The paradise that is Green Canyon Resort

I woke up very early, packed my bag headed to Quezon City and joined the group of bloggers and media for our ride going to the grand opening of the Green Canyon Resort  last October 10, 2014. It was a one and a half ride from QC to Pampanga.  Green Canyon Resort is a 29-hectare property located at the heart of Sacobia Valley. I was overwhelmed at what greeted me, the  countryside is beaming with verdant green trees, mountains and a relaxing fresh air. Just what I needed from the hustle and bustle in the city.

Well-renowned for its eco-art concept of a recreational destination, Green Canyon Resort celebrated its grand opening with a series of exciting activities.  The premier vacation spot in the North gave us an ultimate experience of what kind of understated service, high quality, and culinary delights that the holiday sanctuary has to offer.

Enthusiastically hosted by TV personality, movie actress, model, and ANC’s Philippine Realty host Angel Jacob, the event successfully began the event with a ribbon cutting ceremony at the start of the day that was filled with charming auras from the attendees and sunny vibe from the nature-friendly atmosphere of the resort.

As a warm welcome, the Director General and Chairman of Philippine Economic Zone Authority, Lilia B. De Lima, provided an energized dose of inspiration to the guests with her keynote speech. It was an honor and privilege to have De Lima in the affair, who is a multi-awarded public official, one of the pillars and creators of the country’s economic zone development, and has the prestige of having a flower named after her by University of the Philippines Los Baños, ‘Hibiscus rosa-sinensis.’

Together with De Lima, art enthusiasts in their respective fields also graced the occasion to take part in Green Canyon Resort’s formal launch, which included famed musician and violinist John Lesaca, Sri Lankan photographer Tilak Hettige, Altro Mondo Arte Contemporanea Gallery owner Remigio David, and Green Canyon Resort resident artist Niccolo Jose. We were also treated to a free visit to Green Canyon’s Hotel Lodge and Art Gallery that features the brilliant creations of pyrography art and wood sculptures of the young and talented artist Niccolo Jose.

Niccolo Jose

As the day had hit the sunny rays of mid-afternoon after the sumptuous Kapampangan dishes and delicacies were served for lunch at the resort’s Events Pavilion, Green Canyon Resort Manager Abel Jose spearheaded a fun-filled line-up of outdoor activities that heightened the energy of the crowd.

We took hold of the activity map that contained the mechanics and list of leisure activities that we will  choose to do for the rest of the afternoon before the dinner event. The activities ranged from a photography class with photographer Caloy Creencia to a culinary session with the resort’s resident chef, an art workshop with Niccolo Jose that highlighted pyrography demonstration, painting, and live woodwork, swimming time in Symphony pool or Waves pool, 30-minute biking, and an EarlyBerd hunt that allowed guests to have fun searching for Niccolo Jose’s wooden miniature bird creation, which entitles its holder to lavish discounts and exclusive promos. We chose the painting session, it was fun doodling and put colors on on what we called our art piece. It was indeed a very fun afternoon.

I got three Berds which entitled me to a lot of discounts the moment I come back and visit the paradise again.

As a unique way to cap off the merriment with an unforgettable night, Green Canyon Resort gathered all its guests to a bountiful dinner that once again showcased farm-to-table food selections inspired from the Kapampangan cuisine. Besides the delicious dishes, the special number of musician John Lesaca added joy to the hearts of many with the soulful beats and notes that he played in the event. Lots of prizes were also given. Photography class teacher Creencia acknowledged winners of the best photo entries, while the resort’s Manager Abel Jose gladly handed the wooden birds to the ones who participated in the EarlyBerd hunt. Before the night ended, Mulatto Band, one of the most sought-after groups in the entertainment circuit, serenaded the guests with its 70s music fever and other contemporary melodies.

Indeed, with the great combination of art and nature, which is all spruced up with a haven of lush greeneries, excellent accommodation, quality amenities, and warm service, Green Canyon remains to be one of the country’s must-visit travel destinations that’s perfect for every adventurous heart and wanderlust spirit.

Green Canyon is located at San Vicente Road, Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga. For more information, visit www.greencanyon.com.ph.

