Gambling Errors: The Four Worst Bankroll Mistakes You Can Do

“Gambling can be just as addictive as drugs and alcohol. Teens and their parents need to know that they are not just gambling with money, they are gambling with their lives.” –Jennifer McCausland

Gambling on its own is already considered a risk. After all, you do not just part with a reasonable amount of money and expect the odds to be always in your favor. A degree of chance is always at stake whenever you are playing any sort of betting game because no matter how lucky you might think you are; winning every single game is an impossibility. For some, it is precisely this probability that entices them to keep playing while the rest relish the idea of testing their luck. However, as anyone who has gambled for any period would know, mistakes whether big or small can be detrimental to your gambling experience—regardless of what motivates you to play.

Although controlling the odds or where certain cards would fall is beyond your control, it is best to learn how to be aware of what these mistakes are and avoid them in order to have a more lucrative gambling experience. So, before heading to one of the major casinos in Manila, it is best to have your playing technique in check and avoid the gambling mistakes listed below:

1.)    Gambling without a budget 

Only a very few people can walk into a casino and bet without care or thought of whatever happens to their money. These people have more than enough money to spare, and if you do not fall into this category and are constantly betting impetuously, you might want to rethink your choices. We all have limits, and it is perfectly fine to have them. Our gambling budget and constraints largely depend on how much we earn and how much we can spend for us to have a good time. However, take note that apart from those two factors, you do need to consider your obligations in coming up with a gambling budget. After all, if you have more bills to pay than money to burn in a casino, you probably should not even be there, to begin with.

2.)    Gambling with borrowed money 

If you had to borrow money just so you can gamble, you should not be gambling in the first place as it means you could not even afford to do so. Betting with borrowed money would only bury you deeper in the obligation hole. Similarly, people who routinely use their credit cards to bet can be incredibly irresponsible. As people do not see any cash changing hands, they tend to fall into the misguided manner of playing more recklessly or impulsively than usual. Should this be the case, you would only be effectively digging yourself deeper and deeper into debt. This is even worse if you are playing with borrowed money from a relative or a friend --which, consequently, is a cardinal sign of gambling addiction. In this case, you should probably go and seek professional help.

3.)    Betting with money set aside for another purpose 

Much like how you should never bet with borrowed money, you should not gamble with money for a specific purpose either. Money set aside for another purpose such as payment for the rent, bills, groceries and the like should never be used as betting money. Not only would it be considered as an incredibly bad mistake, but it is a bad investment as well and can point to signs of gambling addiction. Should you lack money to spare, then it might be best for you to walk away. Remember, the bills are not going to pay themselves and food is not going to magically materialize on the table.

4.)    Chasing your losses 

Losing can be incredibly frustrating. But losing even more in an attempt to recover what you have lost is even more infuriating. If you are spending more money gambling just so you can regain the money you have lost over a period of bad beats, do not. The logic does not make the remotest sense as there is always a likely chance you would not win. If this is the kind of gambling behavior you operate on, you might want to steer clear from gambling for a while.   

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Epic Night Outs: Six Steps to Prepare for a Night Out

“You might call it girls night, I call it therapy.”-Author Unknown 

Ever wondered what might happen during your nocturnal exploits with your friends? Wonder if you had prepared enough and dressed accordingly? Well, considering that Metro Manila is aptly named as the city that never sleeps, you would not be hard-pressed in finding a club, bar or hangout that sits perfectly well with your preferences. After all, with almost every nook and cranny having a unique hangout of its own, it would be rather east to find a place to rendezvous with colleague and friends in order to settle down for the night. But, just how prepared are you? Well, if you have been planning a night out with your friends, nightlife in Manila presents you with a myriad of opportunities and here is how you can adequately prepare for them:

1.)    Dress the part 

Depending on which club or hangout you go, patrons are generally free to dress as casually or formally as they wish. However, do take note that some clubs impose a strict dress code—particularly for the men who would be required to wear closed shoes and collared shirts. In this regard, it would be important to dress the part and don clothes that would not only make you feel confident but the sexiest as well. Remember, your outfit is the first thing people would see, so make sure what they see is worth their while.

2.)    Wear your favorite underwear 

Although these items are generally not exposed, but wearing your favorite lingerie can give you an extra boost of confidence. After all, whatever makes you feel sexy would also make you exude sex appeal as a result. Furthermore, you will be granted the peace of mind that you are wearing at least something sexy should you ever get lucky on that particular night.

3.)    Leave your issues at home for the night 

More often than not when we are afflicted with problems either at work or in school, we tend to see night outs as an avenue for releasing some stress. In some cases, we may drown our problems with alcohol, but if you had intended the night to be a fun one, leave your issues at home and enjoy. Do not rain on everyone’s parade by acting all surly or rehashing your problems to anyone who would care to listen. Let the night liberate you from your problems, insecurities and any difficult challenges you might be facing.

4.)    Be positive 

Do not stress out and worry too much of what might happen and just let the good times flow. Put on your megawatt smile, and just have a positive attitude and you would notice how people would naturally gravitate towards you and your kind nature.

5.)    Relax 

Again, do not stress too much and just let loose. If you think that the worst thing is going to happen, then chances are you are going to look like hell as well. You might be wary of having your advances rebuffed or rejected, but this is not the end of the world. Should you fail at your attempts in trying to talk to someone, chalk it up to experience and start all over again. You are bound to find someone who is receptive to talking eventually.

6.)    Believe in yourself 

It might sound like a cheesy greeting from a Hallmark card, but it bears stressing that you need to believe in yourself. Know that you are a great person inside and out. If your plans on talking to a girl or guy do not go according to plan, do not let that bring you down. After all, you cannot please everyone all the time. Just be yourself, and you will effectively be the sexiest version of yourself that you can be. Disregard what anyone else is thinking about you and just go and have fun.

