It has a cozy environment. It feels like home.

This is chicken parmigiano. It is a fillets of chicken breast encrusted in a parmesan crumb mixture topped with rich stewed tomato meat sause and melted mozzarella. Served with glazed buttered carrots and rice.

The Verdict: 4.3 stars out of 5 stars! Thumbs up! :)

For more details:

Website: http://banapplekitchen.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Banapple

Excuse the quality of my photo, used my ipad for the images.

This local movie is a feel good movie. Nothing serious with the storyline, it is about a novel called “The Gifted”, which the main characters were Anne Curtis as Zoe Tuazon, Cristine Reyes as Aica Tabayoyong and Sam Milby as Mark Ferrer. It started from their childhood and how they became close until high school, when Zoe (Anne Curtis) was really determined to be top of their class. She took advantage of Aica (Cristine Reyes) while she is so madly in love with Mon (Sam Milby), a newly transferred student that needs help on his academic, so she made a deal to make all his assignments, projects and even copy her test papers during exams. In return, all he has to do is make Aica (Cristine Reyes) distracted with her studies and believes that he is also in love with her. Then, the last quarter of the school year ended, they both have the same average. Afterwards, the parents of Zoe (Anne Curtis) donated a building for the school which made her the valedictorian of the class. It made Aica (Cristine Reyes) fuming with anger, while having a dinner both of them exchanged some hurtful words. It ended their friendship. After 10 years, both of them became successful in their own ways. Their paths will cross again because of the high school reunion, the war begins.

This movie is lightweight compare to their previous movies such as No Other Woman. Anne Curtis was good on the movie. She portrayed the character easily. She is so cute even she gained 200 plus lbs. hehe On the other hand, Sam Milby is a surprisingly funny with his bisayan accent. Hahaha who thought it would be coming. Moreover, Cristine Reyes was too good (too mabait) on the movie. I think being maldita will suit her most than being the damsel in distress. Hehe

The Verdict: 3.4 out of 5 stars.

How about you? Did you enjoy it? Share your thoughts! XD

Lately, I have been hanging out on the restaurants in the Metro. Yes! That's why I gained a lot of weight and I am so discourage to post an OOTD. Hahaha For now, I think I will post more of food and movie reviews. Hmm.. Well, it depends on my mood. Haha Today, I am craving for Japanese food, everytime my mom wants to go Japanese, this is one of our to go restaurant. The... Drumroll please... Tempura Japanese Grill. 

Nutty banana shake - anything that has a banana on a shake will defininitly be safe on our taste buds.

Miso soup - this is one of the soups that will always be on a japanese restaurants. It is healthy. I read somewhere that it can help cure cancer because of the nutrients that a miso can give to our body.

Gyudon - This is my usual order to a japanese restaurant. Sometimes I feel incomplete without ordering this dish. It is a rice toppings with beef and raw eggs. 

Too much food, can make us fat. That's one thing we should always remember. haha Eat moderately. Anyways, eating at Tempura Japanese Grill is something we crave for. The price ranges from mostly 180php and above. It is a little expensive but they have a large serving that can make you and your friends' tummy full. Busog, in short!! hahaha

The contemporary art is now simply full of talent. New gorgeous Brazilian models, Los Angeles photographers and French designers, are making fashion history every single day. The Japanese master Mizuno Masaki is one artist that is not well known to the general public but has an incredible success. He is a talented illustrator and art director that is now making his first steps in the fashion industry. The amazing artist is a proud resident of Tokyo city. His images are full of elegance and the way he works with the pencil and with the watercolors is simply, breathtaking. Even if most of his illustrations depict naked girls, they are full of chic and life.

Famous fashion houses often invite Masaki to draw their collections. The Japanese artist has depicted the models in pieces of clothing from brands, like Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, Maison Martin Margiela, Miu Miu, Nina Ricci, Prada, Balenciaga and Alexander McQueen. The artist claims that by creating the watercolor, acrylic and pencil drawings of naked or fashionable dressed girls, he primarily seeks to express their inner feelings and vibes. His work is an expression of the inner psychology and self-reflection through art. Mizuno says that it is important for the audience to get a glimpse of his own point of view and way of feeling and tasting life and art. What a beautiful way to express his attitude towards art and fashion…

Masaki Mizuno was born 1971, in the province of Ishikawa, Japan. He graduated a very famous school in Tokyo-the Bunka Fashion College. After graduation, he started creating illustrations for the fashion industry while alternating them with different personal ideas. The sensuality and fragility that can be seen and felt in the Masaki’s works, are unique. The combination between the traditional materials and techniques, the addition of innovative ways to paint with acrylic, pencil, gouache and airbrushing and the personal point of view on fashion, are what makes Masaki so genuine and successful. Fashion has to deal not only with clothes, shoes and accessories. It is an industry based 100% on art that’s created by people like Mizuno Masaki. 

