With more than 7,107 islands found in the Philippines, there was nothing more attractive than the Siren's Island which Starbucks set up over a week ago. With promises of new merchandise, drinks, and pastries, one couldn't help but to come in so they can get away from the madness of the city.


There were pocket events held all around the venue to give off that summer vibe which a lot of the attendees enjoyed since you can actually win exclusive Starbucks merch once you win at the booths.


There were 3 new drinks introduced during the launch. The Triple Mocha Frappuccino® is loaded with Dark Mocha Sauce layered between cold-brew infused whipped cream, white chocolate, and dark caramel. Take away the Dark Mocha Sauce and add some rich and buttery Dark Caramel Sauce and the drink transforms into the delicious Dark Caramel Coffee Frappuccino®. Another drink added to the regular menu is the Red Velvet Cake Cream Frappuccino®, a confectionery-inspired blend of chocolaty chips, mocha sauce, raspberry and vanilla syrup, topped with whipped cream.


They also launched new pastries and some of my favourites are the Smores, the Banana Chia Cookie, and the pomelo.




Carry with you the perfect complement for the balmy weather - the Botanical card, a Starbucks Card which features island scenes and tropical plants, available for an initial activation amount of Php300. Another fun and cute design is the new Popsicle card, also available for an initial activation of Php300.

There will also be new Starbucks merchandise to help you feel summer-ready wherever you go. The ‘A Day in The Island’ collection transports customers straight to the beach with its gradient designs depicting island scenes from sunrise to sunset and tropical plants. With the sun brightly shining this time of year, the ‘Gold’ collection also perfectly captures the glow and shimmer of the season with its golden tumblers in new and classic shapes.



Starbucks really knows how to launch their products and drinks and if you have these on hand, you'll surely be able to deal with the scorching heat of the sun.

With more than 7,107 islands found in the Philippines, there was nothing more attractive than the Siren's Island which Starbucks set up ...

This red door holds the secret to your next Japanese obsession. Moto Moto has been around for a few months now and it's slowly gaining a small following for those who have been to Japan and misses authentic Japanese pastries.


The place is a modern version of a cozy Japanese resto and it's also very instagrammable which any millenial would love.


This is their house tea which is mildly sweet but still good. I actually like it because I don't really like the overly sweet iced tea. This one was just right.


The sushi roll was really good. I preferred the ones with the caviar on top because that was just really, really tasty while the ones with mayo on top were your standard california maki.


The Chasu rice topping reminded me of Chasu Ramen. The pork is soft and easy to chew and added a hint of savory flavor to the rice. The mayo enriched everything, including my thighs.


This brownie ala mode was the bomb. I think that I would have finished this if I haven't eaten  so much already.


The real winner though was this Japanese Souffle Pancakes that wiggled like crazy and had a creme brulee topping which was so much fun to crack. Light yet creamy and the taste is just different. I don't think I have ever tasted pancakes like this.


I may not have been to Japan but with Moto Moto, I feel like I now have a better idea of what Japanese afternoons would look like for me.

M, myself, Chef Kalel, and Mela   Follow // ▸ blog | http://lifeiskulayful.com ▸ instagram | http://instagram.com/mskathykenny ▸ pinterest | http://pinterest.com/mskathykenny ▸ facebook | http://facebook.com/mskathykenny ▸ twitter | http://twitter.com/mskathykenny ▸ youtube | https://www.youtube.com/c/KathyNgo ▸ linkedin | https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathykennyngo/

This red door holds the secret to your next Japanese obsession. Moto Moto has been around for a few months now and it's slowly gainin...

A few weeks ago, we were lucky enough to have gotten our hands on these skin care set from Alpha Arbutin 3+ from Thailand. Now, Thai people are known for being enamored with beauty. In fact, their contenders at the Miss Universe pageants have been stronger and stronger over the past years. This just shows how seriously they have started taking beauty and all that it encapsulates.

I was very excited to try these because it's from Thailand and also because the packaging looked really cute. I was also intrigued because it was all collagen and as someone who is nearing her 40s, I know that I need all the collagen I can get to stay looking young.

