Mar 01 2017
Leave a comment
Events, NKRecommendation

Summer Splash & Foam Party 2017 at Mövenpick’s Ibiza Beach Club

electro-beach-festival

The party was so good last year and the years before that, it has to have a repeat this year, bigger and hotter.

Ibiza Beach Club presents “Electro Beach Festival: Summer Splash & Foam Party on Saturday, 4 March  2017 with the main man DJ Daiki Wakabayashi.

This year’s summer opener edition of Electro Beach Festival is  amplified with a foam party by the sea. Both international and local guests are in for a big surprise as more international artists are on board to take a spin.

Tickets price is at P1,000.00 nett per person DOOR PRICE and P600.00 nett per person ADVANCE TICKET.

Guests may also take advantage of the Day use and Party Package priced at only PhP1,200 nett per person, inclusive of event ticket and complimentary use of swimming pool and beach.

Doors open for sunset beats at 3:00PM, with back to back DJ performances until 11:00PM.
For reservations and inquiries, contact 09176552984 or +63 32 492 7777.

Tagged , , , ,
Jan 11 2017
Leave a comment
Awesomeness Break, Press Release

ETC Paintensity on Sinulog 2017

Sinulog has always been associated with colors and parties. It was even made more vibrant when ETC held the first Paintensity Party at the defunct Cable Car Cebu at Paseo Saturnino. It was so much fun that I think Cable Car run out of booze. It was the best Sinulog party that I’ve been at that time. Since then I have always been at Paintensity parties.

32075152782_5262d0b74b_o

This year, ETC promises a bolder, better and wilder ETC Paintensity at The Greenery, Cebu on January 14, Saturday starting 4 PM to 4 AM. Celebrate the colors of Sinulog to the beat of party music by top DJs like Knoxville, JC Cas, Martin Pulgar, Kat DJ, and more.

ETC will give away limited edition ETC Paintensity shirts at the venue.

Admission is FREE!

For more details and updates, check out ETC on Facebook Page : etctv and follow them on Twitter and Instagram via @etc_channel. Don’t miss out on the fun at #etcpaintensity2017

Pit Senyor!

Tagged , , ,
Jan 10 2017
1 Comment
Awesomeness Break, Events, NKRecommendation

Plus63 Music Festival with Steve Aoki Live in Sinulog 2017

Sinulog is the best time to party in Cebu. Electronic Dance Music (EDM) is making a surge into the mainstream and Cebuanos are in the forefront in making signature festivals in the country. Music Festival has exploded in numbers and the number of attendees just keep on growing. Everyone seems just wanna let their hair down to the beat of the drums and sway to the ebb and flow of the music. All are friends. No worries, No pretensions, No pressure, Just fun.

With so many street parties and music festivals within the City, the process of choosing from so many options can sometimes be daunting, if not, debilitating. (Oppps, that sounds like a hugot line. Hehehe) On our part, there is one emerging music festival that we have been anticipating since it’s first run last year. Plus63 Music Festival has not only captured our curiosity but it also awestruck partygoers with topnotch international DJs like Steve Angello of Swedish House Mafia, spot on premium sound quality and impressive digitally programed fireworks.

Last year, we didn’t know we were in for a big surprise as we enter the venue. The security was tight and very well managed. It was like entering to a themed park. The crowd moved freely and was wild (in a good way). When it was Steve Angello’s turn, the stage dazzled with fireworks but most importantly the sound inadvertently made us goose bumps. It was because of these aspects that we can definitely say this is the music festival to watch out for in the Philippines.

plus63-fb-post

Last year’s Plus63 with Steve Angello

On its second installment, Plus63 Music Festival continues its unique and very creative fusion of high caliber international and local musical acts with a curated culinary experience on the side on Saturday and Sunday, January 14-15, 2016, 4pm onwards at the Cebu Business Park.

