Sunday, October 31, 2010

Disney Princess Collectible Item

My nieces would love this! :)


I guess every female would like to be, or have felt like, a princes one time or another in her life. And some of the best examples of princesses are those created by Disney.

Capture the magic! Little girls would love having one of Goldilocks' Limited Edition Disney Princess Cookie Tin. It is designed with all the Disney Princesses kids these days have come to know and love. Each container comes with delicious Goldilocks Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Visit the Goldilocks branch nearest you and pick up a Limited Edition Disney Princess Cookie tin for your very own royal princess today :)

Friday, October 29, 2010

Upcoming Seminar: Teaching Strategies on Mental Math

A week ago, I posted an entry about an article I wrote for Manila Bulletin on Mental Arithmetic. A few days later, I received info about a seminar on Mental Math. Here's sharing some of the details that parents and educators might find very useful.


Press Release:

Can you solve this math equation in 5 seconds:
3427 x 11 = ?

A grade 6 student surely can!

Solving mathematical equations - whether simple or complicated - requires higher thinking skills. The brain is tasked to analyze the problem first and to mentally visualize the variables before selecting the best possible way of arriving at an answer. In this regard, everyone is invited to attend the Galileo Teacher Enrichment Training entitled "Teaching Strategies on Mental Math." It will provide learning strategies that will further exercise the brain's capabilities to think critically in calculating Mathematical problems with speed and accuracy.

Who Should Attend: 
Teachers who would like to enhance their own Math skills and teaching techniques
Parents who are greatly involved in their children's school work

Where:
Room 405, 4th Floor Ateneo Professional Schools Bldg., 130 H.V. Dela Costa St.,
Salcedo Village, Makati City

When:
November 6, 2010 (Saturday), 8:00 am until 12 noon

About the Speaker:
Dr. Cornelia C. Soto is a professor of Education at the Ateneo de Manila University Graduate School and is also the Chair of the PAASCU. She is a sought-after speaker all over the Philippines and is considered an expert in the field of Mathematics.

Learning Fees and Inclusions:
Registration Fee: Php 600 / participant (includes hand-outs, certificates and snacks)

For reservations, please call 898.1234 and look for Meg Fuentes.

Don't Forget to Catch The Wedding Singer Musical!

I so enjoyed watching The Wedding Singer during its Company Preview last week. Please stay tuned for the link to my full-length review to be uploaded soon at HerWord.com :)

Edit, Nov 2: Review can now be found here.



Catch The Wedding Singer musical, based on the Adam Sandler movie, starring Gian Magdangal, Shiela Martinez, and Iya Villania at the Meralco Theater this October and November at the Meralco Theater in Ortigas.

Remaining Playdates: October 29, 30, November 5, 6, 7, 13 and 14, 2010. Showtime: Friday, Saturday and Sunday shows at 8 p.m. with Saturday matinees at 3:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 4 p.m.

For further details, you may call 586.71.05, 557.58.60, 0917.554.5560, or visit www.9workstheatrical.com or call Ticketworld at 891.9999. You can also read the Press Release I posted in my other blog.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Jollibee introduces nine ‘Yumbassadors'

As a parent, I happily support programs that encourage and recognize excellence in young people. Last Oct. 26, Jollibee unveiled nine "Yumbassadors" through a special photo exhibit in Makati City.

This new breed of young Pinoy achievers have spoken: I am young. I am Pinoy. I Yum. And their three declarations sum up the vibrant lives that they lead as they excel in their chosen fields and inspire nationalism along the way. 


Press Release:

As the youth’s number one ally, Jollibee has been known to promote individuality and excellence through fun, relevant and highly-engaging activities. Strengthening its advocacy in youth empowerment, Jollibee names nine Pinoy Youth Icons who champion causes in academics, sports, literature, arts, and social entrepreneurship.

They are Francis “Niño” Alcantara, 2009 Australian Open doubles junior champion; Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino, youth leader and social entrepreneur who pioneered the HaPinoy project; Miro Frances Capili, the youngest three-time Palanca awardee, Sam Concepcion, youth role model and topnotch performer; Reese Fernandez co-founder of social business enterprise Rags to Riches that benefit the women of Payatas; Carmela Lao, the first Filipina to bag International Mathematical Olympiad medals; Nasser Lubay, a self-taught visual artist who placed 2nd at the Celeste Prize in Germany; Stefano Marcelo, world-class karting driver who is a top 10 finalist in the 2008 ROK World Championship, and the only Asian team member of Tony Kart, and Sunshine Plata, renowned coffee painter whose fan base includes Ripley’s BelieveIt or Not! and whose works were also featured in the Martha Stewart Show in
the US.

The portraits of the Yumbassadors were shot by noted fashion photographer Arlu Gomez.

“From a brand that espouses real Pinoy taste and experience, Jollibee has evolved to become an advocate of Pinoy pride,” said Albert Cuadrante, Jollibee Vice President for Marketing. “Our biggest patrons, the youth, can attest to that as they enjoy the unique, langhap-sarap goodness of our Yumburgers. Dynamic and unique as they are, the young ones still come together at our stores because their love for world-class Filipino products and services stems from their inherent love for the country.”

As the Jollibee Yumbassadors represent the best in every young Pinoy, they form a new breed of role models that the country can proudly present to the rest of the world.

The company also recognizes the efforts of many other young Pinoys who, in their own ways, are contributing to Filipino pride and the greater community. Like the Yumbassadors, many young people are seeking support from others as they live out their passion and help others. Join Jollibee as they continuously recognize the vision of the youth, and help build a nation that is filled with compassionate and civic-minded young citizens.

Sam: World Vision Ambassador

The Yumbassadors photo exhibit remains open to the public until October 30 at The Gallery of Greenbelt 5 in Makati. To view all the Yumbassadors' individual posters, click here. To view their profiles so you can know more about each of them, please visit my other blog post.

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Eat Nothing, Do Something!

Regular readers of this blog know how much I believe in the advocacies spearheaded by World Vision. Please consider supporting their latest program called 12-Hour Famine.

When: November 6, 2010, 9:00 am to 9:00 pm
Where: Flying V- Arena, San Juan, Metro Manila
What: For 12 hours, hundreds of Filipino youth will come together as one lending their voices to this global fight against hunger and poverty.


The P300 registration fee includes a famine kit containing with a pass, shirt, baller band, and information materials.

Anybody who's 15 years old and up is invited to sign-up and join the World Vision 12-hour Famine by calling the Famine Hotline 8-FAMINE (8-326463) or registering online. You can also join WV on Facebook or follow them on Twitter.

Monday, October 25, 2010

Win a Free Trip for 4 to Singapore!

The Singapore Tourism Board and Jollibee has just launched a promo that gives Filipino families a chance to experience the magic that Singapore has to offer!


For every P8,000 Jollibee Kids Party food purchase until November 30, 2010, a customer gets one raffle entry for a chance to win exciting prizes! This is valid for parties until June 30, 2011.

Up for grabs are five awesome family trip packages. Each package includes four round-trip tickets to Singapore, accommodation in a four-star hotel for two nights and three days – complete with airport transfers - and four one-day tickets to Universal Studios Singapore.

For more details, please visit my other blog for the full-length press release.

A Call for Help for Randy Lapuz

It is very devastating to have a family member fall gravely ill. This is compounded with the reality that hospitalization could cost a fortune. Last week, the brother-in-law of a good friend of mine was rushed to the hospital for having a mild heart attack. Later, the family found out just how serious his condition is.


Kindly read more about Randy Lapuz's story on my friend's Facebook page and find out how you can help. Please say a prayer for his healing and, if you can help spread the word, we would be very grateful. Thank you very much.

Edit, Oct 28: It is with deep sadness that I received the news this morning that Randy passed away yesterday, a day before his 35th birthday :( Please pray for strength for his whole family. Randy's body lies at Heaven's Garden in Anos, Los Banos, Laguna. Internment will be on Nov. 4.

Edit, Nov 2: You can now read a new Facebook note written by Ryan, Randy's brother, about Randy's last moments here.

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Amazing Mental Arithmetic

I witnessed something amazing a couple of weeks ago -- kids solving difficult math equations using their MINDS! Honestly, I would have difficulty believing it if somebody just told me about it. But I saw with my own eyes how young kids could solve several two to three digit numbers effortlessly both with the use of the abacus and without.


If an Abacus Math center is put up in the Alabang area, there is a very high probability that I would enroll my 12-year-old son there. He was with me during my interview with one of the owners and he was equally impressed at the other kids' abilities.

Read more about SIP Academy Philippines in my article that appeared in Manila Bulletin's Business Agenda section. You may also want to explore the possibilities that this program could offer in developing your own kids' potentials.


I really wish I was able to capture on video what I saw. Perhaps the next time I visit the center in New Manila :)


Friday, October 22, 2010

BDJ Fair's Paint the Town Pink! on October 24


Belle de Jour invites everyone to join this event with exciting festivities, remarkable shopping finds, delectable fare, stimulating talks and great company.

Date: October 24, 2010 (Sunday)
Time: 2pm – 9pm
Venue: Venice Piazza, McKinley Hill, Fort Area

Entrance: Php 50 (for walk-ins); Php 30 (for pre-registered BDJ Girls)

100% of Entrance Proceeds will go to Scuola della Guioia

Get a chance to win Free BDJ 2011 Power Planners and many more special prizes from their lifestyle brands. To win, play an active role in the fair’s festivities below:
2:30-3:00PM : Scavenger Hunt: The Pink Series
Test your detective prowess as you look for pink treasures and complete certain activities all over the BDJ Fair and Venice Piazza.

3:00-3:45PM: Basking in the Pink of Success
Turn your workplace dilemmas into personal victories by using valuable tips by Jean Madrid, brand manager of Cornetto ice cream, on how to effectively market yourself.

4:25-5:00PM: In the Pink of Health
Get that healthy, happy and ready-to-conquer-the-world look with one of L’oreal Paris makeup artists, Yciar Castillo.

5:00-5:20PM: Folded & Hung / Jellybean Styling Competition
Get a chance to show off your styling prowess by creating looks that define Folded & Hung and Jellybean’s brand image.

6:40-7:00PM: I want to be a Supermodel!
Here’s your chance to brave the runway by being one of the models in The Ramp, Crossings fashion show!

7:05-7:50PM: Pretty in Pink
Donna Cuna-Pita, a professional fashion and image consultant, will share with you her trademark tips on how to wear pink in various ways, while fusing fashion with your own personal!

To participate, email bdjfair@belledejourpowerplanner.com
You can also add them on Facebook for more updates.

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Grand Finals of EK's 1st Asian Sky Wizardry Fireworks Competition (Oct. 23)

Don't miss Enchanted Kingdom's grand "pyro-musical" spectacle happening tomorrow, October 23, in Sta. Rosa, Laguna. Expect the heavens and the skies to be the contestants' canvas as the three surviving finalists chosen from all over country pit their skills and creativity against the best that China, Malaysia, and Singapore have to offer.


One of the six competitors (three local and three foreign) will be crowned Enchanted Kingdom's Sky Wizard 2010 at the end of what is expected to be an epic battle never before seen in the country. Each entry will last for 10 minutes and will be synchronized to the tune of EK's original theme song as composed and arranged by popular Filipino artist Tats Faustino.


This exciting event is guaranteed, once again, to light up the Sta. Rosa skies tomorrow night starting 6:30 p.m. Be there with your family!

*Photos taken are of the last two entries during the elimination round held last Sunday (Oct. 17) at EK

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Jollibee’s Kids Who Can Concert a Resounding Success!

Most times I see a hundred kids or so doing various performances live are during my kids’ school programs. Still, those activities would usually feature a limited number of talents depending on the school’s theme. For instance, Field Demo day often showcases kids dancing and cheering and accompanied by currently popular songs while a singing competition has kids wowing the audiences with their vocal prowess.


Last Saturday’s Kids Who Can concert at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium featuring Jollibee Kids Club members was different. It was awesome in such a way that we got to see so many great kinds of talent under one roof! There were kids who sang and kids who danced to different beats (ballet, rock, pop, etc.), kids who rapped, kids who did acrobatic moves, and even two kids who performed graceful movements up in the air while secured to seemingly flimsy strings!


While my son and I enjoyed watching the performances on stage or on the big screens, (with me singing along several times :p), I repeatedly got that feeling of Pinoy pride seeing such a lot of talented Filipino kids being given the chance to shine. They were all that good!


Despite the threat of Typhoon Juan looming over Metro Manila, the venue was jam-packed with excited kids and their parents. Before the show proper started, some of the young members of the audience even got to join fun parlor games.


The concert, hosted by a very engaging Nikki Gil with the help of several Jollibee Kids Club members, featured exciting individual and group performances by Jollibee, Hetty, Popo, Yum, and Twirlie. Celebrities Sam Concepcion and Andi Eigenmann also graced the event with their own numbers.


The spotlight focus and cheerful rounds of applause for the JKC members after each presentation were definitely well-deserved because they really devoted weeks to prepare for the big night. It was evident from their wonderful performances that their mentors have done their jobs well.


By holding such a spectacular showcase of talent, Jollibee Kids Club hopes to inspire more young and gifted children to find time to develop their skills and become well-rounded individuals as they grow up and have fun alongside Jollibee.


Personally, I’d like to congratulate the supportive parents who helped their kids reach their potentials. And to all you young people who gave your all during the concert --- YOU KIDS ROCK! :) Keep on shining and being an inspiration to fellow Filipino children.

*If your children are not yet members of JKC, you can enroll them in select Jollibee branches and expect more exciting and enriching events like this.

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

"Life As We Know It" Now Showing

I watched the premier of Life As We Know It last week. I was really glad to share the experience with my one and only sister whom I don't get to see as often as I would like. We had a great time laughing at the many funny scenes in this very nice movie.


I have already submitted a full-length review to my HerWord.com editor the other day and will post the link here once the writeup is uploaded. For now, watch this clip from Warner Bros. and consider watching the film within the next few days.

*Edit, October 24: My film review is now up! You can find it here :)

Monday, October 18, 2010

52nd Manila F.A.M.E. International (Oct. 18 - 21) at the WTC & PTTC

Asia's Boutique Show is back! Catch Manila F.A.M.E. at the World Trade Center and Philippine Trade Training Center this week.

Exhibit Hours:

18-21 October, 9am to 6pm
Open to trade buyers only

20-21 October, 11am to 4pm
Open to general public/visitors (with entrance fee of Php 200.00)

21 October, 11am to 4pm
Shoppers' Day- Open for on-the-spot selling
(with entrance fee of Php 200.00)

This year, over 300 exhibitors are expected to showcase the best merchandise from the following sectors:

Hall 1 - World Trade Center Metro Manila

Arts and Crafts | Bed and Bath | Christmas & other Holiday Decorations | Boxes | Festival & Party Articles | Garden Accessories | Gifts & Premium | Handmade Paper Products | Houseware & Home Decor | Kitchen & Tableware | Lamps & Lighting | Mirror & Picture Frames | Stationery & Desk Accessories | Toys, Games, & Dolls | Votives & Candles Costume Jewelry | Fine Jewelry | Leathergoods | Garments | Textiles | Footwear | Natural Personal Care Products | Spa Products | Votive Candles

Hall 2 - World Trade Center Pavilion

Carefully selected merchandise from a wide range of Home and Fashion Lifestyle Ideas | Furniture | Paintings | Framed pictures | Sculptures

Hall 3 - Philippine Trade Training Center

Costume Jewelry | Fine Jewelry | Leathergoods | Garments | Textiles | Footwear | Arts and Crafts | Bed and Bath | Christmas & other Holiday Decorations | Boxes | Festival & Party Articles | Garden Accessories | Gifts & Premium | Handmade Paper Products | Houseware & Home Decor | Kitchen & Tableware | Lamps & Lighting | Mirror & Picture Frames | Stationery & Desk Accessories | Toys, Games, & Dolls | Votives & Candles

Saturday, October 16, 2010

Hello, Optimism!

I've just discovered a fairly new and very interesting publication. Monday Magazine is thick, heavy, and filled with a wide range of topics that range from people, fashion, entertainment, technology, etc. etc. The covers are intriguing enough (they have male and female versions), but many of the photos inside would also compel you to look at them more than once.