Alpha Arbutin is a natural skin lightening/whitening agent. It works by slowly releasing hydroquinone through hydrolysis, which in turn blocks Tyrosinase activity which reduces the skin's melanin production.

The ones that I love the most from this set were the following:

Alpha Arbutin 3+ Shower Gel


I loved this one because it created a lot of foam which I particularly love in any shower gel. It also left my skin feeling smooth and moisturized.


This water based body lotion is not sticky which is good for our weather because we all know how hot the Philippines can get. This is easily absorbed. If you are used to thick creams, this may be a bit disconcerting but the best part of this body lotion is that it helps get rid of dry skin. After using this for a week, a slight skin peeling can be seen which is really good because it means the skin is being reborn.


As for the serum, this one is easily absorbed as well. Even though it's a serum, it's not thick that it's irritating. A little drop also goes a long way and is enough to cover the entire face.


The Alpha Arbutin3+ White Up Body Cream was probably the funniest thing I ever tried. When I squeezed a dollop of it into my palm, a pink cream came out which delighted me. What I didn't realize was that because it was so effective, I actually just needed a small amount.

I ended up with pink arms and pink hands. So be warned, just put on a small amount to cover your arms or body. They really kept true to their word of deep white essence so don't go crazy like I did.


My most favorite of this set though is the SOAP. Seriously, THE SOAP rocks!


This pink bar lasted more than 2 weeks which is saying a lot because in the last 2 weeks,  I have bathed at least 4x a day and used this soap every single time. It leaves my body feeling minty and refreshed. I super love it! This is one of the best soaps I've ever tried. My dry skin is no longer that dry when I used this.

Overall, I'd recommend Alpha Arbutin 3+ to anyone who needs something to keep them looking young and moisturized. This can be bought via Shopee and Beauty MNL.

A few weeks ago, we were lucky enough to have gotten our hands on these skin care set from Alpha Arbutin 3+ from Thailand. Now, Thai people ...

Sometimes, it can be really easy to just forget about yourself. You take care of so many things at home, at work, and for others that you can't seem to find the time to sit down and even take a deep breath.

I am so guilty of this for the past 38 years but now that I am turning 39, I've realized that I truly need to take care of myself because only when I care for myself am I able to care better for others.

1. Breathe. 

Deep breaths may sound crazy but it actually really helps your mental state. I'm sure you've heard of "take a deep breath" when you are feeling upset or mad. This is because when you take a deep breath, you are able to mentally sort your body and system. it sends a message to your brain to calm down and relax. Breathing exercises are a good way to relax, reduce tension, and relieve stress.

There is something about breathing. Yes, all of us breathe (we'd die if we don't) but most of us take in shallow breaths. Take a deep breath. Make it a point that when you breathe, you truly inhale from the nose, hold it in for a few seconds, and then exhale through the mouth.

Deep breaths are known to improve your mental state as well as your psychological mindset.

2. Regulate Digestion 

Not a lot of people realize that a regular digestive system is necessary for people to function. When we are not able to get rid of toxins in our body, it affects our psyche and mental state.

Pholigo can help do that for you. It creates the ideal digestive environment. Since this is a natural plant-derived prebiotic powder, it serves as a nutrition fortifier. This means that it helps regulate bowel movement and ensures that you are able to clean your body internally every single day.


I love that when I put it on my coffee or cereal, I barely taste anything. It's healthy but not eewwwyyy. It also aids in the absorption of vitamins and minerals while improving the immune system.

3. Moisturize 

Since summer is now here and the weather has been bonkers, our skin tends to suffer the most.. The need to keep skin moisturized is real. Of course you can't just use any body lotion when you moisturize yourself. You need to find the right skin type to ensure that you maximize moisturizing your skin.


AVON Care has different body lotions perfect for different skin types. Now that I am older, I have dry skin so the royal jelly is the one that I use.

4. Drink Water

I've never really been a fan of water. I used to thrive on drinking one glass of water a day. Yes, you read that right. ONE GLASS. Now, I make sure that I drink at least 6 glasses of water. It's still short of the recommended 8 glasses but it's better than a glass.

