Entries Tagged 'Affairs' ↓

Starbucks Partners Christmas Cup Design Contest 2012

Starbucks Red Cups

It is customary for Starbucks Philippines to unveil new food items, beverages, and of course, the Starbucks Planner every Christmas season. But last year was extra special with the Starbucks Partners Christmas Cup Design Contest which was part of the Christmas Kick-Off Party held at Bonifacio High Street.

Moreover, NomNom Club was offered the opportunity to be one of the three judges in that competition.

Here is a photo blog from the Starbucks Partners Christmas Cup Design Contest 2012:

Starbucks Partners “Baristas” Design the Cups

The venue was outdoor fronting Starbucks Bonifacio High Street

It was held in conjunction with the Starbucks Cheers Party Launch

Starbucks Philippines Team in full support of the Christmas-themed event

My Favorite Starbucks Christmas Cup Design

More amazing entries from Starbucks Philippines Partner “Baristas”

The Top 3 Starbucks Partners Christmas Cup Design Contest 2012 Winners took home cashprizes and Starbucks merchanidise including Starbucks Planners and GCs

Furthermore, the contest had an open category for interested participants from the public called “Turn it Red” where they should turn a white Starbucks cup into red by drawing on it using red pens (no other materials are allowed on the cup). Three winners were chosen and announced at the Starbucks Philippines Facebook Page. The winners got Starbucks Planners, Starbucks mousepads, Starbucks keychains, Starbucks Stainless Steel cups, Starbucks Gift Certificates and more!

Starbucks Red Cup Design Contest open to the public

“Turn It Red”!

The “Turn It Red” winners were subsequently announced in the Starbucks Philippines Facebook page

Top entries from the Starbucks Christmas Cup Design Contest 2012

Albeit ‘very’ belatedly, congratulations to the winners!

The seasonal Starbucks Red Cup has been symbolic for the iconic franchised coffee brand every Christmas season and creative activities such as these reinforces its tradition.

I hope they bring back the Starbucks Partners Christmas Cup Design Contest in 2014 and open it to customer-participants as well. 🙂

SM Supermarket BF Paranaque

No less than top celebrity Kris Aquino led the opening of SM Supermarket BF Parañaque as it opened at the new SM City BF at Dr. A Santos Road cor. President Ave., Sucat Parañaque, south of Metro Manila a week ago. Continue reading →

Have you seen the latest Jollibee TVC? Obviously themed for the Christmas season tapping on theme of the Filipino OFW, the TVC was entitled “Noel“.

The Gift of “Noel“

With the Taxi Cab Driver

It starts with an OFW father who just came back to the Philippines and is eager to see his family whom he missed for two Christmases. On his way home via a taxi cab, the elderly driver happens to miss his own son who is similarly an OFW. Instantly a connection was made. The OFW father surprised their children by meeting up with his wife in a Jollibee branch and at the same time serve as a welcome-back home celebration. Knowing the driver’s predicament, the OFW father invited the taxi cab driver over to join their celebration with the encouraging words “Tara ‘tang, kami ngayon ang pamilya mo.“

Merry “Noel”

On first impressions, this is something to be expected from Jollibee, a Filipino food brand. They know that the Filipino viewers will relate to the TV ad since they are avid dramatic family-themed teleserye (tv series) viewers. They love watching tear-jerker movies and stories which ends with a “happily ever-after” conclusion.

“Tara ‘tang, kami ngayon ang pamilya mo.”

But to be honest, I was watching the video with tears being held in my eyes. I didn’t exactly have an ideal family set up decades ago so I know how much a complete family can mean for those who are lacking. In addition, Christmas, which starts as early as September in the Philippines, is the most important holiday season in this native country. Moreover, the OFW theme is considered among the most divine and noble. It is a family-oriented sacrifice too much to bear, but nonetheless necessary due to circumstance. This is the reason you would find a large number of OFWs coming back home for Christmas – it shows how they value their family.

“Dito ang sarap ng Pasko”

Indeed, Christmas is merrier in the Philippines specially with the whole family.

I can relate to the Jollibee Christmas TVC “Noel” as it touches Filipino hearts with an OFW theme. How about you, what is your Jollibee Christmas story?

Personalized Toblerone for Christmas

Celebrity Ramon Bautista

Surely, anyone would love to receive a gift, however simple it is as it’s usually the thought that counts. Nonetheless, don’t you feel more special when the gift you received is customized with your name? This is Toblerone‘s idea on how to make gift-giving in the Philippines more sweet and special. Continue reading →

There are four numbers to remember from this ‘Awesome Secret Foodies Tour‘ – they are 8, 20, 3, & 1000. The numerals represent 8 restaurants, a 20-course degustation, 3 Hours, and 1000 pesos.

Foodies Anton Diaz, RJ Ledesma, wifey Marjorie Uy & NomNom!

The Tuscany Food Tour at McKinley Hill in Fort Bonifacio presents a 20-course degustation spread among 8 restaurants that intends to continually fill your tummies for 3 hours. All these for a measly P1,000 from you pocket. Moreover, 2 of the metro’s iconic foodies – RJ Ledesma and Anton Diaz of Our Awesome Planet – will join the group of 30 to make the experience more engaging.

