World Class Fashion + Mom's Best Dishes at Sofitel Manila's Spiral on Mother's Day!

We had the grandest time a few days ago during the press preview of Sofitel Manila's Mothers and Fathers Day celebration at the home of the best buffet in Manila - the posh Spiral. It was so touching to see a couple or more people from the hotel taking time out and presented to us a different way to celebrate an awesome day for Moms and Dads. All the executive Chefs of Spiral went out and whipped up the favorite dishes of their Moms. It's that same thing you always wanted to have when you come home. From their personal heirloom recipes to your table, Spiral presents another epic celebration this coming May 12 as they flaunt good food plus a special fashion show with the works of esteemed LA Fashion Week featured designer Ms. Pia Gladys Perey and International Formula race driver turned designer Michael Bumgarner. The names alone got me giddy, I was delighted to see them all in one spot!

Saw Sofitel Manila's GM Adam Laker's gorgeous wife and kid during the event, ain't that a pretty picture? Too cute I tell you, too cute!

 It was also time for the Chefs to come out and tell their stories about how their Mothers and Fathers were able to influence them in cooking. With the premise to display their personal home cooked favorites at Spiral, things were really about to get even better!

It was so nice seeing them in a different light. They talked about their Moms most of the time, and told us about the various things they wanted eat when right at the comforts of their own home. From Italian, to Spanish, to Japanese, to sweets and beverages they all had their mind in one thing in particular; and that's comfort food. Imagine that perfect bowl of soup or rice meal that only Mom can make, the memories comes crashing back to me. Even though if they are established Chefs, they still regard these specialties as the best in the world. Of course it matters because their Mom made it!

As if the food wasn't special enough, here they go and made it even better by doing a fashion show right in Spiral's Veranda.

Gorgeous pieces created by LA Fashion Week featured designer Ms. Pia Gladys Perey (on the left, dressed in fuchsia). They are such beautiful muses! The materials she used were light and hugs to the body. It hides your flaws but shows your assets, ladies would love that.

Then we were shown Michael Bumgarner's collection. This is the first time I'm shooting his clothes on the runway and I haven't seen any of his designs. So just like you I'm seeing this for the first time. Who would have guessed a formula race car driver would turn into one of the best designers this country has ever produced. Then it started.

He mentioned that his aesthetics are classy with simple lines but definitely takes a woman's body in context. We then saw a few pieces.

Simple, expensive looking silhouettes, flowy dresses on fall-winter colors, Michael Bumgarner just got my attention.  

The designers and their muses really was a breath of fresh air. I love the drapery done by Ms. Pia Gladys Perey and also Michael Bumgarners classic and sophisticated looking dresses. You impressed me much. I never doubt that Filipinos can be at par with the rest of the world!

Spotted in the function was Paulo Dela Cruz (first time meeting him) from People Asia and gorgeous Ms. Yasmine Hidalgo the Director of PR for Sofitel Manila who organized this event. I must say she was pretty hands on. Congratulations on this fab preview of things that will occur on May 12th where a Fashion show will ensue. 

That, plus Sofitel's awesome Chefs will feature their heirloom recipes. Wanna know what's on the menu? Take a look!

It's Chef Eric Costille's version of his Mom Claudine's recipe of "Rabbit Cocotte with Rosemary and Olives and Grated Parmesan Polenta". That was a mouthful to say already but it looked so good as he was explaining it. It was a mix of both French and Italian which he enjoyed during family reunions and Sundays at their home. He misses this a lot!

Towering with all the seafood goodness you ever want is this version of Paella which Chef De Cuisine Western Anne Cecile Degenne and her Mom used to make.It's the same recipe that she also cooks for Spiral so if you haven't tried it yet, you better line up because this is OH SO GOOD!

I wasn't able to take photos of him because I had a grand time listening to his anecdotes about his life in China. He also talked about his travels back home and how he always was served this "Slow Cooked Chicken with Chinese Herbs Wrapped in Lotus Leaf". It was nourishing and tasty at the same time and it's said to have some very effective cures to the most common diseases. Who knows, a miracle might happen with a cup or two. Thanks for sharing this Chef Mok Chee Wah! Thanks to your Mom too who shared her signature dish!

Meanwhile, here's Japanese Chef Hiroaki Yamaguchi who prepared his Mom's best "Nikujaga". A generous serving of Ramen, Beef, Snow Peas, Carrots and Potatoes... what else could be comforting as that?! It's hot broth with strips of beef would just make you want this dish even more!

