Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Fantasy Milkshakes at Great Prices

As I kid, I loved milkshakes. A chocolate one would always be part of my order in restaurants that have them. But when you become more aware of milkshake prices, having the bottomless drink options or simply getting water in restaurants would become alright. So that got out of my system and I ordered buck load-of-calories-in-a-glass lesser and less, just curious with unique flavors. Then, I discovered Once Upon A Milkshake.

I first saw of Once Upon a Milkshake online. I've seen comments like "...the thickest ever!" on my timeline for a while and it was almost accidental for me to chance upon it at SM City BF Homes Paranaque. I was there early and was waiting for someone when I approached the store outside the Supermarket. Hearing that it was from Singapore made me ready my wallet for about P200 worth of damage. I, then, was pleasantly shocked to see that I could get a regular one for P115. Ignorant at that time about how thick it is, I ordered a regular Coconut Caramel. When I got my drink and tried sipping, it was so thick that sucking my cheeks in.


Initially, I found the drink names tacky. There were flavors like Baa-Baa-Nana, Mangonista, Agent Red Velvet, Babelicious Bailey's, and Nutty Peanut Butler. It was tacky until my brain lagged and could not figure out what Tiara-Miss-U was. I literally did a face palm when I figured out.


Curious with why something imported could be this affordable, I went to their company website. It was there that I realized that I actually did get the owner's dream: to have a store that "provides premium milkshakes at non-premium prices." It's so effective to me as a fan of the shop that I was the first in the branch to claim a free shake and a jar via Pouch, according to their friendly and efficient staff.




Definitely, I'll be back and try the other flavors. Here's a parting tip: If you miss Coney Island's Bubblegum ice cream. Get the Bubblegum Balloon!

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Got My Uber On!

If you've tried an app that calls you taxis, you'll get be more impressed by one that calls you a private driver. I discovered Uber online late last month. I immediately registered then but I was only able to try it yesterday.


With Uber, you'll get picked up by a private car. No sticker affiliations, absolutely no signs of being a cab. We got a Ford Focus and were immediately greeted by Abel who introduced himself as our personal chauffeur for the night. Music was elegant inside our private car and the ride was really smooth. Abel was pleasant to talk to, answering a few questions of curiosity regarding Uber. As per Abel, it has only been weeks since Uber started. I mentioned that in my app, availability is limited and he replied that more cars will be available soon. This is good news as I am looking forward to using Uber again soon. As we got down, I received an Uber Ride Receipt via email, detailing the ride and amount that would be charged on my card. It was only a short drive from Makati Sports Club to Icon. The email receipt states that the distance was 1.84 km. It even shows that the ride was only 6 min, 25 sec and the average speed was 17.23 km/h. I was highly satisfied and immediately gave Abel 5 stars with the comment "Great first experience!"

It was to my surprise that it was Doug Ma, International Launch at Uber Technologies, who replied to my comment. Another great thing going Manila's way because of Uber is their party this Thursday at Rocket Room. Ask a friend that's registered with Uber to go with you or better yet, register for Uber yourself. Just download their app or go to Uber.com to sign up. And the good news still flows! Register with promo code rw2j0 and get P1,000 worth of credits. Got a code during my registration and got my first ride free. You may also just go here to make things faster: https://www.uber.com/invite/uberFreeRideManila

Still not convinced? Go to Uber.com and see in how many cities Uber is available in.

Just register and enjoy the best ride around the metro!


Saturday, January 4, 2014

No Classes in the City of Manila on January 9

Classes in all levels in Manila is suspended on January 9 because of the celebration of the "Manila International Pilgrimage of the Black Nazarene."



This picture was posted at the Official Facebook Page of the current Manila City Mayor, Joseph Ejercito Estrada. (https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151960439626144&set=a.109318776143.94608.33618156143&type=1)

Nope, I won't be calling him "Mayor President" as it is confusing. If only it was a Friday, the kids would have a long weekend. At least the announcement was done early. Enjoy your extra day!

Friday, January 3, 2014

Candlelight New Year's Eve

Celebrating New Year's Eve has always been an big event for our family. For a lot of years now, we would go to Tagaytay and rent a house so that we could spend at least two days together. This year was no different, except that some firsts in a long time happened.

