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Author: Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco

  • My Top 5 Criteria in Choosing the Perfect Pair of Wedding Shoes

    My Top 5 Criteria in Choosing the Perfect Pair of Wedding Shoes

    In every bridal fair we attended, we have seen all sorts of wedding vendors but none of them had presented or offered wedding shoes. So I wonder, why is that? Faced with numerous styles of wedding gowns and suits for the groom’s attire, the challenge is to find the perfect pair of wedding shoes to match our outfits. Nowadays, traditional wedding shoes are so passé. Some brides even consider wearing trendy sneakers, ballerinas, flip flops or flat slippers (with rhinestones, jewels, and Swarovski crystals), etc. instead of pumps, stilettos, and slingbacks.

    The sheer variety, including textures, colors, patterns, and accessories is overwhelming. Is it style, comfort, or both that we should be looking for? I thought it over and came up with my own top five criteria in choosing the perfect pair of bridal shoes for my wedding. 🙂 You may want to reflect and consider the following for your big day as well.

    My Top 5 Criteria in Choosing the Perfect Pair of Wedding Shoes

    1. Re-wearable after the wedding day

    I’m all about being practical. Getting a beautiful pair of shoes only to wear it once on my wedding day does not seem sound. The design and color must go with a ton of stuff in my wardrobe, so I will be able to wear them on other occasions without looking too formal or too dolled up. It should be easy to wear without sacrificing glamour, style, or elegance.

    2. Doesn’t have to be boring

    Though we are progressing towards modernity and go along with much bolder options, most wedding dresses accepted as “decent” are still in the shades of white, cream, beige, and ivory. Bridal gown designers just have to be more creative to make cuts and silhouettes that make a statement.

    Hunting for wedding shoes, on the other hand, is where we can really get to play. Colors such as purple, red, and blue will look trendy and fashionable; animal imitation prints like zebra or snake will look attractive; and floral prints will add to the feminine grace of the outfit. The point is that exploring these vibrant selections can be easily part of the fun. 🙂

    3. Fit in nicely with the wedding dress

    Last weekend, I took the time to try on some wedding gowns to have an idea on the length and tail that will make me feel like a queen. 😛 After fitting, I just realized that the height of the wedding shoes’ heels should fit in nicely with the wedding dress. The rule is: the longer the dress, the higher the heels should be.

    Kitten heels and ballerinas will allow me to walk smoothly on the church’s aisle and on the reception floor without a worry in the world. However, for better posture and added height, I think I’d love mid-heel wedges that include an open toe with a purpose to flatter my posh pedicure.

    4. Comfortable (a no brainer)

    The wedding shoes will be worn from early in the morning until the last thing at night. Because of this, a pair of skyscraper heels is at the bottom of my list. My idea of the perfect pair of wedding shoes is something I can dance in and walk around all day, not killer shoes which can literally kill my feet.

    Proper wedding shoes are specially designed with comfort in mind. Buying cheap shoes that lack padding and comfort is simply not tolerable. Limping around because of uncomfortable shoes is a surefire way to look ungraceful. Enduring the pain while smiling to guests and for the camera will be difficult.

    For some, it’s wise to wear custom-made wedding shoes in the Philippines because the size, fabric, embellishments, color, design, and style will all be tailor-fitted to the bride’s personal choice. One of my friends who’s getting married soon this year had her wedding shoes custom made by a shop in Marikina. Production time takes three to six weeks. I found one vendor in Bridestory also producing personalized shoes.

    5. Not too expensive

    Designer wedding shoes—is the price worth it? Well, not exactly all the time, according to respondents in online forums. Paying a fortune for that ultra chic pair of wedding shoes may not be worth the investment if it does not have the perfect balance of style, comfort, and functionality. The quality of materials in designer shoes can be better, but this doesn’t automatically translate to “best buy.” Each brand and each pair of shoe is different.

    Some Pegs

    1. Kate Spade New York Isadora Wedges; 2. Badgley Mischka Cashet II Wedge Sandals; 3. VALENTINO Rockstud 65 leather courts; 4. Ivanka Trump Wyle2; 5. Badgley Mischka Thora 

  • Healthy Options Shopping Haul (May 2016)

    Healthy Options Shopping Haul (May 2016)

    Three days before Philippine Elections Day, we went to Healthy Options Shangri-la Mall for another shopping episode. (Read previous month’s haul here.) During rush hour, heavy traffic along EDSA and Ortigas Avenue was as we would know it. By the time we arrived at the mall, we were very hungry but still had the energy to carefully choose the items to carry back home. This time, I took more food (grocery stuff) and less of supplements and personal care products. 🙂

    Healthy Options Shopping Haul (May 2016)

