Weekend Food Tripping at: Kokoro Ramenya

It was a lovely Sunday night last week when hubby and I have decided to shop at S&R for "stocks", meaning, whatever I may crave for!  *laughs* We've decided to head out for dinner at Kokoro Ramenya which has earned raves from food bloggers for a nice date away from home!

I was super excited to get my own taste of warm noodle soup that could make or break a good dinner.

 

Gyoza

Php155.00 (approx $3.60)

Everyone who has tried dining at Kokoro Ramenya has been raving about their Gyoza.  Personally speaking, I'm not a Gyoza lover but I ended up eating a piece and nodding myself out of satisfaction!  We even went and order another set for take away!  

The "dumpling" skin was crunchy at the bottom yet the pork inside is tender and super flavorful!  I love how a tiny amount of sauce would ooze out on every bite!  Definitely a must-try!

Beef Shoyu Ramen

Php285.00 (approx $6.75)

Beef brisket in Shoyu noodle soup

 Since I got pregnant, I have been choosing beef over chicken and pork (which is very unusual).  The first thing I asked the server was the amount of "fat" or "tendon" in their beef brisket and I was told not to worry as it is quite meaty!  

Once the Beef Shoyu Ramen was served, I knew I made the right decision as the soup itself seems very flavorful and rich!  And it was as good as it looks!

The noodles were cooked just right and the crunchiness of vegetables that goes with the good amount of flavorful beef brisket made my tummy very happy!  I had to ask for more soup as I really love the flavors!

Hakata Classic

Php325.00 (approx $7.74)

Rich and creamy Tonkotsu noodle soup boiled for 18 hours

topped with Kikurage, Chasu and Soft-boiled egg

Hakata Classic is one of the most recommended noodle soup and Mr. AMW decided to go for it.  The broth was obviously boiled for a long period of time as it traps a good amount of pork flavor.

Mr. AMW thinks the noodles could be improved as it doesn't go as well as the noodles on my beef brisket.  Maybe, for the future, a choice of different types of noodles for customers to try?  

The soft-boiled egg was done perfectly it puts Mr. AMW to temporary "euphoria". 

Overall, the experience was wonderful!  Servers were very attentive and nice.  The place looks very comfortable and clean! You can either enjoy the view of Roxas Boulevard or enjoy the view of their very clean kitchen!  Since it was late at night, we've decided to face the kitchen and I'm happy with how hygienic everything was handled! 

The price of Kokoro Ramenya is average, not too cheap yet not too expensive for the amount of food you get.  I will want to go back for the Beef Brisket noodles and the Gyoza.

Kokoro Ramenya

2nd Level, Avenue Of The Arts
1388 Roxas Blvd. corner Sta. Monica St., 

Ermita, Manila

Tel. nos.: (632) 254-9716, (632) 254-9438
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday 11:00am to 11:00pm

Have you tried Kokoro Ramenya?
Do you enjoy Japanese ramen?
After dining at Kokoro Ramenya, I really missed our Tokyo trip and the free ramen we get every night from the hotel!

Please LIKE AskMeWhats on Facebook 
Follow AskMeWhats on Twitter 
Get "photo-updated" on Instagram (search "AskMeWhats")

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW and Vibelle Gives: Caronia and Jergens --- CLOSED!!!

Congratulations to ---

Jenny Ruth Austria

I will email you and will await for your response within 48 hours or a new winner will be picked! 

Happy long weekend to Philippine readers!  To celebrate Bonifacio Day (which is totally unrelated with the prizes to be honest!)  *laughs*  I want to create better vibes by doing a quick contest care of our lovely friends from Vibelle (local distributor for Caronia and Jergens).

What's in store for the winner?

Caronia's New Collection: Miss Mystic

This is the new holiday collection released by Caronia.  The new collection features 3 mystifying shades that works well with any outfit and of course, perfect for the coming holidays!  It's not the usual bright red and bright green combination, these polish shades are perfect for girls who plans to hop from one party to another and yet looks fashionably gorgeous!

Shades:

• Rouge - your basic red in a not-so-usual elegant shade.
• Taupe - a great nude shade to complement this season's hottest colors and trends.
• Moss - a deep green shade with a hint of frost.

Jergens Collection of Moisturizers

It's never too late to start moisturizing your skin anywhere and anytime with the new 100ml tubes Jergens imported from Australia.  

Variants:

• Ultra Healing Extra Dry Skin Moisturizer: penetrates through 5 layers of your skin's surface to start healing at the source.
• Soothing Aloe Relief Skin Cooling Moisturizer: instantly revives and refreshes skin after prolonged sun exposure.
• Age Defying Multi-Vitamin Moisturizer: rejunenates skin and minimize the effects of skin aging.

Mechanics:

• LIKE AskMeWhats on Facebook.
• Comment in this blog post together with your name and email address and answer this question: "How old were you when you learned about Jergens and Caronia?" (As for me, it was around 15 years old!)
• ONE Comment per person only.
• Contest is open for Philippine Residents.  Contest starts today ends December 9, 2012.
• 1 winner will receive both Caronia (including the super cute red pouch!) and Jergens gift pack.  Winner will be picked via Fruit Machine and name will be announced in this post and email notification will be sent.  Winner must answer the email within 48 hours or a new winner will be picked.

The Miss Mystic Collection is available in all leading supermarkets, department stores and drugstores nationwide.  For more nail styling tips, like Caronia on Facebook and check out www.caronia.com.ph.

Jergens moisturizers are available in selected health and beauty store, department stores and supermarkets nationwide.

Please LIKE AskMeWhats on Facebook 
Follow AskMeWhats on Twitter 
Get "photo-updated" on Instagram (search "AskMeWhats")

Goodluck!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

(Products received for PR.)

AMW Reviews: Face of Australia Gentle Make-Up Remover

When my dear blogger friend Tine of Beautyholics Anonymous blogged about FOA Gentle Make-Up Remover, and I can't help rummage through my "stocks" of makeup and screamed: "I have this!!!" 

She discussed how it can remove difficult mascaras like the Majolica Majorca, I am sold!  I used the product immediately that night!  

Here's my thoughts on the makeup remover!

Face of Australia says ---
FACE OF AUSTRALIA presents our innovative Make-Up Remover that is a dual phase formula containing no Oil or Parabens.

This super gentle fluid is activated when liquid is shaken combining the two phases for the ultimate make-up removal. With a tear compatible pH, this fragrance free formula melts away all types of make-up including stay-put and waterproof and will not sting sensitive eyes. Contains soothing Cornflower Extract.

FACE OF AUSTRALIA Gentle Make-Up Remover Lotion is an innovative "tear Compatible" pH sensitive formula that is perfect for all skin types particularly those with very sensitive skin or eyes. The dual phase formula is Oil and Paraben Free and contains soothing Cornflower Extract.

Ingredients:

Water, Cyclomethicone, Isopropyl Palmitate, Glycerin, Centaurea Cyanus (Cornflower) Flower Extract, Propylene Glycol, Potassium Phosphate, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Chloride, Benzyl Alcohol, Lauralkonium Chloride.

AMW says ---
Pros

• Packaging is simple and clear, makes it easy to check how much product is left.
• Very gentle.
• Non-greasy.
• Doesn't sting my eyes.
• No blurring of vision.
• Removes waterproof makeup well.
• Fragrance-free!
• I can make eye makeup mistakes, remove makeup and re-apply makeup with no problems at all!
• Price.

Cons

• Limited areas to purchase for local readers.

Overall

A very gentle make-up remover that works on the eyes and face with no signs of irritations.  This product reminds me so much of my favorite Clinique Take the Day Off Makeup Remover but the FOA one is more inexpensive.

