Popped in at the Red Dot Happy Skin launch to say hi to makeup maven Mara Manuel who was giving makeup lessons the whole Saturday afternoon. My Ziya bag is deceiving because I can’t leave home without my D90 and there’s really nothing much inside. You’ll find Happy Skin — Shut Up & Kiss Me in First Kiss for my lippie fix and Don’t Get Mad Get Even powder in Soft Beige which I’m into right now. The Anastasia brow powder Ericke was supposed to send me was nowhere to be found, so I bought two K-Palette 1-day tattoo products to test. Luckily, they are 25% off. Got grayish brown for the brows and darkest brown eyeliner. I also never leave home without a pair of sunglasses. My wallet suits the “barya” I’m very used to. LOL.

Get strappy with Renegade Folk and Gold Dot flats

{Matta top, Cotton On rolled shorts, Ziya tote, Betula Birkentock sandals, Mango sunnies}

© Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014

Life never ceases to surprise. I was asked by Mabuhay Magazine, the inflight magazine of Philippine Airlines, to write about my own turf. Though I’ve been writing little stories in the blog, writing for a magazine that goes around the world is a totally different ballgame — I was excited and confident. My timetable consisted of different shoots and interviews at five different locations. I traveled as far as Narvacan in the south and Capirispisan in the north, then I had to go back again to the south hoping to catch big waves in Cabugao. I trekked, baked under the red-hot sun, waited at plazas, rode public transportation (buses and tricycles) — for authenticity counts.

The Mabuhay Magazine October 2014 digital copy is not yet up, but my own copy finally arrives. Thanks to my friend Alma. And then I receive another one from Eastgate. I like the photos they chose. The bike photo was a personal favorite. The zebra photo stood out even when I first posted it in the blog. And the photos of Kingfisher brought to mind the intoxicating scent of this particular beach. I enjoyed reliving the memories of the adventures. Thank you, Mabuhay Magazine!

“An environment advocate by choice and a travel and lifestyle writer by accident…”

Having to write a blurb about yourself is by far more inconvenient than having written the actual adventure story. About the contributor’s photo — I was required a hi-res photo and, of course, I wanted it current. I was fortunate that my good friend Marianne Gaces Pasion had time for my silly randomness. Behind the photo, it was awkward ‘coz I’m not used to being photographed for something like a profile photo and cool ‘coz a professional took my photo.

Taking this opportunity, once more, to thank Eastgate Publishing Corp., the PAL Mabuhay Magazine editorial team, Ms. Ira Inquimboy, Kingfisher Beach, Mr. Mon Manotok, Miss Zarah Chua, MJ Cahilig, Boyet Leano, Councilor Cherry Agtang, the Batibol Bikers, the Karyutero Bikers, Kido Cabasug, Surfing Ilocos, Althone Borja, the LEAD Movement, Reny Tan, the Narvacan Outdoor Adventure Hub, Lester Susi, Mr. Arthur Valente, Capt. David Luxford, Marianne Gaces Pasion Photography, Jana Siratranont and Alma Ajero for being part of the experience. And to you, lovely readers, who have made writing and blogging wonderful and inspiring.

© Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014

Soul and character is the drawing power of the unobtrusive Dapitan Arcade, tucked in an area in Quezon City (within eyeshot from the peopled streets of Manila). The swift travel through a Roxas-Dapitan jeepney from Malate was painless. I walked a few meters to the corner, leaving me more opportunities for street photos.

The window shopping was supposed to be a date with my friend Alma, but time was not on her side. Characterized by a tiangge-type of setup, Dapitan Arcade has everything under one roof, making it much more conducive for busy housewives and budget-conscious decorators and event stylists. The variety of wares is amazing. I caught sight of chic decor like fabric lanterns and votive lamps, and recognized similar colorful Byzantine-inspired lamps I photographed at Greeka Kouzina recently. Christmas adornments and props made me maniacal. Santa comes in every imaginable expression. Organizers, candelabrums, jars of all sizes, indigenous art, Filipiniana accents, local materials (like jute fabric and ropes), one of a kind pieces, wedding ornaments, artsy ceramic figurines, tableware, kitschy clocks, among others, will satiate the The Selbys kind of artist in you. Prices are insanely low as compared to those in malls. Most of the items at handicraft stalls are made by the artisan owners themselves.

