All posts by Heart2Heart

Arriving in Negombo

By | Sri Lanka | No Comments

First batch of #srilankrewcame from 3 different flights – CX team – SQ team and TG team
Arriving jn Negombo (2) Arriving jn Negombo (1) Arriving jn Negombo (3)

 When you arrive in the airport there are local telecom companies you can get for your cellphone requirementsArriving jn Negombo (27)Arriving jn Negombo (5) And banks to change money.  They say the exchange rate is better in the airport than in the hotel.  And it is probably more convenient to do it already in the airport Arriving jn Negombo (6) As soon as we arrived we were greeted by our super nice tourguide Ajith Ajith sri lankawith a welcome kit  Arriving jn Negombo (7)Arriving jn Negombo (8)Arriving jn Negombo (9)Arriving jn Negombo (11) All flight arrive very late in the evening so we stayed at Negombo which is 30 minutes away from the airport.  We just stayed overnight in Heritance Negombo before starting our tripArriving jn Negombo (10)Arriving jn Negombo (12) Typical Sri Lankan breakfast – Hoppers  – Yum ! Eat it freshly cooked and crispy !Arriving jn Negombo (13) Arriving jn Negombo (14) Arriving jn Negombo (22)  You can even have it with egg – and cheese 🙂  Arriving jn Negombo (18) Arriving jn Negombo (17) Arriving jn Negombo (16) Arriving jn Negombo (15)  Another Sri Lankan breakfast is String Hopper – same concept as the hoppers but the base is noodles.  I prefer the crepe like hopperArriving jn Negombo (23) Arriving jn Negombo (25) Arriving jn Negombo (26)

Heart2Heart Tips When Travelling to Srilanka

By | Sri Lanka, Travel | No Comments

Some tips when travelling to Sri Lanka   

1.) Use Anti mosquito at all times.  This is the best because it is a cologne as well 🙂 Sri lanka (1) 2.) No sleeveless, shorts or short skirts in temples
3.) Look both sides when crossing the road :-O
4.) Hydrate hydrate hydrate!!  To be sure, I hydrate with Izumio especially during the climb at SigirayaTravelling to Srilanka (3) 5.) Don’t look  eye to eye with the monkeys 🙂
6.) Bring plenty wet wipes – cold Japanese refreshing body wipes. Bring Cold gel, Rheuma Salve or Salonpas for aching body parts haha!! 

Travelling to Srilanka (2)
7.) Bring socks to enter the temples

8.) Do not take selfie with Buddha 🙂

Pollonaruwa (8)

 10.)  Bring a light raincoat in case it rains.  It is a good thing I got it as a gift right before the trip
Sri lanka (5)Sri lanka (4) 11.)  Bring lots of snacks for the road trips 🙂 Thanks for all my pasalubongs I brought them all and they were wiped out hahaSri lanka (3)Sri lanka (2)snacks sri lanka srilankrew12.)  One of my favorite shoes made it up 1,200 steps up Sigiraya rock. I only brought 2 pairs of shoes both are caminos from @adora.ph @harlanholden The latest one is weatherproof and in leather. 

13.)  Bring a hat to protect you from the sun

Srilankrew hats srilanka

WITH SWAROVSKI’S SPRING-SUMMER 2018 COLLECTION, COLOR IS AT ITS MOST BRILLIANT

By | SSI Group Inc | No Comments

WITH SWAROVSKI’S SPRING-SUMMER 2018 COLLECTION,
COLOR IS AT ITS MOST BRILLIANT

#BrillianceForAll 

Swarovski’s Spring-Summer 2018 Crystal Rainbow Collection celebrates some of the brand’s most distinctive attributes, starring color expertise, modern glamour, and multifaceted femininity. 

Through this collection that ensures #BrillianceforAll, Creative Director Nathalie Colin explores the range of emotions that color elicits. She has taken the theme of “Rainbow Paradise” as her starting point for a versatile collection that highlights Swarovski’s cut crystals’ ability to enhance gradations, tone-on-tone and color blocks of all kinds, from soft, delicate pastels to vivid and uplifting bright shades.Summer Visuals - SS18_CGB_SUMMER_GROUP_v10_QC_R72 Summer Visuals - SS18_CGB_SUMMER_v6_QC_R72 Each and every collection starts with a blank page and this season it is beautifully turned into a brilliant rainbow of colors. Vibrant, luminous, surprising, daring… color is a strong creative trigger for Swarovski. It is deeply rooted in our DNA and reflects notably in our extraordinary range of exclusive shades,” explains Colin.Iconic Swan Campaign Visuals - SWA_BTL_Iconic SWAN_APAC _OF_72DPI Iconic Swan Campaign Visuals - SS18_CGB_ICONIC_v7_QC_R72Introduced this season, the Creative Director’s Collection epitomizes the brand’s know-how, infusing the whole SS18 Collection with its creative essence. Characterized by strong crystal appeal, bold silhouettes and impeccable craftsmanship, the Creative Director’s Collection features an eye-catching level of intricacy including spectacular stone setting, origami shaped flower, or multi-colored 3D orchids.Spring Visuals - SS18_CGB_SPRING_BUTTERFLIES_v9_QC_R72 Spring Visuals - SS18_CGB_SPRING_GROUP_BUTTERFLIES_v8_QC_R72Alongside the Creative Director’s Collection, Swarovski keeps proposing easy-to-wear pieces that can dial up a woman’s look from every day to pure glamour in an instant. Cleverly editing trends, these pieces reflect the seasonal inspiration in a way women can easily curate to express their style, be it daring, timeless, romantic, or fashion-forward. Like in the Creative Director’s Collection, colors shine bright in brilliant rainbow hues, with eye-popping fuchsia, luminous yellow, tropical green, and true blue that set the rule for spring and summer.

Spring Visuals - SS18_SPRING_SL_BUTTERFLY_RGB_72While bold pieces and cocktail rings continue to make their mark, ultra-feminine jewelry is having its time. The accumulation of lots of small, delicate pieces worn together not only looks sleek, it feels very now. The SS18 “Rainbow Paradise” Collection is also marked by a contemporary balance of stylized natural motifs — butterflies’ accumulation in radiant color harmonies, dainty figurative bees, mysterious snakes — and more sleek, fluid, organic lines with fringes and asymmetry.Summer Visuals - SS18_SUMMER_SL_RAINBOW_FINALThe game-changing Swarovski Remix Collection continues to offer endless possibilities for self-expression and receives a seasonal update with new motifs inspired by nature and symbolism, in golden and silver metal tones ideal for layering.Iconic Swan Campaign Visuals - SS18_ICONIC_SL_SWANS_RGB_72

Color has this magical power to send a message to your entourage, to inform about an emotion or on the contrary, to lift a dull mood, as a pop of red lipstick would. To me, wearing colorful jewelry is a way to express your personality and stand out. Somehow, it is a personal way to spread joy and positive vibes all around,” concludes Colin.

ABOUT SWAROVSKI

Swarovski delivers a diverse portfolio of unmatched quality, craftsmanship, and creativity. Founded in 1895 in Austria, the company designs, manufactures, and markets high-quality crystals, genuine gemstones, and created stones as well as finished products such as jewellery, accessories, and lighting. The Swarovski Crystal Business is run by the fifth generation of family members and has a global reach with approximately 2,800 stores in around 170 countries, more than 27,000 employees, and revenue of about 2.6 billion euros in 2016.

 Together with its sister companies Swarovski Optik (optical devices) and Tyrolit (abrasives), Swarovski Crystal Business forms the Swarovski Group. In 2016, the Group generated revenue of about 3.37 billion euros and employed more than 32,000 people.

 A responsible relationship with people and the planet is an integral part of Swarovski’s heritage. The global Swarovski Waterschool education programme has reached 461,000 children on the world’s greatest rivers, and the Swarovski Foundation, set up in 2013, works to support culture and creativity, promote wellbeing, and conserve natural resources to achieve positive social impact.

 In the Philippines, Swarovski is available in Rustan’s Makati, Rustan’s Shangri-La, Rustan’s Alabang Town Center, and Rustan’s Ayala Cebu.  Swarovski is also available through boutiques owned and operated by Stores Specialists, Inc.located at Newport Mall, Robinson’s Magnolia and TriNoma Mall, and The Podium Mall. Follow @ssilifeph and@rustansph on Instagram for more information.

