Destinations
Strip (Ministry of Waxing): Celebrating baring beauty
Discover Strip: Ministry of Waxing, which aims to introduce a “wax revolution” – one that uses a set of Brazilian waxing techniques that is significantly less painful and, yes, less embarrassing.

As late as 2002, many of the waxing practices could still be called – well – medieval. We’re talking dodgy waxing studios dishing out unhygienic and painful waxes that left its clients unable to walk in a straight line, maybe for days on end.
But Singaporean Cynthia Chua – eventually known as the “original smooth operator” – believed that there was a place for body culture that’s practiced safely, hygienically and painlessly. So, she set about seeding the beginnings of a “wax revolution”; this eventually led to her formulation of a brand new set of Brazilian waxing techniques that was significantly less painful and, yes, less embarrassing.
And as she helped make waxing elegant, Strip: Ministry of Waxing was established.
And even now, the venue that still dubs itself as a “little outfit” after starting its operations in Singapore in 2002, has one somewhat simple aim: To help you conquer body foliage and achieve that baby smooth skin.
There are now two branches of Strip: Ministry of Waxing in the Philippines, eyeing to offer its services in the country.
In the beginning, the company found challenging “educating the market about getting waxed – and a Brazilian at that!” admitted Tab Abad, managing director of HaRem Inc. This apprehension of customers was somewhat explained by the then existing practices in salons in the country, where “a lot of salons don’t have hygienic practices; they double dip their waxes”.
The company was “fanatical” about its practice, actually becoming the first salon to introduce the “No Double Dipping” policy; as well as introducing the “Hygiene Pack”, widely known (and acknowledged) since it mandates that each customer is given a new and individually sealed pouch containing disposable waxing equipment (including gloves, face masks, pH balance wet wipes and spatulas).
The company is also known for its menu filled with secret-recipe lotions that treat waxed areas with an “unrivalled tenderness, as well as amazing post-wax products”, including the Bromelaine-laced X ED Out Cream, which is an emollient cream that wards off nasty ingrown hairs, and the Strip Ice Cream, which is a soothing post-wax and IPL cream.
The best part? The waxperts (that is, wax experts) can deliver the services in an industry record-breaking 15 minutes.
In the Philippines, Abad said that “we had to educate each and every customer who came into the shop. At the end, they appreciated (what we did) because they learned a lot from us.”
Eventually, the Philippine market response to Strip: Ministry of Waxing has been largely favorable. “Being an international franchise helped our credibility and believability,” Abad said. But more than that, “we have a dedicated R&D team, and practically everything we have at the store is imported and made exclusively for Strip. Having customized waxes means we really take into consideration one’s skin, the climate…”
Also, “our customers enjoy going to Strip because our stores and waxes are fun and not (similar to those experienced in) the usual clinical type of salon.”
Strip: Ministry of Waxing’s waxes are biodegrable and FDA approved, and they don’t contain materials consisting of plastic or anything hazardous to the environment.
Today, STRIP: Ministry of Waxing has a hairless presence in major capital cities from London, New York, Shanghai, Hong Kong, to Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta and Bangkok – aside from Singapore and Manila, of course.
The company is already eyeing growing in other parts of the Philippines.
For more information on, or to avail the services of the Strip: Ministry of Waxing, visit STRIP GREENBELT at 4/Floor of Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center, Store space 4-003B, Makati City with telephone number (+632) 5013997; or STRIP SERENDRA at 2/F The Piazza at Serendra
Store, Space 2C26 & 2C27, Taguig City with telephone number (+632) 9010892.
Else, visit http://www.strip-manila.com/ for more information.
Destinations
Tuna time via Tuna Republik
Looking for affordable #tuna meals? For this #LGBT trip, we tried Tuna Republik.

Yeah… there are lots of seafood restos, some even selling unlimited supplies (particularly shrimps, mussels, squids, oysters and, if you’re lucky, crabs and lobsters) for just a few hundreds of pesos. But the seafood offerings aren’t always complete since these restos do not always offer most of what’s good from the seas.
And so it is with interest that we dropped by Tuna Republik, which – basically – conceptualized tuna as fastfood.
@outragemag Looking for affordable #tuna meals? For this #LGBT trip to #Bulacan ♬ original sound – Outrage Magazine
The branch in Pulilan, Bulacan only opened in January 2025, and… at least when we went there, it has yet to gain traction. Walang tao. Too bad, really, for a franchise that’s targeting the no-meat crowd.
Now… how was the experience for us?












