Ortigas Eats: Ajisen Ramen

Ajisen Ramen is a newly opened restaurant in Ortigas. Finally, another Japanese restaurant! I have been eyeing this place out even before, when it was only all tables and chairs. We tried it last week, since we were undecided on what to have for dinner that day and the weather is particularly chilly.

Christmas Hampers from Marks & Spencer

Feeling a little generous this Christmas? Here are some Christmas hampers from Marks & Spencer. I have to admit, these are relatively expensive baskets but I personally will be delighted to give (and receive!) any of these festive sets. I chanced upon their collection last weekend at their Eastwood branch and I cannot stop thinking about it ever since.

These gourmet holiday hampers are perfect for families who love to complete their festive gatherings with mouth-watering goodies.

Supreme Luxury, P4995 | © M & S

Everyday Essentials

Here are the products that I always need by my side every single day to survive. Okay, that was a little too dramatic, but seriously. I try my best to wake up early so that I can at least put on my sunblock, a lightweight foundation, a concealer for my dark under eye circles, a little blush, and some lip color before I rush to work. All the other products I apply little by little as the day progresses. There are some days that I go out with my face completely done but those events are rare nowadays.

2015 Best Ramen in Manila | by a Japanese Reviewer

It was around two years ago that Manila experienced a ramen outbreak and everyone just can't get enough of it. No matter how long the line is or how far the restaurant is, a true ramen lover endures it all. It was always a question on which one is the best. Which one tastes the most authentic, I think it would be more reliable if the best ramen list came from someone who has had authentic ramen most of his life - a Japanese. Let's take a look at the list of Best Ramen in Manila according to Mr. Gaku Nakamura, a self-styled Japanese Ramen consultant. Last year, Ramen Nagi made it to the top of his list. 

#5 Mendokoro Ramenba

MUST TRY: Shoyu Tonkatsu

Gaku says: “Mendokoro has tonkotsu-based ramen with chashu. The restaurant looks just like a Japanese-style kitchen and it reminds me of a good ramen restaurant in Japan, Afuri. The taste of the broth and chasu is very nice.”

Tarte Bling It On Blush Palette | Review & Swatches

At last! After months of contemplating, I finally decided to get a Tarte Bling It On Amazonian Clay blush palette. I bought this as a gift from me to me. I have been lurking around online stores for almost a year and it has been a vicious cycle of looking at Tarte blush palettes, asking for the price, then resisting the urge to buy afterwards. It went like that for almost a year.

Little Lights: MMFF Animation Category Finalist

I stumbled upon Little Lights, a finalist for MMFF animation category. It is a story about a firefly named Charlie, born with a lack of light, and his journey in finding his place in the firefly community. Created with a showcase of unique visual and musical artistry, this movie illustrates how Charlie was able to fight his fear of darkness and keep a strong mind despite his physical limitations. The movie aims to serve as an inspiration for us to discover our own lights and to overcome our fears to share it.

PETrified at Eastwood: Akira's First Halloween Party

How was everybody's Halloween? Mine has been full of furry balls of sunshine and paw-someness!

Typo BGC - Quirky Finds

Typo is an Australian brand under Cotton On, which in the Philippines is owned by the Bench Group.

Since Christmas is just around the corner, this is a perfect place to shop for gifts especially if you are feeling a little generous. This is perfect for your friends who like interesting and unexpected finds. I think October and November are the best months to shop to avoid the congestion, traffic-wise and crowd-wise.

Product Feature: VMV Hypoallergenics Lipsticks

It has been a bit quiet lately here on my blog but I am here again! 

I recently purchased two lipsticks from VMV hypoallergenics. I am having a hard time looking for a lipstick shade which is close to my natural lip color. I know, you might be thinking that finding a lip color which resembles your natural lips defies the sole purpose of a lipstick. But I just want something to enhance my lip color, making them look healthier and more polished. 

I have not tried VMV but I have heard good reviews about this brand. It being hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, paraben-free, non-comedogenic, are some of the benefits which sound absolutely appealing to me. The product claims to be:

• Validated hypoallergenic
• 100% Dye-Free.
• 100% Free of Irritating Waxes (including Beeswax and its cross-reactors), Phthalates, Parabens + Preservatives.
• 100% Free of All-Types-Of-Fragrance.
• Non-Comedogenic, Non-Drying. Non-Darkening. Usage + Patch-Tested

These are all good news!

I bought two shades: 

1. Beet Sugar - subtle shine finish
2. Saloon - velvet matte finish

Packaging looks simple and sleek

Beauty Bar Mini Haul

It has been a long hot month of May! Seriously, it gets hotter every year. I live in Pasig and I constantly need to travel all over the city. The pollution and heat is all too much for the skin to handle. That's why summer means longer and more frequent showers for me - if I could just stay inside the shower all day long.

I have always been a fan of body wash and shower gels because I find them more moisturizing than ordinary soap. I often tend to purchase based on the smell. I gravitate towards fruity, particularly citrus or berry, scents more than floral ones. After checking Beauty Bar's online store, I got curious about these shower and after-shower products.

Potter & Moore Creightons Raspberry & Pomegranate Bath & Shower

Potter & Moore Creightons Raspberry & Pomegranate Bath & Shower (P275.00)

Our Little Ball of Sunshine

This is Akira, our 1 year old Shih Tzu! She just had a haircut last week and is feeling pretty and happy about it. We went for a very short cut sparing her tail and ears, so it appears that she has a little bob haircut going on.

We went to Eastwood and had our little photo shoot. Eastwood has a pet-friendly park where dog parents take their babies for a stroll.

'What was that?!'

A Little Reminder

Live an intense life.

Sharing this quote to all of you! This is to remind us, including myself, to live life to the fullest, create and do everything with passion.

I will admit that most of the time I find myself falling into a rut which is difficult to get out of. There are times when I don't know exactly what I want to do with my life. Life passes by and a lot of things kept me busy from realizing it. When this happens, I think it is very important to go back to your core - your hungers and yearnings. The question is "What drives you?" These are the things which fuel us everyday and make us closer to our goals. For some, it's music, for others, it's sports, art and creativity, writing, helping others, I could go on and on. Spend some time alone and go back to what you are passionate about. You will be surprised with the amount of energy you'll earn by doing so.

New Laptop from YouPoundIT

I must say, I will give YouPoundIT 5 stars for product leadership, customer service, and product affordability. I have never been this satisfied with an online shop before and you know me guys, I am a rant machine.

Weekend Haul | The Body Shop

One of my resolutions this year is to upgrade my skin regimen, or create one actually. When I was in Highschool, I religiously was able to cleanse, tone, and moisturize every single day. Ironically, this routine disappeared as I grew older. I then realized that I'm not getting any younger and it is very important to take care of my skin. I know it won't be easy and it will require commitment and effort.

Cravings | Froyo at Pinkberry

Sometimes you just have to get out and satisfy that sweet tooth! Yogurts have always been one of my staples at our fridge. I can eat them for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, no problem. That particular day I was craving for froyo and my feet brought me to Pinkberry.