girls in clubs
This is a must read on girls in clubs and bars, a lot of these stereotypes are true! I used to go out all the time and I have seen it all. On another note, there are nice girls who are there to have clean fun with friends and just wanted to go out and see something new. Not all books are the same even if the covers all look alike.
beer commercials
Commercials of alcoholic beverage in the Philippines such as Philippine Beers like the San Miguel Beer represent a very Filipino culture and tradition. It talks about the Filipino way of life, the friendship, and the family which projects fun on an exciting level. There were a reasonable number of classic advertisements about this beer which targeted and captured different markets of which they succeeded.
Almost all the commercials are conceptualized very well. The concept of having a good relationship with friends is a true Filipino trait, as what Bert Marcelo, Rico Puno and the rest of the gang implies. People from all walks of life can relate to this. Other forms of story lines are those who use women to get the attention of the advertisement, just like the “Ina Raymundo” and ‘Sheboom” versions of these commercials. This is always true not only in a beer commercial but other products as well. Just like it’s the better alternative for a good advertisement.
An alcoholic beverage in the Philippines like the beer is synonymous to the name San Miguel Beer. This product is already a trademark in terms of Philippine beers and has been a tradition for over a century. Thus, this company has been open in updating and developing new innovations to further strengthen its product. San Miguel light is a welcome addition to the beer family of the company.
In terms of extra strong premium beer, Red Horse Beer is the best choice. This beer is the first of its kind, full-flavored, with an extra tough kick and taste for the more adventurous individual. We may have seen and experienced the Manny Pacquiao in a lighter San Miguel Beer Ad, but in the Red Horse commercial, he is coming with the endorsement “lakas tama” which literally means extra strong kick. He opens a bottle of Red Horse and is skyrocketed to a liquor bar with dancing people to strong rock band music, the strength and power of his back crashing and destroying the music box. That’s how the commercial of an alcoholic beverage in the Philippines speaks to its audience. Kind of tough, isn’t it?
These beers are all Philippine beers, true to its word and taste. These commercials highlight the good side of drinking beer and some of our best Filipino culture and traditions. Try and have a taste of our own Filipino beer, San Miguel Beer, San Miguel Lights and for a stronger flavor and a distinct, unique aroma, Red Horse Extra Strong Beer, all Filipino, proudly Filipino.
Almost all the commercials are conceptualized very well. The concept of having a good relationship with friends is a true Filipino trait, as what Bert Marcelo, Rico Puno and the rest of the gang implies. People from all walks of life can relate to this. Other forms of story lines are those who use women to get the attention of the advertisement, just like the “Ina Raymundo” and ‘Sheboom” versions of these commercials. This is always true not only in a beer commercial but other products as well. Just like it’s the better alternative for a good advertisement.
An alcoholic beverage in the Philippines like the beer is synonymous to the name San Miguel Beer. This product is already a trademark in terms of Philippine beers and has been a tradition for over a century. Thus, this company has been open in updating and developing new innovations to further strengthen its product. San Miguel light is a welcome addition to the beer family of the company.
In terms of extra strong premium beer, Red Horse Beer is the best choice. This beer is the first of its kind, full-flavored, with an extra tough kick and taste for the more adventurous individual. We may have seen and experienced the Manny Pacquiao in a lighter San Miguel Beer Ad, but in the Red Horse commercial, he is coming with the endorsement “lakas tama” which literally means extra strong kick. He opens a bottle of Red Horse and is skyrocketed to a liquor bar with dancing people to strong rock band music, the strength and power of his back crashing and destroying the music box. That’s how the commercial of an alcoholic beverage in the Philippines speaks to its audience. Kind of tough, isn’t it?
These beers are all Philippine beers, true to its word and taste. These commercials highlight the good side of drinking beer and some of our best Filipino culture and traditions. Try and have a taste of our own Filipino beer, San Miguel Beer, San Miguel Lights and for a stronger flavor and a distinct, unique aroma, Red Horse Extra Strong Beer, all Filipino, proudly Filipino.
personalized johnny walker blue at s&r
March 14, 2013
The big boys like their single malt and their intimate gatherings are filled with names all starting with "Mac". Mac Callan, Mac Keller and the "Glen" this and that. But as you may have noticed I do have a thing for blended Scotch like my good friend Johnny Walker. And Johnny Walker Blue is the most expensive of all because it is specifically blended to mimic the taste of the best 19th century Scotch (surely I don't have to explain that I mean Scotch made in the 19th century and not what it tasted like back then).
