Hizon's Catering Food Tasting Experience

One of the first things we wanted to settle for our wedding is the catering, as it's going to take the biggest chunk of our budget. It's also one of the things I'm most excited about, because it's a chance for us to attend food tasting events for free! :D

To be honest, my dream caterer would be K by Cunanan because of the good reviews and elegant styling but I couldn't get a weekend schedule from them and their FT venue is quite far so I had to let it pass. I also wanted to try the following too: Passion Cooks, Purple Dish, Josiah's, M Catering, Juan Carlo --- but had to forget about them because we already booked Hizon's after our first FT. I mean that doesn't stop us from still trying others out but you knowww, when you've already closed a deal with someone you kinda not want to regret anything so it's best not to put ourselves in a situation na baka manghinayang pa kami lol.

We trust Hizon's naman, the food is good, and it's already an established name when it comes to catering so yep. 

Oraaayt!

So two months ago, we were invited to their address at Project 6 and almost got lost. We entered through a guarded gate labeled Hizon's and was surprised that there's another subdivision inside with several mansions and an abundance of cars parked along the streets, on the driveways... it's a total dream. 

We learned that the entire compound was owned by the Hizons and the houses are property of the Hizon siblings. Their kitchen and office building is located farther inside. That's were we went.

After signing up at the reception area we were ushered upstairs where the FT event was setup. I noticed how busy their office is, the room next to the reception desk was filled with AEs on their phones (probably) talking to clients. It's noisy but reassuring in a way haha.

Once we're seated we were given a score sheet of sorts where we get to rate the dishes in a scale of 1-4 (4 being Excellent) on the basis of taste and presentation. It's a good way for us to note which foods will make it in our wedding.

Soup, appetizers, and drinks are served. the rest are on a buffet table! Who says you only get to eat tiny portions on a food tasting?

Let's go!

Soup

We were served Cream of Pumpkin and Truffled Three Mushroom soups. Both were great but we prefer the pumpkin soup. 4/4 pareho!

Appetizers

Nachos with Salsa dip - 4/4. The salsa tasted odd at first because it's mostly sweet and I was looking for that tanginess that's common in salsa dips, then I realized that this one's actually better because it's fresh. I love it!

Candied Bacon and Macerated Apple Canape - Rated 4. The one beside the nachos with what looks like Piknik sticking out of it (which is actually apple sticks lol). Looks simple and underwhelming but it's really good! 

Crisped Beef Ssam Roll - Rated 3. Bottom part with the spoons. Presentation looks good but the taste is just okay.

Main Course

Okay I just realized this post has been sitting in my drafts for months now that I can't remember how the food tastes like anymore haha. Basta if I remember correctly, I liked all their dishes! :D

I was expecting they'd give us just tiny servings of their food so when were invited to go straight to the buffet table, imagine our delight! Yey for unli servings!

We skipped the pasta because we were too bloated already. Dessert was served as well and I remember liking all of it! Haha

Okaaay, apparently I'm very easy to please when it comes to food. Jeckie and I pretty much scored the dishes alike lol.

Rates

They don't have a set rate for their wedding packages, so just tell them your budget and they'll work around it. But I think their regular rate starts at ₱1,000/head. If you're okay with shelling out that much, Hizon's could be a good choice! :) The package they gave us amounted to ₱1,000/head for 150pax with the following inclusions:

• Food: 2 types of rice, soup, beef, pork, chicken, fish, pasta, dessert, appetizer, drinks
• Freebies: Upgrade to pasta bar, dessert bar and appetizer bar, 3-layered bottom-edible cake, professional emcee, ceremony setup, tiffany chairs
• 50% off on Level 2 styling - this is the upgraded version of their standard setup, basically with 5 panels (instead of 3) for the couple's backdrop, and more flowers and centerpieces. Regular rate is 200/head.

Finally

Hizon's is a very familiar name when it comes to the catering scene, and they've been consistent with delivering great tasting food to their clients, however small or big the event is. My only concern is that their styling is pretty weak compared to other caterers with more affordable rates. For brides like me who are maarte when it comes to that, I find Hizon's portfolio lacking. The colors are too strong, the combinations unpleasant, it could probably work for kiddie parties, but for weddings? You may have to hire a separate stylist/florist pa.

So food is okay, but styling - nope.

We reserved a slot and paid ₱10,000 on the spot last February because we were impressed by the amount of food which will be part of the package. Also I was promised that my preferred styling will be followed if I take the Level 2 offer, since I'll have more fabric, flowers, and centerpieces to choose from and I can mix and match with the help of their stylist.

Sounds really good to me so we booked! :)

Location and Contact

Address: 22 Renowned Lane Sanville Project 6, Quezon City
Phone: +63 (2) 925-0107 / +63 (2) 925-0103
Web: www.hizonscatering.com

Related: 
Hizon's Grand Food Tasting Event at Don Jose Heights Clubhouse
Venue hunt: Don Jose Heights Clubhouse
Venue hunt: The Village Patio
Venue hunt: Oasis Manila
All my wedding blabber, here!

Blocked and loaded

... with anger.

So our company decided to go on a blocking spree recently, adding Facebook Messenger, Twitter, and Instagram to the list.

Like. Why.

I already let it pass (lol like I can do anything) that Facebook was blocked, 'cos for some reason it didn't affect messenger.com, so I'm okay. I can still communicate. But now that it is, I'm totally pissed.

But really, it's because it's killing my sideline and my imaginary social life.

☠ FB Messenger - I use to communicate with my clients
☠ Instagram - I use to browse for art inspiration. And furniture too, heh ❤
☠ Twitter - How the hell is Twitter eating up bandwidth? Okay it has videos, but do you really go there to watch videos? I go there to rant. And I can't do it right now. So I'm fuming guys.

And just now, I realized they've blocked Lazada, OLX, and Metrodeal too.

I'm done

What am I gonna do in the office now? Work!?

Kidding aside, it's not all bad. For one, I get to rant on this blog again. LOL

So what now, do I feel less distracted? More focused? More productive? Hell no. now I'm wasting my free time just looking at the ceiling, wondering if there's an end to all this.

Lord, let it stop. It's bad for business (mine and theirs).

Juan Carlo the Caterer Food Tasting Experience

Didn't get Juan Carlo but was able to taste their dishes and check out their styling during the last Weddings and Debuts Fair this February. Here's how it went...

I personally had a hard time reaching out to them, they wouldn't respond to Facebook, and all my inquiries from their website were never answered. Maybe they can sense who among their inquirers can actually afford them. It was my first time talking to them during the fair, and I'm so sure it's because they had no choice haha. Knowing their clientele is full of celebrities, I already expected their rates to be over expensive. And I was right. The quote they gave us for 150pax amounted to close to ₱200k! No wonder their subtitle reads "Catering to those with a finer taste more to waste". What a bunch of elitists. Charoooot. I love them okay. Moving on.

On Styling

They're really good, but during the event it looks a bit too overdone. Too much hanging greens, tables are cluttered with centerpieces. This level of styling is an upgraded one, according to the AE, so I think their basic setup is very much okay already.

Hard to move around but it's okay. I understand the setup was made to cater as many couples as possible.

I like the theme. It's like enchanted rustic garden.

More centerpieces! 

And now, the food

Spoiler: EVERYTHING TASTED SOOO GOOD. There wasn't a single dish I didn't like. Partida the food was even served cold but I didn't mind, since I was told before na it's best to consume sample foods when they're cold so you can judge the flavor better.

Their Creamy Pumpkin Soup is indeed super creamy and flavorful.

What's on my plate: 

♥ 4-hour Braised Beef in Brown Sauce - it's soooooo amazing until now I can't forget about the taste. Parang lengua ewan ko ba haha

♥ German Style Roast Chicken - I love it. Madaming herbs haha

♥ Roast Pork with Prunes and Walnuts - Very unique. Very sosyal. 

♥ Nowegian Pink Salmon in Tequila Resposado Cream Sauce - Super fancy name for a basic salmon in cream sauce I'd say, but still I love the taste!

♥ Buttered vegetables is buttered vegetables lol.

♥ The Aglio Olio was sooo yummy as well. I mean it's the most basic of pastas but the salty garlic flavor on this one was so prominent. And the pasta was al dente.

Dessert:

♥ Pandan Pancotta - MY FAVORITE
♥ Tropical Fruit Pavlova - aka merengue, not so much a fan of this but ang sarap din
♥ Mango Cheesecake - I remember this was too sweet hehe

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Aaaand that's pretty much it. If your budget allows, go ahead and get Juan Carlo the Caterer for your wedding. You'll not be disappointed with their food. As for us budgetrian brides, tikim tikim na lang! :D

Get in touch

Address: 24B Jamboree St., Tomas Morato, Quezon City
Tel: (02) 929 - 3674 / (02) 416 - 5134
Web: www.juancarlo.ph
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram

Targus outs 15.6in Transit 360 Spinner

Beyond Travel. Everyday Adventures

Sleek cabin-sized luggage for protection and smart travelling

PHILIPPINES, APRIL 2017 - A leading brand in laptop cases and accessories, Targus® Inc. unveiled the 15.6" cabin-sized Transit 360 Spinner, the latest travel companion that tailors to the needs of the rising number of business travelers.

Travel and tourism contributed to more than USD7.6 trillion of the global economy in 2014¹. Comprising 38% of global business travel, Asia is the largest business travel region in the world and is expected to have double digit growth in the next few years². Sophisticated yet functional, the new 15.6” Transit 360 Spinner integrates protection, mobility, and versatility, making it ideal for short trips and business travelers.

The Transit 360 Spinner was put to the test, and remains fully functional. Withstanding a wide range of tests - from lock, zippers and handles tests to drop, tumble and wheel abrasion tests - the spinner luggage proved to be a sturdy piece of accessory fit for the business traveler to transit a step faster for hassle-free travels.

A refreshing look with brand new colours and details, the cabin-sized luggage features three colours: black (TBR029), silver (TBR02901) and wine (TBR02902).

Safe Travels In Every Way 
For a reassured mind 

Embedded with a double-sided Travel Sentry Approved (TSA) lock, the 15.6" Transit 360 Spinner provides twice the reassurance for the traveller. The front of the built-in TSA protects electronic devices while the back secures overnight belongings. This provides double security, even when the main compartment is fully expanded, deterring potential thefts and safeguarding confidential documents.

Featuring a dedicated 15.6” laptop and iPad® compartment, devices can be stored away with a peace of mind. This compartment is strategically positioned in the middle section of the case to protect against shocks and abrasions.

For that extra precaution, adjustable straps, zippered mesh pocket and Velcro® closure pockets keep the devices in place. Made of a hard exterior shell, the 15.6" Transit 360 Spinner further ensures the resilience and durability of the luggage.

Following Your Every Move 
For hassle-free travels anytime, anywhere

The 15.6" Transit 360 Spinner is fitted with eight wheels to make each journey a more enjoyable one. Evenly distributing the load, one can expect to manoeuvre in greater ease as the wheels allow 360ᵒ rotation.

City-centric and designed for urban commute, a 2-tier telescopic handle and expandable top and side handles also allow one to move around the airport easily or when slotting the luggage into an overhead compartment.

Plan For the Unplanned 
Relief for last-minute shopping

Business travellers can now store aside worries of insufficient space to store their last-minute purchase. Designed to accommodate more luggage space for a short two-to three-day trip, the 38-liters cabin-sized luggage is expandable and frees up to 30% more space. Organisation is made easy with an allocated workstation and Velcro® closure compartment for small items storage.

