Following Fall 2013 Shows

Since I'm not into the local TV teleserye scene, I really look forward to fall in the US for all the latest seasons and new show premiers. This year, I've stuck almost exclusively to comedies, with just a smidgen of horror and drama. (I don't like emotional roller coasters, even in fiction.) My returning picks are:

Modern Family

Loved it since the first episode of the first season, and I still love it now. They keep the storyline simple, funny, and realistic. The situations depicted on that show has probably happened to someone, sometime. No confusing arcs. Straightforward comedy. Of course, the bigger the family, the crazier it gets. That's a fact. What's not to love about this show?



Parks and Recreation

The incorruptible Leslie Knope would've been boring in theory, but this is Amy Poehler we're talking about. She gives it her all, even when she looks downright silly. I genuinely enjoy the heart-warming moments the parks department has because their dynamic is so good. Even though there's always something complicated going on, it doesn't ever get too bad. *SPOILER ALERT from here* Sad to hear that Rashida Jones and Rob Lowe are leaving. Wonder how that'll pan out...

Community

This season, I'll be watching with trepidation. Troy and Abed are my favorite characters, so I was bummed to read that Donald Glover is leaving.



The Mindy Project

I'm seriously waiting for Mindy and Danny Castellano to get together. It's almost exactly like New Girl, what with the waiting for Nick and Jess to finally be together. (And you know it's only a matter of time!)



American Horror Story: Coven

I couldn't be bothered to watch the first season of American Horror Story because it seemed too weird, but the second season was good. Apart from each season being an entirely different story, Jessica Lange is the main reason I watch. Sinner or saint, she does it fabulously.



Glee

Frankly, I could do without already. Since last season, I've been fast-forwarding through song numbers because they seem to take too much time without telling much of a story. Because I started with the first generation gleeks, I'm still more interested in Rachel Berry's batchmates than the newer kids on the show. It's horrible, but I'm mostly interested to see how Finn gets written off the storyline.



How I Met Your Mother

Am I the only one who thinks this show has been milked for all it's worth? They've held off introducing "Mother" for as long as humanly possible. While HIMYM is still very funny—largely because of Neil Patrick Harris—it's already started to take on that tired edge because it's been progressing at a maddeningly slow pace. You know who else does that? The Philippine show, Please Be Careful With My Heart.



