Healing Time (A Song)

Let it out
Let it all burn out
To ashes and dust
'Til it’s no longer around

Take them down
Take them outta your wall
Box them out
You can always keep them
But baby, please don’t live for them

Chorus:
Take your time
And you can also take mine
Darling, you’ll be fine
It just takes a little more
A little more
A little more
Healing time

Yes I know
It can be so hard
And yes you can
Get really mad
When the answers you seek
Are nowhere to be found

But know
Know that darkness will fade
And you,
You’ll never wake in a daze
And soon,
Life won’t look like a crazy maze
So
(Chorus)

Oh, why does time go so fast?
Some good things never last
Oh, why do bad things happen?
Wish we could begin again
Please, I’m done with all the pain
…
Yeah sometimes, maybe sometimes
It just takes a little more
A little more
A little more
Healing time

Art & words by Cristine Despares 

How to Choose a Skateboard

      I'm definitely not a sports person, but one sport that never ceases to amaze me is skateboarding. It's just amazing to witness someone gliding and moving around swiftly almost like air all while being on top of a board. Every time I see someone skateboarding, the sight makes me feel free. I know, that sounds very poetic but that's just how I feel about it. 

      I used to watch my brother skateboarding with his friends all while being under the scorching heat of the sun. It's the same brother who taught me how to ride a bicycle, by the way, him being the biggest sports fan in our family. Although I never had the chance to go skateboarding myself, looking at how my brother found joy with it makes me wonder so much about skateboarding and all of the things that has something to do with such as how one gets to choose the best skateboard for him or herself. 

        I asked around the skateboarders in our area and searched the internet for a basic guide and that's what I'll be sharing with you in this blog. Who knows you and I would get to try skateboarding, right?

        The first thing that I learned about choosing the most suitable skateboard is going to the right shop. There are so many shops that sell skateboards these days, even online, there is a plethora of them, but the question is, is it the right store for you? Why does this even matter and how could a shop possibly help you? The answer is lies to what's in the shop itself. The right shop will get your hands to the quality skateboards that suits your style and your needs. With that in mind, most of those are surely run by professionals who are capable of catering to your needs and could give you advice on how to board in general. Not only that, but they could also show you how a good skateboard looks like and could answer your queries that could help you with your future skateboard shopping sessions.

          Among other things, you also have to consider the size of the skateboard. Now, what are the things that you should look into with that matter? First and foremost is the size of the deck itself which depends largely on your size. For instance, if you are over 5'3" in height, the best deck size for you must have at least 7.5''.  If your height is between 4'5" to 5'2", choose the deck with the width of 7'3". If you're much shorter than the heights mentioned, choose decks with widths, not more than 7". According to a friend who skateboards a lot, this is another one of the main reasons why skateboarders must shop personally. That way, they could have the best grasp on the size of the skateboard decks that suits them best. Aside from the deck, the wheels of a skateboard matter a lot as well. The wheels contribute a lot on how your boards flip and glide. One thing that you should remember about it is that the larger the wheels are, the more grabs it could create.

       Talking about skateboard decks, one thing that should not be neglected is how it was constructed. That includes the material used in making it. maple wood being the most popular choice in making skateboard decks remains to be the best type of wood material in making it. That is because of the wood's durability and flexibility which are very essential when the board is being shaped.

        Another thing that I've learned is the importance of knowing the different styles of boards. There are four main types of boards and each of them varies depending on how you would like to skate. For example, on one hand,  shortboards are great when you want to perform tricks in skating parks. On the other hand, if tricks are not part of your interest, go for longboards or cruisers. 

        Once you have covered all the basics in choosing a skateboard, at least in terms of its parts, it's time for you to work on the style of your skateboard. Some might say that it doesn't really matter, but I think that if it's really a sport that you love, you are free to make it an extension of yourself. So yes, go ahead and decorate your board the way you'd feel like decorating it. It's your board after all. Plus, the more creative it looks, I'm sure that it could spark you some inspiration to keep on boarding especially if you're a newbie. 

         This may not be part of how you choose a skateboard, but make sure that you get your hands on safety gears that you're supposed to wear while skateboarding. Any sports is always much better when done safely.

