Sa wakas nagka-lahok ulit ako Pasensya na mga ka-LP at matagal tagal din akong nawala at hindi nakasali. Pero pangako ko ngayon ay linggo-linggo na ako andito

Para sa tema ngayon, ito ang napili ko.  Makikita natin ito sa mga lugar na may itinatayong gusali.  Pinagdugtong-dugtong na kawayan para magsilbing tungtungan o upuan ng mga trabahador.   

Maligayang Araw muli mga ka-LP

What’s your morning rush?  Honestly, i don’t listen to the morning show of Chico & Delamar (swertehan if yun ang station na pinapakinggan sa taxi )  Anyway, i found this book last month while buying some books but somehow, i just looked at the cover page and put it back on the stand.  Later on, everyone in facebook and twitter were saying good things about it that when i was in FullyBooked, i already grab a copy.  While my son was enjoying some of his fave books (we actually found our instant library in Fullybooked), i got my spot and started flipping the pages while laughing to myself.

The Morning Rush Top 10 is a compilation of 100 of the naughtiest, craziest, most laugh-out-loud lists from RX 93.1.  Surprisingly, i majority of the lines were from Loi_Pogo now called “Professional Heckler”.  This guy is really witty.  I always get amused with how he thinks and voice out his opinons.  Aside from him, there is also Oscar Dela Hoya Hopia, with a lot of contributions too.

Now here are some of my favorite lines from the book:

1. GUY: “Sa Sturbucks nalang tayo kasi may WIFI duon” GIRL: “Sa Mcdo nalang tayo, may apple fie duon” – Oscar Dela Hoya Hopia
2. A friend once asked me: “Pag nalaglag yung ipis sa sabon, lumilinis ba yung ipis, o dumudumi yung sabon?”  - No Name
3. APO: “Lola, totoo bang true love never dies?” LOLA: “Oo naman, tingnan mo lolo mo, ayaw mamatay-matay” – Oscar Dela Hoya Hopia
4. “Kung ang fishball gawa sa fish, at ang squidball gawa sa squid, saan gawa ang kikiam?” – Speaks
5. (Sa isang turo-turo) CUSTOMER: “Miss, may langaw sa arroz caldo ko!” TINDERA: “Sa halangang limang piso, anong gusto mo, manok?” – Arvie
6. Sometimes, you’re not really loveless, just loved less. – Leila
7. “Your mom’s a bigger bitch than you are!” – Homer Singson
8. I texted my mom: “Ma, last text ko na ito, please pasaload!!!” She replied: “Magkano?” – Bupie
9. I had no choice but to sleep over at a guy friend’s house. I was nervous texting my dad. His reply: “Keribels Lang.” – Ellatot
10. Failure to Launch: “Ayaw Tumigas” – Twylyt

Of course there are still so many funny and sexy lines in the book. I’m not yet finish reading it since i bought it.  If you don’t have a copy yet, i truly suggest that you buy this book. It is definitely a Laugh out Loud!

 I like wearing shoes that are flat and no heels so that i can walk all day   How about?

My favorite walking shoes

Yay, it’s been so long since i participated in this meme. Hopefully, i can continue this again.  This week’s theme is BLISS.  According to our friendly web encyclopedia ~ Wikipedia,

Bliss can be a state of profound satisfaction, happiness and joy, a constant state of mind, undisturbed by gain or loss.

The first thing that popped up my mind which moves me to a state of happiness and satisfaction is of course ~ food lol particularly chocolate cake.

This is a chocolate cake of Starbucks which is being served only during Christmas season.  When i saw this, i immediately ordered it.  Good thing that it did not disappoint me.  It’s not too sweet for a chocolate cake even if it is covered with chocolate and topped with whipped cream and caramel syrup. 

You’re going to feel that you’re in heaven after you tasted this cake.  Now call this Bliss hahaha.

Excited as we enter the hotel, we got a very good location inside the restaurant (just beside the buffet area).  We scanned the food and as soon as we have settled down, we began to take the plunge lol.

Salad Station:

My first stop was at the salad station.  So many greens, topping, dressing etc.  Can’t choose what kind of salad to make

 Green Leafy Vegetables

cold cuts

smoked salmon, salami, parma ham lyonner (not sure if i got it correctly)

 not sure which one i will put on my plate.

 Salad Dressings

 ready-made salads

Breads & Cheese Section:

After the salad section, i went to check on the breads and cheese. Just perfect for my salad

 nuts and cheeses

 Now here is my frst plate. Just made a simple ceasar salad and got a plain bun, a slice of blue and cheddar cheese.

 Japanese Section:

Next stop was their Japanese Section.  I’m not that happy since there were only a limited number of Japanese food to choose from  

 tempura

 fresh salmon, tuna & maki

 My second plate.  Tasted it all hahaha.

Chinese Section:

Not yet full hahaha lagok lang ng lagok.  Excited to eat dimsum yummy!!!

 chickens and pork

 spare ribs

 not sure what these are

 siomai, siopao, hakaw, etc

My third plate. Got the siomai, hakao, spare ribs and a slice of ??? Love their siomai and hakaw.

Seafood Sections:

Ok, my fave part ~ shrimps, crabs & mussels. 

 And look what i got!!! After finishing these, i got another plate full of shrimps.  I guess i should have requested them to make them warm.

 I no longer tried tasting the photos above and below.  My feet was itching to go somewhere else…

 US ribeye

Desserts Section:

This is the reason why had to pass on the other dishes.  Their desserts were so beautiful. So Christmasy.  These were the ones that made stop as soon as i entered the cafe.  Who wouldn’t love these.

 Gingerbread house

 My 5th plate.  Ok, even if i wanted to get all those pretty cakes, my tummy is about to explode already  

 On the other side, they have this chocolate fondue and some fruits for dipping.

 And these ice cream were also included yahoo.

 toppings to choose from for your ice cream

Even if my tummy is hurting, i still tried their ice cream. “aba magbabayad na rin lang ako eh lubos lubusin ko na hahaha”  I recommend the flavors i got.  The white one is the Palawan Honey Walnut and the Mixed Berries Yoghurt.

*burp…excuse me.  Call this lunch hahaha.

Marriot Cafe, Marriott Hotel Manila
No. 10, Newport Bvld., Marriott Hotel Manila , Newport City Complex
Pasay, Metro Manila, Philippines
Phone Number: (63 2) 988-9990

I’ve always wished that I’ll be able to enter Malacanang Palace.  I’ve tried to schedule and join Ivan Man Dy’s Power, Palace and a Shot of Beer however, my schedule wont fit me.  I’m just happy that I was able to get a slot last month.  Meet up was in the patio of the Legarda Mansion (Cocina ni Tita Moning).  When everyone else have been settled, we headed to our destination – Malacanan.  The security was tight. You cannot just visit the musuem any day you want.  You need to inform them at least 7 days before your preferred date and time.  Even our cameras were inspected and placed a sticker on it. 

The tour started in the Kalayaan Hall.  Kalayaan Hall was the only area of the Palace that is opened to public as they converted it to a museum.  The statue of former President Ramon Magsaysay will greet you as you enter. 

Ivan began giving us background about the palace. 

The Old Waiting Room (The Spanish Colonial Period c. 1750 – 1898)

This room showcases things during the spanish period ~ from paintings, furnitures, photos.  It started how the Philippines were colonized by Spain 

Would you like to carry this when you travel?  What looks like a chest was actually a luggage. If you’re going to use this today, you’re already paying for the excess baggage lol. 

 A person can fit inside this luggage hahaha.  Was wondering how many can individuals can carry this?

 blue print?

The Old Executive Secretary’s Office (The period of Nationalism , Revolution, and the First Philippines Republic c. 1969 – 1901)

The Old Governor-General’s Office (The American Colonial Period c. 1898 – 1935)

Ivan’s Bag

 How would you like to have this $1000 in your wallet

The West Staircase (The Commonwealth of the Philippines 1935 – 1946)

 Yey! i met the famous Doc Angelo of Beyond Toxicity and her lovely wife (doesn’t she look like Karen Davila?)

The 2nd floor of the building further highlights the political history of the Philippines.  These rooms have been used for cabinet meetings and at the same time declaration of Martial Law.  There were so many things to capture. Sorry i could no longer understand some of the information Ivan was telling as i am busy clicking my camera

 Osmenia Room

This room was where the Late President Marcos declared Martial Law last in 1972.

The chair where the Late President Marcos sat when he declared Martial Law

 I super love the furnitures and the interiors of the Palace, even the socket so kyoot!!!

The 2nd to the last room, showcases a lot of memorabilia from the past presidents ~ from President Fidel Ramos up to President Arroyo. 

This caught my attention as i entered the room.  A beautiful palace. Is this from India?

From this view, you can also see where President Aquino is currently staying.

so this is how they plan to protect EDSA during the 1st EDSA Revolution.

Another one that caught my attention was the big photo above, very nationalistic!!!

In every room that we visited, i noticed elegant pieces like the chandeliers, the chairs and the intericate wood carvings designed for a palace.

Chandeliers

wood carvings

Feels like royalty!!!

Our afternoon tour ended back inside La Cocina de Tita Moning where we had our merienda.

Nice table setting (pag di ka pa ginanahan nyang kumain hehehe)

Our light merienda (call it light) includes pancit and chicken embutido

Ginataang Halo-Halo for dessert (*burp)

Since it’s called “Power, Palace and A Shot of Beer”, we were served a shot of beer which i did not drink hehehe

I really enjoyed the tour and the food. I want to go back inside the palace and i hope to be able to see the main palace (Mr. President please invite me hahaha). 

If you’re interested to join this tour or any of Ivan’s tour you can visit the site Old Manila Walks

The last celebration for 2011, Media Noche, highlights the welcoming of the New Year.  After buying those firecrackers to welcome another year, we Filipinos prepare the whole day or even a week the menu for this event.  For us, i planned for our menu a day before the New Year’s Eve.  On my list:

1. Sisig,
2. Lengua
3. Paksiw na Pechon
4. Pasta
5. Chips and Dips
6. Alcoholic Beverage

Of course, on the day itself, only the sisig and lengua have been cooked. There had been minor changes hahaha.  We had siomai, puto and banana muffin instead.  I prepared for the banana muffin, bought some puto and the rest of the dishes, my mom cooked it

siomai

fruits (pampa-swerte)

presenting my boxer dog ~ Happy

Our media noche feast. 

If your looking for the other dishes, they’re inside the ref already.  We don’t normally eat heavy meal while celebrating New Year.

our firecracker (sparkler). 

We no longer buy those lusis, trompilyo, watusi and we don’t even buy those bawang, judas belt, etc.  As years pass by, we just watched our neighbors who really buy expensive ones.

A Prosperous New Year To All

Let’s welcome the year with a big Dragon ROAR!!!

“The Occasion + Easy elegant meals + Fabulous table setting + What to wear = Fashion + Food”

Book signing event held at Glorietta 5 Activity Center (photo from National Bookstore FB page)  The event was well attended by famous personalities. Wow saw a lot of star ( nanliit ako hahaha)

I super liked this table setting because of the cutie tablewares (its pink) and the cupcakes

(photo from National Bookstore FB page)

Another awesome table setting (photo from National Bookstore FB page)

My signed book

Here is a sneak peak of what’s inside.

 Don’t you just love the her book? 

Last August, i blogged about my fave book from a Filipino author, Samantha Sotto, Before Ever After.  Samantha came up with a series book signing event but wasn’t have a chance to have my book signed.  Thanks to the Writer’s Block Philippines, they were able to organize an event featuring Samantha  Sotto. Of course it includes book signing.  I grab the chance to attend it for which the event was held at Le Vistro Bert in Salcedo Village.

 Samantha Sotto and her hubby

So surreal to see in person the author of Before Ever After.  Can’t contain the happy feeling while listening to her story on how she started the book until it get published.

