Sunday, November 26, 2017

Grand Celebrations Made Easy at Casa Ibarra, MOA Complex

Even before Casa Ibarra in MOA Complex was officially launched, they've already held several weddings, debuts, corporate events, golden birthday celebrations, and a baptismal. Indeed, the name Ibarra's is now associated with the best events and memories in the generations of Filipinos.


Last November 21, 2017, Ibarra's Party Venues and Catering officially unveiled its fifth and grandest events venue, Casa Ibarra in MOA Complex, Pasay City. This venue stands out from other buildings in this business district because of its distinct modern Filipino design.


Upon arrival, guests can drive up to the porte-cochere for drop-off and enter the lobby dominated by the Homage to Monet artwork of French-Filipino artist Olivia d'Aboville. Upon close inspection, you will see that it's made of handwoven silk from Palawan and Aklan. It's fresh and it invokes an air of lightness and romance, making it the perfect backdrop for photos.


We were given a tour and our first stop were the Alegria and Hermosa function rooms located at the ground floor.  Each room can fit 140 persons or can be combined to become a larger room. In case both rooms are used at the same time for different parties, there's no need to worry about the noise since the walls are soundproof.


Casa Ibarra also showcased their versatility when it comes to decorating the venue. After all, it's their specialty. I like how their mission is to provide working women with complete, value for money, and quality wedding packages.

Oscars

Winter

Gatsby

Debut


On each side the side of the rooms, there's a stairway that lights up one by one as the celebrant comes down to meet guests.


Also, a private room is provided the celebrant for necessary preparations.


An even more intimate venue would be the porte-cochere's balcony where a small wedding can be set for up to 80 guests. This area is versatile, as it can also be used for open air cocktails, photo shoots, or to offer lively views of the district.


For the guests' convenience, Casa Ibarra has an office that's also a one-stop shop. Ibarra's banquet sales associates are knowledgeable about details such as church schedule or the duration of a ceremony. They assist the client from the preparation stage all the way to the end of an event. They can also recommend suppliers for your party needs, and you can have the option to choose your own, but catering has to be in-house to maintain the quality that Ibarra's upholds. This is good because there's no risk of food spoilage from transport or food shortage, since the kitchen is located in the venue. (More on the food later. I've tried it and it's GREAT!)

Digital photobooth - you can have your photos sent to your email address!


Casa Ibarra's main centerpiece is the 600-sqm Sala de Amor located on the second floor. This definitely puts the grand in grand ballroom. This venue can accommodate up to 350 guests and features six majestic capiz chandeliers and lighted onyx pillars. This room was built by approximately 200 workers and took a year and a half to be completed.

 I'm amazed because each chandelier is made of over 20,000 capiz shells!


The lighted grand stairway is lovely. If a bride and groom wanted to make an entrance ala Beauty and the Beast, this is the way to do it!


A more spacious private room is provided for the couple's immediate family for necessary preparations.


No party would be complete without glorious food! If I were to host a huge celebration, I would make it a point to splurge on the food because that's what the guests will remember. Real talk. πŸ˜‹


Ibarra's has become known for offering a wide Filipino and international selection. Casa Ibarra carries Western, Mediterranean, Oriental, Spanish, and Filipino menu choices.


Some of their specialties and signature dishes are Ibarra's hickory pork spare ribs, braised beef shank, and seafood paella. Ibarra's also provides off-site catering services for parties and corporate events.

