Cafe Mediterranean

I tried Cafe Mediterranean in Rockwell last Monday. Their Margherita Pizza's crisp and flavorful - fresh basil, mozzalrella & tomatoes, no meat but still loving it! Their kebabs are tasty, well seasoned, well-cooked - the meat melts in your mouth, you don't need too much effort chewing it....well i can't even tell which is chicken, beef, pork & kofta.  They have variety of kebabs - Grilled Chicken, Grilled Beef, Grilled Kofta, Grilled Lamb, Grilled Fish. Or it can be mixed chicken, beef, pork & kofta kebabs. Served with pita, buttered rice (love it), rice pilaf or couscous. Good for 4 persons. Their pita in regular or whole wheat, serves as an appetizer...yummy! Definitely I'll be back here for more :)

Cafe Mediterranean located at Rockwell, Makati along J.P. Rizal. Other branches in Robinson's Galleria, SM Mall of Asia, Greenbelt, Makati and The Podium.

http://www.thecafemediterranean.com

Fashion Forecast Spring 2012

Badgeley Mischka

Fashion updates for Spring 2012. Bright bold colors are still in - tangerine, orange, fuchsia pink, greens, turquoise matched it with neutrals - neutral white, off-white, khaki tones. 


Ethereal elegance in neutral tones and dreamy fabrics, pinker blush tones to old gold for a metallic look - florals, lace, soft tulle, chiffon, georgette, fluid fabrics. 


Vintage styles which are also from last year's season are still up this season - fluid fabrics like silk and chiffon, crepe for dressier styles. Designs are inspired from the 20's and 40's look.

20's Inspired Looks

Marc Jacobs

Jill Stuart

40's Inspired Looks

             

Carolina Herrera

Diane von Furstenburg

Diane von Furstenburg
Herve Leger

Dresses in ultra feminine to bolder abstract silhouettes.



Expressive or abstract, modern and creative prints, graphic or digital prints are back with a kitsch twist.

Betsey Johnson

Subtle sporty style with expressive prints, patchwork effects and zipper styling - 

Soft jersey and micro mesh, solid or printed fabrics.


http://www.insidefashionlive.com/OpenTrends/tabid/174/itemid/331/Default.aspx

2011 Fashion Highlights

COLOR BLOCKING

One trend that really caught my attention is Colour Blocking. The use of two or more blocks of usually bright colors either on a dress or top or even in shoes and accessories. Bright top paired with another bold colored bottoms....I couldn't help but notice. It's actually not a new trend, it was already in last year's forecast but this year it's back in a big bang.

Bright colors combined with
muted colored shoes and accessories

More info and samples re color blocking visit this site http://makeupandbeauty.com/color-blocking-fashiontrend-alert/

http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=35641937

70'S FLARE

70's look are back again and so are the Flare Leg Pants! Match it with floral or plaid turn-up longsleeves matched with clogs or wedge for that 70's look. 

Photos courtesy of Elle. See link http://ellegirl.elle.com/teen-fashion/2011/goodbye-skinny-hello-70s-flare/

BODY-CON-SCIOUS

Body-con dresses are in all the shops now, seen it worn by celebrities and even out online. This season's must-have! Body-con stands for body-conscious, made from stretchy, clinging fabric, it's a look straight out of the 1980s. Designed with cut-outs, ruched, wrapped, with lace or sheer fabrics, printed, floral, plain, and animal print.

Blue Sleeveless Mesh Panel Body-con Dress

Ribbed Cut-out Body-con Dress

Purple Sleeveless Mesh Panel Body-con

Violet Sweetheart Lace Body-con Dress

Body-con skirts are also in this season. Pair this hip-hugging skirt with cropped or asymmetrical hem loose top for more casual look and/or tops tucked-in it for more sexy look. You can play with it!  Wear it as casual chic, in a more formal look, and even do a color blocking ensemble.

Jade Panel Body-con Skirt

Stripe Body-con Mini Skirt

Lace Top Tucked in High Waist Body-con Mini

The great thing about a body-con dress is it pulls the two most important areas in and up - your chest and backside - making your boobs and bum look fabulous.

However, it also highlights a bloated tummy and big abdomen.For tips on how to pull it off and how to have that svelte looking figure, see this link: http://www.mirror.co.uk/life-style/dieting/2009/10/12/your-guide-to-the-ultimate-body-con-dress-diet-115875-21741382/

http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CatalogNavigationSearchResultCmd?searchTermScope=3&pageSize=20&searchType=ALL&catalogId=33057&searchTerm=body-con&searchTermOperator=LIKE&viewAllFlag=false&langId=-1&sort_field=Relevance&beginIndex=1&storeId=12556

Who Wore The Versace Dress Better?

