TOTAL Philippines Corporation and TotalGaz Supports Chef's On Parade 2013!

One of the most awaited event in the industry and probably the most attended one too is Chef's on Parade 2013. The event also houses several competitions to pick the best of the best of what the Philippine restaurant and hotel industry has to offer. I've been lucky enough to have been able to attend this quite a lot because my brother's an Executive chef. He also competed in these meets but since he's in Ireland now, he's getting good representation from someone good looking. ME haha.

It was nice to see people again like Chef Bruce Lim (my favorite Chef!) and on this bit he also had Chef Emmanuel Stroobant (who's AFC programs I adore! ie Chef in Blank etc) whom he also worked with in Asian Food Channel. Chef Bruce and Monkey was actually doing an all Filipino pasta and sandwich menu via a workshop they were doing during this event. Yes, it was time Monkey talks! All their stoves both in and out of this particular kitchen (re: the whole venue) was powered and supplied by the good people of TotalGaz.

Now Open In The Philippines: American Eagle Outfitters!

One of the most trusted brands in the US just set up shop in the Philippines and indeed, the eagle has landed! This is one awesome night for something hip, cool and all americana. Thanks to Suyen Corporation and Bench for finally bringing into the country the one and only American Eagle Outfitters.

 

The launch happened right at the heart of Bonifacio High Street and they closed down the central portion, set up a stage and got a whole fashion show started using models, fashion bloggers and celebrities to the delight of VIP guests, patrons and their fans. It was also my first time to see Shay Mitchell or Shannon Ashley Mitchell in real life who I always watch in ABC's Pretty Little Liars.

She's not going to play Emily Fields this time but it was pretty rad that she's finally getting in touch with her Filipino fans via her appearance in this program. This is one of the few that she would gladly do especially that she's been able to also use the brand's clothing; even a few years back. Now that she's endorsing it in the Philippines, she's so proud to let us know about how it is to represent something easy, cool, up to date and classy.

Much to our surprise we also saw some other celebrities there!

Have You Been To Caffé Bene Eastwood City?!

I'm a regular at this store and I was so glad they've set up shop right in front of my office. Literally a skip and a hop away is this Korean brand that's getting raves here and around the globe. It's the premier place to have a cup of coffee if you are around Eastwood City. It's called Caffe Bene!

It's the largest coffee chain in Korea with over 800 stores to date making it the fastest growing franchise also in this side of the globe. Pretty soon, there will be more Caffe Bene shops in Metro Manila. Somewhere also near you. =) This brand has been seen in a couple more Korean movies and series because it's the place to hangout by young ones and yuppies. I didn't know that but even the recent ones being shown on ABS CBN and other channels had screenshots on their presentation. That was really a good testimony of how their interiors and name alone had impressed the whole South Korea, why not the world and the Philippines? =)

Makati Celebrates CARACOL FESTIVAL 2013!

The Philippines has been known to celebrate festivals in each calendar day but I seldom see one near my place. At the awesome, high end place called CIRCUIT in Makati we were treated to a fair like no other. I've been hearing about this for the longest time. This is my first experience of how it is to see the CARACOL FESTIVAL 2013. This ought to be a great day!

The CARACOL FESTIVAL was named after a local freshwater shell fish called "kuhol" and they wanted to have the celebration to be something like a "protection to the hardships of life". They also want this to be the local mardi gras right at the heart of business center Makati City. Performers would come as representing their Hotels, Restaurants, Offices, Barangays, Schools and Government Sectors. Makati City alone has 33 barangays so just imagine how massive this celebrations are going to be!

This local government marching band provided music both for the parade and for some of the performances. Then they went back to work making security was enough for that huge venue.