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Dining Decorum 101: Five Proper Manners for Eating at All-You-Can-Eat Buffets

“The food you eat can either be the safest and most powerful form of medicine or the slowest form of poison.”-Ann Wigmore

Locals in the Philippines love to eat; there is no doubt about that. For this reason, restaurants that offer all-you-can-eat banquets would always have marketability for avid Filipino patrons. Back then, this dining option used to be reserved for special occasions such as birthdays, reunions and get-togethers. However today, with a wide array of all-you-can-eat restaurants offering competitive prices to diners, eating buffet style has never been easier or more affordable. But just because these restaurants offer an avenue for eating more for less, it does not mean that basic conduct and decorum should not be afforded as well.

These buffets may be known to be cathedrals of overindulgence and excess, but a semblance of propriety is required of its diners and patrons—regardless of whether you are eating at an affordable eat-all-you-can joint or at the best buffet in Manila. After all, eating at a buffet might be considered a free-for-all but your manners should be intact in that regard. Here are some of the basic manners one can reasonably expect from others and themselves when dining at all-you-can-eat banquets:

   Do not cut in line

You might be thinking that since the queue in getting your share for that roasted pork is about a mile long, you would never be able to have your share. Well, first things first, relax and remember patience is a virtue. Take note, you are eating at an eat-all-you-can buffet so there is a likely chance that anything that is consumed would be soon refilled. Furthermore, you would not want to encounter a scuffle in the queue—just because you could not wait your turn.

Do not hog food items

 Do remember that people are waiting for their turn to take food as well. So, unless the food item is literally the last piece on the serving tray, be courteous and leave some for those behind you in line. Do not monopolize the food and take a reasonable amount of serving. Although the buffet is likely to refill the tray once it is consumed, you would look not only rude but greedy if you took every last piece on the tray.

 Do not stack everything on one plate

 Buffet restaurants have an arsenal of different plates for a good reason: So that you do not play food Jenga. You do not need to see how high you can stack food on your plate when there is a collection of various plates at your disposal. Furthermore, a food tower does not make the possessor look any good—fact is you would look like a glutton. While it can be easily overwhelming to be surrounded with so much food, remember that this is not a race and you can always go back for more.

 Do not use your hands when serving yourself a dish

 Specifically provided utensils are there for a reason: So that you would use them in serving yourself a dish. In no case should you ever use your hands—even if the dish you are putting into your plate is known as a finger food. Using specific utensils prevents food items from mixing together and prevents you from contaminating the food with your hands. Be considerate of others and use the serving utensils.

      Do not eat in line

 The food may look delectable sitting on your plate and you might get hungry, but this is no excuse for you to just eat while you are waiting in line. Eating while you are waiting in line is not only unseemly to look at, but is rather uncouth and it is in bad taste. In fact, there is no reasonable purpose for you to eat while you are in line, so avoid it at all costs. Even in a buffet, it is never considered as acceptable behavior—wait until you are seated to eat your food lest you want to appear like an unrefined individual.

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Buffet Hacks 101: Four Foods You Should Never Eat at a Buffet

“It is easier to stay out of restaurants that offer all-you-can-eat-buffets than to get out of one.”-Felicity Luckey 

Without a doubt, Filipinos love their food--and what do Filipinos love more than food? Well, more food and various kinds of it for one. The Filipino’s love affair is very much evident and apparent from the array of diverse all-you-can-eat offers restaurants that have cropped up in almost every nook and cranny in the Philippines’ metropolis, Metro Manila. Indeed, Filipinos have a unique flair and penchant for piling liberal amounts of food onto their plates in many of these cathedrals of excess.

However, while indulging, your appetite may seem like a luxurious and feasible way to enjoy your weekend, there might be some food staples offered in the buffet that you want to steer clear of.  True enough, buffets were made with guilty pleasures in mind, but this does not necessarily mean you should mindlessly gorge on food—particularly if the food in question is listed as one of the worst foods you can ever eat at a buffet. Regardless of whether you are eating in the best buffet in Manila or not, here are some foods you would much rather skip than eat:

1.)    Fettuccine Alfredo 

Let us be real, when you are standing in line waiting for your turn to pile food on your plate at a buffet, healthy food would be the last thing on your mind. After all, it seems to be counterintuitive to be thinking about your health while you are in an all-you-can-eat buffet. However, you should not neglect to eat healthy entirely and at least choose food that is not bad for your well-being and waistline as well. Fettuccine Alfredo is largely cream-based considering it is made with a combination of ingredients such as butter, sour cream, mayonnaise and cream cheese—all of which are incredibly fatty. If you wish to eat pasta, choose the red sauce instead.

2.)    Fried rice 

It is no question that anything fried would be incredibly unhealthy—especially when they are eaten in large quantities. In this regard, it would be wise for you to avoid piling anything that is fried on your plate. However, this may not be so realistic as you would almost always find a fried staple that is almost too tempting to resist. To compromise, at least steer clear from the food that is already loaded with carbs and happens to be fried as well such as fried rice and noodles.

3.)    Salad dressing 

You might think that just because you are choosing salad over pasta, you are already making a healthy food choice. While that may be true, your deliberate effort in making a healthy food decision will all be for naught if you lather your salad with copious amounts of dressing and sauces. Salad dressing may look innocent enough, but unfortunately, that is not the case. Dressing and sauces are high in fat content and pouring a generous amount of that onto your salad can actually sneak up on you. Instead, take it easy on the dressing and ensure that the ratio of your salad and sauces remains balanced.

4.)    Tuna 

Tuna might be considered healthy and nutritious even making it a good choice in the buffet. Unfortunately, for all it is worth, tuna is also the top buffet contaminant—most especially if it is served raw. Fish should always be kept in cold temperatures the moment it comes out of the water to the moment it hits the pan. Of all the kinds of fish out there, tuna is the most susceptible to scombrotoxin, a component that can potentially cause cramps and headaches. Apart from that, tuna is that one likely food to spoil in buffet table if it is not stored and kept at appropriate temperatures.

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Party Planning 101: Choosing a Caterer

If there’s something Filipinos are particulate when it comes to events, it’s the food. We can adjust to the venue and get along with the program, but we can never sacrifice the quality and quantity of the food.

Of course, it difficult to prepare the dishes yourself if you're already handling the guest list, the program, and the logistics. Hence, you need to subscribe to a catering service. Now, what do you need to know to get the best service from your caterer?

