Experience History at Manila Hotel's Red Masquerade Ball

I've only been in Manila Hotel twice. One was when I was a kid; and two was just a few weeks ago when they celebrated their 101st Anniversary. They chose the Maynila Grand Ballroom and I only felt quite nostalgic when I got inside this almost 40's pseudo American war era vibe that they were gunning for. I felt right in that time... that I was really there; complete with the same people who probably existed then. I felt so grateful I got to experience this complete with a ballroom full of people enjoying the music of that age and to stay in Manila Hotel with some of Manila's famed bloggers was definitely a plus. 

Spirited, strong and stylish... we donned ourselves with the theme of that evening. We all wore RED here and there and it was fun doing that with a bunch of influencers. I felt right at home.

There was a live band right front and center providing some of the well loved classics that the lounge singer also adored. I danced quite a bit in the past and ballroom was definitely my forte. I was acting like I didn't know how to so I wouldn't be forced to dance in front of the others. But yes, I still did dance after a few chinks of wine.

I guess this thing that I'm seeing was Manila Hotel's charm. I often ask myself "if only these walls could talk"... there must have been hundreds of stories and real history made in this establishment that they have only witnessed, endured and made part of.

A short note saying "Shall we dance?" was a deal breaker for most of the people in my table. I stood up and had fun with their in house dance instructors. They were pretty good at it too. They adjust accordingly to their partners and I've seen dance sport level routines on the floor, if you want to get risky they have that as well.

Food was awesome and service was just right. I had tons of those Quail eggs and chicken sate which is part of the Manila Hotel Sampler. You should get that and their signature drinks.

But I've never seen such a spirited blogger and dancer like my friend Rod Magaru. Eventually, the dance instructor gave up because she was tired after a couple of dance exhibitions with Rod hahaha joke! =)

Paul of PaulThePRGuy also gave it a go. He did quite good, I think he'd pass for a model than a dancer though.. peace Paul! Hehe

We surely had so much fun and almost had to call it a night but that wasn't the end of it. It's going to be a bigger and better evening by marching off the TAP ROOM which is just a few doors nearby.

They've got really great booze on this joint and would probably appeal for the yuppies. The place is also friendly to smokers, plus it's cozy for a group with friends who just want to have a good time. There are single ladies too, so you don't really need a date haha.

Plus they've got REALLY GREAT entertainment with the help of this live band where we had so much fun singing the tunes with. A few expats frequent the place and even though its raining WE WERE PACKED! The band also agreed to sing a few more songs even after their set because we had to request for an encore!

For reservations (if you want to reserve tables in Tap Room) call 527-0011 local 1328 or if you want to reserve a table or two to join the ball next month (Slated November 17th if I'm not mistaken) please call 527-0011 and have your historical and iconic fix in Manila Hotel. Check out Cafe Ilang Ilang too if you plan to have breakfast, lunch or dinner in this hotel. Experience historic Manila the way our heroes lived in the past, stay at the Manila Hotel and get experience it unfold right before your eyes.

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PISMO Digital Lifestyle at Shangrila Mall East Wing

We all love our gadgets. No matter how expensive they are or how hard it is to get one, we need that perfect companion to run our daily lives a little better. Often times, we have to go to different stores to get our handsets and the corresponding accessories too. Pismo is located at the new East Wing in Shangrila Mall and they have steadily gained patrons and regular customers because they have it all in one place. 

Aside from that, they focus on giving consumers the real world feel of these gadgets and they encourage you to try it out first before purchasing it. Now you opt to go to official stores; but you'll just end up looking at the merchandise, that's where PISMO has an edge since their thrust is for you to have total customer satisfaction.

Now you don't have to even wonder what it feels like to own these gadgets. This AR Parrot Drone for example, you can customize this for your needs. Using an app to control its directions you can travel with it and do shots that are unimaginable. Test it out first if you must, they'd be glad to show you how it works.

They did build a large store just to make sure everything can be accommodated.They even hold events in this joint specific to training, gadgets and electronic devices; surely this would be something that consumers would absolutely love.

They've got hundreds of phone cases available. They've got old and new ones, I like this Belkin Lego Case the most that I almost bought it that evening. I stopped because my boss might get me one LOL.

This Lego Builder Case costs around 1,6K but it's totally worth it. You can put real lego pieces in the back and make your own custom case + design. You would be the envy of Lego hobbyists for sure! They also have trickling chargers which doesn't need those long spaghetti cables that's kinda annoying. Now you can get organized, make things easier at home with what they have in store.

Bags of different sizes and shapes were all there. I love the Satchel bags, knapsacks, messenger bags and ecobags that were intricately designed and oh so colorful now on their shelves. Now you can get your gadgets safe as some of these bags have ample amount of cushion - it's the perfect partner no?

They also have Belkin products like these car charger/sync cables which actually according to reviews is even better than the original Apply lightning chargers. They also have this AC WIFI Dual Band USB adapter if you want better wireless speeds on your computer (that's if you have an AC router too!). They also have the Belkin Netcam which you can use in your home as a security camera. You can even watch it over the Internet if you are out of town. Isn't that neat?

Seeing this in the corner just had me startled. This is from Philip Starck if I'm not mistaken. A very famous designer from Europe. These wonderfully designed pieces are also iPod docks so you can use it even if you are on the go. So classy no?

If you are looking for something fresh, something new, just give PISMO a visit at the new Shangrila Mall East Wing (Level6) and experience these gadgets before you even buy it. Aside from that they've got a workshop on how to organize your digital lifestyle. It will happen today at 5:30 PM so make sure you drop by before you go off somewhere else to shop capisce?

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MCA Music Brings Gin Blossoms Live in Eastwood City!

Epic! That's one word to describe this day!

I have been a 90's kid and this particular band is so representative of that. Gin Blossoms was my muse when times were rough and my emo days ended. I couldn't believe they were just outside my office and I got to take videos of them performing. Ahh you can't imagine how much fun I had when I got so close to the stage and see them in real life. 

They've got a new "Best of Gin Blossoms" album out in the Philippines and you guys should definitely grab one now. You'll hear the songs in the video above plus a lot of other hits from their other albums. Don't get left behind! Available now on all your favorite record bars nationwide!

Thank you so much to MCA Music for letting us hitch a ride on this great concert a few nights ago. You guys are awesome!