Take a Gastronomic Adventure Around the World at H Cafe

Different kinds of buffet has taken over the Queen City of the South. From international cuisine to local authentic Sugbuanon street foods, you'll never run out of choices once you set foot in Cebu. And truly, the Cebuanos aren't afraid to venture into a new kind of gastronomic feat.

For those who are in F&B, it is a challenge to come up with something new for Cebuano foods. Not to mention the meticulous tongues of the Sugbuanons that bravely critique and recommend what good Cebuano restaurants have to offer.

Last week, I got to experience Harold Hotel's best offerings for their dinner buffet. I must be extra lucky because that night, the hotel's H Café had the theme called Wonders of the World which features favorite dishes all over the world.

For Chef Vince of H Café, theory and action must go together hand in hand when it comes to providing the best food and service. He also added that a buffet should not compromise the quality of the foods served.

With that in mind, H Café continues serving nothing but the best for their guests highlighting their very own themed nights.

Anyone can be in a state of bliss with H Cafe's themed nights dinner buffet wherein a world-class gastronomic experience awaits. Every night, H Cafe offers a wide selection of delectable dishes.

For an affordable price of 568php/person, one may choose to enjoy from the following every night:

🍜 Monday - The Chow Dynasty (A variety of Asian dishes are served ranging from the Bhindi Pakora with Mango Chutney and Raita, classic Wonton soup, Peppered Beef with Bok Choy, delightful Dimsum station, to that ultimate Pandan Custard Cake and Coconut Windmill Cake fir dessert.)

🍖Tuesday - Planet of the Greeks (Authentic Mediterranean Feast with the Fattoush Salad and Crispy Crab Cake to start. This also highlights the captivating flavors of the Spachcock Chicken and Churrasco. The night can be capped off with Namoura Almond Bars and Churros.)

🐟 Wednesday - Elements of Seaprise! (Seafood courses which highlights Fish en Croute and Oven Baked Salt-Crusted Fish. Also available is the appetizing Seafood Crepe, the aromatic Shrimp Bisque Soup, the Fisherman's Pie, and luscious desserts like Pumpkin Mousse Cake and Mango-Apple Pie)

🍲 Thursday - Wonders of the World (This is a gastronomic trip around the world. Take that trip with your palete through Manhattan Fish Chowder, Braised Beef Daube, and the crowd favorite Bacon Explosion. Delectable desserts such as New York Cheesecake and Mango Symphony Cake also await you.)

🍗Friday - Empire Steak of Mind

(Be in a state of bliss when you taste the premium flavors of dishes from the US such as the Slow Roasted U.S Chuck Eye of Beef paired with some Light Cream Carrot-Pumkin Soup, Roasted Pork Loin and Steamed Chocolate Fondant for dessert)

🍛 Saturday - Savor Filipino (Feast on the classic Filipino favorites like the Crispy Pork Bagnet, Seafood Kare-Kare, and Beef Kansi Soup that will sure suit your craving for everything Pinoy.)

Themed Nights is available every Monday to Saturday from 6:00PM to 9:00PM.

H Café of Harold's Hotel also serves flavorful breakfast buffet at 450php per person and lunch buffet at 468php per person.

H Cafe's Breakfast Buffet is ready from 6:00AM to 9:00AM everyday. It comes with limitless healthy organic drinks, and classic breakfast drinks such as coffee, tea, and native chocolate.

The lunch buffet is ready for you to dive in every Monday to Saturday from 11:30AM to 2:00PM. This comes with limitless mocktails.

H Café is located inside Harold's Hotel. The hotel is in Gorordo Avenue.cor.Rosal Street, Lahug, Cebu City 6000 Philippines

Contact them at +63 32 505 7777

for reservations.

