I still probably have around 30 shoes on the shelf that I haven't even used. A problem? Yes. I admit I'm a shoe-a-holic.
If I find something nice, if I find something unique and something good... I usually pick it up and pay for it on the counter no matter what the price is. When I got an invite to Santoni's launch a few days ago, I almost fainted at the sight of the shoes.
He is Francesco de Santis. He's one of the few artisans left in the world who still make hand made shoes with Italian brand Santoni. There are only a handful left because some Italians choose other careers other than making good shoes like these. Sad, but they are fighting that by showing the difference of these gorgeous pieces of heavenly foot covers. If you don't actually see it up close like this, you won't appreciate how much care they put in on making shoes. See how he tortured that show on his hand by folding it? It comes back to form when he released that. That's how confident he is.
Madame Edith Dychiao says it's time that the Filipinos have this world class brand. It's time they get pampered. Shoes of this class wasn't even imaginable before because people were always associating the Philippines as a third world country. Today, men and women of different professions in this place prove to have more purchasing power than ever. Be it luxury cars, bags, other products, all can be splurged and appreciated by people like us. Santoni presents itself as upscale, but the practicality of it all depends on quality.
Quality that means your shoe will fit perfectly and would last you years. Aside from that, the design and craftsmanship would be never questioned. Famous people, Hollywood stars and even world leaders wear it. If you had your shoe customized by them, your permanent shoe size will be stored on their records together with these famous people says Andrea Casavecchia, Santoni's Asia Area Manager. Isn't that amazing!?
The shoe fitting. I really hate David Celdran when he got the chance to have one of these pairs. While I watch in the sidelines. It'll take around 6 months before the actual shoe is made because of the care and love they put into it. They measure the right and the left foot separately. I didn't know before this that there was a difference, but it does make sense.
It's nice to know something classy like this is now available in the Philippines. Santoni is open at the East Wing of Shangrila Mall. Don't be afraid to come in and check out what they have inside the store. I on the other hand am still dreaming. I didn't even get to fit the shoe during the event. I'll have to wait to get one of my own. Soon.
It's not my first time to actually see OWL coffee. I've seen this in Singapore and this is one of the staple things I get as gifts for people at home. For one, I love White Coffee. It tastes a whole different from the instant ones we get here. It's got a little more kick to it, plus the roasted flavor was much felt in every sip. It helped a lot when I was rushing some reports for work and kept me awake a little more than the usual effect of coffee on me. Good news just came when I received an invite to the launch of OWL... yes ladies and gentlemen, you don't have to spend a fortune just to get this from Singapore or nearby South East Asian countries because they are now here in the Philippines!
I went in and grabbed a cup that afternoon, it felt like it was my own private siesta. I was relaxed and smelling the cup of white coffee being mixed beside me. I was even wondering why it smelled different. When I read the label it had something funny written on it, coconut sugar. I wasn't really familiar with it but went ahead and fixed my brew.
Funny, I thought I wouldn't like it but after one sip on the cup... I was hooked. That afternoon alone, I got 3 cups of this 3 in 1 coffee with creamer and coconut sugar. The thing was even a little frothy on top which got me excited each time I stirred a cup again.
I even got more excited because I saw some more variants on the shelf! This is after all 50 glorious years of roasting and blending. As for the others who have been able to taste it that afternoon, they practically know the difference between the new OWL Coffee and the usual 3 in 1 coffee we have in the Philippines. The flavor's richer, some are non conventional but really good. There are also some tea involved in the mix like the Teh Tarik (your fave Malaysian Milk Tea) and Soothing Brew which has got Ginger and Honey on it.
To show in an ultimate test, they also made this coffee that I tasted into a full blown ice blended concoction. They got the one with Coconut sugar on it and mixed in Cookies et voila! Cookies and Cream was awesome! They also made one with our childhood favorite Chocnut and boy that was a treat!
Mr. Kerwin Wong, CEO of Transaxion Unlimited Corporation which is the distributor of OWL Coffee in the Philippines and their executives says they are barely scratching the surface. Their coffees are available in large groceries and they are still gearing to to ultimately position themselves as something that can be enjoyed by Filipinos all day everyday. They know how much competition they are on since there are a lot of other brands in the market. Their main selling point is quality, variety and coffee that has been enjoyed by millions of people around the world. If we want something different, something that's richer, bolder and flavorful... they OWL Coffee can exactly deliver that.
From the coffee plantations in the straits of Malacca to your coffee cup in Manila, OWL Coffee presents a very good challenge to what we're used to. The authentic coffee mixes that's got different creams, sugar and even evaporated milk seen in this region is already a whole different culture. For those who love it, OWL Coffee can let you experience what's good in these Asian countries and make that easy for you to enjoy. It just got even better.
For those who would like to experience OWL Coffee, you can find them in big groceries nationwide. Aside from that, you can follow their social media channels below for updates. Ciao!
Pouring a glass of wine or champagne feels so right. Celebrating special moments with friends and family, that's just bliss! A few nights ago, we went to Sofitel Manila's Spiral and got a special Wine Appreciation Class by their Somellier's. I've been educated quite a bit from cooking, dining and tasting events; but this one really schooled me. They also delved on wine pairing and taught us a thing or two about regions where these rich, liquid wonders come from.. and how we all can enjoy it!
First things first, we had to take note of our own experience so they handed us over a pamphlet containing all the names of the wine we're about to taste. Seeing the terminologies indicated on the bottles was already making me a little dizzy. My French language class didn't come into effect here but I was in the right path understanding Burgundy, it's Merlot and the region of Bordeaux.
