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Category: Celebration

  • Kain Tulog Gang’s New Year’s Celebration (F1 Hotel Manila, BGC)

    Kain Tulog Gang’s New Year’s Celebration (F1 Hotel Manila, BGC)

    The Kain Tulog Gang (KTG) never fails to party in style. As the first event I attended this year, our New Year’s celebration was both fun and memorable. We give special thanks to our Bossman Spanky, our generous sponsors (Leonardo’s Lechon, The Plaza Ham, and Goldilocks), and friends from F1 Hotel Manila who arranged everything perfectly to ensure our enjoyment and pleasure. F1 Hotel Manila in BGC is our home far away from home! It is apparently where our foodie group was formed. 🙂

    with Pau Esmedilla, F1 Hotel Manila Marketing Assistant

    Happy New Year to our growing foodie family!

    To kick-start our party at the Titanium function room, we were introduced to Chef Timothy Decker Gokioco, the new head chef of F1 Hotel Manila. He will be in charge of the kitchen operations of F All Day Dining, Canary Lounge, and F1 Banquet and Catering. Read more about him below.

    Inside Out was our event’s theme, and Chef Decker prepared a lunch buffet with items that are friendly for all kids and kids at heart respectively. Pinoy spaghetti, cocktail hotdog skewers, pork barbecue skewers, vegetable gratin, and crispy fried chicken are part of the main course. Highlights of the dessert station included the yema tart and the tablea polvoron.

    F1 Hotel Manila’s Spicy Lechon Duck on one corner caught all our attention as well. The duck skin was rubbed with spice and it had a nice crunch with just the right amount of fat hiding underneath. Taste was phenomenal.

    The Plaza Premium Baked Ham paired with loaves of warm pan de sal (courtesy of The Plaza Ham) with different sauces was absolutely delicious. Ham season was upon us, and this piece of pink meat was a pleasant holiday centerpiece on the table. (For orders, contact 02-8908446 or 02-8434267.)

    Leornardo’s Native Lechon is perhaps the best example of just how well Filipinos know their pork. The lechon’s interior was tender and moist with fat and juicy meat. Despite being a pure, unadulterated dose of pork, this is one thing you won’t tire of. Eating a whole plate is a dangerously simple task! (For orders, contact 02-7269828.)

    Goldilocks celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Rich and magnificent, Goldilocks’ chocolate cake is a true classic with just the right amount of sweetness. I love that they now accept requests for cake customization that spans from simple to the more intricate. Customized cakes are processed at least five to seven working days before the event. (For inquiries, call 02-5324050.)

    We also sang the birthday song to our dear friends who are having their birthdays this January. Happy birthday to Mati, Richie, Chiara, Aidan, and JPedro! 🙂

    KTG

    Chef Decker of F1 Hotel Manila

    The young and very talented chef joins the all-Filipino hospitality brand to put a stronger hold on the hotel’s contemporary yet authentic Filipino food and beverage offerings.

    Chef Decker started to help his mother in the kitchen at an early age, growing up with Chinese and Filipino cuisines. He then pursued his love for food and cooking when he took up HRIM major in Culinary Arts at De La Salle-College of St. Benilde in 2005. In 2008, he started his professional career in the kitchen at Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Makati, then joined several five-star hotels, went up the ranks until he landed The Cake Club’s kitchen as its Chef de Partie in 2014.

    Along with numerous awards and recognition, it was also in 2014 when Chef Decker was listed under Spot.ph’s “10 Must-Watch Chefs under 30,” and was able to bag the coveted Mabuhay Awards in the supervisory category. Chef Decker continued to be an achiever as he juggled his professional career with his part-time stint as a Chef Instructor at his Alma Mater also during the same year.

    With his family’s solid influence in his creations, Chef Decker shall be imparting several family traditions and heirloom recipes as he introduces original dining concepts starting this year. Thus, diners and patrons of F1 Hotel Manila shall expect a more vibrant and flavorful dining experience for 2016! 🙂

    Asian Buffet Adventure at F1 Hotel Manila

    This 2016, it’s time to savor the richness of Asian culture and cuisines at F1 Hotel Manila. The Asian Buffet Adventure at F All Day Dining Restaurant will be highlighting the variety of flavors from Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, China, and of course, the Philippines.

    Delight yourself with the buffet’s wide selection of Asian cuisine as there’s surely something for every taste, including a selection of fresh seafood, sashimi, noodles and other Asian favorites. The spread shall also include some signature dishes of F1 Hotel Manila’s new Executive Sous Chef, Decker Gokioco which include Poached Mahi-Mahi with Seafood Mousse in Curry Sauce; Fernando’s 4-Day Marinated Pork Belly, and his classic take on the traditional Peking Duck.