The layout of the pages are easy on the eyes which makes the text easy to read. Moreover, the articles have catchy titles and contain lots of new ideas that entertain and educate at the same time. Some are even very intriguing! I'd definitely watch out for their succeeding issues.

And oh, I so love their tagline! Very uplifting! "Hello, Optimism!" indeed! :)

Press Release: Monday Magazine Says Hello to Optimism!

When was the last time you fell in love with a magazine? Better yet, when was the last time you held a magazine that speaks to you, in the right blend of smart, engaging words and snappy, sophisticated design?

Monday Magazine is a new media platform that embodies taste, dynamism, excitement, enthusiasm, aspiration, inspiration— values that thrive in, and drive today’s modern professionals.


It dissects a wide range of topics that are well researched and written. It is a theater for diverse opinion, discussion and entertaining insight, a hub of reflections on people, brands and ideas that shape the individual’s perspective and lifestyle.

Monday Magazine never underestimates the intelligence of its readers.


Focusing on three main areas—Corporate Culture, Consumerism and Lifestyle—the magazine is relentlessly optimistic and aspirational. It seeks to inspire - if not altogether influence – the trend towards progressive and analytical thought blended with joy and humor.

Monday Magazine comes out every other month, six issues a year. This is because every issue is meticulously thought out and laid out in terms of concept, presentation and quality—with a deep respect for its readers and its advertisers. The bi-monthly pace is also a strategic plan to make advertising not only cost-efficient but imbued with a longer shelf-life, thereby maximizing exposure and mileage.

*Monday Magazine is available in all branches of Powerbooks, National Bookstore, and Fully Booked, as well as in major magazine stands.

Friday, October 15, 2010

Nuffnang and PLDT myDSL Special Screening

Heads up to fellow Nuffnangers! New contest from Nuffnang found here.


My answer to the all-important question:

“The Social Network is to Facebook, as PLDT myDSL modem+wifi is to THE WORLD WIDE WEB.”

A fast and convenient connection means we can reach out to anyone anywhere in the world in seconds. We currently have a PLDT DSL connection at home but we're moving to a bigger house next month so having a PLDT myDSL modem+WiFi connection would be very useful because it would ideally serve our PC and two laptops up to 25 meters away!

The great thing about the myDSL modem+Wifi is that my family and I would be able to use several computers simultaneously. With that, the kids won't be bugging me to give them some Facebook time as often because they can have their own access during weekends :)

Thursday, October 14, 2010

1st Thomasian Global Trade Expo (Oct. 15 - 17)

For this blog's readers who are always on the lookout for sale events :) The Thomasian Global Trade Expo starts today until Sunday from 9:00 am - 9:00 pm


The TGTE gathers Thomasian-owned or led businesses and corporations for a three-day trading activity. It showcases an exposition of enterprises in various fields such as manufacturing, franchising, food and beverage, retail and merchandise, tourism, health care and pharmaceutical among many others. The TGTE is also very timely for an early holiday sale as it happens a few months before the onset of the Christmas season.

GNC Live Well Launch

I have written magazine and newspaper articles on health in the past and interviewed a lot of experts on nutrition. One thing I've learned is that many individuals no longer get all the nutrients they need from the foods they eat due to factors such as an unbalanced diets, the lifestyle maintained, and even certain medical conditions. These are why some people are advised to take supplements to "fill-in" nutritional gaps.

How do you choose your vitamins and supplements? Are you easily convinced by TV commercials or print ads of products endorsed by celebrities? Or do you consult your doctor first before taking any? Where do you buy such products?


Last Sunday, I was invited to the GNC Live Well Launch at the Alabang Town Center and was surprised at the wide range of products they are offering. They have nutritional supplements from vitamins, minerals, and herbs to beauty, preventive, nutrition, diet, and weight management products for every individual, health condition, and lifestyle.


I was further impressed when I found out that they have a resident medical consultant, Dr. Victor Vesuna, who was available to answer questions guests have on the safety and efficacy of the products in the store.

I browsed the shelves and saw several items that I'd like my kids and I to try like the chewable vitamins for children and teens, and the women's nutrition line. I plan to come back to the store in the coming days when I have more time to deliberate on my choices.


