My 1st Blogapalooza Experience.

What is Blogapalooza?  It is simply the biggest bloggers meet-up event there is!  Bloggers of all shapes and sizes, young and old, new and tenured will join together for this annual gathering.  This is a chance for bloggers to meet unseen friends for a time or create new networks or listen to topics being discussed or simply have fun with the games all through -out the venue.

Here is my story:

This was my 1^st Blogapalooza and I didn’t know what to expect.  Armed with my business cards, camera and a calendar of schedule to maintain, off I went to SM Aura – SMX Convention Hall.

The first person I saw when I entered the registration foyer was the person that made me do blogging.  After a civil hi-hello scenario, I got my bag, name tag and a sticker game from Eat Out Manila.  Once inside the venue hall, what you’ll see were booths, booths and booths!  The place was filled with booths of various businesses’ showing support to the event.  Booths were filled with product displays, games, foods and goodie items.  My first booth for that day was with Caronia!  Why? Because they are one business that is in partnership with Ballet Philippines and I love Ballet Philippines!  They were there to promote their “Blue Moon Series”.  Three new colors that will reflect your artistic side (read my blog entry http://icemagehigh.blogspot.com/2014/10/pr-caronia-nail-polish-blue-moon.html – a PR release from CaroniaPH.) . From there, it was a simple hop-step-hop action from one booth to the next.

I will be honest when I say that I never listened to any of the talks.  I know all the talks given that day are helpful to all bloggers, old and new alike, but with all the activities around you . . . let us be real.  There were food to be tasted, slots to be signed and games to be played; it was like going thru a bazaar!

I would like to say “Thank you!” to all businesses who took time to be part of Blogapalooza.  I may not be able to mention all but I will try . . .

                THANK YOU TO:

-          Max Restaurant                  -   EasyTaxi                            -   Fukuda          

-          House of Lasagna               -   Canon_PH                         -   Krispy Kreme

-          Chef’s Noodle                      -   AMPR                                -   Zing Rewards

-          Yellow Cab                          -   Fuji Film                             -   Acer

-          Chook’s to Go                      -   Sky Cable                           -   Maxicare

-          El Diablo                             -    Our Awesome Planet           -   Blue Water Spa

-          Niu by Vikings                     -   Zomato                               -   The Sample Room

-          Caronia                                -   Dylon                                 -   Crocs

-          Bioessence                           -   Ah!                                      -   SPI Health & Nutrition

-          Essays.Ph                            -   LookItsAboutMe.com

Thank you for letting us know you and vice-versa!

I did mentioned that food were present that day and House of Lasagna (HOL) , Chooks-To-Go and Niu by Vikings knows how to make things fun for bloggers!  The Chooks-To-Go is one fun booth; for friends or solo it matters not!  All you have to do is embrace the concept of fun and enjoy what will happen next (To have a feel of my Chooks-To-Go booth experience, read my blog post about it http://icemagehigh.blogspot.com/2014/10/a-tent-and-bucket-of-fun-at-chooks-to.html).  HOL offers authentic and tasty lasagna.  True to say it was served cold already but I can still taste some of the herbs used.  The flavors were rich!  I have to visit their store and have that lasagna HOL experience!  Niu by Vikings is another thing.  All I can say is, you have to go here and have that buffet dining experience transformed and raised to a whole new level. (Read my Niu experience http://icemagehigh.blogspot.com/2014/10/an-all-niu-experience.html)

Another fun booth, for me, was the Blue Water Day Spa.  Why?  Because I was the first participant of their game and I won a jacket from them on the first throw!  Talk about logic and wrist control.   The good part, the look on their faces after my initial throw – they can’t believe it!  Add to that the shrieking moment before I threw the ball; I happen to bumped into an old friend –now blogger Ros Raymundo.  If you want to know the different services that Blue Water Day Spa has, visit their place at Annapolis St in Greenhills or send them an email at www.bluewaterdayspa.com

Being a Canon user, I have to look into the booth of Canon and see what they have to offer.  The booth was simple in terms of presentation.  Product display and photo wall was all there was but they sure know how to treat those loyal users!  They gave a photo-diary, an ID lace and a bag tag, plus a moment in their photo wall to all Canon users (as long as you have your camera with you).  After the event, I am hoping to be invited in their product review sessions in the future. (Read the posted PR of Canon in my blog http://icemagehigh.blogspot.com/2014/10/pr-canon-pushes-envelope-on-image.html and https://icemagehigh.blogspot.com/2014/10/pr-canon-launches-powershot-sx520-hs.html)  Near to them is the Acer booth.  Acer is now offering to the market their line of smart phones.  It is light and easy to use.  You can check out their products and follow them thru their Facebook page (Acer Philippines). 

Thank you Canon!

