Sizzling Sichuan Hot Pot in Lapu-Lapu City

I just discovered the newest sizzling authentic Sichuan Hot Pot in Lapu-Lapu City.

Sichuan Hot Pot is at the second floor of the Island Central Mall. It serves different types of steaming soupy broths with a variety of raw ingredients for the diners to cook making more meal time that enhances human bonding.

It offers fresh vegetables, chicken, pork and beef but what makes it particularly special is their Sichuan broth covered in a deep slice of chile oil in which dried red chiles, Sichuan peppercorns and various other spices churn around. This will definitely satiate your hot and spicy cravings, of course, depending on your hotness level. Be ready to sweat it.

Hotpot is good for both cold and hot weather. Eating hotpot can warm the body and improve circulation during a cold rainy day and increase perspiration to help cool the body during a hot sunny day.

With it’s world-renowned spicy hotpot, you might think it is the only dish they can offer, but this isn’t so, in fact my favorite dish, the Chongqing-style dry-fried mala chicken, will surely be a best seller.

Check out their Promo: Php 498/Head for Unlimited Shabu-Shabu. Promo is valid from August 17 to 20, 2023 only.

Air Asia’s All-In-One SuperApp Launched in the Philippines

Planning your travel can be a daunting task. It’s like entering a magical realm where Google Maps and Excel spreadsheets reign supreme, and your once-simple dream vacation transforms into a labyrinth of flights, accommodations, and more travel insurance options than you have fingers (and trust me, that’s a good thing). As you dive headfirst into the world of booking, budgeting, and praying that your chosen destination has WiFi, you quickly realize that trip planning is like trying to fold a fitted sheet – theoretically possible, but in practice, it feels like herding caffeinated squirrels through a maze of paperwork. Fear not, intrepid traveler, someone is listening all our woes from the treacherous waters of itinerary creation, luggage Tetris, and the eternal struggle to pack ‘just enough’ underwear.

Capital A, formerly AirAsia Group, officially launched its new all-in-one travel superapp — the airasia Super App. From being an airline, it has since made the transition to becoming one of Southeast Asia’s top online travel agencies, offering services beyond just booking flights, such as locating the coziest hotels and figuring out the quickest way to get there, and finding the best online shopping bargains.

All of this is made incredibly simple by the airasia Superapp, and you are rewarded for it. You may find tickets and flights with more than 700 airlines, hotels, and transit alternatives worldwide in only a few taps. Get the app now.

Ensure a comfortable stay using the airasia Super App. With so many hotel alternatives, you can quickly explore and compare pricing, amenities, and customer reviews. The airasia Superapp has a special feature called SNAP, it combines flights and hotels into one incredible bundle. With SNAP, you may get fantastic offers and save a lot of money on your travel bills. Imagine finding the perfect airfare and seamlessly bundling it with a hotel that matches your preferences, all with a few clicks. It’s a winning mix that provides you with more money to spend on great experiences.

Another feature that caught my attention is its rewards system. I like it that it give rewards to the loyal. (ehem) Every booking and transaction within the airasia superapp earns you points. Airasia points are equivalent to cash and can be redeemed for a variety of travel benefits such as cheap flights, hotel upgrades, other airline benefits, and even freebies. The points you earn can be traded for loyalty programs, which you can offer to family and friends as a gift. More travel more points to be used for your next travel. Nice!

International Travel Festival 2023 in Ayala Center Cebu

Resurfacing and revitalizing the tourism industry is the primordial task in reviving the Philippine economy. You can help our country by giving in to you travel cravings.

This year the International Travel Festival (ITF2023) will hold its 8th edition of fun and great travel deals.

Organizers announced that there will be a lot of local destinations like high-end and farm resorts joining the festival. International hotels are also doing exhibits offering big discounts for your future stays.

The Travel Festival (ITF2023) will take the spot light on March 24-26, 2023 at Ayala Center Cebu with the theme “ Exactly What You Need “.

Official hashtags to follow in social media:

#ITF2023

#MyEventology

#ExactlyWhatYouNeed

The largest Skechers Store opens in Ayala Center Cebu

Skechers, The Comfort Technology Company™, is continuing its expansion in the Philippines with the opening of its largest store in the country at Ayala Center Cebu.

Skechers Ayala Center Cebu

The store will be a showpiece for the brand and allow more Cebuanos to directly experience the comfort, style and innovation that defines Skechers around the world.

Photo taken during the ribbon cutting ceremony

Skechers is located on the 1st Floor of Ayala Center Cebu in Cebu City, it features a mid-century modern style inspired design, opening the interior space to bring in the outdoors. The 3,400-square-foot store will offer a wide range of Skechers footwear, apparel and accessories including fashion product, lifestyle looks and Skechers Performance shoes.