Before and after photo 

After the long wait, I finally had time for doing this. Yep! I decided to remove my ugly warts on my face. It was one of the nerve-racking things that I have ever done on my face. No pain, no gain! That's the motto when it came to beauty. Haha 

After the treathment.

I purchased the unlimited warts removal for 1,000++. I think they have a promo that time. Every stings and sound of the laser was worth it. It may sting for the bigger and fully develop one but for the little ones, you won't feel a thing. After the treatment, they put some ointment. Then, they required me to buy a post cream treatment so the scabs will be removed faster. It should be applied twice a day. It took a week or two, before all my scabs was removed. Then, the photo below happened. No more warts! My face is now a warts free zone! It is nice to apply makeup on my face. I feel flawless and glowing.

Will I do it again? Of course! For the sake of beauty, I will. Hahaha 

For more details:

Facebook account: https://www.facebook.com/dianastalderbydermaline

Website: http://www.dianastalder.com/

(Images grabbed from google.com)

Lately, I have been spending most of my time on a movie house. I can’t help not to watch those movies that caught my attention. One of those is “Talk Back and You’re Dead”. It is a story from Wattpad by Alesana Marie that turned to a book and now a movie.

Well, at first I did not expect anything. I thought it would be too corny for my taste but it was not. It was funny, romantic and has a little bit of action. The story started with the two cute chubby kiddos making a promise with each other. Fast forward to the present, Miracle Samantha Perez (Nadine Lustre) confronted Timothy Odelle Pendleto aka TOP (James Reid) to help her friend which everyone saw and took some videos. Then, they posted it on social media. The next day, the lucky 13, the gang headed by Top, was looking for her. The rest of the story should be watched on the movie theatre!

James Reid is so hot! I can’t help to be ‘kilig’ when he is saying the romantic lines. Arg! I think I am not the only one who is feeling those kilig vibes because seriously some of the girls on the movie house are shouting because they can’t contain their kilig. Hahaha It was a feel good movie. I think some of the parts are not explained well just like the amnesia of Samantha and how TOP became blind at the end. Well, that explains why they have a short teaser on the last part of the movie. Afterwards, “Never Talk Back to A Gangter” was flashed on the screen. Another movie for both of them! I can’t wait. I conclude, the missing parts of the movie will be shown on the next one, I hope!

Here's the trailer:

The Verdict: 3.8 stars out of 5 stars 

What does it mean to be a hero for you? For each person, the idea of being a hero can change. But heroism doesn’t always involve having to risk your life for your country. Sometimes, it springs from the simplest forms of kindness and ingenuity! Buti na lang, marami niyan ang mga Pinoy! (Good thing, Filipinos have heaps of that)

This month, as our nation commemorates heroes of all forms, let’s look at 3 Ayos reasons why even regular Pinoys (you, me, anyone!) deserve bragging rights to be called a modern hero:

 1. Filipinos are happy spirits. 

When was the last time you shared a hearty laugh with a friend? Believe it or not, that tender moment may have turned a day around. It truly is more fun in the Philippines where as a nation, we comprise of people who just loves to live from the lighter side of life. When the times get rough, you can expect someone to make you laugh with a joke, an advice, or even a song! Always remember that a smile is powerful. Wear it, feel good with it, and next thing you know, someone else is better because you shared a smile with them.

2. Filipinos are accommodating. 

Ever got hit by the “I just need someone to talk to” bug; where unloading some thoughts and feelings to a confidante is enough to make your feel better? You’re not alone in that. Fortunately, Filipinos are easily open to listen, even welcome you to their homes when you just need to feel like you’re not alone.

3. Filipinos give life a second chance.

Despite the tragedies that hit the country, it is part of the Filipino continue to rise up and try again. Sometimes, this even extends to how they treat the stuff they have lying around the house. Clothes, toys, and hobby items that Pinoys once loved, end up finding a renewed purpose when sold online. 

True enough, more and more Filipinos have embraced the idea of online buy and sell through AyosDito.ph, a free online classifieds website. In fact, during a 12-month period from May 2013 to May 2014, AyosDito.ph soared with a 177% increase in number of ads posted on its platform.

The ease and speed of transactions is among the advantages and benefits of online buying and selling, often surpassing the features of traditional commerce. It is even a common experience for an AyosDito seller to post an ad online one day, and have it sold within a day or two--or even within the same day!

With these simple ways of being a hero, you have no excuse to not make each day matter. Be a modern hero today. Smile, listen, and give your pre-loved items a second chance when you post free ads on AyosDito.ph. #

Disclaimer: This post is not mine. This was sent by AyosDito.ph for advertisement purposes.

