A Magnifique Stay at Sofitel Manila!

I guess it's time to tell you about my short but sweet stay at magnifique Sofitel Manila. It's my second home and I always feel so good when I'm there. It's like I know why but it's still a mystery to me if it's the people, the place, Spiral, Le Spa, Club Millesime or the rooms that make the few days I spend there worthwhile. So together with my Mom we ventured out to the south and got ourselves ready for a relaxing day or two with this gorgeous spot along historical Manila bay. This is Sofitel Manila.

When we arrived, to tell you honestly.. I was wondering why there were so many of their people warmly welcoming us in the lobby. Heck, they even took photos of us while checking in. They explained to me that they do this once a day to very special people. Yeap, I was Guest of the Day! That means I got a free room upgrade plus the special treats that come with that. We even had our own butler during our stay, imagine that! We've never had one at home so it was something foreign. I had the pleasure of being called by name so many times by the staff just with that fact. What a wonderful way to start our stay!

 They personally helped us to our room and explained the rest of our perks. It got me so excited because I'll be experiencing Club Millesime in a bit. We got settled first and I almost didn't want to leave the room. Why? Take a look at this!

That's a comfy, soft and dreamy bed. A lounge area so you could just sit around, have a bottle of red, fruits and liver pate. An office table that's got all the connections so I can still do some work while on vacay. A large LED TV for my viewing pleasure. A grand display of goodies in our own Mini Bar plus the sweetest thing I found on the corner table.

A letter from Sofitel Manila's own GM Mr. Adam Laker. They really did go over and beyond what I expected of a Five Star Hotel! Then after all that, I looked outside the balcony and got this as another surprise! 

Mom wants to even go down and take a dip. It's an oasis.. and she says it would probably be nice to have quiet time there. Maybe read a book or two. Or in my case yes, get drunk LOL.

The bathroom had all the toiletries and more. The branded Lanvin shampoo and conditioner gave me chills! These are the times you would love to take a shower. Truth be told, I haven't had one because I got off from work and went straight here! Hehe :)

I guess this is starting to be a great stay at Sofitel Manila. Room's just perfect for Mom and I. We were hungry but I think you should just watch out for part II of my Sofitel stay. I'll tell you something about Club Millesime. It's Sofitel Manila's very own club lounge. This experience was so good I couldn't tell you our stay in one blow. If you fancy what you're seeing here, please reserve a room or two through http://www.sofitelmanila.com. It's easy and fast, they'll take care of you for sure! Plus they've got special offers every month that you should definitely take advantage. If you haven't seen my post for French Wine Week, it's not too late (you can just click it!)! Heck they've even got OKTOBERFEST lined up! :) Cheers Sofitel Manila, thank you for this wonderful treat! Just wait till you see my stories of Le Spa, Spiral and Club Millesime soon!

For more information about Sofitel Manila

Please visit their official website

http://www.sofitelmanila.com

Or like them on Facebook!

Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila

Jobstreet.com Launches Own App!

Finding a job? You probably know the authority in this field. It's no less than JOBSTREET.COM. It is the number 1 Job site in the Philippines. It has helped countless Filipinos, employees and employers alike to achieve their dream of becoming a part of the country's workforce. It's now going to be even easier as a new app has been launched to make applications and transactions better, more secure and faster!

The app is FREE and can easily be downloaded off the App Store or Google Play Store. It isn't even that big so it's light on memory. I downloaded it myself so I could try it out, I've always been able to use the website but this one's quite powerful. Case in point, you can set your preferred salary when finding a job.

You can set it to the minimum Monthly salary but it also refine search results according to your Job Title, and preferred Work Locations. Of course you would want the amount a little higher than your previous job. But the system also includes some that may be around your expected salary if they find it a little close. The location is also important so you can specify if you want to work within your city or elsewhere in the world. 

