Affordable Coffee IS Possible with Great Taste Dark Latte

I've been a fan of coffee since I've had it with rice. No joke lol.

These days, I'd say I love the convenience of just getting them off the shelf and taking it ultra cold from the refrigerator before I do something at work. Surely, everyone would have had a habit of doing that if it wasn't super expensive because as you know, the ones out in the market are usually pricey.

Great Taste knows you need coffee when you need it. So at this day and age, they're giving you the options you deserve. Dark Latte for flavor, and a price that you wouldn't resist, because this bottle of Great Taste only costs Php 20.

This is inspired by cold brew, and has a strong but creamy flavor. It also is very handy, easy to put in the fridge, could be a better daily drink. Go check out Great Taste's social channels to know more about it. I've tried this from a convenience store and loved it. It's your turn!

DARK ROAST COFFEE HOUSE Opens Inaugural Branch in Maginhawa QC

There's always a reason to go to a coffee shop in Quezon City, and there's a new one that opened in Maginhawa Street. It's called DARK ROAST COFFEE HOUSE and we got first dibs on what they're offering.

This coffee shop is a passion project amongst friends. All of them were into into diving initially, but their bond was forged by their love for the dark roasted brew. Knowing their tastes, they want it different but couldn't get what they want from big coffee shops they frequent to. They want strong bold flavors, but less acidic. Hence, the dark roasted coffee beans. This is where they got their name from.

We got there during their soft opening (still is so you can already go there). The place is pretty homey. It's got bits of wood and metal, signifying a more industrial interior. They also have a loft where they have a couch, and two tables which I love. It's a perfect spot for people watching and a little privacy (for you).

Jianne, one of the owners shares "This is the first branch, but by the end of this year we want to open up a second one. Our near future plans include partnering up with resorts, or function as a commissary. We studied foot traffic in different places and Maginhawa was just something we loved. We're just lucky coffee shops here have lower rent, reasonable prices (which makes their products affordable) and we felt the universe was just telling us to do it here."

Meet Eli, Krista, Jianne and John, owners of DARK ROAST COFFEE HOUSE

Jianne adds "Dark Roast Coffee House is built on passion and love. We want to serve coffee without compromising quality. We are on soft opening today but will have our grand opening on the 13th. We hope you could visit us and have Dark Roast Coffee."

Spanish Latte and Strawberry Latte

They have a few items on their menu, but their top recommendations include Salted Caramel and Spanish Latte. They also have Creme Brulee which the owners stand by. For non coffee drinks, they have Matcha Latte and Strawberry Latte. 

They have pastries, breads, cakes, crinkles, cupcakes and others. They also have sandwiches, customized cakes (but ask). 

Krista who's in charge of the baked goodies told us "Red Velvet Cupcakes were already served in coffee shops, a lot of people love it. We want to do a variety, so we simply brought it back and made it part of the food served at Dark Roast. We also have breads, Beef and Cheese Turnover, Korean Cream Cheese Buns, Almond Croissant (topped), but made sure we toned down on sugar, and have a balance of savory and sweet products. We converted part of our house into a commissary, so we hope you get to try them all when you visit Dark Roast Coffee House in Maginhawa."

Here's a short tour! 

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Dark roasted coffee gives a deep and more robust flavor profile. It's got a bold, smoky notes. They also source their coffee locally from Baguio which was quite nice to know. If you're looking for a coffee fix while you're in this side of Quezon City, just head on the Ground Floor of TKC Building at 107 Maginhawa Street at Teachers Village in Quezon City (or simply search Dark Roast Coffee House on Google Maps).

It's this building here! Just walk inside a bit and you'll see it! (see red arrow)

Make sure you try the Peach Fizz on a hot day and my personal favorite, the Beef Turnover. Just have it toasted and it's a done deal! 

See you there!

Valor: High Quality Spanish Chocolates Now In The Philippines

Valor Dark Chocolate Mousse with Truffle, Valor Milk Chocolate Chocolat Au Lait, and Sugar Free Neopolitans with Stevia

It looks like we're in for a very sweet year as the number 1 chocolate brand from Spain just landed Philippine shores. Valor, a brand coined by its founder Valeriano Lopez Lloret, had his family of master chocolatiers to passionately create the best chocolate products since 1881. It continued to thrive until it's fifth generation today; and now they're gearing up for introducing it to the world by releasing it internationally and still having the same quality as it comes out fresh from bean to bar as guided by the same principles of the Lloret family business.

Valor's chocolatiers import their cacao beans from only three places. It comes from Ghana (Forastero), Ecuador (Guayaquil) and Panama (Trinitario) all of which are world class sources of this fine product. Valor’s central factory is in Villajoyosa Spain, and this is where every bean goes through a process making it the highest quality possible. It's also made of all natural raw materials and used with even natural sweeteners in order to produce the world's finest chocolates. They also released the latest in their line of products, they now Sugar Free choices! They use the plant called Stevia which comes from South America. It is said to be 15 times sweeter than ordinary sugar but its got zero glycemic index, nothing that other sugar free artificial sweeteners can do in this time and age. It's the right time everybody enjoys these guilt free choices, all of which can be bought in leading supermarkets and stores nationwide!

Oh and before I forget, if you haven't found the perfect hazelnut choco spread yet, Valor has 130 years of experience to concoct the best one I've tasted so far. Plus, it's got NO Sugar Added making it au naturelle and so good in each bite. I am just stopping myself from finishing this whole jar because I want to have more in the next few days. I am not joking.... you should go ahead and find this on the counters and treat your family to something really good. It's even good on bananas which I put inside sandwiches at home.

It's so good and I'm going to enjoy the chocolate bars for dessert, hey don't stop me! It's guilt and sugar free remember?! :)

For more information about their products:

Valor Chocolates Philippines

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Visit their official website

http://www.valorchocolates.ph

Richard Gutierrez and Lauren Young for Overtime: The Premier

Stars of Overtime Richard Gutierrez and Lauren Young

I haven't been to a Filipino movie since a few months ago when I was actually forced to watch that corny comedy film (that will remain unnamed), I felt it was a product of run of the mill hype and I didn't like it. I felt like I lost hope in the film industry. A few days ago, we were invited to attend the premier of Overtime, a film directed by Wincy Ong and Earl Ignacio under GMA Films. I didn't expect much because of the previous one I watched, I just don't like films that are not well thought out. This however surprised me (genre wise) and the rest of the people who watched it that evening, I'll tell you why.

Other stars such as the gorgeous Thea Tolentino, good looking and tall Juancho Trivino, crooner Mikoy Morales and the stunning Ms. World and sister to the lead star of this film Megan Young was also there showing their support.

Without spilling any beans on the story, Overtime is about a hacker terrorizing a lady at work. He doesn't believe in their cause, nor does he think they are doing the right thing. The beginning of the story delves around establishing their relationship first. The exhilarating and suspense filled sequences followed (when he wanted to do something about where Jody works) then a dollop of comedy antics hit every turn (a must see is Bearwin Meaily and Mitch Valdez). We thought we were watching a different movie because it wasn't a full suspense film anymore but more of a dark comedy. I haven't seen anything made that way in Philippine cinemas so that alone is a good thing. Other than that, Richard would be totally different that even if you are a fan... you'll hate and curse at him a bit. That's how good he is. Lauren too did so good, she also registers so gorgeous on screen. It's like an indie film to tell you honestly because they did experiment quite a bit. The plot could have had minor adjustments to make it real but I think it worked out pretty well for their purpose. The story is fast paced and we did attentively listen to it. It's not boring. You'll be at the edge of your seats on some instances and turn blue on some very deadly but funny scenes. You have to find out what I'm talking about by watching it this July 2nd on cinemas nationwide!

How can you not fall in love with a face like this. Proud Mom to Zion, Ms. Sarah Lahbati was there to fully support her husband Richard Gutierrez.

Raymond Gutierrez

Ms. Annabelle Rama and Eddie Gutierrez

Richard plays Dom and Lauren is Jody. Lovers at first turned hostage, good samaritan turned kidnapper. 

