2013, a year worth remembering!

In a few hours, 2013 will come to a close and we'll usher in the new year.  I think it's an opportune time to be thankful for the blessings that God has brought in 2013.  Here are a few things I am thankful for both big and small this year:

• The birth of www.tinavilla.com 
• A kind, smart, funny, loving and supportive husband
• A supportive family 
• A group of fun-loving and supportive friends who are foodies too
• Having a dog that's actually funny without even trying 
• A reliable 16-year old car that takes us all over the country and hasn't broken down (yet) 
• Travelling to places that I love: Boracay, Subic and Tagaytay 
• Learning to paddle board 
• God proving to us that He is faithful to His promises 
• Being able to give back 
• Reading the Philippine Daily Inquirer and the Philippine Star and finding that I'm in it (In a good way,  Haha!) 
• Crossing off items from our home wish list: purchasing our Klippan sofa from Ikea and our Prizmic & Brill work desk and chair
• Reuniting with old friends 
• Making new friends 
• Receiving an e-mail from GQ.com asking me if they can use one of my photos for an article they are writing (awesome!)
• Collaborating with brands: Nestle, Bounty Fresh, Fruits in Bloom, Fifth Season Spa, Toccare Spa and Pevonia
• Readers from around the world who rock! 

It has been four wonderful years! (read about it here)

Our Special Christmas Dinner at Chatteau 1771, Greenbelt 5

I'm pretty sure you're all winding down from all the shopping, parties, reunions and Christmas festivities just like me and Mickey (although there still are a few more before the New Year for us).

Just before the 24th of December, we were able to start a yearly tradition for both of us - having our very own Christmas dinner somewhere special .

It was quite a challenge looking for a special place where good food is served, where service and standards could be comparable to that of a 5-star hotel (for this special dinner, we didn't want it to be in a hotel because we knew that the hotel restaurants may be full with all the Christmas dinners with friends and families), we wanted a place where we also won't feel we have to hurry and finish dinner because the place is heavily booked and most especially, where we can talk all through out dinner and just enjoy each others company.

So finally, after much thinking, we decided to have our special Christmas Dinner this year at a restaurant where we also had celebrated many special occasions and milestones in our lives (whether big or small).

Of course, we come back to our all time favorite, Chatteau 1771 in Greenbelt 5.  The charm of the place has never left.  I love the restaurant's high ceilings, floor to ceiling glass windows, well-spaced dining area and the service of course is still at it's best.

Shelter + GIGI Coffee and Cupcakes

I knew just by looking at the design aesthetic of Shelter that this is my kind of store.

Shelter is a home and design store at the newly opened East Wing of Shangri-la Mall.  Inside, you'll find well curated finds for the home such as designer throw pillows, luxury home fragrances, designer notebooks and note cards, hardcover design books, black and white framed photos, custom-made furniture and beautiful things for the person who loves to entertain. 

Of blessings and an impromptu reunion

I got excited when I received a message from my college barkada Rhia last week.  She invited me and Mickey and our Assumption College group to celebrate and have lunch with her and her family at their new condo. in Ortigas.   

Apart from the joy that all our Manila-based AC friends are complete and would be having an impromptu reunion before the year ends together with the hubbies and the kiddos, I also couldn't wait to see her new space!

The gang (left to right):  Rhia, Bambi, Len and Me

Kai, Greenbelt 5

How fast time flies, it's already December!

This festive season usually brings forth a lot of parties and reunions, just recently I had the chance to meet up with my good friend Gen, a former colleague of mine from an American company we both used to work for.  It must have been almost a year since we last saw each other, a lot has happened in between and finally we now have time to catch up.  

We were supposed to have lunch at Lusso in Greenbelt 5, but that day, the indoor dining area was reserved for a big group lunch (I guess reunions, too).  So I called Gen and I asked her if we can have lunch instead at Kai which is just a few cartwheels away.  Good thing she said yes.  Kai is one of my favorite restaurants in Greenbelt 5 that serves contemporary Japanese cuisine, it is perfect for a small group reunion or even for just two people.  Their tables are spaced out far in between so you can have conversations without worrying that the other table already knows your life story.  

Finally, H&M in Manila!

It is official.  H&M has announced that they will open their first flagship store in SM Megamall in 2014!

