Weekday Buffet Bonanza at Market Cafe, Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila

The weekday buffet bonanza at Market Cafe, Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila is perfect for vacationers and office workers. It’s a treat of epicurean delight.

From Monday to Thursday, diners can feast on a wide selection of freshly cooked Western, Chinese, Korean, Japanese and Filipino cuisines and enjoy a special price of PHP990 net per person for lunch and P1099 net per person for dinner inclusive of free-flowing soft drinks and local beer.

Diners can choose from a wide variety of dishes, which include an abundant choice of appetizers, hearty salads, premium cuts of lamb and beef, fresh or baked oysters, salmon, oven-baked pizzas, pastas, sushi and sashimi, freshly made tempura and a sinful selection of homemade ice cream and desserts.

A new promotional price offer at Market Café
From Monday to Thursday, diners will receive as much as 40% off on the daily lunch and dinner buffet. Offer will run only until 30 June 2013.

For more information, please call the Food and Beverage Reservations Centre on +63 2 247 8666 or make your booking online by visiting manila.casino.hyatt.com. You can also make reservations through e-mail at cath.mn@hyatt.com.

Ocean’s Harvest at Marriott Hotel Manila

Cooked seafood on ice

Fresh catch of the day

Marriott Hotel Manila is giving its guests a new dining experience: a seafood buffet every Friday and Saturday from 6:0o p.m. to 10:30 p.m. all year-round.

Called Ocean’s Harvest, this seafood buffet offers diners numerous fresh seafood and can even request the chef to have their choice seafood cooked their way. For only P2,300, guests can indulge in a sea of mouthwatering seafood dishes.

Sweet and sour crabs

We ordered first the sweet and sour crabs. The sauce of this dish is divine! It has the right amount of sweetness and sourness that coats well the crab meat and tickle the palate.

 Wizheart orderd this pampano with just the simple soy sauce.

This pampano dish is like a home-made dish made to taste gourmet-like. The fish is so tender and it tastes so good when eaten with the slightly caramelized garlic.

An assorted of seafood

We had a plate of grilled assorted seafood. The squid, the shells were so fresh that when grilled are to die for!

Lobster in garlic and butter sauce

This lobster in garlic and butter sauce is a must-try. The lobster is so tender and juicy and compliments really well with the garlic and butter.

 Seafood lasagna

Marriott Cafe’s seafood lasagna is another must-try. I just love the mixture of seafood and its sauce. Rich and cheesy!

M Cafe’s gelato

What a perfect way to cap the seafood dinner with a gelato. I had a mix of gianauja amara and Palawan walnut. It was just so delicious!

If I were you, I’d go and have your own Ocean’s Harvest experience at Marriott. You can start your dinner with a piping hot soup of shrimp gumbo in lemon grass cooked Tinola-style. Or you can have the steaming hot pot of sinigang in local miso or tamarind alongside talakitok, maya-maya, head prawn local clams. Whatever suits you.

The Ocean Surf Market Style Buffet Menu includes fresh salmon, tuna loin, local tanigue, pompano, talakitok, lapu-lapu, maya-maya, shellfish, jumbo prawns, half shell local scallop, local clams, jumbo squid, suahe shrimps, blue marlin, and local gindara. You can also have your fill of slippers lobsters, local blue sea crab, curacha crab, prawns, mussels, and white shells. All of these you can have cooked your way. Not to mention the friendly and very accommodating chefs at Marriott.

Here we are, happy about our simple grilled fish!

If that isn’t one awesome dining experience, I don’t know what is.

For inquiries and reservations, call (02) 988-9999.

