Rediscovering Barre3: A special class with Barre3 Corporate Trainer, Heidi Waltermire

It has been six months since I had surgery and I feel that I can now get my body's strength back through exercise.  I started slowly regaining strength in my muscles by walking  around U.P. Diliman's academic oval for two rounds (2.2 kilometers for one round) with my husband Mickey, on early morning weekends, and it has certainly helped me get back my rhythm again.

Around mid-March, I received an invitation from Cel Torrefranca, Brand Manager for The Spa Wellness to a special barre3 class with Corporate Trainer Heidi Waltermire from Portland.  I was ecstatic!  I tried barre3 before and I absolutely loved it.  Barre3 exercises help balance, strengthen and lengthen the body with moves inspired by ballet, yoga and pilates.  It's really a workout for everyone, so whether you're an athlete or you haven't worked out in a long time, if you have back pain or a knee injury, barre3 can help you build strength, transform your body and eventually lose weight.

The night before the special barre3 class, I was both excited and scared at the same time.  I wanted to get my groove back but I was uncertain of my body's level of strength, but there's no turning back!

So finally, here I am, arriving (too) early at The Spa Wellness at The Fort

A Gastronomic Treat Awaits: Todd English Food Hall opens its first branch outside New York City in Manila!

Bringing an immense excitement to the culinary scene this month is the opening of the newest dining destination at the 5th floor of the SM Aura Premier Sky Park.  A brainchild of multi-awarded celebrity chef Todd English, diners can now enjoy the feel of New York City and its authentic international flavors.

Chef Todd English and The Rikki Dee Group collaborated to bring the first and only celebrity chef restaurant in the Philippines - The Todd English Food Hall.  With this, The Todd English Food Hall will definitely set a new standard in the ever growing culinary scene of Manila.

The Todd English Food Hall is a European-inspired specialty food hall that offers nine diverse culinary stations to satisfy the most discerning pallettes.  Offering the finest food with freshest ingredients matched with impeccable service, Todd English Food Hall definitely gives a delectable dining experince set in a stylish and convenient atmosphere.

Chef Todd English, Me and his son, Oliver

Out and About: Philippines International Furniture Show / Manila Fame, The Design and Lifestyle Event March 2014

I received an invitation from Mildred Manalastas of More Than A Chair last Sunday to come out and see the Philippines International Furniture Show/Manila Fame, The Design and Lifestyle Event, and of course, I couldn't say no!  Thank you so much Mildred and More Than A Chair for our special invites!  You know I'd go in a heartbeat to see the show! 

Quick Bites at Greeka Kouzina

A few weeks ago, Mickey and I revisited the retail shops at SM Aura Premier.  After a few hours of exploring our favorites shops (and discovering some exciting new shops), we needed to cool our heels and grab a quick bite before heading to the upper levels.  

We wanted a to try a restaurant with a relaxed vibe, it's a good thing that we stumbled upon Greeka Kouzina at the 2nd level, right across Forever 21 and Uniqlo.  The colorful lighting fixtures and the beautiful textured walls with the uplighters (that emphasized it even more) drew us instantly inside Greeka Kouzina.  The restaurant's interiors was such a beautiful sight from outside that aesthetically, it was an easy pick.

Limited Edition Lancome L'Absolu Rouge: Rose Satin 394

There is something about limited edition lipsticks that makes a girl feel ultra-special when she uses it and sometimes, a bit of a Bond girl (haha!).  Especially when it comes in a beautiful limited edition Swarovski crystal encrusted case like this L'Absolu Rouge  lipstick from Lancome.