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Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Hooters Manila and Aidan's Chicken Wings Fantasy
After 5 months of waiting, Hooters Philippines opens in Manila Bay, Esplanade, Mall of Asia! Finally, Filipinos can now taste Hooter's famous chicken wings in Manila. I'm sure you are excited like me. The best time to go is now while the Hooter girls from the US are training the Manila Hooters. Most of them will leave on May 2, some will leave on May 7 while the Hooters from Guam will stay on for a few more weeks. They opened just in time for the World Pyro Olympics -- Awesome!
Here is a photo essay of Aidan's first Hooter experience and some tips:
A photo-op with Hooter Girls or eating the chicken wings? Aidan surprisingly loves the chicken wings.
Aidan must be thinking " Excuse me, can I please finish my chicken wings?"
T-shirt (P367) says, " Hooters Girls can't take their hands OFF me!"
Hooters Girls Philippines (white sandos only). Our top 3 favorites are Leslie, Rhya, and Erica. Maybe you can request them when you reserve...
Diana, the store manager from Guam, will run the store this summer. She is the cutest among all the Hooters Girls...
Chickboy Aidan with Hooter Girls in the bar... I forgot to tell them to do a group hug...
If you are celebrating your birthday, you will be ask to stand up on the table with the girls chanting "Take that shirt off"... Be ready to take your shirt off...
Naked 10pcs. Chicken Wings (P375+) Medium and Mild. There is something about the service or the ambiance that makes these thin chicken wings tasty and delicious. Sometimes it is not about the taste, but it is about the service.
Hooters Manila Menu
Hooterstizers and Nearly World Famous Chicken Wings, Seafood
Burgers, Sandwiches, Salads
Drinks, Desserts and Hooters Stuff
Hooteriffic Cocktails and Hooters Beers
Every 30 minutes, they would dance on top of chairs... this one was to the tune of YMCA.
Seriously, Hooters is for the family :)
Hula Hoops anyone?
Original Hooters Manila Shirts... we bought one for Aidan and I'm planning to buy Rache a white sando and orange shorts :)
Finger lickin' good chicken wings...
The first Hooters store opens in Esplanade in Mall of Asia. It is currently located in:
Hooters of Philippines
Building D Units 1-6, San Miguel by the Bay, Mall of Asia, Pasay city
www.HOOTERSphilippines.com
Hooters Hotline: +63 906 956 4066
Eric Gutierrez - General Manager (ebgutierrez@grp57.com) +63917-899 6660
Text and Photos by Anton Diaz. Copyright 2008.
P.S. Tip: Reserve here for the World Pyro...
April 30, 2008 in 04. Restaurants that are worth to try once, 13. Awesome Happenings in Manila circa 2005 onwards | Permalink | Comments (137) | TrackBack
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Big Garments Sale in Bulacan this Summer...
I was not planning to post this anymore but a lot of recent OAP readers requested me to post the next Big Garment Sale. They are not giving out invites anymore since they already issued membership cards as the gate pass for this sale. We love this sale but we try to avoid it because of the crowd and we always end up charging 5 digits to our credit card.
BIG GARMENTS SALE!!!
Top US UK Brands
May 1-3, 2008. 8am to 6pm
Blk. 4 Lot 3 Acefree St. Sterling Ind'l Park, Iba, Meycauayan City
Telefax: 02-2996061/Mobile +639189918677
Note: Please bring your membership card as your gate pass.
For first timers to this sale, it is either you go with a person who has a membership card or call them if you can apply for a membership card on site. You can mention that you are friends of Anton of Our Awesome Planet.
April 29, 2008 in Bargains | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Monday, April 28, 2008
10 Best Ways to Experience and Enjoy Corregidor!
I've been to Corregidor more than 3x already and this is the first time that I enjoyed every moment of it with Rache and Aidan (for the first time). Thanks to Carlos Celdran for creating a very cool itinerary and for attracting the best company! I would like to share with you the 10 best ways to experience and enjoy Corregidor.
1. Sunset Cocktail. Carlos is brilliant! He asked all the participants to bring potluck items for our sunset cocktail party. We had our cocktail party at the Battery Grubbs. The Corregidor Inn provided the waiter service while the participants brought the cheese, crackers and cold cuts. Carlos brought some Chile wines perfect for the Corregidor Sunset.
2. Dinner Bonfire by the Beach. Dinner Bonfire at the South Beach is another brilliant idea. Someone in our group brought the pasta while some brought the dessert. We brought the Mary Grace Chocolate cake to the party. The background music was sounds of the 1940s.
