall, Beijing, China (2004, 6 million square feet)

3. SM Mall of Asia!

4. West Edmonton Mall, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (1981, 3.8 million square feet)

5. SM Mega Mall!

6. Berjaya Times Square, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia ( 2005, 3.4 million square feet )

7. Beijing Mall, Beijing, China (2005, 3.4 million square feet)

8. Zhengjia Plaza, Guangzhou China (2005, 3 million square feet)

9. SM North Edsa!

10. King of Prussia Mall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA (1962, 2.8 million square feet)

Claude Tayag's Bale Dutung

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READ: Claude Tayag's Bale Dutung - The Best Kapampangan Restaurant in Pampanga

Technorati Tags: Pampanga, Claude Tayag

Power Max Breakfast !

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Triple Chocolate Champorado (P59) - A tasty chocolate flavored champorado.

By this time, you should see a lot of blog posts on Max Power Breakfast. It is great that Max which is the same owner as Krispy Kreme is now leveraging bloggers and the internet as part of their below the line activities. They gave out free breakfast coupons valid last Monday morning. I requested for 10 and it was granted (Thanks Max!) I decided to invite my team to have a Max's Power Breakfast.

The only unique meal in Max breakfast line up is the Triple Chocolate Champorado and the Gourmet Tuyo (take note, it is a gourmet tuyo and not an ordinary one). The tapsilog and bangsilog meal tasted ordinary and it was not able to justify its P150 expensive price tag. What I like about the breakfast meal is the cheesy love songs and bossa nova songs to perk up your day in the Max Glorietta branch. The acoustics of the Max restaurant is not conducive for a breakfast meeting when everybody is talking.

Still the most memorable power breakfast meal for me was the P250 Angus Beef Tafa at Country Waffles. We missed it now and not even Heaven and Eggs was able to address our craving. I would only go to Max if I was craving for a P75 meal of Triple Chocolate Champorado and Gourmet Tuyo -- what a combination!

Add P15 for two pieces of gourmet tuyo.

Technorati Tags: MAX

Max Breakfast 7am to 10am only

Pepperoni Omelet MEal (P120) -- A savory Omelet stuffed with Pepperoni and cheese. Served with Orange slices, fresh bread loaf and brewed coffee. Also available in vegetable omelet.

Tapa Meal (P155). Tender Slices of beef marinated in a tapa mix with zesty hint of pineapple. Served with rice, fried eggs and brewed coffee.

Bangus Meal (P155). A half-sized bangus marinated in garlic and vinegar for that real daing flavor. Served with rice, fried eggs and brewed coffee.

Adobo Flakes Meal (P120). Shredded bits of chicken pork adobo fried to crispy perfection. Served with rice, fried eggs and brewed coffee

Power Breakfast Team Meeting (L-R): Mark, Ethel, Toffee, Kats, Men, Camille, Anton, Herbert and Joyce.

Thank you Max for the breakfast treat!!

Ugu Bigyan's

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Ugu Bigyan's Kulawo (Banana Heart)! -- The Best seller in the house! This is just with charcoal to bring out the smokey flavor and cooked in vinegar and spices. I swear, it taste like tuna meat!! ( email me for the recipe )

Read First:
Quezon Culinary Series 10: Ugu Bigyan's Secret Pottery Garden
[Viaje del Sol Series.7] Ugu Bigyan's Pottery Garden Postcards
[Viaje del Sol Series.6] Sumptuous Lunch @ Ugu Bigyan!
Viaje del Sol Review

After blogging this last Sept 2005, Ugu Bigyan continues to be one of the secret places in the Philippines. You cannot find this in the lonely planet and in fact, even the people who lives within the area was surprised that such beautiful garden place exist. I've been raving about it for years now, and if you have not eaten here, you should plan a viaje del sol trip this coming summer.