Stylishly compact, this powerful yet minimalist design perfectly balances practicality and functionality. Achieving more with less, the 15.6" Transit 360 Spinner is a comfortable piece to bring along while staying trendy. The 15.6" Transit 360 Spinner is available at ₱10,999.00 in the following stores:

✔ SM Department Store Makati
✔ SM Department Store Mall of Asia
✔ SM Department Store North EDSA
✔ SM Department Store Megamall
✔ SM Department Store Aura
✔ SM Department Store Cubao
✔ Rustans Gateway
✔ Rustans Makati
✔ Rustans Shangri-la
✔ Rustans Alabang Town Center
✔ Landmark Trinoma
✔ Cash & Carry Department Store
✔ Plug+ Play Terminal 3

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About Targus® 

Targus® created the mobile accessory category with its invention of the laptop case over 30 years ago. The company continues to advance the mobile accessories category with innovative and relevant solutions for today's lifestyle. Targus products enhance productivity, connectivity, and security, liberating consumers to use their mobile devices in any and all environments with the utmost convenience and comfort. Founded in 1983, Targus’ headquarters is located in Anaheim, Calif., with offices worldwide and distribution agreements in more than 100 countries. For more information on Targus visit http://www.targus.com.

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Press Release issued on behalf of Targus® by Celine Aquino, Public Relations Specialist, Think Big Events and Management Corporation. For more information, email her at celine@thinkbigevents.ph or call her at (02) 722-6611 local 112.

Sources:
1: Travel & Tourism Economic Impact 2015 World, WTTC, 2015. 
2: GBTA Foundation Report Forecasts Global Business Travel Spending to Hit Record High of Nearly $1.2 Trillion in 2014, GBTA, 2014.

[Review] Lily's Touch Miracle Cream

Swayed by the multiple celebrity endorsements and good reviews all over the web, I decided to try Lily's Touch Miracle Cream. I bought a small tub at Lazada for ₱471, free shipping included.

Packaging

Arrived tight and safe with bubble wraps pa. I like how the tub is packaged in its melon glory, for some reason it doesn't scream cheap.

Product

White cream with a whipped consistency. Instant whitening effect, check! Most probably because it's already too white to begin with lol. Smells like melon, yep. I personally don't like the smell even though it's good 'cos it triggers my allergies. Can't put too much of this cos I'm already wheezing like crazy on the first try.

On the face

My goodness, this is too white for my skin tone. And I was reading a lot of reviews saying that it makes a good foundation base. AY JUSKO. NOPE. Don't believe them. It's too white. It's not spreadable. It dries quickly. It's too white. Or maybe I'm just too dark.

Perhaps I should just put a little.

In fairness that kinda does the trick. But the less I put on, the harder it is to spread so it doesn't really cover much. It's matte and dry so don't expect a dewy finish off of this. If you have dark skin tone, just put a very little amount of this on your face and that will be enough.

USE A BRUSH for easier spreading, a flat powder brush or one of those cute paddle brushes work wonders. Not so much a beauty sponge cos that's just like using a fat finger that size of an egg, it doesn't help even out the product.

Uses

Okay. Even though I don't like the smell, how it spreads, and how it's too white, I figured that if you couple it with other products, it becomes easier to spread and helps increase coverage.

1. As a day cream

I once tried it on with a BB cream and liquid foundation and it looks better so... yeyyy. I'm not doing that again though cos the whitening effect is really intense that I look too made up with this on. Case in point: it's really just not my shade, and there's no other.

2. As a night cream

I'm still banking on the effects of this cream so I didn't want to dispose it entirely so I tried using it as a night cream but I added moisturizer and it's, hmmmm, good! You know when you don't put anything on your face before sleeping and wake up looking either super dry and wrinkly or messed up and oily? With Lily's Touch miracle cream I woke up looking white. Just white. Still a change. But the deal is, a quick wash will reveal the true miracle hahaha. I look glowing after washing my face! Daaeeebak! 3. As a whitening cream

If you've given up putting it on your face but still don't want to throw it out, let it sit in the dark corners...of your body haha. I'm talking about the underarms, knees, and elbows. I've tried it but not regularly so I can't say if it works. Just know that it doesn't have antiperspirant and deodorant properties so if you want to put it on your underarms, better at night or when you're about to sleep. :)

Will I repurchase? Nope. Just look at the 3 excuses I had to come up with just to finish this product (and I'm not even halfway). Haaay the consequences of too much sponsored content out there. Planning to get one? Try a smaller version first (if there's one) to see if it works on you. Didn't do much to me hehe.

