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Joey Pepperoni

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If you're craving for something Italian that offers reasonable price, head on at Joey Pepperoni at RFM Corporate Center, Pioneer St.,  Buayang Bato, Mandaluyong.  


It's cozy and laid back ambiance keeps us coming back because we're laid back (lol!). Seriously, we like this place because it's near our place and it is located near HMR where we normally hunt imported items at a bargain price.


Providing art materials/puzzles keeps the kids busy and forget they're hungry
Who needs expensive lamps when you can use your very own brown paper bags
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Must try Pepperoni pizza, Carbonara and Seafood pasta
Carbonara
Seafood pasta

Canadian Beddings and Lifestyle Latest Collections

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New Creation Manufacturing Co. Inc, makers of leading bed and bathroom brands Canadian Beddings and Lifestyle and of infants wear Hello Dolly which carries Walt Disney, Hello Kitty and Warner Bros. lines, held a by-invitation-only trade fair in Manila Polo Club, McKinley Road, Forbes Park yesterday and today. During the two-day event, New Creation showcased their brands' latest collections and what to look forward to in 2015.























Tipsy Beans

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I've seen Tipsy Beans a couple of times but I actually haven't paid it a visit before. When I got an invite from Arnie Alesna to review the place, I immediately said yes because it's conveniently located just 15 minutes away from my place.


I almost didn't make it to the food review because I was sick for four days, I had to go to Makati Med for check-up. Arriving fashionably late, I didn't get to try the many food they served to the my co-bloggers.

I was given their most expensive coffee in the house - Kopi Luwak at P180. I take my coffee with creamer or milk, but Kopi Luwak was good enough with just a teaspoonful of sugar.


Since the food review was about to wrap up, I settled for Good Ol' Chicken Pesto.  It tastes a little bland for me, maybe because of the coffee or the medicines I took prior to having a bite of it. I'll be trying this on my next visit so I can judge it fairly.


For the finale, Irish Cream on Coffee Rocks at P80, rocked all my senses! Whoa, I'm still up and running as of this writing. I'd definitely have this on my next visit.


I didn't get to taste this adobobut as I look at it, the meat portion is too small and kinda dry for my visual taste.
I didn't get to taste this too, fish fillet, but the portion is just right. 

What I mostly like about Tipsy Beans is its interior design, simple yet cute. Plus, all those inspirational quotes, either hanging on frames or written on walls, gives that positive vibe.  




 



Even their restroom signs are oh so cute!



And oh, last but certainly not the least, I met the owner of Tipsy Beans some 3 years ago, when he used to work as Manager at my family's favorite - Super Bowl of China.


 

Address: 50 Domingo M. Guevara (formerly Libertad), Highway Hills Mandaluyong, Philippines
Phone0917-4188747 / 0922-8200082 / 621-3660
Emailtipsybeanscoffee@gmail.com
Websitehttp://www.tipsybeans.com

What Dreams May Come

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What Dreams May Come is a 1998 drama film, starring Robin Williams, Cuba Gooding, Jr., Annabella Sciorra and Max von Sydow and directed by Vincent Ward. Although this movie shows disturbing images of the afterlife, and may be difficult for some to watch, this is one of my favorite Robin Williams' movies. The thematic elements involving life, loss and the afterlife is a visual masterpiece, stunningly original and awe-inspiring that it keeps me glued even after watching for a hundred times since I first watched it in 1998.

The story revolves around an entire family, starting with the tragic of death of the children, then the father (Williams) and the suicide of the mother (Sciorra).

This film is Rated PG-13.


"All of us have a path to follow 
and the path begins on earth." 
-Richard Matheson,

Most Realistic Audio Experience

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I am an avid Shang Cinema goer. I like that they have E-See Club, where I can easily reserve a seat via phone.  Plus, most of my favorite shops are located in Shangri-La Plaza.

When Greenhills added three new cinemas - Cinemas 6, 7 and 8, located at Promenade, my family have been watching here more often now because its state of the art facilities are all in Dolby Atmos – the newest cinema sound technology that lets sound move around the theater to create dynamic effects.  My husband is a movie aficionado, so he wants the most realistic audio experience, and Greenhills Cinemas 6, 7 and 8 have that!


