Animetric's World

BonChon Chicken's seafood and other offerings!

noreply@blogger.com (Rowena Wendy Lei) — Fri, 25 May 2012 17:37:00 +0000

When you say Bonchon, chicken is what usually follows next. So when I received an invitation from Bonchon Chicken with the word seafood in it, my curiosity was piqued.

True enough, we were served Fish & Chips (P125, pictured above). Cream dory fillet cooked the way you want it -- with soy garlic or hot and spicy glaze. Like the chicken, it's crispy outside and tender inside. :D

Then we had Crispy Squid Rice (P125, pictured above). The trademark crunch of Bonchon Chicken now applies to squid rings. We had it in soy garlic and it's soooo good that it's addictive.

Did you know that Bonchon Chicken serves salads too? There's zesty and creamy Caesar Salad (P125, pictured above).

Personally though I prefer the lighter Ginger Tofu Salad, garnished with crisp wanton strips, fried tofu cubes, and served with vinaigrette dressing.

Chapchae (P75, pictured above), chewy Korean noodles with veggies, pork pieces, sesame seeds, and egg on top is one of my favorite menu items at Bonchon. It's tasty and affordable, filling enough as a meal in itself.

Bulgogi Rice (P125, pictured above) is something Bonchon has always had that I'm not really a fan of. I gave it a chance again, the verdict remains the same... the sweet beef pieces doesn't really taste like Bulgogi for me. XD

Even if we were there to sample other food items aside from chicken, of course we couldn't not have chicken! We had free-flowing wings. A 12-pc order like the one above costs P365. Again, we opted for soy garlic. I really love BonChon's trademark crunch. It's the best.

So how do you properly eat BonChon Chicken wings? I'll let Scott Tan, the man who brought BonChon Chicken to the Philippines, show you how it's done in one fell swoop! :D

No meal is complete without dessert and Bonchon Chicken introduced KoYo (Korean Yogurt). At P75 a cup, you get a full cup of deliciously creamy and tart yogurt complete with toppings. I opted for Banoffee Pie which had sliced bananas, graham crumble, and caramel drizzle. There's Blueberry Torte too, but I thought the sweetness of ripe bananas would present a better flavor contrast.

So how do I Bonchon? I normally prefer Chops so I don't have to contend with bones and I order them half and half (equal number of pieces of soy garlic + hot and spicy). I also love their Kimchi Coleslaw.

Log on to http://www.bonchon.com.ph/ for a complete list of branches and menu items.

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Maxims Hotel at Resorts World Manila

noreply@blogger.com (Rowena Wendy Lei) — Fri, 25 May 2012 00:47:00 +0000

I got to stay overnight with my family at Maxims Hotel in Resorts World last month when Samsung Philippines asked me to review the Samsung Smart TV ES8000. Maxims Hotel is an all-suite luxury hotel by the Genting Group. It's supposedly rated 6 stars.

Anyway, this is the hallway leading to our room.

We stayed at a Maxims Suite. It costs P15,800 a night and it's the most basic room you can get in this hotel. If you're a Resorts World Gold or Platinum cardholder, you get a big discount. I was surprised by the welcome note which greeted me when I went into the room.

There was even a welcome bowl of fruits.

Our suite was equipped with two double beds which is perfect for a family of two adults and two kids. Alternatively, you can opt for one king-sized bed.

There's a study and a couch with a table you can use to dine.

The study table has an electric pot you can use to make coffee or tea.

There's also a console you can use to call for butler service, order room service, make calls, etc.

It's a pretty big room.

This was the view from our window.

The closet had bath robes, bedroom slippers, hangers, and an ironing board with an iron.

The bathroom is equally expansive. The toilet area is enclosed in its very own room.

A separate shower area is located beside the toilet.

There are two sinks and a vanity area.

There's a complete set of toiletries -- everything from mouthwash to loofahs.

There's a bath tub which comes with a container of peach-scented bath salts.

Each overnight stay includes buffet breakfast for two.

There's a good selection of the usual breakfast items -- crispy bacon, sweet ham, French Toast, fruits, potato wedges...

There was even sushi and kimchi!

Congee and taho (no photo) too!

After breakfast we decided to go swimming. Luxurious cabanas like this surround the pool area.

The swimming pool is great! Half of it is pretty shallow so my 7-year old daughter could actually walk to the middle. The other half is deep, even I couldn't reach the floor. Since it was a sunny day, the water was quite warm.

The service in this hotel is outstanding. A butler will knock on your door before bedtime with a trolley on hand to check if you need anything -- bottled water, toothbrushes, soap, toilet paper, etc. at no extra charge! I actually left a pair of Levi's jeans in the room and realized it when we were already home. I promptly called the hotel and they informed me that my jeans were in the laundry. They told me that they would call or text me when it was ready for pick-up and they did.

All in all, we had a lovely time at Maxims Hotel. Thank you Samsung Philippines for the experience which was of course highlighted by the state-of-the-art Samsung Smart TV ES8000!

For more information about Maxims Hotel, log on to http://www.rwmanila.com/hotels-at-resorts-world-manila/maxims-tower.

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Estee Lauder CyberWhite Brilliant Cells BB Creme SPF 35 PA+++

noreply@blogger.com (Rowena Wendy Lei) — Thu, 24 May 2012 02:55:00 +0000

I promised that I will review two more BB creams and then finally upload my own guide to finding the right BB cream for you. This is the first of those two, Estee Lauder CyberWhite Brilliant Cells BB Creme SPF 35 PA+++.

I won't beat around the bush, this is the most expensive BB cream I've used to date at P2,500 a tube. I would like to thank Estee Lauder Philippines for entrusting me with a sample for review.

The color from straight out of the tube is light peachy pink which is understandable since I think caucasians are the main target market for this. More yellow tones usually match Asian skin better.

Rubbing and patting in the BB cream on one side of my hand makes the skin lighter in color. I was immediately impressed at how smoothly Estee Lauder CyberWhite Brilliant Cells BB Creme spreads out on the skin. It's very easy to apply.

These are my photos before (upper left) and after (upper right) application. The finish is very smooth and luminous but it also lightens your face so if you have a darker skin tone it may not be flattering.

I tried using it as a foundation replacement and I think it worked well BUT my face was obviously lighter than my neck. I can either finish off with a light bronzer or wear a top with a closed neck. This will be more of a problem if you have darker skin.

What I liked about Estee Lauder CyberWhite Brilliant Cells BB Creme SPF 35 PA+++:

It's very smooth in terms of texture so it glides and spreads on your skin easily upon application.
It feels very light on the face, perfect for the hellishly hot and humid weather.
It provides light to medium coverage and it can actually take the place of foundation for daily use.
Skin looks fresh, luminous, and supple.
It has SPF 35 PA+++ so your skin is protected from sun damage.
Can control surface oil and shine.

Downside? The price! It's P2,500 a tube so it's by far the priciest BB cream I've ever used BUT it's actually cheaper here compared to the SRP in Singapore (SG$86 or P2,935). Another thing is the instant brightening/whitening effect which will probably not be very flattering for those with darker skin.

Estee Lauder CyberWhite Brilliant Cells BB Creme SPF 35 PA+++ is available from Estee Lauder counters in Rustan's Department Stores and Marionnaud in SM Mall of Asia.

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Ralph Lauren The Big Pony Fragrance Collection for Women

noreply@blogger.com (Rowena Wendy Lei) — Wed, 23 May 2012 12:36:00 +0000

When I was in high school, I would tote around bottles of perfume in my school bag. Not a good idea as it turned out because I had a whole bottle of Eternity by Calvin Klein stolen. After that I would just spritz myself with a scent at home and then leave the bottle there.