Ano naaaaa

5 months to go! Where are we on the wedding preps?

Gown

I paid visit to Gowns for Rent by Damsel one Saturday and liked one of the wedding gowns I tried! I tried 5 gowns total oha, 2 didn't fit, 2 didn't like. Only one fit well and looked good on me and it's the most bongga pa of all the dresses I tried so I'm seriously considering renting it out. Rental costs 10k though, but the package already includes suit and pants rental for the groom, plus wedding accessories so I think it's a good deal na rin? Our budget is 8k for the gown and 5k for the suit so pasok naman sya dibaaa. But you know...

It's not like we have a really big budget for it but whenever I share about it to, say, my titas, they always say "Ang mahal naman!", "Sa divisoria ka na lang maghanap".... and that somehow puts me down. Kanya kanyang budget okay? I can't freaking go to divisoria in this weight because I know I'll end up getting made-to-order gowns with my size, and I don't like the idea of going back and forth to divi for fittings. I told myself I'll only go to divi if I'm at least 130lbs na haha so I could at least try on the medium gowns, so uhm 15lbs to go haha Anyway. Nothing's final yet with the gown. I'll try to bring Jeckie one day so he can check on the suits/barongs as well and if he likes something from their closet, maybe we'll finally get them.

Will make another post for my GFR by Damsel visit. :D

Photo and Video

Have I mentioned we booked Studio1 already on a bridal fair? Yep. Not so thrilled about it honestly but it's the most affordable one that covers all the things I want so hmm... game!

Catering

Remember we reserved Hizon's because we liked their food and the deal they gave us during our first food tasting with them? Now we're thinking of backing out and switching to Queensland because apparently, we can save 30k, invite 30 more, and get better styling. I was aware about Queensland before but I've been reading mixed reviews online so  I didn't want to risk it, plus they're located at Las Pinas pa so omgehhh ang layo! Anyway, sakto that Hizon's is holding a grand food tasting at Don Jose Heights Clubhouse (our venue!) so we can finally show our parents the place and let them try the food as well. Actually, I wanted to talk to any of the AEs if it's possible to convert our DP to any of their services na hindi food, instead of totally giving up the 10k (malaki rin kasi yon!)

Venue

Still with Don Jose! LOL it's probably the only confident booking we have so far haha

Aaaand that's all

We're still missing out on a lot of important stuff like lights and sounds, flowers, entourage gowns, etc...but err, will get there one of these days! :D

Why the Sony α5000 is the perfect blogging companion

I didn't think I'd be interested in investing in blogging tools but here I am, marveling at the specs of one such camera that wasn't even my dream cam... at least before I found out about it. Actually, my dream camera was the Fuji X70. For one, David Guison uses it ♥ But when I was out researching about it, I found two things that disappointed me: 1) It's too expensive, and 2) it's not available anymore LOL.

Thus followed the search for an alternative. My requirements are simple. I just want something similar to the X70; small and compact, mirrorless (I don't even know what that means, but it sounds hip), and has flip screen (because selfies).

I was amused to find there are so many out there at a much affordable price range. And the winner?

The Sony α5000

(Sony ILCE-5000)

Mirrorless? Check
Flip screen? Check
Compact? Check!
Price? ₱13k less than the X70, are you kidding me? Triple check that!

Now let's delve in further at what makes this camera arguably the best blogging companion you could ever have! It doesn't matter what niche you're in, whether you're a vlogger or a food, fashion, lifestyle, or travel blogger, the Sony α5000 covers all your photography needs in one handy and powerful gadget.

Key Features

★ 20.1MP Exmor® APS HD CMOS sensor
This hardware is one of the reasons Sony has earned the world's approval as being the #1 manufacturer of image sensors for digital cameras and recorders. This sensor is responsible for capturing world-class photos rich in detail and sporting a dynamic range of colors.

