An Afternoon With The League of Heroes: Nuvali Cup 2012!

Nuvali is one of the most undiscovered places in the south. If you are a Manila boy like me it would take you a couple of hours to get from here to there but each time I do that, I feel every bit of my body just wanted to scream freedom as I watch tons of activities that I wanna do there. This weekend was so nice that I had to do just that during a special event called League of Heroes 2012 where kids, pre teens from different schools around the metro converge and steer away from the hustle and the bustle of the city then drop down on all fours for mud, dirt and the rough terrain of Nuvali that morning. Present in that occasion were some of the best booters in the world the Philippine Azkals.

Carlie de Murga, Aly borromeo, Chieffy Caligdong, Jonah Romero, and Nate Burkey

I was able to attend their DIRT weekend too where there were several competitions in biking, running and others. It looks like NUVALI wants to converge all these hobbies into their place where it's impeccably nature friendly. They have some of the most impressive line of activities the whole year and its not just benefiting the ones living inside Nuvali, more so the whole community. I also have seen several schools participate in beach volleyball and other sports available that afternoon. It was a little muddy because of the modest rain we encountered that morning.

We also had a game with them and the kids!

I love how the eyes of the kids just light up when these guys talk to them a bit before doing this game which Mr. De Murga won. The kids were also kicking, getting the ball and rolling in the mud much like what I used to do when I was a kid. Did you know I played soccer? Hehe

No weather disturbance can stop these guys from playing beach volleyball!

We also saw a baseball field on top of this trench where the Beach Volleyball matches are held. This place is promptly called THE FIELDS. It is a 10-hectare property that fits in 3 FIFA-sized football fields, 2 complete baseball fields, 3 beach volleyball courts and a multipurpose clubhouse.

This is an annual thing they've started since 2010. It's getting bigger and bigger as more schools and participants hold various sports competitions inside the paradise called NUVALI. Make sure you join the DIRT Weekend in November where cycling sports will rise to the occasion. BMX or big trail bikes will converge in Nuvali just for that.

For more adventurous games and lifestyle that doesn't have to sacrifice nature, give Nuvali a visit in Sta. Rosa Laguna. It's just a stones throw away from the actual toll gate so don't be afraid to ask around!

For more information about NUVALI and their events

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Nuvali

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Shocking Turn of Events!: 4 Artista Academy Hopefuls Eliminated!

I don't know why but just like you I am getting depressed with news like this. They just concluded the kickout sessions in Artista Academy and boy I wasn't the only one shocked with the results. Today marks a sad day for Alberto Bruno, Marvelous Alejo, Nicole Estrada and Stephanie Rowe as they fall victim to this vicious cycle of eliminations in Artista Academy. Yes, you heard that right all 4 scholars just got booted out from the competition ending their chance to win a whopping 20 Million Pesos worth of prizes by the biggest talent and artist search in the country.

I like the Marvelous and Mark combo and it wouldn't be really nice to see one of them go. She is so nice and very genuine... I like her. Nicole Estrada and Stephanie Rowe are also equally gorgeous gals, did they remove them because the past few eliminations were all boys? If they are doing good in votes I don't think they should go out. How about Alberto Bruno? He's pretty good with the ladies, I'm sure he's getting a lot of attention from them too. He's like the dark horse of the competition, how I wish it was possible to have them all still in the running for the 10 Million each. If you didn't know one male and one female contestant will actually win the top prize. It will really change their lives forever!

The last time I saw these guys was in the Cotton On opening in Mall of Asia. It was fun to see them relax and represent TV5 and have them seen in Bench events. 

In hindsight it looks like all of them will have careers in this channel. They will also have a lot of projects too! I wonder if my bet gets to win, I'm talking about your Mark Neumann!! Hehe!

Remember to watch Artista Academy which airs weeknights at 9:00 p.m. and Saturdays at 8:30 p.m. on the Kapatid Network TV5!

TV5

How To Be Like A Pogi!

I'm a good guy. I take care of my folks and very happy to spend time with them. I'm single but I'm not desperate to get married soon. I'm dating but I don't have to be aggressive and irresponsible just to get what I want. I'm old school and I still prefer the old style courtship rituals. I prefer flowers and fancy dinners and I'm not quite adventurous like most men are. I'm not a homebody but I do appreciate spending time with the one I love anytime and anywhere that may be. 

I want to work because I want to earn, earn so my family would live comfortably, live so I can start and help other people. I don't envy other guys who do things differently than I do because we are individuals. I am independent and do not make a fuss about other people. I wanted to have a different approach to courtship before just so I won't be bored with myself but I'd rather be the hopeless romantic that I am today than change it. Therefore, I AM POGI! =)

It only means one thing. I don't have to have all the riches in the world to be #LikeAPogi. When you're confident and ready to face anyone, or have them see you in your truest form then YOU ARE POGI TOO!