With the sweet scent of perfume in mind, check out these colorful bottles from Ralph Lauren's The Big Pony Fragrance Collection for women. Each variant embodies a specific personality:

#1 Sporty (Big Pony Blue) - A floral citrus scent featuring grapefruit and blue lotus for the energetic and confident woman.
#2 Sensual (Big Pony Pink) - With key ingredients cranberry and tonka mousse, it's described as floriental fruity for the hopeless romantic.
#3 Free-Spirited (Big Pony Yellow) - A floral green fragrance which highlights pear and mimosa, it's perfect for the strong and independent woman of today.
#4 Stylish (Big Pony Purple) - Oriental floral infused with wild cherry and purple amber, it's the exotic scent of the edgy and refined woman.

I smelled each and every scent from #1 through #4. When asked to choose, I had to go for #1 or Big Pony Blue. I've always preferred citrusy scents and this time was no exception.

Blue is my favorite color too.

The number one actually describes the fragrance perfectly. It's bright, fresh, and vibrant so it makes you feel like you're on top of your game and ready to take on the world. I find that it's actually perfect for summer because it's quite light.

The bottle also sports the classic Ralph Lauren polo logo. The Big Pony fragrance collection comes in two sizes, 50ml and 100ml. The one I'm holding is the 100ml size.

Hubby liked the scent too! It actually made him curious about the other three variants.

The Big Pony Fragrance Collection by Ralph Lauren is available at Rustan's, Polo Ralph Lauren at Shangri-la Plaza Mall, Polo Jeans Co. in SM Megamall, and Corte de las Palmas at Alabang Town Center. The 100ml bottle costs P4,300 while the 50ml bottle costs P3,100.

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Bonifacio High Street Central Food Tour (Part 2 - Nanbantei, Sutra, The Cake Club, and Stella Rocket Room)

noreply@blogger.com (Rowena Wendy Lei) — Tue, 22 May 2012 16:51:00 +0000

Continuing the BHS Central Food Trip from my previous post, the next food items up for grabs were these bestselling yakitori from Nanbantei of Tokyo.

We had Pork Garlic Yaki (left) and Tebasaki (right). I really enjoyed the Pork Garlic Yaki as the pork was lean, garlicky, and not oily. Tebasaki is chicken wings yakitori. I don't particularly like chicken with bones so I have to take my companions' word for it when they said it was very tasty.

Here's a peek at Nanbantei of Tokyo's interiors. It gets really jam-packed during weekends... I know because I had lunch with my family there last Sunday. Watch out for a dedicated Nanbantei of Tokyo post soon. :)

Sutra then brought out an assortment of dumplings for us to try. The names are very interesting: Earth (spinach and shitake mushrooms), Field (chicken and pork), Fire (spicy shrimp and black mushroom), and Water (shrimp and bamboo shoots). You get four pieces per order and each order costs P170. I noticed that their dumpling wrappers are very chewy, which is good.

But what I really loved from Sutra was the Grilled US Diver Scallops (P770, pictured above). Large juicy scallops are placed on top of mushroom duxelle, spinach ravioli, and then drizzled with truffle butter sauce. It's so sinful!

Here's a peek at Sutra's interiors. Nice date place don't you think?

Then came The Cake Club. Porcini Mushroom and Foie Gras Macarons de Paris were brought in. I had one piece and it was both savory and sweet. The outer shell is crisp while the insides are chewy, filled with foie gras cream blended with mushrooms. It's really something else and you've got to taste to believe.

Several sandwich samplers were served as well and I opted for the Grilled Reuben. Marble rye bread is filled with corned beef, sauerkraut, Emmental cheese, and thousand island dressing. Yummy!

My tablemates had already dug into the cakes by the time it got to me, hehe. These three are (from left to right) Danielle, a white chocolate raspberry cheesecake; Ispahan, a rose-flavored French macaron filled with raspberries and lychees; and Le Royale, a cake made of Valrhona dark chocolate mousse, almond meringue, and hazelnut crisp. Simply divine!

Last but not least was Stella & Rocket Room which was on soft opening at the time of the food tour. I think these are Melted Spanish Chorizo Bruschetta but I'm not sure.

There was also Octopus Salad which I found scary. Needless to say I didn't try it.

Rocket Room's Fire Roasted Truffled Mushroom Pizza (P350, pictured above) looked so good and smelled so good unfortunately I was already too full to eat any more. O_o

Thus concludes the Bonifacio High Street Central Food Tour. I will be uploading dedicated posts for Nanbantei of Tokyo, The Cake Club, and Sutra in the coming days.

Bonifacio High Street Central

30th Ave. cor. 7th St., Fort Bonifacio Global City

Taguig City

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Bonifacio High Street Central Food Tour (Part 1 - Village Tavern, Elias, Sariwon, and Aria)

noreply@blogger.com (Rowena Wendy Lei) — Mon, 21 May 2012 14:57:00 +0000

I got to join a food tour conducted by the folks over at Bonifacio Global City last May 7, 2012. The tour highlighted several high-end restaurants located along Bonifacio High Street Central, namely Village Tavern, Elias, Sariwon, Aria, Nanbantei, The Cake Club, Sutra, and Stella Rocket Room. Since there's just soooo much food for show and tell, I will divide this post into two parts.

We stayed at the Village Tavern located on this side of BHS Central.

We began our gastronomic adventure with some Barbecue Pork Sliders (P425, pictured above) from Village Tavern. You get three sliders per order.

These mini sandwiches are filled with slow-roasted hand-pulled pork glazed with hickory barbecue sauce and then topped with coleslaw. Yum!

Then we had Village Tavern's signature Tavern Flatbread (P450, pictured above). It looks like pizza but it's not. Village Tavern makes their flatbreads from scratch using whole wheat flour. These are then baked in a coal-fired oven. I had a slice and it was crisp, tasty, and not at all greasy. Delicious!

Next up were these samplers from Elias. The serving consisted of Mang Pablo, a crispy beef tapa appetizer that normally costs P325 per serving. There was also Legazpi, Tempura-style prawns served with laing (spicy taro leaves stewed in coconut milk) and aligue (crab fat). The sampler came with just aligue. A full-sized Legazpi would cost P495.

Here's a peek at Elias' interiors. I found it quite nice.

Sariwon Korean Barbecue brought over some Japchae (P350, pictured above) which is my favorite chewy and sweet savory Korean noodle dish. I love the combination of veggies.

Since we had all the food at Village Tavern, there were no table cookers for Sariwon's drool-worthy beef. Haemul Pajeon (P350, pictured above), traditional Korean pancake filled with green onion and lots of seafood (squid, shrimp, oysters), was served instead. Sariwon Korean Barbecue is now officially my favorite Korean restaurant. You can check out my dedicated post about it here.

Aria Cucina Italiana was next in line. They brought out Pizza al Metro (P1,300, pictured above) which is a gigantic pizza consisting of three different flavors. Aria is known for their wood fire oven baked pizzas so I couldn't pass up the chance to have a slice.

I chose the pizza with arugula and it was divine! <3

Aria also served Gamberetti e Zucchine Pasta (P390, pictured above). Your choice of pasta (spaghetti, penne, or fettucine) with shrimps and zucchini in lemon-pesto sauce.

Here's a peek at Aria's interiors. I actually have a dedicated Aria Cucina Italiana post you can check out here.

In an effort not to oversaturate everyone with the numerous restaurants and dishes that were showcased in the tour, this post is divided into two parts. Check out the second part here.

Bonifacio High Street Central

30th Ave. cor. 7th St., Fort Bonifacio Global City

Taguig City

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Fashion Roadtrip with VNC, The Little Things She Needs, and The Flat Shop!

noreply@blogger.com (Rowena Wendy Lei) — Sun, 20 May 2012 23:30:00 +0000

I was part of a very unique event last May 10, 2012. We were whisked off to a fun fashion roadtrip by top fashion brands VNC, The Little Things She Needs, and The Flat Shop!

