Category Archives: Awesomeness Break

Feb 13 2015
Leave a comment
Awesomeness Break, Unrated

Cebu Bloggers Society celebrates 7th Anniversary

Before facebook dominated the virtual life of the Cebuanos, an institution was built that paved the way for a new breed of prominent online influencers. They are called bloggers, the Cebu Bloggers Society, Inc.

Founded on February 14, 2008, while I was dateless (hmmmmf) and waiting for the result of the 2007 bar exam, Cebu Bloggers Society, Inc., (CBSi) was organized in a simple meeting of the then fledgling but determined bloggers who dared to dream big for Cebu.

CBSi has become an institution that produced not just famous bloggers but also leaders in the burgeoning online communities in Cebu and in the Philippines.

The organization was instrumental in enlightening the public of the significant role of social media in modern day society. Through social media, humanity has never been so well connected to the word and to each other.

Along the way CBSi has became a family for us; always committed of loving its members regardless of their careers and motives. It has remarkably propelled growth and promote ethical practices among its members.

IMG_0612

On its 7th year, CBSi will hold a reunion of all its past (almuni) and present members at Cebu Marriott Hotel on February 15, 2015.

Happy 7th, CBSi!

IMG_0613

Select Photos during the event.

Group picture with all the attendees, old, new, and current members of CBSi.

IMG_0647

Trivia Night Groupings.

IMG_0634

Table 3 – Trivia Night Winner

IMG_0644

Mini after-party.

IMG_0652

Tagged , ,
Feb 10 2015
Leave a comment
Awesomeness Break, Movies, NK Ideas

Suggested Movies as of February 2015

In a span of two months I have collected the best movies I watched which unfortunately (most) have not seen the light of day in Philippine theaters. I am definitely sure they are way better than most of the Metro Manila Film Festival entries; they all display a high degree of craft and aesthetic ingenuity. The following are the 7+ raters of #EthysMovieReview and #NindotKaayo.

IMG_0614

1. Whiplash: A jazzy musical score, a drummer, and an intense acting; 9/10.

2. Philomena: Brave, funny, and powerful true story of a mother searching for her son with a surprise beautiful ending. 8.5/10.

3. Citizen Four : A glimpse of the life of Edward Snowden and his impact on modern civil liberties; 8.5/10.

4. Selma : Humanizes Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; 8/10.

5. Pride: Pride as in gay pride. It is not about what you are but it is about what you do with your privileges and gifts that make people respect you. A very inspiring true story; 8/10.

6. Boyhood: Another Richard Linklater’s breakthrough that is 12 years in the making of the time lapsed life of a boy who was brilliantly acted by Ellar Coltrane; 8/10.

7. The Hundred Foot Journey: Unrealistic but the passion and tension is very real. The food are very too, as pretty as France; 7.5/10.

8. The Theory of Everything: The story of the heart of the world’s greatest mind, Stephen Hawking; 7/10.

9. Million Dollar Arm: Tour India in search for the best pitch. A feel good true story of baseball’s best players. Predictable but keeps you entertained; 7:10.

10. Lilting: Quite and sometimes hilarious due to cultural differences. Language barrier is not an impediment to understanding the people around you. Love and acceptance are best served when they are not in words; 7/10.

Tagged ,
Feb 06 2015
Leave a comment
Awesomeness Break, Places, Unrated

Weekend Chill at Cagayan de Oro

My friends and I planned a weekend getaway to Cagayan de Oro. Our plan is simple, the trip should be relaxed, no pressure, and always open for anything, in other words, chill lang. Our itinerary includes Dahilayan and some of the best restaurants in Cagayan de Oro City.

Obligatory Airport Pose with my new Brics Duffel bag.

IMG_0400

IMG_0401

Upon arrival we took an exclusive shuttle to SM for 750 pesos. It is slightly higher than usual price since we don’t want to wait.

Quick lunch at Bukidnon Roadhouse Cafe at Centrio before taking that one and a half (1 1/2) hour road to Dahilayan.

IMG_0407

Their best selling sizzling pochero is luscious, fatty (in a good way), and fall-off the bone. It is a must-try.

IMG_0412

Photo-op on the way to Dahilayan. I can feel the sudden temperature change. Around 20 degree Celsius here.

IMG_0433

Just in time for the sunset.

IMG_0434

Finally, we were able to settle down in our beautiful family suite at Forest Park. 3 Huge beds with a wide veranda outside. No air condition needed. Ambient temperature is around 20 degrees Celsius at 8PM.

