Bits of My 2 weeks

I'm back!! Okay, I owe my so-called 'readers' a lot of posts so I'm summarizing them all in here:

1. I've been eyeing a good organic shampoo and conditioner but instead got freebies from Tresemme and Syoss. I tested each brand for a week and got good results. Too bad what I need is organic =( 

2. I love S&R's Smartfood White Cheddar, and I've been craving for it since forever. So when I saw Chimara's white cheddar, I knew I just had to buy a big bag =) 

3. My seatmate Chin shared her good find from Book Sale. Lela Lee's Angry Little Girls. They are all funny and witty plus it was easy to finish hehe =P I can also relate to their negativity and craziness. =P

4. Kai's gift - Lip and Cheek Stain from Body Shop in #1. A quick fix for a fresh and simple look. With one 'device' you could give a color on those pale lips and give your cheeks a natural flush.

5. Merienda with mom at Mary Grace (Podium). We suddenly craved for grilled ensaymadas and I added my favorite Summer Squash soup. This could have been perfect with a cup of hot choco or coffee =P

6. Saw this adorable Marc Jacobs glitter-finish leather mouse ballet flats and it was too cute!=P

7. Finally bought some of my organic gifts at the Echo Store (Podium). I'll be back for more items specifically the Oryspa products for me. =P A good shop to buy giveaways and locally-made food. 

8. Theo & Philo Dark Chocolate with Green Mango and Sea Salt from Kai. It had a very unique taste, blending different flavors - sour, salty and sweet. Until now I still can't describe it. 

9. Dressed up as Elle Driver (Asian version) at our Annual Year-end Xmas Party. 

Photo c/o John So's instagram =P

10. Introduced my planner's new partner: A Cross pen and pencil duo c/o Mom =P

11. I'm just amazed how eyeliner makes the eyes more dramatic. This is my first eye liner attempt and I hope this would do the magic and not sabotage it =P I love how it is easy to apply and how fast it dries. The only problem is I really don't know how to apply it. As they say, practice makes perfect. So if you see my face looking all weird and messy, you know what I did =P

Sorry to be missing in action. Just had our CPU repaired and the laptop had been busy with my brother. I'm sure to write more posts this coming week and I'm also planning to revamp my blog's look for 2013. (If the world would not end haha) Yihee I'm excited! More pahabol posts coming soon. Let's end this year with a bang! Happy Weekend!! =)

Subarashi at Metrowalk

Konnichiwa! If you like Japanese goods, you should drop by Subarashi which is located at the 2nd floor of Metrowalk, beside elbow room. Let me tell you why:

Yummy Japanese candies, multi-flavored KitKat chocolate bars, everyone's favorite flavored bread

sticks (Pocky & Pretz), Jap coffee, more chocolates, tea and noodles! 

Japan is also known for good beauty products and they have them here as well. This is where I bought my Naturactor concealer and they also have Chifure cosmetic products, Shu Uemura eyelas curlers, some Shiseido Tsubaki Shampoo and conditioner.  

They also have other items such as notebooks, cute Jap girl magnets, and dolls.

What's good about this store is that if you have some items that you would like to buy from Japan, you can ask and you can order from them. Prices could be a little high but I think it's good enough if you would compare it to buying it online and having it shipped =)  

Juice Ko Po

I just picked up my 2 orders of Tipco Christmas Packs at The Little Store (San Juan). I purchased these from CashCashPinoy for only P150 per pack instead of P299. Isn't it a great deal? I was able to try Cranberry, Beetroot & Broccoli from a freebie at Puregold and I just loved it! A good alternative for softdrinks, coffee and alcohol. =P It is also a perfect gift for health buffs and diet freaks this Christmas. =)

Pack 1 

Pack 2

Based on Tipco's FB page, Tipco is an all-natural beverage without the unnecessary preservatives, flavoring,  coloring and added sugar - just pure juice. 

They are manufactured in Thailand but it is currently being distributed in the Philippines by a local company. The other flavors like Beetroot and Broccoli might sound disgusting but it's actually pretty good. My current favorite is Broccoli. With all the health benefits of these juices, you won't have a hard time making the kiddos drink it because it's really good. If you want to try their yummy flavors, they are available at all supermarkets.   

I can't wait to try all the flavors. Cheers! =)

Sunday Chill

Saturday is usually my 'me time'. Clearly defined as a trip to the mall, a movie or a lunch with a friend. Sunday is usually my laid back day. It's my time for family (including errands) or grocery shopping and my 'downtime' to prepare for the week ahead. If I'm not at home preparing blog posts, reading or watching my favorite series, I just find a cozy place to unwind and relax. Sharing with you my Sunday morning with my dad =) We ordered french toast, ham & cheese croissant and toffee nut frappe while reading the morning paper and enjoying the sunlight through our window.

