Remm Shin-Osaka Hotel Review

December 28, 2012 to January 4, 2013

Remm Shin-Osaka 
1-1-1 Miyahara, Yodogawa-ku,
Osaka
+81-6-6398-4123
+81-6-7668-0606

Room Type: Non-Smoking Room Single
Rate Per Night: JPY 7,000 (PhP3,500)
                          *JPY 9,200 (PhP 4,600)

*December 32, 2012 and January 1, 2013

Rate includes service charge and tax

Remm Shin-Osaka is the most convenient hotel that we have ever booked. It's location is right smack in the middle of a bustling train (JR Shin-Osaka) and subway station (Shin-Osaka) in Osaka. Even though this is also the smallest room that DH has booked so far, I can't complain because we are on a tight budget. Yes, our room is even smaller than the hotel rooms we have booked in Hong Kong. I would rather spend money on sight-seeing tours and shopping than spend it on accommodation ; p Of course, that's just me!

 bedroom with glass bathroom wall partition

The room is so tiny. There is no space in between the bathroom wall and the bed ; p  The wall is not even a wall per se, it is a glass partition. Anyway, don't fret! You can always pull down the two blinds inside the bathroom for privacy.

Just to give you an idea on how small this room is, I was standing near the door when the photo above was taken. There was really no place else for our luggage. The good thing is, the guest rooms have most of the amenities that a 5 star hotel provide.

To view more photos of Remm Shin-Osaka, read after the break...

One More Try A Movie Review

I seldom watch Tagalog movies. I find most story lines mababaw and some even copy cats of Western movies. But when I read the gist of the movie One More Try, I thought the plot was different. So, I watched the 12:10 pm screening of the movie alone for the first time in Promenade Theater along with a dozen or so Senior Citizens and their companions.

 One More Try starring Angelica Panganiban, Dindong Dantes, Zanjoe Marudo and Angel Locsin

At first, I was shock at the exorbitant amount I paid for a Tagalog movie. But after watching it, I felt it was definitely worth every single cent of the price I paid - PhP 225.25. This is what I tweeted after watching it ---> "kulang ang tissue paper na dala ko" ; p It was definitely a tearjerker movie!

Spoiler Alert and movie trailer after the break...

Christmas Dinner in Gulliver's of San Francisco in Quezon City

December 21, 2012

Gulliver's of San Francisco in Quezon City
8th floor, Great Eastern Hotel West Wing
1403 Quezon Avenue, Quezon City
3713801 3718282

Hello! First, let me greet you a very Merry Christmas! I have not forgotten you, nor my blog. It's just that I have been very busy for the past couple of days because I am finalizing the itinerary for my year end trip to Osaka, Japan with DH. One more day and we are flying to the Land of the Rising Sun. I am so excited!!! It's going to be another winter holiday!

 table setting in Gulliver's of San Francisco in Quezon City

When my friends and I have finally decided to have our Christmas dinner over at Gulliver's, I called, made a reservation and requested for a table with a view ; p

We arrived on time despite the heavy traffic building along Quezon Ave. - the curse of December. The parking area (3rd to 7th floor) was almost full. We were not really expecting Great Eastern Hotel to be full on the night of December 21, 2012. The day that was marked as "Doomsday". I guess nobody wanted to die with an empty stomach ; )

Pad Thai and More by Chef Cecille in Robinsons Magnolia

December 16, 2012

Pad Thai and More by Chef Cecille
in Front of Robinsons Bank
Lower Ground Floor (Supermarket level)
Robinsons Magnolia
Quezon City

As I was about to write this post, I realized that I have not ordered Pad Thai during my first visit in Cecille Chang's newest fast food joint called Pad Thai and More. So, I went back this afternoon and ordered one plus some more ; p

Pad Thai Prawns PhP 165

IMO, this is better than the Pad Thai Gevi and I ordered in Cecille's main restaurant, Thai Bistro. Of course, presentation wise, nothing can top what Thai Bistro has to offer. You can view the photo here. With this order, I did not even add any condiments available from the counter. It's flavorful despite the fact that I didn't put anything on it. It was oily, the same is true with the rest of our order. 