Here are some tips on making your Ugu Bigyan trip a memorable experience:

1. You need to reserve one day in advance for lunch (minimum of 5) or merienda. They are strict that you pay for the exact amount of headcount that you reserved since they buy the ingredients in the market based on the reservation.
2. The Best time to buy pottery items in Ugu are during the sale season. There are three sale sessions: first, is the pahiyas sale on May 15 (this would be too crowded); second, on his even birthdays August 14 discounted depending on his age (42% this year); and lastly during the first Sunday of October.
3. Lunch is now @ P400/ head. It is usually a fix set depends on what they can buy in the market. You can influence this a bit and try to change some of the items based on your preference.
4. Merienda is also a nice time to go here and get a taste of their Sago and Gulaman!!
5. You can learn pottery here and decide to stay for a night. I suggest you inquire when the classes are and schedule your visit during that time.

They make it look easy to create a perfect jar!

Check out the rest of the Ugu Bigyan meal...

Technorati Tags: Ugu Bigyan, ViajedelSol

I'm happy that Ugu Bigyan is one of the greatest secret in the south. It's unassuming facade cloaks the entire pottery garden from outsiders.

Pako salad. This is a true filipino dish without any fusion.

One of the best Calamares we ever tasted! It is cooked perfectly and with the right bite.

You cannot go wrong with these huge shrimps!

Huge Grilled Ribs that would satisfy any carnivore.

Sweet and Sour Fish with Mango salsa. Can I ask for more?

Ugu Bigyan Potter's Garden

Viaje del Sol Brochure: For potter Ugu Bigan, home has always been in Tiaong, Quezon. His artist's workshop is a cluster of quaint huts, connected by brick paths, and surrounded by a lush garden. Ugu's works are on display and are for sale. Lunch is served at his garden. Meals are served on beautiful ceramic plates and bowls.

Directions: From Manila, head towards the end of South Express Way and take the second to the last exit going to Batangas. Take the road going to bicol heading towards Tiaong, Quezon. This is about 90-120 minutes drive. After San Pablo, Laguna, you will arrive in Tiaong, Quezon. Drive past the Tiaong public market and watch for the Tiaong Elementary School. Five minutes from the school, watch for a sign pointing to Lusacan National high school, to your left. Turn left on the road near the sign. Follow the road and turn left on Alvarez Village. The house is the red clay house to your left.

Reservations for lunch must be made with a minimum of 5 persons

Ugu Bigyan: Potter's Garden
490 Alvarez Village , Brgy Lusacan, Tiaong, Quezon
Call + 63 (42) 545-9144

Kubli Springs Night @ Viaje del Sol

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Read this First:
[Viaje del Sol Series.3] "Starbucks" stop @ Jay's Kinabuhayan Cafe
[Viaje del Sol Series.4] Postcards from Kinabuhayan Cafe
[Viaje del Sol Series.5] The Charm of Kubli Springs

I'm still on a Kubli Springs High and I can't believe that I was able to pull this off with my office mates. It was also fortunate that I was in San Pablo, Laguna for work that I have to spend the night in that area. Finally, I had the chance to execute one of my wildest setup of having dinner at Kubli Springs in Dolores, Quezon -- Thanks to Jay and Ralph of Kinabuhayan Cafe! I've been to all the places in the Viaje del Sol area, this is one of the must try experiences that any foodie should go to.

Imagine eating inside a wild forest amidst huge rocks and bonfires, getting wet from the clear water flowing through your feet, and drinking from the cold natural spring water. The table is set on top of natural rocks with flowing water underneath it. The best part of the dinner is the excellent food prepared by Jay. I was caught off guard at how great the food taste that all my friends are raving about it long after the dinner. This is literally dining under the stars and it was a truly priceless dining experience.

I told my friends that day, that I have a surprise adventure dinner for them. I kept it as a surprise because I want to blow their minds off on one of the unique experiences in the Philippines. I just told them that they need to bring slippers because they might get wet. Most of us came from office and that is why we still have our jeans on :) Actually, the best way to enjoy this place is to wear swim shorts and you eat while submerged in cool clear water. Going to this place is scary since it is located near the foot of Mt. Banahaw and in the heart of Dolores, Quezon.

