Filipina Archives - Between Bites - Bites of Food, Travel and Lifestyle

The Comfort of Kuya J Now in Manila

October 1, 2015 by Janey

Hailing from Cebu, Kuya J restaurant’s success is now penetrating the Manila scene evidenced by its sixteenth branch opening in SM Megamall. The formal launch happened last Monday, September 14, 2015, dinner time, witnessed by its executives, crew and radio, TV and online celebrities gracing the event.

Interior design at Kuya J is clean, handsome, spacious and modern. Tables and comfortable seats can accommodate small groups as well as larger groups for family gatherings, or dining out with friends and colleagues. The branch in Megamall also has a private room for corporate meetings and celebrations.

Among their signature dishes are Kare-Kare, Beef Caldereta, Pochero Bulalo Tagalog, Lechon Kawali, grilled meats, and one thing their celebrity endorser, Jericho Rosales, cannot get enough of, Crispy Pata. Kuya J offers traditional Filipino cuisine, a treat we know and appreciate, and at an accessible price.

Speaking of Jericho Rosales, check him out below excited to share about Kuya J:

On the Table

Chorizo Dinamitas Php 170

Green chilies deseeded and filled with Cebuano chorizo, cheddar cheese, and carefully wrapped in light pastry and deep fried. This app is served with garlic mayo dip.

Pick one up and hear the opening crunch as your teeth sink into it, where the heat slowly lingers in your mouth like a lover not wanting to let go. The creamy cheese bursts from the inside like it’s been waiting for the right trigger to explode. The stuffing inside is incredible, swinging salt and sweet from the Cebuano chorizo. That spicy kick is manageable but if it’s too hot to handle, the garlic mayo dip cools down the rage and cuddles your tongue with garlicky creamy affection.

Nomama Bids Adieu with Php 1 Ramen

March 23, 2015 by Janey

Nomama will always have a big fan in me. Whenever I am dining there, there is zero willpower to resist their Wagyu Beef Cheek Ramen or the Spicy Tongue Dry Noodle. I also cannot dine there without ordering their tasty gyoza, which I think is one of the best in Manila.

Their gyozas do not require any dipping sauce, just a splash of Tabasco and you’d have the best appetizer or accompaniment to your ramen. I love their mushroom gyoza which is just brimming with this rich woodsy flavor but their beef curry rib gyoza is nothing short of awesome too, like the Wagyu Beef Cheek Ramen.

RELATED POST

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Highlands Gold Corned Beef

February 9, 2015 by Janey

You got beef with me? You sure would if I got some Angus Beef to serve you. This time, I don’t have to look far to grab some quality beef as I got cans of it inside my pantry. You heard it right, pantry and not chiller or freezer. To satisfy my carnivorous instincts, I am usually on the hunt for steak restaurants or restaurants that offer good quality beef dishes and gratify my meat craving. Nowadays, I can stay at home and still get my beefy satisfaction.

Say hello to Highlands Gold Corned Beef. My latest discovery from the grocery section that got me pretty excited about getting busy in the kitchen again with quick home meals. Rachel Ray’s 30-minute meals? Try Janey’s 20-minute easy cook meal.

First, let me tell you what makes Highlands Gold Corned Beef interestingly appetite-piquing. They apparently use Angus Beef, which jacks up your standard corned beef. It’s still that familiar brisket cured in a brine solution or corned rock salt alongside various seasonings and slowly simmered until cooked.

Corned beef dishes can be prepared in many ways. The most traditional one is to prepare the premium beef brisket with boiled cabbage either baked with cloves and sweet hot honey mustard or boiled in spiced water. Other times, it’s used to make Reuben sandwiches which I also enjoy with lots of sauerkraut. In Manila, we’d be happy to see it on our breakfast table sautéed in garlic and onions and served with steaming white rice or garlic rice.

You can also look at a corned beef hash for breakfast. There are several ways to enjoy corned beef especially if it’s made from a primal cut of beef reasonably priced only for P150.00 per 320g. Give it a try and you would definitely see the difference. If you love corned beef, you can easily develop an instant love for Highlands Gold Corned Beef.

One Friday Afternoon in Anilao

May 26, 2014 by Janey

Instead of doing the usual summer trip, we’ve decided to just chill and try to enjoy each other’s company over drinks, good food and music. Rented a boat for 4 hours at a rate of P22,000.

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We left Ortigas around 930am that Friday and drove to Tagaytay to get brunch at Tootsie’s. After lunch, all 4 cars including Ray’s spanking new toy, Mini Cooper (which I wanted to try driving), headed to Acacia Resort in Anilao, Batangas.

This is how you rock a boat.

It was our take-off point and where we will be picked up by the dinghy to be brought to the boat. A dinghy is a small, open boat, similar to a life boat that transports you to a larger boat or ship.

By 3pm, all 12 of us have boarded the stunning Catamaran boat.

The True Mettle of Comfort Food at Kettle

November 26, 2013 by Janey

Routine brings us to welcome and dive into the unknown and take pleasure in the unfamiliar. That is precisely the reason I love traveling so much, a momentary or season-long escape, or else, hunt and enjoy varying degrees of adventure from around. Yet at the end of the day, most of us are creatures of comfort. I am and it is no less than true when it comes to food.

I find myself easing into the seat of Kettle at East Wing of Shangri-la Mall. Where many restaurants claim to dish out comfort food, only a few could push past asserting and make bold statements not out of their mouths but into yours.

On the Table

Oven Roasted Squash Soup P249

Shrimp salad, lemon oil, tarragon

Similar to how Anzani, one of my top 3 favorite Cebu restaurants, does it with a bit of flair, the actual soup gets poured from a small ceramic flask into a bowl. Roast squash suffused into the creamy liquid deliver that delightful slightly sweet taste with only a bit of tarragon scent swinging from time to time. In between the smooth creamy soup are munches of shrimp that texturally play with your tongue.

Clam Chowder P229

Served on sourdough bowl

Pork and Potato Strips P399

Crunchy pork belly and fresh potato strips, fried herbs, red onion, aioli

Like a hot woman in a tight fitting dress that shows off all the right curves who walks into a bar with long sexy strides, this appetizer cum perfect beer chow takes breaths away. It can also get you sinning all the time –with all the beer you want to guzzle down to partner this. I don’t mind getting punished with the consumption of this sin.

Fresh potato strips with webs of shaved parmesan are non-stop mouth poppers. Add to it the salty tones from the crisp pork belly that I also love nibbling and gyrate my incisors with until every whisper of fat excretes onto my wanting tongue. I realize then I was born to be bad.

The Best Part of this Season

September 17, 2013 by Janey

Hello folks. Have you been wondering how I am? Thank you.

I’ve been doing great, still slightly off normalcy with some bottled up craziness, but when does that ever change anyway? A straight jacket is still often nearby if necessary.

As you all know, this season is not something I welcomed immediately with open arms. As for everyone who ever really valued relationships and have loved deeply, you’d understand how hard it is a transition to move to singlehood. The walk into the woods a.k.a healing season has to come first before frolicking through the meadow, running into the sun with open arms ready for a big embrace.

Forever 21 BIG Sale This Friday

June 27, 2013 by Janey

Good news shoppers! Forever 21 is having a big sale this coming Friday, June 28, 2013 in all of their stores. Check it out and share your good finds!

New Attractions at Nomama

February 19, 2013 by Janey

I wanted to start this entry with some claps and pointing fingers singing, “I want Nomama Nomama (clap clap) but you (gun hands)!” but since Spanky beat me to it in a shout-out (and prolly a few other blogs), I will walk the road less taken and begin in a more dramatic flair. I struggle to remember when the last time I wept tears of unsustainable joy… but that evening at Nomama……. does that work? Okay, so maybe I don’t know have enough flair in me to sustain a take off like that.

Decorated with lots of wood element in a rich industrial scheme and an open kitchen, Nomama continues with its commitment to use the very best ingredients each time, usually locally sourced, towards a bold direction. Inherent is its style highlighting Japanese flavors, frequently borrowing influences from Asian neighbours.

READ MORE:

Nomama Artisan Ramen

Chef Him Uy de Baron collaborated with people who share the same passion and commitment as he has in food. Ever since Nomama opened, Kitayama has been their choice of beef, one of the best local suppliers, dubbed as the supplier of local “USDA” and simply, because they’re very good at what they do.

New dishes in the menu can make vegetarians have a field day with many options for their preference. Ministry of Mushrooms, another supplier, paved the way for this.

On the Table

Beef Tataki with Uni and Chips

Blend of Kitayama tenderloin tips and Ribeye, seasoned with uni butter and lime. It was served garnished with micro-greens and tomato confit and roasted shitake.

