Category: Lifestyle

My New Red Hair by Tinette & Co. Salon Professionals

Posted by Rochelle Sy Chua On February 17, 2013

My New Red Hair by Tinette & Co Salon Professionals

I was browsing through Twitter like I usually do. Then I saw a post wherein Tinette & Co. (@TinetteCo) was holding a contest in celebration of the opening of their newest branch in San Antonio Plaza, Forbest Park. Interested tweeps just had to reply to the tweet with a picture of their own. I do not usually join contests as I do not want to flood my followers with contest entries. However, that day, I wanted to take the chance so I responded with a photo of mine. Guess what? After two weeks, I got a tweet that I won the prize! How cool is that?

Last Valentine’s day, I decided to claim my prize at Tinette & Co. Salon Professionals. I was given an option to choose any hair treatment that I want. Since I’ve been itching to have red hair (which I failed to achieve last year), I choose that plus, haircut & bleaching. While I love my previous hairstyle, I’ve grown to be more adventurous! So this time around, I went crazy & experimental!

I arrived around 10:30AM and was shocked as to how full the salon was on a weekday! I thought why would they even hold a contest if they are already successful?

Tinette & Co Ambience

My hairstylist told me that the owner, Tinette Ozamiz-Puyat, is a very humble lady. While everyone around her was telling her how famous and successful she is, she still felt otherwise. I was lucky enough to meet her that day and she personally congratulated me for winning her contest. I was honored to meet her and to be able to get a hair makeover from Tinette & Co. Salon Professionals for free!

Tinette

Tinette & Co Salon Professionals has been successful in the business for over a decade now. It has been several families’ go-to-place for beauty and pampering. Her first branch was in Pasong Tamo and now, she has two babies: the one in Forbeswood Heights, Taguig and the one I went to, San Antonio Plaza, Forbes Park.

I heard she owes her success to her in-depth training. She studied hair and cosmetology at different international schools. Plus, she continues to take refresher courses to keep herself updated with new trends. Tinette & Co. Salon Professionals has great stylists but if you want Tinette herself to do the haircut, you can set an appointment by calling their hotline.

Okay, so back to my hair makeover… I was initially thinking of getting a hair color+ perm but unfortunately, those two hair treatments can’t be done at the same time. So I said, okay, let’s be bold! I’ll go for short hair and I want my hair to be colored red (real red!).

Pachit, my hairstylist, followed my wishes literally! I’m extremely happy with my new hairdo! I even have more than 100+ likes in my personal Facebook Page for my new hair photo, hehehe!

Tinette & Co Before

First up, Pachit cut my hair (Php 700+). I think I lost about 5 inches of my hair. Well, I’ll be able to grow them again so no worries. I also feel that cutting my hair short will make look younger! I never really worry about my age but it’s just that everyone’s so young around me so I have to catch up. I can’t change my age but at least, I can change my look 😛

Tinette & Co Haircut

I wanted my hair color red. This time around, I did not want to accept any more advice that my hair could be damaged or it would be hard to manage. For me, I just wanted to have real red hair at least once in my life. So what the Tinette & Co. team did was to apply a milder bleach to my hair.

Tinette & Co Bleaching

My hair reacted so quickly with the bleach that I ended up having blonde hair after a few minutes. My gosh, I was that shocked!

Tinette & Co Shampoo

Tinette & Co Bleach

I can conclude that blonde hair is not for me! Hahaha! At least I was able to experience it for a few minutes, but boy, having hair that is of the same colour as your skin is a no-no. I told them to apply the red colour to my hair ASAP. I can’t stand to look at myself so ugly! 😀

Tinette & Co Roch Blonde Hair

Justin showed me the color they would apply to my hair. I loved it! I felt it was perfect. It was exactly what I have been envisioning since I’ve thought of having my hair color changed. Red is my favorite colour. Almost all of my things are colored red: my bags, iPad case, iPhone case and even my car! So my choice of color for my hair is a very obvious for people who know me.

Tinette & Co Color Selection

Tinette & Co Red Shade

After Justin & Ron applied color to my hair (Php 1,650+), they also put keratin conditioning treatment (Php 625+). They said that it would protect my hair since there were too many chemicals applied to it. I was also advised to get treatment at least every quarter so that my hair won’t be damaged.

Tinette & Co Applying Red Color

There’s a big difference in wishing for something and having it in reality. I was surprised when I saw myself in the mirror. I then doubted myself if red hair color would really suit me. I feel like I’m an oldie trying to be a teenager. I was scared of people’s reactions.

