Seph Cham shares his passion in fashion and photography through his blog. He wants to give new ideas not only in styling but also in gadgets, health and lifestyle. [email protected]
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One of my ways to cope up with the new normal is to listen to good music everyday.
It’s normal to have difficulty managing your feelings considering all the challenges we’re currently facing, but for me, good music helps to lighten up my mood. So wherever I go, whatever I do, I always bring my Panasonic True Wireless Noise Cancelling earphones with me – thanks to its compact body! Its comfortable design lets me wear it all day even when I’m driving, as I can also go hands-free with its stable connections and high-quality call sound! #PanasonicPhilippines #SoundOn
One of the things Trice and I look forward to when we travel is the chance to try new food. Since we haven’t been to Singapore, I just explore Singaporean restaurants here in Manila so when we get the chance to visit SG, we can compare the taste. Hence, I was excited when Rong Hua BakKutTeh, one of Singapore’s oldest and most famous restaurants just opened in McKinley West Park, Taguig. It’s the first up to five branches that the restaurant plans to open in the metro.
The first time I tried Bak Kut Teh was when my sister who lives in Singapore visited us and cooked her version of this delicious dish. BakKutTeh, a famous morning meal, literally means “meat bone tea.” Its basic recipe includes meaty pork ribs simmered for hours in a complex broth of herbs and spices, including star anise, cinnamon, cloves, dang gui, fennel seeds, coriander and garlic. The dish’s heritage goes all the way back to the 19th century when Chinese immigrants in Singapore and Malaya developed this recipe for their daily dose of energy boost.
Aside from pork ribs, Rong Hua BakKutTeh offers a variation of pork soups like pork tenderloin soup, pig liver soup, pig kidney soup, and pig tail soup. Other recommended items on the restaurant’s menu are the Hometown Fried Chicken, Spinach With Top Shell Abalone, Sliced Smoke Duck in Crispy Spring Roll Skin.
Steamed Lotus Buns - P160
Steamed Tofu with Minced Meat - P320
Braised Chicken Feet w/ Bean Curd - Small P190 & Large P250
Stir Fry Ginger Garlic Chicken - P250
Rong Hua Bak Kut Teh in the Philippines is under Silverlush Food Corp. located in McKinley West Park, Taguig City. Operating hours is from 11am until 11pm daily.
For more information on Rong Hua BakKutTeh, follow Rong Hua Bak Kut Teh on Facebook and @ronghuaphilippines on Instagram
Have you ever wondered what it feels like to shop in Tokyo? Since I haven’t been to Japan, I got excited when I attended the grand opening of @Tokyo in The Podium last week!
@Tokyo is the shopping destination for unique and trendy Japanese brands, the place to look for perfect present for your friends and family. Brands under @Tokyo are Acessories Blosson, anello, Casio, Karuizawa Shirts, Legato Largo, Mis Zapatos, Owndays, Seiko and Waterfront.
Once you step in their store, you’ll literally feel like you’re shopping in Tokyo.
Anello, which means “annual ring” in Italian and can be interpreted as the growth rings on trees, is a popular Japanese brand that makes kuchigane rucksacks ina variety of sizes and styles. Made for any person and any occasion, anello’s rucksacks are priced within the range of P2,200 to P4,150.
Legato Largo, sister company of anello, manufactures bags that have an added feminine touch to them. As they make use of materials that are of the best quality, their minimalist hand bags remain to be stylish in today’s fashion scene with a price range between P1,650 to P3,450.
Karuizawa Shirts’ roots stem all the way back to 1940 in a small shirt factory manufacturing simple, white, comfortable shirts. Decades of experience eventually lead the brand to making shirts for different styles and events. At present, the international brand has produced multiple shirt lines targeted at various ways to offer the utmost style and comfort with prices beginning at P2,190.
Accessories Blossom is a three-priced shop (P300, P500 and P700) with accessories that take inspiration from the seasonal flowers that bloom in a Blossom Garden. Designed to fit the season at present, Accessories Blossom has an array of earrings, hair clips, necklaces and bracelets that make day to day outfits a little more fun.
Mis Zapatos, Spanish for “my shoes”, brings a whole new meaning to wearing shoes. Their little retro motif bag is truly one of its kind with a quirky design: with a solid colored background, two legs appear in a trouser, a dress or a skirt, wearing a unique pair of shoes. The price for Mis Zapatos bags ranges from P1,850 to P3,650.
