Valentines in Style: Greenbelt Treats & Flicks!

Let's call this a quick dry-run of how to spend Valentines at Greenbelt :) Over the weekend, my partner and I had the agenda to dine and watch a movie here. The sun was scorching so we headed first at Greenbelt 5 and found ourselves inside Pinkberry.



Pinkberry is just the perfect place to catch your breath after a long afternoon drive. It sets a healthy and fruity mood for the day with their frozen yogurt treats. Plus, the atmosphere in Greenbelt is always quiet relaxing with the sparse crowd and greenery.

We love Pinkberry so we ordered a take away tub (but enjoyed it in). With a take away tub, you can have two flavors - perfect for opposite duos.



You can also choose from fresh toppings like kiwi, mangoes, and even mochi balls.



Here's ours, original tart and green tea. We failed to finish it in one sitting so the take away insulated bag came very handy.



I figured it will go really well with some Tofu chips from Chimara. I love the white cheddar tofu chips! Actually, I was more excited about it than the movie. I get the big bag for P270 - ahh the price you pay for being healthy.



And after gathering mouth stuffings, it's time to pick a flick. We compromised to watch Journey 2 which was the second installment for Journey to the Center of the Earth. Adventurous and light-hearted watch. Perfect with my light healthy snacks!



It's always nice and comfy to watch in Greenbelt, just the right place for a casual date. Especially with the myriad of diners to choose from.

Ayala Cinemas also had this fun and free photo booth. Get your photos taken and printed on a ref magnet for free after your movie. Have fun with funny hats too!

And that concluded our afternoon early Valentine weekend in Greenbelt. We trooped to SM Mall of Asia after and that's coming up next :)

Beauty: There can be Miracles - Looking 10 years younger with Pond's

Whenever I hear the word "miracle" I think of the parting of the dead sea and hear Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston sing When You Believe. Then a week before I turn another year older, I heard someone say I can look 10 years younger. And the TV started to prophesize about it too.



I'm talking about Pond's Age Miracle which is not a really new product. In fact, I have not really paid attention until they started talking hardcore science during its re-launch. Some interesting keywords - stem cell regeneration and bio actives. Two words that landed three Pond's Age Miracle products on my beauty counter.

Pond's Age Miracle cleansing foam, day cream, and night cream.

Let me dive in straight to a quick review upon two days of usage. The cleansing foam is a grown-up version of the Pond's we are used to since high school. The scent, the texture, and the ingredients are sophisticated. The lather it forms is not as rich and bubbly, so instead of rubbing the product between your hands prior application - you're better off dotting your face with the product and work it from there. The after wash feel is not tight, skin feels quiet moisturized (like invisibly), and the scent lingers for hours. A treat if you ask me, in case someone gets close ;)

Next up, the Pond's Age Miracle Day Cream is a lighter version of the night cream. I find it is quick to be absorbed and has fantastic optics as if you are wearing light liquid foundation at home. You'll want to keep using it. Already, your face feels younger because of the product's texture - did I mention you'll want to keep using it? Though I find that because my skin is on the oily side, some products remain unabsorbed so what I do is to wipe my face after a few hours just to protect it from oiliness and possible clogs.

Last but not the least, Pond's Age Miracle Day Cream. It's not the best for oily skin but after using the two products I just couldn't help but dip my finger in it. I did wake up with a more supple look to my face but remember to just put on enough of it to avoid greasiness if your skin is like mine. I had a couple of emerging bumps that I believe was tamed by all three products and I may be only imagining this but I think impurities are significantly reduced.

I think it is about time that I believe in Miracles. I can't wait to look and feel 10 years younger on my birthday!

Do you use this product? Share your sentiments about it!

Spark-Filled Valentine at Marriott Hotel Manila

Girls and boys, I present to you another luxurious option for your Valentines day celebration. This time, it's form Marriott Hotel Manila.



Have a happy Valentine’s stay no less than at Marriott Manila. Avail the room package from February 13 to 15 for only P12, 500 which includes buffet breakfast for two and with tickets to the Seasons of Love or Love Valentine concert at the Newport Performing Arts Theater of the adjacent Newport Mall.

The Marriott will also have a romantic dinner buffet on February 13-14 featuring their chocolate room and exemplary international gourmet selection.

You can also consider is visiting Quan Spa located at the second floor, to get pampered together the way you deserve it as this month highlights a refreshing combo of aroma salt scrub and aroma fusion massage for two, affordably priced at P6,750 net.

Read other blog posts about The Marriott Hotel Manila

Valentines in Style: The Peninsula Manila

I've been spying nice hotels around the metro for sweet Valentines deals and so far, the most promising in terms of accommodation package comes from The Peninsula Manila.



Celebrate that special day of the year in style at The Peninsula Manila.

Indulge in romance and love with the "Key to Your Heart" room package from February 3 to 19. Rates start from PHP8,500* for a Deluxe Room, which includes: Buffet Breakfast at Escolta, Afternoon Tea at The Lobby, "Ning Sling" cocktail in Salon de Ning, 20% off on the weekend "Barbie by The Pool", preferred seating at The Lobby's Valentine Dinner Buffet and more (*subject to 10% service charge and applicable government taxes).

I also took note of their baking class this coming Sunday, for dads and kiddos so they can bake mommy dearest a cake.



MOMMY, BE MY VALENTINE!

Join our Executive Pastry Chef Sebastien Coquery and his team as they teach Daddy and his kids how to decorate a two-layer heart-shaped Red Velvet Cake that they will take home to Mommy for Valentine's Day. The Cake Decorating Class comes with a merienda. PHP1,600* for a group of three (one adult and two children under 12), PHP400* for every additional participant (*subject to 10% service charge and prevailing government taxes).

Highly recommend that you book a room on Saturday and checkout in time for the baking class. I've never stayed in the Peninsula yet and right now, I am contemplating long and hard while guessing they should be probably fully booked by now. Or aren't they? Oh dear!

Valentines: Box of 9 and other goodies from Max's Restaurant

I will sleep really well tonight because of this! My partner came home bearing sweets from Max's Restaurant and so far, I've indulged in the heart-shaped chocolate ganache with cherry. I heard it's just P199 and it is such a beauty! :)

The pastry bites look so great I asked if we're celebrating V day so early (and that will be such a bummer!). But then again, it was just a really special pasalubong from Max's - not only for me but our 1 y.o. boy who played with the heart-shaped cookies and broke them!

Check out other Valentines goodies here

Event: Yoga in the Wild Book Launch | Feb. 13 @ Fully Booked BHS

Learn about the adventurous yet healthy and healing lifestyle that yoga brings. Strictly RSVP. The book’s proceeds are going to Roots of Health, an organization that advocates to improve the reproductive health and overall well-being of women and girls, and to decrease malnutrition in babies and young children within community groups in Palawan.

Sunday Brunch at The Marriott - Reinvented with Cru and a Chocolate Room!

How do you feel about a glass of Martini for brunch? Shocking! But that's how the new Sunday Brunch at The Marriott Hotel Manila becomes an interesting buffet brunch. M Cafe has piled up the selection with steaks and foie gras from CRU - The Marriott's signature steakhouse opens it's elusive doors to brunch diners every Sunday.



At Php 2,000 you can enjoy 14 food stations managed by over 30 chefs on the dining stage. That includes dear pastry chef responsible for the "secret" chocolate room which makes this brunch buffet a must this Valentine month.



You guessed it, I've tried and "tasted" this special buffet that happens every Sunday. Executive Chef Meik Brammer personally toured us around - I've been to The Marriott several times and have grown very familiar with this guy.

Let me present these photos from the chocolate room.



A chocolate tree bearing macarons as fruits.



