Project Pie Philippines

I've passed Project Pie a couple of times and their bright big sign always caught my attention and got me intrigued. Although it wasn't until I saw some photos of people's custom built pizzas on Instagram and hearing raves here and there, that I decided I needed to try it out for myself. I did a bit of research about the restaurant (as I always do before trying something new) and found out that it's from the States and there are only a total of three operating locations at the moment. One in Las Vegas, another in San Diego and lastly...Mandaluyong?? We even beat Manhattan, Washington and Atlanta to it, which are all opening their own Project Pies soon.

My family and I went on a Sunday night right after hearing mass, which is a big thumbs down unless you're up for a long line and wasting a chunk of time hawking for vacant tables. They just opened last month and they're receiving a lot of love from Manila so go on a weekday if you can!

If you're in a hurry I suggest just going for one of the pizzas on the menu instead of customizing your own. It'll save you loads of time since you won't have to dictate every single topping, and you'll be directed straight to the cashier.

For custom built pizzas.
First Stop: Red (sauce) or white (no red sauce, in olive oil) pizza?

Second Stop: Cheese! Mozzarella, parmesan, feta, gorgonzola, and ricotta.

Second Stop: Meat! Pepperoni, italian sausage, crumbled meatballs, bacon, grilled chicken, canadian bacon, prosciutto, anchovies, 

Third Stop: Veggies and other stuff. Red onions, green bell peppers, caramelized onions, cilantro, tomatoes, black olives, garlic, pesto, BBQ sauce, pineapple, artichokes, fresh chopped basil, rosemary.

Once you're done creating your own pizza, you'll be handed a piece of paper with your name and order, then settle with the cashier your additional orders like drinks or a salad (y'know, if it'll make you feel better about that pizza you're about to devour).

Still or sparkling water, a few choices of beer and tiny adorable bottles of white and red wine if you're feeling classy. Oh and refillable Coca-Cola branded soft drinks and house blend iced teas (think slightly sweetened literal tea)!

My tita's pick: pizza #5 (white pizza)! Mozzarella, ricotta, gorgonzola, parmesan, cracked black pepper, olive oil, garlic and fresh chopped basil.
My tita and I agreed that this one was pretty salty. I don't think it's the combination of ricotta and gorgonzola, but the amount topped on the pizza that made it too salty. 

My pick: pizza #7 (white pizza - prosciutto, caramelized onions, mozzarella and parmesan) plus additional mushroom and fresh chopped basil.
I was happy with my creation and thought the flavors complimented each other well, but I do regret not asking for more caramelized onions.

My mom's pick for her and my dad (white pizza): artichoke, prosciutto, mozzarella, feta, gorgonzola, parmesan, dried cranberries, candied walnuts and caramelized onions.
My dad and I didn't exactly know what my mom was going for... The salty (prosciutto, feta, gorgonzola) clashed with the sweet (dried cranberries, candied walnuts, caramelized onions) but hey as long as she likes it and I don't have to eat it then we're all happy. Haha just kidding mom!

For a nineteen year old girl with a hefty appetite, I was stuffed with my 12 inch pizza. All the pizzas (except for the classic cheese pie) cost PHP 285, even for the custom built ones, no matter how much or how little toppings you want! One tiny disappointment though was how they put the basil before they put the pizza inside the oven, which made them shrivel up. My parents also said that they've eaten pizzas with better dough, this wasn't something I noticed or got bothered by though. To each his own, I guess!

Have you tried or heard of Project Pie?

Project Pie Philippines

Address: 515 Shaw, 1555 Laurel Street cor Shaw Boulevard, Wack Wack, Mandaluyong

Website: http://www.projectpie.com/

Telephone No.: 650-0925

Operating Hours: 10 am - 10 pm

Apivita 3 in 1 Cleansing Milk + Lip Care with Black Currant

Apivita 3 in 1 Cleansing Milk for Face and Eyes with Chamomile and Honey HKD 180 (around PHP 1,004)

Apivita Lip Care with Black Currant HKD 60 (around PHP 334)

I don't think I've ever bought a beauty product from a brand I've never heard of, 'til the day I bought these goodies from Apivita. The hotel I stayed in Hong Kong was connected to a huge mall, which I used to my advantage, trotting around and exploring until closing time every night. I passed by the store countless times while on my way to Origins or CitySuper and was intrigued by it, but it was when I saw the word "natural" that pushed me to take a peek.

