Search This Blog

Thursday, January 31, 2019

Tagaytay Highlands: Celebrating more than two decades of premier leisure living


Homes sit beautifully amidst the golden countryside. In the nearby fairways, golfers tee off the morning steered by the cool refreshingbreeze. The country club is occupied by kins and friends with heightened camaraderie over sports and games. And not far away, family and friends share a sumptuous meal surrounded by picturesque nature views.


These are the scenes that unfold before you in Tagaytay Highlands --- your luxury
mountain resort complex just 90 minutes away from the metro.

Celebrating more than two decades of premier leisure living, we take a look at how this favorite weekend getaway evolved into an exclusive lifestyle at the peak and why it continues to be the favorite leisure destination of the country’s affluent.


From a vision of a leisure mountain community outside the metro, Tagaytay Highlands first began as an exclusive golf club paving the way for aworld-class lifestyle in the 90s.

Today, it is now home to Asia’s most exciting golf courses – the 18-hole Highlands Golf Course and the championship 27-hole Midlands Golf Course both enveloped by the breathtaking Taal Lake and Volcano.



Facilities for rest and recreation were introduced through the Country Club for members and their families to enjoy.

Tagaytay Highlands pioneered a lot of firsts bringing in the first and only cable car system in the country and linking the Midlands golf course to the Highlands via a Swiss funicular transport system.



Tagaytay Highlands continues to widen its already extensive portfolio of themed residences with development firsts. North American log cabin communities, Woodlands & Woodlands Point, blend perfectly with surrounding tall pine trees and a rolling terrain giving the Highlandsits unique trademark of idyllic mountain resort living.

Sitting on a 3.2 hectare community, Horizon Terraces was launched to offer a residential mix of Asian-contemporary garden villas and suites. Designed and masterplanned to present postcard sceneries of the Taal Lake and Volcano, Mt.Makiling, Midlands Golf Course, and equipped with its own, inclusive central park.

The Midlands region also make up the themed residential developments such as Japanese-inspired Katsura and Yume, modern Asian-inspired community Sycamore Heights, and tropical resort residential enclave Vireya, to name a few. Residents were brought not just closer to nature but amidst its charms at the Greenlands, a community that evokes contemporary American inspired countryside living through residential developments sitting by the mountain side.

With years of development, Tagaytay Highlands was seen as a game changer in luxury mountain resort living not just in the Philippines but in all of Asia.

In 2018, international news agency Bloomberg listed the premier mountain resort complex as one of “The Hamptons of Asia” in a feature that revealed where the region’s ultra-rich spend their weekends. It was also awarded Best Leisure Development in the Philippines in 2017 at the Asia Pacific Property Awards (APPA) while Woodridge Place, Tagaytay Highlands’ premier condominium development also won the Best Residential Development Resort category in the 2017 Philippines Property Awards.  A home to be passed down to generations, a secure investment, a much-needed weekend getaway.

Above all these things, Tagaytay Highlands still has so much more to offer as it evolves and embraces progress and modern trends while keeping the promise of exclusivity and luxury that it truly exudes.


Tagaytay Highlands is the premier mountain resort development of the SM Group in Tagaytay. Nestled in the highest elevations of the city, it is a leisure destination that speaks of exclusivity and luxury, where stunning nature views and a breezy, cool climate come together to redefine relaxation.

For inquiries about owning a Highlands home, call +632 5052422and +63917 5150158 or visit www.tagaytayhighlands.com

Tuesday, January 29, 2019

#LiveLifeWithFlavor at Bench Café





Craving for Filipino food? I do sometimes. I recently discovered Bench Cafe in Greenbelt 3 yesterday when it was formally launched to the public.  Bench Cafe offers Filipino dishes with a twist. I love their take on Bagnet Kare Kare and Bagoong rice yum! , Pansit sisig  and Halo Halo! 






Bench Cafe was officially launched on January 29 at Greenbelt 3. Bench Cafe headed by Chairman Ben Chan and COO father and son tandem Rikki and Eric Dee graced the event. 