Johnny Blue is the drink du jour because it is expensive and therefore impressive and of course because it tastes very good. But how do you make it even more exclusive? Having it personalized of course! To tell you the truth I only owned one bottle of Johnny Blue in my entire life and I savored every sip, I even hid the bottle so that only the chosen few could ever get a drop of it. I have wanted to buy another bottle but never felt compelled to fork over the 7 to 9k pesos to hold it in my arms once again. Then lo and behold, S&R by far the best place to buy liquor, even cheaper than Duty Free had an offer, ENGRAVED JOHNNY WALKER BLUE BOTTLES!
The engraving is top notch, beautifull scripted calligraphy and guess what? So is the price!!! Go to S&R and get yourself an engraved Johnny Walker Blue for P5k +++, Platinum is P2,500. I feel kinda ripped off for buying a Double Black from Rustans for P1,500 right before the Sin Tax hit but oh well, see you in line for the Blue. I don't plan to share this one, this is for me after a long, hard day.
The big boys like their single malt and their intimate gatherings are filled with names all starting with "Mac". Mac Callan, Mac Keller and the "Glen" this and that. But as you may have noticed I do have a thing for blended Scotch like my good friend Johnny Walker. And Johnny Walker Blue is the most expensive of all because it is specifically blended to mimic the taste of the best 19th century Scotch (surely I don't have to explain that I mean Scotch made in the 19th century and not what it tasted like back then).
Johnny Blue is the drink du jour because it is expensive and therefore impressive and of course because it tastes very good. But how do you make it even more exclusive? Having it personalized of course! To tell you the truth I only owned one bottle of Johnny Blue in my entire life and I savored every sip, I even hid the bottle so that only the chosen few could ever get a drop of it. I have wanted to buy another bottle but never felt compelled to fork over the 7 to 9k pesos to hold it in my arms once again. Then lo and behold, S&R by far the best place to buy liquor, even cheaper than Duty Free had an offer, ENGRAVED JOHNNY WALKER BLUE BOTTLES!
The engraving is top notch, beautifull scripted calligraphy and guess what? So is the price!!! Go to S&R and get yourself an engraved Johnny Walker Blue for P5k +++, Platinum is P2,500. I feel kinda ripped off for buying a Double Black from Rustans for P1,500 right before the Sin Tax hit but oh well, see you in line for the Blue. I don't plan to share this one, this is for me after a long, hard day.
Hooray hong kong rooftop bar
What can i say? The Fly gets around! I recently saw this review on the best Hong Kong Rooftop Bars and I realized that I had been to one of them on a recent trip to probably the most visited by Filipinos neighbor country.
Hooray is in the World Trade Centre, 280 Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay. It seems like an odd location for a bar but it is an upscale mall which is also home to Tonkichi which has the best tonkatsu you will find anywhere.
Being a rooftop bar in Hong Kong it can be freezing cold in contrast to Manila where there is Sky in the Fort but you will probably can sweat yourself to workout levels. Be prepared and have a jacket because the buffeting winds are unforgiving, a lesson hard learned by myself because I went out in a think polo shirt.
Interestingly, the drinks are served in plastic. The glasses are not glass and I found this very clever considering a strong gust of wind may knock down your drink. The place is very romantic and classy, a great out of town place to bring a date or bring a date you just met. There is a minimum spend, about four hundred HKD if memory serves but don't count. It will be a waste if you go there for beer.
My drink in the picture is the Red Bull Vodka Peach and my date had the Hooray Classic Champagne Cocktail (yes, mine was the fruity one) for some reason I should never choose my own cocktail, I always end up with the girliest looking drink. The Bull drink was well, fruity and energizing - it has Red Bull! The Champagne Cocktail was smoky and had cognac but not my cup of tea. There were also complimentary peanuts which I ate like a circus elephant to disguise the chattering of my teeth. Hooray is a great place to go but bring your own date, this isn't a place to meet people easily. If you want another roofdeck bar, Upper House is somewhat within walking distance, check out the link above. Of course if you really want to party in HK, there is Lan Kwai Fong.
