DENCIO.COM

Something better than your favorite NESCAFÉ 3in1 Coffee!

2013-05-24T16:51:00.001+08:00

What’s better than your old 3in1 coffee? Well… it is no other the new Bigger and Better NESCAFÉ 3in1 Original Coffee! Not only does it come with super smooth foam (similar to premium/more expensive coffee) it also 20% Bigger to give you better and richer coffee experience at the same price! That’s More love from the Philippine’s Most Loved Brand in Facebook – NESCAFÉ!

I love drinking coffee and when it comes to a really good instant coffee, nothing beats the good old NESCAFÉ. I am not a big fan of flavored coffee mixes; I believe that the best way to enjoy coffee is still the basic Coffee, Cream, and Sugar Combo - That is why I am a big fan of NESCAFÉ’s 3in1 Original. Not only does it taste good (juts the way I like my coffee) but it is extremely handy and convenient. Whether you are at home at the office, or even outdoors, you just need a cup of hot water and you are good to go!

Personally, I prepare my NESCAFÉ 3in1 Original in 3 easy steps:

Fill a cup with Hot water from the water dispenser (if that is not available, I fill the cup with water then pop it inside the microwave and heat it for around 1-1.5 minutes)
Pour in the contents of your NESCAFÉ 3in1 Original sachet.
Stir and Enjoy

For a hot summer day – you can transfer it in a bigger container then add tons of Ice!! Gotta Love Iced Coffee!

For more Information on the new Bigger, Bolder and More Delicious NESCAFÉ 3in1 Original, please watch the “Akala” TVC below featuring Parokya ni Edgar and Zendee Rose Tenerefe (The Famous random videoke girl of SM Megamall). Her inspiring story is one of those Akala Mo End of your dreams moments then suddenly your big break appears from nowhere.

I really love these success stories. They are really inspiring and keep you dreaming. I don’t have that big “Akala” moment yet (hopefully soon). But I have a funny “Akala” Story just yesterday, I was commuting back home and I was riding a Shuttle (Van). A familiar looking lady sat in front of me and Akala ko talaga pinsan ko sya! She really looked like a cousin of mine, I was staring at her and from time to time she looks at me as well. After a few minutes, I asked her for her name… and she said a different name! I was wrong! But either way, that moment was really awkward even if she was my cousin or not. It was a funny Akala Moment...

Aside from that inspirational TVC, NESCAFÉ also has a Hilarious Cosplay/Anime/Ultraman Inspired TV Commercial Featuring the Funny Ramon Bautista and Parokya ni Edgar!

TIME FOR SOME FUN! CONTEST TIME!

DENCIO.COM and NESCAFÉ will be giving away 1 NESCAFÉ Gift Pack to 7 Lucky Winners each gift pack contains a cute NESCAFÉ T-Shirt and of course, a bag of NESCAFÉ 3in1 Original. If you want to win 1 of the 7 gift packs that will be given away all you just need is join the mini contest below!!

Joining is simple:

Like DENCIO.COM on Facebook
Follow DENCIO.COM on Twitter
Like NESCAFÉ on Facebook
Tweet about the Giveaway: #NESCAFE and @dennisangulo is giving away Nescafe 3in1 Original Gift Packs! Join now by visiting http://goo.gl/NNBTz ]
Guess the Mystery Sound below
Post your answers as a comment in this post using the following format:

“Akala ko (_____) yung mystery sound pero yun pala ( YOUR ANSWER ) siya.”

Now it is time to Guess this Mystery Sound!

Submit your Entries via the RaffleCopter App Below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Goodluck Guys!

Hanggang sa muli, Paalam!

_________________________________
By: DENCIO
Originally Posted On: DENCIO.COM

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Crocs MegaSale 2013! 90% Off On Crocs Items!

2013-05-19T16:40:00.001+08:00

And it is back! I still remember my previous crocs sale experience like it was yesterday… queuing under the heat of the sun, talking to yaya’s in the queue, extended lunch breaks, listening to irate people complain, looking for the missing pair of the design that you like, queuing again to pay and eventually ending up not using what you bought… Sale Shopping Euphoria! good times! good times!! You should experience it at least once in your life, and you are in Luck! The Crocs Mega Sale is Back this year!! :)

[PRESS RELEASE]

“(Manila, Philippines) It’s going to be wild. It’s going to get crazy. It’s going to be huge. More and more Crocs fans are jumping for joy, as the much-awaited, and the biggest shoe sale event in one venue is back.

Now on its 5^th year, the Crocs Megasale 2013 is happening once again at the grounds of NBC Tent in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig, with a mind-blowing price slash of up to 90%. Get your hoarding game face on, rain or shine, on May 31 to June 2, from 10am to 8pm. Free entrance for all Citibank cardholders, while there’s a P50 entrance fee for all non-Citi shoppers. Cash and all major credit cards will be accepted.

Great finds for all shoe lovers from kids, teens, to adults, with over 200 designs to choose from. No one will leave the tent empty handed, as this wild Megasale will surely knock you off your feet.

Make sure to come prepared with umbrellas, fans, bottled water, and face towels. The list of shoe prices will be provided onsite. Food stands will be set up by McDonald’s, Racks, Shakey’s and Saibachi.

For more information about the Crocs Megasale 2013, like Crocs Philippines on Facebook and follow @crocsph on Twitter.”

Hanggang sa muli, Paalam!

_________________________________
By: DENCIO
Originally Posted On: DENCIO.COM

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Breakfast Buffet at Acacia Hotel Manila

2013-05-19T16:10:00.001+08:00

Acacia Hotel Manila
East Asia Drive Cor. Commerce Avenue, Filinvest Corporate City, Alabang, Muntinlupa
Contact Number: (632) 720 2000 | (632) 588 5888
Website: http://acaciahotelsmanila.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Acaciahotels
Twitter: http://twitter.com/acaciahotels

Here’s the Breakfast Buffet from the Ever Charming and Hospitable Acacia Hotel Manila. Complimentary for in house guests or only P888 Net for walk-in guests.Not only that you get to enjoy these delicious breakfast buffet spread from Acaci but you also enjoy the refreshing ambiance and the laid back vibe of the South.

After a Restful and Relaxing Sleep in your Suite, a perfect way to start your morning is by enjoying a warm cup of Champorado with Milk!! …And pancake on the side (Don’t judge me!! :p)

These and many other breakfast Item favorites like Tocino, Tapa, Corned beef, and Danggit!

Acaci’s Breakfast Buffet is complete but I must admit, it is not the best breakfast buffet in the Alabang Area which I would gladly hand over to Bellevue Hotel. The ambiance and service was fantastic but the food was a bit lackluster and a bit bland. Good think the Champorado saved the day!! :)

Acacia Hotel’s Breakfast Buffet Rate/Price: P888 Net/Person

Hanggang sa muli, Paalam!

_________________________________
By: DENCIO
Originally Posted On: DENCIO.COM

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Please Bring the IKEA Food Service to Manila!

2013-05-19T15:13:00.001+08:00

I Love IKEA Products and I love walking inside their gigantic Warehouse and Showrooms. It is a whole day affair for me during my travels! But what I love more is their Food Service Department. Their Swedish meatballs are Awesome! If someone can’t bring the entire IKEA Franchise to the Philippines yet, I hope someone would start bringing in their Food Service Department if that is even remotely possible. I am dreaming here… Don’t ruin it for me!! Hahahaha!

