Blé Greek Restaurant at A-Venue, Makati

Falafel

For authentic Greek food at affordable prices, go to Blé. The food is cooked in the traditional manner, without additives, and many of the ingredients such as the extra virgin olive oil and Feta cheese used in preparing some of their highly satisfying dishes.

This Greek restaurant is located at A-Venue Mall, G/F Unit 102, 7829 Makati ave., Poblacion, Makati. Blogger Tin Gonzaga and I visited the place to indulge in a before 6 pm dinner. It was a terrific food experience that was so filling and satisfying.

And, we were able to interview the owner, Yiannis Trifyllis.

Watch this video to learn more about Blé. (Video credits: Tin Gonzaga)



The Greek Food Experience

Blogger Tin Gonzaga doesn't eat pork as she adheres to a healthy lifestyle. It was such a treat for both of us to be able to try the Falafel, that look like sausage links but are made from chickpeas. She said that she has not eaten longanisa, which is a kind of Filipino sausage made from pork, in years and the Falafel is an excellent substitute. These do have a great crunch and a depth of flavor of being loaded with a potpourri of  herbal goodness, served on wonderful pita bread.

The salad was light, drizzled with extra virgin olive oil, with a blend of onions, Feta cheese, and olives. A delightful summer-like salad, this siding is fabulous.

A pita filled with meat, the Souvlaki was hefty and filling. The pita bread was not oily or crunchy, not too thin nor that thick, and it served to enhance the dish, making it an excellent wrap to eat as a snack or as a meal.

Leave room for dessert when you dine at this Greek restaurant as the Baklava was a gourmet adventure. It had a bottom layer of finely nuts, a hint of the gooey goodness of honey, and the lightness of layered phyllo dough, Baklava is one of the oldest desserts in the world, and this one is made from a family recipe that has been handed down from generation to generation. This is the first time that I have tried Baklava, and it is on of my list as a must-have dessert. 

Cakes Made to Order

With the fondant expertise and a passion to create, the wife of the owner, Aysegul Ozden Trifyllis, who is Turkish, does make some of the most wonderful and original cakes. This one was ready for pick up.

Blé Greek Restaurant at A-Venue, Makati Ave, is a must visit for those who want a great meal at an affordable price.

Going on a Greek food exploration is an foodie adventure that can be done with the assurance of the real wonders of Greece on a plate when you dine at Blé Greek Restaurant, Makati.

Discover California Wines

The Discover California Wines seminar and wine tasting was a event to remember as from start to finish, tasting familiar and well-loved wines and trying new ones was a fantastic experience. This event was held at Shangrila the Fort, Philippines, last Oct. 19, 2016.

This seminar had a filled room which signified the show of support for the further promotion of California wines. Experts were there, twirling their glasses to intensify the bouquet, to savor the 10 wines that were featured during the taste test part of the seminar. People like me, who drink wine regularly, gathered a lot from the information shared by the speakers, and it was such a treat to be able to explore different kinds of California wines, from the light and bubbly to the deep, rich, red ones.The seminar that started a bit after lunch was well attended by wine connoisseurs from all over the world, to include the US Ambassador to the Philippines, Philip Goldberg, who spoke for a while to uplift the spirits of the attendees.

After the seminar, we were asked to go to the grand ballroom. It was, for me and many others, truly an exploration of discovery, and quite an overwhelming one as it was unlimited wine being poured. I was glad to see a few of my close friends, such as Ralph Joseph of Philippines Wine Merchants and Johnny Revilla, who both took the time to explain more about the wines I was tasting.

I was also able to video a very pleasant interview with Mr. Richard Lieu, the Director of Trade Promotions for California wines. This video has a sneak peek of this wine-tasting event and a short talk with Ralph Joseph.

In this next video is an interview with Michael Parr, and it is full of information about Wente Wines, and he will be showing the different wines they have, and give a brief and very interesting history about the company.


To Discover California Wines, you may learn more by visiting their website. The information that you will find there includes the regions, wineries, the wines, cuisines, events, and more. 

Click this link to Discover California Wines

Love Your Hair With Novuhair

It's February, which means love is in the air. Though Valentines Day had already passed, some still consider this month a chance to celebrate love. The love month doesn’t just pertain to having a relationship with someone, it’s not just about going out on a date or stressing on what to give to your partner or dreaming about what to receive in return. The love month should remind us of everything and everyone we love.