          I hope this simple article helps you in choosing the skateboard of your dreams.

Try a Distinct Japanese Gastronomical Experience with Ochee! Kushi Katsu

      It doesn’t hurt to try new, unique, and exciting things to fill up one’s time especially when it comes to food. It also wouldn’t be bad if it is something that you can share with your family or friends. At Island Mall Mactan, a new player in the F&B industry is cooking something that goes beyond what is often tried at any mundane Japanese restaurant. Named Ochee! Kushi Katsu, the Japanese co-owned restaurant has been offering something truly Japanese to everyone’s palate since its soft opening last February of this year. Along with the usual Japanese favorites such as sushi and gyoza, Ochee! Takes pride in serving their very-own Kushi Katsu that is sure to make some noise in the locals and tourists’ taste buds. 

 Ochee! Kushi Katsu's 3 original sauces

 Ochee! Kushi Katsu's 5 Course Kushi Katsu 350php 

     Kushi Katsu is a Japanese dish consists of deep-fried skewered meat and vegetables. The meat and the vegetables are then fried after being coated with egg, flour, and panko. Kushi directly translates to skewers while katsu refers to a cutlet of meat usually pork. The dish may have several variations, but it’s surely best shared. At Ochee! I had the chance to try their 5 course kushi katsu which has white onion, lotus root, pork meat, chikuwa, and shrimp. It was served with Ochee’s 3 original sauces which compliment the kushi katsu so well making the dish more savory. 

 Potato Salad with Potato Chips 150php good for 2-3 persons

      We were served with Potato Salad with Potato Chips as appetizers. Two potato dishes is not a bad idea. The crunchiness of the chips dances so well with the creaminess of the potato salad which contains fresh vegetables and boiled eggs. The salad is served with a wooden mixer making one’s meal more interactive and memorable.

    Ochee! Kushi Katsu's Mochiko Chicken (240php) with its piquant flavor makes it a crowd favorite. The chicken meat has the right crunch on the outside and tender juicy meat which you'll get to enjoy once you start diving into these bite-sized glories. It was served to us with a tangy sauce, but I like it better without the sauce. Either way tastes great. 

     Ochee's Shrimp Ahijo (160php) reminds me of Spanish gambas. I'm not sure if it has butter in it, but it sure does have that buttery taste. Its sauce has that melt-in-your-mouth creaminess which highlights the natural flavor of the fat shrimps. 

      Another notable dish that I’ve tried at Ochee! is the DoteYaki (150php good for 2 persons). Ochee’s DoteYaki is so flavorful and the beef itself is very tender. It's probably the softest beef that I've ever tried. This one’s a real must-have not just for beef lovers.

      Before diving into desserts, we had a bowl of Meat Soup Udon (380php good for 2-3 persons) made from the freshest ingredients available. The warm and hearty bowl made of tender meat and chewy udon noodles is a perfect treat for this rainy June season in the Philippines. This is also a perfect meal for one or maybe two hungry stomachs. Make sure you have someone to share this with because this is a very filling dish that's meant to be shared! 

 Ochee! Kushi Katsu's Green Tea Creme Brulee 200php good for 2-3 persons

        We capped off our dining experience at Ochee! with its heavenly Matcha Crème Brulee which should not be missed. For only 200php (4USD) you’ll get to experience a piece of heaven as the sweetness of the caramelized sugar combined with the slightly bitter matcha blends and melts together in your mouth.

    You can't dine at Ochee! without trying their drinks as well. Which is why I chose to try their 

Blueberry Smoothie (200php) which was topped with blueberries and mint. It's fruity and refreshing taste is perfect when the sun smiles a little bit brighter than usual. It's just one of their finest drinks available so make sure you get to try their other beverages.

      It is a known fact that Japanese restaurants sprout all over Cebu along with the constant rise of Japanese tourists in the whole island. What makes Kushi Katsu different is its real Japanese authentic dishes that comes in friendly prices. It is also located in a very accessible location so if you're craving for some Japanese flavors, go ahead and visit Ochee! Kushi Katsu.

Ochee Kushi Katsu has great space and interiors perfect for your #InstagramGoals photo sessions. Since it's also located at the mall's alfresco area, you get to have great views while dining. 

