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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Beyond Tango & Torero

Most of us only know Argentina because of the glamorous & controversial Evita. Here in the Philippines, we get a chance to get to know more about the cowboy-clad & dulce de leche loving culture of this side of Latin America through a restaurant named after a much raved street in Argentina--La Cabrera.

Here are the reasons why I think it is such a hit:

1. Ojo de Bife/ Asado del Centro

Argentinian char broiled steaks are highly acclaimed. With a delectable crust (attributed to the type of wood used in making their charcoal) & a juicy, flavorful center (with just a hint of salt&pepper), you have to taste to understand why the country is so beef-popular.

2. Provoleta con Jamon Crudo, Tomatoes Secos y Albahaca

This is a feast in itself, Christmasy even. The gooey provolone cheese is more flavorful than mozzarella & the parma ham is spiced just right!  The basil & tomatoes make it oh so fresh. If you can't finish it off in the restaurant (or you just want to extend heaven elsewhere:p), you're free to take it home. It'll taste just as good when you reheat it:)

3.Rogel de Dulce de Leche

 They put dulce de leche in almost every dessert.  This is my favorite; it's an explosion of textures! Perfect with coffee

4. Ambience

With its quirky decor, you'll never run out of things to look at & admire.

5. Surprise!

If you're fond of surprises, don't hesitate to mix & match their unlimited sides (these would come with the steak). I liked the creamy artichoke, roasted garlic, sundried tomatoes & corn w/ bbq sauce

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

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Finding Heaven (I)n Eggs

Heaven used to be exclusive to angels and saints. Now, there's a black and white semblance of it here on earth; and portraits of John Lennon liven up its walls. Fruity waffles & pancakes cheer up the bright colored tables; and even St Peter seems to be more than willing to share his pet chicken's eggs.

More than serving the American dream breakfast, here are more reasons to aspire for Heaven N' Eggs:

1. Apple and Walnut Salad

      the dressing is light & fruity and everything is just crunchy! The blue cheese isn't overpowering

2. Classic Manila Ribs

       Love tocino? Love baby back ribs? Well here's a dish that fuses the beauty of the two. Unadulterated sweet love.

3. Yummy Unli Steak&Rice

      Where else can you get this deal for 799? And if you manage to finish this plus 5refills (including the eggs), you get to eat for FREE! You may spend an entire day in the restaurant for this challenge. 

4.Adobo Flakes

      I'm not a fan of Adobo. But when it's flaked& toasted to perfection, it's an entirely different story.

5. High five French Fries

      I'm such a sucker for potatoes :p I can dip it in anything..even in creamy egg yolk mmm

Want more?;) Catch more PAT: 7-8:30am on Daybreak, 12-1pm on Newsday & 1-1:30pm on Cebuano News on 9TV.

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Sunscreen for All Seasons

This year, Skinstation celebrated Mama Mary's birthday with the opening of a new branch in SM City Pampanga.

Its Dermax UV Sunscreen range took centre stage.  UV Milk (the first in this line) and UV Baby Waterburst (for sensitive skin) are my favourites. 

UV Milk is fuss free and is easily absorbed by the skin.  It's non greasy; sometimes, I even put some on my face & scalp before heading on the the beach (My skin is ultra sensitive:/).  UV Baby on the other hand is so refreshing; its water burst technology gradually releases protective emollients on the skin as the day progresses.  Plus their lightweight, sleek bottles slide conveniently in my tote so I can reapply anytime (the rule is you have to reapply each time you sweat profusely :))

Skinstation CEO Fred Reyes emphasizes the use of sunscreen to prevent early signs of ageing.  He encourages everyone (regardless of age, gender, complexion and the amount of their sun/light exposure) to use this product daily to counteract sun damage (which accumulates over time). "You may forget about the other products, just don't skip slathering on sunscreen."

He proves that real men aren't afraid to discuss proper skin care. For online orders and other concerns, you may check their website: http://www.skinstation.ph/dermax-products-online/ or their fb page: https://www.facebook.com/skinstationph. 

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All is Well at Mowelfund

Finally, my dream movie is now a reality! Thank God! Can't wait for Oct1:)

To celebrate the centennial of Philippine movies, we had the press launch of Ibong Adarna: the Pinoy Adventure at Mowelfund yesterday. Direk Jun explained why this movie is so close to his heart (&to his dad, the great Manuel Conde, who had his own version in the 50's).  He wishes to continue producing quality legendary films for kids and adults alike "to give the audience what they deserve". Highlighting our rich Filipino culture and remarkable tourist destinations with superb special effects, this film would hopefully spark more interest in Adarna and in other Filipino classics outside the classroom.

Aside from getting to watch the trailer of our upcoming movie, it was a pleasant surprise that the Philippine movie's headquarters is now a colorful museum.

Magazine covers of famed loveteams were encased in glass.

I had my picture taken with the original Machete (Cesar Montano), the idyllic wooden statue who became the sculptor's lover.

Look at all these glittering costumes!

These made me wanna shout SuperPAT!!!

They even have swords used in "ancient" movies!

For those who wanna see more or to learn more about Philippine film, you may visit Mowelfund at #66 Rosario Drive corner Ilang-ilang. 

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Coco Concert

They say the coconut is the tree of life; each of its parts has a purpose. Nothing goes to waste. Its versatility is showcased in a free-for-all exhibit til last Sunday (Aug31st) at SM Megamall Megatrade Hall 2.

Parts of it can actually be transformed into:

1. Rattles/colorful baby toys

2. Musical displays

3. Bunot

4. Table centerpiece

5. beauty oil & supplements

6. Macapuno!:)

7. fiber for art

8. Early Christmas decor

Enjoy the ber months this year with tons of coconut!:)

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