“Oh, it’s Ladies Night and I’m feeling right.  It’s Ladies Night and what a night! (ooh, what a night)”

Yes folks.  It was “Ladies Night” but this all-girls fun didn’t involve drinks or a bar.  Metro Card Club staged an all-female poker tournament for three Thursdays.  I was only able to join last Thursday and I learned same night that it was its last run. 

It was difficult to make creative plays early on because:

1. Good or mediocre hands were hard to come by (esp. on a later position).
2. The more seasoned players were just grinding it.
3. First-timers were calling any bet on the flop even if they only hit bottom pair.

I reached the final table as the second chip lead.  Chip lead was Ms. Tournament-Virgin who eventually lost her stack to Jen.  Jen became the chip lead.  I capitalized on heads-up plays against the short stacks.

Image Source: Metro Card Club website

Four players left.  A good poker friend Trish, Jen and one other.  Two players folded and it’s down to the battle of the blinds between my small blind and Trish’.  I had to raise with my Jack-8 because either it’s a mediocre or good hand that she can push all-in too (which is good for her) or throw her hand away.  I didn’t want to do it against her but I also needed a heads up play and gain some chips because the other two have built their stack.

Trish: J? 9c

Jane: Jh 8s

She was even ahead pre-flop.

Flop: 10s 6d 7c

She was ahead on the flop.

Turn: 9?

It was a lucky turn as I hit my straight.  The River didn’t make any difference.

It was down to three players and I changed gears.  Aggressive play all throughout.

When somebody raises all-in on my big blind or small blind, I let go of my blind and fold my trash hands.

On the button, I had Q-10 suited and raised all-in.  Small blind called immediately.  Big blind Jen folded.

I showed my hand.  She slammed her Pocket Jacks on the table with another J –joy.

Flop: Qc 6d 9d

I flopped my queen.  Turn and River didn’t help.  It was down to two players.

First hand I had Jacks and went all-in.  After a long night, Jen called with a shrug.

Image Source: Metro Card Club website

Well, the cards fell my way.  A stroke of good luck.

I was really ecstatic about winning a tournament.  The last time I won a tournament was back in 2005?  It was more of the game than the cash prize really, but the additional ka-ching doesn’t hurt.  And yes, I secured myself a seat for the 3-Million Poker Tournament this month.  YEA BABY!  \m/

–

And the winner for Week 1 is…

Francisco Sumio:

“On my recent visit to Bohol this month, I discOVIr an interesting sea creature, I’ve come to encounter “swaki”, I’m not sure of the correct spelling, if swake, suake, or suaki, but this sea urchin of the soft type are eaten by the locals.  In Virgin Islands, in Panglao Bohol a vendor came to us offering this swaki, you cut it into half and get the meat inside.  You can dip it in vinegar but is eaten straight from the sea.

It’s unusual type of seafood for me who grew up in Manila… It has salty flavor but it tastes good.

It’s quite an experience and a must try food.”

*Weekly winners can claim their prizes by visiting the Nuffnang office at Bonifacio High Street.  Kindly look for Judd Sta. Maria.

Please expect an acknowledgment email/SMS from Judd notifying you as the winner. 

Congratulations!

Join this week’s contest: Week 2: Must-Visit Travel Destinations

and win a PHP 1,000 Ayala eGC!

http://www.janedchua.com/2010/02/17/contest-alert-get-some-ovi-love/

–

Ovi you?  Ovi me?  Let’s Ovi everybody!

Between Bites is giving away a total of five Ayala electronic gift certificates worth Php 1,000 each from today until March 2010!  If you want to win, all you have to do is share your “Must-Try DiscOviries for 2010,” and get the chance to win an eGC.  Every week there will be a theme for the entries:

Week 1: Must-try food/dining places.

(February 18-24, 2010, Thursday-Wednesday)

Week 2: Must-visit travel destinations.

(February 25-March 3, 2010, Thursday-Wednesday)

Week 3: Must-have items (clothes, shoes, toys, gadgets).

(March 4-10, 2010, Thursday-Wednesday)

Week 4: Must-watch movies.

(March 11-17, 2010, Thursday-Wednesday)

Week 5: Must-try activities.

