Rock on!

SALE Alert: Garfield’s 35 for 35

2013-06-19T02:59:00.002-07:00

The lasagna-loving, dog-punting, Monday-hating, fat cat that is Garfield, is up and munching as it will be celebrating its 35th year of providing comic relief and unadulterated entertainment to its millions of fans.

As a grand appreciation for Garfield fans’ continuous support and loyalty, your orange feline will be having a sale event entitled “Garfield’s 35 for 35” on June 29, 2013 (Saturday) wherein shoppers will get to enjoy a ONE-DAY 35% discount on all regular newborn, toddlers, and childrens wear items at all SM Department Stores and Robinson’s Department Stores nationwide.

Featuring the newest Garfield Collection, they recently kicked off this year’s festivities with the weekly children’s gag show Goin’ Bulilit with the first part shot at the mesmerizing Plantation Bay, Cebu while the latter highlighted the brand’s edge through a short skit featuring our some of the celebrity endorsers- Mutya Orquia from "Please Be Careful with My Heart" and other celebrity kids starring Clarence Delgado and Joshen Bernardo, Belinda Mariano, Carl Camo and many more wearing of course the most wanted collection in town from Garfield.

Also, they will be giving away free Garfield fans for the first 40 customer per selected stores such as SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, SM North Edsa, Robinson Ermitta, and Robinson Metroeast. And if you want to meet Garfield personally, he'll be hanging around Mall of Asia at 1 pm and at 3 pm respectively.

So don't miss the BIGGEST Garfield sale event of the year. See you there! :)

Click this Facebook fanpage to know more about the event and promos: http://facebook.com/garfieldapparel

Spend Some WE Time with Family and Friends

2013-06-18T05:18:00.000-07:00

Moments are most enjoyable in the company of special people. Getting together with family, friends, significant others is important in celebrating and enjoying life.

Occasions such as birthdays and weddings and milestones like graduation and career promotion, are more fun when celebrated socially. Gathering with special people allows us to share our stories, engage them with our feelings, and interact with them. This is why a local distiller encourages Filipinos to have some “we-time.”

“Getting together with family and friends or ‘we-time’ is equally important and can be just as relaxing,” says Von de Torres, Managing Director, Emperador Distillers.

The best way to have “we-time” with friends and loved ones is over fine food and good wine. A glass of good real sweet red wine can create a difference in every celebration. As it denotes grandness, having wine can make even very simple occasions unforgettable.

Emperador Distillers brings Rossi Sweet Red, a sweet red wine crafted from grapes grown in California’s sun-drenched vineyards and bursting with flavor and aroma, as your perfect companion for making every “we-time” more fun and remarkable. It has layers of vanilla, bright cherry and wild raspberry flavours, creating a different kind of sweetness.

According to De Torres, every “we-time” can be made more memorable with Rossi Sweet Red. “‘We time’ can be made sweeter. Rossi Sweet Red is best suited for the Filipino palate—a different kind of sweet but still real red wine.”

Apart from its unique sweetness, Rossi Sweet Red proves it goes well with any celebration. Not only can it be paired with nearly any kind of food, but may be enjoyed—on-the-rocks—making it a great alternative to regular beverages (e.g. sodas, juices, iced tea).

“We’re used to partnering food with sodas or any cold sweet beverage so sweet red wine is a natural progression. Its sweetness and appropriate alcohol content, plus the cooling sensation of ice cubes make Rossi Sweet Red on-the-rocks your drink for ‘we-time’.”

“We-time” provides a chance to create shared experiences and stories with friends and loved ones that stand the test of time. Collective memories are made in every “we-time” spent. Make sure that these are good and happy recollections. Celebrate and cherish them the best way possible, with Rossi Sweet Red.

Grab a Bunch of Cool Man of Steel™ Collectibles from Jollibee

2013-06-14T02:45:00.004-07:00

Jollibee is taking kids and kids-at-heart on a high-flying ride as it launches limited-edition Man of Steel collectibles. Superman enthusiasts can make their movie experience even more action-packed when they score exclusive Man of Steel-branded items with every purchase of their favorite Jollibee langhap-sarap treats.

Someone's super happy w/ her hero launcher! Whoever said "girls should only play w/ pink sparkly toys" is a big fat liar. @iwantjollibee #manofsteel #genderstereotypes #letkidsbekids #kiddiemeal #ilovechamp

From May 22 until June 30, dads and moms can treat the favorite little Super Heroes in their lives to the Chickenjoy Man of Steel-branded Bucket Treats. The best-tasting fried chicken and everyone’s favorite crispylicious and juicylicious Chickenjoy comes in a limited-edition bucket emblazoned with an image of their favorite super hero.

A bucket of super treats!

For only P575, the whole family can enjoy 8 pieces of Chickenjoy in a limited edition Man of Steel-themed bucket along with 4 cups of rice, 4 regular drinks and 4 Milo Mix-ins. They can also get the collectible Man of Steel-themed bucket for free when they go for the 6-piece bucket solo for P335 and 8-piece bucket solo for P429.

Fun-seeking boys and girls can get a free toy from the Action Collection inspired by Man of Steel for every purchase of their favorite Jollibee Kids Meal. Bring home the Action Finder and watch as Superman saves the world. Simply choose among the cards and place one inside the drawer, then tilt up and down to see the image change. For added fun, look through the hole and turn the knob to see different images! Kids can also fight for justice with the Disc Blaster. Just load the discs and press the trigger to set them zooming across the room. Thrill-seeking tykes will have an amazing time with the Hero Launcher. Just set Superman on the base and press the lever to send him shooting to the skies. Available starting June 1, each toy comes free with every Jollibee Kids Meal Regular Yum Meal (P80), Spaghetti Meal (P82), or one-piece Chickenjoy Meal (P99).

Satisfy the thirst for adventure

For the whole month of June, teens can get their hands on the coolest Man of Steel Metal Tumbler, only P50 with every purchase of any Jollibee Burger or Sandwich value meals. Big in style and function, the 600mL metal tumbler comes with a classic Superman logo design.

Only Jollibee offers the most exciting collectibles inspired by the coolest movies. These exclusive Man of Steel-themed items are available for a limited time only, so complete your collection now and visit your nearest Jollibee branch. For delivery, call Jollibee Express Delivery Service hotline at 8-7000 or log on to www.jollibeedelivery.com.

Warner Bros. Pictures presents, in association with Legendary Pictures, a Syncopy Production, a Zack Snyder Film, Man of Steel. The film is slated for release on June 12, 2013 and will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company. www.man-of-steel-movie.co.uk

June 21 is National Wellness Day

2013-06-14T02:33:00.002-07:00

Did you know that 9 of the 10 leading causes of death in the Philippines are health related? And did you also know that just by eating better, making small lifestyle changes and doing moderate activity on most days of the week, we can reduce the risk of many diseases and increase our quality of life?

The People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP) is advocating health and wellness in the workplace as one of the most important issues that companies need to address today. With this, PMAP will hold a nationwide event called National Wellness Day that is envisioned to be participated by various companies in the country, both PMAP and non-PMAP members, on June 21, 2013.

During a media roundtable interview recently, PMAP President Evelyn Grace C. Sorongon said that through the years, the organization have organized employee activities like sports fests, family day events and the likes for its member companies. “This time, we want to come up with an activity that will help promote awareness among employers and employees about the importance of being physically, emotionally and spiritually healthy.“

PMAP also presented a suggested program format that companies can use as a guide for a half-day event that they can organize in their respective workplaces. It includes company-sponsored healthy lunch and snack; learning sessions on work-life balance, holistic and spirituality; and the 7-Minute PMAP Wellness Moment, a quick wellness activity that involves stretching and meditation to be done simultaneously across the nation by employees at exactly 3:00 pm on June 21.

The wellness moment involves the following activities: (a) 2-minute stretching/ self-massage, (b) 2-minute of silence (to pray or meditate), (c) minute dance/ jog in place/ jump or hop and (d) 1-minute clapping/ laughing or handshakes with colleagues.

PMAP led by (starting 4th from left) PR and Publicity Committee Director-in-Charge Jesse Francis N. Rebustillo, Fellowship Committee Director-in-Charge Michelle G. Guce and and President Evelyn Grace C. Sorongon invited members of the press for a media roundtable event to promote the upcoming National Wellness Day on June 21, 2013.

Companies who will join in the event are encouraged to document their participation through videos and/ or photos and send a copy to the PMAP Secretariat to be included in the list of companies who will be recognized with a workplace wellness certificate during a PMAP event.

Furthermore, on October 2013, PMAP will hold a fun run at CCP Grounds, Pasay City as the culminating event of the organization’s efforts in promoting workplace wellness this year. Aside from targeting more than 1,500 participants in the fun run, the event also aims to provide a venue for different organizations to showcase their respective wellness initiatives.

“We encourage all our members to participate in this worthy activity likewise to discuss to your employees our advocacy on how to stay fit and become more productive members of our society,” Sorongon added.
For queries regarding the event, interested parties can contact Ms. Agnes Junio of PMAP through tel. no. 726-1532 loc. 306 or email agnes.junio@pmap.org,ph. Details are also posted on www.pmap.org.ph.

Kim Chiu Celebrates Her 23rd Birthday with Goya

2013-06-10T22:15:00.001-07:00

For the acknowledged “Primetime Princess” of Philippine telenovelas, actress and host Kim Chiu, her life would not be complete without her daily dose of chocolates. Her love for this delectable concoction is as splendid and as legendary as her love for her fans that wholeheartedly supported her throughout her illustrious career.

A huge crowd showed up at the Area 05 Super Club for the grand celebration of Kim Chiu’s Fans’ Day in relation to her 23rd birthday. This special day was highlighted by a performance showdown between Kim Chiu’s fan clubs, who gave their all for their idol.

And this love for chocolates, of course, did not escape Delfi, makers of the popular Goya chocolate products, who thought of celebrating the 23rd birthday of its famous brand ambassador in the most memorable way—and also to thank her legions of fans for supporting their idol through thick and thin.

“Primetime Princess,” Goya endorser and birthday celebrant Kim Chiu (left) pose together with two of the winners of the Goya Facebook promo: Rizza dela Cruz (center) and Delia Salva, both from Sta. Rosa, Laguna, during the fans’ day and birthday celebration of the popular actress.

One such way is the “Goya Chocoholics” Facebook fan page promo called “Kim’s Puzzle of Surprises.” This exciting “online” treat saw 10 lucky Kim Chiu fans winning a one-year supply of those tasty and scrumptious Goya Chocolates. In choosing the winners, puzzle pieces were given out one by one at the Goya Chocoholics Facebook page. An additional 10 “Likes” for the page must be generated before another piece was given. Before the final piece was provided, participants were asked a question that should be answered correctly in order to win the prizes.

Goya Facebook promo winners Delia Salva (left) and Rizza dela Cruz, both from Sta. Rosa, Laguna, posed beside the cute and unique cake prepared specially by Delfi, makers of Goya chocolates, for popular actress and Goya endorser Kim Chiu. The cake was on display during Kim Chiu’s Fans’ Day held recently in Quezon City, and was also presented to the “Primetime Princess” during her birthday celebration in popular Sunday noontime show ASAP.

Aside from the loads of Goya chocolates, fans also won free passes to Kim Chiu’s Fans Day, a blockbuster celebration where Kim’s many fan clubs converged at the Area 05 Super Club in Quezon City. Two of the “Kim’s Puzzle of Surprises” promo winners—Rizza dela Cruz and Delia Salva—cannot hide their excitement as they received their free passes, definitely not passing up on the opportunity to receive their prizes from and rub elbows and pose for photos with Kim Chiu herself.

The birthday girl, “Primetime Princess” Kim Chiu, receives the special cake prepared by Delfi during her birthday celebration in popular Sunday noontime show ASAP. At left is Delfi General Manager Mr. Josenilo Chincuanco.

And Kim Chiu was also elated at the gesture of Delfi who came up with a special birthday cake just for her, a cake made of Goya Chocolates with a unique bag design and comes in pink, Kim’s favorite color. The special cake was on display at the Fans Day and was earlier presented to Kim during her birthday celebration at popular Sunday noontime show “ASAP” by no less than Delfi General Manager Mr. Josenilo Chincuanco.

Kim Chiu was no doubt overwhelmed by the unwavering support of her Delfi family and her hordes of loyal fans. She thanked them for taking time in joining her for her birthday, and promised an even bigger event next year, of course with the help of her friends from Delfi.

For more about Goya, visit the Goya Chocoholics Facebook official fan page, www.facebook.com/GoyaChocoholics.

Back to School Shopping at Tutuban Center’s Night Market

2013-06-10T05:44:00.001-07:00

School days 2013 just started but the back-to-school frenzy hasn’t subsided yet. Just look at the horde of haggling last-minute shoppers searching for quality school items at very affordable prices. The problem, however, for some is that doing so after office hours limits their shopping time.

In the end, they’d end up rushing, only to realize that since they were in a hurry, they would buy the wrong item and worse, shell out more money in the process.

No need to worry, though. If you want stress-free shopping even after the usual mall hours, like working parents who are busy during the day, there is one place to go to, where shopping hours are extended for those with little or no time to shop during the day—Tutuban Center Night Market.

Why the Tutuban Center Night Market, you ask? Though there are still a throng of shoppers wiggling their way through, it’s considerably less than daytime. It’s also more convenient because it is now easier to spot the item you need, plus the fact that the night-time air is significantly cooler.

And even if it’s night-time, shopping at Tutuban Center Night Market is safe and secure. Security personnel are constantly roving and on the alert for anything and prepared to respond appropriately, ready to assure the people’s safety even until midnight. Not to mention the CCTV cameras spread throughout the center for your peace of mind when shopping.

Have a vehicle? Just leave it at Tutuban Center’s guarded multi-level parking building that can accommodate hundreds of cars to secure your vehicle. And since you’re shopping at a time when you should be having dinner, no worries as well. Tutuban Center’s Foodstreet has a wide array of delectable yet affordable food choices to take care of your hunger pangs after several hours of walking and gawking.

So for your kids’ back-to-school items, rest assured Tutuban Center Night Market has them—from ready-to-wear uniforms for elementary or high schoolers, bags, books, notebooks, writing materials, even calculators and computer accessories.

The best part is that they are all of good quality and come at very affordable prices.

One easy shopping tip from the “veteran” shoppers: it will be a whole lot convenient on your end by bringing your own “to-buy” list to effectively cut shopping time. Doing so allows you to enjoy more of your own night shopping experience at Tutuban Center Night Market when you can finish your back-to-school shopping first and then finally buy items for yourself.

Tutuban Center is located along C.M. Recto in historic Divisoria, right at the heart of the City of Manila. For more information about Tutuban Center, visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/tutuban.

McVitie’s: Biscuits Fit for Royalty

2013-06-10T05:36:00.001-07:00

How many food brands can proudly claim that they carry the Royal Seal of Approval and a rich 120-year-old history?

Perhaps there is just one—McVitie’s, whose heritage began in 1830 via a provision shop in Edinburgh, United Kingdom. And by 1892, became the bakers of the world’s 1st Digestive whose traditional secret recipe has been used until today.

In 1893, the company was asked to bake the wedding cake for the union of Princess Mary of Teck and the Duke of York, who later became Queen Mary and King George V. The magnificent cake, truly fit for royalty, stood six feet tall and weighed 466 pounds.

Because of this “royal” feat in baking, McVitie’s received the Royal Seal of Approval. Since then, it became a tradition for British royals to have their christening and wedding cakes done by McVitie’s and Price. Among the company’s distinguished list of illustrious royal clients include King George VI and Queen Elisabeth in 1923 and the Duke of Kent and Princess Marina of Greece in 1934.

But McVitie’s turn-of-the-20th-century accolades did not stop. About two years ago in 2011, Prince William, the next heir to the British throne, requested that one of their cakes during his wedding to Catherine Middleton be made of McVitie's chocolate biscuit. Prince William was fond of this biscuit during teatime as a child and for that momentous occasion in his life, he asked McVitie's to create it according to a special recipe from the Buckingham Palace kitchens.

Buckingham Palace then sent the recipe to chefs at McVitie’s, who then made a wedding-sized confection composed of more than 1,700 biscuits and nearly 40 pounds of rich and luscious chocolate.

“It has a couple of secret ingredients we can’t tell you about but it will have dark chocolate to give it a really nice flavor, and use rich tea biscuits that will be broken up,” said McVitie’s head chef before the wedding.

You don’t have to be royal to enjoy McVitie’s Digestives biscuits. Now available at leading supermarkets nationwide, Filipinos will now get the chance to experience this biscuit treat fit for Kings and Queens.

For more information about McVitie’s Digestives, you may visit their official website www.mcvities.com or join their Facebook fanpage www.facebook.com/mcvitiesdigestives.

Top Picks of Back to School Fashion Collection from Yishion

2013-06-10T04:44:00.000-07:00

There’s only a few more days left before the start of a new school year, and it’s a great time for young stylistas to revamp their look with a new wardrobe from Yishion. An international brand known for chic ready-to-wear apparel, Yishion offers clothes and accessories that can spell out the unique style of fashion-savvy individuals.

Now, anyone can be a campus style icon with Yishion clothes and accessories!

Make a bold statement this school year with bright splashes of color

High school graduates getting ready for college can spice up their look by playing around with collared blouses and soft, flirty skirts, or casual striped tops and outerwear with bright colored capri pants.

Guys can look dashing without discomfort with perfectly fitted graphic tees, bold-colored shirts, and chino shorts. They can also slip into something more formal like crisp long sleeves with colored trousers.

Guys can dress up any look with crisp long sleeves, while girls can add interest to any outfit with cutouts

Another way to make any ensemble stand out is by adding accessories and other statement pieces that complement the overall outfit. Yishion has a variety of accessories that range from quirky rings and cool shades to trendy yet versatile bags and belts.


Mix and match: bring out your unique sense of style with bold colors and prints

From timeless must-haves to casual and laidback pieces, Yishion’s uniquely inspired collection gives you room to create a new look that’s perfect for this school year. Bring to life your everyday fashion statement with Yishion, located in Level 5, Shangri-La Mall, Mandaluyong City and Level 2, District Imus Mall, Cavite.

Hotel Review: Summer's Last Hurrah at The District Boracay

2013-06-09T03:58:00.002-07:00

Just a week after celebrating Mother's Day at F1 Hotel, we went to Boracay for another celebration.

If ever you desire a restful retreat with your family, an all girls/ barkada getaway, a family reunion or, heck – any excuse you can think of, Boracay is the perfect place! As for me and my hubby, having our birthday vacay in Boracay is my perfect excuse to take a well-needed vacation from the daily grind and to unplug from reality.

Coconut trees and a glorious amount of powdery white sand... This place never gets old.

Every year, we choose to be one with the powder-like sands of Boracay. It's one of the hottest destinations in the Philippines and despite it becoming more crowded every year, its popularity hasn’t waned and people still consistently come back for more.

Indeed, only priceless memories and postcard-perfect memories abound in every visit to the Boracay island paradise.

Other girls want to walk in heels & shine in glitter, but I'd rather be barefoot & golden my whole life.
Tip: Explore the island on foot.

Getting there

You must take ze plane, ze plane to get there, or you can also try 2Go. But we always choose to go there by plane which is obviously the fastest mode of transportation to Boracay. You can either take the straight flight to Caticlan or take the Kalibo trip. From Caticlan, a shuttle bus takes you to the jetty port where you can ride a boat to take you to the island in 5-10 minutes. From Kalibo, it takes another 45 minutes to an hour bus/van ride to Caticlan Jetty port. So if you want to save time and if you're so excited to hit the beach, the best option would be a direct flight to Caticlan. However, for this particular trip, the eagle landed at Kalibo Airport. And by eagle, I mean PAL.

Here's a closer look on our transportation expenses:

From Kalibo to Boracay	Transportation Cost
Van to Caticlan Plus Boat via Fastcraft to Caticlan Jetty Port (approx 1.5 hrs)	PhP 250 / pax
Terminal fee (6 years old and below are free)	PhP 100
Environmental Fee (Below 11 years old are free)	PhP 75
Trike going to Station 2 (approx.15 mins)	PhP 28/ pax or PhP 100 -special
Trike to and from resort	PhP 50.00

From Boracay to Kalibo Airport	Transportation Cost
Trike to Caticlan Port	PhP 100
Boat from Caticlan to Cagban Jetty Port	PhP 25
Terminal fee at Cagban Jetty Port	PhP 100
Van to Kalibo Airport	PhP 175
Kalibo Airport Terminal Fee	PhP 40

The District Boracay

Among the slew of hotels that crowd the main beach, we decided to stay at The District Boracay. Actually, this review is long overdue and I found myself procrastinating even if it's an effortless review to write because I am absolutely over the moon about this resort. I supposed it's because there's so much to say about this hotel. But if you ask me to describe it in one word, it is a "standout" and by far the best smelling and swankiest hotel we've ever stayed in Boracay.

Check out this video of our fun-filled summer vacay at The District Boracay last May:

We chose this hotel for obvious reasons including: the first-rate amenities that are deliciously part of our stay, the room with our own verandah, fully stocked mini bar, free Wi-Fi, flat screen TV, a full-sized executive desk, a safety deposit box, among others. Plus, nightly turndown service and all gratuities included. And if that doesn’t make you say OMG, perhaps a few more of our reasons will:

The location

One of the reasons why I chose The District is because of its impressive location. It's a cozy beachfront hotel, the place you want to find yourself in for a luxurious experience.

It is located right in the middle of Station 2 in Boracay, just near D'Mall and all the famous night spots. And if you are coming from Station 1, it is just few meters away from Starbucks Coffee. Despite being close to everything, it is peaceful and quiet once you're inside the hotel.

The warm welcome

Posh interiors speak volumes. Upon arriving, we were greeted with the posh but chic glass-walled reception area, decorated with very art modern-inspired architecture and design, with a view of the ocean that looks as if it came right out of a magazine. The huge chandelier above the foyer is beautiful. You may also skip the hassle and arrive in style via the resort’s own shuttle.

The receptionist gave us a welcome drink, a cold glass of lemonade/calamansi juice, with a cold towel that was really refreshing.

Check-in and the registration was smooth and hassle-free. The receptionists were so accommodating and they made us feel instantly at home.

These bright-colored umbrellas are readily available for the guests near the lobby.

The room

From the minute we walked in, we were smitten. Being the perfectionist that I am (not to be confused with obsessive-compulsive), I am very particular with the cleanliness and the "smell" of the room.

There was a wonderful aroma in the room that will awaken your senses. Personally, I think these are 2 important requirements for the hotel I stay in. The District Boracay did not disappoint us in this aspect. It makes this place a million times better than it already is. The relaxing smell wafting through the room right when we enter is to-die-for.

We stayed in room 107 which has 2 queen size beds, and private verandah where we enjoyed a spectacular view of the pool. It was the perfect room for our stay because my daughter loves being in the water. The pool is a haven for her and an awesome area where we can all lounge together.

The room was spacious enough with all the things we need - a large screen LCD TV, a full-sized writing desk, fridge, toiletries, slippers, mini bar, beverages like water, coffee and tea, electronic safe and free internet access. The room is tastefully furnished and decorated in a contemporary, minimalist and modern design with a heavy use of white, brown and orange that looks elegant. Also, it is luxuriously laidback and spotlessly clean. The room features huge closets on both sides with some shelves so we had enough space for our luggage.

We have experienced the best bed and pillow combo! The beds were super comfy and the pillows were really soft. You'll feel that you just never want to leave the bed.

It seems that The District has poured out all the goodness in one place. I don’t have time to list all of the additional perks here, but let’s just say complimentary bowl of fresh fruits, slippers, robes and daily turndown treats with individually-named cards, or a personalized "sweet dreams" note with sweet treats were part of our amazing stay in this hotel. I mean, how sweet is that? At night, all we had to do is to cozy up in this heaven of a bed where only sweet dreams await.

For tea lovers and coffee addicts, there's a coffee/hot water maker and some cups on the table. There is also an electronic safe in the room, just large enough to accommodate a 15″ laptop and other valuables.

They have everything you need for a relaxing stay in case you forget to bring your own toiletries. Adding to its charm is its commitment to ecotourism, they have Eco-Fresh toiletries including an insect repellant. I like the elegant vanity sink and it has a separate high-flowing rain shower and comfort room. Here's a couple of pictures:

If you want to have ultimate privacy, stay on a higher floor to get a view of the ocean and the pool but if you have smaller kids, I would suggest getting the Premier Suite or ground floor rooms facing the pool. On the other hand, the elegantly appointed premier rooms are perfect for honeymooners or couples traveling together.

The verandah

In addition to all of those pluses, I can’t rave enough about the verandah. Fantastic.

The drying rack where you can hang your wet swimsuits to dry is really useful and functional. Our daily newspaper was personally delivered on our doorstep by their staff wearing an orange-you glad shorts and summer-ish blue polo shirt.

The pool

The 5-ft deep, 15-sqm long outdoor lap pool and a lounge pool (more like wading pool for kids) with cascading waterfalls wall and sun loungers, is the perfect spot to lounge about with a good book or to simply chill like a villain.

The water is perfectly warm and very clean. The pool attendant is always on stand-by and beach towels are already rolled up for you on the loungers by the poolside.

They also have available inflatables and life jackets for the kids which is a nice addition. It's open daily, from 7 am to 10 pm.

The beach

For me, probably the nicest thing about the hotel is that we are about a minute walk to the beach where you can just stare out into that wonderful view for hours.

Feels good to watch Boracay's breathtaking sunsets, crystal clear waters and pristine white sands. And it's within easy reach of a multitude of leisure activities. Check out some of the fun and exciting activities we love to do in Boracay. You can talk to the receptionist if you would like to arrange your preferred activities such as parasailing, banana boat, island hopping, among others.

There's WiFi access within the resort's premises that can reach up to the beachfront. The guy at the beach was constantly moving umbrellas and sun loungers to help make the most of the beautiful weather.

The food

The District has highly-rated and upscale restaurants (Vigan Grill, Star Lounge, and Caruso Ristorante Italiano) that are likewise elegant and cozy. You'll definitely feel you're living the high life even before you sit at your table.

We had a hefty breakfast at Vigan Grill on the 2nd floor with an awesome morning view! We loved the breakfast buffet, for both its variety and aesthetics.

Fresh fruits
For a healthy brekky
French toast
Pastries
Muffins...
A wide variety of healthy options
Get your grub in!
YUmmy...

Everything on the buffet table is prepared fresh amidst a sophisticated ambience perfect for a discriminating taste. Will post a food review about Vigan Grill and Star Lounge soon. And please check my post soon about my top picks/ foodie finds in Boracay. :)

The sparkling sunset at Sky Lounge

After a long walk on the beach, we took a break at The District's rooftop bar, Star Lounge, which is a great spot to watch the sunset or get lovely glimpses of the hypnotic blue ocean while sipping on cocktails.

This is where you can enjoy Boracay’s skyline and a perfect view of the beach. It has the perfect ambiance for a chill-out night in the island or a romantic dinner with your special someone.

I love the Habagat drink! The beauty of this drink is its extra dimension of flavor. You have the tequila mixed with peach schnapps for a tart citrus, and then you get extra fruity sweetness from the pineapple juice plus an extra punch of rum. A refreshing drink that will forever be a favorite. Another must-try beverage is the Mango mint shake.

Happy hour strikes at 5! Sunset Happy Hour at The District is from 5.00pm to 7.00pm, when all cocktails and local beers are 40% off. They also serve dinner from 5.00pm to 7.00pm.

I've heard the resort is currently developing a unique menu of spa treatments for its guests at the other side of Star Lounge. And while this is being developed, the resort has partnered with a local supplier for massage and spa services.

The exceptional service

On top of all of this, I can’t say enough nice things about the staff at The District. It is far better than I might have imagined it would be. They are always ready to assist us throughout our entire stay. They went above and beyond the all-inclusive call of duty and they made sure that all our needs and requests were well attended. I like how organized they are in terms of sending mails and emails about our flight schedules, transfer arrangements as well as providing guest questionnaires after our stay. After our trip, I even received an email offering a dinner for two at Vigan Grill on our next visit as their gesture of appreciation. Plus points on generosity, thoughtfulness, and for being exceptionally friendly and helpful. Having said that, they managed that fine balance between efficiency and friendliness.

If you'll meet them soon, you can expect 5-star service from them! By the end of your stay, whether it was in the span of a day or a week-long personal retreat, the staff at The District will have made sure that by the time you return to your daily grind, you are completely rested, refreshed and rejuvenated.

After our superb and swanky stay at The District Boracay, I can attest that we – in no way, shape or form – were able to experience everything this amazing hotel has to offer. I love every inch of this place and it was so hard to leave. I mean, really. Such a beautiful hotel with equally wonderful people. From the warm welcome to the lovely staff and excellent room, it is definitely worth checking out!

It combines a unique tropical ambiance, elegant and well-designed rooms, great facilities, with amazing service. These are just some of the things that sets The District Boracay apart from other resorts in Boracay. It is unlike all others.

All in all, The District is far and away the best place we have stayed in Boracay. We didn't want to leave and and will definitely be returning there on our next trip, without a doubt. For anyone who wants a truly enjoyable and memorable Boracay experience, book this hotel, we definitely recommend it.

Need to know:
Kids 10 years old and below are free on accommodation as long as they share the bed with the parents. But Breakfast and Transfers will be charged separately, depending on the child’s age
Check-in time is 2:00 pm and check-out is 12 noon.

From June to September, The District gives you more reasons to enjoy the lean season with its 4 exciting packages. Check out the details here. For a complete list of The District's published rates, inclusions, policies, terms and conditions, visit their official website here.

THE DISTRICT BORACAY
Station 2, Barangay Balabag, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan 5609, Philippines
Telephone: +(63 36) 288-2324 - 27; +(63 36) 288-1448
Manila Sales and Reservation Office
2208 Orient Square Building, F. Ortigas Jr. Road, Ortigas Center, Pasig City 1605, Philippines
Telephone: +(63 2) 234-9058, +(63 2) 234-5917
Website: www.TheDistrictBoracay.com
Facebook: facebook.com/TheDistrictBoracay
Twitter: @DistrictBoracay

Full disclosure:
Thank you to The District for being our swanky home during our Boracay stay. I didn't receive any compensation for this review. We were guests, but all views and opinions are my own and never influenced in any way.

This is definitely my favorite summer experience. How about you? Care to share about your dream or summer trip or best summer experience? Leave a comment or check out this poster from Native Shoes.

If you enjoyed this post and want to read more about the places we visit, please follow @rockstarmomma on Twitter and r0ckstarm0mma on Instagram and Google+. Like our official Facebook pages: Rockstarmomma and Shuttercount If you have questions, please email me at hushbaby22@yahoo.com Thanks for visiting!

Smart Lets You Tweet the World for Free Until July 31

2013-06-08T09:12:00.002-07:00

Good news to all Smart subscribers!

Smart Telecommunications gives free Twitter connectivity to users until July 31!

Anyone can tweet using any Twitter-enabled phones for free, whether it's a smartphone or even a basic but internet-capable handset, without paying for connectivity costs.

Tweet all you want until July 31 by going to the mobile version of Twitter at http://m.twitter.com on their mobile browsers. You need to turn your data connectivity on to use Twitter on your mobile device for free. If you have apps that run on the background access the internet, you will be charged for the access. You therefore need to make sure that no apps are running in the background. Links on Twitter that point to websites outside of Twitter will still be charged to one's account when clicked, but a prompt will appear to warn users if they're leaving the free Twitter service.

Check out the deets on Smart's Twitter offering by visiting the Smart page for the free Twitter initiative or by texting TWITTER to 211 (for Prepaid and regular postpaid users), to 7577 (for All-In users), or to 9990 (for Freedom users).

Happy tweeting, tweeps!

Regatta's New Concept Store Sets Sail at Shangri-La Plaza

2013-06-02T04:13:00.000-07:00

All Aboard!

Regatta's 35th store sets sail at Shangri-La Plaza East Wing, with the Captain, his “fabulously stylish” crew, and an awesome set of first mates. The new concept store and new collection gives loyal customers even more reasons to rediscover Regatta.

From catwalk to high street, everybody is sporting sailor stripes this season, and Filipinos, never missing a trend, is no exception. Doing it better than the other, is Regatta's new store, that smoothly sailed to Shangri-La Plaza with their new nautical-themed store.

Regatta, the local go-to brand for preppy chic apparel, offers a new collection of crisp, nautical-inspired pieces and comfortable cuts that will perfectly suit everyone's leisurely lifestyle. Now, where’s the cabin boy?

True to its name, the brand offers relevant clothing for hipsters looking for an eccentric mix of preppy-meets-posh! The new store has the relaxed sophistication feel of coastal living and countryside getaways. With these themes in mind, the store is segmented by two distinguishable areas coined “sea & coast” and “town & country.”

The wall with stone and brick walls and a fireplace with a deer head above it gives a hint of walking into a country home– an ornate touch implying that Regatta lifestyle stretches beyond the sea and into the country as well.

The store includes elements such as oars, life savers, wood plank walls with modules shaped like row boats to showcase the latest collection from the brand. The fresh simplistic design, with gorgeous subtle colors and accents were enhanced with crisp whites, splashes of serene nautical reds and blues, and sea-themed accents.

Sure it’s in a mall, but the store cultivates a sense of relaxed exploration and navigation, it’s no surprise to see its white panelled walls decorated with cute and kitsch anchor, lighthouses, sailboat motifs, oars and lifesavers.

Drawing inspiration from a carefree life on the beach, the quintessential nautical-style staple of comfortable tees and jeans rule the roost here.

Regatta Home

I am brainstorming new home decor ideas with my hubby – All. The. Time. That being said, I like the fact that Regatta takes leisure fashion closer to home with its new line of home products. It features sea-inspired accessories and decors that are perfect to brighten up a humble abode.

Whether you live by the beach or just dream about ocean breezes, beach/nautical home decorating can be quite simple with its new line of home accents.

Put a nice aquatic touch in the house with trinkets like wooden Nautical Hooks with shells for details and ceramic, decorative starfish. Display your most fond memories of the sea with vintage and marine inspired photo frames.

And know the time to set sail to your different activities with the Nautical Wall Clock.

