HAPPY NEW YEAR Everyone!!!

Greeting you all a Happy New Year!!!

With Much Love From, 

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Enjoy your Happy New Year and Shopping on Sheinside

Sheinside is greeting us all a happy holidays and to help you welcome 2014 in style head on to their website for oh-so-lovely clothes that will gain you praises from friends and family as you welcome the new year!

Sheinside Happy Holiday 2014

Enjoy your Happy New Year and Shopping time on Sheinside

Upon checking their online store, I immediately spotted these dresses that got me drooling over, and yes, you guessed it right I immediately added them to my wishlist!

Ahaishopping.com Lip Print Long-Sleeved Shirt Review

I love being a blogger, because, not only do I get to share my life experiences with the world and be able to help people in some way through sharing my reviews about my latest travels, online shopping finds and foodie trips, I'm starting to receive freebies which I believe is a blessing that comes along from doing what I love to do more than having it recognized as blogger perks. 

I've been a fan and follower of Ahaishopping.com for a significant amount of time now. It is one of the many online stores I frequently visit. I also hosted a giveaway collaboration with Ahaishopping last August and it was a huge success!

Happy Holidays!

Lots of Love,

holiday card care of: www.paperlesspost.com


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Persunmall December Winners Announced!

Persunmall December Winners announced!

Check it here: 

Persunmall December Winners

For those who are asking if who won from my blog, as I mentioned in my blog post about this giveaway and if you have carefully read it, it says in one of the paragraphs there:

"This giveaway is Open Internationally and will end on the 20th of December. A total of 10 winners will be chosen from all the participants worldwide and it will be announced on Persunmall's Facebook page on the 21st of December."

Which clearly states that "10 winners will be chosen from all the participants worldwide".

All the valid entries, from all the blogs worldwide that hosted the giveaway, were closely monitored and collected by Persunmall, and from all those entries they chose the winner.

They also sent an email to all the winners.

Hope this information helps.

Thank you all so much for your continued support!

Lovelots!


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Post Card Coats ala Duchess of Cambridge: An Ericdress.com Feature

Are you a fan or do you have style crush on Kate Middleton? Do you want royal-worthy postcard coat dresses that resembles the winter outfits of the Duchess of Cambridge? Then read on...

Winter coats are the staple in any Autumn-Winter wardrobe, and this season we've been overwhelmed with lots of choices. This season’s coats are looking seriously good and I guess those of you who are experiencing a white and chilly Christmas are going to love snuggling up in these pretty pieces. 

TIPSY PIG: A Gastropub That Delivers The Gastro! (Part 2)

Continuation...  The Gastro Part:

Tipsy Pig Gastropub offers a variety of menu options that would satisfy everyone's unique taste. They both render  new/unique and familiar dishes ranging from appetizers, soups, salads, pasta, sandwiches, burgers, big plates, main courses and bar chows. We were able to see something on the menu that seems familiar but when they were already on our plates and were able to finally taste them, we thought to ourselves that much care is taken in the creation of each dish.

Before I go on,  first of.. I'm in no way a food connoisseur so I don’t know how to properly describe the dishes. I'm just someone who loves to eat and knows how to appreciate if the food is great or just so-so.

TIPSY PIG: A Gastropub That Delivers The Gastro! (Part 1)

I absolutely believe that more pounds will be added to what excess I already have before this year ends because of tad too many parties and get-togethers I’ll be attending this holiday season. The first  Saturday of this month kicked it off, when a few of my good college friends decided to meet up for dinner that will serve as our Christmas party. Of which we usually don’t do on a regular basis especially when most of the Cluster PG members (what we call our group in college because we all love to eat!) have migrated abroad. It’s rarely that we see each other now and Facebook messaging became our only means of endlessly chatting with each other. But when we do meet up, it’s a hundred percent that the gathering will surely be a blast.

Jonnah invited us and recommended that we try out this new place in Capitol Commons (Pasig City), TIPSY PIG GASTROPUB, where the chef happens to be her brother Jared. We were supposed to be a group of 6, Jonnah brought along their friend, Ryne, who also happens to be our schoolmate in college too, so the ending was it’s just the five of us who had dinner.

One Memorable Night at Romulo Cafe'

When  I started this blog, my only goal was to share my life experiences to anyone who finds my blog interesting enough to stop by and read through it.  In my "About Me" page I wrote there that I "I blog about anything from fashion, beauty,travel, recreation, food and other random thoughts." I even apologized for times that most or some of my post is of poor composition. This is because I am not a very particular with my sentence construction nor I am not trained  to be a writer. 

When I write about something, most of the time I think of it like I'm just telling a story to a friend. Moreover, the ultimate goal is just to relay my thoughts, my ideas, my latest travels, my latest gastronomic adventure and all other daily endeavors, on the hope that I can relate to anyone through my life experiences, every now and then.

It's the Holidays! An Aupie.com Feature

It's the Holidays already! Everyone's getting busier by the day, traffic gets heavier and heavier each day, almost all of us will be bitten by the Holiday bug and we're all going to be caught up with a bunch of parties and get-togethers one after the other!

Shopping may become stressful here and now, due to congested traffic on the streets and too many "human traffic" inside the malls, bazaars and "tiangges". Last week, I, my husband and a couple friends went to one of the well-known shopping places in Metro Manila, to do an early scouting for clothes and gifts. But we were somehow disappointed when we almost went home empty-handed. I got dismayed that the items that the stores at this place were mostly old or last season stocks and there are too few to choose from. It was frustrating to use up fuel, brave all that traffic and squeeze ourselves in a place full of people, and ended up just buying just a few items.

Boracay 2013 Travel Diary: It's Not So Late To Daydream About Summer Days (100th Post!)

When I wrote about my Cebu-Bohol trips (part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4), I said that I hope that 2013 won’t end without me going to the beach, and God very graciously answered my prayers and He made us experience the first luxurious trip of our lives. I was able to go to Boracay last October! Yey!

To be honest, for some reason, we almost didn't push through with this trip. We didn't even have a place to stay in Boracay a week before our flight.  They knew someone who happens to have a time-share at Club Astoria and even if it was on a very short notice, she was willing to let us use the membership. After some paperwork, we got a 3days/2nights accommodation at Astoria Boracay! I’m posting a separate entry about our stay at Astoria Boracay, link here.

Boracay 2013 Travel Diary: Smoke Resto

We were following a somehow strict budget during our last Boracay trip, and vouched to eat cheap for the first 3 days of our stay and just splurge on our last night. We ended up alternately eating between Mang Inasal  and Andok's in D'Mall, which was not a problem for the both of us since we're not picky eaters and the quality and price of their food is reasonable, unlike most restaurants in Boracay. As I've said in my previous posts about our Boracay trip, nothing is cheap in Boracay. 

I encountered Smoke Resto during one of my web surfing, through a blog post while I was looking for what to do and where to eat in Boracay. I did a mental note to check on this resto once we get to Boracay. I think it was on our third day that we decided to look for it, we went to their bigger and new location along the main island but was told that it opens at 6:00pm onwards but their other branch opens early which was in D'Mall. So we walked towards D'Mall and asked around where Smoke is.

Boracay 2013 Travel Diary: Jonah's Fruit and Milk Shakes

I don't know for you guys, but no trip to Boracay would be complete without a visit to Jonah's Fruit Shake in Station 1 near the ever famous Willy's Rock.

On our first Boracay trip, we only went there once because it's too far from where we stayed. But the second time that we were in Boracay, we were there for 3 consecutive days, during the late afternoons, before or after we went swimming.

The Working Girl-From Corporate to Casual: Zalora + Ezra

I've never envisioned myself working in the corporate world. Couple of years back, I've settled on the idea that I'll be wearing an all white uniform or scrub suits for the rest of my life. But fate brought me somewhere else far from the one I saw myself to be. Although I love wearing corporate clothes because it makes me feel and that it seals the fact that I'm a professional/career woman. It's hard for me to look for clothes that are versatile enough to wear even if I'm not in the office. The practical side of me always nudges me to buy something I can use for multiple reasons and occasions. Value for your money, as some may call it.