This year, Plus63 Music Festival will be headlined by DJ Mag’s No. 7 DJ in the world, Steve Aoki! 
 Are you ready for the Cake Face?

steve-aoki

Taking inspiration from the Coachella and Lollapalooza festivals (and other similar festivals around the world), Plus63 Music Festival seeks to bring the best from these events for participants to experience, while giving it a local twist and enhancing it even more with the best of the Philippines’ hospitality and cuisine.

On Sinulog Sunday, Plus63 Music Festival will be headlined by the Philippines’ pride, DJ Ace Ramos.

Set time:

plus63-lineup

Tickets

You may buy your tickets now at PouchNation.

For more information, contact them through plus63festival@gmail(.)com, FBpage: plus63festival, Twitter and Instagram: @plus63festival.

Tagged , , , , ,
Dec 14 2016
Leave a comment
Awesomeness Break, Food, NKRecommendation, Restaurant

Rico’s Lechon at Axis Vibo Place – Escario

In Cebu, lechon is a commodity. We use it to feed our guests, comfort our weary souls, celebrate big and little successes, and even just to perk up an ordinary day. With a very high demand like that, it is quite expected that most restaurants selling whole lechon will run out hours before they close. This month alone, I have been declined twice. There were just too many diners. Restaurants already ran out of lechon as early as 8:30PM.  An additional restaurant would be a pleasant progression on the authentic Cebuano lechon experience.

My favorite lechon, Rico’s Lechon, is quite aware of the scarcity and has been on a constant lookout on how to accommodate the very high demand.

Last September, Rico’s Lechon inaugurated its new commissary in Talamban which can accommodate 125 lechon cooking simultaneously for 2 to 3 hours.

ricos01
ricos02.

 And now, just when the year is about to culminate, Rico’s Lechon ends the year with a bang as it opens its newest and most spacious branch at Axis Vibo Place in Escario which is set to conquer uptown Cebu’s upscale dining scene with Cebu’s staple and celebrated food, the lechon.

ricos1

It’s a two-storey facility with interiors designed by Cebu’s famous interior designer Marie Sheila  L. Solon. The general ambiance is homey and classy. The dining area is wide and can accommodate up to 100 persons dining at a time while the function room has 100 seating capacity.

ricos3
ricos2

There may be enough room for everyone but it is still advisable to call the branch for reservation at this telephone number: (032) 233 4144. You may reserve your lechon order ahead too to avoid being run out of it.

Patrons may also reserve or order whole lechon at this branch. One whole Rico’s Lechon is  priced from P3,500 to P8,000.

Tagged , , ,
Dec 01 2016
Leave a comment
9/10, Events, Travel

5 Reasons of My Pleasant Stay at Novotel During Blogapalooza

  1. Location, Location, Location.

    Located in the heart of Araneta Center, the hotel is in the center of sprawling stores and business establishments in Quezon City. A leisure walk could lead you to Gateway Mall for shopping, dining and movie experience. It is right beside Araneta Coliseum where most of the big concerts and sports events are held. Transportation is accessible: it is 5 minutes away from the nearest train station and taxis, uber and grabcar rides are just a few click away.

  1. New, Contemporary, Clean and Stylish.

    My first impression of my room at the 7th floor was not only that it induces intimacy with its glass-walled shower room but also it is designed with comfort in mind. The clean contemporary design provides a practical turn of modern interiors to save space for maximum mobility. The bright room creates an atmosphere conducive to creativity and innovation.

Novotel Lobby

  1. Wide ranging selection Breakfast Buffet.

    Breakfast is a must at Novotel. You should not skip it. Our breakfast is served at the Food Exchange located at the ground floor of the hotel. It was a wide ranging selection of different cuisines namely, Filipino, Italian, American, Korean and Chinese dishes are served. Their pressed coffee did not fail to perk me up to be ready for the day ahead of me.

Food Exchange

My Breakfast Plate at Novotel’s Food Exchange

  1. Pool and Activity Center.

    Just a floor below where I was staying, at the 6th floor, the gym, swimming pool and tent activity center is located. This was the venue of Blogapalooza. There is also a poolside bar at the swimming pool area. The garden offer a green distraction of the bustling metropolis.

