The Dark Knight Rises

     After 4 years of waiting... Batman returns to end his legacy in the film "The Dark Knight Rises".  Unfortunately I came in late by 15mins, but since I was able to see the long trailer of the movie with Bane and his men invading a plane, so I was able to get a gist of what happened with the parts I missed.

     The movie starts 8yrs after Batman's disappearance from Gotham, 8yrs after his friend Harvey Dent died, Gotham finally has enjoyed 8yrs of peace under the Dent Act.  And with the Batman, Bruce Wayne also decided to lay low and be on a recluse with which the fall of his business.  A new villain, Bane, finds about Gordon's secret and decides to resurface and take on the stock market hostage, and with it Batman is forced to return to Gotham.  He was able to stop Bane and his men but only to find out that his stock was his target and had it bankrupt forcing him to turnover his company.  Suspecting that John Daggett, his business rival, was working with Bane.  He turnovers his business instead to Miranda Tate.

     Alfred leaves the mansion after telling Bruce that he always envisioned seeing Bruce in a restaurant with a lovely wife (this part really gave me the chills).  As Batman is led by Selina Kyle to Bane's lair, he instead got beaten up by him and sent to the prison were Bane was able to escape, a prison that was always considered inescapable.  While Bruce was trying to recover and escape, Bane takes over Gotham, cutting off all bridges, trapping all policemen underground, making all the prisoners escape, giving what the rich have to the poor, and basically creating chaos all around Gotham.  All with the help of a Nuclear Bomb he had created as a warning to anyone who tries to leave Gotham or enter it without his permission.

     After months of training and trying to escape, Bruce finally was able to manage so by accepting his weakness.  He then asks for help from Selina, Gordon, Blake, and Lucius Fox to liberate Gotham.  While battling Bane, he then finds out that Bane wasn't the child of his former master but Tate was.  He eventually was able to stop Tate and was able to retrieve the bomb but found that they didn't have the capacity from stopping it to explode.  He then was forced to fly the bomb and have it explode on the sea, and since the Bat didn't have autopilot with it he had to manually fly it to a safety zone and have it explode.

     The film ends with all the people of Gotham knowing that Batman died for them, and with it they built him a statue as a reminder of the hero who saved the entire city.  Alfred, Gordon and Blake had a funeral outside the Wayne manor was divided to pay for the debt and the rest to be given to Alfred, the manor itself was turned into an orphanage.  Lucius finds after six months that Bruce programmed the autopilot on the aircraft.  And Alfred finds Bruce and Selina in a restaurant in Italy, as Blake inherits the Bat cave.

     The Dark Knight Rises is easily considered as the best of the trilogy, I enjoyed it from beginning to end without realizing that the film was almost 3hrs long.  It even reached $745 million + in gross profit.  Catch it while its still showing in your nearest theaters.

The Great Northern Sale!!!

     Who doesn't like SALES? To be able to get the items you wanted the most at a more affordable price?  And SM City North EDSA is going to give you the great sale you've been looking forward to, and up to 70% off!  Now that is a great find indeed!

     

     So save up and shop on July 13-15 at the SM City North EDSA and look for the greatest finds you can and enjoy the adventure.

Visit the event's Facebook, Twitter and website for more updates
http://www.facebook.com/smnedsa

http://www.twitter.com/smnorthedsa

http://www.sm-northedsa.com/

Claw Daddy

     Angel, me and some of our friends celebrated July 4th at Claw Daddy's in BGC, Angel loves eating crabs and most of us love the taste of seafood.  We were even surprised to know that they were going to introduce to us a new dish called the boiling bags.

Grilled Corns

Ballpark Nachos

Ceasar Salad

     We were given corns and nachos as appetizers which easily vanished in a few seconds.  Especially the nachos because of how it tasted.  It was a real treat to have it garnished with lots of cheese and meat on top.  We also had some salad on the side which I ate most because I didn't want to have rice.  It was a good substitute for healthy goers, it was very flavorful and was actually heavy on the tummy.

     And here came the boling bags!  And we really got amazed with how big it was, how it smelled after the bag was opened, and also all the ingredients inside it which were all making our mouths water with eagerness.  It was like finding the golden pot in the end of the rainbow, the smell and taste was really heaven like.  The "Seafood Boil In A Bag" and the "All Shrimp Boiling Bag" were the ones we had.  "The Seafood Boil In A Bag" is a seafood feast of crabs, fresh water prawns, south pacific clams, green mussels, manila clams, Andouille sausage, potatoes and corn.  I really loved how it smelled, the different herbs and spices mixed with the aroma of the dish, the dish costs P1495.  The "All Shrimp Boiling Bag" has baby shrimps, fresh water prawns, Andouille sausage, corn and potatoes.  It was a lighter in terms of taste than the previous boiling bag we had and was sweeter.  Maybe because it didn't had too much of the herbs and spices on top of it.  I liked it better because the first one was spicy, this bag costs P995.