The invitation looked like a map which detailed places we would be visiting. It all started with a lovely lunch at Cookbook Kitchen in Eastwood Mall.

There were ten of us bloggers who went on the trip. Our plates had cards which we were told to keep.

Our first stop was the VNC boutique in Eastwood Mall. It was then revealed that the card I was holding meant I could pick out any shoe I wanted from VNC's May 2012 collection! I considered the wedges above...

...as well as these more slinky heels...

Finally I narrowed down my choices to the styles above. I decided to get the black wedges I first saw when I went in the store. I figured since it was more comfortable I'd be able to wear it more. It costs P1,350.

Five of us got a pair of shoes from VNC.

We then proceeded to The Little Things She Needs located at Eastwood Citywalk where the latest collection awaited. Let me just say that I love TLSTN bracelets because they fit me perfectly, hehe!

It turns out that the other five members of the group could pick their footwear of choice from The Little Things She Needs! :D

So many choices! I found these hot pink slingbacks cute.

There were ballet flats too. I'm not a fan but they seem to be in these days.

Yay, now everyone officially has a pair of shoes!

We then boarded a coaster so we could go to The Flat Shop which was located in Greenhills.

We played games in the coaster! We were divided into teams VNC and TLSTN. The winning team would get a surprise at The Flat Shop. Team VNC won, yay!

We were met with leis and welcome drinks at The Flat Shop. The atmosphere was very summery and beachy.

Tkees and Down Boys flipflops were showcased in the middle of the store.

Tkees (pronounced as T-kees) are described as cosmetics for your feet... they're sort of like lipstick or eyeshadow and they come in a wide array of colors. Tkees are currently worn by celebs like Vanessa Hudgens, Angelina Jolie, Jessica Alba, Hayden Panettiere, and Blake Lively among many others. They're flat, comfortable, and they show off your nail polish nicely.

Then there were Down Boys, or Girl Two Doors Down, which I had blogged about last year. These comfy foam-ish flipflops come with a signature bling and a sassy slogan. Now The Flat Shop was giving away five pairs of Tkees and five pairs of Down Boys. Since team VNC won, our group had first dibs on which we preferred. I went for the gray Down Boys flipflops in the photo above because I like the wedges and I don't wear flats when I go out. A pair costs P2,090.

The Flat Shop also carries Palladium boots which my hubby is currently obssessing about.

I'd like to thank VNC, The Little Things She Needs, and The Flat Shop for inviting me to such a fun fashion roadtrip! It was definitely one of the more fun and unique events I've attended. :D

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J.CO Donuts now open at SM Mall of Asia!

noreply@blogger.com (Rowena Wendy Lei) — Sat, 19 May 2012 16:41:00 +0000

Good news to all you south-based folks! Yummy J.Co donuts are now available at the SM Mall of Asia!

What's more you get a FREE Glazzy donut for every purchase of J.Coffee (any kind, any size) from May 1-31, 2012! This offer applies to both the SM Megamall and the SM Mall of Asia branches.

If you haven't tried J.Co Donuts yet, I highly recommend the Al Capone... incredibly soft and chewy donuts covered in rich white Belgian chocolate and almond slivers.

Can't make up your mind which donut to try? Get a box of J.Pops Baby Donuts for bite-sized portions of the most popular variants! :D

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Kuppa Roastery and Cafe is now in Manila!

noreply@blogger.com (Rowena Wendy Lei) — Fri, 18 May 2012 12:24:00 +0000

I spent the entire afternoon at Kuppa Roastery & Cafe last May 5, 2012. I was invited for coffee and a bit of food tasting but little did I know that a feast fit for a king awaited.

Kuppa Roastery and Cafe is a household name in Bacolod where it originates from. Kuppa has officially landed in Manila -- at Fort Bonifacio Global City to be exact. What sets it apart from other coffee shops is that large contraption which is the roaster.

Looks kind of like a train, don't you think?

Yes, Kuppa roasts its own coffee beans on site.

Kuppa at Fort Bonifacio Global City is a laid back and well-lit place with high ceilings. It's really perfect for enjoying a lovely cup of coffee.

Sandwiches were brought out. This one is the Ham and Jam (P265, pictured above). Toasted ciabatta bread is filled with smoked ham, brie, and raspberry jam. Sounds so simple to make but the combination of flavors is splendid.

But the salad is where the feast officially started. Insalata Kuppa (P240, pictured above) was another simple dish of mixed greens, reduced balsamic dressing, and blue cheese. It had walnut bits too. It had a very light and natural taste which I liked a lot.

Was I surprised when pizzas started coming out! Pizza Margherita (P280, pictured above) was the first we tried. It was topped with mozzarella, tomato, and basil. I liked how Kuppa's pizzas are baked perfectly and not at all greasy.

Cristina (P360, pictured above), a pizza named after the chef's wife, was the winner for me. It's Kuppa's signature pizza, topped with mozzarella, balsamic dressing, gorgonzola, figs, and grapes. Savory and sweet, you must try this one-of-a-kind creation when you get a chance.

Frutti di Mare (P240, pictured above) is a seafood pasta which comes in three different sauce bases: red (tomato), white (cream), and olive oil. It's up to you to choose which will be used for your order. A serving comes brimming with shrimp, clams, squid, and even scallops. It's very filling.

Salmon with Cream Sauce was something I couldn't find in the menu. It was lovely though.

Salpicao (P395, pictured above), US beef tenderloin with mushrooms sauteed in extra virgin olive oil and garlic, is served with rice for a complete meal. Very tasty, tender, and garlicky -- just the way I like it!

To our astonishment, Crispy Pata (P580 medium / P720 large, pictured above) was served! It comes with three different sauces and two servings of steamed rice. Very sinful.

One of Kuppa's specialties is Lamb Caldereta (P320 single / P580 for sharing, pictured above). I can't stand the unmistakable odor of lamb so I just tried one of the roast baby potatoes on the side.

We were served three kinds of tea after all the food: Gyokuro (front of the photo), Jasmine Dragon Pearl (round beads at the back left), and Casablanca Mint.

I liked the Gyokuro best as it was very smooth and calming.

For dessert we had Apple Tart (P115, pictured above). I was impressed by the sheer volume of apple cubes on top of the crust. Tart and just a bit sweet, it was lovely.

Next up was Matt's Chocolate Cake (P130, pictured above), named after the owner's son. It's a molten chocolate cake which oozes with a rich chocolate filling when you dig into it. It's not photogenic but it's divine!

For something light and fluffy, there's Strawberry Kiss -- chiffon cake with sliced strawberries and milky cream. Yummy! :D

Ben's Cappuccino (P80, pictured above), a Kuppa signature drink named after the owner's father, is the perfect way to cap off such a hearty meal. Smooth, rich, creamy... I could drink it even without any sweeteners. :)

Kuppa Roastery and Cafe is much more than a coffee shop, it's a cozy full-fledged restaurant which serves good food that can satisfy even the biggest appetites. Would you like to get a taste of Kuppa? I'm giving away a P500 GC and a bag of Kuppa's Hinelaban coffee beans! :D

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Kuppa Roastery and Cafe

G/F CommerCEnter Bldg.,

31st St. cor. 4th Ave., Fort Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City

623-5120

http://www.facebook.com/kupparoastery

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Missha M Perfect Cover BB Cream No. 23 SPF42 PA+++

noreply@blogger.com (Rowena Wendy Lei) — Thu, 17 May 2012 03:07:00 +0000

Being the BB cream addict that I am, I made it a point to find out what the best-selling BB cream in Korea was and to buy myself a tube of it while I was there.

After much research, all leads pointed to Missha M Perfect Cover BB Cream SPF42 PA+++. So I marched to the first Missha store I passed by in Myeongdong. A 50ml tube cost around 15,000+ won (maybe around P600 tops), whereas Missha Philippines sells the same thing for P1,600.