I Tried an Abhyangga Indian-Inspired Massage

       One of the most important things that I've learned from being a full-time working adult is never to forget pampering myself from time to time. By pampering myself, what I mean is giving myself a good self-care. When one gets too busy and too absorbed at work, self-care might be neglected. But, we should all understand that it has the power to prevent, delay, or reduce most health problems, particularly mental exhaustion.

     There are a number of ways on how you can pamper your self and it doesn't really have to be super expensive. One of my favorite self-care activity is giving myself a good massage.

Last week, I visited the newly-opened Abhyangga Indian-Inspired Spa which is strategically located nearby our residence. It was my first time trying an Indian-inspired massage with them and it was all worth it. 

       In Cebu City where Thai and Swedish spa parlors are everywhere, I consider it a gem to experience an Indian-inspired massage. I honestly didn't know what to expect when I visited the place with my brother, but my experience left me satisfied. As a handsome plus, I got to learn more about health practices as I experience a piece of Indian heaven inside their delicately decorated interior.

As if its not enough already, soft Indian instrumental music and fresh minty scent dance all over the spa area.

Abhanyagga according to Abhyangga Indian-Inspired Spa owner Varun Mahajan, Abhyangga is a Sanskit word which means "massage".

  Mahajan before opening the spa has been into Ayurveda five years ago. He is managing the spa with his lovely Cebuana fiance. 

   Abhyanga Indian-Inspired Spa strives to be the leading Indian-inspired spa in the city that provides quality and affordable spa services. Since its soft  opening last July 28, 2018, massage enthusiasts have been visiting their place, eager to try their services for the first time or to avail their massage again. Abhyangga uses pure virgin coconut oil among with other time-tested essential oils such as lavender, peppermint, and sandalwood. Aside from those, they also use special medicinal herbs straight from India. 

     The spa focuses its massage on Abhyangga Ayurveda which is an ancient Indian philosophy in keeping the mind and the body healthy. With their well-trained staff, the spa offers unique massage strokes that allows the  body to relax and the mind to revitalize at the same time. Prior to my massage experience with Abhyangga, I have tried both Thai and Swedish massage. 

      From my own experience, what sets Indian-inspired massage from the mentioned two is that it incorporates different strokes and the massage itself is so much gentler. I literally fell asleep in probably 15-20 minutes after the massage started. I've never fell asleep in any of the massage sessions I had before, and that alone speaks a lot how it really calmed down my senses. I am by the way, a very difficult sleeper. I usually had a hard time falling asleep and I often need to grab a book before I could get my body to go into the sleeping mode. After our 1 hour full body massage, I asked my brother how was his experience and he told me the same thing; the strokes are much gentler and he also fell asleep!

      To give their customers extra Indian treat, a sip of their Tulsi or Holy Basil tea after experiencing any of their Abhyangga Signature Massages is served by their friendly staff all organically-grown. Holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum) is not the usual sweet basil used for pesto and marinara sauce. Tulsi Tea has digestive, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, stimulating, and stress-relieving properties and is the best choice of beverage for those interested in natural healing.
       I'm used to drinking teas particularly green tea and earl grey. Tusil tea is a bit strong for my taste but knowing its health benefits made me glad of having a generous cup from the spa.

   I should also commend the staff of Abhyangga who are very much welcoming and accomodating.

Currently, Abhyangga offers two services: 

✅ Abhyangga Signature Body Massage priced

@ P350/hr/person

and

✅ Abhyangga Signature Foot Massage priced

@ P300/hr/person

     The spa will soon offer facial and body scrubs and body waxing services. It's bound to be a treat because they will use a special Indian mask for their facials. A deluxe service is also being cooked in Abhyanga which aims to target specific service such as muscle strengthening and stress reliever.  Ahbyangga will also soon open its doors at their soon-to-be-opened branch at V. Rama, Cebu City.

The whole spa can accomodate 15 customers at a time, so it is highly recommended to contact them for reservation.

📱Book a session with them by calling/texting them with these numbers:

0927 583 7946

0942 752 9103

You may also reach them via their official Facebook and Instagram accounts. Both are active and will instantly send a reply.