There are no slow starters here. My palate was immediately unlocked by the brine velvety taste of the uni butter, faintly rich yet reclaimed by the hint of lime. The tender cubes of beefy integrity eased the tension on my shoulders for this dinner and helped me relax back on my seat. I knew good things are to come.

Thai Spiced Tri Tip with Jasmine Rice and Pineapple Salad, Herbs and Red Curry Dressing

I love watching Iron Chef and it’s a lustful fantasy of mine to imagine myself as one of the judges savoring the dishes prepared by the chefs using the secret ingredient. I no longer have to wipe the drool off my gaping mouth staring at the screen with a pitiful “Puss in Boots” look. Nomama somehow makes me feel I’m being served something really special.

The round plate comes bearing seared tri-tip crusted with cilantro, coriander seeds and sliced very thin. It’s leaning over what seems like risotto tossed with cashews, glazed pineapple, tomatoes and cucumber and dressed with spicy red curry dressing, pickled onions.

The lean cut of meat, although lacking that marbling that gives that rich fatty flavor but definitely healthier, was flavorful and tenderly wonderful to put inside my mouth. I mop the plate with the beef, take a bit of the rice and tomato and… it just beckons a smile. Receiving it on the other end is Gerry, my dinner partner that evening sitting across me. He is smiling as well but oblivious to mine and more obvious to the food.

Forever 21 Makati on Sale March 2012

March 13, 2012 by Janey

Hear Ye! Hear Ye! All ya ladies and gents in the house who love shopping at Forever 21, listen up!

It’s that time of the year again, when Forever 21 SM Makati goes on sale. Ding ding ding ding! YES, that MAGIC word… SALE! Are you shivering up in excitement as I am? It’s a 3-DAY SALE starting March 16, Friday and ending March 18, Sunday.

On March 16: Present your F21 Mastercard AND SMAC/BDO Rewards, get 20% off on regular items with a minimum purchase of P5,000 until 12nn only.

Present your SMAC/BDO Rewards OR SMAC/BDO Rewards, and get 10% off on regular items, until 12nn only.

Forever 21 SM Megamall On Sale this October 2011

October 12, 2011 by Janey

Hear Ye! Hear Ye! All ya ladies and gents in the house who love shopping at Forever 21, listen up!

It’s that time of the year again, when Forever 21 SM Megamall goes on sale. Ding ding ding ding! YES, that MAGIC word… SALE! 😉 Are you shivering up in excitement as I am? It’s a 3-DAY SALE starting October 14 and ending October 16, Sunday.

Get 20% off on regular items (with a minimum spent of P5,000) for the first day until 12nn when you present both Forever21 MasterCard and SM Advantage card/BDO Rewards card. Get 10% off on regular items for SM Advantage card and BDO Rewards card.

Those who are holding a Forever 21 MasterCard, you will get 10% off on regular items (with a minimum spent of P5,000) for the whole weekend with your Forever 21 MasterCard.

Some of My Forever 21 Stash

During E! Channel Launch at Establishment

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With Carlos Celdran for Awesome Hunt @ Republiq, Resorts World

Wacoal Makes You Wear that Inner Confidence

November 22, 2010 by Janey

Women go through different stages in their lives. Our body form shifts from one stage to another… The teen stage appears initially to be complex and can intimidate the young female teens since forming shapes are new to them. But with proper guidance and the right support system, teens can welcome that adjustment with ease.

By their 20’s, girls become more and more comfortable with the shape they are in. It’s the stage they welcome adulthood and develops into a bolder and braver woman who have dipped their foot into the real world –starting to be career or dream-oriented. In this stage, the 20s are more relaxed and secure of their bodies. This is what the majority considers as the most beautiful stage. Anything goes with the marvel of youth in your hands.

When one reaches 30’s, people take more attention to their bodies since the toll of the activities during the 20’s stage begins to show. Age starts knocking on the door and marking itself on the body. Folks involve themselves into physical activities that help maintain their metabolism and make conscious effort to eat and live a healthier lifestyle. Most women however don’t realize that it’s also ideal to have a good support system for your shapes every single day. Wearing the right undergarments maintains your natural form –it effectively prolongs the beautiful stage of the 20s.

Research shows that about 80% of women wear the wrong size of bras or undergarments. Most women think that wearing the wrong size of bra or wearing “granny” panties is not such a big deal. When you wear undergarments that are not a perfect fit, either it’s too loose or too tight, it causes disadvantage to your body.

Warning Signs: Wearing the Wrong Bra

Straps dig into the shoulders –leaving you with marks
Back of the bra rides up –it should be one straight horizontal line at the back and not a curving line.
Skin at the back form folds –this stresses the skin and advances loose skin or loose fats
There’s discomfort around the breast and underarm areas
Line on your chest –when the breasts are squeezed so tightly it forms a line in the middle
You keep pulling down/adjusting your bra from the bottom
When breasts are over the cup size and tips out sloppily making you look like you have 4 breasts instead of 2

When you wear loose underwear, it doesn’t give a firm support on your hip area –that’s when loose skin grows on your sides and buttocks. And gravity takes this opportune to let what will slump, slump more. The breasts sag because of the natural tendency of the gravity that pulls the breasts down –and this is hastened or delayed depending on the activities we are involved in as well as the food that we eat. Same story goes with the puppies that are perked right up during young age but droops into a saggy sadness when you’re older. If the bra is not a snug fit, it only hastens what gravity intends it to do.

In addition, as we age, our body changes – the elasticity of our skin and ligaments change. The tight bras cause discomfort and create/develop bulges below and above the side panels of the bras.

Love Your Genes with the Perfect Fit

Wearing the right bra minimizes the jiggling making it less stressful for the breasts. Wacoal has always been known in the industry with its superior designs and well-engineered fits that are excellently comfortable and snug. What’s best to highlight is the functionality of their bras. Wacoal educates women about getting the Perfect Fit and how to wear the bra properly. More info are detailed at their Wacoal website www.wacoal.ph

Here’s a quick checklist on must do’s when picking the Perfect Fit:

1. Don’t neglect the fitting process. Not because you already know the size of your little puppies, you just grab the bra and buy it as you please. Every woman should be professionally measured for a bra once a year to accommodate her changing body.

2. Don’t go to a store that refuses fittings – back track to number #1. Fitting is key.

3. Fit the bra and move around in it. Try moving your arms up and down while repositioning your body too to check if you’re at ease while wearing the bra. If you like dancing, you might as well do a few moves to check how comfy you are with the fit of the bra.

4. Try 2 or 3 items on instead of just one. There are newly released product lines that might assist you in shaping the appearance of your breast (for proper lift if needed) or body (for profiling). Wacoal’s recently introduced Shape Wear Collection has long bras and girdles that enhance your body proportions by creating the ideal silhouette.

5. Bring clothes you want to fit your undergarments with. For instance, when I go shopping for a new strapless brassiere, I would usually sport a tube top, tube dress or a tank top so I can visualize more the look I’m aiming for.

The Wacoal lingerie line keeps every woman who wears them at ease, without any discomfort! Feel the strength of Wacoal’s material and drop your worries of ill-fitting undergarments that easily fracture or weaken.

If you’ve been enduring bra discomfort, the quickest remedy is to REWARD YOURSELF with the PERFECT FIT! You’d start loving your genes more when you snug into the Perfect Fit that shapes your curves well.

Secret Confidence

With Wacoal lingerie’s effective strong support of the form, I have less worry maintaining my natural form and will be able to enjoy the beautiful stage longer. Wearing the right breast support protects your body from immature sagging and aging.

To be in your top form, you not only gotta have form-fitting clothes, you should also have form-fitting undergarments. Beauty starts from “within.” Underneath your clothes, you know there’s a lot of story too.

There’s nothing not to love about Wacoal lingerie but I specifically like their lacey brassieres that are made of comfortable fabrics and high quality materials –design-engineered to give that sultry and sexy look with a touch of romance. They give full cup coverage that is not stifling or restrictive so I feel good in every way I move while wearing their products. The wired lace bra gives that lifting effect I sometimes need when wearing low-neck lines. It provides light and gentle support that doesn’t weigh my little frame down. If you’re self-assured in the undergarments that you wear underneath, poise and grace are what you’d exude whether you are with clothes or without them 😉

Wacoal products aren’t only intimately sexy… they also have great functionality like body support for easy movement and shape enhancers to capture the ideal proportion and silhouette. And when your precious parts are attractively supported and adorned, it certainly boosts your inner confidence. Start to strut your well-heeled self with that graceful certainty!

Wacoal Stores are located in:

Rustan’s Alabang

Rustan’s Makati

Rustan’s Ortigas

SM Makati

SM Fairview

SM YMCA

SM Bicutan

SM Marikina

Sta. Lucia Dept. Store

SM Megamall

SM Las Piñas

SM Sta. Mesa

SM San Lazaro

Landmark Makati

Gaisano Market! Market!

SM North EDSA

SM Harrison

SM Cubao

SM Mall of Asia

Landmark Trinoma

Wacoal Philippines

Website: http://www.wacoal.ph

Twitter: http://twitter.com/WacoalPH

Wacoal’s sister brand, Sorci Age, presents an undergarment line for tweens and teenagers! Good quality products with same fine craftsmanship and quality material but these are less expensive than Wacoal so it makes for a pretty good investment.

Sorci Age

Website: http://www.wacoal.ph/sorci.php

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/SORCI-age-by-Wacoal/118898494803016

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4 Comments Filed Under: Style Files: A Bite of Fashion, Beauty and Wellness Tagged With: 2010, beauty blog, best, best under garment, best underwear, body shape, breast, breasts, consumer, customer, fashion blogger, Filipina, Filipina blogger, Filipino, form fitting, list, location, Manila, Map, Metro Manila, new products, Philippines, Photo, pinoy, price, Products, sagging, shape, size, The Perfect Fit, Wacoal, Wacoal branches, Wacoal Philippines, Wacoal product review, Wacoal shape wear

Miss Universe 2010 Winners in Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas

August 24, 2010 by Janey

The Official TOP 15 and TOP 10

The OFFICIAL final 15 contestants announced:

Miss Puerto Rico Mariana Paola Vicente (21)
Miss Ukraine Anna Poslavska(23)
Miss Mexico Jimena Navarrete (22)
Miss Belgium Cilou Annys (19)
Miss Ireland Rozanna Purcell (20)
Miss South Africa Nicole Flint (22)
Miss France Malika Menard (23)
Miss Australia Jesinta Campbell (19)
Miss Jamaica Yendi Phillipps (24)
Miss Russia Irina Antonenko (18)
Miss Albania Angela Martini (24)
Miss Colombia Natalia Navarro (23)
Miss Guatemala Jessica Scheel (20)
Miss Czech Republic Jitka Valkova (18)
Miss Philippines Venus Raj (22)

-o-

MISS UNIVERSE 2010 TOP 10

(LIVE in Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas)

Ireland

Albania

Philippines

Jamaica

Mexico

Ukraine

Puerto Rico

South Africa

Guatemala

Australia

-o-

Miss Congeniality – Miss Australia

Miss Photogenic – Miss Thailand

National Costume – Miss Thaliand

-o-

Miss Universe TOP Five

Mexico (pretty Mexicana with so much appeal)
Australia (girl next door beauty)
Jamaica (looks like Jada Pinkett Smith with a sharper feature)
Ukraine (soft beauty like a porcelain doll)
Philippines (ethereal beauty and charm!!!)

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Miss Philippines Question:

What is the one big mistake that you did in your life? And what did you do to make it right?

Miss Philippines Answer:

Thank you for that wonderful question. Good evening Las Vegas!

In my 22 years of existence, I don’t think I have a major major problem done in my life.

I’m very confident in the love my family has given me. And I’m so happy to be here!!!

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TOP Five Final Standing

4th Runner-up:

Miss Philippines

3rd Runner-up:

Miss Ukraine

2nd Runner Up:

Miss Australia

1st Runner-up:

Miss Jamaica

Miss Universe 2010 WINNER:

Miss Mexico!!!

Miss Universe 2010 winner is Miss Mexico, Jimena Navarette.

Congrats Miss Mexico!!!!

and congrats Miss Philippines, Venus Raj!!!! 😉

xoxo

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Missing Make-up Again

May 31, 2010 by Janey

First time I lost my make-up kit was some time 2004 I think. I was still with SE then and we were at Glorietta 4 going around. From the Glorietta 4 entrance (near Breadtalk), we alighted the escalator going to the second floor. We were talking until two guys in front of me picked up something on the step right before the edge of the escalator, which blocked our way. I was so nervous at the thought that we would collide with them that I said, “excuse me” loudly. They were able to stand up just in time that we had enough space to step into the 2^nd floor without bumping into them.

As we turned towards the next escalator, I told SE that I’d go back down and check quickly on the Terranova store. I agreed to follow and meet him in the upper floors. When I entered Terranova, I clutched my bag and found it open. I immediately checked what was missing. Thank goodness, it was only my make-up kit that they were able to get, probably mistaken it for a wallet. I felt bad that time because I’m the type who’s really attached to my things (I guess it’s the OC behavior) and even if it’s only a highlighter or pen, I’d feel really bad losing it. I’m so particularly careful with my things. What more if I lose different items at the same time? Such is the same in the case of a make-up kit.

Thankfully, I got over it a few days later since my mom bought me replacement (plus I was using L’Oreal powder foundation that time which is way more cheaper than EL) and because I thought I was luckier not to get more valuable stuff stolen. I’m sure the culprit/s (it’s a widespread escalator-thieving modus operandi up to this date) weren’t gunning for my make-up stash. They probably thought it was my wallet.

Last Saturday, Bubba and I went around to canvass furniture in Hemady, Pioneer area, and Greenhills. Trying to make my bag lighter, I removed the make-up kit and placed it on the side pocket of the car door. I’ve done this maybe 8 times before but never had any problem. Sunday, I realized that I didn’t have it in my bag and immediately looked inside the car. It was gone.

Two points where I probably lost it:

In Greenhills, Bubba went back to the car and got something out of my side of the car thus opening that passenger door. His leg must have bumped into it? Or I might have bumped into it at one point or another getting in and out of the car and I didn’t notice.
We had dinner at La Tienda that evening. I debated whether to change clothes and shoes (I was wearing a shirt, shorts and Fit Flops. There’s a dress code at La Tienda and most of Makati restaurants. I asked out front if I needed to change, they let me in without having to change into my shoes even.) I think I debated inside my head whether or not I should freshen up. I don’t have any recall if I grabbed my make-up kit. I went straight inside the washroom when we came in. I might have placed it on the counter and left it there.

We called La Tienda yesterday and called 3-4 times to check but the staff said they didn’t find anything.

I went on a cleaning rampage yesterday that took me until almost 12mn to finish because I felt really really really bad. I even cleaned my big make-up bag at home and threw some old stuff. There’s nothing to use there for my day-to-day, it’s mostly eyeshadows, lipsticks –basically variants in case I need to put heavy make-up on for an occasion or an office Christmas program or something. I had no appetite for dinner last night. I didn’t eat lunch today. All I had was sky flakes.

I’m sure somebody else must have found it. Upon seeing the contents, I know there’s no personal interest in it for them. Besides, why would anyone want to use a used make-up on their face? What if I had warts or some skin infection? But it’s nowhere to be found and nobody has returned it.

You see I don’t use much make-up on my face. Lipstick, lipgloss, eyeshadow, blush can last me up to 1 year and even beyond that because when I do use them, I only need to put a little. I’m not good at putting on make-up anyway so I just stay with the basics. Less means less mistakes. What I usually run out of is powder but that even takes 6-9 months before I need to replenish.

Inside the small pouch:

Estee Lauder Cyberwhite Powder Refill PHP 2,150 (I just bought 2 weeks ago)

Estee Lauder Powder Case approx. PHP 1,800 (2 years old)

Lancome Juicy Tubes Fraise approx. PHP 1,150 (almost full, bought in August 2009)

Lancome Mascara L’Extreme Black approx. PHP 1,500 (almost dried out but only 2 months old)

Lancome Eye Pencil (free with a Lancome promo before)

Lancome Flash Retouche Concealer approx. PHP 1,995 (about ¼ full)

Shu Uemera Glow On Blush approx. PHP 1,500 (can still last me for 1 whole year or more)

Cheap lipstick I got in Japan Yakuyen Store (can still last me for 1 whole year or more)

L’Oreal Lip Gloss PHP 200 (I got on a sale)

Cheap Eye Shadow I got in Japan Yakuyen Store (1 light pink shade out –2 darker pink shades can still last me until end of 2010)

Oral B Travel Toothbrush approx. PHP 75 (2 months old)

Tommy Hilfiger Make-up Pouch (gift from my ninang in 2005 which I only used in 2007)

TOTAL: approx. PHP 10,370

It’s so heartbreaking. It takes time to build up that make-up library again. And this is the only time I wished I lost my darn wonky phone instead of that. I could have bought a new phone with that much investment.

