Weekend Food Tripping at: Midnight Mercato

As I was browsing my food photos, I was surprised I missed out one folder called "Midnight Mercato".  I will include it on this weekend's food tripping post though months has passed since I last visited the food haven!  

As you get off work on a Friday night, you had your fair share of overtime and most of the malls or restaurants are closed.  You are hungry, where to go?  Midnight Mercato is definitely the place to satisfy your late night cravings!  

 

Inspired by the bustling night markets and hawker centers of Hong Kong, Singapore and Thailand, Midnight Mercato is the weekend late night food bazaar where you can enjoy mouth watering food finds – from home cooked meals to gourmet signature dishes to classic street food re-invented – while listening to live acoustic musical performances. Most importantly, you can enjoy Midnight Mercato in a clean, comfortable and organized setting inside an air-conditioned tent.

Quick tip, stroll one round and check out the food you would want to try and go ahead and purchase the rest for take away!  The main tent isn't air conditioned so if there's a lot of people flocking one area, it gets a bit too hot and humid!  There's another tent though that's air-conditioned so you can choose to stay there to rest. 

Our mission: To try something unique!  If our tummy can't take it, we'll take home the rest!

Hapadog Stand!

Hapadog is actually owned by my grade school friend Karen!  I've met up with her a couple of months ago and she excitedly shared to me this original Japanese Style Hotdogs!  I even gave her a call to advise me which one I should give it a go! 

Kat's Meow

 Bun+Wiener+Japanese Toppings inspired by Katsudon dish!

 Seriously delicious!  Wouldn't mind trying out the rest.

Speaking of Katsudon, I saw some Yakitori sticks!

Another seller sells Japanese/Filipino fusion dish like Beef Gyudon, Chicken Oyakudon and Gulaman!  *lol* That's why I included the word fusion for this table!

 

Mini Taco Stand

Bought 6pcs of this unique bite size tacos in Taco Beef!

Should not be eaten with poise.

1 mini taco, 1 bite!  No more arguments!

Off Beat

Famous for their Krispy Kreme Burger!

We gave this a skip as I love my burgers in bread buns and I love my Krispy Kreme Original Glazed Donuts the way it is! 

 Passed by a couple of hotdogs and sausages stand

A lot more "canteen" food as I would like to call them!
They all look delicious and filling!

Manang's Chicken

I've seen people lining up for the Hot & Spicy variant.

You are missing out on Filipino food experience if you did not try any street food! This is a more hygienic version of street food so feel free to chow!  I see betamax, intestines, pork BBQ and a whole lot more! 

Huge pizzas which reminded me of Sbarro! 

 

What's a scrumptious dish without sweets?  

 

 

 

Oh you should go there with friends and family!  The experience itself is worth it!  Free entrance, live band performance plus awesome food to try!  Give this a try at least once in your lifetime, make that more! :)

Midnight Mercato Operating Hours:
Friday and Saturday from 10:00pm to 3:00am
Mercato Centrale in the morning is still open 7:00am to 2:00pm.
Address: 34th street and 8th avenue (across MC Home Depot)

Have you tried Midnight Mercato or Mercato Centrale?
I'm not a morning person, as much as possible, I'd rather sleep in so I'll settle for Midnight Mercato for now!


Enjoy your food tripping weekend!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy

Tech Review: Hed Kandi Pure Kandi Headphones

I live and breathe music. Music is a not-so-secret weapon of mine to stay calm and happy at any given day!  I associate music with a lot of things...especially good memories!

For the past years that I have been working, there's always going to be music playing right across my table!  Those days while I prepare for my daily class lectures when I was a teacher. Even at present that I work as a researcher and human resource professional, my colleagues can vouch how I survive with good music as I suddenly stand up to do my dance moves or sing on top of my lungs if I'm alone inside the office *shhh that's a secret* :P

I used to be an earphone user, the thing with earphones, aside from the fact that some are too huge for my tiny ears!  I can't seem to survive listening with it for more than 2 hours! What about the comfortable headphones?  I can't seem to put myself to use headphones in public because they are too huge and some could make me look like a "gangsta"! (yes, say that with feelings --- GANGSTAH!).

