Thursday, April 14, 2016

Azalea Hotels and Residences your Secret Haven in Baguio City!

"Make every trip to the City of Pines an experience to keep with a stay at Azalea Residences, Baguio’s first and only 4-star serviced apartment hotel that will make every family vacation, group getaway, or romantic retreat more memorable. Delight in Azalea’s modern and generously appointed hotel facilities that comes complete with kitchen equipment, dining and entertainment area." ~Azalea Hotels and Residences, Baguio


Azalea Baguio
7 Leonard Wood Loop, Baguio, 2600 Benguet (across Teachers’ Camp)
Mobile Numbers
0917 861 1641 and 0919 994 4140




Each visit brings a sense of nostalgia, and I look forward to discovering new corners of the city while reliving the familiar joys that make Baguio feel like home. We normally stay in a simple inn in which we only stay to sleep, take a bath, and of course leave some of our stuff to go roam around the city for our convenience. The crisp, cool air and the vibrant pine trees wrap around me like an old friend, reminding me of cherished memories. As I wander through the bustling markets and savor the local delicacies, I find that each visit deepens my connection to this enchanting city. The artistic spirit and warm smiles of the locals always invite me to explore further, ensuring that every trip feels like a new adventure.




On March 28, 2016, we arrived at Azalea Hotels and Residences, Baguio, and got checked in, and yes, the first impression was "WOW, ang laki hahaha." We didn't stop laughing for a few minutes; it was huge for the 2 of us, and the kitchen alone added some excitement to our stay. As we roam around, my first destination in the room is the balcony. Stepping onto the balcony, I was greeted by a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains and pine trees swaying gently in the breeze. The crisp air filled my lungs, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of tranquility wash over me as I took in the beauty of Baguio. 








I wanted to see the view from our room, and yes, it was just perfect; we are located at the center of the 5th floor. I could already envision the adventures we would embark on during our stay, and the excitement bubbled within me as I took in the breathtaking scene.





We stayed 3 days/2 nights at Azalea Hotels and Residences. At Azalea Hotels and Residences, everything inside the room was perfect.... especially for a couple!

In the morning we wake up early for breakfast at Tradisyon Cafe inside Azalea Hotels and Residences, and well, it was exactly what I wanted for breakfast.

When Filipinos travel, the search for the best food tops the list. Tradisyon brings you well-loved and familiar local and international food sought after by Filipinos on holiday.







Since they haven't arrived yet, we decided to take some photos around the vicinity of the hotel. 











 

 










While I and Joseph were roaming around taking pictures at the playground area, someone, a man in a "suit," came along telling us that we could stay inside the hotel. At first I thought we were not allowed to roam around or even outside the vicinity of Azalea Hotels and Residences. I told Him we are just waiting for the rest of the bloggers for the bloggers event. He then introduced himself as "Mr. Paul Kristian Fil Darang," and he will be one of the staff who will assist us for the bloggers event. 


 


As we went back inside the hotel at the reception area where 8 Degree Bar is situated, there was this cute girl who's also a blogger waiting for the rest of the bloggers. She introduced herself as Charlotte Anne de Peralta, or shortly "Char-Char," and she's originally from Baguio. How cool is that, right?




Finally around past 12pm the rest of the bloggers who came all the way from Manila arrived, perfect time for lunch. 




Our first itinerary destination of the day is to have lunch at Tradisyon Cafe, which is situated inside the Azalea Hotels and Residences. 

Seating Capacity: 70 persons
Operating Hours: 6 am to 10 pm daily
Menu: Filipino and International   






Let me make you starve with the delectable yummy lunch we had at Tradisyon Coffee Shop "Your Comfor Food".


Traditional Chicken Barbeque

Traditional Adobong Pusit

Traditional Squash and String Beans with Coconut Milk

Traditional Pork Sinigang

Traditional Beef Kare-Kare

Strawberry Cupcake



After our heavy yet delicious tummy lunch, we are guided to our designated room. We were advised that we will be sharing a room with Ms. Cherry Bells and Mrs. Nicole Paler, our roommates, for 3 days. 






And since we are a couple, we were given a room of our own—I mean, a room in a room—because our designated room comes with 2 bedrooms, a huge kitchen, separate bathrooms with a balcony just perfect for sunrise, and a sala area with a huge sofa bed. Let me show you some photos of our room for 3 days.









One of the surprising things we saw inside the room as we entered was this basket of fruits that welcomed us. How sweet is that?