    Groceries

    I got two variants of the Silly Cow Farms Hot Chocolate: Chocolate-Moo-usse and Peppermint Twist, each in a 16-oz. clear glass milk jug. I thought these would be a great drink for breakfast for a change of pace in place of coffee. The Chocolate Moo-usse contains natural cane sugar, grand cocoa (cocoa processed with alkali), bittersweet chocolate (cacao beans, cocoa butter, soy lecithin, vanilla beans) and Dutch processed cocoa with alkali. The Peppermint Twist contains natural cane sugar, Dutch processed cocoa (with alkali) and natural peppermint flavor. How different do they taste from Milo drink? That I have to find out soon. 🙂

    Walden Farms Barbecue Sauce (Thick & Spicy) is said to feature the delicious taste of BBQ without the calories. Yes, you read that right. It’s free of calories, fat, gluten, carbohydrates and cholesterol! It’s definitely recommended to anyone who is following the low-carb diet or is just watching calories. Tangy, sweet, and barbecue-y, this sauce can be used for grilling, marinading and dipping.

    Think it’s challenging to cook creamy pasta while cutting the calories? With Cadia Organic Vodka Cream Pasta Sauce, it can be achieved quite easily. This product was made with all things organic: tomatoes, tomato puree, sweet whey, lemon juice, garlic puree, onion, basil, oregano, vodka, soybean oil, and salt. There’s a slight sharpness to the taste but it’s not too bitter. It can also be used to make an “alcoholic version” of your homemade tomato-based pizza.

    For green tea lovers, there can be nothing more relaxing than sipping your stress away with a soothing cup of The Republic of Tea Double Green Matcha. As a fan of matcha, I have been eyeing on this since last year, so you can imagine how happy I was when I finally bought it. 🙂 This green tea blend contains less than a quarter the amount of caffeine per cup than in a similar-sized cup of coffee. With regard to health benefits, matcha is rich in antioxidants that are tied to lower risk of heart disease and cancer and lower blood pressure. It neutralizes that the harmful effects of UV rays, radiation and pollution have on your cells.

    The package comes with 50 circular tea bags. Blissful and aromatic, The Republic of Tea Double Green Matcha has a fresh, springtime-grassy flavor, just mild and not overpowering. It’s made with the harmonious blend of 100% organic China green tea (leaves) and organic Japanese matcha (powder form). I tried adding milk and a bit of sugar to make my own matcha green milk tea. Love it!

    For snacks to share with my family, I did not hesitate to put the barkTHINS Snacking Chocolate, Dark Chocolate Toasted Coconut with Almonds into my shopping cart. Made with natural ingredients, the super thin slivers of rich, fair trade dark chocolate are loaded with toasted coconut and almonds. BarkTHINS are perfectly portioned for the serious chocolate lover. If you’re one serious chocoholic though, you might want to hoard these for yourself. 😛

    A delightful mix of crunchy corn flakes, lightly sweetened oat clusters and thinly-sliced almonds, the Cadia All Natural Almond Clusters and Flakes is a great way to start the day. I like it with hot milk, even in summer.

    Popped with real corn and the finest all natural ingredients, you can snack smart with Popcorners Natural Popped Corn Chips – Sweet Chili Flavor while still satisfying your craving for popcorn. These chips are rather thin and easy to chew, as they were popped and not fried. Flavor is as the label says: a little bit spicy (because of chili) and a little bit sweet.

    Frozen

    Gluten-free franks with no artificial ingredients, not preserved, no nitrates or nitrites added? I got curious and I wanted to know how these uncured turkey franks taste. Ingredients include water, potato starch, sea salt, ground mustard seed, spices, and turkey. Preparation is simple, as these franks are generally precooked and only need to be heated through.

    Supplement

    According to statistics and medical researches, one in six men may experience prostate health issues, and one out of two over age 60 will get BPH or benign prostatic hypertrophy. These two factors alone signal the need for ways to reduce men’s risk of developing disease. Dad told me to get Prostate Support Soft Gels with Phytosterols for my grandfather. This is to specifically maintain his health and alleviate the enlargement of prostate.

    Personal Care

    I had a hair trim two weeks ago and dyed my hair using Herbatint Permanent Hair Color, which was also purchased from Healthy Options. To gently clean and condition my color-treated hair, Nature’s Gate Jojoba Revitalizing Shampoo for Damaged Hair and Nature’s Gate Fruit Blends Shampoo Mandarin Orange + Patchouli are my revitalizing agents to give it moisture and essential nutrients.

    The shampoo has pro-vitamin B-5 and jojoba oil which soften the hair strands. The restoring properties of keratin amino acids help strengthen each strand for added body and bounce. The Nature’s Gate conditioner uses unique blend of wheat proteins and patented sunflower seed extract that protects the colored hair from fading and damage caused by daily UV exposure. These two smell so good!

