Alvin Tan sent an invite through my gmail account for a dinner at Uno Pizzeria.  The restaurant is located in Mall of Asia and the invite was on the same Friday of the Clear Black Night party at Taste Asia.  It was killing two birds with one stone and frying it too.

There was barely any table left open that Friday evening upon walking into the restaurant.  It was fully packed even before my lucky angel dust reached the place!  Diners have made Uno Pizzeria a happening dining destination in Mall of Asia especially on Friday nights when there is a live band playing.  The menu is an eclectic of sorts featuring pasta, fish and chicken dishes.

On the Table:

Buffalo Wings

Tender crisp wings coated with Uno Pizzeria’s fiery buffalo sauce.  Addicting glaze coated the crusty chicken wings but too hot to handle.  If you love spicy nibbles as much as I do, then this is the perfect match to your beer! 

Chicken Wrap

This is the dish to order when one is on a healthy binge.  Chicken slices, tomatoes and lettuce on pita wrap.  The tameness of the wrap allowed our palettes some break from the heat of the wings.

Four Seasons Pizza

This is their bestseller pizza that offers 4 different flavors: 

Tandoori Chicken and Mango –grilled chicken tandoori with ripe manoges, onions, and peppers

West Side Shrimp Pesto –shrimps sautéed with garlic sauce fused with their very own pesto

Ruby Ribs –strips of tender ribs, with onions and fresh parsley on their tangy barbeque sauce

White Cheese –their version of the white cheese pizza

I went to Uno Pizzeria half full that I didn’t get to even try the pizza but Bubba seemed to have enjoyed all the food: Buffalo wings, shrimp pesto pizza and the white cheese.  The place being always full indicate how people have marked a favorite hang-out along San Miguel Bay.

Friday’s Album

October 17 saw me and friends at Taste Asia, Mall of Asia for Pantene’s blogger event.  This event launches Pantene’s 3-Minute Miracle Treatment.  It is essentially a special hair care treatment that repairs 3 months of damage in just 3 minutes.

How to use Pantene’s 3 Minute Miracle:

After washing your hair with Pantene shampoo and conditioner, squeeze excess water out of your hair.  Twist the top of tube and massage contents into the whole strand, beginning at the top.  Just leave on hair for 3 minutes and rinse. 

This was done right in front of our eyes and surprisingly for me and the group, the girl volunteer had frizzy-free hair.  Special guest of the night was Judy Ann Santos, who promoted the newest product from Pantene.

Big Love to Aileen Apolo for the invite.

Pantene Blogger Event Album

Friday afternoon:  Home duty calls.

I missed the 7pm Oktoberfest Blogger Party @ Taste Asia, MOA.

I missed the 9pm Sabi dinner @ Bubba Gump.

I missed 10pm meeting with Kenny

Mood: sad.

Chuck Lidell is in Manila to promote MMA in the Philippines and will hold an open training session in Atrium, MOA this coming Sunday, September 21, 2008, 3pm.

Chuck Lidell, dubbed as the “Iceman” of UFC is in town!!!  He is a former Ultimate Fighting Championship light heavyweight champion who showcases intense kickboxing and excellent wrestling skills.  Despite being known for his takedown defense, he is tremendously admired for his stand-up fighting stance and strong knockout punches.  The Iceman is an unorthodox striker who throws his punches on a side step and from different angles.

Gear up MMA fans and see your MMA idol in the flesh on Sunday!  Head to the Atrium, Mall of Asia.

Party at Nuvo on Monday follows.

For some odd reason, there was no usual Monday traffic along EDSA last night around 730pm and we were able to reach Mall of Asia by 810pm just in time for the Krispy Kreme launch of their newest branch.

When we got there, the venue was already packed.  The weather was so dry yesterday that I couldn’t stand to be in a crowded place that after 15 minutes, I decided to grab dinner with Bubba instead.

After mulling around the mall and deliberating between Mojito, Pink Pepper and Seafront, we hopped to Tokyo Café to finally try it out.

On the Table:

Shrimp Bisque PHP 95

Delightful shrimp bisque with hints of spiciness

Chicken and Cheese Roll PHP 225

Bubba was disappointed with this because the outer crust was so thick that it eliminates the taste of chicken and cheese.  Cheese wasn’t the usual gooey mozzarella according to Bubba.

Ebi Cream Pasta PHP 265

This was the winner among the three entrées we’ve tried.  The pasta had enough creamy consistency on it and a generous helping of shrimps.  Shrimps though didn’t taste fresh.

Hamburg and Shrimp PHP 265

2 burger steaks served on a hot plate with string beans and corn on the side.  2 orange battered shrimps complete the entourage.  The coating on the shrimp was the same as the chicken and cheese roll.  It was as thick too so after one bite, I had to put this on Bubba’s plate. 

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/559/08_0901-_Krispy_Kreme_Launch_Tokyo_Cafe_Dinner

SMS Exchanged

Cushee:  Still in meeting? 8pm tonight Alicia Keys concert, SMX.

Bubba:   Yup, still in meeting.  You have tickets?

Cushee:  Yes, for myself only.

Bubba:   L

Cushee:  Hahaha.  Okay okay, including you sweetheart! J

Bubba:   Haha!  Wait!  Seryoso na!  U have tickets?  Where did you get it?

Cushee:  Ya, I have 2 tickets.  8pm tonight.  But I’m still considering whether to bring you… Kulang sa lambing eh.

Bubba:   Harabuzi harabuzi!  Me me me me!  Ngoink ngoink ngoink!

Cushee:  Ok, you’re my date!

After my trip to Davao in 2006, I had to fly to Baguio the very next day.  Since Asian Spirit was the only airline that flies to Baguio, I had no choice.  I wasn’t really too keen on flying via Asian Spirit because I’ve heard horrible stories from some friends.  Anyhow, instead of traveling the long way by land, I opted to go by air.

I cannot even begin to relive the experience of flying through mountains of Baguio and how fast and scary the landing was.  Anyway, I was still dazed from the flight that I didn’t notice that my luggage had a huge crack on it!  I only found out in the cab on the way to the hotel when I looked at my luggage (most cabs if not all, in Baguio, are FX so my luggage was at the back of the SUV).

Upon my return to Manila, I immediately checked if my warranty covers the case.  Unfortunately it doesn’t.  I wanted to buy a replicate but it was out of stock.  I was really sad.  A few days later, I found my luggage all taped up like it was new!  I think my dad taped it or had someone tape it so I can still use it.  And I have.  I’ve been to General Santos with that luggage.  But when I was prepping to use it for Ad Congress last year, I noticed it had a larger crack and a small part on the upper portion chipped off.  Not relenting, I taped the crack part on my own with some Beach Bum stickers.  It held up during the 4-day stay in Subic.

As I hauled the luggage out of the dark corner in my sister’s room, I noticed that it looked like it had Malaria or something.  It really looked downbeat.  I really love that luggage and couldn’t let go of it so I put more tapes and masked the cracks.  I brought it to Hong Kong.

When we arrived Hong Kong via PAL, the left upper portion had also come off.  I was beating myself up for not checking it in as FRAGILE.  Bubba kept shaking his head and nagged about how he has asked me to change my luggage throughout last year.  I know I know I should have listened.  But the penny-pincher in me won.

I flew back to Manila on my own because Bubba had to stay 2 more days with his family.  When I checked my luggage in, I specifically asked them to mark it FRAGILE.  The counter attendant was puzzled but she did follow instructions.  I wonder why she was bewildered as my luggage looked like it was going to faint any time soon.  While waiting for boarding, I surveyed the luggage they sell at the airport lounge.  I like Samsonite but they don’t have any flat surface interior and my OC-ness compels me to get one that has.

When they released my luggage, it was missing one wheel and the whole back part was totally damaged.  It took me quite a while to drag it from the release area to where my mom picked me up because it was making such a horrible screeching sound on the floor.  That incident really prompted me to buy a luggage the next chance I get the free time to go shopping, which was the following week.

I’ve visited Travel Club in Greenhills and Megamall.  Finally, I found just the perfect item.  Elle’s line of luggage and travel bags is very extensive.  I fell in love with three designs but only settled to buying one.  It burned a hole in my pocket since the luggage cost PHP 9,500.  Good thing I got a PHP500 discount

The one I bought looked like the long lost twin of my old mutilated luggage.  CW was against me buying another hard case but I just love hard cases –and having one in color pink didn’t hurt at all.  *Sheepish smile* 

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/476/08_0616-_Random_Stuff  

The biggest scoop in town is the newest addition to the signature ice cream flavors of Haagen Dazs –Dark Chocolate Orange. 

Jayvee F (http://www.abuggedlife.com) sends an SMS regarding the invite of Haagen Dazs to food bloggers.   No commitments, just pure unadulterated taste of their creation.  The scene at work for Bubba and I nowadays is as busy as the queen bee during harvest days to which I thought I have to pass this one up.  I invited Mon to accompany me Tuesday in case CW had to work late.  The busy day tumbled on.  Good thing was, even at 830pm, CW was still up for a trip all the way to Mall of Asia.

Haagen Dazs is situated on the 2^nd level of MOA near Our Home.  I think we walked in close to 9pm, an hour before closing time.  As I looked around, I saw that Haagen Dazs epitomizes every bit of what a contemporary Ice Cream café should be.  It’s fun, exciting and delicious! 

Red velvet squares make up the wall facing the entrance with the brand placed neatly in the middle.  The left wall dons a wallpaper photo of a woman happily enjoying her pint of Haagen Dazs.  The right wall has a photo wallpaper of raspberry swimming in cream.  The counter is a display case of gallon-heavy tin cans with their signature ice cream flavors.  Behind the counter is a red wall that is consistent with the whole maroon-ish theme of the brand.  

The interior breathes of modernity with the oblong egg-like lamps hanging from the ceiling, completed by a plasma TV.  The dining area has parquet floors and is semi-elevated.  Caramel colored chairs, gray armchairs and a cream couch in 1 corner serve as the comfortable seating for clientele.  This posh and modern Ice Cream parlor is a hip and lively place to enjoy their wide selection of ice cream.

We wanted to have dinner first but due time shortage, we abandoned the normal world order.  On this night, dessert came first. 

On the Table:

Dark Chocolate Orange Brownie PHP 350

Artfully placed in a white oblong dish were two scoops of ice cream, one brown colored, the other is whitish with two thick triangle brownies and big chunks of orange slices.  Chocolate ganache was poured on the plate but an extra serving of chocolate sauce was provided in a small transparent flask.  The dark chocolate orange ice cream had bits of caramelized orange rinds that gave a tangy twist to the rich flavor of dark chocolate.  The other ice cream we learned from one of the servers was caramel apple crumble flavor.  CW attacked this one and left the other flavor for me to take on.

Waffle Dream PHP 310

I got more excited looking at the marvel that the second plate is.  The glow of the 2 golden waffles amidst the white square plate almost blinded me.  The two thick golden Belgian waffles steadied by two scoops of the same pecan-sprinkled ice cream was graced by the presence of 3 banana slices, whipped cream and strawberries.  The ice cream scoops this time were placed on a bed of caramel.  Extra maple syrup served in a small transparent flask for those who can’t get enough of sugar.  A loud crunch echoed like twigs crackling as the fork incised the freshly baked waffles. 

It was an empty joint when we came in, but soon after, a family of four walked in.  The parents with their two kids ordered Dark Chocolate Orange fondue and were pretty much enjoying it as much as the kids.  What a pretty sight to watch.  Suddenly, 3 more tables are filled in between two others who ordered take-outs.  Ain’t I a charmer? (As most shops/restaurants tell me… *smile*  *frowns* “you, over there, don’t roll your eyes”) 

Haagen Dazs also offers gift cheques that you can give as a treat to your sweet-toothed friend.  The trip to their store was worth skipping dinner.  Haagen Dazs Ice Cream is elaborate and luscious, plus service by an energetic staff is friendly and efficient.  Don’t let the summer heat scorch your attitude.  March to Haagen Dazs and get that heat spell of off you by checking out their latest scoop.

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/438/08_0513-_Haagen_Dazs