by Penny Angeles-Tan | Feb 26, 2024 | Book Reviews
Do you know how there are stories that get so much hype on social media that you end up giving it a chance and buying coins just to be able to read more? Well, that is what happened with me with Moonlit Mates, a recommended anthology by Dreame. Moonlit Mates is supposed to be a compilation of short(ish) stories from different authors that Dreame highly recommends. But is it all hype or are the stories really good?
Here’s my experience. So far I am on chapter 19 of the first story called “Lies and Betrayal” by Melissa and it is an uphill battle. The story has potential but I don’t see what all the hype is about. The author does not seem to have the chops yet to be receiving the raves this book is supposedly getting. Character building, world setting, and story flow are half-baked. Intimate scenes are rushed and rough, with no finesse.
As for grammar … sigh. Often the author is guilty of using homonyms or simply possibly similar-sounding or spelled words. For example: composer when what she really means is composure.
But this is how much I want to believe it is worth it … I purchased all the 150+ chapters then crossed my fingers hoping I didn’t just throw money in the shredder. So far, with the first story, it is a bust. What are the other stories and who wrote them? No idea. One would think Dreame would have put it in the preview blurb at the very least, but nope!
Why is no one recommending copy editors, at the very least, to these authors? I get the value of uplifting, but doing so should not make us blind to room for (much) improvement.
Color me disappointed. 🙁
The following are the stories within:
- Lies and Betrayal by Melissa
- Deepest Regret by Valerie Irene
- The Moon Goddess Daughter (The Hybrid) by Titania Sattaur
- His Warrior Luna by Cassidy Wilson
- The Alpha Games by Jessica Christensen
I’m hoping your experience is better than mine. I started reading this in December 2023 and I have yet to get beyond chapter 19 of the first story. This, from someone who reads at least 1 completed story a day.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Feb 8, 2024 | Food & Beverage
An unforgettable Valentine’s Day experience unfolds at The Manila Hotel with special dining offers that highlight timeless romance.
Quintessential 5-Star Culinary Experiences
Experience the finest French and Italian cuisine at the iconic Champagne Room with its exclusive Valentine’s Day set menu that will transport its guests to a world of romance and luxury. The specially crafted menu includes Lobster-Mango Delight Salad, Pan Fried Scallops on Pink Beetroot Risotto, Carrot Purple Yam Soup, choice of Oven Roasted Black Cod on Parmesan Asparagus or Filet Mignon Foie Gras in Red Wine Truffle Sauce for the main course, Delice Du Chocolate Sans Farine, Pomegranate Sorbet in Prosecco Float and Valentine French Macarons as dessert. Available for dinner from February 13 to 15, 2024, the menu is priced from ₱7,800 to ₱8,000 nett per person.
Lovers of Chinese cuisine can revel in Red Jade’s special set menus that promise a gastronomic adventure for couples and families alike. The menus showcase Roast Goose Hong Kong Style, Pan Fried Lamb Chops with Honey Red Wine Pepper Sauce, Steamed Sea Bass with Celery Sauce, Fried Red Brown Rice, Baby Abalone in Pumpkin Sauce, and Salted Egg Ice Cream, to name a few. Available for lunch and dinner from February 13 to 15, 2024, the set menus are priced at ₱4,688 nett per person, for a minimum of two persons.
For those yearning for an intimate Valentine’s Day celebration, The Manila Hotel’s in-room dining set menu ensures a cozy and romantic experience within the comfort of one’s own space. Available from February 13 to 15, 2024, between 6 PM to 9 PM, the set menu includes Fresh Pink Lumpia of Prawns and Pomelo in Dalandan Honey Dressing, Mushroom Soup with Truffle Oil Foam, Fettucine Pasta in Light Smoked Salmon Cream, Roast US Beef Striploin, Swan of Choux Pastry with Strawberry and Praline Cream Filling, and Pink French Macarons. The set menu is priced at ₱3,888 nett for two persons.
An Afternoon Valentine Rendezvous
A special Merienda Espesyal afternoon tea set, best shared by two persons, will add sweetness to one’s daytime celebration. With its charming combination of sweet and savory bites that include Pink Salmon Sandwich, Ganache Tartlet, Valentine Chocolate Pralines, Panna Cotta with Berry Compote, Mini Bibingka, Pink Sapin-Sapin, paired with a choice of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
Priced at ₱1,180 nett per set, Merienda Espesyal is available at the Lobby Lounge from 10:30 AM to 6:00 PM this month of February.
Valentine Goodies at the Delicatessen
From intricately prepared chocolates to irresistible pastries, the Valentine’s Goodie Counter at the Delicatessen is poised to become the go-to destination for those seeking a delightful pairing of love and culinary delights.