Dinner

Dessert


That special night they also served their newest creation. When it was served, I thought I was already too full to consume a whole shiny, golden apple. Then the chef asked us all to break the apple! It's apparently made of blown sugar, and when you crack it, it has mousse inside. WOW! πŸ’› This one's the fanciest dessert I've had. It came with an opera cake and pralines. What a way to end the night. 😍

Ibarra's has over 17 years of experience in the party venue and catering business. Each location is distinctive in design and architecture.
  • Ibarra's Garden in Manila is a classic home from the 1920s, with a garden inspired by American Art Deco architecture.
  • Plaza Ibarra along Timog Avenue, Quezon City, is a Mediterranean-themed garden with elegant ballrooms and lighted grand staircase.
  • Bella Ibarra in Quezon Avenue was built around a timeless and elegant theme and is suited for both small and large gatherings.
  • Villa Ibarra in Tagaytay is a small hotel offering stunning views of Taal Lake. It has often been booked primarily for wedddings.
  • Casa Ibarra offers a modern Filipino take in its design and concept. Wood, capiz, raffia fabric, and T'nalak, a special handweave from Mindanao, accentuate a lot of the interiors.

A typical Ibarra's package starts at about P133,000 all-in. This already includes numerous amenities, but all are customizable to the client's preferences. So if you're planning a baptism, a kiddie birthday, debut, wedding, product launch, graduation, or the company's next big office party, consider Casa Ibarra as your new partner!

CAPACITY:
Alegria Function Room (Ground Floor) - 140 pax
Hermosa Function Room (Ground Floor) - 140 pax
Sala de Amor Grand Ballroom (Second Floor) - 350 pax

CONTACT DETAILS:
Address: Lot 17 Coral Way CBP1, MOA Complex, Pasay City
Telephone no.: 986-1107 | 994-9448
Mobile no.: 0916-586-8897 | 0908-866-2467
Email: bqt_casaibarra@ibarraspartyvenues.com.ph

Love,
Helen

Let's keep in touch!
For quick updates or any questions, just message me on IG! πŸ˜—

@LUCKYCITRINE on Instagram
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Wednesday, November 15, 2017

MUST-SEE: Nuvali's Magical Field of Lights

If you're looking for something worthwhile to do this weekend, why not escape the busy Manila streets and head over to Nuvali to experience the Magical Field of Lights. If you love the light and sound show every Christmas season at Ayala Triangle, then this one's also a must-see! (It's worth the long drive.) 😍


The Magical Field of Lights was the first in the Philippines to introduce a choreographed light and sound show in an open grass field, winning a Silver Stevie award for best exhibition display on its first year. This year's sequel features an immersive field with over 5,000 enchanted LED tulips dancing to jubilant hymns and Christmas carols. πŸŽ„ The lights are grouped in clusters, and you can now get closer to the lights! 🌷 They've also added colorful light spheres scattered all over the fields as an upgrade from last year's display.


The show also features three new medleys featuring popular songs such as Kumukutikutitap by Ryan Cayabyab, Ang Pasko ay Sumapit, and Joy to the World. (I'm loving and absorbing all the happy Christmas feels!) 😁


The show is FREE and open to the public from November 11, 2017 to January 7, 2018, and may be viewed nightly from 6:00PM to 10:00PM (with 30-minute intervals) at the Nuvali football field also known as The Fields, right beside Ayala Malls Solenad. 
 

Aside from the light and sound spectacle, they have also set up light installations around the field like the 25-meter long light tunnel, which is a crowd favorite and Instagram-worthy installation, festive LED Christmas trees, and dandelion light installations.

Before and after watching the light and sound show, you can hang out at Solenad mall and watch a movie just like what my friends and I did last weekend. Watch the latest films in any one of the four state-of-the-art theaters equipped with with Dolby Digital, Recliner Seats, and the latest in sound technology, Dolby Atmos.
 

Nature lovers and adrenaline-junkies can also check out Nuvali’s outdoor adventure playground and teambuilding facility Camp N to try out the roller-coaster zipline, Asia’s tallest Free Fall, wall climbing, and bike tracks.

Families may also opt to enjoy the Christmas cool breeze and watch movies under the stars at the Nuvali Nightsky Cinema events in partnership with Skycable, Fox Movies and Cinema One with shows on November 25, December 2 & 3, and December 16.

