iStudio Plus Opens New Store at Greenhills Mall and Does Grand iPhone 16 Release Day

It's been a while since I've gone to an iPhone release event, and this one is of a better one than usual because yes, it's actually a full blown party!

The folks at iStudio Plus (formerly iStudio) took their gloves off and welcomed celebrities, guests, their executives, and throngs of Apple fans at the opening of iStudio Plus at Greenhills Mall in San Juan City. This is also their midnight launch for the newest Apple phone, the iPhone 16 Pro and the iPhone 16 Pro Max.

The new iStudio Plus store looks so fresh, new and inviting. Their new name just means they are offering more than the usual products, and probably carry new brands from hereon. Since it's a party, they had rap RnB artist Kiyo perform on stage, and yes, I loved his performance that evening. I also got the chance to see one of my favorite actresses Shaira Diaz whom I didn't get the chance to say hi from an event the day before because she's really busy with interviews. There was also an influencer Christine Samson and one of the biggest streetwear Czars, the one and only Big Boy Cheng who graced the event.

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The new iPhones basically differ in storage, price point, and has new features like hardware buttons so you can do photography in the best possible ways (zoom in and out, and shutter). With its A18 Pro chip, videos get processed better, and yes, filming in 4K at 120 fps, it can be used in a lot of movie quality shots that film makers or ordinary users can enjoy. If you are a budding indie guy or gal, wouldn't that be good?

 

The iPhone 16 Pro would be best for those who want a smaller form, if you like theatrics and bigger hardware features, take the iPhone 16 Pro Max.

This is just the start of iStudio Plus' evolution, from the statements given by their executives, the future is clear for where they are heading. We have to make a decision as consumers, and they just made it easy. Visit iStudio Plus' branches nationwide. 

Thank you too to everyone who made the event as grand as that! I had so much fun!

CHARM by Dr. JOEL LOPEZ Opens at Greenhills Mall

 

Last July 31st, the posh Greenhills Mall turned even more beautiful as CHARM by Joel Lopez MD opened its doors to the public. This is located at the Lower Ground level of Greenhills Mall at the hall on the left side if you are entering from OB Montessori. CHARM stands for Center for Healthy Aging and Regenerative Medicine which is an apt term for the services that Dr. Joel Lopez and his team are offering.

 

While they've been doing regenerative services, they put importance on actually offering it to all ages because it would be better for people to take good care of their skin while they are still young. They also encourage patients to learn a thing or two, become empowered and experience improving their overall well being. Think of it as a more wholistic approach rather than just cosmetic. Their celebrity clientele could tell you even more about it. It's a long list, because he's been in the industry for years now. The launch was attended by Mayor Francis Zamora, Vice Mayor Jose Agcaoili, broadcaster Kata Inocencio, Cory Quirino, Carmi Martin, former ANTM producer Michael Carandang and several beauty queens. The launch was also hosted by gorgeous Valerie Tan and the super fun KC Montero.

We also had a short tour of the clinic, here's what it looks like 

Currently, CHARM by Dr. Joel Lopez specialize in hormone and nutritional therapies, holistic ones, regenerative medicine treatments and advanced therapies. It's not just the skin that they take good care of, but more so what's inside. If you are in the Greenhills district, go give them a visit. Just drop by their clinic and see what you can get from their services.

Lara Maigue and Gian Magdangal for "The Greatest Duets goes BROADWAY"

Gian Magdangal and Lara Maigue have been certainly turning heads with their various covers on YouTube. My personal favorite is their version of "Last Night of the World" from popular musical Miss Saigon (which will be staged in Manila soon btw). Before they turned into lovers, they've been good friends and just went over that line with good intentions.

Lara is a very talented classical singer (a Soprano) educated from UP College of Music, and has gone in different places across the globe to promote Filipino talent and music. Gian on the other hand has been seen in the musical theater arena, always takes lead roles for obvious reasons. Both are actors, performers in live and on television shows too.  On November 10, they'll be performing at the Teatrino Promenade in Greenhills, San Juan City. They properly call the show "The Greatest Duets goes BROADWAY" which is produced by GL Productions (their own production company). The premise is to take you to best Broadway musicals through the songs they personally hand picked to do duets with. I wouldn't want to pre-empt, but as far as skills go, these two are practically the most equipped to do that on stage and this intimate venue. As Gian states in previous interviews, one reason he got hooked with Lara is her natural ability to mesmerize anyone who would hear her sing. He on the other hand has exceptional singing and acting prowess, which he puts to good use.

