The Hunger Games Craze

Filed under Featured Reviews

It was one of the most awaited films to show in 2012, and as the first film of the Hunger Games trilogy (based on the novels by Suzanne Collins) was officially released last Thursday, thousands of viewers have flocked the theaters and gushed nonstop about the addicting saga. Indeed, the movie did not disappoint fans of the series–including myself. It stayed as true as possible to the novel, as even the characters, the setting, and the different scenes depicted remained loyal to my imagination.

 

So what exactly is the Hunger Games? I can assure you that it’s very different from the Twilight saga, yet almost as addicting as Harry Potter—but that’s just my opinion, given that I’ve been a Potterhead since I was a child. The Hunger Games takes place in Panem, where it was originally composed of thirteen districts. Each district specializes in a certain skill—like fishery, agriculture, mining, etc. When District 13 rebelled against the Capitol who is run by President Snow, they were immediately wiped out of the surface to show the citizens of Panem that the Capitol would always be in power. And to serve as a reminder to all the Districts, the Hunger Games was formed where one girl and one boy the age of 12 to 18 would be chosen as a Tribute to represent each District and fight to the death.

 

It’s a whole different world in the sense that some aspects of it are futuristic and utopian. But what makes it relatable, especially with underdog districts like 11 and 12 who aren’t as fortunate and well-off compared to the higher districts, is that there will always be hope despite the corruption that takes place and the strong hold the government has.

 

It’s a complex story of action, a little suspense…and yes, even romance. Watch out for the love triangle that takes place among the main characters: Katniss Everdeen, Peeta Mellarck and Gale Hawthorne—but I’ve already said too much.

 

If you haven’t seen the movie yet, now’s the perfect chance to go. Happy Hunger Games, and may the odds be ever in your favor!

Hapadog: An Interesting Twist to Hotdogs

Filed under CityPoynter, CP Partners, Deals, Food

Are you tired of the same ol’ catsup-mayo-hotdog sandwich? If you are, then you must try the newest hotdog in town!

The first of its kind in the country, Hapadog fuses American-style hotdog with authentic Japanese toppings. Combining real Japanese ingredients over a succulent, meaty and hefty western hotdog nestled inside a soft, freshly baked bun, Hapadog brings an exciting and unique twist to your usual hotdog eating experience.

Hapadog hotdogs are made from the finest wieners and come in an interesting flurry of variants:

• Hapadog

Hapadog’s best-selling signature hotdog, you’ll surely love how the sweetness of caramelized onions fuses uniquely with the tang of nori flakes and spring onions in this grilled hotdog variant. The sweet hapa sauce blends well with the Japanese or wasabi mayo, giving it that amazing Japanese kick.

• Temp-tation dog

One of Hapadog’s best-sellers, Temp-tation dog exudes the real essence of Tempura in each serving. Tempered in tentsuya sauce, grated daikon and spring onions, this deep-fried variant tastes just like good old tempura, only better.

• Californippon

If you’re a fan of California maki, then you’ll surely love Californippon. Topped with the mango,m ango, cucumber, tamago, kani, ebiko, nori flakes, plus your choice of Japanese or wasabi mayo, this yummy overload is sure to sate your sushi cravings!

• Popeye’s dog

A pretty suitable choice for health buffs, Popeye’s dog is buffeted with spinach, black and white sesame seeds and roasted sesame dressing.

• Korokke dog

Made to resemble the crunchy flavors of potato croquette, Korokke dog combines sweet tonkatsu sauce with a filling mix of mashed potato, Japanese mayo and nori flakes.

• The kat’s meow

A satisfying fusion of meaty hotdog, pickled radish, tonkatsu sauce, and Japanese mayo, speckled with splices of smoked bonito (mackerel) flakes.

• Miso huuungry

An amazing combination of salty-sweet apple miso and fresh tomyao (pea sprouts).

• Ka-noodle my dog

A nice variation of the traditional Japanese yakisoba, this variant is nicely sprinkled with vegetable yakisoba, nori and pickled ginger.

• H-dawg

Consists of hotdog grilled to perfection, topped with sweet pineapple rings, tomato,
cucumber, and sweet hapa sauce.

Apart from their tummy-filling hotdog sandwiches, Hapadog also offers mouthwatering rice meals at affordable prices. Choose from chicken, pork, beef, seafood, Japanese curry or cream stew toppings to satisfy your palate.
Also a must –try is their incredibly refreshing signature house drink, Lychee Iced Tea, and the Ramune Strawberry Soda.

If you’re on a friends night out, you might want to try their authentic drink concoctions, too, such as the cinnamon-infused hot fuji apple pie, flaming lemon drop, sake bomb or the green lantern. While you’re on it, feast on some happa sides. We heard the Hapa-nese nachos, with its crispy nacho chips and generous servings of beef, chopped tomatoes, onions, nori flakes and Japanese mayo is an excellent liquor pair. Try their korokke (croquettes) and beef and shrimp gyozas as well; they’re just as satisfying.

Just a year since it launched its first branch in SM North, Hapadog is already selling like hotcakes, with its patrons enjoying their luscious menu offerings and the store’s welcoming albeit small and minimalistic ambience.