3. Ghost Hunting at the Hospital. When I first came here, it was super scary because of the imposing Balete tree guarding the hospital. In Filipino beliefs, the Balete tree is the home of the spirits. A few months ago, they cut down the Balete and the Ghost hunting @ night was more bearable. It is better to bring point and shoot camera with a third eye to capture the floating "orbs" The hospital was used as the barracks of the Jabidah secret group. The names of our muslim brothers who died in the Jabidah Massacre were written on the hospital walls.
4. Exploring the Lateral Tunnels of Malinta, Finally, I was able to explore all the lateral tunnels in Malinta. I highly recommend it and it was not scary as you would imagine. When we did the lights out inside the tunnels, there were no negative vibes not unlike in the ghost hunting in the hospital.
5. Experiencing the Lost Corregidor. Corregidor is the greek-like ruins of the American Empire during the 1940s... It was a paradise if you were assigned in Corregidor. Before going to the Rock, please read the Corregidor accounts of Selma Harrison Calmes, M.D.. ( Link provided below). In the Corregidor museum, check out the table wares used in one of the last Thanksgiving dinner in Corregidor.
The Lost Corregidor. The Home Front Life Before WWII Part 1 | Part 2
6. Star Gazing at the Eternal Flame. With San Mig Light on one hand, we watched the stars and the distant lights of Roxas Boulevard. The backdrop for the stargazing is the solar-powered Eternal Flame dramatically lighted every night. How we wished we could have brought some tents to sleep in the grassy area and wait for the sunrise.
7. Malinta Tunnel Lights & Sounds Show. This is still one of the best light and sound show in the country today. It tells the story of the fall of Corregidor and its liberation right inside the Malinta Tunnel.
8. Exploring the Mile Long Barracks in the Top Side. Your Corregidor experience won't be complete without walking through the halls of these mile long barracks. Try to find the ruins of the swimming pool inside the barracks.
9. Conquering the American and Japanese Tunnels. Don't miss to go inside this short American concrete tunnel in Battery Hearns. Compare it with the Japanese tunnel near the Eternal Flame of Freedom memorial.
10. Strike a Pose. Thanks to Carlos, I was able to bring Rache and Aidan to Corregidor! And we shall return with syoti Josh...
I'm happy and sad that Corregidor is not attracting the local and foreign tourists that much. I'm happy because we can enjoy Corregidor without the crowds. Last Saturday, we had the beach and most of the historical places to ourselves. However, I'm also sad because most Filipinos are missing on one of the most profound historical site in the Philippines.
I Wanna Rock with You with Carlos Celdran(Recommended :)
Summer Schedule:
APRIL 26 - 27, 2008
MAY 24 - 25, 2008
JUNE 7 - 8, 2008
JUNE 21 - 22, 2008
Departure 8:00am Saturday. Arrive Manila 3:45pm Sunday.
COST: Php 4,400.00 per person.
Child without bed: Php 3,300.00
Single occupancy for one room Php5,400.00
And be sure to bring a little snack or drink to the sunset potluck cocktail too.
Contact: Kristine Castro 5268888 loc. 9502 or anyone from the Reservations Department of Sun Cruises for more information and current rates.
See Carlos Blogpost: Rocking the Rock Again.
Corregidor Philippines' Standard Tours
Sun Cruises.
CCP Bay Terminal A, CCP Complex, Roxas Blvd. Pasay City (Near Harbour Square)
www.corregidorphilippines.com
Sales Telephone: 527-5555 loc 4511/ 12
Reservations: +63 922 337 0068 / + 632 834 6857 to 58
Day Tour with Buffet Lunch (P1,999). Child Rate ( P 1,111)( Includes roundtrip ferry transfers / shrine, entrance, and terminal fees / guided island tour / buffet lunch )
ETD in Manila (8.00am). ETA in Corregidor (9.15am). ETD in Corregidor (2.30pm). ETA in Manila (3.45pm).
Overnight Package: Single Occupancy (P2,880) Twin/ Double Triple Sharing (P1,999 + 500). Child without bed (P1,550), with bed (P2,250).
( Includes roundtrip ferry transfers / shrine, entrance, and terminal fees / guided island tour / 1 buffet lunch on day 1 / overnight accommodation at Corregidor Inn )
Optional Lights and Sounds Show: P150/ person
Text and Photos by Anton Diaz. Copyright 2008.
April 28, 2008 in Corregidor | Permalink | Comments (11) | TrackBack
The Josh Baby Lingo Project
Go! Baby Lingo! 
Jaymie, the Bull Runner, is holding another Baby Lingo class on May 24, Saturday. We had fun when we last attended it (see Go! Baby Lingo! ). We wanted to teach syoti Josh about the baby signs when he turns 6 months this coming May. We might attend the May class as a refresher course.
