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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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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