New Lasema Spa

By | Spas | No Comments

A few weeks ago i visited this new place – New Lasema. Thank you to Gloria @its.gloriadiaz for the tip. It’s an 11 year old spa but it transferred from Malugay to a new location, new building (3 floors) and now with newer additions to its offering. It’s owned by a Korean who is there Which is maybe why the staff are attentive.  Mean in the reception is also very nice and strict.   I had no cash and couldnt pay using credit card – it’s a good thing my driver had cash !  Check it out while it’s still new. New Lasema Spa (4) New Lasema Spa (5)New Lasema Spa (2)On the ground floor is a nice bakery and cafe, salon and nail spa, laundry, bank. 2nd floor is the reception, lockers and wet spa – pools.New Lasema Spa (6) New Lasema Spa (7) New Lasema Spa (8) New Lasema Spa (52)  Patricia in the ladies locker was very helpful – i like her.New Lasema Spa (53) Entrance to the wet area/spa and pools.  Just like in Japan you have to be naked so I hope i don’t bump into any of you while I am there haha!!New Lasema Spa (54)New Lasema Spa (55) Shower before using the pools is etiquette.  They also have enclosed showers in case you are shy like me:-)  Though I have gotten used to it after doing this always in onsens in JapanNew Lasema Spa (56)  Interesting 🙂  I have never done this before but there is a spa for your private part 😉 New Lasema Spa (11)New Lasema Spa (9)New Lasema Spa (10)New Lasema Spa (12)New Lasema Spa (13)3rd floor is the Jjimjilbang – dry spa – sauna and ice room.New Lasema Spa (91)New Lasema Spa (23)New Lasema Spa (58)Steps on how to enjoy at a Jjimjilbang – Korean Sauna and Spa #jjijilbang#lasemaspa #newlasemaspa #h2hspa#h2honsen
New Lasema Spa (22) New Lasema Spa (24) New Lasema Spa (25)They have sleeping caves for single or families. I think maybe some people use it like a hotel since its open 24 hours and you can check in anytime. It’s cheaper than a hotel and you can use the Jjimjilbang

New Lasema Spa (30) Family cave roomsNew Lasema Spa (51)

They have no website or instagram – just facebook. Weekdays are cheaper than weekends and ofcourse is more peaceful ( though i find it busy already even during weekdays). I did a full package for P 841.50 ( P990) for full package since they had an opening promo of less 15% til jan 31. That was good for 12 hours – use of jiljimbang, massage and wet sauna. #newlasemaspa #lasemaspa#h2hspa #h2honsenNew Lasema Spa (89)New Lasema Spa (82)New Lasema Spa (83) New Lasema Spa (84) New Lasema Spa (85) New Lasema Spa (86) New Lasema Spa (87)

On the second floor outside the ladies locker and Men’s locker-

New Lasema Spa (19)

there are some rooms here before going up to the 3rd floor
New Lasema Spa (14) New Lasema Spa (15) New Lasema Spa (16) New Lasema Spa (17)Going up to the 3rd floor
New Lasema Spa (20) New Lasema Spa (21)


New Lasema Spa (26)  On the third floor there is an eating areNew Lasema Spa (27) New Lasema Spa (74)New Lasema Spa (75)

 This would be my eating spot if ever I am alone and just want to relax and be peaceful while eating –  it has a fountain/water feature and korean art on the wallNew Lasema Spa (78)New Lasema Spa (57)New Lasema Spa (76)New Lasema Spa (77)
New Lasema Spa (79)Simple menu
New Lasema Spa (59)New Lasema Spa (60)New Lasema Spa (61)New Lasema Spa (62)New Lasema Spa (68)This is the best sauna place I have been to. There are 4 different sauna rooms and an ice room. Each with its own healing benefits but mostly in general ….to relax your muscles. You can go in and out – hot, cold, hot – have a massage etc but i suggest to end in the ice room to close your pores. This is a unisex area so everyone is given a tshirt and shorts to wear in this area and in all other common areas. New Lasema Spa (3) These are the mats for sleeping which are provided  – I don’t find them to clean so I suggest you bring your own mat ( i do not know if this is allowed ) or you bring bedsheets to cover them if you plan to use one of the cavesNew Lasema Spa (80) These are for sitting I guess in the rooms and in the dining areaNew Lasema Spa (81)At the New Lasema Spa ( mkti) #lasemaspa #newlasemaspa #h2hspa #h2hhealth This is the hottest room at 85 degrees.  I did not enter here anymoreNew Lasema Spa (28) New Lasema Spa (29)New Lasema Spa (31) New Lasema Spa (32)Yellow Soil with Amethyst roomNew Lasema Spa (69)
New Lasema Spa (45) New Lasema Spa (46)New Lasema Spa (65)Who would have thought that Himalayan salt is not only for cooking and eating!!!  Love this room.  I lay down on the salt just like Gloria did 
New Lasema Spa (47) New Lasema Spa (48)New Lasema Spa (72)New Lasema Spa (73) New Lasema Spa (49)New Lasema Spa (66)New Lasema Spa (67) New Lasema Spa (33) End with the ice room to close your pores.  And believe me from all the heat – you will want to stay here New Lasema Spa (34)New Lasema Spa (63)New Lasema Spa (35)New Lasema Spa (42)  Aside from all that there is a Karaoke room which you can rent.  Gloria says it is the best 🙂 though I have not been able to go in to look inside nor try itNew Lasema Spa (50)There is s kiddie area so you can leave your kids here while enjoying your spa 🙂
New Lasema Spa (36) An Aqua Area – not really a room – but there is a chair where you can sit across the aquarium and just watch the fish and relax your mind 🙂 New Lasema Spa (64)New Lasema Spa (39)New Lasema Spa (40)There’s a gym! A small one but at least there is oneNew Lasema Spa (37)New Lasema Spa (41) Viewing area where you can also just sit and relaxNew Lasema Spa (38)Spa area- I got a massage included with my package so one hour massage for me but in a common room with 2 other people.  You can pay  more to have your own private room.  Gloria says the body scrub is a must try so I will try that next time
New Lasema Spa (43)New Lasema Spa (44) New Lasema Spa (71) New Lasema Spa (88)Click below to go to their Facebook page