A human chocolate chef - as in, she is alive.



A centrale chocolate fountain to dip fresh fruits in. Dragon fruit, papaya, kiwi, grapes, etc.



Oh sweet valentine cakes





Cakes, cookies, and more chocolates.



Hansel & Gretel will be jealous - Chocolate blocks & pieces on a chocolate table



Ahh the amount of chocolates is at the risk of being more intoxicating than the Bloody Mary! Their buffet includes drinks so I ordered for a cup of Green Tea to go with my sweets.



US ribeye begging for some gravy action

Get ready now carnivores as I present photos of steak, foie gras, fish, and more meat than you can imagine.



Lamb leg fit for a king



Say foie gras all you can



Two chefs searing my duck livers

I delighted in sinful foie gras which easily makes the Php 2,000 buffet fee worth it. Then some strip loin steak, and grilled fish. If you're becoming guilty of the cholesterol, worry not as they have equally generous options of grilled vegetables. I enjoyed beats, carrots, artichokes, asparagus, and more.



And this... my super protein plate - Ive eaten up the roasted pumpkins long before the shot




I've featured The Marriott's Japanese station before but it's worth another mention for the unlimited number of salmon sashimi I can have. Again, this makes 2,000 bucks super worth it - by now I should have eaten worth 5,000 pesos of dishes.



Before I forget, a majestic roasted pork or lechon made it's presence known. If I were not trying to eat healthier, I would have poured sauce on hot steaming rice topped with this lechon's crispy skin. I ate a block of meat and a strip of its crispy sinful skin. Delicious!



This brunch is highly recommended in celebration of V-day! We'll definitely return as a couple and enjoy brunch here at The Marriott.

It's not everyday all these food choices get together in one luxurious spot. Anyone MUST visit The Marriott on a Sunday - perhaps this is the best Valentine's gift you can give your partner and give each other a faux pass on dieting.

Other food stations include the pasta, Chinese, Filipino, Indian, Japanese, Yakitori, ice cream, salad, bread, and Martini bar among many many others.

Be informed that food choices are rotated so items may vary but nonetheless, your Sunday and your budget is worth spending here! Brunch is from 11.30AM-3PM.

Fitness: Wholegrain & Healthy Choices

At The Marriott today where I was having brunch with a few bloggers, my leaner face received welcome compliments. After a week of reducing rice and pumping up on fruits - I am surprised the difference is quick to be noticed. I am not new to healthy eating, I was a fitness nazi just a few years ago, ate healthy whole grains, went to the gym, and practiced yoga.



All thanks to this show I watched called "10 days to a new you", I remembered how a few healthy choices can make you look and feel better in 10 days or less - in my case, it was just 5 days.



So thanks to the nice words I received, I am more than ever committed to reclaiming the fitness nazi title. I went to Rustan's today and bought a few more items to keep me on track:

• Wholegrain bread

• Wholegrain pasta - in case I crave spaghetti

• Tuna in water - to make wholegrain tuna sandwiches with

• Jacob's Hi-Calcium Vegetable Cracker - a lot of celebs raving about it on Twitter, so I thought I'll give it a try

• 2 kilos of Papaya fruit - Me and my son love eating fruits now, especially after meals and for snacks.

• Salmon sashimi - for my Omega 3 needs, the good fat!

My partner says he'll run with me if I run every morning, the problem is I haven't gotten to buying a new pair of running shoes. Plus, I hate waking up too early - 6AM?! Although I was running way back in college, I dearly hope I get the drive to run again.

Aria Cucina Italia at Bonifacio High Street Central

Newly opened High Street Central is drawing curious crowds not only with their floor fountains but with the different architecture of the entire area. I particularly like the nice view you get when dining in the elevated restaurants like Aria.



Aria is, as it turns out, famous in Boracay. I had no knowledge of it until my husband told me, we were invited to dine on the night of its soft opening. Dining is always more than food for me so the first thing I noticed is the layout of this Italian restaurant.



