Lam Tin Food Fest

While I'm constantly trying to explore the vast array of food beyond what I've already tried, there will always be simple favorites that produce as much of an exhilarating effect as any Michelin-starred restaurant. Take my favorite Chinese restaurant, Lam Tin, for example. From the outside, it may look just a step above the average Chinese food canteen in Binondo with its uncomplicated signboard and sparse decor, but anyone passing by this part of Banawe will notice that this eatery is almost always full to capacity. Truly, it is one of those times where the food speaks for itself, and does it speak volumes!

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="428"] Lam Tin Tea House[/caption]

[caption id="false" align="aligncenter" width="431"] Last Call time: the only reason this place wasn't crowded anymore[/caption]

My family learned about Lam Tin through other relatives who would drop by just to order takeout. Delicious, authentic Chinese food with big servings yet doesn't cost much? Yes, please! Just thinking about it is already making me crave my favorite dish...

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="540"] ...the Tausi Fish Fillet (PHP 200+)[/caption]

I never used to care for tausi (black bean paste) before I tried their Tausi Fish Fillet. That first time I had a taste of this was back when I was suffering from a nasty stomach ulcer attack. My dad bought the rice topping version, and I gobbled it up to soothe my empty stomach. I thought, "Maybe I was just hungry?" But no, visiting the restaurant in person made me realize how consistently scrumptious the fish fillet dish is with its crispy breading and savory sauce.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="527"] Beef Ho Fan[/caption]

Mom loves Beef Ho Fan (PHP 200+; available only on weekends) from anywhere, so she insists on ordering this too. The flat noodles are soggy yet chewy in the sauce, and the serving is big enough for three people if they're ordering other dishes.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="527"] I don't remember the name, but this is crispy breaded shrimp in sweet and sour sauce[/caption]

The shrimp dish is totally worth the price, since you get a fair amount of shrimp that isn't heavy on the breading.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="377"] Lam Tin Fried Chicken[/caption]

Lam Tin Fried Chicken (PHP 400 for whole, but they also offer half) is the typical fried chicken with shrimp chicharon and Mang Tomas sauce. It's good, but my favorite chicken dish is still their Butter Chicken.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="514"] Hot & Sour Soup[/caption]

I'm not a fan of Hot & Sour Soup (PHP 100+) in general, and I much prefer Lam Tin's Seafood Soup. The parentals, on the other hand, LOVE their Hot & Sour, and Lam Tin's tastes exactly like how it's supposed to taste. A big bowl can fill three smaller bowls.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="514"] Yang Chow Fried Rice[/caption]

My mom RAVES about the Yang Chow Fried Rice (PHP 180) there. They don't skimp out on the good stuff, I'll tell you that. You get a generous helping of shrimp, egg, and meat. In fact, mom swears she can eat the rice alone. No need for viands.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="394"] The Finisher: a sago't gulaman dessert[/caption]

If you're a fan of Chinese food and you haven't tried this, what on earth are you waiting for??

 

LAM TIN TEAHOUSE =  #30-U Banawe St. Cor Cuenco St. Brgy Sto. Domingo, Quezon City, Philippines

 

P.S. You can also get a reasonably-priced Noodle Feast there.

Going The Way of Kohl

With the sheer number of makeup brands housed in our leading department stores, we don't really need to go so far and wide to find the product/s we need. Admittedly, it takes a bit of the fun out of hunting for the next must-have item, but the convenience is unbeatable. Personally, I don't mind shopping around until I find the brand or product that will truly capture my attention. (Hey, it's part of the process.) My latest re-discovery of a non-department store brand just so happens to be Avon.

You may be thinking, "What the...?! Who still uses Avon?" As it turns out, I do. Don't knock it 'till you've tried it. The way I see it, all the brands in the world (high-end, low-end, or mid-range) and all their existing product lines are easily broken down to ingredients and their benefits. If it's a dupe for a premium product that also happens to be affordable, then I am all for it!

Today, I'm going to do a review on Avon Kohl Liner in Brown as part of my Avon review series.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="480"] Ingredients[/caption]

This eyeliner is new on the Avon brochures, what with it being at an intro price of PHP129 and all. Regular price is PHP199, by the way. It's packaging is in the old crayon-style of kohl liners, meaning the amount you see is also the amount you get without needing to sharpen or twist the tube. That's 1g of product for you, a reasonable amount for the price.

