DIRT WEEKEND INVITATIONAL: The Good Kind of Dirt

Gear up and mark your calendar for an action packed weekend happening this April 26 to 28 with NUVALI'S DIRT WEEKEND INVITATIONAL. Cycling enthusiasts are in for a big adventure in Nuvali, Laguna as it hosts this year's Dirt Weekend Invitational.

photo courtesy of https://www.facebook.com/NUVALIOfficial

The organizers shared what's in store for this year's Dirt Weekend Invitational through a press conference held at Skinny Mike's Sports Bar in Bonifacio Global City. Greater things are bound to happen for the cycling community as it pioneers a sanctioned race on this invitational cycling exhibition. Cross Country (XCO / XCR) and Four Cross events comprises the two-day cycling competition.

Since the event will be observed by representatives from the world and the country's national federation, all participating cyclists are required to secure a national federation license. The said competition will be judged by the Union Cycliste Internatiole (UCI) Commissaries Beatrice Lajawa of Malaysia and our very own Oscar Rodriguez. In addition, the mountain bike event is organized according to the UCI standards and specific regulations. The competition hopes to give birth to new qualified riders to compete in the international arena.

Among the local squads participating are Bikeworx, Sabak, Potato Corner, Yellow Cab, KTM, John Wilkie, EXO (Executive Off-Road Cycling Association), Cycleline (Mindanao) and Prima / Isuzu D-Max. Moreover, some members of the current and former national team joining the weekend competition are Eusebio Quiñones, March Aleonar, Frederick Feliciano and Alvin Benosa. The registration was concluded last April 12.

Earning professional badge this season, biking enthusiast can brace for the future standard of cycling events in the country. The premier sports venue, together with the organizers, sought to define the future of professional cycling competition from Switzerland-based world government body UCI and national federation integrated Cycling Confederation of the Philippines (PhilCycling). Nuvali further assured the public that the Ayala Land development continues to live up as an eco-community where business and recreation meet.

photo courtesy of https://www.facebook.com/NUVALIOfficial

Know more about Nuvali at www.nuvali.ph and you can also like their Facebook page NuvaliOfficial or follow them at twitter @NuvaliOfficial to get updated with their latest events and happenings.

SUMO SAM OLYMPIA: The Next "Big" Thing

photo courtesy of facebook.com/sumosamolympia

The country's fastest growing Japanese restaurant is truly making it happen in Makati with the official launch of SUMO SAM OLYMPIA last April 12 . Located at the Lower Ground Floor of Somerset's Tower D, Sumo Sam Olympia is set to pioneer another Sumo Sam milestone.

Sumo Sam Olympia boasts of a 300-sqm dining space that can accommodate up to 150 guests, Sumo Sam's biggest store to date, which is divided into three areas that can be enclosed and booked separately or altogether for bigger events. The posh interior is really very fabulous. Designed with see-through flooring and overhead vault accentuated with 10,000 light bulbs, Sumo Sam Olympia sure is an ideal place for dining, lounging and bonding with friends and family.

The most exciting thing about Sumo Sam Olympia is their daily buffet offering priced at only Php 499.00 per head available for lunch and dinner. The buffet table serves a selection of fresh salads, sushi, hot ramen, delectable unlimited tempura and delicious desserts. But Sumo Sam's bestsellers like Ebi Tempura, Chicken Teriyaki, Beef Teppan, Spicy Tuna Salad and my favorite Japanese Fried Rice are also available for those who prefer eating ala carte. In time for summer, Sumo Sam added a variety of refreshing ice pops with exciting flavors like green tea, red bean and black sesame to name a few. This unique dining experience is all part of Sumo Sam's vision of creating the biggest Japanese buffet restaurant experience in the country.  After all, Sumo Sam believes that "Big is Beautiful."

Sumo Sam Olympia also serves breakfast for that delightful and healthy start of the day. In addition, delivery service is also available for those who want to enjoy their meal at the comfort of their own home or even at the office. With all these breakthroughs, Sumo Sam's general manager Adolf Aran Jr. promises, "Sumo Sam will be creating more milestones this year, in terms of expansion, new menu concepts and other innovations."

