SOPHIEsticated: April 2023

Tuesday, April 25, 2023

I'm Ready to Rumba!

Getting ready effortlessly can be challenging at times.

But when you have statement accessories that give you that 'Oooooh-la-lah' look,

You'll be ready to slay from the ballroom upto the boardroom.

Feeling gorgeous has never felt this effortless---thanks to BOHO MANILA accessories!

Ain't my earrings such a scene stealer?!

I just love the intricate details and the ultra-stylish look this brings me.

Accessories always have a way of elevating our look to the next level.

Now, I can dress to impress from day to night by simply a hair twist!

I love how BOHO MANILA gives so much life to any outfit.

The pops of colors and the sophisticated beading designs are just eye-catching.

Why fit in when you can always stand out right?!

Life is short so remember that looking dull & boring is only for Zombies, not for the living!

Finally, I'm ready to Rumba 'cause my earrings are the perfect bling for my day to night outfit.

Wearing the right accessories definitely gives you the 'oomph' factor without saying a word.

Check out how AHHHH-mazing I look just by sporting this gorgeous piece from Boho Manila.

Located at The Shops Ayala Triangle, Rumba is a feast to the eyes.

The interiors are so vibrant, perfect to chill for coffee and cocktails.

If you are looking for a place to satisfy your tastebuds for Spanish paella and tapas,

Then you've found the place that will tickle your senses.

The food servings are pretty small for their steep price,

So I suggest to take advantage of BPI's credit card promos:

Visa Signature's 50% off promo / 30% on all other BPI credit cards.

Promo period is everyday from Mar 1, 2023-June 30, 2023 & Sept 1, 2023 to Nov. 30, 2023

Here are some of the entrees we ordered at Rumba:

I enjoyed the Gambas Ajillo (Squid Ink Spaghetti, Shrimps, Garlic, Chili, Oil) priced at Php695. This dish was truly flavorful and the shrimps were generous enough. I just wish Rumba increased the quantity of the pasta so this can be shared and enjoyed more.

The Del Senorito Paella (Shrimp, squid, mussels, clams al ajillo) priced at Php1,695 was a bountiful catch. The seafood was so fresh and I loved how it was transferred to the fragrant saffron rice sitting right in front of us. All the juicy flavors of the shrimp, squid, mussels and

clams were preserved so the paella was al dente to taste. Not dry at all! Bravo!

The Confit de Pato (duck confit, mushroom and truffle risotto, blueberry sauce) priced at Php2,195 was the highlight of my dinner. I love the presentation and how well seasoned this dish is. The duck was perfectly tender and the truffle risotto just blended well with the duck confit. It was the perfect pairing. I would have ordered another serving, but look at the price! Haha! It was indeed a taste to savor while it lasted.

If you are the health conscious type, you would enjoy the grilled Salmon Con Trinxat (Grilled Salmon Loin, Potato & Cabbage Cake, Meuniere Sauce) priced at Php995.

You'll know a good restaurant when they can serve amazing beef. We ordered a Solomillo (200gr) Grilled US Tenderloin, Potato & Bacon Terrine, Truffle Sauce priced at Php2,195 and it did not disappoint with its quality. Hoping for a larger serving for the price. We could have dined at a hotel for this price already and have unlimited ribeye steak or angus beef. Enjoyed this entrée nonetheless!

Since I stepped into conscious comfort and elegance, I'm currently sporting my favorite earrings from BOHO Manila and comfiest booties from Vivaia. Now, I'm ready to literally rumba and dance the night away. Loving the vibes here in this cozy yet classy restaurant. Feel free to chill by the bar counter too and take pictures in this picturesque place.

Me and my twin sister agreeing that we look so AHHH-mazing in our Boho Manila Accessories

Cheers to enjoying delicious food with me!

Treat yourself once in a while and savor the good times with your food buddies.

Remember that life is sugar, spice & everything nice.

Always try to see the silver lining in everything 'cause in the end, life is always worth living.

Til the next style secrets,

SOPHIEsticated

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Sunday, April 2, 2023

Hotel Hopping Adventures from Admiral to Lime to Okada

Saying 'Yes!' to the love of my life is one of the biggest & most important decisions I have ever made. 02.25.23 exactly marked our 7th anniversary together. And what better day to profess his love for me than the day he gave me the diamond ring that he worked hard for. Who would have thought that a clumsy couch potato like me would meet an overly disciplined gym buff?! Oh, I had this stereotype that gym guys were playboys, but I was proven wrong when I met Vince. He is my rock, my shield & my soldier-to-lean-on. I, in turn, am his sugar, spice & everything nice!

