Captain America Blocked Screening at Mall of Asia

We arrived at Cinema 5 at around 6:30 p.m. as advised for the Captain America Blocked Screening sponsored by Captain America Philippines.  We claimed our FREE tickets which were free-seating but bloggers were allocated to seat only at the lower right side.

We decided to have dinner at Burger King before the movie starts.  It has been a long time since I had a Burger King Whopper.  I'm glad its still huge and tasty.

At around 7:40 p.m., we came back to cinema 5.  We noticed that other cinemas showing Captain America: The First Avenger all had long lines.    We were fortunate enough to win our way to the event which was FREE and hassle-free.

We got inside to find our seats just a few minutes before the show started.  It was only during the show did I realize that when you're seated below, no matter where you seat ,be it front or back, you'd still be looking up.=p   At exactly 8:00 p.m. "Captain America: The First Avengers" started.

After the movie, I noticed that there were many vacant seats in the lower areas.  While waiting for the post-credits, we went up to the VIP and cosplayers area to have some pictures with them. Check it out Marvel characters watching a movie together.  Ironic?=)

Overall, it was a fun night.  The event was well-organized.  It was a brilliant idea for Captain America Philippines to treat Captain America fans out for a movie they'll always remember.  Check out my review of Captain America: The First Avenger (see separate entry)

Our U! Happy Event's Skate Date with Community Children Experience

You might find this weird.  But when we were little, I used to play my cousins and siblings roller hockey.  You know how kids are.  We were easily inspired and influenced with watch we watch in TV or in the movies. Back then, we were fans of Walt Disney's "Mighty Ducks".  We watched "Mighty Ducks", "D2: Mighty Ducks" and "D3: Mighty Ducks" for so many times.  Of course, it was just a phase and we all outgrew it.  I still take my roller blades out once in a while when I have the chance.  But I rarely go ice skating.

So when I saw U! Happy Events organizing a skating event with kids, we signed up.  It was a perfect opportunity to have fun with kids and at the same time find time to ice skate after such a long time.  It was our first time to join U! Happy Events.  In fact, we couldn't even find them at first I had to call Kuya Harvard.

When we arrived, we were told to wear our skates already as the kids were already on ice.  We were introduced to ate Ivanna who we later found out was celebrating her birthday.  It was her idea to take the kids out for an ice skate.

Ate Karla and her friends

I actually forgot how to skate but when I stepped on the ice, it was as if my body still remembers.  I can't believe I forgot how much fun it was to ice skate.  We met Karla from PEX volunteer group and I was able to teach a few kids to skate.  Some of them already know how to skate but want someone to hold their hand and assist them.  There were also boys who play on the ice.  I don't know how they managed to do that.  I was so cold!

Food Preparation

Yum!

Children Eating Happily

After the ice skate, we sang Happy Birthday for ate Ivanna.  Adult volunteers helped out in setting the food from Chowking.  We assisted in the preparation of the food for the kids.  After that we were informed that even volunteers have FREE food so we got some and ate too.

Overall, the experience was priceless.  The kids were so amazing!  They were fearless and care-free that they were all able to learn fast.  Kids should really be given a chance to explore and try out new things.  I'm so impressed that U! Happy Events and ate Ivanna thought of this.  I'm also glad that SM was very kind to accommodate us.  They didn't just offer everything for FREE, they even assigned their staff to teach kids to skate.

Phil. Dog Owners Dog Meet Up at MOA Seaside

Take your dog out to socialize with other dogs.  This is also a good opportunity to meet other dog lovers.  The dog celebrity "Bantatay" will also be there with his trainer.

Pet Express Doggie Run March 26, 2011 at MOA

Although its rather late, I would like to add this entry because I'd want to keep every memory I can about my maltese puppy "Lychee" especially after hearing a sad story from Kurt.