Jobstreet.com also has access to jobs in nearby Asian cities, Europe, US and the Middle East. Make sure you check and verify if they have POEA licenses aside from the strict screening and requirements done by them as well. They do this by process so you get the extra blanket of security you need while looking for your dream job. 

The app would match your qualifications and refine again the results. I don't think you'll run out of choices as it updates real fast, real time. Install this now on your iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Windows, Android and BlackBerry so you'll never be left behind. If you are not happy with your current one, it'll be easy to find a better job where you'll be qualified, given the right salary and be beneficial for you and your loved ones. Work hard, party harder!

Recent metrics also show that the app has been downloaded quite a lot these past few months. People are taking advantage of applying for jobs and submitting resume's this easy, why should you be left behind?  

For more information about the app and Jobstreet

Please visit their Facebook Page

JobStreet.com Philippines

Or visit their official website

http://www.jobstreet.com.ph/

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf's "26th Bistro" at BGC

Anyone who's anyone knows Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf by heart. If you're in the metro, you probably have one near your place or maybe frequent one in malls. I have one outside my office so it's a given I go there most of the time. I thought it would always look like a coffee shop but I experienced something new a few days ago. Or if I could put it into one word, something that can ultimately make EVERYDAYEXTRAORDINARY!

At the corner of 26th street in Bonifacio Global City lies this huge, one of a kind Bistro that CBTL had put up; looking quite differently from the usual coffee and tea shop they have if I may say. It's seating capacity could probably go more or less 100; but states a sit down a la carte menu unbeholden with other branches. It's a breather, it's quite special and the promise of an extra ordinary experience everyday at the store is quite attractive. I bet people have been trying it out these past few days and I've personally suggested it with a few friends. They totally agree with me and say thanks that I've posted some of these products on Instagram. Last comment i got was about the pasta, saying it was divine!

One of my regular must order items is this frozen Pure Double Chocolate. I'm not much of a caffeine freak so I order the non or less caffeinated drinks off the menu. It's intense chocolate flavor really hits the spot. You can opt not to have the whipped cream, but really who doesn't love that?

Comforting as comfort food comes, this bowl of Wild Mushroom Soup came along. Probably made of roasted Portabello mushrooms, its got a very deep, earthy, gritty feel and flavor to it. The dob of cream made it thick and creamy just the way we liked it. They say Mushrooms help combat hormonal aging, which is a good thing. They prolly dropped a few extra virgin olive oil on top to make it even richer, fuller and finished shiny. The garlic bread stick provides a crunchy break from all that earthy goodness. 

 This is CBTL's Salmom Fishcake and Greens. I'm a picky eater and I don't really eat that much greens but this combination was like a marriage. The sweet tangy vinaigrette made with balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil was so good on peppery leaves. The shards of cheese was a welcome addition too. This salmon fishcake was soft and moist, it's not to greasy either. Everyone else on the table was raving about the Aioli sauce that came with it; people were wiping it off the plate. This is such a nice date food if you want to bring your special someone along.

Think about thick white sauce on linguine topped with a huge prawn, seafood, mushroom and shards of parmesan cheese. This is CBTL's own Tiger Prawn with Shitake Mushroom Linguine. It's creamy sauce was a dead giveaway that this is good. For shrimp lovers, the tiger prawn was not overcooked, it was sweet and succulent probably because it was cooked separately. I love white sauce on pasta so this is indeed one of my favorites. I even splurged on shrimp even if I was allergic because I couldn't let this pass! Delish!

For the main course, we had this! I'm a self confessed carnivore so this was my weakness. It's CBTL's Hanging Tender Steak with Potato Gratin and Marsala. The steak was perfectly cooked! It was laid on a bed of potato gratin and smothered with a gravy of marsala sauce. I loved every bit of it. The gratin was something to rave about too because it was good. The Asparagus spears were not overcooked either so it was worth it! I'd like to have more of these on my next visit. Medium for me please! :)

Then when it was time for dessert, we had two! This one's the CBTL Apple Crumble a la Mode. It's was almost room temperature apple pie topped with vanilla ice cream. You already know this was good just by looking at it. It was not too sweet which is a plus on my books; and the apples kinda give away a tangy-fruity taste which goes well with the melted vanilla ice cream. Have a cup of coffee with this and it's a done deal!

