The Sunday Currently: Vol. 16

Nothing much is going on right now. This week I went to two foodie meet-ups and saw some of the Zomato foodies that I have seen in months. I don't get to go to much of the Zomato events since most of them are held on weekdays and won't fit with my schedule. It was nice to do some catching up with them. They're really fun and cool people have around. 

Anyhoo, I'm also feeling under the weather since my upper back has been hurting for a week. The pain is originating somewhere in my scapular area and it's killing me. One time at work, I really went out to the convenience store beside our office building just to get some Salonpas and stick a couple of them on my back. They gave some relief, temporarily. I sed to have episodes of this before and what somewhat cured it was when I did some Yoga stretches. I might try out that one today and see if the pain will diminish.

Splice Events Place & Restaurant's New Menu Launch

"Change is the only constant thing in this world" - this popular saying is true enough. In the past I remember EDSA Central as a transportation hub and was quite a very congested and chaotic place as this was a major thoroughfare along EDSA and Shaw Boulevard. And then a few years ago it has undergone a major face-lift. It was transformed into a district with a vast network of mixed-use commercial and retail buildings, open spaces, pockets of greens and residential communities. 

The central structure in EDSA Central used to be a wet and dry market and now it has been transformed into a modern commercial building that houses retail shops, food outlets, and kiosks. One of the establishments here is Splice, which formerly brands itself solely as a restobar. Now it has re-branded itself as an events place and restaurant tugging with it a new menu line as well. 

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The Interior Trends You’ll Be Loving in 2017

Living in a stylish and perfectly decorated apartment is something that we all want, right? Unfortunately, often complete interiors changes may not be practical, let alone affordable. But don’t get discouraged now! There are so many ways to jazz up your living space and make it trendy by making some minor changes that can have amazing effects. Here are the biggest décor trends for this year, so you can get inspired and make your place both stylish and homey.

Image source (from left to right): pinterest.com, pinterest.com, settingforfour.com

Incorporate nature In the recent years, green and eco-friendly living has become an essential part of the world’s consciousness. We have realized that the Earth needs some help from all of us to be able to support us in return for many years to come. Even Pantone’s color of the year is called Greenery, and the main focus is on incorporating nature in all the spheres of life. 

The Utter Romance of Lace

On my way to work yesterday, a friend sent me a chat message asking me about how to plan a wedding. I got stop on my tracks because I did not know what to say. It’s not that I do not know the answer. It is because I do not know where to start. Having and planning a wedding seems like a piece of cake but really it isn’t. I’ve freelanced as a wedding and events coordinator a few years back and believe me, it ain’t easy. (That is also why my friend first went to me for help, by the way).

I always wonder how come our parents and grandparents were able to wed back in the day and weren’t as stressed and without all the fuss just like of today’s weddings. But I guess our generation gives more attention and details to the events of their lives compared to how it was before.

Must-Have Wardrobe Essentials for Every Fashionista

What exactly makes someone a fashionista? A true fashionista uses their wardrobe as a canvas to display what they perceive as art. Yes, clothing can be art! You can truly tell a lot about someone by how they dress. But while a true fashionista has her own unique collection of pieces and outfits to throw together, there are certain essentials every fashion-loving person needs in their closet. But first, what exactly makes a piece of clothing an essential?

A wardrobe essential is an article of clothing that is trend-proof, versatile, and an “outfit multiplier” according to The Chic Fashionista. An outfit multiplier is an article of clothing that allows you to create multiple outfits by mixing and matching. The best way to think about wardrobe essentials is to think of them as a blank canvas. Start with one piece and build your outfit from there. So just how many of the following wardrobe essentials do you have in your closet? 

Why Long Dresses are Perfect

Prom season is probably an occasion that high school students look forward to the most, especially those who are in their junior and senior year in secondary education. Back in the day, to get inspiration for what you would wear on prom night, we rely on magazines like Seventeen or Candy. I envy girls now who have the internet, blogs and Pinterest to use as a tool for them to get style inspirations. 

Some have their dresses made and some buy off-the-rack. I can’t say tho which is cheaper. But if you don’t have enough time you can always rely on online stores to get prom dresses at cheap price. I’ve browsed so many sites that offer dresses that are in-trend. So that’s also a good option if you’re on the look for something to wear for your upcoming prom festivities. 

Fit Fashionista: Athleisure Style for Spring

A couple of seasons back, designers started talking about gym-to-office and après-sport, and we have to admit – nobody really took them seriously. Despite our skepticism, fashion finally managed to make peace with function, making athleisure the new casual. The incorporation of spandex, Lycra and other synthetic fibers into work-appropriate attire has contributed to creation of an entirely new fashion category. 

Although it has been around for some time now, many are still struggling to combine their personal style with this new-age trend. Let us help you with that – shape up and suit up, with this spring’s most popular athletic wear separates!

