Weekend Food Tripping at: Korean Village

My favorite Korean Restaurant of all time is located at Ermita, Manila.  Korean Village.  I've celebrated birthdays and "just because" days in this restaurant.  They actually moved to a different location which is a bit farther than the old address so I haven't dined in this restaurant for the longest time.  I have to set a special date to really take time and visit this place who serves one of the best Korean dishes I've tried.  (My opinion).

The new location is more spacious by the way and they divide the place into smoking and non-smoking.  Well ventilated and air-conditioned. 

Boy am I glad they serve cold tea now for free!  Imagine drinking hot tea while munching on spicy food?  My tongue won't like that!

The appetizers served for free!  My favorite goes to Kimchi, Anchovy and BeanSprouts.

Pork Bulgogi

(uncooked)

Cooking Pork Bulgogi

You can order lettuce for less than Php150.00 (approx $3.00) 

and you get the freshest lettuce servings to wrap the Pork Bulgogi with!

My favorite Bibimbop

I like the fact that their red paste is served on ketchup tube

You have control on how much red paste you want to use!

Chicken with Mushroom Dish

Eat now, allergies later!  I bend the rules when it comes to yummy dishes

There's always anti-histamine anyways :D

Free dessert

Healthy Fresh Pineapples

Korean Village

1738 M. Adriatico St.,

Malate, Manila

The restaurant is always packed.  Parking is available in front of the restaurant plus there is a nearby parking space for customers as well.  The restaurant has good servers and they've been there forever so they know the dishes by heart!  Great customer service, wonderful ambiance, price of the food?  Very inexpensive!  

Everything above costs less than Php500.00 (not more than $12.00).  No service charge included so please give them the tip the deserve!

Have a wonderful weekend food tripping!
Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

Something New: Pond's Pure White Deep Cleansing Foam with Activated Carbon

Happy Saturday everyone!  I will be off for a different hair treatment this afternoon.  I am quite excited as that will be another report for you. For now, I will show you what I learned last week.  I was one of the bloggers invited for an intimate dinner and talk about the new Pond's Pure White product that has been causing a stir after the commercial was launched this month.  Have you seen the commercial of Pond's Pure White Deep Cleansing Foam with Activated Carbon?

Carbon on my face?  But why???

Pond's reveals its little black beauty secret with the new powerful Pond's Pure White Facial Foam!  It has the technology of activated carbon that attracts deep-seated "black" dirt caused by impurities, oil and make-up to reveal a pure white you.

And if you're still confused how carbon, shall I say, activated carbon could help us, here's a shot taken to show you...

Carbon, when "heated" or they call it "activated" become 8x  more porous, which gives space for it to absorb more dirt and oil thus leaving a clean and clearer skin.  (You can view and enlarge photo below).

And what's more exciting?  Science laboratory time!  It is quite difficult to understand how such "black" product can help remove "black", thus, our friends from Pond's showed us visibly for easy understanding for non-scientists like us!

A dark water, that looks like grape juice, was right in front of us.  We were asked to filter the water with only the dark water and one mixed with "activated" carbon.  Each glass has 2 filters. 

Top view to show you how the water looks like.  Left beaker has Dark water + Carbon, right beaker consist of only Grape Juice dark water!

Check out the color of the water on glass after filtered.  As seen on photo below, the dirty water mixed with carbon was filtered really well, dirt from the dirty water was said to be absorbed by the carbon!  Amazing right?

Fellow bloggers enjoying the experiment!  

Looks like the product is super promising!  I haven't used Pond's for quite some time, my mother-in-law is helping me test out Age Miracle, my sister is loving her Flawless White series, with this?  I am so intrigued I will test this myself!  I am just done with my sample of EcoBeau Cleansing Foam and I'm ready to use "activated carbon" on my face!!!  I'll definitely report back.

It's not difficult to give this product a test as the introductory price isn't bad at all!  Check out pricing details in local currency (Philippine Peso)

   5g -  Php5.00 (approx $0.10)

 10g -  Php15.00 (approx $0.30)

 50g -  Php80.00 (approx $1.78)

100g - Php150.00 (approx $3.33)

To those who want to give this a try and loves Cosmopolitan Magazine Philippines.  I got a copy myself for the month of August and they have the sachet version of this attached for free!!!

