Christmas Gift Suggestions

With Christmas just around the corner, many of us are cramming mall stalls and bazaars for gift ideas.  Well, fret not because here are some fuss-free stuff you can order in the Metro that your friends will definitely enjoy:

1. Prose (from Poetry and Prose Patisserie, Shangrila Mall)

'Tis the season to be jolly! To achieve this, catch up with friends (their chika is like modern-day prose) and go red all the way with this French-inspired dessert.  If you're quite wary about your friends'  sugar intake, they have it in cute diet-friendly miniature versions too.

2.  Backyard Coffee (Metro Pointe Center, P. Guevarra, San Juan)

There's nothing backward about the backyard.  They offer a wide range of desserts to complement your drinks and inspire your creative juices to gush forth.  You can offer a slice of this inspiration to your loved ones.

3. Infinity Shawl (Regine's Boutique)

Can't decide which dress or shawl to give to your friend?  Why not give him/her infinite possibilities in his/her favourite colour?:) Keep the info sheet so you would be guided while having fun.

4. Hi-5 House Hits (Resorts World Manila)

Surprise your little ones with tickets to the whacky group's biggest concert in Manila anytime from December 19-22.  Memorize their songs before you head to the party so you can do the moves.

5. Cookies (Bald Baker, BGC)

Match your matcha and unleash your friends'  inner cookie monster.  My personal fave is Matcha with black sesame, forecast to be the most hip flavour this 2015.

6. Ravioli cun Funghi Porcini (Benassi Ristorante Italiano, Ortigas)

For mushroom addicts, this straightforward modern Italian Restaurant is for you.  They also have remarkable risotto and unforgettable mascarpone (their take on tiramisu, minus the bitter aftertaste ;))

7.  Bejewelled cookies (Krit & Kaye) 

If you adored Lisa Frank as a child, then you'll go gaga over the floral-inspired designs of Krit & Kaye.  Order cake bouquets for your family or shiny shimmering splendid cookies with edible pearls and glitters for your friends.  

8. Perfume

SM Aura recently celebrated its Fragrance Fest.  You could actually go safe and pick scents from the Fresh, Fruity, and Floral families or you could go wild with Oceanic, Oriental, Spicy or even Woody. Have fun testing!

9. Linguini Fini (Megamall)

If you want to go for slow food this Christmas but you don't have the luxury of time to slave away in the kitchen, now's the time to try fresh, nose to tail goodness in this restaurant.  If you want to be a bit adventurous, enjoy their Papardelle Nose to Tail Bolo (flat pasta with pork testa, veal and oxtail ragu, and parmigiano reggiano). Fine pleasure! 

10. Disney on Ice: Dare to Dream (Araneta Center)

Celebrate with Ms Intercontinental 2014 2nd Runner-up Kris Tiffany Janson and her Bb Pilipinas sisters.  Delight in seeing your favourite Disney characters prance and dance on ice in our tropical country!  Show runs from Dec 25-Jan 4.

For more Christmas tips and ideas, catch Morning Pick (Monday-Friday, 7-8:30am) on Daybreak (9TV..soon to be CNN Philippines)

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What's in my bag

People wonder why I carry such a huge bag. Aside from my handy water bottle & powerbank, here are some of the products that are always on standby mode in my purse:

1. Maybelline BB Cream

It's lightweight & easy; it offers just the right amount of coverage to minimize the appearance of large pores, blackheads & other skin imperfections. It offers non-greasy moisturization + sun protection.

2. FS Powder

With its wide array of shades & colors, there's no excuse not to find your match. In the studio we use Silk, Orleans & Rajah.

3. Vitress Heat Protector

Since I curl my hair almost everyday, this is what I use to help prevent damage.

4. Human <3 Nature Citrus Burst

This is actually organic hand sanitizer but I spray it everywhere (hand rails, toilet seats, makeup cases). I'm so addicted to how it smells, I sometimes use it as cologne or room perfume:p

5. Hygienix Hand Sanitizer

I like this because it has a fresh clean scent. Non drying & not sticky :)

6. Zen Nutrients All Around Spahhnitizer

Oh I am oh so in love with peppermint! Claire Celdran introduced this first in the makeup room and now I can't let go. A breath of fresh air, this is magic in spray form. This is my caffeine alternative.

7. Polar Bear & Giga Massage Rub

More proof that I'm addicted to peppermint :p

8. Naturepel

See, even my insect repellant spray is minty:p I get this from Skinstation

9. Liquid Soap

I usually have fruit scented liquid soap in my bag. This month I have orange scented Tarocco :)

10. Tea Tree Oil

This is my all around first aid for pimples, insect bites & minor wounds. It's safe and handy!

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PAT's Top 10 figure flattering outfits

      Contrary to what most people think, I am neither skinny nor proportional. Like most Filipinas, I'm petite & pear-shaped.  I have a protruding, ever expanding hip bone that bothers me. But my flaws just make dressing up all the more exciting & I'm happy I get to experiment on a daily basis. So here are some of my favorite outfits this season: 

1. Zip-up dress (Stella)

      Reminiscent of the 80's & early 90's (ala Dats Entertainment), I added a thick red belt to bind my waist & pop a bit of color. 