Price Board Photo taken from IKEA Singapore a few years back. Prices ($SG) are not updated.

The last time I enjoyed these awesome Swedish Treats was when I visited Kuala Lumpur late last year. It was so much fun and as expected I really enjoyed every minute of that meal. I savored every bite! There was a lot of people that day and the queue was long but it was all worth it!! :)

Everything was just delicious! I know that if have tried these, your mouths are watering right now. :)

So Please, Rich People, Business Men, Capitalists! I beg you! If you can’t carry the entire IKEA Brand just yet, at least start bringing the IKEA Food Service to the Philippines!

Still Dreaming! :)

Hanggang sa muli, Paalam!

_________________________________
By: DENCIO
Originally Posted On: DENCIO.COM

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SM Aura Premier: Great Concept, Poor Execution?

2013-05-19T14:45:00.001+08:00

Me and a couple of friends visited SM Aura Premier on its first day of opening – it was Terrible. I know that it is only fair to cut them some slack since it was their first day in operation however, the stuff that they put out online and the actual experiences of the people don’t really add up. Here’s what I think about SM Aura Premier based on my one day (first day) trip inside this IMHO, over-hyped establishment.

Photo grabbed from Google Images. Credits to the Owner.

First, The Good Stuff! Of course, It was not all that bad!! :)

The External Building Design and Architecture

SM Aura Premier was designed by EDGE Interior Designers and Arquitectonica. I have to hand it to them, from the outside, this mega structure is really eye catching and very modern. The fluid architectural design which creates a smooth curve from the hotel tower down to the mall area is something new and is very pleasing to the eyes. With the its design and sheer size, SM Aura Premier is a new Landmark in Metro Manila. I hope they build more malls with iconic designs such as this one.

The Location

The location could not be better. SM Aura Premier is situated along C5, right beside Market Market, a stone throw away from Serendra, walking distance from Bonifacio High Street and is conveniently located in between BGC and McKinley Hill. It may not be as commuter friendly as the other SM Malls but hey, that’s the point of being on the “Premier” level right?

Now the Not so Good Stuff: SM Aura Premier FAIL!

Where to eat?

During the opening day, let there be Famine! The only open stand-alone restaurants were Jollibee, KFC, Starbucks and Happy Lemon. There was a food court but we did not even bother joining the huge crowd. It was terribly packed with people! A lot of stores were already open but very limited number of dining establishments. They should have prepared for the hungry crowd. We had to leave and eat somewhere else that night. Wait, yes KFC and Jollibee… Don’t get me wrong, I love KFC and Jollibee but aren’t they trying to market this place as a Luxury destination? Go Figure!

The Crowd!

OMG! The mall was so packed - with the wrong people. I don’t want to sound too judgmental since I have nothing against anybody so I will just put it this way: Majority of the crowd during the opening day was not the the Mall’s Target Market. They were the exact opposite.

Here’s a Photo from Mr. Enrico Dee of BYAHILO.COM

The Interior

If the exterior design of SM Aura Premier is exceptional, the interior is still your typical SM Mall. The shopping area is very Box-y looking with straight, end to end hallways. But there are some great additions to look forward to around the area which will make the whole experience more interesting like the Samsung Hall, the soon to be Hotel (rumored to be a Radisson Blu), SMX Aura, and the Sky Park. But compared to Greenbelt, Alabang Town Center, Serendra, and Bonifacio High Street, SM Aura Premier still Screams “I am still your typical SM Mall but with fancier Stores”.

Banking on the Same-Old SM Branding

Here’s my take on this. If SM is truly serious in creating a luxury brand under its company and catering to the high end market, then they should have just created a totally new brand for it. The SM Brand is well known brand which caters to all market segments, across all social classes. If they want to penetrate the niche market of the upper class people, they should have started from the ground up. (i.e. Glorietta – Greenbelt, Avida – Alveo)

If they have dropped the “SM” name and/or created a new Department Store Brand Name which can directly compete with the likes of Rustan’s, Debenhams and Marks and Spencer, it would have made more sense. But they did not do that. Instead, they capitalized on the SM brand thinking that it would still appeal to their target market just by adding the word “Premier” to it. Luxury was compromised in SM Aura. They want all these luxury brands in the store but they still retained the typical SM Mainstays which compromised their target market. Why not make it something like Greenbelt 5 where most of the stores are not your typical household brands? Is that so hard to do? Knowing the reach of SM, that is not Impossible at all.

What I am trying to say is, If they want Luxury, they should stick with it. Own it. Do not compromise. As long as there are stores that a common person like me can afford inside SM Aura Premier, I would still go to this mall. Hence the crowd. Risking to turn-off their real target market. In my mind: “The place is not intimidating enough for me, it is just another SM Mall.”

Cutting Some Slack

I know it is too early to pass on a lot of judgment but these are just my initial observations and opinions about SM Aura Premier. Some may agree some may not. I don’t know the actual strategy of SM for SM Aura Premier but by the looks of it, they are really pushing for the High-End Market. They would probably still be improving a lot in the coming months and years, But one thing is for sure as long as they are Branded as “SM” it will be a long uphill climb before they can be equated with Luxury.

So to answer my question, Great Concept, Poor Execution? Yes, for now. But Let’s wait and see!

So there.. My Initial Thoughts on SM’s new Baby. How about you? Have you been to SM Aura Premier? Let me know your thoughts!! :)

Hanggang sa muli, Paalam!

_________________________________
By: DENCIO
Originally Posted On: DENCIO.COM

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Spiral Buffet and VISA’s 3+1 Lunch Promo

2013-04-28T14:07:00.001+08:00

If you have a VISA Card and you are planning on having lunch at Spiral at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza, well you are in luck. Starting April 15, 2013 until August 15, 2013 you only need to pay for 3 for every 4 diners if you pay using your VISA Platinum, Infinite or Gold Cards.

Here’s the fine print:

Eligibility

The Promotion is open to all principal and supplementary holders of Visa Gold, Platinum and Infinite cards issued in Philippines and abroad.

Promotion Mechanics and Conditions

The Promotion commences on April 15, 2013 and ends on August 15, 2013
Visa cardholders can avail of a 3+1 (buy 3 get 1 free) offer on all buffet lunch at Spiral.
Offer is valid for all days of the week (for lunch buffet only).
There is no limit to the number of free lunches that can be availed. Cardholders may avail of 1 free lunch for every 3 paid lunches.
The get one free offer is only available to a party of 4 or multiples of 4
All 3 lunch buffets have to be charged to one Visa card to avail of the free offer.
A principal Card account is treated separately from the supplementary Card account.
Transactions for the principal account will be considered separate from transactions of the supplementary account and vice versa.
This promotion cannot be used in conjunction with any other Sofitel promotion and discount.
Per DTI NCR Permit No A1-0270 series of 2013.

As of April 28, 2013: Here is Spiral Manila’s Buffet Rates (Before the Promo)

So, let’s say that you will dine in a group of four on a weekday lunch, you only need to pay P7,295.82 (4pax) or 1,823.95 per person instead of 2,431.94. That is equivalent to 25% Discount per person! Not bad right?! :)

Click here to read my recent review of the NEW SPIRAL BUFFET.

