The SM Mall of Asia can be quite intimidating. Its huge wings and endless halls are a challenge to the professional shopper but a maze to the amateur maller. If you get tired walking around and just want to chill out, look for Chaikofi at the ground floor of the North Wing. Its cozy ambiance, comfortable seats and wide selection of teas and coffees will help you de-stress. They also have good paninis, pasta and rice meals. Whether you need to relax after a day of shopping or to get energized for your second round of malling, Chaikofi’s a wonderful place to be.

Irish Coffee

Originally uploaded by happyeclair.

Sometimes you just feel like chilling out, talking over coffee. Irish coffee is something my SO really felt like having the other night and he got it from Petruss, right across ELJ Building. It’s been a long day. The coffee was a delight, as he said. Even the presentation is delightful. The coffee prices in Petruss are fairly ok, cheaper than Starbucks. The ambiance is pretty ok too and it’s more than a coffee shop – they have pasta too!

My husband and I paid a visit to one of our favorite carinderias (food stalls) last weekend. We always look forward to the delicious home-cooked food they serve and the warm smiles that come with it. While we knew that this carinderia was already homey, this little touch of theirs made us even more enamored with the place! Instead of the usual white napkins, they served their utensils and plates with Christmas-themed table napkins. The simple festive touch made us feel the Christmas spirit more. Such wonderful Christmas joys from the little things!

Before


The Luneta Hotel along Dewey Boulevard (now Roxas Boulevard) faces Manila Bay. It is one of the few remaining classic architectures that stood the test of time. The once beautiful Pasig River is still being used to tranport people who choose to avoid traffic on land (water lilies still float in the polluted river).

The anime-ish artworks that sometimes appear in giant billboards in EDSA have got to be some of the more attractive marketing collaterals I’ve seen plastered on such medium. I find out that the man behind these, GP Magazine editor-in-chief and creative director Kenji Nunez, will mount his coming out exhibit “Neon World of KBoi: The Art of Kenji Nunez” on 30 November to 07 December 2006 at the Ricci Renzo Café and Art Gallery at the at the ground floor LRI Building, Nicanor Garcia St. (formerly Reposo St.) Bel-Air Village, Makati City. Nunez’s artworks have debuted in magazines, print ads, internet sites, and, as I’ve mentioned, huge billboards. The 30 artworks that will be on exhibit feature Nunez’s “interpretation of the pink community.” And for the die-hard art collectors, the artworks will be on sale, proceeds of which will benefit the Gift Foundation which promotes AIDS awareness and prevention.

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This infrastructure was considered one of Manila’s most popular landmark…. It used to be Asia’s most beautiful theater before WW2 …. A year ago, I saw a big billboard with the Mayors face…. promising that Metropolitan theater Manila will be renovated and will be revived……. WHAT HAPPENED? sa BUDGET? whahahaha

Facts:
Completed in 1935, to the design of eminent Filipino architect Juan Arellano, this supreme example of art deco architecture was once Manila’s focal venue for performances ranging from vaudeville to opera. It fell into disuse in the 1960s, was meticulously restored in the following decade, but has once again fallen into disrepair. But even in the building’s present state, it is still possible to admire such art deco gems as the bronze statues of female figures placed along the top of the facade.

(Photo from Wikimedia)

Jeepney drivers and sidewalk vendors must be armed with magnets nowadays. Everyone else should follow suit, too – considering that our coins are now being counterfeited.

Apparently, thieves have found a brilliant way to afford stealing: they’re making false coins (in P5 and P10 denominations) using air compressors and stamping machines. But one can easily tell the difference from the original, provided one has a magnet, and presuming that every Filipino, rich or poor, actually cares. The fake coins have altered metallic properties that make them attracted to magnets. I haven’t read what properties exactly, but it isn’t rocket science to conclude that today’s desperate times are calling for desperate (albeit criminal) measures.

So if you suspect that the contents of your piggy bank are only half-legit, you can have fun spreading them across your bedroom floor and testing their authenticity. Just don’t be surprised if to your magnet, one of the Emilio Aguinaldos sticks.

Im just wondering if this photo is for real!!!! (LOL)

KFC’s Orange Chicken and Mushroom Soup

Originally uploaded by happyeclair.

KFC has a new offering called Orange Chicken (or maybe Chicken Orange, I am not so sure right now). It’s basically yummy chicken strips with orange sauce. It’s something similar to lemon chicken but the chicken is done in the traditional KFC style. It’s only Php 59 so I think it’s worth it :) The mushroom I got was Php15. Not bad for a meal in Makati, especially when working late in the office.