Mesclun Salad with Thousand Island Dressing
Cream of Pumpkin Soup
Roast Porkloin with Mushroom Gravy Sauce, Buttered Mixed Vegetables, Steamed Rice
Chocolate Cake

To cap off our day, my friends and I had dinner at Seda Hotel Nuvali. Guests can also opt to stay a little longer for a Christmas staycation at the 150-room Seda Hotel Nuvali.

I live in the North, but every visit to Nuvali surely is a memorable one. Can't wait to be back! πŸ’–

Facebook: Nuvali
Instagram: @nuvaliph

Love,
Helen

Let's keep in touch!
For quick updates or any questions, just message me on IG! πŸ˜—
@LUCKYCITRINE on Instagram
Lucky Citrine on Facebook

Friday, November 10, 2017

Chateau Labiotte Wine Lip Tint in RD01 Shiraz Red

Say hello to the cutest lip tint I have! 🍷


What I have is the sample size of the Chateau Labiotte Wine Lip Tint. Tellie gave this to me last year. πŸ’‹ 


This cute little wine bottle is just the size of my thumb. Since I find it hard to use up all my lippies, this size is perfect! It comes with a doe-foot applicator, but to get the most even application, I also use my pinky to blend this tint.


Shiraz Red is such a beautiful true red shade. It's perfect if you're gunning for the classic look. It brightens up your face with minimal effort.

For a tint, this one sure is very pigmented! Chateau Labiotte Wine Lip Tint has French wine extracts and it smells like grape juice. It has a slightly sweet taste, too. πŸ˜‹ I haven't encountered a tint that's as vivid as this one. It actually looks like liquid lipstick, but it's lightweight so you'll forget you have it on. This lasts long as long as you don't eat, but one con here is that it comes off with water. Whenever I drink water, it leaves pinkish water marks on my tumbler. Oh no. 😞 But I still love it though! It's the cutest thing in my kit right now. Hihi


Price: P430 (full-sized)
Available at Althea

Get P200 off your first order at Althea here! Shipping is FREE for orders P999 and above. Happy shopping! πŸ’ΈπŸ’ΈπŸ’Έ

Love,
Helen 

Let's keep in touch!
For quick updates or any questions, just message me on IG! πŸ˜—

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Saturday, November 4, 2017

NEW All-Day Breakfast at Le Petit SoufflΓ©

Breakfast food cravings can strike at any point of the day, but there isn't always a spot that serves it past noon, not to mention one that does it well. For your indulgence, Le Petit SoufflΓ© launches its all-day breakfast dishes for early and late risers alike.

Black Forest Ham Benedict

Eggs benedict lovers are in for a treat with a classic take on the original, featuring smoky Black Forest Ham on toasted brioche buns, topped with poached eggs and hollandaise sauce.

Smoked Salmon Benedict (P635)

Another favorite is the Smoked Salmon Benedict, which is draped with lush dill-infused hollandaise.

Unagi Benedict (P695)

More adventurous types will fall head over heels for Japanese-inspired twists, such as the Unagi Benedict, which is topped with charred fresh eel and bonito flakes.

Pulled Chasyu Benedict (P375)

Or the Pulled Chasyu Benedict, which features sautΓ©ed chasyu and mushrooms and is garnished with furikake.

Breakfast of Champions (P695)

Live it up even more with the Breakfast of Champions, an aptly-named stack of thick-cut bacon, foie gras, red berry fruit compote, and sunny side up egg, tucked in a brioche bun, finished with hollandaise and maple syrup.

Now you can enjoy comfort food done right from morning to evening! πŸ˜‹

Le Petit SoufflΓ©
2/F SM Mega Fashion Hall, open from 10AM to 10PM
3/F Century City Mall, open from 11AM to 10PM

Follow them for news, exclusive offers, and surprise deals:
Facebook: Le Petit Souffle
Instagram: @lepetitsouffleph

Love,
Helen

Let's keep in touch!
For quick updates or any questions, just message me on IG! πŸ˜—

FOLLOW @LUCKYCITRINE on Instagram
LIKE Lucky Citrine on Facebook