Our parents, siblings or friends who stuck with you through thick or thin should form part of this particular month. Loving yourself should not be set aside as well. 

Take time to take care of your own appearance, and since our hair is on top of our body, it is pertinent that we start with it. Here are a few tips for maintaining a healthy hair.

• Observe good hygiene all the time – regularly wash your hair to remove dirt and grimes
• Be extra careful whenever combing your wet hair – your hair is vulnerable to breakage during this period.
• Use a towel to dry off your hair after shower – Using hair dryer can cause damage to your hair; if you must use the heat then do so sparingly.
• Eat the proper nutrition- Our hair is also dependent on what we eat. Iron-rich food and protein strengthen your hair.
• Have enough sleep – Lack of sleep can cause hair loss. Sleeping allows our hair to repair and regenerate. Changes in our sleeping patterns have shown to affect our body’s immune and hormone function, as well as our physical and mental stamina. Our hair is very sensitive to these changes within the body.
• Pamper your hair - Give your hair a proper massage with the nutrients it needs.

Novuhair, nature’s answer to hair loss is made of 19 Natural ingredients which include herbal components such as moringa oleifera, panax ginseng, virgin coconut oil and the natural essences of rosemary and peppermint. 

Novuhair nourishes the scalp and hair by increasing the flow of nutrients and improving blood circulation to the scalp. Novuhair also helps hydrate the scalp, maintain the hair’s natural luster and prevent early hair graying hair dryness and itching. #LoveYourHairwithNovuhair

Novuhair Topical Scalp Lotion, Shampoo, and Conditioner are available in all Mercury Drug Stores and other leading drug stores nationwide. For more information visit www.novuhair.com, like the brand’s official Facebook Page at Novuhair Official, follow it on Twitter at @NovuhairNatural and on Instagram @novuhairofficial. You may also call the Novuhair hotlines at 4136570 and 09228830575 and order online at Lazada and regaloservice.com.

Dermcare Brings Beauty and Care

Channeling your beauty to radiate doesn’t come overnight, your skin requires pampering and care of a professional center that understands your needs. A center that provides all your skin pampering necessities has now come into full bloom as it introduces its new look and logo.

For 2 decades, Dermcare have continuously shared their unfailing love and concern for their customers, delivering utmost satisfaction to your every vanity regardless of gender, age, social standing, and personal preferences.

Dermcare have been like a second home to their clients as the center treats each customer as part of their family. The care that Dermcare delivers manifest through repeat customers that keeps coming back for the very reason that they feel that they belong.

Understandably, you would only want the best for the ones you hold dear to your heart. This is why Dermcare has up the ante, so everyone in your family and social circle can experience the care and passion that only Dermcare can give.

Pag-IBIG Recognizes Dermcare’s contribution to the community

Pag-IBIG Loyalty Card recently awarded Dermcare the “Loyalty Cardholder’s Favorite Partner” which equated to the number of cardholders who had the privilege to enjoy discounts at Dermcare branches nationwide.

Pag-IBIG Fund launched its Pag-IBIG Loyalty card Program in the year 2014. The program aims to extend the benefits given by Pag-ibig Fund to its members not just thru short term and housing loans but also to give them additional privilege in other necessities. Dermcare has been a Partner of Pag-IBIG Loyalty card since then.

Dermcare has served the Pag-IBIG members nationwide thru its more than 80 branches. In 2016 alone, Dermcare has already extended an accumulated amount of more than P500,000 worth of discounts to around 2,000 Pag-IBIG Loyalty card members who enjoyed up to 50% discount of Dermcare services and products.

New Logo, New Face 

Dermcare's new logo is fused together with the care-centric ideals that they have at present. The flowers represent their growing clientele and how it has captured the hearts and gained the trust of the public.

In line with the new logo, Dermcare also launches the face of Dermcare - Ms. Nina Robertson, Mutya ng Pilipinas - Overseas Communities 2015. Nina embodies all the qualities that represents Dermcare, vibrant and full of energy!

True to its mission, Dermcare desires to foster care to its numerous clients by providing top-quality skin, hair and wellness services, as well as encompass the years of remarkable love and care for their customers.

