ruthilicious

The Philippine Fashion Week Feat Bacudio x Diaz x Delos Santos x Ramirez

2012-05-28T13:09:00.000+08:00

The weekend went so fast. It has been a hectic weekend. I took the leave last Friday and promised myself I would be working from home on Saturday morning. But I failed. Now, I am too scared to open my work inbox. I just made sure my Out of Office Notification is on.

So what happened? Seemed like I only stayed at home to sleep. Friday morning, I spent it in the mall - to buy shoes and blazer needed for the shoot (Saturday). I realized I do not have black pumps (a must-have in every women's shoe rack), so I thought it is the best time to buy one. My favorite place to buy shoes - Payless. But I am quite disappointed that they are not stocking on new releases. I saw some nice pairs in Makassar before, hoping that we will also have the same designs in Manila. Fail. Anyway, I bought a classic black pumps.

The best thing - I used my BDO Credit Card and got 10% discount. Yey. Then, off to SM Cubao to search for nice fitted blazer. It is hard to look for the best fitting blazer. I found one nice blazer with shiny lapel in TheMall.ph, but it is too small for me. The seller gave me incorrect measurements, and I am too tired to send message about it.

Anyway, I was feeling lucky that morning, and found a nice long blazer with white lapel collar (on sale!). The problem - the shoulders sleeves are too short for my arms. I bought it anyway, thinking I can always fold the sleeves - 3/4s style.

So finally got home after lunch, and got to bed at around 3PM. My wake-up time was supposedly 6PM but mom woke up at 7PM! I thought I would miss the show. I only had 1 hour to prepare, and off I made it to the SMX - still a few minutes early.

Here are some pictures. I really need to buy a nice camera especially for covering events.

Doors had not open yet..

During Fashion Week, expect a lot of fashionistas!

A Men's Fragrance for Women?

2012-05-28T10:34:00.002+08:00

I need to buy new bottle of perfume. I need to add that on my to-do list. I have been using this DKNY Be Delicious Perfume, and my coworker said I always smell like an airplane - in a good way. He said, I smell fresh, and good. So whenever I see him, I always ask him - coffee, tea or juice?

We always have fun at work, and there are just too many funny anecdotes and stories to share. I suddenly remember this one time I forgot to bring my facial wash in the office, and my friend offered me a sachet of Master by Eskinol. She said that she uses it for convenience. How funny it is to be using a product specially designed for men? I used it anyway. I needed to wash my face.

Then, I remember this post I made about Axe. I think I was the only female blogger who wrote about the End of the World Survival Kit which is mainly designed for men. And although I am running low of perfume to use for the day, I am still not spraying a men's perfume.

And then, there is Axe Anarchy for Him and Her.

Here's the TV ad that you won't be seeing on TV.. violence? romance?

To read more about the Axe Anarchy for Him and Her and the raid, click Read More...

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Lander Personal Care BIG-Sized Products Launch at Mind Museum + Giveaway

2012-05-24T11:11:00.001+08:00

With only a half hour of sleep coming from work and cold shower, I battled traffic from Manila to the Fort to celebrate Family Day with Lander Personal Care and mommy bloggers.

Thank you to Lander Personal Care for organizing this event, and to the Mind Museum for opening its doors for the whole family. As soon as I came inside the venue, I saw mommies and daddies with their kids, getting to know other families and enjoying the games. It is really a family affair. I wish I brought my mom so we could bond too, and I would be the "kid blogger".

Fashion Blogger Sarah Tirona with her kid! Isn't she both hot and cool?

You might be wondering what was I doing in this family event? More than being gracious with the invitation, and the excitement of seeing (and experiencing) the Mind Museum, I wanted to get to know the brand - Lander Personal Care. I know I have encountered this brand a long time ago - I must have seen it in the grocery, but the thought that it is a US-based (with a US-sounding brand name) gives an intimidating image (which means pricey!).

Lander products come in different varieties and sizes!

To get to know the Lander Personal Care products, click Read More...
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What's Up With Me and (Nescafe & South Bark) Contest Winners!

2012-05-24T10:58:00.000+08:00

Don't hate me. And I know the image below doesn't match the title. I just became so busy with work and all other commitments. I started "working" and I mean handling assignees who are sent to different parts of the globe to do business. Imagine how challenging it is. Then, Philippine Fashion Week this week (and I don't have anything to wear yet.. I thought of not going to some shows), and I have a pictorial on Saturday (I will probably blog about this once finsihed). Then I am given an opportunity to work with the team I so wanted to be part of! I am also excited for the New Kids On the Block concert! And of course, I am going to be a "judge". Not for the beauty contest. But I cannot talk much about it yet. The point is, I have the power to change people's lives - who will then be given the chance to touch somebody else's life. How cool is that?

