MARIKINA — Known as the shoe capital of the Philippines because of the long history of quality shoe making, I find that in the recent years it has steadily begun to be known more for something other than their leather craftsmanship —their food.

Or more specifically their local bistros, restaurants, pubs, cafes and of course food parks. With eateries popping up here and there it still amuses me (a non-local) that there can even be 'secret' restaurants within subdivisions and in between residential houses.

With the holidays nearing comes the numerous parties/inumans/coffee dates get-togethers you want a place you can gather comfortably. Here are some spots in Marikina to help you narrow down your choices.

For tea/coffee dates




Bubba Lab
This 'scientist's lab' inspired cafe is total ig fodder. Bubba Lab's industrial feel, the indoor plants, the kitschy decor and the wooden furniture accents give something a little more different than more popular tea joints in the metro.

Tip: Skip the food and desserts. It's nothing to write home about. Just head straight to their drinks.

Price : 65 - 180 per person
Location : Lamp Quarters, Gil Fernando Avenue, Santo Niño / C&B Circle Mall Marikina Heights / Graceland Plaza JP Rizal
https://bubbalab.com/
https://www.facebook.com/BubbaLabCafe


For dinner gatherings

Antonio J
When in doubt, Filipino food never fails and here at Antonio J's it's done very well. Delicious food that's worth the price. The servers are attentive and nice. The place itself is cozy but enough for groups of 10.

Tip: Try their Kare-kare and ribs!

Price : 300-500 per person
Location : Ground floor C&B Circle Mall Marikina Heights
https://www.facebook.com/AntionioJ/


Beefalo
If the group's feeling more American, this place serves amazingly fall-off-the bone ribs, yummy barbeque, tender steaks and porkchops. The decor is very Americana and country-home-esque. The star of this place though is the outdoor seating especially at night. This is perfect for large groups of friends and family as the servings are generous.


Tip: Try to get a outside and opt for the group platters! They're more worth it for groups.

Price : 300-500 per person
Location : Gil Fernando Ave., Santo Nino
https://www.facebook.com/beeffalobyhotrocks/


For drinking sessions


Forage
Lots of seating options for smaller or bigger groups and you can either listen to bands or sometimes comedy acts OR opt to sit outside on their patio. The food is a hit or miss (nachos are a safe bet though) but go here for their cocktail towers. Absolutely worth the money especially if you're in a group.

Location : Gil Fernando Ave., Santo Nino
Price : ~200-300 per person
https://www.facebook.com/forageph/


Roadside bar
Their al-fresco seating area is great with the cool night breeze and lovely acoustics of the live performances. The cocktails will have you reaching your sugar limit after 2 glasses so opt for beers or ask them not to make it too sweet.

Location : Gil Fernando Ave., Santo Nino
Price : ~150-250 per person
https://www.facebook.com/roadsidebng/


Which of these places have you visited and what do you recommend?


xx
CJ





As someone who's an avid fan of Korean beauty, I found that while most base makeup boast 'moisture!' and 'dewy glow!' they tend to just sit on top of my skin and look like makeup. So it's a challenge for my dry + sensitive skin to get the right formula, apart from the wide selection of shades I mean *sarcasm*.

Walking into the TFS store with a specific game plan in mind I started towards their cushion line.

Firstly, I wanted very light coverage so I can re-apply without looking like I had 10 pounds of makeup. Secondly, something that adheres well to dry skin but doesn't melt the second it gets a little too hot. And thirdly, a good enough match for my skintone. And this cushion surprisingly ticked all of those for me.



This CC Cooling Cushion is specifically made for dry, sensitive skin that is prone to redness. So of course I practically ran towards this variant. There really isn't much in terms of coverage which is perfect for me and the texture is watery and thin.

Sheer coverage works best when you want to re-apply throughout the day. Most products that have coverage, I find tend to cake up and look like you have a lot of base on.


The Face Shop Miracle Finish line - CC Cooling in shade V203.



I'm a sucker for packaging so this black and gold cushion case is a+.
Priced at Php 1,095 it's a little more steep than what I usually get but I got this buy one,get one so it's a better deal.



It has this cooling sensation because of the 'Snow oil' that aids in calming itchiness and irritation. And that factor makes it a nice 'summer' or actually perfect for our Philippine weather. Full ingredients here.



