You know it’s Christmas when... IT’S Christmas!!!

You know it’s Christmas when…

 

You know it’s Christmas when... IT’S Christmas!!!

Merry Christmas to everyone across the world! As the song goes… may your days be merry and bright. I also pray that we not forget the true reason for the season Jesus Christ.

Thank you Jesus for all that you have done for me… thank you for being my Savior friend and everything.

God bless everyone! May we all be grateful of what we receive this Christmas… may it be a simple letter, a hug, a kiss, a new car, new clothes…

In everything and in anything we must always be thankful.

Below is a favorite songs of mine.

Grateful by Julianne

Merry Christmas everyone!

-Dot


photo from:http://vintagemetalart.com/shop/images/christmasornaments.gif

You know it’s Christmas when... {UP celebration}

You know it’s Christmas when...

          Another sign of Christmas for me is when the University of the Philippines (Diliman) or U.P. celebrates the Christmas season with various activities.

          The first activity, or the opening ceremony of all the events for the Christmas season, is the Pagilaw [ pagilaw means “to light” in Filipino]. During the Pagilaw, lights from different college buildings are lighted to signify that it is the start of the Christmas celebration in U.P. The next activity is the Karol Fest. This activity is an amateur choir singing contest among student choruses, wherein they sing various Christmas carols. The finals of this contest will be held at the Asian Center GT Toyota Hall of Wisdom in U.P. at December 13, 2010, 4 pm. Everyone is welcome to this event. Simultaneous to this event is the Pagandahan ng Belen contest. It is about making the best manger scene or the belen out of recycled materials. The winners of this contest will be announced on the day of the most anticipated Christmas event in U.P. … the Lantern Parade!

          The Lantern Parade is the main attraction/activity that culminates the celebration of the Christmas Season. Each college and some organizations have a theme and they show their theme through lanterns, floats, and other things that light. I love watching and being part of the parade because of the beautiful lanterns and floats. This is open to everyone! [This makes it even more fun]

          Here are some reminders and tips on the Lantern Parade. The parade starts at 4 p.m. of December 17 at the Academic Oval (Acad Oval). Be sure to go early because the Acad Oval would be swelling with people at around 5 pm. As they say the early bird catches the early worm [such a cliché], if you come early you are not only guaranteed with a good view but you also get to park your car easier.  Bring your cameras, but make sure you keep it safe and near you at all times. Same goes to children because the place will be field with people it is best to hold on to children. Bring some snacks and water because the parade can go on till 8 or 9 in the evening. If you forget your snack or water do not fear! There will be food kiosk or food vendors around. After the parade… stay for some fireworks. Don’t forget to enjoy and have fun! J

-DOT-
P.S. I will be updating you guys on the happenings regarding the UP Christmas Celebration :D

reference: http://www.upd.edu.ph/~updinfo/index144.html
photo source: http://www.coolwindsresidences.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/lantern-parade.jpg

You know it’s Christmas when... {Krispy Kreme}

You know it’s Christmas when...

            For me, I know it’s Christmas when Krispy Kreme starts selling their holiday doughnuts.

For the past years I have not yet tasted any holiday doughnut since I would stick to the regulars. So last week, my cousin and I tried the new Krispy Kreme Holiday Doughnuts. We both choose something similar. We picked Original Iced Glazed doughnuts with Holiday Sprinkles. [shown below]

This looks like Christmas :)

Compare the Original Glazed from the Holiday Doughnut

These doughnuts were very yummy. It had the same base as the Original Glazed Doughnuts, but the thing that made this doughnut special and Chrismasy was the ice glaze and holiday sprinkles. The glaze is thicker than the original glaze which makes it a little sweeter (but not totally sweeter than the original… just a bit J). The holiday sprinkle definitely defines the doughnut from the regulars.

Along with the two types of holiday sprinkled doughnuts, the Snowman and the Present or Gift [I was not sure of what the name was (please forgive the writerJ)] doughnuts add to the Holiday doughnut series. As the name suggest, these doughnuts looks like a snowman and a gift because of the shape and design. The snowman had cute little details like a scarf, a nose, eyes, and buttons.

            So before this Holiday Season ends… make sure you at least tasted one of these Krispy Kreme doughnuts. And oh! Don’t forget to comment on your Krispy Kreme Holiday Doughnut experience. Merry Christmas!