Kubli Springs Dinner is just AWESOME! Perfect setting and ambiance with great gourmet food for P500/ head only ! I'm going back to bring my wife and Aidan to enjoy this place :)

(L-R) Ginger, Reena, Vince, Murf/Edlyn, Wendy and our boss, Sonny

Check out the rest of the Kubli Springs Night story ...

Technorati Tags: kubli springs, ViajedelSol

Kubli Springs

I tried to capture the entire mood and setting at Kubli Springs. They setup mini-bon fires to light up the area. I was personally scared to drink from the natural spring water source you see in the photo above. But once I tasted it, this is the first time I would rave about water! The water is no natural that you can still taste the minerals in it and it taste like full bodied water.

This is a great bonding experience. We waited on top of the boulders and asking silly slam book questions. Water is all around you and you can feel how clean it is and the longer you stay in the place, it felt safer and safer. We would always look at the stars and pretend to know where the big dipper is and other star formations. Occasionally, you would make a wish if you see a shooting star and clap like teenagers wishing to find your one true love.

It was amazing how Jay cooked this medium rare lamb with rosemary and other secret ingredients. I tell you, we were raving about it all throughout the dinner! He cooked while confessing that he had a nasty hang over that morning.

Here is a posterity shot of the group with our dining table for the night. The water that you can see in the picture came from the spring water flowing in the area.

Our dinner consisted of the best Garlic Chicken with the garlic chili we ever tasted, a secret Risotto dish that was perfect with the tender grilled lamb steak. I forgot to take a shot of the salad with flowers and a dressing to remember.

We were challenged by Jay to submerged under the water but we decided to stand. Frankly we didn't mind because the food was so great that we forgot we were standing for a couple of hours already. The dessert is an array of sweet fruits. Jay also served the best Barako coffee we ever tasted and the best Lambanog -- that was smooth and with the right amount of alcohol.

I'm starting to sound like I'm raving about all the things and this is one of the truly surreal experience in 2 hours away from Manila.

@ Kinabuhayan Cafe


We went back to Jay's Kinabuhayan cafe where we freshened up and played a little billiards game. T

we were introduced to Jay's loving dashounds. We toured around the rustic but homey bed and breakfast accommodation at Kinabuhayan Cafe.

This is their own radio station broadcasting around the Dolores, Quezon area.

(L-R) Ginger, Murf/Edlyn, Jay, Wendy, and Reena

After the experience, all the girls are now beso beso with Jay :) By the way, Kubli springs is a secret and Jay is not advertising it even in the Viaje del Sol brochure. You must try it with your barkada!!

Kinabuhayan Cafe Bed and Breakfast.
Tel (042) 565 6828
Jay +63 917 368 0054
Winston +63 917 327 1106

Directions on how to go to Kinabuhayan Cafe.
From Manila, go to the end of South Expressway and exit going to Batangas (this is the second to the last exit on your right). Proceed to the direction of Bicol and when you arrive in the San Pablo, Laguna border (about an hour and a half from manila without traffic), stay on the highway up to Km 86 where you will see the Meralco compound to your right. Shortly after Meralco, turn left on the road leading to Dolores. Go passed Bato srpings and turn left after the gas station. Stay on this road until you reach Bejarme St. Turn left, after a few meters, Kinabuhayan cafe will be to your right. Call Jay if you get lost.

Photoblogging Success Story @ Iblog 3

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I'm sharing a bit of my photo blogging success story @ the iBlog3: the 3rd Philippine Blogging Summit. It will be held in School of Economics Auditorium, in UP Diliman, Quezon City on April 14, 2007, Saturday. I'm speaking after the famous Yuga and I do hope to inspire more people to photo blog their way to success. The event is free and you just need to sign up before the event.