    The Asian Buffet Adventure is available during lunch or dinner buffet for only PhP 1,399 nett per person, available until February 29, 2016 only. For inquiries and reservations, please call 02-9289888 or email at inquiry@f1hotelsandresorts.com.

    F1 Hotel Manila is located at 32nd street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City. For inquiries and reservations, please call 02-9289888. For online booking and more information, please visit www.f1hotelmanila.com. Read about our staycation here.

  • TOMS Give Fair 2015 at The Foundry (Westgate Center, Alabang)

    TOMS Give Fair 2015 at The Foundry (Westgate Center, Alabang)

    One person buys, and one person is helped. This idea has turned into a global movement, and this is how TOMS works today. TOMS sells casual and stylish shoes, bags, eyewear, and soon, coffee with the vision of helping people around the globe and preserving our precious planet.

    The “One for One” model started with a man named Blake Mycoskie who traveled to Argentina in 2006 and saw the hardships faced by children growing up without shoes. His solution to the problem was simple yet revolutionary. TOMS was established as a for-profit business that’s sustainable and not reliant on donations. To date, TOMS has donated over 35 million pairs of shoes to children in need in 70 countries. Its retail stores in the Philippines are present in TOMS Store (SM Megamall), Nothing But H2O, The Give Project, Adora, Rustan’s, and Shoe Salon.

    Corporate Responsibility: The “One for One” Model

    When you buy a pair of TOMS shoes, you help improve the health, education, and well-being of a child. TOMS partners with humanitarian organizations or their so-called “giving partners” to support them with shoes.

    When you buy a pair of TOMS glasses, you help restore sigh through prescription glasses, medical treatment, and sight-saving surgeries of individuals who are blind or visually impaired.

    When you buy a TOMS bag, you help provide training for skilled birth attendants and distribute birth kits containing items that aid women safely in delivering babies.

    In this season of gift giving, TOMS held the Give Fair last November 14, 2015, Saturday, at The Foundry in Westgate Center, Alabang. I was invited to the event and I tagged my mom along so we could both learn more about TOMS and experience something fun.

    This annual holiday event aimed to share the joy of giving to people of all ages, especially children. There may be plenty of gifts out there that children can get excited about, but a whole day filled with games, food, craft giveaways, and musical performances by Keiko Necesario, Clara Benin, and Rizza Cabrera must surely be well appreciated. TOMS Team offered up some good cheer, and families were given the chance to bond together. 🙂

    Registration

    Design Your Cookie

    Balloon Pop

    Foosball

    Jenga

    Tic Tac Toe

    Photo Booth

    Crafts Giveaway for Kids

    Food Stalls

    Live Performances

    TOMS Bingo

    Wrap Up

    Across the world, thousands of children need shoes to go to school, thousands of people need eyesight restoration, and thousands of people are in need to water, but unfortunately, not all people living in the planet have access to these resources. While there’s no single solution to address these problems, TOMS founders and employees take the stand to define strategies and interventions to provide help in the best way they know how.

    The good thing is that TOMS’ global movement involves everyone, from businesses to individuals, to make progress in the target impoverished communities and multiply the warm buzz of giving. I’m grateful for the opportunity this year to celebrate giving in TOMS Give Fair. Thanks, Aubrey, for the invite! 🙂

    I got my own pair of TOMS classic black canvas shoes. Yay! With this, I’ve become part of a movement that believes that we can change the world with our choices. 🙂 Visit their website to know more about their story.

  • Cyze’s 30th Birthday Celebrated with Cancer Warriors Foundation, Inc. Kids

    Cyze’s 30th Birthday Celebrated with Cancer Warriors Foundation, Inc. Kids

    The 30th birthday is one of the most welcomed and exciting milestones in a person’s life. If you are turning this age, what could be the perfect birthday gift for yourself? There are many choices for sure: getting that designer bag you have always wanted, spending a leisure vacation to some place far from home, or finally buying a car and exploring the city as a tourist.

    In the case of Czye, it was throwing out a birthday party with Cancer Warriors Foundation, Inc. kids and their families. By sharing smiles and blessings with other people and making them feel happy and special, it was truly a 30th birthday well spent. 🙂

    How I Learned About Cancer Warriors Foundation Inc.

    The blogosphere is abuzz with so many campaigns and awareness programs by various foundations and groups, but not everyone is a supporter. Three months ago, I saw a video posted by Vikings Luxury Buffet on YouTube for Father’s Day. It was about how parents and children who are members of the Cancer Warriors Foundation Inc. share their love and support for one another even through the most difficult times.

    These families must be very strong and brave indeed as they all fight against cancer. Their voices mesh together to make a louder and stronger heard sound wave on positivity.

