PopTalk Malolos Food Crawl | Miss G on PopTalk!

Unexpected yet overwhelming. 

I cannot put into words the excitement when I received a call from PopTalk, inviting me to be one of their guest reviewers. It was Wednesday night (September 20, 2017) and I just got home from work, my phone rang and displayed a strange number. I answered the call and was so shocked to hear the lady from the opposite line introducing herself. It was so silly of me to even clarify what she just said! 

I had a short phone interview with Ms. Eunice, PopTalk's researcher, and the rest was just crazy. I had only a day to prepare for my first-ever appearance on National Television! It was so nerve-wracking yet thrilling! Since I have no time to decide on what to wear, I opted for a green Forever 21 bodycon dress (courtesy of a good friend, Ms. Wenna) and my fave white sandals from Erin by Etsy. Popped a pair of silver heart-shaped dangling earrings, applied thin makeup (which was later on retouched by the makeup artist) and breathe deeply...

I was good to go :)

In the morning of September 22, Friday, we were bound to the historical City of Malolos, Bulacan. I was with my co-reviewers, celebrity Gil Cuerva and Chef Jerick Manalo, and of course with the show's host, Kuya Tonipet. After a few hours, (can't remember the exact number of hours because I'm chatting with Chef Jerick, hehe) we reached the first destination, Balai Serafin.

BALAI SERAFIN

It is a small restaurant, which actually resembles a house. Though the space is limited, you won't be short-changed with the array of native paintings and ornaments, all situated in a very cozy atmosphere. 

Here's the part of the episode featuring BS:

Below photo was our first groufie! (don't miss our photo-bomber, haha!) Haven't started with the food, yet I feel so full already. A breakfast buffet was served prior to this, good thing I didn't ate that much. Oh God, this is it, the start of pigging-out!

With Kuya Tonipet, Gil Cuerva and Chef Jerick Manalo

Shy at first, I still managed to take some photos, especially the food. Everything is so Instagram-worthy! Filipino food, native designs and relaxing ambiance, what more can you ask for? The whole family will surely enjoy it here. 

By the way, the paintings aren't for design purposes only, because they are all for sale. A large part of the proceeds will go to the natives, so if ever you visit Balai Serafin, make sure to check these beautiful artworks and probably purchase one. 

It was almost lunch time when we hit the road again. They say that lunch will be served at the second stop, but hey, aren't they full enough? I don't think I would manage to stuff more food inside my tummy!  

KALYE MABINI

Second restaurant was Kalye Mabini. We were warmly welcomed by the KM crew, which is simply lovely. Their menu is filled with American-Italian dishes that are surprisingly affordable.  

Now here's the part featuring KM:

Of course my blogger instinct was triggered again! I won't definitely miss a snap of each dish (not to mention that their black tables are so perfect for food flat lays!)

The food was good, but I fell in love with the baked mussels and oysters, they were my instant favorite! Also, I am very thankful that we had salad for lunch, as I really needed something light to get rid of the "umay" brought by the meat dishes earlier. 

At this time, I felt that I'm more comfortable reviewing the food in front of the camera :) Thank you to Mr. John, the associate producer, for being so patient with us, particularly me *smiles*

Are we saving the best for last? Let's see!

It is almost dark when we arrived at Bistro Maloleno. However prior to this, we visited the Barasoain Church and the Museo ng Republika 1899, which was good because I think I've shed a few calories during the tour and digested most of the stuff I consumed from the first two restaurants.  

Now let's get it on again!

BISTRO MALOLENO

"Love at first bite", who said this line? Well just find out here:

The food served to us were all sweet in general, however, the sweetness vary in intensity and accompanying flavor. Though I'm already full, I surprisingly found myself digging to each dish, simply because all of them are delicious! Especially the seafood platter, it was unbelievable! In the end, everything was so "sulit" and "masarap" indeed!

 

After all the eating, my favorite part was giving the final verdict. My "kadaldalan" was put into good use! Thought I'll be saying a few words only, but yeah, ended up explaining further!  On the other hand, I certainly don't want to give a low score though, but I just have to be honest, as I always am with my reviews. Nonetheless, I totally enjoyed the service, the food and everything in between, so definitely "pop na pop" for the three restos!

 

It was a loooong and tiiiiiiring day that I will never, ever, forget. Truly, if you expect the least, you'll get best! Who would've thought that I will actually appear on TV?! And not just a one-liner scene, but a whole episode! I still can't believe it...Thank you so much papa G.

