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 =)

My 2 Scents

I usually spray on tons of baby cologne right before I leave the house. By the time I get to the office, the scent has already evaporated and I would spray some on again. This has been a very tiring habit that's why I bought new fragrances that would last longer without spending so much.

Introducing Zen Zest's Earth and Fire (P270 for 50ml). These scents are perfect for everyday wear as they are light, fresh and it's not too strong. For me I liked Earth better because it smells like citrus. Fire has a floral smell and is perfect for evening wear. Sometimes it's hard to find the right type of perfume. You have to do a lot of trial and error to identify if it reacts well with your skin and to know it's staying power. For both scents,  I think it lasted around 6-8 hours which is far longer than the usual colognes I wear. 

Try to drop by the nearest Zen Zest branch and check out what's the right scent for you.

They also have a wide range of Eau de Toilette and Eau de Cologne fragrances to choose from. =)

Weekend Eye Candy

Colored chandeliers at 50th Avenue Robinsons Galleria

Mediterranean Diet

For all the weight watchers out there, I'm sure you've heard about Atkins Diet, South Beach Diet and Vegan Diet. But do you know about Mediterranean Diet?

This diet is a modern nutritional plan patterned from the fusion of dishes coming from the countries surrounding the Mediterranean sea such as Greece, Spain, Italy, France, Turkey, etc. The main component of this diet is the use of olive oil which is believed to be high in monounsaturated fatty acids and is actually considered a good kind of dietary fat. (Warning: olive oil may also be high in calories so it should be also used in moderation). This diet also highlights vegetables (as evidenced by the abundance of their salads), whole grains, beans, fruits and red wine (who knew drinking could also be beneficial?=P). Most of the meals are fresh and rarely processed which makes it healthier as it is low in sodium and saturated fat. The only con about this diet is that it's quite high in salt content mainly because of the cheese, olive, anchovies etc which give their food a lot of flavor. This diet is not really a strict eating pattern but a lifestyle for those who live along the Mediterranean sea. They not only focus on nutrient-rich foods but they also make it a point to enjoy leisurely dining and physical activity which makes it more effective. This diet is not just watching what y you eat but is also based on what you do (daily activities). It promotes the combination of healthy food choices and being active which is the perfect equation to be fit. According to some research, following this diet can lower the risk of heart disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes and even Cancer.

Inspired by my discovery of this Mediterranean Diet, a friend and I decided to go to "Cafe Mediterranean" at Greenbelt and tried some of their dishes:

Our first dish was Spinach (ispanakli) Borek (P285). Borek is the general Turkish term for filled pastry. It comes in different variety but it is generally made up of thin layers of flaky dough called phyllo, stuffed with chopped vegetables (usually parsley or spinach), sometimes with meat and feta cheese. I absolutely loved this appetizer. Even though it was only spinach and cheese, it had a strong flavor like that of enchilada. I also loved the shepherd's salad on the side. I'm quite picky with vegetables but this salad got all my favorites (cucumber, tomatoes, onions and parsley) mixed in olive oil. It's simple and very refreshing.

Our main meal was Beef Kebab with pita - (P345). Kebab is a meat dish which originated from Persia and was later on adapted in countries such as Turkey and ---. On the side it had tabbouleh and we had pita bread instead of rice (for a low carb meal). The meat was tender, well-cooked and it wasn't dry. With 1 pita  with kebabs and half of the borek, I was already so full.

You would also love the interiors. From the terracotta walls, to the dark wooden furniture, tiled flooring and patterned tiles, to the mosaic doors, everything else was purely Mediterranean.

The Mediterranean diet is something different and it's not something that would keep you away from your favorite meat dishes. It's a total balance of carb and protein. Just make sure to keep an active lifestyle as well to make it more effective. OPA!

Funky Find: Starry Starry Belt

A gray belt filled with stars from Genevieve Gozum only for P60.00 =)