Gorgeous Men!

I don't even have time to attend events, and even go to the mall, or even spend time with my friends (guilty mode). I have a friend getting married next month, and I am surprised that my super friend is going to Guam tomorrow! (for vacation only)

Oh and by the way, I just had my hair permed. Not the same "waves" that I wanted. But I like it!

Anyway, enough of the talk. I just thought I need to share what's keeping me busy. So here are the winners -

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(Finally) Meeting Petra Mahalimuyak: Host for Kanta Pilipinas

2012-05-21T10:15:00.001+08:00

I finally met Petra Mahalimuyak! There was no need for me to go to the US to meet her. She is here in the Philippines and she is here to stay (I think). Remember, that I even sent her interview questions and wished that we were doing an interview while sipping coffee, and just being crazy? Read my blog about it here.

But coffee shop is not where we met, but in Robotosan (The Fort, Taguig) together with other bloggers and very friendly people of Future Entertainment and TV5. So what is Petra Mahalimuyak (or Megan Ashley Rivera in real life) doing in the Philippines? She will be hosting TV5's newest singing reality search - Kanta Pilipinas!

She is so funny! What a riot!

I find it hard to take a picture of her, because she is always moving..!

But she is really nice and cute!

My friends know that I am not really into singing. So imagine my horror when I found out that we have to sing during the event. Thank God that the host, Jhai Ho-Ang is very forgiving. I didn't need to sing. He is so funny! He so much reminds me of my friend.

To know what happened during the event, click Read More...

Wishing for Genie, Fairy Godmother & Santa Claus: A Wishlist

2012-05-21T07:16:00.003+08:00

I love shopping and online shopping (click the link to see some of my purchases). It is a fact that you can include in my profile in Wikipedia (that is, if there is anyone who would bother to care and create one for me).

I have been shopping way before when sellers would post their items/advertisements in forum, upload the pictures of their items in PictureTrail, and the only way to pay for the item is to meet-up. There was no shopping platform back then. But I have been transacting online and doing online window shopping of nice items from US online stores (wishing that we will also have online shops here in Manila).

The law of supply and demand kicked in. I am just glad! I have witnessed more and more online stores launching to my delight. And I cannot miss this new site called Zalora which houses a lot of interesting products - both imported and local brands - from fashionable pieces to household stuff and pet goods!

Too bad I missed the Zalora launching, but my friends were able to go and I know everyone was talking about the new site.

Now, I promised myself that I will lessen my online transactions, but how can I NOT browse through the site? It is so easy to navigate. There is an option to select by brand, by type, by size and even by price. Items are cleverly categorized, showing how many available items are there in the category. There is even an online support, and my favorite section - SALE!

What really got me is that they offer same day delivery! Their Facebook and Twitter accounts are active too, which means that it would be easy for me to raise any concerns regarding my transaction (if there is any). No more nightmares dealing with sellers who refuse to accept exchanges and returns! Yey! Zalora offers 30-day return policy! (another yey!).

I wish Genie, Fairy Godmother and Santa Claus were real so I can send them a wish - actually a wishlist of the things I want from Zalora. But thank God for Nuffnang is real, and I got a chance to get my wish granted..

What is in my list?

What to Discover in The Mind Museum?

2012-05-20T15:49:00.000+08:00

I finally got the time to visit The Mind Museum! Weeee!!! Last year, I remember blogging about it here.

There had been a lot of opportunities to visit the museum, but schedule conflict didn't permit me. It was timely that I was invited to the event held in The Mind Museum; and even if I only had half hour of sleep, I took the chance to roam around the museum and be a kid again.

Why am I so excited?! It is dubbed as the "first world class museum in the Philippines", and everyone was excited for its opening. I, personally love visiting museums and exhibits - and the thought that we would have something like this in the Philippines makes me so happy. How fun it is to be kids today?!

I don't want to bore you with too much introductions.. Let me tour you around.

To see more of The Mind Museum, click Read More...

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The Pizza Story and 3M Pizza

2012-05-17T10:41:00.000+08:00

Do you guys remember 3M Pizza? Who can forget the brand. Even before we hailed a "cab", "shake" it like mad, and think of nipa "hut", we think of 3M pizza if we want affordable pizza which is unpretentious and truly Filipino.

Last night, we had a New Hire Snack-out to welcome our new hires in the team. We are a team of around 60 plus members, and our management thought that it is important to make the new hires feel welcome and make them feel part of the team. Since our office is in the business district, expect that most of the eating places are expensive. We originally planned to go to this restaurant but it closes early, so plan B was to hold the "mini-event" in this pizza place. We had fun and I can say that it was a success. The new hires introduced themselves (again and again), and answered two questions they picked (like in Beauty Contests). I wish to upload pictures but I am too lazy to get my camera. Anyway, the bill was shared by all tenured members, and it was indeed expensive for a snack. Suddenly, I wished there were a 3M Pizza store near our office.

Hawaiian Pizza from 3M Pizza

To know more about 3M and the changes to its offerings, click Read More...

Let's get cerebral.. Did you know that 3M Pizza has been around since 1969? With 44 outlets, it has been a household name, and I am guessing that everyone knows the brand - our parents, our aunts, our grandmas and grandpas, even your neighbors, and the mommy of the auntie of the friend of your helper.

According to the top honcho behind 3M, Noel Sun, the company plans to expand their pasta
and snacks line to supplement their spaghetti, lasagna and pizzadog. There's going to be a Bicol Express Pizza! I have tasted the Pinakbet Pizza from Ilocos, and now I want to eat Bicol Express.

Interesting update - 3M will not just be a pizza parlor but will also serve pastas, salad, fried chicken, etc One form - transformation. But the brand promises that it would still has its Pilipino traditional taste that our elders know.

Now, I want to try 3M Pizza.. Who wants?

Getting to Know Mrs. Cynthia Villar and the Villar Foundation

2012-05-13T12:45:00.000+08:00

How would you feel sitting in a dining table, enjoying a gustatory lunch with a senator's wife, and getting to know the lady whose passion is to help her people elevate their lives? More than being honored, I feel impressed by the humbling spirit of Mrs. Cynthia Villar. I was lucky to be invited to their house in Las Pinas and get to know the woman behind the Villar Foundation.

For people who are curious about how does an estate property builders' home looks like - I can describe it as homey and simple. What makes it more inviting is the friendly and warm staff of Mrs. Villar who treated us like we were VIP's.

The beautiful ceiling is made of Anahaw
For the privacy of the Villar Family, I would rather not
post the house pictures here

To know more about Mrs. Cynthia Villar and the Villar Foundation, click Read More...
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A Thank You Note for My Mom

2012-05-12T22:42:00.000+08:00

Do you always write notes to your mom? or send a message, or just say I Love You? I don't. The last note I left for her was when I left the house, and I wrote that I was leaving early for work. Then of course, the note which was printed on the card together with the flowers I sent her last Valentine's Day.

I am just not sure if the text message I sent a few minutes before I flew to my assignment in Indonesia counts.. You see, I am not always cheesy with my messages to my mom.

Yes, she is still using an old phone and I know she wants a new smart phone

so she can access my blog too ;)

"I am already in the plane. Waiting to fly. Take care."

"Take a rest ma."

This Mother's Day, I thought of blogging about my appreciation of my mom. Mom will always be mom, and her love is the greatest of all the love in the world. It truly defines unconditional love. We heard about stories of mommies working abroad, sacrificing the distance just to provide for their family. I know mommy bloggers who work at home to stay with their kids, and earn extra money to help their hubbies. I read stories in newspapers of moms doing two jobs to give the best for their kids. And there are single moms who play the role of both mom and dad.

My mom may not have worked in another country and spoke a different language. She may not be a mommy blogger who attends events and knows celebrities, but she is also special. It is given that she has provided us good and delicious meals, clothed us literally (yes, she is a dressmaker!), and spent time with us and smiled with us whenever we will stood infront of stage to receive an award. She unknowingly taught us values by being an example to us; like showing us equality by treating me and my siblings fairly. But more than anything, it is the simple things that she does that makes her more special.

To get to know my mom, click Read More...

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SM Launches iButterfly App: Catch Butterflies and Redeem Deals from Partner Merchants!

2012-05-07T10:30:00.000+08:00

I went to SM The Block Atrium last Saturday morning, and found this scene. People are raising their smart phones, swirling around, aiming and catching something. Nope, there is no alien invasion reported and the people were not hypnotized or under spell. They are catching butterflies!

