Let There Be Lights @ Ayala Triangle

Let There Be Lights @ Ayala Triangle

Sunday, November 13

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Johnny Rockets: The Home of the Dancing Servers

Johnny Rockets: The Home of the Dancing Servers

Saturday, November 12

The first Johnny Rockets opened in Los Angeles on June 6, 1986. This year, Johnny Rockets  celebrates its 25th anniversary worldwide. My recently promoted sister  wants (was forced??) to treat us and so we decided to celebrate at  Johnny Rockets Eastwood.

I really had a hard time deciding what to order because I want to try almost everything. But since this is the home of the original burger, might as well try the burger on my first visit.

I chose the simplest of them all: The Original. My hamburger patty is made of 1/3 pound, 100% imported ground beef that was grilled only upon order.  The lettuce, tomatoes, chopped onions and pickles crunched as I bite. And here's a treat: refillable french fries!

Those who wants a healthier option may substitute the beef patty with 100% soy or turkey patty. Wheat bread for the bun is also available.

Kids are given a paper hat, crayons and an activity sheet. Since the food is prepared only upon order, expect to wait for 10-15 minutes. The adults can pass the time by watching the servers dance. I'm not sure if there is a specific interval between their performances or if they dance whenever someone plays a song from the jukebox.

 

I wasn't able to record their dance. I was really entertained with their performance but if you look at their faces, there is no enthusiasm. Or they were probably too tired already. I was wondering, a song will only cost you P1, and if indeed they dance to every song played on the jukebox... I'll understand why they could no longer smile.

 

My husband ordered St. Louis -- thick bacon, Swiss cheese, grilled onions, lettuce, pickles and their "St Louis" sauce.  Thumb up means YUMMY!

 

Kid's meal for my 8 year old nephew. Their kid's meal I think is for a kid with a very big appetite. He chose the Kid's Mix and Match. This meal includes a mini hamburger,  mini hotdog sandwich and half plate of french fries! My sister's strawberry shake is the best strawberry shake ever!

I was no longer able to have my soda and french fries refilled. I don't even have any space in my stomach for dessert.

Verdict: Gastronomically Satisfied!

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Pacquiao v Marquez

Pacquiao v Marquez

Thursday, November 10

On November 13, Sunday morning, my beloved Philippines will be traffic free and probably crime free. Most of the roads will be deserted. The atmosphere will be more solemn compared to Good Friday. Television screens will be installed on tricycle and jeep terminals (and the drivers are somewhat irritated if you hire them). People will opt to attend the very early mass or the afternoon mass. Those with satellite discs and cable subscriptions will hold  mini family gatherings -- finger foods and beer overflowing. Other will go to cinemas and sports bar.

Why?

Because the boxing Filipino hero Manny Pacquiao will again bring glory (yeah, I bet he will win!) to the country.

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Trick x Treat at the Shang

Trick x Treat at the Shang

Tuesday, October 11

photo courtesy of http://www.shangrila-plaza.com/

It's costume time once again for kids. Celebrate the Halloween at Shangri-la Plaza Mall on October 23, 1:30 - 4:30 PM at the Grand Atrium. Only 300 kids will be accommodated. There will be a magic show, games and prizes, food booths and of course, Trick or Treat around the mall.

So who will you be this Halloween?

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Buko Pandan Salad

Buko Pandan Salad

Monday, September 26

 

Buko Pandan Salad

Nathaniel's Bakeshop

San Fernando, Pampanga

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Miss Philippines Earth 2011: Allies, Amazons of the Forests

Miss Philippines Earth 2011: Allies, Amazons of the Forests

Saturday, April 30

Photo courtesy of http://www.missphilippines-earth.com/

Capture on your camera the miss earth philippines 2011 candidates. all photographers are invited to the photo shoot on May 9, 2011.

The objective of the photo shoot is to highlight the beauty of the Miss Philippines Earth 2011 candidates set against the backdrop of the Philippine Flora and Fauna in line with the celebration of the International Year of the Forests.

Mechanics:

1. Submit your name, contact details and a brief description of yourself and why you want to join the photo shoot to catherineuntalan@gmail.com before May 3, 2011, 11:59 PM.

2. We are only opening 15 slots. We shall be evaluating all submissions and choose the top 15.

3. Photographers agree:

a. To furnish Carousel Productions, Inc. a copy of the edited and raw shots of the candidates

b. To allow Carousel Productions, Inc. to use the photos in posters, billboards and other collaterals.

c. Not to take inappropriate shots (awkward, censored, behind the scenes) of the candidates.

d. Not to post photos of the candidates without prior consent of the organization.

e. To handle all expenses related to the shoot.

