Buddha Bar Manila is finally a reality placing the Philippines on the road map for the global party scene! George V Eatertainment of Paris, creator of the Buddha Bar brand among other successful concepts has partnered up with Picar Place a real estate developer that is majority owned by Dr. Amable R. Aguiluz, founder of the AMA Computer University for this venture.

Built from the rubble of the demolished International School Manila elementary building along Kalayaan Ave., Makati rises a concrete 3 story party house with a capacity of over 500 people and a pond on the roof deck. Join us for their exclusive launch party here!

What exactly is the Buddha Bar concept, well simply speaking it is placing a “living area” within the confines of a bar and restaurant with a live DJ while ensuring that the cuisine is contemporary and service impeccable. By the time we arrived at 10PM, the Kalayaan Avenue was packed with parked cars so much so that it became a one lane roade, but fortunately to ease this dilemma of finding parking Buddha Bar offers complimentary valet parking.

Upon entering you will notice the high ceilings and a mezzanine that overlooks the dining area where a gigantic Buddha sits serenely.

The lighting has an amber hue and combined with the dark mahogany furniture, Khmer statues, decorated wood panels, plush gold and red fabrics unite to create an air of opulence.

We were greeted at the reception and seated at our table. Open bar was practically on everything and we happily sipped a few flutes of Tattinger Champagne before moving onto Belvedere Vodka sodas and their signature Ying Coconut Martini.

Their selection of food for the party pica pica was outstanding and surpassed our expectations. Highlights are as follows:

Samosas and mini prawn tempuras tickled our fancy

Chocolate Sesame Bars – These are just wickedly SICK! Love at one bite.

Trio of Cremes Brulees

Make sure to go there as soon as possible to sign up for your membership cards!

Buddha Bar
Picar Place
Kalayaan Ave.
Makati
Philippines
Tel: +632-856-6719
Web: http://www.buddhabarmanila.com/
Web2: http://buddhabar.com/

In our next post we bring you Japanese Western cuisine at the newest restaurant in Greenbelt 2, Ma Maison, brought to the Philippines by the Bistro Group. Please check again for updates!

Remember life is way too short, don’t let it pass you by. Enjoy Hour Philippines!

Sincerely,

Lord and Aksana
HOURPHILIPPINES.COM
FOOD | TRAVEL | LIFESTYLE
All content is the sole property of HourPhilippines.com, any reproduction in whole or in part shall be subject to prosecution.

Tim Yap celebrated his birthday in his trademark flamboyant style at the Marriott Hotel Grand Ballroom on Jan. 17, 2012. There are parties and there are events such as this that you truly remember because all the guests were handpicked and spirited to dress up for a madhatter themed ball. Join us for this event after the break!

The ball commenced at 9PM but being the Philippines, majority of guests arrived around 11PM including local TV personalities such as Ruffa Gutierrez, Borgy Manotoc, Georgina Wilson and JM Rodriguez.

As a parting gift, Italian chocolates in a customized package by Villa Del Conte Cioccolato which has branches in Resorts World, Shangri-La Plaza, Greenbelt 5 and Trinoma.

In our next post we bring you the launch of Buddha Bar Manila at the new Picar Place commercial development along Kalayaan Ave. Makati. Please check again for updates!

Remember life is way too short, don’t let it pass you by. Enjoy Hour Philippines!

Sincerely,

Lord and Aksana
HOURPHILIPPINES.COM
FOOD | TRAVEL | LIFESTYLE

The Cheese Steak Shopis a California based restaurant that first opened its doors in 1982 by Keith Layton and after 30 years currently has 24 branches in Northern California. Margaret Uy has brought this franchise to Philippines and surprisingly it is the first international branch. Their main product is the Philadelphia Cheese Steak which is called the Philly Cheese Steak for short. What makes this brand successful is their guarantee for authenticity. What does this mean? Well it means that all ingredients are imported from the Philadelphia area. Learn more here!

Located in the Makati CBD along Arnaiz Ave. (formerly Pasay Road) is one of the newest quick service restaurants offering the classic Philly Cheese Steak.

We dropped in for the grand opening on Nov. 22, 2011 and took advantage of their Buy 1 Take 1 offer on their 7 inch sandwiches.

The Cheese Steak Shop’s menu is a simple one pager that is bright yellow and it took no time at all before ordering what we thought was the tastiest item.

We really liked their heavy duty Heinz sauce station, this is functional not ornamental. Oh yes they have Tabasco as well!

Make sure you read the above to customize your cheese steak experience. We recommend – toasted bread with extra onions with grilled hot and sweet peppers.

Large Onion Rings – PHP 180.00 Net ($US 4.50)

We started with their large onion rings a bit pricey for onions, but they were served in a 22 ounce cup with Heinz ranch dressing. They were crunchy and juicy, but we were expecting even bigger onions for the price.

