Who is the Grand Prize Winner of Php741M in Lotto?

Tweet There is only one winner and he/she is very lucky! Does anyone know? Is it you? Wow. That's a lot of money. I would travel the world if I have that money.

Based on reports, the winner is from Luzon, and the winning combination is 11-16-42-47-31-37.

I am not into gambling, but I remember my boylet once tried the lotto thingy. Just for kicks.

November 29, 2010 ends everyone's agony, and one lucky soul is rejoicing. Don't ever forget that it is Bonifacio Day too!

What Have You Missed on the Eastwood Mall Sale? [November 20, 2010]

Tweet The Eastwood Mall was open til 12 MN last week, and I was just surprised that despite the Eastwood expansion - the bars, malls and cinema were still crowded. Have to blame Harry Potter 7 for that.

Anyway, just some pics I have taken during the mall-wide Eastwood Mall sale.

It is already 11PM and there were still few shoppers in the mall. Alot of independent sellers in the aisle, offering mostly organic food and drinks.

Cibo opening soon. I wonder if the old Cibo in Shang is still open? My friend said it is.

Found this drink, and we got curious. But we never bought. It kinda felt weird drinking beer inside the mall. Plus we wanted caffeine fix. 

Eastwood night market was still opened but not crowded.

Conclusion: We all love sales and discounts and freebies. But I am thinking people are getting smarter now when it comes to shopping. Warehouse sales are the next big thing, and people can easily dismiss and forget about 10% off and 50% off deals. As for night markets, people are learning their ways to Divisoria and 168. The best bargain I have seen was the Fino sale. My friend bought a card holder. I was itching to buy one - especially the type with card holder and 4 slots for paper money (would be useful for traveling - when you have different currencies). Too bad I missed that. Have you found any good buys in the recent Eastwood Mall Sale?

Dual Electronics' XDMA7650 - For A Club-Like Driving Experience

Tweet This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Dual Electronics. All opinions are 100% mine.

If you are the type who transforms your car into a busy club with music surrounding every corner of your car, this blog post is for you. Dual Electronics  has announced today that its first 2-step motorized mobile receiver featuring direct USB control for iPod® and iPhone® devices, the XDMA7650, is now shipping to retailers nationwide (US). The best part about this device is that the head unit supports a variety of media devices (MP3/WMA/CD-R/RW compatible), and can play music from USB flash drives, to provide users multiple listening options. The device which is called  XDMA7650 is currently availbale at $199.99.

I love the idea that this device has two LCD displays - one inside and the other outside the motorized front panel. With double LCD, it gives user more power and control over his/her music. The greatest innovation is that the head unit allows ability to scan through radio stations and control volume with just a sway of steering wheel (when used with adapter - sold separately).

This innovation gives users more focus and attention to safe driving, rather than dividing the attention in controlling the music while on the road. This device is a must have for those who want a different car experience (especially during long drives) with its cool features in connecting with iPod® and iPhone® devices, drivers and passengers need not bring separate CD's just to listen to their favorite tracks and playlists. Yet, even those who still prefer MP3 players and CD players may still use this cool device since it is compatible with such media.

If you are feeling generous, you can give this nice device to dad, or brother, or hubby. The package comes with 3.5mm auxiliary input, 3-RCA preamp outputs (F/R/S) and a wireless remote control. Yes, a remote control. Passengers would even have the power over music.

Dinner Buffet at the Eastwood Cafe, Richmonde Hotel [Review]

Tweet I love food and I love eating! While I am still young, and have the license to indulge in sweets, fatty and salty - I take every chance to eat - which is everyday. Guilty. High blood pressure, kidney stones, diabetes and cancer are after me.

Anyway, my friends and I finally found the time to meet up and use the CashCashPinoy vouchers that I have bought a few weeks ago. It is for the 50% off for a Lunch/Dinner buffet in Eastwood Cafe at Richmonde Hotel, Eastwood City.

We originally planned it for a Sunday dinner, but after reservation I was just so glad that the person who attended me (the name is PJ) advised me that Sunday dinner is for Filipino buffet. Wait a minute. My mom cooks everyday and she cooks Filipino food almost 3 times a day. So we moved it to Saturday Dinner. So I found out Western/Asian cuisine is Monday til Sunday lunch only.