When everyone wasn’t hooked with looms, my sister and I were trying to be expect and artsy with looms. We were on our own. Then, it became mainstream. I don’t feel like doing it anymore. hahaha I know, I should be posting this few months ago but I was too happy. It’s in my drafts for months. That's why I decided, now is the day to post it! Better late then nevah! Hehe Moving forward, I am so thankful for the people, who were patient enough to share their tutorials on youtube.com. I learned a lot and I think my sister learned more from it too because she made more loom bands than everyone else.

The whole set of looms, I bought it for P200 then, I saw it somewhere around the MRT area. It was only P150. OMG! hahaha I fell from the trap of overpricing.

TA-DA! The hooks, the looms, and the locks!

What's inside the box? Plenty of assorted looms, locks, hooks and the magic thing! hahaha

Our finish products!!! =)

When Thomas Edison invented the light bulb, he didn’t start by trying to improve the candle.

-- Wendy Kobb, America Education Activist

After two months of hiatus, I am slowly coming back. I hope to continue blogging again. The months of hiatus were something to connect with the quote above. Yes, huge changes were coming into my life. First of all, I resigned from my previous job. Then, few days after rendering, I was working again to a new environment. It was different field of work for me. To a web and graphic designer, now I am a software analyst. It took me a lot of courage to do this. I was in doubt at first, if I could take a huge risk. But this quote inspired me to take a deep breath and follow my heart desires. It is been a while since I have thinking and looking for growth and changes with my career path.

Before everything else, one day I felt depressed so I went to the church to pray and to ask for guidance to God. That day, believe it or not, He replied. When I was sitting after my prayer, an old lady went to me. She put a sign of the cross on my forehead and said, “Jesus loves you. You will receive a miracle today.” Then, she left. I really felt the presence of the Lord. I was sobbing badly like a little child lost. Days went by, blessings was pouring unexpectedly. Fast forward to now, changes happened quickly but I am glad I made it. Happiness. No regrets. 

Holla, chikas! It is summer time. I love wearing shorts on a hot summer days and add some floral shirt for a laid back appeal. I actually tried having a beach wave hair after reading an article on yahoo. haha Internet has really huge impact in our lives. hohoho Do you agree?

Rings from Forever 21 | Watch from Charles Jordan

M means "Maganda" in English it means beautiful. hohoho joke! Anyways, everyone is entitled to be called maganda or beautiful.

 Loving my bracelet from Alex and Ani, it has a sign which means "path of life". It attracts energies such as strength, motivation and knowledge.

Floral shirt and denim shorts from Chicnova | Wedges from All Things Fit

the wind made this shot look extra special

Happy hump day! I just can’t believe it is the last week of the month of May. Time flies really really fast. For today, this is the one I wore when the little girl called me princess. Do I look like a princess? Hahaha (Click here for the story)

I am holding my eyeglasses because in reality I am a nerd. hahaha

Map pattern bag from Tmart.com (Click here for my bag review)

Sandals from Rustan's

As they said, wearing the same color from head to foot can make you look taller. I am not sure about the last sentence but I love how I mix and match this outfit. I paired the floral cropped top from Forever 21 with a maxi-skirt from Forever 21 too matched it with the bag from TMart.com. I also love my sandals it is very versatile. To add some gold details, I wore a gold bangles from H&M. Accessories can change the look instantly. Do you agree?

By the way, join our #SummerCollabGiveaway

These days, you can do almost anything on your phone or tablet. You can take pictures like a pro, and even stream thousands of songs anytime, anywhere. In fact, 39% of Filipinos surveyed by TNS Mobile Life 2013 study said they’d rather give up television than their smartphones. And with smartphone penetration in the Philippines on a rise, going mobile just keeps getting better for more users.

But aside from the many ways to work and play on-the-go, smartphones and tablets are also used in online buying and selling. That’s why AyosDito.ph, a local classifieds website of over five years, partnered with the nation’s leading telecommunications provider, Globe Telecom, for the FREEAYOSDITO promo. FREEAYOSDITO provides free mobile surfing on AyosDito.ph mobile site and Android App to registered Globe Prepaid and TM subscribers.

"The evolution of phone usage over the past few years alone have been tremendous. And Globe as a telco provider continues to find ways to keep up with the customers' digital lifestyle like providing them free access to useful content like AyosDito.ph. Buyers and sellers alike are able to access their accounts even on the go without worrying about their data consumption. And alongside the company's modernized and robust network, we strive to create a wonderful and enriched mobile experience for all." Globe Telecom's VP Head for Mobile Data Services, Jenny Granada-Echevarria.

“FREEAYOSDITO is the first ever local service that provides free mobile data access to the C2C market in the Philippines. It is a milestone partnership for both AyosDito.ph and Globe Telecom as it captures the future of online buying and selling through smartphone and tablet users. ” AyosDito.ph Marketing Manager, Rebecca Ricalde said.