An order consists of stir fried Pho noodles with eggs, shrimp and tofu with spring onions and crushed peanuts on top. It is also available in Chicken PhP 145 or Pork PhP 145.

To know what else is on the menu, read more...

50% off at Cafe Ilang Ilang with BDO Mastercard

December 15, 2012

Cafe Ilang Ilang
Manila Hotel
5270011 local 1261

Breakfast (6:00am-10:30am) PhP 1,317.86 net
Lunch  (11:30am-2:30pm) PhP 1,950 net
Dinner (6:00pm-10:30pm) PhP 2,250 net

Sunday Brunch PhP 2,150 net

Thursday Steak Night PhP 2,650 net
Friday Seafood Night PhP 2,650 net

Kids 4 years old and below Free Of Charge

Open Daily 6:00am -10:30pm

You know you are getting old when you celebrate your Christmas party with friends in a hotel hahaha That's exactly what my friends (20 years and counting) and I did. Last Saturday, we dined Manila Hotel style.

 our elegantly set-up table and chairs

If you have been following me on Instagram, you would have seen this photo of a very loooong table ; p We have now multiplied hahaha Of course, husbands and kids are included in our annual gift-giving party!

We are a practical bunch, we were able to dine in style only because two of my friends have BDO MasterCard credit cards. The 50% off on buffet prices are offered to all those privileged enough to own a BDO Gold, Platinum or Titanium Mastercard credit card holders.

To know more about the promo and the photos I took, read after the break...

Dine at Lugang Cafe and Get 50% off with Metrobank

December 12, 2012

Lugang Cafe
The Block, SM North EDSA
Pag-Asa 1, Quezon City
7097342

While shopping in Uniqlo and Forever 21, I spotted a crowd near Lugang Cafe. I saw a promo signage that says you get a 50% off your bill with a Metrobank Plantinum Mastercard or Metrobank World Mastercard. Now, I have three different credit cards but none of them is a Metrobank Mastercard...boo!

 Lugang cafe 50% off promo by Metrobank

Just the same, my parents and I waited to be seated. In less than a few minutes, we were ushered to our seats. I recognized the head waiter from Crystal Jade Greenhills ; p 

Anyway, before we came in, I saw a "soft opening" sign posted near the entrance. I already prepared myself for longer serving and waiting time for our food.

For our orders, read after the break...

Max's Create Your Own Merienda Mixes for only PhP 95!

December 9, 2012

Max's Fried Chicken

Level 2, Robinsons Magnolia Branch

Quezon City

Ever since my my mom saw Max's tarpaulin on the second floor of Robinsons Magnolia, she eagerly awaited for its opening day. She mentioned something about "Max's Create Your Own Merienda Mixes" and her operating word is "mura lang!" 

When we visited the mall two Sundays ago, we saw that the restaurant was already open. It was buzzing with families having their afternoon snack.

 Champorado Petit - a Max's Classic Merienda

Step 1: Choose from Max's Corner Bakery Treat

Step 2: Add a Max's Classic Merienda

Step 3: Complete it with a drink

All for only PhP 95! What a treat, right?!

For Max's Classic Merienda, aside from Champorado Petit, you can opt for Pancit Canton (small) or Pancit Luglug Plain.

The Champorado Petit I ordered was chocolate-y good! The downside is its size, it was bitin!

To know more about the other combination available, read after the break...

Cynos Morocco Argan Oil Review

When I attended Cynos Hair Fashion Show featuring top stylists Tinette Ozamis-Puyat, Hanz Olivar and Alex Carbonell, I took home a swag bag containing a tiny bottle of Body &Thairapy Morocco Argan Oil and a set of Argan Oil Thairapy Moisture vitality Shampoo & Conditioner.

I did not open the bottle until Summit Colors, the local distributor of Cynos, sent me another bottle. This time with a different set of Cynos Shampoo and Conditioner - CRP System Pliancy.

 Cynos Morocco Argan Oil 10ml (travel size bottle)

It was about the same time last year when I experienced dryness on my cheeks. I bought two different variants of Physiogel - AI Cream & Cream. I used it after washing my face in the morning and at night. But I still experience dryness on my face a few hours after application. If I am home, I can reapply the product but I could not reapply it as often as I want to when I am out. That's where Cynos Morocco Argan Oil comes in.

