More To Mica - Life & Fashion Theme Update

There was a time when me and my family had dinner on one of the Chinese restaurants here in Santa Rosa Laguna. We've been there a couple of times, but on that certain night I saw this new restaurant opened just beside it. Yes, it’s Carbs & Cals Restaurant and Cafe.

I wanted to try it out on that day but my family chose the Chinese resto instead. :( I like Chinese food so that was fine with me.

Though I made up a mission to try it out one day, I actually wanted to try it with Patrick - the boyfriend.



Then finally one day, after our few errands for business last Friday. I was able to drag Patrick to try the Carbs & Cals Restaurant and Cafe for Dinner.

The restaurant is not that spacious, I think the tables are estimated at 6-7 in total. But then the interior of Carbs & Cals is nice, feels cozy and really relaxing. Also, we were the only customer at that time from the moment we entered til’ we left the place. It looked like we reserved the place! Hahaha. Definitely  a lovely and sweet date for us. Haha.



The best part!



We ordered a pork sisig rice meal.  (P85)



The Chicken Cordon Bleu (P295)



The Creamy Carbonara (P145)



French Fries for FREE, they had this promo posted in their table free onion rings for a total purchase of P250? I’m not sure but yeah.. anyway, the onion rings probably run out so they gave as fries instead of the onion rings.

For me, the best meal I tasted by far was the Pork Sisig, it had a different taste compared to other sisig I’ve tasted before. I would definitely go back for the Sisig. The Chicken Cordon Bleu tasted okay, not that bad. Carbonara has always been my favourite, their Creamy Carbonara somehow satisfied my pasta cravings but I wish it was a bit creamier. The fries is well, it’s free and it feels POTATO! Real potato... Haha. You know? :) Potato. :) It’s yummy, and I guess healthy, not like the one you buy at McDonalds. Don’t get me wrong I love fries! Even from McDonalds.

Patrick liked the food there. So atleast, we have another go-to food places near my home.
Btw, I’ve seen other good reviews for Carbs & Cals Restaurant and Cafe. So if you’re planning to visit Santa Rosa, particularly Enchanted Kingdom and looking for a place to eat you can try the resto out.

Carbs & Cals Restaurant and Cafe
Brusmick Place Bldg. Balibago, Sta.Rosa City, Laguna (near Enchanted Kingdom)Santa Rosa, Laguna

Anyway, here’s a tally/ranking for Carbs & Cals Restaurant and Cafe to conclude...

• Ambience: 4/5
• Food: 4/5
• Drinks: N/A (Just had water)
• Service: 5/5

As a graduating high school student I’ve already decided to take fashion design as my next step to college. People were pointing College of Saint Benilde and that instant I was sure to go to CSB and take their Fashion Design and Merchandising program. Something happened though, I switched my first choice - Fashion Design and Merchandising to Multimedia Arts. I somehow wonder why I did, someone just persuaded me to take MMA first and study Fashion after. That someone? is my Daddy dearest. Haha. The reason probably is so I can find my one true love.. Hahaha. (Thanks Dad! :P Hahahaha)

So fast forward today, I’ve been employed as Web & Graphic Artist. I’ve been working for 3 years since and I know deep down inside is that I’m not 100% happy. I know in my heart I would really want to try Fashion, that I wanna be in the fashion industry. I want to make clothes and I want to see people wear my creation.


(image source: dollarphotoclub)

That is why I’ve been looking for the perfect fashion design school here in the Philippines to help me with my dream and to finally start studying this year. I’ve been google-ing fashion schools in the Philippines and here are the schools I was able to find.
Read more to see the fashion schools!

(Warning this might be a loooong post)

School of Design and Arts, College of Saint Benilde (CSB)

2544 Taft AveMalate, Manila1004 Metro Manila

• Established in 1980 by Br. Andrew Gonzalez
• Nurtures students to develop their interests
• First in Philippines to offer degrees in Fashion Design

College of Saint Benilde’s Bachelor of Arts major in Fashion Design and Merchandising program is a well-rounded course focusing on design philosophy, development, marketing procedures, and production. Their core is fashion business, enabling you to pick up a few useful skills while harnessing your creative potential.
Notable Alumni: Veejay Floresca, Rajo Laurel

School of Fashion and the Arts Manila (SoFA)

