Pino Resto Bar in Teacher's Village

After my graduation the other day, I wanted my family to taste what Pino Bar in Malingap St. in Teachers Village has to offer. I've covered Pino Bar when it was still back along Maginhawa St. in the same area twice for Manila Foodistas and for a travel magazine, and when it was in a transition of ownership.

Ever since it started, it has been a place where people hang out after work, and enjoy good food and drinks. It's a good place to sit back and unwind from a long day of work or studies.


From T-B,L-R: Kare-Kareng Bagnet (for sharing at Php 550); Seafood Gambas Aligue Pasta (Php 165); Bacon and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breasts (Php 365); Red Wine Adobong Tadyang (Php 395); Platter 1: Pork and Shrimp Lemongrass Skewers, Nori Cheese Sticks, Fries, Calamares, Chicken Lollipop (Php 365).


They also serve cool flavored beers (Php 75) with flavors such as Green Apple, Strawberry, Calamansi, etc. But besides the good food and the drinks, they also have a doodled wall, which I am sure is hit as a conversation starter. It's really an awesome art! They had a doodled wall in the old place, and they carried the design (actually this design might be a new commissioned art) to their new place. :)

UP National College of Public Administration and Governance Graduatates of Class 2010

Today marks the 99th commencement ceremony of the University of the Philippines Diliman. Class of 2010 has produced 25 Summa Cum Laudes, some of whom, are my friends (Raymund Li, BS BAA - 1.101; Pearl Balleta, BS Psych - 1.112; Ainna Anglim, BS Econ - 1.142; Miguel Gonzalez, BS Chem - 1.161; and Joyce Tan, Bachelor of Elementary Education - 1.191). Also, the UP NCPAG has registered into history and produced its very first Summa Cum Laude, Sandra Magalang, BA Public Ad - 1.188.

The other day was also momentous as the National College of Public Administration and Governance had it's graduation ceremonies at the NCPAG Dome. We also celebrated our very first and very own summa cum laude in NCPAG (Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration) history. Our guest speaker was Chairperson Francisco Duque III of the Civil Service Commission, and formerly the Secretary of the Department of Health.


The graduates' parents were asked to go up the stage with their sons/daughters who were graduating. Dean Alex Brillantes, whose term will end this year, handed the ceremonial diploma, shook everyone's hand and congratulated the parents as well.


My photo with outgoing NCPAG SC Chairperson Pebbles Sanchez, my ultimate kakulitan at ka-trip sa kung saan-saang mga resto at lugar Nico Martin (pabida lang), and my BFFL (minus Rog Uy, who's now in the US and Athena Gepte, who'll graduate this summer) Regina Rosales and Barbie Perez! :)

Ang Presidente at Bise-Presidente Ko, says Senator Chiz Escudero

Finally, I got a hold of the new TV advertisements, "Ang Presidente Ko" and "Ang Bise-Presidente Ko", of Senator Francis Chiz Escudero for Senator Noynoy Aquino of the Liberal Party and Makati Mayor Jojo Binay of PDP-Laban. He is endorsing a Noy-Bi tandem for the 2010 Elections for President and Vice-President respectively. These ads, I believe will air tomorrow or today in the airwaves. Here are the official first/almost-exclusive post of the ads.


Videos courtesy of iCatcher Productions of Ms. Bibeth Orteza

Senator Fracis Chiz Escudero on Headstart with Karen Davila

ANCalerts posted the Headstart with Karen Davila episode with guest Senator Francis "Chiz" Esucudero on YouTube. Here's the videos for those who haven't seen it yet or for those who have no ANC/cable at home. :) Enjoy.

Play the Snickers Game and win an iPod Touch or PSP

Snickers recently just launched a game website called the “Snickers Hungry for Football,” wherein people from three countries, namely Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines, may be able to join the fun and excitement by challenging the SNICKERS® goalkeeper. The top 5 in the scoreboards per week will be able to win an iPod touch or a PSP. It’s that simple!

First, you need to register by clicking the “Register” button at the landing page of the site. You need to key in your name, contact number, home address, post code, email and password and check the terms and conditions of the contest and SNICKERS® private policy before clicking the “Submit!” button. After doing this, you can now start and play the game.

How to Play the Snickers Game?

• Type the alphabet that lights up on your screen to build up power. The quicker and more accurate you type, the quicker your power builds up.
• Building up more power in the shortest amount of time earns you more points when you score a goal.
• To kick, press SPACEBAR on your keyboard. You can choose to kick the ball at any point in time.
• HUNGRY FOR FOOTBALL TIP! Type in SNICKERS when you see the word light up! A bite of Snickers will immediately boost your power to score a winning goal with 50 points!

Each game has 3 rounds. Each contestant will have 30 seconds per round to score as many points per round of 3 rounds possible. The more you play, the more chances you would top the scoreboards because every game is accumulated and tallied to reflect your score for the week.


