Red Box Karaoke is a premiere international karaoke chain operating in Hong Kong, Malaysia and Philippines . It has established itself as a leader in redefining what karaoke party should be. Cebuanos who were able to try Red Box at their Greenbelt and Trinoma branches could only wish that Redbox would come to Cebu. The wait is over, Redbox Karaoke is finally set to conquer the home of the country’s best singers. Redbox is now open at Ayala Terraces just beside Pancake House Ayala Center Cebu (Garden Level).

It is very good that it would be very selfish of me not share it to you. As you enter the shop, you will be greeted with a futuristic and minimalist but elegant reception. But the surprise is not there, it is cleverly hidden at the back. Guided by their waiter/assistant,  you will be toured to this 21-room karaoke entertainment center while going to your room. Passing through their corridor is like teleporting yourself from Ayala Center to some posh hotel. There are rooms that are perfect for a party-of-five and rooms that can accommodate larger crowds of up to 30 persons. Rooms 31 and 33 are signature rooms with billiard table and poker table, respectively. Every room is uniquely designed , that no rooms are the same. In a room there are 2 monitors: 1 big monitor for the lyrics and video and the second small monitor is for the remote-controlled song selector. All rooms are hot spots with free wi-fi acess. This should be an addition to my list of Free Wi-fi Access within Cebu City.

It is a huge place and a huge surprise as well. I never thought Ayala has that much space and Redbox could be that big. In fact, Red Box Cebu is the second largest branch in the Philippines.

A wide array of food and drink selection is on their menu. Activities are varied too. Not only it offers you to sing the 10,000 licensed song on their playlist but also to view the latest music videos and live concerts that you probably missed. For those who will pass the mic, poker and billiard are their options. Wii and music instruments are also planned to be made available in the rooms as shared by the Managing Director of Cebu Mr. Allen Arvin Tan.

HOW TO PLAN YOUR NEXT KARAOKE PARTY AT REDBOX AYALA CENTER CEBU

1. Identify the number of your guest. Redbox offers a unique rate packages on a per-head per time segment basis. Packages includes free drink/s or meals and room use. Prices are exclusive of 10% service charge. See prices below. Redbox don’t discriminate. Even if you are alone, you can still have a room of your own of the same per-head price depending on the availability of the rooms.
2. Make a reservation. This will assure that you will get the best room for your party-goers. You will avoid that frustrating feeling to be declined because all rooms are taken. Redbox telephone number is 417-1675.
3. Plan your songlist. It would be good to adopt a theme like 80’s night, OPM night, Sawi sa Pagibig Night etc…
4. Bring laptops/netbooks. Redbox has free wi-fi access. You can also plug your AC adapter with no extra charge.
5. Maximize your money by coming on time.
6. Wear your smile and sing your lungs out.

RED BOX KARAOKE CEBU PRICES / RATES:

P299 Per Head
LUNCH HOUR
12 NOON – 3PM
INCLUDES EAT ALL YOU CAN BUFFET AND ROOM USE

P199 Per Head
HAPPY HOUR
3 PM – 7 PM
INCLUDES ONE (1) FREE DRINK AND ROOM USE

P299 Per Head (P399 Per Head on Fridays and Saturdays)
PRIMETIME
7 PM – 12 MN
INCLUDES (2) FREE DRINKS AND ROOM USE

P199 Per Head
AFTER HOURS
12 MN – 4 AM
INCLUDES (1) FREE DRINK AND ROOM USE

All prices are inclusive of 12% VAT but exclusive of service charge and local tax.

Red Box Karaoke
G101 Garden Level, Ayala Center Cebu
Lagoon Development Center, Cebu City
Tel No. (032) 417-1675
www. Redbox.com.ph
www.facebook.com/redboxkaraoke

photos by Clarence of CBS.

