BIG LOVE by ALESSI

Ice cream Bowl and Spoon designed by Miriam Mirri

BIG LOVE - Ice Cream Bowl by ALESSI
Designer Miriam Mirri created a large ice cream dish for lovers complete with a special double heart shaped spoon - so you can share your passion for ice cream with your loved one!

The idea being that you eat off one side of the spoon & your other half - eats off the other half!!! A rather eccentric idea that was developed in collaboration with Haägen Dazs ice cream gurus.

The Designer:

Creating pieces that offer each being another chance to live life to its fullest, Miriam Mirri has specialized in the design of pieces that exude emotion and feeling that translate to the lives of observers and consumers in a frequently cold, modern society. Her pieces for Alessi exhibit these fun-loving characteristics to the fullest and offer yet another chance for people to smile.

Upcoming Transformers Animated Figures preview

1) JAZZ- second-in-command of the Cybertron Elite Guard. He came to Earth alongside Ultra Magnus and Sentinel Prime. Jazz is a trained ninja, and wields a pair of nunchuku in battle, he reminds me of Prowl...it would be awesome to put them side by side like..Black ninja vs. White ninja.


2) Snarl- Snarl makes a return in the Transformers: Animated series along with Grimlock and Swoop; however, this time he is styled like the G1 Dinobot Slag instead of the G1 Dinobot of the same name. Due to the fact that "slag" is sexual slang in the UK Hasbro will be releasing a triceratops toy named Snarl instead.
3)Swoop- I came across this image/preview of swoop which apparently leaked out.
I can't wait for these two Figures to be released...something to look forward to .

Tranformers Animated Blackarachnia Toy

Blackarachnia transforms into a mechanical spider with some organic aesthetic. She features fairly effective light-piping for all four of her robot mode eyes, as the entire back half of her head is translucent red plastic. Many of her pointier parts are molded in softer plastic to keep unfortunate children from putting their eyes out. Her hands are not jointed at all, due in no small part to her slender wrists and the design of her transformation scheme. This limits her posability somewhat, but her articulation still allows for a wide variety of fairly natural looking poses. She comes with a grapnel hook accessory. This is spring-loaded, with a jointed claw at the end of it. Pressing a button causes it to retract along the string. It may be mounted on her abdomen in spider mode, or her back in robot mode, via two different sets of pegs. There are also a peg hole in each wrist, for a web slining action.

Just wanted to thank Mike for picking this one up for me at the launch date in Megamall !!!!

Paradise Birds Salt & Pepper by ALESSI

The Alessi Paradise Birds Salt & Pepper, designed by Stefano Giovannoni, are hand decorated salt and pepper shakers which add a whimsical touch reminiscent of 18th century ceramic trinkets while still being utterly functional and contemporary. Part of the OrienTales collection, the Alessi Paradise Birds Salt & Pepper Shakers are made from durable thermoplastic resin molded in the shape of birds.

Shanghainese Food!!!

I'm craving some good Shanghainese food. No such thing here in Manila, but I can look at pictures during my last trip to Vancouver. When your In Richmond BC you should stop by the following Chinese restaurants.


The restaurant is not elegant or high-end, and you shouldn't come and expect it to be. The place is in Ackroyd mall on no.3 road, so it's quite cramped. The doorway doesn't have a lot of room, so often people are crammed at the entrance trying to get a seat.

It was quite packed when I went there they offered a "shared" table but I declined. Anyway when I got seated They had these really yummy buns which are shaped like rosettes, which you then dip into condensed milk, and their Pork Knuckle was really good . It's a great restaurant and there's good reason it's always so packed. Try going at non-peak times if you're trying it for the first time.

Top Shanghai Cuisine Restaurant
8100 Ackroyd Road
Richmond BC
Tel: 604-278-8798

They serve authentic and delicious dishes from Shanghai, China. Reservations are a must, and consider going a bit early to avoid the rush.

The dinners are a good bargain, they have a section of entree dishes that go for $8.88. The portions are pretty impressive especially for being under $10. Their lettuce wraps are tasty too, they do offer it in chicken, duck, beef, and pork as well. The shanghai dumplings were very tasty, filled with pork and a rich broth.

I make it a point to eat here everytime I visit Vancouver. The chef here used to be the Chef at Shanghai Wind (across from Richmond Center) If you want to check it out they are open for dinner from 5pm to 9:45pm and for lunch from 11am to 2:45pm, closed Tuesdays.

Shanghai Wonderful Restaurant
110 - 8380 Lansdowne Road,
Richmond, BC, Canada
phone: 604-278-8829

Preview of G5 store

Just wanted to give a sneak peek of the upcoming new store In G5

Conlins: Home Elements

Elements are principles of design, which are the building blocks used to create works of art. The elements of design can be thought of as the things that make up the core foundation of life and style.

Conlins:Home Elements acts as an axis for individuals who possesses an appreciation for unique luxury and designer products and brands. Conlins gives individuals the opportunity to find items, which convey their own personal message — without using words only speaking though their style. Each element contributes to the mood and the design of the space. For individuals, the quality of element is a fundamental expression of their own style.

“Can you identify each element in your own style...”

The Designer and Architect:

JoHanna Tracy Ang-Lim studied in the world famous Parsons school of art and design. She consistently pushes the boundaries of architecture and design. Her designs intensify existing elements in pursuit of encompassing all fields of design ranging from interiors to furniture. Carrying with her years of experience overseeing renovations and developments. She is renowned for brining each commission a fresh spirit, celebrating its distinctive characteristics, and enhancing the experience of daily living, working and playing. "Live, Life, Play..."

Green Light for Green Belt 5

Green Belt 5: The country’s premier lifestyle haven, Ayala Malls' Greenbelt, provides a unique shopping experience to the chic and the savvy fashionista, the hardworking businessman, and the family. With its high quality, specialty shopping, dining and entertainment areas, the cosmopolitan consumer is rewarded with a space that mingles indoor and outdoor elements in fluid harmony. Greenbelt's roster of prominent, world-class retailers, restaurateurs, and entertainment operators makes it an unparalleled shopping and entertainment destination. This multi-awarded lifestyle center adds yet another premium and top-class development in the pipeline- the newest and highly anticipated Greenbelt 5!

We looked at a space that they offered us for Green Belt 5 and it looks great! Im really stoked about this new store, now all I'm waiting for is the negotiations to be done and over with. Anyway Construction will commence by the end of the month, and it should be up and running by September. I'll post a perspective when it becomes available =)

Jasper Morrisons Pots and Pans

The new 'Pots & Pans' range by Alessi are a wonderfully simple looking pan set, that reveal fabulous innovative details. Designed by Jasper Morrison, the 'Pots & Pan' range includes everything from saucepans and casserole to frying pans and pasta pots. Each pan is made from stainless steel and features an aluminium and steel base that heats quickly and evenly. The true beauty however is in the small details like the flared lip for clean pouring, a lovely gentle curving base that's easy to get a spoon around, and the fabulous heavy lids that can be lifted by slipping a spoon under the distinctive handle. Durable and practical pans, the Alessi range is free of chemical coatings and plastic parts and offers an elegant and simple design perfect for any kitchen. Part of Alessi's new affordable range, A di Alessi, the 'Pots & Pan' are dishwasher safe. Available at ALESSI Store on Fort Boifacio High Street

Boukenger Vs. Gekiranger

Finally this is available for download. I've been waiting for this movie to come out for ages. It was originally released in March of 2008 as a direct to dvd in Japan, I will finally get to see the swan song of the Boukengers!

In Juken Sentai Gekiranger vs. Boukenger (獣拳戦隊ゲキレンジャーＶＳボウケンジャー, Jūken Sentai Gekirenjā tai Bōkenjā?), the Gekiranger team meets up with the team from GoGo Sentai Boukenger. Dark Shadow's Shizuka of the Wind sneaks into SCRTC to steal a mysterious red jewel, leading to the Gekirangers confronting her. When BoukenBlack, BoukenYellow, and BoukenBlue appear, a battle among the three groups over the jewel occurs until Satoru Akashi arrives and takes the jewel. Soon after, Master Sha-Fu reveals that the red jewel in his possession is one of two that belonged to the evil Cosmic Kenpō Master Pachacamac XII (宇宙拳法の使い手パチャカマック１２世, Uchū Kenpō no Tsukaite Pachakamakku Jū Ni Sei?), who was defeated by Brusa Ee. Sakura, revealed to be possessed by Pachacamac, goes after the blue jewel in the Confrontation Beast Hall, and with Satoru, they battle Rio and Mele, who join them soon after to gain the power that the Cosmic Kenpō style offers. The Gekirangers and Boukengers team up to stop them, and Dark Shadow, before they resurrect Pachacamac.