IMG_0430

Fogging at 7:30 PM.

IMG_0431

Dinner is served at Cowboy Grill just a few meters across Forest Park.

An evening stroll ensued.

IMG_0446

IMG_0447

Day 2, February 7, 2015 5:58 AM. Good Morning!!!

IMG_0454

Coffee and breakfast at Forest Park Hotel with a little morning exercise at the park after it.

IMG_0478

IMG_0479

IMG_0476

The best proof of a cold place is when they grow strawberries.

IMG_0559

… and these very familiar poses.

IMG_0477

IMG_0523

We’re winding down with an outdoor picnic just outside our room.

IMG_0522

IMG_0524

We’re off to the city after we checked out at 12:00 NN. It was a difficult goodbye to a beautiful place like Dahilayan. A little consolation was on the way when we had lunch at Del Monte Clubhouse in Cawayanon. We settle for Wagyu Ribeye Steak and Roast Beef “lang naman”.

IMG_0530

IMG_0533

Upon arrival in the City, we checked out a famous, dainty, and artsy milktea place, Chingkee Tea Cafe. I ordered Vanilla Milktea. It is surprisingly good and cheap.

IMG_0539

Late afternoon, we chased the setting sun at High Ridge Restaurant. It provided a great view of the city and a pink sunset. Consumable entrance fee is 100.00 pesos.

IMG_0553

Finally, we settled in at Courtyard Pueblo De Oro (Thanks, Kristine!) for a quick nap and prepare ourselves for dinner at Prawn House and chillout at Lifestyle.

Dinner at Prawn House. Thank you, Mr. Roa.

IMG_0566

IMG_0567

We cap the night with a full body massage just above Hollywood Diner where we drank our beers and jump shoot induced numbing legs.

Day 3. Goodbyes.

It is a fun filled trip and our regret was only that we should have stayed a few more days longer.

Because goodbyes are usually sad, here’s something to appease our sobbing heart.

Redtail Shrimps and More.

IMG_0586

IMG_0592

Certified #NindotKaayo. Chada kaayo!

Thank you, Cagayan de Oro City!

Tagged , ,
Feb 05 2015
Leave a comment
Awesomeness Break, Food, Restaurant, Unrated

Gerry’s Restaurant & Bar at A.S. Fortuna

Gerry’s Restaurant and Bar opens its 65th store at A.S. Fortuna Mandaue. Located a few steps from home and from Oakridge, their 3rd branch in Cebu is at G U3-4 Lightsite Parc A.S. Fortuna.

IMG_0390

MUST TRY:

Synonymous to Gerry’s are my favorite and personally recommended Inihaw na Pusit, Crispy Pata, Sisig and Chicken Skin. If you haven’t tried these yet, what are you waiting for?

IMG_0381

IMG_0384

IMG_0382

They also reward loyal customers through their Circle of Friends Loyalty program. Enroll yourself and get instant gifts and freebies for every P1,500.00 food purchase while accumulating points. You may pay your bill with your points.

IMG_0387

Gerry’s is open from 9:00AM – 11:00PM on weekdays while 9:00AM -12:00MN on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. You may call them for reservations at 0922-5243097 or 505-8859.

INSIDER INFORMATION:

Gerry’s will introduce their new brand concepts in Cebu on March 2015 . They will open Yakitori Binchotan, their first branch in the country and their second branch of Ramen Sora, a popular ramen from Sapporo in Japan. Both stores are beside Gerry’s – AS Fortuna.

Tagged , , ,
Feb 01 2015
Leave a comment
Awesomeness Break, Food

Taken by Jars

Several seasonal food treats flood us on facebook and instagram last December. From simple gift items like paper straws and mason jars to cakes and pastries. It was a stiff competition and only the best shall endure. @takenbyjars started just like that. It must be so good that it is able to maintain its ever growing sales. Right now, it has consistently served its loyal customers for two months already.

@takenbyjars offers cheesecakes in 4 classic flavors : blueberry, strawberry, oreo, and black forest in 4, 8, 10 oz.

IMG_0356

They accept orders in their social media accounts, @takenbyjars.

Tagged , ,
Jan 14 2015
Leave a comment
8/10, Awesomeness Break

Miss Cebu 2015 Coronation Night Winners

Miss Cebu 2015 started in a “Puso” inspired stage and presentation highlighting Cebuanos creativity and ingenuity.

Miss Cebu 2015 pays tribute to Hon. Renato Veloso Osmena.

