Getting Loud at The Fort

It was a drizzly night last Thursday in Fort Bonifacio but it didn't stop my friend Ryan and I from checking out the clubs at The Fort in Taguig.

Encore, Toyz Expereince, & Toyz

When you say clubbing, Encore (the previous Embassy) remains to be standard symbol of premium clubbing in the metro. We passed by Encore and headed to nearby Toyz.

Unknown to many, there are two Toyz at The Fort, and they are beside each other: Toyz (the bar) and Toyz Experience.

Toyz Experience

Basically, Toyz Experience is the dine in restaurant counterpart of Toyz Bar. It's where you can take a break or have a full meal before you go clubbing. You could also order dishes from either of the two and vice-versa.

For Ryan and I, it was our pre-clubbing snack before partying at the Toyz. They're both located on the third floor of the building near Pier One. We took the elevator and a big banner of the Singapore Grand Prix Rev&Rave promo greeted us immediately upon reaching third floor.

Toyz Experience was so quiet with us having arrived quite early at 10pm, we were the only customers then. We ordered Chicken and Cheese Quesadilla (P299) which is  a tortilla char-grilled  chicken, bacon bits, iceberg lettuce, low fat butter, and salsa. We also ordered the luscious Back Ribs with rice on the side.

Chicken & Cheese Quesadilla + Back Ribs

After which, we were ready to get loud and proceeded to the Toyz Club and took a photo with the Singapore GrandPrix standee on the club's entrance.

The club's interior is racing-themed with tire piles in the corners and painted walls. The chairs and table colors were also matched to a racing experience and there's a race track outline in the ceiling!

Race Track on the Ceiling

Guess what all three Fort bars Encore, Toyz, and Toyz Experience have in common? It's the Singapore Grand Prix Rev&Rave promo.

It means that for every assigned Rev&Rave drink and barchow included in the promo, you get a chance to win a trip to Singapore to attend the 2010 Grand Prix Season Singapore and other prizes.

We decided to try them. The Rev&Rave drinks from Toyz were the Formula 1 and the starter Chicken and Cheese Quesadilla we had earlier.

Rev&Rave Singapore Grand Prix Promo

Upon ordering these, we were given the chance to pick up 2 instant prizes from a fish bowl. Sadly, we were not as fortunate and only got the "thanks you" stubs. Prizes up for grabs are Grand Prix shirts, caps, and luggage tags, among others.

I also filled up two raffle coupons for the grand draw on September 17, 2010.

With Ryan at Toyz

The club beats got louder by the hour. We almost took on the dance floor but settled to just enjoying the beats. Ryan and I were also able to appreciate the Fort Bonifacio city skyline from the fourth floor as we enjoyed the music.

Fort Bonifacio City Skyline

Toyz Bar/Club

As the time struck 12 midnight and were about to leave, more party goers started to come. We had to leave a earlier as we are headed to the last bar for the night in our list - the Amber Lounge.

Amber Lounge

Amber Lounge

The club's exterior already made a statement, and when we went inside, the interiors are even more uncompromising. A lounge music performer was also playing live when we came in.

Still part of the Singapore GrandPrix promo, we ordered the assigned Rev& Rave cocktail and barchow which is the Boneless Chicken Wings (about P300).

The instant prizes eluded us once again in Amber. Nonetheless, we are still hopeful for the raffle draw. :)

Amber Lounge @ The Fort

Inside Amber Lounge

Live Performer @ Amber

Rev&Rave Cocktail and Barchow

The music started to get louder after the live performance and we just enjoyed the beats until the late hours of the morning.

To book exclusive airfares and 2010 Formula One Singtel Singapore Grand Prix all-in-one packages, call Singapore Air at (632) 7535151 or 52 or 7568899 ext. 7001 or log-on to www.singaporeair.com,  or call Red Rock Travel at (632) 738-6614 or visit www.redrocktravel.net

To directly purchase race tickets, visit www.singaporegp.sg, www.ticketworld.com.ph, or call Racegear at (632) 359-4247.

With so many varied and exciting events during the 2010 Grand Prix Season Singapore, it’s time to experience YourSingapore the way you want to! For more information, visit Yoursingapore.com.

Featured cocktail shots and barchows in four bars, and a Singapore Grand Prix promo in each of them - that's how we GOT LOUD at the Fort, Taguig City as part of our first day of the bar hopping experience.

Miss Universe 2010 Winner is Ms. Mexico

22 yr old Jimena Navarette of Mexico won the crown as this year's new Miss Universe 2010 winner.