I’m pushing the envelope with this living room project I’m currently working on. And this “missing make-up kit” is pulling the plug on my plans. It’s a letdown, a distraction and another financial load. I feel like screaming and at the same time I feel like curling up in my bed and sulking 🙁

I didn’t realize that losing a make-up kit could be really depressing.

Learning Points:

Never to put anything again on the side pocket of the car door
Put a calling card inside the make-up kit or tag it with name and contact details (sounds silly but might help)
I know I’m OC but I got to be fierce in double-checking each place I just left. I do this regularly already but my wandering mind must have slipped and forgot
Get a new bag where I can store everything without hurting my back

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Status Magazine’s Yard Sale

November 24, 2009 by Janey

Where are you doing your Christmas shopping?

Drop by Status Magazine’s Christmas Yard Sale for some interesting finds.

🙂

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Miss Universe 2009 Winner

August 25, 2009 by Janey

Miss Venezuela won the 2009 Miss Universe crown giving a back-to-back title to their country. It is also Venezuela’s sixth time bagging the coveted beauty crown since the pageant’s creation. Very young at 18, Stefania Fernandez, dressed in a flowing tiered red evening gown, jumped in joy (rather not so gracefully) with fellow Miss Venezuela 2008 winner. As the crown was passed from one Venezuelan beauty to the next, the two cheered and teetered in elation that made the crown briefly fell to the floor.

Personal bet Dominican Republic Ada Aimee de la Cruz was the first runner up. Dominican Republic had the toughest question being asked whether or not HIV test should be mandatory. Another personal bet in the top 15 didn’t make it to the next cut, Miss South Africa. Our Filipina bet didn’t also make it to the Top 15 cut.

The other finalists were Miss Kosovo, Droga Ganusha; Miss Australia, Rachael Finch; and Miss Puerto Rico, Mayra Matos Perez. Miss China, Wang Jingyao, was named Miss Congeniality and Miss Thailand, Chutima Durongdej, won Miss Photogenic.

The new Miss Universe is from the city of Merida in the west of a beauty-obsessed South American country where hard-fought pageants are something of a national sport, with contestants widely dissected by the public and the media.

If there was one gripe about the whole worldwide-televised event, it’s the production. The prestigious pageant included musical performances by Flo Rida (whose music I listen to and like but it felt inappropriate to have him sing in the pageant with a background of “glamorous/model” women clad in bikinis jump in Hip Hop music), Heidi Montag, David Guetta and Kelly Rowland.

Related Post

Miss Universe LIVE on ABS-CBN

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Make-up Must Buys- Estee Lauder Cyber White EX, Lancome Flash Retouche

August 24, 2009 by Janey

Powders and concealers, other than being effective ways to brighten a tired face, should also be a brand reputable for skincare. Some brands carry certain ingredients that may be harsh on your skin, thus advancing the age of the skin.

A good skin is all it takes to make the face dazzling, but for days that you find yourself a bit oily and need a quick cover-up, the following are face must haves.

Estee Lauder Cyber White EX Refill PHP 2,150

Building on over 20 years of whitening expertise, the Estee Lauder research and development team have been hard at work developing a deeper understanding of Asian skin and the cause of dark spots. Based on new findings and the knowledge that “not all spots are created equal”, Estee Lauder brings you Cyber White Ex – our most comprehensive brightening system ever – with three highly targeted, breakthrough technologies, to help correct and prevent three different types of spots responsible for clouding your complexion: Stubborn Age Spots, Small Surface Spots and those Barely Visible Spots just below the skin’s surface.

Lancome Flash Retouche (No. 2) PHP 1,995

Radiance boosting, anti-fatigue concealer brush pen

An anti-dark circle complexion “perfecter” that lights up dull areas of your face and smoothes your features for a healthy glow. The high-precision brush increases the anti-fatigue effect and diminishes imperfections.
An instant burst of freshness for your face! 2.5 ml brush applicator

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Miss Universe LIVE on ABS-CBN

July 31, 2009 by Janey

ABS-CBN will broadcast one of the most celebrated events of the year, Miss Universe, LIVE on August 24 at 9:30 AM. The Miss Universe organizers chose the network to be their exclusive media partner in the Philippines. The world’s most prestigious beauty pageant will be staged in Bahamas next month.