We died. We went to heaven... and back to CBTL's 26th Street Bistro again for this sinful Chocolate Lava a la Mode. This is chocolate goodness on a ramekin. I loved this one too. It had that oozing chocolate center when you slice into it. Imagine that with the melted vanilla ice cream on top and you'll probably end up swearing a lot in that joint. I wanted more but I had to share haha. Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf really has amped up it's offerings on this new approach with their coffee shops. It's a full bistro-restaurant now and this is one awesome way of celebrating their 50th year in the business!

I totally agree in making #EVERYDAYEXTRAORDINARY and Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf's bistro should be your next destination when having brunch, lunch or dinner when in the Fort Bonifacio area. This probably won't be the last one I hope. Congratulations to this brand who has been giving us the best coffee, tea and food choices since 1963! Thank you Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf! You really made my day extra ordinary! Now it's time for YOU to try it out and see why they can make your day way better!

For more information

Like them on Facebook!

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf (Philippines)

Follow them on Twitter!

https://twitter.com/cbtlph


Or visit the Bistro!

The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf  26th Street Bistro 
BGC Net Lima Building, 5th Avenue corner 26th Street
BGC, Taguig

The Green Baker - The Healthy Indulgence At The 3rd Ultimate Taste Test in Rockwell

The Ultimate Taste Test is happening in Rockwell Tent on September 14, 2013. It's where the country's most promising home entrepreneurs dish out their favorite dishes. I've been able to luckily attend the previous ones; and I've seen a variety of artisan work put out on their recipes to be featured in this once a year "taste" festival unprecedented in the country.

This year's list of UTT confirmed participants (All 50 of them!) looked quite good and they've broken em down into four categories namely Appetizer, Main Dish, Drinks and Dessert. I've been to events like these and you've got to prepare because even if they have small servings you'll really get to have a full tummy at the end of the day. Been helplessly struggling with diets and all but this shouldn't be a reason not to be there. Heck I've even seen something good on the list. Have you heard of The Green Baker?

The Green Baker - The Healthy Indulgence!

The Green Baker is fully owned and operated by So-Made Food Enterprises, brainchild of entrepreneurs Denise and Steph Viña. They've got a stern food sciences background and culinary degrees. They brought this idea to the table to let people have something healthy on the plate when it comes to desserts.

Let's face it. Let's talk sense. You can't really find some desserts equally good when it's using healthy ingredients. It either tastes bland, or it tastes funny. Yet the only thing you want is something good, something to satisfy your cravings; and in a sense still wish you won't gain the weight or fat that comes with it.

The Green Baker realized this when they started. There aren't enough of these delightful desserts out there that could still be so good. Case in point:

Malunggay Cookie Nibblers (Php 105.00) : Sealed fresh and freshly baked, these green munchies is your destiny. For those who don't know, Malunggay increases the natural defenses of the body and provides nourishment to the eyes and the brain. It promotes metabolism, lowers the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines because of anti oxidant properties.It also gives energy and makes the immune system of the body work more efficiently. 

With that alone, these nibblets are worth your money; best of all it tastes GOOD. You can still feel the Malunggay fibers and leaves in each bit. It's wonderful and you've got to get one to experience it. It also has Almond slivers on top so even that can get you protein and fiber you need throughout the day!

Carrot and Squash Cookie Nibblers (P 105.00) - Carrots are wonderful! It improves your vision via the Vitamin A content it has. It's said to prevent cancer, makes skin softer, prevent heart disease and is a powerful antiseptic. Squash on the other hand has almost the same benefits, plus its low in calories and makes your heart, colon, prostate and bones healthier. This is so good in so many levels plus you can still feel the carrot and squash fibers in every bite. You are sure you are getting the real deal unlike other ones that over process food.