There are so many designs to choose from, for sport enthusiasts, they offer Skechers GO WALK, one of the brand’s best-selling categories. Skechers is also offering its enhanced company’s signature comfort innovations—including its patented Skechers Arch Fit Technology™, Skechers Max Cushioning Technology™, Skechers Hyper Burst Technology™, Skechers Air-Cooled Memory Foam®, Skechers Relaxed Fit Technology™ and Skechers Stretch Fit Technology™.

@iamethelbert on TikTok

The Skechers arch fit is good for flat footed or for those who are suffering from plantar fasciitis. For me, I love the Skechers Max Cushioning Ultra. It really dampens the impact of the floor to the body. It literally feels like you’re walking on air. It is super light weight making it great for walking and running.

Thank you, Skechers Philippines.

Skechers USA Philippines, Inc. is operated by Skechers USA, Inc. (NYSE:SKX), The Comfort Technology Company based in Southern California. Skechers designs, develops and markets a diverse range of lifestyle and performance footwear, apparel and accessories for men, women and children. For more information, please visit about.skechers.com and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

Turtle Eight Filipino Restaurant

At first, when I heard about it, I thought it was a hostel but when I finally set foot on its door, I was surprised how classy and posh this filipino restaurant at the ground floor of J Centre Mall occupying the vacated space of the defunct Neo Neo Restaurant.

Their elaborate bar welcomes diners with a promise of good celebrations ahead. The wood furniture and wrought iron accents set off a warmth balance with the high-toned atmosphere that the lit hanging chadeliers proffered— I thought I was in a very sophisticated steakhouse. Their mini wine cellar highlights the restaurant’s dedication to provide good drinks and cocktails for whatever occasion.

The food arrived timely. It was all-filipino on the menu, or at least filipino inspired. They serve the kind of food you grow up with— home food with a better ambiance.

We started with a triumvirate of filipino vegetable salads: Langka, Talong, and Guso. It is almost impossible not to stimulate your appettite with If something sour and salty.

A feast of main dishes follow. My first pick was baked scallops. It was fresh. I particularly took notice of the cheese they are using, it was very good. The rellenong alimasa was a delight. The crab meat was authentic and fresh. It has less flour and more meat. The staples in every filipino feast were served as well. The lechon bisaya g manok was a show stopper. The sizzling sisig, pochero, and beef salpicao surely did a great job in stuffing us. But when the mi goreng landed on the table, I was very certain I will like it. Indeed, it stole the show. This one is a must-try when you visit this restaurant. You can thank me later.

Under Community Quarantine

SARS-COV2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is putting the world to its knees, isolating countries, locking people in their homes, overwhelming hospitals, and claiming lives. It is unclear when we shall the situation be normal again as scientists cram for cure and vaccine. We are just advised to stay at home.

It has been at least two weeks since the Philippines, in particular, Cebu, has been placed under quarantine and people, including me, don’t know what to do and how to prepare for the worst.

While quarantined, I have posted some general advice on how to cooperate with government and stay updated with correct information. I have lectured in some of my group chat on some of the policies as well as the science of this pandemic.

Here are some of it:

“In this time of global pandemic and public inconvenience, always remember that this is not about you being poor nor them being rich, you being helpless and them being blessed, it is about a nation wanting to survive.

Always look at the bigger picture.

Your sacrifice maybe more real and bigger than others, when you are to surrender all that you have, but be consoled with the fact that you are doing that for the love of your country, for your yourself, and for a healthier future of your children’s children.

Let us all be creative in making both ends meet. We know that God will never forsake us and this government is doing everything it can do. Let us just do our share. Stay at home and Pray!

To our government, the implementation of these draconian measures, especially in Luzon, will be easier if we can find a way to assure especially those living on paycheck to paycheck that there will be food on their table as they defer their livelihood. And also, please reconsider the lifting of the ban of international flights.”

— posted on FB on March 18, 2020.

“Social Media Timeline is relative. Always vet and relate the news that your are reading. Follow credible sources of information as much as possible. We process news differently, hence, the source matters for our proper digestion. Don’t allow anyone to chew it for you. Freedom of expression only guarantees a mouth that can speak but not a brain that can think.

You may not eliminate rumors, simply, they are irresistible. But it would be of great service for everyone if you will not post it on your wall if the information is not yet vetted especially if it can cause fear or panic. You might want to limit it within your group chats whose members, as you may know, are capable of absorbing such unverified information.

Criticism is alright as it is part of our political maturity but, as any other debate, a critic should offer a counterproposal to elevate the discussion and improve the delivery of service. Your idea might be a great input to our implementors. Opposing for the purpose of opposing is obviously what we don’t need right now. You may revisit your oppositions on elections day.

