Bonifacio Global City Food Tour with Ivan Man Dy

Last Saturday, April 24, 2010, I joined Ivan Mandy's Bonifacio Global City Food Tour in the Fort Bonifacio grounds. We covered 3 locations, namely, Serendra, Bonifacio High Street and The Fort in a guided historical, fact-filled, and yummy, tummy-filling tour around 7 restaurants (see photo below), which graciously accommodated us participants and bloggers.

This is one of the signage/posters that was put up all around the Bonifacio Global City grounds. It is one of the events of the BGC in promoting arts and culture and the area itself to families, friends and to people in general.


Here are the restaurants we went to. First was at Cupcakes by Sonja and Miss Desserts, then we went to Zao, TGIF, Fro-Yo, Pasto and Establishment. I enjoyed every bit of the food and the facts that came with it. Today, I know that they'll be having a part 2 of the same event. I hope the participants now will enjoy it as much as we did.


I will post about the restaurants and the food we ate in a separate post. :)

Philippine Blog Awards 2009

The Philippine Blog Awards 2009 is near. SOON! :3

A Million Thanks!

Happy Birthday to my birthday-mates Clea, Merry, Ted, Ella! :)



To those who texted, emailed, ym-ed, plurked, multiplied, facebooked, greeted me last night during the victory party (di ko na kayo iisa-isahin dahil ang dami dami dami n'yo, overwhelmingly!); to my family, wonderful slatemates (Titus, Lee, Jose, Barbie, Sheena, KKK, John, Anika, Gabby, Rinno, Laura, BJ, Austin, Dhadi, Ching, Jan, Gino, Angela and Raymund), CSA, KAISA, Absolute Cousins, APB, Bloggers/ Online friends, ISA, LEAD, Manila Foodistas, MATTER, PALS, PDA, PRIME, START, UP friends, Xavier friends, at sa mga posibleng nakalimutan ko [sorry])



Malugod na pagpapasalamat, sincerest gratitude to everyone, 謝謝你們！Sa walang sawang pagtiwala, pagsuporta't pagtulong. I have been really blessed with great friends and acquaintances. I really treasure you all! *sniff* hehe :D



P.S. Being 21 is no different from being 20, or 18... What matters is how you live your life, and what will be your legacy. (magiging 21 din kayo! bleh! haha) Carpe Diem!


P.P.S. A bit of trivia for all...today's Square Root Day. Fun! haha









Technorati Tags: bong, superbong, brian ong, The Philippines and Beyond, Philippines, birthday

Reports on DAR cheif's son, Mayor Nasser Pangandaman's Assult on Father & Son at Valley Golf & Country Club Antipolo

Since Bambee, daughter of Delfin De La Paz, had blogged about the alleged mauling incident of the Department of Agrarian Reform cheif's son, Lanao del Sur Mayor Nasser Pangandaman Jr., and his armed bodyguards last Friday at the Valley Golf & Country Club in Antipolo over golfing etiquette, a lot of bloggers sympathized and joined in to alert the public and call for justice for the family.



My former teacher Beverly Natividad wrote about the incident over at Inquirer.net, and in today's Inquirer bulletin.



Senator Pia Cayetano has read about the incident on Tita Noemi's blog, and hopefully everyone gets to know about this mess too!



In the UP National College of Public Administration, Dean Alex Brillantes has always told us that while studying Public Administration, the government and its systems, it's essential that we see these disparities and irregularities, and question them.



He said it's okay to get frustrated, to get angry, and mad about it. But in the end, we must translate that anger into something positive, something action-oriented, something that would change that inequality.



In this case, this alleged remorseless and unstatesmanlike actions of the Mayor and the inaction of a cabinet official must be dealt with severely if proven so. Hold the people responsible accountable for their actions or inactions!



Updates of Bambee on her blog. With the Pangandamans not taking accountability, and this incident obviously lacking transparency, I am 100% certain that more and more bloggers and sympathizers will continue to post, and repost a thing or two about this.



UPDATE: Secretary Pangandaman's side of the story as reported by Inquirer.net.



Animals beware!