Reinvent your bedroom with a few accented home decors. Simple home accents can enhance the beach theme to any room.

Together with the opening of its new store, Regatta presents a new collection that offers classic and casual pieces from tees, shirt, shorts and bags.

Now you can go on a sea-faring fashion adventure! With pieces that complement your leisurely lifestyle, Regatta offers a wide array of finely-crafted shirts, jeans and accessories that are not only effortlessly stylish but cool, comfy and perfect for your weekend getaways.

Check out these trendy nautical themed pieces...

For the sailors and cabin boys, work hard and play harder wearing woven ombre shirts, stripes and drawstring shorts.

Stripes are in!

Regatta's new offerings for the ladies are sure to have you setting sail in style this season. It’s not all stars and stripes though, cool nautical blues with pops of bright colors will add some nautical flair to your outfit. Women can enjoy the luxury of a relaxed life in printed dresses, graphic tees and light colored shorts. Tangerine is great for a pop of color. I also suggest wearing these stylish belts with the full skirt sailor girls love so much, or ankle cropped pants for a flirty fun feel.

Keep calm and carry on with Regatta's stylish bags that you can actually use if ever you'll be out in rough seas.

Keep calm and pack your bag!

Show off some seafaring looks on board with Regatta bags that have been the staple for those with a passion for style. Actually, I'm obsessed with anything nautical, so this nautical-esque bag is a must-have. It's such a unique piece, but also really versatile. You can wear it over a breezy blouse, or a textured neutral skirt. This bag is a perfect topper to my polka dot pants, too!

You’ll be able to complete your yachting outfit with Regatta’s comfy stylish sandals and plimsolls, perfect for a relaxing stroll at the park or settling in a café with a good book and refreshing drink. These brogues for women offer a cozy break from sky-high strappy sandals, while still looking perfectly preppy and chic.

In keeping with your own signature style, these cute kicks are perfectly preppy.

You may be after the sailor look, but you don’t want to smell like one too!
Body Odors away.. I mean, Anchors aweigh!

Finally, bask in the essence of the lifestyle with Regatta’s FRESH body spray. These come in clear bottle that anchors on the “oar” logo. It has three variants: Ocean, Sunshine and Meadow.

I highly recommend to check Regatta's new store if you're within 2 nautical miles of Edsa. You're just a sail away to fab finds at Regatta which combines classic comfort and enduring style for a timeless look.

Regatta Edsa Shangri-La boutique is docked in at tthe 5/L of Shangri-La Plaza East Wing. The store is open from 11:00am-9:00 pm on Monday-Saturday and Sunday; 11am-2pm on Fridays and 10am-10pm on Saturdays. For updates on more promotions, go to http://regatta.com.ph/ or visit facebook.com/Regatta.Clothing and follow @regatta_ph on Twitter and Instagram for updates!

Have you seen any great Regatta pieces on my blog post or have any question? Share them in the comments!

Let Your Kids Play, Build and Learn at VitaPops Inventors' Lab

2013-06-01T10:12:00.001-07:00

Hello, mommies!

Is it tough to get your kids to take their daily vitamins? Want a more fun way for your kids to take their vitamins?

Well, VitaPops has come to the rescue because vitamin time is now super fun! It's the forst and only "pop rocks" vitamins in the country made by Unilab ( from the makers of leading vitamin C brand, Ceelin and Ceelin Chewables) Vitamins disguised as popping candies or pop rocks candies, your kids won’t just take their vitamins, they’ll love it!

It's a fun, new way for children to get their daily dose of vitamin C! And it's actually pretty tasty! I was like, "What is this world coming to? Where were these when I was a kid?"

VitaPops are orange-flavored vitamins which come in pop rocks form- the ones which pop, fizzle and crack inside your mouth. It comes in Sodium Ascorbate form of Vitamin C so it is tummy-friendly and can be taken on an empty stomach. This FDA-approved vitacandy contains only 1/5 of the sugar content of normal vitamins preventing tooth decays. It comes in single dose sachets which make it convenient for moms to give to kids. It can even be given as part of their everyday "baon."

My daughter is a Ceelin baby so it's not surprising that she liked VitaPops right away. She loved the crackling experience and I'm quite assured that she’s getting the vitamin C her body needs. These pop rocks vitamins are a great alternative to regular vitamins that leaves an after taste in your kid's mouth. These are so fun to eat and are perfect for everyday use to boost your child's immunity. I wonder if they could come up with "vegetables" variant as well. I could really use some help in that department to make sure she gets good nutrition. Indeed, VitaPops is actually one of the most brilliant inventions ever.

Speaking of inventions, Nido Fortified Science Discovery Center and its partner, Vitapops- Unilab's first and only pop rock vitamins C for kids, has launched the first Invetors' Lab in a pop -rock-themed party. Hosted by Mrs. Danica Sotto-Pingris, the event was held last Tuesday at the South Pavilion of SM Mall of Asia.

Kids need the proper protection, guidance and a good amount of fun to unleash their full potentials. Aiming to be parent's partners in their task to educate, protect their kids to ensure that they are able to enjoy a full childhood experience, Inventors' Lab gears kids up for a full childhood experience where they get to experiment and discover the fun wonders of science through this collaborative campaign. It would also accentuate the parents' role in ensuring that their kids are 100% healthy and protected.

Vitapops Inventors' Lab is an air-conditioned children's play and activity area at SM Mall of Asia, ensuring development of motor & coordination skills of children aged 1 to 12. It is located at the second level of SM Mall of Asia's South Side of Entertainment Mall.

My daughter had a blast at VitaPops Inventors' Lab!

By using the latest K'NEX gadgets and other toys, you can let your children's imagination roam free, satisfying the greater need to develop a specialized area that would promote ingenuity and creativity of kids. It features construction toys that stimulate the minds and and creativity of kids. There are also Kinect Interactive video games, which the children can enjoy among many other activities lined up for them.

"The Science Discovery Center has always been at the forefront of edu-tainment. We firmly believe that learning occurs when you provide children with an enjoyable atmosphere in an encouraging and protected environment. In this exhibit, with the help of our partners at Vitapops, we want to create exactly that," said Mr. Arturo Caraballo Jr., the senior operations manager of the Nido Science Discovery Center.

A pool of kids or young inventors went head to head as they build innovative creations. Tasked with the goal of making something creative, the kids used different parts of the construction toys.

I also took part in a similar contest for the media group category and guess what? Our group won. Hooray! To be honest, we had no idea what we were doing and we were simply having fun in constructing baroque popsicle busts while imagining a popular summer destination in the Philippines.

There was a rockin' pop rock concert hosted by Jive which is one of the most popular entertainment groups/ hosts for events. I often watch them perform at some kiddie parties that we cover at Shuttercount and the level of fun and energy never fails to amaze me.

Some kids tried VitaPops and they loved it to bits!

Also, my daughter had an explosive fun as she discovered the wonderful world of Science. Here's a video:

Inventors' Lab is one of the best and kid-friendly places for your kids where they can engage in fun, creative activities under the supervision of qualified staff. Your kids can run around and roam the play area, which is packed with all kinds of different activity facilities for mind stimulation while you can enjoy some much-needed me-time. You'll be happy knowing your kids will be learning new things as they build their imagination and make new friends.

Come and visit this enjoyable Inventors' Lab where your children can play, build and learn!

Would you like to win one of these VitaPops goodies for your little one? Our group won and I'd love to share some poppin' fun! I'm giving away VitaPops lootbags!

Just leave a comment below with your name, email address and answer this question: "Would you take your kids to VitaPops Inventors' Lab? If yes, why?" You must be a fan of Rockstarmomma & Shuttercount Facebook pages; and a follower of Rockstarmomma on Twitter. Giveaway ends on Wednesday and winners will be chosen via manual raffle draw. Will record a video of the actual raffle draw. :)

Put Your Kid's Best Foot Forward with Dr. Kong's Healthy Shoes

2013-06-01T02:50:00.001-07:00

With school days almost here, it's time for your kids to slip into some school shoes. But before you do, ask yourself;

Are your kids' feet healthy? Have you considered having them checked? Do they have healthy shoes or are they killing their feet?

Apparently, the shoes your kids wear in school tell a whole about them and you as their parents. This is why children's shoes are as important as adults' shoes. Same thing as looking for the best school for your kids, we should take serious thought on choosing the best pair of school shoes because it's one of the most important accessories for your tots. They spend around 20-30 hours in their school shoes so it's vital to buy a pair that fits properly.

As a mom, I usually spend hours looking for dresses and hair bows for my daughter, thinking how to make her look more fabulous and prettier. And forgetting to give importance to other parts of her body. Say, her feet? The feet is the most neglected part of the body. Even when we shop, it's the last on our shopping list, considering our feet bear our entire body weight and withstand long hours of shopping. The result? Sore, painful, and cracked heels. :( The feet is usually taken for granted --not until something goes wrong with them.

Picture this: A person dolled up with great looking hair and make up, wearing a fabulous dress and ultra high heels... with cracked heels plus painful and shabby looking feet. How does it look? Does she look pretty? Certainly no.

If your feet could talk, what'd they say?

Turns out that just like many other aspects of life that we take for granted, our shoes can often do more harm than good. High heels, sky-scraping stilettos, killer pumps and flimsy flats are the norm, but it appears that bad footwear choices can wreak havoc all the way up the legs and into the spine. Teetering around them can cause ankle sprains and discomfort.

Choosing the right pair shoes is no rocket science. As parents, we simply have to invest on a good and sensible pair of school shoes for our kids. Good thing I discovered Dr. Kong Healthy Shoes, a healthy concept footwear provider that was established in Hong Kong in 1999. They are the first to provide the innovative "Check and Fit" foot assessment. They aim to educate the public with the importance of healthy feet. For some, the saleslady will say that she’s scanning your feet for the right insole, but her main objective is to sell the insole or the shoes. For Dr. Kong however, it is about educating people.

Dr. Kong was derived from the word “Dr." referring to doctor or health and wellness, while the “Kong” refers to Hong Kong where it originated from. The founder, Dr. Raymond Ng Kwan Ying, explained that ill-fitting shoes can result in foot problems such as flatfoot and rearfoot valgus. He also pointed out that a survey has shown that over 60% of kids have flat foot syndrome but most of the parents are unaware of the problem.

The people behind behind Dr. Kong Philippines. With Prof. Raymond Ng Kwan Yin - Founder and Vice President of Dr. Kong Holdings Ltd. and Mr. Ronald Chow, Business Development General Manager (BSc. Hons in Prosthetics and Orthotics)

Actually, I agree and I think it's neglect and lack of awareness of proper foot care including ill-fitting shoes, that bring on the problems. Most parents overlook the importance of their children's foot problems and suitable shoe types. Sadly, this may lead to foot problems such as flatfoot and rearfoot valgus. This is why parents should be educated that the condition could still be corrected for kids with flat foot through exercises and proper footwear, among other factors.

My daughter also experiences foot pain. She hates long walks and always asks her dad to carry her. Poor dad had to carry her because our poor girl couldn't walk for hours. That is why I decided to visit one of the branches of Dr. Kong Shoes at Robinsons Galleria to have her feet checked.

Maribel, a well-trained store attendant or foot health assistant examined Maia's feet through the help of a pedometer machine, computerized foot assessment, and a footmark board. This "Check & Fit" foot assessment which is actually free ensures that products are fit-to-a-tee to ensure comfort.

Maia stepped on the footmark board and her foot prints were scanned using a VI foot assessment system. A photo of the heel bone is taken and measured. Then, she stepped on the pedometer, which will align her feet according to her height.