    Here’s the video. Please watch.

    By the end of the clip, I found myself tearing up. Their messages were so inspiring, and because of that, I just felt determined to reach out to Cancer Warriors Foundation Inc. to inquire on ways I could contribute. Covering events and blogging about them to help spread awareness is one. In addition, I can also help by improving their website design.

    About Cancer Warriors Foundation, Inc.

    Cancer Warriors Foundation, Inc. (CWFI) is the embodiment of a dream that no Filipino child, especially the underprivileged ones, will suffer a diminished quality of life because of cancer. If you also want to help them realize that dream, send an email to cancerwarriorsph@gmail.com or visit http://www.c-warriors.org/ for more details.

    Donations are accepted at the following banks:

    Metrobank
    Account Name: Cancer Warriors Foundation, Inc.
    Branch: Marajo Tower Branch, The Fort
    Current Account No.: 519-7-51901107-3

    Unionbank of the Philippines:
    Account 1 (For Manila-Based Patients):
    Current Account no. 00-157-000-1010

    Account 2 (For Batangas-Based Patients):
    Business Check:
    Current Account no. 00-157-000-1100

    Contact Numbers:

    Manila: (02)5622954 / +639175979564
    Batangas: (043)7563993 / +639228450008 / +639167331925

    You can also leave a message below and I can forward your inquiry to CWFI.

  • Whodunnit? Crime Investigation Case Solved at Breakout Interactive Theater (Commercenter Alabang)

    Whodunnit? Crime Investigation Case Solved at Breakout Interactive Theater (Commercenter Alabang)

    Novels and TV series have a longstanding love affair with crime scene investigation, evoking a natural impulse on readers and viewers to embrace the story and ride along with the adventure. In every murder story, different characters in a setting ultimately make twists and turns into an unpredictable nail-biting extravaganza. If you’re one who’s fascinated with this kind of genre, you might have thought of playing the role of the investigator yourself. So given the chance, are you game to do detective work for a day?

    My answer was YES! 🙂

    Brought by Runtertainment, Inc., the team behind Outbreak Manila, the 5-km zombie infested fun run, Breakout Philippines—the country’s premiere escape room game, and the 1000 ft slip-and-slide for Slidefest Philippines, Breakout Interactive Theater (BIT) had organized a one-day event last Saturday, July 11, 2015, for crime investigation enthusiasts to experience and solve a murder mystery filled with suspense and live action going on.

    I teamed up with Franc, Louie, and Gianne, and together we interrogated probable suspects and accomplices of the murder and looked for evidences to answer one basic question: WHODUNNIT. As each character revealed information about what might have happened, the plot transpired to be riveting and simply nerve-wrecking.

    Crime Investigation Case Solved at Breakout Interactive Theater (Commercenter Alabang)

    Background

    Commercenter Alabang has grown from a humble movie house in the 1990s to one of the most prestigious malls in the country. The company started with three founders: Brian Valdez, Julio Rodrigo, and Tinio. However, as fate would have it, Tinio had parted ways with Valdez and Rodrigo because of a misunderstanding after some years.

    In 2014, Valdez died of lung cancer and it was his last will and testament to have his only son, Nicholas Magnus, run the company as president and CEO. The business went on smoothly under Magnus’ leadership, and he was in fact awarded as the “Best Executive of the Philippine Malls” with Commercenter Alabang located in the south.

    As part of the game play, the event we attended was Commercenter Alabang’s Appreciation Night and 25th Anniversary Celebration.

    It was supposedly a momentous occasion where Magnus would thank loyal patrons and the people working for the success of Commercenter through the years. Sumptuous dinner was served by Belly Grub, and guests (participants of Whodunnit) were treated with a warm welcome by Magnus himself even before he went onstage.

    Murder Occurrence

    Shortly, Magnus was called up by the host to deliver his speech. While thanking guests, someone called his phone alerting on the emergency. Simultaneously, we heard gunshots on the background.

    Two private investigators entered the scene. Apparently, they were hired by Magnus to protect and secure the mall since he had been receiving threats on its safety. Julio Rodrigo, one of the founders and friends or Valdez, now Head of Security, was appalled when he learned about it as he felt bypassed for his role.

    An undercover agent named Jojo Garcia was killed—and this signaled the official start of our mission. Who was the killer and what were his motives?

    WHODUNNIT Investigation

    A set of evidences was presented on the Evidence Table. It consisted of the victim’s shirt and pants full of blood and a parking ticket detailing the date and time of arrival and plate number. This hinted us to check if the car was still parked in the parking area so we can get the next leads.

