Bon Banhmi, Something Vietnamese Around the Corner

Bon Banhmi, located along Mayapis St. San Antonio, Makati City

I thought I have tried everything around my neighbourhood in Barangay Palanan and San Antonio in Makati, that was until I found Bon Banhmi as one of the suggested food places in Foursquare.  Foursquare is a mobile application that recommends interesting places within your vicinity.

Its only 500 meters away from where I was, and in just minutes, I was in front of the store.  They only offer Banhmi, a Vietnamese sandwich made of baguette filled with vegetables and your choice of protein.

It's best enjoyed in the restaurant when its still warm and crispy.   I happened to bring home mine, and is a bit chewy when I finally get to sink my teeth into one.  Nevertheless, its a good healthy alternative to what I usually enjoy in the neighborhood.

You can watch them prepare the sandwich on site!

The different Banhmi variants at a very affordable price.

My Chicken Banhmi!

Giving Networking Another Try with Hyper Program International

This is not the first time that I got convinced on joining a network group.  I have previously joined a group that sells pre paid loads and another that sells juice that's supposed make you healthy, and was unsuccessful.  Although I got my money's worth of the products, It did not really produced the earnings I was expecting.  I wasn't able refer, which is the very nature of the system.

I know a lot of people who are actually successful with this type of business.  I have friends who resigned on their day jobs and took the task off selling full time.  It's just that, in spite of the fact that I'm into Marketing, I don't have the time nor the convincing skills like my recruiters.

I am one of those who were raised with the idea that earning money entails hard work.

This time, I got convinced into joining HPI, mainly because, the person who referred us was more skeptic than I am. Second, it's less complicated wherein you're not really forced to sell, and earn at the same time within 45 days.

The best way to understand it is through the picture below.

credits to the owner of the slide.

I would have to admit, I'm still very skeptic at the moment, and before I offer it to anyone, I would have to experience it for myself.  I'm now obsessed on learning the system, and it appears to be promising.  The hard work part is best explained in their modules 2 and 3 which I'm slowly getting a grasp on.

The 12th cycle earning is just too tempting.  You would be getting almost the same as the 50 Week Challenge if you put in cash weekly, but for this one, you only shell out 7,350php.  I could easily spend the same on weekends.

Join me as I document my journey with HPI.  Would I be successful or not?  We'll find out in the 45 days!

I'm taking this opportunity to invite all of you who wants to embark on this hyperian journey with me.

Txt Omar (0908-8171826)

ASEAN Traveller Pro Foodie Entry

I recently got back from a short trip to Bangkok and Siam Reap.  Since I'm on a budget and want to make the most out of my 4 day 3 night adventure, my itinerary is limited to what's commonly visited. I made a promise to come back and really take time to explore the culture, sights and most importantly, The Food.  I chanced upon Air Asia's search for the ASEAN Traveller on my Facebook timeline and immediately prepared my video entry.

This is what I came up with:

Now I'm crossing my fingers hoping to get chosen!

Happy Birthday Mam Tanya

Happy Birthday Mam Tanz!

I wanted to post our first picture together.
This is not our best photo but this is our first.  I'm sure there are older pics, but they're either deleted or hidden in some other album.

I grabbed this from Dara.  Maybe Joy has more.

In the process of browsing picture after picture in my timeline, I was able to look back on the years you have not only been my boss, but family as well.

You're there in the worst times of my life, and you have played a significant role in my successes.

I will forever be thankful to God for allowing you to share you're generosity, knowledge, and patience, not only to me, but to a lot of people.

Thank you for everything.  Happy Birthday Mam!

Rak is Back for Another Run This June

For ticket availability on the June 18 show, please contact the number above.

MANILA, Philippines – It’s been a fruitful 47th theater season for the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA); and while the theater is ablaze with the ongoing Summer Program, the company shows no signs of stopping for a breather.

PETA’s 48th season sees the comeback of crowd favorite and hit comedy musical Rak of Aegis. Fans and first-timers are expected to flood the theater for this record-breaking hit that is set to open this June, due to insistent public demand.

Breakout Kapuso star Aicelle Santos, and 2009 WCOPA Champion Kim Molina come back as Aileen; the promodizer with big dreams to raise her family from the knee-deep floods that have plagued their town for months. This all-Filipino, all-original musical features songs from the iconic band Aegis, with a star-studded ensemble on an award winning, must-see set.

This comedy musical has hit a record-breaking 135 shows in the first year of its showing alone, a milestone for the theater company and indeed, for Philippine theater. In 2014 alone it has garnered over 16 citations for performance and technical categories including Outstanding Original Musical, Outstanding Ensemble Performance for a Musical, Stage Direction for a Musical (Maribel Legarda), Original Libretto (Liza Magtoto), Musical Direction (Myke Salomon), Choreography (Gio Gahol), Costume Design (Carlo Pagunaling), Sound Design (Salomon and Happy Constantino), Set Design (Mio Infante), Female Lead Performance in a Musical (Aicelle Santos and Joan Bugcat), Female Featured Performance in a Musical (Kalila Aguilos) and Male Featured Performance in a Musical (Myke Salomon, Pepe Herrera, Jerald Napoles and Juliene Mendoza)

The cast of Rak has also enjoyed several new projects in between runs: Poppert Bernadas who plays Aileen’s suitor Kenny was recently seen in The Voice Philippines, while Pepe Herrera (Tolits) enjoys a stint in the romcom TV series, Forevermore. Singer Kim Molina also breaks into the theater scene with production after production, most recently in the upcoming Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady by Dalanghita Productions.

