The nastiest (nicest in real life) and smartest queen in the Ru Paul's Drag Race franchise is in Manila for one night to do her DEAD INSIDE Asia Tour, her 113th show since starting this in February last year. She's the 6th queen to ever hold the crown, hailing from New York, the one and only BIANCA DEL RIO.
Talk about CLOWN realness, Bianca had us laughing from the first second she stepped on stage during this interview. She wore a really shiny black gown, no white line under her eyes (or did she), and an orange wig that she changes each show.
Bianca Del Rio and some of the RPDR Philippines queens.
Bianca says I'm still in drag from last night (she kids), can you imagine if I flew like this? I've been here a couple of times, and I'm wearing this orange hair to know what tour I've been doing. With the DEAD INSIDE tour, expect the unexpected. It depends on how much wine I've already had. They say never trust a drag queen who doesn't drink, there's always a secret waiting to be uncovered. Well it changes depending where you are, there are certain things that you can't do in the UK and things that you can't do in the US, same goes with Brazil, Hawaii and the Philippines. You have to find the little pockets of fun. So yeah, expect the unexpected!"
Here's our press conference this morning, and yes I got to ask about the iconic Orthopedic Shoe and her relationship with Adore Delano.
There are only a few tickets left where you can purchase through the venue's box office. This is produced by LA COMEDY LIVE. See you if you're going there because I'm quite sure I'm seeing the show!
Buffet Olympians, lend me your ears! There exists a new VIKINGS branch at the Gateway Mall 2 in Araneta City. This is not a drill!
Dubbed as the "Most Beautiful Branch", the new Vikings Buffet branch in this place is indeed worthy of that title. Mixing both Scandinavian and Japanese design, they devised a way to make this small space and make it an iconic venue to eat, be merry and do it like the Vikings do!
The chain as always want you to have an unparalleled gastronomic flair that they do in every branch of Vikings. The sheer variety of food should make you interested since they house more than 10 Stations including my personal favorites, the Meat Carving and Dessert station. The place can sit over 360 people, have lots of options for groups, conducive as they designed it lined up and cozy, with privacy on some parts if you prefer.
Here's a short tour of VIKINGS Luxury Buffet Gateway Mall 2, please enjoy!
The interior as you can see feels so fresh and very minimalist which juxtaposes the amount of food they offer on the buffet. The food quality was also something to be lauded, because their Corporate Executive Chef Rosauro Peciller sees to it that every dish coming out of their kitchen is at par with the level of every Vikings Luxury Buffet branch they handle.
Chef Ross says "This is one of the most beautiful Vikings Luxury Buffet branch there is. We have an updated menu, different kinds of dishes, we have the Mediterranean, Indonesian, Malaysian, Korean, and the best Meat Carving Station. We also are offering Roasted Duck, Peking Duck, Angus Churrasco and more. I travel a lot, I have worked in the best places around the world, even 5 Star Hotels and Cruise Liners, and take my 43 years of experience in this branch in Gateway Mall 2 at Araneta City. We always update the menu in Vikings, which is why if you have dined here today, you'll probably have to try different dishes the day after. We do that from time to time. For me, this is the best Vikings so far. We have bigger Vikings Buffets elsewhere, but this one has charm and can host a lot of people too. The best time to go here is ANYTIME!"
He adds "We also continue to innovate, introduce new flavors, it's my 10th year with the Vikings Group. Working in the Philippines I get to be together with my family and friends, which I hope people get to also experience when they dine in this Vikings Luxury Buffet branch in Gateway Mall 2! I am also happy I get to train the young Filipino chefs that are working with Vikings and their other restaurants. It's almost Christmas, so in the holidays, expect even grander food like the Roast Turkey, Roasted Lamb Leg, big Steaks, holiday breads and an awesome Christmas Menu. We can add more in the future. We are the best Buffet in the Philippines!"
It's super nice to actually see this new branch open quite near my home. Just like a lot of businesses, Vikings has been through a lot during the pandemic, laid off a few people, retained who they can. Now they're back, bigger, more beautiful than ever.