Parol star lanterns are ubiquitous in the country, signalling the Christmas season — to Filipinos as early as September to January the next year.Dyed in the wool live chicksSurfer Santa

Stall # 29-31
Mylene for lighting fixtures and home decor
0919 9439330

Stall # 59
For made-to-order lampshades
Lito 0927 3991588
Jhing 0915 1308944

Stall # 10
Joyce Saraos
Specialty home decor
9048379 / 0998 3925408

Dapitan Arcade
39 Dapitan cor. Kanlaon Sts., Brgy, Sta. Teresita, Quezon City, Philippines

Photographed by Blauearth © Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014

Got pili sweets from my sis-in-law and a wonderful friend, Pinky Losantas-Co, who has always brought home a slice of Bicol from her travels to her home province. Pili (like abaca and coconut) is native to Bicol.

In the realm of Filipino food, the Bicol region has contributed quite a hefty chunk to variety and character, and versatility of local produce. Take, for instance, coconut and chili. I’ve always wanted to go to Bicol for a food adventure, but never had the chance.

Prized for its nutty and buttery flavor, pili makes good sweet treats. In recent years, we’ve seen pili not only in mazapan, but also in yema, polvoron, baked goodies (like tarts, pies, cookies and chewy squares) and even in mooncakes. The original glazed pili has evolved with more variants like sea salted plain roasted, chili-flavored, honey-glazed, and more.

My favorite mazapan (marzipan). Also love the tiny molido kind.

Did you know that the pili tree (Canarium ovatum) is a sustainable, low-maintenance and stress-resistant tree? Pili is indigenous in the Bicol region where active volcanoes and rainfall abound. The more the pili tree is shaken and beaten by storms, the more it blooms and bears better fruit, according to the Department of Trade and Industry-Bicol Tradewinds (here).

De-shelling pili nuts are done manually through a process called pagtilad, providing paratilad experts with sustainable livelihood.

Photos of pili nuts (last 3) courtesy of DTI-5 Trade Winds Bicol
Photos of pili sweets by BlauEarth

© Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014

It’s the first day of December tomorrow, a Monday, it’s also the airing of the FoodPrints Christmas Special! Inviting you to watch at 9PM on the Lifestyle Network.

Because Chef Sandy Daza’s holiday table has an excess of the best finds, there’s a Part 2 on December 8 at 9PM.

Among Sandy’s discoveries that are worth highlighting in the Christmas Special is The Fruit Garden, a locally made line of traditional French-style jams cooked in small batches. FoodPrints wiill show you how Frenchman Pierre prepares the jams in true Provencal tradition. These luxury jams are served at 5-star hotel restaurants and are available at leading supermarkets like Rustan’s and Landmark. You will also find them at select bazaars and weekend markets. Chanced upon them at the Lucky Chinatown Mall Weekend Gourmet Market. It got me excited ‘coz I heard a couple of moms checking out the gift boxes talk about Chef Sandy and his feature.

At the mall.

Collection samplers are beautifully packaged. Sizes vary according to your budget. The Fruit Garden Luxury Jams are also available in festival gift boxes covered in fabric inspired by 17th century Indienne patterns. Interestingly, the luxury collection theme changes with each year.

I have a personal favorite — sourish calamansi brandy with bitter undertones that is pleasant to the palate. Because jams are made of 100% fruit, pectin and sugar, this particular one is not super sweet.

I don’t want to preempt your viewing pleasure, so please don’t forget that tomorrow’s a date. Friends abroad, FoodPrints is also aired on The Filipino Channel.

Happy Monday! A great month everyone!

The Fruit Garden
295 Haig Street Lyric Apartelle
Mandaluyong, Metro Manila
Philippines
Tel No.: 6214603
Email pierre@thefruitgarden.net / andrea@thefruitgarden.net

Photographed by Blauearth © Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014

Fresh creamy pastillas from Bulacan was a childhood favorite. I saw how pastillas is cooked during a FoodPrints adventure with Chef Sandy Daza in the northern province nearest to Manila, and we sampled hubad na pastilyas (undressed, which means the milk candy is not wrapped in typical fashion, rather, it is packaged in round containers). Discovered another take on the Bulacan pastillas. Reviews on the toasted pastillas that has gone viral are mixed. While others find it too sweet for comfort, pastillas de leche fanatics swear by its addicting quality. Martine sent some to Ericke. I honestly ignored it at first ‘coz Alexa’s nanny wasn’t enthusiastic about it.

