Free Wifi at SM Manila Foodcourt

Before the event: Proper spelling is crucial.

Stephen, the gracious host, welcomes everyone to SM Manila.

Why settle for an Internet cafe when you can go online in an Internet Foodcourt?

Some quick facts: This 1437-square meter Foodcourt, renovated last July 2008, can seat 540 people. To serve these people, there are 10 tenants:
Lydia's Lechon, Wok Yan, Kamay Kainan, Pinoy Toppings, Seafood Grill, Ilonggo Grill, Tropical Hut, Bodhi, Sizzling Plate and Chicken Company (the last two are the main attractions in SM Foodcourts).

If you think about it, ten options is not a lot. And if you think about it again, that's actually a good thing. Countless times I ended up wasting half an hour just trying to decide where to eat, then another half an hour trying to decide what to eat.

Hold it... since this is also a Wifi event, let's talk about the connection...
Not bad at all. There are about two dozen heavy internet users taking full advantage of the free Wifi.

Excellent signal strength. I never argue with my computer.

Quick side note: Last June 12, the marketing team came up with an Independence Day "Pinaka" event. Participating tenants showcased their biggest chicharon, biggest siopao, longest lumpiang sariwa, largest tofu, etc.





I'd say that's a huge testament to Pinoys' love of food. Pun fully intended!


Come over to SM Manila not just for the Wifi access, but for the food!

"Hey, Ma!" or "Hi, Ma!"

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Lifestyle and home design store Heima was still closed, but the owners allowed important people to get in. So I was asked to wait outside.

Jones, one of the important people invited inside, got disappointed when she found out that the Mercedes Benz on display was not for sale. Hey, the door's ajar! maybe I could sneak in to take a peek.

An onslaught of cheerful colors greeted my near-sighted eyes, and I literally felt a notch happier. By the way, it would take me years before I could come up with nice photographs, so I blatantly stole the image from the official website: www.heimastore.com

Ooohs and aaahs from the visitors.

This is what the storefront looks like at night...
Isn't that simply gorgeous? How would you like it if your place looked like that?
(Obviously, it's another photo I pilfered.)

The brilliant pair behind the concept:
Rossy is the Design Diva. She consistently comes up with fantastic creations without breaking a sweat. Because she does so in an airconditioned room. She is also skilled in evading paparazzo shots.

Bong is Mister Marketing. He is also a Lomo Legend. He eats, sleeps, and breathes lomography. I'm exaggerating of course. He just takes a few bites.

I have some friends who are into lomography. Heima is their headquarters.

The idea that people stay longer in smaller stores, as shared by Rossy, is such a fascinating theory. Apparently, it's theory in action for Heima. Something about the room hypnotizes you into lingering inside.

The unique products contribute to the positive aura. Each item has an endearing story behind it.

Visit often because the layout changes every three months. People buy their stuff almost as soon as they come out. I witnessed some customers buying shirts that weren't even on display yet.

So where can you find Heima?


You want something to cheer you up? Visit the store.

G/F Shop 33, Cubao Expo, Quezon City
+63 917 561 HEIM ( 4346 )

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X-Rated Cubao

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The security guard mockingly replied "Ah, Cubao X? Doon po!" when I asked him where I can find Cubao Expo. I could have sworn that I heard him mutter, "Napaka-uncool naman nito" as I was trying to figure out his vague directions.

Cubao X (Fine, you win, Manong Guard!), a retro-themed area near Araneta Center, is usually quiet during the morning and early afternoon, but not last August 21. A bunch of fun-loving photo enthusiasts and an amateur (me!) met up to learn about photoblogging.

It was early and most shops were still closed. So why the heck were all the parking slots taken?!

It made perfect sense to wear comfy sneaks for a walking tour.

I think Michi was trying to say something.

Instead of telling you about the stores, I'll just share some items you can find in Cubao X, then you can go on a treasure hunt. How about that? Not that you have a choice.

This old-school piggy bank is filled with 103,442.25 pesos worth of coins. Maybe not.

The Late National Artist Nick Joaquin's actual typewriter. Can you imagine updating your blog with that?

Every community needs a chismis factory, a.k.a. a beauty parlor.

Mam, Sir, pili na!

If I buy this, how do I play it?

Good answer.

Gard (co-owner of one of the shops) with his pet.

Gener (the other owner) with one of his two published books.

"Huy! Bawal kayo diyan sa taas!" Ruuun!

If I were a girl, I'd probably have these in my collection. Yes, I'm old. No, I'm not a girl.

Cubao X is so photographer-friendly, every nook (but not every cranny) provides plenty of opportunities to take a snap.

This was what the cashier used to tally up our bill.

The jolly guy in the middle is Budjim Aquino, the area's decision-maker. He informed us that there are strict rules and requirements in accepting new tenants. Randy (with a camera) was in negotiation mode.

