HOW TO LOOK EXPENSIVE

I was not wrong in giving in to this book as it truly lives its purpose of being the bible of beauty secrets and tips. The title itself is truly catchy. I mean, who doesn't want to look expensive? It "basically" pinpoints most girls' aim when it comes to dressing up. I practically followed the most essential for me. 

My hair is my crowning glory. At the time I got hold of this book, I was dying for a makeover. And I got complimented on because of the change with my mane alone just by following Andrea Pomerantz Lustig's advice to keep the colours a shade or two different from your own and nothing more. This book does wonders.

The female species crosses bridges just to get the right look and often times, they are led to a sabotage just to be milked of their money. This book actually gives you techniques to be able to know and demand to serviced boutiques, salons and spas of what you need for the "better" you. It is also a huge mirror letting the reader understand that what you may want is not necessarily what is right for you. Instead of wasting a fortune in something that will make the people mistake you for another person (because of so much surgery you've done to enhance your look), being learned of what will make you look fresh and different without any invasive procedure is still the better option. The good thing is, this book doesn't limit you to just following every step. It encourages you to DIY too since that's the cheapest and most convenient way of innovating your look.

The book is worth to read from cover to cover but the tips are simply revolving around these main points:

"1. Less is always more. Cheap is often too much of a good thing. Simple looks classic; flashy looks trashy.

Emma Watson wears this cliche on her belt as her strength.
She's the best example of this mantra.
That make up, that confidence and that simplicity
plus the real her.
Who else can "actually" do that?

2. Build an edited beauty collection. By choosing the right products, you'll need less... and spend less.

3. Knowledge is priceless. If you know what you want and how to get it, you can DIY. If you're an informed client, you'll get your money's worth at the salon, makeup counter, dermatologist, or nail spa.

4. Price point isn't as important as good taste. All the money in the world can't buy taste, but once you develop good taste, you can find it for any price.

5. Maintenance is everything. Remember that a cheap manicure is a good manicure that's been on too long.

6. Expensive-looking hair and makeup doesn't advertise itself. It's understated, refined, tasteful, not blingy. It makes you look like the best version of yourself, not like somebody else.

This book is heaven sent regarding the best products.
It features products that are a lot cheaper than the original
one, yet has the same effect.
It's magic!

7. Buying new beauty products is a lot cheaper than buying new clothes - and you'll get more wear out of them. A new lipstick, eyeliner, or especially nail polish is a way to accessorise your existing wardrobe and feel fresh and stylish without stepping into a fitting room.

8. The key to a look that reads high net worth is to enhance what you've got without worrying trying to become someone else. 
"You only better" is the goal of each and every tip and technique you'll read about in this book."

- Andrea Pomerantz Lustig

While the book encourages changes here and there, may I add 2 more points in her first 8 mentioned above.

9. Get a decent amount of exercise. This makes your body regenerate in its most natural way. It helps your body overall to stay rejuvenated. When you exercise, your lungs are put to its maximum use, your body gets filled with endorphins (happy hormones) and your cells get to multiply efficiently to change the dead ones, revealing a newer, fresher you.

10. Get enough sleep. What you may have to do to your body to achieve a certain look, needs a certain amount of exertion. In return, be kind to it by listening to its demand for rest. The number of hours of sleep vary from person to person so allow self awareness to kick in. Take your time in learning your own body. Master how to say yes to optimum health and no to unnecessary engagements.

Related posts:

1. PRODUCTS I LOVE - See the skin products I invest on.
2. DEVILED EGGS ARE SO EASY - Follow a recipe in cooking one of the greatest energy boosters.
3. HOLIDAY TRAVEL - See a wardrobe set for you to travel on.

MY CROSSFIT EXPERIENCE AT FITNESS ACADEMY HK

with a fellow CrossFitter and Anthony,
one of the main inspirations
of the academy.

Being a mom can be compared to being a juggler, always putting up a smiling face for everybody no matter how much circumstance she's tossing up and juggling in the air as she fulfills what is expected of her. Besides the will to live up to the responsibility, and the huge love we have for our families, most especially the kids, it is important to keep a healthy body to literally be present and able.

Our society has a typical definition of a mom, they are mostly at home, doing the dishes, the bills and the kids. They are expected to sport the baseball mom hair, wear baggy pants and to just carry the laundry basket. People jump into conclusions that they are always preoccupied. The worst part is that, people tend to judge when mothers are considering their own time and/or working to be bad ones or lacking in becoming a mom. But it is important to preserve time for ourselves to keep us in fine balance and shape.

Last week was mother's day and I got the most heartfelt greetings coming from fellow moms that understand the depth of such label. I feel beyond "honoured" to belong to a worldwide club called "MOMS". But I do feel that it doesn't mean, we should lose consideration for ourselves.

I love being extraordinary. I believe I own one of the coolest jobs in the world but this comes with a price. Keeping yourself in shape and maintaining your skills is the name of the game. Besides having the looks and the whole package for an investment, you have to maintain a certain standard for yourself. You should keep yourself healthy and empowered from within. You should not just look good on the outside as the passion is the basis of it all. Otherwise, it's hard to go on being good-looking if it's all superficial. On top of that, aesthetically, we could be good looking but it's the "how we got there" that helps us sustain it. Meaning, anything you achieve in an instant matter usually doesn't last. Unlike if you had worked hard for it, you are more inclined to keeping it that way because you understand its value.

a BOX is what you call a CrossFit gym

FITNESS ACADEMY HK holds a ground for health buffs who choose to get committed with an extraordinary lifestyle. For many, they think dieting alone is the solution to owning a great body. But that's not usually the case. It comes with great effort of finding a suitable workout for you. And the idea is to eat accordingly to how you consume your energy. There goes a cliche, "you are what you eat" and there's nothing more fulfilling than applying this to our own selves. If you only take supplements to give you the necessary nutrients, where's the satisfaction in that? If you only take steroids and not have enough protein intake, then your muscles are a joke. If you only want to lose weight by doing crash diet, you're in for a suicide. So why not embrace a lifestyle that doesn't stop you from eating yet allows it to be burned efficiently? FITNESS ACADEMY HK suggests crossfit.

As people from Facebook saturates my posts regarding workouts, I got an ad regarding this incredible place. It offers 3 free crossfit sessions as for your own trials. All you have to do is sign in. So I did.

Now, the struggle is real. I've written ways on how to counter that. But undeniably, moms, being in their comfort zones of "just being moms" tend to choose staying so when fitness is being talked about. With all honesty, I had excuses of my own but I would love to write about this experience in pursuit of being an inspiration to all the moms out there.

At first, I thought it was going to be such an unbearable routine. As I researched thru what I should expect in a crossfit training, weightlifting, running even though it rains (Fitness Academy HK's own mantra) and kettle bells, it gave me cold feet the night before. I am probably obsessive compulsive when it comes to reproductive health that weightlifting may lead to prolapse in whichever part of my body that it prompted me to emailing the Fitness Academy HK crew that I'm a mom of a 1 year old (emphasis on the age since I want to be reconsidered in terms of healing up from giving birth, hahaha!). But for the sake of learning, I got up in the morning and went for it. I am well rested and I basically do the parade twice a day, I'm sure it's not that bad. Located in Shop D, King's View Court, 901-907 King's Road, Quarry Bay, Hong Kong. On my way, there, I continuously convinced myself that there's nothing to fear.

Getting to the box from my place is approximately an hour and a half. It was my first time to find the place. Apparently, my 10 minutes to spare in looking for it was not enough distance wise per se. Needless to say, I was late and I had missed good 10 minutes of warm up. And not having enough warm up is actually a big deal.

I was added as the last participant at the WOD board.

So, I got there and was on time for the WOD (Workout of the Day) being explained by the Coach. All that I read about CrossFit was coming to life in terms of the huge clock staring at me, personal board to mark your completed routines with, and boom, our names on the board and beside it would be the weights assigned as per kettle bell and the medicine ball for the wall ball shots. Hurmen, one of the HK Fitness Academy crew gave me a lighter one compared to everybody else's since I'm the only one who's a newbie. He wanted to test first if I could actually keep up.

The WOD that I did goes:

* Do as many reps as you can of the following in 15 minutes.

1. 20 Wall Ball Shots
2. 15 swings using an 8 KG kettlebell
3. 200m run outside

this marks 4 reps of the WOD that I made.

