A Surprise Birthday Party for Andre Paras

It was his birthday a few weeks ago but I've always asked, how do you actually surprise a smart guy like Andre Paras? It was hard, really hard. They told them they had a meeting, and got his schedules clear, he arrived on the dot and the press and bloggers were caught in traffic. Some of them passed by his car, he already thought something was going on, something smells fishy. We kept our hopes up that he would still be surprised and prepared for that moment. People went ahead and got ready expecting he was going to go up the stairs, but he went to the elevator instead LOL.

Andre Paras' Surprise Birthday Party by kumagcow

He's charming, I was a little worried about him being a little sad though that he didn't give that much times to the fans that were messaging him on Instagram and have seen them there during the event. He's trying as much as he can even if he's very busy and barely get sleep. He's enjoying his youth, he's still playing. He knows he's going to have to get serious roles in the coming years - but he's not in a hurry. He misses Kobe, his Dad too. He wants to enjoy what he's doing now and he's thankful he's got to celebrate his birthday with people from GMA Artist Center, media, the bloggers and his fans. He's never been this surprised though, and he's very thankful for that.

Here's the short interview with the good looking Andre Paras

He still appears in Half Sisters in more exciting episodes until next year. Stay tuned with the love problems he's going to bring to Ruru Madrid, Thea Tolentino and Barbie Forteza's characters in the series. After a one night stand with Ashley, a brewing war with him and Joaquin, will the lovers Diana and Bradley be back together again? Make sure you watch their show on GMA's Afternoon Prime! Plus perhaps a movie in the pipeline very soon!

Happy birthday Andre! Stay happy will you?! :)

For more information about their artists:

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Discovery Suites: Cirque Du Noel

Discovery Suites in Ortigas just lit up their Christmas Tree and it was awesome! They also put up a small Gingerbread house in the lobby where you can purchase small gifts, trinkets to take home. They call it Cirque Du Noel, but they did this with one thing in mind... to help the Chosen Children Foundation. It's an organization geared towards helping mental and physically challenged children. They've been helping them since 2013 and this is to continue that great tradition.

Discovery Suites: Cirque Du Noel by kumagcow

Aside from the generous donation for the foundation, they're also offering something good at 22 Prime, Discovery Suites premier steak house. It's a 4 course meal that's got Double Smoked Bacon Turkey Roulade and USDA Angus Prime Rib Eye which only costs Php 2,000 nett. It's available from the 16th of December to January 1, 2016. You can reserve and dine from 12:30 PM to 10:30 PM. Aside from that, you have celebrate Christmas in the hotel and get Prime Rib Eye and Holiday Turkey with a selection of pastries for dessert for only Php 2,300 nett. Make sure you also ask about their holiday room rates that start at Php 5,000 nett for a Junior Suite which includes breakfast buffet for 2. You can have this booked from December 1-30 up until January 31, 2016.

Check out what we had for dinner!

House bread, still hot and fresh from the oven!

They had Lobster Bisque but I was allergic to seafood so they prepared for me Asparagus Cream Soup, thank you for that!

This is an original, it's called Camille Collins and made especially for 22 Prime. It's a bit gingery, a light drink.

Caesar Salad complete with runny boiled egg, crisp lettuce and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese

I had to do it 4 times for emphasis, this is my memory of the USDA Angus Prime Rib Eye done medium rare. I actually like my steaks this way but if you prefer it well done, you can ask them to do that.

To cap it off, we had their Discovery Signature Dessert. It's a sampler of some sort and I love the variety. I'd suggest you have this shared though, with a loved one or your friends. It's that good.

Call  and reserve Discovery Suites Ortigas at 719-8888 or email them at rsvn@discovery.com.ph. To know more, you may visit http://www.discoverysuites.com.

For more information about their hotel:

Discovery Suites Ortigas

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A Short Talk with Senatoriable Francis Tolentino

I haven't really talked to former MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino but I've seen what he's done with the Tagaytay City and how it transformed from a provincial one to a city of character. I live nearby Alfonso, Cavite so I do have to pass that area quite a lot of times so I can go and harvest coffee. The man showed his intentions of running for the Senate and I've never had any knowledge of what he's been doing aside from the MMDA traffic which has probably had most of the information about him on media. During the small luncheon, he announced his platform would be for the greater empowerment of local government units, strengthening of disaster preparedness, sustainable and protective care for the environment, better health care and women empowerment. 

Tall order? Yes, achievable? That remains to be a question on everyone's minds. He took time answering all of those questions about traffic, infrastructure and MMDA. The impression I had with his answer is, people weren't looking at the big picture. Some on the table were probably sick and tired of traffic talk but of course, we had to know what MMDA and he had to do with it. The general population would probably thing MMDA only does traffic management right? No, what isn't said on newspapers or on TV with time constraints is probably the other things that MMDA had to do on their mandate. From development planning, transport and traffic management, solid waste disposal, flood control and sewage management, urban renewal, zoning and land use planning, health and sanitation, and public safety. Aside from that, they've been ailing to actually work with other government agencies and local government offices. From the governor, the mayors, the councils, the barangays, all have been working thoroughly to make your MMDA work for you. Do you see how complicated that sounds? Exactly. They've been doing that for the past few years, and most would just think of the office when there's problems in EDSA. If they were just doing traffic, then there's really no more time for the other things they're doing. Chairman Francis Tolentino also opened the ferry system in Pasig River in two weeks, he also is responsible with the Papal Visit security arrangements. There are more, and it's even tiring to talk about credentials and accomplishments in that short span of time.

