Twinning with Alex

♥

Here are my top picks from this collection:

Knit Halter Maxi Sublimation Dress with Free-flowing Geometric Artwork P2,195

Overlay Dress Sublimation Neoprene with Sari-Fish Print, Red P2,195

Printed Haltered Chiffon Stretch Sublimation Dress, Purple P1,995

Sari-fish Micropeach Off Shoulder Sublimation Tunic, White P1,995

Sarimanok Chiffon Overlay On Charmeuse Halter Sublimation Dress, White P2,095

Short Sleeved Charmeuse Sublimation Long Back Dress,White P1,995

Sleeveless Twill Stretch Sublimation Fitted Dress, Yellow P1,995

Drawstring Bag P795

I reserved the first dress for me but I'm still waiting for Freeway Glorietta to call me to say it's already there, but now I'm tempted to get more. -_-

What touched me with the late Imao's story is the fact that he was born to a poor family but that didn't stop him from pursuing art, at a time when his social class and didn't give him enough opportunities. He showed the world what he could do, and the late President Ramon Magsaysay took notice and the rest, as they say, is history. It's funny that he tried to discourage his son Toym from pursuing art, mainly because, as he said, there was no money in it. But the blood of an artist flows in his veins, you see, thus we are gifted with Toym's wonderful works as well. This is something I wouldn't have known in case Freeway didn't choose to continuously honor our National Artists through these capsule collections.

A hopeful experiment, Freeway's National Artist Collectors' Series started out in 2009 as a pocket collection to pay tribute to the works of our National Artists. As expected, it was well appreciated and resulted to creating awareness and increasing appreciation shown towards our own Filipino Art and Culture. Since then, Freeway has paid tribute to the following National Artists bi-annually:


And now, 2016, Abdulmari Imao (Sculpture). Thank you, Freeway. Keep doing what you do.

Now, how do you dress up a dress-down outfit for a meeting? With a scarf. Hopefully one from the Freeway x Abdulmari Imao collection.


Freeway x Abdulmari Imao is available at all Freeway and The Row branches nationwide and online via their official website and Zalora. You may also visit Freeway's Facebook Page, Twitter, and Instagram. Enjoy shopping!

My job requires me to be online all the time and so my phone has become an appendage that I dare not leave unattended lest I miss important messages or phone calls, so I need to make sure it's properly taken care of. Last week I went to Digital Walker to get a new case and screen protector for my iPhone 6. It was definitely an upgrade from my old hard case that may have looked pretty but didn't really do a good job in protecting my phone against the elements. I also upgraded from my old screen protector that I got for really cheap. It was a lesson for me because cheap almost always equates to low quality.


I got a pink Speck Candyshell Grip case and Momax Screen Pro+ screen protector and oh boy, what a difference they made! The Speck Candyshell Grip case has raised rubber ridges that provide a no-slip grip, dual-layer military-grade protection, patented raised bezel screen protection, perimeter port, camera, and responsive button protection, and lab-tested durability. I really like the color, too! Meanwhile, the Momax Screen Pro+ screen protector has Nano Technology Coating that is water, oil, and fingerprint resistant and HD ultra-clearness. My phone feels like it's brand new all over again!

You also have until the end of the month to check out the special offers by Beyond the Box and Digital Walker!

Evo Xplorer (Php 3,950)

For those who like to keep it active this summer, the Evo Xplorer (Php 3,950) provides you with maximum protection from the elements: waterproof up to 9.9 ft. / 3m. for up to an hour, and completely sealed from dirt, mud, and other destructive debris.

EVO Endurance Charging Case (Php 4,650)

For the power – hungry iPhone user, Tech21’s Evo Endurance (Php 4,650) Charging Case features a 1800mAh ultra – safe Lithium Ceramic battery that gives you 60% extra charge without overheating or leaking toxic chemicals. Charging on the go without the bulk? Sign me up!

Both cases surround your phone with FlexShock technology making them compact, lightweight, and shockproof for up to 6.6ft. Beyond the Box's Featured Products of the Month are available at a 10% discount this May only. Visit Beyond the Box and get your iPhone ready for more adventures!

