Cooking Demos, Recipe Contest and Carinderia Make-over from SM Master Chef 2012

When I received an invitation for the launch of SM Master Chef two weeks ago, I was surprised and started counting the months. It feels like yesterday attending the fun event last year -witnessing topular chefs' cooking skills, and tasting awesome dishes.

Let's ride a time machine, and read my post about it here. Remember I even attended a special event in SM Mall of Asia and once again met Chef Sau and Chef Arnold. Fast forward to today, the SM Master Chef for 2012 has started and it is now even bigger.

Why is this bigger? Aside from the usual back-to-back cooking demo featuring partner brands, and recipe contest (for those who love to experiment!), carinderia and small restaurant business owners would have a chance to get a Carienderia Make-over!

Get to know more about the SM Master Chef event by clicking Read More...

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Pajama Party at (and Hotel Review of) Richmonde Hotel, Ortigas

I love writing about my hotel experiences, as much as living that experience. A few of my good experiences was in Hotel Kempinski in Jakarta, and Holiday Inn Express in Beijing. Staying in a hotel makes me feel like we were "rich", and/or business traveler especially once you hold that pen with hotel name's engraved on it.

But the most fun thing about hotel is the feeling of being relaxed. There must be something about the wall-to-wall carpeted floor, and the lighting (and the cold temperature), that makes you just want to stay in the room and wear your pajamas while you flip through TV shows.

Pajama. A Pajama Party is what we had last Saturday. I was planning to swing by the Big Fish Black Party last Saturday after we did our preparation, but because I was in a hurry to get to the hotel on time and check in, I left my ID, and my shoes - I only had my nighties (not pajama!) and swim wear with me.

We decided to book a two-bedroom suite in Richmonde Hotel in Ortigas. We always had our company events held in Richmonde (but the most compelling reason we chose this is the indoor hot pool that we didn't even tried)!

To see more pictures and know what happened during the Pajama Party, click Read More... 

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Let's Party this Weekend!

It has been a busy and crazy week for me, and I am so looking forward to the weekend. We have a Pajama Party coming this Saturday afternoon, But for those who have not planned anything yet, there are nice gigs happening in the  Metro..

Let's Party!

Friday, August 24, 2012

IGNITE @ IL TERRAZZO (Launch Party) 

Click Read More to know more about gigs this weekend..

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Pupung Goes Solo and Needs New Models

Does anyone remember Pupung? He just sent me a note and he wants to get featured in my blog. Just like Kengkoy - as Pupung would be the next featured comics character for Solo. 

Now, don't tell me that you are too young to know Pupung. You are missing a lot of good times and experiences. 

Pupung is part of the Filipino culture - just like lugaw.


How do you best remember Pupung? It could be his family’s lugawan and their hilarious adventures that reflects the typical Pinoy family.  Pupung is a lovable kid in the comics created by Tonton Young in 1983. The strip revolves around the family of Pupung and their hilarious adventures. The comics strip focuses on Philippine pop culture, fascination with basketball as well as business trends and rarely tackles political issues.  Pupung became popular for its punchlines and the humor used in the strip is lighter than other Filipino comic strips which gives it a family-oriented theme.  Up to this day, Pupung appears in Manila Bulletin and continues to make Pinoys laugh everyday. Pupung and all your fave characters from the strip, Mommy, Daddy, Lolo Dom, Day, Jordan, Lelong and Larry Bird will be immortalized in a pop collection! 

Click Read More to see the Pupung's Collection..

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Electrolux's Family Style Shots Contest: Do You Have the Most Stylish Family?

Electrolux is not just a prestigious brand that makes home appliances, but also releases awesome online contests and campaigns. I have been part of numerous campaigns (and even won!) - there's the Doom of the Broom (I was part of the top 10) and the My T-Shirt Story (I won 4th place).

Now, Electrolux has cooked another contest that allows even family members, or regular consumer to be part of a fashion show! The grand prize winner gets to bring home Electrolux Front Load Washing Machine worth P34,900 as the top prize! In addition, the featured family members of the top three photos will be invited to participate in the Colors of Life Fashion Show scheduled on October 2012.

How cool is that? All you need to do is to join the Electrolux Family Style Shots Photo Contest, and answer the question, "why is your family the Most Stylish Family?"

Plus! I would even raffle off a special prize for the first 20 who would join and note me as your campaign partner/referrer: RUTH DELA CRUZ.  And as a gratitude for those who would sign under me, I would even help you with the campaign through facebook share and Twitter. Join the contest and submit your photo here: https://www.facebook.com/thelittlewhitebook/app_394072777316043)

Click Read More for specifics of contest, and how you could win a gift from me!


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A Taste of SM Megamall Food Sale from SumoSam and Gotti's

I am writing this blog entry, and I am seeing not just words, but food.. sushi.. pasta.. pizza.. discounts and all the good deals. This must be the effect of not having even a nap for more than 24 hours. But my tummy is full and smiling.. I got to taste two awesome offerings from the SM Megamall Food Sale event last night.

I have blogged about it here, and yes I went to try how good the food are from the participating restaurants and just simply, how good are the deals.

