JUST LIKE CHILDREN

One of the best memories of my childhood is the trips we made to Greenhills, Anson's or COD to view the live mannequin shows during Christmas. I remember being in awe, every time I saw Santa on his sleigh, those cute reindeers merrily trotting on the platforms, or those armies of toy soldiers riding their horses on English saddles.

And so, for the second year, we are taking our son to this...It would be the perfect opportunity to weave wonderful Yuletide memories. And it would be my and my husband's chance too, to experience Christmas just as it was many, many years ago--just like children.

TOYS AHOY

Somewhere in the heart of Pasig lies a structure that is probably considered heaven for kids. Why? Because it contains an abundance of toys, toys, and more toys!Considered as THE toy event of the year, the Annual Richwell Sale is a much-awaited toy bonanza of both the young and young at heart.

So if you still have items to tick off that Christmas list, why don't you head on over to Pasig to avail of the great steals and deals from Richwell.

Happy shopping!

THE FINAL STRETCH

Done with your Christmas shopping already?

If like me, you still haven't received your bonus yet, but are itching to get started with the Yuletide sprees, better be ready to strut those credit cards or secure those fast cash payday loans in preparation for the line-up of bazaars this December. Mind you, this year's final month, mind begins on Monday already!!!

DECEMBER BAZAARS

2 American Women's BazaarWorld Trade Center, Metro Manila
5 - 16 The 7th World Bazaar FestivalWorld Trade Center, Metro Manila
6-7 Karl Edwards International Bazaar NBC Tent, Taguig
12-14 Rockwell Urban BazaarPowerplant Mall, Rockwell, Makati City
13-23 Karl Edwards International BazaarNBC Tent, Taguig
27-28 Karl Edwards International BazaarNBC Tent, Taguig

BAG A BAG

Owning a designer bag is every woman's dream. Others would move heaven and earth, strutting those magnetic credit card strips or would even go as far as securing cash loans just to satisfy that addiction to bags. Pizza Hut is changing all that.

Here are five compelling reasons why you should load up on Pizza Hut during the holidays...Dubbed as the Bag it Italian promo, any of these drool-worthy authentic Gucci bags may be yours just by purchasing a small or large size of Pizza Hut's Viva Italian variants. The promo is valid for dine–in and take-out purchases in all Pizza Hut Dine-in Restaurants from November 13 to December 15.

For more information, log on to http://www.pizzahut.com.ph/

BURGER! BURGER!

My cyberfriend, Toni's convincing powers worked on me. I finally took a shot at that Kenny Rogers Roasters' much talked about cheeseburger. It was pure heaven in every bite!

Now look at my sandwich smiling at the camera...The cheeseburger is part KRR's new line of healthy sandwiches. Aside from that sumptuous cheeseburger I just had, they also have the Roast Chicken, Fried Chicken, Philly Cheese Steak, BBQ Rib, Tuna Melt, Jumbo Hotdog, Jumbo Chili Hotdog, Cold Chunky Chicken and Cold Chunky Tuna. All sandwiches are served using the freshest greens and dressings on KRR's own whole wheat rolls

I also plan to have a taste of one (or all four?!?!) of the variants of their grilled paninis consisting of four cheese, smoked salmon and cream cheese, ham and cheese, and the tomato, pesto and mozarella. Magnifico!

For more information, log on to http://www.kennys.com.ph.