According to Lara "It's the first time we are working on something together and it is a way to showcase our love for Broadway. My dream used to be with a full orchestra in Carnegie Hall, while he wanted to do it in The Sphere in Las Vegas. The new generation should know how relevant music is now. The magic of collaborating, we love seeing that. We are fans of Broadway musicals, it was a natural idea to come up with and we want people to enjoy it with us."

Gian adds "The first challenge is to do both hats as producer and performer. The team, the business, it's just the start and we plan to do something big next year. We want to make work happen, a lot of give and take, it's a part of learning together. "

"Our goal is to package this as two individuals doing shows, and perhaps, just showcase all duets. There are going to be few solos but it's seamlessly going to be a duet too so you are not going to be umay from it."

Tickets are sold at Teatrino Promenade via 09175130909 or GL Productions via 09663890156 or Ticketworld.com.ph. Go get them now as I'm sure it'll run out fast!

Gary V: Back at the Museum this August!

Mr. Pure Energy Gary Valenciano is celebrating his 40th year in the showbiz industry. It's also his birthday on the 6th of this month which is a cause for celebration. He's ready to go back to the Music Museum this coming August 4, 12, 19 and 26 for a series of shows not just to celebrate his career and achievements, but to also help in his partner organizations.

The venue itself holds so many memories for him, it's very intimate, and he has held over 100 shows in this place since he started his career. Through Gary V: Back at the Museum, he wants to help the Shining Light Foundation to help with medical assistance for folks that are indigents, provide scholarships for children and aid those who are in need.

Together with Gary, he's going to perform with his daughter Kiana (flying from the US just for this). He's also going to perform with the Manoeuvers and will be directed by son Paolo, with Mr. Mon Faustino directing music for this concert. This is produced by Manila Genesis (who's celebrating their 37th year) and is supported by ABSCBN, ASAP Natin To!, AIA Philippines, Skelan, Forti D, Conzace, Powermac, Universal Records, the Philippine Star, Globaltronics, Jollibee, Toni&Guy, Partners in Christ, The Monochrome Events Place among others. Tickets are priced 5K, 3K and 1,500. You can get them now on Ticketworld or 09279675179 or 09696231564. If you prefer getting them online, visit https://bit.ly/GARYV-backatthemuseum .

 

Much of these will be documented and shared on Gary's social channels so make sure you're following him there! Come celebrate with the phenomenal Gary Valenciano and see why he's loved by many.

DAVID LICAUCO Endorses BlueWater Day Spa

Looks like David Licauco is on a roll as Blue Water Day Spa just announced him as the new endorser together with Miss World Philippines 2021 Tracy Maureen Perez.

The Kapuso star definitely takes care of his body, which includes massages, face and body treatments especially since he's very busy with the success of his recent show "Maria Clara at Ibarra" which has catapulted him into prime leading man status and opened a lot of doors for him including a movie with Shaira Diaz called "Without You" which is still showing in cinemas as of this writing. Blue Water Day Spa does different services now aside from the usual things they do like IPL, Diamond Peel, Oxygen Infusion Therapy, Hi-Fu V-Lift, Revitafirm and other frequency treatments, massages and hand and foot reflexology.

Ms. Nancy Go says "We are dedicated to our clientele. We started our services with massages and have grown since then. We will be expanding to more places soon. We go with what customers want and ask them what they want. Today is a special day for us as our new endorsers join our brand today."

They also introduced Miss World Philippines 2022 Gwendolyne Fourniol, Reina Hispanoamericana Filipinas Ingrid Sta. Maria, Ms. Eco Philippines Ashley Subijano-Montenegro, Miss Supranational Philippines 2022 Alison Black, Miss Eco Teen First Princess Francesca McLelland who just recently won the crown in Marsa Alam in Egypt as part of the official endorsers for Blue Water Day Spa. They were all welcomed by Bluewater Day Spa President Mary Simisim and Ms. Nancy Go at the event.

BlueWater Day Spa is located in the Banawe district of Quezon City, Eton Square in Ortigas Pasig, there's also one in Greenhills in the city of San Juan plus the newest one at Estancia Mall in Capitol Commons. They also plant to open a new one at The Infinity Tower in BGC to service those who are from that area.

Congratulations BlueWater Day Spa, keep on making the Philippines relaxed and beautiful!

New Spot: ARCANA LOUNGE

If there's something that is lacking in San Juan City, it's the fact that there's really a scarcity of good bars... but here's good news. ARCANA LOUNGE finally has opened and we've got first dibs on things they offer.