★ BIONZ X™ image processing engine
Another piece of hardware that lends itself to Sony's long time legacy of producing photos with lifelike detail and superior quality. Together with the Exmor®, Sony cameras equipped with these hardware have better noise reduction capabilities, and produce very realistic images.

★ 180° tiltable LCD screen
Need I say more? Perfect for self portraits!

★ Full HD shooting and recording
Shoot movies in 1080p resolution and don't worry a bit about noise and grain. Rest assured that all frames are captured beautifully and expertly processed.

★ Wi-Fi® and NFC One-touch
Easily transfer your photos from your camera to your phone by turning on the Wi-Fi or NFC feature of your cam. Also, Sony's One-touch remote enables you to control your camera straight from your phone! All of these features make the Sony α5000 a formidable player in the world of mirrorless DSLRs, and for bloggers out there still looking to fortify their tools of trade, this makes for a very sound investment. With a price point of roughly ₱22,999.00? Shut up and take my money please put it on sale, Sony!

For Food Bloggers

Despite its size, you'd be surprised to find this cutie has interchangeable lens! Yup, something missing from the X70 lol (I'm picking on the Fuji 'cos I can't afford it okay). So if you're savvy enough, get a Sony E-mount lens kit fit for such macro food shots. Otherwise, the α5000's superior auto function has macro settings perfect for close up shots.

For Fashion Bloggers

Grab a tripod, mount the α5000, and flip the screen up. Yep, you don't need to get your boyfriend to do your OOTD shots anymore haha. If you feel like you're gonna be posing too far from the camera for a full body shot, here's a good news: The Sony α5000 has one-touch remote technology, so you can take the shot from your phone! How awesome is that. Uhm, you can tell your boyfriend to watch the camera na lang hehe.

For Beauty Bloggers

Guys you can flip the LCD of this camera! It's actually one of my favorite features, also a non-negotiable for me 'cos it's really one of the major things I'm looking for in a camera. I super love this feature because it lets you take accurate self-portraits (aka selfies) because duh you can adjust live haha. No more taking a test pic and checking the gallery if you've properly positioned yourself on the right grid. Its 180° tiltable LCD screen makes shooting yourself and your squad much easier!

Also, Sony α5000's Soft Skin Effect ensures your skin is smoothened and relieved of wrinkes and dullness, leaving you with perfectly composed and beautiful shots. :)

For Lifestyle Bloggers

For lifestyle bloggers who are always out and about hopping from one event to another, it may be a struggle for some to keep all their socials updated with exceptional photos to boot. Good thing the Sony α5000 has built-in WiFi with NFC so you can seamlessly connect your camera to your phone, copy the photos you want, and update your social media accounts live, wherever you are.

For Travel Bloggers

Equipped with award winning and consumer preferred hardware, it's no doubt you'll be able to capture all your travel photos perfectly. Its high sensitivity lets you shoot in any type of environment, whether at night or in a sunny field (just not underwater, okay?). Never miss a memory with the α5000.

And might I add, I love the size of this one because it's not bulky at all, so it feels much safer to carry around when you're out travelling. :)

For Vloggers

Need I say more? Get a mini tripod, mount the powerful α5000, flip the screen, and shoot your next YouTube content in full HD. Get your channel up and running with high quality videos and have fun editing it on iMovie or Final Cut Pro! :D

BONUS: Free DSLR Training!

Yes there's more! Of course you didn't get a DSLR to shoot in mighty superior auto right? That would be unspeakable (joooooke). If you want to learn more about how to fully utilize your Sony camera and explore all the possibilities you can do with it, join Sony's Basic Digital Photography Class for free! Just register your serial on sdw.sony.com.ph and reserve a slot on your preferred schedule. They hold regular classes every Saturday at select Sony Centres nationwide (SM Megamall and Glorietta to name a few!). :)

For more details about this awesome camera, head on to the official Sony Philippines website here.

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Disclaimer: This blog post is an entry to Yugatech's giveaway contest. All product photos are taken from Sony Philippines website. Stock photos are from Unsplash.com.