Dinner starts at 6PM, and I got there at 7:30PM. Thank you traffic. If you are claiming the voucher, please bring a government ID (I didn't bring any, but I presented my company ID); and since CashCashPinoy automatically generates voucher under the user's name, it would help if you would bring an authorization letter from whoever bought the vouchers online and a copy of his/her ID.

Anyway, so we only had 1.5 hours to eat and indulge. Although the food is good (not really superb), I was expecting more varieties. The appetizer table only has salad bar, few slices of sashimi, and seafood.

The seafood is fresh, Thank God.

The Grill Station. But was just surprised that the bowls infront were empty. These needed more replenishments. Grilled squid and fish tasted a little too charcoaly-bitter. Sorry, I was disappointed.

Assorted Maki. And I dreamed of YakiMixx.

There is even a Pasta Station where you could ask the chef to do a special for you. You can even choose your choice of pasta (I love penne in plain red sauce and herbs). The good chef even did a little flambee show.

I had to wait for them to replenish and refill these dishes before I take some more shots. I have more pics with almost empty serving dishes, BUT I never wanted to put this place into a bad light. So there.. One dish for each country cuisine. That beef dish is yummy, I have to say. 

Crepe station slash Halo Halo station. I had 3 servings of Mango and Chocolate Crepe. At around 8:30PM, the syrups were almost empty (especially the chocolate syrup), so the chef just offered to serve me with chocolate syrup. So he served my crepes - with no whip cream and chocolate syrup. Why is there an inconsistency in serving and plating? I have to ask (but not really complain). He placed a little bit of whipped cream and served me with a diluted chocolate syrup.. I was too tired to even complain, but just enjoyed whatever was served. After good 15 minutes, another chef/server brought a demitasse of chocolate syrup. The one which looks heavy and rich and delicious. Okay, I told the guy I already got my chocolate syrup and finished my crepe. But I wonder what kind of syrup did the crepe chef served me with?!

More of breads and appetizers. The Blue Cheese Mousse is good. But there aren't much choices in the cheese platter.

The Halo Halo Station. I was too full to even try this. I can always buy Halo Halo from Ice Bergs' and Aling Loleng (neighbor).

We thought these were some sort of parfaits, but we were wrong. These are layered crushed cookies/graham crackers, fruits and nuts and cream. The presentation is appetizing that diners grabbed a cup in less than a minute these were served. 

Assorted fruits? There were only two choices. Eerrr.. I guess they should really take note of small details, like presentations and plating? Diners may be a little too excited in getting their plates stuffed with food, but scattered food in a buffet table is not so pleasing..

Is it really Bavarian Mousse or Cheesecake? This one is good and I like! It is a good contast of sweet, sour and salty (Nano, nano?!). The bottom part is like a chunk of chocolate. Yum!

Some Filipino desserts.

Since we only paid half of the original price of Php1,100. I could say what we paid for is worth the money. Imagine ordering a Php500 peso worth of meal from other restos in Eastwood. The package that we have gotten even comes with free Iced Tea and Coffee. Mind you, it is an AND. 

Some areas to improve on, frequency of replenishing and refilling of dishes. More consistency in plating and serving food. Cleaning up the buffet table. I cannot request and ask for more choices of food - because if I will, I have to dine in at some other hotel. 

I have to commend that Eastwood Cafe has really nice and accommodating staff. So thank you for accommodating our requests. 

I have to say that the Richmonde Hotel is more grand than the one in Ortigas. I would sure bring my friends here when they visit Manila. And I hope that the Eastwood Cafe has already improved by then. One year in the making. 

Spread the Word in Saving the World and Travel for Free! [Contest]

Tweet This is an official entry to the "1M Question: Why do we need to restore 1 hectare of forest?" Blog Contest sponsored by PinoyHolisticCare.


Ang kabataan ang pag-asa ng bayan. That's what the great Jose Rizal believed in, and I cannot argue with him. It just makes me think how would the youth ever fulfill a hero's dream if what is left with him is an advanced technology and a struggling state of environment? How would the youth ever appreciate the beauty of life if all he/she can see is a 3D image of an eagle? How would the youth ever nourish the environment, if all she can plant and water are seeds and trees from Farmville?