Caterers take away a chunk of your responsibilities which makes you confident of their competency. But they're still a business, and their goal is to earn a profit. There’s a high chance they’re cutting corners and taking shortcuts. What you want is to get the most out of your money within the hours of employing their service.

Taken from the pages of experience, here’s what to keep in mind when choosing a caterer.

Which type of venue will it be

Photo by Robert Mathews on Unsplash

Some venues have on-site caterers while others consign brands and food establishments to provide the meals during the event. Secure a place depending on your priority, so you have a clear view of what you want to happen on the day of the event.

There are party or reception halls that have strict guidelines when it comes to outsourcing a caterer. If the place does have a caterer and does not allow contracting independent food services, look for other options to compare prices and rates. Remember to account for the need of your contractor such as electricity sources. Conduct ocular visits to find which venue suits your taste.

Consider how much you’re willing to spend

Photo by Fabian Blank on Unsplash

Hiring a food connoisseur will cost four digits the least. Prices vary depending on the chosen menu and additional items you would request from them. You can haggle with caterers during negotiation, but it’s more helpful if you already have a price ceiling set for the event. That way, you won’t be swayed by tempting offers during the talk.

When you have a budget, caterers can help you work around it and offer alternatives and great deals within the price.

It’s the experience that matters

Photo by Nik MacMillan on Unsplash

The only way to get to know if the caterer is right for your event is if you had an experience with them. Brochures, pamphlets, and websites are just advertisements. It doesn’t show if the food is well-prepared or if their service is superb.

The initial encounter with the company or contact person from the caterers will dictate if it’s a go or a no. It’s important to have a good feeling and being comfortable during the meeting. If they gave an extra effort (offering snacks and drinks), it speaks a lot of how they treat their clients. Always set face-to-face meet ups with caterers and business partners because a phone call isn’t enough to express how both parties can work, especially when conflict arises.

Have tastings during the season

You are allowed to ask for a tasting session yet it costs more when they aren’t booked. There are caterers who conduct formal tasting upon request. Tasting is what makes or breaks you’re the caterer you’ve chosen, so take all the time you need to decide if they have the menu you want.

If you’re planning to book a tasting, set a date close to the season of the event. It will give you an idea which ingredients are available at those times. Through this, you get to pick out which dishes are likely to be served and easily prepared.

If you’ve already had a tasting and the caterer didn’t meet your expectations, do not despair and settle for what’s available. There are other options available, you just have to be diligent in looking for another. Soon enough, you will find the caterer best suited for you in this haystack.

These Four Questions Will Help You Plan A Flawless Coming-of-Age Party

Turning eighteen is a milestone to be celebrated. I didn’t plan anything for my 18th birthday, and I absolutely regret it. The transformation of being a carefree minor to a knowledgeable lady of society is an exciting venture that only comes once. Why not celebrate with a bang?

During planning, you might think the most fun part is thinking of a theme. But that’s only the beginning. Preparing days before the party and execution on the day itself all have its fun parts, ups, and downs too. If you already decided on a theme, great!

If not there’s still time to think of something that reflects your personality. Meanwhile, answer these four questions to make sure your debut party becomes the talk of the town (or peers) for days.

Who are priority guests?

Our teenage years is the year we have flourishing social lives. We’ve suddenly turned to social butterflies and gained hundreds of friends. It is also the year of changes - new school, new neighbors, new classmates, clubs, volunteering, etc. - so we meet a lot of people all the time. It’s tempting to invite all of them, but like everything on Earth, there are limitations.

To avoid coming across the dilemma of asking the wrong people to come, list the important people whom you want to share your coming-of-age. The number of people you will invite will determine the venue that will fit your theme and entourage as well as the menu for the day. If you’re on a budget, you can always opt to limit the celebration. Have it indicated on your invitations early on to avoid plus one surprises.

Where is the perfect place to celebrate?

Once you’ve narrowed down your guest list, the next step is to look for a party venue in Manila to celebrate. Now, what makes a perfect venue?

The venue should be able to accommodate all the guests, the activities in the program along with the logistics and the catering tables. There should be enough seats for all the guests. Always ensure there are extra tables and chairs available for surprise guests. Some venues look spacious but become crowded once everything is in order. It becomes a problem once the program starts. It will be awkward and inefficient to ask guests to adjust their places to have your dance.

Some venues already have facilities you may need for your party and is packaged in a set with the venue. Before setting your eye on the place, inquire on the flexibility of the site. Do you really need a fog machine, a karaoke set, and a cotton candy maker? I don’t think so.

What do I want to happen on the day?

This is pancit. The big day.

The day you will look your best. The day the whole world will know you’re legal and can vote, drive and be independent. Besides looking beautiful, what exactly do you want to happen at your party?

Remember, there are guests to consider. They may be your friends, but they came to have a good time. It’s a party after all.

This is where the program plays a part. If you’re a traditional gal like Blair Waldorf, you will need an escort. Other than that, you will have 18 dances where your escort and male partners will hand over a rose [or another flower you’d prefer]. Of course, these 18 males are part of your court, which is also composed of 18 females who are usually close friends and relatives. The court will have a traditional dance, the Cotillion de Honor where the debutant will also participate. If dancing isn’t your forte, don’t forget to hire a dance instructor or someone experienced on these things. He/she will teach you the social graces you should observe. Think Mia Thermopolis in Princess Diaries.

Other breathtaking moments like the grand entrance and birthday wishes are universal. To add spice to your party, why not include games? Activities and surprise performances are also welcome. It’s best to entrust the program planning to someone who knows you well.

What do we eat?

Nowadays, the menu depends on the theme, but a three-course meal is necessary regardless of the time of the day. Some parties serve snacks and finger food before the program starts. Be sure the caterer sets up hours before the guests arrive. Food can be served food buffet or family style, so the time to prepare depends on the food service.

When it comes to the menu, it’s safe to pick recipes that are familiar to everyone - pasta, beef, chicken, and veggies. Consider your guests when choosing the menu. Will there be picky eaters? Always include an alternative for them so they won’t starve the entire time.

Use these four questions to guide you in your party planning. Your eighteenth birthday only comes once, make it unforgettable for everyone. Most of all, show them how you can throw a flawless debut party.