Water is one of the simplest ways that we can truly take care of ourselves. It keeps our skin young looking and it helps to fix a lot of our ailments.

5. Sleep 

Coming from someone who has always had a sleeping problem, I've realized that my mood has been better since I started sleeping more.  I've also been able to heal faster now that I sleep at least 6 hours a day. Sleep is really important.


It fixes a lot of issues such as productivity, mood, and overall well-being. When you sleep, you are able to regroup and compose yourself as well as your thoughts.

These are all basic things and you'd think that everyone does it but these are also the things that most people seem to forget. So make sure you follow these 5 steps and you'd see a huge difference in your life.

Sometimes, it can be really easy to just forget about yourself. You take care of so many things at home, at work, and for others that you...

A few weeks ago, our team had our weekly meet up. Normally we would meet in a restaurant then head to a coffee shop after but this time around, we actually stayed at a resto cafe.

Since there were just three of us, this is what we had. 


The Mac and Cheese was definitely a sight. I had a taste of it and I can say that this will be devoured by B and M in less than 10 minutes. The only thing I kind of wish was that the serving was a little bit bigger so you can have more of the awesomeness of this dish.


As for me, I had the grilled chicken pesto sandwich and I had absolutely no regrets. It was really, really good and I thoroughly enjoyed it.


I love the interiors of the place. It reminded me of Pamana in Tagaytay with the cozy feels and the mirrors on the wall.


I also love that they had actual blooms inside the cafe which gave a really fragrant smell.


Overall, I think this is a great spot for a quick lunch or catch up. It's cozy, quiet, and the price is not too high.

Designer Blooms Cafe
Molito, Alabang

A few weeks ago, our team had our weekly meet up. Normally we would meet in a restaurant then head to a coffee shop after but this time arou...

Do you own a cat?

Or does the cat own you?

This is a question that all cat lovers contend with on a daily basis when you find yourself asking for affection from your cat and then your cat walks away without a care in the world. Fret not though, we have something that will make your cat want to be by your side at all times.

Introducing, Temptations, a cat treat that will surely have your cat asking for more.

These are not meant to be a meal for your cat but it can be. This is actually a treat that you can give to them when you want to reward them for good behavior. The reason this works is because the kibbles inside are full of flavor which leaves the cat wanting more.


If you've been following me on Facebook or Instagram, you'd know that my cat Yang is such a Queen and does whatever she wants. Today, I had her try the Temptations Tuna treat and for the first time in 7 years, I managed to make her sit still. She followed me because whenever she wouldn't move for more than 5 seconds, I would reward her with a kibble.

IT WORKS!


Now I understand why the images showed a cat growing crazy over these treats. They really do. It also comes in three different flavors which is Savory Salmon, Tasty Chicken, and Tempting Tuna. Now to make sure that you actually see the effect for real, I did a video starring our Queen cat, Yang.


Temptations is now available via the Shopee app and the good news is you can easily hoard it because for a few days, it will be at 25% off. So make sure you head over to Shopee and get your cat some treats that it deserves.

Do you own a cat? Or does the cat own you? This is a question that all cat lovers contend with on a daily basis when you find yourself a...

Summer is off to a sizzling start. At 42 degrees, the heat is definitely on so what better way to spend your Sunday afternoon than having Sundays at the Skypark located the 5th floor of SM Aura?

First off, they have a tent to protect you from the heat. They also have a playground where your kids can burn off all the energy they have stored in their bodies. 


Different workshops are offered. You can learn to play the drum, watch something, or learn how to do arts.


What makes this better is that there are food stalls and not just any food stall. They serve local products such as suman but they level it up by putting chocolate syrup and nuts. You can also get to know the makers of these products so you can know more about the story behind the food if that's something that interests you.


Melo's Alabang is also now slowly becoming a part of bazaar's and they offer a rice topping or steak sandwich. If you've ever wanted to try out Melo's Steak but feel off with the price, this is the best way to have a taste of it without breaking the bank. I love that they made their steak offering more affordable and I am telling you guys, THIS IS WORTH IT.


