November 2009

Kirin Chinese Dining

By

Kirin is the only Chinese restaurant in the Serendra and Boni High Street area that is worth trying out. They serve Hongkong Cantonese-style dishes that are pwede na. For me, the Best Chinese Restaurant in Bonifacio Global City is Eat Well! Delicious Kitchen, followed by Zhu Chinese Cuisine and next would be Kirin Chinese Dining. I’m not a fan of Fu despite the fact that it is associated with Hai Shin Lou. I would rather go across the street to Market! Market! and eat at Hap Chan.

The price is relatively affordable but you would notice that the serving sizes are smaller than usual. We love eating dimsum after walking around Boni High Street in the evenings, so this place hits the spot in addressing that late-night craving. Kirin is also one of the restaurants that would have a good view of the World Pyro Olympics (if you eat in the al fresco dining area).

November 19, 2009

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Passionate about PYRO

Top 5 Things You Must Know Before Watching World Pyro Olympics 2009

By

Anton Diaz

1. OAP EXCLUSIVE CHAT WITH THE CO-PRODUCERS BEHIND WORLD PYRO 2009!

In this video, Rob Crisostomo, VP Marketing of La Mancha, and Stephen Ku, WPO Event Organizer for 2009 (he has a cult following in the cool events circle), answered the following questions:

What’s the story behind why World Pyro Olympics transferred from MOA to Bonifacio Global City?
What’s the difference between PyroMusical and the Traditional Fireworks?
What can one expect from a Stephen Ku-organized World Pyro Olympics 2009 event?
Will there be heavy traffic around the Bonifacio Global City area?
Is it safe to watch this land-based pyrotechnics exhibition?

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November 18, 2009

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Food

Who Wants Coney Island Ice Cream?

By

Anton Diaz

Did you know that the Trillanas of Go Nuts Donuts fame are also the original owners of Coney Island Ice Cream (before it was sold to Purefoods)? They are finally reincarnating the Coney Island Ice Cream, but this time, rebranded as Go Nuts Ice Cream!

Coney Island is a very nostalgic ice cream brand, 100% Pinoy, and introduced more than 35 years ago (tama ba?) No, this is not the same as Coney Island in the US. Apparently, the Trillanas are known for “reinventing” popular American brands into their Filipino versions. From Coney Island in the US to Coney Island here in Manila, from Hostess Twinkies to Whammos, and Krispy Kreme Doughnuts to Go Nuts Donuts.

In the meantime, I’m craving for the Eskimo Roll! We want the Eskimo Roll back!

November 17, 2009

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Shopping Secrets

Best Shopping Secret 2009!

By

Anton Diaz

DiscOVIries Photo Contest WEEK 7
(Contest Duration: 12.00am November 16, Monday to 11.59pm November 22, Sunday)

For DiscOVIry contest week 7, please share your Best Shopping Secret Discovery this 2009!

Finally, Outlet Stores are mushrooming in Pampanga in the North and in Sta.Rosa, Laguna in the South. Our favorites are the Marks & Spencer and Debenhams Outlet in Paseo de Sta. Rosa. We literally stopped and went down to check out the outlet store when we saw it. Up to 40% to 60% off branded clothes — but of course most of the stocks have odd sizes.

Don’t miss it when you are going up to Tagaytay this Holiday season!
(Tip: Pass through the Greenfields SLEX Exit and you won’t miss this at the back of Paseo de Sta. Rosa.)

So, do you have a Shopping Secret you discovered this 2009 that you’d like to share with us?

The Best Shopping Secret for 2009 wins P2,000 Worth of Ayala eGC’s!
(And a chance to win a brand new Nokia Phone, too!)

And the winner of the Unusual Food Combinations that Work for Week 6 is…

November 16, 2009

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#Restaurants, Food

TAO YUAN – Best Singaporean Food in Manila as Attested by the Singaporean Embassy

By

Anton Diaz

Read: 10 Most Awesome Chinese Restaurants in Manila!

I received a lot of raves from the Chinese community about this popular restaurant in Malate called Tao Yuan. Originally, they were only serving Hong Kong Cantonese dishes but when they brought in the Singaporean chefs, the word of mouth about their Hainanese Chicken spread like wildfire among the Chinese foodie community. A few days ago, I received a Facebook message from our foodie friends from the Singapore Embassy that Tao Yuan serves the Best Singaporean Food in Manila. I definitely agree!

November 12, 2009

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#Restaurants

Buona Vita Ristorante Italiano

By

Anton Diaz

Buona Vita is probably the only restaurant worth visiting along the Daang Hari area. This is the alternative road that connects Alabang to Tagaytay. It is located across the Verdana community in Daang Hari and probably the best Italian restaurant in that part of town.

We love their pizzas and the unique gelato flavor! As for the pasta, we tried the ravioli and it was obvious that it was prepared beforehand and reheated. The Ravioli place in the Robinson’s Galleria food court is much better because it is made fresh on the day itself.

