Life is Kulayful ... : July 2019

Monday, July 29, 2019

Selfie Museum at Vista Mall Las Pinas

First of all, it's not really a museum. Let's just get that part out of the way. Rather, it's a small nook that they maximized and utilized (very smart move if I may say so) by turning it into an instagrammable nook.

For anyone visiting Vista Mall Las Pinas, just present a receipt for that day worth PHp300 and you can already go in and enjoy the really cute instagram pods available inside.

Is it worth a visit? Have a look at my photos taken by M below.

This is the light room. I loved it because it gives a soft glow which makes you appear ethereal.

This one reminds me a bit of high fashion. The lights, the words, and the "jungle" feels just make everything feel like you're in a fashion shoot.

This instagram pod reminds me of techno beats and rave parties. Though I am not a rave party girl, it's nice to be able to have this kind of photo.

As for this one, it's cute as cotton candy so it's just absolutely perfect.

This one is all about heaven. I loved it because it makes you feel like you're up in the clouds.

Make sure to drop by the Selfie Museum at Vista Mall if you're in the area and take those IG worthy shots.

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Borderless by Indrajeet Dasgupta

I chanced upon Borderless by Indrajeet Dasgupta when a fellow blogger showed me an excerpt of his poem titled Power.

Power

Once upon a time, your muscles defined power,
Then came the plants and machines, and then the cellphone tower.
Now, in the age of information, your muscles don't mean a thing,
The farmers now tend data farms, for data is the new king.

If you know a thing about others, you can sure leverage,
Think of knowing nations together, privacy no more a privilege.
So the powerful now are the ones that know both you and me,
More than our deepest friends and they admit that with glee!

Knowing my secrets makes you powerful, so be it, my social friend,
May my powers be joined with you, till the very end.
For the real power is in joining ranks, dreams and shared vision,
Heed this, not a preach, the world needs our unison.

I read this and I felt an instant connection to the author. It felt like he spoke the words that I have been thinking but holding back from posting out of fear that people wouldn't understand. Indrajeet Dasgupta was able to convey his message clearly and with so few words used.

In the old days, it was all about hard work. If you do hard work, you will reap what you sow and you will have power over your life and destiny. People who worked hard yielded good results and lived the life they wanted. It was all so simple then. You work, you live a good life.

Alas, progress came.

With the onset of the internet and everything being mined by Big Data as well as the Internet of Things, it's no longer what you do but what you know about who you know. Privacy is no longer a thing and everyone freely shares information to others, even things that should be kept to themselves not realizing that they are giving potential enemies the very ammunition they need protection from.

This is the reason why the world is where it is right now; in a state of chaos and unrest. Countries that are at each others throat instead of helping each other out. People looking for what's in it for them instead of what they can do for others. The mindset that it's all about ME, ME, ME, and only ME.

Thankfully, there is still hope as long as there will be another tomorrow. If and when people realize that real power is in joining ranks, dreams and shared vision, the world can become a better place. When people finally acknowledges once more that UNITED WE STAND, DIVIDED WE FALL is not just a quote but a reality, we will be able to turn things around.

When this becomes a reality, only then will we truly have POWER.

Sarangani Bay Prime Bangus

The Philippines is an archipelago. This means that we are surrounded by bodies of water that constantly supply us with fish and other seafood.

Sarangani is a province in the Philippines located in the Soccsksargen region. Its capital is Alabel. With a 230-kilometre (140 mi) coastline along the Sarangani Bay and Celebes Sea, the province is at the southernmost tip of Mindanao island, and borders South Cotabato and Davao del Sur to the north, Davao Occidental to the east, and the Celebes Sea to the south.

Sarangani is divided into two sections, separated by the Sarangani Bay and General Santos City, and it used to be part of South Cotabato until it was made an independent province in 1992. This is where the Sarangani Bay Prime Bangus comes from.

My Mom and M loves bangus. They loved it fried and paired with either soup on the side or itlog na maalat and tomato. This is my personal preference too.

We were able to get our hands on three types of premium bangus. Smoked, marinated, and milkfish belly.

My Mom loved the marinated milkfish while I loved the boneless milkfish belly. My Mom felt that the marinated one was tastier while I loved the belly part of the bonesless milkfish.