Hooray is in the World Trade Centre, 280 Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay. It seems like an odd location for a bar but it is an upscale mall which is also home to Tonkichi which has the best tonkatsu you will find anywhere.
Being a rooftop bar in Hong Kong it can be freezing cold in contrast to Manila where there is Sky in the Fort but you will probably can sweat yourself to workout levels. Be prepared and have a jacket because the buffeting winds are unforgiving, a lesson hard learned by myself because I went out in a think polo shirt.
Interestingly, the drinks are served in plastic. The glasses are not glass and I found this very clever considering a strong gust of wind may knock down your drink. The place is very romantic and classy, a great out of town place to bring a date or bring a date you just met. There is a minimum spend, about four hundred HKD if memory serves but don't count. It will be a waste if you go there for beer.
My drink in the picture is the Red Bull Vodka Peach and my date had the Hooray Classic Champagne Cocktail (yes, mine was the fruity one) for some reason I should never choose my own cocktail, I always end up with the girliest looking drink. The Bull drink was well, fruity and energizing - it has Red Bull! The Champagne Cocktail was smoky and had cognac but not my cup of tea. There were also complimentary peanuts which I ate like a circus elephant to disguise the chattering of my teeth. Hooray is a great place to go but bring your own date, this isn't a place to meet people easily. If you want another roofdeck bar, Upper House is somewhat within walking distance, check out the link above. Of course if you really want to party in HK, there is Lan Kwai Fong.
Cocktail Trends Though The Years
In 1863, a flamboyant American bartender named “Professor” Jerry Thomas, supposedly published the fist bar manual, according to David Wondrich, the author of Imbibe!, a comprehensive account of Thomas’ work. But we’re not going to go that far to prove the popularity of cocktail drinks. We’re merely going to take highlights that people still around today would remember fondly.
As shows like Boardwalk Empire, (produced by venerated director Martin Scorsese), bring back the 13 years of Prohibition from 1920 to 1933, through glamorous speakeasies on the small screen, what was popular once when barkeeps had limited access to good booze is coming back to real life through mixology but this time with the best booze possible. The Bee’s Knees –a spoonful of honey, with lemon and orange juice, will have you feeling like Nucky Thomson. Try it with a craft gin to add complexity to this sweet concoction.
The debonair James Bond, until recently putting out for the Dutch empire of Heineken, has always been associated with the Vodka Martini, always preferring to have it “shaken not stirred”. It should be pointed out though that martinis are classically made with gin and should always, always be stirred.
For the most part of the aughts, the Cosmopolitan (or the Cosmo) was the drink of choice for most ladies, with the cocktail drink owing its popularity to the show Sex and the City. It is made with vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, and freshly squeezed lime juice. A novel twist on the classic is a Red Velvet Cosmo popularized by a show called The Real Housewives of New Jersey, based on the also hugely popular red velvet cake.
For 2013, the most creative mixologists are experimenting with carbonated cocktails, due to the easy access to carbonation machines, you can now pre-create custom mixes which can be pre-bottled as well to save time during the busier hours.
For the truly adventurous, molecular cocktails, were an inevitability brought on by molecular gastronomy favored by award-winning Spanish chef Ferran Adria in his eccentric restaurant (only open for about six months of the year) elBulli –which closed in 2011. We also think that the fascination with putting liquid nitrogen in a cocktail will pass as it doesn’t really add flavor to the drink. Also, this liquid culture is almost impossible to replicate at home –and no one but the professionals should attempt it anyhow.
Another cocktail drink trend brought about by food is adding bacon in drinks. The trend for bacon in everything from your toothpaste to perfume seems to be dying down, there seems to be a curiosity with adding the smoky fatty pork to drinks. Some people stand by the Bloody Mary’s with bacon. Sounds like a liquid BLT to me –hold the mayo please.