April 14, 2007 Agenda
Blogging for Newbies
9:00 - 9:20 Abraham Olandres: Blogging Success Story (Philippines’ Most Read Blogger)
9:20 - 9:40 Photoblogging Success Story (Anton Diaz)
9:40 - 10:00 Philippine Politics and the Blogosphere (Manuel L. Quezon III)
10:00 to 10:30 Break

Blogging Trends Track
10:30 to 10:50 Podcasting/Videocasting Growth Trends (Wilson Chua of eRadioPortal.)
10:50 to 11:10 Blogging / Web Marketing Trends (Aileen Apolo of Google.)
11:10 to 11:30 The New Prosumer (Eduardo Mapa Jr. of Euro 4D.)
11:30 to 12:00 Panel Discussion (Moderated by Janette Toral)

12:00 - 1:00 Lunch
1:00 to 1:15 Sponsor Talk

Blogging and Journalism Track
1:15 - 1:40 Blogging and Investigative Journalism (Alecks Pabico of PCIJ)
1:40 - 2:00 Blogging as Mainstream Media (Angelo Racoma of the Blog Herald)
2:00 - 2:20 TV Journalism and Blogging (Malou Mangahas of GMA Network)
2:20- 240 Panel Discussion (Moderated by Rachel Khan)

2:40 - 3:00 Break

Professional Blogging Track
3:00 - 3:30 Blogging for advancing one’s career (Marc Hil Macalua)
3:30 - 4:00 Professional blogging (Jayvee Fernandez)
4:00 - 4:30 Increasing blog popularity (Gail Dela Cruz - Villanueva)
4:30 - 5:00 Raffle, group picture, networking

Desert Safari Arabian Night

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Authentic Arabian Belly Dancers

The Dubai's Desert Safari organized by Dubai's biggest operator Arabian Adventures is one of my coolest adventures to date! It is an exciting experience from the late afternoon start at 3.30 pm until it ends at night at around 10pm. It starts with Dune Bashing where you are inside a 4x4 vehicle and you drive through the sand dunes of the Arabian Desert for almost an hour in the Al Maha Desert reserve. It is guaranteed that this is even better than a roller coaster ride, and guaranteed to make you shriek and laugh with excitement. After the desert drive, the tour stops over in a Camel farm where I came in close encounter with a camel for the first time in my life. Before heading to the camp site, it is a must to see the orange sun sets in the arabian desert horizon. This is a great backdrop for fun shots and group photos while on top of the Arabian Desert sand dunes.

Finally, the group heads over to the Arabian Desert camp site where you are greeted with a free camel ride and an Arabian BBQ Buffet dinner. We decided to stay in the majlis (low cushions) in the Shee Sha area instead of the traditional Bedouin tents area. After satisfying your craving of hummous, arabian bread, arabian BBQ and mousaka for dessert; the gracious belly dancer seduces the audience. The best belly dancer makes you fall in love with her via the hypnotic gyration of her hips and graceful playfulness of her hands. At this point, we are all enjoying smoking the strawberry flavored Shee Shas while enjoying the open bar of wine and beer. But the best part of the night happens when they close all the lights in the campsite to have pitch black effect where you can only see the stars and if you stare long enough, the satellite slowly orbiting the earth. At this point, you don't want to leave but the entire surreal experience is only enjoyed for a few minutes before you head back to your hotel.

This is a must experience when you are in Dubai! The safari costs Dhs. 250 (US$ 68) for adults and Dhs. 180 (US$ 49) for children between 3 and 10. Since we booked via our hotel, it costs us 295 Dirhams about $80. The good thing is it is all inclusive and generally you don't need to pay anything extra during the entire tour (except for minimal tips to some).

Definitely an Awesome Experience you shouldn't miss in your lifetime!

Technorati Tags: Arabian Desert, Dubai

The super fine sands of the Arabian desert and I have a bottle of mineral water full of this desert sand. This is the type of sand that you can use in an hour glass.

This is really fun to drive across the desert sand dunes. I wished that I was the one driving instead of being strapped in the back seat.

Our english speaking driver grins with excitement as he prepares to make a sudden drop from the top of the sand dunes in front.