Monday

I hate Mondays, its always the start of a long week. There is always a lot of work to catch up on , but there is also the start or new episodes of some of my favorite shows.



So You think You Can Dance: Top 16 will be competing for your votes.


Go-onger: Sibling Battle!? When Nokogiri Banki returns upgraded as Chainsaw Banki, the Go-ongers and Go-on Wings must call upon a new ally, appearing the Go-on Wings mentor: Jum-bowhale.



Doctor Who: The Doctor's secret army of allies comes together to defend the Earth from the new Dalek Empire. With battles raging on the streets and in the sky, the Doctor and Donna confront the Shadow Proclamation to find the truth; however, a fearsome old enemy waits in the shadows.

Thats all the shows that I am looking forward to this week ...

Go-onger Mecha

Okay I finally got some time to take som epics of my new toys =) I was really stoked that I found these when I was in Hong Kong. It took me along time to find Jetras and Triopter. But when I found them I was quite happy... then on my way back to Manila I happened to stumble on Carrigator in the Airport.

I was excited because Iwould never have imagined Toie using a chicken for of the themes of their mecha.

Engine Carrigator (炎神キャリゲーター, Enjin Kyarigētā^?) is an orange-colored hybrid of an alligator and a trailer with a samurai persona, able to carry two Engines on his back. He ends his sentences with "Gator Gaator!" (ゲタゲータ！, Geta Gēta!^?). When fully introducing himself, Carrigator says, "The giant celebrity!! Engine Carrigator" (ジャイアントな千両役者！！炎神キャリゲーター, Jaianto na senryō yakusha!! Enjin Kyarigētā^?). Being of the powerful and legendary Gian Clan, Carrigator can combine with any Engine without need of a human partner.

Carrigator: Everybody loves an alligator and a trailler. Overall The toy itself dosent do anything, you can insert the engine soul into his mouth and he will say a few phrases. He's long, orange, and pretty much forms the main body and head of Gunbir-O.

Engine Jetras (炎神ジェットラス, Enjin Jettorasu^?) is Go-on Silver's partner, a steamlined black/silver hybrid of a tiger (トラ, tora^?) and a fighter jet with a calm personality and ends his sentences with "Geeeeeeeeeeen!" (ギーン！, Gīn!^?, an onomatopeia of a jet flying by at supersonic speeds). With his wings and amazing offensive abilities, he can fire the Jetras Torahawk (ジェットラストラホーク, Jettorasu Torahōku^?) cruise missile from the mouth. He can perform the Jetras Phantom (ジェットラスファントム, Jettorasu Fantomu^?), creating clones to confuse the enemy.

Jetras: The color scheme consists mostly of a silver and black composition. You can insert a Jetras cruiser missle which can be fired from his mouth. He can combine with Engine-Oh and Toripter to form the left arm of Engine-Oh Jetripter. Also, he forms the left shoulder of Engine-Oh G9, with his rudder and elevators forming the head.

Engine Toripter (炎神トリプター, Enjin Toriputā^?) is Go-on Gold's partner, a red and gold hybrid of a chicken (ニワトリ, niwatori^?) and a helicopter with a lively prankster personality who is a master in aerial dogfights while ending his sentences with "Batabata Bata!" (バタバタバタ！, Batabatabata!^?, an onomatopeia of a helicopter's rotor blades whirring). With his rotor blades, he can perform the Toripter Batariot (トリプターバタリオット, Toriputā Batariotto^?), firing a endless supply of bullets from his turrets.


Triopter: Overall the colors are amazing: the red offsets the gold tones really well. The robot itself does't do very much, it has a spinning helicopter blade. He can combine with Engine-Oh and Jetras to form the right arm of Engine-Oh Jetripter. Also, he forms the right shoulder of Engine-Oh G9, with his tails forming "goggles" for Speedor.