Hope you all had a great weekend =)

Weekend Eye Candy: Dash of Colors & Lights

A bag of purple-shaded M&Ms =)

Dancing Christmas lights at Ayala Triangle

Coffee - More fun in the Philippines?

After having lunch, I was so full that I was craving coffee to melt everything that I ate. On my way to SBC, I passed by the trade fair happening at the carousel court at festival mall hoping to buy Tantamco's Ube. Unfortunately, there was no ube for me but instead, there was coffee! Who would have thought I'll find coffee there? I have to admit seeing the price convinced me to try it (P10.00/ cup). The sales lady even opened the dispenser to show that it was really brewed. It was Kalinga Brew ground coffee which is a combination of different coffee beans: arabica, robusta and excelsa and is proudly from the Cordillera region.

I have to say Pinoy coffee can match those imported coffee shops. If I'm not mistaken you can buy it for P200.00 (500g pack). In other places that amount would only bring you 2 cups. As for the taste, it had the right mix - not too strong and not too mild. Next on my list will be to try the famous Alamid or "Civet" coffee.  

Eventhough I already have my coffee, I decided to push through with my SBC plan (hehe I sneaked my coffee in) to buy something that would go well with my hot drink (probably a pastry or a cake). I ended up buying cinnamon which I did not really enjoy so I didn't include it in the pic.=P What caught my attention is the beautiful photo wall gallery in the dining area. I really wish I could create something like that for my room. I enjoyed my quiet time sipping my favorite drink, browsing magazines and admiring the view. What a way to cap off my Saturday afternoon!

Inspired by Masterchef Christine Ha

One Thursday afternoon, I went to our pantry to wash my mug and someone left the big LCD TV on  showing re-runs of Masterchef Season 3. Since they were all making apple pie and I was already starting to drool, I decided to sit down and listen to what Gordon Ramsay had to say. When it came down to this contestant who was being assisted on the stand, I just realized that she could not see. I think I left my mouth open while Gordon was describing how wonderful her apple pie turned out. Later on, tears were already flowing from my eyes as Gordon was telling the contestant to stop being upset with herself and to start believing in herself more. I immediately had to get paper towels to wipe my tears or else I would look crazy crying in our office pantry. Upon checking her standing on the Masterchef website, I found out she also won the title of Masterchef which ended last month (sorry if I spoiled anyone).

Thanks to Youtube I would be able to share to you her auditions for Masterchef and the apple pie challenge.

I myself don't know how to cook that's why I was very very impressed that she was able to create those wonderful dishes just by memory. I love her positive outlook in life and how she makes use of her talents. Her smile and the brightness of her eyes are full of hope and not everybody has that. Most of us back down or just isolate ourselves when challenges come our way but she does everything she can to be the best she can be and that is just outstanding. I was also touched by how her husband supports her. I would love to meet Christine someday and I would love to try her dishes. In the meantime, I'm following her blog as I join her in her cooking adventures http://www.theblindcook.com/   

Tous les Jours

Lets have a little bread talk =) I just saw this new store as I was looking for something to go with my coffee.

Tous Les Jours simply means everyday (tous =all, les=the, jours=days)

Not sure how to pronounce it right but lets just call it TLJ =P

It's the newest bread franchise from Korea. I know the name sounds french but it was actually established in Korea way back in 1996. From the name 'everyday', it just conveys how fresh their products are.

 

It was so hard to choose what to get since everything looked and smelled good =)

They also had some refreshments and cakes to choose from.

Finally, I decided to try the ff:

1. Sweet Black Rice Bread with Cream Cheese P48/pc

2. Soboro P28/pc

3. Cinnamon Twist P18/pc

I liked the Korean Soboro bread. It was simple. Not too sweet and I can say it has a classic taste. Soboro bread or strewed bread is a known snack in Korea and is their version of the German Streusel bread. I loved the crumby top. It would be better if it would have a creamy filling inside. =P The sweet black rice bread had a totally unique taste. I felt like eating a big mochi ball with cream cheese inside. I was expecting a lot from the cream cheese filling but it wasn't too flavorful. The cinnamon twist was okay. I just love cinnamon. =P I should have bought the apple pie and macarons. Oh well, there's always another time =)

Tous les Jours now has three branches: SM North, SM South and Alabang Town Center and will open soon at Robinsons Galleria, MOA and Eastwood City.

Check out their website to view their products and special promos: http://www.tlj.ph.

Chocolate Cake by Urdu

Thanks to my Marian that I got to try this awesome chocolate cake.

Why I love this chocolate cake:

1. Very moist

2. Not too sweet

3. Caramel filling in the middle

4. The feeling that the frosting is melting in your mouth with your first bite

5. No unnecessary add-ons

6. Perfect with coffee

7. Can be shared by 10-15 people

8. Reasonable price (P 450) for a huge cake

This super yummy chocolate cake is from:

Too bad they don't have a website, but they do have a facebook account.
Thanks again Marian =)

The Happy Bakery

You must know by now that I'm a sucker for bread and desserts =)

A lot of yummy treats to choose from but only was chosen to pass the taste test.