Anyhow, it's a pretty big tube so I'm sure it'll last me a while. Oh yeah, I got shade no. 23 which is Natural Beige. It's a middle color as there are five tones: #13 (lightest), #21, #23, #27, #31 (darkest).

The tube comes with a pump dispenser which I prefer since it's more hygienic.

As you can see, it closely matches my skin straight off the tube.

Photos above show my face before (left) and after (right) applying Missha M Perfect Cover BB Cream No. 23. I love how it instantly brightens and evens out my face without being obvious! I can understand why this is Korea's best-selling BB cream and why there was a long line at the Missha store!

What I like about Missha M Perfect Cover BB Cream No. 23 SPF42 PA+++:

There are many shades to choose from so you can get one that's closest to your skin tone.
It comes in matte formulation for those with oily skin (make sure the tube has the word "matte" in front if this is what you want).
The finish is very natural like real skin, not powdery. Friends who've seen me wearing it say it's like I'm not wearing anything! :D
It instantly brightens, evens out skin, and covers flaws.
I like the light, pleasant scent.
It feels light on the face so it's easy to forget you have it on.
It has SPF42 PA+++ so your skin is fully protected from the sun.

Downside? Well, it's pricey is you buy it here in Manila since Missha Philippines sells it for P1,600 which is more than double the Korean SRP.

Missha has stores at SM North EDSA Annex and SM Center Pasig. It's also available at Landmark in Trinoma.

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Sofitel Manila 5 star luxury hotel site launch + a peek into the presidential suite!

noreply@blogger.com (Rowena Wendy Lei) — Tue, 15 May 2012 17:51:00 +0000

Sofitel, a 5-star luxury resort hotel in Manila, launched its official website last March 24, 2012. You can access it at http://www.sofitelmanila.com/.

It's a comprehensive guide to the hotel which includes everything from room rates to restaurant menus to spa services. You can even make reservations and bookings online.

But what truly sets Sofitel Manila's website apart from others is the virtual tour you can take. Simply choose an area of the hotel you'd like to explore, click on it, and voila! You're transported right in the middle of it. You can look at everything around you in full 360 degrees. It's quite impressive and innovative. Everything you want or need to know about the hotel is just one click away.

Anyhow, during the site launch, we were given a tour of Sofitel's various room types, so now I can take you on a virtual tour of Sofitel's luxurious presidential suite. They actually don't call it that. In Sofitel, it's referred to as the Imperial Residence because it's really fit for a king! Upon entering, we were awed by the magnificent chandelier and elaborate living room setting.

The dining room is equally impressive. The dining table can seat 10 people.

There's an amply equipped and fully functional kitchen.

Stepping out of the balcony gives you access to lounge chairs.

You can enjoy a lovely view of the ocean while lounging on the balcony.

This is the master bedroom. It's the biggest of all the bedrooms in the Imperial Residence.

You can even adjust the LCD TV's angle for the best viewing experience.

The bathroom is just incredible. Imagine soaking your stress away while enjoying the view.

The sink area is nothing short of grand, furnished with Hermes toiletries.

The toilet is surprising minimalist and modern.

The master bedroom also comes with a sofa set and study table.

This is one of the other bedrooms in the Imperial Residence.

Each bedroom has its own bathroom that comes with a toilet, shower enclosure, and bath tub.

There's a dedicated study room too which you can use as an office.

A night in the Imperial Residence will set you back six digits. After all, it's 6,200 square feet of pure luxury. Apart from the grandiose accommodations you also get VIP priveleges like limousine transfers, complimentary beverages and snacks, dedicated 24-hour concierge and butler services, Le Spa treatments for two for each day of stay... you can check out the entire package here - http://www.sofitelmanila.com/en/imperial-residence.html.

I can't wait for Sofitel's Spiral to reopen this coming August! It has always been my favorite hotel buffet, hehe!

Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila

CCP Complex, Roxas Blvd., Pasay City

551-5555

http://www.sofitelmanila.com/

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Oliva Bistro Cafe in Quezon City

noreply@blogger.com (Rowena Wendy Lei) — Tue, 15 May 2012 03:48:00 +0000

The Club was invited to dine at Oliva Bistro Cafe along Visayas Ave. last May 4, 2012. To be honest I really had no idea what to expect. I was told to look for Chef Kannan when I got there.

So this is how Oliva Bistro Cafe looks if you're on Visayas Avenue.

While waiting for our companions to arrive, hubby and I had Roti Prata with Curry Sauce (P80, pictured above). It's really one of the best we've had since it was soft, fluffy, and not at all greasy. The curry sauce had just the right level combination of spicy, savory, and sweet. It's such a far cry from the roti we had at Orchard Road in SM Megamall which was flat, tough, and very oily.

We also had Vietnamese Style Fresh Spring Rolls (P145, pictured above). The rolls are filled with glass noodles and vegetables then topped with some sweet chili sauce. The taste is very fresh and light, perfect for this hot summer climate.

Hubby and I shared a glass of Iced Milk Tea (P70, pictured above). It had a rich taste reminiscent of bottled milk teas I'd drink in Japan.

Hubby ordered Hainanese Steamed Chicken Rice (P190, pictured above). Steamed chicken, tomato and cucumber slices, a bowl of chicken broth, and tasty rice that was boiled in broth came with three different sauces (ginger, chili, and peanut-based soy sauce). Chef Kannan makes the chili and ginger sauces from scratch.

The chicken is boneless, tender, and juicy. It was such a pleasure to eat. I normally refrain from ordering Hainanese Chicken Rice because I don't want to contend with the bones but Chef Kannan makes it all so convenient. This is one of the best Hainanese Chicken Rice I've ever tasted... it's probably because Chef Kannan lived and worked in Singapore for five years. :D

Meanwhile I settled for Surf and Turf (P345, pictured above). Grilled tiger prawns, beef shish kebabs, butter parsley rice are served with a roasted tomato and yogurt-based sauce. Yummy, albeit a tad pricey for the serving size. The taste and quality are top notch though.

The group also shared Buffalo Wings with Blue Cheese Dip (P180, pictured above). I like that the chicken had just the right level of spicy-ness.

Tandoori Chicken Tikka (P195, pictured above), skewered boneless chicken breast with coriander chutney and yogurt raita on the side is yummy too.

Butter Chicken Masala (P230, pictured above) was too hard to resist. Chicken cooked in rich butter tomato sauce... wow.

Baked Prawns with Cheese and Garlic Cream (P345, pictured above) is another sinful indulgence. It can be served with either Pasta Oliva or Butter Parsley Rice. Our companions opted for pasta. The prawns are really good but I could feel the pounds packing in, haha, so I just had one bite.

For dessert, I decided on Vanilla Panna Cotta with Candied Orange Peel and Honey (P80, pictured above). Rich, creamy, and extremely milky in taste, even my hubby who's not so fond of desserts could not help but dig in. It's sooooo good.

Our thanks to the amiable Chef Kannan for a wonderful dinner! With Oliva Bistro Cafe's good food, reasonable prices, mixture of cuisines, and wholesome family atmosphere we will surely be back. :D

Oliva Bistro Cafe
77 Visayas Ave., Quezon City
990-5342
http://www.facebook.com/olivabistrocafe

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Ipanema Urban Jungle Fashion Show 2012 and Bambu's opening at Bonifacio High Street!

noreply@blogger.com (Rowena Wendy Lei) — Sun, 13 May 2012 16:26:00 +0000

I consider the Ipanema Urban Jungle Fashion Show last May 8, 2012 the best one I've ever seen. I liked how the venue, theme, costumes, music, and coordination all came together... wow. It was just such an incredible spectacle.

The stage was well-lit and ornamented with some foliage. LED screens served as the backdrop.

