Beko welcomes Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo as new brand ambassador

Europe's leading appliance brand, Beko, names actress, entrepreneur, celebrity cook and true pro mom Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo as its new face for its “live like a pro” campaign in the Philippines. Partnering with Beko, a brand trusted in over 140 countries, seem like a perfect match for Judy Ann who personally believes that Beko makes it easy for people to live healthier lives, thanks to the advanced technologies in the brand’s appliances. 

“Whenever I’m offered an endorsement or ambassadorship, I study it carefully. It has to be a product or brand that I use or I will use. At naniniwala ako na Beko is a perfect fit for me, not only because they have appliances like cookers, refrigerators and ovens but also because their values as a brand in providing healthier lifestyle to Filipino families align with mine,” said Judy Ann.

Beko Introduces HarvestFresh Technology in Refrigerators

The past year has made us pay great attention to our health. Not only have we incorporated various routines to improve our hygiene to prevent sickness, but we have also paid special care to our workout routines and the food that we take. What we put in our body is such an underrated consideration. We have to make sure that we only consume fresh and healthy produce which can be time consuming and costly. Good thing there are new technologies introduced that would help us keep our food fresh for longer and nutrients in food intact.

Inspired by nature, powered by light, HarvestFresh is the innovative technology developed for Beko fridges. Intended to mimic the 24-hour sun cycle and natural sunlight, HarvestFresh uses three colors—green, blue and red. During the first four hours of the HarvestFresh cycle, the crisper lights will shine blue, mimicking dawn and the first light of day. This is followed by two hours of green light replicating midday and a six hours of red light imitating the more muted tones of dusk. The drawers will then turn dark for 12 hours to represent nighttime.

Kiehl's Launches the Ginger Leaf and Hibiscus Mask in a Night of Indulgence

When Kiehl's invited me for a product launch, I wasn't sure what to expect. I knew it would be extravagant for sure, but I was still totally mind blown when I got there. We were surprisingly treated to a night of total pampering and indulgence. The event was held at no other than Okada Manila's 420sqm luxurious Presidential Suite which was filled with fresh flowers making each corner Instagram-able.

Every corner was Instagram-able at the Kiehl's slumber party

Wine-colored robes for the guests

I didn't wanna leave this bed!

Guests were clad in wine-colored silk robes to complete the slumber party look. We were actually asked to don pajama chic looks, but the robes definitely took our ootd to the next level. To make us more comfy and relaxed, we got to lounge in the suite's one king and two queen-sized Terry cotton beds covered in luxurious Rivolta Carmignani Italian linens and feather down pillows. I swear I didn't wanna leave the suite that night! 

Ash Hair Dreams Achieved at Retro Salon Fairview

I've always wanted to have legit ash hair, not exactly gray or silver hair but that light brown hair with an ash shade. I find it just so hard to achieve that, first, because black hair that's been bleached tends to have orange or yellow undertones that makes it look brassy and second, because you can only get ash hair when done professionally.

Loreal Majirel ash shades

When I was invited to Retro Salon in Fairview a few weeks back, I was only expecting to take a peek at the salon for a feature. Little did I know that I would get my dream hair color that exact day. 

I am no pro when it comes to deciding on what shade would perfectly suit me so I was thankful that their senior stylist, Ms. Rose, had something solid in mind. I would actually settle with ash brown hair but she thinks it would look better it I get highlights. My only request was that I hope the latter would be subtle.

Before

The first part of the entire process was foil highlighting. They manually (and tediously) separated small portions of hair and placed developer on it. They wrapped it in aluminum foil to make sure that it won't affect the rest of my hair because it would surely make the hair much lighter. It was set for 15 minutes before heading to the second step. 

Foil highlighting

While waiting for the highlights to become as light as the intended it to be, they applied ash hair dye to the rest of my hair. This makes the whole process a lot faster since it's like hitting two birds with one stone (highlights and hair color at the same time) . They didn't added hair color to my roots yet though because this part tends to lighten the fastest. They used Loreal Majirel for my hair color. I have super long hair so it was quite a work to apply the products on my hair. At this point, there were three of them that needs to work on my hair. They have quite a number of stylists and staff so when such situation happens, they have the ample number of people to work on their clients even on a busy day.

Hair coloring in between

After 20 minutes, they applied the rest of the hair color at my roots. I suggest you allot ample time if you want to have highlights and treatment made because it's gonna take a while. While waiting, you may make use of their magazines or just engage in a conversation with your stylist. They're super friendly! 