Ambiance: I think I've seen this being worked on a couple months ago when a couple workers went outside and pat dust off their clothes... and I saw a new sign put up in front, I stopped and said to my self, this is interesting! When I entered ARCANA this evening, my eyes were certainly drawn on the copper clad ceiling. I felt they did this on purpose so you get to feel how large the room was. The place could seat 50-60 people (maybe more) and tables were arranged for groups of 4 or more to fit friends, family. The back side had a long bunk chair and the others were upholstered thick, pretty comfy to be seated for hours. They also had fresh flowers, dropped in several places. Design wise, it reminded me of a little mix of modern, industrial and art deco. There's a sense of it being posh, their attention to detail was astounding.

The Bar on the other had was built differently. The racks are filled to the brim with different kinds of booze as they serve hard drinks and cocktails. The bar is all clad in gold, black, aimed to complement the restaurant interior. It also has their huge logo, intimidating to look at but once you know the bartenders, you'll love them instantly.

Gourmet Nachos -Warm nachos with hearty chili con carne topping. Fresh and complements Gin, Tequila based drinks.

Purple Sour - Something they whipped up to surprise me, this was refreshing and perfect to start the evening.

Buffalo Wings - It had the flavors, not too spicy... make sure you eat it while it's hot!

Sisig Rolls - A different take on the usual bar chow. Like a mix between Filipino and Vietnamese. Again, make sure you consume while it's hot.

Truffle Pizza - One of my favorites that evening. It had the right amount of cheese, crispy crust and truffle permeated all over the top.

Sliders - If you need something filling, the sliders would surely do that. It comes with fries, which I think was also laced with a little truffle.

Fra Diavolo - Fresh pasta with shrimp, cheese and lemon on the side.

Steak Fried Rice - I liked their version, like the other items I mentioned earlier, eat it while its hot.

USDA Rib Eye Steak - They made it the way I like it. Medium, still has the right amount of fat (which I love) and buttery soft still. I would even love to have seconds. I would go back for this in a heartbeat!

Prawn Thermidor - For prawn lovers out there, here's your fix. You may have this shared but I doubt you'll do because it's cheesy good.

Lamb Rack - For those who would want something a bit more lean, get the Lamb rack. They cooked it perfectly... I'd assume this would be for those special date nights or "treat to self" days.

ARCANA LOUNGE maybe new, but fret not as they've got some seasoned Chefs and Mixologists behind all their counters. They plan very well, and honestly, the ambiance is a huge selling point. If you have guests, friends or family that need to be given a classy dinner, something to drink afterwards, this is the place you should be looking for. A plus is that they also customize drinks, just ask the friendly bartender what you prefer so they could whip up something for you.

ARCANA LOUNGE is located at the Greenhills Promenade's second level. You may enter through the stairs from Music Museum or the one on the left door of the mall's old door. I enjoyed my time there and surely, I'd be back for more!

New Spot in Town: GREENHILLS SKYLINE

Looks like there's a new spot in Greenhills that you have to visit today, it's called Greenhills Skyline and they opened it a few days ago. It sits right above the Connecticut Arcade and boasts an open air space with lovely San Juan cityscape views while you enjoy affordable food, booze and music to entertain family and friends in this district.

Food Selections

If you're looking for a quick snack or something to share, they've got a lot of merchants in this floor that you would enjoy. From Italian and Filipino viands, street food, sushi, shawarma, cord nogs, juices, coffee, cocktails and a whole lot more are available... and they're not that expensive which is a plus on the budget conscious.

Must try vendors include Kape Imperial who serve single origin coffee from the Philippines, Sunset bar for their cocktails and beer. You can also buy fruits and fresh produce from the Urban Garden during the weekends. Not to mention the lovely bean bag area so you can chat with friends and family while having bar chow and food from the stores there. You can choose from Tuna Town Ihaw-Ihaw for grilled stuff, Takamura Sushi and Ramen for some Japanese flare, House of Pizza and Pasta for those who want something Italian, Fresh Deli for fruit shakes and juices, Zhai's Delights for Filipino desserts, King Shawarma for middle eastern food, Wings on Wheels for your spicy wing fix, Monster Burger for grilled Australian Beef burgers, Hungry for Hungarian for sausages, corndogs and Vigan Empanada, Mix n' Munch for fried street food faves, and a whole lot more.

