Vitori Vita

Now Online - www.VitoriVita.com

2015-12-17T14:11:00.000+08:00

I have moved to www.VitoriVita.com

Click HERE to be redirected to my new website.

Thank you so and see you there!

Exploring Winnipeg Summer 2014

2015-02-27T13:22:00.001+08:00

Downtown Regina (Summer 2014)

2015-02-27T13:21:00.001+08:00

Last Send Off Crew : Resorts World Buffet (13 Aug 2014)

2015-02-27T13:20:00.003+08:00

The Day Before I Said Goodbye (12 Aug 2014)

2015-02-27T13:20:00.001+08:00

Despedida With The Happy Shiny People and Axe Boxing Gym Friends (10 Aug 2014)

2015-02-27T13:19:00.000+08:00

August 10

Surprise Going Away Party by The Royals (10 Aug 2014)

2015-02-27T13:18:00.003+08:00

The Solaire Experience (Photos)

2015-02-27T13:17:00.002+08:00

The Big Move (Photos)

2015-02-27T13:16:00.000+08:00

Lar + Ann Wedding at The Manila Peninsula Hotel

2014-09-22T07:32:00.001+08:00

It has been four months since the wedding of Lar and Ann and as they say the hangover is not over and I don't think it will ever be. Just take a look at the recent feature by Bride and Breakfast, the popular wedding blog in the Philippines, on their prenup photos shot in Batanes.

Here is their invitation, I got through Facebook because we couldn't find a common time that matches our busy schedules.

Vivi with the newly weds!

Awesome threesome at the wedding!

Super loving the chandelier at our table! So VIP!

With the Maid of Honor...

It took me quite a while to prepare for a wedding that was not even mine.

The grand entrance at the Rigodon Ballroom of the Manila Peninsula.

All we did was dance the night away and everybody went to dreamland floating in smiles.

Vitori Vita Goes To The Star Magic Ball 2014

2014-09-08T06:41:00.000+08:00

Surprise! Surprise! I was not really. But it felt like I was actually there because I was busy snooping on Rappler and PEP on the latest news at the ball. So basically, I was still there. And you can't argue.

Here are my favorites at this years ball.

Of course Julia Baretto is perpetually pretty and with this gown she brought it to a different level. All my life, I knew she was a reincarnation of me. Just that I don't have a chaotic showbiz family. And back to the dress? I love it! Like shattered pieces of glass glued on a dress that accentuated her form. I'm sure this is as gorgeous in person. I'm also very sure that Rajo Laurel was as proud as me! Like this gown is my creation.

And then came Megan Young! Miss World 2013. This gown was so queenly and a little bit pageanty. Its like hearing the voices of Project Runway saying the same thing. I'm not saying this because I am very biased as I like Mikael Daez. Who am I? LOL! She looks like a queen. Gosh! Its like there's an aura around her saying "Bow Down B*****s!" Relax! It's just a joke. I'm sure she's a very nice girl in person. She has gone a long way from just wearing oversized shirts and jogging pants. Leo Almodal did a good job on the gown. The details were to die for and she made the gown shine even more.

Xian Lim was of no question looking dapper on his suit. The bow tie situation in there was very nice. I am surprised though that Kim doesn't look thin in this photo. She looked like a supermodel in this photo. More like Liu Wen! WOW!

I am not diggin' Jericho's tie but I am loving Kim Jone's gown! Who made your gown lady? Very elegant! Is that a Louis Vuitton clutch bag?

She may not have that much boobs but this gown gave an illusion that she has the twin peaks. This looked like a tin-foil though but she rocked it.

Cristalle and Vicki Belo looked like sisters in this photo. But younger sister, gets my thumbs up this time. Not just because she's younger but because she opted for a minimalist yet classy look flaunting her svelte figure.

I am not a big BICOL (Billy Crawford and Coleen Garcia) fan but this girl has good taste in clothing. She looked glamorous in this gown. I am wondering what Nikki Gil wore in this event.

Maricar Reyes should have gotten rid of the gloves. Everything looks spotless!

I am not so sure if Daniel Padilla should have worn socks but I am loving that feathery part of Kathry's gown not much on the torso area.

This year I am digging Kim Jone's and Coleen Garcia's gowns! Who do you think were the best dressed that night? Were you there too? I'm sure you were!