I hope you'll have a wholesome gastronomical experience at Ochee Kushi Katsu as I did once you visit the place. 💖

Ochee! Kushi Katsu is located at 2nd flr. Alfresco Area of Island Central Mall, MEPZ Ecozone, Brgy. Ibo, Lapu-Lapu City. It's open for lunch at 10:00Am-2:00PM and 5:00PM-10:00PM for dinner. For inquiries you may call them at +63 32 410-3614 or +63 917 723 3280.

The Best Poetry

“nemo dat quod non habet”

I wonder upon an evening star when
an inquiry grew inside my head
 and asked
'What's the best poetry?'

Is it the shooting star 

 on the velvet sky

right when you wish for love?

Is it the alien joys

inside our astronauts

the moment they reach newborn stars?

Is it in you or me?

Or is it something that binds us

in one galaxy?

My heart says 

it’s a voice.

One that shouts:

“I love myself.”

The moon is its mouth and

it’s full when it believes.

art & words: Cristine Despares

Philips Monitors and Twentieth Century Fox Special Screening of X-Men: Dark Phoenix in Cebu

Philips Monitors, a global leader in innovative displays, partners with Twentieth Century Fox to promote the release of X-Men: Dark Phoenix in the Philippines. Lucky members of the media were invited to watch this much-anticipated movie. As the official monitor display of the film, Philips Monitors held a special screening of the movie, the latest movie in a beloved movie franchise.

Philips Monitors has always been for the enjoyment of its consumers. It dedicates its business in delivering the best displays for casuals and professionals alike. With Twentieth Century Fox, Philips Monitors continues to bring technology and people together, this time through entertainment and film-viewing. This exciting new film, X-Men: Dark Phoenix, is perfect not only for the big screen, but in Philips displays as well. The film’s special effects are fully realized in Philips’ high-definition monitors.

Philips Monitors Marketing Manager for the Philippines Jack Salamia talked about the growing partnership between Philips Monitors and Twentieth Century Fox. He then unveiled the showcased display units, the E9 curved monitor series, the 32” version of which being raffled off to the media partners who attended.

About X-Men: Dark Phoenix

X-Men: Dark Phoenix follows the story of the X-Men, a group of mutants with superpowers, specifically one of their members, the telepathic Jean Grey. During a mission in outer space, Jean absorbs a mysterious cosmic force that amplifies her mutant powers. Her newfound strength leads her to lose control and become an entity known as the Dark Phoenix. Her growing power posed a threat not only to the X-Men, but also to the world. Now the X-Men has to stop their friend and former teammate from unleashing chaos – but with it comes a heavy price.

X-Men: Dark Phoenix continues the story of X-Men: Days of Future Past and X-Men: Apocalypse. Written and directed by Simon Kinberg, it features an ensemble cast featuring James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, Nicholas Hoult, Tye Sheridan, Alexandra Shipp, Jessica Chastain and Sophie Turner in the titular role.

Philips Monitors Promotions

Aside from the movie screening, Philips Monitors also have nationwide cross-promotional activities for consumers. Customers who would purchase any of the participating models of monitors will receive a premium item. Such items include premium X-MEN: Dark Phoenix themed jackets, backpacks, suit shirts and collectible figurines.

Model	Specs	Premium Items
BDM4350UC	4K Ultra HD, IPS, Built-in-Speakers, SmartConnect	X-MEN: Dark Phoenix Jacket
328E9QJAB	Curved, AMD Free-Sync, LowBlue Mode, Built-in-Speakers	X-MEN: Dark Phoenix Backpack
278E9QHSB	Curved, AMD Free-Sync, LowBlue Mode, VA	X-MEN: Dark Phoenix Suit Tshirt
BDM3201FD	ADS-IPS, Full HD, Built-in-Speakers, HDMI	X-MEN: Dark Phoenix Suit Tshirt
248E9QHSB	Curved, AMD Free-Sync, LowBlue Mode, Ultra Wide-Color	X-MEN: Dark Phoenix Figurine
243E9QHSW	VA, AMD Free-Sync, Full HD, Ultra Narrow Bezel	X-MEN: Dark Phoenix Figurine
243V5QHSBA	MVA, Wide Viewing Angle, HDMI	X-MEN: Dark Phoenix Figurine