There were two booths that I were truly note worthy, not because of their freebies but because of the uniqueness of their product – such was the case of LookItsAboutMe.com and the people behind the product – such was the case of SPI Health & Nutrition manufacturer and distributor of Lactium Food Supplement. 

Everybody is special and deserves something special from someone. – driving line of LookItsAboutMe.com, I would say.  This group is geared to make someone feel special for years to come by immortalizing them thru a book.  They create hardcover books that are personalized that it includes the person’s name, age, hobbies, relatives or friends throughout the story of your choice.   From stories under the sea and beyond the stars, it is up to you to choose.  This is one way of leading a child to enjoy the art of reading and not be totally hooked with television.  I am not saying that television is bad, what I am trying to say is not to lose that art of holding and reading a physical book.   It’s technically a good children’s gift but you may try having one for yourself and be a kid again.

The other booth I mentioned note worthy because of the people or in this case – a person behind the drive for their product to be known- is the booth of SPI Health & Nutrition.  They took part in the event by introducing Lactium Food Supplement, a new drug in the market that is designed to give you a good sleep.  Knowing that bloggers do have a stressful lifestyle, with events to cover and articles to post, what better way to introduce this new food supplement, right?  Not only is this good for those with an active lifestyle but it is also to those with ailment but needs relaxation such as epileptic patients. –such was the concept transferred to me by Mrs. Maila Robles, Marketing Manager of SPI.   The angle of epileptic patients using this medication is a personal experience for Maila, for she has a child who is epileptic.  She started giving this medication to her child early this year and she already witnessed some changes – shorter epileptic attack and a more adjusted lifestyle for the child.  It was such a good feeling experience to meet a person who is driven with conviction about a product and know the reason behind that conviction.

My Blogapalooza experience was cut short because of commitments made but it was still fun!  People met, games played, businesses known at that time and friends that you don’t get to see every day were factors worth your time when going to Blogapalooza.  Again, THANK YOU to all businesses present then; I am enjoying my loot!

I am definitely going and looking forward to the next Blogapalozza in the years to come!

Photos:

Me at various booths

Some of the participating booths:

Some of the actions happening:

My stash for the day: (THANK YOU!)

A Tent and a Bucket of Fun at the Chooks-To-Go Booth - A Blogapalooza Experience

True that there are some activities designed for friends to have fun together and there are some designed for individuals.  But what if you have both conditions at hand, what type of activity do you set-up?  Is it for individuals or for more than one? Tough question especially if you have a limited space and expecting a big crowd.

During the Blogapalooza 2014, #BountyFreshChooks-To-Go booth was one fun-challenged full activity area.  Their booth has a set-up of games that are motion sensitive and for you to play and you need first to sign-up.  I was hesitant at first to sign-up since I was alone and was not comfortable in making a spectacle of myself but after a second or two I decided to sign-up and do the games.  My reason for signing-up . . .the low crowd at that moment.  After signing up, I positioned myself at the game area and waited for the machine selected games that have to play.

My games were:  Hole in the Wall, Up up and Away and their version of Fruit Ninja but instead of fruits and bombs you get chicken and bottles of hot sauce.

Hole in the Wall?  I mean, I am familiar of this game because of the game show with the same name, but how am I going to do it with a screen in front of me?  Lo and behold!  I have to assume to exact shape given and make sure it fits the shape as it goes nearer.  It is not just a simple shape formation.  I have to be at the exact angle that the shape asked me to be.  This calls for balance and sharpness of eyes.  Why sharpness?  Because you may have the right shape but if you are not at the exact level as shown in the screen then you will not fit the figure.  It was hard!  Talk about balance and precision!

The Up, up and Away game calls for a strong set of arms.  Not because you have to carry someone but because you need tomake your flapping motion big to be detected by the sensors.  The aim is to make the Chooks-To-Go character fly and remain flying – my initial thought about this game.  I was right to a point.  The real aim is to make the character fly till it reaches the finish line flag.  I was an inch away but I ran out of time.  Grrrr! 

I earned 3 stars already with my score after playing the 2^nd game.

Their Chooks-To-Go version of the game Fruit Ninja is a tad frustrating for me.  For Fruit Ninja you have your fingers and a pad to work with.  With them, it’s a sensor and that big screen and I wasn’t able to figure out immediately the exact perimeters of the sensor.   I could be wild with my fingers in Fruit Ninja but with this one, one needs to be precise on how you swing your arms.  After hitting 3 bottles, I was dead! (huhuhu! L )

A copy of the my souvenir pic as I play the game 

I may have been chopped liver with the last game; the people in the booth do know how to make you smile afterwards.  They gave me an image of myself while I was holding the 1^st shape in the Hole in the Wall game!  How was I able to say it was the 1^st game?  Look at my foot position; that was how precise one should be when playing that game!  Add to the picture, they even gave me a bucket of treat that I was able to share with my family.  That is one thing that I like with #Chooks-To-Go, the chicken is cooked well that you have no fear of spoilage and the flavors is packed right!  I got the bucket treat at around 2:00pm and I got home at sometime before midnight.  After placing it at the ref and heating it up for lunch the next day, the chicken is still tasty and delicious to eat.  Juices oozed out from it as it was heated.  And true to what they claim "Masarap kahit walang sarsa!"