The Happy Crablette

     It was a very fun evening we shared with our friends, a really nice place to dine and laugh.  We highly recommend you visit them at their branches:

B6 Bonifacio High St - 8564785/8564326

The Ledge, Shangri La Plaza Mall - 6365679/6374528

SM Mall Of Asia (2nd flr Entertaiment Mall) - 8613028

Nuvali, Sta Rosa, Laguna

Level 1 Harbor Point, Subic Bay (soon to open)

The Amazing Spider-Man

     Your friendly web slinging hero has come back in this reboot of the famous movie series.  Andrew Garfield is now the lead role playing the character of Peter Parker in his younger days when he was still with his first love Gwen Stacy played by Emma Stone.

     The story starts with Peter being left by his parents to the care of his Uncle Ben and Aunt May played by Martin Sheen and Sally Field.  The movie shows how Peter faces his high school days being bullied, falling in love, and finding the truth about his parents.  I really loved how the movie was able to incorporate that Spider-Man is just as human as he can be by having him use the web shooters, this shows just how genius and creative he can be.  The only thing I disliked about the movie was the action scenes, I felt it were too simple and lacked luster.  After each fights, I felt like saying "so that was it?" and I really was looking forward to it because the first 3 movies of Spidey had great fight scenes.  Like when he was fighting Doc Oc on the train, or when he was fighting Venom in the end of Spidey 3.

     For me the movie was good but not great, good because it mostly centered on Spidey's life, but I really wish the movie left me with great feeling that made me want to watch it again or look forward to the next one.  The Amazing Spider-Man is stated to be a trilogy, so maybe the third one would be the one I would enjoy watching.

The Amazing Spider-Man is still showing in your nearest theaters, watch it in IMAX version if you want to have a better grasp of the movie.

Flavors Of Asia

Many will agree that one of the best ways to experience Asia is through its food—historic, flavorful, and vast. Especially for the Southeast Asian region that boasts a multi-cultural and hard-hitting influence with the way we enjoy cooking and eating, it’s no wonder why dishes that hail from these regions are considered a feast for the senses. 

To pay tribute to this revered cuisine of the world; Marriott Manila brings home four of the Asia’s most famous cuisines.  From Thailand, Malaysia,Indonesia and Vietnam, Marriott Cafe tantalizes everyone with a masterpiece through a month-long celebration of Oriental flavors that’s uniquely Marriott.

What else could be more exciting other than a larger than life encounter with Renaissance Kuala Lumpur’s Ruhizad Muri, JW Marriott Jakarta’s Dadang Wahyudi, Renaissance Riverside Saigon Phan Tien Hoa, and JW Marriott Bangkok Thanatorn Krobsuay. Boasting with culinary career track that is dynamically diverse, expect only authentic and a palate tickling adventure anyone could get. 

For only P2, 300 net from Sunday to Thursday and P2, 500 net for Friday and Saturday, enjoy a charming Asian dinner that assures an enjoyable age-old tradition of bonding through a delicious mix of aromatic, spicy, rich, sweet, and hot Flavors of Asia.   

Back by popular demand, Thai food definitely deserves all the hype for its four fundamental tastes that we Filipinos love: sweet, sour, salty, and bitter. Chef Thanatorn Krobsuay who trail blazed the first two consecutive most-talked about Thai Food Fest at Marriott Café, there’s no denying that it’s one of the cuisines we regularly crave for. This year, chef Thanathorn makes the selections more lavish and worth discovering with his new menu line up such as: deep fried sea bass with chili sauce, sautéed squid with pineapple and cucumber, beef balls cooked with typical Malay sauce, and braised beef spiced with turmeric and coconut.

More than its legendary nasi lemak, chef Ruhizad Muri gives foodies a taste of Malaysia’s noteworthy nyonya cuisine.  A signature Penang type of cooking that blends spices from roots (galangal, turmeric, and ginger); leaves (pandan, lime, and laksa); fruit (lemon, tamarind, and green mangoes); together with other ingredients like shrimp paste and chilies.  Imbibed from Thai cooking style, chef Ruhizad puts an interesting twist with the time-honored wok dishes of Malaysia. This section invites everyone as well to get creative with blue crab, shrimps, dilis fish, beef tenderloin, chicken, clams, barbeque chicken, steamed fish, assorted vegetables peppered with Malaysian spices.