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ABOUT MARRIOTT HOTEL MANILA

An inviting beacon set in the world-class casino entertainment complex of Resorts World Manila, Marriott Hotel Manila is the place to work and play. Ideally located in Newport City across Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3, it is a convenient 15 minute drive from Makati Business District and Bonifacio Global City. Affording a splendid view of the adjoining 18-hole Villamor Golf Course, it boasts 342 exquisite guest accommodations that offers luxurious bedding, in-room safe, mini-bar, high-speed Internet, air conditioning, 40″ full high definition LCDs with IPTV, videos on demand and jack pack plug-and-play system. The hotel features excellent dining options such as Marriott Cafe, Cru Steakhouse, Java+ and Lobby Lounge. Leisure facilities include Quan Spa, Health Club, Salon and Newport Mall. With a Grand Ballroom and several meeting rooms, Marriott Hotel Manila is also the ultimate destination for meetings and events, from weddings to gala dinner celebrations.

Magical Easterland at Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila

Do you know that Easter is the most important occasion in the Catholic Faith? Today, then, is the best time to plan for Easter Sunday.

Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila has prepared for you an Easter celebration that will highlight a magical family adventure. From 11AM to 3PM on Sunday, March 31, Le Salon will transform into a magical enchanted garden where both children and adults can enjoy candy fairies, wizards and dwarves. For only PHP800 net for both children and adults, the experience will not only involve delightful magical characters but also sweet and savoury food choices personally hand-picked by Executive Chef Josef Miklavc and his team. Fruit Magic’s refreshing fruit shakes are also available featuring their most popular concoctions.

Some of the featured activities will be:

• face painting
• meringue egg decoration
• balloon twisting
• pin the magic wand
• magic hat
• eggs in a pot
• an exhilarating show by a wizard performing feats of magic and illusion

And of course, to stay true to the form of Easter, an Easter egg hunting will cap the afternoon activity. All children will get to “eggs plore” in the Mystery Egg Hunt, with carefully tucked-away incredible prizes, including an overnight stay in a guestroom with breakfast buffet for two at the Market Café.

Of course, no one is leaving the party empty handed. Prizes and surprises await all guests, which include Barbie dolls, Hot Wheels, Polly Pocket, Sqwishland, ShellCore, Faber-Castell Philippines novelties and IFEX notebooks, ABS-CBN publishing’s Working Mom, Cars and Spider-man magazines, plus Worlds of Fun and Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila gift certificates.

For goodies and snacks, Fibisco Chocolate Chips cookies, Oishi, Chips Delight, Smileys, Egg Bites, Trolli Gummi Candies, Yakult, Selecta Moo chocolate and milk drink, Lucky Me Special, Monde Specials, Nestle Professional, Purefoods Fun Nuggets and Tender Juicy Hotdogs, Magnolia Ice Cream, San Miguel Foods Inc- Great Food Solutions, Clara Ole, Smuckers, Treetop, Coca-Cola Softdrinks, and Jack N’ Jill Snacks such as Star Pops, Knots, Quake Bars, Star Fruits, Wiggles, Yammy Chocolate Chewy Candy, Cream-O, Magic Creams Junior and Presto bring their most-loved products as a take-home gift.

To kick the Easter party up a notch, families can combine fun and feast by dining at any of the Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila restaurants and taking advantage of the special rate of PHP 400 net!

Official media partner for this event is Easy Rock 96.3, just the rite rock.

Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila is located at 1588 Pedro Gil cor M.H. Del Pilar St., Malate, Manila.

For more information, please call the Food and Beverage Reservations Centre on +63 2 247 8666 or make a booking online by visiting www.manila.casino.hyatt.com. You may also email cath.mn@hyatt.com.

About Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila
Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila is a five-star hotel surrounded by Manila’s culturally rich and well-preserved historical points of interest. This 33-storey mixed-use complex offers 376 elegantly designed guestrooms and accommodates the largest number of suites in the Bay Area, including 58 Speciality Suites and 4 Presidential Suites. The hotel features three innovative and authentic restaurants, a pastry shop, an entertainment outlet, four floors of Regency Club accommodation as well as the most stylish and advanced event spaces in town. Fully equipped recreational and premier gaming facilities are also on the premises. The hotel is only a few minutes from the international airport, the convention centre, top tourist attractions and the city’s business district.

