Summer Cocktail Making Tips

Summer is just around the corner, so it’s time to think about how we’re going to spend it. Of course, we have all our summer holidays already planned, but what about those amazing summer parties that will make this summer even more unforgettable? There probably are many reasons to throw a party – either an anniversary, birthday, promotion... you name it.

And if you want to think outside the box and be a bit more unique and original, we recommend throwing cocktail parties as they are always fun and different. This is an even bigger “must” if you have a nice garden or a pretty place where you would host it. But how to throw a good cocktail party, and what to have in mind?

Buddha Bar Manila's Game of Thrones Inspired Party

The Filipinos have been known to adopt a lot of Western ways due to being colonized by other countries in the past. And although the Philippines is a predominantly Christian country (thanks to the Spaniards) besides the religious undertakings that most of us do during Lent, the celebration of lesser religiously-related events have also been practiced for quite some time now (that’s thanks to the Americans). One of which is the celebration of Easter through a more festive approach through Easter Egg Hunt and the likes.

Growing up, I’ve only come to know Holy Week nothing more than its religious context. All thanks to my grandmother who’s a devout Catholic. I still vividly remember how solemn it was from Maundy Thursday up until Sunday plus the processions that we would join every afternoon and all. Even Easter Sunday is a still and quiet day reserved for reflection. 

What To Get Your Significant Others On Their Special Day

They say money can’t buy happiness but if you use it properly or if you save up and able to buy something that will make someone feel special, then I guess money has value after all. But that is not the focus of this post but things or activities that you can give to your special someone for any special occasion.

For me personalized gifts are always better. By that, I mean it is extra creative, extra sweet, and extra cool by giving them away personalized gifts. It's the perfect solution when you are so over braving crowded malls, and heavy traffic just to get something for that significant other.

Staycation: Barkada Weekend Staycation at City Garden Hotel Makati

When I feel stressed out I often times zone out and day dream of places that I want to teleport myself to. But as much as I want to go on a vacation on a whim, well, I don’t have that type of luxury at my disposal. Good thing that there are alternatives that I can do to ease my stress; like doing a mini vacation or a.k.a. staycation. Doing a staycation gives you a chance to break from work and life pressures. Because, you know, adulting…

A few weeks ago I went on a staycation with my foodie friends at City Garden Hotel Makati in Poblacion. It was planned prior to the date but the days leading to our staycation were quite a hell for me. Days leading to this staycation were probably not the best days of my life. Earlier that week, I experience the scariest earthquake I’ve encountered my entire life and went down from the 33rd floor of our office building with my hands and knees shaking from weariness and fear.

Encima Roofdeck Restaurant at City Garden Hotel Makati

Encima Roofdeck Restaurant is a Tex - Mex roofdeck restaurant overlooking the Makati cityscape at City Garden Hotel Makati's top most floor. If you're a regular visitor of any of my social media accounts, you should know by now that I am an avid fan of roof deck restos and bars, something about them entices me a good deal. These kinds of places are your perfect go-to destinations for a night cap, weekend chilling or for a romantic date. 

The restaurant was decorated with vintage string bulb lights, Mexican sombreros, green plants and succulents. The area is a bit small and located adjacent to the hotel's pool and can house around 50-70 people. Encima is where you can experience dining al fresco with good Tex-Mex food, drinks and cocktails whilst enjoying the panoramic view of the Makati Skyline.

Buffet Breakfast at Bistro Restaurant - City Garden Hotel Makati

For years, breakfast has been believed to be the most beneficial meal of the day as it breaks the overnight fasting that happens when we sleep, as it replenishes the supply of glucose. Personally speaking I find it hard to function on an empty stomach no matter what kind of job you do.

Although it’s rarely that I eat a complete breakfast on a regular basis; I usually do brunch (the literal meaning of it) because of work schedule. But if given the chance or if I don’t need to prep so early for work, I would always get a hearty breakfast. That’s why I enjoy breakfast when I do staycations at hotels, especially that most offer buffet breakfasts.

BFF Gift Ideas That Will Make Them Feel Special

When it comes to friendship, I believe in quality over quantity. I know and get along with a lot of people but there are only a handful of people I can call my friends and a very few that I can consider as my best friends. Having a best friend is like having another sister or brother of your own choosing who share the same interests and beliefs like you do. They also are the ones who inspire you and at the help you keep your feet on the ground.

If you know your friends well, it isn’t hard to look for gifts to give them when their birthday is coming. If your friendship is rooted well it really doesn’t matter if you give out a gift or not, the gift of friendship can be more than enough. By now though, after years of friendship, you might have already run put of ideas to give as a gift to your bffs. But in case you still want a token to symbolize that friendship here’s a list of things you can give your sister/brother-from-another-mother.

How to Look Your Best During Your Summer Vacation

When deep winter months make us feel all cozy and relaxed wanting to eat as much as we can during the holidays – that is when you know it is the perfect time to start planning your next summer vacation. Most people eagerly wait for summer, and they start planning a trip during those cold days. If your preparations have started, but you don’t feel like you are actually prepared, read the following tips on how to look your best on your vacation.

Start sculpting your body on time
Like previously mentioned, preparations of every kind should start early on. You can take up a new sport and start getting fit for those summer months. Along with a fitness routine, a healthy diet is something that will make you look fabulous and feel healthy. Hitting the gym, jogging, or something simple like walking and playing with your dog will do the trick. Also, a few basic exercises like squats, sit-ups, and lunges are enough to tone your body. As far as the food goes, try eating more fruits and vegetables, and of course, fewer carbs and fats. Doing any type of detox program will also clean your body from toxins and make your skin radiant and fresh.

Fat Daddy’s Smokehouse - U.P. Town Center

Comfort food are things we take refuge to when we’re carving for hearty meals that can relieve the stress that we encounter on the daily basis or for when we want to have a little taste of home. They usually evoke some nostalgic feeling and a little warmth to our hearts and tummies. It’s the food we eat without the guilt and tell people to step off because you deserve this.

I’ve never been to the States, but I have Filipino, Filipino-American and American friends who say that the best comfort food you can find is in the South. Most of them agree on one thing, that Southern U.S. food brings comfort like nothing else on earth. The cuisine of the Southern United States developed in the traditionally defined American South, influenced by African, English, Scottish, Irish, French, Spanish, and Native American cuisines. But then again Southern American cuisine crosses all regional boundaries.

Pick Your Party Padi’s Point: Padi’s Point - Antipolo Circumferential

Padi’s Point Restaurant and Bar remains the top-of-the-mind for gimmicks and all kinds of celebration. It remains the perfect place for reunions or simple night outs with the entire barkada. Indeed, one can easily find a Padi’s point that fits his/her preference.

In the past, I have only visited Padi’s Point in Sumulong Highway Antipolo mainly because of its overlooking view of Metro Manila and the cool breeze which is perfect when I go for drinks or two with my college friends. But that was that and that’s the only Padi’s Point that I’ve ever stepped foot on.