Back to Kdrama World and Unboxing!

The last series that I watched when I bid goodbye to Korean Drama was A Korean Odyssey. 

Photo from A Korean Odyssey Facebook

I stopped seeing one because the trend and hype were a bit toxic for me and I felt I want to give the other Asian series a try.

It was a great decision. 

I found myself enjoying Chinese drama series because of unfamiliar actors and their stories were really awesome though there were a bit long to watch, Japanese series are shorter and easy to finished, and recently, I'm such a fan of this particular Laikorn that I've been replaying every other day. 

So going back to Kdrama series, I'm definitely watching them again! Congratulations to me! 

And the first drama that I've seen was Netflix's Rookie Historian: Goo Hae-ryung. 

Photo from SBS Pop Asia

It is a historical drama set in my favorite Joseon Era. Goo Hae-ryung is one of the first female historians. She has this strong personality and she's not afraid of speaking her mind. Her love interest is Prince Dowon who is the writer of the best-selling romance novels and is being kept away from people.

Thanks to this series especially Cha Eun Woo who played Dowon, my heart with Kdrama is full of glee! I am actually having a great time with another historical time-traveling series at the moment. I probably give you an update once I'm done watching it.

Before I ended this blog, I'm excited to feature my first Kdrama Box! 

Thanks to fellow blogger, Miss Ana Gonzales aka Anagon for this lovely box of True Beauty. Honestly, I haven't seen the series but I've been hearing fantastic reviews.

So why did I buy it in the first place?

I have two reasons: it is one of my birthday gifts and Cha Eun Woo.

Without further ado, here is the content of True Beauty's Kdrama box!

These freebies are so cute! 

And what really made me place the order is this pillow! 

Ang puso ko! The most handsome Korean actor ever!

Who can't even resist this? It is the closest way, I can hug Eun Woo!

I can't wait to purchase another Kdrama box and hopefully it is the series that I've been gushing about! 

Level Up your 'Tita-ness' with Tita's Lifestyle Package

Age is just a number. But if you are a Tita, age is an ultimate priority. 😅

As we get old, symptoms of aging (cough) are coming out that's why we need a Lifestyle box that caters to our needs! 

It's finally here, the one we've been waiting for! Here comes Tita's Lifestyle Package that is perfect for every Single Tita, Tita Wannabe, or for your favorite Tita!

What's inside the Sampler Box:

*Two Single Drip Bag (Benguet Brew and Hazelnut Coffee)

*Sunflower Oil

*Pure Essential Oil (Orange)

*Katie's Trinkets

*Coaster

My Thoughts:

~Drip Bag Coffee 

It was my first time to try a Drip Bag Coffee. So aside from research, I even asked my Boss how to use one. 😆Unlike the typical sachet, you don't need a spoon to mix the coffee. Pull the two holders and place them on top of your mug. 

Just pour the water and let it drip inside your mug. Voila! I was even fascinated when it was done.

*Classic Benguet Brew - The smell of it is really strong and it reminds me of the Mountain of Sierra Madre and Cordillera. If you like Dark Coffee, this is for you!

*Hazelnut-Flavored Coffee- I enjoyed this more because I like coffee that it is a bit sweet. The aroma is truly Hazelnut, heavenly!

~Essential Oils

*Sunflower Oil- The smell is nice and not sticky... 

Full review of this skin miracle product on this link: https://www.facebook.com/316743821763572/posts/3250753358362589/

*Orange Pure Essential Oil- This orange scent is perfect for relaxation...  

Full review of this lovely product on this link: https://www.instagram.com/p/CLMKXlIhYs_/?igshid=ks7x316jh3jw

Verdict: 

This is a sampler box that I'm grateful to be given a chance to review. I enjoy discovering every item inside. The packaging of the products was well-thought of.  Probably, my suggestion is that they can add another essential oil like mentholated oil for our aching muscles. Yeah because we are getting old and we need hagod! 😂

Tita's Lifestyle Box will be out soon and they are planning to release boxes of coffee and essential oils where you can choose between the two or have them both!

