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Friday, May 30, 2008
Avenue Q: My Gigantic Heart Will Go On...
2 Weeks to go to Avenue Q's Final Run. Thanks to all OAP friends who bought ticket from us. As promised, we will give your Genki Umbrellas before or after the show. Just look for either Rache or me near the main entrance.
Avenue Q Final Run - 5 Reasons Why You Should Not Miss the Opening Night of Avenue Q’s Final Run!
Rachel Alejandro's performance was one of the reasons for the smashing success of Avenue Q in Manila. I do hope Carla Guevarra - Laforteza can beat Rachel's performance. Join us on opening night to share your opinions and personal reviews in OAP after the show.
Avenue Q Final Run - 5 Reasons Why You Should Not Miss the Opening Night of Avenue Q’s Final Run!
Good luck Carla and we will miss you Rachel!
Avenue Q Final Run - 5 Reasons Why You Should Not Miss the Opening Night of Avenue Q’s Final Run!
May 30, 2008 in 11. Arts and Culture in the Philippines | Permalink | Comments (10) | TrackBack
Kustaa Saksi: OFFPISTE In the Land of Kustaa Saksi
One of the things I learned from Master George Tapan is that you need to look at the works of great artists in order to train your eyes in photography. So together with Rache, we went to our first art show.
It was great to meet and have an inspiring chat with Scandinavian illustractor, Kustaa Saksi during his art show launch at the CCP Main Theater driveway. Manila is the final leg in his Asian tour after Singapore and Bangkok.
His artwork is greatly influenced by his growing up years in Finland. An example would be the artwork (photo above), he said that there were a lot of mosquitoes when he was growing up and they would often eat the apple. It is a simple concept but great execution on the design.
The show was impressive with a projection bomb of all Kustaa's artwork on the facade of CCP. Also, no less than Imelda Marcos attended the art show as their guest of honor but it was great to see a young crowd appreciating the illustrator's artwork.
How I wish we can also celebrate the works of the great Pinoy illustrators and give them this kind of Art Show in Manila. Maybe I just don't know about them...
Sugar Assault ($400). Digital Giclee Print [50]. 80 x 60 cm. Most people love this artwork.
Kustaa's artwork is described as:
" Kaleidoscopic prisms and psychedelic poetics interplay in the work of Scandinavian illustrator Kustaa Saksi. Retro and futuristic elements are interspersed, these two extremes complementing each other effortlessly, radiating energy, a vision of music and life manifest. "
Get a chance to view the "OFFPISTE In the Land of Kustaa Saksi " exhibit in Archeology, Rockwell only until 1 June 2008.
May 30, 2008 in 11. Arts and Culture in the Philippines | Permalink | Comments (5) | TrackBack
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Aidan's first shoot for CPK Father's Day Promo - Create Your Own Pizza
This is Aidan's first modeling stint. We did a print ad shoot for CPK's Father's Day promo of Do-It-Yourself Pizza.
Aidan created a Hawaiian style pizza (P156). First, we put the tomato base on the pizza dough. Then, we sprinkled it with cheese. Lastly, we garnished it with slices of ham and pineapples.
Aidan loves to play Chef these days and the shoot was a perfect opportunity to show off his baby cooking skills. I do hope that the print ad pushes through -- it was fun doing this.
May 29, 2008 in 08. Personal Family Posts | Permalink | Comments (16) | TrackBack
Petra and Pilar - High Style Carinderia Dining in Makati (with Delimondo Store)
Petra and Pilar is an interesting restaurant concept. Just imagine gourmet spanish and filipino food served carinderia style and priced at less than P150 per ulam in a minimalist restaurant ambiance. The concept is a winner and this will be my comfort food place in Makati from now on. Thanks to Chef Ed and the JAKA group for leading the restaurant industry with the best-value-for-money restaurant in the heart of Makati.
I do hope Chef Mia will be able to maintain the quality of the food. I have this perception that after a while the quality of the food suffers in a JAKA restaurant. They seem to short-cut the cooking process or they are tempted to commercialize the taste of the food like what happened in La Esquina in Splendido.
