FASHION ALERT : BLACK AND ORANGE (TIMELY PEG FOR MR. PUMPKIN)

While I don't celebrate Halloweens, I thought of jumping the bandwagon in terms of Mr. Pumpkin's crazy color! Orange and Black! I've been on the look out for a colorful pair of shorts and when I saw this item, I knew this is going to be the center stage of my post for the season. 

Know your body type - I think that's important. For me, I have macho arms (heheh...) and so I need to cover them up nicely with a leopard printed blouse as seen HERE. Also, it would be too redundant if I don a sleeveless top and shorts. Too much skin is so not me! ☺ Having said all that, you may want to view the details of this outfit post:

DETAILS:

Sleeveless top from NY Square (SM Department Store)

Leopard Sheer Blouse from The Landmark Makati

Orange Shorts from The Landmark Makati

Wedge Platfrom from Celine (SM Manila)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

♣Tucked in or tucked out? 
 It depends. Key is to look polished and NOT lousy.

Structured blouse as below looks fine to be tucked out. 
Seal the outfit's glam by adding a long necklace with barely-there pendant. 

♣ Color variation - what's the maximum?  
For strong colors like orange, maximum of 2 is always the safest. Orange and black works best with a hint of yellow or green. Save this additional color pop on your accessories. Don't wear a bright yellow vest over your black top or else - you'll remind your friends of 
the Ang TV era! (Du-a-di-di-di-di-dam-di-di-dum) 

♣ To wear heels or not to wear heels?

CMK READS : ARCHIE COMICS, THE MARRIED LIFE (BOOK REVIEW)

Archie - The Married Life is one of the post-Riverdale High School installments of Archie and the gang. It answers the million dollar question on whom Archie will choose. Is it Betty or Veronica?

Author is very brilliant not to break any hearts. The book has 2-parts. One was Archie weds Veronica. Another one was Archie marries Betty.

I felt uber giddy when I saw the comic book. I grew up with Archie. I recall when I was in grade 3, I used to munch chocolates while reading the little comics over and over. Honestly, I got majority of my first English words from Archie comics. That and some of French words like "Arrivederci" (or a rivederci), which literally means "until we see each other again", or "au contraire", which means "on the contrary".

THE PLOT THICKENS:

♣ When Archie married Veronica, Mr. Lodge (V's dad) gets in the way. He uses Archie to close Pop Tates' business. Story became complex because Jughead, Archie's best friend, will be the successor of Pop Tate's Burger Shop. Meanwhile, Betty moved into New York to nurse over her heartache. She managed to go back to Riverdale only to be ignored (as each character has some issues to deal with their own lives). Mr. Lodge is a full blast villain on this part. He has turned from a protective dad to a money monster. He wants to turn Riverdale from a small town to an industrial ville. But will Archie choose his marriage over his old friends, or vice versa?

♣ When Archie married Betty, I rejoiced! Haha! I am Betty's fan. But I like Veronica's fashion sense too. Going back, Little Ms. Sunshine married her one great love. After the wedding bliss, they faced the inevitable - somebody has to pay the bills. Archie ended up to be a musician and Betty a housewife. Obviously, they're having a hard time putting up a sturdy budget to make both ends meet. Climax begins when Mr. Lodge (again) gets in the way. Since Veronica was devastated due to her failure of not getting Archie, good ole dad thought of the best way out - BUY Archie's affection. Will this be a story of love conquers all or will it be more of a "reality bites" corner?

♣ Still undecided? Here are some few good reasons to give you a nudge:

☺Moose and Midge broke up.

☺Moose will run as Riverdale's mayor.

☺Somebody will die :( (No, it's not Moose, but I ain't telling who).

REALIZATIONS:

♠ High School and Real Life are not the same.

♠ Friendships are never automatic. They're manual and it needs nurturing.

♠ Meet new friends but keep your old friends.

♠ Money is not an evil itself, obsession over it is.