Waterfront is Japan’s number one umbrella brand and its flat umbrella is its best-seller. The rainbow in their logo is a representation of the infinite colors, ideas and styles of umbrellas they invent – from simple pocket-sized models to creative innovations like an off-centered handle to comfortable fit two people into a single umbrella. With an extensive line of models to choose from, the starting price for a Waterfront umbrella is P595.
Owndays is one of biggest Japanese eyewear companies in the world, with 44 branches present in the Philippines. The eyewear company offers plenty of frame designs which are updated every two to three weeks, beginning at P1,990. You can get your glasses done after check up in just 20 minutes!
Seiko, Japan’s most well-loved mechanical watch brand, has a wide variety of timepieces ranging from dress watches to casual pieces.
Casio comes up with trusty, reasonably priced, and sturdy timepieces that anyone can wear on a daily basis. Famous for their well-liked models such as their classic analog watches, multi-function digital watches and G-Shock watches, it’s no surprise that Casio is everyone’s favorite digital watch.
@Tokyo is located in the following stores: Uptown Mall, Bonifacio Global City, One Bonifacio, Market! Market!, Estancia in Capitol Commons, The Podium
Project success and confidence with McJim Classic Leather accessories
It’s a long and difficult trek to career success. The road is marked with hits and misses, gains and losses, achievements to celebrate, and mistakes to learn from. But with persistence and drive, you’ll get to where you want to be—whether it’s the CEO post, a seat at the boardroom, or simply an executive room with a view.
While working to achieve your ultimate aspiration, however, it helps to look the part of a driven young professional: well-groomed, appropriately dressed, and with a taste for classy leather accessories. Leather, after all, has always been associated with status and achievement. And wearing leather accessories suggests empowerment and stability because authentic leather is known to last through the years.
Make your mark in the corporate world with a McJim Classic Leather bag, the accessory that helps you project class, competence, and professionalism.
McJim Classic Leather’s long black wallet is a good choice for the mobile young gentleman who values authenticity and organizational skills.
Style and function—two elements that mark a McJim Classic Leather bag—help define a successful professional.
Look smart and confident in your tee and jeans ensemble, stylishly accessorized with a McJim Classic leather body bag.
To make leather work for you, look to McJim Classic, a trusted and reliable brand for leather accessories. Through the years, McJim has offered a wide selection of high-quality real leather accessories for the classy gentleman, such as:
Leather wallets
A must-have accessory for any man is an authentic leather wallet that is crafted to last for years and comes in various styles that spell utility and function.
Leather bags
An accessory a young professional should never be without is a classy leather bag that functions well in any work environment. McJim Classic Leather suggests choosing one from its collection of sturdy and stylish leather bags: shoulder bag, body bag or gadget bag.
Leather belts
McJim Classic Leather offers high-quality authentic leather belts with unique metal buckles. These come in different colors and designs—basic dark brown, basic modernist black, and reversible minimalist—that complement a gentleman’s work ensembles, both casual and formal.
For a long time now, McJim Classic Leather has been the trusted and recognized brand for making leather goods of superior quality and classy design. To project success and confidence, choose only the best leather accessories from McJim Classic Leather.
GET THAT JOB WITH MCJIM CLASSIC LEATHER ACCESSORIES
Many young graduates dream of working in the corporate setting to gain experience and hone the skills they need to flourish in their chosen careers. However, with legions of job applicants on the lookout for the best options, being good at what you do is simply not enough. So what else can fresh graduates do to stand out and make a good impression?
Dressing for the workplace and good grooming will help, to begin with. Nothing trumps looking clean and neat and wearing appropriate office attire to enhance your image.
But do you know that using the right accessories is what gives you the confidence boost you need? To achieve the professional look that helps get the job, you need McJim Classic Leather, a brand responsible for crafting high-quality leather goods like bags, belts, and wallets. These stylish and functional accessories will add elegance to your attire, making you look like the best candidate for the post you want.
Complete your professional look with a stylish and functional McJim Classic Leather belt.
A McJim Classic Leather bag is every new graduate’s go-to accessory as he launches his career in the corporate arena.
A McJim Classic Leather executive bag exudes a classy corporate vibe as you go from office to client meetings.
Every young professional could use the style and flair of a McJim classic leather belt.
To wrap up your corporate look, choose from McJim Classic Leather’s line of stylish belts that come in various colors and designs: basic dark brown, basic modernist black, and reversible minimalist. Each design comes with distinctive looking and strong metal buckles.
Another essential leather accessory that all professionals need is the wallet. McJim offers two different styles for making a lasting impression: the leather wallet and the canvas wallet. Invest in one that is made to last for years and serve you in your career journey.
