Sweet Ecstasy

January 24, 2013 by

 

Last Saturday, after running errands in the morning including cleaning and getting the party souvenirs for my nephew’s 1st birthday party, Bowl Out Blow Out, I met up with Maddie for an afternoon lady-bonding at the salon.  I had another haircut in 2 months time, don’t worry, nothing drastic like other people who have gone through a big BU and for only the 2nd time in my life, had my hair colored… but only the tips this time.

 

Since we were at Menage Salon in Gateway, I suddenly remembered Cubao X and missed that spot.  Madz said she was surprised I didn’t invite to eat at Taco Bell since it was my favorite and only place I eat at whenever in Cubao.  Well, that, Café Bola and Cubao X restaurants.  Did you know Cubao back in the day stood for Lubluban ng Carabao?       

Sweet X Ecstasy, Sweet Xctasy, Sweet, milk, cookies, milk and cookies bar, Cubao X, Cubao Expo, Cubao X restaurants, Bellini’s, Bellinis, still open, price, Fred’s , Freds, Menu, review, food blogger, 2013, 2012, shops, Cubao X stores, art gallery, Janylin, outlet, Cubao X, Gateway, Menage Salon, haircut, best, food blogger, food blog, lifestyle blog, review, list, menu, location, address, photos  [Read more…]

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House of Obagi Blue Peel Radiance

September 13, 2011 by

In my whole life, I have never had a chemical peel… or any peeling for that matter.  It always scared me and I’ve seen the actual peeling from girl friends who have taken it some years back and the white skin tissues were really shedding off their faces.  My trip to Europe last month had me slow-baking under the sun for long hours.  Their sun doesn’t set around 6pm like in Manila.  It sets around 9-930pm so can you imagine the hours of sun exposure on my face?  I noticed a bit of sun damage on my face.  These tiny pinkish reddish dots and unevenness started bothering me.  

 

Blue Peel Radiance

Walking the Streets of Florence 🙂

I had a chat with Sophie of beautynomics.com during a dinner at Sentro and she suggested getting a professional opinion from House of Obagi.  She also mentioned that Blue Peel Radiance treatment might just be the answer to my worry but advised to consult with an expert first.

 

I set my appointment three Saturdays ago and visited House of Obagi (HOO) branch in SM North EDSA.  I first had a consultation with their in-house derma.  She checked my skin and talked about skin care habits.  We were of the same age so we easily related to each other’s skin issues and future concerns.  She went on to explain about the different kind of peels and what treatment will be good for my specific skin concern.

 

Just as Sophie thought, the dermatologist recommended Blue Peel Radiance, House of Obagi’s newest peel treatment.  Compared to Blue Peel and TruPeel that are more pervasive chemical peel, Blue Peel Radiance is a lighter peel that has zero downtime and is low maintenance.  Low maintenance just means washing your face with facial wash, no applying of creams or anything else (lessening make-up use), and regularly using sun block for at least 1 week.  This suits me best since lately I barely have enough time in the morning or evening for an extensive skin care regimen.

House of Obagi Blue Peel Radiance 

Blue Peel Radiance treatment (Php 4,500) is a lighter version of Blue Peel that works almost like a diamond peel but more effective. 

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A Boot-y Call! Whooga Ugg Boots Sale

December 10, 2010 by

 

UGG Boots by Whooga has a Pre-Christmas Sale and they are slashing 50-60% OFF the regular price!

 

To the less inclined, Whooga is an Australian company that manufactures ugg boots that are made from spongy and soft sheepskin material.  Australia and New Zealand are two of the largest ugg boot manufacturers. 

 

Image Source

 

Be careful not to be duped by fake ugg boots.  Their inner fleece are usually shiny and they’re only sheepskin lined which makes them made of synthetic material.  Synthetic ugg boots make your feet sweat inside and this will lead to moisture odor and bacteria build-up.

 

 

Authentic ugg boots are from natural material and they are thermostatic.  You know how thermostatic duvet works?  Those soft flat bags filled with down or feathers used as blankets (I love my duvet!)?  It’s the same with Ugg Boots.  They make you feel comfortable because they adjust to the weather, hence, thermostatic.  It’s warm in the winter/rainy/cold seasons and it’s cool in the summer.

 

Check out Blake Lively’s ugg boots.

 

 

It’s much better to invest on authentic ugg boots than the replica ones.  Whooga boots source merino sheepskin from Australia and New Zealand since they produce the best quality fleece.

 

 

The Whooga ugg boots will keep your digits toasty and comfy inside when you’re traveling abroad during winter season.  Pair them with leggings or skinny jeans and long cardigans and you’re all set! 😉

 

Romp the Ramp!  XOXO.

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After the Jump in Macau

August 12, 2009 by

 

 

Finally, I reached the end of the fall.

 

 

My knees were wobbling and it took me a while before I regained my balance.

 

Despite the tormenting 2 minutes before the actual “jump” (or push), it is one of the most memorable experiences in this lifetime.  Up to this day, I cannot believe that I did the jump.  I walk with a different strut now… (erhm, just don’t watch the video).  What a thrilling and electrifying moment to be in the air with nothing but a harness to support your fall.

 

 

Sky Jump is one of Macau’s most exciting tourist attractions that should be a “don’t miss” experience.

 

At 233 meters, Macau Tower’s skyjump and bungee jump from the outer rim by world renowned AJ Hackett is the highest in the world.  How many people can say that they’ve jumped off that height?

 

Test your moxie!  Do you have the intestinal fortitude to do the jump?

 

 

 

Some of the Famous Towers

 

1. CN Tower                          Toronto, Canada                   1976                1,815 ft

2. Ostankino Tower                Moscow, Russia                  1967                1,771 ft

3. Oriental Pearl Tower                 Shanghai, China                   1995                1,535 ft

4. John Hancock Center    Chicago, USA                       1969                1,500 ft

5. Empire State Building New York, USA                             1931                1,454 ft

6. KL Tower                          Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia                1995                1,403 ft

11. Macau Tower                 Macau, SAR China                2001                1,109 ft

12. Tokyo Tower                  Tokyo, Japan                      1958                1,093 ft

13. Sky Tower                       Auckland, New Zealand                1997                1,067 ft

14. Eiffel Tower                     Paris, France                    1889                1,063 ft

 

 

We went back to the tower to get our photo and video package.  We shared an elevator ride with the other couple and we couldn’t stop laughing at what we just experienced.  The girl said that my 2-minute hesitation prepared her for her own plight.

 

 

A small crowd has already gathered outside the jump off point, where one guy is preparing for his bungee jump.

 

 

 

We went around the deck again and took some photos with the AJ Hackett staff.  Bubba bought a nice black and red AJ Hackett shirt.

 

 

The Statue of Kun Lam

 

We headed to another tourist attraction in Macau.  The Statue of Kun Lam Temple is supposed to be a blend between the traditional images of the goddess Guan Yin and Holy Mary.  Guan Yin is known to be The Goddess of Mercy who is a Buddhist Goddess who bestows clemency on people who sincerely repent their sins.

 

 

Portuguese artist Cristina Rocha Leiria designed the exquisite gigantic Kun Lam Statue.  The breathtaking 20-meter statue is made up of 48 polished bronze plates crafted in Nanjing and bolted together at the center stage along harbor waterfront.

 

Image Source: Panoramio User SantoB

Image Source: Panoramio User SantoB

 

The status is said to bring affluence in the country while the giant lotus flower pedestal is home to the Ecumenical Center, providing information on China’s major religions.  Entrance to the center is free.

 

 

We had a quick stopover at a small ramen house before heading to the next stop.

 

 

 

Macau Fisherman’s Wharf

 

The Fisherman’s Wharf is the biggest them park in Macau, claim to have an estimated cost of HK$1.9 billion.  Entrance to the site is free.  The park offers nightly explosions of the complex’s 40-meter high volcano, daily jet-ski stunt shows and souvenir shopping.  The complex houses 150 stores and restaurants in buildings built in the style of different world seaports such as Cape Town, Amsterdam and Venice, including six rides, slots hall and a 72-room hotel casino.

 

 

 

Back to the Venetian

 

 

 

It was a fantastic fun afternoon spent under the sun.  It was time to head back to the hotel to freshen up for dinner.

 

 

We toured the hotel and looked at some high-end shops.  There was a mini-performance in one of the sections of the hotel. 

 

 

We finally picked a Portuguese restaurant for dinner.

 

 

 

Madeira Portuguese Restaurant

 

Madeira – While you are in Macau, why not taste the flavors of this city? Madeira serves Portuguese as well as Macanese dishes that are distinctly from Macau. Macanese dishes are a flavorful blend of cooking traditions from Portugal, Southeast Asia, India, Africa, Latin America and southern China. African chicken, curry crab and Bacalhau have been Macanese favorites for centuries.

 

 

It was the last evening of the 2008 Beijing Olympics and everyone in the restaurant looks astounded watching the replay of the opening ceremonies on television.

 

On the Table

 

 

 

 

Madeira Portuguese Restaurant

Shop 2408a (St. Mark’s Square)

Sun-Thurs 11:30 – 23:30

Fri- Sat 11:30 – 12:30

 

 

The Gondola Ride

 

After dinner, we walked around the beautiful St. Mark’s Square and moved from bridge to bridge.  Bubba insisted to take the graceful and romantic gondola ride down the Grand Canal but I declined.  I told him to save the Patacas instead.  Little did we know that the Gondola ride is free if you’re booked in the hotel… sigh, too bad.

 

 

We watched while others take the Gondola ride and listened to the sang wonderful Italian songs.  Despite the elegant Italian architecture and painting façades, there is that Venetian spirit of romance in the air.  The Venetian grandeur can be quite quixotic in certain areas.

