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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?

Wendy’s S&R Shaw

Do you know the old Cherry Foodarama along Shaw Boulevard in Mandaluyong? It’s now an S&R Shopping Center! And the better news for foodies is that a new Wendy’s Hamburger branch is near its entrance facing the Shaw Boulevard road – it’s the Wendy’s S&R Shaw branch.

Since it’s a new branch of Wendy’s, loyal customers could expect the new look of Wendy’s stores in the Philippines incorporating the new simpler and straightforward logo as you might have seen in it’s new branches since early this year.

Wendy’s S&R Shaw Boulevard

Wendy’s Interiors

Counters

New Wendy’s Red Cups! (Not Just for Christmas!)

New Wendy’s Food Packaging

Did you love Wendy’s traditional yellow cups with it’s old red logo in the middle? Would you happen to still have some of ’em? Hold on to it as it will soon be a collector’s item!

Its cups and cartons have joined the bandwagon of getting a new look – welcome the very red Wendy’s packaging!

It’s sooo red you won’t miss it. 😛 The change is patterned after it’s international master franchise to be implemented in all its branches as well. And mind you. it’s not just for the Christmas season.

Wendy’s Hamburger Packaging! 

So for the Wendy’s aficionados from the middle earth middle of Metro Manila – a.k.a. Mandaluyong – you have the new Wendy’s S&R Shaw along Shaw Boulevard to satisfy your Wendy’s Hamburger cravings!

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.

Tagged as “where great minds come together to shop and dine,” the Ayala group has created a new lifestyle hub in Quezon City called UP Town Center.

Cotton On (non-restaurant)

Located in between UP Diliman campus and Ateneo De Manila University, the UP Town Center is patterned after the tradition of great university town centers around the world. The 7.4 hectare UP Diliman East Campus property along Katipunan Avenue in QC has been transformed into a “mixed-use retail and office development“.

Premium retailers, services, and restaurants will serve the needs and demands of office tenants, students, workers and surrounding residential communities surrounding the area.

What makes it unique from the usual retail developments is its bias of support for industry-academe collaboration such as on-the-job training and incubation of start-up businesses. Its operating hours is from Sunday – Thursday 10 AM to 9 PM; Friday & Saturday 10 AM to 10 PM.

Here are some establishments that are currently operating at the UP Town Center:

Ba Noi’s

Cafe Shibuya

Family Mart

Ginza Bairin

Highlands Coffee

IHOP Philippines

• Ba Noi’s
• Cafe Shibuya
• Family Mart
• Ginza Bairin
• Highlands Coffee
• IHOP Philippines
• J Co Donuts & Coffee
• Kos Greek Ouzeri
• Lucca Bakery
• Red Onion Cafe
• Ryu Ramen & Curry
• Salu-Salo
• Shrimp Bucket
• Steveston Pizza
• Tea Rock
• Tokyo Tonteki
• Torch
• Vanilla Cupcakes

J Co Donuts & Coffee

Kos Greek Ouzeri

Lucca Bakery

Red Onion Cafe

Ryu Ramen & Curry

Salu-Salo

Liberty

Not in Photo:

• Boon Tong Kee Philippines
• 8 Cuts Burger Blends
• Dulcelin Gourmet
• Casa Verde
• Pinac
• The Primary Kitchen Bar

Shrimp Bucket

Steveston Pizza

Tea Rock

Tokyo Tonteki

Torch

Soon to Open:

• Aeropostale

UP Town Center
1101 Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines
uptowncenter.info@gmail.com
http://www.ayalamalls.com.ph/

Vanilla Cupcakes

I was able to dine at Ginza Bairin. Watch out for its feature here in NomNom Club soon! Enjoy special treats at the UP Town Center when you present your student ID until November 30, 2013!

December is fast approaching and mom’s are surely already thinking of what to prepare this Christmas season and for upcoming parties and family gatherings at home. Clara Ole already knows this and came prepared for the rescue.

Clara Ole Pasta Sauces

The joy of preparing meals can easily turn into a nightmare when moms are pressed on time or when ingredients fall short from what she needs. This is the area where Clara Ole does it best – easy to prepare meals and ready-to-use products.

Wide range of Clara Ole Products

Pasta Sauces

Pasta dishes is one of the most in demand creations during the Christmas season; and you don’t have to settle with the usual spaghetti and pasta you have in every celebrations throughout the year.

With Clara Ole‘s wide range if versatile pasta sauces, you’ve got more options and something new to surprise your family with. Mommys can choose to go international with the “Italian style” or stick to a safe formula with the “Sweet Style.” For those a bit sophisticated, “Three Cheese” may do the trick while the “Filipino Style” may tickle the loyalists.

Pancake Syrups

Old stocks of Clara Ole products in our kitchen cabinet

Breakfasts and mornings could be made sweeter with Clara Ole’s Pancake Syrup, a fit partner for, well, pancakes. 😛 They can choose from Original, Maple, Cinnamon, or Truly Fruity. For those watching their blood glucose levels, Clara Ole Maple Syrup is sugar-free! While the chocolate lovers, they can have the Classic Choco and Choco-Nut Syrup.

Marinades & Dressings

Lunch meals can be made tastier with marinades. One of which is Clara Ole’s Original Barbeque Marinade which is best for grilled meat such as pork or chicken. Other variants include the honey mustard, hickory, Korean barbeque, tapa, and tocino marinades.

On a diet with salads? Make it more interesting with Clara Ole Dips n’ Dressing variants Thousand Island, Caesar, Honey Mustard, and Ranch and Asian. It goes well a dips for fish & chips, or buffalo wings as well.

Clara Ole Strawberry Jan

All the above-mentioned sauces and recipes are actually the turf of my wife. NomNom Club‘s personal favorite from Clara Ole are the jams (Blueberry Jam in particular) which we use in the morning for breakfast. Contrary to the usual Filipino customs or having rice even in the morning, we are closer to the American tradition of having breads with jams in the morning.

Know more about Clara Ole , Christmas recipes, and their line of products at  http://ClaraOle.com or follow them on Facebook at http://facebook.com/myclaraole. They are also on Instagram at @ClaraOlePH and they have a Facebook App called “Pot Sessions” A Cook without A Book.”