M on the other hand was a fan of the smoked milkfish but would have eaten everything on sight if he could. Bangus, aka milkfish, is really one of his favorites so I'm happy that I can just literally order from Sarangani Bay Prime Bangus and then fry it. For someone like me who's just average in the kitchen, this is a big help.

There are other ways of cooking this of course and one of them is to stew this in oyster sauce and put black beans. Healthy yet delicious and different.

Milkfish is low in Sodium. It is also a good source of Vitamin B6, Phosphorus and Selenium, and a very good source of Protein, Niacin and Vitamin B12.

You can also cook this with teriyaki sauce and partner it with rice topped with Nori. You automatically get Japanese cuisine with a local fish.

Any way you want to eat your milkfish, Sarangani Bay Premium Bangus has your back.

As the country’s largest exporter of bangus and other seafood, Sarangani Bay meets strict international food safety standards. They are a trusted brand that is US FDA and EU certified and meets strict international food safety standards and regulations.

Make no bones about it, their name means a lot: Sarangani Bay represents experience, quality, and reliability. To order, click here.

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Sunday, July 28, 2019

National Lipstick Day 2019

I have been a big fan of lipstick for quite some time but it is only now that I am finally participating in National Lipstick Day. Funny though because last year, I owned 300+ lippies and now, I have less than 40 left.

I de-cluttered and gave away a lot that I wasn't using, have not used, or even opened. I just kept the ones I really wanted but choosing the ones I wanted to post as my top, I realized that I can still do away with about 20 more because these are the ones that really spoke to me.

The Fenty Beauty lip bomb are on top of the list. With or without lipstick, this adds color to my face and makes me feel good about myself. It's also not too sticky and just gives the right pizzaz to your face.

Save for the NARS lip gloss, the rest are in all different shades of hot red. These are my go to when I need to glam up and be ready to dazzle. Pigmentation on all are on point. Givenchy, Shiseido, Inglot, and MAC did not scrimp at all when it comes to their lippies so buying them is always an investment. Price ranges from Php1200 and up.

These ones are my daily wear. Ranging from Php300 - Php1000, these lippies are definitely bang for buck. Benefit, Laneige, Maybelline, L'Oreal, Max Factor, and Avon .... there's always a variety of shades ranging from nude to coral to pink to fire engine red. If you need something that you can wear daily and not break the bank, these would be my recommendation.

What's your favorite lipstick or lippie shade?

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Friday, July 26, 2019

5 things I learned about this Pregnancy

A pregnancy is different each time. I know this. After all, this is a fact.

I just thought that mine would be different in a small way from the first one.

Boy was I wrong.

When I was pregnant with B, I was only 24 going on 25. Young, fairly healthy, and innocent. I was more fearless. I didn't really worry much about the baby. I ate what I wanted and B wanted a few things and most were doable.

I slept easily. I ate almost anything. Save for a mishap, it was fairly an easy pregnancy till labor day came along.

This current pregnancy is very EVENTFUL.

Lesson 1: Simply because you like something does not mean you will like it while pregnant.

I love shrimp but there were a couple of weeks that I absolutely hated it. I couldn't look at it, much less eat it. I don't know why. I just didn't like it.

Lesson 2: Your taste buds are messed up AF.

M created a quasi salad of mango and watermelon with condensada drip upon my request. For me, it was SO DELICIOUS. I really enjoyed it. When my sister and B tried it though, they both said it was yucky. Apparently, my taste buds have a mind of it's own.

Lesson 3: Things can change in an instant.

Sometimes I sleep like a baby at night, sometimes, I'll be up the whole night. Sometimes, I like M and sometimes I hate him. Sometimes, I'd eat a lot and other times, I found myself starving for 2 days.

It's INSANE.

Lesson 4: Your shoe size will grow ... AGAIN.

I used to be a size 9. When I gave birth to B, I became a size 10. Now, I'm an 11. Sigh.

Lesson 5: Family matters.

My first pregnancy, I was basically on my own. B's Dad was there but my family wasn't. When we moved to Cebu, I had my relatives but it's still different when you have your own family to back you up and check on you.

I feel so lucky that this time around, my entire family is here and M's entire family has our back.

