The 2nd Philippine International Pyromusical Competition

My visit: February 26, 2011

Competing countries: China and France
Seaside Blvd., Mall of Asia
7pm

Last Saturday at around 5pm, I got a phone call from our dear friend, JS, asking if we want to watch The 2nd Philippine International Pyromusical Competition featuring the countries China and France together with her family. DH and I were a bit hesitant at first because of the horrendous traffic we have experience a few years ago. Back then it was only a showcase of fireworks display.  Imagine coming home around 2am or was it 3am with a very full bladder so we vowed never to return again.

But we took JS words in stride when she said "We are going to be seated front and center with food and drinks." OMG, she was not kidding when she said those words. The pyromusical display was like watching a 3D movie with the firework display coming right at me as I was seated literally in front and center of it all. 

pyromusical entry from France

The show we watched was the third installment of the monthlong pyromusical competition. The event kick off last February 12 with South Korea and Spain and will end on March 12 with the participation of Australia and the Philippines. 

Schedule of event- every Saturday from February 12- March 12, 2011 from 7pm to 9pm
  • South Korea and Spain
  • Portugal and United Kingdom
  • China and France
  • Japan and Canada
  • Australia and Philippines

By Nature: Balm of Butter

One of the few gifts I received last Christmas was a By Nature Balm of Butter from my cousin. By Nature is conceptualized by a mom of three who realizes the benefits of using all natural hand made soaps- no chemical preservatives and additives, no anima by products and no artificial coloring. By Nature then ventured in other 100% natural products like Moisturizing Oilotion and Disinfect It! spray among others which are all safe for babies and you.

By Nature Balm of Butter PhP350

At the top cover, By Nature 100% natural products was indicated. Naturally, I checked out the ingredients at the back of the jar.

Want Want Senbei Rice Crackers

Want Want Senbei Rice Crackers 112g (3.95 oz.)

I have to tell you that these rice crackers are so great that I am now down to my last 2 sachets. A bag contains 10 sachets. Each sachet has 2 crackers inside. I can eat as much as 3 sachets in one seating... argh! I hate myself for eating too much of these which lead me to discover that if I eat 10 crackers, I put on 147 calories in my body. I say not bad at all!

TheFaceShop: Matte Face Oil Blotting Film

TheFaceShop Matte Face Oil Blotting Film PhP215

Eew! OMG, I can't believe my face is this icky oily! I tried using other brands but I find TheFaceShop's matte oil blotting film absorbs oil better in one press on any one area of my face like my nose and forehead. 

This is the first product I have tried from TheFaceShop. I searched online and found out that this same product is less expensive in other countries like Singapore and Korea, where it originated. The pack contains 50 blue sheets so that's like paying PhP4.50 per sheet. Each sheet is 55mm x 85mm in size. 

Facts about TheFaceShop Matte Face Oil Blotting Film:
  • allergy tested
  • made of polypropylene film
  • better absorbent
  • silky smooth texture
I would likely buy this product again in Korea hehe I hope to visit it soon!

Carmex Moisturizing Lip Balm SPF 15

Alright, you guys, I'm so excited to share my latest pucker up accessory... it's Carmex! I first heard about it during my interview with Tweetie de Leon- Gonzales and then from Andi Eigenmann. It was at that same time, the good people at Carmex sent a couple of samples over to my house.

Strawberry Carmex Click Stick PhP99.25

Guess what? Among all the samples sent, I immediately opened the Strawberry flavored one! At first, I was turned off by the strong scent which I think turned out to be camphor and then came the stinging sensation brought about by the menthol. But after a few seconds or so, I love how it moisturizes my lips. It lasted longer than I thought, for more than 6 hours, in one application! I found truth in advertising in its box/label that says long lasting relief for dry chapped lips. It also has a patented Click Stick Movement Control Technology- you will hear a clicking sound when you turn the bottom part to raise the lip balm up. The new Carmex Moisturizing Lip Balm has Sunscreen SPF 15. Oh, and one good thing about this product is that it's not tested on animals. Carmex products are tested on family members instead lol

Andi Eigenmann and Pond's Clear Solutions Anti-Bacterial Facial Scrub

My event: February 8, 2011

Pond's Clear Solutions Anti Bacterial Facial Scrubs
Chef Jessie's 
Rockwell Club
Makati City

Do you have a childhood dream? I do. I once dreamt of becoming a model/cover girl. The closest thing that happened was getting featured in a magazine when I was 11. And since nobody wants to see my face in the cover of a magazine, I made my very own blog so I can post as many pictures of myself. Vain? Yeah, but at least I can say that I pursued my own dream.

newest face for Pond's Clear Solution Anti Bacterial Facial Scrub,  Andi Eigenmann

Meanwhile, 20 year old actress, Andi Eigenman, is living her childhood dream. She is the newest face of Pond's Clear Solutions Anti Bacterial Facial Scrub. 