The Four Unspoken Rules for Working From a Coffee Shop

“Coffee is the common man's gold, and like gold, it brings to every person the feeling of luxury and nobility.” - Author Unknown 


You are pressed for a deadline, and you need to work—even while you are on the road. No problem, you might think, and park yourself at the nearest coffee shop, order a single latte and go to work for hours at a time. No harm and no foul, right? After all, you are a paying customer, so you might as well stay as long as you please. Well, you are not exactly right. Although coffee shops exist in part to provide an alternative work space for employees on the road, students in need of a place of study and free lancers, this does not mean you can fully exploit that to its fullest extent. While true, coffee shops have you as their target customers in mind, they would not want to lose potential profit just because you have a report to finish. You might have gotten a cup of coffee, but in the duration of your stay, the coffee shop could have sold at least a dozen more of those had your space been unoccupied.

One good rule of thumb to remember when it comes to coffee shops is that although coffee is their primary product, the space they offer you also comes at a premium. It would be the height of discourtesy to buy a single product from the menu and park yourself at the largest table for about six hours. You are not only denying the coffee shop profit, but you might be inadvertently causing them to lose their patrons to competitors instead. So, be a little considerate. In any case, here are some unspoken rules to keep in mind when you are working in a coffee shop—whether that may be a cafe in a hotel, or a regular famous coffee shop joint:

1.) Visit during off peak hours

If you intend to spend the majority of the day working on something from the coffee shop, you might want to be a little flexible with your schedule. This means you need to consider going during the off peak hours which could be anywhere in the early morning, after lunch hours or late in the evening. Avoid the rush as much as possible and see to it that the barista is not serving a queue and the shop is relatively vacant.

2.) Order enough stuff

What you order should be directly proportional to how long you intend to stay. Ordering a cup of coffee should give you about a couple of hours max sitting in the coffee shop, but if you plan to stay longer, then you should consider buying more stuff. Furthermore, it is inappropriate to bring your own drink—as you are using the coffee shop's premises, you are expected to buy something from them. If they serve regular hot meals, you might want to eat there as well. Remember, your coffee shop is running a business as well, so help them by buying enough stuff if you are going to be staying longer than most patrons.

3.) Do not take up a table bigger than you need

You might want to spread out and have a little leg room, but in a coffee shop where space is limited, you should refrain from doing so. Park yourself in a table that is big enough only for you and not big enough to accommodate you and your belongings. Try to occupy as little space as possible. Remember that although you can select the table you want (first come, first served basis after all), you might want to limit your impact if you are going to be working there for hours. During peak hours, that table could serve a lot of customers which you deny the coffee shop by parking yourself there.

4.) Clean up after yourself

Your coffee shop is not a restaurant in a sense that you have busboys who would clean up after you. Although baristas would routinely go from table to table to clean up after a customer leaves, they will hardly find the time to do this above ringing customers and making drinks. So, do your part and clean up after yourself, your barista will thank you.

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Four Ways to Create The Perfect Coffee Shop Experience

“A cup of coffee shared with a friend is happiness tasted and time well spent.” Unknown Author 


Over the years, the Philippines has seen a recent boom in the coffee shop industry—particularly in the main areas in the metropolis. With its primary market ranging from young professionals to postgraduate students, even a humble coffee shop can see an influx of patrons on an ordinary day. Despite the prominence and proliferation of coffee joint juggernauts such as Starbucks and The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, a localized and homegrown cafe can still be a lucrative business. However, the Philippines' booming market for coffee shops is no guarantee that yours will be a success. A flourishing endeavor in this industry takes a lot more than just brewing the right cup of coffee and a cozy place to stay. After all, with a myriad of coffee shops to compete with you, how do you entice customers to patronize yours over much more established ones? The trick is to start with the basics and get it right. Complement this with an excellent customer service, a certain wow factor, and an extraordinary experience, and you can expect people to not only come pouring in but come back for more as well.

Whether you are planning to open a cafe in a hotel or elsewhere, here are some tips and techniques to make sure that yours will stand out from the crowd:

1.) Your coffee shop ambiance and environment matter

More often than not, a good coffee shop constitutes more than just great tasting coffee. Like many coffee shops, entrepreneurs will tell you, drinking coffee is as much occasion as it is about the drink itself. This means you have to create an appropriate environment where your customers can sit down to relax, chat, study or even do their business proposals. The ambiance of your coffee shop should not only cater to a particular type of guests but diverse groups as well—ranging from business executives to students.

2.) Select the right coffee partner

Regardless of whether you are going into the coffee business venture solo, you are inevitably going to need partners who would help you make your cafe a success. Be meticulous about who you partner with and choose the ones who can offer you comprehensive service support. This means providing barista training, offering marketing and branding materials to offer. Look for a partner that can meet all your needs. Furthermore, be selective in choosing coffee beans. Know what quality-grade they are and how they are roasted. Do not go for the cheapest alternative as this would likely be poor in quality.

3.) Be different

Coffee shops are rife in almost every nook and cranny of the city that customers would not have a hard time looking for one. Considering how stiff the competition is in the coffee business, you need to make sure that yours stands out and attracts not only potential customers but regular patrons as well. Create a unique coffee experience that would set your shop apart from the rest. Be creative and think out of the box, create that unique environment that will make your guests come back for more than just your excellent cup of coffee.

4.) Make staff training a priority

An excellent coffee experience entails three components: great coffee, cozy ambiance, and excellent service. While the first two are the things that would market your coffee shop to customers, it is the excellent service that would keep them coming back for more. No matter how great your environment is and how delicious your coffee tastes, if the service rendered is subpar, you can expect customers to never walk back in again. Even worse, they could leave you with bad reviews and consequently tarnish the good name of your cafe. With this in mind, make sure you make staff training a priority and routinely check up on them to ensure that your standards of service are consistently met.

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A Guide for Great Night Out for Newbies

I bet you’ve wanted to enjoy the nightlife in Manila but hindered to go for some reasons. Maybe your parents are so strict,  have tons of school or office works to finish, or whatnot. Then the next thing you know, you haven’t been able to tick “go for a night out” on your bucket list.

