Welcome the Year of the Dragon

Chinese culture has been embedded into Filipino culture for as long as we can remember that even pure Pinoys have come to love Chinese food and products, movies, and even believe in Chinese Horoscope and participate in the celebration of the Chinese New Year.

Coming from a family with Chinese blood, I grew up eating hopia, pancit, lumpiang shanghai, tikoy and siopao; watched movies of Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan, and the Chinese movies that were shown on Sunday mornings (where the actors are in full Chinese costume); and frequented Chinatown in Binondo. To prepare for Chinese New Year, we always bought tikoy and a variety of sweet, round fruits every Chinese New Year; collected 88 pieces of coins; prepared gold coin chocolates and other candies; and eagerly awaited the horoscope forecasts for the coming year.

(l-r) Feng Shui Expert Marites Allen and host Boy Abunda

This year was different as we celebrated it outside of home for the first time -- we spent Chinese New Year's Eve and the next couple of hours into the new year at Manila Hotel for the "Welcome the Year of the Water Dragon" event featuring Predictions and Forecasts for 2012 by international Feng Shui Expert Marites Allen.

(clockwise, from top left) lobby cocktails; Chinese dance

performance; bazaar; and eye-dotting ceremony

At 9:30 pm, the event started with cocktails at the Manila Hotel lobby where a short programme took place showcasing Chinese dance and Wu Shu exhibition; a short talk by Marites Allen; the traditional Lion Dance and Dragon Dance; the dotting of the Lion's eyes for good luck by Marites Allen and guest VIPs led by Manila mayor Alfredo Lim and Manila Hotel president Joey Lina. The event, hosted by Boy Abunda, also had a Chinese New Year bazaar that offered various Chinese products, including lucky charms and horoscope books.

(clockwise, from top left) wish balloon ritual; auspicious

meal; activities; lion and dragon dancers

By 11:45 pm, everyone was led out onto the hotel driveway for the new year wish balloon ritual -- we were instructed to write our specific wishes on a balloon that we will release together at the strike of midnight, sort of a representation of sending our wishes/prayers to heaven. The dark sky was then illuminated by bright and colorful fireworks originating from the Chinese New Year countdown at the Quirino Grandstand.

Tossing of the Prosperity Salad (that's me with the

ring and lucky beads bracelets)

At past 12 midnight, the last activity for the evening (rather, wee hours of the morning) was the Auspicious Meal and Lucky Forecasts by Marites Allen. The meal started with the assembly of the traditional Prosperity Salad on each table, where the head tasked to facilitate was the oldest in the group -- for our table, it was my mom. Each ingredient followed a sequence in the assembly and once complete, everyone in the table joined in the salad tossing to partake of the 'good luck.' The food prepared by Manila Hotel at the Centennial Hall were really delicious and overflowing that even when the celebration ended, the buffet table was still teeming with goodies.

This was a new and nice experience for me and for us as a family, and we believe that with prayers, hard work and good karma, the Year of the Dragon will be good to us. KUNG HEI FAT CHOI!

It's More Fun in Manila

Having been born in Manila and lived in Manila all my life, I thought I've seen all of its historical landmarks and have heard all of its stories. I was proven wrong when I joined the inaugural launch of Manila Hotel's latest offering, in partnership with the Department of Tourism and in support of DOT's new campaign 'It's More FUN in the Philippines.'

Dubbed Manila Revisited, this is Manila Hotel's way of inviting everyone to relive the past, reminisce historical moments in our time, re-trace the paths of heroes and re-discover the stories inside the walled city of Intramuros. A special room package, Manila Revisited will give everyone the royal treatment from the lavish rooms and amenities -- rejuvenate at the Manila Hotel Health Club and enjoy the pool and garden area or relax inside the room and stay connected with the 24-hour WiFi connection -- plus enjoy delicious food from the breakfast buffet.

Manila Revisited supports the new DOT campaign

(clockwise from top left) Manila Hotel president Joey Lina

welcomed guests; a rondalla group accompanied the tramvia riders;

the knowledgeable and witty tour guide;and horse-driven carriages.

Included in the package is a two and a half hours guided tour that will take guests to Intramuros and Rizal Park on horse-drawn carriages from the Castillan Carriage and Tour Services -- a visit to Fort Santiago, Rizal's Execution Site in Rizal Park (Luneta), Casa Manila, Palacio del Gobernador, Manila Cathedral, San Agustin Church, and the former headquarters of General Douglas MacArthur.

The Cinderella carriage I chose to ride on for the afternoon

While waiting for the rides to arrive, I was already reminiscing my calesa experience back in Kindergarten. As I stepped out the Manila Hotel lobby, I was amazed at the variety of Victorian horse-drawn carriages, Spanish carjuaes, and Filipino calesas lined up the driveway. As the other guests picked out their rides, the "princess" in me chose the only one that looked like Cinderella's carriage -- an all-open pumpkin-shaped carriage made of white wrought iron, with no covering whatsoever, no doors and windows. At first, I regretted the choice because the sun was still high and the winds were strong but as I went on with the tour, I enjoyed the 360 degrees view of the sites as I can look up and see the trees and buildings, I can look sideways, front and back to see everything else. It helped that Manong Kutsero took care to bring an umbrella which was temporarily tied to the carriage to give shade from the sun.

