Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Kuretake Restaurant in Power Plant Mall
My visit: February 12, 2012
Kuretake Restaurant
R1- Level Power Plant Mall
Lopez Drive, Rockwell Center,
JP Rizal, Makati City
8980509 8980718
DH and I attended the special screening of The Vow starring Channing Tatum and Rachel McAdams. You can call it our pre-Valentine's movie date. Of course, a date would not be complete without having dinner at a restaurant.
We were initially looking for another restaurant but sadly, it closed down already. We chanced upon Kuretake Restaurant and I warned DH that it's a pretty expensive Japanese restaurant.
gyudon ala carte PhP 420
We reluctantly entered the restaurant, keeping in mind to order only our favorite sushi and sashimi.
I can't live without rice so I ordered gyudon. DH & I shared a bowl of thinly sliced beef over glass noodles and warm rice. The slices of onion make this order sweet. This order has only a few strips of beef and almost half of the strip is fat---> look at the photo above ; p The miso that comes free with this order is good though.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Save up to 80% on Watsons Compliance Pack!
My event: February 8, 2011
Compliance Pack
Compliance is key
Palawan Ballroom
EDSA Shangri-la Plaza Hotel
Over a year and a half ago, Watsons Pharmacy launched the country's first compliance pack program which aims to help improve health & well- being of patients with chronic conditions like hypertension, high cholesterol and diabetic.
Watsons Compliance Pack is sold in packs of 30
Watsons Compliance Pack:
- Amplodipine, Losartan & Metoprolol for hypertension
- Metformin for diabetes
- Simvastatin for high cholesterol
Read after the break on how to save up to 80% from Watsons Compliance Packs!
Monday, February 27, 2012
Chick-In now in Quezon City
My event: February 7, 2012
Chick-In Chicken Inasal
Sulit Sarap sa Rice All You Can
75-B Gil Preciosa Bldg.
Timog Ave., Quezon City
9210892
I was recently invited to a newly opened restaurant along Timog Ave., Quezon City called Chick-In. I learned that this is already the third branch, the other two are found in San Antonio Village, Makati City (5536715) and EDSA cor. Taft Ave., Pasay City (4782077).
Smoked Chorizo from Boracay PhP55/ stick
Let me start by raving about my favorite... smoked chorizo from Boracay! I am not ashamed to say that I finished two sticks. Chorizo brings back good memories of the original chori-burger from Boracay.
Chorizo (pork sausage) is best paired with rice! A stick consist of 3 slices of smoked chorizo.
Don't you just hate it when the chorizo you are eating has a lot of fat? Well, this one is meaty and delicious too. I hope Chick-In will offer to sell frozen chorizo so I can have my very own smoked Chorizo from Boracay anytime I want ; p Or I could just call for a delivery!
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Creamy Queso de Bola Cheesecake from Indulgence by Irene
0922-8303900
0917-6225800
My friend, Irene, sent over a small red box of Queso de Bola cheesecake a few weeks ago. I couldn't resist the temptation and immediately got me a slice of the milky & creamy cheesecake.
who could resist such a temptation?
I had it during breakfast, nibbled on it during my afternoon snack and you bet it right, I had it as an after dinner dessert. Ok, don't judge me, the cake is quite small---> mini in size, so I figured I could not get fat from eating it after every meal hahaha
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Celeteque DermoScience Sun Care Soothing Lip Balm & Hydration Make-Up Remover Wipes
Most of my beauty posts are now all about lipsticks because I seldom put any makeup on when I go out these days. It's not that I became sloppy, it's just that, now, I dare to bare my face for everyone to see. I have to thank my dermatologist for my clear skin ; p
Celeteque DermoScience Sun Care Soothing Lip Balm with SPF 15 8g PhP135
Anyway, since I have come down to bare minimum in terms of taking good care of my skin, I have discovered several products and I am sharing it with you in my succeeding posts. I am going to start with Celeteque DermoScience Sun Care Soothing Lip Balm.
Celeteque DermoScience Sun Care line includes:
- Facial Moisturizer with SPF15
- Mattifying Sunblock SPF30
- After-Sun Soothing Gel
- Lip Balm with SPF 15
Friday, February 24, 2012
Charlie Brown Cafe Korea
Day 9 (4th day DIY Seoul Tour)
Charlie Brown Cafe Korea
Hongik University,
Hongdae, Korea
02-26520106
You would think that after eating several cakes at Hello Kitty Cafe, we would proceed to Myeongdong to have our money exchanged, right? No, instead we went looking for another famous cafe in Hongdae- Charlie Brown Cafe ; p
I <3 you, Charlie Brown!
