Driver’s License Renewal Center, Ayala

By | Household Tips | One Comment

I recently renewed by Driver’s license which I did not know expired on my birthday.  I had to pay a penalty for late renewal.  

I was so happy that there is now a convenient location nearby.  It is in the Ayala MRT station.  Just go up the escalator from the Intercon and Shoemart side and turn left till the end.   

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I LOVE Berries!

By | What's New at Power Plant Mall, Yummy! | No Comments

 

 I do!  I really love BERRIES!! Thanks to Krie for telling me about this!  Immediately I rushed to the Rockwell Urban Bazaar to try it

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…..and YES!!! I like it! So refreshing!!! Since there is no PINKBERRY yet here in the Philippines,  I will have this!  SO HURRY!!! Go now to Rockwell Urban Bazaar and try I LOVE BERRIES!!!!!

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I was overwhelmed with the menu- I liked everything!  So, I told them to just give me the BEST SELLER – so they gave me the Blueberry Cheesecake.  I would not even mind having it PLAIN! YUMMY!!!

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Adam’s

By | Household Tips, Toys for the Big Boys | No Comments

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Manolet and Anthony are the husbands of my good friends, Michele and Marg.  These guys have been friends since highschool and ever since, it has been their common interest to detail their cars.  They would even challenge each other on who had the best detailing job.  Later on, Anthony met the owner of Adam’s while he was living in the States.  

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When Anthony came back to the Philippines two and a half years ago, he brought back 3 balikbayan boxes of assorted Adam’s products, sold out everything and everything else followed.  Now Adam’s is availabe in Handyman, True Value and Blade stores.  Their products are also being used in Detailing Centers.  

Adam’s is the business of the two best friends,  Anthony and Manolet (ANSAN which stands for  ANciano SANtos ).  It’s a great friendship and a great parntnership.  

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This is part 1 of Heart2Heart’s feature for Adam’s as the 2 handsome Adam guys are going to actually detail my car to prove to us the quality of their products.  So watch out for part 2.  

Heart2Heart was so happy to listen to the two explain their different products.  I learned a lot from them – tips on cleaning, cleaning, more cleaning, and learning to become obsessive compulsive on keeping everything nice and shiny :-). Some products can actually be used also for cleaning in the home so it can be used for both car and for home.

All the products are non abrasive, ENVIRONMENT FRIENDLY as they are all biodegradable.   They all have pleasant scents, mostly fruity, and are not poisonous when inhaled. Therefore, Heart2Heart definitely supports Adam’s products!

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Nicely scented, this powerful leather cleaning agent is effective on steering wheels, door panels, dash boards, and other plastic, vinyl, and rubber surfaces inside the vehicle.  For a dry, rich finish with UV protection, follow with Adam’s Leather Conditioner.

This leather cleaner restores leather to brand new look.  It has a good SPF factor of 68.  It does not whiten leather or discolor.  It even smells like leather.  Good for belts, shoes and bags.   

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Like tires that look new, not oily and shiny?   How about the exterior plastic of your vehicle?   You will love our Vinyl, Rubber, and Tire Dressing.   Enhance and protect the appearance of plastic, rubber, tires, moldings, and all vinyl surfaces. Adam’s V.R.T. is water-based, and contains no harmful solvents or alcohol. The thick moisturizing cream applies easily with a sponge and will not leave a greasy film, attract dirt, or harm paint and glass. Added U.V. protection keeps vehicle interiors and exteriors looking and feeling like new.

Vinyl, Rubber and Tire – Restores the true look of any vinyl and rubber in the house.  It is not sticky and does not attract dust because it is water based and not oil based. 

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In & Out Spray is an incredible product for turning hard to reach, black plastic, rubber, and engines black again. 

This is the only aerosol product of Adam’s.  It restores any DULL BLACK FINISH – black wires in engine that are hard to reach, grill of cars- all you have to do is spray it.  So any black wires, grills at home, just spray it and it will be black again at the same time it smells good…. like baby powder. 

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Now you see it, now you don’t. That’s what we like about Adam’s Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner. This non-toxic, non-allergenic cleaner contains no soap and will not create suds, yet it magically removes spots and dirt from your floor mats and other carpeted areas, and fabric upholstery.

This can be used for any carpet or upholstery at home. It ha sno smell.  Just spray and wipe off with a micro fiber cloth or any “basahan” but not terry towels.  For stubborn stains, use a toothbrush first and wipe off.

