Marriott Cafe's Ocean Surf Buffet

February 22, 2013

Marriott Cafe
Manila Marriott Hotel
Newport City Complex
10 Newport Blvd.,
Domestic Airport, Pasay
988-9999

Dinner: 6:00pm to 11:00pm

Last Friday, my girl friends and I checked out Marriott Cafe upon the recommendation of C who fell in love with its Ocean Surf Buffet. Due to heavy traffic and the distance from our place, we arrived at half past eight in the evening. Most of the other guests were already starting with their desserts ; p

 with my homemade gelato

My other friend, R, made the reservation. We were given a spot near the carving station. We wasted no time, some of us went straight to the buffet area ; p

For photos of the buffet, read after the break...

Own A Vacation Home in Asilo Tagaytay

When I think of Tagaytay, the first word that comes to my mind is VACATION. Travel time is less than two hours away from Manila but there's a huge difference in scenery. For one, people living in Metro Manila don't have the pleasure of viewing the majestic Taal Volcano every single day. Oh, don't get me started on the cool and windy weather of Tagaytay, I really love this place!

 Asilo Tagaytay 

Now, here's the good news! Avida Land is offering its first vacation home development called Asilo Tagaytay. Asilo is derived from the Tagalog word "SILONG" meaning To Take Shelter.

Asilo Tagaytay is comprised of two mid-rise residential towers and a low-rise building that offers a retail area strategically located in the crossroads of Tagaytay National Highway and the Aguinaldo Highway. Its architectural design, materials finishing and the landscaping reflects the old Tagaytay - rustic yet contemporary.

To know more about Asilo Tagaytay, read after the break...

Discover Osaka: Nipponichi A Revolving Sushi Restaurant

Day 6

January 2, 2013

Nipponichi
Osaka, Japan

Finally on Day 6, DH and I were able to dine sushi-style! We had a really late lunch *think 4:30 pm* at Nipponichi - a revolving sushi restaurant. I love the concept when it was introduced here in the Philippines a few years back. I told DH that we should try it in Japan.

Fried Prawn Roll (green with gold plate) JPY 263 PhP (131.50)

Since I only eat a select few raw food like Mackerel, this Fried Prawn Roll filled my hungry tummy. There are other selections right after the break...

Heart Evangelista Gets Her Hair Reborn with CREAMSILK + GIVEAWAY!

You read it first here in MrsMartinez's Raves and Rants...

If you are following me on twitter, you must have read my tweet about "Get Hair Reborn with CreamSilk #beyondbeautiful". The new commercial from Unilever and CreamSilk features sultry actress with healthy gorgeous hair, Heart Evangelista.

CreamSilk Hair Reborn featuring Heart Evngelista

Be one of the first to watch the video before it premieres tomorrow at ASAP, Party Pilipinas, The Buzz and Hot Seat. Good news!!! I am giving away two (2) CreamSilk gift packs. Read the mechanics after the break....

Girls' Night Out: Fairydrops Volume Burst Waterproof Mascara

I went out with my girl friends yesterday. While waiting for them to arrive at my place, I put on some makeup and tried on a new product which was given to me sometime last year. It's Fairydrops Volume Burst Waterproof Mascara. It is from the same company that brought to you K-Palette.

 Face of the Day

I have sparse eyelashes so if a mascara can do wonders to it, I am sold! I applied just one coat and I am pretty satisfied with the outcome. My eyes did not scream for attention. Fairydrops Volume Burst Mascara just emphasized it making it look wider and brighter. 

Discover Osaka: Osaka Castle Park

Day 6

January 2, 2013

Osaka Castle Park
1-1 Osakajo, Chuoku,
Osaka City 540-0002
+81-(0)6-6941-3044

Operating Hours:
9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Last Admission at 4:30pm

Closed on December 28 to January 1

Admission fee: Adult JPY 600 (PHP 300) ; kids 15 years and under free of charge

Day 6 is all about Osaka! First on the itinerary was to visit Osaka Castle Park. The park is filled with 1,250 Japanese plum trees and about 4,500 cherry trees. Too bad we were there during winter. It would have been nice to visit during Cherry Blossom (Sakura) season.