Then we had a short briefing on how the sections were divided inside Spiral
Damien Marchenay, a Frenchman leads Sofitel's Wine experts (who are also French) as F&B Director of Sofitel Manila's Spiral
Burgundy and Bordeaux are regions in France. If the term is used on bottles, it basically means that the wine produced is from that region. This goes the same with Alsace, Champagne, Jura, Languedoc-Roussillon, Loire Valley, Lorraine, Madiran, Provence, Rhône and Savoie. There are also some sub regions and smaller ones inside these areas but I'll bore you if I include that. It goes the same with other wine producing countries.
We didn't start off with Western wine though.
They showed us one of the more popular brands of Sake (rice wine) from Japan. The Japanese Chef went out and explained to us that they have special ones made by small Sake masters in their region. They have special rice grains that grows in the same place which they get this from. There are families that have done this for ages and he's proud of its heritage. He also showed us some photos from his hometown and said you can still see the artisans do it even in these modern times. It was really good. He mentions this particular Sake should be served cold. Otherwise, they have sake bottles that are usually dipped in street food containers that regularly sells it on his neighborhood. Rustic, but very nice and smooth.
Then we proceeded to another section of Spiral's ateliers. This is on the Western Section.
Bouchard Pere & Fils is a Pinot Noir from Burgundy dated 2011. It's red and fruity, can be paired with red meat or even pizzas if you dare.
Dourthe No.1 AOC Rouge from Bordeaux, France dated 2011. Deeper red, very intense and a bit bitter. It's smells good and it can be paired with cheese room favorites and cold cuts. Mmm....
Then off to the Asian Ateliers we went!
Craggy Range Sauvignon Blanc, this one's from New Zealand and dated 2012. It's got really nice colors, pale yellow that's got a hint of pale green. It's a bit floral, sweet smelling and has got a touch of fruitiness on the aftertaste. Complex, yes, but I still like it.
AIX Rose from Coteaux D'Aix En Provence France. It has pink hues or a tint of salmon color. Intense, smelled like sweet flowers. It's got a bit of acidity but our somellier says this comes from his region. He admits that he doesn't drink everyday but if its a special occasion, they usually drink this with tons of ice in a large glass. Then they chill around and do what normal people do. Oh by the way, our great Somellier that evening is Tanguy (pronounced Tawnjee) who is a Restaurant Manager in Sofitel. Pretty darn nice chap!
AIX is also available in huge bottles. It's perfect for parties or large dinners. You can also choose from among 150 variants of wines in their cellars. It's already chilled and they're just waiting for you to grab it.
Madfish is a Shiraz from Australia dated 2009. This one is my favorite among the more stronger wines in the bunch. It's rich and dark. A bit oaky and a tad bitter. I like that more on wines. It can be paired with some Asian dishes of the more spicy-savory flavors. Still perfect for red meats.
Then we had something for Desserts.
This one is the most mouthful to pronounce. It's got German origins. This is the Alsace Gewürztraminer dated 2011. Intensely spicy on its notes. If you're having chocolates, nuts or just about anything sweet, this is a pretty good pair for that. Contrary to what I was trying to see before, wines are supposed to be paired opposite of what it actually tastes like. If you have something intensely flavored, get something more subtle for a wine. Then if you have something not that complex, get some sweeter wine and you'll be fine.
On the last part, we were all surprised that there are actually local Philippine made wines on their list. Refmad Dragonfruit Wine, Adam's Bugnay Wine and Dielles Melomel Fruit Brand Wine. Most Filipinos LOVE the Refmad Dragonfruit Wine. I on the other hand love the Dielles Melomel because it had Guyabano in it. It's exotic and really good in my humble opinion. I'd highly recommend that or the Shiraz if you are after something more intense.
As they say, nobody can really tell which one is the best because everybody else has their own standards. It's truly debatable and depends on the person holding up the wine glass. I made that statement up LOL. Anyway, there is some kind of truth to that right? You be the judge. Go on and have dinner or lunch at Sofitel Manila's Spiral. The Wine Appreciation Classes are available on Sunday brunches so make sure you ask and be scheduled on those days.
For more of their promos and special deals, please visit the channels below or call (02)5515555.
It's that time of the year where one counts something on his age again. Aljur Abrenica, GMA's hottest hunk is celebrating his birthday. What better way to do this but by sharing his blessings with the beneficiary kids of World Vision.
He is of course supported by his sponsors Bench, Blue Water Day Spa, Active White, Chris-Carl Stuffed Toys, Sweet Escape Home of Cupcakes, Talk and Text, VS mobile, Jockeylina Food Services Co. and GMA Artist Center.
Ms. Ella from World Vision gabe a short speech and told us about how Aljur Abrenica was able to sponsor 2 kids from the program. He never hesitated and did not even choose what kind of kid would need his help, instead he actually prayed for them when he received the sponsored child's profile.
It means a lot to Aljur that he gets to help the kids get their education. Aside from that, he is hopeful that they'll follow the footsteps of Efren Peñaflorida and the likes of those who got successful after finishing their studies when World Vision sponsored them. He had fun playing games with the kids, their parents and teachers during the event. It was his wish to spend time with kids and GMA Artist Executives said they will love to make that come true for him.
He's good looking, has got a perfect body and a kind heart. What more can you ask for a guy who's stayed blessed; because he loves his work and shares it with the less fortunate.
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