The promotion is valid until June 15, 2019, and any purchase of the above models are eligible for the promotion when purchased in any of the following participating dealers:

Participating Dealers and Outlets
Manila
Complink - SM Megamall	PC Express - Gilmore	PC Express - SM Southmall
Octagon - SM Megamall	PC Express - Glorietta	PC Worx - Gilmore
PC Chain Super Store - Festival Mall	PC Express - Makati Cinema Square	PC Worx - SM Megamall
PC Chain Super Store - SM North	PC Express - Market Market	ThinkPC - SM North
PC Chain Super Store - Virra Mall	PC Express - SM Mall of Asia	Vivocom - Gilmore
PC Express - Alabang Town Center	PC Express - SM Megamall
PC Express - Bacoor	PC Express - SM North
Cebu
HYW - Cebu	PC Quickbuys - SM Cebu
Joyo Mktg - APM Mall Cebu	ThinkingTools@mall - SM Cebu
Davao
Computer World Superstore - Davao	PC Worx - Davao	ThinkingTools@mall - SM City Davao

Featured Monitor: The 328E9QJAB

Following its mantra of “Innovation and You”, Philips Monitors develops displays that bring only the best viewing experience. Showcased in the premiere was the Philips 328E9QJAB, a 31.5” Curved Monitor with AMD Free-Sync and sleek, narrow bezels. Its ultrawide display allows for comfortable viewing at any angle. It also uses advanced technology that lessens the strain it may cause the viewer’s eyes, letting you extend your Sunday night movie marathons.

328E9QJAB Specifications
Panel Size	31.5”
LCD Type	VA LCD
Resolution	1920x1080
Refresh Rate	60Hz
Response Time	5ms
Chipset Ready	AMD Freesync
Vesa Mount	100x100
Connectivity	VGA, HDMI, Audio In & Out

The 328E9QJAB is part of Philips’ E9 series of monitors, which is available in 24”, 28” and 31.5” models.

About Twentieth Century Fox

One of the world’s largest producers and distributors of motion pictures, Twentieth Century Fox Film produces, acquires and distributes motion pictures throughout the world.  These motion pictures are produced or acquired by the following units of Twentieth Century Fox Film: Twentieth Century Fox, Fox 2000 Pictures, Fox Searchlight Pictures, Twentieth Century Fox Animation and Fox Family.

About Philips

Philips was founded as far back as 1891 in the Netherlands, and has since engaged in more than a century of innovation and entrepreneurship.

Thanks to the company developing timeless business values, Philips has become one of the most highly recognized and trusted brands in the world today. This comes from a tradition of caring about people’s needs, innovating based on ever-changing insights, and working to make a positive change in people’s lives – traditions as meaningful now as they were in the company’s beginnings.

Philips Monitors stand for excellent picture quality, and providing innovative solutions to problems people really care about. To reflect this Philips commitment, Philips has created the slogan: ‘Innovation and You’.

Learn more about Philips Monitors at facebook.com/philipsmonitorsph

Malling is More Fun in the Philippines

 

    SM Supermalls, together with the Department of Tourism (DoT) launched the campaign "Malling is More Fun in the Philippines" last month in most of its branches in the whole Philippines. According to DoT, the campaign seeks to invite locals and tourists alike to experience the joy of shopping in the Philippines. It is grounded on the fact that tourism in the country doesn't stop at its tourist spots, these days, more and more tourists also find pleasure in shopping. 

   As part of the campaign, various activities were held in SM Supermalls. In Cebu City, SM City Cebu and SM Seaside Cebu malls held food fairs and culinary demos. Exclusive sales and contests were also introduced for mallgoers to participate in. I got to visit both malls and enjoy the festivities prepared by SM. 

     One of the spectacular activities that I was able to take part in is the cooking demo at SM Seaside which was spearheaded by Chef Raki Urbina of Cafe Laguna. The skillful chef prepared a couple of sumptuous Filipino dishes (with a twist) and a very interesting drink. 

       

      Chef Raki played with the flavors of the Philippines in front of the Cebuano audience as he introduced a playful twist on the classic Filipino favorites Bistek Tagalog, Palabok, and Ginger- Lemonade juice.