But first, let's get to know the Swedish fashion brand a bit more.  H&M first opened in Västerås, Sweden in 1947.  Currently, H&M is the world's second largest fashion retailer with 3,000 stores spread across 53 markets worldwide.

The H&M Group offers fashion from the H&M, COS, Monki, Weekday, Cheap Monday and & Other Stories  brands, along with home interiors at H&M Home.

Here's a glimpse of H&M's current holiday collection:

Pevonia's Dry Oil Moisturizer

Let me tell you about a new beauty product that I have tried recently - It’s a dry oil moisturizer from elite spa brand, Pevonia!  How does it work?  After taking a shower, just spray the dry oil moisturizer all over your body and massage until it is absorbed.  Unlike heavy and creamy lotions that usually just sit on your skin and take forever to absorb, the dry oil moisturizer is quick absorbing, non-greasy and reveals a matte finish that leaves skin soft and smooth.  

 

Pevonia’s dry oil moisturizer is also floral scented.  When I first tried this product, Mickey commented that it smelled good on me.  I love its fresh, clean scent and the fact that I can use this product and not wear any other fragrance on a casual day.  Before sleeping at night, this product is also a dream to use, I can jump into bed without having to worry that it will leave oily stains on the sheets! 

With the weather getting a bit colder this Christmas season (and even during the summer months when it's very dry), the dry oil moisturizer provides nourishment for dry skin caused by sudden weather changes or even extreme weather conditions. 

Fruits in Bloom

Last Saturday, Mickey and I have started doing our annual closet, cupboards, shoe and storage editing (read: major general cleaning).  I think I may have overestimated the gargantuan task of it all.  It took quite some time to determine which ones we really needed to keep.  Living in a condo has many challenges and one of them is space, but I think more than that, what is important for us now is more room to breathe and move around in.  We had boxes labelled to give away/for donation and others to throw out.

At mid-morning, we were feeling a bit hungry as we both just had cereal and orange juice for breakfast .  It was great timing when the lobby receptionist called us and said that there is a delivery from Fruits in Bloom.

 

#SmilesForRelief

Watching the news this week was heart wrenching.  Every time I turn on the TV, the screen was filled with images of widespread devastation left by Typhoon Yolanda.  Members of families desperately looking for lost loved ones, survivors going on for days without food, water or medicine, losing their homes and staying in the streets without protection from the heat and the rain.

For many of us, who were not affected, we can do our share in helping the victims of Typhoon Yolanda in many ways.  One of them is by joining The Picture Company's #SmilesForRelief Project.  For just a Php 500 donation and 10 minutes of your time for a photo shoot to give a smile for relief to the victims of Typhoon Yolanda, you can provide a food pack, a hygiene kit and medicines to 3 families.

I stopped by The Picture Company's Greenbelt 5 branch for a 10-minute #SmilesForRelief shoot with Issa Avendanio.  Thanks Issa!

    

Quick and easy to prepare Top Torikatsu by Bounty Fresh

First of all, thank you Bounty Fresh and Harrison Communications for sending us 5 packs of Top Torikatsu in Classic and Cheese & Chives to try!

Top Torikatsu by Bounty Fresh Chicken comes in two flavors, Classic which is topped with tasty mayonnaise and coated in golden crispy bread crumbs and Cheese & Chives.  Each 450g pack contains about 6 pieces of breaded torikatsu.

What I like about Top Torikatsu is that it's made of 100% pure chicken breast meat.  You can have it with either rice, pasta or even your salad. 

Kenneth Cobonpue at Manila Fame

My fascination with Kenneth Cobonpue's furniture pieces started when he had several pieces displayed at Budji Layug's showroom in Makati.  For me, his furniture pieces are not only functional but they are also like beautiful pieces of art.  Recently, Kenneth Cobonpue had just opened his first showroom at The Greenbelt Residences in Makati and I'm pretty sure, Manila netizens are excited that they could easily access his designs now. 

Last year, I missed going to the Manila Fame event.  This year, I couldn't let it pass without stopping by even for just a few minutes.  I've always admired how good Filipinos are in making furniture and the Manila Fame event collectively features the best of Philippine made furniture.