Why butterflies? The last time I saw a butterfly was when we went to this tourist spot in the island of Makassar, Indonesia. Then, of course, a bunch of butterflies during my friend's wedding. Why would people ever catch butterflies? with smart phones?!

They are catching butterflies to use for discounts, freebies and deals with merchant partners. SM Supermalls releases the SM iButterfly - an Augmented Reality Application on your iPhone and Android Mobile Devices last May 5, 2012. It uses 3 technologies: Augmented Reality, for seeing the iButterflies in the real world, Motion Sensors for catching iButterflies using your phone and your phone’s Global Positioning System or GPS for finding where the iButterflies are. It was previously created by Japan’s Mobile Art Lab and has been successfully launched in Japan, Hongkong, Indonesia, and Singapore.

To know more about the iButterfly, and how you can get deals, click Read More..

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Great Buys of the Week: Nude Lace Dress and Flared Pants from Forever21

2012-05-06T10:44:00.000+08:00

I got alot of great purchases recently - from bags, necklaces with semi-precious stones, clothes and accessories. I am out of time to share them all, and I am out of money for my trip to India. I promise myself I will save more this year, but I just couldn't resist a great bargain. I processed an online order from Forever21, then I found myself leaving the store in SM Makati with another shopping bag (this was two weeks ago) .

What have I got?

Nude Lace Dress (Php1275) and Flared Denim (Php750)

Will I Glow With Gloww?

2012-05-06T05:29:00.000+08:00

I just felt that I need to pamper myself this weekend. I need to visit my derma, get a haircut and hair treatment, start with my exercise regimen (again), and get glow-ing. My life has been exciting, yet stressful in the past months. I feel so unpretty. Then I found this box in my room. I remember receiving this pack days before the business trip, and I think it is perfect to try this product. I need to glow!

This picture was taken last month during our visit to the Juvenile Detention Center in Makassar, Indonesia. It is part of one of the community services that we did as volunteers for IBM CSC (I have yet to blog about my experience that day). I stayed in the island for a month with other volunteers from different countries - and I witnessed how Asians are so excited and fascinated with the Westerns and those with white skin.

I, personally don't want to change my skin color. BUT I have uneven skin tone - my face's skintone is different with my arms, and legs and whatever is hidden. And since I spent too much time under the sun (beach and island trips), I felt that my skin tone has gotten more uneven. So it is a perfect time for me to try Gloww.

So what is Gloww?

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American Pie: The Reunion - Funny and Sexy Film with Values!

2012-05-02T00:23:00.000+08:00

I am not sure what your age was when people started looking at an Apple Pie differently. I was in my freshmen year, and I have seen the film with my friends. I am talking about American Pie (who doesn't know the film?). This is one film I can watch over and over, and I would laugh harder the same way the first time I have seen it. I have actually seen the other American Pie series - American Pie 2 and American Wedding. The other spin-offs American Pie: Band Camp, American Pie: The Naked Mile, American Pie: Beta House, and American Pie: The Book of Love are also hilarious! After more than a decade, the High School kids who taught us lessons about love, friendship, and curiousity, and defined the term tongue tornado are back in the big screen for their High School Reunion.

I got the chance to watch the uncut version the other night in Gateway Cinema. Thank you to our friends from Solar Entertainment.

I love how the film tackles topics such as career, self-fulfillment, friendship, and (of course) sex for married couples (or the lack of it - and I honestly cannot relate for both topics). American Pie: The Reunion is not an American Pie movie without its signature ingredient - teenagers who are curious about sex, and desperate moves how to get some. The film also (slightly) presented realities such as gay and lesbian relationships. It is nice sitting in the movie theater seeing the original casts - Jason Biggs (Jim), Alyson Hannigan (Michelle), Chris Klein (Chris), Thomas Ian Nicholas (Kevin), Eddie Kaye Thomas (Paul), Tara Reid (Vicky), Seann William Scott (Stifler), Mena Suvari (Heather), Eugene Levy (Noah), and of course, Stifler’s mom played by Jennifer Coolidge (Jeannine), in the big screen - and finding out which characters have changed, who hasn't and who has aged gracefully.

The movie started with trails of clothes - from shirts, underwear and bra scattered all over the floor, and bed banging - only to find Michelle rocking the bed and trying to make his son sleep. The prelude of the movie just shows how scenes would get more exciting and unexpectedly surprise the movie goers as the movie progresses.