Until the Queen of Cuteness came down to earth and created this.....

Hed Kandi Pure Kandi Headphones says ---

Arouse your aural senses and book yourself a ticket to destination chic with these high-fashion headphones easily packed away with foldaway design for any jet setter's luggage.  The fashionisto in you will love the unique ultra-thin, adjustable headband suitable for any hairstyle, whilst your ears will be thanking you for the ultra soft ear-pads with metal exterior.

Tech Specs

• Driver diameter: 50mm
• Frequency response: 20-20,000Hz
• Impedence: 32 Ohms
• Sensitivity: 103 dB
• Max input power: 100mW
• Cable length: 1.5m

AMW says ---

Pros

• Packaged in a very cute box! I can't seem to open this for 2 days!  I just want to preserve this image forever!  *laughs*

• If you are fashion forward and is looking for something ultra feminine, this one's for you!
• I love the color combination of Blue and Pink!  
• Ear cups are super soft which makes it comfortable to use for long period of time.
• Comes with a "curly cable" portion which prevents tangling.

• Ultra thin metal headband which doesn't show up much especially if you have a lot of hair! :)
• Can be folded so it's easy to carry this around on travel.

• Lightweight.
• Sound quality is really good!  I don't have an ear of a musician but I appreciate the extra "deep and well defined bass" that I don't hear when I use an earphone.

Cons

• If you're not into "look at me" colors, this range is not for you.
• The ear cup cover is the same leatherette material used on my Plantronics Headset.  This material easily gets ruin and disintegrated after prolong use or when exposed with various temperatures.

• Ear cups covered all my ears, but I have to let you know that my ears are quite small, if you have a tiny bit bigger ears than mine, your ears will come out of the ear cups!
• Because of the surround sound, hubby called me "bingi" (deaf) a couple of times! :P

Overall

I am not an expert when it comes to reviewing headphones as I said, I've always been an earphone user!  The Hed Kandi Pure Kandi Headphones gives me the comfort, the good quality sound and the cute and fashionable look that most girls (including me) want!

Tips

• Try to use a pouch to store this cute headphones.  
• Since the color is a bit bright, try to wipe the headphones and the cable every now and then to prevent it from getting dirty!  Dirty = NOT Sexy! 
• Use a paper towel or slightly wet piece of cloth.
• Try not to twist the wire too much.
• If you plan to leave the headphones inside your house hanging it is the best option!
• Do not play too loud music especially for longer period of time.

To whom do I recommend this to?

Anyone who loves their music and wants the "surround sound" feel.  I recommend the Pure Kandi to girls who are into girly headphones and even for guys who wants to stand out in a crowd!  Just make sure your girlfriend won't steal this away from you!

Where to purchase and how much?

For Php1,990.00 (approx $46.00) available at --- Power Mac, Power Hub, iStudio, Astrovision, Technoholics, Bratpack, Mobile 1, Xsite, 8 Telecom, Abenson, Electroworld, Digital Hub, Digital Walker and Beyond the Box.

Pricey at first glance but most of my earphones last me at least more than a year.  So that costs approximately Php165.00 (approx $3.90) per month!  Not bad!  Just make sure to take care of it and it'll last even longer!

It doesn't hurt that I have this to accompany me while I blog!  I can't be too noisy, Mr. AMW's sleeping!  Just remind me not to sing! :P  It's also relaxing if I'm on the passenger seat relaxing under heavy traffic!

In fairness, I was really sleeping here!
Ninja shot by Mr. AMW using Ipod Touch

What's your brand of earphones? headphones?
Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

AMW Reports: AMW Guests Net 25's Homepage

I got an email from Jotabs Chavez, Segment Producer of Homepage last week.