Me, from Mondays to Thursdays

When it comes to clothing, I make it a point not to compromise my fashion sense (which, I believe I somehow do have, lol!). So even when I'm at work, my fashion style still emanates my personality. Most of the time I go for basic colors, like black, white or blue. yet some other times I feel like wearing something out of the ordinary by adding some pop of color or a statement piece to my usual wardrobe.

Boracay 2013 Travel Diary: Casa Fiesta Resort - Boracay Budget-Friendly / Station 1 / Beachfront Accommodation

Since we we stayed for 4 days in Boracay and our accommodations in Astoria Boracay is good for  3 days and 2 nights only, I've scouted the web for a decent yet budget-friendly accommodations in Station 1, which in Boracay, if you’re in Station 1 is a hard find. I didn’t also want us to experience any hassle transferring after we check out at Astoria Boracay. After days of surfing the net and reading blog reviews, I fortunately found Casa Fiesta Resort. It's just a stone's throw away from Astoria and walking distance to places of interests and Station 2 (where most of the action is). When we checked out from Astoria, we literally walked around 2 minutes to Casa Fiesta.

There were a handful of good reviews about this Boracay accommodation and it was a steal for its price since it’s right on Station 1’s beach path; plus you get to have a balcony overlooking the beach. Could that anymore be perfect?! Our Astoria room didn't have any beach view at all, so this was the selling point for Casa Fiesta.

Boracay 2013 Travel Diary: Real Coffee and Tea Café

I’ve been hearing about Real Coffee and Tea Café from friends and have been reading blog reviews about it as well. During my first Boracay trip, I completely forgot about it, even though I had planned beforehand to include it in our itineraries.  But since we stayed in La Carmela, which is at the far end of Station 2 and Real Coffee was still at Station 1 at that time, considering the walk to get to Station 1 would be too long and I know everyone would feel lazy to stroll that far early in the mornings. Besides, afternoon snacks are mostly reserved for Jonah’s Fruit Shake and grilled street foods (isaw and hotdog yum!).

On our latest trip to Boracay, we didn't have any intentions of checking out Real Coffee, but one time we were looking for the seafood buffet at Station 2 beachfront, we walked all the way past D’Mall and saw the new location of Real Coffee. It is now on the second level above Sea World Diving and is looking across the beach. 

Boracay 2013 Travel Diary: “A” For Awesome Astoria Boracay

This is our second time in Boracay and by far the best accommodation I have experienced after travelling around the Philippines for a couple of years now. I've seen Astoria Boracay before, passing by at it on our way to Willy’s Rock, but never got the chance to see the inside of the hotel. We've also been invited at their Manila counterpart Astoria Plaza, once for a birthday party and once for a membership sales marketing promo, where we saw photos of the hotel at the lobby. I've also seen their website, where you can go on a virtual tour around the hotel just while you’re sitting in front of your PC.

Staying in this luxurious Boracay Station 1 hotel was just a day-dream for us. Until one of our couple friends gifted us with flights to Boracay as a wedding gift. But we still didn't have a place to stay in Boracay a week before our flight. Our friends who blessed us with this trip knew someone who happens to have a time-share at Club Astoria and even if it was on a very short notice, she was willing to let us use the membership. After some paperwork, we got a 3days/2nights accommodation at Astoria Boracay! (Of course on a much cheaper price that the published rate, or the one offered by Agoda)

Boracay 2013 Travel Diary: Why I’m Not So Enthralled with Boracay ;-)

I’ve been blessed to have been able to go to Boracay, twice. The first was in June 2011, which was rainy season in the Philippines and in October of this year. That first trip was somewhat awful because I think there was a storm that hit the country on those dates and it was raining hard in Boracay; also it was a long weekend and there were lots of tourists, both locals and foreigners.