Check out their other amazing products on this website: https://titaslifestyle.com/

Support them by buying and trying! Thank you very much to Cindy and Ate Kate for this collaboration. 

Level Up Your Romance for Valentine’s at The Manila Hotel!

Do you have plans on Sunday? Why not bring and surprise your special someone in Manila Hotel?

Valentine’s Day is synonymous with a time for wining and dining. It is also the perfect opportunity to show your love and appreciation to your favorite people, or your significant other.

Let it be a Dinner to Remember

Be inspired to take your special someone out on an ultimate date night at The Champagne Room, touted as the most romantic room in the country—the exquisite backdrop to many proposals and declarations of love. The destination of choice for top-tier dining, The Manila Hotel reopens its signature French restaurant exclusively for heart’s day weekend.

Escape the monotony of everyday dining and let your palate escape to France with our specially curated Valentine’s set dinner which kicks off with Pan-Seared Foie Gras and Lobster on melon gazpacho, followed by decadent entrees like Aged Sherry-Scented Roasted Pigeon Consomme with stuffed morsel and sous-vide poached quail egg; and Sweetpea Mascarpone Agnolotti (butter-parmesan emulsion with prosciutto). For mains, you have a choice of generous Chilean Sea Bass in creamy balsamic-pomegranate sauce, Oriental risotto, and fresh market vegetables or our signature Beef Tenderloin on wild mushroom puree, with Anna potato and market vegetables. End your night by lingering over dessert—a must for any romantic occasion—with Raspberry Delight on pistachio shortbread, and a Valentine Praline.  

As an added treat, lady diners will be given one long-stemmed Ecuadorian rose. Lucky girls! Combine all of this with the chic French ambiance and intimate seating, and your Valentine’s Day will be complete. 

The gourmet dinner will be available from February 12, 13, 14, and 15, 2021 at Php4,500 nett per head. Don’t wait though—a table for two at our Champagne Room is always a hot commodity. Call us now for a reservation and book a table at 85270011. 

Add some Sweet Surprises

It’s easy to find the perfect Valentine’s Day gift with our range of premium and delicious chocolates. Chocolate gifts have long been a staple of Valentine’s Days for decades, so what better way to show your love than with our handcrafted chocolates. Two new items from the Deli will surely make your Valentine’s night all the sweeter. Surprise your loved one with either the Valentine Praline Bouquet or the Chocolate Strawberry Bouquet. 

For only P980 nett, the Valentine Praline Bouquet is exactly that—a round bouquet of hazelnut gianduja-based pralines, with highlights of rolled pistachio nuts.

Timeless and popular, round bouquets are popular in weddings, but this artisanal chocolate bouquet is one that will surely add a sweet touch to Valentine’s Day. 

The Chocolate Strawberry Bouquet, which sells for only P1,380 nett, combines the taste of juicy strawberries and the comforting sweetness of chocolates loved by many.

Dipped in artisanal Belgian chocolate and interspersed with pink variant, this is a perfect gift that says a lot. 

These sweet surprise variants can be pre-ordered starting February 8, 2021 from The Manila Hotel’s Delicatessen, or by calling 85270011 or 09989501912. 

And just in time for this Sunday, the Valentine-inspired Raspberry Delight heart-shaped cake combines three ingredients that make the perfect combo: Chocolate Mousse brings sweetness and mellowness; raspberries an acidity note; and pistachio biscuit just the right crunch. For only, Php1,300 nett, this indulgent dessert is just what you need to satisfy your sweet tooth without going overboard. One-day pre-order is recommended.

The Delicatessen also has a host of other chocolate gift items in regular boxes and collectible boxes like heart-shaped sinamay containers. From Belgian chocolate bars to assorted pralines to heart-shaped concoctions, you have numerous options to choose from. 

