Transformers, Mirror, CPK–A Weekend of Fun at TriNoma Mall

Posted on July 15, 2007
Filed Under Fun, Reviews | Viewed 1494 times

My weekend, a weekend of fun, started on Friday the 13th. After a doctor’s visit with one of the kids at Healthway in The Block in SM North, we went to TriNoma, to see for ourselves what changes have come up since our last visit two months ago. Indeed, a lot of change—so many restaurants have opened up, and so have a lot of shops. My only concern, which is of course to the delight of management, is that the place is now teeming with people. I wonder if these people really get to shop—I saw a lot of people just hanging around especially by the fountain areas.

We wanted to have something light, and to our delight, we saw that California Pizza Kitchen has opened. It is not as cozy and classy as that in Shangrila Mall, but it was ok. We had spicy pasta with shrimps (I cannot recall the name), Chicken Barbeque Pizza, their raspberry iced tea, and mint hot tea. Three of us for P1,198 inclusive of service charge (oh, this VAT is killing us). My budget was only P1,000—BA had to pay the rest from his savings, that was the deal. We enjoyed our meal. Dessert? Dairy Queen.

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I found a shop that particularly suits my taste in clothes. It is called Mirror. When I checked the prices, I was extremely delighted—what would cost P1,000+ in other shops for the same quality and style of clothes, would cost about P650! Elegant tops cost from P450 to P900. Why? I found out that materials were imported, but everything from design, to sewing is done locally. Their sales attendants were very friendly, not the type who would push too hard or praise you to high heavens just to get sales. Yes, M’am, one of the sales attendants agreed when I said that the size I got did not fit me, but she offered another top with a different cut, that was somehow flowing by the waist. It was short of saying that I needed to take off some inches off my waist, but I could not help but just smile. If it were said another way, I would have huffed and puffed and left the shop in haste. Daughter Monica, too, found some clothes to her liking. NO, this post is not sponsored by Mirror.

I saw that lots and lots of shops have already opened: leading brands for imported and local shoes, step-ins, apparel, accessories, sports wear and accessories, make up, perfumes, and many others. I would not be surprised if one day I would see shops carrying products from the Singapore Franchise Opportunity in TriNoma.

Saturday, back to TriNoma to watch the mini concert of David Pomeranz (he was lauching an album) at 6 pm and to watch movie Transformers with Alan Jr and BA (his second time) at 7:30 pm. I was surprised to see that 8 cinemas were showing Harry Potter, the other 2 cinemas were for Transformers and Die Hard 4 (I promised myself that I would watch this movie next week).

And what effect does Transformers have to a mother like me? It may be clackety clank from start to finish, a clash of metal to metal, but believe you me! I enjoyed every minute of it, and I did not sleep at all! I enjoyed each scene, each dialogue—I would, like BA, like to watch it again! While watching the movie, I had vivid memories of at least 4 small kids (whose age nw ranges from 27 to 17) who had their metallic and transforming experience with Transformers. I remember buying them toys, I remember them watching TV, I remember them having fun. The feeling was like visiting the fourth floor of the big National Bookstore in Gateway, Cubao, which would greet you with the nice homely smell of new books.

Transformers is not all metal clashing against metal, as I thought it would be, based on stories of some mothers who saw the moview. It brings out varied emotions, of love (of humans, of pets, of non-humans, of country), heroism, of childish belief (tooth fairy), and even of the songs we love to hear. If I were to rate Transformers, thumbs up, I will give it 5 stars. Surprised? Please don’t be.

Note: “This is a DigitalFilipino.com Club Sponsored Post”

Comments

29 Responses to “Transformers, Mirror, CPK–A Weekend of Fun at TriNoma Mall”

Shoshana on July 15th, 2007 7:11 am

Sexy Mom, it sounds like Manila has most stores you can find in the US. I still wonder where the average population get the money for all these stores when the salary versus prices of most goods are not quite equal. I remember going on vacation 5 years ago and how it cost me about a thousand dollars in food for about 1 week. I cannot afford to live in the Philippines.