Now put on your Viking hat and troop the Gateway Mall 2 at Araneta City, they are located at the Upper Ground B floor beside Palenque. You may contact them through their social channels, or their number 8-VIKINGS for reservations.
Spent the afternoon at Araneta City as Chef Tatung celebrated his birthday at the Gateway 2 Mall's Quantum SkyView together with fans of his videos and social channels on this day.
He did a cooking demonstration with one of his avid supporters and taught a few things for the crowd. He says "We learn to cook what is available, make sure it's affordable and strive to become creative in the kitchen. It is okay to do slow cooking but not to the point of using too much gas. We need to also be economical and simpol when in the kitchen."
He was also joined by one of my favorite bakers Chef Jackie Ang Po and raffled off prizes for the dozens who attended the event.
What I liked about the live cooking demo was how attentive the crowd was. They participated well and even answered some of the questions thrown to them by Chef Tatung. They also had the event live streamed on Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube for the rest who couldn't come to the event. This event wasn't possible without the help of Maggi, Masflex, Arla, Premium Choice Meatshop, Tindeli, Palenque, Araneta City and Gateway Mall.
Make sure you follow his YouTube, TikTok and Facebook page because he's going to make more content to make sure life and cooking becomes SIMPOL!
If you're a child of the 80's and 90's, you've probably heard of Debbie Gibson and her hit single "Electric Youth", which is consequently celebrating its 35th year. She's back in Manila to do a 2 hour long concert at the New Frontier Theater in Araneta City this coming April 26, Friday at 8pm.
She's also excited to perform her other hit songs like "We Could Be Together", "No More Rhyme", "Who Loves Ya Baby", "Over the Wall" and my personal favorite "Lost In Your Eyes".
She's still killin it in streaming platforms like Spotify and has amassed millions of streams and has cemented her status as a pop icon and theater performer these past few decades. She also returned to the Billboard charts with "Girls Night Out" peaking at #4 which is unbelievable!
She's not stopping anytime soon so if you are still hungry for her songs, go get tickets via Ticketnet or the New Frontier Box office too. Remember, April 26 is quite near so make sure to get them before they run out!
When there's a party in the Philippines, there's nothing better than having the coveted LECHON on the table as it symbolizes wealth and abundance like no other. Filipinos have been so creative in the kitchen, and over the years have whipped up different dishes which are now staples in every home.
This year, the National Federation of Hog Farmers, Inc. is doing a National Pig Day Celebration.To make things extra special, they are going to attempt a Guinness World Record for the most number of pork dishes to be displayed and be served to attendees and guests afterwards. This is a tall order, but definitely possible. This will happen on March 1st, and this will start off the whole 5 day festival in both Cubao in Quezon City and in Markina Convention Center.
Activities will be done at Novetel Hotel and Gateway Mall (during the first 3 days), then will culminate at the Backyard Congress in Marikina Convention Center in March 4 and 5.
According to Vice Chairman Alfred Ng of the National Federation of Hog Farmers, Inc. wants to promote the efforts of the local agricultural sector in helping achieve the food security, safety and sovereignty goals of the country. They also want this to also help in boosting the tourism industry as they get to highlight some of the country's best dishes. They also want this to be the venue for both the hog raisers and different institutions to network with some of the largest hotels and restaurants to hopefully source it sustainably and not have imported pork for much of their supplies. Quezon City is certainly the perfect venue for this as the LGU's would also want to ensure that every creative dish made is all hygienic and follows strict protocols from start to end.
Make sure to be there when it happens on March 1-5, first in Novotel then to Marikina City's Marikina Convention Center. See you there!
This Christmas is going to be a little different at Novotel Manila Araneta City as they start festivities and make this "The Merriest Celebration For All". At the lobby of the hotel, they set up one of the nicest trees last week and invited the media and special guests to sing Christmas carols and tell us what they have been doing in the past few years especially during the pandemic.