Blogapalooza Venue

  1. Miss Universe sightings. Oh, one more thing. On our way down to the ground floor, guess who we met? No other than, Ms. Stella Márquez Zawadski-Araneta herself. Novotel is the home of the Miss Universe – Philippines. This is where most of the Binibining Pilipinas winners will stay when they are in the City. You’ll never know who you will ride next with inside the elevator. It wouldn’t be impossible to see Pia Wurtzbach here.

Pia Wurtzbach playing with Novotel’s security dog. Photo by Novotel

 

 

Tagged , , ,
Oct 21 2016
Leave a comment
Awesomeness Break, Press Release

Ready For Occupancy Condo in Lapu-Lapu City

 Property giant Megaworld is rolling out its ‘ready-for-occupancy’ inventory in its first residential development at The Mactan Newtown. 


‘Ready’ units of 8 Newtown Boulevard that come with personalized after-sales services are now being offered to Cebu condo buyers who are looking for properties where they can immediately move-in. Aside from being pre-furnished with furniture and appliances such as living room sofa, dining table and chairs, bed and even washing machine and microwave ovens among others, RFO condo buyers will be able to avail of Megaworld’s complimentary interior design services as well as leasing and resale assistance. 

“We can design your unit based on your taste and preference, and we can assist you to look for lessees to your units if you want to have it rented out, or later, we can look for buyers for your unit if you already decide to sell it. Megaworld has this ‘one-stop-shop’ to RFO buyers, which a first in the country’s real estate industry,” says Donna V. Racho, VP for Sales and Marketing, Megaworld Prime RFO.

Megaworld Prime RFO’s free interior design services also allow clients to select, negotiate, and purchase their preferred furniture, fixtures and appliances that suit their needs and budget, and the company will take care of the coordination, payment and delivery.

 

In Leasing and Resale Management Services, the after-sales team reinforces Megaworld’s vision to provide unparalleled services to its clients from the time that they buy the unit up to the time that the unit is turned over and even up to the time that the owner wants to sell it or lease it to tenants.

 “Our leasing and resale management team also caters even in negotiating and selecting bank financing options for the new buyer as well as maintaining and refurbishing the units if the owner is away,” Racho adds.

“Megaworld’s Prime RFO wants to create a long-lasting after-sales service to our most valued clients in Cebu. We want them to remember Megaworld. And the next time they want to invest for a property, Megaworld will be top of their minds,” she explained.

8 Newtown Boulevard is composed of four 18-storey residential towers. It boasts of a lavish interior – from the most spacious condominium lobby in Cebu – to quaint East Asian-inspired design elements that give a relaxing yet polished vibe.

The property also features top-of-the-line amenities that are perfect for Mactan Island’s beach setting, which include a 61-meter infinity pool overlooking Cebu’s Hilutungan Channel and Magellan Bay, a fitness center, massage rooms as well as Japanese-inspired zen gardens and courtyards.

Megaworld’s first residential development at the 30-hectare The Mactan Newtown emerged as the “Best Condo Development in Cebu” during this year’s Philippines Property Awards.

The four-tower residential cluster also received two “Highly Commended” awards in the Design Category, namely “Best Residential Interior Design” and “Best Landscape Architectural Design”, making it the most awarded residential development in Cebu in the 2016 Philippines Property Awards. (PR)

Tagged ,
Oct 07 2016
Leave a comment
9/10, Awesomeness Break, Places, Travel

Autumn in South Korea

The fiery red, yellow, orange and brown leaves dazzle in autumn as if it is nature’s last beauty spectacle­ —a grand finale before it shall fall off to slumber, a seduction that even the most perfervid beach and sun lovers from the tropical Philippines could not resist.