They are open mall hours and even have busking/performers on special days, go visit them soon! I'll be going there this weekend with some blogger friends, I hope I get to experience this (because I got stuck in traffic and got no grab a few days ago). I'm just so excited for this new spot!

Ken Chan's Empire: Opens Second Branch of CAFE CLAUS

Just left Greenhills Promenade while writing this piece as I've attended the launch of CAFE CLAUS at this location, their second one after putting up CAFE CLAUS in Tandang Sora QC. For Ken, this has been a pretty memorable place because his tatay German Moreno aka "Kuya Germs" used to bring him here to unwind and have fun when he was still alive. The new branch has a German Christmas theme as they wanted a different one in every branch they put up, and yes, talks are in the works for putting up about 3 more of these within the year.

 

Their Ensaymada is glistening in gold! Just one of the nice things at Cafe Claus!

Ken and his partners are ecstatic that the first branch is doing well and they've been able to study the market well even if we're still under the pandemic. Food served in this branch still has the classics but will have some special items in the menu that would represent the German them they are executing for the Greenhills branch. We talked to Ken, his partners and chefs about their future plans which seem so exciting especially for those who are in the look for a coffee shop that would make them escape reality while having a cup of joe in their shop (even for just a few hours). Here's what transpired during the launch!

My only question was, is he building his empire? Ken says "I don't know if it's an empire or not, I'm just venturing into businesses that I love, ones that I have passion in and if that means it'll all be successful in the near future, I'd love that!"

In the press conference, they also have confirmed reports about building branches in Eastwood City, Tagaytay City which will also have different themes. So if you're a fan of Ken or just love Christmas, you've got several places to go this year as they expand CAFE CLAUS in Mega Manila. They also have plans to put up one in nearby provinces, pretty soon in Visayas and Mindanao too. I suggest you get the Roast Chicken and Lasagna which is such a hit with regulars at Cafe Claus. They have mean cakes and pastries too that's not too sweet because they do use sugar free options too (perfect for diabetics like me). For those who would want to visit, just go to Greenhills Promenade and find them at the center right at the side of the escalator from the cinemas. Thank you to the super nice people at Cafe Claus Greenhills Promonade, I'll be back there real soon!

SHERYN REGIS is BACK : Back To Love!

I remember how I always used to sing Come On In Out of the Rain in the shower couldn’t hit the last few notes because yes, Sheryn Regis is a legend. 

The Crystal Voice of Asia is back in the Philippines and yes she’s doing something she LOVES which is singing and performing on stage. So they aptly named her comeback concert BACK TO LOVE: Sheryn Regis. Undoubtedly, she is one of the most powerful singers this country has produced. I did root for her during a singing competition she joined years back. She chose to live a simple life and live with her family, to take care of kids in Houston Texas. She’s had a round of Cancer scare, depression, but she has mustered strength to overcome all these trials and healed wonderfully. After a while, she worked with TFC shows in the US and enjoyed raising her kids til now that they could fend for themselves. She knew what she wanted to do, asked permission from them and they gladly tell her to go for it. She went back to the Philippines and signed with March On Entertainment Inc. The concert will happen at the Music Museum on February 28 8pm. This will be directed by Alco Guerrero and will fortell Sheryn’s life story, all expressed in music. She promised to perform several of your favorites, and introduce a brand new Sheryn Regis too. 

She will also have her Free To Love Concert in Winnipeg Manitoba Canada on Valentines Day, another one in Tallahasse, Florida on the 8th and Steinbach Manitoba Canada on the 15th. It will be a pretty busy February for her too as hey will release a single during the 2nd Quarter. She also hopes to go back to acting, a craft she loves too. For those in other parts of the world, she’s going to have her own YouTube channel to document her daily life. She’s Sheryn Regis, and she’s back... you better get ready!

Tickets are sold via Ticketworld.com.ph, go get them before they run out!

85 Years of Ortigas & Co. and Greenhills Shopping Center Christmas On Display

I was one of the few people invited to see what Ortigas and Company has prepared for the public in the Greenhills Shopping Center district. I felt like a kid again watching the new episode as they do this whole show with life size mannequin puppets just to tell important stories of faith, proper manners, or something where kids would actually learn from for a couple of years already. It started in the defunct COD mall that existed in the 80's at the Cubao district (now Araneta Center) but went to Greenhills Shopping Center district a few years ago since it was just culture dictating it.

