iamlarica

[iamlarica]

Hus-kiss from Flash! 🐶 1 - ☺ 2 - 😚 3 - 😳 . . @huskiss #huskiss #husky #huskies #dogsofinstagram (at Huskiss) https://www.instagram.com/p/BujJJXmHyYg/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1cltthqpsl954

[iamlarica]

Happy to have my first Reformer Pilates class at @theflowstudio with teacher @janine.how and lovely ladies @hazeru07 @shewillb_ @alona_sulimenko ☺ Thanks @cheskasp for organizing! 😙 . Sino masakit katawan? 🙋‍♀️🙋🏼‍♀️🙋🏽‍♀️ 🤣 . #theflow #theflowyogastudio #pilates #pilatesreformer (at The Flow - Yoga & Pilates) https://www.instagram.com/p/BtrrWgvn9Ht/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1ixe4hsdg4j2u

[iamlarica]

Not all mine, okay? 🍸🍹😊 . . Thank you @bebimic for the 📷 2019.01.19 . . #cocktails #hightea #lobbylounge #shangrilamanila #shangrila @makatishangrila (at Makati Shangri-La, Manila) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bta-OUynUrf/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=15d78g3e5uy9j

[iamlarica]

You can sit beside me when the world comes down 🙂 . . 📷 @cheeethos 2019.01.19 . #aarmy #whitedress #girlsthatwander #proudpinay (at Makati Shangri-La, Manila) https://www.instagram.com/p/BtE9cKGHsJ1/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=11uuipzlzd8sr

[iamlarica]

I have always wanted to try the services of Hammam Spa so when we got vouchers from DeGem, I didn’t waste time and immediately set an appointment. It was easy. I did it thru Facebook messenger.

We arrived at 4:45 pm for we were advised to arrive earlier than our appointment, which is 5:00 pm.

We were asked if we wanted an explanation of the services or if we just wanted to go ahead with the treatment. Of course,  we asked for the explanation even though I already researched the treatments we availed. 😆

Our voucher includes Hammam & Gommage and Hammam Foot Ritual for 2. We decided to add Moorish Rhassoul Body Masque and Nourishing Almond Milk Wash & Argan Hair Masque (just for me).

Voucher from DeGem

We were then ushered to the locker room/changing room. Robes, disposable undies (including bandeau bra), and slippers were provided. You can set the lock with a 4 digit pin followed by #.

Lockers

Hammam & Gommage + Nourishing Almond Milk Wash & Argan Hair Masque

After changing, two tall (Moroccan?) women took us to the bathing room. It was like a dungeon with 2 tiled beds at each end. We were asked to sit on each. The beds were heated! They began bathing us immediately, like a mother bathes her child. 😆 The water was hot, too! They rubbed us with soap. Ren was already lying down while the masque was being applied to my hair. We were told to wait for 10 (or was it 15?) minutes with soap all over our bodies.

I enjoyed the waiting time. The heat helped me relax, kind of being in a sauna, but Ren was getting impatient. He doesn’t like doing nothing. 😆

The ladies returned eventually and they rinsed us of the soap, using lukewarm water this time. My disposable bra kept sliding down. 😆 The lady asked if we should just remove it and I agreed. It was just getting in the way.

They cleaned the tiled beds before asking us to lie face down again. The scrubbing begins. The first stroke was painful! Hahaha! I eventually got used to it. They scrubbed us gooood! After seeing all the gross dead skin, called libag in Filipino, I wondered if I lost weight. Hahaha!

One of the therapists showed us that she cut the Hammam gloves so that they can’t be used again.

Moorish Rhassoul Body Masque

The body masque wasn’t included in our voucher but I decided to get it anyway because Ren and I both have dry skin.

The masque was applied all over our bodies and we were asked to wait. I wanted to sleep but Ren kept talking to me. 😆

They came back and rinsed us. My therapist rinsed my hair, too. I thought the treatment was over but they applied oil (not sure what it was? but it smelled refreshing) to our bodies. We were asked to wait again.

Another round of rinsing and they bundled us on towels & our robes.

Then, off we go to the common area. We were served baklava & Moroccan tea.

I went to the locker to get my phone. Selfies are a must! Hehe!

Enjoying tea time!

Hammam Foot Ritual

After a while, 2 therapists approached us for the Hammam Foot Ritual. They ushered us to the foot ritual area, just behind where we were sitting! 😀

Hammam Foot Ritual

Our legs were soaked, washed and scrubbed, gently this time. We were asked to wait again because (if I remember correctly) they applied a mask to our legs.

Ren’s feet

After rinsing, we were asked to move back to our chairs for the massage.

Massage time!

I loved it! I like massages with deep pressure. I think aromatherapy massage is for pussies. 😆 I was about to fall asleep but I was distracted by Ren wincing in pain. Hahaha!

The massage lasted about 30 minutes. We were served tea again, but not baklava. 😦

More pictures:

I love the gloomy interiors!