7″ Premium Cheese Steak with Bacon - PHP 320.00 Net ($US 8.00)

We each had a 7 inch Premium Cheese Steak with Bacon and additional spinach (PHP 25.00 extra $0.40). Being a Californian institution which is focused on health, their cheese steak is not as greasy as the original Philly Cheese Steaks that you can easily find at the Philadelphia Greyhound Bus terminal, which is where I first experienced the excess oil running down my fingers as recommended by my old ISM friend Dennis Eisele who was studying at Wharton during the time. The imported sirloin beef was extremely soft and tender. I just wish there was more cheese and we could hardly taste the bacon. Nonetheless it was satisfactory.

Dimes Apple Juice – PHP 50.00 ($US 1.25)

Going for health with juice instead of soda. Can’t go wrong here although their selection of international beers were all so tempting. There is always next time or is there? For draft imported beer, our new filling station is Draft in the Fort which we will post soon.

They may have just opened, but they are ready to deliver around Makati! How was your Cheese Steak experience?

The Cheese Steak Shop
G/F The E Hotel Makati
906 A. Arnaiz Street (formerly Pasay Road)
San Lorenzo Village
Makati City
Philippines
Tel: +(632)-555-1818 Delivery Minimum Purchase of PHP 500.00
www.cheesesteakshop.com.ph

Ma Maison HD

In our next post we bring you Japanese Western cuisine at the newest restaurant in Greenbelt 2, Ma Maison, brought to the Philippines by the Bistro Group. Please check again for updates!

Remember life is way too short, don’t let it pass you by. Enjoy Hour Philippines!

Sincerely,

Lord and Aksana
HOURPHILIPPINES.COM
FOOD | TRAVEL | LIFESTYLE
All content is the sole property of HourPhilippines.com, any reproduction in whole or in part shall be subject to prosecution.

There was Republiq, and now we attend the the rebirth of Embassy/Member’s Only as Prive Luxe Clubbing. The Grand Launch on October 8, 2011 was an uber success. The party was supposed to start at 10PM, and while people normally meander in at 11PM to be fashionably late, it was already packed to the brim by that time.

Prive Luxe Clubbing HD Video
Join us for another night of fun and mayhem at Prive Luxe Clubbing!

The reception area is setup very similar to Embassy towards the end of its days and is managed by the same team headed up by Vanessa Tomagan.

Why was everybody so early? After glancing at the open bar list, it became crystal clear with all the bubbly and imported liquor flowing until 1:00AM!

Too bad no Blue

The Main Dance Floor

From the Eagle’s Nest

While it does not have the charm and exclusivity of Member’s Only, we are sure Prive Luxe Clubbing will be one of our regular hangouts for the next few months as it is a lot closer to us than Republiq.

Prive Luxe Clubbing
(Previously Member’s Only)
The Strip
Fort Bonifacio
Philippines

7″ Premium Cheese Steak with Bacon - PHP 320.00 Net ($US 8.00)

In our next post we bring you the Philly Cheese Steak of The Cheese Steak Shop at Arnaiz Ave., Makati City. Please click here!

Remember life is way too short, don’t let it pass you by. Enjoy Hour Philippines!

Sincerely,

Lord and Aksana
HOURPHILIPPINES.COM
FOOD | TRAVEL | LIFESTYLE
All content is the sole property of HourPhilippines.com, any reproduction in whole or in part shall be subject to prosecution.

Fashion Watch 2011 presented by the Makati Shangri-La is an annual event that showcases creative Filipino designers. It was held every Thursday afternoon from Sept. 8 to Oct. 24 at their Lobby Lounge.

Designers included the following: Jun Escario, James Reyes, Joel Escober, Jojie Lloren, Ito Curata, Patrice Diaz, Alex Bitong, JC Buendia, OJ Hofer, Jerome Lorico, Joey Samson, Len Nepomuceno, Ferdi Abuel, Norman Noriega, Dennis Lustico, Lulu Tan-Gan, Ivar Aseron, Philip Rodriguez. More pictures after the break:

The creative director of Fashion Watch 2011 is Inno Sotto, with hair and makeup handled by Patrick Rosas.

During Fashion Watch 2011, a special complimentary set of canapes and cocktails are available for guests to enjoy.

We liked their smoked salmon on pumpernickel bread and cream cheese canape and foie gras terrine on toasted brioche and fig jam canape.

The Fashion Watch cocktail was a refreshing mix of sparkling wine, lychee, and rum.

To learn more about Fashion Watch, please call (632) 840-0884 or e-mail rric.slm@shangri-la.com.

In our next post we bring you the Grand Launch of Prive Luxe Clubbing at the Fort Strip, Fort Bonifacio. Please click here!

