Last Thursday, I was privileged to win an Ahhoo 988 DVD player from SM Hypermarket, having placed in a three-way tie for 3rd at their recently concluded SM Hypermarket Blogging Contest. (Thanks once again!)

Cathy and I have a Pioneer DVD player that we purchased when we got married back in 2002.  It has served us extremely well, and I was not particularly enthused about replacing it with a DVD player whose brand I did not even recognize. Once again, my closed-mindedness to lesser brand names reared its ugly head, but boy, was I proven wrong!

This Ahhoo DVD player is PHENOMENAL.

First off, its interface is touch screen. 1000 pogi points! If you wish to operate the Ahhoo DVD player from the machine itself, you press it on a screen that shows eject, play, skip forward, skip backward, and stop functions with a sleek laser-type touch-screen display. No clunky buttons. Gorgeous!

Second off, this Ahhoo DVD player apparently doesn’t care about DVD regions. We tested DVDs purchased from Amazon.com to see if it could play Region 1 and 3 DVDs, as well as a couple of DVDs that were purchased from shady elements at Makati Cinema Square. All DVDs played quickly and efficiently. It apparently can also play mp3 CDs, CDs, VCDs, CD-Rs, and CD-ROMs, allowing you to show pictures and computer slideshows.

Third off, it has a microphone function that plugs in perfectly with my mother-in-law’s Magic Sing. Our Pioneer didn’t have that. Nathan can sing his children’s karaoke songs directly from the DVD player, instead of my having to twist my back to plug the microphone into the mike jack at the back of the TV. Convenient!

Fourth off - and this blows my mind - this Ahhoo DVD player has a gaming computer function! That’s right! We opened the box and there were two computer handsets (I don’t know the technical term), which I could attach to the DVD player, along with a CD that contained over 300 classic games! CRAZY! Super Mario Brothers to PacMan, Circus Charlie to Arkanoid, Galaga, Battle City, Pinball, all the stuff of my wife’s and my childhood!

As I type this, Cathy, Nathan, and Nicki are watching the fourth season of Frasier on our spankin’ new Ahhoo DVD player. I’m about to sit down to a late breakfast of bacon, eggs, and rice. Will wash it down with a cool can of Pepsi Light. Beside me, a bag of Mister Chips in case I get a hankerin’ for the munchies later while watching Kelsey Grammer make a fool of himself. You can make a wild guess where we bought all this sustenance - that’s right, SM Hypermarket North EDSA.

Thank you again, SM Hypermarket, for this spectacular Ahhoo DVD player! It’s gonna make a lot of amazing memories for the Deens. Cheers!

(Note: the Ahhoo Philippines website doesn’t have information on the Ahhoo 988 DVD player, but you can take a look at the variety of available models there. They all look spectacular!)

Last night, I attended the second Bloggers Food Fest at the Mall of Asia’s Taste Asia, sponsored by SM Hypermarket, San Miguel, Procter and Gamble, Magnolia, Coca-Cola, Colgate, and CliqueBooth. While Crazy Choco chocolate fountains failed to make a second appearance, it was, without a doubt, the most fun I’ve had at any local blogging event thus far.

I had an entry to the first SM Hypermarket Blogging contest, so it was important to me that I represent well, in the event that I win a prize. Taking a page from How I Met Your Mother’s Barney Stinson (played by Neil Patrick Harris), I suited up! Well, kinda: nice silk polo, black sweater vest, black slacks, and, of course, my awesome new shoes from Bradford (which brought me to a respectable 5″10!). Suiting up pays off; some bloggers paid me compliments on the look. Barney was right!

Riding Gina with me were bloggers Angel and Gurl Alien, and their respective boyfriends. Upon our arrival, we ran into bloggers Riz, Joni, and Marian. Jomar’s list wasn’t updated with my name, and there was no list of SM Hypermarket blogging entries, so I literally had to get in as a “friend” of Riz’s. The absence of my name on the guest list also meant GannsDeen.com wasn’t on the bloggers’ roll provided so people could go around. No hard feelings, though; it’s hard to keep track of 300++ bloggers. It’s a shame, though, because I wasn’t able to go around and make as much new friends as I would’ve liked.