399 Enzo Building,, Senator Gil Puyat Ave, Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines

• Philippine’s first specialized design college
• Opened in 2007

One of the most popular fashion schools in the Philippines. SOFA Manila provides a European approach to fashion. The school offers a four-year Bachelor of Arts degree and two-year Associate Degree in Fashion Design and Merchandising, diploma courses and certificate courses.
Notable Alumni: Kaye Morales, Danika Navarro, Pristine de Guzman, Vania Romoff, Tipay Caintic, Tal de Guzman

Slim’s Fashion and Arts School

2nd Flr, 2310 Chino Roces Avenue 1209 Makati City, Metro Manila Philippines

• Oldest fashion school in the Philippines
• Founded by Filipino couture designer Salvacion Lim-Higgins and her sister

Slim’s has provided in-depth courses in fashion design, dressmaking, and patternmaking. Slim’s highly technical lessons provide the solid foundation every designer needs to embark on a fashion career or to establish his or her own shop. The school offers diploma and certificate courses in fashion design and dressmaking/patternmaking. They don’t offer courses on the business side of fashion. I have a feeling that slim’s is the best place to hone design and sewing techniques, they’ve been in the industry for 50 years.
Rate/Tuition Fee:
Fashion Design (Beginners P31,500 & Advanced P31,500) - P63,000
Dressmaking/Patternmaking & Fashion Design Package (Preparatory/Beginners) - P59,900
Dressmaking/Patternmaking & Fashion Design Package (Secondary & Advance) - P69,500
Notable Alumni: Michael Cinco, Cesar Guapo

La Salle College International

# 150, 8th flr. / Penthouse, G.C. Corporate Plaza Legaspi Street
Makati, Kalakhang Maynila

• Opened November 2000
• Branch of Montreal, Canada’s La Salle International

La Salle College International boasts of being the only international fashion school in the Philippines. LCI provides students with an immediate advantage in terms of connections, relationships, and job opportunities abroad. La Salle College International offers several courses, includes a two-year international Diploma in Fashion Design and Fashion Marketing; one-year International certificates as pattern maker, fashion stylist and fashion buyer; and certificate courses in basic fashion design, fashion illustration, pattern making, and visual merchandising.

Fashion Institute of the Philippines

Ortigas, Makati, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro

• Established by Canada/Paris-based designer Shanon Pamaong
• Opened July 2003
• Short, brief and straightforward

Fashion Institute of the Philippines offers the most practical and affordable courses for beginners, advanced students, or office workers. Shanon Pamaong envisioned FIP as a school where courses are short, brief and direct to the point so students can learn what they need in the shortest amount of time. Courses include basic fashion design, basic pattern-making, fashion embellishments, bag making, haute couture, fashion styling, fashion buying, fashion merchandising and fashion photography.
Rate/Tuition Fee:
Professional Designer Program/Elective Courses 1/Sewing Courses -
One (1) course P12,000 | Two (2) Courses P11,500 each - P23,000 | Three (3) Courses P11,000 each - P33,000 | Full Package (4) Courses P10,000 each - P40,000
Elective Courses II - One (1) course P6,000 | Two (2) Courses P5,750 each - P11,500 | Three (3) Courses P5,500 each - P16,500 | Full Package (4) Courses P5,250 each - P21,000
Notable Alumni: Francis Libirian, Happy Andrada, Oliver Tolentino

Style Studio Fashion &  Design School Philippines

6th Floor. No.48 Polaris Center Polaris St. cor. Jupiter St., Bel Air, Makati City

• Founded by Fashion Designer Divine Grace Paguila
• Opened January 2009

I’ve discovered Style Studio Fashion & Design School through Facebook and have little info about the school. They offer courses in  Fashion Design, Pattern Making, Fashion Sewing, Fashion Illustration, Fashion Draping, Fashion Embellishment, Fashion Styling, Fashion Makeup and Fashion Photography. They’ve just recently expanded to offer evening and weekend courses to suit busy people who need flexible time.

Cora Doloroso Career Centre

3/f Pamana Languages Building, 926 Pasay Road,Makati City, Metro Manila
Honestly, I couldn’t find any information about Cora Doloroso’s fashion courses online. But, there are a lot of people telling me about it. I’ve found a site saying that Cora Doloroso indeed provides fashion design and pattern making classes. If you guys know about the school do share them.


Okaayyy, so how was going through all that. :3

You might not reach this part of the post but if you did, hoooray!! Thank you! I appreciate you for staying with me.

