Purefoods Fiesta Ham... Star of the Noche Buena!

My event: November 24, 2011

Purefoods Fiesta Ham

Via Mare Oyster Bar

Rockwell Center

Filipinos love to eat! When special occasion arises, we usually prepare the best for our family members and guests. Now that the holiday season is here, only one Christmas ham will be the star of Noche Buena... Purefoods Fiesta Ham!

Purefoods Fiesta Ham... Star of Noche Buena

Every year, during Christmas season, I received at least one Fiesta Ham... no kidding! Apparently, it is the # 1 ham in the Philippines. In fact, according to the most recent survey of TNS Philippines, Purefoods Christmas hams are preferred by 8 out of 10 moms.

New find: Ryuma Ramen Restaurant in Sta. Rosa, Laguna

My visit: November 5, 2011

Ryuma Restaurant

2/F Unit 126 Paseo de Sta. Rosa

Commercial Center 4

Greenfield, Don Jose, Sta. Rosa City

Laguna

049- 5028401   049-5020226   09102346932

Now that our favorite Japanese restaurant in Sta. Rosa is gone, DH and I are always on the look out for something new. When we went to Canyon Cove last log weekend, we stopped by Sta. Rosa, Laguna for lunch. A lady guard pointed us to a new Japanese restaurant called Ryuma. 

Ryuma Restaurant is one part of a complex that housed different businesses like a grocery store, a clothing store and another Japanese restaurants named Ryuma Ramen. You can seat in one restaurant and order from the menu of the other restaurant. 

Zaru Soba PhP240

Ryuma Restaurant has a smoking and non-smoking area. We were seated in the non-smoking section where there are LCD TVs mounted on two walls. Two waitresses were assigned in our area but I think the management needs to assign more especially when its full house.

Asian Secrets Lulur Indonesian Whitening Body Scrub & Whitening Soap

This one is a long overdue post! I received a set of Asian Secrets products for review awhile back. I took the time out to test the product by combining whitening soap and the whitening body scrub.  

Asian Secrets Lulur Indonesian Whitening Body Scrub 250g PhP130

I used Asian Secrets Lulur Indonesian Whitening Body Scrub with Seaweed Extract & Vitamin E pictured above left for over a month. I used it once a week not so much for its whitening property because I already have a fair complexion to begin with but more on exfoliation of dead skin cells. 

What is lulur?

A beauty treatment which originated from the royal palaces of Java, Indonesia. It was originally intended for the bride-to-be in order to beautify, smoothen and whiten her skin before the wedding day.

The Little Things She Needs (TLTSN) "IT STORE" for the "IT GIRLS"

My event: November 17, 2011

The Little Things She Neeeds (TLTSN)

Eastwood City Walk 2

Libis

Awhile back, I went to the launching of The Little Things She Needs (TLTSN) in Eastwood City Walk 2. This is the brand's very first store here in the Philippines. The launching coincides with the 2nd year anniversary of the brand.

TLTSN is an Indonesian brand that offers affordable, comfortable and trendy fashion finds without compromising quality. It now has over 19stores in Indonesia, 3 stores in Singapore and opening soon in Thailand!

shoes PhP1899

The Little things She Needs started out as a shoe brand but develops into a fashionista haven where cool and hip accessories can be bought.

By the way, I am eyeing this cool brown wedge shoes. Hopefully I can go back one of these days so I can grab my own pair!

Instant Flawless Matte Result with Z-PORE!

Hello Beauties!

For those of you who have been waiting for a product review, I am so sorry to keep you waiting ; ( I promise this product review is worth the wait!

GoodSkin Labs Z- Pore 20ml PhP1600

GoodSkin Labs recently launched Z-Pore Instant Pore Refiner to the Philippine market. I am lucky to get a sample a few months back!

GoodSkin Labs (GSL) is known for targeting skin problem with instant result, just look at my mom's before and after photo using Tri-Aktiline in this post.

Read after the break and see for yourself my before and after photos using Z-Pore...

Del Monte Fit 'n Right Challenge and The Science of Sexy!

My event: November 15, 2011

Del Monte Fit 'n Right

Science of Sexy

One Rockwell

Rockwell Center

You might be asking why I posted a photo of Rovilson Fernandez as the first photo for this entry, it's because he personifies healthiness. He is lean and fit. Of course, you can't see all the muscles I'm talking about because he is wearing a hooded sweatshirt ; p

with Rovilson Fernandez- model

Going back to the program, let me share with you what I have learned from the Del Monte Fit 'n Right event dubbed as The Science of Sexy. It all started with a unique invite I received- 6 vials of flavored juices placed in a wooden stand. It piqued my curiosity so I confirmed my attendance right away. 

Read after the break to learn more about the event...

Family Bonding in Bag of Beans Tagaytay

My visit: October 31, 2011

Bag of Beans
General Emilio Aguinaldo Highway
Mendez Crossing
West, Tagaytay City
046- 4134356

I have been to Bag of Beans on numerous occasions. Clearly, it seems that whenever my family goes to Tagaytay, a trip to this quaint coffee shop & bakery is a must. Last October 31 is no different, my family and relatives all met up there for an afternoon snack after visiting the grave of my grandparents.