SEPTEMBER 22, 2010
10:00 – 11:40 – De Kus (The Kiss), Belgium
12:00 – 1:45 - Spasenie Debne Otvsyakade(The World is Big and Salvation Lurks Around the Corner), Bulgaria
2:00 – 3:40 – Vratné lahve (Empties), Czech Republic
4:00 – 5:35 – Terribly happy (Frygtelig lykkelig), Denmark
5:45 – 7:35 – Forbidden Fruit, Finland
7:45 – 9:30 - All is forgiven (Tout est pardonne), France
9:45 – 11:25 – Towards Zero, France

SEPTEMBER 23, 2010
10:00 – 11:40 – Der Räuber (The Robber), Germany & Austria
12:00 – 2:00 – El Greco, Greece
2:15 – 3:55 – Mio Fratello e` Figlio Unico ( My Brother is an Only Child), Italy
4:15 – 6:05 – I Soliti Ignoti ( Persons Unknown), Italy
6:15 – 8:30 – Storm Bound, The Netherlands
8:45 – 10:03 – Hannahannah, The Netherlands
10:10- 12:00 – Philantropique, Romania

SEPTEMBER 24, 2010
10:00 – 12:17 – Mircea, Romania
12:27 – 2:15 – Juana la loca, Spain
2:25 – 4:51 - El Abuelo (The Grandfather), Spain
5:00 – 6:40 – An Education, United Kingdom
6:50 – 8:20 – Soul at Peace, Slovakia
8:30 – 10:00 – Black Pirmpel, Sweden
10:10 – 11:47 – Marcello Marcello, Switzerland

ADMISSION IS FREE ON A FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED BASIS
Please call the Arts Council office at 233-0452 or email at artscouncilcebu(@)yahoo.com for further details and invitations to Cine Europa 13 at Ayala Center Cebu.

Cine Europa 13 Manila will also be shown on September 10 at the Shangri-la Plaza Mall and will run until the 19th of September and in Cagayan de Oro from 1 -3 October at the Liceo de Cagayan University.

Now on its 4th year, the Marco Polo Plaza calls on all global citizens once more to join this exciting week of culinary journey to Switzerland, as well as celebrate Swiss National Day.

From July 30, Friday, until August 8, Swiss traditions cross oceans to the hotel’s Café Marco, where diners can enjoy a gourmet selection as comprehensive as the alphabet. Those who come for lunch and dinner get to enjoy Swiss delicacies from Alpine air-dried beef to chocolates, cheese fondue to raclettes, roesti, sausages, and Zurich-style veal. Enjoy a world of Swiss goodness alongside Café Marco’s international buffet favorites. The Café Marco serves lunch from 12:00 pm until 2:30 pm at Php 885 and dinner from 6:30 pm until 10:00 pm at Php 1,072.

On Saturday, July 31, the Marco Polo Plaza, to be led by General Manager Hans Hauri, a Swiss national himself, will also celebrate Swiss National Day – a truly festive affair to honor and gather Swiss nationals outside their homeland.

Swiss National Fest dinner tickets will be sold at Php 1,090+ for a delectable spread of Swiss buffet at the Garden Terrace, unlimited soft drinks and juices, great entertainment, traditional games, bonfire and a chance to win some exciting prizes. Also, enjoy a Swiss Weekend Package from July 30 to August 2, with room rates starting at Php 2,999+.

For inquiries and reservations, call 253-111 loc 8245 or email mpplaza@marcopolohotels.com.

My first visit to Coffee Cat coffeeshop was when they invited the Cebu Bloggers Society during their opening last July 16, 2010. It was my impression that it is a local franchise of an international coffee brand.  However, when the owners were introduced with their  humble beginnings, that impression was immediately proven to be wrong. More surprising to know was that it is a proud Philippine brand.

The inside story…

The shop was intended for the people on the go. The interior design is minimalist but very up-to-date. The chairs can rotate 360 degrees perfect for those big animated group discussions. The color pallete was also very uncommon for a coffee shop, doing away from the monotonic brown and green combination. I can only think of Japanese inspiration for its trendy and relaxing hues and arrangements.

On my second visit, I also noticed that the music played inside the shop is not the typical lounge and “old winter Christmas” music but it is more hip and updated, which young crowds can surely relate to.

Coffee and yogurt under one roof

My first coffee cat experience was a medium Coffee Caramel Avalanche (P135). Looking at the menu, coffee cat seems to have all the selections you want from a coffeeshop with a little modernized name. What captures my attention however was when my name was printed on a sticker and pasted on my cup. Yes, pentel pen is cheap for them.

The coffee was good.  It is not very sweet – just right for me. The whip was very creamy and  rich.  Avalanche should be consumed before it becomes liquid. It is ideal to zip it while you can feel the smooth grains of ice on your coffee.

Next, was a small Yogo yogurt with 3 choices of toppings (P120). My selected toppings were almond nuts for texture, kiwi for color and grapes for that sweet and tangy taste. It was heaven.  For sure, it is way better than those cheap yogurt sold on stalls. I would trade one coffee session for a Yogo yogurt session. I’m craving for it while writing this…

Coffee Cat is located at the eBlock, IT Park. Ground floor of that building occupied by JP Morgan & Chase.

Certainly, Coffee Cat is not a second rate trying hard coffee shop.

Thanks to Jorich for the pictures.

In keeping with the celebration, I am officially accepting ampaos (red money envelopes) for fortunes while taming my restless mind which anticipates for the great chinese food-fest especially for that tasty duck once again. I just love the strong Chinese emotions in the air on this day.

The first good news of the year is that SM City Cebu is organizing a Chinese New Year’s Eve Fire Lantern Ceremony at the Northwing this Saturday, February 13, 2010. Rekindle hope by making a wish or prayer and releasing fire lanterns into the sky. A symbolic activity that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

Fire Lantern Releasing

To join just simply shop or dine at any SM City Cebu Main Mall or Northwing restaurants/food outlets on February 13. A single purchase receipt of at least P800 will get you a free pass to participate in the said event.

Meanwhile, here are other events to look forward to at SM City Cebu on this season of love and good fortune!

May the year leads you to the path of GOOD FORTUNE. Kung Hei Fat Choi!

The forum aims to provide the people of Cebu and the Visayas, especially the business community, a chance to meet and hear the presidential candidates and know their positions on issues related to the economy, education, social services, governance, and environment.

Around a thousand representatives from the business community, academe, youth, media and the labor sector are expected to attend. Select political analysts from the state and private universities in Cebu will also be part of the audience.

The forum will be covered live by Sky Cable and will be aired on block time by the ABS-CBN network in Visayas and Mindanao. ABS-CBN’s TV Patrol and radio station DYAB will also cover the event live and will run a text voting/survey and mock election during the forum.

This event is brought to us by the three major business Chambers in Cebu Province namely, Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) and the Cebu Business Club (CBC).

Event Details
What: Choices and Voices for 2010: An Encounter with the Presidentiables
Where: Cebu International Convention Center
When: January 22, 2010 (Friday) at 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Ticket Price: Php 250.00 (CCCI is giving it for free but limited seats only)
Contact Person: CCCI through Keishma Arreza / Mark
Contact Number: 2321422-24 local 105/104

Note: Please come on time. Doors will be closed by 4:00 PM

Source: http://www.cebubusinesswebportal.com

Balaanong Bahandi (Book Jacket/Front Page)

Balaanong Bahandi is your ultimate guide to the Archdiocese’s architectural heritage. It features more than 260 pages of full color photographs of various parish churches in the archdiocese Cebu from the earliest missions to contemporary parishes, including all of the outstanding artistry they contain, from bas-reliefs. Balaanong Bahandi: Sacred Treasures of the Archdiocese of Cebu is published by the Cathedral Museum of Cebu, Inc. and the University of San Carlos Press.

I was one of the invited guests for the launching at the Cathedral Museum of Cebu on November 26, 2009 for this collector’s must-have. I was also honored to meet some of the photographers who painstakingly put on their efforts to realize this marvelous undertaking to document the magnificent churches of Cebu in a color and art extravaganza. Some of them were familiar online personalities from Skyscrapercity Cebu and known blogs that I followed, they are Estan Cabigas, Lorenz Gibb Lapinid, Mark Andrew Jorolan. Other contributors are Gil Maningo, Fr. Jun Rebayla, SVD, Carlos Apuhin, Rudy Alix. Various personalities in Cebu including the governor herself Gwendolyn Garcia and Cardinal Ricardo Vidal attended the event.

There are only 800 copies left. No planned for reprints yet.

Thanks to knightcarl for the invite.

For inquiries
Email: knightcarl[at]cebuheritage[dot]com.

Philippine Stagers Foundation in cooperation with the Benigno S. Aquino Foundation (BSAF) through its I Am Ninoy Campaign presents a grand musicale in order to humanize our modern-day hero. Billed as “Ako si Ninoy”, this Filipino Musicale will give life to Ninoy as he co-relates his life to various ordinary Filipinos. The core message of the stage musical is the selfless giving of oneself for our countrymen and women and for the advancement of our country as a whole. Indeed, there is a Ninoy in all of us and heroism can also be accomplished through ordinary ways.

“AKO SI NINOY” is PSF’s biggest project to date. Aliw Awardee Vincent Tañada writes the libretto and directs the play. ABS-CBN’s Musical Director, Pipo Cifra composes and arranges the music accompanied by the UST Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Prof. Herminigildo Ranera. Production Management is by Jeffrey Ambrosio, Marketing Management by Christian Lim, Stage Management and Choreography by John San Antonio, Lights Design by Art Gabrentina, Costume Design by Emy Tañada and featuring more than forty homegrown cast members led by Kierwin Larena, Cindy Liper, Patrick Libao, Monique Azereda, Chin Ortega, Jordan Ladra, Cherry Bagtas, Allison Gonzales, Miel Reysantos, Tere Tajan, Aliw Awards Finalist Glory Anne Nacional, Alex Dorola, Jomar Bautista, Anne Gonzales and Gabby Bautista.

Tickets:
350.00
500.00
700.00
1,200.00

Contact Numbers:
Red Tag – 032-2388388

Powerspoonz at Visayan Music Festival 2009

We arrived late but just in time that people are already warmed up and they are now partying. It was some reggae music that was played when we feel that party is indeed in the air.

Visayan Music Festival 2009 Jamming

One of the things that surprised me most is the discipline of the audience and the approachabilty of the bands performing. The audience almost invaded the stage to jam with the band playing. By the way, the music is non-stop literally. While the other band is playing on the other side of the stage the other band is preparing for their turn. No dead air.

Audience was impressive notwithstanding the rain

The venue is perfect for the theme of the party. It perfect for camping. Whoever came up with this idea, very good to you!

Camping Tents on the Venue

We stayed here for some snacks and refreshment before we went home. We shall definitely be back tomorrow to see the other bands. Today, there were almost 30 bands who performed including Cueshe with its vocalist Jay who I had a little chitchat while they were waiting for their call, Up Dharma Down, Radioactive Sago Project, Shiela and the Insects and Dice & K9 along with other local bands. This two day music festival will end tomorrow. Buy your tickets now. Its for 150 pesos only.

The Big Tents

The Visayas Music Festival 2009 will feature at least 70 bands or talents including the performances by Cebu’s homegrown superstars and a lineup of Cebu’s pride: URBANDUB, THE LINE DIVIDES, DICE AND K9, POWERSPOONZ, JUNIOR KILAT, KANDAGYAN, SHEILA AND THE INSECTS and special guests from Manila, Mindanao and Bohol: UP DHARMA DOWN, RADIOACTIVE SAGO PROJECT, SLEEPWALK CIRCUS, SWITCH, GASULINA, BROWNBUDS MENDEL’S LEGACY.

The Family Park is within MCWD’s 20-hectare property in Talamban, located just beside USC-TC, is the host venue for the event for its ideal camping grounds and huge capacity to hold Twenty Thousand (20,000) and more attendees.

Visayas Music Festival 2009

Pre Sell Ticket Pass at Php100.00 are available at the following outlets:

• Ayala Cebu Center at the concierge.
• Zzubu Recording Studio 17 Acacia Street, Cebu.
• Kalye 80’s, Rahman street, Cebu.
• Sunburst Mango Branch Ground Floor Unit 1 One-Mango Ave. Building Gen. Maxilom Ave. Cebu. Tel: 2549500 or 2549400 telefax 2560700

Buy ticket online at: BlackStone Productions Online

Transportation

Free transportation will be provided for the commuting public:

• Ayala Center Cebu: 01PM 02PM 03PM 04PM 05PM 06PM 07PM Friday and Saturday

From the Family Park going back to the Stations

• D’Family Park 02AM 03AM 04AM 05AM Saturday and Sunday.

Free Parking

Parking place are limited and is on a first come first serve basis. We encourage you to use our free transportation services, Taxis, Public transportation.