Finally, as a staple accessory in every young professional’s wardrobe, a sturdy leather bag is both smart and functional. New graduates can opt for a shoulder bag, a body bag, or a gadget bag.
For more than 40 years now, McJim Classic Leather has been recognized as a brand that produces leather goods of unquestionable quality. Make a good and lasting impression in the corporate world with McJim leather accessories, and attain the success you desire.
You can shop select McJim Classic Leather products at https://mcjim.shop-ph.com
THE ARISTOCRAT RESTAURANT OPENS THEIR 16TH BRANCH AT NORTH TOWERS
The home of the best chicken barbecue, The Aristocrat, opens their 16th branch at North Towers, SM North!
When I got an invite to the opening of The Aristocrat in the newly opened North Towers in SM North, I didn't miss the chance to attend because the last time I had their Chicken Barbecue was 12years ago when I was in college.
As expected, their best seller, 3pcs. Chicken Barbecue w/ Java Rice and Java Sauce did not disappoint! It took me back to my childhood with each bite.
Trice ordered the Pork Spareribs Barbecue served with signature Java rice, Java sauce and atchara.
One of the best ways to enjoy a filipino dish is to match it with pancit, so we ordered Pancit Canton - homemade egg noodles with stir-fried meat, shrimp and vegetables.
Aristocrat Lumpiang Shanghai is a must-order dish when dining at The Aristocrat. These deep fried spring rolls, filled with pork, shrimp and vegetables, served with sweet and sour saice and homemade atchara will sure to complete your dining experience.
There is still a lot of pinoy dishes I haven't tried at The Aristocrat, which is why I'm glad that they opened a branch at North Towers, SM North! I know where to go every time I'm in the area!
So, what are your favorites in The Aristocrat?
For updates, LIKE The Aristocrat Restaurant Facebook Page.
We all love to shop, but the Christmas rush can take the fun right out of it. After all, squeezing through a crowded mall for a pair of socks doesn’t seem like the smartest way to do your gift shopping.
This is the time when online shopping really proves its worth: no lines, no crowds, and no closing hours. And that’s not even the best part—thanks to cashback platforms like ShopBack, every gift you buy gets you a gift in return!
The smartest online shopping hack
Ever heard of cashback? That’s when you earn back a portion of every peso you spend. It’s a brilliant way to save on purchases, and is probably the best thing to ever happen to online shopping.
With ShopBack, you can earn as much as 25% cashback on every amount you spend. This is nothing like the “reward points” from conventional reward programs—you gain real cash, deposited straight to your bank account.
All you have to do is shop through the ShopBack platform. First, you must create an account via www.shopback.ph (you can also download the smartphone app or install the browser extension).
After you register, you can browse through ShopBack’s partner stores. There are hundreds spread across all categories, including popular stores like Shopee, Zalora, Lazada, Booking.com, Foodpanda, Traveloka, Honestbee, and more.
Once you select a merchant, ShopBack will display details such as cashback rates, coupons, and all available promos for that particular merchant. Just click on “Shop Now” to be redirected to the merchant’s website. Use that tab and shop as you usually would. It’s that simple!
Get ready for the biggest year-end sale events!
The most avid shoppers would do well to check for new deals that come in every day. But for the biggest rewards, hold on a bit for the 12/12 Online Fever—the most exciting ShopBack sale, happening on December 12, 2018. 12/12 Online Fever is the grandest sale before Christmas, and definitely the most rewarding in the whole year. Also, be on the lookout for delightful last-minute holiday deals on ShopBack’s Christmas-New Yearsale event from December 17 to January 3. It’s the smart way to get into the gift-giving spirit of the season!
Skip the dizzying crowds and dreadful traffic. Beat the holiday rush by shopping online, and make it more rewarding by doing it through ShopBack. It’s not just convenient—it really is the smarter way to shop.
About ShopBack
ShopBack is a cashback reward program that offers rebates and deal vouchers for over 1,500 brands all over the world. The platform provides a smarter way to shop for over 6 million members across the Asia-Pacific region and has awarded more than USD25 million in cash rewards to date. For more info, visit www.ShopBack.ph, install the browser extension, and/or download the ShopBack app for iOS and Android devices.
AIRASIA’S 10TH YEAR OF BEING THE WORLD’S BEST LOW-COST AIRLINE
I don’t know about you but whenever I have plans of booking a trip, AirAsia is always on top of my mind.