No other local brand carries Filipino pride quite like Bench. With a diverse product line that crosses over seamlessly from retail to food, Bench has established itself as a champion of Filipino craftsmanship, style, and, this past year, culinary heritage.





As the brand’s most recent innovation, dining concept restaurant Bench Café, celebrates its first anniversary at the Bench flagship store in Bonifacio High Street, it also announces its expansion through a second branch, which is now open in Greenbelt 3.



A partnership between FOODEE Global Concepts, one of Manila’s largest multi-brand food groups run by father and son tandem Rikki and Eric Dee, and Suyen Corporation, headed by Chairman Ben Chan, President Virgilio Lim and Vice-President for business development Bryan Lim, Bench Café is now turning into a full-fledged restaurant with the opening of its second branch. With over three decades of experience under its belt, the FOODEE group created a restaurant concept that was uniquely Bench, applying Suyen’s retail philosophies to what — in just a year — became a successful culinary venture.


 Chief Operating Officer of FOODEE Global Concepts Eric Dee shares, “Bench Café brings traditions from all over the islands to create flavors that are distinctively Filipino, in a style that is uniquely Bench, and that is casual but sophisticated, simple but substantial, local but global — all at good price points. We are proud and happy to continue to partner with Suyen Corporation in Bench Café’s expansion and bringing its unique flavors to more Filipinos as we open our second restaurant in Greenbelt 3.”



Imbibing Bench’s social media hashtag and overall thrust, #LiveLifeWithFlavor, Bench Café celebrates classic Filipino dishes by giving them a global, sophisticated twist, much like what the brand does with their retail endeavors. The restaurant’s growing popularity is owed to a unique dining concept that delivers a sensory experience through its well-designed and inviting interiors, and a mouth-watering selection of interesting and satisfying dishes.



On the menu are Filipino favorites with elements of traditional and modern Pinoy cooking, and fusion meals that adopts culinary traditions from different cultures. This, combined with its commitment to using only high-quality local ingredients, has made Bench Café a go-to restaurant for office workers looking for a delicious and satisfying lunch, families and kids bonding over food on weekends and companies celebrating milestones for special events.

Must-tries include the Sisig Lettuce Cups with Calamansi Foamthe Crispy Lumpia Cones with Tinapa Mousse and Salsa, the Tsoknut Ice Cream Sandwich (toasted ensaymada filled with tsoknut ice cream), and the Flan B (leche flan with macapuno).





The menu also features Bench/To, which is inspired by bento meals of Japan but reimagined to
fit the Filipino tradition of family dining. Combos include the B6 (Dancing Fish, Kaldereta, Crispy Dilis, Bench Salsa, plain rice), the B8 (Lechon Kawali, LaingAtsara, Bench Salsa, plain rice), and the B12 (Pork BBQ, Gising-Gising, Green Mango Salad, Bench Salsa, plain rice). The café also features other Pinoy dining table staples such as street food, rice, silog, merienda, halo-halo, and kapeng barako.


* * *






Bench Café is located at the second floor of the newly opened Bench flagship store at 9th Ave. cor. Lane O, Bonifacio High Street, BGC, and at 2/F of Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center Makati. For more updates, follow Bench Café on Facebook and @benchcafeph on Instagram.


Bring a piece of home wherever you go with Goldilocks’ PINOYDELI Line!




My sister's favorite pasalubong from the Philippines is Goldilocks Polvoron. She always asked for it when a balikbayan or relative is going to Manila.

Last year when she was on a short vacation she discovered Goldilocks Pinoy Deli Line from SM North. I remember her packing and tucking  carefully  inside her luggage . She told that when she craved for Pinoy dishes.
Goldilocks Pinoy Deli is the perfect meal to go with everything. 



Over the past few years, people from all over the world, have come to know Filipinos for their friendly personalities and their delicious food. Nowadays it is often a regular occurrence for foreigners to mention their favorite Filipino dishes whenever conversations about delicacies occur. 
All this is credited to our Balikbayans, these modern-day heroes often bring a small piece of the Philippines wherever they are in the world and they love sharing our local dishes during parties or get togethers.