Hurry make your Valentine's day memorable with Manila Hotel!

Wow The Manila Hotel joins Manila Restaurant Week from Sept. 20 to 27!

It is going to be an exciting week for The Manila Hotel!

Great food and great company are two of life’s simplest pleasures. So mark your calendars and get ready to feast on scrumptious food as The Manila Hotel’s famed Café Ilang Ilang participates in Manila Restaurant Week happening from September 20 to 27, 2020.

Indulge in a choice of starters like the savory Spinach-Ricotta Ravioli in light Parmesan Cream Sauce or Pomelo-Prawns Lumpia in Calamansi Honey Dressing; main course of sumptuous Beef Tenderloin in Balsamic glaze with marble potato and market vegetables or Pampano cooked in Tandoori Oven with Peas Pilaf rice and stir-fried Asian vegetables; and dessert of Fresh Fruits Salad with Ube ice cream or Mango panna cotta as dessert. The starter-main-dessert set is offered at only P980 nett per person, but cannot be availed of in conjunction with other promos or discounts. I'm getting hungry while typing this!

Manila Restaurant Week is an event under the “Manila, Support Local” Campaign, launched by the Bureau of Permits and City Government of Manila. The city-wide project aims to promote local food establishments in Manila that have been affected by the COVID-19 crisis. About 80 restaurants will be offering prix fixe menus at affordable prices during Manila Restaurant Week.

Launched on September 15, The Manila Hotel played one of the hosts of the multi-venue simultaneous kick-off, which was live-streamed on social media platforms. The other hosts were Bayleaf Hotel, Lucky China Town Mall, and Robinsons Place Ermita. The virtual launch was marked by an online performance of Lea Salonga who sang her new single, “Dream Again,” the official theme song of the campaign.

“I believe we can do a lot in restoring the City of Manila back to its former glory under the leadership of Mayor Isko Moreno. We in the private sectors will always support you in this very worthwhile undertaking. Soon, Manila will be great again,” said Atty. Joey Lina, The Manila Hotel President, in his opening remarks during the launch.

Manila Mayor Isko Moreno and Vice Mayor Honey Lacuña gave their respective speeches before checking the 11 restaurants that showcased their dishes at The Manila Hotel’s Roma Salon—namely Café Ilang Ilang, Century Park Hotel, Scorched, Golden Fortune, Luneta Park Hotel, Ilustrado, Tanabe, Jus & Jerrys, Patio de Conchita, Pares Kimchi, and Harbor View—and visiting the other venues, which was watched by thousands via live stream.

The Manila Hotel and all its outlets operate in strict compliance with health protocols, so our guests are assured of the highest standards of food safety and sanitation measures in accordance with the government guidelines.

For more information, you may check us out on Facebook or Instagram (@TheManilaHotel), or call 85270011 or 09989501912. For reservations, email resvn@themanilahotel.com.

Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach interviews “candidates” seeking to join online ESL platform 51Talk!

Pia Wurtzbach interviews candidates who wish to be part of online English platform 51Talk. The live stream, with hints of a reality and talent show, aims to attract 30,000 new online English teachers to join the platform.

Manila, Philippines – 51Talk, together with their new Philippine brand ambassador, Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach, held its first-ever live stream interview via Facebook after hundreds of aspiring online English teachers signed-up to get a chance to be part of the show. The live stream is part of 51Talk’s campaign to invite qualified Filipinos who are interested to take advantage of the 30,000 home-based online teaching opportunities offered by 51Talk where people can teach, learn and most importantly – earn.

Listed in the New York Stock Exchange, 51Talk is the leading online English education platform that connects thousands of Filipino teachers to foreign English language learners via an interactive virtual classroom.

More than 70,000 viewers tuned in and joined the fun and inspiring live stream which allowed them to learn more about the teaching at home opportunity and acquainted them with the application process that can be completed in as fast as three days. Pia interviewed nine pre-selected candidates from different backgrounds who shared their heartwarming stories on how they found hope in 51Talk after losing their jobs or livelihood.

