“She Says” for Zee Lifestyle

Posted on July 23, 2015 by issaplease

The past 2 months have been extremely hectic but I am definitely not complaining! I’m suddenly finding myself attending to more photoshoots, giving modeling workshops (although I’ve never really seen myself as a model), attending more events and being more committed to being a blogger.

This months’ highlight is being on Zee Lifestyle’s Men’s issue where I share my thoughts about boys, dating in Cebu and everything else in between! I’m super proud of this issue and I’m so happy that my first feature in a magazine really let me express who I am. Also, it was pretty awesome that I got to talk about boys cuz boys are like… my favorite topic! HAHA. Just kidding.

Please grab an issue of this month’s Zee Lifestyle magazine! They are available in Rustan’s grocery stores and National Bookstore outlets for P150.00.

Follow me on snapchat: issaplease

Instagram: @issaplease

Till the next,

Issa

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IssaEats: Ampersand @ Banilad Town Center, Cebu

Posted on July 11, 2015 by issaplease

Along the halls of the Banilad Town Center (BTC) is a bustling restaurant that is warmly lit and filled with people. With it’s interior looking like it popped out of a movie screen, it is no surprise that people are flocking to go there for the eye party but they find themselves coming back for their great food and excellent service.

For obvious reasons, I’d most likely find myself at the bar sipping on a Hendricks Jive while waiting for a handsome man to use a funny pick up line on me. I know it’s not really going to happen, this is Cebu after all, but the cinematic appeal of it all is just so dreamy. Indeed, liquor is quicker and I’m looking forward to my next drunken session at no other than at Ampersand.

Paolo and I really enjoyed this place the first time we went a couple of months ago- up until now he still speaks highly of their risotto which he graced as his favorite risotto in Cebu. It was to my disappointment that I wasn’t able to take enough photos of the first time we went because as soon as I sunk my teeth into my Sous Vide, I knew that I would never be able to spell it without double checking with my spell checker but I would always remember how flavorful that piece of meat was. I loved it!

Fortunately for me, the blogging world has been nothing but kind lately and I was invited a couple of weeks ago to try out more of their dishes. I don’t usually tag Paolo along with me during group invites unless requested so since he had to stay home that night, all critique will just be from yours truly.

Here we go!

First on the list was this Salmon Tartare, in Dill-Shallot Vinaigrette, Sous Vide Egg White. Quick fact, I only started appreciating Salmon about 5 years ago. Prior to that, I either stayed away from anything raw (sashimi) or fish in general. So basically, I’m still learning how to love seafood but with this appetizer, it didn’t take me much convincing. I loved the vinaigrette kick and the taste of salmon and in fact, I had 4 servings. HA!

Truffle Scented Mushroom Cappuccino. I’m not a big truffle fan because I don’t find the scent as inviting as others do; although the scent of this soup was a bit too strong for me, I did enjoy the mushroom and cappuccino mix. It was definitely something new to my palate and if this is something you’d also want to try, I’d suggest sharing it with a friend first because it is a generous serving.

The lemongrass-Turmeric & Ginger Chicken, Baba Ghanoush (phew!) is one of Ampersand’s best sellers… and with well reason. The Baba Ghanoush was the perfect neutralizer to the chicken and everything about it was simply superb. I feel like I made love to this chicken. I feel like I wouldn’t mind making love to it over and over again.

As mentioned earlier, I’m not completely a fan of all sea food so I honestly picked out pieces of my Seafood Risotto. The risotto I devoured, along with the salmon and prawns but you’ll have to ask something else what they thought of the squid and tuna as I didn’t bother to touch it. I do recommend getting their risottos though just because Paolo loved it and I always support the things he loves… like myself. lol.

Thyme & Cumin Roasted Rack of Lamb on Green Tea Cous Cous & Vegetable Ratatouille. The lamb was pretty good, and I generally loved the presentation of this plate. By now you can identify the aesthetic signature of Ampersands head chef and he is totally rocking it! I would probably order this dish again but have it with potatoes instead of cous cous if it’s even possible. I love mashed potatoes.

32-day dry aged Prime US Angus Rib Eye. I truly enjoyed this steak and the fact that you can choose your sidings of either mashed potatoes or a salad. I loved it.

Fresh Strawberry & Mango Pavlova

Citron Green Tea Cheesecake, Chocolate Ganache Cake. Double Chocolate Fudge Brownies

My favorite of all the deserts served to us that night were the Mango & Strawberry Pavlova and the Citron Green Tea Cheesecake. The chocolate ganache and double chocolate brownies were also really good but if you’re like me and you prefer something fruitier than heavy chocolate then I highly suggest my top 2 choices.

With fellow Cebu bloggers

Ampersand, which is located at the Banilad Town Center, not only serves dinner and drinks- they also have an impressive display of cold cuts and cheese that can be paired with wine or for take out.

Find out more about them on their Facebook page for events and updates!

See you there,

Issa

Hala Paella, The Best Paella In Cebu at The Banilad Town Center

Posted on July 7, 2015 by issaplease

There’s no denying that I eat out for the experience. Meal times are my favorite part of the day so whenever I get the chance to eat out, I prefer going to places that are visually and gastronomically appealing- places that will give me a chance to create awesome memories and bonds with the people I am with. You see, eating to me isn’t just sitting down at a table and force feeding yourself to eat anymore, it’s an opportunity… it’s the main event!

Currently, I do have a favorite list of restaurants that you can all find on this blog and today, I am soo happy to be adding a new one to this list- HALA PAELLA Spanish Comfort Food, which recently opened at the Banilad Town Center (across Dimsum Break). From the interior to the food, this new soon to be favorite hang out is not only extremely instagramable (which we all know is very important nowadays) but it also budget friendly without skimping out on taste.

Hala Paella claims to have the best paella’s in town and since I am no expert in Spanish cuisine, I’ll let you be the judge of that. But if you asked me, if I could, I would have their Negra paella for breakfast, lunch, dinner and then again for midnight snacks. But if black squid ink isn’t your thing, they also have 5 other choices of paellas to choose from that all come in hefty servings even for it’s “solo” size.

They also offer main courses created to complete your Spanish comfort food dining experience and with their prices ranging from P 38.00 to as high as P 128.00, it’s perfect if you want to try everything in one go. I loved their calamares (P 88.00) and I’m super excited to come back and try out their Chuletas (P 108.00).

Negra Paella in Solo – P 108.00; Lechon Paella – P 118.00; Sangria – P 90.00

Croquetas – P 58.00

Other Hala Paella menu and prices:

Chicharrones – P 38.00

Spanish Chorizo – P 88.00

Gambas – P 88.00

Cazuela – P 98.00

Chiprones – P 98.00

Alitas De Pollo – P 98.00

Callos – P 118.00

Pulpo – P 118.00

Lengua – P 118.00

Salpicao De Cerdo – P 128.00

Follow Hala Paella on Instagram @halapaella

For take out orders, call them up at 344 4252

They are open from 10:00 am – 11:00 pm

See you there,

Issa

Toniq Juice Party

Posted on July 1, 2015 by issaplease

So happy to be back blogging! I had to take a short hiatus on account of Paolo’s short trip to the hospital but no worries, we’re alive; kicking and better than ever!

This week taught me a lot about the importance of having a healthier lifestyle especially with Paolo being diagnosed with Enteric Colitis which was definitely not easy to have to watch him endure. And now that I’m fully committed to providing him with the healthiest meals in accordance to his new non spicy, non dairy, non oily diet; I am so glad that Toniq Juice is around to help me pack Paolo with all the healthy stuff he needs!

Toniq believes that health is a lifestyle and not just a mere diet- it’s the right mixture of proper consumption of food, exercise and getting proper amounts of rest.

With the many products and services under this brand, a healthier and better version of yourself can easily be attained. I noticed that everyone’s been so into juicing nowadays and it’s refreshing to find that at Toniq, they have more to offer such as salad jars, healthy snacks and my favorites- the popsicles and sorbets!

Being healthy has never been this fun!

You can find out more about Toniq Juice on their official website or through their Facebook page.

You can also drop by their store located in SM City Cebu or have them deliver them straight to your doorstep via FoodPanda.

And now for some outfit shots!

[Top: Custom made| Necklace: Borrowed from mom| Skirt: Let’s Stylize| Heels: Parisian (SM Department Store]

Keep It Classy,

Issa

IssaEats: Grounded and Pounded

Posted on June 25, 2015 by issaplease

I honestly do not think that anything will come close to my favorite Fat Cow burger for a while but it doesn’t hurt to post some pretty ok burgers in between.

Grounded and Pounded which is located at the ground floor of One Pavillion mall along Banawa claims to be a healthier variation to the typical burger. With the tag line “It’s Not Just Healthy… It’s Grounded and Pounded”, I was sort of left wondering what was so healthy about it. I think it was the pesto sauce they used in it but to be honest, I really don’t know.

I don’t feel too good about giving a bad review but a friend encouraged me to be very honest with my thoughts and opinions which is the basis of a good blog so I will try very very hard to make this as decent as possible. Sorry if I hurt anyone’s feelings.

We walked into Grounded and Pounded right around noontime, hungry and excited to try out this new burger place that we’ve been noticing over the past few months. The first thing we noticed as we entered was that all the doors were open and that the air conditioning was turned off with the absence of an electric fan to make up for the scrimped ventilation. Not to sound like we can’t handle a little heat or anything but for an establishment located inside the mall, we were expecting that it would be fully air conditioned. Also, the reason why we decided to eat out was because it was too hot to eat at home in the first place. Since the place was pretty clean and it wasn’t suffocating us, we decided to stay anyways since we were all pretty determined to try the place out.

At first I was quite excited to order since there were quite a few selections to choose from their flip through menu such as the Banh Mi Burger (P109.00), The Gap Classic (P 99.00), The Gap Premium (P 129.00), The Gap Bacon Burger (P 144.00) and side dishes like Bruschetta (P69.00), Mojos (P89.00) among others. Unfortunately, the burger and the side dish that I wanted weren’t available and I ended up with a Gap Classic with Cheese (P 139.00) and fries. The menu stated that it came with mojos but they did not have those either which was kind of a bummer.

Maybe it was the heat or the disappointment from their scarcity in selections but I ended up not quite enjoying my burger. Although I liked the little hearts that the chef cutely placed on my chopping board, I guess it wasn’t enough to entice my already fading appetite. Also, if you’re not really into spiced burgers then you probably won’t like this burger either.

There were a lot of things I did not like about this place or the food but the service wasn’t really that bad. The place was clean so even though it was hot, we didn’t feel like we were being grilled liked our patties. There weren’t a lot of people so there wasn’t a problem with seating either and when my friend’s chair broke mid meal, the owner humbly apologized and provided us with a new one. But then again, chairs aren’t supposed to break mid meal, are they? haha. It could’ve gone worse, guys!

We probably went on one of our off days so I’m hoping that the next time we decide to drop by, they’ll have more items on their menu and that the necessary changes will be made. Grounded and Pounded seemed to me like a labor of love that had so much potential to develop and become more than it is. So even if I did not enjoy my first time there, I’m looking forward to seeing them improve for the next time we decide to try it out again.

Find out more about them here

A Round About Of My Planet Exchange Favorites + SALE Details!

Posted on June 24, 2015 by issaplease

My closet has gotten such an upgrade since I first dropped by Planet Exchange at the 2nd floor of SM City – Cebu. I love being able to shop and not feel like I’m going over budget without compromising style and comfort which is exactly is it feels whenever I drop by their outlet. As you can or have already seen in my previous blog posts, Planet Exchange is a depot of style offering so many choices whether you’re channeling your inner goddess, if you’re feeling a dainty or if you’re just looking for something to casually lounge around in.

Below are my top 5 favorite looks so far but I’ve got soo many more for you to enjoy so make sure to watch out for that! Til then, I hope you enjoy these entries:

Weight Gain & Hair Loss

Smarty Pants

Find Your L(he)ight

In Mint Condition

Flowers In Summer? Groundbreaking.

Also, Planet Exchange will be having an END OF SEASON SALE this June 26- July 5 so if you’re looking for something cute to wear to the office or during wash days, make sure to make Planet Exchange a part of your shopping plans.

xx,

Issa

This Golden State

Posted on June 23, 2015 by issaplease

Ok HONESTLY, I wish I actually had the time to just lounge around, play some good old NBA 2K15 (or Watchdogs or Second Son or Diablo- the list goes on…) but I don’t.

Fortunately, I do have enough time to make a quick tribute to my home team, The Golden State Warriors who by the by, just won the NBA 2015 finals after 40 years! Also, to all the Filipinos who have made California their homes, this one’s for you!

I think that it is also important for everyone to know that I have been madly in love with Stephen Curry for the past year. But more than my love for him, I think that he stands as a true role model for anyone who has been told that they couldn’t do this or that they weren’t “enough”.

A good friend of mine shared this article with me this morning and to anyone who’s ever been told that they were too short, too dark, that they didn’t fit in with the standards of typical beauty or any type of judgement- they only win if you let them.

We can be whoever we want to be and millions of people, not just Steph Curry, have proven it. There are so many inspirational people and quotes out there to get us through adversities and God bless each and every one of them but what good are all these things if it doesn’t start with you?

So glad to know that my future baby daddy is talented, empowering and not to mention; drop dead gorgeous!

GSW Shirt: Adidas| Shorts: Gaisano Grand| Leather Jacket: Urban Republic

P.S. I didn’t not wake up like this

P.S.S. I am losing more money than I am making it. My brother now charges me P100.00 to take my photos. Negosyante sad diay. 😐 😦 😥 :'((

Again CONGRATULATIONS, GOLDEN STATE WARRIROS!

CONGRATULATIONS, BOO!

xx,

Issa

IssaDreams: I Wish I Was In Malaysia

Posted on June 23, 2015 by issaplease

Someday I wish to take this blog to different places and show you the world through my eyes- bright eyed and crazy! But in the mean time, I’m enjoying saving up money and widening my options when it comes to travel bucketlists and options.

I was lucky enough to experience what Malaysia would be like without even having to step foot out of the country when I was invited to Tourism Malaysia’s special campaign launch at the Marriot Hotel last June 10.