For those who want an explosion of flavors, Indian Chef Halim Ali Khan presents us with his favorite childhood dish called "Egg Biryani". They usually serve this on special occasions and it's one of the most popular rice based dishes in India. I always pass by their atelier when I have the chance because I love the curries and papad bread which is like a spiced crunchy version of pita. Just mentioning that is making me drool LOL. Chef Halim wanted to have this every time he goes home. The memories of how his Mom prepares garam masala, basmati rice, egg and ghee as a young kid sparked his interest and later on becoming a full blown career. It's one of the most flavorful and nutritious dishes in Spiral (especially for vegetarians) so if you haven't tried it yet, make it a part of your "to do list" the next time you visit Sofitel Manila.

Now, what else could you ask for in celebrating Mothers and Fathers day? The best of world class Filipino fashion courtesy of LA and Australia mainstays Ms. Pia Gladys Perey and Michael Bumgarner; the mouth watering food that Spiral at Sofitel Manila offers; and the chance to win gifts from brands Lancome, Sue Uemura, Kiehl's, Swarovsky Perfume, CMG, Maidenform and Tefal; I just can't find the reasons why you shouldn't celebrate with them on May 12, 2013.

The Mother's Day brunch will happen from 12PM til 3PM pegged at Php 3,250++ for adults that includes free flowing champagne and mojitos from 12PM-2PM. Kids 5-11yo will only be charged Php1,600++ whilst kids under 4 will be free. Make your reservations by email through fbreservations@sofitelmanila.com or via their portal http://www.sofitelmanila.com/en/spiral.html. You know you want your Mom and Dad to be happy, and this is it! This time, make it your treat!

For more information of Sofitel Manila, Spiral and this awesome event

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The Smart Move Launch!

I'm a Gl*be subscriber and if you are following @kumagcow on Twitter lately you know how much I've kinda resented doing it. Getting my iPhone5 was a pain, I've got calls dropped, texts that are delayed... what more could I tell you, chances are you are experiencing it too first hand. I envy my friends who already made the SMART MOVE and are enjoying LTE signals in various places around Metro Manila. I on the other hand am locked up until my plan expires and I'm so itching to make the switch. I also asked myself why not do it now since SMART is going all out in new plans, new promos together with their great services. I should have gone to Smart when I had the chance to ditch the other.

We got invited though to their SMART MOVE launch at posh Opus in Resorts World Manila. We saw more celebrities than what we bargained for. Best of all, they are all on the better network. Yes, they have made the SMART MOVE!

Here's a rundown on what happened that evening!

Gorgeous Anne Curtis Smith donning a little black dress, and her hair makes a statement. She's using Smart of course!

A lot of people actually were waiting for this. Here's Elmo Magalona! He was a good chap, and was so accommodating. I don't have to tell you he's good looking because you probably know that already LOL. But really, he was down to earth. No wonder his fans love him a LOT.

Discover Delicious: Pasta Supreme by Greenwich

You know that time when you least expect it and a friend suddenly appears and gave you something you've been craving for the past few days? Mine just happened a few days ago.And yes it was so sweet!

Arriving in my doorstep wasn't something ordinary. It was something a VIP, an executive, a key player, a king, a magnate, a notable personage, a potentate, a prince, a princess, a queen, a top brass personality, a tycoon would deserve but it was just me at home and all the Pasta Supreme goodness that comes with this box. When I opened it... it was like the second coming of Christ!

 

It was layers upon layers of lasagna noodles, possibly ricotta, Mozzarella, Parmesan, ground beef, tomato sauce, spices and herbs. Who in the right mind would say NO to that? We're not that crazy but we were so obsessed how Greenwich turned our ordinary lunch into something the whole family noted as DELICIOUS. It's even got that same vibe happening on the box!

And I did discover delicious!

Now if that doesn't convince you that their Pasta Supreme line - specifically Lasagna Supreme is good, I took the liberty of biting what's on this plate for you. It was cheesy in all the right places. The sauce was sweet and savory. It was perfect for the Filipino palate and when it's hot oh don't even get me started. It was so good I forgot my own name a couple of times I had to ask my folks who I am afterwards.

Now it's your chance to take my advice and call Greenwich's hotline  5-55-55 and order your favorite Pizza, Pasta, Meals and Beverages from the Philippines' most favorite pizza chain.

Even Anne Curtis, Solenn Heussaff and Kelly Misa agree it's the best. So why should you say otherwise?

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Creating Music Again!

It's been a while since I touched the keys of our piano. It's been collecting dust for years but I am up to purchase a new one perhaps because this one just doesn't sound right anymore. There are several things my relatives in Irvine told me about pianos, and one of them is that I can actually get some Used Pianos Los Angeles without breaking the bank. It's pretty special to me because music has been a part of my life and I just recently got so enthralled in making music again. I would love it to be like what I did in the 90's.

