HOLD THE TIGRA

The Haligi and I couldn't help but drool at the new Opel Tigra... We couldn't help getting all sentimental too because it was our family's first car before we decided to replace it with a van.

We were extremely happy with the Tigra's performance and features. Who wouldn't be--retractable steel roof covered with Bordeaux red canvas, leather trim, heated seats, air conditioning, MP3-compatible CD-Radio, on-board computer, two-layer metallic/pearlescent-effect lacquer and aluminum sport pedals. The baby also came with cheap auto insurance and service warranty from GM Philippines.

We were so sad to see this baby go. Maybe we could save up for it when the Haligilet is ready for his first car. Dream on, son!

DEBENHAM DEALS THIS SUMMER

Stumbled upon this while making a shortlist of lip gloss shades for my next makeup shopping spree. Tukso layuan mo akoooo...For a minimum single receipt purchase, Debenhams shoppers may win special gift prizes and gift certificates instantly via a store-wide Pick-a-Prize promo. The promo began last February 22, and will run up to March 15.

Level 2, TriNoma
Tel. Nos. +632.9015651 / +632.9015653

Level 3, Shangri-La Plaza Mall
Tel. Nos. +632.6329802 / +632.6387160

Level 3, Rustan's Makati
Tel. No.s +632.814.4774 / +632.8181783

FOUR DAYS TO GO

On March 1st, one of you will win this baby....Details here!

NOTHING'S STOPPING WHISTLESTOP'S COMEBACK

Thanks to Our Awesome Planet's lead, I was able to find out the Whistle Stop is back. And hopefully, it is here to stay!

Photo courtesy of Our Awesome Planet

Back in the day, our family frequented that homey, cozy resto at Jupiter Street, Makati for our favorite Asian and Western dishes. Our family favorites consisted of the Hainanese Chicken, Rendan Daging and Singaporean Noodles. We also loved shopping at the convenience store located at the back part of the restaurant, for our favorite imported treats and wares, including fashion finds like shoes, shirts, bags and even holsted jewelry. Speaking of which, if you are on the lookout for authentic and unique designer jewelry, then HolstedJewelers.com may just be the site you're looking for. With its exclusively designed jewelry, gifts and accessories, Holstedjewelers.com, is a no-miss one-stop accessory shop.

Combine the restaurant-slash-bar-slash minimart concept with the convenience of a 24/7 shift, and you've got yourself a winner. And a winner, that Jupiter hangout indeed was to us nightowls, especially since our dad worked till the wee hours of the morning (buhay showbiz! hehehe!).

I am so looking forward to my Whistlestop reunion, hopefully in the near future.

OOOH-LA-LAIYA

Since a trip abroad can be draining both on time and the pocket, our family would be happy to settle for a summer trip to Acuatico Resort... Found at the heart of San Juan Batangas, the newest triple A Laiya resort is packed with superior accommodations and amenities, including an infinity swimming pool, a kiddie pool, a jacuzzi, and a floating pool bar. It is indeed comparable to those Outer Banks rentals.

Life's a beach!

Acuatico Resort
Manila: +63(2) 892-6877
Mobile: +63(918) 893-9880
Email: reservations@acuaticoresort.com.ph
Web: www.acuaticoresort.com.ph

BISTRO 110, REVISITED

Every Valentine's Day, the Haligi and I mark the date with dinner at the place where we first met. Bistro 110, that watering hole along C. Palanca, has played host to our Hearts Day dates for the last ten years.Food, which is a medley of Italian, American and Filipino dishes and bar chow is reasonably priced and and is a worthy companion to that shot of liquor most Makati Denizens look for, come Hump Day (Wednesday) or Friday.

I guess what makes the place click is the fact that it is laid back, unpretentious, and is well-appointed since it is located at the heart of the Makati Commercial District. There's free band entertainment too on selected days, which requires no cover charge nor consumable fees.

I'm glad Bistro 110 has chosen to expand its menu. Just imagine, I've been having bar chow for dinner for almost nine years already. However, as in all Valentine's days, we chose to stick to our favorites.

The Balut ala Pobre...The All-Meat Pizzadilla, made of multi-colored flour tortillas, which, by the way, are the same ingredients of the mean Bistro 111 Nachos...We also ordered a "new kid on the block"--pasta with wild mushrooms in olive oil...For dessert, we had their homemade sans rival...I wouldn't say that the food is way up there. But we find that the all dishes provide good value for money (never mind if they're all Lipovox-unfriendly). Add to the fact that there is a sentimental element factored in, then for sure, every meal we have at this place is pure heaven.

Bistro 110
Ground Floor Dona Angela Garden
#110 Carlos Palanca Jr.St.
Legaspi Village , Makati
T: +6327525037 or +6327525038

IT TAKES TWO TO TANGO...

Gold Tango...

LOVE IN THE TIME OF WEB 2.0

Looking for an interesting alternative to chocolates or roses for valentines? Well, Philippine Star recently launched its online messaging platform which allows you to send notes to your significant other via a few clicks on your keyboard.Dubbed as the Valentine's Webspecial '09, the message board found on the Philippine Star website allows you compose and send the sweetest and most romantic notes to all those you hold dear. It is simple, easy to use, and best of all, it is free!