Electrolux Delightful-E transforms worn out clothes into quilts with GawadKalinga’sTrese

I was first exposed to idea of service to others when a co-employee suffered a Dengue fever stage 4 and badly needed a blood transfusion. I have become a blood donor by accident, but continued on the deed after that,  I wanted to save lives by blood letting. Giving has a healing effect, believe me. Everybody has each share of helping the needy. I have  seen individuals inspired by others taking that first step, and have consequently taken the first step themselves.

 When I received an invite for the Gawad Kalinga's Trese Community in Payatas thru Electrolux (Fleishman-HillardPH) I said yes right away. It was a 45 minute drive away from QC on a sunny morning last October 14, 2014.  It was my first time to visit Gawad Kalinga's Trese, I wanted to meet the people behind the good cause.

The street going to Trese community

Electrolux Marketing Manager, Andrea Pionilla

Julius and Mike Go of Gawad Kalinga

Julius introduced us how to press photo silkscreen 

My first try on manual printscreen

My finished product

Electrolux with its long running advocacy of collecting and laundering clothes for calamity-stricken survivors, partners up with Gawad Kalinga's Trese in recycling worn out clothes into beautiful quilts for the new born babies and children in orphanages. What started as a small act of giving has continued to grow as each person deepens their commitment to service.

 Gawad Kalinga Trese' s Supervisor Ate Lita

Ate Lita's co worker sewing quilts

We witnessed how donated clothes sewn into colorful quilts that would make the most beautiful blanket an orphan could used. One of the most touching and inspirational stories I have seen and heard is that of Ate Lita, their supervisor at Trese Community, she started sewing quilts by herself and then recruited her neighbors, together they have earned enough to fend for their family. They have sewn quilts for distribution to orphanages, and accepted sewing job for other companies as well.

The finished quilt

Sharing with this tradition, Electrolux, a global leader in home appliances, has been collecting and laundering clothes for calamity-stricken survivors for several years now. This year, Electrolux, through its Delightful-E Simple campaign, innovated this long-running advocacy.

Together with Gawad Kalinga’s Trese community, Electrolux will upcycle unusable clothes into quilts for children and new born babies in orphanages and other communities.

“Electrolux believes that there must be dignity in the clothes that we donate. To make sure that every piece of clothing is in good condition, we will sort out the worn out, unwearable ones, then upcycle them into quilts with the help of Trese” said Andrea Pionilla, Electrolux Marketing Manager. “With this partnership, we aim not only to give quilts to children and new born babies but also another source of livelihood for this Payatas community.”

Be a part of this meaningful advocacy by donating some pre-loved clothes. You may drop off your donations in any of these locations:


• Electrolux Customer Service Hub
Grundfos Building, 5548 Osmena Highway, Brgy. San Isidro, Makati City

• Mommy Mundo Head Office
2nd Floor Fun Ranch Frontera Verde, Ortigas Center, Pasig City

• Unilever Philippines Head Office
1351 United Nations Ave., Paco, Manila

• Empire East Land Holdings Inc.
11th Floor World Center Bldg., Sen Gil Puyat, Makati City

• St. Mary's College
37 Mother Ignacia Ave., Paligsahan Quezon City

• Kodak Philippines
2901 88 Corporate Center Valero cor. Sedeno St., Salcedo Village, Makati City

• Morgan Stanley
16th Floor E-Services Building, Bonifacio Global City, The Fort, Taguig

• Center for Culinary Arts (CCA)
287 Katipunan Ave., Loyola Heights, Quezon City

• Dasmarinas Village (Homeowners Association Office)
1419 Campanilla St. Dasmarinas Village, Makati City

• BrandAction Inc.
Unit 4B ALPAP Bldg., 160 LP Leviste St., Salcedo Village, Makati City

• BrandAction Inc.
Unit 4B ALPAP Bldg., 160 LP Leviste St., Salcedo Village, Makati City

• Isla Lipana& Co.
29th Floor Philam Life Tower 8767 Paseo de Roxas Makati City


Visit electolux.com.ph and click the Delightful-E tab to know more about the Electrolux Delightful-E Simple to Share advocacy and for the full list of donation drop-off sites. You can also visit www.facebook.com/thelittlewhitebook or follow @ElectroluxPH on Twitter and Instagram.