Visit your nearest Dermcare branch today. For more information, follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/i.like.dermcare.

Over 50 Instagram Stores Offline: Your Fashion Point

A real virtual closet, as you get to shop online, offline! Get to see the items for sale and on SALE at the lifestyle boutique, Your Fashion Point, No need to wait for delivery, and walking into Instagram to try on clothes, shoes, accessories and more!

What do you see when you shop at IG?

Everything and anything, and new things and trending. To be able to actually walk into a shop that has it all... imagine how it is to be in over 50 Instagram stores! Selections, specialties, unique finds, and at low prices.

Many online fashion shops gain a lot of followers coz of the quality of the items. A cool blouse can cost as low as 100, and those accessories are so affordable. Students from FEU and the nearby UST flock to Your Fashion Point during their breaks, and get to try on the items before they buy!

Shopping online is so much fun - and so is shopping offline. 

If you love Instagram shops, you surely will adore shopping at Your Fashion Point. It has the awesome finds.


LIFESTYLE BOUTIQUE OVER 50 ONLINE BRANDS 🚩UST. 1219 I. Delos Reyes St. cor. P. Noval St., Sampaloc, Manila
💌yourfashionpoint2016@gmail.com
📲 0998-793-3976/ 708-6213

Instagram @YourFashionPointOfficial

Inspirar: Was it a Self-serving Advocacy of VP Leni?

Skeptical, to change the conversation, especially on social media sites, might have been the reason why VP Leni Robredo was the guest of honor during the Feb. 7, 2017 event of Inspirar that was held at SM Aura, SMX Convention Center.

Having witness the bashing of this VP, made me think that online, indeed, there is no-holds barred when it comes to criticism, mean jokes, and more. I have seen the Facebook news feeds about VP Leni, along with other government officials such as Pres. Duterte, and of course, De Lima. The news feeds, tweets, and even posters created may be an opinion, yet sometimes, the truth is thwarted, and then the lambasting goes all out.

Aggression and sarcasm - not the answer.

So, who is reading this article of mine because of the title? We have turned skeptical because of the way news is presented. Just the fact that VP Leni was the guest of honor made it appear like it was she who was behind it, and that is not true.

Inspirar has been a community that has been asking and moving in many ways to "Change the Conversation"- instead of being offensive, instead of being hurtful, instead of demolishing a person online, don't you agree, that it is about time to do things in a more positive way and change the conversation for the good of our country - instead of creating issues, presenting solutions?

Inspirar has the light to lead the way for the answer. Founded in 2010, this community has a lot of outreach projects. The event that I attended was centered on inspiring stories, curated, yes, to make it better, but real stories of real people who turned that bad that happened to them to good, overcoming the suffering that they went through to succeed.

Covering advocacy events isn't my thing as being the one who spearheaded the movement of  "No to Free Blog Posts" I do have a stand that it is not enough for a blogger to be invited, as I will not be able to write about it if I am not, nor fed as it is what I have to be write about, and that we must be compensated fairly, as we spend time, money and effort to achiever results with our online reach and network. Since that time, in just a little over a year, the change has happened, and bloggers are being compensated fairly. This article was requested, and since I do want to make the change, and can help make the change for the better, I decide to write it.

Inspirar stories made me cry and gave the light of hope at the end. We can be, as one story title says, a victim that becomes a hero.

Going beyond our daily needs, going beyond the advocacy, Inspirar does serve a purpose that was created long before VP Leni was made victim to social media bashing. I dislike cyber bullying, though I know that was is done online should be resolved online.

Stop cyber bullying, is one way to say it.

Another way to say it, if you want to make a change, and be the change, is to be part of Inspirar.

Author's note: During the event, I was asked by blogger Tin Gonzaga if I have a story about how I handled difficult situations and turned bad into good. I told her I have a lot, but I no longer want to think and repeat what happened in the past, as that cannot be undone. I do have notes, posts, about my thoughts, and sometimes these are tweaked, and can be more of a desperational writer with a niche in sadness, and yes, dwelling on being a victim isn't good as we cannot wallow in self-pity, and must go one with life, embracing the beauty of the who we love and seeking to be more positive in all that we do, difficult as that may be.

During a discussion lately of why people don't want to go to the hospital and get proper medical care even if they are in pain, one said that it was because there is a loss of hope. Hope, when that is gone, then there is no tomorrow in our minds, and that ends today, right now. 