When we arrived in Boracay it was still sunny; but when we got to the Tabon Port in Caticlan, it started raining hard. Our boat ride was a little rough because of the strong waves. We didn't also dock at the main port of Boracay Island (Cagban Port) because it was not that safe to do so. Our boat was diverted to the other port, which is Tanbisaan Jetty Port. I took a tricycle ride to La Carmela De Boracay.

Cebu Pacific Air -vs- Philippine Airlines

During our first few travels via air, we only take Cebu Pacific Air as our airline carrier, mainly because they always have airfare promos and theirs were the cheapest. But more Philippine-based airlines are following what Cebu Pacific spearheaded.

On our recent Boracay trip, we were able to try a different airline, which is PAL Express. This trip was a gift from one of our couple friends during our wedding, so we didn't have a say on what airline to take.

PersunMall Wishlist + Thanksgiving Day Coupons

It's almost time for the Holidays! Everyone's going to get busy soon, especially when Christmas and New Year's Eve celebration is just a few weeks or days away. What's likely to happen is that most of us will be  caught up with a lot of parties and get-togethers, left and right, one after the other in one day or one night! And for sure, there's a lot of photo-ops that's gonna happen. And you wouldn't want to wear the same outfit in most of these gatherings, making an impression that you went to all these parties in one day. LOL!

If you're like me, and you also like to plan ahead what to wear in a certain event; for example a top and blouse with early dinners with college friends, a pretty dress for the Christmas Eve with the relatives and a semi-formal dress to the office Christmas party, then this early you can already go shopping for your holiday outfits! Moreover, you'll probably going to give away gifts too, right? But travelling to the mall can get very stressful; since heavy traffic is not unusual when the holiday season is approaching plus the long lines at the counters and crowded stores can get very frustrating. So what's the alternative way to buy clothes and gifts? Shop online!

I'm Inspired to #GetSassooned

Who doesn’t love free stuff? I love free stuff! And I bet you do too! I don’t know if you guys are familiar with SAMPLEROOM.PH but I’ve been an avid subscriber and social media follower of Sample Room for more than a year now.

Sample Room is Philippines' first ever beauty and lifestyle sampling website. It is an interactive community that offers FREE samples, localized product reviews and where all beauty lovers are valued. All you need to do is register and review the samples to earn points. They cater to both well-known international and our very own local brands.

Ahaishopping Pinterest Contest

Last August I hosted a giveaway sponsored by Ahaishopping.com and have received favorable numbers of participants. As a gift for hosting such a giveaway on my blog, they gave me $30 gift card to use as money to buy anything I want from their webstore.

Now Ahaishopping.com is holding another giveaway/contest through Pinterest! You just need to create a Pinterest account and make a board especially dedicated for Ahaishooping and pin items catered by Ahaishopping. (Specific contest/giveaway details written at the end of this blog post.)

My First Ever Make Up Workshop with Youtube Make Up Guru Say Artillero

I love make up, and most often than not, I do not leave home without putting some on. I also have a humble collection of make ups both of local and international brands; some I bought myself, some are given by friends, some are freebies and some are samples. When it comes to brushes, I only have a face/blush brush and 2 eye shadow brushes. I haven't got the opportunity to buy a decent set of brushes, I don't know why I keep putting off buying a set.  My birthday is just a  month away, and I'm thinking of buying a brush set, just a  birthday gift for myself, or probably someone will give it to me as a gift. (*hint *hint hahahahaha!) Gosh it's about time I own one.

Youtube Make Up Guru Say Artillero

Last Oct 12, I attended my first ever make up work shop. Even if it was a stormy Saturday afternoon and Santi's pouring all its might onto Metro Manila with its heavy rains and strong winds, I and two other friends attended Say Artillero's Personal Make Up Workshop at Glambox Beauty Studio in Makati. We availed of her special promo make up workshop for only PHP 1,500 (PHP 2,500 is the usual rate).

Sew Much Ado...

If you have read my previous posts you might have an idea that I came from a family who's very much affiliated with clothes and very well-versed when it comes to apparel.My grandmother used to be dress-maker and used to own a business that sub-contracted in producing clothes for companies and clothing  stores.

