Halloween Witches get a Creative Makeover

Throughout history, people usually depict witches as someone to be feared. They're usually wearing boring black dresses and pointy hats; they ride brooms and cast spells. They're most powerful during Halloween night!

 

Photo from Flicker.com

Photo from Pinterest

But as one of our favorite Halloween Icons, they need a fresh approach. Like all things these days, the witches need a makeover to make them more appealing and exciting. Philippine manufacturer and exporter, Alriver Export produced some creative designs for their Halloween line. They took a fun and creative spin on the witches thus making them more lovable and charming. 

Here are 13 "awesome looks" from their witch collection:

(1) "HELGA with her cat Duke"
Notice the lovely Patchwork done on her dress; also, her curls are fantastic!

(2) "MADAME AGATHA"
Like a model, this witch knows her angles.

(3) "CRAZY LUCINDA"
Yes... she knows how to smize :)

(4) "HUNGRY HENRIETTA"
She looks sweet but beware when her stomach rumbles. 

(5) "GWEN"
Don't speak, yes her hair's a glorious mess!

(6)"GRISELDA"
She's ready for the witches' ball with her fabulous red teased hair.

(7) "SWEET MOLLY" 
Her powers come from her mole!

(8) "MONA"
Someone give her a comb please! hahaha

(9) "VOODOO MARIE"
Pins and needles to those who'll make her angry.

(10) "ENCHANTRA"
She can enchant you with her eyes.. staring contest anyone?

(11) "GRIMHILDE"
Take a bite my dear Snow white!

(12) "PURPLE HAIRED SHARON"
She's in a Rock Band called 'bewitched' hahaha!

(13) ZELDA
Notice how fashionable she is: well accessorized with funky green 
and white hair plus eyebrows to die for!

If you're looking into having these collectible witches, you can contact Alriver Export Corporation:
Telephone Number: (632) 631-7139
Email: info.alriver@gmail.com
Website: http://www.alriverexport.com

The witches featured here are not for sale but you could order.

If you wish to learn more about witches, check this site out: http://mentalfloss.com/article/53438/10-weird-facts-about-witches

from Etsy.com via Pinterest

Twelveten by the Girl and the Bull

Say hello to 12/10 by the Girl and the Bull,
a hip new gem at Guijo Street in Makati

Personally, I'm just ecstatic about this new restaurant. Like the owners John & Jackie Bailon of BaiCapture and Gab Bustos & Thea de Rivera of the Girl and the Bull,  everything about 12/10 is just hip, fresh, and fun. 

The elegant entryway; I love their door and that awesome lamp

The Bull, Gab Bustos, took charge of everything about the menu.
(The food, the drinks, and even the menu card design)

I love their fine wood counter and their super comfy bar stools. 

Meet Papu and Maui, they make awesome drinks.

Those lamps are just to die for :)

I love this fun side of the restaurant; white brick wall with a good splash of color.

Bright turquoise wall with this fascinating art piece. 

 

All their tables are well lit thus "Instagram- friendly" hahaha; lighting is just perfect for those who would want to feature their fabulous food

 
But it's not just the interiors that would make you stay and hang out. 12/10 takes pride with their menu which was Izakaya inspired.  

What is an Izakaya?

Izakayas are essentially Japanese taverns – drinking houses with a menu of small dishes for snacking while drinking. It literally means “stay sake shop” so traditionally this was a place where you could sit and drink on the premises.(http://kampai.us/izakayas/)

Photo by Teetap Dadia

 


I was told that if you will follow the Menu, you can experience the food better. They listed their food in such a way that there is a progression-- from light to heavy. Also, ask the servers for drink pairings. Food was conceptualized to match specific drinks. 

hijiki seaweed: candied anchovies, edamame, pink peppercorn (P 190)
-light & fresh, a good start-

THIS IS JUST DIVINE!
blowtorched salmon: uni, caviar, panko, nori, shiso, ponzu, sea salt (P 280)

MY FAVORITE!!! 
raw tuna salad: kyuri, yuzu kosho, maple syrup, ebiko, shichimi, nori (P 240)

korean fried chicken: charred eggplant, gochujang, sesame, shiso, lime (P 295)
-the savory boneless chicken goes soooo well with the smoky eggplant (the black looking paste); this is so yummy!-

tono onigiri: foie gras, negi, dynamite, balsamic maple syrup (P 410)
-absolutely delicious!!!-

Whisky Sour 
-Yummy! this plus that Ramos drink (ooppss, i failed to take a photo of it)-

Last Saturday (October 18, 2014) was their Private opening and of course, the family and close friends came in to support! 

Thea, Me, and the three men I love the most:
my husband Jigger, my brother Andro, and my dad Albert

Gab & Thea's friends  
(from left to right:  Mara, GAB, Mais, Ssiala, Marga, THEA,
 Gubie, Brit, Thias, Kat, and Fame)

Since Saturday's test run was a success, the Girl and the Bull decided that they could finally open the following Monday (October 20).  We wouldn't and couldn't miss day 1! 

(Top Photo) Reg Bernardo, my sister Angel, and Teetap Dadia
(Bottom) Maan Mencias, JM Neri, and Me

Both wearing checkered: Thea and "Tito Ands"

Sibling Love :)

Overall, I am impressed!!!! Food was great as well as service. 12 stars for 12/10 :)

The 12/10 Team (from left to right) Papu, Maui, THEA, Kyle, Pau, and Bots

Before I end this article, I just want to share 7 Things you should know or will know or notice when you go to 12/10 (I know these things because I'm the Girl's sister hahaha) :)


1. 12/ 10

Simple... this is the Girl and the Bull's anniversary, December 10. 

(trivia: Did you know that 12/10 officially opened a month before The Girl and the Bull turns 1, wow!!!)



2. The Crawlers

Don't be afraid, these are just floor paintings. 12/10 operates with the highest and cleanest standards. I think these "insects" are just charming; a colorful surprise when you look down to the floor.

3. The Frog

Did you know that Gab and Thea love making origami. This may seem like an artsy way of displaying and remembering our Frog Dissecting High School days but really.. this is more of a Gab and Thea thing (it's so cool they have personalized details.)

4. The Flower Frames

These 6 frames represents growth: from seed to the flower. Just like the Girl and the Bull's success story, they started small and is continuously growing.

5. The Chopsticks

Nothing really significant, I just find this part visually appealing :)
 I hope people get to notice it. 

Even where they place their plates are Instagram worthy!

6. The X and the Anamorphic shapes

Stand on the marked area for get the perfect view of the Pink Pentagon

You'll find another hidden Triangle by the kitchen door

7. The Eye


You might be intrigued with the eyes that you could see by the entrance and in the bathroom. Well, according to the Girl,  The eyes mean...

"...We'd like people to have an open mind when they try out 12/10."

Photo by Ssiala Azores

To Thea and Gab,
I am extremely proud of you both. Congratulations with Restaurant number 2 :)

photo by Ssiala Azores

---
12/10 is located at 7635 Guijo St., San Antonio Village, Makati
Open Monday- Saturday, 5-11 pm
No reservations, Walk ins only
http://twelveten.ph/


Interiors and Paintings by Serious Studios
Furniture by Restock by Jackie Bailon