Please don't hesitate to watch the movie "Overtime" this July 2 on cinemas nationwide! This is under GMA Films. A thing that might make you hate Richard Gutierrez... but it's gonna be all worth it!

For more information about their artists:

Official GMA Artist Center

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http://gmanetwork.com/artistcenter

Limited Edition BUM Shirts for 20 Bucks!

BUM has presented itself again with quite exceptional pieces this year and we're quite impressed with what we've seen worn by their endorsers. I went through a phase like this and I just outgrew it but these guys are living it. I envy them because I don't get to wear the same aesthetics anymore but I do continue to admire people who can carry it well. Daniel Padilla for example, cool, dark and handsomely worn... who can get wrong with that? Have you seen him in mall shows recently? The screams were just so deafening and girls just go gaga over him. Why not? He's wearing BUM!

I like the clothes, I like the attitude!

Bea Binene has got her hands full on making an album of her own. Aside from acting, modeling and doing her thing she's no stranger to fashion because even if she's a little lacking in height, she takes it a step further by not limiting herself on her clothes. Hot, young and fresh, she takes it to the dark side every once in a while and wear some of her favorite shirts from BUM Equipment. And she loves it!

Empress Schuck has gone leaps and bounds in endorsing this brand because aside from doing good in her shows, her relaxed yet still edgy and dark look always turns heads. Don't be worried when she does this often because as much as she wants to wear gowns and girly stuff, she makes sure to turn her looks into quite a surprising dark persona on a regular basis. It's easy because a simple shirt, a few accesories and a touch of makeup... it completes her BUM equipment look that most girls envy. You should try it every once in a while because it feels good.

You know what, all these limited edition shirts cost only P20.00.. yeap you are not seeing things... It's 20 Philippine Pesos for these shirts. How? That's easy!

Every minimum single receipt purchase of regular items worth 499.75, you can get this by simply dishing out 20 pesos. A new shirt for 20 bucks!?? Impossible right? Well BUM just did that for you and you should hurry because this will only last until October 7, 2012. Don't be left behind!

For more information about BUM

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B.U.M.

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@bumequip

Fashion + Music + Style = Terranova®

It's that posh upper east side looking/European pegged, relaxed, dark, street wear brand known the world over that we saw last week in SM Mall of Asia. It was street wear, urban, dark, nostalgic but very very apt for women who goes for shades of gray/black. The small Men's line that they have had quite a number of pieces you can use for everyday easy travel or use it somewhat for that grunge look. This brand... is TERRANOVA®.

I must say, I was impressed with what they have inside the store.

Impressive tops, overall dresses, small shirts, the list just goes on and on. Took a tour around this huge store that's got great prints, accessories to die for! It was really good to see something this grand in the third largest mall in the world!

There were also celebrities spotted on the store's relaunch. Wanna take a look?!

Yes it's Say Alonzo! =)

Ms. Say Alonzo-Tordesillas of famed Pinoy Big Brother! She was actually shopping for jackets, dresses and a couple of pieces for layers. She was really nice. Sorry we spied on your shopping though LOL!

Somedaydream and an International DJ provided great music in the launch!

Hunky, cutie Somedaydream from Mecca Music gave a few great numbers in the delight of everyone at the launch. Soothing and very electro pop infused we all had a blast listening to this VERY talented guy. His fashion sense is impressive too. Champ and his brother was there, it was raining good looking guys... wish you were there ladies! =)

R&B Princess Kyla was there!

This is my second time to meet Kyla and of course she was so nice! Just look at her outfit, it definitely follows the same look as Terranova. What's cute was she was there shopping with his fiance. Cute couple! They got a couple of shirts and shawls. The statement shirts from Terranova were very nice! Even the superhero prints were awesome!

Everyone had a great time in the store launch! I'm sure this will mark a big chunk out of your wallet come shopping time. This is also perfect because the holidays are near. It's Fashion, Music and Style all in One Awesome place! This is Terranova®.

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Visit their stores!

SM Mall of Asia
Robinsons Ermita
Glorietta 4
SM North EDSA Annex
Festival SuperMall

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Terranova Philippines