Watch the suspense courtroom thriller "How to Get Away with Murder" premieres tonight at Sony Channel

I am an avid fan of Shonda Rhimes' Scandal, I was hooked to hers since its pilot season, it is an edge-of-the-seat thriller drama series that would leave you ask for more. Anything Shonda Rhimes, will get my attention pronto. Upon learning that How to Get Away with Murder will have a media special screening this week, I said yes right away to an invite. I love how Shonda Rhimes' fast talking characters, and for a change I love how this courtroom drama with  hotshot attorneys outdo each other not to mention the law students involved.

How to Get Away with Murder held its blue carpet screening last night October 14 at Century Mall, it was graced by celebrities and media. The Sony tv launch was  hosted by Marco Lobregat and Shamcey Supsup.

This by far has the best script written with  suspenseful premise, star by no less than a two-time Oscar-nominated actress Viola Davis,  it marks her first series regular role in a decade,  she plays Annalise Keating, the brilliant and mysterious criminal defense professor to her favorite ambitious law students who later entangled in a murder plot and thoroughly change the course of their lives. It has the making of a topnotch series with its playful sexy suspense-driven attack to its first two episodes.


 Sony Channel brings  “How To Get Away With Murder”, to the Philippines and I have a reason to watch away every week. It was produced by Shonda Rhimes and Betsy Beers (“Grey’s Anatomy”, “Scandal”) and premieres tonight October 15, 2014 at 9:05 p.m. on the Sony Channel.


"I don’t know what terrible things you’ve done in your life up to this point, but clearly your karma’s out of balance to get assigned my class. I’m Professor Annalise Keating and this is Criminal Law 100, or as I prefer to call it, How to Get Away with Murder."

The law students who stars alongside are  Wes Gibbins (Alfred Enoch), a wide-eyed, likable boy-next-door recently accepted off the waitlist; Michaela Pratt (Aja Naomi King), a confident, ambitious overachiever born knowing how to "lean in;" Connor Walsh (Jack Falahee), a sly, sophisticated heartbreaker used to getting any prize he lays his eyes on; Laurel Castillo (Karla Souza), a quiet, sensitive idealist who's easy to underestimate and Asher Millstone (Matt McGorry), an entitled know-it-all born into a world of Ivy League educations and country club memberships. The students all work under two of Annalise's dedicated associates: Frank Delfino (Charlie Weber), a local Philly boy done good, and Bonnie Winterbottom (Liza Weil), a sweet, observant team-player with a hidden edge.

"How to Get Away with Murder" is created and executive-produced by Pete Nowalk ("Scandal," "Grey's Anatomy").Shonda Rhimes ("Scandal," "Grey's Anatomy"), Betsy Beers ("Scandal," "Grey's Anatomy") and Bill D'Elia ("Grey's Anatomy," "The West Wing") also serve as executive producers. "How to Get Away with Murder" is produced by ABC Studios.

“How To Get Away With Murder” premieres Wednesday, October 15 at 9.05pm, on Sony Channel  (Double Episodes Premiere)

NANDITO PA KAMI – Tiongco Brothers

One of the country’s national treasure for entertainment and Aliw Awards Lifetime Achievement Awardee, The Tiongco Brothers is the featured entertainers of “Nandito Pa Kami” slated for October 29 and 30 at Bistro RJ in Dusit Thani Hotel. Showtime is 8:30 pm.

The Tiongco Brothers more popularly known as the “Four Aces of the Philippines” have managed to maintain the blending of their voices at par. They are the only trio who are brothers and has maintained their level of performance and popularity for more than five decades. A record to break in the Philippine entertainment history.

Their rendition of the Platters Medley, Four Aces hit songs, Lettermen songs brought back the golden years of live entertainment in the Philippines. As they have explained, that during their era, there were only few original Pilipino music that made it to the hit chart. Unlike now, that original compositions are big hits. They sing songs popularized mostly by foreign singers, for that was the trend during their time. And during their travels abroad, they remembered being introduced as the Four Aces of the Philippines.

The show NANDITO PA KAMI on October 29 and 30 will be one of the few rare performances of the Tiongco Brothers. They still sing, dance and deliver jokes with the perfect blending which made them famous and they have never aged.
Part of the proceeds of Nandito Pa Kami will go to HELP Foundation Inc.