My heartfelt thanks to the people behind the success of PopTalk---Kuya Tonipet and the entire crew. This may be my first and last episode with you guys, but I'm sure that I'll be seeing you again :) And for my family and friends who patiently waited for the episode to be aired, and finally watched the full episode last October 21 on channel 11 (originally scheduled on the 14th but was moved), I love you all!

I am hoping that this won't be the last, but only the beginning of more similar opportunities (yikes!). If you are also interested to be a guest reviewer on PopTalk, simply follow all their social media accounts and interact! Don't force or harass them guys, let them discover you :) Hoping to see you on the next PopTalk episode!

My love from another star remake? LOL

Cheers to more unexpected opportunities...

BLK Cosmetics by Anne Curtis | Velvet Lip Cream, Long-Lasting Liquid Eyeliner, CBH Palette | Review+Swatch+Price

I DIDN’T KNOW what was I thinking then, but I just found myself browsing over the website of BLK Cosmetics two weeks ago. It took me almost half an hour to decide on the items to be added in my cart, until I finally picked three products when I checked out. 

Now I'll be sharing my honest thoughts about them, so please keep on reading :)

THE PRODUCTS

I ordered three items out of the seven available products on their site. Below are the products that I’ve purchased and their prices:

BLK Velvet Lip Cream (Classy, pinkish nude) 

for 299.00 php

BLK Long-Lasting Liquid Eyeliner (Black) 

for 249.00 php

BLK Contour, Blush & Highlight Palette 

(Flushed, rose blush) for 499.00 php

Shipping fee costs me 210.00 php. The items arrived after three days, coupled with regular items on my email, whether the order is being processed or already being shipped. 

I first tested the CBH Palette and was impressed at first glance. It is a bit heavy than usual, creating a “feel” that the product is compact or dense. If it is your first-time to use such product, there is a quick guide at the back of the box.

I like that it combined three separate items in one: contour, highlighter and blush, making it so handy. The contour powder is light and blendable, while the highlighter and blush are both pigmented and blends to the skin really well. As I have a fair skin, this palette actually gave me a warm glow. 

This is how it looks like when swatched on the skin. I think the contour powder is somewhat light that it won't do justice in creating looks that requires heavy contouring. On the other hand, I totally like the blush because it has a soft shimmer, making the skin looked flushed yet natural-looking. Lastly, the highlighter didn't "wowed" me, because it's kinda dark for my skin tone, but the pigmentation is actually good and the light champagne hue creates a warm, sun-kissed glow, which I suprisingly love.

Next is the Velvet Lip Cream in pinkish nude. I was so surprised with its texture—so soft and creamy. When applied to the lips, it glides smoothly but somehow doesn’t spread evenly. I still used a lip brush cover the edges of my lips. 

However, I love its moisturizing effect on my lips, while leaving a subtle color. Plus, the packaging is really nice (so classy!), though the size of the actual product is smaller than a regular lipstick (like almost 3/4 of the usual, which make it a bit expensive if compared with other lipstick brands). 

I didn't love the color of the "classic nude" at first, but when I applied it, I notice that it has a shimmering effect---too mild to get easily noticed, but as you wear it, the glow comes out. Certainly not long-lasting, so if you want something that will stick on your lips for hours, this isn't your match. But for me, I've set the "smudge-proof and kiss-proof" criteria aside, because this is totally moisturizing! 

Lastly, I tried the Long-Lasting Liquid Eyeliner in black. It is like a fine tip marker that is indeed easy to apply, though I would love if the tip is a bit flexible. It doesn’t dry quickly after application, however, I noticed that it doesn’t smudge or fade for the entire day. It can also be easily removed using micellar water.

Not complicated to use and successfully managed to stick on my eyelids for the entire day. Another thing is that I felt no irritations or redness along my blinkers; it is lightweight and has rich black hue. Of course, the success of creating the perfect cat eyes still depends on the skill of the user (so practice lovelies!).

THE VERDICT

I have watched some YT videos reviewing BLK cosmetics, some of which didn’t actually recommend the products. But I guess, we shouldn’t be looking at this brand as a provider of high-end makeup products, because they will totally beat their purpose. I believe that the brand started out really well. They don’t need to offer products with the best coverage, the most pigmented or with awesome staying-power, because they are simply trying to cater cosmetics which will just enhance natural beauty—making every application uncomplicated, but out of the ordinary.

I would definitely purchase the remaining items and keep them as part of my everyday makeup routine. They are actually affordable in terms of product quality and packaging. They may not be the best makeup products that I've used or tried in the past, but they are good enough for my daily kikay kit—eliminating the hassle of having too much makeup!