Hotel GM Maria Manlulu Garcia says "We at Novotel Manila Araneta City are truly excited to have you and your loved ones. This is the opportune time to be together and make lasting memories especially with family and friends. We will make sure Novotel throws the Merriest Celebration for All and become your home away from home."
At Food Exchange Manila, they will be having several specials including Holiday Sunday Brunch, Christmas Eve Dinner, Noche Buena, Christmas Day Brunch and Dinner, a New Years Eve Dinner Buffet and New Year's Day Brunch and Dinner Buffet. At the Monet Grand Ballroom, both Christmas Eve and the New Year's Eve Dinner Countdown (Glitz and Glamour theme) will have live entertainment, something the whole family would enjoy!
The 6th Manila will also offer the Merriest Party package to bring a less fuzz and more enjoyment for your celebrations on these dates. Their crowd favorite Indulge Gelato will also be dishing out new holiday creations like the Zuppa Inglese, Blue Snow and Torrone. For the Italian flair, they've got home made Panettone in Dark Chocolate Raisin and Ube varieties that you can take home, and enjoy with a cup of coffee at home. Don't forget the Macarons, and Bacarons, it'll be a lovely way to end your holiday runs. They do that quite excellently. Novotel Manila Araneta City also offers holiday hampers via Take Me Out by Novotel so you don't have to worry about gifting family or friends as the selections are a sight to behold.
Staying at Novotel Manila Araneta City also have special rates, even better if you are AccorPlus members. Give them a ring or email if you want to be part of that too. If you have kids in tow, they have holiday activities for them while you enjoy the gym or InBalance Spa for a little pampering.
During the event, they had the executive from J. Amado Araneta Foundation Inc. go in front to talk about their organization. He was also presented with a donation, from all the employees of Novotel Manila Araneta City. He says "More than the monetary value that they shared, it's the gesture and sacrifice they gave for giving their own vacation and leave credits for the benefit of the communities, programs we supervise." which was very touching to do. They also talked about the hardships they went through during the pandemic where the hotel and tourism industry was not spared. Their employees made sacrifices during those times to keep the business running, til they opened regular operations again. It was certainly inspiring to see that it was appreciated much to this day.
For folks that want to celebrate the holidays the Merriest Way for All, get in touch with Novotel Manila Araneta City through their social channels, their official website novotelmanilaaranetacity.com or call + 632 8 990 7888 to book a spot. They have the Merriest Celebration for All, and they do it while seriously inspiring us with these deeds.
For those of you who don't have plans yet for kids this Halloween, you might want to visit Araneta City on October 30 at 2pm.
The different malls in this place will be having different activities for families including costume contests, a full blown Circus Parade, Trick or Treat in different shops, a Magic Show, fun and surprises too. You must also wear your spookiest costume to win prizes and dining rewards that will be given to lucky patrons, so go check out Araneta City's social channels and the individual mall pages to see what they have in store for you!
Though it's been lockdown season last 2021, I can say I've been lucky even if the odds were against me. I've been guided by Feng Shui pointers by Feng Shui Queen Marites Allen, it's pretty simple to follow and I've been doing good so far.
There are activities this Chinese New Year at the Araneta City that you should look forward to. This January 26, there's a Tunnel of Chinese Lanterns over at Gateway Mall which you should check out. They also have a horoscope exhibit so you can get guided this 2022. There will be similar ones at Ali Mall and Farmers Plaza from today til February 6th, it's a fun place to be in. There will be a section at Gateway Mall and Farmers Plaza to get various Chinese delicacies and charms which you could get Tikoys and lucky charms from, so make sure you don't miss that.
There's also the Lucky Snaps promo at the Araneta City which you can join via Instagram. Just use the hashtags #LuckySnapsAtTheCityOfFirsts and two winners could get home buffet GC's from Novotel Manila Araneta City, wouldn't that be a good way to start your year?