After a brief introductory spiel by this dude, the show began.

Dancers-cum-models strutted on the runway clad in animal-themed costumes and matching Ipanema sandals or flipflops. Up there is a Zebra.

Here's a Peahen.

This pair of kids portrayed Dolphins.

These guys are big bad Wolves.

She's an Eagle.

These are Gazelles.

Ostriches abound!

This slinky lady is a snake.

A den of lionesses!

All the jungle animals come together for a final runaround and a bow.

What fierce hair and make-up on this Gazelle!

I loved the show. It was very colorful, entertaining, and well-executed. They used a combination of dance and theatrics to showcase the new Ipanema collection.

That day also marked the grand opening of Bambu at Bonifacio High Street.

My favorite among all the pairs used in the show was the Ostrich's. I love the design and I'm 100% sure it's very comfy since Ipanema flipflops and sandals I've previously owned are all very flexible and soft on the feet.

Here's some more good news... from May 8 to June 9, 2012 you get a cuddly stuffed animal for free with every pair of Ipanema sandals and flipflops you buy at Bambu on Bonifacio High Street! :D

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Westone UM1 Single Driver Monitor Earphones

noreply@blogger.com (Rowena Wendy Lei) — Sun, 13 May 2012 11:57:00 +0000

Although the Westone UM1 Single Driver Monitor Earphones is the nth number of earphones I've tested for review, I can say that it's definitely one of the more unique. Before I go on, I'd like to point out that Westone specializes in custom ear plugs and earpieces for health care professionals (think stethoscopes) as well as communication earpiece systems for the military so I had pretty high expectations.

Westone UM1 Single Driver Monitor Earphones' small box belies all the inclusions.

Westone UM1 Single Driver Monitor Earphones come with a sturdy case you can zip up, extra earbuds, and a cleaning pick with a brush tip. There's also a product information CD (not shown on the photo).

The earbuds are made of malleable memory foam-like material that ensure a perfect fit every time. If it's too big or too long, you can switch to the other sizes and shapes of earbuds that come with the earphones. The tips go back to their original shape after you remove the earphones. The braided black cable is professional grade so you're guaranteed good audio quality.

Anyway, I did a test drive with my Samsung Galaxy S2's music player... and then later on my hubby's iPhone.

What I like about Westone UM1 Single Driver Monitor Earphones:

The sound deadening is excellent -- you don't hear external noise, just pure music or whatever it is you're listening to. That said, it's perfect for drowning out the rest of the world.
The audio quality is very clear. I normally prefer not to use earphones but these make listening to music an immersive and pleasurable experience.
The earphones fit surprisingly well because of the earbuds' unique material.
It's lightweight and easy to tote around thanks to the storage case that's included.
It has gotten good reviews from renowned tech sites like cnet.

Downside? The price! It costs P4,790. Also, it can be tricky figuring out how to wear it properly.

Westone UM1 Single Driver Monitor Earphones are available at Beyond the Box (One Rockwell, Forbestown, Newport Mall) and Digital Walker (Eastwood, V-Mall, Trinoma) stores.

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Corniche at Diamond Hotel presents Culinaria Capampangan Festival by Chef Sau Del Rosario

noreply@blogger.com (Rowena Wendy Lei) — Sat, 12 May 2012 03:38:00 +0000

I was invited to dinner at Corniche in Diamond Hotel, where their sumptuous buffet spread is located. Since Diamond Hotel is pretty far from where I live and work, it was my first time there.

Corniche is spacious and warmly lit by table lamps for an intimate feel.

Albeit the regular buffet fare which includes Chinese, Japanese, and Continental cuisine was still served, extra emphasis was placed on the special Kapampangan dishes that were created by Chef Sau... such as this appetizer Camaru & Vegetable Spring Rolls. Camaru is actually a type of cricket and for the life of me I could never eat an insect if you paid me a million pesos to... so I contented myself with snapping a photo.

Then there was Fried Catfish Fillet with Buru and Vegetables. Buru is fermented rice and I actually tried it and liked it at Sa Kanto by Il Ponticello some time ago. This one came off like fish floss, the kind of floss you find on top of breads and pastries. I couldn't really taste the Buru though.

Chicken Galantina Roulade was also included in the Culinaria Capampangan line-up.

As was the Filipino raw fish dish kilawin, renamed as Ceviche with Pomelo. The pomelo lends the usual vinegary taste a burst of refreshing sweetness.

One of the stars of the Culinaria Capampangan Festival is definitely the Pork Sisig with Foie Gras and Organic Egg which my hubby dubbed as the best sisig he has ever eaten. Sisig is a savory dish that is usually prepared with chopped pork cheeks, ears, etc. The foie gras and organic egg adds a richness and creaminess that makes it so much more delectable.

Then there was Crispy Pata Kare-Kare with Steamed Local Vegetables. Crispy pork knuckles are stewed in a rich peanut butter-based sauce and presented with bagoong (Filipino shrimp paste) on the side. I love the fact that pork knuckles are used instead of the usual ox tail which I don't eat.

This is the US Sirloin Bistek with Shitake Mushroom Confits. It was salty, just like the usual bistek.

There was also Pinakbet with Shrimp and Crispy Pata.

Aligue (crab fat) Fried Rice serves as the sinful accompaniment to all these tasty viands.

Another very unique offering is the Whole Baby Lechon Stuffed with Curried Rice. There was only less than half of it left when I got there, hehe. It's like eating pritchon because of the crispy lechon skin and the tender meat.

Ox Tongue Cream of Mushroom and Corn was another Culinaria Capampangan offering which I skipped simply because I don't eat animal tongue.

Desserts are also uniquely Kapampangan. First off I tried the Halaya Ube (yam paste), Pinya (pineapple), and Mango. My lola hails from Florida Blanca, Pampanga and I must say no halaya ube comes close to the one she makes. :p

Brazo de Maiz was a divine dessert Chef Sau created. It's kind of like Brazo de Mercedes but it's filled with corn custard instead.

My favorite was Chef Sau's Bibingka (rice cake).

Wow, you should never leave Corniche without trying Diamond Hotel's homemade ice cream. So rich, creamy, and sinful you can't resist trying each flavor. My favorite flavors include Genmaicha, Banana with Palm Sugar, and Chestnut. You can actually taste the nutty Genmaicha tea, mashed bananas, and chestnut morsels. OMG. I think I instantly gained a pound just by trying a tablespoonful of each flavor.

According to Chef Sau he likes adding a twist to dishes that we're already used to. I'm a big fan because up until now I still can't forget the iron chef-esque themed dinner he prepared for the US Potato Board's Thanksgiving Celebration.

You can avail of this special buffet spread for P1,600 net.

Corniche

G/F Diamond Hotel

Roxas Blvd. cor. J. Quintos St., Manila

528-3000

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Win a Hotel H20 family staycation from Toblerone!

noreply@blogger.com (Rowena Wendy Lei) — Fri, 11 May 2012 17:21:00 +0000

Mother's Day is almost here! How are you celebrating the most important woman in your life? She deserves the best, don't you think?

The good news is, you can actually hit several birds with one stone by joining Toblerone's Mother's Day Promo. You can greet your mom, share how sweet you two are to the world, and win awesome prizes!

Here's how:

Upload a sweet photo of you and your mom at http://givetoblerone.com/index.php/mothersday. You will have to register first so that you can sign in and join the contest. Alternatively, you can also join via Toblerone Pilipinas on Facebook.
Come up with a creative caption.
Qualified entries will be displayed in the gallery within 24 hours.
Entries will be judged according to sweetness (50%), creativity (30%), and no. of FB likes (20%).
Deadline for entries is on May 18, 2012 at 12PM.
Grand prize winner will get an overnight stay at Hotel H2O Aquarium Room for four (4) complete with breakfast, lunch, dinner, and spa services. Major weekly winners will get an overnight stay at EDSA Shangri-la Hote for two (2). Meanwhile, fifty (50) weekly winners will win 100g Toblerone bars.

