Ceddy's Random

Sunday, January 20, 2019

BEST ONLINE VIDEO STREAMING SERVICE IN THE UAE

Cedric Penarubia January 20, 2019 0 Comments

Movie Time!!!

It may be almost the weekend, but that doesn't mean you need to have big plans to go out.
I have listed the most used streaming services in the region that you might wanna try.
Streaming services are very popular these days and I decided to summarize them for you to try ( Thank me later) And by the way, they accept mobile payment just in case your credit/debit card doesn't support online payment.. (Yey!)

Below is the popular streaming service in the region on which I tried all of them.
Of course, they offer a month of trial. If you are satisfied with the service, then you have the option to pay on the succeeding months depends on how many users you opt to subscribe.

Starz Play

Starz Play emerges in the UAE 2 years ago (as far as I remember). Starz Play is an app from STARZ cable and satellite television network that allows you to stream their library of popular films and original television series. I am familiar with this streaming service ever. As on my previous job in the Philippines (As a call center agent) We are selling this as an add on package for American customers who has a cable subscription package.

Starz Play has there owned original contents. Some of the popular Starz Original Series below:

I tried their service for a month of trial and decided not to continue, Why? As at that moment, they have limited movies to offer yet they merely focus on their original collections and some of the movies that I searched was not readily available. Starz Play offers Arabic movies, classic tv shows, and Bollywood movies dubbed in Arabic.

Starz Play comes with Yuppflix which offers Bollywood movies and tv shows, different genres with 12 languages including Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada.

You can register up to 5 devices and payment of 35 dirhams monthly. For more faq, you can visit this link.
Or if you want to try their one month trial, you can always visit their website by clicking on this link.

Next is

Netflix

Contrary to Starz Play, So far this is my favorite streaming provider, although they just launch last January 2016, a few set back once Starz has emerged. They managed my expectation and I was so happy that most of my favorite movies were available. They have their own exclusivity of Netflix Originals, And as usual, they offer one month of a trial as well. You have the option to choose

So, what is Netflix? It's an American media-services provider headquartered in Los Gatos, California.
So yeah, #Stateside folks.

For the Netflix, unfortunately, you can only subscribe to their service by means of credit and debit card payment, so if you are unsure if your card supports online payment, better check with your bank.

Recently, Netflix was trending because of their own award-winning original series like Birdbox, Stranger Things and Orange is the New Black.

No doubt that people behind the Netflix create such series that entice more customers to sign up with them. You have the option to subscribe to the following

I tried their premium for a month of trial and I have utilized all their service feature. That includes the Ultra HD availability. I am using an iPhone X and has the Dolby Atmos capability. Only a few selected movies and series are available like Okja, But the audio and video quality is superb.

I love to watch documentaries such as BBC Documentaries by Sir David Attenborough. And Netflix has all the content. Though the price for its premium is a bit pricey compared to its counterpart, the real game changer here is the Dolby Atmos capability. I'm keen to audio and video quality that's why it is hard for me to switch out to other video streaming provider. I can notice as well that regardless of the speediness of your internet connection, the Netflix itself adjust the quality of the video so that it can still provide a stream playback without any buffers at all. As for the Starz Play, You should have at least a stable internet connection.

If you're on a budget, You have the option to subscribe to their basic package. With a standard quality content. However, if you want to stream into 4K Quality content, You can subscribe to Starz Play as it offers 4K Content ( as per availability of the device and content) for a mediocre price of 35 DHS.

Anyways, it's up to you guys to decide which is better.

The third one is

WAVO by OSN

WAVO is an online streaming platform where you can watch your favorite shows, Hollywood and Arabic blockbuster movies, kids' content, Live sports, WWE and original content. Wavo is powered by OSN-Orbit Showtime Network, A direct-broadcast satellite provider serving the Middle East and North Africa.

You can watch a live stream content from HBO, Paramount Channel and some of the OSN Sports Channels. Nat Geo Wild, Sky News, and Disney Channel are available as well.

Exclusive TV Episodes such as True Detective, Camping and Insecure are available as well.

There is a trial of 14 days. In order to activate the trial, credit/debit card is a must for you to use the service.

If you want to experience live streaming, especially to sports network channels and cricket channels. I can highly recommend this streaming service. And it will cost you for $9.99 every month.

Some of the movies that I searched were not available, and some of the HBO Livestream content is unavailable due to restrictions.

So far, those are the 3 Live Streaming Content that I can recommend.

Any questions or feedback please comment below or you can always reach me out thru my social media accounts.

Thanks for reading and see you on my next blog.

--ceddy

Monday, January 14, 2019

Food Review - Hot Palayok Restaurant and Grill

Cedric Penarubia January 14, 2019 0 Comments

Food Review - Hot Palayok Restaurant and Grill

Buffet Restaurants- Bang for your wallet!

Buffet restaurants are everywhere in the city of Abu Dhabi. Offering different promotions to attract customers.

If you want an Asian Cuisine, One restaurant that I can recommend is

The Hot Palayok Restaurant and Grill.

Unplanned Food Trip

This was an unplanned food blog trip (seriously). A friend of mine invited me to try a newly opened branch at Abu Dhabi World Trade Center. I have experienced dining with them before on their other branch at Madinat Zayed Shopping Center. I don't have time to write a review for some reason.

Catchy, Detailed and Impressive

But.. One thing that catches my attention on this branch is how they put up everything. Everything is well set up. Impressive Patio with an accent of blooming shaded flowers and accent of hue brown.

The Patio

Classic

Sugar cubes?

Manila Fame!

The interior design of the restaurant is ambered with hue brown, that defines the color of a palayok- a clay pot used as the traditional food preparation container in the Philippines (that's why they named it after). Comfortable couches too. The sugar cube lighting and the huge wall graffiti is very catchy too.

It was a peak hour ( around 2:30 PM) when we visit the restaurant and we were advised to eat at the patio as there is no vacant table inside.

During my dining, They are currently serving Filipino Cuisine. Seafood, chicken and beef dishes.

Traditional Filipino sweets and desserts such as ice cream are available too.

"palitaw"- sweet rice cake

Sushis, cakes, and fruits are available too!

And ice cream station? ✌

There is a made to order cakes if you want too 😉 Especially made for birthdays or christening.

made to order cakes

There's a grilling area wherein you can request the chef to cook a specific dish listed on the menu. Either beef or chicken. I tried the beef. I forgot to ask whats the name of the dish, but trust me, the beef is so tender and juicy. Superb taste!

To see is to believe

I'm allergic to chicken, so beef instead.

This is what I ordered. The beef is so tender!

Menus to choose from

Grilling Station

Due to my curiosity, I asked the waiter when do they offer promotions for Buffett.

Listed below are the schedules for your reference and the pricing as well.

Tuesday - Asian Cuisine

Wednesday- Barbecue Night

Thursday- Seafood

Monday and the rest - Filipino Cuisine

Weekdays: Lunch is 29 DHS. and Dinner is 49 DHS.

Weekends: Dinner and Lunch will cost you 49 DHS.

The waiters and waitresses are very attentive and will assist you anytime. Very friendly and *good looking too 😉 . Here's the team of Hot Palayok World Trade Center Abu Dhabi Branch.

The manager was present and I got the chance to speak with him sad to say, I forgot what was his name.

Overall. The quality of food and the service experience is excellent.

10 out 10 👌

I have some additional pictures below 😊

That's a wrap!

Thanks for reading my food review.

Don't forget to like, share and subscribe for more!

--Ceddy

Wednesday, December 19, 2018

Liebster Award 2018 Nomination - Ceddy's Random

Cedric Penarubia December 19, 2018 0 Comments

Liebster Award 2018 Nomination - Ceddy's Random

Hello Guys! Ceddy here... It's such an honor to be nominated for the 2018 Liebster Award made possible by Flysoulmates 😃 I have never been recognized for the past 2 years especially in this activity, and I am so happy and blessed that I am nominated.

I started my blog 2 years ago here in Abu Dhabi, way back then, no monetization, no followers or people who make comments to my content. My goal is just to write and share it with the world. However, as time goes by, I met a lot of bloggers online and learned more ideas and tips. One of them is Andrew who is the CEO and founder of flysoulmates.com. I am so happy that my blog was recognized and a big thanks to Andrew in making this possible.

About Flysoulmates

Flysoulmates

A co-blogger of mine introduced me to a group. Sharing tips and ideas across the blogosphere. And eventually, I E-meet Andrew. He always visits new places and sharing his content across the blogosphere. From the US to EU countries. He has his own signature way in creating his own content and video intro which is very catchy to the readers. Check his content and don’t forget to subscribe to their mailing list or visit their website here

About Liebster Award:

Liebster Award is a virtual award given to one blogger by another blogger. It is a way to provide recognition to great content and exposure to fellow bloggers. If you are nominated for this award and would want to reciprocate, here are the simple rules to follow:

1. Thank the blog who has nominated you and send a link back to their blog.

2. List the rules of Liebster Award in your post

3. Answer all the questions provided to you by the person who nominated you.

4. Nominate minimum 5 deserving bloggers of your choice.

5. Create a set of 10 new questions you would like to ask your nominees.

6. Display the award Logo on your blog

Here are my answers to Flysoulmate's Questions:

What is the first country that you visited abroad? Tell us about your experience?

PETRONAS TWIN TOWER

The first country that I visited abroad was Malaysia.