    Suspect # 1

    On the way to the car, we met one of the primary suspects of the murder. Butch Balmaceda, the guard on duty hired by Julio Rodrigo, was wearing sunglasses indoors and appeared too drunk to be fully cognizant of what was happening. We saw him smoking quite a bit of cigarettes and heavily sweating through his polo. He admitted feeling stressed because his wife was in the hospital and he terribly needed money to pay for the bills.

    Amidst all his reasoning, he could be just lying or feeling a pang of guilt for murdering someone (thus the sweating, drinking, and fidgeting) in exchange of money out of desperation. If he were really the killer, it still wasn’t clear who could have hired him and why the murder had to be done.

    Moving on, we found the car we were looking for. Inside were a ticking bomb, bags, some documents, and a box labeled with the name “Julian Rodriguez.”

    The car had a dent on the back corner by the trunk. Beside it was a finished can of San Miguel beer which we thought could be a trace of Butch Balmaceda as he came clean on drinking the same can of beer earlier.

    Could Butch be the one who had set up the bomb? This would only make sense if he had the car key. Our next questions were: who drove the car and whose car was it?

    Suspect # 2

    Next, we interviewed Nicholas Magnus and learned that the car was his and Manu was the name of the driver who drove him that day. With these info, our minds wandered on the possibilities that either Magnus planted the bomb in the car so he could claim insurance or Manu the driver did it with another hidden agenda.

    The reason why Magnus’ last name wasn’t taken after his father was that he was born out of wedlock from Valdez’s second wife. Also because of this, many believed that it was not right for an illegitimate son to be handed down the major shares of the company and become its most powerful controlling entity.

    Suspect # 3

    Julio Rodrigo was one among those who opposed the idea—for without the presence of Magnus, he could have been the next lawful successor of Commercenter. He strongly stressed though that he would not reach the point of killing someone just to be at the top.

    When asked why he did not think of starting up his own business and maybe even compete with Commercenter, he said he loved the company so much like his own “baby.” Hence, he could not forgo the thought of leaving it despite that he remained as the head of security as originally appointed.

    Suspect # 4

    While we were having dinner, we’ve known Manu Tinio as the guy in white barong walking around the sides of the dining hall.

    After the incident, we saw him outside the mall wearing a black polo.

    Why did he change clothes and why was he not found with everyone with us inside when the commotion took place? He said that food spilled on his barong and he had to make security rounds in the mall building to secure the perimeter as part of his job being the assistant head of security next to Julio Rodrigo.

    When asked if he knew Magnus’ driver (who goes with the same name “Manu”), he said no nonchalantly. His expression didn’t betray his speech.

    Suspect # 5

    Working in Commercenter for 25 years, Rina Cruz personally did know Valdez and she would be compensated with a commission from the insurance if anything goes awry with the company. She was found carrying a logbook containing all the “time in” and “time out” entries of employees at Commercenter. We noted the entry log of Manu Tinio and discovered that it did not matched the time of arrival he stated. We were then convinced that Manu Tinio was a liar. Conversely, it was also possible that Rina altered the logs to further complicate weaves in the murder mystery.

    As the operations manager in charge of all the staff sourcing in the mall, Rina must be holding critical personal information of people being hired in Commercenter. Since the “Manu Tinio” we met previously held the same surname as Tinio, the former partner of Valdez and Rodrigo, we inquired on the odds that the two could be related. Additionally, we asked if she’s aware that “Manu Tinio” was the same “Manu” pertained as Magnus’ driver. Rina denied both accounts and told us these could be passed off as mere coincidences.

    Case Analysis

    It was 20 minutes before the two-hour limit and we had to fill out the accusation sheet and evidence sheet to be surrendered at the end of the game for evaluation. We initially decided that Butch Balmaceda was the killer because there were more evidence to back the accusation and support its demise.

    Fortuitously, we ran across the Emergency Exit at the second floor and found more solid proofs that convinced us to change our answer and conclude that the real suspect was Manu Tinio. My gosh lah! White barong with blood stains, gun, picture of the founders, Marlboro cigarette box—all these were solid indications that pointed to him.

    A bartender named Cocoy testified that he smoked with Manu Tinio a while back and that it was only Manu Tinio who wore the same barong.

    The guy wanted revenge because of the falling out of Valdez and Tinio. It’s vague for me though how Manu Tinio was related to the founder Tinio.

    Wrap Up

    Breakout Philippines has taken interactive entertainment to a whole new level. Whodunnit, Breakout Interactive Theater’s first public release, fell in the same vein as the unpredictable and suspenseful nature of CSI, Sherlock, etc. It’s the perfect game for detectives at heart! 🙂 Everything was planned out well in the mall. The great acting of the cast, the realistic plot and setting, and the game mechanics helped build the excitement that fueled us participants to compete and unravel the mystery.

