Wednesday, May 22, 2024

Review of Dazzle Me Ink Mattes Lip Cream

As a busy mom, I need makeup that's easy to apply and lasts through the day. Let’s see if these lip creams from Dazzle Me are as awesome as they sound!


First Impressions

Packaging: These lip creams come in sleek tubes with a handy applicator, making application a breeze. Plus, they're cute enough to toss in my bag without any fuss.

Shades: Dazzle Me offers a bunch of shades, from soft nudes to bold reds. For this review, I tried out Peach-Ink Peachy Blush (P01), Lush-Ink Muted Sunset (005), and Joy Ink Dusty Red (R08).

What’s to Love?

These lip creams are packed with some good stuff for your lips:

  • Coconut Oil: Keeps your lips nourished and happy.
  • Carrageenan Extract: Locks in moisture and fights off those pesky free radicals.
  • 8D Sodium Hyaluronate: Fancy name, but it just means intense moisture for your lips.
  • Avocado Fruit Butter: Soothes your lips and keeps them hydrated.
  • Jojoba Seed Oil: Gives your lips some extra TLC.
  • And the best part? They're alcohol-free and cruelty-free. So you can pucker up guilt-free!


Application and Formula

  • Texture: These lip creams glide on like a dream. They're super lightweight, so you won't feel like you're wearing a ton of product.
  • Pigmentation: One swipe and bam! You've got vibrant color that lasts.
  • Drying Time: It takes a minute or so to set, but once it does, you've got a gorgeous matte finish without the dryness.


How to Use

  • 12H Comfy Matte: These lip creams promise a matte finish that won't leave your lips feeling like the Sahara.
  • One Swipe Full Coverage: Just one swipe for full-on color.
  • Kissproof and Waterproof: Perfect for those mom moments when you need your lipstick to stay put!
  • 4x Nourishing Boost: Thanks to all those fancy ingredients, your lips get a nourishing boost every time you wear it.

Wear Test

  • Longevity: These lip creams held up like champs! Even after a busy day of mom duties, they were still going strong.
  • Comfort: No dry, cracked lips here! These lip creams are comfy to wear all day long.
  • Touch-Up Friendly: When they did start to fade, a quick touch-up was all it took to look fresh again.

Final Thoughts

The Dazzle Me Ink Matte Lip Creams are definitely a win in my book. They offer gorgeous color, long-lasting wear, and they're comfy on the lips. Whether you’re chasing after the kids or enjoying a night out, these lip creams have got you covered.

So go ahead, give 'em a try! Your lips will thank you. 

Review of Pampanga Food Festival at The Manila Hotel’s Café Ilang-Ilang

It has been a crazy time in my life and whenever I feel that things are out of hand, I turn to food and so when I received the invitation to review the Pampanga Food Festival at The Manila Hotel's Cafe Ilang-Ilang, I immediately said yes. 


I have never had the chance to really try Pampanga cuisine. I've always been curious because a lot of people have said that it's one of the best. 

The Manila Hotel’s Café Ilang-Ilang promises vibrant flavors that will take patrons to the culinary capital of the Philippines in just one bite with its Pampanga Food Festival. From May 16 to 31, 2024, Café Ilang-Ilang will showcase a selection of Kapampangan delicacies. Spearheaded by Executive Chef Konrad Walter, the culinary team will showcase both traditional and exotic dishes from the culinary capital of the Philippines. 


Diners can expect to indulge in an array of well-known Kapampangan dishes encompassing traditional favorites like Kalderetang Bibe, Ningnangang Hito at Dalag (grilled catfish and freshwater eel), Kapampangan Bringhe (Filipino style paella cooked in coconut milk), Tidtad Babi (Kapampangan version of dinuguan) with puto, Suam Mais, Sipo Egg, Saleng Manuk, Lengua, and the classic Sisig.



Other delectable dishes include Pako Salad (fern salad), Pizza with Sisig, Aligue Pasta (seafood pasta in crabfat sauce), sweets like Tibok Tibok (made from fresh carabao’s milk topped with latik), Kalame Duman (sticky rice cake), Sans Rival, Sasmuan Polvoron, Barquillas, Cashew Mazapan, Panecillos Cookies and Turrones de Casuy. 


Overall, I found the Pampanga Food Festival fascinating. My personal favorite was the adobong balut which was really tasty. It didn't have the chick inside so I really liked that aspect of the dish. 

Next was the sisig which was different from the usual sisig that I have had. If it wasn't too spicy for my taste, I would have eaten more. Overall, I'm glad that I gave this a try. It was definitely worth the experience. 

These dishes are part of the rotating selection at Café Ilang-Ilang’s lunch and dinner buffet. Alongside these offerings, diners can still enjoy Café Ilang-Ilang’s popular favorites which include a variety of cuisines such as Japanese, Korean, and Italian, among others.

“This is The Manila Hotel’s way to enlighten our guests about diverse culinary tastes. Being the culinary capital of the Philippines, these Kapampangan dishes rightly take center stage at Café Ilang-Ilang,” said EJ Yap, The Manila Hotel’s assistant director of food and beverage.

For inquiries and reservations, please call +632 85270011 or +632 53015500, or email restaurantrsvn@themanilahotel.com

Wednesday, May 8, 2024

Ultimate Collector Series: the LEGO® Star Wars

As May approaches, excitement builds among Star Wars fans worldwide as they prepare to celebrate Star Wars Day. For LEGO Star Wars enthusiasts, this year promises a remarkable celebration as the iconic LEGO Star Wars™ franchise marks its 25th anniversary. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through a galaxy far, far away as the LEGO Group unveils new sets, exclusive freebies, and exciting discounts. And remember, may the 4th be with you!

Unveiling the Ultimate Collector Series: LEGO® Star Wars TIE Interceptor

Spark memories of classic Star Wars™ saga action with this LEGO® Star Wars Ultimate Collector Series buildable TIE Interceptor model. This meticulously crafted set reintroduces the beloved TIE Interceptor with meticulous attention to detail. Boasting intricate wings, a detailed cockpit interior, laser cannons, and a rear engine, this 1,931-piece set exemplifies the artistry of LEGO designers. Available starting May 1, this set also includes a display stand with an information plaque, a commemorative LEGO Star Wars 25th anniversary brick, and space for the included TIE Pilot LEGO Minifigure and LEGO mouse droid figure.

Celebrating 25 Years of LEGO Star Wars

Fans are also invited to be part of the 25th year anniversary celebration at Shangri-La Plaza Mall Grand Atrium main atrium on May 4 at 3 pm.

Prepare for an epic lightsaber showdown by the FightSaber Philippines Exhibition, where you will see skilled Jedi in action. Don't miss the chance to strike a pose at the LEGO Star Wars Mosaic, featuring the Darth Vader Throne – the iconic backdrop for stellar photos.

Meanwhile, young builders ages 4 to 14 can showcase their creativity in the LEGO Star Wars - My Own Creation challenge, with a chance to bring home P3,000.00 worth of LEGO sets!

Shopping beyond the bricks

From May 1st to 11th, 2024, patrons can indulge in exclusive offers and Gift with Purchase promotions available only at the LEGO Certified Store (LCS) at Shangri-La Mall event:

Get a special keychain. Elevate your LEGO experience with a FREE Exclusive LEGO Star Wars 25 Years Keychain, available with a single-receipt purchase of P3,000.00 in any LEGO Star Wars sets. 

Unlock exclusive gifts. With a single-receipt purchase of P5,000.00, alongside any LEGO Star Wars set, receive a FREE Exclusive LEGO Star Wars 25 Years Keychain & LEGO Star Wars 25 Years Notebook, adding a touch of galactic flair to your collection!

Claim the ultimate prize. For those seeking the ultimate reward, a single-receipt purchase of P15,000.00 in LEGO sets paired with any LEGO Star Wars set, opens the doors to a treasure trove of goodies! You may enjoy a FREE Exclusive LEGO Star Wars 25 Years Keychain, LEGO Star Wars 25 Years Notebook, LEGO® 40686 Star Wars Trade Federation Troop Carrier & LEGO® 30680 AAT Polybag. But hurry! Only a limited number of stocks will be up for grabs during the period of the event!

But the excitement doesn't stop there! LEGO fans can also take advantage of additional promotions, including:


FREE LEGO® 40686 Star Wars Trade Federation Troop Carrier: Receive this exclusive set with a single-receipt purchase worth P10,000.00 with any LEGO STAR WARS set. Go to the nearest LEGO Certified Store near you and inquire more on how to avail this promo.

LEGO May the 4th Big Deals: Explore exciting purchase-with-purchase promotions, including discounts of 10% on the 2nd selected item and 20% on the 3rd selected item from a range of LEGO Star Wars sets. Available for select outgoing & discontinued LEGO Star Wars sets from May 1st to 11th, 2024.

This May, drop by the LEGO Certified Store (Alabang Town Center, BGC, TriNoma, Shangri-La Plaza, UP Town Center) nearest you! You may also visit all leading toy stores or shop online through official LEGO stores such as bankeebricks.ph, Lazada, and Shopee.

To learn more about the LEGO Group, check out lego.com

The LEGO Group’s mission is to inspire and develop the builders of tomorrow through the power of play. The LEGO System in Play, with its foundation in LEGO bricks, allows children and fans to build and rebuild anything they can imagine.

The LEGO Group was founded in Billund, Denmark in 1932 by Ole Kirk Kristiansen, its name derived from the two Danish words Leg Godt, which means “Play Well”. Today, the LEGO Group remains a family-owned company headquartered in Billund. Its products are now sold in more than 130 countries worldwide. For more information: www.LEGO.com

Customers can enjoy a 20% discount on selected LEGO Star Wars D2C sets from May 1 to 11:

Product Details

The LEGO® Star Wars™ TIE Interceptor™ building set

Product No.: 75382

Price: SRP 15,999.00


The LEGO® Star Wars™ Clone Trooper™ & Battle Droid™ Battle Pack

Product No.: 75372

Price: SRP 2,199.00


The LEGO® Star Wars™ Millennium Falcon

Product No.: 75375

Price: SRP 5,999.00


The LEGO® Star Wars™ Tantive IV

Product No.: 75376

Price: SRP 5,999.00


The LEGO® Star Wars™ Invisible Hand™

Product No.: 75377 – ECOM exclusive.

Price: SRP 3,999.00


The LEGO® Star Wars™ BARC Speeder™ Escape

Product No.: 75378

Price: 75380 – 2,299


LEGO® Star Wars™: R2-D2

Product No.: 75379

Price: SRP 7,299.00


The LEGO® Star Wars™ Mos Espa Podrace™ Diorama

Product No.: 75380

Price: SRP 5,999.00


The LEGO® Star Wars™ Droideka™

Product No.: 75381

Price: SRP 4,799.00


The LEGO® Star Wars™ Darth Maul's Sith Infiltrator™

Product No.: 75383 – ECOM exclusive.

Price: SRP 5,499.00


The LEGO® Star Wars™ The Crimson Firehawk™

Product No.: 75384

Price: SRP 3,999.00


LEGO® Star Wars™ Boarding theTantive IV

Product No.: 75387

Price: SRP 3,999.00