♠ No matter how hard we fight for it, things (and feelings) change.

DETAILS:

TITLE: ARCHIE : The Married Life (Paperback)

AUTHORS: Archie Marries Veronica by Michael Uslan

Archie Marries Betty by Paul Kupperberg

PUBLISHER: Archie Comics Publication

PRICE: Php 800.00

(bought it for Php 640.00 click HERE) 

 CMK HAPPY THOUGHTS:

  ☺Next chapter continues. For quite some time, Archie kept mum 

about what lies after Riverdale High Graduation. 

Like with other youth oriented shows, 

we all want to know who ended up with who.

 And what are they doing after their younger years.

☺ Unpredictable plot. Since the story line entails continuity, 

you'll be excited to see what happens next page after page.

☺Fast paced story line. I love how direct the delivery was. 

Author doesn't dwell in one character for too long. Very entertaining.

YVES ROCHER MATTE FLUID FOUNDATION REVIEW

"Yves Rocher Matte Fluid Foundation has an ultra-fluid, fresh and light texture that is transformed into a powdery veil on application. 

It provides a great coverage, a natural-looking and even finish, a velvety matt complexion, refined the skin’s surface and shine control. This foundation contains Scutellaria root and cornflower water. 

Tested under dermatological supervision. Suitable for combination to oily skin and normal skin in hot, humid climates. Comes in a go-everywhere tube-shaped bottle. With a subtle fragrance." 

That's how Beauty Almanac described our product for today. Good or a bad habit, but I don't really put on a lot of foundation in my face. Fear of overdoing it (^^) You'll usually see me dabbing my moisturizer then BB cream and that's it. I don't have much of a ritual in terms of powder and foundation.

I've stumbled upon an article somewhere that the goal of a good foundation is summed up into 2 words: SECOND SKIN! No uneven lines between your face and neck. No crusty and cakey spots. How we wish there's always a make up artist waiting on your kikay corner!

But that's what this product is for. It has that airbrush effect and with proper color matching, you can achieve that much celebrated second skin effect! Yay!

DETAILS:

What: Yves Rocher Matte Fluid Foundation
in Natural Blush

Price: Php 600.00 for 30 ml

Available at: Yves Rocher Stores (visit them HERE)

CMK HAPPY THOUGHTS:

☺Easy to apply. While others are fan of brushes, I'm advocate of using clean fingers when 

applying foundation / moisturizers / BB creams.

Substance is fairly easy to even out.

☺Gentle on skin. I didn't have any break outs (pimples) when I tried this on. Usually, I tend to have some little pimples when trying new products. 
This didn't happen with Yves Rocher. 

☺Staying Power. You apply it in the morning and forget about it. This is working on a 

premise that the day is not scorching hot.

☺Close to nature. Ditching chemicals and embracing natural products has never been this beautiful!

CMK WISHFUL THOUGHTS:

☻Price. It's a mid-range beauty product so it's a bit pricey compared to drugstore hauls.

☻Prone to spillage. Make sure that the bottle is always on 'this side up' mode, else, it can spill upon opening.
☻ It only comes with this size (30 ml) as of this writing.

Ready for some swatch?

BELLE DE JOUR 2013 PLANNER : A CLOSER LOOK

CMK at Belle de Jour Event

I've been a Belle de Jour Planner user since 2009, and it's always been an exciting saga to open a newly acquired journal. Planner is not at all girly if you'll take a closer look. Sophisticated and classy - more like it if you'll ask me. We'll talk about that later.

BDJ Fair 2012 was held at SM Mall of Asia last October 12 (click HERE). Place was jam packed of glowing girls. The arena was dressed with a carnival flair. There's the rock climbing corner, picture and style booths and so many more. Not to mention they had a lot of invited celebrity speakers to grace the event.