Fort Santiago

Different sights inside Fort Santiago, including a statue of

Jose Rizal (top left) and the old underground dungeons (top right)

First stop was Fort Santiago, the place where Jose Rizal and other heroes were held captive during the Spanish era. Fort Santiago was a part of my grade school field trips but that was so long ago that I no longer have a clear memory of the details of the place. With a fresh mind and perspective plus the excitement of a child, I savored the sights and learning that I got that day.

Brass "footsteps" symbolizing Rizal's own as he was led out of

Fort Santiago to his execution site in Bagumbayan (Luneta)

Rizal's foot is just a mere half inch bigger than mine (he has

large feet for his height of 4'11", considering am taller than him at 5'5")

But also like a child, I got distracted and enamored by what I was seeing that I wandered off a bit from my tour group and when I saw them (or thought it was them), I realized soon after that I mistakenly joined another group that was headed by Carlos Celdran. OMG! Retracing the steps, I was able to go back to the entrance of Fort Santiago where I missed my carriage and was thankful to have caught the last ride just as it was about to leave.

Rizal Shrine finds: (clockwise from top left) first print of Rizal's novel;

exhibit of Philippine currency in which Rizal was featured;

and old photos of Rizal and his lady love.

Inside Fort Santiago is the Rizal Shrine which houses authentic memorabilia: photos of Rizal, his parents and of Leonor Rivera; his sculptures/works of art; first print of Noli Me Tangere; some of Rizal's old vests; and even a preserved bone of Rizal, among others.

Casa Manila depicts the usual home and lifestyle of colonial days:

(clockwise from top left) painted ceilings; antique furnitures;

and antique biscuit molds.

Next stop was Casa Manila, a "colonial lifestyle" museum which I am visiting for the first time. The museum showcases what a house looked like in the olden days from the receiving area, the bedrooms, the dining room, the kitchen and even the comfort room. The place is full of authentic antique furnitures (or muebles) and the "house" is teeming with gorgeous interior details. Stepping out the museum, I was glad to have found my "Cinderella" carriage and rode it all the way to the last destination, passing by Manila Cathedral, San Agustin Church, and Palacios del Gobernador.

Rizal Park (Luneta) where Jose Rizal was executed and

later laid to rest, as marked by the famous monument

Rizal Monument at Luneta

As the tour group's long line of carriages and tramvia crossed the streets of Manila to reach Luneta, I felt like part of the tourist attraction as locals and foreigners alike watched and took photos of us in our carriages. But once we reached Rizal Park, I was back to feeling like the tourist. It was almost twilight and wind was colder when we reached the Rizal monument and was brought to the actual site of Rizal's execution, which is located a little to the right when you are facing the back of the monument. I have vivid memories of my childhood visits to Rizal park -- the flower clock, the floating map, the Chinese and Japanese gardens, among others -- but I can't seem to remember seeing the execution site. I may have just forgotten this part of the park but I could have sworn that this is my first time to set foot on this part of Luneta.

Back at Manila Hotel, after sadly bidding our carriages goodbye, I went home with a smile on my face brought about by the fun experience that afternoon. Thank you for opportunities like this that truly makes one say that it is fun in Manila, fun in the Philippines.

Sweet Dreams Are Made of These

For those of you who have been following my blog and reading my entries, you probably know by now that I am not a sweet tooth so I would almost always skip dessert. This time though I wasn't able to escape the sweet temptation because all there was to eat were desserts -- heavenly chocolate desserts.

The sweets-laden buffet at Manila Hotel

Colorful and inviting creations for kids and adults alike

Tried Manila Hotel's Heavenly Chocolate Buffet at Cafe recently and I was floored by the wide array of chocolates and chocolate pastries. At the center of the buffet is a giant dual fountain of cascading dark and milk chocolate sauces, surrounded by a delicious display of pralines, cookies, cakes, fudge brownies, creme brulee, chocolate gateaux, crepes and chocolate coated fruits.

Dual chocolate fountain: dark chocolate on the left,

milk chocolate on the right

Espresso Walnut Cookies: coffee you can bite

White Chocolate Pralines with Strawberry Swirls

Double Chocolate Chip Cookies: pure heaven

Opera: dramatic vanilla cake, chocolate layers & fruits

Chocolate Croissant

Chocolate Profiteroles: eclair-based chocolate with pistachios

I felt like a kid who visited Wonderland on Christmas day when I saw all the gorgeous sweets on the buffet spread. Even the whimsical figures on display were enticing -- figures inspired by the recent visit of Cirque du Soleil, made of chocolate as well but not for eating, unless some sneaky kids snatch it off the counter.

Cirque du Chocolat

Strawberry Mousse in margarita glasses

Light Choco Ganache: sinfully light

Chocolate & Strawberry Mousse: delectable concoction

Dark Chocolate Rolls

There's even an ice cream counter at the side -- a must-try is the Ferrero ice cream -- with lots of toppings to choose from.