Check out these awesome treats from Sumo Sam Olympia:

For inquiries, reservations and deliveries, you may call 0917-706-7328 or you can visit their website at https://www.facebook.com/sumosamolympia

SUMO SAM: Serving BIG in Baguio

The country's fastest growing Japanese restaurant chain, SUMO SAM, has reached the far North as it launches yet another installment of its casual dining in the City of Pines, Baguio City. Spearheaded by actor-restaurateur Marvin Agustin together with his accomplished business partners Mr. Raymund Magdaluyo and Mr. Ricky Laudico, Sumo Sam officially opens at the Ayala Technohub in Camp John Hay, Baguio City.

And what better way to kick off a grand launch than with a traditional giant Sushi Maki, a massive 2x2 in width and 16 inches in length Sushi Maki. Fittingly, in Sumo Sam, "Big is Beautiful."

Since Japanese cuisine is widely loved here in the country, Sumo Sam would surely hit all the right spot of our big appetite. And while Sumo Sam will still be serving its best sellers like the EBI TEMPURA, CHICKEN TERIYAKI, BEEF TEPPAN, SPICY TUNA SALAD and my personal favorite JAPANESE FRIED RICE, each branch is catered to serve a unique dish, a distinguishing quality of Sumo Sam. 

Now nearly reaching its 30th branch, Sumo Sam is definitely making a wide following in and out of the metro. This contemporary Japanese restaurant is all about culinary delights. Having a great interior backed up with Baguio's natural cozy ambiance, Sumo Sam is definitely a great place to hang out and dine. That's why it comes as no surprise that Sumo Sam is one of leading Japanese restaurants in the country. Fill your big appetite and taste the big difference at Sumo Sam.

Know the hottest events and get to know more about Sumo Sam by visiting their facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ilovesumosam

KALAYAAN - The Emancipation of Manila

It was 1945. The once glorious city of Manila, battered with the brutal savageries of the Pacific War, was in devastation but not the heart and spirit of the noble Filipinos. Together with the Allied forces, Filipino guerilla forces launched an offensive to free the capital city against the Japanese occupation. Then, in the words of General MacArthur, "Your capital city, cruelly punished though it be, has regained its rightful place - citadel of democracy in the East." Thus, the liberation of Manila in what the world would come to know as the Battle of Manila.


HERO Foundation Inc. in partnership with Buhay na Kasaysayan, MD Juan Enterprises, Intramuros Administration and the Department of Tourism sent us back in time to witness a proud period in Philippine history in a fundraising event dubbed as "KALAYAAN - A Battle Reenactment of the 1945 Liberation of Manila." Authentic World War II vintage military vehicles paraded the historic street of Intramuros and battle scenes, accompanied with explosions and a recorded narration of the campaign, are carried out to exhibit scenarios from the 1945 liberation of Manila.

The proceeds of this first of its kind event held in Manila will go to the HERO Foundation Inc. Established by former President Corazon Aquino together with then AFP Chief of Staff General Renato de Villa, HERO aims to provide educational assistance to children or dependent siblings of deceased Filipino soldiers or those who are completely incapacitated in the line of duty. Now led by Mr. Fernando Zobel de Ayala as chairman, HERO firmly believes that education is still the best weapon against poverty and tyranny. Hence, by assisting the children and other dependents of war heroes to obtain a tertiary degree, it is with high hopes that it will give rise to future heroes.

For  more information about HERO Foundation Inc.,  visit their website at   www.herofoundation.com.ph  or you may also contact them at +63917-822HERO (4376).

ZARZUELA: A Taste of Heirloom

Nothing beats having a taste of home at the end of the day. There's just really something about Filipino cuisine that surely arouses the palate. And fortunately, I get all that at ZARZUELA. To my surprise, I realized I haven't tasted a lot of the "authentic" Filipino food until I tried it at Zarzuela. Being a local, Filipino cuisine is a common food, but the Filipino flavors served up at Zarzuela is just as rich as the country's culture.

Dining at Zarzuela is like home away from home. The place is  really very comfortable and very cozy, perfect for housing a variety of rich-tasting Filipino flavors. But the best thing about Zarzuela is that the owners' are serving up heirloom recipes from each of their families.
 

To compliment the ambiance, we were delighted by a very refreshing all time Pinoy favorite drink - Sago't Gulaman. Then we were off to a fun start with a taste of Zarzuela's humor in a dish composed of breaded fried liempo with green mangoes, bagoong (shrimp paste) and tomato vinaigrette as dips in the appetizer fondly called the Fountain of Youth (Php 199). Can you guess why? Lol. Now we can say, "Appetizer. It's more fun in the Philippines."