Supernatural

The main arc of the story is boring to me, frankly. It's too big with their run-amok angels and whatnot. I liked the first few seasons because of the one-shot stories. Those were wonderfully satisfying and they kept things interesting. Hope they have more this season. It's one of those shows that you just want to see through to the end since you've already gone 8 seasons.

~~~

The brand spankin' new shows that look promising are:

Super Fun Night

Another example of giving it her all in the name of comedy is Rebel Wilson. It reminds me of Ugly Betty in that it's a comedy about an underdog with a moral compass. Cute.

The Crazy Ones

Two things: Sarah Michelle Gellar and Robin Williams. I was obsessed with Buffy, and I saw Mrs. Doubtfire about a thousand times. I'm happy to see SMG not doing something as angsty as Buffy or The Ringer. I'm also glad to see Robin Williams doing comedy again vs. those creepy films like One Hour Photo. Ick.

Witches of East End

I was a huge fan of Charmed, up until Prue's death and the annoying Balthazar storyline that made me quit watching altogether. The first episode of Witches is reminiscent of Charmed, with Jenna Dewan-Tatum portraying the beautiful but slightly awkward Freya in a way that reminds me of Alyssa Milano's character, Phoebe. Joanna Beauchamp (Julia Ormond) makes for a hip witchy mom.

 

*Posters and screenshots are from IMDB.com

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. :)

Solaire: The Gamechanger

I may have been there for business, but I was looking around like a tourist! Solaire Resort & Casino is definitely something else. In fact, it distinctly reminds me of the big hotels in Macau because of the unabashed luxury factor. I found myself taking plenty of pictures, and so did the other members of our team. If you haven't been to Solaire, let me give you a small tour through my photos. :)

The porte cochere is located at the far end of the hotel. It's the side right by the bay. From this angle, you could easily mistake this for a luxury resort in Singapore.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="560"] Porte Cochere[/caption]

Solaire Grand Ballroom is CAVERNOUS. No exaggeration.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="560"] Grand Ballroom[/caption]

Inside, the light control panel is touch screen, while crystal beads adorn portions of the walls.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="360"] Crystal beads[/caption]

Everywhere you look in this hotel, you'll see epic chandeliers. It's an interior designer's delight.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="396"] Drop chandeliers at every turn[/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="389"] Chandelier 2[/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="396"] Chandelier 3[/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="416"] Food Court Light Fixture[/caption]

The restrooms are beautifully designed, with some very interesting details like faux white leather wallpaper and:

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="420"] A Shoeshine Station[/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="432"] A funny tampon machine that looks like a robot's face[/caption]

Main guest areas never run out of enormous floral arrangements. First time I was there, I saw colorful hydrangeas. Then it was lilies.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="480"] Towering Floral Arrangements[/caption]

The aptly named Bay Suites has a stunning view. Heck, the curtains are even automatic that they open and close at the touch of a button.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="560"] Bay Suite[/caption]

The pool area can only be accessed by guests. You have to pass through several hotel rooms to get to a walkway to get to a scenic elevator to, finally, ride down to the pool.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="420"] I-shaped Pool[/caption]

The whole time I was there, there was always some random guy with a DSLR shooting away at anything and everything. Gotta admit that this property's visual aspect is enough to keep anyone entertained for hours on end.

 

Solaire Resort and Casino = 1 Asean Avenue, Entertainment City, Tambo, Paranaque City, Philippines

Behind The Scenes: Issue 2

When work for the latest issue of Inspirations for Weddings begins, I get into full wedding mode. I write articles, conduct interviews, and assist at shoots, so I often find myself in places I've never been to, talking to very interesting people. It goes without saying that I learn a lot on the job and have a lot of fun as well. It definitely doesn't hurt that I'm a girly wedding enthusiast. (Such a thing exists.)

At times, there are some long hours spent on-location, but I honestly find the work engaging. Yes, I still think it's very cool. (Fan girl.) After all, back in high school, I had this dream of working in a magazine. I didn't really picture what sort of magazine I'd get involved in, though a food publication became the default choice when I started in culinary college. As with life, one thing leads to another, so an internship for a food magazine at a local publishing house led me to this current project that I'm very proud to be part of. This is the latest issue's cover:

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Love This to Bits: Real-life couple, Bruna & Anderson, radiate chemistry on the cover and in our editorial feature[/caption]

I'm constantly snapping behind-the-scenes photos because it's so very meta (photographing a photographer who's photographing), and I have a great love for working in the background (seriously). To give you an idea of what I've been up to, I'm sharing some of my behind-the-scenes pictures here:

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="560"] Photoshoot at Solaire; Our Prep Room TV: Talk about personalized service...[/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="420"] On-location[/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="420"] Amazing Lobby: The chandeliers are a work of art[/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="420"] Who doesn't love a good bouquet?[/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="420"] Shooting Jewelry—Beautiful Bling[/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="560"] Flowers![/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="420"] Styling one of the models[/caption]

If you're planning a wedding—for yourself or for others—do grab a copy of Inspirations. Without bias, I can tell you that we have great content. I spent a lot of time leafing through local wedding magazines during my stint as assistant to my cousin, the wedding cake maker. (It's what got me enthusiastic about weddings in the first place!) What we have is different, in a good way: It's a marriage of idea-sparking photos and meaty content that we think readers will find as much informative as it is inspiring. We had that as a priority when we started, and we still had that in mind as we closed this issue. We hope you have as much fun reading as we did creating. :)

Themes & Motifs’ INSPIRATIONS for Weddings Magazine is available in National Bookstore, Themes & Motifs, and SMX Convention Center during Wedding Expo Philippines (Sept. 21 & 22, 2013).

Pan De Amerikana, Marikina

Quirky places are the best. Every time you come to visit, it feels like there's always something new to see and experience. One such place is Pan De Amerikana, found all the way over in Marikina.  They also have a branch in Katipunan, but I think this is the original.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="640"] The Exterior[/caption]

With the cute windmill and the Baguio cottage look, this wouldn't have been out of place in Solvang, California. When you enter, it's just as adorable inside as it is outside. The main counter and bakeshop opens up to a wide, non-airconditioned dining area with cafe chairs and somewhat mismatched wood-topped tables. Framed black-and-white photos of old (and not-so-old, but not-so-young either) Pinoy movie stars fill up one of the walls. A giant chessboard can be found deep inside the venue, so you can play your own version of Wizard Chess. There's a small pond and lots of plants inside, so you get the feeling you're eating at an indoor garden of sorts. Very hipster-friendly. Of course, flies are your main problem in a place like this.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="560"] Stars on the wall[/caption]

We sat down to a late lunch at around 1pm, so we were starving and in a hurry by then. The food is lutong-bahay and inexpensive, with most of the dishes below PHP100. Drinks are below PHP50. I ordered a plate of baked macaroni (PHP70 or PHP75), while Dad had spaghetti (PHP40). Mom, the exclusive rice-eater, had adobo with rice that she attacked immediately before I could snap a decent picture. Everyone had Kalabasa Soup (PHP40).

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="360"] The Kalabasa Soup, though now particularly creamy, maintained the natural sweetness of the squash. Yummy and safe for dieters.[/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="480"] The battered adobo rice[/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="360"] The Baked Macaroni had a proper cheesy bechamel topping, while the spaghetti was simple and seemed to be meatless[/caption]

The meal was washed down with brewed coffee (PHP 30) and a dessert of halo halo.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="360"] Wasn't in the mood for steaming hot coffee, so I asked for a glass with ice and proceeded to make an iced cafe americano. At this point, the ice had already melted[/caption]

Before we went home, we picked up a bag of whole wheat pan de sal (PHP60 for 10 pcs.) and a plastic jar of peanut butter (PHP 60). Their pan de sal is huge, soft, and chewy which I prefer to crunchy-crusted ones, while the peanut butter was too sweet,oily, and runny for my taste. I like creamy peanut butter, but this one is downright runny.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="360"] So big, you'll stop at one[/caption]

Their menu also includes Marikina favorites such as Waknatoy (described by the waiter as sort of a menudo with pickles) and Everlasting (a form of embutido).

Methinks it's best to drop by this restaurant for breakfast or mirienda (afternoon snack) because of the menu items they have. Those times are best for lounging around and enjoying the relaxed ambiance.

Pan De Amerikana = #92 General Ordoñez Corner Maroon St. Marikina Heights, 1800 Marikina City

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.