We booked our tickets to South Korea a year earlier  to avail the promo fares offered by local airlines flying direct from Cebu to Incheon, South Korea. Our curiosity to witness the picturesque natural phenomenon of autumn foliage is never averted by the long wait. The little consolation, perhaps, was that we got our round trip tickets for P6, 000.00 only per person. A year of waiting would only mean an extra time to prepare and shop f0r perfect clothes for the crisp autumn season in Seoul.

Coincidentally, on March 17, 2015, the Republic of Korea announced the opening of its consular office in Cebu at the 12th floor of the Chinabank Building at the Cebu Business Park. The office can process tourist visa applications for Filipinos visiting to South Korea. This is a welcomed news to our scheduled trip. We don’t have to fly to Manila or hire a travel agency to process our tourist visa but the best news was that the Korean Visa is for free.

After an almost six hour flight via AirAsia we arrived in the chilly Incheon Airport at around 9:30PM. Immigration was swift and the baggage claim was fast.

incheon-airport

Arrival at Incheon Airport. Traveling on colder seasons requires bigger luggage 

From Incheon Airport there are several different ways to travel to downtown Seoul. The most popular ways include taking the Airport Railroad Express, Seoul Metropolitan Subway, airport limousine buses, and taxis. We took the cheapest and fastest way to get to Seoul by the Express Train on the AREX Line. We hurried to catch the last 43-minute train ride.

We arrived in Seoul Station at 11:00 PM. The station was already winding down for the day, calm and 10˚C. Perfect for selfies!

seoul-station

Seoul Station. A few minutes before it will close for the day. 

Travelling today has not only been democratized because of the promo fares but also been customizable according to budget: from hotels to Airbnb condo units and homes, buffet breakfast to on-the-go food from convenient stores, rent-a-car to train rides.

This trip is a well-researched-budget-friendly-sojourn, a product of weeks of research for the best deals and price, the shortest route and the best time to go. Our main objective is to ensure that we will be able to cover at least almost everything.

We availed not only the colors of autumn but also the Korea Grand Sale which gave us 50% discount on major tourist spot destinations like the famous Everland Resort theme park.

1_009

Seoul City at Night

Our Airbnb home is just a few steps from Seoul Station. It was in the center of the City. Our host gave us specific instructions on how to pass the two-tier digital security system to be able to access our room and beds. (Too bad, we were not able to meet them in person.)

It was a long day and we can’t wait to sleep with  5˚C outside temperature. I think we intentionally did not turn on our room heater just to enjoy the temperature at least tonight. Temperature forecast for the succeeding days is 0˚C and -4˚C on midnights.

Day 1: Seoul City Tour

Seoul City is quiet and very progressive. It has maintained to keep its traditions and heritage perfectly well that it is seamlessly integrated to the whole concept of the city. To see Seoul, one may take a City Tour Package, ride a bus or taxi and do sightseeing. But then again, this is a budget trip, so we DIY by taking the subway and doing some research on the best spots and their location to ensure we have the maximum number of places to visit and sights to see.

Stopovers:

  1. Sungnyemun Gate
  2. Gyeongbukgong Palace
  3. National Folk Museum
  4. Bukchon Village
  5. Tosokchun Sansam Baeanggeun Black Chicken Korean Ginseng Soup
  6. Myeong dong
1_01

A few steps from our Airbnb Condo Unit is the main road of Seoul. We enjoyed the 15-minute leisure walk on the highway to Sungnyemun Gate.

1_03

1_02

Our first encounter with the autumn foliage.

1_008

How about some me-time to post some photos at FB?

1_051_04

 

Day 2: Nami Island and Hongdae

Nami Island (Namiseom in Korean ) is imperative in any South Korea autumn experience. This moon shaped  island  is the location of the romantic Winter Sonata Korean TV series. It is here where we got the best shots of our trip.


And here are some of the best photos i have taken in Nami Island:


Day 3:  Inwangsan Mountain and Namsan Tower

In every trip, although we plan it to be a budget one, we made sure that we have at least a day to indulge to the fancies. On this day, we planned to get a fancy dinner on some flashy autumn clothes. While waiting for our dinner reservation, we took a train to Ingwasan Mountain to have a little exercise while seeing the city from afar.