To read more about the movie, click Read More ... I am warning you, there are spoilers!
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IBM Business Gets Social: How We Do Business Socially?

2012-04-29T13:33:00.002+08:00

If I tell you that I can update my status message, post on my colleagues profiles, and follow a blog while at work - will you report me to my boss and tell her that I am not being productive? Well, that is what we are in my organization - we collaborate, we use technology and we share ideas. To be clear, we are not using Facebook to connect socially with our colleagues or with anyone within the organization around the globe - we have this platform we call the IBM Connections.

Live Tweets during the event

It is used internally to connect more than 400,000 employees - to connect those with common interests, to share and collect opinions about a certain idea, to support a project or just to deliver a message. You see, we regulary receive email notifications with link to top executives or even CEO's video blogs (it is like we are subscribed to video blogs like that of Petra Mahalimuyak's!). The top management team are "social" people too - and what is interesting is that even I, a practitioner from the Philippines can even leave a message or comment to the CEO's video blog and share my thoughts and opinions (and yes, she replies to the comments!).

This is just one of the many IBM Social Softwares that were shared to us during the Media Briefing of the Business Goes Social event which was conducted last Tuesday, in Makati Shangri-la.

To know how businesses get social, click Read More...

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The Avengers: Not Your Usual Action Sci-Fi Movie (It's a Comedy!)

2012-04-29T11:47:00.000+08:00

The Avengers is a comedy film! Well, it is just my nice way of saying that it is entertaining and that I did enjoy the movie! I am no film critic and a certified movie-reviewer but now I understand why The Avengers grossed more than 100M in two days of its opening. The movie doesn't mainly focused on action scenes and effects, but also considered character building, scripting and how movie-goers can relate to each character.

I got a brilliant idea from a blogger friend - Movie Screening Tickets collectible ;)

I hope to find time to attend movie screenings though.

Never mind if I only had 3 hours of sleep and I missed Vic Sotto's birthday celebration in Eat Bulaga (gosh, I never miss Vic's birthday celebrations!). I battled the traffic and the summer heat, just to get to SM The Block for the Block Screening of The Avengers. Thank you to our friends, I got free screening ticket invites to watch the movie without buying any merchandise. But I might buy some for my niece and nephew (see below where you can buy The Avengers merchandise and apparels).

Here I am with The Avengers

The Hulk is supposedly taller.. but looks like I am the tallest here ;)

I would have to put a disclaimer (first) that I am no Marvel comics reader, although I know the characters and I love their costumes, watching The Avengers is like tasting an exotic food for me. No expectations and no comparison, but the raves even before the movie was shown got me all intrigued.

I am totally amazed at how they put together big stars to play superhero roles in one big movie. It is not the typical all-star cast movie - big names with small roles; but each star was given a spotlight to play the character and deliver remarkable lines.

To read more about the movie, and where to buy The Avengers merchandise, click Read More...

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South Bark: New Online Pet Store + Give-away!

2012-04-27T12:01:00.000+08:00

If only I have a pet, I will keep these lovely prizes sponsored by South Bark. But we chose not to keep a pet at home. We thought it is like a relationship (you have to nurture them, and have time for them), and we can just simply say that I, and my parents don't want commitment (at this point).

We used to have a cute puppy, then a cat (oh, I love cats!) and then a fish. But now, I am content seeing my friends' lovely pets - especially if they are all dressed up with cute costumes while playing with their toys and/or eating their healthy meals. And for supplies of these pets essentials, there is a new online store called South Bark which has everything you need for your cute pets and/or babies (as most of my friends call their pets!).

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Your Very Own Creation in Ensembles Stores - Fashion Design Contest

2012-04-25T00:29:00.000+08:00

Is your notebook full of sketches of dresses and style of clothes you have sewn in your mind? Have you always dreamed of joining the Project Runway? Do you want your creation display in the store window or worn by Carmina Villarroel in her next photoshoot?

Don't dream. Join the contest! Ensembles is having its first ever Design Competition to make your dream come true. Ensembles is giving you the chance to break into the world of fashion through its WEAR MY DESIGN Contest where winning pieces will be produced for the Spring Dresses 2013 Collection.