For more information, please call +63 2 245 1234 or visit www.manila.casino.hyatt.com. “Like” us on Facebook – www.facebook.com/hyatthotelandcasinomanila.

Get Love-struck with Chocolate at Marriott Manila

What is it about love that it’s always associated with chocolates?

Head for Marriott Hotel Manila now and celebrate this love month with a lovely interplay of food and chocolate.

Loving and romantic couples can enjoy that perfect meal: attractive yet real, wholesome yet sometimes a little naughty, surprising but not startling. All elements can be found at Cru Steakhouse. While steak is the main draw at Cru, the dessert revelation is a marvelous night cap.  Try the dessert revelation (P600 net): a triple treat of vanilla, chocolate and raspberry ice cream flavors. This limited Valentine offer starts when the rich, hot sauce of dark Swiss chocolate is lavishly poured onto the dome. It is meant for sharing,  which will surely seal the date night.

Another option for a romantic evening can happen at the Marriott Café. Tasty buffet, for only P2,300 net from February 13th to 16th, the spread is made unlimited and extra endearing for Valentine’s Day.

To notch up the Valentine evening, get a Suite Surrender room package from February 9 to 16 and get billeted for a night or more in our executive suite with your honey to send sparks of romance for only P16, 000++, inclusive of a heartily-prepared in-room breakfast for two and with a flower set up.  What’s more? Get into the luxe life with an exclusive pick up and drop off experience within Manila courtesy of Jaguar!

As if this is not enough, step into the The Great Room located at the lobby and get artsy with our chocolate carving showcase the whole month of February. Sweetened with passion and hand carved with love, find inspiration from our chocolate carving exhibit featuring Valentine staples from hearts, cupids, couples, signature bag and a Ducati motorcycle.  Made of purely imported chocolate, these masterpieces are for selling too.

While at the Great Room,  better try the Valentine drinks. Bartenders proudly present the Chocolate Concoctions, also available the whole month of February for only P350 net. Made of lip smacking and thick chocolate transformed into a drink with a hint of alcohol, rev up your quiet time with our chocolate-inspired drinks: blended tiramisu, chocolate cherry bomb, and chocolate martini.

Really, there’s no other place to make your Valentine’s Day the best day, but at Marriott Manila.

For inquiries or reservations, call 988-9999.

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ABOUT MARRIOTT HOTEL MANILA:

An inviting beacon set in the world-class casino entertainment complex of Resorts World Manila, Marriott Hotel Manila is the place to work and play. Ideally located in Newport City across Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3, it is a convenient 15 minute drive from Makati Business District and Bonifacio Global City. Affording a splendid view of the adjoining 18-hole Villamor Golf Course, it boasts 342 exquisite guest accommodations that offers luxurious bedding, in-room safe, mini-bar, high-speed Internet, air conditioning, 40″ full high definition LCDs with IPTV, videos on demand and jack pack plug-and-play system. The hotel features excellent dining options such as Marriott Cafe, Cru Steakhouse, Java+ and Lobby Lounge. Leisure facilities include Quan Spa, Health Club, Salon and Newport Mall. With a Grand Ballroom and several meeting rooms, Marriott Hotel Manila is also the ultimate destination for meetings and events, from weddings to gala dinner celebrations.

Awesome Australia at Marriott Manila

Marriott Hotel Manila is kicking up the new year with a party and eating experience like a true-blue Aussie!

Experience the land down under without actually flying there on January 26 from 6:30 PM to 10:30 PM through the Australia Day in the hotel. Enjoy a lavish pool side barbeque and wine party for only P2500 net, and get a good value all-you-eat-and-drink and fun night.

