Weekend Food Tripping at: Ganso-Shabuway

Ganso-Shabuway is a Japanese-style Hotpot, according to their signage!  I'm glad it was clearly stated as it drawn me and Mr. AMW to go inside the restaurant because we want to know what's the difference of a Chinese-style hotpot to a Japanese-style!  

As I read on the menu to choose our order for the night, Ganso-Shabuway prides on using only authentic and premium Meyer Angus Beef and Kobe Beef cuts.  I'm excited to see if they live up to what they claim!

If you're on your own and you want to try Ganso-Shabuway, I love the fact that this restaurant has a counter-style hotpot table aside from the usual table style.

 

Mr. AMW and I have decided to sit on a table as we shopped a bit and it'll be easier for us to put our belongings under the table.

Each table has an electronic stove meant for a fun, fire-free hotpot experience!  Keep in mind that you have to order ONE MEAL PER CUSTOMER!  So there's 2 of us, we should order 2 meals!  Appetizers of course are not considered a meal!

Good thing Mr. AMW and myself were hungry that time so it wasn't hard to pick our orders!  As we wait for our orders to arrive, we familiarize ourselves with the condiments on the table!

You can choose between the Ponzu (Sweet and Sour Sauce) and Sesame Sauce (sweet and rich sauce), adding garlic, green onions or carrots into these sauces would enhance the flavors thus giving you a unique experience!  I guess this is ONE huge difference you can see between Japanese Hotpot and Chinese Hotpot.  I haven't tried putting on any "rich" sauces on my hotpot before!

We've decided to try both sauces and I like mixing the 2!  Just like how I eat my fishballs!  *laughs* Mix all the condiments together and you get nothing but a very unique contrasting YET perfect experience!

 Seafood Dumpling Shabu Shabu

Php375.00 (approx $8.70)

This set includes vegetables, tofu, 2 Kani Sticks, 2 Fish dumbells,

 2 Crab Eggs, 2 South Sea Scallops and 2 Stuffed Fish Cod and rice.

I found myself enjoying this so much as I love variety when it comes to food, I like that I get a mix of everything and enjoy the goodness of fresh vegetables.  My ultimate favorite is South Sea Scallops. 

Unfortunately, it was written on the menu that this is available on a limited time only, so I'm not sure until when you can enjoy this dish!

Shabuway Original Pork Kurobuta 

Shabu Shabu Set

Regular 150g for Php599.00 (approx $13.90)

Large 200g for Php670.00 (approx $15.60)

This set includes vegetables, one cup of rice, 2 dipping sauce and a choice of broth.

 We've decided to go for regular size as there's only 2 of us!  Look at the lovely surprise that greeted us once the plate was set on our table, I see fresh, thinly-cut pork slices!  I am very happy with the quality of the pork that was served right in front of us!

Keep in mind that these aren't meant to be thrown inside the soup and leave it there for life!  *laughs*  Thinly sliced beef or pork are best cooked for approximately 5-10 seconds then straight to your mouth! :)

They slice the meat at the time of customer's order, I commend the staffs for keeping their work station neat and clean!

Since we ordered 2 meal, we were able to enjoy 2 types of broth!  Spicy Miso (left) and Traditional Seaweed (right).  I personally love Spicy Miso as traditional seaweed tastes a bit too bland for me!  (side note: I'm Cantonese, so I love flavorful soups!  *lol*)

What I love about hotpot is the quality time of cooking your meal together at the same time eating them hot and fresh from the stove without any judgement!  *hahaha*  The sauces, the fresh ingredients made it a very enjoyable experience for both of us!

 

The restaurant accepts cash and credit card payments!  I strongly suggest to dine here IF you have the time and IF you are hungry as you cannot share your meals!  

Ganso- Shabuway
B1 Rockwell Power Plant Mall
2/F Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center, Makati City
Tel. nos: (632)903-6763 (63)917-541-8181

Have you tried Japanese-style Hotpot?
Have you tried Ganso-Shabuway?
How's your experience?

Happy weekend food tripping!
Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

Something New: Value Meal Pet Food

(Note from author: It took some time for me to write this post as I lost one of my pet mentioned here.)

Back when I was living and working (alone) in China, my Dutch colleague asked me a huge favor, he is planning a month-long vacation with his long-time girlfriend in Netherlands and propose!  

WHO IN THE RIGHT MIND COULD SAY NO????

Of course, I said yes even though the first time I met "Di Di" (a Shih Tzu), he plan to reduce the number of my fingers from 10 to 9!  *laughs*

To keep the story short, I fell in love with "Di Di" and I had the best time of my life taking care of him!  We bonded like we were best friends and it was super difficult when the owners return and I had to give "Di Di" back! *sigh*

I gave my mom a long-distance call crying and she promised we'll adopt a dog once I get back.  And she kept her promise!  I got wonderful Pomeranians and have been a mom to them for years!  (Exactly 6 years) and I guess the pictures showed how gorgeous and healthy they are, 

Pudding

CharChar

and because of that, I was send Vitality Value Meal Dog Food!

 

I was shocked when a 20kg of ValueMeal dog food was delivered straight to our home! 

My Pomeranian dogs are very picky when it comes to dog food!  We stick to 1 brand for the past years!  Both mom and I tried to change the brand but they always ended up getting diarrhea or not touch the food at all!  So honestly speaking, I was a bit wary in giving this brand a try!

I checked on the ingredients right away and read the product information ---

"ValueMeal’s main ingredient is pure lamb and beef. As lamb is not as common as chicken, it is less likely to cause allergies. Moreover, ValueMeal contains whole grains, aiding for better digestion; and omega-6
that helps produce shiny coat."

 "In addition to the above-mentioned benefits, after feeding your pet ValueMeal, they will produce firm stool that does not smell that bad. This benefit is attributed to the right level of protein – as excessive protein and other undigested food nutrients cause smelly feces; and the fiber from whole grains.

I made sure my mom got the right feeding guide and immediately, a week after testing this out, my mom told me the dog's stool indeed does not smell that bad as before and they are enjoying the taste and so far, no negative reactions was seen but mostly positive!

On a side note, my lovely female Pomeranian Pudding passed away a couple of weeks ago due to bad pregnancy (the baby didn't make it as well) so we are grieving for the lost family member!  Writing this post is a bit emotional for me as my mom told me how much Pudding loved this food and how quickly she finishes her share in a flash!

"Pudding, wherever you are, 

you know how much we love you! 

 I missed you so much!"

Just in case, if you have dogs, feel free to try ValueMeal, I strongly recommend it considering how it passed my picky-eaters' taste buds.  ValueMeal is certified by Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) a system that looks into food and pharmaceutical safety. 

The product is developed and manufactured in Australia.

Thanks Alvin for this!
Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

(Product sent for PR purposes.  Opinions 100% mine.  Please purchase at your own discretion.)

AMW Reports: Donut Talk with Go Nuts Donuts

When I was working at Eastwood Libis area, I remembered me and my colleagues would order a box of Go Nuts Donuts just to relieve work-related stress!  There's even a time where we had a "company break" and all the departments were asked to join the "Treasure Hunt within Eastwood Area" and how giddy I was when I got myself a dozen of Go Nuts Donuts as we proceed to watch "Herbie".  *yahoo! Lindsay Lohan days! hahaha*


It has been more than 5 years, I've always have this image when you say "Go Nuts Donuts"....

As I was invited to attend a "Donut Talk" event at Go Nuts Donuts, SM Mall of Asia branch, I did not hesitated as I would love to give my body some more calories via donuts!  *laughs*  On a serious note, I haven't really tried much of their products lately, the last one was the Minnie  Mouse Donut I purchased for Mr. AMW, that was more than 3 years ago!  

Check out the huge surprise when I was offered this as soon as I got in the store!  I was literally looking around thinking: "Did they have these catered?" 

As I was wondering, I guess Trixie was ready to take the plunge of Go Nuts Donuts', ahm..non-Donut creation! :)

The event started when we arrived but it was wonderful seeing familiar faces!  The event was hosted by Mellow 94.7's DJ Vince.  

Ms. Christina Lagdameo of Go Nuts Donuts shared to us the latest product innovations of the brand!

Pizza Donuts

Php36.00 (approx $0.85) each! 

They are pizzas that look like a donut but are 100% pizza!  

Available in Barbeque, Garlic and Cheese, Hawaiian and Pepperoni

Cookie Bites

Php25.00/pack (approx $0.60)

Bite-sized chewy, flavorful cookies available in Classic Chocolate Chip, 

Double Fudge Chip, Oatmeal Raisin, Oatmeal and Peanut Butter

Pocket Pies

Php45.00 each (approx $1.00)

Pocket Pies available in Tuna, Pizza and Chicken!

Tropical Donuts

Php18.00 each (approx $0.40)

I can't believe I gave Durian Delight a try!  It does have a hint of Durian scent and taste, OH MY!  All I can say is....it's "acquired taste"...(and I haven't acquired it yet!  *laughs*)  But I'm sure Durian lovers out there will definitely enjoy this!!!

Summer Koolers

These are the koolers I've tried via a contest cooked up by the DJ!  *laughs*  Vince have decided to pick the "late comers" and we were asked to join in the contest, the person who finished the koolers first will be hailed THE WINNER!

Okay, I'm showing you how I did! In less than a minute, I was able to finish this amount... *laughs* 

Because I was being defensive "up there" hahaha I did not win!  The guy on the left most side of the photo below creamed us all!!!  He's the best of the best among the best "Kooler Sipper" in the country!  Okay I'm exaggerating!  But!  He finished in less than a minute!

*Photo taken from Go Nuts Donuts Facebook Page

Of course, Mother's Day is coming up so they are cooking something for our loving moms out there! :)

Another thing that the brand is proud of, is the fact that Go Nuts Donuts is proudly Filipino-made!  They use premium ingredients and even incorporate local flavors to appeal not only local but even international market! 

Can you imagine how wonderful it is to gift your foreign friends with Durian Delight Donut?  

Because Go Nuts Donuts is all about Proudly- Filipino, our friends from Yabang Pinoy were also there!  I sat beside a lovely lady from Yabang Pinoy, Ms. Maricris Sarino and she shared to us how Yabang Pinoy intensifies its consumer revolution campaign through the PHmade movement.

PHmade's tagline "It's Worth Buying For" encourages us Filipinos to think twice before spending!  I agree on how each Filipino can make a difference if they are conscious of every peso they spend, patronage of locally made goods and services should be a lifestyle thus encouraging homegrown brands to improve.  As a chain reaction, more job opportunities for Filipinos will be generated! 

Yabang Pinoy invites every Filipino to be part of PHmade movement by visiting Global Pinoy Bazaar on November 10-11,2012 as they showcase 100% Filipino made products!

As soon as the event proper was over, we were asked to create our own donut...

I thought of creating a "sunshine-y" donut that could put a smile on anyone's face who's busy on a work day, business meetings or errands.  It shows "me time" as I enjoy my doughnut and drink my cup of coffee.

I named my doughnut the "Smile Please" Donut, it's a reminder for us to smile amidst the pressure of life.

To show the happy vibe, I picked a bright yellow cream with colorful sprinkles on the side!  That shows how colorful our world is if given the chance to look around!  By the way, I picked pastillas as the filling because I want to incorporate Yabang Pinoy!  My love for Pastillas!

With the use of colorful chocolates, I asked help from the Go Nuts Donuts staff to help me create a big smile!

And of course, what's AMW without a pink flower?

Don't I look too happy with the outcome?  lol Childish, yes, but it puts a smile on my face, that's what matters!

Go Nuts Donuts is creating an online contest for guests and bloggers who attended, if you would like to see AMW's "Smile Please" Donut as part of their product line for 6 full weeks, please LIKE GoNutsDonuts on Facebook and vote for me at their POLL QUESTION.

Thanks in advance and 

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Like Yabang Pinoy on Facebook

Like Go Nuts Donuts on Facebook

AMW Makeover: UFC Girl Arianny Celeste

Good morning and Happy Friday Everyone!

An old client of mine recommended me to a company who needed a makeup artist to do their print ad (thanks Joey!).  Who would've thought the "lucky me" gets to work twice with the country's number 1 Car Accessories Center --- Concorde ?

The first project was an outdoor shoot and I will be sharing my experience once the company have released the photos!  For now, I'm quite excited to see this photo at their Facebook page for the newly opened Concorde Harbor Point in Subic!

The model's name is Arianny Celeste, to those who don't know her (mostly girls hahaha)  Here's a snippet from Wikipedia.

Arianny Celeste (born November 12, 1985) is an American ring girl and model  She is best known for being an Octagon Girl for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

Arianny is of Mexican and Filipino decent which spells G-O-R-G-E-O-U-S!  She appeared in various international magazines such as Maxim, FHM, Sports Illustrated, Playboy and a whole lot more!

So am I ready to do her makeup?  YOU BET!!! (fan girl mode on)

The shoot was done at The Fashion Academy Manila, prior to the Concorde shoot Arianny was up for FHM Philippines Cover Shoot (you can see her in this month's issue!)