You would not miss this cafe because it has several character standees (I don't know the right term, heeelp!) outside like in the photo above. Cute, huh?
These characters are almost the same height as me ; p
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Hello Kitty Cafe Seoul Korea
My visit: December 31, 2011
Day 9 (4th day DIY Seoul Tour)
Hello Kitty Cafe Coffee & Dessert
Hongik University
Hongdae, Seoul,
Korea
02-3346570
Remember my post about Hongdae where we don't have enough cash for that one day? Before leaving for Myeongdong to exchange more WON, Korea's currency, we see to it that we first visit Hongdae's cafes. It was a good thing that we brought our credit cards, we were able to seat and relax at two of the most famous cafe in the university- Hello Kitty Cafe and Charlie Brown Cafe.
Happy New Year written on Cafe Latte W3, 800 (PhP152) ; p
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter in Sweet Tart
I seldom buy anything on impulse but I find pink lipsticks irresistible. When I went to SM's 3 day sale last week, I bought several makeup products and that includes Revlon's New ColorBurst Lip Butter. It is not on sale but with SM Advantage card, it's 10% off when you pay between 10 a.m. to 12 n.n. Plus, I got an additional 5% off because my mom charged it to her BDO credit card with minimum purchase requirement of PhP5, 000. By the way, you can also opt to pay the charged amount in 3 monthly installments, 0% interest. How's that for fun shopping? lol
Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter in Sweet Tart PhP525
I was already waiting in line for my turn in one of the cashier counters in the makeup section when I saw Revlon's booth. Pressed for time, I asked the sales lady for a pink shade. I was given Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter in Sweet Tart. A swatch at the back of my hand revealed a cute shade of pink. Without even thinking twice, I got one.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Nomama Artisanal Ramen in Quezon City
Nomama Artisanal Ramen + Modern Japanese Cuisine
by Chef Him Uy de Baron of East Cafe
G/F FSS Bldg. II
18 Scout Tuason cor. Scout Castor,
Quezon City 9214913
Nomama opened September of last year. It means "That's It!" in Japanese.
We came by a bit early and the restaurant was not yet opened but we were welcomed by a waitress inside. I didn't know that cement finish and wood combination will turn out to be chic until I entered the restaurant. The restaurant is minimalist- cement flooring, pipes running around the ceiling and plastic chairs. The first thing that you will see upon entering is an open kitchen where several chefs were busy manning it.
broiled tofu with mushrooms PhP285
We ordered broiled tofu with mushroom. A bit pricey considering an order consists of only two chunks of tofu. The presentation is nice with edemame and katsuobushi (shaved dried fish) topping and slices of shitake mushroom on the side. The sauce is miso-sweet soy marinade, taste like teriyaki sauce.
Monday, February 20, 2012
Surprise! Surprise! J.PoPs Baby Donuts from J.CO
salivating yet?
3 boxes of J.PoPs Baby Donuts were delivered to my house last week. A box contains 24 delectable bite- sized donuts. This is perfect! I can try different flavors in one seating ; p Affordable at only PhP 250 per box!
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Precious Dog: Crazy Dog Green Apple Grooming Spray
My dog, Precious, is a pomeranian. How many of you have poms as dogs? Sure, these dogs are cute and cuddly but come combing time, their fur is really hard to comb, right? I don't know about you but I don't let other people give Precious a bath. Only family members can give her a bath because she gets really stressed out. Adding more stress is the combing part of the process.
Once, when she was about a year old, DH and I brought her to a grooming salon for cut and shampoo. The salon needed to sedate her to calm her down. After that incident, I never took her anywhere near a grooming salon.
Green Apple Grooming Spray for dogs 237 ml (8 fl. oz.) PhP345
Anyway, my SIL bought Crazy Dog Green Apple Grooming Spray for Precious. It works wonders and cuts our drying and combing time into half. What's even better? She doesn't get stressed or angry anymore!
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Buffet 101 International Cuisine in SM MOA
My visit: January 31, 2012
Buffet 101 International Cuisine
Bldg. K, Seaside Blvd.,
SM Mall Of Asia Complex
Pasay City
5562888 5563888
Mon- Fri
Lunch PhP699
Dinner PhP950
Sat- Sun/ Holidays PhP1050
Kids
4ft up PhP499
under 3ft FREE
Leftover PhP1350
We went there on a weekday to celebrate my BIL's birthday. We have a table reserved for our group of 16. We were a big group so our table was long and on the side. It was a long walk to the buffet set up but I don't mind.
unlimited fresh juice, coffee and tea
This is just our first two drinks lol Kiwi is good but the watermelon is too sweet. After the first glass, I requested that no syrup will be added on my second glass of watermelon ; p
Friday, February 17, 2012
New Year's Eve in Hongdae (Hongik University)
My visit: December 31, 2011
Day 9 (4th day DIY Seoul Tour)
Hongdae (Hongik Daehakgy University)
Seoul, Korea
We went to Hongdae twice in one day. You will know why as you read along. Hongdae is an abbreviation of Hongik Daehakgy. Hongik University is an art school, other than that the area is well known for entertainment/clubs, coffee shops and of course, shopping!
Hongik at night
We went there on a Sunday, suffice to say, the banks are all close. When you are out of the country, you lose track of time. That's what happened to us but how the hell do we suppose to know that there isn't a single money exchange in the area? Now, you know why we have to go back the second time. But before that let me tell you more about what happened that day.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
My Urban Ashram Manila Experience
My visit: January 25, 2012
Suite 302, 3rd Level, 3 Brixton Street
Kapitolyo, Pasig
377 YOGA/ 661 YOGA/ 0917881 YOGA
Mon- Fri: 6:30 am - 9:00 pm
Sat : 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
I was invited by Bheng & Michelle to try Flexibility Not Required (FNR), one of the four yoga classes taught in Urban Ashram Manila. The other three are Vinyasa Flow, Ashtanga and Hatha.
Urban Ashram Manila is a full service center with a pool of highly-qualified Yoga Alliance- registered teachers offering a wide variety of yoga classes on regular schedules.
Since I have stopped practicing yoga a long time ago, I was ecstatic to try out this newly- opened studio. It was far from my place so I just went and hitched a ride with Michelle. We were only asked to bring a towel. I asked "No mat?" Soon, I learned that everything is provided for including towel- of course, for a small fee of PhP40.
my triangle pose; photo credit: MyMom-Friday
Flexibility Not Required is a yoga revolution and Ashram's Signature. Developed by Marc Macadaeg, FNR classes teach the basics and foundations of yoga. Class sequencing is built around the sun salutations and is geared towards building internal heat to warm up your body and gradually and intelligently opening your body up in order to make more challenging poses easier to understand and more accessible, building a lot of cardiovascular endurance, strength and increasing your range of motion.
We had a short introduction and briefing before we took the class. There were only four of us in this special class. I learned that I am the only one who has practiced yoga before. All three were beginners.
“There is a misperception that only flexible people can do yoga when in fact, they can build their flexibility through the regular practice of yoga,” says Dr. Ngo. “The flipside to that is, of course, strength. A well-balanced practice should make you both more flexible and stronger than ever before.”
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
New Dove Damage Therapy Intense Repair
A few weeks ago, a bag filled with Dove hair care products was delivered at my house. I was glad that it was the Intense Repair line. You know how I love to experiment with my hair. Over the past years, I have permed my hair 4x, colored my hair thrice and finally decided to cut my hair short.
Dove Damage Therapy Intense Repair
Naturally, I can't wait to give it a try. I picked a few products to test drive- Dove Nutritive Therapy Nourishing Oil Care Nutri-Oil Serum with Nutri-Oil Essence, Dove Damage Therapy Intense Repair Overnight Treatment and Dove Damage Therapy Intense Repair Daily Treatment Conditioner with Fiber Actives.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Seattle's Best Coffee's Valentine Cookies & SBC Milk Tea
My event: February 10, 2012
Seattle's Best Coffee
Greenhills Town Center
Granada Street, San Juan
It's the love month! Seattle's Best Coffee introduced this limited edition Valentine Cookies last Friday over a cup of SBC Milk Tea. These delectable heart-shaped cookies come in 2 flavors- chocolate- flavored butter cookie and classic butter cookie. Each cookie is covered in fondant and carries 4 different designs.
this heart-shaped cookie has my signature XOXO written on it ; p
I chose this yellow heart-shaped cookie because it has "xoxo" written on top of it ; p For some husbands (or sometimes boyfriends) like my DH who doesn't like giving flowers, heart-shaped cookies would do the trick hahaha DH should get me one, right now! After all, it's the thought that counts.
