Since summer is here already Kwento Ni Toto indulge into a bursting tea experience this month. Thanks to Mommy Jo and Ms. Donna Andrada for opening the gates of awesome possibilities.

Recently, Cobo opened their latest branch in Sta. Lucia East Mall, Cainta, Rizal. This is their 20th branch after Cobo had finally boomed and soared high as the demand for milk tea beverages increased its popularity. Making a good impact to the public and attracting more customers.

The best way to beat summer is to plunge into the pool or to what most of us always wanted... the BEACH!

Recently, NESTEA launched their yearly activity which is the NESTEA Beach Celebration together with their different line of blends like the Lemon Blend, Apple Blend, Calamansi Blend, NESTEA Premium Brew, Limited Edition Red Tea in Raspberry Flavor and Green Tea in Lychee Flavor plus the newest flavor was the NESTEA Honey Blend Mix which will be launched in time for summer.  This is their 16th year of celebration and for this year they're making it more exciting and fun.

There's a new thirst quencher available in the market today!  It's Tropicana Coco Quench!  It has spurred the hype for coconut water in the Philippines with its new breakthrough drink, Tropicana Coco Quench. 100% fresh and made from real coconut water, Tropicana Cocl Quench is touted as the new, must have drink for health and lifestyle enthusiasts of all ages.

"The upsurge in demand for coconut water us remarkable. This phenomenon has drawn global attention to the Philippines as one of the leading sources of coconut water in the world. Tropicana Coco Quench leverages the expertise of Tropicana to come out with a revolutionary product from locally grown coconuts that addresses the need for bettee and healthier choices for consumers," shares Partho Chakrabarti, president for Pepsi Cola Products Philippines, Inc. PPCPI.

A Hip and Healthier Lifestyle from Tropicana

Tropicana Coco quench brings the natural goodness of coconut water closer to local consumers, infusing "fun" and "freshness" into the lifestyle of Filipinos.  Coconut water is known for containing electrolytes similar to the human plasma, making it naturally hydrating with less sugar and calories.   Coconut water is also a rich source of iron, calcium and magnesium.  It has 4 times higher potassium content than bananas.  The regular drinking of this amazing juice from nature can significantly help reduce food cravings and flush out toxins to boost health and aid in weight loss.  It's the perfect drink for consumers who lead an active lifestyle, like super model Charo Rongquillo who was aptly chosen as the brand ambassador for Tropicana Coco Quench.  A homegrown beauty, Ronquillo has walked the runway at prestigious New York and Paris fashion shows.  She has appeared on the cover of international fashion and beauty editorials like Vogue, Marie Claire, Elle, Cosmopolitan and glamour.  Active, healthy and beautiful, Ronquillo embodies the Tropicana Coco Quench lifestyle.

All-natural and Fresh-sealed

Tropicana Coco Quench is the first locally-produced drink with an 8-month shelf life.  It capitalizes on the advanced technology of Tetra Pak packaging to replicate the protection of coconuts.  This allows Tropicana Coco Quench to stay fresh as the real fruit without the need for preservatives and added flavours.  It is also the only drink that utilizes a hip, octagon-shaped packaging for easier grip.  The 330 ml pack comes with a pull-tab mechanism and enables consumers to conveniently drink the coconut water straight from the pack.  This healthy refreshment can be consumed for only Php30.  Perfect for sharing with friends and family, Tropicana Coco Quench is also available in a 1 Litre pack with a reclosable and 100% resealable cap.

PCPPI brings a strong portfolio of exciting beverage products for the Philippine market with the launch of Tropicana coco Quench.  Other brands under PCPPI include Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, 7-Up, Mirinda, Mug, Gatorade, Tropicana, Lipton, Sting, and Premier.

About Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, Inc.

Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines Inc. is the exclusive bottler of PepsiCo beverages in the Philippines, with a relationship spanning 65 years. Lotte Chilsung, one of the biggest beverage comapnies in South korea, is the lead shareholder of PCPPI as an independently-listed company and co-manages it with PepsiCo. PCPPI manufactures and sells well-known brands such as Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, 7-Up, Mirinda, Mug, Gatorade, Tropicana, Lipton, Sting, and premier. It has established manufacturing facilities across the country, serving at least 440,000 outlets and providing employment through its extensive distribution network. PCPPI was awarded "Pepsi Bottler of the year - Asia" in 2006. To learn more, please visit us at www.pepsiphilippines.com.

Kwento Ni Toto is not only posting and showcasing local events and products but of course we will have foreign brands as well.  So for this particular post Kwento Ni Toto shares a world class event happening.  Read the details of the event from their press release.

8 JULY 2012: From July 8th – 12th the highly anticipated Diageo Reserve WORLD CLASS 2012 Global Final will take place against the spectacular backdrop of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. 50 of the world’s best bartenders from around the globe will compete to win the highly acclaimed award of Diageo Reserve WORLD CLASS Bartender of the Year attracting mixology luminaries, luxury aficionados and industry gurus who gather to watch the latest fine drinking trends emerge and immerse themselves in a world of red carpet events.

This year’s prestigious Global Final takes inspiration from the revival of Retro Chic – a global luxury trend which encapsulates the glamour and simplicity of the golden era of the 50s and 60s and has already infused the Maisons of fashion, design, art and stylized TV shows. With an innate understanding of the luxury industry, Diageo Reserve WORLD CLASS is leading Retro Chic within contemporary and experimental cocktail culture, paying homage to this nostalgic revival of the classics through the ambience and décor of the week.

Rudy Paoli, Managing Director, Global Reserve said, “Diageo Reserve WORLD CLASS is transforming fine drinking experiences and cocktail culture in the best bars around the world and in the home by discovering, inspiring and investing in talent within the mixology industry. Set to surpass all expectations, the 2012 Global Final Week brings together the best bartenders worldwide, captivating, star-studded events and will provide a forum for Retro Chic, a global luxury trend, set to unfold within mixology.”

AN EXHILARATING WEEK OF GLAMOROUS EVENTS AND THOUGHT-PROVOKING LUXURY SEMINARS

Additional highlights to the landmark week include Mahiki VIP after parties hosted by CÎROC vodka, the undeniably classic, crisp and smooth KETEL ONE® vodka House, an experience above the clouds with ZACAPA® rum, a celebration of legend by JOHNNIE WALKER® GOLD LABEL RESERVE™ Blended Scotch Whisky and an event set to change the game by JOHNNIE WALKER® BLUE LABEL™ Blended Scotch Whisky.

Insightful luxury seminars lead by global trendsetters Dylan Jones, Editor of UK GQ, Tony Chambers, Editor of style magazine Wallpaper*, Mark Izatt of Vertu, Jason Beckley from Dunhill and LibertyLondonGirl Sasha Wilkins add another element to the week where the latest luxury trends and the role of luxury as a force for social good in today’s society will be discussed. Diageo Reserve WORLD CLASS winners will also impart their knowledge on the art of being a perfect host and how to create the epitome of a Retro Chic fine drinking experiences in the home.

MIXOLOGY LUMINARIES JOIN IMPRESSIVE LINE-UP OF WORLD CLASS GURUS

The internationally renowned Diageo Reserve WORLD CLASS judging panel, consisting of industry greats Salvatore Calabrese, Dale de Groff, Peter Dorelli, Gary Regan, Daniel Estremadoyro and Hidetsugu Ueno, will this year be joined by new judges Arturo Savage, Regional Brand Ambassador (Latin America and the Caribbean) for luxury whiskies, Steve Olson, one of America’s foremost experts and most sought-after lecturers in the spirits industry and Aristotelis Papadopoulos, 2009 Diageo Reserve WORLD CLASS Bartender of the Year. The highly respected panel will scrutinize the style, theatre and skill of the 50 finalists who have travelled from the most esteemed bars world-wide and earned a coveted place at the Global Final by competing against 15,000 other hopefuls eager to make their mark on the world’s stage.