The Miss Universe Pageant was held today, August 23, 2010 (Aug 24 in the Philippines), at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. The pageant was aired on NBC.

Other Ms. Universe 2010 winners are

• Miss Universe 2010 Winner - Ms. Mexico ( Jimena Navarette )
• 1st Runner Up - Ms. Jamaica ( Yendi Phillips )
• 2nd Runner Up - Ms. Australia ( Jesinta Campbell )
• 3rd Runner Up - Ms. Ukraine ( Anna Psolavska )
• 4th Runner Up - Ms. Philippines - Maria Venus Raj

Other contestants who comprised the Miss Universe Top 15 were Ireland, Albania, South Africa, Guatemala, Puerto Rico, Russia, Colombia, France, Russia, Belgium and the Czech Republic. Miss Australia got the Miss Congeniality award while Miss Thailand got both the Miss Photogenic and Best in National Costume special awards.

Shaken by yesterday's hostage taking crisis, Philippine bet Maria Venus Raj was able to somehow uplift the spirit of her fellow Filipino people with her outstanding performance resulting to Top 5 in the recent Ms. Universe 2010.

However, a number of opinions regarded Ms. Philippines Maria Venus Raj's simple answer to the Q&A earned her the 4th Runner Up spot in the final top 5 Miss Universe 2010 results in a major major way. Again, thank you Venus Raj and congratulations!

Discovering Enjoy Lifestyle Card

I have been a Citibank Credit Card user for more than 6 years now and I haven't paid a single centavo for my annual membership fee. Why? Because I'm loyal and use my reward points intelligently. :)

I also have a other credit cards, SM Advantage card and a Mercury drugstore Suki Card, among others. So I guess you get the point. :)

I was really amazed after getting to know more about the relatively new Enjoy Privilege Card a few weeks ago. Honestly, I've heard about Enjoy! since last year but with my gazillions of discount cards, I'm not really looking forward of getting another one.

But discovering Enjoy changed my mind.

It all started with a simple lunch at Museum Cafe over a brief introduction of what the Enjoy privilege card is all about.

"Enjoy, the country’s premier lifestyle card, offers over P250,000 worth of treats, discounts and freebies from over 700 partner establishments in Metro Manila, Cebu, and Boracay for only P1,995." shared Alfie Sy, marketing director of Enjoy.

"P250,000 worth of treats?" Oh come'on. And for almost P2,000 just for a card, isn't that a little expensive? Or so I thought; until I saw their privilege/coupon booklet.

Indeed, there were a lot of well-chosen and prestigious establishments that are partners with the Enjoy program. From dining, shopping, to health and lifestyle services, and even travel accomodations! I realized that they're not kidding about the hundreds of partner establishments.

Being a travel and food blogger myself, my foodie spirit and itchy feet came alive. :)

And about the P1995 fee? A complimentary custom made cake from the Chef Laudico page coupon worth upto P5,000 is more than enough to cover for this expense - and we're just talking about ONE out of the 200+ pages of the coupon booklet.

Chef Laudico Freebie Value of upto P5K

Getting free makeovers, delighting in discounted―if not free―delectable dishes, seizing the hottest shopping finds is the name of the game. All these and more are what Enjoy Card holders can expect to experience.

So unless you live under a rock or doesn't have a social life beyond Facebook, you should definitely get an Enjoy privilege card - I did!

We also did a simulation of the availment procedures right after lunch within the vicinity of Greenbelt.

Oh my, the Greenbelt area alone has a multitude of estalishments and dining spots for Enjoy members. We run around simulating the use of the card and basically rimmed through Greenbelt 2's line of restaurants such as Italianni's, Flapjacks, and Bizu. We also visited Viktor Jeans in Greenbelt 5, among others and finally ended with a dish at Fish and Co.

Now, I'm looking forward to a number of exciting discounts and treats from some of my favorite shopping establishments (I'm reserving my food list and travel spots for my food and travel blogs, respectively). Here are some of them which lasts until Sept 2011:

• Crumpler - one 15% Off coupon and 10% off every purchase. I love Crumpler's bag designs and style!
• Fully Booked - one time P300 or P1000 worth of free books for P2k or P5K single receipt purchase, respectively; 10% off for cash purchase 5% off for credit card selected purchases.
• Runnr specialty store - one time Php 500 off When spending a minimum single cash receipt worth Php 4000 on regular-priced items and Php 200 off when spending a minimum single cash receipt worth Php 2000 on regular priced items.
• Amuma Spa - get one time Free 15-minute Amuma Spa Massage Sampler for check-in guest and 15% on all Amuma Spa treatments and services. You'll love their signature Amuma Hilot. I've tried it when we went to Maribago Bluewater Resort last summer.
• Barre 3 - Get one time 10% Off on Your Membership When you refer a friend to be a monthly member and 5% off on single classes and retail items. I've tried Barre 3. It's like a combination of Yoga and Pilates.
• The Spa - a Php 500 Off voucher on individual services and Php 300 off on individual services worth Php 1,500 - 2,000 / Php 3,000 off on annual membership fee. The Spa is one of my favorite Spa dens.