Several of the candidates expressed how the pandemic has affected their current livelihood, especially those who belong to the travel and events industries.

Paula, a professional dancer, and instructor who has been performing and teaching for 14 years had a lot of her events and classes canceled due to COVID-19. She came across the 51Talk online teaching opportunity and decided to give it a shot since she has teaching experience.

“I want to be able to translate my teaching skills from dance and performance arts into teaching English. I just love sharing what I know and see my students grow into the best versions of themselves,” shared Paula.

Trina, a professional events host, found herself in the same boat as a lot of her hosting gigs were canceled or postponed indefinitely.

“While the situation we are in can be very disheartening, I decided to try out as a 51Talk teacher and I’m happy that I made it to this fun interview with no less than Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach!” exclaimed Trina. Trina gave the viewers a taste of her fun, entertaining energy as she sang songs both in English and Chinese

Pearl, another one of the candidates, candidly shared how the past few months have been very tough for those in the travel industry. She was about to return as a flight attendant after her maternity leave but her retraining was put on hold as travel restrictions are still in place. Having no income, Pearl said she had to find a stable and sustainable livelihood that would allow her to help her husband, especially now that they have their first child.

“When I learned about the opportunity in 51Talk, it gave me hope and made me revisit my childhood dream of becoming an educator,” shared Pearl. “Even if I don’t have any teaching experience, I didn’t hesitate to sign-up. I borrowed my sister’s laptop just so I could apply. I’m very excited to start teaching in 51Talk.”

According to 51Talk teacher Angelo Lex who co-hosted the show, being an English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher is very profitable as he gets to earn at the comfort and safety of his own home in his preferred schedule. He also shared his excitement when he learned of the platform’s recent announcement about the 20 million pesos incentive program exclusively for 51Talk teachers this month.

Pia felt ecstatic and inspired since this is her first stint in interviewing candidates online. “It’s a humbling experience to interview such incredible candidates from all walks of life, to hear their unique stories, and to witness how talented and passionate they all are,” shared Pia.

Towards the end of the show, Pia said she was moved after hearing the story of one of the candidates, Pearl, the flight attendant who borrowed her sister’s laptop just so she could sign-up to be a teacher at 51Talk. Pia surprised everyone as she decided to personally give Pearl a laptop to help her get started in her online teaching career.  Wow!

“We see your hard work and we’re very sorry for what you’re going through as a young mom. I find you very engaging and who has so much potential,” said Pia.

Aspiring online English teacher Pearl became emotional when Pia Wurtzbach surprisingly announced she would give Pearl a laptop so she can start earning from home to support her family. Pearl was a flight attendant who lost her job but found hope in 51Talk.

“It’s such an honor to represent 51Talk as their brand ambassador and to be able to connect to thousands of Filipinos through this live stream. I hope it inspired them and gave them joy.”

Pia considers empowering Filipinos as her top advocacy, now more than ever when thousands of Filipinos have lost their livelihood due to the pandemic.

“I am encouraging all qualified individuals to sign-up and to seize this wonderful livelihood opportunity. See you in our next live stream!” exclaimed Pia.

Next month, 51Talk will be doing another round of interviews with a new set of candidates via their official Facebook page. To get a chance to be interviewed, showcase your talent, and have a #DateWithPiaAt51Talk, sign-up via 51Talk’s website at www.51Talk.ph.

(This is a press release.)

K-HIPHOP indie artist, JUNGSU releases new single "Need Ya Now" !

I've always been amazed by Korean performers especially their rigorous training. They are famous labels and groups and it's my first time to encounter a Korean Hip-hop singer invading the American music scene! 

