Serenitea x Sesame Street Limited Edition Umbrellas

Before the explosion of milk tea shops around the metro.  People have always bought Frappuccino blended coffee drinks, whether during business meetings, friends catching up with each other, and even individuals just killing time while surfing the net, you will find a cup beside them.  

But the market demanded for new alternative refreshing drinks, and Serenitea Philippines was there to answer the call.  They started operations back in 2008 and grew to more than 50 shops in just 10 years. They were the first to offer brewing tea with an option to customize sweetness levels.  Filipinos embraced it, and Serenitea helped pave the way for other tea shops in every corner.

I find myself going inside Serenitea usually after a long walk, or after a full day of activities.  It has been one of the places where a cup of tea - whether with fruits, milk, lattes, or perhaps even to try their newest specialty drink is enough to put a kick back in my step.  But let's admit it, sometimes a drink can't satisfy hunger, and it's a good thing that Serenitea offers small snacks on it's menu.

Now that the monsoon rains has come and it seems that it's not going to go away soon, there is no reason to match the mood of a gloomy weather.  Perhaps one of the things that can change a rainy day mood to a better one, apart from our Serenitea favorites, are these cute transparent limited edition Sesame Street umbrellas from Serenitea.

Sheraton Manila launches plant-based dishes using produce from their very own Sheraton Farm

What!? "Our lunch menu were all made of plant-based ingredients?" Mickey asked me.  "I swear if you didn't tell me that they have prepared an all plant-based dishes, I wouldn't have known totally", he continued.  I agree with him as they really taste good, how can plant-based ingredients taste like real meat?

The secret starts by using only the freshest ingredients, and the only way Executive Chef Kiko Santiago can certify its freshness is by having their own farm.  That's right, Sheraton Manila has its own vegetable farm in partnership with Nurture Farmacy, in Amadeo, Tagaytay.

Sheraton Manila invited us to a tour and witness the ribbon cutting of their 300 square meter farm.  Now, this is really sustainable farm to table dining concept.  Sheraton Manila made sure that the farm sits on a tillable land that remain untouched for seven years at least.  This ensures a fertile soil that has all the major nutrients for plant nutrition.

Here are the plant-based dishes made with ingredients sourced here at Sheraton Farm. They are available for a la carte in S Kitchen, and in-room dining until the end of October 2019 (however, Sheraton Manila is considering to make these as staples on their menu, as they continue to improve their culinary selections).  While some people might think that healthy-eating can be expensive, the hotel has made these dishes affordable and good to share; appetizers start at Php 360.00 and entrees at Php 640.00 to Php 690.00 only. 

My Ayumi 5D Eyelash Extension Experience

I have naturally short and sparse lashes.  Quite a bummer if you ask me.  Because of this, I began to look for mascara that is thickening and lengthening, but these can be quite heavy and unnatural looking.  So, I got to a stage where I just quit the mascara altogether and just kept my natural lashes with my make-up routine.  But somehow, I feel I can still take it up a notch if I can have natural-looking lashes that were a bit curled.  

Recently, I got to try 5D lashes from Ayumi Japanese Eyelash & Nail Art Salon - They are Dot 1101 Japan's only partner in the Philippines for eyelash extensions.  They use the same techniques and products, ergo clients are assured of getting the same quality lashes.

TRESemmé Runway Ready 2019: Color The Runway

Classic meets Contemporary.  The PICC, built in 1976 and designed by L.V. Locsin, was the setting for the launch of the New TRESemmé color care range.  It is inspired by this season's trend of bold hair color, with two different collections under the new TRESemmé Pro-Color Series: Color Radiance and Blonde Brilliance.

Philippine Sustainability Month 2019 at Manila Marriott Hotel

All Aboard!  As international, local hotels and suppliers come together to be a force of change for the good, during the Philippine Sustainability Month 2019.  Glad that these hotels and suppliers have committed to create a positive and sustainable impact as they do business.  With these big steps of change, there is a better future for all of us and our planet.

Hats off to Manila Marriott Hotel for phasing out plastic bottles in their rooms and replacing it with refillable glass bottles, and also to Sheraton Manila Hotel in launching their Green Meetings Program.  They are replacing water bottles with water pitchers with slices of fruit in them.  They are are also using organic produce from their very own Sheraton Farm, and will introduce plant-based dishes soon on their menu!

Here are some photos during the opening of the Philippine Sustainability Month 2019:

Sustainable Tuna

mango and avocado puree, balsamic and shallots

from Hilton Manila