New lasema spa makati facebook

ACCP Art Auction 2018

By | Arts and Culture | No Comments

Beautiful venue at ACCP’s @asianculturalcouncil preview  #h2hinteriorsACCP 2018 (24)ACCP 2018 (23)ACCP 2018 (28) ACCP 2018 (27)ACCP 2018 (12)ACCP 2018 (13) This year’s ACCP @asianculturalcouncil of the Philippines’ auction lineup is led by Jose Joya’s 1959 Art Association of the Philippines-winning piece “Space Transfiguration.”, ACCP 2018 (40)ACCP 2018 (1)ACCP 2018 (3) ACCP 2018 (6)ACCP 2018 (29)

 We will also have other outstanding works by National Artists Ang Kiukok

ACCP 2018 (35)

and Vicente Manansala,

ACCP 2018 (36)stunning pieces by Anita Magsaysay-Ho and other top contemporary visual artists and ACC alumni at this year’s Auction. Adding to the excitement is the highly-anticipated showcase of “explosive” letters written by Andres Bonifacio to Emilio Jacinto on the controversial Tejeros convention that ousted the Katipunan founder in 1897. The auction will be held on March 3, Saturday at @leongallerymakati at 2pm #accp #asianculturalcouncilphilippines#h2hphilippineart #h2hart #h2hgivingbackACCP 2018 (4)ACCP 2018 (5)ACCP 2018 (25)ACCP 2018 (7)ACCP 2018 (8)ACCP 2018 (22) ACCP 2018 (21) ACCP 2018 (20) ACCP 2018 (19) ACCP 2018 (17)ACCP 2018 (38) ACCP 2018 (31) ACCP 2018 (32) ACCP 2018 (33)ACCP 2018 (11) ACCP 2018 (34) ACCP 2018 (39)ACCP 2018 (14)ACCP 2018 (15)ACCP 2018 (26) ACCP 2018 (9) ACCP 2018 (10)

Click below to the website of Leon Gallery for the preview of items on auction

León Gallery Fine Art and Antiques Auction Manila Philippines ACCP

Click below to go to their website

ACCP Manila

Healthier and Cleaner Filipino Food at Green Pastures

By | Foodie, Health and Fitness, Proud to be Pinoy! | No Comments

 Chef Robby Goco presented his new menu and made us try his Filipino food at @greenpasturesph
Healthier and Cleaner Filipino Food at Green Pastures (1) Healthier and Cleaner Filipino Food at Green Pastures (10) Healthier and Cleaner Filipino Food at Green Pastures (8) Healthier and Cleaner Filipino Food at Green Pastures (13)Healthier and Cleaner Filipino Food at Green Pastures (11)Thank you Chef for bringing our local cuisine to a different level – a healthier and cleaner Filipino food Healthier and Cleaner Filipino Food at Green Pastures (2)His family was there too
Healthier and Cleaner Filipino Food at Green Pastures (6) Healthier and Cleaner Filipino Food at Green Pastures (9)

UMAMI BOWL
kale, adlay (Job’s tears seed), roasted mushrooms, roasted cauliflower, tofu, red inions, roasted carrots, spicy sunflower seeds, miso dressing, spritz of liquid aminos

