SvelTi Aesthetic Centre just opened its doors to bloggers this afternoon as they leveled up with services as they acquire new LAVIEEN Machine.
Ms. JM Matias, SvelT'i Operations Manager says 'We are a little tight today, but I would to personally like to thank you all for coming. Most of skin problems we encounter in our clinics involve deep acne scars and we now have something to address it, this is Lavieen, it's skin rebirth. This would be best for Pigmentation."
Dr Rowena Aguilar-Joven adds "How long is the healing period? They always ask that. People are so afraid of procedures, this is the first of our BB Lasers. This is a machine with a 1927mm Thulium laser to target pigment lesions or photo damaged skin. Lavieen can be used in sub ablative mode, to target the junction between the epidermis and dermis. Coagulation and denaturalization mainly for whitening but with less downtime. No more fear of not going out and live a normal life like when you do other fractional lasers. Clinical trials show epithelial cells remain, have thermal effect of upper dermis, it would be best for skin rejuvenation. Pigment problems are cured, pores reduced and elasticity in your skin improves. On the day of treatment you'll get slight swelling, scab formation on second day, elimination of scab on third day and after 5 days you're all done. Scabbing are as small as dots of a ballpen, and it would dry out after a few days."
Here's how they did part of the procedure:
She adds "We also call this the BB Laser, at the same time it reduces fine wrinkles and large pores."
According to panelists who have undergone the procedure, you will see results right after it. You come in and in a few minutes you're done. Some patients who suffer from Melasma, enlargment of pores, look like they have BB cream without using it. It's like getting three results in one. They also do organic and fruit based facials, contouring, all you have to do is ask.
SvelTi Aesthetic Centres are found in 61 Timog Avenue in Quezon City and the other one at the GF of the Millennium Building in Ortigas Center Pasig.
I arrived in B Hotel in Rallos Street Quezon City late afternoon. I covered events from morning til 2PM then went back to this hotel for refuge. I've been a little under stress, tons of things to write, places to go to but so little time. I'm too tired, that I couldn't really write when I'm at home. So this was something that I needed to say the least, a little peace and quiet, a little home away from home. It's too close actually that I could walk here. It's also near the Tomas Morato district so in case I need to find shops, restaurants and other establishments, I could walk there too.
Checking in was easy. They didn't need to fuzz about anything because I brought proper identification. I also brought a few things with me since this is a working trip so they offered to bring my things upstairs, but I was on wheels so I didn't bother. After getting my key cards, I went up to my room and was quite surprised with it. I didn't know I'd have something this nice near my place, if I only knew I would have been doing this on a regular basis.
The Superior Room
I admit, it was a little bit weird to actually see the sink outside the bath room. With a little research, they've been doing this in the 60's and 70's as an upscale bathroom feature. That's when I figured that the design aesthetic wasn't really just purely "industrial" but more "vintage" too.
They've got ample amount of storage. The closet also has in room safe so you keep your valuables in tact. They provide the usual toiletries, more than enough towels plus shower gels and shampoo. They have a pool on the 5th Floor and they provide the beach towels if you want to swim. Just ask the friendly pool guy about things you need and they'll get it for you.
I was alone in the room and I like what they did to this toilet and bath. I can imagine doing business here (while really doing business on the phone) while watching TV. They also saved space by using one smoked glass door for the shower and since the sink wasn't there, it was roomy for a big guy like me.
The bed was firm, and I think they have optional 2 beds rather than a King sized one which I had in the room I love how I could roll around it and still remain safe when I sleep. Nobody got hurt ha-ha!
There's a flat screen TV, a small desk to work on with ample amount of lighting, the usual snack bar on the side and small accents on the wall.
You can roll up the blinds and see outside. Rallos Street is part of the residential area of Barangay Laging Handa so you're only going to see roofs of neighbors and other buildings in the Timog Avenue area. Timog is also one street away so if you're planning to go out you can definitely walk there.
The selection on the snack bar was quite extensive. I got a lot because I was a little too lazy to get up and buy things from convenience stores nearby. They also have drinks, beers, juices on the personal fridge.
I think they can fit around 4 people in this room, but I'd suggest to keep it for 2 so it would still be a bit roomy.
I've had looooong hot and cold showers in this place, so I could say it's really good. Aside from that, you could see the towel racks are fancy.
Here's a video of my room and some of the other rooms that they offer. The also have a grand ballroom, a lot of meeting rooms, the Mezzanine Bar, the Lobby Cafe. Enjoy this tour!
The Food
They serve mostly Filipino food but there are regular hotel staples here and there. I had dinner with my friends during the first day at The Lobby Cafe. We also had a couple of drinks before we called it a night. The buffet breakfast was super nice thanks to the "taho" moment I had which was really good. Plus they're launching a new steak restaurant named "Johnny's Steak House" which will open very soon! The rib eye kept me dreaming a few days after but I'm sure I'll be back in B Hotel very soon. In the mean time let's enjoy these dishes!