When in Taipei

I know you are tired of reading about my Taipei trip so this is the last installment of my Taipei post!

Aside from the huge pedestrian lane, here are some of the reasons why I love Taipei...

Hello from Taipei December 27-31, 2010




Happy Cow by Secret Oven

My visit: February 5, 2011

Happy Cow
#25 unit B Balete Drive, New Manila Quezon City

Our trip to Happy Cow by Secret Oven was not really planned. We were supposed to eat at Cooking Mama but decided against it when we saw a newly renovated Secret Oven. Gone was the purple colored theme restaurant. The place became a steak restaurant thus the new  name, Happy Cow. 

herb rubbed chops PhP190

The owners were there and told us their reason of changing the restaurant's name. Most customers thought that the name Secret Oven connotes cakes and other baked goodies. With the change of name, customers are now enticed to order entrees from their menu. Meanwhile, cakes are still being offered but not on display though.

Remember When... Horlicks

I remember as a child, my mom always has a jar full of tablet sized chocolate called Horlicks. I looked everywhere for stores/ supermarkets selling this product to no avail. Until my DS went to Hong Kong last week and as pasalubong handed over a boxful of Horlicks Chocolate Malties and several sachets of Horlicks Original Malties. Both were bought in 7 Eleven stores in Hong Kong!

Horlicks

Each box contains 3 sachets of Horlicks. A sachet contains 9 tablets. I like the chocolate flavored malties than the original one which for me is a bit bland in taste. The chocolate flavor will sink in after a few minutes in your mouth.

I was quite fascinated that this product is registered under a health care company, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). Maybe because it has dried skimmed milk, vitamins and cereals under its list of ingredients. And the package state that it is high in calcium- 1852/mg per 100g!

At least now, I know where to look when I want my Horlicks! 

Taiwan Chronicle: Maokong Gondola

My visit: December 30, 2010

Maokong Gondola
Eyes of Maokong
Taipei Zoo Station (Muzha Line)
Taiwan

In Hong Kong, there's Ngong Ping 360. In Taiwan, it's Maokong Gondola. The difference lies in the crystal cabins.

inside Maokong Gondola

We have to take a queueing number on the left side of the entrance to be able to access the Eyes of Maokong Gondola. We got two tickets for 12:15 to 12:30pm embarking time. We have 30 minutes to spare so we ate at the nearby Mc Donald's, the only fast food court available.

Pond's Gold Radiance

My event: February 1, 2010

Pond's Gold Radiance 
Interview with Tweetie de Leon
Shang Palace, Makati Shangri-la

SCROLL DOWN TO SEE WHO WON!

My 2011 is going to be a beautiful year! Why? Because I am swarming with beauty products lol 

You all know how I have always been a fan of Pond's. You can find several posts here in my blog. It was my mom who influenced and got me hooked on this brand. Naturally, I was so excited when I got the invite to attend an intimate interview with none other than Pond's Gold Radiance spokesperson, Ms. Tweetie de Leon- Gonzales.

Pond's Gold Radiance entire range
  • Pond's Gold Radiance Boosting Cleansing Mousse PhP399
  • Pond's Gold Radiance Youthful Glow Day Cream SPF 15 PA++ PhP799 (50ml)
  • Pond's Gold Radiance Facial Foam PhP249
  • Pond's Gold Radiance Youthful Night Repair PhP799
  • Pond's Gold Radiance Youth Reviving Eye Cream PhP699 (15ml)
  • Pond's Gold Radiance Precious Youth Serum PhP799 (30ml)

Taiwan Chronicle: Shilin Night Market

 My visit: December 29, 2010

Shilin Night Market
Jiantan Exit Red Line
Taipei, Taiwan

One of the most crowded if not the most popular night market in Taipei! The area is known not only as a shopping haven but also food haven as well. So, if you think that spending time eating in Danshui during the day will stop us from craving Taipei food, think again. 

shabu shabu set meal  #3 NTD160

In my previous post, I shared about my hidden talent- eating while walking ; p It was a maze going in and out of the side streets, sampling almost all the food that can be bought lol Of course, a little bit of shopping was included.