    Wrap Up

    Consumers and public health authorities alike are now more vocal in their concerns and desire for nutritionally superior products and categories that drive lifestyle and diet changes. With a good approach to enhance options on nutritional and healthier alternatives to many traditional favorites, Healthy Options is a one-of-a-kind store in the Philippines that offers several brands and high quality products that suit the tastes and requirements of customers. Which Healthy Options products have you tried and do recommend? Feel free to share in the Comment section below. 🙂

  • Review of Ninyo Fusion Cuisine and Wine Lounge (Katipunan, Quezon City)

    Review of Ninyo Fusion Cuisine and Wine Lounge (Katipunan, Quezon City)

    There’s over a hundred restaurants in Metro Manila that serve fusion cuisine. About half or more may have similar things on the menu, and at least a dozen of them are being run by chefs who have trained at prestigious dining establishments. Ninyo Fusion Cuisine and Wine Lounge in Katipunan, Quezon City is all of these things, but it’s also pretty different. And more importantly, it’s really, really good.

    Starting out as one of “Manila’s Best Kep Restaurant Secrets,” Ninyo has now become a gem of a dining haven for people looking to escape into a cozy, intimate, and relaxing setting. It’s popular as a venue where momentous occasions (such as marriage proposals and birthdays) are being held. Louie and I celebrated our seventh-year anniversary here last May 1 (Labor Day). He made a reservation a week before and got us seats in the al fresco setting, which is absolutely perfect for a romantic date. 🙂

    Review of Ninyo Fusion Cuisine and Wine Lounge (Katipunan, Quezon City)

    Ambiance:

    If you’re expecting ornamental embroidery, wooden chandeliers, minimalist-looking table lamps and rose petals scattered beautifully everywhere, there’s definitely something for you in Ninyo Fusion Cuisine and Wine Lounge. The environment looks very homey, and this is mainly because Ninyo was the Laus’ family’s 50-year-old house that was transformed into a restaurant in 2006 in fulfillment of Chef Nino’s lifelong dream of having a restaurant he can call his own.

    At Ninyo, you can enjoy the garden view at the al fresco area or stay cozy indoors in the first or second floor. This reminded me most of The Sugar Palm in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Both give an impression of a secret garden with an inviting appeal.

    My eyes feasted on the charming setup of candlelight dinner served in the private gazebos, with rocks, plants, and wooden accents on the side. Waterfalls, the fountain, and the koi fish pond are creative additions that make a tranquil space. Light music was played in the background to enhance the mood. It’s summer now in the Philippines but it’s nice that weather that night wasn’t too sweltering hot.

    Also part of the scenery are the love locks displayed at the front part of the garden. Several couples have immortalized their love with their names written on the padlocks. It’s cheesy and adorable. Love it! 🙂

    Service:

    The wait staff was warm, attentive, and receptive. He offered wonderful yet simple service and took care of requests with ease. I liked that the dishes were served in a relaxed pace but not frustratingly slow, just so we could have enough time to talk and enjoy the night while eating. Complimentary warm bread with butter was served at the start of the meal and in between, we were also surprised with a free spoonful of calamansi sorbet to cleanse our palate.

    Food:

    Chef Laus’ dishes are often described as inventive, adventurous, and unpredictable. He never ceases to surprise and amaze his guests with something new or unusual all the time. Food here is essentially fusion, with a heavy emphasis on Japanese and European influences. Marrying the culinary traditions of two countries that are thousands of miles apart and then offering a fresh twist to the dishes make Ninyo truly remarkable.

    We started dinner with a delicious appetizer: Salmon Belly Wasabi Tempura Roll (PhP 395). It takes a lot to impress with us with salmon, but this did the trick. It was filled with pleasant surprises with textures of all kinds! Stuffed with braised gobo and carrots, the bite-size tempura rolls were a flavor bomb of soft salmon with crispy Japanese Burdock roots. I thought wasabi on the wrap of the roll was supposed to make it spicy, but the spiciness was not felt apparent at all. In any case, I’m a fan.

    For our main course, the Grilled Chicken Balsamic Teriyaki (PhP 450) served with grilled Japanese rice, grilled leeks with miso, tomatoes and onion was spot on. The balsamic vinegar gave the tender chicken a great depth of tang and sweetness without being too sweet, while the shiny teriyaki glaze brought a good balance of barbecue sauce and soy sauce with sweet and salty flavors. You can’t go wrong.

    Pasta Alle Vongole (PhP 420) was sublimely simple. It consisted of linguine pasta with Manila clams sautéed in garlic and chorizo deglazed with sake. The silky noodles were coated in briny, garlicky flavor from the sauce and studded with tender morsels of the clam itself. The portion is good for sharing.