Recently, AirAsia celebrates its 10th year of being the World’s Best Low-Cost Airline by Skytrax, giving us more reasons to fly with them by offering promos from July 23-29 – travel period is from February 1 to August 13, 2019. Perfect time to plan and prepare for trips next year!
What I like about AirAsia is that there are lots of varieties of routes so it is easier to travel anywhere.
If you haven’t been to a lot of places here in the Philippines, now is the time to grab the chance!
So what are you waiting for? Visit www.airasia.com and check out AirAsia’s Flight Promotions for the list of fares per destination. If I were you, you should book now!
Booking Period: July 23-29, 2018
Travel Period: February 1-August 13, 2019
Since my unboxing of the ASUS Zenfone Max Plus few weeks ago, I’ve been using it as my work phone for managing the social media account of BLK 513 and playing some of my favorite games.
Here are the things I love about this smartphone:
1. Battery Life
Unlike most smartphones, the ASUS Zenfone Max Plus’ 4,130mAh is perfect for heavy users. It is also the first Battery King with Full-view FHD+, making it the right phone for those who love to binge-watch while on the go.
2. Camera
If being the Battery King wasn’t enough, its camera also gives more reason to love this smartphone. Since I also love to travel, it’s easier to capture the entirety of the picture with its 16MP + 8MP 120-degree rear dual camera. And if you love taking selfies, it also comes with 8MP front camera with beautification mode for fresh looks. I can’t wait to bring it to my trip to Tacloban next week!
3. Reverse Charging
Having two phones is not a problem with ASUS Zenfone Max Plus because it can also act as a powerbank when your other phone needs an extra juice. It includes a male microUSB to female USB dongle in the package.
4. Performance
Whenever I want to take a break from work, I also play games such as Mobile Legends and Lineage 2: Revolution. I haven’t experienced any lag in Mobile Legends, however, in Lineage 2: Revolution, since it demands high graphics, I experienced some minimal lag but still possible to play in low settings. Multitasking or switching between apps isn’t a problem as well because of its 4GB RAM.
5. Facial Recognition
The facial recognition feature is helpful whenever I want to unlock the phone faster.
Overall, it packs everything you need in a smartphone at a reasonable price of Php9,999.
ASUS Zenfone Max Plus Specs:
• 5.7inch FHD+ IPS display (2160x1080), 424ppi
• Front 2.5D curved glass display
• 1.5Ghz Octa-core 64-bit MediaTek MT6750T
• ARM Mali-T860 GPU
• LPDDR3 4GB RAM
• 16MP+8MP f/2.4 Wide-angle Rear Dual Camera w/ LED flash
• 8MP front camera
• 4G LTE
• Dual SIM/Dual standby
• 32GB Internal Storage
• Supports up to 256GB MicroSD card
• GPS. A-GPS
• Rear Fingerprint Scanner
• Android 7.0 Nougat (ASUS ZenUI 4.0)
• 4,130mAh battery w/ Fast Charging
• FM Radio
• SRP: Php9,995
Since I needed another phone for work, I decided to get an ASUS Zenfone Max Plus because of its long battery life. Here's a quick unboxing.
ASUS Zenfone Max Plus is the first "Battery King" with 5.7-inch full view 18:9 FHD+ and high-capacity 4130mAh battery with advanced power management.
The full view 5.7-inch Full HD (2160x1080) resolution makes editing photos easier.
The package includes: jelly case, sim ejector, manual, earphones, wall charger and micro USB cable.
Compared to previous ASUS Zenfone 4 Max, the fingerprint scanner is at the back of the ASUS Zenfone Max Plus.
The volume rockers and power button are on the right side, while the dual SIM and microSD card slot tray are at the left side of the phone.
Aside from its big battery capacity, it is also packed with 16MP+8MP 120° rear dual camera, equipped with the wide, F2.0 aperture lens to capture clearer photos.
With this "Battery King" smartphone, you don't have to worry when you want to play games and stream longer videos. Standby time can take up to 26 days and up to 21hours Wi-Fi browsing!
I'll post in-depth review after a week. Let's see how ASUS Zenfone Max Plus can do.
ASUS Zenfone Max Plus Specs:
5.7inch FHD+ IPS display (2160x1080), 424ppi
Front 2.5D curved glass display
1.5Ghz Octa-core 64-bit MediaTek MT6750T
ARM Mali-T860 GPU
LPDDR3 4GB RAM
16MP+8MP f/2.4 Wide-angle Rear Dual Camera w/ LED flash
Considering that I’m always on the go and I’m a burger lover, burgers are my on-the-go food because it is easier to eat even when I’m driving or working in front of my laptop. So, last week, I made sure that I wouldn’t miss the chance to get the first dibs when Tokyo Tokyo launched their new Signature Burger Series.