Instead of serving the Bistek in the usual way, Chef Raki served it together with puso (hanging rice). The dish is an instant hit for those who have tried it. Its rich flavor and aroma took the mallgoers to a special part of their childhood.

Pinoy favorite Palabok was served with a twist when Chef Raki decided to roll it in a rice wrapper and created palabok rolls instead of the one served on a plate with its sizzling toppings. 

Chef Raki's very-own ginger lemonade juice is not only refreshing but also very healthy. The drink was served with some slices of cucumber and a dash of mint, but what binded all the flavors together is vinegar - Chef Raki's little secret! This is one drink that I would love to try at home and serve to my family. It's easy to make, and you don't need crazy ingredients to create it. 

   SM City Cebu also held a cooking demo and a food flat lay contest which was open for all mall goers. Contestants were provided with food and tasked to create a creative flatlay with it. I couldn't let the moment pass without joining so I did and fortunately won. 

  The campaign was a success and the series of event held was fun and informative. All thanks to DoT, SM Supermalls, and to the talented chefs who have imparted their skills to the audience. 

Watch the video I took during the event at SM Seaside Cebu here:
       The activities last May is just the tip of an iceberg. The Department of Tourism has so much in its sleeves for the Filipinos and foreigners to revel upon on the next few months.
       Malls like SM Supermalls are just some of the best reasons why malling is more fun in the Philippines.

Milani Baked Blush in Bella Bellini Review

    My makeup routine has always been simple, but it has to have lipstick. That's one beauty product that I can't seem to ditch out of my makeup bag for as long as I know. Regardless, any addition to my go-to makeup routine is a pure delight and it gives me satisfaction to be able to try new cosmetic products. It wasn't only until recently that I added blush-on on my everyday makeup. Necessity just didn't call me to apply blush on, but after trying out one of Milani Cosmetics' infamous baked blush on, it is now part of my daily makeup routine and I am absolutely loving it. I was browsing through the twelve shades available for their baked blush and decided to go for the shade called Bella Bellini. 

In this blog, I'll dig deeper on why I love it, and spoiler alert, why I would recommend it to anyone. 

Product Description:

Richly pigmented and highly buildable, the beautiful matte and shimmery shades of Baked Blush are the perfect cheeky pop of color for every skin tone. Sunbaked on Italian terracotta tiles, the warm finish adds a radiance that is the very essence of beauty. Shape, contour and highlight your best features.

Packaging:

The blush came in a vacuumed plastic seal. No boxes. No drama. It comes with a mirror and mini brush which can be seen at the bottom layer after the blush. I love the luxurious feel of its transparent and gold container despite the fact that it's all made out of plastic. I'm not a fan of the brush that they've included, but I'm not mad at it either. It is tolerable. It's a bit hard to open the whole container so you might as well be careful when you open it. Otherwise, you might damage the blush.

Price:

I bought mine from an online shop in the Philippines BeautyMNL and it costs 499php ($9.60). On their website, it costs $7.99 plus their shipping fee. Compared to other drugstore blush-on, the baked blush from Milani has a higher price, but I would still say that it's worth it.

    Necessary information about the product is included at the bottom part of the blush çontainer.

Milani Baked Blush in Bella Bellini Swatch

I love how they combined pink with some specks of gold and yellow on the blush. The result is a magical glow that can also act as a highlighter. It might seem that it isn't there, but the blush can be build up easily. I do like it's natural glow effect on my skin though so I don't build it up that much.

💐PRO's:

🌸Available in 12 shades - perfect for different skin tones

🌸gives a subtle healthy glow 

🌸affordable and can easily be bought anywhere especially online

🌸great color and pigmentation

💐CON's:

🌼None so far :)

In totality, I love Milani's baked blush and I am totally happy with my shade of choice. It's a pretty blush to use when you want to achieve that healthy glow without making your cheeks look too pink or too red. I would say that the blush is also great for bridal makeup. 

Have you tried using Milani Cosmetics'baked blush? How's your experience with it? Which Milani Cosmetics would you like to try?

Hope this review serves you well.

love lots,

Tin