Bangkok Travel Diary: Diamond Residence Ratchada

When the desire to travel started to stir in my heart and venturing outside the Philippines became the main focus of satisfying the burgeoning wanderlust that I was nurturing since my college days; the first ever country that caught my attention was Thailand. It was on top of my list but unfortunately it wasn’t the first foreign soil I stepped onto.

So when the opportunity to visit Bangkok became less murky, flights and hotels were booked. Airfare costs was out of the question because it had to be done as this was a longtime plan of mine and of my closest friends. She comes to this side of the world every few years only so "if not now, when?" So together with two other college friends, we found ourselves on a night flight from Siem Reap to Don Meuang International Airport in Bangkok.

Bangkok Travel Diary: Where to Shop in Bangkok

When the desire to travel started to stir in my heart and venturing outside the Philippines became the main focus of satisfying the burgeoning wanderlust that I was nurturing since my college days; the first ever country that caught my attention was Thailand. It was on top of my list but unfortunately it wasn’t the first foreign soil I stepped onto.

So when the opportunity to visit Bangkok became less murky, flights and hotels were booked. Airfare costs was out of the question because it had to be done as this was a longtime plan of mine and of my closest friends. She comes to this side of the world every few years only so "if not now, when?" So together with two other college friends, we found ourselves on a night flight from Siem Reap to Don Meuang International Airport in Bangkok.

Bangkok Travel Diary: Eating My Way Through Bangkok

When the desire to travel started to stir in my heart and venturing outside the Philippines became the main focus of satisfying the burgeoning wanderlust that I was nurturing since my college days; the first ever country that caught my attention was Thailand. It was on top of my list but unfortunately it wasn’t the first foreign soil I stepped onto.

So when the opportunity to visit Bangkok became less murky, flights and hotels were booked. Airfare costs was out of the question because it had to be done as this was a longtime plan of mine and of my closest friends. She comes to this side of the world every few years only so "if not now, when?". If only I have work visa options, I wouldn't be here at home and daydreaming of travelling the world. So together with two other college friends, we found ourselves on a night flight from Siem Reap to Don Meuang International Airport in Bangkok.

SIX Doors Buffet - Uptown Mall BGC

Manila's new wanderlust! Welcome aboard and enter SIX Doors, the first tabIe mapping projection and 3D dining experience in the SIX Doors will have six VIP rooms which will offer a Butler Style Service and an exclusive premium menu selection in a thematic set-up that will truly bring each diner to another world.

SIX Doors combines the world's finest cuisines and technology bringing to your table an exciting gastronomical journey amidst the world's beautiful places. Let our magical train bring you to a stunning journey as SIX Doors takes you to another world filled with enchanting adventure.

The World's End Pub - Matalino St., QC

Many of us are thankful for technology because it has tremendously altered the ways in which we interact with one another on a daily basis. It’s easier to get in contact with people and it makes a lot of aspects of life way easier than it used to. But just like all things, it has its pros and cons. It may not be a conscious decision, but more and more people are relying on technology for social interaction rather than interacting with others in person.

So it’s really refreshing when you get to unplug or put away your gadgets, once in a while, sit down and talk face-to-face, perhaps play some card or board games, and connect with your friends. It’ll open a lot of avenues and emotions that technology sometimes hinders us to experience. It may also make you nostalgic and remember those times when life was way simpler and more chill.

Rebeccafashion Guide: Epic New Year's Eve Hairstyle Ideas

I always New Year's than Christmas Eve because my family celebrates the former than the latter. I don't know but probably it's more fun and loud than Christmas. During Christmas we often don’t get to reach midnight because everyone is already tired from cooking and prepping for the Christmas dinner.

When it's New Year's Eve things get giddier and exciting because from noon until midnight you can hear and see fireworks and pyrotechnics being set off. Sometimes me and my family eat dinner a little earlier and then we set off to watch a New Year Countdown at the nearby town center. Which I like better because there's lots of crowd and the mood is super festive.

The Best Asian Fusion at Bistro Charlemagne Nuvali

It’s been a while since I’ve visited Nuvali. I’ve been to Tagaytay several times this year but never got to stop by Nuvali, which I usually do before going back to Manila in the past. There has been so many changes that happened here and the original shopping complex has grown or has been extended exponentially.

There are so many new restaurants here too that I’ve never tried or heard of. One of them is Bistro Charlemagne which is an offshoot of the well-known but now defunct Little Asia restaurant in Greenhills and Tomas Morato. I went here with fellow foodies to sample some of their best sellers.

Great Steaks and Great View at Fire Lake Grill Cliffhouse Tagaytay

Besides the cool breeze and all that greenery, I love going up to Tagaytay because there are so many places there to get great food, both old and new establishments. Although Tagaytay has changed in so many ways throughout the years, I still find some form of solace every time I visit. It is always a great place for a change in scenery without the hassles of travelling far.

I’ve visited Tagaytay a lot of times already but I haven’t visited or tried out all the restaurants in this area. Just like at Cliffhouse, this compound houses a lot of dining options, but every time I set off there, there’s only one place that we go to. But I’ve always been meaning to try other restaurants here including Fire Lake Grill. And, a few weeks back, I finally got to eat there. Yey!

Pre-Christmas Tita Brunch at Museum Cafe x Kabila

Just this weekend I met up with my foodie friends Gel (@beingjellybeans) and Bunny (@_bunny_sa) for a tita brunch and some pampering just before the holidays hit us. We actually just planned to get some facials at Bench Skin Expert but days before that I won a Museum Cafe gift certificate from another foodie friend AC (@thefoodieinac).

Since both places are in the Ayala Center area, we decided to meet earlier than agreed on so that we can have lunch before our treatments. Also, Gel and Bunny have Zomato Gold memberships that we can use at Museum Cafe and Kabila so we also took advantage of that and had a mini-FMU (foodie meetup). 

Fat Fook Taiwanese Kitchen's New Dishes

So far the best food from the countries I have visited goes to Taiwan. It was probably the best trip I’ve done if we will solely consider the food that I ate there. I mean I wasn’t able to eat like everything but I completely revelled in everything that I got to taste. I mean, the other countries I’ve been to have great cuisines but for some reason, when asked which country I’ve visited has the best food, Taiwan is the first thing that comes to mind.

Well, it’s not like I can fly to Taipei on a whim; hello, how I wish I could do that but I’m no rich kid. Too bad, I know. But the good thing is that Manila doesn’t have a scarcity of restaurants that offers authentic Taiwanese cuisine and most of them offer really great tasting food. One of them is Fat Fook Taiwanese Kitchen and just this December they launched a couple of new dishes that will become staple to their menu. 

Authentic Vietnamese Cuisine at Tra Vinh Express at Courtyard@453

IMO, Vietnamese is one of the most underrated cuisines in the Philippine food scene. Many of us only know Vietnamese food because of pho, fresh spring rolls and banh mi; but it is way more than that. I admit I’m one of those people who’s not as familiar with it as it is rarely my go to food. But I just realized I am missing out on so much.

I’ve tried Vietnamese food a couple of times and I can clearly remember that it was in Palawan at Rene Saigon and at Bona’s Chaolong were my first taste of this cuisine. But after that I believe I’ve never had that much of it back in Manila. Which is a shame, I know, I know. 

RebeccaFashion Guide: Hairstyles From Miss Universe 2018

I’m still on high after the recently concluded Miss Universe 2018 because my country’s representative Miss Philippines Catriona Gray was crowned as the Miss Universe 2018! Such a well-deserved win for my country as Catriona bested other 93 contestants with her beauty, charm, intelligence and cause. She truly was beautiful, intelligent and with a heart. 

Not many people appreciate beauty pageants but in these modern times, beauty pageants are actually being revolutionized and doesn’t only focuses on the physical appearance just anymore. One should be a complete package. And I’m sorry no one can rain on Catriona Gray’s parade whatever negative people say about her. The Philippines took home the crown again, showing the world, the universe rather (haha!) what a Filipina beauty, brains and heart is all about.

You've Got Baked - Solenad 3 Nuvali

I've always liked all things shabby-chic that's why I really like places that takes that kind of interiors. In the day and age of social media, people love to go to places, have things and eat food that are Instagram worthy. A few weeks back I visited a place that gave me all that: You've Got Baked in Solenad Nuvali, Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

You've Got Baked is a homegrown brand that specializes and is known for their yummy cupcakes but they also offer other dishes and drinks that you would often see in other cafes. They currently have two branches in Sta Rosa, one in Laguna Bel-Air and one in Solenad. 

Bench Café Is Now Open at Greenbelt 3!

BENCH/ began in 1987 as a small store selling men’s t-shirts. Then, it grew at an unparalleled rate becoming the pioneer in the use of celebrity endorsers, television, and giant billboards to propel a fashion brand that offers premium quality products at affordable prices. It is the major homegrown lifestyle brand that is a household name in the Philippines.

A few years back, after its huge success in retail, Bench also ventured out in the food industry with the franchise of Pablo Cheesecake and Marugame. They also launched a restaurant bearing the same iconic brand which also embraces loving our own or aka “love local” which is Bench Café in partnership with FOODEE Global Concepts, the company behind Mesa, Sunnie’s Cafe, Pound et al.

Delicious Holiday Food Finds at Ilustrado

Make your holiday gatherings and gift giving more special with unique and delicious finds from Ilustrado Restaurant. Ilustrado's Holiday Tienda offers something for everyone. The cheese lover will surely love homemade cheese wheels in Boursin, Pimiento (a sure kids' favourite!), Spicy Cheese - Edam with garlic and spices, varieties.  You cannot go wrong with bottled Atsara, Bagoong, Moringga Pesto, Gourmet Tuyo and Chimichurri.

         
Tea Cookies come in boxes of 12 cookies in flavors of Double Chocolate, Coconut, Matcha Chocolate, Peanut Butter and Snickerdoodles. Brownies come in boxes of 4 bars with Cashew, S’mores, Salted Caramel, Pretzel and Cream Cheese flavors. Ready to serve for a party are Cake Squares in a box with these delectable selections - Baked Cheesecake, Chocolate Fudge and Sans Rival. Chesse Pimiento Wreath and Quezo de Bola Ensaimada Tree are both unique, festive and appetizing.

All Things Japanese at Ippon Yari - Sta. Rosa Laguna

I cannot reiterate enough how much I love Japanese cuisine and that it is my top fave cuisine in the whole wide world (besides Filipino foo of course). I mean I can live off of it my entire life and you won’t hear any complaint from me. From their appetizers, to their main dishes to their desserts, Japanese food is always a treat to my palate and my tummy. 

A few weeks back, I’ve tried another Japanese restaurant, Ippon Yari which is located in Sta Rosa Laguna. Ippon Yari is a Japanese phrase which means guiding principle or one great effort. You can find Ippon Yari’s roots from a humble ramen house into a full blown restaurant serving more than a hundred dishes. 

SHEIN.COM Year End Sale

It's the time of the year again! So many shopping to do, so little time. Also, there's so many sales and promotions happening online.One online shop I wouldn't miss to shop at for the holiday season is Shein.com. Check out some of the items below that I want for Christmas from their Year End Sale. Use the coupon codes below to get more savings!



Year End Shopping Sale
Up to 85% off
Get $10 off orders $90+      CODE:KWY10
Get $25 off orders $140+    CODE:KWY25
Get $35 off orders $210+    CODE:KWY35
New season new fashion
Shop your best outfit with the strongest discount

Authentic Italian Flavors at Trifoglio Ristorante - Tagaytay

Tagaytay is still one of the best places to go to if you want to have a quick getaway and a change of scenery from the everyday city life. There’s also no scarcity of places to see and locations to fill your tummies. Time and again you would hear that there is a new restaurant to try in Tagaytay. 

As proof, take into account Trifoglio Ristorante in Fora Mall Tagaytay which is just at the rotunda if you’re coming up from Aguinaldo Highway. Trifoglio is a quaint little restaurant that serves authentic Italian cuisine and Mediterranean flavors that aims to surely capture your taste buds.

RebeccaFashion Guide: Hair Extensions for Beauty Pageants

Hey hey! It's the Miss Universe Pageant again! I am one of the thousands of unapologetic fans of beauty pageants, especially the Miss Universe contest partly because I am proud to be Filipina and proud of the Filipina women that my country sends to these competitions. Because we Filipinos always take pride in everything we do, what we represent wherever we are in the world. 

In the past few days my social media newsfeed has been nothing about posts about the ongoing Miss Universe pageant. Of course my whole country is rooting for our representative Catriona Gray who of course in my opinion should be Miss Universe as she embodies everything the organization represents: beauty, brains and heart. 

New Dishes from Siglo Modern Filipino - Tagaytay

“There's no better way to understand a culture than through food”. I think I’ve said this several times already in a couple of my blog posts, and it can never so true enough. We associate a certain taste to a region or a country. Say for example in the Philippines, Bicol Region is easily a place where cuisine is known, most often than not, spicy. Mediterranean food is packed-full of spices; Japan is known for raw food; South East Asia has rice as its staple fare. There is more of a connection between food and culture than we may think; it operates as an expression of cultural identity.

Specific cuisines in specific countries or region may have evolved but what stays the same is the extent to which each place’s unique cuisine can reflect its unique history, lifestyle, values, and beliefs. The Philippines is no exception for that. Being a country colonized by several other countries for years and have made trade relations with other neighboring Asian countries, some can’t put their finger as to what Philippine cuisine really is. I would say our cuisine is a fusion and relatively congruent with the livelihood of a region. But what excites me is that it is that it is the next cuisine the world is going to rave about. 

How HCG Diet Helps In the Weight Loss

The problem of obesity is becoming one of the biggest health problems all over the world. The crux of this problem is the kind of lifestyle that people are leading nowadays. With the food industry blooming at a very fast pace, people are indulging into various types of food and drinks which may not be good for their health. 

On top of that, their physical activity is almost close to none. When most of the work is being done on mobile phones, tablets or laptops, people spend most of their day sitting in the same position doing all their work, whether it is their job, entertainment or communication. Obesity, if not treated, can result in lifelong diseases such as blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol or even heart problems. 

Ombu Kusina at Sequioa Hotel: A Modern FIlipino Restaurant

According to Julia Child, “People who love to eat are always the best people.” And there is so much attestation that Filipinos are one of the groups of people who love to eat. One of the best attributes of Pinoys are our fondness of food and even if we have little food in our table we even offer them to anyone. So hearing “tara kain” (come let’s eat) is so common to hear. Warmly accepting guests especially when it comes to eating time, emanates to Filipinos so naturally it almost seems hardwired into their systems.

Not only that, we Filipinos pride ourselves with our flavorful dishes. Many say that it’s hard to put your finger on Filipino dishes because it is influenced by so many other cuisines. Not to mention it is constantly evolving. May it be traditional, modern or fusion, I am glad and proud that Filipino cuisine is slowly taking center stage in the world.

Inumart - The First Convenience Bar In The Country!

The Manila Night Life has never been dull; even flourishing throughout the years as evidenced by growing numbers of bars sprouting around the metro. The “it” places just transfers from one city to another but one place that has never faded as the crown bearer of the most number of drinking places is Quezon City. Year and year out, new must visit drinking places are being formed from the ground up in the largest city in Luzon. 

I recently visited this new drinking destination in Tomas Morato with a very unique concept named Inumart Convenience Bar. Why the name? Well because its concept is the first of its kind in the Philippines. Inumart is the first convenience bar in the country featuring affordable drinks, street food and snacks, hip and artistic interiors, and acoustic entertainment.

Authentic Taiwanese Flavors from Shi Lin - Estancia Mall Capitol Commons

Taiwanese cuisine isn’t so new to the Filipino palate, after all it’s one of the nearest country to the Philippines. I have heard stories that in Batanes, the northernmost part of the Philippines, locals can tune in to radio stations from Taiwan. I’m pretty much sure that some of the local Filipino cuisines are also influenced by Taiwan. 

I wish I can fly to Taiwan every time I crave for Taiwanese food, as I enjoyed my visit there as I ate my way through the streets of Taipei. It makes me glad that restaurants serving Taiwanese food is of no shortage in the Philippines. One of those restaurants that serve great Taiwanese food is Shi Lin which is named after one of the famous night/street markets in Taipei. 

Why is Education So Important in Our Life?

We are aware that both formal and informal education at times come at a hefty price, but it’s a price definitely worth paying. Beyond the fact that the more you know the more you’re worth, there are actual practical advantages to having a good education. If you’re on the verge and don’t know whether to pursue higher education, we’re here to break down all the benefits and overall importance, so perhaps by the end, you’ll feel yourself nudged in the right direction.

Giving Back 

As an educated person, you actually become an esteemed member of the society. You are considered as someone who can contribute to your town, country, and people simply look at you differently when they know that you are one of the people capable of sharing knowledge to help your community grow. There are even certain countries, such as Sweden, which will not grant citizenship to an expat if they don’t hold at least a college degree, because if they do, they are perceived as a person of value to the society.

Dohntonbori 3rd Year Anniversary Promo: Eat All You Can Okonomiyaki + Yakiniku

Japanese food is my favorite cuisine in the whole wide world. It’s on top of my list and Okonomiyaki is one Japanese food that I think I can live off of forever, well, probably. One of the best places where you can get the best okonomiyaki in the Philippines is at Dohtonbori. Dohtonbori is a restaurant that originated in Japan (over 300 stores in Japan, 4 in Bangkok, 1 in Taipei and 6 in the Philippines) and they specialize in everything and the most authentic okonomiyaki. 