Monday, February 13, 2012
When in Manila: MOA eye
Mall of Asia (MOA) Eye
San Miguel Bay City
SM Mall of Asia Complex
PhP150/ticket
At 180 ft (55 meters) tall, MOA Eye is the tallest Ferris wheel in the Philippines. Inaugurated last December 18, 2011, it has 36 air-conditioned gondolas. Each gondolas can carry a maximum of 6 persons totaling 216 passengers in one cycle. The duration of the ride is 10 minutes.
OOTN
LOOK by Elcid- eyeglasses from Korea
Terranova- black blouse
bought in Hong Kong- dress
bought in Taiwan- knee length stockings
bought in Taiwan- black shoes
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Korea Chronicle: Myeongdong
Day 8 (3rd day DIY Seoul Tour)
Myeongdong
Seoul, Korea
A few days before, I was disappointed when we visited Dongdaemun with our tour group as part of our itinerary. It is much like an open air market place. The place is huge, there is one area that sold meat, an alley that sold cameras and another that sold dry goods. During winter, you can't possibly stay outdoors long enough without getting chills. Needless to say, during our DIY tour, we never went back ; p We choose to visit Myeongdong instead.
at Myeongdong eating chestnuts
Myeongdong is big too. Sure, some wares are also peddled on the streets but at least here, you can go inside a department store or in my case beauty stores whenever I felt shivers because of the cold.
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Korea Chronicle: Lotte World Korea
Day 7 (2nd day DIY Seoul Tour)
Lotte World
40-1, Songpa- Ku Chamshil- dong,
Seoul, Korea
02- 4112000
Weekday: 9:30am to 7:30pm
Weekend: 9:30am to 8:30pm
We were already in Lotte World around 11:30am but decided to wait until it was 4pm before buying a ticket. The After4 Special Pass entrance fee is cheaper-
There were ticket booths/ticket vending machines located on all 4 levels. It was not even weekend- it's Thursday but the line was really long when we got there. We saw a lot of tourists flocked near the entrance and also visitors in their teens plus families with kids in tow. We assumed that the waiting time for rides is going to be longer in the morning than in the afternoon.
welcome to Lotte World
While waiting, we had lunch at Lotteria. It's like Korea's version of McDonald's. We spent like
Friday, February 10, 2012
How to eat Sangchu-ssam
When in Korea, learn how to eat the Korean way. On our first day, our tour guide, Mike taught us how to eat Sangchu-ssam.
DH holding sangchu-ssam
Cooked rice and other food wrapped in Korean lettuce is called Sangchu- ssam- Wikipedia
sangchu- lettuce
ssam means wrap
Thursday, February 9, 2012
TIGI Bed Head Urban Antidotes Resurrection... Hair Intervention!
Commercial Break!
A bag containing a set of TIGI Bed Head Urban Antidotes Resurrection arrived at my door step last year. I was only able to give it a try just last month. Ok, I know, I am like a bee... always busy ; p
TIGI Bed Head Urban Antidote Resurrection Damage Level 3
Anyway, I thought this set came at the right time! I just had my hair colored in Orange Brown, yes, for the third time- where were you?! My hair is still alive but I know that if I continue doing this to my hair, it will need an intervention. Drum roll... TIGI Bed Head is the solution!
RESURRECTION is perfect for weak, brittle hair that needs an intervention. Bring hair back to life with this powerful, moisture packed shampoo and let the hydration therapy begin.
TIGI Bed Head Urban Antidote Shampoo 250ml PhP1, 850
TIGI Bed Head Urban Antidote Conditioner 200ml PhP1, 930
Expires 12 months after initial use.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
MrsMartinez Gives: Special Screening of The Vow
The Vow movie poster
Starring:
Channing Tatum as Leo
Rachel McAdams as Paige
The Vow is based on a true story about a couple- Kim and Krickitt Carpenter. It was in 1993 when their car was hit from behind by truck. Waking up with a memory loss, the husband tries to win her heart again.
Directed by: Michael Sucsy
Read after the break for mechanics...
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Korea Chronicle: Ramada Seoul
My visit: December 28, 2011 to January 1, 2012
112-5 Samseong-dong
Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Korea
02-62022000
Located an hour's drive from Incheon airport, Ramada Seoul is 40 minutes away from Kimpo Airport and 20 minutes from down town by car. Approximately, 10 minutes walk from Seolleung Station Subway Line 7.
Executive Room for $195
We were not as lucky as with our other trips abroad, most of the rooms we got have either twin or double bed. I am very picky with the size of bed I sleep in because I can hardly sleep without anyone by my side.