 
We were given a few minutes to fix our things inside the room and be ready for our next itinerary, which is the tour inside Azalea Hotel and Residences itself. We get to see the lobby, the functions, the playground, and of course the different rooms they're offering, which are indeed surprisingly huge, perfect for a group of barkadas and/or families


Here are some of the photos of the different rooms
















We had a great Dinner after the days activities, here are some of the food we had:









As the saying goes, "Once you leave a place with a happy heart, it means your heart belongs to that place..." Indeed, I kind of left my heart at Azalea Hotels and Residences. I was fascinated with the style in our rooms; we had everything that we needed—spacious, and you merely don't even want to get out of the vicinity; the kitchen alone makes you feel at home... away from home.

Customer service was all perfect; they made us feel really at home without even feeling like we just had to stay for a while! We even received some goodies while we were away for our bloggers itinerary. How sweet is it?




I may not have had a chance to get to know each and every one of the bloggers, but I had fun during the event. Hoping that we could bond again; who knows, the next destination will be at Azalea Hotels and Residences, Boracay! Here are some of the photos: 





















This is one of the best hotels in Baguio. Though it's a little bit pricey, it's still highly recommended. The place is secluded and very quiet, and the ambiance is great. The front officers are very friendly and accommodating. The rooms have kitchenettes, so you are like living in a condo.

First, this place is secluded. Ample parking, very safe, quiet, and very easy to check in. Booking this hotel was easy. The buffet breakfast was average. 


I HIGHLY RECOMMEND AZALEA HOTELS AND RESIDENCES, BAGUIO. I WILL SURELY STAY HERE ONCE AGAIN WHEN I WANNA HIDEAWAY FROM THE CITY!


Tuesday, April 12, 2016

Jr.NBA and Jr.WNBA Presented by Alaska search for best basketball players’ continues in Manila

After covering Jr.NBA and Jr.WNBA in Baguio, comes Jr.NBA and Jr.WNBA in Manila. Yes it's the final destination of selections. The last destination were in Manila for the lucky boys and girls to continue for the National Training Camp on April 22-24, 2016.
The Jr.NBA and Jr.WNBA Presented by Alaska continues its search for the best basketball players in the country when it holds its last Regional Selection Camp at the Don Bosco Institute, Makati on April 9 and 10.

Boys and girls may join the search for the ten best boy and five best girl basketball players who will become members of the Jr.NBA and Jr.WNBA All-Star team. There is also a search for the boy and girl coaches who will handle the two teams.

The All-Star Team will travel overseas for their NBA experience trip together with fellow Jr. NBA All-Stars from Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam and Indonesia. The 2015 Jr. NBA All-Stars traveled to China to watch the NBA Global Games in Shenzhen featuring the Charlotte Hornets and the L.A. Clippers.

It is free and open to boys and girls ages 10 to 14 years old (born 2002 to 2006). Interested parties may register at the venue in Don Bosco Institute in Makati or online through www.jrnba.asia/philippines.  

The Jr. NBA and Jr. WNBA Presented by Alaska is one of Alaska Milk’s programs that shape, train, challenge and inspire children to achieve their dreams and aspirations in life.
“These holistic programs train children to be confident, disciplined and hardworking because Alaska Milk Corporation aims to prepare them to be winners in life in the future. This year’s program includes new locations such as Batangas, Catanduanes and Cavite to reach more children and coaches and discover the best basketball players across the country,” said Blen Fernando, Marketing Director.

The 2011 National Nutrition Survey conducted by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) revealed that three out of ten children aged 5-10 years were underweight while eight out of one hundred children of the same age were overweight, making malnutrition and obesity two of the most pressing nutritional problems in the Philippines today.
The Jr.NBA and Jr.WNBA presented by Alaska is under Alaska Milk’s Nutrition.Action. Champion program. It helps address the issue of overweight and undernourished Filipino children with the promotion of proper nutrition and active lifestyle through sports and outdoor play.

This year’s program started with the tip-off at in the same venue last Jan. 23. School clinics, that teach the fundamentals of basketball, will run in April with stops in Bukidnon, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Dagupan, Davao, Iloilo, Metro Manila and Puerto Princesa. New locations include Batangas, Catanduanes and Cavite.