Homepage, is a daily morning show of Net 25 aired every Mondays-Fridays from 7:30am to 9:00am and 2nd time nominee for Best Morning Show for the 24th PMPC Star Awards for Television.  The hosts of the program are Eunice Marino, veteran Broadcast Onion Miranda and Malacanang Press Corps member Weng dela Fuenta.

I was told that the program aims to perk up the viewers' mornings and keep audiences updated with latest current events, weather reports, entrepreneurial tips and health issues.

What will I be doing there? (aside from singing and dancing and a bit of acting?  lol!)

I was told that I will be guesting one of its segments called "Light and Bright" to do a demo regarding "Make Up Tips This Rainy Season".  Yes....LIVE!

Did the thought scare me? 

Of course now!  I just vomited and fainted!  Again, Just Joking! :D

I was at the Studio as early as 7:00am to have my makeup done.  Looks like all the guests will be given a makeover!  I was so used to doing my own makeup just because I am a makeup artist!  It feels good to have my make-up done by other people for a change!

The in house makeup artist actually left my drawn brows and darken the eyeshadow I had on and did a lot of contouring!  I actually like the way she puts makeup on me and I appreciate it that  I still look like myself only with a contoured face for better looking face on TV.  

After the quick hair and makeup, I finally met my model Erika and I was asked to do her "base makeup" before the show starts!  

Firstly, I trimmed and shaved her brows.  I did not draw or fill her brows as makeup for the rainy season should always be light and we should use the least makeup products as possible.

With a foundation one shade lighter than her skin, I concealed her under eye circles and covered some redness on areas needed.  Since my model Erika has gorgeous skin to start with, it did not take me much time to do some concealing and headed to powder foundation application instead with a brush to 'set'.

Comes a bit past 8:00am, I was told by Jotabs that it's my turn!  I didn't get the chance to be nervous as I was running around thinking what I need to use during live demonstration, as I scrambled and put everything inside my home-made brush belt at the same time, Jotabs helping me with the mic, the camera was ready to roll and the host Eunice introduced me.

Yes, I know, the chair was too high and I was wearing flats because I know the camera will shoot only half of my body!  *laughs*

 **AMW wearing 1 pc Promod Dress

Here are some tips I've shared to the audience:

• Your makeup should be light and you use waterproof makeup!
• Prep your skin by using an oil-control primer for oily skin and moisturize your skin with a light moisturizer if you have dry skin.
• Try not to use too much foundation, if needed, apply foundation/concealer only on areas needed.
• You can set with an oil control setting powder if you have oily skin, and use a regular setting powder for dry skin.
• For the brows, if you have full brows, just trim/shave it and skip eyebrow pencils or powders.  Use this ONLY if needed.
• Eye makeup should be light!  It is safe to use neutral shades like beige, browns, etc...
• You can choose to use bright colored eyeshadow but make sure to use primer underneath to keep it from smudging.
• Use waterproof mascara and eyeliner.
• Use cream blush or cheek tints instead of powder.  Powder blushes can be removed easily once it gets in contact with humidity.
• Avoid lip gloss or any sticky lipstick.

Those are some of the tips I remembered blurting out!  I'm sure there's still a lot more and feel free to share if I missed some! 

By the end of the segment, I told Erika I'll finish her makeup as I don't want her to go out with unfinished makeup! 

 

 **Shu Uemura Customized Palette (or Tara calls it Nikki Palette) 

 Erika's Before and After Photos

I want to thank the staffs of Net 25's Homepage for making me part of this show!  Thanks to my makeup artist of the day Cherie for the lovely makeup and hair!

To Erika, thank you for sitting "still" during my demo! :P  

And thanks just for being beautiful! :)

That's another experience I'll keep inside my memory's hard drive!
Thanks Mr. AMW for the never ending support and photos!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

Q&A With Stephen Moleski

Last month, I got the opportunity to interview Stephen Moleski, a celebrity makeup artist.  I am so happy with the chance and I thought of some questions right away to be shared to you!

He has worked with Kim Kardasian, Mel B., The Pussy Cat Dolls and Adrienne Bailon.

