Just a few hours ago, I bought a copy of Neil Gaiman’s graphic novel “Stardust” at Fully-Booked. This is actually my first time to buy a graphic novel since the bookstore does not have a novel version available.
Stardust is now a motion picture starring Robert De Niro, Michelle Pfeiffer, Claire Danes, Charlie Cox, Peter O’ Toole and Sienna Miller. Showing in theatres this August.
Story to follow after I finish reading 
Italians call their food “cibo”. For an ordinary Filipino, food is often referred to as “chibog” (or tsibog). A snack food commercial once gave our colloquial “chibog” a hip form ”bogchi” with a deeper meaning. It has become a Pinoy’s style of eating marked by sharing of good food and relishing good times together whatever the occasion is.
I don’t know if the Italian “cibo” and Filipino “chibog” have etymological connections at all. If there is one thing that connects us to our Italian counterparts, it is our shared passion for delicious food.
So when Cibo Restaurant was brought into our shores ten years ago, most Filipinos did not have trouble adopting to the new dining experience. It has become another avenue to explore…and we’re not disappointed.
It is said that Cibo’s owner, Margarita Fores (of the Araneta clan), would take occasional trips to Italy to research and sample their regional dishes. Obviously, she took home with her a variety of Italian recipes that brought about the extensive menu line — from simple appetizers, salads & soups, pasta & pizza varieties, heavy rice meals to tempting desserts.
My personal favorites in their seafood pasta line is Penne Alfonso and in the rice meal category Porchetta (roasted pork with 3 dips — apple & peach, tomato and a brown sauce that is typical of lechon sauce). For soup, you can never go wrong with their foamy squash soup. If it’s pizza, I go for Patate (an 8-slice thin crust pizza with potato topping).
Average dining budget per person could range from P400 – P500. WithIn this reasonable budget, you get to experience Italy — hefty servings of delicious Italian cuisine, excellent service and a cozy and stylish dining ambience that is remarkably Italian.
Visit Cibo branches in Glorietta, Mother Ignacia, QC, Shangri-La Mall, and Gateway Mall. Soon to open in TriNoma.
Another Ayala Mall opened its doors to mall shoppers in Quezon City this month. TriNoma, which means Triangle North of Manila, is the latest shopping destination owned by Ayala Land Corporation. The P3.5 billion project sits on a 20-hectare property along EDSA and North Avenue and is easily accessed via MRT3. North of TriNoma is SM Supermalls flagship mall, SM City North EDSA, which is currently undergoing major renovation estimated to last for two years.
TriNoma seems to be a fusion of Ayala’s other malls, Glorietta, Greenbelt and Alabang Town Center. It follows a certain design tradition that combines the simplicity of nature and complexity of modern-day architecture – mind you, TriNoma gardens are placed on the rooftop. Expect to be trapped in endless maze in search for your choice shop destination. Should you find yourself inside a labrynth, customer service desk is at the ground floor facing the Activity Center, near McDonalds.
More than 500 retail establishments are expected to fill in the humongous space. Majority of these shops have long identified themselves with Ayala Malls. These include renowed international brands like Mango, Lacoste and Marks & Spencer. Local boutiques, dining restaurants, computer & electronic shops, fitness salons, bookstores, entertainment centers and toys & gifts shops comprise the majority of the mall’s tenant mix. All cater to both high-end and mass markets.
Most of the restaurants and fastfood are already open. However, finding a good place to eat in might take time as they are all over the mall perimeter. But if you’re on a budget, quick service restaurants are on the ground floor and the mall’s food court is on the second floor. (My friend and I had lunch in Crustasia and cake dessert at Red Ribbon.)
There are 7 state-of-the-art cinemas at the top floor with ticket prices ranging from P150 to P170. Lazyboy recliners are available in Cinema 7 at P260 per ticket. All ticket prices does not include free food. Currently showing are Spider-Man 3, Shrek 3 and Pirates of the Carribean. To avoid long lines, you may reserve cinema tickets online.
TriNoma is still underconstruction so expect dust and paint smell filtering through your nostrils. The MRT3 North Avenue Station gate to TriNoma is still closed. You have to take the stairs down MRT3, cross the service road and climb another stairs that will lead you to the promise land. Escalators at the MRT3 entrance are not yet functioning, neither their elevators inside (except for the service elevator). Be sure to bring enough cash as the mall has one functioning BPI ATM at the ground floor near the customer service desk.