I got the chance to explore flavors with a fellow blogger - Ted (he's a site owner of www.wazupphilippines.com). He used to be an expat assigned in Middle East, and it is just so awesome to meet someone who does understand the work that we do (my regular job), and was once a recipient of the services we offer.

Anyway, our first stop was at SumoSam.. 

Click Read More for more food trip stories..

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Have You Heard of FOOD SALE? It is Back!

I know you have heard of mall-wide sale.. how about FOOD SALE?! How do I picture it..? Food scattered everywhere.. you take your pick, ask for your size (?), haggle? Well.. SM Megamall cooked this interesting event and it is back (like your favorite twister fries!) The SM Megamall Food Sale! It is happening from August 17 to 19, 2012 (only for 3 days!) and there are over 100 food stores participating in this event.

So what to expect?!

Click Read More, foodie!


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The Bourne [Legacy] is in Manila

The Bourne is in Manila, and the mention of Manila, Philippines in the movie created a buzz among movie goers. This was last Monday night during the VIP screening held in SM Mall of Asia. (I know that the screening came after the opening.. cannot blame anyone, organizers first thought of everyone's safety due to weather).

I will start this review with a disclaimer. I am no movie reviewer and I have not seen the first three Bourne movies. But I got some good points that already convinced 4 people to watch the movie after all the bad reviews they've read and heard.

The Plot

I am not sure if one needs to watch the first 3 movies to understand the film; but I was able to grasp the story as it progresses. Now, if you really a fan of Matt Damon, you should have watched the first three films (which now I think I should.. how did I let all those good movies pass?)

I don't understand why people thought that it is dragging and boring; probably there are expectations from the other Bourne movies. To put it simpler, Aaron Cross (Jeremy Renner) is being tracked down by the people who once made him the person that he is - a smart spy! He escaped with Doctor Marta (Rachel Weisz) and landed in Manila to get more supplies of "Chems" - the blue and green tablets which he got dependent to.

Click Read More for more thoughts and spoilers...

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Spice Girls [Then and Now]: Reunion Performance in 2012 London Olmpics Closing Ceremony

Reunion is a trend today! My favorite all girls group reunited for the closing ceremony of 2012 London Olympics! Yes, I am a fan! I am not ashamed of that. I even have their two albums - that I used to play in my discman (yeah, discman baby!). 

I am so happy to see them still glam and sexy after all these years! Their outfit best shows their spice identities! I like it!

To see more pictures and remember the best days of Spice Girls, click Read More.. 

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Rainy Nights Best Spent with Carlo Rossi

It's rainy and cold. How nice it is to spend the night  with Carlo Rossi?

Oh, that's not the name of the guy I am seeing.. If you love bold, full-bodied, and something to put a little heat in this cold weather, you need Carlo Rossi. And I mean, wine.

Wine is always present in celebrations, and even us, Filipinos have also adapted the love for wine that we now also include a glass of fine drink with our meals. Or even to add as a flavoring for our  specialty dishes. I, personally enjoy wine because it is not too strong and has health benefits. It never distorted my face everytime I take a sip.

Click Read More to know more about Carlo Rossi..



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Reason to Read this Blog: San Miguel Beer 7,107 Celebrations Site Launch

I grew up knowing Miguel. That's how we call it - that's how we call San Miguel Beer. I knew someone close to us, who used to spend the night with Miguel; and growing up in this place in Manila where every night (and even day), always seems like a feast.

I got a taste of SMB growing up. Who would ever escape the invitation of peer and a bottle of cold beer? But when I thought of San Miguel Beer, I always knew that it is the company I want to work for after College. But the irony, I never even tried applying.

Anyway, Miguel or SMB is still part of my work life. Whenever there is a celebration or party to attend, everyone comes to SMB to lighten up the event. True to the characteristics of Filipinos, we love to celebrate and have fun - and now San Miguel Beer launches its new website which promotes tourism and the 7,107 beautiful things in the Philippines.

When I heard of the 7,107 celebrations, I thought of the website founded by a blogger friend, Alvin Tan - http://7107reasons.com/. His site promotes Philippine Tourism, and he lists reasons why one should love the Philippines (do check it out and contribute!).

Anyway, the launch was held in a really exotic restaurant, Adarna Restaurant in Kalayaan. I have been dying to visit the place so imagine my excitement when I step foot in the homey restaurant (never mind it was raining hard that night).


To know more about the SMB 7,107 Celebrations site, click Read More...

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Sale Alert: 5 SM Super Malls Sale on August 3, 4 and 5!

Sale event happening this weekend - August 3,4 and 5! 5 SM Supermalls will even raffle off 15 ASUS laptop! And I am excited! Because it is been a while since I went to an event and got a chance to win in the raffle!

I remember when SM Sta Mesa (or Centerpoint) first opened. We were jealous of our relatives in Sta Mesa because the mall is just walking distance from their home. Back in College, it was our favorite hang-out place. Come to think of it, it is just a small mall but we never got tired of roaming around it almost everyday. And I am sure we've been in all its cinemas!

I cannot remember the last time I was there. Probably during a mall-wide sale. Anyway, here are some stuff that I am planning to buy:

Click Read More to know..

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