Ibyang Sanchez, Author at Ibyang

K-POP Music Fest in Sydney!

28 August 2011 Ibyang Sanchez 0 Comments Category: Aussie Life, Entertainment

Any K-POP fans in Sydney?

“2011 K-Pop Music Fest.” will be held on Saturday, 12th of November, 2011. This phenomenal music festival is to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Australia, also known as the “Year of Korea in Australia”. The fundamental focus of this event is to promote a range of cultural artistic activities by bringing some popular K-Pop musicians and culture to Australia, superintended by JK Entertainment is a Sydney based Event & Production Company. Some highlights of JK Entertainment works include Jay Chao Sydney Live Concert, 2010 JYP Australia Audition, 2010 Korea Festival, Super Kpop Concert and many more.

To commemorate the significant ties between Korea and Australia, JK Entertainment has joined forces with MBC (Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation) in Korea to bring 12 of the most popular K-Pop groups down under! This exciting concert will take place in the ANZ Stadium at Olympic Park, Sydney. This highly anticipated concert will be the first ever K-pop Music Festival in Australian history and marks the beginning of the Kpop culture in the Southern Hemisphere. It is expected to draw some 30,000 Australians from around the country as well as overseas fans. This concert is scheduled to be aired on MBC TV Program in Korea which will further expose the popularity of the Kpop internationally.

The musicians selected for this event are popular and highly successful in Korea and internationally. Their popularity has been proved through a series of popular polls, online surveys, interviews with the public, extensive media coverage as well as an ever growing fan base across the world.

JK Entertainment together with MBC Korea are excited and proud to present SNSD (Girls’ Generation), Miss A, TVXQ (aka DBSK), KARA, SHINee, 4 Minute, 2AM, CN Blue, Beast (B2ST), Secret, MBLAQ andSistar to perform for this concert.

More details can be found here. [source]

PRE-SALE TICKETS ON-GOING!

The official sale of tickets will be on 1 September but if you are an eager-beaver like me, you can email info@jkent.com.au and they will reply a link back to you so you can purchase tickets between 28-30 August. Simply email the following details:

Your name, contact number and email address

Number of tickets required
Section where you want to sit (VIP standing $289/VIP seating $289/Gold $189/Silver $139/ Bronze $89)
Fan group you would like to sit with

The pre-sale started at 9:00 this morning and I had to get up early just to get tickets for me and the Husband. Yes! We are giving this a go even if we’re not really fond of going to concerts. Can’t wait to watch this on 12 November.

Things I Love: The Latest Lotte Duty Free Video

27 August 2011 Ibyang Sanchez 4 Comments Category: Entertainment, Things I Love

Just saw the latest version of the Lotte Duty Free music video and I’m screaming my head off because it’s just so pretty!!!

It now includes Hyun Bin (from the drama Secret Garden), Jang Geun Suk (of You’re Beautiful and Mary Stayed Out All Night) and Kim Hyun Joong (of Boys Over Flowers and Playful Kiss). It also includes the only woman in the video, Choi Ji Woo (from Winter Sonata and Can’t Lose). The K-POP groups looked awesome: 2PM, JYJ and Big Bang.

I love love love it!!!! The video had a whimsical storybook theme. Watch and enjoy it!

{Source}

New Food Finds at Westfield Sydney : Snag Stand & Becasse Bakery

27 August 2011 Ibyang Sanchez 2 Comments Category: Food, Restaurants

Haven’t been out much since I came back from holiday in May. The Husband and I mostly spent our time hibernating at home for most part of May to June due to cold weather. We started going back to our weekly dinner dates in July and that’s when we found out that the Westfield Sydney Food Court in Level 5 and 6 became more fancy.

A new gastronomical experience was having a taste of some “haute dogs” at Snag Stand. Philip Blanco, the man behind Gloria Jeans and T2, brings sourced gourmet sausages from local butcheries and serve them with specially-baked buns for a sophisticated sausage sizzle experience.

The Husband got himself the American Classic “haute dog”. A filling wood smoked frankfurter with American Mustard, tomato sauce, onion and sweet relish on a toasted brioche roll.

Haute Dog at Snag Stand (Westfield Sydney)

Being the spicy-fiend, I got myself the Chili Dog. This “haute dog” won’t disappoint when it comes to “haute-ness”! A natural frankfurter enveloped in chili beef sauce, onions, cheese and roasted chili peppers on a toasted brioche bun.

This hotdog is so long so they cut it into half to make it easy to eat AND share!

Their chips made from 100% Tasmanian Russet Potatoes with a sprinkle of natural sea salt flakes is one of the best chips I’ve ever tasted. A great partner to their “haute dogs”.

Their hotdogs tasted a bit bland but I took into consideration that their sausages are made from low lean fat meats, all natural casings, gluten free, no artificial colours and flavours. I’m aware that the more natural the food is, the lesser flavour it can be. The little blandness is balanced out by the sauces and toppings so I didn’t really mind. I’d gladly eat these kind of hotdogs anytime and feel guilt-free.

Snag Stand

http://www.snagstand.com.au/

Level 5, Shop 5012a

Westfield Sydney

188 Pitt Street, Sydney

NSW 2000

Phone: (02) 9221 9660

-o0o0o-

On a different week, the Husband and I met up for afternoon tea and decided to try the coffee and pastries at Becasse Bakery.

We had a cup of their Cafe Mocha and shared a pastry. With just the right amount of chocolate, their Cafe Mocha was beautifully rich. I’m truly proud I live in a city where you can get good coffee in every corner and even in food courts.

Their version of Gateau St. Honore on instagram. It is a classic French dessert made of puff pastry at its base, cream puffs dipped in caramel and abundant whipped cream.

I loved this pastry!!! I knew I was meant to share it with the Husband but I ate most of it.

I can’t wait to try their other pastries soon.

Becasse Bakery

Level 5, Westfield Sydney

Sydney NSW 2000

Phone: (02) 9283 3440

The Lifestyle Changer

21 August 2011 Ibyang Sanchez 7 Comments Category: Charmed Life of a Mrs, Deep Thoughts, Tech World

The minute I learned that tablets are coming its way to consumers, I knew that life will never be the same again. While others may see that tablets are a fad, I see it as a lifestyle changer–literally something that will change our lives.

It has changed my life in lots of ways even if I don’t even bring it with me wherever I go. Even if I own one, I mainly use my tablet at home and rarely bring it with me to work.

There are so many tablets to choose from nowadays and it’s a matter of matching your needs to the kind of tablet that’s right for you.

So how did it changed my life?

Travel Buddy. We usually turn to the Husband’s smartphone for help when it comes to google maps when we travel but with the tablet having a bigger screen, it was so much easier to look at maps and find our way.

Connectivity. Once connected to 3G or WIFI, the tablet has been very useful in being connected to loved ones wherever I am. At home, I don’t need to open my computer to tweet, email or reply to a message in facebook. No more logging on or off. A touch of a button or a tap on the screen of my tablet and I’m online.

My Library. It’s been awhile since I’ve bought a real book or a magazine. I love that I get to save storage space in the home now that I have a digital storage for my books, magazines and even Archie comics (yes, I still read Archie comics until now!).

Kitchen Reference. A few have asked me, “Do you memorize the recipes you share on your blog?”. And the answer is, “No.” Even if I write my own recipes, I can’t remember them all especially if I don’t cook them all the time. Again, no need to open a computer, all I have to do is use my tablet and voila, the recipe I need appears right there and then. Very convenient too for searching for recipes online.

My Entertainment. While I’m cooking, I switch to youtube and there’s instant entertainment for me. No need to open the TV. Having a few minutes of “me” time in the afternoon while I sip a cuppa? I switch to music and listen to my favourite songs.

Health Partner. The Husband installed some Yoga and exercise apps and it was very useful. No need to play videos on TV or play Wii Fit on days when I’m busy. I tap on the Yoga apps and you’ll find me doing some Yoga positions and exercise repetitions in the lounge room. The apps I use: All-in-One YOGA HD, Yoga for iPad and PoWorkout Trim & Tone.

A few has asked me if it’s worth getting a tablet. I believe the reason why people ask that question is because they see this gadget as a fad and not as something that will be part of their lifestyle. I believe that it is up to the consumer to make any gadget worth their money. It’s up to the consumer how they will maximize the use of any gadget they buy.