However, as the process of bringing our local dishes is often troublesome for our Balikbayans.
Often leaving them to bring home large boxes of perishable goods. It was then that Goldilocks, the country’s number one bakeshop created their famous PINOYDELIline, serving ready to eat Filipino favorites in easy to carry packs!


Bring a piece of home wherever you go with Goldilocks’ PINOYDELI Line! A collection of Filipino classics ranging from delicious sauces such as Sweet Chili Sauceand Spiced Vinegar. Original Filipino Dishes such as Savory Laing and Spicy Beef Calderetaand even authentic condiments such as Spicy Shrimp Paste,giving you multiple options to satisfy allofyour Pinoy cravings!



While for those looking for something sweet can alternatively opt for the Goldilocks’ SWEET TREATS line which include Goldilocks signature Polvoron and Popcorn treats which come in a large selection of flavors! All of which serve as perfect “BALIK-BAON” gifts for our Balikbayans to share with people all over the world!



Grab these and other BALIK-BAON goodies at any Goldilocks Bakeshop and FoodStore nationwide! For more information, you may also follow Goldilocks on Twitter or Instagram at @GoldilocksPH, on the Goldilocks Facebook page, or at the official Goldilocks website at www.goldilocks.com.ph


Monday, January 28, 2019

Spread the love this Valentines and grab these treats at any Goldilocks Bakeshop


From hilarious gifts to the sweetest "I love you's".   There are just so many things to get for the love of your life.  Work your way to his stomach first and worry about what he like for gift later. 

As the month of love approaches, the most difficult problem is thinking of what to get your special someone. Staple gifts such as flowers and chocolate boxes often run out of stock in a blink of the eye. However, when thinking of gifts, you do not need to limit yourself to these two. It is often genuine gifts that come straight from the heart that are most effective when expressing gratitude.






With this in mind, Goldilocks’ the country’s number one bakeshop is happy to announce their Valentine’s Day lineup. A collection filled with all kinds of treats catered specifically for the season of love. 

Those looking to add a sweeter touch to their gift this year can avail of the Goldilocks’ Classic Chocolate Delight Cake, a deliciously crafted chocolate topped with a special ValentinesDay message made especially for your special someone. This,along with delectable valentines themed lollipops, Valentines themed snack cakes, and Goldilocks’ staple Greeting Cakes can be the perfect add on to any Valentine’s Day Celebration. 



Spread the love this Valentines and grab these and other treats at any Goldilocks Bakeshop, nationwide. For more information, you may also follow Goldilocks on Twitter or Instagram at @GoldilocksPH, on the Goldilocks Facebook page, or at the official Goldilocks website at www.goldilocks.com.ph

ArkAngel won the Predator League PUBG Philippine Finals held at Glorietta




Predator League PUBG Philippine Finals was recently held at Glorietta Activity Center last January 27 and joined by over 16 Top Teams from all over the Philippines.  ArkAngel with (168 points) composed of – Mark Christian Dedal, Christian Estrella, Dan Noya, and Kirk Robin Amable won the championship. 

ArkAngel with Alodia 


With the addition of PUBG on its second year, Predator League is one the biggest eSports tournaments worldwide. Only the best of the best teams from 13 participating countries will fight for the Predator Shield and prove to be the greatest e-sports team in the region.








Over PHP200,000 in cash prizes and the chance to represent the country in one of the most prestigious PlayerUnkown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG) competitions in Pan Asia Pacific are at stake in the Predator League PUBG Philippine Finals on January 26 at the High Grounds Café and and January 27 at Glorietta Activity Center.

A total of 16 top teams from all over the Philippines – Team No Future, Miraculum, TNC, ArkAngel, Anonymous Ilonggos, Nirvana, Vulture Gaming, Mistah, DPT, AdMiral, Ronin, 5peaks, Patriots, Vortexfarm, NCGC Vortex, and Bosons– compete for the Philippine championship title.