I just hope that Greenhills Cinemas will come up with their very own E-See Club, so I can easily reserve a seat for my whole family.

The art at the background is made by Natinal Artist BenCab



Greenhills Cinemas Movie Madness

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From August 1, 2014 to February 28, 2015 Greenhills Cinemas is treating movie buffs to a level-up movie experience called Movie Madness. Every cinema ticket bought at Theater Mall Cinemas 1 and 2, Promenade Cinemas 3, 4 and 5 or at the new Promenade Cinemas 6, 7 and 8 in Dolby Atmos entitles moviegoers to one raffle stub per ticket that will win them exciting prizes every month.

For August, one lucky cinema ticket holder will take home a Samsung Galaxy Duo S2 android smart phone while another lucky moviegoer will win a Samsung Galaxy Note 3 in September. October and November raffle draw winners meanwhile will win Samsung Galaxy Note 8 android tablets that are virtual travel companions/secretaries. December, January and February winners will each receive Samsung S1 51" Plasma TV sets.


Draw dates for Movie Madness winners will be August 31, September 28, October 26, November 30, December 28, February 1 and March 2. Lucky winners will be notified about their prizes that may be claimed at the Admin Office at the third floor of Greenhills Promenade on the corresponding month.

The more times you watch a movie, the better the chances of winning cool prizes. And the good news is, moviegoers can win more than once!

For more information about exciting new features and movies showing at Greenhills Cinemas visit www.musicmuseum.com.ph.

Train

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There's something about the train that scares the hell out of me. It is due probably to the movie (The Cassandra Crossing) I watched when I was a kid.  

The Cassandra Crossing is a 1976 British disaster/thriller film directed by George Pan Cosmatos and starring Richard Harris, Sophia Loren, Martin Sheen, Burt Lancaster, Lee Strasberg, Ava Gardner and O. J. Simpson. There were too many scary plots in the movie like the dangers of bacteriological research, ridge en route is crumbling, and one of the passengers happens to be an ex-inmate of the concentration camp who's out to kill anyone.

Then came LRT. I was in college when LRT was built. I only rode twice. Ang haba ng pila! On my last ride, tulakan. Punong puno na ang loob ng may tumulak sakin para sya makapasok. Ayun, nahulog ang lahat ng dala kong libro. Kaya di na ko muli pang sumakay sa LRT. 

Nowadays, I ride MRT when going to Quezon City to visit my father. Mas mabilis ang byahe, mura pa ang pamasahe. But with the recent accident, ay ayoko na ulit sumakay, naalala ko na naman tuloy ang  Cassandra Crossing movie.

Nakatutuwa ding isipin na sa dinami dami ng signs, mas madami pa ding nakaupong lalaki kesa sa mga babae, matatanda, bata at may kapansanan.



Ang paminsang-minsang pagsakay ay tunay namang nakatutuwa lalo na kung may makikita kang kakilala.

with Pehpot Pineda of Make or Break
Sana lang ayusin at patibayin pa ng husay ang pampublikong sakayan na ito para mapakinabangan ng tunay ng nakararaming Pinoy. Wag namang ibulsa ng ibulsa ang pondong marapat para sa MRT at LRT.

Hungry Ghost Month

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I was sick for about a week, and so does my husband. Our son, Rafael, got sick for 3 days. Prior to that, a jeepney rammed our car.  I don't know what's happening, until I realized it's the Hungry Ghost Month.

For the year 2014, Hungry Ghost month starts from 27th July - and runs for a month up to 24th August 2014. The Night of the Hungry Ghost where the gates are 100% open, falls on the western Calendar date of 10th August. During this entire month it is advisable to be extra careful especially while you are out at night, or travelling to destinations outside your protected home

Hungry Ghosts are called “hungry” because by their nature they are unable to satisfy their hunger or thirst through eating ordinary food or water. To be fed, they are only able to smell the smoke of incense and the aroma of food – and so naturally they become really happy and appeased when incense or other special food items are burned and offered to them.  These are very desperate ghosts who are trapped in between realms; they are constantly suffering from extreme deprivation - so when left unappeased it’s not surprising that they start to cause mischief to those whose chi energy levels are on the low side

Last night, Mama-in-law did Incense Offering Ritual throughout the house to appease the hungry ghosts. The next morning, we're all well, as if nothing happened.