The first booth you'll see as you enter Manila Fame is Kenneth Cobonpue's.  His Parchment collection is proudly displayed out front.  I love that the edges of this particular furniture line looks like the pages of a book.  I couldn't resist the urge to flip it. 

Life Update: God versus Cancer

This morning, After taking a bath, I sat on the sofa and applied Dermatix Ultra to my fresh scar.  I was thinking, now is the perfect time to write about it and glorify God. 

My journey started last August 2013 when I had to undergo a D&C (Dilation and Curretage) procedure due to abnormal uterine bleeding (the bleeding had stopped after I had a D&C).  A week after the procedure, I had a follow-up appointment to see my ob-gynecologist/gynecologic oncologist for the diagnosis.  My doctor gave me the results from the pathologist - I had CIN3 with foci suspicious for microinvasion.  To confirm this, she advised that I had to undergo a colposcopy  (a magnified visual inspection of the cervix aided by using a dilute acetic acid solution to highlight abnormal cells on the surface of the cervix).

Mickey and I knew that time was of the essence, we scheduled the colposcopy that same weekend.  Before the colposcopy procedure, I was advised by my doctor that it would be best that Mickey would be also inside the room for moral support.  Mickey was called in by the nurse to join us.  He held my hand oftentimes stroking my hair to calm me during the procedure.  A small camera was built in to the probe and projected images to a monitor.  My doctor took a sample of the abnormal cells.  Mickey and I went back after 4 days for the results and my doctor told me that I had cervical cancer stage 1A (microinvasive).  It is cervical cancer at it's earliest stage.  My doctor told me not to be scared, and be thankful that we found out about it at it's early stage.  Microinvasive cancer stage 1A may be treated by doing TAH (Total Abdominal Hysterectomy or the removal of the cervix and the uterus).  We didn't waste any time and scheduled for my TAH procedure in mid-September.      

In this photo: Mickey joins me in my fight against cervical cancer and wears pink for me

Mandatory Staycation

A week ago, I just had that, a mandatory staycation.  I wish I can tell you that I checked into a swanky hotel, enjoyed superb hotel service and a magnificent view.  Well, it was almost like that except that I checked into one of our finest hospitals, The Medical City for a minor procedure that had to be done urgently.  Before I cause unnecessary worry, I'd like to tell you that I am okay and have checked out by the 3rd day.

I must say that it really helped me get over my fear of hospitals that the staff were competent, they had state of the art medical facilities and I had very good doctors taking care of me.

Here's what happened last week:

After checking-in, they gave me a standard hospital accessory, a white bracelet with my name on it.

Pevonia Botanica Ligne Tropicale De-Aging Mist

Here's my most recent skin care discovery: Pevonia Botanica's Ligne Tropicale de-aging mist, it's a luxurious and light body hydrating spritz from elite spa brand, Pevonia. 

Grace Park, One Rockwell

Last Friday night, I had dinner with the ladies at Grace Park in One Rockwell.

 Rhia, Len, Me and Bambi

As soon as I entered Grace Park, I had sensory overload.  There was lively chatter and laughter coming from the 2nd level of the loft-type restaurant, I got a whiff of special dishes being cooked in the kitchen, the lighting was just right and the interiors, a mix of industrial, re-purposed materials and country chic.

The interior design consists of  floors and walls that are unfinished, the stairs that lead to the second level are made of recycled wood, country style decor adorned certain areas of the restaurant, mismatched chairs, utensils and drinking glasses in different colors but what really grabbed my attention were some of the mismatched plates that were very similar to what my mom had when we were growing up (If I remember it right, she told me that they were her wedding dinner plates.  They were very special, it had gold edges and period-inspired designs on them). 

The menu is printed on kraft paper, secured to a recycled corrugated board by a bamboo paper clip. Grace Park also takes pride in sourcing ingredients produced sustainably by regional farmers. 

The Picture Company

Time flies so fast, it seems like yesterday when The Picture Company first opened their studios in Manila where they consistently took casual, fun photos and documented many special memories.

Last month, I was looking for a photo studio for a project that I am cooking for Le Blog. I luckily (and happily) stumbled upon The Picture Company's page.  They are celebrating their eleventh year anniversary and were treating past members to free photo sessions and a high resolution digital file.  I remembered that I was a member in 2005 and 2006, so I called their Powerplant, Rockwell Branch to schedule my photo session.