-Dot-

Choose one :)

Dizzy for Doughnuts? :)

Photos from: http://www.krispykreme.com.ph and writer

The Verdict: The Double Down Experience

The Verdict: The Double Down Experience

                Today was such a wonderful day; just two classes [which ended at 1 pm], a warm breezy afternoon [I love warm breezy afternoonsJ], and a delightful fellowship with friends. This afternoon I was able to have great time with my friends at U.P- Ayalaland TechnoHub. This is a great place for anybody since there are restaurants that cater to all ages.  Flapjacks, Seafood Island, Pizza Hut, Reyes Barbecue, and Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf are just some restaurant and food places found inside TechnoHub. Clearly there are different types of cuisines available.  TechnoHub is not just about the dining experience but also the entertainment and shopping experience since one can find Timezone, National Bookstore, and CDR King inside the place. This place is also great for people who just want to walk around and experience nature. J

Now back to my day today… As I have said earlier I had lunch with my friends. We ate at The KFC store inside TechnoHub. Finally! I had a Double Down for lunch today! [well not just me but all of my friends] And here is the verdict:

It was smaller than what my friends and I expected [looks can be deceivingJ].  i was at first puzzled on how to eat this no bun sandwich… so I decided to use my spoon and fork [haha XD]. First bite was good. It tasted just like an original recipe KFC chicken. A couple more bites [here comes the cheese and bacon].  It tasted like KFC original chicken with cheese and bacon. For me, the bacon looked pale; unlike the bacon shown in the picture. I thought it would taste like something new. I imagined tasting a wonderful unique blend of chicken bacon and cheese. But I think it was the KFC advertising that got that idea in my head.

The Double Down

Writer and friends

      

I enjoyed tasting this new concept of KFC. Now I can say I’ve tasted it. I realized that good marketing can really make a differenceJ. I think I won’t go gaga over DD but I do appreciate it.

So now that I had my DD experience… what’s yours? J

-DOT-

Photos from: Cathe S. J thanks cathe



Jab! Jab! Uppercut! Double Down!

Jab! Jab! Uppercut!  Double Down!

                Hooray! Congratulations Manny Pacquiao! He truly is a great fighter, another win for the Filipinos. It was so fun watching the fight because of the interesting throw of punches. It was entertaining and exciting.

Pacquio vs. Margarito

                I was able to watch the fight on television and not on pay-per-view places via direct satellite, which meant commercial breaks. And men! The commercial breaks were really commercial breaks. Most, if not all, of the commercial ads shown were either sponsors of the fight or endorsements by Manny Pacquiao and his motherJ.

                One of the new commercials was KFC’s new product the… DOUBLE DOWN! The ad was shown every after round, therefore causing a lot of intrigue to viewers. Well let me tell you this… it sure was effective. Nice one KFC! :p I would hear stories from my friends that in some KFC outlets  it would be sold out early in the morning. I myself have experienced it. It’s crazy but I bet KFC likes all this craziness :D.

                As of now, I have not yet tasted this new buzz [due to high demand and little supply]. But let me describe to you what it is based on how KFC describes it.  Double down is a one-of-a-kind sandwich features two thick and juicy boneless white meat chicken filets (Original Recipe® or Grilled), two pieces of bacon, two melted slices of Monterey Jack and pepper jack cheese and Colonel's Sauce.[information from http://www.kfc.com/doubledown]. Yes! No buns... and yes all meat [with a cheese and sauce]. SO far I have heard of mixed feedbacks some say it’s salty … while others go gaga over it.

                For now that’s the verdict… I soon will grab a double down to see [taste] for myselfJ.

                You? What’s your Double Down Story? :D

-Dot-

Photo from: http://www.facebook.com/kfcphilippines?v=wall#!/kfcphilippines and                  http://i.cdn.hbo.com/assets/images/sports/boxing/fights/2010-11-13-pacquiao-vs-margarito/pacquiao-margarito-fight-1024.jpg

A chewy Treat

A chewy Treat 

One of my newest favorite dessert/ snack place is Chewy Junior. This is located in Trinoma Mall, Quezon City. This is the only place one can find Chewy Junior in Manila.. i think :). Chewy Junior first started in Singapore and is now located in 5 countries namely: Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Philippines.