This run also welcomes many new neighbors to Barangay Venizia. Actor and singer Lorenz Martinez plays Aileen’s father Kiel, opposite Lani Ligot (Priscilla Queen of the Dessert; Broad Way, Narrow Way) who plays Mercy, Aileen’s mother; The Company’s Sweet Plantado also joins the cast as Mary Jane.

The ensemble is joined by PETA artist-teacher Roi Calilong (D’ Wonder Twins of Boac, PAMANA), and Teetin Villanueva (MANHID, Maxie the Musical).

The cast also sees the return of talented ensemble members made up of Stella Mendoza (Mary Jane), Kakai Bautista and Neomi Gonzales (Mercy), Jerald Napoles (Tolits), Myke Salomon (Kenny), Nor Domingo, Julienne Mendoza, and Gie Onida (Fernan), Phi Palmos, Ron Alfonso, and Jimmy Marquez (Jewel), Gimbey dela Cruz, Abi Sulit, Gab Pangilinan, Jet Barrun, Gio Gahol, Carlon Matobato, John Moran, Paeng Sudayan, and Kakki Teodoro (Ensemble).
The play runs from June 17 to August 16 from Tuesdays to Fridays (8PM) and Saturdays to Sundays (3:00pm and 8:00pm) at the PETA Theater Center located at No. 5 Eymard Drive, New Manila, QC. Tickets are available via www.ticketworld.com.ph, 891-9999. For more information contact PETA at 725-6244 or 0917-5765400, petatheater@gmail.com or visit www.petatheater.com. 

Pedro N Coi, A Taste of Nostalgia and Fun

I first heard about Pedro N Coi through Kris TV's feature one morning.  It's the show that prompts me to rush because I'm already late for work.

All that I was able to catch is that it was owned by Ms. Universe 3rd Runner Up Shamcey Supsup and husband Lloyd Lee.  It was one appointment at Fisher Mall that gave the opportunity for my first visit.

Unlike the usual Mall restaurants, Pedro N Coi stands out with the Street Like interiors, giving the feel of outdoor without the inconvenience of extreme heat and pollution.

Much care were put in the details with the Jeepney Dining area and Streetscapes from familiar television shows.  It was both nostalgic and fun.  The Batibot Chairs and tables with hand painted Filipinized board games was a perfect activity while waiting for your food.  This bamboo and ladder board (popularly played as Snake and Ladder) table also teaches good values, rewarding the player ladder steeps for a good deed, and slides down the bamboo by being bad.

The food comes in big portions ideal for families.    We were able to sample a few of their dishes. On my first I was able to try their Moymoy Palabok.  I brought my partner with me this time and we tried their May Asim Pa (Sinigang na Lechon Kawali, 365php) and Chukchak Chicken (Spring Chicken 395php).  Our meal was complimented with their refreshing Pipino shake.

I personally want my Sinigang Piping Hot, but the overall portion and taste is good.  I love the crunch of the chicken, but would appreciate a bit more flavour especially on the meaty parts.  The sauces provided a tangy-sweet and spicy twist to the dish.

On top of the Design, Concept and Food, Pedro N Coi, can boast about their service.  The staff are very helpful and attentive to guests concerns.  The movement from their stations to tables adds to the busy street atmosphere staying true to the concept.

Once in a while, you will get a surprise shout out based on a specific order.

We really enjoyed our impromptu visit to this restaurants and would recommend it to friends. 

Rating: 4.2 (Very Good)

• Taste: 3 Spoons
• Price: 3 Spoons
• Interiors: 5 Spoons
• Concept: 5 Spoons
• Service: 5 Spoons 

1 Spoon = Poor, 2 Spoons = Fair, 3 Spoons = Satisfactory, 4 Spoons = Very Good, 5 Spoons = Excellent

La Calaguas, The New Laboracay? Part 1

This years Labor Day weekend is a perfect opportunity to hit the beach.  With soaring temperatures, who could resist the lure of the fine white sand and cool clear waters of an Island somewhere. 

For the last 2 years, people have been flocking Boracay, hence the term Laboracay was coined.  Knowing that it would be more crowded than usual, we opted for a quieter, rustic and remote option.  We were going to Calaguas.

I originally planned the activity for the Architect Chapter organization that I lead.  I have created the invite as early as 2 months prior to attract attendees.  There were a few that responded, but as Labor Day nears, I am only left with 2 companions.  Luckily, my friends, who also adores the beach tagged along.  

I booked our 3D/2N Calaguas adventure with Roadtrip Travels.  I have joined them twice for Baler and with them, I am guaranteed of a hassle free itinerary from transportation, accommodation and island activities. 

On my first Baler trip, I joined the tour group alone, but went home with a Van full of friends. 

Apart from the destination, what make a trip memorable are the experiences and the many encounters along the way.  These are the things that not even the most advanced cameras can capture.

Part of my excitement is getting to know who else is joining our Van.  That was until; they broke the news that we are travelling by bus the night before.  I initially thought we were commuting.  I have no problems with that, but it might turn-off my companions.  I only told them of the changes the last minute. 

We were meeting at Superlines Terminal in Cubao at 9:00 PM with the bus leaving at 10:00PM.  The traffic wasn’t cooperating that evening that the drive from Makati to Cubao took more than an hour.  Nevertheless, all six of us were at the terminal by 9:30PM ahead of a few more people.  I was greeted and directed to the bus by Ms. “A” (Ate Ana) our tour coordinator who would later be known as Ms. Krissy.  It took us a few more minutes before we rolled en-route to Camarines Norte.

To be continued: