A lot of my friends were excited about the Paramore concert.  2 days after the Manila gig, there’s a big buzz on the net.  I didn’t watch the Paramore concert but from what I read online I think there were a lot of unhappy VIP ticket holders because their area was switched with the Gold ticket holders.  There was no advise that they were going to switch the Gold and VIP sections –a compelling reason why most VIP ticket holders are asking for refunds.  Bottom line seems to be that they didn’t enjoy the concert anymore because of all the last-minute movements and the fact that they feel that they paid a premium to get a closer experience of the Paramore concert.

 

I wonder what really happened?

 

The concertgoers are there to enjoy the music and overall experience.  It’s sad to know that a lot of Paramore fans went home upset.

 

The Timbaland concert featuring Jojo and Justin Timberlake is already on March 27.  I’m not really keen on watching a concert in open grounds after a hot and tiring Chris Brown & Rihanna concert in Manila in 2008.  I guess I’m just not really big on outdoor concerts –being used to the air-conditioned and seated ambience of Araneta Coliseum. 

 

 

But since it’s Justin Timberlake and Timbaland and Jojo.  I can make an exemption.  I can feel that this concert will be a blast!!!

 

I surefire don’t want to jinx it so I won’t give too much details but… I met with someone from MTV last week and… *crossing my fingers*  I’m just all excited about it.

 

I hope there won’t be any last minute shuffling there!

 

–

 

 

Folks, are you looking for a condominium unit? 

You might want to check this out.

 

 

 

–

 

October 6 –Madz, together with her visiting cousin from Australia, Bridgette, picked me up at the office that Tuesday evening.  Off we braved the Makati traffic from Ortigas.

 

 

After rounding up the restaurants in the area, Bridgette finally picked People Palace since she was in the mood for Thai food.

 

On the Table

 

Chicken Satay PHP 380

Sliced chicken meat in bamboo skewers grilled and served with peanut sauce

 

 

Pad Thai PHP 380

Stir-fried rice noodle with prawn, chicken, tofu and bean sprouts

 

 

Kao So Gai PHP 380

Northern Style chicken curry with soft crispy egg noodles

 

 

Vanilla Sky PHP 290

Signature long and cool cocktails made by muddling fresh fruits, extracts and premium spirits plus a few special ingredients: fresh raspberry, lychee, absolut vanilla, vanilla sugar, cranberry juice, served long

 

People Palace serves modern Thai cuisine.  People Palace’s main dining area has a progressive ambience that can accommodate close to 90 people.  The posh al fresco lounge area can accommodate 50 more guests and features leatherette “day beds.”  When you find the interior a bit too stiff, there is option to lounge or dine casually at their low bench tables outside.  Service is adequate and friendly –just the right fit for the international guests that visit the restaurant.

 

 

After dinner, we headed to Ice Bar for some late night drinks.  I remember my first poker tournament at this bar some years back.  We were joined by Madz’ friends, Pat and Migs.  Bumped into an old friend, Philip, who I haven’t seen in a while.  I barely finished my one drink but I remember us laughing hysterically that night.  What a fantastic time.  Music wasn’t so bad either.  And I did realize that it’s such a small world after all.

 

 

People Palace

G/F Garden Side Greenbelt 3,

Ayala Center, Makati City, Philippines

(632) 729 2888

 

Ice Bar

3/F Greenbelt 3,

Ayala Center, Makati City, Philippines

 

 

People Palace Album

 

 

—-

 

 

Celeteque Product Launch

Mag Net Café, Bonifacio High Street

August 15, 2009, 2PM

 

 

Skin Toned

(Thanks Lace for this photo!)

 

 

Items in this photo:

 

Random Brown Loose Spagh Dress

Terranova Black Pedal Pants

Be Black Belt

Random Black Belt

Gold studded ring bracelets

Stella Luna Of African Influence Pumps

 

 

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–

 

 

Previous to the discovery of Ristras, Pasto was frequent in the call log.  Bubba and I were reminiscing the other night how much we crave for Pasto before.  Pasto was our favorite go-to-restaurant for DVD food.  The Greenhills branch is rung ahead of time to order 2 batches of crostinis with chicken pate and pomodoro salsa dips.  Grab, pay and off to home movies. 

 

 

I also like eating at home since Bubba finishes most of the salsa, so I have to replicate with a homemade one.  Diced tomatoes, diced red onions (nominal), fresh basil, olive oil and balsamic vinegar, (mmm-mm!) I can have as much as I want.  Soon, we were pairing our Pasto “to-go” order with Sandy’s Pizza’s buffalo wings, which we also got quite akin to.  Interestingly, we only order the wings (they deliver for 2 orders) and not the pizza.

