Asia's Next Top Model Airs on TV5!

I was able to follow how our own Filipina bet to Asia's Next Top Model Cycle 1 bet Stephanie Retuya almost got the title for this show. She was bested in the finals by Thai Jessica Amornkuldilok and we couldn't help think that we almost made it. Being a fan of the show and the original franchise in the US, I think I'd be able to grasp that the only thing that's stopping us from winning this time is just how to take that experience and see something positive about it. We were so ecstatic to know that we've got 2 models who got in the second season - winning over thousands of those who have auditioned for the show. 

Meet our bets Katarina Rodriguez and Jodilly Pendre. First impressions? Well, they're both gorgeous! I also can actually feel what sets them apart. 

If you have seen mestizas in the Philippines, that's probably one of the things she's easily identified with. Katarina Rodriguez also wants to always be serious about studies and joined the show because she always wants to "go for it' and make it a part of who she is this 2014. She was so glad to have heard she won a place, she got this checked in her bucket list. She dreams of making this an easier task to elders. She will try to go international after the show. Extremely busy now but thinks she can do it. I wouldn't be surprised if she ends up on beauty ads pretty soon. Key features: Face, thick eyebrows, eyes, more athletic built. She's a real deal runner btw for La Salle! Cons: A bit short, but really her face can make up for that. I'd root for her, for sure!

She's really really edgy, statuesque and modelicious... she's Jodilly Pendre. She literally worked hard for the money as she wanted to finish college. She learned a lot in her journey. She also had a few bashers, but says it will make her famous. She's got a determined soul. She wants to go global to model and be great. She learned to manage her emotions quite better during the show. The journey changed her a lot personally. She wanted to be better and very presentable even if she adores rubber shoes, a shirt and jeans a lot on regular days. Best features: Edgy haircut, Asian eyes, great complexion and SUPER tall. Cons: Speech skills needs a little work on. I wanted her to be more refined but her confidence is tops. She's also got experience since she did stints in UST and other shows via PFW (which I cover shows so I might have shots of her from there). This might get her to win the competition.

For what its worth, we've got a HUGE chance of winning this competition. I find that they are going to be VERY HARD to beat. The other nations might have to send their reps back out of sheer humiliation (jowk!).

Congratulations Jodily and Katarina! I'm sure you'll do the country proud! Who'll win the competition? Watch Asia's Next Top Model as it airs the show on TV5 this January 16 (Thursday) and the consecutive Thursdays thereafter. Host and head judge will be Nadya Htagalung and Joey Mead-King, whilst runway coach Adam Williams and celebrity photographer Mike Rosenthal will be there to make the show extra spicy. I can't wait to see how Jody and Katarina fare in this competition. If they don't win I might have to ask the judges to go back to fashion school LOL of course that's a joke! :)

Make sure you don't miss it!

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Good Food and the Winner of our Tokyo Tokyo Philippines Giveaway!

This restaurant has been our go to place when I was in college. Without mentioning how many years ago that was, we find comfort in the four corners of this Japanese food mecca because it's affordable and the Red Iced Tea just hits the spot in a tropical country like ours. I'm sure you've already eaten here a couple of times because they've got some of the best Japanese food varieties available all throughout the day! This is TokyoTokyo!

They have a variety of them in store but I ordered the Godzilla Burger to try it on for size. It's a pretty big one and quite tasty. It's best you have this eaten while in store so you can have it still hot off the grill. The meat is moist, the cheese is thick, plus the wasabe mayo on this thing is really good. Very JapaNICE if I may say so. You should try the Shitake Mushroom and Shogun Burgers too.

They are veterans in this industry and you can't say anything bad on their Tempura. The sauce and all were probably developed over the years; making it a bit perfect for the Filipino palate. It's a tad sweet, but really good if you're finding something to satisfy your shrimp cravings.

This one's part of their SUMO MEAL deals. I wanted something crunchy and that's what I got with the Honey Chicken Teriyaki plus the savory Beef Misono. I wanted more rice and they did fill up my bowl with hot white rice as it's unlimited in some stores like in Ali Mall. If you're out with a friend or two, this is a score!

The pot stickers aka Gyoza was also tasty. I like the vinegar they served with this because its really tangy that it cuts through the fat coming from the dimsum. The skin had the right thickness too. I had two servings... so don't ask how I got this big. Really good, plus the price is very reasonable. A cup of rice can make this better!

Their Kani Salad and the Mango Kani Salad presents a good alternative for those who want it more healthy. Although I must warn you I still ate a lot after munching some of these veggies because the Japanese mayo is undoubtedly so creamy you'll want more!

Their California Maki and Spicy Beef Maki was really good. The serving might be too small for you though because you'll definitely want more. Don't worry, they have bigger servings via Maki Platter which you can order for 235 or 275 bucks. If you want something to take home or just enjoy with friends, this is definitely something that you should order right after you dine in Tokyo Tokyo. If I was asked to choose, the Spicy Beef would definitely win.

Spicy Chicken, Tempura Miso or Braised Pork Ramen, you can't go wrong with that. It is advisable to have this inside the store because they serve this hot. The broth is really nice and not that salty. The steamy bowls would be the perfect thing to have in this weather... else, you can have the Udon if you prefer something a little more filling because the noodles on that's pretty phat!

There's more TokyoTokyo food to share with your friends and family. You can't miss them in major malls and establishments. I enjoyed sitting there with my Red Iced Tea plus all these food with my family. It's time you make your own moments at TokyoTokyo Philippines. Don't just stand there! Go drag your friends there too!

 

Before I forget, I'd like to announce the winner of my TokyoTokyo Philippines Giveaway. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Congratulations to Ms. Mei Santiago! You just won P1,500.00 worth of gift certificates courtesy of our friends from TokyoTokyo Philippines and KUMAGCOW.COM. Hope you get to treat your family and friends there. Happy New Year too! We'll get in touch with you using the information you have on your entry. Again, CONGRATULATIONS! Happy for you! =)

For the others, don't fret as we'll probably more giveaways soon on KUMAGCOW.COM!  

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Rose Fostanes Wins XFACTOR ISRAEL

Pinay caregiver and proud overseas Filipina worker Rose Fostanes is now the first official XFACTOR ISRAEL Winner besting other contestants in the competition which she joined last October 2013. She caught the attention of judges when she sang Shirley Bassie's version of "This is My Life". 

She sang the most deadly song in the Philippines "My Way" which rumored to have caused countless fights and deaths because of its popularity in Philippine Karaoke culture. It's the mostly played song for many years. The contest was also witnessed by Osang's sister, girlfriend to the delight of millions of Israeli and worldwide audiences the show gets. She dedicated this win to countless Filipino workers around the world who sacrifice their lives in order to get their families a better life. She's planning to go home and spend time with her family after this win.

Congratulations Rose! You have made the country proud!

Credits to photos go to their rightful owners and TV 2 Israel. Photos not mine.

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Brewing Your Best Year with CBTL

Been invited a couple of days ago on Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf's event "Brew Your Best Year!". True enough, it was something different.. it was something off path. I was hesitating to actually go to this because it was hosted by people who made the Belle de Jour Planner (which I know was only for women right?). I might end up being the only guy there, not good for a good looking introvert LOL. I was surprised though because there were a lot of attendees, too much that I didn't get to do stuff on a table. I think there were around 60+ people if I'm not mistaken.

Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf wanted us to brew our best year. They invited PJ and Alessandra Lanot of http://www.lifeafterbreakfast.com/ to talk about goal setting and conduct a chalk lettering workshop.

Unfortunately I was a wee bit late and I only got the chance to listen to PJ talk on the last part where he requested to write down goals for 2014. I saw some of my blogger friends write down their goals for 2016 so I frantically had to do that too. Best effort LOL. I guess it boils down to specifics and perspective on what you think is achievable in 2015-2016. My seatmate was telling me I was putting in general things so I did rewrite some of the things I indicated. I don't have to tell you my goals do I? LOL... let's just say it was personal. They also asked everyone to put in their professional goals and some for relationships. It was easy for me but it was a little time pressured because they need to finish the gig in around 2 hours. Time did go by fast. I learned a lot from that.

Of course I didn't go without tasting some of Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf's Brewed Coffee and Sandwiches. I love that pizza thing on top and the brownie looking thing on the right. The coffee was just something I needed since I barely had sleep hehe.

Alessandra made us a bit crafty. I suck at lettering in college so this was a painful reminder of it haha. Well, I think I got the hang of it once she handed the paper about Typography. I guess even if we ran out of ideas, the guide would probably become a safe haven.

 

Then we went ahead and became a little competitive. We wrote down our goals on boards and doodled a bunch of things we'll regret later haha. Nah, but really some of the others were really good at it. I think one of the guys who won did this for a living LOL.

It was so fast and I had to finish something, so can you guess where my work is? =))

Overall I had fun. Activities like these enrich the mind and gives a lot of perspective in social behavior, mindset and keeping it real. Your realistic goals are achievable; and it only takes a few letters to create something out of nothing happen. It reminds you of what you can do and a journal pretty much is a nifty tool to have these days. Sometimes you just want to feel paper. Write on it. Things like that make you happy.

Kudos to the team that made this happen. Good news is, Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf will make this activity happen every month from here on. For more information on how to join, please check out their channels below. :) This is your year, claim it!

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