SexyMom: a thousand dollars on food? ah, maybe that was mostly fine dining? there are restaurants that offer reasonable prices you know, next time you come, i will give you a list. food here in manila is cheaper than in singapore, similar maybe with bangkok.
tofubaby on July 15th, 2007 7:11 am

Now, Transformers is one movie I really want to see. Remembering Optimus Prime and Bumblebee (my favorite) gives me blast from the past. Hehehehe

After reading the review, I will definitely watch it. ^_

I haven’t been to Trinoma Mall. I planned to go to the grocery at least but my ride home is very much closer to the “other” side.

I am a fan of their architecture though. Having seen the blueprint in the newspaper a couple of months ago and I do agree that they would give SM North a run for their money.

SexyMom: oh, you’ll love the movie. i was also wondering—had the SM North crowd thinned?
Kyels on July 15th, 2007 9:25 am

I watched Transformers on its premier day here and saw it for the second time too; it was AWESOME! Though it may be of robots but the values shown in the movie was good. Well, literally, I grew up playing with Transformers and watched the cartoon together with my brothers. Sweet memories indeed!

California Pizza Kitchen; I love the pizzas and pastas over there!

SexyMom: my family loves CPK, too.
Belle on July 15th, 2007 9:35 am

the white blouse on display looks cute, and the kind that i don’t mind wearing. too bad, i don’t look near like that mannequin..hehe

i wonder if Transformer is showing here now. i should ask my daughters.

SexyMom: i am sure you will like a lot of clothes there, Belle.
Kyameel on July 15th, 2007 10:50 am

Yey! Transformers! ^___ It is a bit loud for even my tastes, but it is an extremely fun fun movie! I’m glad you enjoyed it! ^__

SexyMom: i did! i did! clackity clank and all.
bugsybee on July 15th, 2007 1:26 pm

I’ve been reading a lot of nice things about TriNoma but it looks like I will have to wait for ages till I get to see it. Not even the semestral break would give me enough time to go to Manila and I’m sure Christmastime is not a very good time to go around the malls.

I like TriNoma’s open air concept, like Greenbelt.

The only good thing about us not having too many malls in our place – we save a lot!

Have a great week, SexyMom!

SexyMom: thanks, Bugsybee! time flies so fast, before you know it, you will see trinoma for yourself.
rhodora on July 15th, 2007 3:19 pm

I often pass by this mall on my way to Ortigas whenever I visit my daughter. But since the Robinsons, SM megamall and the Podium are very near her dorm, these are the only places I had visited of late. Seeing the photos you posted here however, I think I will drop by one time at Trinoma to check it out.

Thanks for sharing this, Dine!

SexyMom: hi, Rhodora, hope to see you one of these days when you come to Manila.
Major Tom on July 15th, 2007 8:20 pm

Uhmmm, Trinoma; seems like a new place in Manila, one that has some original concept to offer, essentially complete yet very cozy and has personal touch—-as I see it.

You’re quite right about Transformers being a not the usual kidstuff for even I, when I was younger as a kid, found it to be so different from the rest (just like Diamos) for it had introduced mature topics and sentiments even if its targeted audience are kids—-it was such a fresh idea when it was first shown.

SexyMom: that was one of the reasons why i liked the move.
Jeric on July 15th, 2007 8:46 pm

I haven’t been to TriNoMa really because I don’t like crowded places. Shangri-la is one of my favorite place to hangout because it isn’t that crowded.

@Shoshana

Filipinos don’t actually spend that much when malling. Most people would just to window shopping, eat on a fastfood chain, and roam around the mall endlessly (taking advantage of the air conditioning unit of the mall).

SexyMom: oh, yes, Shangri-la is also still one of my favorites,
carlotta on July 16th, 2007 8:07 am

i haven’t been to trinoma mall yet, but i’d like to go there some time. as for the movie transformers, i think i’ll just wait for the video.