🏢Abhyangga Indian-Inspired Spa is located at 106&107 J&J Residences, E. Sabellano St. Punta Princesa, Cebu City

Have you tried an Indian-inspired massage before? What are your favorite ways of pampering yourself? Let me know on the comments section below!

love lots,

Tin

Colourpop Yes, Please! Eye Shadow Palette Review

      When you love makeup it's normal to vary the amount that you use and products that you are using. Any makeup lover could relate to the different moods of applying makeup. Sometimes, one could go for a natural look with earthy tones or for a full-glam look in darker tones matched with red berry lips. 

       Because I'm one of the millions of makeup lovers in this world, I got really curious about wearing eyeshadows in red and berries. I've been looking for that perfect shade for a while in different beauty outlets, but unfortunately, what's available in local department stores around me are in shimmers. I'm looking for this perfect red eyeshadow combination which has a brownish undertone, matte, and super pigmented. It was then when I started looking for it online and found the Yes, Please! eyeshadow palette by Colourpop Cosmetics. The palette has a good mix of metallic and matte eyeshadows in various warm shades such as orange, red, yellow and brown. Yup, the palette is inspired by the golden glow of the sun.

         If you're into makeup, no need for me to introduce the brand. Colourpop Cosmetics is now one of the fastest-growing and most well-known players in the cosmetics industry. I don't have so much of their product except for a lipstick and this eyeshadow palette, but what I love about Colourpop is that their products are all cruelty-free which means that they don't test their products on animals. If you want to know more about the product, dive right in into my thoughts about it below!

PRICE: Like what I often said in my product reviews here on my blog, a product's price could vary depending on where you got it. On Colourpop's website, you can have the palette for $16 USD. I got mine for a little over it. I got it for $23USD.

WHERE TO BUY: I didn't buy my palette at Colourpop's website since I'm concerned about its shipping details. You know, sometimes a product shipped to our country could arrive after a long period of time so I got mine from a legit online seller. I got to know the owner via Instagram in an IG account called: @happyfactory.ph

Product Claim: Highly pigmented shadow that applies evenly and feels ultra-velvety and silky. This long-wearing formula contains a unique combination of softer powders which adheres easily to the eyes, gives a soft focus effect, and blends smoothly and evenly.

From Colourpop Cosmetics website: The original fixed 12 pan palette is all about that golden hour glow - the hottest shades inspired by our fave time of the day.

💖Full-Zip: matte warm ivory
💖Big Cocktails: matte orange
💖Champs: matte pale peachy nude
💖Bling: metallic rust
💖Louie: metallic duochrome red with a gold flip
💖Butter Cake: metallic pale yellow gold
💖Spoiled: matte brick red
💖Gno: matte burnt orange
💖Mischief: matte warm yellow
💖Note to Self: matte warm caramel
💖Chauffeur: metallic duochrome bright orange with a gold flip
💖French Kiss: matte medium chocolate brown

Which one is your favorite shade? ;)

PROs

💖 very pigmented

💖 super blendable

💖 has a good mix of metallic and matte shade

💖 has unique colors

CONs

 💔 a bit pricey

💔 the packaging easily gets dirty

💔 isn't widely available (in the case of our country - the Philippines)

        All in all, I'm super in love with this eyeshadow palette. With its various shades, I could play with it and come up with different looks. Sometimes I would go for an all matte look or come up with something a little bit more glamorous with its metallic shades. The eyeshadows are easy to blend and pigmented though I would still recommend using an eye primer to increase its longevity. 

          Hope you love this review. Sorry I haven't done any for quite some time. I will be updating this post for three various looks that you can do with the palette. I did experiment a lot with it and I can't wait to show it all to you guys. Have a wonderful day!

love lots,

Tin

Amuma Childcare Services Childcare Center Cebu

      These days, it is no longer a surprise to see married or single moms and dads working for their family. I'm not anybody's parent yet, but knowing how much work my parents did to provide us is no joke. Parenthood is a very taxing job, and whether we agree or not, it truly takes a village to raise a child. 