If you are the person who’s been dreaming of a semi-wild (or all-out wild) party or night out somewhere in the Metro, do not wait for forever and let’s get this party started! Here is a short guide for a memorable and fun night out for you:

Clear your mind

At least for that night, even before you go out, clear your thoughts about your office, school work, problems and miseries (wow, deep) in life. At least for one night, give yourself a break. It is important to give your mind, soul, and body a “sanity break”. Let yourself breathe! There’s nothing wrong with enjoying for a couple of hours as long as you’d still follow the laws, of course, you don’t want to be imprisoned or something, and remember not to hurt anyone in any way.

Before going to a night out, ask permissions to the people or authorities you may need to. I hope you, the one reading this, is already of legal age and capable of handling yourself, okay?

Secure your belongings AT ALL TIMES

I would not forget the story of my college block mates who went to a rave party. Yes, I was jealous because I wasn’t able to go with them and rock the party. However, I was surprised to know that my friend just lost her iPhone 6, the period where the said phone was released in the Philippines just a couple of months ago. We tried to locate the phone but to our dismay, we just couldn’t. By the way, her parents don’t know how it lost, which is because she was partying real hard that night and didn’t notice that her phone is gone.

So remember to bring only enough amount of money and as much as possible, use a spare phone especially if you are going to big parties. You always don’t need a lot of pictures to treasure a moment; you live it to remember it. Or ask the official photographer of the event to take pictures of you.

It’s okay to mingle with strangers but learn how to say no

There was a night out with my colleagues, and sure we were having fun. A couple of drinks, well a lot actually, and some dance on the floor. Since it’s just a small bar greeting strangers is pretty much inevitable and all right for me. Someone started to offer drinks, and I respectfully rejected the offer. Another incident was when I was dancing and a person from the same group of the guy who offered me a drink suddenly hugged me from the back. I immediately get his arms off me and started to be extra mindful.

It’s an old point that you should not easily accept drinks or food from someone you don’t know, especially if you don’t see it coming from the bartender or wherever. Not being so much of a killjoy, have fun but take care of yourself too.

(Responsible) Carpe diem

To sum it all up, work hard then party harder. Just kidding! But yes, you can live up to that saying. Seize the day, enjoy every moment.


And plus tons of things you can do when you are already there, alone, with relatives or friends. Have fun the way you guys would want just don’t forget that you still need to survive until tomorrow and for the rest of your lives. I hope this quick list was able to convince you more to go or give you an idea what you can do with that night out.

Philippine Eats: Four Reasons Why Filipinos Love Buffets So Much!

“The quality of food at buffets today is every bit as good, if not better, than most midlevel casual restaurants.” - Jeff Devito 


Food is the necessary fuel that energizes the body and ignites the soul. In a modern age wherein food is not just simply caught, seasoned and cooked, dining is no longer a means of sustenance but an experience in itself. Today, food comes in many forms, and it comes in different tastes, but what is the best kind of food there is? Well, there is certainly nothing better than all-you-can-eat food dining deals and options. Ever since the advent of all you can eat restaurants, Philippine hotels have been following suit and have been offering their patrons a delectable array of food items from all over the world. Simply walking into an all-you-can-eat affair gives the ordinary Filipino a chance to travel the world, one bite at a time. Seeing as there is such a profitable market for buffets and eat-all-you-can deals, most hoteliers offer this dining option in their respective restaurant. In fact, you would be hard-pressed to find a 3 to 4-star hotel in the Philippines sans this option.

For this reason, Filipinos have found a unique penchant for international gastronomic eats and a developing affinity for food buffets. So, what exactly does a buffet have that entices a Filipino to have some of its fares? Read on below to find out why:

1.) Filipinos have a love affair with eating

There is absolutely no doubt that Filipinos love to eat and any hotel in the Philippines would only be glad to cater to that. Wherever they are and whatever they do, food is almost always involved. This is why things such as coffee pastries, pulutans, and meriendas exist—because Filipinos love to eat whether they are out for drinks or are simply having their afternoon coffee. So, it should come as no surprise that buffets would instantly become a hit with Filipinos. With the innumerable choices of dishes, a food buffet is definitely a godsend to a Filipino.

2.) It is cheaper than Gourmet or Fine Dining

Gourmet or Fine Dining dishes may offer you some of the best cuisines, but they come at an exorbitant price, there are limited options, and you only get a single order. Buffets, on the other hand, may be a bit pricey, but it is compensated for the extensive array of food items you get to sample as well as the unlimited number of times you can get to eat and enjoy them. From a mathematical standpoint, it could easily be seen that food buffets are far cheaper.

3.) It is everywhere, and there are affordable options

Buffets do not come in cheap. Given their wide selection of food (and the unlimited number of times you get to refill your plate) it should come as no surprise that hoteliers and restaurateurs offering this option would find a way to rack up the price so as to defray the costs. However, there has been an influx of all-you-can-eat deals recently that in the midst of the competition, some lesser known all-you-can-eat restaurants and buffets would be constrained to dish out affordable options so as to stay afloat in the food industry. With this in mind, Filipinos would not have to empty their pockets just to pig out and eat like a king. Food buffets are almost everywhere, and at a price, they can certainly afford.

4.) It is always a feast

No matter what food buffet you choose or restaurant all-you-can-eat deal you select, it would always be a feast. The prolific food selection you are offered coupled with the unlimited times you get to refill your plate would be enough to make anyone feel like they are in a celebration—a feast if you may.

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Four Good Reasons to Attend a Conference

“The capacity to learn is a gift; the ability to learn is a skill; the willingness to learn is a choice.” -Brian Herbert


Over the years, the modern world has vastly upgraded and revamped the way people learn. The Internet itself has made it possible for countless individuals all over the world to access various articles created with a specific subject and theme in mind. Cooking enthusiasts who would once have to pick up a recipe book in order to create a particular dish would now only have to look for a video with a step-by-step guiding visuals as to how to create said dish. People with a penchant for sharpening their skills can either attend a webinar or even list to a podcast. Nowadays, it seems like modern technology has perpetually dispensed with the need for actual face-to-face learning sessions. So, with all these recent advancements in learning at our disposal, why should one even bother to inconvenience themselves of getting out of the house and spending some time in an in-person conference or workshop? Well, contemporary means of acquiring information might have rendered physical conferences and workshops obsolete, but you would be surprised as to how much you are truly missing out by refusing these events. Workshops, seminars, MICE events, and conferences provide you with opportunities you cannot find elsewhere—from unique learning experiences, job offers and career building opportunities to expanding your business circle.

