Carlo J. Caparas' Dugong Buhay Now in ABSCBN Kapamilya Gold!

A few days ago, we were invited to the grand press conference of "Dugong Buhay". It was initially written and published for Philippine comics and got the chance later on to be foretold in the silver screen. There are several names mentioned in the 80's film that made this an epic one since this was the very first film where Actor-Senator Bong Revilla appeared with his Father Ramon Revilla Sr.

There was hesitation in the beginning because the Revilla's wanted this to be done in movies again and interpreted by Jolo and his father Bong. Telling this on the small screen was another story because no other than ABS CBN took the pains of doing it and produce a teleserye engaging on drama and action which has not been seen that much on TV these past few years. Directors Toto Natividad, Mickey del Rosario said that this was one of the most exciting series to date that they have done because they were given lee way to interpret this freely by ABS CBN after being seen 30 years later.

Here are some shots from the press conference. Enjoy!

Millie's at Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Manila

A skip and a hop away from SMX Convention Center and SM Mall of Asia is Microtel Inn and Suites by Wyndham Manila. I seldom go to these parts in the metro because of its geographic location; but I never knew I was missing so much. I visited the hotel's restaurant and fell in love with a few dishes.It was small but classy. It was upscale but accessible to everyone who wanted to grab a bite. A lot of contradictions but mostly, I got schooled about this quaint place right beside gigantic malls, hotels and casinos in Pasay City.

This restaurant is located at the ground floor of Microtel Inn and Suites. You might fear the place because you would think everything's expensive but in my standards it wasn't at all. The lovely interiors are laced with modern chairs, tables and a couple of compartments where they showcase the actual things of Millie. She was a woman and a mother who enjoyed to travel; and it was shown evidently on the shelves of this restaurant. From perfumes, suitcases, memorabilia it had that sense of powerful matriarch personified in this establishment.  

Best of all, you can feel that you can come home and she'll whip you up homey Filipino, European and International dishes that's unpretentious, nothing fancy and just straight forward comfort food. It's a thing you would love to have while on a vacation. It's like what Mom would have made for you if she were an Italian modern woman.

First up was my drink!

Boracay Mandarin Island Hotel's Don Vito Ristorante Italiano and Mandarin Spa

You guys pretty much know by now that I've been so happy the week when I was in Boracay. Part of the reason why was because I got the chance to stay in front of White Beach at famous Boracay Mandarin Island Hotel. Well, the fun never stops because as soon as morning broke out, we got to enjoy great food as part of our breakfast perks in the hotel courtesy of dreamy Don Vito Ristorante Italiano!

Situated at the left front side of Boracay Mandarin Island Hotel, it's the easiest place to be in to grab a cup of coffee or enjoy brunch for all the right reasons. Starting off with the basics, and finishing off with some of the best the island offers; Don Vito Ristorante Italiano just makes your morning a pleasurable one with their buffet! Ours came with the hotel stay but you can always shell out for what you're about to see. The choices alone in the morning can tell you what you'll have for lunch and dinner, but since they are a full pledged Italian restaurant you can order ala carte for other things that are not in the buffet. It's a free country! =)

Hearty porridge or Arroz Caldo still hot off the pot, plus add ons like toasted garlic, chives, soy sauce and local calamansi. It's my favorite, like a canvas where you choose how intense flavors would be.

I also had corn flakes with fresh Milk that morning. Pretty neat they offer alternatives like Cocoa Flakes if kids want more energy boost that they prolly need throughout the day :)

Cheese, cheese and cheese plus creamy butter with your favorite crusty bread and a cup of coffee, doesn't that sound like a good breakfast? =)

Oven roasted veggies. I had a couple of rounds of these and don't ask me why. It's just a good thing to have because its sweeter, a sprinkle of a little salt had me close my eyes. It was nice!

A Paradise Called Alta Vista De Boracay!

Boracay has been a fun week for me and I got to see more than the usual White Beach when I got there. I was able to experience another hotel far away from where the action is for a little rest and recreation. Starting off with a spectacular view and rooms I didn't know existed in a place like Boracay. 

This is ALTA VISTA DE BORACAY!

I had my friends with me so we were a pretty rowdy group. Checking in on Alta Vista de Boracay was a cinch. Just present your documents and they'll have your room ready in a jiffy.

The reception area is also huge. It's where you can get free wifi and meet some strangers perhaps if you are into that.

And I went back at night to check out the place. It's very nice. The overall design of the place played more on the "Moderne Filipino Contemporary". It's a mix of both natural, wood, a mix of old French pub styles and materials.

They actually have around 15 of these structures which houses 500 rooms all in all. Most of their clientele are foreigners but I wish people notice that it's actually perfect for group stays. They have two types of rooms leased which are Deluxe (PhP 7,320.00 nett) and the Loft Suite (PhP 10,980.00). These room rates are inclusive of breakfasts for two, taxes and service charge. If you are keeping in more family members inside the room, they have extra person charge of  PhP 1,830.00 which is also inclusive of breakfast. These probably change with peak and non peak seasons so I suggest you contact them for reservations or other packages.