Now this empanada was a complete surprise. It' contains chicken marinated in Red Horse and I am telling you, the taste is totally different in a good way.


Sundays at the Skypark also encourages mindful shopping which means that you are encouraged to bring your own ecobag and reusable containers for your purchases. Reusable straws are also encouraged and they use wooden utensils as well.

Sundays at the Skypark will be on every Sunday for the months of April and May. Be sure to catch them and take advantage of all the workshops as well as the local products which will be sold. Click here for the video.

Summer is off to a sizzling start. At 42 degrees, the heat is definitely on so what better way to spend your Sunday afternoon than having Su...

It's hump day so let's go ahead and read a few updates from some of the brands that we love.


JOLLIBEE 

Sharing a meal with the people you love the most is an incomparable feeling—especially for the Muhlach family.


In their latest Jollibee commercial, the celebrity family once again reveals a side that many Filipino families can relate to. We see Aga, Charlene, and their twins Andres and Atasha sharing a bucket of their favorite Chickenjoy while talking about their day and what truly matters for them: the love of family.

This newest commercial strengthens the brand’s message of family togetherness, with quality bonding time made even more special with the crispylicious, juicylicious, walang kasing sarap Chickenjoy.

Also, Amazing Aloha is back. I want 10pcs please.



MANG INASAL 

Mang Inasal, the leading Pinoy fast-food restaurant that serves the 2-in-1 sa Laki, Nuot sa Ihaw Sarap Chicken Inasal, successfully celebrated the third National Halo-Halo Sarap Day (NHHSD) with its customers who got to enjoy the creamiest Pinoy halo-halo at P20 off in all Mang Inasal stores nationwide.


Delighting customers with their surprise store visits were the “General’s Daughter” star Angel Locsin who went to the Mang Inasal Circuit Makati store and comedian Empoy Marquez who went to SM Fairview and SM Novaliches stores during the NHHSD.


Starring in the latest Mang Inasal Pinoy Halo-Halo TV commercial aired on the same day as the NHHSD, Angel told customers at the Circuit store that she is really a member of “Samahang Simot,” or those diners who really finish their halo-halo up to the last drop.

PHILIPPINE AIRLINES 

Valentines’ Day may be over, but it doesn’t stop Philippine Airlines from letting you experience a different kind of love. Go head over heels with PAL’s modern iteration of its delightful plane from the late 70s until the 80s - the iconic “Love Bus”. What makes it even more exciting is that flyers can experience and relive this special flight with their loved ones starting next month.

As a celebration of the 40-year partnership between PAL and aerospace manufacturer, Airbus, a unique surprise awaits flyers. The surprise? The revival of the hip and iconic logo of the Love Bus. Philippine Airlines brings back the feeling of nostalgia on its fifth and sixth Airbus A350-900.


This April 8, be one of the firsts to finally experience love at 40,000ft with PAL’s special A350 Love Bus send-off flight from Manila to Bangkok. On board the cabin, you’ll find inflight products themed for this one-of-a-kind flight. From menu cards to headrest covers, to meal offerings, even to the cabin moonlighting, you’re in for a throwback you won’t forget. Lucky passengers will also get free giveaways. For the rest of the year, Philippine Airlines will also offer Love Bus welcome drinks for those seated in Business Class, and specially-themed dessert cups for those in Premium Economy and Economy.

FITBIT x SNAPCHAT

Fitbit announced a partnership with Snapchat as the two companies are joining forces to make getting active and healthy more fun and motivating with a dynamic clock face starring your own Bitmoji! #FitbitxBitmoji


Fitbit smartwatch users are now able to link their Snapchat account to Fitbit and see their own personal Bitmoji on their wrist 24/7. The clock face will change throughout the day based on your activity, data, the time of day and even the weather, with more than 50 Bitmoji variations.

CAFE BONJOUR

Indulge and satisfy your sweet cravings with Sugarbee’s best-selling salted caramel chocolate cake, now available at Total Café Bonjour Filinvest Westgate Alabang, Newport, and Bonifacio Global City outlets.