For those new to kohl, all you have to do is apply it like you would your regular liner. This type of liner is slightly creamier than the average pencil-type, so that smudging for softer definition is a possibility.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="720"] Pre-Smudge[/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="720"] Post-Smudge[/caption]

I love no-sharpen eyeliners because I hate the little shavings that are inevitably produced by pencil-types. My biggest complaint about this is that you have to take extra care in removing the clear plastic lid from the pencil lest you accidentally break or deform the soft content. Applying it is fairly easy as it glides on smoothly. You just have to keep it slanted at an angle, so as to maintain the pointed shape of the kohl. Then you can smudge away.

The color is a rich, dark bronze. It may look shimmery on the packaging and in the brochure, but that doesn't really make it onto the lashline. The staying power was pretty good when I wore it the whole day, with gradual—yet minimal—fading that partly depends on how neatly you smudge it.

Needless to say, a steady hand is a requirement for some precision smudging. If you are like me, pasmado (having shaky hands), then a smudger, soft brush, or Q-tip is most definitely recommended.

I'd give it:

4.5/5 - Good value for money at PHP129, but deduction for the inconvenience of needing to very carefully remove the cap each time the kohl is used.

Pore Pack for Your Thoughts

The first time I ever heard about nose pore strips was back in the 90's, when my college-level cousin would often be found with one stuck to her face. She used to lament about how it made her pores too big, so I shied away from it for a while. Eventually, the distaste for whiteheads/blackheads got the better of me, so I relented and bought some. It worked wonders and didn't make my pores any bigger than usual (so long as it's used just once a month). Pore packs ended up becoming a dermatologist-free way of doing 'major renovations' to my face.

As far as brands go, I haven't been very adventurous. I prefer the pre-cut white strip-type that sticks to a wet nose like tape as opposed to the type that comes in liquid for that you have to layer over the skin yourself, because those never come out clean. My latest buy comes from Biore, a brand I've known and trusted since I was a kid:

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="420"] Biore Aroma Collection in Jasmine[/caption]

What drew me to it was mainly curiosity. seeing the pretty packaging and the different scents. (I remember there being a rose-scented one as well.) This line seems to be limited edition as I can't find it in the official Biore site.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="560"] Ingredients[/caption]

Previously, I've had bad experiences with black nose strips in that they tend to leave gunk on the skin after the strip is removed. Getting this was really just an impulse buy on my part.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="420"] Individual pack inside[/caption]

It's the same as the usual pore strips, shape and all. Same instructions: Wet nose, stick it on, let dry for 10-15 minutes, then gently peel off.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="480"] Textured outer part[/caption]

What I find remarkable is the scent that sets it apart from all the others. Because it's part of their aromatherapy collection, the strip had a  Jasmine scent that wafted out strongly immediately after I tore open the pack. How to describe the scent... As a veteran drinker of Jasmine tea, I can definitively state that this doesn't smell much like the tea. Instead, there's a sticky, sweet Jasmine scent that reminds me of Jasmine Tea-flavored mochi. Definitely more cutesy than aromatherapeutic, but I didn't mind.

I'm not going to post any photos of me using this or the resulting dirty strip because that's all very gross. Instead, I'll just post the "After" photo:

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="420"] Still some gunk left, but minimal[/caption]

While Biore's cleansing oil was a clear, eye-stinging miss for me, their pore strips are great! The best part about the black ones are for when you want to see if the blackheads really do come off—and, boy, do they come off. Just be ready to wipe off some gunk after, especially when you're using a black strip in hot weather.

Intimate Cocoa Butter Lotion

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in the country that celebrates the Yuletide season way too early. The -Ber months have descended upon us here in the Philippines, and the air is—almost imperceptibly—drier. Because of that, I'm whipping the richer lotions out for maximum moisturization. Next to the joy of already having a nice lotion at home is finding one for cheap. Look what I found at the dollar store:

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="462"] Intimate Cocoa Butter Lotion is almost the same size as my Vaseline Cocoa Radiant Lotion[/caption]

For PHP 99, I got a bottle of 590mL of cocoa butter lotion made in the US. The price is tempting, but products like these have been around for ages. What really won me over was the scent. I took a whiff—just for fun—to see if it smelled anything like my Vaseline Cocoa lotion. What I got instead was chocolate buttercream frosting, and it blew my mind. Now, usually I don't like lotions or soaps that smell too much like baked goods. Fruits? Yes. Baked goods? Not really. But around the Christmas season, it just feels right, so I make that once-a-year exception.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="480"] Back Label[/caption]

The thing with a cheapo lotion is you can't expect the moon and the stars from it. It's highly unlikely to have the same quality as say... The Body Shop's Body Butter. However, if you want a basic lotion that slathers on without feeling sticky in our climate, then this thing's a go. The consistency is just right, so it can be "piped" onto the palm while maintaining its shape. It's easy to apply and doesn't go sticky or greasy afterwards. Again, I'll have to say that the scent is heavenly if you love your chocolate cupcakes. No need to worry about ants though. The scent that stays on the skin is very, very subtle.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="378"] Shiny and light lotion[/caption]

Recommended for: Hot climate, summers, people who hate rich-feeling lotions.

 

Can't wait to see what other gems I'll find at the dollar store. :)

Gluta-C Intense Whitening: Whitening Toner

I'm relatively new to using toner. Of all the bathroom beauty products there is, toner is something I've never gotten a great interest for because I've only needed it for the occasional breakout. I've always stuck to one or two brands that have worked okay, and that was that. (By the way, those brands are Eskinol and Clinique.)

In the last coupe of months, I've been having some late nights that have resulted in long-staying breakouts my usual moisturizers just can't fix. Yes, it was finally time to take this toner business a little more seriously, so here's what I got to fix my problem:



Gluta-C Intense Whitening Whitening Toner (paulit-ulit? paulit-ulit?) comes in a 100mL transparent bottle and costs PHP99.75. If you ask me, that's a really good price to pay. Eskinol is cheaper, but this is alcohol-free and has the fancy whitening ingredient (i.e. glutathione). Price justified.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="480"] Ingredients[/caption]

I only use this at night before going to bed because I use a hydrating mist in the daytime. It's been two weeks, and the results are... fairly nice. It has a refreshingly cool feeling, but doesn't sting. I wouldn't say this is the best for shrinking or drying out zits because that slot is reserved for Clinique's Clarifying Lotion 2. Instead, think of this as preventive maintenance. If you start off with clear-ish skin, at least it'll help it stay that way.

On the other hand, what I hate about this product is the formula's color. The bottle is clear, while the liquid inside is orange. I'm well-aware that it's supposed to be a visual cue emphasizing the vitamin C content and all, but it's completely unnecessary for the skin—just a colorant, after all. (Plus, some curious part of us would like to see how much of the impurities rub off onto the cotton ball. It's harder to examine if the cotton has turned orange.)

If I had to give Gluta-C toner a rating, I'd go for 4/5, with the 1 point reduction due to the color. I used to be wary of brands that specialize in glutathione, just because I thought beauty companies were cashing in on the trend in a fraudulent way and overcharging in the process. An affordable item like this is not so bad, but just reign in your expectations with the glutathione content. Anyway, it has good value-for-money.

Rustic Mornings by Isabelo

Marikina is home to some neat hole-in-the-wall dining locations—this I've known even before Kris Aquino decided to make everything mainstream on her TV show. (By the way, it's one of the most godawful things to see Kris drag some unappreciative celebrity guest to a beautifully prepared meal by a chef who has slaved to achieve something good, then have that guest say, "Nako, this is so fattening." It's disrespectful to the chef, and she should seriously refrain from bringing non-foodies to her food-related episodes. Perhaps Anthony Bourdain would be tempted to shoot those people in the head. But I digress.) In keeping up with the spirit of a hole-in-the-wall, some restaurants are a little tricky to physically get into. One such example is Rustic Mornings: Brunch, Pastries & Coffee by Isabelo, located in a very narrow alley that a standard sedan has to squeeze into.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="560"] Sign along the very narrow alley[/caption]

The property has its own parking space inside the gates, with an additional small covered area that may fit about 3 cars—inside is pretty much the only parking option available, unless you want to park somewhere at the end of the block.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="560"] View of the parking area from the lot's main gate[/caption]