Mama-in-law uses the old fashioned incense

The incense I use. It's easier to light and burn
To remove obstacles caused by wandering and local spirits of the land, it is essential to perform incense offerings. It is done about 2-3 times a week, but during the Hungry Ghost month, it is beneficial to do this every evening or as often as you can. The best time for this is around dusk, just after sunset. Light up sweet smelling incense (like kemenyen or sandalwood) and chant this special incense offering mantra as you walk clockwise around your rooms and outside your home while holding your incense burner:

NAMAH SARVA TATHAGATHA AVALOKITE OM SAMBHARA SAMBHARA HUNG

After completing the walk-about your home, dedicate all the incense and offerings to the holy beings, dakinis, angels, spiritual protectors, local landlords, and wandering spirits around you and request that they look after you instead of harm you. Let the incense burn till it has finished burning.

(Source: www.wofs.com)

Hipon

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I'm down with a flu for a week. I was depressed for awhile, maybe it has something to do with the Hungry Ghost Month. I haven't watched the news while I was sick. I can't understand the "hipon" issue that comedian Ramon Bautista was into until Nora told me about it.

Ramon Bautista has already apologized to the people of Davao. Despite his apologies, he  is no longer welcome in Davao City after he was declared persona non grata by the city council.

That's it, I just wanted to segue way, one of the few dishes I can cook with ease and confidence - Ginataang Hipon na may Kangkong. This time, even the plating is improving!


Ingredients: 1 kilo of hipon, 2 kakang gata, 3 taling kangkong, onion, garlic, vegetable oil, salt and pepper to taste.

Procedure: Saute garlic and onion. Put in the shrimp. Pour coconut milk. Bring to a boil without mixing. Put in kangkong. Serve hot with patis and chili pepper on the side.

Agico - Vegetarian Restaurant in San Juan

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I lost the appetite for eating meat when my Mama passed away in 1993.  For almost a year I was a vegetarian. And for not eating meat at that time, I lost a lot of unwanted weight and flabs here and there.

Lately, I gained about 2 kilos for eating, baking and experimenting in my kitchen. I suddenly felt like going vegetarian again. I just don't know if I'll succeed this time. 

Since Agico is near our place, John and I started our first veggie adventure there. If you're not familiar with San Juan, you'll have a hard time finding Agico. Fortunately for us, we pass this street every day when we bring our kids to school.




On the wall to welcome customers


I ordered Crabmeat Sandwich and I must say that the vegetables they used are of high quality, but the bread is too burnt for my taste. I could have asked them to replace the bread but I was too hungry to wait. The service is quite slow, considering it was early and that we were the only customers at that time.



John ordered their Supreme Burger (forgot the exact name). My husband said it's too greasy and have an after taste he can't exactly.

He does't look look too happy, eh? 

If there's any consolation, we enjoyed the soup!













Agico: 83 Araullo St, Maytunas, San Juan
Tel: (02) 705-1997

DIY - Tissue Holder

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I can't get enough of Pinkberry's yogurt that I buy their take home tub so whenever I crave for it all I need to do is open the ref.

The tub is so cute I can't force myself to throw it away.  Here's a DIY-recycling-upcycling tissue holder that Julia and I made.


It's so easy to make, all you need: old magazines, glue, scissors, arts and crafts  material (optional). 

1. Make sure you wash the inside of the tub with soap and water quickly because it's made of paper. Do not wet the outside of the tub.

2. Choose the theme (if you wish to), if not, cut out any pictures that you like. 


Because I like inspiring quotes, I chose it as my design/theme.