Participating Restaurants in the Food Tour:

• Sauceria
• Planet Grapes
• L.E.S. Bagels
• Main Street
• Sophie’s Mom
• B&T Mexican Kitchen
• Marciano’s
• Trattoria Poggio Antico

Not to keep you wanting for too long, let’s take a peek on what the 8 restos  have to offer:

Planet Grapes

Wine pairing at Planet Grapes plus choice of one red wine and one white wine:

Planet Grapes

Wines include Folie a Deux Merlot 2010, Joel Gott Riesling 2011, and Kunde Family Chardonnay 2011, among others

RJ Ledesma joins Our Awesome Planet in hosting the Tuscany Food Tour

Trattoria Poggio Antico

4-in-1: Prosciutto con Melon (ham and melon on pizza crust), Crespella del Poggio Antico (crepe stuffed with ham and cheese, and mushrooms in truffle oil), Pomodoro e Mozzarella Crostini and assorted pizzetas, and Oyster Sur Pate di Fegato (oyster on liver pate)

This Foodie Tour come in a Group of 30

….or simply your small group of friends

B&T Mexican Chicken

B&T Mexican Kitchen

Chipotle Chicken Pizza, Mango Glazed Habanero Chicken, Taquitos Espesyal with Barbacoa, & Nachos with Assorted Dips [+ Awesome “Rice” drink on the left]

Chicken Mole

L.E.S. Bagels

L.E.S. Bagels with assorted Cream Cheese Filling (NomNom Tip: :I love the one with black sesame seeds)

Marciano’s

West Side Four Season Pizza; (not in photo: Woody Allen Linguine)

Dow Jones – US T-bone with prawns, potato wedges, sausages, and roasted vegetables

Sauceria

Feta Cilantro Tomato Cocas – Spanish style pizza

Artisanal All-Beef Burger with tuyo blue cheese spread in a Furikaki bun

Tuna Tataki – Zaru Soba with homemade wasabi sour cream dip

Main Street

Poutine – thick-cut fries served with beef gravy and cheese curds (best with San Miguel Beer)

Wagyu Burger – Kitayama beef in sesame buns served with tomato relish, cheddar cheese and their very own house sauce

BEST DESSERT in this tour: Organic Maple and Candied Bacon Artisan Ice Cream (using vanilla maple base)

Sophie’s Mom

The place is dainty and cute fit for the little princess. However,  I’m not sure if the Red Velvet shown below will be offered because the tour menu only indicated Oreo Cheesecake Cookies and Flourless Chocolate Cupcakes (fyi). Any which way, you could always order it independently. 🙂

Red Velvet Cupcake (display only)

The “An Awesome Secret Foodies Tour” is presented by Megaworld Lifestyle Malls for you to discover Tuscany’s best kept secrets starting today (November 30) and for the next three more Saturdays (December 7, 14 and 21) from 2pm to 5pm.

The experience will enable you to taste a little bit of everything and get a feel of the place before splurging out on an entire meal. Only a limited set of 30 tickets will be available per date tour so hurry up and get your tickets at designated booths near the Tuscany Grand Villas Gate from 11:00am to 6:00pm (between Ukkokei Ramen Ron and Marciano’s).

An Awesome Secret Foodies Tour @ Tuscany

For more information, you may call 709-0888, 709-9888 or 0917-838-0111.

Food Tour Tip: Eat slowly and enjoy the company as much as you would the food. Each participant will be given a tour kit including the tour ticket, tour pin, degustation menu and the McKinley Hill Gourmet Guide.

NomNom Top Picks are:

• Main Strreet’s Organic Maple and Candied Bacon Artisan Ice Cream
• Sauceria’s Tuna Tataki
• Sauceria’s Feta Cilantro Tomato Cocas
• Marciano’s West Side Four Season Pizza
• L.E.S. Bagels with black sesame seed (I forgot the name; it was long 🙂
• B&T Mexican Kitchen’s “Rice” drink
• Planet Grapes’ Torrontes wine.

Join this mouthwatering degustation at Tuscany in McKinley Hill with your friends and family and I’m sure you will enjoy it as much as we did during the media tour. This Tuscany Food Tour is a secret no more, but remains awesome for the next 4 Saturdays.

Starbucks 2014 Planner

The new Starbucks Planner 2014 was unveiled to online media outfits last night at one of Starbucks Philippines’ landmark branches – Starbucks 6750. Last year, we gave you 13 reasons why you should get the Starbucks Planner 2013. A year later today, we’re giving you 14 interesting facts I know you’d be happy to know about the upcoming Starbucks 2014 Planner tomorrow – Nov 2.

