November 12, 2008
(Original version: October 10, 2008)
Dear Our Awesome Planet Friends,
I started Our Awesome Planet, OAP for short, in January 2005 after the big Tsunami that hit South East Asia and before my first son Aidan was born in Asian Hospital.
In those times, the art of blogging is new. The only thing going for me is my love of photography and my love of anything related with technology. I am not a writer (at that time). The only things I ever wrote were my engineering related papers ( I am an Electronic Communications Engineering graduate) and project related documentations in P&G. At the onset, the only thing on my mind is to write for my newborn son, Aidan, a little bit of his parent’s history and his childhood days.
What Burns My Passion?
A lot of people have been asking me why I blog. I wrote an entry on this topic in my blog post: Why Blog? In a gist, OAP is a written dedication to our sons, Aidan and Joshua, so that they would have a documented history of their childhood. I hope that through these pages, our family’s adventure and significant milestones are immortalized. I still can’t forget the first time we brought Aidan to El Nido Palawan playing in the waters of Shimizu and Entalula Island; and our first time in the island of Balesin . I love sharing the excitement of learning that we are giving birth to another baby boy, waiting for Baby 4’s birth, and finally giving birth the La Maze way in Makati Medical Hospital.
***UPDATE 9/22/11: The Balesin island cannot be visited anymore and membership will by invitation only. The island is now owned by Alphaland Corporation. ***
I was tempted in the past to turn OAP into an online magazine but I decided to keep OAP as a family blog turning it to something like a virtual heirloom that will be handed on my sons. My wife Rache is now blogging at Mrs Awesome Planet hosted by Sanrio Town and my son Aidan just created his first blog post.
My Aspirations
If time would allow and destiny would be so kind, I aspire to be a respected food writer and historian like Doreen Fernandez, a National Geographic photographer like George Tapan, and a successful pro-blogger like Darren Rowse. Even though I am not there yet, I hope that my journey will inspire at least one soul to strive hard and be the best that he/she can be. In the end, even if I don’t become famous as Doreen, George or Darren, as long as I know that I left this world a little better, I think I made my mark!
My Many Firsts
Throughout my close to four years of blogging career, I’m proud to have shared the food and travel secrets of the Philippines. I predicted two dessert craze in the Philippines: the Cupcake Craze when Sonja first opened in Serendra and the Frozen Yogurt craze with the first Cold Spoon outlet in Angeles, Pampanga. I introduced a lot of people to the Great Bulacan Sale when we first discovered it in July 2005. I witnessed the excitement of seeing the first Filipino to climb Mt. Everest by my friend Romi Garduce (and finally, God willing, the first Filipino to climb the 7 Summits in 2010.)
I was fortunate to witness the early beginnings of Carlos Celdran’s Intramuros Tour, Ivan Man Dy’s Chinatown Food Tour, and Tina Decal’s culinary tour of Quezon. Together with Joel of Market Manila, and Lori of DessertsComesFirst, we pioneered Food Blogging in the Philippines. I also wrote the first blog posts on most of the Viaje del Sol destinations in 2005. Our Awesome Planet will always be remembered for its post on the virtual tour of the Mall of Asia and the opening of the first Imax in the Philippines. Also, I’m particularly proud of sharing the most comprehensive Awesome Calendar of the Philippines.
Most OAP readers love these unique OAP articles:
Secret Online Multiply Stores in Manila,
The Holy Bread of Padre Pio,
Top 10 Awesome Restaurants of the Philippines,
Top Ten 10 Cool Things to do in Boracay!, Boracay’s Mystique…, Top 5 Bora Resto!,
Boracay 101: A Bora First Timer’s Guide To Boracay’s Best Restaurants, Must Try Food and Gimmick Places
The Day Gary Vaynerchuck Rocked my Internet Marketing World,
Nothing Beats an Antonio’s Dinner in Tagaytay,
Bistro Filipino by Chef Laudico — Best Filipino Fusion Food,
I lust for Boutique , The Essential Guide to The Boutique, and
The Definitive Guide to T-House, Tagaytay.
I’m a die hard Green Archers Fan!
Turning Full Time in 2008.
To understand why I decided to go full time on my blogging career last May 2008, you got to read these four sentimental blog posts: Romi’s Everest and My One Big Dream, What’s your Everest?; Paalam Julia — Your Spirit Lives on; Summer of 2008: Love for Philippines, Rogin E update, and Taking OAP to the Next Level; and Why Blog. Recently, I wrote about achieving my 1,000 Blog Post blogging milestone. I was inspired by the Holy Spirit when I attended the first Kerygma Feast last November 2007 by Bo Sanchez and it gave me the courage to pursue my calling.
So What’s Next for OAP?
I’m preparing for 2010 which is the biggest turning point in the Philippine’s History. For the first time, we will elect the President that will turn around the development in the Philippines. For the first time, Philippines will be in the tourist consideration of the world’s travelers when Bohol, Palawan and Bicol will win in the New 7 Natural Wonders of Nature contest. This is also the time that Romi will be the first Filipino to climb the 7 highest summit in the world! I predict that Internet Marketing Businesses will boom in the Philippines in 2010. Lastly, I will be able to publish my OAP book: 100 Awesome Experiences Only in the Philippines! Together with OAP friends, we will write history as it unfold in the next 2 years.
About Our Awesome Planet
Our Awesome Planet (OAP for short) is a top lifestyle blog that documents the food and travel adventures of our family in real time. It showcases the best of food and travel destinations in the Philippines, ASEAN and the world. OAP readers are smart professionals/entrepreneurs with a family and foodies who love to travel.
Our Awesome Planet Blog and Social Media Statistics (as of September 19, 2014)
Founded: January 2005
Age of Blog: 9.5+ years (Pioneering Blog in the Philippines)
Total Number of Blog Posts: 2,564+ Posts
Total Number of Comments: 32,107+ Comments
Total Email Blog Subscribers: 8,524+ Email Subscribers
Facebook Page Fans: Our Awesome Planet | 126,427+ Fans
Twitter Followers: @antondiaz | 17,200+ Followers
Instagram Followers: @OurAwesomePlanet | 9,872+ Followers
Pinterest Followers: Our Awesome Planet | 2,237+ Followers
YouTube Followers: Anton Diaz | 889+ Subscribers
Google+: +AntonDiazPH | 5,867+ in Circles
Klout Score: 70
Live an Awesome Life,
Text and Photos by Anton Diaz. Copyright 2008.
Email: anton@diaz.ph
Blog: www.OurAwesomePlanet.com
P.S. Why Our Awesome Planet? I felt that the Lonely Planet Guide was not representing the Philippines very well. I wanted to share food and travel discoveries in the Philippines that was never published before. Usually these are secrets of different places that are only shared through word-of-mouth. Also, I felt “Lonely” was a little negative so I branded the blog with a more positive twist — Our Awesome Planet.
My husband and I love reading your blog. We have discovered many wonderful eateries from your site. More power to you! Can I share a terrible experience we had at a restaurant we had just eaten in?
A complete dining experience should mean good food, good service, friendly staff and owners, and clean surroundings. Customers should feel pampered and taken cared of. If you want to eat in a restaurant where the customers are never right and you feel there are so many restaurant policies and do’s and don’ts that you have to comply with, then eat at Pon Ukkokei Ramen House in Pasay Rd. (owned by El Gordo Co.). Hiroyuki Tamura, the owner chef will make you feel unwelcome. Their ramen noodles may be good but it certainly not worth the COOL, ICY treatment the owners and the receptionist, Monica give you. You are not allowed to take out your left over ramen soup. It needs to be consumed in the premises. God forbid, your little daughter can’t finish her bowl of soup, because she is not allowed to share it with anyone! The restaurant has a policy of NO SHARING, even if it isn’t a buffet menu. (When my brother-in-law dropped in and joined us, he wanted to get a taste of the soup. Having eaten, he just wanted to see what it tasted like. He ordered a beer and the waitress had given us a bowl. But when he was going to eat it, they told him he wasn’t allowed to!) I guess the restaurant would much rather see you throw away food and waste it than have someone in your party eat the left-over. Would appreciate it if you mention this to your readers.
Any suggestions on a good bowl of miso ramen soup in the Makati area where customers are appreciated and welcomed?
anton,
sulat ka naman ng unique but cheap christmas gift ideas based on your lakwatsas. 🙂
Dear Anton;
Blessed be…
Last year i make used of your top 10 places for a vacation and it so happen that our teachers selected only the one’s listed below that seems can fit our budget. however, when i started looking into their websites for contact info, it seems that they don’t have any number or offices here in manila. will it be too much to asked if you can email me reliable contact numbers. thanks and again more power to you!!!
Balai Isabel, Talisay, Batangas
Playa Calatagan, Calatagan, Batangas –
Bamboo Beach, Nasugbu, Batangas –
Cali Rana, Lake Caliraya, Cavinti, Laguna
Wonder Island, Calamba, Laguna
88 Spa and Resort, Pansol, Laguna
La Luz, San Juan, Batangas
More Power Anton!
Hi Mitch,
Musta na pards? It was a pleasant surprise to receive a comment from old
friends 🙂
Anton
Hi Anton,
How are you, friend? Great blogsite! Very interesting, especially for travel enthusiasts. I am so impressed!
May I invite you to take a look at my travel accessories website? Since I started my Trendy Travel Tools line last year, I have gotten a lot of great reviews for my travel accessories, especially my unique Packing Cubes (for neat and organized travel packing…You might want to check it out.:) More power and best regards!
Sansan
Hi Sansan, Musta na? What’s the URL of your website?
Hi! I’m doing good, thanks. 🙂 My website is at http://www.trendytraveltools.multiply.com. Please visit!
Hey! I just checked out your site and I really liked it. I handle the marketing and PR for theantitourist.com; a collective travel journaling site. Do you think you might be able to mention it on your site or link to it? We’d be happy to offer a link exchange, as well.
Thanks so much,
Marguerite
http://www.theantitourist.com
Hello,
As a beginner myself, I was really inspired by how you started your Our Awesome Planet Blog…
Blogging bogs me from the start..I just had mine with a free domain provider at Tumblr. From deciding what theme…to deciding what to write and posts…to sleepless nights if ever will make an inquiry to the things that I have posted…
I was thinking first if ever there was someone out there who will get to wander to my humble blog site…I was practically non-existent on leading search engines..with page ranks so low.
But reading your posts here…I think its very worthwhile spending time sharing something beautiful to who ever is out there ready to grasp the messages from a blog site.
If ever you have the time, please visit my site and I hope you could give expert advise as how to improve it.
I am here at :
http://www.butuantoday.tumblr.com
Thank You and hope to hear from you soon.
Francis (http://www.butuantoday.tumblr.com)
Hi Anton,
I’ve been hearing about this new Italian place in Tagaytay called Il Gallo Nero. Their chef is Italian I think, and while I’ve heard some things about the food, I wanted to recommend the place for you to review so you can, in turn, recommend it (or not) to us. 🙂 I find OAP to be a great and reliable resource when it comes to discovering new places to try and things to see. Hope you’ll consider it!
Thanks!
OK, Where is the Gallo Nero? I’ll check it out soon…
save pasig rver….and sve aur people…
….francis name viewer:….i was really very happy when i read your comment here in philippines OUR AWESOME PLANET blog site of filipino family anton diaz i like the ‘wandering’ ‘humble’ ‘sleepless nights’ so beautiful to hear from now on do not be sleepless coz oo naman you have the personality that most world’s ‘intellectuals’want to read-listen to lol!{seriously}how you express yourself ia an ART by itself & we love it lol….world’s ‘genuine’ intellectuals would want to read-hear about any ‘real’ CHALLENGES RESOURCES ANALYSIS DIFFICULTIES SOLUTIONS fact findings ADVENTURES SUBCONSCIOUS POSSIBLE FUTURE EVENTS POLITICAL CRITERIAS FUN FILLED CULTURES QUESTIONABLE ACTIVITIES-HAPPENINGS real life unusual love affairs{lol!}genuine enviromental concerns{big time lol}CONSTRUCTIVE criticisms filipinos social-mental healths like….ARE filipinos BORDERLINES or SIMPLY A CRASHING cultural-geographical TRUTHS? DILLUSIONS OR EXCUSES? MAKE A CHOICE..A HEALTHY WORLD OR A DISASTROUS WORLD WAITING TO HAPPENED? most of all is how you see the world coz that is your ‘gauges’ of how much you meant with what you tell say to your viewers maybe perhaps like me lol! OO NAMAN AT NAKU francis salamat ng marami sa mga social awareness contributions mo btw
can’t believe it s been that long! i try to remember how i first came across your site but i can’t clearly recall. i know i’ve been an avid reader since then. and that was 3 years ago. more power to you! Please keep in mind that you don’t only serve as the “411” for the filipino food lovers but as an inspiration to all of us non-pro writers/bloggers.
Thanks Ana 🙂 Oo nga ang tagal na… I can’t believe that time passes by
that fast.
Dear friends in the industry!
For our upcoming issue in Appetite, we would like to ask you to contribute by answering this question: What are your recent fantastic food finds?
Your participation in this activity will be highly appreciated.
Thank You!
Please reply to this email address: cc angela.robinson@megapublishinggroup.com
Cheers!
Annie Nisce
Managing Editor
Appetite Magazine
Hi Anton!
We’re newly open restaurant located at Global City, The Fort, the name of our restaurant is Sushi California it’s a Modern Japanese restaurant. We served all kind of Japanese menu like fusion rolls, you can compare our food to other Japanese restaurant here in the Metro. Please try our special fusion roll. We are located at G/F OneMcKinley Place 4th Ave. Global City, Taguig.
Thank you and more power.
