Awesome Rides in Shenzhen Happy Valley

April 6, 2012

Day 3

Happy Valley
Overseas Chinese Town
Nanshan District, Shenzhen, China
0755-2694254

It was a very fortunate day for us because the sun was shining when we visited Happy Valley on our third day! The day before, our trip to Splendid China Folk Culture Villages was cut short due to heavy rains. The weather was unpredictable during our Shenzhen trip so I understand why not too many people want to throw away RMB153 (PhP1040)/per person, group rate entrance fee to the theme park. Luck was on our side that day ; p

welcome to Happy Valley

Our trip to the theme park was a perfect day for picture taking and thrill rides! I am scared of heights therefore I don't like thrill rides. So, I did the next best thing... pose in front of the camera lol

Do you like our heart pose? ; p

The Works Bistro in Il Terrazzo

April 19, 2012

The Works Bistro

2nd Level, Il Terrazzo

Tomas Morato Ave. cor. Sct. Madrinan,

Quezon City

When a college friend and I had an impromptu meet-up, we decided to set it over lunch in The Works Bistro. Parking is a huge problem in Tomas Morato area that's why I like to set up lunch meetings in Il Terrazzo. The outer parking is free of charge while inner and basement parking cost only PhP35.

Chef's Work (to share) PhP175

Chef's Work had a lot of fresh greens topped with tomatoes, slices of beef and parmesan cheese. The dressing was not enough though. The serving was big, we could not even finish the entire thing! In fact, we were not able to taste the bread on the side.

Shenzhen Travelogue: Splendid China Folk Culture Villages

April 5, 2012

Day 2

Splendid China Miniature Park and China Folk Culture Villages
Overseas Chinese Town
Shenzhen Guangdong, China
0755-26602043   26606526   26600626

Entrance: RMB 130 (adult); RMB 65 (child)

Splendid China Folk Village consists of two theme parks-Splendid China Miniature Park and China Folk Culture Villages. The former has scaled down (1:15) replicas of China's historical sites like Great Wall and Terra Cotta Warriors while the latter typifies the different villages in Chinese history.

found these characters near the gate

There are cars (more like golf carts to me) available for a fee (RMB23/pax) that can take you around the park so you can easily cover this 30 hectare theme park. Tourist capacity is 30,000 per day.

Gadget Review: Hisense Mono Headset Mini HB200M

It is very seldom that I get to review a gadget. I want to thank Charles of Beyond The Box for introducing me to the beauty of technology!

 Hisense Mono Headset Mini HB200M  7.5gram PhP1450

This Hisense Mono Headset Mini HB200M was included inside the press kit during the launch of Beyond The Box in One Rockwell. It was not until recently that I was able to use it.

I am so happy with this bluetooth headset that I want to share with you how nice this gadget is!

Snack at Hasio Shenzhen

April 4, 2012

Hasio

Kingkey Banner Center

Shenzhen, China

After we arrived by bus from Hong Kong, we check-in to our hotel, Lijing Commercial Hotel. It was close to 6pm, DH and I felt so hungry. Luckily, there was a mall right across our hotel.

Hasio Shenzhen, China

Hasio is inside Kingkey Banner Center. It was empty when we came in so we were able to seat in one of the tables situated behind the glass panel. 

Lijing Commercial Hotel, Shenzhen China

April 4-8, 2012

Lijing Commercial Hotel

160 Baishi Road 

Nanshan District

Shenzhen 

Our family of 19 booked 4 family rooms in Lijing Commercial Hotel. You may be wondering how we were able to fit in just four room. The rooms were huge. It is good enough for 4 or even 5 persons if one will sleep on the couch ; p

Lijing Commercial Hotel in Shenzhen, China

The hotel is strategically located. It is a few minutes walk to Shenzhen Window Of The World, right across is the Kingkey Banner Center Bus Terminal and a few minutes by taxi to Happy Valley, Splendid China and Folk Culture Village. It is a 10 minute walk to the nearest subway station (Baishizhou) so I suggest that you just take the cab instead.

