CARLOS RECOMMENDS...WIN! WIN! WIN!

OLD WORLD, NEW DIGS.
Awesome. A cute little budget hotel just opened inside Intramuros, aptly called, well, "The Hotel Intramuros" (above). Run by the White Knight Corporation and located in Barrio San Luis across from San Agustin Church, it's a nice addition to the walled city's list of attractions. Surprisingly affordable, the rates start at Php1,900.00 ish for a standard room, it comes complete with a flat screen TV, HUGE closet space, charming Machuca tile flooring, and some with views of the Casa Manila and the loggia of Casa Blanca next door.

The view of the loggia from a room.

A view of a room (above) . It's a rather large room for Manila standards. The bathrooms are all in marble, and the air conditioners are brand new. The windows also open up to a courtyard if you would rather sleep in fresh air (below).

phone.
+632 526-6539
+632 524-7384
+632 523-7464
fax.
+632 525-2381

And NOW COMES THE BEST PART.

WIN! WIN! WIN!
I'll be holding a contest to give away ten (10) overnight weekend packages for The Hotel Intramuros. Get a chance to win an Intramuros tour* for two and an overnight stay at The Hotel Intramuros.

Just send your name, your email and celphone number with three (3) good reasons why you and your companion should win this contest and hang with me in Intramuros. This could be in any format. Poem, prose, drawing, photograph, film clip. The more interesting your entry, the better. You will be judged by creativity and sincerity. Keep it simple if you wish.

Those who pass the creativity and sincerity standards, will be put in a hat for a raffle. Raffle will be called out on August 12.

Contestants and winners will be posted on this blog. Contest ends August 10. Please submit your entries before the aforementioned date.

Send your entry now to celdrantours@hotmail.com

Now GO.

CARLOS RECOMMENDS...

THE APPLE OF MY ICEBOX...
Wow. I love apple crumble pie and I love cheesecake. And when the two are combined, lives can change forever. Woot. Just tried this new Apple Crumble Cheesecake by Travel Cakes. Only available by phone or by facebook. Wild stuff. My life is not the same anymore. Nomnomnom.

Text or call for orders/inquiries:
Nicky - 09153144694
Sabs - 09152588645
Facebook Page:
http://www.facebook.com/travelcakes

CARLOS RECOMMENDS CEBU!

MI CASA VERDE, TU CASA VERDE...

Tucked away in a small sidestreet in uptown Cebu City is a lovely little restaurant called Casa Verde. Run by the Noel-Escano family, I believe that this is one of the best restaurants in city. Located on a leafy lot, inside a green ancestral house (hence it's name) with elegant grills and capiz windows, Casa Verde is an unpretentious operation that mixes both charm and value. Their facade (above), their patio (below).

Here's their legendary "BRIAN'S RIBS" (above). Wild. Huge. Less than Php200.00 (believe it or not). Aside from the ribs, they also serve pasta, barbecued chicken, sandwiches, and milk shakes. Most of the menu is "American" as someone described it. I'll just call it delicious.

The garlicky "Tricia ala Pobre" (above). A lot of the stuff on the menu is named after members of their family. I.e "Peter Piper Oriental Chop", "Antonizza" , "Jay's Chinese Chicken Salad", and "Therese's Pieces". Cute.

And right through a lovely narra staircase (above) right above the restaurant is their cute little budget dormitory/hostel. Ideal for long term guests on a budget (starts at Php4000.00/month), students who are looking to be centrally located, or those who consider FOOD as a major consideration when choosing accomodations. Their sala with 60's era silkscreen prints (below). Only hitch is, you gotta be a woman. Sorry dudes, no guys allowed to sleep in these digs. It's the Barbizon Hotel of Cebu. But perhaps with better food.

The Tocino de Cielo, Leche Flan, and Mango sampler (above). Totally Cebuano old skool desserts. I'm amazed that even though the prices are low, the effort put into the Mise en Place is high. It's all Jeremiah Tower type plating here. Nice. Classy.

And best part of all. The folks who run the place are my relatives (above). I found out as I was lunching there that our maternal grandmothers are both from the Fortich clan. Their grandma married an Escano. My grandmother married a Celdran. Small world. Always thought that being in Cebu felt like visiting family, and now I realize that it's quite literal.

I hope to include Casa Verde on my SOUTHERN COMFORT tour of Cebu soon.

