By: Trish Zamora

Spending time with my sister these days are too few and far between, which is why we never miss a chance to hang out whenever we can. It was during one of these times that our tired feet and hungry stomachs led us to Cajun Red Rock at SM Megamall.

Cajun Red Rock

Cajun Red Rock (pronounced as cay-joon) is an American restaurant that serves Cajun cuisine. Their staff greeted us the minute we stepped into their restaurant. We were seated quickly by the booths and immediately given their menu.

The Menu

Cajun has an extensive list of American food - from burgers, to salads, to soups, and, most especially, ribs and grilled meat.

For appetizers, my sister and I had soup. Their Chunky Tomato Soup was delicious, more like a full-on vegetable soup in creamy tomato sauce. However, I was disappointed with the soup's temperature - it was lukewarm and not as hot as I would have liked.

As for our main course, both my sister and I ordered from their grilled menu. The Chicken Marsala I ordered came with two sides of my choosing: Buttered Veggies and Country Potato. 

I was surprised with their serving size. The grilled chicken was generous, so were their buttered vegetables and potatoes. As with traditional Cajun cuisine, the use of herbs and spices is liberal and is apparent in the taste and aroma of the food. The chicken was moist, tender, and drowning in delicious Marsala sauce.

We were also surprised with how huge their drinks are, which makes me thankful that we didn't order bottomless drinks.


The Staff and Service

The staff was friendly enough but the service leaves a lot to be desired. It would have been a better experience if they served the soup hot. Also, their staff responds slower than I am used to.

Must-Try Items

Cajun's Mustard Peppered Chicken is always a treat. It features a juicy mustard sauce laced with fresh ground pepper poured on a large piece of grilled chicken.

Also, their Espresso Crispy Chicken is worth a try. It is composed of two slices of grilled chicken topped with espresso sauce and cream sauce. For me, it's an acquired taste. Believe me, I didn't like it the first time, but I've grown accustomed to its bittersweet taste since then.

Price Range: Php200-Php500 per person

People have set the standards for beauty. There are people who can't leave the house without wearing makeup. Most women wear makeup, even some little girls in these days. Starting from makeup foundation, shaping and coloring your eyebrows, applying eye shadows, eyeliner, and mascara, blush on the cheeks, down to wearing lipstick. I see a lot of people doing full makeup and somehow, these beauty embellishments have become a worldwide custom.

Honestly speaking, I actually don't wear makeup. But I just got the feel of shading my lips with red color. Since then, I'm used to wearing red lipstick before I leave the house. I don't know why but I just love how I look with my red lipstick on. It gives me a dramatic look, a captivating look. And so I believe I don't need to wear full makeup in order to change or enhance my look because I know lipstick will do that for me.

Lipstick is really magical. I really love at how can a single lipstick transform my face into a well-presented beauty. Wearing lipstick carries my overall beauty and is giving me a promising brilliant smile every day in every shade of lipstick.
  
I have lipstick collection and most of my lipstick shades that I love to wear are Snow White and Barbie Pink. And that's how I want these shades to be described and branded. I'm collecting Snow White and Barbie Pink Lipsticks. As for myself, Snow White has three kinds: Dark Red, Fire Brick, and Burgundy. These are my favorite shades of Red and I call them Snow White. While Barbie Pink falls under five categories: Baby Pink, Fuschia, Deep Pink, Brink Pink, and Hot Magenta.
  
Collecting different shades of lipstick has really become a habit for my guilty pleasure. I heard about Nyx Cosmetics and I fell in love with their lipsticks. Indeed, it was love at first sight. That's why I'm currently collecting all the available shades of Nyx Round Lipstick.


NYX Round Lipstick

Looking for a great lipstick? Give it a try for NYX Cosmetics. They offer NYX Round Lipstick which is smooth and bold with every application. Round lipstick is NYX's best selling lipstick, available in 144 shades. It is a velvet-textured lipstick formulated with mineral oils. It offers a long-lasting and non-smudging color.