 

Another favorite in Pasto is their Romano entrée (PHP345).  Romano is crusted chicken breast with spinach and roasted mushrooms in a Gorgonzola cream sauce served with fettuccine.

 

On the Table

 

Zuppa di Pomodoro PHP 95

Pasto has the best roasted-tomato cream soup in the Metro.  Its semi-smooth thickness is exactly right without making it appear like a tomato puree.  There’s a hint of Parmesan and cream taste in the roasted tomato soup. Garnished with fresh basil on top that adds a minty flavor perfect for that hot soothing spoonful.

 

 

Crostini, Pasto’s famous version of Italian crostini served with your choice of “dips.”  One order is equivalent to 8 pieces of crostini shaped like a pizza slice –thin, toasty and crispy.  Price of crostini depends on the dip.

 

Chicken pate PHP 125

 

 

Pomodoro Salsa PHP 105

 

 

En Route to the Perfect Bite

 

1. Spread the chicken pate on the crostini
2. Put a bit of the tomato salsa on top with a drip of the balsamic olive oil dressing

 

First layer of taste is good enough for me.

 

    3. Add another layer of flavor by adding grated Parmesan cheese.

    4. To add some heat, add the chili flakes

 

 

Before Ristras’ burritos and nacho chips, this was our comfort food.

 

 

Ortaggi PHP 225

Spaghetti cooked with artichokes, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese.  The usual order is Romano, Vongole or Frutti di Mare, but we took a detour and ordered a pasta dish we haven’t tried –Ortaggi.  It was a tad bit on the sweet side (probably from the sun-dried tomatoes which I really love) that I wasn’t expecting.  We only finished half of the pasta, partly because we needed to run off to watch GI Joe.

 

 

 

Pasto

 

Greenhills Theater Mall

Unit F&B-5, Greenhills Theater Mall

Greenhills Shopping Center, San Juan

(632) 722 4992

 

El Pueblo

Julio Vargas Ave cor. ADB Ave

Ortigas Center, Pasig City

(632) 634 0157

 

Paseo Center

3^rd Floor, 8757 Paseo de Roxas

Salcedo Village, Makati City

(632) 893 0588

 

 

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 –

 

 

I seriously cannot count how many times I’ve been to Ristras.  I’ve had one too many visits since it opened.  I would have gotten a loyalty card by now if they have such customer management system.

 

July 24, Friday night, we are back again in Ristras but not for our usual “to go” food to be gorged on a DVD night.  We were there to give Butch a congratulatory pat on the back for his upcoming wedding on August 1, Saturday.

 

 

It’s already this week and just 3 days ago, I attended Didi’s wedding.  I still shake my head in disbelief knowing at least 9 people who are getting married between today until mid next year.  It’s the wedding season!

 

 

Butch and Marie, who I had some time to bond with during a spontaneous Tagaytay getaway, are one of the nicest and most sensible couples I know.  Both are currently working at P&G and have been together since 3^rd year college.

 

 

 

Other than Andrew, it was Cris Darwin, Eric, Butch and Jim’s first time at Ristras.  We were just here 2 nights ago (err… every 2 nights before that as well?) 

 

 

 

The boys were a bit overwhelmed with the array of delicious ingredients in front of them.  Same sentiment I had when it was my first time there not so long ago.  I’m glad I was assisted during my selection of what’s going inside my burrito from Chef Rob.  I was glad to give the same assistance to the berks.

 

Create Your Own Burrito

 

First:       Choose Bowl or Burrito

 

It’s a matter of eating it in a bowl or in a wrap

 

Second:  Choose Your Rice (Easiest!)

 

2 choices: Cilantro White Rice or Chorizo Brown Rice.  (You can also forego if you’re on a no-rice diet)

 

 

I go for the chorizo brown rice, wonderful color, fantastic grain.

 

Third:     Choose Your Meat (or Go Vegetarian)

 

Steak –good quality meat soaked in hours in Chipotle Adobo marinade and then grilled medium rare.  Very tender and tasty

Chicken –grilled chicken meat in jalapeno marinade

Carnitas –free-range pork braised and seasoned with thyme, bay leave, orange juice

Barbacoa –slow braised shredded beef with cumin, cloves and other spices

 

 

You can choose 2 meats for your burrito, which will be separated on each side.