Osaka Castle

It was a long walk towards the castle. We didn't mind because along the way, we were able to take some good photos of the park.

Read more after the break....

Georgina Wilson Loves Magnum Chocolate & Strawberry

Hello! I just got back from Magnum Ice Cream: Bigger and Better 2013 press launch held in URBN Bar and Kitchen. This year, Magnum family welcomed its latest brand ambassador, Georgina Wilson. Oh, not only that, Magnum also introduced two new flavors in its existing line - Magnum Chocolate Brownie and Magnum Chocolate & Strawberry.

 Georgina Wilson shown here enjoying her Magnum Chocolate & Strawberry

Did you know that Magnum was the number one searched food item on Google in 2012? Well, now you know ; ) Magnum is made from the finest Belgian chocolate and rich velvety ice cream. It is the premium ice cream brand in the market.

Read more about Georgina Wilson and the new flavors of Magnum Ice Cream after the break...

All-New Samsung No-Frost Digital Inverter Refrigerator

February 13, 2013

Samsung Digital Home Appliances Launch
Chef Jessie
Rockwell

I couldn't resist an invite to cover an event for Samsung especially when I learned that my favorite socialite, Ms. Tessa Prieto-Valdes will be there ; ) It was already past 12 noon when she came out but everybody was just so happy to see her. She is really funny when she's on stage.

Samsung RT35FDACDSP - P31,995

Anyway, Tessa is endorsing yet another innovative product called The All-New Samsung No-Frost Digital Inverter Refrigerator.

• Digital inverter compressor strengthens durability and improves energy efficiency
• Intelligent compressor automatically adjusts across five speeds of RPM in response to various cooling demands
• The groundbreaking compressor can either rapidly or slowly provide cold air to reduce energy consumption
• It operates only when needed, thereby producing less noise

What's more, the All-New Samsung No-Frost Digital Inverter Refrigerator compressor comes with a 10-year warranty.

And Tessa's favorite feature of the ref, you ask? It's the refrigerator's Coolpack. It keeps the freezer cool for eight hours in case of power interruption. Now, she can say goodbye to melted ice cream ; )

Read more after the break...

Random Eats: Mr. Choi Kitchen, Don Henrico's, Bag of Beans & Nurture Spa

Mr. Choi Kitchen
2nd Level Robinsons Magnolia
Aurora Blvd., Quezon City
87878

Mr. Choi Kitchen recently opened another branch in Robinsons Magnolia. Yey, it's now near my place, I can have Hot Prawn Salad anytime I want!

 Hot Prawn Salad PhP 360

An order of Hot Prawn Salad is totally worth it. The shrimps are really good. Oh, and the cherries on top too!

Read more after the break...

February Beauty Must-Have!

Sorry for the lack of entry today. I was so busy with SHOPPING hahaha SM Sta. Mesa is having a 3-day Sale starting today. I bought a lot and saved a lot too!

 (Clockwise starting from left): Yves Rocher Masque Aqua Tonic, Pepsodent Herbal Breeze Mouthwash, Clinique Happy., By Nature Soft 'N Supple Oil Over, Human Nature 100% Natural Hand & Foot Salve, Lush Eau Roma Water, 0Kuma Concealer, Shiseido Perfect Foundation Brush, Kate Eyebrow Color, eyebrow razor, Nivea Baby Soft & Cream, Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler & Carmex Moisturising Lip Balm

Anyway, here's my February installment of Beauty Must-Have. If you have not read about my January Beauty Must-Have, you can view it here.

For a closer look, read after the break...

Cooked A Half Inch Steak for Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day!

Every since we got stuck in stupid traffic a few years ago, we promised not to go out every February 14 but that does not mean that our dinner will be boring like tonight ; )

1/2 inch Angus Rib-Eye Steak

I cooked us an Angus Rib-Eye Steak for dinner... yummy!

Wanna know how I prepared and cooked it? Read after the break...

