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

The BIG Outlet & Travel Sale 2011

October 3, 2011 by Janey

I’m DEFINITELY going!!! 🙂 It’s the outlet and travel sale that cannot be missed!

Now enjoy all the best deals with the biggest brands plus Book & Buy and discounted rates on hotels, resorts and airfare! Buy everything you need for your next big getaway in this 3-day extravaganza!

Where: The Megatent, 30 Meralco Ave., Ortigas Center, Pasig City (bet DepEd and Renaissance)

When: October 14-16, 2011, Friday-Sunday, 10am-9pm

What: Up to 90% off on Select Merchandise + Book & Buy Promos from Resorts & Hotels

Free Entrance to BPI Cardholders (with valid ID)

Additional perks for BPI Express Credit Edge and Petron Mastercard holders!

Hourly Raffle Draws for BPI Edge & Petron Mastercard holders

Chance to win Sun Cellular post-paid line + Mobile Phones!

I can feel you want to go… I’m clairvoyant that way 😉 EMAIL ME your FULL name and contact number at betweenbites@gmail.com for free entrance tickets to this much awaited event. I can allot 2 tickets per reader / email request.

Update as of Oct. 4, 2011: I am receiving all your ticket requests through email. I’ll collate all the requests and send you confirmation by end of Oct. 10. I only have 40 tickets to be given away and I’m almost out. Thank you and see you there!

Samsung GALAXY S II 4G Android Smartphone

June 9, 2011 by Janey

Samsung Electronics Philippines Corp., announced that they are bringing in the much-awaited sleekest Android smartphone, Samsung GALAXY S II (Model: GT-I9100), the first 4G phone to hit the country.

Get your smooth attitude on with this beautifully thin, modern and lightweight 4G Android smartphone. The Samsung GALAXY S II with its powerful 1.2 GHz dual-core processor bears with it the latest Android smartphone OS, Android 2.3 Gingerbread. It also has the most vivid and brilliant Super AMOLED Plus screen for your viewing pleasure and the smartest voice solution that enables the user to call, text, email and even surf the internet hands-free.

Yes, you heard it right folks. Its pre-loaded voice solution feature allows users to command their phone to call, text and even send an email simply by activating the voice solution with these simple words “Hey Galaxy” and the phone automatically responds by asking the user what he would like to do. This unique solution translates uttered words into both commands and actual text so SMS and emails cam be dictated and sent without the use of one’s fingers. It is like having your very own office assistant on your phone. Cool huh?

Incorporating a dual-core application processor and advanced 4G wireless network (HSPA+ 21) connectivity, the Samsung GALAXY S II has the speed and power to provide the best mobile performance. The 1.2 GHz Dual-core application processor mentioned earlier offers fast web browsing, multi-tasking comparable to a PC-like environment, supreme graphics quality and instantly responsive 3D user interface on the large screen.

For those who transition from one app to another without batting an eyelash, the GALAXY S II also offers seamless multitasking, switching between applications instantly.

The Samsung GALAXY S II is equipped with an 8MP, high-profile camera and camcorder with 1080p full HD recording and playback. With Samsung’s patented AllShare technology capture, create and share experiences hassle-free.

Samsung also launched its Samsung Hubs which are integrated mobile applications designed to fit every element of an active lifestyle in the GALAXY S II. Alongside this is their Music Hub. Discover what’s hot from top charts, search for favorite music, get recommendations on albums, enjoy previews and download them directly to Samsung GALAXY S II.

Stay entertained and connected with the hottest 4G Android smartphone from Samsung. Samsung Galaxy S II delivers the most delightful smartphone experience to date.

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4 Comments Filed Under: Gadgets, Gizmos, Finds Tagged With: 2010, 2011, 4G, 4G wireless network (HSPA+ 21) connectivity, 8MP camera, address, Android smartphone, best, best techie blog, blogger, contact number, date, discount, Filipino, first 4g smart phone, food blog, food blogger, Fort, Gadgets, gadgets review, GT-I9100, how much, image, June 2011, list, location, Makati, Manila, Map, menu, Metro Manila, ortigas, Philippines, phone review, Photo, photos, pinoy, price, Promo, promotion, Quezon City, review, Samsung, Samsung Galaxy S II Phone smartphone, Samsung galaxy S II review, Samsung Galaxy S2 review, service, smart phone, store, stores, Super AMOLED Plus screen, Taste Manila, tech blog, techie blog, time, Video, where, where to buy

The Big Holiday Outlet Sale 2010

December 5, 2010 by Janey

The MUCH awaited sale event of the holiday season is now less than three weeks away! For most of you who haven’t finished your Christmas shopping yet, this is your chance to finally complete your Christmas gift list!

