Friday, November 26, 2010

Rediscovering a Starry Romance

Noy and I were back to the 27th floor of the Diamond Hotel after three years, this time to celebrate a career booster =)

This top floor of the hotel has been converted into a posh events place now aptly called the Constellation. Aside from the spacious hall (formerly the Galaxias Ballroom where our wedding reception was held), which can be divided into five smaller rooms named Aquarius, Gemini, Libra, Sagittarius and Capricorn, the Constellation also boasts of several areas which are a luxurious first in the Philippine hotel industry.

There's Pisces, the culinary studio with an ultra-modern open kitchen perfect for small gatherings.

photo from the Diamond Hotel website


Aries is the open coffee and beverage bar which greets guests at their first step into the 27th floor. I think it's an ideal place to hold pre-dinner cocktails at a wedding reception.

As if these weren't enough, Diamond thought it best to build an executive boardroom for business meetings that require a sweeping view of the metro. Leo is apparently equipped with lavish functional furnishings that's guaranteed to bring out the best out of any meeting attendee.

photo from the Diamond Hotel website

I have quite a few though of the events hall where the PSO Fellowship Night was held. It was at this fellowship night that I got inducted as an affiliate member of the society. While Galaxias was differently grand on its own, this has a cleaner, more monochromatic look which is all the rave now. The interiors had an Asian feel to it, what with rust as the main color and the thatched wood-adorned ceiling.

At the center ceiling of the hall and the corridor outside, there are solidly sweeping structures reminiscent of stars twinkling at a distance.

The idea is deep dark rich, at the same time vibrant and energizing.

They have definitely lived up to the times with modern audio-visual facilities that move at a click of a button. Even the attendants' garb were beautifully revamped. I could not resist posing with this friendly girl who served us drinks. I think her bronze dress is just pretty.

The only thing that didn't change was the fact that the food was still the same superb quality and flavor that guests just love, the same warm gracious service and the spectacular view of Roxas Boulevard and the bay. These photos don't give that justice, but don't take my word for it. Check out the constellation now if you're looking for a perfect venue for that event you are planning.

By the way, did I mention how cool the restrooms were?

I couldn't quite believe this was the same room

but I'm happy about this transformation. My starry romance place just got a whole lot better.


Thursday, November 25, 2010

Society Savvy

Hear ye hear ye! I am now officially an affiliate member of the Philippine Society of Oncology!

We were just gearing up for the society's 26th Annual Convention when the good news came. It's even quite unexpected because it's been months since I applied for membership, and I'm so happy that I was accepted. It truly is the fruit of that long and hard labor I did with my staff at the 10th midyear.

I, my fellow clinical trial doctor Jam and former CECAP Project Manager Paul were the three inductees for affiliate membership. There were three other fresh medical oncology specialists who were inducted as fellows. It was great to see all members of the board and the PSO Officers line up to congratulate us. It felt good to belong.

The keynote speaker for the annual convention was Mr Tony Meloto, Chair of Gawad Kalinga. He did a very well said speech on the talent, wisdom and greatness of Filipinos. It was inspiring to hear him talk about how much more we could be greater than what we are now, if only we'd fight really hard against corruption and crab mentality. As such, the PSO is planning a huge project with GK, and already I am looking forward to being part of this project. Beyond building houses and painting fences, I am envisioning a bit of pap smear-ing here and there, and some hard core clinical work, too.

This is quite a feat for general practitioners like me. But to quote Mr Tony Meloto, "Despite what’s happening around us, you can look forward to better times ahead if you do justice to your talent and you use it well to build a just and caring society." When your goal is to be of service of others without taint of malice or self-gain, I believe everyone is entitled to a certain niche where this goal may be worked on and channeled to be of real value.

Super thanks to my bosses, Dr Cecilia Llave and Dr Jean Anne Toral for the support and guidance, my hardworking staff, and of course Noy, without whom I won't believe in myself the way I do now.

Cheers!


Monday, November 22, 2010

Army Navy

It was nice going on hiatus. Especially when there's a refreshing new take on the classic burger. At Army Navy, they call it the Bully Boy - three perfectly juicy patties on lettuce, tomatoes & onions between sesame-studded kaisers. If that sounds a little gluttony for you, go ahead with the classic or double patty. No matter how many patties you have, you get the same simple, no fancy frills goodness with every bite. It's so pleasant-tasting you won't imagine they actually eat THAT at the barracks.

If you're tired of the usual tomato sauce-laden burrito then it's a good idea to try one at Army Navy's. They put all the good stuff in that delectable flour tortilla - rice, spanish beans, meat, onions, tomatoes and cilantro - without tomato sauce. Instead, they serve it with salsa on the side, with a slice of lime. This version gives the burrito a zesty twist that's too exciting to pass up on.

Of course, there are onion rings and fries. The slices are thin, crispy and tasty. No the best in town, but delightful nevertheless. Especially when you wash everything down with a huge glass of freshly brewed Libertea. Again, everything is simple - no extra flavors, no weird add-ons. Just plain wholesome ingredients with natural flavors.

Have you noticed the cute names they call their menu items? Aside from Freedom Fries, they also have Starving Sailor and Fearless Fried Chicken. Army Navy dining areas are studded with trivia-filled hangings on the wall that are nice to read while waiting for your order. I am not going to share it here because I'm saving the thrill for you, who probably lives near an Army Navy store so there's no reason for you not to check it out now, what with the unique interiors that's clean and shiny.

Oh and by the way, they're generous on the condiments, so smother on the mayo baby! Don't forget to try some Army Navy sauce to tickle your senses some more. It's the bomb!



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