On the day of the shoot, I had Maits as my photographer.  Maits was such a joy to work with, she helped me with my angles, made the shoot comfortable and shared a lot of laughs with me.  

Happy 11th Anniversary The Picture Company!  Thank you Maits for this photo.  I love it!

www.picturecompany.com.ph

Hair:  Blo Rockwell
Make-up:  Atelier Shu Uemura, Rockwell

Lunch with the ladies at Lusso, Greenbelt 5

I’ve passed by Lusso so many times in Greenbelt 5 but have never really dined there until Monday's lunch with the ladies.  It was a good thing my talented baker-mom friend Len has suggested we had lunch there, I agreed (who wouldn’t?) and so did our always on the go and cam-shy friend Brie.   

It was a good day to have lunch, the weather temperature was low, the sun was not so harsh,  and if you live in Manila, you know that days like these are precious.  

Major shoe mileage in Tory Burch's Quinn and Reva flats

A lovely thing happened when I passed by the Tory Burch boutique in Greenbelt 5 several weeks ago.

I was checking out the current fashion in shoes, bags and clothes at the boutique and had no intention of buying shoes that time, but as I was leaving the store, I noticed that on the left side of the entrance door was a display rack that had flats, wedges, espadrilles and a few bags in them with a very discreet sale sign at the bottom.  I checked the price and was floored when I found out that Tory Burch's Quinn quilted leather ballet flats (in blue) and the suede reva flats (in plum) are on sale at 50 % off.  My head was reasoning with me, two for the price of one, I snagged the flats but only after calling Mickey for a go signal for the purchase and also before I changed my mind.  I love flats and I can see some major mileage in these for years.

The next thing I knew, I was calling my friends Len and Brie about the sale and what do you know, on the same day, we were all at the store but at different times to buy Tory Burch flats that were on sale.  Well, what is it that they say?  Birds of the same feather...are the same birds!  Haha!

Afternoon Tea at TWG Greenbelt 5

The lifestyle of current times demands so much of us that we have to make a juggling act, balancing time for activities with family, friends and even for ourselves.

So, if there's even a tiny chance to have tea with family or a friend, you go for it!

One afternoon, I had tea with my friend, Bambi.  For some glorious reason, we were both free that day and just had to take the opportunity to meet for tea and catch up on each other's lives.

A pen to write beautifully with: Swarovski's crystalline lady ballpoint pen

In this digital age, I am one who still love the beautiful ways of old.

I use an Ipod for music on the go, but for our home, we still buy vinyl records.  Our collection spans from the distinct sound of the 80's to current popular music.  Why?  Simply because compressed digital recording fails in comparison to the rich and warm recording on vinyl .  Never mind if it's more challenging to actually handle and play a vinyl record, it's the actual experience of music that makes it worthwhile. 

I use an Ipad for minor writing, a laptop for blogging, but I still love writing things down.  Reaching for a trustee notebook that doesn't need power and using a pen to write things down is so liberating (haha!).     

I have written about these beautiful Swarovski  crystalline ballpoint pens last year.  This year, I finally was able to get myself one.  It's simply gorgeous.  I love that it writes smoothly and how the crystals shine when light strikes through them.

Shu Uemura

I was looking for make-up I can wear during formal events.  The type that beautifully transforms your skin from average to nearly flawless if not flawless at all.

It's no secret that my favorite go-to make-up brand is Shu Uemura.  I guess it's because I attended their make-up classes in their Rockwell atelier a few years ago and understood how their products work and how they work well on a person's skin.    

During our recent trip to Duty Free Philippines, I couldn't resist gravitating towards the Shu Uemura counter (as usual) and asked about make-up I can use for formal events.  After they chose the right shade for me and asked about my skin type, we hied off to the ultra-glam hollywood-ish mirror with the lights on and  sat on the directors chair that proudly display the brand's name and let them work their magic.

What I love about the artists at Shu Uemura is that they are professional, approachable and very personable.  Honestly, I've never met an artist who worked for Shu Uemura who didn't have a great personality.  It's a major plus since, sometimes, hours are spent in the make-up chair and if the artist doesn't have a good personality to go with their skills, it's a major turn-off.

