Alyanna's Fitness Party.

A weekend getaway where gifts, prizes, diving, mermaid swimming lessons and all meals are being offered at a reasonable price? Why not? 

This is exactly what Alyanna Martinez offered her followers and friends last weekend that was held at Acacia Resort and Dive in Anilao, Batangas. 

Jacqueline and I entered our room where a lot of loot was spread out on the bed. 

During breakfast, Alyanna, Albert and yours truly with Jacqui's peace sign photobomb.

Photo by liezlmartinez (Instagram)

After, we changed into our gear and headed to the relaxing pool where Havaianas floating slippers were displayed. 

Since it was in the package, Jacqui and I took advantage of the diving lessons. Jacqui was a natural. She went down as far as 40ft!!  I am already a certified diver so I just took a refresher course. I realize that once you learn how to dive, no matter how long it's been, you will never forget how to do it. 

Fellow diver and one of my childhood crushes (Alvin Patrimonio and Richard Gomez are the other two), Albert Martinez and your bloggerina. 

Photo by liezlmartinez (Instagram)

After an hour in the pool, it was time to see the world under water. 

Photos and videos of us underwater will soon follow. 

When we got back, Ms. Teresa Herrera-Anthony lead us in an hour of relaxing yoga. 

Photo by liezlmartinez (Instagram)

And then we just sat around watching the beautiful sunset. I made sure to thank Him for all the blessings I have in my life. Sunsets make me feel so nostalgic. 

The next day, it was time to bring out the colorful fins. The Philippine Mermaid Swimming Academy made sure the ladies, including my baby girl transformed into graceful mermaids. 

Photo by seeabismile (Instagram)

Photo by alyannamartinez (Instagram)

Before heading home, we decided to get stranded and have a mini photo-shoot. 

I love this photo of Jacqui. To be young and free....and to be able to jump so high!!!

The islanders, Jacqui, Jigs, George, Alyanna, Alissa and your bloggerina. 

This trip was not just about us, it was also about their dogs! I normally wouldn't hold a dog this close to my face but I know that Chanel is groomed in a parlor every week.

Thank you so much Alyanna!! We had a blast!!! 

Follow her on IG so that you too can join her next fitness party!! 

And when we got home, we checked out our loot. Happiness. 

Au Courant Summer Travel.

Held last week at Rockwell, Au Courant Summer Travel trunk show proved to be a huge success. I know because Janina and I together spent quite a lot in one hour that I was there. I saw a few of my favorite products and must share them with you now. 

FAE, love the scent and the fact that everything is organic. Congratulations Macky for your continued success on your new venture. Will surely order more because my friends and I love it. 

100% handmade, Crow's Nest offers the cutest toys your kid can have. I was this close to getting Thor but I was told that my nephew, Liam, is over these kinds of things. 

Beautifully wrapped soap and soap dish is an awesome gift by Cura V. I would have gotten a lot for myself but I need to renovate my bathroom first to deserve such a pretty thing. 

Emi Jorge's cutest wooden clutches. 

Janina Dizon-Hoschka has a corner where she offers her famous Shagreen Collection of business card holders, belts, clutches and gem shaped corner tables.

Linda Farrow sunglasses! If I were more careful with my shades, I would have definitely gotten this one....but I am the type that sits on them, leaves them and eventually loses them. 

But Jacqueline thought that this was definitely worth trying on. 

Fell in love with this iPhone 5 case/sling bag by Kotur. The only thing that stopped me from buying it is the fear of the iPhone 6. What if it is not the same shape and size? 

Maureen Disini's most famous kaftans! Perfect outfit for summer!!! 

Glad to have gone to the Au Courant Summer Travel. 

I am sure there's another one soon. Better not miss it!!

Playland by MAC.

I cannot resist make up. I know I already have so much but whenever I go to a store, I cannot leave without having something to take home and add to my make up kit. 

MAC recently launched PLAYLAND in Rockwell and sure enough, I got me some goodies and added more to my wish list. 

Got my two colors, 10 more to go. 

Out of all the make up that I use and need, this is probably the one thing that I MUST have. With the heat lately, I don't want to have my eyebrows disappear as I sweat (especially in the gym). 

This waterproof brow by MAC is definitely on my wish list. 

Studio Sculpt Lash, must have you. 

I love all the colors! Will eventually get them all but right now, my lipstick supply is more than enough. 

My fellow make up lover, Alyanna Martinez. 

My loot for that day! So happy. 

Thank you MAC!!! 

Happy at Elbert's Steak Room.

Having never tried Elbert's Steak Room, I asked my friends if we can eat here for lunch today. Thankfully they agreed because we are all so happy with the food! 

There's a business lunch special that is delicious, quick and reasonable! 

All courses come with a fresh salad with two choices for the dressing. 

I had the Asian. 

CK and SL had the prime rib and I had a bite and happy to report that it was tender, juicy and very flavorful. 

My order was this Duck Ravioli. It was cooked to perfection. Love it.

Three diners meant three desserts. We nearly licked the plate clean. 

Service was also good! I will definitely be back. 

The happy campers, CY, SL and your bloggerina. 

Thank you for lunch guys! 

Elbert’s Steak Room is located at:

3/F Sagittarius Building III

111 H. V. de la Costa Street

Salcedo Village

Makati City 1227

Philippines

French Wines and Tapas at MO!

FRENCH WINES AND TAPAS AT THE MANDARIN DELI

            Mandarin Oriental, Manila fêtes oenophiles and gastronomes alike with its monthly Wines and Tapas night on Friday, May 30 at the Mandarin Deli. The French-themed culinary affair allows diners to indulge in unlimited servings of fine French wines and an extensive array of delectable hors d’oeuvres.

            The wines from the hotel’s very own prime selection will be artfully paired with a delectable French-inspired tapas spread prepared by the hotel’s team of master chefs headed by Executive Chef Rene Ottlik and French Executive Sous Chef Remi Vercelli. Among these are: Profiteroles with smoked salmon mousse (Duchesse au saumon fume); Homemade pork rillette (rillettes de cochon maison); Tuna tapenade (Purée d’olives au thon); Curried eggplant caviar (Purée d’aubergines au curry); Steak tartare and potatoes “Lyonnaise Style” (pommes de terre Lyonnaise); and Lamb stew with spring vegetables (Navarin d’agneau aux primeurs), plus a selection of premium assorted French cold cuts and cheeses. To cap it all, tantalizing sweets such as Valhrona dark chocolate mousse, Baba au rhum and Cherry clafoutis will also be served.

Whether guests come in for an intimate tête-à-tête or for a hearty banter with a group of friends or business colleagues, the relaxed and casual atmosphere of the Mandarin Deli provides the perfect ambiance for diners to enjoy the finest of French gastronomy. Now on its second year, the Wines and Tapas Night has spilled over to the adjacent MO Lounge due to the increased following. Reservations are highly recommended.

          Wines and Tapas is priced at PHP 1,500 nett and includes entrance to the event and free-flowing wine and food. The doors open at 7 pm. For more information, call the hotel on 750 8888 or email momnl-fb@mohg.com.