Mother nature was cooperating that fine day, in fact it's one bit humid Sunday. Better than raining on BDJ parade. I managed to sneak in after attending to church (Our church is near MOA so it's pretty convenient) - and yes! I bought my 2013 BDJ planner @ Php 480 each. In fact, I bought 3 (for myself, Maya and Annie). So if you wonder what BDJ 2013 Planner looks like, feast your eyes on these:

This year Viviamo! is expanding their planner types. They have the leather and hard bound types. They keep the options of spring~ed and book bound side types to suit their user's preferences.

♣ The Facade. Unlike last year, Belle (as I fondly call the animated cover girl) is in a close up shot. Last year, she's wearing a fuchsia dress with a full body shot. Either shot - she's glamorous. The outside look is generally the same. Round edges, baby pink ribbon marker, transparent coupons bag, all in for 2013!

♣ BDJ Lifestyle Card. This was the first planner that I bought from the fair itself. I usually get mine from Powerbooks. I didn't know that if bought within the fair, you'll automatically get your Belle de Jour lifestyle card. Hitting 2 birds in 1 stone! Har har!



♣ The Inside. We wouldn't like it any other way but this. Their monthly articles, monthly period tracker, vacation templates are still there. Pastel colors all around. Very writer friendly feel. I like their short liners. 

FASHION ALERT : BLUE CHIFFON TOP

While orange was hailed to be the 2012 color, 
I found my closet full of royal blues! 

This is inspired by a royalty named Kate Middleton.

The color speaks of versatility and well, royalty.

Starting from the day that Kate and Prince William announced their engagement

(everybody remembers that A-line dress in royal blue),

the color has been a peg of every fashion collection!

Far from being a royalty, I enjoy wearing the color 

as a commoner  in my own little world ☺

I wore this when me and my friends attended the

Manila International Book Fair (click HERE).

DETAILS:

Blue Chiffon Top from ShopThisEasy (click HERE)

Denim Shorts from The Landmark Makati

Tiger Printed Flats from SM Department Store (click HERE)

Some few fashion inspirations:

 

Here's another one:

IS IT THE RIGHT {TIME} TO WRITE?

I've always wanted to write a book. Way back elementary days, look for the writer's club and book-lovers club - you'll find me there. I adored writing essays and reading them aloud. And if you'll ask the Reflection Question: What do I want to do 10 years from now? - one of such will always be to write a book. 

This blog, piles of poems and journals, those little talks - are some of the few outbursts of my love affair with writing. Fast forward >>> Today. I was glancing over some publication sites and all of a sudden - I reckoned, What holds me back from accomplishing my childhood dream? 
 
As I browse over the book titles - old and new ideas come surging in. Still on the publication site, I managed to click my way through the 'qualification' of a writer portion. And then the dream, like an ice cream, slowly melts away, drop by drop. Fear of the unknown. That may be it. Like an ice cream that slowly turned into a milk shake, here am I 'assessing' the dream again if it's doable or not... fear of the unknown, maybe Tyranny of the Urgent too (click HERE).

Call me pity patty, but I'm hesitant because current authors {of the books} the publication house have published are either big names, famous leaders, winner of famous awards and/or theologically celebrated peeps. These adjectives, are not me.

Not really sure if it's right to write a manuscript. Or to rest my case that I am destined to be in another world. In the world of consultancy and numbers. In the world of quasi-fashion and style and food and makeup perhaps. Don't be misled. I love my world. It's just that, a chunk of my heart will always want to write a book. Plain and simple. Or I wish it's that plain and simple.

I intend to write a book with the mindset- if readers can understand and feel your content - then you're mission accomplished. And, I desire to write as myself, not as someone else. 

And if it's not too much, I hope that my book will inspire the young ones and young at heart. I want to tap them on their shoulder saying:

♣ That it's possible to live a full life without damaging yourself.
♣ That it's possible to achieve things if we just put our hearts to it!
♣ That there are some paths that seem impossible to walk and even conquer,
but after  some time, you'll realize that with God's help - it's possible to be a victor.
♣ That you are destined to be great and not to be trampled upon.