The tone is yellowish and with a little olive.



As you can see, there isn't much in terms of coverage it's really more of the whitecast of the SPF (42+++) content. After applying it does set dewy and remains slightly tacky but it looks natural.

Throughout a hot day, it does fade gracefully and doesn't melt off and clump together. I don't really need to set this when I'm at work since it's freezing there but a I find a light dusting of loose powder does the trick for me when not in an air conditioned place for most of the time.

I think most of their stores still have this for the Buy 1 Get 1 promo so it's worth a look even for the other variants of the Miracle line. (they have one for oily skinned gals and people who want more coverage!)

Have you tried this line? Let me know what you think!

xx,
CJ



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Gone are the days when skin clinics are only for those with extreme skin issues and who were rolling in dough. There are multitudes of skin clinics now available for the vast majority of people who want to address various skin concerns.

When you think of laser procedures, you'd think it's really expensive and opt out...therein enters Substance Clinic.

They offer skin procedures that rival any other skin clinic's. Quality is not compromised here regardless of the price - as is their motto.

Launch pictures below!

Their clinic is soo my style.


There were a lot of people including media and influencers so it was a little hectic for the Substance team.


Me feeling my oats.


I visited them again after their launching to try out their services. And being a part of #peopleofsubstance, I was privy to their main laser treatment every month.


I had popped blood vessels on my face that day but the whole treatment was quick and regardless of what I felt about their demeanour, she had light and experienced hands.

It wasn't without hitches though. I went in for the monthly treatment but they thought I was being adamant in getting the 'launching laser treatment of my choice' which was already past due - and I of course knew it. After that tiny commercial it was onto the actual skin treatment.

It wasn't really my first time getting a laser treatment done, but it has been ages since. I did the "Holy Grail Laser" (Php 4,000). A laser treatment that tackles acne, freckles, dull skin and uneven pigmentation.

Over-all the treatment lasted no more than 15 minutes. 20 tops because they took photos of my skin before and after, so as to see the progress after every treatment.

TIPS:
- After the laser, WASH your face only after 24 hours
- Lasers work better, according to my skin tech, after a facial
- ALWAYS use sunblock! Especially after a laser treatment!

All-in-all I really liked the place. It's not the 'clinical' squeeky clean type of clinic or the overtly hyper feminine clinic and opulent royalty type clinic. It's very clean, modern, urban- 'brooklyn' feel that most coffee shops I tend to gravitate towards have. It definitely fits the androgynous vibe everyone is bound to appreciate. So our fragile "guy-guys" will not feel out of place here.


Have you tried this clinic and will you try it?

USE MY CODE SUBSTANCECJ18 for a skin consultation worth Php1000! Why not? You might end up liking it there.


xx,
CJ

PS. Their social media is chock full of 'aesthetic' pictures. I LOVE IT.
PPS. Staff could be a little more welcoming? There was no warmth in the whole encounter. I could only pick one person there who was amicable. Maybe it was a bad day. Oh well, we all have those :)

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/skinbysubstanceph/
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/skinbysubstanceph/
Website : http://skinbysubstance.com/




While everyone is flocking to the usual summer spots in Zambales, Palawan and Batangas some people prefer the quieter, more serene and a little less sandy.

Valentino Resort and Spa is a nice and peaceful IG-worthy resort for a little RnR by yourself, with your significant other, family/barkada.



The annual RAWR Awards is back with a vengeance with more stars, celebrities and more tv personalities! This time I'm not just a guest, I'm a media partner! 

What is the RAWR Awards?

The award seeks to recognize local talents in the entertainment industry, build stronger ties with relevant and like-minded partners, and utilize this as a venue to express LionHearTV.net’s gratitude to everyone who supported the site since its first time to go online.


With a total of 25 awards (under 3 major categories - Lion, Cub and Pride) at stake this year, it will be a night to remember especially with a gorgeous venue like Le Rêve Pool Party.

Dress to the nines on November 14, Wednesday, 6pm and I'll catch you there?

Read on for the who's -who of nominees per category



With 'Glass Skin' being the latest talk of [Korea beauty] town in terms of skincare, it's no surprise that affordable korean beauty source, Althea Korea came up with another addition to their line.



Makeup artist Ellie Choi shares her skincare routine to achieving clear, pristine, poreless a.k.a 'glass-like skin',

I've tried the whole line for about a month and I have to say this line overall is pretty good with one a particular standout I might add.

