Caffe Dolce in Banawe Quezon City

June 15, 2012

Caffe Dolce The Healthy Cafe

848Mezzanine Level, banawe St. near Linaw St.,

Siena, Quezon City

7824055

My friend, Gevi, who frequents Banawe area in Quezon City suggested a meet up along with Cats in a fairly new restaurant called Caffe Dolce (The Healthy Cafe) for our "girls night out".  No, this is not your usual get-all-drunk-Friday-night-out, we are all for wholesome and clean fun ; p

 strawberry waffle with ice cream PhP 350

Caffe Dolce is a healthy cafe because it primarily caters to people who are vegetarians. For people like us - who are not picky eaters, they also serve sinful desserts like Strawberry Waffle with Ice Cream ; p

One order of Strawberry Waffle with Ice Cream has 4 slices of thick waffles, strawberry ice cream with strawberry bits and fresh strawberry fruit on top of a generous serving of whipped cream. This order screams strawberry overload which I really like since it's really my favorite! 

Fashion Find: Uniqlo AIRism Lounge Set, Corporate Collaboration Graphic T-shirt & More!

I have to admit that during my trips abroad I was not able to buy any clothes from Uniqlo. I find the design too plain and the price not within my range. Now, I take it all back ; p

DH and I went to Uniqlo in SM Mall Of Asia (MOA) last Sunday to check out if they already restock some of the items on sale. The answer is no, they have not ; (

 AIRism Lounge Set Off White (Short Sleeve) Medium PhP1490

This is not the first time that I went to check out the brand. I renewed my passport last June 15, yes, the same day that Uniqlo opened its very first store in the Philippines. You guess it right, I went straight to SM MOA only to find out that there was a very long line already and the mall has not even open yet. To make the long story short, I went home empty-handed.

Anyway, when DH and I went last Sunday, the line was shorter. It took us less than 30 minutes in line to enter the store. The fitting room and cashier lines were shorter too. Best of all, we were able to shop for a lot of clothes. Yey!

I was gifted with AIRism Lounge Set by one of my closest friend on my birthday. When I tried it on, I can't seem to take it off. 

AIRism Lounge Set is:

• Light
• Cool
• Comfortable
• Stretch
• Sweat Absorbent
• Quick drying
• Ultrafine fibers
• 40% Rayon, 35%Polyester, 16% Cupro and 7% Spandex

AIRism is like an air-conditioned room wear. It releases moisture and perspiration to keep the body cool and dry. For me, AIRism started my Uniqlo obsession. This made me decide that I want to shop in Uniqlo even if I had to fall in line just to get in ; p

Physiogel Hypoallergenic & Other Products - Solution to my Dry, Sensitive Skin

The entire content of this entry has been transferred in my new blog xoxo MrsMartinez

These days, I am happy because I have found a solution to my dry skin. You see, I have been visiting my dermatologist for numerous problems.

It all began late last year when I visited her clinic before I left for a vacation in Korea because I found tiny bumps in my forehead, I have back acne and also the disturbing rash on my chest. It felt so weird that everything came out simultaneously, even DH was in panic mode! But with diligence in applying the prescribed topical medication, all my problems were solved or so I thought!

Earlier this year, I noticed that there was a small circular dry area on my right cheek. Of course, I went back to my dermatologist. I was going anyway for a follow-up check up on the condition of my back acne - it was the most annoying thing that has happened to me.  During that visit, aside from topical medication prescription for my pimples, she gave me a sample sachet of Physiogel Hypoallergenic Cream for the dry area on my right cheek. I found it effective so after finishing it, I bought several sachets of different Physiogel products so I can try which one my skin needs.

To read the full entry, read Derma Problems: Solution to Dry and Sensitive Skin.

Let's stay connected:

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Home Improvement: Komodo Teak Wood Garden Set

Remember my Cafe Juanita entry? We ate there that night because we just came from Komodo Artscrafts Inc. in Pioneer St., Mandaluyong where we placed a 50% down payment for a round garden table and four traditional stackable armchair. We have been eyeing their outdoor garden set for quite some time - by that I mean from the moment we acquired our home which was more than 5 years ago ; p 

 Komodo teak wood

It was finally delivered last June 15. I was so excited. If you are a follower on twitter and facebook, you should have already seen a few of the photos that I took of the garden set. 

By the way, I specially requested for the cast-iron like logo to be placed on all the items that we bought. I was told that all the new furniture do not carry them anymore. I gave my best doe-eyed look to Irene who was very accommodating despite the fact that we were there 15 minutes before closing time, she said she will request it from their head office. I am very happy that the logo found its way to my garden set. 

Bag Review: Kathy Van Zeeland Postman Travel Shopper

I first encountered the brand, Kathy Van Zeeland, when DH and I visited my cousin who lives in Boston, Ma. I can't remember if I saw it in Marshalls or TJ Maxx. Anyway, I shudder at the thought of buying it. For one, I was not yet into buying expensive handbags. Second, I was not really sure if it's a well known brand.

Kathy Van Zeeland Fifth Avenue, New York

I relayed to my cousin about my shopping dilemma. From her, I learned that it is a pretty well-known brand. Sadly, I was not able to go back because it was already our last day in Boston. Fast forward to 2011, she emailed me that she was able to buy not just one but two bags from the designer brand. She emailed both pics and asked me to choose one. She said that she will include it in her next package that will be shipped to the Philippines. 

Taiwan: Jump Shots at Yangminshan National Park

May 14, 2012

Day 2

Yang Ming Shan 

No. 1-20 Zhusihu Rd., Beitou District,

Taipei City

I have been to Taipei, Taiwan several times but I have never set foot on Yangmingshan so I included it in our itinerary. You see, I try to squeeze in a little bit of food, history, culture and places to visit in our 6 day vacation. 

After we had our late lunch in Hello Kitty Sweets, we took the MRT to Jiantan Station where Bus / Route no. RED 5 (紅5) is located. It will take you to Yangmingshan bus station which is quite a walk up to the flower clock. I would suggest that you take Bus / Route # 260 instead because it will park in Flower Clock Parking Area. 

 Yangmingshan Flower Clock

Shan means mountain in Chinese. Yangmingshan used to be called Caoshan (Grass Mountain) until Chiang Kai-Shek changed it to the name of his favorite philosopher, Yang-Ming Wang. It is also known as Taipei's Back Garden. 

Yangmingshan is well-known for hiking trails and the flower clock pictured above. 

Mom's Birthday at Saika Japanese Cuisine in Makati

June 3, 2012

Saika Japanese Cuisine

2282 Chino Roces Ave.,

Pio del Pilar, Makati City

While searching for a new Japanese restaurant around Little Tokyo, I spotted Saika just opposite of Seryna. The restaurant is huge with ample parking space in front and on the side of the building. By the time we got there, it was lunch time already but the restaurant was not yet full. We got a table by the window near the entrance. While ordering, I was taking photos of the menu but I was told by the waitress that I could not take photos. Darn! 

with my parents

I can't understand why some restaurants won't allow diners to take photos. Is there a restaurant owner reading my blog? If so, please enlighten me why you do not allow it. 

Purity Facial with Organics (Selvert Thermal) at The Spa

I already blogged about The Spa Reflexology here.  Now, I am sharing with you the second part of my relaxing experience- Purity Facial with Organics using Selvert Thermal. 

Selvert means "Open Sky" in Catalan. This represents Dr. Bach's (founder of Selvert Thermal) vision that Selvert products are meant for everybody and for every type of skin, just as the sky is open to the whole world.

Purity Facial with Organics (Suite / Villa - 60 minutes) - PhP2900

Like a whiff of fresh air, Purity Facial with Organics will leave the skin with all the goodness that nature has to offer. It fights free radical damage, leaving skin brighter, hydrated and nourished.

I was with three other bloggers that day so you can imagine the catching up we did during The Spa Reflexology treatment. All that changed when we all started the Purity Facial with Organics. Suddenly the room became quiet, it seems that we were all enjoying the benefits of the treatment. 

Titania Made For You Soft Touch Range

Titania makers of quality beauty implements from Germany has recently launched its new line called Soft Touch. It is a new range of ergonomic foot and nail implement. It features a better grip for easier usage.

Titania Germany Double-sided Foot Callus Rasp 

Immediately after seeing Titania Made For You package on top of our work table, DH opened the Double-sided Foot Callus and placed it in the bathroom. 

Titania creates pieces that are specifically made for you. Like toothbrush and towels, things like nail clipper, corn cutter and foot callus file are not meant to be shared. Titania Soft Touch comes in different colors so I can separate what's mine from DH. 

Fashion: Jockey No Panty Line Promise & Jockey Shapewear

I have a closet full of Jockey. I love the brand because it offers comfortable line of undergarments and shirts. Just recently, it launched Jockey No Panty Line Promise Next Generation underwear along with Jockey Women's Shapewear Collection.

Jockey Boyshort (A13564) PhP399.75; smooth micro fiber fabric for all-day comfort

This new range of underwear is designed to hug your curves and stay in place while leaving no trace of panty line, no matter what you wear.

I am so excited when I found out that finally I can have an affordable alternative to Mark & Spencer's Boyshort. I didn't waste another moment so I trooped to the nearest Jockey Boutique to take home not just 1 but 2 of these no ride-up panties!

Amanda Loving Life Premiers on July 8 on The Lifestyle Network

Amanda Loving Life is a new lifestyle talk show that tackles the everyday life of a young urban mother. And who better host the show than Amanda Griffin-Jacob herself. Like most of the mothers out there, Amanda wears multiple hats aside from the most important one-motherhood.  

Amanda Griffin-Jacob

Not only is she a hands-on mother of a 2-year old boy named Kieran and a loving wife to her husband, Jacob, she is also an entrepreneur. Glam-O-Mamas was borne out of her passion for running business. It is an online resource site guide for young, newbie mothers.

Taiwan: Hello Kitty Sweets in Zhong Xiao Fuxing, Taipei

May 14, 2012

Day 2

Hello Kitty Sweets
90 Da An Road, Section 1,
MRT Zhong Xiao Fuxing
02 2711 1132

Minimum consumable of NT300 (PhP450) from:
11:30-14:30
17:00-21:00

From our apartment, we took a leisurely walk towards Hello Kitty Sweets. If I can remember it right, it was a good 15 to 20 minute walk through the Underground MRT mall. It was just one MRT stop away from where we stayed.

huge pink ribbon... so Hello Kitty, eh?!

My sister was very eager and excited to visit the place. I already visited Hello Kitty Cafe in Seoul, South Korea last December 2011 so I kinda know what to expect. But surprise, surprise! It was a totally different dining experience.

Beach Essential: Pevonia Botanica Ligne Lavandou Travel Kit

My family and I went to Canyon Cove, Batangas last weekend. Naturally, I packed my summer essentials and that includes Pevonia Botanica Ligne Lavandou. It is Pevonia Botanica's answer to sensitive skin!

Pevonia Botanica Your Skin Care Solution for Sensitive Skin PhP4,350

I know a sudden drop in temperature, like when we went to Taipei, Taiwan, would cause skin to break out easily. Exposing your skin to too much sun is not only bad for your skin but will also cause skin redness and inflammation that's why I always make sure to bring it along whenever I go on vacation. 

Date Night in Cafe Juanita

June 2, 2012

Cafe Juanita

#19 West Capitolyo Drive

Barrio Capitolyo, Pasig City

6330357   7101562

After closing a deal with a furniture shop in the area, DH and I spotted Cafe Juanita. I would have mistaken it as an old house if not for the signage seated on top of the deck.

Cafe Juanita

We walked in without reservation. Girl, am I glad we were given a table! This is one Asian Fusion restaurant that we would be going back for more...

MAC Amplified Creme Lipstick in Morange

My first orange lipstick was Avon Ultra Color Rich Mega Impact in Kicked Up Coral. After using it for some time, I got tired of it and decided to give it away. When I went to Korea late last year, I bought Miss Tangerine Sweet Shower Lips from Etude House. I was not satisfied with the lipstick's sheer color and lack of staying power. I retired it and it is no longer in my purse instead it is now neatly tucked in my makeup drawer. Anyway, my search for orange lipstick continued. While in a MAC counter in Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Taiwan, I encountered MORANGE!

MAC Amplified Creme Lipstick in Morange 3g NT$600 (PhP900)

I think MAC Amplified Creme Lipstick in Morange is the best orange colored lipstick there is!

See some swatches after the break....

