Harbor Point Mall in Subic Bay Freeport Zone opens on April 26, 2012

Harbor Point is a large shopping mall under construction in Olongapo City, Philippines owned by property development firm Ayala Land, Inc., a real estate subsidiary of Ayala Corporation.It is the first Ayala Shopping Center located in the city of Olongapo. The second to be opened in Central Luzon and the fourth outside Metro Manila.

The Mall is located near its significant market competition SM City Olongapo owned by SM Prime Holdings which will become subic's new Central Business District. The Ayala Mall here was named Harbor Point because of Subic’s bayside location. It is Only 20 minutes away from Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Anvaya Cove Beach and Nature Club, Ayala Land Premier's first venture in leisure development. It is set to open on the first quarter of 2012.

Located along Rizal Avenue, Subic Bay Freeport Zone Olongapo City, Zambales

The mall is composed of Three major levels. The mall is characterized by alfresco areas punctuated with water features, open-air spaces, a garden, an active zone, aside from facilities where the public can shop, dine and relax. It will also have international and local high-end stores, as well as a transport terminal with lounges and comfort rooms, and ample parking spaces for vehicles.

This will be a leisure + dining mall. As per checking, SM is also building a mall near the area. The next Ayala mall closest to Harbor Point is Marquee mall in Pampanga, which is 30 to 45 minutes away via SCTEX.

Just recently, I got a chance to visit the new and upcoming mall developed by Ayala Land in Subic Bay Freeport Zone -- Harbor Point Subic. Construction was still ongoing when I visited and they said that construction is on for 24 hours a day! The skeleton structure is already up but it will take months before the mall will be finished. According to them, target opening date is on April 2012.

The perspective design as seen above somewhat reminds me of outlet shopping malls in the US like those of Barstow and similar outlet malls in the US. I hope that Ayala will gather and place the outlet shops scattered inside Subic and put them inside this mall. Problem is, rent would probably kill the tenants. They should work something out of this nice project.

Here's a sneak peak of the development:

To go here, from Subic-TIPO expressway, turn right to Rizal Highway. Go straight until you reach Subic International Hotel. This new Ayala mall development will be right in front of the hotel, near the Subic Bay Yacht club. It's a few blocks away from Times Square Cinemas, a local cinema place in Subic. I guess it'll kill that small town cinema because this mall will have 3 to 4 cinemas.

Opening date April 26, 2012

Mall of Asia Arena opens on May 19!

Mall of Asia Arena is an indoor arena being constructed and located in Pasay, Philippines within the SM Mall of Asia Complex. It is expected to have a seating capacity of 16,000 for sporting events and will open on May 19, 2012. It is also expected to have a full-house capacity of 20,000, which is 5,000 more than the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The SM Mall of Asia Arena is designed by the same designer who did the SM Mall of Asia, One-Ecom and Two-Ecom; Arquitectronica , in collaboration with Syncom , the Mall of Asia Arena features world class and state of the art facilities from dressing rooms, press rooms, meet and greet rooms, promoters lounge, production rooms to fully equipped dug outs and the first of its kind in the Philippines and in Southeast Asia - The Corporate Suites. The Mall of Asia Arena also offers a vast dining and merchandise offering and is complemented with a seasoned events activation team and superior guest services. It will also have its Mall of Asia Arena Club for select individuals to enjoy.

It is expected to be the new home of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines and the National Collegiate Athletic Association.

The Mall of Asia Arena, which boasts of retractable seats and a 2,000-capacity car park building, is expected to rival the fabled Smart Araneta Coliseum.

It was announced on March 14, 2012 that the first event in the arena will be Lady Gaga's The Born This Way Ball Tour concert which will be on May 21, 2012, two days after the opening

Several events are already set to take place at the MOA Arena this year, starting with foreign artist Lady Gaga slated for a performance in May.

Pundaquit Escapade

Pundaquit is a fishing village located in San Antonio, Zambales. The primary livelihood in this small, yet lively and beautiful town is fishing and tourism. Locals who speak both Ilocano and Zambal, also speak Tagalog as well. They will be more than willing help you if you ever lose your way to the winding roads from the town traveling to the beaches of Pundaquit.

Zambales being only 3 hours away from Manila, We left Dau Bus Terminal around 3AM then we reached Olongapo City around 4AM. The travel time is pretty fast due to the aid of Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway. Pundaquit however, is another 30 to 60 minutes away from the first city which is Olongapo. Traveling to Pundaquit is not as hard as it looks, buses have a cheap fare treat for as low as 40 Php. The North has all the scenic roads and interesting people you’ll see along the way. We reached the municipality of San Antonio half past 7AM. That’s enough reason to make daytrippers and backpackers feel more relaxed,  laid back and away from the rat race and hustle and bustle of the city.

This town is primarily known for its calm and clean beaches compared to its neighboring towns. Even if Pundaquit is facing the open ocean of the China Sea, it maintains its calm shorelines as it is  sheltered by Capones and Camara islands. It is also the best jump off point if you want to visit the Camara Island, Capones Island and Anawangin Cove since it is the closest shores to these

Being almost parallel to the view of the two islands, Pundaquit is the perfect jump off point to visit Camara island and Capones island. It is recommended to leave early morning and pack your breakfast so you can have a picnic at Camara island.