I saved a day to visit some of the fashion design schools located in Makati listed above and if you’ve noticed the only schools with tuition fee info are FIP & Slim’s. Those schools are the ones I visited. I wanted to go to Style Studio to inquire but due to it’s location I didn’t push thru.
I’ll see if I’ll be able to update this post for the rates of the other schools.

Choosing where to go is quite a difficult decision to make, SoFA was really my choice but I had to consider my budget and the location plus time. So where did I go?

I went to the school that would fit my needs and schedule, and the one nearest to my Dad’s office so I can get a pleasurable ride. With God’s blessing, I'm happily pursuing my dream at Fashion Institute of the Philippines (FIP). Hello Dream! :3

I’ve started my first class last week which I will be sharing soon.

Styled up my white dress embossed florals with a salmon pink blazer, strappy wedge for comfort (and 4 inch height I badly need... Haha) and Charles & Keith bag.



Wore this to a kiddie party. Simple & casual but still looking stylish.

This is my first time trying out a product from Marc Anthony Hair Care line. I’ve been using the Oil of Morocco Argan Oil Shampoo & Conditioner from Marc Anthony for a few weeks already.



Marc Anthony Oil of Morocco Argan Oil Shampoo & Conditioner.



I had my hair treated by Bench Fix Salon’s L’Oreal Professional Steam Pod last February. I’ve read a lot of hair care reviews and I found out that sulfate strips off natural oils of our mane. So it’s best to use sulfate free hair products.

I've been wanting to use sulfate free products for my treated hair, but I waited for my Dove shampoo & conditioner to run out.

During our trip to S&R, I’ve spotted a nice colored shampoo. Yes, it’s the Marc Anthony Oil of Morocco products. I admit that the color of the shampoo & conditioner got me to buy it.



Marc Anthony Brand Claims:
Stronger, Shinier, Healthier Looking Hair

Shampoo - Combat damage, breakage, dryness, dullness and frizz. Infused with Argan Oil, Keratin and Grape Seed Oil. It deeply cleanses while restoring, protecting and nourishing hair. Revives shine.

Conditioner - Combat damage, breakage, dryness, dullness and frizz. Infused with Argan Oil, Keratin and Grape Seed Oil. It deeply penetrates to hydrate, restore strength and add high luster. Improves manageability.

Price:
I forgot to note the price in peso (so sorrry!! if you know the price feel free to comment), but once I’ve found the receipt I will update this post. I’ve researched online and the prices range from $7.99-$9.


My Thoughts:
They say your hair will thank you for feeding it with argan oil, that it helps the hair to be healthy.
Based on my experience with Marc Anthony Oil of Morocco Argan Oil, my hair did look shinier and felt softer, although it didn’t helped with my hair fall problem. My hair seemed to love it! Note that I don’t shampoo my hair everyday as it can bring damage. My hair gets a bit ‘buhaghag’ whenever I use the shampoo (Lol, I wonder why). Btw, I’m confused with the smell of both the shampoo & conditioner, it smelled like banana and sometimes quite chocolatey. There was also a time when my brother said it smelled a bit like beer or alcohol, he didn’t liked it. Too bad.


Overall, I think my hair liked Marc Anthony’s Oil of Morocco Argan Oil Shampoo & Conditioner. I am gonna use it again and try other products from the Oil of Morocco Argan Oil line. Will also probably try another hair care line from Marc Anthony. I heard some worked better than the Oil of Morocco. (when I have extra money, the hair care line a bit expensive compared to products I usually  use... hahahaha)

P.S. I didn’t intentionally add my face for this review, but I thought it might give a bit more life for this post (I hope..) Haha...

I ordered two items from Lazada and would like to share my personal shopping experience. This isn’t my first time to shop online but it’s my first with Lazada. I’ve started shopping online 2 years ago, so you can call me an ‘online shopping expert’ (haha) if there’s even anything like that (i guess it’s more of an online shopping addict! lol). I should’ve shared my experience long ago. I shop online a lot, from Instagram/Facebook sellers, online stores, etc. but I …. uhm.. just didn’t have the time and motivation, and time and motivation. Yes I said that twice… -.- I was just not serious with blogging at that time (so am I serious now? haha) _BUT, _hey, I finally have one.


Well, I don’t know how to start. (croo croo~) … Maybe, I’ll go on ahead and share Lazada’s package that came in yesterday.



Ahh! Okay so it’s ‘AZADA’ (Didn’t knew they changed their name….)



