Hard Rock Cafe Makati

I was invited by my colleagues at Hard Rock Cafe in Makati last Thursday night. I used to go there many times about 13-14 years ago when I was still single, so its nice to be invited again by my counterpart at Hard Rock to experience their ambience, food, and music.

Hard Rock's ambience had not changed after about 15 years. There are still many memorabilia and posters of various artists. Original clothes worn by famous artists, electric guitars used by a Kiss guitarist, Echo & the Bunnymen, a graphic artist's proof of an Elton John album, and many other music-related items on displays along the walls.

New Wave Music Addiction

Others call it alternative rock music. I was exposed to new wave music because of my dormmates in UPLB during college days of the late 80's. Since then, my local radio tuner has always been stuck with DWXB, later to NU 107.5 FM station, sometimes 105.1 FM, until they reformatted their music formats. I have also bought audio CDs before in Greenhills of new wave music compilations at ridiculous prices, starting at Php 750/pc.  I felt bad when that CD compilation was stolen from our Kapitolyo flat. 

Later, cheaper versions of such compilations came out after a few years. Unfortunately, I can't find the CDs now of my New Wave Diaries, I Hate Pop, and other compilations. When MP3 formats came out, I also scoured the pirated versions of new wave music from stalls offering DVDs and PC softwares.

BPI Credit Card Promo: Feb 8 - May 20, 2011

Good news to BPI credit cardholders! After their Jollibee tie-up here which ended last 07 Feb. 2011, they now have this promo with Pizza Hut group, namely -- Pizza Hut, Dairy Queen, and Taco Bell.

Promo period is 3 months, from 08 February until 07 May 2011, but extended until 20 May 2011. Redemption period is until 19 July 2011. Below are the product entitlements after meeting the minimum purchase requirements.

Rowena's Buko Pie and Sylvannas

On our way down to Nuvali along Sta. Rosa-Tagaytay road, we stopped at Rowena's store to buy buko (coconut) pie. I have tried their buko tarts before, but I'm not fond of tarts, so I like to try their buko pie instead and compare it with other buko pie brands.

Their buko pie is thick but with smaller diameter. The color of the top crust is just right. Aside from the mainly coconut taste, the filling has its distinct flavor, probably due to a yellowish ingredient that they use, which I cannot identify. The pie does not dry out and still tastes good, even when we ate the leftover the following day. At Php 170/box, its too expensive compared with my favorite Orient buko pie at Php 130-140 per box.

Green ATS Bulalohan in Tagaytay

I took my family to Tagaytay last Sunday. As usual, we visited first the Pink Sisters' church, before going around the cool city. Afterwards, we bought burgers and lomi soup from Mushroom Burger as morning snack at Roberto's parking area along the ridge, where the kids rode the horses and bicycles for rent.

Late lunch was in Green ATS Bulalohan, after the Bag of Beans along the way to Residence Inn. We just want to try it after receiving good reviews from friends and from internet. The restaurant provides a very nice view of Taal lake and volcano from their dining tables.