Zaful.com Haul #3 + Review

Hey ya ladies! The holidays are over but I’m still in holiday mood! Why? Because Zaful asked me for a collab by picking out items from their site for review! Yey! I feel like it is still Christmas because I’m still receiving gifts in the mail! Woot! For this haul, I chose 4 items and I went for a black and white theme for the pieces that I chose. I don’t know... I just felt like it. But before anything else let me introduce Zaful to you guys just in case you haven’t heard about them.

Zaful is your one-stop online shop for today’s most daring, exciting and edgy fashion apparel. Their affordable collections are all about redefining trends, design excellence and exceptional quality to satisfy the needs of every aspiring fashionista.

The Sunday Currently: Vol. 15

It feels so gloomy today because it’s been raining all night. I really don’t like it when it’s raining. For one I hate the cold weather, I mean, can’t it be just cool and not too cold? Though I must confess I got a good sleep. I slept for a good 12 hours this time around haha! This oversleeping on Saturdays is becoming a habit. It’s ok though, at least I am giving my body the rest it needs after a week of under-sleeping. The week that passed was such a busy one. I mean, it was only Wednesday and I felt like I had already worked 5 days. And talk about the Valentine’s Day too. Unfortunately, it fell on a weekday and on a pay day. So you can only imagine how heavy the traffic was. Good thing that I have foreseen it and left the house earlier than usual. 

I had so much fun last Sunday when I went to my officemate's house in Pateros. It was their town fiesta and it has been years since I got to experience any local festivities. We walked from their place to the main part of the town to meet one of our officemates and since a lot of people was there it was super hard to pass the streets. We got caught with the procession of people parading the statue of St. Martha so we were forced to walk behind it. Before we turned into a street to take a shortcut to my friend’s house, people started throwing snacks and we tried catching some. I didn’t catch one but my other officemate gave me one of his. There were also sidewalk vendors selling different kinds of stuff, Kirk and I was able to buy those rings you stick at the back of your phone as a holder. We got it  for only 20 pesos each! They usually sell them at 50 pesos to 100. So we were happy with that little purchase. And ooohhh we went to the local carnival too! Some of us gambled but I was so astonished with the old school Ferris wheel and octopus rides (but didn't get to ride them). After that we went back to Paola’s house and we ate, drunk, gambled and laughed our asses off until around 3:00 in the morning. Man that was soooo fun!
Btw, my internet connection sucks… it’s has been like this for a week now and won’t be repaired until next week. My gosh, is there any good internet connection left in the Philippines anymore? Or is it really that hopeless?!

Cozy Up In Cardigan and Outerwear

Brrrrr... It's been cold lately. Every time I wake up and have to take bath before going to work, I have to heat the water because if I don't it's as if I jumped into icy water. It's ok when I'm sleeping but when I'm on my way to work or working, I don't want getting cold. I personally don’t like a cold weather because of allergies. They seem to act up when the temperature is dropping.  

It's almost the end of February and Summer is just around the corner. But since the snow from the northern hemisphere is just melting the air becomes cold and even the countries lying in the tropical belt are experiencing a winter-like weather. Atleast this is how we can only get close to winter.

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Valentine’s Day Outfits Ideas

Well, well, who would have known, it's Valentine's Day once again. Valentine’s Day was first associated with romantic love in the circle of Geoffrey Chaucer in the High Middle Ages, when the tradition of courtly love flourished. In 18th-century England, it evolved into an occasion in which lovers expressed their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery, and sending greeting. Although in modern times, Valentine’s Day was never meant for lovers only. Since it is the day where most people celebrate love which has many meanings; this day can also be commemorated with other loved ones and even your friends.

Valentine’s Day also marks the beginning of Spring – where after a long winter, flora and fauna starts to bloom again and give life to any place that was once gloomy and covered with snow. So this day connotes not only the celebration of love but also a new life.

The Sunday Currently: Vol. 14

Time check: 3:28 am, Sunday February 12 2017. I woke up super early today after sleeping for 13 hours! Woot! This is the longest I slept for weeks now. And no, the cover photo for this blog is not real time. I just miss the beach so much, waking up so early, watching the sun rise while I dig my feet in sand and sip some hot coffee.

It's good that I was able to give this body so much rest it deserves but now I'm with a massive headache after sleeping that long haha! It's ok, this migraine will go away soon. Now I'm sipping some coffee to start my very long day today while staring at my computer monitor and writing some articles for my blog and for the office newsletter. I intentionally didn't make any plans for Saturday because I know Sunday will be a very long day for me. As usual I'm writing this TSC entry as my day goes along and while thoughts are popping in my head and hopefully I will publish this as this day ends. 

Sariwon Korean Barbeque - BGC High Street Central

Last Saturday, I went to BGC Highstreet Central for a very exciting foodie meet-up. I was looking forward to this dinner ever since I met the some of the people behind Happyfoods Group of Restaurants, the owners of Soban (another Korean BBQ resto in Eastwood which you can read about here). They happen to be the same owners of Sariwon too.