Links I got from Ade Magnaye's blog, and others:

• The World has Gone Crazy by Bambee de la Paz
• Updates and Thank Yous by Bambee de la Paz
• Repost of Bambee’s post at Filipino Voices
• Impunity and Golf By Caffeine Sparks
• Golf, Guns, & Goons : Philippine Golf Horror Story by Joel Chua
• Politicians Beat Up Defenseless Dad, 56, and Son, 14, Over Golf by Shari
• Mayor of Lanao Del Sur Mauls Father and Son by Village Idiot Savant
• DAR Secretary Nasser Pangandaman and Son maul 56-year-old Golfer and 14-year old Kid by Neil Es2pido
• Irony to a Tee by Marck
• Mayor Beats Up 56 Year Old Man and 14 Year Old Boy by BA Racoma
• DAR Chief and Mayor of Masiu City Maul Helpless Dad and 14 yr old Son by Jepoy Bengero
• Politicians are the WORST. Stay away from them by Jen
• Entitlement by Ia Lucero
• A Dampener on the Season by Jonas Diego
• These Bastards Have To Pay by Gerry Alanguilan
• Mayor Nasser Pangandaman Jr. (son of DAR Chief) in Mauling Golfers in Antipolo by Dine Racoma
• Crazy Politicians! by Lalaine
• When A Family Golf Game Turns Ugly by Dementia
• He Who Had Too Much Sense of Entitlement by Tess Termulo
• Mayor, You’ve Been A Bad Boy! by Mark Bravo
• Nasser Pangandaman Jr., mayor of Masiu, Lanao Del Sur: Golf Attack by Reyna Elena
• Of Thuggery and Courtesy Resignations by Ding G. Gagelonia
• Politicians Maul Father & Son Over Golf by Regnard Raquedan
• Philippine Mayor Beats Up Helpless Old Man Over Golf by Flisha
• Asshole Politicians Beat Up Father and Son Over Golf by Mad Cow Blues
• Potpourri II: The widening gyre by Ephemere
• Mayor Pangandaman Beats Up 56 year old man and his 14 year old son by Karla Redor
• We haven’t really gone anywhere by Alex Maximo
• Masui Mayor beats up 56-yr-old man and 14-yr-old boy - another reason to oppose term extensions, no elections and Cha-Cha by Jhay Rocas
• The “DVD” Side Of Philippine Politics by Feisty Momma
• The Golf Incident: The Trouble with Mirrors by Juned
• Ang Kapangahasan ng isang Pulitiko ngayong Kapaskuhan by Fjordan Allego
• Mayor and Bodyguards beat up 56 year-old man and 14 year old boy over GOLF by the_bumper_car
• Golfing with the Pangandaman…can hurt… by lyn
• Bully Foolitician Nasser Pangandaman Jr. by Pedestrian Observer
• A Mindanaoan’s point of view on The Valley Golf Antipolo Controversy by Yolynne
• PANGANDAMNYOU: will GMA force Sec. Nasser Pangandaman to RESIGN? by Spanky
• Mayor Nasser Pangandaman Jr. mauls golfers while father/Cabinet secretary just looks on by Tonyo Cruz
• Philippines: Uproar over mauling by mayor/son of Cabinet secretary by Global Voices
• Do Not Underestimate a Blogger: Bloggers Buzz Against the Injustice of a Mayor Nasser Pangandaman Jr. by cmaotaku
• Impunity by Manuel Quezon III
• With Great Power Comes Great IRresponsibility? by Jane Uymatiao
• Of Golf, the Internet and Elites by Butch
• Pangandaman and son display bad behavior by Arpee
• DAR chief’s son, 5 bodyguards face charges for alleged mauling of 2 golfers by Pres. Mau of Dateline Cotabato
• Nasser Pangandaman Jr.: The Warlord of Masiu by Carlos Conde of PinoyPress.net
• Blog entry take your time to read this. these politicos need a REFORM. by xkeldax
• Two politicians beat up a defenseless 56-year-old father and his 14-year-old son. At a golf course. (repost of Bambee’s post) by Azrael
• Coming Up for Air…and Bored by Jester-in-Exile
• A Mauling Mayor from Lanao del Sur by PolitEkon
• From Bambi dela Paz’s Blog - First hand account of the Slugfest at the Golf Course (Repost) by Toots Ople
• A Good Round Spoiled by Dr. M. Bautista
• This is why our country will be forever poor. by themiserablehumorist
• A Mayor on a Mad Rampage as Father Looks On by Ricelander
• Abusive Politicians in the Philippines by Mithril Knight
• On arrogance: This world *is* crazy, Bambee. We just have to fight the craziness the best we can and hope that we kick its ass. by arc
• Arroyo’s peace adviser merely watched his son’s mauling spree by Ellen Tordesillas
• Pangandamans Charge with Mauling Golver and his Teenage Son by Barako Brew
• Politicians, kings of the world??? by Jim Caro
• Public servant power by Mon Casiple
• Character and Abuse of Power by Cong. Ruffy Biazon
• Scandalizing the Suffering: The Pangandaman-Dela Paz Melee by Ding G. Gagelonia
• Another case of abusive government officials by The Struggling Blogger
• Pangandaman golf brawl by Menard
• How NOT To Play ‘Spin Doctor’ on Blogs [The Pangandaman Golf-Mauling Incident] by Jozzua
• Power and Humanity by Nick
• Valley Golf Guards Report: Pangandaman Security Men Drew Guns on Dela Pazes by midfield

