LATE POST: Richmonde Lunch Buffet

Last Christmas, my mom received a lunch buffet gift certificate for two at Richmonde Hotel. We have forgotten about it until I saw it in my desk while I was cleaning it last month. It was about to expire this year and we wouldn't want it to go to waste so I had a reservation made at Eastwood Richmonde Hotel last Sept. 21.

Their Lunch Buffet is available from 11AM-2PM only. We arrived at the hotel at around 1:30pm and thought of re-scheduling because it was already late. However, the receptionist said they can still accommodate us so we stayed.

(People always spell my name wrong. It's supposed to be spelled as Rissa)

The place was very quiet. Only one table was occupied when we arrived. The Chef greeted us and walked us through the food choices. The options were limited but I very much liked their Lechon. It was very crispy and not greasy. Their steak was also really good! We had it cooked medium rare and they served it at our table.They also served a complimentary milk tea.

From what I remember, and this is not all of it...these are the food choices available.

1. Spaghetti with red/white sauce and nachos for the kids.
2. Lechon
3. Tenderloin Steak
4. Tempura
5. Thai food (soups, salads, dimsum)
6. Japanese food
7. Rice
8. Mini cakes and pastries
9. Fresh fruits
10. Halo-Halo
11. Ice Cream

 (This is where they placed the cakes, pastries and fresh fruits)

Their food is nothing extraordinary except for the Lechon and the steak that I liked very much!

(Sorry, this is a terrible picture of how my plate looked like)

 (My mom enjoying here ice cream a little too much)

  Mother liked the display at their receiving area so we had a picture taken there as well.

The place is more appropriate for business meetings / luncheon rather than parties. But all in all it was a nice place to have lunch and just chill.  We stayed there while waiting for the screening of Insidious 2. :)

You may visit their website at http://www.richmondehotel.com/eastwood-richmonde-hotel/

LATE POST: Hand me downs

I don't know if it's just a Filipino tradition but I have noticed that if you have relatives abroad, they usually send stuff that they don't use/like to us here in the Philippines. I got a few hand me downs from my Aunt who lives in Australia that was sent to us last month.

1. Elizabeth Arden lipstick in Soft Red - new
2. Lipgloss - new
3. Daisy by Marc Jacobs - 80% used
4. Lola by Marc Jacobs - 30% used

They sent us quite a few make-up but I'll have to share the rest with my cousins. These are the ones that I kept for myself. My cousin who lives in Australia used to work for a company called Beauty Box wherein you pay a monthly subscription fee and they send you a few samples of branded beauty products every month. This is probably the reason why they have a lot of unused make-up shipped.

The trend has reached the Philippines. Although, I haven't subscribed to any of it because I'm a huge cheapskate!

These perfumes will keep me smelling good until next year.

xxx
Rissa

GAAAAAH! NEW POSTS COMING SOON!

Oh, Dear! I haven't been posting any new stuff on this blog for quite sometime. It's not that nothing interesting has happened. -In fact, that is the total opposite of what's been going on. I have been tremendously busy with work during the weekday and events with my friends during weekend that I don't seem to have time to go online. A terrible excuse, I know and I'm sorry.

If you don't know yet, I work a 9-5 job or to be specific a 3pm-12mn job for an international company. We support their European account therefore we have to follow their schedule. Because of so much work during the weekday, I tend to sleep in during the weekend. -That is if I don't have any plans with friends. Hibernating is a more appropriate term to call what I do because I wake up in the evening. I am trying my best to break this bad habit.

I assure you, posts will be uploaded before the end of the week.

For the meantime, you may view my Instagram website (left side of the screen) for a sneak peak of the things that kept me busy this month.

xxx
Rissa

My Downton Abbey inspired hairstyle

via Instagram http://instagram.com/p/ezzRrkQ-P3/

I'm currently obsessed with the series Downton Abbey. Hence the hairstyle. Wonder if its fitted for the upstairs or downstairs. What do you think? haha!