As shows like Boardwalk Empire, (produced by venerated director Martin Scorsese), bring back the 13 years of Prohibition from 1920 to 1933, through glamorous speakeasies on the small screen, what was popular once when barkeeps had limited access to good booze is coming back to real life through mixology but this time with the best booze possible. The Bee’s Knees –a spoonful of honey, with lemon and orange juice, will have you feeling like Nucky Thomson. Try it with a craft gin to add complexity to this sweet concoction.
The debonair James Bond, until recently putting out for the Dutch empire of Heineken, has always been associated with the Vodka Martini, always preferring to have it “shaken not stirred”. It should be pointed out though that martinis are classically made with gin and should always, always be stirred.
For the most part of the aughts, the Cosmopolitan (or the Cosmo) was the drink of choice for most ladies, with the cocktail drink owing its popularity to the show Sex and the City. It is made with vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, and freshly squeezed lime juice. A novel twist on the classic is a Red Velvet Cosmo popularized by a show called The Real Housewives of New Jersey, based on the also hugely popular red velvet cake.
For 2013, the most creative mixologists are experimenting with carbonated cocktails, due to the easy access to carbonation machines, you can now pre-create custom mixes which can be pre-bottled as well to save time during the busier hours.
For the truly adventurous, molecular cocktails, were an inevitability brought on by molecular gastronomy favored by award-winning Spanish chef Ferran Adria in his eccentric restaurant (only open for about six months of the year) elBulli –which closed in 2011. We also think that the fascination with putting liquid nitrogen in a cocktail will pass as it doesn’t really add flavor to the drink. Also, this liquid culture is almost impossible to replicate at home –and no one but the professionals should attempt it anyhow.
Another cocktail drink trend brought about by food is adding bacon in drinks. The trend for bacon in everything from your toothpaste to perfume seems to be dying down, there seems to be a curiosity with adding the smoky fatty pork to drinks. Some people stand by the Bloody Mary’s with bacon. Sounds like a liquid BLT to me –hold the mayo please.
Searching for bar, restaurant, club phone numbers?
I am not usually in the habit of knowing the phone numbers of bars and clubs since I am not much for planning nights out. I'm more of a spontaneous kind of guy, I'm ok anyplace the exception of course are restaurants if you have a date. But if you are the sort who needs to reserve here is the way to get any phone number you want, the Yellow Pages. I'm an old school kind of guy, just go to the Yellow Pages, the original search engine and search for whatever you need. No more going through every search result on Google. Its that easy.
The sin tax law
"And there shall be lamentation and gnashing of teeth"
- Matthew
Well, I happen to know the bible better than quite a few others and yes, its a crazy exaggeration to quote that in reference to what probably many feel when thinking of the newly passed "Sin Tax" here in the Philippines.
But what is it? How does it affect our bar flying? Well, I will tell you since it passed last January 1, 2013.
The controversial sin tax bill had every major tobacco and alcohol manufacturers pulling every string they have to stop it from pushing through. This bill apparently will be effective January 1 of 2013. It aims to increase prices of cigarette and alcohol through the course of several years. The taxes paid for these “sins” will be used to aid healthcare that service the poor. With this, bars and clubs in the Philippines are expected to adjust their prices.
Since alcohol and all forms of taxable smokes (:D we all know what I mean is not included :D). This will lead into better investments for the Philippines since this bill will persuade international rating agencies to give her an investment grade. This quote from Henares further explains the upgrade: “Credit rating agencies have already mentioned it—that the enactment of the bill will be positive for the country’s credit rating. More than anything else, the enactment of the bill into law will help the country show the world that it has the political will to institute reforms”.
The sample breakdown of price increase for tobacco are as follows:
Cigarettes that have a net retail price of less than 11.50 php increases on a yearly basis. In 2013 they will cost 12 php. For 2014 it is increased by 5 php making it 17 php. In 2015 it becomes 21 php. 2016 has the lowest increase at 4 php making it 25 php. And in 2017 it will cost 30 php.