Cheers!

Selfie before getting dressed

Verdict:

Staff

The staff were friendly and knowledgeable. They didn’t force us to avail more treatments. They didn’t even force us to give tips but we gave them anyways. It just feels better this way because you are not obligated to. The tip box is on the front desk. Just write the names of your therapists (ask the staff if you don’t know) and the amount you’re giving them.

Treatments

The treatments are pricey! Haha! I won’t do the hair masque again. I will just do it at home for a fraction of the price! I will do the Hammam & Gommage again (maybe next year?) because it made me feel squeaky clean! I also liked that the treatments have no strong fragrance. I’d like to think that they are all natural. My sensitive, eczema-prone skin didn’t have any bad reactions. In fact, it was so soft and smooth!

Others

I know Ren didn’t enjoy as much as I did. There were lots of waiting and he hated that whereas I enjoyed it. I understand that it’s a necessary part of the treatment. Maybe he’d feel differently if he had his phone with him all the time. 😆

Ykx approves!

  Review: Hammam Spa (Bangsar Village 2) I have always wanted to try the services of Hammam Spa so when we got vouchers from DeGem…

[iamlarica]

Last Sunday, Ren surprised me with a date to Purradise Cat Cafe! ♥

I thought we’re going to a seafood restaurant or buffet because he kept reminding me bring my allergy meds, but I still forgot. Oops! 😆

This kitty loves sleeping at the reception counter

Purradise Cat Cafe staff

Do’s:

Remove your shoes before going to the cafe. Don’t worry, they have an area with shoe racks for you to place your shoes.

Register at the reception. The staff will give you a number and explain the rates and the menu. The first hour costs RM18 and comes with a drink of your choice. After that, it’s RM4 for every 15 minutes. You can get 30 minutes for free for every RM12 spent on ala carte items.

Listen to the staff. Since it was our first time, the staff explained how to approach the cats. Let them smell your index finger first petting them. Avoid touching their tummies. Most cats feel vulnerable when their underbellies are exposed, especially to strangers.

Don’ts:

Don’t feed the cats with your food. These cats are fed on a special diet and you shouldn’t give them table food.

Don’t play rough with them. You might get scratched or bitten if you harass them. Like people, cats have different personalities. Some are more friendly than others.

Don’t lose the number given to you by the staff.

Rates:

RM 18 for the first hour.

RM 4 for every next 15 minutes.

Free 30 minutes for every RM 12 spent on ala carte items.

Menu:

Ren had the cold jasmine green tea while I had the Purr by the Beach. There wasn’t really anything special with the drinks. The Purr by the Beach felt scratchy on my throat because of the pineapple fibers.

Ren got hungry and ordered Chicken with Melted Cheese sandwich. It was served warm and tasted really good.

Pictures:

My favorite cat is Garfield! He’s the fluffy, grumpy cat on these photos. He’d run away & hid from you when you approach him but once you start playing with other cats, he’d come and demand a back rub.

Here’s Ren being bullied by some cats for his sandwich.

More pictures:

Waiting for the orders to come

Kitteh for take away

This bag is pretty

When the food came, they suddenly have no respect for personal space! Haha!

Smells good in here!

Chillin’

This baby just woke up and won’t play with me =))

Monday Mood

Sleeeeeeepy

Review: Purradise Cat Cafe Last Sunday, Ren surprised me with a date to Purradise Cat Cafe! ♥ I thought we're going to a seafood restaurant or buffet because he kept reminding me bring my allergy meds, but I still forgot.

[iamlarica]

NR51 - List of Entry/Exit Dates to/from Malaysia

NR51 – List of Entry/Exit Dates to/from Malaysia

    When: Have the form accurately filled up before you go to the Tax Office. It will be tedious to go thru the stamps on your passport once you are there. Remember, you still have to count the days you are in/out of Malaysia.

Where: Ask your HR officer which Tax Office you should go to.

How: Luckily for you, I prepared a worksheet with formulas! And also a doc where you can just copy paste…

[iamlarica]

Designer Bridal Room KL: My 2nd visit!

Designer Bridal Room KL: My 2nd visit!

Last month, I went to Designer Bridal Room KL for the first time. Read about it here.

Back then, they offered me 15% off plus a free veil (worth RM600). I wasn’t really crazy about the veil. It was finger tip length and very plain. But of course, I wanted the discount! Who wouldn’t? The offer is only valid for April and even though I already know what dress I wanted, I couldn’t commit because I…

[iamlarica]

Wedding Rings + Freebies!

Wedding Rings + Freebies!

Ren and I have been on the lookout for our wedding bands since we got engaged. Too early, I know! We have more than a year before our wedding but we just can’t help but be excited! 😆

We couldn’t agree on how our wedding rings are going to be like. He wants a simple white gold band. I want dual tone, yellow gold & white gold with some stones on it. Most importantly, it has to match my solitaire…

[iamlarica]

Florist: Booked!