I was expecting the prices to be more affordable but it was priced like any Manila restaurant (and in some cases, more expensive, like for their Chef’s specials).

November 11, 2009

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Events, Manila Life

Finally…the Greatest Show on Earth!

By

Anton Diaz

Finally, the Greatest Show on Earth — The World Pyro Olympics (WPO) 2009 — will be held at the Bonifacio Global City on November 21, 28, December 5, 12, and 19 (final dates) with eight countries showcasing breathtaking pyrotechnic displays. The viewing area will be located at the open area bounded by Bonifacio High Street, One Serendra, the old site of Speedzone Area, and MC Home Depot.

This year features a NEW SHOW FORMAT to be used by competing countries. Each pyromusical composition will run for 18 minutes and have the added feature of low-level effects, which were not utilized in past World Pyro Olympics, as they were shooting from barges on water. For the first time in the country, the competition will be synchronized with musical scores.

Block off your calendars for the Greatest Show on Earth! I’ve been a WPO Fan ever since the first World Pyro Olympics Competition in 2005. Our Awesome Planet is an official internet partner of World Pyro Olympics 2009. Watch out for WPO Contest, Announcements, Tips, and Fireworks Photography Sessions!

November 10, 2009

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Manila Life

Raise The Filipino Voice in Copenhagen

By

Anton Diaz

It is 26 days before the most important Climate Conference in Copenhagen. It was great to see Filipino Environmental Advocates, including OAP Friend Paul Garilao, featured in this COP15 – Raise Your Voice, Change Climate Change Video Campaign.

Raise Your Voice by Filipino environmental advocates (COP15) – FILIPINO OFFICIAL ENTRY

They are the only Filipino entry (so far) in the Raise Your Voice and be Part of COP 15 Video Contest. Please vote for them and let’s help send them to Copenhagen for FREE to represent the voice of the Filipino Youth!

November 10, 2009

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Food

Unusual Food Combinations that Work

By

Anton Diaz

DiscOVIries Photo Contest WEEK 6
(Contest Duration: 12.00am November 9, Monday to 11.59pm November 15, Sunday)

For DiscOVIry contest week 6, please share your Unusual Food Combinations that Work!

Filipinos love to mix and match different kinds of food, and I like to discover unusual food combinations that click. Presently, I’m enjoying Erica Paredes’ Happy Bacon Chocolate — yes, crunchy and salty bacon coated with yummy chocolate. We also visited Buona Vita Italian Restaurant, and we tried this Gelato con Olio — yes, creamy gelato with olive oil.

To add to the list, we are currently addicted to the instant Teh Tarik we got from Raymond So from the Ultimate Taste Test 3, and we found the perfect complement for it — Selecta’s Vanilla Almond. Eat the cold, extra creamy ice cream first and then the hot Teh Tarik — sarap!

So, do you have Unusual Food Combinations that Work that you’d like to share with us?

The Best Unusual Food Combinations that Work wins P2,000 Worth of Ayala eGC’s!
(And a chance to win a brand new Nokia Phone, too!)

And the winner of the The Best Eating Shot for Week 5 is…

November 10, 2009

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#Restaurants

SOCO Private Dining – SO GOOD!

By

Anton Diaz

I heard about SOCO Private Dining from Paco Magsaysay of the Tuesday Group. I’ve always wanted to meet the Tuesday Group foodies but I always got intimidated, so I ended up lurking in their Facebook group. 🙂 The closest encounter I had was when I saw them in O’sonho (I didn’t have the guts to go to their table and introduce myself). Because of that group, I was inspired to create an experimental Wednesday Foodie Group. (See related post.)

SOCO stands for South of Commissary, deriving its name from its location, which is just beside the Commissary of Oyster Boy. It is located in a rented house. They maximize the living area for private dinner dining on Fridays to Sundays. Dennis of SOCO was very helpful when we reserved. He was able to convince us to get the highest set meal package with descriptions of the Baked Brie in Phyllo with Raspberries. Together with my brother, his girlfriend, and our close friend Maong, we decided to try it and had one of the most memorable private dinners in the heart of Metro Manila.

Check out our SOCO Private Dining experience…

November 6, 2009

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Kirin Chinese Dining

Top 5 Things You Must Know Before Watching World Pyro Olympics 2009

1. OAP EXCLUSIVE CHAT WITH THE CO-PRODUCERS BEHIND WORLD PYRO 2009!

Who Wants Coney Island Ice Cream?

Best Shopping Secret 2009!

TAO YUAN – Best Singaporean Food in Manila as Attested by the Singaporean Embassy

Buona Vita Ristorante Italiano

Finally…the Greatest Show on Earth!

Raise The Filipino Voice in Copenhagen

Unusual Food Combinations that Work

SOCO Private Dining – SO GOOD!

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