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October is the World Pasta Month Celebration in Italy and other Mediterranean countries.  The only Artisan quality Italian pasta in the Philippines, Doña Elena Al Dente Pasta, has pioneered the World Pasta Month celebration for the Filipinos last October 9, 2015 at SM Mall of Asia, Main Atrium. Their advocacy was to bring people together to appreciate pasta more and to recognize how this dish has been well-accepted in the daily lives of the Filipino consumers. Indeed, it was a remarkable experience for everyone, deliciously made with one of the world’s favorite foods, Pasta!  Doña Elena Al Dente Pasta is produced according to the tradition of true Italian pasta. There is actually an Italian law prescribing that pasta must be made using 100% durum wheat semolina, which is the hardest of all the wheat varieties and has the highest protein content. It is the use of durum wheat that makes pasta “al dente” or “firm to the bite.” Aside from being made of durum wheat

Known as the African Caribbean, the islands of Cape Verde have long been attracting visitors to their golden shores . This cultural melting pot of African, Portuguese and Brazilian influences makes for a unique holiday destination with no shortage of delicious local food. We’ve put together this guide on some of the best places to visit and the must-try dishes. Boa Vista Aside from the endless stretches of white, powdery sands and crystal waters, there is plenty to enjoy on this small island. During the months of June to October, marine turtles lay their eggs on the sandy beaches. Guided tours are available, providing a safe way to watch the hatchlings as they make their way to the ocean. Be sure to visit the coastal town of Sal Rei which stays true to its rich heritage with a great selection of traditional restaurants. It’s one of the best places to sample the national dish, cachupa rica - a slow cooked stew of meat or fish with corn, beans and maize. Sao Vice

Acne is one of the most common skin problems among teenagers. Also, acne can affect adults.  What causes acne? According to MayoClinic, the four main factors that cause acne are oil production, dead skin cells, clogged pores and bacteria. Hormones, certain medications, diet and stress are also huge contributors that can trigger acne.  Here are the basic prevention tips you can do to avoid acne: 1. Use less oil-based skin products.  Using oil-based sunscreen, cosmetics, and other skin care products makes you more prone to acne. 2. Watch what touches your face. Avoid resting your hands and other objects (like your phone screen) to your face.  3. Don't prick your pimples Just don't.  Here comes a more effective solution to prevent acne: Acne Care Beauty Soap.

Last October 17, I was invited as a blogger-judge for the annual foodie event organized by UP EcoSoc, Foodgasm . This time, it was held in one of the most popular foodie destinations in the metro - Maginhawa Street! I have sampled 39 food samples from 32 food stalls during that day. Food stalls were divided into Sets A and B, and the foodies should be able to rate the food samples from 1 to 5 (with 5 as the highest).  Here are my favorites from the event. 1. Chocolate Chip Cookies by Saj's Cakes and Pastries I was amazed at how moist and chewy the cookies are. Good job! Saj's also served samples of their Chocochip Banana Cookies. Facebook Page   Instagram   2. Champorado and Yema Cupcakes by FAT Cupcake I love unique flavors on cupcakes! The Champorado Cupcake is a real winner, where they used sticky rice to get that authentic Champorado taste. The Yema Cupcake is a lovely rendition of one of my favorite Filipino sweet treats. 

After our tiring drive from El Nido , we arrived in Puerto Princesa City where we stayed for one night. Our accommodation was Charing Pension House along Manalo Street. It was a touching gesture that the staff was waiting for us at the gate and were expecting us to arrive.  The Standard Room (Published rate: Php 1300) is more than what we expected. It has two beds: one twin and one single, with a spacious bathroom, hot and cold shower, a huge cabinet, cable TV, and a set of table and chairs outside the room. They also have wi-fi. 

Note: This restaurant is already closed.  I haven't realized that there's a ramen shop in the Morato area (except for the newly-opened Nihonbashitei) until I went to try  Go-en in Jardin de Zenaida along Sgt. Esguerra.  Kendamas on display Mangas you can read inside Go-en Go-en, named after the Japanese five yen coin to symbolizes good luck, opened in May 2012 by longtime partners Marilyn and John. Marilyn and John are living in Japan for more than two decades. The earthquake in Japan last 2011 made them decide to establish a business in Manila. Their love for Japanese food has made them bring real Japanese ramen to Manila. 

I have a list of quaint places in Manila that I have been wanting to try, one of them is Stockton Place in Legaspi Village in Makati City. Stockton Place was packed when we arrived, but we were lucky to score a table near the counter. Most of the guests are professionals who probably work around the area. Since I was craving for mushroom soup, my friend and I shared a Creamy Wild Mushroom Soup (Php 285). Creamy Wild Mushroom Soup

Photo from PayMaya A few weeks ago, I was invited to the sneak preview of PayMaya , the payment solution that allows anyone to shop online or any Visa-accepted store without a credit card. Photo from PayMaya How Do I Register for a PayMaya Account? 1. Download the app from iTunes or Google Play Store 2. Sign up with your details 3. Verify your account and your mobile number.  As soon as you're registered, you'll be given an instant virtual VISA which you can use like a debit card. :)

Note: This restaurant is already closed.  My friends and I went to this newly-opened wings place in Kapitolyo called Wishbone.  There was no restaurant sign when we visited, but to avoid confusion, it is located between Tomahawk and The Round Table.  For the appetizer, we shared a Poutine (Php 149). Poutine I must say that their version of Poutine gave the Canadian dish justice, with Chorizo bits, cream cheese, and gravy on thick-cut fries. We fought for this until the last piece.  Wishbone offers 9 unique wings flavors, served six pieces per order. We tried the Salted Egg (Php 209) and the Srirachamansi (Php 209).