A perfect city view from atop the Ingwasan Mountain where most of the Shamanist rituals are performed to please the gods and spirits. 

img_4793

A quick stopover to try a traditional Korean lunch. It was so good!

It is revolving and we are dinning there.

Day 4: Everland

Everland is the largest and most recommended amusement park in Seoul. It is the most animal friendly theme park I have been into. The animals are healthy and well taken cared.

Day 5:

  1. Sisters of Mary Seoul Korea
  2. City Hall
  3. Gangnam

I am a graduate of the Sisters of Mary School in Cebu. It was a privilege to visit the first Sisters of Mary School established in Asia.  The Sisters of Mary School is founded by Fr. Aloysius Schwartz who is now a candidate for sainthood. 

img_5190

At the fair, outside the City Hall.

img_5225

Day 6: Goodbye, South Korea
After a year, this trip remains to be a memorable one.

The mystifying  colors of the leaves glistening brightly under the sun while blown by the cold crisp winds induce inner peace like a tight hug of a friend that mends all your broken pieces. A reminder that sometimes even if you gave your best you might need to shed some of your colorful leaves to make way for new beginnings.

img_5205

Tagged , , ,
Sep 19 2016
Leave a comment
Awesomeness Break, Food, NK Ideas, Press Release

Starbucks heard me.

I am a coffee addict; I take around 3 to 5 servings/cups everyday. Anything more than that might not be very wise and could mean a sleepless night. I was always wondering what could be a better substitute of coffee if I am already at the threshold of my personal daily allowance for coffee.

Some few months ago, when I already had 4 to 5 cups of coffee for the day, I had tried experimenting with my orders in Starbucks. Not coffee but same fun and experience, it got to be a tea. The standout is what I personally called as Sunset. Iced China Green Tips Tea + 1 pump of Strawberry Sauce = P125.00 (If I wish to be more playful I usually add a pump of mint.) This has been my go-to drink at Starbucks for weeks when I heard the news about the new Starbucks product.

https://web.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fweb.facebook.com%2Fethelbert.ouano%2Fposts%2F10153989926903495&width=500
Starbucks heard me. They are amping their tea game.

Starbucks is launching Starbucks® Teavana™ for the first time in the Philippines, as well as to other markets in Asia. Starbucks is introducing innovative Starbucks® Teavana™ handcrafted beverages — shaken iced teas, unique layered beverages and combinations of tea and espresso.

This is a modern take by Starbucks on the tea experience for people looking for new and different tastes and experiences. It will give customers the opportunity to enjoy a range of unique iced and hot tea beverages with bold taste and layered flavors, handcrafted the way only Starbucks can. It’s Tea Reimagined.

“The launch of Starbucks® Teavana™ brings an entirely new tea occasion specifically developed for our customers in Asia, who increasingly want new and different tastes and experiences,” said John Culver, group president, Starbucks Global Retail. ”With Starbucks® Teavana™, we see a tremendous opportunity to leverage the company’s expertise in creating best-in-class retail experiences, handcrafting customized beverages, and sourcing the finest ingredients, to create a new, premium tea experience. Just as we’ve done for coffee, this is tea reimagined at Starbucks.”

image001

The launch of Starbucks® Teavana™ is the first time Starbucks has launched a brand on this scale since 2008 with the launch of Starbucks VIA® Ready Brew, and represents an important growth opportunity for the business.

Tagged , , ,
Sep 15 2016
Leave a comment
Awesomeness Break, Food, Press Release, Restaurant

Thai Fun Food Festival at Mövenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu

Very recently Mövenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu opens “Thai Fun Food Festival” at The Sails restaurant wherein diners will have a chance to win a round-trip ticket to Phuket, Thailand courtesy of Cebu Pacific, inclusive of two nights hotel stay at its sister hotel, Mövenpick Resort & Spa Karon Beach Phuket.

