MrsMartinez's Raves And Rants: September 2012

Saturday, September 29, 2012

Komrad in Il Terrazzo Quezon City

September 16, 2012

Komrad Mao's Hunan & Sichuan Kitchen
Il Terrazzo
Quezon City

A few weeks ago, I was invited by Mikki to dine in one of the newly opened restaurants in Il Terrazzo called Komrad Mao's Hunan & Sichuan Kitchen. I have not eaten in a Hunan or Sichuan restaurant so I was really excited to give it a try!

Male Crab 400-500 grams PhP 120 /100 grams

Red Crab Group owns and operates Komrad in Il Terrazzo. Yes, it's the same group that conceptualized Red Crab and Seafood Club, Claw Dadddy & Flying Pig.

Naturally, we have to order one of its specialties - crab! We got a humongous crab, it was meaty and overloaded with garlic. It was a true gastronomic delight!

Beyond The Box : myBox Privilege Card

September 27, 2012

Beyond The Box myBox Privilege Card Launch
Ramen Bar
Robinsons Magnolia

I was not able to attend some of the events this week because of ulcer. Luckily, I was feeling okay the night Beyond The Box launched its myBox privilege card.

myBox privilege card

Thanks to Charles of Beyond The Box, I was one of the first 200 who received this limited edition myBox privilege card. The discount card will give you access to special deals and discounts which will only be available to cardholders.

Find out the benefits of having this privilege card after the break...

Oishi Creates "O, Wow!" Moments

If you have LIKEd my page on Facebook then you must have seen the surprises Oishi sent my way. You can view the photos here, here and here. The experience is definitely an "O,Wow!" moment!

Team O strikes in Bulacan Sports Complex

Well, the good news is Oishi created Team O to create everyday surprises so that more people can experience "O,Wow! Moments".

Team members consist of Oishi brand ambassador Elmo Magalona, Tim Yap, Smart C+ endorser Slater Young, Rock Ed's Gang Badoy and Ramon Bautista.

So far, Team O has rolled out two exciting events across the metro. Read after the break...

Shiseido Makeup Workshop with Angela Boh

September 20, 2012

Shiseido Makeup Workshop with Ms. Angela Boh
Amphitheater
3rd level, Greenbelt 5

I was ecstatic when I got an invitation to join an exclusive workshop conducted by no less than Shiseido's Regional Training Manager for Asia, Ms. Angela Boh. I have to be there by hook or by crook.

with Angela Boh, Shiseido Regional Training Manager for Asia

I got there 30 minutes before the appointed time. While waiting for other invitees to arrived, I looked around and was happy to see a classroom set up complete with tables and chairs. There were name cards and several makeup and brushes laying on top of each table.

I can't wait for the workshop to begin but first things first, I need to have my photo taken with Angela Boh. ; p

Cafe Escudero in Quezon City

September 15, 2012

Cafe Escudero
G/F El Jardin Bldg.,
41 Sgt. Esguerra Ave. cor Eugenio Lopez Ave.,
Quezon City 1103
4125201 3439771

Quezon City is a food haven because I see new restaurants opening every month. Cafe Escudero is one of them. The name sounds familiar, right? It is owned by the brother of Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero. Opened just over a month ago, the restaurant looks promising with just a few kinks that need to be fix.

Crispy Sorsogon Danggit with Atchara PhP 245

Cafe Escudero is an Asian fusion restaurant. The menu has traditional Filipino dishes, pastas, sandwiches and desserts. DH and I made sure that we order only items from the menu with thumbs up sign (bestseller) and or the ones with a star which means must try from the province of Sorsogon.

Read after the break....

Let's Move and Let's Love by United Colors of Benetton

September 20, 2012

United Colors of Benetton
Press & Blogger Event
One Lounge, One Cafe & Events Place
6/F One Corporate Center
Julia Vargas corner Meralco Ave.,
Ortigas, Pasig City

United Colors of Benetton launches two of its newest scents - Let's Move & Let's Love. These two new 2012 fragrances are targeted towards young men and women age 15-24!