Blueberry pancake PhP195

I only took photos of the food and drinks that we have ordered. Shown above was a blueberry pancake ordered by DH. He loves blueberries. It comes with 2 slices of orange. See the melted butter on top? It's hot, hot, hot!

My Experience on Booking Canyon Cove 55% off at Ensogo

My visit: November 5-6, 2011

Canyon Cove Beach Resort

Far East Road, Piloto Wawa

Nasugbu, Batangas

9081111

Over the long weekend, my friends and I booked an overnight stay at Canyon Cove using vouchers that we bought through Ensogo. Without any fuss, I was able to reserve directly to the hotel a week before our target date. My friend, Cherie, faxed our vouchers the very next day. We were told to bring the vouchers with us upon checking in. 

Superior Room

Check-in time: 3pm
Check-out time: 12nn

Superior room normally has a rate of PhP5800 with breakfast. We got the deal for PhP2500 without breakfast. Read after the break for more details...

PFW Spring-Summer 2012 Ipanema Spoil Your Sole in Rio

My event: October 29, 2011

Ipanema Presents Resort Wear Collection

Function Room 4

SMX Convention Center

Seashell Drive

Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City

This year, I got an invite from Ipanema to attend Philippine Fashion Week Spring- Summer 2012. It partnered with 5 Filipino designers for Resort Wear Collection 2012. 

opening shot

The five Filipino designers are Anthony Nocom, Catherine Cavilte, Dave Ocampo, Lyle Ibanez and Raoul Ramirez. The designers featured the stylish Brazilian flip flop brand as a finishing touch to their latest collections.

One on One Winter Trend 2011 Makeover with The Body Shop

Seriously, if you are a girl, you can't have one too many makeovers! When The Body Shop recently invited me through SMS if I wanted to participate in their Christmas 2011 Blogger makeover session, how can I say no? It's yes all the way, baby!

with award winning MUA, Carissa "Issa" Rodriguez

So, last Saturday, DH- bless his heart that's why I love him- and I braved the traffic from Malabon City to SM Megamall Bldg. B for the makeover. Thanks to the power of PhP100, he was able to park somewhere near the entrance of the mall ; p

Beauty Rush Candy Baby Body Double Mist by Victoria's Secret

I received this bottle of Victoria's Secret body double mist from an old friend of mine as a birthday gift. I only had a chance to try and apply it now because of the numerous product samples sent to me... not that I am complaining hahahha

 Victoria's Secret Beauty Rush Candy, Baby Body Double Mist 250ml

Hmmm.... smells oh so deliciously good! Smells like cotton candy... I love it! Read after the break to find out how I use it. And why it's called a body double mist ; )

New find: Thaipan in Scout Lazcano Quezon City

My visit: November 2, 2011

Thaipan

Thai Cuisine Restaurant

120 Sct. Lazcano St.,

Quezon City

3524926   4578676

I accidentally saw this restaurant when we took the wrong turn looking for H Cuisine, home of the famous Angus beef belly. I vowed to come back to sample what this restaurant has to offer. Even before actually eating there, I already had suggested this restaurant to a couple of my friends. They came back without any violent reactions whatsoever hahaha 

Anyway, an opportunity came when after our movie date, DH and I had no place to eat. All our favorite restaurants in Trinoma are either closed down or under renovation. At that moment, Peking garden and Kimpura are not within our budget ; p 

Yam Som- O PhP310

Thaipan is a quaint place with lots and lots of mirror much like its predecessors- Romulo Cafe and Cerchio. At first glance, I thought that it's a pretty big place. The mirror does the trick. The hand painted wall is a plus too!

I was not feeling really well that night so I was not able to savour all the food that we ordered so bear with me. For starters, my choice is Yam Som- O- a pomelo salad with lots of garlic flakes, pork flakes, shredded chicken and coconut. The taste of pomelo blended well with the sweet spicy dressing.

Unboxing: The Body Shop 4- Step Smoky Eyes Silver Black (01)

I am so excited to share with you a part of The Body Shop's Winter 2011 collection. It's all about Smoke & Sparkle, baby!  Without further ado, I am presenting to you...

4- Step Smoky Eye Palette in Silver Black PhP1, 495

The box contains:

• 4- colour eye palette 
• Eye definer in Black 01
• Eye colour brush

Pond's White Beauty & Pond's Clear Balance Facial Washes Launching

My event: October 27, 2011

Rediscover The Power of Pond's White Beauty And Pond's Clear Balance

Product Launching

Society Lounge

G/F Atrium Building 

Makati Avenue corner Paseo de Roxas

Makati City

Pond's launches Clear Balance facial washes over an afternoon snack. The event was held in the afternoon and as a result only a handful of beauty bloggers were able to attend ; (

care to shop anyone?