Una, the venue is relatively new, and so everything here was… sariwa. The pitchers even had price tags pa. Spacious and airy, this place seems ideal for events.
Ikalawa, the staff were not noticeable. Yung pegis parang fastfood, so the people are there… but aren’t there. Servers lang.
Ikatlo, price-wise, affordable naman siya – e.g. they have rice toppings for those with tight budget, ranging around ₱100 lang, while the meals are around ₱200-₱300 naman. Presyong group eating for most of the offerings.
Ika-apat, taste-wise, most of what we got were better than okay.
- Sashimi (₱249) was good as it wasn’t malansa, and didn’t taste frozen and wasn’t flaky. But the accompanying toyo was… almost bland, so di nakatulong.
- Tuna Belly (from ₱350) was good, well grilled… albeit small ang size.
- Tuna Pancit (₱249) was quite good; it made me forget there’s no meat in it. Malasa, the sahog weren’t overcooked, di mamantika, and so on.
- Sizzling Tuna Sisig (₱199) was the one that disappointed. Walang oomph, so it tasted like fried fish flakes lang. Pretty when served sa carajay, but there’s not much of it, too.
Tuna Republik is like… a karinderya (local eatery) pretending to be a fastfood while offering tuna-centric food. Try to visit if you are willing to spend to get not-bad tuna-revolving offerings. Hindi naman siya disappointing. And that’s even if we have misgivings.
Otherwise… join us look for more lafangan venues.Tuna Republik Pulilan is located at 112 Plaridel-Pulilan Diversion Rd., Pulilan, Bulacan.
Destinations
5 Cycling destinations for World Bicycle Day
From the tranquil trails of Hokkaido, Japan, to the historic charm of Sukhothai, Thailand, these destinations promise unforgettable adventures for cycling enthusiasts.

In celebration of World Bicycle Day on 3 June, digital travel platform Agoda is spotlighting five cycling destinations across Asia that offer unique experiences for travelers. From the tranquil trails of Hokkaido, Japan, to the historic charm of Sukhothai, Thailand, these destinations promise unforgettable adventures for cycling enthusiasts.
With cycling tourism gaining global momentum, the Asia-Pacific region has emerged as the fastest-growing market for this trend, according to recent insights from The Business Research Company. Cycling is more than just a mode of transport; it’s a way to connect with nature, explore local cultures, and enjoy the freedom of the open road. Agoda has curated a list of five must-visit cycling spots across Asia, perfect for riders of all levels.
Krishna Rathi, Senior Country Director at Agoda shared, “World Bicycle Day is the perfect occasion to celebrate the joy of cycling and the incredible destinations Asia has to offer. With interest in cycling tourism on the rise, particularly across Asia-Pacific where demand is growing rapidly, more travelers are turning to two wheels to explore the region’s diverse landscapes and cultures. By offering great value deals on accommodation, transport and experiences, Agoda is here to make it easier for travelers to plan their cycling adventures, whether they’re seeking scenic routes, cultural immersion, or a mix of both.”
Five cycling destinations to explore in Asia:
- Hokkaido, Japan
Known for its stunning landscapes, Hokkaido offers a variety of cycling routes through serene countryside, majestic mountains, and scenic coastal areas. Cyclists can immerse themselves in the natural beauty while staying at an authentic Ryokan, experiencing traditional Japanese hospitality. The region’s diverse terrain caters to both leisurely rides and challenging trails, making it a versatile destination for all cycling enthusiasts. - Luang Prabang, Laos
This UNESCO World Heritage site provides a cultural cycling experience, with routes that wind through historic streets, ancient temples, and along the picturesque Mekong River. Travelers can explore the rich heritage of Luang Prabang while enjoying comfortable stays at charming guesthouses that reflect the local architecture. The blend of cultural immersion and scenic beauty makes it a must-visit for those seeking a unique cycling adventure. - Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan
A favorite among cyclists, Sun Moon Lake features well-maintained trails that circle the lake, offering breathtaking views and a peaceful atmosphere. Visitors can enhance their experience by staying at lakeside resorts that provide stunning views and easy access to cycling paths. The tranquil environment and natural beauty make Sun Moon Lake an ideal spot for a relaxing yet invigorating cycling journey. - Sukhothai, Thailand
Step back in time as you cycle through Sukhothai’s historical parks, filled with ancient ruins and temples. The area offers highly rated hotels near Sukhothai Historical Park, providing convenient access to the historical park and a comfortable retreat after a day of exploration. This destination combines history and cycling for a truly unique experience, allowing travelers to delve into Thailand’s rich past. - Hoi An, Vietnam
Explore the charming old town and surrounding countryside of Hoi An. Cyclists can enjoy scenic routes through rice paddies, coastal paths, and vibrant local villages, with accommodations ranging from boutique hotels to luxurious resorts. The blend of cultural richness and natural beauty makes Hoi An a captivating destination for cyclists looking to experience Vietnam’s diverse landscapes.
Agoda’s extensive offerings make it easy for travelers to plan their cycling adventures. With over 5 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities, Agoda provides everything needed for a seamless trip. For the best deals, visit Agoda’s mobile app and start planning your next cycling getaway.
Destinations
The ‘safe’ steaks of Escobar’s Nomo
Cheap #steaks in #Cavite? For this #LGBT wandering, we tried #Escobar’s inside NOMO and realized it’s popular because it’s a safe – not necessarily grand – #steakhouse.