After finishing up the roots

When the alarm went off, I was taken to the shampoo area to have everything rinsed. I have to be honest but I was quite shocked when I saw the bleached strands of hair that was supposed to be my highlights. I thought that was the end of it. But after they rinsed my hair, they applied gray hair color to my hair to give the highlights that ash tone. 

Hair treatment

Although not really part of the hair coloring process, I had my hair treated. I know it's an additional expense but if you want to keep on coloring and dyeing your hair, this is a good investment. Coloring puts so much toll on the hair that it becomes brittle and dry. With treatments, you can repair your hair to keep it healthy and shiny.

Final result

After another batch of rinsing, I had my hair dried and curled. When I saw my newly colored hair (even before I had my temporary waves), I was so in love! I wasn't sure how ash would look on me or how highlights would look on me, but both turned out awesome. Ms. Rose definitely know what she's doing here. I've been getting lots of compliments on my hair.

After curling

When I got my curls thereafter, I wished they were permanent! The highlights stand out well with wavy hair. I like it also when I put my hair up and the highlights would peek on the sides. It's quite eye catching, but in a good way. By the way, my hair didn't dry up after the process. My hair remained straight and soft. I just use purple/non-sulfate shampoo and conditioner to maintain the ash shade.

Price at Retro Salon varies depending on hair length. Prices start at P1550 and up for permanent Loreal hair color and P1050 and up for foil highlighting. If you have extremely long hair (like me) or thick hair, expect the price to be a tad different from the above mentioned figures. You can have your hair assessed before undergoing any procedure. And the figures that they will state during assessment is the final price so you won't get surprised after.

You may visit Retro Salon Fairview at Angelenix House, Commonwealth Corner Camaro Street, Novaliches, Quezon City. You may call them at (02)9354436 or (0917)1460289 for more inquiries and to set an appointment. Don't forget to check out their Facebook page at https://facebook.com/MetroSalonFairview.

XO, Mish

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Rediscovering Retro Salon Fairview (Formerly Known as Metro Salon)

If you've been living in the Fairview QC area, you would definitely be familiar with the latest salon that I'll be featuring. I get to pass by it everyday back when I was still commuting to school but I haven't had the chance to actually visit it until I had my makeup done there for my Oathtaking and Signing of the Roll this year. Anyway, I was invited a few days back to try out their services (which I'll be reviewing in another blog post).

Retro Salon Fairview

Retro Salon (formerly known as Metro Salon) has been open for years now and has been serving the area with various salon services for quite a long time now. The salon has been recently placed under a new management and there have been definitely tons of changes that was implemented, most especially when it comes to their services. 

Reception area

Front desk

When it comes to their interiors, I found it spacious and well-lighted. The decors and seats were simple and practical but it has a homey feel to it - something you'd go back to over and over again. During my recent visit (which was on a Tuesday afternoon), the place only had several clients having their nails done and their hair cut done. But when I had my make up done (I think it was on a Friday morning), the place was packed and busy. From what I have noticed and based on how the stylists and staff would know them by their first names, people that visit there are mostly long time customers. 

Spacious salon area

If there is anything that Retro Salon has maintained, it is the staff that they previously had, such as their stylists and personnel, whom have already gained their clientele from all those years of service. I think this factor helps maintain the quality of the services that they offer.

I think that most of the improvement about their services takes place in their equipment and tools. They only offer quality hair products such as Loreal and Schawarzkopf for treatment and color. Whereas they only offer premier makeup such as MAC for their hair and makeup services. Of course, prices have increased a bit but I think it is all worth it.

Shampoo area

Recently, they launched two new services - the Loreal Steam Bond and the Brazilian Keratin Blow-Dry. The Brazilian Keratin Blow-Dry aims to repair, moisturize, protect, and infuse dull hair with keratin and vitamins to achieve that smooth, healthy, and well-conditioned shiny hair. If you opt to achieve that straight and shiny hair of your dreams, the Loreal Steam Bond uses the world's first steam smoothing system, which delivers a continuous and high pressure steam that permanently straightens the hair without any hair breakage and damage to hair.

Before and after photos of their Loreal Steam Bond

Here's a tip. You may get this treatment for less (more than 60% off) for a limited time only through their Metrodeal offer here: https://www.metrodeal.com/deals/Metro_Manila/Metro-Salon-Fairview/162376125. You're welcome! :)

If you are looking for a salon to rediscover within the Quezon City area, you may visit Retro Salon Fairview at Angelenix House, Commonwealth Corner Camaro Street, Novaliches, Quezon City. You may call them at (02)9354436 or (0917)1460289 for more inquiries and to set an appointment. Don't forget to check out their Facebook page at https://facebook.com/MetroSalonFairview.