Skin type : Sensitive with dry cheeks, under-eyes and  forehead.

Althea Korea, has been on a roll with their own beauty brand following a great response from their pioneer product - Althea Velvet Powder. Now they're delving into the world of skincare and tackling the laborious 10-12 Korean skincare routine. Their answer? The 3 step 'Bare Essentials' line.

Great makeup starts with great skin

As most makeup lovers know, great skin equals great makeup. There's no denying the satisfaction of playing with makeup and getting your face ready for the day but there's equally a satisfying feeling when you apply less or not to even wear makeup at all you know?

The 3 step line, aims to give a more streamlined easier approach to having Kbeauty skin without the intense multi-step regimen.




The product breakdown

Step 1 - Cleanse
Contour Cleanser - a rich and refreshing foaming cleanser that contains micro capsules to both cleanse and gently exfoliate away impurities while improving blood circulation for that V-shaped look.

Key ingredients:
Ice plant - Hydrates and calms redness
Lemon verbena leaf - Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants to strengthen the skin

Step 2 - Tone
Primer Water - smooth, hydrating and ever so slightly balm-like, this bottle of wonder penetrates into the layers of the skin to plump them up, prepping the skin and making it a smooth canvas for products to come.

Key ingredients:
Snow lotus - Smoothens and brightens the skin while evening out its texture
Patented "dewdrop" formulation - Revitalizes the skin and provides immediate, effective moisture


Step 3 - Moisturize
Fixer Cream - powerful moisturizing properties are packed into this little jar that provides the skin with hydration for up to 24 hours for a fresh, revitalized complexion.

Key ingredients:
Trehalose - Powerful humectant that retains moisture on the skin
Wild Green Tea - Hydrating, skin soothing and pack with antioxidants
Baobab Tree Extract - Non-greasy moisturizing agent that helps promote collagen production

Thoughts / Experience

As you can tell, the whole line is about hydration and moisture as with most Kbeauty skincare regimen and I'm all for it. The key ingredients all promise moisturization and soothing which we all need regardless of skin type. What I like most about the ingredients are that they aren't that common. Everything was a new thing for me to discover and most of these ingredients are pretty natural/plant-based (no breakouts from me!). It's worth noting that the fragrance is listed at the very end. Three thumbs up for that.

The cleanser - is a typical foamy cleanser. The beads aren't harsh at all and the consistency itself is creamy and you really only need a small pea-sized amount because it lathers so well. After cleansing I don't find my skin feeling taught or dry. Would I buy it by itself? Probably not.

The toner - If you've ever tried Cetaphil or Galderma cleansers, you know the non lathering cream cleanser, the consistency and texture is similar to that albeit this one is a little more runny and not soapy feeling after wiping it off.

It's very milky and I do find it giving me a little more moisture after cleansing. I do really like this one. But the best one for me in this line is their...




The moisturizer - This one takes the cake. The cream itself is emollient but not oily or thick. It's like a gel-cream hybrid. So still light but it won't let you feel like you didn't put anything moisturizing on. It's very hydrating for me but I must say I only use it at night. If I do use it during the day, I make sure to use a small amount.

How much is it?

The price for the entire set is ₱1,341, which is pretty damn good if I do say so myself. Plus Althea's customer service is top notch from what I've experienced so far.

Out of all the 3, I would recommend the moisturizer. If only for the fact that it has Baobab tree extract - the tree in The Little Prince. I know,  such a trivial thing but people go crazy over boxes of product so leave me alone! (Their minimalist packaging for their homegrown brand also stole my heart, just to add. Kbye)


Have you tried this yet? What do you think about the key ingredients?


xx,
CJ




Ps. Thanks Althea Korea for sending these over to try!




Weddings are fucking expensive am I right? And not to mention high-stress all around. Drama-rama like there's someone paying them to act out. I can't blame the couples getting married to be stressed emotionally, mentally and physically with all that needs to be prepared—It's.a.whole.freaking.production. Where do you even start right?

Priced amazingly right (Php 195) with gorgeous packaging and an even more show-stopping marketing strategy (hello concert launch party???) these lippies and the line itself rose to exponential
beauty status. Everyone wanted a piece and without even trying I understood why.