But then, after everything’s done. I saw myself and said, “wow! I looked different!”. I welcome this change and I will stick to it! Luckily, everyone thought that my complete hair change suits me!

I’m super happy and I’m truly thankful to Pachit, Justin & Ron for patiently working on my hair for 4.5 hours! It was worth it because everyone loved it! I super love it! Apart from looking so different, I also feel like a renewed person. This hair makeover do have a large impact on me!

Tinette & Co with Pachit

I definitely followed Tinette & Co. Salon Professionals’ tagline:

Don’t be a fish out of water! Get hooked on looking good and feeling great!

and I didn’t regret it! Thanks again Tinette & Co. Salon Professionals! This is definitely not going to be my last visit to your salon 🙂

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Tinette & Co. Salon Professionals
G/F San Antonio Plaza McKinley Road, Forbes Park Village, Makati City
+63-2-8067148

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Cafe 1771

Posted by Rochelle Sy Chua On February 17, 2013

Cafe 1771

Ever since I changed my work hours, I haven’t been waking up in early mornings. However, I made one saturday an exception as I wanted to experience having breakfast at the El Pueblo branch of Cafe 1771. I’ve heard raves about this restaurant particularly its ambiance, and food. I wanted to experience it myself. Even though breakfast items could be ordered any time of the day, I still felt that doing it at real breakfast hours is the way to go!

The building where Cafe 1771 looked like an old historical building. As soon as I saw the restaurant, I was in total awe! Cafe 1771 was beautiful!!!

There are three sections of Cafe 1771. Each area had a different design and feel. It’s really up to the customers which wonderland they would want to dine in. I loved how Cafe 1771 conceptualised the whole restaurant so we could have a different experience on each visit.

The Whimsy

Cafe 1771 ambiance 4

Cafe 1771 ambiance 2

Cafe 1771 Ambiance

The Whimsy is the first one everyone sees when entering Cafe 1771. It’s a stylish cafe designed in blue, pink and white. According to people, it was like dining in a European cafe. I haven’t gone to Europe so I guess if I want to feel like I’m there, then Cafe 1771 is my place to go to 😛

I liked how they used plates as an artful display on the walls. The Whimsy is the ideal place if you want to have coffee, sandwiches, pizzas, salads or cakes. There is a display of cakes and baked goods that you can order for dine or take out. They are strategically placed at the centre counter that’s so welcoming. The Whimsy looked so much fun and elegant.

The Whimsy is also open for breakfast and serves the same menu as the Lounge.

The Lounge

Cafe 1771 ambiance 3

Cafe 1771 ambiance

Cafe 1771 Lounge

Located at the left side as you enter Cafe 1771 is The Lounge which is the main dining area of the restaurant.

As I took the seat on the stylish couch and upon observing the beautiful design of the Lounge, I already knew that my early visit to Cafe 1771 was worth it! The area looked like a library in an elegant home and ornaments/picture frames were neatly placed in between the different kinds of books. The tall French windows overlook ADB avenue. The place is ideal for a group gathering, romantic date, and business meetings. Half of the Lounge can be used as a private room for twenty pax.

I was definitely relaxed while indulging on delicious breakfast and dessert offerings of Cafe 1771. I probably would sit at the Lounge again when I try their lunch and dinner offerings in the future.

The Winebar

The last area is The Winebar which I didn’t visit. Well, maybe I could in the future but during that breakfast, I was already so comfortable eating and talking with friends at the Lounge. I bet, the Winebar (located at the 2nd floor) is a place that customers, mostly professionals from nearby office would hang out at night and drink alcohol.

You see, I had to spend some time describing the ambience of Cafe 1771 because it was worth it! The place itself was so pretty that I had to share to everyone. I appreciated all the work the owners put into making the restaurant a nice and cozy place to dine in.

It’s not just the place that is worth raving about but the food itself! Our group were able to sample their breakfast dishes as well as desserts. We were all sharing our orders so it felt like a mini buffet on our table. At the end of the meal, I was actually so full that I ended up eating lunch at around 3PM (we had breakfast at 8am)!

The Food

Melted Kesong Puti (Php 200)

Cafe 1771 Melted Kesong Puti

The dish looked plain looking but when you take a bite, you are in for a big surprise! That was exactly what I felt when I ate the dish. It was oozing with flavour from the guava jelly that was put on the pan de sal. One order of this includes a native chocolate drink.

