Alor’s: A Home Kitchen  is one of the finest restaurants in Davao City.  They serve delectable meals amidst a very relaxing ambiance.  The house specials – Angus Roast Beef,  Forty Clove Chicken,  and Knock Out Knuckles - will surely delight your mom and the rest of the family as well. For appetizers and sides,  their Potato Shrimp Balls and the irresistible Golden Rolls are great choices.

And because the occasion calls for it, you’d definitely want to finish the meal on a  sweet note with Alor’s selection of heavenly treats like Fruity Fluff, Chocopology, Black & White, Strawberry Fluff, and Chilled Strawberry Brazo.  Alor’s: A Home Kitchen is also into dessert and cocktails catering so it’s no wonder that their cakes are definite must-trys.

Alor’s: A Home Kitchen is located along F. Torres St., Davao City.  For inquiries and bookings, please call (082) 222 – 5577.

Celebrate Mother’s Day at Alor’s is a post from: Blogging Frenzy

I love to read books. So it’s pretty understandable why one of the most-used apps in my iPad 2 is iBooks.

iBooks is a free ebook application for iOS devices. It’s a wonderful app for reading ebooks, organizing your ebook collection, and building your own ebook library. A lot like Stanza, only crisper and prettier but with fewer customization options.  It’s so visually appealing that I sometimes forget that I’m reading an ebook and not a book.

I’ve been growing my iBooks library since late last year.   Currently, I have more or less 250 books in my bookshelf  (yes, that’s what they call it) and mostly got them for free from the iBookstore.  The grand plan is to add more books to my iBooks library since I still have 44.1 GB available on my iPad 2.

Expanding my ebook collection via iBookstore is no-sweat since I’m not particularly picky with book titles and authors. I just check out the ratings and if I feel like it’s an easy read, I tap on a chosen book to download it. Or I can look for books elsewhere (wink!), email them to myself, and then open the books directly from my email using iBooks.  I can also sync it via iTunes but the process takes longer.

My collection of books is a mix of historical, paranormal, contemporary, romance, fantasy, futuristic, suspense, western, mystery, and children’s books. Everything is fiction. Well, except for Steve Jobs’ biography by Walter Isaacson.  And I do have books by popular authors like L.J. Smith, Stieg Larsson, Suzanne Collins, Nicholas Sparks, Emily Giffin, etc. And I will be adding tons of books by Johanna Lindsey, Robert Ludlum, Julie Garwood, and Jude Deveraux. Not a very impressive list? Who cares? I’m all for easy reads.  Furthermore, I like to keep it real.

Below are some screenshots of my iBooks library. If you’re building your own ebook library, do tell me about it at the comments section below. I’d love to hear from you.

Books on the paranormal really have the most interesting covers…

Some of these books have the most boring covers but they're actually entertaining.

Looking at this one, you'd think I'm in love with Nicholas Sparks…

My iBooks Library is a post from: Blogging Frenzy

The first notable algorithm change made by Google was on January 28 when they released an update that focused on weeding out sites that scrape content.  This was followed by the First Panda Update on February 23, 2011.  Other much-talked about Google algorithm changes include the launch of the Google +1 button and succeeding Panda updates.

Below is an infographic on the Top Google Algorithm Updates for 2011.  The tweaks in Google’s search algorithm are described in detail so it would be easier for you to determine which updates affected your blog or website in terms of search engine ranking, traffic and revenues.

Via: HigherVisibility

Top Google Algorithm Changes for 2011 is a post from: Blogging Frenzy

I know this entry is long overdue and I don’t even know if it meets the deadline.

But I’m joining this project anyway and hope that the few blogs I follow will make it to the list.

• Eat’s Terrific!- This is the food blog of Orman Manansala, one of my favorite bloggers.  I love reading Orman’s food and restaurant reviews because of his honest,  no-nonsense writing style.
• KiKay Much-  This is Donna Mae Congson’s beauty and fashion blog.  A true kikay, Donna shares valuable beauty tips to her readers and features hot trends in beauty and fashion as well.
• I Am Ariel Lalisan - One of the founders of the Sox Bloggers, Ariel is also a dedicated educator who finds time to get involved with a  lot of interesting things.

