California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) lets your kids enjoy a Halloween like no other in a superhero adventure party this October 28 in all CPK branches.

Bring your kids and their friends to CPK in their best superhero costumes and be ready for an action-packed party with exciting games, photo souvenirs and superhero goodies to boot. This event is bound to make this year’s Halloween extra memorable for everyone, leaving your kids grinning from ear to ear as they go and save the world in one day!

To register for the Super CPKids Halloween Party, email your child’s name and your contact details to marketing@globalresto.com or visit any branch of CPK. Registration is free and open to all members and non-members of CPKids.

Visit or call any CPK branch in Glorietta 3 (893-9898), Alabang Town Center (850-5771), Shangri-La Mall (687-7841), Greenhills Promenade Mall (725-7377), Trinoma (901-3881), Power Plant Mall (895-3447) and Greenbelt 5 (572-5965). To know more about CPK’s exciting offers, follow CPKPhilippines on Facebook and Twitter or log on to www.cpk.com.ph.

This year’s Super CPKids Halloween Party is supported by Coca-Cola, Manila Ocean Park, Mentos, Chupa Chups, Knick Knacks and Cinderella.

It’s a loaded holiday season for guests of California Pizza Kitchen.  This December, meet the man in the big red suit as he gives out goody bags and poses for photos with kids and adults alike.  It’s another Santa in the Kitchen at the restaurant, all Saturdays of the month.  

On December 18, CPKids members are invited to dress to impress for the Red & White Christmas Party.  Fun and games await those who will join the party.  Kids will enjoy an afternoon of activities prepared by CPK.

The CPKids Christmas Party is open to all club members, ages 10 and below. Registration is free; just ask the Manager-on-Duty or visit www.cpk.com.ph .

Rockin’ Around CPK is happening in all CPK branches: Glorietta 3, Alabang Town Center, Shangri-La Plaza Mall, Greenhills, Trinoma, Power Plant Mall, and Greenbelt 5.  Visit the website, CPK Philippines Facebook Fan Page, www.facebook.com/CPKPhilippines, or follow CPK Philippines on Twitter, www.twitter.com/CPKPhilippines for additional announcements.

Thirteen may be an unlucky number for the superstitious, but as Global Restaurants Concepts Inc, or GRCI, celebrates its 13^th year, its CEO and President Archie Rodriguez bares plans to go full steam ahead with expansion plans for the company that operates and manages familiar casual dining restaurants such as California Pizza Kitchen and Orchard Road.

It was 13 years ago, when a twenty-something Archie Rodriguez began courting the proponents of their first franchise operation. “I was living and working in the US, and was ordering a lot of home delivery from the California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) near where I lived. I got curious after a while, and decided to visit the store for myself. I was pleasantly surprised to find that it was full, particularly with families who were enjoying the good food and the casual atmosphere.” Rodriguez recounts that he was so impressed with the concept that he started sending proposals to CPK’s founders, Larry Flax and Rick Rosenfield. It took some time for the CPK co-founders to give their nods, after all it was to be their first franchise, and an overseas one at that.

But Rodriguez’s persistence paid off, with a proposal banking on sound business ideas, gained from the fact that he hails from a family of entrepreneurs/restaurateurs. And in 1998, discriminating Filipino diners were finally able to enjoy delicious pizzas and scrumptious pastas that CPK is known for.

Major selling points

But the times are a-changing, as the global economic climate has shifted, and the US is in the midst of a recession. “Businesses in the US are now looking to other markets as the recession in the US continues,” Rodriguez explains. “When they think outside the US, they typically have their eyes on China and India, but when we talk to potential business partners in the US, we introduce the Philippines as a potential gateway to Asia, with the lowest barriers to entry particularly with regards to language, culture, etc.,“ he adds.

The Philippines, as the gateway to Asia, has been a significant driver as Rodriguez acquires new brands, the most recent of which is P.F. Chang’s China Bistro, an Asian inspired casual dining restaurant which is slated to open by the 2nd quarter of 2011 to a highly-expectant foodie crowd. “P.F. Chang’s, along with other acquisitions that we have in the pipeline, fit our vision of operating family-friendly, casual dining restaurants with high-quality food, great service, and special attention to safety and sanitation. This is our commitment to our guests. They can look forward to having a great dining experience,” Rodriguez states.

Making footprints

He goes on to say that they are excited about their plans for their existing concepts, CPK and Orchard Road. They have started by launching a partnership with Quick Delivery to enable customers to enjoy their favorite pizzas, pastas, and entrées in the comfort of their homes or as satisfying break at business meetings in their offices.  They have also started catering services for events and gathering off-site.

Their next step, Rodriguez says, is to bring the CPK brand to bustling metropolitan areas in the provinces, particularly Cebu, Davao, Pampanga, and Baguio. “We are looking at 6 to 7 new stores in the next 4 or 5 years.  Location, market readiness, and a good local partner in the areas we plan to expand to will determine when and where we go next.” These provincial outlets, Rodriguez says, will be smaller than existing CPK restaurants. “We are looking at 150 to sqm restaurants, as opposed to the larger 400 sqm stores that we usually have in Metro Manila,” he explains.
Bright business outlook

With all these expansion plans for the company, one would have to ask Rodriguez whether it would be a good idea in this economic climate. “You have to remember that we opened the first CPK in the Philippines during the Asian economic crisis,” he quips.

“I believe that the Philippines is progressing forward. The political climate will obviously affect the economy in general, but either way, life goes on, and business goes on. We Filipinos have managed to keep our head above water.  While much of the world is reeling from the global economic recession, we are experiencing 7% growth,” he adds.

Rodriguez has high hopes for the Philippines. “I am very optimistic about the Philippines and doing business here.   This is our home and we need to continue to improve everything about it.  We hope we manage to enrich the lives of those who work with us, and of course, those who dine with us.”

Father’s Day is one of those occasions that kids look forward to as they put in all their efforts to give something special for their dads.  They either flex their creative muscles to make a Father’s Day greeting card or whip up something simple and nice like a Father’s Day cookie, which they decorate on their own.  This is usually the scenario when this time of the year approaches.

But then, there are other sides of Father’s Day that are not as usual as Dad and the entire family going out on that special day.  Father’s Day isn’t only for the kids and their dads to enjoy.  Take for example the relationship of a father-in-law with his son-in-law.  This is a whole different take on Father’s Day as this involves a father-and-son relationship that is beyond what is biological.  Fathers-in-law and sons-in-law are not always expected to be in a harmonious relationship; though there are circumstances that they really get along well just like a true father and son.  But, as a son-in-law, being able to express appreciation and honor to his father-in-law is a good way to jumpstart a much healthier relationship; and Father’s Day is good occasion to start.

And then, there’s the case of the first time dad.  While it is exciting to finally celebrate Father’s Day as an actual dad, celebrating this occasion, for the most part, involves some sort of a bonding time between fathers and their kids; but then, if the kid is too young to actually grasp the meaning of the occasion, Father’s Day somehow loses its value.  Dad would have to wait for his kid a little while  to be old enough to finally understand what Father’s Day is all about.

But the great thing about this occasion is that it suggests the idea of togetherness.  Whether it’s with Dad, Father-in-Law, or First-time Dad, nothing beats the feeling of being with the people closest to you during Father’s Day.  And maybe, that is the logic behind these kinds of occasions being set on a Sunday; because Sunday is indeed a family day.

This is the same belief that California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) shares this Father’s Day.  It doesn’t really matter what kind of father-child relationship you have; as long as the people who are dear to you are with you this occasion, that’s all that really matters.  To make it even more meaningful, CPK offers the best food suggestions that can be shared by the entire family as they celebrate.  Having somebody to enjoy great dishes with makes the occasion all the more unforgettable.  Add to that the fact that sharing good food together is a great way to form stronger bonds among loved ones.

This Father’s Day, CPK offers two of its well-loved dishes.  For a minimum single receipt food purchase of P1500.00, receive a  gift voucher which entitles you to a FREE Chicken Marsala or Jambalaya on your next visit.  Just present the voucher to any CPK restaurant and enjoy your treat on us.

For fathers-in-law and sons-in-law who are celebrating together, the wide range of food selections at CPK is somehow a good way to get to know each other more; as the menu bursts with all sorts of dishes that cater to everyone’s taste.  As for those first-time dads, introducing Dad’s CPK favorites to the kids this early can already create a some sort of tradition that whenever Father’s Day comes, Dad’s favorites from CPK are the ones to order.

This June 20, make it a CPK Father’s Day by making your way to any of the its branches: Glorietta 3, Alabang Town Center, Shangri-La, Greenhills, TriNoma, Rockwell, and Greenbelt 5.  For more details on celebrating Father’s Day at CPK, visit www.cpk.com.ph or CPK’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/CPKPhilippines, or  follow CPK on Twitter, www.twitter.com/CPKPhilippines.