The moist old-fashioned chocolate cake, topped with a heavy swirl of salted caramel-flavored ganache, sprinkled with sea salt will surely delight your taste buds for only P600. Pair it with other delicious treats from Café Bonjour’s wide selection of sandwiches, pastries, and drinks for a complete French café experience!

It's hump day so let's go ahead and read a few updates from some of the brands that we love. JOLLIBEE  Sharing a meal with th...

ONE Championship is not about selling fights. It is about selling the values and story of the fighters in it's rosters. It is about giving hope to the little people by showing them that anyone can be a champion or a hero if they are willing to put in the work and never give up.


This is something that their CEO, Chatri, has constantly put out when asked about what ONE is all about and ONE has constantly been able to stay true to their words. In fact, never has a ONE fighter ever been on the news due to a scandal. This is also why ONE has been able to stay ahead of the game and constantly grow. True to their word, they are now holding their 2nd bout in Manila for the Year 2019.

The largest global sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship™ (ONE), in collaboration with City of Dreams Manila, recently held the ONE: ROOTS OF HONOR Official Kick-Off Press Conference last Tuesday, 9 April at the City of Dreams in Manila.

In attendance were main event competitors, reigning ONE Featherweight World Champion Martin Nguyen and challenger Narantungalag Jadambaa, co-main event participants, reigning ONE Strawweight World Champion Yosuke Saruta and challenger Joshua Pacio, as well as Chairman and CEO of ONE Championship, Chatri Sityodtong.

Chatri Sityodtong, Chairman and CEO of ONE Championship, stated: “ONE Championship is back in Manila, and it’s always a pleasure to visit the Philippines. We’re here to celebrate Asia’s greatest cultural treasure -- martial arts. We’re not here to sell fights, we’re here to build martial arts heroes who ignite the world with strength, hope, dreams, and inspiration. By telling their stories, we share the true values of martial arts with the world, which will always be our mission. See you all this Friday night for ONE: ROOTS OF HONOR. It’s going to be a fantastic show.”

Nguyen, Chatri, Jadamba

Martin Nguyen, ONE Featherweight World Champion, stated: “It’s my fourth time competing here in Manila, and I’ve always felt at home here. It’s an honor to share my talent with you all. Thank you to all the fans for the support. Challenging the legend Jadambaa himself, it’s such an honor. I would like to thank ONE Championship for placing their trust in me. I’ll bring a hundred percent into the cage, and god willing, I’ll walk out of the arena still champion.”

Narantungalag Jadambaa, ONE World Title Challenger, stated: “First of all, I would like to thank ONE Championship for the opportunity to compete for the ONE World Title once again. This is not about age, this is about passion. Martial arts is my life and I hold the utmost respect for anyone who has the courage to step inside that cage. I will bring even more courage into the cage this Friday. I respect Martin Nguyen for what he has done for our sport and it is an honor to face him. I will do my best and the best man will walk out of the cage with the title.”

Saruta, Chatri, Pacio

Yosuke Saruta, ONE Strawweight World Champion, stated: “Coming to the Philippines and representing Japan and the Japanese culture, it is such a huge honor for me. I know Joshua Pacio has a lot of fans here, and I respect him as a martial artist. All I can say is that we will both bring our best into the cage this Friday night. It’s going to be an exciting fight, and I plan on getting my hand raised in the end as the victor. Thank you all for having me.”

Joshua Pacio, ONE World Title Challenger, stated: “I would like to thank ONE Championship for giving me another chance to fight for the title. I know the magnitude of this matchup and how important this rematch with Yosuke Saruta is. I wasn’t at my best in that first fight, so I want to go out there and prove that I can do much better. He’s a great fighter, and I have so much respect for him. But I have the hopes and dreams of an entire country on my shoulders, and I can’t let the fans down. I’m coming to regain the belt. It’s going to be a war this Friday.”

Ticket information for ONE: ROOTS OF HONOR is available at www.onefc.com.

ONE Championship is not about selling fights. It is about selling the values and story of the fighters in it's rosters. It is about givi...