Here's my latest Shu Uemura haul:

Early out of town breakfast at Buon Giorno

I was fiddling with my camera this morning and found these photos in the memory card.  I missed uploading them and now I am writing about how to enjoy an early weekend for a quick out of town trip.

We all had one of those, a week that is truly hectic.  It could be a week of problem solving, research, negotiation, approvals, deadlines, socials, heavy rain that comes (of all hours in the day it had to be) at rush hour and we're all stuck in a jam.  Sometimes, we just want to get away from it all, away from where it all happens and breathe some fresh air.

Well, that's just what we did.  During that week, Saturday couldn't come any sooner and I asked Mickey if we can go up to Tagaytay to have breakfast at Buon Giorno.  He was game for it as I was, so I called for the earliest reservation I could get (which was 7:30 am), reserved our favorite opium bed and hoped that the place would not be crowded when we get there.

We were on the road by 6:00 am, and as we left the heat and traffic in the city and slowly entered the colder, fresher, greener Tagaytay landscape, we knew we were right where we wanted to be that day.  It was a good day.

Buon Giorno can be found inside the compound of The Inn at the Cliff House Tagaytay.  There are other restaurants there (Fire Lake Grill and Cafe Platito) and dessert/snack shops (Cafe Breton, Fling frozen yogurt and Fruits in ice cream), but for today, we are having breakfast at Buon Giorno. 

Wild and Free: Ann Pamintuan's beautiful steel horses

Have you seen the beautiful horses made of stainless steel wires and flat bars by renowned artist, Ann Pamintuan, at the Greenbelt ArtPark?  They are extremely beautiful.  I just had to stop and take a look at each one of them.

These works of art are huge and are scattered in different areas of the ArtPark.  

I love that they are captured in different positions.  This one seems to stop and look at me.

Honoring Dad

 

Dearest Dad,

Your jokes crack, me up, even if I heard it a million times.

I remember with much fondness our morning chats and coffee together.  It was always a time when, I know that if  I have something on my mind, I know I can tell you about it and you would give me the best fatherly advice.

Happy father's day dad!  I love you dearly. 

P.S. - Mom, please let dad win in Scrabble even for just father's day.  Hahaha!

Shoes to run in: Tory Burch's mid-wedge Sally

I love walking around in ballet flats, but there are outfits (and special days) when a girl needs a lift in height too.  For several months, I've been looking for a mid-wedge shoe that is not only stylish to wear from day to night but also comfortable enough to run in.  I saw several stylish types but oftentimes, there's a compromise, usually it's stylish but you can't stay in them for a long time (as Oprah would say, these type of shoes are just "shoes for sitting").  Plus, I don't want to be the girl with the nice shoes but had a funny walk! 

A few weeks ago, I walked inside the Tory Burch boutique and found this pretty pair of  mid-wedge Tory Burch Sally's with the tonal logo in Roccia python print.  They have it in my size, and at 45% off!  Heaven is on my side.  I tried them on, walked around the boutique, made sure they were comfortable enough to walk in and took these babies home.

Mickey's birthday dinner at Chili's and TWG Rockwell

Last week, we celebrated Mickey's birthday.  It's been a while since we've been to the Powerplant at Rockwell, and when the birthday boy says he wants to have his favorite grilled pork chops at Chili's, then the birthday boy is sure to get his wish.  

Beautiful Bonsais

A year ago for father's day, I gave my dad bonsais.  I made a mental note during one of our conversations that he wanted to learn to grow and take care of them.  My parents both have green thumbs and a year later, the bonsais are still in their house.  I admit that I have also grown to admire the little trees, I am captivated by their beauty and how perfect they always look, never a leaf out of place.

This Sunday afternoon, Mickey and I came across a bonsai exhibit at Eastwood Mall's Open Park.  There were so many beautiful bonsais!  I stopped and admired each and every one of them and truly, they are all works of art.

 This bonsai is my favorite, I love how the branches and leaves cascade downwards

SM Aura's VIP Launch

Last week was all about Sarah Jessica Parker opening SM Aura (SM's new premier mall) in Taguig City.