 

**Go Vegetarian and pack on the bell peppers, black beans and red beans or you can just add it all to your meat

 

Fourth:   Add-ons!

 

Choose your add-ons: Jalapeno, pico de gallo salsa, tomatoes, tomatillo green chile salsa, roasted chili corn salsa, sour cream, grated cheddar and white cheese, guacamole or no need to choose, you can go with “all the works!”

 

 

The serving is good for a hungry one or best shared with a good friend!  Now it’s time to order your nachos!

 

On the Table

 

Steak slash Barbacoa Burrito PHP 290

Bubba and I decided to split a burrito.  It was steak, brown rice and all the other works on one side while it was barbacoa and brown rice on the other.  Savor every mouthful

 

 

9 Layer Dip with Nachos PHP 255

I really love Rockefeller’s 7-layer nachos but being so far away in Makati, I’ve replaced it with Ristras’ 9-layer dip.  9-layer-dip is brimming with 9 colorful layers of fresh ingredients starting from 2 kinds of beans, sour cream, tomatoes, pico de gallo salsa, onion, corn, chopped olives, jalapenos and guacamole if you wish.  Create a perfect bite by getting a piece of everything.  We usually ran out of chips but we just grab a Tostitos Hint with Lime tortilla chips from our stash at home and it heightens eating this delicious comfort food.  It’s actually more perfect with Tostitos.

 

 

Whatever you decide, the garlic sauce makes all the mix and matches come together.  The white yogurt sauce suffused with loads garlic has the right consistency compared to other garlic sauces that are diluted.  It gives a softer and creamier supplement to each textural bite.

 

(Chris said that after that Friday visit he finally hit the mark and would probably visit after a month.  Newsflash: we were at Ristras last night, only 5 days after that vow.)

 

 

 

If Meg Ryan is addicted to love, she definitely needs to pay Ristras a visit.

 

 

 

Ristras 

J. Abad Santos St. Corner Lopez Jaena 

San Juan City 

 

Ristras Album

 

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NBA star Richard Jefferson called off the wedding ceremony a few days before the big day. 

 

He broke up with his fiancee and reasons are still unknown. 

 

Jefferson was scheduled to marry former New Jersery Nets dancer Kesha Ni’Cole Nichols at the Mandarin Oriental in New York City.    Although the ceremony was canceled days before dooms day, many guests were left unnotified thus showing up at the venue expecting to see the wedding go as planned.  

 

Kesha Ni’Cole Nichols must have been pretty upset to let the supposedly “USD 2 million” wedding go kaput.  

Buzz online are flourishing now about Jefferson being gay or Kesha being a gold digger, when in fact, neither might be the case. 

 

It was a rainy evening last Friday and we set out for Metrowalk because Madz invited to hang.  It was supposed to be a poker night at Metro Card Club with Jody but at the last minute, he begged off.  I wasn’t also up for it that much anyway.  The schedule was at 9pm but traffic looked pretty bad that evening with the rain and all, that Bubba and I decided to have dinner at Metrowalk as well.

 

Misato was the pick of the night.  It’s a Japanese restaurant parallel to Starbucks’ location at Metrowalk, which means that both are at the tip of the U-shaped area.  Service was fast and pretty adequate, even the manager takes our orders.

 

On the Table

 

Freebie

Gy-Saikoro Steak PHP 365

I deliberated whether to get Beef Sukiyaki PHP 480 since the hot semi-sweet broth will temper the cold weather but decided on getting the Gy-Saikoro Steak, which is basically their version of Beef Teppanyaki.  Notice that beef teppanyaki is not included in their menu but when I asked for it, the wait staff pointed to the “Entrée” section and directed my attention to Gy-Saikoro Steak.

 

The beef was tender to the bite but Bubba wasn’t too impressed.  It was served on a sizzling plate with sautéed bean sprouts on the side.  The mild sweet salty brown sauce gummed to the beef and vegetables were tasty.

 

Baked Salmon PHP 305

Of note is the salmon served inside a foil.  It was very fresh and serving was generous.  It had a mound of cheese on top of it and some onions making the baked salmon dish anything but boring. 

Japanese Samurai Gohan Rice PHP 88

 

Japanese Gohan Rice PHP 55

 

We were in the middle of our dinner when we saw Eric Tang outside the window.  He went to our table and asked if I was going to play at Metro.  Bubba shook his head before I could so I just said, “I might” with a smile.  It all depends if there is waiting time before my friends arrive.  Eric and I have been chatting about Metro Card Club, rules and the crowd, the day before.  Eric asked me a few more questions about Metro “rules” since it was going to be their group’s first time there. 