Hi Anton,
Love your site!! I always check out your site if I want to try some place new, and you are never wrong with your reviews!
Just wanted to tell you, recently went to Charlie’s to try the burgers everyone is raving about, and honestly, even if I was expecting that it will be the usual over reviewed place, it was really good. All the food, diner type, was actually quite yummy, and with price point, very worth it. Plus I really say how ingenious it was to create a cafe in a car wash… fabulous idea!
I also recently went to an old resto in Malate — Adriatico Arms Hotel — and its still as homey with fantastic home cooked food. I didn’t have time to pre-order their Iberian Chicken (not to mistake for other wanna-bes out there) — by the way if you haven’t tried it, as I remember, it is the owner’s grandmother’s recipe, totally worth it to try! But anyway, instead we tried three fabulous dishes. The tangingue creole — I don’t know about how they serve it in New Orleans, but it was so fresh and flavorful! Together with it, we had their ampalaya sa gata (with prawns), and having been told by the waiter that the owners were Bicolanos, they did great justice to the cuisine as a whole. YUUUUM! We also had their kilawin — hmmmmm… nice and spicy! But they said we were lucky cause they would only serve that if they had fresh fish to work with.
Anyway, looking forward to more of your reviews… and maybe you want to review my suggestions above. But nonetheless, keep them all comin my friend!
cheers,
Sara
Hi Perry,
Thanks for the comment and tip. I passed by Sushi California when it opened.
Don’t you think prices are a bit expensive? Any specialty that is a must
try?
anton
Hi Sara,
Sige, I will check out the iberian chicken in Adriatico Arms hotel.
anton
Hi Anton,
Our specialty is our fusion roll its different from other Japanese restaurant. You can try our food first and your the one can tell if our prices is expensive. Hope to see you here in our restaurant. Thank you.
Perry
Hi Anton,
That’s great, you’ll have to call a day in advance though for the Chicken.
Hope you enjoy it!
Checking out your site now cause looking for a place my hubby and i can try tonight…exciting!
ciao!
Sara
Hello Anton,
Great job on fueling your passion for having strong interests in what you love doing!
As most have reported, it’s very useful to provide plenty of insight (high-rez pictures and content) to those who search for food establishments you have personally validated. For some reason, I can’t seem to find a commercial place in Manila that provides review of quality restaurants in the area or maybe I haven’t searched hard enough. For example in the US, there are plenty of books, magazines, newspapers and electronic publications to seek. Typically, use http://seattle.citysearch.com and http://www.yelp.com since these are a good source in my area. Then for hard paper, use Zaggat. If you are not aware, this is a nationally recognize review guide, done buy ordinary consumers. Great thing about Zaggat is if a restaurant has earned their approval, restaurants can feature the Zaggat sticker on their front door.
Although your passion seems to showcase a lot of fine restaurants in the area, do you have plans to feature the city’s best espresso? Please don’t include the major chains like Starbucks, Seattle’s Best Coffee as these places are mainstream establishments. What the untrained consumer may not realize they are in the business to make money and during this practice comes to sacrificing quality. Notice most drinks they serve are milked based? There is a reason for that. One is to mask the bitterness in the coffee. Don’t get me wrong, they do taste good, but it defeats the whole experience. However, real espresso is served straight in a demitasse cup. If properly prepared, it is supposed to be a very aromatic, intense, bitter-sweet and sometimes sweet cup of coffee. In order to find this optimal espresso, we refer to a God Shot, will require seeking a barista with a strong passion for the art and plenty of experience. If you are interested in this venture, please seek out some in the area and let us know.
If at some point you want to be able to experience this espresso in your own home, then you may be interested in learning about home espresso. Here is my setup at home. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Db-QO3yyG1E
Thanks!
Tom
Thanks Tom for the detailed comment! I’ll ask some friends who are in the
coffee industry in the Philippines if there is indeed a best espresso
somewhere. Mukhang wala…
We’ve linked your blog on WMN!
Hi!
WMN.ph, a recently launched female lifestyle portal tied in with QTV, did a feature on blogs recently. We just want you to know that we linked your blog in the feature’s sidebar (the image is clickable). 🙂
Do check it out.
http://www.wmn.ph/article/343/make-money-from-blogging
If you’re open to writing for WMN, or if you’d want to team up for something in the future, do not hesitate to contact us! 🙂
More power to your blog!
Thanks!
Jillian
Content Manager/Editor
Can you please recommend a place to stay in Tagaytay (1 night) for 10 people and also one in Batangas, also in night. Thanks.
Sana po we can search for restaurants by area. Any chance that’s possible? Thanks!
Hi Anton!
