AMW Reports: Crissa Dance Synergy - The Final Showdown

How does it feel to be a judge for "Fashionably Fun Award" segment of a dance competition?  

Overwhelming, Confusing and yet, it's Liberating!

When AMW was invited for Year 6 Crissa Dance Synergy Competition at SM Mall of Asia last December 11,2010, I was thrilled!  I have been a judge to several times for Singing contests, English declamatory contest in China and even company performances during New Years, I have never been called to judge for "Fashionably Fun Awards"!  I immediately agreed and I'm glad I did!  

 (Photo taken from: Crissa Jeans FB Page)

Let's talk about Crissa, Crissa is a local fashion brand that invested on style and quality!  They cater the smart and practical fashion lovers by providing quality and fashionable merchandises at an affordable price!  I can't believe the brand grew up to be this huge as I've owned their jeans when I was still in College and their collection grew from jeans to skirts, shirts dresses, tees, hoodies and a whole lot more!

I love it when companies give back, and I am all about supporting companies that do so!  Every year, Crissa sponsors the event to give teen girls the chance to show off their talent and make their schools proud!  Imagine, kids busy themselves in practicing for a dance competition which gives them a sense of camaraderie, sense of responsibility, teamwork and hardwork!

The Crissa Dance Synergy Competition is the onlyl DepEd and CHED-Accredited All-Girl Dance Competition in the country to date!

I was expecting for a regular dance contest but when I got to the event, I was overwhelmed with the number of people around the area!  This is a big deal!   Here's my report on the said event:

The event started with several mini games sponsored by:  Juicy Cologne,The Body Shop, WL Foods, Biogenic, Reva Footwear, Fres Beauty Soap and Sisters Sanitary Napkin.

The cool games were hosted by Rizza Diaz, who did a wonderful job!

At around 4:30-5pm, the Dance Contest officially started with funny guy Archie Alemania, former Crissa Girl Rica Peralejo

Co-hosted by Rizza Diaz and Tony Tony from Magic 89.9

The Highschool Division started with a bang!  I was lucky to be seated right in front of the stage as I get the good, heart-pumping view of talents!

The winner for "Fasionably Fun Award" for High School Division ---

St. Paul School of Pasig!

It was a first for College Division to join this year's Crissa Dance Synergy!  Whoever the winner is, will set a history as the first College Division winner for the said prestigious contest!  Here are the Finalists for the College Division Final Showdown.

The Winner for College Division's "Fashionably Fun Award" ---

Assumption College

Here are the criteria for the Fashionably Fun Awards:

If you ask me, they are all winners base on the above categories, what guides me in giving high or low scores is the "wearability", you can dress loudly to catch attention but catching attention base on style and color combination is what I was aiming for!  I am very particular in being able to wear the said outfit outside the stage and how easy it is for the eyes to look at a person's fashion from top to bottom!   

There's no right or wrong though, that's why I wasn't alone in judging, it was a great experience to share with fellow bloggers Ms. Tin Iglesias and Mika Artienda! (Thanks to Mika for the photo)

Before I forget, I have to acknowledge the great performances in between breaks!  A heart-pounding performance by Kris Lawrence!  He actually sang my favorite song "OMG"!

The heartthrob Elmo Magalona!  The son of the late Francis M.!  

I love it when he sang his version of "Kaleidoscope World"

I want to congratulate the finalists and the winners!  There's no losers in this event as the performance I've seen deserves a spot on TV Dance Shows!

I want to thank Crissa for entrusting AMW to be a judge for their segment and for making me part of such historical event!  It's a nice way to end the year doing something new!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Paul & Joe Lipstick C and Random Reporting!

Hi AMW Readers!  How's your weekend?  My December has been super hectic but don't you worry, I still know how to catch up and breathe!  Last Friday, it was a fun time with my colleagues for our Christmas Party.  We went out to have a nice dinner in a posh looking restaurant and we ended the night with a few drinks!  I was expecting for nice music to let loose, but there wasn't any and it was traffic elsewhere so we ended up chatting the night away!  

Though I arrived home late, I did not forget my responsibility as a makeup artist and I woke up early on Saturday for a make-up gig!  I've done makeup for 4 females and 5 males and it was time constraint so I am giving myself a pat at the back!  I will definitely be sharing the makeover soon!

Anyways, when I posted about the Paul & Joe Lipstick C that has a cute cat's head, a lot of the reader comments shared the same sentiments as myself, it was too difficult and heart wrenching to use!  But for the love of the blog and for the love of this lipstick shade, I managed to use it and here's the lipstick color on my bare lips!  I am quite surprised the shade came  out super nice and my lips look moisturized!

