McDonald's Reopens 4 Stores on its 30th year!

My event: September 29, 2011

McDonald's

Makati Cinema Square

Makati City

8-MCDO

For the very first time, four McDonald's stores will simultaneously open today, September 30 at 8am. Collectively known as The Anniversary Stores- McDonald's Makati Cinema Square, Greenhills, North Avenue and Quezon Avenue commemorates the opening of it's very first store in Morayta in 1981. 

McDonald's 30 Years of Magic

These four stand alone stores differ in design concept yet still offer the same McDonald's experience- great tasting food and excellent service!

McDonald's Makati Cinema Square- as seen in the following photos after the break, offers neutral yet savvy design that's distinctly modern.

McDonald's Greenhills- calls its design LIM, short for Less Is More, a very playful interior that focuses on fun and casual dining.

McDonald's Quezon Avenue- a bullseye that is prominently displayed on the wall is just one of the graphics that separates one section from the other.

Mc Donald's North Avenue- a contemporary cafe look provides customer with warmth and comfort.

All four stores bear the signature red blade and white ribbon at the store's exterior with pylon carrying the Golden Arches.

Travelogue: Anvaya Cove Beach & Nature Club Accommodation

My visit: September 17- 18, 2011

Anvaya Cove Beach & Nature Club

Brgy. Mabayo, Morong,

Bataan, Philippines

7939000   

Over a week ago, I was with my friends vacationing in Anvaya Cove- a Members Only resort in Morong, Bataan. I am not one to pass the chance to go this exclusive vacation spot so I went with my friends even without DH ; p

golf cart- transportation

It was pretty gloomy the afternoon we arrive. The rain was nonstop. How terrible, right?! I was glad that the sun showed up the next day.

Golf Cart was our means of transportation to and from our hotel room during our entire stay in Anvaya Cove.

I'm joining the bandwagon with Cracked Nail Polish!

My visit: September 24, 2011

Nail Studio & Day Spa

105- B Scout Castor St., 

Laging Handa, Quezon City

3550910

I have been seeing people with "crack" or "shatter" nail polish for quite some time now. When I was in a nail salon a few weeks back, I saw OPI Nail Polish in Black Shatter and pointed it out to my friends. My friends availed the cracked nail polish for an additional PhP100. I saw amazing results and regretted my decision of settling for a regular nail polish ; (

cracked nail polish in black by Face It

Two weeks have passed since my first encounter with cracked nail polish. I was in Nail Studio & Day Spa in Scout Castor near Tomas Morato Street last Saturday when I inquired about the availability of the said nail polish. Lo and behold, the store has it and only for an additional PhP30 ; ) Now, that's what I call a bargain lol 

I availed of Classic Cool Melon Manicure for PhP150 and Classic Cool Melon Pedicure for PhP180. Express Manicure is also available for only at PhP100 while Express Pedicure is at PhP130.

Cracked Nail Polish is sometimes called Crackle Nail Polish or Cracking Nail Polish. 

FreshLook ColorBlends GemStone Green by Ciba Vision + DIY Photo Shoot

I met with my cousin the other day and I was wearing all green- contact lenses, eye make up and even my tee! How cool is that?! ; p

FreshLook ColorBlends Gemstone Green

I love my newly opened FreshLook ColorBlends. It is so eye- catching. I love that the color of my eyes can change from dark brown to green in an instant.

Susan Roces & Ryan Agoncillo for Champion PLUS giveaway!

My event: September 14, 2011

Champion Media Event

Quezon A

Makati Shangri- la Hotel

Champion laundry detergent recently had a media launch at the posh Makati Shangri- la Hotel. I am happy to share that it is a homegrown product. Champion has touched the hearts of many Filipino homemakers because of its superior quality and commitment to innovation. 

 Ms. Susan Roces for Champion

I have met several artists in the past but none of them struck me most than the Queen of Philippine Movies, Ms. Susan Roces. Ok, maybe Aga Muhlach lol I was so star struck! I kept on memorizing over and over the question that I was supposed to ask her- "Paano mo nalaman na tama ang desisyon mo?". 

Flapjacks Blockbuster Favorite- It's Back... Better... Best!

Commercial break!

Flapjacks 

Greenhills Theater Mall

San Juan City

Flapjacks is bringing it all back! Presenting the comeback of Flapjacks' blockbuster favorite! I was given a voucher to sample the items on their "Back... Better... Best" menu.

mango exotica (lunch) PhP195

My parents and I used the voucher last Tuesday after my work out at the gym nearby. I know what you are thinking! Don't judge me, ok? At least I work out before I eat ; p

I gave the voucher to the manager and he immediately acknowledged it. As I browsed through the menu that was handed to us by the waiter, a salad called Mango Exotica immediately caught my eye. 

