A Throwback Date with Destination Wedding!

Are you a fan of Keanu Reeves and Wynona Ryder? These two Hollywood superstars had been prominent in 90's. And I'm very glad to see them in one movie.

I got free tickets to watch the advanced screening of Destination Wedding last Tuesday, October 2 at Cinema 6, Robinsons MovieWorld Galleria. Thank you to 99.5 Play FM!

I remembered that the first film I've seen the 'immortal' looking, Keanu Reeves, was Sweet November. I was in high school back then. Ang tanda ko na! Wynona Ryder had a part in Black Swan and that was the last time I saw her in a film.

It was refreshing to see these two actors who said to be 'married' in an actual film that focussed at a wedding.

Pros

1. The Title

Photo from pinterest

It is predictable that the story would revolve at a wedding but haven't read the synopsis, I was curious. I watched the trailer and yet, I found myself asking, what is about the destination wedding?

2. Two Strangers, One event

What are the odds that you meet a person and you are going to the same place and event? This movie truly showed what is destiny and coincidence.

Photo from Hollywood Life

When Lindsay (Wynona Ryder) met Frank (Keanu Reeves), there was that instant attraction. They just didn't expect that more than being seatmates on the plane, almost roommates (their rooms are abreast) and seatmates again in the venue, they both have the connection with the engaged couple. 

3. Of Love, Belief, and Argument... 

Photo from www.out.com

Frank and Lindsay are like stones clashing. No one wants to lose the argument. I like how they are bickering and bantering at each other. 

Photo from Zookap

Lindsey is a hopeless romantic prosecutor while Frank is a magazine writer. Both are smart people but have different perception about love, marriage, and life. 

4. The breathtaking San Luis Obispo

Photo from Social News XYZ

Photo from twitter.com

Honestly, when one says California, all I can think about is San Francisco because I've been there. When I saw that the setting of the wedding features picturesque mountains, vineyard, and garden, I couldn't help but wish to go back to California and visit the place. 

Cons... 

Some dull moments and hanging ending. 

It was not a fast paced film but because it revolved around Frank and Lindsey only, there were scenes that I wanted interaction with the people around them. I absolutely hated an open-ended movie and Destination Wedding makes me beg for more. 

I liked Keanu Reeves' character, he is very smart and at the same time, caring. It was an eye candy seeing Wynona Ryder and Keanu Reeves together again! 

Photo from kinovm

PerksBeWithYouRating: 9/10 

(There are so many negative reviews about this film but the laughs that came from the audience last night proved that moviegoers enjoyed it. I was one of them!) 

A better way to end your first week of October is to see this romantic comedy in the big screen! Destination Wedding is showing nationwide today. 

Movie Review: Love and Cooking with Little Italy

Last Saturday, I was one of the lucky guests of the special screening of Little Italy. It happened at Cinema 8, Greenhills Promenade. 

This was the second time that I watched a movie in the said cinema house. My friend whom I invited was truly happy because it was her first time to see a film there and it was free. Thank you, Banana Peel, for the tickets!

And yes, it been a while since I had a movie review, the first this year (hopefully not the last though). 

Pros:

1. Hayden Christensen, hallelujah! 

Photo from Mudabare

I'm not a fan of this guy but it was a breath of fresh air to see him acting again! Like omg! The last time that I've seen him was during his Star Wars days (yeah, I'm just too old! Hihihi...) and he is still a cutie after how many years!

2. Pizza everywhere!

Photo from Metro US

Photo from Now Magazine

If you are a lover of this heavenly food that could ruin your diet, then you would be hungry from the beginning until the end of this movie. I like that they show different kinds of pizza and I became familiar with how to make one. I wish there is a real Pizza Organico.

3. Career versus Family

Emma Robert's character, Nikki didn't want to go back to Little Italy because she believed that nothing would ever change. 

Photo from Trailer Addict

The feud between the two fathers which affected their families and the guy she loved seemed to be the same. Yet, in her heart, she knows where happiness truly lies.

Photo from Product Placement Blog

Photo from Eater

4. The Secret Ingredient...

It was a great thing that this film not only focuses on pizza but it pinpoints the importance of other factors that can make a long-lasting relationship and life. And it is none other than love. 

Photo from The Globe and Mail

Apart from seeing Emma Roberts (Nikki) and Hayden Christensen (Leo), they have awesome chemistry by the way! 