The three packs of Taste N See toasted pastillas arrive in LA. Almost eaten in less than two days. So there, I sent Eugene to buy a few packs at the Lucky Chinatown Weekend Gourmet Market.

I opened a pack. It’s the sweet kind of pastillas, probably made with condensed milk, and made even more sweet with a coating of sugar, and then seared to let it caramelize. I call it the “pinaso na pastilyas”. My first cube, I don’t know, the texture was gritty, reminded me weirdly of Valda pastillas. After trying all sorts of tricks, hahah, you know what I mean, I let it melt in the mouth. That’s when I start to realize this pastillas is special. The milky side is played up by the burnt flavors of sugar in such a beautiful manner. The more you eat, the more you will discover the endearing qualities of these Malolos-made pastillas.

Taste and see the other flavors such as cookies and cream, plain milk and caramel.

Taste N See
Malolos, Bulacan
CP No.: 09157193817
Official Taste N See Facebook page

Photographed by Blauearth © Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014

Meet my dad and mom. They’re back in LA after a few days vacation in the Philippines. Dad loves Chinese food, most specially maki at Delicious. BTW, still the best maki in Chinatown. Mom loves pancit and Ilocano food, but will eat anything.

The cool ride at Lucky Chinatown Mall:)Offspring. Something new, organic balut.

Delicious Restaurant 580 F. Torres St. cor. G. Puyat, Sta. Cruz, Manila, Sta. Cruz Tel No.: +63 27330394

Photographed by Blauearth © Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014

The lighted Laoag sign was “transported” to the Tobacco Monopoly Monument for the annual Lantern Parade.

Getting the first whiff of Christmas, promenaders and selfie addicts gathered at the Aurora Park to appreciate the artistry and colorful harmony that radiate from the barangays. Icons in the city such as the Laoag Bell Tower, the calesa, and the symbolic sun were made focal point in the show of parols. Lanterns were noticeably made of recycled and indigenous materials.

This year, the Laoag City Hall giant Christmas tree is covered in snowy white leaves and adorned in silvery trimmings.

My own selfie

Alex

Photographed by Blauearth © Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014

We’ve heard stories about the horrific lines at the launch of H&M Philippines. I was one of the people who got thrilled about the Swedish brand’s entry into the Philippine retail scene. It’s not just a hype.

I don’t get excited anymore about super expensive big brands. I even hardly go to the malls. But anyway, it might be worth dropping by H&M for key pieces as the season changes. There are fun items that I don’t get to see around other stores. I bought chunky mandals at a store last month and came across chunky man lace-ups, but they were not available in my size. The problem with shoe stores in the Philippines, imao, is they are delayed to some extent. Like the classic white Stan Smith is not even available in ladies size after a year it was revived from the ashes of fashion pages. I found at H&M some of the things I’d want to buy and they are priced fairly. Price matters to me. Like most expressive people, perhaps, I easily get tired of fashion.

I went to the Robinsons Magnolia Branch. Very convenient for the commuter. The other stores are at SM Megamall, SM Makati and Robinsons Place Ermita.

Home accessories come in catchy, stylish and classic themes. Love the Pretty in Pink and Rustic Charm collections. Oh, and the cheeky cabinet knobs

If your state of mind is normcore, there is an abundance of big-on-style basics. But the racks are also spilling off on-trend pieces. Fashion watchers are always on the lookout for H&M and designer collabs.

There are steals and there are items like a real leather tote that would be more expensive.

Photographed by Blauearth © Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014

Took these photos with a Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W560 on my way to Florida from Binondo. Instead of walking some blocks to Recto for a jeepney, I took a jeepney, plying around the Manila City Hall,  right across the apartment. I had to cross under the street to ride another jeepney to España. My pack was featherlight, so commuting was unworried. Bought mango from a vendor at the underpass. It cost me 30 pesos, the price more than half of my actual jeepney fare expenses.