I decided to get two tubes of the lipsticks instead of the more famous liquid ones eons ago just to see what it's about. Read on to find out why I liked them but not enough to try more shades.


U-Part, L-Part, Lace, Human, Synthetic? Wigs - I've only ever had experience with extensions, except that one Halloween when I wanted to be a 'witch' (y'all now I didn't need a wig 'fo dat... plus it was itchy as hell... anyyyway).

Wigs essentially cover your whole head while extensions cling to hair you have. Both are used aesthetically and can be customized to fit ones needs/look etc.

Disclosure : Sponsored post but as always thoughts are all mine.


Whatever your reason might be (thinning hair/baldness/changing up your look), you want to know which wig would be better for you. Here's a little breakdown of how to choose wigs via type of construction and/or type of hair.


Wigs via construction:

U-Part
Is a wig where there is a 'U' shaped opening where you can pull your natural hair through, creating a more natural transition from your real hair and wig.

L(lace)-Part / Lace front / Lace cap / Full lace
It has a 'see-through- lace section where your own scalp shows through creating a natural hair line or 'realistic parting'.


Wigs via hair type:

Of course there are synthetic and human-hair ones. You might think, human-hair is obviously the right way to go but we've come a long way from really obvious 'oh you're wearing a wig' wigs. Synthetic haired wigs are looking more and more natural there's barely a difference from great quality synthetic from human hair wigs.

Yeah, I can't tell either.

If you're worried about the wig not looking like real hair, there are nice ones out there that won't break the bank.

Have you ever tried wigs? Extensions? What do you think about wigs in general or people who use them like an 'accessory' not as a 'necessity'?


xx,
CJ


Image source/s : Divatress.com, Trelogganwigs.co.uk


pinay beauty youtubers to follow right now!


Travel photographer Cole Rise who created the filter ‘Rise’ on Instagram is famous for his Insta photography. He has 906,000+ followers on Instagram. This person knows how to take the best pictures from instagram from phone. If you want to learn about some of his secrets regarding photo editing and photo composition for better travel photography, keep reading.


Last mother's day (May 13th) I was invited by Century City Mall to spend a mom's day at their event's place. Naturally I invited my mother but for reasons unknown she was nowhere to be found. I kid, she couldn't make it SO not one to let things go to waste, I had a mom's day, without my mudra.





The buffet spread was good and the decor was very nicely done. Very festive and it screamed summer. The thick cables on the floor were a little hazardous though and the walking paths were a little narrow. Maybe there were a touch too many tables + chairs(?).



The event had different programs for parents regarding parenting, beauty and food! Things like how to take care of toddlers, How to prepare easy and healthy meals for your kids and How to put on a natural face-makeup by Avon. There's also a separate kid's shark show, at the top floor, which was only accessible if I had kids with me.

This event was for PHP 999/1K/person :for the buffet, talks/tips/tricks and goodie bag (not sure if it's just for bloggers) it's...ok. There weren't a lot of people left by the time I went there (about an hour past 12PM ). It was nice though for a mom day and I still very much commend them (it's hard to handle events! ) but it definitely could use more work regarding the program and venue/setup.

Let's move on from that and on to a little surprise! What's up for grabs? Prenagen mommy Milk Drink (2 boxes) and Milna Rusk for infants (6 cookies).



Mechanics :

1. Like this page www.facebook.com/manilawithlove AND
2. Share this blog post on Facebook with the headline 'Post Mom's Day Giveaway from @FromManilawithLove! Check this out @friend @friend'!
*You have to tag my page plus 2 friends.
*Post must be set to public

And that's it! You can only do this once and it will earn only 1 raffle entry. Winners will be chosen on the 25th, 11:59PM on Facebook. (For Philippine-based readers only)


xx,
CJ


Sigma is a household beauty brand. Every beauty lover knows it and has coveted it at some point in their lives. I myself have, but not to the point of actually purchasing one. Thankfully there are Korean beauty brands who keep an eye out for the innovative and popular.

7-tips-how-to-style-1In fashion, there is nothing worse than falling into a rut. You open your own closet, sigh, and realize that every single item in there is kind of... boring. So, how do you break free of this style rut? With a few tips and tricks, you could refresh your wardrobe and rock some splendid new looks.

