Last Nov. 12, I happily sat in class again upon the invitation of Tess Laurente and TMK’s culinary directress, Ms. Rory Subida. This time around, young chef Ines Vargas Javellana of The Vargas Kitchen shared recipes of delicious baked goodies like sylvannas,food for the gods, red velvet cake and rum cake with vanilla pudding. I also transcribed her recipe for yummy carrot bars in my other food blog. I wish she shared how to make divine butter cakes since that’s what Vargas Kitchen is famous for but I guess they’re not letting go of their treasured family recipe soon

The red velvet cake looked luscious with its cream cheese frosting and white chocolate topping -

The rum cake mixed with pecans made me heady with sugar craving just from the sight of it. I now prefer this over the usual fruit cake.

The Maya Kitchen at the Liberty Building in Arnaiz Avenue in Makati is very spacious and has complete facilities. I still do think their prices are more reasonable compared to other schools, with an average price of P1,500 per lesson.

Next door to our class, my daughter was also taking her time participating in the Junior Chef Workshop. The kids looked so cute in their toques!

Thinking of learning how to bake or cook? Here’s the Maya Kitchen class schedule for November and early part of December 2011:

BREAD MAKING WORKSHOP November 19 (Sat) 9am-2pm Pan de Sal, Ensaymada, Mongo Bread, Bicho-Bicho, Spanish Bread, Cinnamon Roll w/ lecture on commercial scale production using Baker’s Percentage P2,000

HOLIDAY SAVOURY & SWEET TREATS: November 26 (Sat) 9am-2pm by Chef Christa Mendiola of Christa’s Kitchen Recipes: Salt Crusted Sea Bass; Homemade Lean Bacon, Iberian Baked Chicken, Almond Biscotti, Pavlova, Profiterols and variations (croque-en-bouche, Gateau St. Honore) P1,750

NEGO PINOY VENTURE w/ MAYA MIXES: November 26 (Sat) 1-6pm Chewy Brownies, Pineapple Upside Down Cake, Carrot Bars, Crunch Cake, Crinkles, Rhum Cake with costing & packaging P750
COFFEE 101 Workshop November 26 (Sat) 1-6pm Coffee History, Coffee Process, Trouble shooting, Machine Know-how, proper grinding. Techniques to a perfect froth. Preparation of popular Coffee Concoctions: Espresso, Capuccino, Latte etc. P2000

CERTIFICATE COURSES WITH HANDS-ON:

FUNDAMENTALS OF BAKERY PRODUCTION Dec. 1-3 (TH, F, S) 9am-4pm Basic Baking techniques applicable to small & commercial scale production of recipes and formulations of quick breads, pies, cookies, cakes & bread varieties with hands-on P6,000

BASIC CULINARY November 22-25 (T-F) 9am-3pm Cooking Fundamentals and International Standard Techniques of meal preparation from soup, salad, pasta, main courses to desserts for Home and Institutional Scale Kitchens with workshop P7,000

YEAR END SPECIALS:

CHEF KITTIN DESSERTS WORKSHOP December 3 (Sat) 9am-2pm Scarlet Cake, Lemon Pie, Strawberry Shortcake Overload, Cupcake Tower with Christmas Topper, Moist Chocolate Cake by: Chef Christine Zenarosa P1,500

VEGETARIAN DISHES Pinoy Style December 3 (Sat.) 2-6pm Exciting meals from meat substitute ala Bodhis: Sisig Adobo, Caldereta, BBQ, Pancit, Lengua by: Manju Abichandani P1,500

For more information on other courses offerings, log on to www.themayakitchen.com or e-mail contactus@themayakitchen.com or visit The Maya Kitchen Culinary Center every Tuesday to Saturday at 8F Liberty Building, 835 A. Arnaiz Avenue (Pasay Road), Makati City or call 8921185 / 892-5011 local 108.

Jamba Juice opens later today, 11-11-11, in a new section of Bonifacio High Street in Taguig City called BHS Central. The franchise is being brought over to the Philippines by the Max’s Group of Companies which also owns Krispy Kreme in PH. Big time na talaga ang fried chicken na ‘to!

Prior to the opening, we were given a preview of the Jamba Juice experience which actually meant enduring long lines just to have a sip of that juice!

