• St. Andrew Residences

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    Calagaus Island Escapade

  • Travel Guide to Calaguas Islands

.

Sunday, January 27, 2013

NuecaPOS RS App Launching



NuecaPOS RS Launching
Avenue Convention Center
January 19, 2013

I got invited for the launching of a new App which was proudly made by the same team behind iTyphoon. We Naguenos should be proud because we have these kinds of major breakthrough of technology in Naga and proudly made in Naga.


nuecaPOS RS (Restaurant Edition) is a FREE app for individuals and businesses with premium imonggo accounts who want to use Apple iPhone or iPod Touch as mobile point-of-sale (POS) device. Menu, prices, taxes, and settings are managed via the imonggo web POS interface. Learn how to sign-up for a FREE account at www.nueca.net

Monitoring the cash flow of you establishment at the tip of your fingertips now made easy by the NuecaPOS RS. Isn't it amazing?! As business proprietors, you can go anywhere you want to but still get in touch with your business. 




Nueva Caceres Technology Solutions Inc. is headed by Magno Ediberto Conag III. 

Mr. Conag gave a fast review of the success of the first App made by Nueca Inc. which is the ever famous iTyphoon. Most downloads are from the United States. Also a very noteworthy feature is that most of the downloads are people who uses ios/Apple devices. See, most Filipinos can afford an Apple. 

iTyphoon is a mobile application that provides typhoon updates to Filipinos and the world, FREE! iTyphoon is available in 5 platforms: Apple iOS, Google Android, Microsoft Windows Phone, Nokia Series 40, and Nokia Qt. 
Of course, iTyphoon is the app, but the man behind the updates is Mr. Typhoon of Naga himself, Mr. David Michael Padua. Great minds creating great feats and this just makes us Naguenos very proud. 


It was announced during the launching that 3 more versions of the NuecaPOS will be released sooner or later to cater the different areas of businesses such as distribution sales, retail business and the like. 

Sample screen shots of the NuecaPOS RS


The NueCa Team.
Ronnie Amata, Denmark Meralpis, Rhymart Manchus, Allan Macatingrao and  Magno Edilberto Conag III and also the ever supportive wife of Mr. Conag.

Now who would have thought that we have App developers in Naga who can be at par with those who are working in Manila or even in other countries. All I can say is that, everything is just so brilliant and heartwarming that this is happening right here in Maogmang Lugar. Kudos to the NueCa Team. More power to you guys!

Just like during Mr. Kengkoy's Pasasalamat last January 5...
Cheers! For Naguenos who chose to stay and work in Naga!

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To download and to know more about iTyphoon and NuecaPOS RS just visit http://www.nueca.net/

Nueva Caceres Technology Solutions, Inc.
Email: solutions@nueca.net
Mobile: (+63) 917.819.4292

Manila Office:
2202-C East Tower, Philippine Stock Exchange Center
Exchange Road, Ortigas Center
Pasig City, Philippines 1605
Phone: (+63.2) 687.4412
Fax: (+63.2) 687.9059

Research and Development Center:
Naga City Creative Media Center
Ground Floor, Raul S. Roco Bldg.,
Brgy. Concepcion Pequeña
Naga City, Philippines 4400
Office: (+63) 205.0013

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Avenue Plaza Hotel Honored in the 2013 TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Hotels Awards


AVENUE PLAZA HOTEL HONORED IN THE
2013 TRIPADVISOR TRAVELERS’ CHOICE HOTELS AWARDS

Contact Person :  APPLE ALLISON PEREZ        www.theavenueplazahotel.com
    Email       :  admin@lovemyavenue.com                   Landline   :       +63 54 473 9999
 
After winning the Smile Awards 2012 as Best Hotel for Stress-free Business Trip 
And Trip Advisor 2012 Certificate of Excellence,
 Avenue Plaza Hotel once again made a mark for Bicol Hospitality and Tourism Industry.  

Naga City, Philippines – 19 January, 2013 – THE AVENUE PLAZA HOTEL announced today that it was awarded as one of the winners in the Top 25 Hotel Service in the Philippine category for TripAdvisors  Travelers’ Choice® Awards 2013.

“We are proud to be in the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice 2013’s Top 25 Hotels for Service in the Philippines, number 15 at that, besting more prominent hotels in Metro Manila and renowned hospitality brands in long-established destinations around the country, said Mr. Allan Cu, President and General Manager of Avenue Plaza Hotel.  “Being included in the list is another feather in our cap--- one more honor from an independent organization, just like our presence in the Smile Awards Best Brand in Travel and Tourism 2012. This new recognition is an affirmation of the dedication that we put into our work, and a propellant
for our determination to unceasingly refine our service.”