I was able to do 4 reps but I finished it around 17minutes. In all actuality, it should have been just counted as 3 but it was just the 200m run left so I just chose to finish the entire series. Some had paddled using the rowing machine instead of running. I asked why and one of them said, it's because they are part of a rowing club and they had asked if they could concentrate in making their upper body stronger for an upcoming race.

The good thing with Fitness Academy HK is that they will push your expectations to exceed what you thought you couldn't do. They surround you with alike minds establishing a sense of community that is committed to aiming for self improvement. They aid you by allowing you to get familiar with the training and then immersing you to a progressive intensity. They also make sure that you are safe and that you would know what to expect. They encourage full theoretical education before going further the introductory exercises. Whatever you fulfill, they would acknowledge and in the end, you gain friends and that amazing feeling that you were better than yesterday in terms of the exercise you were able to do and endure today.

One of the greatest benefits of exercise is the release of endorphins right after. I call it the natural glow. In line with this, you have that sense of empowerment and you get inspired all over again as you are reminded of the things you could do already that you didn't even imagine doing. I have never thought in my entire life that I would go for CrossFit. But, it surely was worth it to have another option for my daily exercise routine.

I admire these people for their dedication, determination and commitment to fitness.
Fitness Academy HK is the largest CrossFit facility in the Island East.

Visit the box for a free trial, have an amazing feel of its great energy and know the gentlemen who had started this last November. Fitness Academy HK believes that fitness is a lifestyle built in a community and I think that is the exact way of looking at it. Little steps in transforming your little habits could do wonders.

Now, it's your turn to do the unthinkable. 

Click here for you own free trial!

Additional information:

1. Wesley, one of the gentlemen that had put up Fitness Academy HK was very accommodating during the trial. He was carefully gauging what I can do and what I was having a challenge with. He made sure I was safe and made sure that I'm not pushing myself too much. He acknowledged me right after the training and gave me a two thumbs up that I can do CrossFit.

2. I instantly got so relaxed after I took a good hot shower right after the CrossFit trial and my mind was crying out for rest. Because of this, I forgot my make up kit at Fitness Academy HK. One of the guys whose name was Hurmen did me a favour by checking it out in the changing room and when he saw it was there, he had made sure that it is safe by letting me know I can just go back for it anytime. Same spot where I left it, untouched.

3. I was so tired that I forgot to leave the payment for the water available for purchase. They didn't pressure me nor judge regarding this one. I just made sure that I had paid it when I went back to get the make up kit and walked away with no judgement from them. Instead, they asked when I would want to come back again. They're all such gentlemen.

Related posts:

1. HOW TO BE CONSISTENT IN GOING TO THE GYM - Everytime I have a struggle within me if I should go to the gym or not, I always read this.

2. MAGIC OF SHOES - There's always a good pair that goes for every occasion. 

3. MOTHER'S DAY TRIBUTE - Here's to all the moms out there.

PICO DE LORO BEACH RESORT AND COUNTRY CLUB

In the Philippines, April and May are the best months to go and explore beaches and resorts. I can't wait to share to you where I had brought my daughter to, during her first visit of my home country.

Hamilo Coast holding the Pico Sands Hotel,
 and the Pico De Loro Resort and Country Club

The salty warm sea breeze welcomed me upon reaching Pico De Loro Beach and Country Club. My eyes squinted with how the sun reflected thru the white sand and attacked my iris with a splendour of the Hamilo Coast's vast horizon. I was engulfing the scenery when I got distracted with a volleyball toss made on my left periphery and it instantly pulled me back into reality hearing my aunt's echoing voice regarding checking in.

Pico De Loro Resort and Country Club is strictly for its members only based on the regulations set for shareholders. However, the resort opens up a part for those who want to experience a great getaway as guests for a fair chance with one of Batangas' assets. In order to set this identification properly, they give you a water proof wristband that should not be in any way removed while you use the resort's facilities. It is actually to distinguish a guest from a member, where members get a full access to the country club's exclusive pool in mind. My auntie had to check that everyone got the wrist bands on just so nobody would be outcasted. Personally, it felt too much but they are concerned with everybody's safety so I complied. This wristband changes colour everyday. Once it gets tampered, damaged or broken, it may compromise your identification, and that's when we are adviced to collect a new one as soon as possible from the front desk, sans the whole process of checking the registered name. Yes, before arriving to the Philippines, around 4 days before, as soon as I confirmed to my cousin that we'll be joining them to this fun getaway, our complete names and birthdays were asked. This is to ensure the person's registration.

So much for that stressful checking of accommodation, allow me to give you a little bit of a trivia why it is called Pico De Loro Cove.

I hope the image had given it justice. So many hikers had documented their achievement of the hilltop but nobody shows the parrot beak like this. In addition to its name, the Hamilo coast where the resort was built and constructed is estimated to be holding 3 coves that have been declared Marine

Diving and snorkelling with my cousins.

Protected Areas (MPA's). Their coves are preserved and well kept. We had rented out a boat to take us into different coves and it was something that I didn't do for a long time. We had visited a private beach along one of the cove's beautiful white sand coasts and it was like a miniature of Boracay's Station 1.

As we started going for a dive, I noticed that the water wasn't that salty. As we stopped meters away from the beach to swim, my uncle noticed that there was not much to see when snorkelling. It was too clean. There were no corals whatsoever. Fishes are around but I think it's because of the bread that they are expecting from the people that stop here. Although it had been said, that 17 species of sea animals can be found in Hamilo coast, I think this can be observed way far off the beaches.

They said many Filipino celebrities rent a property situated around the area for a good month just to rest. It is pricier in this coast than everywhere else because you need to ride a motor boat to get there and it is a private property. It is good to share that Pico De Loro Cove is part of the VERDE ISLAND PASSAGE, a crucial centre of marine bio-diversity within the coral triangle. With its 5900 hectares of land area, only 1/3 is developable. This serves the right of the land to be preserved and remain untouched. That's why it's recommendable to those who are seeking rejuvenation. Nature feeds the souls of those who would be coming here and I assume, all of us from time to time need this.

It is attractive to the preoccupied population in the metropolis because it is estimated to be just a 90-minute drive from SM Mall of Asia. It is the perfect choice for those who wants to take a breath out of office work. The place is family friendly, safe and serene. The sand doesn't match up with Boracay's (It's as white but after facing extreme heat from the sun, it's too hot to step on it barefooted. In Boracay, no matter how hot, it's not painful to the soles, it still remains cool.) but the view is exceptional.

There are over 40 activities you could do here in Pico De Loro naming some: snorkelling, boating, hiking, waterskiing, aqua zumba, pony tour ride and beach volleyball. Besides a haven for people who are dying of having time to unwind, it is open for wedding events since they have the venue for every choice you are considering. A beach wedding, garden wedding or church wedding. It got nice spots to do your pre-nuptial photos too. And there are areas where office and/or corporate meetings can be held. 

That being said, they have a lot to offer guests in terms of dining places. Being balikbayans, my cousin from the States came up with the best idea.... to have a boodle fight by the beach. So, we had asked the staff to prepare one for us as it is available in the menu. To my other cousin's estimate, for a Php700+ arrangement, I am sad to say, he found the meal dissatisfying. But here's why:

The menu assured that the food can be shared amongst 10 people but considering our anacondas, and the activities which we did earlier that day, it wasn't going to be enough for 10 people. Most of the activities are physically demanding. It's expected that guests would have a big appetite you see. But some items like tomatoes, boiled salted eggs, eggplants and some other bbq items are not present. It was my first time to actually be in a boodle fight so I don't have that much for comparison. But I am aware of what should be there. For reference if you want to include this in your itinerary as you visit the resort, let me post this picture.

Boodle Fight is a military style of eating where long tables are prepared and food are put on banana leaves.
Viands and rice are ready to eat using bare hands, jugs of water are prepared on the sides
to wash hands before the "eating combat".
With the signal to start the boodle fight, everybody aims for his/her position.
- URBAN DICTIONARY

If you highlight the whole food presentation, it looks satisfying
but it looks miniature in front of us. What do you think?

We also tried dining in the resort's Sun Coral Cafe which offered delicious Filipino dishes and a variety of international cuisines. One of the dishes that ignited my taste buds was tinolang manok but using squash to thicken the soup. Dining in Sun Coral Cafe maybe enjoyed al fresco or by the Reef Bar or pool bar. The Reef Bar is facing the beach where we had the boodle fight.

We chose to dine in Sun Coral Cafe after more than a 2 hour drive from Manila.
Sun Coral Cafe didn't fail us.    

-the view of the Reef Bar coming from the beach shore-
It is pretty setup romantically.

As I returned to home-Kong, I craved for it instantly and I had to ask our yaya to cook it because of that lingering sensation in my head. My buccal cavity welled up with saliva as I thought about the thick chicken soup boiled slowly with squash. I never had that before in my life. I thought it was such a great combination. My daughter loved it too. 

Since my family and I were staying for one night only, we couldn't let a chance pass of night swimming. There was not much people at the time we visited the resort so we pretty much dominated the kiddie pool. We were pretty disappointed when our big floats were prohibited to be used in their pool. And they were very strict as per swimsuits to be used when actually taking a dip. No long shorts, and no t-shirts. I think it was just right to impose this.

To go around the area, there were shuttle rides that stop every 10mins at each building. We were staying at my aunt's colleague's unit located at Jacana. It was said that Pico De Loro Resort and Country Club are owned by SM Primary Holdings. That's why if you'd notice, the so called 90-minute getaway's starting point is from the SM Mall of Asia and their souvenir shop is actually "Kultura" which could only be seen in the SM department stores.

There are so many available units via Airbnb that you could rent if you're planning to visit this remarkable resort. Here are some of the model units you can also look at if you are considering being an owner of one of the units someday.

The hotel can be seen in Agoda as well and the room rates starts from HK$800 up. This price includes breakfast and free wifi. I am going to limit the information to that because nowadays, those are the 2 important things guests ask anyway. Based on research, kids as long as they would use the existing beddings, are free. Until those who are 11 years old. The usual, you check in at 2pm and check out at noon.

A piece of advice from me, units in airbnb got the advantage of offering you a fully furnished kitchen which may help you in saving up with food. If you plan to stay here for a week or two, may I suggest that you combine dining out (since there's no more rewarding than eating fresh grilled seafood by the beach) with cooking your food and eating indoors. If you have kids, make sure you stock up the fridge with snacks and bottled water. You don't want to risk them being cranky because of hunger or dehydrated because of getting a day in the beach. Watch out also for bees that may sting you. The flowers around the units harbour beehives.

Here's a sneak peak of the whole place. Credits to my cousin, JP Gloda for this video.

Pico De Loro had allowed my daughter to bond with my family whom she just knew for the first time as she visited the Philippines for the first time as well. I am thankful for their warmth that made a good trip possible. This vacation will be remembered so well as the great getaway post nuptial of my cousin. Like Angsana Laguna, Pico De Loro Resort and Country Club is a beautiful family friendly place to visit. I give it 5 stars.

Standing at the middle of
the Pico De Loro Resort and
Country Club where residences
and a hotel surrounds this lovely river.

Related posts:

1. ANGSANA LAGUNA, PHUKET - this is one resort that holds everything. You don't need to go out for activities. My husband and I had our honeymoon here. And it provided us the best relaxing vacation ever.

2. GRAND COLOANE RESORT, MACAU - If you're aiming to have a relaxing getaway and some golf from the hustles and bustles in Hong Kong, Macau is not just about gambling and parties. You might want to stay in the serene Grand Coloane Resort.

3. A STEP BY STEP GUIDE TO SUCCESSFUL STOCK INVESTING WITH THE EIP COL EASY INVESTMENT PROGRAM OF THE PHILIPPINES - I am proud to say that I am a shareholder of SM, find out how I did it here.

HOW A YOUNG GIRL'S VALEDICTORIAN SPEECH APPLIES ISAAC NEWTON'S LAW OF MOTION TO LIFE

In the Philippines, Summer season starts during the month of April and it completes as the month of May ends. That means thousands of graduates are expected to either pursue higher learning or employment around this time. Since I left the academe, I became solely focused on entertainment addressing my shift of career. I constantly keep abreast with this kind of moments though and I would like to inspire you of what my godfather's daughter had spoken about in her valedictorian speech that I believe may help us in so many ways.

It goes:

"These past years, I have applied some basic math principles to survive. If there's one thing I learned in Math, it is that every problem has a solution.

I added the positives. I am forever grateful for my God-given talents and continually worked on improving them. I could always count on the support of my family and friends and the patience and dedication of my dear teachers.

I subtracted the negatives. When you subtract a negative number, it becomes positive. I tried to take criticisms constructively. I worked on overcoming my flaws and weaknesses. I considered problems as challenges to be solved. I looked at my detractors as irrational numbers and simply accepted the fact that they are non-terminating or never ending.

I multiplied. I multiplied my efforts and tried to be more productive. I multiplied the love I gave and friendships I offered and received much greater products.

When I am overwhelmed with so much to do, I divided. I divided huge tasks into smaller and simpler tasks and conquered. I managed my time wisely.

I started with Math and would like to end with what we just learned in Science - Newton's Laws of Motion.

The first law, the Law of Inertia, says an object in motion stays in motion. Today, we achieved our goals and dreams but we should never rest on our laurels. Let us continuously enhance our skills and apply what we have learned to our lives.

The 3rd law, the law of Interaction, states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. You reap what you sow. The harder we work, the more fruits our labor will bear.

Saving the best for last again, I go back to the 2nd law. The Law of Acceleration tells us that the greater the force and the lesser the mass, the faster the accelerations. Let us thank the focus behind our acceleration, our progress and success - our parents, our teachers, school administrators and staff, and friends. Cliche as it may sound, I would not be here delivering this speech if it were not for the unconditional love and support my parents gave me. I would also like to thank my brother Renzo who teases me often to challenge me and toughen me. Lastly, I will be forever thankful for all the blessing of the highest, greatest and most powerful Divine force - God. On the other hand, let us leave behind all the mass or weight that pulls us down so we can accelerate and soar higher. As our graduation song says, let us all "reach for the sky".

Thank you and congratulations to all of us!"

- Patricia Tan

Reading this had inspired me in more ways than one. And it's good to be reminded of the lessons I've learned before in the classroom that I may have just brushed off the moment I had gone to the next year of learning. Patricia has a special way of looking at things. She is gifted to associate some scientific laws to everyday life. And I got to meet her intact with sweetness and innocence that instantly makes her smile gleam in a crowd. I don't have doubts that she'll be imparting this to young kids in the future being in the academe as well. She is a ball of energy full of potential and influence. I, myself, got influenced.

Patricia and her mom, Ninang Joy when they visited me in the
happiest place on earth.
She graduated from Chiang Kai Shek College.
She received the honours from both English
and Chinese Graduation.

Related posts:

1. LOOK UP - watch this very touching video about what we miss in life as we google.
2. WE ALL DON'T WANT TO BE JUDGED - There's a story behind every personality. Know who are the ones who have to right to judge.
3. LIVING THE DREAM - Get inspired further by reading about this personas as they make their dreams into reality thru their business ventures.

Spring Fair

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Frame Denim high-waisted bell bottom jeans
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MICHAEL Michael Kors wedge espadrille
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Aéropostale lobster claw charm
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Gold filled jewelry
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Body cleanser
beautycounter.com

Hair styling tool
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Essie nail polish
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Cost Plus World Market kitchen dining
140 HKD - worldmarket.com

Related posts:
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2. DIFFERENT WAYS OF WEARING YOUR SCARF - here are some great tips on how to maximise that scarf's potential!
3. PICO DE LORO BEACH AND COUNTRY CLUB - This resort is where you can strut in this cute get up at!

THE BEST INVESTMENT IS EDUCATING YOURSELF

Investing on proper education I must say is the key to making your dreams into reality. When you are pursuing your passion, you research on it, you read about it and you seek the people who have the same interest for you to be led into its totality.

Grace CY Lam mood notebook
developing her designs and
managing the hues to be considered
for her dresses.

Raffles School of Design is holding an information session this morning to aid you of which design courses suit your drive and to give out a better understanding of how each design course is different from the other. This introduction seminar will be conducted by the school's own designers and lecturers whose passion had led them to a limitless world of expression. It will be followed by an admission seminar which will be presented by their own admission department to guide you in every step of the way as you choose your path to success.

It is a rare opportunity for you to meet their designers upfront and ask them questions regarding Art and Design, as some of them are huge in the business already. I got the chance to meet one of their designers, Grace CY Lam, who had represented their institution in the Fashion Week held in Canada. 

A campus tour and some refreshments will completes the seminar at the end.

ALL OF THESE ARE FOR FREE.

