It’s been YEARS since I wanted to go to Cambodia.  Angkor Wat is one destination I’ve been dreaming of going.  Finally, that dream is within reach next week.  Flying to Vietnam via PAL on April 6 to touch down in Ho Chi Minh City.  Tuesday starts the trip to Siem Reap, Cambodia.

We’ve just been to Bangkok 3 weeks ago and I haven’t even posted an entry about that trip or even our trip to Macau, which was in August of 2008.  Too many travel backlogs on my back.  And I told myself that I would finish those entries first before planning another one. 

It’s been 2 years that I’ve spent Holy Week in Manila.  One of my goals this year is to spend Holy Week anywhere BUT Manila.  I’ve seen Manila at its peace long enough without the usual traffic and crowd ruckus.  It’s about time to miss Manila during Holy Week.  After all the emails, asking friends, forums, and research, I finally finished the itinerary last week (Thanks so much to Garry Garcia for all the info!  Sorry I was such a bug-a-boo with all the email exchanges ).  It was supposed to be only until Friday but we had to rebook our return flight to Saturday to be able to enjoy Cambodia for an extra day.

I’m really uber excited!!!  Let’s walk the world.

How are you spending Holy Week?

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January 8 is National Chris Day

http://www.janedchua.com/2009/01/15/cw-birthday-dinner-cafe-juanita/

Ortigas, more than a bustling business center Northern part of the Metro, hides the only night market I have heard in town.  Like Cinderella, Ortigas has a witching hour.  The stretch of Emerald Avenue transforms to a totally different environment around midnight.  Many BPO agents and employees who work in the area frequent the one stop shop for a smorgasbord of food.  There’s definitely something to look forward to at the crack of Saturday morning.  That is, Banchetto.

It was a Friday night and Banchetto, which translates to feast in Italian, was our destination right after the Playboy party at Source Bar.  We arrived in the area, 20 minutes before midnight or even before we wanted to go (that’s for another story about Source Bar).  The tents were all set up at this time, but nobody is selling yet.  At the strike of 12 as if on cue, the vendors started moving towards their designated stall.  It’s quite interesting to see the actual transformation.  Within a matter of minutes, the much talked about night market is unveiled right before our eyes.  Soon after, people started flocking the stalls and before we knew it, huge groups were swarming around.  The once calm evening air is suddenly filled with a bit of chatter and excited clatter.

Banchetto delightful feast used to stretch farther, the night market reaches as far as the Wynsum Building.  I cannot imagine it being any bigger since it’s already quite a stretch of food as it is, from the PLDT building to the Ortigas Park.  It opens at midnight until 6-8 in the morning.

What I like about Banchetto is, it feels Filipino to me.  The prices are mid-range compared to its counterpart of weekend markets in Makati.  There is no uppity ambience and you can get a full belly with under a P100.

09 0320 Events This Weekend Album

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It opened on the week of Valentine’s Day, I Love You Because is a modern-day musical re-telling of Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice with the genders reversed.  It is a modern day musical love story that gets you feeling all fuzzy inside but snickering in your seats.

Featuring
Harold Cruz – Caisa Borromeo

Gabs Santos – Kyla Rivera

Onyl Torres – Anna Santamaria

Directed by Robbie Guevara

Choreographed by Francis Matheu

Set Design by Mio Infante

Lighting Design by Martin Esteva

When:

February 13 to March 8, 2009

Fridays & Saturdays 8pm

Saturdays & Sundays 3:30pm

Where:
Onstage Greenbelt 1, Makati City

It was only a 6-man play with Harold Cruz playing as Austin Bennet, a greeting card writer who is always in a proper corporate suit in search of rekindling his love with an ex-girlfriend he found sleeping with another guy.  He is in search of finding true love in this urbanized ideal-less world.

Kyla Rivera plays Diana Bingley, who has fallen in love with a dorky Austin Bennet.  Caisa Borromeo plays the best friend of Diana, Marcy Fitzwilliams, who is a very straightforward formula-eccentric office girl.

Gabs Santos plays Jeff Bennet, the clueless brother of Austin, who is the typical boy next door but with issues.

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March 21, 2009, Uno Magazine welcomes RJ Ledesma as the new editor-in-chief of the celebrated glossy magazine in an induction celebration at the Martini Bar of Mandarin Oriental Hotel.  March cover girl Karen Pamintuan and Heart Evangelista were also spotted at the event. 

09 0320 Events This Weekend Album

Another Persian restaurant opened recently in the bustling Ortigas Home Depot compound.  What better way to explore their offerings but over dinner with Chris’s best friend in Asia Brewery Inc., Mimi.  It’s been a while since we last caught up with Mimi.

That very same night is Iran’s New Year I think.  They had a long table with bowls of different offerings, plus music on the side.  The atmosphere was very festive and lively.  At around 8PM, different tables exchanged kisses and well wishes.

On the Table

Hummus PHP 115

Garbanzos beans, tahini and roasted garlic served in a square plate.  I ordered this appetizer since it’s a staple order in any Persian restaurants we dine at.  The hummus was a little too oily for my taste with no hint of roasted garlic.

Mirza Ghasemi PHP 155

Grilled eggplant, sautéed onion and garlic with Persian spices in tomato sauce served in a square plate.  Mimi ordered this as her choice of appetizer.  It has more flavor than the hummus.  Texture was a bit mushy.