Have hope and be the better person.

Grilla SM MOA by the Bay: A Food Symphony

Texture to the max, depth of flavor, and the choices of different regional Filipino food, Grilla at SM MOA by the Bay is a great place to visit when wanting to get the perfect vantage point for that famous sunset by Manila bay with the drink and dine experience that will make you satisfied.

Grilla offers individual dishes and food platters, and the servings are hefty. The presentation is like a Filipino fiesta, and when the table is laden, it is so time to eat a leisurely feast.

The food experience of Grilla includes crunch. The fried fish dish that is typical of a Filipino household is made better by the coating, and the platter has different kinds of fish, to include tilapia and bangus. I was delighted with the presentation and this is pegged as my favorite dish.

Grilla SM MOA by the Bay has a"palayok"which is a clay cooking pot that is the way food was cooked during the olden times. This clay pot holds a mixture of meat and seafood that must have been simmered for hours to get full-bodied soup with a depth of flavor that is distinctly unique.

Make sure to leave room for dessert, as there is the "turon" which is made from saba bananas that are wrapped and deep fried, and the platter with ice cream, "leche flan" which is made from milk, eggs, and sugar, and "palitao"that is made from finely ground rice powder that is cooked in water until it floats.

With outdoor and indoor dining with a high ceiling, two access doors, one from the street and the other one by the seaside walk, nearby parking, when you would like to enjoy Filipino food with the sunset by Manila bay view, at affordable prices, you have to go to Grilla at SM MOA by the Bay.

2 Pesos Only Remittance Fee

Fast remittance, super low fees, and the convenience of being mobile - it is possible to get rid of the atrocious fees for sending money internationally and locally with Token Hub.

This company started off in Japan over a year ago and currently has over 100,000 members in Japan, Hong Kong, Korea, and the Philippines. The remittance system makes a vast difference as you can send in the country's main currency, in US dollars, and with the use of a virtual currency, the Eternal Coin. To change currency for remittance purposes, is as easy as clicking, and then it will be converted at the prevailing rate.

As many of us have to send money and would like to do so in the fastest way possible, without the hefty fees, and be able to cash in or withdraw to any bank, Token Hub provides this solution, with the mobility to do so online without having to go to a remittance center, wait in line, fill out forms, and with the astounding low cost of remittance fees of only 2 pesos.

If you want to learn more about this, you may join one of the many seminars of Token Hub or become a member. To become a member is free, there are no fees, no cash out, no money to be spent. It is like opening up an account at any remittance center.

Learn the steps to becoming a member by reading the Eternal Coin: Token Hub Asia Tutorial

Want to learn more and get to attend a free seminar? Send me an email at lucindadominguez@gmail.com to get the update.

Life in HTML

Drifting thoughts go back to the view. Wind blows slightly, rustling through my hair. Sound of teenagers laughing and - wifi everywhere. A world complete, the nearness made the heart skip a beat, be still, yet - as soon as the day is done, the tiredness of the waiting takes over. Much has been said, enough has been said - the will of the wind? Shall we say to go with the flow will be foolhardy, as that is the deteriotation of the beauty. A seat and a talk, momentarily looking down and away to stop the tears from falling, that hestitant goodbye, a replay of so many other times, yet such is the time - and that is lost for all time.

Drifting thoughts of how wondeful it could be - and in the stillness of this night - how far away it seems. Sadness flows and once again, life is in Html, with the pictures unseeen, all codes and symbols, refusing to go back to compose... Html, to figure out what is behind the picture, and that dowsnt work. Perhaps...

Perhaps listening to others solidifies the block. The 360 degree turn has long been forgotten, thus all is accepted, yet the fear threads -

It was not me... Such a dull pain. Knowing that the devotion on wasted matters is the trajectory of.. Limited.

Perhaps. As the counter goes on, time refreshes with a twist, still in html, coded. Perhaps...

Thus time has had it time and the approach to will begins, and the beauty of releasing the spirit adheres to the soul. Once alone. Once more alone. Such is the travelled path - in spiteful anger of the grounded materialism -
Be it all for squat.

Breathing, no frantic misgivings, no drastic action. Go with the flow. The tears have dried, throwing inthe towel but one more
Time -
As life is in html.