Read more about Morocco Argan Oil Review after the break...

Jewelmer Joaillerie Spring-Summer 2013

Jewelmer Joaillerie hosted an intimate press preview of its Spring-Summer collection at the newly renovated Glorietta 4 Boutique last October 18, 2012.

Rounding up the Jewelmer Joaillerie Spring-Summer 2013 Collection are Tropics, Dolce Rosa, Via Rosa and Pelagia. 

 Jewelmer Via Rosa Collection

I will show two of my favorite among the batch. For the other collections, you can view it here.

Via Rosa 

Smooth, glistening curvature creates open petals that let light and air flow through this noble flower. In a geometric ode to the universally beloved rose, the South Sea pearl serves as a glowing pulse that centers a collection of vivacious creations.

What the model was wearing:

• A necklace composed of ten golden South Sea pearl set with 4.38 carat diamonds in 18-Karat yellow gold
• A ring composed of one golden South Sea pearl set with 0.53 carat diamonds in 18-Karat yellow gold
• A pair of earrings composed of two golden South Sea pearls set with 0.64 carat diamonds in 18-Karat yellow gold

I like the intricate design of this collection. It's chic and sophisticated at the same time. To see my other favorite collection, read after the break...

Vikings Luxury Buffet: Eat for FREE On Your Birthday!

December 10, 2012

Vikings A Feast From The Sea
Bldg. B, By The Bay, Seaside Blvd.,
SM Mall Of Asia Complex
8463888   8464888   8465888

Monday to Friday (11:00am -2:30pm) - PhP 688+
                              (5:30pm-10:00pm) - PhP 888+

Saturday to Sunday (lunch & dinner) - PhP 1088+

Celebrators can get to eat for FREE when they celebrate their birthday in Vikings Luxury Buffet on the day itself. Eat and celebrate that's what my SIL did together with the rest of the Martinez clan ; p

 Eat like a VIKING on your birthday!

Her birthday fell on a Monday and yet the restaurant was fully booked. If it was not for my BIL who knew the owner of the restaurant, we would not be able to get a reservation.

For Vikings Eat for FREE terms and conditions and also photos of the luxury buffet, read after the break...

Instant Beauty Fix: Closeup White Now, Why Later?

Beauty can't wait! In this entry, I will share about the best beauty products for instant beauty fixes. Mind you, these tips came from top beauty experts!

 my SOS beauty kit

Both Lifestyle and Beauty bloggers present in the intimate lunch were so excited to know what's inside our SOS beauty kit.

I can't wait to get home and give it a try, read more after the break...

Xian Lim & Tippy Dos Santos for Aqua Fresco & Adore Fragrances

December 11, 2012

Adore and Aqua Fresco Fragrances Launching

Cerchio

76 Sct. Limbaga St.,

Quezon City

I attended the launching of Adore and Aqua Fresco Fragrances yesterday. It was another lucky day because I won an iPad mini! A big thanks to Ardent World Inc., the same company that brought to you Gluta-C Intense Whitening products. 

MrsMartinez with Tippy Dos Santos & Xian Lim

I was there around 11am and the venue was already packed. I was the only blogger until Michael Lim aka Fashion Pulis arrived.  

To know more about the fragrances plus more Ziam Lim photos plus giveaway, read after the break...

A Celebration at Sambo Kojin Yakiniku Smokeless Grill Quezon City

December 8, 2012

Sambokojin Yakiniku Smokeless Grill
West Ave., Quezon City
3728846   9212873

Mon-Fri (11am-2pm) - PhP 519
Mon-Fri (6pm-10pm except Friday 5:30pm) - PhP 619
Sat-Sun (lunch & dinner) PhP 5:30pm-10pm - PhP 659

Children 4 ft and below - PhP 319

Toddler - free of charge

Add PhP 200 Leftover charge

Last Saturday, DH and I spent half day at the office and the other half in Sambo Kojin Yakiniku Smokeless Grill. It was the baptismal party of Ysabella Kim, the youngest daughter of my very good friend, Gevi.