Show will start on November 6, 2009 5:00 PM.

For more informartion please visit Blackstone Production’s Website.

Top 10 reasons why you should check out this authentic Italiano Pizza and Pasta place.

1. Mama Maria pizza is affordable. The 32 inch pizza which is good for 12 to 14 persons is priced at the average of P1,100.00. Mamma Maria is the home of the biggest pizza in the world at 52 inches. They also served other pizza sizes (8inches, 11inches, 15 inches, 21 inches and 30 inches)
2. Mamma Maria has big tables to cater to big groups.
3. Mamma Maria is open 24 hours.
4. Mamma Maria has at least 27 pizza and 8 pasta flavors and variances to choose from. Go and pick your own adventure.
5. Mamma Maria’s Kinilaw and Crocodile Pizzas are something new and worth trying. They are so yummy.
6. Mamma Maria serves beer.
7. Mamma Maria is very accessible. It is situated at Gorordo Avenue Cebu City beside Aerophone and across the Asilo Church.
8. Mamma Maria has a free parking .
9. Mamma Maria delivers. Their hotline is 417-11-77.
10. Mamma Maria’ waiters and staffs are so friendly. The owner Ms. Jhay Montelebano might just serve you personally. She is so friendly and accommodating and will surely let you feel that you are at home.

Mamma Maria’s Pizzeria is also available at Lacson St., Bacolod (Tel. No. 708-92-92), Lacson Extension (432-04-12), Rizal St., Silay (Tel. No. 708-12-38), Guanzon St., Kabankalan (Tel. No. 471-38-19).

SRP Boardwalk

For several times I passed by the Cebu South Reclamation Properties I am always tempted to make a stop over at the SRP Boardwalk. Now, for the first time I was able make a stop to catch the beautiful Cebu site this spot has to offer.

This place is perfect to those who needs fresh air (I am hoping that its really fresh), for a lazy afternoon talk or just to spend the afternoon with your significant one.

The place is open from 5:00 in the morning until 8:00 in the evening.

Lets obey their rules so that this place will be preserved.

Worry no more because Cebu is already ready for fast paced lifestyle. Several take out food shops are already sprouting in the city and you don’t need to fret if you come home late to prepare for dinner.

The Yummy Balamban Liempo

One of the common take out food in Cebu other than Lechon Manok is Pork Liempo (grilled pork spareribs). It is the latest food that caught the attention of the Cebuanos. Though new, it has become everybody’s favorite already.

If you want the perfect liempo, you should try Balamban Liempo.

Taste
It tastes not the typical liempo. Its lingering aroma is so captivating that you couldn’t help but be curious of how it will taste. No reek smell that is usual in some grilled pork. As you take a bite, you will be surprised how tender and succulent the meat is. The skin is crunchy and the fat is gooey just the way I like it. The chopped and minced spices are cleverly incorporated to the dish. They are edible and yummy and can not be set aside. You would want to eat it together with the meat. The liempo goes well with their own native spiced vinegar (Sukang bisaya) and with Cebu’s puso (hanging rice).

Serving
It 650 grams of pork. And almost 500 grams when cooked. Good for 4 to 5 persons.

Price
Its P160 pesos per serving. That is if you are a group of five you only spend P32.00 each.
They also have the famous lechon manok sold at P145.00 each.

Branches

1. Tres Borces St. corner Cabahug St. Cebu City near Iamiks Chicken in Mabolo
2. Salinas Drive, Lahug infront of USP Lahug c/o Dhara’s Tapsilogan.
3. Hi-way Mandaue infront of Jolly Ant beside Rose Pharmacy and North Atrium Mall.

Take Out and Deliveries:
Call 2311288. Delivery is available for 4 orders and up of liempo.

History
Balamban Liempo Food corner was established in July 2009. Their liempo recipe is inspired by the liempo the owner tasted at Balamban. Balamban is known for its distinct method of grilling liempo using several local herbs and secret spicies.

Proprietor: Jojo and Honey Vergara of Abucan Balamban
email address: balamban_liempo@yahoo.com
For orders and inquiries: 09226205921, 09285022605 or 4158592
Contact Person: Jojo Vergara or Gaylord Tingzon

more photos here.