Ending the Distance

Change is coming. I'm not exactly sure when or how big that change will be, but it is coming. I am ready to follow that change, wherever it may lead us.

Finally, P is on his way home now. ♥Long distance relationships still survive! It worked for us even with very limited modes of communication! :) #happiness

To P: Thank you for sacrificing your job just to finally end the distance between us. Thank you for making me feel the luckiest. We survived the 3-year LDR!

I love you to the moon and back! I won't trade you for anything else.

Roti Prata: The Filipino Way

If you've been to Singapore, I'm pretty sure you are familiar what Roti Prata is. But for the benefit of those who are not familiar, let me give you a brief introduction what Roti Prata is.

Roti Prata is a favorite Indian dish amongst Singaporeans. It is a pancake-like bread made up of egg, flour and water with a texture that's similar to that of a croissant. You can choose from various flavors, depending on your taste buds.

When we were still in Singapore, my brother and I usually bought instant packs of Onion & Chives Flavored Roti Paratha in Fair Price. It's cheaper than buying ready-to-eat Prata. It's easy to prepare, too. Allow me to share to you how I prepare it:

1. Heat a spoon of butter in a non-stick pan, large enough for the Prata.
2. Throw the Prata into the frying pan.
3. When the first side is almost cooked, I make a "cross slice" at the middle and I add egg since I prefer it fluffy.
4. Flip over and let it cook the other side.

If you want your Prata to be a little burnt, like mine, cook it for a few more minutes. I pair it with siomai or sausage. Oh, did I mention I add cheese for a flavorful meal? Yum!

Moving forward, my favorite Roti Prata in Singapore is located in Bugis Street. My brother introduced it to me few years back. When P and I went to Bugis one time, I let him taste it. Hahaha! Of course, he liked it! Whenever we go there, we make sure to drop by the Roti Prata house. It's relatively cheaper in Singapore than the one I saw here in the Philippines. In Singapore, my favorite blackpepper roti prata costs only $1.80, compared here in the Philippines, the price ranges from Php80.00-Php150.00, which when converted to Singapore dollar would cost $2.00-5.00.

Last October 21, 2011, the midnight before my IELTS exam in Pampanga, my family and I went to Midnight Mercato. To my surprise, I found a stall named Papa Roti where they sell Roti Prata.

Papa Roti has a stall in Midnight Mercato/Mercato Centrale.

I ordered their Mushroom & Cheese Roti for Php 110.00.

Overall, it was good. It tastes a bit different with that of Singapore's.

Savory or sweet, Roti Prata is definitely worth a try.

Christmas/Birthday Wish List No.2: The School of Satchel

I am a self-confessed bag-a-holic and my current obsession is to own a satchel. The Cambridge Satchel is pretty expensive so I keep on doing my research. I stumbled upon The School of Satchel in Facebook and saw links about their satchel so I immediately checked their Multiply site to get the price.

source

Oh man! Their bags are sooooo affordable! The satchels that they produce are 100% genuine leather and are carefully hand-cut, hand-sewn and assembled manually. Proudly Pinoy made!

source

source

source

source

You can actually place your order through their Multiply website. SOS has an on-going promotion, too. If you're residing in Manila and have your satchel delivered on your Manila address, the shipping fee would be free of charge.

So, to continue my Christmas/Birthday Wish List blog, The School of Satchel would be on the second spot. I'm really dying to own this red (oxblood) leather satchel.

The 11" or the 13" would be great.

They can also be seen in Alabang Town Center which is pretty close to my place. (Vanity without Apology, Pop Culture beside Food Choices.)

Hot Nail Trends

Clear French Tips

Words

Gold and Blue

Satin finish

Tuxedo

Mixing it up

Patterns

Attractive!!!

Spoiling Myself

As much as I can,I try to live a simple life. I used to be very complicated, but I got tootired. I tried to escape from too much stress and exhaustion.

How?

