A Chic Pirate-Themed Birthday Party for Anya

Our little baby, my niece, Anya is all grown up and celebrated her 7th birthday in such style. I am now a fan of my sister Joni's Martha Stewart-like prowess in party planning. Anya's birthday has been in the works for several months and Joni collected different paraphernalia from ebay, physical shops, etc. to make the theme work well.



They even invited real and trained pirates (entertainers) for the party which was held in their home in Cragieburn, Australia.


Anya's treat bags prepared by her mommy Joni


Even the pies had pirate flags on them!

I am sure Anya had an awesome time, I could feel it in her voice when she phoned me tonight :) And I am very proud of my sister, Anya's mommy, Joni. I am sure she has inspired me and other ladies on how to throw a great party whether for friends or family.


My sister Joni, her husband Vincent, Anya the birthday girl, and a pirate

Point is to plan and think ahead, most of all, be creative!

Dine Healthy in Style at Bigby's Cafe & Restaurant

The newest and poshier side of SM Megamall called Atrium not only tucks in high fashion brands but also luxuriously cozy and thematic dining spots like Bigby's Cafe and Restaurant. Walking in at Bigby's is like walking into a travel map with it's distinct ceiling installations and travel memorabilia (key chains, badges, swords, etc). The restaurant would remind you of your travel adventures waiting to be celebrated.


Mr. Henrick Yu and the First Tier Brands team with Style and Relax

Yesterday, Henrick Yu - one of the owners of Bigby's Cafe and Restaurant, shared his own personal travel experiences in Brazil and Japan among others as we munch on delectable and healthy Bigby dishes. Henrick adores travel, true to the travel themed interiors and dishes.


Ticky Wacky Chicken Salad | Blossoming Spinach Dip

Dining at Bigby's is a gastronomic adventure with their international recipes that are BIG in taste and portions. Everything on the menu is good for more than 2 persons! Be sure to bring a friend or be ready to take home the leftovers.

READ MORE AFTER THE JUMP...

For (kinda) health conscious eaters like me, I recommend the Blossoming Spinach Dip for starters. It's real spinach leaves (unshredded) that glides smoothly on your palette, you can feel it's freshness and goodness right away.


Passion Fish | Mojo Chicken Q

Next to try is the Ticky Wacky Chicken Salad. Again, full of beneficial greens topped with chicken salad that serves as the dressing. I love how I enjoyed the food knowing I'm doing my body and skin a favor.

For the main course, choose the Mojo Chicken Q that's served with a variety of lettuce leaves and rice (you can pass the rice to your seatmate). The chicken is ultra-soft and boneless with the right amount of tangy sweet sauce. Or, for a much healthier and leaner choice, opt for the Passion Fish. Fresh creamdory fillet topped with special breadings for a tasty contrast of flavor.



Bigby's Rack-a-Bye-Ribs is the megastar of the menu. Packed with protein and savory smoky flavor, it is also served with fresh unbuttered veggies steamed and shocked to sweet veggie perfection. Tip: Enjoy the ribs and keep your waist by skipping the rice :)

Most of the items at Bigby's come with healthy and crisp greens, Bigby's deserves a thumbs up for this. No wonder, celebs have already flocked to Bigby's for a stylish yet healthy gastronomic experience.




Visit their website at Bigbyscafe.com to know more about this cafe that has its roots in Cagayan de Oro. Entertain your friends and colleagues in style at Bigby's Cafe and Restaurant found at the 3rd floor, Atrium of SM Megamall. We had a great time here yesterday and you MUST try them too. See you there!

Stylish Entertaining with Super Bowl

Who doesn't want to play Bree Ven de Kamp this Christmas? Holiday season means entertaining guests and hosting dinners on Christmas eve, an opportunity to showcase your styling prowess both in your home and on your table.

Super Bowl at Trinoma offers new flavors and food ideas that are dressed and cooked to impress any of your guests.

Read more after the jump...

Take home and serve memorable and comforting holiday recipes like this Holiday Chicken Machang. It's very different from the traditional roasted chicken because of it's oriental twist. The chicken is stuffed with Chinese Machang or flavored sticky rice.

To serve or to give, Chicken Machang and Christmas Ham from Super Bowl

I promise that the Holiday Chicken Machang of Super Bowl will not let you down. Your guests (with high expectations) will admire the soft and well-seasoned chicken meat, the flavors seem to also sink in the chicken bones which are also soft. This dish is very aromatic and would give you the right holiday aroma for that perfect ambiance.

Tao Sa Pao

You can also get this stuffed golden dough balls which are not only delicious but would definitely add style to your holiday table. Most would never have tasted or experienced this treat, it's soft but the thin outside layers are crunchy. Inside, you'll taste flavors of ube and mung beans which are like the stuffing inside the "buchi". The soft dough also gives a melt in your mouth experience! Your guests would go crazy over them so be sure to get a lot of this.

Christmas Ham and Chicken Machang

Another idea for stylish entertaining is to offer finger food that would go well with your holiday wine or cheese. The Holiday Chicken Machang can be cut into bite sizes and served on a toothpick. You can also do this with Super Bowl's Christmas Ham which is delicious but not overwhelming with sweetness or fat. It does not need additional cooking or seasoning at all. These duo is perfect too if you are simply hosting a holiday cocktail.

For more Christmas food ideas, you can visit Super Bowl at Trinoma ahead of time and choose from their holiday recipes.