Listening to an insider. Bong was telling us where to buy lotto tickets.

Back to base camp. Anton's students ask way too many questions, lalo na ngayon (~ especially now). Which is why he needs to recharge his cybernetic battery pack.

Visit Cubao X and unearth its hidden treasures.

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Cheesy Dudes

Ubiquitous pizza chain Greenwich recently unveiled their new Overloaded Extreme Cheese Pizzas and graciously invited a bunch of hungry male bloggers to try them out at their Megamall branch. The Greenwich marketing team is now focusing its cheesiness on male diners, which makes a whole lot of sense if you ask me. Why bother with diet-conscious ladies when you can sell three times as much pizza to dudes prone to gluttony?

Check out these high-grade photos:
Monster Cheese & Pepperoni Overload

Philly Cheesesteak Overload. Mmmmm.

The Cheese and Pepperoni Overload was served first, and it was quite delightful because it had "100% more pepperoni and a double layer of mozzarella cheese". But I quickly forgot about it after they unleashed the Philly Cheesesteak. I loved the roast beef topping, but I think it was the melted cream cheese that got me hooked. I ate four slices, and that was after I gobbled up a hefty serving of baked macaroni. My body weight instantly increased by 2%.

I noticed that Allan Tan, the person behind the Philly Cheeseteak variant, grabbed a large slice during our little get-together. I find that fascinating because several minutes earlier, I extracted information from him and found out that it took 6 months to develop that flavor. He told that they've been tasting and eating the variations all throughout those months. And he still likes it. It's that good!

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Jollibee Breakfast Joys

I like to experience new and unusual activities, so I quickly said, "Sure!" when Jonel invited me to participate in a Jollibee-sponsored breakfast event. Normal people usually start their days at 6 AM. That's right about the time I start my REM (rapid eye movement).

What was the event about? “It’s really all about having stress-free mornings,” says Jollibee’s PR manager Arline Adeva. “Early in the day, Jollibee already takes care of preparing hearty breakfast fare with a wide variety of choices so you can do much more in the morning. You don’t have to worry about rushing to prepare and cook a good breakfast that you can actually enjoy.”

Since I usually roll off my bed at noon, a breakfast menu is such a strange concept to me. I don't even know what's available out there. So naturally, I wanted to try everything on their list. But instead of a menu, we were treated to this:


The buffet version of all their Breakfast Joys!

According to Arline: Those who want a traditional Pinoy rice meal can choose among any of the following: Longganisa, Crispy Bangus, Chicken Tocino, Beef Tapa, Hotdog, Corned Beef and Breakfast Steak which all come with garlic rice, fried egg and your choice of coffee, hot chocolate or any regular cold drink. Meanwhile, those who are looking for an alternative yet equally filling breakfast treat may go for either 2-pc Pancakes with butter and maple syrup or the signature Pancake Sandwich.

Quick survey: Do you think it would be a good idea for Jollibee to offer buffet meals?

Anyway, my favorite was the Pancake Sandwich, "a delightful treat of savory sausage patty and scrambled egg in between two pancakes". This is what the sandwich looks like from my low-tech camera's perspective:

And this is what it's supposed to look like:
I desperately need photography lessons (and a better camera, duh!)

Prior to the monstrous meal, we stimulated our appetite with some taichi and light stretching exercises.
Look at Jollibee go!
Still going...

The guy in the costume deserves a buffet meal, too!

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Uno Bloggers' and Contributors' Night

It was not the stereotypical men's magazine event with flashing lights, gorgeous models, and lotsa skin (darn!). But it was a casual event that I thoroughly appreciated.


There was no barrier in the form of a lectern or an elevated stage. RJ, the host, was very conversational and engaging. The editors, writers, and people behind the magazine were seated right beside the "outsiders". They mingled with everybody else while we washed down the Krispy Kremes with scalding-hot coffee.

With the set-up, we were encouraged to ask about anything related to Uno. Being the nosy person that I am, I didn't need encouragement of any kind. I learned that their transition to version 2.0 was not a haphazard decision. When asked, "What's up with the changes?". "We chose to grow up." responded RJ.

Because of the nature of the event, it gathered a very sensible crowd. Many of the people present were intellectuals, albeit quiet ones. As usual, I did all the asking and learned quite a bit from them. There's my secret to getting free advice. Find a smart crowd and ask questions. Lots of questions.

I'm so glad my curiosity dragged me all the way to Bonifacio High Street to be a part of the event.

But wait! There's more! A surprise bonus was the "Chapter One" sneak peak at U-View after the interesting chit-chat. The darn movie scared the crap out of me!


Here's writer/director/producer/comic-book-artist/all-around-nice-guy Arnold Arre answering a tough question about his heart-stopping short film.



Side note: Who needs a camera when you can just grab all the professional photos graciously shared by the event organizer?

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