The shades are very vibrant and visible. It has the ability to add color to your lips leading you to have an amazing signature look. I can say that the lasting power of these lipsticks are very impressive. This can last for about 8 hours without fading. You might want to try this kind of lipstick set. Indeed, this will be your go-to lipstick. NYX Round Lipstick comes in captivating shades ranging from soft nude to bold red.

Here are some of NYX Round Lipstick shades:  

By Jillian Hee

The summer heat these days has gone extreme. The unbearable heat contributes to a morning headache and excessive sweating. I could also picture frying eggs on the streets in just minimal time.

With the summer heat becoming more intense, there is nothing more rewarding than a cold and refreshing drink. The idea of sipping a beverage filled with ice is the only solution I know to somehow lessen the heat this season.

The new Mcdonald’s Summer Medley Float is the answer to this. The Mcdonald's commercial featuring new McFloat variants along with the ‘Walking on Sunshine’ song playing on the background looks appealing and very much refreshing. It makes me want to try new McFloat variants right away.

I am a great fan of Mcdonald's Coke Float so when I learned that there are new flavors, I became interested.
The new Mcdonald’s Summer Medley Floats introduce exciting new flavors such as Blueberry, Green Apple, Four Seasons, and Honey Banana McFloat.  These Summer Medley floats are Sprite-based and were added syrup to add flavor.

When I got the chance to visit Mcdonald's, I didn’t hesitate to convert my drinks to a Summer Medley Float variant. And since I love the usual four seasons drink, I ordered it first. I took a sip and found it refreshing but too sweet.The fruits of the four seasons were not present at all. I was really expecting to taste the four seasons flavors. The Sprite has overpowered the flavor and I didn’t enjoy it as much as the regular Coke Float.

When I ate at Mcdonald’s the other day, I ordered the Green Apple Float. Compared to the Four Seasons Float, this variant is better-tasting. I really had a good time sipping my float because the apple flavor is present. Mcdonald’s did a great job on this flavor.

The Honey Banana Float was also flavorful. I’ve tasted a right combination of banana and honey. It was not too sweet just like the Four Seasons Float. The delicate sweetness of honey complements the soda perfectly.

I haven’t tasted the Blueberry Float but my friend said it has no impact for her. The taste was just average and the blueberry flavor was not tasted at all.

Among these four variants, the Green Apple Float is the best for me. Its zesty taste makes it perfect in beating the summer heat, making you feel refreshed and cool.

Imagine that as you take a bite of that Jerk Chicken, you hear the lovely voice of a flight attendant over the microphone saying, “Ladies and gentlemen, we have just landed the Norman Manley International Aiport. Welcome to Jamaica!”

That was what I felt with every sample I took from Racks' newest food offering, the Jamaican Jerk Chicken. The food was so good that it was like I was being transported to that island off the Caribbean Sea the whole time I was eating.

My family and I seldom eat at expensive restaurants, but as we were all craving to have a taste something new to our palates, one of these few days luckily fell on my birthday, while we were at a mall, already hungry with all the walking we were doing. It was then when we passed by Racks with its tarpaulin advertising its new Jamaican Jerk Chicken which is sold for 275 pesos. “Not bad for this special occasion,” we all agreed.


Departure to Jamaica

We entered the restaurant, got greeted by one of the friendly crews, and was escorted to our table. My family ordered whatever that sounded good to their ears on the menu while I decided to go for the Jamaican Jerk Chicken, thinking, “Hey, a new food for a new year in my life. I hope this one's good.”

And that day proved to be a great one not only for myself but also for my taste buds and tummy. I wasn't wrong in choosing Racks' new addition to its menu.

Made up of grilled boneless chicken thigh and seasoned with the best Jamaican Jerk ingredients: Scotch bonnet, allspice berry or the Jamaican pepper, and thyme, the Jerk Chicken had that perfect smoky taste and was rich in flavor due to it being marinated. I really felt like its Jamaica brought right on to my plate!