Eggs Florentine in a Boat (Smoked Salmon – Php 440, Homemade Ham – Php 380)

Cafe 1771 Eggs Florentine

Probably one of the prettier plating for a breakfast dish, it’s poached organic eggs (take note: organic), and creamed spinach over a puff pastry boat topped with hollandaise, served with side salad and a choice of: homemade ham and smoked salmon. Our group have chosen smoked salmon as the main ingredient. While it wasn’t raw, I always had this impression that salmon was always eaten fresh and raw so I didn’t dare try this dish. Even though it looked really delish! Just look at the picture!

Hole in One Corned Beef (Php 350)

Cafe 1771 Corned Beef

Served with a choice of wheat bread or plain rice is the Corned beef hash and fried egg. I would assume that this dish was made from scratch. While I appreciate it, I think I’m so used to canned corned beef that I didn’t like this dish much. I felt it was a bit on the dry side. Maybe, it was just me. I know I’m weird sometimes 😛

Adobo Flakes Fried Rice (Php 250)

Cafe 1771 Adobo Flakes Fried Rice

After trying out the adobo flakes fried rice and the other Filipino dish we ordered, I knew that Cafe 1771 perfected their Filipino breakfast menu! It was THAT good!!!!

Basically, the adobo flakes fried rice is a combination of garlic fried rice and chicken adobo, pork adobo, and spring onions with a fried egg on top. I now have a certain fondness for mixed fried rice. We are so used to having the adobo on the side but I found out after eating Cafe 1771’s version that the mixed one is actually better!

Beef Tapa (Php 350)

Cafe 1771 Tapa

Another favourite in our table was the beef tapa dish. The important thing when eating tapa is that the meat should be tender and moist. That was exactly what we got so this was a definite winner!

Croque Madame (Php 370)

Cafe 1771 croque madam

There are two types of Croques served in Cafe 1771: The Croque Monsieur and the Croque Madame. A good naming, right? I also agree that the Croque Madame is the way to go considering that it has the sunny side egg on top. Of course, if you’re not fond of eggs then Croque Monsieur will be your choice.

It’s a traditional ham and cheese sandwich that was baked with layers of ham and gruyere cheese topped with creamy bechamel sauce and more cheese. A salad was served on the side. This dish is a popular one in Cafe 1771 though I admit that it wasn’t my favourite among the ones that we tried but still, a good dish.

Fruit Parfait (Php 280)

Cafe 1771 Fruit Parfait

Love fruits? Then order this fruit parfait which is a fun way to eat different kinds of fruits. It’s mixed fruits with muesli and honey yogurt.

The Desserts

When it was finally time for us to eat desserts, I was already so full and satisfied with the meal. With the ff. dishes, I just had a small bite of each cake. I wish to sample them more when having a relaxing coffee or snacks with friends next time!

Coffee Pie (Php 220)

Cafe 1771 Coffee Pie

The spoon and fork design on the plate was too cute! Chateau 1771’s signature dessert is the coffee pie. A coffee filling on chocolate-cashew crust, cream topping & toffee sauce. It was a good thing that I wasn’t hungry or else I think, one order of this cake would not be enough for me 😛

Evasion (Php 270)

Cafe 1771 Evasion

A blend of cream cheese mousse with fresh strawberries and crispy feuillentine. This dessert was a DELIGHT! Oh my gosh, just one spoonful of this would melt in your mouth! You’ll feel & taste the creaminess and I super loved the flavour of this dish! I’m not really fond of cakes but this one, I can eat over and over!

Amandelle

Cafe 1771 Amandelle

Last but definitely not the least, is the Amandelle. It is milk chocolate mousse in between layers of orange creme brulee and caramelized apricot and almond dacquoise. You’ll love this cake considering that Cafe 1771 was generous with the chocolate. BTW, while the cakes are good for one, you can actually share it with the group. I would suggest ordering different kinds of cake then consume as a group.

What a great way to start a day, indulging on great food at an excellent, cozy and relaxing environment. If you don’t mind spending a bit more for the perfect breakfast experience, then you must head on over to Cafe 1771 at El Pueblo. It’s a nice foodie experience that you would want to have again and again. Do not forget to order their Filipino breakfast, it was soooooo good (read: adobo flakes fried rice).

Cafe 1771 is under the same group as Chateau 1771 (Greenbelt 5) and Sentro 1771 (Serendra Fort).

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Cafe 1771
El Pueblo Real de Manila, Dona Julia Vargas Ave, Ugong, Pasig, Philippines
+63-2-6317340

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The Cheese Steak Shop Manila New Yummy Creations

Posted by Rochelle Sy Chua On February 10, 2013

The Cheese Steak Shop Manila New Yummy Creations

I’m back at the The Cheese Steak Shop again.