The Saturday session was fun. Jaymie created a fun curriculum teaching the baby signs through games, demonstrations, and active participation of the parents. At the end of the session, we were able to do all the baby signs in the quick guide exclusively provided for the participants.
The venue has a playground outside for kids. Aidan was just playing outside while we attended the seminar.
Have you tried this? I'm planning to take a collection of photos of Baby Josh doing the baby signs.
BABY LINGO WORKSHOP
* WHEN: MAY 24, 2008, Saturday, 9:00am-12:00nn
* WHERE: Sacred Heart School – Bel Air, 3/F Goodwill Corporate Building, 393 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Makati City
* WHO CAN COME: Moms and Dads with 6 to 24 month old babies
* INSTRUCTOR: Jaymie C. Pizarro - U.S. Certified Baby Sign Language Instructor, Member of Sign2Me Presenters' Network
Here are common questions about baby sign language and how to sign up for a workshop:
How do I learn baby sign language?
Just sign up for a workshop and by the time we end the 3-hour session, you can start teaching your baby at home. The workshop is a fun-filled, informal session composed of a talk, video presentation, games, and hands-on training of over 70 signs you can teach your baby.
How big is the class?
We accept a maximum of only 20 people or 10 couples per class.
How much does it cost?
We have a fee of P1,500 for individuals and P2,000 for couples. You can also take yaya along for an additional P500 fee. The fee covers a Baby Lingo Workbook, Baby Lingo Reference Guide, snacks, Certificate of Attendance, and online support after the workshop.
To reserve a slot, deposit the fee at BPI S/A 1596-1205-66 under the name BABY LINGO WORKSHOPS SERVICES. Fax the deposit slip to TELEFAX NO. 823-5428 with the following details:
* Name/s of participants
* Name and age of baby
* Phone Number
* Cell Number
Wait for a confirmation via text or phone call.
Jaymie C. Pizarro - U.S. Certified Baby Sign Language Instructor,
April 28, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Saturday, April 26, 2008
World Pyro Olympics 2008 - Summer Fireworks
DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO AWESOME WORLD PYRO EXPERIENCE 2008
Text and Photos by Anton Diaz. Copyright 2008.
Finally, the World Pyro Olympics is all set for all Saturdays of May! Thanks to Henry Sy's SM Mall of Asia and Pepsi for sponsoring this year's World Pyro! You should watch this because you have not seen any fireworks like this in your lifetime. Each year gets even better than the year before. If you can only watch one Saturday, I would suggest that you don't miss May 3 -- China and Germany's show; May 24 -- Australia's Show; or the Philippines Finale on May 31. For the first time, La Mancha will attempt to do a pyro-musical show that you shouldn't miss.
This year, the main stage of the World Pyro will be in the center of San Miguel by the Bay in Esplanade. I would recommend that you reserve your seats now (as in today). I would recommend all the 2nd Floor Entertainment Mall restaurants specially the center ones. It is best that you reserve the table outside overlooking the Bay Area. Also, I would recommend Padi's Point and Pier One areas if you want to hang out and party with friends. It took me almost an hour to collect the contact information from all the restaurants for OAP readers (see below). Expect to spend P500 - P1,500/ head for the entire night. I just talked to all of them last night and you can still conveniently reserve your spot.
If you don't plan to watch, avoid the Mall of Asia area at all cost -- all Saturday evenings. It will be super traffic -- please share this with your family and friends.
WORLD PYRO SATURDAYS OF MAY
May 3 WORLD PYRO OLYMPICS! | Mall of Asia, Pasay City | 3rd World Pyro Olympics
7.30pm China's The Glorious Group -- Its sensational pyrotechnic out-door sky painting concerts have no rival. In last year's WPO, I can hear the ooohhs and aaahhs throughout their presentation.
9.00pm Germany's Nico Lunig Event -- One of the leading and most requested pyrotechnics company in the globe.
May 10 WORLD PYRO OLYMPICS! | Mall of Asia, Pasay City | 3rd World Pyro Olympics
7.30pm Canada's Pyro Studios
9.00pm France's Fetes et Feux
May 17 WORLD PYRO OLYMPICS! | Mall of Asia, Pasay City | 3rd World Pyro Olympics
7.30pm Italy's Parente Fireworks
9.00pm Venezuela's Venefuegos Fireworks C.a.
May 24 WORLD PYRO OLYMPICS! | Mall of Asia, Pasay City | 3rd World Pyro Olympics
7.30pm South Korea's Hanwha Corporation -
9.00pm Australia's Explosive Productions Pty Ltd- 1st World Pyro Olympics Champion. They produced the designs used to win the 2005 and 2006 Gold Medals at the World Pyro Olympics.