    When asked what’s the most recommended dessert, the waiter suggested Chocolate! Chocolate! Cake (PhP 295) and Mango Pavlova (PhP 245). We got the latter. It was a meringue dessert, crispy on the outside but light and fluffy inside, topped with vanilla ice cream and fresh mango slices. I went to the restroom before the plate landed on the table, so I was surprised that it had a greeting on it. Thank you very much, Louie! 🙂

    Price for Value:

    Looking for a fancy date spot in Quezon City? Ninyo Fusion Cuisine and Wine Lounge won’t disappoint. This is the place to be, if you want to try a mix of Asian and European cuisine. Prices may be quite a splurge, but food came out awesome, and ambiance and service were exemplary. I promise it will be worth it. Double or group dating with a bunch of friends is not a bad idea either. 😉

    [schema type=”review” name=”Ninyo Fusion Cuisine and Wine Lounge” description=”66 Esteban Abada St., Loyola Heights, Quezon City” rev_name=”For inquiries, call +6324260301/+639175385813″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2016-05-05″ ]

    Operating hours:
    Monday 6:00pm – 1:30am
    Tuesday-Saturday 11:00am – 2:pm, 6:00pm – 1:30am
    Sunday 11:00 am – 2:00pm, 6:00pm – 10:00 pm

  • Review of The Morning After (Solenad 3, Nuvali, Sta. Rosa, Laguna)

    Review of The Morning After (Solenad 3, Nuvali, Sta. Rosa, Laguna)

    Last Sunday, I participated at the opening of Bow and Wow Nuvali (sixth store). After we set up the IT components, we spent our break time exploring the mall. My dad was too kind to drive us to the venue, so he surely deserved a good lunch treat. 🙂 The Morning After was one of the most interesting restaurants we encountered. It had this welcoming façade that aptly encourages people to walk in and try out the best on their menu.

    At The Morning After, you’re here for pancakes, waffles, Filipino rice meals, pasta, pizza, and all comfort food. You’ll like it, it’s familiar, and it delivers. This all-day breakfast place will be celebrating its first anniversary next month (it opened last May 29, 2015) and soon it will be opening new branches in Metro Manila (UP Town Center and BGC, if I remember correctly).

    Review of The Morning After (Solenad 3, Nuvali, Sta. Rosa, Laguna)

    Ambiance:

    The Morning After is as sparkling and immaculate as it gets. It features an outdoor space with a cozy, easy, and carefree vibe. This spot immediately “transplants” you from the busy cit to the countryside. It can be a romantic – bring your date here to turn on the charm. Staying outside is ideal to catch sunshine, but in this hot weather, it will be hard to bask in the glory of outdoor dining sans humidity. The garden theme continuous inside the restaurant with pretty grassy backdrop on one side of the wall. Everything looks clean and vibrant. In fairness, the air conditioning has done its job when we needed it most! 🙂

    Service:

    Service was spot on and friendly. The wait staff described the food and how they were cooked. He approached us with smile and made us feel really comfortable every time.

    Food:

    The Quattro Formaggio Pizza (Four Cheese Pizza) (PhP 245) was made with the most wonderful combination of bread and cheese imaginable. The blending of blue cheese, Italian mozzarella, Parmesan, and fresh Laguna cheese came out to be smooth and creamy. On top of that, cheesy bechamel sauce was added, to achieve phenomenal layered flavors. Cheese-a-holics will be mesmerized with the magic. While it’s true that the crust did not bring much to the party, it’s worth to note that the thin crust was both crispy and chewy as we liked.

    Fries, Fries, Fries served with three kinds of dip (honey mustard, aioili, and wasabi mayo) was decent. The fries were cooked three times—not oily, not too salty, and not bad at all. The potatoes were tender and delicious. Sigh, we were deeply contented. If deep-fried food weren’t so calorific, we would definitely indulge in them daily! 😛

    Price for Value:

    If you’re not a breakfast person, trying new things at The Morning After can be good. This restaurant in Solenad 3, Nuvali ably executes the basics of a trendy setting. It’s an establishment solely dedicated to serving well-cooked breakfast and brunch meals at all times of the day. Service runs smoothly and food tastes satisfactory. Prices are fair, with enough portions for sharing. Love it! 🙂

  • Wedding Planning Checklist Update

    Wedding Planning Checklist Update

    It has been two months now from the day Louie proposed. Since we are two busy working individuals, we only have the time during weekends to plan for our wedding. Fortunately, there are wedding expos we could attend to help us make educated decisions in a time-efficient manner. Going to Themes & Motifs in SMX and Weddings & Beyond in World Trade Center, Pasay made us learn about a myriad of event options with much convenience. We did not have to visit several places and meet potential wedding suppliers one at a time.

    Armed with notes, a collection of business cards, and about five pounds of brochures, we have shortlisted wedding suppliers and have done booking the major ones (with ☑). If you’re planning your own wedding as well, you may find it a great idea to have a checklist and break down what you need to three parts, as we did. 🙂

    just signed a contract with Photogenics

    Wedding Planning Checklist Update

    The Big Picture
    ☑ Budget – Envision your wedding and draw up a budget. Work out your budget and establish spending decisions—where to save and where to splurge.
    ☑ Guest List – Compile your preliminary guest list. The size of the guest list is important as this will serve as basis for the venue. Make a head count database to use throughout your planning process, with columns for contact info, RSVPs, gifts, and any other relevant information.
    ☑ Venue – Explore ceremony and reception venue options and reserve your date.

    Primary Vendors
    ☑ Photographer and Videographer – Most photographers and videographers have a finite number of weddings they can book each day, and the best ones usually book weddings many months in advance, so it’s highly recommended to lock down on this one early. See sample shots and videos. Plan the concept of the shoots and think styling, design, and storyline. Discuss where to hold the pre-nuptial shoots, angles, location, and specific shots that you find appealing.
    ☑ Wedding Coordinator – There are at least three types of wedding coordinators: those that you involve from the initial phase of the planning, those that you meet only to touch base with wedding suppliers, and those that take charge only on the day of the wedding. We will hire an on-the-day wedding coordinator to assist us from the hotel to the church and reception.
    ☑ Host/Emcee – Get someone that speaks eloquently, one who can really make guests feel excited and at ease. The host/emcee will be getting on the microphone to announce the grand entrance of the entourage, first dance of the newly weds, welcoming people for toasts, hosting games and activities, cake cutting, etc.

    Secondary Vendors
    ☑ Florist – We are not yet firm on our wedding palette but have decided on the florist we are booking. The choice of flowers and package inclusions (backdrop, floral accessories on the cake, draping, entourage, and table setting) are important considerations.
    ☑ Entertainment – Attend gigs of potential acts to see how they perform in front of audiences, then reserve your favorite. We will be getting a team of musicians/singers for the ceremony and reception.
    ☑ Hair and Makeup – Looking decent and presentable on this big day is crucial. Booking the perfect stylist to do the hair and makeup entails doing hair and makeup trials and comparing results.
    ☑ Attire – Choosing the wedding dress of your dreams can be very overwhelming especially now that we have free access to designs posted on Pinterest, Instagram, and wedding sites like Bridestory. Figure out the silhouette that best suits your body shape and focus on your personal style. People also notice the gowns and apparel of the entire wedding entourage so make sure to have all are well-chosen. Schedule time for at least three fittings.
    ☑ Invitation Cards – Ask stationers for samples of invitations and have the designs revised to suit your preferences. The rule of thumb in mailing invitations is six to eight weeks before the ceremony. RSVP cutoff is set at three weeks after the postmark date.
    ☑ Cake – Choose cake style and attend tastings before committing to any baker. Know the lead time and additional charges such as prepping at the reception and delivery.
    ☑ Lights and Sounds – Keep a running list of songs that you want and do not want played. Though you probably won’t be able to dictate every single song played, you should come prepared with a wish list.
    ☑ Wedding Bands – As a symbol of your love and commitment to each other, wedding bands are a big decision. Which metals do you like? Would you like to include stones on the bands? We like ours simple but elegant.

    We are still looking for wedding suppliers of items without a check mark. If you have recommendations, please feel free to share in the Comment sections below. Thanks! 🙂

    Update as of May 15, 2016:

    Completed all except for Wedding Coordinator, Host/Emcee (Chinese), Attire, Lights and Sounds 🙂

  • Review of Nadai Fujisoba (The Block, SM North EDSA, Quezon City)

    Review of Nadai Fujisoba (The Block, SM North EDSA, Quezon City)

    Louie, his thesis group mates back in college, and I were invited to be defense panelists for an IT course in De La Salle University-Manila last month and we were so happy to have seen one another after a long time. After giving out comments and ratings to students, we drove to SM North EDSA to have a nice catch-up over a light dinner. In our visit, we found that there’s quite a number of newly opened restaurants to try.

    Our first choice was Dohtonbori but the super long queue outside was a big turn-off. We could not wait any longer, so we went to The Block in search of another Japanese restaurant. Shortly, we found Nadai Fujisoba near the supermarket area. Nadai Fujisoba specializes in soba and udon, Japan’s traditional noodles. Table for five? Yes, please.

    Nadai Fujisoba was first established in Japan in 1966. Apart from the Philippines, it also has branches in Taiwan. In Metro Manila, it is present in Bonifacio High Street, Lucky Chinatown Mall, SM Aura Premier, SM Mall of Asia, and SM North EDSA.

    Review of Nadai Fujisoba (The Block, SM North EDSA, Quezon City)

    Ambiance:

    Nadai Fujisoba at The Block, SM North EDSA isn’t spacious but lines are clean and tables are not too cramped. Fitted with wooden furniture in lighter color and Japanese writings on the walls, the place looked like a page torn from a manga. Overall ambiance felt creatively composed. This is the kind of restaurant that once you enter, you will know: you’ll have an easygoing yet cool dining experience.

    Service:

    The staff was accommodating at the start but we had a few bumps in the road toward the end. We felt pushed out of the door since we had stayed for almost two hours. Is there such thing as overstaying here? Not quite sure about that. One of the waiters got us the bill even when we were not done with the food yet.

    Food:

    Over the years, ramen has become a source of foodie fiending in Metro Manila. Nadai Fujisoba suddenly enters the party and introduces udon and soba to Filipino taste buds. To differentiate the three, here are short descriptions:

    • Ramen: thin, wheat served in hot broth; typically yellow in color
    • Udon: thick, wheat, served in hot broth; generally quite pale white
    • Soba: thin, buckwheat (50-100%) + wheat (its gluten makes the buckwheat more manageable) served hot in broth

    We ordered the most recommended dish at Nadai Fujisoba: Aka Fujisoba (PhP 260). It turned out as a light and easy meal that’s perfect for a lazy weeknight. Sitting on hot broth, the Japanese buckwheat noodles (soba) had a nice firmness and a nutty flavor. Texture was smooth and resilient. With simmered beef, a poached egg, and a generous sprinkling of chili powder, the broth was on the light side and not too rich.

    Louie and I also shared Nadai Fujisoba’s Oyakodon (PhP 180). The dish consisted of just tender bites of chicken and sweet, jammy onions in a deeply savory mirin and soy sauce broth, simmered in a silky, eggy custard and ladled, soft and loosey-goosey, over fluffy white rice. It’s definitely comforting and nourishing. A must-try! Get a big smile on your face as you take the first luscious bite. 🙂

    Price for Value:

    It’s a pleasure to have dined in a restaurant that’s already 50 years old. Its age is testament to the fact that tastes and portion of their food do not disappoint. Nadai Fujisoba’s prices that don’t hurt the budget and the good casual vibe (minus the latter part of customer service) seal the deal here. I’m positive my sister will be enthusiastic to try this Japanese restaurant. We’ll check out their branch at Lucky Chinatown Mall next time. 🙂

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/pages/Nadai-Fujisoba/773541339456329″ name=”Nadai Fujisoba” description=”Ground Floor, The Block, SM City North EDSA, Quezon City” rev_name=”For inquiries, call (02) 929-6686″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2016-04-26″ ]

  • Review of Coco Ichibanya (Eastwood Mall, Quezon City)

    Review of Coco Ichibanya (Eastwood Mall, Quezon City)

    Delicious “fire-hot” Japanese curry dishes are what Coco Ichibanya is all about, at least that’s the way I see it. There’s no need to go to Japan, thanks to this curry-savvy chain purveying “real-deal” set meals with heat levels ranging from low, mild, to crazy hot. Be ready to have extra napkins or better yet ask for wet tissue to wipe away the sweat and tears. We have tried dining at their first branch in the Philippines located at the basement of Estancia Mall and loved their curry so much.

    Recently, it opened a new store in Eastwood Mall, just a short walk from our office. I invited my office mates to check it out and I’m so glad they liked the food, too! 🙂

    Review of Coco Ichibanya (Eastwood Mall, Quezon City)

    Ambiance:

    Coco Ichibanya offers a number of opportunities for decent dining. The atmosphere is bustling but not hurried. Yellow and nudes as its main color palette attracts a fun and casual crowd.  I like the bright, contemporary and welcoming feel which sum up to a place where you can immediately be at ease in a dining room that is cheery without being kitsch or formal. Seats both inside and outside are plentiful. Wherever you sit, you will be treated with excellent food imbued with rich flavors.

    Service:

    In addition to the pleasant surroundings, Coco Ichibanya in Eastwood Mall offers friendly and attentive service. Waiters take the order promptly with the use of an app installed in their mobile tablet. Talk about being innovative. Food are served within the 15-20 minutes promised time frame, so for those who plan to dine here on their lunch break, either come out of your office early or eat faster. 😛

    Food:

    At Coco Ichibanya, it’s a common practice to customize your curry meal by selecting your favorite topping, amount of rice, and preferred level of spiciness for the curry sauce. On the menu, options for toppings include sausage with eggplant, fried squid and stewed shrimp, hamburger, clam, beef, pork cutlet, and chicken.

    1st visit: I had one of the most recommended dishes of the house: Pork Cutlet and Vegetables Curry (PhP 440). The deep-fried pork cutlet was a splendid and savory combination of crispy bread crumbs and juicy pork. I felt courageous that time and opted for the crazy hot (max level), but the spiciness was too intense for me to handle. I learned the lesson and remembered to choose mild the next time.

    2nd visit: With mild-hot curry sauce, Pari Pari Chicken Curry (PhP 310) was generally a crowd-pleaser. It immediately offered an island escape, sans flight, with its fragrance. The chicken was perfectly cooked. It was tender and juicy while the skin was still crispy outside. The spices were balanced so I did not get overwhelmed by the taste.

