Tuesday, February 21, 2017

HK Eatsun Seafood Restaurant



I remember that my friends and I had a quick bite at this eatery near the Grand Emperor Hotel, and that the steamed chicken was quite yummy.  Cheap too.




Grand Emperor Hotel



Look what I found in my hard disk--old pictures of my visit to Macau, including fun time we had at the Grand Emperor Hotel.  This is one of the independent hotel casinos that has successfully made marketing inroads with their European royalty motif.  Two noteworthy points to remember--the carriage of Cinderella is prominently displayed at the entrance, and the steps leading to the lobby are decorated with 24k gold bars.  Yes, gold bars, literally at your feet!



Barry Smith



I am a sucker for leather bags and travelling gear; I don't mind the added weight (compared to hard plastic and fabric cases) as long as I can admire the soft sheen and elegant patina. My old Barry Smith attache case is pretty simple, opens vertically like a pilot's suitcase.   These latest designs, however, look great.  More like weekend traveling luggage, with the added trolley feature.  I must get one!



The Lounge at New World Manila Bay Hotel



I was recently at the New World Manila Bay Hotel for a quick meeting and was a bit surprised to find out that the hotel has been re-branded (this used to be a Hyatt hotel).  The hotel is operated by the New World group controlled by the recently departed Hong Kong billionaire Cheng Yu Tung of Chow Tai Fook fame.  The lobby lounge still looks and feels familiar, but it seems to me that the casino crowd isn't as plentiful as before.  The light merienda buffet costs something like P650, and the serving staff make you feel very much at home.  The place is still elegant, but somehow, it's not as lively as before.





Monday, February 13, 2017

Gringo



Spent some father and daughter bonding time with Monique at Gringo, a Tex-Mex restaurant along Palanca St. in Legaspi Village.  We were lucky to arrive there at around 5pm, just before the happy hour crowd would set in.  Chicken was soft and flavorful, while the burrito wasn't bad.  Prepare around P300 per person for a quick meal, but if you will stay for drinks, you have to cough up a bit more.





Maggie Lyon



Somebody gave Becca a pack of Maggie Lyon chocolates, and by some wisp of magic, the contents were gone in 30 seconds...


Toyo
















Gods of Egypt



I just watched Gods of Egypt, and I found myself cheering on Elodie Yung in her performance as Hathor, the Goddess of Love.  I particularly like the moment that Hathor tries to command the thief Bek (Brenton Thwaites) to do her bidding, but fails because Bek is already in love with the slain Zaya (Courtney Eaton).  Hathor's facial expression moves from anger, denial, realization and embarrassment all within the course of a few seconds.  I understand that she will be starring as the assassin Elektra Natchios in the Netflix Daredevil TV series.



Vergani



Gautier



Blanxart



Shangri-La at the Fort








High Street Lounge









Andy's Good Eats



Poker Wafers



Bongards'



King Power Rice Cracker



Beryl's