• Mother Instincts – This is another blog deserving to be recognized.  Maintained by mom blogger, Sheng Dumalay, Mother Instincts is all about motherhood and parenting.  Sheng’s updates are always interesting and I like reading about the challenges she faces head-on as a wife, parent and career woman.
• Pinay Travelogue - Pinay Travelogue is the food and travel blog of entrepeneur Lynette Gallinero.  One of the best things about Lynette’s blog is that her updates are simply interesting.  Whether she’s writing about food or her most recent escapade with her hubby, you’ll definitely love her stories and will make you want to check out her blog regularly.
• Jinky’s Kitchen World - this is the food blog of a doting mom and wife and career woman extraordinaire Jinky Borela.  Ate Jinky loves to prepare sumptuous meals for her husband and children  and judging by the pictures she posts in her blog, you’ll know that she puts in extra effort to make even the simplest fare  look like a feast.
• General Joana - this is the blog of Joana Grace Banting – Lapore, a proud Mindanaoan and an active resident of General Santos City.  She is also an educator who has inspired others to blog about things that really matter.
• Bookworm of GenSan - this blog is owned and lovingly maintained by Gilbert Tan, a bookworm in the truest sense of the word. He is also an advocate for reading, literacy and campus journalism. Visit Sir Gilbert’s blog for his latest recommendations. valuable tips on how to care for your books and of course, his drool-worthy graphic novels.
• Markable.me - This is the personal blog of Mark Cabrera, a teen blogger I really admire. His blog posts are always delightful, complete with funny illustrations and covering topics such as student life, escapades and even his favorite Pastillas de Leche donuts.

I hope that the blogs in my list will make it to the Top 10.  My best wishes to Orman, Donna Mae, Lynette, Ariel, Sheng, Joana Grace, Sir Gilbert and Ate Jinky.  You’ve all done a splendid job in connecting with others and inspiring us with your stories.

Top 10 Influential Blogs for 2011 is a post from: Blogging Frenzy

Globe Telecom recently announced their most exciting prepaid package at a press launch attended by the Davao Bloggers and other personalities in the city.

Dubbed Globe Prepaid: Superlahat20, Globe’s Davao-exclusive offer gives Davaoeńos the best value-for-money prepaid package.  For P20, Globe prepaid subscribers can now  enjoy  texting, calling, and mobile internet surfing everyday without having to worry about sky-high prepaid charges or the incovenience of switching SIM cards.

The salient features of the Globe Prepaid SuperLahat20 prepaid package include:

• unlimited text messages to Globe/TM
• 100 minutes worth of calls to Globe/TM
• 60 minutes of mobile internet
• 5 international text messages to 190 destinations

To sign up for this innovative all-in-one prepaid offer from Globe, text SUPERLAHAT20 to 8888.

Globe Prepaid SuperLahat20 Launch is a post from: Blogging Frenzy

The Sony Internet TV has finally arrived in Davao City.

As part of it’s ongoing efforts to redefine TV-viewing experience, Sony Philippines introduced the 2011 line of Bravia Internet TVs that offers the best of the internet right on your Bravia TV screen.  Equipped with internet capabilities, the Sony Internet TV allows users to watch videos on YouTube, access social networking sites like FaceBook, and make voice and video calls via Skype.

New models of the Bravia 3D and HDTVs  were also showcased during the Sony Internet TV launch, highlighting the line’s monolithic design and superior image quality.

New models under the Bravia  C520 Series are already available at the Sony Centre, Gaisano Mall, Davao City.  Authorized Sony distributors and retailers are expecting more  Bravia Internet TV  models within the year.

Sony Internet TV Launched in Davao is a post from: Blogging Frenzy

In my book, one of the best-tasting chicken I’ve had is the  Iberian Chicken at Pepper & Peppers.  Moist and tender, Pepper & Peppers’ take on the popular Pollo Iberico (Spanish Roast Chicken) absolutely delights the taste buds.  Drenched in olive oil and prepped with fragrant herbs and spices, it has that unrivaled aroma that will set your senses aflame.

Another must-try at Pepper & Peppers is their delicious beef salpicao.  They also serve baby back ribs, Ilocano bagnet, and pasta-based dishes.

Pepper & Peppers is  located at The Site, Jacinto Extension, Davao City. Tel No. (082) 221-1396.