Everyone was well dressed at the VIP launch.  The men looked dapper in their dark suits and the women looked elegant in their cocktail dresses.  Honestly, I've never seen Manila so well-dressed for an opening.

I guess, Sarah Jessica Parker's presence inspired everyone to look their best.

Honoring Mom

Dearest Mom,

I remember when my brothers and I were still kids, you would come home from work and you would cook our favorite dishes for us.  You just loved being a mom to Jojo, Ed and I, and we love you for that.  

In my teen years, I would get excited when the weekend is around, because I know we'll be baking cakes and pastries together.  It always felt good when we would get the thumbs up from the boys (dad and my brothers).  They were our ultimate (food) critics!

When I got a bit older, you gave me wings and trusted me to make my own judgments.  You taught me the value of family and how it is important to support each other especially during tough times. 

Your relentless support in all my aspirations made it easier for me to achieve my goals and to this day, it inspires me to dream big.

Happy mother's day mom!  I love you to bits!

SuiteBlanco

Ladies and Gents, mark your calendars on Friday, May 17 for the opening of global Spanish brand, SuiteBlanco's flagship store in SM Aura Premier, Taguig City.  SuiteBlanco showcases men and women's clothing, shoes and accessories that are top of the trend but are affordable.

SuiteBlanco has 240 stores spread across 15 countries and is brought into the Philippines by the SM Group.  The same group that brought in popular global brands Forever 21 and Uniqlo into the country.

Here's a sneak peek into SuiteBlanco's Spring/Summer 2013 Collection:

Launched: Space Cowboy + The Present Future

We wouldn't miss this for anything.  Not even with two hours of traffic from Makati to Ortigas!

Last Friday, after much anticipation, Space Encounter's talented design duo, Wilmer Lopez and Thor Balanon unveiled their 5th collection, aptly called Space Cowboy at their mid-century modern furniture store, Space Encounters.

The collection derives inspiration from the wild, wild west and featured their classic furniture in denim, pin stripes, plaid, leather, studs and patchwork.  Symbols of western pop culture were in the pillows, framed posters, lamps and other home accessories that complement the collection. The Space Cowboy collection also features creative works from menswear designer, Ziggy Savella and Graphic Artists, Mylo de Borja and Kuds Cruz.

Wilmer's book entitled "The Present Future" was also launched last Friday night.  His book features his inspirations and his impressive creative work.

Here are some photos from Friday night's launch:

Cafe Jeepney, Intercontinental Manila

A few months ago, I bought vouchers at Deal Grocer for lunch (or dinner) at Intercontinental Manila Hotel's Cafe Jeepney at 50% off.  It was my first ever purchase from any group buying site.  Honestly, I think that the best value for money deals are with Deal Grocer.

Last Saturday, Mickey and I were finally able to use the vouchers at Cafe Jeepney.  We arrived a bit early than the 12:00 noon schedule for the buffet to open, but it's okay, I always like being early (whenever I can) versus being late.  Being late stresses me out, haha!  Oh, did I mention it's our first time to dine here?  The dining atmosphere is casual and the dining crowd is a mix of VIP's, hotel guests and families out for a weekend lunch get-together.

An athlete's nightmare

What do Derrick Rose of the Chicago Bulls, Ricky Rubio of the Minnesota Timberwolves, UFC Mixed Martial Arts superstar Georges St. Pierre and my husband Mickey Villa (my Michael Jordan) have in common?  The answer: They have all incurred an ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) injuries.

An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is usually caused by a sudden twisting motion in the knee when an athlete lands or steps. You could opt to not have it repaired, but if you still want to engage in sports, or want to have a full life without constantly worrying that you might accidentally twist your knee, you might want to consider undergoing knee reconstruction surgery.

Four Wonderful Years

Four  years ago today we got married.  Here are some of the details and moments I love on that very special day.  Happy anniversary, Mickey!

The District Boracay

Mickey and I were walking along Station 2 in Boracay Island to find a dessert place one night when we heard some DJ tracks being played from atop The District Boracay's open-air Star Lounge (at the 3rd floor of the hotel).  Since The District is one of Boracay's newest hotels, we decided to have dessert here instead.

Sneak peek: Boracay Uptown Hotel

What a treat to be able to show you a typical room at the up and coming Boracay Uptown Hotel!   