Other than Manila, the Regional Selection Camps were also held at Davao City, Cebu City and Baguio City.  The top 50 boys and 24 girls from the Regional Selection Camps will advance to the final selection stage in the National Training Camp in Manila on April 22-24.
NBA and WNBA players or legends will attend the National Training Camp to help train and inspire the finalists. The program will culminate with the selection of ten Jr. NBA and five Jr. WNBA All-Stars.

More than 36,000 players and 2,700 coaches have participated in the program since it started in the Philippines in 2007. During the 2015-16 season, the Jr. NBA and Jr. WNBA program will reach more than 6.5 million youth in 32 countries.

The Jr. NBA and Jr. WNBA is the league’s global youth basketball participation program for boys and girls which teaches the fundamental skills as well as the core values of the game at the grassroots level in an effort to help grow and improve the youth basketball experience for players, coaches and parents.
8 GIRLS WHO QUALIFIED FOR THE 
NATIONAL TRAINING CAMP:
Dianne Camille Nolasco
Lalaine Gonzales 
Carly Monreal 
Lindsey Nacional 
Magda Lioui Flores 
Ma Cecilia Quilenderino 
Princess Marie Villarin 
Jonalyn Bongalos
16 BOYS WHO QUALIFIED FOR THE 
NATIONAL TRAINING CAMP:
Mark Glenn Gabon 
Luis Gabriel Aguila 
Anjelo Raphael Argente 
Jhondhel Austria 
Jearico Nunez 
Kai Zachary Sotto 
Andrei Philip Lechoncito 
Mark Nicole Lucban 
Reich Randell Villegas 
Prince Junnell De Belen 
Pauloh Villarin 
Patrick Lance Inting 
Jericho Ross Paglinawan 
Miguel Rey Luis Tan 
Devon Dein Diez 
Russel Ducanes

For general information about Jr. NBA and Jr. WNBA Philippines presented by Alaska please visit www.jrnba.asia/philippines, www.alaskamilk.com, and   www.alaskapowercamp.com/basketball.

Thursday, April 7, 2016

SUPER AFTERNOONS WITH SUPERDUDES AT CENTURY CITY MALL

Superdudes children's book creator Stevie Nicholson holds a book signing, show and VIP workshop on April 16 at the Century City Mall Event Center
It's going to be a truly super summer for kids as Century City Mall host Superdudes, live at the mall's fifth level Event Center on April 16.




Having 2 nephews and a boy cousin excites the child in theme, i could just imagine how imaginary and powerpack whatever their minds are thinking they could also be Super heroes on their own "World". For a change having Superdudes is really a different way being superheroes because with the illustrations kids will surely enjoy and visualize what the book is all about.
The book is available at all Fully Book Stores this April.

Superdudes is a funny and quirky children's book created by Stevie Nicholson, a member of the well-loved Australian children's musical group Hi-5. The book, with illustrations by Nick Rudich, focuses on capturing the imagination of children in a playful and engaging way and is based on the philosophy that absolutely anyone and anything can be Super!
On April 16, enjoy the ultimate Superdudes experience with a Show and Workshop featuring Stevie Nicholson and the Superdudes in a fun-filled stage show! Ticket cost Php 1,500.00 admits 1 child and 1 adult, and comes with a free Php 1,500.00 worth of Century City Mall Gift Certificates.
Tickets are available at www.ticketworld.com.ph . The Concierge booth at the ground level of Century City Mall will also offer tickets starting April 4. For further inquiries call the Century City Mall Concierge at 705-6200 loc. 111/112.
So come along on an adventure and meet Stevie together with Pencil PirateFlutterby and Bubble Trouble!

Tuesday, April 5, 2016

FOOD TASTINGS WITH “SUMMER PICNIC EATS” FOOD RECIPE'S

This 2016 First Food Tastings event, and celebrating their first issue for the year, 'Have Fun With Bread', held 'Summer Picnic Eats' with culinary experts and chefs, who showed FOOD magazine friends and fans how to make easy, delicious dishes and drinks that are perfect for summer, and for fun times with your family and friends!
ABS-CBN Publishing's Food Magazine is back with fresh ideas for summer picnics with an afternoon of cooking demos with top culinary experts last April 3, Sunday at The Block, SM City North Edsa.

Now on its fourth leg, "Food Tastings" is a series of free cooking classes for kitchen-savvy people and food lovers who are hungry not just for delicious food but for learning as well.

Taking you behind the scenes with your favorite food authorities are:

CHEF JOHNLU KOA OF FRENCH BAKER
Demonstrated how to make French classics Croque Monsieur and Croque Madame using the excellent breads from French Baker.