This time around, I went to their Amorsolo branch. I missed their Arnaiz branch because it was bigger and parking was a breeze. I do not know why they moved their Makati branch but at least we can still have our cheesesteak fix whenever we need it. The ambiance is the same with the soft couches, board games and big menu display. Parking was a bit challenging but I was able to get through it hehehe.

I heard they also opened a branch at the Fort. I’ll try that soon! 🙂

Cheese Steak Shop Manila Amorsolo Branch

While I preferred their old location better, the food is just the same. Actually, it’s getting better and better!

Cheese Steak Shop Manila Menu

I’m sharing with you the newest food items in the Cheese Steak Shop menu. There are no misses in my opinion. Each and every new product was good on its own merit. Quality is definitely something this food establishment is very serious about.

New Side Dishes

Cheese Fries (Large – Php 135, Regular – Php 99)

Cheese Steak Shop Manila Cheesy Fries

We usually see these kind in Nachos but I’m glad that the Cheese Steak Shop has offered the same for french fries. Who doesn’t love cheese?

Cheese Poppers or Cheese Chile Poppers (Php 99)

Cheese Steak Shop Cheese Poppers

The cheese poppers are available in 2 flavors: original and chiles. I wanted to try both so we requested to have our order mixed with both flavours. They tasted the same except for chiles which is a bit spicy. My choice would still be the original one but it all comes down to preference.

The Cheese Steak Shop Manila’s New Take on Cheesesteaks

French Dip Cheesesteak with Au Jus (7″ -Php 320, 10″ -Php 520, 15″ -Php 850)

If you’re the type who tends to ask for more sauce whenever you eat something, then this new dish is a must-order! The French Dip cheesesteak is served with Au Jus. Au Jus is the steak’s own natural juices all put in a sauce container to all our heart’s delight!

It’s the Classic Philly Cheese Steak with a twist! Also, the cheese used in the French Dip variant is different. Instead of American cheese, The Cheese Steak Shop used Provolone cheese which is better suited for dipping.

I have always ordered the 7-inch cheesesteak because I do not think I can finish any bigger than that. However, when I saw my friends order the 10-inch cheesesteak, I just stared at it with awe! haha! As with any order in the Cheese Steak Shop, you can choose to separate peppers or not have peppers at all with your cheesesteak.

Cheese steak shop manila 7in french dip

Cheese Steak Shop Manila 10in french dip

Cheese Steak Shop Manila French dip cheesesteak

Cheese Steak Manila French Dip

Breakfast Cheesesteak (additional Php 100 to any cheesesteak)

All-day breakfast deals are popular in Manila. When I found out about the breakfast cheesesteak, I welcomed it with a big smile!

Basically, when you order your cheesesteak at the counter, you just have to mention that you wanted it to upgrade to breakfast cheesesteak. What they’ll do is, they’ll separate the peppers from your order and add egg on top of the cheesesteak. The Php 100 upgrade also includes any drink of your choice.

Cheese Steak Shop Manila 7in breakfast steak

Cheese Steak Shop 10in breakfast steak

I LOVED the breakfast cheesesteak. We ordered the classic philly cheesesteak and boy, with every bite, I can see the combined juices from the egg and steak! Super duper yummy to the max! After this experience, I’m pretty sure that I would be upgrading my cheesesteak order to breakfast every time! It definitely gave the extra oomph to the order!

Cheese Steak Shop Manila Breakfast Cheesesteak

I’m struggling so hard writing this entry considering that I just had my meal. If you’re trying to decide where to eat in Makati or the Fort, I suggest you go to The Cheese Steak Shop and order their new menu. It’ll be a yummy foodie experience. Super hungry? Then order the biggest size: I dare you to finish a 15-inch cheesesteak! How many minutes can you finish it?

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The Cheese Steak Shop Manila
140 Amorsolo Street , Legaspi Village, Makati City, Philippines
+63-2-5551818
Mondays – Sundays 10:00am to 10:00pm

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Solo’s First Ever Graphic Tee Design Contest

Posted by Rochelle Sy Chua On February 10, 2013

Solo's First Ever Graphic Tee Design Contest

Attention creative people! Solo has a contest for you!

To celebrate the love month, Solo kicked off its first ever His & Hers Graphic Tees Design Competition. The challenge is to submit your very own original design of a His and a Hers matching graphic tees. If you’re an artist then you’re also a romantic, I’m pretty sure that whatever you will draw out will definitely capture the hearts of the people looking for a matching outfit for them and their better half.

You see, 20% of the criteria is voting. People would definitely vote for your designs if they see themselves buying it in Solo branches. Even if you don’t get to win the major prize, I think it’s a big boost already having your work posted in Solo’s Facebook Page.