In all of those 365 days that a very special person takes care of everything you need, there’s one particular day that turns the tables around.  On May 9, it’s time to make mom feel really special.

Make it a Mother’s Day to remember by taking her to California Pizza Kitchen.  Receive a FREE mother’s day cupcake with a minimum single receipt dine-in food purchase of P1500.00

MOM’S SWEET DAY happens in all CPK Branches: Glorietta (8939898), Alabang Town Center (8508771), Shangri-La Plaza Mall (6877841), Promenade Greenhills (7257377), TriNoma (9013881), Rockwell (8953447), and Greenbelt 5 (4017160).

Summertime, for some students, is mostly spent taking a break from school work and other academic activities.  But for the little children who can’t seem to sit still, parents search for ways to keep them busy and keep their learning process going.   It is during these formative years that kids discover or at least try to figure out who they want to be or what they want to be when they grow up.  This is why summer workshops abound everywhere.

These workshops, specially designed for the kids, offer various avenues for learning.  More than what they can learn from school, workshops are great ways tap into the creative skills of children.  During summer, different kinds of workshops are offered that cater to the interests of children.  For those who love performing arts, there are classes that offer training in singing, dancing, and acting; while those who want to keep busy with their hands, there are classes which focus on arts and crafts, teaching students to create something on their own, which they can bring home and show off to their parents.

This May, California Pizza Kitchen is making summertime a fun-filled experience for the kids with “Art Attack”, a summer workshop to be held every Sunday, from 3pm to 5pm.  The first Sunday session on May 9 is even made more special as it also happens to be Mother’s Day.  Students will get to learn how to make pop-up cards especially for their moms.  Armed with art tools, their unmatched enthusiasm, and seemingly endless energy, students of this workshop will definitely enjoy doing something for mom on their own, out of the creativity of their young minds.  The following Sundays will continue to build excitement as kids can learn Basic Drawing and Color Rendering using Oil Pastels (May 16), Origami (May 23), and Recycled Crafts-Making (May 30).

All CPKids club members are invited to join and CPK is giving them free workshop registration for a minimum dine-in receipt worth P700, with a purchase of a CPKids Pizza or Pasta.  The free registration is good for one workshop of choice; but to make this summer complete, all kids are invited to take part in all four (4) workshops.  Not only can they stretch their creative muscles, they can also have fun doing the same activities with other kids, and along the way, make new friends.

Children who are not yet CPKids club members can ask for their servers or Managers-on-Duty to assist them in their club registration.  The CPKids club is open to children 10 years old and below.  To register, visit any of the CPK branches: Glorietta 3 (8939898), Alabang (8505771), Shangri-La (6877841), Greenhills (7257377), TriNoma (9013881), Rockwell (8953447), and Greenbelt 5 (4017160).

For updates, visit www.cpk.com.ph , CPK’s page on Facebook: www.facebook.com/CPKPhilippines , or follow CPK Philippines on Twitter: www.twitter.com/CPKPhilippines .

The CPKids Art Attack Summer Workshop free registration promo is valid from April 28 to May 22.  Per DTI-NCR Permit No. 1832, Series of 2010.

Easter has always been associated with celebrations.  Associated to this holiday is the Easter bunny bringing baskets of Easter eggs, candies, and other treats to the homes of the children; and over the years, the Easter egg-hunting game is regarded as the most popular game among children.

This Easter, California Pizza Kitchen will play Easter bunny to CPKids club members, as different fun-filled activities and goodies await the children.  The kids and their entire family are in for a different kind of egg-hunting activity.  While most games of this kind would give the prizes to the person who was able hunt the most number of eggs, CPK is putting a twist into this game by getting the whole family to join in and participate in an amazing race with the eggs containing the clues.

Easter Sunday at CPK is family day taken a notch a higher.  From the uniquely-flavored pizzas to the tasty pastas, topped off with CPK’s delightful desserts, not only can the family members share activities together, they can also feast on their favorite CPK dishes.

Aside from the egg-hunting game, CPKids club members can also participate in a decorate-your-own Easter cookie activity.  Kids are given their loot bags, complete with kits to help them get their creativity on with the cookies.  These are other great reasons to look forward Easter Sunday at CPK.