Levity in dire circumstances like now might be good for some but not to all. Please, no practical jokes.

Cooperate with what the authorities say. Let us all assume that they are looking after our general welfare. It is for the safety of everyone, Dili na personalan. You may file your complaint, if there is any, later.

Lastly, the best way to blunt the blow of the Covid-19 pandemic is to STAY INSIDE YOUR HOUSE. We can reduce the R0 by just turning our TV, computers, and radio on or reading your books the whole day. Learn to PAUSE and that is a MUST.”

-— posted on FB on March 16, 2020

“When this ends, AND IT WILL, we shall all share a drink, by the beach, with the breeze blowing in the night, under a tree, around a camp fire, with LANY on the background, embracing and hugging each other like how friends should be.

Just hang in there.

Let’s make this a good time to miss each other and deepen that bond even more.”

— posted on FB on March 28, 2020

Take care, everyone!

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The best Valentine’s Day offering at the Oakridge Executive Lounge

I suspect that Valentine’s Day celebration will be something different this year as FB remains replete with posts about the worldwide pandemic, the novel coronavirus ARD. Lovers will have to plan accordingly to avoid big crowds and enjoy privacy without skimping on comfort and indulgences.

In Cebu, what comes to mind for Valentine’s Day is the exclusive Oakridge Executive Club. It offers a magnificent view of the City and premium items on their menu. The place is on the 12th floor of a building and public access is limited. It is quiet and romantic. You’ll be sure that when you dine there, focus will just be on your companion.

On February 14, 2020, a lover’s menu will be offered for lunch and dinner, “Wine & Dine”. Lunch is at P1,395 nett per person inclusive of welcome drinks, a 3-course meal with a glass of wine, and a special gift while Dinner is at P1,695 nett per person with a 4-course premium menu, a glass of wine, romantic seranade, and a Valentine’s gift. The Little Valentine menu for kids is also available, inclusive of a 2-course meal and a special gift.

I recently joined the preview of the offering with the rest of the media group. It was a delightful group date.

Here are some of the items on the menu.

May favorite was the Yin & Yang (Fillet Mignon and Grilled Prawns) I am really curious on what they do with the fries and the Young Love Salad. The dressing of Balsamic Vinegar and some honey combined with the feta cheese is divine. There compatibility got me emotionally affected. I was swooning!

For reservations contact them through the following:

📞 (032) 354 3732

📱 09178116862

Nationwide Metro Crazy Sale on November 30

You know what I miss the most for the holidays? It’s shopping at Metro Ayala!

Have you been to their new lit store lately? It’s bright and chic. So modern and so classy.

Guess what’s more?

Our favorite Metro Stores is having a ONE DAY SALE on Nov. 30, 2019 from 7am to 12am on all Metro Stores nationwide. Prices are going down with up to 70% discount.

Check these:

#MetroCrazySale2019

#MetroStores

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Feeling Shiok at Waterfont’s Uno

The weather has been mostly overcast and rainy; the kind of weather that begs for a hot bowl of soup. In the quest for that hot bowl, do you know where I discovered the best laksa in town lately?

Uno at both Waterfront Airport Hotel and Casino and Waterfront Cebu City Hotel serves legit Singaporean food prepared by a Singaporean, Chef Alan Chan in a buffet treat, Shiok.

Aside from its menu staples, Singaporean dishes like the popular chili crabs, Hainanese Chicken Rice, Laksa, Bak kut teh and Beef Rendang among others are also on the the buffet table.

My personal favorite was their Laksa. It was authentic and it reminded me of the busy but clean streets of Singapore. Easily, it could be the best Laksa in Cebu.

Singaporean cuisine is one of those that always got me curious and experimenting at home for their simplicity and diversity of flavor. It is straightforward but at the same time audacious.

Shiok Buffet will run for the whole month of August 2019.

I will keep my dinner schedule open for your invitation. Thanks! 😉

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Cheese Heaven at Marco Polo Plaza Cebu

Last night, Marco Polo Plaza Cebu opened its 5-day celebration of Swiss culinary journey offered at Cafe Marco.

Cafe Marco transformed into a cheese heaven of raclette, elemental, gruyère among others. Tip: Raclette is a staple in every Swiss cuisine celebration. Should you try it may I suggest to pair it with pickled cucumber or pickled pearl onions.

They have a full spread of breads and cakes, of course with swiss chocolates, in homage to Switzerland as a country of breads.

The skewered beef fondue was also a scene stealer. It was tender and at the same time bounces back in every bite. Perfect! You might also try some processed meat, ham and sausages. They also have the fame They all go well with the sauerkraut.

All of these together with the regular offerings of (japanese, chinese, carving stations) is available at Cafe Marco, lunch or dinner

En guete!

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