JOBY GripTight Micro Stand (Php 1,750)

The JOBY GripTight Micro Stand is not just any micro tripod. It’s the king of micro tripods. Sturdy, elegantly-designed, and virtually weightless, this device is made up of two main parts—the legs and the grip. The legs come with a quarter inch screw which allows you to attach your camera directly onto it, while the adjustable grip is able to hold any smart phone between 2.1s to 2.8 inches wide (with or without a case).

To say that this device is impressive is an understatement. Made of a durable steel inner frame and zinc alloy legs, the stand is sleek and durable enough to keep in your pocket or on your key chain—so you can take it anywhere you go. Its hard-gripping rubber feet allow you to stabilize your smart phone even on uneven rocky surfaces and its machined aluminum mini-ballhead with 36 degree movement gives you full control of your camera’s position—so you can get the best angle for your photos or videos.

Visit Digital Walker and get your hands on the May Gear of the Month!

Happy  shopping! ;)

I live in Navotas and the farthest part of the metro that is acceptable for me to go to regularly is my boyfriend's house in Bicutan. I veeeery rarely go to the South — in fact I can count on both hands the number of times I've been to Alabang in the last five years. When the invitation for a Food Trip in the South came, I had to say yes because, well, why ever not?

One Saturday a couple of weeks back, my Little Prince together with my boyfriend and I braved the traffic going to the South to have our stomachs filled.

Visiting far away asteroids! Yay!

Our first stop was Brown Bag, a catering service owned by Carla Sevilla located in a residential area in Alabang.

In hindsight I guess we should've weighed ourselves first before trying anything I wonder how many pounds we gained that day. Heh.

We were greeted by an adorable dog and a festive feast. What a perfect way to whet our appetites for the gastronomic adventure that was to come!


I hope you're not feeling hungry while reading this post because spoiler alert: I'll post a lot of food photos. Don't say I didn't warn you. ;)

Here are the delicious dishes that Carla prepared and served us that day:

Beef Nachos (P450) Layered with home-made salsa, basil, lettuce, and two cheeses. Served warm.

OH. MY. GOD. Look at that cheese ♥ It was love at first bite, I'm telling you.

Peppered Potato Crisps (P395) Thinly sliced potatoes served with our house specialty garlic dip Perfect movie companion.

Shepherd's Pie (P495, P995, P1,850) Layers of ground beef, buttery mashed potato, and mozzarella

Shepherd's Pie is one of my favorite things to order when eating out, and this Shepherd's Pie ruined all other Shepherd's Pies for me. I could eat this all day. I wanted to, actually, except that we still had a lot to taste that day.

Spaghetti Meatballs (P995, P1,990, P2,985) Soft hearty meatballs slow cooked with plump ripe tomatoes then sprinkled with fresh organic herbs I've mentioned on this blog several times before that in my next life, I would like to be an Italian because I just want to eat pizza, pasta, and gelato all day. This dish? Delizioso!

Vongole with Cherry Tomatoes (P820, P1,600, P2,575) Clams stewed in white wine, tossed with vibrant cherry tomatoes and fresh herbs I am not big on oil-based pasta because I prefer red sauce better, but this I liked.

Double Smoked Bacon Truffle Cheese Burger (P210) Charcoal grilled infused with black truffles, cheddar slice, double smoked bacon, and roasted garlic mayo I couldn't possibly take another bite, but my boyfriend likes burgers and he loved this. This is huge and very economical for its price!

Adobo Fried Rice (P895, P1,790, P2,685) Pork adobo tossed in rice and topped with an egg omelet. A meal on its own. My only comment is that I wish I can bring this as lunch baon to the office every day.

Beer Batter Fish Tacos (P695, P1,300, P2,500) Dory fillets, home-made salsa, lettuce shreds, and tartar sauce I wish I could tell you what these tasted like but I was already bursting at the seams so I didn't get to try these. :(

If there's anything our visit to Brown Bag taught me, it's that I wish Carla were my cousin - or maybe my neighbor, even - so I can knock on her door anytime and grab me some chow.