I wish I had a creative mind, however, it’s not really my thing. So what I will do is vote for your work! You have till March 15, 2013 to submit your designs to Solo via their email address: marketing@elitegarments.com.

Here’s the complete mechanics:

Visit the Contest Mechanics Page or Solo Facebook Page for the complete set of rules.
Download the contest application form and His&Hers T-shirt template from Solo Facebook under “His & Hers Graphic Tee Design Contest” app.
Together with the filled out application, submit only 1 JPEG file for your 2 original designs of a His version & a Hers version of your design. No actual artwork needs to be submitted, just a digital file of your designs. You may send your entry to marketing@elitegarments.com. Submission period is from February 1 to March 15, 2013.
Wait for Solo to post your designs on their Facebook Page.
Once your design is uploaded, invite your family & friends to vote for your entry. Voting ends on March 31, 2013 and is 20% of the criteria.
If your design wins, you will see them being sold at Solo stores by May 2013 with your name credited as the artist!

There will be three grand winners for Solo’s His and Hers Graphic Tees Design Competition. Each winning designer will get Php 15,000 cash and Php 10,000 worth of Solo gift certificates, their winning shirt designs featured in a campaign photoshoot with Solo’s newest models for 2013 PLUS the His & Hers shirts with the artist designs will be available for sale on May 2013 as part of Solo’s His & Hers Back to School collection. How cool is that?

As of this writing, I’ve seen a lot of submission already. And boy, they look nice!

Solo Graphic Tee Design Contest Sample Entry

Learn more about Solo’s His & Hers Graphic Tees Design Competition in Solo’s official sites (website, Facebook Page and Twitter).

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Boeing Boeing

Posted by Rochelle Sy Chua On February 10, 2013

Boeing Boeing Repertory Philippines

Looking for something to do this Valentine’s weekend? Then why not catch Repertory Philippines’ play, Boeing Boeing, showing this saturday (February 16) at Onstage Greenbelt 1?

Boeing Boeing is a French classic written by Marc Camoletti and was listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the most performed French play throughout the world! Well, it’s now in the Philippines!

Directed by Miguel Faustmann, Boeing Boeing tells the story of playboy Bernard who is engaged to three international flight attendants for different airlines. He juggles their timetable so that he can spend time with all three beautiful & sexy stewardess. Bernard is supported by Bernard’s faithful housekeeper, Bertha who has to change decor and food menu to suit the tastes of the German, Italian and American beauties.

However, as a faster Boeing jet is introduced and with Bernard’s friend, Robert, visiting, Bernard now has a big problem. The ladies’ timetables became unpredictable! Now, that’s a story I would want to watch live!

I read several reviews online and I must say, it piqued my interest more. It seems that the cast are effective and perfect in their respective roles. One of them is Baby Barredo who’s multi-awarded and is actually the co-founder and artistic director of Repertory Philippines, wow!

Boeing Boeing Cast

David Bianco – Bernard Whitford, a Parisian architect
Topper Fabregas – Robert, Bernard’s old school chum
Carla Dunareanu – Lufthansa’s Gretchen, German fiancée
Giannina Ocampo – Alitalia’s Gabriella, the Italian fiancée
Jennifer Bianco – TWA’s Gloria, the American fiancée
Baby Barredo (alternate: Joy Virata) -Bertha, Bernard’s Housekeeper

I’m going to watch Boeing Boeing this saturday. I cannot wait to enjoy and laugh myself out while doing so! See you at the theatre!

UPDATE:

I just got home from watching Boeing Boeing. It wasn’t as long as other plays but I enjoyed every minute watching it! It was too funny! The play was 2 hours long with a 15-minute break in between.

The set was simple. They rarely changed any props. Boeing Boeing was mainly concentrated on the six characters of the play. Every single person has his/her own personality. I was totally blown away as to how they effectively portrayed their characters. I was laughing 95% of the time! It was a light and entertaining experience.

While I see many lovers watched the play, I kinda have a theory in my mind that some of the guys would be able to relate to playboy Bernard LOL! Anyway, I won’t share more about the story as it would be best to watch it with an element of surprise.

There’s one more day left! Catch Boeing Boeing, you’ll leave the theater smiling!

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Boeing Boeing
February 16, 2013, 8PM
Ticket Prices: Php 1,000, Php 800 & Php 500
Contact: +639328885688
Onstage, 2/F, Greenbelt 1, Paseo de Roxas cor. Legazpi St., Makati City, Philippines

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