Here's my application technique

Back-biting is not an issue here! *lol*

I am actually using a RAW Mineral Concealer brush as a lip brush!  I actually like using concealer brushes as lip brushes!  I guess I got huge mouth!  *laughs*

Anyways, eventhough I am very tired after the makeup gig, the husband and I were able to go to the mall for last minute Christmas Shopping.  I've passed by Watsons Store and I haven't been out much lately so there are several things I've seen that needed some reporting, sorry for the blurry "ninja" shots, I am not a good "phone camera" photographer if I'm panicking!  hehehe

I've seen a new BB Cream brand around called Pure Beauty Soothing BB Cream, I think it's made in Korea!  Anyone actually bought this and tried this?  I'd love to hear your thoughts.  Oh yeah, you can see display of Mentholatum Lip Icel, which is one of my favorite lip balm brand (in lemon flavor)!  I used to purchase them in Hong Kong and in Taiwan, I'm so happy we have it down here and the price is really affordable!!!

Since I will be doing make-up for a couple of guys, we all know how hard working their oil glands are, I've decided to hoard on oil blotters!  I purchased the regular Clean & Clear Face Blotters, but I've seen a lot of new brands coming up and I did not hesitate hoarding on them because they are quite inexpensive!  Bought the Finess Brand Oil Blotters with really chic and girly packaging!  Will review them soon!

AND!  To Maybelline BB Cream lovers out there, I know this may be old news but isn't it great that the inexpensive BB Cream can still go on sale?  Maybelline BB Cream goes from Php240.00 (approx $5.58) to Php199.00 (approx $4.60)!  20% off sale!  So if you plan to purchase this, HURRY and save up the Php40.00! 

*sigh*  Sunday's almost over!  But it's Christmas next weekend!  My brother is also coming home for Christmas Vacation so it'll be a wonderful reunion!

Have a wonderful Sunday!
Do not forget to food trip ok?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Manila's Signature Dishes 2010: Outback Steakhouse

If you are a long time reader of my "Weekend Food Tripping" posts, you'd probably notice that I am not much of a steak eater and I don't order a lot of steaks because I am a fan of white meat and seafood!  That explains why I got to have allergies on the dishes mentioned above! 

I am not at all worried when I learned Outback Steakhouse is part of Manila's Signature Dishes 2010!  I have a husband to take photos for me and I have a husband who'll guide me in identifying the right kind of steak or how delicious steaks should get!

Outback Steakhouse started its operations on September 1997.  That was the exact year I graduated in high school and I remembered my friends going there for celebrations or simple get together!  

We weren't able to meet the Managing Partner, Dan Keven Co, because it was a busy Sunday night when me and the other food bloggers visited the restaurant.  I learned by reading his biography that Dan is a 13-year Outbacker, meaning, he steadily rose from the ranks to become a trainer, an international opening team member, key employee, Kitchen Manager, Restaurant Manager and currently, the Managing Partner of Outback Makati by the year 2007.  Talk about passion and you can definitely taste that in the dishes they serve!

Each customer gets to taste the in house bread served with butter as a complimentary appetizer!  Outback Steakhouse's Manila's Signature Dishes 2010 set includes a glass of Casillero del Diablo wine.

Soup of the Day - Creamy Onion

I like surprises, and the soup of the day is actually called Creamy Onion which I originally thought was Cream of Mushroom with cheese toppings!  Yes, I have no imagination at all!  *laughs*

My tongue won't lie though, at first bite, I can taste cheese, cream and strips of onions which was confirmed by the waitress and it was quite a nice surprise to the usual creamy soup offered in most restaurants.  Bear in mind that this soup is quite heavy so I prefer not to finish it all and leave room for main dish!

Crispy Calamari Salad

Crispy fried calamari drizzled with garlic aioli dressing and served over 

a mix of fresh romaine lettuce, cabbage, carrots, cucumbers and tomatoes.  

The calamari at first bite is not that crispy because it took us time to take photos before we finally took the plunge!  But the generous servings of Calamari matched the dressing, the fresh vegetables and it's very light to taste.  None of the ingredients overwhelmed each other!

Beef Tenderloin with 

Mustard Demiglace and Bearnaise

6 oz. of imported beef tenderloin medallion, seasoned and seared to perfection, served on a bed of mustard demiglace and topped with Bearnaise sauce.  Served with a side of oven-roasted seasonal vegetables and pesto garlic mashed potatoes topped with Parmesan shreds and thyme.

Cooked almost well done but the meat is actually soft to bite!  I don't have the need to keep on grinding my teeth as its so juicy it almost melts into my mouth!  The dish is best eaten with the Pesto overloaded mashed potatoes!  The oven roasted vegetables are sweet to taste! 

Desserts compliments from the Chef!

A miniature version of Mango and Kiwi Cheesecake, Thunder from Down Under Chocolate Cake and Banana cake with caramel made us look like kids opening up Christmas presents!  My favorite is the Mango and Kiwi Cheesecake while hubby's favorite is the super rich Chocolate Cake!  The rest of the food bloggers enjoyed the Banana cake so it's obvious that all 3 are winners!

Outback Steakhouse located at Glorietta 4, Makati has always been a wonderful ambiance for that gathering for friends or family who loves steak!  The ambiance is quite relaxed and servers are very prompt with your orders and always quick to attend your needs. 