In the meantime, here's sharing with you several things you may want to know about GNC:

1. GNC performs 150 quality checks on their products. This practice is unique in the sense that the Food and Drug Administration doesn’t require this much frequency in checking. Whether they are manufacturing a single bottle of vitamin C or a comprehensive multiple with over 40 ingredients, GNC asserts that every product shares the same quality values.

2. Every GNC product is covered by a Money Back Guarantee. If you are not satisfied for any reason, simply bring the unused portion of your purchase with your receipt for a full refund. No questions asked.


3. Most GNC stores now feature free nutrition information via HealthNotes Online. These consumer-friendly interactive programs give you access to the latest nutritional research on over 200 ingredients and a variety of health concerns.

4.GNC’s advisory board is made up of specialists in their respective fields such as physicians, professors, botanists, nutritionists, etc.

5. GNC offers a wide selection of products in the following categories: Women’s Health, Men’s Health, Ginseng, Aromatherapy, Herbs, Sports Nutrition, Personal Care, Children & Teen Health.

6. Although not required by law, GNC tests every product formulation for full potency, and even puts the testing methods right on the label. In fact, they require that all ingredients shipped to their manufacturing facility have a Certificate of Analysis confirming their properties.


7. Freshness matters, that's why all GNC labels are stamped with a "best by" date, guaranteeing the contents are fresh and potent at the time of purchase.

8. GNC has truthful labels as packaging for each of their brand product has recently been redesigned to improve the quality of information available to make informed purchase choices.


9. GNC have been in the forefront of product innovation that they guarantee if they have not heard of a product yet, chances are, it has not been invented.

Know exactly what you're putting in, or on, your body. Be informed and only buy products from reliable sources.

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Plan to Laugh This Weekend or the Next!

Catch the last weekend of Theater Down South's very entertaining play entitled A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. This wonderful production showcases several talented Filipino stage performers who have great comedic timing.

Please read my full-length review called Funny Through and Through at the HerWord.com website to find out more why I am highly recommending this show especially to those who love to have some good laughs in a good way :)


You can still catch FORUM on October 24 and 30, 2010 at the Insular Life Theater Alabang. Tickets are available from Ticket World. For more info, visit www.theaterdownsouth.com.

Monday, October 11, 2010

Trade-Ins Galore!

Got some heads up about two good deals for those who are looking to upgrade their shoes and their luggage :) Both for a good cause!

Adidas' Refresh Your Gear

Terms and Conditions:

1. Bring in your old athletic shoes to over 146 participating Adidas stores nationwide.
2. In exchange of your old athletic shoes, get:
    a: Php500 OFF your new purchase worth Php1,500 - P3,499
    b. Php1000 OFF your new purchase worth Php3,500 and up
3. 1 pair of old athletic shoes = 1x discount value. Each discount value is applicable for only one item purchased. Bring in as many old athletic pairs to get discounts on as many new shoes.
4. We only accept athletic shoes of any brand (no sandals, high heels, flats, leather or infant shoe.) Old athletic shoes have to be in decent condition and is still functional.
5. All old athletic shoes will be donated to Hope Worldwide Philippines Incorporated.
6. This promo is not in conjunction with any other promos.
7. Promo Period runs from October 1 - 31, 2010


The Travel Club's Trade-In Sale

Surrender your old luggage or bags and avail of great discounts (up to 50% off) on brands like Delsey, World Traveller, Eagle Creek, Jansport, Eastpak, Hedgren among others when you trade them in your old luggage or bags. Traded-in items that are still in good condition will be donated to first-time OFWs.

Click here for the complete Promo Mechanics

Sunday, October 10, 2010

Private Time with Piolo Pascual

I was invited to the Sun Life Financial sponsored concert featuring Piolo Pascual last Saturday. His guests included Maestro Ryan Cayabyab, Vina Morales, and 92A.D.


The PICC Forum Tent was jam packed mostly with members of the Sun Life family (employees, agents, and clients) and other guests. Although the show started almost two hours later than expected, I think most attendees had a good time. It was evident by the way droves of fans would rush near the long stage ramp, with cameras and cell phones in hand, to get near Piolo whenever he walks towards the audience.