In between courses, I flexed some muscles to make room for more spicy food!

Everyday from September 10-18, 2016, The Sails will showcase the best of Thailand cuisine prepared by real Thai chefs from Mövenpick Resort & Spa Karon Beach Phuket. The three guest chefs will be seen in action around The Sails, cooking and serving authentic and diverse specialities that reflect the Thai culture, ingenuity and tradition.

It’s difficult to choose if I should have Tom Yum Soup or Chicken with Coconut Milk so have I have both.

0bwlrxjre7ddpejnpemhreketdtq

Tom Yum Soup and Chicken with Coconut Milk Soup

Chef Christian Bouby, the executive chef, is proud to put the spotlight on the three guest chefs from Phuket, Thailand, namely Wiwat Yong-en, Sutee Yamkratho and Teenasit Nakrua.

“Thai cuisine captures the interest of many, not only for its enigmatic and exotic cultural influences, but also for the interplay and harmony of flavours present in each dish,” explains Chef Bouby. “The playful and creative nature of the Thai people is visible on every plate they serve. They are very adventurous when it comes to texture and essence.”

Here are some food on the buffet:

goong-sa-long-stir-fried-prawns-with-vermicelli

With this alone, the trip to Movenpick is already worth it. 

thai-umbrella

The salad and appetizers were big teasers.

dscf1218

Another stellar dish from Thailand. I usually make Thai Beef Salad at home. 

thai-fun-food-festival-at-movenpick

Thai food is always a food adventure.

beef-in-masaman-curry

How can I forget you? I will go back to Movenpick just for this. 

0bwlrxjre7ddpytyxswfbm014ug8

Dessert? My favorite of course is Thai’s Sticky Rice. I really don’t know why I can’t hack it at home. 

“We live by our service philosophy of bringing something fun and fresh, to be a trailblazer of genres and flavours,” says Mr. Harold Rainfroy, general manager. “We always aim to bring in new excitement in various seasons to delight our guests of different nationalities.”

chefs-with-the-gm

GM Harold Rainfroy, Exec. Chef Christian Bouby with guests Thai Chefs: Sutee Yamkrathok, Teenasit Nakrua and Wiwat Yong-en from Movenpick Resort & Spa Karon Beach Phuket  and  F&B Manager Mr. Jerly Tio

“Our team is excited to work with these three kitchen superstars,” adds Mr. Jeryl Tio, food and beverage manager. “They are bringing with them years of experience and innovation in Thai culinary traditions, with age-old recipes tweaked with modern sensibilities. The menu selections they’re preparing for this food festival will use special ingredients they’ve sourced from Thailand. That’s as far as we go when it comes to bringing authentic flavours to the table, and it’s definitely something we all look forward to.”

Dinner buffet is at PHP1,600 nett per person.

Tagged ,
Aug 23 2016
Leave a comment
Awesomeness Break, NKRecommendation, Press Release, Uncategorized

Mövenpick’s #AKiloOfKindness 

Helping couldn’t be sweeter than this. On the mail today from Mövenpick.

Support Mövenpick’s #AKiloOfKindness campaign, leading to the UN International Day of Charity on 5 September, by donating at least one kilo of school supplies in our lobby from 21 August to 1 September 2016.

Mövenpick Hotel Hotel Mactan Island Cebu is pleased to support Cordova Alternative Resource for Education (CARE) Center, the organisation that will benefit from your generosity.

Donate #AKiloOfKindness:

Books (stories for reading practice and lined exercise books for writing)
Supplies (pens, pencils, rulers, erasers, sharpeners, glue, scissors, paint, etc.)

Supporting items (backpacks, clothing, socks)

Encourage kindness by spreading the news: #AKiloOfKindness #InternationalCharityDay.

Each person who makes a donation will receive an ice cream as a small gesture of appreciation.

Tagged ,
← Older posts
Newer posts →