This poster looks promising and gives you an idea of JJ’s offerings. I wouldn’t mind having more of this healthy and yummy stuff. The people behind the famous chain claim that their products are made only with whole fruits, with no artificial preservatives and 0g transfat.

No wonder, celebrities and health buff urbanites go gaga for Jamba Juice. Spotted at the pre-opening were models like Raya Mananquil.

Pretty in blue: actress Isabel Oli -

It’s very simple to order in the store. The menu consists of classic and creamy smoothies, the so-called boosts and shots, fresh-squeezed juices as well as fruit and yogurt parfaits. There’s also steel-cut oatmeal, California flatbread and hot breakfast wraps. I did not see the official prices yet though, but being a foreign brand, I don’t expect it to be cheap

Server Kavin gave me the biggest size of this drink called ColdBuster since am nursing a bad cold today.It consists of a refreshing mixture of orange juice, peaches, bananas, orange sherbet as well as Immunity and Antioxidant Power boosts. Guess what? I felt better after the drink but I need more. LOL.

Mabuhay Jamba Juice Philippines! Am expecting this brand to do well in the local market. Filipinos these days are truly spoiled for choices and cosmopolitan when it comes to their food and beverage. We want only the best from lifestyle brands like Jamba Juice

I spent the afternoon of my birthday last October 29 watching Ipanema’s preview of its Resort Wear Collection for 2012, as interpreted by these exciting designers: Anthony Nocom, Lyle Ibanez, Catherine Cavilte, Dave Ocampo and Raoul Ramirez.

Unlike Triumph’s all-female show, this one had male models thrown in which made me think of my gay friends. They should have been there watching with me, LOL. First to present was Anthony “Tonichi” Nocom. He banked on his reputation as a menswear designer but instead of the formals he’s known for, he gave his interpretation of laidback days at the beach or the resort.

The designs of Catherine Cavilte (who was very petite, btw) were uber-feminine. They made me think of cocktails and beach weddings.

In between, I got this shot of Ipanema’s patron Patxi Elizalde who was seated in the middle of the front row, enjoying the show with wife Sofia Zobel and their brood.

Up next, Dave Ocampo’s array of beachwear was memorable by its use of geometric prints and translucent fabrics. “I made a collection celebrating colors, love, art, and feminism to emphasize the silhouette of the human form,” said he.

Then, it was Lyle Ibanez’s turn to impress. I did like his use of bright, attractive colors in soft, free-flowing fabrics. “I went crazy with colors this season, lots of interesting silhouettes and rich fabrics like silk chiffon and jerseys,” Lyle noted. The clothes look best with Ipanema footwear, of course.

Seeing Raoul Ramirez’s collection and all I could think of was color blocking.It was eyecatching and very tasteful though and deserved to be the fitting finale of the show.” I drew inspiration from the design and colors of the Ipanema collection. That’s why I used both silk and spandex, and I showed just the right amount of skin to emphasize femininity,” the designer said.

It was a great show overall. I just wished the models didn’t walk too fast. As it is, I found it harder to take pictures here than with the Triumph show. Talk about my amateur attempt at fashion photography. See you next year!

Anyway, the first show I watched for PFW 2011 was the Triumph underwear show. It was momentous since Triumph International is celebrating this year its “125 Years of Tailoring Female Shape.” They unveiled two new collections: the luxury line called Triumph Essence and fresh picks from their bestselling Shape Sensation -

Overall, the show had nice pacing and choreography, with gorgeous models giving justice to the lingerie line. Among those sashaying the runway were top models Ornussa Cadness and Sanya Smith who are topbilling FHM’s November 2011 issue.

The show was highlighted by the ramp walk of beauty queen and actress Ruffa Gutierrez but she proved to be so dressed up compared to the rest of ‘em.

After the event, Ruffa – still wearing her Triumph corset – was sidelined by showbiz reporters about the issue involving her in a love triangle with actor John Lloyd Cruz and Shaina Magdayao. Usyosera me overheard her saying: ” If I had a boyfriend, he would not be a Filipino, and especially if he’s a Filipino named John Lloyd Cruz.” Ooh-la-la!

I also saw the beauty clinic heiress Cristalle Belo Henares and was nice to see her much slimmer.

Cristalle Belo when I last saw her at an Oliver Tolentino show in May 2011 –

And now at Philippine Fashion Week 2011.