1. Switching off mymobile phone.
It is very stressful hearing my phone beeps in the middle of agood night’s sleep. Unless it’s really necessary, I try at least to switch mymobile phone so I can have an undisrupted sleep. I used to receive severalphone calls while sleeping. If you’re an iPhone user, if you don’t want toanswer the call, just click the button on top and that’s it. The caller on theother line would still continue to hear your phone ringing, but on your end,you’re no longer hearing anything. Brilliant!


2. Keeping a journal.
There are timeswhen I can’t release my emotions to anyone. Therefore, writing on my planner isthe best alternative to express my thoughts.


3. Keeping my facial moisturizer in thefridge.
Ahhhh, the best! After washing my face, I put a cold moisturizer on it.It’s a winning combo! Trust me! J I used to have a very “nakakahiyang fes” because of pimples andthe marks left behind. I’ve been doing this for years now and I must say thatit’s really effective. It relaxes my face.


4. Getting eight hours of sleep.
I’m nota party girl. I seldom go out. But I spend most of my time doing ads andprojects. If you’re a party girl, try at least to pass for one weekend. Lack ofsleep often means crankiness the following day. Trouble sleeping? Turn off thewifi at home and your mobile phone, drink hot milk, or read. It’s effective!That’s what I do. J I used to take Sleepasil before but Istopped when I noticed that I was already becoming dependent.


5. Movie marathon.
I download movies andTV series from the internet. (I know, downloading from the net is a form ofpiracy.


6. Bonding with my girlfriends.
Sometimes, a few minutes with my girls is all I need to get out of a rut. Oncein a while, we pig out, coffee and movie dates, and catch up. If we can’t meet,we flood twitter!


7. Spoiling my nails.
I love foot spa, nailart, manicure and pedicure. Need I say more?


8. Hibernating in my pajamas.
Bruno Mars’The Lazy Song would best explain this. Locking alone inside my room makes mefeel all is right with the world. I feel at peace.


9. Learning to say “NO”.
This has been mylong-time problem. Come 2011, I somehow managed it. Sometimes, I takeassignments and responsibilities I can’t handle. What’s the reason? I’m too shyto decline. After learning to say no, I feel less stress and pressure.


10. No to nicotine.
Aside from eating, I don’t have any vices. Enough said. J

Wedding Video Genius: Jason Magbanua

If you are getting married and have been to a fair, you've probably heard the name of a wedding video genius named Jason Magbanua.  Jason has been recognized several times undoubtedly for the kind of work that you have seen. 

I know a friend who even adjusted their wedding date just to have Jason cover their wedding. Couples pay a huge amount to have Jason Magbanua as their official videographer. That's how great he is!

Cay and Melvin from Jason Magbanua on Vimeo.

Kudos to the couple for having this kind of wedding video. 

It's very entertaining and has a very unique concept. 

I stumbled upon Jason Magbanua's official site and I saw the rates. Whooooah! Expensive. Yes! But of course, simply because he's that great!

Rates

Resto Review: Marché

Marché is a restaurant located in Singapore which offers typical Swiss recipes in an authentic Swiss backdrop.

One thing you have to remember though, photography is not allowed in this restaurant. However, I was still able to capture some patakas shots. Hehe. Upon entering, I was holding my DSLR so one of the crew reminded me that photography is not allowed. They even have posters at the entrance reminding their customers that they cannot take photos.

The place is really lovely and charming I must say. It has a marketplace concept. It gives the feel of alfresco dining even though you’re dining indoor.There are fresh food stalls inside the restaurant and you are given a card upon entering. They practice  “cashless” system, where every diner is given a card that records the purchase for each item ordered. Hand it over to the chef at whichever counter you intend to order food from. Don't ever misplace/lose your card! People who lose the card would incur a $100 fine. That's around Php3,500!

What you will find here is predominantly European. Having a professional chef boyfriend with an "educated tongue" who's into European cuisine, he is so familiar with all the dishes served in Marché. Like this one, which I ordered, Marché’s signature dish - Rosti, a food made from potatoes. P knows how to make one. I even asked him to make one for me! Lucky me! (I know, right?!)

I had the Rosti with beef sausage. Cooked al dente! Sour cream was given in such a generous portion. Starch junkies will be satisfied here.