SexyMom: video is 2nd best to movies, but for transformers, i would recommend watching it on wide screen.
fe on July 16th, 2007 10:59 am

im from mandaluyong. megamall and galleria satisfies our needs aside from these being the most accessible to us. ive been hearing feedback from people to see trinoma…it aroused my curiosity.
i went to trinoma with the kids yesterday with so high expectations only to get disappointed with the parking space security guards. it took us so much of our time (and gas!) to find the covered parking space entrance. the guards were giving us confusing directions/instructions. they would tell us to go this and that way only to find it leads us to the exit. we found out it was really the intention since the parking space was full and they have temporarily closed it. i wouldnt have minded if they had told us about it instead of giving us confusing directions. i am referring to security guards no. 14 and 4 (since they wouldnt give me their names AND THEY DONT HAVE NAMEPLATES TOO. i had to get off the car and insist to these guys to give us the right direction leading to the entrance. you know how i was treated? it was almost… ignoring me! when we finally found the entrance as they have already opened it, I WAS SO STRESSED I HARDLY ENJOYED THE MALL AT ALL. i decided not to file a complaint not be stressed further. i didnt want my day spoiled by these disrespectful, unprofessional security guards. we decided to leave and went to SM megamall instead.

SexyMom: that’s a very frustrating experience. i hope management learns about this (let me see how this could reach them), so that they may be able to resolve similar teething problems.

i suggest trinoma management will re-orient their security guards what customer service is all about. or i suggest they find another security agency. we customers deserve better treatment and service otherwise i really wouldnt mind not going back to trinoma…ever.
cheh on July 16th, 2007 3:58 pm

Wow another mall to visit!yan ang sarap sa atin we’ll never run out of malls ata lol

I remember quite vividly growing up with my bro watching Transformer on tele,sometimes we fought over the remote cuz I hated it But the movie sounds interesting.Coming soon pa lang dito

SexyMom: the more you should see the movie, even if only for the memories—with a touch of the present.
netherchild on July 16th, 2007 4:49 pm

lol. sponsored posts.

bias haha. kidding. you need to see willis’ die hard. i want to know what sexy mom can say about the virtual platform of the movie that is legend.

SexyMom: oooppps—the sponsored thingey there refers to the singapore franchise authority. that’s the wonder in Digital Filipino’s sponsored poses—you do not need to write about the product/services, you only need to include the text link (LOL). AND yes, i will watch Die Hard 4. i am an avid fan of bruce willis
RennyBA on July 16th, 2007 7:37 pm

What a change – thanks for taking us with on this tour!
You really look like a sexy mom on that Kitchen and in the mirror two LoL

SexyMom: the one in mirror is a sexy mannequin (LOL!)
REX on July 16th, 2007 9:02 pm

I have been to Trinoma only once. Of course, the view is magnificent. But alas, my student allowance cannot yet afford to shop there, hehe.

And yes, Transformers is way way better than HP5 movie. ‘Nough said. Haha!

PS. I also watched it twice! Last time I watched a movie twice was Tanging Ina! Haha!

SexyMom: Tanging Ina must be that impressive for you to watch twice. hmmm, am beginning to be curious to want to watch it.
evi on July 16th, 2007 9:22 pm

when we went home in 2005, i went gaga over all the malls that i wanted to go to. there’s just too many. mall of asia was still closed at that time – too bad. i’ve run out of money and time but i still haven’t gone to all the malls. can you imagine? it’s kinda hard to believe that philippines is a third world country because for me, it’s a shopping mecca. i miss shopping in the philippines not only because it’s cheap but there are more choices and the shops are in abundance. unlike here, i can tell the location of the shop even with my eyes closed.

