Support HERO Foundation, Inc. and Be a Hero to our Nation's Heroes' Children

Every day, we enjoy the freedom of going to almost anywhere we want to around the Philippines. Generally, we feel confident in the knowledge that our country is peaceful enough that we can go out without fear of endangering our lives or those of our family members'.

Children of killed or injured soldiers 

That security and peace of mind are possible thanks to the soldiers who make sure there is peace and order in our land. Unknown to many, most of these soldiers have to be away from their families for long periods of time and, sometimes, die in battle without getting to spend time with their kids. Help make their sacrifice worth it.

Ms. Michelle Chan - HERO Director for Fundraising 

Support HERO (Help Educate and Rear Orphans) Foundation Inc., a non-stock, non-profit organization that sends military orphans to school. It was founded by the late President Corazon C. Aquino in collaboration with her then administration's Defense Secretary Renato De Villa. Since 1988, the group has been raising awareness and funds about the plight of children of soldiers who were killed or injured in action.

Mr. Jun Bisnar of Nuvali - HERO Board Member

For the past 25 years, HERO has been carrying on this noble task through the support of corporations and private individuals. Scholarships have been established in the form of stipends that are directly given to families of fallen soldiers to help them with the cost of books, uniform, meals, transportation, school supplies and, sometimes, even their tuition fees.

Ms. Ces Drilon interviewing widow Ms. May Tambong
with her son Jonjon

HERO also provides educational allowance to the children or dependent sibling of Filipino soldiers who were killed or incapacitated due to enemy action. As of this 2013-2014 school year alone, HERO is currently supporting 721 scholars but it has already helped 2376 scholars since 1989.

Interview w/ Msgt. Emiliano Hemongala who was injured and
honorably discharged in 2000, w/ his daughter Maryorie
who also wants to become a soldier someday

Earlier today, HERO launched its redesigned donation box at the 4th floor of Trinoma Mall Cinema Lobby. The event, hosted by Ms. Ces Orena Drilon, was graced by the foundation's ambassadors such as 6Cyclemind, Calla Lily, and Trumpets' Audie Gemora and Carlo Orosa. Also present were representatives from corporate donors as well as individual sponsors.

The donation box appears like a container full of what at first appear to be coins but are actually hundreds of soldier's dog tags. The metal objects signify soldiers' supreme sacrifice to bring about peace  and offering their lives to attain it.

HERO Foundation's celebrity ambassadors

Thus, in return, it is but proper to reciprocate and show our thanksgiving for their sacrifices by sharing whatever amount we can give for our heroes' families; their children in particular. HERO presented to guests and members of the media several children who are current beneficiaries of the scholarships. It is quite heartbreaking to hear their stories about losing the heads of their families.

HERO Foundation's corporate and individual sponsors

So if you happen to pass by a HERO Foundation donation box in one of the Ayala Malls or Megaworld Malls, do take a moment to drop any amount that your heart urges you to give. Pooled together, the donations will go a long way to ensure the future of our fallen soldiers' children and give them a fighting chance to lead a better life.

Cally Lily 

If you are a Globe or TM subscriber and prefer to donate via SMS, just type HEROAMOUNT and send to 2899. Donations can be in the amounts of P5, 25, 50, 100, 300, 500, and 1000.

6CycleMind

Like HERO Foundation, Inc. on Facebook and follow @HERO_Phils on Twitter to be updated of other news.

Win P1500 Worth of SM Kids' Fashion GCs by Showing Pops, He's Tops!

If you missed the chance to win Php 1500 worth of SM Kids' Fashion gift certificates last Mother's Day, here's another opportunity to have some shopping money for your little one's clothes!

Show your appreciation for Dad and get the chance to win Php 1500 in gift certificates from SM Kids’ Fashion!

Mechanics:

1.  Take a picture showing how you let Dad know he’s #1. You may want to have your child wear SM Kids' Fashion Father's Day statement tees!