It was amusing how the screams would flow and ebb depending on where Piolo was. Some eager fans even got through security and clambered up on stage to have their photos taken with the "Ultimate Heartthrob" and would not go down without getting to kiss him first. My youngest son (the joker of the family next to his dad) who was with me teased, "Mom, why don't you go up there too and kiss him?" All I could reply amidst my laughter was, "I'm not yet that crazy!" :p


Piolo sang some songs from his Decades album as well as some OPMs. What I enjoyed the most was his Broadway medley and "The Gift" duet with Vina. I regret not being able to capture some footage as my camera  kept flashing the low batt sign whenever I switch to video.


During one portion, Piolo shared how happy he is to be part of Sun Life's advocacy in spreading the knowledge of financial literacy to Filipinos. He also invited everyone to support his charity organization, the Hebreo Foundation, by buying the SunPiology Planner 2011 which is due to be launched next month. The planner contains 12 beautiful photos which he took while traveling to various parts of the world.


After the concert, members of the press were given a few minutes to chat with Piolo. He graciously answered all questions. I was surprised to hear that he has injured his left eye a couple of weeks ago from playing badminton and that he had difficulty walking on the stage earlier because he still had blurred vision. The hundreds of camera flashes, unfortunately, didn't help. But he still gamely went on with the show for his fans.


I could imagine how tired he already was by the time the interviews wrapped up but he smilingly gave in to photo requests from all of us before he left. Every time I meet Piolo face to face, I always feel how much a genuine person he is. Aside from his good looks, he obviously also has a good heart. And I am simply thankful to have gotten glimpses of that.

Saturday, October 09, 2010

Two Useful Articles for Parents

Did you know that every person has 8 kinds of intelligences and that the dominant intelligences play a role in our individual book selections? Read my article entitled Book Smart which came out in yesterday's issue of Manila Bulletin. There, you'll be able to check what are the foremost intelligences your child has and how these can help you better choose books that would get him/her to read more.

Last week, another article I wrote came out. If you are a parent of a baby or very young child, you may want to know more about the do's and don'ts in preventing Shaken Baby Syndrome.

BTW, in case you're curious, here's the video I was talking about in the article. WARNING, don't watch if you have a queasy stomach. When I chanced upon this video on Facebook, (I hope people who shared this with others had given some kind of warning, I thought it was just a cute clip! Argh!) I wanted to stop looking a minute or so after the video started but I found myself forced to watch until the very end to see if the baby would still be alive after the end of the song :( I only watched this once and will never watch it again.

Friday, October 08, 2010

Wise Words from Prof. Winnie Monsod

Honor and Excellence ... something that's lacking in many Philippine politicians and citizens today :(

Please watch this video and be reminded that we all need to be part of the solution, not the cause of the many problems that our country continuously faces year after year after year.



I wish I could have had Prof. Monsod as a professor when I was still a student. She always makes sense! I'm sure I would have enthusiastically attended all my classes just to hear everything she has to say.

Thursday, October 07, 2010

National Book Store Warehouse Sale (Oct 12 - 16)

National Book Store invites everyone to their biggest Warehouse Sale of School and Office supplies. Buy fun and cool stationery items for you and your friends and shop early for Christmas and birthday gifts for your family and loved ones. Choose from a wide selection of useful and multi-functional home and office equipment. There will be a few bargain books on sale as well.

Visit the National Book Store Warehouse located at 125 Pioneer St., Mandaluyong City from October 12-16, 9 am to 5 pm. For the map to the warehouse, visit National Bookstore's Facebook page.

Wednesday, October 06, 2010

Fun Treats from Jollibee This October

JOLLIBEE CONCERT ON OCT. 16

Jollibee Kids Club will hold the Kids Who Can! Concert at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium this October 16, featuring more than a hundred of its talented members. With this first-of-its kind concert, the kids will get the chance to show their skills onstage and perform in front of a huge crowd like true superstars.

Set to join the kids for this spectacular talent showdown are celebrity host Nikki Gil, well-known TV personalities Sam Concepcion and Andi Eigenmann, as well as Jollibee and friends.

