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Friday, March 25, 2016

Global Cuisine at Global Kitchen


Naga City - Located along one of the main arterial road of the city, Panganiban Drive, houses a restaurant that caters to global creativity when it comes to cuisines. Starting off with Asian food, this restaurant called Global Kitchen  may relive your Asian journey especially the jet-setters.

  
Global Kitchen is located beside Lucky 9 Panganiban



The place has this minimalist interior when it comes to design and structure. The only thing noticeable with Global Kitchen is perhaps the bamboo wall perfect for photo opps and in our case as bloggers, for our ootd.

Global Kitchen started with the Asian cuisine. Known for its various spices and flavors, Global Kitchen by Roanda Restaurant has enough culinary experience when it comes to Asian dishes. Sooner or later, Global Kitchen will be living up to their name offering other types of cuisines there is around the world.


Starting off with the Tom Yum, this is a Thai cuisine normally with shrimp or prawn with cilantro and Tom Yum paste or probably a ready Tom Yum spice mix. It has  a tangy taste, a bit sour and spicy


I loved the Malaysian Laksa! Served according to your spiciness level, you can request it to be mild, hot and extremely hot level which is normal for the Malaysian Laksa. Served with puffy fried tofu, bean sprouts (toge) and an exploding taste of spices of the Laksa paste. 


Another personal favorite is the Pad Thai. Basically with stir fried noodles with vegetables, peanuts or peanut oil and a lime wedge. Global Kitchen's Pad Thai has a beautiful plating. I'm not sure what this blanket is made of but it tastes like egg.


The Hainanese Chicken has this unique broiled/ steamed chicken with three different kinds of garnishes/sauce perfect with a hot steaming rice.

Stir-Fried Vegetable and Tofu is like the oriental chopsuey. Perfect for the diet conscious and vegetarians.

These Asian cuisines are just an introduction for Global Kitchen. Pretty sure there are more to explore on the menu of this restaurant. If you're not sure on what to order, don't hesitate to ask questions to the crew. It's always fun to explore new types of dishes. I just love the various spices in this restaurant.


Global Kitchen now offers desserts and pastries, other Asian Cuisines and various Filipino dishes. Perhaps another visit to this restaurant is now a must. Thank you Global Kitchen, for accommodating the Bicol Bloggers during our First Year Anniversary celebration. The food is absolutely amazing!


Global Kitchen
Facebook Page: Global Kitchen
Panganiban Drive, Naga City
Beside Lucky 9 Panganiban Branch
Contact No.: (054) 881-8413


Tuesday, March 15, 2016

Top 5 Items I Want to Buy in Lazada


Naga City, Philippines - I still I have a few more bullets on my list of the things that I want to buy for the benefit of this blog which in turn will benefit my followers. But my life isn't all about blogging, I am still a normal person who works 8 hours and even more and sometimes shopping in malls or boutiques on weekdays is impossible since my schedule ends usually at 8:00 pm or 7:30 in the evening. During weekends, I still work on Saturdays and yep until 7:00 pm. Gladly, my Sunday is now free and it's now back to my family day routine. I frequently check online for price ranges and reviews of items and Lazada is one of them. Given the chance in the near future that I'll be able to have enough to buy what I need for my blogging duties and others, these are the top 5 items that I want to buy in Lazada's online store. 


1. Transcend Micro SD Card - I will be needing this for my Transcend DrivePro 220 dashcam or hopefully when I now have my action camera (wishful thinking). Sometimes there are roadtrips and daily drives that I need the videos to be stored on the card for easy transfer to my phone via wifi. 
Transcend 32 GB Micro SD for only P880 at Lazada.
2. GoPro Hero 4 Black Edition - Now why will I be needing an action camera if I have my dashcam already? Obviously, each device is set for its own purpose. Since I usually go island hopping, beach escapades and hiking, having a action camera will definitely squeeze out the creative juices in me and blog about my travel in a whole lot of different perspective. It's also nice to get the GoPro alternatives available in the market, but it has been in my system that I end up getting the good and quality ones to not have regrets in the future. It does take a little sacrifice to earn a little more than the usual and be satisfied like a child enjoying her favorite ice cream or chocolate in the end. 