Actress Maricar Reyes looks gorgeous in this cover, and I love her assymetrical dress made by Czarina Villa! 

There's also the yearly Best Beauty Loot 2010 and I can see Pond's Pure White Deep Cleansing Foam with Activated Carbon included!  Yayness.  If you purchase this magazine, you also get the chance to win all of the beauty loot featured in this magazine valued over Php100,000 (more than $2,000).  Isn't that great?  You get to read magazine, you get the free Pond's Pure White sample, plus you get the chance to win prizes!  Good value for your money!

Before I get all excited, I want to thank the people from Pond's for the invite and for trusting Askmewhats to be part of the beauty blogging community to always be "in-the-know" for new products to be launched and to share good finds for my dearest readers.

To my valued readers, have you given this product a try?
Are you intrigued with the product concept as much as I did?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: Ginga Flip-Flops

The place were I work is quite informal, I can wear whatever I want as I don't meet clients in person.  Gone are the days I have to wear formal clothing and high-heeled shoes.  As much as possible, I dress comfortably at work, and what's the most comfortable get-up for me?  Wearing comfortable footwear! Dressing comfortable does not mean you have to look like you just woke up and went straight to the office, you can always be comfortable and in-style! 

My colleagues can vouch that I'm a "Ms. Flats", I wear flats as much as possible as I love walking!  I've purchased a couple of flip-flops which is perfect especially for the rainy days!  I just don't look for the "look", when it comes to flip-flops, I make sure it's very durable!  I don't want to be walking with broken flip-flops!

I've owned a couple of "known to be durable" brands and I'm glad more and more companies are coming up with flip-flops designs and I can easily find one that suits my personality.  One brand came into our shores recently!

Ginga

Ginga Flip-Flops says ---

Pronounced as jinga (which literally means to rock back and forth or to swing like the fundamental movement in capoeira), flip-flops aren't just for summer strolls and beach getaways.  They are the perfect footwear for the rainy season --- they are comfy, stylish, durable, and easy to clean and dry.  No need t worry about drenched shoes and dripping socks!

AMW says ---

Pros

• very durable!
• very comfortable!  I can walk all day wearing this!
• has wide range of designs base on your personality and taste
• can be easily washed and dried 
• a lot of designs to choose from 
• print does not fade!

Cons

• Some people may find these to be expensive for their taste, but trust me, I own one that lasts for more than 3 years!  Still looking new to-date!
• NONE!

Overall

Worth the investment, I've been wearing this most of the time during weekends especially when I'm looking forward for a whole day walking or busy weekend with make-up gigs!  I can depend on this to make me feel comfortable and it does not feel heavy at all!

Tips

• as much as possible, clean your flip-flops after every use
• dry them with a paper towel or rag
• do not overstretch the "thong" of your flip-flops
• I've read this somewhere: to maintain your flip-flops looking brand new, soak them in warm water with "denture cleaning" tablets, gently brush it with a toothbrush
• if you pack your flip-flops for travel, try to purchase a flip-flops bag for protection
• never overbend your flip-flops

Will I repurchase?
Yes!

Where to purchase and how much?

Ginga are available at SM Malls, Robinson's, Gateway, Market-Market, Trinoma,etc...Exact price will be confirmed soon

The Ginga Basics

Basic colors in gold and purple that looks classy!

Ginga Printed Ad

Hip linear designs with solid colors easy to match your favorite apparel

Ginga Printed Fem

Vibrant designs from zebra prints to florals, perfect for that fun side of you!

And here's my very own Ginga Flip-Flops!

Bright, fun and yet, not too loud!  Perfect for me "all-year-round"!

Do you like wearing flip-flops?
If so, how many pairs do you own to date?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: Rexona Naturals Bio Protection

I was a "late" Rexona user because I've been loyal to my international branded deodorant known to be a "Secret" *laughs* After attending a Rexona Lighten Up Event last year, I was given the chance to try on their Rexona Skin Light series and I've finished up their stick deodorant in no time.  (You can read my review by smiling and clicking HERE)

Now, Rexona came up with something even better, the same quality that performs really well plus the added benefits of  MORE sunflower seed oil, which is a natural ingredient known to keep skin healthy and vibrant plus the added Vitamin E and Omega-6 Fatty Acids.