Available until February 16, indulge in these exceptional treats crafter to elevate one’s Valentine’s celebration.
Love To-Go with M Takeout’s Offers
Enjoy a sumptuous Valentine’s Day celebration without leaving home. M Takeout presents to-go boxes that bring the romance of fine dining to one’s dining table.
The Valentine’s Grazing Box offers an assortment of charcuteries and delectable treats featuring mouthwatering premium deli meat like Country Pork Terrine, Parma Ham, Italian Salami, sweet bites such as Pralines, French Macarons, Maltese Chocolate Balls, Choco Chips Cookies, Heart Shaped Jam Cookies, Butter Cookies, and creamy cheeses like Danish Brie and Edam Cheese.
The platter also includes Garlic Cheese Spread, Cherry Tomato, Gherkins, French Bread, Soda Cracker, Ritz Crackers, fresh fruits such as Chocolate Coated Strawberries, Grapes, Dried Apricots, and Dried Dates. Available from February 12 to 16, 2024, the Valentine Grazing Box is priced at ₱3,388 nett with an option to add a bottle of Conquesta Cabernet Sauvignon or Chardonnay wine for ₱4,188 nett.
The Valentine’s Hot Box offers a unique and indulgent experience that will make one’s Valentine’s Day celebration at home both special and memorable. The hot box is a self-heating portable food box that allows one to enjoy a hot meal anytime, anywhere.
The Valentine’s Hot Box offers a proper feast with savory mains such as Grilled Minute Beef Steak with Peppercorn Sauce, BBQ Pork Ribs, Garlic Prawns with Sweet and Spicy Chili Sauce, and Java Rice with a side of Sweet Mashed Potato and Buttered Vegetables. Available from February 12 to 16, 2024, at ₱2,888 nett.
For inquiries and reservations, contact +632 8527 0011, +632 5301 5500, or email re************@************el.com.
About The Manila Hotel
The Manila Hotel is located beside kilometer zero (0), where the City of Manila begins, and is within walking distance from the Philippines’ known landmarks: Rizal Park, Intramuros, and National Museums. Defined by its history, elegance, and world-class service, The Manila Hotel maintains to be the choice hotel of the most distinguished clientele.
Since 1912, The Manila Hotel has continuously provided the best services and amenities for a truly memorable experience. It has more than 500 well-appointed rooms and 22 function rooms, including three (3) ballrooms. Apart from these, the hotel offers five-star relaxation and wellness experiences with the Manila Hotel Spa, adult and children’s pools, and the Manila Hotel Health Club.
The hotel is home to the Heritage Museum, a treasure trove of priceless memories that narrate its illustrious past. It also has an Art Gallery that offers a window into a contemporary world, captured through the objective point of view of different artists.
It has six (6) dining outlets, each offering a unique culinary adventure: Café Ilang-Ilang, which is a favorite spot for its extensive selection of International buffet delights; Champagne Room with its Old European style fine dining and also hailed as the most romantic room in Manila—it features European cuisine in a posh, fine-dining setting; Tap Room, an Old English pub-inspired outlet where one can enjoy an evening of live music; Lobby Lounge which is ideal for casual dining, aperitif, post-dinner nightcaps, or leisure meetings; Red Jade, a fine dining restaurant that serves authentic Chinese cuisine; and Delicatessen that offers the hotel’s signature pastries, bread, chocolates, and pralines.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Feb 2, 2024 | Food & Beverage
The Manila Hotel is set to usher in the Year of the Dragon with a series of festive offerings and celebrations, adding a touch of opulence to the festivities, enhanced by the grandeur of the hotel’s iconic Grand Lobby adorned with rich Chinese New Year decors.
Dragon and Lion Dance Spectacle
On February 10, guests are invited to witness a lively dance performance with a dragon, lion, funny monk, and God of Fortune, a centuries-old tradition symbolizing good fortune and prosperity. The Grand Lobby will transform into a vibrant canvas as the performers captivate onlookers, setting the stage for a year filled with positive energy and success.
Tikoy Early Bird Offer
For those looking to indulge in traditional Chinese New Year delicacies, The Manila Hotel presents its early bird offer on nian gao or tikoy.
- From January 20 to 31, guests can enjoy a 30% discount on orders of 5 boxes or more.
- From February 1 to 11, guests can avail 10% discount on purchases of 5 to 9 boxes, 15% discount on purchases of 10 to 19 boxes, and 20% discount on purchases of 20 boxes and more.
Regularly priced at ₱1,288 per box, these delectable treats can also be purchased at the Delicatessen from February 1 to 11.
Chinese New Year Set Menu at Red Jade
A culinary delight awaits guests with the exclusive set menu at Red Jade, available for lunch and dinner from February 9 to 11.