I got to witness the many cultural presentations of Malaysia and most importantly, my options were opened in terms of things to do and places to go to when I actually get to to Malaysia.

Here’s what I’d probably do:

* Release the inner child in me at Lego Land

* Admire the Petronas Towers great architectural structures in Kuala Lumpur

* Explore Genting Highlands

* Do some major shopping! Malaysia is, afterall, known as the 4th best shopping city in the world!

* Relax on their pristine beaches

Although I won’t be going there anytime soon, hopefully your schedules are a little more open than mine and you can explore this wonderful city with friends or family.

This year Malaysia is celebrating the theme “Endless Celebrations” and by using the hashtag #mybffxoxo, you may even get the chance to win a 3 days, 2 nights all expense paid trip to Malaysia!

Lots of love from my favorites, Toni, Jean and Sinjin!

For more information visit: http://www.tourismmalaysia.gove.my

Facebook

xx,

Issa

Hair Loss and Weight Gain

Posted on June 22, 2015 by issaplease

Yes, I cut my hair and yes, I put on some weight but it doesn’t mean that:

A. I broke up with my boyfriend

B. That I am depressed. Or in my case, more depressed than I usually am. I am a hormonal woman, after all.

With Cebu’s unforgiving weather, I realized that a good snip was the best remedy to my back rashes and overall discomfort. Despite my nonconformism to the lob (long bob) and with wise words from my best friend, Alex and Francis Lee of Bridges Salon, I opted for this bob and a shaved head which I wear with utmost pride. To everyone who has slightly overacted to my new look and how I’m ever going to be able to take photos- it’s just hair.

Over-sized vest: Planet Exchange| Dress: lilybridal| Leggings: Thirfted| Shoes: Adidas Superstars

As for the weight gain… You win.

xx,

Issa

Find Your L[he]ight

Posted on June 18, 2015 by issaplease

I recently did an interview and quick shoot with Stephen Suico, after putting it off for a good couple of years. He asked me a lot of interesting questions that I enjoy being asked as a blogger such as: “Why do you think people blog?” and “what makes a good blogger?”

It took me a while to actually get on board to doing a shoot because I was not sure which direction I was headed towards as a blogger. I didn’t know if I wanted this to be a personal style diary of if I wanted to add a more commercial edge to it- I think my indecisiveness hindered my growth for a while, to be completely honest with everyone.

In the end, I decided that I wanted to create a personal blog that I could be proud of and what made me proud was having good content and quality photos. As soon as I decided this, it made it easier for me to grow as a blogger and to create entries that reflected who I am.

It is so easy to get consumed into something that you love doing. Sometimes, when you’re finally getting to that point that you’ve been waiting for for a long time, it gets overwhelming, the pressure increases and then it stops being kind of fun. I cannot tell you how many times I’ve wanted to throw in the towel and just go back to a “normal” life.

So now when I feel like there’s just too much pressure from the real and online world like, having to dress up when I don’t feel like it or being pressured to up my Instagram game when all I want to do is post whatever I want as I please, I just stop for a while and I try to find my light. Or as this title suggests, my height.

I give myself a break and try to rid myself from the pressure. I’ll blog when I feel like it or I’ll go back to blogging on Issatalks and when I’m ready to re-enter this wonderful world of glitz and glamour, then at least I’ve remembered why I’m doing it and why I refuse to stop.

So I’m dedicating this post to everyone who’s even been through a moment of uncertainty in their lives whether you’re a blogger, an employee, a businessman or a student. WE ALL GO THROUGH IT! We just need to find the things that make us get up in the morning and say, “I got this!”

For me it’s being able to share wonderful stories and experiences with all of you and knowing that you like it when I get emotional and real. It’s being able to create something out of the one thing I’ve been so passionate about my entire life and sharing it with everyone. It’s hearing that you guys love what I do which makes me feel like all my efforts have not gone to waste. It’s a million and one reasons that I sometimes forget but it’s never too hard to remember. I hope you remember your one million and one reasons, too.

[Zara Blazer: Planet Exchange| Mint top: Pink Lemonade (@pinklemonstore on Instagram)| Skirt: Style Haven| Heels: Zalora]

Photography: Stephen Suico

Check out his portfolio, he’s amazing and he is so awesome to work with! 🙂

xx,

Issa

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Category Archives: Events & Features

“She Says” for Zee Lifestyle

IssaEats: Ampersand @ Banilad Town Center, Cebu

Hala Paella, The Best Paella In Cebu at The Banilad Town Center

Toniq Juice Party

IssaEats: Grounded and Pounded

A Round About Of My Planet Exchange Favorites + SALE Details!

This Golden State

IssaDreams: I Wish I Was In Malaysia

Hair Loss and Weight Gain

Find Your L[he]ight