I still have 6+ months to go so I'm pretty sure that I will be learning more things. This has been quite a journey so far, one that continues to surprise me on a daily basis. I look forward to learning more and to being surprised again and again.

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Aladdin the Musical in Singapore (Review and Information)

I can show you the world
Shining, shimmering, splendid
Tell me Princess
Now when did you last let your heart decide.

At last night's gala night of Aladdin the Musical in Sands Theater, these lines definitely delivered on their promise of a shining, shimmering, splendid performance set to impress and take everyone's breath away.

Everything from the props, set design, musical scores, execution, and lighting, almost nothing went amiss. The Genie and Aladdin stood out the most in terms of performance though the flying carpet scene was truly mesmerizing because try as we may, we could not see the ropes that made it fly across the stage.

Aladdin the Musical is definitely worth every dollar you spend on it. It's a 2 hour spectacle that will take you into a whole new world (pun intended) and make you believe in magic once more.

The Broadway sensation Aladdin is now playing at Sands Theatre at Marina Bay Sands until September 1 to a limited season of only 50 performances.Singapore is the first and only Asian stop for this English-language production.

Tickets are available from $68* and a matinee performance has been added to celebrate National Day on August 9*.

Based on the Academy Award®-winning animated film, Aladdin made its world premiere to critical acclaim at Broadway’s New Amsterdam Theater on March 20th, 2014.

It quickly established itself as one of the biggest new blockbusters in recent years, breaking 14 New Amsterdam Theater house records and welcoming close to 10 million people worldwide.

Curtain Call

This spectacular production boasts a cast of 34 and a staggering 337 glittering costumes, which feature 1,225 different fabrics, 712 different styles of beads and almost 500,000 Swarovski crystals. 40 tonnes of exotic flying scenery and 60 tonnes of automation and staging has been transferred to Singapore in more than 30, 40’ sea containers to recreate the fantasy city of Agrabah including the colorful marketplace, the lush palace of the Sultan and his princess daughter Jasmine and the legendary Cave of Wonders.

The principal cast features Gareth Jacobs as Genie, Graeme Isaako as Aladdin, Shubshri Kandiah as Jasmine, Patrick R Brown as Jafar, Doron Chester as Iago, Darren Yap as the Sultan, Rob Mallett as Kassim, Troy Sussman as Babkak and Adam Di Martino as Omar.

Buy four or more tickets and save 10 per cent* when purchasing via Marina Bay Sands ticketing and SISTIC. Tickets are selling fast so make sure you grab yours ASAP because this is one musical you can't afford to miss.


The Wedding Kiss

Twins

Tuesday, July 23, 2019

8th Grade

My son is now in 8th Grade. For the last 11 years of his life, I have been able to raise him (along with my Mom and family) but when it comes to financial, I am very proud to say that it has been purely me, myself, and I.

Today, he officially starts 8th Grade and try as I may, I don't know how I was able to send him to school in the last 9 years. Whew.

9 years.

2018

2019

My son is all grown up now. He barely poses for photos now which is a little sad but I'm still able to wield my Mommy powers so he does sit for a few photos.

2018

2019

I am so proud of what this young man is becoming. He is a kind and happy child. He is wonderful though sometimes naughty which I think is normal. He's into KPOP, diamond painting, and reading.

I am grateful to be his MOM and he will always be one of God's best blessing to me.

Soon, he won't pose for photos anymore especially when he's in college which will be in 4 years. Time really does fly.

2014

Monday, July 22, 2019

the first trimester

Yep, you read that title right. I'm currently on my first trimester, a pregnancy that I never thought would ever happen. After all, I've never been a fan of babies and my patience for them is not the longest in the world.

My son is also now 14.

Don't get me wrong.

I love my son. I would die for him. I would do anything for him. It's just that babies are not my strongest suit. Never has been, don't think it ever will be.

The first month, I felt nothing.

The second month, I knew that there was something. I knew my body and I knew that something was off. I thought I could handle this pregnancy with grace because my first one was pretty smooth sailing (or that's just what my mind wants me to remember.)

However, this pregnancy has thrown me off my game.