I started reading your website when I was in search of a new resto and/or good food. Then I began reading your non-food related blogs also. I admire your love for the country and by by showing it thru a non-traditional way (hindi aktibista).
Eventually you inspired me to try blogging and finally I got the chance to do so. I only have one entry so far but what the heck, every journey starts with the first step right? 🙂
I just want to thank you for the burst of inspiration.
Hope more success comes your way and may you continue to inspire other people define their ultimate day.
Hi Anton,
I’ve been a follower of your blog since I stumbled on it 2 years ago. Lately I had it linked to my blog so I could easily get an update. You’re awesome as your blog is. Kudos!
France
hi anton,
nice site you got here… i also have my food adventure here in Japan. Hope you can visit japan and try the foods that i mentioned in my site
http://www.insightsandeyesights.wordpress.com
hello anton 🙂 i really need your help getting intouch with the owners of Balai Taal. THis is Thea Ocana from My Big Event wedding coordination company. email address: mybigevent@yahoo.com. woull like to come up to tagaytay on MOnday to take a look at their venue and bring my clients with me.
Hi Anton, I thought of deleting our own travel log when I saw how nice your blog is. But hey, as long as we could help in our own little ways. When I get the chance to bump into you in one of our travels, don’t be surprised if I’d go up to you and say hello.
Hi! Mr. Anton,
I love your site. It really helps us a lot.
My family and I are having a bit problem finding a restaurant
that will be open on Christmas Eve, Can you help us find one?
Because this is the 1st Christmas that it will only be the 4 of us,
So we decided to just eat out. We love seafood… ^_^
I hope you can help us,
Khang
Hi Khang,
You're best bet is to reserve in a hotel. A lot of people will be in
the restaurants in the Hotel. For seafoods, Shangrila Circles has one
of the better buffets. There are also 24 hours restos in Makati —
Old Swiss Inn and Whistlestop that you can try to reserve.
Anton
I’m looking forward to your book!
dear anton,
I just recently discovered your blog site and i really enjoy reading and learning the different resto and places our country can offer. I find most of the places featured are not really for the ordinary people. I want to share with you and your reader the small quaint bakery i discovered at of all places murphy cubao. I was in a jeepney on my way to rosario pasig from cubao when the sweet aroma of freshy baked bread got my attention. It was in 15th ave. near the corner of main ave. that i get off the jeepney and followed the trail of the aroma of freshly baked b it brought me to a small bakery named enteng’s tinapay I bought ten pesos pan de sal at two pesos each and finished it all in one sitting there is nothing like a freshly baked bread. the pan de sal is big for two pesos and has good texture. I washed it down with a bottle of cheers. for fifteen pesos I had an enjoying snack. I learned from the shopkeeper that their breads are made with kalabasa. I’m not really fun of kalabasa but their’s kalabasa pan de sal is really good. I also tried their cinnamon bread for 5 pesos and its also good. I was also told by the shopkeeper that aside from using kalabasa which is healthy they also don’t use refined sugar so you can enjoy bread with less guilt and healthy. I also bought some more breads to bring home and their loaf bread with kalabasa only cost 30 pesos. with the price of todays goods and high cost of sugar. I cant’ believe that we can still find small shop like this bakery where our meager pesos still has value. More power
Thanks James for this! We will visit this place one of these days… mukhang interesting Kalabasa Bread.
Anton
Hi! Stumbled onto your blog as I was looking up reviews for Grassi’s. And then stumbled back again when I googled the name of Benilde’s practicum restaurant. Read through more posts until I got to this page. I wish you all the best and I admire you for taking not only the leap to do this full time, but moreso, your very positive reviews and posts.
Hi Rosa,
Thanks for the comment and for reading my posts 🙂
Sent from Danao Adventure Park in Bohol
i’m Inspired by all of your works and I’m subscribe to you ever since. keep inspiring more people and kudos to you!
Visit Waiting Shed
Thanks so much for this comment and appreciation 🙂
Hi Anton…i’ve been looking at your blog once in a while whenever i wanted to see new place somewhere . Your blog is more than helpful!..it’s so interesting to read your stories about the place. And your own story as well…very humbly written. You have such a great, wonderful blog!.you’re such a good inspiration to new bloggers….( like me ).
More power to you!