    Watch out for more crime solving cases and detective work by Breakout Philippines next time. 🙂

    Thanks, Franc, for the invite!

     

  • 5 Things I Loved About The Marriott Grand Ballroom Launch

    5 Things I Loved About The Marriott Grand Ballroom Launch

    Last week, I was pleased to receive an invite from Ms. Aimee Lagman, Assistant Marketing Communications Manager of Marriott Hotel Manila, for the launch of Marriott Grand Ballroom, the largest hotel ballroom in the Philippines. Stellarly written, the e-invitation read “Journey the cosmic space of the newest facility with an out-of-this-world entertainment and superior culinary fête. Attire: Out of this world. On July 3, 2015 at 6:30PM, we are taking off in 5, 4, 3, 2…See you in space!”

    As soon as my eyes met the end of the line, I felt excited and looked forward to the “wow” factor Marriott Grand Ballroom had yet to unleash. For sure, there would be creative genius infused as part of the theme. I imagined starry decorations, black lights, and glow-in-the-dark costumes all inside a dark hall into a “galaxy” far, far away.

    The day finally came and it was time to enjoy the party. It was Friday night after a busy day at work, after all! In this post, let me share with you the five things I loved most about the Marriott Grand Ballroom Launch (Cocktail Party Event). 🙂

    with Marjorie

    5 Things I Loved About The Marriott Grand Ballroom Launch

    1. Suspense Injected in the Entrance Intro

    Unlike regular cocktail parties, Marriott Grand Ballroom event director’s sense of creativity must be really up there when it comes to offering suspense from the entrance point of guests. While waiting for event’s launch, I spent time catching up with my blogger friends. We were offered food and drinks outside and were left wondering on what was to come.

    Later, all guests gathered to the end of the waiting hall and positioned cameras to capture the moment. Ushered into a space warp, we saw nothing but darkness and flash was not allowed. Apparently, we have entered a black hole where glittered lights/stars through the walls and high ceiling with matching the sound effects were revealed. Wow! It was amazing and thrilling to witness! With all the drama, we knew we were ready for the lift off—to outer space. 😛

    2. Largest Ballroom with 8,000 Square Meters of Function Space

    As mentioned, Marriott Manila Grand Ballroom is now the largest ballroom in the country. This makes it a great venue for weddings, meetings, conventions, exhibitions, and other large-scale social events. Its main ballroom (occupying 3,000 sqm) can house 4,000 guests for cocktails and 2,500 guests on a banquet setup.

    3. High-tech Interior Design

    Marriott Manila Grand Ballroom is fitted with not only the most glamorous and exquisite design but also with world class state-of-the-art technology. It’s the only ballroom by far that uses SkyFold Technology that consists of vertical folding partitions from the ceiling and 176 programmable pillow ceiling lights. Wow! I loved the variety of colors and lights used to amp a “space” effect; they looked so enchanting. ♥♥♥

    with Stacy and Nadine

    4. Unique Performances on Stage

    With the large venue and complementing decorations in place, the performers on stage showed fantastic exhibitions with their unique dance choreography. The crowd went “oohs” and “aahs” over the different acts demonstrated. In the end, Marriott Hotel Manila executives were introduced and Mr. Bruce Winton, General Manager at Marriott International, gave a short but meaningful speech.

    5. Gastronomic Feast

    Last but definitely not the least, we had a gastronomic feast in the Marriott Grand Ballroom grand launch. 🙂 There were no rocket-ship sandwiches, but delightful cocktail food and drinks were served. We had different kinds of ham and cheese, bread, seafood, Peking duck rolls, and beef caldereta among others. They were classy, tasty, and substantial enough for dinner. 🙂

    About Marriott Hotel Manila

    Marriott Hotel Manila stands as a centerpiece of the dynamic and exciting mixed-use development of Resorts World Manila, located directly opposite Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3. The hotel currently offers 342 spacious guestrooms and suites and will open the West Wing in early 2016 adding an additional 228 luxuriously appointed rooms.

    MARRIOTT GRAND BALLROOM
    Marriott Hotel Manila | Newport Boulevard, Newport City, Pasay, Philippines 1309
    Website: www.manilamarriott.com | Email Address: salesmanila@marriott.com
    Contact Numbers: 632.988.9999 loc. 8260/8299, 632.988.9946

  • Anatomy of KTG Mooncake Festival + Dice Game 2014

    Anatomy of KTG Mooncake Festival + Dice Game 2014

    It’s that time of the year again when we play the dice game and eat mooncakes in honor and in celebration of the Mid-autumn Harvest or Mooncake Festival (中秋节). In the Philippines, this is popular among Filipino-Chinese communities. Many years back, we used have to hopia and mooncakes (月饼) as prizes in the mooncake dice game (pua tiong chiu). Now we have plenty of variety of prizes ranging from food, fancy pen and paper, to just about everything the event hosts and organizers can think of! It’s good to have more options than grow tired of eating the same traditional mooncake every time.