CONFESSIONS FROM BEDAZZLED TWI-HARD

My Twilight date finally came last night, on the official first day of the Pinas run. Looking for a companion was quite a stretch because I couldn't find a common window with my officemates and plurkmates. My other girlfriends had previously committed to Twilight dates with their hubbies too. So where did that leave me? DEAD END. But not for long.The Haligi (who has been on my nerves since the weekend) tried to make amends and surprised me with tickets to last night's 6:15 show. This was indeed a welcome change because you see (and some friends and plurkmates would attest to this), he'd rather watch those oh so testosterone-y movies than be caught dead in a chick flick. Yes folks, Twilight was our first official DATE MOVIE in all the 9 years that we've been a couple. So even just for a night, the Haligi went against his instinct, went against what he was used to. Last night, Haligi became an Edward to me. Awww.
Before I digress and collapse into a pile of mush, let me just say that I found movie entertaining. It wasn't way up there, but neither was it the pits. Thanks to my four epidural shots, I was able to feign amnesia, temporarily forgetting previously read reviews, plurks and details of the book. I also restrained myself (and will do so too, now) from getting all too technical about the movie, overlooking cinematography, production design, acting and what have you (tweaks here and there wouldn't hurt, though). Plus I'm sure by now, most of you you have gone through several routes of those kinds of reviews already. I just savored the movie in all its glory, with the characters, the setting, the plot, the conflict, the soundtrack, and THE Edward and Bella, to my mind, hitting all the right beats, and how! What I liked most about the movie is the quiet, vintage-y feel to it, reminding me of some of the flicks and soaps of my youth--The Outsiders, Stand by Me, The Wonder Years, My So-Called Life, you get the picture (yes, I am THAT old!). I also appreciate the film's preference to use newer and more low-key actors rather than big-name stars. But we all know of course, that RP and KS are now stars in their own right. BUT how can you compress a beautifully told novel in just a little over 90 minutes? As expected, sins of omission were committed (don't worry, no spoilers here!), which was pretty understandable given the limitations. And in my humble opinion, with the scope of characterization, inner conflicts, and the web of subplots in the novel, Twilight would've been given more justice, had it been shot for a mini series instead. But that's just my $0.02. To me, the movie was indeed a sincere attempt to tell the Twilight story, as truthfully and as faithfully as possible, sans the glam, effects and extravaganza. My Twilight experience was pure entertainment and (EDWARD) delight, with my own "Edward" next to me.

X02 DAYS TO GO

One of the newest and most anticipated high-performance mobile phones of the year is set to make its Philippine debut. The smashing Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1 hits stores on Nov. 28.

Running on Windows Mobile 6.1, the XPERIA X1 brings personalization to a whole new level. Customizable panels, RSS feeds, calendar entries, email settings, multimedia and so much more are all just a sfinger touch away.

And with the limitless possibilitiesto keep you busy anytime, anywhere--movie viewing on a three-inch DVD quality screen, web browsing via a Microsoft OS, Google Maps, and dowloads via WiFi or HSPA, you are truly assured a wonderful Xperia Xperience..

To order in advance, log on to http://www.bethefirstx1.com/.

CAPTIVA(TING)

My sis and her hubby have already drawn up a shortlist for their next SUV purchase. And among great SUV and cheap auto insurance combos on the list, they are seriously considering the Chevrolet Captiva.

Stylish good looks, superb equipment line-up, impressive cabin space and brilliant all-round flexibility, the Captiva is a great alternative to the usual cross-over SUVs like the Toyoya RAV4 and Honda CRV.

What’s more, get a load of these extra features: a six-speaker radio-CD with MP3 capability and remote controls, electrically-adjustable mirrors, front, side and roof airbags, centralized lock systems, and so much more.

Building on the Chevrolet tradition of quality cars, my sister and her husband hope that the Captiva would prove to be a sound chattel investment.

THE SECRET'S OUT

Who needs to travel to those malls and hotels Las Vegas , when access to those coveted signature and luxury items may be found here in Pinas soil.

Get great discounts on designer dresses, menswear, footwear, luxury bags, casual resort wear, lingerie, swimwear and more. May this weekend be merry and bright!

LEST YOU FORGET

Saw this at Oprah tonight.

The Doorganizer© is a hanging reminder and organizer for the doorknob. Ideal for keys, eyeglasses, cell phones, palm-held devices, music players, talking watches, even envelopes or newspapers fit into the strip at the back!

Absolute kewlness. Would make a great Christmas gift too.