These bite size pieces actually disappeared after a few minutes. It's also topped with walnuts which can give you added protein and fiber. It's probably nutmeg I'm tasting on the cookie too so that's way awesome in so many levels. 

Almond Ginger Cookie Nibblers (Php 150.00) - Every Asian probably know the healing benefits of Ginger. It's been in our dishes for years and the certainty of its effectiveness has been proven the world over. It has digestion friendly properties that would be good for any person, any age. It packs a little heat too so if you are more on the oriental spicy flavors, this is the perfect snack for you!

It's not too sweet and the combination of spice and cinnamon was a fresh explosion of flavors. I'd mistake this for a Chinese dessert. The almond on top also breaks the monotony of the cookies, pretty simple but still packs a spicy kick! You'll love this too!

Salt n Pepper Nibblers (Php 125.00) - Salt and Pepper has existed for years. Even before YOU have even existed while reading this piece. It's a combination said to be serendipitous because the former retains water and the latter is diuretic. It's the best thing to have on the table or even in the kitchen. It makes every dish taste whole, fuller, better.

These crunchy pieces are surprisingly good. It's simple but every bit of pepper you get is kind of a spice pop. You get to love this simple snack that you'll probably finish in minutes. Try to get one for your friends and family while you're at it.

Double Choco Orange (regular) (Php 260.00) - How can you not love a Chocolate cookie with Chocolate Chips on it? Add to that some slivers of Orange rind bits on top that will give a few chewy and tangy highlights on your cookie. 

Orange has properties that helps prevent cancer. It also prevents Kidney diseases, lowers bad cholesterol, relieves constipation, regulates high blood pressure and protects your skin. This treat is perfect for me because I need something chocolatey every after meal but this one doesn't quite let you binge. One cookie is enough for a snack and makes us perfectly full. A cup of coffee or tea is the perfect pair to go with this Green Baker masterpiece!

Cheese Mamonitos (Php 220.00/dozen) - A single look at this small window on the box made my mouth water. It was sinful to look at, let alone feel what it was like in my mouth.  As I opened the box, it was like fluffy, cloudy, sweet mamon pieces were about to send me to heaven and back.

It was light and airy. I loved it the moment I set my eyes on it. This is indeed the piece de resistance! No wonder people have been raving about it! If you want these and other "The Green Baker" products, you just gotta visit them when the Ultimate Taste Test happens in Rockwell this September 14, that's a Saturday. The good looking man himself Denise and his team would gladly tell you more about their baked goodies on the spot! If you crave for more and want to order, here's some of the items that they'll bring that weekend. 

Choco Dipped Malunggay Cookie - Php 105.00
Almond Ginger Regular Canister - Php 200.00
Pinatubo Cookie Nibblers - Php 105.00
Lemon Basil - Php 115.00
Seaweed Pistachio Nibblers - Php 265.00
Double Choco Orange Nibblers - Php 105.00
Garlic Cookie Nibblers - Php 140.00
Ampalaya Loaf - Php 235.00
Luyammies 1 Dozen - - Php 180.00
Fruit Bars 1 Dozen - Php 260.00
Banana Choco Chip Loaf - Php 160.00
Coffee Hazelnut Canister - Php 220.00

There are no cheap tricks done to make these wonderful treats. So make sure to be there on Saturday, after all you owe yourself a treat. You've been working hard and you should have a better, healthier alternative to snacks when you want it, where you want it. It's time you make your choice for a more healthy indulgence!

For more information, or bulk orders you may contact Denise Viña at 09164504876, 09177102287, Fax (632) 4333741 or email them at somade.orders@gmail.com.

Follow them on their social media channels

Facebook SomadFoods

Instagram @thegreenbaker 

Twitter @SoMadeBakeshop