Mango Exotica is made up of romaine lettuce topped with slices of mangoes, croutons, California raisins, grilled chicken and tangy mango vinaigrette. Dried cranberries replaced the almond slivers. 

My mom could not stop raving about the salad. I caught her saying "Hmmm ang sarap!" as she was munching on it lol Crunchy veggies and the cranberries really made the difference. Mango Exotica is also available in Regular portion for only PhP325.

Total Body Pampering at Chic Nails & Spa PLUS giveaway!

My event: September 6, 2011

Chic Nails Hand, Foot & Body Spa

3B Oracle Hotel

Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City

3840097

Before I start, be sure to read this entire post as I will mention a giveaway somewhere in between this entry ; p

I love pampering myself! I believe it's one of the things that women should do at least once a month. Spa is my comfort zone where I forget my worries and stress. I feel relaxed and rejuvenated after the treatment/s. 

quaint little corner for nail art session

These days, some nail salons offer more than just manicure and pedicure. Take Chic Nail Hand, Foot & Body Spa for example, this newly opened nail salon in Katipunan offers traditional & contemporary massage therapy, face & body therapy treatments, hand & foot therapy, paraffin mani/ pedi treatment by Depileve & nail art enhancement. The spa boasts of grooming treatments for the metrosexual and spa parties for the kids too!

Golden Bay Fresh Seafoods Restaurant offers 50% off dim sum!

My visit: September 10, 2011

Golden Bay Fresh Seafoods Restaurant, Inc.

Block A2 CBP

Diosdado Macapagal Blvd.,

Pasay City

5567525   5567527   8040332

DH and I ate in Golden Bay right after we send-off my DSIL to the airport. At 11 a.m., we were the first customers for the day. I saw in the paper handout that there was an ongoing promotion.

All 72 dimsum selection including congee, dumpling, desserts, rice roll and cake are 50% off until September 30, 2011. Of course, we didn't order all 72. We only ordered 9 lol 

 xo radish cake PhP72.50

First on the list, xo radish cake. This dish is quite hot because of the xo sauce but very crispy and delicious. We were not able to finish this order because we ordered a lot for two persons. I ate the rest of the xo radish cake with rice the next day and I can't get enough of it!

Dim Sum- a Chinese dish of small steamed of fried savory dumplings containing various fillings served as a snack or main course.

XO sauce- spicy seafood sauce.

New Find: Kabigting's Halo Halo- The Pride of Arayat

My visit: August 27, 2011

Kabigting's Halo Halo

592 N.S. Amoranto St.,

Quezon City

I have read a lot of rave reviews about Kabigting's Halo Halo. I have to find out for myself if it is really as good as they say. DH and I went one Saturday afternoon to try the pride of Arayat!

carabao milk pastillas in sticky beans and cream corn

Kabigting's halo halo reminds me of Razon's because these two have only 3 main ingredients. Razon's ingredients are saba, macapuno and leche flan while Kabigting's has carabao milk pastillas, mashed white kidney beans cooked similar to halaya and cream of corn. The shaved ice of Razon's is finer though.

Remember When... SR Thai Cuisine in UST

My visit: September 5, 2011

S.R. Thai Cuisine

965 P. Noval St.,

Sampaloc, Manila

7345443

I remember when I was still studying in University of Santo Tomas, I used to eat in S. R. Thai only on special occasions. When you only have PhP35 allowance a day, you really have to save up for a good meal. 

S.R. bagoong rice PhP99

Recently, I went back to the university and saw that the restaurant is still open. Naturally, I got excited! I asked DH if he wanted to have our lunch there. Good thing, he agreed.

He ordered bagoong rice- a best seller in my humble opinion. It has slices of green mango, cucumber, coupled with hebi shrimp and pork on top of the rice. A total satisfaction!

Face to Face with Angelica Panganiban + Pond's Big Beauty SALE!

Sometime ago, I came face to face with Ms. Angelica Panganiban. She looks flawless up close. She is such a charming young woman. 

Pond's Face to Face with Angelica

Wouldn't you want to meet her too? Pond's Philippines is making that dream into reality. It all starts just by liking Pond's Philippines on FaceBook!

Wait, there is more! Angelica is giving away Pond's Nature gift packs because she wants to share with you her wonderful experience with Pond's White Beauty Naturals.

Why I love Hong Kong: Toilet, Milk, Char Siu & Share Tea!