My hubby and our son with special needs

2. Follow SM Kids’ Fashion on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/Smkidsfashion), Twitter (http://twitter.com/SMKidsFashion), and Instagram (http://instagram.com/smkidsfashion)

3.  Send your most creative snapshot via private message at the SM Kids Fashion Facebook page. Don’t forget to include a sentence or two about your picture!

4.  The best pictures and answers take home the prize!

5.  Send your entries by June 16, 2013.

A Good Experience with Khalid Rent-A-Car Services

Early this week, my family and I went to Tagaytay to stay at Crosswinds Resort Suites. A day before we were about to leave was the only time I had the whole week to search online for somewhere to rent a self-drive car. I had to laugh though when one of my friends asked if there is such a thing -- a car that drives by itself -- and explained that it just means renting a vehicle that my husband could drive. 

You see, we didn't want to have a vehicle that comes with a driver because we didn't want the additional concerns of logistics and added expenses of providing another person with food and lodging. Besides, we enjoy traveling solely as a family.

And so my search began on a Sunday morning. I wrote down all the possible leads I found online and called them one by one. Some I outright rejected because their available vehicles are either too big or too expensive. There was one I didn't dare consider because the security deposit quote alone was P12,000!

I narrowed my choices to three and, after some negotiations, I made a deal with, I assumed, the owner of a rent-a-car service in Paranaque who gave me a good price. The problem was, just before I was to email her the scanned documents she requires, I received a text from her saying her husband has just rented the car to another customer. Despite the apology, I found her very unprofessional.

That left me with only a few hours to find another option and considered one from Mandaluyong. The owner was very accommodating but their available vehicle is a Ford Focus 1.8 AT that my hubby said swallows gasoline like there's no tomorrow. 

By then it was already dark and I was despairing if we'd end up taking a taxi all the way to Tagaytay the next morning. My worry was how we'd get around the area having been told that the hotel we would be staying in is quite far from the main road.

Thankfully, I chanced upon Khalid Rent-A-Car Services that is based in Las Pinas. The lady I talked to said the only sedan they have for the next day is a Toyota Vios which is, unfortunately, color-coded. I asked if we can get it at 6AM to avoid being caught by the traffic enforcers. She agreed but only if I could provide all the necessary documents ASAP. She said self-drive rental for an out-of-town trip is P2500 a day.

So I immediately scanned my passport, a couple of valid IDs, hubby's driver's license, and two utility bills with our address. Right after I emailed them, I got a text that we are approved to rent the car. That was already past 10PM.

I spent the whole night writing and finishing deadlines, afraid to fall asleep and miss waking up my husband who I needed to accompany to Las Pinas. We arrived at Khalid's garage a few minutes past 6AM. After signing the contract, leaving all the original copies of my documents, and paying the deposit of P5000 plus one day's worth of rental, we were on our way home to pick up the kids.

The car was well-maintained. We didn't have any trouble with it at all. We brought it back on Tuesday night and got part of the deposit back because we had to be charged with an extra day's rent. I was also handed back all my personal documents. 

All in all, it was a smooth transaction. If you're on the lookout for a rent-a-car company with accommodating staff, good vehicles, and reasonable prices, contact Khalid at these numbers: 871-8862, 872-3046, 0916-4448844, or 0929-4444470. They are located just beside SM Center Las Pinas.

Crosswinds Resort Suites Tagaytay -- The Perfect Place to Temporarily Get Away From It All

Many of us always dream of having a day or two where we won't have to think about the stresses of everyday life or the tons of stuff we need to finish at work. Early this week, my family had that kind of day and it was a most welcome and refreshing change from our regular routines.

Hubby and I were really busy this past summer and we didn't even get to make plans for a real vacation with the kids. A couple of weeks ago, we decided to have a "Last Hurrah for Summer" even for just two days with our boys. 

And so last Monday, we headed to cool Tagaytay where we have booked an overnight stay at Crosswinds Resort Suites. The hotel, called Grand Quartier 2, is located inside the leisure Alpine Village community of Crosswinds Tagaytay. It is nestled on the hillside of this 100-hectare development.

