Pinas Hangouts

Lylee And Codie's Special Chicharon - Best Chicharon

2011-11-20T05:58:00.000-08:00

Move aside Baliwag chicharon, there is a new sheriff in town and the name is

When you hear the word chicharon, it gives your taste buds a sense of saltiness, crunchiness, and sometimes spiciness. This also gives tells you that it is dry, hard and most of the times hard to swallow.

After tasting Lylee and Codie’s chicharon, this gives a whole meaning in the taste, texture and most of all how it is made. You do not vinegar to fire up the flavor as this chicharon is simply delicious. From simply looking at a piece, you will know that this is made in a clean place, handled with care and with passion. Nothing but the best pork part was used and oil is always new as some chicharon makers used the same oil over and over. And when you get to the part of tasting it, you will see what I mean. It is not salty, in fact the saltiness is coming from the pork itself. It is crunchy at the same time it is soft to swallow. The best thing to describe the experience is like the tag line of a famous snack, “once you pop, you can’t stop!”, but for this case once you open the pack, you just got to eat it all. For the health conscious people, you do not know what you are missing. This is actually a guilt that you can be happy of!

I tell you, eating chicharon will not be the same after you got a taste of this. But, don’t trust my word for it. Just give it a try then you will know whether I am lying or not.

A 100-gram pack only costs P80.00 – a great value considering how this is made and the new experience for your taste buds.

For orders, you can contact 0943-327-4592. You can also send an email to lyleecodiechicharon@yahoo.com. Bulk orders accepted. So, what are you waiting for, try it now!

Parada Sports Complex – Makati Basketball Court

2011-09-21T23:32:00.000-07:00

Looking for a private, but can be rented basketball court in Makati? Since the City Hall of Makati took over the reservations of barangay courts, it is very hard to get a schedule especially if your goal is just to have a friendly game of basketball with friends, just a 2-hour reservation. You have to go to 20th floor of the Makati City Hall, find an open schedule in the list. If you are lucky enough get the schedule that you wanted (but 99% you won’t), you have to go down to the 9th floor to pay the fee and back to the 20th floor for documentation. As far as I know, all Makati wooden-floored basketball courts rate is P800/hr. Some Makati barangay basketball court does not require you to go to City Hall for reservation like the one in Bangkal. Same rate, but I doubt that you get a chance there as their priority are the residence there. You can also try The Zone, a privately owned recreational gym, but I also doubt if you can get reservations there. The Zone court rate is P1,250/hr, wooden floor and the contact number is 893-1600.

The real competition for basketball court reservations in Makati is the first come first serve basis. It is easy to get reservations if the slot you want is in the morning or in the afternoon. But 5pm onwards, good luck as most customers of these basketball courts are office workers meaning that all of them want the schedule from 5pm onwards.

If you are not “maarte” and your only goal is to just play basketball, you can go to Parada Sports Complex. This is located at corner Ben Harrison Street. The vicinity is not that accommodating. If you have a car, I suggest you do not park there, if you know what I mean. The place is a residential area with a lot of “tambays” having drinking sessions on the street. The basketball court is not that great also – unlevelled cemented floor (some parts are higher), wooden back board, basic ring (not snap back and the ring is just nailed to the board), and the court’s dimension standard. There is no three point area on the side line. The good thing about this is the rate. One hour costs P400 with lights. You can call 0915-961-9187 and look for Ate Carol.

This is just a suggestion. I know it is very hard to have a reservation for basketball courts in Makati especially with the schedule of 5pm. But like I said, if you are not maarte and all, try the Parada Sports Complex. This will do if you are just after for some basketball fun with friends.

Tagaytay City - Boat Ride to Taal Volcano

2011-09-06T00:17:00.000-07:00

Ever wondered these Boat Rides take you? This will take you to Talisay, Batangas actually. It is a boat ride going to Taal Volcano. Not to the volcano per se, but the place where you will do some trekking in going up to the crater of the famous Taal Volcano.

These people are agents of restaurants in Talisay. So, it really depends on the person you made the deal with where you will end up, which restaurant you will stop at. But, they are virtually the same. Restaurants that offer boat rides are practically sitting beside each other, so no worries. Same excitement, same experience. The only difference is how you negotiate the package.