For more information on how to be a CPKids Club Member, visit www.cpk.com.ph or approach the Manager-on-Duty in any of the CPK branches: Glorietta (8939898), Alabang (8505771), Shangri-La (6877841), TriNoma (9013881), Greenhills (7257377), Rockwell (8953447), and Greenbelt 5 (4017160).  Become a fan of CPK Philippines, visit www.facebook.com/CPKPhilippines .  Follow CPK Philippines on Twitter, www.twitter.com/CPKPhilippines .

Last November 2009, the Philippines was once again making headlines when the People’s Champ, Manny Pacquiao, made boxing history by winning his 7th title, in the much-awaited match with Miguel Cotto. Right after the match, audience members were heard chanting another boxer’s name as Pacquiao’s next opponent. And just when everybody thought that the fight was happening, organizers pulled the plug due to negotiation conflicts. Enter Joshua Clottey.

Nobody had Clottey in mind as Pacquiao’s next opponent but come March 14, the fight dubbed as “The Event” is on. As everyone anticipates another triumph from Pacquiao, California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) offers boxing enthusiasts to watch this megabuck fight as it happens. The cozy ambience and appetizing menu offers make CPK the place to gather and celebrate another imminent victory. Watching “The Event” at CPK takes everyone’s viewing experience up a notch. And for P800, boxing aficionados can watch Pacquiao go head to head with Clottey live, while enjoying hefty servings of their favorite CPK dishes.

Tickets for “The Event” are now available at CPK’s participating branches: Glorietta (8939898), Alabang (8508771), Shangri-La (6877841), Greenhills (7257377), and Greenbelt 5 (4017160).

This February, while most will be excited for Valentine’s Day, kids, who are too young to appreciate this special day, can still celebrate something else. This month is also known to many as the International Friendship Month.

According to the dictionary, “friendship” is the quality or condition of being friends, a friendly relationship, or the state of being friends. Most adult friendships, the ones that last, are usually the friendships that were built from childhood. This is an idea that California Pizza Kitchen would like to inculcate to its CPKids club members and to their friends.

With “Proud to be Friends, Proud to be CPKids” Friendship month celebration, CPK would like their CPKids and their friends to share something in common, among many other things. CPKids club members are encouraged to invite their friends to join CPKids club by bringing them to the store’s friendship month celebration, happening every Saturday of February. Each Saturday comes with a theme and friends can come in costume, which is sure to make the day more enjoyable and exciting for the kids. There will be games, activities, and goodies, especially for the new CPKids members. Moreover, part of friendship is maintaining and developing new friendships; and coming to parties, like these from CPK, is one way to meet other kids.

The CPKids Friendship Month activity happens every Saturday in February, 3-5pm. For inquiries, call any of the CPK branches: Glorietta (8939898), Alabang (8505771), Shangri-La (6877841), TriNoma (9013881), Greenhills (7257377), Rockwell (8953447), and Greenbelt 5 (4017160).

Filipinos are known to love food; and this passion for good food is often coupled with great company. Whether they are just having a small dinner at home or going out to enjoy a night in the town, food is, and will always be, a part of the Filipinos’ way of getting together.

The idea of pairing wine with some well-loved dishes can be quite daunting to some since most Filipinos as are more familiar with having their dishes with familiar drinks, either soda, juice or iced tea. But what is enlightening about wines is their ability to make or break the dish it is partnered with. The choice of wine can determine what kind of taste the person would like to bring out from the dish. Having wine to go with one’s meals also stimulates the senses, making the dining experience more enjoyable and memorable. From the appearance to the smell and finally to its taste, having wine even with just a regular meal can make a whole lot of difference, but ultimately, it has to complement the dish.

This February, California Pizza Kitchen is giving its guests the experience of having CPK dishes paired with select wines. Just in time for Valentine’s Day, this wine pairing activity is ideal especially for those who are still planning on how they want to spend this all-important day. For P595, guests can enjoy a featured CPK dish and a glass wine that will take their dining experience to a whole new different level, compared to their usual soda or iced tea. Aside from the most basic “like-colors-go-together” guideline, which suggests that red or brown dishes go well with red wines and light-colored dishes go with white wines, guests are also in to discover which wines they should go for when they want a certain flavour to stand out in a specific dish.

The CPK wine pairing is scheduled every Thursday of February, 6pm-9pm. Wines are provided by Happy Living Corporation, Philippines and Premium Wine Exchange. For inquiries, call any of the CPK branches: Glorietta (8939898), Alabang (8505771), Shangri-La (6877841), TriNoma (9013881), Greenhills (7257377), Rockwell (8953447), and Greenbelt 5 (4017160).