Technorati Tags: bong, superbong, brian ong, nasser pangandaman, valleygolfantipolo, unstatesmanlike actions, DAR cheifs son, secretary pangandaman, cabinet member and son, mauling incident in antipolo, injustice to people, delfin de la paz, bambee de la paz, senator pia cayetano, philippines and beyond, dean alex brillantes, national college of public administration and governance, Mayor Nasser Pangandaman, Jr.

Bratback Launches in Greenbelt 5

Bratpack invited Bloggers the other day to its flagship store launch, which was designed by multi-awarded graphic house Team Manila, in Greenbelt 5, Makati City.

Bratpack, or The Bag People, as they coined and proud themselves proves to be the quality bag authority since 1997.
But now, it not just turned choosing a bag that will fit your style and personality a Science, but also, they introduced new brands that cater to more lifestyles like skate brand DC and Sector9, Sanuk the surfers and beach bums, Skull Candy for music lovers, as well as Eastpak and Life is Good.

Bratpack is conquering a new territory, more people and of course, much more personalities.

The scrumptious dinner, which consists of pasta, sandwiches, barbecue salad, fried kangkong in lumpia wrapper, turon and kakanin, that was prepared for the bloggers was catered by Travel Cafe Philippines - also located in Greenbelt 5.

Bratpack is a member of the Primer Group that carries global brands that makes for a practical and personal billboard of expression for urban dwellers, promoted through collaborations with the indie art and music scenes’ finest. Inspire. Interpret. Express. For inquiries email bratpack@primergrp.com or visit their website at http:/packsforbrats.multiply.com.

Bratpack has branches at Greenbelt 5, Robinsons Place Manila, Robinsons Galleria, SM Cagayan de Oro, SM Davao, SM The Block, SM Pampanga, SM Southmall and Ayala Cebu.

Technorati Tags: bong, bratpack, bag authority, greenbelt 5 stores, quality backpacks, travel cafe philippines, ayala malls events, brian ong, philippine events, the bag people, bratpack bags, hedgren bags, timbuktu bags, jansport bags, sanuk footwear

Belo's Beauty and the Best

Last Saturday, Belo Medical Group, through Mica's imagination, ingenuity and hardwork, opened its doors in Timog branch to bloggers for a night of experiencing physical beauty, as well as beauty within.

Dr. Hayden Kho talked about Beauty 101 - what constitute a beautiful person, at least from the world's perspective, where these rationalizations come from, etc. He also talked about the products and services of the Belo Medical Group, and the positive effects it brings to people who've tried and tested them.

Famed Dra. Vicki Belo made an appearance and discussed and retold her inspiring life story. Ultimately, the purpose of the blogger event was to launch their foundation. Ike and Nena Belo Foundation, which aims to help people with physical deformities (cleft palate and burned victims), to sponsor scholars in their education, and to promote environmental awareness.

Dra. Vicki Belo asked the bloggers who were present what comes to their minds when they hear the name "Belo"? I guess a lot of you would agree with me when I answer "surgery, beauty, face and body enhancement, liposuction, etc." I can list a lot of things on top of my head, but I wouldn't because I would only bore you.