Or you can book a table now via their website: http://www.sofitelmanila.com/en/spiral.html

Again: Open to VISA Platinum, Infinite, and Gold Cards issued by any bank locally or abroad.

Hanggang sa muli, Paalam!

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By: DENCIO
Originally Posted On: DENCIO.COM

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New and Exciting Promos from Max’s Restaurant!

2013-04-28T13:44:00.001+08:00

Crispy Pata Take-out Treat!

“This summer, Crispy Pata enthusiasts will have a chance to bring home their favorite dish and a refreshing 1.5 liter bottle of Pepsi for only PhP 449. That’s a generous offering from Max’s, generating PhP 119 savings for all its customers who will avail Max’s Crispy Pata Take-out Treat.”

This promo is valid for take-out orders at any Max’s Restaurant nationwide from April 16 to May 31 2013.

Kare-Kare for Sharing Meals!

“Max’s 4Sharing Meals is an exciting dining trend that offers classic Filipino dishes to customers in small groups of 3 to 4. Priced very affordably at PhP 899, diners get value for money with a delectable feast of Max’s mouth-watering Kare-kare, 4 servings of steaming white rice, any Pepsi softdrink or refreshing iced tea for 4, and Max’s world-famous, sarap-to-the-bones Fried Chicken that is always cooked to crispy perfection. It is a cool food adventure for gregarious diners and get-together bundle meal to be shared with friends, family and other fellow Max’s aficionados. Just thinking about the delicious spread that will be served every time customers enter Max’s Restaurant for the new Max’s 4Sharing Meals is enough to whet the appetite.”

This promo is valid at any Max’s Restaurant nationwide from May 1 to June 23, 2013.

Hanggang sa muli, Paalam!

_________________________________
By: DENCIO
Originally Posted On: DENCIO.COM

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A Peek Inside Holiday Inn & Suites Makati

2013-04-28T13:17:00.001+08:00

Holiday Inn & Suites Makati
Palm Drive, Ayala Center Makati
Connected to the New Glorietta, Near Raffles and Fairmont
Contact Number: +63 2 909 0888
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HolidayInnandSuitesMakati
Homepage: http://www.ihg.com/holidayinn/hotels/us/en/makati/mnlgs/hoteldetail

Makati has a new Hotel – again! Following the Opening of Fairmont and Raffles, Ayala Center opened a new Hotel in Makati CBD to cater to the ever growing business travellers in the country – the Holiday Inn & Suites Makati. I have not yet stayed in this hotel but I managed to take a tour to give you guys a sneak peek inside Holiday Inn & Suites Makati.

Conference and Meeting Rooms Galore!

Meeting and Conference rooms are scarce in Makati. There is a constant demand but there are not just enough of them. Luckily, Holiday Inn & Suites Makati offers a handful of new meeting spaces for the Makati’s Meeting, Conference, and Training needs.

A New Buffet Restaurant called: Flavors!

Spacious Guestrooms! Their Smallest is 32 Square Meters!

Holiday Inn & Suites Makati offers their guest the perfect location, facilities, and super spacious guest rooms! The industry standard is around 26 square meters but Holiday Inn & Suites Makati managed to throw in an extra 6 square meters of space for added comfort! Not to mention the 40” TV with a Media Center Connectivity.

Of course, your stay in Holiday Inn & Suites Makati won’t be complete without a quick dip in the pool. Yes, they have a few Cobonpue Pieces in the Pool Deck.

Well, there you go! Room rates starts at around P6,500++. I have not tried the buffet but I will have to try it soon. Will post a separate review of the service and amenities once I get the chance to check-in.

Just a little trivia:

The Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Intercontinental brands are part of the global company IHG. In the Philippines, Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria, Holiday Inn Manila Galleria, Intercontinental Manila, and Holiday Inn & Suites Makati are all managed by IHG Philippines however, Intercontinental and Holiday Inn Makati are owned by the Ayala’s and Holiday Inn Galleria and Crown Plaza are owned by the Gokingwei’s.

Hanggang sa muli, Paalam!

_________________________________
By: DENCIO
Originally Posted On: DENCIO.COM

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What’s the new Mystery Mentos Flavor?

2013-04-28T12:30:00.001+08:00

I’m sure you have seen this teaser somewhere. Like you, I am also wondering what’s the mystery flavor gonna be. Currently there are six Mentos Fruit Flavors available in every roll of Mentos Candy. With the introduction of a new one, it will complete the 7-Rainbow Colors of Fun!

Grape
Strawberry
Orange
Pineapple
Raspberry
Green Apple
MYSTERY FLAVOR??

What do you think it is? Mango? Banana? Or Durian? :) Let us all watch out for that. Mentos will be revealing it soon!! :)

Hanggang sa muli, Paalam!

_________________________________
By: DENCIO
Originally Posted On: DENCIO.COM

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Hard Rock Café Makati’s Complete Menu with Prices

2013-04-14T15:08:00.001+08:00

Hard Rock Café Makati
Glorietta III, Ayala Center Makati City
Contact Number: (02) 893 4661

I did not realize until recently that dining in Hard Rock Café Makati is expensive. To make it even more expensive, you have to pay a non-consumable cover fee amounting to P300-400 per person. This covers only one free drink – Soda, Iced Tea, or Local Beer. Especially during Friday nights when there is a live band, you have to pay a cover fee just to eat dinner. A cover fee which is charged on top of your dinner costs. I have been to Hard Rock Café Makati several times already but all those visits were social events or company sponsored so I did not bother checking out the menu prices. But this time I was a bit conscious on the costs – although we were there for a company event – we had to stick with a budget. I tried googling the prices for menu of Hard Rock Café Makati but I just cannot find one online. So when we were there, the fist thing I did was take pictures of Hard Rock Café Makati’s Menu.

If there is any consolation, yes, the dishes were expensive but at least it comes in big servings. They taste great too! Particularly the Macaroni and Cheese with Chicken Something. And the band was great as well.

Again, the food was good and the serving was big. Now, here are the prices.

Here’s Hard Rock Café Makati’s Menu with Prices as of April 2013.

There you go! Hard Rock Makati’s Menu and Prices. Hope this helps in your event planning! :)

Hanggang sa muli, Paalam!

_________________________________
By: DENCIO
Originally Posted On: DENCIO.COM

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Rock the Fat Away via Club New You!

2013-04-14T14:32:00.001+08:00

Club New You!
Website: http://www.newyou.com.ph/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clubnewyou
Twitter: https://twitter.com/clubnewyou

“Roche and Xenical have partnered with the Philippine Association for the Study of
Overweight and Obesity (PASOO) to launch a campaign to help you rock your body to
a better you. The campaign, dubbed "Rock The Fat Away", addresses the serious
problems of overweight and obesity, including safe and unsafe methods of weight loss.”

Overweight and obesity rank fifth among the leading risks for global deaths, according
to the World Health Organization
25% of Filipino adults are overweight
24% of overweights are males
44% of overweights are females

Unfortunately, there is a lack of urgency when it comes to addressing obesity. People are aware of their situations, they know the weight loss options out there but there is just no personal dedication, commitment, and most are just too lazy and don’t care at all. This should not be the case. That is why the Club New You was established. This advocacy focuses on the awareness as well as giving people the options on the best way to loose that excess weight. Yes, the campaign is being managed by Roche and Xenical but they do not actually push people to use Xenical as the main weigh loss option but rather give people all the possible options such as exercise, dieting and even dancing. What’s good about Club New You is that it is online, interactive, and of course free!