It reminds me of Asin's Masdan ang Kapaligiran song. I remember hearing the old song in a radio, and although I was still young and clueless at that time, I have gotten the message clear - BUT only now I have witnessed what the song is all about. After the song was release more than 20 years ago (an estimation), what have the people done to save and rescue the environment? Maybe the old sad song is not enough to voice out the dying cries of Mother Earth.

So here comes social media, and as a blogger, I am taking part of this campaign. So, why do we need to restore 1 hectare of forest? I have 3 reasons. First one, we need forest to live. In Biology class, we understand that plants emit oxygen, and we human need oxygen to live. By oxygen I meant clean fresh air. In to live we need shelter and a safe place to stay with our families. I don't want to be too technical in this, but plants also absorb water and help prevent erosions and flooding. No one wants another Undoy.

Kid clinging to her dad - a savior during Ondoy Typhoon.

My second reason - saving the beauty of nature for the next generation. Forest is the great mansion of all the known and unknown species and animals. That's where they live, eat, and survive. We are lucky to have seen and heard birds, and crocodiles, butterflies and insects whenever we travel and explore other places. Let's not be too selfish, and let's just think that these wonderful creatures should also be seen by our kids, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Although these insects and animals are wild and dangerous, we have to remember that their presence maintains the balance in the ecosystem.

Eagle wanders and wonders. Photo by Mark Jessop.

Third reason - for economy. From the restored forests, we can produce alot of good raw materials which can be used in making furniture and other unique pieces that we can be exported; and through production we could create more jobs - from designers, to carpenters, drivers who would transport the goods, middlemen, sales people, etc. Increased unemployment means unstable jobs for parents, compromised quality of life for kids, hunger and poverty - which usually leads to separation for couples, crime, and depression.

Photo from Filipspagnoli.Wordpress.com

We may not have gold bars and businesses to give to our children when we grow old, so the best gift that we can give them aside from unconditional love, is a better Mother Earth. A better place where they can explore, and be what they want to be.

In partnership with Haribon Foundation, and ClubTravelNOW, Pinoy Holistic Care is hosting a blog contest to raise awareness on saving our forests.

Even eagles would be a competitor due to unemployment and deforestation.

Please read the contest mechanics here.

The sponsors are giving away cool prizes for the winning entries. Spread the word and help save the world!

Goodles Pasta for only Php100 [November 24, 2010 ONLY]

Tweet I just had my mom's pasta, but I think I would line up at Goodles on November 24, 2010!

Why? A designated pasta for a designated time will be served at promo price of P100, after the designated time it will revert to the original price.  This is valid for dine-in or take out only! 

Here's the list!

The Pesto Cream Al Funghi at 11AM to 2PM

The Seven Layer Lasagna at 3PM to 6PM
The Grape Carbonara at 6PM to 9PM

 

 

Delivery orders made via 2121212 on November 24, 2010 will get 1 order of Free Iced Tea for a minimum P500 purchase.

Save the date and head over to 4/f Robinsons Galeria. (I hope there wouldn't be any stampede or chaos just like what happened in a recent phone sale!) ;)

We Surrendered at the Sweet Surrender Dessert Expo (November 13, 2010, Sitio Elena)

Tweet Media practitioners, bloggers, photographers and foodies surrendered in the Sweet Surrender Dessert Expo on November 13, 2010 at Sitio Elena. The event which was organized by Good Fellas Production was successful and indeed, tasteful and sweet.

At the registration table, photographers, bloggers and media peeps line up.

The venue is a little too far from the city, but it is just so peaceful and quiet and serene. The place was daintly designed for the event.

Most of the attendees are photographers and they all flocked in the dessert tables to see delectable foodies through their lenses. Although I was feeling tall in my 2-inch heels, I felt kinda small with my point and shoot camera. I cannot find a decent space to take pics of the desserts, so I decided to capture these moments instead.

As expected, the event was filled with sweets, entertainment, food, and more sweets!

Band played great songs and hits!

I always get overwhelmed with buffet tables and food, that I oftentimes lose my appetite. But I love the Chicken Pastel!

Buffalo Wings and alcohol, and more alcohol.

There are just too many good sweets to try and taste; but I worry about my sugar level so I just decided to taste new offerings.

Here's some sweets for good cause.

One of my faves is the Custaroons. A delicious unique combination of soft, creamy, melt-in-your-mouth flan topped with a chewy, buttery crust! I tasted the cheese custaroons and I fell inlove with it!