Candidate No. 12 Wynonah Van Joy C. Buot is an early favorite, garnering most of the special awards including Ms. Friendship by Waterfront.

Local Cebuano talents like Jimmy Marquez and Jem Cubil were showcased during the pageant. Mayor Mike Rama is feeling sexy and jams with the crowd in Nick Jonas’ Jealous.

Official Top 5: 11, 12, 10, 4, and 7.

Final Question and Answer

If you were to take PopeFrancis to dinner here in Cebu who would be your cebuano guest? Why?

Candidate No. 11: Domenic L. Reynes answered she will take the street children to dinner with Pope Francis to let their faith grow.

Candidate No. 12 Wynonah Van Joy C. Buot said she will take the students of Cebu to dinner with Pope Francis being the hope of the society.

Candidate No. 10: Maria Genefe B. Navilon will take street child to dinner with Pope Francis to inspire the child and give hope.

Candidate No. 4: Aivy Mae R. Castro will gather all streets children in Colon, as she has been doing for years, to dinner with Pope Francis so that the Pope can tell them that there is still hope.

Candidate No. 7: Lucena Rose M. Magdadaro said she will take the children of Cebu to dinner with Pope Francis being the hope of the nation.

Official Results:

2015/01/img_0071.jpg

Miss Cebu 2015 – Candidate No. 12 Wynonah Van Joy C. Buot

1st Runner Up – Candidate No. 10: Maria Genefe B. Navilon

2nd Runner Up – Candidate No. 4: Aivy Mae R. Castro

3rd Runner Up – Candidate No. 7: Lucena Rose M. Magdadaro

4th Runner Up – Candidate No. 11: Domenic L. Reynes

Miss Cebu 2015 was also aired live in ABSCBN Sports and Action.

 

 

Official List Candidates:

Candidate No. 1: Hanica Rachel Arshia J. Ong is from Mandaue City and is taking up Law at University of San Carlos.

Candidate No. 2: Febb C. Flores is from Talisay City and is a Nursing graduate of Cebu Velez College. She is an OR staff Nurse at Cebu Velez General Hospital.

Contestant No. 3: Mary Cyrielle A. Won is a Nursing Graduate of Cebu Normal University and is working at Convergys Philippines. She is from Minglanilla Cebu.

Candidate No. 4: Aivy Mae R. Castro is from bantayan Cebu and is studying at University of Cebu taking up BSBA – Management Accounting.

Candidate No. 5: Katherine D. Jumapao is from Lapu-lapu City.

Candidate No. 6: Rio Liza M. Vestil is from Consolacion Cebu currently taking up BS Accountancy at the University of San Carlos.

Candidate No. 7: Lucena Rose M. Magdadaro lives in Talamban and is a Nursing graduate of Cebu Velez College.

Candidate No. 8: Catherine E. Meir is from Argao Cebu and a graduate of USC-TC. She works at Dranix Distributors P&G Division.

Candidate No. 9: Rosalyn P. Clavano is from Dumanjug Cebu and works as a Manager of Intellicare Asalus Corp. She is a Nursing graduate of the University of San Carlos.

Candidate No. 10: Maria Genefe B. Navilon is from Lahug and is a graduate of Mass Communication at the University of San Jose Recoletos. She also works as a model under WAFER Models Phils.

Candidate No. 10: Maria Genefe B. Navilon is from Lahug and is a graduate of Mass Communication at the University of San Jose Recoletos. She also works as a model under WAFER Models Phils.

Candidate No. 11: Domenic L. Reynes is from Punta Princesa Cebu and an Architecture graduate from the University of San Carlos.

Candidate No. 12: Wynonah Van Joy C. Buot is from Busay and is a Mass Communication student at the University of the Philippines.

 

Tagged ,
Aug 25 2014
1 Comment
Awesomeness Break

The Big Move!

From the author of LaagCebu.com comes NindotKaayo.com, a rater blog of anything awesome and mighty, a ratee would be happy to even make the cut.

All entries will feature restaurants, events, movies and even stories. They are rated according to their awesome level from Level 1 to 10 with 10 being the awesomest of them all. Readers are encouraged to react, critic and defend the ratee. Their opinions and/or comments shall only be their own and not of the author of this blog. Readers and followers are urged to give their own rating of Level 1 – 5 with 5 being the awesomest on the rater of the post to promote transparency and fairness.

Be featured. Use the official hashtag #nindotkaayo should you post your ratings on your social media sites. We might just feature your rating.

Are you ready for the quest to look for the best?

Newer posts →