To know more, check out Hapadog’s website at http://www.hapa-dog.com/, or visit their branches at the Sky Garden at the SM North Edsa or at the Alabang Town Center. Or better yet, take advantage of incredible discounts on all Hapadog food and drinks via CityPoynt and sample a Japanese-style hotdog today!

Welcome the advent of technology with the Philippine Internet Congress!

Filed under CityPoynter, CP Partners, Events, Gadgets, Tips, Uncategorized

Holler to all tech-savvy Pinoys out there!

The first ever Philippine Internet Congress and Expo is about to open on March 9 at the SM Megamall Megatrade Hall, and we’re inviting you to come and join us as a new chapter in internet and information technology ushers in this 2012.

 
Organized by Powermax Consulting Group, Inc. together with PLDT, the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Job Market, Multiply.com and Agentsentral.com, Sulit.com, 88DB, Advertising Associates, Net25, Advertising Associates, TipidPC.com, TipidCP.com, Mediablast, Creativoices, weemall.com, Inquirer.net, Megasardines, Citypoynt.com, Lloydluna.com, Dinsmor Promo, Gloria Jao & Associates, The Positive Steps, Business Mirror, Radio Partners, Jam 88.3, Wave 89.1, Magic 89.9, 99.5rt, 103.5 MaxFM, Metrobank, Citibank, Greymatter Unlimited, Island Cove, Gameclub and other leading companies, the highly-anticipated 3-day event will feature the most current innovations and updates in the field of e-commerce, mobile technology and telco, IT, digital marketing, internet security, online and social media, and other related industries.

Get your fresh fix of the latest in IT and learn from in-depth seminars led by the country’s industry leaders and top performing company leads including Philippine Internet Commerce Society and Digital Filipino founder Janet Toral, Multiply’s Jack Madrid, Northgate’s Hans Montenegro, MegaMobile President Manny Fernando, PDI’s JV Rufino, Homer Nievera, Tito Martinez, Mon Elizarde, Shaun Olarte, and a whole lot more!

 

Share your insights with like-minded entrepreneurs and other internet users during lively discussions. Whether you’re an businessman who wishes to break in to the cutthroat online marketing industry or simply a tech enthusiast, this is the perfect opportunity for you to increase your online productivity and build your online presence.

 
Don’t miss this chance to showcase your talents and gain useful tools for a brimming online career. Call Powermax Consulting Group now at (02) 4701055 /  (02) 4701057 or 0905-3364486 to avail of early bird discounts to the event. You may also check out their website at http://powermaxph.com/2012/01/philippine-internet-congress-2/
 

 

 

The Great Pinatubo Trekking

Filed under CP Partners, Deals, Travel

This 2012, CityPoynt is kicking the year off with an incredible adventure to one of the most magnificent off-beaten paths this side of the planet: Mt. Pinatubo! And because we’re ever so eager to share our adventures with you, we’re giving you an exclusive 50% discount off an adrenaline-packed All-in Mt Pinatubo Trek deal, inclusive of roundtrip transfers, food, registration and tourism fees, tour guide and certification!

For only P1,998/ head, visitors get to experience one of Northern Luzon’s most coveted backpacking destinations! From Manila, you would be brought to the Capas, Tarlac where a pulse-quickening 4×4 ride to the Pinatubo crater awaits. Wade in the vast, turquoise waters at the volcano’s crater, enjoy a sumptuous packed lunch along the lakebed, or simply bask in the great outdoor adventure that awaits every moment in between!

Upon your return to Manila – included in the fees of course, courtesy of the reliable Access8 Tours – you can giddily gloat about your conquest to friends with your very own Pinatubo certificate and a matching conquistador ID! How’s that for proof?

But hurry, this exciting deal is only available till January 15! Grab this deal now, only at www.citypoynt.com, and rediscover Mt. Pinatubo!

Point-and-shoot with the Genius G-shot 501 digicam!

Filed under CP Partners, Deals, Gadgets

Nowadays, cameras are already considered essentials. Whether it be for a relaxing weekend trip or simply a scenic skyscape on the way to work, a camera always comes handy when capturing moments that you wish to relive over and again. Start the year with snapshots of precious memories with CityPoynt’s latest offering: a Genius G-shot 501 12MP digital camera for only P2,200!

The latest addition to Genius’ innovative G-shot series, this ultra-sleek, lightweight digicam is powered with an advanced 5.0 MP CMOS image sensor, 8x digital zoom and six shooting modes (auto, sports, night, portrait, landscape and backlight), to capture superbly vivid, high-quality pictures of up to 12 megapixels. The G-shot 501 also records videos of up to 640 x 480 and 320 x 240 resolution. And with an external SD slot that supports up to 16 GB of images, you’ll never have to worry about taking too much pictures or videos!

Want to give it as a present to a not-so-tech savvy friend? No problemo. The G-shot 501’s improved features and unique functions guarantee excellent ease-of-use under any shooting condition, no matter the age! And if you’re worried about glitches (not that you’ll ever find one in this nifty little gadget, anyway), also included in the package is a 1-year warranty to give you peace of mind.

This 60% discount is made exclusively available only to you, dear CityPoynters. Grab yours now or give as a holiday treat to a friend. We assure you, you’ll get tired of seeing smiles all-year round!