Getting another travel itch? look no further as Metrobank Travel Fair will happen on February 20 to 22 at the Glorietta Activity Center. Your Metrobank card will be extra powerful as offers from the country's top travel agencies so they can book you hotels, lovely cruises and just about every destination you can imagine.
There will be Southeast Asian, international and local destinations so if you're a backpacker, light traveler or have that wanderlust, it's all in one place just for 3 days. Metrobank card holders get exclusive early morning access from 10am to 12pm specifically for the Travel Signature Visa and World Mastercard holders.Everyone else can get access til 8pm.
Airline participants include PAL, AirAsia, TravelOnline PH, All Nippon Airways, Cebu Pacific, Gulf Air, Japan Airlines, Jeju Air, Korean Air, Saudia, Starlux, Sunlight Air, Thai Airways, Qantas and United. Hotel bookings for properties include Accor, Ayala Land, Crimson, Boracay,.Discovery Group, El Nido Resorts, Edsa Shang, Makati Shang, Quest, Shang Mactan, Ascotf, and more!
There will also be travel bags and accessories on sale plus tourism boards from regional partners, it's going to be so much fun! Participants will also have the chance to win a trip to Korea for every 10k spend, and cashback of Php 100k for 5 folks who use Metrobank Mastercard. Metrobank Visa cashback would get 2.5k for every 25k spend, or 10k for 100k spend. For those at home, you can do it from Agoda or Booking.com to get 5k off on 30k spend. There's so much more to be offered on site so make sure you're there! You can get a card via apply.metrobank.com.ph or apply at the venue. Visit metrobank.com.ph/promos/2026-the-metrobank-travel-fair to know more about it!
While the world is going back to normal, we've seen the fashion industry take a bullish stand despite the challenges of mounting runway shows in the country. The Runway Atelier recently mounted a fashion show at the well missed Shangri-la Makati. The agency supports not just models, but stylists and fashion designers as well. The theme this year is called "Magical Adventure", sort of a recital for the models they trained and a showcase for stylists and designers they tapped so they too would have experience in huge shows like these. This also means they'll be donning various designs based on mythical creatures, entities, much of which are fairies and gods/goddesses too.
At the venue, we were greeted with tons of kids, teens, experienced ones, almost 300 of them who are raring to go on the catwalk, as part of The Runway Atelier's vision of nurturing every model's unique potential. We've seen several cute kids that would definitely fit commercials, some who would be best on runway shows too or for commercial campaigns.
Check out some of the designers who are featured in the show in this video. While most of them have done this before, a few of them are just starting and were all so thankful about the opportunity to showcase their work through the Magical Adventure fashion show.
5 models from The Runway Atelier also showcased one of our favorite brands "Bela by Bela", they used the Bela Color Changing Lip Balm, the Bela Dot Perfection Cheek Tint Cream, the Bela Bloom Soap Collection and Dani by Bela Scents quite extensively and need not much make up because the colors and lip care they have is already enough. Models Thalya, Sapphire, Archelle, Bea and Lizzie talked how much Bela products have given them the confidence they need to walk on the runway and make them feel extra pretty. They mentioned how much it has emphasized natural beauty, and how fun it was because it changes color as they use it. The Runway Atelier also teaches the models how to become empowered individuals, they use Bela to enhance their looks, even on regular days when they're just going around town with friends and family.
I could see how excited the parents of the kids were, surely, all of them were supporting their kids dreams and passion... and the show. They're not just their number 1 fan, they also made sure the kids would present themselves well on the runway, carried them where they need to go, but let go when they had to muster up courage to walk on the runway. It was sweet seeing that happen!
The Runway Atelier partnered up with various brands, designers and agencies to stage these runway shows twice a year to also create opportunities for their models, new and up and coming designers, and want to make sure they have a platform to showcase their skills. This is also a place where they could build confidence and do even bigger shows, and also be a venue to be discovered by brands, agencies, industry greats, and network so they too have opportunities and make their dreams come true. Some of them have pronounced wanting to do modeling in the international stage, which we hope would come into fruition because we've seen them work hard in the workshops and shows they participate in.
Congratulations to the hard working men, women, teens and kids who made this event possible! Can't wait to see you in future shows. It's been a while since I've covered Philippine Fashion Week and they're making a comeback in 2025, maybe you can have some of your talents be there too.
PS. Thank you to Ms. Lizze Aguinaldo also for taking care of us, sending us treats after the show.
A renowned Japanese brand from Tokyo is coming to the tropical Philippine stores as Butter Butler is here courtesy of the iFoods chain of restaurants.