I don't know - the idea is still like a bunch of crayons outside the crayon box. But I hope to make something colorful out of my life and experiences, someday.

To write or not-to-write? Only God {and time} will tell. ☺

How about you? What do you want to be 10 years from now? -CMK

*Photo Credits: Google Images

FASHION ALERT : SEMI ROCKER CHICK

Hello Rocker Chick! Planetshakers & Israel Houghton concert
@ Smart Araneta Coliseum! That's where I wore this wardrobe.
I haven't been to any concert for ages and due to insistent 
little drummer brother's demand,
I managed to say yes. Well, you know what?
I'm glad I did. The concert was very good
not to mention that we worshiped the One who deserves it all!

Before heading to the adrenaline-pumping place,
we sneaked at Pho Hoa (Gateway) to fill in our tummy.
The place was picture perfect. Black and Fuchsia.
Sophisticated Classic.

DETAILS:
Green Pants from Bayo
as seen HERE
Black Sleeveless from Black et Noir 
(available at SM Department Stores)
Ecru Wedge from Celine
Gray Blazer from Tomato as seen HERE

Fashion inspiration for today plays the role of Jessica in Twilight.
Guess, anyone?

AVON TRI-LIP GLOSS (IN ONYX LUSTRE) REVIEW

I recall how my college era adored glossy lips. And I do mean GLOSSY!

To the point that it looks like you have just eaten 

a roast chicken (aka after-lechon look) ☺ 

But way back that time, it looks oh so hot and chic! 

I suddenly feel nostalgic when I noticed this Avon lip gloss

lounging in my make up kit. Avon and college days have a lot in common.

They are classic, budget friendly and full of fun times.

Photo Credit to eBay for our picture on top.

I bought mine in Onyx Lustre. What's special about this lip gloss

is that it has that 3-in-1 combination, namely,

some kind of a violet, peach and pink shine!

DETAILS:

Avon Tri-Lip Gloss (in Onyx Luster)

Price: Approximately Php 200 - 300 (depends if there's a sale!)

Where to Buy? From eBay or your Avon Ladies!

CMK HAPPY THOUGHTS:

☺It's less greasy than the normal lip glosses I've used.

☺It's pigmented. Swatch below took only 2 swipes.

☺It prevents my lips from chapping, as with all other lip gloss types.

☺Value for money. It's very affordable and so... college girls friendly!

Swatch below (normal lighting):

CAMARU NATURALS BAMBOO CHARCOAL SOAP REVIEW

I've heard of the many amazing things a charcoal can do,

but it was my first time to get hold of a charcoal soap.

I got the item from the SaladBox (click HERE)

and from the first glimpse - I knew that it's 

not your ordinary germicidal soap.

Camaru Naturals is a 100% Filipino company.

An excerpt from their site reads:

"We founded our company to offer effective and safe personal skin care products 

for people who seek to experience the benefits of nature. 

We aim to educate people to the benefits their skin can get from fruits, 

vegetables and botanical plants found in rainforests."

Details:

What: Camaru Naturals Bamboo Charcoal Soap

Weight: 135 grams

Price: Php 150.00

Can be used on: Face and Body

  

CMK HAPPY THOUGHTS:

☺Nature-inspired. Less chemicals may mean less toxins that can harm our skin.

☺Odorless. It's such a breathe of fresh air to use soaps without overpowering smell.

☺Value for money. A chunk of soap this huge will take so long to use up.

☺Cleansing : Emphasized. While other soaps boast of add-on effects like this and that, the product centralizes its purpose to being a clarifying soap. Stat!

CMK WISHFUL THOUGHT:

☻Its color, at times, turns me off. Cleansing with dark black suds?

it might take time for me to get used to this idea. But if you'll look to the next picture, 

it delivers. My hands are squeaky clean! And so I'm torn

 if this is a happy or a wishful thought!