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This pure liquid magic works wonders on stainless, brass, billet, chrome, and nickel. Our customers raved about the results the polish achieved on various metals that we now call it Adam’s Metal Polish #1. The liquid formula does not scratch and is safe to use on delicate metals. Follow with Adam’s Metal Polish #2 for additional shine and maintenance. 

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Adam’s Metal Polish #2 achieves the highest achievable gloss on unpainted metals. The liquid formula contains no abrasives and is the highest gloss metal polish on the market. We love it for its effortless application. Use Metal Polish #2 by itself to maintain mirror-like results on brass, stainless, billet, nickel, and chrome. Apply and remove with a microfiber pad for best results.

 These two products can be used for silverware or stainless items in the house.

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Customers have asked countless times for an excellent Glass Cleaner, and my response has been the same, “Until we make one that absolutely outperforms the others, we cannot offer one.” Well, it’s time! This Glass Cleaner outperforms the competition, and you will love it. Guaranteed to please, 110% 

This glass cleaner has no AMMONIA compared to the other commercial glass cleaners.  It can be used for mirrors, glass, stainless tops and windows.  

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Adam’s Swirl & Haze Remover is not rubbing compound. The alumina-based microcompound formula is less abrasive than toothpaste and gently removes swirls and hazing from clearcoats and painted surfaces. For use by hand or machine. Contains no silicone. Body Shop safe.

This is used to remove scratches and swirls on any glass, paint surfaces, even watch glasses.   

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Adam’s Detail Spray is the cornerstone of our product line and is the most versatile component in any detail kit. This “Best of Show” winner is a favorite at car shows. Use as a waterless car wash, a clay bar lubricant, or to enhance the depth and clarity of paint, chrome, plastic, aluminum, and glass. Specially formulated lubricants gently remove dirt, smudges, and grime, leaving surfaces with a smooth, ultra-high gloss finish. Use in the sun or shade, and in hot or cool temperatures.

Use on EVERYTHING and ANYTHING to CLEAN and SHINE any smooth and glossy surface. LCD TVs, computer screens, sunglasses and eyeglasses. Just spray and wipe with micro fiber cloth.   DJ Papi ( Manolet ) uses it for his vinyl records and CDs.  It is a MAGIC product.  Surface is smooth again after spraying.     

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 One advantage of using Adam’s is that it cuts the work time a lot shorter because there’s no curing time.  It is easy to apply and remove and can be used under the sun. 

OTHER ADAM’S PRODUCTS 

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This is incredibly concentrated, high performace Car Wash soap.  Since it’s Ph neutral, it neutralizes the minerals in you water.  You can wash the entire vehicle in the direct sun, and even let the suds dry!   Take ake your washing to the next level: Try Adam’s Car Wash.  Biodegradable & earth friendly.   110% Guaranteed to outshine your expectations.

1 bottle can clean 20 expeditions! 

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Even brand new cars can shine more, and Revive Polish is a great way to get you there. Guaranteed to be the easiest polish you have ever used, Revive can be used in any temperature, on any painted surface. Cleaning your paint, removing mild oxidation, old wax, surface scuffs, and clarifying the clear coat is handled quickly and easily with Revive Polish.

Our simple detailing system doesn’t have much mystery, or a dozen different polishes to choose from. After you have used a Clay Bar, and before you wax, use the Revive Polish to enhance depth, clarity, and reflection.  

 Revives true color of any car paint surface.  There is a misconception that WAX makes the car shiny, but it is the polish that gives the shine and not the wax.  Wax is the PROTECTANT and POLISH shines.

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Buttery Wax is the easiest to use, shiniest liquid wax available today. For use in any weather condition, this wax literally falls off with the swipe of a Super Plush Microfiber Towel. Buttery Wax is a polymer and Carnauba blend, offering the best of both modern and classic technologies. Buttery Wax contains no cleaners or abrasives, and will not stain plastic or rubber. Always treat an imperfect finish with Adam’s Clay Bar and Revive Polish before applying Butter Wax.  Suitable for application in the sun or shade, and in hot or cool temperatures.

To be used after Revive polish.  Banana Scent. It enhances plus protects with SPF factor 70.   

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Adam’s Fine Grade Clay Bar is incredibly safe, and effective at removing surface contamination. Even new vehicles need Clay! Our new Blue Bar is the finest and safest detailing clay for your vehicle’s finish. It removes surface contamination safely and easily without skid or swirl marks.

