Switch to Smart!

For people who are tired of dropped calls, missed messages,and slow Internet connection, now is the perfect time to ‘live more’ with the country’s leading network with the ‘nationwidest’ coverage.

Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) is holding the much-awaited, two-day only ‘Smart Switch Madness’ on September 28 and 29 at the Shangri-La Plaza Mall in Mandaluyong City, and everyone is welcome to avail of rebates, big discounts, and freebies from Smart Prepaid, Postpaid, Broadband and Infinity.

“People should stop feeling frustrated with their current service provider and to have to wait for their network to catch up,” said Noel Lorenzana, Executive Vice President and Head of Smart’s Wireless Consumer Division.

“This two-day event promises an easy and convenient switch to the biggest and most reliable network -- quickly and in a much more enjoyable manner,” Lorenzana added.

At the ‘Smart Switch Madness’, rebates, big discounts, and freebies will be available to everyone, including both new and existing Smart subscribers. These product offerings and service discounts will not be available anywhere else, but will be available exclusively on those days, at the event.

Don’t miss the exclusive offers at the ‘Smart Switch Madness’ and go to Shangri-La Plaza Mall this Friday and Saturday!

Visit smart.com.ph for more details.

Land Rover "It's More Fun in the Philippines" campaign with DOT

Land Rover Philippines together with the Department of Tourism (DOT) and Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) recently launched, at the Opus Restaurant and Lounge in Resorts World Manila, a joint tourism promotional campaign dubbed "Land Rovering. More Fun in the Philippines."



The campaign includes a series of Land Rover TV commercials and print advertisements featuring local tourist spots as well as off-road destinations in the country. Land Rover is the first automotive brand to tie up with DOT through the popular "It's More Fun in the Philippines" campaign.

"We are very excited with this project with DOT and TPB which will run until 2013 and hopefully will include an international campaign as well," shared LRPhils Motors Executive Director Marc Soong.



Asec. Domingo Ramon C. Enerio, representing the DOT Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Jr., was on hand during the launch of the Land Rover-DOT campaign tie-up. "DOT is proud to have found support from a distinguished world-class brand like Land Rover in our campaign to promote Philippine tourism," said Enerio, the Asst. Secretary for Tourism Planning and Promotions & OIC Tourism Promotions Board.



LRPhils also launched the first official "Land Rovering. More Fun in the Philippines" video which will be aired starting October 2012.



The video showed the multi-awarded Range Rover Evoque driving through the Paoay sand dunes of Ilocos Norte, while also featuring the giant windmills of the Bangui Wind Mills, and also Patapat Bridge which can also be found in Ilocos Norte.

Wake up to New Starbucks Breakfast Sandwiches

On September 11, 2012, wake up to a delicious breakfast at Starbucks, with the new Starbucks Breakfast Sandwiches! Definitely, nothing can say “good morning” best, but with a warm and savory breakfast treat. Handmade with ingredients like eggs, gourmet meats and cheeses and bakery style bread, it’s the perfect start to any day. :)



SPAM® BLACK PEPPER, EGG AND CHEDDAR CHEESE ON CORNMEAL BREAD
This sandwich is so hard to resist. Because when you combine a slice of SPAM® with black pepper, creamy scrambled egg layered with melted American Cheddar cheese on artisan cornmeal bread, it becomes a sandwich that is simple yet mouthwatering.



FOREST HAM, EGG WHITE AND GOUDA CHEESE ON OAT BREAD
If you want a flavorful sandwich but with less fat, this savory breakfast sandwich is for you. It is made with slices of forest ham, aged and smoky Gouda cheese and egg white scrambled egg on a toasty warmed oat bread.



BREAKFAST TAPA AND EGG WITH GARLIC MAYONNAISE ON DARK WHOLE WHEAT BREAD
A traditional favorite Filipino breakfast that you’ll find in almost every breakfast menu in the Philippines is made into a gourmet sandwich. Breakfast tapa with hints of basil and poached egg drizzled with garlic mayonnaise on a dark whole wheat bread.