I also have amassed a few compositions that I would like to publish or put melody on. I already have an idea what I could put into an album. I've consulted my friends about this a few months back and they are thrilled to see me doing this once more. They want a whole different tune and we have talked about minor changes. It will pretty much affect personal tastes but I think I can adjust. It was about 10 years since I did this and I wouldn't want to claim I'm an expert. I will put my foot down though if they force me to change some parts of the chorus because I have invested a lot of time perfecting that part. Maybe I will concentrate on Pop music; after all I have done alternative music verging into that genre.

After putting in music I have to invest more time to listen to 12 or 14 tracks. I want them all to be cohesive to the theme that I am envisioning. With my friends tagging along and people in the industry being more receptive to my music, I think I can do better. I think I can be that great composer I've always dreamed of because I know I hold my own future.

Awesome Flavors and Deals at Miso-Ten Ramen and Tempura!

Miso-Ten just opened their doors at Robinsons Place Ermita and of course since its Japanese, I was wondering what this store could offer quite differently from the run of the mill restaurants I've seen in Quezon City and nearby establishments. I'm fond of these, I couldn't say I'm a full blown expert but I've been in quite a lot of restaurants like it. Though this time, their specialty lies on their best sellers. It's Ramen and Tempura. I asked myself why; figured it only would make sense if I tried it out myself... and so I did.

Their house tea was surprisingly calming. I thought it was green tea at first since that's pretty much what they serve usually... but I was wrong. I immediately asked them if this was rice or grain based and yes, they confirmed to me that they use barley for their tea. It was so nice I had more than a cup while waiting for my order to arrive.

Checking out what they had for condiments was the right thing to do. They have soy sauce concoctions that were pretty much specialized and all for a specific dish. The two Japanese bottles on the side are called Ichimi (the one with the red cap is chili powder) which is best for soups because of its pungent chili flavor. The other one (yellow cap) is La Yu or chili oil which is  a little smoky and sesame oil based. It was quite nice on my ramen actually. Which takes us on our next bit that you'll absolutely love!

One Peso Fares on Air Asia's First Birthday!

Surprise surprise it's Air Asia's First Birthday and what great way to celebrate it but by giving you 1 Peso base fares to all destinations! Yes you heard that right! It's their first year in the business and it calls for the best fares that you can't compare with other airlines. Best of all, you can easily pay for it on establishments like 7-11, Cebuana Lhullier and Bayad Center branches nationwide!

It's their birthday and they wanted to give a gift to their passengers as a way of saying THANK YOU for the past year that they've done operations in the country. Isn't that just sweet? This promo is going to be available for booking on AirAsia’s website www.airasia.com only from 15 to 21 April 2013. The travel period will be from 1 June to 30 September 2013 so make sure you plan that trip now! You deserve a break, and this treat from Air Asia's the best way to save on air fare!

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Future TV Experience Made Better: Pinoy Real TV; Atin Ito!

A few years ago I've heard a lot about public TV being a defunct medium. Although that would still be something that remains to be seen, the trend seems to be that way. But really, there could be a few things that would limit this to happen like hardware, platform, Internet connection rates... the obvious reasons. They were pretty optimistic though when I got the chance to attend their press conference a few days ago.

What is Pinoy Real TV? It's an Over The Top (OTT) TV channel that lets you watch shows anytime, anywhere on a variety of mediums that include PC's, laptops, tablets and other mobile devices that is set to conquer the nation by storm in the next few years. In the era where digital is dictating how Filipino viewers are expected to behave in having entertainment at the edge of their fingertips, Pinoy Real TV brings in new, fast and variety in real time on the Internet. Does this mean it's going to change the whole landscape of our watching habits? Who knows!

Rock The Fat Away With Club New You!

Have you seen www.newyou.com.ph lately? Well, I must say I'm quite impressed with the efforts that they have been doing and its so genuine and sincere they never even mention their own brand. Now why invest in something like this?

The country unfortunately has fallen prey to one of the greatest causes of deaths in the 21st century. The high blood pressure, the diabetes, even the heart attack. Wouldn't that worry you if you know that being overweight or obesity is doing this to your body?

The statistics alone is quite shocking. Imagine 4.3 percent of people in the country are fully obese. In around 100 Million of the population, that's about 4,300,000 Filipinos based on 2003 data (probably even more now!) who are at risk of dying from these ailments and nobody's doing anything about it. At a time where technology are making things easier, it makes people do less exercise, and less physical activity. That's something bad. Men get larger tummies, double chins. while women get larger hips, thighs and their own beltbags. It's not something good to look at, it's also dangerous to be in that state of health.

i❤milktea Opens New Branch At Riverbanks Mall in Marikina!