Another Southeast Asian cuisine that deserves to be in the limelight is Indonesian. Popular for their satay which shows Asians’ love affair for grilled meats, chef Dadang Wahyudi makes skewers tastier and more appetizing with these selections: chicken, shrimps, calamari, beef, goat, pork and fish in assorted marinations! Another must-try is the bebek betutu klung klung, an all-spiced up Balinese dish enhanced by a host of pungent roots, herbs, and seasoning. Both locals and visitors are just so psyched about this heavenly roasted duck recipe that it’s considered a dish specially reserved for big banquets and ceremonies.

A native of Ho Chi Minh, chef Phan Thien Hoa presents well-rounded Vietnamese dishes notable for its minimal use of oil, bountiful use of herbs and vegetables-- which shouldn’t make one wonder why it ranks as one of the healthiest foods in the world! Most travelers would agree that aVietnam trip is never complete without tasting a steamy and flavorful bowl of pho. Considered the heart and soul of Vietnamese cuisine, it features a delicious play on broth, rice noodles, meat, herbs and spices. Another delicacy that Vietnam is famous for is the Vietnamese spring rolls—soft rice wrappers filled with choicest meats and vegetables such as shrimps, tofu, chicken, and beef. Enjoy it fresh and slow at this special section which will make you feel the charming street-food style eating in Vietnam.

And with the Philippines long coast line, it’s a crime to miss out our very owns seafood choices. Your meal will never be complete without the tiger prawns, steamed lobster on ice, marinated marina clam and curacha crab which are all highly regarded for its freshness, standout taste and quality. So make sure this cold section is part of your eating plan.

While the West is abundant with milk for most of their dessert recipes, Southeast Asians on the other hand capitalize on the creamy goodness of coconut milk, whether it’s for glutinous rice or fruits. A mix of sweet, savory, hot and cold, these should be a flavorful last hurrah for a really good meal: pandan crepes rolled with caramelize coconut, stewed green bean with palm sugar, banana in sweet coconut, pandan leave jelly plus other famous delicacies that will surely strike anyone’s fancy.

Much more, we believe that food and travel are a perfect way to go if someone wants to have an in-depth experience of a local destination. With this in mind, our Marriott properties in Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam, are giving away three days and two nights gift certificates to four lucky diners of Flavors of Asia—all you need to fully enjoy a one hundred percent Asian experience!

Bringing an authentic taste of local life and hospitality, our four chefs will also conduct a special cooking class for only P1, 500 net inclusive of a hearty lunch: July 9, Thai; July 16, Malaysian, July 23 Vietnamese; and July 30, Indonesian. If you wish to experience this treat that’s injected with fun and information, consider enjoying Asian cuisine by learning to cook it yourself!

Instead of hitting the usual haunt, invite the group over and explore a night of culinary adventure at Marriott Café, guaranteed to give anyone a quick passport to Asia.

For inquiries or reservations, call Marriott Café at 988-9999.

ABOUT MARRIOTT HOTEL MANILA:

An inviting beacon set in the world-class casino entertainment complex of Resorts World Manila, Marriott Hotel Manila is the place to work and play. Ideally located in Newport City across Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3, it is a convenient 15 minute drive from Makati Business District and Bonifacio Global City. Affording a splendid view of the adjoining 18-hole Villamor Golf Course, it boasts 342 exquisite guest accommodations that offers luxurious bedding, in-room safe, mini-bar, high-speed Internet, air conditioning, 40" full high definition LCDs with IPTV, videos on demand and jack pack plug-and-play system. The hotel features excellent dining options such as Marriott Cafe, Cru Steakhouse, Java+ and Lobby Lounge. Leisure facilities include Quan Spa, Health Club, Salon and Newport Mall. With a Grand Ballroom and several meeting rooms, Marriott Hotel Manila is also the ultimate destination for meetings and events, from weddings to gala dinner celebrations.

Big Fish Innovation White party

     BigFish and Freedom Music recently held their Innovation White party at the World Trade Center.  It had a stellar cast of DJs who really made that night's party the party of the town!

     Russian trance, DJ, radio host, and record producer.  Seems like these guy never tires.

     DJ Chris Raeuber (Roy-ber) is considered one of the top house dj's in the Philippines, holding the only local residency spot of Bigfish Manila, the leading dance music event's brand known to host huge parties for up to 10000 people at the World Trade Center. 

     The German/Filipino has spun for major events with Dash Berlin, Andy Norman (Hedkandi), Super8 & Tab and more. Chris is known for his unique style that keeps the crowd going, so well, he has captured interest of international events in Cocoon Club, Frankfurt (considered Europe's number 1 club), Singapore and Hong Kong. He dedicates his work to the less fortunate and green projects, to which he allocates 30% of his dj income. 