The sample breakdown of price increase for liquor are as follows:
For fermented liquor that have a net retail price of less than 50.60 php will be affected in this manner. In 2013 it will be taxed 15 php. In 2014 17 php isn’t as big of an increase but still an increase. The 2 php increase follow through in 2015 making it 19 php. 2016 the tax rate will be 21 php and in 2017 the tax rate will be 23.50 php.
Cigarettes priced above 11.50 php have a higher tax rate as the year 2017 draws. The same goes for fermented liquor worth 50.60 php and above and distilled spirits.
Well, as one restaurateur friend said, people will still drink and they will simply pass the cost to consumers. Two days ago I bought a bottle of Johnny Walker Black Label 1L for P1,670 from I think P1,200 in November or about 33%. Cigarettes are well, also about 33% more and these two quotes are at retail. Beer for the most part seems to be the same price, it takes awhile for bars and restaurants to change their menus with the cost of printing and what not. Alcohol gives restaurants a lot of margins but savvy business owners are also aware that cheap beer makes or breaks the crowd coming in and no one wants to be the first to jack up prices. Its interesting because they are acting like a "cartel" by not raising prices as if a result of a secret meeting to keep people going to all bars and restaurants instead of buying alcohol and just drinking at home.
Guys, party hard but work harder because if you don't do the latter you won't be able to do the former.
Edit: January 21, 2013
And so it begins, today's Philippine Inquirer notes that San Miguel Corporation (SMC) has given notice to its dealers to raise prices beginning this February 1, 2013. The article didn't state by how much prices would be raised :(
- Matthew
Well, I happen to know the bible better than quite a few others and yes, its a crazy exaggeration to quote that in reference to what probably many feel when thinking of the newly passed "Sin Tax" here in the Philippines.
But what is it? How does it affect our bar flying? Well, I will tell you since it passed last January 1, 2013.
The controversial sin tax bill had every major tobacco and alcohol manufacturers pulling every string they have to stop it from pushing through. This bill apparently will be effective January 1 of 2013. It aims to increase prices of cigarette and alcohol through the course of several years. The taxes paid for these “sins” will be used to aid healthcare that service the poor. With this, bars and clubs in the Philippines are expected to adjust their prices.
Since alcohol and all forms of taxable smokes (:D we all know what I mean is not included :D). This will lead into better investments for the Philippines since this bill will persuade international rating agencies to give her an investment grade. This quote from Henares further explains the upgrade: “Credit rating agencies have already mentioned it—that the enactment of the bill will be positive for the country’s credit rating. More than anything else, the enactment of the bill into law will help the country show the world that it has the political will to institute reforms”.
The sample breakdown of price increase for tobacco are as follows:
Cigarettes that have a net retail price of less than 11.50 php increases on a yearly basis. In 2013 they will cost 12 php. For 2014 it is increased by 5 php making it 17 php. In 2015 it becomes 21 php. 2016 has the lowest increase at 4 php making it 25 php. And in 2017 it will cost 30 php.
The sample breakdown of price increase for liquor are as follows:
For fermented liquor that have a net retail price of less than 50.60 php will be affected in this manner. In 2013 it will be taxed 15 php. In 2014 17 php isn’t as big of an increase but still an increase. The 2 php increase follow through in 2015 making it 19 php. 2016 the tax rate will be 21 php and in 2017 the tax rate will be 23.50 php.
Cigarettes priced above 11.50 php have a higher tax rate as the year 2017 draws. The same goes for fermented liquor worth 50.60 php and above and distilled spirits.
Well, as one restaurateur friend said, people will still drink and they will simply pass the cost to consumers. Two days ago I bought a bottle of Johnny Walker Black Label 1L for P1,670 from I think P1,200 in November or about 33%. Cigarettes are well, also about 33% more and these two quotes are at retail. Beer for the most part seems to be the same price, it takes awhile for bars and restaurants to change their menus with the cost of printing and what not. Alcohol gives restaurants a lot of margins but savvy business owners are also aware that cheap beer makes or breaks the crowd coming in and no one wants to be the first to jack up prices. Its interesting because they are acting like a "cartel" by not raising prices as if a result of a secret meeting to keep people going to all bars and restaurants instead of buying alcohol and just drinking at home.
Guys, party hard but work harder because if you don't do the latter you won't be able to do the former.