(March 18-24, Thursday-Wednesday)

To join, register for a free Ovi account at http://www.ovi.com/ and use your new Ovi email account to send your name, mobile number, and your Must-Try Discoviry to janedchua@ovi.com.

These weekly contests will be from Thursday to Wednesday.  Between Bites will be announcing winners Thursdays of every following week.  Each weekly winner will receive a Php 1,000 Ayala eGC!

This contest is sponsored by Nokia Ovi.

Share your DiscOviry!

–

Potluck Dinner

Dinner: Cherry’s Spareribs, Pizza and Carbonara.  Jane’s Wrong Pasta, and Madz’ Uncooked Tikoy (operative word: uncooked)

Usual Suspects: Francis a.k.a “Milo Kid,” Madz a.k.a “Princess Maddie,” Chris a.k.a “Bubba,” and Jane a.k.a “Queen La.”

New Recruits: Pearl a.k.a “Si Pearl Na Naman” and Judd a.k.a “Coron Next Day” -Hannah (MIA)

Notes:  Morgan Freeman.  Wrong Pasta.  Delicious Spareribs. 

Since Bubba had a late meeting Friday night, I had to ride with Francis from the office to his place.  I bonded with Francis’ lovely (Read: hot) mom on the way and even bragged about the pasta I was going to bring.  The pasta it turned out was cooked the wrong way by the help (since I changed something in my usual recipe).  I was so embarrassed so I promised the mom I would bring her another one (I woke up early Monday to cook the pasta myself).

(After lunch, I went to the office of Francis and handed the pasta to his mom.  I gave Bubba pasta too for his packed lunch and after gym during lunchtime, I also handed one to my newfound friend and gym buddy, Nolan) 

Rockband

After many months of waiting, this plan of Francis pushes through (with so much berating from me and Madz!)  We started around 9pm.  But first, the muscles of Francis and Judd had to work because they had to move the flat screen from one room to Francis’ game room.  Bubba claimed injury for not helping.

First Song.  First Score.

Francis Liamzon’s photos (-one of my top three favorite photogs!)

Maddie and Bubbs

Uh-huh.

Hamming it up for the camera

Madz and I are still seriously following the notes

Ok, now it’s only Madz.

Err, Maddie, what’s wrong with Bubba’s stick?

Judd = Madamot

Bubba’s muscle about to pop

Me = Extra

Outtakes (Photo Sesh with Francis)

Korean Pose

Semi-Korean Pose

“Illusion”

Maddie with the drums

Chucks

Guits

Back to regular programming

Or maybe not.

Notes: I think I scared Judd off with my singing (Paramore -That’s What You Get).  But what can I do?  They forced the mic into my hands.

Rockband Album (Francis Cam)

Rockband Album (Jane Cam)

*Bubba took a video of the first two songs.  You want to see me when I’m in the mood to sing?  So far I’ve only shared it with one friend.  Shoot me an email.  And I will find somewhere someday the courage to send you the link

–

Le Souffle-owned and operated, it has such a warm gentle ambience that highlights the beautiful Makati skyline.  The mood is relaxed and unhurried, even if it is located at one of the busiest buildings in the business district.  Smartly decorated in white and beige tones and with fresh flowers on the table.

On the Table

Bread and Butter (Free) 

French Onion Soup PHP

I love soups and French Onion soup is one of the top favorites I order –especially if it’s coming from the kitchen of Le Souffle.  Slowly cooked onions in a semi-sweet (coming from the natural sugar of the onion) delicious broth, topped with crouton and generously smothered with cheese.

Charcoal Grilled Lamb Chops PHP 1,100

4 racks of perfectly seasoned and grilled lamb chops in garlic rosemary jus, accompanied by assorted vegetables and blanched spinach and mashed potato.

Duck Confit PHP 850

Duck confit in eschallot sauce, served the same as above, with vegetables.  Bubba found it a tad salty for his taste but since it’s duck and the meat was tender, he finished the plate including the crispy skin.

Service is top-notch by a professional staff who are knowledgeable about the dishes and see to it that everything runs smoothly.  Customer satisfaction is very important to them.  The dishes that Le Souffle concocts are still mighty impressive –almost never disappoints.