It is advisable to put your car windows down when you pass the main guard house/gates and savor the fresh air and crisp scent of the 20,000 pine trees planted all over the huge land area. The sights of the rolling hills and sweeping vistas are welcome sights indeed for weary travelers who seek respite from the stresses of work and urban life.

My family and I were very much delighted upon entering the two-bedroom suite that was to be our home for the next two days. It has beautifully-appointed furniture and is very spacious -- just perfect for a big family like ours. Of course, hubby and I took the master's bedroom for ourselves :D It has its own TV and balcony, along with a lot of cabinets. It also has a connecting door to the bathroom.

Two of the boys installed themselves in the other bedroom where there is a desk for their laptop. Yeah, it's hard for all of us not to stay connected with the outside world via our social media networks :) Thankfully, Crosswinds has a great internet connection so we all got to post photos on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

The other two boys slept in the living room because the couch served as comfortable beds. The pull out with extra foam mattress was perfect for our special child because it gave us peace of mind that there won't be any danger of him falling off while he's asleep.

Crosswind's hotel itself is quite far from Tagaytay's main road though so I suggest you bring food stocks and ingredients for cooking if you plan on a staycation all throughout your visit. Each room has its own kitchen with virtually every equipment you'll need to prepare a good meal. 

The afternoon we were there, I made spaghetti for our afternoon merienda then we just went out for dinner. I asked one of Crosswind's friendly staff for his recommended restaurant that serves good bulalo and he pointed us to Leslie's. 

So off we went to look for the place and easily found it along Aguinaldo Highway just past the Tagaytay rotunda. My ravenous brood happily ate everything we ordered. It was such a happy feeling to see everyone I love enjoying their food. 

Before we went back to Crosswinds, I tried taking several shots of the lighting bolts that were illuminating the far side of Taal Lake. I slightly regretted that I didn't bring my tripod with me because I think I could have taken better shots. Anyhow, I found one that I really like :)

Sleep was a welcome reprieve. All of us had a restful night after taking hot showers or a long bath. I love the softness of the quilt that wrapped us snugly in its embrace. Morning came too soon, though. We got a wake up call around 9AM telling us that we only have an hour left to grab something to eat. Before going down, I took a peek outside the glass doors and the view outside the balcony was a sweet sight for sleepy eyes. 

Hubby and I availed of the complimentary breakfast for two and left the kids still sleeping in the room. We bought a lot of food supplies for them the night before at a 7 Eleven store so they'll have bread, spreads, chocolate milk, and more to keep their tummies full when they wake up.

We checked out a little past 12NN, fully recharged to face a new week of school and work. Before leaving the Crosswinds estate, we took a tour around the area and checked out the swimming pool (unfortunately, it's quite far from the hotel so we didn't get to take a dip anymore) and the quaint Christmas Village.

If the ground was not damp from the previous night's rain, I would have loved to revisit the high, grassy area they use as a helicopter pad. It was where we flew sky lanterns during the Nuffamily Day held there a couple of years ago. That was another one of our special moments spent as a family.

As we said goodbye to Crosswinds, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratefulness for that brief time we were able to spend as a family away from home before the kids return to school and me and hubby to our busy days at work.  I know this is another moment to treasure and remember in future years when the boys have all grown up and are living their own lives. 

Book a stay at Crosswinds and experience peace of mind and bodily rest amidst the beauty of nature in a serene environment. Check out the published room rates here but don't forget to ask for their lower weekday, weekend, and Special Sunday rates that are already inclusive of 5% service charge, 12% VAT, and 0.75% local tax.

Crosswinds is located at Brgy. Iruhin Central, Calamba Road, Tagaytay City. Call (632) 856-9601, (632) 623-7084, or (63917) 569-6280. You may also email reservations@crosswindsresortsuites.com and log on to www.crosswindsresortsuites.com. This amazing property is managed by Hospitality International, Inc. (HII).  

