Film: Cinderella (2015)

I love Cinderella, and I have watched most Cinderella movies/plays/musicals I could get my hands on. It's why I was very excited to watch this film even though it's a children's fairytale - a fact I could see with my own eyes as the previous showing ended. I prepared myself to be disappointed, because how much could you do with a children's story that's been done a hundred times?

I was pleasantly surprised by Sir Kenneth Branagh, who I know best as an actor in Hamlet (and whom others might know as Gilderoy Lockheart). While faithful to the core story, this version included an emotional depth rarely seen in its older predecessors, unlocking the motivations in previously one-dimentional characters and turning them into people. See: appropriately evil stepmother Cate Blanchett.

It also succeeded in translating fantasy into reality by a rich and textured visual experience that, while looking vaguely historical, could never be mistaken as a period film. This film is magic, and I'm not just talking about the something that Helena Bonham Carter brings. While Cinderella and Prince Charming are nice to look at, the beauty of this film is the story and how the story was told.

And it was told well.

Highlands Coffee: Truyen Thong

The last of my hot Vietnamese coffee, from Highlands Coffee: Truyen Thong. This is the coffee meant to be used with the traditional vietnamese filter as seen in the picture.

Lighter and sweeter than the Moka Blend I used when I showed how to use the phin filter, this coffee still gives that kick that Vietnamese coffee is known for.

Highlands Coffee Truyen Thong

I wasn't able to take a picture of the back but they do contain directions and a nutrition facts. However, the calories written there were insanely high and I choose to believe they're for the combination with milk and not alone. 

I usualy drink this sans milk because I find that it gets too sweet otherwise.

Now, I know that the ASEAN opening is happening this year and that Highlands Coffee is already in the Philippines. I'm hoping things will become cheaper or more varied though and that Philippine taxes don't suck so much.

Looking forward to more choices from around Asia!

Laneige Water Sleeping Pack_EX

Something new on my wish list: the Laneige Water Sleeping Pack _ EX. Thanks to 2 generous samples, each good for 2-3 uses, I was able to try out this sleep mask - and it did not disappoint.

The gel is thick, light blue and it's scent (while I can't define it) is relaxing. It's not enough to put me to sleep but it does put me in a good mood (chill vibes before bed). I, as instructed, put a decent amount  (no scrimping) on my face for best results. The gel is cool and spreads easily enough. It takes a long while to dry so I either read a bit or try to sleep on my back. When I wake up and touch my face, it feels a bit sticky - like mochi.

Wash it off and my skin looks and feels very hydrated, even if I'm stressed or if I just get a few hours of sleep. I look like I got a lot more sleep than I really did!  I think this'd be perfect for special events and after those long days of hard work - it's a treat to put on and it helps you look more human the next day.

The key to this product is the glycerin and hyaluronic acid, which are really great for moisture. For best results, use after an essence so the mask can seal it in.

For those who can afford it, I'd recommend this mask. As for me, I do want it but my wallet says I can live without this product XD. The Laneige Water Sleeping Pack_EX retails for around P1400 a tub.

St. Marc Cafe

Now I'm not sure if this came with the cronut craze, or just one of the international brands that have been steadily infiltrating the market (watch out for the ASEAN opening for more), but St. Marc Cafe has been in the Philippines for a while with branches in Greenbelt and Megamall.

St. Marc Cafe Logo

 The logo of St. Marc's Cafe is their ever popular Chococro: a chocolate croissant. From the outside,  there are food replicas of their drinks and desserts (very Japanese) along with a menu. Traffic is high inside but most people don't stay long. Ambience in the Greenbelt branch is generally good. The interiors are a bit on the darker side, but there are few couches so you're not very inclined to stay for long periods of time. The best part of the cafe are the sweet smells from the baking area. The worst part is the occasional dropped glass.

Chococro and White Chococro

I've tried both the original Chococro (P55) and the White Chococro (P65). The price was decent for the serving size. While I did like the sweet filling, the dough was on the cold side and I didn't find it flaky enough. I wish the baristas offered to reheat this since I was dining in. I may try it again if the pastry I'd get would be fresh.

Matcha Latte

What I do keep coming back for is their Matcha Latte. The small is at P130 with P20 increments between that and the largest at P170. For me, it's a very good blend of strength, milkiness and bitterness. I find that most american coffee shops have green tea lattes that are too thin and too bitter (try Gyokuro for sweet caffeine love). Remember to stir since the sweet parts since the heavier, sweeter part tends to settle on the bottom or just have it unsweetened.

Will I go again? Yes, I'd go just for the tea latte.