The Shopaholic Series

Books are like people. 

They make good companions and have personalities, too. There are those that inspire, teach, or entertain. Sometimes after I read intense ones, may it be a "heartbreaker" (like The Fault in Our Stars) or a "teacher" (like Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist), I seek the comfort of a fun-loving "girlfriend" which I found mostly in the form of Sophie Kinsella's works.

Kinsella's heroines are charming and, truth be told, crazy. Her writing is witty, romantic, and downright funny. Her biggest success, The Shopaholic Series, stars Becky Bloomwood, a smart and hip financial journalist who has a secret addiction...Shopping!

Her impulse to swipe her credit card plus an overactive imagination stirs trouble. Good thing she has a quirky set of family and friends (perhaps a man, too?) to help her.

Mind you, following Becky's life is quite addictive as well. So far, there are six books in the series...and still counting. I'm glad her adventures are not yet over.

Like a true girlfriend, trust The Shopaholic to brighten up your day and give you a tip or two about fashion, love, and life.

-Martha

Rise and Shine!

They say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. I can't agree more. And who says it's only good in the morning?

After a spur-of-the-moment zumba session (whew!) with friends at work, we went for lunch at this little heaven that serves breakfast all day long. Breakfast in Bed has the cutest interior with fancy headboards and plush chairs to give the diners literally the 'breakfast in bed' vibe. 

Longanisa rice meal. 108Php.

Each of us ordered a silog meal served with garlic rice, 2 eggs cooked however we wanted, atchara, and our chosen meat of tapa, tocino, longanisa, and chicken adobo. The overall taste of it was fine. We wished they gave a more generous serving of the yummy atchara though. We also tried their strawberry pancake with scrambled eggs for ₱108. It's a bit on the dry side and could've used more syrup and perhaps some real berries.

L-R: Me, AJ, Arianne, & Shiela

We all thought the place could improve their food further but ambience-wise, it's superb. It's dreamy, conversation-friendly, and relaxing. My friends and I had a great time dancing a few calories off that morning then re-gaining some a short while later. Haha!

I wouldn't mind waking up, leaving my real bed, and going back there.

Rating: 3.5/5

-Martha

Location:
Breakfast in Bed - California Garden Square, Mandaluyong City

Keeping in Touch

T: Lunch at Luz Kitchenette in Gapan
B: With cousins Ochie and Akie

Anytime we visit our relatives in the province is a happy occassion indeed. Martha and I, my mom, and a few aunts went to Nueva Ecija last week. We were there for only two days so I savored every minute catching up with my cousins, nieces, and aunts. We also enjoyed food we don't usually eat in the city like talangkang bukid, longganisa Cabanatuan, and the local delicacies: puto and suman.

They say that the Filipinos are known for their hospitality and I couldn't agree more. Who else but us would be delighted if a van full of people showed up at their doorstep and declared 'We'll stay here for the night'? Of course, our relatives were informed of our visit but you get my drift. Can't wait to see them again soon. :)

-Faye

Music of the Night

My friend's invitation for a 'night out with the girls' couldn't have come more timely. I've been working non-stop and needed a breather. We met last Friday at the Lobby Lounge of Makati Shangri-La to catch a performance of Alona, a high school classmate and member of a singing group called the Music@ts*.

Standing: Kat, Jo
Seated: Weng, Alona, Che

Dinner was composed of Caesar Salad, Roasted Mediterreanean Vegetable Panini (Yum!), Shangri-La's Triple Decker, and Pancit Guisado (a bit salty). Oddly, no one opted for cocktails. I guess we wanted our wits about for our impending gabfest.

The show started at 9pm, opening with a medley of classics including my all-time favorites Nearness of You and Moon River. Followed by songs from Broadway musicals: All I Ask of You (Phantom of the Opera), Memory (Cats), and I Don't Know How to Love Him (Jesus Christ Superstar). I was pleasantly surprised when they closed the 1st set with some animated movies' soundtracks. They made Circle of Life (The Lion King), Go the Distance (Hercules), and When You Believe (Prince of Egypt) sound, well, classy.

The highlight of the 2nd set for me was the group's rendition of Tonight from West Side Story and Pink's Just Give Me a Reason. Didn't know it could sound even better. I also liked their Ikaw Lang ang Mamahalin.

For the 3rd set, they sang more OPMs like Ikaw, Bakit Ba Ganyan, and Kahit Isang Saglit. I thoroughly enjoyed their Sun and Moon (Miss Saigon) and I Dreamed a Dream (Les Miserables) numbers. I wish they sang A Little Fall of Rain. Maybe next time.

There is no doubt that this act is brilliant. They perform harmoniously, blending well when doing a group number or duets and shining on their own when perfoming solos. Needless to say, I had a memorable night chatting with the girls and enjoying the talented Music@ts. Another reason to say: TGIF! :)

-Faye

*Music@ts members:
Lawrence - piano, vocals; Alona - vocals; Kim - vocals; Jerry - bass