Aside from that, if you buy stuff from Araneta City establishments worth 2K (single receipt) you can stand the chance to win a Xiaomi Mi Notebook Air if you draw a lucky Angpao from their Mall concierge. That's from January 24 to February 1 so make sure to be there on these dates. There's also a personal shopper service if you can't go out of your homes, just visit the Ask Ara FB page and you'll get free deliveries too from 10am to 5:30pm (within Metro Manila). Health protocols will be followed so make sure to bring your vaccination cards to present at these malls, and follow protocols set by the government. It'll be safe, just be vigilant and follow protocols okay?
It's the holidays and since it's also local movie season, I've managed to watch 2 MMFF entries at the Gateway Cineplex 10 just last week. It was surreal to actually go back to the cinemas and they made it also safe, which was so reassuring and the follow all protocols to a T. The city of firsts is actually going to make your movie watching experience even better til February, see they're launching 2 things if you're fond of dining out and watching a movie, either way, you'll benefit from this... sounds fun right?
First, you can get Php 100 off on your movie ticket purchase if you
order Php 1000 worth of food from Pizza Hut. According to the fine
print, you have to do it on the smae day so go and present your Pizza
Hut recipe and get 2 tickets to get that discount.
If you prefer the other promo, you can get a whopping 20% OFF on Large Pan and Stuffed Crust Pizzas for every purchase of a movie ticket from the Gateway Cineplex 10. Since it's still not allowed to eat inside cinemas (because of government regulations and safety rules by IATF), you can keep your tickets right after the screening and dine in or take out pizzas so you can talk about the movie afterwards. That's huge savings especially if you're out on a date. Pretty good deal no?
If you wanna know more about it, go to Araneta City's channels gatewaycineplex10.com or pizzahut.com.ph when you're hungry! Go take a break at Araneta City, watch a movie, dine in and have fun with your family!
Tonight is going to be special as Araneta Center is making our Christmas even better with the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremonies. It's at the Times Square Food Park, still iconic, and they're at their 40th year of doing this. This year, their theme is "Believe in the Magic of Christmas".
Christmas brings magic to our lives, despite the pandemic, they want us to feel like we used to, but in a safe way of course!
The Giant Christmas Tree Lighting event will be today at 5:30PM, and they can accomodate a few people because they have to follow protocols. Appearing in the event is the one and only Piolo Pascual, AC Bonifacio, TNT singers, and Binibining Pilipinas queens. There will also be simultaneous Mall Christmas Tree lighting at Gateway Mall, Ali Mall and Farmers Plaza on November 13, 4PM and it will be livestreamed on the Araneta Center FB page. They will have mall weekend activities, more surprises every Saturday including a Fireworks Display starting November 27. The best spot is at the Times Square Food Park. You can also dine al fresco style including a farmers market weekend and gift wrapping stations in malls. There will be city wide activities, eat a lot and see the new dining options they prepared. Just follow Araneta City Tiktok account and the Araneta City Twitter account that will be doing a TV giveaway too. There will also be a Virtual Chorale Competition and food court promos starting November 15 in partnership with Coca-Cola. This year, they will also be doing a Christmas Promo wherein 1000 peso receipts can get you join in a raffle too.
Also joining in the festivities are Pizza Hut because they have a new Maple Bacon Stuffed Crust Pizza and MyBox promos so you can buy it for pizza party needs. They also have app promos which you can avail. DQ also has Blizzard Kitkat Fest, plus Christmas Royal treats that is available just for this last quarter. They also have ice cream cakers and tins which you can get for your celebrations. Taco Bell also has Christpy Chicken Gordita and Holiday Bundles so you can have samples of Taco Bell favorites in lesser price. GrabFood promos are also available for all brands because they love you that much.
NOVOTEL will also have Christmas offering, but you have to follow their channels to know more about it.
The cinemas at Gateway Cinemaplex is also open starting this week, it's time to watch movies and do it safely. They need submit to temperature checks, do QC Pass, and they allow to remove face shields while one seat apart on sanitized and disinfected seats. There are more events happening at Araneta City, so go and enjoy the food, fun and entertainment during the holidays here in Quezon City!
