By now, you have probably downloaded the WeChat app for FREE on Android, BlackBerry, iOS, Symbian and Windows operating systems. If you haven’t caught wind of the latest, the country’s leading social mobile app, WeChat, announced an exclusive surprise for its users in time to ring in the 2nd anniversary sale of Lazada Philippines on March 26, 2014. As the country’s number one online shopping site, Lazada Philippines wishes to thank its customers for supporting their platform offering a wide array of products—from consumer electronics and fashion pieces to home and living must-owns.
Take Out Your Gunz Dash with WeChat 5.1
February 20, 2014 by
I may not look it now but I was quite the tomboy growing up, playing on the street Pinoy games, playing basketball with my HS kuyas and yakus, wearing low-waist jeans, among others. Later part of college, I was able to relive that side when I learned how to play Counterstrike.
I’m very competitive with games and try to learn every trick in the trade. Even when I was young, I played a mean game of Mario Brothers and finished all levels until Mario, Luigi and / or Yoshi have their tongues out in exhaustion. I never fancied Hello Kitty, Little Twin Stars or Barbie.
Anyone born during the 80s and onwards can attest to how gaming is huge in all of us. The sheer pressure and pleasure that come from these games have amped up our adrenaline level for years.
That of WeChat Call Love
February 13, 2014 by
Valentine’s Weekend is here and it’s definitely a festival of romantic love again. I was never a big fan of Valentine’s Day with the heavy commercialism / capitalism, traffic and all, but you know there is no stopping the occasion. Whether you are at the first few chapters, at the gripping climax, or at the closing stages of your love story, V-Day will dawn upon us tomorrow. Dun-dun-dun-dun. (Samahang malalamig ang Valentine’s, let’s all hold hands!)
And while everything else red, dainty, and sweet are about to dominate every corner of the metro, WeChat has its own set of tricks up its sleeve. For those who are not aware, WeChat is an innovative mobile social communications application designed for smartphone users. WeChat is free for download from app stores running on Android, BlackBerry, iOS, Symbian and Windows Phone operating systems*. WeChat has 4 reasons to give cupid a run for his arrows.
So what does WeChat have for you this V-Day?
While love is in the air, you can air out your emotions
Valentine’s is that day of the year which can be as exciting or harrowing as you allow it to be. Of course, because WeChat would rather have you go with the former, you can count on its voice messaging feature to send out sweet, personal notes minus the tension and jitters. You can even go further by compiling audio recordings of love tracks and present it as a special playlist. Plus point: Recipients can save these audio recordings to WeChat’s Favorite Messages feature and replay it whenever they please.
Best Valentine’s Day 2011 Guide to Hearty Celebration
February 8, 2011 by
Last year, this site posted a Between Bites TOP 10 Best Date Places of 2010, which will have its counterpart for 2011. You can check the post for suggestions on where to go for dates, romantic or otherwise. My gut feel though tells me that these places are already fully booked at this time. It wouldn’t hurt to check if a reservation got canceled.
Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and for busy people like me, who juggles time between managing family responsibilities, work, side projects and friends and does not have time to plan ahead for Heart’s Day this year, below is a list of places you might want to check out.
Between Bites TOP 10 Valentine’s Day Places 2011
1. La Cocina de Tita Moning
I haven’t blogged about La Cocina de Tita Moning because it sits atop mounds of blog backlogs (I think my count is nearly 30). Anyway, suffice to say that it is truly an experience dining at this ancestral house that shares a lot of history about the Legarda-Prieto-Valdes clan. Ancestral houses would sometimes give off the eerie vibe but there’s something quite romantic about the dining area of La Cocina de Tita Moning.
And the dishes in their set menus are outstanding. Must haves include Paella Valenciana, Lengua, Slowly Roasted Pork and my favorite is La Cocina’s Gazpacho with fresh crab salad! More on that when I get my post up!
La Cocina de Tita Moning
315 San Rafael St. San Miguel,
Manila, Philippines
(632) 734 2141/ (632) 734 2146
2. Lola Maria’s Restaurant at Legend of Villas
If you don’t want to travel far and wants something accessible within the Metro, Lola Maria’s is a gem waiting to be discovered. Amidst the urban landscape stands The Legend Villas, almost hidden behind high-rise corporate buildings in Pioneer Street. Walk through the gates of Legend of Villas and get allured by an old world setting.
Cocido!! 🙂
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This 2011, Lola Maria Restaurant welcomes eight new delectable dishes created by Chef Michael Martinez in consultation with some celebrated personalities. I suggest you don’t miss out ordering the Cocido, the Garlic Rosemary Rib-eye and the Ensaymada Soufflé.
READ MORE:
Lola Maria’s Restaurant at Legend of Villas
Lola Maria’s at Legend of Villas
60 Pioneer corner Madison Streets,
Mandaluyong City 1550, Philippines
(632) 702 2793 / (632) 632 0845
3. Hot-Air Balloon Festival
If you want to spend Valentines outside Metro Manila, then take a short drive to Clarkfield, Pampanga on February 12 or 13 where the Hot-Air Balloon Festival is happening. Bubba and I have been going to the Hot-Air Balloon Fest since 2007 for 3 straight years and only missed last year’s.