But whichever way you plan to exchange your love messages--through the conventional flowers, romantic dinner, or this free web-based love board, here's hoping you have a fab day of hearts!

* Love greetings on Valentine's Webspecial 2009 will be posted until February 16, 2009.

ROYCE, ROYCE, BABY!

That's Paseo de Roxas in the background--my (seemingly futile) attempt to let your know that the coveted Royce chocolates and cookies are now on sale in Ayala country, having finally landed on Greenbelt 5. Aside from the posh Ayala Mall, you can get these heavenly chocolate squares from the Royce store at Rockwell, Cacao in Serendra and Kombini in Greenhills.

Happy eating! Nomnomnomnomnom!

MAVER'S BREW

My addiction to caffeine, especially to the tried and tested Starbucks blend is no secret to all of you. Right now, I am currently liking the their new Tea Latte line comprised of Green Tea, Chai Tea and Black Tea. Creamy and flavored subtly, it is indeed a great companion while relaxing and dreaming of those Vegas vacations.I prefer my Chai Latte, iced and venti. What's your favortie Starbucks blend?

MY CURRENT ADDICTION

Envirosax!

I have decided to put my lifelong dream of accumulating all colors of Longchamp (temporarily) on hold as it seems totally impractical and unreasonable given the current economic crunch. And so, I have settled for a cheaper, yet what seems to be, a funky version of the foldable, waterproof shopping bag.
Chic, inexpensive and compact, these environmentally-friendly shopping bags are made of polyester that is portable and lightweight (weighing 1.4 oz only) and can easily roll into a ball. So, so, so convenient and easy to use, these fab bags can squeeze into any nook or cranny of your handbag or luggage.

Purchase one now as your chic and significant step towards a brighter ecological future!

Available in all Hobbes and Landes stores in Metro Manila

AWWW...FREAK OUT! LE CHING! LE CHING!

It is my dad's birthday month and I couldn't help wax sentimental knowing that it would be the eighth year we will not spending his birthday with him. And so, to remember the good times, I dragged my husband to counterfiet country, home of all those faux bags, Rolexes, Omegas and Fendi watches--Greenhills!!! Why? To eat at good ole, LE CHING!

When I was a kid, my dad used to take us jogging (yes, I had a weight problem that early) in the morning at either the CCP complex or Greenhills (obviously, gas was so much cheaper then, hehehe!). As a "blasphemous" close to our attempt at fitness, Papa would take us to those Hong Kong style dimsum places for some congee and dimsum. Maxim's, Emerald Garden and Le Ching were always top of mind.

Le Ching has made a mark as a quick, affordable, and tasty meal for the Greenhills crowd. The rice toppings (served on "arinola"-looking bowls) have been its main attractions and our family has been loyal to the Beef Brisket and Chicken Mushroom Rice. No Le Ching meal would be complete without the Hakaw (Shrimp Dumpling)...and Pork Siomai. It is way up their in the dimsum scale. The service is generally quick but the smile factor of the waiters has yet to be fine-tuned. It has been this way for years. Nonetheless, it was never a deterrent to the Le Ching-going crowd, especially if you have bottomless servings of chili sauce and calamansi (Pinoy lemon) with your dimsum... Tonight we also tried the Seafood Roll, which came with generous bits of shrimp, fish and scallops, an addition to their menu. Ho-hum... There is now a Le Ching Too a few doors away, but being a creature of habit, our family still chooses to eat at the original outlet. Iba na daw ang (walang) ambience. Hahaha!

Le Ching rules!

Le Ching Tea House
Units 8-10 Shopesville Arcade
Greenhills Shopping Center
Ortigas Ave, San Juan City
Tel: 7263677

THE 3 Ps

Just imagine pursuing any of those online degree programs with these beauties.

Proud. Pretty. Petite.

After its worldwide debut at the 2009 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, the 8-inch VAIO P "Pocket style PC" is now here in the Philippines.

Mark the date when the VAIO P starts making waves in the Philippines: February 25, 2009. Pre-ordering kicked off last January 30, 2009.

For more information, please call (02) 878-7600 or 0917-8077669, email info@sph.sony.com, or log on to www.sony.com.ph/vaiop

THAT VALENTINE VIBE

This coming Valentine’s week, the Power Plant Mall will be host to a celebration of the timeless classics of romance: sweets, flowers, music, wine of the month servings and so much more.

Entitled “Rockwell Valentine’s” the mall-wide fair will feature the revival of the Baker’s Dozen at the Concourse, a Flower Fair at the North Court, and a romantic strings and sax serenades from Kadense and Vince Lahorra.

Sweet deals and discounts also await Valentine shoppers who are out to buy a nice toke for their loved one. To cap the week-long Valentine celebration, Power Plant Cinema will feature an Audrey Hepburn Film Fest that will showcase the many memorable performances from the legendary movie- and style-icon.

For more information, log on to powerplantmall.multiply.com or call 8981702.