Tips
from FOA

• Shake vigorously till phases have combined, then apply liquid onto cotton pad. 
• Wipe gently over face beginning with closed eyes, being careful not to rub make-up into the eye area.

from AMW

• The back of the bottle says shake vigorously and they mean it!  You can only make the product work by doing so!
• Use a cotton pad instead of cotton balls for eye make-up removal.  
• Use around 3 drops for light makeup application and 5-6 drops for heavy makeup.
• Press the cotton pad on the eye area for a couple of seconds, rub your eyes gently back and forth for complete removal.
• Take the time to use a separate cotton bud to remove stubborn waterproof eyeliner.  Doing so will prevent your eyes from getting infections.

Will I repurchase?
YES!

To whom do I recommend this to?
Make-up users!  You'll love the super gentle formula minus the oil residue!

Where to purchase and how much?

Locally at D Hip Sanctuary for Php448.00 (approx $10.67). Add them up on Facebook or email them dhip.sanctuary@facebook.com.  If you want to learn about their bazaar schedules, contact Karen 0999-888-2682

 
Photos

The tip of the bottle

Before shaking, product looks semi-clear

After shaking vigorously

I press the cotton on my eye area for 10-20 seconds

 then gently rub the eye area left and right to remove stubborn eye make-up.

Brow gel, eye shadow, mascara and liner removed!

Keep in mind to do the extra step of removing excess liner close to the lash line that may not be removed by cotton pad.  Check the rest of my brows and eyelid, looks clean and oil-free!

Have you found your most gentle make-up remover to date?
If yes, what brand is it?
Prior to FOA, I've found 3 products that I alternate every now and then because they are all gentle on the eye area.  Clinique Take the Day Off Makeup Remover, Benefit Remove It Makeup Remover and Lancome BiFacil.  Now that I've discovered FACE OF AUSTRALIA Gentle Make-Up Remover and is the most inexpensive among all the brands that I love, you do the math!  :)

Please LIKE AskMeWhats on Facebook 
Follow AskMeWhats on Twitter 
Get "photo-updated" on Instagram (search "AskMeWhats")

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: Fairydrops Candy Bar BB Cream in Light Ochre

Mark this day!  Today, I will be sharing a review on my top BB cream to date!  Long time AMW readers would know how much I love my Skin 79 VIP Gold BB Cream and I finished up 3 huge bottles of it and I am currently on my 4th and last bottle!  As I was juggling my brain on what to do next since I don't have stocks left for my favorite BB Cream, look what I've found!  The newest BB Cream that I love and seriously can't believe it jumped up to AMW's No. 1 BB Cream spot!

Based from research, Fairydrops Candy Bar BB Cream is a Japanese brand produced by Mayumi Yasutomo, a newscaster, who desired to have a product that will make her skin looks flawless on camera!

Fairy Drops says ---

• Makes skin look flawless even while on camera with 5 treatment essences.
• 5 kinds of treatment essence to moisturize and for healthy glowing skin: Hydrolyzed Collagen, Squalane, Sodium Hyaluronate, Jojoba Seed Oil and Panthenol.
• Oil-free, waterproof and lightweight formula.
• Has micro-gold pearls that hide scars and freckles, diffuses light to hide wrinkles and smoothens and softens skin.
• No SPF.  SPF gives off a white cast when one is photographed.
• Doesn't look flat on skin.  

Shades: Light Ochre and Ochre

Ingredients: 

 

AMW says ---
Pros

• Super cute and unique BB Cream packaging.
• The sponge that comes with it makes it easy to apply during travel.
• Sponge gives "even" coverage.
• The formulation is very light.
• Oil-free yet not drying.
• Gives a good coverage without white cast.  It covered the red spots on my face and minimized the darkness of my under eye circles.
• I can get away with using only this product and set with a powder.
• My skin looks flawless and clean for the whole day no matter how busy I was running errands.
• Doesn't transfer on clothing.
• No gray cast.

Cons

• Only 2 shades available.
• Price.  This BB cream is lesser in amount as compared to other BB creams. (But personally speaking, it's super WORTH it!)
• Lacks SPF (as compared to other pricey BB Creams) but I guess it's a huge reason why this BB Cream doesn't create white cast on flash photography.  
  