They are offering a unique dessert line that includes their mouth watering Butter Financier and their crunchy outside, buttery inside, Butter Galette. The Japanese has these products as gifts, on very special occasions and has grown exponentially over the years. Today, it's a 150 Million empire and is still opening stores in Asia. Manila has a special place in their heart because of the same culture of gifting/pasalubongs which they feel will also make this a hit.
Bryan Tiu of iFoods says "Thank you for joining us, we have a new brand and we've been planning this since last year. They believe in quality and for 2023 they are bringing the brand to other Asian countries, and Manila is an exclusive one."
If you don't know, they are also the same people behind Tokyo Milk Cheese Factory which is a hit in the country especially because of their ice cream and cheesecakes. They say "We hope the Filipino customers would enjoy our Butter Butler products as much as our other brand Tokyo Milk Cheese. We are introducing a Manila exclusive the Butter Cruffle which is a Butter Croissant toasted into waffle form."
The branch is at the R2 level of Powerplant Mall in Rockwell Makati. It's beside the escalator so you wouldn't miss it. Go get your friends, family some good EU butter and French salt based desserts to take along. It's sinful, yes, but it's worth it!
Mike Lee and Dr. Young Seob Lee explains ExoDerm and advancements in exosome use
It's been a while since I've gone out for a little self care and pampering. But before that, I heard that there's a lot of development about using exosomes for treatments. Initially, I saw them using it at Svenson for NexoHair, a treatment made for hair loss, alopecia and the likes, but this time, they're taking it in even better applications specifically for skin and call it, ExoDerm. This procedure is being done at Facial Care Centre and their branches. We went to the Makati GT Tower branch which is at the corner of Ayala and HV Dela Costa streets. It is highly advised to get an appointment first before going there.
We met Mike Lee, the CEO of PrimaCure and his father Dr. Young Seob Lee, world renowned South Korean Plastic Surgeon and premier expert in this field. They explained to us the applications of exosomes and the things they can do now for the skin. Mike Lee explains "Undergoing this procedure for a regular patient would immediately have all your inflammation and blemishes clear. It can take effect somewhere between 1 to 5 days, and its purpose is to revamp the activity of your cells. When you are younger, you didn't have melasma right? Of course we get that through aging, but at the cellular level we need energy for it. We had anti oxidants to counteract pollution, UV rays, your lifestyle, nutrition and hormonal things. As we age, we're not able to regulate that as well. These stressors will affect the mitochondria, which brings you less energy, less collagen produced, and you'll have laxity and melasma. This happens when machines get old, then it makes it dry, because it falls and can't retain moisture. Like your cellphones, it needs updating, same concept goes with exosomes. It sends growth factors, genetic materials to revamp the skin. It makes your current skin behave younger, like when you're 36, it could act as 28 or even younger."
Dr. Young Seob Lee adds "In our next projects with our research in Europe, we are targeting post menopausal applications of exosomes, to prevent many uncomfortable issues with the female form. Initially we held research about its efficacy, and we have determined it to be quite good. And we might not just be applying this to post menopausal but post partum as well to prevent issues there. In the Philippines, we might have this soon."
The core technology that they are using is now being done for different applications. Their process is different and not derived through stem cells. The vesicle that enables delivery of needed products for skin/hair is the great thing about this and the different things they can do is promising. It's developed enough to do pathways that would benefit different kinds of treatment and it is already proven in the products they've come out with. They've seen it happen to more than a thousand patients in the Philippines alone, and numbers on a global scale would be a lot bigger. The customization they could do would be good for a lot of people.
Facial Care Centre who does ExoDerm procedures can get your collagen
production increase to help you get a clearer, firmer, smoother and
younger looking skin. Get exosomes to help your skin regeneration, to
heal and lessen imperfections and signs of aging. Go send them a direct
message through their social channels and see what it can do to you. In
the meantime, here's my Honey Almond Facial treatment which I did after
the long day of coverage(s). This was at the Facial Care Centre at GT
Tower in Makati.
If you feel this procedure deem fit for what you need to do with your skin, go give the nearest Facial Care Centre a visit.
For a country with over 86.98 Million internet users and over 73.6 percent internet penetration, the Philippines still has a great need for tech and IT professionals. Recently, one of the most progressive IT schools in the country iACADEMY just signed with BingoPlus Foundation a whole 17.5 Million pesos worth of scholarship grants for students for school year 2024 to 2025. This is an increase of over 300 percent compared wo their 6 Million grand last 2022. This is part of their social effotrts, on investing in technical talents via their own FutureSmart Scholarship Program.
According to the Digiplus President and Foundation Chairman Andy Tsui "This is part of our efforts to make sure there'd be no gap in good quality tech educaiton in the Philippines. There are certainly a lot of promising technological talents out there and we are doing our share to help them."
Aside from the grant, they are also given personal development training, aimed to get them equipped and have the right mindset before they go out in the world. iACADEMY President and CEO Dr. Vanessa Tanco was thankful for BingoPlus Foundation's generosity and noted how both organizations have had the samve vision to continue to proivde quality educaiton for all.
For those who would want to try their luck for the FutureSmart Scholarship, you may proceed to this addy bit.ly/FutureSmartScholarship. But remember, this will only be until June 15th so make sure you submit your intentions for it on the address above.
Do you have a specific memory of your interaction with Alden Richards? I do, let me tell you about it before I start this story.
He was already popular at that time, and as a blogger covering his events, it was doubly hard for me to separate work and being a fanboy of sorts. I was also super shy to ask for photos with him as some part of my brain think it's unethical (in some way, I think it still is).
Security was tight, and I've wanted to ask him for a simple video greet for my twin cousins in the US who were even more die hard fans of this boy. I quickly asked him and he obliged, but he got called to go out for photos.
Since this is was an event, he was asked to go outside for more pictures. He went out and I thought, oh... it's not gonna happen anymore because he was being asked to go out too after the event. He stopped mid way and went back inside because he remembered that I asked for a favor. He gave me a short smile, and did the video greeting I asked for, I never forgot that moment. My cousins and I were so happy of course!
See, there are tons of these small things happening in between press conferences and fan meets, but I can tell from the times I've been able to talk to him.. that he is genuinely a very nice and kind person. I'm sure a LOT of people would say the same. Why is he blessed? Why is he so successful? I think his kindness and selflessness plays a BIG part of it.
Alden's personal friend Father Jeff officiated the thanksgiving mass at his new bar, STARDUST
The successful shows and subsequent movies tells how much he's adored by many. He's also got a film this month for the Metro Manila Film Festival 2023 with the one and only Megastar Ms. Sharon Cuneta called "FAMILY OF TWO" and we're all raring to watch it. It'll be shown in theaters on Christmas Day, make sure you support him by watching the film. It's got lots of scenes where you'll find comfort, as it talks more about FAMILY, relationships, and you won't have a dry eye in sight.
A few days ago, he invited us for lunch at STARDUST (located at 58 Jupiter Street in Makati). This is a thanksgiving event, a thing he does annually. It's an opportunity to talk to him, so of course I went. He's always done this for different people, and a lot of fans think we're not worthy, I understand, but he really wanted to do this for us (I felt that). We didn't even know that HE owned the place... yes, this is Alden Richards very own bar. He's got some private partners, but bares they are somehow his mentors who wants to teach him the ropes in running businesses. In a way, he's diversifying his portfolio... and we're certain, this will be a good place to go and have fun in the evenings.
STARDUST is pretty nice. It's got comfy velvet laden seats, bar stools and tables where you can park a few drinks on a single night. The bar is huge, and the variety of drinks they serve is equally humongous. They have specials (which your bartender can serve), and food is marvelous. The display reminds me of a galaxy, with lit LED's in a dark sky, you'll feel like you're in space after a drink or two. It definitely feels cozy, I could reckon it being like a speakeasy and perhaps, a little bougie. The lights reflect much on the wall, the lobby laden mirrors and the disco balls in different sizes. It was monochrome heaven, and the glistening lights are not bothersome, you just feel relaxed, and be in the opportune time to listen to music.
Speaking of which, Alden shares how they have spent much of their capital with sound equipment. The bar can actually project sound quite loud, but not bother any of your conversations. So if you're amongst friends, peers or family in this place, you don't have to shout. That's some technology applied in acoustics, and that's something they wanted to do in this place. It's a plus in my dictionary.
Here's our full interview with Alden Richards which happened right after the thanksgiving event he held for the press:
I'd like to take this bit and say THANK YOU to Alden Richards for always being so nice whenever we see each other. Same goes to Sam, Ms. Roche and the entire SPARKLE Artist Center fam who welcomed us there. For those who would want to experience STARDUST, you can get in touch with them via 0917-167 5800 or email them at reservations@stardust.ph so you can hold your parties there.
