Thursday, January 28, 2016

ASEAN Tourism Forum 2016


The Department of Tourism (DOT) expects the ongoing promotion of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) as a single tourism destination to push economic growth in the region on many fronts.


DOT Secretary Ramon R. Jimenez Jr. says the growth will soon be felt in the various industry sectors as soon as the region starts to reap huge dividends rm attracting global attention to its rich and diverse resources, which the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2016 promotes as one complete package.

Wednesday, January 27, 2016

It's Back! Boon Tong Kee's UNLIMITED Dimsum for P 299!


There were so many restaurants that had me wanting to try them over and over again but wasn't able to feature here in this blog...(sigh!).  One of them is Boon Tong Kee in Mall of Asia.  But I'm ecstatic to share you that there is one great reason to go back on February.

Boon Tong Kee is turning 3 and to celebrate heir 3rd Anniversary, they're bringing back DIM SUM ALL YOU CAN.  This time around, they have partnered with PUSONG PINOY!


For every dim sum you order, P 3 will be donated to Pusong Pinoy's program to as they assist disadvantaged children to learn to read.

Ge t to savor your favorite Singaporean dimsum for just 299 PESOS everyday, unlimited starting at 2 PM until 6 PM.  The promo is available  every Monday to Friday starting February 1, 2016.

Eat all the siomai, fried dumplings, pork buns, chicken feet, crispy bean curd, you want and much more only at Boon Tong Kee!

AVAILABLE AT ALL BTK BRANCHES! Drop by UP Town Center, Rockwell Powerplant, and SM Moa Boon Tong Kee branch for unlimited goodness

Visit Boon Tong Kee's Facebook Page for more updates...

Tuesday, January 26, 2016

Educating my Girls About Acne

My third kid is about to be twelve in a few months, that means puberty is bound to happen sooner or later, which means dreaded scenes from first time menstruation, inevitable body changes and pesky pimples.

What lies beneath the pimple issue is the truth about acne, and moms like me aren't spared of this dreaded teen skin problem.  Though I was one of those teen who were lucky enough not to experience acne in my teen stage, sad to say my two girls have them.  Thanks to Proactiv, I was able to control it in my 17 yr-old daughter.

Teens who have acne may have it at some point in their life or it may last for a few months, years even.  My 11 yr-old now has it, scattered on her forehead and it's really bothering me.
So, let's take some time to delve in to what really acne is, oh, my daughter has to listen as well...

A One Way Dining Experience, Comfort Food with Fine Dining Pizzazz


People who knew me might be so tired of me magnifying lyrical about Italian grubs. I’ve said it a million times probably, on my blogs and to people who would ask me about my favorite cuisine. However, I’m not that choosy.  I can go with burgers for days or even pastries for a day however I must admit that as I go binge-ing for pure comfort food, whether it be Italian or Mediterranean in general, I would often go back to slithering saucy pasta and unusual thin crust brick oven pizzas and on rare occasions, sauce-laden rack of lamb.

Sufficing my cravings for the usual comfort brought about eating Italian foods, there would be several ways to lead my tummy.


This time, allow me to lead you to a one-way street which will definitely bring you right at home where comfort food awaits, and where you could also find the best Mediterranean food.
One of the delicious secret pleasures of being led in this one way street is finding One Way Restaurant, which is at the corner of Salcedo and Benavides streets at Legazpi Village, Makati.



Sunday, January 24, 2016

City Savor's New Year Feast


If you think Bhogs and I had enough of New Year's feasting, well it ain't over yet, the last round of City Savor for the year that was, 2015, and they still made it for the post-New Year Feast, which happened last January 9.


Trion Tower's backyard was made into a dining hot spot for a day, as food and beverage purveyors and foodies met up and shared the joy of enjoying food in a whole new light.

After doing some street rounds at Malate, including Robinsons' Department Store, we headed early to BGC to check out new food finds and chit chat with some upcoming artisan food sellers.  Thanks to Samantha of City Savor and Elaine of Zomato for the opportunity to do so.


City Savor was able to pull off an event where foodies and food purveyors gathered harmoniously over good food and music, all thanks to Robinsons Land Corporation in partnership with Ampersand Collective and McCormick Philippines.

Let me share you some photos depicting how my husband and I enjoyed the event.


Cooking Demo and food sampling were given by McCormick Philippines.


Food purveyors include Takao by Resultado Gourmet.


I had a fruity beer sampled by Dudes Cold Craft Beer's booth.


Beer lovers will surely rave for the Kalinga Kolsch, a light beer with berry and flowery after-note.


Local citrus and apples were also available at Farm Fresh Fruits' booth, with lemons for only P 25 each, such a steal!


Native Gourmet products.


Jacob's Praline Peanut Butter anyone?


.

The innovative and purely practical way of getting your freshly brewed coffee anytime without having to use any gizmos- Steep Coffee.  Ground coffee in bags were up for grabs, you don't need to spend more than a hundred to get your coffee fix.



Choco ATBP's booth stole my heart on that day and I instantly had my hot tsokolate ah.  



On the same booth are these Sugar-free brownies.




Since we were there for lunch we had Takao's Bagnet Kare-kare.


Not to forget Snow Shack's snow ice.


But we fancied ourselves with Buccino's Ice Cream Experiments' Rose Olive Oil ice cream.  This was definitely my kind of ice cream, light, rose scented and he taste that's indulgent without the "umay."

Can't wait for the next one!

For updates on future events, do visit City Savor's Facebook Page.

Monday, January 18, 2016

Kitchen for the Nails Equals Kitchenails


I could never equate kitchen and my nails all at the same.  Can you?  Any body who knows me can really tell how working at my kitchen have taken its toll on my hands and much less on my nails. It's not surprising that certain symptoms occur from everyday wear and tear or from overuse of my arms, hands and fingers from cooking, washing dishes and preparing meals for my family.

Can I say that my hands and my kitchen can be enemies and friends at the same time too? They both work hand in hand (pun intended, haha get it?) as I make way for a fun meal.  On the other hand (again sorry for the over use of the word), they can be enemies too.  After being in the kitchen for quite some time, my hands became wrinkly, dry and my nails look awful.


So it was quite a surprise to hear about a nail salon that comes with a nomenclature - Kitchenails. Who wouldn't?!  But let me say it was a genius idea, but I didn't realize it yet not after visiting their first branch in Alabang Town Center.


A visit was totally a feast for the senses. 

I love the interior with the shabby chic design, right up my alley really.  From the wooden floor to the two-toned wall painting to the spangles placed on mantle pieces above, they all speak of the comfort of the heart of every home, the kitchen.  Though I do love the couches, it could be even better if they stick to the kitchen theme by using dining chairs instead and butcher-block tables or faux granite counter as tables...well there goes my two-cents' worth.


While I was still adoring the place and seeing familiar kitchen stuff, and of course after being welcomed and seated comfortably, I was handed-over a menu, which kinda looked liked a blackboard, oh yeah, a blackboard menu, how cool! 

Yes, we're still at a spa!

I was asked to pick from Chef Specials, said to be the pampering service paired with a manicure or a pedicure.  Choices are: Lemon Squares, Candied Oranges, Spiced Plum Pannacotta, Very Berry Muffin and Key Lime Pie. Lemme remind you that I was still at a nail salon here, the list aren't ingredients or are they?  

I was really ready to have a foot spa, but the treatment was for a hand pampering.  

The idea was to experience these delighting bespoke scrubs, masks and creams inspired from the natural remedies these ingredients give.

I chose the last one, Key Lime Pie.  


Lookey, they also have cheat sheets (well, I don't really know they call it) for my pampering needs and limitations. Making every client feel their needs are really met and safety is also a priority.



The hand treatment began with a soak, in my case, my hands were soaked, not at a basin but on a baking tray, supported by a baking sheet, what's more is that the soak is prepared by mixing it in water, oh I meant whisking it in the water, of course with a plastic whisk.


After being soaked, and cleansed off, a patch of wax was then applied on my lower arms.  The scent was invigorating. What took me by surprise was that it looked to me as I was being frosted, or perhaps a batter being applied, till a clingy was wrapped around both m arms and the staff who cared for me said, "ready to be baked, Maam..."  

After 10 minutes or so, the plastic removed, arms cleansed and another uplifting citrus-scented cream was applied and my arms and hands were massaged...heaven...just what I needed working in my kitchen.

The pampering package, Chef's Specials includes, a manicure with organic and branded nail polishes or a pedicure.  Apparently, my gel polishes were still new and good so I opted not to change it, but the staff was kind enough to removed dry skin around my nails.


I haven't fully experienced their services yet, since I only had a hand treatment, but rest assured I'll check them out for you, cause I'll definitely visit them again.  This is one pampering I've definitely been craving for.  Hmmm, if only I could taste those creams, cause their insanely glorious.

Check out more photos of them below...