To register, text FREEAYOSDITO to 8888. This promo is open to all Globe Prepaid and TM subscribers who register until May 31, 2014, 11:59PM. The 30 days free access to AyosDito.ph Mobile Site and Android App starts on the date of successful registration.

For more information about this promo, visit http://blog.ayosdito.ph or http://www.globe.com.ph/help. Per DTI-NCR permit no. 4136 series of 2014.

One day, if we will have our homecoming. I would like to share with you the possible outfits I might wear on that day. Especially if it will be held somewhere nice and elegant, I will not hesitate to wear something special and to doll up, right? Do you agree with me? Of course! We need to dress to impress. *wink wink*

So here are my top 3 modest homecoming dresses (here:  http://www.dressv.com/homecoming-dresses-2014-c103448/) from http://www.dressv.com/

Cute Straps Tiered Short Zipper-up Homecoming Dress  (here)

 Simple yet so nice! i love the details of this dress.

Shinning A-Line Sweetheart Lace Sequins Cocktail/Homecoming Dress (here)

Do you want to shine of the special event? This dress is for you!

 4204 Unique A-line Mini/Short V-neck Natilie's Homecoming Dress (here)

Clean and classic! It will never go wrong with this dress!

How about you? What's your fave dress first, second or the third dress? Thanks for sharing!

Hi everyone! I am so excited to announce to all of you that I will be having a giveaway with other 3 wonderful bloggers! Weee! Yes, time for #SummerCollabGiveaway! Horay! I hope you and your friends can join participate in the giveaway! We have a lot of wonderful giveaways. Scroll down to see by yourself. =) 

Before anything else, let me first give a short introduction with the bloggers behind the collaboration.

Abbey of Swirls and Scribbles (upper right photo) – That’s me! I am the owner of Swirls and Scribbles, this blog that you can currently reading. I am a lifestyle blogger. I write almost about everything but I usually blog about fashion, food and travel. If you want me to blog about something, don’t hesitate to contact me I am open for suggestions.

Rica of Switbbtdoll (upper left photo) – She is behind the blog of Switbbydoll. She is expecting a healthy bouncing little angel soon. She blogs about her experiences of her daily life and her pregnancy. She is so fashionable even with her cute baby bump. High five!

Tine of Poetic Isolation (lower right photo) – Tine is the brains behind Poetic Isolation. She likes poetry, photography, fashion and illustrations. This darling is from Cebu City. She blogs her heart out on what makes her laugh and the special events in her personal life.

Steph of The Thoughts of Steph-G (lower left photo) – This talented gal is behind the beauty blog called The Thoughts of Steph-G. This blog is most likely a blog slash portfolio of her works. She is also a makeup artist. Moreover, she is good at nail art. Keep it up! 

Close up photo of Steph's prizes

Close up photo of Tine's prizes

This is something you shouldn't miss!!! So join now!!!

 You know the drill, right?!

Wait for the rafflecopter giveaway to load so you could register and follow the mechanics! Giveaway will starts on May 21, 2014 to June 21, 2014. Good luck bellas!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Lazada, the Philippines’ online shopping mall expands its product portfolio with the country’s leading provider of advanced communications and multimedia services, PLDT HOME, by forging a partnership to make PLDT 2-in-1 Prepaid available to its shoppers.

PLDT’s 2-in-1 Prepaid service is a wireless SIM-based service that allows users to make and receive calls wherever they are in their predefined Home Zone as well as have access to 3G Broadband Internet.

For as low as P150, subscribers get 250 minutes of local calls for 15 days (or P300 with 600 minutes of local calls for 30 days) and P5 per 15 minutes of 3G Internet access for easier connection and communication to friends and loved ones Because it is prepaid, there are no documentary requirements to subscribe and no monthly bills to worry about. And with more than one million PLDT LOAD and SMART E-Load stations nationwide, reloading is easy and convenient.

Lazada shoppers can now purchase PLDT 2-in-1 Prepaid SIMs and Load cards online and enjoy the Lazada shopping experience with nationwide cash-on-delivery transactions, free nationwide shipping, and a 30-day free return policy.

Patrick Tang, PLDT vice president and head of HOME Voice solutions, noted Lazada’s strong following in both the urban and rural areas as a key factor in the development of the partnership.

“PLDT has always been an important part of the Filipino home,” he said. “With PLDT 2-in-1 Prepaid and the online partnership with Lazada, we are now able to reach more Filipino homes, including the rural areas, and offer a practical and convenient voice and Internet service.”

Inanc Balci, Lazada Philippines co-founder and chief executive officer, added, “We want to break geographical boundaries and make our products more accessible to consumers wherever they are in the 7,107 islands of the Philippines.” PLDT 2-in1 Prepaid SIM cards and load cards can be purchased by logging on to www.lazada.com.ph. For more updates on sales promo and new products, subscribe to www.facebook.com/lazadaphilippines and visit www.lazada.com.ph.