Choco-lovin: Ferrero Collection

The Ferrero Collection is a treasure chest of Ferrero's prime flavors: Ferrero Rocher, Ferrero Garden (Coconut) and Ferrero Rondnoir.

I'm sure most of you are familiar with Ferrero Rocher. 

But do you know that there are other flavors besides the common gold-covered chocolate ball?

Let's zoom in on the other 2 flavors:

Ferrero Garden (Coconut) - a half almond, surrounded by coconut cream, encased in wafer coated with coconut flakes, and topped with white chocolate icing cap (Wikipedia)

Ferrero Rondnoir - roasted hazelnut surrounded by a ball of fine dark chocolate, covered with a crisp wafer layer, topped with crunchy dark chocolate morsels. (Just by hearing the name "Rondnoir' it sounds classy and delicate.)

If I would rate the three, I would place Ferrero Rocher at the top, to be followed by Ferrero Garden and third by Ferrero Rondnoir. I'm sure dark chocolate lovers would disagree with this. I just like my chocolate to be creamy and sweet - thus my vote for milk chocolate. =P The combination of Rondnoir's texture and the crispiness of the wafer was quite good but I didn't get the sweet satisfaction, which I get from Rocher. Did I mention, my love for almonds? While Rocher is filled with it, Rondnoir had dark chocolate morsels which I'm not really fond of. On the other hand, Ferrero Garden (coconut) surprised me. At first, I thought the inner part would be made of gooey coconut filling but instead it was filled with white chocolate. I don't like chocolates with fruit flavors. From the ones I've tasted, most of them were sour and they tasted like medicine. The coconut sprinkles made a fine twist. It wasn't too strong to overpower the creaminess but it gave it a unique taste (just like the slight crunch in the end when you eat coconut macaroons).  

It is indeed a fine collection of decadent chocolates for all types of chocolate-lovers. =)

Fanatic Diaries: Gaga Over Ian Somerhalder

 Ian Somerhalder in Manila 2012

(May 19 - May 24)

Sorry for the overdue post. I'm sure a lot of fanatics have been waiting for this (feeling lang) =P

Thanks to Gian's FB post that I found out that one of the Vampire Diaries cast would be going to Manila. I think my heart skipped a beat when I found out it was Damon. (I'm a Somerholic!) I immediately 'googled' to confirm if it was true and it really wasn't a dream. He was the new endorser for Penshoppe! My FB friends were starting to share the news and gave updates of his arrival and I became even more excited. When my friend Vannie told me that updates will be on twitter, I immediately created a twitter account and followed Penshoppe, Publicity Asia and even Ian Somerhalder's account to keep me posted. On May 19, I stayed up late just to join the twitter world in welcoming him to Manila. At around 10pm, he finally touched down Manila and saw a tweet. Then I saw Gretchen Fullido's twitter pic with him at NAIA and I covered my mouth before I could even scream. From that moment, I turned on my 'stalker mode'. PublicityAsia tweeted that they were working on something for the fans and I was so thrilled because it could finally be my chance to see him. The next day, he left for Palawan to do some photoshoot so I was able to rest. May 23 when he had a press conference which I knew I couldn't go to so I just glued my eyes to my twitter account for any updates. 

I immediately had to search for updates about what happened during the presscon and I found some funny tidbits: (source from PEP)

photo from mb.com.ph

(From PEP) Because of his words about the Philippines, the media asked Ian what he would  tell his friends about our country.

He replied in jest, “Don’t go there. They will kill you with kindness.”

(From candymag.com) The fans got a bit of a thrill when Ian talked about being young and not looking his age. He said with a smirk, "Well, that's because I'm a vampire."

He talked about his stay in Palawan, his foundation and his style. He said he was the comfort-over-fashion type of guy. 

It was already quite late when I found out that he would be at the Mall of Asia on May 24 before he leaves Manila. But I told myself... THIZ IZ IT!!!!!!

Arrived at MOA 11:30am, ate lunch at Pollo Locco and went to the Atrium. I was already too late being there 4 hours before showtime. I couldn't find a spot so I went one level higher =P

 So I waited for three looong hours (all for Ian). People were already getting crazy, because they all screamed at the sight of the chairs being arranged on stage. There were a few false alarms until...

People from my back started to scream and when I saw the security guards rushing, I knew he was there.

He arrived from the back door from where I was standing and the stairs was already blocked. He's the guy wearing a black shirt and black hat and blowing kisses to his fans. Sorry it was too bright. The transparent roof of MOA didn't work with me here. I actually got a video but I accidentally (and stupidly) deleted it. =(

When he finally set his foot on stage, the crowd just went WILD!!! Sorry for the terrible handling of this video. I was busy looking at him away from the camera's viewer (and I can't help but scream =P)

I couldn't hardly hear him because of the screaming fans. So I just took photos.

He was telling everyone how happy he is to be in the Philippines. He was also kind enough to remind the fans not to push so no one would get hurt end even sat on the highest part of the chair so that everyone would be able to see him (so thoughtful). He talked about his foundation (ISF) which is an organization that helps protect the environment, animals and the youth. He said the Philippines is one of the most beautiful countries in the world and he loved his stay in Palawan. I loved the part when he said "You guys are super BONGGA!"

And of course, my winning moment... =P

While he was busy taking a twitpic with his fans, I was also busy taking his video =)

I was so envious of the fans who had a chance of taking a picture with him and hugged and kissed him but I was already happy to see him in the flesh. Too bad, he left after about 30-45 minutes to catch his flight to Europe =( And so I had a few seconds to see him leave. =( Goodbye Damon...

When he left I had to pull my hair up because I was sweating so bad after being 'sandwiched' by other screaming fans (lagkit mode) =P

The next day, he posted this in his twitter account:

 Thanks so much Penshoppe, PublicityAsia, SM Mall of Asia for bringing Ian Somerhalder to Manila.

To Ian, I hope you'll be back =) 

Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappuccino

I marked May 28, 2012 on my calendar because it was the last day of the 50% off promo on frappuccinos on Mondays at Starbucks. 

I already expected the other Starbucks fans that's why I went there before 2 pm which is the time the promo can be availed. 

When I got there, I wasn't early as I thought, the line was already loooooong.

I also bought other drinks for my officemates (green tea, caramel, strawberries and cream).

I rarely order frappes because I always prefer hot drinks than the iced ones. But since this promo rarely happens, I decided to skip my usual white chocolate mocha and try their new drink.

At my first sip, I thought I ordered chocolate chip frappe. I was looking for the light coffee-like taste of mocha but all I can taste is pure chocolate. I started stirring it with the straw to make sure I'm not sipping the concentrated part but it was really how it tasted. If you would look at the contents of the bag, every drink had white whipped cream while my drink had a dark chocolate cream on top making it unique. I quite enjoyed the top part because it wasn't filled with the usual chocolate syrup but with crushed oreo cookies which is my favorite, but it just added more chocolate taste to the drink. I'll rate it 6 out 10 stars. Chocolate lovers would probably enjoy this drink more. I actually liked the other drink (caramel frappe) which my friend ordered. Good thing I just bought it half the normal price =P

Back to School Kikay Tools

June has officially started and that can only mean two things: it's the beginning of rainy season and kids will be back in school. For those who love kawaii stuff, check out these places where you can get super cute items to complete your school gear.

*['Kawaii' - a Japanese term meaning pretty, cute, lovely, charming]

Why stick to the usual boring stuff when it could be fun (and oh so lovely) =P

These items are from Landmark Department Store (Makati) and are very affordable. Their stuff are also perfect for gifts.

This is not a bookstore but this is in Saizen (Robinsons Galleria). All items are P85 each. The good thing is they don't just have items for school but they have stuff for the house, for the car, for the office, toys and food as well. 

I suddenly missed going to school and how I wrapped my books in colorful wrappers and my complete set of gel pens and highlighters. (My school stuff made me excited to go to school haha)

These quirky finds will surely amp up your campus life.
Start your school year with a bang. Be different. Standout. =) 

Make Up Sale

Want to look fab but on a tight budget? Check out some branded makeup at discounted prices!

A.     Golden Ratio Contour Maker #02 Pink

Original Price – Php 518.40         

Selling for – Php 450.00

B.     Rose Marble Peach Blush

Original Price – Php 478.00

Selling for Php 380.00

C.     Sweet Eye Cupcake

Original Price – Php 318.40

Selling for Php 255.00

D.    Peach Beam Blusher

Original Price – Php 382.40       

 Selling for – Php 300.00

 

A.1 L’oreal True Match Makeup Base – 30 ml

Original Price – Php 425.00

Selling for – Php 350.00

A.2 Skin Food Aloe Sun BB Cream 50 g

Original Price – Php 1,200

Selling for Php 700.00

B. L'oreal True Match 30 ml

G3- Golden Beige – used only once

Original Price – Php 995.00

Selling for – Php – 750.00

C. Max Factor Facefinity Compact Foundation 10g (36 M)

Porcelain & Toffee

Original Price – Php 795.00

Selling for Php 650.00

D. Liquid Foundation – Loreal True Match 30ml – (12m)

Sealed with price tag – Php 995.00

Selling for Php – Php 800.00

Left to Right : N1 – Nude Ivory, R2 – Apricot Ivory, N4 –Nude Beige, N7 – Nude Amber

E. Revlon Custom Creations 30ml (24months)

Light Medium – sealed, never been used

Adjustable dial to customize shade

Original Price – Php 875.00

Selling for – Php 700.00

F. The Balm Shelter Tinted Moisturizer – 64 ml

Never been used

Original Price – Php 975

Selling for Php 700

G.  Smashbox Tinted Moisturizer – LIGHT

Note: Used only once

Original Price – Php 1,150.00

Selling for Php 900.00

NYX Round Lipsticks - P120.00 each
Gem
Heredes
Indian Pink
Mars
Alecto
Celebrate
Fig
Frappuccino
Heredes
Peony
Raisin
Spellbound
Flower