         For working parents who have infants and toddlers, the effort is doubled. From what I know, they have to be extra creative in finding ways to secure their child's safety and overall well-being while they are at work. It is not an easy feat even to imagine to focus on ones work while thinking about your child. For more parents, the first option would be to ask their closest relatives, mostly their parents, to care for their child while they are away. Though that is something common, it would be good to give grandparents time to enjoy their golden years. The next option is to automatically employ an in-house nanny. There are a number of service providers that would provide a reliable nanny, but it could be expensive. Besides, expenses are just one part of the whole spectrum that parents have to consider before really employing one. Ever heard of nanny horror stories? Let's not even start with one. 

          Luckily for Cebuano moms and dads here in Cebu, there is a newly-established childcare service provider that doesn't ask for so much and is very affordable. Amuma Childcare Services is Cebu's pioneer in day and nite childcare services that envisions to be the newest safe haven for the little ones while parents are out either for work, business, leisure or just having the "me" time.

             Amuma is a Cebuano word which means "to nurture with tender loving care". It strives to provide babies and children with a safe, clean & comfortable environment where they can play, engage and interact to develop both their cognitive and social skills. Amuma's center is manned by experienced, skilled, and passionate child carers.

               Amuma's  hourly rate for their members is only 175php and monthly is only 5, 500 up to 9 hrs a day, 5 days a week and the center is open 24x7 to cater to those parents who are working at night. Hourly, Daily & Weekly rates are likewise available.

       With Amuma, your child will be able to develop both his social and cognitive skills as he will be exposed to an engaging, and fun-filled experience through group plays, arts and crafts, action songs, daily activities, scheduled rest and nap time in a safe, clean and secure environment. He will be trained on the values of independence so that when he goes to school the transition is much easier and faster for him and you. 

        The center is CCTV monitored, air-conditioned and the childcare assistants are medically-screened on Hepatitis A & B, Drug Test, Neuro-Psychological, Chest X-ray, Urinalysis, Fecalysis & Pregnancy. They are either graduates of caregiving, nursing aide or at least 2nd year college.  They are focused on keeping an eye on your precious little ones all the time, any time.  

   Christine Arizo, partner and co-founder of Mr.Arizo , Lyssa Amor Diaz-Ota, Amuma Brand Ambassador, Archie Arizo founder of Amuma Childcare Services 

        Amuma Childcare Services is a brainchild of Mr. Archie Arizo who has an outstanding years of knowledge and experience when it some to quality care. Amuma is an affiliate of LifeMAIDeasy.PH by Quality Care Employment Services.  Quality Care Employment Services is a DOLE-LICENSED Private Employment Agency operating  for  over  seven  years  and  headquartered  in  Cebu  City, Philippines  with  branch  offices  in  Manila,  Davao,  Bacolod,  and  Dumaguete.

         Working with various BPO companies as partners, Arizo have  come  into realization  the critical  roles of nannies in the household.  Sensing the urgent need to help the industry somehow and those select parents who simply aren't comfortable hiring a nanny, he decided to establish a day and nite childcare center hence the birth of Amuma Childcare Services. In an interview, Arizo said that Amuma is more than just a business. It is born out of love and need.

Lyssa Amor Diaz-Ota, Pretty Mama 2018 & Amuma Brand Ambassador said that she highly recommends Amuma to mom on-the-go like her. "I'm confident that Amuma can provide a safe and healthy environment for my child. It is also very affordable which is good for single moms out there," she added.

Various safe toy items can be found inside Amuma center

Part of Amuma's daily activities for the children is story-telling. Kids are also free to choose whichever book he/she would love to read inside the center. Available for reading inside are wholesome books carefully curated for young minds. 