It was also served with java rice which had a different twist to it, I think, vegetable salad, corn on the cob, fried plantains, and any side dish of your choice, which all made me sated and full when my plate was finally empty.

Considering the price and the amount of satisfaction it gave me, I can say that every penny spent on that food was surely worth it!

By YARobles

I love to wear make-up and I have been a fan of cosmetics since my high school days. I love how it transforms the way I look. At first, I have no particular likes and dislikes when it comes to make-ups. However, in my senior year, I started to be choosy with the cosmetics I wear. I became more concerned with the effect of the product to my skin than its appearance. 

My Nichido Experience

I started using Nichido cosmetics since I graduated college. Nichido Powder Plus Foundation is one of my best friends ever since. I love how it covered my blemishes and added glow to my pale skin. The only thing I don’t like about this foundation is that it easily runs. Aside from the Plus Foundation, I also love the Mineral Kohl Pencil, a water-resistant eyeliner that perfectly adds definition to my eyes. Its particular disadvantage is that it can’t be easily removed with water. I always have a hard time removing it before going to sleep. The last but not the least of my favorite Nichido products is the Nichido True Colors Collection Powder Blush. It makes my face looks naturally rosy, but it does not last longer than I expected.  

Revlon is the BEST

Although I am contented with Nichido products, I still want to try other make-up products for a change, especially the expensive ones. So I decided to purchase a Revlon PhotoReady™ Powder Foundation. At first, I hesitated to buy it because of its high price. However, the saleslady convinced me to take it. I tried it to my face and it was perfect. It last longer than I expect it to last. I never regretted the amount of money I have spent for it. It was really worth the price. 

All in all, I am satisfied with these two cosmetic brands. Their price is just right for their effectiveness. Nevertheless, I would still prefer the Nichido brand because it is much more practical to purchase than Revlon. 

By: Trish Zamora


As a pizza and pasta lover, it was an automatic decision to try out Papa John's as soon as they opened in Megamall.


The Decor

Photos of food are always inviting and Papa John's makes good use of them. Large photos cover their walls, which accentuate their dedication to fresh ingredients. The lighting is warm and cozy and it goes well with their high-backed booths and square tables.

The Service

The Papa John's staff is well trained. They give helpful suggestions regarding their daily specials and food choices, giving me and my companion a demonstration of their exceptional customer service.

What We Ordered

If you want to have small nibbles before your pizza, they have a list of tasty and mouthwatering appetizers. They have soups, salads, and luscious cheese sticks to get you started. They also have side dishes of calzones, fried chicken, and onion rings.


Their pasta menu, on the other hand, leaves a lot to be desired. The serving size was small and their pasta flavors are common. It's not bad nor good - it's mediocre.

Papa John's pizzas are something worth trying. Moist and filled with toppings, their crust retain their crispiness even after some time. An expansive pizza list gives you more choices than the regular cheese, meat, and vegan toppings. They also cater to people who like spicy pizzas. Their Texas Heat and Spicy Italian Meatball pizzas add just the right amount of spice to liven up your appetite.

Must-Try Items

In all of the restaurants I visit, I always have my must-try items. These items slowly become favorites and the restaurant can expect me to buy them again. For Papa John's my must-try items are their mozzarella sticks and Italian Sodas.

Presented on a wooden platter, their mozzarella sticks are served straight from the oven. Unlike in other restaurants, Papa John's mozzarella sticks are good enough for a group of three. They are generously filled with mozzarella cheese and baked to perfection.

First time I've heard of an Italian soda was when my companion and I first ate at Papa John's. Their Italian sodas are composed of a clear soda, a generous serving of syrup at the bottom of the glass, a thick slice of lemon, and a red cherry. This combination is sweet, fizzy, and ultimately refreshing.

All in all, it's a delightful experience. And in my book, that's a good enough reason to go back.

