When BJ Armstrong, the Bull’s Guard, Came to Town

by guestblogger, Nono Delid who blogs at Steel Connect

It’s not too often that you get to see in the flesh the NBA stars. Kobe Bryant came for a Nike event at Bonifacio High Street and went without us even seeing his shadow. When All Star Agent Zero, a.k.a. Gilbert Arenas of the Washington Wizards came to Adidas in Powerplant Mall in Rockwell two summers ago, we had to carry our kids in our arms for a good one hour just for them to get a glimpse of him; all we saw were all heads of the other fans wanting and pushing in front.

So, Saturday, April 17 was a great day for us when we got our invitation to be among the select few who will meet and greet BJ Armstrong at Marriott Hotel Manila’s Velocity Bar. Thanks to Michelle Garcia, Marketing Communications Manager of Marriott Hotel Manila for the invite!

BJ Armstrong (BJ stands for Benjamin Jr.), was a one time All Star guard (1994) who played along with the great Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen of the great Chicago Bulls during their first magnificent 3-peat run as NBA champions from 1991-94. Playing out of University of Iowa, BJ Armstrong was Chicago’s 1st round draft pick and 18th overall during the 1989 NBA draft. Standing at 6′2″ and playing point guard, he was directing the plays of the Bulls frontline, at the same time, dishing out treys in clutch plays. In fact, during the 1992-93 season, he was the three point king.  After Chicago, he played for Golden State, Toronto, Orlando and finally went back to Chicago. His last NBA game was a memorable one, as he revealed in an earlier interview with sports analyst/columnist Quinito Henson. As a Bull once again, they played a road game in Detroit (Michigan), his home city. At present, BJ, as an agent,  handles several players, including Derrick Rose, Chicago’s superstar and 2009 NBA rookie of the year. Interestingly, some of his Chicago’s lesser known teammates played in our PBA. His contribution to basketball, especially in teaching the young kids the foundation and fundamentals of basketball brought him here in here in Manila as a special guest of NBA Asia, to promote their Jr, NBA program where kids 12-14 years old are trained under the watchful and expert handlinng of their coach, Frank Lopez.

Frank  Lopez was with BJ’s party last Saturday, and as the crowd zoomed on BJ, I approached him as he was sipping his drink alone. Dressed like an NBA referre, Frank says, he has  worked with the NBA for many years now. He started with the Orlando Magic organization way way back, when Shaq O’Neal and  Penny Hardaway were still there. They hold playing sessions at the Jose Rizal University gym and he’s ably assisted  by past PBA stars, like Benjie Paras, Ronnie Magsanoc, and Elmer Cabahug.This week, they must have already chosen their top 8 players from among the pool of 40 players.

Another NBA  man we met at Marriott’s Velocity Bar was a pleasant  guy, whom despite his impeccable English accent and all, while conversing with the foreigner guests, we knew all along was a Filipino. His business card says Carlo Singson,  the Senior Manager, Business Development and Marketing Partnerships, NBA Asia, Limited with office listed in Hong kong. Carlo was born and grew up here, studied high school in La Salle Greenhilss but finished his college degree in the US. When asked who so far is their greatest product in this Jr. NBA program, he mentioned Keifer Ravena, star of the champion Ateneo Blue Eaglets team and  son of a PBA great, Bong Ravena of the Purefoods team. And oh yes, how could we miss Jama Mahlalela, the good-looking Director of Basketball Operations of NBA Asia, Limited who wooed the crowd with his dashing looks.

Back to BJ, he says he’s going back to the US in time for Game 3 of the Celtics-Bulls 1st round play-off match. When I asked his opinion on the chances of the East’s 8th seeded Bulls against the league leading top seed Cavs of King (Lebron James), he just raised a thumbs up sign. Well maybe, it as just for good luck for  his beloved Bulls squad (who is a  definite underdog),  to prevent a 4-0 sweep by a team tipped to go all the way to the finals. But there’s one thing we both agree: it’s still going to be a Laker and Kobe’s year.

Here are photos for posterity’s sake.

Easter Eggcitement at Marriott Hotel Manila

PASAY, MANILA - This Lenten Season, Marriott Hotel Manila adds an egg-stra special touch to the holidays. Celebrate with us and step into a blissful retreat with your family with lots of fun and surprises!

Easter Delight

From March 29 to April 4, stay for a minimum of 2 nights for only $105++ per day and enjoy a daily buffet breakfast for 2 at Marriott Café. Avail of this offer and we’ll throw in 2 tickets to the Easter egg hunt activity for free!