There were no glass slippers involved, but only a 'thank you for that cup of coffee' that started this unexpected love story.

His proposal was sweet and intimate because he actually just popped the question inside his house because he is the shy type. I appreciate all the balloons that he manually blowed for me and all the tiny vigil candles he repeatedly lighted 'cause his aircon was blowing it off. Haha!

As he was on his knee, he said: "This may not be the perfect proposal, but do know that I want to spend the rest of my life with you."

So wedding plans have started and we have been busy scouting pre-nuptial shoots places and reception venues for our intimate wedding. Despite our busy schedule, of course, we still find time to squeeze in our dates by lounging at coffee shops, enjoying the sunset and exploring grand and boutique hotels alike.

This March, we visited (3) hotels namely Admiral Hotel, Lime Hotel & Okada Hotel. And we had breathtaking views that spelled sophistication, elegance & grandeur rolled into one.

Admiral Hotel located at Roxas Boulevard, Malate, Manila, topped our list for our Pre-nuptial photoshoot. However, their rates for a photo shoot was very hefty considering this was just for a prenup pictorial. We could have already booked a banquet for the price quoted to us. I really hope to get an opportunity to shoot here next time. Oh, I just loved the vibe and timeless elegance of this place even if this is just a boutique hotel. We enjoyed lounging at their coffee shop while gazing at their one-of-a-kind ceiling. It was so dramatic and lively that we felt like we were in a movie shoot. Don't forget to check out the majestic view of Manila Bay at the Coconut Grove, the rooftop bar of Admiral Hotel. This is the perfect place to chill and unwind with a scenic view al fresco style.

Aye aye captain! I just loved this bay view.

Indeed, nature has a way of recharging our senses.

Oh, inhale positivity & exhale negativity.

This is a perfect escape from the hustle & bustle of the city life.

Lime Resort Hotel, located at Seascape Village, CCP Complex, Pasay, has a very interesting & stylish architecture. The exteriors remind me of Escala Hotel in Tagaytay. I just love the Lime Beach Club especially at night with all the pool colors & lighting around the place. Lime Resort Hotel gave us a pretty decent quote for a pictorial, but I was quite disappointed that the Manila Bay view actually disappeared already as you can clearly see the land reclamation developments within the area. As such, you will definitely smell the sewer due to the massive construction works. This could have been a breathtaking view with the relaxing unobstructed view of Manila Bay. For now, you can actually see the gravel being dumped while chilling in the area. If you plan to check-in, their rooms looked pretty cool with the automatic curtains and light changing colors when you go inside minus the bay view. It's still a pretty decent boutique hotel to check out when you are in Pasay. Their buffet is pretty cheap too, but I haven't gotten the chance to taste it as we were in a hurry.

We still enjoyed the sunset view & quick access to the Lime Beach Club even with the land reclamation as our background. It was an interesting experience and I can't wait to see the final output of the reclamation so I can have an unforgettable view again.

Okada Hotel is a 42-hectare casino resort and hotel complex located at New Seaside Drive, Entertainment City, Paranaque. This hotel will make you feel like Princess Jasmine roaming around the Palace. Everything inside looks so grand & luxurious. This place is so magnificent so if you have time, don't forget to drop by the Cove and the Fountain area to feel AHHHH-mazed with the hotel's extravagance.

It's always a whole new world here at Okada. The decors change and evolve as the season changes. The backdrops are always IG and FB-worthy that I feel that I'm enjoying my leisurely stroll in Japan.

Aside from pre-nup shoots and reception venue, I'm also in search of a comfortable wedding shoes so I can look fabulous all night long! I got my Melissa-Knitted Perforated Design booties in Cream Ivory from Vivaia and walking in style & comfort has never felt this effortless! Believe it or not, my shoes are made from recycled materials. I just love how sustainable & planet-friendly my shoes are. Who would have thought that waste can actually look this good?! Oh, I hope someday they'd have wedding shoes too so I can stylishly walk down the aisle with absolute comfort. Finally, I can twirl my way into the ballroom upto commanding an entire boardroom without massaging my sole & heels!

If you love my booties as much as I do, feel free to check out Vivaia.

Buy your dream shoes so you can strut your way with confidence.

The streets are my runway and I can't wait to own more pairs.

It feels good to be one step closer to calling my fiancee "My Home". Finally, I no longer need to be dropped off at home 'cause home is wherever he is. Yay! I'll be in his 'macho' arms forever! Cheers to the start of being partners forever.