Iberian Chicken at Pepper & Peppers is a post from: Blogging Frenzy

I have tried the famous Ranchero baby back ribs a couple of times and always, the restaurant’s trademark is there — that unmistakable burst of flavor with every  bite.   Honestly, the ribs are so juicy and tender that I reckon I can finish a slab in one sitting.  Yeah, even without the sauce.

Ranchero Davao isn’t just about ribs, though.  Aside from their very popular ranch-style meals in platters, they also serve scrumptious Filipino dishes. I like their kare-kare and pochero.  Other must-tries are their crispy fried liempo and the very appetizing crispy adobo flakes.

And for dessert, I guarantee you’ll love their tibok-tibok (Kapampangan version of my favorite maja blanca) and suman sa lihiya. The tibok-tibok has that melt-in-your-mouth goodness while the suman sa lihiya was just as delicious.  Both are perfect ways of finishing off a hearty meal!

Clearly, Ranchero Davao is committed to preserving the Ranchero Group of Restaurant’s tradition of serving the best ranch-style meals and Filipino dishes to their clients.  And even with the restaurant’s steady growth and plans to open more branches (another branch will open at Ayala Abreeza by May 2012), we are assured that they still be serving only the best baby back  ribs and tastiest traditional Filipino fare in town.

Ranchero Davao is located at the Metrolifestyle Complex, Torres Street cor. Jacinto Extension, Davao City.  For  reservations and inquiries regarding their ongoing promos, you may reach them at (082) 225-1199 or through their Facebook Page.

Ranchero Davao: Baby Back Ribs and More is a post from: Blogging Frenzy

Florotel GenSan is a business hotel located along North Laurel Avenue, General Santos City.  It’s the newest hotel in the city and I must say one of the nicest additions to GenSan’s growing list of hotels and inns.

Committed to providing personalised service and elegant accommodations, Florotel GenSan has 31 well-furnished rooms with quality interiors and outfitted with modern amenities.  I was given de luxe accommodations during my short stay and I loved every minute of it.    My room was clean, spacious, well-lighted and tastefully decorated.  The hotel staff are notably efficient, accommodating, and courteous.

As a business hotel, Florotel GenSan does not disappoint.  It provides free WiFi connection and is currently setting up a business center for clients who are traveling on business.   Function rooms are also available for meetings and conferences.

Another nice feature of Florotel GenSan is that a 24-hour branch of Dimsum Diner is located within the hotel premises.  Dimsum Diner is a popular dimsum place in Mindanao so you don’t have to step out of the hotel to satisfy your late-night cravings for steamed dumplings, rice toppings, and  piping hot noodle soup.

The room rates at Florotel GenSan range from P1200 (superior rooms)  to P2500 (executive suites). Very reasonable  because you’ll be treated to elegant accommodations, complimentary breakfast, and excellent service throughout the duration of your stay.  And if you’re lucky, you just might get a room with a view.

So whenever you’re in General Santos City for leisure or for business, do stay at Florotel GenSan.  It’s a very nice business hotel and it can easily be your home in General Santos City.

Florotel GenSan

Address:  North Laurel Avenue, General Santos City

Contact No.: (o83) 554-0880

Florotel Gensan: Your Home in General Santos City is a post from: Blogging Frenzy

Looking back, how was the year for me?  Was it better compared to 2009?  Well, here’s my 2010 in  one-liners.

• Spent time with Lyle and the guys at Dunder-Mifflin.
• Found lots of peace at home.
• Lost a loved-one.
• Made a few good (bad-ass) friends.
• Severed and renewed ties.

• Blogged some, won some, earned some, spent some.
• Started a few new projects, mostly unfinished.
• Gained weight.
• Earned the official dishwasher badge.
• Spaced out for a few hundred hours.
• Turned into a teen supernatural series junkie.
• Watched a  few  good movies.
• Lots of priceless laughter and private jokes.
• New phone, revived gadgets, more disk space.
• Attended cool blogging events.
• Left bittertown.

2010 is a still a mix of highs and lows but since I willed it to be a fun year, it generally was.  In fact, it’s definitely better than 2009.

2010 in One-liners is a post from: Blogging Frenzy