Run organizers led by HSBC are bringing the event to a good start by unveiling last week the elegant race singlet designed by no less than Ms. Josie Natori. It features a distinctively stylized Japanese character which is inspired by the international label’s latest collection “The Way of the Samurai.”

Am sure you’d agree with me that this is the most elegant singlet seen so far.

Front view -

Back view -

The HSBC PR ladies led by SVP & Head of Group Communications Johanna Garcia (middle) even came to the presscon in their gorgeous Natori dresses.

Aside from the designer singlet, participants to the HSBC fun run will also get loot bags containing premium items such as custom-designed HSBC finisher shirt, water bottle and baller ID.

Early bird registration fee is 600 pesos for 3KM, 5KM, 10KM (until November 7).After that, it’s already 800 pesos.

Ms. Garcia enthuses: “Slots are going fast, so we encourage people to register as soon as possible.  In addition to the great items we’re giving away, all registrants will also get the chance to join a special raffle draw where the lucky winner gets two Cathay Pacific round-trip tickets to London.  The race winners in each category will each receive a non-transferable round-trip ticket to Hong Kong.”

I would say the 800 pesos registration fee is so worth it And of course, it is all for a good cause as HSBC’s 136th anniversary run will benefit Sa Aklat Sisikat Foundation (SAS), a non-profit foundation that promotes the love and habit of reading among Filipino children.

HSBC has been supporting SAS for the past eight years and their partnership has helped 650,000 students; 9,000 teachers; and 285 principals all over the country largely through two pioneering programs developed jointly by HSBC and SAS: the HSBC Principals Leadership Enhancement and Development (LEAD) Program (HSBC PLP) and Kinder College.

SAS Co-founder and Chairperson Lizzie E. Zobel says, “We are thrilled to have been chosen as HSBC’s beneficiary for this year’s run.  Our partnership with HSBC has been a long and productive one, and this latest show of support from them and Josie Natori will go a long way towards improving the quality and reach of public school education in the Philippines.”

This baby with an engine displacement of only 1.0 liter, is recognized as one of the most fuel efficient cars around and is intended for people who are buying cars for the first time. Retail price is only P439,000 and comes in the following colors: Silky Silver, Dazzling Red and Sunlight Copper Metallic.

I wish I can test drive this car or maybe own it So many power specs, it seems, in such a small body. These include a 5speed manual transmission, electronic power steering (EPS), front power windows, power door locks, AM/FM CD, MP3 audio system with aux port, full wheel caps, seat belts for all passengers and an engine immobilizer system. The manufacturer has also thrown in a 3-year, 100K warranty.   

Anyway, I expected the car launch to be like the car shows and it was! The event was all about the car and women! There were the usual dancing girls ….

The girls presenting the Suzuki Alto K10 in its full glory…

The emcee, DJ Angelicopter of Magic 89.9, in short shorts and also in her long-legged glory…

The top officials of Suzuki Philippines, president Satoshi Uchida and managing director Lyn Calderon, unveil the newest Alto. I was lucky to sit beside Ms Calderon, she was so nice More power to you guys!

“Where are the models?” I asked as I arrived late for the show, and then somebody from Campaigns & Grey told me not to worry because there’s a replay a few minutes later.Turns out there were no actual models because their images were already pre-recorded and projected on a dazzling video screen that was the height of the Microtel hotel in Mall of Asia. Wear 3D glasses for best effect. It was totally high tech! Here’s an idea of how the whole show looked like:

The 3D fashion show featured the latest collections from Bench:

In the booths, somebody demonstrated how clothes washed with Ariel are whiter and washes dirt way beyond the surface compared to other brands. And of course I believe them because we use Ariel at home

Spotted in white was Boy Abunda who hosted the program and is the top detergent’s celebrity endorser. Says he: ” I am privileged to have been one of the first to witness the 3D power of new Ariel 3D Deep Clean during its global launch in Dubai. I personally saw how Ariel used 3D technology to create a product that cleans even the deepest clothing layers. After that, I realized ordinary clean is no longer enough for our clothes. It has to be 3D Deep Clean by Ariel.”

We actually spent the night in Microtel MOA. My little girl woke up to this awesome view of the MOA grounds and Manila Bay from our 11th floor room. More of my hotel review in another post.