Getting ready to line up for the book signing.

my signed copy weeee. Of course i have a photo op with the author as well

So happy with my 2 signed book.  These are my priceless collections hehehe.  Hope to get a signed copy of Nicholas Sparks’  The Best of Me…who could possibly give me – Santa???

Do you have a copy of these books already?

A Blessed Merry CHRISTmas to Everyone!!!

Yey! my first blogger event since i started blogging. For my online friends and readers, i have not done any blog post  relating to fashion or beauty since mostly this blog is more on food and travel or photoblog. Now let’s see if i can give justice to this hahaha.

I came across Snoe through the site of Jenni Epperson when she introduced some of the Snoe’s products. From there, i started following this brand via twitter and facebook.  When they mentioned that they will be having an event and looking for a photographer blogger (feeling diba hahah), i registered and gladly, i received the invitation above (love the invite – its pink ).

So what is Snoe (pronounced as sno?)?

Snoe is named after the only daughter of founder Jen Gerodias- Diaz, Justine Emmanuelle Diaz or Noe for short. When Noe was born, everyone who would see Noe would say she is white as Snow. Hence the name SNOE

Snoe Inc. was established on February 2010 as a specialty cosmetics brand abiding to these strategies:

• Effective products with high quality ingredients
• Reasonably priced
• Wide range of products to cater everyone
• Intricate, luxury packaging with wide array of colors and scents

Our logo is the Snoe snow flake. It symbolizes the 6 essential aspects of an individual that embody a balanced life: The mind, body, spirit, heart, relationships and beauty for a balanced and holistic approach on life

I arrived early at the venue so i was able to have some chit chat with the owners, Jen G and Gen G, as well as try some of their products. 

sampled products

The event was attended by young fashion and beauty bloggers.  Even the founder/ owners of Snoe looked so young that you’ll be surprised if you discovered their age.  Surprisingly, Jen Gerodias – Diaz and Gen Enriquez – Gerodias were not hesitant to disclose their real age.  When the presentation started, these ladies began introducing ang product - how it started and how they conceptualized it.  They also shared how they also tried every beauty products from low-end to high-end in search for the one that would complement their skin.

 Jen Gerodias – Diaz and Gen Enriquez – Gerodias

 Snoe Presentation

 Fashion Bloggers

Meet some of Snoe Products:

 Hand Sanitizers. 

Body Ritual Recipes.  It has 3 scents: Vanilla, Passion Fruit & Honey Dew Melon

My choice is the Honew Dew Melon. Super love the scent and it does not easily wear off.

 Emuthology – made from high grade emu pure oil, acai berry and singkamas

Whitening Detox Clay Mask

Milk Whitening Scrub

 Eye Boop Liquid Eye Liner

 Glam Jam – Vitamin Enrichd Lip and Cheek Stain

 Hair Heroes Intense Argan Oil Conditioner

 Sunblock with SPF 45. 

It’s a sunblock with a whitening ingredient and SPF 45. What i like about this product is that there is no greasy feeling after you apply it unlike with other sunblock lotion and it’s cold on the skin. Love the scent too. 

 Magic Apple Whitening s-rub

 Snoe White Beauty Bars – comes in 12 variants

Snoe Beauty products uses all-natural ingredients, proudly pinoy and world class at the same time.  Who would have thought to use singakamas as one of an ingredient to soap or lotion.  After the presentation, we were served with light snacks and an opportunity to mingle with the other bloggers.  We also received some of their products based on our skin type.  They also raffled off products and luckily a got their BB (Blemish Balm) cream.

 inside the bag

Snoe S Skin BB Cream with SPF 30

I’m becoming a fan of BB cream and i’m looking for a product that will really suit my skin and at the same time affordable Hopefully, this BB cream will be the one.

If you want to know more of these products or get updates, you can visit their website: Snoe Beauty Inc , like their facebook page: Snoe Beauty Inc. or follow them on twitter: @SnoeBeautyInc.  You can also buy these products at:

1. SM Muntinlupa
2. Festival Mall
3. Cinderella Glorietta
4. SM Valenzuela,
5. Robinsons Galleria