RATATOUILLE AND MOZZARELLA CHEESE ON MULTIGRAIN BREAD
Our new vegetarian sandwich has everything you need for the day. Crusty warm artisan multigrain bread stuffed with a delicious blend of cheese, spinach, tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, portobello and shiitake mushrooms, garlic and onions. A vegetarian delight!

Starbucks Philippines introduces New and Returning Food Items

Starbucks Philippines wants you to enjoy your favorite Starbucks beverage with these savory and indulgent food items, which will be available for a limited time starting September 11, 2012.



BACON AND PARMESAN RING
Great for breakfast or brunch, the comfort of bacon is combined with the classiness of parmesan cheese. A crusty bread ring topped with aged parmesan cheese; the inside is soft and doughy with bits of smoky bacon and parmesan cheese. A classic combination. Best served warm.



SPANISH FRITTATA WRAP
This Spanish breakfast wrap provides a great source of protein in the morning. The crispy warm tortilla is filled with flavorful ground pork and sliced potatoes, then enrobed in egg, freshly sliced juicy tomatoes, and drizzled with garlic mayo. Best served warm!



CHOCOLATE AND STARBUCKS VIA® CRUMB CAKE
A perfect combination of chocolate and coffee. Light and dark layers of moist chocolate and coffee sponge cake, smooth coffee buttercream infused with Starbucks VIA Italian Roast, chewy cashew meringue with bits of chocolate covered with smooth and creamy coffee buttercream, finished with chocolate bits.



ALMOND PAIN AU CHOCOLAT
(Returning Favorite)
It is a typical product that you find in French bakeries. An all butter croissant filled with sweet almond paste, luscious dark chocolate and sprinkled with flaked almond and sugar icing. A chocolate lover’s fantasy. This product really has a feel of an artisan product, bringing you at the heart of small French villages. Best served warm.



ENSAYMADA
(Core Product Re-launch)
Great coffee deserves good food. This new ensaymada has a soft, airy and buttery dough generously topped with sweet and salty buttercream icing, grated queso de bola and powdered aged parmesan cheese.

Jump into Rich Indulgence with Starbucks' Salted Caramel Mocha

Starbucks Philippines introduces the Starbucks Salted Caramel Mocha, in hot, iced, and frappuccino blended beverages. As the weather becomes colder, Starbucks Philippines wants us to jump into rich indulgence with these signature espresso offerings, with the salty and sweet flavors of the new Starbucks Salted Caramel Mocha.

SALTED CARAMEL MOCHA
The warm and indulgent flavors of Salted Caramel Mocha are a perfect companion for a cold afternoon or evening. Experience uplifting warmth with this creamy mix of espresso and velvety steamed milk, blended with mocha sauce and flavored syrup. Topped with whipped cream, buttery caramel sauce and a mixture of turbinado sugar and smoked sea salt, this flavorful beverage is sure to make your day.


ICED SALTED CARAMEL MOCHA
With the same delicious flavor as the Salted Caramel Mocha in an icy cool format, the Iced Salted Caramel Mocha offers a cool and indulgent treat perfect for a warm day. Espresso and fresh milk are combined with mocha sauce and flavored syrup, served over ice and topped with whipped cream, buttery caramel sauce, and a mixture of turbinado sugar and smoked sea salt, hitting the perfect note.


SALTED CARAMEL MOCHA FRAPPUCCINO® BLENDED BEVERAGE
Rich mocha sauce and flavored syrup blended with Starbucks® Frappuccino® Roast coffee, whole milk, and ice. Finished with whipped cream , buttery caramel sauce and a mixture of turbinado natural cane sugar and smoked sea salt, it’s the perfect indulgent mid-day treat, and sure to be a favorite.



Moon Festival Tumblers Offer
Purchase any moon festival tumbler and get a chance to win a Salted Caramel Mocha Party for four! Promo runs from September 11 to November 2, 2012. Terms and conditions apply.