Met a slew of bloggers for the first time, including Joyce, Darwin, and the men (and women) of Man-Blog (including old pals Peter [and his wife Jen], Ade Magnaye, Fritz, AlohaPenny, Helga, and, of course, Mike Villar).

Saw old blogger acquaintances Karlo, beautiful Mae, statuesque Liz, fabulous fabulous Dr. Tess (I beso-ed her on the cheek and regretted it immediately. Come on, Ganns, ano ka, feeling close? Sorry, Doc Tess), a somewhat subdued Shari, Magic Marcel, photobug Chris H, gorgeous Apples H, a bubbly teacher Julie, TinaMats, and the two coolest Moms on the planet, Tita Dine and Tita Noemi. Saw Jeff, who I have to thank for inspiring me to go to the gym. Was inspired by Kuya Jun’s positivity and graciousness, as always.

Special mention to Benj, who I thought snubbed me at first. I literally had to tap him on the back and assert myself. It turns out my favorite med student/debater/atheist didn’t recognize me with the weight I lost. (He even encouraged me on his blog! Few congratulatory remarks on my weight loss thus far have meant as much to me.) Shortly afterward, I congratulated him on his renewed fire for the fine art of debate and med school. Lately, I’ve really enjoying his blog, so do swing by and share my enthusiasm.

Extra special shout-out to Arnold Gamboa, who gave me the privilege of being the person with whom he, his wife Joyce, and his friend Jigs, decided to hang out at their first Taste Asia blog party event. Bro, it was a blast hanging out with you. Rock on for Jesus!

God remains faithful. By night’s end, I won a DVD player from SM Hypermarket for my entry to their contest. My entry was judged one of the three best blog posts. I am humbled, humbled, humbled. Thank you, judges, thank you for affirming how Hypermarket continues to help make milestones in my life major memories. I’m adding this blogger night to that list. God superbless you all! Til next event!

Link love to the some of the best bloggers on the planet who were at the event too:

Paul’s Blog
Touched by an Angel
Pinoy Food Photoblog
Laurganism
Bakla Ako, May Reklamo
Manuel Viloria
The Lonely Vampire Chronicles (live blog)
The Lonely Vampire Chronicles (retrospective)
Geeky Guide to Nearly Everything
Takbo! (sa wakas ng pagkatuliro)
Macuha.com
Utakgago
Magikel
Dax’s Site
Roaming Around with Romela
Cliquebooth
Real People / Real Style (girls)
Real People / Real Style (boys)
Pinoy Moms Network
Teacher Julie
Atheista.net
Abuggedlife.com
Justwandering.org
Jehzlau Concepts
Prudence and Madness
Refineme.org
Scrooch Chronicles
AnitoKid
Mike Villar: Rising Internet Star
TJ Cafuir
Loida de Vera
Mon’s World
The Four Eyed Journal
The Disastrous Urban Primadonna
Pinoymoneytalk.com
Pinoy Blog Machine
SM Hypermarket
Byahilo
Tainted Song
Bababa ba?
Half the World Away
Noisy Noisy Man
Chickenmafia.com
Penny for Your Thoughts
Lastleaf.org

UPDATE: THANK YOU, SM Hypermarket! This entry was judged one of the three best blog posts, and I took home a beautiful brand-new DVD player. Thank you!

In the Philippines, the ubiquitous shopping mall is an unmistakable part of local pop culture. At last count, Metro Manila is home to more than 30 shopping malls, all of whom jockey for our patronage and loyalty.For my family and me, however, whether we are in the market for life’s little necessities or preparing for life’s major milestones, there has always been one trustworthy name on which we can rely: SM Hypermarket.