Manitoba Filipino Street Festival 2014

2014-08-31T05:15:00.000+08:00

It was a drizzling morning when I woke up on the 23rd of August to arrange the flowers for the float of Tribu Senyor Sto. Niño. Tita Lalaine, the mother of my friend Phil, knocked on my door to remind me that we are running out of time for today's festivities. So I hurried up and pulled myself together including my creativity to get the task done as soon as possible.

It was slowly falling into place that we are joining the Manitoba Filipino Street Festival 2014. I came all the way from Regina, Saskatchewan and rode 6 hours to get to Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Took a selfie with the boat float of the image of the Child Jesus at the background. And of course, you can't miss the brothers, Phil and Bon at the back with the cameo appearance of my new friend, EJ.

I couldn't be more proud of the flower arrangement I made to adorn the statue of the Child Jesus. It was not close to being Ikebana but it was well appreciated. LOL! The Mercedes Benz was all covered up with the boat structure.

There were representatives from Batangueños in Manitoba.

Another group from Tuy, Batangas.

A grand float from Davao showcasing their ethnic dances and songs.

People from Baguio joined to the parade too.

The stage for the day of festivitie looked festive. I cannot find other words to describe it. LOL!

EJ and me in our own version of an Instagram logo with our props made the night before.

I also met another new friend in the name of Lexir Roduta whos is a physician from the Philippines. We happen to know a lot of common people and that includes my friend, Dr. Ryan Andal who is currently a Cardiology Fellow at Makati Medical Center.

The best part of the day was winning the Best Float Award. Thanks Lexir for the photo! We were all smiles. We couldn't contain it!

I would like to thank Tita Lalaine and Tito Boy for inviting me in the festivities. It was nice sharing my hidden talent in flower arrangement. Thanks to the lovely couple Phil and Andrea for being so supportive in this whole adventure. Thanks to all the new people I've met in Winnepeg! You guys are awesome!

We will definitely do our best next year and win two more awards including the Best Booth!

TO GOD BE THE GLORY!!!

Jogging at Ayala Triangle Garden

2014-08-30T04:25:00.001+08:00

With Honey's coercion I was able to jog at Ayala Triangle Gardens. I actually thought of just sleeping and rolling in bed for the rest of the day. It was a perfect holiday for me as I thought of how relaxing it was going to be. But for some unknown reasons, I was able to pull myself out of bed and jog! The next thing I knew, I was already under the spell and the smell of freshly cut grass.

The best part of the experience is seeing some cute guys jogging. You might even run into someone famous at the park because of its proximity to glamorous addresses.

This is the BEFORE photo, no sweat yet!

And this is me looking drab but feeling awesome after the exercise!

I'd love to jog again soon. Maybe you wanna join me?

Wooden Spoon at Power Plant Mall

2014-08-02T17:34:00.001+08:00

Last Sunday, I met up with my friends Mica and April for dinner at Powerplant Mall. This was a planned meet-up months ago and was arranged by April's sister Ann, who happened to be in London.

Ann wanted us to meet up with her friend from London who was also bringing our gifts from her.

From left to right are Mica, Me, April, Andres, Lani, and Kaye. Ann set this all up.

I was late so April and Mica has chosen the place already. My cleavage kind of distracted so many people at the mall as it was a Sunday.

It took us a while to make an order because we were too engrossed getting to know our new friends.

You can't go wrong with Fiesta Rice (P145).

Breaded Fish Fillet with Wansoy Sauce (Php 195)

For me, the best food discovery that night was Crab Pancit (Php 145) and the Adobo Flakes (Php 195).

The best kaldereta for me can only be found in Davao and they call it "bakareta" because its made with beef. Surprisingly, this came very close to that. Their kaldereta costs (Php 235).

Binagoongan (Php 195)

All in all, the food was amazing. I would always want to come back and try their other dishes because although Sandy Daza claimed that its a Filipino fusion restaurant, it doesn't try so hard. Sandy just made it better without losing the identity of the cuisine.

When at Powerplant Mall, try Wooden Spoon or if you are near Katipunan Avenue you may visit them at Loyola Heights, Quezon City.

For reservations at their Loyola Heights branch, call (+632) 426 0044 . Their Power Plant Branch is always full so I suggest that you go there earlier than the rest of the crowd at probably around 11:00 am for lunch.

On the other hand, here are the pasalubongs I got from Ann. Thanks Lanie for bringing it!

Soms Noodle House at Rockwell

2014-08-02T17:13:00.001+08:00

I've been in Manila for almost 7 years and I cannot recall eating at this place but I have heard about it from friends who studied at the Ateneo Law School. I've also heard that Georgina Wilson and boyfriend Borgy Manotoc regularly eats here.

Last Monday was one of the best days of my life as I've received my visa for Canada. I couldn't feel more excited for this big move as better opportunities are coming my way.

So when Honey and Jake, both my friends, thought of celebrating for this news, I suggested that we try Soms. We actually checked out El Chupacabra too but unfortunately the place was full.

This is how their menu looks like.

Jake ordered beef stake, I ordered pork satay, and Honey ordered chicken wrapped in banana leaves. I honestly forgot the name. I did not like the pork satay because it was too difficult to chew but I liked the chili sauce that goes with it. My favorite was Jake's beef stake because it has the right amount of sweetness. The best part of the dinner was their P20 rice and the food was not very expensive.

Enjoy your meal is thaan aa-hăan hâi à-râwy ná in Thai! (ทาน อาหาร ให้ อร่อย นะ)

Transgender Women: Andreja Pejic, BB Gandanghari, Rianne Barrameda

2014-07-26T22:27:00.001+08:00

I have always been fascinated with transgender women even before they were called that name. The society I run around usually call them Lady Boys, Crossdressers, or just simply "Gay".

Recently, someone from the transgender women community came out to tell her story. I couldn't help but be amazed at how pretty she was. She has been Jean Paul Gaultier and Marc Jacob's runway muse.

After a little googling, I found out that she was discovered at McDonald's in Melbourne, Australia but she was originally from Bosnia. Her name is Andreja Pejic but was born Andrej Pejic.

Below are some of the photos I grabbed from her Instagram account @andrejapejic.

She reminds me of Olivia Palermo in this photo.

Flat-chested sexy.

This is such a cute photo of her and her mother.

This was in one of her campaigns for Mode Creation Munich.

I managed to scavenge from a Russian website a photo of Andreja Kissing an unknown guy.

But in the local scene, the actor who used to be an action star in the Philippine movies also came out as gay and started dressing up like a girl. She was born Rustom Padilla but declared her male self dead as her new identity BB Gandanghari was born.

The handsome Rustom Padilla.

The transformation as BB Gandanghari. Got the photo from interaksyon.com.

I even personally know someone from my hometown and would like to claim that we are cousins as she's really beautiful. Noone will ever mistake her as a transgender woman unless she starts talking.

Meet Rianne Barrameda born Crison Pagon. She won Miss Amazing Philippines in 2007.

Its very much in our genes. I feel some gorgeousness in our bloodline. LOL! Another photo I found on Google Images.

There are many transgender women I look up to not because I want to be one but because I adore their strength in going through a tedious process of psychotherapy and hormone therapy prior to the surgery.

I am very happy and proud of these transgender women. May all the things they go through to be where they are be worth it.

I'm sure it is. Definitely.

Uncle Moe's at CitiGolf Pasig

2014-07-13T16:45:00.001+08:00

The hunt for the best kebab in the city is still on and none among the Persian or Middle Eastern restaurants have outdone Hossein. So far.

I ordered their beef kebab and it was just too oily. It doesn't look appealing at all but its tasted good. Worth my Php 119 though.

I am so loving my new Juicy Couture wallet.

Honey ordered Chicken Kebab. She's not too sure if she likes it too.

We went gaga over their ice cream.

Both flavors tasted like medicine.

Order their Rocky Road. A lot better than Pistachio and Mint Chocolate Chip.

Here is their menu for further reference. Hope it would be of help in choosing a place to eat when in Pasig City.

Ziggurat Cuisine in Makati

2014-07-11T12:41:00.001+08:00

If you have a friend who is in constant pursuit of the most authentic Middle Eartern food, then most likely you'll find yourself eating at almost any Middle Eastern restaurant in the metro. Where ever that resto is, we'll go there just because I don't mind taking a gastronomic detour too.

We had a difficult time ordering because they offer a variety of choices and their menu is not very customer-friendly.

