It's all systems go for the first ever Macaron Day Manila on Sunday, March 20, 2011. The big macaron giveaway will start at 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. (that's if supplies will last), and, as mentioned before, everyone can get 1 macaron for free, but if you donate to Real Life Foundation (even just a peso!), you may get 2!
The flavors created for Macaron Day are exclusive for this event only. Brandied Raisin has raisins boiled in brandy then added to Empire's buttercream filling. Remember Empire's Mocha variant? This time, it returns with a kick of Kahlua. Rose Petal has real rose petals. But unlike many other rose-flavored sweets, this one doesn't taste like you're eating a solidified chunk of perfume--think candied rose. Mmm. Although Chili Chocolate was once served for a past sponsored event, Empire is bringing it back to share with everyone. And lastly, since Empire does not have a citrus variant in it's regular lineup, we will have Citrus for a tingling, tangy treat.
See you on Sunday!
February 21, 2011
Yesterday's market announcement was quite a surprise. The organizers of Mercato Centrale, namely, Rj Ledesma (who is in charge of media relations) and Janice (of Mommy Mundo who is the point person for logistics) gathered all the vendors to Tent 2 after market closed to make a very important announcement. Beginning with an account of how well Mercato Centrale has been doing for the past 3 and half months, Rj ran through some reviews, guestings, and appearances of the market in various shows, blogs, and tweets. I'm pretty sure all the vendors are happy with how well the market has been received, and the great job the Mercato team has been doing in putting the word out on this endeavor. I am not wanting in this department, that's for sure. In January alone, Empire was featured in several blogs, and I cannot ask for more as a vendor.
photo courtesy of spot.ph
The big announcement was that Mercato Centrale will be moving to a bigger area a few blocks down the road right beside the Starbucks drive-thru, and across MC Home Depot. This area will be a more permanent spot for Mercato (and if I remember correctly, Mercato opened in November on a trial basis, I wasn't sure then if it would go past February). Since the market is doing very well, it is only natural that it continues, and because of the the contribution it has made to the area, it is wise to keep it running.
But the move to the new site will have its sacrifices. Tent 2 (where Empire is located, and where most other sweet/dessert booths are) and the open-air grilling tent next to it will be the first to move on the first weekend of March meaning on that weekend, Mercato will be split into two locations and the new location will not have airconditioning yet (I hope the macarons survive--I think they will). Tent 1 and the grilling tent beside it will move to the new location on the second weekend of March, the week after that, there will still be no airconditioning (third week of March). By the fourth week of March, the airconditioning should already be operational and the whole market will have been settled by then.
Tessa Valdes and charming daughter visits Empire