It doesn't matter if you don't have experience, or if you cannot use a sewing machine (just ask someone to sew it for you). Just submit a dress prototype creation together with the Application Form. All approved submissions will be uploaded to Ensembles Facebook Page for voting which is 10% of the criteria. There is no limit on the amount of designs submitted.

To know how to submit an entry, click Read More...

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Drink (Nescafe) Decaf and Get a Chance to Win Trip to Asian Country

2012-04-23T11:20:00.001+08:00

I love coffee more than I love alcohol. It is a fact; which is I think is good and I would like to think that drinking coffee would do me good than drinking alcohol. It was funny that the last time I went to a hotel bar for our last night out in Indonesia, I asked the waiter if they serve coffee. Unfortunately, they do not. My love for coffee probably was ignited when I worked as a barista in one of the famous coffee shops today. I made hot drinks and cold drinks, including that drink they call Frappuccino which we call the Ice Blended Drinks. I prepared lattes and cappuccinos, and I could pull a perfect shot of espresso. I love drinking coffee, even if there is no need for me to stay up. So sometimes, the caffeine no longer has that effect on me.

Even during lunch or dinner, I and my friends crave for coffee.

Our meal during our day-trip in Macau

I always crave for the bitter, dark-roasted taste of coffee with that strong aroma. Whenever my friends and I would meet up late at night, we rather stay and talk in the coffee shop - and I usually order for decaffeinated coffee. But staying in a place called Manila where the nearest coffee shop is a drive away, the craving for a decaf coffee during late hours is a pain for me.. well, it WAS a pain for me. Thank you to Nescafe Decaf.

To know how to get a chance to win an Asian Trip, click Read More...

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How I Survived with Only One Luggage and Lessons I Learned

2012-04-23T06:52:00.002+08:00

A blog series about my in-country assignment to Makassar for IBM Corporate Service Corp.
Follow along https://www-146.ibm.com/corporateservicecorps/

It is more than a month, but I love thinking of the great experiences I had in Makassar, Indonesia. Arriving in the island is already a journey. On March 11th, the IBM Indonesia Team 3 was already complete - arriving from different parts of the globe - everyone has arrived in the Hotel Kempinski, Jakarta in the midnight of March 11th. At 7:30 AM, we were ready to leave to the airport and take the plane which will take us to our assignment destination.

Our luggage and bags

The night before, we met up with the IBM Indonesia Team and Country Manager; and had a hearty dinner at Lara Djonggrang Restaurant. It is such a beautiful restaurant! But I am skipping a blog post about it since I am still awaiting for the pictures which will be sent by the General Manager. He was such a nice guy who offered to send me high-resolution pictures for the feature blog. I wasn't able to take very nice pictures that night because I couldn't get the perfect setting for my camera.

Anyway, time to depart. Our Program Manager advised us that by 7:30 AM, we should all be ready to go and had checked out; and I know that when they say 7:30 AM, it is 7:30 AM sharp. I was at the lobby 5 minutes before 7:30 AM. I had taken a very good breakfast from Signatures Restaurant. I know there is no room for leeway during this assignment as I would be dealing with people from different geographies and they wouldn't understand what is Filipino Time.

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Do You Have a Firande Story? Share and Win Prizes!

2012-04-22T16:52:00.000+08:00

If you have been following me on Twitter, you might have seen or noticed the label #Firande that I use whenever I tweet something nice and exciting.

What is Firande? Firande is a Swedish word which means feast or celebration. It is nice that simple things can be called for a celebration, especially if it is captured by a camera or video. Interestingly, Electrolux traces its roots from Sweden. I am sure you have heard of Electrolux, this is one brand which gave me chance to share my ideas and even gave me interesting prizes.

Now, to celebrate Electrolux's 10 thoughtful years, it invites everyone to join the Live, Love, Firande! Photo Contest by sharing their unique moment of Firande through photos – from remarkable achievements and important personal milestones to fun family vacations and exciting getaway with friends.

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(So Far) My Best Breakfast Buffet in Hotel Kempinski

2012-04-16T14:47:00.001+08:00

When I woke up this morning, my first thought was - What's for breakfast? I remember the breakfast we had in Hotel Kempinski. They say that one should get a heavy breakfast to start a day - and I think Hotel Kempinski took it too seriously.

We were not only served with the usual cereals, breads and eggs. When our Program Manager said that Hotel Kempinski offers the best breakfast buffet, I have to believe her even if she shared it during dinner and even if I had not seen what is in the buffet table/s.

