Kerastase Initialiste... Super Serum for Scalp

I woke up bright and early today to attend the launching of the new Initialiste- a super serum for scalp and hair from Kerastase.

 Kerastase Lounge set up near Zara Rockwell

I was able to experience a complimentary hair and scalp diagnosis plus Elixir Ultimate Sensorial Blowdry by the Hair and Scalp Experts from Basement Salon.

Read more after the break...

Kabila Filipino Bistro/ Museum (M) Cafe Crossover in Greenbelt 4

April 8, 2013

Kabila Filipino Bistro/Museum Cafe
Ground Floor, Greenbelt 4
Ayala Center, Makati City
3914197   7573000   7576000

There is a new Filipino restaurant in Makati called Kabila Filipino Bistro. It is the newest addition to the growing number of restaurants brought to you by Raintree Restaurants. It is located next door of Museum Cafe hence, the name Kabila. You can cross-order between these two restaurants just like what my friends and I did.

Slow-Grilled Gindara (300g) PhP 350

On Charcoal with a Sweet Soy Calamansi Glazed served with Pickled Green Mango

Nice presentation, equally good in taste! Not typically served in Filipino restaurants, Kabila's version of Gindara matches the Filipino taste. I highly recommend it!

For other dishes, read after the break...

Another Birthday Celebration in Ukokkei Ramen Ron

October 21, 2012

Ukkokei Ramen Ron
Ground Floor, 822 Tesoro Bldg.,
Arnaiz Ave., Makati City
8564588

DH and I invited my family to have lunch at Ukkokei Ramen Ron. Yeah, right, another ramen place! You see, DH loves noodles and since it was still his birthday week, he gets to choose the restaurant ; p It was our first time and DH was so thrilled to finally taste "The Best Ramen" in town!

Set A- Ukokkei Miso PhP 380

There were only 3 sets available that Sunday - Ramen (Set A), Yakisoba (Set B) and Half Ramen/Curry Rice (Set C). All three sets include gyoza and salad. For Set A, you can either choose between Ukokkei Miso (shown above) or Ukokkei Shoyu.

To view more photos, read after the break...

What's Your Favorite J.CO Drink?

August 26, 2012

J.CO Donuts & Coffee

Level 3, Greenbelt 3 

Ayala Ave., Makati CIty

Last Sunday, my family and I traveled from SM Mall Of Asia to Greenbelt 3 just to get our hands on J.CO Donuts & Coffee. In SM MOA, the line going inside J.CO store is super long, extending outside the store. In the hope of tasting the various drinks from J.CO, my DS drove to Greenbelt 3. Crazy, huh? But it's worth the trip!

Hot Jcoccino Due PhP 130

DS ordered Hot Jcoccino. It's cappuccino - J.Co style! It's a blend of bold Italian espresso and milk topped with a masterfully-crafted foam art.

Just so you know, J.CO is not only a donut store. It also offers a wide array of unique beverage concoction. Like its donuts, J.CO beverages are uniquely crafted beyond our imagination.

Read more after the break....

Gus* Modern Furniture Greenbelt is On Sale this July!

*My Taipei travel post will continue on Wednesday!*

Last Wednesday, I was invited to view Gus* Studio's Modern Furniture at The Residences in Greenbelt, Makati. You all know how I love home improvements. In fact, I dedicated one post a week for my latest finds, promotions on anything and everything about home. 

Summer / Fall 2011 collection BLAKE Loft Sofa in Urban Tweed Ink w 76" x d 32" x h 31" seat h 17" Base options natural / wenge PhP 109,900 ; 

Stanley Coffee Table PhP 44,900 less 25% PhP 33,675 ;

Graphic Pillow 20" x 20" PhP5,500 less 30% PhP 3,850

For the whole month of July 2012, Gus* Studio is marking down most of its furniture up to 30% off! How cool is that?!

Gus* Design Group is a modern furniture company based in Toronto, Canada. They design and manufacture upholstered seating, accents and accessories which comprise the Gus* Modern Collection. 

Karylle visits J.CO Greenbelt Opening!

Last July 4, J.CO formally opened its third branch in Greenbelt 3, Makati. Now, people living and working in the SOUTH can definitely enjoy this mouth-watering donuts!

 spotted Karylle, J.CO ambassador

J.CO first opened its door in Jakarta, Indonesia in 2005. It serves freshly made yummy donuts and stimulating coffee prepared by trained baristas. J.CO now has branches all over Asia - Malaysia, Singapore, China and the Philippines. 

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. 

New find: Min Sok Restaurant Makati

My visit: January 21, 2012

Min Sok Saeng Deung Sim

5655 Don Pedro St., cor Jacobo,

Poblacion, Makati 

8959586

After coming back from our 10-day Korean vacation, we had enough of Korean barbecue, or so we thought. DH and I miss Korean barbecue so much so that for two consecutive Saturdays, we were on a look out for authentic Korean restaurants. 