After the free foot assessment, the attendant briefly explained the results of the foot assessment. I found out that Maia has severe flat foot. As a licensed physical therapist who sadly never got to practice my profession, I still remember a bit about flat foot. You have flat foot when the arch on the inside of your feet is flattened, allowing the entire sole of your foot to touch the floor when you stand up. Like most moms, I know it but I was not aware that my daughter is flat footed. Now I know the reason why Maia, aka Little Miss Flat footed, tires and pains easily after a long walk. But seriously, I'm a bit worried because if one's arch doesn'’t develop by early teens, it is definitely a cause for concern. That being said, providing proper shoes, not becoming obese, avoiding unnecessary strain on her feet are some of the precautionary measures.

Know more about flat foot by watching this video:

She recommended the most suitable shoes and foot care products according to the condition of my daughter's feet. She also explained the benefits of the shoes that she recommended for my daughter. This pair of shoes will help support the arch and reduce stretching on platar fascia in walking. Plus a forefoot wedge to shift pressure from medial to lateral. Equipped with a hard heel counter, it has well situated hardness to stabilize the heel bone and effectively reduce pain and tiredness of the soles of her feet.

We got the cute pair of pink shoes paired with her pink spine-protection school bag. This pink shoes is officially Maia's favorite shoes at the moment.

Aside from healthy shoes, they also have healthy bags. The spine pressure-free school bag effectively prevents round shoulder, and reduce shoulder, neck and back pressure. Find out more about Dr. Kong's spine protection school bag and some important back care tips. Watch this video:

Lastly, Maribel gave a few simple stretches and foot exercises to strengthen the muscles of the feet which will help the development of foot arch, and to make sure my daughter's feet are giving the best support for the long haul. The foot assessment is free and you're not even required to buy their recommended shoes or other economical foot care products.

Ranging from Php1,500 to Php3,000, the sandals, sports shoes, school shoes, and office shoes are available for all ages from eight months and up. Accessories ranging from orthotic insoles for support to from gels and shoe care products are also available.

Specializing in school shoes designed for children in their developing stages, their products are proven to be safe to the skin, causing no allergic reactions. Also, their products have passed international safety standards, and do not contain any harmful chemicals.

An eponymous line of cute and high quality shoes... comfy, stylish, fashion-forward and of course, healthy.

They customize shoes for nurses, hospitality workers, airline crew and to those who are working in industries where they have to be on their feet for long hours.

Dr. Kong shoes are available at Robinsons Galleria, Robinsons Place Manila, Robinsons Magnolia, Sekai Center, and SM Aura Premiere.

Make sure to purchase the right pair of comfortable and healthy shoes for your kids that ensures healthy feet. Here are some tips to take good care of your little one's feet:

Shop in the afternoon or buy them late in the day when your feet are already tired and slightly swollen so you're sure to select the right size for your kiddo.
When your kids try on shoes, let them try on both feet because many peeps have a larger foot than the other and it's best to get the bigger one.
Keep the toenails neatly trimmed and cut them straight across. Never cut into the corner and do not round the corners because this could cause an ingrown toenail. Keep their feet clean and dry.
Don't let your kids wear hand-me-downs. Also, kids who are sharing shoes can spread fungi like athlete's foot and nail fungus.
Exercise and keep the blood flowing to your kids' feet. Make it a fun playtime with your kids by asking them to wiggle their toes for 5 minutes or move their ankles up and down and in and out to improve blood flow in their feet and legs. Of course, walking is the best of all foot exercises. Take your child shoes shopping. That's walking for a purpose. :)

Do not let them cross their legs for long periods of time.
Don't make them wear tight socks even if the colors are incredibly cute!
Don't skimp on quality, healthy shoes for your kids!
Remember, it's not normal for kids to complain foot pain or to avoid social or physical activities because of foot problems. If you see some abnormalities, contact a podiatrist.

How about you? Do you have normal and healthy feet? If you have no idea then you better go and get your feet checked for free at Dr. Kong Shoes pronto!

No one cares about your foot and spine like Dr. Kong so don't miss your chance to stock up on Dr. Kong shoes and get your free foot assessment. Remember to "check and fit" before buying a new pair of shoes! :) Your feet work harder than any other part of your body, my dear. So love your feet.

Transform Yourself with Schick

2013-05-26T06:04:00.000-07:00

What every woman needs to achieve success, in my opinion, is to have a "Man of Steel" that inspires her to be a better person. That's what Superman is for.

Superman has the following superpowers;

Living Solar Battery
Superhuman Strength
Invulnerability
Healing Factor
Flight
Superhuman Speed
Superhuman Intelligence
Heart and compassion

However, I believe everyone can be a superhero. Everyone can be a Man of Steel. Which raises an important question:

“If you had the powers of MAN OF STEEL for one week, how would you use it?”

As a living "solar battery," I will absorb solar energies and convert them for fuel and power supply for all homes all over the world. I will emit "ultra solar rays" so there will be no more dark and dangerous places on Earth. Faster than a speeding bullet and able to leap buildings in one bound, I will use my superhuman strength and speed to help people in need. I'm basically the ultimate shield of mankind, invulnerable and have the immunity from all kinds of ailment with a recuperative powers, and I will use it to treat and heal people who are suffering from life-threatening diseases. Being beyond the genius level, I will use it to discover new technology as well as medicines to cure people with severe illnesses. I will use these powers as a sort of gift that brings with it a responsibility to help others. Best of all, I will use his heart and compassion to express my deep love for humanity. That, to me, is his greatest superpower.

How about you, guys? If you could have the powers of MAN OF STEEL, how would you use it?

Dish out your opinions or answer and join Schick’s Superman promo contest to win movie tickets! Discover your powers and transform yourself with Schick. Free Your Skin.

Per DTI-NCR Permit No.1843 Series of 2013.

I'm anxiously awaiting for Man Of Steel. Hope it brings what other Superhero movies didn't---heart. Check out the trailer:

Jag Origins: Inside the Creative Mind of Nina Garcia

2013-05-25T08:49:00.001-07:00

International fashion icon, an elite authority in the fashion industry as well as Project Runway and Marie Claire’s creative director Nina Garcia headlined the JAG ORIGINS show last night for the 2013 Philippine Fashion Week at the SMX Hall 2 Convention Center. The event was hosted by Sarah Meier-Albano while the fashion forum was moderated by TV host Boy Abunda.

The renowned fashion journalist and style icon was the inaugural speaker of JAG ORIGINS, a series of talks on fashion, marketing and creative thinking that targets the industry and art/fashion students. This is the first forum in the 22 seasons of Philippine Fashion Week.

Nina brings to the fore her over two decades of experience in the fashion industry, whose highlights include being fashion director at Elle magazine for 17 years, and at Marie Claire for four years.

The country’s most promising designers Jerome Salaya Ang, Norman Noriega, and Jeffrey Rogador showcased a special collection at the event to inspire budding creatives. Then, JAG ORIGINS also launched its Holiday 2013 collection, in a fashion show that features Ankle Cut Jeans for women and Stretch Denim for men.

Here's a photo of the runway show:

Photo credit: Jag Jeans' Facebook page

With style, every fashion designer tells the world a story. Timeless and universal, Jerome Salaya Ang's creation reminds me of Lana del Rey's Haunting, combining a lot of tulles, lace and embellishment for a more dramatic and classic look. On the other hand, Jeffrey Rogador is a real jean-ius leading the audience through the colorful palette that is fashion. It is hip, urban and funky. He obviously played with the texture and fabric yet it came out really nice. Norman Noriega's creation is more of beautiful flowing pieces with feminine silhouettes in deep red, black and white with models looking a bit scary. Seriously. LOL

I personally love the ankle cropped leather pants though. It creates an illusion of height. And of course, it will definitely show off your killer pumps! Halfway between cropped & full length, ankle cut jeans are the new way to show off cute pumps.

Of course, cropped pants look best with some form of heel. For short women (like me) it's our fashion bestie. With a cropped denim, wearing flats can make you look, well, stubby, chubby and a wee bit shortier so a little heel height is a perfect solution, yes?

Boy Abunda interviewed Nina Garcia at the fashion forum at the first Jag Origins event.

Check out the following videos for some words of wisdom and ultimate rules of style from the style icon herself:

On Philippine fashion and young Filipino fashion designers
“I was blown away. They were all phenomenal. They have a very distinct point of view. Bravo, Jeffrey! Bravo, Norman! Bravo, Jerome! They have very different aesthetics, but very well put together.”

On bloggers:
Competition is good! I like the bloggers. It's giving the editors a little bit of a run for the money. We do two very different things but it's interesting. But I appreciate what they do. It's a different perspective.

The Stylish Women for Nina Garcia:
"Coco Chanel, Kate Moss, Diana Vreeland. Women of character, from Frida Kahlo, Georgia O’Keeffe; women who have a distinct point of view. Not necessarily beautiful women. I don’t think style has anything to do with beauty. Style has nothing to do with beauty."

Would you rather be beautiful or stylish?
"I’d rather be stylish. Beauty is overrated." says Nina.

Boy Abunda said he'd rather be beautiful though. How about you, would you rather be beautiful or stylish? Get real and let me know. :)

Parties Get More Pint-Sized and Happier at The Aristocrat

2013-05-24T20:51:00.001-07:00

From its humble beginning of a small mobile canteen in 1936, The Aristocrat continues the family legacy of serving classic Filipino cuisine. It is more than a restaurant, it's a landmark in the tourist district of Manila and it's also a great place for events like wedding, debut and baptismal.

Honestly, I didn't know that they also have kiddie parties and as a videographer of Shuttercount team where we have over hundreds of kiddie parties booked already, we haven't covered a kiddie party yet at The Aristocrat. Until I got invited to a fabulous kiddie party last Thursday. It was phenomenal. I’m prone to hyperbole but believe me when I say this is one of the best kiddie party venues I've ever been to. :)

It is every parent’s desire to make their little one’s wishes come true. Giving our kid the "best party ever" is one of the greatest opportunities to fulfill this dream. Nothing is as delightful as seeing little faces light up as the surprises are revealed on that very special day.

Of course, for the where-did-all-the-time-go moms like me, planning our kid's birthdays can be a marathon, from planning birthday themes to birthday giveaways, birthday cakes, party host and of course, the venue. The Aristocrat's party packages include all the great elements you will need to give your child a super time and make the party a little easier on you.

The venue

Held at the newly renovated iconic restaurant, The Aristocrat at its first home in Roxas Boulevard, Manila, we celebrated Kelsey and Liesl's birthday the "Aristocrat" way. The Aristocrat offers Kiddie Party celebrations at their main branch at Roxas Boulevard which has function rooms for parties and events. Their Dona Engracia hall can accommodate up to 400 guests. On the other hand, other Aristocrat branches can cater to small family gatherings.

A yummy kiddie meal fit for royalty!

Mucha Leche. Sinfully delicious! My new favorite.

The food

What else can I say, everybody loves the Filipino-style chicken barbecue in this place. Indeed, the best boneless chicken barbeque in town. The beef mechado, chicken lollipop, lumpiang sariwa and the sinfully delicious Mucha Leche cake were just a few of my favorites at Kelsey's party. The Aristocrat offers a happier way in making your child’s birthday wish come true! Kiddie parties are made more special with The Aristocrat’s kiddie party package for as low as P 17,650. Package includes 30 meals for kids complete with party favors, loot bags, and a themed party cake. The guests have the option to add more delight to the party with party add-ons like bubble show, magic show, and balloon twisting, etc.