The bloggers were treated to some of the different services offered by the BMG. Personally, I tried the Rays of Inara and the Power Peel. It really felt great! Others tried the Tenor, a non-invasive fat burning and body sculpting device, and the Ice Mask.

With the current situation and environment where we live in now, which looks at the physical appearance of people, it is engraved that people look at the appearance and consider it more than who and what the person truly is.

What Dra. Vicki Belo wants is to level the playing field for everyone. Don't get her wrong; it doesn't mean she wants people to put more value on looks than a person's character, the bottom line is that she wants to help and inform people of a way or a method wherein they can show what they truly are by being at par with others with the physical aspect first*. (*Dra. Belo says that as statistics show, during job applications, given one honor student with not so good looks and another person with an average grade but has the advantage with looks, the latter always gets the job)

After trying out some of the services offered by the BMG, we went to Packo’s Bar and Grill for dinner and more bonding sessions with the Belo Marketing staff and Dr. Hayden Kho. :)

Me, Tita Jane, Dr. Hayden

Me trying the Rays of Inara (Photo by Jonel Uy of letsgosago.net)

Buhay Coke Party (2nd Time!)

Remember this? ;) Now...

It's time to party again, the Coke and Taste Asia way!

Calling all bloggers and their friends! It's the Buhay Coke Vlog Contest Announcement of Winners Party on August 8, 2008, Friday, 6:00 p.m. onwards at the Taste Asia at the Mall of Asia.

How: Register here.

There’s room for 500 people! So kindly spread the word too!

Buhay Coke ng Bloggers

I consider Coca-Cola to be one of the biggest if not the biggest company, not only in the Philippines, but also, around the world. Coca-Cola Philippines has been existing for 27 years now, and I think that the Coca-Cola Zero product launch (correct me if I'm wrong, since I've only been in this planet for 20 years now) is the grandest ever.

Coca-Cola Zero® has been one of the most successful product launches in our history. In 2007, we sold nearly 450 million cases globally. Put into perspective, that’s roughly the same size as our total business in the Philippines, one of our top 15 markets. As of first quarter 2008, Coca-Cola Zero is available in 81 countries. - http://www.thecoca-colacompany.com/brands/index.html

Yesterday bloggers, including myself and a lot of my friends and plurk-adas, were treated to a party at Taste Asia in Mall of Asia, Pasay. We had a "buffet-type" dinner by Taste Asia (of course) It was all delicious. We had a lot of games. Coke Zero-all you can! Free flowing drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic alike).

The Banana Dance, an emoticon in Plurk, was demonstrated and performed by my brother! Since he is really a dancer in real life, I kinda pushed him to demonstrate it to the public. Now, I think he's regretting that he did it (with lots of cameras/video cameras around he made his own "scandal") Woot! (If you want to see what I mean, refer to the video below - courtesy of Jeric).

After he demoed, there were more people who followed.He won tickets for any movie at IMAX, while the others won tickets to the SM Science and Discovery center. Twitter and Plurk friends who were picked were given SM Science and Discovery center tickets and Coke Table Set Collectibles respectively.

I was one of the lucky people who got the Coke Collectibles! I'm really happy that Jeric chose me. I really LOVE Coke. Even though I don't drink that much, and that I can say that I'm not an addict, I am addicted to or really into collecting Coca-Cola items, most especially cans and bottles from around the world.

Each registered blogger brought home a case of Coke Zero after!

I was with Ainna, Don, Tiff, Thea, Charles, Stephen, Blanch, Via and Jason, the Banana Dancer. More pictures of the event can be viewed in my Multiply site.

Bloggers at Collezione C2 High Art and Fashion

Juned, Sara, Tita Noemi, Jason

Joy, Jason, Dante and Arpee

Above: Riva, Marco, Loy and Karol from DLSU. They were the people I earlier mentioned who are in my age group *hehe* Oh, and Marco's the nephew of Rhett Eala, the genius behind the patriotic tees of Collezione C2 :) Below: My photo with Rhett

I took home one of the six limited edition Rhett Eala prints which were auctioned off to the media/public in a mock auction during the Collezione C2 My Pilipinas launch. This piece was signed by the artist himself.