Casa Verde
#69 Lim Tian Teng St. (V. Ranudo Ext), Cebu City

Telephone nos.
(032) 2536472
(032) 2538234
Fax nos.
(032) 2536472

MY MANILA, YOUR MANILA

M..M..MY MANILA

I'm collaborating with the Manila Hotel. Together, we've come up with the MY MANILA weekend, a cool but concise tour of the best of what The City of our Affections has to offer. MY MANILA promises to show you the proper way to see our city. Done with a lot of fun and a bit of style.


Saturday
1:00PM Check-in Manila Hotel
3:00PM Intramuros Deluxe Tour (Transfer by Jeepney)
6:30PM Tour of MacArthur Suite and hotel/Cocktails at the Tap Room
8:00PM Champagne Room dinner
Explore Ermita, Malate nightlife or relax at the hotel.

Sunday
7:00AM onwards Breakfast Buffet
Free morning to enjoy pool, walk Luneta Park, Go to mass at Ermita Church.
2:00PM Late Check Out
3:00PM Imelda Tour (Transfer by Jeepney)
5:00PM Return to Hotel for a Halo Halo
FIN

SEPTEMBER 25 - 26, 2010
OCTOBER 23 - 24

Sounds like a plan? Here are the rates. Yes, it's affordable.

Superior Deluxe Room
Single Occupancy - Php 10, 815 NET
Twin/Double Occupancy - Php 13, 980 NET

Sunset or Sunrise Suite
Single Occupancy - Php 24, 465 NET
Twin/Double Occupancy - Php 27, 630 NET

Email celdrantours@hotmail.com
or g.roa@manila-hotel.com.ph
or text 920 9092021 or 916 3588012

CARLOS RECOMMENDS!

MMMMM..MAKING MAKI...
I will be part of this Maki Challenge. C'mon guys. Join this Maki Making contest and mack on many makis for money. I'll be part of the panel. It will be fun.

Click on these links for more info. HERE and HERE

MY MANILA MORNING...

It was a beautiful Sunday morning the day before Spain beat the Netherlands and won the World Cup when I decided to bike around the downtown Manila area. Nice to know bikes are allowed on Roxas Boulevard. It was also nice to see that it was pretty clean and had "masajistas" and "manicuristas" practically every twenty feet. A Sunday morning foot massage and pedicure by the bay? Um. Ok.

First stop, Luneta Park. Not quite sure what the rules are regarding bikes in the park but I wasn't bothered by any security force. I was pleased to notice a little restaurant for "rent" at the area behind the Rizal monument though. A cool little gazebo with a kitchen ready to be turned into a cafe (above). Yo! Secretary Lim of the DOT. There is mondo potential for tourism at Luneta park. This would be an awesome Manila branch for "Cafe by the Ruins" or "Le Bistro Vert" or something like it. Just a thought.

This is the view of the Rizal monument from the cafe entrance.

A really cool anti-drug and pro Rizal Park poster.

Second stop, the National Museum of the Filipino People at Agrifina Circle (view of Agrifina Circle from the NMFP. Really cool architecture. Really cool aircon and great exhibits (check out The Spoliarium of Juan Luna). And best of all, it's FREE on Sundays (as in, you don't need to pay a cent to get inside). A great place to go for a cheap date.

Third stop. Intramuros. Checked out the Puerta Real gardens. I gotta say, former Intramuros Adminstration Director Ana Maria Harper did an excellent job in reviving the gardens around Intramuros. In the last ten years that I have been going to Intramuros, I have never seen the landscaping of Intramuros look this good.

While I was there, I bumped into a nice couple who recognized me from the blog. I totally forgot to get their name. So rude of me. I hope they read this blog and tell me who they are. Apparently the lady's sister is getting married and having her reception at the Puerta Real. Good choice.

The chambers of the Puerta Real have also been converted into a little museum where much of the IA's collection of carved granite is on exhibition. Nice touch. Very organized.

Also checked out the new gazebo at the Bamboo Garden of Fort Santiago. Another great project by Bambi Harper. Director Lim. I hope you reappoint her. Just sayin'.

Third stop. The new hotel in Plaza San Luis called the White Knight Hotel. Interesting. I like the new color scheme and the bright chairs. Looks like a nice mix between hip and historical. They open at the end of the month I hear. I will definitely check in. Of course. Once again, done under the watch of former director Bambi Harper.