     
    Last week, I was invited by Richie to join the KTG Mooncake Festival + Dice Game in Astoria Plaza, Escriva Drive, Pasig. KTG means Kain Tulog Gang (Eat Sleep Gang)a. k. a. “many of the country’s top food bloggers.” I’m not sure if they mean it in the literal sense. 😛 At least for myself, I’d like to think that there’s more WORK happening in between. Haha! Anyway, I knew it was going to be fun so I came. ☆完美的一天!☆

    Anatomy of KTG Mooncake Festival + Dice Game 2014

    September 6, 2014—Everyone was excited to play the mooncake dice game. More than playing though, I felt that everyone was excited to eat. Why not? There’s lots of food to indulge in, thanks to our loving sponsors:

    Packed dinner of Beef Pot Roast with Buttered Vegetables from GraceY’.s Gourmet Kitchen c/o Grace Yambao-Go

    15 boxes of Chewy Buns and Beef Pastry Puff Canape from Orange Whisk Restaurant and Patisserie c/o Korinne Lirio

    2 special boxes of Mooncakes from Makati Shangri-La, Manila

    2 special boxes of Mooncakes and 40 mini pieces snow skin for dessert from Spring by Ha Yuan PLUS GCs totaling PhP 6,000

    15 packs of assorted Jam Foods Angus Tapa worth over PhP 2000 each from Michelle Navarro Cu-Unjieng

    15 packs of Chorizo De Cebu Philippines from Kevin Vitug

    15 boxes of Kat’s Café cupcakes from Katrece Gamo

    Dessert buffet from My Pink Wasabi c/o Anna Chua

    Lechon Degustacion at Pepita’s Kitchen with SUPER SUMAN from Dedet Dela Fuente

    Pork Belly by Diplahan Lechon from Benjamin Abelarde

    After dinner, Ahia Richard asked us to pick a number to indicate our grouping and order in the dice game. We were over 30 people in one room so we divided ourselves into two tables. For the benefit of first-timers, he also explained the rules on how to play (you may read it here). Basically, each player gets to roll six dice. The different combinations will result in different prizes.

    I picked 15A (table A number 15)—which happened to be a really unfortunate number! I think I took home the least number of prizes. Yes, I couldn’t believe it myself. 😆

    The dice game gets repetitive but the thrill of winning loads of prizes in every round by luck keeps the fun and excitement going. From rolling winning dice combinations, Sumi and Kathi won as “chong-guan” in our table, while Chef Anna won as the grand prize winner in theirs. 🙂

    With good company, good food and fun prizes, everyone had a great time and went home feeling like a winner. Congratulations to all! 祝大家中秋节快乐。 但愿人长久，千里共婵娟！

  • Philippine Mingsheng Wenyang Sports Association Thanksgiving Party 2014

    Philippine Mingsheng Wenyang Sports Association Thanksgiving Party 2014

    Philippine Mingsheng Wenyang Sports Association had its thanksgiving party last Sunday, in celebration of its eight glorious years in the field of wushu, lion dance and dragon dance. As part of the momentous occasion, we witnessed the ceremonial signing of agreement of Tong Sun and Ming Wei Dragon and Lion Dance Group who joined as member-organizations of our association.

    The event was delightfully done and was an unmatched success. It was held at Royale Sharksfin Seafood Restaurant in Quintin Paredes Street, Binondo, Manila, from 8:00PM to 10:30PM. Honorable guests who graced the event were: 菲律宾武术协会 Philippine Wushu Federation 副理事長蔡清池 Mr. Samson Co and 教务主任許一晖 Mr. Michael Co, 菲中小姐基金会 Ms. Chinatown Foundation 董事长 吴文偉 Mr. Ng, 菲华青年会指导员 Mr. Honorio Tan, 卓世欽先生夫人 Mr. and Mrs. Wilson Co, 菲律宾中国商会 Philippine Chinese Chmaber of Commerce 会长吴啓發 Mr. Jose Go, 菲中台电视台 Chinatown TV 台长施玉娥女士 Ms. Lolita Ching, Mr. Arvin Sy, 菲华电视台 Chinoy TV 制作人姚丽英女士 Ms. Loraine Tan, 东山龙狮团 Tong Sun 团长余东山先生 and 副团长 Mr. Julius Garcia, 明威龙狮团 Ming Wei 团长 Mr. Marcelino Viray and 副团长 Mr. Alie Faisal, 菲律宾明胜文扬体育会 Philippine Mingsheng Wenyang Sports Association 董事长陈德通先生夫人 Mr. Mario Tan, 会长黄正胜先生夫人 Mr. and Mrs. Manuel Sy and 总教练蔡明仁先生夫人 Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Buenviaje.