Before going to Abu Dhabi, I went to Malaysia for a quick tour- 3 days and 2 nights.

It was a surreal experience! High rise buildings, hustle, and bustle Kuala Lumpur with a mix of a multicultural populace. I felt like I went back in time, as the tour consists of cultural heritage and all about the history of Malaysia. Huge malls and indoor parks that I couldn’t imagine. And of course, I didn’t miss the PETRONAS Tower. The iconic landmark of Malaysia.

3 days and 2 nights are not enough and I’m thinking to return back in this country! Soon.. :) Check my review here :)

Are you more travel solo or group travel?

Traveling Alone

I prefer to travel alone. Traveling with friends or family can be fun. However, I prefer to travel alone. Why? Because I have my own attention and I can focus on my surroundings. Getting the chance to interact with the local people and I can find my own rhythm, so if I want to stay in a place longer than usual, I will and of course, it opens up more travel possibilities.

What is your next destination?

Screenshot credits to wikipedia

Georgia!!! It is on my bucket list and God’s Will when everything is planned accordingly. I’ll get going next year. I don’t have Schengen visa at the moment, so for me to experience a European picturesque, I chose this country as they are likely similar to the EU Countries, no doubt that this country is situated in the middle between Europe and the Asian continent. I recently visit Georgia's neighbor, Armenia :) Read more about Yerevan on this link. :)

Where is your happy place?

Photo credits to Al Bahar

Brainstorming while enjoying the cool breeze

My Happy Place! I am writing this content here in Al Bahar Corniche Beach Abu Dhabi (at the moment). Writing content by the shore is very relaxing. My mind can think of endless ideas for my blog. A lot of locals, expats, and tourist were here to unwind. I am always here during my free time. It’s the best place to hang out during winter. This public beach is free for everyone and offers pay to go Wi-Fi too.

Tell us about your travel list essential?

A checklist is a must!

Well, I keep It simple.

For my toiletry, I usually have my toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, sunscreen, lotion, perfume, and a soap. Just basics. However, If I’m going to stay in a hotel, I don’t bring soap at all nor shampoo.

For my travel health essentials, I have my small medicine kit for my allergy and my other prescription medicines. Pain and headache relievers, hand sanitizers as well.

For my gadgets, I always make sure that I have a back up such as Power bank, gimbal stabilizer, charger, travel adapter and lastly my laptop. I don’t bring a DSLR at all. I use my phone to take pictures and its easy to transfer via airdrop (I’m an avid Apple user, by the way, lol) And most of all. I have an app translator so that in case that there's a language barrier, it would be easy to explain to the local. Make sure to download it offline so that you can use it just in case.

Have you ever volunteer abroad? If so, Where? If not, Is it something you would consider doing?

I never tried! But Yes! Of course! I would love too! Volunteering is a great opportunity to get to know more other people, make friends and experience their culture!

If you had any advice for the first-time traveler, what would you say to them?

Always be ready. Packed up your things, always have back up just in case. Don’t forget to smile and make eye contact with the local. Don’t be afraid to learn new things on your way! Step out of your comfort zone. If you are getting a hard time, take it as a challenge, to discover new things and meet new people and leave good memories. Don’t forget to take photos. Make friends!

Tell us what blogging brought you?

Uhhh. That was 4 years ago. Taking photos and putting a caption and uploading it on Facebook. And I ask myself. How about writing an entire story behind those pictures and sharing it with the world? So this is where my blog started. 2 Years ago, In Abu Dhabi. I started to visit places and had a self-study about blogging and here it goes. My blog was born and up until now, I am still writing fresh content and sharing it with the world. Mainly from my travel blog to hotel reviews and more.

What is the most surprising secret you revealed in your blog?

Do I really need to answer this question? Hahaha. Well, it would never be a secret if I told so. I wrote a content about a relationship *thing. So yeah, I am the person behind that story. Curious? You can read my content- Stumbling on Happiness. :D

What is your favorite airline company?

Etihad Airways! I flew with them round trip twice! Friendly cabin crew, always on time for departure/ take off, the IFE, and the food! Awesome! Check my review here. Special mention to these Airlines as well :

1. Air Arabia

2.Philippine Airlines

3. Cebu Pacific.

4.Malaysian Airlines

Now that I have answered all questions, it is time to share our nominees, I am happy to extend the 2018 Liebster Award nomination to:

1. Bharat Bhushan Sharma of www.travelparable.com

2.TJ Del Mundo of www.tyudorials.com

3. Gabriel Rossini of www.anhedoniasurrealista.blogspot.com

4. Steve Anc of www.healthymummy.club

5. Kelly Loftus of www.kainspired.com

Best of luck to you guys! Cheers!

Here are 10 questions that you will have to answer by Dec.26 2018