Travel Tips: Hong Kong to Shenzhen and back!

April 4, 2012

Hong Kong/Shenzhen Trip

MNL-HK by plane
Depart: 10:10 am
Arrive: 12:20 nn

For a Filipino traveller going to China, you need to get China Visa. It doesn't matter if you have US/Canada Visa, you still need to apply for one. If you have been previously approved of a China Visa, it will make the process easier but it's not always a guarantee that you will be granted one.

Shenzhen Bay Port

Since I have been granted a China Visa before in my old passport (Taiwan Passport), I attached it together with my new passport (Filipino Passport). I didn't submit any other documents. I was given a single entry China Visa valid for 30-day stay in China.

Greenwich Spaghetti Supreme for only 49 Pesos!

April 19, 2012

Greenwich Pizza & Pasta
Rockeoke Night with Greenwich Barkada
Katipunan Branch

Who doesn't love spaghetti? The classic red spaghetti is the first thing that comes to mind whenever we plan for any party. Filipinos have distinctly made the spaghetti their own by adding a little bit of sweetness and a meatier flavor.

Greenwich Spaghetti Supreme with Garlic Stix only PhP49!

Greenwich recently launched the all-new and improved Greenwich Spaghetti Supreme during the Rockeoke Night in Katipunan. It has 25% more noodles and sweet-blended sauce. It has richer tomato sauce. It means using only the finest and freshest ingredients- perfect for the Filipino taste!

It uses juicy ground beef with freshly grated cheese on top. Let's not forget the tasty Garlic Stix that goes well with every order of Greenwich Spaghetti Supreme. All these for only PhP49!

Bread & Bean Cafe in San Juan

April 11, 2012

Bread and Bean Cafe Bakery Resto

Unit 2 Citiplace Building 

8001 J. Abad Santos,

San Juan

5707593

I am happy to share the restaurant that I frequently visit whenever I crave for Tocilog-Bread and Bean Cafe. Aside from Red Ribbon, it is one of the few restaurants that serves delectable tocino. It is located right across Serenitea in J. Abad Santos in San Juan. You would not miss the maroon and cream signage and numerous parking slots in front of the restaurant. 

pork tocino PhP160

An order of tocilog consists of meaty pork tocino, 2 sunny side up eggs and garlic rice. You can choose from either coffee or iced tea for drinks. Atchara or pickled green papaya together with vinegar are perfect partners for pork tocino.

If you are not fond of pork, there is an alternative choice-chicken tocino which is just as good.

Bag Review: Tod's D Bag

I already showed you a sneak peek of my new Tod's D-Styling Bauletto Mini. Now, it is time to show you the details so you will know how to spot a fake Tod's from an original. 

 unboxing Tod's D-Styling Bauletto

It's been almost a week now since I bought this bag. So far, I don't have any major complaints. I like the color and the overall look. I particularly love the quality of the leather, it is so soft to touch. The bag smells really nice too.

Spotted: MrsMartinez Cougar Mode

I am not tall so I get envious when I saw tall and skinny woman wear a maxi dress. I didn't think I can pull it off until I bought one for myself. I wore it for breakfast when we stayed overnight in Acacia Hotel. 

leopard print maxi dress

What I am wearing:

• leopard maxi dress from The Landmark
• Wacoal Bandeau 
• Baume & Mercier watch
• Fitflop 

Shot on location: Acacia

O, Wow! It's Elmo Magalona for Oishi!

April 18, 2012

Oishi's 'O, Wow!' Campaign
Chef Jessie
G/F Amorsolo Tower
Amorsolo Drive, Rockwell

I just got back from Oishi's 'O, Wow!' event. Elmo Magalona shared 10 awesome "O, Wow!' moments. Each time, guests were treated to various Oishi products to enjoy and share so they too can have their own version of 'O, Wow!' moments!