CMK THINKS:

CHOOSE TO BE HAPPY!

"I was walking in the woods one day when I came to a big, open field that was full of tall weeds. Everywhere I looked, all I could see were ugly, brown, dried-up weeds. But when I went a little farther down the path, I noticed one beautiful flower standing in the midst of all the weeds. It was so colorful, so vivid and, amazingly, it had blossomed right there in the midst of those drab, dreary weeds. I thought, That is exactly what God wants us to do, to bloom wherever we're planted.

You may live or work around a bunch of weeds, but don't let that stop you from blooming. Realize that your environment does not prevent you from being happy. Some people spend all their time trying to pull up all the weeds. Meanwhile, they miss much of their lives. Don't worry about the things you can't change. You can't change the traffic in the morning. You can't fix everybody at work. You can't make all your family members serve God. But you shouldn't let that keep you from being happy. Bloom anyway, and focus on the things that you can change. You can change your own attitude. You can choose to be happy right where you are.

 

Keep a good attitude and keep blossoming right where you are. If you'll make the decision to stay faithful and be content, at the right time God will change those circumstances. He'll get you out of those old weeds and put you in a better place. But if you refuse to bloom where you are, your progress will be stifled. God has planted us somewhere specifically so we might bear much fruit. And it's not so important where we are. What matters is: Are we bearing good fruit? Are we letting our lights shine? Are we being good examples? Can people see the joy of the Lord radiating from our lives? If you will keep blooming right where you care, then rest assured in God's perfect timing, He will transplant you. What you need to do is choose to be happy and appreciate today. Hang in there dear friend, you're one day closer to whatever or {whoever} it is!"

* This is an excerpt from page 274, Choose to be Happy, Your Best Life Now, Joel Osteen *

FASHION ALERT : 4 WAYS TO WEAR NAUTICAL SKIRTS

Special thanks to my little drummer brother for taking this candid (literally) shot. I was about to go for lunch at Yabu when I asked him to click an outfit post of me. If you'll notice - I'm on a white blazer and shorts when I arrived there (click HERE). Since I have to commute all the way from somewhere South to Megamall, I slipped on this trusty nautical skirt from Weekender. I obviously changed my outfit in SM Megamall. Comfort room indeed, by the way! Too manang? I don't think so. It's more of there's a proper attire on every place, and shorts are definitely no-no without your private wheels. 

Details:
Nautical Skirt from Weekender
Sleeveless Top from SM Department Store
Bag from Longchamp

Ecru Wedges from Celine

Today's post is all about Nautical (Striped / Marine Inspired) Skirts. Multi-functional. You can wear them in the office, church, events, almost everywhere!

Style Tip #1: Wear your lines.

Most skirts have horizontal lines. But vertical lines? Why not? Peg below has this 50's wave. I adore how the off-shoulder top compliments the skirt and red flat shoes. I noticed that there's no accessories involved except for the cutesy gray ribbon. This is so Alice in Wonderland!  Cute!

 

Style Tip #2: Wear your details.
Peplum meets nautical skirt. Possible? Yes! Word of caution though, please wear your skirt with a plain top. Prints over prints is a fashion crime (generally, though some can get away with this). The peplum detail is subtly embedded that the skirt with a black top + chunky necklace can make its way into a lunch meeting! For another idea on how to wear a peplum skirt (this time plain and colored), click HERE.

Style Tip #3: Wear your color.
Vibrant color, if I may add. Color adds life. And what can be a better testament than the picture below?  Reds, whites and blacks are eternal. Bold Christmas red top definitely nailed this deal. Add a long necklace and carry your clutch for that early dinner appointment. Versatility, that and so much to love about this style.

Style Tip #4: Wear your volume.

SOME TIPS ON PUBLIC SPEAKING

Public speaking is something that most of us cannot will not do. We're just too afraid to go up the stage and do a seemingly simple yet heart-pounding task... talk. Not even all the big names start as confident public speakers. Most of them will agree that it takes practice. We're never perfect, but we can be better. One step at a time.