Usually, My Tita would spend New Year's in Cebu but this year she and my cousin were present in Tagaytay. It was the first in a long time that my dad, Tita, and Tito were together for the event. These three have always showed us that family will always be there for you. No matter how big or small the tragedy or the celebration is, fights will always be moved on from and the constant comfort of the family will never change.

As midnight came, we rushed to eat a 12 grapes in one minute to symbolize 12 prosperous months ahead. This was started when we welcomed Kuya Gil to the clan. We greeted each other and lighted some Roman Candles and Luces. We were surrounded by different lights and explosions while neighbors lighted wicks until there was a brownout in the area. Usually, we would be irritated by power interruptions but there was no irritated spirit in that house that night. We continued to be joyful while having our Media Noche, in candlelight. Even the kids paid no mind. We were simply happy being together. Of course, more food was involved.

The following morning, I noticed that another thing skipped was to take a picture of all of us. We were just in the house the whole day, enjoying ourselves. We played Kinect, some charades, Sequence, watched The Rite, and most importantly, we ate. Casual pictures were there but we did forget to take one big family picture even if the tripod and camera was ready throughout the stay. But then, it doesn't matter. This year would not be forgotten. Even if everyone has his or her quirks, blood will always be thicker than water.

Credits: lemconline.org

Friday, November 29, 2013

Skip Long Taxi Lines With GrabTaxi and Globe!

After watching a movie last night at Glorietta, I was set to head home via a shuttle. Lines were long and slow-moving. Seeing a friend also in line made it more bearable but it was still a hassle to wait. My patience was running low when I thought of using an app that was the best way to get out of it, GrabTaxi. In a matter of minutes, I was able to get a ride home. I called Joseph to confirm my location and we were off to the South just a few more minutes after. 


GrabTaxi is a taxi booking service that I first used last September 28 on a rainy night where the nearest taxi line had at least 15 people waiting. Since then, I have used it for four more times, including my trip last night. My travels were as short as 4 kilometers and as far as 24 kilometers and each time was convenient, and more importantly, safe.

After entering your pick-up location and your destination, GrabTaxi's system sends your request to taxis nearby. You see the process on your device as each driver is sent a message and the first one who agrees to your booking is shown. The plate number, name, contact number, and even a picture of your driver is sent to you upon successful booking. Estimates of the taxis arrival are given and you are notified if the driver is already there.

I have initially used this with my iPad during my first few trips but using in on a smartphone would make it more convenient when you need to contact your driver.

Being from the South, this is great as most drivers do not accept passengers from my location. Either that or they ask for an additional fee. GrabTaxi does have a fee of P70 but that cost is much better than an unsafe driver. Currently, Globe subscribers have a discount of P20, lowering the price to P50. There is better news still. Starting December 1, Globe subscribers get the privilege of having a waived service fee of P70! This would go until December 15. 


Grab Taxi's booking fee of P70 is free for Globe subscribers from December 1-15, 2013.
 

Just saw their site and it's available on Android, iOS, and even Windows Phone. It definitely is a wonderful Christmas time thanks to Globe and GrabTaxi!

What's Your Favorite Christmas Song?

December is this Sunday already and since September, Christmas songs have been dominating mall music. Just thought of introducing to you my all-time favorite holiday music. This one is not that popular but it's full of meaning. Lyrics right below, scroll down for a video of my favorite rendition of Mary, Did You Know?

“Mary, Did You Know?"
(originally by Mark Lowry (lyrics ) and Buddy Greene (melody ))


Mary, did you know
that your baby boy would one day walk on water?
Mary, did you know
that your baby boy would save our sons and daughters?
Did you know
that your baby boy has come to make you new?
This child that you delivered will soon deliver you.


Mary, did you know
that your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?
Mary, did you know
that your baby boy will calm the storm with His hand?
Did you know
that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
When you kiss your little baby you kissed the face of God?


Mary did you know.. Ooo Ooo Ooo


The blind will see.
The deaf will hear.
The dead will live again.
The lame will leap.
The dumb will speak
The praises of The Lamb.


Mary, did you know
that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary, did you know
that your baby boy would one day rule the nations?
Did you know
that your baby boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?

The sleeping child you're holding is the Great I Am.