Saw this pic from yahoo, as two Hollywood stars: Kristen Bell and Anna Paquin wore the almost same dress from Versace's Versus clothing line. Good thing they did not wear it on the same event for it was 2 months apart when Kirsten wore this last August 2 at the Television Critics Association bash.

So who wore it best? I must say Kristen Bell. Well, I like her dress more. It's more sophisticated plus I like how she styled her hair. But she should accessorize more to add oomph and not that boring.

In contrary, the writer of the said post likes Anna Paquin more but pole has 70% to 31% in favor of Kirsten. Yey, I'm right...or does it just mean that more people are not as daring as Anna?

What do you think?

Design Textile Trends Spring 2012

Here is the style guide for Spring/Summer 2012 from Printsource and Promostyl.

The palette is based on the myriad variations of sand and earth nuances accompanied by five sun-bleached pastels. Prints are more on tribal motifs and photographic landscape images with kaleidoscope effect. 

The theme is techno-edge in bright tones that are offset by intense neutrals. Prints are more on classic on plaid, floral, stripes and infuses them with saturated colors and overlapping 3D effects.

An organic and lyrical theme inspired by the mysteries of the underworld. The style is more of art nouveau and avant-garde. The palette consists of pastels and iridescent hues and camouflage with nature motifs and re-colored forest landscapes for print design.

The theme is more on romantic and clinical in ultra clean and luminous pastels palette. The look is easy, simple dressing using stripes, dots and floral prints.




http://www.cosmoworlds.com/trends/printsource_new_york-surface_design-textile_trends_2012_spring-01102010.htm

Chic Shoes On Sale

I found good buys and wanna share it or say sell it in a low, half the price of its original cost of Php 799. All items sold at Php400.

Blue Acid Washed Fixed Laced Peep-toe Booties.
Approximately 4 inches heels.

Snakeskin Peep-toe Slingbacks.
4 inches Heels

Nude Peep-toe Platform. 4 inches Heels.

T-Bar Cut Out Platform Sandals with 

pink contrast inner sole. 4 inches Heels.

Be fashionable and chic at low cost. For orders call or text 09233906770. Additional charge for shipment.

BON CHON CHICKEN, a New Food Craze

We were treated by a friend and introduced us to the new craze in town, Bon Chon Chicken, in Acropolis Libis. She excitedly claimed that they had the best chicken and always craving for it.

Spicy Flavor. It's really spicy...for me

We tried both Soy Garlic and Hot & Spicy flavor in combo plus Chicken Chops in Soy Garlic and fries on the side. With just a bite, I instantly thought it has unique flavor, a different way of cooking chicken. Just like KFC when it was introduced, it has unique quality that's why it's a hit...same as Bon Chon.

I love their chicken chops.
I don't have to deal with chicken bones :)

Bon Chon Chicken has this flavorful unique taste and crispy skin different from any other chicken I've tasted in the market. It looks greasy but it's not. 

One thing I noticed though, they only have few variety of food to serve. Maybe if they also serve other dish that would complement the chicken it'll be more better. But the service, the place are good and their chicken is the best!

The price is affordable. For the small pack of 6 pcs. Chicken Wings, 3 pcs. Drumsticks or 4 pcs. Chicken Chops, it can be enjoyed by 2-3 persons for the price of P185. They also have affordable entree for P125.

Wall Design at the Entry Way

Enjoying our Bon Chon Chicken

I had a wonderful meal and I would definitely be back again to try their other stuffs. The chicken is great and I would love my family and friends to experience it.


Bon Chon Chicken is located at Acropolis in Libis, Ayala Triangle, Greenbelt 1, Megamall and Robinsons Galleria. They also have delivery service so you can enjoy it at home. For delivery dial 2121212. 


https://www.facebook.com/Bonchon.Chicken.Philippines
http://www.bonchon.com

Monday Affair

I am scheduled for roving in Greenhills, go to admin and later on have dinner with friends. I opt on wearing something casual but not too rugged because I'll be meeting staff from the admin. I preferred wearing shorts, since the weather is hot and it's easy to move around sourcing. I paired it with slightly sheer collared long sleeves top for a more chic, formal look.

Blue/Vanilla Stripes Collared Long Sleeves Top designed by yours truly, Khaki Shorts borrowed from my sister's closet :), Strappy Brown Sandals from Celine. Accessorized with Braided Brown Belt free from the shorts I bought in Bangkok, Gold Bangle a gift from my former officemate, White Ceramic Watch with gold accent and clear stones on top ring from Fossils, and spacey Brown Shoulder Bag from Nine West.

HOLY COW! Food Trip

It was my second dine in at Holy Cow! in Megamall Atrium, with the same friend. It was Friday and almost all restaurant are jam packed with people. Feeling hungry, we decided to try again Holy Cow! for it's cozier besides we know the food is OK and the serving's good enough to fill in an empty stomach.