It's so HOT. Everywhere you go it's around 36 degrees and you can't hide from the sun at all. People usually stay in malls and enjoy free air conditioning while I sit in my room with the thing on full blast so I won't feel the blistering heat of the sun. I would have loved that when its in Boracay but this one isn't be the same. You need something to extinguish that heat by heading over to i❤milktea in Riverbanks Mall in Marikina. Now that's the perfect thing to have in this part of the metro!

I was there when they opened and immediately had my favorites. The best sellers were evidently ordered a lot (it figures) but there are some items on the menu that you and your friends would enjoy, check this and see what I'm talking about!

I ordered this for starters. This is their Wintermelon Milk Tea with Caramel Konjac Jelly. What is different about i❤milktea is that you get to choose 1 Free topping. The Caramel Konjac Jelly was chewy just the way I like it and you really can taste that sweet caramel flavor that its supposed to have. Pretty neat that they've got other things aside from this for toppings. We just got to have more!

Donaire VS Rigondeaux on SkyCable!

The Filipino Flash Nonito Donaire, Image not mine, shown as uploaded on http://sportsbycolin.com

OMG! Did you hear the news? The Filipino Flash Nonito Donaire is going up against a very well trained Cuban Guillermo “The Jackal” Rigondeaux. I am still rooting for of course the four-division world champion and the reigning WBO- The Ring and WBC Diamond Super Bantamweight Champion Nonito Donaire but if his game plan doesn't work with Rigondeaux, chances are he might lose it both on this title fight.

His antagonist isn't that easy either. Being a gold medalist at the 2000 and 2004 Summer Olympics, this Cuban Southpaw professionally has no losses, 11 wins with 8 via knockouts. The match will happen on Saturday, April 13 at 11 p.m. Eastern Time at Radio City Music Hall in New York City so I wanna catch this live. I've got my Digibox and SkyCable ready at home and I am planning to get Pay Per View just for this event. Nobody would even dare to spoil this match for me, otherwise I might have to punch them haha!

Anyway, SKYcable Pay-Per-View would only cost 499 since I am in Metro Manila. It costs around 799 in selected provinces. It's easy to get too because a single call to 381-0000 or visit www.mysky.com.ph can get me subscribed in just a few thingamajigs from SkyCable! Come and experience digital cable TV beyond clear signal, only on SkyCable!

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Carlo J. Caparas' Dugong Buhay Now in ABSCBN Kapamilya Gold!

A few days ago, we were invited to the grand press conference of "Dugong Buhay". It was initially written and published for Philippine comics and got the chance later on to be foretold in the silver screen. There are several names mentioned in the 80's film that made this an epic one since this was the very first film where Actor-Senator Bong Revilla appeared with his Father Ramon Revilla Sr.

There was hesitation in the beginning because the Revilla's wanted this to be done in movies again and interpreted by Jolo and his father Bong. Telling this on the small screen was another story because no other than ABS CBN took the pains of doing it and produce a teleserye engaging on drama and action which has not been seen that much on TV these past few years. Directors Toto Natividad, Mickey del Rosario said that this was one of the most exciting series to date that they have done because they were given lee way to interpret this freely by ABS CBN after being seen 30 years later.

Here are some shots from the press conference. Enjoy!

Millie's at Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Manila

A skip and a hop away from SMX Convention Center and SM Mall of Asia is Microtel Inn and Suites by Wyndham Manila. I seldom go to these parts in the metro because of its geographic location; but I never knew I was missing so much. I visited the hotel's restaurant and fell in love with a few dishes.It was small but classy. It was upscale but accessible to everyone who wanted to grab a bite. A lot of contradictions but mostly, I got schooled about this quaint place right beside gigantic malls, hotels and casinos in Pasay City.

This restaurant is located at the ground floor of Microtel Inn and Suites. You might fear the place because you would think everything's expensive but in my standards it wasn't at all. The lovely interiors are laced with modern chairs, tables and a couple of compartments where they showcase the actual things of Millie. She was a woman and a mother who enjoyed to travel; and it was shown evidently on the shelves of this restaurant. From perfumes, suitcases, memorabilia it had that sense of powerful matriarch personified in this establishment.  

Best of all, you can feel that you can come home and she'll whip you up homey Filipino, European and International dishes that's unpretentious, nothing fancy and just straight forward comfort food. It's a thing you would love to have while on a vacation. It's like what Mom would have made for you if she were an Italian modern woman.

First up was my drink!