          Although the place in Trinoma is a small, I do not mind it because it’s the food that mattersJ. Chewy Junior is all about their hard crusted, soft filling and melt-in-your mouth creampuffs. These cream puffs are not your usual creampuffs because these are hard on the outside but really soft and chewy on the inside. Chewy Junior has a lot of varieties. Almond chocolate crunch, strawberry cheese, cheese ensymada deluxe, apple delight, and chocolate madness are some of creampuffs available at Chewy Junior. Each type of creampuff is good and different because of the different toppings and fillings that are oh so good.

Bring home the chewyness :)

you really gonna love it! <3

front [left to right]: strawberry cheese, blueberry cheese
back [left to right]: chocolate madness, almond chocolate cruch

right top most: apple delight [:

When I checked the official site of Chewy Junior [http://www.chewyjunior.com.sg/], I saw other types of creampuffs that are not available here in the Philippines. There were savory creampuffs (creampuffs stuffed with savory food like sardines, chicken, mushrooms, and many more) and mini puffs (small version of the creampuffs) at the original branch in Singapore. There were also other flavors of sweet puffs that are not available here in the Philippines like pandan kaya and fresh durian creampuffs [this sounds interestingJ].

I hope that in the near future other flavors and other types of creampuffs would be available here in the Philippines. But for now it is worth enjoying the yummy Chewy Junior creampuffs.

Happy eating!

-Dot-

for more information check the official site:

http://www.chewyjunior.com.sg/

Johnny Rockets

Johnny Rockets

     If you’re looking for a diner for the whole family… visit Johnny rockets!

     Johnny rockets is an international food chain that serves American dishes such as burgers, sandwiches, milkshakes, and many many more! Johnny rockets restaurants also boasts their diner-style atmosphere, which includes the tables and chairs and music.  

Inside the Tomas Morato branch

Yes, all you can eat fries!

     Just last week I was able to dine at the newly opened Johnny Rockets branch in Tomas morato. Upon entering I was greeted by all the staff. It was surprising because I felt that the whole restaurant greeted me. The atmosphere was very cheerful and energetic the lights were bright and welcoming. Since the celebration last week was Halloween, almost all the employees were in costume. It was so fun!  

     I was able to sample their burger [#12], and two yummy sweet treats. The burger was good and is good for sharing. I forgot to mention they DO serve free refillable French fries. The two yummy sweet treats were their apple pie and their Perfect Brownie Sundae.

the writter and her dessert

     The Apple pie was very good. The pie was warm. The crust had the right crunch and softness. It was topped with real apples, a vanilla ice cream, and sweet sugary syrup. It is good for an individual or for sharing. The perfect brownie sundae was also very good. Vanilla ice cream on top of warm moist chocolate brownie swirled with chocolate syrup is really a dessert to try when visiting Johnny rockets.

Johnny rockets would not be complete without the dancing staff, from waiters to cooks to managers. Every fifteen minutes Johnny rockets’ staff dance to music from the past, like music from the bee gees, Elvis Presley and many more. Johnny rockets is a fun, entertaining, and yummy place for everyone.

-Dot-

for more information visit:

http://www.johnnyrockets.com.ph/

Tinapa for all

Tinapa For All

My lunch somewhat looked like the picture above. I had tinapa. Tinapa is a Filipino term for smoked fish.  There are different types of Tinapa, like tinapang bangus (smoked milkfish), tinapang galungong (smoked mackerel) and others.

       Tinapa unlike other fish dishes is simple to prepare and is not expensive (depending on what type). The easiest way to cook it is by deep-frying it, serve it with hot rice and you’re good to go. Tinapa can also be added in various dishes like pasta, pizza, salads, and many more. It also is a dish for all types of people. Young or old, rich or poor, tinapa will go with anyone and with anything.  It is also a dish for any time of the day: breakfast- good with fried rice with tomatoes or with egg, lunch-pasta puttanesca with tinapa on top, snack- tinapa pizza (may sound weird but it tastes good :D), dinner-however you want it J

-Dot-

Let's Begin!

Hello!

Turo-Turo is a Filipino word, which means “to point”. Thru this blog I wish to share where good food, good finds, and other great stuff can be found both from the Philippines and outside the Philippines. If you have any queries, comments, or suggestions, you are free to ask :D. Enjoy!

-Dot-