What: THE BIG HOLIDAY OUTLET SALE 2010

Where: SMX Convention Hall 4, Mall of Asia Complex

When: December 17-20, 2010 Fri-Mon 10am – 9pm

WHO: Free Entrance for all BPI Cardholders, additional discount + Raffle for BPI Express Credit Edge Card

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Sponsored by: BPI Express Credit Edge, SUN Cellular, Stylebible

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1 Comment Filed Under: A Taste of Manila and Other Things Tagged With: 2010, 50% off, 70%, address, bags, bargain, bazaars, best fashion blog, best Mango outlet, big brands, big holiday outlet sale, Blog, bloggers, boutiques, BPI Cardholders, Brand Smart, branded, brands, cheap, clothes, discount, discount items, fashion finds, Fiesta Kapampangan, Flip Flops, food, guidelines, handyman, Havaianas, Lacoste, Levi's, list of sales, list of stores, location map, mall, Mall of Asia Complex, mango, Mango outlet, men, Metro Manila, Nine West, NLEX, North Luzon Expressway, outfit, outlet, outlet stores, Pampanga, Pampanga exit, Pampanga restaurants, Philippines, photos, Plains and Prints, promotion, province, Robinsons, Robinsons Starmills Pampanga, Rustans, sale items, Sales, Shoes, Shopaholic, shopping, shopping guru, slippers, SMX Convention Hall 4, space, Starmills, store, store specialist, supermarket, The Big outlet sale, toll fee, toll price hike, top shop, travel blog, true value, women, year round sale, Zapata's

Nothing But H20 Helps You Find the Perfect Fitting Swim Wear

October 2, 2010 by Janey

Gone are the days when the trips requiring you to don a bathing suit and baring some skin becomes a prelude to a minor melt down. With top swim wear store Nothing But H20’s house brand Sea Fetish, finding the best fitting swim wear can become a fun and exciting journey of self-discovery. Realize your potential for becoming a beach goddess with the swim wear’s line-up of tops and bottoms that you can mix and match.

“What makes Sea Fetish special is that we have a wide array of styles available in a full spectrum of sizes, from petite, busty petites, plus sizes and cup sizes even up to DD. If finding the perfect size of swim wear was always a challenge for you, drop by our stores and we just might have the perfect size for you. It is the first swim wear brand in the country that allows customers to mix and match sizes and styles of bottoms and tops,” says Nothing But Water owner, Dimples la O’.

This freedom helps you find the pieces that truly enhance your assets and even hide the body parts you don’t love as much. Keep in mind the following tips for your body type, and love the way you look in the mirror when trying out your selection of swim suits:

Here are some tips via Oprah.com:

1. If your skin is on the lighter end of the spectrum, you would look good in mild earth colors like mocha or chocolate, which are less stark than black. You would also look lovely in pastel colors. For those who have already worked up a beautiful tan, you can explore bold statement colors and juicier shades. The new Sea Fetish Collection features vibrant colors such as fushcia and lime.

2. If you’re someone who has wide shoulders, you might like to try mixing a darker top with a brighter or more colorful bottom. Find a top whose straps fall on the outside of your shoulders and form a V-neck. Watch out for the Sea Fetish Swim Wear in black, white and khaki colors.

3. Busty ladies should choose a suit with support—either a bra-shaped or halter top with underwire. Just like ladies gifted with wide shoulders, you’d look divine with a darker color on top and a brighter color or print on the bottom. Have fun and look for designs with fabulous embellishments at the lower half, as this will help create a balance with your bust line.

4. However, if you have a smaller bust, take a cue from super models by daring to rock skimpy tops, ideally with prints or embellishments like ruffles or beading. Halter or bandeau tops would look sexy on you and enhance your natural bustline.

5. Look for swim suits with high-cut legs and avoid boy-cut shorts if you’ve got shorter legs or torso. Ditto for those who have flatter rear areas. Instead, look for pieces that will really flaunt your silky-smooth legs!

6. If you are gifted like J.Lo with a more than adequate rear, choose a suit with lower-cut legs, boy shorts or a smooth A-line skirt, and avoid a high-cut bottom.

7. For those with a longer torso, you would do well to pick tankinis or a one piece with an empire waistline. But if you really want to rock a two-piece, try to minimize the distance between your top and bottom. Mix and match a shorter tankini with a high-waisted bottom.

8. If your waist is not well-defined, choose suits that will create the sexy illusion. Empire waists or low cut bikinis will further hide your curves, so find swim suits that have belt-like detailing that contrast with the rest of your piece.

9. For women who are not to confident about their midsection, a fashionable high-waisted bikini or a one-piece will pull your stomach in much better than a low-rise bikini!

10. Save yourself from the dreaded muffin top with a suit that doesn’t cut straight across the lower back. There are a lot of suits out there right now that have interesting cut outs, or choose a suit that comes up a little higher, closer to the waist.

Of course there is no substitute for eating right and exercising to achieve the best version of you. But you can get a lot of help in enhancing your assets and hiding your flaws by finding swim wear that best fits you. No matter what the season of the year maybe, it is perfect to head out to any of Nothing But Water’s 5 stores to try out Sea Fetish swim suits.

Aside from bringing swim wear that fits you to a tee, cover ups and beach wear complete the whole ensemble to offer comfort and style while you lounge in the best beaches in the Philippines and beyond. Bring a friend and make it the ultimate bonding activity that celebrates how beautiful and fun it is to be a woman.

Sea Fetish Swim Wear is available in all Nothing But H20 Stores. For more information please log on to www.nothingbutH20.com.ph

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2 Comments Filed Under: Style Files: A Bite of Fashion, Beauty and Wellness Tagged With: 2010, best, bikini, blogger, branch, branches, fashion, fashion styles, Filipino, food blog, latest, location, Makati, Manila, Nothing but H20, Nothing but Water, ortigas, Philippines, press release, price, Promo, retail, season, store, swim suit, swim wear, swimsuit, Taste Manila, trend

Robinsons Starmills in Pampanga and its Outlet Stores

August 8, 2010 by Janey

Pampanga is not only a haven of wonderful and delectable Pampanga dishes, it’s also home to Robinsons Starmills who is known to carry the most outlet stores in one venue.

Bubba and I visited Pampanga for a whole day of food-tripping at Everybody’s Café and Zapata’s in December 2008. In between our food adventures, we decided to stop by Robinsons Starmills to check out the Mango outlet store there we heard from Marie. We went home both very happy about our purchases –I had some good fashion finds from Mango and a few tops from Terranova. Bubba bought a pair of jeans from Levi’s, regularly priced, but he didn’t mind, it was a great fit.

I was able to get 4 dresses from Mango that time that totaled only less than 5K, one of which is a Grecian-type Maxi dress that cost only PHP 1,400.

That’s why I was a bit excited to be back in Robinsons Starmills last Wednesday afternoon (yes, I filed a half-day leave and took a midweek break from work). It’s been almost two years since my last visit but my hunger to search for good deals never deterred.

It was relatively a short drive of 50 minutes to 1 hour to Pampanga taking the North Luzon Expressway. Upon arriving, we had some refreshments from the Rosemary and Thyme restaurant.

Armed with a satisfied tummy and a quick run-through of where the stores are located, shopping in the outlet stores has come to full swing.

American Rag Outlet

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Shirts at P200

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Ajay checking out pants

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Men’s Jeans

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A Quirky Store called Mogao

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Levi’s and Dockers

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The Popular 501 Jeans of Levi’s

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Bag Levi’s for Less

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Cute Levi’s for Kids

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The Blues

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For Men

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Mango Outlet

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Cocktail Dresses

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LBDs

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Space

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Plains and Prints

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High Premium Sports Outlet

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All Flip Flops

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Colorful sandals for sale!

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Brazil

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Netherlands

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Nigeria

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Colombia

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Collezione C2

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Adidas Outlet Store

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After shopping, we had a yummy-rific dining experience at Fiesta Kapampangan with live band to entertain us with their music. Fiesta Kapampangan is a melange of restaurants and food stalls that boast of Kapampangan Cuisine specialties all in one place.

Shopping review: I got a classy gray turtleneck from Mango (PHP 449), 4 belts (PHP 50 each) and 1 bracelet (PHP 129) from Gozum and 3 shoes from Nine West (total of PHP 1,700) -which would normally retail between PHP 5,000-6,000 a pair!!! 🙂 I got everything for less than PHP 3,000. What a steal!

Be amazed with big big discounts on great selections from International brands like Mango, Adidas, Havaianas, Guess, American Rag, etc. and from popular local boutiques like Plains & Prints, Space, etc. If you’re looking for a year-round sale, Robinsons Starmills in Pampanga is where a shopaholic like yourself should be headed! 😉

Robinsons Starmills Outlet Stores Album

Related Entries:

Zapata’s

Everybody’s Café

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L’Occitane Very Precious Fluid

July 28, 2010 by Janey

L’Occitane

Very Precious Fluid PHP 2,450

Comprehensive day care fluid

This is what I’ve been using the past 3 weeks. I just apply it in the morning before heading out and I’m good to go. No need to even apply powder, especially if I’m in a rush, since it has matte finish.

Here are some other benefits found on the web

– Prevents wrinkles and firms skin – with a high concentration of Immortelle essential oil, concentrated into micro-capsules for continuous release all day long.

– Protects against UVB rays (which cause sunburn) with an SPF 40 sun filter.

– Protects against UVA rays (which cause premature aging of the skin) with the highest level of protection known as PA.

– Defends against premature aging and the development of new pigmentation marks.

– Evens the complexion and reduces the appearance of uneven pigmentation with a plant complex rich in mulberry extract.

It’s pretty expensive compared to the facial sunblock I used before but I found it much more compatible with my skin. Let’s see how long the first bottle I bought will last.

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2 Comments Filed Under: Style Files: A Bite of Fashion, Beauty and Wellness Tagged With: best facial skin care, best sun block, facial sun block, fluid, glorietta, L'Occitane, L'occitane Very Precious Fluid, lotion, price, Products, Skin Care, store, stores, where to buy

La Tienda

June 9, 2010 by Janey

May 29, 2010 –That Saturday was a productive day going around different furniture shops and looking (and measuring and budgeting) at different pieces to go with my living room project. I didn’t realize how fun it is to talk interior design with Bubba –he’s so hands on when it comes to these things. We went around Hemady, Pioneer, Greenhills looking at buffet tables, console tables, sofa sets, and other accent pieces.

It’s been quite a long time since Bubba and I went around Greenhills and since we were there already, we took the chance to check out the “tiangge” stalls as well and shop. Greenhills is near my place but traffic can get quite heavy inside the complex and parking is a strain, so we stay off the area. It was a good shopping day as I was able to buy a tube top (PHP 500), black leggings (PHP 250), two ballet shoes (PHP 700), a nice dress top (PHP450) and Nike Free 5.0 running shoes (PHP 4,495).

It was a long day but Bubba wanted to end that day on a great note. He’s been planning to take me out on a date and he finally decided to schedule it that evening. I hesitated and suggested that we eat dinner at home instead since I was feeling a bit tired (besides the fact that my hair smells like the sun and shirt smells like sweat). After a few more prodding, I gave in and off to Makati we went.

The car turned up at La Tienda’s parking space. I hesitated to go out because I was wearing Fit Flops and shorts. I know certain restaurants (like La Tienda) have dress codes especially on weekends. I asked the doorman first and he said it was okay so I didn’t change anymore.

Walk into the front door and delight in the ambience of a dimly lit Spanish restaurant with red-and-white-checkered tablecloth and matching napkins, wooden accents, bull-fighting framed photos and decorative plates on the wall. While waiting for Bubba to finish ordering, I took a quick trip to their in-house delicatessen

On the Table

Chorizo Frito PHP 210

Fried Spanish sausage –tasty but on the salty side, supposedly one of the better tapas to order at La Tienda

Escalivada con Achoa y Queso sobre Pan Tostado PHP 280

Roasted Vegetables: Eggplant, Red Bell Peppers, Anchovies and Cheese –another tapa that you shouldn’t miss to order

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Chuleton PHP 2,150 (PHP 425/100 grams)

It was the steak that was the highlight of this dinner date for me (okay, plus Bubba’s adoring chinky eyes). One of the best steaks I’ve tasted in Manila is not found on a focused steakhouse. It’s at a Spanish restaurant called La Tienda. I was pleasantly surprised how the steak gratified my meaty cravings. I think we had it cooked in medium doneness. The delicious steak was quite tender –glistening with appropriate grease and seemingly lightly salted while being cooked.

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Chuleton basically means “large chop.” I was taken aback a bit that Bubba ordered 500 grams of Chuleton for both of us. I would have settled for 300 grams since this wasn’t really a steak place. But one bite after the other made me realize that I want more and more of the steak. The natural flavor of the meat was truly incredible. When somebody asks me where to get good steak in Manila, I’d be sure to include La Tienda on my list now of places to go to.

Paella Mixta de la Tienda PHP 575

Chicken, pork, Spanish sausage, seafood

Paellas (Spanish Rice)

La Paella was first prepared in the 19th century in the region of La Abufera outsde Valencia, Spain. The secret of the Paella lies in the unique texture of the grain after cooking. The grain is loose, dry and soft at the same time. The next priority is the flavor from the huge range of ingredients, which puts a stop to any conversation.

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La Tienda’s Paella Mixta de la Tienda was a bit runny for me but it was delicious nonetheless. I like dry toasty scrumptious paella but even if La Tienda’s version was a little wet for my taste, I really like the generous topping of chicken, pork, sausage, shrimps, clams, squid, beans, egg, artichokes, fresh pepper and saffron. And it’s a pretty huge serving –good for 3-4 persons.

Sangria x 2 (per glass) PHP 98

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It was also nice to have live music from the Trio of gentlemen. La Tienda is a surefire restuarant to go to for authentic and palatable Spanish cuisine. Surely, there will be a repeat visit of La Tienda. Both Bubba and I enjoyed the food and ambience tremendously. And up to this day, I cannot forget about the steak.

Thanks to sweetheart Bubba for this wonderful dinner. HUGGY HUGSTER! 😀

La Tienda

43 Polaris St. Bel-Air

Makati City, Philippines

(632) 890 4123

La Tienda Album

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All You Need in a Mate: Inti-Mate Bra Converter

May 17, 2010 by Janey

What do we need from a good mate? 😉

SUPPORT.

That’s exactly what Inti-Mate does! Bolster up falling bra straps with Inti-Mate bra converter. It holds the bra straps in an “x” across your back. Be more comfortable to wear your racer-back tops without the fashion blunder of displaying your underwear straps. I know I’ve been guilty of that tacky fashion crime several times.

What’s great about the Inti-Mate Bra is the fact that you’re not limited to use it with only undergarments. I’ve actually used it to secure the loose straps of my blue dress. Other than giving you an added support with your bra –effects of a push up bra –instant support, cleavage and confidence, you can also use it with your dresses or tops with loose-fitting straps. Some straps wear out overtime. Inti-Mate Bra Converter easily resolves that dilemma.

The best part is, that “x” in fact gives you an added sexy look.

Don’t forget to grab yourself an Inti-Mate Bra Converter pack (PHP 250) that includes 3 clips: 1 black, 1 nude and 1 clear clip. It’s also a perfect gift to give to your girlfriends!

Tiendesitas
Shopsui at the Fashion Village

Backstage at Serendra

2C-18 2/F Serendra, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig

For Inquiries: Telephone: 915-2741

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For order and inquiries:

Inti-Mate Bra Converter

http://myintimate.multiply.com/

0922 802 1494

myintimate.ph@gmail.com

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The Inside Scoop

March 15, 2010 by Janey

It was a hot, hot Saturday afternoon. Bubba picked me up from the spanking new office of Geiser Maclang after lunch. Since we were already in Makati, Bubba thought of picking up the ice cream Bev texted him about.

This wasn’t the first time Bubba tasted Bev’s homemade ice cream. The first time he tasted it, he kept yapping how he liked it. I couldn’t relate that time.

I tried the ube version when there was “Burger Wars” at Bev’s place early this year –where she and Gretchen did a burger cook-off. Delicious grilled burgers… it was a tough call to choose the better one. I’d save that for another post.

Black Sesame Ice Cream

Since we didn’t bring a cooler like Bev instructed, we had to eat the ice cream ASAP. No complaints here.

Bubba’s car was our sole witness as we scoop one ice cream bite after the other like we were in a tight race. I don’t know if I can get ice cream with black sesame flavor that’s as good anywhere else but I simply love Bev’s Black Sesame Ice Cream. The flavor wasn’t too overpowering but you get that right hint of black sesame amidst the dense texture of creaminess.

The heat was extreme outside but the ice cream was as intense. Bev, I’d be first at the door when you open an Ice Cream parlor.

Bubba told me that Bev invested on a good (read: expensive) ice cream maker at home and the quality of her ingredients is top-notch. I wish I know how to do this at home. I can’t wait to try her other flavors. She came up with Earl Grey Tea Ice Cream last week and we are dying to find out how that tastes like.

For small orders, contact Bev Tiu at emailforicecream@gmail.com.

Thanks Bev! 😉

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Singapore Day 3: IKEA and Connection

December 16, 2009 by Janey

When I woke up, Kate was already at the desk clicking on her laptop. She was hard at it, working fervently at a career she loves. She used to be based in Singapore for work but she realized that there’s no place like home and eventually left the Singaporean company to go back to the Philippines. A few months later, the Singaporean company hired her back –this time, she is working home-based in the Philippines and the emails are her attendance at work. What a really great break! 🙂

She was almost done and she asked me my plans for the day. I said I had no plans and was thinking of a trouble-free last day in Singapore. She said she was going to IKEA and invited if I would like to join her. She wants to buy some stuff from IKEA and meet friends she made in Singapore. I was suddenly ecstatic!!! 😀

You see, I wanted to go to IKEA that I was harping about it the night before in the cab on the way home with Chrissy, Ivy and Jonel. Since I had no one familiar with the city to go with, I decided against it. I heard it was a bit far from Link Hotel. Thank goodness for an angel like Kate, my beloved roomie, and suddenly my Sunday was looking less bleak.

Another thing I like being bunked with Kate is, without having to speak, our movements are in such great tango with each other. She had her space and I had mine and timing in the bathroom between us was seamless –both productive and relaxed.

What made this departure day different though is I usually have my luggage packed the night before and clothes to wear and everything else ready. But after a fun night with the group much laughing and walking, I plunk-ed on my unmade bed with my water bottle. I wasn’t able to pack at all –a first in my book actually.

Good thing I was able to make haste and packed in 20 minutes (I usually take a leisure hour), just in time Kate finished packing too. We checked out and placed our luggage in the lobby. We were crossing the street when I checked my phone and saw Jen’s text message. I replied and said we were on the way out but will wait for her if she’s ready. She was all set and 5 minutes later the three of us were on a bus going to our IKEA date.

IKEA

IKEA was a good 30 minutes from our starting point. It wasn’t so difficult to get there by commuter bus since Kate was familiar with Singapore. At one point, it took a while to figure where the express shuttle is but both Jen and I were still at ease with Kate at the front. We took a train, 2 buses and we were finally at IKEA.

IKEA was like an enormous warehouse that offers a wide range of well-designed functional home furnishing products at prices so reasonable, both Jen and I did quite some shopping. We only had an hour before we meet up with Kate again so we really maximized our time –checking only items that really caught our interests and consulting with each other on the price and usability.

$1 Breakfast

I bought a few items (lamps, rags, photo frame, 1kg Swiss meatballs, chocolates, etc), while Jen’s big purchase was two white fur shrugs for her favorite chair at home. I ran out of Singapore dollars and my only complaint about IKEA is that they don’t accept US dollars. Jen and Kate had to lend me some SG money for my purchase.

It was time to relax when we had lunch at the huge IKEA cafeteria. Of course, both Jen and I tried the meatballs everyone was raving about. We also bonded with Kate’s friends from Singapore and asked them about life in the cosmopolitan country.