Monday, February 6, 2012
New find: Min Sok Restaurant Makati
My visit: January 21, 2012
Min Sok Saeng Deung Sim
5655 Don Pedro St., cor Jacobo,
Poblacion, Makati
8959586
After coming back from our 10-day Korean vacation, we had enough of Korean barbecue, or so we thought. DH and I miss Korean barbecue so much so that for two consecutive Saturdays, we were on a look out for authentic Korean restaurants.
Last January 14, we went to Korean Village in Nakpil, Malate after going to Quiapo. The week after, we paid Min Sok- a hole in the wall restaurant in Poblacion, Makati, a visit.
sangchu-ssam; short ribs PhP490
It was a post I read in FB by Dr. Allan Pua last January 7 that pique my curiosity. In his post, he was raving about Min Sok Saeng Deung Sim- an authentic Korean Restaurant. I only got a vague description on where it is located. Thank goodness Min Sok is known within the area where the go-so dance clubs are located. After asking a couple of bystanders, we were able to locate the restaurant.
Sangchu-ssam is a term used for cooked rice and other food wrapped in lettuce
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Korea Chronicle: Fashionista in Starbucks
My visit: December 28, 2011
Day 6 (1st day DIY Seoul Tour)
Fashionista? Ako yun ; p lol
The hotel that we stayed in Seoul did not include breakfast in the package. It was a good thing that Seoul have a lot of coffee shops around. But we opted to enter a familiar coffee shop- Starbucks.
me and my signature hot chocolate W4, 800 (PhP192)
It was too late when I saw a menu with calorie count near the cashier. I already ordered a hot chocolate which has around 478 kcal, if I remembered it right. I should have just ordered Starbucks' Coffee Frappuccino which has less than 200 kcal... waaaaaah!
We also ordered Cranberry Chicken sandwich (not in the photo) forW3, 900 (PhP156).
We also ordered Cranberry Chicken sandwich (not in the photo) for
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Favorite: Excelente Chinese Cooked Ham
My visit: January 14, 2012
Excelente Ham Inc.
155- 157 Carlos Palanca St.,
Quiapo, Manila
7336355 7336360
Due to our busy schedule last holiday season- DH & I were in Korea for 10 days, we were not able to buy a ham from our favorite brand, Excelente Chinese Cooked Ham.
Excelente Chinese Cooked Ham
One Saturday after office, DH and I went to Quiapo. With holiday season over, the place was not that crowded anymore. We were able to park in one of the banks situated in Carlos Palanca St. I removed any jewelry that I had since we were just going to walk around the area.
We have 2 things to do that day, have my camera fixed and buy our favorite ham ;p
Friday, February 3, 2012
Korea Chronicle: Kimchi School
My visit: December 27, 2011
Day 5 (afternoon)
Kimchi School
Seoul, Korea
02-3089688
After visiting Changdeok Palace in the morning, we went to KimChi School where according to our tour guide, we will make our very own kimchi.
infront of KimChi School
Kimchi also spelled gimchi, kimchee or kim chee is a traditional fermented Korean dish made of vegetable and varied seasonings.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Ha Yuan opens in Greenhills Town Center Granada, QC
My visit: January 15, 2012
Ha Yuan Signatures Since 1956
Greenhills Town Center
Granada St., Valencia, Quezon City
Every Sunday, my family and I spend time together. After spending the afternoon in a mall, we visited the newest hang out in San Juan/ Quezon City- Greenhills Town Center along Granada St.
fresh lumpia PhP60
The area is huge. There are a lot of food choices like McDonald's, Seattle' Best, Sumo Sam and Hanobe. Tucked inside is Ha Yuan Signatures. It serves Tsinoy Comfort Food like maki mi and fresh lumpia. It brings back old childhood memories!
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Celeteque DermoScience Giveaway!
Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! I am so happy to announce my first giveaway for the year 2012! MrsMartinez's Raves & Rants in cooperation with Unilab, makers of Celeteque DermoScience is giving away 2 gift packs worth PhP3, 500! Each gift packs contains a complete set of Advanced Anti-Aging & Hydrating line! You can share the Anti- Aging line with your mom and personally use the Hydrating line. How's that for a New Year Blowout Giveaway!
Celeteque DermoScience Anti- Aging Line
I have not yet tried these new products from Celeteque! You are so lucky to get to try it before I do! With that, I want to know which Celeteque DermoScience product do you love the most and why.
Read the complete mechanics after the break...
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