He recently launched his own eyelash line by the name of Smoke and Beauty Mirrors. Jennifer Hudson, Gwyneth Paltrow and Carrie Underwood are all fans of his amazing lash line.

 

AMW - Can you please describe to me your or distinct/unique make-up style? (glam, natural? etc..) Your Kim Kardashian's "The Smokey Eye" makeup is really famous worldwide by the way! Congratulations!

Stephen - Thank you! I love when a woman looks in the mirrror and makes “that look” and is in love with herself. She feels sexy no matter what is going on in her day or life. I love to bring out everything that makes up the woman. the smokey Iook is a traditional glamourous look that can be done on many skin-tones. I love the Glam why elese put makeup on?

AMW - What made you decide to go on and pursue a make-up career?  How old were you then?  

Stephen - I was always an artist from the time I was 5. I fell into makeup though when I decided not to go to art school cause I didn’t want to be a “starving artist”.
My friend was a local fashion designer and needed help with his shows. After a few months of helping him and the makeup artist. Someone said “Your really great at makeup! Thats when the lightbulb went off and I knew what my destiny was! and how I was “Not” going to be a starving artist! 

AMW - What are the top 5 makeup items a woman should have?  You can disclose specific brands too :)

Stephen - Smoke and Mirrors Beauty Lashes, Beauty Blender, Japonesque eyelash curler, Studio fix mascara - LOVE! Girlactik skin tint Moisturizer, YSL semi loose powder

AMW - What's the most difficult make-up project you've done and how did you cope with it?

Stephen - I havent had one.... I love makeup so its all easy... 

AMW - What's the most requested make-up look by celebrities?

Stephen - Smokey eye 

AMW - I know you came up with your own brand of lashes called SmokAndMirrors Beauty,  can you tell us what is the difference of your lashes as compared to other brands available in the market?

Stephen - Mine are custom lashes I designed for my clients now available to the public. The lashes are the highest quality human hair and the band is light weight and silicone do it is much more comfortable and flexible. 

AMW - Any tips or advice you can share to AskMeWhats.com readers?  

Stephen - An eyelash curler is your best friend!~ Don’t be scared of makeup, try new looks ... it washes off!

Thanks Stephen for taking the time to answer my queries.  If you want more information about Stephen Moleski and his brand. Visit  www.StephenMoleski.com and www.smokeandmirrorsbeauty.com. 

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: Clinique All About Eyes Serum De-Puffing Eye Massage

For the past 2 weeks, I've been stressed out with so many things!  It was a perfect timing for me to add up to my stress level by finally adding Disqus on my blog!  If you read my tweets, you would know how much I love the new comment tool but hates the fact that I lost all my old comments.  Well, not really "lost" but I can't seem to make it visible as I always get IMPORT ERROR!  If anyone knows how to tweak HTML because I want to make Disqus possible only to future posts and leave the past comments the way it is.

Am I asking too much?  I think not! :P

If you're wondering why I'm sharing "one of my stress" is because for the past 2 weeks, my stress level shot all the way up and I've been stressing out a lot of things!  Adding up to the stress are positive vibes like TV guestings, make-up gigs etc...those good vibes are great but left me with no ample amount of sleep or rest!

(inserts Eureka Moment music here)

The Point Is!  I've been lacking sleep for the past week and I am surprised I don't look like a walking zombie at all!  And I'll share to you the reason why! A lot of raves and I'll share to you the weak points of this product! 

Clinique All About Eyes Serum
De-Puffing Eye Massage

**photo taken from Clinique website

The product itself does not sound as exciting as the first time I heard about such innovation through Garnier Light Brightening Eye Roll On (review HERE).

Clinique All About Eyes Serum says ---

This instantly cooling rollerball helps massage away bags, refreshes and hydrates puffy eyes on contact. Brightens eye area immediately and over time. Combats dark circles, too. With caffeine, potent antioxidants and soothing botanicals. Oil-free, non-irritating. Ophthalmologist Tested.