Regal, refined, and right tasty Australian, the lengthy al fresco buffet features shrimps, petit grilled steaks, lamb, fish, meat pies, cured meats, and desserts with butter, cream and jellies. Match this delicious spread with a wide array of beverage selections from sparkling water to wine courtesy of the Wine Warehouse located in a seductive corner of the poolside area. The cocktails and drinks are either fierce or ingenious, a symbol of Australia’s stylish boozers everywhere.

To complete the Aussie experience, the live band plays starkly cool classic rock songs of famous Aussie musicians such as Silver Chair, Kylie Minogue, and Olivia Newton-John to name a few.

Head for Marriott Manila now and enjoy this awesome Australia night life party escape with your family or friends.

For inquiries or reservations, call 988-9999.

ABOUT MARRIOTT HOTEL MANILA:

An inviting beacon set in the world-class casino entertainment complex of Resorts World Manila, Marriott Hotel Manila is the place to work and play. Ideally located in Newport City across Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3, it is a convenient 15 minute drive from Makati Business District and Bonifacio Global City. Affording a splendid view of the adjoining 18-hole Villamor Golf Course, it boasts 342 exquisite guest accommodations that offers luxurious bedding, in-room safe, mini-bar, high-speed Internet, air conditioning, 40″ full high definition LCDs with IPTV, videos on demand and jack pack plug-and-play system. The hotel features excellent dining options such as Marriott Cafe, Cru Steakhouse, Java+ and Lobby Lounge. Leisure facilities include Quan Spa, Health Club, Salon and Newport Mall. With a Grand Ballroom and several meeting rooms, Marriott Hotel Manila is also the ultimate destination for meetings and events, from weddings to gala dinner celebrations.

In Concert: Hotdog… isa pa nga!

ONE MORE HOTDOG PLEASE!

“Manila, Manila, I keep coming back to Manila…”

Every Filipino, here and abroad, most likely know this song, which talks about our beloved country and the longing to be there.

Composed and sung by brothers Rene and Dennis Garcia of the HOTDOG band, this song has become the “national anthem” of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW’s), which makes them sing along to it, makes them stand up and dance to it, and makes them, our hardworking OFW’s, homesick and yearning to be with their loved ones.

And so Hotdog makes us feel nostalgic once again with their benefit concert entitled HOTDOG… Isa Pa Nga! On Sunday, October 28, 2012 8pm at Dusit Thani Hotel Grand Ballroom. Their two hour nonstop concert will celebrate Original Pinoy Music, including their very own classic hits PERS LAB, IKAW LANG ANG MISS UNIVERSE NG BUHAY KO, BONGGA KA ‘DAY, BITIN SA YO, and many more. Their memory-tripping concert will gather most of the original Hotdog members, who have since gone on to lead their own professional lives – aside from Rene and Dennis, there will be drummer Jess Garcia, vocalists Gina Montes, Maso Diez, Joy Rivera, Rita Trinidad, and another former Hotdog member, crooner Arthur Manuntag.

The concert is for the benefit of the cancer-stricken children under the care of the Undying Wishes of Pinoys, Inc, formerly United Way Philippines, Inc.

Let us continue to support Filipino music and artists as Hotdog promises to make us feel proud Pinoys as they pay tribute to OPM with this concert.

Tickets are available at the Dusit Thani Hotel or thru 5430678.

Update:

You, readers of this post, will get 10% Discount if you get four (4) tickets or more for the P2,000-worth tickets. Get your tickets now!

Mapapakanta at indak ka sa tunog ng dekada ’70 sa reunion concert ng bandang Hotdog. -on ABS-CBN TV Patrol

Flavors of Asia at Marriott Manila

Many will agree that one of the best ways to experience Asia is through its food—historic, flavorful, and vast. Especially for the Southeast Asian region that boasts a multi-cultural and hard-hitting influence with the way we enjoy cooking and eating, it’s no wonder why dishes that hail from these regions are considered a feast for the senses.

To pay tribute to this revered cuisine of the world; Marriott Manila brings home four of the Asia’s most famous cuisines. From Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam, Marriott Cafe tantalizes everyone with a masterpiece through a month-long celebration of Oriental flavors that’s uniquely Marriott.