Le Souffle Top of the Citi

34/F Citibank Tower, 8741 Paseo de Roxas,

Makati City, Philippines

(632) 750 5810

Le Souffle Top of the Citi Album

—

Event: Sony VAIO Prestige Spring 2010 Collection

Date: February 3, 2010

Venue: Spasso Italian Tapas and Wine Bar, Fort Bonifacio

Sneak Peek:

145 Spasso Italian Tapas and Wine Bar

Luxe Residence Bldg., 4^th Avenue cor. 28^th Street,

Fort Global City Taguig

(632) 669 7186

Sony VAIO Launch Event Album

–

Looking at celebrating Valentine’s Day beyond the cookie cutter?

This year, step out of the chocolate box and sail off  into the sunset.  Romance your date on a very special Valentine’s cruise and express your love in a unique way.

They can accommodate up to 10 couples (20 pax). Price per couple is Php 4,000 (Php 2,000 per head), inclusive of buffet dinner and drinks.  Available dates are February 12, 13, and 14.

FEBRUARY 12 (Friday)
EVENING CRUISE
Assembly Time: 7:30 PM, Manila Yacht Club
Departure: 8:00 PM
Arrival: 11:00 PM, Manila Yacht Club

FEBRUARY 13 (Saturday)
SUNSET CRUISE
Assembly Time: 4:00 PM, Manila Yacht Club
Departure: 4:30 PM
Arrival: 7:30 PM, Manila Yacht Club

EVENING CRUISE
Assembly Time: 7:30 PM, Manila Yacht Club
Departure: 8:00 PM
Arrival: 11:00 PM, Manila Yacht Club

FEBRUARY 14 (Sunday)
SUNSET CRUISE
Assembly Time: 4:00 PM, Manila Yacht Club
Departure: 4:30 PM
Arrival: 7:30 PM, Manila Yacht Club

EVENING CRUISE
Assembly Time: 7:30 PM, Manila Yacht Club
Departure: 8:00 PM
Arrival: 11:00 PM, Manila Yacht Club

For inquiries and bookings, Call or SMS Raymond at 0917 5808800. Reserve your slots now!
*Reservations will be accepted starting February 1, 2010.
**Reservations will be held up to 2 days only. 50% downpayment is required to confirm your slot.
***Pictures from our past cruises available upon request.

–

February 1 is my favorite date of any year.  Why?  It’s my birthday!

On this special date, yesterday, I turned a year younger but more learned and stronger. 

As expressed in my SMS response, many many (many pacquiao) thanks for your greetings folks!!!  Super touched by the people who called, texted and messaged.  Truly appreciate being remembered on this special day.  Your well wishes warm my heart.

The planned HK trip didn’t push through so I had to retract my leaves that was set until Feb. 4.  I didn’t pay for the ticket (8K roundtrip) but I still felt a bit sad that plans have changed.  I picked myself right up though because there’s just no room for being sad when God has blessed you with another year in your life (I just hope that this year moves slower than last year.  2009 breezed by.)  On that note, the canceled HK trip only meant that I was blessed to meet the Jabbawockeez on my birthday!   I was so ecstatic that as soon as the group turned their back, I couldn’t keep myself from hopping in glee in the middle of Greenbelt.  You strike out, Energizer bunny!

Wockeez, you are the rockstars of the dance floor!    \m/  I heart you guys!!!

I’ve never done a birthday wish list and it crossed my mind earlier when dee boss treated me out for a birthday lunch with the team…

My birthday wish list:

1. Dongle (Sun or Bayan)
2. Oral B Electronic Toothbrush
3. Bath and Body Eucalyptus Handwash -Aromatherapy line (smells soooo good!)
4. Nivea Facial Night Cream
5. Pablo Neruda book
6. Red Jumper Straps
7. 100 HUGS

Yes, I’m easy to please. 

Oh, and I finally got a copy of The Little Green Book by Phil Gordon!  It was a birthday gift.  Tee-hee *blush*

The best gift I received though was…

(Written note from Joyce)

I know I was still groggy waking up from sleep when you handed me this but… Joyce love, you are the rockstar in my heart!