In the Philippines, you have to pay for the use of toilet with basic amenities such as tissue paper, alcohol and lotion. In Hong Kong, every single most toilet looks like the one in the picture below!

disposable toilet seat cover, alcohol and toilet paper

In other countries like Taiwan, toilet papers are provided even in toilets that needs you to squat on the floor ; p I wonder why we can't do it?

New find: Tung Lo Wan Food Express

My visit: August 14, 2011

Tung Lo Wan's Food Express (TLW)

199 Wilson Square

Wilson St. cor P. Guevarra St., 

San Juan City

7239201

Although several weeks have passed, DH and I still have Hong Kong hang over. One Sunday, DH and I decided to treat his mom to a Chinese restaurant aptly named Tung Lo Wan (TLW) Food Express. Tung Lo Wan is a road in Causeway Bay and Tai Hang on the north side of the Hong Kong Island in Hong Kong. Its specialty is anything roast!

pork asado (per plate) PhP200

We entered a half full restaurant. We were asked if we have any reservation, we don't. A round table near the cashier was vacant so we were guided over there. Being true to Hong Kong style set up, I was half expecting that the server would be asking us to share our table for six with other diners much like the ones I saw when we dine in Tsui Wah, a bustling restaurant in Hong Kong ; p Good thing they did not as most of the tables reserved were not yet filled even after we left the venue.

The pork asado is thickly sliced and glazed on the outside. If per plate order is too much for you, it also offers per 100g for only PhP60.

New find: Teresita's of San Fernando Halo Halo & Palabok in Tomas Morato

My visit: August 13, 2011

Teresita's of San Fernando 

Alfredos Bldg.,

220 Tomas Morato St., cor. Scout de Guia,

Quezon City

9218071

A few months ago, we saw a structure being renovated just above Alfredo's. Out of sheer curiosity, we went up the flight of stairs. There were bright lights and so I thought that it's already open. To my dismay, it's not.

longanisa rice PhP100

Fast forward last August, DH and I were able to visit the restaurant again. This time it's already in full swing... yey! There were several senior citizens dining inside. We found a table on the side near the entrance. DH lined up in front of the counter for our orders.

I had garlic longanisa with rice. The order came with two longanisa, an egg, two slices of tomatoes and a plain rice. A vinegar was on the side.

I like my longanisa sweet. This order is not. I blame it on DH for coercing me to order this rather than the skinless longanisa. I only ate half and gave the other half to him since he doesn't like anythng sweet. Come to think of it, I must have fell into one of his tricks ; p

Unboxing: GARMIN nuvi 1490LMT GPS from CostCo

Yey! We have a new baby in the car! My SIL who lives in Canada brought with her this 5" touchscreen, anti-glare display GPS ; ) Now, I will never be scared to drive alone in an unfamiliar place *fingers crossed ; p

complete set found inside the box of Garmin Nuvi 1490 LMT CAN$179 plus tax

Package contains:

• • nüvi® 149
  • 0LMT GPS
• Preloaded City Navigator street maps
• Vehicle suction- cup mount
• Dashboard disc
• Lifetime traffic receiver with integrated vehicle power cable
• Lifetime map upgrades
• USB cable
• Quick Start manual

Originally priced at CAN$199 in CostCo, she got it with CAN$20 discount and paid for only CAN$179 for the unit.

H Cuisine Home of the Most Awesome Angus Beef Belly!

My visit: September 9, 2011

H Cuisine by Chef Hanna Herrera

64 Scout Rallos cor. Tomas Morato St.,

Quezon City

It was my brother who can't stop raving about H Cuisine. Coming from a restaurant owner himself, I thought this restaurant must be offering something really good. I was with my family when I first tried this restaurant. I know I am bound to come back.

H Cuisine's Most Awesome Angus Beef Belly (single with rice) PhP288

I have been back twice since he first texted DH and I. My brother was raving about how tender the angus beef belly and I could not agree more! The second time, I brought two of my closest friends in college with me.

Along with the Angus beef belly, there were string beans, corn and carrots on one side and baby potatoes on the other neatly placed on a white plate elevated on top of a rack with a lit tea light candle in the bottom to keep the dish warm. Personally, I don't think that it does the job but it is more for presentation.

If you are in a group of 2 to 3 pax, order the To Share portion for only PhP428 without rice.