How can anyone not love a Japanese inspired burgers when they have exciting flavors and textures, and are made of premium and luxury ingredients? Whether you are looking for a unique and thrilling way to enjoy an all-time favorite snack or you are craving for a twist to a signature dish, Tokyo Tokyo has got your back!
My favorite is the Mozza Furai Burger (P195)!
Made from 100% locally raised wagyu beef patty, sriracha sauce, sliced cheddar cheese and the gooeyness of mozzarella patty coated in a cheese-flavored batter and Japanese crumbs is just perfect!
On the other hand, if you are into chicken burgers, you’ll love the Chicken Teriyaki Burger (P175), which is made from Chicken Teriyaki fillet layered with Japanese mayo, a bed of lettuce and slices of decadent cream cheese!
If these weren’t enough, you can always indulge with the Rising Sun Wagyu Burger (P175), the wagyu wake-up call served with egg, onion rings drizzled with teriyaki sauce, complemented with sliced cheese, sriracha sauce in a soft brioche bun.
Try something new and exciting! Visit your nearest Tokyo Tokyo branch to experience the Signature Burger Series.
Follow Tokyo Tokyo Philippines on Facebook and Instagram for updates.
One of the best things about being a freelancer is that I get to work wherever I want, and because I somehow become more productive when drinking coffee or tea, I commonly work outside, which leads me to having my favorite go-to place: Serenitea.
What I like about Serenitea is that it offers a wide range of milk tea variance to choose from and there snacks are available to go with it! Because of this, I decided to make a list of my top 10 favorite Serenitea drinks:
1. Hong Kong Milk Tea
Serenitea's Hong Kong Milk tea tastes authentic similar with that I had when Trice and I went to Hong Kong. They are using the same milk as the one being used in Hong Kong.
2. Green Tea Slush
This house blend matcha is perfect to beat the summer's heat.
3. Cocoa Cookies & Cream
My kind-of-drink when I want something chocolatey.
4. Okinawa Milk Tea w/ Pudding
Okinawa Milk Tea was my all time favorite before Serenitea launched Hong Kong Milk Tea. It is best with Pudding!
5. Taro Lover
This creamy ube yam flavored drink is indeed for Taro Lover. It is milky and not too sweet, making it my alternative drink when I don't feel like having an ordinary milk tea taste.
6. Hokkaido
If you want something rich and creamy in taste, this one is for you.
7. Yakult Green Apple
This drink would be my alternative when I'm craving for lemonade.
8. Okinawa Espresso
Did I mention that I love coffee and tea? I like the perfect balance of Espresso and Okinawa Milk Tea.
9. Cranberry Black tea
I'm not a fan of Cranberries but this one is an exemption. It is fruity without being sweet.
10. Choco Strawberry Frost
If you want to satisfy your sweet tooth, then you'll love this iced chocolate with a hint of toffee caramel topped with Strawberry frost.
This is it for now! I still have more Serenitea drinks to try! How about you? What are your favorites?
The Philippines aside, if there’s one country I can never get enough of, that is Hong Kong. Located just over two hours away from Manila, this world-class destination offers so much for travelers of every age and kind—from sightseeing junkies to culture freaks, the casual business jetsetter and even culinary aficionados.
It’s one of those places that just never fails to amaze. Every street, every nook and cranny seems filled with character and stories to tell. It’s a destination that perfectly espouses the old and new; culture, tradition and technology; east and west.
Anyone who’s been to Hong Kong will have a reason to keep coming back. Here are mine:
1. The Food.
Hong Kong food is literally a combination of both east and west influences. It is primarily traditional Cantonese, but for those who really take time to learn and explore the country’s cuisines, the American, British and even French influences are very evident. I mean, what other Asian country has street vendors selling French Toast?
The flavors of Hong Kong alone make it a true world-class destination. Oh! And while we’re on the subject, never forget to try Temple Street’s chili crabs.
2. The Mass Transport.
Hong Kong is one of those country that makes commuting such a joy. Their trains and buses are always on time and all interconnected—making them really efficient. Getting from one point to another cannot be easier in this country. And the best part? They’re all very easy to use too, even for non-Cantonese or Mandarin speakers.