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After detailing your vehicle or motorcycle, it looks amazing.  A month and a few washes later, you want to get that ‘just detailed’ look again.  Adam’s Brilliant Spray Glaze does just that, it gives a ‘just detailed’ gloss, and takes reflection to a new level.  Adds depth and clarity to chrome, glass, and paintwork.   Brilliant Spray Glaze is a top seller for its extreme ease of use and for its ultra-high gloss results.  Take your shine to the next level with Brilliant Spray Glaze!

Use for a QUICK SHINE!  This is for people in a hurry to clean their car.  The shine will last for two weeks.   

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La Régalade French Bistro

By | Foodie | One Comment

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La Régalade, a world-class French bistro established by renowned chef Alain Rayé in Vancouver in 2001.  A proposal was made to start another La Régalade, in Manila. Alain cheerily welcomed the opportunity, having long nurtured the desire to spread his wings to Asia.

 Over the past year, Alain has visited Manila a number of times and helped decide on the site for La Régalade. He has sniffed his way through the metropolis’ wet markets, and delighted in the availability, quality and freshness of seafood. 

He promises a whole new experience in the country bistro food he will initiate and institutionalize in Makati. No doubt the passion that has ruled his culinary genius over three decades will manifest itself in this new endeavor.

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Alain Rayé’s word in his latest book come to mind, and heart: 

“Cooking is the happiness of my life. This is my art, my way of communicating, and my true passion. As any artist knows, the joy of creating is surpassed only by the joy of sharing your creations. Sharing my cuisine with people who appreciate food is my ultimate satisfaction.”  

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After supervising its opening and first few weeks, Alain will hand over the reins to his fellow Frenchman Pierre Cornelis. The Executive Chef will stay full time for at least a year to train local sous chefs.

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Bubut Quicho, Manager and owner together with Tonyboy Cojuangco

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Salad Régalade 

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Gratinated Onion Soup  

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Escargots En Croutons 

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Filet of Fish, Mashed Potatoes, Olive Oil 

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Beouf Bourginon 

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Grilled Jumbo Tiger Prawns with Lime and Ginger

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By Babot Joseph

By | Homes and Interiors | 2 Comments

Thank you to Tita Babot for sharing her beautiful home with Heart2Heart.  Tita Babot’s homes are so beautiful and cozy, neat and organized.    Everything is in proper order and no clutter around.   

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Tita Babot does all her gardens herself.  She buys the materials and plants needed herself and works with the gardener closely 

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Tita Babot is not an interior designer but she does everything herself.  This house was already built when they moved in, so she just fixed some details like the walls but everything else she did herself 

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Dining Room 

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My favorite part of the house!  What a nice cozy and charming kitchen! She even has her music playing in the kitchen!  The nook in the corner faces the pool.

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Very rare to find a COPPER range hood. Beautiful! 

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Family room 

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My next favorite part of the house- her bedroom! Everything is white!  

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It has a balcony on the side 

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Kids rooms 

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My favorite kids room – looks like a room straight from a Pottery Barn catalog 

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And I just had to include the photo of their new family member that was hiding under the kitchen stove -ADORABLE! 

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Previous Entry:  The Joseph’s Second Home  June 9, 2007

 

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Maricar’s Bolognese Recipe

By | Recipes | 3 Comments

Whenever we travel as a family, that is the only time we have the chance to brag about our cooking abilities.  Mom makes her famous adobo which she learned from Lola Glecy, I make my cheese concoctions, Quits makes his special adobo rice from Mom’s leftover adobo 🙂 and Maricar makes her special spaghetti bolognese sauce.

My sister makes the best homemade bolognese sauce.  It is the real thing! Not the “pinoy” sweet spaghetti sauce but the real Italian bolognese sauce.  It should be easy to make, just a matter of preparing all the ingredients and mixing everything.  

Thanks to Maricar for sharing her recipe with Heart2Heart. 