Julia's theme is all about Mom and Kids



For the cover, poke a hole and cut a circle, then design (if you wish to)




"If you want grown-ups to recycle,
 just tell their kids the importance of recycling, 
and they'll be all over it."
- Bill Nye

Smart Parenting and Oilatum's Baby Shower

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Earlier today, at Oakwood Premier Joy Nostalg Center, preggy moms, media and mom bloggers gathered for a day of talks on parenting as well as fun activities, such as Preggy Yoga, Lamaze Stretching and Breathing, Nutrition and Pregnancy, Common Skin Diseases among Babies and Infant Massage.

The event was a collaboration of Oilatum and Smart Parenting, and hosted by Delamar Arias of the Morning Rush. 



  

To know more of Smart Parenting events and activities, become a fan on Facebook via facebook.com/smartparenting.ph, follow them on Twitter via @_smartparenting, or visit www.summitnewsstand.com.ph

Metamucil

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I've high cholesterol and was advised by my doctor to take medicines to lower it. I didn't follow my doc's advise, instead I take (drink) Metamucil, which my sister in-law, Ate Peth, sent from the US. 

I've tried other fiber drinks in the past but Metamucil stands out because it taste good (much like an orange juice).


While some fiber supplements only help to promote regularity, Metamucil does more by promoting digestive health, lowering cholesterol and maintaining healthy blood sugar levels. 

Metamucil is also available here in the Philippines but it's a bit pricey so if you have family, relatives or friends in the US, ask them to buy for you.

Shana

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Robinsons Specialty Stores, Inc., the same company that distributes Topshop and other well-known fashion brands brought Shana in the Philippines.  

Shana is a Spain-based company that brings the latest fashion trends with new collections every week in aggressive value prices. 

Shana's Shangri-La Plaza opened last December 2013. Since then, it has become my favorite go to shop when I needed comfortable, fashionable and good quality clothes at reasonable price.


They were on sale last July and I reserved 3 shirts that were on sale for P149, from an original price of P349. Unfortunately I was sick for a week and wasn't able to go out for 3 weeks.

Yesterday, I dropped by at Shana to check their latest offering. The shirts that I reserved were on sale at P99. Whoa!!! I bought all the colors that suit my skin tone. 






Check out Shana's other stuff...










Shana is currently present in main malls and high streets with over 250 stores in 40 countries worldwide and is considered leader in fast fashion and pioneer in retail value. Shana collections are built around diverse inspiring fashion trends ranging from basics to dress up pieces to provide endless styling choices at an affordable price and European quality standards.

In the Philippines, Shana recently opened at Robinsons Magnolia and Shangri-La Plaza East Wing. It will be opening soon at Glorietta 5 in Makati and more stores are set to open by the end of 2014.

http://www.shana.com

Insect Cemetery

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Have you seen a pet cemetery? Well, I did. But how many of you have seen an insect cemetery? One day, my husband called me. He was smiling. 

John: Babe, come and look at this, we have a cemetery. 
Joy: What! Are you joking?




It seems that Julia, Rafael and Juan are fascinated with insects. And that their affection for these mini creatures  meant digging my plants every now and then. 

In case your child brings you an insect from the garden, don’t shoo them away.  Instead, take a minute to enjoy that moment. That’s a good thing, when children marvel at the beauty of all living things. 

"None of God's Creatures absolutely
 consider'd are in their own Nature Contemptible;
 the meanest Fly, the poorest Insect has its Use and Vertue."
-Mary Astell

Sin City - A Dame to Kill For

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The latest Sin City, A Dame to Kill For, is the follow up to Robert Rodriguez and Frank Miller's 2005 groundbreaking film but unlike the first Sin City, A Dame to Kill For did not resonate well to me. 

Although they used the same techniques, I still feel that the original Sin City was done with brilliance. 


The original cast, Mickey Rourke, Rosario Dawson, Jessica Alba, and Jaime King return for the Dimension Films release, but my favorite Clive Owen's Dwight character was replaced by Josh Brolin. Eva Green joins the film as  femme fatale Ava. Also new to the series is Joseph Gordon-Levitt, who plays Johnny, a mysterious gambler set on taking down his sworn enemy in a high-stakes game of life and death. 

Nevertheless, Sin City - A Dame to Kill For is still worth watching. It is Rated R-16. 