The party details

It's a Prince-and-Princess-themed party which is always a popular party theme for little girls. Nothing could be more fun than a girl-y princess party! The whole place was decorated in pink and purple with a Barbie princess cake & cupcakes, a pink carriage and the classic black & white cupcake tower. The hosts, as well as the waiters and waitresses, were dressed up as Royal Princes and Princesses.

Aside from the Prince and Princess Party, there are other cool party themes to choose from like Car Race Party, Flower, Butterfly Party, Safari and Little Chef’s Party.

The party host

The party was hosted by Make Believe Productions. I've watched them before at some of the Shuttercount parties we've covered and I've always loved them. The kids, especially my daughter, were giddy and excited to gather around a storytelling canopy. I like how interactive the storytelling was for the kids as they listened to a fairy tale and joined the hosts in casting a few fun magic spells. They are also one of my favorite English-speaking hosts because they can really engage and communicate well with both the kids and kids-at-heart.

The activities

The Aristocrat Kiddie Party was recently launched featuring the various party themes options complete with a Sunset Kalesa ride, Glitter Face Painting, Cupcake Decorating, Balloon Sculpting & Make Believe Storytelling plus lots of giveaways!

Maia's busy decorating her pink-tabulous cupcake!

Fairy tale characters, stilt clown and carriage horses in front of The Aristocrat. Restaurant.
Photo credit: The Aristocrat FB page

Lovely mommies with super cute kids after the party!

The Aristocrat now has 10 branches located at Roxas Boulevard in Malate (open 24 hours), Jupiter in Makati, SM Mall of Asia, SM San Lazaro, The Block in SM North EDSA, Robinsons Place Manila, SM Manila, Subic Bay, San Pablo, Laguna and at Banawe St. Sta. Mesa Heights, Quezon City. The Aristocrat is Opening Soon in SM Dasmariñas Cavite.

Thanks to the pretty birthday girls, Kelsey and Liesl, for inviting us to your fabulous party!

So if you're looking for a place to hold your child’s birthday party, check out the party packages at The Aristocrat. For inquiries and reservations, contact the Main Office at (+63 2) 524-7671 to 80 or visit their website at www.aristocrat.com.ph.

Happy party planning! :)

Acer Philippines Goes More “InTENse” on its 10th Anniversary

2013-05-22T09:42:00.001-07:00

Acer Philippines, the company that brought us those sleek, ultralight laptops, celebrated its 10th anniversary yesterday with a grand event at the Isla Ballroom of the Edsa Shangri-La Hotel.

Dubbed as “InTENse,” Acer became more aggressive and pioneering over the past 10 years, and is now a major player in the electronics/IT industry in the country.

Acer has launched its new InTENse breed of Acer products for the modern day explorers, those who continuously reinvent themselves and the world they live in to enhance, expand, and simplify the way they do things. The campaign showed how Acer has strived to be part of people’s lives, a go-to device for their needs. It also paves the way for the “recalibrated” Acer to emerge—bolder, more imaginative, more forward-looking and definitely more intense.

Acer Philippines General Manager Manuel Wong (center) unveiled its new inTENse products with the different personalities who embody each product’s character.

Acer’s 10th anniversary celebration is graced by the company’s stakeholders, clients, members of government, media, and friends in the IT and business sectors. Acer Philippines General Manager Manuel Wong said, “it’s been a good 10 years and certainly they are looking to more inTENse years and beyond!”

“Looking back, we met many challenges but we sailed through all of them, thanks in large part to a highly motivated, driven and determined Acer Philippines team. Now that we’ve moved past 10 years, it’s not impossible anymore to look at 20, or even 30, years of bringing innovative and quality products to Filipino IT consumers,” he said.

For those who believe in the power of an inTENse touch, Acer launches the Aspire R7 notebook, where certain components were repositioned to optimize hand movement. Acer moved the touch pad above the keyboard, smoothly working with the hand movement to and from the screen and pad. Aspire R7 notebook is installed with the latest generation Intel processor so fast and efficient processing will surely get you ahead of others.

Are you of the modern day explorers who value inTENse freedom and flexibility? Well then, Acer offers the Aspire P3 Ultrabook with10-point touch technology that provides freedom to use it either as a tablet or with a keyboard. With color-rich HD display and Dolby surround sound speakers, the device provides the best in multimedia experience in a compact, portable form.

Looking for for inTENse performance? Check out Acer’s Iconia A1-810 tablet, a fully functional tablet with a larger display, one-hand handling, quad-core processor, gyroscope for immersive game play, and Acer Touch WakeApp for quick access to favorite programs from sleep mode is for you.

For inTENse play, the Acer Liquid E2 smartphone (8MP autofocus camera and 2MP front camera, 1.2GHz quad-core processor can capture your fancy if you’re on the lookout for a powerful yet affordable smartphone.

If you're looking for inTENse charisma, then Acer’s answer is the Aspire V5-122P notebook. Ultrathin and super light, it is easy to carry around but levels with pricier gadgets, with a larger touch pad, full keyboard size, good display that reduces eye fatigue and 10-point touch.

The Aspire V5-473 PG notebook powered by the latest generation Intel processor for those with an inTENse and spontaneous personality, the Acer K335 LED projector if you’re looking for inTENse brilliance when making presentations, the Acer TravelMate P245M also powered by the latest Intel processor for business travelers who value inTENse productivity even when on the road; and the Acer Veriton N and M Series of advance Intel powered CPUs for businessmen looking for inTENse power to
power up the successful enterprise of the future.

For more information about Acer and its line of inTENse products, visit www.acer.com.ph.

Congratulations, Acer Philippines! More power and wishing you more inTENse years to come! :)

A Day for Discovery and Exploration at Baby Blast 4

2013-05-21T06:46:00.002-07:00

As more and more diversions are created for children to engage in, how can we help in making sure a child gets the best kind of learning at his or her most crucial stages? Kids nowadays are spending less and less time outdoors, having been exposed to gadgets and other forms of technology even as infants. But recent studies show that children, especially those aged 3 and below, who play outdoors regularly grow up happier, healthier, and stronger!

Since 2010, Baby Blast has spread awareness that enjoyable, unforced learning, as well as hands-on play and parent-child bonding during the age of 0-3 years is critical in laying down the foundation for the child’s future learning and holistic development. Every year, attendance to the event grows in number, as more families enjoy the fun activities and learn from the featured topics.

Outbox Media Production Agency, in cooperation with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and Philippine Pediatric Society (PPS), once again celebrated the wonder of life at its early stages! EHS advocates, teachers, experts and parents together with their kids, gathered last April 14, 2013, from 10am-8pm at the Trinoma Activity Center for “Baby Blast Year 4: Discover, Create, Imagine and Explore!” a one-day event highlighting the importance of early childhood education.

This year’s event was hosted by Toni Aquino of DZMM, Jackie Go of gojackiego.com, pre-school teacher and TV host, Nikki Veron Cruz, celebrity moms Snooky Serna and Jenny Miller, sportscaster Anthony Suntay and journalist Peach Mascarinas, together with the tandem of Anthony and Rossel Taberna. Performances and messages of support for early education were also given by Gail Blanco, Paolo Santos, Patricia Bermudez-Hizon and Tintin Bersola-Babao.

The program was opened by a dance number from talented child singer Pauline Agupitan, together with the Neutron Acrobats and OBM Dancers.

This year’s program highlighted the importance of allowing babies and kids to experience the outdoors and engage in physical activities that can benefit their social, mental, physical and emotional development, given today’s tendency to merely rely on gadgets and technology to keep kids busy.

There were parenting and health talks led by experts and medical practitioners, like Ms. Glenda Derla, Child Welfare Specialist from the DSWD and Dra. Cynthia Cuayo-Juico of the PPS - School Health Committee.
Echo Store owner, Sharon Chua, shared an interesting topic on being a “green mom” or “eco mom”, discussing how kids can become more environmentally conscious and giving a recycling demo called “From Trash to Toys”.

Life coach Ms. Maricel Moreno-Laraya also gave a talk for parents on “How To Keep A Loving Relationship With Your Partner.” Essential Newborn Care was also tackled by the Consultant of the MMC and CSMC Pediatrics Department, Dra. Lourraine Co, MD, FPPS.

A revival of traditional Filipino outdoor games or “Palarong Pinoy” was also dicussed and demonstrated by TV Host Patty Nuguid-Santos of Buhay Pinoy, promoting the benefits of fun play and interaction for young kids.

On-ground areas like the World of Discovery, Beyond your Imagination, Baby Explorers and Creativity Corner gave kids the chance to play and interact with other kids, browse through books, play with toys, draw with art materials, and get hands-on with the educational gadgets and activities available today.
Contests for the whole family were held before the event, and winners were awarded during the program. Baby Magazine held the “Brilliant Babies Video Contest” where parents sent videos of their babies showing advanced development. The winning entry received a 1-year subscription from Baby Magazine, along with other prizes.

The “We Love the Outdoors Family Contest” gave families a chance to submit their best photo doing a fun, outdoor activity. The winning entry won a family staycation package at the Waterfront Manila Pavilion. Other contests held were the “Design My T-Shirt” art contest where kids submitted their interpretation of this year’s Baby Blast theme. The winning entry became the official Baby Blast event t-shirt design and received art materials and other prizes. For the moms and dads, The Blounge Salon also raffled off a Full Pampering package to give parents a well-deserved treat.

Both kids and parents also joined fun contests from Bye Bye Fever, Rite Med, Refresh Big Sip, Regent, Ferna, Lock & Lock, Bibbo Hotdog, Bounty Fresh, Uratex, Osihi, and Magnolia Frozen Delights. Lots of prizes were given away!

The event’s official print partner, Baby Magazine, also held a Search for the Cutest Babies attending the event. Babies were awarded at various times during the program, and all selected babies will be featured in the magazine’s next issue.

Pre-schools like Dynamic Recall, Playlab, LinxProvi8, H.A.N.D.S. of Children, Filway Marketing, and First Robotics also presented their EHS Programs for parents who are looking for schools to enroll their kids for the summer or for the next school year.

There were also mascot appearances by Ainon Baby, Bibbo Hotdogs, Robby Rabbit, and TJ Hotdogs, much to the kids’ delight!

Cool science experiments by Mad Science captivated the kids in the audience! Diliman Prep School also had their taekwondo team onstage to demonstrate a routine. Self-defense techniques to stop bullying were also presented by International Krav Maga Federation (IKMF).

Free face painting and kiddie hairstyling was also made available to the event participants courtesy of Outbox Media. Booths and other fun activities wowed everyone, and exciting freebies and loot bags were also given away. It was truly a great day for the whole family!

To continue spreading this advocacy, an annual Outreach Program is held a week after the Baby Blast event in Trinoma Activity Center, at a barangay in cooperation with the DSWD and DepEd. This year, the outreach program was held in Brgy. Bagong Pag-asa, Quezon City where parents and kids happily participated in the different games, learning segments, fun activities and even mascot appearances brought in by friends from Diliman Prep School, Robby Rabbit and Jollibee. Dr. De Jesus of the Department of Education and Ms. Jacelyn Paguio of the DSWD also graced the occasion. Gift packs were also given to the participants with lots of freebies from Jollibee, Robby Rabbit, Unilever, RiteMed, Magnolia, Universal Robina Corp., Big Sip, Jack n’ Jill, Bounty Fresh and Regent Foods Corp.

Baby Blast is an annual event that aims to enlighten parents that enjoyable, unforced learning, as well as hands-on play and parent-child bonding at an early age is the key to an intelligent, well-rounded and well-mannered individuals. See you again next year for another round of Fun Learning!