LUXURY COLLECTION AT THE HEART OF EVERY FINE DRINKING EXPERIENCE

Diageo Reserve WORLD CLASS pushes the boundaries of mixology innovation and encourages bartenders to innovate and experiment using some of the finest spirits from the Diageo Reserve luxury portfolio – KETEL ONE® vodka, CÎROC® vodka, TANQUERAY® No.TEN™ gin, TANQUERAY® gin, DON JULIO® tequila, ZACAPA® rum, JOHNNIE WALKER® GOLD LABEL RESERVE™ Blended Scotch Whisky and JOHNNIE WALKER® BLUE LABEL™ Blended Scotch Whisky – to create the most exceptional rituals, perfect serves and fine drinking experiences the industry has ever seen.

Follow the competition on Facebook at the ‘Global WORLD CLASS Finals’ page www.facebook.com/GlobalWorldClassFinals. For live updates on Twitter follow @WorldClassLive and join the conversation with #WCRio; or, follow our boards at pinterest.com/WCSociety for our top selection of luxury photos from the 2012 finals.

In just days I've tasted two different cuisines.  A really great food adventure for my thrill-seeking lips. The most recent one was something that I haven't tasted before.  It was my first time to have something like that, though, I have heard stories of how spicy the dishes are but of course I didn't believed it, not until this particular day.


So what was the name of the restaurant?  It is called the Black Canyon Coffee or BCC for short.   Their menu are Thai dishes and specialty coffee.  Basically BCC originated from Thailand and the branch in SM South Mall is their first ever branch here in the Philippines.  Black Canyon Coffee is surely another name of store to be added in the list of must visit establishment for those who loves to do food adventures.   


According to them, Black Canyon Coffee is one of the most successful Thai names in the field of coffee and dining.  Today, Black Canyon Coffee has made its name from its concept of being a full-service casual dining coffee place that serves not only a wide variety of specialty coffee drinks and beverages but also provide a list of delicious and healthy Thai and International food items.  Your eyes will be in for a treat as you browse through the array of dishes that Black Canyon Coffee has to offer and I can assure that your taste buds will definitely in for something new.


It was great that we were blessed enough to be included in the list of bloggers who were invited to their blogger feast event.  My wife and I experienced this feast as if we were on a date.  We were treated first with specialty coffee drinks of our choice.  My choice was the Mocha Glacier Frappe which is Php 130.00.  I think and in my own opinion the drink that I had was greatly comparable with the other coffee stores around.   Aside from what I had, customers can also indulge in any of Black Canyon Coffee’s 24 specialty coffee drinks and 40 special beverages, especially their “Black Canyon Iced Coffee” - a special blend of pure Arabica coffee with two kinds of milk and plenty of ice.




After a few minutes, plates of different viands was laid onto our table.  There were soups like the Tom Yum and Curry Soup , the Fried Prawns with Tamarind Sauce, the Fried Sesame Pork Strips, the Grilled Black Pepper Salmon Salad, and the desserts like the Tin Roof and Premium Mocha.  It was really a feast!

The TOM YUM. Forgot to take a picture  when it was serve. Too eager to taste .

The Tom Yum soup did really have a spicy kick in it.  They also stated that customers can ask upon ordering if they wanted it spicy, extra spicy or none at all but the distinct taste and flavor of Thai cuisine are still present.  This is how they pride with their dishes,  strict and consistent with the measurements of their ingredients.  Aside from the Tom Yum soup, the Pad Thai and the Fried Prawns with Tamarind Sauce are my favorite.  The Pad Thai has a sweet and tasty flavor that is addicting and kids can sure love this as well.   Aside from these foods that I liked a lot, there are also other dishes to choose from and enjoy with whether it is with friends or family.

Fried Sesame Pork Strip

One of my favorite the PAD THAI.

The Curry Soup, which also have a sting.

Grilled Black Pepper Salmon Salad. Just right for those people having their diet.

Black Canyon Coffee has over 220 branches in Thailand alone, not mention their other branches on various locations in Asia. The success of the brand has always been hinged on its unique formula of food quality, food variety, location, and concept. With this in mind, Mr. Pravit Chitnarapong (CEO of Black Canyon Thailand Co. Ltd.) and Mrs. Wilma Dy (President of Royal Thai Food Philippines Inc.) recognized an opportunity for bringing Black Canyon Coffee to the Philippines to cater to the very Filipino culture of food enjoyment. Black Canyon Coffee also features a rare mix of large portions yet very reasonable prices providing customers great value for their money.