If you’re not familiar to what is okonomiyaki. From the word itself "okono" means what you want and "yaki means cooking; so it is basically cooking what you want. It is a Japanese savoury pancake containing a variety of ingredients. Okonomiyaki is mainly associated with the Kansai or Hiroshima areas of Japan, but is widely available throughout the country. Toppings and batters tend to vary according to region. Okonomiyaki has been one of the most popular staple food in Japan where they consider this as their essential soul food. It is normally naturally healthy and consists of many healthy ingredients for a well-balanced diet.

RebeccaFashion Guide: Ways to Keep Your Hair Healthy in Winter/Cold Weather

The cold weather can be seriously hard on our hair. Especially if you leave somewhere where winter happens, it can create a havoc on your hair. Hair can experience some dehydration making them more prone to breakage due to cold, dry air, harsh weather, and everything that comes with winter or the cold season. 

Keeping your hair still healthy despite the harsh weather conditions can be a problem and can be daunting. But we still want to look good and healthy thus, we need to take special care of our hair and skin. Here’s some pointers to keep your locks silky and lustrous during winter/cold weather.

Enjoy Asian Fusion Dishes at Bistro Charlemagne Now Open at Ayala Malls Feliz!

I bet you’ve heard of Charlemagne, the name sounds familiar right? You may have encountered him in one of your history classes when you were still at school since he was someone important in history. He was a Frankish King who is widely regarded as the father of modern Europe. In addition to being a king, he united much of the territory of (present-day) Europe under the Holy Roman Empire.

But for those who love to eat, Charlemagne can be associated with great food. You might have heard of Bistro Charlemagne or might have dine at their Solenad Nuvali branch. The restaurant ventured to Manila and is now open at Ayala Malls Feliz. And will open another branch next year at Ayala Malls Bay Area. 

Secret Bar: INT. Bar

They say in those Anonymous meetings that "You're only as sick as your secrets". So are secrets really bad for us? Psychology says so and they can manifest emotionally or physically. I don’t know about you but I am someone who can keep secrets especially if they are very dangerous once they get out to the public. But there are secrets that are not worth keeping or well worth it to be shared, probably because you want others to know about them and enjoy them too. 

Ok, not to get you confused or anything, but what I'm saying is that I’m gonna share with you a secret and I know you’ll be excited to hear about it (or read about it ha!). I’ve found my 9th secret bar! Clearly, secret bars in Metro Manila are not so secret anymore. But still they get people like me who likes the speakeasies undoubtedly enlivened. I saw this secret bar in Cubao Expo one day on my Facebook feed and right there and then, I knew I gotta visit.

Smoki Moto at Clark Marriott Hotel

Who doesn’t crave a quick getaway every now and then? I love travelling to places I’ve never been to once in a while but you know how planning a major trip can get tedious: filing for a vacation leave, booking flights and accommodations, travelling back and forth the airport, half the excitement fizzles away just thinking of everything you have to go through. So it’s really nice to go on a staycation instead; you get to rest and rejuvenate without leaving your country. Plus you also get to rediscover local places and experience it like you’ve never done before.

Contrary to popular belief, staycations can be quite the experience. It’s more than just a few days spent in a hotel, staycations have the ability to alter moods, making you feel as if you’re at a different place and time. That’s why I got excited when my blogger friends Bettina and Princess invited me to join them on a weekend staycation at Marriott Hotel’s newest branch in Clark, Pampanga. Especially that it was my birthday weekend!

Goji Kitchen + Bar and Noodle Inc. at Clark Marriott Hotel

Who doesn’t crave a quick getaway every now and then? I love travelling to places I’ve never been to once in a while but you know how planning a major trip can get tedious: filing for a vacation leave, booking flights and accommodations, travelling back and forth the airport, half the excitement fizzles away just thinking of everything you have to go through. So it’s really nice to go on a staycation instead; you get to rest and rejuvenate without leaving your country. Plus you also get to rediscover local places and experience it like you’ve never done before.

Contrary to popular belief, staycations can be quite the experience. It’s more than just a few days spent in a hotel, staycations have the ability to alter moods, making you feel as if you’re at a different place and time. That’s why I got excited when my blogger friends Bettina and Princess invited me to join them on a weekend staycation at Marriott Hotel’s newest branch in Clark, Pampanga. Especially that it was my birthday weekend!