Now in its eleventh year, the annual TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice awards honor the world’s best hotels, earning their distinction from those who know them best – real travelers. Unlike any other hotel honors, TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice winners are based on millions of valuable reviews and opinions from travelers around the world. Avenue Plaza Hotel has been constantly awarded with TripAdvisor® Certificate of Excellence award. This accolade, which honours hospitality excellence, is given only to establishments that consistently achieve outstanding traveller reviews on TripAdvisor. Approximately 10 percent of accommodations listed on TripAdvisor receive this prestigious award.

“TripAdvisor is once again thrilled to recognize the world’s most outstanding hotels with the help of more than 75 million reviews and opinions from travelers around the globe,” said Christine Petersen, president, TripAdvisor for Business. “From the best bargain hotels to top luxury properties, outstanding service, value and quality are the hallmarks of our Travelers’ Choice winners.”

Millions of travelers check the website of TripAdvisors for reviews about the hotels and so far, Avenue Plaza gained a lot of excellent reviews. KDsedward, a senior review contributor in TripAdvisor, who have been a regular hotel guest since 2010 shared that it is the "small touches" that truly stands out. He wrote “I was continuously impressed by their importance of the small touches, ONES which really makes a stay memorable and relaxing. When we arrived, we were greeted warmly by the doorman and by the receptionist with their charming smiles. Within minutes, we were presented with a fancy cold lime drink while the counter staff prepared our room key. Check-in was fast and efficient. Once we got into our room we served a complementary fruit plate with a personalized welcome card from the President/General Manager.”


Aside from the information published by the Avenue Plaza Hotel, first hand experiences from previous guests really help other travelers know what it feels like staying at the hotel prior booking their room. Dom094, also senior review contributor, said that Avenue Plaza is “Truly 5 star hotel of Naga City. I consider it the best hotel in Naga that is comparable to Shangri-la only in a smaller scale.”

At Avenue Plaza Hotel, guests are not just welcome with warm Filipino hospitality but also treated like a family. This signature personalized service that makes you feel very comfortable was also experienced by a long staying guest from USA, Mr.Richard who wrote in the comment card that “the staff were so helpful, accommodating and friendly. Coming back to the hotel each day was like coming home.”  Other guests also left notes expressing how they’ll miss the Avenue Plaza because of the fond memories during their stay. Highly satisfied and delighted, guests also refer this first class accommodation to their family, friends and business colleagues.

President and General Manger Mr.Cu once again expressed his company’s commitment to all those who made all these recognitions possible. “We do not, and we will never rest on our laurels, though. Team Avenue Plaza Hotel’s goal is to improve our service culture and service level every single day; to give our guests that top-notch cosmopolitan treatment at all times.”

“Five years in operations, I can say that Avenue Plaza is on the right tract.” said Ms. Apple Allison Perez, Brand Manager, in realizing the hotel’s vision of being known for its brand of unique service culture and mission of providing a fine tradition of service responsive to global requirements for luxury, lifestyle and individuality of the discerning guests. “We are committed in making the Avenue Plaza, a homegrown Bicolano brand, to be internationally recognized.  By sustaining an engaging relationship with our clients through our digital marketing efforts, we are able to connect with them in different social media platforms like TripAdvisor and Facebook. By doing this, we can provide assistance and extend our services to them even before or after they stay at the Avenue,” Ms. Perez added.

In October 2012, Avenue Plaza Hotel also bested other hotels that mean business. With 61.5% vote from the online poll conducted to traveler readers by Cebu Pacific’s Smile Magazine, Avenue Plaza Hotel won the Smile Award 2012 for BEST HOTEL FOR A STRESS-FREE BUSINESS TRIP category. The award cited “Avenue Plaza’s modern facilities, clean rooms, airport shuttle services, location and outstanding customer service have pleased guests from both the Philippines and abroad”.

So next time your business or your much needed holiday takes you to Naga City, you already know where to stay. For promo updates and inquiries, visit the Avenue Plaza Hotel Facebook Page or log on to www.theavenueplazahotel.com. You may also call (Manila Line) 250 8199 and (local line) 473 9999.
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ABOUT AVENUE PLAZA HOTEL 

The Avenue Plaza Hotel's accommodation in Naga City, Camarines Sur, Philippines brings you right in the heart of the city. It is located along Magsaysay Avenue near to entertainment, shopping, dining centers, as well as historical attractions. From the boutique hotel, guests will easily access key places of interest, such as Penafrancia Shrine, Immaculate Concepcion Church, Central Bus Terminal, and Naga City Centro. 