 

 

Back to the Suite

 

 

Toyed with the camera in the room while resting. 

 

 

Again, the plan that night was rest and refresh then check the clubbing scene but the relaxing suite made us fall asleep again and missed out.  The sofa sleeper is also comfortable to bunk in.

 

 

The next morning, after another hearty breakfast at Café Deco, we said goodbye to the Venetian and the sparkly Macau.

 

“We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.”

– Jawaharial Nehru

 

 

 

 

Website Links

 

Macau Tower

AJ Hackett

The Venetian Macao

 

Macau Album 1

Macau Album 2

Macau in a Nutshell Album 1

Macau in a Nutshell Album 2

Sky Jump Video

 

 

Related Post

The Sun Shines Bright in Macau

The Sparkle of Macau

Peanut to Acorn

Ho Chi Minh City’s Hidden Charm

Traveling to Cambodia

My Tuk Tuk Moment

Angkor Wat: Journey to the Lost City Begins

Inside Angkor Wat and the Beauty of Rain

Moving to Angkor Thom Aboard Big Feet

Where are We?

The Bayon

The Elephant Terrace, The Leper King and Phimeanakas

Back to the Roots: Ta Prohm

More of Angkor Wat in Stills

The Afternoon After Angkor Wat

Explore. Dream. Discover.

Stay Tuned: The Last Leg of the Cambodia Series

DAY4: Livin’ La Vida Local

Returning to Vietnam.  Coming Home to Manila.

Malaysia Truly Asia

 

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Capturing the First Steps

August 11, 2009 by

 

Only 3 days old, but I have already taken my baby for a stroll.

 

Krispy Kreme Donuts

 

 

Muscle Beach in Greenbelt 3

 

 

 

Nanbantei Restaurant

 

 

Me = a happy bee!

 

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Panasonic Lumix LX3

August 11, 2009 by

 

 

There’s a new addition to the family…

 

It’s a bouncing Lumix LX3!

 

 

Special thanks to Dickoy of Digital Walker Zoom.

 

Will post my review soon… so far, 3 days in and Lumix is Love. 

 

Meanwhile,

 

Source: http://asia.cnet.com

 

Once in a blue moon comes a camera that sets our hearts on fire. The Lumix DMC-LX3 is such a shooter. Beneath the compact physique are an array of features that professionals will feel comfortable using, and the high-res widescreen format capture is something noteworthy. The full-range of exposure controls are complemented by intelligent features such as face detection for better photography experience. Looks-wise, the LX3 reminds us of rangefinder cameras that were very popular in the 1970s for their portability and ease of use. The large sensor produced image quality which surpassed what other shooters in its class could deliver. In all, the LX3 is a highly desirable camera which performed as well as it should.

 

Features

Depending on your preference, you can choose one of the three aspect ratios: Widescreen 16:9, or the more conventional 3:2 or 4:3. Although this is actually quite a common feature for high-end compacts, the resolution usually gets downsized when set to different aspect ratios, especially 16:9. But the LX3 is optimized to capture images in this format. The sensor is capable of rendering 10-megapixel images in 4:3 and 9-megapixel pictures in wide screen format.
 
 
 

 

The Leica optics is widest at 24mm, which makes the viewing angle on the LX3 one of the widest available on the market besides Samsung’s NV24HD. But the LX3 has the upperhand, considering that the len’s aperture is biggest at F2.0, which is not a common feature for compact snappers. The chances of getting blurry shots in low-light conditions are lower because the corresponding shutter speed can be faster. However, it has only a 2.5x optical zoom which by today’s standard is pretty limiting for a point-and-shoot. Most photographers we spoke to were not concerned about the limited zoom range as they are willing to make a compromise in exchange for other features like the F2.0 lens and high-resolution panorama mode.

 

We were spoilt for choice when it came to choosing the exposure option. It has the company’s proprietary intelligent Auto (iA) mode designed for simple point-and-shoot purposes, though we preferred using the manual, aperture priority or shutter priority modes. Tweaking the settings can be done using the joystick and the onscreen instructions are easy to follow. Within minutes, we were shooting like pros, changing the aperture and shutter speed to suit different situations.

There is a simulated film mode which allows you to adjust the sharpness, saturation, contrast and noise reduction in up to +2/-2 levels. This is used in conjunction with the different options such as Standard, Vibrant, Nostalgic, etc. There are also two custom film modes (one in color and the other in black-and-white) which let you save your preferences and leave the others at default.

For custom settings, there are also two modes, C1 and C2, found on the mode dial. If you have customized settings that you want to access easily, save them under either one of these modes, and with a turn of the dial, all the settings will revert to your preset options. This high level of customization is usually reserved for dSLRs, and we were pleased to see them on the LX3.

 

Panasonic Lumix LX3 Website

 

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