Honey and I have agreed to just share the platter of personal size because I was not very hungry. I just wanted to give Ziggurat a try. On their personal platter which is good for two people, you already have some little pieces of beef, chicken, and lamb kebab.

We loved both the beef and chicken kebab and not raving about the lamb kebab cooked half-rare. They should have told us earlier how they're going to cook it because it was our first time.

We also loved the chicken tikka because it was juicy and very easy to the jaw. No gnawing of unexplained proportions needed.

Because of the spices used for cooking, you might have to deal with the strong Middle Eastern scent as you get inside the restaurant.

The whole time we thought the chef of the restaurant was a foreigner. We were quite amazed that it was a Filipino cook who prepared the food. We'd like to believe that the chef was trained in the Middle East because he has captured the essence of that part of Asia as attested by my Persian friend.

We'll give Ziggurat a rating of 3.5 over 5.

'Til our next gastronomic adventures!

Mass at Century City Mall (1100H)

2014-07-10T19:46:00.001+08:00

Last Sunday, I went to church to thank God for the gift He gave me last Thursday. This gift has been prayed for by my friends and family as it has always been my dream to have better opportunities in life both for my parents and for those surrounding me. I have prayed for it too but still feels unworthy of such gifts for I know I have not been a good person. These gifts humble in so many ways and I cannot help but be grateful.

I attended the 11:00 AM mass at the Function Hall of Century Mall Makati as it was the closest chapel from Honey's place.

The last time I was here, Honey and I had a very random dinner with a patient who had a test at Makati Medical Center. Only then did I find out that he's a broker for Century Properties.

It was kind of glary inside the chapel but it also awakens you at some point. Which I think is a good thing. I hate admitting that I stayed up very late to watch that Argentina vs. Belgium the night before.

I like how natural light is used to illuminate the place of worship. I am sure foreigners will be amazed at the idea of a church inside a mall. Its quite common to have one here in the Philippines especially in Metro Manila.

After going to church, you can have breakfast at CaliBurger but I suggest that you go to Early Bird Breakast because its a lot better. CaliBurger has nothing special on it.

On my way down to Starbucks for Honey's coffee, I took a very beautiful photo of the elevator. I got lucky on the lighting. This mall can be very quiet on Sunday mornings and I love it!

This is what I wore last Sunday. Been wearing my Nike sneakers because its so comfy but I am not so sure if its stylish enough.

The real fashionista is Honey who wore her favorite New Balance sneakers. I wish I could take a closer photo of it in the future. Photo was taken outside the walls of Berjaya Hotel in Makati.

Wishing that I'd be able to go to church every Sunday. I'd like to think of it my little moments of bowing down to God and being grateful for all the things He has given me.

'Til our next city adventures! #kisses

Best Longaniza in Manila - Order Now!

2014-07-10T19:29:00.001+08:00

I had an amazing lunch earlier today because Ate Jane made me try her longaniza for sale for only Php 180. This was her sampler and she completed the meal with sliced tomatoes dipped in bagoong sauce.

The meal couldn't be happier without a bottle of Coke. Ate Jane photobombed as if I did not notice her.

Such a happy lunch but definitely not a must-eat on a daily basis because it can be very unhealthy.

If you want to order this kind of longaniza, feel free to drop a comment and I'll get back to you.

Early Bird Breakfast Club at Century Mall

2014-06-01T19:25:00.001+08:00

Weekends are the best times to explore some good finds for gastronomic excitement. As soon as I woke up, I already thought of what to eat and headed to Century Mall. It is the newest mall in Makati City and quite difficult to find. The good thing is its walking-distance from my friends place.

I was even happier to know that Early Bird Breakfast Club opened a new branch at Century Mall. We've been planning to try their food at Bonifacio Global City but as late-risers and lazy taxi-hoppers we opted to just order some breakfast at McDonald's.

Their wall art is so beautiful and will make you feel like a dainty diner in their restaurant.

The friendly waiters offered us a newspaper which happened to be their menu. There I found out that prominent figures in society like Patty Laurel and Vince Uy had great breakfasts in this place.

Honey's Twisted Bacon Twists (Php 295 + 10% service charge) were so heavenly. I almost forgot my name.

Look at our just-woke-up faces!