Both my parents used to work for trading companies that mediates between garment factories here in the Philippines and international clothing brand owners. They were either Quality Assurance or Quality Control officers and Merchandisers for those companies. When the garment manufacturing industry in the Philippines had gone stale, they both left their jobs and decided to buy and sell overrun apparels so that they can work from home. My sister Hazel, on the other hand, is a self-made fashion designer and wedding  couturier.

VINTAGE BEACH VIBE by NUDO SWIMWEAR

I love the beach, and most of my major out of town trips, the destination is the beach, thus a collection of swimsuits that I own. Most have been in storage for quite some time now. Although I try to mix and match them so it wont look like I'm wearing the same pieces during my beach trips.

Since I do not have the slender body that I used to have when I was a bit younger, (yeah I like to believe I used to be slimmer haha!) I am on the look out for swimsuit styles that would still be stylish enough to wear on its own. I dont like wearing board shorts, t-shirts or tank tops when I'm swimming. So even if I gained a few (or maybe alot) pounds, I always wear swimsuits.

PersunMall.com Review

Last “month” I received an email from the marketing staff of Persunmall.com. Persunmall.com is one of the well-known online retailers offering fashionable and quality apparel and accessories for reasonable prices. They also offer coupon codes and sales. They ship worldwide and offer exchange and return if necessary.

 

Persunmall.com asked me to partner with them by hosting a giveaway on my blog and they will provide the prizes. I got really excited upon knowing this; because this is the first time I’m holding a contest in my blog. So I replied to the email, created a blog post about it and extensively promoted it through my social media.

Weekend Getaway: Going Down Memory Lane - Tagaytay

Work has been stressful ever since and I make sure that I am able to balance work and leisure in my life…or else I'll burn myself out. Our holidays are not the same with people that have day jobs. We follow the US Federal holidays. So last US Labor day, we decided to drive our way up to Tagaytay. We all deserve some relaxation once in a while, a little compensation for working hard. Nothing bad about it right???? right!!!

After having lunch at one of Tagaytay's restaurant that serve the famous Batangas Bulalo, we came to an agreement to try out Memory Lane to have desserts.

BDJ Box Beauty Social: Primp and Prettify on September 29, 2013!

I’m counting down the days to the BDJ Box Beauty Social at Skydome SM City North EDSA on September 29, 2013. BDJ Box is a beauty product discovery subscription service for women. Brought to you by the makers of the Belle de Jour Power Planner, BDJ Box aims to help every Filipina unbox her own beauty. For Php580 a month, subscribers receive a mass-customized box with at least 5-6 of the best beauty products delivered to their doorstep.

For the second time this year, they’re holding another Beauty-Filled event, delivering the best skincare, makeup and haircare brands under one roof for you to enjoy the whole day.  Their lineup of beauty brands --  Shiseido, Too Cool for School, Lucido-L, Bifesta, Celeteque, Yves Rocher, L’Oreal Paris, Ralph Lauren Fragrances, Revlon, Max Factor, Maybelline, Covergirl and Garnier – will definitely excite everyone who goes to the BDJ Box Beauty Social!

On Being a Nurse

Lately I've been reflecting of what my life has become. More on the career path I took. In the "about me page" of this blog you will see that I put there than "I am a registered nurse though i do not work in a hospital".

Being a nurse doesn't mean you have to be in a hospital, to be one. Nursing is a vast profession. We are not limited to just being a nurse working in a hospital.

ANNOUNCEMENT!! WINNERS OF INTERNATIONAL GIVEAWAY: Free Clothes from AHAISHOPPING

Hi everyone! First of all I would like to thank you guys for participating in my Ahaishopping.com giveaway!

I received an overwhelming 4881 entries via Rafflecopter and a total of 182 participants!

RUSTIC MORNINGS AT ISABELO GARDEN

I saw rebelliousbrides.com's post about Rustic Mornings by Isabelo and hurriedly checked out their site. A few minutes later, I found myself sharing the link to our couple friends who are getting married next year and are on the look out for a wedding and/or prenup photo shoot venue that would fit their shabby chic wedding theme. I've also seen it before in a write-up by awesomeplanet.com. Back then Isabelo only opens in the late afternoons until evening and accepts only reservations. So I was pretty much excited to learn that they now allow walk-ins and offer breakfast and lunch.