I can't wait to try the compact powder, brow sculpting duo, and the matte lippies! Do you want a one-makeup brand tutorial? Let us have one using BLK cosmetics :) Coming soon!

Uncomplicated beauty, as always

It's Adventure Time with McDonalds' Happy Meal

ADVENTURE TIME HITS the international fast-food chain--McDonalds--again! There are eight characters to choose from when you buy a Happy Meal. Unlike their first appearance as collectible figures, this time, they are more interactive as there are different games on each character. 

Now I'll show you why they are worth the hoard +  few quick facts about them, which all AT fans can relate to!

Jake the Dog

The magical dog of Finn, known for his shape-shifting abilities also called as "Stretchy Powers".

Inside is a tic-tac-toe game, with the faces of Jake and Finn. It comes with a small pencil and score sheet too! I tried playing it with Japs and won twice out of five!

Finn the Human

The 12-year old teenager who fights evil in the Land of Ooo, together with his bestfriend, Finn.

It is actually a maze game, wherein you can change the background into three different settings. Looks easy, but very tricky!

Princess Bubblegum

Also known as Princess Bonnibel or Bonnie Bubblegum. This smart girl is a scientist, inventor and ruler of candy kingdom.

As you peek inside, it is like a shooting game, wherein the aim is to shoot the metal balls inside the u-shaped pockets. Can you shoot all in one attempt?

Ice King

The ruler of the Ice kingdom and the one who always wants to kidnap Princess Bubblegum, so he could marry her. *yikes!*

The game inside is quite the same with Princess Bubblegum. The only difference was the setting and the position of the pockets. 

Marceline the Vampire Queen

She may be a vampire, but her appetite is not necessarily for blood--but for things that are red *spooky*

It is very interesting inside, because you can mix sounds by pressing the three buttons alternately or at once!

Beemo

Finn and Jake's living video game console system, which can also be a toaster, camera, soccer player, chef and of course, a friend.  

There's no game inside, but just a couple of rectangular cards, each with different expression or emotion. You can change what displays on the monitor by inserting a card. I can actually clip it on my bag and easily reveal what I feel for the day! 

Lumpy Space Princess

The stubborn, apathetic, sassy and always-on-the-phone princess. She can float and infect others with lumps when she bites! Yay!

Super cute game inside! Certainly reminds me of my childhood years *sigh*. You just need to press the star-shaped buttons to push the stars  with holes upward and land them on the transparent cones. 

Lady Rainicorn

A female hybrid of rainbow and unicorn. She is Princess Bubblegums' royal steed and bestfriend---and also Jakes's girlfriend!

Just like Beemo, there's no game inside. But it will unleash your creative side, as you bring life out of the colorless illustrations using the multi-colored pencil!

And we're done! I hope you enjoyed this post and visit McDonalds later to grab some of your fave characters...or maybe snatch them all!  

Cheers to those who are kid-at-heart like me :)

Literati Manila's Stylish Cropped Tees + GIVEAWAY!

HAVE YOU SEEN THE LATEST collection of this online clothing brand? If you are always shopping at the Trendsetters Bazaar, you probably have seen them there! 

LITERATI MANILA has truly emerged as a fab clothing line, delivering youthful style and affordability all in one brand. If I remember it correctly, they started the brand by selling overrun branded clothes at different bazaars, until they finally launched their own line of statement tees just a few months ago. 

Now they have launched these lovely cropped tees! And I'm totally into them! Why? simply because:

• They are made of good-quality materials (breathable and durable) 
• The designs are simple, yet trending (There's a piece that will surely fit your mood everyday)
• They are sold at very affordable price (Who doesn't like a tee for less than 300 php?!)

These cool cropped tees are available online, visit @literatimanila_shop on Instagram to view their complete collection. You can also like their main IG account @LiteratiManila for the latest updates on the bazaars they are hitting next! 

I hope we bump into each other at the next Trendsetters Bazaar! In front of Literati Manila's booth of course! *smiles*

****GIVEAWAY TIME!****

And because I love you guys, I have teamed up with the very generous Literati Manila family for an awesome GIVEAWAY! 

Get a chance to WIN stylish cropped tees by following the simple steps below:

1. Like the photo on Instagram
2. Like @missg_diaries, @literatimanila and @literatimanila_shop

3. Subscribe to my blog (button on the right side)

That easy! Winners will be announced on Friday, October 6 via Facebook Live. 

JOIN NOW! Best of luck lovelies! xoxo

Always be fearless in the pursuit of your dreams...