14 Interesting Facts About the New 2014 Starbucks Planner:

1. This year’s Starbucks Planners 2014 come in 4 symbolic colors: Black, Magenta (Red), Brown, and the surprising Yellow. The Yellow from the Blonde Roast, Brown from the Medium Roast, Magenta from the Dark Roast, and the Black for Starbucks Reserve which has yet to come to Philippine shores
   

   Starbucks Planners 2014 Colors : Brown, Magenta, Yellow, Black (Top to Bottom)

2. The symbols and figures on the cover of the Starbucks 2014 Planners are based on Starbucks coffee icons.
3. The 4 metal bookmarks represent four Starbucks Coffee icons: The House Blend, Kape Vinta, Starbucks Cup, and the Coffee Bean. Sorry, you cannot exchange the bookmarks, which means you need to get all 4 planners. 😛
   

   4 Metal Bookmarks: House Blend, Kape Vinta, Bean, and Cup (top to bottom)

4. There are 4 QR Codes scattered on the inside pages of the planner. Scan this and get to view informational videos about Starbucks and their coffee.
5. The side magnetic clip returns! This time, it has has a collage of the Starbucks Stars embossed.
   

   4 QR Codes

   

   Starbucks Stars-embossed Magnetic Clip

6. The planner has a portrait layout for the calendar entries.
7. The free stickers page has the same coffee icons found on the cover of your Starbucks Planner (see No. 2). This is the first time a Starbucks planner will contain a page of stickers.
   

   Starbucks Planner Stickers 

   

   Starbucks Planner Coupons

8. The 2014 Starbucks Planner has 14 promotional coupons this 2014 in contrast to last years’ 13 (2013). How many coupons do you think would the Starbucks 2015 Planner have? 🙂
   

   Starbucks Promotions

9. You need 18 stickers/stamps to get your free Starbucks Planner 2014 this year, in contrast to last year’s 17. I’m already guessing 19 stickers for Starbucks Planner 2015. 😛
10. Collect stickers starting November 2 until January 8, 2014. With 8 weeks, this means purchasing the Starbucks beverages on the average of at least twice a week plus Christmas Day and the New Year. I’ll bet though the deadline will be extended come January 2014. 😛
11. Don’t have the patience to collect 18 stickers? A classmate of mine back in high school who is now a doctor bought P5,000 worth of GCs which you can use to purchase anything in Starbucks. As a result, she got an instant Starbucks 2014 Planner! Plus you don’t need to consume all the GCs within the 2 months period.
12. Load or Reload your Starbucks Card with P5000 worth of load from Nov 2- Jan 8 and get an instant 2014 Starbucks Planner. If you put it the other way around, it’s like buying or putting a P5,000 price on your Starbucks Planner and getting P5,000 worth of Starbucks beverages/items for free.
    

    Starbucks Planner Inside Pages

    

    Starbucks Planner Design

13. Buy using the Starbucks Card, you get your Starbucks Stars with every purchase, and you also GET your Starbucks stickers for the planner! Double benefit!
14. On November 2 only, the first 300 customers in all Starbucks Philippines branches nationwide get one free sticker! This means your first purchase gets 2 stickers by default!

2014 Starbucks Planner

So which among the 14 facts struck you best or you found most interesting? Which among the 4 Starbucks Planner 2014 colors are you getting? Which one do you think will sell most?

Figaro Yuletide Frost

Harping on the Filipino’s penchant of starting the Christmas season within the -ber months, Figaro Coffee made sure they’re first to meet that demand in the local cafe scene. Continue reading →

Jollibee Trinoma

It’s was a ChickenJoy lunch that wifey and I had over the weekend in Jollibee Trinoma. In tune with the current craze of the Thor movie and a few days after trying the new Jollibee Bacon Mushroom Champ with the Thor Hammer USB, we ordered the Thor Jollibee Bucket Treats.

The good news is that by simply buying a Thor Jollibee Bucket Treat, you can join in the Best Jollibee Bonding Moments.

Best Jollibee Bonding Moments

Jollibee Bucket Treats Promo: Best Jollibee Bonding Moments

After purchasing a Jollibee Bucket Treats w/ ChickenJoy, make sure to join in the Best Jollibee Bonding Moments by simply uploading your photos showing you and your family eating a bucket of Jollibee Chickenjoy. With that, you get a chance to win 1 of 35 bucket treats every week until October 27, 2013!

Check out this video:

The THOR Jollibee Bucket Treat is also available as a 6-pc Chickenjoy Bucket Solo (P335) , 8-pc Chickenjoy Bucket Solo, 6-pc Chickenjoy Bucket w/ 3 Rice, 3 Regular drinks, and 3 Regular Criscut Fries (P469), and 8-pc Chickenjoy Bucket w/ 4 Rice, 4 Regular drinks, and 4 Regular Criscut Fries (P599). Since there were only two of us, we got the 6-pc Bucket with rice, fries, and drinks. Wifey had one serving, while I had two. 🙂

Although we’re not a family yet, wifey and I got out own photo with the Jollibee Bucket Treat. 🙂

NomNom Club, Wifey, and the THOR Jollibee Bucket Treats

Check the full mechanics at www.jollibee.com.ph/promo. Find out more about the Best Jollibee Bonding Moments here!

Hurry Jollibee Bucket Treats and ChickenJoy lovers, you still have a few days to go to dine at any Jollibee branch and submit that family-bonding picture!