Sunday, October 02, 2016

Happon Ramen House

12:59 PM concepcion , food 0 Comments


70 Cepeda St. cor. Col. Divino St., Concepcion Uno, Marikina City


Anxiety was getting the better of me so I decided to meet my friend to get a new perspective in life. I asked her if we can try out this ramen place in Marikina - it seems so posh so we were curious if food is the same level as its place.




We were lucky enough to get a seat when we arrive at the place. A few minutes past and we realised a number of customers were already coming in & waiting for a table to be available. The place is quite small, with only around less than 10 tables to accommodate ramen-eaters.

They basically offer only 2 kinds of Ramen:

Chicken Paitan Ramen Php 158
Chicken Paitan Chashumen Php 178

Either you have it with rice or choose the spicy variant. If you are not up for Ramen, they offer other choices too like Gyoza, Karaage, etc. 





Ramen was bland at first - but after adding soy sauce - soup and all was delish. The eggs are salted and eventually we realised maybe we had to mix and delute the egg to add flavour to the soup. But that minor issue aside, everything on this bowl is great - from the texture of the noodles, to the pork meat, do the mushroom and the soup.

Serving potion is ok for one person - though it still depends on a person's appetite. 

Our meal as was also served in just a few minutes and server was very friendly & helped us understand what their menu was & what is best to order and try.

If you are around the Marikina area, I'd recommend this place if you suddenly crave for a ramen & eat it in peace. Place is not too crowded and very relaxing.

Visit their Facebook page if you want to know more information: https://www.facebook.com/happonramenhouse/.
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Tuesday, August 02, 2016

June 2016 Favorites

12:25 AM 0 Comments
 


  • MannyMUA x Ofra Long Lasting Liquid Lipstick in Charmed
Purchase: GlamourBox PH http://www.glamourbox.ph/
Price: Php 850 (exclusive of shipping)

CHARMED
Charmed, a pink-nude mauve, is destined to become an instant classic for both day and night. This dusty rose hue is the perfect shade for those who enjoy a more subtle pink lippie.

I'm a fan of MannyMUA so I was so happy when I found out from the Ofra Cosmetics site that they do have a distributor here in the Philippines. Good thing their Charmed shade had stocks on hand that day & so I did not hesitate for a second to order one online.

It was love at first use. It has a creamy-mousey like texture and applying was a breeze. It does have a smell but not pungy; almost like a vanilla like smell - which does not linger at all. The moment you apply it, it does come out as like a creamy lipstick but after a few minutes, it sets off as matte. I love how matte yet not drying it looks on the lips, does not highlight the dryness on the lips and best of all, it is sooo pigmented. Just one layer already gives the color you want. It is also long lasting with the exception of when eating oily food of course. So far, this has been one of my staple lippies in my everyday bag.

  • Colourpop Lippie Stix in Lumiere
Purchase: Stuff in Style (IG)
Price: Php 450 (exclusive of shipping)

A dusty mauve pink in a matte finish created by the lovely KathleenLights.

This is also an everyday lippie in my daily cosmetics bag. The texture is creamy so it easily glides on the lips. It does not highlight dryness & long lasting. It is in stick form, so its very travel-friendly; no sharpening needed as you just twist up to get more of the product. The only thing that bothers me is the scent; it has this like crayon-like smell which is very strong. I don't know if this is the real scent of their lippie stix or if I just got a bad one. Since I ordered this one from an IG seller (which I truly trust as I have purchased a lot of products from them); I decided to order directly from the Colourpop site for comparison.

  • Make Up Revolution Ultra Contour Palette
Purchase: Stuff in Style (IG)
Price: Php 850

This palette is a close dupe for the Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kit. They both have the same exact shade but with an extra 2 highlight shades for Makeup Revolution.

If you are a newbie to contouring, this is a good option to start with. They are pigmented enough & blends easily. On a daily basis, I only often use the middle shade for contour & the 3rd on top for highlighting. The last one is good to if you want to up your strobing game.

 
  • Naturals by Watsons Argan Oil Hair Oil
Purchase: Watsons
Price: Php 139

My first Argan Oil experience was from Snoe (Hair Heroes Intense Argan Oil) which I really enjoyed. It brought back moisture to my dull & dry hair. Unfortunately, as I am always trying out different hair products, I forgot to bring this back to my daily hair routine. Found this product at Watsons and decided to give Argan Oil a try again. I currently have short hair, but with just 1 pump - it makes my hair soft & removes all the frizziness & dryness. I apply this on my towel-dried hair and that's it. Probably will get a better result if I blowdry it but who got time to do that every day right?








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Wednesday, July 13, 2016

Review: KitchenNails Trinoma Mall (Quezon City)

12:37 AM foot spa , kitchennails 0 Comments

Last Saturday, I had no weekend-getaway plans to I decided to just spend it by pampering my tired hands & feet. I remember seeing this new salon near the parking area of Trinoma, so I decided to give it a try. Since it was real early, I was their first customer - you know there's always a pressure being the first customer, its like you're setting their sale situation for the day.

 Anyhoo, the receptionist that greeted me was very kind & accommodating. I asked her what she can recommend as what I basically wanted was a foot spa/scrub of some sort. She recommended their Foot Spa package - which already consists of pedicure, foot scrub & massage. And all these 3 for just Php 450.00.

 They also offer different kinds of scrub, oil & massage you can choose from; but if you're too lazy to select - then they do have a ready package you can choose from. I was so tired from my night shift that day so I just opted to choose from the ready list. I chose Easy Sunday Afternoon package which includes:
  • Peppermint Scrub
  • Lemongrass Mask
  • Lavender Oil
  • Swedish Massage
  • Pedicure inc. of regular nail polish     

Before I get to the service, entering the main area really amazed me. Their salon was so homey, and true to their business name, its as if you are inside a kitchen. 
Center table with fake cupcakes on top
Comfy couch sets
Work area is very spacious

Small pots/pans hanging on the wall, a refrigerator where they store their top of the line nail polish, even the tools they use for mani & pedi like a pan to soak your feet in, syringe to dispense their cuticle remover, etc. SOOO COOL :)
They use a whisk to mix the warm water & soap

Some of the kitchen tools they use for your feet

Easy Sunday Afternoon

1. First, they soaked my feet in a frying pan with hot water. One of the crew used literally a whisk to I guess mix the soap & hot water before they ask me to dip my feet in it.
2. After soaking, Anne started to apply the Peppermint Scrub on my legs. The peppermint smell was relaxing alone.










3. Then they wrapped my legs & feet with a clear cling wrap plastic foil. Anne describe this as baking. She had my legs & part of my feet baked for around 10-15 minutes.







4. While my legs are 'baking',  she started working on my toe nails. I was so amazed how they are using simple kitchen tools  on their mani/pedi service. She used a syringe to dispense a gel-form cuticle remover (this was my first time to try a gel-like form so I was so amazed) & a salt & pepper shaker to dispense alcohol. I also admire them for sanitizing all their tools before every service.


5. After my legs & feet have been fully baked, they took out the cling wrap foil by massaging a hot towel first. After removing the foil, they soaked my legs & feet again on a frying pan with hot water.

6. Next was my favorite part. The MASSAGE. Anne applied the Lavender oil & massage my legs & feet. HEAVEN.

7. The last part was of course the continuation of the pedicure itself. I paid an extra Php 60.00 for a Zoya nail polish. The package actually includes the basic nail polish already but if you want to try some high-end / organic nail polish - it will cost you extra Php 60.00 that you can use for both hands & feet.

Classic Manicure

Cost: Php 145 inc. of regular nail polish
1. First, they will ask to soak your nails on baking tray with hot water & soap.
2. The usual manicure process

 They have a separate blower/heater to quick dry the hands & feet; very hygenic & useful especially if you are in a hurry.

 Overall, my experience on this salon was incredibly awesome. All 5 stars for the staff, 5 stars for the excellent services and 5 stars for their tools/equipment/interior design.

 I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this place & will definitely go back.

 They currently have 2 branches:
  •  Trinoma: located at the 3rd floor near Mindanao Parking Entrance & beside Sony shop
  • Alabang Town Center: UG Commerce Ave. Entrance, Alabang Town Center, Muntinlupa City
Visit their Facebook page for more information/reservation: https://www.facebook.com/kitchenails/




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Friday, April 22, 2016

Forget Me Not Cafe - Lilac Street, Marikina

12:12 AM cafe , food 0 Comments
 
Summer heat in the Philippines is so unbearable lately - you just want to dip in an iced-pool of water all the time. My friend and I initally planned to go to Breaks & Shakes at Sapphire Street in Marikina- but unfortunately they don't have a good parking area. So while driving around Lilac Street, we chanced upon a good parking space - its as if its was waiting for us - in front of Forget Me Not Cafe. And without hesitation, parked my car and went inside the cafe.

Place 5/5 Rating

 

The place is very convenient as it is located along Lilac Street and they have a big sign so you won't miss it. They have a designated parking area in front of the cafe, though its a side-street parking so note that only limited cars can be accommodated.

Inside, they have a very relaxed & cozy setup. They also have an outside section (covered area & with a ceiling fan) - I guess this is for smokers. Even though the outside section was so tempting, it was around 3PM in the afternoon so we are not choosing to dine covered in sweat.

Compared to other snack places along that area, their place was sufficient enough to cater to at least 25-30 pax on the first floor. They have a second floor but at that time it was closed.

Food 4/5 Rating

We ordered Avocado & Strawberry Milkshakes.

As per their menu, they only have 4 flavors of milkshakes which cost Php 135.00 (one size) each.

We enjoyed it, not too sweet & loved the whip cream, sprinkles & pinipig on top!


We also ordered Carbonara & Lasagna (each cost Php 175.00)

I find the Carbonara too small of a portion with its price. Serving of their pasta is for one person only & NOT for sharing (in the case of Carbonara, kid size in my opinion).

Portion or serving issue aside, it was delish. I just feel Php 175 does not give justice to the size of Carbonara served to me. Lasagna though was of fair portion - no complaints about it.

Price 4/5 Rating

Food price range from Php 200-400. Acceptable price if you want to have a fancy snack or merienda. They don't have a service charge so leaving out a tip would be nice.

Staff 5/5 Rating

What I noticed is that they are very attentive & courteous. That day all of them have smiles on their faces, which maybe they are all just having a good day that time but still seeing your servers in a happy mood is a good reflection of the store. 

I'll definitely go back here to try out their cake and other stuff they offer in their menu.  

 Address:
Concepcion 2 41 Lilac St., Hacienda Heights, Concepcion Dos, Marikina City, Philippines

 Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/CafeForgetMeNot
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