To get into the dining area, you must go through a short stretch of forest-like garden that partially shields the inside. Don't think it's creepy because the garden actually lends to the overall intimate atmosphere. Imagine being ensconced in a cozy place, away from the outside world.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="560"] A Garden Entrance[/caption]

When you get inside, you'll be surprised by the cleverly decorated... everything. It's apparent that the owner of this restaurant is quirky and creative.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="560"] A Fine Nook[/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="560"] Another nook[/caption]

The decor reminds me a lot of my friend, Eva's shop in Cubao X: Kind of mismatched, kind of imperfect, but beautiful.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="420"] Even the trees are decorated[/caption]

Recycled stuff takes on a whole new life when executed properly.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="420"] Recycled McCormick Spice Shakers[/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="576"] The Counter/Kitchen Pass[/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="420"] I sat on this[/caption]

When it comes to food, Rustic Mornings offers all-day breakfast options as well as some lunch bowls. -silogs are part of their Filipino breakfast tray, and Mom had to have the Crispy Tawilis (PHP145). According to her, she's had Tawilis elsewhere, and this doesn't taste the same as the one she had before. She prefers the one she had elsewhere.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Tawilis-silog[/caption]

Dad had Pork Longganisa, the -silog variant he usually opts for. He said it was okay. (FYI: Personally, I'm more for tapa or tocino, depending on which one is more tender.)

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="480"] Long-silog[/caption]

I would've ordered waffles because they're so much more fun than pancakes, but it was nearing lunch time already. Instead, I decided to try out the Cheesy Chicken Fricasse (PHP300), an order that's already good for 2. (Doesn't come with rice.) I've gotten into the habit of ordering wild-card menu items to see if they turn out to be gems, while my parents go with whatever the best-sellers are.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Chicken Fricasse[/caption]

Without having my breakfast beforehand, I was already famished by the time the food came. I was able to finish the entire thing, but was sick-full by the end. It didn't help that the sauce was rich and creamy. Tasty as it was, don't try to eat this by yourself. This is coming from a self-proclaimed cream sauce fan. Luckily, I ordered a refreshing lemon-flavored Frothy Iced Tea to wash it all down (PHP50).

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="420"] Lemon Iced Tea[/caption]

After eating, you can just hang out for a little bit and enjoy the surroundings. This place is perfect for brunch.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="420"] Rocking Chair for Two[/caption]

If you decide to eat outside, do also have a look inside. The indoor dining is just as pretty. It reminds me of something straight out of Teacher's Village.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="560"] Like being in someone's vacation home[/caption]

The hand wash and restroom are decorated by rows upon neat rows of empty perfume bottles. Like I said, terrifically creative.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="420"] Hand Wash Area[/caption]

This place was made for people who enjoy a good muni-muni (pondering) session. It's also made for breakfast or brunch dates, so go and have one here.

 

 

Rustic Mornings = #11 Isabelo Mendoza St. San Roque, Marikina City

 

Colour Collection Lipstick in Red Wine

How time flies! In the blink of an eye, it's already a wee bit past mid-year and we're hurtling fast into the -ber months. To me, this has so far been a great year for cosmetics and beauty. It's my guilty pleasure to pamper myself (when time permits), and I've had the opportunity to try (and buy!) some pretty cool products from affordable sources. One such source is Sample Room.

Today's post is my review for Colour Collection's Vitamin E Satin Lipstick in Red Wine.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="480"] 4g of product[/caption]

The packaging is a simple glossy black box with gold writing, while the lipstick is contained in a shiny black plastic case that tapers around the edges. The barrel is gold and has a classy gold rim effect when the cap is on. Packaging reminds me of old-school Lancome. Simple, but elegant.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="480"] Ingredients[/caption]

The first time I've heard of this brand was when KC Concepcion was signed as the endorser. Back then, I wasn't able to order anything because I didn't know any Tupperware or Fuller Life dealers, unlike I knew Avon ladies. So no dice.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="420"] 3 cm of lipstick[/caption]

This time, I'm happy to say that I was finally able to get a Colour Collection lipstick. Sample Room offers 3 colors (one being pink, and the other a peach hue), but I specifically selected this one because of my obsession with a Gucci ad featuring Fan Bingbing, a Chinese actress.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="581"] Fan BingBing for Gucci[/caption]

I stared at this ad for minutes because I just love the smoky bronze eye paired with the dark red lips.  The general rule is to pair a strong eye with light lips, but this was a happy compromise. Though sultry, the eye shadow isn't too dark. It's just enough to contour the eye and show off some color, making the look totally wearable.