The tour would occasionally stop for a water / soft drinks break. I can still remember my stomach suddenly dropping as we cross the sand dunes. This is really fun!

Afterwards, we visited a camel farm for the first time.

This camel smiled at the camera at the perfect time.

Arabian Desert Sun Set! So beautiful while seating on top of the sand dunes.

Here are my friends from work posing for posterity.

Arabian Desert Camp

This is the stage where the belly dancer will seduce you. Just giving you a glimpse on how the entire camp site looks like.

These guys welcome you to the camp site with free date wines.

Ready to serve in traditional Bedouin male garments.

Arabian BBQ Buffet at its best!

The majlis (low cushions) in the Shee Sha area. This is the place to be :)

A free camel ride that brings you just around a small area. After Dubai and my Egypt trip, I'm a certified camel rider.

Mong trying out the shee sha experience. We were smoking shee sha during the entire Dubai/ Egypt trip that we had to bring one home for Shee Sha parties here in the Philippines.

I could not ask for more of these authentic arabian buffet. Most of the stuff are healthy but carbo rich because of the arabian breads.

Now I know why a belly dancer is called belly dancer because of its large hips and fatty bellies. It ruined all my belly dancer fantasies.

I now know what an authentic belly dancer is.

This is the best experience of the desert safari night! Lying down to see the moon and the stars in pitch arabian desert blackness!

You can see the moon, the stars with the desert dunes as a backdrop with all the lights turned off

Your 8/8/08 Story

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I you believe that the number 8 is lucky, you should not let this once in a lifetime opportunity to make 8/8/08 a memorable milestone in your life! Since this is once in a lifetime, you should plan waaay in advance or else other people will reserve this date ahead of you.

Here are top 10 ideas on what you should do on August 8, 2008, Friday:
1. Book your wedding now for those planning to get married in 2008, the year of the Rat! I'm sure all the churches and restaurant venues will be booked way in advance.
2. Plan to give birth on this day so Nov should be the love month for you. If your son is born on this day, you can call him lucky eight :)
3. Since this falls on a friday, schedule your dream vacation during this time to mark this milestone.
4. Earn my first $1,000,000 in the internet (this is my personal goal on 8/8/08)
5. Buy a lotto ticket, raffle tickets or join any contest on this day and prove to yourself if this is indeed a lucky day.
6. If you are thinking of resigning from your work and moving on with the new phase of your career, why not do it on this day to make a statement. Make this your liberation day or the day you get out of the rat race.
7. Plan a 8/8/08 consumer promotion for your company.
8. If I were the president, I would make this a special non working holiday! We have time to lobby to make this a special non-working holiday. Lets start an email petition for this :)
9. Watch the opening of Beijing Olympics! It is scheduled from aug. 8 to 24, 2008.
10. Collect 8/8/08 memorabilia -- all the news papers, magazines, memos, etc. including the opening memorabilia of the beijing olympics.

So what will you do on August 8, 2008? Let me know in the comments...

Secret Online Multiply Stores in Manila

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Shopping is not my forte. But I can sense a hot trend from a mile away and online stores are booming in Manila. Specifically, online multiply stores selling accessories and jewelries. These stores are hot, convenient and addicting! The smart women shoppers are now turning into these online stores to shop conveniently at home and get fabulous finds that you can't even see in tiangge's or actual physical store. The mode of payment is cash either via depositing in a bank account or via G-cash. The jewelries are delivered directly to your home and returning them is very convenient via the store's preferred carrier. These fabulous sites are passed on through word of mouth via blogs and other "multipliers".

Just a word of caution, for the lady readers, these sites are addicting. You can waste time and money just by visiting these sites. For the men readers, these are good sites to buy jewelries or accessories for your special someone. You can ask your friends to choose them for you, in the comforts of your computer.

There are hundreds of multiply sites out there because it is free, it is easy to setup, and you can customize it to the theme that you like. To save you from the trouble of finding out which are the hot and trusted ones, these are so far the top 10 Secret Online Multiply Stores!!