Thanks Jean for appreciating all our efforts 🙂 I live to inspire Filipinos through our experiences…
hi anton,
wow, great blog! i happen to stumble to your page when a friend is inviting me to the ulitmate food taste test. when i googled it, i got your link: https://awesome.blog/awesome/2010/05/ultimate-taste-test-4.html.
and though i have only read a few lines from your articles, it amazes me how you made this a great piece. your statement caught me “keep OAP as a family blog turning it to something like a virtual heirloom that will be handed on my sons”. and that inspired me, because i also have a 5-year old princess. =) i have also started blogging, but not full time, and now currently pushing myself back to it. after going through some of your posts, i am now excited to get back to my page and update it.
thank you and more power!
ketch
You're welcome, Ketch! Thanks for the appreciation 🙂
You have a very informative site Anton! I enjoyed reading. I realized only now that though I didn’t know about your site back then, but we discovered Marsha Adams through your blog! Haha! How ironic. But thanks for that! 🙂
Thanks for the comment! you have an interesting site as well 🙂
Dear Anton,
You are one of our invites to partner with our history/ social /volunteerism GK tours, since we are both powered by the Holy Spirit and have the same storyline in life, we are looking for people with a good Heart & passionate about the Philippines. Send me your thoughts . need to preapre the team for the Oct 10 launch with Pnoy.
god bless,
emer guingon
Hi Emer,
Let's meet next week. Will text you.
Anton
Hi Anton,
I’ve sent you an email @ anton@diaz.ph,
hope you can help me there.
Thanks a lot.
btw,
I love your blogs, I always check the places that I/We want to visit first, and see your feedbacks.
~MaCk
Hi Anton. I am not sure how I heard about you, but a few of my friends mentioned you. One mentioned you in the context of food and the other one mentioned you as a pro-blogger. That is why I googled you. I started blogging upon the insistence of my husband and some friends. I used to be afraid of technology and the internet. I love writing though and I love sharing to people my thoughts that is why I decided to try it out.
Anyway, you are doing a great job, so congratulations. Your blogs are comprehensive and informative.
God bless you and your family!
Anna Moran
Hi Anton:
I’ve been an avid fan of your blogs since my boyfriend, your co-Jaycee, introduced it to me. I was wondering if you can also do blogs for online stores?
Our store is at http://www.shopwiser.multiply.com.
I hope you can find time to visit our site. It’s been up for 8 months now, but it wasn’t till about last month that we decided to fix it and make it more eye-friendly and informative. I hope our site will please you, and you can someday write a blog about us. =)
Karen for Shopwiser
Hi Karen,
I wanted to do an online shop review, this will be my priority project in 2011 🙂 Thanks for this…
Anton
hi anton,
i am gladys santos-ledina of habitat for humanity phils..we are an intl NGO based in the phils with the vision of building a world where everyone has a decent place to live in.
we are organizing a BLOGGERS BUILD on 27 November 2010, 9am-2pm in our project site in Pasig City.
may we respectfully invite you to join us in this experience and help spread our advocacy for homes for the deserving homeless.
if you are interested, please
text me at 0917-5547783.
thank you
gladys santos-ledina
Hi Gladys,
Thanks for the invitation! I have a class on Nov. 27, do you have another schedule in December or maybe in January?
Anton
Hi Anton,
This is Steph Sy from the Ateneo Association of Communication Majors (ACOMM), home organization of all Communication Majors of the Ateneo de Manila University. Our vision is to instill awareness and incite action among Filipinos by developing competent and socially responsible media practitioners.
Our organization is inviting you to become the speaker & special guest for our Online Marketing Workshop. We admire your blog site and are greatly interested in hearing about OAP, your blogging success and some tips. :)Would you be open to give a talk to us?
The event will be held in Ateneo de Manila University some time within January 17-21, 2010. We hope to hear from you soon! 😀 Many thanks!
You may directly contact me at 0917-8071990
Steph
Mr. Anton Diaz,
I am a follower of your blog, Avid fan of your blog 🙂
My first post in my Triod blog is about Food blogger,
So I included your blog in my post 🙂
Is it ok with you? If not, I could delete it 🙂 Thanks 🙂
Hi Anton.. sorry for intruding to your website like this but as you reach a number of netizens I thought I would be able to reach kind-hearted individuals as well. I’m Ludy from Cavite, Philippines. I have a 10-month-old baby nephew diagnosed with biliary atresia last Aug 2010 who needs liver transplant. The cost of the operation is 3-4 million. The family have been raising funds since then… I thought I could also do my share by posting for help in the internet hoping that people will support our cause.
PLS VISIT (http://joaquinfundraising.blogspot.com/ OR http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=147882815227710). You may email me at joaquipascual@gmail.com. Again, sorry for this unrelated comment — Thank you and God bless!
Yes that should be fine. Thanks for mentioning OAP!
Hi Anton,
I’d like to invite you to visit Sidcor Sunday Market at Centris Walk every Sunday morning from 6am-2pm. I’m sure you’ll find some interesting eats there.
We also have a stall there, we’re selling Carrot Juice with Fruit Blends. This is one of a kind and I’m sure you’ll love it.