Overall
The Fairydrops Candy Bar BB Cream has a good amount of coverage, it can cover a bit of my under eye darkness and redness.  The product is lightweight and can last the whole day with very minimal retouch.

Tips

• Light Ochre is best used if you are MAC NC20-25.  Ochre is a ta bit darker.
• If you really LOVE to try this BB Cream but think both shades available won't match, you can always adjust the shade by using a darker or lighter powder foundation to "set" the BB Cream.
• For fuller coverage, use the sponge application and apply it in a quick, patting motion.
• For quick application, squeeze out the product at the back of your hand and apply using your fingers or foundation brush.
• Wash the sponge regularly to prevent bacteria buildup.
• For lesser makeup application finish off by concealing areas that needs to be concealed and set with powder   Lesser amount of makeup applied will let our skin breathe.
• Apply face sunblock prior to BB Cream application.
• Skip sunblock application if you will be photographed on that day.      
• Very dry skin individuals needs to apply more moisturizer on dry areas prior to BB Cream application.
• For very oily skinned individuals, a good oil-control primer may still be needed underneath.
• Once signs of irritations occur, STOP product usage.
  

Will I repurchase?
Yes!

To whom do I recommend this to?
Normal, combination, dry or oily skinned individuals.  
 
Where to purchase and how much?

Available in all Beauty Bar stores for Php1,550.00 (approx $37.00).  LIKE FairyDrops Philippines on Facebook for more product updates.

Photos 

The back side of the packaging.

Everything was written in Japanese but good thing ingredients list are in English.

Fairydrops Candy Bar BB Cream 

comes in a squeeze-type tube with detachable sponge applicator.

Upon unscrewing the sponge applicator

This gives a nice control on the amount of product you need.

Some people prefer to squeeze a good amount of product at the back of the hand and dab on the sponge for an even application.

While others may prefer to squeeze the BB Cream directly while sponge applicator is attached.  It all boils down to your personal preference.

I like applying this BB Cream with a quick dabbing motion then gently blend out "obvious" edges with clean fingers.

Half face application

Left side (facing you): applied moderate amount of Fairydrops Candy Bar BB Cream
Right side (facing you): no makeup at all.
I picked the day I had the least sleep in my entire life for my eyebags to look like that!  I have insomnia since I got pregnant and this photo was taken with only 3 hours of sleep. (Note: I just applied the product directly from tube and didn't get to blend out the harsh edges with my fingers yet to show you the area where I applied the BB cream.)

Before and after photo taken under natural light

Left photo: Clean face without a trace of makeup.
Right photo: With Fairydrops Candy Bar BB Cream in Light Ochre applied moderately.
Observations: Check how the darkness under the eye were lightened and my face looks more even as the redness around the cheeks and chin were completely covered.

A closer look on Fairydrops Candy Bar BB Cream applied all over

I am using Light Ochre shade which works so well on MAC NC20-25 skin.

Ochre would probably go well for MAC NC30-35.

Have you tried Fairydrops Candy Bar BB Cream or other Japanese made BB Creams?
What are your experience?  Do you like Korean or Japanese BB Creams?
As for me, this is my first Japanese BB Cream and I'm very happy with the experience.  I may have found the best BB Cream for me (for now) but I'm still willing to give other BB creams a try because...just because I'm curious like that! :)

Please LIKE AskMeWhats on Facebook 
Follow AskMeWhats on Twitter 
Get "photo-updated" on Instagram (search "AskMeWhats")

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

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

How to: Eye Makeup for Hooded Lids

According to online dictionary, the term "hooded eyelids" means having heavy eyelids that appear to be half closed.  

As for me, it doesn't have to be half closed but eyes that has extra "lid" that covers a bit of your crease.  This tutorial is made not only for people with said lids but this also works for anyone who likes to create an instant eye lift with the use of makeup!  (Promise, it's painless!)

Here's the most simple steps that I've done, feel free to use your own eyeshadow shades, in this tutorial, I picked my newest Bobbi Brown Rich Caviar Eye Palette as it has all the shades I need to create this eye makeup!