I love buffets (check out my Marriott Hotel Brunch experience here and Sofitel Buffet Dinner over here) and I know I gained weight during my whole month stay in Indonesia. My boss told me I now have a baby bump, and my colleague took notice of my "big" stomach. What can I do, but just enjoy the company of my teammates and good food.

The breakfast buffet in Hotel Kempinski is served in the Signatures Restaurant located at the first floor.

To know what is in the breakfast buffet, click Read More...

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Arriving in Jakarta, Meeting the IBM CSC Team and Staying in Hotel Kempinski

2012-04-15T20:34:00.001+08:00

A blog series about my in-country assignment to Makassar for IBM Corporate Service Corp.
Follow along https://www-146.ibm.com/corporateservicecorps/

#ibmcsc #teamindonesia3

I am home (in Manila) for a week now, but I still think and remember the great memories and experiences I had in Indonesia with my team - and all other people I met in Jakarta and in the island of Makassar. Most of the time, I find myself checking our Facebook Group for updates - posts, comments, likes, any activity from any of the team member. I miss them so much - and it is really hard to go back to my life. "Reverse Homesick" is what the CSC alumna calls it - and I am feeling it now.

People think that we had a holiday - but it is all hard work, especially for me, who had never done such type of a job. Our team had fun, that's the truth - but we just made sure to make the most of the experience - and that means sleepless nights, sleepless weekends and sleeping in the road.

I didn't find time to blog real time/timely during assignment (although I have some blogs here), but I just want to share my experience - so here I am, opening blogger and writing this post.

Let's start with my departure - or should I say, arrival in Jakarta. It was my first time to travel alone - in another country. The only thing that was keeping me secured is the fact that I was heading to another Asian country - if things get worse, I can always book a flight back to Manila. But of course, ABV and IBM took care of everything - and that made me more secured.

My flight was at 7:00 in the morning, and the night before, I was packing and re-packing - ensuring my luggage weight did not go over the allowance. I told myself that this time around, I would travel light and just bring the essentials (I would talk about my luggage more on the next post). I registered a new blog (check it here) for the IBM CSC assignment and published two entries on it, but decided to publish everything here - since this blog feeds through the CSC site.

The Philippine Airlines (PAL) brought me to Singapore then to Jakarta. On our way to Singapore, I was seated next to a guy from USA and his girlfriend (Chinese) - they are on their way to Singapore for vacation. How nice it is to travel with your loved one? What is sweeter, the guy was reading a book about Chinese culture.

The aircraft that safely brought me to my assignment

To know how I met my team in Hotel Kempinski, click Read More...
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Congratulations to the Winners of Human Nature and Social Entrepreneurs Giveaway!

2012-04-12T17:29:00.000+08:00

I will make this short and simple (and quick) - as I am also running late and preparing to go to work (after one month of being on assignment in Indonesia! Time to get back to reality). Anyway, thank you to everyone who joined the Human Nature and Social Entrepreneurs Giveaway! I am happy with the number of entries we received - but most importantly, I am happy to know that more and more people are supporting this cause to help our social entrepreneurs.

My only hope though, is for the continued support from readers and netizens to help and support the "wonderful, wonderful" products of these social entrepreneurs and to promote their cause (you may refer to this post).

I wish I could tell you more how much I love the products - Human Nature, Enchantea, Golden Eggs, Cafe de Sug and Theo and Philo!

Anyway, without further talk and blogging, here are the winners of the giveaway -

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Ready to Play Under the Sun

2012-04-12T00:47:00.001+08:00

Sun, sea and sand.. Summer is coming.. Summer is here! I just came from a business trip in Indonesia (with fun-filled weekend activities) but I am now longing for another trip. What surprise me is that a lot don't like the sun, and are hesitant to take the plunge and enjoy. I know it is not about the two-piece bikini, but ladies (and even gents) are afraid to get those red spots after long hours under the sun.

I, for one didn't care much about sunblocks or sunscreens. I have to admit that I hated putting on sunblock every hour whenever I would be out under the sun. Plus, I hate the greasy feeling after putting it on. But after seeing fine lines and reading more about harmful effects of the sun - I have to include sunblock in my packing list.

And I worry - not! Sunplay, the number one sunblock /sunscreen in Japan, is now in the Philippines! For my dear readers, you can do more than just wear your two piece and pose for pictures - guys can do more than flex their muscles and display their abs. ;)

To know more about Sunplay sunblock, please click Read More..

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