Fourth stop: Ristorante dela Mitre. Which I think translates into: "Restaurant of the Miter". Located at the CBCP building (formerly Immaculate Conception High School) in front of San Agustin Church, apparently RDLM will be an Italian restaurant and cafe.

Ristorante Dela Mitre will be run by the Catholic Church I hear. And I believe it. When I checked it out, there were nuns helping out in the decorating. There was also a piano and a flat screen TV showing Catholic documentaries. The last touch was a bit odd. I hope the food will be good enough to overlook it.

It will open on the 15th of July. Pretty cool to see Intramuros beefing up it's tourism infrastructure and nice to see the Catholic Church helping out. I hope we can keep this momentum going. I'm seeing major leaps and strides in the improvement of the walled city. I would love to see some continuity.

Final stop: Santa Clara Street, a nice little alley around the corner from Fort Santiago. Looks pretty authentic. The building to the left is a dormitory/hostel.

The Madrigal Dormitel (Tel. 5211123 or 5212151 or 91758217510) Great architecture. Built in accordance to Intramuros Administration's official aesthetic standards, it really looks like a building from the 19th century. Hard to believe that it's got air-conditioning, wi-fi, and a back-up generator in case of brownouts.

Then I biked back home. All in all, it was great to see that downtown Manila's potential for becoming world class still exists and that biking REALLY is viable in downtown Manila (let's make a bike zone/radial garden/seaside and parkside pedestrian zone all the way from the CCP to Chinatown. It's totally possible.

Will go biking out again next Sunday. I'll see what else there is to find. Feel free to join me if you wish.

Next stop: Ermita. Gotta explore that. I'm sure it's the next big thing.

CARLOS RECOMMENDS!

Oye,

The Living Room
presents a one night showing of
Nonoy Marcelo's

"Tisoy"

Nonoy Marcelo is perhaps the Philippine's most brilliant satirist and cartoonist and was my former boss at The Manila Chronicle and Business Day back in the 80's when I was a cartoonist with the Samahang Kartunista ng Pilipinas. People need to rediscover the brilliance of this man.


Oh. Please bring something to munch or drink. And pay/pitch in what you can so we can pay for the kuryente and the ice bla bla bla.

July 15, Thursday
8:30pm
The Living Room
Unit 24, North Syquia Apartments, 1991 MH del Pilar
Malate, Manila

Text 920 9092021
or email: celdrantours@hotmail.com
to RSVP and leave your name please.
We have a limit on guests.

Thanks.
Tisoy Carlos Celdran

CARLOS RECOMMENDS!

POLEMICS OF POLE ART:

June 30, Wednesday
830pm -1030pm
The Living Room, Manila.
Unit 24, North Syquia Apartments
1991 MH del Pilar, Malate, Manila

Bring your own Booze:

An invitation from Pole artist Ms. Eisa Jocson;

I am inviting everyone to a small Research Gathering where I will talk about my recent visit to Belgium and how several art projects evolved during my stay there. After the presentation I will be performing a new pole piece that I've been working on in collaboration with Rasa Alksnyte during my artist residency at FoAM in Brussels.

The main goal of this Research Gathering is essentially to share the early stages of my projects, opening up my process to the public in an informal and inspiring setting, inviting discussions, feedback and comments that would help in the further evolution of the projects.

I will present my experimental video project ‘Bars’ that is currently in development at SoundImageCulture in Brussels and explores the communities of pole dancers in Manila. 'Stainless Borders: The Deconstruction of Architectures of Control' merges pole dancing and urban intervention. The project explores and maps the relationship between the human body and the urban landscape through a pole dance vocabulary. Thirdly, I will talk about my upcoming contribution to Coup de Ville, an international art festival in Sint-Niklaas in September. I will also share the experiences of my artist residency at FoAM focusing on the collaboration with choreographer Rasa Alksnyte in making a pole dance piece based on a drawing exercise.

Hope to see you on Wednesday night at The Living Room.

CARLOS RECOMMENDS!

THE LIVING ROOM PRESENTS...

RED ALERT! Ready raincoats, umbrellas and working clothes!

Hitting the city at Steam Storm Signal no.5:

"THE RETURN OF THE COMEBACK OF THE NEW AND IMPROVED NEWLY-SCENTED HARING +UBU-L!" at its filthiest and bloodiest LAST 3 SHOWS!