Easter Brunch and Eggciting Hunt

Come Easter Sunday, April 4, the hotel will be jam-packed with eggstravagant offers. From 11am to 3pm, feast on a wide selection of local and international delights in a buffet at Marriott Café for only Php1850nett. In line with the season, the cuisine features sumptuous Easter specialties and a special dessert counter to give your meal a sweet finale. What’s more, you’ll also get a free entrance to the Easter egg hunt activity when you grab a bite of this buffet.

Kids will surely jump for joy for a fun filled and action packed activities from 2pm to 4pm at the Grand Ballroom. For only Php500nett, kids can enter a world of barnyard-inspired Easter Egg hunt and play with bouncy inflatable’s, participate in egg hunting, egg painting, magic tricks, face painting and other activities in store for them. Treats from Monterey and Magnolia Chicken plus goodie bags filled with Hershey’s, Orion Chocopie, Sipahh straw, Total Girl Magazine and Star Paper Stationary are sure to be a sweet surprise too.

As Easter is a time for the family, Marriott Hotel Manila is the best place to spend it in.

——————————

Marriott Hotel Manila is set in the world class tourism complex of Resorts World Manila. Ideally located in Newport City across NAIA Terminal 3 the hotel is merely a 15-minute drive from Bonifacio Global City and Makati Business District. Affording a splendid view of the adjoining 18-hole Villamor Golf Course, it boasts 342 exquisite guest rooms that offers luxurious bedding, high-speed internet, 40″ full high definition LCDs with IPTV and the new remote jack pack plug-and-play system. Hotel facilities include Quan spa, 6 meeting rooms and a Grand Ballroom, 5 superb restaurants, outdoor pool and a health club. For inquiries and reservations, call 988-9999 or visit www.marriott.com/mnlap

Champagne Sunday Brunch at Marriott Hotel Manila

PASAY, MANILA - Sundays have always been set aside as a day of relaxation, an opportunity to re-energize and to spend time with loved ones. This is why Marriott Hotel Manila is proud to introduce its Sunday Champagne Brunch at Marriott Cafe, a day made up of delectable food, free-flowing champagne, sparkling wines, and fun-filled activities for children.

Every Sunday, from 11:30am to 3:00pm, Marriott Café will feature a smorgasbord of international cuisine, such as fresh seafood on ice, delicious dim sum, Chinese BBQ with Peking duck, delightful salad selections, and carving lights with prime rib. Afterwards, indulge in sinful desserts, scrumptious artisan breads, a chocolate fountain, and more!

For Php2200nett, guests can savor the Champagne Brunch, with free flowing Moet Chandon champagne and a selection of quality sparkling wines.  Guests can also choose to enjoy the brunch with unlimited sodas, iced tea, coffee, and tea for only Php1650nett. Children below 12 years old get in for Php825nett, while children below 6 years old get in for free.

Marriott Café’s bright and modern interior offers a distinctive atmosphere for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Crisp service and balanced design create the perfect ambiance above all others. What’s more is the children corner at the hotel lobby that features kid’s activities, clowns, magic’s, face painting, and balloon twisting.

Marriott Café is located at the Ground Floor of Marriott Hotel Manila, located across NAIA Terminal 3. For more information and reservation, call (632)988-9999 or visit www.marriott.com/mnlap.

ABOUT MARRIOTT HOTEL MANILA:
Marriott Hotel Manila is set in the world class tourism complex of Resorts World Manila. Ideally located in Newport City across NAIA Terminal 3 the hotel is merely a 15-minute drive from Bonifacio Global City and Makati Business District. Affording a splendid view of the adjoining 18-hole Villamor Golf Course, it boasts 342 exquisite guest rooms that offers luxurious bedding, high-speed internet, 40″ full high definition LCDs with IPTV and the new remote jack pack plug-and-play system. Hotel facilities include Quan spa, 6 meeting rooms and a Grand Ballroom, 5 superb restaurants, outdoor pool and a health club.

While there, perhaps you’d also like to check out their Quan Spa for some rejuvenation and relaxation.;)

Superbowl XLIV at Velocity Bar, Marriott Hotel Manila

Catch the Superbowl XLIV at the Velocity Bar, Marriott Hotel Manila!

February 8, 2009, 7AM-12NN

Php750net
Includes American Breakfast plus 2 San Miguel Light or Pale Ale

Private areas are available. For reservations, please call 988 9999 loc 8114

About Velocity Bar

Update on the Superbowl XLIV:  Saints 31, Colts 17

Fall in Love at the New Marriott Hotel Manila

January 29, Manila—This Valentine’s, get captivated at the recently-opened Marriott Hotel Manila. Set in the premier tourism complex of Resorts World Manila and ideally located in Newport City right across the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3, the new Marriott Hotel Manila is perfect for celebrating the season of love.

Spend the whole day close to your loved ones amidst a backdrop of modern architectural design. Bring your special someone and rekindle flames anew as you explore the world-class amenities and services that the hotel offers.