    3rd visit: For something a little different, I got the Shrimp Curry Rice Gratin (PhP 330) which appealed somewhere between saucy and soupy. This Japanese curry rice gratin was a bit sweet, lending itself particularly well to shrimp. Unlike the other two though, heat level cannot be adjusted upon cooking. For “chili heads,” adding curry powder (available on the table) may do justice.

    Other Must-tries

    Pork Cutlet Omelet (PhP 360)

    Pork Cutlet Curry (PhP 340)

    Soup/Salad/Drink/Dessert

    The menu offers adding one to three pairings to go with the main course. The only reason not to order the set meal would be that you weren’t very hungry. But that could easily change once your friends start ordering the soup, salad, drink, and/or dessert altogether.

    Price for Value:

    Solid food, good vibes, reasonable prices. If you have these criteria in mind, you can be confident that Coco Ichibanya can deliver those needs. This Japanese curry restaurant meets the expectations in all areas, and for some fans of spicy curry, it even exceeds expectations.

    Coco Ichibanya holds the Guinness World Record for being the “largest curry restaurant chain in the world.” Take that as an invitation to sample their curry dishes and learn why a lot of people in many countries give a nod to this specialty cuisine. 🙂

    [schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/CoCoIchibanyaPH/” name=”Coco Ichibanya” description=”Third Floor, Eastwood Mall, Libis, Quezon City” rev_name=”For inquiries, call (02) 3724687″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos”]

  • Healthy Options Shopping Haul (April 2016)

    Healthy Options Shopping Haul (April 2016)

    Healthy Options at Shangri-La Mall carries a terrific selection of nutritious and delicious snacks, drinks, supplements, and nice sundry items that make for a pleasurable shopping experience. It was the first time my mom and my sister have visited this branch. They’re happy to find so many amazing local, natural, organic, vegan, and gluten-free products in different categories (well, especially my mom whose life is pretty much centered around her quest to feed us well and keep us healthy). Healthy Options is a natural food purist’s shopping nirvana! 🙂

    We can’t argue the fact that prices at SM Supermarket, Hypermarket, Savemore, Puregold, and other mainstream/average grocery chain stores are cheaper. However, goods offered at Healthy Options are incomparable in terms of value they provide. Ultimately, it all comes down to making healthier choices a top priority.

    In this post, I’m sharing the products we purchased this month plus a tour around our favorite sections in the store.

    Healthy Options Shopping Haul (April 2016)

    Personal Care

    Do you believe that taking the best care of yourself and the environment doesn’t have to be a sacrifice? We do. Personal care products at Healthy Options are formulated with premium quality natural and organic ingredients. From essential oils for aromatherapy, shampoo and conditioner for thinning hair, body and hand lotion, soaps, and cosmetics, these natural personal care products are good healthy alternatives to synthetics.

    The Personal Care section was our first stop and we felt like being a kid in a candy store. There’s so many scents and variants to choose from! In the end, we got Nature’s Gate Revitalizing, Jojoba + Sacred Lotus Shampoo (18 fl oz/532 ml), Nature’s Gate Enriching, Biotin + Bamboo Conditioner (18 fl oz/532 ml), A La Maison Sweet Almond Solid Bar Soap (8.8 oz), and Herbatint – Herbal Haircolor Permanent Gel 4N Chestnut (4.5 oz).

    Nature’s Gate Revitalizing, Jojoba + Sacred Lotus Shampoo was a repurchase. I bought my first bottle last November and it lasted about three months. Nature’s Gate is a trusted brand and this shampoo is ideal for thin/dry hair. What I love most about it is that just a little bit can create great foam. It smells so good and cleans well. Highly recommended! It’s vegan, paraben-free, soy-free. It does not contain chemicals such as sodium lauryl/laureth/coco sulfates, phthalates, butylene glycol, artificial colors.

    Nature’s Gate Enriching, Biotin + Bamboo Conditioner is the best-selling conditioner with a mindful blend of conditioning botanicals. Biotin helps strands of hair feel thicker, fuller and more abundant. This product is also vegan, paraben-free, soy-free, and does not contain chemicals mentioned above. It has a nice peppermint smell and it gives the scalp a cool fresh feeling after washing. Think of it as the feeling of leaving toothpaste in your mouth. 🙂

    We chose A La Maison Sweet Almond Solid Bar Soap because of its pleasing scent. It’s absolutely heavenly! Unlike other organic soaps in the market, this one lathers well and indeed attracts moisture to the skin as it’s made with olive oil and shea butter. It’s quite pricey at PhP 200+, but the bar is about the same length and width as a normal bar of soap but twice the height or thickness. It’s also okay to use for those who have sensitive skin.