Tickets prices are Php 1,500 VIP seats and Php 1,200 Premium Seats

For details please call up 09282801551; 02-3453115 and 09228558144

“ANNABELLE” POSSESSED THE HIGHEST-GROSSING HORROR FILM EVER IN PH

I lost my voice after watching this movie. I was horrified and palpitated to most of the  fright scenes that have shown. The demon doll was good, I slept with the lights on. Thats why it doesnt surprised me that it has the biggest-grossing foreign horror movie released here.

New Line Cinema’s supernatural thriller “Annabelle” surpassed the biggest-grossing foreign horror movie ever released in the Philippines.

The film about a doll possessed by an evil spirit has terrified the local box-office to the tune of P121.13-million as of yesterday, Oct. 13, this according to Francis Soliven, General Manager of Warner Bros. Philippines which distributed the movie.

The gross of previous record-holder “Insidious: Chapter 2” at P113-million was actually surpassed by “Annabelle” after only 12 days of release.  Going into its third week, the demonic doll is tracking to dominate the coming weekend again as audiences’ appetite for a good scare seems boundless.

“We expect to continue excellent box-office performance for `Annabelle’ as the Halloween season ushers in,” says Soliven.  “The combination of an engrossing story, great filmmaking and reliable association with last year’s hit horror film `The Conjuring’ propelled `Annabelle’ to succeed.  The film delivered in a huge way.”

About “Annabelle”:
She terrified you in “The Conjuring,” but this is where it all began for “Annabelle.”  Capable of unspeakable evil, the actual doll exists locked up in an occult museum in Connecticut—visited only by a priest who blesses her twice a month.
In the film, John Form has found the perfect gift for his expectant wife, Mia -- a beautiful, rare vintage doll in a pure white wedding dress.  But Mia’s delight with Annabelle doesn’t last long.  On one horrific night, their home is invaded by members of a satanic cult, who violently attack the couple.  Spilled blood and terror are not all they leave behind.  The cultists have conjured an entity so malevolent that nothing they did will compare to the sinister conduit to the damned that is now...Annabelle.

Annabelle Wallis (“X-Men: First Class”) and Ward Horton (“The Wolf of Wall Street”) star as the Forms. Oscar nominee Alfre Woodard (“Twelve Years a Slave”) stars as Evelyn, a neighbor who owns a bookstore.

“Annabelle” reunites the filmmakers behind 2013’s hugely successful supernatural thriller “The Conjuring.” John R. Leonetti, who served as cinematographer on “The Conjuring,” directed the film.   James Wan, director of the global hit, produced “Annabelle” with Peter Safran. Gary Dauberman wrote the script.

            Still showing across the Philippines, “Annabelle” is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

At Banzai, the more the merrier!

I had a thing with buffet, I know my way up from salmon maki tuna to dessert. Most of the buffet restaurants I know offer the same dishes, but when an invitation came up for Banzai, I now have second thoughts.  I just said yes and trooped to SM Moa. The oriental interiors at Banzai feels like you are eating in Japan with all Japanese food and themes that surround you.  Its homey feel makes you want to stay more and taste all the dishes that is within your reach.

As the holidays draw near, Banzai: the Great Authentic Japanese Buffet offers more reasons to celebrate at the country’s biggest Japanese buffet, where diners can enjoy a wide selection of sushi, sashimi and rolls, teppanyaki, tempura and tonkatsu, yakitori, noodles and ramen, cold soba, takoyaki, and more.

Get more value for money with Banzai’s lineup of promo offerings valid until December 31, and enjoy a sumptuous spread of authentic Japanese food.

Groups of 6 can enjoy Banzai’s 5+1 promo, available during weekdays, weekends and holidays, where one enjoys a complimentrary buffet.

The Birthday promo allows birthday celebrants to enjoy a free buffet when dining with 3 full paying guests.  The celebrant must present two valid photographed IDs to avail the promo, available 3 days before, during, and 3 days after the celebrants birthday.
On weekdays, The More The Merrier Promo entitles guests in groups of 20 of more to a 20% discount.
Senior Circle is for guests aged 75 years and above, who will enjoy a 30% discount on weekday lunch or dinner upon presenting their Senior Citizen ID.