 

We also saw Jayvee and Kring walk inside the restaurant and we said our hellos.  It was a slow dinner as Bubba and I took our time knowing that with the heavy traffic, Madz, Pat and Eric will naturally be late.  We both talked about our recent projects –but mostly I did the yapping about this project that my team and I are going to present the following week.  He had some inputs and talking about work without the pressure and stress was really a breathe of fresh air.

Madz followed soon and feasted also on the baked salmon and rice.  She liked the salmon as well.  Not long, Patrick arrived and we all decided to transfer for drinks and meet Eric Lopez at the next venue.

 

Misato

G/F Metrowalk, Meralco Avenue

Ugong, Pasig City

(632) 638 7951

 

Misato Album

 

Leopard Fading Print Pumps PHP 6,950 (aka Rarrr)

 

 

First time I met Rarrr at Rockwell, my pick-up line was…

Jane:       If sexiness is a crime, you’d be guilty as charged.

Rarrr:      (Purr)

 

Chiva Som is a detox and therapeutic massage center that Bubba and I frequent.

 

We used to go once a month or once in two months or every time we need to alleviate stress.  However, Bubba yearns for massage day after day and my poor elbows aren’t willed enough.  That’s literally day after day.  I thought twice a month massage was already a generous proposition to him but my scoliosis worsens as he continues to request for more each week. 

Chiva Som relieves me of my muscle aches AND my massage commitments.  I first tried Chiva Som early 2008 and I usually visit once a month or every 6 weeks unless I need an immediate relief.  Bubba and I were constant in Neo Spa Fort then, our favorite massage place.  Since our offices aren’t in Makati anymore, it’s an effort to go all the way to the Fort.  I’ve been to Neo Spa’s Greenhills branch a few times and service is not up to par to their Fort branch.  Chiva Som and Clark Hatch were our alternative.  Since my dad bought a book of massage certificates from Clark Hatch, we frequented that at that time.  Chiva Som overall service (including massage) got better.  Soon we notice that we keep coming back.  Since the start of 2009, we’ve only visited one massage place –Chiva Som.  Price during peak hours (after 5pm) is PHP350, which I find fairly priced if not low-priced.  Price off peak is PHP 300 per hour even during holidays.

 

 

They also offer a low Detox package rate that includes a 1-hour massage. The Detox involves an e-plus Ion Cleansing machine that detoxifies and helps one avoid dreadful diseases.  They are open from 12 noon to 12 midnight, Monday through Sunday.

 

There are no service cups of tea or shower rooms, but it’s a no frill place if you want very good quality massage.  Compared to bigger massage centers, they do not have “couple” rooms or private rooms.  There are only two common rooms but it’s clean and pretty decent.  The common rooms have movable dividers for additional privacy.

 

Avail of their therapeutic massages ranging from Thai, Swedish, foot reflexology, scalp massage, aromatherapy, stress reliever, hot stone massage and Sombra pain relieving massage.

 

I used to go for Swedish massage but Chiva Som specializes in Thai and they are indeed the experts on the field.  Bubba and I usually get the Thai massage from our favorite masseuses (email me for their names).  When they are occupied, we have to settle for the others but they are quite as good with some misses. Of our dozens of visits (I wonder if it’s been a hundred), we were 95% satisfied with the massage.  The consistency is really notable.  I’ve recommended it to a couple of friends and they were also extremely satisfied.

 

The Thai massage is a series of point pressure and stretches that work releasing tension and knots that have formed over time.  With the release that follows, the body becomes more flexible and able to move freely.  Massage is also good for your blood circulation, other than it relaxes your mind.

 

Bubba splurges on his visits, making it as frequent as twice a week or every week.  Sometimes only two days after, we go back for another go.  Bubba is clearly addicted to Chiva Som.  Just this week, we were there last Friday, and he went back with his dad and sister last Sunday.

 

 

 

 

Every visit to Chiva Som alleviates muscle tension and stimulates circulation, balancing my entire body.  It also aids my mind to relax after a long day at work.  It is an experience that uplifts mind and body to a tranquil level breathing in you renewed energy.

 

Chiva Som

220 Wilson St.,

Greenhills, San Juan

(Across Mercury Drugstore)

(632) 722 3406/ (0915) 443 0852

 

Chiva Som

G/F Unit A, Grand Hamptons, Tower I,

32^nd Ave., cor. 31^st St. Fort Bonifacio, Taguig

(632) 703 8377/(632) 566 0288/(0915) 443 0852

 

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