But wait, there's more!

Enjoy's directory guide is also accessible through a free and easy-to-download mobile application called EnjoyPH. It is compatible with the iPhone, Blackberry, and other smartphones for the tech-savvy.

Once you decide to get one (I don't know why not), the Enjoy card comes in a sleek red metal box with the members’ guide book and discount vouchers. The package also includes a map of merchant partners around the country.

Enjoy Privilege Card

Avail of the Enjoy card by visiting their website at http://enjoythebest.ph/ or contact Reymer Salvador at 7509258. You may also check them out in Twitter and Facebook.

Enjoy the best of the Philippines! :)

Is August 23 is A Holiday? Not Anymore! :(

The president has overturned a previous August 23 Philippine Holiday proclamation making it now a regular woking day.

They returned the regular holiday to August 21 (Saturday),  the actual Benigno 'Ninoy' Aquino Day.

The government has decided that it would be better for Philippine businesses in general to have one less holiday.

However, not everyone is happy with the switch. Just like this "August 23 is not a holiday" article 

It is also worthy to note that the August 30 holiday remains to be a regular Philippine holiday - National Heroes Day (last Monday of August).

My Great Sale Find at Robinson's Toys R' Us!

Robinson's Toys R' Us

It's that season of the year again - it's Robinsons Malls' annual All-Out Clearance Sale for the whole month of August!

And so I found myself again last August 1 in my favorite Robinsons Mall - Robinson's Galleria.

"Sale"

The sale came just in the right time as I am looking for a gift for my soon to be 2yr-old "inaanak" (godchild) and niece this August. She's my second cousin's daughter.

Aside from searching for a gift, I couldn't just give any gift as their family are well-off. Simple gifts might be dismissed as a cheap one; so this poses more challenge. And with a tight budget, my shopping powers in hunting great buys have been summoned. :)

50% Off

Immediately, Robinson's toy mecca came into mind - Toys R' Us! With a vast collection of toys for all ages, I am bound to succeed. :)

And so the adventure begins. Rising to the fourth floor of Galleria, you would be immediately greeted with the tagline "The World's Geatest Toy Store!"

Expectedly, there were a lot of "Sale" tags all over the place. There were a lot of 50% discount posters too. I expected this as the big billboard outside the mall said "50% off".

Sale Items Were All-Over!

However, as I walked towards inside the store, I was surprised to see more items greater than 50% off! There were 70% off as well!

20%, 50%, 70% Off

The ones in great bargain are the last few stocks of certain toy models that is why the toys were still in great condition as compared to other malls' "sale" where the items are already dusty or damaged.

My first great cheap find was this electronic piano with special character toys on top. Aside from the piano tune, the figures move as you press different keys on the keyboard. It was really cute and fun. Price was originally P899.75. It's now P359. That's 60% off!

First Great Find: Electronic Piano

Original Price:  P899.75

Sale Price: P359

Discount: 60% Off

Savings:  P540.75

But my strategy is not to give in to my first good find. I believe that there are more possible great finds. One just need patience and perseverance. That is what you call bargain-hunting! :)

And I was right. The second one I found was a yellow battery-operated talking bear for only P359. It's original price was P1,199.75. That's 70% off!

Second Great Find: Talking Yellow Bear

Original Price:  P1,199.75

Sale Price: P359

Discount: 70% Off

Savings:  P840.75

I have searched the whole Toys R' Us by this time except the center section. A true shopper will not let pass a square meter of the shopping mall with out at least browsing through it.

I was not mistaken. There was this big colorful box with a 70% Off card over it. I took a look and discovered that it's a fancy kiddie table that makes music with lots of buttons for children over 1 yr of age. Hmmmm, this seems perfect for my "inaanak".

And the price? --P499. At first, it seems more expensive than my first two great finds. But, take note that the box is bigger, and this is not just a toy, it's a durable utility plastic table that can serve as a playtable already because of the attached toys on top which creates sounds with buttons.