Here’s the list of Palazzo Verde accredited florists :

15-58 Flowers & Styles

Flowers of May

Weddings & Motifs Event Styling & Flowers

Scenta Creations & Event Styling

Out of the 4, our Palazzo Verde AE, Bianca, recommended these 2: Scenta Creations and Weddings & Motifs. Still, I did a little research on my own.

15-58 Flowers & Styles

They have 3 1-star reviews on their Facebook page!

Flowers of…

[iamlarica]

One of my college best friends got married two weeks ago! Congrats, fhrity! I am honored to be your bridesmaid. :*

Her wedding preps were at Hotel Jen Manila so my fiance and I decided to spend 1 night at the hotel. This helped us avoid Manila traffic and bought us a few hours of sleep since our (my friend and I) makeup was also done in our room.

What we liked:

Check-in: The guy at the check-in counter was friendly. He informed me that since our room has Club Lounge Access, I can do my check-in there. I don’t really mind doing the check-in at the lobby. There was no line anyway but I was curious. 😆 He assured me that my companion (the fiance) will be directed to 19F, where the Club Lounge was located. He gave me the key cards and a claim stub for our luggage. Then off to the 19F we go!At the 19F, I was asked for my passport and credit card and was also offered some drinks. The lady was very pleasant and friendly.

Security: Anyone who goes is must go thru a metal scanner. All bags are scanned by x-ray.

Club Lounge: After finishing the check-in, the front desk officer gave me this piece of paper.

Buffet breakfast, Afternoon tea, Sunset cocktails

My first thought was, “Oh hey! The next time we check-in here, we don’t have to buy any food! We don’t even have to go out!” 😆

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Complimentary goodie bag: What? More food? And it’s even packed for you! I called front desk to make sure this bag is free. And it is. 😀 I recall there are Oreos, Pringles, and some drinks (maybe, I can’t remember).

View from the Club Lounge: You can see the CCP, Manila Bay,Manila Yacht Club, and even the Star City ferris wheel.  

Staff and Service: Everybody we interacted with are friendly, professional, and hopeful.

  What we didn’t like:

Room: The room was actually okay.  There’s a bath tub, robes, slippers. It’s your standard hotel room. Spacious and clean. What we didn’t like was that it was gloomy. You can’t tell from the photo below because this is the the area nearest to the window. The lights were moody. I prefer hotel rooms that are bright and airy. I forgot to take photos of the bed and the bathroom.

Brightest part of the room

Parking: When we arrived (still inside the car), the guard informed us that we need to unload the luggage right there because the parking has no direct access to the hotel. The parking is actually one street away.

  Verdict:

The superb service makes up for the annoying parking space. So are we going back to Hotel Jen Manila given the chance? I think so!

  Review: Hotel Jen Manila One of my college best friends got married two weeks ago! Congrats, fhrity! I am honored to be your bridesmaid.

[iamlarica]

Wedding Coordinator: Booked!

The main reason we chose the all-in wedding package of Palazzo Verde is the convenience. As OFWs (Overseas Filipino Worker), we cannot attend the wedding fairs in Manila to search for suppliers. Palazzo Verde has their accredited suppliers which we are thankful for because it narrows down our search.

Below is the list of their accredited events coordinators:

Casamento Events Management

Events by…

[iamlarica]

Mobile Bar: Booked!

Last week, Mobile Bar Shots contacted us. They were referred to us by Bianca, our EA from Palazzo Verde. Their EA, Ryan, sent all the pictures and package details via Viber, which we didn’t like. It’s difficult to scroll back if you need to recall details. I asked him to send us an email instead. It’s just easier!

The package they offered seemed good:

Additional 1hr Unli drinks (for total 5hrs of…

[iamlarica]

[iamlarica]

Designer Bridal Room KL: My First Bridal Boutique Experience

Designer Bridal Room KL: My First Bridal Boutique Experience

I am so excited to write about my experience at Designer Bridal Room but here’s a little back story first. 😀 I’ve been stalking them on FB and IG ever since I got engaged! I was hesitant to schedule an appointment with them because they seem so expensive. The blogs I read say so, too. They mostly carry European brands like Pronovias and Annasul Y. Last week, I got an email from Pavilion with the…

[iamlarica]

So hottt today! I'm craving for #durian #icecream 🍦 . . #duriancottage #durianicecream #malacca #jonkerstreet #jonkerwalk (at Durian Cottage)

[iamlarica]

Review: Oh! Baby Body Smoother

Review: Oh! Baby Body Smoother

  On our last day, we were walking back from Namba Yasaka Shrine going to Dotonburi when we passed by a Duty Free shop. We went in and well, you know what happened! That’s me. Ren was carrying the other 2 shopping bags. :p I know I won’t be able to shop much in Osaka so I researched the products that I should prioritize. I have eczema, so I’m always searching for lotion & soap free cleansing…