The team with the highest score wins, determined by a pointing system with a total of 12 action-packed rounds. The team will also get a chance to represent the Philippines at the Predator League Finals 2019 in Thailand on February 15 – 17, 2019 for a chance to get a slice of the USD 400,000 pool prize.





Predator has the most complete line of gaming devices ranging from laptops, desktops, and monitors with the latest technologies, enhancing the eSports community's gaming experience—truly the best gaming monitor in the market.

"Predator’s support for this tournament reinforces the brand’s commitment to the gaming industry in the Philippines and in the region. We are very happy to share the opportunity to show the world how exceptional our homegrown gamers are, not only in DOTA2 but also in PUBG," said Sue Ong-Lim, Predator Philippines Sales and Marketing Director.

To also give the public of what an ultimate gaming experience feels like, the Predator Thronos Gaming Chair was also revealed during the competition.

The majestic Predator Thronos’ steel structure is 1.5-meter tall. Its motorized cockpit for adjusting your screen setup comes in dual-tone black with blue-white accents. The reimagined gaming chair lets the gamer live inside the game as it vibrates in synchronization with sound the games produce.  

The chair is adjustable and includes an ergonomic seat design, footrest, and a cabin that reclines up to 140 degrees. The overhead brace supports three 27-inch gaming monitors and a space for a Predator gaming PC. Integrated with a Predator PC and triple Predator monitors plus gadgets, the Predator Thronos is really more than a gaming chair—it’s a gamer’s wild, ultimate cave.

Predator Thronos is customizable depending on the gamer’s preference. Its CPU is interchangeable from POS-610 RGB, PO9-500 RGB to the best option P09-900 RGB and its monitor from Nitro XV272U P, Nitro XV273K P to the much-raved Predator XB273K. Predator offers three packages with SRP starting at PHP 699,999.

 
Sue Ong-Lim, Predator Philippines Sales and Marketing Director

FINAL STANDING (12 OF 12 ROUNDS)

CHAMPION: ArkAngel (168 points) – Mark Christian Dedal, Christian Estrella, Dan Noya, and Kirk Robin Amable

1ST RUNNER UP: Vortex Farm (128 points) – Mark Chin, Mark Nerosa, Christian Prajes, and Kanakann Namia

2ND RUNNER UP: NCGC Vortex (103 points) – Jessie Jude Aparece, Jellicoe Piloto, Resmark Wating, and Christopher John Canete

5th Ronin (75 points); 6th Bosons (74 points); 7th Patriots (71 points); 8th 5PEAKS (68 points); 9th Miraculum (59 points); 10th A Ilongos (46 points); 11th Mistah (46 points); 12th TNC (42 points); 13th Nirvana (41 points); 14th Vulture Gaming (35 points); 15th AdMiral (35 points); 16th DPT (21 points).


Presotea PH: Get the most flavoursome brew every time you order a cup


If you want the taste of “real” tea , not the sickly uber sweet iced concoctions that you find in some tea shops in  Manila. Then you have to try Presotea PH and indulge with your favorite cup. Yes, the famous Presotea from Taiwan is now here in Manila.

Presotea PH carefully brewed teas from a high pressure espresso-type machine.

Its brew to order, while you wait. When I order any cup of teas. I always customize it with less ice, no sugar. To have a real deal of my tea and enjoy the aroma.

At Presotea, you get the most flavoursome brew everytime you order your favorite cup whether youre a milk tea lover or a fruit tea addict. And they have a variety of teas and sinkers to choose from.



Blueberry Aloe Vera

This is my instant favorite the Blueberry Aloe Vera. No sugar added (or you can request for stevia).


When you had a taste of legit  milk teas/ fruit/brewed teas in Taiwan. You know you'll keep coming back for more. We had our short but sweet vacation in Taiwan last November. We stayed in the Ximending area. We enjoyed our tea hopping and tasted everything from milk tea, fruit and brewed teas in every tea shops.  I remember ordering a Jasmine Green Milk Tea from Presotea.  It was the best milk tea that I had. The milk and sugar is not overpowering. You get to taste the jasmine tea.