I noticed a full display of Pond's products on the side near the stage. Well, those are the products that Pond's wants you to learn more about ; p

My One on One Makeup Lesson from Bobbi Brown

It's another makeover! Last October 27, 2011 while Rowena and I were waiting for the next event- we attended two events that day, we walked from Makati Shangri- la Hotel to Bobbi Brown's makeup counter in Rustan's Makati. 

Can I pass for a Bobbi Brown makeover model?

There are two things that I wanted to learn obsessed with in makeup- smokey eye and contouring. 

Thanks to Rowena's makeup pass, I was able to avail of Bobbi Brown's one on one 45-minute lesson on "Special Occasion Beauty".

You can view my Kanebo counter makeover here.
You can view my The Body Shop makeover here.

Brick Oven Pizza in Napa Restaurant & Bar

My visit: October 31, 2011

Napa Restaurant & Bar

12 Scout Borromeo St.,

South Triangle, Quezon City

4148272   

My brother is eager to let us try this newly opened restaurant in Scout Borromeo called Napa. He filled me in on what to expect like the brick oven pizza among others. 

 Napa Special PhP430

We went there for dinner after visiting the tomb of my grandparents and two of my uncles on my father's side. We were already hungry even though we had an afternoon snack in Bag of Beans, Tagaytay. You know traveling more than 70 km makes one really, really hungry lol

Napa Special is a thin crust pizza that has everything on it. Crispy and flavorful!

OOTD: School Girl look

These days attending events posed a great challenge because I am only allowed to wear white colored blouses/tops. It is another one of the tradition that shows respect for my deceased mother-in-law. 

photo by: LushAngel

I attended two events last October 27, 2011, one in Makati Shangri- la Hotel and the other one in Society Lounge. This photo was taken during the Pond's event in Society Lounge.

What I am wearing:

• Blouse from Korea
• YB by BSN (Bossini)
• Shoes from Taiwan

The white blouse was given to me by a family friend. There are a couple more like this blouse in our family because my SIL and I wore it during the wake. 

Josie Natori Singlet for HSBC 136th Anniversary Run

My event: October 27, 2011

A Run For Books

Makati A

Shangri- la Hotel

Makati 

Following up on the successful fun run held for the first time last year, HSBC decided to make it an annual event. HSBC, the world's local bank, has been doing business in the Philippines for almost 136 years. As part of its advocacy, all proceeds for this year's run will be donated to Sa Aklat Sisikat Foundation (SAS). 

Josie Natori singlet... wait till you see the back design ; )

SAS is a not-for-profit, accredited, professional Philippine organization that promotes that love and habit of reading in Filipino Children. It aims to build a nation of readers. 

Josie Natori, a Filipino world renowned designer lend her talent to design HSBC 2011 singlet. More about the singlet and race info after the break.

How to: Curl Your Own Hair Korean Style

I have BANGS! I had a haircut last week before we laid my mother in law to rest. According to our tradition, we cannot cut our hair for 49 days when a loved one died ; ( But you know me, I could not just settle for a trim. I decided to go for something edgy... full bangs!

Korean look

This is my second haircut after my last setting perm. My perm was totally cut off. I am left with a full bangs and limp hair. What's the next best thing to do? The solution: Do-It-Yourself curl! Read after the break for instructions...

Are you ready to Level App with Samsung Galaxy Y?

My visit: October 25, 2011

Samsung's Level App with the Youth

Craft Pub and Grill

Fort Bonifacio

I was invited to the launching of Samsung's first Android smartphone, Samsung Galaxy Y. The letter Y stands for their targeted market, the Young. This small entry level smartphone is packed with features that I will describe after the break... suspense!

Team A: David de Koenigswarter, Stephanie Mercado and Kevin Yuchengco

Team B: Nessa Salvador, Karla Aguas and Nico Salva

together with DJ Aaron Atayde from Magic 89.9 as host  (second from right)

Samsung invited students from various universities like De La Salle University, San Beda University, University of the Philippines and Ateneo de Manila University to play a game of Family Feud.

Samsung interviewed 100 students as respondents. Topping the list of career most wanted by the teens is to be a celebrity while Harry Potter lands only in number 4 in the All Time Favorite Movies category. Star Wars is number 1, in case you want to know ; )

Merienda at Chef Laudico's BFAST

My visit: October 14, 2011

Chef Laudico's BFAST

Space #3 Restaurants @ Ayala Triangle Gardens, 

Ayala Ttriangle Garden

Ayala Avenue, Makati City

I have read about Chef Laudico's BFAST from a blog but I rarely go to Makati so I never had a chance to try the restaurant. My one and only chance was the day of my sister's graduation. I was with my parents and I was keen on sampling the menu of the restaurant.

 Angus Tapa PhP168

I suppose it was a slow day because only one other table was occupied when we entered at around 3 in the afternoon.  It was humid outside and even inside the restaurant despite the fact that one air con was running. The management's solution was to open the other air conditioner but even that didn't help. We were still sweating and had to get out of the restaurant immediately after our meal.

On with the food... I ordered an Angus tapa. It was served on a red plastic plate. A third of the beef was fat. It was chewy. The egg was cooked well though.