Last August, I was invited to talk with the group of Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants (JPIA). This was held at Philippine Christian University (PCU) Taft. Today, I'll share with you some tips on how to speak in public and step down from the stage alive and still breathing... normally. ☺

 
Mind your Exterior:
♣  Power Dress. Know your audience. If your topic revolves around being successful, then by all means dress the part. Talk has one thing in common: it aims to inspire. And seeing you well groomed and properly dressed is part of that inspiration.

♣ Wear comfortable shoes. This is not the perfect time to try that new shoes. You have a speech and all other things to be concerned about - so wear something usual. I suggest though that if you can, wear heels. Not sky high heels but studies show that wearing a high heeled shoes displays a "powerful" aura.

♣ Remember that the audience will look at you so don't wear a sheer top. You want them to listen to what you are saying and not to look somewhere else. Seems to be an obvious reminder but it's very practical.

On Public Speaking:
♣ When preparing for your speech, picture yourself as an audience too. You wouldn't like the message to be too long nor too short. Double check your grammar and ask someone to listen to you and give you some feedback (i.e. it's too wordy, your pacing is too slow...)

♣ Voice modulation. To stress a point, you may raise your intonation a bit. Or pause. Make sure that the important points you wish to convey are being grasped by your audience. Students have shorter attention span so I suggest that you go by quotes.

♣ Utilize technology. Powerpoint is a very handy tool in public speaking. Humans are visual mammals so adding some pictures and displaying your salient points via PPT will definitely help.

♣ Connect with your audience. Best part of speaking for me is the Q&A portion. It keeps me grounded plus there's a two-way traffic between my thoughts and the audience's.

Before walking up the stage:

BELLE DE JOUR (BDJ) FAIR 2012

More than just an invite post, I'd like to think of this one as a milestone note with my constant BFF. Here comes BDJ! One of my happy thoughts (and wish list) every year is to have my very own Belle De Jour (BDJ) planner. It was way back 2010 when I got my own copy. It was the perfect planner for me. And I'm sure more bellas can relate to this fact. I'd love to stroll down the memory lane and share with you this picture and post I published last year. Sigh! Time flies so fast.

Christmas 2011

To find out the reasons why we love BDJ, Click HERE.

And of course, year 2013 would be no exception.
In case you're not aware, gentle FYI:
considering all the freebies, the planner is technically free.
Freebies include a buy 1, take 1 ticket for a 4-hour hydrotherapy massage
at Ace WaterSpa, Bayo and Havaianas discounts,  
Free brewed coffee in CBTL, among many others.

The planner's layout is perfect for college students and working classes.
I personally write with purple, green and red sign pen for a colorful vibe.
Baby blue. Mint green. Baby pink. They're all around.
So chic, sophisticated yet presentable!

If you're excited to grab the 2013 BDJ Planner,
check these details:

THE SALAD BOX : EVERY MONTH'S A CHRISTMAS MONTH

 Opening a gift box is something that I cannot outgrow.

There's just this magical moment between the span of peeking on 

what's inside and confirming what's indeed 'in' the box.

This excitement is one of the many perks you can get

each time The Salad Box gets into your door post.

 The Salad Box is the first beauty and lifestyle box subscription service.
Idea is you get a box worth this much for a lower price value
with the promise of getting 4 or more items in a box!

This is the first month Salad Box shipped out their goodies.
For details on how to be in Santa's The Salad Box list,
you can check the subscription process HERE.
I'm loving the mint green package.
Nice, don't you think? 

Here's a little something from Salad Box!

Filipino Pride. Yeah!

Okay, I hear you. You want to know what's inside the 

1st ever Salad Box?