Although there’s not a lot of flora and fauna to feast your eyes on, nature lovers will still delight on the strikingly erratic landscape of Zambales. The best way to admire the beautiful scenery is by trekking through the panoramic backdrops. Zambales is a relatively safe place with friendly, accommodating locals and a low crime rate; but it’s still best to keep your guard up.

Capones island is another 15 to 20 minutes boatride away from Camara and offers a lot more shaded area where you can spend the rest of the day or go on a short trek up the lighthouse and enjoy the view of Zambales and the horizon facing the China Sea.


The Anawangin Cove is by far the most popular destination for campers and beach goers alike. Just the mention of the name Zambales will ring a bell for those who have gone to the cove that a trip to Pundaquit is never complete without feeling Anawangin’s mixture of volcanic ash and white sand beneath your feet.

It is advisable to bring your own food and hygiene necessities instead of purchasing in the beach resorts. The prices are quite high than the normal prices. There is a public market but it is not actually located in Pundaquit, rather it’s right beside the municipal hall of San Antonio, which is the last town before you reach your destination. It’s best that you buy your goods and water here before heading towards the town of Pundaquit.

Pundaquit is blessed with fine beaches and majestic surroundings. It wasn't long before the sun was headed towards the horizon to call it a day. We had to head back home. It would have been nice to get closer to the horses, walk along the river, explore the homes on the cliffs, trek up the mountains, or discover the treasures of Capones Islands, but perhaps another time. Actually, not perhaps, Pundaquit more than deserves another visit. And I can certainly attest that Pundaquit is indeed one of Zambales' lesser-known gems if not the gem of Zambales.

Dairy Queen craze!

Today, the Dairy Queen system is one of the largest ice cream chain in the world, with 6000 restaurants. In the Philippines, Dairy Queen is owned and operated by the Araneta Group, the same franchise owners of Taco Bell and Pizza Hut.

Dairy Queen may have evolved from being just a frozen treat kiosk to a world-class brand, but it will always be the place for everyone to take time out to enjoy the best soft-serve treats. Whether it be any celebration, a family day, a self-indulgent moment, or a mere break to satisfy one's dessert craving, the Dairy Queen experience makes you always come back for more, and this is the reason behind a sweet success  story uniquely its own.

What a lovely ice cream experience we had after a walk with my friend at SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City. The Dairy Queen’s kiosk attracted him to get a frozen treat, the Blizzard Strawberry Banana!

I have always been a fan of ice cream and cakes, so put them together, and what you have is the ultimate comfort food, and this coming from Dairy Queen, this is a perfect hit! Creamy chocolate fudge, cookie crunch, Oreo, Kitkat, served freezing cold, this will definitely make you feel like a kid recovering from a toothache! And since, it’s a whole cake, one can definitely share it with their friends! That’s why it’s the perfect comfort food!

This are some of the combinations of delicious Blizzard flavors: Oreo, M&Ms, Banana Split, Strawberry Banana Chocolate Chip, Brownie Temption, Caramel Cashew, Tropical Fruit and Nut and more!

It's so thick that you need to eat it with an spoon and ift's not serve d upside down, its free!!! They have a fast service and they have a similar procedure with that of Starbucks, where in you'll order at the counter, and wait for your name to be called to get your order, and has a gimmick that they serve their blizzard up side down or it's free. This summertime, kids and adults truly love ice cream and anything that are frozen. Have a nice and cool day!

The Avengers

The Avengers (titled Avengers Assemble in some countries) is a 2012 American superhero film produced by Marvel Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Pictures, based on the Marvel Comics superhero team of the same name. It is the sixth installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

The Avengers is undoubtedly the riskiest movie that Marvel Studios has planned. It will be the first big-budget film to feature an amalgam of mainstream superheroes, each of which will have their own respective 'prequels,' facing a common enemy on the silver screen. For fans of Marvel comics, it is both highly anticipated and very worrisome. It has already been confirmed that The Avengers will begin production in early 2011, which is still at least seven months away, but the rumors surrounding the project are abundant.

I honestly don't want to give away ANY of the movie with this review because this is one film that needs every scene to be savored. Do yourself a favor and remain unspoiled. It's how I saw the movie (apart from what the trailers showed) and even though you're obviously reading this review, read no others with any kind of spoilers whatsoever. Experience the awesomeness for yourself. Avengers as a movie and as a team on screen is an unstoppable force. I'm just going to say, Hulk & Thor combination equals AWESOME and leave it at that. This movie defines MUST SEE.

The Avengers premiered on April 11, 2012 and is scheduled for release on May 4, 2012 in the United States in 2D and 3D.

The film was written and directed by Joss Whedon and features an ensemble cast which includes Robert Downey, Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Tom Hiddleston, and Samuel L. Jackson. 