GoPro Hero4 12MP Action Camera (Black Edition)  for P22,370


3. Red Pepper CLS Series Waterproof Case for Apple iPhone 6 Plus/6s Plus (Black)  - Probably not practical anymore if I have my wishful thinking action cam right? Well, if I won't be able to get the action cam, then I might just get a waterproof case for my phone to be practical haha. Budget's really tight my dears. 
Waterproof Case for my Iphone 6s for P1,234.05
4. Maldives Alex Sunglasses (Red) - Just because it's red. Yup I love the color red. Perfect for summer outings and and it's so affordable. I and my sis collect sunglasses too. 
Maldives Alex Sunglasses for only P299.00
5. Mango Bow Shopper Tote Bag (Red) - Even though I'm a blogger, still my day job consumes most of my time and I still function as an employee. I am in the academe and if you are in the academe, small bags or purses just won't work. I need space, lots of it, this tote bag will be perfect and will match our uniform too. 

Mango Bow Shopper Tote Bag for P949.00
Online shopping does have benefits for a person like me with a hectic schedule. So there, this is perhaps a wishlist since my birthday is this coming Saturday. 

This post is an entry for the ShopCoupons X Lazada PH Blogger contest. Being hosted by ShopCoupons. Lazada voucher sponsored by Lazada Philippines.

1st Altantic Bakery TV Ad Competition


Over all theme

The 1st Atlantic Bakery TV Ad Competition seeks to create a television ad that inspires others to promote living healthy by eating fresh food specifically bread and pastry, and to deliver that message through generations.

The Advertisement should contain positive messages that could, for example, show what people can do to live fresh, happy and healthy lives every day to what we can do as families, communities, countries, and as global citizens.

Who are qualified to join? 

The 1st Atlantic Bakery Regional TV Ad Competition is open to all organizations and individuals interested in the process of developing and producing TV commercials/ advertisements.

There will be two (2) judging categories based on industry and segment, namely: Student Category for currently enrolled College students and, Open Category which is open to everybody.

Each category is likewise branched into segments, namely: Product Ads for 30-second advertisements involving product lines of Atlantic Bakery and, Corporate Ads for advertisements timed at above 31 seconds showcasing the mission, vision, corporate values and thrusts of Atlantic Bakery as a whole.

Dates to Remember
  •  Registration of participants and submission of entry forms is until 5:00 PM of April 10, 2016 (Sunday). To register, participants should have an accumulated or single receipt pre-qualifying purchase of at least PhP 250.00 worth of any Atlantic Bakery bread within the registration period. The receipt/s should be attached to the registration form before submission.
  •     The deadline for submission of entries is until 5:00 PM of May 15, 2016 (Sunday).
  •     The Awards Night will be on May 29, 2016 (Sunday).
What to submit

Entries should be submitted burnt on a single CD/DVD containing the High Definition Quality entry in any of the following file formats: .avi .flv .mpeg .mp4 .wmv or .mov.

Upon submission, registrants will fill up the Official Entry Form to be provided by Atlantic Bakery. Entries with incomplete required information or incorrect technical specifications will be disqualified.

The submitted work must include the Atlantic Bakery Logo. Entrants must submit their ads to Atlantic Bakery and give all the rights to publish the material.

The advertisement must not benefit any other company, organization, political party or official interest group by the use, for instance, of logos, brands, or representatives or corporations, parties or organizations. Also, the advertisement must not contain any nudity, lewd, or otherwise offensive or inappropriate content.

Copyright and patents

Submitted entries must be original and unpublished work. The entrant is responsible for the contents of the advertisement which cannot include copyright-protected material. The entrant must have the rights for all the texts and images used in the submitted work.

There can be no reference to the identification included in or on the entire artwork. However, all submissions must be clearly linked to its author. Creative credits will be requested if artwork is chosen as a winner. Creative credits for your artwork will be included in possible exhibits.

Participants agree to grant Atlantic Bakery, competition media partners, an irrevocable, perpetual, exclusive, transferable, royalty-free, license to use, copy, exhibit, publicly display and distribute their submitted entry for any use of Atlantic Bakery.

Judging Criteria

Entries will be judged based on these criteria and compete head-to-head with other entries within their specific category:

CRITERIA FOR JUDGING:
Originality (includes innovation)                                 40%
Creativity (include editing and use of the medium)    40%
Memorability (include impact and recall)                   20%

The members of the board of judges of the 1st Atlantic Bakery TV Ad Competition are experienced professionals with an in-depth understanding of the current state-of-the-art in advertising design and technology, and the objectivity to score entries according to a predefined set of criteria. Foremost, these judges represent all aspects of the advertising and promotion industry.

Any decision made by the organizers in any matter relating to the TV Ad competition is considered final and binding. Atlantic Bakery cannot be held responsible for force majeure, should the TV Ad Competition have to be modified or cancelled.

Awards

The 1st Atlantic Bakery Regional TV Ad Competition Awards will be given to those entries that the judges rate as best within each industry category. The winners will receive cash prizes, trophies and gift packs.
  •     Student Category Product Ads  – Grand Prize: 30,000.00; First Runner Up: 15,000.00
  •     Student Category Corporate Ads – Grand Prize: 30,000.00; First Runner Up: 15,000.00
  •     Open Category Product Ads –  Grand Prize: 30,000.00; First Runner Up: 15,000.00
  •     Open Category Corporate Ads – Grand Prize: 30,000.00; First Runner Up: 15,000.00

All participants (including the participating schools) will receive certificates to acknowledge their achievement and participation.

Got questions? Interested participants may visit any Atlantic Bakery store, or contact Ms. Eloisa at landline number (054) 473-9196 or mobile number 0939.923.3649 for inquiries.


Easter Events in Naga City 2016


Fun filled Easter events in Naga for this year! Check out the following activities for your long weekend.

If you've got no plans for the coming Lenten season, Avenue Plaza Hotel has something for you and your kids. Indulge on a delicious snack feast perfect for the kids and kids at heart plus your kids SWIM FOR FREE! Make your break worthwhile and fun!

Available from March 24-26 only! For table reservations, call 473 9999.
 Take your family to a meaningful escapade and spend a meditative time and bond with loved ones. Feel free to call this your home for the Lenten season.


 Let the EASTER EGG-CITEMENT of your kids be felt this coming Easter Sunday! Enjoy an enticing brunch buffet while your kids delight in our joyous activities.


Celebrate Easter Costume Contest this March 27, 2016 at The Event Center of SM City Naga! Get your application form at The Event Center now!
Like SM City Naga on Facebook for updates







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Easter Bunny Costume Contest
1PM LCC Mall Naga
Registration is open until March 26, 2016 6:00 pm at the Customer Assistance Center or Marketing Office at LCC Malls


Graduation Promos in Naga City 2016


Hello fellow graduates!!! Yes, batchmate po tayo! Hehe As I have also achieved a personal milestone in earning my second stripe, here are the graduation promos available here in Naga that you can also consider for this important celebration for you and your family and friends.


Your milestone deserves a celebration! Avenue Plaza Hotel has the perfect Graduation blowout just for you. Feast on a gastronomic getaway of your choice of menu set carefully prepared by our culinary team.

Have your tables reserved now! Call us at 473 9999


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Que Pasa Naga's QUEngatrulations!


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Woodstone Kitchen at Basilic Road, Magsaysay is now accepting reservations for Graduation Parties



Thursday, March 10, 2016

Summer Class / Lessons in Naga 2016



Summer 2015!!! On this page you will see updates about the available summer classes / lessons / workshops in the city ranging sports, music, dance, art, cooking and a lot lot more. For organizers, please feel free to message us on NCD Facebook or  via our Contact Form for us to include your program. Bookmark this page now!


If you want your kids to acquire some basic culinary learning this summer, then enlist them now in Apicius' COOKING FOR KIDS program where they'll be taught how to prepare the dishes they'll surely love.

Reserve a slot now by visiting Apicius at the 3rd Floor of Luzonian Bldg., Panganiban Drive, Naga City or you can also call them at 4731721 or 09175095087 or 09985113010.

Your culinary career starts here, visit www.apicius.com.ph for more details

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The Culinary Lounge
By Chef Louise
 2-Day Workshop for Kids and Adults


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Ateneo Basketball Camp Season 9
Registration forms are available at the Ateneo College Athletics Office. Look for coach Jp Disuanco, ma'am Rhea Gime and coach Peter Barcelon.

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Agnieszka Ballet for Kids, Teens & Adults
For Inquiries: 0998-989-0813
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/agnieszka.ballet?fref=ts

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KEYBOARD/ PIANO TUTORIALS
Every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon this April and May
*One-on-one mentoring by certified music teacher and professional, Mr. Boboy Timuat
*Air-conditioned room
Contact 472-5585 or 09333540681 for details.


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G-Force Summer Dance  Workshop in Naga with  Ram and Myka!!! 
Limited slots only

FOR INQUIRIES: Call/Text (0929)8843765 | (0977)8010067 |
TEL NO. 881-2138



NAGA!!! Ram and Myka will be coming to you this Summer 2016!! Class Schedule to be posted soon!Get connected to be...
Posted by G-Force Dance Center on Saturday, 6 February 2016
 

 

Tuesday, March 8, 2016

National Flip-Flops Day Ph 2016


Havaianas is officially opening summer as we celebrate National Flip-Flops Day on March 11.

It's hot in the Philippines most of the time but there's still something about summer that makes it a season to look forward to. The backdrop is more vibrant and the skies appear to be more blue. 

Summer also has another meaning for every Havaianatico - National FlipFlops Day is coming! Every year, Havaianas is front and center in officially welcoming the most beautiful season. On March 11, 2016, everyone is invited to join in the fun of wearing Havaianas wherever you're headed to! 



As we say hello to brighter and more laid back days, Havaianas is treating you to a full day of festivities and special offers:

20% OFF!!!
Life is truly better in flip-flops and Havaianas is giving you a sweet deal so you can grab a new pair for the summer season. All flip-flop styles are on a 20% discount just for one day at select participating retailers nationwide. Too busy to go out? Get your flip-flop fix at shophavaianas.ph. Free shipping on all orders just on National Flip-Flops Day.

Summer Getaway Bag 
This summer, it's time to chase your adventures with Havaianas! For 2 regular priced pairs or Php 1,500.00 worth of Havaianas merchandise, customers can avail of the bag for only Php 395.00.

Selfeet contest 
Upload your most creative selfeet on Instagram and be 1 of the lucky 5 winners to receive a special prize from Havaianas. For the full mechanics and updates regarding National Flip-Flops Day, check out HavaianasPhilippines on facebook, and @havaianasphils on Twitter and Instagram with the #nationalflipflopsdayph hashtag. To shop online, visit www.shophavaianas.ph.


Sunday, March 6, 2016

NcdEcoblog: 6 Tips to Travel Reponsibly

Naga City, Philippines - The social media is a massive source of information for your next travel destination. Giving out these travel guides come with a great responsibility on reminding how important it is to travel responsibly. While I have my #NcdEcoblog series, I know it's not enough to share to everyone that there are lots of things to do for our environment. As a blogger, I share my travel photos and itineraries for people to visit and let everyone realize how blessed we are that we have a rich province and region. While showcasing these tourist destinations it is never intended to tell everyone that we can do whatever we like without thinking about the consequences. But unfortunately, there are souls who do unthinkable acts that destroy the beauty and tranquility of our tourist spots. I despise people who carve their names on trees, vandalize wall of rocks and stones, drop garbage at freewill and many other unacceptable acts. Last year of April, I already made a blog post on pledging that I will keep our tourist spots clean. This year, together with the Bicol Bloggers, we aim to strengthen that cause to travel responsibly and use our online social media presence to reach as many people as we can.


