Author: Rochelle Sy Chua

Pogi Points by Stanley Chi

Pogi Points Stanley Chi

Manila Bulletin cartoonist and a stand up comedian Stanley Chi has really gone a long way.  I just heard that he made over Php 2 million worth for his books in just one year!  It must be due to his two bestselling Suplado Tips humor book series.  But my golly!  That’s two freakin’ million pesoses!!!  Considering his book only costs less than a Php 100, it definitely says a lot about his success.  It shouldn’t be surprising because my book reviews about Suplado Tips and the follow-up Suplado Tips 2 have many page visits.

That said, Stanley Chi is on the roll!  This time, he launched his newest book, Pogi Points, ‘The not-so-gentleman’s guide to looking good’.  Guess what?  Pogi Points was sold out only a few days after hitting the shelves last September 2012 and has gone reprinting.  Wow!

Pogi Points is a book about being handsome versus looking good.  Basically, it strives to help the love life of guys – despite having average looks.  The book has compiled tips on how to get ahead in love through strategic behavior.  It teaches a naïve boy on how to act around a girl he admires.  Stanley Chi had written Pogi Points in a fun way, using his humor to drive the message across.  Believe me, I’m a girl and those pointers that Chi shared in the book are real and MUST be taken into heart.  The author must have gone through a lot with regards to serenading women, haha!

Here are some of my favorites:

  • “Kung nakipag-date ka sa babae at umuwi siya ng maaga, ibig sabihin nun… nagsisisi na siya kung bakit siya pumayag makipag-date sayo!”
  • katangian ng mga taong pinupulot sa kangkungan: (1) babaero (2) manyak (3) bastos (4) mayabang at feelingero (5) walang respeto sa babae.
  • Pogi Profile –> Confident (kailangan may bilib sa sarili; hassle makipagusap sa lalakeng nagse-self-pity.  Iba ang confident sa mayabang!
  • sa date, dapat lalake ang nagbabayad sa bill.  kahit mag-0ffer pa ang girl, huwag mo siyang pagbabayarin.
  • kung naging jowa mo na ang babaeng nililigawan mo, maging consistent ka.

Aside from tips on how to score pogi points, the book has photo comic strips featuring Filipino cosplayers, relationship facts, trivia about male looks, how to court religious women, how to court tsinoy women and self-help lists on how to look and feel good.

Here’s what Stanley had to say about Pogi Points:

Ang pagiging gwapo, inborn; ang pagiging pogi, napag-aaralan (Being handsome is inborn; being pogi is something you can learn)

You must be wondering?  What is the difference between Chi’s Suplado Tips series and Pogi Points?  I’ve read all three books.  I must say that Suplado Tips is all about guys being more confident about themselves while Pogi Points is for guys who are in love or in search for the girl of their dreams.  Net, Suplado is to know how to act around people in general while Pogi is to know how to act around the opposite sex.  If you are both ‘suplado’ and ‘pogi’, then you are on your way to be cool (like Stanley, LOL!).

Pogi Points Stanley Chi Book

Want to get your hands on the increasingly popular book: Pogi Points?  Then head on over to your favorite bookstore and grab a copy now.  You might thank yourself for that bookstore trip when you get the love of your life!  You even get a bonus of a certificate and a card!

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Wishful Thinking in 2013

Wishful Thinking in 2013

Happy New Year!

What a year that was!  In my case, 2012 was a difficult one and I’m really looking forward to 2013 because mishaps won’t happen in two consecutive years.  I know all the hardships I went through in 2012 will be replaced by blessings & fortune in 2013.

I’ve been through multiple accidents last year and I have scars that might take years to heal.  The trauma that I got after the truck accident was too strong that I refuse to drive sometimes and would rather stay home.  But you know what?  Even after all the things that transpired last 2012, there was one thing that I felt — gratitude.  There were friends who were willing to help when I needed them.  I never felt alone in any of the challenges that I went through.

I owe everything to the Lord who I accepted last January 2012!  Everything just seems to fall in place knowing that He is there for us! 🙂

Wish Granted in Year 2012

I started a wish list last year.  I wanted to make it a tradition so I’m writing another one today.

Was I able to achieve any of the items I wished for in 2012?  Oh yes, I did! 🙂
Roch Granted Wishes 2012

  • iPhone 5 – As planned, I got myself an iPhone 5 from the better network in the Philippines, Smart Communications.   The upgrade was super worth it considering that I came from an iPhone 3GS.  The iPhone 5 is thinner, has bigger screen, better phone design, faster response and most of all, it was the project that my idol, Steve Jobs, last participated in.  I got myself some wonderful accessories (Speck PixelSkin HD case & Simplism Crystal Cover Set) with it too!
  • iPad 3rd Generation – This was listed as a wish in 2012.  However, I bought the iPad impulsively at the same day that I watched Drum Tao.  While I was pretty disappointed with Apple releasing a 4th generation iPad six months after they released the 3rd generation, I still consider the iPad as my best gadget purchase for the year!  I even launched a website called iPadPinas to show my love for the iPad.

Year 2013 Wish List

A lot of things have definitely changed.  There are several items in my 2012 wish list that I don’t seem to aspire anymore. Some people say that all things are possible.  However, I know my limitations.  I know that even in my wildest dreams, I won’t be able to buy any Tiffany & Co. jewelries or Rolex watches.  Why would I continue to list them out here?  Even if in the future, I’ll have enough, I do not think I’ll have the willpower to spend that kind of amount for a jewelry.  It’s just not my style.

This time around, I’ll be listing down all the items that I wish to purchase this year.  I’m not sure if I can buy them all in 2013 considering the financial challenges I have at the moment.  However, I hope to achieve most of them.  Let’s see.

  • Tempur Cloud Mattress 25 – Queen Size

Tempur Cloud Mattress 25

This is my dream mattress and I wish to finally own this in year 2013.  I super hope I can achieve this as I’m having a hard time sleeping with my current bed setup.  We spend one-third of our day in sleeping.  I believe that we should invest in good mattresses like what Tempur has.

  • The Tempur-Fit Mattress Protector

Tempur Fit Sheet

Since this is available, I would want this as well.  It serves as an extra protection to the expensive mattress.

Here’s the official description:

The waterproof and breathable fitted sheet consists of natural fibres which breathe with the body, rapidly absorb damp and then release it into the atmosphere, and so preserving the level of body heat. The intelligent membrane which prevents your mattress from getting wet is the thinnest on the market. This helps preserve the comfort of your mattress.

A good solution to keep your mattress as clean and hygienic as it were on the first day.

  • 2 pieces Tempur Original Pillow – Queen Large

Tempur Original Pillow

Two pillows to match the Tempur Queen-sized mattress.  I can literally imagine myself using this in my sleep!

  • Sleep Mask by Tempur

Tempur Sleep Mask

I read in an article that we will be able to get better sleep if there are no lights at all.  A Sleep mask will fit this need.

  • DeLonghi Icona Series – Red

Kettle: Icona KBO 2001.R

DeLonghi Kettle

Toaster: Icona CTO 4003.R

DeLonghi Toaster

Coffee Maker: Icona ECO 310.R

DeLonghi Coffee Maker

As soon as I saw the products on display in an appliance store, I knew that I will have them in my kitchen.  I couldn’t get them off my mind.  One day, I’ll have them.  One day…

** Photos from Manufacturer’s websites **

Other items that I wish to buy in the future are a 27-in iMac, Magic Trackpad, Apple TV, Louis Vuitton wallet and bag, Nikon 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED, Nikon 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6 VR DX ($389), Nikon SB-910 ($ 550), Nikon EN-EL15 Rechargeable Li-ion Battery for Nikon D7000 ($72), Tempur Travel Set, a Sony Playstation w/ Dualshock controllers, move motion controller, wireless keypad and a Sony 55-inch LED 3D TV.

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Lock & Lock New Food Preparation Mate

Lock & Lock Products

Lock & Lock is a Korean company known for its containers with four sides interlocking system.  It has since expanded its product line to include water bottles, pitchers, lunch boxes, glass & ceramic wares and a lot more.  The company has gone a long way.  I, myself, am a big fan considering I use lock & lock containers for food storage.  I also have lock & lock lunch boxes and I also use a fry pan that I bought from their store.

Lock & Lock has store branches in Eastwood and Lucky Chinatown Malls, which I frequent to.  I love that all their products are in one store!  It was in those visits when I realize how big the company already is.

So when I got invited for a bloggers’ event last July (I know this was ages ago!), I immediately said yes!  It was a chance for me to get to know the company better, and get first-hand information about Lock & Lock’s new products.  The event was held at their Araneta avenue branch.  It’s funny that I pass by there everyday before, and I didn’t even notice that there was a Lock & Lock store there.  Apparently, it was already Lock & Lock’s seventh store.

The first thing that I noticed when I entered the store was the bird cage hanging by the entrance:

Lock & Lock Bird Cage

I wonder what the connection between a bird and Lock & Lock is.  Maybe, the owner liked birds so he/she decided to put it up there.  I was wrong — this was in direct connection with the company’s goal:

‎”Lock & Lock cares for the advancement of the kitchen through new means and ways to prepare food from kitchen to table, while keeping in mind in the care for the environment and the balance of health and wellness.”