Photo from Los Angeles Times

Their super cute Nonno (Danny Aiello) and uber charming Nonna (Andrea Martine) are lovers but they kept their affair secretly. 

Photo from Mohits Movies

They are so funny to watch and their advice to the young couple is priceless.

Cons:

Airport scene: A bit dragging and I don't think it can happen in reality.

There were dull moments in few parts of the movie yet it highlights aspects of life that are very applicable. 

I hope to see more romantic comedy films like this! Awesome casting! 

Photo from twitter.com

Perks Be With You rating: 8.5/10

Little Italy is said to be out by October 3 in cinemas nationwide. 

MIBF 2018: Experiences and Book Haul

This Manila International Book Fair was truly special to me.

The most beautiful entrance ticket that I've seen!

It happened last September 12-16 at SMX Convention, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City. 

I decided to attend the exciting event twice in the first and last days. Rain or shine, I would be there! 

I was thrilled that my self-published book: Elvyn's Eyes for the first time was part of MIBF. 

Can you spot it?

It was displayed at Edushop booth together with A Time for Heists, a romantic suspense anthology in which I had a short story. 

I was truly grateful that my first Fantasy English short story is part of Out of this World, an anthology that was launched in MIBF and produced by 8letters. Thank you, Marigold and the rest of your team! 

Isn't she beautiful? :)

Why the first day? 

My boss told me that she went to MIBF last year and she liked that there were few people. She had a great time checking every booths and stall. It actually encourages me to do it this 2018. And I did.

I visited the booths where my books could be found. No book shopping for me because I need to go back to work.  Not so much crowd and the first day was intended for teachers and students, great job with that MIBF. 

And the last day... 

I was expecting that there would be a lot of people. And I was not wrong. 

I arrived at five in the afternoon and went straight to National Bookstore because I won from their twitter giveaway. I claimed the only International book that I got from MIBF. Yay! 

Some BDJ 2019 planners! I like the new planner covers!

I was having second thoughts if I would push through book signing because it would take a lot of time lining up and I was waiting to finally meet and greet my blogsite's winner. 

If you are reading this Aica, you know the real reason why I wasn't able to meet you up earlier. Sorry! 

Yes, I lined up for the meet and greet with Lourd De Veyra. 

Early in the line...

The popular host and commercial actor released his latest book entitled History with Lourd under Summit Books. 

It was a short but happy book signing for me because I was able to thank Mr. Lourd. 

A friend of mine recommended me to watch his show and it helped me when I was doing my romantic suspense short story. It was awesome telling it to him and he said, he hoped that I learned from it. Which I did. I could not wait to read his book. 

My MIBF 2018 was remarkable with the people I met but the downside was, I didn't have time to shop for books, explore the whole convention and check out every booth. I was lucky enough to buy three books which were written by fellow Filipino authors. 

Book Haul! I'm so behave, right? 

My advice to those who are planning to attend the event for the first time next year, the first day is the best time to go, be early and bring a friend or two. 

And to myself, for MIBF 2019, I will surely be there but this time around I will visit every booth from first to the second floor and will bring extra fund. 

To end this blog, thank you from the bottom of this author's heart for joining my last giveaway.

Congratulations to the only #TeamMIBF entry and to the lucky entry of #TeamBahay that was chosen by my dear friend unicorn. Check out the photo and video that I will upload after this blog post. 

Please do send me a PM on how to claim your prizes before September 26!

Fully Satisfied with Wingzone!

Last June, I finally met one of the bloggers who inspired me to started my blog site. I won from Miss Fran’s birthday celebration and I was lucky to be invited as one of her six guests for her party.  It held to the newly opened Wingzone at the 2nd floor, Mega Atrium, Sm Megamall.

It is their first branch in the Philippines, congratulations on them!

It was a great afternoon that was full of chikahan and of course, delicious foods on the table! Though I was one of the singles and not yet Mom, I was thrilled listening to stories of first-time mothers, having twins and all about being a parent. I was very happy to be part of the short but sweet bonding.

Photo from Miss Fran's IG.

I’m still fangirling every now and then so when I saw my idols, I’m becoming shy. Sadly, I wasn’t able to take a photo with Miss Fran yet there is still some other time. Before we went home, Miss Fran gave us free coupons that we could use when we visit the cool foodie place again. Yay!

I invited two of my close guy friends to join me to visit Wingzone again. They were both thrilled with my chicken wings’ treat!