4. Photographers will be credited for the use of the photos.

5. Photographers are allowed to use the photos for portfolio purposes ONLY. The photos shall not be used for any commercial purpose.

6. All photographers will be given a certificate of participation.

7. The best photo based on online voting shall be given a special award.

8. Additional queries may be directed to Ms. Catherine Untalan at catherineuntalan@gmail.com

 

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The Lake Hotel Tagaytay

The Lake Hotel Tagaytay

Tuesday, February 15

Date of Stay: 12-13 February, 2011

Location:

Conveniently located along Emilio Aguinaldo Highway making it accessible even to those who will be arriving via public transportation.

Strategically within walking distance to various restaurants such as the famous Leslie's Restaurant, Yellowcab Pizza, Max's, Antonio's, etc.

Hotel:

A 60 room hotel offering standard, superior, deluxe, superior lake view, deluxe lake view, junior suite, 1 bedroom suite, and 2 bedroom suite. Rooms are equipped with 32 inch HDTV, cable channels (limited), mini bar, coffee and tea making facilities, complete bathroom amenities (bathtub available only for de luxe lakeview and suite rooms; jacuzzi for the 2 bedroom suite), free wifi (poor signal in the room, need to go to the lobby). All the rooms are non smoking.

Restaurants:

Two restaurants available: the 24 hr Coffee Shop where the complimentary breakfast is also served and a fine dining Asian Fusion Restaurant.

Published Rates: (as of Feb 2011)

Standard Room PhP5,800 nett /USD128
Superior Room PhP6,500 nett/USD143
Superior Lake View PhP7,200 nett/USD158
Deluxe Room PhP8,000 nett/USD176
Deluxe Lake View PhP8,700 nett/USD191
Junior Suite PhP10,500 nett/USD231
1 Bedroom Suite PhP16,000 nett/USD352
2 Bedroom Suite PhP32,000 nett/USD704

My Experience:

I got off the car while my husband tries to locate a parking slot. This is a 60 room hotel but the parking slot is limited and could probably only accommodate around 30 cars. There was a wedding reception when we arrived and the parking space is almost filled up. I was greeted by the doorman who accompanied me to the reception desk. I had my booking made via their website. The check in procedure was fast. The room was ready the moment I finished filling out the form.

I booked a Deluxe Lake View Room located on the 3rd floor. The view from the veranda is magnificent. The verandas are way too close with each other you could hear the conversations if there are people staying on the veranda on your left and right side. Luckily though, it seems me and my husband are the only people who wants to stay at the veranda. The wind is so chilly too, you can only manage to stay outside for a few minutes unless you are wearing a thick jacket.

The room is clean and looks new (it is actually new because the hotel only started its operation last November 2009). The bed is an orthopaedic bed so do not expect it to be soft. In my case, I find it comfortable because I have a scoliosis and the bed is ideal for me. De luxe rooms are provided with a magnetic pillow which is said to be therapeutic. I don't know if it's true. I've got a restful sleep that night -- either I am too tired or the pillow was indeed therapeutic.

Bathrobes are available for deluxe rooms and suites upon request. I called up room service and in less than five minutes, the robe was delivered to my room. Their bathrobe was the best bathrobe I had from the hotel. Not too heavy but very comfy. They provide the standard set of toiletries but I always bring my own toiletries when I travel so I was not able to use them. Whenever I travel, I do not mind paying for a more expensive room as long as I get a veranda, a view and a bathtub. Unfortunately, I was only able to use the bathtub once. The drain did not work. I was not actually planning to soak in the tub again since it was just an overnight stay so it really was not a big deal. But of course, I let the frontdesk know upon check out the the drain is not working.

The complimentary breakfast is buffet. Other hotels offer set breakfast. Do not expect though a lot of choices from the buffet considering this is just a 60 room hotel. I enjoyed the breakfast. Just right for me.

The swimming pool is not heated, and with the cold temperature of Tagaytay, I did not dare swim. It is also located near the lobby and almost beside the cafe so it's kinda awkward.

It is not perfect. But the hotel met my expectations. I actually did not set a high expectation for this hotel because I am aware that this is a small hotel. Except for the problem with the bathtub drain, everything else is just good for me. The staff are all efficient and highly commendable. The free book is also great (I love reading.).

I've tried other hotels in Tagaytay and after my stay here, I have decided to have this hotel as my first option whenever I travel to this place.

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