Taipei 101 on Mother's Day

May 13, 2012

Day 1

Taipei 101
7 Hsinyi Road,
Section 5, Xinyi District
Taipei, Taiwan
02-8101-8899

Operating hours: 10 am to 10 pm
Free of charge: children under 110cm


Ximen Pedestrian Shopping District


Taipei 101 is one of the top tourist destinations in Taipei, Taiwan. We went there after visiting Dr. Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall.

Taipei 101 holds the Guiness World Book of Records for High-Speed Pressurized Elevator-37 seconds to reach the 89th floor.

5th floor Ticketing Booth 

Ticketing booth, Information and Gift Shop are all located on the 5th floor. After paying the entrance fee, we waited for our designated time slot and proceeded to the lift entrance. I was shocked to find a long line of people waiting near the lift entrance. The waiting time is approximately 15 to 20 minutes. 

United Colors Of Benetton Fragrances: Hot Gold, Cold Silver, Bianco & Nero

May 25, 2012

Johnny Rockets

Tomas Morato Ave.,

Quezon City

United Colors of Benetton recently introduced four fragrances-Hot Gold, Cold Silver, Bianco & Nero. Hot Gold & Cold Silver sample fragrances were on our table that night. I was inspired when I took a whiff, one is definitely better than the other! I just forgot which one lol 

Hot Gold & Cold Silver Eau de Toilette 100ml PhP1,375 each bottle

There were several bottles of fragrances raffled off that night. Unfortunately, I was not one of the lucky ones who went home with these good looking bottles from Benetton but the bonding with fellow bloggers that night was more than enough. 

Hot Gold for Women is light and elegant fruity floral fragrance which opens with a bright bergamot note, rounded out by touches of golden apple and yellow peach. The delicate heart blends star fruit and radiant rose with soft hints of mimosa, developing into a sensual dry-down of sandalwood, solar musks and golden amber.

Cold Silver for Men

top note: Yuzu, coriander and ginger

mid note: cardamom seeds

base note: woody and musky

Launched in 1997, these iconic fragrances are available this June 2012 in all FReSH Fragrance Bar & leading department stores nationwide.

Read about Benetton Bianco and Benetton Nero after the break...

The Spa Reflexology Experience in Acropolis Libis

May 25, 2012

The Spa Acropolis Libis
G/F The Spa Building
80 E. Rodriguez Jr. Ave.,
Bagumbayan, QC
6550766   6550783
Mon-Thu 1:30pm-9:30pm
Fri-Sun 1:00pm-9:30pm

A few days after arriving from my Taiwan trip, I got an invite to try The Spa Reflexology and Purity Facial with Organics. These are the newest treatments available  coinciding with the 15th anniversary celebration of The Spa.

The Spa Reflexology 60 minute PhP550

The invite could not have come in a more opportune time, my whole body is sore from endless walking and shopping ; p

The Spa Reflexology

Relax. Recharge. Heal

The Spa Reflexology is a combination of 3 Asian techniques-Japanese Shiatsu, Thai Massage and Chinese Reflexology in one relaxing and healing experience. This healing massage focuses on particular "pressure points" of the soles of the feet, where sensory nerves of the internal organs that spread throughout the body are mainly gathered. A different massage experience awaits clients as hands, fingers and wood stick with cream and oil are used unlike other massages that use thumbs, palms and elbows.

The Spa Reflexology started with warm foot soak. I knew right then and there that this is going to be a relaxing treatment. It instantly calmed my nerves. 

Ireland's Potato in Taipei 101 Taiwan

May 13, 2012

Day 1

Ireland's Potato

Taipei 101

Taipei, Taiwan

From Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall, we saw the huge structure of Taipei 101. We figured that it's within walking distance so we took a leisurely walk from there. 

 model me posing beside Ireland's Potato standee

It took us around 15 to 20 minutes until we reach the grounds of Taipei 101. First, we stop for a much needed merienda at Ireland's Potato. 

"There are two things in the world that can't be joked:  1. Marriage  2. Potato"-Ireland's Potato proverbs

Sarangani Bay-The Winter Wonderland of Asia

Did you know that once the fish are out of water, bacteria growth and decomposition creeps in due to increase in body temperature? 