When Chef Ed was describing the concept, I can't imagine how a sosy carinderia would look like. They did a great job with executing the sosy carinderia concept and they ensured that the restroom is likewise appealing. Rache was raving about their clean restroom and I was raving about our less than P500 gourmet lunch :)
The restaurant is named after Katrina Ponce Enrile's grandmothers - Petra being the mother of Senator Juan Ponce Enrile and Pilar being the mother of Mdm. Cristina Ponce Enrile. This restaurant is indeed a great tribute to Katrina's Lolas.
Fans of Delimondo from the Legaspi Saturday market can now get the best Corned Beef in the country today in Petra and Pilar. Their sausage bestsellers - Hungarian and Cheese, Schublig with Cheese, Smoked Kielbasa are also available. I admire the vision of Delimondo of promoting the Philippines' deli products to the world. For our balikbayans, these Delimondo products are excellent pasalubong for your family and friends in the US.
Sausages
Chorizo Bilbao (P160)
Chicken and Chunky Apple (P150)
Chicken and Pesto (P150)
Schublig and Cheese (P110)
Chili and Garlic (P100)
Smoked Kielbasa (P110)
Spanish Longanisa (P100)
Hungarian and Cheese (P130)English Pork (P130)
Delimondo's concept is to provide gourmet food that you can serve easily at home. Here are the choices you can choose from:
Pasta Sauces
Puttanesca (P450)
Bolognese (P350)
Nona Consuelo (P350)
Oils
Sundried Tomato, Peperoncino and Basil (P350)
Anchovies, Garlic and Cream (P350)
Rosemary and Caperberries (P250)
Chili and Garlic (P150)
Cooked Food
Bacalao Ala Vizcaina (P450)
Callos Al Estilo "Morado" (P300)
Marinades
Iberian Chicken Mix (P380)
Universal Sauce (P250)
Guava Jelly and Coffee (P250)
Ranch Style Corned Beef (P100). The Best Corned Beef in the Philippines today!
Other Delimondo products
Sardine Pate (P120)
Chicken Liver Pate (P100)
Milk Chocolate Fondue (P250)
Fresh Bacon (P200)
Jamon Iberico Bellota (P900)
Satay Sauce (P100)
Java Sauce (P100)
Katrina Ponce Enrile's Delimondo
For inquiries: Please call / text Paolo Santiago
+632 844-3362 or +63 920 921-6305
The food is served carinderia-style where you order your food, you get a number and it is delivered to your table.
Beef Caldereta (P130). One of the best I've tasted. I can recognize the signature chef Ed style -- rich flavorful sauce, super tender beef and sweet vegetables.
Bangus Embotido (P105). This is a healthier alternative to the usual embotido. The size is right for its price.
Beef Mushroom Kalitiran (P110) -- This is the best seller in the house. I do hope that they will serve this every lunch time.
Truffles are sold for 3 pieces for P20. Aidan was very happy :) except for the dark chocolate truffles which he finds bitter for his baby taste.
Katrina's Chocolate Cake (P120). The cake is good but nothing to rave about.
Petra and Pilar
Ground Floor JAKA Center Building
Exportbank Drive corner Chino Roces Avenue (formerly Pasong tamo) , Makati
Near Buendia and Pasong Tamo intersection.
Open from 11am to 11pm
Note: Exportbank Drive is ONE WAY. So you need to pass through the back of Makati Med or if you are coming from Buendia in SLEX, make a U-Turn in Mercury Drug.
Text and Photos by Anton Diaz. Copyright 2008.
May 29, 2008 in 02. 100 Awesome Restaurants in the Philippines, Restaurants | Permalink | Comments (39) | TrackBack
Saturday, May 24, 2008
[Bolinao] Puerto del Sol - The Place to be in Bolinao
Bolinao is 50+ kilometers away (approximately 1 hour drive) from 100 Islands in Pangasinan. After traveling for 300+ kilometers (approx. 9 hours drive 4-5 hours via shortcut )from Manila, you should see both places to maximize your trip to Pangasinan.