Another dish that tickles and sizzles both the appetite and our funny bones is the smokey Cowboy Sisig (Php 199), a wed of words from its main ingredients "cow" and "baboy (pig)." We also tried the Spanish Style Bangus Belly (Php 319). It was braised in olive oil and seasoned with whole pickles, chilies and brandy that is surely delicioso. Then, my personal favorite, the Callos Madrilena (Php 489). A rich, hearty stew of tomatoes, ox feet, chorizo and garbanzos make up this luscious treat. Next we had the Krispy Binagoongan (Php 359). Seasoned in their own signature bagoong, this dish came as a surprise because it was not cooked in the same manner as the ordinary binagoongan served in stores, now that's extraordinary. Also in the menu was the Ilonggo delicacy, the Krispy Pitaw (Php 419). This fried quail flakes is seasoned like an Adobo, but definitely serves up a unique taste. I think this suits very well with an ice cold beer. Completing our entree was a Bicolandia dish, the Pinangat (Php 229). Better known here in the Manila as Laing, this creamy dish will heat up your appetite, leaving you wanting for more.



Then it's time for the sweet conclusion. Among the desserts I've tried, Tocino del Cielo is my top choice. This heavenly custard base is really the sweet for my sweet, tooth that is. But no to be outclassed, the Maruya ala Mode got reinvented courtesy of Zarzuela's fancy of the typical delicacy topped with Vanilla ice cream, lavished with chocolate syrup and a cherry on top. Also another Pinoy favorite, the Cassava Cake brings in the zest to a very delicious meal.

Undoubtedly, Zarzuela caters a great play of Filipino flavors with every dish having a unique and distinct taste of its heritage. I'm glad I was able to try out the different authentic Filipino dishes served at Zarzuela. Hats off to the brilliant minds behind Zarzuela and its fabulous take on Filipino cuisine. At this point, I kind of felt like proudly singing the national anthem. :) 

Wild Night Adventure at Zoobic Night Safari

The night really got better with Zoobic Night Safari. This 25-hectare exotic sanctuary offers a unique, thrilling and exciting wild night adventure that would surely charm the lionhearted. I'm not brave all the time but this is just too much to pass out so I thought, I can be fiercer than the night. (B*tch please? lols) Packed with so much excitement, I took this one of a kind adventure, ready to tickle my nocturnal senses.

Aboard the tram called the Zooper Train, my wild encounter begun with a tour at the Serpentarium, a reptile haven of snakes, lizards and iguanas, followed by a trip at the Rodent World which showcases an amazing collection of rodents. Next stop was an on-foot tour at a walk-through petting zoo, the Zoobic Park, before taking a walk together with the greyhounds in the Greyhound Walk, leading to the Croco Loco, a crocodile lair where you'll get a chance to feed them. Last but definitely not the least, we took a safari ride in an enclosed jeep bound to take us to the tigers' natural habitat at the Tiger Safari, a one of a kind in the Philippines.

White Tiger photo courtesy of zoomanityblogs-eventsandprojects.blogspot.com

The Animal Muzooeum is one of the unique attractions featured at the Zoobic Safari which feature rare collections of real stuffed animals and animal skeletons. Another must-try, the Forbidden Cave, surely got my heart pounding with all of its surprises. I suggest you find it out for yourselves. Completing my whole wild night adventure was the most anticipated performances specially staged for the night's entertainment. The show started with a parade of lovable animals with the majestic White Tiger as the cherry on top. Then, among many of Zoobic Night Safari's highlights, the Aeta's tribal fire dance and the Fire Poi Dancers really blew us away which will be available all Saturdays up to June 8, 2013 at 6pm onwards.

Fire breather photo courtesy of zoobic.com and Poi dancers courtesy of subictimes.com

The King has Arrived!

Zoobic Safari raises our Safari experience a notch higher with its latest feral attraction. Another first in the Philippines, meet his majesty, the King of the Jungle, up close on an exciting jeepney ride available for day tour adventure from 8 am to 4 pm. 

Be bold and experience wild summer nights and venture into the dark side of the animal kingdom only at the Zoobic Night Safari. For inquiries, you may contact them at 899-9824 / 899-9595 loc 344 or you can visit their website at www.zoobic.com.ph