For more information on this event and other upcoming events from Outbox Media Production Agency, log on to: www.outboxmedia.com.ph

UNIQLO Announces the Winners of the “U-SHOP. U-WIN.” Facebook Promo

2013-05-21T05:35:00.001-07:00

UNIQLO, Japan’s leading global fashion brand, announced the winners of its newest Facebook promo, “U-SHOP. U-WIN,” at the opening of SM Aura Premier, the SM mall chain’s newest and first mall at the Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City.

The promo, which lasted for two weeks, featured several exciting prizes up for grabs for avid UNIQLO shoppers.

"UNIQLO’s “U-SHOP. U-WIN.” is a Facebook-based game application that allows netizens, especially Facebook users, to virtually purchase items from UNIQLO’s Spring/Summer 2013 collection found at the UNIQLO Spring/Summer page within the UNIQLO Web page and get more shopping points for them to buy more UNIQLO items. Shoppers can win instantly just by choosing their “lucky” cashier upon checking out after shopping. Towards the end of the promo period, major prizes will be raffled off to all shoppers who played the game. Players who logged and played more during the promo period will have more chances of winning the major prizes.

Among them include Harlene Echinique from Pasay City, Monica Salvacion from Quezon City, Philsen Padilla from Malate, Manila, Angela Lustre from Biñan, Laguna, Elmer Rayo from Taguig City and Mary Joy Puno, who each won a Tablet Phone.

On the other hand, a Summer Getaway for 2 was each won by Jaime Atienza, Jr. from Davao City, Jose Mari Jurado from Meycauayan, Bulacan and Recarlo Concepcion from Sampaloc, Manila while Kristine Joy de Vera of Kaingin Road, Balintawak and Randy Sureta from Novaliches, Quezon City has each won a Canon DSLR Camera.

Katsumi Kubota, Chief Operating Officer, Fast Retailing Philippines Inc. ; Winners of iPhone 5, Michael Allen Celestial and Marlon So ; Geraldine Sia, General Manager, Fast Retailing Philippines Inc.

Finally, Chrischelle Osicos from Makati City, Michael Allen Celestial from Sta. Rosa, Laguna, Marlon So and Roland Savellano, both from Quezon City, was awarded a brand new iPhone 5 each.

The awarding ceremony for UNIQLO’s “U-SHOP. U-WIN” Facebook app promo was preceded by the opening of UNIQLO’s 3rd store in the country.

Congratulations to all the winners! :) Check out Uniqlo's Facebook page here and stay in the loop with upcoming promos and events.

Have a Luscious Mango Lovin’ Summer with BonChon's Mango Sans Rival

2013-05-16T07:29:00.002-07:00

Properly relishing summer’s sun-drenched days and lazy afternoons calls for a cool, creamy treat that highlights the season’s sweetest yellow mangoes – exactly like the new Mango Sans Rival at BonChon!

A new lusciousness just for summer for BonChon’s Ko-Yo, (Korean Yogurt) with the new Mango Sans Rival Ko-Yo.

BonChon Chicken, the global chicken phenomenon, is known for taking classic favorites and making them oh-the-more-delicious by infusing them with a delightful twist. The well-loved BonChon Ko-Yo, or Korean Yogurt, is delectably creamy natural yogurt that’s subtly sweet with a hint of tangy tartness.

BonChon heralds the onslaught of this golden summer with the seasonal lusciousness of mango. Savor a wonderfully summery cup of alternating layers of cool, creamy Ko-Yo and homemade graham pie crust, topped with juicy mango preserves and toasted cashews in the limited edition BonChon Mango Sans Rival Ko-Yo. Inspired by the cake, every spoonful of this layered treat is a delicious play of tastes and textures, making for a delightful summer interlude.

Make it a BonChon Ko-Yo Summer all season long. Enjoy the classic Banoffee Pie and Blueberry Torte Ko-Yos, or have an icy, bubbly moment with the Ko-Yo Soda Floats in Orange or Rootbeer, also available in Cola and Lemon Lime.

The full Ko-Yo line is available in all BonChon stores nationwide, in all branches in Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Baguio, Cebu, and Davao. For more information, log ontowww.bonchon.com.ph

Crocs Megasale Strikes Back this 2013

2013-05-16T06:58:00.003-07:00

Get ready for the BIGGEST Crocs event of the year, and this is it!

The Crocs Megasale 2013 is back with up to 90% off! See you at the NBC Tent from May 1 to June 2, from 10am to 8pm. Surely a fun Crocs shopping ahead!

It’s going to be wild. It’s going to get crazy. It’s going to be huge. More and more Crocs fans are jumping for joy, as the much-awaited, and the biggest shoe sale event in one venue is back.

Now on its 5^th year, the Crocs Megasale 2013 is happening once again at the grounds of NBC Tent in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig, with a mind-blowing price slash of up to 90%. Get your hoarding game face on, rain or shine, on May 31 to June 2, from 10am to 8pm. Free entrance for all Citibank cardholders, while there’s a P50 entrance fee for all non-Citi shoppers. Cash and all major credit cards will be accepted.

Great finds for all shoe lovers from kids, teens, to adults, with over 200 designs to choose from. No one will leave the tent empty handed, as this wild Megasale will surely knock you off your feet.

Make sure to come prepared with umbrellas, fans, bottled water, and face towels. The list of shoe prices will be provided onsite. Food stands will be set up by McDonald’s, Racks, Shakey’s and Saibachi.

For more information about the Crocs Megasale 2013, like Crocs Philippines on Facebook and follow @crocsph on Twitter.

Precious Pampering with a Plus: Tupperware Brands Launches Baby Care Plus+ Milk Line

2013-05-12T11:29:00.001-07:00

In the past, Tupperware plasticware and containers dominated our kitchen and dining area. I've known the brand for ages and Tupperware has been part of our lives. What I didn't know was that Tupperware isn’t just all about plastic containers and food keepers anymore. It is now about baby-care products, cosmetics, clothes, bags and stainless-steel cookware, among others.

The flagship Tupperware brand, which features the popular food containers, is still the fastest-growing among the company’s array of products. To maintains its leadership in direct selling business, they continue to introduce more innovative and high quality products such as beauty, cosmetics, and baby care.

I was invited to the launch of the newest member of Baby Care Plus+ family, Baby Care Plus Milk line. The event was hosted by the actress, host and loving mom, Dimples Romana. She talked about the challenges of being a mom to her daughter who is more like my daughter, Maia. I know staying active is an important part of a kid's life. However, there are times they get really active and playful. We share the same sentiments because our daughters just happen to be the active and adventurous type. My daughter loves to run, so I was delighted to stumble upon these new products for kids to keep her safe and protected.

Moms always want to give extra special attention to all their kid's needs and like most moms, I'm particularly meticulous in choosing products that will touch my daughter's sensitive skin. Through a growing baby care brand, Tupperware Brands aims to provide the best baby care line that is proven to give gentle yet effective protection for babies. Further, the company plans to hold more events to spread out the opportunity for direct selling of these new products across the country.

The new line, Baby Care Plus+ Milk, is made with unique skin care ingredients that is specially designed for babies and kids. As well know, milk is healthy and it helps moisturize the skin. The new Baby Care Plus+ Milk is enhanced with moisturizers, making your baby’s skin smoother, healthier and more nourished. The new range includes bath, soap and lotion with a mild creamy floral scent that your little ones will love.

The entire range has been infused with the caring and pampering ingredients that are made locally. They have been developed by a team of leading scientists to give gentle moisturizing and conditioning benefits without causing irritation. The entire range has been clinically tested, and proven to nourish and soothe the delicate skin of your baby, and protect against irritation. These are specially formulated, dermatologist-tested products with unique plus benefits to give baby’s sensitive skin gentle care and protection.

So surround your baby with natural gentleness designed to work wonders on the skin of your baby. Give your baby the TLC that they deserve with Baby Care Plus+ Milk.

On the other hand, the blue variant of Baby Care Plus+ Baby Shampoo, Baby Bath, Baby Powder, Baby Cologne, and Baby Lotion, has the same form but different smell. The scent is more like powdery with floral notes. Each is formulated to provide your baby the gentle loving they deserve. With moisturizing and skin protecting ingredients, protect your baby from prickly heat.

With sweet, calming aromas, you can let your precious one have a good night's sleep today by giving them a bedtime pampering with a plus. You can also make bath time more relaxing and enjoyable for your baby with Baby Care Plus+ Milk Bath or Baby Care Plus+ Milk Soap that leaves your baby’s skin gently cleaned and conditioned and hair soft, smooth and freshly scented. It can create a nurturing ritual between you and your little one. It can be used on babies one month or older, and it can also be enjoyed by adults!

Baby Care Plus+ Milk Bath and Milk Soap are infused with Lamesoft Skin Protector and form a natural barrier around your baby’s skin so it gets protected while she is gently having a bath. It also has a mild PH balanced formula so it won’t irritate your baby’s sensitive skin.

After a refreshing bath, give your little one a gentle massage using Baby Care Plus+ Milk Lotion. It is a light lotion formulated with milk moisturizers, 24Hr locked-in moisturizers and Vitamin E that will keep your baby’s skin nourished, velvety smooth and soft all day.

My favorite products are the ff; Kids Playtime and Bathtime collections which offer gentle protection and have unique plus benefits like Kids Plus+ Powder with Allantoin for irritation and inflammation, Kids Plus+ Cologne with Hydraplus formula, Kids Plus+ Lotion with Nectapure that locks in moisture to skin, Kids Plus+ Bath and Kids Plus+ Soap with Plantapon skin cleansers and Kids Plus+ Shampoo with Puricare.

I honestly love Kids Plus+’ delightful packaging and fun fruity scent. For both playtime and bathtime, it offers better protection and care for our kid's skin. It is pediatrician approved and has been developed to cleanse, soothe and moisturize kids’ sensitive skin with ingredients that are guaranteed mild and gentle.

Your baby deserves gentle protection so it's important for us to keep our baby's skin smooth and silky. With the new Baby Care Plus+ Milk line, moms can relax knowing that their baby’s get the extra care and protection they need.

I'd also love to hear what you think of Baby Care Plus+ Milk. Do you think your kid will benefit from these products? Well, I guess you better try them first. :)

Also, happy mother's day to all mommies out there! :)

Gano iTouch Philippines, Inc.: Celebrating 5 years of Excellence

2013-05-09T06:41:00.000-07:00

Gano iTouch Philippines, Inc., the country’s leading multi-level marketing company of Ganoderma-based products marked its 5th anniversary, through a glitzy and glamorous bash entitled “In Pursuit of True ‘Excel-lence: Faster, Higher, Stronger.” The grand anniversary was recently held at the Aliw Theater, CCP Complex, Pasay City.

(Gano iTouch 5th anniversary highlight: Crowning ceremony for Crown Diamond Directors. From L to R: Lancelot Tondares, Nalyn Dunton, Rowena Guirnalda, Dexter Acopio, Gentle Mary Ching, Rolando Ching, Marvee Palamo, Mary Jane Palamo, Felix Jun Occeño; At the back, Gano iTouch Executives, from L to R: Maricar Bernardo Sandalo, Ms. Sin Yee Leow, Mr. Resty Almaria, Mr. Ooi Keng Seng, Mr. Leow Soon Seng, Mr Leo Esteves, Mr Deo Vargas, Mr Renz Solinap)

Exemplary performers that contributed to the success of the company were honored at the anniversary celebration.

“This is our way of saluting the leaders of Gano iTouch Philippines, Inc. for helping develop excellence not only in mind, body and soul, but also in health and in wealth. Our mission to enrich people’s lives and provide hope and economic stability through better health as provided by our superior products and legitimate income opportunity will definitely remain for the years to come,” explains Leo Esteves, Chief Operating Officer of Gano iTouch Philippines, Inc.