You can sign up with Club New You and monitor your weight loss progress along with thousands of other members. Share your progress on Facebook and Twitter and even ask advice from other members. There are also diet plans, exercise programs and success stories to help you be more engaged, inspired and committed.

When you log on the site, a good start is getting and knowing your BMI or Body Mass Index. This is a free tool within the website which will tell you if you are overweight, normal, or obese. I got my BMI in under a minute and I found out that I was overweight. Now it is up to you and me to work on it!

I cannot stick with a solid diet plan that is why I really try to exercise at least twice a week by doing boxing. You really have to find the time and the perfect activity which enjoy to stay committed in your weight loss or weight maintenance plan.

Now, if you think that you need to speed things up a little, say you have a wedding gown to fit in to, an upcoming summer outing, you just want to feel good in your favorite clothes or for medical reasons, then you could supplement your exercise and diet routine with Xenical. I won’t go into the details, you can just Google it :) But here are some bits of information about Xenical:

Xenical does not go into your bloodstream, it stays in your digestive system
Xenical removes 30% of the oil in your diet
You should take Xenical with your meals
No Clinical Studies yet on the effects of Xenical on Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Xenical will remove all kinds of oils including the good ones
If you are taking oil soluble supplements like Vitamin E, Virgin Coconut Oil, etc. This will also be absorbed by Xenical.
Yes, there will be oil in your poop. The amount will depend on the type of food that you took in.
It does not affect your bowel habits.
No involuntary need to go to the restroom.
Xenical is now cheaper. P35 per capsule and it comes in 3’s, 9’s, 21’s.
You can take Xenical up to 3 times a day (one each meal)
Xenical is Over the Counter
Xenical is the only clinically proven weight loss supplement

So there, with some Diet, Exercise plus a Boost from Xenical, you still have time to achieve that elusive beach body! :) Personally, I have not tried Xenical yet… I will probably ask my personal physician first on my next appointment if he is ok with the supplement. Just to make sure :)

Remember to sign up with Club New You for fun, interactive, free, and online tools to monitor and achieve your weight loss or weight maintenance program.

Hanggang sa muli, Paalam!

_________________________________
By: DENCIO
Originally Posted On: DENCIO.COM

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The New Spiral: Asia’s Ultimate Buffet Experience

2013-04-13T18:04:00.001+08:00

(New) Spiral Buffet Manila
Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila, CCP Complex Roxas Boulevard Pasay City
Contact Number: (02) 551 5555
Website: http://spiralmanila.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpiralManila
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SpiralManila

Spiral Buffet Schedule:
Breakfast: (Daily) 6:30 am - 10: 30 am
Lunch: (Mon- Sat) 12 noon - 2:30 pm
Brunch: (Sun) 12 noon - 3:00 pm
Dinner: (Daily) 6:30 pm - 11:00 pm
Supper at La Veranda: 11: 00 pm - 1:00 am

Bonjour Mabuhay!

After all what happened during the previous storm and despite being the most expensive buffet in Manila, Spiral Buffet at Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila remains the best and the most sought after hotel buffet in the Philippines. Well, I don’t see any reason why not… It offers luxury in every level. The Food is still exceptionally amazing, top notch service and hospitality, ultra modern equipment, and a truly exquisite dining experience.

After more than a year of renovation, the New Spiral Manila emerges stronger than ever and immediately took the crown of being the best, most luxurious and the biggest buffet in the Philippines and probably in Asia. Let me list down some of the major improvements and changes that the New Spiral offers.

An 11-Million Dollar Upgrade! All Modern Interiors and Facilities.
A world class wine cellar
Twenty-one (21) dining ateliers
An Impressive Cheese Room
A dedicated Chocolate Room
6 Private Function Rooms for your meetings and celebrations
Total of 452 seating capacity
An authentic tandoori oven for a better Indian Cuisine
A Bonnet French stove – a customized oven used by Michelin Star Chefs around the world and weighing one ton of steel.

The new design of Spiral was conceived by Spin Design Studio of Japan. The same team was also responsible for the original Spiral and other world-class projects such as the new restaurants of Ritz Carlton Hong Kong.

While most of us call it Food Stations… Spiral Calls it Dining Ateliers!

1. Salad and Appetizer

Fresh locally grown produce and organic colorful vegetables freshly picked from our garden will be tossed for you by our chefs with your choice of homemade salad dressings.

2. L’Écailler

Jewels from the sea from oysters, salmon, prawns, crabs and other seafood sourced from all over the world prepared with fresh organic vegetables and your choice of sauces from white wine, vinegar or zesty lemons. Indeed, the world is your oyster, this time, its freshly shucked oyster by the l’écalier.

3. Sushi Sashimi

A raw bar with all the fresh sushi and sashimi prepared for you by our sushi chefs. Japanese rituals abound at this cold stone counter. Temakis and nigiri are in abundance.

4. L’Epicerie

Meat and Cheese lovers will be on seventh heaven in this room where one could feast from a wide variety of premium aged hams, charcuterie, smoked fish, artisanal cheese from France, Spain, Italy, Germany and Switzerland creamery products. Pair them with olives, herbs, sun dried tomatoes, olive oil, sauces and condiments for a real gourmet experience.

5. Hot Japanese

From a delectable choice of fresh natural ingredients, Japanese cuisine never ceases to amaze one with its simplicity and artistry. Enjoy a selection of traditional grilled sea food, meat and vegetables cooked at the robata or at the teppanyaki.

6. French Stove

With every dish meticulously prepared, authentic French dishes are a labor of love. Savour home-made seared foie gras, luscious roasted meat and carving, seafood, grilled food and regional French cuisines that will surely impress every gourmand.

7. Rotisserie

The aroma of roasted meats triggers the sense of taste and brings back the time honored traditions since 1400 in Paris. Slow cooked meats give you a chance to try a selection of home – cooked lamb, chicken and pork with its rich natural juices blended with various marinades and herbs from the secret recipes of our chefs.

8. Wood fired oven

Pizza with pizzazz – just as the Italian “Mama” makes it at the traditional wood-fired oven with fresh ingredients.

9. Churrasco

Savor a variety of mouthwatering juicy skewered steaks and sea food with matching hot sauces and your choice of herbs straight from the churrasco which originates from Brazil. Ask the chefs that move around to grill what their fine meats and seafood are on offer that day.

10. North Indian

Inspired by maharajah of Northern India, your taste buds are in for a fiery and spicy treat. Discover the pomp and pageantry of Indian cuisine - North (naan and tandoori) and South Indian cuisine (dosa and chutneys) at its best. Lavish and homemade dishes include tandoori-spiced meats with Indian and Asian breads and sauces. Vegetarians will surely have a feast with a selection of dal, paneers and chutney.

11. Asian Noodles

Hand pulled Asian noodles prepared many hours before; with a variety of broth, sauces and an extensive range of condiments and soup stocks to choose from. If that is not enough, ask the chef to make your own noodle recipe. Try the authentic steamed and fried dimsum from different parts of China.