Discover Osaka: Namba District

Day 5

January 1, 2013

Namba District
Osaka, Japan

After breakfast at Shinonomesu ryokan, we packed our bag and traveled back by train to our hotel in Shin-Osaka. Our plan is to spend the rest of the afternoon in Rinku Premium Outlets.

boarding the subway train for the first time

To get to Rinku town, we had to passed by Namba, regarded as the center of the so-called Minami (South) area of Osaka. It is most famous for Glico Man and of course, the Kani Doraku Crab. Both of which are located in Dotonbori canal.

More on Namba after the break...

Valentine's Day Celebration at Luxent Hotel Garden Cafe

February 8, 2013

Luxent Hotel
Garden Cafe
51 Timog Ave.,
South Triangle, Quezon City 1103
9228888

6:00 pm to 10:00 pm

My friends and I were able to buy Luxent Hotel's Eat-All-You-Can Buffet and Drinks for only PhP 599 instead of PhP 999 from MetroDeal. The voucher is not valid on February 14 to 16 (Valentine's Weekend) so use it last Friday instead. Based on my previous experience, traffic would be terrible if we celebrate it on the day itself anyway.

 here piggy, piggy!

There's only four stations - Lechon, Japanese, BBQ Grill and Dessert. Well, five, if you count the ice cream fridge located at the farthest side of the room near the entrance. 

Read more after the break...

Discover Kinosaki: New Year Breakfast + Train Ride

Day 5

January 1, 2013

Shinonomesou
Kinosaki Onsen
Japan

Breakfast

Hello! Gong Xi Fa Cai! Happy Chinese New Year to all! Anyway, I though of sharing this post today because it happened last January 1, 2013 (New Year) in Kinosaki, Japan.

In my previous post, I related about the loud banging on our door early in the morning. It was one of the chambermaids. Really?! I can't believe she would be knocking at 7 in the morning. We thought we scheduled the breakfast at 8am... darn!

 our impossible to finish breakfast

While one chambermaid was busy rolling away the futon bed, the other one was busy preparing and setting up our breakfast laid out on top of the tatami mat. The tray you see above is just for one person.

For a closer look at what the onsen served to us that day, kindly read after the break...

Pamper Me Time: Glamorous Nail Spa in Greenhills Town Center

February 9, 2013

Glamorous Nail Spa
#2 Granada St, Valencia,
Quezon City
3994986   09297343505

Open: Tuesday to Sunday: 1pm to 10 pm

Last Saturday, mom and I went to Glamourous Nail Spa in Greenhills Town Center for a little pampering before the Chinese New Year begins. It's my first time to try their service but my mom is a regular client of the nail salon.

Spa Pedicure PhP 370

 (l-r) Orly in Mermaid Tale and Sparitual Lacquer in Rhythm Of Life

Mom said that this nail salon is usually full especially on weekends but I took a chance and dropped by without an appointment ; p Surprisingly, there was only one other client. We were lucky that they were able to accommodate both of us. 

Since green is the lucky color this year of the Water Snake, I went for Sparitual's Rhythm Of Life with Orly's Mermaid Tale on top. Read more about my pampering experience after the break...

Swarovski Crystal Bracelet in Green!

I am starting the Chinese New Year right by wearing a Swarovski crystal bracelet in color green! If you have been reading the fashion news then you should know that it's the lucky color in the year of the Water Snake ; p

Swarovski crystal bracelet (green) $85

This 20cm bracelet with 16-piece Swarovski crystals was given to me by my cousin from the US when she visited the Philippines a couple of years ago.

For more detailed shots of the bracelet, read after the break...

Coach Bag: Parker Leather Medium Carryall (F21626)

January 1, 2013

Coach
#1525 Ground Floor
Rinku Premium Outlets
458-4690

When DH and I went to Japan, we each packed 1 small suitcase inside a bigger suitcase. At the Customs Area, the inspector requested to open one of our suitcases. He was puzzled by what he saw, no wonder he asked us about it. DH curtly replied, "My wife likes to shop." I think that answer was good enough because the officer did not ask anymore questions and immediately zippered back our luggage ; p

Anyway, one of the many things I bought was this Coach Parker Leather Medium Carryall in Rinku Premium Outlets in Osaka. Isn't she a beauty?