To get an idea of how much the boat ride . Here you can find pricing of their boat rides and many more about what they are offering. But, if you are in a tight budget and just want to simply experience what is this, then making a deal from an agent there would suffice. The asking price from these agents costs around P1,500 to P2,000 and it also depends on the season. But using your inborn-negotiating skills, you can close it down to P1,000.
is to visit Taal Lake Yacht Club

If you happen to make a deal with these fellows, and if you would allow, they will hop in to your vehicle and take you to Talisay. But if you are jam packed or you are just not comfortable having a different person hitch a ride with you, they can take a tricycle and just follow where the tricycle go. Of course, you will shoulder the P100 payment for the tricycle rented. They will lead you to a pathway just beside the over-looking scenic view in Tagaytay crossing. It is a 20-minute downward slope drive and the width of the path is just enough for two cars or two vans. There are plenty of blind curves along the way. You have a steep road with a width of two cars and with blind curves everywhere. Dangerous? Well, not really… just be careful with your driving there. ;-)

When you reach your destination, which is the restaurant, why not take a 5-minute rest before your journey to Taal? You can order food or just simply drinks just to quench your thirst. Of course, pricing is tourist price. And, because of that, eating at Max’s is quite cheaper.

The boat is waiting for you in the beach shore with its driver and his assistant. Life vests are given to passengers before riding the boat and the assistant helps the passengers aboard the boat safely. It is a 10-minute ride from the restaurant to the point of destination. The payment you made for the boat ride is exactly what it is. You paid just for the boat ride going there and back. Aside from the boat ride,

As you reach the shore of Taal, you will be charged P25 each head for you to explore the vicinity. After paying the Taal Management, vendors will practically come at you in a very aggressive manner. They will show what they are selling as in putting it in front of your face, which is like very insulting. My advice is you got to have a lot of patience. Always remember that you are in their territory. If you are not interested in what they are selling, just smile and say no. Just keep your patience up!

Renting a horse comes in two parts: You can rent a horse costing P800 with insurance meaning if you accidentally fell off the horse, the Taal management will shoulder the cost for your hospitalization if need be. But, you can also have the horse for P500 or less. Again, it depends upon your negotiating skills. But, keep in mind that negotiated deals of horses does not have coverage. So, it is your decision whether you want the insurance or not. But for me, renting a horse to help you go up to the crater beats the purpose of trekking. And, it is more rewarding when you reach the top without anyone to help you.

Trekking up to the Taal crater took us 2 hours. You will walk on a rough-road trail going up. It is very hard for city fellows to go up as we are not used to walk on these kinds of terrain. Changed your mind about renting a horse? Don’t worry as the owners of these horses will still follow you. They are very persistent on having you rent their horse. This is like their marketing scheme because they know that city folks are not used to this kind of torture. As you go along, they will kind of tease you because you can see them riding their horses. They are showing you how easy life can be with the help of their horses. So, anytime you want to give up climbing and still want to reach the top, the horse is right beside you, which is kind of disturbing for people who are determined to walk all the way up as the gasping for air is also a hassle because you can actually smell the horse’s butt. But again, just keep your patience up and tell the owner to stop following you or just keep their distance. This will work after you said it like ten times.

As you go along the trail, you will see steam coming out from holes on the ground. These are the steam that comes from Taal volcano. You can actually cook an egg from those holes in just 5 minutes. That is how hot the steam is. As you go up, the view is fantastic! It gives you the feeling how high you are from sea level. It is simply awesome.

A final climb waits for you as you near the crater. This is the last obstacle that you will face. This is very steep as it requires the help of your hands to go up. I tell you, this is very challenging.

After conquering that last obstacle, you will be amazed on what awaits you on the top – top view of Taal’s crater, a very astonishing sight. It simply makes you feel happy! After hours of uphill climb, your exhaustion is swept away by the breathtaking beauty of Taal. If you are thirsty and forgot to bring some drinks with you, natives are very prepared for that. You can buy soda or buko juice if you prefer but of course, price is tourist price. But never mind that, the feeling up there is priceless.

Mahogany Public Market - The Best Bulalo ever!

2011-08-28T06:12:00.000-07:00

Craving for some Bulalo? Why not try the eateries in Mahogany Public Market in Tagaytay City? The beef is cooked perfectly as the meat just falls right off the bone. Adding to this is the exquisite sweetness of the soup - always served hot to beat the cold air of the city. One serving of bulalo that is already good for 4 people only costs for P300. Enticing? You bet! You will get more than your money is worth. Patrons that had taste the beef here will only tell you one thing, the beef is great!

Come to think of it, there is nothing special in the way these Bulalo are cooked nor the presentation of the food. It has something to do with the beef itself as they are from The Mahogany Public Market, which is just beside the eateries and this public market is well known for selling the freshest beef meat in the city. When I say fresh, the meat is still twitching. This is mainly because the slaughterhouse is just beside the market. Butchers are bringing in meat to the market from the second they are finished with the beef.

Beef meat is so affordable as 1 kilo of beef meat only costs for only P220 and sometimes, shop owners give them for only P210 comparing with the prices we have here in Manila ranging from P260 to P300, depending from where you buy the meat. For the “buto-buto”, well the same price as we have here in Manila, P160 per kilo. But, the good thing about these beef is they are grass fed. Cows that were grass fed have sweeter tasting and softer meat comparing to those that are grain fed. What ever kind of cuisine that you are planning to serve your family with this meat, it will taste fantastic!