His name is JungSu. He released his new hit single "Need Ya Now" on July 7, 2020, at 7 PM (Pacific Standard Time). When you listen to the new track, the song reflects the intense need of every person asking for God's help and mercy. The impact of the line, "Free me from all things scheming to hurt me," listeners may respond the same to the pleading sentiments of the character asking for forgiveness for the wrongs he had done in life. I just listened to it and I'll definitely press the repeat button not only once but a couple of times!

He is a new hip-hop and R&B musician who made his debut in April 2019. Born and raised in Seoul, South Korea, he moved to Los Angeles and lived there since the young age of 8. He had his first encounter with rap in an 8th-grade mathematics class, where his teacher asked them to memorize the value of Pi (π). Who would have thought that one day, it will bring him to where he is now. Amazing right?

He always keeps his music consistent. JUNGSU, being Christian, an element of his songs has a prominent significance for God. His songs are soothing, and adding warm to them is his deep-toned voice that goes so well with his style in music.

Have a taste of the song of JUNGSU's "Need Ya Now" on Spotify.

{Link: https://open.spotify.com/album/4ZP4qo03jF0wE29b1oEimQ?si=ha7_XTe9QYKG38_pIi2AZw}

He will continue to develop as an artist in the Korean hip-hop music scene and to create his own path. You will definitely be going to fall in love with his music so you better watch him out.

Follow JUNGSU online to keep you updated:

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jungsubak SoundCloud – https://soundcloud.com/jungsubak Youtube – https://www.youtube.com/jungsubak

Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/artist/2ohokrJMkcaqza2gpFjSGF

Apple Music/iTunes – https://music.apple.com/us/artist/jungsu/1457526211

You can hear one of his tracks "Off My Chest" on his official YouTube channel:

{Link: https://youtu.be/e7m1Q-Thsmw}

◼

SURA: Your next fashion statement!

With so many clothing brands that are being introduced in the market, you feel like you want something unique but at the same time, the style has cultural roots.

Let me introduce to you Sur Unida Raza Apparel or SURA.

It is a Mexican-American brand established in 2018 by Flaca, founder and the brain of this Cholo style of clothing.

*What is Cholo clothing?

The first time that I heard Cholo was in highschool. I thought that it was a modern word but later on I found that it already existed in 1609! And to think that the ‘oversized’ and baggy aesthetic that everyone is getting crazy about is actually Cholo clothing!

This amazing discovery makes me more curious about this fashion style!

*The birth of SURA

 Flaca, who was in Mexico in 2018, went shopping around a local vendor. When she decided to come back to Dallas, she immediately drew the attention of others with the clothes that she wears. The people surprisingly even offered to buy her clothes off her back!

That’s when she got the idea to start Sur Unida Raza Apparel, SURA for short.

*Dream Come True

Flaca excitedly then opens her first shop at a local flee shop in Dallas, where immediately, her apparel was flying off her racks and with questions like, “When will you be back?” “Do you have an online store?” “When will you have more?” “Can you do custom designs?”

This positive feedback encourages her to expand her business!

Flaca has just opened up her online store and she is excited to see what the future brings.

*Why SURA?

Most of their apparel is custom made by an Air Brush artist. Wow!

SURA has anything from clothes, shoes, hats, wallets, and other accessories that you would surely love to own.

Curious about how the style looks? 

Here are some photos of the distinct and artistic designs that truly caters Cholo clothing:

What makes SURA unique is that to their knowledge, they are only the Cholo vendor in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. How cool is that right?

I like that SURA wants to bring people together and inspire the Cholo culture to different countries. They do not promote or support any violence, guns, drugs, gangs, or anything illegal.

SURA is proud to see the Cholo culture being embraced and proudly worn in other countries, outside of Mexico and the USA. They have customers ordering from Mexico, Columbia, Spain, and Japan.

Hopefully, SURA will be available in the Philippines someday. I will definitely buy one from their collection!

Please check out SURA and follow them on their social media platforms:

Website:

https://razaapparel.com

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/SurUnidaRazaApparel/

Instagram:

https://Instagram.com/surunidarazaapparel