On March 26, Kurt and I woke up really early to take her to MOA.  As we rode the jeepney from Buendia to MOA, there were also passengers with their pet dogs who are going to participate in the same

 race.

water station

Upon our arrival at around 4:30 a.m., we put on Lychee's race bib as we walked towards pet express.  It was still dark and the sun has not risen.  We then entered Pet Express and were told to got to the parking area.  As we turned the corner, there were so many participants gathered already. We were asked to register.  Then Kurt pinned his race bib too.  While waiting for the race to start, we wandered around the area and let Lychee socialize with other dogs. 

booths have yet to be prepared

 

Lychee got scared of our friend's dog "Annie"

1.5K race start off

everyone running with their dogs

We were having so much fun taking pictures that we didn't even realize the sun rising.  More participants came as the race was about to start.  Soon, the place became crowded as around 500 dogs and their owner filled the area.  At around 5:05 a.m., the 5k set off and then after quite some time, 3k and then finally it was Kurt and Lychee's 1.5K race.

Lining up to claim the loots

Kurt making friends

Hanging out at the stage before the program awarding started

As Kurt and Lychee reached the finish line, we collected the loot bag and began lining up with the numerous stalls that gave away freebies.  One of the best stalls was the one that gave a free squeaky rubber bone when your dog performs a trick.  We had to ask Lychee to do her favorite trick sit-up to earn it.   We also got some pet food and a calendar.

Lychee siting up while lining up for the photobooth

After that, we went to the photo booth just outside pet express to avail the free photo from the photo booth.  The line was quite long that it took some time before we finally got our photo with Lychee taken.  We even missed the first part of the raffle. 

Kurt and Lychee at the stage claiming their prize*

*Photo borrowed from pacecreative.blogspot.com

When we arrived at the stage area, the raffle was almost finished.  They were about to call the grand winner for the PS3 and the Rockband.  The host made it more exciting by giving clues.  First he announced that it was 3 digits.  Then he said it ended with number "7".  There were a lot of disappointed sounds made by the crowd.  He then finally called out "157".  Kurt and I was quite shocked.  He gave me his loot bag as he and Lychee went up the stage.  The host even said he looked like a rocker with his long hair.  Then they called someone to help Kurt carry the Rockband down the stage.

Waiting with out friends us they line up for their photo

As we were carrying the Rockband to find our friend to see if we could hitch a ride, we were approved by an employee saying that the Rockband also came with a PS3.  We were shocked but we did not make it look apparent.  They ask for our contact details so that they can inform us when we could pick it up. 

We then found our friends by the photobooth area.  As they saw us carrying the rockband, they were surprised too.  They didn't think it was us.  So we asked them if we could catch a ride and they agreed.  We then waited for them to take a picture and went home. 

Kurt and Lychee's Race Result

I'm glad that our friend brought it up to us and invited us to join.  It was so worth it.  It was our first fun run too.  We will probably join more events like this.  Lychee was so happy.  I'm also proud of her results.  I've never seen her run that fast before.  She was so adorable. 

Vikings Luxury Buffet at San Miguel by The Bay

While walking our dogs at San Miguel by the Bay, we noticed a big establishment about to open.  It looked big and grand.  We then saw its sign Viking and checked its Facebook page.  There it was stated that if we liked its fan page we get 10% off.  They also had a limited time (only until April 30,2011) promo of 20% for its grand opening.

My family was very eager to go.  But I couldn't come with them since it was my finals week.  That night, all of them came home full and happy and told me the selections were even better than Spirals.  They were even very satisfied with the service.

Near the end of the promo period, it was our turn to try it.  We walked-in with no reservations at 5:30 p.m.  We noticed as we were led to our seats that most tables were already reserved.  Upon being seated, we were introduced to our server.  So we started out buffet and asked for our server to get us some drinks,  Four Season juice.  It tasted like Del Monte.

We started with the sushi bar and took every variety available.  We preferred the taste of the non-colored ones.  What were the green and red ones called anyway?  Although the Salmon Sashimi is not dispalyed with the other sashimi and sushi, you can request it from the chef at the counter.  Their salmon sashimi is fresh and sliced perfectly.

Century Eggs

Dimsum Plate

We heard that one the owners of Vikings is also the owner of the President Restaurant so we expected their dimsum selections to be good.  Their dimsum selections were Chicken Feet, Shark's Fin Dumplings and Japanese Siomai (wrapped in seaweed).  They were good but nothing extraordinary.  We also got some Century Eggs.