From February 12 to 14, enjoy a romantic candle-lit dinner at Marriott Café. For only Php1750, take pleasure in a sumptuous buffet with Asti Martini, a special box of heart pralines and sweet desserts in a wash of red. Just in Front of Marriott Café is Java+, where you can avail of gift boxes of rose, pralines, and demi of sparkling wine. Should you opt for a more intimate dining experience, Cru Steakhouse offers mouthwatering set menus paired with sparkling wine for only Php2800 per person. Cru’s interiors of bold earth tones under subdued lighting with splashes of intense colors are sure to set the mood for a night of steak and wine indulgence.

As the color of the night sky deepens, spend the evenings in the hotel’s premium deluxe rooms. From February 12 to 15, avail of hotel accommodations for only USD150++, be surprised with champagne and strawberries set up in the room and wake up to a wonderful daily buffet breakfast at Marriott Café.

With all these wondrous offers this February, you will indeed fall in love with Marriott Hotel Manila, the newest hotel in the country to take your breath away. Marriott Hotel Manila is a quick 15-minute drive from the Makati business district and merely 15 minutes from Bonifacio Global City Taguig. The hotel offers first-rate accommodations including luxurious bedding, high speed internet, 40-inch, high definition LCD televisions with jack pack plug and play systems and spacious work areas.  The two top floors house executive level rooms and 19 suites. Guests can enjoy a spectacular view of the 18-hole Villamor golf course from the executive lounge. To know more about the hotel and its promotions, call (02) 988 9999 or visit www.marriott.com/mnlap

Marriott Hotels & Resorts inspires your best performance during travel, delivering an experience that helps you work and relax in your own way.  Marriott’s nearly 500 locations in 60 countries provide genuine care coupled with fresh, classic design, making it the leading choice for travelers and meeting planners.  All Marriott hotels participate in the award winning Marriott Rewards frequent travel program that allows members to earn hotel points or airline miles for every dollar spent during each stay. For more information, visit www.marriott.com

Marriott Hotel Manila Opens in Newport City, Pasay City

Marriott Hotel Manila opens with two good deals.

First, their standard room is only $150++ a night. Guests who opt to spend a night or two at Marriott Hotel Manila will wake up to the majestic view of the adjoining 18-hole Villamor Golf Course.

Second, its Marriott Cafe is offering a 50% off on their lunch and dinner buffet (only PhP675.00 net for adults and PhP337.5 for children below 12). This promo is good until November 30, 2009. Marriott Cafe is open from Monday to Sunday.

With the brand of customer service that Marriott is known for, these deals and more are definitely worth checking out!

More photos of the hotel HERE.

Getting there:
Manila Marriott Hotel is at the new spunking Newport City in Pasay City. It’s in front of the Ninoy International Airport Terminal 3 (NAIA T3).

The hotels is accessible by cab or bus going to NAIA 3. Route taken may be through Tramo Street, Pasay City or through Villamor Airbase.

Contact Details:
Phone:  63 2 9889999
Fax:  63 2 8369998
Sales:  63 2 9889999 ext. 8014

Food Festival Spotlight: Flavors of Macau

The three metro cities of the country hold a food festival from the last week of this month till the second week of April. The featured cuisine is that of Macau.

Flavors of Macau is delectably Portuguese, Chinese, and more!

Food Festival  Schedules:

Metro Manila February 23 - March 21, 2009

Cebu March 1 - 15, 2009

Davao March 11 - April 12, 2009

Dine in any of the participating restaurants below and get a chance to win a travel package for two to Macau.

Cafe Bola, Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center, Makati City
Cafe Bola, Coliseum Circle, Araneta Center, Quezon City

Chateau 1771, Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center, Makati City

Le Souffle, Amorsolo Square, Rockwell Center, Makati City
Le Souffle, Citibank Square, Paseo de Roxas, Makati City
Le Souffle, The Fort, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City

Pepato, Greenbelt 2, Ayala Center, Makati City

Sala Bistro, Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center, Makati City

Portico 1771, Serendra, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City

Restaurant 9501, 14/F ELJ Center, Eugenio Lopez Drive, Quezon City

Marco Polo Plaza Cebu, Cebu Veterans Drive, Nivel Hills, Apas, Cebu City
Marco Polo Plaza Davao, CM Recto St., Davao City

Airline Partner: Air Macau

Media Partners: Food, foodie, LifeStyle Network, Crossover 105.1

For more information, contact Macau Government Tourist Office - Philippines
Tel: (632) 812-2959; 813-0947
Fax: (632) 892-5232
Email: mgtophil@info.com.ph

Related stories:
‘Flavors of Macau’ food fest to start Feb. 23
The Philippines experience “Flavors of Macau”

Photo credit

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer, Sunday Edition, March 1, 2009

Where to Spend Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is a big red-letter day here in the Philippines. So as early as January, couples and even groups of friends already book their activities.