Oh! And here’s the ‘LA’ … Hahaha So corny, lol….

Lazada’s courier is LEX - Lazada Express.
Now you should see the products I ordered. Here’s my shopping cart. You’ll know what I bought.


After clicking ‘proceed to checkout’ button I had to fill out necessary information (Shipping Information & Payment - btw, I used my SmartMoney Card). That’s how it usually goes.
 
The items I ordered from Lazada is a Max Manicure and Pedicure Set & UV Light Nail Dryer. If you’re able to see the image above. The expected dates are different for both products. I’m just glad that the Feel Beautiful UV Light Nail Dryer will arrive earlier because I’ll be using it for an upcoming review.. I hope you’re excited as I am (if someone even reads my blog… haha. If you do, please stay tuned for it!)

Nail dryer’s date of arrival is Aprill 11-12 as posted by Lazada. I ordered these products last Wednesday, April 8. Surprisingly, the next morning while I was still asleep the package (UV Nail Dryer) arrived already, it was a holiday even so I really wasn’t expecting any deliveries (and a cut on my beauty sleep T_T Haha ). Clap clap clap for a ‘FLASH’ delivery.
And here is the box! :P



The acknowledgement receipt and return form in case there are problems with the product. The time allotted by Lazada to return the package is 7 days after receipt of the package. The return form must be filled up and sent together with the package through LBC.



Here is the actual item. I liked it! So no returns from me :) Happy buyer here today.



I’ll be doing a separate review post for the nail dryer as well as the mani and pedi set that I’m still waiting to arrive. :) Oh, if you live in Laguna like me, there is a shipping cost of P99.

I’ve searched reviews for Lazada over at google to have an idea on how I can write my review and sad to say, found some negative feedback already at the very first page :(. Some of the items in Lazada take to long to arrive or don’t even arrive at all. Although, the posts were from 1-2 years back. I think mostly it’s more of a system or customer service problem. It is recommended to purchase through COD (Cash on Delivery) instead of card payments. Based on several posts I’ve read, the problem with Lazada is the very poor customer service. Lazada’s hotline is not very functional. Most complaints of Lazada Philippines is probably the wrong items sent to their customer, lacking items or delayed delivery of items.

I shop online because I love the feeling of a waiting for a package and opening it like a gift from someone (even if that someone is me.)

I hope my Lazada review helped those who want to shop at Lazada. If you’re wondering whether shopping in Lazada Philippines is safe? For me it was… I had a smooth and worry-free transaction with Lazada :). I guess, it’s usually a hit and miss when it comes to purchasing goods online.

What I wore to #SummeringWithRustans Event.

Decided to seperate this one from my earlier post ‘11 Favourite Looks from #SummeringWithRustans Runway’ to avoid very long articles. :D

In this post I’d like to share my experience regarding the event. I’m also sharing three menswear looks from the runway. I’ve selected the looks based on three things; 1. If normal men can/will wear the look (or so I think) 2. I would like to see my beau in a similar getup 3. My boyfriend will wear the similar style (I assume).



Rustan’s filled the event with music, a fashion show, FOOD & fun games. They gave us guests a goodie bag and Raffle Stamp Card, you’ll get a stamp per carnival booths you go to. The booths let you play different kinds of games and if you win you just might win a prize. As for me, I won the Herschel P500 Voucher & LeSportsac luggage tag. Some booths give out vouchers even if you don’t win.

You’re probably familiar with the pop the balloon game where you throw the dart and try to pop the balloon that are sticked on the wall.. I was with Patrick and telling him to play coz’ I’m not very good with darts. Still, I was the one to play the game, just before I threw the dart I said “Di ako magaling dito (I’m not good at this.)” and threeeww that dart...tuuush! I popped it! I popped the balloon in one throw. Ohhh.... I was glorious!! Haha. ROFL. That game indeed made the night memorable. :)) I won the luggage tag in that game.

Okay, that was wordy :P Sorry, I'm in joy (and disbelief). Let’s move on to the menswear I talked about earlier.



Patrick doesn’t really wear coats that much, but I think this would look nice for times when men have to look polished & smart. Next look...



Casual casual :) Would look nice for strolling around places.



This one is my fave (and would totally like to see this look on my boyfriend). I like the shade of blue and the stripes for the pullover/sweater. The outfit is a good mix. Really hope Patrick would try this look.

Hey! If you have suggestions on how to style men share them with me :) :D You may comment them below.