I came in and left with a total of three products in my paper bag. Trust me, I'm usually indecisive and hesitant about purchasing products but for Apivita it was easy peasy, even if I've never heard of the brand. First it was the words stating that all products are "natural" "mineral oil free" "silicone free" and "propylene glycol free" that reeled me in, then the packaging, then the fact that the brand is Greek, then the scents, and the rest was history.

I was on the search for a new cleanser because my trusty ol' Cetaphil ran out, so I turned to an old St. Ives Blemish Control Green Tea Gel Cleanser and it made my face dry and tight, which resulted to me getting more oily in my t-zone and breaking out more. I went with the full sized version of the 3 in 1 and a sample size of the Cleansing Milk with Honey and Orange, which I haven't opened yet because I'm saving it for when I travel. 

The 3 in 1 Cleansing Milk scent is lovely too, it has that typical clean, soothing and warm 'newly washed sheets' smell...if ya know what I mean. (I wouldn't blame you if you don't, I'm horrible with describing scents.) I noticed a huge difference in my skin the first time I used it, after weeks of using a gel cleanser that sucked the moisture out of my face. In just one use it aided my skin back to life, it felt clean without being stripped of oils. Despite how gentle it is (I've gotten this in my eyes many times but it doesn't sting) it still has the power to remove makeup well. I use this as my second cleanse, my first being Bioderma. This is also said to have 99% natural ingredients - almond and olive oils to remove dirt and makeup, honey to moisturize, propolis for antioxidant protection, and lavender to soothe. They also replace water with organic green tea infusion! And of course, it's dermatologically and ophthalmologically tested.

Next up is the Lip Care with Black Currant, which gives the most color out of all the Lip Cares. It may look dark from the bullet but the color is sheer and subtle enough that it just looks like I'm wearing a lip balm without color. It smells delicious, it's super moisturizing, and I like the packaging. It's my favorite lip balm (I use Nuxe for overnight) as of now that I've been neglecting my Lucas Papaw. Olive oil, beeswax, cocoa butter, shea butter, avocado oil, castor oil, and jojoba esters to moisturize. While black currant oil and vitamin e help protect environmental toxins and prevents irritations. Too bad it doesn't contain SPF though!

What do you think about Apivita?

Apivita

Website: http://www.apivita.com/

Origins GinZing Energy-Boosting Moisturizer

Origins GinZing Energy-Boosting Moisturizer HKD 265 (around PHP 1,470)

It seems that for the past couple of months I've been all about skincare, reading never ending skincare blog posts on products I know can't get my hands on and adding more and more to my wishlist. Well, about two weeks ago I went on a short trip to Hong Kong to visit family together with my prepared list of raved skincare and makeup bits by bloggers that I religiously follow.

Origins is a skincare brand I've been dying to try for awhile now, so when I went out of the country I took the chance to finally try a few things from them to see what the hype is all about. I decided on two of one of the most loved items from the American brand: the Drink-Up Intensive Mask and the GinZing Energy-Boosting Moisturizer, since I needed a daytime moisturizer that would work well with the Philippines' humidity. 

It was love at first whiff. I take one deep inhale in the adorable orange tub and the burst of citrus wakes me up. The scent of oranges and consistency is refreshing and perfect for groggy mornings, since it's a lightweight gel that feels cool on the skin. My skin drinks it up quickly too so I don't have to wait long before following with my makeup routine, plus it isn't sticky nor heavy. I suffer from combination/oily skin and I can say that using this has helped with that issue, since it's oil free.

I'm in love with this stuff, it's as if it was tailor made for someone like me who lives in a tropical country with dull and combination/oily skin. Ingredients like panax ginseng and coffee beans are the ones responsible for boosting my skin's hydration levels. This cream's properties are also said to create a healthy and vibrant glow, now I can't tell if it made a difference in that department just yet - but I'll report back! If that works, then that's just an added bonus for me.

What product do you use as a daytime moisturizer? Have you tried anything from Origins?

Origins

Website: http://www.origins.com/index.tmpl

Hong Kong September '13 Food Photo Diary

Here's a round up of most of the tasty stuff that went in my tummy last week in Hong Kong. Check out my previous Food Photo Diary posts when I went to Korea, Europe and Thailand.