3. The Architecture.
Yes, Hong Kong has a housing problem. It’s literally the most expensive place on Earth when it comes to real estate. But looking past that, and focusing on the character of the country, you’ll be amazed at the aesthetics it offers. Like I mentioned, old and new, east and west, all breathing and living side by side. One moment, you’re faced with magnificent modern skyscrapers in Central, next you’ll be greeted by colorfully beautiful structures of Quarry Bay and Wong Tai Sin.
4. Access to Nature.
It’s easy to think that a country as modern as Hong Kong would have very little greenery and clean, blue waters. But this cannot be more untrue. Escaping the urban jungle to spend a bit of time with mother nature literally takes minutes here. There are several options for hiking and swimming. And they all offer varying but equally amazing experiences. You can even go and see a waterfall.
5. The Sights.
And I don’t just mean the view from Victoria Peak, which by the way is amazing especially at sunset. I also mean the streets. I can’t stop raving about the streets of Hong Kong. They are so filled with life and character, any time of the day. Street art is everywhere. And for those areas without these, the inherent aesthetics of a Chinese country will more than suffice. Believe me when I say that almost every inch of this country is IG-worthy.
Sharing tales and experiences about my travels is one of the primary reasons why I blog, especially so when I share stories about world-class destinations.
Wish you could have your own world-class travel stories to tell? Well, now you can! Thanks to Goya! They are currently running a promo that will give four lucky winners (and their chosen plus one) the once-in-a-lifetime chance to explore a destination of their own choosing for free!
Joining is so easy. Just follow the instructions below.
1. Like the Goya Chocolates Facebook Page
2. Go to your Facebook Profile and tap on your Profile Pic.
3. From the options tab, select Add Frame.
4. Go to Frames From Pages You Like section and select the frame from Goya Chocolates.
5. Click Use. Remember to use this as a profile photo for a whole week to make your entry valid.
6. Take a screenshot of your World-Class Profile and PM it to Goya Chocolates Page together with your Name, Address, and Mobile No.
One (1) frame with minimum one week use = One (1) Raffle Entry.
With Goya’s “Get a Taste of World Class” Promo, not only do chocoholics get to enjoy the taste of world-class chocolates, they also get the chance to win that dream trip to these destinations. Best of all, joining it is so easy! The Goya “Get a Taste of World Class Promo” runs from January 18 to February 28, 2018.
Ever since I was a child, I was curious to know how it feels like to ride a hot air balloon, floating through the air, just standing in the basket without any strap. Yesterday, I finally experienced it at the 22nd Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta at Omni Aviation Clark, Pampanga!
When I learned that some of my blogger friends were also invited, I decided to bring a car so we could go around Clark after we checked-in at Quest Hotel, but I caught the cold from my trip to Cebu a day prior to the Hot Air Balloon event so we ended up staying at Starbucks Clark to spend the afternoon and had dinner at one of the restaurants in Korea Town.
Our call time to go to Omni Aviation Complex was 5am. It was hard for me to wake up at 5 in the morning because my usual sleeping time is 4am but I knew that this time will be different because I could finally see and ride an actual hot air balloon!
I had an asthma attack when I woke up and I also forgot my medicine. Good thing there was a Medical City tent so I went there to check if they have a nebulizer, and luckily they have one!
They took care of me and made sure that I am ready to ride and participate at the event.
It was 6 in the morning and the field was already packed with people who were also excited.
There were performances and Sky Dive exhibition, making sure guests were well-entertained while the balloons were being prepared.
I was like a kid going around and checking out every balloon as they were being inflated one by one.
We were assigned to different balloons and was a bit sad because I was hoping that I will be sharing with Trice. While I was waiting for my assigned balloon, I was told that they overbooked by mistake which led me to choose between Tethered Balloon or Paragliding.
Luckily, after I chose Paragliding, the organizer rushed to me and told me that Princess Nelly could still accommodate one so I quickly ran to the balloon, which was on the other end of the area and was about to take off. I was glad that it was the balloon where Ana was in.
Our pilot, Peter Van Overwalle, is from Belgium. He told us that it was his first flight on that day... but he has been flying hot air balloons for 20 years. Got me scared for a minute there. LOL
When the balloon began to take off, I felt a twinge of anxiety at first but the secret is to relax so I just focused on taking a lot of pictures as the ground gets smaller and smaller.
Since it was my first time, I didn't know what to expect while up in the air so I just went with the flow. I was surprised when I saw people on the ground shouting and waving at us. Our pilot greeted them with "good morning!"
We were the last balloon to take off which is okay because I was able to see all the balloons ahead of us.