KITCHENAILS

Address:  Alabang Town Center, behind Gerry's Grill

Thursday, January 14, 2016

Man vs. Child: Chef Showdown Premiers on Asia


One of the wonderful bonding moments I have with my small girls are watching cooking shows on cable and it inspired me to put more beautiful dishes on our table.  More so, it had sparked remarkably on my 10-year old daughter and made her more interested in cooking up a storm on my kitchen.  Not only that we gain more tips and tricks in making our tummies really happy, it encouraged my kids to do stuff that no regular man can do.

On that note, let me just give you an exciting news fellow cooks and bakers would be so happy about, and let me tell you how it also got us in a tizzy.

We have been seeing commercials of Man vs. Child on Skycable Ch. 65 and it never failed to give us smiles seeing the littlest chef looking like an Asian doll together with other chefs.  This brand new cooking competition will surely turn up the heat as it premiers in Asia on January 26 at 7 PM and 10 PM.

Tuesday, January 12, 2016

Sunday Wandering: Hinulugang Taktak and Yellow Lantern Cafe


For just a short ride up East of Manila is a different world apart from the ones we usually sleep at night and wake up with in the morning.  Antipolo, which I knew from the song, Tayo na sa Antipolo, which we sang during my elementary years is the largest city in CALABARZON and famed for its panoramic view of the metro.

Every visit was exciting, there would always be something new to see and taste... I couldn't count the times it took my breath away with either it's delicacy or with its view. 

One "no-class" day, our Dad decided to bring the kids for a ride and see how Hinulugang Taktak is being refurbished.  On that same afternoon, I added a few spots to visit for a snack and dinner.


No More Worries About Those Post-Holiday Pounds with Philips Power Juicer



I've been noticing a lot of my friends in FB having trouble with their post-holiday bods. Nothing knew after the abundance of delicious food last Christmas and New Year’s Eve, it’s not surprising anymore that most have gained a few pounds over the holidays. I do believe in the power of staying healthy even during the holidays but what can I say, "masarap talaga kumain tuwing Pasko at Bagong Taon!"  We even had steaks, Porchetta and loads of heavenly sugar-loaded and carbo-rich dishes. 

Hence, let me put my two cents here. An easy yet delicious way of returning to a healthy regimen is juice cleansing or some may refer to it as detox juicing.  By consuming fresh fruit and vegetable juice as part of a diet program, the body is able to get rid of built-up toxins from unhealthy food and habits. It also helps the body absorb the nutrients it needs to jump-start metabolism for weight loss.

Sunday, January 10, 2016

Refreshing Treats for Century Park Hotel’s New Year Kick-Off


As we all welcome a wonderful 2016, Century Park Hotel embraces the New Year with cool treats.

Here are just some of them...

They have extended their special Christmas room package with a special room rates for the Classic Superior room at P5,000 net / room / night and Deluxe room / Studio / One-Bedroom Park Tower suite / Junior Superior suite at P 6,000 net / room/ night. Packages include complimentary buffet breakfast for two at the Café in the Park plus P500 credit in all hotel-operated food and beverage outlets. Promo is until January 15, 2016.

Thursday, January 7, 2016

Buon Giorno! Caffe and Bistro at Tagaytay Twin Lakes


Tagaytay had always been unapologetic of it's innate beauty and luxurious lifestyle.  No wonder that the population of restaurants and malls had been constantly moving up as people continue to be in awe of the things that is has to offer. 

As the number of people rise to a crowd in every season, famed establishments gets stuffier and the need to be in a relaxed ambiance is already compromised.  So it's a good a news to have Twin Lakes around to bring Tagaytay-goers to a different level, pun intended.

Tagaytay Twin Lakes is said to become the country's first-ever vineyard resort community and the first master-planned integrated tourism estate in the area. This top-notched project was made possible by Global-Estates Resorts Inc.which is a subsidiary of Megaworld Corp.  

Aside from the spectacular view of the world-famous Taal Volcano, Tagaytay Twin Lakes offers residential villas, condominiums, townhouses, hotel and resort, commercial and retail hubs as well as sports and leisure facilities on the rise.

The commercial area is almost complete and have launched a number of dining spots already, and one of them is Buon Giorno.

Wednesday, January 6, 2016

Globe Platinum: Master Chef JP Anglo's Key Partner


Globe platinum is excited to have Chef JP join the family as one of its newest face. Alongside other customers, Chef JP gets to live modern lifestyles in today’s digital setting, as he’s success goes beyond the kitchen and is evident in every part of his life.  Globe Platinum makes sure he’s always inspired and connected to everything and everyone they love, so that he can continue achieving his success.