 
This makes a good Christmas gift to your relatives. Box of 24 for regular size costs Php600, and for bite sizes, the box of 120 pieces is only Php1,000. Too bad, they do not have a store just yet, but you may order online at www.custaroons.com.
  
The best I have tasted that night is the Wicked Bars from Dragon Fly Desserts. Chocolate and chili. That got me curious, so I took a sample and tasted the usual chocolate flavor, with that zing aftertaste! I wonder if they use any chili powder, or sliced labuyo?! It is totally wicked and yummy! It is moist and not too sweet.

I love it too much so I bought a box of 18 (for only Php265!). Another nice gift idea this holiday season!

Check out the offerings from Dragon Fly Desserts by visiting www.dragonflydesserts.multiply.com. The Almond Cappucino Bars is a must-buy and must-eat too! Price is Php365 for 9x9 box, and Php195 for half box. The booth was manned by good and nice people, (I just have to mention!). So expect good service from this online bakeshop!

We left early because I still had commitment Sunday morning. Too bad, I never know if I won in the raffle? Haha. Here are some goodies from the Good Fellas!

More good fellas. Thanks to all the sponsors and for the invite!

Til next time?

Play GCash Coin City and Get Free GCash Credit When You Apply for GCash Card!

Tweet Have you already requested for a GCash Card? I just did, and I got a free Php40 GCash Credit.

GCash Card is a real plastic card (like an ATM and credit card) which allows GCash users to withdraw money from ATM machines. That saves the trouble of lining up in the Globe Center and SM Department Store and other GCash partner establishments.

To apply for a GCash Card, you must have Php100 GCash Credit in your wallet. BUT I saw a banner ad which talks about GCASH Coin City. It's a simple game which uses the arrow keys and space bar to get as much coins as possible - and the best part is that the equivalent of coins would be sent to you as GCash Credit.

Well, I was feeling bored and decided to play the game (and test the promo), and I scored, 24 at first attempt. My highest score is 34 so then I decided to proceed and redeem my GCASH Card.

Again, you need to have Php100 GCASH credit to process the request. I have chose a cute Pinglet illustration as a card design and cropped a decent picture of myself for the ID picture (for security?! Now I should keep the card more secured!).

So after clicking submit, I received a text which asked me to reply with my GCASH PIN to confirm withdrawal of Php100 for card processing. I received a confirmation note, and VOILA. Php40 GCASH credit was transferred to my account! (and I thought I would only get Php34!) Wow, it's like paying for only Php60 for the card.

I wonder if anyone ever scored 100 in the Coin City Game?

But still, it is free - or should I say, discounted. So I still like!

Lesson for today, play the GCash Coin City Game first before applying for GCash Card.

Enjoy!

A Slice and Glass of Favorite Things Giveaway Contest/Raffle [See Mechanics!]

Tweet Ok, the long wait is over. I just realized that I am on my 3rd year of blogging and it is just perfect to give away prizes!

There wouldn't be a 3rd prize, 2nd prize, 1st prize and Grand Prize winners, since it is hard to determine the value of the prizes. Unlike other bloggers and contests, they are lucky to have sponsors and partners who are willing to give away (and promote) their items. But the poor unknown blogger that I am only have passions for chic items.

.. So I am trying to be creative, and I want everything to be more personal - I picked all the prizes for this contest. A slice and glass of my favorite things!

PRIZES

Prize 1: 2011 Belle De Jour Planner

One bella would win a 2011 Belle De Jour Power Planner.

Prize 2: WanderLust!

I am loving traveling and exploring new places! So one follower would win a 2-in-1 passport holder and ticket holder from ConnecttheDots! (Please feel free to add her as a contact to show appreciation!).

 

And since I love having coffee and trying out coffee shops whenever we explore other cities, I am giving away this limited edition post cards from the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf! I have collected them when Coffee Bean released these postcards some 5 years ago. :) I have to share some more pieces..

I love watches and time is important if you are traveling (you never want to miss a flight or be confused with different timezones!), so I am throwing a watch from Backstagevamp.

Prize 2: Frugal Fashionista

I love pin ups and I love charms bracelets! One fashionista follower would win this Pin Up Charms Bracelet from the Backstagevamp. (Again, feel free to add as contact!)

I love vintage necklaces too! So I would throw in a nice Cameo Necklace!

This is not the actual prize, but would give away something close to this! 