    Completing our Personal Care selected items was the Herbatint – Herbal Haircolor Permanent Gel 4N Chestnut that’s specially formulated from herb extracts. Herbatint has been the undisputed market leader for more than 40 years. This permanent hair dye uses rosemary, cinchona and walnut husk to gently deposit color. It’s worth to note that it’s ammonia free. I’m excited to try this one and post a review of it as well. 🙂

    Supplements

    Ah, this is my mom’s favorite section. Healthy Options, I think, is most famous for supplements. Mom has been experiencing difficulty to sleep these days. Taking melatonin supplements is not enough. Hence, she took interest in trying the HOS Ultimate Sleep Formula (50 c) to help maintain calmness and relaxation and overall support sleep quality.

    She also has a problem with bowel movement. To aid with constipation, she researched on the best available food supplement for adults and found Solgar Advanced Acidophilus Plus which contains 500 million microorganisms per serving. Suggested intake is one capsule two times daily preferably with meals. I hope this product will be effective in making her intestinal flora healthier.

    Because of aging, my mom now has to take calcium supplements but these won’t work when she does not have enough Vitamin D in her body. We learned online that Vitamin D3 is the form of Vitamin D that stimulates the absorption of calcium and helps build strong bones. She got Healthy Options Vitamin D3 400 IU. Suggested intake is one soft gel daily with food.

    My sister and I have high stress levels and our hemoglobin levels are normal but quite low. To have more iron in our blood stream, we need Solgar Gentle Iron (25 mg) for tissues and muscles to function effectively. Iron plays a role in normal red blood cell production and supports energy utilization. This as a dietary supplement supporting women’s health and primarily menstruation. I

    Farm Produce

    Making a commitment to healthy eating with these natural farm produce is a great start towards a healthier life. Beyond eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and good fats, there is the question of food safety, nutrition, and sustainability. Healthy Options promotes food that are free of pesticides and hormones. The farm produce section offers organic vegetables that do not have chemical additives. Mom was delighted to find wheatgrass and also other beautiful fresh veggies.

    Groceries

    The Grocery section looks so colorful it’s almost tempting to get everything that catches our fancy. The shelves are filled with products that range from breakfast cereals, chocolate and chips, condiments and sauces, whole grains, nuts and seeds to ground coffee, teas, milk, juices, and more. It will be worth to spend time reading the food labels (nutrition facts). Need help? The staff are accommodating to provide tips and recommendations to suit your needs. Healthy Options has bountiful of ingredients that you can combine into tasty, good-for-you meals. Its YouTube channel features recipes that you can follow for healthy cooking.

    We like snacking on chips that are not overly salty and thought Good Health Glories Kettle Sweet Potato Chips (1 oz) would satisfy our craving. These sweet potato chips have a nice crunch, not too greasy, and they are GMO-free. We also got my super-favorite Popcorners Snack Cheesy Jalapeno (1.1 oz) which I have repurchased for the fourth time. 🙂 These corn chips were popped with real corn, no trans fat, and no cholesterol. Every bite makes me guilt-free. The cheddar flavor meets with heat of jalapeno. Yummy!

    Mint and chocolate make a great match. Nothing steals my heart away quite like this combination. Salem Cookie Moravian Mint (8 oz) is a must-try for fans of chocolate cookies with mint. Angel who sits beside me in the office has already finished two packs! 😛 I can’t blame her though. Featuring a delicate natural mint flavor with artisan chocolate, these thin cookies are addicting.

    If you like interesting flavor of pop corn, Pop Art’s Thai Coconut Curry Popcorn is an awesome grab. Made with a unique blend of savory spices mixed with creamy coconut milk, these buttery, bright yellow popcorn are crazy good. The list of ingredients includes curry powder, lemongrass, coconut milk, curry spices, mustard, lime, turmeric, and more. A handful can quench your thirst for the taste of Thailand, as it achieves a total food sensation and somehow makes you feel as if you are really eating curry.

    From the beverage section, we just wanted to try the Dream Latte Caramel (11 oz). Coffee and almond must taste good together. 🙂

    Frozen

    My sister and I were still looking for personal care items to put in our shopping cart when we heard our mom almost screaming with delight from the other end of the store. Turned out, she saw frozen vegan products in the refrigerators. The Frozen section consists of poultry, meat, vegetarian, vegan, ice cream, yogurt, etc. The imitation meat by Vegetarian Plus are made with 100% vegan ingredients. Just to appease our curiosity, we got the Frozen Veggie Chicken Orange (10.5 oz). If this one tastes good, we will for sure buy the other variants month after month.

    Wrap Up

    After over an hour, we filled our cart with products we’re all thrilled to bring back home. We certainly don’t expect everyone to always choose organic this or grass-fed that, but it can happen one step at a time. To wrap up, I think one key takeaway from this post also for readers is that Healthy Options does not only sell supplements but also grocery, personal care items, and a lot more. Healthy Options has a vision of a healthier world where people enjoy longer, richer, more fulfilling lives by taking control of their health. Thanks to the product allowance we’re privileged to have monthly, I am able to share the value Healthy Options delivers. 🙂