Each room at the hotel comes with air-conditioning, high-speed Internet connection, coffee/tea maker, private toilet and bath, shower, safe, and baby cot/crib on request. Guests will also enjoy a mini-bar, posturepedic bed, and plasma TV with cable. Further, the boutique hotel also has facilities and services for guests' convenience. It has a ballroom, cafe, business center, conference room, restaurant, 2-level infinity pool, and lifestyle center. Airport transfer, car rental, city transfer, currency exchange, and massage service are also available. The boutique hotel offers a convention center that can seat up to 800 people and an events tent that can carry up to 1000 people, as well. 




Globe Caravan in Naga City


Globe Postpaid offers Unbelievable Deals from January 24 to 27, 2013 at SM City Naga.

For more details visit the Globe Store at the 2/F of SM.



Bar @ 20


BAR@20
Panganiban Drive, Naga City
Contact Nos. (054) 472 4389/ 0917 3840907
Like Bar@20 on Facebook CLICK HERE


After having dinner at Daddy's Grill, off we went to look for another establishment just to continue our celebration and get together. We decided to try Bar@20 since most of us haven't tried the place yet. I'm not really a party person but I do know how to adjust in a party place and I don't mind the loud music and bright lights, just don't let me dance or even sing.

The Location: Panganiban Drive Naga City, near the former Panganibar.

Budget: Php 150.00 consumable entrance fee. Please consider the rate to be a little bit lower or higher because I really do not know if it's the right one, apologies for that. My friend paid for everything and I hardly noticed how much was spent that night.

The Place: I think Bar@20 opened last quarter of last year if I'm not mistaken.The facade has grills on it with the center as their main entrance. What I like about this place is that they have a separate area for smokers and non-smokers. Once you enter the establishment, the area is already for the smokers. They are quite isolated from the entertainment inside the air-conditioned room with 2 floors which is so comfortable for people like me. But smokers will still be able to hear the music and see what's going on from the outside and of course, they can smoke anytime they want.

The fixtures are very comfortable and it gives you a classy ambiance. The lights are great as well as the sound system. If you are on the second floor, try sitting near the center so that you can see what's going on downstairs. But if you opt to stay on the sides, just find a corner where it will suit you best. We first found empty seats just right for us on the second floor that's why I was able to take a photo, viewing down. Then we transferred on the first floor after a few minutes because we wanted to see the band singing. At least I was able to see the whole place.

View from the 2nd floor
Entertainment wise, they both have live bands and dancers to pump up the groove. 


The bar on the left side (ground floor)


I was surpirsed during that Saturday, during in between breaks of the live bands, the songs that they were playing are from our age group, I was able to hear songs from the 90's and songs from early 2000. "House" type of music is really a plus point to my ears. Perhaps they have different genres of music depending on their schedule or theme for the day and of course to cater different age groups.

The stage in front can be seen in this photo as well as the second floor. 

Okay, so considering there's an entrance fee, I just hope the management should be able to maintain the comfort room's cleanliness. Although it is expected to see unsightful views, but the entrance fee should make it the whole difference as compared to those open bars and establishments who can order a minimum of even one beer or lavishly spend on bucketful of beers and liquors. 


grabbed from Bar@20 facebook page.



Overall experience? Out of 5 stars, it's a 4. Why? I still have a lot to consider especially the food, which I lack the knowledge since we ordered a few that night. If you are considering the crowd of Bar@20, I noticed that most are young professionals, less college or even high school students, well of course how can you identify them at the peak of the night when it's dark. 

So there, why don't you give it a try. Remember every experience of a customer will always differ, same place but different experiences, same place but different tastes. 

Enjoy partying at Bar@20 and feel like 20!! 

Friday, January 18, 2013

Pasasalamat sa mga Manghahabing Bayani


Pasasalamat sa mga Manghahabing Bayani and the Re-Launching of Mr. Kengkoy Backpacks 
Avenue Convention Center
January 5, 2012

Hello 2013! What a very nice way to start NCD's year by attending Mr. Kengkoy's Pasasalamat. There is nothing more inspiring than being around with people who are passionate in what they do.


The whole program was full of gratitude and love.

The Ateneo Dance Club

The Nanays (Nanay Rochelle and Nanay Lumen) and Tatay (Tatay Allan) 
with the Mr. Kengkoy Team (I hope I got the names right)

"Social entrepreneurship is social change" 
Mr. Carlo Buenaflor, General Manager of Bigg's Diner
on his Keynote Speech


Ms. Maj Villar

Awardees for ARTS and CULTURE
Kristian Cordero
David Guison
Noreen Bautista

Hearing a poet read his own poem is like no other. Bicol is really fortunate to have someone like KC and many other Bicolano poet and writers who uses our very own dialect. KC read one of his poems entitled "Pagturog" after receiving his award.