XO, Mish

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Baird Beer and Mentore Coffee + Bar by UCC: Kitchen, Terasu, and Craft Beers

One of the latest events I have been to was quite peculiar. I've been to tons of food events in the past already but it was my first time attending a food & beer pairing event. With much excitement, I braved the Friday night traffic to get to Mentore Coffee + Bar by UCC in SM Aura, BGC for a fun and appetizing night with them and Baird Beer.

Baird Beer is now in the Philippines!

Baird Beer is a brand of craft beers manufactured in a brewery based in Japan. They take pride in pairing balance and complexity to come up with a character for each brew. Each bottle of beer is made in small batches and with the highest standards to achieve the best quality. They have 12 year round staple brews, but only 6 have been initially brought to the country. They are currently being imported and distributed exclusively by Booze Online Inc. here in the Philippines. 

Packed night at Mentore Coffee + Bar by UCC

Enjoy Fusion Sushi and More at 81 Seihai Sushi Lounge

I haven't been active with blogging for a while (because life!!) but this comeback is nothing but explosive. And if you're asking with what? I would say that it is definitely with flavors. I recently visited a relatively new Japanese restaurant here in Quezon City that offers fusion sushi among others and I was truly impressed.

81 Seihai Sushi Lounge

81 Seihai Sushi Lounge is the brainchild of businessman Chris Cordero and Chef Ronnie de Guzman, the latter being also the Executive Chef of the restaurant. As their name suggests, they offer fusion sushi, among others. I believe that this is not your typical Japanese restaurant because it offers the best not only is taste, but also in service and ambiance through incorporating Japanese hospitality in catering to their customers and creating an appealing ambiance through Instagramable decors and pleasing music. 

Sushi bar

Lights were dimmed when the live band started to play

Have a Taste of Canadian Food at Main Street Kapitolyo

Looking for comfort food around Manila is probably the easiest thing to do. There are so many restaurants that offer comfort food nowadays that choosing one becomes a task. But when it comes to authentic Canadian comfort food, there is only one place that comes to my mind and that is Main Street.

Found within reach of people from North and South of Metro Manila cause it's conveniently located in Kapitolyo, Main Street is a restaurant that offers Western comfort food, particularly Canadian cuisine, for Filipinos to try. It is owned by Chef Adam Tan who conceptualized this restaurant using all his knowledge from living in Canada. 

The Fat Seed Cafe + Roastery: A Coffee + Comfort Food Combo

UPTC has never failed me when it comes to authentic and satisfying gastronomical experiences. During my recent visit, a newcomer has wowed me with it's coffee and comfort food offerings. Sounds odd, right? But The Fat Seed has cleverly combined great coffee (unlike your regular coffee shop's) with equally great food for a complete visit whether you're there to study, work, or just dine with fam and friends.

Upon entering the cafe, the first thing that caught my attention was the attractive wall painting that they have. That wall could easily make its way to Instagram. Aside from that, I also noticed that the place was packed! People were either dining with family or working on their laptops. I wasn't expecting so many people to be there cause it's fairly new. But I guess The Fat Seed is really a hip new place for studying and working within the area.

South Pub: A Place to Dine and Relax in the South

I always feel like I'm going on a field trip whenever I visit the South area. There's just this feeling that it's far from where I came from, literally and figuratively. But my recent trip to Alabang was very different, the place almost felt like home. I guess it's because of how comforting the spot I went to was and that is, the South Pub.

South Pub

Based on the old pubs located in the Alabang Town Center area, the South Pub provides for a relaxed and friendly atmosphere where you can dine and unwind. It's the South area's neighborhood pub which is welcoming to everyone (including people like me from North :) ). It's a chill place where you could go for dinner and drinks with friends on a regular night or even have lunch with family on Sundays.

When in Tagaytay - Chic and Trendy Vacation at Raffi's Way

I know Tagaytay, by itself, as one magical place that people from the city could frequent since it is near Manila and it offers a breathtaking view of Taal Lake and Taal Volcano. However, there's this one place that I got to visit a few months back which gave Tagaytay a new light. I've been to Tagaytay several times already and I've only seen Tagaytay that magical and beautiful at Raffi's Way.

View from the entrance

Driveway and four car garage

Entrance to Raffi's Way

Delight in Artsy Milkshakes and More at Crafty Creamery

If there is anything that would serve as my pick me upper, it would definitely be desserts. Anyone's mood would surely lighten up with ice cream and sweets. Desserts nowadays have became quite complex with their artistic presentation and I think it adds up to the experience. Recently, one dessert spot has truly made me go "wow" not only with how their humble stall is presented but also with their delectable milkshakes and desserts.

