All posts by Heart2Heart

Rural Kitchen of Liliw Laguna

By | Foodie, Proud to be Pinoy! | No Comments

So happy to discover another Filipino restaurant. Thanks to CJ Jesena for the recommendation. The place was full during lunchtime Rural Kitchen of Liliw Laguna (1)Rural Kitchen of Liliw Laguna (2)

 So happy to see the owners of Rural Kitchen of Liliw Laguna- Mother and son – Lorna and Justin. Justin is 28 years old and studied culinary in New York City at the French Culinary Institute. Rural Kitchen of Liliw Laguna (14)

 Their first restaurant is called Mio Cusina and is 6 years old already in Liliw Laguna. The restaurant was put up by the Lola of Justin and she trained three cooks to make her recipes. She passed away two years ago. I asked Justin if he plans to put up his own restaurant with his recipes ….. Who knows? Rural Kitchen of Liliw Laguna (22)

 This painting in the restaurant is a painting of the restaurant in Laguna 🙂 Rural Kitchen of Liliw Laguna (20) They opened last year in July. More power!!! 
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I like the uniforms because it resembles a barong 🙂Rural Kitchen of Liliw Laguna (19)Compliments 🙂 Rural Kitchen of Liliw Laguna (3)

Sinantolan – Santol preserve – can be dated with the bonete ( bread )  or with other dishes 🙂Rural Kitchen of Liliw Laguna (5)

Bonete which is their verso of a brioche 🙂  It is freshly delivered everyday from a panaderia from Liliw Laguna Rural Kitchen of Liliw Laguna (4)

One page menu 🙂  SIMPLE! 🙂Rural Kitchen of Liliw Laguna (9)

Crispy squid YUM!Rural Kitchen of Liliw Laguna (6)

 Pako salad – the Pako is delivered fresh from Laguna everyday as wellRural Kitchen of Liliw Laguna (7)

Bangus LumpiaRural Kitchen of Liliw Laguna (8)

Chicken in Coconut milk YUM!!!Rural Kitchen of Liliw Laguna (10)

Adobong pusit YUM!!!Rural Kitchen of Liliw Laguna (11)

Lapu Lapu with Mango  YUM!Rural Kitchen of Liliw Laguna (12)

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Buko pandanRural Kitchen of Liliw Laguna (15) Suman sa Latik Rural Kitchen of Liliw Laguna (16)

Ube SorbetesRural Kitchen of Liliw Laguna (17)

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Cookie Baking Weekend

By | Recipes, Tributes | No Comments

I visited Tina at home as she was baking with her sisters- Yammy and Dada.  I’m attracted by the pink christmas balls in the front door 🙂Cookie Baking Weekend (2) Every year the Banzhaf sisters have a German tradition ( they are German ) during the Bonifacio day weekend. They call it the Cookie Baking Weekend. It’s a tradition handed down from their Grandmother where they get together to bake for 3 days.Cookie Baking Weekend (18) They bake German cookies using the secret recipes from their Grandma and aunt. The first day is preparation of the dough, the next day they form the cookies and bake some Cookie Baking Weekend (16)then more baking on the 3rd day. While they bake they watch movies.  They give the cookies to family and select close friends. They even made a cookbook containing all the recipes!Cookie Baking Weekend (13)They made it so they can pass it down to the next generation!! What a nice tradition!!!!! Cookie Baking Weekend (14)Ingredients needed 🙂  ( A page from the cookbook )
Cookie Baking Weekend (11)Cookie Baking Weekend (19)Cookie Baking Weekend (21)The story behind the traditionCookie Baking Weekend (10) More notes from the cookbook.  The recipes are secret so i cannot put them here but showing a few pages to show how nice the cookbook isCookie Baking Weekend (12)Cookie Baking Weekend (15) Step by Step photos 🙂Cookie Baking Weekend (22) There is a TV in front so they can watch movies while they bake 🙂  According to them, the movie has to be something they watched already so they do not lose focus on the baking haha! 🙂Cookie Baking Weekend (20)Cookie Baking Weekend (17)German cookies!!!
Cookie Baking Weekend (3)Cookie Baking Weekend (4)Cookie Baking Weekend (5)Cookie Baking Weekend (6)Cookie Baking Weekend (7)Cookie Baking Weekend (8) This was what they had so far for Day 2Cookie Baking Weekend (1) These are the cookie tin cans they fill up.  Some of them are tins that are returned by the receivers which means they want it filled up again the next year 🙂Cookie Baking Weekend (9)

Lush Christmas 2015

By | SSI Group Inc | No Comments

So nice to meet Lauren Savage, Lush International Support from the UK with m cousin, Michael Tantoco Huang,  Special Assistant to the President ( RGOC )

Lush Christmas 2015 (26)We Believe lushLush philosophy Lush Christmas 2015 (13)She showed us the new store concept of Lush.  ECO INSPIRED DESIGN where they use REPURPOSE WOOD.  Repurpose wood is reclaimed wood – meaning they did not have to cut more trees but just used wood from something they recyledLush Christmas 2015 (3)Lush Christmas 2015 (8)Lush Christmas 2015 (9)Lush Christmas 2015 (10)Lush Christmas 2015 (2)And the christmas itemsLush Christmas 2015 (11)Lush Christmas 2015 (22)Lush Christmas 2015 (16)Lush Christmas 2015 (23)Lush Christmas 2015 (12)Lush Christmas 2015 (17)Lush Christmas 2015 (19)Lush Christmas 2015 (24)Lush Christmas 2015 (25) At Lush, you can Knotwrap!
Lush Christmas 2015 (14)Lush Christmas 2015 (18)Ideas!!  Even Christmas gift cards can be coloured!!! 🙂  Lush Christmas 2015 (20)Lush Christmas 2015 (21) I asked Lauren if she had one item to choose from in the store what would it be.  She chose this 🙂  Charity Pot!  It’s not new for Lush but it is new for the PhilippinesLush Christmas 2015 (4)The pot with a HEART! 🙂  Lush Christmas 2015 (5)Lush Christmas 2015 (7)Lush Christmas 2015 (6)For Lush Philippines, it will go to Cara.  After all Lush is against Animal testingLush Christmas 2015 (27)Lush Christmas 2015 (15)Lush Christmas 2015 (1)

Follow Lush into a world of pure imagination this wintertime with a myriad of innovations! This new collection of fresh products, ranging from bath bombs and shower jellies to handmade gifts are sure to tickle your fancy as well as captivate with their spectacular effects.

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All products are vegetarian and have not been tested on animals. All raw materials and essential oils are ethically sourced. Where possible products are made solid, to eliminate the need for preservatives and excess packaging, which is especially important at this time of year with Christmas and its frenzy of gift giving. You can rest assured knowing that the packaging is recycled and recyclable, that the papers and ribbons have been sourced from community projects around the world and the reusable scarves are made from recycled bottle tops or printed onto organic cotton.

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Find your inner child and delve right in!

In the Philippines, Lush is exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists, Inc., a member of SSI Group Inc., and is located at Alabang Town Center, Bonifacio High Street, Glorietta 4, Greenbelt 3, Robinsons Magnolia, Shangri-La Plaza Mall, SM Annex North EDSA, SM Mall of Asia and Trinoma. You may also visit us online at www.lush.com.ph. Follow Lush on Facebook facebook.com/lushphilippines, Instagram @lushcosmeticsph and Tweet us @LushPhilippines. Visit www.ssilife.com.ph for more information.

Belenismo sa Tarlac 2015

By | Christmas | No Comments

 I have been to 4 Belenismos and the recent years I have not been able to go. I miss the Belenismo gang and going with them around Tarlac

Previous entries:  Belenismo sa Tarlac Dec 12, 2007

 Belenismo sa Tarlac 2008 Dec. 31, 2008

Belenismo sa Tarlac 2010 Dec. 27, 2010

The 4th Belenismo sa Tarlac January 1, 2011 

 Judging for Belenismo sa Tarlac Dec. 3, 2011

5th Belenismo sa Tarlac Dec. 4, 2011 

  But this year, thank you to Carlo Rojas ( the gentleman in white and with eyeglasses )  I have photos to share!!! Yay!!!  It is such a beautiful tradition and a pilgrimage for many to see the different kinds of Belen in Tarlac.  They are all beautiful and truly a labor of love to celebrate the birthday of Jesus.  Thank you to Tita Isabel Cojuangco and Isa Cojuangco Suntay for spearheading thisBelenismo 2015 (13)Belenismo 2015 (8)This is their belen which is very central and people really stop by their belen for photos because it is always a sight to see
Belenismo 2015 (22)Belenismo 2015 (1)Belenismo 2015 (2)Belenismo 2015 (3)Belenismo 2015 (4)Belenismo 2015 (5)Belenismo 2015 (6)Belenismo 2015 (7)Belenismo 2015 (9)Belenismo 2015 (10)Belenismo 2015 (11)Belenismo 2015 (12)Belenismo 2015 (14)Belenismo 2015 (15)Belenismo 2015 (16)Belenismo 2015 (17)Belenismo 2015 (18)Belenismo 2015 (19)Belenismo 2015 (20)Belenismo 2015 (21)Belenismo 2015 (23)Belenismo 2015 (24)Belenismo 2015 (25)Belenismo 2015 (26)Belenismo 2015 (27)Belenismo 2015 (28)

Chef Javs’ First Client

By | Chef Javs | One Comment

 Chef Javs cooked for a most kind and generous couple – the Consul of San Marino and childhood friend of James – Tito Jean Henri

Chef Javs' First Client (8)

and a Gymnast and Taekwondo medalist and Mom of Chef Javs’ Tennis friend Stephan – Tita Bea. Chef Javs' First Client (5)

 Dominique and her dogs that were all dressed up for dinner last night 🙂  She is the only daughter and she’s just adorable!  Chef Javs' First Client (1)

Chef Javs in the kitchen 🙂 It’s Chef Javs first time to be asked to cater and it’s a milestone which we appreciate and even more for him. Thank you Jean Henri and Bea for giving him this opportunityChef Javs' First Client (19)

Delicious appetisers by Bea – Jamon, artichoke spread and chorizoChef Javs' First Client (2)

Stephan the eldest sone of Jean Henri and Bea and tennis friend of Chef Javs.  Stephan apparently is a gourmet and loves to eat Chef Javs' First Client (6)

So nice of them to invite the other friends of Stephan and Javier – Marco, Lorenzo and JoaquinChef Javs' First Client (9)

Fred and Ina were there too Chef Jav's First Client

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Foie Gras Bon Bon 🙂  I named that dish because Chef Javs has no name.  This is a new dish and we all got to try it that eveningChef Javs' First Client (4)

 Prawn and scallops corn creamChef Javs' First Client (10)

 63 degree Sous Vide Egg with corn, chorizo and black trufflesChef Javs' First Client (11)

My seat mate Dominique who liked the corn 🙂  So she asked for some from Chef JavsChef Javs' First Client (13)

 Inspired by the Passard Egg – egg yolk, maple syrup, whipped cream

This is Chef Javs’ Potato Tortilla which has egg yolk, potato foam and caviarChef Javs' First Client (14)

There’s Dominique taking photos of Chef Javs 🙂  She is so cute 🙂Chef Javs' First Client (15)

Duo of Tartare – Seared Tuna and Salmon with miso paste with caviar with sweet potato chipsChef Javs' First Client (16)

 Duo of Puff pastry – Escargot and Angulas saffronChef Javs' First Client (17)

Millionaire Nigiri – Unagi and foie gras with truffle oilChef Javs' First Client (18)