There’s nothing like a short drive countryside that can keep the bond alive. Sound tripping, singing out loud, talking, green scenery and a breath of fresh air might just refresh the bond between couples.
Spending Valentines weekend with friends on a road trip is the best!
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While you’re in Pampanga, have a hearty lunch at an authentic Mexican restaurant called Zapata’s.
READ MORE:
Hot Air Balloon Festival and Valentines 2009
Reminiscent- Hot Air Balloon Fest
4. Speed-dating
February is not only for those who are “in-love” but it is also for those who are “in-love” with the idea of “LOVE.” It’s considered also as the Singles Awareness month.
A lot of speed-dating events are set-up this month. If you’re out on a hunt for “the one” (even just for fun), there’s a speed-dating event on February 11 and 12, 2011 at Focaccia Fort Strip. It’s an event organized by Perfect Events dubbed as “It’s a Date.”
What: “It’s a Date” Speed-Dating
Where: Focaccia, Fort Strip
When: February 11/12, 8pm-11pm
Ticket Price: PHP 900 (inclusive of dinner)
Other than enlarging your network, or the chance of meeting someone special, you can also win these awesome prizes: an overnight stay in Boracay, Attivo dinner date for two, or free make-over from Azta Salon!
For inquiries:
Email: weareperfectevents@yahoo.com
Call: (63 917) 557 5312
5. My Mother’s Garden
My Mother’s Garden is located in a discreet residential place somewhere in Pasay City. My Mother’s Garden accepts private dining amidst a beautiful patch of garden. If you want to stay out of the commercial places that jack up their prices every Valentine’s Day, then Mother’s Garden is the place for you.
Simple, with a much quieter ambience than regular date places, Mother’s Garden serves gourmet home-cooked meals.
READ MORE:
My Mother’s Garden
2650 Zamora St.
Pasay City
(632) 831 8407 / Malu Antonio Veloso (63 917) 600 8886
6. Las Filipinas de Acuzar Resort
If you want to skip town and go somewhere farther, minus the beach or heavy traffic in the south area, take the 2-hour drive to Bagac, Bataan. Go up Mount Samat and check the huge White Cross that gives you a view of the whole of Bataan.
Check-in at Las Filipinas de Acuzar Resort and get enthralled in this little town of reconstructed ancestral houses that made me feel like I was taking a walk during the Spanish era.
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Get a traditional hilot/massage at the Marahai Spa, located at the Indio House or Wooden Stilt Houses near the beach area.
READ MORE:
Walk in the Spanish Era at Las Casas Filipinas
7. Marcia Adam’s Tuscany
Tagaytay has always been almost a fool-proof place to go to when looking for a quiet date place. With the cool breeze and close-to-nature atmosphere, driving to Tagaytay remains to be an option for couples seeking out solitude from the Metro. One place worthwhile to visit is Marcia Adam’s Tuscany.
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The Girl by the Window
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This particular garden restaurant displays a lot of Tuscan character, light and airy like a sunflower –it’s probably one of the brighter spots which the sun favors in Tagaytay.
Order the Shish Kebabs with couscous and Amafi Prawns for your starter.
READ MORE:
Marcia Adam’s Tuscany in Tagaytay
8. L’Opera
Bubba has been harping about L’Opera’s Tagliata di Manzo con Fegato D’oca in Salsa Tartufata con Spinaci e Asparagus since December and hinted that he wants to have dinner there. I guess that’s where I’m taking him for a Valentines dinner.
US Beef with Foie Gras
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Medium or Medium-Rare is the way to go!
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L’Opera’s Interior
READ MORE:
L’Opera Ristorante
26th Street Corner 5th Avenue,
Fort Bonifacio Global City Taguig
(632) 889 3963/ (632) 889 2784/ (632) 899 0943
9. Yacht Cruise
I’m not a big Valentine’s person because I find it a bit cheesy and too commercialized already. But as mentioned before, it doesn’t stop me from showing Bubba that I can look beyond the cheesiness and celebrate it with him. This dinner on a yacht cruise was my surprise to him in 2008.
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Since then a lot of people have been doing the yacht cruise dinner but if you haven’t experienced it, it’s worth a look. Just make sure you bring Bonamin if you or your partner is prone to seasickness.
READ MORE:
10. Abbondanza Pizza
Simple, Cheap, Heart-y, and Yummy. I can simply be happy with a heart-shaped Abbondanza Pizza, chili olive oil and parmesan cheese. Simple evening with no worries. A good DVD to watch… and a lot of cuddling. Bow.
Where are you taking your Valentine? 😉
XO,
Janey
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Highway to Love Speed Dating
February 4, 2011 by
To celebrate the month of love together with the Chinese New Year, my friend organized a speed dating exclusive to Filipino-Chinese ages from 25-36. Meet new friends, expand your network and who knows, find love along the way?