It's really easy to play. Remember to type the letters of the alphabet spelling SNICKERS which is blinking to earn more power and energy for you to kick a goal! You just need to visit the site more often to earn more points. Also, don't worry if you miss because you can play over and over again. :)

To find out how well your other footballers friends do, you can always share it in the fan page.

Graduation Day Preparations for NCPAG

Yesterday, we had our graduation practice at the NCPAG Dome, where we'll march and graduate today. It's unfortunate that I missed cum laude by .0-something, but it's all okay, since I am graduating on time, and that I have learned a lot in my stay in the National College of Public Administration and Governance. Really. We were given the guidelines for graduation, and the Auto Pass and Seat Tickets for the University Graduation this Sunday at the Amphitheater.



Talk about last minute preparations. I got my sablay at the Shopping Center for Php 700 (it's expensive for something you'll just use for 1/2 days) when I did my clearance, and the Barong just yesterday. :) I'm finally, actually, graduating! Woot!

Century Seafood Restaurant in Manila

Reese Blesilda Chua, the daughter of son of the friend of my dad, Tito Juancho, from way back during their dog/dog show group, Sunhawk, days had her first birthday at the Century Seafood Restaurant in Century Park Hotel in Malate, Manila. It's been a long time, and it's nice seeing people grow up and have their own stable lives. :) Anyway, being a food blogger that I am, I took shots of the lauriat that was served.



The birthday girl with her grandmother. :)

Chiz Escudero's New TV Ad endorsing Noynoy and Binay

Today on ANC, Karen Davila welcomed a cool and relaxed Chiz Escudero, looking great and confident as ever. I was tagged by Belinda Carlos in a post narrating today's guesting of Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero in ANC's Headstart, hosted by Davila every 8am, weekdays.

The first question thrown at him was "Why do you endorse Noy-Bi (Senator Noynoy Aquino and Mayor Jojo Binay)?", and "Why did you chose this tandem over other teeming political teams?"

Chiz expressed confidently that he believes that they (Noy and Binay) are the best team who is worthy of the presidential and vice-presidential positions, respectively. He strongly believes in their capacity and worthiness, both as persons and public servants, who will fill competently the said positions. He further stated that he believes Noy's good intentions and he is seeing it from his heart. Noy could truly perform such position, and so does Binay's competency and legislative experiences, that would make them a good tandem!

Karen asked again, "Why endorse Binay when all the while, Roxas is Noy's teammate in LP? Didnt he think that what he is doing will create a division from among LP members?"

Chiz firmly believes that there is no such thing as "block-voting" in our electoral system, and anybody may choose for himself whomever he believes is worthy of his trust and vote. He further explained that this is also applicable for any other candidates. If they chose to support Noy-Legarda or Gordon-Mar, this is anybody's choice that nobody should be bitter why he was not chosen. As Belinda says, "I guess this is where credibility of one candidate factors in. If he or she is really worthy, you don't need to ask for people's support because they will automatically support you because they know."

Chiz emphasized that whomever will win in the coming election, will need the people's support, because nobody is really prepared for the position, but everything will fall into place as soon as there is unity from among our citizens.

Karen asked Chiz if it is his plan for the coming 2016 to run with Binay as Pres and VP respectively, "why he did you not chose to endorse Mar, is it because you two shall be both vying for the position?"

In a cool way, Escudero answered Karen with "No, not this early, it was not yet on my mind, and it has no relation whatsoever with Mar's dreams of running in 2016." He chose to support Binay, and explained further that Binay is originally with him for so long in the Opposition, compared to Mar who sided with GMA's ticket opposite FPJ during the last elections, where he and Binay jointly supported the latter's candidacy as oppositionists.

Karen finally asked why TeamChiz were allegedly expelled from the campaign of LP team. Escudero pointed out that, we chose to stand down, and let the LP team handle the campaign to cause no problem whatsoever, because we have been informed that they will make various changes and adjustments in the campaign. To avoid any arguments, or disagreements, our decision was to stand down.

In between takes, Danton Remoto of Ang Ladlad Partylist was interviewed over the phone. He clearly declared, " I support NOY-BI tandem because I believe Noy is the "Mr. Clean of Philippine Politics, di na kelangang labhan o ikula, malinis talaga!" On Binay, he confirmed that he was with Binay during the PDP-Laban and both Noy and Binay's platform have gender component which he likes.

Karen asked Chiz' reaction regarding LP Campaign team manager Butch Abad's comment over an interview jokingly asking if Chiz is already a member of Ladlad?

Chiz straightened out the facts that some people are "walang intindi" or "makitid ang utak." Karen sustained with asking if Abad's actions were uncalled for. Chiz reiterates that, "maiwasan na lang sana ang ganyang comments."