JPY 70,000 35,000 24,500 (PhP12,250)

I have 2 other Coach bags. Both of which were bought from Woodbury Common Premium Outlet in New York in 2008. I already wrote an entry on how to spot a fake Coach, you can read it here. So, this entry is all about the details of this bag. 

Read more after the break...

Spareribs Rice at Le Ching Tea House in Greenhills

January 28, 2013

Le Ching Too
Ground Floor, Shoppesville 
Greenhills Shopping Center

I can't believe I have not blogged about one of my favorite comfort food in the metro!!! When my siblings and I were younger, we often dine in Le Ching. I think I even influenced a few of my college girl friends to hang out in Le Ching if our school load permitted it.

 Spareribs Rice PhP 148

I almost always order Spareribs Rice. It still tasted the same - juicy and meaty. I always feel that I am eating healthy food because I think the spareribs were steamed. Oh, just correct me if I am wrong lol

Read what my parents ordered after the break...

Michael Kors Golden Oversized Runway Watch (MK8077) I Finally Bought It!

February 3, 2013

Wrist_Pod
Level 2 SM Fairview
Quirino Highway corner Regalado Ave.,
Fairview, Quezon City
3514654

Last Sunday, I drove more than 20 km to SM Fairview just to buy a watch. Yes, a watch, I have been eying it for a month. It's a Michael Kors Golden Oversized Runway watch (MK8077).

 Michael Kor Golden Oversized Runway Watch (MK8077) PhP 16,550

What I am wearing:

blouse: GAP

watch: Michael Kors Golden Oversized Runway Watch

Take a closer look at the watch after the break...

Discover Kinosaki: Kani Suki (Winter Crab) Meal

December 3, 2013

Shinonomesou
Kani Suki menu (Dinner)

After visiting five onsen or public baths in one afternoon, we went back to Shinonomesou. We were surprised to see what was laid out on the table - our Kani Suki dinner. It does not look that much on our table but believe me, even DH gave up eating the last few pieces. It was way too much for two persons. Don't get me wrong, we enjoyed every bit of the giant winter crab. It was a feast to say the least.

what is gluttony?

It was a complete meal with vegetables, rice and of course, the winter crab cooked in so many ways, tempura included! Oh, some crab parts were to be eaten sashimi style ; p

Read more after the break....

Shiseido Instant Eye and Lip Makeup Remover Review

Remember my post about Shiseido Makeup Workshop with Ms Angela Boh? When I got home from the event, I found a 30ml sample bottle of Shiseido Instant Eye and Lip Makeup Remover included in the press kit.After a couple of use, I am ready to share my experience with the product.

Shiseido The Skincare Instant Eye and Lip Makeup Remover 125 ml PhP 2,150

Shiseido Instant Eye and Lip Makeup Remover is:

• A gentle dual-phase makeup remover that immediately dissolves waterproof and long-wearing eye makeup and lipstick
• Formulated with Xylitol to retain essential moisture in the delicate eye and lip areas

Read about my verdict after the break....

Nescafe Kada Umaga Equals Positivity

Don't you want to wake up everyday to something positive? Well, I do. Every morning, I always wake up to the smell of Nescafe Classic. You see, DH almost always wake up way earlier than me. Smelling his coffee often signals another beautiful day to look forward to. It always put a smile on my sleepy face.

 the joy of smelling Nescafe Classic every morning

With the pleasant weather that we are all experiencing right now, we always have breakfast in our garden, yes, al fresco. We leave the sliding door open so that all three dogs can also play outside while we are enjoying our cup of coffee.

Read more after the break....

HwaRoRo Korean Grill Buffet Only PhP 399!

January 26, 2013

HwaRoRo Korean Grill Restaurant
76 Scout Tobias St.,
South Triangle, Quezon City
4102793   0917 5091756

My brother knew that DH and I are fans of Korean BBQ Grill. He suggested a restaurant along Scout Tobias St. called HwaRoRo Korean Grill. The signage is well-lit at night so if you are going there for dinner, you won't miss it!

 aside from unlimited serving of Korean BBQ Grill, there are other Korean dishes available

While DH was busy grilling, I had already picked my favorite Korean dishes like Korean Beef Stew and japchae from the buffet table. 

Japchae is a Korean dish made from sweet potato noodles, stir fired in sesame oil with various vegetables like carrots, onion, spinch and mushrooms), sometimes served with beef and flavored wiht soy sauce and sweetened with sugar.  - SOURCE


Continue reading after the break...

Cyma Mystery Diner for a Day!

January 19, 2013

Cyma Mystery Diner
Trinoma Branch

I was reluctant at first when I received an SMS from a representative of Cyma restaurant asking if I could be their Mystery Diner for a day. I asked myself "Is this some kind of a scam?", "A joke?" What?! Ok, that's what most people would ask, right? What does a Mystery Diner do?

 Watermelon & Lamb Salad (To Share PhP 630)

Fresh watermelon and grilled lamb with feta cheese, black olives, sunflower seeds and fresh mint served with Cyma's Summer Herb vinaigrette

After a few SMS exchanges, I found out that it's so simple. When chosen, you and whoever you are bringing, get to eat for free and in return, you have to answer a Mystery Diner feedback form, email it back to the company and that's about it.

There's a guideline on which category (salad, appetizer, main course-new!, dessert and drink) you should order but you are free to choose whatever is under that category. For example, under salad, DH and I chose Watermelon & Lamb Salad. It's our all-time favorite so the choice is a no-brainer ; p

 For other orders, read after the break....

Celebrate Chinese New Year at Spiral

January 29, 2013

Chinese New Year at Spiral
Sofitel Philippine Plaza
Manila

Last Tuesday, I was invited by Sofitel Philippine Plaza for an exclusive Magical Celebrations press preview showcasing its auspicious food specially prepared for celebrations such as Chinese New Year.

 one of the delectable dishes served that day

Executive Chinese Chef Chee Wah Mok will prepare a special Chinese menu on February 4, 17 and also on the 24th. Diners can book a private dining room in advance. Each room can accommodate 12 to a maximum of 36 persons.
 
Want to sneak peek at the new Spiral? Read after the break...

L'Oreal Keratin Steam Care Service Exclusive at Bench FIX Salons

January 29, 2013

Bench Fix Lab
Level 2, Glorietta 4

After five years of research and development and eight patents, L'Oreal Professionnel and Rowenta have collaborated to create a revolutionary tool - Steampod. These two world class brands combined their expertise to bring to you the first ever hair smoothing iron that delivers continuous stream of high-pressure steam.

 The Steam Revolution - L'Oreal Steampod

After waiting for three days, I am now ready to blog about my L'Oreal Professionnel Keratin Steam Care treatment experience. Why wait for three days? Because this anti-frizz smoothing treatment can last up to 3 days! Are you ready for the result?

Read after the break....

OOTD: Denim + Pabder Donna

Happy weekend, readers!
  
Ok, I know I just posted an Outfit of the Day entry earlier this week. In less than 5 days, here I am, bombarding you with another series of photos. In short, nawili hahahaha Posing for the camera is quite addicting, agree?!

MrsMartinez OOTD

What I am wearing:

polo: Ensembles

shorts: Core Denim The Original TRF Collection ZARA

shoes: Pabder Donna

J.CO opens it's first 24-hour store in Eastwood City

January 31, 2013

J.CO Donuts and Coffee
Ground Floor, Eastwood Mall
Eastwood City, Libis, Quezon City

Yesterday, I witnessed the grand opening of the 7th J.CO Donuts and Coffee store in the Philippines. Located at the bustling Eastwood City in Libis, this latest and biggest branch to-date is ready to serve you 24/7.

J.CO Eastwood City outlet

Founder of J.CO Donuts and Coffee, Johnny Adrean, flew in from Jakarta to grace the opening and join the festivities happening inside the newest outlet.

Find out what was in store for all media guests after the break...