If you're feeling 50-50 whether you'd want to take a design course or not, it's worth it still, to gauge in person the chance that you might regret losing. As for a trivia, Grace CY Lam took up Law. She is now in the field of design where she said, "She had never felt home for a long time." She got pushed to creating something exceptional and not until then did she realise that it was right for her to follow her passion and that it was right that she went for the course even when she thought it might be too late for her to take up another course.

So, get up right now and take that step to educating yourself! Located at 1/F, Centre Point, 181-185 Gloucester Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong, Raffles School of Design will hold this free seminar from 10:30am to 1pm, today, April 23, 2016. Have a fruitful Saturday!

Related posts:

1. RAFFLES SCHOOL OF DESIGN - writing down a rare experience of knowing how Grace CY Lam, a fashion designer, came up with her final line up of evening gowns that was showcased last Mar. 14-20 in Vancouver Fashion Week.

2. ENTREPRENEURSHIP - "The desire to create is one of the deepest yearnings of the human soul." - Diether Uchtdorf

3. ON-THE-GO-IN-WINTER - check out my first POLYVORE creation, putting pieces of clothing, following your own design, together to create something fresh, new and trendy.

MESA FILIPINO MODERNE

There is no denial with how Filipinos could get innovative in so many ways, most especially with food. I have visited Manila last month and it was a new and exciting experience to dine in one of the most visited restaurants in the Philippines. My auntie was very eager to cater to some of my Filipino food cravings when she found out I miss indulging on the flavourful cuisine of my homeland. Of course, as a balikbayan (A Filipino living overseas returning from living in another country. - Oxford Dictionaries), she wanted to bring me to something new yet somewhat familiar. She chose to bring me to MESA Filipino Moderne.

It was Sunday night and with the little time I have in my hands to spend in the Philippines, I vowed to spend it with family after each errand I have to do. I wanted to truly treasure the time given to me with them so, after I watched a musical to support colleagues from work, I made the rest of the day free for any plans my uncle and auntie had in mind.

Sundays in the Philippines are treated as a "family day" like in most countries I guess. But in the Philippines, it's part of the custom I mean so my uncle's family was nearly complete, making time for me in dining out which made it truly special. I felt their excitement as they are familiar already with what to order and they were more eager for me to try Mesa's specialties. I specified tinola, pinakbet, taho, crispy pata and sisig and I truly got them all in one table. As they ordered away, and it slowly came by, all of my favourites, came in a very special presentation.

To introduce Mesa Filipino Moderne, location is at its best. Situated at the G/F P2 Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center, Makati City, Manila, Philippines. We sat down outside the restaurant where the energy was at its blast. (If you are to try this restau but you don't like the buzzing vibe of the metropolis, get relocated at once because it could get busy with families feasting with you over their scrumptious food.)

Their glasses are shaped like bamboo trees cut in the middle.

With its aim to satisfy every Juan's tactile demands, Mesa's menu is rich of appetisers, soups, grilled dishes, main dishes and an array of seafood treats that may be ended with desserts that could send off fireworks in your mouth and coupled with specialty drinks that come in tilting glasses. (The shape of their glasses had actually stirred a conversation within us regarding how unique it is and it gave my cousin who's an architect an idea on how to design a townhouse unit he's working on.) Well, I can't wait any longer, let me share about the dishes my cousins and auntie had ordered for us.

Starting off with the not so usual sizzling starter, sisig was presented in fried wanton wraps, tied up with a string that was sort of plated as little treats. For the first time, it didn't come in a sizzling plate. That alone is a must try since nobody had ever done such presentation. It came with soy sauce and vinegar which delivers a unique experience to the palate.

Sisig

Next appetiser in line would be Tofu Salad with Century Egg and Shrimp. 

I was craving for "taho" (tofu), my whole trip last month and one of my cousins are into exquisite tasting dishes who favoured to order this for me to try. Who would've known that all of these ingredients could go altogether to give birth to a rich, mouthful treat? The crunch with every bite of the shrimp balances the melting century egg and tofu. And the sauce just aids its way down to the gut leaving a beautiful after taste to the tongue.

Tofu Salad with Century Egg and Shrimp

This particular dish was plated gorgeously and it just made me expect more and more after trying this first two. The main dishes started to come along with cups of plain rice as every Filipino meal won't be complete without it. Because we didn't want it to meddle with the distinct taste each viand brings, we chose plain white rice for a stomach filler.

