Monday, February 8, 2010

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Vivere Azure Resort


Niko was already doing the itinerary for their summer vacation together with her kumare, and guess what!? On top of her list is Vivere Azure resort in Batangas. Nested on the diving capital of the Philippines in Anilao Batangas, only two hours south of Metro Manila lies Vivere Azure.

Set in idyllic surroundings, each suite at Azure provides you with a breathtaking view of the sea that is an ever changing backdrop of the tranquil sunrise.

Rooms

14 beach front suites individually designed with a distinct international flair with accessories proudly Filipino made. All rooms are fully air-conditioned with own toilet, bath and balcony.

Diving

Azure takes you to the middle of a spectacular and diverse treasure of marine life. A constellation of underwater pursuits still to be explored to be transported to a calm that will renew and energize your senses.

Water Sports

Snorkeling and kayaking available upon request

Island Hopping

Secluded isles of Sombrero, Verde and Maricaban awaiting to be discovered.

For rates and amenities you may contact them at (632) 771-7777 email at info@viveresuites.com

Sunday, February 7, 2010

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Burj Khalifa


Let's take a peek and enjoy to see the World Tallest Tower ’s interior, Burj Khalifa.








Burj Khalifa (Arabic: برج خليفة‎ "Khalifa Tower"), formerly known as Burj Dubai, is a skyscraper in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and the tallest man-made structure ever built, at 828 m (2,717 ft). Construction began on 21 September 2004, with the exterior of the structure completed on 1 October 2009. The building officially opened on 4 January 2010. The building is part of the 2 km2 (490-acre) flagship development called Downtown Burj Khalifa at the "First Interchange" along Sheikh Zayed Road, near Dubai's main business district.

The tower's architecture and engineering were performed by Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill of Chicago. Adrian Smith, who worked with Skidmore, Owings and Merrill until 2006, was the chief architect, and Bill Baker was the chief structural engineer for the project. The primary contractor was Samsung C&T of South Korea, who also built the Taipei 101 and Petronas Twin Towers. Major subcontractors included Belgian group Besix and Arabtec from the UAE. Turner Construction Company was chosen as the construction project manager. Under UAE law, the Contractor and the Engineer of Record, Hyder Consulting, is jointly and severally liable for the performance of Burj Khalifa.

The total cost for the Burj Khalifa project was about US$1.5 billion; and for the entire new "Downtown Dubai", US$20 billion.[14] Mohamed Ali Alabbar, the Chairman of Emaar Properties, speaking at the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat 8th World Congress, said in March 2009 that the price of office space at Burj Khalifa had reached US$4,000 per sq ft (over US$43,000 per m2) and that the Armani Residences, also in Burj Khalifa, were selling for US$3,500 per sq ft (over US$37,500 per m2). The completion of the tower coincided with a worldwide economic slump and overbuilding, causing it to be described as "the latest ... in string of monuments to architectural vacancy."

Thursday, February 4, 2010

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Boracay Garden Resort


Boracay Garden Resort, a subsidiary of the Boracay Regency Group, kicks off 2010 by offering introductory pleasure and leisure packages sure to fit everyone’s budget.
For as low as P4,000 per person on triple occupancy, enjoy a 3 day-2 night stay in a Deluxe Room inclusive of daily breakfast and dinner and roundtrip land and sea transfers. You also get one night free or upgrade to the next room category. Guests may also opt to stay in the Premiere Room for only P4,471 per person on triple occupancy. Promo period is until March 31, 2010 .

Formerly Hotel Seraph, Boracay Garden Resort rests on a two-hectare property located at the center of Station 2. Boasting of a Triple A rating, the resort has 201 well-appointed rooms with charming and elegant interiors. It has a perfect mix of deluxe and premiere rooms, as well as premiere rooms with direct access to the pool and family rooms that can fit up to 6 persons.
Each spacious rooms has a private terrace, wi-fi access, bath tub with separate shower area, individually controlled air conditioning, cable television, direct dial phone, in-room safe, coffee and tea-making facilities and personal refrigerator.

Boracay Garden Resort’s modern and Mediterranean-styled accommodations are surrounded by two massive swimming pools, landscaped gardens and al fresco restaurant and bar. The resort also features private KTV rooms with modern equipment, gym and fitness center and 24-hour standby generators and security.
In addition to the on-going renovation, the resort now has a beachfront with 34 beach beds. This reserved area makes it perfect for guests to lounge and enjoy the scenery while getting the perfect tan.

For inquiries on room rates, packages and reservations, call Boracay Garden Resort’s Manila Booking Office at 353-1111 or email manilareservations@boracaygarden.com.ph.