Going back was so much easier although we were running out of time because we were supposed to reach the hotel lobby by 3pm. Stopped by quickly at a money changer shop, had my US changed and paid my dues. We had a good 20 minutes to spare and since Kate knows I wanted to try Ya Kun Kaya, we looked for it at a nearby mall. Time is gold and I decided to just concede to trying Singapore’s Toastbox at the ground floor. Both Jen and I ordered food to go.

I also appreciate how easy I got along with Jen. I’ve been reading her Sexy Nomad site and like her steady positivism and travel spirit as well even before meeting and working briefly on a film project together. Just the day before, we bonded over breakfast and waiting time at Selangor.

We hailed a cab and finally reached the lobby on time. We were one of the early ones there. The bus actually left an hour later. No complaints since Jen, Kate and I had to repack our luggage and hand carry bags to fit in what we just purchased.

After repacking, we still had 30 minutes to enjoy leisurely the soft-boiled eggs and kaya toast combination we bought. Yummy!!! It wasn’t Ya Kun but it satisfied my kaya and egg craving!!! 😉

All aboard the bus, we hit our airport destination. Because of the items I bought from IKEA, I was over the limit weight by 7lbs! First time it happened to me too but since we were in a big group, I wasn’t too worried. Not until the ground officer said we couldn’t do a big group check-in, which was a bit weird. I was getting really concerned… Being quite independent, I was timid to ask people if I could share their weight limit 🙁 I checked how much it would cost me to just take in the extra weight -PHP 7,000! Gosh, I didn’t want to pay an extra 7 Grand for “pasalubongs.”

After much scurrying, (big thanks to Alodia, Ashley, and Jonel as well as Frances and Fran who tried to help out), Jonel shared my luggage weight and checked in my bag under his name. *BIG HUG to Jonel*

Whew, trouble-free huh 😉

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Pop Up Fred Perry Store

December 16, 2009 by Janey

Pop-up Fred Perry Store

Opens on December 19

Powerplant Mall, Rockwell.

Image grabbed from Powerplant Multiply Page

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Capturing the First Steps

August 11, 2009 by Janey

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 Janey

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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Lemur

May 13, 2009 by Janey

Say hello to my furry friend!

Madagascar is world-famous for its lemurs. Lemurs are primates that look something like a cat crossed with a squirrel and a dog. These animals are unique to the island and display a range of interesting behaviors from singing like a whale to sashaying across the sand like a ballet dancer.

“I like to move it, move it… You like to move it!

Lemur Video

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The Others

May 9, 2009 by Janey

I am not the only woman in Bubba’s life. In fact, he has other “babies,” sometimes with more emotional needs.

Krie, The Albino Ratsnake

Krie is the partner of Skimpy before. Since Skimpy’s death, Krie is the oldest baby in the family. Krie has a lot of poise and class that probably were brought about by age.

Boei, The Ball Python

When we were just dating, Bubba couldn’t stop talking about how he wanted to get a ball snake. Everything is a sign to get a ball snake. We were at EDSA Shangri-la one time and we see an ad poster of a watch that has the word, “BALL” with a water snake and this is the forth-telling SIGN. He tries to connect everything as signs that he’s supposed to buy a ball snake. After a while, I relent and let him be. There were a few chances where he almost bought one but decided against it. Finally, the perfect ball snake came our way and I agreed that this is what he’s been dying to have.

Grumpy, The Hognose Snake

This hognose snake was actually a trade-off. Bubba traded off his two precious skinks for this baby who is throwing a fit all the time. He’s the crankiest in the bunch. He bites the hand that feeds him.

GTP, The Green Tree Python

GTP named after George St. Pierre but with a T instead of an S. I was in protest getting another snake but when I saw GTP’s uber yellow skin, it was so beautiful we both couldn’t resist. He reached adolescence last year that made his yellow skin turn to green.

Jigsaw, The Milksnake

Of course, men go for the “young.” This is why this milksnake used to Bubba’s favorite, more than me probably. Jigsaw is the latest addition in the family, which makes him the youngest. He celebrated his 1^st year anniversary just recently. He is named after our favorite thriller movie, SAW.

I think though that Boei remains to be his all-time favorite because that snake is really attached to him. They have this special “bond.” Boei is also special to me because he reminds me of days when we were just starting out.

In Memoriam:

Skimpy,