Remember life is way too short, don’t let it pass you by. Enjoy Hour Philippines!

Sincerely,

Lord and Aksana
HOURPHILIPPINES.COM
FOOD | TRAVEL | LIFESTYLE
All content is the sole property of HourPhilippines.com, any reproduction in whole or in part shall be subject to prosecution.

They say laughter is the best medicine, but with today’s hectic modern lifestyle we forget that the simplest joys are right in front of us. Watch this HD video and let Baby Alexandra lift your spirits!

In our next post we bring you Fashion Week 2011 at the Shangri-La, Makati. Please click here!

Remember life is way too short, don’t let it pass you by. Enjoy Hour Philippines!

Sincerely,

Lord and Aksana
HOURPHILIPPINES.COM
FOOD | TRAVEL | LIFESTYLE
All content is the sole property of HourPhilippines.com, any reproduction in whole or in part shall be subject to prosecution.

What causes your skin to age? The environmental factors are UV radiation exposure from the sun, cigarette smoking, stress and pollution. Genetic aging is predisposed with how your skin changes over time.

Is it possible to look young without cosmetic surgery and botox? We have been testing Good Skin Labs products the past year and they seem to have noticeably rejuvenating effects compared to other highly marketed products! All those creases and lines on your face that develop over time could be filled in with this miracle cream. And eyebags, well those could take longer to fix. Want to learn more?

All you need to get your daily preventative measures started are Good Skin Labs Tri-Aktiline and Eyeliplex-2 which are on promo at Marrionaud, Mall of Asia for PHP 3,900.00 from PHP 5,200.00:

1) Tri-Aktiline – An instant deep wrinkle filler. Applied twice a day, morning and evening. This will over time leave you with firmer and softer skin due to epidermal resurfacing and encouraging collagen production.

2) Eyeliplex-2 – Eye Lift and Circle Reducer. Applied only in the evening before going to bed.

This dual pack will last on average 6 months, and should reduce the lines on your face as well as darkness of eye bags over time. Depending on your skin, these products may have varying degrees of effectiveness. How was your experience?

You may also find Good Skin Lab products at Watsons.

In our next post we bring you a special personality – Alexandra HD, the best way to start your day. Please click here!

Remember life is way too short, don’t let it pass you by. Enjoy Hour Philippines!

Sincerely,

Lord and Aksana
HOURPHILIPPINES.COM
FOOD | TRAVEL | LIFESTYLE
All content is the sole property of HourPhilippines.com, any reproduction in whole or in part shall be subject to prosecution.

Do you have pets that need grooming? If so, you don’t need to stress your pet out by travelling to a pet shop grooming center anymore as Clean Paws Mobile Pet Salon will bring that service to your doorstep with their uniquely designed vehicle. Ciara Lira is the proprietor of this venture and says the idea sprung as “we have seen a great demand for home-serviced pet grooming.” Learn more about their services here!

They have initially tried to bring tools into the pet owner’s home to do the dirty deed, but this just resulted in a mess as hair could get blown around without a contained space. The obvious solution was a complete salon housed within an air-conditioned mobile vehicle.  For your reference, please find below their rates for Makati (Other locations may cost more):

Dog Grooming Rates

Small Breed (Mini Schnauzer)- PHP 550.00 Trimming of paws, ear cleaning, shampoo add PHP 100 for hair cut.
Medium Breed – PHP 650.00 Trimming of paws, ear cleaning, shampoo add PHP 100 for hair cut.
Large Breed – PHP 750.00 Trimming of paws, ear cleaning, shampoo add PHP 100 for hair cut.

Cat Grooming Rates

Long Hair (Persian) – PHP 550.00 Trimming of paws, ear cleaning and shampoo, add PHP 100.00 for hair cut
Short Hair (American Shorthair) – PHP 550.00 Trimming of paws, ear cleaning and shampoo and wash

Their rates are quite competitive as compared to your local grooming center so why not give them a try!

Clean Paws
Mobile Pet Salon
Unit F #78 Estrella cor. Zodiac St.,
Bel Air Village, Makati City
(nearest landmark – Rockwell)
Tel: 668-4708
Mobile: 0999-551-PET-1
Website: www.facebook.com/cleanpaws

In our next post we bring you facial cosmetic products by Good Skin Labs that could make you younger – instantly! Please click here!

Remember life is way too short, don’t let it pass you by. Enjoy Hour Philippines!

Sincerely,

Lord and Aksana
HOURPHILIPPINES.COM
FOOD | TRAVEL | LIFESTYLE
All content is the sole property of HourPhilippines.com, any reproduction in whole or in part shall be subject to prosecution.