2. Dainty lace (Stella)

      Sometimes I feel lace is too much for me.  Too much of it makes me look & feel heavy. But positioning it in strategic areas helps one exude feminity & classic charm.

3. 7-way dress

      I just love its versatility

4. Polka dots

      The symmetry of the dots diverts one's attention so he/she can forget whatever is imperfect.

5. Body Contouring (Liberté)

      I love bright colors & I love it even more when it has lines to contour the figure.

6. Color blocking (Deseo)

      Hide flaws with dark colors & accentuate your assets with bright& bold ones. Solid black lines also give structure & an illusion of added height.

7. Sweetheart neckline

      This is my favorite cut because it makes me feel ultra-feminine.

8. Body hugging dress (Liberté)

      This dress just sings "Defying Gravity"

9. Curves

       "The hills are alive with the sound of music.." Curves just make life more alluring

10. A-line 

      There must be a reason why top performers in class are given A's.  For me this is the top performing silhouette. It works for almost all body types.

Catch PAT Mon-Fri 7-8:30am on Daybreak, 12-1pm on Newsday & 1-1:30pm for Cebuano Weather (channel 9 on freetv)

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PAT's 10 Desserts You Ought to Try

Bikini season is over; we can indulge again!:p Here are some desserts that would make this schoolyear a little more cheerful despite the El Niño heat:

1. Whole Pet Kitchen & Barkery (San Juan)

      Dog & cat lovers need not worry as they can enjoy yummy desserts with their beloved pets. Human & animal desserts are in store all year round.

2. Cafe Publico (San Juan)

      Here you can eat gelato in a different way each day of the month; their Balsamic Strawberry & Salted Caramel are the best.

3. Mind Museum (BGC)

      Who would think this is actually Tiramisu? Everything is edible; including the soil and flower. Just cute.

5. Prime 101 (Chino Roces)

      Chef Marco is amazing with desserts; each plate is a work of art. Too beautiful to eat, too yummy to resist.

6. Halo halo de Iloko (La Union)

       They also offer fried halohalo but I think the one served in a buko shell is the best!:) <Gel Cabotaje is my model here:p>

7. Batirol (WCC)

      I actually got this for Christmas (thanks Ed!:)) The sad face is actually yummy quezo! harhar

8. Guevarra's (San Juan)

       Chef Jackie Laudico is uber cool; here they allow you to try all of her sweet creations buffet style. Try coming in at 5pm for maagang salu-salo so you can be first in line!

9. Museum Cafe (Ayala Museum)

      Their guava cheesecake is ultimate nirvana!

10. Vanilla Cupcake Bakery

      I was able to try their strawberry cheesecake during Menchu's baby shower; tart (I <3!) The size is good for portion control:p

Catch PAT Monday-Friday 7-8:30am on Ch9's Daybreak, 12-1pm on Newsday, and 1-1:30pm on Cebuano Weather.

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PAT's Top 10 Most Memorable Steaks

This Fathers' Day, eat like a man & treat your dad to some nice steak. Here are some of the most memorable & affordable meats I've tried over the past year

1. Gaucho (Robinson's Magnolia) 

      As you lounge comfortably & buzz on wine, you can go for Argentinian pork, lamb, beef & chicken. Their modern glass encased "a la Cruz" roasting pit is a sight to behold.

2. Prime 101 (Chino Roces)

      Everything here is just a suggestion on a blackboard; you can freely customize your fave comfort food. You can have Chef Marco cook anything your heart desires (Japanese, Italian, French, Indian, Filipino, Thai, Spanish, etc). Plus you can order customized furniture afterwards 

3. Trattoria Poggio Antico (Mc Kinley Hill)

      Quaint & reminscent of Florence, their steaks are sumptuous! (try their mushroom crepe too:p)

4. Dulcelin Gourmet (UP Ayala Hub)

      This bright place offers more than just mango tort for Christmas.. their meats are made super tender the French way! 

5. 2nd's (BGC)

      Your ultimate go-to place for comfort food where second helpings are expected and appreciated.

6. Galileo Enotica (Mandaluyong/ Eastwood)

      Here everything is authentic (even the owner/founder is Italian!). If you're still craving for more at home, you can also shop for ham, wine & cheese in their deli.

7. Rub (Kapitolyo, Pasig)

      Everything here is good & gives you value for your money (even their house blend iced tea!)

8. Vask Modernist Kitchen (BGC)

      Come and be amazed at the culinary magic of a Michelin Star chef. The flavors of unlikely flowers and herbs will surprise you.

9. Krazy Garlic (BGC)

      Everything here is garlickin' good

10. Meat plus (Subic)

      After a day of adventure & fun outdoors, a hefty serving of US grade steak would cap it off nicely. Their potato gratin is the creamiest!

Catch PAT Monday-Friday 7-8:30 am, 12-1pm& 1-1:30pm on Channel 9:)

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