That's why we were surprised when we got an invite to a Presotea event in Robinsons Magnolia. The Presotea that we got to visit in Taipei is now here in Manila! How's that? Now we have a legit and healthy tea shop here.



You can customize your order according to your preference and diet.

I ordered Blueberry Aloe Vera no sugar with coconut jelly and Peach tea with real peach wedges and extra pearls.  I love the flavors complimenting each other.  Its refreshing and healthy too. Ill try to order some of their Best Sellers next time. My partner enjoyed his PPJ (Pearl, Pudding and Jelly) milk tea their bestseller.





You can also try their Top 10 Drinks



Japanese Milk Tea Macchiato with Red Bean

Blueberry Aloe Vera (My personal favorite)

Signature Fruit Tea Fusion

A-li-shan Iced Tea

Signature Tea Latte with Pearl

PPJ Milk Tea

Matcha Latte with Red Bean and White Pearl

QQ Passion Fruit Tea

White Peach Tea Macchiato

Apple Passion Yakult






Presotea PH is now open  at Robinsons Magnolia and SM Cherry Shaw

Sunday, January 27, 2019

Feel the enduring sounds of love struck passion surround you in a two-night serenade with “Sergio Mendes: A Valentine’s Day Concert”



                        
Valentines will be a bigger celebration as cool bossanova, jazz and funk tunes sizzle. Brazil’s cool, Sergio Mendes will set your hearts and groove ablaze with his back-to-back concert “Sergio Mendes: A Valentine’s Day Concert” happening on February 14 and 15, 2019 at The Tent at Solaire.



The Brazilian superstar will be the first international artist that will grace the resort’s newest venue as it draws in and stages grander events. “We want to continue elevating the Solaire experience through a vast roster of stay, dine and event offers that everyone can enjoy. Valentine’s Day is one occasion that couples, families, or groups of friends treat with specialty. Choose to celebrate with us by booking one of our highly acclaimed five-star spaces, dining at any of our multi-awarded restaurants, and seeing one of the world’s most recognized musicians in our Valentine concert, to get the best of what Solaire has to offer.” says Lorenzo Manalang, Solaire’s Vice President for Brand and Marketing. 

Sergio Mendes’ influence in the music industry spans five decades and counting. He is best known for being responsible for the rise of Brazilian music in the international scene. He began his world journey with performances in Europe, the Middle East and Asia, and not long after, in the United States. His “Brasil 66” hit a milestone for being the first album to be sung entirely in Portuguese that reached the top 5 of the famous Billboard magazine with “Mas Que Nada” as its flag bearer single. Adapting to the changing music landscape, he has expanded his reach by venturing into other genres to mix into his and collaborating with new-age artists. Sergio has worked with Black Eyed Peas front man Will.i.am, Justin Timberlake, and John Legend among many others, and extended his expertise for the successful animated film Rio and its sequel, Rio 2. 

Feel the enduring sounds of love struck passion surround you in a two-night serenade with cupid’s bow. For tickets to “Sergio Mendes: A Valentine’s Day Concert”, you can call TicketWorld at 891-9999.









Saturday, January 26, 2019

Get timeless vintage inspired jewelry at My Diamond Jewelry




Vintage jewelry’s beauty, complexity, and elegance never go out of style. This is why My Diamond draws inspiration from the romantic era for an exquisite collection of rings, earrings, and bracelets for the modern woman.

The vintage-inspired new collection of My Diamond jewelry is a fusion of classical and modern beauty, hand-crafted by skilled artisans and set with top-tier color and clarity diamonds to bring out women’s timeless true brilliance.




Since their popularity in the seventeenth century, drop earrings have been a glamorous status symbol in high society. Worn best on a lady with her hair up, My Diamond’s dazzling double-sided drop earrings are standout pieces perfect for special occasions or a romantic night out.