Uniform?!

via Instagram http://instagram.com/p/eaNaxrQ-ND/

Black and white dress with black blazer. We didn't plan this. Hahaha!

(Excuse my haggard look, it was a stressful day.)

The Hollow Crown

As you may all know by this time, I recently became a huge Tom Hiddleston fan. Therefore, watching all of his work is a must! I'm aware that most of his earlier projects are not as popular as Thor or Avengers, but I am still keen on watching every single one them!

One of which is the BBC 3 part TV series The Hollow Crown, wherein he  plays Prince Hal, son of Henry IV and King Henry V based from Shakespeares Histories of Henry IV and Henry V.

I never read any of Shakespeares stories. Not even Merchant of Venice where I got my name. The closest I got to any of Shakespeares work is when I watched Leonardo Di Caprio's Romeo and Juliet. I never thought I'd be interested in Shakespeare. But since Tom Hiddleston considers Shakespeare one of the best playrights of all time, I came to appreciate him too.

Watching Hollow Crown was hard. I'm ashamed to admit it but my dictionary app on my I-pod was ready just in case I need to look up some words. And thank gawd for subtitles!

Watching Tom Hiddleston play such a character simply shows how good an actor he is! He deserved every award and recognition he gained playing this role. The way he transitioned from being Prince Hal to King Henry V was (with lack of better word for it) amazing!

One of my favorite scenes from this movie was the scene wherein he was imitating his Father, King Henry IV. I know Tom Hiddleston likes to imitate people and he nailed it! I laughed so hard watching that scene and clicked replay a few more times because it was so good!  And of course, the day he asked for Princess Kate's hand in marriage. Oh, Medieval courtship at it's finest!

I've downloaded all of Shakespeares stories and plan to read them all starting with Coriolanus since he will be playing that part January next year. If only I could watch it live... (sigh)

"Let us sit upon the ground / and tell sad stories of the death of kings"

I would like to thank Tom Hiddleston for opening my eyes to the world of Shakespeare!

Here's the trailer for Hollow Crown for your viewing pleasure.

How I Became A Hiddlestoner And How It Changed Me

This post is long overdue. I don't know how many of you follow me on Tumblr, Twitter or Facebook but if you do, you would know what my current obsession is. Rather, WHO my current obsession is. It's the 32 year old, British actor Tom Hiddleston.

I know exactly when this obsession started. It was when I saw his interview Conversations For A Cause with Zachary Levi on YouTube. I believe it was the night of July 23. That night changed how I see him.

But before I go into detail how I was absorbed to his fandom, let me say that I was completely aware of his existence in the Movie Industry. I did watch Thor and I remember telling my friend after watching the film that I like Loki more than I like Thor! She was shocked as to why I could ever like the villain in the movie. (But  I'm just like that, I do like Cersei in Game of Thrones when everyone seem to hate her!) And I did love him in Avengers and I was looking forward to seeing him in Thor: The Dark World! Before watching his interview with Zachary Levi, I was actually watching his appearance in Hall H during the San Diego Comic-con! That was EPIC!

I did like him as an actor. I did like him as Loki back then. But not I like this. Not like an individual. Not like an inspiration. Not like he's the most handsome, nicest, sexiest, and perfect person in the whole world! It all changed after watching that interview!

I don't know if it was the accent. His smile. Those beautiful blue/green eyes. How his chest muscles look in that tight "white shirt of sex".(That's what they call it on Tumblr) His humor. His laugh (ehehehe). How cultured and smart he is. How nice and polite he is to everyone most especially to his fans. Or because he can be an inspiration to all and how his positivity seems to be contagious that made me love -Yes, LOVE him as a person. As an individual and not just an actor anymore. That day I officially became a Hiddlestoner!