As soon as the FHM shoot was over, I immediately fixed the work station as I'll be doing both her hair and makeup! (Okay, there wasn't any fixing!  Look how messy everything was!!!  *laughs*)

We had a meeting with the Photographer and the client a couple of hours before the shoot and it was decided how the company wanted the "look" of their model.  Everyone (including myself) agreed on a very natural, fresh, young and vibrant look!  

Here's a photo taken several hours after the shoot

  

 Here's another peek on her makeup!  I will do my best to remember the products used!

• OCC Airbrush Foundation
• Shu Uemura Face Powder in Sheer
• Ruby and Millie Complete Eye Kit (I used the brow powder and wax)
• Urban Decay Primer Potion 
• Lancome Color Fan Eye Shadow Palette 
• MAC eyeshadow in  Brown Down
• Kate Gel eyeliner in black
• Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler
• Bobbi Brown Everything Mascara
• ES Brand false lashes
• Becca Creme Blush in Amaryllis
• Christian Dior Blush in #839 Vintage Pink
• MAC Shadester - to contour
• Bobbi Brown Lip Color in Pale Pink mixed a bit of MAC's Pink Nouveau

One of the few shots I got from the photographer Mark Lao of  Trio Photography Philippines.   Do book them if you need photographers as they are very professional and good! 

I can't wait to see these posters in person and probably take a photo with it  *lol*!  Let me know if you've visited the store!  

I want to thank the wonderful people behind Concorde Philippines for the trust!  This is indeed a project that I enjoyed doing and doesn't feel like work at all!

Do you know Arianny Celeste prior to my Wikipedia knowledge power?  *laughs*

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: Mary Kay Foundation Primer

I'm not a primer person, as you all know, I am quite happy with BB cream underneath my makeup!  But I have to admit, primers are VERY important especially when I'm doing makeup for clients!  That's why the test and quest for good primers are endless!

One primer I've tested is from Mary Kay, called Mary Kay Foundation Primer (yes, simple as that!)

Mary Kay says ---

This must-have foundation accessory perfects skin as it enhances foundation benefits and extends wear.  Glides on like a dream so makeup applies smoothly and blends easily. Its patent-pending,  oil-free gel formula is mineral-enriched to absorb oil and diffuse light for skin-perfecting benefits. Dries to a lightweight, matte finish and can be used with any Mary Kay® foundation.

Size: 1 fl.oz.
Ingredients:

AMW says ---

Pros

• Nicely packaged making it easy to control amount of product needed.

•  Box printed with expiration date.

• Skin feels smooth immediately after application making foundation application a breeze.
• Dries up matte and lightweight.
• Does help reduce oiliness.
• 
  

Cons

• Silicon-based, we all know how some of you may be allergic to this!  So be careful.
• The performance of this primer is not consistent as compared to other primers in the market.  To explain this statement further, the product works best if used together with my Mary Kay Time Wise Luminous and Matte Wear foundation.
• Weird smell (but this disappears after a couple of minutes.)

Overall

This is not the worst yet it's not the best primer I've tried.  I am still loving my Smashbox Photofinish Light as the "to-go-to" primer especially for clients! I am a bit wary on putting silicon-based primers on them!

Tips

• A little amount is enough, I prefer applying this only on areas that oil up to prevent the "heavy" feel.
• If you are a bit sensitive to some makeup ingredients, do a patch test before applying the product all over your face.
• Start by applying a little, a little goes a long way!
• Once allergic reactions occur, stop usage immediately!
• If you have oily skin, it helps to bring oil control blotting sheets as you may still oil up.
• This product is BEST used with Mary Kay foundations.  I promise you, the finish and look is amazing!
  

Will I repurchase?
No.

To whom do I recommend this to?
Anyone who's into trying out oil-control primers!  Those with SUPER oily skin may try on other brands!

Where to purchase and how much?
The product costs Php1,300 (approx $30.00).  Available at Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant by calling them at (632) 859-6211 or visit www.marykay.com.ph

Mary Kay Foundation Primer Swatch on Hand

Product does not come off runny, gel-like texture that's easy to blend.

Disappears immediately and blends into the skin blurring out lines and making it smooth to feel!

Have you given any Mary Kay makeup a try?
Would you go for this primer?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

(Product sent for review.  Opinions 100% mine.  Please purchase at your own discretion.)