How To Style: Metallic Pleated Skirts

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Anyone will tell you that wearing a loose top with a loose skirt is unflattering and will make your frame look shorter which is probably something you would want to avoid if you have a petite frame like I do. But no one will tell you how liberating it is not to care about looking taller or shorter and how rewarding it is to be able to hide your belly in this outfit especially after 5 dishes of Mexican food. So forget the rules, here’s how I style my metallic pleated skirt anyways!

This skirt has been around since last year and I’ve been able to get a hold on this bad boy since I first saw it. I was thinking about doing a more in depth version of this but unfortunately, I never really got around to doing it but I have been sporting this bad boy for quite a while now. It’s been a great companion on “fancy” events or even when I’m out doing chores.

Top: Forever21| Skirt: H&M| Watch: Michael Kors| Flats: Car-car| Glasses: Specs by Charlie

I am aware that I gained weight,

Issa P.

 

Enjoyable Greens @ Lun-Haw Vegan Cafe

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As you went through the title of this post, I’m sure you’ve questioned my love for meat and if I have in fact switched lifestyles… the answer is yes and at the same time, no. No, I am not converting to veganism but I am exploring healthier diet options starting here at Lun-haw Vegan Cafe.

For those who were as ignorant as I was walking into this Cafe, veganism in a nutshell pertains to a person or rather a lifestyle of someone who does not does or use any animal products or bi-products such as meat, fish, eggs, cheese or leather.

Admittedly, there are very small food options for vegans here in Cebu City which is why it is my pleasure to share to share this little hub with all my vegan/ vegan curious/ health conscious friends and readers today.

Lun-haw, which is a bisaya translation of greens, is a vegan cafe along the streets of Escario street. Located at the ground floor of Maxwell Hotel, this dainty and beautifully decorated cafe is a stones throw away from Anytime Fitness & Epic Performance & Gym, which is a great dining option if you just came from the gym and are looking for something clean, affordable and great tasting!

INTERIORS

I, along with every single millennial on this planet, am such a sucker for interiors and believe that a great environment is one deciding factor of a good establishment. Lun-haw Vegan Cafe is very cozy and refreshing to the eyes with their eye pleasing and informative murals along their walls and my favorite spot… the grass wall which is totes instagramable” (lol!).

It’s a great place to unwind, have a solo or group study session and even have a get together with family and friends.

THE FOOD

Watermelon & Mango Flavored Soy Shake – P 120.00

If you all should know, soybeans and I are not good friends. In fact, I try to stay at least 10 ft. away from them because I cannot stand them. Don’t ask me why but it’s just a preference thing. Surprisingly, I fairly enjoyed this drink opting more towards the watermelon flavored shake which masks the soy flavor a little bit more. But honestly, if no one told me that there was soy in it, I wouldn’t even know.

Buffalo Wings – P 165.00
Cauliflower and broccoli graciously covered in Lun-Haw’s special buffalo sauce

Of all the dishes Paolo & I sampled during our visit, this dish was our absolute favorite! Each piece was fresh, crispy and well coated with the buffalo sauce which could make one easily forget that they’re not actually munching on chicken wings from which this dish was inspired from. If you’re looking to ease your way into trying vegan based food, I would definitely suggest that you start with this dish.

Vegan Burger – P 220.00
A monggo- potato burger patty in a vegan burger bun with tomato, onion, lettuce and cucumber, serves with air fries

For a self confessed burger junkie, I am thrilled to admit that I truly enjoyed this vegan alternate. Honestly, it wasn’t the first time I had encountered a vegetable based burger but I am still pretty impressed at how vegans can still pull off a pretty filling burger. Plus, the sauce for those air fried fries were superb!

Vegan Sisig – P 165.00
Tofu- mushroom sisig in coconut “butter” sauce, topped with tofu “egg” and served with turmeric brown rice and their house salad

I’m not a huge fan of tofu and of sisig so I didn’t indulge in this dish too much. However, Paolo, who appreciates both, liked them pretty well. He claims it’s a good take on the Filipino favorite dish and that anyone who likes tofu (NOT ME!) will enjoy it. I was impressed with their version of eggs and the side salad. I like salads. haha.

Garden Pizza – P 240.00
Tomato- basil pizza sauce, red bell pepper, spinach, pineapple, caned mushroom, red tomatoes, onion, black olives and drizzled with cashew cheese

I was instantly curious about this dish as soon as it reached our table. My first question was, “is there cheese?” no. Followed by, “what did you use to substitute cheese?” cashews. To me, there’s no such thing as a pizza without cheese but you kow, it actually worked. It actually tasted good and I took it home to my overly critical family and even they liked it!

THE MENU

Lun- haw Vegan Cafe is located at the ground floor of Maxwell Hotel, N Escario Street.

Operating days & hours:
Monday- Thursday 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Friday 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM

Follow them on Facebook & Instagram for more updates!

EAT YOUR HEARTS OUT,
Issa P.