On my second visit to Wingzone, it was lunchtime so my friend ordered rice and soft drink (79php for the two). Aside from the free four naked chicken wings, we added six boneless bites (185php). What’s great with Wingzone, they let you choose from 15 of their awesome sauces where you can enjoy your chicken wings!

Honey Q was my instant favorite sauce while my friend wanted something spicy, he went to Thai Chili as his sauce.  

I ordered the Flavor Rubbed Wedges (125php) and the flavor that I tried for it was Cool Ranch.

I actually liked the taste of it and truly appreciate that it was not very sweet. I gulped the large iced tea (75php) with satisfaction after the wonderful meal. My friend said that he would dine in Wingzone again!  Hooray on that!

For my third visit, it was way past lunch but my good friend and I met at the Wingzone. We were hungry and would definitely like to eat heavy to fulfill our stomachs.

We agreed to pick up their burgers! You can choose between chicken (245php) or beef burger (275php). We both decided to take the beef burger. I added bacon (30php) to my burger to become more flavorful.

Mine!

And because I had free coupons, we availed the free chicken wings! This time I chose Liquid Gold which was wonderful to my taste bud while my friend tried Lemon Zinger, the combination of salty and spicy flavor.

His

My friend was hoping that a branch of Wingzone would be open soon in their area especially as he was given a loyalty card!

I also got mine after my second visit and would do my best to complete the top stamps so I will get 12 Free chicken wings! Sayang ‘yun! Instant ulam din di ba?

I would go back to Wingzone soon because I still haven’t tried their salad, deserts and other delectable side dishes!

Congratulations to FILIPINAS DAVA! You guessed the name of the restaurant correctly!

You won these foodie items straight from the US!

Kindly send me an email at perksbewithyou@yahoo.com on how to claim your prizes! I will be waiting for your email before Friday (August 31).

My Nails Experience with HG Studio

I was invited again by HG Studio to try their other pampering services! This time, I had a manicure and pedicure session.

It was nice to be back at HG Studio after a month!

The welcoming and vibrant interior of the salon truly made me feel that I will be having a good time. Well, I was not disappointed.

I came all the way from Megamall to meet a blog winner (hello Cris!) and a friend of mine when I decided to drop by HG Studio.

Ate Terri, the resident nail technician was the one who accommodated me. She immediately led me to the chair and started cleaning my nails.

Hello Ate Terri!

What I actually like with Ate Terri was she was very meticulous with cleaning my nails. HG Glam Team would really take your comfort and beauty seriously.

Cleaning my toenails

I've been to different nail salons already and most of the time, they only nip the ingrown that they could see. They would clean my nails quickly and in the end, I was not satisfied. I honestly have deep ingrown and my fingernails are usually capable of being wounded or worse, of having pus that I had to endure for a couple of days. I hate it when I paid bucks despite the nail technician not doing her work properly.

The HG Nails experience is definitely different. I liked how Ate Terri polished my nails and took good care of it.

Love this!

The nipper, nail cutter and nail file that she used were, rest assured, cleansed.

It was also my first time to encounter the nail polish brand, Vinimay.

Ate Terri said I should try it because it has quick-drying elements... and it was true! I decided to put Vinimay polish on my toenails and surprisingly, up until now, it hasn't chipped away unlike other nail polish, such as Chic which I used to put on my fingernails, that quickly bid goodbye.

Almost there!

Tada!

For everyone's information, Vinimay is an imported brand of nail polish which is scarcely available here in the country but fortunately, HG Nails got a hold of those gems. Its quick-drying elements and semi-permanent quality make your polished nails retain its vibrancy up to a month! This is no joke, other HG clients can totally prove this. HG definitely wants only the best for its clients.

If you plan to try their mani and pedicure services, send me a message or better yet, call HG Studio to book a schedule for your pampering services.

Awesome deal!!!

"Use my promo code PAU10 to enjoy 10% off from your total bill which costs P800 and up!"

Great news for everyone!

Free Hair Spa every Monday and Tuesday this whole August!

The Hairmazing Deals are still on and 15% off in all L'oreal Services!

What are you waiting for? Set an appointment with HG Studio or visit their salon now to avail of these awesome services!

HG Studio

G/F Torre Venezia Hotel

Quezon City, Philippines

Call (02) 622 0360

***Photos without watermark are from HG Ambassador, Daniella Faye Cruz***