PHILIPPORKJACKFRUIT KARE-KARE
meat-like jackfruit in peanut gravy, yardlong beans, eggplant, broccoli rabe, homemade garlicky shrimp paste

 

 

Healthier and Cleaner Filipino Food at Green Pastures (17)

  YELLOW ADOBO (Adobong Dilaw)

Goco Family heirloom recipe-
pork, chicken, garlic, coconut vinegar, turmeric, five minute free range duck egg, choice of garlic-quinoa kale or basmati rice

ADOBONG DILAW (2) ADOBONG DILAW  DUCK ALA CUBANA

duck hash, tomato, sweet potato, edamame,saba banana,sunny side up eggs, kaleDUCK ALA CUBANABagoong Cauliflower riceBAGOONG CAULIFLOWER RICE

SUSTAINABLE SEAFOOD PAELLA
brown rice, sustainably sourced squid, clams, mussels and shrimp

SUSTAINABLE SEAFOOD PAELLA  GP MEAT PLATTER

roast organic chicken, muscavado baby back ribs, buffalo chicken meatballs, beef bignay bourguignon served with grilled corn, roasted potatoes and kale slaw #greenpasturesph #guiltlesspleasure #h2horganic #h2hproudtobepinoy #h2hhealthyproducts

GP MEAT PLATTERHealthier and Cleaner Filipino Food at Green Pastures (14) Healthier and Cleaner Filipino Food at Green Pastures (3)CHICKEN AND ROAST PORK (Sinuglaw)
marinated Yellow Fin Tuna, nose-to-tail pork sisig, Tagalog chillies, homemade pickled onions, lime

 

CEVICHE AND ROAST PORK (SINUGLAW)  STEAM CLAMS (Binakol)
coconut water, ginger, garlic, lemongrass,oyster mushroom,malunggay, squash blossom

 

STEAMED CLAMS (BINAKOL)  PINOY-PINOY
fiddlehead ferns, kale, romaine,cherry tomatoes, cucumber, jicama, cashew, red onions, Konbu roast chicken, baked onions, bagoong dressing, salted duck eggs, house made ricotta

 

PINOY PINOYUMAMI BOWL Healthier and Cleaner Filipino Food at Green Pastures (16) Healthier and Cleaner Filipino Food at Green Pastures (15)  My favorites from today’s lunch at @greenpasturesph
SHRIMP AND SWEET POTATO FRITTERS (Ukoy)
river shrimp, sweet potato,carrot, coconut vinegar and cilantro dipping sauce . Make sure you put the sauce!! SHIRMP AND SWEET POTATO FRITTERS(Ukoy)??NAAAKS FRIED CHICKEN ? ??
crispy organic chicken, fried sweet potato, saba banana, homemade banana ketchup. Finally a healthy banana catsup!! NAAAKS FRIED CHICKEN NAAAKS FRIED CHICKEN (2)

DESSERTS
GP BIBINGKA
buttery clay pot baked rice cake, organic sated duck egg, Bacolod Cacciocavalo cheese

Healthier and Cleaner Filipino Food at Green Pastures (4)

COCONUT CHIA SEED PUDDING
coconut cream, banana, crispy coconut chips
#greenpasturesph #guiltlesspleasure #chefrobbygoco

Healthier and Cleaner Filipino Food at Green Pastures (5)Healthier and Cleaner Filipino Food at Green Pastures (12)

Lit at 20

By | What's New at Starbucks? | No Comments

Celebrating 20 years of @starbucksph means celebrating the partners – it’s all very consistent since day 1 – Starbucks would not be where they are without the partners 🙂  #starbucksph #h2hstarbucks#h2hcelebrations
Lit at 20 (1)Lit at 20 (5) Lit at 20 (4)Lit at 20 (3)Lit at 20 (14)Lit at 20 (13)Lit at 20 (10)Lit at 20 (11)Lit at 20 (17) Lit at 20 (9) Lit at 20 (19) Lit at 20 (16) Lit at 20 (12) Lit at 20 (20) Lit at 20 (21) Lit at 20 (8) Lit at 20 (6) Lit at 20 (7)Lit at 20 (18) Lit at 20 (15) Private concert for the @starbucksph partners by @parokyaniedgar for the 2nd time. What makes the partners happy makes @starbucksph happy ! #starbucksph #h2hstarbucks #h2hcelebrations #h2hentertainment #parokyaniedgarLit at 20 (22)

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