Priced at ₱3,800++ per person with a minimum of 4 persons, the menu boasts traditional flavors symbolizing good luck and prosperity, featuring an array of dishes that include Suckling Pig Combination, Seafood Sharksfin Soup, Stir-Fried Scallop with XO Sauce, Braised Pata Tim with Chinese Bun, Roast Goose Hong Kong Style, Braised Dried Oyster and Seamoss with Lechon Macau, Pan-Fried Lapu Lapu with Thai Sweet Chili and Mango Sauce, Cha Misua, Sweetened Papaya with Red Dates and White Fungus, and Pan-Fried Tikoy.
M Takeout’s Chinese New Year Hotbox
Crafted to enhance the joy of home celebrations, the Chinese New Year Hotbox from M Takeout features a delightful combination of succulent Pork Knuckles paired with freshly steamed buns.
The hotbox is designed for convenience and is prepared as a ready-to-heat takeaway, ensuring that guests can savor the exquisite flavors of The Manila Hotel’s signature dishes in the comfort of their homes. Priced at ₱3,688 nett, M Takeout’s Chinese New Year Hotbox is available from February 1 to 15, 2024.
Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate Chinese New Year at The Manila Hotel, where tradition meets luxury. For inquiries and reservations, call +632 8527-0011 or +632 5301-5500, email in**@************el.com, or visit www.manila-hotel.com.ph.
About The Manila Hotel
The Manila Hotel is located beside kilometer zero (0), where the City of Manila begins. It is within walking distance from the Philippines’ known landmarks: Rizal Park, Intramuros and National Museums. Defined by its history, elegance, and world-class service, The Manila Hotel maintains to be the choice hotel of the most distinguished clientele.
Since 1912, The Manila Hotel has continuously provided the best services and amenities for a truly memorable experience. It has more than 500 well-appointed rooms and 22 function rooms, including three (3) ballrooms. Apart from these, the hotel offers five-star relaxation and wellness experiences with the Manila Hotel Spa, adult and children’s pools, and the Manila Hotel Health Club.
The hotel is home to the Heritage Museum, a treasure trove of priceless memories that narrate its illustrious past. It also has an Art Gallery that offers a window into a contemporary world, captured through the objective point of view of different artists.
It has six (6) dining outlets, each offering a unique culinary adventure: Café Ilang-Ilang, which is a favorite spot for its extensive selection of International buffet delights; Champagne Room with its Old European style fine dining and also hailed as the most romantic room in Manila — it features European cuisine in a posh, fine-dining setting; Tap Room, an Old English pub-inspired outlet where one can enjoy an evening of live music; Lobby Lounge which is ideal for casual dining, aperitif, post-dinner nightcaps, or leisure meetings; Red Jade, a fine dining restaurant that serves authentic Chinese cuisine; and Delicatessens that offers the hotel’s signature pastries, bread, chocolates, and pralines.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jan 28, 2024 | Events
In partnership with The Manila Hotel, the Children’s First One Thousand Days Coalition (CFDC) will present a dinner concert to raise funds for the nutrition efforts of non-government organizations helping the government address malnutrition of Filipino infants during the crucial period from conception to their second birthday.
The pre-Valentine concert called “The Greatest Love of All” will be held on Feb. 9, 2024, at 6 pm, at the Tent City of The Manila Hotel. The main performers are former Press Secretary Atty. Mike Toledo, former Executive Secretary Atty. Salvador Medialdea, and The Manila Hotel President and former Senator Joey Lina.
The Manila Hotel President and former Senator Joey Lina, former Executive Secretary Atty. Salvador Medialdea, and Press Secretary Atty. Mike Toledo.
Beverly Salviejo
Bobby Alvarez
Other performers include Beverly Salviejo, Nina Campos, Jenny Sugay, Rachelle Rule, Rachel Verns, Pam Esquivel, Bobby Alvarez, Egay Rubiano, Jeffrey Panado, Egay Banaag, and the Adeodatus Children’s Choir (Baseco) with Manila Philharmonic Orchestra. Rodel Colmenar leads the music direction, with George Sison-Tagle and Paul Dizon supervising the overall direction of the concert.
Manila Philharmonic Orchestra
CFDC member organizations include Rotary International, Lions Club International, Kiwanis International, Junior Chamber International, The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippines, The Fraternal Order of Eagles – Philippine Eagles, Knights of Columbus, Knights of Rizal, Save the Children Philippines, World Vision Philippines, Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals, Philippine League of Government and Private Midwives, Crusade Against Violence, and many more.
In tandem with the government, the CFDC was formed to confront a serious problem troubling the Philippines: malnutrition during a child’s First One Thousand Days of Life – a very critical period when the impact of poor nutrition can be profound, long-lasting, even irreversible.