My Bacon and Egg Nest ( Php 195 + 10% service charge) was even lovelier. It was well-plated and so Instagram-able!

All dressed up in drab because we wanted to make this mall our second home and walk around in flipflops.

I highly recommend this breakfast place because its just so chic and filled with positive energy. You'll get out very happy and that's a promise.

Toby's Estate With Bruno

2014-05-23T09:58:00.001+08:00

It was a beautiful Sunday morning and I just woke up from the soft pillows and beds of Manila Peninsula. All the dancing from Ann and Lar's wedding had my feet so swollen that I did not want to get out if bed. But I realized that I have agreed to have lunch with my new Portuguese friend.

While getting ready, I took a selfie.

And another selfie.

After all the selfies, I got ready for my lunch with the Portuguese CEO hottie of iMoney Philippines and Malaysia, Bruno.

It was very warm outside Toby's Estate but we did not have any choice because the place was jampacked.

I ordered Chorizo Burger and Bruno mentioned that he highly recommends it.

It did not disappoint me though because it tasted so good. Had I known that he was paying for it I should've ordered more even though it may seem too much already.

This is Bruno in his just-woke-up face. He wanted me to spare him from any photos but I did not give him what he wanted.

This is my just-woke-up face too! Hahahahahaha!!! 😜😄😂 I actually came prepared. I just had to.

Nevertheless, I think I enjoyed Toby's better this time because it was free. I just find everything so expensive. You know how much of a cheapskate I am.

Bruno and I had so much fun discussing everything from politics to his misadventures in Cafe Havana Greenbelt. He has always been funny and witty and quite a charmer even to older women. He keeps getting indecent proposals which he does not mind. Surely.

Bruno took me to a cab and I went home while he proceeded to get a haircut at guess where? Bruno's Barber Shop! How funny can it get!

Cupcakes by Sonja

2014-05-23T09:55:00.001+08:00

Yes! I admit. It is my first time here at Cupcakes by Sonja. It is such a cruel world after all.

I do not know for some reason why this has never been a place of choice whenever I am at Serendra. Good thing my friend and college dormmate, Aumack invited me for cupcakes and coffee one random evening. It was just a case of good timing because he was having dinner with his friends at SM Aura while I was home basking in a winter wonderland-ish temperature. It was very warm outside but I took my chances of wearing a dress shirt from Wallstreet.

I love their pretty wall. Here's a photo of Aumack, VitoriVita, Maqi, and Gemma.

Coffee was not sealed properly so most of this coffee went to my shirt. Their Red Velvet cupcake was yummy but its not something I'd crave for. Don't get me wrong because I really liked it.

The coffee and the cupcake.

What's nice at Sonja is they help you choose the perfect coffee for your cupcake and I love the mix they gave me. I am so sure you'd like to hear from the girls at Sonja.

I Love Weekdays That Smells Of Weekends

2014-05-16T14:40:00.001+08:00

It was pay day and I was feeling generous that day. So I decided to bring home some food from Floating Island Restaurant at Makati Medical Center. Inside my surprise basket were fried chicken that tasted like real friend chicken, pork barbecue that did not taste like its supposed to be, and some binagoongan pork which still makes my mouth water like I can smell ans taste how good it was.

Only to find out that the surprise was on me. Look at these Fortnum and Maison chocolates!

Watched Godzilla which sucked bigtime.

While waiting for the movie, we stayed at the UCC Mentoré at SM Aura.

Did an #ootd (Outfit Of The Day) or more like #ootn because it was night time already.

The jacket was very comfortable. I slept in that whole chubby Godzilla movie. Its not worth the time and if I paid for the movie tickets I'd feel really really bad after.

It was a weekday for some weekend-like activities. It explained my sleepy moments the next day.

Don't spoil us too much Sweetie Pie! I don't wanna get used to this.

Wendy's at NAIA Terminal 3

2014-04-25T13:16:00.001+08:00

I was just so happy to find Wendy's at the airport (Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3) because the cue at Jollibee can be very exhausting. I also hate falling in line for something I've already tasted or tried.

There was a cue at Wendy's but I was second in it.

I ordered Fish Fillet Combo Meal as I was not really very hungry but just thought of filling in my tummy with some food.

This was gone in minutes as I was also excited to board my plane for Dumaguete.

Safe flight to me!