Congratulations on the milestones Alden! I'm sure you'll be achieving more in 2024. Watch out for his international projects, his upcoming directorial debut, and the project with Anne Curtis. Sub to my YouTube channel if you feel like it :)
Gold Aceron, Nil Nodalo, Jake Cuenca, and Mikoy Morales comprise the cast of D***Talk
Looks like the men will take the stage this coming April as V-Roll Media Ventures and its sister company Trifecta Band Lab does a theatrical production does a run of DIC*TALK. Directed by Phil Noble (who's done several movies and TV shows) this show will tackle mostly the male form, masculinity, manhood, and the male organ. Tickets are out now on TICKETWORLD for shows from April 15, 16, 18-21, and the 23rd.
Performers include multi awarded actor Jake Cuenca, esteemed indie actor Gold Aceron, singer and actor Mikoy Morales, theater actor Archi Adamos plus trans man Nil Nodalo who will be doing the LGBTQIA+ role on the show. Surely this will be something that will be a little uncomfortable for some to tackle, but they will anyway. The show was created by Edwin Vinarao and writers Ara Vicencio, Benj Cruz Garcia. Much of the talk will be relatable, current, funny and less preachy, this will be intereseting to see on stage.
You can liken this to the previous hit show Vag*** Monologues but of course will be talking about the opposite one. Much of which will be no holds barred, very revealing way. Make sure you get tickets at premier.ticketworld.com.ph and seats range from Php 2000-Php 3650, this will be at the RCBC Theater in Makati. Go do it!
Taking on a different outlook and listening to buyers, Century Properties knows what people need these days. With the clamor to have more space indoors and outdoors, they answer back with a new business called Century NULIV still under the Century Properties Group.
This means they will be growing the company with emphasis on low rise developments at a per project basis which would pose less risk these days.
It's a new residential concept that upscale and premium villas, homes and properties located in up and coming areas boasting innovative architectural designs fit for those who would like to invest in real estate. They're starting off with a townhouse community called Century NULIV Acqua which is a 22 multi storey home accessible via an exclusive road right behind Acqua Private Residences. This offers safety, convenience and comfort plus a generous indoor and outdoor space which is not quite a norm in projects located in Metro Manila. It's well planned, made to see lots of natural light, and space to transform into gardens, a patio or used for parking space (or could be anything you would want it to be). The three storey Rhine and four storey unit Seine are priced from 40-60 Million. Investors should take advantage of it as property value is expected to increase in the next few years. It will be available for sale soon. After this Mandaluyong project, they are doing these concepts in next planned villas at Azure North, San Fernando Pampanga soon.
President and CEO Marco Antonio says "We've given Filipinos comfort, luxury, value in this side of the world. Our vision remains to make the country a residential destination. This will help us carry the company into different market segments, like low density low rise projects, a lot different from our existing condominium properties."
Century NULIV President Monica Trajano adds "Our projects aim to be best in class. Digitalization made us make a new business model where we re-discovered our new brand, Century NULIV. It's a new way of living as it's spacious and modern, with life's essentials that the new generation aspires to have. These homes will be in key growth areas, with innovative design and will be available in a new platform. The first is NULIV Townvillas at Acqua. It's in the middle of Mandaluyong and Makati. It's for the doers and dreamers, it's for the new generation of home owners."
Make sure you visit centurynuliv.com for more details about the property.
We're probably going to spend the third lockdown season together with our families at home. The ECQ will be until August 20 and hopefully won't get extended. I know how hard it is to get supplies and cook breakfast lunch and dinnner, so most probably you'll end up ordering food online.
The good news is, your favorite Bistro Group restaurants will be offering a whopping 30%OFF if you order via the Bistro Delivers App which you can download on the Google Play store and App store on iOS. All you need to do is use the promo code BISTRO 30 upon checkout. Their restaurants like TGI Fridays, Italianni's, Denny's, Texas Roadhouse, Buffalo Wild Wings, Watami, Fish & Co., Modern Shanghai, Bulgogi Brothers, Red Lobster, Hard Rock Cafe and El Pollo Loco. From old classics, to new favorites, to Asian, American, Japanese, Spanish and everything in between, the Bistro Group has it.
Now all you've got to do is have it all conveniently delivered, and enjoy your food!
These troubled times have made me realize how important it is to teach non techie family members how to communicate, navigate themselves and discern information on the internet. Aside from that, they also need to go to reputable sites if in case they decide to buy essentials and I've been doing this extensively in my household because #1 I'm the only one going out most of the time and #2 It would be easier to have it delivered to my home rather than driving to and from my house (and the hassle of going through all that traffic in Manila).