Rain turns red, streets flood vengeance on:
June 12 (Sat), 13 (Sun) and 19 (Sat)

Killings start 8PM @ Carlos Celdran's "The Living Room" Unit 24, 1991 North Syquia Apartments, MH Del Pilar St., Malate, Manila

PANIC! RUSH! Catch Haring Tubul and tell as much people as you can!
Tix at 200! Reserve NOW! PM on Facebook or text 0917-5008-SLE(753)!

Rage the FINAL FILTH WAVE.
'Come Puke, Bleed' with the Sipat Lawin Ensemble for the LAST time.

DARE TO COME. GORE AWAITS.

BAWAL SUMUKO, PUWEDENG SUMUKA!

Learn more about the Alfred Jarry here.
Learn more about Sipat Lawin here.

Oh, and bring your own booze. Yes.
You can drink wine and booze while watching the play.
Because we're cool like dat at The Living Room.

The Living Room
Unit 24, North Syquia Apartments,
1991 MH del Pilar
Malate, Manila

Text 917 5008753 for reservations and tickets

CARLOS RECOMMENDS!

I'm totally psyched to be part of this show. I will be biking around Manila this weekend to take photographs for my "talk" on July 1. Hope you all can be there.

BEING THERE 1946: THE LEGACY OF TEODULO PROTOMARTIR
From the Collection of Uro dela Cruz
Show Dates: June 9-July 3,2010
Opening Reception: June 9, Wed,6-9pm

Media contact: Neli Go
+632.8160044
+63917.5874011
Silverlens Gallery neli@silverlensphoto.com

(Above: View of The Metropolitan Theater across Plaza Lawton.)

Teodulo Protomartir was there in 1946 when the Americans gave the Philippines its independence. On July 4, he witnessed the birth of the Philippine Republic. For the first time, the Philippine flag flew alone and free. The Filipino crowd cheering by, planes flying overhead, floats lining the parade…a celebration it was. And Protomartir caught it all on still camera.

Protomartir, the photographer who first brought the 35mm format to the Philippines and actively promoted photography through his photo club and radio show, shows us a monumental event in Philippine history and the Manila that enveloped it. Considered as the Father of Philippine photography, Protomartir captured the city in ruins from the Second World War, its battle wounds and its restoration – scenes we thought only survived in memory. He captures post-war Manila’s architecture and landscape, with Filipinos going about their daily business in familiar places such as Intramuros, Luneta, Ermita and Quiapo as well as in buildings and bridges that are no longer, including the old Sto. Domingo Church, which is one of the six Churches that once stood in Spanish Intramuros. For almost four centuries there stood the home of Our Lady of La Naval before it was bombed in 1941.

(Above: View across the Pasig River to Muelle del Banco and the buildings of Escolta).

Beyond historical evidence, the significance of Protomartir’s images is meaningful. Protomartir hands to the Filipino people cultural treasures that should remain part of Filipino consciousness and memory. Sixty-four years later, we celebrate Protomartir because through him we were there too.

BY: Bea Davila

Complementing this exhibit is a talk on July 1 by Carlos Celdran, celebrated tour guide and authority on Manila’s history. Entitled Placing The Transition, the talk bridges 1946 and 2010 with photos of the places Protomartir photographed as they are today. Uro dela Cruz will also be giving an introduction to Protomartir, the man behind it all. The talk will be on July 1, Thursday, 6-8pm at Silverlens Gallery.

The Images of Being There 1946: The Legacy of Teodulo Protomartir were printed by Billy Mondoñedo.

Being There 1946: The Legacy of Teodulo Protomartir runs simultaneously as Bato Bato Sa Langit by Alfredo Esquillo Jr. at SLab, and Lover Lay Down by Christina Dy at 20Square.

CARLOS RECOMMENDS!

CHAMPAGNE WISHES and LOBSTER DREAMS..

The Champagne Room of Manila Hotel. Stunning glass trees and old school luxe, complete with a string orchestra and sherbet in between courses. They just don't dine like this no more.

So for one weekend a month till July, join me as we relaunch the institution known as the Champagne Room. We'll dine on heirloom recipes and favorite dishes of famous guests served at The Manila Hotel Champagne Room through it's history. Prepared by their new chef, Christine Zarandin, it promises to be an interesting journey through taste and time.