Last January 14, we went to Korean Village in Nakpil, Malate after going to Quiapo. The week after, we paid Min Sok- a hole in the wall restaurant in Poblacion, Makati, a visit. 

sangchu-ssam; short ribs PhP490

It was a post I read in FB by Dr. Allan Pua last January 7 that pique my curiosity. In his post, he was raving about Min Sok Saeng Deung Sim- an authentic Korean Restaurant. I only got a vague description on where it is located. Thank goodness Min Sok is known within the area where the go-so dance clubs are located. After asking a couple of bystanders, we were able to locate the restaurant.

Sangchu-ssam is a term used for cooked rice and other food wrapped in lettuce

Beyond The Box in One Rockwell Makati

My event: December 9, 2011

Beyond The Box

Flagship Store Opening

Stall 103, Ground Level

One Rockwell East Tower

Makati City

4787765   4787767

After the opening of Beyond The Box in Resorts World a few months back, the Apple Reseller now opens its flagship store in One Rockwell with a lot of surprises for its guests.

(left) Mr. & Mrs. Charles Paw 

Immediately after the ribbon cutting, a total of 75 prizes were given away to celebrity guests, friends and customers alike.

Pond's White Beauty & Pond's Clear Balance Facial Washes Launching

My event: October 27, 2011

Rediscover The Power of Pond's White Beauty And Pond's Clear Balance

Product Launching

Society Lounge

G/F Atrium Building 

Makati Avenue corner Paseo de Roxas

Makati City

Pond's launches Clear Balance facial washes over an afternoon snack. The event was held in the afternoon and as a result only a handful of beauty bloggers were able to attend ; (

care to shop anyone?

I noticed a full display of Pond's products on the side near the stage. Well, those are the products that Pond's wants you to learn more about ; p

My One on One Makeup Lesson from Bobbi Brown

It's another makeover! Last October 27, 2011 while Rowena and I were waiting for the next event- we attended two events that day, we walked from Makati Shangri- la Hotel to Bobbi Brown's makeup counter in Rustan's Makati. 

Can I pass for a Bobbi Brown makeover model?

There are two things that I wanted to learn obsessed with in makeup- smokey eye and contouring. 

Thanks to Rowena's makeup pass, I was able to avail of Bobbi Brown's one on one 45-minute lesson on "Special Occasion Beauty".

You can view my Kanebo counter makeover here.
You can view my The Body Shop makeover here.

OOTD: School Girl look

These days attending events posed a great challenge because I am only allowed to wear white colored blouses/tops. It is another one of the tradition that shows respect for my deceased mother-in-law. 

photo by: LushAngel

I attended two events last October 27, 2011, one in Makati Shangri- la Hotel and the other one in Society Lounge. This photo was taken during the Pond's event in Society Lounge.

What I am wearing:

• Blouse from Korea
• YB by BSN (Bossini)
• Shoes from Taiwan

The white blouse was given to me by a family friend. There are a couple more like this blouse in our family because my SIL and I wore it during the wake. 

Merienda at Chef Laudico's BFAST

My visit: October 14, 2011

Chef Laudico's BFAST

Space #3 Restaurants @ Ayala Triangle Gardens, 

Ayala Ttriangle Garden

Ayala Avenue, Makati City

I have read about Chef Laudico's BFAST from a blog but I rarely go to Makati so I never had a chance to try the restaurant. My one and only chance was the day of my sister's graduation. I was with my parents and I was keen on sampling the menu of the restaurant.

 Angus Tapa PhP168

I suppose it was a slow day because only one other table was occupied when we entered at around 3 in the afternoon.  It was humid outside and even inside the restaurant despite the fact that one air con was running. The management's solution was to open the other air conditioner but even that didn't help. We were still sweating and had to get out of the restaurant immediately after our meal.

On with the food... I ordered an Angus tapa. It was served on a red plastic plate. A third of the beef was fat. It was chewy. The egg was cooked well though.

OOTD at Ayala Triangle Makati

I was in Makati last Friday together with my parents in support of my sister who graduated Valedictorian in the 5th PSE- ATENEO Certified Securities Specialist Course (PSE-Ateneo CSSC). Anyway, we were there 3 hours prior to the event. While waiting, we ate at Chef Laudico's BFAST and collected my free drinks courtesy of HSBC credit card in Starbucks. 

at Ayala Triangle, Makati

I saw a photo opportunity while walking towards the restaurant row. My mom, who is by now used to taking my photos, was instructing on how to angle my body towards the camera. That's why my body is a bit contorted in the following photos lol

McDonald's Reopens 4 Stores on its 30th year!

My event: September 29, 2011

McDonald's

Makati Cinema Square

Makati City

8-MCDO

For the very first time, four McDonald's stores will simultaneously open today, September 30 at 8am. Collectively known as The Anniversary Stores- McDonald's Makati Cinema Square, Greenhills, North Avenue and Quezon Avenue commemorates the opening of it's very first store in Morayta in 1981. 

McDonald's 30 Years of Magic

These four stand alone stores differ in design concept yet still offer the same McDonald's experience- great tasting food and excellent service!

McDonald's Makati Cinema Square- as seen in the following photos after the break, offers neutral yet savvy design that's distinctly modern.

McDonald's Greenhills- calls its design LIM, short for Less Is More, a very playful interior that focuses on fun and casual dining.