One of the nicest places to go to is MyPharma.ph wherein over the counter and essential medicines can be purchased all from the comforts of your home. No more long lines, no more unwanted travels, all your medicines can be delivered straight to your door. The company backed by Dygen Pharma which already has an established distribution arm in the country. Best of all, they also have Facebook and Instagram channels so you can simply turn to them in case you get into any difficulties ordering from the site. You may register via https://mypharma.ph/register and create an account, with your information safe, it would be seamless to get your orders sourced, picked up and delivered to your home which means there's less human intervention, safer overall.
MyPharma also prides itself on delivering orders safely and on time. They also make sure the items are securely packed, with delivery details indicated on the site so you know when your orders will arrive. That's so convenient and really ideal for those who are prefer to be at the safety of their homes like us.
This would be so good for those with comorbidity and need maintenance medicine so you would have less exposure (like me).
I've been to Tapenade quite a number of times now. Usually if I wait out the traffic I get a thing or two at Discovery Primea's Gilarmi lounge and do events here. It's cozy and tucked away from the usually restaurants in Makati so there are less crowds. I like that part because the last thing anyone wants is a noisy neighbor.
For years now, Tapenade has been serving top of the notch Spanish-Euro dishes this side of town. I like their Octopus, pizzas and famous garden buffet for lunch and dinner. They just launched new items in the menu to revamp their classics, and accompany what existing hit items they already have. They did come in a good time.
The Best Salad Bar
Before we go to the new items on the menu, I saw a revamped Salad Bar from Tapenade. Before, it only carried the usual fresh leafy vegetables and whatnot, but earlier I got a glimpse of their cheese, anti pasto (cured meats), prepared salads, breads, creams and jams, sliders, Vietnamese rolls, Shrimp and Mussels for the lunch crowd. This is quite extensive when I last saw this place a couple months ago.
New Items on the Menu
Inspired by Mediterranean flavors, Tapenade prepared for us their new exciting dishes. You could see how much it is a mix of French, Greek and Italian. I personally loved the Rigatoni and Paella (which you should order when you dine).
Mozzarella and Friends was so soft and fresh, put a little dab of Basil Pesto, Black Olive Tapenade (love the strong flavor), Romesco Dip and Fruit Mostarda (a mix), and you'll be glad to have lived in this lifetime. These are part of anti pastis and yes, they're quite amazing.
Prosciutto and Company had a roving slicing machine with it. It will be done table side and is quite fancy. Impress your guests and savor the slivers of thinly sliced pork air dried and salt cured for a reason. It's not guilt free, but worth every eye closing moment you have it.
The Shrimps en Gabardina was like a Spanish Tempura. It was crunchy and good on the outside, fresh and soft on the inside. They have a Guindilla aioli dip with this, it had a strong garlic kick and everyone raved about it!
Baked, Smashed and Deep Fried, this is Patatas Crunchy with Mojo Dip. It's a Basil based sauce you put on top of the spuds, pretty good in my books as a starter.
This Rigatoni Al Sugo was inspired by their hit pizza flavor. It's got prosciutto chopped and sweat down so you get that smoky tomatoey profile in the sauce. I loved it the moment I laid my eyes on it, haha!
Two things that are made of dreams, my favorite is the Wagyu Beef and Mushroom Paella had a mix of crunchy rice morsels, made intense with the black pepper aioli and super soft medium rare slices of the best meat in town, plus the other one called Roast Chicken and Chorizo Paella had its spices permeate with the short grain rice. Ahh the heavens must be rejoicing over these!
The Red Snapper Fillet on the other hand was packed with tomato flavors. It was like a canvas, painted with Italian and Amalfi coast inspirations, perfect for a date night and white wine.
Last but not the least, a trio of desserts arrived on our table. My personal choice was the Strawberry Creme Brulee Cake (made with white chocolate custard, strawberries, champagne sugar crystals) which was so light, airy and creamy. It reminds me of Strawberry Shortcake, which I absolutely love. The other ones like the Chocolate Tart (made of choco truffle, olivo fleur de sel, raspberry kisses) was light with the mousse and not too sweet (just the way I like it). The Almond Caramel Bar (made of dacquoise, sesame nougat, amaretti crunch) was textured and chunky, if you're a fan of those long pyramid chocolates made commercially, this is a better version of it. I quite enjoyed myself while we dined with new people, new social media acquaintances, and old friends from Primea. I'd be missing a lot if I didn't try it out!
Tapenade is open from 6-10:30am for breakfast, 11:30am-2:30pm for lunch and 6:30pm - 10:30pm for dinner. Call for reservations via +63279558888. Pretty good dishes in a perfect spot, how can you not have that?!
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