Elmo Magalona celebrity endorses Oishi; DJ Tracy Abad, host

O, Wow! is one of those moments that can take you by surprise! I remembered last week, a pretty young lady approached me and requested to have her photo taken with me. That's my 'O, Wow!' moment ; p I didn't know that somebody would recognize me at all. Much more have their picture taken with me ; p

Beyond Yoga-A Yoga for Everyone!

Beyond Yoga

3F Il Terrazo Building

Tomas Morato Avenue

corner Scout Madrinian St.,

Quezon City

09175239663

I go to Beyond Yoga for Zumba and other dance classes. If you are a follower of my twitter account, you would have seen my tweets about the night classes that I attended. Recently, I even went back and tried different types of yoga for one whole week. 

dance/yoga studio

With deal coupons available-my friends and I were able to buy several, we have been visiting the studio at different times of the day. The studio gets a bit crowded in the morning/noon dance classes so we decided to take their night classes instead where only less than 10 students attend in one class and sometimes even less.

We like it that way because the teacher can focus more on the students and the dance routine. In fact, one of my friends who owns up to having two left feet can now groove to the beat. She is always excited to attend dance classes. Unfortunately, for the month of April, the studio cancelled all the night classes. We are hoping that they can open a few night classes this coming May or else the coupon we recently bought that's valid for a month will just go to waste.

Their dance classes are powered by Movement Dance Studio. It includes Belly Dance/Pop, Cardio Fit, Contemporary, Dance Box, Jazz, Hip Hop, Pole Fitness and Retro Fever.

Read after the break for packages available:

Cafe Monaco is now open in San Juan!

March 26, 2012

Cafe Monaco Coffee & Food

368 Sekai Center

Ortigas Ave., San Juan City

Before I went to Korea and got hooked on Korean grill barbecue, there's already Cafe Monaco. It's my go to place whenever I crave for inexpensive bibimbop. My meal is not complete without ordering their own famous version of halo-halo. 

mango crepe PhP80

Anyway, my BFF recently passed her Orals Exam for Philippine Pediatric Society. She now has PPS next to MD in her name. And early next year, another letter, D, will be added before PPS. I was kidding her that her name is getting longer and longer these days ; p Good thing, with all her achievements in her career as a doctor, she remained down to earth and a very good friend of mine.

We decided to celebrate before she gets back to her busy and toxic life as a doctor. My BFF introduced me to Cafe Monaco way, way back. What better way to celebrate her recent achievement than to have a lunch out in one of our favorite restaurant, right?

Mango crepe was ordered for our dessert. It was square shaped when served to us but we sliced it into half already then I remembered I have to take its photo first before we eat it hahaha

Other available fruits are banana, strawberry, orange, kiwi, blueberry, apple and pineapple. For an additional PhP20, you can have an ice cream over your crepe.

We didn't order halo-halo but this mango crepe is a good enough replacement.

Travel Tips: KIT-Keeping It Together this summer!

KIT-Keeping It Together

Theater Mall

Greenhills, San Juan

Are you fond of traveling like I do? Then KIT-Keeping It Together is a must-have travel companion. I received a set of KIT last March, just in time for the summer vacation. 

KIT Airline Travel Collection 

The clear bag is available in 3 sizes-small (PhP149), medium (PhP195) and large. The one you see is the medium size and believe me it can carry a lot of stuff!

Click after the break to see what fits inside...

Acacia Hotel celebrated Earth Hour with a Weekend Sundown Cookout

March 31, 2012

Acacia Hotel Manila

5400 East Asia Drive corner Commerce Avenue

Filinvest Corporate City

Alabang, Muntinlupa City 1781

7202000   5885888

photo credit: Wilson Martinez

We had a late lunch at The Lobby At Acacia that afternoon but that didn't stop DH and I from joining the Earth Hour celebration held at Samanea on the 3rd floor of Acacia Hotel Manila. It was a Weekend Sundown Cookout at 7pm where guests can feast from various festive grill like Surf & Turf PhP1,195, Grilled Prawns PhP895 or the Fish Platter PhP850 for those who were watching their weight ; p

sky lantern!

The highlight of the event is that each table gets to light their very own sky lantern during Earth Hour which is between 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm.

Earth Hour is switching off non-essential lights for 60 minutes or 1 hour to help save our planet.

Peek-a-boo: Tod's D-Styling Bauletto Mini in Orange

April 10, 2012

Tod's

Shop G319, Gateway Arcades

Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui

Hong Kong

2199-7752

Remember when I went to Hong Kong last year? I was supposed to buy Louis Vuitton Eva clutch bag but then DH suggested Tivoli GM instead. I saw the tote bag on the shelf screaming my name hahaha Talk about being a shopaholic! Ok, just kidding ; p 

After carrying my Tivoli GM for almost a year and several visits to the spa for back pains later, I am determined to find a small bag. And here she is...

my new Tod's D-Styling Bauletto mini in orange

Before I settled for this one, we scoured around Central in Hong Kong and Harbour City in Tsim Sha Tsui for 2 straight days. We went inside every store that sells a designer bag before I decided on this one. 

HSBC/ Starbucks promo is back!

April 12, 2012

4th HSBC Coffee Talk

Makati A

Shangri-la Hotel

Makati City

It was my first time to attend HSBC Coffee Talk and I am glad that I was able to make it ; p It was an informative afternoon with the topic-Hot Summer. Hot Diets. The topic was very timely as I have just won (as a runner-up) in a recent concluded fat percentage weight lost challenge and I want to maintain a healthy physique and lifestyle. 

4th HSBC Coffee Talk-Hot Summer. Hot Diets.

I have long been curious about the various ways to lose weight so I was eager to know who the guests were. It was Ms. Johanna Garcia, HSBC SVP and Head of Group Communications (Philippines), who introduced the guests one by one. They were Art Mendoza from the Biggest Loser Philippine edition, Rescina Bhagwani who lost 65 pounds on Cohen diet, JL Martinez who lost 120 pounds on Human Chronic Gonadotropin or HCG diet, Lala Agregado who is into CrossFit workout, Kat Azanza who co-owns Juju Cleanse and Jessica Zafra, a noted writer and talk show host. 

Kenny Rogers' Saucy Roast Chicken + 3 New Sides

March 29, 2012

Kenny Rogers Roasters

Ground Floor, SM Megamall

So, third time's a charm, eh?! During its 3rd Bloggers Night, Kenny Rogers Roasters unveiled the new Saucy Roast Chicken with 3 different sauces to satisfy your cravings. 

Kenny's Saucy Roast Chicken with Sweet BBQ, Creamy Mushroom & Cracked Peppercorn sauce (top to bottom)

I have tasted all 3 sauces, I am partial to the Sweet BBQ sauce but had a changed of heart when I tasted the Cracked Peppercorn sauce. Don't get me wrong, Kenny's Saucy Roast Chicken, when eaten without a sauce, is just as good. When you are a sauce person like me, why not opt for all three sauces. Each additional sauce ordered is only PhP15. 

Lancome's Hypnose Doll Eyes... I won!

Hello! While I was on vacation, I received an email from Lancome Philippines that I was chosen as one of the Top Dolls. There were 2 more Top Dolls aside from me. I don't have their names so don't ask me who they were hahaha As a token, I get 10k worth of Lancome products... woot!

1 of the 3 photos that I chose from

Lancome is a pretty good brand. Aside from Kanebo, the only other makeup brand that I love is Lancome. My love affair with Lancome started when I got married and my mom gave me a set of eyeshadow palette with blush. The colors were brilliant... soooo me! The colors stayed throughout the day- you know that I hate retouching my makeup ; p 

I also have tried Korean brands. In fact, I bought lots of beauty products when I went there last Dec/Jan but you still have not read a single post about my loot because the quality doesn't fair well to Kanebo or Lancome. 

I don't wake up everyday to this face hahaha So, how did I do it? Read after the break for more detailed photos....