12. Peking Duck Oven

Roasted to perfection, enjoy peking duck, one of the Chinese atelier’s star dishes which goes back to the tradition of the Emperors Palace in Beijing during the Imperial times. Also on offer are Chinese barbecue.

13. Chinese Wok

The sight of flames, the sight and sound of the Chinese master chef cooking stimulates one’s appetite. Let him entice you to try his signature dishes reflecting all parts of China whether Cantonese, Hunan, Sichuan and regional. Also choose from a selection of Wok cooked Chinese dishes.

14. Steam Baskets

Savor endless authentic steam and fried dimsum from siao long pao, siomai, dumpling and wonton from all over China.

15. Filipino

Warm your palates with a delectable array of traditional Filipino dishes like beef tapa and adobo with its unique sauces from coconut base and dashed with spices. These can be paired with your all-time favourites such as the mouth-watering kare kare with its peanut based sauce and the amazing crispy pata among the many which will want you to crave for more. Surely just take the culinary adventure and try the Filipino dishes with homemade and heirloom recipes from our notable Spiral Chefs.

16. Thai

Fiery flavors of Thai cuisine beckon you with its fabled soups and curries. In contrast to the chili dishes Thailand is known for, Thai food infuses a lot of zesty lime, kaffir and basil to its rich flavors.

17. Korean

Sizzling plates and freshly tossed vegetables await Korean food aficionados. Korean dishes like dakdoritang (spicy chicken stew) and changjorim (soy braised bean), kimchi, bulgogi , beef short rib barbeque, chili chicken barbeque, pork rib barbeque, squid chili barbeque, bibimbab , five kInds of kimchi and five kinds of namal will be on offer for you.

18. La Boulangerie

Follow the smell of warm and freshly baked baguettes, pain au chocolat, croissants and you end up at the La Boulangerie right at Spiral where you can choose from a selection of freshly baked breads – all hand rolled. Healthy choices include rye and gluten free breads.

19. La Patisserie

Sweet endings are the perfect way to end a memorable dining experience – succumb to the temptation of freshly baked French pastries of all shapes, fillings, textures and sizes.

20. Chocolaterie

Chocolates are the stuff sweet dreams are made of. Indulge in artisanal chocolates, truffles and pralines intricately designed whether dark, white or milk chocolate from the best cocoa in the world and all freshly made for you by our chocolatiers. One bite of these devilishly good chocolates will surely send you to seventh heaven with its intense flavors and colors.

21. Creamery

Imagine sweet temptations – all types of ice cream at the tip of your tongue from your favourite fruity and citrus flavors along with dark chocolates and toppings.

Enough Reading!! Now Here’s a feast for your eyes and tummy! Remember my previous post about Spiral, which was probably the most photo extensive post about the buffet ever? Well, if you loved that, you wont be disappointed! :) Ready? Set… Game!

That Was Amazing!! These dishes were served during a Weekday Lunch. Expect a more extensive spread during Weekends and Brunch! I must tell you, you have to prepare your tummy before diving in to Spiral’s Buffet Spread!!

Technically, no one is allowed to take this much photos of the food especially in detail so a big THANK YOU to my 2 Angels who assisted me in taking photos. If it wasn’t for them I would be probably be dragged away by the security! You know who you are!! :)

If you want to increase the level of luxury, If you are dining in a big groups or if you just want to dine privately with your officemates, friends or family, you may reserve one of Spiral Manila’s Private function rooms. You must spend a minimum amount to be able to use one of the rooms.

With all that I am sure you are now asking, how much should I pay for all these? Well, as of April 2013. Spiral Buffet Manila’s Rates and Prices are as follows:

Meal	Day	Buffet Price	Net Price	Kids Price	Kids Net
Breakfast	Mon-Fri	1,400+++	1,719.55	800	982.60
	Sat-Sun	1,600+++	1,965.20	900	1,105.43
Lunch	Mon-Sat	1,980+++	2,431.94	1,100	1,351.08
Brunch	Sunday	2,950+++	3,623.34	1,500	1,842.38
Dinner	Sun-Thu	2,280+++	2,800.41	1,300	1,596.73
	Fri-Sat	2,480+++	3,046.06	1,300	1,596.73

These prices are quoted in Philippine Peso and are exclusive of drinks. They currently don’t have any ongoing promos, discounts or tie-ups with credit cards. Yes, I know! It is expensive but of course you will definitely get what you paid for. These prices are updated as of the time of writing, please contact Spiral Manila for the updated buffet rates and prices.

I hope you find this post Informative! I am sorry for hogging your bandwidth once again! I sure it was all worth it! :)

Hanggang sa muli, Paalam!

_________________________________
By: DENCIO
Originally Posted On: DENCIO.COM

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Soy Yummy is So Yummy!!

2013-04-13T14:47:00.001+08:00

Soy Yummy
Office Address: 3|F 698 Banawe St., 1114 Quezon City, Philippines
Contact Number: (02) 416 4200
Email: admin@soyyummyph.com | franchising@soyyummyph.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Soy.Yummy

I love Soy Milk and Taho! I can drink a liter of soy milk or eat a big mug of taho in just one go. Whenever I get the chance, I chase the taho vendor who passes in front of our house just to get my daily dose of taho. It was a challenge but I like the thrill. Recently, Soy Milk and Taho products are becoming more and more popular here in the Philippines. They are now being sold in malls and supermarkets. I have tried a lot of them already but unfortunately, most of them don’t taste real. Majority of the Soy Milk products that are sold in the market tastes processed and has a different flavor to it. I like the traditional, plain and fresh taste of soy milk, if you are a soy milk lover like me; you know what I am talking about - The flavor of plain and freshly processed soy milk.

As I said, there’s a lot of stores selling Soy Milk and Taho Products in the malls nowadays but my current favorite among them all is Soy Yummy. I first tried their product in their Mall of Asia Branch and I was immediately hooked. Soy Yummy is a local brand which sells fresh, delicious and super reasonably priced soy milk and taho products in the market. I personally love their soy milk which tastes so fresh and perfectly sweetened. The good news is, now, you don’t have to leave your house just to get your dalily dose of taho or soymilk. You can have them delivered as well! Via QuickDelivery of Course!

Soy Yummy Delivers Both Hot and Cold Taho. It will be delivered neatly packed and it comes in 2 sizes – Regular and Large. Taste super good and not to mention cleaner than most taho out there so it perfect for both kids and adults.

Aside from Taho, Soy Yummy also delivers Soy Milks in a Variety of flavor – Original, Chocolate, and Melon. Personally, the original flavor is my all-time favorite but the chocolate is also good and will probably be the most appealing to kids. I find the melon flavor very artificial though. Yes, I know that it is artificially flavored but I did not expect to be that heavily flavored (in my opinion at least) a little close to a fresh melon flavor would be better.

Keeping up with the trend of blended drinks, Soy Yummy also sell blended soy drinks. They have the Oreo, Original, Lychee-Melon, and the Choco Banana flavors. This blended drink comes with big sago or pearls. They taste like your favorite pearl shakes the only main difference is that these are made from soy milk.

Soy Yummy’s menu is very brief; they really stick with the basics. The prices of their products are also super reasonable.