Chelo Kabab Koobideh (2) PHP 295

Two skewers of juicy strips of charbroiled seasoned ground beef mixed with Persian spices (25 cm each).  Served with Basmati rice topped with Saffron and butter and two grilled tomatoes. Both Mimi and I ordered this plate.  The seasoned beef was flavorful and not dry.  They serve garlic sauce on the side. 

Shivid Baghali Polo ba Goosht PHP 495

Only available every Fridays and Saturdays.  Lamb shank in a glazed onion saffron sauce served with Basmati rice mixed with Fava beans and dill topped with saffron.  This was Chris’ main course.  The lamb was tender and tasty –very flavorful –authentic Persian flavors.

Ripe Mango Shake with sweet Yogurt PHP 95

Persian Square is a splendid Persian gourmet dining experience, which boasts a picturesque interior.

Persian Square Restaurant

Unit 101 Bldg. B Ortigas Home Depot

Julia Vargas Avenue, Ugong, Pasig City.

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09 0320 Events This Weekend Album

PLAYBOY is a legendary magazine brand for men all over the world, especially for “growing” boys, no pun intended.  The bunny brand started in 1953, upon the creation of Hugh Hefner.  PLAYBOY was first recognized for its irreverent male-skewed content.  PLAYBOY has always been known for its over the top sexy front covers and centerfolds.

Manila franchise of Playboy created a lot of buzz prior to the actual launch of the magazine.  Different sectors explicitly opposed the unveiling of Playboy Philippines.  This might be one of the reasons that the first issue wasn’t as explosive as others expected it to be –much to eager wolves’ disappointment. 

Image Source Carl Valenzona

Last Friday, Playboy hosted an event for bloggers at Source Bar to celebrate their first year in the Philippine magazine industry.  Sexy models with the signature rabbit ears graced the event.  The bar displayed overflowing drinks.  Host Azrael presented a lot of prizes for the guests and made sure everybody had mounds of fun, if not only for the eye candies.

I enjoyed bonding with Mica and Jonas at the event.  Mica won the autographed Playboy poster from the raffle of the business cards.  My friend Kenny dropped by at the event and we went straight to Banchetto right after to check out the crowded Ortigas night market.

09 0320 Events This Weekend Album

Carl’s Multiply Album

Hilfiger Men Press Launch Party

Thursday, 9^th of March, 2009 @ 8PM

SKYE VIP, 3F Ascend

Bonifacio High Street, Taguig City.

Image Source: Racquel Lalo

Image Source: Racquel Lalo

Image Source: Racquel Lalo

Image Source: Racquel Lalo

Image Source: Racquel Lalo

Image Source: Racquel Lalo

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TOMMY HILFIGER Launches HILFIGER

Upcoming Entries:

1. Persian Square
2. Source Bar
3. Banchetto Ortigas Night Market
4. Playboy Event
5. Hilfiger Media/VIP Party @ Ascend
6. O’Sonho Portuguese Restaurant
7. Uno Party @ Martini Bar
8. Pixel Pro Photography Seminar
9. Landing on Thailand

Image Source www.continuumjournals.com

Tommy Hilfiger is a leading premium lifestyle brand and one of the largest designer apparel brands globally.  Tommy Hilfiger Group, through its subsidiaries, designs, sources and markets men’s and women’s casual wear, sportswear, jeans, children’s wear and footwear. The Group’s products can be found in its network of dedicated retail stores in Europe, the United States and Canada, as well as in leading specialty and department stores throughout Europe and North America.  Through over 40 licensees, Tommy Hilfiger-branded products, including a broad array of related apparel, accessories, fragrance and home furnishings, are distributed worldwide, including in Mexico, Central and South America, Japan, Australia India, China and elsewhere throughout Asia.

Tommy Hilfiger, in as much as an icon himself, draws inspiration from American icons who lead by distinction.  These icons’ passion drives them to succeed in life –and this is where the new fragrance from the designer was culminated.  A new fragrance dedicated to the fire in men, who are courageous enough to create their own destiny.

Hilfiger is clean, distinctive and masculine –what clearly defines a man of class.  The kind of man that has an inner strength that comes from knowing exactly who he is and what he wants out of life. 

The scent obviously exudes optimism and irresistible charm. 

Hilfiger has been designed to fit the modern man attuned to class, starting from the bottle that has both a modern and vintage feel.  The brand portfolio that carries the iconic name is gallantly engraved on a metal plaque with riveted corners.  The logo is marked with Est. 1985, which strongly signifies that the brand has been successful for so many years starting with the year that the Fashion House was established.

Beginning in March 2009, the Hilfiger collection will be available exclusively at all Rustan’s Department Stores, Watson’s Makati, MOA, SM Megamall and SM North EDSA The Eau de Toilette will be offered in 50ml (suggested retail price: Php 2,900), and 100ml (suggested retail price: Php 4,000). 

Hilfiger, the light invigorating fragrance that can be worn in sexy confidence by any classy man, has hit the stores.  Be sure to grab one for yourself or your loved one.

Hilfiger Men Press Launch

For more information, feel free to contact:

Racquel Lalo

Marketing Manager

Aramis and Designer Fragrances

Email: rlalo@sg.estee.com

Tel: 890-4036 local 115

Mobile: 0917-861-2010