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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More Reasons to Smile

In my recent trip to the City of Smiles, I found joy in the sweetest things: 

1. Cakes- the pastries & desserts in Sugarlandia are truly worldclass; a visit to the city wouldn't be complete without dropping by Calea. Their cheesecakes could be conveniently boxed in colorful boxes which you can easily handcarry.

2. Inasal- even Bacolod's native chicken is sweet sarap to the innards. Aside from the "pecho", I also like Aida's crunchy take on isaw.

 

3. Kansi- this sweet/sour/salty fruity bulalo is just happily comforting

4. Ruins- this architectural marvel's beauty is hightened even more with their warm & enthusiastic tourguides

5. Skincare- Skinstation is finally open in Bacolod!:) Truly, there is more reason to smile with their wide range of products 

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Pick your Pie

If you think "casual royalty" is a mere oxymoron, well think again. Royal Picadilly is just around the corner, a few blocks away Ateneo, Miriam & UP:) Now, students & students at heart have the option to feel posh even while they're having a study group or mini party.

Named after the upbeat Picadilly in England where everyone could just meet and eat, this quaint cafe specializes in pies, cakes & cookies! Take your pick! 

Picadilly serves glorious ribs too. Just look at this rack!

In Australia, they just pile everything up & people gobble their pies nicely while walking. In Picadilly, the mushy peas & mashed potatoes are neatly placed on the side with the gravy. Picture ready!

For a hearty head bangin' breakfast anytime of the day, try their Bangers & Mash with a nice smoothie. Englishmen used to make sausages by banging ground meat with spices on the table..hence the term. (Thank you Cielo Zarate for the anecdotes & fun food!:))

Want more! Catch PAT on Daybreak Mon-Fri (7-8:30am) on 9TV :)

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Zone out with Cafe Alezon

Comfy LA Mex meets posh Italian & exquisite Turkish at Cafe Alezon. Artsy & bursting with youthful energy, its cozy ambiance makes it a blockbuster hit among students & foodies.

Famous for its authentic Turkish coffee & delectable cheesecakes, here are some of the things I highly enjoyed in the widely instagramed cafe:

1. Soft tacos- they make the tacos from scratch & the freshness of the ingredients just explode with every bite. The flavor would stand out even if you adjust the spiciness level of the salsa

2. Pizza! - oh my. Just look at that..Need I say more? Students usually come to line up for this. The good news is, they have it even in the morning. It is notable that the crust is thin yet delectably chewy.

3. Choco cookie shooters- fill it up with milk or coffee or Baileys! We have freewill

4. Salad with pine nuts- proves that there is beauty (and a happy, healthy tummy) in sheer 

simplicity

5. its funky art- the late Mr. Alezon Alegre was really artistic & his spirit lives on with the quirkiness of the decor here

Want more? Heap a second serving! Have your morning pick Mon-Fri 7-8:30am on 9TV's Daybreak :)

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Around the World with Globalscapes

I had the privilege of meeting the graduating batch of the Philippine School of Interior Design. This year, as part of their thesis, they culminated the semester with an exhilirating 1-month exhibit at SM North Edsa called "Globalscapes".

Grandiose, well-lit ceilings took center stage inspired by magnificent sights across various continents.

This cannopy reminds me of a delicate lotus. Others think it looks like a windmill.

This magnificent baobab tree truly lights up this South African safari inspired living room.

Feel like Indian royalty as you swing with delight in this guest room. The intricately carved posts would fill you with awe; even Sita & the monkeys will be amazed.

The intricateness of this Turkish bath would make anyone giddy with glee as it seems to be gilded with golden light. Notice how the ceiling appears to be cut from a place of worship.

The Philippine-inspired living room boasts of the richness of Philippine textiles. The ceiling evokes the illusion of the Amihan.

What's your flavor? This Mexican living room reminded me of the witch's house made out of candy& bread in Hansel & Gretel. The colors just look oh so yummy.

Russian Matryoshka dolls perk up the mood of this colorful dining room. Go forth& multiply!:))

Viva España! Just look how the flamenco dancer flares up the shower.

Peek-a-boo! Eye see the TV!:p

This gigantic dream catcher will inspire you to dream more dreamy dreams while brightening up the room.

And..who says you can't wear earrings in the kitchen?:p

Want to see more? Globalscapes is open til the end of October. So before you party for Halloween, head over to SM North & be amazed with the innovativeness of this year's PSID graduating batch. Stay inspired!

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It's so nice to be happy

Periwinkle, strawberry, cream, lemon tart, chocolate, mocha & mint.. delightfully yummy cupcake colors to celebrate Happy Skin's sweet 1st birthday in the Philippines!

Alongside whimsical cupcakes from Vanilla @BGC, Happy Skin showcased their limited edition Christmas tin cans that would surely give joy to anyone these ber months.

Their best-selling SS (Second Skin) & ZZ (Zit Zapper) Creams were the front liners. These don't contain silicone so they're safe even for those with oily or acne prone skin.

Rissa Samson-Trillo and Jacqe Yuengtian-Gutierrez are very proud of their liners. Their pastel colored gel eyeliners (aka Eye Candy) can make your peepers bright & pretty even after working out or after long nights of partying/studying/editing/ travelling. It's an everyday Easter treat for your lids. 

Their chubby pencil lipcolor (aka Sealed with a Kiss) doubles as a lipbalm and lipstick. Coupled with lip/cheek mousse (aka Shut up & Kiss Me), it produces richer matte shades that are fit for the eyes & cheeks.

I was able to try their makeup remover at home. Without wipes and water, this could actually sweep the clouds away by gently lifting all the makeup (waterproof liner included!) with just the help of a cottonball:)

I pray Happy Skin would have many more birthdays to come!

Want more? Catch more of PAT on Daybreak (7-8:30am), Newsday (12-1pm) & Cebuano Weather (1-1:30pm) on 9TV

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Pink Panda Blues

Quietly nestled in Y2 Residence Hotel, Pink Panda proves the animal is more interesting when it isn't predictably neutral. Created by Erwan Heussaff, it highlights the lights, sounds & general excitement of Southeast (and East) Asia.  

I normally veer away from fusion cuisine; but this place incorporates flavours that, albeit not overpowering, would make you reminisce about countries you've chanced upon (like, in my case, Thailand, Philippines, Taiwan, HK, China, Japan) and would trigger fantasies about other countries you would definitely want to visit in the near future (like Cambodia, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam). Its interiors are worth a second glance:

1. Its ceiling was inspired by Hongkong's skyline

2. Funky tubular lamps recreate the urban jungle feel

3. Where is the Pink Panda?:o I can only see the black and white one; but their wall decor makes it impossible for guests to get bored.

4. Their hard wooden tables and accents complement the freshness of the food


5.  An explosion of flavours and textures, Pink Panda offers a selection of items with a surprising crunch!



6. Pink footsie--look down under and be reminded of Tetris



7. Oh, and you don't have to attend a bridal shower to enjoy a Pink Panty (Pan<da>tea!). They have other non-alcoholic concoctions and Asian-inspired cocktails too!

Want more? Catch more of PAT on Daybreak (Monday-Friday, 7-8:30am), on Newsday (12-1pm) & Cebuano News (1-1:30pm) on 9TV (soon to be called CNN Philippines) :)

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