So one Sunday morning, after going to church with these couple friends of ours, we decided to drive our way to  Marikina using Waze Social GPS Maps & Traffic, which was pretty awesome by the way. Though we got lost a bit because Waze doesn't exactly know where Isabelo Garden is, only the neighborhood where the restaurant is located. But fret not, once you get to near the area of Isabelo Garden  you'll be able to see signs pointing you to the direction of this pretty place.

LONG OVERDUE POST: CEBU-BOHOL TRIPS PART 4

Since it has been raining in Manila for the past couple of weeks now, I can't help but think about sunny days at the beach and owing it to the fact that I haven't got the chance to travel to the beach this year. It's already August and a few more months, 2013 will be over soon. I hope that this year won't pass without me having to travel because that would totally suck.

I've recently felt nostalgic and went through all the photos saved in my desktop computer and came across our travel to Cebu and Bohol; and realized that I was not able to make a blog post out of that trip.

LONG OVERDUE POST: CEBU-BOHOL TRIPS PART 3- Dumaluan Beach Resort

Since it has been raining in Manila for the past couple of weeks now, I can't help but think about sunny days at the beach and owing it to the fact that I haven't got the chance to travel to the beach this year. It's already August and a few more months, 2013 will be over soon. I hope that this year won't pass without me having to travel because that would totally suck. I've recently felt nostalgic and went through all the photos saved in my desktop computer and came across our travel to Cebu and Bohol; and realized that I was not able to make a blog post out of that trip. So even if it's loooong over due, I'm doing it now!

I have been to Cebu and Bohol twice, one was in 2010 and the second was in 2012. Cebu-Bohol was always a tandem trip, well that's my excuse of not being able to book any flights straight to Bohol Tagbilaran airport, many failed attempts. There are more promo flights going to Cebu than Bohol, plus  it's only a 1 hour ferry ride to go to Bohol from Cebu.

LONG OVERDUE POST: CEBU-BOHOL TRIPS PART 2

Since it has been raining in Manila for the past couple of weeks now, I can't help but think about sunny days at the beach and owing it to the fact that I haven't got the chance to travel to the beach this year. It's already August and a few more months, 2013 will be over soon. I hope that this year won't pass without me having to travel because that would totally suck. I've recently felt nostalgic and went through all the photos saved in my desktop computer and came across our travel to Cebu and Bohol; and realized that I was not able to make a blog post out of that trip. So even if it's loooong over due, I'm doing it now!

I have been to Cebu and Bohol twice, one was in 2010 and the second was in 2012. Cebu-Bohol was always a tandem trip, well that's my excuse of not being able to book any flights straight to Bohol Tagbilaran airport, many failed attempts. There are more promo flights going to Cebu than Bohol, plus  it's only a 1 hour ferry ride to go to Bohol from Cebu.

(CONTEST CLOSED) INTERNATIONAL GIVEAWAY: Free Clothes Worth $30 or $15 Cash Bonus

GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED!
WILL ANNOUNCE WINNERS NOT LATER 
THAN SEPT 20, 2013

Hi guys! I'm back with another giveaway!

I've come across this webstore that's selling pretty and trendy clothes:

LONG OVERDUE POST: CEBU-BOHOL TRIPS PART 1

Since it has been raining in Manila for the past couple of weeks now, I can't help but think about sunny days at the beach and owing it to the fact that I haven't got the chance to travel to the beach this year. It's already August and a few more months, 2013 will be over soon. I hope that this year won't pass without me having to travel because that would totally suck.

I've recently felt nostalgic and went through all the photos saved in my desktop computer and came across our travel to Cebu and Bohol; and realized that I was not able to make a blog post out of that trip.

ANNOUNCEMENT!! WINNER OF Gift Card From PersunMall!

And the WINNER of my blog's PERSUNMALL GIVEAWAY is:

*drumrolls please* :)

The Lovely

Ms.