Lactose intolerant peeps, rejoice!! Now, everyone can have their favorite Soy Milk wherever they are. All you need to worry about is the potential increase in your uric acid that you might get from drinking too much soy products.

Soy Yummy Branches:

SM Mall of Asia (Flagship Outlet) – North wing in front of McDonald’s
SM Pasig- G|F near Chinabank
SM Megamall- G|F Mega A; infront of National Bookstore
SM Marikina- G|F; near Cyberzone
Alabang Town Center- G|F near parking
SM Southmall

Hanggang sa muli, Paalam!

_________________________________
By: DENCIO
Originally Posted On: DENCIO.COM

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Upgrade Your Resorts World Manila Membership Cards at Solaire Resort and Casino

2013-03-31T21:06:00.001+08:00

Did you know that Solaire Resort and Casino will upgrade your existing Resorts World Manila Membership Card if you become a member? Read On…

I went to Solaire last week and the first thing I did was sign up for their membership rewards. Like RWM, the process was fast and free. Although there is one difference, RWM will take a photo of you on the spot while Solaire will scan your Government ID Photo.

Becoming a Member of Solaire Resort and Casino is Fast Easy, and Free!

1. Fill out their Application Form

2. Show your Government Issued ID

3. Wait for a few minutes… and That’s it!

As a member of Solaire Resort and Casino, you get the following benefits. Some of which depends on your Membership Level and availability of promos:

Earn and redeem Base Points and Solaire Dollars (i.e. Solaire$}
Tier exclusive Jumbo Jackpots
Personal access at mysolaire.com
Solaire$ Earning Bonus
Free Play offers
Complimentary dining
Exclusive SMS/e-Mail offers
Participation in on-floor promotions
Invitation to exclusive events and toumaments1
Complimentary show tickets I entertainment tickets in MOA
Arena
Complimentary hotel accommodations
Dedicated Casino Host
Access to Solaire Club Lounge and High Limit Slots
Priority service lines
Complimentary valet service
VIP hotel check in
Complimentary room upgrade
Late check out at the Hotel
Limousine pickup from the airport
And more!

Some of these Solaire membership benefits are subject to change. Please refer to the updated new members information sheet when you sign up.

Now for the part that you have been waiting for! Resorts World Manila Members who holds a SILVER, GOLD, and PLATINUM Cards will get a FREE upgrade when you sign up with Solaire Resort and Casino’s Rewards Membership Program.

Silver RWM Card = Solaire’s Preferred Card
Gold RWM Card = Solaire’s Elite Card
Platinum RWM Card = Solaire’s Elite Card

This is good news especially to the Gold Card Holders of RWM because it is a major upgrade on their end. RWM Green Card Holders… bad news, No Offers for us. My membership card above is the base membership at Solaire’s similar to Resort World Manila’s Green Card. Do I need to gamble more? No thanks! :)

So there you go! Become a member at Solaire Resorts and Casino and start earning points. To the lucky RWM Card Holders, go ahead, upgrade your status at Solaire Resort and Casino! Also, Good Luck on the Games! :)

Side Notes: Solaire is really an amazing place, Super luxurious and totally something new for Filipinos. However, I noticed that most parts that are open to the public are casino areas. The place is not that Family Friendly yet especially for the kids. They can inhale smoke from the casino area and the security around the casino is really tight. As for the dining options, they have several restaurants inside the building, expect to pay a minimum of 1,000+++up per person if you want to dine inside one of their themed restos. There is also a Buffet inside Solaire called Fresh and their buffet price starts at P1,000++ per head (I saw it from the outside, it’s not that big). Alternatively, there is a food court inside but it was really small and also, be prepared to shell out at least 250+++up for a quick meal.

Hanggang sa muli, Paalam!

_________________________________
By: DENCIO
Originally Posted On: DENCIO.COM

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The Casitas of Club Punta Fuego

2013-03-31T12:50:00.001+08:00

Club Punta Fuego
Balaytigue, Nasugbu, Batangas
Contact Numbers: (02) 750 1999 | (02) 5538888
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER

Here’s a look inside the infamous Casitas of Club Punta Fuego in Nasugbu Batangas. We were here for a team building a few months back and I must say – There will be Peace and Quiet! To be honest I am not familiar with booking procedure since the company booked it for us, however please be mindful that Club Punta Fuego is an Exclusive to members facility and they only give special access via special channels… those special channels, I have no idea what they are. :)

“Club Punta Fuego is a membership club. Individual travelers may go through selected channels should they wish to be accommodated at the club. Privileges however are limited and restricted for non-members. For more information, you may call Fuego Hotels at (02) 5538888.”

Now, one of the most sought after room in the club is their Casitas. It is a villa type individually detached rooms with your own private veranda, a spacious bedroom and a super spacious open type shower with a mini garden. The rooms were not as luxurious as you would imagine but it is complete with all the amenities that you will need for a resort living and is spacious enough to fit a family of 4. Wi-Fi is out of the picture, there is no Wi-Fi inside the room and the cellphone signal is intermittent for both networks (Globe and Smart). This is a place for relaxation and serenity: Working and being constantly online is out of the picture. There are also adjoining casitas which is perfect if you are coming in big groups.

Now as promised, here’s a Photo tour of Club Punta Fuego’s Casitas.

One of the things I love the most about my stay here was it was so peaceful. I really had a great night sleep. I love the veranda, I could sit and relax on in all day long! Also their organic toiletries were amazing. One of the best hotel shampoo that I have ever tried.

One funny story. If you notice the photos of the Toilet and Shower above, there is a mini garden beside it. In that garden there are mini “Anito” statues sitting around. I told my friends, imagine if you were showering or brushing your teeth when you look outside the anito is gone then it suddenly pops out on your feet or near your bed… Freakishly Fun!! :)

I love this detached Villa Type-Sprawling Set Up however, the downside is, the room service and housekeeping takes a while to get to your room since they have to walk from their stations. Also it can get really dark during night time.

Club Punta Fuego is around 3 hours away from Makati via SLEX. As for the price, I have no idea how much we paid for these casitas. It was a corporate thingy. But upon checking online, the price ranges from P7,000 up depending on the season and the availability of the rooms.

Again: “Club Punta Fuego is a membership club. Individual travelers may go through selected channels should they wish to be accommodated at the club. Privileges however are limited and restricted for non-members. For more information, you may call Fuego Hotels at (02) 5538888.”

Hanggang sa muli, Paalam!

_________________________________
By: DENCIO
Originally Posted On: DENCIO.COM

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Awesome Breakfast Buffet at Holiday Inn Manila Galleria

2013-03-31T12:11:00.001+08:00

Fab Restaurant
Holiday Inn Manila Galleria
1 Asia Development Bank Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City
Phone: (02) 633 7111
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER

As mentioned in my previous review of Holiday Inn Manila Galleria, I really enjoyed their breakfast buffet spread. Breakfast is severed daily at their Fab Restaurant on the 4th Floor. Unlike most parts of the hotel, this restaurant feels more updated, contemporary and the ambiance is more lively and upbeat. The lighting was excellent and the layout and design was really good. A great way to start your day.

