I had a phase in my younger years when I did fashion illustration. I would draw impossibly-long and razor-thin models wearing garments inspired by Alexander McQueen and John Galliano. That phase fizzled and I stuck to writing but I still have a few sketches saved at home. If Pete Rich’s My Fashion Sketchpad existed back then, I feel I would have pursued it with more passion.

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One of my favorite product lines in Starbucks is the Teavana collection. I get the English Breakfast and the Youthberry when I want to unwind, and I get the Iced Shaken Hibiscus Tea with Pomegranate Pearls if I need something light and refreshing on a hot day. Now there’s plenty more to choose from as Starbucks launches four additions to the selection.

Starting today, you can try the Oat & Green Tea Latte, Oat & Green Tea Frappuccino, Peach Black Tea Latte, and Chestnut Black Tea Latte.

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Technology has changed the way we view movies with novelties like streaming, 3D, 4D, and IMAX. Suddenly, it wasn’t enough to consume content the regular way. We had to be part of the action. Now, there’s another innovation that’s set to shake up the film industry: IMAX with laser.

IMAX with laser has been around since 2015 but it recently entered Southeast Asia, with its first screen in the Philippines at the Evia Lifestyle Center Mall in Las Piñas City.

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If you’re looking for a unique dining concept in Manila, I suggest you visit Grand Hyatt Manila’s The Peak, Bonifacio Global City’s highest restaurant, bar, and grill. Situated in the highest building in the city, you get an incredible view of Manila while you eat delicious food in a luxurious atmosphere.

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One of the things I’m looking forward to this 2019 is the return of The Phantom of the Opera in Manila, which captivated audiences in 2012. I’m sad that I missed it during its first run but the musical will be back in two months and I will definitely not miss it this time. Tickets are now on sale so go buy if you haven’t yet!

I’m also excited because Concertus Manila announced the cast bringing the timeless story to life.

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One of my favorite dim sum is the xiao long bao, a steamed dumpling filled with a delicious broth. And when it comes to the dish, one of my favorite places to get it in Manila is Paradise Dynasty, a restaurant known for their eight-flavored xiao long bao. In one basket, you can get dumplings in original, ginseng, garlic, black truffle, cheese, crab roe, foie gras, and Szechuan flavors.

For a limited time, you can also try a new flavor at Paradise Dynasty: chili crab!

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I started to cook when my family moved to the US, leaving me alone to fend for myself. In order to survive, I went online to study recipes and watch cooking videos. I’ve learned to make basic dishes like stew and fried grub, but I’ve always wanted to make desserts. My hopes were dashed when I realized how hard baking is. It’s a science, after all. Even the deceptively simple no-bake mug cakes are hard.

A few weeks ago, I discovered a new product that takes the hassle out of making mug cakes. Maya’s Happy Mugs come in an easy to prepare recipe, where all you literally have to do is mix the powder and pop it in the microwave. After a minute and a half, you have a pillowy-soft cake that smells freshly-baked.

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After going through some tough times last year and this 2018, I realized that life isn’t perfect but you can achieve happiness with little pockets of joy. Self-care is about changing your perspective and looking at your stressors through a different lens, forgiving yourself, and finding things that make you happy. For some, it’s through hobbies, while for others it’s spending time with their family.

For Joy Philippines, happiness is about the unconditional love of Filipino families everywhere. In their new video series, they paid tribute to this with two videos where households #ShareAMomentOfJoy.

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