We also have another business — Villa Angela Heritage House.
You can check it out at http://www.villangela.com
See you on Sunday!
Hi Ninay,
Wow interesting. Sige, I'll check sidcor one of these sundays.
Anton
Hi Anton A friend of mine recommended your Blog to me I am a Blogger too and I write just about anything bout my own life weeeeehhh I love the reviews you’ve made about restaurants in Manila my Partner and i love eating and we’ve been to almost the same restos the past 4 years.. he is an expat and we are soon to move to Cambodia well i just hope that we’ll get to visit more restos mentioned here. I don’t cook I just eat this is a great help.. Thanks so much
Thanks for the comment and you're very much welcome!
Hi Anton. Where can we email you if we want to send you an invitation to a press lunch?
You can email me at anton@diaz.ph. We don't usually attend press lunches.
Hi Anton! I just wanted to drop a note to say your blog is very inspiring. Congratulations and here’s hoping that you achieve all that you aspire for.:)
Cheers,
Pauline
http://pinaytraveller.com
Thanks Pauline for the comment 🙂 I appreciate it very much and this keeps me inspired to do what I set out to do. Salamat and good luck to your blog too!
Anton, Cannot link up with you on FB. All set for Saturday?
Hi Anton,
Permission to post event information of 1st Farmers and Chefs Meet-up.
What happens when The Farmer meets The Chef?
Date:Sept. 17, 2011 2:00-7:00 pm
Venue: Magsaysay Institute of Hospitality and Culinary Arts (MIHCA) Makati Branch
Event information and registration is available at http://www.eventbrite.com/waitlist-view?eid=2088626137
Thank you and hope you can join us in this exciting event!
Organizers
Farmers and Chefs meet-up/DineontheFarm events
http://www.dineonthefarm.com
i really doubt your taste in food and restaurants.
Taste is very subjective and everyone is entitled to their own opinion.
The blog documents our families adventure in food and travel.
Hi Anton:
I am with a group that is interested in the giant lantern festival in Pampanga. I understand you take groups there every year. Can you send me information on that and will you be doing that again this year. I will have a bus load of about 20 people. Thanks, KIM
Yes, here is more info about the 2012 Ultimate Pampanga Ligligan Parul Tour – https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=230229113706844
Hi Anton,
I was searching for information about Antonio’s and I kept on finding myself in your blog site, you have a very detailed info about the places you’ve been most specially on the one place I’ve been planing to go to soon. My gf and his family is arriving next month, she will be here until January a month short of her birthday. So I’m planning a simple surprise for her, so simple that it’s either it would be just me and her or together with her siblings and cousins who’s also from the US. I was thinking of doing breakfast at Antonio’s, that patio with the breathe taking view is just simply perfect. So if you don’t mind I have a few questions to ask… Is it better to go there on a weekday than a weekend since it’s a well known place and I’m sure it will always be full of patrons? What’s your estimate on how much breakfast would be per person? I have a special cake customized just for her, you think the staff will be more than willing to help on the surprise?
Hoping for your reply soon. Thank you.
Neil.
how can we have you try our new business? where can I PM you? kindly advise. thanks!
ECE ka rin pala! 🙂 Nakaka inspire. hehe. Dream ko din na maging influential mga blogs ko. hehehe.
I wonder if you sell text link ads on you site
hi sir anton,
i saw the workshop deal at okayokay.com and bumped into your website.
glad to read the posts and the adventures.. saw the lovely family pic too..
God bless always!
krissy
Thanks Krissy for dropping by OAP 🙂
Good day Sir Anton. I just like to ask if we could interview you regarding to our research thesis, the title is Electronic Word of Mouth : Effects of Food Reviews by the Food Bloggers to the Selected Restaurants in Quezon City. We will just ask some questions regarding our topic, and if you wouldn’t mind may we record the interview and take some picture. Because in our thesis we are required to interview food bloggers and restaurant management teams of the restaurants that has been reviewed. I hope you’re interested sir. We are BSHRM students from Centro Escolar University at Malolos. Thank you and God bless po.
Sir we hope that you will respond with a Yes cause we badly like you to have in our thesis.
If you like our proposal please reply for your other contact details po. Salamat po.
I am Christian Angeles po leader of the group.
my contact no. 09164766715
Email : christian15angeles@gmail.com
Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/chan015uno
Twitter : https://twitter.com/chian015uno
Tumblr : http://christian15angeles.tumblr.com/
Sir maraming salamat po. Hoping for your positive response.