Now here are my tips on how to travel responsibly. Thankfully, traveling responsibly has been in my system ever since I was a child plus I have an environmentalist mom. These tips cover all the aspects of how we travel day in and out.

1. Bring your own water bottle. It doesn't only save the environment but it also saves you from spending for a bottled mineral water. Plus, your own bottle will lessen your chance of throwing or leaving it accidentally especially when almost empty. It's almost always okay to leave it behind because at the back of your mind you can just buy another one because it's cheap. When the water bottle is yours and have been one of your essentials with lots of memories with it, there's a greater possibility that you won't just leave it behind at all cost. Imagine leaving a bottle of mineral water anywhere near Colasi Falls (left photo), not a good sight, really.

2. Use eco-bags or reusable bags. We can never totally do away with plastic and there are things that needs to be placed in a container made of plastic. In reality, we are in a third world country and plastics are affordable for most of us Filipinos. But when we are talking about the secondary packaging, let's say a microwavable container then you'll put it in a plastic bag. Why not use an eco-bag or paper bag as a secondary packaging, right? In this way we are reducing the use of plastic little by little.

3. GO LOCAL. Souvenirs play a good symbolism and memory of your trip but do not buy products from endangered species, artifacts and the like. Buy and EAT local because locals know best. Don't eat at a fastfood chain, restaurant or coffee shop that's also available in your own towns/city. It's pointless if you will and you traveled a long way just to eat in the same fastfood chain? Oh c'mon go explore and be surprised. Not only that we support the local economy but this is a better way of helping the locals rather than giving out alms especially to the beggars. Sometimes its even better to purchase from the small players other than the too commercialized products. If possible, refuse plastic bags when buying from stores or souvenir shop. If your bags are with you, put them in your bags instead. Maximize the space of your bag / luggage. Pack smart and this is also a skill that we must learn whenever we travel. 

Biniribid, a local kakanin and common meryenda or dessert for Bicolanos for only P6 to P8.
4. Reduce your carbon emissions. The main human activity that produces CO2 are electricity, transportation and industries. We all contribute to using these three right? Even though you check-in in a hotel and you are paying for a price, traveling responsibly will mean turning off the lights and AC when not in use go out for a stroll (but for hotels and inns with a centralized key card, everything will be shut down once you pull the key card off the socket). Along with transportation, if your destinations have short distances plus weather is good, it will be nicer to travel by foot instead of driving around. Perfect example is in Baguio City, if you are in the downtown area, better walk than drive, you'll just find a hard time parking and traffic will just give you a migraine.You just have to plan your trip well prior to your visit. Again the internet is a very good source of travel guides that you can follow from point A to B, C and so on. Don't forget the mobile apps that you can also download before traveling. 

5. Reduce throwing non-bio packagings. When visiting an island or beach resort, most people leave behind packagings of soap or shampoo after bathing in fresh water. Transfer contents of shampoo/conditioner and soap into  small and travel containers which you can buy in department stores anywhere. In my case, I used the ones I got from hotel accomodations. See, they have purpose. 



6. Travel with RESPECT and TRAVEL LIKE A LOCAL. Read about the place, its culture and people. Learn a few of the local words, meeting people while traveling is a one of a kind experience. Being a responsible traveler needs respect not only to the place but most importantly to the locals. Everything else will follow if we start traveling with respect. We have a term here in Bicol "mag-makulog", it's like having a sense of empathy and care for someone or something even if it's not your own. 

Recently, I have seen a post on Twitter and Facebook of who seemed to be "proud" students who went on an outing somewhere in Albay and vandalized their group name, section? on a stone on the foot of beautiful falls. These kids may not have been mindful of their actions and from a point of view of a traveler like, it is a selfish act. We can never claim nature, we can never own them even just for a while. So why put your names and monikers on it?

So there you go guys, these are my top five (5) tips on how to travel responsibly. There are still so many ways, would you care to share your own too? Don't forget to use the hashtag #iTravelResponsibly and share your photos/videos on how you travel responsibly. Are you up for the challenge? I hope you are! Don't forget to also use the hashtags #BicolBloggers and #nagacitydeck and we'll gladly feature your photos or videos in our social media accounts.