It was in 2007 that Gano iTouch Philippines, Inc., the authorized exclusive distributor of Gano Excel products in the country, was established. Thus far, its objective of achieving true excellence—both in world-class products and unmatched service to its thousands of customers provided by the company’s leaders—is well on track.

To know more about GanoiTouch Philippines, Inc. and how it can enrich your life, visit www.ganoitouch.com or call 706-3137/706-3152

Make Mother’s Day extra special for the best mom with Jollibee Chickenjoy

2013-05-09T02:52:00.002-07:00

From nurturing a baby in her womb for nine months, to being the best friend and most caring person that anyone can have, a mother’s unconditional love is beyond compare. This May 12, take the time to show the most special woman in your life just how much she means to you.

Mom’s the word. Celebrate Mother’s Day with the number one mom and the best-tasting fried chicken, Jollibee Chickenjoy!

Here are simple suggestions to make it one of the best Mother’s Day celebration yet for the queen of the house:

Surprise her with a special talent show. Gather the whole family and prepare a special performance for mom. Practice with your little brothers and sisters, and put together a short play based on her favorite book. Ask kuya to play her favorite song on the guitar, while dad serenades and dances with her.

Create a special AVP tribute for mom. Produce a home-made video with each family member’s personal message, or create a slideshow of your favorite family bonding moments to the tune of her favorite songs – a truly fitting tribute to show how much you truly love and appreciate her.

Treat her to a refreshing getaway. Bring mom to her favorite place – whether it be in a beach resort, her favorite spa or salon, or a shopping spree. A worry-free day will surely make any mother feel extra special.

Savor another family bonding moment with her favorite. For mommy, there’s nothing like spending a day bonding with the family. Be it simply watching movies at home, going on a picnic, or a short road trip to visit the places special to her. To make the celebration more special, treat mom to everyone’s favorite Chickenjoy! Because the best mom in the world deserves nothing less than the pinaka-crispylicious and pinaka-juicylicious Jollibee Chickenjoy!

Show mom your unparalleled love for her and treat her to the undeniable goodness of the best fried chicken, Jollibee Chickenjoy! Available for dine-in, take-out, delivery and drive-thru. For delivery, call the Jollibee Express Delivery Service hotline at 8-7000 or log on to www.jollibeedelivery.com.

Celebrate Mother's Day with F1 Hotel Manila's Freebies for Mommies

2013-05-06T06:54:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day is this weekend and I'm sure you need to get your precious mom something pronto. It is the perfect time to make our moms feel that they are the best in the world as we express how thankful we are for having them.

Instead of giving her another bag she doesn't need or another shade of lippies, go all out and treat her to a swanky staycation at a posh hotel. However, the art of staycation is a skill to be developed so make sure to choose the best hotel for your mom's special day. Let her feast on everything from a sumptuous lunch and a glass of wine to a hearty breakfast.

Just in time for Mother's day, F1 Hotel Manila offers a sweet treat specially made for all moms out there.

Sharing the same idea on how they can show our love to our mothers, they shall be providing “Freebies for Mommies” this coming May 12, 2013, where moms can get the following freebies:

Free Buffet Lunch or Dinner: When moms dine at F All Day Dining Restaurant with four (4) more paying companions based on published rate, moms are entitled to eat for free. For those who are planning to have lunch, this will be a great way to start mommy’s special day and for those who opt dinner then you will end her momentous night with a blast.

Free Manicure or Pedicure: In partnership with Fame Salon, F1 Hotel Manila’s in-house beauty hub will be giving mothers a free manicure or pedicure service making mom more vibrant and colorful on her special day. Moms will simply present their claim stubs to the said salon located at the 2nd floor of the hotel to avail their selected service.

Free Massage: Moms will be given a SPA voucher which entitles her for a 1 hour in room Shiatsu and Swedish massage which she can use when she is booked at F1 Hotel Manila. Mommies can still get pampering from the first hotel at the Fort even if Mother’s Day is already over as the voucher is valid for three (3) months.

As a gift and souvenir for moms, you'll also get your family picture taken on Mother's Day. :)

If you still haven't thought of something on how to spoil and delight your mom on Mother's day, then you may want to consider these freebies as the perfect solution for you.

Also, I was able to celebrate Mother's Day and my 30ish birthday in advance at the swanky F1 Hotel Manila last weekend with my fambam. It was our first time staying at F1 Hotel Manila, but I am sure, it will not be the last time because our staycation there was beyond amazing.

Checking in at the Premier Lounge was a breeze and totally hassle-free. The Premier Lounge is a stunning scene setter where guests get full access to the private library, complimentary breakfast, afternoon tea and cocktails. That being said, we experienced topnotch service F Hotel Manila is known for. Thanks to a courteous staff that really made our stay as comfortable as possible.

Our room which is a Fort Suite was inspired by the city of Fort and it reflects Bonifacio Global City - premier, contemporary, and elite. The room equipped with elegant and posh furniture was extremely huge, as if we brought half of our home space there. The super comfy bed was huge enough to comfortably sleep an entire family and there's easily enough space to do backflips, cartwheels, monkey flips and all.

The relaxed and cozy ambiance with a stunning view of the city will absolutely do wonders in de-stressing moms like me. You can expect nothing less than stellar with its stylish décor and sleek interiors.

We had the most restful sleep in the hotel’s elegant and spacious room, a stylishly decorated space bathed in sunlight during the day, and equipped with all the modern comforts we need: plush king size bed, flat screen TVs in the bedroom and living area, electronic safe, a flat iron with ironing board, a working desk with Internet ports, iPod dock with radio and alarm, a sofa bed, small kitchen with coffee and tea-making facility, mini ref and a bathroom with hot & cold shower. The clean and uncluttered minimalist bedroom and living area was separated and it's quite useful to maintain privacy if you’re having guests.

The bathroom was lavish and spacious with a rainforest-style, overhead shower and the all-important complimentary toiletries. I personally love the illuminated and wall-mounted magnifying mirror, which is a godsend when trying to apply eyeliner in a rush. Also, I usually find the bathrobes too heavy in luxury hotels, but their towels were light, cottony soft and really comfortable.

It was really nice to see how everything was on its place, everything was prepared and for the cases that you might need help, “just dial zero” and you're good to go. The staff was very quick and helpful during the day.

Another great advantage of staying at F1 Hotel Manila is that everything is quite close or very easy to reach. Its location provides guests' access to The Fort's iconic destination for upscale dining, shopping and entertainment. It’s also a few minutes away from St. Luke's Hospital, Bonifacio High Street, Market Market, S&R supermarket, fastfood brands and other entertainment possibilities. Close to every spot and by just walking around, you will have every store, every restaurant and also a huge shopping mall close to your heart.

For lunch, we enjoyed the delicious lunch buffet at F Cafe. I've tried the sumptuous offerings last year, and my dining experience was stellar and one gastronomical experience that I'll never forget. Click here to check out my previous blog post about F Cafe.

The dining experience at F Cafe hasn’t waned, since moms will be nourished with excellent Filipino fare, sumptuous pastas, and freshly baked bread. With F1 Hotels and resorts' new Executive Chef, Sau del Rosario, the new yet zestfully created and delectable dishes surely satisfied my cravings and it went beyond my expectations.

Located at the 3rd level of the hotel, F Cafe is an all day dining restaurant and an indulgent spot which serves both ala carte and buffet. It is open from 6 am- 11 pm wherein they're bringing the kitchen closer to the table by preparing pre-cooked meals. They offer a gastronomic journey of Western, European, Spanish and of course, Filipino food featuring regional cuisine from Philippine's 3 archipelagos, Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao or the so-called Luzviminda cuisine.

My ultimate favorites are the Parmesan Crusted Fish and mango crepe topped with ice cream. Here are some of the photos of the other delish dishes that I love;

We were endlessly entertained even if we didn't leave the hotel. So let the week’s stress seep off you as you take a relaxing dip in the hotel’s infinity pool or as you surrender to the heavenly services of the hotel’s spa. The hotel spa is located at the 3rd Mezzanine level, or simply press 3M using the elevators 1 & 2. They also have a sauna and jacuzzi.

I've tried F1 Hotel's signature massage, Hawaiian Lomi lomi with a combination of Swedish and Shiatsu maasage. Anne, the masseuse, instantly worked her magic and it was a blissful and fairly mind-blowing experience. I've learned that Hawaiian Lomi Lomi is a therapeutic massage that combines the use of flowing and rhythmic motion of the forearms, giving medium to deep pressure strokes to relieve deep-rooted stress. The pressure was perfect and she's extremely skilled with stretching.

An oasis of blissful serenity awaits your mom at the hotel's Spa & Wellness Center. Melt her stresses away with a pampering massage that is simply sublime. Adjacent to the spa is the 24-hour gym and fitness hub fully equipped with treadmills, weights and other gym equipment. I also like the fact that the Internet is free throughout the hotel, with a good signal.

One of the highlights of our stay F1 Hotel Manila was the barbecue bonding with my family at the Canary Lounge which boasts a breath-taking night view of the majestic cityscape of the Fort. Adorned with lights, chimes, and wooden furniture making the ambiance closely similar to the Canary Islands, you'll instantly get that tropical vibe feel. We truly enjoyed the mouth-watering barbecue for dinner because sometimes, family bonding simply means bars, burps, and barbecues.

Beside the lounge are the hotel’s three pools, an indoor infinity pool, outdoor pool and a kiddie pool, I was stunned by the breathtaking view from the infinity pool. I think it’s one of the main attractions of this hotel. The pool is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. so we got a lot of time for swimming. They also have acoustic performances at 7:15 pm, every Friday and Saturday at the poolside, which is a great combo with their "After Office Booze" or "Barbecue bonding" promo.

Check out these awesome offerings this summer:

When you’ve had an awesome lunch and dinner, completed a few laps in the lovely infinity pool and spent some time lounging at the Canary Lounge, (like what I've experienced,) you could be forgiven for wiling away the hours in ‘do not disturb’ mode and to just sink yourself into the plump pillows for a good night's sleep.

For breakfast, we indulged in a praiseworthy buffet brekky at F cafe. It was an awesome breakfast buffet with special courses from all over the world, whether you are looking for Sushi or Japanese food, Chinese food or the American Style with eggs and bacon, the European style with fresh bread and different pastries or fresh fruits, I am sure you will find all you need. Eggs with ham, veggies or bacon and whatever else you fancy are cooked and made to order and the orange juice is freshly squeezed.

Of course, I love seeing happy kids and taking snapshots of the happy faces of summer. Looking at it at a 360° angle, our summer staycation at F1 Hotel is perfect. What makes it perfect? A whole lot of sunshine and soul, good vibes and great tunes, happy faces, giddy kids, hearty food and great bonding moments with the family.

Indeed, F1 Hotel Manila is not just a perfect place for a staycation, it is also your home of happy moments and incredibly fun experiences.

Family bonding with hubby, my daughter and dearest brother. Priceless.

F1 Hotel Manila is conveniently located at 32nd street, Bonifacio Global City. For more information, you may call them at 928.9888/908-7888 or visit http://f1hotelmanila.com/. Like them on Facebook: facebook.com/f1hotelmanila and follow them on Twitter: @f1hotelmanila.

Don't miss out on this awesome Mother's Day offer from F1 Hotel Manila! Not only will your mom get to feast on the buffet, she'll also get exciting freebies such as the massage and manicure or pedicure that she will surely enjoy.

Much ❤,
r0ckstarm0mma