Sambo Kojin The Japanese Kitchen God Three-headed deity with two pairs of hands. Bearer of fire, protector of the hearth, watcher of the household, keeper of the brotherhood. 

 Sambo Kojin napkin ; p

We arrived at half past twelve. I think we were among the last ones to arrive hahaha Talk about grand entrance ; p The family members and other guests were already seated while some were already making their second or third trip to the buffet table ; p Anyways, my other good friend, Cats, was able to reserve seats for DH and I. We were seated together with the proud parents of Kim ; ) Now, that's what I call... friendship!

Yakiniku means grilled meat

To check out the buffet spread in Sambo Kojin, proceed after the break....

Multiply Origination Awards...It's time to Vote!

Last October 16, I wrote about Multiply's search for the best original product, idea and concept among its merchant in the Philippines, which was dubbed as Multiply Origination Awards. The call for entries ended last November 18, 2012.

 Multiply Origination Awards Make Your Vote Count

From close to 1,000 nominations of 2012's most outstanding local products in fashion, food & beverage, and home & family care available on the Multiply Philippines website, I am happy to announced that the ten finalists per category have already been chosen.

The voting period has already began last December 1st but you still have until the 20th to vote for your favorite entry. You can vote multiple times a day to make sure your finalist wins. Voting comprises 30% of the criteria while the remaining 70% will be based on judges' scores.

Criteria for winning:

• 30% Voting
• 40% Product Concept and Innovation
• 15% Perceived Value
• 15% Marketability

 To find out who the top ten finalists for each category are, read after the break...

Gift Guide: Green Sproutlets Eco-Friendly Kids' Apparel

Since it's already December and I know most of you are rushing to make your Christmas purchases, I am posting a second Holiday Gift Guide this week ; p

This post is specially dedicated to all my readers who are addicted to online shopping. I have great news for you, Green Sproutlets is having an EXCLUSIVE holiday SALE over at Mothering Earthlings until December 31st only!

Green Sproutlets Boys Organic T-Shirt PhP 695 560

Green Sproutlets was inspired by a husband and wife team who felt the need to provide their daughter and other children who have sensitive skin with soft, hypoallergenic, eco-friendly clothing.

It uses only sustainable fabrics such as soy or hemp. Water-based ink was used for printing and low impact dyes. 

The Retro-Polka Collection

The Retro-Polka Collection is made of high-quality certified eco-friendly Viscose from Bamboo and certified 100% Organic Cotton.

I got another design- a girl's version of the organic t-shirt. It's very cute, you can view it after the break...

A Quick Lunch at Tokyo Cafe SM Megamall

December 5, 2012

Tokyo Cafe
3rd Floor Mega B
SM Megamall, Ortigas,
Mandaluyong City
4773354

I was in SM Megamall yesterday to replace the battery of DH's watch. After completing the task, my parents and I went looking for a decent restaurant to have our late lunch. We were supposed to dine in The French Baker but the restaurant was full and not a single staff seemed to bother to attend to us. We walked out and went in Tokyo Cafe instead ; p

 Ten-Ju PhP 248

Ten-Ju - Deep fried shrimp tempura with signature tempura sauce over steamed rice

I commend Tokyo Cafe for coming out with dishes that look almost exactly the same as the photos on the menu. I was half expecting 3 tiny shrimps but I got relatively large ones (as seen in the photo above).

Ginger & radish (for Tempura sauce) and a side salad were served together with Ten-Ju.

If you are on a diet, Tokyo Cafe offers Light Rice Meals. These are dishes on the menu which are small meals that's light on your pocket. It is ideal for brunch or snack. Find out more about it after the break....

Gift Guide: QUIRKS Novelties & Curiosities

A few months ago, QUIRKS Novelties & Curiosities sent over a package containing Qualy Master Crane Chopsticks & Chopsticks Holder and one of its best-seller, Mighty Wallet- The Original Tyvek Wallet since 2005. I only wrote about it now because I was saving both items for my holiday Gift Guide feature.

First let me share with you the company's story...

QUIRKS Novelties & Curiosities is your one-stop shop for unique gifts and novelty items. QUIRKS carry the weirdest and most functional items sourced from all over the world. It carries 15 brands imported from UK, USA, Japan, Thailand and Hong Kong.

 Qualy Master Crane Chopsticks & Chopsticks Holder PhP 650 ;

Mighty Wallet Manila Mania PhP 850

Dynomighty Design, makers of Mighty Wallet, is based in New York. It aims to create products which fit the urban lifestyle.

The Mighty Wallet is  made from a single folded sheet of a super strong microfiber material called Tyvek. Thousands of super fine plastic fibers are fused together to give the wallet incredible strength and durability. The super thin design has no stitching and instantly adjusts all its compartments to hold a lot or a little.

Mighty Wallet Manila Mania is the first locally designed Mighty Wallet...woot! The design includes iconic landmarks such as Marikina (shoes), Malabon (pancit) and Manila (jeepney).

It is 100% recyclable with 25% of its material coming from recycled milk and water bottles. Best of all, it is tear-resistant and water-resistant with innovative expandable design.

Mighty Wallet Manila Mania feature:

• 2 large pockets for cash and receipts
• 2 credit card pockets that expand to hold lots of cards
• 2 quick access business card pockets

I think this is a suitable gift to your co-worker who is an environmentalist and who values the quality of a product. Keep in mind that this is not a paper wallet, it's a Mighty Wallet!

Designer: Kasey Albano (Punchdrunk Panda)

For Qualy Master Crane Chopsticks & Chopsticks Holder, read after the break...

Greenwich Better Than Any Other Christmas Party!

November 29, 2012

Greenwich Better Than Any Other Xmas
Makati Shangri-la Hotel

Last November 29, I attended two events in one day. The first was the launching of DKNY Be Delicious Eau So Intense and after a couple of hours, I went to Greenwich Better Than Any Other Xmas party ; ) It was a night filled with fun games, entertainment (Anne sang a Christmas song ; p ) and raffle prizes. It was also a star-studded night because most of the celebrity endorsers were present. I said most because John Lloyd Cruz did not grace the occasion ; ( It would have been perfect if JLC attended the said event ; p

 my "Greenwich Barkada"- Cookie, Tin, me, Rowena and Franco

I love attending Greenwich events because the people behind the brand are always so warm and accommodating especially Ms. Cookie Cabrera, PR and Corporate Affairs Manager of Greenwich Pizza Corporation - JFC.

"This Christmas get-together is our way of showing our heartfelt gratitude to out friends from the press," said Cookie Cabrera. "They play an important role in helping us get our messages across our market and in making Filipinos aware of our latest offerings."

With our huge smile, we can passed as the official endorsers of Greenwich Barkada. What do you think? hahaha

To see the real endorsers of Greenwich Barkada, click read more...

DKNY Be Delicious Eau So Intense Collection

November 29, 2012

DKNY Be Delicious Eau So Intense
The Manila Peninsula Conservatory

I attended the launching of the newest perfume collection of DKNY called Be Delicious Eau So Intense last Thursday. Be Delicious Eau So Intense, Golden Delicious Eau So Intense and Fresh Blossom Eau So Intense are intensified versions of the three coveted apple-inspired fragrances of Be Delicious which was launched in 2004. It has maintained the original structure and balance, just with more potency and staying power!

Be Delicious Eau So Intense, Golden Delicious Eau So Intense and Fresh Blossom Eau So Intense

DKNY Delicious apples are best-sellers with over 4,000,000 bottles sold each year worldwide, that's 10,000 bottles sold in a day or 6-7 bottles every minute! Whew!

Find out what my favorite from the new DKNY Eau So Intense Collection after the break....

Japan Visa Requirement for Philippine Passport Holders

In my previous post, I already shared the good news that my Japan Visa was already approved ; p For those of you who are interested in applying for one, here is a step-by-step procedure on how to acquire a Japan Visa in just 3 days...

Japan Visa for Philippine passport holder

I got a Single Entry Japan Visa which is valid for a 15 days stay within 3 months from November 23 (date of issue) to February 23, 2013.

I look so serious in the photo because I read here that the facial expression in photo must be general expression and not exaggerated one.

To know more about the documents needed in applying for a Japan Visa, read more...