United Colors of Benetton Let's Love Eau de Toilette 100 ml PhP 1,450

Emilie Copermann created this scent with young, romantic and sensual women in mind. Let's Love has a floral and fruity fragrance.

Top notes:

Bells Bamboo Sap
Lily of the Valley
Playful Pineapple

Heart notes:

Glossy Raspberry
Star Jasmine
Passion Flower

Dry down:

Cashmere Wood
Cedarwood
Caressing Musk

Let's Love is bottled in a minimalist and transparent glass. It reveals the sensuality and true femininity of the fragrance through its round shape bottle. Let's Love is also available in Eau de Toilette 30ml for only PhP 850.

Ray-Ban Aviator Large Metal (RB 3025)

Two weeks ago, I wrote about the vintage Ray-Ban (RB 3447) I found in my parent's house. Today, I want to share with you my dad's latest Ray-Ban acquisition, RB 3025 Aviator Large Metal 004/51.

Original Ray-Ban Luxottica seal printed on case

Ray-Ban sunglasses come with a case. There is a Ray-Ban seal printed on its left side. 100% UV protection & Sunglasses by Luxottica are the words printed on it. Two stars and ® are also found printed within the seal.

Are you holding a fake Ray-Ban, read after the break....

Sunday Affair at Cafe Breton

Cafe Breton
Scout De Guia cor. Tomas Morato Ave.,
Quezon City
3746334

These past few weeks, I have been sickly therefore I was not in the mood to go even to the nearest mall, Robinsons Magnolia ; (

To cheer me up, my family and I went to a happy place, Cafe Breton. For two consecutive Sundays, we were there in the afternoon having our favorite crepe and coffee!

Original Sin PhP 260

During our first visit, I ordered Original Sin - stewed apples, caramel ice cream, caramel syrup, walnuts and whipped cream. Yes, it's truly a sinful dessert!

On our second visit, I saw Normandie under Dessert Crepes. It is Original Sin minus walnuts, it cost PhP 232 only. Other variety of stewed apple crepes are Adam & Eve (PhP 148), Eden (PhP155) and Lost Paradise (PhP185).

Adam & Eve - stewed apples with cinnamon & vanilla ice cream
Eden - stewed apples with cinnamon & fresh cream, topped with whipped cream
Lost Paradise - stewed apples with cinnamon, vanilla ice cream, raisins marinated in rum

Read the rest of what we ordered after the break....

Meet The Newest Dove Girls!

Remember the article I wrote entitled Be The Next Dove Girl? I published a step by step tutorial on how to submit a photo using Dove App. Well, the photo that I submitted was approved and now, it can be viewed on LED billboards along EDSA (Southbound, near New Horizon Hotel, Boni, Mandaluyong and Northbound, Paragon Building in Boni). You can see it until September 23 (Sunday). Yey!

Dove "Reveal Your Beautiful Glowing Skin" billboard along EDSA

You still have until October 31, 2012 to submit your photo. In the meantime, you might want to check out the full digital ad after the break...

By Nature Soft 'N Supple Oil Over + Giveaway

Over a month ago, Darlene, owner of By Nature, asked me to choose several products for review from her website - By Nature Handmade Soaps. From the products I listed, she sent over a bottle of Soft 'N Supple Oil Over, a jar of Cold Salve and four bar soaps wrapped in a brown paper bag, very eco chic!

By Nature Soft 'N Supple Oil Over Keeping it SMOOTH PhP 280

By Nature is the brainchild of Darlene Del Mundo, a hands-on mother of three who wants only the best for her and her family. The business started in the year 2000, since then she has made over 30 variants of handmade soaps.

By Nature 100% Natural Products have:

No chemical preservatives
No chemical additives
No animal by-products
No artificial coloring

To know more about By Nature products and mechanics of giveaway, read after the break...

HSBC Awards Five Outstanding Principals

September 12, 2012

HSBC Awards Outstanding Principals
Pasay Room A & B
Shangri-la Makati

Last Wednesday, I covered the awarding ceremony of HSBC's Five Outstanding Principals in Shangri-la Makati. The principals were chosen among HSBC Principals Leadership Enhancement and Development Program (PLP) participants who underwent rigorous training during a series of conferences that tackled leadership, management, professional development and human resource issues. Since its inception, it has trained 200 principals from various schools all over the Philippines in three separate batches.

Honoree are (3rd from left) Aurora Marcelino of P. Manalo Elementary School , Marilyn Macalma of Cembo Elementary School, Zenaida Penafuerte of Rizal Elementary School, Marciana De Guzman of Nangka Elementary School & Dr. Elita Lopez of Comembo Elementary School together with Margarita Delgado (2nd from left), Lizzie Zobel (2nd from right) and Mr. Tony Cripps, HSBC President and CEO

"We at HSBC are pleased to honor these five remarkable principals who lived up to the PLP mission of making significant impact to their schools," says HSBC President and CEO Tony Cripps. "They displayed exemplary leadership and has show how they can be effective CEOs of their schools in accordance with the best-practice strategies learned from the PLP conference."

Tips On How To Organize Your Bedroom Closet

As you have read in my previous posts, I stayed home these past couple of days because I was not feeling well. Even when I am sick, I always wanted to do something so I turned to a long overdue task - organizing my bedroom closet. You see, I try to reorganize my stuff at least once every quarter. What about you?

Tip #1: Choose the type of hanger you want to use

I could not stand to see clutter inside our house. I wanted everything in place. A priest who revisited our home several years after he blessed it commented that my house looks just as he remembered it, like it's still new. Fact is, my home is already close to 10 years old ; p

Anyway, going back to my organizational skills, I once helped a friend who now lives in New Zealand segregate and organize all their clothes. Yes, including the clothes of her husband and kid ; p Thinking back, I should have charged her for my skill lol

Tip #1: Choose the type of hanger you want to use

There are several choices out there, all you need to do is go to a home store and spot which one suits your closet. I opted for wood. To know which one is DH's and which one is mine, I bought 2 colors - light and dark.

For more tips on how to organize your bedroom closet, read after the break...

Yukinohana Restaurant in Timog Quezon City

September 8, 2012

Yukinohana
Timog, Quezon City
7095748

It was supposed to be just our usual Saturday date night but as the night progressed, my ulcer was killing me. It started about a month ago but got worse on Thursday so I was not able to enjoy the Nail Sparty brought by Max Factor. By Saturday night, I was throwing up, I have no energy left within me so I just cried until I fell sleep.

Pork Soy Grill PhP 450

Anyway, everything happened right after dinner that Saturday. Hours before that, I was feeling fine. After office, DH and I, as usual, were looking for a new place to eat. I suggested Hwa Roro and Yoogane. Hwa Roro is a new Korean BBQ buffet restaurant but we just came from Serenitea's new branch in Tomas Morato for afternoon snack so we thought we would visit this restaurant some other time. We moved to Yoogane in Il Terrazzo. We were actually already seated inside Yoogane but for some reason, DH decided to leave the restaurant.

Then we spotted Yukinohana in Timog, Quezon City. At first, we thought it was a Japanese restaurant because as DH parked the car, a man wearing a traditional costume was by the door. It must be an authentic Japanese restaurant or so we thought ; p

The same man lets us choose where to seat as he hand over the menu. My stomach was already growling from hunger. Perusing the menu, apparently, this is a Korean-Japanese fusion restaurant ; p The man is not even Japanese, he is Korean lol He is not even the cook, for goodness' sake!

Pork Soy Grill, the one shown in the photo above, came out last. At that point, I was already feeling queasy. We have no choice but to take home the entire dish.

I was able to taste it the next day. It tasted exactly like the Chinese staple, char siu (barbecued meat). It was sweet and tender.

More after the break...