It’s organized by Dash 4 Love who has been in the speed dating industry for almost 3 years. Their upcoming event this Saturday is entitled Highway to Love.
Highway to Love
February 5, 2011, Saturday, 6 in the evening
Seattle’s Best, Ongpin Branch
Fee: PHP 600
The P600 fee includes food, drinks, and giveaways.
For more information:
Call Candy at (63 921) 418 2191 or Jim at (63 915) 585 8285
Visit: www.facebook.com/Dash4Love
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Chef Tatung’s Private Dining
January 14, 2011 by
Chef Mike Sarthou a.k.a Chef Tatung has opened his abode to the public for private dining every day except Wednesdays. On Chef Tatung’s first official night, the Foodie Club was there to break bread and check out what can be expected of this newly opened private dining. This by-reservation-only private dining has a prie fixe menu that changes on a weekly basis.
Head charge for the prie fixe menu is P500/head and that’s what each of us paid for the 4-course dinner of appetizer, soup, entrée and dessert. The house can accommodate a limited number of guests that’s why it’s best to make your reservations in advance.
Foodie Club with Anton of OAP 🙂
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Our group composed of Richard, Irene, Franny, Paul, Rowena, Peter, Bubba and I was seated outside near Chef Tatung’s garden. This is where he gets most of his herbs.
On the Table
Freshly Baked Bread – Free
We were served freshly baked bread as we wait for the meal to begin and it came with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, grated Parmesan cheese dip. It was such an appetizing starter since the bread was warm, light and soft with a good crusty edge. I could easily eat 3 baskets of this and not get a fill of any other starch for the night. I simply loved the bread.
1st Course – Grilled Vegetable Salad with Feta Cheese, Olives and Slice of Ham
The small salad consisted of grilled zucchinis, onions, tomatoes and olives tossed in a simple vinaigrette dressing and placed on a bed of Romaine lettuce. Two slices of Salami accompanied the salad which added the salty aspect of this starter. It was a lovely salad on my palate.
2nd Course – Zucchini Cream Soup
The cream soup was quite thin but it was okay since it wasn’t too heavy. I just found it rather too thin.
3rd Course – Osso Bucco Milanese with Truffled Penne Pasta
The truffle penne pasta was fragrant but I found it tad bit dry and somewhat lacking in flavor, which I guess was intended to make the Osso Bucco shine since this beef dish is strong in flavor. The Osso Bucco Milanese itself was quite tasty, despite a few tough parts.
The sauce was incredible and I would have loved more of the bread to dip into the sauce. The soft and chewy texture of the bread would have been a better complement to the Osso Bucco than the al dente albeit dry pasta.
The other main course option was the Red Snapper Fillet with Marinara Sauce and Linguini. This was really enjoyed by the three others who ordered it. Bubba and I committed the mistake of ordering Osso Bucco Milanese for both our entrées when one of us could have tried the fish entrée.
4th Course – Mango Semifredo
It was like having an ice cream cake for dessert that had nuts and ripe flavor of mango. It was perfect to cap the meal off.
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and if you’re eyeing the not-so-usual and off-the-beaten-path dining places, Chef Tatung’s Private Dining is worth that reservation.
Chef Tatung’s Private Dining
#17 Matipid Street,
Sikatuna Village, Quezon City
(632) 352 6121
Chef Tatung’s Private Dining Album
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What’s Not to Love with Toblerone
February 10, 2010 by
Roses are red. Violets are blue. But they’re deeply unoriginal, and costly, too.
So instead, why not spread the sweetness of the season by indulging in a love triangle—all you have to do is log on to www.toblerone.com.ph for great ideas on how to celebrate Valentines Day in sweeter and more original ways.
Digital Love
Log on to www.toblerone.com.ph and check out the Toblerone Fanpage where a community of like-minded, chocolate lovers await. This interactive site invites users to share their thoughts on different V-day traditions and gift ideas making it easier for singles and couples to share the sweetness of February.
Ask and You Shall Receive
Nix the roses and go for the tried and tested: chocolates. Online, you can check out Toblerone’s gift giving application, which allows you to send virtual sweet treats to friends and loved ones this Valentine’s Day.
Mix and Match
Play a little game of Cupid this season by trying out Toblerone’s matchmaking application. This fun, online application lets you mix and match buddies online to check their compatibility and romantic potential.
Be Mine
There’s no denying that love is in the air—and clearly it’s on store shelves too. Spread the sweetness literally and figuratively and grab a limited edition Valentine’s Day Toblerone.
Speed Dating
For the single and ready to mingle, be sure to head on to UNO Pizzeria Restaurant and Bar at San Miguel By the Bay on February 11 at 7pm as Toblerone, in partnership with Thinkpadd and UNO Pizzeria, hosts a Valentine’s Day speed dating exclusive.
Whether you’re basking in unbridled romance or unbridled panic—Toblerone has got you covered. Be sure to log on to www.toblerone.com.ph and discover new ways to spread the sweetness on Valentine’s Day.
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Recent Table Guest