McDonald's Quezon Avenue- a bullseye that is prominently displayed on the wall is just one of the graphics that separates one section from the other.

Mc Donald's North Avenue- a contemporary cafe look provides customer with warmth and comfort.

All four stores bear the signature red blade and white ribbon at the store's exterior with pylon carrying the Golden Arches.

After dinner at Chocolate Fire

My visit: July 21, 2011

Chocolate Fire

A World Full of Pure Creativity

PDCP Building

Corner of Leviste and Rufino Sts.,

Salcedo Village, Makati

8403473   8400808

After having a pretty expensive dinner at Apartment 1B, the super friends walked an entire block or was it two (?) to our next foodie stop, Chocolate Fire. 

fondue for 2 PhP750

The good looking manager assisted us girls in picking out our favorite chocolates. Too bad taking photos of the chocolates on display is not allowed. Don't ask me why, ok?

As my kumare gushed to every chocolate that the "good looking" manager pointed at, we ended up ordering more than we could eat hahaha

We ordered one fondue for starters. The 8 of us shared an order consisting of two warm melted Belgian chocolate- milk and dark, a few match box size chiffon slices, wafer, mallows, bananas and strawberries.

Samosas in Apartment 1B Gourmet Comfort Food

My visit: July 21, 2011

Apartment 1B Gourmet Comfort Food

One La Fayette Square

132 LP Leviste corner Sedeno St.,

Salcedo Village

Makati City

8434075

Two weeks ago, DH and I braved the traffic going to Makati just to meet with friends who love to eat good food! We seldom go to Makati because it's far from where we live. But who can resist dining with super friends, right?

 crabcakes PhP330

It was Ryan who recommended the crab cakes. When DH and I arrived, he told us that he and his wife had just finished eating the cakes. We ordered another one as one of the appetizers. It has bits of crab that you can taste as your bite into it. We ordered 4 of these crunchy crab cakes over green leaves, cucumber and cherry tomatoes.

First bite in Sango Rockwell

My visit: June 17, 2011

Sango Rockwell

The Burger Master

Unit 103H  R1 Power Plant Mall

Rockwell

Once in awhile, DH and I have a date night where in we dine out and then watch a movie after. This is one of those nights. After getting a movie ticket, I think it was for Super 8, we searched for a place to eat. DH would usually suggest Oliver's Sandwiches if we are out of time but we have plenty of time on our hands that night. 

I saw a huge tarpaulin banners at the center of Power Plant mall advertising Sango Burgers. We were a bit lost because the ad says that the location of Sango Burger was in Lower Ground Floor. We searched the whole floor and back. We were getting irritated because we couldn't find the restaurant. Thank God for security guards who directed us to the place. It turned out that it is located outside just beside Starbucks. 

okonomi hotdog PhP155

The okonomi hotdog shown in the photo is just half of the order. I have made the mistake of telling the waitress to sliced both of our orders in half. When presented to us, our orders were separated already in different wrappers. It looks kind of small in the photo but it was very filling nonetheless.

Okonomiyaki is a Japanese pancake/pizza consists of different ingredients. Okonomi means what you like/ want. Yaki means grilled/ cooked.

The hotdog contains lettuce, onions and dancing fish flakes also known as katsuobushi.

My first Aerosoles: Younique Black Snake

I live and breathe in flats, ok, mostly in flip flops! Come to think of it, except for a wedge sandals, I only have 3 high heeled shoes- one in black, gold and silver. I use these 3 alternately when I attend social events and other gatherings that needed some dressing up.  

The following are the reasons why I don't buy high heeled shoes: One, the steep price that I have to pay. Two, the pain I have to endure the moment I step out of the shoes. 

When I received a PhP2000 Rustan's Gift Certificate, I immediately thought of buying FitFlops. Yes, another tsinelas! Why not? I like to be comfortable when I go out rather than feeling my feet hurt after hours of using it. 

Aerosoles Younique Black Snake PhP3650

But my plan has changed when I went to Rustan's Makati last Sunday. When I saw Aerosoles Younique Black Snake on display, it was not that appealing to me. In fact, it was the last pair that I tried on. But upon the prodding of my mom and seeing how good it looks on my feet, I now own my very first pair of Aerosoles.

This pair of shoes is so comfortable to begin with because of its rubber cushion that touches the soles of my feet. I like its strappy design. It is very sexy, stylish and elegant too. I still don't want to pay for expensive shoes so I will not buy it if I didn't have the gift certificate with me. But just the same, I am glad that I have this new shoes with me that I can sashay in for my next event lol

Zespri Kiwi season is on!

My event: May 24, 2011

Zespri Kiwi now in Manila

Cerveseria

Greenbelt 3, Makati City

Zespri officially announces that kiwi season is now in Manila! I was invited to the launching over a week ago and I was ecstatic because DH and I love kiwifruits especially the brand that brought the fruit here in Manila, Zespri. 

Patricia Bermudez- Hizon

The event was hosted by the vivacious Patricia Bermudez- Hizon. I espy her husband, Vince Hizon, supporting her.