Our accommodations during our stay in El Nido Palawan is Orange Pearl Beach Resort . It is located in Marimegmeg Beach, located a few minutes away from the town proper.  We booked a Concrete Cottage for couples (published rate: Php 2000 during off peak, Php 3500 for peak season). Our room is an aircon room with a balcony, shower room and breakfast.  Here are the pros and cons if you decide to stay at Orange Pearl Beach Resort: PROS 1. This lovely view every morning.  Marimegmeg Beach on a high tide Our room is at the beach front, which gives us this breathtaking view of Marimegmeg Beach as soon as we open our door.  Marimegmeg Beach on a low tide

The chefs at New World Makati Hotel , in partnership with the Australian Trade Commission and the State Government of Victoria, Australia, share their expertise on high-quality meats, wines, and cheeses through a hotel-wide Australian promotion from October 19 to November 8, 2015.    Executive Chef Robert Davis and Guest Chef Tim Hollands Executive Chef Robert Davis and Guest Chef Tim Hollands kick off the promotion last October 1 with a curated wine and cheese pairing, followed by a presentation of the special menu items exclusively available during the three-week promotion.

Osaka Ohsho offers more than their famous steamed and pan-seared gyoza. This rainy season, Osaka Ohsho brings us the Sukiyaki Festival , featuring two new sukiyaki variants and my favorite, beef sukiyaki. :) We always indulge ourselves with Osaka Ohsho's gyozas: Bacon & Cheese (Php 190 for 6 pcs) for me and Nori (Php 190) for my friend.  Bacon & Cheese and Nori Gyoza For the sukiyaki, we shared a serving of a piping hot Beef Sukiyaki (Php 390). Beef Sukiyaki

This time last year I was in Thailand , eating as much Thai food as I can stuff into my mouth. Since that trip, Thai cuisine held a special place in my heart (and my tummy). However, Thai food in Manila seems to be expensive and quite rare.  I was happy that my friends recommended this small Thai resto discreetly located in Kapitolyo called Smile Elephant.  The place was quite small and could only accommodate around 20 to 30 people, hence we had to wait outside before we were seated.  We started with the complimentary appetizer, the sweet and salty nuts, and Thai Iced Tea (Php 85). Thai Iced Tea

LIVE. FOR. FOOD Enjoy a day filled with food, shops and entertainment of some of the best upcoming food establishments and performers in the Metro as The UP Economics Society and Barangay Teacher's Village East  In partnership with  The Body Shop | Fight Factory Manila | Bacardi #ItsNotAPartyWithoutBacardi And Powered by Globe Proudly present  FOODGASM GOES TO MAGINHAWA A 40th Anniversary Celebration of Barangay Teachers Village East   October 17, 2015 Maginhawa St., Teachers Village East Get ready for the yummiest event of the season! Line-up of activities:  FOOD TASTING COMPETITION Get ready to taste and judge the best upcoming dishes the Metro has to offer. Pre-Selling: P200 Door Price: P250 Reserve your tickets at tinyurl.com/FoodgasmTickets *Tickets are also available at the Barangay Hall and at the Ecosoc tambayan in the School of Economics, UP Diliman.  EATING CONTEST Come in groups of 4 and battle it out with fe

The boyfie and I have tried several restaurants in El Nido town proper, but only one managed to impress us. That is El Nido Boutique & Art Cafe.  The cafe itself is located at the second floor of the building, which also houses a souvenir shop and a travel agency. You'll be asked to leave your shoes at the entrance of the cafe.  While waiting for our orders to arrive, we were served complimentary bread.  We started with Mixed Vegetable Salad (Php 130 for small, Php 200 for large), Fresh Lumpia Vegetable Spring Roll (Php 150), and French Fries (Php 110 for regular, Php 130 for large). Mixed Green Vegetable Salad Fresh Lumpia Vegetable Spring Roll

Brotzeit German Bier Bar and Restaurant brings the legendary Oktoberfest celebration in Manila for the third time! This mini-festival is complete with FREE-FLOWING BEER and authentic Bavarian cuisine, plus lots of exciting games, music and dancing.  My foodie friends and I joined the celebration last September 26, where the festivities started as early as 7pm.  We started with the limited edition Weihenstephaner Oktoberfestbier.  Limited Edition Weihenstephaner Oktoberfestbier The Weihenstephaner Oktoberfestbier (before 6pm: 0.3L - Php 165, 0.5L - Php 250, 1L - Php 445 / after 6pm: 0.3L - Php 200, 0.5L - Php 300, 1L - Php 540) is a full rich-bodied, happy, seasonal lager especially brewed for the Oktoberfest season with 5.8% alcohol. Grab this beer before the draught tap runs dry! Pair your beer with Oktoberfest classics such as the Oktoberfest Platter (Php 2950), a platter good for 6 pax, with Brotzeit's crispy oven roasted pork knuckle