Ferrero Ice Cream with chocolate syrup: to die for

Cheery toppings: mini chocolate chips, candies & mallows

The rich chocolate concoctions, which are guaranteed to bring you sweet dreams, were expertly created by Manila Hotel's Executive Pastry Chef Rolando "Mac" Macatangay.

Chef Mac: the sweet tooth fairy

Chocolate Rice Crispies

Chocolate Mousse with fresh strawberry

Chocolate Crinkles

The Heavenly Chocolate Buffet is available at Manila Hotel's Cafe Ilang-Ilang from 3- 6 pm and is offered until October 31. Which means that I have to stay away from the sweet temptations until the end of the month. But that's just me. Don't stop yourself and indulge while you still can.

Forgive me for using too many visuals here (seeing the goodies again made me hungry), I just think that is the best way to blog about chocolates. :)

Filed under FLAVORS

American Idol Live Tour in Manila

American Idol Season 10 finalists and winners are on tour and all of the 11 finalists are here in Manila, having arrived early this Saturday morning, just a few hours before the press conference at the Manila Hotel. It was a hot day and I braved traffic just so I can see them in person, among them grand winner Scotty McCreery, Filipina Thia Megia and my bet James Durbin (did any of you catch my twit about James?). Usually, only the top 10 go on tour but there are 11 talents due to a save by judges Randy Jackson, Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez.

Scotty McCreery and Thia Megia

Stefano Langone and Haley Reinhart

I arrived at the venue in the nick of time as they were being introduced one by one. As they answer questions from the press and guests, I felt that all of them are really passionate about music and that they all have worked really hard to get where they are today. Pia Toscano, for one, shared that she was rejected a lot of times in other auditions, including American Idol season 9 but that didn't stop her to improve and try again for season 10.

Jacob Lusk and Naima Adedapo

James Durbin and Casey Abrams

When asked about what advice they can give to young and aspiring singers and musicians, they were unanimous in saying not to ever give up and never let other people take away the dream. At which point rocker James Durbin bursts into a song, "Don't stop...believing..." with his trademark powerful voice.

Paul McDonald, Lauren Alaina and Pia Toscano

ON VIDEO: When asked about how she feels whenever she is being compared with another Filipino talent, Charice Pempengco, Thia smiled and was gracious in saying that,"...Charice and I are very different artists but she does inspire me." Sorry for the super short clip, was staring at James Durbin almost the whole time that this was the only video I took.

Video

Catch Scotty McCreery, Lauren Alaina, Haley Reinhart, James Durbin, Jacob Lusk, Casey Abrams, Stefano Langone, Paul McDonald, Pia Toscano, Naima Adedapo, and Thia Megia on various mall shows for some meet and greet:

After that, they take the stage for the first time in Asia for a two-night concert at the Smart Araneta COliseum on September 20 and 21, 8 pm. Expect a powercast show as the idols perform on one stage, covering a wide range of music genres -- country, pop, jazz and rock -- with duets and medley's of today's hits plus originals from their individual solo projects.

American Idol Live Tour 2011 press conference

I've been following American Idol since the time two Filipinas joined and placed in the widely watched singing talent show -- AI season 3 third placer Jasmine Trias and finalist Camille Velasco. Admittedly, I found the auditions fun and thrilling as I made fearless predictions on who will make the cut. Since then, more Filipinos took the chance to join and made it until semi-finals -- AI season 7 finalist Ramiele Malubay; season 8 gold ticket recipient Jenesis Samoranos who didn't make it through Hollywood week; season 10 semi-finalist Clint Jun Gamboa and finalist Thia Megia. If I missed some more from the other seasons, please let me know.

Filed under SHOWS

Mooncakes from Manila Hotel

The Mid-Autumn Festival or Mooncake Festival is one of the most celebrated events in the Chinese calendar. During the harvest season, when the moon is at its fullest and roundest, family and friends gather to dance, feast, and moon gaze. At the center of the Chinese festivities are the colorful and tasty moon cakes – special kind of sweet cakes prepared in the shape of the moon, filled with a rich and tasty filling and a salted egg yolk at the center.

In Manila Hotel, the Moon Cake Festival is in full swing at its five-star Chinese restaurant Mabuhay Palace. Executive Chinese Chef Sun Bing and his team whip up five exquisite flavors of special moon cakes: mango and cheese with yolk, pandan with dark chocolate Malibu filled praline, Jasmine tea with dark chocolate hazelnut praline, premium white lotus with melon seeds with yolk, and Mabuhay Palace assorted nuts with candied cranberries. The moon cakes can be ordered individually at PhP 380.00 NET or in set boxes beautifully designed to be the perfect gifts during this festivity for PhP 1,680.00 NET.

Mooncakes are available at the hotel lobby and at the Manila Hotel booth at the Mid-Autumn Festival in SM Mall of Asia until September 14, 2011.

Photos from Manila Hotel