Little Dapitan at Cloverleaf

If there's a season that we Filipinos are very well known for, it would have to be how we celebrate Christmas season.  We go all out when it comes to this season, from Christmas decorations, tablescapes, even in the gifts that we give to show our appreciation for the people we love.  One known go-to place for all our Christmas needs would have to be Dapitan Arcade in Quezon City.

This year, there is a curated version called Little Dapitan, located just across the Ayala Cloverleaf mall.  They have their own parking area and it houses the best of Dapitan Arcade handpicked just for you.  I was able to check it out, and recently was able to shop for some gifts for Christmas as well.  Here are some unique finds you'll see at Little Dapitan:    

A detailed nostalgic musical Christmas carousel that will be a perfect addition to your little Christmas village!

Retails for Php 4,000.00 

La Vita Ristorante Italiano

I can still remember the first time Mickey and I went to Italy.  It was a magical place with beautiful monuments that would leave you in awe of its majesty, as well as its history.  The locals are very friendly, and also very family oriented just like us Filipinos.  They love to gather around food, and as the saying goes, "every nonna in the family is a good cook".  

But what really shocked me was how differently their cuisine was interpreted back home.  In Italy, their cuisine was much simpler, made only with a few fresh ingredients.  The pasta and dough are all made from scratch, even the pizza sauce.  Also, the secret to a good pizza is the use of a traditional brick oven.  I guess this is just one aspect in the many facets that make up how authentic Italian cuisine should be made - simple, fresh, and cooked with love.  

Back in Manila, I sometimes wish I can travel back to Italy if only to have a taste of authentic Italian cuisine again.  What a nice surprise when I was recently invited to the opening of La Vita Ristorante Italiano at The Podium, I was transported back to this beautiful country through their dishes.  Here are some photos at the intimate launch and the authentic Italian dishes by Executive Chef Maurizio Gibillino.

Literally surprised by Marj when we arrived.

Our Staycation Experience at Sheraton Manila Hotel

If there's something Mickey and I look forward to when the weekend comes, it is the chance to unwind, to press the restart button, so we can face a new week 100% revitilized, .  We had the chance to do just that when we had a hotel staycation at the newly opened Sheraton Manila in Newport City, Pasay.  It is located right across NAIA 3 terminal, and would also perhaps be a good place for travellers to stay in before or after a flight.

Sun Soft Idol sa Linis!

These Paras Boys have both grown up so fast and so maturely right before our very eyes.  Kobe had his first taste of independence early on when he left for the U.S. to study and to play for his college basketball teams. He is now back to suit up for the U.P. Fighting Maroons for UAAP Season 82.

While Andre has since started his career as a celebrity and has now lived independently on his own.  Both of them have shared that during these times, they had their fair share of household duties and it is quite refreshing that they are not embarrassed at all to admit this.  It makes us somewhat realize that like us, they also have adulting moments they have to face amid their busy schedules and despite the celebrity status.  

Kudos also to their dad Benjie, also a U.P. Fighting Maroon and PBA legend in his own right and a celebrity, as he guides his grown children through adulthood and all the responsibilities that come with it.

Whether in basketball or in doing household chores, laban lang!  Sun Soft, ang bagong idol sa linis introduces their new Sun Soft Paradise powder detergent, Sun Soft Heavenly fabric conditioner and Sun Soft Zesty Lemon dishwashing liquid to help you with your cleaning needs.