Chidren under Amuma's care are also given an ample time to nap or rest. The center has a special room specially prepared for kids' resting time.

Amuma also provides learning exercises for children in the right age and tutorial services for kids who are already studying. Patterned after US and Canadian learning systems, Amuma improvised different cognitive activities for their clients perfect for the Filipino setting.

Amuma center is carefully checked for it to be safe and clean for its young clients. To ensure its security, camera with a working audio is installed inside Amuma. Parents are given access to live videos of their children while their kids are in Amuma's care. A real peace of mind!

Amuma Childcare Services is located at

2F Unit A2P, Right Wing, Pacific Square Bldg

F. Cabahug St., Mabolo Cebu City

Landmark: Across ICON Bar & Kima Glass 

Same building with RCBC & Yakiniku Japanese Restaurant

For more questions and clarifications, kindly revert via the following channels:

Email: amumachildcare@gmail.com

Mobile : 0917.626.6922 • 0933.822.8167 • 032.417.4977

Contact Person: Archie Arizo

Enchong Dee is Sun Life PH's New Wellness Ambassador

        Living in a digital age where every thing seems to be at reach in a click of a button, health and wellness are often neglected by many. It is an unfortunate fact that most of us Filipinos doesn't have a health insurance or a simple savings deposit intended for our wellness especially when the need arises. There is indeed so much to learn and it's always a bliss when a brand trusted by many Filipinos leads by example.

 Sun Life, a leading international financial organization providing insurance, introduced actor and athlete Enchong Dee as its new health and wellness ambassador. In order to help promote the company's health and wellness advocacy, the accomplished swimmer and former member of the Philippines National Team will share online tips on how to live a healthier life by documenting his own journey towards his fitness goals.

           "I'm very honored to be part of the Sun LIfe family," Enchong said. "It's great that I will be promoting something that's very close to my heart, which is health and wellness. I look forward to doing my share to help Sun Life lead more Filipinos to a healthier, brighter, life." Dee emphasized the important correlation between health and wealth. "You need wealth to maintain a good health; at the same time, you also need to have a good health to enjoy your wealth," he added.

           In a conference with Cebu media and social media partners, the actor revealed that promoting wellness is one of his longtime goals. He also disclosed some of his personal projects which aim to promote wellness, especially among the younger generation. The actor is also known for sharing his personal fitness training and wholesome food choices in social media even before being hailed as Sun Life's wellness ambassadors. 

          The announcement was made in the midst of the IronMan 70.3 race in Cebu, where Enchong is competing as part of the Sun Life Tri Team for the second year in a row. The young actor also led a special swimming class for kids organized by Sun Life and Shangri-La's Mactan Resort and Spa.

         Kapamilya singer and actor Iñigo Pascual joined Enchong during the special swimming class for kids. Iñigo, one of Sun Life's brand ambassadors, sang the latest theme song of Sun Life Philippines which he performed during the Meet the CEO event in Shangri- La Cebu.

      Enchong joins Sun life's star-studded list of brand ambassadors, including Piolo Pascual, Judy Ann Santos, Matteo Guidicelli, Iñigo Pascual, and Charo Santos-Concio. He will also help promote "GoWell", Sun Life's health and wellness community, take part in the company's diabetes awareness campaign, and will participate in events such as the upcoming Sun Life Aquathlon.

         "We're very happy to finally welcome Enchong into the Sun Life family," Sun Life Chief Marketing Officer Mylene Lopa said. "With his commitment to fitness and his ability to connect with his audience, we're confident that he can help us champion health and wellness among Filipinos, especially among the youth."

    Also present during Sun Life's event in Shangri-La is Mr. Benedict Sison, Country Head and CEO of Sun Life Financial group, who encouraged guests to work together to build a brighter and healthier future with Sun Life.

For more information about Sun Life Financial, please visit www.sunlife.com