Photographed by Blauearth © Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014

Did you watch the FoodPrints Christmas Special on LN last Monday? December 8 (tomorrow) is the continuation of the holiday edition. It really felt a lot different watching the show on TV than when we were working behind the scenes. There is that sense of pride somehow ‘coz nothing’s adulterated or staged. Everything’s just so spontaneous. Chef Sandy is naturally as pleasant as he is on TV.

The FoodPrints Christmas Special Part 2 includes Sandy’s sweet seven, cooking time with sibling Nina Daza and a potluck party with foodie friends.

Posting more BTS photos. Here’s the link to my first post if you missed it.

From mom Nora Daza’s cookbook.Nina Daza, ever so nice.Lovely photo of Sandy and youngest daughter.Walking along the Farmer’s Market in Cubao where Nina bought fresh seafood for her paella..At Sandy’s home for the Potluck Party shoot.BTS breakfast. Chef Sandy brought out pan-fried kesong puti, pan de sal and Shine Bakery and Cafe sans rival. OM, I could have the whole cake for breakfast!The crew’s sashimi lunch. Meeting Tinee de Guzman and his own brand, Mr. Cochinillo. With Tinee and his mom (at his left).During shoots, we don’t get to chat often. We also take photos of each other rarely. When we’re on the road, we sleep:)Bob and Ninay’s Roast TurkeyThe girls of Dolcelatte.Rustic Torta de Torrejon that is a cross between sans rival and brazo de Mercedes. You should check out this cake. Easily one of my favorite discoveries through FP.Cameraman Patrick Claudio, scriptwriter Nikki Alfonso and director Cris Sevilla-Bilbao with Chef Sandy.Took the opportunity to pose with Sandy’s son, Franco.With Chito Benito of Catherine’s Cakes and PiesFood at Focaccia was delicious. There’s EP Jennie Celdran in a denim shirtdress. Will post a story about the crazy roll separately. Below was the caramel cake given by Costa Brava.

Happy viewing friends of FoodPrints. Til the next season.

Thank you, FoodPrints, for making me a part of the Christmas Special.

Other photos by Nikki Alfonso, Cris Bilbao, Melanie de Leon and Poks
Photographed by Blauearth © Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014

Brought Brandon to experience the timeless eats at Hizon’s. Well, I’ve been thinking up their mocha and caramel cakes whenever someone is having a birthday. Besides the American-inspired entrees and tender lengua at the cafe, their buttery quezo de bola ensaymada and yema slice at the bakeshop are also worth spending on. They are generous on dinner rolls, not your run-of-the-mill bread, the texture’s similar to that of their moist ensaymadas.

The triple-cooked orange marmalade wedges at the counter were appealing, so I asked for one before leaving. A piece is meant to be sliced thinly to add zip to something, but I ate it like a dessert. It should be perfect with soft cheeses.

People actually buy Hizon’s cake tutong. “Tino-tosta pa,” says the attendant.

Yema slicesLemon meringue.

Forked a bit of Brandon’s lemon meringue. I found it delicate, a little sourish, yet refreshing.

It’s always a pleasure finding time for Hizon’s.

Hizon’s Cakes and Pastries 1197 Jorge Bocobo corner Arquiza Streets, Ermita, Manila

Photographed by Blauearth © Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014

Hearty eating is compatible with dining with my parents. Three times in a row, we ate at the Golden Fortune Seafood Restaurant that has been around for a long time at the first floor of Peace Hotel in Binondo. I was there before, and yet the experience felt new once again. Having eaten at nearly all the restaurants in Binondo, I can sufficiently rate the quality of food from this Chinese restaurant.

Take, for instance, their hakaw. You have to wait a bit ‘coz they have to steam them fresh to avoid that dried out texture. Theirs pass my test.

I love(!) it when they try to meet special requests, like I asked for fresh mustard leaves in a soup, but with something else other than in the menu. The out of the box mustard and lapu-lapu combination turned out first-rate. Mom’s stuffed tofu was so appetizing. We all loved the seafood canton, which we ordered in place of rice every time.

Golden Fortune was always packed. Obviously a favorite for dim sum and hot pot. Prices are commensurate to quality, still within reach.

Golden Fortune Seafood Restaurant Ground Floor Peace Hotel 1283 Soler St. Binondo, Manila

Photographed by Blauearth © Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014

Bernard Weber, Founder-President of New7Wonders, said, “We began with more than 1,200 nominees from 220 different countries and here have 7 that represent the global diversity of urban society.”