Families and friends who want to catch the Kids Who Can! Concert on October 16 just need to drop by any participating Jollibee store in Metro Manila. For just P150, they will receive one concert ticket plus a free Chickenjoy w/ Spaghetti Value Meal upon purchase. For more details and the complete press release, please visit my other blog post.

JOLLIBEE KIDDIE MEAL TOYS

From October 1 to 31, Jollibee brings two of today’s favorite Nickelodeon shows Danny Phantom and Lola & Virginia for the enjoyment of kids. Danny Phantom is about a half-ghost boy who uses his powers to defend his hometown against villains. On the other hand, Lola & Virginia tells the story of lovable rivals who always try to outdo each other.

The boys can get heroic with the spooky thrills of the Danny Phantom Ghost Pop Out and Monster Bump Off toys. For the girls, it’s all about getting all glammed up with Lola & Virginia’s Pink n’ Pretty Pouch and the Lipsmack n’ Sticker.

For all photos and descriptions of each toy as well as the full-length press release, please visit my other blog post.

Two Good Movies Opening Today

I was invited to two press screenings last week.

The first was for Eat Pray Love starring Julia Roberts. I went by myself and savored some "me" time. How grateful I am that I have a very supportive husband who recognizes my need to get away once in a while from wife and mommy duties at home even for just a few hours. Please read my full-length review of this movie at the HerWord.com website. You can also watch the trailer and read the production notes I got from Columbia Pictures' PR in my other blog.

The second movie I watched was Ben Affleck's The Town. Since hubby was busy with work that night, I asked my second teenage son to accompany me. I think he enjoyed the film more than I did :p Males, as expected, thrive on scenes with lots of action.

What I did appreciate though about The Town is that, despite the violent scenes, it still comes across as a story of hope; that not all criminals are rotten to the core and that anybody could change and create a new life for oneself if one wants it badly enough. For the film's production notes and trailer, please visit my other blog too.

Today, both men and women are given good options on what movie to watch. It would be funny though if couples would go inside separate theaters for a couple of hours each to see their chosen films :)

Saturday, October 02, 2010

Fun Devotionals for Women

I already have lots of devotional books here at home. I sometimes switch reading different books depending on the things I want to pray for. I have Stormie Omartian's "The Power of a Praying (Wife, Parent, and Woman), Darlene Sala's Refreshing Words for Women, and Max Lucado's Everyday Deserves a Chance, among many others, and they all provide me with encouragement whenever I need it.

When Tyndale Media Center listed LOL with God by Pam Farrel and Dawn Wilson in the products for review section, I requested a copy because I found the title alone very interesting. The book's blurb reads:

"Feeling tired, stressed or disconnected with God? In this devotional, authors Pam Farrel and Dawn Wilson, provide real-life stories mixed with a splash of humor and an encouraging word from God to help women get through often hectic days. Joy from God, unlike the fleeting happiness of the world, transforms the soul and helps to heal frazzled, broken women. A cheerful heart is still good medicine (Proverbs 17:22), and women need it in mega-doses! There will always be a need for humor to cheer our hearts, and when that humor is paired with powerful truth principles from Scripture, women will be revived and refreshed. To make it fun, the authors have taken Scripture verses and made them into text messages similar to those you might see on your cell phone."

I've already read several entries in LOL with God and found the stories very easy to relate to. Some are outright funny and most are thought-provoking. A particular passage that made me really laugh out loud reads:

"According to www.friendshipstats.com, I [Pam], after four months on Facebook, have 329 friends. If I contracted a deadly variant of flu, I would likely  infect 11 people. If I died today, an estimated 464 people would try to attend my funeral. Based on my Facebook profile, I have a 91 percent probability of getting married -- which is good, since I've been happily married 30 years."

Each devotion starts with a title, then a Bible verse written in text message form followed by the main writeup. Next is a short prayer called "Send Up a Message" then "Text Helps" which lists down Bible verses related to the topic discussed and "Your Turn", a section with blank lines where the reader can write down a message to God about her life, what she read, or a request from her heart. Each devotion ends with a LOL section that either contains humorous anecdotes or tips and advice from the authors.

Ladies who are searching for a good devotional especially written for women would enjoy reading this.

*Note: A copy of this review can also be found under my name at Helium.com