Globe Telecom’s Run for Home 2010

Run for Habitat for Humanity on March 25th! Be on the starting point at 5AM.

Click here for more info!

Friday Wine Nights at Tapella, Greenbelt 3

Tapas, Paella and more - this is TAPELLA by Gaudi where Spanish dining has become innovative and exciting.  Located in the cosmopolitan Greenbelt 5, TAPELLA is the restaurant where the hip generation can satisfy their demanding appetite, maintain their youthful health and enjoy time.

Top caliber Chef Alexandra G. has prepared a menu of tapas, paellas, salads, seafood, pastas and deserts in the way they are served in Spain and in servings that can fit just one or to be shared by a group.  The wine selection is from around the world valued well for money.  Many are available by the glass.  The bar list comprises the most popular cocktails and drinks.

The ambiance gives a modern and relaxed atmosphere with interiors designed with wooden chairs and tables and soothing music to complete the setting.

Every Friday, Tapella offers Wine Night from 6:00pm-9:00pm indulge in all the wines and cocktail you want for only Php600. Savor carefully selected wines from around the world or enjoy a cocktail from the wide array of drinks, canapés, tapas and more available at the bar. Relax in a cozy, modern, no-frills atmosphere with authentic Spanish music and feel like you’ve stepped onto the Iberian Peninsula.

For more information and reservations, visit us at Ground Floor, Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center, Makati City or call 757-2710 to 11, visit www.tapella-restaurant.com, or email inquiry@tapella-restaurant.com.

E-jeepney Plying Makati Central Business District

Early this month, e-jeepneys started plying the streets of the Makati Central Business District.

According to Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay, the e-jeepneys represent the future of road travel in the financial capital.

Athena Ronquillo, GRIPP chair and lead proponent of the e-jeepney initiative further said, “The e-jeepneys aim to demonstrate that there are climate-friendly alternatives to the current polluting modes of public transportation in the Philippines.”

Read more…

Now, look who did the design! It’s a work of a true artist: Toym Imao, who happens to by my freshman dormmate and friend in (Kalayaan Residence Hall) UP.

Converse Opens in Glorietta 3

Check it out!

Being on the (Philippine) Streets

For the past couple of days, I witnessed helplessness in the face of an authorized-to-nab traffic enforcer.

First.

I know my husband to be a careful driver and a law-abiding citizen. I am not saying this because he is my husband. He really is. His and my friends can attest to this. Despite that, he was nabbed for violating traffic rules twice.

The first one was on SLEX for running slow on a fast lane. The second incident happened last Sunday. He was arrested for beating the red light. Unfortunately, in the two incidents he was just a victim—he was at the wrong place at the wrong time. For who would be in his right mind would be slowing down on a fast lane? In last Sunday’s incident, it took place on the pedestrian lane between Glorietta and SM Makati (Yes, the beating-the-red-light regulation is enforced there. Surprised?!). He crossed the pedestrian lane on a green light but since the road was rugged because it was being reconstructed, the red light went on even before he reached the other side. But he was already an inch away from the finish-line so to speak. And he, who is a firm advocate of road courtesy and pedestrian lanes, would beat the red light? A good hour after, we went back to the same place and observed the motorists there. Many were beating the red light. Luckily for them, the traffic enforcers already were not around.

In both occasions, Wizheart had to surrender his license. I wonder what happened to the MMDA’s ticketing system where you get a ticket and you settle the penalty in the bank. That system is to me more in keeping with the times.

Second.

The other morning on my way to work, I saw a traffic enforcer again altercating with a jeepney driver at the West Service Road corner Merville Access Road. The jeepney driver—I didn’t know for what reason he was being arrested—refused to completely stop and give the traffic enforcer the chance to arrest him. The traffic enforcer even had to stand in front of the jeepney, but the driver didn’t budge. The traffic enforcer had no choice but to step aside. The driver took that chance to speed down the service road and escape. This was the same traffic enforcer who accused my husband of swerving, when Wizheart was only trying to avoid the out-of-line jeepney. He let go of us. Why? My observation below may explain that.

My observation.

In other countries, Filipinos are known to be good people—law abiding and hardworking. Why is it that here in their own country, many of them mess up?

I think because, we have reactive rules, and worse these reactive rules are implemented at random. Not clear. Illogical, even. Not consistent.

If you want people to follow the rules, be clear about your rules and implement them justly. But I’m just talking to my hand here really.

My (unsolicited) advice.

For pedestrians and motorists out there, pray every day that you won’t be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Ayala Avenue Dresses Up for Christmas

The Christmas decors along Ayala Avenue were put up last week, and today I decided to take photos of it. Again, I forgot my digicam, so I took the photos using my Nokia E63.

1st photo: I was walking toward PBCom Tower, Ayala Avenue cor. Rufino Street.

2nd photo: I was on the corner of Ayala Avenue and Rufino Street.

I’m excited about Christmas already!

Havaianas Greenbelt 5 On Sale!

Yes, Havaianas in Greenbelt 5 are giving away 20% and 30% discounts. My kids grabbed a pair each yesterday, so why don’t you, too?

Greenbelt 5 Attempted Robbery

This photo was taken during the early days of Greenbelt 5. I think this spot is near the Rolex shop, which has yet to open that time.

The Greenbelt 5 attempted robbery yesterday was a brazen act and a real shocker. Just like the Glorietta  2 incident, my family or I could have been nearby or right at the spot where the unfortunate event took place.

According to the news, six armed men dressed in bomb-squad uniforms went to the Rolex shop and attempted to rob it. The investigation is ongoing.

Our observation is that the spot of Rolex shop is at the middle and a good walking, or even running distance, from the exits. The robbers must have really been quick to be able to leave the place and escape the authorities.

The incident shook me. The place is close to my heart because I am there almost every day of the week!

News:
1 killed, 1 hurt in mall robbery
Security lapses seen in Greenbelt 5 heist - NCRPO

Collezione C2 Opens in Greenbelt 5

Yes, Collezione C2, the now popular store that carries the My Pilipinas Series, has opened in Greenbelt 5. The store got the public’s attention with the My Pilipinas t-shirts. Now the store has a bigger clothing collection. The My Pilipinas Series now includes hoodies, shorts, dresses, knitted blouses, and collared- and non-collared shirts.

Wizheart and I had our usual Friday date earlier and went strolling Greenbelt 5 while deciding where to dine. We chanced upon Collezione C2 and checked it out. Look who I saw there, too? Yes, the bubbly and uber friendly IC Mendoza!

Getting there:
Collezione C2 is at the 2nd level of Greenbelt 5. It’s on the side that is nearer Greenbelt 1.

By the way, Collezione C2 now has two outlets in Ayala Center-Makati. The other store is in Glorietta 3.

The Eco-Plaza, Pasong Tamo Extension, Makati

This is a new building along Pasong Tamo (now Chino Roces Avenue) Extension in Makati City.

I first noticed this building when it was being built. I knew then it was something different because I noticed it was built like layers of terraces.

I cannot remember exactly when it opened, but the next time  I knew the building was finished. From the name alone, Ecoplaza, I’m sure it’s an environment-friendly building. Being one is something we really have to be from now on.

EcoPlaza address: 2305 Chino Roces Avenue, Makati City.