Price Range: 200-500 per person

Walking down the aisle with heavenly emotions as the bride meets her other half is one of the perfect moments that a woman can desired of. As we all know, marriage is one significant event in our lives. And planning a wedding event starts by selecting the best wedding outfit that will elevate the glowing beauty of the bride. 

An overflowing elegance and grace reveals the feminine details and existence of true womanhood of the bride. Wedding dress is the most refined outfit that a woman can wear in an earth-shattering event of her life. Indeed, it's the wedding dress that prevails. 

It takes a special kind of woman to brave a unique bridal dress as she walks down the aisle, radiating the love and happiness etched in the quintessence of the dress. It's insatiable thirst to express the bride's happiness as the crowd witness her shining in love as she is about to experience her marriage with the person she loves. 

Brides prefer to wear a wedding dress that will give a hint to their womanhood, bringing out the confidence of becoming ready as a lifetime partner to her groom. Brides are now becoming experimental in terms of unique styles. Because this will actually serve as an interpretation and expression of oneself. 

It is now important to get married in style. And style is the most important factor in creating a dashing overall look, dedicated on the bride's wedding day. Wedding outfits can be determined from sleek and simple to grand and elaborate. This just depends on woman's personal taste and the statement they want to create. 

Here are some of the basic wedding dress styles.

Ball Gown: Stylish Wedding dress with diamond lining and slim design. This help you hide your full hips and legs.  

Empire Waist: This chic style of wedding dress can make you fashionable and dignified. This features your waist line that is raised above the natural waistline, directly below the bust.  

A-Line: This style gives you a narrow and fitted top.  

Sheath: This gives you a simple and yet elegant style in accordance of your natural curves with a well-defined waist. 

Mermaid: This dress is known as “Fit and Flare' cut due to the fitted top and flared skirt. 

By Jillian Hee

I guess we all heard about the new Magnum Ice Cream. It is the newest Selecta treat that has been receiving tremendous applause over the past few weeks. Magnum became a hit on Facebook as people uploaded pictures and bragged about Magnum’s delightful taste. It also became a trending topic on other social networking sites. Celebrity endorsers, models, fashion icons and other personalities boasted this ice cream’s delicious taste in different ways.  

The Hype

The new Selecta Magnum commercial says it all. Once you’ve tasted this brand new ice cream, you would definitely enjoy the royal treatment, just like what the commercial model experienced. Simply put, Magnum is the ultimate treat. Others agreed to it and even confessed their addiction. Nonetheless,  some are not satisfied and even call it a ‘social-climber’ ice cream.

Enormous appreciations of this frozen-dessert made me eager to try one. However, the price discouraged me. It is Php 55 or Php 60 at convenience stores, and Php 50 at supermarkets. I believe that Php 50 is expensive for a single ice cream. Yet, I can’t say that it’s overpriced unless I’ll try it.

My Verdict

I was very lucky not to shell out Php 50 because my friend volunteered to treat me. So basically, Magnum is a frozen dessert covered with Belgian chocolate with vanilla filling. When I took my first bite, I found Magnum’s chocolate coating harder than the ordinary chocolate coated ice cream. It was thick, luscious, chocolatey. The vanilla filling, on the other hand, was too sweet for me.

Since Magnun is coated with Belgian chocolate, it’s hard to say that it is overpriced. I certainly disagree with the others who say that it is a ‘social-climber’ ice cream. It may be expensive but I think the Belgian chocolate somehow justifies the price. I am just not sure about the vanilla filling.

As for me, I still prefer Selecta Cornetto and other Selecta premium frozen desserts. It’s much affordable and definitely satisfying. Magnum tasted good; it’s not just advisable as a daily chocolate treat.

By YARobles

I have known Yellow Cab since I was in college and way back then it became one of my favorite places to eat pasta and pizza. My experience has always been outstanding. The place was casual and perfect for simple occasions. Also, the food was very good and the prices were just right.