We were told by our pilot to look for a huge red X mark because there was a mini competition among the pilots (Hare and Hound Competition). The Hare balloon will drop the X marker, and this will be the target of the Hound balloons.
After 48 minutes of flying, we landed at a field in Porac, Pampanga and we were greeted by friendly locals who were all watching and waiting around us.
When the chase crew arrived, I was told to jump out so they could easily move the basket and deflate the balloon.
While waiting, I treated some of the friendly locals with “taho”. The feeling of making people happy with just simple things is priceless!
We were brought back to the Omni Aviation Complex by JC, one of the chase crew.
Even though Trice and I were not in the same balloon, we both had fun! We shared a lot of stories that happened during the flight. We'll definitely do this again next time!
If you want to experience to ride a Hot Air Balloon, it is priced at $350 per person on top of 500php entrance fee.
Other activities are also available:
Tandem Skydiving - 20,400php
Tandem Paragliding - 7,650php
Helicopter Ride - 7,000php/each
Here are the 22nd Philippine International Hot AIr Balloon Fiesta schedule:
Day 1:
Day 2:
Day 3:
Day 4:
The 22nd Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta is happening from February 8-11, 2018 at Omni Aviation Complex, Clark Field, Pampanga.
Tickets are available at all Ticketnet outlets and at the Omni Aviation event gates.
For more details, visit https://www.philballoonfest.net. Follow @philballoonfest on Twitter and Instagram, LIKE Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta on Facebook.
PRE-VALENTINE’S DATE AT THE 22ND PHILIPPINE INTERNATIONAL HOT AIR BALLOON FIESTA + TICKET GIVEAWAY
Every Love Month, Trice and I always want to go to The Philippines International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta to celebrate Valentine's Day because we both haven't experienced it yet due to our busy schedule. This year, we are finally going to the 22nd year of the much-awaited Weekend of Everything that Flies, happening on February 8-11, 2017 at the Omni Aviation Complex Clark, Pampanga.
Early morning balloon flights are followed by non-stop flying activities – including paragliding, skydiving, aerobatic exhibitions, formation flights, balloon bursting competitions and kite flying.
A special sight to watch out for this year is the exhilarating performance of the world-renowned Aerosuperbatics Wingwalkers, who consider themselves “the world’s only aerobatic formation wingwalking team,” performing for the first time in the Philippines.
The audience will be treated to the sight of two Stearman biplanes flown in an energetic routine of dazzling aerobatics doing loops, rolls, stall turns and inverted flights – while two fearless female wingwalkers do their own acrobatic moves and handstands while strapped to the aircraft’s wings. It is a spectacular aerial show not to be missed.
Those interested to see Clark through the eyes of a pilot can book discovery flights, such as hot air balloon rides, tandem skydiving, tandem paragliding, airplane and helicopter rides, and aerobatic flights – all supervised by expert aviators. Discovery flight tickets should be booked through the Fiesta’s official website prior to the Fiesta.
This year’s festivities will showcase 26 colorful hot air balloons from all over the world, featuring a big number of new special-shaped balloons: Happy Heart, Matryoshka Russian Doll, Queen’s Guard, Giant Strawberry, Buddy Balloon, Captain Jack, Princess Nellie, Vostok Balloon, Master Yoda, Morris the Donkey, Bruno the Clown and Pepe the Hedgehog.
On ground, full-on entertainment is guaranteed for the whole family. Watch supercar drifting exhibitions as airplanes drop flour bombs overhead; catch some drone racing and RC control line flying exhibitions; satisfy your palates and take home unique finds from the Fly Market; or try out archery, horseback riding, camel-riding, and animal feeding.
Beyond all the flying exhibitions, the PIHABF has made it its mission to annually gather pilots from the world over to show them the beauty of the Philippines, and allow Filipinos to learn from other cultures as well. The Philippines will be hosting the Airsport Federation of Asia (AFA) conference this year at the fiesta, to promote and strengthen air sport events within all member nations.
The Balloon Fiesta is the longest-running sports aviation event in Asia, annually boosting tourism in Clark, Pampanga and the Philippines. For over two decades, it has stayed true to its longtime objectives: to spark interest in aviation; to instill discipline in young pilots; and to impart a spirit of volunteerism to the whole community.
Excited? I am! So I am giving away ONE (1) PAIR OF TICKETS!
Here's how to join:
1. Like Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta (PIHAB) on Facebook
2. Follow @philballoonfest on Twitter and Instagram
3. Follow me, @sephcham on Twitter and Instagram
5. Share this blog post on Facebook and answer the question "Why do you want to attend the 22nd Hot Air Balloon Fiesta this VDay Weekend?" tag someone you would love to tag along with at the fiesta.