Monday, February 1, 2010

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Tacloban Crab


Tacloban developed from a small fishing village, a barrio of Basey, Samar. The word Tacloban evolved from "Taklub", a basket-like contraption for catching fish. It became a major trading town in the late 18th century.

The city is well-known for its role in World War II, being a major base for the US forces and the first town liberated by Douglas MacArthurs's forces from the Japanese Imperial Forces.

For a time, it served as the capital of the Philippines while Manila was under Japanese control.
The city is also known for being the hometown of the flamboyant former Philippine First Lady Imelda Marcos, whose Romualdez family still commands a large political following in the area.

For several decades, Tacloban was a barrio of Basey, Samar. At the time, the place was known as Kankabatok - meaning belonging to Kabatok, because its most prominent inhabitant was named Kabatok. The change of name came about in this manner: Kankabatok was a favorite haunt for fishermen. They would use a bamboo tray called "taklub" to catch crabs or shrimps. When asked where they were going the fishermen would answer, "to tarakluban", which meant the place where they used "taklub" to catch crabs. Later, the name was shortened to Tacloban.
My brother brought some crabs last month...Compare the Crabs from Tacloban, the bigger ones and one from Obando Bulacan.

have you seen a big crab from the Philippines?

Sunday, January 31, 2010

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Most Expensive Foods in the World


Saffrona spice grown worldwide,is derived from the saffron crocus flower. A pound of dry saffron (0.45 kg) requires 50000–75000 flowers to make,meaning an entire football field of these flowers. Requiring so much resources and labor prices for the spice go around US$500/pound to US$5000/pound (US$1100–US$11000 per kilogram).

The most expensive nut in the world is the Macadamia nut. The macadamia tree produces nuts only after it’s 7-10 years old requiring fertile soil and heavy rainfall. These nuts have a very hard seed but once it’s open it reveals a creamy white kernel containing up to 80% oil and 4% sugar. The cost of a kilogram of these nuts exceeds 30$.

The most expensive caviar in the world is not the black onebut the almas caviar! The word ‘almas’ is Iranian for diamond. Beluga caviar comes from a fish over 100 years oldthat is virtually unchanged for 120 million years. The luxurious caviar comes from the oldest survivor of the Dinosaur era. Beluga caviar ranges in price from more than $5000 per kilogram in the United States

The most expensive mushroom in the world is the white truffle. The mushroom has its origins in the Langhe area of the Piedmont region in northern Italyit can reach 12 cm diameter and 500g. These truffles are sold at a amazing price of €2000 and €4000 per kilogram ($1350 - $2700 per pound). The record price for this truffle was paid last year,in December,when Stanley Ho,the owner of the Macau casino paid $330000 for 1.5kg of truffles

The most expensive potato in the world is a French one“La Bonnotte”. Annually,only 100 tons of this top quality potato are cultivated and collected only on the island Noirmoutier. The potato fields require to be fertilized only with seaweed in a climate shaped by the nearby sea. The cost of one single kilogram can reach €500 since this type of potato is almost extinct.

The most expensive beef in the world is the type of beef coming from the Wagyu cows. These Japanese cows are fed the best grass and provided the best treatment. That is why the meat is especially tender and particularly expensive. 200 grams of a fillet cost in Europe more than 100 dollars.

The most expensive sandwich in the world is the club sandwich from Essen aka von Essen Platinum Club Sandwich. This triple-Decker delicacy contains the finest chicken,ham,hard-boiled quails’ eggs and white truffles and it’s currently sold at Cliveden Berkshire. The chicken (poulet de Bresse) is referred to as the ‘fourth gastronomic wonder of the world served with a topping of white truffles,sold at over a thousands ponds a month. At 1182 calories,with 1.8oz of fat,it’s not the healthiest dish but certainly one of the most expensive. Costing 100 pounds (almost 200 dollars)this is a must-try for the food fanatics.


most expensive pizza in the world,valued at 8300 Eur can be tasted in Italy.. With generous toppings of caviar and lobster,the pizza has a diameter of 20cm and Louis XIII Remy Martin cognac poured all over it.


The most expensive omelet in the world can be tasted at the Le Parker Meridien restaurant in New York. The $1000 omelet consists of 10 ounces of sevruga caviara whole lobster,and six eggs. To make it in the privacy of your own home,the cost will be only $700.


Off to something sweet now with one of the most expensive deserts in the world,served at Serendipity 3a popular restaurant in the Upper East Side of Manhattan. The $1000 sundae was introduced in 2004 and was listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the most expensive dessert. It’s made up of 5 scoops of the richest Tahitian vanilla bean ice cream,Madagascar vanilla,23K edible gold leaf and one of the most expensive chocolates in the world,Amedei Porceleana.