One of the more known not-that-expensive steakhouses in the Philippines is Escobar’s Steakhouse. We’ve checked one of their Quezon City branches before, and… we weren’t disappointed naman. This time around, we had a chance to check one of their southern branches, Escobar’s Nomo in Bacoor in Cavite.
How did we find our Escobar’s Nomo experience?
@outragemag Cheap #steaks in #Cavite? We #LGBT ♬ original sound Outrage Magazine
Una, the place is not hard to find. It’s inside a mall (Villar’s Nomo – A Vista Lifestyle Center). There are pluses here – e.g. this is near Las Piñas lang, they have lots of parking, and so on. But you also have to follow mall hours; meaning they close at 9PM.
Ikalawa, the resto itself is… typical of a mall-based resto. Okay tables with okay seats, enough seating so no waiting for us, and so on.
Ikatlo, the staff sufficed – e.g. not very friendly, but they knew the stuff in the menu (and what’s not available for the day).













Ika-apat, how was the food?
- We ordered the Grass Fed Rib Eye (₱455), and what we got may not have been a thick slab of meat, but it wasn’t too thin we’d complain. Cooked properly (MR), it was okay-seasoned, even if Escobar’s proclivity to slice the steak for you never sat well with us (they should at least ask if it’s what we want).
- Hungarian + Rice + Eggs (₱139) was so-so; we got a not-memorable sausage, though the potato we ordered as rice replacement was good, and the eggs were also well-cooked.
- Vinaigrette Salad (₱210) didn’t taste like it had dressing at all, though – at least – the veggies used were fresh, and so went well with the meats on the table.
- Aglio Olio Pasta (₱158) wasn’t bad – e.g. pasta was properly cooked, sauce wasn’t runny (even if somewhat tasteless), and so on. But it wasn’t memorable.
One thing we realized with Escobar’s: No matter what branch you visit, Escobar’s is a “safe” steakhouse. Meaning, you get a not-memorable steak here without emptying your wallet. You don’t necessarily remember how good, or bad, what you had; you just remember that it wasn’t bad enough to complain about it, but it wasn’t good enough, either, so you give it your rave reviews.
And so now, if you’re looking for a safe steakhouse, then Escobar’s Nomo – along with other Escobar’s branches – is okay to consider. Otherwise… join us as we look for more lafang venues.
Escobar’s Nomo is located at the 3rd floor of Nomo – A Vista Lifestyle Center, Bacoor Blvd., Bacoor City. For more information, contact 0920 472 6358.
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