If you’re still deciding where to go or how to spend your Valentine’s Day, here’s a list.

1. Happy Vanilla Valentine at Devarama Spa, Dusit Thani Hotel - Smooth subtle scent of  floral vanilla bath (30 minutes), followed by deep cleansing vanilla colada body scrub (30 minutes), then capped with a relaxing vanilla and patchouli aromatic massage (90 minutes). The package is Php5,800++ per person and Php10,400++ per couple. For inquiries and reservations, call (632) 867-3333 or  email at manila@devaranaspa.com or visit www.devaranaspa.com.
2. Sweet Valentine at Sulo Hotel -  On Feb. 13, enjoy a pre-Valentine Romantic Candlelit Eat-All-You-Can, Sit Down Dinner at the Cafe Paraiso, or at the Sushi Bar’s Japanese for My Sweet Promo for only Php1,200. net per person. On Feb. 14, have a lunch at Cafe Paraiso and dinner buffet with more than 50 varieties of delectable cuisine. Meals come with complimentary roses, sunflower and gifts, special heart-shaped chocolates, plus a chance to win a romantic vacation for two (2) in Baguio City. For inquiries and reservations, call (632) 924-5051 to71, or visit www.sulohotel.com.ph.
3. Valentine Getaway at One Tagaytay Place - Cozy deluxe room accommodations, breakfast, and dinner for two (2) with a glass of wine, all for only Php5,600 net. Couples will get surprise gifts with freshly baked goodies from Rowena’s Delicacies and a chance to win on-the-spot raffle prizes from The A. Venue Hotel Suites and Outback Steakhouse. Add only Php800 for an upgrade to a classy 1-bedroom suite with the same perks. For inquiries and reservations, call (632) 584-4111, (632) 8188318, or visit www.onetagaytayplace.com.
4. Suite Surrender at Discovery Suites - For the whole month of February, couples can enjoy special accommodations in a Junior Suite. Accommodations include breakfast for two at Restaurant 5 and an exotic 60-minute massage treatment at Terra Wellness Spa.  All this for Php7,250 nett per night. On Valentine’s Day, enjoy the “Fire & Ice” treat at 22 Prime, where you get to taste a special 5-course dinner for Php1,295+ per person inclusive of a flute of sparkling wine and long-stemmed roses for the ladies. Or couples may want to go “That’s Amore” dinner buffet on Feb 13 and 14 at Restaurant 5. Here they can enjoy Iltalian classic dishes and premium wines with matching old-country music plus sparkling wine and long-stemmed roses for the ladies. All this for Php850+ per person. For inquiries and reservations, email fbds@discovery.com.ph.
5. Valentine Suite and Sweets and Wine and Dine Your Valentine at Renaissance Makati City Hotel - From Feb 13 to 15, couples can choose from any of the 598-room deluxe hotel and get a special rate of US$165. That includes buffet breakfast for two at M2M (morning to midnight), and a choice of between a buffet dinner for two at M2M or a Php2,500 dinner voucher for creative Continental restaurant Bocarinos or at the newly opened fine Cantonese restaurant Jasmine. A complimentary glass of bubbly wine, red or white wine tops off the meal at Php1,382 per person. For more information and reservations, visit www.renaissancehotels.com.
6. Red Letter Day at Taft Tower Hotel - Couples can enjoy room-rate promos for only Php2,600 in deluxe rooms. The promo comes with two glasses of red wine and a long-stemmed rose or a gift that men can give to their special someone. For inquiries and bookings, visit www.taftowerhotel.com.
7. Stay in Love… A Deluxe Romance at Hotel Vida - Couples can have an enjoyable evening at their junior suites with a candlelit dinner at the veranda and a breakfast-in-bed the day after for only Php7,750 nett. The men can also take their special someone to Salt Coffee Shop. For inquiries and reservations, email reservations@hotelvidaclark.com or visit www.hotelvidaclark.com/fuegohotels.com.

Sources:
Philippine Daily Inquirer, LifeStyle Section. January 31, 2009.
Manila Bulletin, Travel & Tourism. February 1, 2009.

Raffles Manila to Rise Soon in Makati’s CBD

Soon this building will be among the sites to behold in Makati City. Yes, that’s an artist’s rendering of the Raffles Suites & Residences that will soon rise at the corner of Makati and Arnaiz (formerly Pasay Road) Avenues as reported in Philippine Star (June 13, 2008, p. H-3).

For related stories, check out:
Raffles Hotels & Resorts
Kingdom Hotel Investments