Christmas Party with the Yang Cousins

The aunties, uncles, cousins and babies from the mother side of my family. Since we were little, we usually celebrate Christmas Eve at our Gwama and Gwakong's Place in Villa Teresa Angeles City. But both our grandparents are not with us anymore so the cousins decided to make another holiday tradition of spending it at a cousin's place instead.

Summer Palace at Edsa Shangri-la Manila

Last 23rd of December we celebrated my cousin's birthday at Summer Palace. All the relatives gathered together to celebrate the happy event over superb food and funny conversations. Prepare to drool my dear readers because my aunt ordered all our favorites!

New Year New Haircut at Kerastase Institute by Salon Esa

I went to Kerastase Institute by Salon Esa with my Achi who just came back from China. We always visit the salon together whenever she comes back in Manila for a visit. I was feeling experimental. I was game to do something different with my hair. Rachel, my hairstylist, on the other hand kept saying "NO NO NO!" to all my suggestions...

" Rachel I really want a new look for this new year so do that. " I said with finality. ( taray! )

Scroll down to find out what happened next.  

Outfit Post # 57

Sweet Pea Kit from 1 Acces Packaging

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Don't you ever get annoyed that whenever you travel you have to bring your jumbo sized toiletries that take up 1/4 of your luggage space? Don't you find it wasteful of your precious baggage weight to bring those newly opened 100ml or more necessary liquid products when you only need a tiny amount because you're only going away for less than a week?

I found my solution to that!

Cucina Andare at Glorietta Park

Last Saturday, my family and I checked the newly opened Cucina Andare located at the Glorietta Park. It is the first food truck market in the Philippines. It has a number of food trucks and food stalls hungry foodies can choose from. Compared to Mercato Centrale, this late night food venue is smaller but still a good and fun place to hang out nonetheless. Do check out some of the food trucks and stalls we stopped by that night. 

Merry Christmas!

Lush: Karma Bubble Bar

Jun Jun's Bibingka & Barbeque Restaurant at Fil-Am Friendship Highway, Angeles City

To my readers who do not know, my mom is Kapampangan. My mom's family hails from Angeles Pampanga. She knows how to speak the language fluently but I can only understand a bit. Anyway, right after college, I packed my things and moved to the province to help out in our business. Lately, I've been thinking of doing restaurant posts from my beloved place. Spending every summer breaks in Angeles since I was little and now that I'm staying permanently for work, I have tried a lot of good eateries here. As you know, Kapampangan cuisine is one of the best in the Philippines. So I want to start my Pampanga food entries with the best barbeque place in town which is Jun Jun's Bibingka and Barbeque Restaurant at Friendship Road.

Tao Yuan Hotpot at Malate, Manila

We're back to my dining for 2 restaurant posts! One bright morning, the companion and I decided to have a hearty hotpot soup for brunch. Since we didn't want to drive far, we went to Tao Yuan Malate to have it. Take a look at what 2 people can finish in one sitting! You'd be amazed!

Outfit Post # 56

Spice Market at Misibis Bay Resort

We had 2 dinner buffets and 2 breakfast buffets at Spice Market inside the Misibis Bay Resort. We had to because it was included in our Deal Grocer Package. What did we think about the food? Scroll down to find out! 

Balay Cena Una at Daraga, Albay

After touring around Legazpi the entire morning, one of our tour mates suggested we have lunch at Balay Cena Una before heading to Misibis Bay Resort. Since we were just planning to have late lunch inside the resort because we didn't know any restaurants worth detouring outside, we all consented to the aunt's suggestion.

Outfit Post # 55

Lady Satin Pillowcases

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Thinking what's the best gift to be given to loved ones this holiday season? 

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Destination: Misibis Bay (Part 2)

( Continuation of Misibis Bay Part 1... )

After checking in at the front desk and booking our activities, off to our villa for the next 3 days. The whole resort was big enough and the landscape was beautiful. I also noticed the surrounding was extremely clean. Not a trash can be seen anywhere.

Destination: Misibis Bay (Part 1)

Early last month, an aunt of mine arranged a trip for us to Misibis Bay. She's a seasoned traveler that even well known travel agencies call her up just to ask details about any country around the world. Anyway, Auntie Ellen did all the arrangements in this mini trip. All we had to do was send the check and show up in the airport. It was extremely relaxing and nice.

I believe she got the deal from Deal Grocer. The package includes 3 days and 2 night stay at a 1 Bedroom Premier Suite with outdoor Jacuzzi inside Misibis Bay. Free round-trip airport transfer to / from Legazpi City and the resort. Daily breakfast and dinner for 4. City tour upon arrival. Free use of non-motorized sports equipment. The whole package costs about 40k more or less. Airfare was about 5k per person from Cebu Pacific.

Birthday Presents from Friends

Good morning everyone! How was your 12-12-12 day yesterday? Mine was completely normal. Nothing extraordinary happened. lol. But it's alright, because I got the most amazing gifts on my birthday!

At my age, I still get presents from my girlfriends! I actually told them not to get me anything anymore because I'm way too old to receive gifts. Their company at my celebration is enough for me. But they all still went out of their way and got me the nicest and sweetest things. 

WOohoo!!!

TWG Tea Salon & Boutique at Greenbelt 5

Here is the last entry of my birthday celebration series. I had a beautiful brunch with another group of gorgeous girlfriends at the recently opened TWG Tea Salon and Boutique located at Greenbelt 5. Goldi and I went to the salon the second week it opened but there was a long wait list and we were starving so we just ate at a different cafe. TWG does not accept phone reservations so one must really queue up and have your name booked by the receptionist there.

Buddha Bar at Picar Place, Makati City

Next restaurant I celebrated my birthday at was the fabulous Buddha Bar along Kalayaan Avenue in Makati City. The huge bar was built impressively with the same interior as the original one located in Paris. The girls and I chose this place because for one we haven't tried dining here and two, we heard a lot of great reviews about it. I decided to have an early dinner because I forgot to make a reservation and feared we wouldn't have any table that night.

Happy 9 at Genting Club, Resorts World Manila

Happy Monday everyone! 

Last weekend I celebrated my birthday having 3 different dinners with 3 different groups of people. So here is the first birthday dinner post from my birthday celebration series.

First was my birthday salubong or the night before my actual birthday. I had a wonderful ostentatious, very elegant, very nice dinner with my family. Chef Ah Seng personally prepared a 6 course delicious meal to be enjoyed by me and my love ones. Chef Ah Seng said he slaved for 2 days in advance in his kitchen just to make my dinner party extra special.

 

He is one of the sweetest chef I know so do look for him whenever you dine at Happy 9.

Ang Bistro sa Remedios at Malate, Manila

Twas the night before my Achi and her entire family left for China. For their last meal in Manila, they asked for authentic Filipino food. They also requested a restaurant near our place because they still had a lot of things to pack ( they like to procrastinate! ). Ang Bistro sa Remedios solved all of those requirements!

Theo & Philo Philippine-Made Artisan Chocolates

A couple of weeks ago, Resorts World Manila invited us for a Grand Fiesta Party. Inside the loot bag they gave was this delicious box of chocolates!

"The product you are about to enjoy are Philippine-made artisanal chocolates from Theo & Philo. The cacao and ingredients used to create these bars are regional specialties found only in the islands, and combined to create uniquely Filipino chocolate pleasures."

Shi Lin at Power Plant Mall

After a movie, we walked around the mall to look for a dinner place. Much to our surprise, we saw a Shi Lin Restaurant at one corner! We always travel all the way to Podium whenever we are craving for those oh-so-yummy dumplings but we don't have to do that anymore now that they opened a new branch closer to our home. Since our tummies were still full of popcorn, Potato Corner's Trio Fries, and soda, I suggested we have a light meal of Xiao Long Baos and noodles.

Yakimix at Robinsons Place Manila

Feeling super hungry one night after a good treadmill run at the gym, the companion and I decided to satisfy that hunger and get back the calories we lost thru Yakimix.

Outfit Post # 54

SuperSale Bazaar Shopping Haul at World Trade Center

There's a SUPERSALE BAZAAR happening at the World Trade Center from December 1 to 5. I went there last Sunday and did my Christmas shopping for friends as I am on a shopping ban for myself :D

By the way, the Bazaar is located AT THE TENT BESIDE the World Trade Center Building. I got confused and went inside the main building only to find out I went to the wrong one. So if you are confused just ask where the trendy fashionable clothes are being sold at.

Please don't forget to pass by LUSCIOUS CLOSET for their latest collection and cheap 1 for P300 and 2 for P500 dress racks!

Trio at The Fort

I haven't seen my two older siblings for quite some time now. My Achi is currently far far away near the seaport of China while my Dichi is just in her house taking care of her babies. Both my sisters are hands on mothers so we hardly even talk for more than 10 minutes on the cellphone without them saying they needed to go because one of my nieces might be screaming or doing something naughty.

Anyway for some unbelievable reason, my Dichi decided to come out of her HIVE and invited us for some dinner. Rin ( our baby sister ) suggested Trio because she was having her Bohemia Bazaar that day at a nearby place.

Yellow Cab Pizza at La Salle Taft Branch

Another one of my dinners with KD the busy bee.

As usual she cannot go anywhere so I have to catch her at her work place and we pondered which proper restaurant to have dinner at.

We chose Yellow Cab Pizza Place. Eating at this place brought back a lot of good memories. When I was still studying at DLSU, this was the place where I celebrated my 21th birthday with my practicum group mates. This was also the place we had lunch after our successful defense. <3

Lush: Chrismas Eve Bubble Bar

Turkey To Go by Marriott Cafe Executive Chef Meik Brammer

Last Sunday night we celebrated late Thanksgiving dinner with a huge roasted bird! That was probably my first time to celebrate the event because as Filipino Chinese, we just don't bother to observe it. We ordered one Turkey to Go set from Marriott Cafe and had it delivered at the Executive Lounge so that their chef can properly slice it for us. 

"Turkey to Go! November 22, Dec 24 and 25, 2012 Php 7500

Counting down to a big family gathering but too busy to cook? Have a gourmet style roasted turkey prepared by no less than Executive Chef Meik Brammer. 

All turkey to go comes with cranberry sauce, corn bread stuffing and sauteed brussel sprouts with bacon. Please call to order and allow 48 hours before pick up, Turkey to go can be collected at Java counter at the Ground Level of Marriott Hotel Manila."

Watami Japanese Casual Restaurant at SM Mall of Asia

Last November 11, we headed to SM Mall of Asia to try the newly opened Watami Restaurant ( it just opened that same day ). We were SUPER EAGER because Watami is one of the restaurants we frequently go to whenever we are in Hong Kong. There are a couple of Watami branches in Hong Kong but the one we dine at is located at Hang Lung Center in Causeway Bay right in front of Saboten. So anyway lets see if the first Philippine branch is any good as that.

Last Weekend Snacks: Krispy Kreme, Buco Express, Potato Corner, R Lapid's

Walking around Glorietta last Saturday, this caught our attention. There was like a 30 min line towards Krispy Kreme. Being "USI" we went there and found out Citibank has this promo of giving away free donuts upon purchasing a certain amount. DAMN! How come nobody told us that?! I have been using my Metrobank Card that gives away nothing for free when I also have a Citibank card that I hardly use! When the companion saw how frustrated I was, he said he'll get me donuts just to stop me from ranting. OWW.. How sweet..

Chanel: Rouge Coco 19 Gabrielle

I want to pay tribute to my first ever Chanel lipstick. How fitting it would be that I got the Chanel #19 Gabrielle Rouge Coco lipstick, named after the famous Gabrielle "Coco" Bonheur Chanel herself and as for the number, she was born on August 19, 1883. I got this a year ago at Kuala Lumpur Airport. I don't use it much, I only use it on special occasions or fancy dinner dates. It's a bit expensive so I'm kinda like saving it. lol

Italianni's at Robinsons Place Manila

When KD, Chloe, and I met up for dinner, guess where we ate again?!

Reyes Barbecue + Pepper Lunch + Masatami at Glorietta 4 Food Choices

One Saturday night, we were craving for Aristocrat Barbeque. But then we had to go to Glorietta Mall because my Masatami Shave Ice Coupons were about to expire. I Googled and found out there's a Reyes Barbecue located at the third floor food court named Food Choices. I've never dined there before so I was pretty hyped in checking out the place on what other food stalls are available.

Cafe Adriatico at SM Mall of Asia

Cafe Adriatico is truly an old favorite of the entire family. Drinking hot chocolate with Suman is one of the best childhood memories I have of that establishment. Since our house is near Malate Area, we often have lovely weekend dinners there when the city did not have a lot of restaurant options before.

Lush Haul

A couple of weeks ago, while walking around Glorietta Mall, I passed by the LUSH Store. The strong perfumey scent of the products allured me into walking inside and made me purchased a number of things! 