Wonderful Experience Then

I usually hung out with my friends for food tripping at Yellow Cab in Morayta. Unlike eating out at other pizza stores, Yellow Cab gave us an ambiance for students who just wanted to eat and chat with friends. Pizza Hut, Shakey’s, and other pizza shops proffer a formal ambiance not apt for students. Their crews were consistently polite and friendly when serving us our orders. They also commonly offered us a hand when we want our picture taken. We were pleased to feel that we were always welcome to come back to their shop.

Experience Now

My family and I recently visited Yellow Cab Pizza in Imus to eat dinner after a very tiring but enjoyable day. As we were approaching, we were surprised by the volume of customers inside that shop that we were doubtful about buying dinner there. However, we decided to just go ahead, for we were too exhausted and hungry.

While my mom was ordering, I was observing the crew and I found that they weren’t amiable enough. They were robotic and unsmiling when they took orders to the point that I cannot consider them doing good customer service ever. After taking our order, the crew advised us to wait for the food. However, they didn’t inform us how long we were to wait. We waited patiently for almost an hour, just sitting there at the waiting area and not even one apology from the crew was heard. We went home disappointed because of their poor customer service.

When we got home, we immediately ate the food we purchased at Yellow Cab. I first ate the pizza and it tasted so delicious that I almost forgot all the disappointments their crews have given us. The hot wings were just average, because they were not as spicy as what I expected. The pasta was just okay. Everything we ate was good enough aside from the pizza.

I can’t call it a completely bad experience for me, because I think not every staffs of Yellow Cab Pizza is the same as these guys. The pizza had done a lot for every failure they gave us. If the pizza was not that delightful enough for us, we will not dare try eating at their pizza shop again. 

By Jillian Hee

For a unique-tasting chicken, KFC’s the best.  Whether it's original or hot and spicy, nothing beats Colonel Sander’s secret fried chicken recipe. Its distinct flavor and creamy gravy made KFC Chicken a legend of its own. So it’s not that surprising that KFC combined their famous fried chicken to almost all of their meals - from burgers and snack boxes to their pasta bowls. The newest addition to this is the KFC Cheesy Bacon Pasta Bowl.

I have read hundreds of praises about this new Pasta Bowl. I have been an avid fan of the Creamy Tomato Pasta Bowl, so there’s no way I shouldn’t try it. I’ve seen it several times in commercials, advertisements and it looks appetizing. And comments like, ‘It’s so yummy,’ ‘I’ll come back to KFC for this,’ and the like made me eager to try this right away. 

My Judgment

Basically, this new pasta bowl is covered with cheese sauce and topped with chopped bacon and KFC’s original recipe chicken fillet slices. When I received this highly-appreciated pasta bowl, I felt excited at first, then became disappointed. I was excited because the meal looks delectable and it smells so delicious. However, I found it too small a serving for a Php 95-worth of meal. When I had my first taste of this cheesy bacon pasta bowl, I found it okay-tasting. The combination of cheese sauce, bacon and chicken, I believe, was okay and there’s nothing special. Sadly, I only finished three quarters of my meal. The cheese sauce and the chicken tasted good but the bacon tasted salty.

Comparison With Other Pasta Bowls

I still prefer KFC’s Creamy Tomato over the other Pasta Bowls including this new innovation. Nothing beats the heavenly feeling you’ll get with this good smelling pasta loaded with parmesan cheese, tomato sauce and real tomato slices.The Cheesy Bacon Pasta Bowl, on the other hand, is too small and tasted salty after a few bites. The flavors of the Creamy Tomato pasta bowl complement each other unlike the new pasta bowl which I think, is overly flavored.

I guess I’ll stick with the Creamy Tomato Pasta Bowl and other KFC favorites. It’s a lot more satisfying and worth the price it is sold for. However, if you want to know what others are bragging about, try the new pasta bowl and give your own verdict.