The Hunger Games

Thrilling and superbly acted, The Hunger Games captures the dramatic violence, raw emotion, and ambitious scope of its source novel.

The story goes like this. Every year in the ruins of what was once North America, the nation of Panem forces each of its twelve districts to send a teenage boy and girl to compete in the Hunger Games. Part twisted entertainment, part government intimidation tactic, the Hunger Games are a nationally televised event in which "Tributes" must fight with one another until one survivor remains. Pitted against highly-trained Tributes who have prepared for these Games their entire lives, Katniss is forced to rely upon her sharp instincts as well as the mentorship of drunken former victor Haymitch Abernathy. If she's ever to return home to District 12, Katniss must make impossible choices in the arena that weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

The Hunger Games opens on March 22, 2012 nationwide. Produced by Lionsgate, directed by Gary Ross and written by Suzanne Collins. 

Titanic 3D

Experience it like never before in 3D and IMAX. Titanic - in 2D Theaters, Real D 3D and IMAX 3D Now Playing For a Limited Time Only. Showing on April 7 in all theatres nationwide.

A mostly unqualified triumph for Cameron, who offers a dizzying blend of spectacular visuals and old-fashioned melodrama.

James Cameron's "Titanic" is an epic, action-packed romance set against the ill-fated maiden voyage of the R.M.S. Titanic; the pride and joy of the White Star Line and, at the time, the largest moving object ever built. She was the most luxurious liner of her era -- the "ship of dreams" -- which ultimately carried over 1,500 people to their death in the ice cold waters of the North Atlantic in the early hours of April 15, 1912.

NKOTBSB live in Manila!

New Kids on the Block (also initialized as NKOTB) are an American boy band from Boston, Massachusetts, assembled in 1984. The band currently consists of brothers Jordan and Jonathan Knight, Joey Mclntyre, Donnie Wahlberg, and Danny Wood.New Kids on the Block enjoyed success in the late 1980s and early 1990s and have sold 80 million records worldwide. They won two American music awards in 1990 for Favorite Pop/Rock Band, Duo, or Group and Favorite Pop/Rock Album.After having disbanded in 1994, several attempts were made to get the group back together, all of them unsuccessful. After secretly reuniting in 2007 and recording a new CD, the group released that new album and embarked on a concert tour in 2008. The album, entitled The Block was released on September 2, 2008. 

NKOTBSB live in Manila! June 3, 2012 8PM SM Mall of Asia Arena.

Lady GaGa live in Mall of Asia Arena

LITTLE MONSTERS UNITE, THE JOURNEY CONTINUES…

ANNOUNCING

THE BORN THIS WAY BALL

STARRING LADY GAGA

MANILA – SM MALL OF ASIA ARENA – MAY 21, 2012

Tickets go on-sale Monday, April 2^nd, 12:00nn at all SM TiCKETS outlets

Manila, Philppines – March 30 2012 – 5-time Grammy Award winner LADY GAGA is set to make her triumphant return to the stage this Spring with The Born This Way Ball. In this brand new tour, Gaga will perform her latest album Born This Way as well as music from both The Fame and The Fame Monster. The Born This Way Ball, produced globally by Live Nation, will begin on April 27th, 2012 in Seoul, South Korea, and now includes a performance at Manila’s SM Mall of Asia Arena on May 21st, 2012.


Lady Gaga’s last tour – The Monster Ball – captivated audiences around the globe, receiving rave reviews in every city. The Sun called it “the best live show you will see this year,” and the Pollstar Concert Industry Awards named it the Major Tour of the Year.

“The Haus of Gaga and I have worked for months conceiving a spectacular stage,” said Mother Monster. “THE BORN THIS WAY BALL is an Electro-Metal Pop-Opera; the tale of the Beginning, the genesis of the Kingdom of Fame. How we were birthed and how we will die celebrating.”

The Born This Way Ball will be Lady Gaga’s first tour since the release of her album Born This Way (Streamline/Konlive/Interscope), which has sold nearly 6 million copies worldwide since its release in May 2011. The album is the follow-up to back-to-back Grammy Award-winning albums 2009’s The Fame Monster, and 2008’s The Fame. Combined, The Fame and The Fame Monster have sold 15 million albums worldwide, while Lady Gaga’s hit singles have combined sales of over 65 million worldwide.


Gaga was named Forbes’ Most Powerful Woman in the World 2011 and was included in Time’s annual “The 2010 Time 100″ list of the most influential people in the world. With over 2.2 billion combined views of all her videos online, Lady Gaga is one of the biggest living people on Facebook with over 47 million ‘likes’ and is #1 on Twitter with nearly 19 million followers. Lady Gaga is the only artist in the digital era to top the 5 million sales mark with her first two hits.


Tickets for The Born This Way Ball go on-sale in Manila on Monday, April 2nd at 12:00 noon at all SM TICKETS outlets and www.smtickets.com

Ticket prices are:

Patron standing – 15,000
Lower Box – 11,000
Upper Box – 5,000
General Admission – 2,000
Ticket prices subject to applicable SM TICKETS service charge: