Heart-2-Heart-Online.com

Oct 01

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An Intimate Affair with A2A Safaris

Binky Dizon owner of A2A Safaris and Dave van Smeerdijk, co-owner of Asilia Africa. Asilia is one of the leading safari companies in East Africa operating 18 camps in Kenya and Tanzania and has won many awards from leading organizations such as Conde Nast Traveler and the World Travel and Tourism Council. I asked Dave where the best place to go to in Africa and he said – where there are a lot of animals and that’s in Tanzania. He told me the camps are boutique camps with the smallest being 3 rooms to a big one with 18 rooms. We both agreed that it’s more fun with a big group – whether family or a group of friends. And bigger group means bigger plane!!! Haha!! Plane sizes range from 4 to 20 or so. One day we will get there.

They are running a special promotion with Asilia from Feb 1 – March 15, 2016 where for a minimum 6 –night stay in any combination of Asilia camps by 2 persons, the 2^nd person stays for free. This amazing promotion is only available from A2A Safaris and valid while spaces are available.

Click below to go to the website of Asilia Camps

Asilia offers luxurious, 5 star, award-winning Safari camps and lodges in the pristine wilderness of Kenya and Tanzania. We believe in positive impact and benefitting the local environment.

Click below to go to their website

A2A Safari OFFICES

Hong Kong
Suite 504, 5/F,
Chinachem Hollywood Centre
1-13 Hollywood Road, Central,
?Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2525 2776
Fax: +852 2525 2124
Hong Kong Travel Agent Licence No. 353090

Singapore
3 Pickering Street, #01-13,
Nankin Row, China Square
Singapore 048660
Tel: +65 6442 7600
Singapore Travel Agent Licence No. 02315

Philippines
WH Unit 10-B, Lapanday Center,
2263 Pasong Tamo Extension,
Makati City, Philippines
Tel/Fax: +632 9527414

New York
401 Park Avenue South, 8/F
New York, NY 10016
Tel: +1 212 858 0270

China
D1605 Bldg 2 Hairun International
Apartments
No. B2 Jiangtai Road Chaoyang District
Beijing 100016
China
Tel: +86 139 1173 1083

Oct 01

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Banana Republic On the Move Campaign goes to Intramuros

By Heart2Heart | SSI Group Inc | No Comments

This Fall, it’s all about doing what moves you and Banana Republic thinks that biking is a great way to accomplish just that. Through a partnership with Bambike Revolution Cycles, Banana Republic will be raffling out one Malaya Bambike (bamboo bicycle) and a Bambike Ecotours package for Intramuros to a lucky winner.

Every Php6,000 purchase at Banana Republic from September 15 to October 15, 2015 entitles customers to one raffle coupon for a chance to win the Malaya Bambike and Bambike Ecotour. The winner will be announced on October 30, 2015. Per DTI-FTEB SPD Permit No. 12263 Series of 2015.

The On the Move campaign is inspired by Amsterdam’s prolific bicycling culture and street style scene. A Banana Republic collection on this campaign features street-smart pieces that include military and surplus styles in autumnal colors ranging from olive greens to new gingers. The campaign also draws inspiration from the streets of key cities to design graphics and slogans on tees and accessories.

About Banana Republic

Banana Republic is a global accessible luxury brand that delivers the best in city style. Characterized by elevated design and luxurious fabrications, the Banana Republic lifestyle collections include apparel, handbags, jewelry, and fragrance. Banana Republic, a division of San Francisco–based, Gap Inc. (NYSE: GPS), can be found at over 500 retail locations in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Japan. In addition, Banana Republic is expanding its international presence with franchise agreements in Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East.

About Bambike Revolution Cycles

Bambike is a socio-ecological enterprise based in the Philippines that hand-makes bamboo bicycles with fair-trade labor and sustainable building practices. The bamboo bike builders (aka Bambuilders) come from Gawad Kalinga, a Philippine based community development organization for the poor working to bring an end to poverty. They have programs that include scholarships, sponsoring a preschool teacher, and a weekly feeding program for children, as well as a bamboo nursery for reforestation. Bambike is a company that is interested in helping out people and the planet, dedicated to social and environmental stewardship. Their goal is to do better business and to make the greenest bikes on the planet. Bambike Revolution Cycles: People-Planet-Progress.

Bambike Revolution Cycles and the Bambike Ecotours is located at Plaza San Luis Complex, Real San Luis Complex, Real St. cor. General Luna St., Intramuros, Manila. Visit www.bambike.com and fb.com/BAMBIKE for more information.

Photo credits:

Bryan Benitez McClelland, founder of Bambike Revolution Cycles, in Banana Republic

In the Philippines, Banana Republic is exclusively distributed by Casual Clothing Retailers, Inc. (CCRI), a member of SSI Group, Inc., and is located at Bonifacio High Street Central, Greenbelt 5 and Shangri-La Plaza. Visit www.ssilife.com.ph for more information.

Sep 30

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The Cookery Gourmet Catering

By Heart2Heart | Foodie | No Comments

Thank you to Joy @joyrortega for introducing me to this lovely lady – Michelle Dinglasan Tomacruz! @chefmichelledt We were together in Malabon and she mentioned about her catering business and finally I got to try her food!!! She’s my new discovery for party platters / Gourmet to Go though she’s been doing this since 1996. She worked in Citibank for 3 years and decided to pursue her passion and went to Peter Kump’s New York Cooking School (now called Institute of Culinary Education (ICE). ) “We come from a family of foodies and cooks so some recipes are from my mom and her family , a few from my brother who’s a chef in the states and most of the recipes are from me from cooking school and my travels abroad ? I take courses everywhere I go — Bangkok , Malaysia , Indonesia, Spain and then a few years ago a real kitchen in Morocco ( Gabby Estrella’s sister Malou Jaidi’s kitchen ) ” Call and ask for her pricelist – there’s so many to choose from 631-0541 / 635-0351 / cell 917-8122354

Salpicado

Baked Lapu-Lapu Fillet with Queso de Bola and Mushroom cream. ( I know you can’t see the Lapu Lapu and cream but that cheesy topping to me is the best part 🙂 )

A few years ago Michelle went to New York City to cook for the Prince of Morocco for two weeks!! I’m definitely going to try her full Morroccan next time!! This is her Moroccan Angus Meatballs

Sep 30

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Drew Barrymore Wears Tory Burch

By Heart2Heart | SSI Group Inc | No Comments

Drew Barrymore wears the Printed Pleated Silk Dress from the Tory Burch Fall 2015 Collection while promoting her film, “Miss You Already” at the 2015 Toronto Film Festival.

Sep 30

0

Discovery Primea Hotel and Residences

By Heart2Heart | Accomodations | No Comments

So happy to see the beautiful Joy Ledesma Lagdameo, Deputy Director of Discovery Primea Residences. She used to work in Rustan’s for 11 years as Corporate Sales Manager and was a great asset to the company Naks! 🙂 She toured us around Discovery Primea – the residences and the hotel. The residences is almost fully sold with only 10 units left for sale. Do contact Joy Lagdameo if you are interested 🙂

Discovery Primea has two entrances – by the Ayala Avenue side and at the back. In the Ayala Avenue entrance there is easy access to the underground walkway to cross to the other side of the street! Which is good!

Easy access to Rustan’s is important!!! 🙂

Fresh apples in the hallway of the hotel for the guests!!

One bedroom suite in the hotel

Rafael Camus is our tour guide and you can contact him anytime for any inquiries. Trademark Discovery group gesture – hand on heart 🙂

Spacious bedroom. Discovery rooms are bigger than the usual rooms in the city by a few square meters

and bathroom

View of the pool

Leave it up to the Discovery group to give attention to every detail! Fresh fruits in the hallway of every floor of their hotel for guests, Crib, stroller and car seat available for use with compliments if guest has kids, bespoke sugar in the rooms that measures exactly a teaspoon and beautiful bathrobes

Two Bedroom Suite

Services in the hotel

Salon- soon to open

Love the pool!!! The view!!! Which will never be obstructed because it is facing Urdaneta Village

Ito Kish Chairs at the Spa

Turkish Bath!! Good for 2 people

Gym

with exercise room for group classes

And a beautiful chapel, The Annunciation Chapel, where they have Sunday masses for now – For residents and even non residents. Rafael told us that one thing about the Discovery family is that they are very spiritual. The owner Mrs. Cynthia Tiu constructed the chapel based on a dream she had which was the Annunciation 🙂

Sleeping St. Joseph!!

Click below to go to their website for more information

Conveniently located in Makati Business Disctrict, this 141 room and suite luxury hotel sports classic and timeless interiors, as well as up-to-date technology that caters to the needs of today’s travelers.

Sep 29

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Tapenade at Discovery Primea

By Heart2Heart | Foodie | No Comments

Heart2Heart is so happy to finally try Tapenade at Discovery Primea. I have heard all good things about this place

Chef Luis Chikiamco – very soft spoken but I am sure very talented because the food here is great! He is also the brother of a former Rustan’s Manager, Karen Chikiamco! Small world! 🙂

The Salad Room at Tapenade! Very popular! You can have this as a meal already since it has many choices!!

My favourite section at the Salad room!! The cheeses!!!!

They are so beautifully presented I don’t want to touch it!!! 🙂

Prosciutto all you can!!! Freshly sliced right in front of you 🙂

Welcome drink 🙂

And you can order from the ala carte menu to add. It’s actually nice to order from the ala carte because they are good too. That is why it is always more fun to go in a big group so you can order more and try more!

Yummy!! A MUST! Stone baked Feta Cheese – Greek Metaxa brandy, capers, sundried tomatoes, thyme, almonds and honey

Brick Oven Pizza!

Greek Shrimp Rissoni

Langostinos Al Ajillo

Porcini Crusted US Angus Rib Eye Steak YUM!