Miah, myself, Carla Sevilla of Brown Bag, and Ren of Nuffnang Philippines

Thank you so much for welcoming us into your home and accommodating us, Carla! You guys who would love some comfort food, you may contact Brown Bag via their Facebook Page or by emailing or calling 09285033277. They also cater so if you have a special occasion coming up, then let Brown Bag take that load off your shoulders and take care of the food.

Our next stop was Pups and Cups Dog Café in BF, Parañaque.


They are open from Tuesday to Sunday from 12nn to 9pm and extend until 10pm every Friday and Saturday so please be mindful when you visit. It was almost closing time when we arrived yet they still accommodated us. Thank you!

Good thing they did accommodate us, or else I would've lost out on the fun that only a dog café can bring.







Simba the Pom is my spirit animal.

The dogs are sooo cute and I wish I could take them home even though they can be a bit mischievous at times, that's okay because they're cute! They automatically get a mischief license from me!

To be able to interact with the dogs in the Pups Corner, all you have to do is pay P190. This is already inclusive of one drink and one hour and 30 minutes with the doggies! Gimme all the doggies!

Here are the drinks available:


Pups and Cups also has an extensive menu with reasonable prices. I wish they have a bigger space because bigger space equates to more doggies, but I guess that's fine since I don't get to visit BF that often, anyway. Heh. Check them out on Facebook and Instagram.



Thank you, Pups and Cups! I wish I can visit again soon!

Our last stop was 19 East, a bar and grill in East Service Road, Sucat, Muntinlupa. The theme on the night we visited was Beatles night.


What's amazing is that the bar's patrons helped in dressing up the place to match the theme by bringing their own stuff to display, like vintage motorcycles, et cetera.





We rounded up our Food Trip with Mojitos and toasted to good music, delicious food, and great company. Thank you, 19 East! Visit their official website and check them out on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to see their gig schedule and menu.

It was an awesome Food Trip down South and even though I got home past midnight, my only wishes were that I wish we had more time and more space in our tummies to hold more food in. Hee.

Now it's your turn to go on an amazing food adventure! Are you planning to visit any of these places? Let me know! Metro Manila is a treasure trove of food places and to make it easier for you, you may also check out the Best of the West campaign and experience what’s unique, delectable, and delightful in the West Zone of the Greater Manila Area. You will find great products and places you’ve probably never heard of along with some tips, tricks, and other exciting discoveries from your fellow urban explorers, and who wouldn't want to hear from the people who have tried going to those places themselves to determine whether it's worth or not going to, right? Don’t forget to do the same with other explorers and share your travel story!

The West Zone is composed of 17 cities and municipalities in the Greater Manila Area. It includes Caloocan, Las Piñas, Malabon, Manila, Muntinlupa, Navotas, Pasay, Parañaque, Valenzuela, parts of Quezon City (Projects 7 and 8), a part of Makati; the cities of Bacoor, Cavite and Imus, and the municipalities of Kawit, Noveleta and Rosario all in the province of Cavite.

These cities are homes to unexpected food finds, shopping bargains, gimik spots, and everything in between. So whether you’re a West Zone resident, avowed foodie or adventurous urbanite, there’s definitely something for you to try in this part of the Metro. The people behind this are doing their best to narrow down your choices so you can experience only the Best of the West!

A website is currently being set up so we can enjoy a one-stop portal for these information but in the meantime, you may check out the Best of the West campaign on Facebook and Instagram. #SamaKaNaSaBOTW and visit our recommended places soon!

Eleventh? Where has all the time gone? Seriously?


The perfect way to end your summer, Bloggers United continues their mission to bring together your favorite fashion bloggers in one venue this coming Saturday, May 28, from 10am to 7pm, at Green Sun Hotel, Makati.

Bloggers United (BU) embraces new trends and changes to make their bi-annual bazaar and get-together fun, and fresh!

This time around, BU’s partner is no other than Passion Fly by Karl Edward Bazaar, a name synonymous to good buys, great deals, and the best urban shopping events in the country for fifteen years! This team recognizes the need for creative and curated goods online and offline by the best shops, entrepreneurs, and even celebrities and bloggers.