The place is like a typical market place, they have fruits, coconuts, vegetables, and anything that we have in our market place here. And the prices, well… they are not really buyer friendly as they almost have the same pricing that we have here in Manila. And some items are more expensive. Buying beef meat is much recommended, but buying other items, not really.

They also have different types of beautiful flowers are on sale.

If you happen to be going to Tagaytay City, please visit Mahogany Public Market to grab a taste of the freshest beef meat in the place.

Personal Trainer

2011-08-25T05:43:00.000-07:00

Meet Christina Amabuyok Beronilla, also known as Tin-Tin Beronilla. She is an exercise enthusiast with 25 years experience of being a group exercise instructress. She had worked with Fitness Advantage, Slimmers World, Golds Gym, Alabang Country Club, and MySpa.

Here is a fact; she is the daughter of the late Rene Amabuyo who happened to be a World Class athlete in swimming. He was in the 1948 Summer Games that was held in London for the 200 Meters Men’s Breaststroke. He competed against USA, France, and other countries. Talk about Filipino Pride!

Tin-Tin teaches Cardio exercises like hi and low impact exercises, kickboxing, step aerobics, Latin dance, belly fusion, total body conditioning, and aqua aerobics. She also has Body and Mind exercises in her armoury like Yoga, Pilates, and Yogilates. And, she also teaches swimming.

You can catch her in SM Southmall East Wing parking space at 6am to 7am on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays for cardio exercises. She is at the West Wing parking space of SM Southmall on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays at 6am to 7pm for mind and body workouts.

To keep your adrenalin pumping, this instructor have her own sound system that booms out upbeat tempos. To complete the set, she also uses a Lapel mic. People in the group will not miss a step as you can hear her voice throughout the session. Patrons will know where to face, what foot to lift, where to sway the hips, and everything! I know by just reading this, I got you all excited. Women, men, young and old, are welcome to join the class. No forms needed, no personal information asked or whatever, just be there on time then jump in.

For more information on Tin-Tin’s offered services, you can call or text 0918-904-9443. You can also reach her through xtinamber@yahoo.com.

Be fit and be healthy!

Nuvali Sta. Rosa

2011-08-23T07:30:00.000-07:00

Going to Tagaytay? Why not stop over at Nuvali park – a place where you can hangout with friends and family.

This park has a lake that stretches to the outskirts of the park. Of course, where there is water, there are hundreds of Japanese Kois! These fishes are always hungry, so hungry that whenever a person is standing beside the causeway, these fishes are apparently waiting for something to be dropped. Feeding them is such a treat! You can buy bread crumbs near the spot for P15 per bag.

Boat ride is also offered for P30 per head and bike rentals for P60 per hour.

When you get hungry, you can choose from the different restaurants that are also located inside the park – David’s Tea House, Yellow Cab Pizza, Reyes Barbeque, Pig Out, Brothers Burger, etc. In need of coffee? Look no further as there is Starbucks in the area as well.

Nuvali Park is located at;

For morning walks, or just hangout in the afternoon or even star gazing at night – Nuvali is highly recommended. A place that is not therapeutic, but in some unexplainable way, I find it very relaxing. I guess, you have to find out for yourselves.

SM Southmall - Exercise Venue

2011-08-21T23:13:00.000-07:00

Tired of exercising alone? Or maybe jogging around your village all by yourself? Perhaps tired of doing the exercise routine over and over again?

Why not try something new? Group Aerobics! SM Southmall offers that, but not the gyms inside the mall, but in the parking space. Yes, the parking space of the supermall in Las Piñas.

Group aerobics is always held in the west wing parking space of SM Southmall every morning, every day of the week from 6:00 am to 7:00 am.

This is headed by a woman who is probably in her late 60s, and oh boy, she can move! It is kind of inspiring because despite her age, patrons are trying very hard to keep up with her and I bet this is what exercise can do for you. the good thing about this is anyone can join. No need for membership fees nor forms… just jump in and enjoy your workout!

Techno music is used to keep the adrenalin flowing. This is played through large speakers that the instructor had set up.

And if the group aerobics is not enough for you, you can a fun jog around the mall’s vicinity. There are a lot of people who jogs there even biking. Some people bring their badminton racquets to practice their forehand and backhand swings. Some bring basketball to practice passing techniques. In short, you can do whatever kind of exercise you want with the comfort of a very huge space and the fun about this is everyone is exercising there. Psychologically for most people that I know, they tend to do what the surrounding tells them to do. We act on the situation in front of us.

So, what are you waiting for? Let us burn those fats away! Remember it is not too late to start getting healthy. Live life, live strong! Be fit and be healthy!

Starmall, Alabang Sports Center

2011-08-09T07:07:00.000-07:00

Sports – A great way of getting some exercise and at the same time enjoying every moment of calories burning, a way of getting fit without even noticing that you are burning fats.