With the lovely bird living with all the Lock & Lock products on display, Lock & Lock is trying to prove that their products will not be harmful and will not let birds die.

That day, Lock & Lock introduced two new line of products: Cookplus and MicrOven Glasswares.

New Cookplus Products

One main reason why we should use Cookplus products is this.  They are perflourooctanoic acid (PFOA)-free!

PFOA is a carcinogen, liver toxicant, developmental toxicant, immune system toxicant and exerts hormonal effects including alteration of thyroid hormone levels.  In short, PFOA is harmful to the environment and the human body.  Lock & Lock assures us that we don’t get exposed to that when we use Cookplus products.  Besides, who would want to risk their health with cooking utilities that contain harmful chemicals?

At home, I use the Cookplus Smart Frying Pan and I’m pretty happy with it.  It’s very easy to clean the pan, and I didn’t have any problems cooking food with it either.

Lock & Lock CookPlus Smart

Last July, Lock & Lock launched 3 more products under the Cookplus line.  Every product has a distinct feature that would fit every cook’s kitchen needs.  I have set my eyes on the Cookplus Ceramic! 🙂

  • Cookplus Vitamin

Lock & Lock CookPlus Vitamin

Cookplus Vitamin is a beautiful line of colourful frying pans, casserole, wok and saucepans.

Lock & Lock’s products are built according to three concepts: eco-friendly, economical and easy cooking.  Thus, resulting to products that (1) have modern and elegant style, (2) Handle ventilation system prevents the handle from getting hot, (3) have a non stick pfoa-free coating offers excellent durability, is tough, and built to last a lifetime, (4) were built with high quality Aluminum offering great & fast thermal dispersion, and (5) have heat capturing bottom minimizing heat loss for energy efficient cooking.

  • Cookplus Ceramic

Lock & Lock CookPlus Ceramic

Similar to the design of Cookplus Vitamin is the ceramic-coated plans called Cookplus Ceramic.  What you’ll love about the products is that they are coated in such a way that heat is evenly distributed throughout its thick bottom.  Bulges on the inside edges of the pan helps distribute oil and reduce use of oil when frying.  Of course, as with all Cookplus products, Cookplus Ceramic is PFOA-free!

  • Cookplus Stainless

Lock & Lock CookPlus Stainless

For professionals and culinary experts come the premium grade stainless steel cooking pans and pots called Cookplus Stainless.  The products are intended for longer life.  How?  The stainless cooking ware have triple-coating!  So if you are planning to be a professional chef/cook, then Cookplus Stainless is for you.

If you own any of the Lock & Lock Cookplus products or would want to purchase one, here are some care tips: Avoid overheating the pans/posts without any food in it, let the product cool before washing and lastly, do not use abrasive cleaning tools.

MicrOven Glasswares

Lock & Lock is very famous because of their plastic containers with interlocking system.  I even remember seeing demos wherein no food or water will come out from the container when it’s closed.  It was their selling point!

There are a lot of similar products in the market and that just proved how successful Lock & Lock was.  Now, the company stepped it up further with their new innovation, MicrOven Glasswares.

We’ve been using the plastic containers for years and we saw some problems with it.  For example, food stains that will need endless scrubbing and rinsing and most of all the odor that is so hard to remove!

Introducing Boroseal Glass, a microwave-friendly, kitchen-safe compatible for boiling water & sterilization, no risk of spontaneous breakage and heat resistant that can withstand sudden changes in temperature.  It is also used as a laboratory equipment considering it as chemically stable and no hazardous substance leak.

Lock & Lock Boroseal Glass

It’s a first in the Philippines and Lock & Lock is the one bringing Boroseal (borosilicate glass) here.  Actually, while they were presenting the product and its benefits, I made up my mind that I would be getting myself each and every size of the MicrOven Glasswares!  I knew that they will be for long-term use especially now that I plan to spend a lot of time in the kitchen.

Here are the benefits that were mentioned:

  • Excellent airtightness with the 4-side locking system
  • Cooking in oven, or use it as bakeware (without lid)
  • Salt and oxidation resistant
  • safe to use in a Microwave (without lid), microwave, dishwasher and in a conventional oven!
  • From oven to table at once
  • Freezer to microwave at once
  • Stain and odor resistant
  • Made of borosilicate glass which withstands high heat and sudden cooling.
  • Heat-resistant glass can withstand sudden change in temperature.