The 2nd month saw me becoming VERY LAZY. I mean, really lazy. I would have days that I just want to stay in bed and do nothing. I have days where I'd prep to shoot a video and my mind just won't work. I have days where I'm getting ready to go out and then I'd get hit with a bout of nausea and laziness and I can't force myself to go out.

The good thing was I kept drinking ANMUM. I'd drink 3 big glasses a day without any problem at all. I also took my Folic Acid seriously and drank my vitamins. I've also been able to sleep before 12 midnight though for the 6th - 8th week, I would constantly wake up to pee. This part was a nightmare.

This was also the month that a baby bump appeared out of nowhere. Maybe because I'm fat so it showed more easily? Maybe because we didn't keep it a secret? I don't really know but I already have a small baby bump.

The onset of the third month was very challenging. I experienced a couple of days where I didn't want to eat anything even though I was very hungry. I also had days where I didn't like how my Mom smelled. I had days where I was just irrationally angry at certain people. It was exhausting.

Today marks the 10th week and for the first time in a long while, I feel a little bit like myself. Hopefully this continues so that I can start delivering on projects that have been pending on my end.

Am I excited? Of course. I am also apprehensive because I am a little old now. I hope you all pray for the safe delivery of my baby and my baby's health, that the baby may be born normal, healthy, and strong.

God threw my life a plot twist and I can't wait to see how this twist plays out.

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Sunday, July 21, 2019

a giant little break at Starbucks

Take a giant little break at Starbucks

Sometimes even the simplest things like enjoying your favorite cup of coffee can feel like a big win when we feel overwhelmed with the assignments, deadlines, meetings, and overall the daily grind. Making one last splash before the summer ends, Starbucks is serving beverages that will surely make you want to take that much-needed, feel-good break.

Available for a limited time starting July 23 are two dreamy and creamy delights – the Double Ristretto Blended Cream and the White Chocolate Matcha Cream. A coffee-forward beverage, the Double Ristretto Blended Cream is made with two ristretto (restricted in Italian) espresso shots poured over a rich and creamy ice blend which results in a smoother, stronger Coffee Frappuccino® while the White Chocolate Matcha Cream is crafted with the same smooth and creamy ice blend but with an aromatic dusting of pure Matcha powder.

For coffee-lovers looking for a bold taste yet sweet beverage, Starbucks introduces the White Mocha Coffee Sphere Frappuccino® blended with sweet and creamy white chocolate sauce. In between its layers are spheres bursting with intense and bold flavors of Starbucks Brazilian Coffee, and on top, the drink is finished with a dollop of their signature whipped cream.

Starbucks is also giving you more reasons to take a break by offering a new zesty and fruity tea drink that captures the flavors of summer. The Frozen Mango Hibiscus Tea with Pomegranate Pearls combines refreshing mango puree, citrus mint green tea, and a splash of hibiscus tea creating a beautiful marble-like cascade. With each sip, customers can enjoy an extra zing with its jewel-like pearls that burst with pomegranate juice.

For a drink as brightly-hued as the Frozen Mango Hibiscus Tea, Starbucks is also offering equally colorful reusable cups to match. Exclusive only to the Philippines, customers can purchase the new Colored Reusable Cold Cups in shades of pastel pink, purple, blue, and orange with its own Starbucks green straw for only P100.

A perfect complement to colorful drinks and kaleidoscopic cups is the new Frui-Tea Cold Cup Card with colorful illustrations of different fruits in the form of a Starbucks cup. The card will be available for an initial activation amount of P1,000 per card.

Available in all stores starting July 23, 2019.

Enjoy the final days of summer by taking a giant little break at Starbucks!

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Wednesday, July 17, 2019

5 Things to Remember during Sign Ups

One thing I noticed about bloggers is that for someone who writes for a living, a lot of them seem to NOT READ which is really disappointing. You'd think that for people who write for a living, they would actually know the value of reading because that's what we aim for at the end of the day right?

Someone to actually read what we have written.

So I decided to write about the 5 things that people need to remember when they sign up for anything.

1. READ the INSTRUCTIONS.

When you sign up for something, the rules and requirements will always be different. You can't assume that everything will be the same and just have a template ready to post. Nope, it doesn't work that way.