My Diamond jewelry blends vintage and modern chic



From My Diamond’s ring collection,come two elegant and elaborately designed pieces:

The Engagement Ring and the Half Eternity Ring which feature intricate twirls and a round shaped illusion diamond set in a classic prong. Both rings are inspired by design techniques that trace back to periods past, when master craftsmen painstakingly carved slender curls on bespoke jewelry commissioned by nobles.



My Diamond’s Petite Diamond Chain Bracelets are simple yet beautiful pieces for refined women. They are gorgeous worn solo or combined with other bracelets. These represent eternal love and the power of human connection from the circle linked, without beginning norend, to other circles.

 Ayala Center Cebu, Festival Supermall, Gateway Mall, Glorietta 4, Greenbelt 3, Lucky Chinatown Mall, Robinsons Place Manila, SM Lanang Premier Davao, SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall and SM Aura Premier. For more information, like and follow My Diamond on Facebook and Instagram: MyDiamondPH. Browse and explore the new My Diamond website at www.mydiamond.com.ph

Friday, January 25, 2019

Be Hair-Free this Valentines Day and Give yourself some "Hair -Xtra Lovin"



Before Valentines Day , you have all the time to pamper yourself and get rid of that extra hair in your armpits, legs or dare yourself to be hair-free down there. Its a clean feeling, once you try it, you'll keep on coming back every month. Its kind of liberating. I know. Wink. =)


It’s February and love is in the hair…or the absence of it! And since it’s the month of love, why not give some X-tra tender loving care to someone you’ve oftentimes overlooked and neglected? YOURSELF.



While you and everyone else will be celebrating with your loved ones on February 14th, don’t forget that February 13 is also the “National Self-Love Day”, a time when you have to go look at yourself in the mirror and say: “No one deserves my love everyday more than myself.”

So, if you are planning to give yourself some extra pampering this ‘love month’, visit HAIR X REMOVAL and check out what services you can avail of, with no downtime!



HairX offers hair removal procedures using the latest state-of-the-art technology such as IPL hair treatments, Diode Laser machine, Lycon wax and threading procedures. The IPL hair treatment (“Intense Pulsed Light”) uses a broad-spectrum, visible light that’s devised to remove shorter wavelengths and target the melanin pigment in the hairs located specific areas of the body.

Let the world pass you by even for just a couples of hours as you enjoy HairX facials (Glow, Aqua and Pristine), Skin Lightening Treatments (AquaLite, PristineLite, IV Glutathione, IV Placenta and IV Cinderella), Full Body Body Massage, Foot Reflexology and even Power Brows Microblading.



As a special treat,  HairX will have a promo for Feb: Buy 1 Get 1 on Glow Facial, Pristine Facial and Pristinelite skin lightening services.

You deserve it and February is just the beginning. You know you need to get pampered regularly and HairX is ready to indulge you with its affordable and worry-free hair removal and beauty procedures that will make you look good and feel good, anytime of the year. 

HAIRX REMOVAL is a local concept inspired by Musee, Japan’s No.1 Hair Removal salon.

HairX caters to men and women from 14-40 years old. Visit HairX Hair Removal at the 2nd Level, Conrad S Maison, Marina Way, Mall of Asia Complex, 1300 Pasay City T: (02) 772-4587 M: 0915-774-3139 Operations: Mon-Sun (10:00AM - 10:00PM). HairX Hair Removal BGC branch is located at 2F Eight Forbes Town Road, Forbes Town Center, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig T: (02) 403-6346 M: 0977-855-5793; Operations: Mon-Sun (11:00AM - 8:00PM). Facebook: Hairxph / Instagram:hairxhairremoval.



"Under a Piaya Moon" and "Last Shift" Triumph at First-Ever Puregold CinePanalo Awards Night

“ Under a Piaya Moon” and “Last Shift” bagged the coveted Pinakapanalong Pelikula awards in the full-length and short film categories respe...