Bryan flannery rib cap with Mushroom risottoChef Javs' First Client (20)

Friends checking out Chef Javs in the kitchenChef Javs' First Client (21)

 Chocolate beignetChef Javs' First Client (22)

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Fun and Playful Holiday Dessing with Aeropostale

By | SSI Group Inc | No Comments

On the opposite side of the globe, the fashion-forward youth excitedly don layers of warm wool, soft scarves and thick coats to welcome the winter wonderland. Here in the tropics though (as we won’t be expecting snow anytime here), we still happily celebrate the season of cool with our own chic Fall-Winter fashion. Helping us get dressed this season is the style leader in casual apparel, AEROPOSTALE.

Today’s style bloggers Johan Aguilar, Chinchin Obcena and Crissey Si show you how to make a statement this holiday season, and lead the way to the most fashionable and most memorable Christmas yet! 

Not-So-Typical Guy Next Door

Men can still be stylish without being branded a metrosexual as shown by Johan Aguilar this holiday season with the Hall Pass Collection. Johan loves the collection’s masculine palette of varsity colors such as classic red, blue and golden yellow accented by aqua and greens. For a more interesting take on the trend, varsity accents are presented with updated fabrications and color ways.  Stripes are clean and classic, while animal prints and hounds tooth both add a conversational twist.

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For an outdoor Christmas rendezvous, Johan looks to the Autumn Rush Collection. Travel and camping strongly influence the collection, as seen with selections such as fleece and flannel, having a color palette of sunset and autumnal hues. Plaids are abundant, graphics are influenced by nature, and global prints are more colorful.

For an ensemble that inspires more spunk and attitude, the Seattle Sound Collection is a sure style win.Yellow, tinted green and rich berry set the tone of this collection. Texture continues to be a big influence as seen in the short sleeve knits and woven pieces. Dip dye and tie dye washes sit well together, while plaids are represented in different types of prints.

Fab Females

For the holidays, Chinchin Obcena and Crissey Si keep it fun and youthful with the Aero City Collection.This boho chic collection keeps the free spirited, cool girl in mind with its selection of edgy knits and delicate prints. To add a modern twist to the collection, new silhouettes such as printed flare denim, a duster vest and high-low tanks have been added. From the flirty shorts to the flowy skirts, each style is uniquely designed for any girl who wants to stand out and create a statement.

Fun and Playful Holiday Dressing with Aeropostale (1)Taking the same bohemian vibe and blending it with an English combination of romance and sensibility is theBloomsburg Boho collection.  Crissey and Chinchin delight in the collection’s cozy sweaters and knits, as these can be dressed down with menswear-inspired textures to create diverse looks. The collection emphasizes greys and browns that pair nicely with a range of pinks and teals.

Getting ready for upcoming holiday parties, Crissey looks to the Magic Carpet Collection. Inspired by the adorning art of Morocco and Persia, each piece is a holiday must have with its ornate decorative tile inspired motifs and hand-painted florals, and a color palette of rich reds, paired with ceramic blues and olive tones.

Chinchin knows that she’ll never be caught underdressed with the 60’s themed comfortable and chic ensemble from the Northern Lights Collection. Nostalgic prints and florals are highlighted in loose fitting kimonos and sweaters, paired with slim fitting denim. More layered looks with a focus on red, navy and olive colors are created with military detailed bottoms and cozy cardigans, mixed with feminine tops and dresses.

While known for its easy, casual and laidback style, Aeropostale will still help you stand out with their fun, fashionable pieces. This season’s must-haves not only look great as part of your holiday wardrobe, but will help you look fashionably on-point all year round.

In the Philippines, Aéropostale is exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists, Inc., a member of SSI Group, Inc., and is located at Glorietta 2, Robinsons Magnolia, Shangri-La Plaza East Wing, Robinsons Manila Midtown Wing, SM Lanang Davao, Ayala Center Cebu, SM Megamall Mega Fashion Hall, Central Square Bonifacio Highstreet, Veranza Mall Gen. Santos City, Ayala Fariview Terraces, U.P. Town Center Katipunan and Estancia at Capitol Commons. Visit www.ssilife.com.ph for more information.