Sexy Mom: yes, the country seems to be a mall country.
dimaks on July 16th, 2007 11:46 pm

wow. with those ravishing influx of commercial establishments, i wonder what’s the long shot impact on the transportation and mobility issues in the metro, especially within the vicinity of SM and its access roads.

SexyMom: and these 2 malls are within the same area, facing each other! have not encountered much traffic yet, though.
ymaohevet on July 17th, 2007 12:38 am

Hello! I can’t help but smile when I read your reaction about Transformers the movie. It’s because you had the same reaction as my mom’s. “anak, ang ganda pala ng transformers. akala ko pambata lang. hindi ako nakatulog” and i believed her. coz she ALWAYS sleeps through any movie we watch!
Anyway, i love reading your blog! =)

SexyMom: i am always happy to see young uns visiting. your mom sleeps through movies, too, hah? cool…
chase on July 17th, 2007 8:28 am

At least the food is still way cheaper there in comparison here where even a piece of burger from Mcdonalds will cost you around 1000 in pesos even my aunt in New York was shocked how Norway is sooo pricey coz the food in US is soo cheap. But I also think because they also have higher salaries here so higher standard of living.

OOohhh now I am itching to watch transformers!
Manila Mom on July 17th, 2007 9:28 am

I smiled when I read about BA paying for the budget excess for your food. I’m the same with my kids. When they want something that’s over my budget for it, they have to pay for the excess themselves. When they really want it, they go for it but more often they’ll agree to get something within my budget so they can keep their savings for their other priorities. It’s a good way to teach them financial disicpline.

I think we’re the only family in QC that hasn’t been in Trinoma yet. Thanks for the review.

I love your pic in the post and also the one with your laptop. Sexy Mom indeed! ;D
Girlie on July 17th, 2007 10:16 am

I’m starting to like Trinoma too, especially their movie house, it’s like the one in greenbelt which i seldom frequent because of the distance from our place. I too did not fall asleep when i watched transformers, to think i woke up at 5 in the morning, super enjoy!

I checked out Mirror too, and I agree with you, they have beautiful tops, simple yet very stylish
eric aka senor enrique on July 17th, 2007 1:30 pm

Goes to show you how much money there is in the country. With so many super malls, one wonders who sustains them all
sasha on July 17th, 2007 2:18 pm

I love Transformers! It was really an amazing movie, the effects are awesome, to say the least!

You didn’t like Harry Potter, tita? I loved it! It was a far cry from the book pero it was great for me

Naku tita, nakakainis kumain sa TriNoma on weekends, daming tao sobra! CPK is on the topmost floor kaya di gaano matao. But during lunch, naku dapat di gaanong gutom kasi laging waiting.
tutubi on July 17th, 2007 2:26 pm

gusto ko nga ulitin yan transformers na yan e naging busy ako sa work

i love the cinemas of trinoma much more than those of SM
Paris on July 17th, 2007 4:32 pm

I haven’t been to Trinoma yet. I didn’t knot it was a mall if I haven’t read your post. We pass it by yesterday when we went to Veterans Hospital.
Tiffany on July 18th, 2007 10:58 am

My sister still refuses to watch Transformers with me
vk on July 18th, 2007 7:58 pm

hi sexymom,

thanks for sharing these topics….the movie, ay gusto siguro ito ni sascha at sa tatay nya.
tanong nga ako ki bernie, hindi pa daw nya alam, baka daw bago….minsan, advance kayo dyan.

about, shopping…....wow, maybe very nice, kasi ang price mahal talaga ano?

sigi, pag-mag meet tayo, sabay ako sa iyo, we go shopping and eat in the restaurant na masarap, ok?....lol…

totoo ito…..
Rowena on July 24th, 2007 8:51 pm

Hi Dine, have been to Trinoma twice. Ok sana to go malling there during mornings pag la pa masyadong tao. Pag hapon na, grabe crowd especially on weekends. My daughter once commented, amoy pawis daw mga tao. He he. I wonder if it’s really the strategy of management to build it across SM North, to get the CD market.
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