Tea and Coffee Towers Hong Kong 2008

My last trip to Hong Kong ALESSI had brought in the TEA and COFFEE TOWERS exhibit in the Landmark by The Mandarin in Central.

It was amazing seeing all the prototypes in person.

Alessi's 'tea and coffee towers' project: a new landscape of objects designed by contemporary architects, an exhibition that combines the expression of architecture with the language of design.

The piazza is conceived as a landscaped tray, with vessels for tea, coffee, milk and sugar, nestling in its hollows. The ovals of the four components are formally seen as continuous surfaces that transform from handle to spout. The receptacles are luxuriously made of silver and the presentation platter is composed of an under-layer of dark orange plastic and a top layer of polished silver in which the reflections of the vessels undulate across the surface.

By UNSTUDIOS

Next week on Go-onger

I was browsing the net and found th teaser to next weeks episode=)

They will be introducing the third Wing engine to go along with Triopter and Jetoras: together they form Seiku-oh





Engine Jum-bowhale (炎神ジャンボエール, Enjin Janboēru?)




A hybrid between a blue whale and a Hughes H-4 Hercules jumbo jet, with an alternate jet mode.

TEVA- Elixir 5

This is not your ordinary flip-flop. With its waterproof suede upper on a go-anywhere rugged outsole, the Elixer is a compliment to any adventure. Built with comfort and support in mind, it’s the perfect everyday footwear.

Okay so when I was in Hong Kong recently I went to SOGO in Causeway bay. I wasn't looking for anything in particular....until I set my eyes on the TEVA Elixir 5. These are the most comfortable pair of flip flops I have ever worn. I had a pair in Vancouver but I wore them out already, I have been looking for this pair for about 3 years already. So I ask the sales person if they had my size (10) and just my luck they only had a 9 and 11. I was so tempted but I held off from buying them. After that I had spent 4 hours going around all the sport stores in Mong Kok, Central, and Wan Chai...alas the sandals have eluded me again.

If anyone out there in Manila knows where I can get a pair please let me know!

Saturday Night...I'm Bored

Okay its Saturday Night, 21st of June and I'm sooooo...bored. I have How I Met Your Mother season 1 running in the back ground.

I wanted to go to the Transformers Animated Toy launch in SM Megamall..but I have no driver tonight..So I'm opting for the next best thing..I'm just going to watch the cartoon.



Just a bit on the series:

On their home planet of CYBERTRON, OPTIMUS PRIME and his crew AUTOBOTS are not heroes, they are loyal, dedicated, resourceful, hard-working, fun-loving 'regular bots.'

OPTIMUS PRIME dreams of excitement, adventure and somehow making a difference in the galaxy. Given his first command in an unremarkable sector of CYBERTRONIAN space over a ragtag crew of misfits including: BULKHEAD a lovable, gentle-giant 'strong-bot', BUMBLEBEE a wise-cracking, over-eager 'hyper-bot, PROWL an instinctual, intense 'Ninja-bot', and RATCHET a crusty, battle-hardened 'medi-bot.'

OPTIMUS PRIME gets more than he bargained for when the AUTOBOTS answer a routine distress call and suddenly find themselves in possession of CYBERTRON's most precious and powerful artifact, the ALLSPARK. The ALLSPARK is being pursued across the galaxy by the megalomaniacal MEGATRON and his army of ruthless DECEPTICONS, a brutal race of war-mongering robots who seek to use the ALLSPARK as their ultimate weapon of destruction.

Sworn to protect the ALLSPARK and their newly adopted home, the AUTOBOTS now have a huge responsibility to CYBERTRON and a super reputation to live up to on Earth.

Go-on Wings

All right just to let you all know why I think Jetoras and Triopter are so cool, its because their piloted by The Go-on Wings- Go-on Gold and Go-on Silver I'll let you see for your self:

Back from Hong Kong

HONG KONG: WET, CROWDED, GOT SICK...but I found my TOYS!!!

I arrived on Sunday and it was reasonably dry..then I hit up a few Toy shops in Mong Kok. I Had a great time found all the figures I was looking for.

I was able to pick up a go go jet from Boukenger for $98 HKD

And Both Jetoras and Triopter of Go-onger for $399 HKD

I'll post pics when I get a chance to later on =)