Crafty Creamery, a dessert place located at Devour Food Hub in Quezon City, is inspired by Pop Tate's Chock'lit Shoppe. Their small, yet unique stall is filled with candy colored signs and Archie and Friends artwork that would without a doubt remind you of Riverdale. Likewise, they offer milkshakes, soda shakes, and other desserts that would satisfy your sugar cravings. 

Quiz Night and Beer Pong at Wingman at The Collective

There's always something new every time Team Aldous celebrates its anniversary. This year, we got to spend it at Wingman at The Collective for a Quiz Night and Beer Pong night. I don't usually get to go out for such activities so it was nice that my first time was with fun people that I usually go to food blog events with.

It was my first time as well to go The Collective and Wingman's branch there really stands out. Wingman is not that spacious but people keep on coming during our visit. The interiors are very manly and the bar is a perfect photo spot. 

Get your Comfort Food Fix at Fat Daddy's Smokehouse

Who can resist a juicy rack of perfectly smoked ribs? Definitely not me! I am not exactly a meat lover, but I always find smoked and grilled meat irresistible. Lucky for me, I was invited to an event at a restaurant in Quezon City that has mastered pork spare ribs and that is Fat Daddy's Smokehouse. 

Fat Daddy's Smokehouse is currently located at Marikina and UP Town Center in Katipunan, QC. My blogger friends and I were able to visit the latter branch. I was quite impressed at how spacious their UP Town Center branch is. Every spot is literally Instagram-able - walls have cartoon-like artwork, light bulbs are creatively dangling from the ceiling, and stools and seats are chic as well. 

Eat Clean and Healthy at Salad Bowl PH

I've been sick during the past few days and such have made me consider going back to being a vegetarian. While I haven't made a decision yet, there was one blog event that made me totally consider going on a green diet and that is my recent visit at Salad Bowl. My blogger friends and I went all the way to Molito in Alabang to try out their healthy choices.

Salad Bowl opened its doors to the public last year and it has been frequented by many ever since, including celebrities, among others. At first, I was quite intimidated by the idea of going to an organic salad restaurant as I don't find comfort in legit healthy eating. Also, it's not a place I would normally visit. But all my doubts were definitely gone as soon as we were able to try out the first dish that was served to us.

Authentic Japanese Dining in Tagaytay at Aozora Japanese Cafe + Bistro

I am finally free and back to blogging! But please allow me to tell more about the past few months in another blog post. :) Anyway, here's a long overdue post of a Japanese restaurant that I truly enjoyed. We all know that authentic Japanese restaurants are not so hard to find in Manila anymore. They are literally everywhere here. But in Tagaytay, there is one that truly stands out.

Aozora Japanese Cafe + Bistro

Aozora Japanese Cafe and Bistro is located at the beautiful and elegant Domicillo Hotel. Here you can have a scenic view of the Taal Lake, which is fitting because Aozora literally means, Blue Sky, in Japanese. But reasons to visit Aozora does not end there. Their authentic Japanese offerings make them an ultimate dining destination in Tagaytay. 

Only the freshest ingredients are served at Aozora

End Your Day Right at After All Bar and Grill

After a long day at work, there is nothing more fun and entertaining than hanging out with friends and family over good food. This idea was basically how a new resto-bar, After All Bar and Grill, was conceptualized. After All was started by a group of friends who felt that fun and business can go together, that friendship should last forever, and that a resto-bar set up can best achieve this objective, where there is good food, good music, and good laughter.

After All is conveniently located at SM Jazz Mall in Makati. It's a perfect after-office destination especially for those working within the area. I would also recommend going there for lunch where you could enjoy their food together with your office mates. During the day it's a hip lunch spot, but at night it becomes a chill bar with bands starting to play at eight in the evening everyday.

Have a Taste of Ilocos at Fariñas Ilocos Empanada

For authentic Ilocano dishes, there is no other place to go here in Metro Manila than Fariñas Ilocos Empanada (or FIE). With more than 15 branches all over Metro Manila, Batangas, and Cavite areas (six of which are open 24/7), you can get your Ilocano cuisine fix right away. And for those coming from Ilocos, I am pretty sure these dishes would make you feel at home. I know that the first thing that would pop up your head upon hearing Fariñas would be their famous Ilocos Empanada. But there's actually more to FIE than their empanadas. During a recent visit at their Malingap branch, we were able to try out their newest offerings.