Adventures Inside Historic Intramuros with White Knight Tours' Electric Chariots

Fancy a sort of time travel experience? Head on to Intramuros and experience a different way of learning history with a modern twist!

I have been to Intramuros many times. It is where my then boyfriend's (now husband) school is located and it is also where one can find the Manila Bulletin building, where I am a contributing writer. Whenever I have some extra minutes to spend in past visits, I'd make sure to go up the walls' walkway for a scenic stroll. 

I was so glad to discover that people can actually tour and learn more about Intramuros in a really fun way! Last Tuesday, two of my good friends, Myke and Ryan, and I visited White Knight Hotel Intramuros (WKHI) located at Plaza San Luis Complex, General Luna St. corner Urdaneta St. It is right across San Agustin Church. We were invited to try out what they call electric chariots that tourists can ride around Intramuros with.

The self-balancing machines or personal transporters (that's the generic term, not Segway 'coz WKHI uses the brand Enjoy) were intimidating at first. I was doubtful if I could ride it properly as I have a poor sense of balance. Amazingly, on the first try and few attempts to maneuver my e-chariot, I discovered that it's really easy to stay on top of it! Many minutes later, I believe all of us already felt like expert drivers! :)

Of course, before anybody can take a ride, we were outfitted with safety gear. The helmets are bright yellow, which will make them easy to spot by incoming vehicles. Our guides patiently taught us how to make the chariots work and had us take several turns around the fountain in the Plaza San Luis courtyard before allowing us to go out into the street.

There's a wonderful sense of freedom that riding the electric chariots give. I had so much fun zipping past the many historical sites we stopped by such as the San Agustin Church, the ECJ Building, Galeria de los Presidentes, and the Baluarte de San Diego Gardens.

I captured the funniest photo of the year! LOL (zoom in please)

Our guide shared a lot of information about the places we went to. I couldn't help thinking how useful the facts and figures would be to students who are currently taking history classes. We were told that a lot of foreigners, mostly Europeans, indeed stay at WKHI to experience this kind of educational tour. With this blog post, I hope more Filipinos will also be encouraged to take a peek into our country's past by visiting and seeing first hand this place where history continues to live on.

Aside from the two-wheeled chariots, you may opt to ride the mini-ATVs instead. I found out though that these cute little vehicles are harder to get used to than the personal transporters. Heavy-weight guests who may not fit into either two, can still join the tour by riding on one of White Knight's bikes or the pretty red and white shuttle that older people prefer to ride in.

Whatever mode of transportation you choose, you'll definitely have fun going around Intramuros because the hotel's guides and assistants will be there to ensure your safety. Rates for the e-chariot tours cost P500 for 30 minutes and P1000 for 1 hour. I can guarantee that riding them is ultra fun! 

If you're booked at White Knight Hotel Intramuros, consider availing of their other tour packages so you can see more of the Philippines. These include tours to Tagaytay, Subic Bay, Pagsanjan, and Enchanted Kingdom as well as tours to Metro Manila landmarks outside Intramuros such as Fort Santiago, Casa Manila, Rizal Park (Luneta), Manila Ocean Park, and SM Mall of Asia.

Contact WKHI at (02) 526-6539 or 525-2381. Email whiteknighthotel@gmail.com and visit www.whiteknighthotel.com. Keep updated with their promos and new offerings by liking White Knight Hotel Intramuros and White Knight e-Chariot Tours Manila on Facebook.

* See more photos of our adventures and check out WKHI's other nice facilities in this Facebook photo album

"Visit" Italy this June at Crimson Hotel Filinvest City Manila

Among all the destinations I dream of going to, Italy remains on top of my list. I've long been fascinated by this country after watching Only You, a film that stars Robert Downey Jr. and Marissa Tomei many years ago. Someday, I hope I could visit this country, particularly the area of Positano, and marvel first hand at the beautiful sights it has to offer.