Holiday Inn Manila Galleria’s Buffet Spread is Amazing. It is complete with all that you’ll need for a great breakfast. They even serve Taho!! This is the first time that I encountered a hotel breakfast which serves Taho!! :) They also serve danggit! I love danggit!! :)

Fried Rice + Danggit + Bacon Galore + Taho + Coffee = Perfect Breakfast!

I love breakfast buffets and this is probably one of the best that I have ever tried so far. Holiday Inn Manila Galleria’s Breakfast buffet is complimentary to their in-house guests but if you want to try it, you can also drop by Fab Restaurant at the 4th Floor of Holiday Inn Manila Galleria everyday from 6:00am to 11:00am. The price for the breakfast is P892 Net.

Hanggang sa muli, Paalam!

_________________________________
By: DENCIO
Originally Posted On: DENCIO.COM

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A Sneak Peek Inside Korean Air’s Lounge in NAIA 1

2013-03-30T22:35:00.001+08:00

Flying business or first class really has its perks. One of it is the lounge service. Although not all airlines have their own lounge facility on every airport, some share a common lounge and some share lounges with their airline partners. As for Korean Air, they have their own lounge here in Manila inside the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 (NAIA 1). Their Manila lounge is very simple and very small compared to their Lavish Lounge inside Incheon International Airport. But you still get the convenience of waiting in your own private area with free food and all other stuff you need for a convenient travel.

See it is super small right? :) But you still get free snacks, Wi-Fi, concierge service, charging sockets, TV, Drinks and of course some peace and quiet before your flight.

The Korean Air Lounge Service is a Complimentary Service to those Flying with Prestige and First Class Tickets.

Hanggang sa muli, Paalam!

_________________________________
By: DENCIO
Originally Posted On: DENCIO.COM

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The Worst Hotel Room That I Have Ever Been To!

2013-03-30T22:33:00.001+08:00

Great Eastern Hotel Makati
7842 Makati Avenue, Makati City Philippines
(In front of A-Venue Mall)
Phone: +632-898-2888
Website: www.greateasternhotelmanila.com

Oh my, should I have been more subtle? I’m sorry but I just can’t find the right words to phrase it and soften the blow. I know I could encounter something worse in the future but by far, this is probably the most hideous hotel room that I have ever been to. The good thing was, I did not stay the night in this room. We were just invited there by our foreigner friend to hang out. He was the unlucky one! So Sad!

My Friend was visiting Manila and he was looking for a cheap room. We found this one in Agoda. The price was within budget, the photos were presentable, and the location was pwefect so basically it looks like a good deal. We know that the price was cheap but oh boy, he was in for a big surprise.

Apologies for the photo quality, I used my mobile phone and the lighting was bad. That’s the brightest it can get.

The room was really old. The layout, the curtains, the fixtures were super outdated.
The lighting was terrible.
Some sockets were exposed
CRT TV!! Yes CRT!!
The windows were dirty (both in the room and the shower)
The carpet was dirty
Smells Funky
There shower curtain was dirty and moldy!!
One pillow has stains on it
The bed was not that comfortable
No Wi-fi in the Rooms
Dirty Ceiling
Dripping water from the AC Unit
Corroded Shower Head
There was a big pillar right at the middle of the room. Who does that?
Everything was just outdated and poorly maintained

If there was one good thing about the hotel that I noticed was the location. I cannot comment on the service because I did not experience any of it but according to my Friend, the check-in went very smoothly.

I know that you get what you pay for but come on! An outdated interior is fine as long as it is kept clean and tidy. I rarely do a super negative post however I was compelled to write this one so that people will be aware of what they are getting in to. I know a lot of hotels show their most amazing pictures online but please, let us post some actual and close-to-reality shots! Let us think of the impression that this will give our tourism and hospitality Industry. We owe it to our guests, I know we could do better than this.

You have been warned! If you are looking for a Hotel under P2,000 you could always check out Go Hotels and Tune Hotels. They are affordable hotels offering excellent service!

On a lighter note, when I was still working in Makati. We used to it at Café de Chine on the Ground level. They offer super delicious lunch buffet for only P200. :) The Butchi was Amazing!! :)

Hanggang sa muli, Paalam!

_________________________________
By: DENCIO
Originally Posted On: DENCIO.COM

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Conqueror’s Boxing and Muay Thai Gym Las Pinas

2013-03-30T15:58:00.001+08:00

Conqueror's Boxing Gym
Address: 2/F Jongco Bldg. Mikesell Compound, Marcos Alvarez Ave. Las Piñas
(Near Shell Gas Station In Front of Las Pinas City Medical Center)
Contact Numbers: 0922.8110530 | 0919.2543458
Email: conquerorsboxing@gmail.com
Training Schedules: Mon - Sat: 8:00 am - 9:00 pm
FACEBOOK | TWITTER

I am fortunate enough to have a job which allows me to work from home most days of the week. Working from home means.. waking up, logging in to your computer, working, then sleeping! The downside? Very minimal physical activity involved and lots of access to the fridge. It sounds very ideal to some people but you can just imagine the effect of that on your health and weight. Because of this I tried exercising once in a while. I tried joining fun runs but me being not a morning person makes it really hard to wake up early in the morning. I also tried going to the gym but the treadmill and stationary equipment bore me and I don’t like weights. I tried badminton but I need regular playmates sharing the same schedule as me. All seems to fail but one day, a friend of mine posted a photo of him boxing on Facebook. I asked where it was and it turns our it was just near our village! This is it! I have always been curious about boxing but I the number of gyms are limited.

I Immediately looked them up on Facebook and messaged the owner Jo Tomas for the details, the rates, and the gears I need to start training. And in no time I was started training at Conqueror’s Boxing Gym. OH, this place is not only for boxing, they also teach Muay Thai! Cool!

Ideally you have to have your own gears to start training but for beginners who want to try it first to see if they will like it, they can use the common gloves in the gym. But you should at least have your own hand wraps for proper hygiene (It gets sweaty in there!). As for me I bought my own Gloves and Hand Wraps.

You will be assisted by a skilled trainer during your sessions. From warm-up to cool down. Their trainer profiles are as follows:

Ronnie Magramo (Boxing Coach)
World Boxing Federation (WBF) Minimumweight (105 lbs) CHAMPION 1994-2001

Arvin Magramo (Boxing Coach)
Luzon Professional Boxing Association (LuzProBa) Junior Flyweight (108 lbs) CHAMPION 1993-1998

Ramil Cabalhin (Boxing & Muay Thai Coach)
Professional boxer and Muay Thai fighter

Here’s Conqueror’s Boxing and Muay Thai Training Rates. In my opinion, these are super affordable since other gyms charge you 400-500 per training session.

My first training day was super tiring. I was heavily catching my breath! Expect body pains a few days after your first session. But I loved it. I enjoy the training and it fits with my schedule. My main priority at the moment is to improve my cardiovascular stuff and loose some weight. :) I find training here super fun, people are friendly, the coaches are highly skilled and I get to punch something. Having a hard day? This is the ultimate stress buster! You get to punch something/someone – in my case, coach Arvin :) I have yet to loose weight but I am sure this is better than just sitting all day in front of a computer.

Here are some photos of the gym and training sessions:

Remember, on your first visit:

Bring your own gloves (or borrow one from the gym)
Bring your own hand wraps (or buy one from the gym)
Bring Extra Clothes
Expect Body Pains :)
They have a small shower/toilet/changing area
Expect to get tired, Super Tired
One session lasts 1-2 hours.