For the Wedding Anniversary promo, married couples enjoy 15% discount 3 days before, during, and 3 days after their wedding anniversary, upon presenting a copy of their marriage certificate and valid photo IDs.

Banzai vouchers are also available on group selling website Metro Deal (www.metrodeal.com) until October 30 (redemption period until November 15) for only P559 instead of the usual P699 for weekday lunch or dinner and Saturday lunch, public holidays not included.

All promos are not available in conjunction with any other promos or discounts.
Banzai is located at Bldg J, SM MOA by the Bay, Pasay City. For more information on Banzai and their promos, visit https:// www.facebook.com/BanzaiPH, follow @Banzai_PH on Twitter and Instagram, or call 0916-3775357; 0999-4713597; (02)552-7368 for inquiries and reservations.

Japanese street food goes to Banzai

Banzai: The Great Authentic Japanese Buffet rings in October with the Japanese Street Festival, a daily dinner offering that brings the Japanese street experience to the local buffet scene.
Located at the SM by the Bay Leisure Park, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City, Banzai is the country’s largest Japanese buffet, with a seating capacity of 500 and an extensive array of Japanese favorites made from imported ingredients, prepared and cooked the real Japanese way and served in the ambience of authentic Japanese settings.

Banzai’s Japanese Street Festival adds yatai delicacies to the buffet spread: Japanese snacks and finger food traditionally sold at mobile food stalls (yatai) set up along pedestrian walkways during Japan’s matsuris or festivals.

YATAI SPREAD
Banzai’s Japanese Street Festival introduces Japanese street food offerings at its new station that resembles an actual yatai, a wooden food cart festooned with graphic signage and loaded with an array of delicacies, much like the street food that is popular in Fukuoka, Japan.
Banzai’s yatai showcases Niku Buns, steamed buns with ground pork meat, sprinkled with sesame seeds; Bacon Kani, grilled kani stick wrapped in bacon; and Bacon Aspa, grilled asparagus wrapped in bacon.

Other yatai offerings include Squid Balls with Nori, deep fried Nori with squid balls; Kani Aunori Tempura, kani sticks with aunori leaves, deep-fried with tempura batter; Pork “Mimi” Yakiniku, grilled pig ears; and Mutso, grilled pork intestines.

Completing Banzai’s yatai spread are Tomorokoshi, grilled corn with miso, butter, and soy sauce; Dango Balls, sweet Japanese dumplings made with mochiko (rice flour); and Hokkaido ice cream, a mixture of Hokkaido milk with double cream. Weekend diners also get to savor Watame, Japanese cotton candy.

The new yatai station builds on Banzai’s existing street food offerings, including Takoyaki, little balls containing pieces of octopus (tako), a popular street food originating in Osaka; and Okonomiyaki, the Japanese savory pancake.

THE MANY TASTES OF JAPAN
Banzai’s new yatai station is only one of the many stations showcasing the myriad of tastes of Japan, including a wide selection of sushi, sashimi and rolls; teppanyaki; tempura and tonkatsu; yakitori and grill; noodles and ramen; cold soba; takoyaki, kaniyaki and gohan; Japanese pizza; bread, salad, roast, hot selections, and desserts. The restaurant also has an all-unlimited menu of beverages, including soda, beer, iced tea, juices, coffee, and iced Milo.

The restaurant also gives a true taste of Japan through its unique décor, divided into different areas showcasing significant periods in Japan’s rich history and unique districts of Japan: Dotonbori, Old Japan, the castle area, the Sumo arena, Modern Japan, and Osaka.

Capping the Banzai experience is the Trick Art Gallery featuring seemingly-3D Japanese scenes such as sumo wrestling, a ninja dojo, and a day at the market, where diners can take photos in full Japanese regalia.

The Banzai Street Festival runs through the weekends of the month of October. Banzai is located at Bldg J, SM MOA by the Bay, Pasay City. For more information on Banzai and their promos, visit https:// www.facebook.com/BanzaiPH, follow @Banzai_PH on Twitter and Instagram, or call 0916-3775357; 0999-4713597; (02)552-7368 for inquiries and reservations.