(from his official FB page https://www.facebook.com/DjChrisRaeuber)

Cosmic Gate is a German trance duo made up of Claus Terhoeven (born 1972, aka Nic Chagall) and Stefan Bossems (born 1967, aka DJ Bossi). Both from Krefeld in Germany. On October 28, 2009, DJ Magazine announced the results of their annual Top 100 DJ Poll, with Ultra Records artist Cosmic Gate placed #19, 43 spots above the group's ranking the year before. For the 2010 DJ Magazine Top 100 DJ Poll, Cosmic Gate moved to #24. (from Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cosmic_Gate)

Hewitt was the lead singer of the Australian rock band Missing Hours, with whom she released the eponymous debut album in October 2008. The band that she formed with her brother Anthony is currently no longer active, because both now live in Europe and are now working as songwriters of electronic dance music.

Although Emma Hewitt had a musical background in rock music, she released her debut single in 2007 in the field of progressive house. "Carry Me Away" was a collaboration with British DJ Chris Lake. The single reached number 11 in the Spanish singles charts as well as number 12 in Finland.  The single was a total of 50 weeks in the Billboard Hot Dance Airplay charts in the United States and reached number 1 in December 2007.

After the success of her first single, she has worked with several trance artists such as Cosmic Gate, Gareth Emery, Dash Berlin and Ronski Speed. The single "Waiting", which she published with Dash Berlin in 2009, was ranked 25th in the Belgian singles charts. In Armin van Buurens popular radio show A State of Trance the single was elected by the audience with 2109 votes to the second best song of the year 2009.  At the International Dance Music Awards 2010 "Waiting" was awarded as best HiNRG/Euro Track. She was nominated twice in the category Best Trance Track with "Waiting" and "Not Enough Time". (from Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emma_Hewitt)

Resident Magic 89.9 for BigFIsh Radio DJ John Paul Lee (aka Johnboy Lee)

Mÿon & Shane 54 is a trance music duo of producers and DJs from Hungary named Márió Égető (Mÿon) and Előd Császár (Shane 54). They recorded music as individual musicians until they teamed up in 2008.

They also host a weekly podcast titled "International Departures" on iTunes, Zune, and their website. (from Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myon_%26_Shane_54)

Tous Les Jours

     Tous les Jours, authentic bakery which hails from Korea has finally arrived at the Ayala Town Center!  I have loved their bakes since they arrived at SM North and SM Southmall.  One of the things that struck me regarding their products were how they smelled so fresh and tasty and plus the presentation they all had.  Each piece a masterpiece by itself.

     "Tous Les Jours" brand was launched in Korea in 1996 to give consumers a totally satisfying bakery experience. It launched an on-site production system for each store, which guarantees the quality of our fresh, delectable cakes made from the finest ingredients. Also, as a domestic leader in the bakery industry with over 1,700 stores, Tous Les Jours established Korea's first, Internet-based Total Information System (TIS) for franchise operations; first bakery mileage card system for consumers; and modeled the development of multi-bakery shops to maximize the reach of its outlets. Through these and other services, Tous Les Jours continues to be a step ahead in technology and service in the domestic Korean industry.

     We were given first some refreshments, and all of them were also famous Korean refreshments.

       And the taste test starts!  We start of with the Sweet Black Rice Bread with Cream Cheese.  It's taste was marvelous, soft bread with cream cheese, it's taste was heavenly.  Feels like eating Mochi but in bread version.

     They also serve croissants, and as sample they made us taste their best seller which was the Almond Croissant.

     My favorite bread from their store is the Milk Bun, I really love because of the smell it produces.  Soft bun with custard cream inside and topped with chocolate cookies!

     Now to those who likes to eat bread and also is cautious about their health and diet, the Pumpkin Muffin is highly recommended.  We were told that most seniors buy it because of it's sumptuous taste and is also very good for diabetics since it promotes regeneration of pancreatic cells.

     After the breads, we now head to the cakes!  We were given a taste of three of their famous cakes.  The Chocolate Castella, a popular Japanese sponge cake which has dark chocolate as it's main ingredient.

     The Strawberry Inspiration, one of their popular decorative cakes was up next.  I really liked how it looked, it looked so good that you'd have second thought cutting it.  But then we had to taste it so off we went,  the insides was really tasty.  And I liked how the strawberries was able to balance out the sweetness of the fillings since it had a sour taste.

      Last but definitely not the least is the Original New York Cheesecake, it was so heavy in the stomach that I was only able to have one slice.  It had a very sweet taste and was very easy to eat.

     And to make your mouths water more... here is the pictures I took of the cakes they have.

     So what are you waiting for?  Stop by at their nearest stores, SM North, SM Southmall, and not at Ayala Town Center.