As soon as we stepped on the restau we are nicely greeted and accommodated but we preferred to be transferred on the couch, so we waited a couple of minutes...well, a more longer since the couple who were about to go stay in for a couple MORE minutes doing her make up, chat a li'l more, etc. Then, a group of people sitting on the couch beside us left so we move in, still the couple haven't left...maybe the girl's not satisfied with her make up and had to do it again or maybe she's hoping the make up will do her some magic and an instant new face :)

Anyway.....


While waiting we checked on the menu to order. This time I tried the Country’s Pride Parmesan Chicken. A chicken breast fillet enveloped in parmesan batter served with peppered cream sauce with side order of garlic rice and buttered veggies. They claimed it's mouth-watering but I think it's just ok, seemed dry but it's not. There something different or tangy about the taste, maybe with it's the peppered cream sauce or the meat itself. It tastes like the meat was soaked in a beer or alcoholic beverage. 

Enjoying my meal..bon-a-petit!

I also tried their Creamy Clam Chowder as an appetizer. It comes with the menu since we were offered to upgrade the meal, just add P45 and we'll have free soup plus bottomless iced tea...that's a treat! 


The ambiance is fine capturing the ranch look. The comfort room's OK, not smelly and had room to move on. I don't like it though that it's unisex, sharing with the boys.


To sum up, the food is just fine...3 stars for me from 1-5. The service, a little bit lacking. I asked for 2 glasses of water 3x to the crew assigned to us but till we left we never had even a single glass. Well, maybe their too busy but though it's not an excuse I just shove it off... even though they gave the other group of customer 4 glasses of water who actually just arrived. Another thing, when the crew served us the meal we have to call him again for our spoon and fork...talk about amnesia!


Another thing, I was shocked to know that one of their customer complain about the untidiness of the preparation of their child's drink. Wherein, she saw the staff taking the spoon of the beverage and placed it on top of unsterile counter and used it again to taste the beverage she's blending and repeat it again several times. Learning this I was, Holy Cow! I am in doubt now if what I ate or drank or sipped was neatly prepared or clean.


I just hope that chefs, managers and staff try to practice safe food handling in the kitchen. Make sure that the utensils, plates, cookware, tables, etc are clean and sanitized. Minimal lack of service I can forget it but if we're talking about food, it's should be clean, well and neatly prepared or served.

Lunch at the Ranch Menu

Holy Cow! is located at the Third level, The Atrium, New Expansion Mall SM Megamall. Or visit their site at http://www.holycow.com.ph/

Masculine Look for 2012

Here are simple ways on how you should put together masculine with feminine style. This is a simple yet stylish work-drobe.

Graphic Works

Here's a peek of my artwork from previous job to invites for personal use

MAGAZINE AD

MAGAZINE AD

BROCHURE SPREAD

BROCHURE SPREAD

SHELF TALKER / POSTER

POSTER

COUPON

I make this invite as a gift for my inaanak's christening. This is a three-page invitation card tied together with a bow.

INVITATION

 I thought of creating a wallet calendar for giveaways and to make it more special, it will be personally designed.

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Masculine or Feminine FW12: it's time to choose

It's the beginning of new collection for 2012 Fall/Winter Collection. FW12 forecast a collection of masculine - tailored cuts, suits, oversized silhouetttes mixed with feminine touch - fluid dress, florals, ruffled or pleated tops, frills, skirt, slim belt . See link below for inspirational looks.
http://www.swide.com/luxury-magazine/Style/Moodboard/moodboard-masculine-feminine/2011/7/13

Dining in at Uncle Cheffy

Uncle Cheffy Best Seller Salad

After strolling around Eastwood, Libis looking for a restaurant to dine in, me and 3 companions agreed to try Uncle Cheffy. It's on the corner farthest location which seems dark at far and really unnoticeable but believe it or not many people were dining in. Curious, we checked on the menu and noticed they have variety to serve besides we want to try something new. We tried their best seller Uncle Cheffy Salad, Beef Medallion Steak Tagalog, Grilled Blue Marlin, and I think we also order a pasta. Before we order we asked how huge their meal is, they said it's good for 2-3 persons. True enough, they serve huge meals, good for a party of 2-3. So in our case, we had it ala buffet style. First meal they serve is the appetizer, Uncle Cheffy Salad. We tried it and we loved it! We can't help but keep on munching sabi nga...Salad pa lang Ulam na! The best salad I tasted so far. As the other meals arrived, we almost finish eating the salad. Then we tried Beef Medallion, one of my favorite so far, the meat was so tender and the cheese on top adds more flavor...well I love cheese. The serving is good enough for 2-4 persons to share. 

Grilled Blue Marlin

The Grilled Blue Marlin is also delectable, comes with brown rice which really tastes good. I must say It's something worth trying and repeating.