I sure hope they have this is in Manila!

The Container Store

500 Freeport Parkway

Coppell, TX, USA

75019972-538-6900

http://www.containerstore.com/

MANNA FROM HEAVEN

My fascination with Korean food may pale in comparison to my obsession with everything Japanese. Nonetheless, I alway enjoy every Korean experience, however far and in between they may be. So when the opportunity came to get out of our computer desks--with my Pepper Lunch groupies, who was I to say no?!?!

Aside from the Kimchi and appetizer staples, we also had our faves--Dolsot Bibimbap, Chapchae, Beef Stew and darn, I forgot the name of that thingamajigs you wrap in lettuce leaves! Hehehe. For dessert we stopped over at the neighboring minimart (a sister company actually) for the best ice drop I have ever tasted--in honeydew flavor at that!!!

So without further ado, here are my long overdue pictures from my recent Korean lunch...Manna Garden Restaurant & Manna Minimart
Don Pedro Street
Poblacion, Makati City
(632) 897.8552

MORE BAZAAR BUZZ

Here are more reasons to look forward to the coming weekends...These promise to be one-of-a-kind shopping events with hundreds of products, fashion lines, food items, Christmas home décors and novelty items, rare wares, travel packages, auto accessories (even tire chains perhaps?) and exclusive finds at great prices.

Mea Bazaar

Tel: (63917) 524.9170 (Marga) / (63927) 403.4599 (Mel) / (63905) 269.0722 (Jo Anne)

Website: http://pmeabazaar2008.multiply.com

Noel Bazaar

Tel: (632) 687.0654, 687-2955

Email: noelbazaaars@gmail.com

TWELVE DAYS TO GO

The countdown begins to one of the world's much-awaited, traffic-stoppin' premieres...Regular Philippine Release Date:
November 26, 2008
Running Time:
120 minutes
Distributor:
Viva International Pictures
MTRCB Rating:
TBA
Index of Local Advance/Special Screenings:
Click here
Advance Ticket Selling Now Available for:
Glorietta 4 TriNoma Greenbelt 3 Ayala Center Cebu

So better be prepared with those auto insurance policies. It's gonna be one helluva rush to theaters this November.

A HOME AWAY FROM HOME

The trip to Mom and Tina's Bakery cafe, my first, was as wonderful as spending time with those I hold dear--which I did actually. My first meal at this cozy little resto was with my dear sister, D.Nestled at the heart of Perea St., inside Legaspi Village, Mom and Tina's offers an interest range of soups and salads, pasta, casseroles, steaks and sandwiches, and a whole lot more. Price is reasonable, averaging around P150.00 per dish. Their line-up of desserts and sweets include cupcakes, brownies, pies, cookies, to name a few. They also sell baked goods in boxes and jars that would make great party desserts and Yuletide gifts.

Seated at a cozy nook of the restaurant, "utol" (who was feeling pretty down due to some problem with her contact lenses) and I had the Bacon and Spinach Quiche for starters and then we had a serving of Callos and Chicken Alexander--all winners!!! Instant mood improvement for the "utol"!For dessert, D, who's on her 5th month of pregnancy, craved for Mango squares (which she finished before I could take a photo of it) while I chose to take home a box of cupcakes for the Haligi and Haligilet. Let these pictures tell the story of our meal...

Mom & Tina's Bakery Cafe

Perea corner De La Rosa,

Makati City

Telephone: +632 894 3598, 840-4299

106 E. Rodriguez Jr,

Avenue Ugong, Pasig City

Telephone: +632 571-1540 to 41, 914-0833

'TIS THE SEASON TO BE JOLLY

Fa-lah-lah-lah-lah lah-lah-lah-lah!NOVEMBER BAZAARS

3 American Women's BazaarWorld Trade Center, Metro Manila
8-9 Karl Edwards International BazaarNBC Tent, Taguig
16 International Bazaar PICC Forum
15-16 Karl Edwards International BazaarNBC Tent, Taguig
22-23 Karl Edwards International BazaarNBC Tent, Taguig
23 Assumption Alumni BazaarHotel Intercontinental, Makati
28-30 Rockwell Urban BazaarPowerplant Mall, Rockwell, Makati City
29-30 Karl Edwards International BazaarNBC Tent, Taguig

At times like these, I wish I had a tiange stall of my own. Yuletide selling is fun. Any small business for sale out there?