    Mr. Mario Tan, Chairman of Director of Philippine Mingsheng Wenyang Sports Association officially commenced the event and honored the guests with his welcoming remarks.

    Later, guest speakers Mr. Jose Go, Mr Armando Lutrania and Mr. Marcelino Viray, also imparted their messages.

    Ceremonial Signing of Agreement 簽署協議成为本会团体会员仪式

    As the emcee, I called the representatives of Philippine Mingsheng Wenyang Sports Association, Chairman Mr. Mario Tan and Chief Instructor Shifu Arnold Buenviaje, and also the representatives of Tong Sun Dragon and Lion Dance Group, Group leader Mr. Armando Lutrania and Assistant Group Leader Julius Garcia, for the ceremonial signing of agreement between the Tong Sun and the Mingsheng Wenyang for the Member Organization. Mr. Samson Co and Mr. Honorio Tan served as witnesses.

    This was quickly followed by the ceremonial signing of agreement between Ming Wei Dragon and Lion Dance Troupe and Mingsheng Wenyang. Again, Mr. Mario Tan and President Manuel Sy were requested to come up on stage as representatives of Mingsheng Wenyang. Represenatives of Ming Wei Dragon and Lion Dance Troupe were Troupe Leader Marcelino Viray and Assistant Troupe Leader Alie Faisal. Both parties signed, and Mr. Michael Co and Mr. John Flores stood as witnesses.

    Dinner and Entertainment

    Whetting our appetite were eight Chinese food entrees that were dished up lauriat-style. During the course of dinner, I introduced Camille Margaret Chang, who won first place in a singing contest in Uno High School (elementary division). She sang “童年” and “The Sound of Music” for us heartily.

    Next, we were presented with videos which primarily highlighted the life and experiences of members in Mingsheng Wenyang. Shifu Arnold Buenviaje also projected a video called “A Life of Dream” which featured an autobiography on his life and an inspiring moral about overcoming adversity and fulfilling your purpose and dream.

    Acts of Thanksgiving

    Five of us members shared our testimony about Mingsheng Wenyang. We were pleased to have been given the opportunity to share what we think about the organization and express our gratitude for whatever it is that we gained, learned and improved because of the team.

    Mr. Mario Tan then thanked each of us for the effort and time given to Mingsheng Wenyang. As a token of his appreciation, together with Mrs Lydia Tan, he gave a small hong bao to everyone.

    Recognition of Winners

    12 members who were most active in participating in lion dance events were granted accolade as well and were called as the “12 Magnificent.”

    Moreover, a special recognition, “Member of the Year,” was awarded to Matthew Laurenaria, for having the most number of attendances in lion dance events in 2013.

    The Mingsheng Wenyang team that won second place in the 5th World Dragon and Lion Dance Championship in Putian, China in November 2013 was given recognition and reward. The team that represented the Wushu Federation Philippines in Southern Traditional Lion Event was composed of members: Sheldon Buenviaje, Kenneth Sy, Jesse Yap, Matthew Laurenaria, Ivan Po, Reylwin Caña, Scott So and Psylyx Paras. This was not the only time that Mingsheng Wenyang had won a competition as we have been taking part in several local and international competitions.

    Among the recent events where the team won was the Wushu Discovery Frienship Games, where Mingsheng Wenyang took home won 3 golds, 3 silver and 9 bronzes. In April 2013, Mr. Mario Tan led a six-member team to join the Ancestral Ceremony of the Confederation of Sarping Lion Dance in Singapore. In October 2013, we were invited to perform at the Malaysian Wenyang Sports Association 3rd Founding Anniversary at Johore, Malaysia where our eight-men team performed traditional Wushu and Lion Dance.

    These are all thanks to the members and of course, Shifu Arnold Buenviaje, the man who has been our teacher, friend and father. He’s our strength, and without him, we may just crumble like a deck of cards.

    Birthday Celebration

    For the finale, Mr. Mario Tan, Shifu Arnold Buenviaje and Mr. Manuel Sy, the three pillars of Mingsheng Wenyang, were called to cut their birthday cakes. They have celebrated their birthdays this March. Mr Mario and Shifu Arnold were both born on March 5; and Uncle Manuel, last March 13.

