This Mom is not much of an adventurist but thanks to my brother who represents me for this experience I can share this new getaway in the north. Alviera's Sandbox is one of the new thing in the vast land of Porac, Pampanga. Ayala Land Inc and in partnership with Leonio Land created a great place to make your summer a lot more interesting and wild. Sandbox redefines the meaning of outdoor fun and experience as they made this vast bare land into a new gateway to a great getaway. Some says that Alviera is more likely of the Nuvali in the north but whatever you call it, this will be the next attraction.

Sandbox brings some of the firsts in the outdoor industry as they pump up the adrenalin of the visitors with its exhilarating activities and facilities.

Some of their main attractions are the Giant Swing, so far it is the Philippines tallest swing at 10-meters high. The Giant Swing accommodates a couple's seat for those who wants to experience it with someone and the solo for the brave ones. Another great attraction and is the only first of its kind in the country, the Avatar One Roller Coaster Zipline, this ride takes one zipping down the line in a roller-coaster style 180- meters down.

Another set of high rising thrill is the Adventure Tower with its 15 meters high of wall climbing fun, rappelling and free fall, it makes this tower a nice deck to catch the best views in Alviera and according to my brother he did experience the free fall which he does not want to do it again.

 
The Aerial Walk is a challenging activity in the place as it entails strength, patience and the willingness to finish the activity. It's an obstacle course in the air. Even kids can enjoy this one. One more activity that my brother enjoyed very much was the ATV ride. He hasn't rode anything like this but he was able to get a hang of it. Of course we should always think of safety.

Aside from these activities there are also other things to enjoy inside Sandbox like the Pump track area where bikers can enjoy this 5,000 square meters as their training ground for some action or just a simple play area, enjoy frisbee, RC plane and car activities plus the kite-flying and kite-making workshops or just simply enjoy the sun and the place at the picnic area.

According to John Estaco, Alviera's General Manager, "The experience at Sandbox gives one a taste of what's to come upon the full development of Alviera. We envision Alviera to be the regional growth center of Central Luzon complete with a commercial district, business and industrial park, university zones, retail centers, a country club, recreational areas and residential neighborhoods."

Alviera is composed of a1,125-hectare property which is located along and is accessible from Porac exit of the SCTEX (Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway). It is also close to Clark Airport and Subic Freeport.

The Sandbox is open from Tuesdays to Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. For more information about the place visit www.alviera.ph or their facebook page www.facebookpage.com/AlvieraPH

To my readers, it's foodie time and here's something that I've tried and I wanted to share this specific food trip.  For this experience I was invited to one of the Japanese restaurant here in the metro, specifically in Gateway Mall in Cubao.  I think this is the first time that I'm invited in one of the restaurant in Araneta Center.

Since Araneta is one of the common place in Quezon City I'm sure most people would have already tried dining in most of the establishments in the area.  So here's one that is something new but still Asian in nature.

So, to make you drool no more and imagining here's the press release and some of the pictures experiencing the place and the menu.

Press Release

New Home for the Legend

As the legend says, the champion fighter Sumo Sam always received a grand banquet in his honor every time he fought with other Japanese Sumo Wrestlers. He is said to be the Champion Eater, Legendary Fight. He is the icon that is carried by the Sumo Sam, the Japanese Restaurant that desires its guests to feel like champions by combining different techniques and elements of international cooking and integrating it to Japanese Cuisine. It has now opened its doors of its new home at the 2nd floor of The Gateway Mall, in Cubao, Quezon City.


This new addition to the aggressively growing chain of restaurants features a 100-seating capacity dining area, with funky but still classy interiors, warm lighting and upbeat ambiance. Sumo Sam Gateway Branch boasts of ever-so-popular selection of grilled seafood and steaks, rolls, sushi, tonkatsu, with its top 3 best sellers such as ebi tempura, beef teppan, and chicken teriyaki, providing a high quality, Japanese dishes in a generous Western serving.

Creating The Legend

Sumo Sam was conceived through the 3 great minds of young entrepreneurs: Mr. Raymund Magdaluyo; Mr. Ricky Laudico and, celebrated entertainer and restaurateur Mr. Marvin Agustin. Together with renowned chefs: The Chef of the stars - Chef Florabel Co-Yatco; Chef Nikki Nicolas, pioneer batch of CCA and Chef Benjamin Gonzalez, this young and determined group of business entrepreneurs has already achieved a total of 11 Sumo Sam stores all over the archipelago, and is still rapidly growing the business, and will close 2012 with over 20 branches.

For more information on activities and new offers, visit the Facebook Page Sumosam.

Check out some of the pictures.