6. Comment below your name, Instagram and Twitter usernames, email, and the link of your entry.
ONE (1) winner will be selected on February 5, 2018 and will get TWO (2) tickets! You can also join my Instagram giveaway!
Entrance tickets are at Php500 each, a percentage of which goes to the PIHABF Foundation Scholarship Fund, granting scholarships to underprivileged but deserving students who want to pursue a career in aviation. Tickets are available through the Fiesta’s website, Ticketnet outlets, or at the event gates.
Holiday season is definitely the busiest time of the year; hence, Metro Manila traffic is insane. For this reason, booking a hotel is more practical than to waste your time braving the horrendous traffic. Good thing, there are homestay accommodation options to suit every budget.
Last month, Trice and I booked a room at Hi Home for two nights and experienced living in one of the poshest condominiums in Makati, The Gramercy Residences.
Hi Home is located in both Gramercy and Knightsbridge Residences which gives Business Travelers and Staycationers first class experience for an affordable rate.
Upon booking, I was asked to email a copy of my valid IDs for the issuance of a temporary Identification Card, which also served as a proximity card to gain access to the elevators, amenities and Century Mall.
We arrived past 4 in the afternoon and wasn't able to get the proximity card from The Gramercy Residences, which was a hassle because it was difficult for us to go out, good thing the Hi Home's caretaker was accommodating to assist us.
Our room is on the 42nd floor, which gave us a great view of Makati and Mandaluyong. And since I love taking photos of city skylines, I spent most of my time in the balcony, taking photos and enjoying the view.
One of the reasons why I usually prefer homestay than a hotel is its homey feel. It is like having a sneak peek of what it feels like of having your own place in that city.
There is a queen-sized bed, pillows, refrigerator, kitchen, kitchenwares, countertop stove, cooking materials, tables, chairs, flatscreen TV with cable, telephone, WiFi (Fibr connection), towels and toiletries.
Since our stay was more like a 'workation', we were not able to enjoy the infinity pool and the fitness gym.
Overall, we enjoyed our stay, especially the beautiful view. However, they don't have a parking space so we parked at Century Mall for 46 hours which cost us around P1,100 – still not bad considering that an overnight stay at Hi Home is only P2,500.
For more info, LIKE Hi Home Facebook page or email them at [email protected].
#DareToListen And Catch Stephen Curry Live with JBL
Holiday cheers are here and JBL is ready to spice it up with its superior and world-class sound quality. Take your gatherings a notch higher and shop your way to witness one the biggest basketball superstars live in action on February 10, 2018 at the Oracle Arena, with the JBL Live with Stephen Curry promo.
With its innovative line-up of products, JBL is taking you on an eargasmic journey to the United States with every purchase from its nationwide concept stores, kiosks, and participating dealers. Six lucky music and sports lovers who #DareToListen will win a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to catch Steph Curry play live in Oakland California, just by shopping from November 13, 2017 to January 7, 2018.
Every purchase of JBL, Harman Kardon, and AKG products during the promo period entitles shoppers to raffle coupons. Shoppers with a single receipt purchase worth PhP 4,999 and below gets 1 raffle coupon; PhP 5,000 to 9,999 gets 2 raffle coupons; PhP 10,000 to 14,999 gets 3 raffle coupons; PhP 15,000 to 19,999 gets 4 raffle coupons; 20,000 to 29,999 gets 5 raffle coupons; and PhP 30,000 and above gets 6 raffle coupons.
Two winners will be selected from JBL Concept Stores and Kiosks, while four winners will be picked from participating authorized dealers – with each winner getting 1 round-trip economy airfare, hotel accommodations, and a reserved seating at the Oracle Arena on February 10, 2018.
Winners will be drawn and announced on January 15, 2018, at the JBL Harman office in Quezon City.
Choose JBL’s water-proof portable speakers, sweat and slip proof in-ear headphones, stylish lifestyle headphones, and powerful sound bars to experience JBL’s superior signature sound quality. Troop now to your nearest participating stores and book yourself a trip to the US and watch Stephen Curry shoot his way up with JBL.
(tap/click on photo to enlarge to see the full mechanics)
For the complete mechanics, see posters or follow JBL Philippines’ official social media handles on Facebook at JBL Philippines, and Twitter & Instagram: @jblph. DTI-FTEB Permit No. 17673 Series of 2017.