Edit: January 21, 2013
And so it begins, today's Philippine Inquirer notes that San Miguel Corporation (SMC) has given notice to its dealers to raise prices beginning this February 1, 2013. The article didn't state by how much prices would be raised :(
Hair of dog and other hangover Cures
Ok, you have had more alcohol than you were supposed to. Too much fun, pestering friends, pressure at work, fight with the girl or heck whatever is an excuse to go over the top. Anyway, the deed is done so how do we deal with the head being split with an axe while being pounded with a jackhammer with a monkey with brass cymbals having a party on your head sensation?
Sadly, the medical field does not take hangovers seriously. Beats me why, imagine if all the big alcohol companies invested in hangover treatments? It would mean the removal of one of the barriers to the excessive consumption of their products. Oh well.
Hangovers are basically crazy headaches you get because of several things, severe dehydration (alchohol is a diuretic or makes you piss like a firehose) and alcohol is a mild poison having its own party in your bloodstream tightening capillaries (effect of your body protecting itself etc). Of course a Google search will help you if Dr. Bar Fly’s explanation isn’t technical enough for you. Now how to deal with the hangover.
Hair of dog is not literally running off to Fido to pluck some of his glorious fur. It’s a term I always heard but only knew the meaning of relatively recently. Its origins are medieval European I believe, like the only way to not become a vampire after being bitten is kill the vampire that bit you. Sort off to fight off the effects of alcohol is to have a bit more. Yes, its that senseless and yet I spoke to very heavy drinkers who say its true, along with there is a magic number of drinks you should imbibe to not feel sick, too few or too many is bad etc.
What I believe on my own personal experience works is heavy REHYDRATION. Sports drinks with electrolytes and minerals such as Gatorade, Powerade or what not really help get your body back in sync. Food such as eggs replace proteins and give you a lot of other good stuff while carb rich foods are supposed to soak up alcohol and flush it out of you (just because they are easier to digest). Whatever you decide to take, the thing is, it takes time. Nothing is instant as you have to wait for your body to balance itself. Aspirin does help but again, rehydrate heavily. If you really don’t want a hangover drink as much water as you can WHILE drinking. It hydrates you and limits how much you drink, only thing is, you might pee a lot but at least no crazy headache the next morning.
As an end note this is interesting as it meets hydration, egg and carb. Looks easy to make. https://jper.jux.com/786706
Sadly, the medical field does not take hangovers seriously. Beats me why, imagine if all the big alcohol companies invested in hangover treatments? It would mean the removal of one of the barriers to the excessive consumption of their products. Oh well.
Hangovers are basically crazy headaches you get because of several things, severe dehydration (alchohol is a diuretic or makes you piss like a firehose) and alcohol is a mild poison having its own party in your bloodstream tightening capillaries (effect of your body protecting itself etc). Of course a Google search will help you if Dr. Bar Fly’s explanation isn’t technical enough for you. Now how to deal with the hangover.
Hair of dog is not literally running off to Fido to pluck some of his glorious fur. It’s a term I always heard but only knew the meaning of relatively recently. Its origins are medieval European I believe, like the only way to not become a vampire after being bitten is kill the vampire that bit you. Sort off to fight off the effects of alcohol is to have a bit more. Yes, its that senseless and yet I spoke to very heavy drinkers who say its true, along with there is a magic number of drinks you should imbibe to not feel sick, too few or too many is bad etc.
What I believe on my own personal experience works is heavy REHYDRATION. Sports drinks with electrolytes and minerals such as Gatorade, Powerade or what not really help get your body back in sync. Food such as eggs replace proteins and give you a lot of other good stuff while carb rich foods are supposed to soak up alcohol and flush it out of you (just because they are easier to digest). Whatever you decide to take, the thing is, it takes time. Nothing is instant as you have to wait for your body to balance itself. Aspirin does help but again, rehydrate heavily. If you really don’t want a hangover drink as much water as you can WHILE drinking. It hydrates you and limits how much you drink, only thing is, you might pee a lot but at least no crazy headache the next morning.
As an end note this is interesting as it meets hydration, egg and carb. Looks easy to make. https://jper.jux.com/786706