And the chosen one is ...

Their mouth-watering yema cake (P65). The chiffon cake was so soft and the melted yema was not too sweet. I wasn't a big fan of the white icing on the side but over all it was good =) Will I buy again? YES! =)

The Happy Bakery is available at Philam Tower, GT Tower and PBCom Tower (all in Makati CBD)

Seoul Garden Hotpot

Craving for good Korean food? Here's a new restau at Robinsons's Galleria that you would truly love!

For starters they offered free appetizers: raddish namul, pickled cabbage and cucumber namul.

I didn't like the pickled cabbage just because I'm not a fan of pickles period haha.

I was so busy checking out the menu, everything just looked good. I was even checking out the other table (copycat).

Beef Bulgogi Bap (P189) was one of their bestsellers so I had to order this. It was very filling and the combination of the ingredients made it really tasty. I would rate it 3.5/5.  The beef bulgogi could be better.

I wanted to try their noodles so I ordered Stir Fried Korean Tang Hoon (P119). Looking at it from a distance I thought it would taste like "pinoy pansit" but it was quite different. It was unsually good. 

Simple and clean interiors. Good food and affordable meals. I would definitely go back and try their hot pots and desserts. 

Hotspot: Robinsons Magnolia

A lot of my friends were checking in at Robinsons Magnolia and everyone just keeps talking about it so I decided to check it out last weekend. It was very accessible for me since it was only 1 ride away. I got out of the house, took the San Juan-Cubao jeepney right in front of our gate, hopped in and stopped at Hemady Street and I’m there! 

The main entrance is at the Aurora Blvd. side so I walked a few steps since all the side doors were all closed. 

The majestic hall reminded me of Greenbelt 5 because of the dazzling chandeliers and marble floors; and when I turned to see the stores, it was really like Greenbelt. 

Most of the stores were still closed but you can already see the “coming soon” signs of branded shops like GAP, Miss Selfridge, Topshop, Muji, Beauty Bar, and the most-awaited Cotton On etc. While the mall is loaded with chic stores, their department store is really small =( Since I’m not really up for branded stuff, what would lure me back to this place are the yummy restos like Buffet 101, Yabu, Big Better Burgers and the new Ramen Bar which I’m really excited to try. 

Even their food court is quite upscale seeing Pepper Lunch! =P I would also like to try the new seats of their cinemas with some free popcorn haha =P  Lastly, I would like to reminisce my childhood days at the new but smaller version of Magnolia House to have some dessert or merienda and possibly have a short walk along the grass-covered area to burn the calories haha. 

Can’t wait for all the shops to open! This will definitely be a new hangout place for QC/San Juan peeps =)

What I'm Lovin' Now: Melona Ice Cream Bar

I've always wanted to try this ever since I first saw it at Saizen. Thanks to my friend Ching's birthday treat, I got the chance to finally taste it. I thought it was an ordinary melon-flavored ice drop (like twin popsies) but upon my first bite I was surprised that it was not "icey" but instead it was really creamy. It was really an ice cream bar on a stick! I loved the flavor (melon) and it had the right level of sweetness that would not make you sick haha. I could actually have another one but I was already freezing to death in the office=P
I can't wait to try the other flavors, I heard they are also good =)

Ching bought this from Rada Mart at P25 =) Melona ice cream bars are available at Korean convenience stores and certain supermarkets. Prices also range from P20-P40.

Bizarre Bazaar

Welcome to MSCI's first ever bazaar. This encouraged entrepreneurs in our office to showcase their own products and at the same time help raise funds. Even though I was only able to attend the first day, I'm glad I was able to try a lot of delicious food. =)

There was a booth that offered packed lunch but unfortunately I wasn't able to try it. It sold out after a few minutes before lunch time =P There was also a booth that offered cool shirts for men =)

 

Another sold out booth is Jaja and Sunny's "Yummy Treats". Good thing I was early and I got the chance to try their yummy red velvet cupcakes and their cheesecake bars =)

My favorite booth would be Tippi's corner, which had polvorons and the ever famous Blondies =) A lot of fanatics were already waiting for her delicious pastries before she even arrived.

That's Tippi or commonly known as Trish. Not only did she sell sweet pastries but it was also sweet of her to donate the proceeds to the victims of the recent 'Habagat'. 

Just before lunch time, a booth opened to sell different kinds of pasta. Since I was a pasta freak, I really wanted to try all (takaw lang). Since I know I couldn't finish everything, I just decided to try the penne and it was really good. =)

Congrats to the organizers for a successful event! Happy Shoppers and  Happy Sellers =) Looking forward to MSCI's future happenings =)