Just ask this guy over here that's got YEARS of experience being a pogi!

If you want to get to know him, (Yes I know most ladies would want that!) watch this video to know more of Ramon Bautista.

Capisce?!

Authentic Regional Chinese Food: Mao Jia Hunan Cuisine

Chinese food is pretty hard to come by more so if you are looking for authentic regional cuisine like Hunan. Whoever thought that in a quaint place like San Juan there could be the place to go? No frills, no thrills, affordable Chinese style servings at the posh Ronac Art Center's ground floor. Almost all the ingredients are even imported! That's what we got to taste that evening at Mao Jia Hunan Cuisine!

The Interiors

Let's try and look around the place shall we?

First up that kinda sparked interest in me are the revolutionary items like these pop art pieces of Chairman Mao. It was fun and whimsical to shy away from the normal look. Best of all this is also for sale, which might interest a couple or more Filipino Chinese design enthusiasts so you should really visit this place at the Ronac Art Center. :)

Seating could probably accommodate 50-75 people including a VIP room that can probably fit around 20 on a good day (you should reserve for it) for intimate dinners or lunch. 

There are several artsy outlet stores too when you decide to go out on a spin while you wait for your orders. I love the Secret Fresh Gallery that houses several prime original toys that could pass for the big boys. You must try and check out the basketball gym located on the top floors, surely one that I could use for my birthday coming real soon LOL! The place is pretty neat, posh and I saw a couple of sports cars outside (Porsche!). But don't let that scare you because the prices of food in Mao Jian Hunan Cuisine is very affordable. Let's check that out next!

The Food

Bean Curd with Kuchay 160 - would be the perfect starter but you typically would probably eat this also with rice. I love Kuchay with eat but when going healthy this Bean Curd would be a nice substitute!

Stir Fry Frog Legs 380 - I'm not a fan of amphibians but this packs quite a good meaty consistency of Chicken and the Chinese style cooking just made the sweet - salty combination just would be so good with a hot bowl of rice so get your chopsticks ready, get adventurous and grab this one soon!!

Spicy Fried Chicken 220 - If you are up to it, try this moderately spicy fried Chicken smothered in onions, leeks and dry chili. It's something to be paired again with hot steaming rice. I had 3 of these so you kinda understand how that means in a plate for me right? Delish!

Chili Fish Head 380 - It might look intimidating and quite spicy but it's not at all. The chili probably provided more flavor rather than heat. This thing is so cheap compared to the huge serving and it tasted more like Salmon. For those who love Bangus belly or that fatty fish you adore for lunch or dinner, this would be a perfect accompaniment to hot steamed rice again. I dig this!

Sour and Spicy Cabbage 120 - This is one of the best things I've ever seen done of vegetable. It tasted like sweet barbecue but oh so SPICY just the way I like it! This is my favorite in the menu! 

Sour and Spicy Shredded Potato 120 - Extremely spicy so proceed with extreme caution too! :) 

Spare Ribs 380 - Salty ribs fried to just the right consistency. Not crunchy but a great accompaniment with hot steaming rice (again) if you are up to oiling your fingers and getting your hands on the food this is great!

Diced Beef with Corn 220 - Old school and probably all chopped by hand this beef dish just has the right amount of kick but you won't be too tired of eating it. Even though there are a lot of hot chili in the menu, they have different executions and whoever said I didn't like spicy?! :) I DO!

Wintermelon Spareribs Soup 200 - The perfect thing to have in a cold stormy night, this wintermelon soup is reminiscent of a non gingery tinola. There were a few ribs boiled in the soup and would be something to look forward to together with rice. But I'd rather have this just plainly hot and soupy... it's nice if you plan to stay at home and keep warm.

Stir Fried Vegetables 120 - I think this is the bok choi with garlic. I think they cooked something else even if it's out of the menu. If they have something fresh they'll suggest to have it cooked right on the spot. The Chinese Sausage with pepper was so good I didn't get to see it for a photo anymore. It was that good!

This bread was AH MA ZING! I think they call this Homa Bread if I'm not mistaken and retails for only 90 pesos. This is recommended to be eaten right after they take it out of the oven and heat. Yes this is kinda cooked twice. The sweet bread and the crunchy exterior was just the perfect way to end an imperial meal. I love it!

For those who would like to take a break and check out something AUTHENTIC that's cooked by a real Chinese Chef then this is the right place to go!

Visit their restaurant at

Mao Jia Hunan Cuisine
Ground Floor Ronac Art Center
Ortigas Ave., Greenhills,
San Juan, Manila. Philippines
+63917-6306196 , 02-5860700

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Mao Jia Hunan Cuisine