Here you go! ☺

CMK READS : LIFE BY PAULO COELHO (BOOK REVIEW)

"A warrior accepts defeat. He does not treat it as a
matter of indifference nor does he try to
make a victory out of it." -The Fifth Mountain

Life by Paulo Coelho is a compilation of selected quotations from his earlier books like The Alchemist, Brida, By the River Piedra, I sat down and wept, to name a few.

For my own peace of mind, allow me to gently lay down this disclaimer. I feel somewhat uneasy labeling the post series as "reviews" because to me, it's a profound verb that warrants only the taste of the masters. I'd like you to think of me as your friend answering  questions like: How was the movie, food, make-up, and this time, How's the book? Having said that, let's start ☺

I first met this book last 2010 but such didn't entice me just yet. Maybe because I'm being acquainted with By the River Piedra book that time. Summer of 2011, upon strolling Fully Booked BGC, the book caught my eye, opened it and the rest was one romantic book affair.

DETAILS:

TITLE: LIFE (Hardbound)

AUTHOR: Paulo Coelho

PUBLISHER: Harper Collins Publisher

PRICE: About Php 750.00 

 

REALIZATIONS:

♣ Blessings, as we might call it, are here everyday.

We just need to see it as they come.

♣ Love requires taking chances. 

And only those who love can see experience God.

♣ Do something, that way, 

time will be your ally rather than enemy.

CMK HAPPY THOUGHTS:

☺Material is light. Coelho speaks about life in general,

God. Love. Destiny. Very easy to read.

☺Book is a bit tiny so you can bring it along anywhere. 

Put it in your bag and enjoy reading along MRT, 

coffee break, or even while waiting for any appointment.

☺It keeps me interested as I turn the pages.

 It's subdivided into 8 different categories which include: 

The Dream, The Path, Love, Chance, Destiny, etc.

CMK EATS : @ YABU, THE HOUSE OF KATSU

CMK with Mr. Mon and Gladz

Ms. Jel of YABU invited me (plus a friend) to have a lunch at Yabu. It's been raining too often that same week, which led me to think if I can make it or what. With my friend's (Zen) go-go vibe, together we agreed to schedule our girly lunch date on a Thursday. And we're both glad we did!

Ms. Jel has been so kind to confirm our lunch reservation, I chose Yabu Megamall Atrium since it's the most accessible branch from where I live.

Commercial Break: Had I known that it will only take 5-10 mins walk from Shaw Boulevard MRT (to Mega) - I would've taken that route rather than taking the bus. Let's just put it this way, without your trusty car, MRT is the 2nd most lovable transpo ever. (Read: No Traffic) ☺

Yabu's Megamall place was jam packed that lunch time. Me and Zen had to wait for a bit. That's cool - as they say, restaurants with waiting queue means the food is really good! Ambiance was oriental and minimalist. Very Japanese. 


Wines are neatly arranged in a wall cellar. Condiments are arrayed on the right side of each table. Noteworthy to mention that the customers are from all walks of nation. A  big giveaway that many people hearts Japanese dishes.

Another cool thing you need to do before you eat? To crush the sesame seeds! ☺ I was such a novice that I didn't know what's this for but this is for your special sauce. They have sesame seeds, himalayan salt (aka healthiest salt) and authentic Japanese spices. Forget chemical packed condiments and make way for a fresh-hot-off-the-mortar-and-pestle kind of sauces!

KATSU means fried. TON means pork. Hence the term Tonkatsu. I'm amazed how good a katsu can get. That's just the start. They serve a whole lot more than Tonkatsu. Let these pictures do the talking:

I got the Chicken and Seafood Katsu Set. It has Chicken, Black Tiger Prawn, Squid, Oyster (talaba), Eggplant & Pepper. And may I add - their SHREDDED CABBAGE is my favorite! It's unlimited so if you want to skip their rice (which is DIFFICULT by the way, but this time will power triumphed) -- their cabbage is heaven. I sprinkled their sesame garlic dressing (see the picture just above, leftmost side) - and that's it sulit!

Chicken and Seafood Katsu Set

***