Outback Steakhouse

Glorietta 4, Makati

Daily: 11:00am-3:00am

Tel. no.: (632) 729-8458/ (632) 729-8459

Most servings are good to share to take with you your dear friends and loved ones!  What else can I enjoy here aside from steaks?  I took a peak at other customers' orders *LOL* and seems like their seafood looks delish!  After 2010....need to burn more calories!  *hehehe*

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

Unilever Foodsolutions (UFS), being the preferred foodservice business partners among restaurateurs, felt the need to acknowledge notable restaurants who are developing Manila as a culinary city.  They have partnerered with select restaurants within the metropolis in coming up with signature dishes.  UFS has synergized with these restaurants, both through dish development and promotion campaign for these signature dishes, in achieving one common goal: coming up with a different culinary experiences that provide value for money and culinary memories for diners.  

 

If you're a restaurateur (or an aspiring one) and in need of help in coming with your signature dish, call (632) 588-8855 or email at foodsolutions.philippines@unilever.com.

Manila's Signature Dishes 2010: Moomba Bar

When I was still in college, I've always heard about the restaurant Moomba when friends talk about "gimmick" place!  Aside from that, I've always heard it from my then boyfriend (now husband) Keith on how good the Ostrich meat that's been served in this restaurant!  

Would you believe I let all the positive comments a slide and totally forgot about this restaurant when it comes to food tripping until Manila's Signature Dishes 2010? 

Moomba seems to be around forever!  The term "Moomba" means "Let's Get Together" in Australian.  Most of the meals served are Mediterranean dishes.  The restaurant actually started its operations the year 2000 which marked it's 10th year this year!  I've met Chef Jimmy Jardiniano when we visited the bar.  Chef Jimmy's culinary background is quite impressive as he was once the Family Chef of the Lopez's for 5 years.  He used to be the Head Chef of British Embassy for 4 years and served 2 Ambassadors.  Worked as an Executive Sous Chef at El Nido Resort (my dream to visit resort) and a lot more on top of his plate!  He's been with Moomba Bar for 6 years serving great dishes for their loyal and new clienteles.

The Set Meal, made possible by Unilever, was chosen aside from being the restaurant/bar's best seller, the recipe is said to be good for health-conscious individuals (like my mom and dad) since ostrich has a lean white meat!

Deep Fried Chicken Rillet 

with Tomato Salsa

This is actually an original recipe you can find at the Moomba Menu, Chef Jimmy did a bit of twist with the lightly breaded chicken meat mix and served it as part of the set meal.  I find the crispers work perfectly with beer (not that I'm a beer drinker), the crunchy crispers together with deep fried Chicken strips with a hint of fresh tomatoes and corn.

Tiyan of Ostrich

and Julienne of Vegetables

Carefully marinated premium cut of Ostrich meat 

laid on stack of vegetable flavored with fresh herbs.

Served with root crop vegetables

At first glance, reminded me of McDonald's McMuffin!  But trust me, this is far way better tasting than any muffin out there as it's soft, succulent ostrich meat hidden below the bread looking mashed potatoes! I thought the mashed potatoes will be dry to taste because I'm used to having my mashed potatoes bathed with gravy! 

The ostrich meat served is very juicy, eaten together with the mashed potatoes is like pair made in heaven!  At the very moment I am typing this post, I was just telling the husband that I want to order this again!  Before the year ends!

Panna Cota with Mango Canache

A first time recipe made by Chef Jimmy!  Panna Cota for him tastes like regular Panna Cotas you may find in restaurants!  To make it more exciting, he added fresh mango concentrate with mix of raspberry!  The dessert is aesthetically gorgeous, tastes really good!

The restaurant ambiance is a winner in my dictionary if you're looking for a place to chill!  The huge open space can serve company functions, birthday parties, group dates or anything you may think of as there's always a reason to celebrate with restaurants that plays live music (there's a pianist playing wonderful songs by the way), Free WIFI, comfortable seats and couch with ample magazines for you not to be bored as you wait for your dining companion!

A view from top on the huge space on first floor

More couches and seats on the second level

Bar is also located in the second floor

The view outside, ample sparking space in front of the restaurant and at the side, there's another huge space for Moomba Bar's customers parking!

Moomba Bar

A. Roces corner Mo Ignacio Street

Quezon City, Philippines

Tel nos: (632) 373-2487/ (632) 371-1973

Operating hours: Sundays 5:00pm-1:00am/ Mondays-Wednesdays 11:00am-1:00am/ Thursdays to Saturdays 11:00am-3:00am

I am looking forward to try their Ostrich A La Pobre too!  Ahhh there's so much food to eat I just can't keep track on my calories!  (as if I count!) :P

Happy food tripping!  Go ahead and enjoy before the year ends!
 

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Unilever Foodsolutions (UFS), being the preferred foodservice business partners among restaurateurs, felt the need to acknowledge notable restaurants who are developing Manila as a culinary city.  They have partnerered with select restaurants within the metropolis in coming up with signature dishes.  UFS has synergized with these restaurants, both through dish development and promotion campaign for these signature dishes, in achieving one common goal: coming up with a different culinary experiences that provide value for money and culinary memories for diners.  

If you're a restaurateur (or an aspiring one) and in need of help in coming with your signature dish, call (632) 588-8855 or email at foodsolutions.philippines@unilever.com.