As for me, I thought hard on why I needed such an item and made sure that it is not just a want but also a need. Now that I own one, I’m making the most of the tablet I bought and use it for making my life better and productive.

Is It Worth Shopping at Costco?

16 August 2011 Ibyang Sanchez 2 Comments Category: Aussie Life, The Married Life, Tips

I’m sure a lot of Sydneysiders are interested whether shopping at Costco is worth it. So I’ve collated a few prices of their items and it will somehow give you some leverage for comparison to prices of items in local supermarkets (all prices in AUD, recorded on 12 Aug 2011):

Colgate Plax Mouthwash, 2 x 1L – $13.29
Colgate Total Toothpaste, 4 x 160g – $11.48
Rexona/Dove Roll-on for Male & Female, 6 x 50ml – $18.59
Olay Total Effects, 3 x 50g – $65.99
Palmers Cocoa Butter Value Pack, 1L + 60g – $12.79
Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion, 2 x 354ml – $17.89
Qtips Cotton Swabs, 1,875pcs – $11.99
Carefree Everyday Liner Breathable, 96 pcs – $8.99
Stayfree Day & Night pack – $20.99
Gilette Mach 2 Disposables, 14 pcs – $27.69
Gilette Mach 3 Turbo Cartridge, 20 pcs – $53.99

Dettol Liquid Hand Wash, 3 x 750ml – $12.99
Palmolive Hand Wash, 2 x 750ml – $7.29
Palmolive Shower Gel, 750ml pump + 750ml refill – $9.28

Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo, 2 x 200ml – $18.99
Herbal Essences Shampoo, 2 x 735m – $17.59
Kirkland Hydrating Shampoo, 2 x 1.3L – $8.99
Kirkland Hydrating Conditioner, 2 x 1.18L – $8.99
Tresseme Shampoo & Conditioner, 2 x 1.3 L – $13.99

Palmolive Bar Soap, 20 bars – $8.99
Dove Moisturising Bar Soap, 14 bars – $18.39
Ivory Bar Soap, 16 bars – $5.99

Johnson’s Baby Bedtime Value Pack, 1.3L – $11.59
Johnson’s Baby Top to Toe Bath Pack, 1.2L – $14.99
Johnson’s Baby Powder, 4 x 600mg – $13.99
Johnson’s Baby Wipes Scented, 960 pcs – $34.98
Huggies Nappies Infant, 192 pcs – $72.99
Huggies Nappies Newborn, 224 pcs – $57.59
Huggies Nappies Crawler, 184 pcs – $51.79

Centrum Select 50+ Multivitamins, 200 pcs – $26.99
Webber Naturals Fish Oils 180/120, 400 pcs – $14.99
Kirkland Omega 3 Fish Oil, 180 pcs – $31.99
Herron Blue Ibuprofen, 24 pcs – $2.69

Kikkoman Soy Sauce, 2L – $9.99
Lee Kum Kee Soy Sauce, 1.75L – $4.79
Leggo’s Tomato Paste, 12 x 290g – $12.89
John West Red Salmon, 4 x 210g – $19.79
John West Tuna in Olive Oil, 12 x 185g – $23.99

India Gate Premium Basmati, 20kg – $44.99
Grape Brand Thai White Rice, 10kg – $9.49
Golden World Jasmine Rice, 25kg – $35.99
Sun Rice Premium White Long Grain Rice, 5 kg – $7.49

Palm Corned Beef, 4 x 326g – $12.99
Spam Regular, 3 x 340g – $10.79

Kirkland Sea Salt Grinder, 368g – $4.39
Kirkland Pure Sea Salt, 850g – $3.79
Saxa Cooking Salt, 2 kg, $1.59
Sunshine Lemon Juice, 2 x 1L – $4.59

Mission Jumbo Taco Shells, 2 x 190g – $3.79
Mission Burrito Dinner Kit, 2 x 560g – $9.69

Red Island Canola Oil, 5L – $12.99
Kirkland Olive Oil, 5L – $19.99
Kirkland Extra Virgin Olive Oil, 1L – $11.99