There is a great place in Alabang that have a sports center inside a mall - Starmall, Alabang. Their sports center includes two full size basketball courts, six badminton courts, a dojo, billiard tables, table tennis tables, and a boxing gym by Elorde.

Basketball courts have wooden floors and fiberglass boards. They are also equipped with buzzers and an electronic scoreboard each, but these are additional amenities. If need these stuff, just coordinate with the person in charge of the facility. Another good thing with this Sports Center, you can actually transform the basketball court to a volleyball court. Again, you just have to coordinate with the person in charge.

Their badminton courts have the “space” a player should need. Neighboring courts are far enough from each other. The walls are padded and the intervals of the walls from the end line are far enough to become a hindrance. Also, they have orchestra seats there as this place was a cinema before.

If you are looking for a more intense sport, try enrolling at their Dojo or to the Elorde Boxing Gym – fully equipped with punching bags, medicine ball, as in the works! The basic needs of a boxer are there.

Starmall Alabang Sports Center’s schedule is as follows:

Basketball

Monday to Friday: From 8am to 4pm, rate is P300/hr

From 4pm to 9pm, rate is P500/hr

Sat, Sun & Holidays: From 8am to 9pm, rate is P500/hr

Badminton

Court 1

Monday to Friday: From 8am to 4pm, rate is P120/hr

From 4pm to 9pm, rate is P200/hr

Sat, Sun & Holidays: From 8am to 9pm, rate is P200/hr

Court 2

Monday to Friday: From 8am to 4pm, rate is P150/hr

From 4pm to 9pm, rate is P300/hr

Sat, Sun & Holidays: From 8am to 9pm, rate is P300/hr

Table Tennis

Monday to Sunday: From 8am to 11pm, rate is P70/hr

Monday to Friday, play all you can for only P100, from 8am to 4pm

Starmall, Alabang Sports Center is open 7 days a week, from 8am to 11pm. Acceptance of reservations is from 8am to 9pm.

Contact numbers:

807-86-38

771-13-49

Get fit and be healthy!

Euphony Music Center

2011-08-02T08:49:00.000-07:00

Looking for a band rehearsal studio to make some noise, I mean music? Haha! There is a place in Makati along Pasong Tamo, Euphony Music Center. An establishment that offers music lessons and voice lessons. Music lessons include keyboard instruments such as piano and organ and even string instruments - guitar and violin. Don't forget to include wind instruments like trumpets, saxophone, flute and clarinet. Also, percussion instruments - drums and congos. Talk about musical learning, baby! They also sell pianos, guitars, etc. and instrument paraphernalias. But, the main attraction are two cubicles on standby for jammers, rakistas and noise makers.

The cubicles are fully padded rooms equipped with two mic stands, of course with mics, two electric guitars and one bass guitar, and lastly, the heart and soul of a band, the drums. The good thing about these cubicles, they have mirrors on the wall so you can actually see yourself while jamming! Although, not really important, but I must admit it is kind of cool. A mini stage was also placed so you can actually feel how a rockstar would in concert. They use Konzert speakers, Peavey and GTX amps. You can have all the amenities for only P250 per hour - a cost that is "swak sa budget" for band rehearsals.

Downside, they do not offer distortion effects or any pedal effects you may think of. You just have to rely on the speakers they have for the effect you are seeking. No shoes allowed inside these cubicles. You have to take off your shoes upon entering, but slippers are provided.

Main office is located at:

F1-A Mezzanine, Makati Cinema Square, Pasong Tamo Street

Makati City

Phone numbers: 844-5289, 752-0006, 846-4955

Mobile number: 0918-5637669

Email: euphony_music_center@yahoo.com

Look for: Lynne M. Albay - General Manager

They have other branches, which are located at:

Market Place Mall

2nd Floor, General Kalentong

Mandaluyong City

Phone number: 531-6351

Mobile number: 0928-6907379

Robinsons Place Mall
Level 1, Dasmariñas, Cavite
Phone numbers: (046) 686-5940, (046) 402-2005
Mobile number: 0918-4939960

Robinsons Place Mall

2nd Floor, Lipa, Batangas

Phone number: (043) 703-2471

Mobile number: 0908-4392447

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your friends, form a band and create music! - a new way of relieving stress!

Pinas Hangouts

2011-08-02T07:49:00.000-07:00

Looking for a place to hangout? An exciting place that will take the boredome away? Pinas Hangouts can help you find the right place you are looking for. Why go for hours of driving to go to hot spots when you can get the same experience just minutes away from where you are sitting or even why spend so much money on drinks when you can drink as much as you can spending less? This blog contain reviews of places that most of us want, must and needed to go to. What place, where at, why to and how to go to the spot that interests you are answered here.