One important thing to note is that Lock & Lock Boroseal uses heat-resistant glass for more safety.  It means that unlike normal glasses or tempered glasses, boroseal won’t be easily broken and won’t be scattered easily when there is a thermal or physical shock!

Lock & Lock Borosilicate Glass

Right before our eyes, we saw a sample of both tempered glass (with blue case) & boroseal (with pink case) that are shattered into pieces.  I noticed that there were very tiny particles on the tempered glass.  So using tempered glass isn’t that safe at all!  Yaiks!

Net, Lock & Lock were pointing out that with MicrOven Glasswares (Boroseal glasswares) there will be no risk of spontaneous breakage, no risk of shattering and no risk of formation of harmful chemicals.

Oh yeah, I spent about Php 5,000 in the store buying all types of Boroseal glasswares in every shape and size!  The price of each container varies with size & shape (bigger being more expensive).  To give perspective, the ones that I got ranges from Php 200 to Php 700.

Lock & Lock Boroseal

I will still use Lock & Lock’s plastic containers for my frozen meats and will use Boroseal for my other needs.

Whew!  With all those new products, we really have to save some money so we can own them!  I already have the complete set of the Lock & Lock MicrOven glasswares and my next target to buy is the Cookplus Ceramic!.

You can buy Lock & Lock products at the ff. stores:

  • Shangri-la Mall
  • Eastwood City
  • Glorietta 4
  • Lucky Chinatown Mall
  • Alabang Town Center
  • Banilad Town Center, Cebu City

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Jump In to Life with Smart

Jump In to Life with Smart

I was watching TV today when I saw the Smart ad with celebrities apl.de.ap and Jessica Sanchez.  The TV commercial had me thinking, what made me Jump In to Smart?  In all honesty, I even shared just two months ago about how I stayed with Sun Cellular for a long time.  But being an Apple fanatic, I couldn’t resist not getting the new iPhone 5.  Sun doesn’t offer it, and I couldn’t afford to always buy expensive open-line iPhones.  Plus, I’ve been hearing good things about Smart’s network coverage.  I thought why not jump in?

It’s funny that I reminisced about how I decided to finally get a Smart postpaid line.  It actually took me three years to upgrade my iPhone 3GS.  I’ve been wishing to upgrade my phone year after year but ended up not doing so.  What is it with iPhone 5?

Smart iPhone 5

Well, here are three major reasons why I did it:

  1. I was really getting tired of my iPhone 3GS.  This year alone, I had both the home button and original back case replaced.  It was already out of warranty and it’s starting to act really slow.
  2. The retina display of iPhone 5 is too awesome for anyone to pass up.  I also appreciate that the 5th generation iPhone is much lighter and thinner.  Oh yes, it looked sooooooo good!  Even my friends who own iPhone 4S like it!
  3. I heard iPhone 5 was Steve Jobs’ last project.  Whether the news is true or not, I had to own one.  Steve Jobs is my ultimate idol, and my wish to meet him in person will never happen.  However, getting myself an iPhone 5 is my way of giving tribute to the man.

Now, what’s the use of getting the most amazing smartphone in the planet if network connection isn’t good?  I did some research, asked several friends and monitored social media posts regarding existing PH mobile networks.  It was a no-brainer.  Smart was the best choice so I jumped in!  How fitting with the Smart Jump In video, right?

Apart from loving apl.de.ap (due to Black Eyed Peas) and Jessica Sanchez (American Idol), I appreciate the message of the video.  Things like being brave in order to live our life, not hesitating and jump in to the things we like and taking a leap and jump in to the future.

With that, I’m sharing with you my Jump In tech-related Resolutions for Year 2013:

  • Learn iOS App Development.
  • Create a simple iOS app by end of the year.
  • Get ipadpinas.com up and running with consistent updates.

How about you?  Do you have any Jump In resolutions in mind?  Why don’t you share it to us by tweeting it with the #SmartJumpIn hashtag? 🙂

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Ramen Bar Seasonal Menu

Ramen Bar Seasonal Menu

I still remember the first time I visited Ramen Bar two years ago. I was clearly raving about how delicious the food was. Since then, Ramen Bar became a place I go to for ramen. In fact, now that I work near a branch of Ramen Bar, I find myself eating their food at least once a week. There was one thing I noticed, Ramen Bar has a seasonal menu!

For the past 3 visits, I opted for my favorite yakiniku beef.  Last Wednesday, I was at Ramen Bar located at Venice Piazza and I decided to try out their seasonal menu.  I thought, if I loved their normal offerings, for sure the new menu would be just as good.  I think the seasonal menu will run for a few months more, but after having tasted the food, I wish they can just put the dishes as part of their permanent menu.