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1/2 kilo ground beef

2 carrots- chopped

1 1/2 stalk celery- chopped

2 big onions- chopped

5 pcs. dried porcini mushroom

1 cup chicken stock

2 cans (400 gms) crushed or whole peeled tomatoes

(preferably italian)

1 1/2 tbsp tomato paste (preferably italian)

salt

pepper

 

Procedure:

1. Soak porcini mushrooms in 2 cups warm water for thirty minutes

2. In a stock pot, saute onions in olive oil and butter – medium heat only

3. Add carrots – saute till carrots are tender

4. Add celery – saute till celery is tender

5. Add ground beef – cook till light brown

6. set aside all ingredients in one side of the pan – then saute the drained porcini mushrooms

7. Add tomatoes – cook till it simmers

8.Add 1 1/2 cup of the strained water of the porcini mushroom

9. Add the chicken stock

10. Salt and pepper to taste

11. Simmer for 1 1/2 hours in low heat

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Discover Color at Rockwell’s Urban Bazaar

By | Shopping, What's New at Power Plant Mall | 3 Comments

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This rainy season; satisfy that urge to splurge at the Rockwell Urban Bazaar from August 15 to 17 at the Rockwell Tent.

This year’s theme: “Discover Color, Find your style”, Rockwell’s Urban Bazaar will showcase over 80 participating shops with a unique mix of women’s fashion, men’s line, accessories, beauty, home items and knick-knacks.

Raid the racks with clothes from exciting brands like Be, Cole Vintage, Daphne, Designer Soiree and V Clothing. And shift from work-wear to weekend wear with Lime, a fabulous line of comfy and lightweight jersey tops and dresses. Perfect for the active woman who needs flexible fashion to fit her lifestyle.

Adventurous stylephiles will also enjoy Tammy Tan tops and casual dresses in geometric prints and make a bold fashion statement. Tammy Tan’s playful yet elegant designs are sure to add spice to your closet and will let you stand out from the crowd. 

Treat your soles with fashionable footwear from IchigoNJ Sneakers, Renegade Folk and latest footwear fad, Plueys Manila.

Plueys lets you enjoy stylish Wellington rain boots made from durable natural rubber with sturdy treaded soles and are softly lined for comfort. Its perfect from dressing up or even dressing down.

Guys can also enjoy a wide assortment of men’s line from Villareal and Munky, as well as tailored shirts and jackets from Navarro. Hip shirts and denims that fit the urban lifestyle can also be bought at Switch Nation.

To make you even more chic and stylish are accessories from Buxani, Fuddy Duddy, Get Happy, Temp Station, BBB, D!luxe Jewelry, Bags in the City, De Roca Bags, Veronica Manila, Gypsy Holiday and Tonic.

And finally to make your shopping extravaganza complete, indulge your taste buds in new and exciting food booths outside the tent.

So rush to the Rockwell Tent to splurge and spoil yourself with this year’s Urban Bazaar and even get a chance to win raffle prizes and enjoy Samba performances by Escola de Samba de Manila – the first and only Samba school in the Philippines!

For inquiries you may call 898-1702.

 

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Summer Palace

By | Foodie | 3 Comments

I have been hearing many good things about Summer Palace, so as soon as my good friend, Rina, invited me for lunch, of course I moved all my appointments and had lunch with her and Suharto!  🙂  Thanks guys for always inviting us!  

Apparently Rina was craving for the prawn salad with cornflakes, which became my favorite too.  Mom and John always order the prawn salad for me when we eat in Shang Palace ( Shangri-la Hotel Makati ) but this one had cornflakes!!  YUMMY!  

Benny and Soraya joined us and they took care of ordering as they are regulars in the restaurant.  EVERYTHING was very good!!!  Make sure you look for Nancy and ask her for the specials not found in the menu!   

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Xiao Long Bao – I was surprised to see this as it is very hard to find in the Philippines.  It was quite small, taste it okay.  Still not the real real thing but it is close

 

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Prawn Salad with Cornflakes! Our favorite!  

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Steamed cod fish in soy sauce – VERY GOOD!!! 

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After all that, we still had Peking duck!  Wow!!! 

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I was already full by the time the Peking Duck came – but the 2nd way was also very very good!!!  Deep Fried with Spicy Salt!  Make sure you eat it with the sauce.   

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Edsa Shangri-la Hotel Manila   1 Garden WayOrtigas Centre Mandaluyong City 1650, Philippines

T: (63 2) 633 8888  F: (63 2) 631 1067

Summer Palace 

Phone  (63 2) 633 8888 ext. 2738/2739

Hours  Open daily for both lunch and dinner. Open at 9am on Sundays for a dim sum breakfast.

Location Mezzanine Level, Tower Wing  

 

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