Black Canyon Coffee is now open at SM Southmall, Las Piñas City at the Food Strip.

Wouldn't it be cool to jam with a new gadget this summer? McDonald’s makes this dream come true with Summer Medley of Surprises – McDonald’s newest instant prize card promotion. Until May 31, when you try any of McFloat Summer Medley’s yummy refreshing drinks – Blueberry Sprite McFloat, Coke McFloat, Four Seasons Sprite McFloat, Green Apple Sprite McFloat, or Honey Banana Sprite McFloat – at any McDonald’s store nationwide, you will get a promo card which gives you a chance to win a brand new Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus.

Aside from a Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus, there are other awesome prizes that can be won via Summer Medley of Surprises: FREE Upsize to Large Soft Drink for any Medium Value Meal purchase, FREE juice Up for any Medium Value Meal purchase, FREE Upsize to Large Fries for any Medium Value Meal purchase, Double Cheeseburger with Regular Soft Drink for only P75, P20 OFF on a purchase of Big Mac a la carte, or P20 OFF on a purchase of a Quarter Pounder with Cheese a la carte. Each promo card is a definite winner!


The summer surprise from McDonald’s does not end there. New brand ambassador Xian Lim will be visiting a few McDonald’s stores in the metro to meet customers who are certified McFloat lovers. Just follow the schedule below, order a McFloat, and get a chance to see Xian:

APRIL 16, Monday
McDonald’s Greenhills, 1:00-2:00 PM
McDonald’s Eastwood, 2:30-3:30 PM
McDonald’s Katipunan, 4:00-5:00 PM

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/McDo.ph.

I'm sure most ladies will have a very refreshing summer while walking on sunshine as the newest brand ambassador of McDonald, Xian Lim, introduce the McFloat Summer Medley.   Being one of the hottest young actors today, McDonald's chooses Xian Lim to be one of their brand ambassador.  After the prime time hit of My Binondo Girl, Xian Lim became so hit, especially for the girls.  You can watch the commercial here McFloat Summer Medley Commercial.

McFloat Summer Medley features four new exciting flavors: Blueberry Sprite McFloat, Green Apple Sprite McFloat, Four Seasons Sprite McFloat, and Honey Banana Sprite McFloat.  These new flavors are available in two sizes: Regular for P29 and Monster size for P45.  As for those who can't get enough of the classic Coke McFloat, Coke McFloat is still available for P25 regular and P40 for Monster size.


Mcdonald's McFlaot Summer Medley also includes affordable snack combos.  For only P50, customers can get a Regular Coke McFloat with Medium Fires.  While for P55, you can pair up your Medium Fries with any of the four new regular-size McFloat flavors.  Totally fit for epic summer hangouts and even road trips!

"summer is all about fun and excitement.  bonding with friends is more fun with great food and cool music.  With McFloat Summer Medley, McDonald's is sure to become a favorite destination this season," says Margot Torres, McDonald's Philippines, Vice-President for Marketing and Communications.

Xian Lim, whose favorite summer activities include hanging out with friends, adds excitement to the campaign with his won tune of youthfulness and fun.  "Summer is one of my favorite times of the year because you can relax and just have fun," says Xian. "I'm happy that I can help bring a little bit of summer to everyone this year and I feel so excited to be a part of the McDonald's family in the Philippines."


McFloat Summer Medley is available in all McDonald's stores nationwide, whether dine-in, take-out or drive-thru.  You can also dial McDelivery 8-6236 or visit www.mcdelivery.com.ph to enjoy the McFloat Summer Medley anytime, anywhere.  So hurry, text, BBM or call your friends and head to the coolest hangout place this summer- McDonald's!

Pa...parap...pappap....!

Watch for more awesome surprise this summer!  For more information, visit www.mcdonalds.com.ph.