At last, I found time to thank you for that “awesome” planner I have (for 2012). It was a gift from colleagues. And I have continued to enjoy it as always. Especially after discovering that it has tips for a Palawan escapade (we’re getting set for Coron in November). I know it will be really helpful…as it would have been, had I got it earlier before our Bohol trip. Yes, I faithfully read the monthly articles (months back because I’m saving the others for the next). Congratulations again and thanks for sharing your family’s travel experience!
Thanks for the feedback and glad you enjoyed it! Appreciate the comment on the blog 🙂
Hi Anton,
Beautiful blog of top 10 Philippine Beaches. How is it possible that All Hands Beach located in Subic Bay can be included in your blog. We shall be happy to hear from you in the future. Why not consider visiting our beach at your most convenient schedule? Our website is http://www.allhandsbeach.com.
Keep on the good work. God bless you always.
Ptr. Renee Verzosa
All Hands Beach
Marketing Officer
Hi Anton,
Grabe ang trending dito sa website mo ah.
Can you please help me to improve my site? http://www.lets-go-philippines.com
Looking forward to hear from you.
Jay
Hi there,
I was wondering if you could give us a few tips for an upcoming visit to The Philippines. We land in Manila on 23rd December 2013 and are looking for something ‘Christmassy’ to do for a few days in that area if possible, if not we were thinking of heading to one of the islands and spending Christmas and New Year on an island – which would you recommend?
We are in The Philippines from 23rd December 2013 – 17 January 2014 and would like to incorporate at least the following key attractions:
Manila
Boracay
Donsol (whale sharks)
North Luzon (Banaue rice terraces)
Is there anywhere else that you would strongly recommend? Possibly Bohol? Cebu? Palawan? If you could help us with an itinerary it would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks and kind regards
James
Hello,
My name is Sam Marquit, I am an independent ‘green’ contractor and co-author of Fair Marquit Value I am wondering if you’re interested in featuring me on your blog because I would love a chance to speak with your readers about the idea of environmentally responsible tourism as it’s applied in modern day travel and stay.
If you think this topic, or any other for that matter, would be of interest to your readers, please let me know and I can begin drafting up something that I believe will mesh with your blog very well.
I look forward to hearing back from you; hopefully we can work together on spreading the word on important topics like this as they relate to environmental awareness!
I look forward to hearing from you,
Sam
Hi!
Heard you are interested in bringing Mercatto Centrale to CDO. I’ve got a place to propose to you guys if you are interested. Email me at my Email address posted below. Thanks!
Hi
This is John Soriano, I have a french and italian wine store SOMMELIER SELECTION. We are now offering food swell.. Cheese and meat.
Anything that can be bought in my store cannot be found anywhere else in Manila as I sell them exclusively from Europe to the Philippines.
I am a personal fan of your blog and I would be honored if you can feature us yes?
Im hoping for your reply so we can arrange regarding your terms on how you can feature my store.
You may contact me at 0917 8851931
or email me at: ecommerce_ssi@icloud.com
Hi
I noticed you don’t have an arcticle about ecotourism in Brazil…
It’s actually something I can write for your as a guest blogger.
Let me know if you are interested =)
Thanks!
Best
I was just browsing in food blogs when I came upon this. Since now is almost the end of 2013, do you know if this ramen soup restaurant is still open? My all-time favorite food is soup – all kinds. Now, if it is still open, then their soup must really be extra-ordinary, and customers do not mind the other unpleasantness(which I definitely will).
Awesome blog bro…I hope to meet
you soon. Best and God Bless!
Hi, Anton.
I’m one of your many followers, all information are helpful in your blog, hope someday you can visit my blog and maybe you can suggest for improvements. 🙂
Thanks,
Ace
http://www.travel-facesandplaces.com/
Hi, Anton!
I’m one of your many followers, I always look forward in coming home to the Philippines during Summer and visit places me and my family never been to. And I find your blog very interesting as well as informative because it give us ideas on where to go and things to do, added to that are your colorful infographicmaps that I really find very helpful which makes us our travel experiences more fun and exciting. Aside from the infographicmap in your blog is there a way we can get or purchase the actual map? As I’d like to have a hard copy of all your infographic maps. Hoping for your response. Keep up the good work. God bless you always.
Thanks,
Jeanette
Hi Anton!
I started reading your website when I was in search of a new resto and/or good food. Then I began reading your non-food related blogs also. I admire your love for the country and by by showing it thru a non-traditional way (hindi aktibista).
Eventually you inspired me to try blogging and finally I got the chance to do so. I only have one entry so far but what the heck, every journey starts with the first step right? 🙂
I just want to thank you for the burst of inspiration.
Hope more success comes your way and may you continue to inspire other people define their ultimate day.
nice 🙂
nice…
aileen@granite.ph