May 24 WORLD PYRO OLYMPICS! | Mall of Asia, Pasay City | 3rd World Pyro Olympics
7.30pm Fellowship of Fire - Collaboration of all Countries with Philippines
9.00pm Philippines! La Mancha Pyromusical Grand Finale -- This is what I was waiting for... Pyrotechnics choreographed with music!
TIPS
1 Read FIRST: Tips for an Awesome World Pyro Experience2 Don't Park in the Mall of Asia area. I would suggest that you park in Blue Wave or HK Sun Area at around 5pm and walk to Mall of Asia. When the last fireworks show is completed immediately start walking back to your car. You can watch the last full show after the World Pyro so that traffic would be less after the movie.
3 Reserve Your Seats NOW! I want OAP Readers to have the best seats during the World Pyro so I created the directory of recommended restos below.
4 Learn Fireworks Photography from OAP! I am still thinking if there will be people interested who would like to learn from me. Please let me know. I can accommodate 10-15 max per night. (You can form a group and I can join your group )
5 Any Tips? I learned many times that I'm not the authority and most of my readers have better tips than me. Some would watch in Folk Arts Theater Area or book a room in Sofitel with a view of Manila Bay. Can you share your own tips and tricks?
RECOMMENDED PLACES with PHOTOGRAPHER'S VIEW
1 WORLD PYRO OLYMPICS MAIN AREA | San Miguel by the Bay Center Esplanade (Near Fountain) | Ticket Net +632 991-5555. Main Office +632 817-3073 (x 102) | P150. P1,000. P1,500 with set menu2 PIER ONE Bar and Grill | San Miguel by the Bay Center Esplanade (North Side of Fountain) | +632 636-5175 (For Big Groups only) | No Reservations. First come First Serve.
3 PADI'S POINT Restaurant and Bar | San Miguel by the Bay Center Esplanade (South Side of Fountain) | +632 386-3729. 986-9610. +63 921 738 4847 (Joanne). +63 921 738 4847 (Celeste) | P500 Consumable
4 TAGAYTAY HIGHLANDS STEAKHOUSE | 2F Entertainment Center Mall of Asia (Above IMAX North Side) | +632 556-0769. 5560768 | P 1,500 Set Menu
5 AZUL's Filipino Spanish Cuisine | 2F Entertainment Center Mall of Asia (North Side) | +632 556-0742 | Set Menu
6 CAFE VIA MARE Filipino Cuisine | 2F Entertainment Center Mall of Asia (North Side) | +632 556-0770. 5560812 | Set Menu
7 GUMBO A Taste of New Orleans | 2F Entertainment Center Mall of Asia (North Side) | +632 556-0238. 556-0239 | Set Menu
8 PRINCE OF JAIPUR North Indian Cuisine | 2F Entertainment Center Mall of Asia (North Side) | +632 556-0839. 556-0867. 556-0869. +63 915 870-3024 | Set Menu
9 PINK PEPPER French Restaurant & Lounge Bar | 2F Entertainment Center Mall of Asia (Center North Side) | +632 556-0397. 468-8388. +63 906 268 8388 | P 1,500 Buffet Menu
10 MOJITO BAY Reggae Corner | 2F Entertainment Center Mall of Asia (Center North Side) | +632 556-0608 | P 750 Set Menu (tentative)
11 UCC Coffee | 2F Entertainment Center Mall of Asia (Center South Side) | +632 556-0175 | P 499 + SC Set Menu
12 TANABE Japanese Restaurant | 2F Entertainment Center Mall of Asia (South Side) | +632 556-0360. +63 917 306257 | P 1,000 / head consumables
13 HAI Chinese Resto & Bar | 2F Entertainment Center Mall of Asia (South Side) | +632 556-0815 | P 800 Set Menu
14 HEALTHY SHABU-SHABU | 2F Entertainment Center Mall of Asia (South Side) | +632 556-0354. 556-0355 | Set Menu
15 ITALIANIS Italian Resto | 2F Entertainment Center Mall of Asia (South Side) | +632 556-0549. 901-1401 | Set Menu
16 TAGAYTAY HIGHLANDS CHINA PALACE | 2F Entertainment Center Mall of Asia (Above Discovery Center South Side) | +632 556-0291. 556-0442 | Set Menu
Please share this with your family and friends who would like to experience the World Pyro Olympics this May 2008!
Text me if you have more questions +63 917 LOVE OAP (5683627). Please don't hesitate to ask me, I just want to make sure that you have an awesome experience in the World Pyro!
Text and Photos by Anton Diaz. Copyright 2008.
April 26, 2008 in 17. World Pyro Olympics | Permalink | Comments (26) | TrackBack