If you are still unconvinced, below are excellent reasons why you should consider attending conferences:

1.) Meet Experts and Influencers Face to Face

Watching countless of videos of esteemed experts and your business idols have nothing on meeting them and interacting with them in person. While not every conference would grant you this opportunity, your chances are significantly improved when you are attending one or sharing the same space—you will never know if the workshop or conference you are in has a “surprise guest” in attendance. Meeting someone who has made a great impact you or even someone who has influenced you is something not all of us can experience, and conferences are certainly one way of doing so. You might be unaware, but meeting these people might present the opportunity of finding your next mentor.

2.) Networking Opportunities

While different social media platforms may offer you various avenues for networking (both local and foreign), there is no substitution for interacting with potential business partners, clients or customers in real life. Additionally, it adds a personal touch and depth to the whole networking experience which the people you are dealing with would truly appreciate.

3.) Learning in a New Space

Though learning can virtually happen anywhere, absorption of what you learn happens more often in fresh new places where you have not established a routine yet. This is because your brain is associating what you learn to the memory of the new place thereby creating better absorption for what you learn. Additionally, it breaks you out of your comfort zone. So, if you are always learning new stuff from behind a computer screen and sitting on a desk, then change it up a bit. New environment would stimulate fresh and new ideas after all.

4.) Basking in the energy of like-minded individuals

There is quite like nothing as being in the same room with individuals who share your passion. The enthusiasm and energy are both so palpable that you cannot help but feel a rush of excitement. These are the very same people who you might make potential business partners, customers or clients and be around them talking about your shared interest and passion would only buoy your spirits and enthusiasm for learning. Lastly, you would never know, but you might just have a chance at making new friends at this event.

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Five Characteristics of A Successful Conference

Conferences are excellent mediums for companies who want to cement their presence in the business industry. It is an excellent avenue for putting the word out about a certain product, spreading a specific awareness or basically, an event to lure in potential clients and customers. Unfortunately, not all conferences are created equal. There are some that succeed swimmingly, and some would miserably fail—whichever outcome you have of the two, you can expect it to positively or negatively impact your business. For this reason, it is crucial to hold conferences that you know would significantly affect your company in a good light—one that would inevitably result in an increase not only in company sales, but morale as well. However, how does one determine whether the event thrown was a successful one or not? Are there certain parameters set to which you can gauge your success? Well, there is no exact standard of measure to know whether you have truly planned and held a successful event, but there are several characteristics and traits that you could aim for and hopefully achieve.

Apart from the goals and agenda you want to accomplish, your attendees should also leave your event feeling like that they got a good deal in exchange for their time or their money (if your conference was a paid event). In any case, whether your conference is about mice events or something altogether, here are some of the characteristics your event should aim for:

1.) Getting Positive PR

One way to gauge the level of success of your event is by how much positive exposure you receive after hosting it. Check local newspapers if they mentioned your event, and listen to what people have been saying about it. Additionally, try to see if people were talking about your event on social media as getting positive PR can help you in your future endeavors for a conference next time.

2.) Great feedback

Measuring your event's success is hinged on what the attendees have been saying about it. After wrapping up an event, ask your participants about their experience and encourage them to give you suggestions as to how you can improve next time. One way to make sure that you get an honest feedback is to provide anonymity to the people submitting it. Distribute leaflets after the event with a comment and reaction section—you might just be surprised at how excellent and fantastic some of these observations and suggestions are.

3.) Speakers have everything at their disposal

Planning ahead of time helps you throw a successful conference. On the day of the conference, make sure your speakers have everything they need to be able to deliver a good presentation and convey their ideas well. These would range from tools to various materials that would enable them to give a good performance. A few of these things would include a microphone and speakers that are in excellent working order. After all, you would not want to experience any technical difficulty on the day your speakers are due to give their talk.

4.) Everything is organized

An agenda is an excellent blueprint of what a successful conference looks like. It would aid you in knowing what to prepare and how to prepare them. Additionally, this would serve as the reference tool for delegated tasks and would also contain any contingency plans should anything go awry. Everything should be well organized to make sure the flow of your conference goes smoothly—from the registration down to the closing address. Lastly, having an organized event gives an excellent first impression on your attendees.

5.) Contingency plans are executed well (in the event that calls for one)

Regardless of how much preparation was done or how much brainstorming has gone into your planning stage, running into unexpected occurrence is inevitable. You cannot always prevent these unexpected situations, but you can prepare for them and how you execute them determines the success of your event. Always have a backup for anything that might happen such as power outages and shortages of seats or food. Should the unexpected happen, have a contingency plan at the ready.

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Four Questions to Ask When Selecting A Conference Venue

A lot of work goes into planning for a conference. You need to plan for a specific theme, look for available vendors and a particular date to hold your conference. More importantly, choosing the appropriate venue is paramount to the success of your conference event. However, it can be easy to get caught up in the minor details and complicated logistics when you are busy scouting for the ideal conference location that meets all of your criteria. When this occurs, you might overlook something that could be pivotal to your conference's success. This is all the truer if you are a novice in planning a conference for your company or are simply not too familiar with how venue sourcing works. Whichever it may be, selecting and booking a conference venue requires a concrete plan in place.

Prior to making arrangements, prepare a list of requirements that would guarantee that you would ask the important questions whenever you visit a venue. This will enable you to make comparisons easily and more effectively. Whether you are looking for an ideal MICE hotel or simply an appropriate conference venue, here are some of the questions you should take note of:

1.) Would the venue be available on your selected dates?