The new hotel is set to open on the 3rd week of July and is conveniently located beach front, in Station 2 and comes from the same hotel group as Estacio Uno in Station 1.  

All the rooms in Boracay Uptown Hotel are located on the upper floors, 

here's a typical room set-up (subject to change without prior notice):

Boracay morning, sunset and evening walks

With an island as beautiful as Boracay, one doesn't need to do much but appreciate the island's natural beauty.  During our recent vacation, morning, sunset and evening walks were part of our day.   

Estacio Uno Boracay

Mickey was so sweet to take me on a breakfast date at Estacio Uno while we were in Boracay.  

 

Estacio Uno stands where the old Waling-Waling hotel used to be in Station 1.  We spent several summer vacations here in the past and having breakfast here certainly brings back a lot of memories. 

Boracay Escape

There's nothing like an island escape that rejuvenates the soul.  In our case, we find ourselves leaving for our favorite Island in the Philippines, Boracay Island, every two years.

Aracama with girlfriends

There are friends that despite the distance and the time spent apart, remain to be the closest that we have. I met this lovely group of ladies while still in college in Assumption, San Lorenzo.  We started with a small group that grew to a big group of nine.  After college, some have ventured into their family businesses, others have settled abroad while some of us stayed in Manila to start our careers. 

Recently, our friend Marge, who is based in Vancouver, Canada came home for a vacation.  She had one request, to have lunch with us and enjoy Filipino cuisine.  So here we are on a Saturday at Aracama, Bonifacio Global City for a reunion that happens every two years (in Marge's case at least).

Marge gave us H&M sunglasses, so here we are having our photo taken with the tag still on (haha!)

Len, Me, Rhia and Marge

Recovery Food

Finally, a 24-hour food concept that is far from the usual burger and pizza joint!

A few weeks ago, a friend of ours told us about Recovery Food at Bonifacio Global City, a new food concept from the Mamou Group.  It was enough to spark curiosity and good enough to be on our “weekend restaurants to try list”.

Mickey and I went on a Saturday morning, we arrived early enough to be able to park near the restaurant (which is across MC Home Depot at The Fort).  The restaurant is aesthetically simple, on the right side is the kitchen, that stretches the entire length of the restaurant, and on the other side, is the dining area with the high back couches in individual booths, that also fills the entire length of the restaurant on the left side.  Each table has its own condiment/utensil tray, which is great, everything you need is on the table.

The crowd is a mix of teens that came from soccer practice, weekend bikers and runners, groups who are off for a weekend out of town trip and the breakfast crowd.  

The menu is a mix of starters, noodles, rice bowls, sandwiches and sweets.   Simple, good tasting comfort food at the right price. 

Here’s what we had:

Happy Chicken Rice - PHP 155.00

Cubed chicken rice topping with Recovery Food's special brown chicken rice

   

Kuppa Roastery & Cafe

Sunday morning brings me and Mickey to Kuppa in Bonifacio Global City.  It's a good thing that we came early.  I wanted to take pictures of the place in natural morning light and also without disturbing other diners.  The place was still empty when we arrived  (although I think, it would be a totally different scene on weekdays as Kuppa is located in the heart of BGC's business district).

What I love about Kuppa is that it is homey.  It certainly feels like you're just having breakfast at home with good music and a relaxing atmosphere to match.  I also love that they had a lot of up to date magazines in different areas of the dining area.

Let me show you the place:    

New Year, New Palette: Karl Lagerfeld for Shu Uemura

I'm very picky when it comes to make-up palettes.  It takes one wrong color in the entire palette to put me off entirely (yes, that picky!).  There is one palette however that I am loving most recently - Karl Lagerfeld  for Shu Uemura's Prestigious Bordeaux eye and cheek palette with its wine and bronze tones.  I personally love the smokey eye look, and the highly pigmented glitter wine and deep brown shades (at the top of the palette) are just perfect for a new smokey eye look for 2013. 

The palette also includes a pale purple shade and a soft brown shade (that can be used as a base shade) and a brick gold eye shadow as well!  

There is also a coral rose blush shade in the palette (it's the one where "SUKL" is stamped).  It may be a bit of challenge to pick up with a fluffy brush though since it's in a tiny pan.  But overall, I love it!