While You Are Sleeping

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Do not love me because I wish to be loved

Because I am perpetually obsessed with the thought of someone thinking of me as the sun and the stars in their sky or the earth that they walk on

Do not love me because I smother you with questions of “do you love me?” “do you love me?”

Because sometimes actions are not enough even when they are a hundredfold and I just need to hear it

Do not love me because I love you

Because everything you do and every thought I have has always been and will always be about you

But please love me because it is what your heart wants you to do. Though my egocentric, in constant need of validation, suffocating, crazy, tireless ways may wear you out- even when on the outside I try to act cool but on the inside I’m actually crying at how much I really love you, I hope you can and that you do love me not because I need you to but because you just do.

—

 

Thank you for letting me play Uncharted. And for selling the thought of a Nintendo Switch to me. I don’t know if it’s more for me or for you sometimes but what the heck, I want one! lol.

p.s. You are beautiful. I love you.

IssaTalks Ep.2: Being The Unofficial BPO Idol, Being Viral & Sex (?) with JuzKDing

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Had Kiddie Rodaje of JuzKDing on the show. It was awesome!

Is he a top or a bottom? Listen to find out!

Facebook Live footage + enhanced audio

SOUND CLOUD

https://soundcloud.com/issatalks/issatalks-ep2-with-juzkding-the-unofficial-bpo-idol-being-viral-sex

TOP!

Issa P.

 

5 Things You Should Know Before Getting Gel Polish ft. Nailaholics Nail Salon & Spa

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Ever heard of the expression: we always want what’s bad for us?  (or was it what we can’t have?) Well, this is sort like one of those occasions but with an upside. A pretty one, at that!

I’ve been getting gel polishes every so often for the past year. I do so with caution for reasons that will be explained in the points below. It’s honestly a love- hate relationship but during my recent trip to Nailaholics, Ayala Center Cebu, I simply could not resist. I settled for a gel polish in all its damaging glory but honestly, I don’t regret it.

If you’ve heard of gel polishes before, I’m sure you’ve heard of their long lasting powers which is this products claim to fame but before you go ahead running to your closest salon, here are a few things you should know about getting gel polish:

  1. Gel manicure can last up to 1- 3 weeks.

It’s longevity is really the main reason why I get them done in the first place. Regular manicures usually only last me up to 3 days because I’m always using my hands whether if it’s typing, washing dishes, fixing fabrics or what have you so I only really get them during special occasions like a photo shoot, wedding or a fancy event. Yes, you can still get your cuticles cleaned and the gel polish will stay on.

2. Gel Manicures are difficult to remove on your own (it is also not advised)

In Issa world, this only means that I have to pay someone to remove them for me which sometimes sounds ridiculous but it’s a small price to pay to make sure you don’t damage your nails too much, if you actually care about damaging them.

I have honestly never made it to the parlor to have them removed. Maybe it’s my impatience or maybe it’s my complete unwillingness to spend (I believe it’s the latter) but I have always picked at them to get them off. The reality is, I don’t care too much about damaged nails anyways because for one, they grow out. Another, do people get nail cancel? I must Google this. So irresponsible, I know.

3. Too much is bad for you.

My frequent picking, I believe, is forgivable considering I only get them very so often but generally, you’re not advised to get more than two gel manicures back-to-back. I’ve also read that the UV light which is used to dry the manicure can have long term effects if exposed to it too much but requesting for an LED light is a safer option.

Really, can someone please explain HOW damaged your nails can get? Don’t they just grow out? (ignorant me refusing to google and asking for a lecture. I’m gonna get it bad!)

   

4. Nail rehab is best post gel manicure removal.

Moisturizing and deep penetrating oils and balms are the best way to help your nails recuperate after a drying session of gel manicure. This post manicure procedure is best for repairing damaged and weak nails and it will also allow your nails to breathe. I would also suggest opting for a lighter manicure (meaning: not gel polish) right after having your gel polish removed.

5. I would still get one anyways.

I know the interwebs say that gel manicures are dangerous for you but if you read the fine print, it’s really only damaging if you do it too much. If you’re someone like me that doesn’t like chipped nails and doesn’t have the necessity of going to the parlor every week, I would totally do it. I’ve had my polish for almost a week already and even with all my cleaning and typing, my manicure is still in place which means I’m ready to shake hands with anyone I meet and I like it that way and maybe suffocating my nails for 3 weeks seems like a price I’m willing to pay (for me. You’re allowed to feel differently!).

There are definitely pros and cons to this nail technology but if you’re find out about it anywhere, I would rather you heard from me. Whatever decision you have, more importantly, it’s essential that you go to a facility that understands your needs, takes care of you and practices complete professionalism and sterility.

Nailaholics Nail Salon & Spa, located at the 3rd floor of Ayala Center Cebu and SM Seaside City, is a relaxing Hamptons inspired getaway in the city. Their top of the line services and friendly prices will have you extending your stay and relaxing the day away.

Check out their services offered and prices here.

For updates, follow them on Facebook and Instagram!

xx,

Issa P.