Very spacious, comfy, and the options of round tables with lights hanging above it makes me feel at home. After all, I was with a family of my own.



Caesar Salad P355 Lovely greens with feta cheese. It was good enough for 3 persons to share and kick off your meal with a healthy bite.

Since Aria was in soft opening that night, choices were limited. We ordered Pizza Margherita and understandably (or we were given a different pizza, Quattro Formagi?) the basil was missing. In line with eating healthier, I asked for Caesar's Salad and Azrael ordered Costicine di agnello which were lamb cutlets in short.



Pizza Margherita Php 390 or Quattro Formaggi? Despite the confusion, I like the chewy pizza crust which the staff told us is handmade. She also warned their pizza is not a perfect circle as a result haha. My kid loved it, I did too but next time I'll ask if the greens have made their way to the resto.



Costicine di agnello Php 900+ We waited for almost an hour for this meat, but as I said they were in soft opening. The potatoes roasted in rosemary were delicious, it comes with the lamb and the lamb cutlets were so tender - it almost made the wait worthwhile.

I'll definitely return and give Aria Cucina Italia another bite, I am excited with the menu choices especially the ravioli and spinach dips. It is my first time to dine in a restaurant on soft opening day so I want to return soon as they are now fully opened and ready to serve :)



Their location makes Aria more attractive and I hope it remains as spacious and uncrowded. Beside them is a chocolate shop by Diamond Hotel, I am very curious and might try them out for dessert next time. On the other side of Aria is Nanbantei of Tokyo (I want!).

Saint Alp's Tea House

Weekends can get boring and what better way to relieve boredom than with snacks. I am trying eat healthier so I tried a new tea house instead of fast food. Hidden somewhere in Burgos Circle, Global City is St. Alp's Tea House. It's actually at the ground floor of Forbeswood Parklane so the place is quiet secluded (thumbs up for me) and a bit separated from the hustle and bustle of the rest of Burgos Circle's joints.



The place is absolutely refreshing in and out. St. Alp's has so many hot and cold drinks to choose from, most are tea based so great for tea lovers and like me, who wants to lose some weight. I ordered their White Moustachhe Matcha Tea, a refreshing cold drink made with green tea powder.



My drink was delightful and I note their Matcha drinks taste different than the usual stuff I get - like the Starbucks Green Tea Frappe I am addicted to. St. Alp's has a bit of minty leafy flavor which goes well with healthy snacks on their menu.



The best fried tofu in the world

Being in diet mode, I ordered their fried tofu with hoisin sauce. It was THE BEST fried tofu I've ever had in my entire life! Simply peppered and lightly salted, their fried tofu was crispy on the outside and silky inside. Really, you won't think this is healthy boring stuff.

We stayed longer than usual so we ended up ordering more.



Beef Tapsilog. This is so sinful but every bite was worth the calories. The beef, atchara, and egg were perfectly done. The garlic rice didn't look fried but had the garlicky flavor the Pinoy sinangag has.



Taiwanese Breaded Porkchop. You'll be surprised with the spices they used to flavor the pork. I could taste some curry in it making this dish really more interesting. My date didn't share the egg so I guess that one tastes just as awesome.



Matcha Butter Toast. I was so full to have a bite of this, maybe I'll try it next time. This toast looks big yet is covered with matcha or green tea powder. Good for burning some fat.

I won't say much other than all of the food from St. Alp's are GREAT. Most of the items I tasted are all light but flavorful - I am guessing they use simple, fresh, and natural ingredients to achieve this.

Dear Saint Alp's, you have great food and excellent ambiance . It won't be a surprise if soon, this new tea house in the metro gets very busy with diners lining up. Ahhh I can't wait to come back before that happens!

Saint Alp's Tea House
G/F Forbeswood Parklane, Rizal Drive, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
http://www.saintsalp.com.hk/