Sariwon has become synonymous with serving legendary Bulgogi since its beginnings in 1938. It was brought to the Philippines by the Happyfoods Group of Restaurants. The restaurant was established by grandmother Mrs. Bun-Im Koo from the town of Sariwon in North Korea, who developed an extraordinary broth recipe for Korean traditional beef barbecue or Bulgogi. Made from 12 different kinds of fruits and vegetables and prepared in complete disregard of sugar, it was created with love for her diabetic husband.

What You Should Wear On The Date Night?

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Ramen Kuroda: Venice Grand Canal Mall

To be really honest, I am not a big fan of ramen or any soupy dish. Well, except for Sinigang which is my comfort food of all time. But I do like having ramen once in a while. I think I just need to have some appreciation of this Japanese dish as it is made with a lot of ingredients and somehow an art form in itself. The broth is not just the usual broth. I believe it takes hours to prepare it and that's how serious Japanese are when it comes to their ramen. 

Ramen has been attracting a huge amount of attention in the worldwide restaurant scene as a representative example of Japanese cuisine. Perhaps it's only natural that genuine ramen is so delicious, because it evolved through intense competition into one of the national foods of the Japanese people.

The Sunday Currently: Vol. 13

Well, the highlight of my week was when I met up with one of my best high school friends, had dinner at Ramen Kuroda at Venice Grand Canal Mall before I go to work last Thursday. We talked over dinner, about what's happening with me at the moment and his too. It's so nice that there are people in your life that despite distance and not talking regularly, whenever you're with them, as if time never flew. The way you talk to them or the way you treat each other were just like the good old days. Well, he's like a good older brother to me, even though we're of the same age. 

During this moments that I realize how God blessed me with true friends. They may not be a lot, but He did give me the best ones. I also have male friends who I can say I love them and mean it like how much I love my real brothers. I think that's kind of a rare thing nowadays, where most people can't even say those 3 words. I'm glad that I have friends who always have good listening ears and do nothing but encourage me. I couldn't ask for more. I'm so lucky with the friends that I have. 

OPPO F1s and My Travel Essentials

"I haven't been everywhere but it's on my list”. This is my favorite quote penned by Susan Sontag. It’s true that I’ve never been to so many places especially outside of my country but for sure it’s on my bucket list. But I do love travelling especially in and around the Philippines. It’s my goal to go and see places abroad; but of course I still want to visit a lot of locations in the Philippines, because having 7,107 islands; there’s still so much to do and see. 

Speaking of traveling, I have to admit I am not a light packer. I can’t imagine myself being a backpacker. I would rather pay extra for baggage allowance than get all agitated with the idea that I forgot to pack something. Yes.I.Overpack.

Buddha Bar Manila's 5th Anniversary

I'm familiar with Buddha Bar because I once (or a couple of times I think) partied here back in college when it was still in Greenbelt 3. But I didn't know then that it is an international chain of bars that has its roots in Paris and have a branch in NYC. Most people are intimidated by its grandiosity but do not judge the book by its cover because all you're gonna get here are nothing but good quality drinks and food.

Luckily, I was invited by Buddha Bar Manila and Zomato Philippines, together with other bloggers and Instagram influencers, to take part in the celebration of Buddha Bar's 5th Anniversary in its new home in Picar Place Makati. It was also a way to celebrate Chinese New Year but since it originated in Paris the party's theme centered on Cabaret and Can-Can theme. The event was hosted by Angel Jones and resident DJ Joseph Alturas spinned the music.

Shhh... Don't Tell: Some of Manila's Coolest Speakeasy (Hidden) Bars

We all get stressed and we all have different coping mechanisms to de-stress. After a tiring work week, the sight of the weekend gets us all giddy because we can all finally have some few days of rest. Some of us engage in hobbies, some travel, and some stay home and be with loved ones. I myself usually go out with friends to make the most of my days off from work. If you feel like you need to have some chill time and want to have some few drinks, here are some of the places you can check out. Mind you, these are not your usual clubs/bars because they are few of the secret bars you can find (hopefully) around the metro.

I am big fan of the 1920s Prohibition era and the Speakeasy. A speakeasy, also called a blind pig or blind tiger, is an illegal establishment that sells alcoholic beverages. Such establishments came into prominence in the United States during the Prohibition era (1920–1933). During that time, the sale, manufacture, and transportation (bootlegging) of alcoholic beverages was illegal throughout the United States. 

Naxional South American Diner: A Taste of Latin America

I'm not all too familiar with Southern or Latin American cuisine and I've always wanted to try them. Of course I want to try the authentic ones if I ever get the chance to travel the Latin Americas in the future. As for now, I am glad that there are places in Manila I can go to to enjoy the said cuisines for now. One of them is fairly new in the game: Naxional South American Diner but is already making a buzz among foodies and food enthusiasts. Since the moment I've heard about Naxional, I already want to try it. And finally I am able to a few weekends ago. 

Naxional is the newest go-to restaurant for those looking to broaden their culinary horizons. Naxional brings the heart of South America to Manila. Heavily inspired by the most-loved dishes South American locals enjoy every day, Naxional’s menu is filled with authentic, traditional family recipes cooked using both local and imported spices and seasonings.