Make Your Own Havaianas (MYOH) 2015

When I say summer, what's the first thing that comes to your mind?  The sun and the beach?  Well yes.  But let me add one more thing to that list:  The Annual Make Your Own Havaianas (MYOH) Event!  Yup, it's that time of the year again to spruce up your flip flop wardrobe and kick up your creative juices!  This year, the theme is everything and anything Hawaiian!  Before I start shaking my bon-bon and do the hula, let me show you what happened during today's private selling event:

The MYOH 2015 Commemorative Pair

MYOH 2015 Entrance

Choice Sheet (Front)

Choice Sheet (Back)

MYOH 2015 Pins

Assembly Area

Assembly

And finally...

Every purchase comes with this adorable mesh tote!

Curious about my pair?  Here's what I chose:

Ta-dah!

Don't miss your chance!  The MYOH 2015 will be open to the public starting tomorrow (May 7) till Sunday (May 10) at the Glorietta Activity Center.  It will also be available at select Havaianas retailers nationwide! 

Perfect timing too!  If you're still at a loss and couldn't figure out what to give Mom for Mother's Day, then why not go grab a pair (or two) and show her how special she is?  Aloha!

Teddy's Bigger Burgers

Teddy's Bigger Burgers, Hawaii's top burger joint, is set to open in Manila tomorrow, August 23, 2014.  Remember my post about Teddy's?   Mark your calendars, because tomorrow is THE big day.   But before I go any further, here are a few quick facts about Teddy's Bigger Burgers.

Teddy's Bigger Burgers, which began in 1998,  was founded by Ted Tsakiris and Rich Stula.  Both are burger lovers who failed to find burger restaurants who offer the same quality burger that they cook in their backyards.  Hence, Teddy's Bigger Burgers was born.  Since then, they have opened 11 locations in Hawaii, 4 in mainland US, 1 in Japan and now, 1 in Manila.  The Philippine franchise is brought to us by the same group who are responsible for local favorites such as Sumo Sam, Akira, and the like.  

Last Wednesday, I had the privilege of attending the Teddy's Bigger Burgers' exclusive media sneak peek.  Scroll down and see how it went:

Tiki Wings

My meal started with the Tiki Wings.  I wasn't able to eat it immediately when it was served, so it was already cool when I got to it.  Well surprise, surprise!  The wings were still crispy, with the sauce sweet and tangy. 

As with all the other burger joints, the main focus will always be on the burger.  Teddy's Bigger Burgers' patties are bigger than the average, with sizes ranging from 5oz to 7oz, and up to a whopping 9oz!  They are made from 100% corn-fed US Black Angus ground chuck, with no binders or fillers.  It has zero preservatives and are not injected with flavors.  And since the patties are charbroiled, the oil drips off; leaving you with a less oily version of the patty.  This is all great news, because after all, less oil = less guilt.  And now I can eat in peace, and not to mention, eat more!  Ok, ok, I'm stalling.  Let me get to the mouthwatering part.

I went with the 5 oz. Cheese Burger with Swiss Cheese and Bacon.  What can I say?  It's the bomb!  The potato buns were soft and fluffy, the patty was big and juicy (not greasy at all!), my bacon was nicely crisp, and the sauce!  Don't even get me started on their special sauce!  I don't really know what they put in it, but it's really delicious!  It's the kind of sauce that makes you want to barge in their kitchen, grab the bottle (or the tub!) and just pour everything in your mouth.  Oops! 

A little trivia about Teddy's milkshakes:   Teddy's milkshakes are made from 90% ice cream and 10% milk. I tried their strawberry milkshake, and OH MY.  The only words that I can think of was that is was rich, creamy and oh so good.  Plus points for the strawberry bits, which reminded me of my favorite Haagen Dazs strawberry ice cream.

Meet the geniuses behind Teddy's Bigger Burgers, Ted Tsakiris and Rich Stula.  Really down to earth guys.  They went around and made sure everyone enjoyed their burgers and had a great time.  

So...  what can I say?  Overall I loved Teddy's Bigger Burgers!  Finally, a burger joint for the serious burger fanatics here in Manila.  I say it's about time.  4.5 out of 5 stars!  

Oh and don't forget! (I don't think you will, but just to be sure, I'll remind you again) Tomorrow is the big debut of Teddy's Bigger Burgers.  Make sure to fall in line early, because the first 5 in line gets a YEAR's supply of burgers.  6-10th person gets 6 months supply, and 11th-20th gets 3 months supply.  Free burgers for the first 100 in line too!  This is serious stuff.  So I say GO!  See you there! 

Teddy's Bigger Burgers is at 3/F, Greenbelt 3, Makati City

Say "Aloha" to Teddy's Bigger Burgers! Soon to Open in the Philippines!

Hungry yet?  The very first time I saw this photo, I had to stop myself from eating my laptop.  Kidding!  But seriously, just from the look of it, who'd resist this rich, cheesy goodness of a burger?! And let me guess the very next question that popped into your mind:  "Where can I get this?!  Lucky for you, I've got the answer!

Teddy’s Bigger Burgers, Hawaii’s number one burger chain, marks its entry into the Philippines with the opening of its first store on August 23, at Level 3, Greenbelt 3, Makati City.

Awarded multiple times as the best burger in Hawaii, Teddy’s Bigger Burgers takes pride in its signature fare: its 100% cornfed ground chuck made-to-order burgers served with a sweet and tangy special sauce; and its super thick milk shakes.

A little trivia about Teddy's:  Teddy's Bigger Burgers was established in 1998 by Ted Tsakiris and Rich Stula.  They have 11 locations in Hawaii and recently opened mainland locations in Washington and Iowa, with stores soon to open in California and Texas. The Philippines is Teddy’s 2^nd international location, following Japan.  Hooray for the Philippines!

...and if the above photo has gotten you into a frenzy (like it did for me), then here are a few more details:

To celebrate its Philippine debut, Teddy’s will treat its first 100 customers with free Original Teddy’s Burger (5 oz.) on its August 23 opening day.

Early birds will also be rewarded as the first five in line will receive one year supply of burgers (one burger a week, for 52 weeks). The 6^th to 10th in line will get six months supply of burgers (one burger a week, for 26 weeks); and 11^th to 20^th in line will receive three months supply of free burgers (one burger a week for 13 weeks). From the remaining 80 in line, five lucky winners will also win a weekly supply of burgers of one month (one burger a week for 5 weeks), to be drawn via raffle.  Line starts at 7 am in front of Teddy’s Bigger Burgers Store on August 23.

And just when you think the freebies are over, here comes more:  From now until September 3, 2014, mall patrons at the Greenbelt Mall also have the chance to win a free burger from Teddy’s by taking a burger selfie with either the Teddy’s Bigger Burgers store board up or Teddy’s Bigger Burger standees around the mall. Participants must upload their photos on Facebook or Instagram account with the hashtag #teddysburgersph. The first 100 entries will win a free 5oz Original Teddy’s Burger.

For complete promo mechanics, and more information about Teddy’s Bigger Burgers PH, visit the official Facebook Page (www.facebook.com/TeddysBurgersPH).

Teddy's Bigger Burgers is at 3/F, Greenbelt 3, Makati City