Manila Hotel, Champagne Room Food Tasting with Carlos Celdran
May 22, 2010

Menu

Moulard Duck Foie Gras au Torchon
On toasted brioche with baby apple and balsamic spun sugar

Smoked Tomato Puree with Crisp Cheddar Souffle
And Basil Pesto

Hearts of Palm Salad
With Endive, Arugula, Herbed Goat Cheese
And Citrus Vinaigrette

Choice of:

“Lobster Visayas”
Oven Roasted Lobster
With Vanilla Coconut Cream Sauce and Mango Relish

Or

Grilled Porterhouse Steak in Criolla marinade
With Creamed Peppercorn Sauce
prepared at your tableside

Mangoes Jubilee
with Home made Lemongrass Ice Cream
and Orange Liquer Sauce Flambe

C.P.Z

Php1,912.00
text Gyranne at 916 3588012 to reserve.

Or go for the whole hog. Go on two of my tours, dine at the Champagne Room, and stay overnight. Click here.

May 22, 2010
June 19-20, 2010
July 3-4, 2010

Meet me at the Tap Room at 7pm.

THE SOLID NORTH...

This June, during the long weekend of Philippine Independence Day (June 12) I will be having a tour of Ilocos called, "The Solid North". A three day and two night jaunt through what I consider to be the best of both Ilocos Norte and Sur with an option for a third day.

The dates will be on June 12 noon (Sat) until June 14 (Mon) in the evening of the Independence Day long weekend. 2 nights, 2 full days of Ilokano architectural walking tours, Ilokano cuisine, cocktails at world heritage sites, Marcos memorabilia and relaxing by the South China Sea.

We'll stay at The Sitio Remedios in Currimao, and visit heritage sites in Vigan, Paoay, Laoag, Sarrat, and Batac. Only 20 spots are available for this tour.

The fee is Php19,770.00. This includes airfare, accomodations, tours, land transportation & dining. Add an extra P2850.00 if wish to extend an extra day until Monday, the 14th of June. Discounts can be given to people who do not wish to fly to Laoag. Details to follow.

Reservations may already be accepted at celdrantours@hotmail.com or call/text 9209092021

ITINERARY: A leisurely r

June 12, Saturday
12:00 noon Depart Manila
1:00 arrive Laoag
2:20 arrive Sitio Remedios and check-in
4:00 Visit Diaz Mansion, Walking tour of Paoay and UNESCO World Heritage Site of Paoay Church
8:00 Cocktails and Dinner at Palayupuy, Currimao.

June 13, Sunday

FREE TIME (Shopping, swimming, relaxing, manicure/massage available)

1:00pm Depart for Vigan
1:30 pm Visit Luna Shrine at Badoc, Ilocos Norte.

2:00pm Magsingal Church at Magsingal, Ilocos Sure

4:00pm Walking Tour of UNESCO World Heritage City of Vigan - Burgos Mansion, Plaza Salcedo, Plaze Burgos, Arzobispo, St. Paul's Cathedral, Crisologo Street

6:30 Cocktails and Dinner at Syquia Mansion

9:00 Departure for Sitio Remedios

June 14, Monday

FREE TIME (optional activities can be arranged: Market visit, Cape Bojeador Lighthouse)

Lunch

12:00pm Departure for Diaz House, Paoay lake and shopping
1:00 Laoag: Ilocos Museum, St. William's Cathedral, sinking belltower, market Lunch at Saramsam restaurant

2:30pm Sarrat: Santa Monica Church

3:30pm Batac: Marcos Mausloeum, Glory's Empanada in front of Plaza, market

5:30pm Paoay Convention Center cocktails.

6:30pm Departure for airport and Manila.

Any questions, reservations, or payments
can be texted at 9209092021 or celdrantours@hotmail.com.

MY FINAL CALL...

You have less than a week to make up your mind, guys. You've seen all the presidential candidates, you've seen the way that they played the game. They showed you what they were all about. Time to make your choice. And I hope that choice is number #8 Gilbert Teodoro.

CARLOS RECOMMENDS!

I'm stoked to be collaborating with Team Manila. I'm looking forward to touring them and selected friends and press folks on Friday, April 30, at 3pm for the launch of their Pamabansang T-shirt (National T-Shirt) line. It will be a tour with a party afterwards. Awesome.

I also love their map and guide to the Philippines on the TM website. Click on it here: It's super cool. If you are a blogger or in press, contact us, we've saved a few spots just for you. And hurry before all the spaces get taken. Just email celdrantours@hotmail.com