A Gift That In Turn Gives

By | Christmas | No Comments

Super love this Christmas gift from Jean Henri and Bea. A Gift That In Turn Gives (2)

The card reads “Each Christmas, it has been our family tradition to give our friends a gift that in turn gives again. Contained in the inner basket of your gift is a simple Noche Buena package to share with those in need. The package contains a simple but filling meal for a family of 4-6. It is meant to be shared with those that would really appreciate it. The outer basket is for you to keep. It is made from water hyacinth found along the waterways of Cavite. Clearing the waterway of this aquatic plant helps clear up the drainage and prevents flooding around Metro Manila. The skilled workers from inner city Las Piñas are the weavers of these baskets”. A truly meaningful giftA Gift That In Turn Gives (5)

I am so glad I can keep the outer basket 🙂 A Gift That In Turn Gives (4)

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Santa Lolo Benny

By | Christmas, What's New at Rustan's | No Comments

What a nice idea!!!Santa Lolo Benny (1)a day with lolo benny rustans xmas 2015Lunch at East Cafe, Rustan’s MakatiSanta Lolo Benny (3)

 with LOLO BENNY!!Santa Lolo Benny (6) Santa Lolo Benny (5) Santa Lolo Benny (2) Santa Lolo Benny (4) Then we went up to the kids floorSanta Lolo Benny (7) Santa Lolo Benny (8) Santa Lolo Benny (9) Santa Lolo Benny (10)Santa Lolo Benny (11)  Santa Lolo Benny with the fourth generation grand kids. Lolo let them shop for their Christmas gift at the Children’s section at Rustan’s @rustansph this afternoon. Of course they had a budget to follow given by Santa Lolo BennySanta Lolo Benny (12) Some kids saw this and went to Santa Lolo Benny and he gave them lollipops too 🙂Santa Lolo Benny (13) Pahabol 4th gen – Zeke arrived!:-)Santa Lolo Benny (14) Santa Lolo Benny (16) A nice place to have a photo op with a life size Santa in the 4th floorSanta Lolo Benny (15) Which one is the real Santa??  🙂  Santa Lolo Benny (17) Kids lining up to get their gifts from Santa!Santa Lolo Benny (18) Santa Lolo Benny (19)

L’Elixir

By | Rustans Marketing Corp | No Comments

The Inspiration:

Flower by Kenzo L’Elixir takes inspiration from a photograph taken by Marc Riboud that evokes a strong iconic image, an image of an American young girl who joined the march against the Vietnam War on October 21, 1967 and stood in front of the Pentagon in Washington while offering a flower to the armed soldier.

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The Artist:

Flower by Kenzo L’Elixir started to grow in the mind of Master Perfumer Alberto Morillas after visiting a field of Bulgarian Roses.

He said, “Growing roses is a rare family tradition. I was inspired by every aspect of it: the pickers’ gestures of collecting the flowers corolla by corolla, the sacks filled with flowers, the fields that spreads as far as the eye can see. I remember this valley bursting with flowers surrounded by mountains like an endless sea of roses.” 

The Alluring Fragrance:

The fragrance embodies the image of a resilient, strong woman that captivates through her pure sensuality.

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Pulpy Raspberry opens the way accented by sparkling Mandarin. The essence of Bulgarian Rose enhanced by Orange Blossom that composes a smooth and exhilarating scent. The Bourbon Vanilla Absolute distils a stylish sensuality while the Praline Accord transforms the fragrance into an addictive and delicious base. Not forgetting the powdery notes, Flower by Kenzo’s emblematic signature.

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Kenzo Fragrances is exclusively distributed by Rustan Marketing Corporation. Available in Rustan’s and all leading department stores

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