–

Celebrating Valentine’s Day can give people a real headache.  Between the traffic and the prices and the overwhelming need to be dressed up and romantic, what once started a celebration of love can soon become a disaster of epic proportions.  This is why ABBONDANZA has worked hard to come up with a menu that is both filling and reasonably priced, available not only on Valentine’s Day but throughout the entire month of February (beginning February 5, 2010 till February 28, 2010).

Below is Abbondanza’s Special Set Menu for the whole month of February. 

Abbondanza Valentine’s Menu for the Month of February

(beginning  February 5 up to February 28, 2010)

Option One

Appetizer

Prosciutto e Melone

Sweet juicy melon wrapped in rich salty prosciutto ham

Soup

Minestra

Velvet Cream of Pumpkin soup accented with bits of pancetta and Italian spices served with cocoa foccaccia

Entrees

Risotto Trio

A hearty sampling of our best-selling risotto dishes

Risotto con la Fondutta

The grown-up version of a childhood comfort food – arborio rice is cooked and simmered in a sauce of mixed Italian cheeses

Risotto al Funghi Porcini

Arborio rice cooked with a blend of wild mushrooms, basil, parsley, and cream

Risotto con Sogliola

Fillet of fish gently seasoned, lightly pan-fried and topped with a splash of lemon contrasts with a generous helping of creamy yellow risotto

Pollo Arrosto

Italian-style slow roasted chicken served with root vegetables

Dessert

Panna Cotta

A smooth mix of cream and milk cooked down to subtle perfection. Served with berry sauce and topped with fresh blueberries

Choice of Bottomless Iced Tea or Lemonade or a glass of our house red wine

P888 (All-inclusive, Good for Two)

Option Two

Appetizer

Prosciutto e Melone

Sweet juicy melon wrapped in rich salty prosciutto ham

Soup Course

Minestra

Velvet Cream of Pumpkin soup accented with bits of pancetta and Italian spices served with cocoa foccaccia

Pizza Course

Heart-Shaped Pizza

Wear your heart on your plate. Pizza professing your love, and your tastes, any flavor of your choice

Pasta Course

Capesante Erucola

A light yet hearty pasta dish, fettucine pasta cooked together with fresh scallops, fresh tomatoes and arugula

Entrée

Salsicce al Vino Biance with Creamed Baked Potatoes

Our best-selling Italian sausages served with baked potato layered with cream and mozzarella. Love at first bite.

Dessert Course

Panna Cotta

A smooth mix of cream and milk cooked down to subtle perfection. Served with berry sauce and topped with fresh blueberries

Choice of Bottomless Iced Tea or Lemonade or a glass of our house red wine

P888 (All-Inclusive, Good for Two)

*Subject to change without prior notice. For reservations and inquiries, please call 633-6336.  

Let me know if you tried this Abbondanza Valentines Promo folks!

–

There’s going to be a fight on March 14, 2010 (Manila Time).  Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao will stand at one corner.  The question is, who will stand at the other corner?  Will it be Ghanaian Joshua Clottey  or Floyd Mayweather Jr.?  After weeks of negotiation circus, Top Rank’s Bob Arum finally decided to set the WBO welterweight title fight against Clottey.  The negotiation fizzled out between the two dominant American boxing promotional companies when Mayweather Jr’s camp demanded for a rigorous drug testing procedure –random examination like the Olympics that can be really close to the fight night.  

The boxing commission only requires urine testing but the stringent drug testing will call for random blood and urine sampling prior to and after the proposed fight.  Team Pacquiao couldn’t agree to the blood testing 30 days before the match concerned that this might affect Pacman’s performance.  Pacquiao filed a lawsuit against Mayweather’s camp last month, claiming several members had defamed him by intimating he uses performance-enhancing drugs.

The Pacquiao-Mayweather fight was supposed to be one of boxing’s biggest revenue-generating fights.  There’s still time before March to reopen talks but Arum has closed his doors to Mayweather for March, more especially that he feels Mayweather will start the nonsense media talk again about the testing and regulations.

Pacquiao’s new opponent in Clottey is a strong, aggressive African that beat Zab Judah of the United States for the IBF Welterweight title in August 2008 and lost a split decision to Puerto Rico’s Miguel Cotto last June.

–