I wouldn't let go of a chance to eat the original pinakbet so that came just in time to prepare my stomach fondly of the meat that would soon settle in. I love it being creamy because of the pumpkin cooked to slow perfection. And at the same time, I love how the beans and the bitter melon are preserved to stay crunchy and not overcooked. 

A very daring combination is their most sought after seafood dish Boneless Hito with Mangga Salad. Mango is usually enjoyed alone or as part of dessert which is usually at the end of every Filipino meal. But this time, Mangga (Tagalog way of calling the "mango"...) pairs up with the catfish being the stars of this particular dish. The usual deep fried catfish instantly transformed to becoming a name carrier for Mesa's modernity because of its unique zest and flavour.

This dish comes with the mango salad's explosive pair,
the shrimp paste. This takes the usual deep fried catfish to a whole new level
and becomes worthy of your attention.

There's a huge turn about when you go out of your comfort zone and Mesa was bold in taking such opportunity to give out an impression to its spectators. In addition to this dish, my auntie did not disappoint with the one-of-a-kind chicken soup called, Chicken Binakol. The simmered chicken in broth of coconut milk and green papaya was truly a hit that's why we weren't able to take a photo of it. The servers had given out each of us a mini bowl of this soup entree individually so, I wasn't able to document its plating. I finished it right away, I forgot to take a photo of it. It came in a coconut husk which is a check on my list because they actually care about the earth thinking about how to reuse the coconuts in cooking the soup. Applause everybody!!! It was beyond my expectation that perhaps that's the only dish that I know, would trigger the interest of many balikbayans. It is a dish that you would never forget. Maybe not necessarily be recommended 100% to those who are lactose intolerant. But it's something worth to try. Mesa is smart in including this in the menu because I for one would want to go there again to have Chicken Binakol since they are the only ones who could make it available for me. It's like tinola with a twist.

I'm pretty sure for those who have had Filipino friends or colleagues, chicharon or crispy pata would have been named as one of the most missed dishes. Hypertension usually gets to end the conversation about it but somebody always shouts with a drink at hand, "We only live once!!!! Let's enjoy!". Analyzing this remark, yes it may sound irresponsible but most of the Filipinos choose to look at it in a different way, in a funny way. The main point is, sitting down with the family, spending time with them and sharing the best foods altogether is what they choose to live for.

So, the crispchon (Notice how they combined crispy pata and chicharon together to brag this superb viand? S-M-A-R-T, business wise!) comes and gets chopped by the server to get wrapped like fresh lumpia (with the wrapper coloured attractively green) partnered with fresh spring onions and then to taste, comes these wonderful sauces: yellow mustard with wasabe kind of spice, mang tomas sarsa (not sure, but that's how it tasted like) and soy sauce with vinegar. This presentation was brilliant, yes, but I was hoping that the green wrap was an actual cabbage wrap or lettuce leaf. It could balance it in a way by adding a source of fiber.

Overall, the idea of being able to taste tidbits of all of these delicacies fired up my senses. I had portions of almost everything, except the dessert. I didn't have room for that anymore. Yes, that's sad. But I ended up chatting all through the night while they all munch on dessert. I caught up with my niece and my nephews and my cousin-in-law, this will all be charged up to good times. I'm thankful to have this moment spent with them.

Though I may not have an idea of how much the tab was, here is the menu that may help you have an overview of what would you want to come with what and how much.

If you plan to visit with your family, this is a good set menu to take.

While Mesa Filipino Moderne is a sister restaurant to La Mesa Grill, it stays distinct with its authentic tasting dishes by introducing soups and appetisers and not mainly focuses on fried and grilled foods. They offer this tasty dishes to your house via "Toanyone" delivery service. A lot of branches are scattered all around Manila. You can visit their website for a branch near where you are. Each branch operates differently so, the website informs you of the contact numbers to call. 

If you are Manila bound, try this warmly interiored modern restaurant with your family. I rate it 3.5 out of 5 stars. I may have spotted little sanitary issues but the food was delicious. For an added info, Mesa means "table" in Spanish and Portuguese. Philippines had been under the Spanish governance for 333 years hence the adaptation to their language.

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