What else could be more exciting other than a larger than life encounter with Renaissance Kuala Lumpur’s Ruhizad Muri, JW Marriott Jakarta’s Dadang Wahyudi, Renaissance Riverside Saigon Phan Tien Hoa, and JW Marriott Bangkok Thanatorn Krobsuay. Boasting with culinary career track that is dynamically diverse, expect only authentic and a palate tickling adventure anyone could get.

For only P2, 300 net from Sunday to Thursday and P2, 500 net for Friday and Saturday, enjoy a charming Asian dinner that assures an enjoyable age-old tradition of bonding through a delicious mix of aromatic, spicy, rich, sweet, and hot Flavors of Asia.

Back by popular demand, Thai food definitely deserves all the hype for its four fundamental tastes that we Filipinos love: sweet, sour, salty, and bitter. Chef Thanatorn Krobsuay who trail blazed the first two consecutive most-talked about Thai Food Fest at Marriott Café, there’s no denying that it’s one of the cuisines we regularly crave for. This year, chef Thanathorn makes the selections more lavish and worth discovering with his new menu line up such as: deep fried sea bass with chili sauce, sautéed squid with pineapple and cucumber, beef balls cooked with typical Malay sauce, and braised beef spiced with turmeric and coconut.

More than its legendary nasi lemak, chef Ruhizad Muri gives foodies a taste of Malaysia’s noteworthy nyonya cuisine.  A signature Penang type of cooking that blends spices from roots (galangal, turmeric, and ginger); leaves (pandan, lime, and laksa); fruit (lemon, tamarind, and green mangoes); together with other ingredients like shrimp paste and chilies.  Imbibed from Thai cooking style, chef Ruhizad puts an interesting twist with the time-honored wok dishes of Malaysia. This section invites everyone as well to get creative with blue crab, shrimps, dilis fish, beef tenderloin, chicken, clams, barbeque chicken, steamed fish, assorted vegetables peppered with Malaysian spices.

Another Southeast Asian cuisine that deserves to be in the limelight is Indonesian. Popular for their satay which shows Asians’ love affair for grilled meats, chef Dadang Wahyudi makes skewers tastier and more appetizing with these selections: chicken, shrimps, calamari, beef, goat, pork and fish in assorted marinations! Another must-try is the bebek betutu klung klung, an all-spiced up Balinese dish enhanced by a host of pungent roots, herbs, and seasoning. Both locals and visitors are just so psyched about this heavenly roasted duck recipe that it’s considered a dish specially reserved for big banquets and ceremonies.

A native of Ho Chi Minh, chef Phan Thien Hoa presents well-rounded Vietnamese dishes notable for its minimal use of oil, bountiful use of herbs and vegetables– which shouldn’t make one wonder why it ranks as one of the healthiest foods in the world! Most travelers would agree that a Vietnam trip is never complete without tasting a steamy and flavorful bowl of pho. Considered the heart and soul of Vietnamese cuisine, it features a delicious play on broth, rice noodles, meat, herbs and spices. Another delicacy that Vietnam is famous for is the Vietnamese spring rolls—soft rice wrappers filled with choicest meats and vegetables such as shrimps, tofu, chicken, and beef. Enjoy it fresh and slow at this special section which will make you feel the charming street-food style eating in Vietnam.

And with the Philippines long coast line, it’s a crime to miss out our very owns seafood choices. Your meal will never be complete without the tiger prawns, steamed lobster on ice, marinated marina clam and curacha crab which are all highly regarded for its freshness, standout taste and quality. So make sure this cold section is part of your eating plan.

While the West is abundant with milk for most of their dessert recipes, Southeast Asians on the other hand capitalize on the creamy goodness of coconut milk, whether it’s for glutinous rice or fruits. A mix of sweet, savory, hot and cold, these should be a flavorful last hurrah for a really good meal: pandan crepes rolled with caramelize coconut, stewed green bean with palm sugar, banana in sweet coconut, pandan leave jelly plus other famous delicacies that will surely strike anyone’s fancy.