Cirque Mother Africa in Resorts World Manila

What: Cirque Mother Africa 5 shows only

When: April 19- 22, 2012

Where: Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila

Presented by Establish Events and in cooperation with Media Central, Cirque Mother Africa (CircusMama) is a two hour state-of-the-art circus show comprises of 40 Cirque Du Soleil artists from 9 African countries. 

This new millennium "circus" aims to delight the senses with items spinning through the air, human contortionists who form mind-boggling shapes with their bodies, while percussionists beat African rhythms on drums. Masks, drums, beads, and amazing costumes all add to the authentic African atmosphere. 

The 2011/ 2012 production is an anniversary program which will feature not only the best acts from the previous years but also some highlights from the Mama Africa's school for artists founded by Winston Ruddle, the producer. 

Late Lunch at The Lobby At Acacia

March 31, 2012

The Lobby At Acacia

Acacia Hotel

Alabang, Muntinglupa City

open from 6:00 am to 12 mn

Photo credit: Wilson Martinez

Hello! First off, I was not able to update my blog for the past several days because I was in China and I cannot access my blogger account as well as my Twitter and Facebook profile. Now that I am in Hong Kong, I am happy to be back in the blogosphere again ; p

Classic Caesar Salad PhP250; Grilled Salmon Fillet with Pesto 100g add PhP210

Anyway, to continue on with my update on my stay in Acacia Hotel a little over a week ago, I want to share with you what transpired that afternoon. 

After traveling one and a half hour to Alabang, we were naturally hungry. Plus, the fact that we have not eaten our lunch yet ; p So, after an exchange of pleasantries with the hotel's Senior Sales Manager, Ms. Maddela, and a brief tour of the hotel, we had lunch at The Lobby At Acacia. 

DH and I shared a plate of Caesar Salad. Since we both love Salmon, we chose to add it as a topping over our salad. It was a very good choice because the salmon was cooked just right. The vegetable used was crunchy but DH and I both prefer romaine lettuce over it. 

Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage in Antipolo

March 25, 2012

Immaculate Conception Parish

P. Oliveros St.,

Antipolo City

6970274   6963110

Office hours:

6:30am-12nn; 2:00pm-6pm

Before I leave the country, I visited the religious shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage. It is popularly known as the Virgin of Antipolo (Birhen ng Antipolo)

facade of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage in Antipolo

My family and I visited it on a Sunday afternoon. The gates to the church is not open to private cars unless you have a passenger who is disabled. There were a lot of peddlers so mind your belongings.

We asked the guard if our car could get in as we also wanted to get our car blessed. We told him that we won't be staying long. He let us in.

My overnight retreat at Acacia Hotel Manila in Alabang

March 31, 2012

Acacia Hotel Manila
5400 East Asia Drive corner Commerce Avenue,
Filinvest Corporate City,
Alabang, Muntinlupa City 1781
7202000   5885888

photo credit: Wilson Martinez

Since the time I have scheduled my stay in Acacia Hotel, I could not contain my excitement. I started to imagine a serene environment far from the hustle and bustle of the North. Well, I got that plus more...

 suite life

When I received an e-vite around midweek of March from Ms. Ilano, Marketing and Communications Assistant of Acacia Hotel, I have too much going on in my blog and my personal life. I checked my schedule and the only free time I have on my hand was on the 31st of March.  I was glad that there was an available room for my stay and a Junior suite at that-exactly what I needed!

Jennifer Lynn UV Gel Nail Colour at Beauty & Butter

March 29, 2012

Beauty and Butter

5th Floor, Atrium

SM Megamall

4704239

To kick off my summer vacation, I visited Beauty and Butter in SM Megamall last week through the invitation of Jennifer Lynn Professional UV Nail Color. I picked the colors that stand out the most- orange and teal. 

Suri 31 (foot) & Lyann 28 (hand)

After the cracking nail craze, comes the newest fad in town, UV gel nail polish! The polish lasts twice as long than the ordinary ones. No more waiting time as the drying time was quick, literally, as you stepped out of the salon. What I love the most is the high gloss finish the polish brings!