Il Terrazzo Presents Mommy's Kitchen Quest

What: Mommy's Kitchen Quest
When: September 16, 2012 2 p.m.
Where: Il Terrazzo, 305 Tomas Morato Ave. cor. Sct. Madrinan St., Quezon City 374 8378

How would you like to win PhP 10,000 and other exciting prizes?

Mommy's Kitchen Quest on September 16, 2012

Sweeten up your weekend with your kids in the Il Terrazzo's Mommy's Kitchen Quest competition! Decorate a cake, prepare a pasta meal, and make a sandwich with your youngster aged 7-10 years old in this fun-filled and exciting food styling contest that will definitely add zest into your special bond.

Find out how after the break....

Max Factor Glossfinity & Max Effect Mini Nails

September 6, 2012

Max Factor Nail Sparty

Max Factor, the makeup of makeup artist, recently launch new Glossfinity and Max Effect Mini Nails. It was held in a nail salon in SM Megamall. After the short introduction, I left because I was not feeling well. I was not able to enjoy the Nail Sparty that the people behind Max Factor prepared for a select few bloggers. Sad, I know, right?

Max Factor Max Effect Mini Nail Polish in Pretty in Pink (28) PhP 175 ;

Max Factor's New Glossfinity in Red Passion (110) PhP 245

It is Pat McGrath, Global Creative Design Director for Max Factor, who handpick 16 signature shades from the new Glossfinity collection that promises a high gloss finish that lasts up to 7 days! Perfect for women who desire glossy, long-wearing polish!

Meanwhile, Max Factor's Max Colour Effect Mini Nail Polish have 15 shades that are straight from the SS12 runways. It is 'mini' in size so you can fit it in your handbag for any last minute outfit changes!

Check out what colors I got from the collection...

Ramen Bar in Robinsons Magnolia

September 7, 2012

Ramen Bar
Level 3, Robinsons Magnolia
Aurora Blvd. cor Dona Hemady Ave.,
Quezon City

DH and I used to watch movies in Trinoma, Quezon City or Araneta Center in Cubao. Now that Robinsons Magnolia opened 4 spanking new cinemas with stadium seating to boot, we have switched our alliance ; p We already watched 2 movies - Expendables 2 and just last Friday, The Possession. Sad, we didn't get to watch Total Recall because it was pulled out after a week. I can't wait to watch The Mistress though ; p

Ramen Bar

Anyway, after buying two 7:25 pm movie tickets, DH and I deliberated on where to eat. We already ate in Buffet 101 several times. Unless the management has improved the service (think long waiting time), I am staying away from Yabu, I don't like the smell of fast food on my clothes so we didn't eat in Adobo Connection. We ended up in Ramen Bar where the staff were efficient and the service was great and best of all, the food is totally worth our money!

Vintage B&L Ray-Ban USA RB3447 (Legends)

Last two days to join this giveaway. Over PhP 4,000 worth of Neat Feat products to be delivered right at your doorstep ; p

Remember this entry where I was wearing a pair of Ray-Ban sunglasses? Here's the story behind it... I found this pair of vintage Ray-Ban sitting on top of my parents' dining table. Since nobody was using it, I took it home with me ; p When I borrowed my dad's new pair of Ray-Ban RB 3025 Aviator Large Metal Sunglasses for review, I noticed that the pair I took home was not Made in Italy. To make the long story short, I ended up researching online and now, I am sharing with you what I found.

Ray-Ban® RB3447

The Ray-Ban® RB3447 sunglasses are totally retro. This look has been worn by legendary musicians and inspired by the 1960s counter-culture when this style first originated. The Ray-Ban unisex metal, iconic sunglasses are known for their defined round crystal lenses and distinct shape; which exudes coolness and remains symbolic of peace and individuality. These sunglasses are a true statement piece while providing the quality and protection expected of Ray-Ban. Thin tubular lines allow for a more lightweight feel. A curved brow bar, adjustable nose pads, and thin metal temples with plastic end tips rest comfortably behind the ears. A Ray-Ban signature appears on the inside of the temple as well as exterior temples while a classic Ray-Ban signature logo is laser inscribed on the lens. These iconic Ray-Ban sunglasses fit well on small to medium faces. Comes in mirrored, gradient colored, or polarized lenses. Ray-Ban RB3447 sunglasses are prescription friendly and will command attention. - Ray-Ban

This pair of Ray-Ban is also known as "John Lennon Ray-Ban" sunglasses because of its classic round feature.