Game? You have one week to get those entries in! Good luck! :D

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Sariwon Korean Barbecue at Bonifacio High Street Central

noreply@blogger.com (Rowena Wendy Lei) — Fri, 11 May 2012 02:29:00 +0000

I was invited to try the newest Korean franchise here in Manila, Sariwon Korean Barbecue. It's a popular beef restaurant chain in Korea and having just come back from Seoul myself, it was really perfect timing.

Sariwon Korean Barbecue is located along Bonifacio High Street Central, one level above Jamba Juice. The lunch and dinner crowds are incredible (lots and lots of Korean regulars), so if you don't want to have to line up, be there by the time it opens or after lunch / dinner.

Each table is equipped with its own built-in smokeless grill.

You get a spoon and a pair of chopsticks as it's the norm in Korea.

You're given complimentary salad while you wait for your order.

There are six kinds of banchan served -- sweet potato and pumpkin mash, spinach, beansprouts, Korean anchovies, and two kinds of kimchi. Banchan refers to the small dishes of food that are served with steamed rice. They're not really appetizers per se, they're meant to be accompany the main dishes.

We ordered Citrus Herb Juice (P150, pictured above). Aside from the citrus taste it seemed to have cucumbers and it's incredibly refreshing. Hubby and I loved it.

We had Japchae (P350, pictured above) to start us off. It's one of my favorite Korean dishes -- Chewy Korean vermicelli noodles, mushrooms, green onions, carrots, and bits of meat are cooked together with what I suspect is sweet rice wine (mirin) and then sprinkled with sesame seeds.

Without further ado, the best thing on Sariwon Korean Barbecue's menu was brought out -- Seng Galbi (P780 for 280g, pictured above). You can see just how high quality the beef is from the marbling. These are premium USDA choice beef ribs, the best part from the entire slab hence the price tag. It's also not marinated so you taste the real, fresh goodness of the beef itself.

An order comes with lettuce and sesame leaves for wrapping, garlic and soybean paste for garnishing, and three kinds of delicious sauces.

The beef grilled on your table. The staff will ask how you want it cooked and we told her we wanted it medium well. I was amazed at how perfectly she got our desired doneness. The beef came out so tender and juicy. Hubby and I could hardly believe our mouths at how divine it was.

Upon the owner's recommendation, we also had Doenjang Chigae (P250, pictured above). It's spicy soup made from soybean paste, tofu, and vegetables. Think of it as miso soup with a kick. I actually found it delicious and comforting.

Haemul Pajeon (P350, pictured above) or traditional Korean pancake, reminded me a lot of what I had in Seoul. This dish is savory, pancake batter is mixed with squid, shrimp, oysters, and green onion. Dip it into the sauce and wow!

Then we had Galbi (P545 for 280g, pictured above).

These are also USDA choice beef short ribs, the difference being these are marinated in honey. It's as tender and juicy as Seng Galbi but markedly sweeter. You can actually eat this without sauce because the marinade gives it a pretty strong flavor.

As a finale, we were served Sariwon Bulgogi (P545 for 150g, pictured above), silky thin slices of USDA choice beef with vegetables and Sariwon sauce. Here's a bit of trivia -- Sariwon sauce is made from scratch by boiling fruits together.

It comes with sweet potato noodles which they also make from scratch.

It's all grilled and boiled on your table top. The broth used for the noodles is fruit-based as well. It's a very refreshing dish. The noodles remain chewy and firm despite being simmered in broth for a long time. It's so awesome. We were just speechless with each dish.

To cap off such a tasty and filling meal, we had Sikhye (P60, pictured above), a traditional sweet Korean drink made with malt and rice. It's both nutritious and refreshing, the perfect palate cleanser that leaves you feeling perfectly satisfied.

My hubby and I were totally blown away by our Sariwon Korean Barbecue experience. We both agreed that Sariwon Korean Barbecue is by far hands down the best Korean restaurant we've tried -- and we say that comparing it even with those we've eaten at in Seoul. In fact it's so good this is officially the most I've ever eaten ever since I started my weight loss program. Check out Sariwon Philippines on Facebook and follow @sariwonph on Twitter!

Sariwon Korean Barbecue

Bonifacio High Street Central

7th cor. 29th Street., Taguig City

621-3205

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Nivea Sun Daily Face Fluid Collagen Protect SPF 30+ PA++

noreply@blogger.com (Rowena Wendy Lei) — Thu, 10 May 2012 03:04:00 +0000

I actually got this product as a giveaway at the Nivea Sun x Charina Sarte 2012 Summer Collection launch last February. I have something like 3-4 different face and body sunscreens open and in use at any given time so it's only now that it's summer that I actually started with this one. Hubby was already complaining that we had too many bottles on the dresser and so we had to actually finish some before starting with another new one.

Introducing my newest facial sunscreen, Nivea Sun Daily Face Fluid Collagen Protect SPF 30+ PA++.

I like how small and compact the bottle is, I can easily stash it inside my bag and bring it with me.

Since it's in fluid form, the spout is narrow so it doesn't pour out uncontrollably.

Personally, I think fluid is the way to go in terms of sun protection this summer since it's so hot and sticky. Nivea Sun Daily Face Fluid Collagen Protect SPF 30+ PA++ has a very thin, light, and water-like consistency. It has a mild, pleasant scent too.

It's pretty easy to apply since it's non-sticky, non-greasy, and indeed very fluid.

These are photos of myself before (above left) and after (above right) application.

What I like about Nivea Sun Daily Face Fluid Collagen Protect SPF 30+ PA++:

As I've mentioned earlier, the consistency is water-like so it feels very light on the face plus it's non-sticky and non-greasy. In fact it's kind of like skin care because it leaves my face perfectly moisturized after application.
Gives your face a dewy yet non-shiny finish.
This can be either good or bad depending on you but it whitens your face slightly after application.
It's fast-absorbing so you don't need to apply it 15 minutes before sun exposure. It's effective right after you put it on.
It's very affordable at P220 per bottle!

Downside? If you have dark skin, the slight white cast it leaves behind may be more evident so your face will be a totally different color from your neck. It can easily be remedied by your shade of foundation, BB cream, bronzer, or powder though. Nivea Sun Daily Face Fluid Collagen Protect SPF 30+ PA++ is absorbed by the skin so well that it's perfect for wearing underneath make-up.

I love this product. It's so perfect for daily use with a climate like ours. I'm definitely repurchasing when I run out. It's good for both oily (hubby) and dry (me) skin too.

Nivea Sun Daily Face Fluid Collagen Protect SPF 30+ PA++ retails for P220. Nivea products are available at all leading drugstores and department stores like Watson's nationwide.

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Win tickets to Yummy Eats 2012!

noreply@blogger.com (Rowena Wendy Lei) — Tue, 08 May 2012 23:43:00 +0000

Last year, I attended the very first Yummy Eats, a glorious food event which let me try so many delicious food finds in perfect bite-sized servings. Well, guess what? Yummy Eats 2012 is just around the corner and it's going to be even better!

With over 50 concessionaires this time around, it's going to be the ultimate foodie field trip! So save the date -- May 26, 2012 -- and see you at the Rockwell Tent! Entrance costs P150 but guests who bring the May 2012 issue of Yummy Eats can get tickets for a discounted price of P100.

This time, you not only get to eat, you also get to participate in fun booth activities and watch cooking demos from top chefs like Chef Bruce Lim and Chef Nino Logarte.