I may have gone solo in the games but I was with the people that matters with me when it comes to sharing and eating the treat that #Chooks-To-Go has given me.  Thank you Bounty Fresh Chooks-To-Go!

An All Niu Experience!

If you want to have a totally elevated buffet experience, then come and enjoy what #NiubyVikings has to offer.  This is buffet style and fine dining into one and when I say this is a new buffet experience, it is truly a new experience.

Located at the 6^th level of SM Aura, Niu by Vikings is the latest food place to be.  The concept of buffet dining is elevated to the level of hotel or fine dining per se.  The seating area is well designed and bears chairs that are plushed and comfortable at the same time.   The whole area is well lit but not glaringly bright.  For big groups who wish for a little privacy, have no fear for they have 3 dining rooms that can house a good number of people.  For a small party, 5 or less, privacy can still be achieved when you take a spot by the back part of the dining area.  That area is designed to have an alcove style of seating with 2 high-back chairs that can be used as “curtain”.

To elevate it more, a baby grand piano is situated off center of the whole room; something that one will expect from a fine dine establishment or a classy jazz bar but definitely not with a buffet styled restaurant.  The ceiling is a mix of white and black arches or waves, making it modern and at the same time with taste.  Same can be said with the staff.  They are all dressed in black with hi-lights of silverfish white.  The way the females were attired reminds me of a certain hotel’s outfit – I guess it is due to the long skirt similarity between the two.

Thinking as to how the different stations were positioned, I would say there is logic to it.  Near the entrance is the dessert station.  For sweet tooth’s, you don’t have to go far!  Pastries of all shapes and colors made available to all.  A sundae machine is also present and definitely beside it are the different types of sprinkles available that day.  Why do I say it was logical?  If you are a family with kids coming in, you don’t have to go far to have a seat of your choice, you will definitely pick a spot where your kids can be distracted long enough for you to enjoy eating.  As far as I know, there are only two things that will keep a kid occupied – toys and sweets.   Next to it is the Japanese station, followed by the bar/drinks area, continued by the Asian line, then the Euro-American line.  Since the offering during that short tour was limited, it did not deter me in having that niu experience.  Again following the logical train of thoughts on the set-up, the alcove seating is near the back part of the establishment for more soothing music from the piano and intimacy.

How different is Niu  from its predecessor Vikings?

Here are the things that I have noticed:

-          Niu has bolder flavors and entries that you haven’t thought of possible in fine dining is made available here. (Try the sisig appetizer)

-          The selections are more diverse but presented elegantly.

-          A drink area that bears a good selection of wines and juices.  You can even try their signature creations. 

-           Ambiance!

-          The waiting area is bigger with a big reception table.

-          Function rooms made available.

Similarities:

-          Friendly people.

-          Colorful food presentation.

-          Good food.

Is it worth to have the #Niuexperience ?  The answer is YES! It is special food presented elegantly, set in a place that thinks of your comfort and need, and with people willing to help you to make your dining experience worthwhile.  If you plan to make someone feel special, then there is no other place worthy but Niu by Vikings.   

Photos:

(All photos used were personally taken by me during the tour)

Sweet offerings:

Savory offerings:

Sisig sampler

Lechon Kawali Asian Style

Add caption

The Drink Area:

Create a concoction or . . .

Choose from their wine offerings or . . .

Simply get one from their juice line

The Interior:

One of the function rooms

Bar area

Japanese Cuisine Area

Dining Area

Dining Area

To All, A Call to Love From-LGBT Family

Attending events is but one task of a blogger.  Writing and sharing about the experience is the main task of any credible blogger.  When one encounters an event that is close to one’s heart, the task evolves to something close to being an advocate.  Such was the case when I attended the press preview of this year’s Metro Manila Pride Season celebration.

Task Force Pride (TFP), the official convener of the annual community-driven Metro Manila Pride Season launched their #ComeOutForLove campaign this October.  This is a 3-month celebration that calls to not only that part of the LGBT community but also those who supports them as well.  “Through this campaign, we want to emphasize the significant impact that coming out in support of your LGBT loved ones has on people’s lives.  This campaign tells the families, friends, teachers, co-workers and all the allies of LGBT people that because of their support, life as an LGBT person in the Philippines is a little easier, a little brighter and a little more loving.” – says Nicky H. Castillo, Campaign Head of TFP.