As you near the end of the queue, there's a handwritten board that shows today's specials.

We have, what else - our absolute favorite! P ordered this one - savory crepes with a mushroom and vegetable filling with a yummy creamy sauce! Nakiagaw ako sa food niya sa sarap!



Not only does Marché boast delicious European food that is prepared on the spot, they also guarantee their vegetables to be fresh and healthily cooked! Since they offer European dishes, expect what? A pizza!



Look at this uber cute Root Beer bottle! It looks like a medicine bottle!

This calamari tastes fine. Nothing special though. My recipe tastes even better. Hahaha! Swear!

I wanna go back and eat more! Let me work harder first!

VivoCity

1 Harbourfront Walk
#03-14 Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 6376 8226

313@Somerset
313 Orchard Road #01-39/46
Singapore 238895
Tel: +65 6834 4041

For the record, I loved this place! Happy eating!

PS. You might be wondering now why the pictures have watermark of a different blog site. No worries! That's my old blog site! :)

Christmas/Birthday Wish List No. 1: Belle de Jour Power Planner

Bonjour Bella!

I first learned about Belle de Jour Power Planner through my sister-in-law who happens to use BDJ Planners as well. I can still remember that moment when I saw her browsing her BDJ. My reaction was almost out-of-this-world! Since then, I wanted to have one.

Say hello to my loves!

...and Hello to my Kitties!

I am a member of BDJ Circle. Following them on Facebook is enjoyable since you get updates about the hottest likings in the metro. Just this month, they finally announced that the Belle de Jour 2012 Power Planner is out in the market!

Belle de Jour Power Planner is flexible for all classes of consumers. I am already tempted to place my order since orders on or before the 30th of November will get 5% discount. Not bad for a very valuable planner! Errr… I can’t wait to have my 2012 planner! Albeit the itch to place my order, I would try to control myself. (Note to self: Control!)

source: BDJ

However, if wala pa din ako ma-receive na BDJ Planner before I leave the Philippines, I'd definitely buy one for me na. I won't break my yearly routine writing on my BDJ Planner!

My 24th birthday is coming in a few weeks so I'd like this BDJ 2012 Power Planner to be given to me as a gift. (Friends! Ehem. Ehem. You know who you are, girls! Hahaha) I know my girls are generous and kind enough to give this for me! It's been our practice since our college days in Mapua to give gift(s) to whoever is celebrating her birthday. Ayan, I'm putting pressure na! Hahahaha.

Last year, I ordered 3 BDJ Planners for my boss and my sister-in-law as a Christmas present.

BDJ Planners I ordered last year.

I think, now is my time to get a FREE BDJ Planner. I’m dead serious!

Here are the parts of the BDJ planner that I really like:

• 2012 BDJ Checklist – It’s like the “100 Things to Do before You Die”. Scanning through the pages of my current BDJ Planner somehow hyped me up for new activities. I’m getting so excited with the 2012 checklist section. I’m leaving next year and would definitely be a busy bee so having an organizer would be of great help to manage my time.

• Menstrual Tracker – It’s definitely BDJ Planner’s most popular feature. I can keep track of my monthly pattern. Get one so you can see for yourself the content of this section! 

• Bills and Cash Flow Tracker – This is convenient when it comes to money matters. I can keep track of my expenses and shopping splurges. The cash flow section reinforces me to save. This way, I know where my money is going and where I spend it most. Yes, you’re correct -- food. 

• Coupon Promo – Though I haven’t maximized yet the vouchers on my current planner, I’m still glad I have already purchased some items that I really needed/wanted at a very good discount. For this year, my best buy is my Suesh make-up brush set. 

• Vacation Planner

• Christmas Gift List

So yes, I certainly want one. There are two journals you can choose from. The first one is Book-Style Binding, the second one is Wire-Style Binding. (I still prefer the wired planner.) For a fact, it’s very feminine, handy, and useful! I've been using this Planner for years now and at present, I am still enjoying it. No doubts. No second thoughts. I’m a certified BDJ girl.

Follow them on Facebook.