These are just some of the nicest cakes I've had in the area. This is available at the cafe of B Hotel. I bet I could work here on off days, they also have really good very popular Ensaymada so make sure you order some if you're in the area. I took some home and had to try so hard to save some for other days. I had three in one sitting, no joke. They also have iced or hot coffee, barely into the day I had to have one because it's so good with the Ensaymada.
Top left is the Beef in Black Pepper Sauce, on the right is Chicken Jus (a fancy name for Chicken with Red Wine Sauce) plus on the bottom we had Pinakbet with tons of BAGNET (I had to put two photos to emphasize it). If you think the photos are not much, I put everything I ate on video so you get to feel how it was to dine and enjoy what it's like. This doesn't even do justice.
I did have my moments of weakness and failed a lot in the diet department, but I was here to enjoy, I was here to relax and not relish on sad moments. I was there to work too and in one day was able to finish a lot of articles. I was seeing a lot of people committed to this business and they're doing their job with passion. I even saw brides and grooms themselves come up to the counter and easily tell them what they need. Heck I saw 5 weddings in a day, does that even tell you how nice the hotel is?
It's in the heart of Quezon City where everything is happening. It's affordable, way fancy for what it's worth and they even got more things coming up. I had a nice stay, did my errands, got so full during breakfast, lunch and dinner. The hotel is vibrant, all the people I met seem they were doing what they loved. The rooms are huge, even if they're inside a residential area where space is limited they didn't make that an issue. The pool was an awesome retreat too, plus there was a salon on the same floor that would get you pampered if you need to. I loved what I saw in B Hotel and I'm sure I'll be back there some day. They're the same people who build Bellevue Hotels and Resorts and this one accommodates the mid range market, but it felt like it's way more than that. I'm sure you'll be lovin it when you get to stay at B Hotel. I know I did.
Racks Timog Avenue Branch (photo from Racks literature taken by my phone)
It's been a while since I visited Racks. The last time was with an event we had with a convenience store, and even then the food was awesome. A few days ago, we got word that they opened one of their newest branches over at Timog Avenue in Quezon City. I was thinking of the "all white" interior they had the last time... but it looks Racks has got a new look. Too bad I didn't get the chance to shoot the facade because I was rushing to another event, but I'm so glad we stayed for what seems to be the star of their new restaurant. Oh yes, they've got some of the best American country dishes. After all, RACKS stand for Real American Country Kitchen Style. I bet a lot of you didn't know that... but here's the thing, you'll have to agree with me if I say RACKS has got the Best Ribs in Town!
Onion Brick
This is their Onion Brick. I've seen these in US food shows, but I've never seen one in the Philippines, so for me this is a first. The verdict? Very good. The thing still tastes like onion, and the batter isn't that overwhelming. It's not like you're eating breading on each bite since the batter is nice and thin. They put just enough to keep it crispy. The brick is more like a basket because they probably had it on a fryer just like in the US. Would I order this if I go back there? Definitely.
Salad with Blackened Chicken Strips
The second one's pretty good too. This is Racks Salad with Blackened Chicken Strips. The fresh Caesar Salad is done quite remarkably although I have reservations with the chicken strips. The one that was served to us was coated with cajun spice (a thing that I use in the kitchen quite often because my family has a ton sent from Canada) but I felt that time it was slightly, no overly burnt. I suggested to have it lightly fried until brown because honestly, the burnt taste was overwhelming. Searing is okay but burning is another thing. It was kinda off, still, the salad was good.
US Ribeye Steak
The presence of a US Ribeye Steak in Racks just made me wonder. How can a piece of meat this good be in Racks? Well my questions got answered. It's fate. However, the meat that was served to us that afternoon was already a bit cold which was probably because they prepared it ahead of time. I must say, you should only have this steak as soon as they take it out of the grill... and into your plate. Having it cold made me realize the necessity of prime meat to be eaten at the right time. It was still tender though, and the seasoned butter on top was delicious. I would order this on a date, or a regular manly meal because for the price, it's still worth it. If you see the price of this grade of steak in other establishments, you'll compare their rates quite fair. I would order this on a good day.
Racks Signature Baby Back Ribs
Piece de resistance? Of course it's the Baby Back Ribs! Racks has truly perfected the art of making this since they opened. They've impressed me of course and I think they're going to be the bar to measure the authenticity or goodness of ribs. It's really that good. They make it the ol American Country way so if you've dreamed of having the best ribs, sweet and savory, plus the thing just falls off the bones.. tender... mouthwatering meat when you see it on your plate. Just hold that thought, and take a good look at these bottles that will take you to heaven!
Racks Original Barbecue Sauce Regular and Extra Hot!
They make a mean barbecue sauce (available in Regular and Extra Hot!) to go with those ribs. I even thought they were holding back with the spicy version, but I'm glad I ate a ton of ribs with that smothered over it... it literally made me cry.. I was so glad, it was like the perfect way to have my taste of Baby Back Ribs. You should never let this experience pass and take your family, your friends and everybody else to a Racks branch near you. The Timog Avenue branch between Scout Tuazon and Scout Tobias was quite lovely though, I suggest you go there to experience the best ribs in town bar none!
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