Here's a video of our interview with the senatorial candidate on video:


Interview with Francis Tolentino by kumagcow

I know you probably have reservations, I do with any person I interview. A choice have to be made though in the upcoming elections. It's nice to get to know people and what they've done, not just the things we read off newspapers or watch on TV. He's a good man, he also has done a lot and that I think needs credit. I'm certainly not endorsing anything but what I've learned during this interview is,  to actually know the person first and not just concentrate on bad things said about them. We should definitely do the legwork of research, check what they've done in the past because after all, it's our country we're talking about here and not just a single government agency. If you deem it important for his platform, his plans in legislation to be apt for your taste as a Senator, don't take my word for it. Do your own research, read up, or even ask him on social media. There are ways you know! We should definitely start our future right and that entails work.

Francis Tolentino is being sought after Miram Santiago's party, but he's gearing towards Rodrigo Duterte. He's still independent though. It's your choice.

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Francis Tolentino

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Figaro Releases "Blissful Holiday" Drinks and Meals

Had the chance to visit Figaro in Tomas Morato a few days ago together with some other bloggers as they introduced new holiday meals and drinks this season, they call it Blissful Holiday. I tried them all so don't be surprised why I'm fat for crying out loud LOL. Anyway, here's what we had :)

The Chicken Galantine Canneloni is much like our favorite chicken dish but it's stuffed inside Canneloni pasta and laid in with a chunky tomato based sauce with basil and parmesan cheese. It's hearty and filling, but more on the tangy side. This costs 189 and would be perfect with any cold drink I presume.

The Chicken Mushroom Cannelloni on the other hand is more creamy. For those who prefer a not to acidic kind of dinner, then this would be it. The mushroom bits are mixed into the chicken and stuffed inside the cannelloni pasta too. I think they sauteed that before pouring a little cream on top. This is my favorite. They make it al dente so you can still feel the pasta  when you bite into it.

For those who want a more filling plate, this is their Chicken Roulade Plate. It's got fried chicken breast rolled and breaded with meaty filling inside. It is served with a side of Arrabbiata, Pesto, Al Tonno or Carbonara. It's good for 2 actually, but if you're like me that can actually have a big meal... go ahead and make my day! This costs 249, a bit good for how big of a meal this is. Then, here's the drinks!

This is Hazelnut Cinnamon done three ways. One is a Jelly Float, the other is a latte, and my favorite is the Frost! It's all good, very affordable too and you kinda get the spice in the drinks so in a nutshell, it's christmasy if there's a term for that.

Premium Salted Caramel - my personal favorite among the cakes and pastries served that evening. It's deceiving because you think it's going to be chocolatey but no, it's more on the caramel side of things and it's really good.

For those who don't like it sweet, the Light Ginger Bread Loaf may be your best option. It's fluffy, like a soft gingerbread man and would be perfect with black coffee. I like that they stayed with the taste that would probably be more English if that makes sense. 

For those who love those sweet fruit bits on fruit cakes, this Fruit Loaf Mini is something that you would also like. It's like a lighter version of fruit cake but you get those intense bits of fruit you love in fruit cakes. I know that sounded a bit redundant but that's what it actually really tastes like. Yes this also has rum on it, but not going to make you buzzed after a piece or two. It's nice for those Frost drinks they have in the store. Order more!

 For those who want a combination of sweet and tangy, they've got this Fruit Forest Cheese Cake. It's baked cheesecake topped with whipped cream and layers of fruit cream and 5 kinds of berries. I think it was strawberries, raspberries, blue berries, black berries, red currant. I liked this one too. Have hot coffee with this one instead so it'll contrast with the cold cheesecake. Trust me on hot Hazelnut Cinnamon coffee.

Here's what happened during the small event at Figaro in Tomas Morato:


Figaro Blissful Holiday by kumagcow

For those who love merchandise, Figaro can give you the Figaro Notebook, Ribbed Tumbler, Vacuum Flask, Yellow Stainless Tumbler, Magic Mug, Coffee Belt mugs, Bean Map Mug and Mask Mug available all year and you don't have to collect stickers anymore to get it. Cool right? Aside from that, they've got Gift Certificates. It's the best thing to give if you're near a Figaro Branch and your office mates would just use it for their everyday coffee dose. It's available in 100 and 500 denominations, so no need to worry if you're out of ideas. They can decide themselves and get the best coffee at Figaro.

It'll only be available this holiday season so if you've got spare time, visit a store or branch near you!

For more information about their products:

Figaro Coffee Philippines

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