It is a bit tricky to find the place. Especially if you are not familiar with the are. But If your are from Las Pinas my instruction will make sense a bit.

If you are coming from Moonwalk in Alabang Zapote Road Go straight to Marcos Alvarez, you will then see Shell Gas Station on the right side and Las Pinas Medical Center on the left side. Pass by it just a little, there is a small street leading to the gym. Behind a Funeral Parlor in front of a Church. The Gym is on the Second Floor.

Well, if you are looking for a Boxing Gym in Las Pinas, you may want to try Conqueror’s Boxing Gym. Say Hi if you see me there! hehe! :)

Hanggang sa muli, Paalam!

_________________________________
By: DENCIO
Originally Posted On: DENCIO.COM

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A Night at the Holiday Inn Manila Galleria

2013-03-30T15:00:00.001+08:00

Holiday Inn Manila Galleria
1 Asia Development Bank Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City
Phone: (02) 633 7111
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER

The Holiday Inn Brand has been around for several decades already and has been one of the largest, most successful and highly recognizable mid-priced hotel chain in the whole world. Together with its siblings: Crowne Plaza and Intercontinental they form one of the biggest global hotel group – the InterContinental Hotels Group or commonly known as IHG.

Here in the Philippines the group is composed of Holiday Inn Manila Galleria, Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria, Intercontinental Manila and the Soon to Open Holiday Inns and Suites in Makati.

Ok, Enough with the History… I had the chance to stay at the Holiday Inn Galleria few weeks back and it was quite an interesting experience.

Why interesting? Hmmm, let’s put it this way. I heard that the hotel has aged but I was not expecting it to be “that old”. I welcome the contemporary upgrades on the rooms and the hotel facility but it was not enough to hide the fact that most parts of the hotel were already outdated. I have been to older hotels like the Manila Hotel, Sofitel Manila and The Peninsula Manila which were way older than the Holiday Inn but their modernization was totally awesome that they were able to transform the “oldness” of the hotel into its character and charm rather than be an imperfection. But don’t get me wrong, it was not all that bad… I still had a great night sleep and an awesome buffet breakfast. I will save my ultimate conclusion later, I’ll show you around first.

The Check in was smooth. I was even able to check in earlier than scheduled. The staff were very friendly, accommodating and attentive. The moment I stepped in the elevator the time travel began. I could actually feel the stops on each floor – the brakes were not smooth at all. The moment I arrived at the lobby of my floor, the initial impression was the place was stuffy, this was probably because of the thick super hardwood walls, furniture and the carpet. The smell was ok but there’s really a hint of “aged” aroma on it. It probably emanates from the old fixtures and carpets. The lighting was also too dim emphasizing the gloominess of the hallway. To be fair the wooden panels has a lot of character and great pattern on it. If only they upgraded the lighting and changed the carpet to something light then there would have been a dramatic change in the ambiance.

Upon check in, you will be given the keys to your room, a couple of welcome drink stubs (Iced tea, Cola, Beer) which you can claim on the 4th floor lounge. Surprise! The Wi-Fi was not complimentary, I think it costs around 300/Hour. I know!! I could just buy a broadband stick and use it out of the box for that amount. BUT – According to a source from IHG, they will be offering Free Wi-Fi in all IHG Hotels Soon! Well, It’s about time!

A few minutes after I entered my room, I got a call from guest services. The lady asked me if my check in went smoothly and if I have other needs or special requests. I told her that the check in was ok and I need a firmer pillow (Foam Type) for my neck. She said ok and she will ask someone from housekeeping to bring it shortly*. This is the first time that I encountered this after check-in call-in service. I like it, very proactive.

So similar to dining, before using the room I had to take a couple of shots.

Like the the hallway, the rooms feels a bit stuff because of the thick wooden panels and hardwood furniture. Thank goodness the TV was already LCD and the Air-conditioning Unit was quiet and powerful. Like the hallways, the carpet needs some updating and the curtains! OMG! The curtains was dusty and the design was super outdated – although I must say it matches the overall feel of the room. But they must do something about the curtains. The bed was super comfortable as well as the sheets and pillows. There was a super old looking bedside control panel but as expected from how it looks, it was not working.. The hotel room being mostly used by corporate people was equipped with flat iron and ironing board, robes, slippers, shoe shine service, and a safe. Although for a businessman’s hotel there wasn’t much accessible sockets for your charging needs. A table or two must be pulled out to access sockets.

The toilet and bath was – you guessed it – Old. The Marble tiles and the shower/tub area looks very outdated. Good Thing it was very clean. So clean that I could sleep on the floor! Hahaha! :) I am not a fan of the shower/tub in one thing, I find it weird and dirty (its just me) but it was ok. There was no bidet on the toilet. The exhaust systems works fine as well. The hot and cold water runs throughout the day but during the morning the hot water takes a while to get to your shower but once it is there, there’s no more problem. The bath towels were not that fluffy.

The view was great. Since the hotel is located right beside the mall, I sometimes hear the sound of the rooftop air-conditioning units below - But it was tolerable. The hotel is connected to Crowne Regency and Robinsons Galleria Mall. No need to go down the streets to shop.

Watching TV was a challenge. The remote control was buggy and the labels were already erased. As you can see, this remote control went through a lot already.

*After 5 hours, my requested pillow was not delivered. I had to call again only to find out that they don’t have a foam pillow available.

Despite of all the “oldness” that I keep on saying. I really had a good night sleep. Like I said, the bed was very comfortable and the air-conditioning unit was consistently quiet. I asked for a wake up call and to my surprise there were two. The first one was an automated wake up call few minutes earlier than you requested and the second one was from the front desk. A welcomed feature for Heavy sleeper like me! :)

Holiday Inn Manila Galleria also has a Pool and a Gym which guests can use complimentary.

Time for Breakfast – It was awesome! (Will Review it Separately)

I will be checking out late since it was a Sunday. I was too lazy to go out for lunch so I decided to eat some left over from last night. The problem was, the food was freezing inside the minibar. I called room service and asked if they will be so kind and reheat my food for me (I was willing to pay for it). They asked me how much food was it, I said it was just one plate.. and they said ok they will reheat it for free. Now to my surprise, when the food came back. It was like I ordered-in room service. From the Foil to this one :) Super Great Service!!

I know that Holiday Inn Manila Galleria is trying hard to catch up with the time. They have made some progress but I guess the fact that the building and the fixtures are really old makes it a bit of a challenge to renovate the entire hotel. Or It could be that all the renovation will not commercially viable or practical since it will cost too much. But the good thing is that Holiday Inn Makati is opening soon and is poised to redeem the Holiday Inn Manila name. Like I said, it was not all that bad. The hotel is still safe, clean, affordable, comfortable and the service is amazing. Probably a few modifications on the carpets and lighting will be great change to start with.

For people who are used to staying in hotels for staycations, this may not be a great choice but for those corporate travellers who only need the room to sleep, keep stuff, and shower, Holiday Inn Manila Galleria is still a good choice for your needs.

Hanggang sa muli, Paalam!

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By: DENCIO
Originally Posted On: DENCIO.COM

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