Ramen Bar Venice Piazza

As usual, the beautiful ambiance and design of the restaurant made it enjoyable to dine in.  The wooden interiors, the bright lighting, the color scheme and the impeccable service — so relaxing 🙂

Ramen Bar Interior

The service was still top-notch!  After more than two years of service, the servers were still friendly, accommodating and helpful.  Orders come at a decent time as well.. When you’re hungry, you sure will get your food within minutes!

Ramen Bar Servers

Ramen Bar started offering the Seasonal Menu last November 10, 2012.  I’m not sure until when the items will be available but I hope they consider making them permanent.

  • Cheese Gyoza (Php 180)

Ramen Bar Cheesy Gyoza

Gyoza is Japan’s version of dumplings.  It’s filled with minced pork and leeks, fried to perfection.  The unique thing here is that Ramen Bar infused cheese into the mixture.

Ramen Bar New Gyoza

With every bite, you can taste the wonderful mixture of flavors from the mixture.  The cheese just gave the dish an oomph!  Each order comes with a dip.

  • Kakuni King Ramen (Php 380)

Ramen Bar Pork Ramen

Those pork belly (kakuni) that you see in the photo?  They are amazingly delicious, amazingly tender and amazingly tasty – net, they are AMAZING… zing .. zing!  I’m not a cook but I could tell that the meat was prepared with much attention (probably pressured cooked).  It’s funny to realise that we actually finished the dish faster than the time that Ramen Bar cooked the dish.

  • Bikkuri Ramen (Php 380)

Ramen Bar Miso Ramen

The bikkuri ramen is my favorite among the three new ramen creations from Ramen Bar.  It’s miso soup mixed with chili and minced pork.  The taste actually reminded me of a Chinese tofu congee.  You know the small tofu chili bottle sold in chinese groceries? It tasted like that but of course, Ramen Bar prepared this fresh off the kitchen!

The noodles were smooth, chewy & firm perfectly complementing the broth and main ingredient.

You know what I sometimes dislike whenever I blog?  The sudden urge to eat the food that I’m describing here!  ughh… this is exactly what I’m feeling right now especially remembering the yumminess of this ramen … wahhh!

  • Shoyu 2.0 Ramen (Php 280)

Ramen Bar Shoyu Ramen

For Shoyu ramen fans, Ramen Bar has made an improved version of it!  The Shoyu 2.0 features a lighter broth with a mixture of pork and chicken stock boiled for 20 hours.  Even the egg was marinated for 48 hours!  The restaurant makes sure that we get to have the yummiest ramen by focusing on the way they cook their dish.  Like I’ve always said, this is something we, customers, truly appreciate.

The serving is quite big and I believe this can be shared between two people.  However, if you’re truly hungry and you have a big appetite then a single order is good enough for one!  When you get to taste authentic ramen like the Shoyu ramen, who would even want to eat any more noodles of the instant kind?

  • Curry Chahan (Php 180)

Ramen Bar Curry Chahan

When I saw the curry chahan and tasted it, I was thinking that I already had the same dish somewhere.  Apparently, it was from Yakitori Kitchen!  Too bad Yakitori Kitchen is now closed but at least, they brought one of the best seller dishes to Ramen Bar.  This fried rice was cooked with meat, curry powder, garlic chips and leeks as garnish.

So there… two ladies eating all those in one sitting!  Talk about stuffing our stomach for a strong work day ahead, hahaha!  It was my friend Gly’s first time in Ramen Bar so I’m glad that she liked the food!  I expect her to go back since her office is nearby.  I have a feeling I’ll be there again first wednesday of next year.  I just cannot get enough of good ramen!

Ramen Bar Roch and Glynnys

And oh, Ramen Bar has three promos running exclusively at their Venice Piazza branch!  You might wanna check them out!

Ramen Bar Promos

  1. Twitter Tuesday  –  Tweet “I’m having the best ramen in Manila here at Ramen Bar Piazza!” and get a 10% off your food purchase.
  2. #AwesomeNewRamen  –  Try out any of the 3 ramen dishes in the seasonal menu, take a photo, describe your dish and post it on your Instagram account with hashtags #AwesomeNewRamen, #RamenBar and #RBcontest.  Get a chance to win prizes from the weekly draw.
  3. facebook Saturday  –  Update your status to “Ramen Bar is my choice when it comes to ramen and I’m here right now eating!” and get a free Tempura ice cream for dessert.

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Ramen Bar
G/F The Venice Piazza, McKinley Hill, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig, Philippines
(02) 552-1636
Other branches: Eastwood, Robinson’s Magnolia

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