Nicky Castillo, Campaign Head of TFP

Being a part of the LGBT community, I do understand the need of having people around you give you love and support.  It is something that we all need, something that is common to us all - LOVE.  Regardless of gender orientation, everybody needs and deserves love.  That is why this year’s theme is #ComeOutForLove Kasi  Pag-ibig pa Rin! – a theme so applicable to all; members, supporters, families and even those who cannot tolerate us. 

Guest speakers were present during the press preview and one of them was a former stage-mate decades ago, Ms Lisa Dino – partner of Aiza Seguerra.  In all honestly, it was a surprise for me to see one another during the said event.  I am not one to follow showbiz happenings and seeing her and knowing there that her partner is a known personality, was a pleasant shock for me.  Knowing part of her story and seeing her now; it only shows that love knows no boundaries.

Guess speaker: Lisa Dino

After hearing part of her story about her present relationship, I just have to ask myself about my life.  I guess my mother tolerated me but I am please to say that my father accepted me for what I am long before he passed away.  It was not a spoken thing but his actions showed his acceptance.  A story shared by an uncle came to mind – it was in a clan gathering and I decided to join in by hosting what was happening then.  Holding the stage were me, an uncle and a cousin and we were all gays.  An uncle of mine teased my father of the set-up and his response was simply a smile and a laugh.  

When we talk about love, we talk about not only the feeling but also the need of every one.  Love is universal thus it is present in each and every one of us.  When love is used to hurt someone deliberately, that is not love but selfishness.  When we love, we give, we share we nurture.  When we become self-centered, we can hurt others, think of simply of one self and reject others.  There is no “I” in love nor “U” but there is always:

 L – Laughter

 O –Obedience

            V – Values

 E – Empathy

This November an exhibit is to be made by noted photographer, Niccolo Cosme, based on selected stories and subjects from the online submission.  An All Families Day and a Solidarity Soiree are to be held this November too!   All this is to come to a peak in December with the annual Pride March and street party – now back in Malate, Manila!

Come and show your support as we celebrate the life of Lesbians, Gays, Bi and Transgender/Sexual and the people around them.  Join in this 3-months celebration by being part of the activities, donating or simply smiling at the sidelines but if you truly love us, then there is no reason to fear but fear itself.  It is about time that your voice joins ours as we call for love.    

TFP

PR: House of Lasagna - The Authentic and Delicious Tasting Lasagna in Town

HOUSE OF LASAGNA is an Italian-inspired restaurant which opened in J. Abad Santos Street, Little Baguio, San Juan City on  February 5, 2009.  It is owned by a corporation together with Chef Frederick Congmon, a young and passionate chef who hails from the famous Congmon clan of Cebu – owner of the ubiquitous Sunburst Fried Chicken restaurant chain in Visayas and Mindanao. 

HOUSE OF LASAGNA is named as such because it boasts of mouth-watering lasagnas teeming with oozing cheeses and savory herbs, served piping hot straight out of the oven with unlimited garlic bread on the side.  There are six (6) lasagna variants on the menu:  Beef, Chicken, Carbonara, Seafood, Pesto and Vegetable. 

In April 2012 and 2013, HoL’s Beef Lasagna was rated #1 in the Top Ten List of Meat Lasagnas by Spot.ph: Your One-Stop Urban Lifestyle Guide to the Best of Manila.  This serves as an affirmation of Chef Erick’s dedication to provide his customers with really good food.

HOUSE OF LASAGNA opened its 2^nd branch at the Cyberpod 2 Building of Eton Centris Walk along EDSA corner Quezon Avenue last October 2012. The 3^rd branch just opened last July 24, 2013 in V-Mall Garden, Greenhills Shopping Center. Openings this year 2014 include a Shanghai China branch and SM Megamall

HOUSE OF LASAGNA – SAN JUAN BRANCH

Unit 1-B, G&L Building,

J. Abad Santos St. corner V. Cruz St.

Little Baguio, San Juan City

Contact Nos.: (02)570-8610 or 0917-9716149

HOUSE OF LASAGNA – QUEZON CITY BRANCH

Unit D, G/F Cyberpod 2 Building

EDSA corner Quezon Avenue, Quezon City

Contact No.: (02)709-7004

HOUSE OF LASAGNA – V-MALL, GREENHILLS BRANCH

Ground Floor, V-Mall Garden

Greenhills Shopping Center, Ortigas

Contact No.: (02)571-3852

HOUSE OF LASAGNA – SM MEGAMALL BRANCH

Lower Ground Floor, Building A

Edsa, Mandaluyong City

Photos:

(All photos used are provided by HOL)