In Belinda's personal opinion, and I couldn't agree more, Abad is embittered with Chiz' decision to support Binay instead of Mar. It was very obvious that his remark over Chiz and Ang Ladlad is a litlle bit vindictive to the point of asking the interviewer if Chiz is already a member, meaning, he is in doubt now of CHIZ' status just because Chiz did not support Mar, then adding a sarcastic laugh? "Who's "politically immature" now?", she asked.


Chiz' latest TV advertisement endorsing Noy and Binay are to be aired next week. It was played during the interview. He denied LP blocked the commercial in fairness, but nobody can block it because Binay's campaign team spent for the TV Ad.

He spoke with authority upon the issue of his backing out from the presidential candidacy, and cleared that there was no backing out to do since there was no declaration in the first place. He referred to his announcement of leaving NPC at Club Filipino in October last year. Chiz claimed that NOY-BI is his personal vision and choice of tandem for he believes in them. He believes Noy can do a better job.

About Danding Cojuangco, he declared that they are in speaking terms, nothing amiss, because he asked permission to leave NPC and they have just spoken over the phone a month ago before Danding left for Australia for a summer vacation. He simply answered Karen's intriguing question about how he felt when Danding didn't support his candidacy, in terms of money, "pera n'ya yun eh, siempre he decides"..jokingly smiled a cute boyish smile as ever.

Karen asked if he is ready to assume the position of Senate President in case of a failure of election on May? Chiz explained that he is ready and it should be that every member of the Senate be ready to assume the position in case of an Election failure. That the Senate President has only 90 days to sit in as temporary president, whose duty is to find out the causes of the failure and to call for a new election as is called for under our constitution. There is no such thing as "succession" in the Senate Presidency, and that a new one must be chosen.

No new political party is being claimed by Escudero to join, but after NPC, he is looking forward to form his own political party. Regarding the Appointment of SC chief, after Justice Puno be relieved on May 17, Chiz said that they are duty-bound to follow the appointment, anarchy results, otherwise.

And lastly, Karen asked Chiz about his comments on GMA's appointment of her "manicurist" as Board of Trustees in Pag-ibig? Chiz admitted that those are "midnight appointments" of GMA and he wouldn't be surprised at all.

Finally, after reading a couple of questions from the audience via twitter, Karen concluded that people observed Chiz was mellowed, cooled down and relaxed. Chiz simply said, there are more important things in life, than before. Again he smiled and Karen thanked the "most popular Senator in the Philippines" :)

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Most of the content and the latter photo, courtesy of Belinda Carlos of TeamChiz. ANC Headstart photo courtesy of Karen Davila.

Gold Delight's Banana Crunch

Ice Cream's one of my comfort food. As I have blogged about before, I like anything with nuts. One of my favorites, in fact, is the Selecta's Vanilla Almond Ice Cream, among others like the famous Coffee Crumble, Rocky Road, and a lot more.


The other day, on my way home, I passed by the Ice Cream House outside our village to buy myself a pint of Gold Delight's Banana Crunch, banana ice cream with chocolate coated peanuts. I tell you, it tastes like real banana, and the nuts come in generous serving. It was a perfect dessert to seal the night.

Starbucks goes Green and Celebrates Earth Day

On April 23 and 24, get Php 40 (pesos) off your favorite Starbucks beverages when you use your own tumbler to buy your drinks. Starbucks celebrates Earth Day by helping reduce the use of disposable cups. Let's share and help build a green nation. :)

Starbucks Launches New Cold Coffee Beverages for Summer

Starbucks Philippines launches new Cold Coffee Beverages (Espresso Java Chip Frappuccino® Blended Coffee, Iced Caffé Americano with Milk, and Iced Caffé Latte) just in time for the hot summer. I'm sure people will enjoy these new cold beverages that will keep you refreshed all summer long! :)

Espresso Java Chip Frappuccino® Blended Coffee
Freshly ground espresso combined with java chips and cool milk, blended with ice, and topped with whipped cream and a dusting of espresso powder make this the ultimate summertime treat.

Iced Caffé Americano with Milk
Rich, full-bodied Starbucks® espresso is combined with cold filtered water, milk and ice for a crisp and refreshing drink.

Iced Caffé Latte
Order this refreshing classic – Starbucks® signature espresso combined with cold milk and poured over ice.

Brewing at Home
As the weather gets warmer, more people will be entertaining outdoors. It’s easy to get that perfect cup of iced coffee at home but it all starts with the right beans.