CHEF PORTIA BALUYUT OF LIFESTYLE NETWORK
Lifestyle Network's of 'A Pinch of Portia' and Isabelo Garden Restaurant used luxuriously rich Arla cream to make refreshingly delicious Coffee Bubble Cooler.

CELEBRITY CHEF TATUNG SARTHOU
Cooked Chilled Summer Spaghetti, using assorted fruits, making it perfect for the summer heat.

CHEF EAU LAUTRISO OF BAKER'S MAISON
Healthy sandwich filings, for Italian Ciabatta, and Dried Mangoes and Chicken Baguette.

CHEFS KHAROLYN ANG AND LIEZL LUCENA 
OF KUMORI JAPANESE CAFE
Showed us how to make scrumptious breads from scratch, like Ham and Mushroom Bun and Creamy Peach Brioche.

CHEF DIANNE KIETH DINO OF CAFE SHIBUYA
Put together Sticky Toffee Dessert Baby, an unabashedly decadent dessert that's similar to the Honey Milk Toast we featured on the cover for Issue # 1 of FOOD magazine in 2016!

Special thanks to Generous sponsors:
Arla
Moulinex
The French Baker
Kumori Japanese Bakery
Baker's Maison
Café Shibuya
Brownies Unlimited
And our official venue partner, SM North EDSA.

Follow Food Magazine at:

In celebration of Food Magazine’s 20th anniversary, “Food  Tastings”  is presented  by  Food Magazine  and  Lifestyle  Network

Wednesday, March 16, 2016

TRIMAC COACHING

Have you ever been in a Trimac Sports before such as Running - Swimming - Biking... Extreme isn't it? Yet possible. Witht he proper training and guide from a coach you will surely conquer all 3 sports activities and who knows be part of Philippine Sports representative of our country....

Top coach launches triathlon program for all.
One of the country’s top triathlon coaches, Jojo Macalintal, will launch a curriculum for beginner, intermediate and advance triathletes in a bid to complement the country’s campaign to send Filipino triathletes to future Olympic Games.
There will be a three-month program for each category where participants are prepared according to their fitness levels, Macalintal, owner and founder of Trimac Coaching, announced during the launch of the program at Earth Kitchen in Bonifacio Global City on Friday.
The program begins on April 4 at the AS parking lot in at the University of the Philippines Diliman in Quezon City.
Popularly known in the triathlon community as Coach Jomac, Macalintal has 18 years of experience in triathlon coaching and competition. Coach Jomac has been in every nook and cranny of the sport as competitor, coach and oprganizer. 
‘‘As local triathlon grows, Trimac would like to extend its knowledge to help provide solid basic skills and hone talents,’’ Macalintal said during the press launch. Macalintal has coached scores of triathletes in all levels and ages -- from beginners to elite and national athletes and from youngsters to seniors.
The program can accommodate affiliated and non-affiliated triathletes who wish to improve. Assisted by a pool of coaches, Macalintal will not only train beginners and turn them into triathletes; he will also train triathletes to be more competitive.

"Anyone can be a triathlete. Kids, students, housewives and mothers, and office workers and even whole families who aim just to be physically fit can swim, bike and run any distance, from sprints and mini-sprints to Olympic and Ironman distances under a good triathlon coach with a good program,''Macalintal said.

If they wish to, trainees may qualify as members of Team Trimac, one of the oldest and most active triathlon teams in the country.

Macalintal is certified as coach by the International Triathlon Union (ITU) and was selected Coach of the Year twice, in 2011 and 2012, by the swimbikerun.ph, the country’s most popular multisport website. His team Trimac was Triathlon Team of the Year in 2011 and his program continues to churn out top-level age-group and elite and youth triathletes.

Also a certified spinning and TRX instructor, Macalintal also turned promising youths into national pool triathletes under the pioneering Trimac Kids program. Currently, he overseas the grassroots Batang Tri program, which trains poor but promising youths under the sponsorship of Seafood Island with the support of other sponsors like Brooks Running.

Trimac Coaching hopes to help a lot of newcomers at the sport with this program. After observing the impressive performances of youngsters in the IronKids part of the recent Century Tuna Ironman 70.3 Triathlon in Subic last weekend, Macalintal said it won’t be long before the country’s ever-growing triathlon community will produce a competitor who will compete in the Olympic Games.

Corporate supporters of the program are Brooks, TYR, Gu Gels, Apotheca, KLEAN and Unilab Active Health.