Take a peek at this 30-second TVC to see what's in store!
But wait... there's more! I'm giving away four (4) tickets to Yummy Eats 2012! To join just follow the mechanics below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Congratulations Mari Swa and Marge Co! You are the lucky winners as picked by Rafflecopter! You each get a pair of tickets to Yummy Eats 2012 so you can bring along a friend! Thank you to everyone who joined! :D

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Archipelago 7107 at Il Terrazzo, Tomas Morato

noreply@blogger.com (Rowena Wendy Lei) — Tue, 08 May 2012 15:30:00 +0000

Had a sumptuous dinner with the club at Archipelago 7107 last May 2, 2012. This restaurant is actually co-owned by my next door neighbor and she invited us to try their offerings. :)

To start us off, Vigan Roll (P175, pictured above) was served. It's kind of like fried spring rolls and it's a pretty good way to whet your appetite for more.

Then there was Kuhol sa Gata (P215, pictured above)... in classier terms, escargot... in layman's terms, snails in coconut milk. I'm not adventurous when it comes to food and snails scare me so I did not try it. That said, I can never win at Fear Factor, Survivor, or Amazing Race because I'd fail in the most major way at the eating challenge. My companions told me it was good though.

My favorite dish for the night was Ilocano Rice (P245, pictured above). It's flavored rice topped with crunchy bagnet, Vigan longganisa, salted egg, onions, and tomatoes. An order is a meal in itself. I will definitely have this again when I go back.

There was also Tuyo Rice (P175, pictured above). Fried garlic rice or sinangag is topped with dried salted fish, scrambled eggs, onions, and tomatoes.

Bopis (P245, pictured above) was another food challenge I failed at. It's a spicy Filipino dish made of either pork or beef lungs and heart sauteed in tomatoes, chilies, and onions. I'm just not a fan of animal innards and eating liver pate or foie gras is the farthest I would venture.

Then there was Gising-Gising, which I was unable to take note of the price of. Vegetables chopped and stewed in coconut milk... nice especially if eaten hot.

Since this restaurant is affiliated with Barrio Fiesta (it's partially owned by the Ongpaucos), of course we had to have the Kare-Kare (P350 for a family-sized serving like the one above). Tender oxtail and tripe are stewed in rich peanut butter-based sauce and served with savory bagoong (Filipino shrimp paste) on the side. This goes so well with steamed rice. :D

No trip to a Filipino restaurant is complete without an order of Crispy Pata (P520, pictured above), which is deep fried pork knuckle that's crunchy outside and tender inside.

We also got to try a very unique soup -- Bulyabes (P345, pictured above). It's Barrio Fiesta's version of the French dish Bouillabaisse which is a fish stew. This one is a rich cream soup full of various seafood like crabs, mussels, and prawns. It has a very milky taste which I enjoyed.

For the finale we had Archipelago 7107's bestseller, Crispy Paksiw Buntot ng Bariles (P385, pictured above). It's a tuna fin that's cooked in vinegar first (paksiw) and then deep fried to a crisp.

Since everyone was already full at this point, we shared a couple of dessert samplers which had Turon and Sorbetes (P85, above top), Coco Mango Soup with Pandan Balls and Sago (P95, above middle), and Pirurutung Biko at Mangga (P115, above bottom). I loved the chewy, sticky, and tasty biko most. :D

At the moment, Archipelago 7107 has an ongoing promo where you can order both the Kare-Kare and the Crispy Pata together for just P680. Normally it would cost P870 to do so.

Archipelago 7107
2/F Il Terrazzo
Tomas Morato cor. Sct. Madrinan,
Quezon City

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Sueño Espadrilles Soles of Hope x Rhian Ramos

noreply@blogger.com (Rowena Wendy Lei) — Mon, 07 May 2012 15:38:00 +0000

I was invited to visit Sueño Espadrilles at The Podium last April 28, 2012. It was the first time I had ever set foot in a Sueño Espadrilles store.

It's a very cheery orange place.

There's almost every kind of espadrille imaginable. The cheapest pair costs about P600 while pricier ones can go up to several thousand pesos. But wait... there's more! Sueño Espadrilles is currently running a program called Soles of Hope. For every classic pair of espadrilles sold, Sueño Espadrilles will donate P100 to the Yes Pinoy Foundation (YPF) for the benefit of the Para Paaralan Para sa Kinabukasan ng Kabataan project. Classic espadrilles are displayed in the middle of the store as you can see in the photos above and below.

Yes, these espadrille flip-flops are included in the classic line-up.

These pairs displayed on the glass tables count among the classics too.

Guests were asked to choose a pair of classic espadrilles to take home and I set my sights on this wedge-type espadrille priced at P1,995. I don't wear flats so this was the only option for me. Unfortunately, my size was not available in black.

Thus I had to settle for this cream-colored pair. I got a size 8 since my feet are size 7.5 and Sueño Espadrilles do not come in half sizes. I was advised to size up in order to have a more comfortable fit.

There are a lot of stylish espadrilles at the store. Unfortunately they aren't part of the classics collection.

I loved these floral wedges!

I took home the cream-colored pair which came in my size.

Anyhow, Yes Pinoy Foundation (YPF) is a non-profit organization founded by actor Dingdong Dantes. You can check it out at http://www.yespinoy.org/. YPF carries out relief drives to calamity victims, provides scholarships to needy children, and operates a mobile classroom among other charitable efforts.

Rhian Ramos was officially unveiled as Sueño Espadrilles' brand ambassador this May 2012. She fully supports the Soles of Hope project. :)

You can find Sueño Espadrilles stores at The Podium, SM Mall of Asia, Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center Cebu, and SunCity (General Santos). Log on to Sueño Espadrilles on Facebook for more information.

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Fifteen pounds lighter and nearing the end of 100 days at Marie France!

noreply@blogger.com (Rowena Wendy Lei) — Mon, 07 May 2012 02:44:00 +0000

It's hard to believe that only a couple of weeks more and 100 days would have passed since my initial consultation and first session at Marie France Philippines. I signed up for their Pro Plus Program which guarantees that you lose at least 10% of your body weight or get your money back. After I gave birth to my son back in 2001, I actually bought something like 15 pairs of Marie France treatments (Physique + FMS) but I could not commit to going regularly and so I finished something like half (on and off at that) and then I quit. I lost a couple of pounds only and I never went back.

The before photos on this post were taken during a product shoot... when I was at my heaviest at over 160 lbs. I'm not sure exactly how much over 160 because I was already in denial by then and I refused to step on a scale, but what I am sure of is that the photos above have at the very least a 15-lb difference.

I started going to the gym November last year and after a month I was something like 158 lbs. I had lost some of the flab according to my body fat measurements but my weight did not change dramatically. Anyhow, I was 158 lbs. when I started at Marie France and I'm now down to 145 lbs. But 100 days isn't over yet and I'm confident I will lose the full 10% of my body weight when the program finally concludes.

I was too ashamed to show the full body photos from the shoot because no amount of styling could hide the fact that I was really, really fat. Now I'm glad that I did not delete them as it was my habit to delete fat photos which I couldn't bear to look at. At least now I have something for comparison.

The photo above right was taken last month after I had gotten back from Seoul and met up with one of my blogversary winners Erica.

A lot of people are asking how I did it. I would simply say it's a combination of many factors but to sum up:

I would consume only the recommended caloric intake as computed by the doctors at Marie France for the Pro-Plus Program. In my case it's 1300 - 1500 calories a day. I don't have a specific list of things to eat, I just eat everything in moderation.
I would undergo treatments religiously 3x a week, specifically FMS (Fat Mobilization System) every session and Physique inch-loss every other session. No two people are the same so prior to picking out treatments you have to have a consultation.
When I'm not in Marie France I would workout for 30-60 mins on the stationary bike depending on how much time I have to spare.
I did the Juju Cleanse for detoxification purposes and it has helped curb my appetite for unhealthy things like candies, chips, and caffeinated beverages.