1. Select a coffee that will maintain its flavor over ice – such as Starbucks® Kenya
2. Brew coffee at double strength, using 1 cup (2.5 oz/71 g) of ground coffee to 3 cups (24 fl oz/710 mL) water
3. After brewing is complete, add 3 cups ice to the pot and let cool
4. Serve in a tall glass filled halfway with ice. Adjust the coffee's strength by adding water to taste (Makes about four 8 fl oz (236 mL) servings)

Endorsement 101 for Presidential, Vice Presidential, Senatorial and Local candidates

I wonder if there’s a text, document, research or book that would show the trends, how-to’s and other pertinent information on strategizing on endorsers for your own electoral campaign, or for people to know how to effectively, efficiently and, of course, economically endorse your own candidates, both for local and national positions. That sure will be one hit piece of reading for your politicos, or wannabe politician.

In a report by Jing Castañeda of ABS-CBN, released yesterday night by TV Patrol World, the latest surveys show that people would not vote for a candidate who will be endorsed by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, and former President Fidel V. Ramos. It has no positive effect, instead, it will prove to be unpalatable for the voters if certain personalities endorse who they will vote for this coming May 2010 elections.

According to that report, 51% of the voters will surely not vote for a candidate who will be endorsed by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. This surely backs up what was rumored as a “kiss of death,” for a politician who identifies or brands himself or herself with the President. Mon Casiple, a political analyst, said that, “it worsened when she decided to run again for Congress, and perpetuate herself in power.”

On the other hand, 41% of the voters will surely not vote for a candidate who will be endorsed by former President Fidel V. Ramos, according to the same survey report.

It was also made clear that those endorsed by religious leaders, or those claiming to be one, such as Pastor Apollo Quiboloy and Brother Mike Velarde, will have negative effects on the voters. 44% of the voters will surely not for a candidate who will be endorsed by Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, while 41% of the voters said that they will surely not vote for candidates endorsed by El Shaddai’s Brother Mike Velarde.

In the same report, celebrity endorsers also prove to have negative effects on their endorsements. 41% of the voters will surely not vote for candidates endorsed by People’s Champ Manny Pacquiao, 35% said that they will surely not vote for candidates endorsed by Wowowee’s Willie Revillame, while 31% of the voters said they will surely not vote candidates who will be endorsed by veteran comedian-actor Dolphy.

Instead, only the candidates endorsed by Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero, who was supposedly running for the presidency this 2010 elections but later backed out, and actress and talk-show host Kris Aquino, have the possibility to be voted for by the voters. 39% of the voters said that they would probably vote for candidates endorsed by Sen. Chiz Escudero, while 31% said that they would probably vote for candidates endorsed by Kris Aquino.

Still the largest positive rating at 40%, voters said that they would probably vote for candidates endorsed by the church that they belong in.

It was also noted that political advertisements and endorsements aren’t enough to sway or convince voters to vote for a particular candidate. They say that the voters now are more mature and they make their choices after careful selection from the candidates’ pool.

Personally, I do not believe in surveys because they only offer a snapshot of a certain group of people at a particular time, when the survey was taken. The real survey, as people have already said, will still be on the Election Day on May 10.

Surveys, admit it or not, just frame the mindsets of people, and would favor the leading candidate or “the lesser of the two evils,” as one candidate who is also running for President has retorted in a recent statement.

In fact, in my opinion, it should be reviewed and studied if COMELEC, in the future, can ban the release of these surveys in the public, to level the playing field and so that it would not influence, intentionally or unintentionally, the choice of the people; instead, they should focus more on the platform, and other pertinent characteristics one is looking for in the leader of this nation.

For now, both Kris Aquino and Senator Chiz Escudero are in Senator Noynoy Aquino’s camp, and more or less the other endorsers namely Manny Pacquiao, Willie Revillame and Dolphy are in Senator Manny Villar’s camp. Does this show that the odds are in favor of the LP candidate?

One thing’s for sure; I personally know that there are talks inside the camp of Senator Chiz Escudero of a possibility of a release of an ad in support for or endorsement of Senator Noynoy Aquino. As to when it will be released or if it will be released at all, let’s just wait and see.

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Endorsement 101 for Presidential, Vice-Presidential, Senatorial and Local candidates is written and published for Blogwatch - The Philippine Online Chronicles

Red Mango's Strawberry Yogurt and other promos

The other day, while I was in SM Megamall, I decided to try out Red Mango's relatively new Strawberry flavored Yogurt. As usual, I like my yogurt, or almost anything, with nuts, especially almonds. I found the flavor of the yogurt a bit strong, and really sweet. I guess, after trying Fling in Tagaytay, I am more picky with the sweetness of my Froyo. I would rather stick to the original frozen yogurt if I were you.


Red Mango Philippines also introduces it's coolest summer duo, the Green Tea Frozen Yogurt on Shaved Ice (Php 130) and the Banana Almond Waffle topped with Original Frozen Yogurt (Php 125). It also has other promos in store for you. If you buy 500 pesos worth of the Original Frozen Yogurt, you get one photo booth coupon. Please see schedule of photo booths in different Red Mango stores in the Philippines.