So of course, I just had to recreate this for myself...

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="539"] Red Wine as is; My Look of the Day[/caption]

To get as close as possible to the peg, I went and did a more visible bronze streak to the contours of my eyelids. Then I took the lipstick for a spin: The color, though it looks like a deep wine red on the tube, comes on lighter. I had to do a thick coat to get it it a bit darker, but definitely not as dark or as blood red as Fan Bingbing's lips. Notably, the color glides on smooth. I used lip balm underneath, so I didn't suffer any dryness. I also used a reddish brown lip liner for definition. One more thing, the scent is amazing! It smells exactly like MAC, a delicious vanilla!

Now, to make my lips even more dramatic, I tried topping this color with another lipstick, this one in dark plum. The effect is this:

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="516"] Another way to wear this look[/caption]

I liked it, but it was getting farther away from Fan BingBing's version. I notice she has a deep garnet shade on, while mine morphed into plum. Oh well, I love my version anyway. No regrets with this lipstick. The color is great for fall. So excited! :)

 

Colour Collection Lipstick (PHP 330, regular price)

Busan When It Sizzles Part 1

Okay, so it doesn't really sizzle. In fact, the Korean summer is much milder than the arid Philippine summer. There's lots of sunlight, but there's also a nice breeze because of the nearby Haeundae Beach. Then at night, it's nice and chilly. How I wish we had the same weather in Manila!

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="560"] Haeundae Beach at sunset[/caption]

Now, anytime anyone mentions "Korea", the first thought that pops into my head is "COSMETICS!!!" But of course I'm well-aware that it is so much more than that. It's a nice country to visit, even though you cannot speak a word of Korean. The first time I was in Korea (Seoul), I had my master communicator cousin with me, so I was quite nervous for this trip. Luckily, charades is a universal thing.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="560"] Y Yoo So Young?[/caption]

Busan is a much smaller city than Incheon, comparable to our very own Cebu. The vibe out there is also a lot different because people have a more laid-back style. The metro never gets too full (even on weekends) and people never elbow or jostle, unlike in Seoul. There are plenty of shopping and dining options. Sidewalks near the beach feature arcade games, if you want to try your luck. Definitely, this is a fantastic place to relax.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="560"] Aaah, a cosmetics store at every corner :)[/caption]

For budget accommodations near the beach, I strongly recommend staying at Popcorn Hostel. Ideal for backpackers, families, and groups, Popcorn takes up a mere 2 floors in a multi-level building. You can book a family room with an en suite bathroom, if you're particular about communal restrooms. Originally, we asked for a room for 4 but they overbooked, so we got upgraded to a room for 6 instead (a bed for two plus two bunk beds).

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="560"] *Photo taken from Popcorn Hostel website[/caption]

It's fairly basic, but clean. We didn't have a TV in the room, but the air conditioner functioned nicely and they provided us with towels. As for the bathroom, the dual shower gives a good bath (one rainfall, the other a detachable shower head), though I do have to complain about the drainage system in our room. You see, the entire bathroom has a singular drain hole located between the shower and the sink. (The position of the drain is not the same as in the photo below.) For some reason, the water from the shower went down very slowly, to the point that there was a puddle developing under the sink and toilet bowl. It got gross pretty quickly.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="371"] *CR photo from Popcorn Hostel website[/caption]

Other than that, we thoroughly enjoyed our stay. They provided free breakfast, albeit a simple one with coffee, eggs, toast, jam, and butter. There's a communal kitchen complete with utensils and cookware and a dining area with desktop computers you can borrow for free. They do not allow eating in the quarters, but you can use the communal guest refrigerator for food you've brought from outside. They also sell alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages by the reception area.

From what was written in chalk on the dining area walls, plenty of guests share my sentiment in loving Popcorn. Staff members were friendly and super helpful. The beach and shop clusters are only a few blocks away and there's even a small grocery store a block to the right. Given the chance, I'd love to stay there again.

To Be Continued

Popcorn Hotel -- Tower Marin 10F & 11F, Haeundaehaebyeon-ro 321, Haeundae Beach / BEXCO, Busan, South Korea