From the promise of a new life…

On September 22, 2003, my wife Catherine went into labor at the Olivarez General Hospital in Sucat, Paranaque. It was a Monday, and the family car was coded. Luckily, SM Hypermarket Sucat was two minutes away from the hospital. I festooned my wife’s hospital room with colorful blue “It’s a boy” banners and balloons from the school supply section of SM Hypermarket Sucat. Our hospital guests welcomed Nathan James to the world; we welcomed them with cold juice and chips from SM Hypermarket Sucat.

… to the closure of a life well-lived…

On June 13, 2005, my father, Nicholas, departed this world for a better place. We did not want to hold Dad’s wake at a funeral home, so my mother and I booked a conference hall beside our local church and held a four-day party in his honor, with exhibits, his favorite Johnny Walker Black, and Sinatra on the sound system. Senator Franklin Drilon joined us. See the stuff on the table? Snacks, juice drinks, ice, and materials for parlor games and the Mass? All available and present, thanks to the convenience of SM Hypermarket Bicutan.

… From the joy of knowing a friend isn’t too far away…

Shortly after Dad died, my family and I moved from Paranaque City to Quezon City. I worried a bit, not knowing where we’d do our shopping, but lo and behold! At the newly opened The Block, there was an SM Hypermarket! Hahaha! It was pure joy to welcome a new haunt with an old friend.

… to the accomplishment of a goal…

On June 10, 2007, we welcomed our daughter, Nicola Jean, named after my father, to the world. As with Nathan, I festooned the hospital room with banners and other pa-cute decor from SM Hypermarket Sucat, this time in pink. Cathy was adamant she would nurse Nicki, but was unsure of whether she’d be able to do so after a failed first time with Nathan. Nevertheless, we wanted to try, and all the research we did on Aventis breast pumps at SM Hypermarket North EDSA truly came in handy for that wonderful day when mother and daughter shared that truly beautiful moment for the first time.

… From the joy of a once-in-a-lifetime celebration…

On September 18, 2004, we celebrated Nathan’s first birthday party with a VeggieTales-themed celebration at our home. The supplies for the the Bob the Tomato masks, parlor games and little giveaways that drove the children crazy… ever-reliable SM Hypermarket Sucat and Bicutan came through once more.

… to the everyday niceties that make one just a little happier to be alive…

I’m nursing a flu as I type this. Yesterday, I ventured out to do some grocery-shopping before Cathy leaves for Davao on Monday. I know it’ll be hard to be without my wife around, but Nicki has a brand-new can of Nan milk, Nathan has school snacks, there’s a week’s worth of fresh meat and vegetables in the fridge, and I’ve got Alaxan to help me type this. In sickness and health, I can rely on God, Cathy, and SM Hypermarket North EDSA/The Block.

… one knows can rely on SM Hypermarket to help make living life a little easier. Thanks, SM Hypermarket, for more than five years of memories.

(Will post photos within the next 24 hours)

Be updated and interact with SM Hypermarket through their blog.

Last July 3, I joined over 100 bloggers at Taste Asia: Bloggers Food Fest, at the SM Hypermarket at the Mall of Asia for an evening of fun and entertainment. It was, beyond the shadow of a doubt, the most fun I’ve had at a blog event (what should one expect from the best Philippines supermarket ever?) My sincerest thanks to Jomar, who got me in.

My sincerest thanks as well to the sponsors - Fruitas (best mango shake ever!), Hen Lin (I love your mini cuapao!), Pick-A Pocket Shawarma & Kabbabs (the barbecue was delightful!), Paotsin (I’ve supported you since my DLS-CSB days), Lots’ a Pizza (every Saturday at the Moonwalk branch!), Gloria’s House of Special Goto, Fresh Cuts, Alvineths Party Needs, Sanyo and Zenshin Systems Corporation. (I left one sponsor out for reasons you’ll find out later, hehehe.)

The Top 5 Reasons Why Taste Asia rocked, right after the jump. Read more