Now, how to spot a fake Ray-Ban after the break...

Get Even Skin with Gluta-C Underarm & Bikini Skin Whitening Gel

August 27, 2012

Gluta-C Intense Whitening
Underarm & Bikini Skin Whitening Gel
Product Launch

Don't forget to enter NEAT FEAT giveaway!

I was invited to the launching of Gluta-C intense whitening newest product - Underarm & Bikini Skin Whitening Gel. It is formulated with Glutathione & Vitamin C.

New! Gluta-C Underarm & Bikini Skin Lightening Gel 20ml PhP 199.75

I know most women are ashamed of raising their arms because of dark underarms. Fret no more because thanks to Ardent World, Inc., makers of Gluta-C Underarm & Bikini Skin Whitening Gel, you will get even skin in just 30 days.

Find out more after the break....

Robinsons Magnolia: The French Baker

August 27, 2012

The French Baker

Supermarket

Robisons Magnolia

Aurora Blvd., New Manila

Quezon City

Before anything else, you might be interested to join my giveaway, win over PhP 4,000 worth of NEAT FEAT products!!!

Last Monday, after eating Korean Barbecue over at my house, my family and I went to Robinsons Magnolia for an afternoon coffee. Since Starbucks is not yet open, we picked The French Baker.

clubhouse sandwich with barbecue chips PhP 190

Ok, we had a light snack too ; p We shared an order of clubhouse sandwich. A set includes 4 triangle-shaped sandwiches, barbecued potato chips and a vegetable side salad. I can't get enough of these crunchy potato chips, I think I ate almost half of it ; p The side salad dressing is light and appealing to my taste.

Neat 3B Face Saver Gel + Giveaway!

Last week, I received a gift pack from Jeron Distribution Group, Inc., the same company that sent Neat Feat Essential Footcare & Titania Made For You, Soft Touch range for review a few months back.

Neat 3B Face Saver Gel 50g PhP 395

The Arix Sulit eco bag contains several Neat Feat Essential Footcare and it's newest product -Face Saver Gel. It's a revolutionary antiperspirant that reduces facial perspiration.

Face Saver Gel:

Helps prevent makeup running
Helps prevent sunscreen running
Prevents perspiration dripping into your eyes whilst playing sport
Great in social situations where people may be nervous or where people perspire in warm and humid condition

How to apply the product:

Apply thinly before sunscreen or makeup

Active ingredient: Aluminum Chlorohydrate

Face Saver Gel and whole lot of product can be yours! Mechanics after the break ....

Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 - A Multitasking Device

August 31, 2012

Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 Launch
Aracama
Fort Strip
Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City

I have great news for techies out there! Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 is officially available in the market starting today! Enjoy these exclusive launch offer - PhP 2,000 off for cash purchase from SRP of PhP 32,990 or 0% interest for 12 months via credit card with free MiPow 5500 Power Tube Portable Charger. Promo valid on September 1, 2012 in Power Plant Mall, Rockwell Center, Makati only!

MrsMartinez with Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 in Pearl White

I was invited to the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 media / press launch yesterday held in Aracama, The Fort. I was able to experience it up close and personal. I admit, I am not the most techie person out there so having to feel the new Galaxy Note in my hands gives me shivers but in a matter of minutes, I learned my way around the device!

Saturday, September 29, 2012

Friday, September 28, 2012

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Monday, September 24, 2012

Saturday, September 22, 2012

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Monday, September 17, 2012

Friday, September 14, 2012

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Monday, September 10, 2012

Saturday, September 8, 2012

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Monday, September 3, 2012

Saturday, September 1, 2012