Happy shopping!

SHOCKWAVE

You may want to let your friends and relatives know...

Smat Buddy, Gold, Bro and TNT will hold a series of handset and gadget sales, starting this weekend at SM North EDSA. Brand new phones as affordable as P950.00. Now how cool is that?!?!

So better delay shopping for those gifts, gizmos and golf clubs. Head on to SM North Edsa at mag-Christmas shopping na!

MY MALINDIS

After browsing through different comfy footwear sites--Melissa, Grendha, Aerosole, Sanuk, Anthology, Keds Skimmers, MBT shoes, and the like, my heart is still being held captive by my love affair with Crocs.

And thanks to Eunice of multiply site, Tiger Lily, I will be receiving this nth pair of mine tomorrow...Croc farm is indeed growing.

Tiger Lily
Website: http://tigerlilies.multiply.com
Eunice Go
YM ID eunicego_no2
+63917.5399265

VIVA VIETNAMESE

After finalizing all arrangements for my Papa's trip--tickets, accommodations, diabetes medication, travel insurance, we held family send-off dinner at one of my faver's favorite restos--Pho Hoa.

Known for their naturally flavored, low-calorie, delicious soups with the choicest slices of brisket, flank, eye round steak, the Pho Hoa experience never fails us.
Each dish is accompanied by a medley of fresh greens ranging from coriander leaves, bean sprouts, hot peppers, lemon wedges to give the diners a complete, nutritious and well-balanced meal.
Pho Hoa Philippines

Alabang Town Center
11 New Entertainment Complex
Muntinlupa City
Tel: (632) 772.3894

Eastwood City
Citiwalk C-5, Libis, Quezon City
Tel: (632) 421.2046

Greenbelt 1
Paseo De Roxas, Makati City
Tel: (632) 813.4740

GP Wilson Street
Addition San Juan

Metro Walk
Meraldo Ave.
Ortigas Center, Guenzon City

SM Bicutan
Taguig, Paranaque City

SM City Mall
Concepcion Street, Manila
Tel: (632) 522.8231

SM Megamall
EDSA Mandaluyong City
Tel: (632) 636.6692

SM North EDSA
Quezon City, Metro Manila
Tel: (632) 926.4567

Toledo Building 8
277 Tomas Marato, Quezon City, Manila
Tel: (632)412.6389

MEA CULPA

Guilty as charged. I have been really amiss in updating this blog.

And my only excuse is, aside from my addiction to coffee and the latest line-up of Starbucks promotional items as documented here and here, is my obsession with this...

Yes, late bloomer indeed.

Stephanie Mayer's Twilight book series has been keeping me company the past few nights--the perfect complement to my caffeine-infested body. Not that I am complaining. I turn page, after page, after page (well technically, press button, after button, after button of my e-book :D) waiting with bated breath as Mayer's beautifully told love stories unfold.

I can't wait for November 26th!

GREATER HEIGHTS

After accumulating pairs and pairs of Crocs--a pair each of Mary Janes and Athens and five, yes FIVE pairs of Primas (arranged in the photo according to sequence of purchase, hehehe)... I am now aiming for greater heights. Literally. The new Crocs Lena features sleek styling with a 3" to 3.5" heel (heel size gradually increases with the larger sizes). Made from the trademark Croslite material, the Lena is a limited edition and is available in women's sizing 4 through 10.

Now with a Crocs collection the size of this, my husband joked that I sould probably get a mala-online car insurance coverage for it. Hehehe!