Hamilo Coast's Pico de Loro Beach & Country Club

Hamilo Coast's Pico de Loro cove is one of the thirteen coves being developed by Hamilo Coast as a leisure lifestyle destination near Manila. Pico de Loro cove boasts of a beach and country club, and properties such as residential condominiums, villas, residential lots and a hotel.



We were able to inspect the property recently, see the development happening in the cove, and enjoy what Pico de Loro gives to its members and guests.



Pico de Loro Beach Club offers an unobstructed view of the sea. Some of the activities you could do, besides swimming in the sea and in their pools, includes going through the eco-trail, kayaking, scuba diving, birdwatching, or touring Hamilo Coast's magnificent coves.



On the other hand, Pico de Loro's Country club offers a variety of activities and services everyone can enjoy. It has a huge pool, kiddie center, library, function rooms, tennis, badminton and basketball courts, table tennis tables, gaming consoles room, bowling and billiards area, and a beautiful view of nature.



If a day is not enough to fully enjoy the grandeur of nature and the great scenery, a nearby hotel, Pico Sands Hotel, will give you the chance to extend on overnight or week-long visits - just like what we did! The hotel offers great accommodation, great food, a relaxing spa service, and the right relaxation and rejuvenation one needs, away from a stressful city life.

Village Tavern of the Bistro Group of Restaurants

One of the newest restaurants of the Bistro Group is Village Tavern, a US-franchise which celebrates classic American comfort food with huge portions good for sharing, located at the Bonifacio High Street Central.  It's definitely worth a try for food lovers, and for those wanting a good drink after work.

The other night, we were treated to the best of what Village Tavern has to offer: rustic whole wheat flatbreads made from scratch, fresh seafood dishes, juicy burgers, wide selection of cocktails and signature dishes, and decadent desserts. Village Tavern celebrates quality, value for money and complete satisfaction.



Asian Tuna Salad - Fresh center-cut Ahi tuna, seasonal greens, carrots, snow peas and edamame is sesame ginger dressing.



Grilled Chicken Spinach and Mixed Greens - Fresh spinach, seasonal greens, bacon, apples, cranberries, spiced pecans, blue cheese, sliced egg, and grilled chicken in sweet vinaigrette.



Blackened Shrimp - Shrimp served with Bayou cream sauce and toasted garlic bread.



Tavern Whole Wheat Flatbread - Homemade tomato sauce, pepperoni, mushrooms, green peppers, hamburger, onions and mozzarella cheese.



Gruyere & Applewood-Smoked Bacon Whole Wheat Flatbread - Gruyere, applewood-smoked bacon and caramelized onion.



Crispy Chicken Tacos - Chicken tenders with mango slaw and chipotle sauce, served with black beans in melted chocolate sauce and rice pilaf.



Maryland-Style Crab Cakes - Premium lump crab meat served with french fries, coleslaw and homemade tartar sauce.



Cowboy Burger - Applewood-smoked bacon, Cheddar cheese with caramelized onion and barbecue sauce.



Chicken Colorado - Grilled chicken breast topped with applewood-smoked bacon, barbecue sauce, tomatoes, scallions, Monterey Jack and Cheddar, served with black beans and rice pilaf.



Some of Village Tavern's Signature Cocktails: Tavern Mojito - Rum, Lime Juice, and Mint Leaves; and Honey Berry - Berry Vodka, Raspberry Vodka, Honey Syrup and House Champagne.



Very Best Carrot Cake - Fresh carrots, pecan and cream cheese icing served warm.



St. Barths Chocolate Torte - Rich and very moist French cake, vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce.



Double Decker Cheesecake - Layers of chocolate and traditional cheesecake served with raspberry and chocolate sauce.

I definitely enjoyed my Village Tavern food experience. I will certainly come back! Props to Chef Josh Boutwood, the corporate chef of the Bistro group, for making sure that what Village Tavern offers to its customers is simply the best. Thanks to Mitzi and Spanky for the invite! :)