He gave such inspiring speeches / advice on that interview that made me look at life differently. That we have to love what we have. That we only live once! That we have to keep pushing ourselves to better and don't let other people put us down. That we have do what we love, no matter how difficult it is for us to get there! That we are responsible for our own happiness! Those were not his exact words but that is what I got from that panel.

It may be the fangirl in me talking but he an inspiration! He is my current obsession and I regret nothing!

To end this, I leave you with that interview and my favorite quote from him.

"We all have 2 lives. The second one begins when you realize you have only one."

Disclaimer: None of these photos are mine.

My Immortal Love For Vampires

I never realized it until now that I've always had a thing for Vampires. I don't know if it's because they are mysterious, always brooding, dark or if it's the leather jacket that makes them so attractive. But looking back, I've always had a vampire crush. Here's my list of vampire crushes throughout the years.

1994 - Lestat de Lioncourt (Tom Cruise) and Louis de Pointe du Lac (Brad Pitt) in Interview with the Vampire

I know they wear ruffles and killed a poodle in this movie but just look at them?! Who wouldn't have a crush on these blood sucking monsters? I did liked Brad Pitt more because he's the good guy in this film.

1997 - 2001 - Angel / Angelus (David Boreanaz) in Buffy the Vampire Slayer

My first brooding , leather wearing vampire crush WITH A SOUL! C'mon, even Edward Cullen didn't have a soul! He has a dark side but he's trying to make up for it because "The Powers That Be" gave him a soul as punishment. Plus talk about sexual frustrations with Buffy. He cannot make love to her because if he did, he'll reach true happiness and that will make him bad again most likely cause an Apocalypse! Take that Bella and Edward!

I kinda like Spike (James Marsters) too towards the end of Buffy so I'm going to add him to my list.

2002 - Lestat (Stuart Townsend) in Queen of the Damned

I remember watching this movie because of Aaliyah. This was a PG 18 movie and I was still in High School when I watched it. I don't remember much about this film anymore except that Lestat is hot and Aaliyah was wearing close to nothing. And blood,  lots of blood!

2003 - Selene (Kate Beckinsale) in Underworld

I know she's a girl but who wouldn't have a girl crush on Selene in this movie?! Look at that body in that leather jump suit! She's rockin' it! I wanna be her! Plus, talk about star crossed lovers with her Lycan boyfriend.

2008-2012 - Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson) in The Twilight Saga

I know he is the most un-vampire of all vampires. He sparkles, doesn't have fangs, goes to high school...but he is rich and has a volvo and he's really really cute with all his brooding. I don't really see Twilight as a vampire film but Edward came into my life when I needed a dream guy and he was that! He will forever hold a special place in my heart.

2009 - Damon Salvatore (Iam Somerholder) in the Vampire Diaries

While waiting for the next Twilight movie to come out (New Moon) in 2009, I spent my days watching the first season of Vampire Diaries. Although, I never really like the story line, the only thing that kept my eyes locked on the screen is the very handsome, blue eyed, kinda cocky Damon Salvatore.

2013 - Adam (Tom Hiddleston) in Only Lover Left Alive

Because Hiddles. 'nuff said! hahaha! I have yet to see this film but I'm pretty sure I'm gonna love it the same way I love everything Tom Hiddleston does!

There you have it folks! If you would like to share your vampire crush, you can post them in the comments below. I'd love to hear about it!

no shorts and camisoles tonight.#BedWeather

via Instagram http://instagram.com/p/dR36sZw-Jt/

Summer's new habit, guarding my room.

via Instagram http://instagram.com/p/dKiOJNw-BN/

Samsung Gadgets

via Instagram http://instagram.com/p/dJ25F6w-J1/

Got a new gadget from Globe this August. It's the new Samsung Tab 3 and Samsung S Duos bundled for only plan 999. It goes well with my Samsung digicam.

I really think it's good deal from Globe. The Samsung Tab 3 7inch is worth Php 9,100 and the Samsung S Duos is worth Php 7,790. The plans comes with Unli Data, 101 free texts and 100 consumable. I don't really call or text much but I surf most of the time so I think it suits me.