The "PUTOK-BATOK" Foodie Trip: MILA'S TOKWA'T BABOY in PAMPANGA

Our friend's car celebrated its first birthday last June..yes you read it right we celebrate "the day when we get our car from the dealer". We did that too with our Ford Fiesta car which we named Ticoy. And yes we also give a name to our cars... We drove to Angeles Pampanga to have lunch at this humble neighborhood eatery, MILA'S TOKWA'T BABOY,  which one of our Pokerfaces friends have been recommending.

Now, why the title?? For non-Filipinos, "putok-batok" means foods that if you eat might cause you a heart attack or a stroke! You'll figure out what I'm talking about as you scroll down...

Nudo Swimwear SALE!

I've been a fan of NUDO SWIMWEAR for a long time now and a constant follower of their Facebook posts ever since. Especially when they came up with the highwaist/vintage style swimsuits! I got excited when I learned that they're having a WAREHOUSE SALE on AUGUST 16-17! Here's a great news for Manila residents: (lifted from their FB page)

Since the turnout of our sale few days ago went CRAZZZZY and we're giving way for our 2014 collection, We've decided to treat all to for a much bigger sale!! ALL STOCKS MUST GO LADIES!!

Staycation: BERJAYA HOTEL MAKATI REVIEW

Makati Ave. is lined with hotels both affordable and expensive ones; We were considering a hotel that would accommodate our needs and would allow us also to take photos. We narrowed down our choices to three hotels: A.Venue Hotel, St. Giles Hotel and Berjaya Makati Hotel. I had a hard time talking to St. Giles Hotel about giving us permission to take photos at the hotel premises so it was removed from the choices. 

At first we were skeptic about this Berjaya since it is one of the older hotels in the area. But when I checked the website,  a lot of rooms have been renovated plus the hotel areas are perfect for photo ops especially the staircase and hallway where the elevators are.

GUEST POST: Choosing the Perfect Venue for a Special Occasion by Isabelle Riley of Ballara Receptions

When putting an event together, things don’t really start taking shape until you book and confirm the venue. Although this is the obvious starting point, it is often one of the most difficult because there are so many fantastic options, and very different price scales.

There are venues to suit many tastes, often inspiring them too. They can facilitate themes of intimacy and romance, productivity and some are the perfect blank canvas to do what you choose. You will need to decide on the size of the venue, whether you need something small for more intimate gatherings or something larger and more extravagant for events like weddings, engagements and formals. Here are some of the main things you will need to consider when organizing your special occasion.

ZARK'S BURGER: A Glutton's Heaven

One Sunday morning, after going to church, We were clueless on where to eat. He then suggested that we try out this burger joint in Taft which was recommend again, by a co-worker. We then search the net for the location of Zark’s Burger in Taft.

When we arrived it was still close so we had to wait until 10:00am for the place to open. The place was still empty but around 11:00am the customers slowly came pouring in.

CAFE' LIDIA: MARIKINA'S BEST KEPT SECRET

Cafe Lidia (pronounced as "Li-di-ya") is truly one of Marikina's Best Kept Secret! One of our Pokerfaces friends told us about this and we all planned to try it.

I searched the internet for blog reviews of Cafe Lidia, and well, I was convinced of what I've read. So it's a go! We decided to go there one Sunday evening even if reviews said that it's always jampacked on weekends.

Kanto Freestyle Breakfast:Not Your Usual Neighborhood Carinderia

Why is it unusual? Because Kanto Freestyle Breakfast does not serve the "silog" series type of breakfast, instead they serve gourmet-type food, unique menu, that usually a trained chef would whip up when you dine in a hotel or posh restaurant for your morning meal.

Like most people who have tried it, we came to know about  Kanto Freestyle Breakfast by word-of-mouth. One morning, after we got home from our night-shift jobs, we were too tired and lazy to go to the market to buy something to cook for our "dinner". We remembered about our promise to try  Kanto Freestyle Breakfast. We live around the area where it is located, so we didn't experience any trouble finding it.