Daring that I am, I would even include this Victoria Secret piece! I chose that design to promote peace, love and happiness (hmm.. as if the people around you can see that, yeah? Share it with your lovey then!).

Prize 3: Sassy and Primp

One kikay follower would get this lip palette from Forever21! I think this is not yet available in Forever21 Philippine store? So sharing the love with a kikay follower.

And to store your kikay stuff, here's a cute pouch with Jordi Labanda-ish print - yeah I love Jordi Labanda artwork and anything and everything chic and sassy!

Plus, here's a Victoria Secret Heavenly body wash! A kikay should always smells good right? ;)

Prize 4: Freebie Fanatic

If you have been following my blog, you know how much I love freebies. I also love self-help books, money management and career building books. So I would give away this nice collection of booklets and educational cd's.

I am still thinking to add more.. so just keep on following!

Now here are the mechanics:

[drum roll please!]

HOW TO JOIN

FOR THE 2011 BELLE DE JOUR PLANNER

1.  Follow my blog through Google Connect/Twitter.
2.  Please post and tell me why you need to win the 2011 Belle De Jour Power Planner. The most creative and wittiest post would win the planner! Please post your entry below OR blog about it OR shout it out in Facebook (with a link to this promo page).
3. Please include your name and email address.

NOTE:  Don't forget to change the privacy restriction to "Everyone" by clicking on the lock icon just left of the "Share" button. To get the link of your Facebook status, click the time stamp under your status message and get the link from the url box
Facebook status should say: I want to win a 2011 Belle De Jour Planner from A Slice and Glass of Favorite Things Giveaway Contest/Raffle because.. (then, add the link back to this promo page)


Belle De Jour Planner Winner had been announced!!!


Let's go to the raffle..

To earn raffle entries for the Wanderlust, Frugal Fashionista, and Sassy and Primp prizes, please do the following:

REQUIRED:

          1. Follow me on Google Connect (you see that Follow Me widget on the left navigation panel?). Click Follow Me. 1 point

          2. Share this promo in any of the social media sites with a link back to this promo page:

• a. Twitter 1 point
• b. Facebook:

Don't forget to change the privacy restriction to "Everyone" by clicking on the lock icon just left of the "Share" button. Then post the Facebook status link here. 1 point

• c. Blog: Be creative in your blog and don't forget to include a link back to this promo page. Please post your blog url on the comment box 3 points

NOTE: Indicate your name, email address, name used to follow my blog, links to Twitter, blog, or Facebook in the comment box. 

EARN MORE POINTS!


          3. Comment on any of my blog posts to earn 5 points (I had previously received hate notes from anonymous posters/followers/readers, but that's okay. We are free to speak our minds, and comments are always welcome!). I only need you to comment once to earn 5 points. Posting more comments would not add more points. So there is limit. Just post the link of topic/blog entry where you have posted a comment. 5 points

          4. Share any topic/blog entry from my Archive (topic, freebies, reviews, rants?) using any of the social media sites and add a little comment about my blog. Sample,

Please see this nice review about ConnecttheDots! www.ruthilicious.blogspot.com/blahblahblahlink

• Twitter: Please post the Twitter link 1 point
• Facebook: Please post the status link 1 point
• Blog: Please post your blog url 3 points

NOTE: You only need to share once to earn 5 points. Sharing more blog entries won't earn you additional points. Sorry.

Please see sample entry on the comment box!

IMPORTANT DATES!

The Belle De Jour entries should be in at 12:00 midnight of December 18, 2010 (Saturday). This would give me time to review all the entries and announce the winner and send in the prize before 2011!

For the raffle [Wanderlust, Frugal Fashionista, Sassy and Primp], all entries should be in by 12:00 midnight of January 29, 2011 (Saturday). All entries from today til that day would be included in the raffle (including the ones with Belle De Jour entries!).

Winners would be posted on my blog post!

1 point = 1 entry. Winners would be randomly selected for the raffle. One winner of 2011 Belle De Jour Planner would be selected based on the blog/post entry.

One more note: Friends, there is no need to tag me in Facebook regarding this promo. :)

Enjoy!

Ready, set, post!!!!

And yes, the first one to post a valid entry (followed and shared the promo correctly) would get a special something from me! 

Post away!!!

NOTE: This contest is only open to residents of the Philippines.