2. CHECK if you actually QUALIFY.

I've seen this happen so many times. Non-beauty bloggers signing up for beauty events. Single women with no kids or even nephews or nieces signing up for Mommy events. Vegetarians signing up for a steak review and the list just goes on.

3. ENSURE you can DELIVER

So many bloggers sign up and when they get in, back out, or worse, just ghost you. This is really frustrating and it makes people question your integrity as a person. Did you just want the feeling of being chosen? Did something better come up? Did the request overwhelm you? Did you die and truly become a ghost?

We deserve an explanation!

4. ANSWER Right

When you actually list down your credentials, please make sure all pertinent details are in there. This is a no brainer.

5. Thank you, NEXT!

If you didn't make the cut, be gracious. Don't message the person demanding for an explanation as to why. If you really wanna know, you can send a nice inquiry asking what you need to improve on so you can do better next time. If you don't receive a response though, simply move on. Not everything is meant for you.

I hope this helps and if you wanna better yourself as a blogger, feel free to read 8 blogging tips, 5 Ways to Syndicate, Content Creation, How to Get People to Stay on your Site, and 5 Things to Remember for Event Invites.

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Tuesday, July 16, 2019

Yellow Cab Serves Pizza by the Slices

YES you READ that RIGHT!

You can now buy yellow cab pizza by the slices so even if you are by yourself or just want to be on your own, you don't need to worry about having to buy an entire pizza when you visit Yellow Cab.

Introducing their New York Famous XL Slice, this is perfect for folks looking for a quick, hot, flavorful, and hefty meal to get through the day. You can choose between Margherita, Cheese, Hawaiian, and Pepperoni.

I'm definitely going for Hawaiian and so will B but M will most likely go for Cheese.

The XL Pizza Slice will be available for Php109 and can be availed in select Metro Manila stores for dine in.

Luckily, I got these little guys so I can go ahead and give it a try this week!

Monday, July 15, 2019

Crimson's 100 Cookie Project

Crimson Hotel Filinvest City, Manila honors the international celebration of the most delicious day of the year for chocoholics with month-long choco-filled feasts.

On July 7, a chocolate-coated Café Eight will feature a Sunday Brunch Buffet that is filled with all things cacao. Celebrate World Chocolate Day with a decadent culinary concoction of savory dishes including White Chocolate Baba Ghanoush, Cocoa Rubbed BBQ Pork Ribs, sinful desserts and more. Executive Pastry Chef Benjamin Bourgeois will also hold a free chocolate clay class for kids. Diners will get to take home free Auro Chocolates. The brunch buffet will be open to diners from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm with a rate of P1,918++ (inclusive of unlimited drinks) per person.

Meanwhile, the Lobby Lounge welcomes all kinds of cookie cravings as they bring guests a collection of 100 cookie creations from July 12-21. Dubbed as the 100 Cookie Project, cookie lovers are expected to give in to temptation with at least 100 cookie favorites such as Dark Choco Chip, Matcha White Choco, Salted Caramel, Tablea, Truffle Honey, Gooey Nutella, Smore, Gluten Free Milk Choco Chip, Coffee Walnut, Peanut Butter, and so much more.

If you both love chocolates and afternoon tea – you’re in for a treat. The Lobby Lounge’s dreamy Chocolate Afternoon Tea includes a savory section of Chocolate Salmon Gravlax Sandwich, Mole Poblano Wrap, and Roasted Beef with Chocolate Sauce Pie. Dig into sweet treats such as Dark Chocolate and Tonka Beans Flexi Ganache, White Chocolate Strawberry and Basil Tartelette, and other divine desserts. This succulent afternoon tea is available for the whole month of July from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

My 4 personal favorite are the following:

Just right in time for the rainy season, warm up with hot chocolate or chocolate drink the Lobby Lounge. Then pair it with the hotel’s best-selling ensaymada.

Crimson Hotel Filinvest City’s sensational chocolate loaded food and beverage promotions are made with luscious ingredients from Auro Chocolate. Auro Chocolate is a proudly Filipino, bean-to-bar chocolate company that sustainably sources cocoa beans directly from local farming communities in Davao while doing their part to restore the Philippines’ heirloom varieties.

For more information or for dining reservations, please call 863-2222 or 998 595 3769 or email dining@crimsonhotel.com.