Left: The Body Shop Limited Collection for Eyes Selling for Php 900.00

Upper Right (in order):
The Body Shop Tinted Glow Enhancer - Selling for Php 500.00
The Body Shop Illuminating Face Base - Selling for Php 700.00
 The Face Shop Acne Solution Concealer - Selling for Php 300.00

Lower Right:
The Body Shop Shimmer Cubes - Selling for Php 400.00

 Dollface Cosmetics

Upper Photo: 32 Shimmer Eyeshadow with Blusher (never been used)
Original Price: Php 950
Selling Price: Php 750

Lower Photo:  Blusher (never been used)
Original Price: Php 850.00
Selling Price: Php 680.00

Smashbox Master's Class - never been used
Original Price - P 3,200
Selling for P 2,800

Bobbi Brown Collection

Bobbi Brown Pretty Powerful - never been used
Original Price: Php 3,000.00
Selling Price: Php 2,700.00

 

COVERGIRL

Country woods Eyeshadow Palette (Brand new, sealed)

Selling for Php 400.00

 PALLADIO Shimmer Strips (Brand new, sealed)
Original Price - Php 450.00
Selling for Php 380.00

 ELF Bronzing Powder
Warm Tan & Luminance
Selling for P 180.00 each

REVLON Blush & Bronzer (used once only)

Plumberry Prun

Original price: Php 575.00

Selling price: Php 450.00

Top photo: NYX Rouge Cream Blush (never been used)

Dive

Rose Petal

Golden

Bronze Goddess

Original Price - Php 330.00

Selling Price - Php 280.00

Bottom Photo: NYX Rouge Cream Blush (used)

Natural - Php 180.00

Orange - Php 280.00

 IN2IT Face Powder Oil Control

#03 Harvest (never been used)

Original Price: Php 379.75

Selling Price: Php 275.00

 Revlon Just Bitten (Flame) - Lipstain + Balm

Original Price: Php 575.00

Selling for Php 480.00

 

Revlon Colorstay

Brown Enhancer + Highlighter

Medium Brown + Soft Pink (sealed) - Php 480.00

Light brown + Champagne - Php 420.00

Covergirl All-day Lip Color (semi-permanent)

Ever Red-dy

Selling for Php 400.00

Note: There are some items which are slightly used and is noted in the caption.

If you're interested, please contact Iking at 09178106393.

Thanks!=)

Shiny Shimmering Shoes: Mia Gray (Shoebox & Me)

I know that men's wear is becoming a trend for women's fashion. From the boyfriend shirts to men's flats aka loafers. I'm not the fashionista type and I'm more of the comfort over looks type thus I'm really digging men's stuff. When going to the office and you're wearing something smart casual (long sleeved polo and skinny jeans), it's nice to match with some comfy footwear like loafers instead of killer heels. It's also perfect if you're wearing leggings or shorts.

The look:

Women's Jackie Penny Loafer Steel Metallic Leath $86

Lauren by Ralph Lauren Loafers - Glenda Metallic $67

I got my dark gray metallic loafers (Style: Mia) from Shoebox & Me (Robinsons Galleria) for P899. At first I was hesitant to buy it because I wasn't sure if I could work with something metallic and I didn't want something flashy but with its dark gray shade I thought it wouldn't be so bad.

I've tried this last weekend as I was walking around Makati and it was so comfy! Definitely a good buy. I just hope it would last =)

Healthy Hearty Meal

Why is Pho Hoa my go-to healthy place? You'll be assured to have a well-balanced meal. Also their dishes are naturally flavored by fresh vegetables and  herbs with the right mix of your favorite meat toppings.

I ordered minced chicken and mushroom with lettuce wrap with hoisin sauce.

The lettuce wrap was very fresh and crispy while the minced chicken and mushroom was so tasty. It was filled with chopped carrots making it more healthy. It was a perfect low-carb meal.

My brother ordered COM TOM THIT  NUONG - Grilled Pork & Shrimp w/ Rice.

Not much of veggies but less oil for the dish because both the shrimp and pork were grilled. The original recipe is supposed to be vermicelli noodles instead of rice but being a pinoy, it's good for me.

One of the best spring rolls I've ever tasted. So fresh, crispy and tasty =P

Since I wanted to add some 'hotness' in my meals, I poured some 'sriracha' (more like their hot sauce).

Their lemon juice was indeed fresh =)

Ofcourse it won't be complete without having pho (soup) since it was their specialty and it was perfect for the rainy evening. We ordered Pho Do Vien (seafood noodle soup). It had some shrimp and fish balls.

It comes with a plate of additional fresh flavorings like basil leaves, bean sprouts and lime to add taste.

I loved Pho Hoa, I'll definitely go back to have a scrumptious, and guilt-less meal =)

Shot at Pho Hoa Wilson Street, San Juan.