Thus, The Greatest Love of All is not merely an entertainment spectacle but a collaborative initiative to generate funds for the nutrition program of NGOs in the barangays. The CFDC welcomes everyone to participate in this meaningful cause, helping make the nutrition efforts a success and contributing to the goal of fostering “smarter, stronger, taller” Filipinos.
For more information on tickets and sponsorships, please contact John Gacutan at 09620668526 or +632 85270011 extension 1006.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jan 23, 2024 | Book Reviews
I read Alpha’s Regret My Luna Has A Son by Jessica Hall in 2022 on Goodnovel, and I don’t even remember when exactly anymore, and I LOVED it … a lot! Compared to her other stories, this one is fairly “innocent”. Translation: it isn’t as steamy. That aside, I thoroughly enjoyed it as the story is quite compelling.
I’ve recently started listening to books on audible and discovered that this book is there. Gasp! I just HAD to get it. I am so glad that I did … worth every penny. The voice actors were really good and did a pretty good job of bringing the story to life. My only regret is that book two (aka the second part of the story) has no recording yet.
If you’ve read this story on a reading app, then you know it is actually one long story, so cutting off where it did can be frustrating. That being said, the story is worth making that double purchase on Amazon. After all, it still comes out cheaper than reading apps.
Both books are available on Amazon.
Alpha’s Regret My Luna Has a Son in a Nutshell
Everly is the daughter of the Alpha or her pack and his successor. She was only seventeen when she met and inadvertently ended up in bed with Valen, who was the Alpha of a rival pack. They were drunk at a time, which should really not be an excuse in this day and age, but there you have it. When Everly wakes up in the morning, she realizes what happened, and she attempts a French exit but is met at the door by the Beta. After quick pleasantries, she still manages to leave alone, and the Beta was not able to get her name either.
Weeks pass and Everly realizes that she is pregnant and there can only be one person who could be the father so she tries to reach out to Valen to let him now but was rebuffed and he denied being with her. When her father discovers she is pregnant he disowns her and labels her a rogue whore when she would not agree to an abortion.
She leaves the pack and lives the life of a rogue from that point forward and eventually gives birth to a son.
Everly realizes early on that Valen is her fated mate but he did not know until several years later which lead to her suffering from his infidelity for years. This is the point in the story where the courtship of Valen and Everly begins. With everything that she has gone through I was glad that she does not succumb to easily to his charms. If she did, I would be very disappointed. She didn’t deny the mate bond, but she was better at resisting it.
My Thoughts
To say that I think this story is a masterpiece is putting it mildly. I have lost count of how many times I have read this story. Jessica Hall has me on an emotional roller coaster and I don’t want to get off it. In my head I see this story as something akin to a TV series … not a movie as that would be too short. So many things happen to Everly and Valen in this story that it would be an injustice to chop off as much as they do for movie adaptations.
If it isn’t obvious yet, I highly recommend that you add Alpha’s Regret My Luna Has A Son by Jessica Hall to your bookshelf, stat! Don’t just put it in the TBR (to be read) pile. Put it straight to the MUST-READ pile and enjoy!
A special Merienda Espesyal afternoon tea set, best shared by two persons, will add sweetness to one’s daytime celebration. With its charming combination of sweet and savory bites that include Pink Salmon Sandwich, Ganache Tartlet, Valentine Chocolate Pralines, Panna Cotta with Berry Compote, Mini Bibingka, Pink Sapin-Sapin, paired with a choice of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
The Valentine’s Grazing Box offers an assortment of charcuteries and delectable treats featuring mouthwatering premium deli meat like Country Pork Terrine, Parma Ham, Italian Salami, sweet bites such as Pralines, French Macarons, Maltese Chocolate Balls, Choco Chips Cookies, Heart Shaped Jam Cookies, Butter Cookies, and creamy cheeses like Danish Brie and Edam Cheese.
The Valentine’s Hot Box offers a unique and indulgent experience that will make one’s Valentine’s Day celebration at home both special and memorable. The hot box is a self-heating portable food box that allows one to enjoy a hot meal anytime, anywhere.
For those looking to indulge in traditional Chinese New Year delicacies, The Manila Hotel presents its early bird offer on nian gao or tikoy.
Crafted to enhance the joy of home celebrations, the Chinese New Year Hotbox from M Takeout features a delightful combination of succulent Pork Knuckles paired with freshly steamed buns.
I’ve recently started listening to books on audible and discovered that this book is there. Gasp! I just HAD to get it. I am so glad that I did … worth every penny. The voice actors were really good and did a pretty good job of bringing the story to life. My only regret is that book two (aka the second part of the story) has no recording yet.
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