Mediterranean Chocolate Marquis

Gianduja Cake

Manchego Cheesecake

Beautiful mural on the wall – I was hoping to take the whole wall but there were diners by one side

A better view of the wall 🙂 With the lunch group 🙂 The BFFs with Joy Ledesma Lagdameo. A nice Rustan’s reunion 🙂 Yay giveaways for us from Tapenade 🙂 Thank you!!

A few days after, I was back with a different group – The Eat and Run group! 🙂 That means 2 hour meals only haha!! 🙂

Click below to go to their website

Discovery Primea offers you a culinary journey within the hotel, from the freshly-baked pizzas in Restaurant Tapenade, to our gourmet and healthy salad bar and continental breakfast buffet.

Sep 29

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The Straits Wine Company’s 5th Annual Philippine Wine Fiesta

By Heart2Heart | Foodie | No Comments

The Straits Wine Company’s 5th Annual Philippine Wine Fiesta.

Previous entry: Philippine Wine Fiesta by Straits Wine Company Dec. 14, 2013

Where diverse cultures come together for one festive evening of food & wines, wine education, networking, and fun most importantly! We have set the date: 27 October 2015, Tuesday from 5:00PM to 10:00PM at the AXON, Green Sun.

Over 15 winemakers will be coming to Manila representing their wineries, bringing with them more than 100 wines to taste and experience. Buy your tickets now and avail of the Early Bird discount or if you are a party of 6 or more you get a 15% discount

Marion Ablaza Marketing Manager and Julian Gagliardi, General Manager of Straits Wine Company

Certified Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Expert, Mr. Gerald Savigny, will also share his thorough knowledge of wines to both beginners and connoisseurs alike.

An elegant spread of impeccably-crafted culinary expressions will be showcased during the Wine Dinner with Winemakers; a degustation menu paired with signature and limited vintages of excellent wines, to perfectly round up the 2015 Philippine Wine Fiesta affair.

Sep 28

0

Town & Country Fabulous Food & Drink Affair 2015

By Heart2Heart | Foodie | One Comment

Our beautiful hosts for the Town and Country Fabulous Food and Drink Affair Yvette Fernandez, Editor in Chief of Town and Country and Alicia Sy, Executive Editor of Town and Country

With the rest of the team, Carolina Tagle, Manica Tiglao, Nicole Limos, and John Patrick Meneses

Beautiful cover girls!! Marielle Santos – Po and Chris Yam-Daez

Sep 28

0

Strip Ministry of Waxing

By Heart2Heart | Beauty | One Comment

Heart2Heart’s new discovery for waxing!! It’s been here for seven years already though

So happy to meet pretty Tab ( Roberta) Abad Estacion. She’s only 35 years old and she is the owner of Strip which she started at the age of 27! (7 years ago) Tab is half Filipino (Mom) and half Italian (Dad). Listen to her as she tells us what makes Strip different and FUN!

The waiting area

Thank you Iya Consengco for introducing me to Strip!

I had the best Brazilian ever!

Wet wipes 🙂

I think that this is very good! They provide masks for the staff

“Why strip at StripManila? We carry the best IPL system matched with skilled therapists who are trained for the job, that’s why! Our therapists begin their careers with a 8 weeks training at our Strip Academy, helmed by ITEC certified trainers. Strict annual recertification program is in place to ensure that our therapists remain relevant as well as to ensure consistency in the treatment. So rest assured that we have the right people for the job.”

They have products for sale as well

“These after-care products we developed with Malin+Goetz will keep your skin smooth after waxing! Ask your Striperella about it!”

Tab also has Browhaus which is very nearby Strip in Serendra. Hoping to try this one next time 🙂

Click below to go to their Facebook page

Click below to go to their website

Sep 27

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Archdiocesan Shrine of Padre Pio

By Heart2Heart | Religious | No Comments

Last week, we went to Batangas to visit the Shrine of Padre Pio

It’s like a Fiesta in a barrio 🙂 Barriotic as per Luzanne 🙂

Dress code

Last September 14 was the solemn declaration as a National shrine

They say that you put your head by Padre Pio’s hand and ask for your intentions 🙂 The statue is in front outside the Shrine

We went with Lolo an his pilgrimage group

There were plenty chairs outside because they were preparing for the event

Inside the shrine

We had mass in the Chapel of Reconciliation

Lolo’s loyal staff – Mary Jane, Jackie, Conchita and Yaya Sion came along too

In this chapel are different rooms for confession

Lolo brought Fr. Mike Villaflor to say mass for us 🙂

Below that tower is the relics of Padre Pio. There are jars of Holy water also and you can get as much as you want

Office and store

We bought votive candles

Each colour had a different intention – Luzanne said let’s just get all! haha!!

By the shrine there is a place to light the candles

Since the area is by the end of SLEX – you are near Mt. Makiling. Driving back, Luzanne and I looked for a view and we found this!!! Make sure to stop for photo op! It’s beautiful!!