For me, the main attraction of Bolinao is its unique sunset. This is the only place where you feel you are so close to the sun that you can touch it. The illusion is created by the low tide area which extends all the way to the horizon. It is a very romantic scene and a perfect time to propose to your special someone.
The most popular place in Bolinao is Puerto del Sol. This is the place to be when you are in Bolinao. They have a signature floating hut where you can hang-out during sunset. Also, their beach area is the best among all of the resorts I've been to. I love their Cafe del Sol restaurant.
Aidan and syoti Josh enjoy the Bolinao Sunset from Puerto del Sol's floating hut. BOLINAO BEACH
The beach is so low that you cannot really swim in Bolinao's beaches.
A closer look of the beach...
Puerto del Sol enjoys the best beach area among all the other resorts.
PUERTO DEL SOL RESORT
Puerto del Sol Promo Rates - It is very expensive but worth it. The price is inclusive of breakfast.
Mansion Villa (Deluxe Rooms) - Php 4,200 (2 pax)
Spacious two-storey building done in the Mediterranean style. Each unit has two double beds with individual balconies.
Bahay Kubo (Premier Suites) - Php 6,500 (2 pax)
Two-storey single detached units named after homey Filipino native dwelling place. The ground level has spacious open-air living and dining area. Bedroom is on the second level with a king-size bed and veranda facing the turf.
Casitas (Family Suites) - Php 9.100 (4 pax)
Two bedroom detached units which can accommodate up to four people with living and dining area. It has an all glass wall with sliding doors, giving you a view of the South China Sea.
Nipa Hut - Php 2,100
Fourteen detached units which can accommodate up to maximum of four to five guests, an open air ambiance accented with curtains for guests to enjoy the luxury of relaxing serene surroundings of the resort.
Family Room - Php 7,500
A dormitory style accommodation that has a seven single bunk bed in each room perfect for the family, students or company outings traveling together.
Extra Person - Php 980
We stayed on the second floor mansion villa. We were surprised to find a nice room with a cute veranda in the province of Pangasinan. Rooms are fully air-conditioned, with mini-ref, and 21-inch colored TV with Satellite cable. Our only complaint was the poor location of the air-conditioning unit.
Here is the sunrise view of Puerto del Sol's swimming pool from the second floor veranda. The resort's centerpiece is the adult swimming pool, kiddie pool and outdoor jacuzzi.
Puerto del Sol
Beach Resort and Hotel Club
Brgy. Ilog Malino, Bolinao, Pangasinan
Manila Sales Office
G/F Renaissance Tower, Meralco Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City
Telephone# +632 637 8963. +632 635-2547
Email: info@puertodelsol.com.ph
Website: www.puertodelsol.com.ph
CAFE DEL SOL @ PUERTO DEL SOL
I was surprised to have a restaurant in Bolinao which is at par with the Manila restaurants. The specialty in Pangasinan is the availability of fresh bangus. So, we tried Kare-Kareng Bangus and Stuffed Bangus Belly. We were not that adventurous enough to try the Fruity Bangus. The breakfast that comes with the accommodation was worth it. Although I generally find the Pangasinan bangus thinner than the ones you would see in LZM in Tagaytay.
All Day Dining: Appetizers, Salads, Soup, Main Courses International
From our Vegetable Corner, Pasta and Noodles, Dessert, Sandwich Board and Little Ones
Filipino Dishes: All Time Favorites, Puerto's House Specialty, From Our Native Soup
Kare-Kareng Bangus (P240 + 10% SC). Braised boneless bangus in peanut sauce with eggplant stringbeans and native pechay.
Stuffed Bangus Belly (P225 + 10% SC). Grilled milk fish belly stuffed with ginger, tomato, bellpepper and onion.
ADDANGSILOG. Adobo and Danggit with Garlic Rice and Scrambled Eggs.
BALONGSILOG. Bangus and Longganisa with Garlic Rice and Scrambled Eggs.
Another complaint about Puerto del Sol is despite their expensive prices, you don't get the customer service that you deserve. So, how was your experience in Puerto del Sol?
Text and Photos by Anton Diaz. Copyright 2008.
May 24, 2008 in Bolinao, Pangasinan | Permalink | Comments (17) | TrackBack