Afternoon Tea at Cova Ristorante Harbour City Hong Kong

My visit: August 2, 2011

Cova Milano since 1817

Shop G220 Ground Floor

Gateway Arcade

Harbour City Tsim Sha Tsui 

Hong Kong

29073881

I have already experienced having an afternoon tea once in Bizu and a high tea in an event. DH, on the other hand, has not experienced any one of these tea thing. While strolling inside Harbour City in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, we chanced upon Cova Ristorante offering an afternoon tea buffet with a hefty price tag of HK$200 per person plus tax.

peppermint loose tea leaves for DH choice's of tea

Afternoon tea is also known as low tea because it was traditionally served on a low table like a coffee table near a sofa. It is typically served with light snacks like scones and finger sandwiches in mid afternoon.

High tea, also known as meat tea, is served after 5pm on a dining table. It is served with heavy food like steak, fish and vegetables. 

New find: Gamja!Gamja! Garlic Potato

While shopping around Robinsons Galleria over a month ago, one of my siblings discovered this new stall in the fast food area called Gamja! Gamja! It sells glazed potato cubes with grated carrots and sesame seeds on top.

Gamja! Gamja! Garlic Potato in Garlee size PhP59

Gamja is a potato side dish typically served in Korean restaurants.

Get Involved and Vote: Unilab Ideas Positive 2011

Unilab Ideas Positive (UIP) aims to help the youth turn their ideas into reality. Now on its second year, UIP empowers the youth by not only giving them a platform to be heard but by also giving them the fund so they can start their project. 

11 teams, 1 grand prize winner! You can help by voting for the team of college students with the most innovative idea to address the health and wellness concerns of the Philippines, one community at a time. A total of PhP 250, 000 seed money will be at stake for the top 3 teams! 

Unilab Ideas Positive 2011

You can participate in this empowering movement by voting a group's video to narrow down the finalists into top 3 contenders. Your vote counts so support the team with the project that you want to get implemented.

Hui Lau Shan and New York Fries in Tsim Sha Tsui

My visit August 2, 2011

Hui Lau Shan 

Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong

On our third day, we visited Tsim Sha Tsui for more shopping eating experience! After spending half of the day walking along Central, we need some dessert to eat before venturing to another afternoon of window shopping.

in front of Hui Lau Shan 

We saw several stalls bearing the name Hui Lau Shan. It's mango haven ; ) Everything looks yummy! I am salivating as I am writing this entry. They have a promo package of nine different mango desserts.  We didn't order it for fear that we could not finish the whole thing lol

I'm Switching: Charm Travel Pro v3

 Newsflash! Read about the limited edition Charm Trave Pro Sonia Makeup Brush Set here. You can also read about my favorite Charm Essentials brush here.

Everyone who reads my blog knows that more often than not I apply most of the make up on my face with my fingertips. Yes, even the eye shadows. The reason is I am usually in a hurry. It gets the job done anyway so why bother, right? Wrong! Read on to find out why...

The brushes I own (there were only a few!) were either given to me as a gift or I have won in a giveaway. I bought only two basic brushes (eye shadow and powder brush) from The Body Shop.

Charm Travel Pro v3 14 pc. Brush Set PhP 2, 200 with free shipping nationwide

When Sophie of Beautynomics saw my twitpic about my almost dead powder brush, she said that she will replace my old brush. A few months had past and I have thrown out my brush already when she told me that the brush has arrived ; )

Little did I know that I will be receiving a whole set- A Charm Travel Pro Makeup Brush Set is what she calls it. I was a little overwhelmed by the number of brushes included- 14 in all!

A set includes from (left to right):

• Concealer Brush
• Foundation Brush
• Angled Blush Brush
• Powder Brush
• Stippling Brush
• Blending Brush
• Pencil Point Brush
• Wet/Dry Eyeshadow Brush
• Angled Eyeshadow Brush
• Flat Liner Brush
• Bent Eyeliner Brush
• Eyebrow Shading Brush
• Brow Spoolie
• Lip Brush

24 Karat Gold Nails at Cozy Nail Lounge

My visit: August 25, 2011

Cozy Nail Lounge

181 E. Rodriguez  Jr. Avenue, 

Libis Quezon City

7094018

I was invited by Michelle for a pampering day last Thursday. Who am I to say no? I normally don't make any commitments on a Thursday- coding kasi! But for this one time, I made an exception specially since I have been raring to do it for awhile. Ok, even before I left for Hong Kong and that was almost month ago lol 

*now I really feel like a cougar... rawr!

It was an intimate gathering as only four of us were present- Michelle, Angela, Patricia Bermudez and I. Nonetheless, we had fun throughout the afternoon.

I am happy to say that I found the perfect gold color nail polish through Cozy Nail Lounge's wide range of ORLY nail lacquers. I really, really love it! Too bad it is limited edition and I can't find one anywhere else ; (

ORLY Nail Lacquers are Free from Formaldehyde, DBP & Toluene. It is safe to use even for pregnant women.