Ideally, the planning preparation of an event would take you somewhere from six months to a year. This is to ensure that all the aspects and elements you would require for your conference would all be available on the same date—most especially your venue. When it comes to selecting a date, remember that the date you have initially chosen would possibly not be available for an event which is why it would be foolish not to have backup dates in mind. Choose a variety of dates falling on different months of the year and ask if the venue is available. Additionally, find out whether the venue can provide you with AV equipment, rooms and everything else you would need during your event and on the same date.

2.) What's the venue's accessibility like? Is it within the proximity of highways, the airport or the public transit?

A venue's accessibility is an integral factor in deciding whether you should book a particular place or not. Consider who your attendees will be and how they will be arriving at your conference venue. If they are from out of town and would most likely need to fly-in and fly-out, having the venue near to the airport would be favorable to them. Additionally, if most of your attendees would be arriving from the airport, ask if the venue can provide a shuttle service. Lastly, scout the parking area and see if there is ample parking space for everyone who would be attending.

3.) Is the venue big enough for your event?

Prior to booking a venue, it is important to ascertain how many attendees you would wish to attend your event and look for a site suitable for the number of participants you will be having. Make sure there is enough legroom and that your attendees would not be cramped in a tight space with you trying to make the most out of a small room. Seats should be comfortable enough for all sessions—especially for events that would last for a whole day. Consequently, there should be sufficient space for attendees to relax in between sessions.

4.) Would you be able to afford the venue?

Ideally, you should have a rough draft of what your budget when you are still drawing up the plans for your conference event. If you plan on charging attendees for your event to defray some of the costs, then take your door or charging fee into account. In any case, your chosen venue should fall within your budget.

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Four Tips to Making An Excellent and Memorable Wedding Speech

“We do not read and write poetry because it is cute. We read write poetry because we are members of the human race. And the human race is filled with passion. And medicine, law, business, engineering—these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for.” –John Keating (Dead Poets Society 1989) 

So, you were chosen to be your best friend’s maid of honor, and you could not contain your excitement. To you, this was an excellent honor, and in a sense, her designating you as her maid of honor was what you would describe as the pinnacle of your friendship. However, being the maid of honor does not only require you to be at the wedding venue, look beautiful, smile and attend to the bride’s needs. After all the requisite marriage rites have been done and dinner has been served, more often than not, you are required to deliver a speech for the couple.

This is where your palms start getting sweaty and you start fidgeting about what to say. You want to give an address that is unforgettable and something that would at least touch the newly wedded couple or at least leave them with wisdom. Witty, funny and entertaining is what you are hoping for, but with your wracking nerves, you are suddenly at a loss as to what to say. Well, fear not, if you have been tasked with delivering any speech on the wedding day, here are some of the things you should keep in mind:

1.) Start early 

If you have been designated the task of giving a speech on someone’s wedding day, you should start thinking about what to say as soon as you can. This is not the sort of spiel you come up with while waiting for the other guests to finish their dinner. No, this is the kind of task you start right away. Remember, the couple asked you to make a speech because they know that you know them well and that you would deliver. The least you could do is live up to that expectation and start your draft early.

2.) Begin with an introduction 

Unless the host of the wedding event already tells the wedding guests who you are, it would be excellent to start your speech with an introduction. Do not assume that everyone already knows who you are. Start your speech with an introduction, thank the bride and groom. Introducing yourself would give the wedding guests an idea of why you are given the honor of delivering a speech.

3.) Share an anecdote 

Do not let your speech fall flat by saying all the clichés you can name. Instead of saying things such as “You have always been my best friend” or “You two make such a lovely couple. I knew right off the bat you were going to get married someday”, explain why they are your best friend or why you think they are such a lovely couple. The wedding guests would not want to hear what they already know; they want to listen to what kind of life the couple had before their marriage which eventually led up to it. Share anecdotes and stories. It is one way to keep your speech entertaining and ascertaining the guests would not be bored.

4.) Keep it short and sweet 

While you want to make a lasting impression and leave a good witty closing remark, you do not want to do this by reading out a novel-length speech. Keep it short and sweet and do not out the wedding guests to sleep by droning on and on. Before delivering your speech, read your final draft and see how long it lasts. If it clocks any more than ten minutes, then cut some of it short.

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Different Types of Business Travels Included in MICE Package

With travels now becoming easier, it's no wonder why see lots of people visiting foreign places and entrepreneurs expanding their business reach to other countries.

Industries like the hotel services have come up with unique packages to cater this influx, thus, arriving at packages such as the MICEbusiness travel offers. This type of deal is targeted to business owners who want to send delegates or members of their company to some business-related trip. The purpose and inclusions of the trip can differ, but the following are the most popular types of travels usually availed by MICE clients.

Conference Travel

This is often attended by a huge number of participants and is not only exclusive to one company or organization. Events that seek to gather representatives from different sectors belong to this category. Government-facilitated events may also mandate companies to send representatives to attend a conference meant to introduce new policies for business owners.

Incentive Travel

This one is more like a reward type of travel given by the company to select employees who display exemplary performance at work. The coverage of the travel will vary depending on the package availed by the owner. Most, if not at all times, it covers the hotel accommodation of the guest and an itinerary of places that they can visit to relax and explore. Food for main meals is covered too.

Most luxury hotels offer free transportation or bus for the clients so companies who want to send a group to a vacation wouldn't have to find individual mode of transport themselves.

Global Events

This has something to do with huge events usually participated by big names in the industry. Company owners, investors, political personnel and even state leaders comprise these gatherings. It's commonly an exclusive event with specific guest list. The event can last for a couple of days depending on the objective.

Exhibition Travels

Last but not the least are exhibits. This include exhibitions on new product releases, inventions, academic proposals and anything that select individuals would like to present to the public. Normally, representatives from different sectors will be invited to present their product or research in a designated area. Sometimes, organizers may bring the participants to various locations to view the full display.

There are various types of business travels and they can be done individually or by groups. The objective can also vary depending on the type of travel the participants are sent to. Regardless of the purpose, MICE packages often have synonymous content focusing on accommodation, food and travel destinations.