French Onion Soup

Spinach Soup

Cream of Potato

We tried all the soups available: French Onion Soup, Spinach Soup and Cream of Potato.  I felt lucky that night because French Onion Soup was my favorite.  Their version was delicious.  It was served with a big chunk of croutons and cheese.  It was so flavorful with the right amount of cheese.  The Spinach Soup was okay.  Their Cream of Potato was also very good.

For the main dish, we decided to taste everything that looked interesting.  We skipped the shabu-shabu section and the kiddie section that served mini-burgers, spaghetti and sandwhiches.  We had Tempura Shrimps, Roast Beef, Lamb Chops, Kebabs, Paella, Waldorf Salad, Fish Sticks, Calamares and Onion Rings.   I loved Onion rings but don't enjoy calamares so Kurt was laughing really hard when I mistakenly mistook the Calamares for Onion Rings.  How about you?  Don't you think they looked alike?  But the Fish Sticks, Calamares and the Onion Rings were soggy so they weren't crunchy as we expected.  The tempura was good but it were not tiger prawns.

While roaming around for food, I noticed that some tables had oreo shakes so I asked our waiter if we could order that too.  I cannot believe that they serve oreo shakes.  I love oreos!  If only I wasn't already full I would've ordered this twice.

The large slices of Roast beef and lamb chops, made us quite full so we decided to take a break and try the Mediterranean section and the cheese section.  The had Pitas (round flat bread), Hummus (mashed chickpeas) and Baba Ganoush (mashed eggplant).  I forgot what the orange dip was called.  We got a variety of cheese, liver pate and a slice of French Bread and a Cracker.  We liked the round blue cheese the most.  We also took some Devilled Eggs and some dish with salmon.

We went to the fresh seafood section and requested them to be cooked and delivered to our table.  We had a Red Crab and Baked Mussels and Oysters.  We were surprised that the crab only came in half but we were already full anyway so we didn't request for another one.  Then the waitress approached us and asked if we wanted Bamboo shells and clams and we accepted.  

In the pizza section, there was already a pre-made pizza or you could create your own pizza.  You just have to scoop out from the ingredients and put them in a plate and have the pizza delivered to your table.  I was so excited to make my pizza masterpiece that I started to scoop ingredients into the plate: capers,pesto, olives, peperoni and tomato.  After around 15 minutes, my slice of pizza came.  It was too salty and sour that it was almost inedible.  I guess next time I'll leave the pizza making to the experts.

Because of my pizza masterpiece, I drank all my oreo shake and was looking for another drink.  So Kurt went to the fruit section and took slices of watermelon and requested it to be shaked.

We were also full and could no longer it so we decided it was time for desert.  I happily stood up and gathered all I can for the both of us.  We loved the Ecclairs.  It was delicious.  The cream puffs was okay but it was small and looked like it was in halves.

Although they had an ice cream station and chocolate fountain, we opted for the healtier option: Frozen Yogurt.  They had their own yogurt machine!  There was a plain yogurt which kurt choose, strawberry yogurt or plain-strawberry yogurt.  I chose the plain-strawberry yogurt.  I was very delicious.  It was neither too sweet not tangy.

After eating so much, we just had to drink a warm cup of coffee.  Studies show that when you drink warm coffee or tea after a meal will prevent the grease from rising to the top of the food in your stomach and being absorbed first. 

Overall, the dining experience was worth it.  Despite the limited choices, the food was enjoyable.  The price was very reasonable for 888 php which already includes drinks.  Did I mention that they also have unlimited beer?  We even saw an old lady filling her mug to her hearts content.  The kiddie section and the frozen yogurt was a good innovative idea.  Their restroom even had kiddie toilets which was cute.

We were so delighted with Vikings that we recommended it to everyone.  However, recently, we have been receiving mixed comments.  Some say that food replenishment could not keep up with the demands of its customers even if you arrive early.  My sister visited there for lunch and they were told that the choices during lunch was more limited compared to the dinner buffet.   How about you? Care to share your dining experience?

Vikings Luxury-Buffet Manila
Bldg. B, By The Bay, Seaside Boulevard, SM Mall of Asia,
Pasay City, Philippines

846-3888, 846-4888, 846-5888