Without a hint of surprise, foodies knew that Chef JP has become both a role model and an inspiration for today’s young generation. Not only did he pushed Ilongo's regional cuisine in the dining market, he was one of the first people to forge a successful track in culinary and kick start a vibrant, exciting culture of Philippine contemporary cuisine. “It was not easy, believe me, but I’m happy for all the obstacles that came my way,” he says. “Going through those helped me become the best version of myself.”

Friday, January 1, 2016

Grateful and Humbled for 2015

 

There are a million and one things I am grateful for this year.  Last night, thundering sounds of fireworks and fire-crackers sounded off alerting everyone that the leaf had changed, from 2015 to 2016.  A minute, a second, a micro-second will be the difference in that transition.  You can look past the year (if you could see the future) or look back at the year that was - 2015.


And since I'm not done lecturing about gratitude, let me just practice what I'm teaching.  You see, no one is bullet-proof when shot with a depressing past. It's hard to accept setbacks kicking in from time to time when you can't see clearly your visions in getting to your dreams. And yes, even though all the people you know calls you JOY, it doesn't really mean that you are living out your name every second of the day.

To fight negative thoughts back, one way is to count your blessings, I'm so happy that this blog had been always a medium for me to keep all the amazing things that have happened this year. In that note, I can also keep track of who to thank for the opportunity.

So do forgive me for enlisting here valuable experiences which have made my life happier and have magically made resounded my name...

Firstly, let me announce that I had Botox and had the best, luxurious facial ever!
All thanks to Luminisce for helping me achieve a younger "skin-feels."


Thanks to Dr. Kaycee for educating me about #skinvesting and to Kathy Kenny Ngo for inviting me to Luminisce. (Read about my Luminisce review here).


Also thanks to Proactiv for making me one of their brand ambassadors, getting first dibs on what's out and about in one of the most trusted beauty product.


I haven't really thanked this person on how she had inspired me to give full attention to myself at times.  Even though she reached the age of 40 she maintained a sexy bod by doing workouts at home through Youtube videos.  Donned in white bikini she rocked the beach shore and showed everyone that she still has it, envied by women even younger than her.

She may not know it but with what she did triggered something in me, which I thought I could not do anymore, well she also encourage me to do the same though.

So, thanks Joy Mendiola of Occasions of Joy for giving me the courage to wear a two-piece swimsuit without putting myself to shame.

Above, is a photo of moi taken by the hubby at our family vacation at Maribago Bluewater early last year.  With that I also had to thank the resort and the brilliant and kind people behind it.  Thanks Ms. Margie Munsayac for giving us the best family vacation to date.  Thanks Sir Pete Dacuycuy for being our bridge in the process.  Do read about the beautiful Maribago Bluewater Beach Resort here.

Thanks to the PR and Communications team of Resorts World Manila and Megaworld Lifestyle Malls for their unfailing invitations to their amazing events and for the perks that went with it.



Thanks to Ms. Lyn Matro of Pevonia and my friend, Merna Brazil of Brazil Spa for the ultimate spa time in the days that I terribly needed relaxation, rejuvenation and healing.

Pevonia is a facial product I truly adore and would bet all my pennies with. This is what Brazil Spa uses on their facial treatments and with Aum Spa at Crimson Hotel, Lapu-Lapu, Cebu.

You may want to read my experience at Aum Spa here.

Thanks to my PR friends who continually trust our blog with their products, projects and events.

Thanks to restaurant owners and marketing staff who have acknowledged our humble blog and have introduced me to their passion which I share with them and that is, what else than food.

Thanks to Marikit Figuerras of DepEd for making me go back to the profession I have somewhat turned my back from - education, and getting first hand info from the Department of Education, to share to fellow moms and educ advocates.

Thanks to the Department of Tourism for noticing my blog and involving me in their tours and events.  My experiences with their staff and executives made me feel more proud to be  Filipino and had been so in love in traveling the country.


Thanks to my family in Milan, Italy for being my top supporters in Europe and my fountain of inspiration and love.

That's their Christmas boodle, btw.  You probably know where I got my foodie-traits from.


Thanks to my husband for giving me time so I can keep up with friends and with this blog.

To all those I have never mentioned but made marks on my life, you know who you are, thank you from the bottom of my heart.  To all my blog readers and blogger friends who I have interacted with throughout my blogging years, you are all awesome!

Lastly, I give my humble thanks giving to the person who had made all this happen.

To The Lord Jesus Christ!

Isaiah 12:4 NIV

 In that day you will say: "Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted.

Cheers to 2015 and more to 2016!