"Be local and vocal" straight to the point words from a very young fashion blogger David Guison. Bravo to you David, for challenging the youth in patronizing Pinoy brands with taste and style. 

Noreen Bautista has more or less the same humble beginnings like that of Mr. Kengkoy. Passion to help and fashion to share. The ladies' bag of Noreen are very elegant and made out of water hyacinth. 


Awardees for LEADERSHIP
Joseph Anthony Quesada
Primitivo E. Viray Jr. SJ.
Gregorio Ramon Tiongson

Awardess for YOUTH EMPOWERMENT
Anna Oposa
Japoy Lizardo
Sabrina Ongkiko

Wouldn't it be nice if Filipino athletes will be using sport apparels that are proudly made in the Philippines? Well Japoy Lizardo will be able to showcase a Pinoy brand particularly Mr. Kengkoy's backpack whenever he will be out of the country for his tournaments. 

"Lubos, ubos, buhos para sa mga estudyante" Sabrina Ongkiko chose to become a public school teacher. Her drive just comes from within to teach children with all her might and heart. 

Atty. Leni Robredo also gave her Solidarity Message. "Social entrepreneurship is the answer. The key is for private individuals to start to reach out first. Women from communities are waiting to be tapped. Tulungan natin sila to become independent, help them stand on their own rather than just give them things to be consumed for a few days."
Raffy Magno on his closing remarks.
"Nabuo ang Mr. Kengkoy dahil sa pagtataya sa mga pangarap ng mga Bicolano. Kaming mga kabataan ay moderno pero Pinoy parin sa isip at gawa. Patuloy sana kayong magtiwala sa mga kabataan"- Raffy Magno.

The brand ambassadors of Mr. Kengkoy

Mr. Kengkoy Team and volunteers
I'm glad to have met Raffy and Arnel personally after being Twitter friends for quite some time. Cheers!

Teacher Sabrina, trying out the kanaga.



 INSPIRATION OVERLOAD

Mr. Kengkoy made a distinction in the youth of today. May they inspire more and more young professionals and students to venture into social entrepreneurship. 

Mr. Kengkoy backpacks  are not just bags, it is like what the Pinoy line says "dugo at pawis ang puhunan". Seeing the team passionate, the Nanays and Tatays given hope, just made the bag a whole lot different and substantial. 

Staying in Bicol to serve our fellow Bicolanos is a very noble decision for the Mr. Kengkoy Team. More power to you guys and thank you for the invitation! 'Til next time!


To know more about Mr. Kengkoy backpacks please visit http://www.mrkengkoy.ph/
Don't forget to like them on Facebook CLICK EHRE


A Visit to Haciendas de Naga Adventure Park



Haciendas de Naga (HDN) used to be just a huge piece of land in the uptown area of Brgy. Carolina, for housing development. Today, Haciendas de Naga is not only a huge piece of land for housing, but a huge piece of adventure. One thing for sure is, I can't wait for the whole complex to be fully developed. Photos below were taken last December 29, 2012.

Like Haciendas de Naga on Facebook CLICK HERE

This tower is now becoming very iconic in Naga City. 
(Though I wish that there is real view deck of Naga). 

Go Zip Line, rappel  wall climb, go horseback riding, go free pili picking, firing and golf  are just few of the activities at HDN at the moment. 




Photos by Naga City Deck and akosijamir

This shot was taken around 4:30 pm, where the sun shines over the city proper. 

When you turn around against the sunset, you will see an obstacle relay being developed and fishing grounds on the other side of the tower. Plus, Mt. Isarog as the backdraft.

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The Cool Waves Complex is located near the driving range and is set to open this March. Just in time for summer!


NEW
COOL WAVES Soft Opening
Image Source: http://www.facebook.com/haciendas.denaga.90
Image Source: http://www.facebook.com/haciendas.denaga.90

Wanna go for a night swim? Haciendas de Naga Wave Pool is now available for night swimming STARTING April 12, 2013

Day swimming (8am-5pm)
Night swimming (4pm-10pm)
Day and Night swimming (8am-10pm)

*fraction of a day, example you entered after lunch and will be staying til 8pm or onwards, you will be considered for Day and Night swimming

For inquiries and reservation, please call (054) 4783069 or send an email to adventure@haciendasdenaga.com

 

The driving range








What we did was a site visit. So it means if ever I go back to HDN, I will definitely try what they are offering especially the 500 meter zip line

Rates
. Source: Image Source: http://www.facebook.com/haciendas.denaga.90
Click on the photo to enlarge