Monday, July 2, 2012

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.

Friday, June 29, 2012

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.

Saturday, June 23, 2012

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)


Friday, June 22, 2012

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.

Saturday, May 12, 2012

"Live a Legacy" campaign


     Adidas Global Brand AMbassador DJ Neil Armstrong launches "Leave a Legacy" campaign here in the Philippines.  He has made waves in the music industry by being Jay-Z's tour DJ and sharing the stage with the likes of Rihanna, Beyonce, Kanye West, P. Diddy and Linkin Park.

     Adidas has always been a part of my life, since my high school days, I always see to it that I'd wear no other shoes except Adidas.  This because I like their material than other shoe brands which tends to rot away if you don't wear them always.  With Adidas, even if it's a shoe style they released some decade ago, you can see the same style being restyled or repacked in the stores and are still being crazed about today.  This could be one of the reasons why they released Adidas Originals which mainly sold everyday wear like shirts, jeans, jackets, shoes and much more.  Most of which are a legacy themselves like the Samba which is a staple shoe in the Adidas closet.  It's the kind of shoe which evolved just a bit and is still being worn today after years of being released in the market.

     Me and my Angel got the opportunity to be invited to a sunset BBQ party at the Skye Lounge at the Fort area.  The place was a really cozy one and gave us a relaxing mood as we enjoyed the company of our blogger friends and also listen to DJ Neil's mixes.  DJ Neil Armstrong is the founding father of the DJ Collective: the "5th Platoon", and over the last 9 years, he's also become an icon in the sub-genre of Hip-Hop known as "Mixtape Culture" and has worked closely with hip-hop artists like De La Soul, The Roots, Company Flow and Biz Markie, to Kanye West, LL Cool J, Busta Rhymes and Wyclef Jean.  His mixtapes represent DJ Neil's unique music taste and have been featured in the press, most notably by Rolling Stones, Vibe and MTV.com.
     The party is also a kickoff to a Facebook contest that Adidas Philippines is going to launch. The application is simple, gear up in your Adidas Originals apparel, snap a picture, then post it at www.facebook.com/adidasphilippines and you can win yourself Php 50,000 worth of Adidas products!

Here's a sample of a mix he did that I really liked: 

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Dark Shadows

     Dark Shadows is one of the many movies I have watched coming from acclaimed director Tim Burton and one of my favorite actors Johnny Depp.  I've always liked their movies together like Edward Scissorhands, Sleepy Hollow, Charlie And The Chocolate Factory, Corpse Bride and Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street.  I always had the liking of how Tim Burton was able to mix the darkness and colors of the films he had made, and how Johnny Depp was able to shine through them with his acting skills.

     In this movie, Depp plays the role of Barnabas Collins, a wealthy playboy that broke the heart of a witch named Angelique Bouchard (Eva Green).  In turn, she killed Josette du Pres (Bella Heathcote) the lover of Barnabas and also turned him into a vampire.  After which she led the town on sealing Barnabas inside a coffin and buried somewhere in the town's forest.  After two centuries, Barnabas is accidentally freed by a construction team.  Puzzled by the new things he's seen, he returns home to his ancestral home Collinwood Manor and finds it in ruins and his descendants, dysfunctional and harboring dark secrets as well.

     The story goes on as Angelique finds about Barnabas' freedom and swore to win his love or be locked up again in a coffin.  Barnabas fights back by rebuilding the family business and win back the respect of the town his family had build so hard, the town of Collinsport.

     It really was such a treat to have watch this movie...  The scenes were as superbly done by the master himself, Tim Burton who was able to yet again make the darkness alive.  The funny antics of Johnny Depp really elevated the scenes, like the love scene they had at Angelique's office or simply him cursing at the McDonald's sign after he got freed.  Every character really played their parts well, even the silent old maid who never even said a single word.

     This movie is a must see to those who want to have a good laugh with the family or a lovely evening with their love ones.



Opening across the Philippines in May 10, 2012, “Dark Shadows” is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

Dark Shadows: Character Infos


Synopsis: In the year 1752, Joshua and Naomi Collins, with young son Barnabas, set sail from Liverpool, England to start a new life in America.  But even an ocean was not enough to escape the mysterious curse that has plagued their family.  
Two decades pass and Barnabas (Depp) has the world at his feet—or at least the town of Collinsport, Maine.  The master of Collinwood Manor, Barnabas is rich, powerful and an inveterate playboy…until he makes the grave mistake of breaking the heart of Angelique Bouchard (Green).  
A witch, in every sense of the word, Angelique dooms him to a fate worse than death: turning him into a vampire, and then burying him alive.


Two centuries later, Barnabas is inadvertently freed from his tomb and emerges into the very changed world of 1972.  He returns to Collinwood Manor to find that his once-grand estate has fallen into ruin.  The dysfunctional remnants of the Collins family have fared little better, each harboring their own dark secrets.  


Matriarch Elizabeth Collins Stoddard (Pfeiffer) has called upon live-in psychiatrist,

Dr. Julia Hoffman (Bonham Carter), to help with her family troubles.

Also residing in the manor is Elizabeth’s ne’er-do-well brother, Roger Collins, 
(Jonny Lee Miller);

her rebellious teenage daughter Carolyn Stoddard (Chloe Moretz);

and Roger’s precocious 10-year-old son, David Collins (Gulliver McGrath).
  
The mystery extends beyond the family, to caretaker Willie Loomis, 
played by Jackie Earle Haley, 

and David’s new nanny, Victoria Winters, who resembles Barnabas' long lost love Josette, played by Bella Heathcote.
     
Opening across the Philippines in May 10, 2012, “Dark Shadows” is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.