Ultimate Great Find: Musical Table Toy

Original Price:  P1,999.75

Sale Price: P499

Discount: 75% Off

Savings:  P1500.75

The Price Tag: P499.00

And you know how much was its original price? P1999.75! Or 75% off! Yes, It's the ultimate bargain hunt at a fourth of the original price. But of course, my niece's parents does not have to know that. :) It's good that they don't know about this lifestyle blog of mine. They know my other blogs on travel and food. :)

Sale Shopping Tip: Check the items if they are working well.

But wait, it does not end there, the ultimate shopper always know to have your products checked before purchasing. Specially this one which is an electronic product and is battery-operated. Moreover, I choose the best box among the 5 remaining musical table-toys. Check out the photos, it doesn't look like it came from a stack of "on sale" items. :)

Paying for My Inaanak's Gift

The good news did not stop there. Toys R' Us gives free gift wrappers and wrapping services for  customers who purchased items more than P300. What a great day! :)

Free Gift Wrapping Section

A fitting gift for my niece's birthday? Check!
A great find sale item that looks new? Check!
A great find sale item that's easy on the budget at 75% off? Check!
Free gift wrapping for the birthday occasion? Check!

Only here at Robinson's Toys R' Us. :)

Robinson Malls' All-Out Clearance Sale

So what are you waiting for? I know you're itching your way to Robinson's right? Don't worry, you have about three weeks more for Robonson's mall-wide all-out clearance sale will last upto August 31. Check them out at Robinsons Malls Facebook!

Happy Shopping!.....I did!. :)

August 23 & August 30 - Philippine Holidays 2010; Long Weekends Expected

Students and workers can revel in the upcoming Philippine 2010 Holidays combo of 2 consecutive Mondays - August 23 21 & August 30, 2010.

They are declared as as a special non-working holiday and regular Philippine holiday, respectively.

================================

Impt Aug 12 Update:  Aug 23 is not a holiday anymore. Aug 21 is a holiday, instead.

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The August 23 21 special non-working Philippine holiday, Monday nearest August 21, is Ninoy Aquino Day based from RA No. 9256 commemorating the Death of Senator Benigno Aquino, Jr.

The August 30 regular Philippine holiday is National Heroes Day (last Monday of August).

Both these weekends and the holiday results in two upcoming long weekends supporting holiday economics.

Stay tuned for more Philippine Holidays information and the upcoming Philippine 2011 Holidays Calendar soon!

Nisce Skin N' Face: Manicure of the Virgin Fingersnails

In a predominantly 'macho' social society like the Philippines, personal care for men is basically limited to soap, shampoo, and perfume.

Much less for more intricate procedures such as manicure, pedicure, and the likes in cosmopolitan manila.

Nonetheless, after more than two decades, I tried getting a manicure for the first time. No big deal actually, I'm comfortable with my sexuality and is up for the new experience.

But more than that, I was curious what is really done to one's fingernails during the process. My knowledge of the procedure were limited to mere awareness and glances when mom or one of my aunts call a "manicurista" (one who performs manicure) for home service.

And so it was. I found myself at the fifth floor of SM Megamall at Nisce Skin n' Face which offers a menu of services for the face, skin, hands, and feet.

I tried a number of treatments and services that day, but we'll only discuss about the manicure. We'll have the rest for another post.

First, the attendant massaged both of my hands briefly. She then asked if I wanted my fingernails trimmed, to which I agreed.

It was followed by cleaning the sides of the fingernails with a small but long steel rod with a sharp edge. They call it the "pusher." This scrapes off the dead cells found on the edge of the fingernails. This was matched with the nail brush (pink) to remove excesses.

Everything went well and smoothly. I didn't get any cut or bruise which I sometimes see when someone gets a manicure.

The nail file followed.

Among all the procedures, this is the only one I felt weird about. Although I was uncomfortable with the scratching effect, I know it was necessary for unsharpening the edge of the trimmed fingernails.

And for the last step, she asked if I wanted to have a nail polish. And since we're already at it, I'd rather try them than otherwise. In the Philippines, they also call the nail polish "colorless," or "shiner."

She added that the Sally Hansen Insta-Grip fast dry base coat she used could actually help in strengthening my nails.

Ummm, ok.

I'm actually concerned and amused having shiny fingernails for the first time. LOL.

She had it dried and said it was over. She proceeded with the foot massage, pedicure, and body massage. Check about it in the next few day's post.

My manicure with cleaning, massage, and nail polish cost P200. Have a plain manicure with cleaning and massage for only P120.

Check out Nisce Skin n' Face at the 5th floor of SM Megamall and experience the same fancy-free manicure that I had. By the way, almost one month after, my fingers are still a little shiny. It's either the nail polish or I don't wash my hands often enough. :)