Affordable Southern comfort food has found its home at Chubby’s Rib Shack. While small and tucked away at the ground floor of the Solaris One Building Legaspi Street, Makati, it manages to bring in quite a few guests for their no frills southern food that manages to satisfy your cravings. Their baby back ribs are easily their signature dish which is smoked, grilled and glazed with choice of homestyle BBQ sauce, Cayenne BBQ, or Honey BBQ. Served with Honky Tonk Rice and Coleslaw. Find out more after the break.



Chubby’s Rib Shack is so hidden that the signage is completely covered by a tree!

Nachos and Salsa – PHP 99.00 Net ($2.25)

We liked their nachos as they were freshly made and fried and were piping hot. Good way to get those digestive fires started.

Talk about skeleton crew, this guy was a one man team and was he efficient. Surprisingly food came out a lot better than we expected.

Very simple yet bright interiors with U.S. paraphenelia.

Wood chips were a nice touch to ambiance and aromatics.

The Big Daddy – PHP 179.00 Net ($US 4.25)

Their pulled pork sandwich is tasty but it may leave you hungry for more.

Chubby’s Rib Shack
G/F Solaris One Bldg., Dela Rosa St., Legaspi Vill.
Makati City, Metro Manila
Philippines
Tel: +632-552-1103

In our next post we feature the pet grooming services of Clean Paws Mobile Pet Salon. Please click here!

Party people, also check out the Grand Launch of Prive Luxe Clubbing at the Fort Strip, Fort Bonifacio. Please click here!

Remember life is way too short, don’t let it pass you by. Enjoy Hour Philippines!

Sincerely,

Lord and Aksana
HOURPHILIPPINES.COM
FOOD | TRAVEL | LIFESTYLE
All content is the sole property of HourPhilippines.com, any reproduction in whole or in part shall be subject to prosecution.

Have a nasty fender bender or has your OEM VARTA battery died on your European car import? Look no further as European Motors Philippines Corporation is the car repair shop for you that will define your out of CASA experience. We have been utilizing European Motors Philippines Corporation for the past few years and we prefer it to the CASA as service is faster and on average more cost effective by up to 70%. European Motors Inc. began operations in Libis in 2003 and branched out to Makati in 2008 to capitalize on a need for out of CASA servicing of luxury European cars. Although the original two partners split, European Motors Philippines Corporation in Makati and German Motors in Libis, Quezon City, they both offer a consistent level of service that you can trust. Check out this bad boy car shop here.

European Motors Makati is located along Chino Roces ave. behind Dasmarinas village but you may not easily find it as it is tucked in a warehouse behind Saatchi House.

Their new tarpaulin is more visible than the last, just proceed along the one lane pathway beside of Saatchi House.

The service reception area is quite spacious and well ventilated with a 5 ton Carrier air-conditioning unit.

The customer lounge is laid back with comfortable couches, lcd tv, ambient lighting and rarely busy even with the amount of cars being serviced.

While you are waiting for your car to be processed you can sit back in their air-conditioned lounge and read some international magazines.

Refreshments such as Coke products and coffee will be offered to make your wait more comfortable.

The rest room is spotless and less utilized than your average restaurant or bar.

Mercedes SL 63 AMG

From top of the line Mercedes SL Roadsters to classic Mercedes sedans and BMW’s, European Motors keeps them fresh and clean. The mechanics are well trained as they are previously from Cats Motors, PGA Cars, Autohaus, Prestige Cars and Commercial Motors.

Mercedes-Benz W111

As a testament to the level of service and trust placed with the service advisors and mechanics of European motors, there is a Bentley Continental GT on one side and a modest Aston Martin DB 9 right beside it!

James Bond would feel right at home with this DB9!

So aside from the lounge you have a mini-car show while you are waiting to process your car or pay your bill…

We had to replace my evaporator, expansion valve and micro-filter on this visit totaling PHP 30,000 including labor.

After service is done, they will give you your defective parts and equipment.

European Motors Philippines Corporation
2296 Don Chino Roces Avenue Extension
Makati
Tel:864-0921
Mobile: 0917-844-3876 (Look for Elmer)
Monday – Saturday 8:00AM – 5:00PM

German Motors Inc. Libis, Quezon City
BASICS (For BMW Parts)
Delodur (For MB Parts)
188 E. Rodriguez Jr. Avenue Libis, Quezon City
Take the St. Pio Chapel beside Honda Libis
Tel: 633-7874 to 75

In our next post we feature southern comfort food at Chubby’s Rib Shack. Please click here!

Party people, also check out the Grand Launch of Prive Luxe Clubbing at the Fort Strip, Fort Bonifacio. Please click here!

Remember life is way too short, don’t let it pass you by. Enjoy Hour Philippines!

Sincerely,

Lord and Aksana
HOURPHILIPPINES.COM
FOOD | TRAVEL | LIFESTYLE
All content is the sole property of HourPhilippines.com, any reproduction in whole or in part shall be subject to prosecution.