Bake One Cupcake Mix, 2.5kg – $9.99
Gem of the West Plain Flour, 12.5kg – $8.49
Gem of the West Self Raising Flour, 8 x 1kg – $7.39

Sunshine White Sugar, 25kg – $23.49

Splenda Sachets, 8 x 50pk – $19.99
Sanitarium So Good Soy Milk, 12 x 2L – 23.69
Swiss Miss Hot Cocoa Mix, 60 x 28g – $7.99
Swiss Miss Hot Chocolate with Marshmallows, 1.1kg – $4.79
Kirkland Japanese Green Tea, 100 bags – $15.69
Twinnings Infusions Variety Pack, 120pcs – $12.89
Tetley Leaf Tea, 4 pack x 400g – $7.49
Nescafe Blend 43, 500g – $15.99
Kirkland Guatemalan Whole Bean Coffee, 1.36kg – $21.69
Kirkland by Starbucks Whole Bean Roasted Espresso, 907g – $13.99
Kirkland Rwandan Whole Bean Coffee, 1.36kg – $15.99

Kirkland Monterey Jack Cheese, 907g – $6.29
Primo Cocktail Frankfurts, 1kg – $4.89
Primo Chorizo, 1kg – $12.59

Western Star Butter, 1.5kg – $9.99
Lurpak Unsalted Block, 3 pack – $10.29
Bertolli Olivio Spread, 1kg – $6.79

Lays Potato Chips BBQ, 425g – $5.98
Lays Potato Chips Classic, 425g – $6.49
Kirkland Lightly Salted Chips, 907g – $8.49

Kellogg’s Sultana Bran, 1.36kg – $9.79
Kellogg’s Cornflakes, 1.45kg – $9.99
Kellogg’s Just Right, 1.45kg – $10.99
Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain, 940g – $6.99

Skippy Peanut Butter, 1.36kg – $5.69

Isigny Brie, 1kg – $30.49
Dutch Edam Balls – $12.49/kg
Jindi Camembert – $24.99/kg
Happy Cow Cheese Slices, 800g – $6.89

White King Toilet Gel Lemon, 2 x 700ml – $5.98
Kirkland Free & Clear Liquid Laundry, 5.5L – $19.99
Softly Laundry Liquid Woolens & Delicates, 5L – $14.99
Kirkland Ultra Fabric Softener, 5.53L – $15.99
Downy April Fresh Fabric Softener, 3L – $16.58
Cuddly Fabric Softener, 5L – $11.99
Palmolive Regular Dishwashing Liquid, 5L – $18.99
Finish Lemon Powder, 3kg – $13.59

Panasonic Viera, 50″ Plasma, 1080P Full HD TV – $949.99
Samsung Series 5/D550 51″ Plasma 1080P Full HD TV – $1,149.88
Samsung Series D7000 WIFI 55″ LED 200HZ 1080P Full HD 3D TV – $2,999.99

Again, these are only some of the prices I was able to collate on 12 August. Prices may change everyday or every week.

The big question really is, “Is it worth paying for the annual membership of AUD$60.00?”, which my Husband and I also asked before we applied for membership. We still went on with the membership because we thought experiencing Costco will best answer that question. So for the whole year, we’ll keep our receipts and keep tabs of all the savings we got from all the sales and at the end of the annual membership, we’ll see if our AUD$60.00 was really worth it.

We also have these reasons: (1) We have families in the Philippines and shopping at Costco seems more cost effective for us and (2) Buying dry products in bulk will save us money and time.

If we found out that the annual membership is not worth it, we won’t avail of the Costco membership for the next year.

Reasons Why the Costco Membership May Be Good For You
(1) You have a big family
(2) You have a business
(3) You regularly have parties at home/organise parties
(4) You send care packages to your families abroad
(5) You love big savings on grocery items
(6) You have ample storage space at home

With that said, we also have to understand that Costco is not the be-all and end-all in grocery shopping. There are some items that they don’t have (yet). Some items are cheaper in Coles and Woolworths. We may find cheaper appliances at JB Hi-Fi, Bing Lee or Harvey Norman. I still believe that grocery shopping in local supermarkets is enough to cater to a household’s basic needs. Costco may be a good option to many families in Australia but it is definitely not the only option to all families living here.