Rexona Naturals Bio Protection says ---

Discover Rexona Women Naturals Bio Protection, it combines all the best Rexona anti-perspirant, science and natural ingredients essential for healthy skin.  So you get day long protection that allows your skint o breathe. 

Net wt: 20g

AMW says ---
Pros

• scent is heavenly!  It smells really really good!
• comes in with a plastic protection

• has manufactured and expiration date included at the bottom 

• twist dial is easy to use
• the company who made this helps protect nature
• comes with natural ingredients which is better for the skin
• a tiny 20g tube lasts as the stick is quite solid
• does not leave a white mark on both underarms and your shirt
• no skin irritations or breakouts
• dries up pretty quickly, no more waiting time
• works both as anti-perspirant and deodorant!
• very inexpensive for a product that works
• very cute packaging and easy to tote along

Cons

• It would be wonderful if this comes in 40g just like the Skin Light
• The white protection cap is made of a thick plastic, though it is made with recyclable materials, you know how irresponsible most of us are in throwing these plastics properly.

Overall 

A great addiction to my underarm products addiction!  I've always been a stick deo user and this one definitely fits the bill!  I want something that works and yet, saves our mother nature!  Need I say more?


Tips

• if you don't perspire much, try to do 4-6 swipes on each underarm
• never share your anti-perspirant
• re-application may be needed if you're under extreme weather condition

Will I repurchase?
Yes!

Where to purchase and how much?
At leading groceries, department stores, drugstores for Php62.00 (less than $2.00)

For 20g, the amount of product can reach almost an inch!  Even a tiny product can last!  Well, not unless you are addicted to re-application (I hope not)! *hahaha*

Oh, before I end this post, I am very honored to be one of the bloggers to be a part of the Rexona Naturals Bloggers' Launch to learn about The First Live Garden on Facebook.  We were given art tools to draw on our "pots", trust me, I can be creative on nail art but not on pots!  But I hope this tiny artwork of mine creates a nice sunshine to all of you!

And here's my professionally looking plant on their Facebook Live Garden ready for you to take care off!  You can also add them up on Facebook!

Big companies are starting to take care of our natural environment.  Isn't it time for us to do our part?  

Have you tried this new Rexona Naturals Bio Protection?
What 'ya say? 

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Eureka Moment: The Body Shop's Tea Tree Oil

Here's a scenario ---

I got in The Body Shop, going straight to the "Tea Tree" Products section, getting a bottle of my favorite TBS Tea Tree Oil which I LOVE!!!  The lovely sales lady went up to me and told me: "Ma'am, they are on sale!"  I thought the SALE word wouldn't be of any bearing, 5%, 10% whatever the sale, with or without it, I know I will repurchase this!

Then there's the huge 40% that came out of her mouth!  I was astonished!  My first reaction: "Malapit na ba ma expire yan?" ("Is it near the expiration date?").  Well, it isn't!  It's just a monthly sale specials or something!  Right timing eh?

From Php499.00 (approx $11.00), huge price slash to Php299.00 (approx $6.60) per bottle!  If that's not a good deal, I don't know how you'll call it!  I hoarded!  Here's my EUREKA MOMENT!!!

Yes, I do slurp on Tea Tree Oil that's why I needed this much!  *laughs*

Here's what The Body Shop has to say about their Tea Tree Oil ---

A medicine cabinet must. A pre-blended oil which can be used in many different ways to help soothe blemished skin. Dab directly onto skin at first sign of a blemish. Size: 10ml.

Did you know that?

• this works perfectly on "soon-to-be" Full Blown Pimples, if I see a tiny bump, I start dabbing Tea Tree Oil on the area right away
• the scent is just strong but hey, I'm starting to get used to it!
• they changed the cap from black to white
• the packaging is still the same, a bit difficult to get a drop without spillage
• AMW has pimples mostly on the chin area and forehead a couple of times a month, this helps vanish them before they grow bigger!
• Mr. AMW also uses this for spot treatment
• I have finished up 4 bottles of this!  (Photo below is the 4th bottle)

If you are a constant TBS Tea Tree Oil or other Tea Tree products user, what are you doing staring at the computer screen????
GO!!!

Hurry up because sale ends August 12, 2010!
Don't you just love it when you plan to purchase something and found out it's on Sale?
I call that luck and I can't help but thank the "universe" for it =D

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!