The mind was strong but the nose was weak. NYAHAHAHA! 

I had to give in and took home these pleasurable scented little goodies.

Destination: Macau

My photo diary of our 6 day vacation in Macau last October 24 to 29.

Feel free to check it out.

Ponte 16 Tak Heng Seafood Hot Pot

Hello darlings! How's your weekday going? Mine's really slow.. :(

Anyway, this will be my last restaurant post from my Macau trip. Woohoo!

For our last dinner in Macau, they asked me what I wanted to eat. I was craving for something tummy warming so I suggested we have a delicious Hot Pot dinner to cap off our 6-day vacation.

Titanic Exhibition at The Venetian Macau

We were scheduled to cross over to Hong Kong that day but due to laziness unforeseen event ( not waking up early ), they decided not to go there anymore. I felt bad because I was pretty excited to visit my favorite shops ( Cotton On, H&M, and other small shops ). Anyway to cheer me up the companion did  a quick research on what shows or other cool stuff we can do that afternoon. He brought me to The Venetian Hotel to see the Titanic Exhibition while the parents rested and slept the afternoon away.

"Come see the new interactive exhibition organized together with National Geographic, showcasing over 400 artifacts from The Titanic, her sister ships, and famous films to tell the chronological, dramatic tale."

"Learn about the design, creation, launch and tragedy of the largest, most luxurious ship in the world at the time. Titanic artifacts are set inside beautiful recreations of the ship’s interior and tell the latest details of her sinking and discovery."

Color Combos: Rose Moisturizing Mask

Estabelecimento De Comidas Lok Kei, Macau

Some might be thinking we only stayed in Macau for less than a week, how come my food posts seem to be never ending? Let me explain this. There's really not much to do in Macau other than eat. So whenever we go there, all I do is rest, eat, and maybe shop a little. Most of my shopping takes place when/if we crossover to Hong Kong. So a typical day would be like this ( take our 4th day as an example ), we had brunch at Nagoyaka Tei; I had small snacks at a lot of cafes and one of them was Milk Top; we had dinner at Antica Trattoria da Ise; and had supper around midnight at Lok Kei. We technically chow up to 5 times daily so I have a lot of food places to post but you guys might be getting bored already so I'm screening them and just posting the interesting ones. :D

LUSCIOUS CLOSET @ Bohemia Bazaar!!!

LUSCIOUS CLOSET will be having one of it's major bazaars this coming Saturday and Sunday at 34th Corner 9th Street, Bonifacio Global City ( very near Mercato Centrale ). You will see a lot of silk, velvet, leather, and brocade from the NEWEST Luscious Closet Holiday Collection that will be sold there.  Items are perfect to be worn for Christmas parties or New Year celebrations and can also be given as gifts to love ones. The shop will also be selling old favorites such as neon, floral, and cut-out dresses and tops.

Outfit Post # 53

Antica Trattoria da Isa, Macau

You guys know I cannot leave Macau without having a meal at Antica Trattoria da Isa. We keep on coming back here because other than the fabulous food they serve, we just love the friendly warmth of all the servers who are all Filipinos by the way. Click here and here for previous posts.

Macau Shopping Haul

I didn't shop a lot. HONEST!

Would you believe I didn't buy a single article of clothing? Winter is fast approaching so all of the clothes being sold there were heavy winter things. Since I couldn't buy any clothes , I stocked up on my favorite beauty products and bought a couple of new items to try on.

Check them out.

Milk Top at Senado Square, Macau

Sandwiched between Swatch Store and McDonald's is Milk Top. This is one of my favorite dessert shop in Macau. I would usually have two scoops on a hot day, and I would definitely still have two scoops on a cold day!

Nagoyaka Tei at Fisherman's Wharf, Macau

After strolling around Fisherman's Wharf, I met up with the companion and family for a late lunch. They asked me what I would like to eat and since I've been eating a lot of Chinese food for the past few days, I therefore replied I want Japanese food. Off to Nagoyaka Tei then!

Macau Fisherman's Wharf

One of the nicest places in Macau is the Fisherman's Wharf. Tourists rarely come here because they usually allot just a day or two to see the entire Macau. Most of them would go Casino Hotel hopping or just go to Senado Square to see the pretty much overrated St Paul's Ruins.

I myself RARELY go to Fisherman's Wharf even if it is just across the street to where I am staying. So during my last trip, I vowed I will go and visit the beautiful place again.