However, there are some downside to this promo. I've had problems with the Tab's software during it's second week and the unit won't turn on. I can no longer return it to Globe since the 7 day warranty replacement has already passed so I have to take it to Samsung service center in SM North. Everything was covered by the 1 year warranty so I didn't pay for anything. Everything is working fine now. However this time, it's the Samsung S Duos that's having some problems. The hotspot router won't seem to connect my other devices. Went to Globe again to have it checked and they advised me to go to the service center again to have it fixed. 

I know it's such a hassle. I would be furious at Globe if the service center isn't near my place but thankfully it is so I don't have problems going there. I don't know if it's just me that got the defective unit or if its the same for all but I'm really disappointed with Samsung. Or probably because it's one of their cheaper models that is why it has some problems.

All in all, it's a good deal but I wouldn't recommend techie people to buy this tab and phone . It runs a bit slow compared to the I-pad and I-pod Touch that I'm used to. I'm not a techie type of person so this stuff doesn't affect me that much. As long as I can surf the net and play some music, I'm good! Plus, I only got it for free so I can't really complain that much. I just hope I don't encounter problems passed the warranty period. :s

With @superdimple @ Uncle Cheffy With @superdimple @ Uncle Cheffy

via Instagram http://instagram.com/p/ciYMv2w-K1/

On my bed, on my pillow. Who owns this bed again???

via Instagram http://instagram.com/p/ciPvZ3Q-M5/

Here's a picture of my dog Autumn. She's a toy poodle and loves to sleep on my bed, on my pillow!

We sleep next to each other at night sometimes and she takes almost half of the bed. I know she's a small dog but this is only a single sized bed. :) But I love her all the same. She's the sweetest li'l pooch and loves to cuddle.

Blueprint

via Instagram http://instagram.com/p/b6tvJ3w-Df/

My parents and I finally decided to leave our condo that we've been staying for more than 29 years. After contacting 3 architects and after 4 or 5 revisions of the floor plan, this is now the final blue print of the house we plan to build.

It's a 2 bedroom, 2 toilet and bath, 1 powder room, with a mezanine on top of the garage for storage space or maids quarters. 

Hopefully, it'll be finished early next year. The paperworks are almost done and we hope to get things started this month of September 2013.  *fingerscrossed*

My 3am snack! Leftover madness!

via Instagram http://instagram.com/p/bwrj_LQ-KQ/

Song Of The Day: We Got The World - Icona Pop

The first time I heard them was in that Samsung commercial. And now, I think I found my new favorite band!

I can't get this song out of my head! ON. REPEAT.THE.WHOLE.DAY!

#StyleInspiration #KateMiddleton I need a longer blazer though. This will do for now.

via Instagram http://instagram.com/p/bhJ2QLQ-B7/

#StyleInspiration #KateMiddleton #OOTD

via Instagram http://instagram.com/p/a_qYZgw-Hg/

Overrated!

The overrated coffee drink! Seriously?! Is it required to take a photo of your drink at Starbucks?

The overrated spread. I don't get the hype?! Or probably I'm just not a huge fan of chocolates.

But lately, this is slowly taking over. I have yet to try this.

The overrated hat! The Fedora!

And the king of Fedora himself, Bruno Mars.

The overrated accessory, the armcandy. Do you really have to wear all your bracelets all at the same time?

If I were to wear one, it will be something a lot simplier like this.

The overrated bag, the classic Longchamp design. Everyone has it, be it original or fake. I do like the limited edition designs though.

The overrated selfie shot, the bathroom selfie. Even I am guilty of this!

The overrated beach destination in the Philippines, Boracay! I know Boracay is almost paradise but c'mon people, we have more than 7,000 islands in the country.

The overrated dog, the shitz tzu.

Awwww.....but I just can't hate that face. Too cute!

What do you think of my list? If you have anything to add let me know. :)