At the moment I'm still not at my ideal weight since the doctors told me I'm supposed to be in the 125 - 135 lb range. I've learned a lot during the 100 days that I've been with Marie France though and I'm pretty confident that I will eventually get there. The before photos I used above were taken in September 2011.

Thank you so much Marie France Philippines for the opportunity! I feel a lot better about myself now and I'm not that terrified of full body photos anymore, haha!

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My ZALORA Wishlist

noreply@blogger.com (Rowena Wendy Lei) — Sun, 06 May 2012 08:34:00 +0000

I love online shopping. I'm what you'd call an early adopter, having made my first online purchase back in 1999 when everyone was still on dial-up internet. I love the convenience of browsing through various merchandise in the comfort of my own home and not having to line up to pay. Did I mention I save gas and time too? With traffic what it is today, it takes forever to reach places that aren't even that far. The problem is, I usually have to have the stuff I shopped for online shipped from abroad and that's a pain.

When I heard about ZALORA, I just had to check it out. I mean, ZALORA offers a wide variety of brands to choose from, multiple payment options, and free shipping within the Philippines! What's not to like? There are so many awesome finds that I had a hard time choosing just five for my wishlist! When I finally narrowed it down (I made sure the stuff I picked had my sizes available... lol), I chose the following products (you can actually click on my collage above for a bigger picture of my wishlist):

1. Grubbies Abia top in Blue (P1,200)

Okay... I picked this because I've heard about how Grubbies combines style and comfort so women can be everything they want to be, haha! I don't have a single piece of Grubbies apparel in my wardrobe so I'm thinking it's about time I get one... or two.

2. Breo Bre reversible belt in Brown / Blue (P1,290)

Having recently lost almost 15 lbs., it goes without saying that almost all my pants are now loose and on the verge of falling off whenever I wear them. I need a belt desperately. I've never owned one before because I always buy pants that fit and I didn't want the hassle of buckling up. I picked this because it's reversible so it's like owning two belts right off the bat! :D

3. Grubbies Alberta top in Black (P1,200)

I haven't worn a sleeveless top in at least a decade, haha! What better way to start again than by getting myself another Grubbies piece. I have a penchant for black tops since they hide flabs better! :)

4. XOXO Jacquard Satchel Handbag in Gray (P3,149.96)

I have several designer bags in my closet but sadly I'm one of the fashion backward few who currently do not own a satchel. I swear satchels are so in these days. Time to move forward and pick one up quickly!

5. Shoo In Amie wedge sandals in Blue (P1,199)

Wedges and platforms have always been my footwear of choice because they add some much needed height. I figured this denim pair would be as versatile as my favorite blue jeans.

Whipping out my handy dandy cellphone, I calculate and voila... my ZALORA Wishlist totals to P8,038.96! Since I signed up for the ZALORA newsletter, I automatically got a P250 voucher in my email which I can use for purchases amounting to least P1,500. I can pay via credit card, PayPal, G-cash, internet banking, or even COD (Cash on Delivery)!

http://www.ZALORA.com.ph

Internet shopping is really the way to go! I'm so happy that it's finally catching on here in our country. I just have to figure out a way to earn more money, haha!

*This is my official entry to the My Zalora Wishlist contest being held by Nuffnang Philippines.

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Yabu The House of Katsu at SM Megamall

noreply@blogger.com (Rowena Wendy Lei) — Sat, 05 May 2012 14:27:00 +0000

We had lunch at Yabu House of Katsu at SM Megamall last May 1, 2012. Our cook had taken the day off so we decided to go out.

The place was packed. I heard it always is. Lucky for us there was an empty table for four outside the restaurant when we got there.

After we placed our orders, the server brought a small bowl of sesame seeds to our table. I had to grind them using the wooden pestle.

This is how it looks like after grinding.

Then you take some tonkatsu sauce and then mix it together with the ground sesame seeds.

Anyhow I ordered the Premium Tonkatsu Set (P575 for 120g / P515 for 90g, pictured above). It's a 3/4-inch cutlet of Kurobuta, which is also known as the Black Bershire Pig. It's the "kobe beef" of pork due to its marbling, tenderness, and flavor.

It's so soft and succulent that it's easy to bite into despite the thickness. Kobe beef costs a fortune, I remember eating a few cubes of it at Sugi years ago and it set us back P2,000+. Thus, P500+ for a complete meal with Kurobuta pork seemed reasonable to me. This Premium Tonkatsu Set comes with unlimited Japanese rice, a bowl of miso soup, pickles, unlimited cabbage with sesame dressing, and a bowl of fresh fruits for dessert.

Hubby opted for Ebi & Fish Katsudon Set (P365, pictured above) which also comes with unlimited rice and cabbage, miso soup, pickles, and a bowl of fresh fruits.

Shrimp and fish are drizzled with a light and sweet miso-based sauce accompanied by nori (seaweed), bonito flakes, and a fried egg on top. It's a very tasty sweet and savory dish.

My daughter chose the Fish Katsu Meal (P175, pictured above) from the Katsu Kids Meal section of the menu which can be ordered by kids aged 10 and below. Tender breaded fish fillet is served with a potato croquette, cabbage, rice, edamame, and tartar sauce. It comes with a bowl of fresh fruits for dessert too.

My son had the Tonkatsu Meal (P175, pictured above). It's exactly like the Fish Katsu Meal except that it's breaded pork instead of fish and it comes with honey mustard + curry sauce. I let him taste the Kurobuta pork from my set and he said it's worlds better than the pork he got.

I'm not fond of tonkatsu in general but I must admit, the Premium Tonkatsu Set with Kurobuta pork is simply divine. You really must try it if you're eating at Yabu The House of Katsu.

Yabu The House of Katsu
2/F Mega Atrium, SM Megamall,
Julia Vargas Ave., Mandaluyong City
576-3900

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Lorys Hair Cream Snake Oil Effect

noreply@blogger.com (Rowena Wendy Lei) — Fri, 04 May 2012 02:28:00 +0000

My quest for soft and smooth hair is never ending because hair straightening and hair coloring are regular parts of my life. Any chemical process can dry your hair so straightened, colored, or permed hair need extra care.

That said, I welcomed the chance to review Lorys Hair Cream from Brazil. I was given the Snake Oil Effect variant which prompted my kids to ask some very silly questions like:

"Snake Oil? Isn't your hair going to become poisonous?"
"Are you going to be like Medusa?"

Yes, my kids have wild imaginations. The thing is, there is no snake oil in this product. It's formulated with silicon that forms a special film on your hair so it's soft, flexible, and shiny... kinda like snakeskin.

Opening the 450g tub reveals a pale yellow cream that had a slight citrus scent which I attribute to the Citronellol and Limonene in the ingredients list.

The consistency is creamy and not too thick so it's kind of like hair conditioner in a jar. The wide-mouthed container makes it easy to get enough product to cover your entire head of hair. You use it after shampooing, leave it on for a few minutes, and then rinse off.

My hair cannot survive without conditioner and the ends tend to get really dry. The photo above left shows the normal daily state of my hair. The photo above right shows my hair after using Lorys Hair Cream Snake Oil Effect.

Yes, my hair is definitely softer and more shiny after treating with Lorys Hair Cream Snake Oil Effect.

What I like about Lorys Hair Cream Snake Oil Effect:

My hair is completely detangled and easy-to-comb after use. I normally have to contend with a few tangles here and there after shampooing even if I use a conditioner.
My hair is more behaved and frizz-free.
I like the light and fresh scent that's not perfume-y.
A big 450g tub costs an affordable P185. Need more? A gigantic 1kg tub costs P349.75.
There's no downside to this product!

Lorys Hair Cream is available at Watsons, SM, Shopwise, PCX, First Aid, Landmark and other major department stores and supermarkets nationwide.

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