OUR AWESOME PLANET

Ang Ganda ng Balangay...

(Photo by Erik Lacson)

The Balangay is beautiful, with the sails patterned after the colors of the Philippine Flag. I can't wait to get a chance to ride on it with my boys soon. :)

10 Elements of a Good Deli Hangout

These days, foodie people in the Fort are hanging out in this deli at the back of the Fairways Tower (behind Joey Pepperoni Pizza). It is becoming popular because it has most of the elements of a good deli hangout. Here are the 10 elements that a good deli place should have to be successful:

1. A signature dish like Malcolm's Wagyu Burger (P400 +12% VAT +10% SC)

Malcolm's claim to fame in the foodie scene is that it serves different variations of Wagyu. Although the Wagyu burger looks good in this photo, we did not like it because even if it was soft, it lacked the malinamnam taste. The wagyu burgers are usually made from the excess pieces from the different cuts of wagyu meat. You might want to try the Wagyu salpicao instead.

 

(see related blog posts: Malcolm's Place and Wagyu Rib Eye Steak!)

The Original Lechon Bread?

You might have seen a lot of Lechon breads lately and I'm still finding out if the Lechon bread of Antipolo is the original? You can buy the smallest one at P10 per piece and you can order bigger sizes on a per order basis.

Top 28 New 7 Wonders of Nature Candidates

I'm anxiously waiting for the result of the Top 28 Official Finalist Candidates on July 21. I can't wait to see the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River as part of the Top 28! Here is the latest on the New 7 Wonders of Nature...

7/21/09 UPDATE: Congratulations to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean Underground River for being in the TOP 28 Finalists in the campaign for the Top 7 Natural Wonders of the World!

All voting is currently on hold, as the New7Wonders Panel of Experts is considering the TOP 77nominees from the second phase that ended on 7 July, from which they will advise on the choice of the 28 Official Finalist Candidates. On 21 July 2009 at 7 minutes past midday GMT, at the headquarters of New7Wonders in Zurich, the 28 Official Finalist Candidates will be announced, and on that day voting resumes in the Official New7Wonders of Nature, as chosen by over 1 billion votes and to be revealed in 2011. For press information click here.

The Little Mermaids of Manila Ocean Park

We were pleasantly surprised to see the Little Mermaid Show at Manila Ocean Park. I'm now curious to know who these mermaids are. They made performing underwater with oxygen look easy. They were always smiling throughout the show -- and they sure can last long underwater. The staff said that they are part of the RP swimming team... (Can anybody confirm this?)

The show starts with the individual performance of each of the mermaids and ends with some synchronized swimming. It is free for Oceanarium visitors and for every P150 receipt of food or non-food items bought at any Manila Ocean Park Store.

Here is a photo essay of the Little Mermaid show experience...

Makansutra Disappointment...

I was super excited to try Makansutra Asian Food Village at the 2nd Floor of Manila Ocean Park. Ever since our family's Singapore food trip (see: Singapore Makan Food Trip - My Top 10 Favorites! and Singapore Makan Food that did not make the cut), I was craving for authentic Makan cuisine here in Manila.

I had very high expectations because the food stall is owned and managed by KF Seetoh, the author and founder of the Singapore food bible - Makansutra. I must admit OAP was inspired by it.

I was disappointed. First, I failed to meet KF Seetoh (by a few days) and the Singapore Chefs when they opened Makansutra. Second, the food tasted like another Pinoy version of Makan dishes because of the all-Pinoy chef crew. None of the 38 pinoy crew "had ever been to nor eaten anything from Singapore and Malaysia."

Having said that, the Makansutra Asian Food Village is worth a try because 7 out of my Top 10 Makan Favorites are available and the hawker-style food court concept is something unique in Manila.

 

Wagyu Stone Grill... yummy...

Have you noticed that there are a lot of steak places around lately?

 

There's this craving for great steaks, and Wagyu Stone Grill in Eastwood Mall offers a very interesting and yummy concept. It serves Wagyu Steaks raw, placing them on top of a hot stone grill, and letting the meat cook right in front of you. You can choose from New York Strip, Top Sirloin or Rib Eye cut for your Wagyu (which is available in 220g and 350g).

 

The Wagyu Stone Grill steaks are recommended if you can withstand the smoky smell on your clothes afterwards and if you can be patient with the service.

The Best Enjoy Card Deal EVER Challenge!

Enjoy Card is releasing a Holiday Booklet on or before December 1, 2009 containing additional deals with additional merchant partners. This booklet will be released for FREE to existing Enjoy Card Holders so this is already inclusive of the P1,495 that you paid for. (Awesome!)

Read the Enjoy Card Related Blog Post:  10 Best Deals from Enjoy Philippines!

I want to challenge potential merchant partners to come up with the BEST ENJOY MERCHANT BARGAIN EVER!  The best deal receives a One (1) month  Professional Blogging and Internet Marketing Consultancy from me at least worth P70,000.