Related Post: 10 Summer Essentials of a Blogger and Office Girl



Tuesday, March 1, 2016

Baao Burda Initiatives at La Huerta de Rosario in Baao, Camarines Sur

Baao, Camarines Sur - Did you know that this municipality was well known for its "burda" (embroidery) during its early years? My mom, who hails from the Rinconada area though not in Baao but in Buhi, said that during her younger years, Baao was indeed well known for its craft especially in pillow cases, table runners and the like.

We had the chance to rediscover Baao in the aspect of crafts and art in less than a day. An entrepreneur based in Baao, Bernadette de los Santos is on her way in reviving the industry that has long been forgotten by our current generation.

But before we go to embroidery, first let's talk about La Huerta de Rosario. Owned and managed by Ms. B, La Huerta is an agri-tourism destination here in Camarines Sur that sets it apart from the usual tourist destination. La Huerta de Rosario in Sta. Teresita Baao is technically a farm where guests can enjoy and experience harvesting crops and fresh produce. It doesn't end up to harvesting because you can have these produce cooked in the Rinconada way and enjoy them for merienda or lunch.




The whole compound of La Huerta has a beautiful landscape. Pebbled walkway and pathways having an outline of huge gabi leaves (I think) will lead you to a hut with artworks on display and other antique wood works and bottles, this also serves as a dining area.







Tanglad / Lemongrass Juice and Sandwich for our morning snack

Our lunch, native tinola, toge and morcon

Baao is 405.159 kilometers from Luneta Park. Signage from Baao's old train station
antique wood works at the dining area

No walk-ins, just reservations. Now don't be surprised if La Huerta only accepts reservations. They want you to experience total relaxation and pampering. You can stay for a day or more for there are other amenities that can be arranged depending upon your needs. The farm has this La Casita de Teresa (photo below), a back-to-basics facility that is very artsy and cozy.

Walkway to the La Casita de Teresa, your back-to-basics artsy kubo

The door
 
 

Walking a few more steps will lead you to a bigger hut which serves as a function hall which you can also book if you have special gatherings or meetings. Just have things discussed with Ms. B prior to your stay or function and everything will be smooth sailing. Can you imagine yourself doing some artworks surrounded by greens and flowers plus the music of birds, crickets and whatnots? Surely nature can inspire you and squeeze out the creative juices in you. Now let's go back to embroidery.
 


  
 
Baao Burda Initiatives is a social enterprise that provides livelihood to rural women of Baao while making sure the traditional embroidery skill lives on. While seminars on using recycled materials are common, Ms. B promotes the same cause of using reusable fabric bags. Indeed there is ingenuity in embroidery.




Small things can create amazing pieces especially if they are handcrafted. These are the threads and yarns being used by the rural women. 




Embroidered by hands, moved by the heart. The Baao Burda Initiatives bags are so personal yet very meaningful. Your purchases will go a long way helping the women of Baao. Indeed it's better to teach the locals to be productive rather than dole out goods like we use to. 





Livelihood training takes place in La Huerta Farm where it's cozy, quiet and one with nature. All you can actually hear are birds chirping with the twigs and trees swaying with the wind. Visiting the farm is by appointment only. So better call Ms. B and book your visit in this lovely farm.



  

So there, I hope you enjoyed my online mini-tour at La Huerta Farms. Remember, the basics and the traditional arts and skills are still the best when created for the future. Relax and unwind at La Huerta and be one with nature.

Thank you Ms. B for the accommodation. Every corner of your haven is pure art with so much soul in it. May you continue to inspire people especially the women of Baao. #womenpower

For inquiries and reservations:
Bernadette de Los Santos at 0919-5887877
Email: bidibidi101@gmail.com
Facebook Page: Baao Burda Initiatives, La Huerta de Rosario and Cafe des Artes
Blog: www.farmbaao.blogspot.com
Address: Sta. Teresita, Baao, Camarines Sur