Philippine contender Pamela Bianca Manalo is a 23-year old model-flight stewardess-Studio 23’s “Rush TV Atin To” TV host.

A primetime telecast will be aired the same day via Velvet (SKY Cable channel 53) at 8 PM.

Miss Universe Replay Schedule

August 25 8 PM Studio 23

August 27 10 PM ABS-CBN

August 26 830 PM Velvet

August 29 10 PM Velvet

Catch 80 of the most beautiful women across the globe at the Miss Universe pageant.

UAAP Season 72

Get High with SKY Cable HD

World Café Asia 2 – Manila

Reinvent Your Couch Potato Days – TV at its BEST

The Duke on AXN

The Amazing Race Asia 3- Final Cut

BTV on SKY Cable

90210 Preview

SKY Cable’s Vanity Fair

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Fit Flop –Oprah Swears By It

June 23, 2009 by Janey

Okay, if asked who is the most avid reader of Didi’s site, I know who to point to (Pointing ALL fingers to Bubba). He sometimes goes, “did you read Didi’s blah blah…” and I will be totally clueless because he gets to read it first before I do.

One day, he started blabbing about this newest technology in flip flops –Fit Flop, that he read over Didi’s site. He said it would really be good for my back since I have scoliosis and I always complain of back pains. I said I don’t need the fit flops because nowadays you would always find me in sneakers anyway (even in the office, unless I have an important meeting with affiliates). My white sneakers are pretty comfortable.

He objects and says that Fit Flop is beneficial for this and that. He goes on to drop the name of Oprah. Oprah swears by it. Right.

The next big question: how much is it?

When he answered that it was a whopping PHP 3K, I said immediately, “NO WAY JOSE!!!” I am NOT going to buy flip flops that are that expensive. It’s crazy!

I remember buying Havaianas some 5 years ago that are half as much and I have never used them. It’s still in the box. What do I need another pair of flip flops for? I for one do not need an extra.

Every time Bubba remembers Fit Flop, he keeps insisting that I get one. He said he would buy it for me. Even if he buys it for me, I don’t want IT. It’s just a waste of hard earned money.

So the story goes, we were in Powerplant Mall last Saturday. Bubba spots the Fit Flop stand and hauled me there. I said I don’t want to try it on but he was so persistent. Bubba got me try it on and it was pretty comfortable. But I still wasn’t that sold. Since he is really bent on buying me one, I let him be. It’s for my “health” anyway. It also supposedly helps you burn more calories as you walk on them. Exercise while wearing flip flops?

The woman who turns everything she touches to gold backs it up.

Oprah swears by it. And most importantly, so does Didi.

On June 22, 2009, I have officially joined the bandwagon of those in UK who are in this Fit Flop craze since 2007. Thanks Bubba!

PHP 2,900

Fit Flop Off White Suede Strap Sandals

Powerplant Mall

Related Post

Fit Flop Website

Candishhh Tales Fit Flop Post

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Gold Glads

June 23, 2009 by Janey

Lately, I am back to a shopping frenzy.

Surprisingly, it was me dragging Bubba to the mall instead of the other way around. I don’t think I’ve had the shopping itch since three years back.

PHP 599 or PHP 699 (I forget)

Gold Gladiator Sandals (I’m not into gladiators but this one struck my fancy. The gold is subtle and not overly loud)

People are People

Shangri-la Plaza Mall

Leave a Comment Filed Under: Style Files: A Bite of Fashion, Beauty and Wellness Tagged With: ballet, Boutique, boutiques, color, colors, designer, designers, fashion, Filipina, flats, footwear, frenzy, gen Y, gladiator, Gold, itch, kind, lifestyle, mall, metro, new, own it, People are People, Pinay, Pinoy fashion, Pinoy Style, Powerplant, Ramp, Robinsons Galleria, Romp the Ramp, sandals, shade, Shangri-la Plaza Mall, Shoes, shop, shopping, stilettos, style, Taste Manila, trend, trends, type, woman of the 90s, women, work it, x generation

Purple Flats

June 23, 2009 by Janey

I have lugged Bubba to three shopping malls: Robinsons Galleria, Powerplant and Greenhills. I hope this shopping frenzy ends soon. It’s putting a dent in my wallet. Where are the days that I don’t have the patience to amble around shops looking for goods?

Actually, Bubba STILL takes longer to shop while I take 5 minutes to know I don’t like to fuss around their current line-up and jet out of the store.