Meanwhile, Bloggers United also added new names for this May’s line-up. Get to meet and shop not only from your favorite fashion bloggers’ closets, but also from online influencers and local celebrities!

There will be exciting activities, games, and cool prizes from their sponsors. Since it’s going to be a back-to-school affair, make sure to dress-up in Preppy Pastels to get spotted by their official photographer!

Tickets will be sold at Php 100 during the event BUT if you want to get in for free, just tweet me and I'll give two passes each to five peeps! See you at the #BU11xPassionFly bazaar!

For more information and updates, like Bloggers United Philippines on Facebook or follow them on Twitter and Instagram. The official hashtag is #BU11xPassionfly.

For more information about Passion Fly Pocket Festivals and rates and schedules, visit them on Facebook and Instagram. They have upcoming bazaars on June 18-19 and July 16-17 also!

Special thanks to the following:


See you on Saturday!

One of his hobbies that Miah has successfully rubbed off on me is toy-collecting. Not on his level of collecting (he's hardcore), but one look on my desk in the office and you'll get the picture. I mean, I had a lot of toys before but even with my expansive collection of Barbies, Polly Pockets, Sailor Moon figures, play kitchens, paper dolls, and doll houses I don't think I'll even come close.

He introduced me to building Gundam model kits and was able to convince me to get my first set.

His Gundam Gusion Rebake (doesn't it remind you of bread??) and my cutie-patootie Wing Gundam

It didn't take me long to build it, but only because it was tiny. Heh. Still, the first model kit I ever built was BB-8 and I think that came out A-okay.

I just love watching him work, with brows furrowed in concentration - messy hair and all ♡

Our new project? Paint my Wing Gundam pretty pastel colors to make it girly and more me.

One last look of it on its original form, I guess?

Ready for sanding

He said the first step is to sand the edges to make it smoother. I was supposed to do this (since it was mine, anyway) but I refused to budge. Hehe.

Next step is to paint a primer on. Same with makeup, the primer helps in priming the material for painting and making the colors adhere better. And then finally, paint. He uses airbrush on custom-painting toys. (This is his business so if you have anything you want custom-painted, just contact me so I can refer you to him, hee.) We ran out of time though so I guess we'll do these on the coming weekends instead.

Whenever we go to his house to hang out we always make sure we have snacks because we're always hungry. It's either we pass by SM Bicutan for ice cream or whatever or call for delivery.

Lazy Saturday spent watching X-Men: First Class and tinkering with toys? Let's Shakey's.

Find the hidden Pac-Man Our favorite Angus Steakhouse!

In related news, did you know that Shakey’s has debuted their first open kitchen branch in Buendia, Makati?

Known for their trademark Thin-Crust Pizza and Chicken ’ N’ Mojos, Guests can now experience a live-cooking feel when they visit the newest store and peek through a see-through kitchen which will showcase the amount of care and effort that goes into preparing the well-loved pizza and pasta dishes of Shakey’s. 

This movement to create their first free-standing, open-kitchen branch is a testament to the brand’s commitment to innovation, effectiveness, and efficiency in their Back of House in order to give Guests a convenient yet sophisticated dining experience. 

Other things that Guests can expect from the new Buendia branch is a brighter, lighter atmosphere with higher ceilings to highlight the restaurant’s modern design. Convenient, built-in customized USB ports and sockets are also available for those who prefer outside meetings or working lunches. 

I have yet to visit but we passed by this branch yesterday when he and his family dropped me off at my stop. I hope I can drop by before the end of the month to try their Yoghurt Summer Bliss also!

A creamy and delicious dessert that is the perfect end to a fun, family, pizza meal, the Shakey’s Yoghurt Summer Bliss is a cool source of comfort that will satisfy cravings when the tropical heat gets too hard to handle. Available in Strawberry and Blueberry flavors, these delectable and fruity treats will definitely quench your thirst and make your summer even better.

So, yeah, basically we love eating, and that is obvious by how thin we looked in our photos from a year ago, huhu.

We are not allowed to get hungry, or else... Heads will roll. LOL.

Heehee, I love this guy. ❤️