Cities that made the final seven are: Beirut (Lebanon), Doha (Qatar), Durban (South Africa), Havana (Cuba),  Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), La Paz (Bolivia), Vigan (Philippines).

Weber adds, “We congratulate each of these cities on achieving their New7Wonders status, and we look forward to celebrating their election to the ‘canon of 7′ with their citizens in 2015. The New7Wonders Cites will now join the New7Wonders of Nature and the New7Wonders of the World in becoming part of Global Memory for humanity for ever.”

There’s so much reason to celebrate Vigan’s inclusion in the New7Wonders Cities. Congratulations, Vigan City! Viva Vigan!

Photographed by Blauearth © Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014

Alexa likes to protect her cupcake as well as protect the environment from too much single-use plastic containers. Hers is BPA-free, so it’s supposed to be safe. Too cute!

Photographed by Blauearth © Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014

Pasta and cake seem a better match lately. Did you notice, there’s a whole new slew of restaurants with bakery, or vice versa? Is the bakery-café just a trend? Or it must be the Filipino culture and tradition of eating big, like Max’s realized later. We see Conti’s Bakery and Restaurant and Café Mary Grace grow bigger everyday.

Diversity, quality and pleasurable ambiance are major factors that elevate these hybrids to cult status. We’ve seen Wildflour’s rise to fame. Hatch 22 continues to serve all-day breakfast. We’re hearing more of upscale Shine Bakery and Cafe. And there’s also the friendly neighborhood kind of bakery-cafés cropping up. Because of its convenient location, I like going to Dolcelatte, what about you?

Photographed by Blauearth © Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014

Grabbed these gorgeous photos of Ericke’s recent wanderlusting from her timeline. Her purple hair turns muted against the gleaming cascades of Niagara Falls.

My younger sister, Nikko (left), Ericke and her boyfriend King, who’s helped me with the new BlauEarth watermark, btw.

Photos grabbed from Ericke, Veronica E. and King’s FB timelines
© Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014

I have a new super easy and fun recipe perfect for you. Not only kids love cheesy quesadillas. With added creativity, you can transform basic quesadillas into holiday pica pica.

Make our own tortillas with these simple steps.

Flour Tortilla Ingredients
1/2 kilo flour
1/4 cup water
1/2 tsp baking powder
pinch of salt
1 whole egg
butter, softened

Making the Tortillas
Whisk all ingredients until they cling together. Texture should be be tight enough to hold into a dough. Form a ball and roll in a a lightly floured surface, then knead the ball flat into half cm thickness. Your raw tortilla should be about 8-10 inches. Repeat steps until you are ready to heat tortillas on a non-stick pan. Brush pan with butter. Cook each side for about 30 seconds or when air pockets decompress.

Making Quesadillas
For the cheese filling, you will be needing a combination of cheeses, preferably Monterey Jack and cheddar. Follow photo instructional. Brush pan with butter. Cooking time of quesadillas will depend on  crunchiness desired.

Serve with salsa. To add a festive touch, add avocado wedges and sour cream. You can also create unique fillings when you are able to perfect your tortillas. Enjoy!

Photos by BlauEarth Background courtesy of Lucy Nieto on Flickr
© Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014

Rufino’s has moved to a better, wider, more comfy space at the Paseo de Paoay. Chef Nic Rodriquez and his team cater parties too.

If you missed my old post about the food, you might want to check them out here, here and here.

The award-winning chocolate cake.Take 2 must-try brazo de Mercedes.Real bread Christmas ornaments.The Paseo de Paoay. Rufino’s is on the corner near the church entrance

Photographed by Blauearth © Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014

For obvious reason, I seldom wear black. I have a predilection for happy midtones. This kimono, however, has enough sweetness to it. What better way to intensify the pervading tone than deep red pigment?  The NARS Audacious Audrey sent by Ericke comes in handy. It makes me crave Chef Justin Sison’s yamamomo berry dessert.

I’m loving the Audacious line of NARS. Nothing comes close.

{H&M belted kimono, Kate Spade sandals, Dior necklace, Renegade Folk Seven Days purse, NARS Audacious Audrey}

© Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014