Sarangani Bay-the best bangus

Well, that is not going to happen inside the Sarangani Bay complex because Alson Aquaculture Corp. (AAC) has the largest & full-integrated farm-to-market Bangus processing operation in the country. While others are mere processors of bangus (those who do not own processing plants and those who buy bangus at wet markets), AAC has its own fish hatchery, grow-out ponds, sea cages & processing plant all within the complex. This means that from hatching of eggs to fry to growing them out to ponds to harvesting and sorting to processing of full grown fish, you can be assured of end-to-end quality control from Sarangani Bay. It also means that they are a much more reliable supplier of premium quality fish.

Via Mare Cafe Express And Oyster Bar in Shangri-la Plaza

May 27, 2012

Via Mare Cafe Express And Oyster Bar
Unit IS-10 Shangrila Plaza Shopping Mall
EDSA cor. Shaw Blvd., Mandaluyong City

Last weekend, my family and I were in Shangri-la Plaza Mall. A Sunday trip to a mall is not complete without dining inside one of the fancy restaurants for merienda.

Puto Bumbong PhP70

Via Mare is a popular choice among us siblings. It's a no-brainer to pick this restaurant every time we crave for our favorite Filipino kakanin like Puto Bumbong (shown in the photo above).

Puto Bumbong- A variation of steamed rice cake. Traditionally made from a special variety of heirloom glutinous rice called Pirurutong which ahs a distinctly purple color, soaked in salted water and dried overnight and then poured into bumbong or bamboo tubes and then steamed until the steam rises out of the bamboo tubes. It is usually served topped withe butter or margarine and shredded coconut mixed with sugar.

We order Puto Bumbong every time we dine in Via Mare. In fact, we like this way better than bibingka, another steamed rice cake variation, that Via Mare is well-known for.

Watch Drum Tao-Art of Drum 2012 Live in Manila this July!

This 2012, starting from July 12 until 22, you can catch the spectacular drumbeat performance of Drum Tao live in Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts Worlds Manila!

Drum Tao Manila 2012 poster

Drum Tao is a two hour world class act which features 16 Japanese Taiko drummers who will perform on stage with eclectic mix of dance and martial arts together with their *Wadaiko Drums. These Japanese martial arts experts and drum-playing performers have played for more than 5 million audiences all over the world. Don't miss the chance of watching this once in a lifetime opportunity!

 *Wadaiko Drum weighs a massive 400 kg with a 1.7 meter circumference

Read after the break for video, show time and ticket prices...

ZOYA Lolly in Matte Pink!

I don't know if I should connect bright, loud colors with age. As I grow older my fondness for anything bright and colorful is coming out ; p

By now, you know about my obsession with anything pink. I have several shades of pink lipsticks here and here. Then I got this cool pink colored nail polish from ZOYA Manila in matte!

 ZOYA Lolly-ZP560 15ml 

This nail polish rocks! I love it because of its attention-grabbing factor. It surely stands out in the crowd with its Barbie pink color ; p

ZOYA nail polish formula is free from:

• Formaldehyde 
• Toluene 
• Dibutyl Phthalate 
• Camphor 

Taiwan Travelogue: Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall

May 13, 2012

Day 1-Morning

Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall

Taipei, Taiwan

MRT Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall Station (Bannan Line-blue)

Open: 9am to 5pm

Free entrance

Changing of the Guard: every hour on the hour

After finding out that Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall is just one subway stop from GT Apartment, we decided to have a leisurely walk towards it right after we had our breakfast at CityStar 24HR HK Style Restaurant.

Dr. Sun, DH & I

I look tiny beside the bronze statue of Dr. Sun Yat Sen. He is like our Dr. Jose Rizal in their country.

Kanebo KATE Mineral: BB Gel Cream + Loose Foundation

Makeup is one reason why I love to go to Taipei. I always end up hoarding buying from KATE by Kanebo. Just recently, I bought KATE Mineral BB Gel Cream and KATE Mineral Loose Foundation twin pack in Watson's located near GT Apartment.  

 KATE Mineral BB Gel Cream and KATE Mineral Loose Foundation twin pack NT$390 (PhP585)

While perusing aisle after aisle of makeup, I found this twin pack stashed in a corner. Alongside with it is an individually sold KATE Mineral BB Gel Cream which costs NT$390. Technically, I got the KATE Mineral Loose Foundation for free. Yey!