Resorts World Manila brings the world-famous adaptation of the hit Rogers & Hammerstein musical The Sound of Music beginning this Saturday, October 15 at the Newport Performing Theater. The show schedule is on Wednesday, Thursday & Friday at 8 pm; while on Saturdays and Sundays, it’s at 3 pm and 8 pm.

Tickets are reasonably priced at P1000 for balcony, P1300 (deluxe), P1700 (premiere), and P2000 (VIP). Too bad I missed the show’s preview recently but I promise to bring the whole family along when the musical proper begins. Sound of Music is recommended for the young and the young-at-heart, especially the kids who will surely be inspired by the talents of the Von Trapp Children (Atasha Muhlach, the other twin of Aga Muhlach and Charlene Gonzales is one of those performing).

Playing the role of Maria Rainer, the governess, is Joanna Ampil who played Miss Saigon in London, with Cris Villonco as alternate. Audie Gemora, on the other hand, portrays Captain Georg Von Trapp, with Ed Feist and Jon Joven as alternates.

Tickets are available at the Resorts World Manila Box Office and all TicketWorld outlets. For more inquiries, call 836-6333, 908-8833 or TicketWorld at 811-9999.

In photo: Famous cosplayer Pinky Xu Lun from Indonesia will grace Cosplay Mania ’11, the biggest gathering of cosplayers in the country this year.

Cosplay Mania ’11 kicks off at the SMX Convention Center on October 1 and 2. It is organized by veteran cosplayers from cosplay.ph, the country’s biggest online cosplay resource. Their partners in the project are Anime Festival Asia ’11, Animax, Cosplay Gen, Guidebook, Crypton Future Media, Bandai and Hobby Search.

Here’s what’s happening in the two-day event:

Cosplayers compete, pose, and perform onstage in the Project Cosplay Individual Cosplay and Group Cosplay Competitions, featuring over 150 individual cosplayers and 5 cosplay groups. This ever-popular competition is a sure crowd-pleaser. Who will be crowned the best
cosplayers? Find out at the event! ? The Costume Building Contest is where teams compete head-to-head to create robot costumes on-the-spot and within a 5 hour time limit. All materials are provided by the organizers and only valid tools are used and brought by the participants. Participants then have to compete in challenges designed to take their costumes to the limit!

- Groups of cosplayers do battle in a life-sized chessboard in the intense Cosplay Checkmate! Witness or join this fun and light battle between teams of cosplayers!

- Budding moviemakers create and submit their cosplay videos to compete in the CosTube Contest! Contestants’ creativity is put to the limit. May the best video win!

- The best cosplay photographs from the country’s top cosplay photographers are featured in an amazing photobook via the Cosplay Snapshot Project volume 2.

- Exhibitor booths in their very own hall offer everything a budding cosplayer wants… and more! Make sure you have your wallet and credit cards ready. You never know what bargains you might see here!

- The much awaited Cosplay Tournament of Champions (TORCH) II Grand Finals! The winner of the final round will not only receive prizes and the honor of being crowned the champion in this tournament, but will also represent the Philippines as its official entry to the Asian Regional Cosplay Championships in Anime Festival Asia ’11 in Singapore

Tickets to Cosplay Mania ’11 are available at all SM Cinemas or online at http://www.smtickets.com

I badly need to motivate myself, hence the desire to join these fun runs that seem to be sprouting like mushrooms everywhere. The Rexona Run 2011, held today, July 24, 2011, was my very first attempt to join a run. Overall verdict: it was fun! Mostly because there’s no pressure involved.

I walked and I ran and skirted through the finish line with a sore leg. 3K (for three kilometers) is the most basic you can do with these runs, but it was good enough for a noob like me. And with a little more practice, I think I can do the 5K soon…that’s hoping!

Thankfully, the weather was good today. Hubby & I woke up before 4 a.m. and a little after 5, we were at the venue. The grounds at the Mall of Asia were already full of people.

It’s nice to see the running community in the city very much alive and kicking. I noticed that family and friends use the occasion to gather together, and some even make it appear that they’re just hanging out in the mall.

Not missing from the action were the dog lovers who brought their dogs complete with racing bibs.I thought it was cute.

There were more than a hundred of us in the starting line for the 3K and 5K run. The 10K and 21K runners started earlier than us. For such a big event, everything was fairly organized. Kudos to Runrio!

This was my finisher’s kit which became pasalubong for the nanny. LOL.