    Wrap Up

    Since Mingsheng has been founded in 2006, I have been one of the members who have seen its humble beginnings and watched it become what it is now. The association is able to strongly promote and provide positive and diverse wushu experiences as well as lion and dragon dances. It is a true-to-life testimony that hard work pays off. With patience and determination to share his skills and talent, our very own Shifu Arnold delivers high performance programs and several events.

    Members, both kids and adults, male and female, are all encouraged to purse not only local but also international competitive excellence. Together with leaders now in the group, they are guided in maximizing their performances and develop their full potential in the discipline of martial arts and related activities.

    Through Mingsheng Wenyang, I have learned not only how to maintain physical fitness and practice wushu but also how to stimulate dreams and make them happen. I’ve learned the real meaning of “No Pain, No Gain” and “Practice Makes Perfect” among other things. As I recognize the competent coaches and officers behind that complete the team, I am very sure that this association will go a long way.

    Although I’m not attending to practices religiously nowadays, I still carry a badge of honor. Just hearing about their success and accomplishments makes me really happy because I know they deserve it.

    All photos are grabbed and edited from Ching A. Jie's album.
  • Si-Co Wedding (The Bellevue Manila, Muntinlupa)

    Si-Co Wedding (The Bellevue Manila, Muntinlupa)

    I’ve just returned from a wonderful bash held in The Bellevue Manila, Muntinlupa. It was the wedding of Sean Si and Apple Co last Saturday where “I will’s” were exchanged as declarations instead of the usual “I do’s.” Their marriage vows, Christian testimonies and love story touched me and made me almost cry big-time!

    Sean and I belong to one college barkada, and Apple became our friend when she was introduced to us in December 2010 (see group photo below). My relationship with them grew as I joined SEO Hacker in the following year. They both are very down to earth, professional at work, and so I respect them deeply. We get together with friends to update about latest happenings in life especially career-wise. Of course, we were thrilled upon learning that they have decided to keep a covenant and follow Christ’s blueprint in marriage.

    In several instances, I have attended similar ceremonies and have also participated as part of the entourage in my aunts’ and uncles’ weddings. But maybe because of the self-detachment that I do to release underlying emotions each time, I was never wired to get emotional at weddings. This time, it was different.

    Thanks to G and her driver, we arrived at The Bellevue Manila in Muntinlupa early and saw Apple walking down the stairs. We said hi and were happy to see the bride wave at us back. Soon, our other friends found us and we headed to the wedding ceremony proper. In the function room, the backdrop was dashing. The flowers in the aisle provided a cool, romantic and modern vibe. 

    The couple looked absolutely radiant and incredibly happy. The groom shone in white suit and the bride was breathtaking as ever in her gown. The bridal bouquet consisted of orange and yellow flowers in bloom. Members of the beautiful set were all so elegantly dressed in apple green and orange.

    A few minutes later, the ceremony began. I thought it was going to be boring like usual weddings whereby guests have to wait a while before the pastor finally announces the couple as man and wife. It turned out to be livelier and more moving than I expected.

    Pastor Dennis Sy, Senior Pastor of Victory Greenhills, was present to give an inspirational preaching about marriage. And when it was the groom’s and the bride’s turns to share their messages with parents and their stories on how they became Christians, I saw many people in tears. Theirs were the greatest words I’ve heard at a wedding. Needless to say, their union was an emotional moment for everyone there.

    The reception was held about one and a half hours after. I was seated with friends near the stage where the band played and where significant people in the couple’s lives also went up to tell stories and read their messages. All were true to heart and we were touched once again. The wedding couple also performed with no holds barred. They sang the Tangled theme song “I See the Light,” and the sense of energy in the entire room was almost tangible.

    Come dinnertime, Chinese lauriat food were served to our table. I didn’t bring my DSLR that day because I believe the professional photographers’ “pro shots” were enough to cover the details of the wedding including food. I also didn’t intend to review the dishes but can’t accept not taking photos of them at least for my own documentation.

    It was funny that my friends turned the lazy Susan in their own accord to face the food to me. I guess they really know me well. Tralalala… 😛 The menu was superb! We had: Assorted Cold Cuts, Roasted Peking Duck, Braised Shark’s Fin Soup with Shredded Meat, Hot Prawn Salad, Cha Misua, Braised Sea Cucumber with Chinese Mushroom and Abalone, Fried Rice with Salted Fish, Steamed Lapu-lapu with Soya Sauce, Two Variety Chicken Kung Po and Stuffed, Masachi Roll and Chilled Mango Sago.

    I felt honored to have witnessed the Si-Co Wedding. Running separate lives and in different backgrounds, Sean and Apple met each other by serendipity. It took them signs to discover it—but we’re so glad they did. And like in a fairy tale, we hope they stay happily ever after. ♥