For now, I am simply happy to be able to partake of a slice of Italy in the newest 5-star hotel located south of the Metro. Crimson Hotel Filinvest City Manila brings guests closer to the land of good food as it commemorates Italy's National Day this coming June 2. 

Ciao Italia is a month-long food festival that highlights authentic gourmet dishes as  prepared by Crimson's Hotel's Executive Chef Alessio Loddo who is a native of Italy's South West Sardinia. He is the ingenious mind behind the palatable creations in the hotel's Cafe Eight, whipping up Mediterranean flavors from Southern Europe to Middle Eastern regions.

Appetizers

I had the pleasure of joining other members of the media as we got to "test drive" a couple of days ago some of the dishes that promise to provide a feast for all senses. We were treated not only with good food but also with beautiful Italian music and a visually stunning collection of art pieces. 

Pasta and Main Dishes

In addition, there were hotel staff dressed in Italian festive costumes that added to the memorable experience. All these, we found out, were made possible thanks to Crimson's partnership with Il Mercante Di Venezia.

Desserts and Italian art pieces

Come to Crimson Hotel with your loved ones any day this June to celebrate and be delighted while you enjoy Italian cuisine for PhP1,000 nett for lunch and P1,400 nett for dinner. You may also want to avail of the "Buy One Get One" offer on Italian wines priced at P1,500 nett for Romio Sangiovese and Chardonnay.

For further details on Crimson Hotel's Ciao Italia feast, please visit www.crimsonhotel.com/manila or call (02) 863-2222. Remain updated of other promos by liking Crimson Hotel Filinvest City Manila on Facebook and follow @Crimson_Alabang on Twitter.

* See more photos taken during the media luncheon here

At Papa John's, all Tuesdays this June is Unli-Pizza Day!

I've blogged about Papa John's promos before because they really offer value for money. This June, brace yourselves for the biggest pizza treat yet because you'll get to indulge in all of Papa John's pizza goodness as much as you can every Tuesday!

The promo actually started last May 21 but I only found out about it a couple of days ago. Thankfully, we still have 4 more Tuesdays to avail of this treat with family and friends. Enjoy delectable pizza favorites while you can from 5PM to 9PM. That's four hours of happy munching especially if you have your loved ones sharing the pizzas with you.

Pay only P225 per person and get to eat all the Hawaiian, Pepperoni, Garden Special, and Special Pizza of the Week. The price already includes 1 serving of a Coca Cola product. Please take note, though, that this promo is valid for dine-in customers and not with other ongoing promotions or discounts. Also, there is strictly no sharing and no leftovers.

If the unli-pizza is not enough, help yourself to any of Papa John's pasta dishes like the Meatball Bolognaise, Mediterranean Seafood, Diablo Burst, and Seafood Carbonara. There are also lots of yummy side fix-ins such as Pepperoncinis and Pizza Dips, Calzone (Chicken and Mushroom, Pepperoni Mushroom, and Spicy Meatballs), Cheese and Mozzarella Sticks, Chicken Strips, Chicken Wingettes and Drummettes, and Seasoned Potato Wedges.

If you've been a long-time customer of Papa John's, you'll be delighted to know that there's a new pizza pricing scheme that starts at P250 for the 9-inch Simply Cheese. You may also want to order the signature pizzas and get the same high quality you're used to at friendlier prices.

Oh, and make sure you try out the new Italian Sodas that come in a variety of flavors. They are also  perfect to pair with any of Papa John's tummy-filling fares.

Satisfy your pizza cravings now at any of Papa John's pizza outlets: Arnaiz (Makati), BF Homes (Paranaque), Brick Road (Sta. Lucia Mall), Greenbelt 3, Annapolis St. (Greenhills), Jupiter St. (Makati), SM City Fairview, SM Megamall, SM North EDSA, Robinsons Galleria Veranda, Tomas Morato (Quezon City), University Mall (Taft Avenue), and Waltermart (Sucat). Dial their special number (887-7272) for Makati-based deliveries. 

For more details, please visit http://papajohns.com.ph and also like their Facebook page to be updated of new promos.