Much more, we believe that food and travel are a perfect way to go if someone wants to have an in-depth experience of a local destination. With this in mind, our Marriott properties in Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam, are giving away three days and two nights gift certificates to four lucky diners of Flavors of Asia—all you need to fully enjoy a one hundred percent Asian experience!

Bringing an authentic taste of local life and hospitality, our four chefs will also conduct a special cooking class for only P1, 500 net inclusive of a hearty lunch: July 9, Thai; July 16, Malaysian, July 23 Vietnamese; and July 30, Indonesian. If you wish to experience this treat that’s injected with fun and information, consider enjoying Asian cuisine by learning to cook it yourself!

Instead of hitting the usual haunt, invite the group over and explore a night of culinary adventure at Marriott Café, guaranteed to give anyone a quick passport to Asia.

For inquiries or reservations, call Marriott Café at 988-9999.

ABOUT MARRIOTT HOTEL MANILA:

An inviting beacon set in the world-class casino entertainment complex of Resorts World Manila, Marriott Hotel Manila is the place to work and play. Ideally located in Newport City across Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3, it is a convenient 15 minute drive from Makati Business District and Bonifacio Global City. Affording a splendid view of the  adjoining 18-hole Villamor Golf Course, it boasts 342 exquisite guest accommodations that offers luxurious bedding, in-room safe, mini-bar, high-speed Internet, air conditioning, 40″ full high definition LCDs with IPTV, videos on demand and jack pack plug-and-play system. The hotel features excellent dining options such as Marriott Cafe, Cru Steakhouse, Java+ and Lobby Lounge. Leisure facilities include Quan Spa, Health Club, Salon and Newport Mall. With a Grand Ballroom and several meeting rooms, Marriott Hotel Manila is also the ultimate destination for meetings and events, from weddings to gala dinner celebrations.

Flavors of Thailand at Marriott Hotel Manila

Thai Kingdom Come at Marriott Manila!

Yes, this whole month of July, go on a foodie adventure and satisfy your gastronomic craving for authentic Thai dishes at Marriott Hotel Manila. The event is co-sponsored by Thai Airways and The Royal Thai Embassy.

Marriott Café, the hotel’s modern restaurant with open-theater kitchens, brings back a second round of exhilarating food festival. The first one was a Thai dinner party, which was  Marriott International Hotels’ bid to break the Guiness World Record as the The World’s Largest Thai Dinner Party.

Your month-long dining experience will an explosion of flavors: sweet, sour, salty, spicy, and sometimes bitter. Thai dishes will be whipped up by no less than JW Marriott Thanatorn Krobsuay, a certified Thai cuisine expert who will head the kitchen team. Sou Chef Thanatorn will be with Sutthipong Sirikanchittawon, one of the certified Thai food ambassadors of JW Marriott Bangkok’s Marriott Café.

The Thai dishes:

Go grab a bite now!

Join Marriott Hotel Manila’s Thai Dinner Party!

There is still time to have dinner at Marriott Hotel Manila and enjoy the unique gustatory experience of Thai cuisine.

Join the Thai Dinner Party tonight, which starts at 6pm onwards.

The Thai Dinner Party is part of Marriott International Hotels’ bid to break the Guiness World Record as the The World’s Largest Thai Dinner Party.

The “Worldwide Dinner Event” takes place during Marriott International’s customer appreciation week. The event is also Marriott’s way of saying thank you to its best customers by treating them to a dinner bursting with flavors and a gift box filled with favorite Thai recipes.

The event is happening simultaneously in all chains of Marriott International Hotels to compete for the world record.

Representatives from the Thai Tourism Authority and Thai embassies around the world as well as media are expected to join in the festivities.

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.