Fitting is key
Fashion is all in the way things fit you. That blazer with the shoulders just a touch too wide, those pants that are only a bit too tight around the hips can throw off the whole outfit. From your neck to your ankles, don’t allow chafing, looseness, or awkward angles to give you a bad shape and make sure that everything you wear fits you well. If you’ve got money to invest, invest in a personal tailor. They don’t have to make all, or even most of your garments, but have them make one perfect piece that fits you like a dream.

Don’t be afraid of color
Black, white, navy, gray are timeless classic and safe colours. But they can get a little too safe. Find the colors that suit you (jewel tones, maybe vivid or in pastel pink) and pick out a few items that look vibrant, and look fun.

7-tips-how-to-style-2
Glasses as accessories
Accessories are an excellent way to switch it up and glasses aren't just for poor eyesight. An Australian trend that’s slowly spreading to the rest of the world are glasses. That’s why girls there commonly go to an optometrist because they offer a variety of frames, which are a great accessory for pulling off a polished chic look. If you already wear glasses, now’s the time to get a chic new frame. 

However, bear in mind that when it comes to accessories, less is more. It’s to add subtle pieces that complement the outfit.

Quality over quantity
Don’t buy it if it doesn’t look perfect on you, doesn’t fit like a glove or if the material doesn’t feel pleasant. Chances are you’ll either never wear it, or you’ll be uncomfortable each time that you do wear it. Having a single perfect dress that accentuates your curves just the right way is a lot better than having ten poorly-made, cheap dresses that make you look like a potato.

Shop in the Men's section
One thing to keep in mind when you walk into a clothing store is that no space there is inaccessible to you. A hoodie from the men’s department won’t suddenly degrade your femininity. Clothing has no gender, so if you like some piece you saw across the store, why not grab it?

7-tips-how-to-style-3

Have a signature piece
Have one thing that’s absolutely, uniquely yours. Something that people recognize you by, a sort of signature that no one else has. Maybe you have a green scarf that you always style differently, maybe it’s a pair of earrings that your grandmother left you, maybe the fact that you always wear something pink, or maybe it’s the perfume you always wear.

Learn how to do makeup
Think of makeup as an accessory. It’s not necessary, but it sure is fun and can complement your outfit. Match your lipstick with your blouse, learn how to do the perfect daytime smokey eye, dab some highlight on your cheekbones to bring the glam. Play with colors and coordinate with your outfit.

When you fall into a rut, it’s always a good thing to experiment and push your boundaries to get out of your comfort zone. Being creative with your style is all about being bold enough to try new things!


Contributor : Amy Mia Goldsmith
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmyMiaGoldsmith
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GoldsmithMia


I've been hearing about this Galleon trade inspired restaurant for a while now and while Manila de Acapulco aka Madeca's buzz has died down in 2018, they're still going strong as evidenced by their newest branch at Serendra.

An any-time-of-the-day kind of joint this Fil-Mex restaurant initially caught my eye because of its vibrant branding. The logo, menu, interiors and prints SCREAM fun. But like clean-contemporary-modern-fun.


Madeca, The Podium branch



I went for the most typical fare : Spinach and Mushroom Quesadillas with Mojitos (adult excuse: because it was happy hour.).

The dish as simple as it is, was done well and did not disappoint. The Mojitos were really tasty too. I believe they were dalandan? I forgot.


Mushroom and Spinach quesadillas. Look at that CHEESE melt.


Yummy Mojito! My favorite. Well...one of.

If you're wondering about the staff, they were nice and accommodating which is a huge thing for me. If the staff are irate and make known they'd rather be anywhere else but there (you know that ones) I won't waste another breath at the area. #ByeForever




Inspired by the Galleon trade, this affordable and reasonably priced resto is a good bet for a quick bite without resorting to the usual fast food.

Have you tried this? Any favorite Mexican restaurants? I've tried El Chupacabra and their sister restaurant which also serve mexican fares. Might just visit Madeca's Serendra branch. :)

xx,
CJ

PS. Taco Bell is pretty good though so no hate for them
PPS.I visited Madeca a year ago or so but I figure this review is still good. Hehe
PPPS.Yes. Yes. My nail is dirty in that cover photo. IDGAF

MADECA
The Podium, 12 ADV Avenue, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong, 1550 Metro Manila
Serendra Piazza, Bonifacio Global City (BGC)
https://www.facebook.com/pg/madecafood