Top 10 Online Multiply Stores for Jewelries and Accessories
1. Flatterbuy (flatterbuy.multiply.com)
2. Onionmaniacgoddess (oniomaniacgoddess.multiply.com)
3. Summer with Sepa (sepaonline.multiply.com)
4. What to Wear Online Botique (what2wear.multiply.com)
5. Julena's Site (julena14.multiply.com)
6. Fashion Galore (galore.multiply.com)
7. Vida Jewelleries (vidajewelleries.multiply.com)
8. Beadlady (beadlady.multiply.com)
9. Dare to be Unique by Sundrenchedgirl (sundrenchedgirl.multiply.com)
10. STELLAR by Chynna Ortaleza (stellar01.multiply.com )

Other Multiply Sites to consider
11. Fuddy's Site (fuddyduddy123.multiply.com)
12. Chimala Accessories (wetseal88.multiply.com)
13. Rowwrrr (rowwrrr.multiply.com)
14. SOEUR Accessories (soeuraccessories.multiply.com/)
15. Bags Buddy (bagsbuddy.multiply.com)

Related Posts:
Aveeavee's Site (aveeavee.multiply.com) --
Lou Lou's Lair (notsolillulu.multiply.com) -- Thanks for the tips!!

The Secret is out!! Don't tell me I didn't warn you that these sites are addicting.

P.S. Please post your favorite multiply stores in the comment as well.

Apartment 1B's Gourmet Comfort Food

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Sometimes it would take a good restaurant to kick off my blogging grove after an out of town adventure. I must admit that the concept of Apartment 1B was quite interesting. It seems to be a generic name with a classy touch because of the 1B -- (but the Apartment 1B is the actual unit name in One Lafayette Square which was formerly an unknown bar). The Gourmet Comfort Food conveys that this is a place for people with good taste, and a place to leisurely enjoy a good meal with friends. But sometimes you would think a resto would use Gourmet word as an excuse to charge high prices. This 2 month+ old place is owned by Marivic Diaz-Lim with interiors by Popi Laudico (of the Chef Laudico's family).

The prices are reasonable given that the food lives up to its name gourmet comfort food. But be prepared to spend about P500/ head. They are open as early as 7am in the morning and closes at 11pm (mon-thurs) and 2am (fri-sat). They are closed on Sunday unfortunately. This is just walking distance from the Salcedo market so this is a good place to have lunch after the visit to the weekend market. It is a two floor resto with a seating capacity of 70 (i think). The second floor is a cozy place specially the tables with the sofas. I'm tempted to rent the entire second floor which is good for 40 for P45,000 for a despedida party we are planning. Overall, great food anytime of the day!

Technorati Tags: Apartment 1b, Makati, Gourmet Comfort Food

Apartment 1B Interiors by Popi Laudico

This is the first floor area of the apartment. It is recommended if you can get the comfortable sofa chairs (see below).

Very Nice kitchen counter which reminds me of the australians restos in Singapore. The waiters are friendly too.

As you go up the stairs, this cozy table setup with sofa chairs and rug underneath is just one out of the three tables in Apartment 1B. These are the hot places to reserve.

Interestingly, it has a TV for watching UAAP, NBA or PBA games! The best place in my opinion is the table in the far end. It is private and has those sofas.

Gourmet Aidan is learning how to order but there are no pictures for him to point to.

Apartment 1B Menu
Wine Menu and Beverages Menu
Breakfast Menu
Starters, Sandwiches and Entrees
Dessert and Small Plates Menu

Puree of Squash and Ginger, herbed croutons -- Fantastic blend of fresh squash soup with a ginger kick to it.

Baked Samosas, mushrooms, spinach and cheese (P200++) -- I never loved samosas (the fried ones) until I tasted this soft but crunchy samosas. The spinach and cheese combination was very good that you'll forget that each samosa would cost you P70+.

Special Beef Lasagna and Garlic Bread P390++. This beef lasagna was tasty and very good. It