There aren't any specific rules on when companies could send their workers to a paid trip. It can happen anytime and even a couple of times depending on the event. If you're assigned to organize a MICE tour for your staff, it's important to make the arrangements ahead of time. The following salient factors must be a part of your to-do list:

• date & duration of the planned travel
• target city
• budget
• number of people to send
• purpose of the event

Keep in mind that while there are many hotels that offer MICE packages, there are more people who need the service all-year round. If you want to make a reservation to the best companies, better call in advance to secure a slot. There is a good chance that other entities might have already reserved a slot on your desired date.

Also, take some time to look at few opportunities for discount. With the tough competition in the market, more hotels are offering discounts for select customers either on a first-come-first-served basis, subscriptions, draws and more. Get the details of the planned business travel and make a reservation in advance!

5 Tips in Scouting for Quality MICE Hotel

Big gatherings and conventions have now become rampant especially with more companies and organizations expanding their reach across different countries. The frequency of these get together activities along with their varied purposes is the very reason why hotel industries have expanded their service to providing quality venue where these events could be conducted.

At present we call them MICE Hotel as reference to any accommodation services that cater to big gatherings either by corporate personalities or the public. For those who are assigned to find the right location, getting the basic know-how on where to start will be an advantage. Below are five helpful tips.

Look into the facilities and exclusivity of the location.

MICE, unlike other types of gathering, almost always involve formal presentation of data, report, audio-video output and more. All of these things will need the aid of equipment capable of projecting the information to a large group of participants. When choosing for the right one, make sure to at least have an ocular inspection on the area and test the equipment in place.

Narrow your list to the most accessible ones.

We are putting emphasis on the accessibility as this can usually dictate the convenience experienced by the guests. It is always an advantage to choose a place that is easily recognizable, something which can be accessed through usual modes of transportation (public and private) and is popular among the locals. This will eliminate the hassles involved on guests who plan to go to the location using their own vehicle.

Read or ask for reviews and testimonials.

It wouldn’t hurt to once in a while check reviews and actual client testimonials online. There are already review sites meant to spur discussion about products and services and this should at least give you an idea of the reputation of the company. Testimonials are subjective and it can differ from one person to another. But there is some truth to what a group of clients say about a particular service. You should at least be cautious to those accommodation sites who receive a lot of negative comments.

Find a place that fits your budget.

It goes without saying that high-end luxury hotels are likely to have more expensive packages than the typical hotels. However, this could mean that they have better services too. When finalizing your list, be sure to have a look at your budget for the event. Remember that the area is just one of the factors you’ll need to pay. There are extra necessities like food and transportation especially if the hotel does not cover the service.

Get the list of package inclusions for each prospect location.

The package content can greatly affect the pricing, which is exactly why you must get a full list of it beforehand. One service may have a more affordable offer, but this could mean lesser package content. If you wish to have all areas covered, better go for those that already has everything you need. Of course, expect higher price range too.

You now have a lot of options in terms of where you want to hold a big event. Your role is to evaluate which of the potential ones could serve you best. Keep in mind that the best places are likely to be unavailable on most dates given the number of people who want to use them. To ensure that you get a slot for your event be sure to hit them up with a call and reserve a slot.

If you’re torn between more than two options, you may create a list of advantages each place has to offer. From there, you can easily evaluate which is the best choice.

Date Ideas: Where to Take Your Date This Valentine's Day 2017?

Let us all face it, Valentine's Day is that one day of the year that is marketed towards couples. While it is true that it is also that one day you can show different types of love from familial, friendly to amorous, it is also that day most boyfriends spend days or even weeks agonizing over. After all, most of them would like to regale their lovers to a unique and memorable date—one that might even top the date they planned for them in the year prior. Most dates consist of a visit to one of Manila's shopping malls, a dinner and then finishing up with a movie. But if those sound cliched, then maybe the date ideas below will be more to your liking:

1.) 21st Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta

Your actual date does not have to fall on the fourteenth. If you are running on a busy schedule, why not plan a weekend trip to Pampanga and see the myriad of hot air balloons taking flight on their Philippine Hot Air Balloon Festival. This event is held the weekend prior to Valentine's day running from February 9-12, 2017. Apart from enjoying the colorful event, you and your date can enjoy aerobatic exhibitions, skydiving, paragliding and other aerial and aviation relevant activities. Take lots of photos to commemorate the event and fill your social media feed and enjoy a weekend date that is unique and memorable.

2.) Spiral Sofitel Manila

If you and your date share an enthusiasm for food, indulge on the fourteenth and fill your night with romance, spice, and everything nice. Spiral 21's dining options feature culinary delights from all over the world that would surely satiate you and your date's taste for a gastronomic adventure. Spiral 21 promises to kick your dining experience up a notch by adding new and enhanced flavors to your meal which features, vanilla, saffron, ras el hanout cinnamon, cayenne pepper, star anise, pink pepper, etc. Finish up your meal with an elegant and decadent selection of desserts from Spiral's Chocalterie and Creamery.

3.) Makati Shangri-la

Upgrade your dinner experience on Valentine's Day by dining in a restaurant with a Michelin star. Have an exclusive dinner in Makati's Shangri-La and enjoy and unique meal specially made by Michelin two-starred chef Michel Portos. On Valentine's Day, this esteemed chef is welcome to Shangri-la's Sage Bespoke Grill for a night of excellent dining and delights.

4.) Philippine Pyromusical Fireworks

If you and your lover have the kind of love that lights up the sky, then why not see fireworks? Literally.  Staged by the world's leading pyrotechnic experts, this event promises to paint the sky with a never-before-seen spectacle of lights and colors you and your date are sure to enjoy. The vibrant and colorful background will surely make a fetching backdrop for your photos of your date.

5.) Vask Tapas Room

Are you and your date looking for a dinner menu that is made in honor of the occasion? Then look no further than VASK Tapas Room as they will be featuring a special set menu comprised of nine dishes—many of which are new. Although the set menu may be a bit pricey (Php4900+ per head), it would all be worth it once you sink your teeth into an array of delectable delights that are made with classic Valentine's Day elements. Additionally, the main course is something to look forward to as particular attention is given to the braised prime ribs with mashed potato, basil and asparagus they will be serving. Guests will not only be coming home with an empty stomach, but they would each get to take home a surprise given by the restaurant. A souvenir to commemorate your Valentine's night spent at the restaurant.

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