The Death of Archie - A Life Celebrated

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I grew up reading Archie and fans like me will experience an epic tale of Archie’s future sure to make headlines, generate discussion and stand as one of the most-talked about Archie stories of all time, The Death of Archie - A Life Celebrated (P630.00).

History is in the making in this epic finale to the acclaimed series LIFE WITH ARCHIE, as America’s most beloved character makes the ultimate sacrifice to save a friend. The unthinkable happens: Archie Andrews dies!  Do not miss this game-changing tale of love, friendship and true heroism. This graphic novel includes 12 pages of content not available anywhere else in print, featuring an extensive, exclusive retrospective celebration of Archie and his importance in pop culture, as well as a behind the scenes look at the making of the Death of Archie.


GoodHousekeeping at 16

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I started reading Goodhousekeeping when I was 25. This is the only magazine I continuously buy for 16 years now because the magazine tackles everything from family matters, health issues, work and career, fashion and beauty, and a lot more.  


GH makes me feel great about my age as they feature women of all ages in Look Good Section.  I particularly like the makeover, and hoping to be the next mom makeover for I need a new look as I embrace the life  at 40s (seriously!).


Use Credit Card Wisely

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The first time I had a credit card was in 1999. I bought a gold necklace at P15,000.  The next month, the bill arrived with a note to pay minimum amount of P550. I paid P550. The next month and the next. When I calculated, I realized that the interest was not going down. I'm still paying the interest for the whole amount of P15,000 even if I already made 6 months payment. On the seventh month, I paid the remaining balance and had my credit card closed.

Six years ago, my friend Zen, convinced me to get a credit card since she knows we purchase a lot of stuff.  I refused and told her about my bad experience with my previous card. Zen told me that all I need to do is pay the full so as not to accumulate interest.  I've been enjoying the perks and privileges of credit card ever since then. An example below, for every P3,000 purchase at any shop using Metrobank credit card, we get to choose from Cheetos, Doritos, Oreo and C2 for free at Robinson's Supermarket.



Use credit card wisely. Here's how:

1.  Pay the bill in full each month.  If you can’t pay in full, you shouldn’t be charging it for you'll soon find yourself clobbered by interest payments on a ballooning balance, as well as interest.

2. Check the terms and conditions that will determine your overall cost.

3.  Limit yourself to one major card with a credit limit you can handle so you don't go nuts when the bill arrive.

4.  Always keep your credit-card account number and the phone number of the creditor’s service line at home and in your wallet so you can call them any time the need arise.

5. If your card is lost or stolen, contact the bank immediately to cancel the account.

6.  Save your receipts for checking of any discrepancies with your monthly credit-card statement.

7.  Avoid late charges by paying before the due date.

8. Don’t give your credit-card number to anyone over the phone who pretends to be from your credit card company.

9. Don’t make any additional purchases with the card until the balance is zero.

10.  If you don't have enough fund, cut your credit cards and have it closed to avoid impulsive shopping and more problems in the future.

I used to have 7 credit cards, I closed the other 5 and retained BDO and Metrobank.

Travel in Style

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A very good friend is finally moving to the next chapter of her life in another part of the world.  John and I have been scouting the best travel bags for them to use. 

We found Samsonite and Rimowa for them to travel in style.  Both shops are located in Shangri-La Plaza.


Samsonite Black Label Store, Shangri-La East Wing, Mandaluyong City
Rimowa - 2nd Level, Shangri-la Plaza MallShaw Blvd. cor. EDSA Mandaluyong



SAMSONITE  is an American multinational luggage manufacturer and retailer, with products ranging, for the most durable and innovative, luggage, business cases, backpacks and travel accessories. 


Phyton, P32,250

For the little ones, P10,000+



Optimum, P16, 950


Whether traditional aluminium cases or light luggage made of the high-tech material polycarbonate, the RIMOWA design is unmistakable due to the groove structure of its case shells. An innovative approach and exceptional demands when it comes to quality are just a couple of the aspects that make RIMOWA one of Europe's leading luggage manufacturers. 

Salsa Deluxe, P35,8000






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