Ortigas and Company is also celebrating their 85th year and to start off the celebration, they coordinated with the city of San Juan, some nearby schools and a couple of day care centers to get kids to watch the show for FREE right at the mall's parking lot. In the past, we used to watch these shows along a busy street cordoned off so we could still watch from the sidelines, but Greenhills actually reserved a place to watch it all, a very nice gesture.

Present was Ortigas and Co. Executives, the Mayor of San Juan city and the actual kids from the neighborhood. They pressed the button to start the show. It was lively, pretty to see and the kids would be learning a thing or two about how not to judge others whether they're rich or poor, not of royal blood, and that kids are supposed to be kids as much as they should want to.

For those who want to watch the show and shop at the same time, they're already open everyday and will have replays of the show. Just be there from 6-8PM, I went to the Parking 1B market place also earlier and found some really cute toys for Christmas. I guess it's time to get those cute god sons and god daughters some of Ninong's presents. 

Thanks Ortigas and Company for having us during the launch! It was so cool!



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WAFU Celebrates their 4th Anniversary with New Offerings!

Chef Onishi Nobuyoshi and owner Bryan Tiu

I know I've seen the Chef somewhere before, also the owner Mr. Bryan Tiu when they did the event for the 4th Anniversary of WAFU, the great Japanese restaurant in Greenhills, San Juan. I think it was when they opened the Ichiba Japanese Market in Resorts World Manila. I've already dined and reviewed WAFU a couple of years ago, and I do eat here every now and then with my folks whenever we go to Greenhills to shop. It's a bit difficult to commute here but thanks to UBER that it takes me just a few minutes to get the shopping center and walk a couple of meters to this 2 story stand alone building right across the Music Museum.

I've reviewed WAFU in the past and I don't think they've really changed that much as far as the interiors go. The Japanese look goes all throughout the place, plus the designer lotus creation on the main dining hall still looks absolutely gorgeous after all these years.

The second floor houses the Teppanyaki stations, one that we included in the specials a couple of years back. They're still good at it and is available on reservations. They're doing buffets too so if you're going to Greenhills on weekends, it'll be waaaay better. Come walk in or call in advanced, they can accommodate. If you're worried about freshness, don't fret. They've got the seafood alive, most of their ingredients are flown in from Japan too so you get the best things from Tsukiji market (I think) when you dine in WAFU.

Real LIVE lobsters!

Real LIVE Crabs!

Fresh Tuna and Salmon cut by sushi chefs who have been doing this for years!

Red Snapper and some white fish I don't know LOL

Fresh Octopus and Mackarel

Then for dinner, we had the best selection of Sushi, Maki, and seafood on our table!

Sushi Platter Take

I love the Salmon Roe the most!

They also have really big scallops, baked with cheese on top and put in the salamander to melt.

This is my favorite, although not that presentable here, the steak is soft, and the foie gras on top was just HEAVENLY

Tuna made like this with sweet and nutty sauce (perhaps from Sesame oil) was just so good. It felt like I was eating pork but this is meat from the sea.

Super fresh sashimi in this (cold platter) was just sweet tasting. Dip it in your favorite Kikkoman soy sauce and you would forget your name. It consists of Tuna, Hmachi, Salmon, Uni, Grouper, Aji, and Black Tiger Prawn.

I have allergies, but I can't help it. I had this Crab Miso Soup, really good to warm you up. Felt fuzzy afterwards.

I think this is Chicken Karaage. Salt and Lemon was just enough to make it special.

This is their Tempura Platter, I love the Shira Uo or Japanese achovy the most. Not too oily either.

The rolls are part of the Makimono Platter. It's got California Roll, Spicy Salmon, Futo Maki, all lovely.

You might think this is funny, but this is all Vegetable. It's made of carrots, pumpkin, beans and chayote. It looks fancy, but tasted like Pakbet without the fishy flavor. Might get the kids to eat their veggies when it looks like this!

Cleanse the palate and feel healthy before going home with this fruit platter.

 WAFU is also doing special promos starting from the 999 Teppanyaki All You Can. Watch Chef's whip out your favorite food right on the steel plate grill and eat to your heart's desire only for that price. They also have the 888 Ala Carte Buffet which includes an Eat All You Can Tempura, salad, miso soup, and their rolls. WAFU Happy Hour also starts from 5PM to 8PM daily, for Php 550 you can have Yakitori, Sashimi and Rolls, plus the overflowing Draft Beer and Japanese Sake. It's all there in WAFU Japanese Restaurant in Greenhills!

For more information about their restaurant:

WAFU Japanese Restaurant Greenhills

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Visit their official website

http://twitter.com/WAFUgreenhills