Thursday, January 31, 2013

A Relaxing Afternoon at Posh Nails Hand and Foot Spa

Like many females, I love seeing my fingernails and toenails look pretty. Unfortunately, it's not often that I get to have my nails done by professionals due to my busy schedule. I wish I could do it regularly but my hectic work load doesn't really permit me to do so.


Thankfully, I had a breather last Tuesday when a friend and I scheduled a visit to Posh Nails Hand and Foot Spa's branch located at the corner of Tomas Morato and Timog Avenue in Quezon City. I love the place's ambiance! There's pink (one of my favorite colors) everywhere, the furniture are comfy and inviting, and the staff are very friendly. 


There, I got to meet the establishment's pretty and very accommodating owner, Cat Ilacad, who had us try their newest offering called Mango Mandarin Themed Service. It was delightful to see (and smell!) the almost-good-enough-to-eat concoctions that the attendants will be using on my hands, feet, and legs. 


My feet were first soaked in warm water sprinkled with Mango Salt before the foot spa. Next, the attendant used Mango Scrub to remove some dead skin. It's a good thing I'm no longer that ticklish when it comes to other people touching my feet (thanks to hubby who gives me foot rubs every now and then) or else I would be giggling like crazy :p


The Mango Mask was slathered and left on my feet and legs for several minutes before I my skin got moisturized with the Mango Lotion that looks like butter and smells delicious! 


Later, I fully got to appreciate the whole treatment when I felt how soft and smooth the skin on my feet and legs are. 


In the meantime, another attendant worked on my hands and fingernails. I like her light touch because I never felt any discomfort when she was trimming my nails and cuticles. Ask for Berna when you go to this Posh Nails branch. She's great at what she does :)


When it came to picking nail color, I went for a light shade of lavender. I'm no longer that adventurous unlike before when I'd go for bright fuchsia, dark brown, or maroon back when I was in college and during my early years working in an office. I'm quite happy with subtle colors these days. Let's see if I'll change my mind the next time I visit a nail spa again.  


The Mango Mandarin Suite comes with a refreshing glass of mango juice to quench your thirst and complete the scrumptious experience. The foot spa with pedicure is priced at P750 while hand spa with manicure costs P650. If you prefer the basic manicure, you just pay P150. This paraben-free and certified organic treatment is naturally hydrating and acts like an anti-oxidant as it has Argan oil from Morocco and fruit extracts. 


When you visit Posh Nails, make sure you're with a girl friend whom you can have fun chatting with while you both have your nails done. Ours was an afternoon made more fun with some catching up about our families and work. Here's wishing we could do it more often.    


Karat World Celebrates Everlasting Devotion in New Collection


Immortalize your pledge of love and devotion this coming Valentine’s Day through Karat World’s new collection called Forever My Love. This lineup of products feature beautifully-crafted 14K white gold rings, pendants, and earrings shaped as artful hearts. Adding a touch of brilliance to every sentiment, every piece is embellished with shimmering high quality zircon studs.


Since it’s the month of romance, Karat World is launching this new collection at special promotional prices to join couples in celebrating the union of hearts. All items can be bought with significant discounts off their regular prices. Some pieces are even offered at nearly 40 percent off!


Forever My Love features a lot of designs to cater to clients’ varied preferences. Choose from among simple bold heart pendants with a bouquet of high quality zircon studs at the center to rings with interlocking stylized hearts. This collection was definitely created with every lovestruck individual’s special someone in mind and made to be thoughtful gifts and heartfelt expressions of love.


The Forever My Love collection will be available at Karat World outlets across the Philippines starting February 1, 2013. For more information, visit www.karatworld.net. Get regular updates on new products and promos by liking Karat World’s official fanpage on Facebook.

If you've read my post on the La Promesse bracelet before and haven't gotten one for your lady love yet, you’ll be glad to know that it’s now being sold at a great discounted price, too! Know more about this bracelet here and to also see the list of all Karat World branches in the country.


Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Smell Nice with Fiona Cologne; Look Good with Grips Clay FX, Hair Wax, and Gel

Young people (and the young-at-heart) nowadays are very conscious not only about how they look like but also about how they smell. Good products help boost their confidence but not all are affordable especially for those who have limited budgets.


SkinTec Enterprises solves this dilemma by coming out with Fiona Cologne Premium Fragrance which is made with a pleasant combination of scents to leave skin smelling clean and fresh. Everyone can choose from several variants that they can use alternately on different days of the week depending on their mood.


Girls (and even boys!) can choose from the following scents: Raspberry Drops has a sweet smell that combines a fruity blend of raspberry, white flowers, and white musk; Cool Burst exudes a fruity sweet scent with hints of cucumber, melon, and musk; Bubbly Pink mixes the fruity-floral scents of cassis and peach; Youthful Bliss features a nostalgic fragrance that's fruity with freesia, jasmine, and sandalwood; Ice Glacier sports a blend of nectarine, green notes, and lavender; and Pretty Mist leaves the skin fragrant with the pretty and pure scent of flowers and strawberry.

Julia Barretto for Fiona Cologne
Among the six scents that I've tried, I'd say I like Youthful Bliss the most. My boys, on the other hand, agreed that the Ice Glacier is a good scent that guys can also use. 

Fiona Cologne Premium Fragrance prides itself to be one of the longest lasting fragrances in the Philippine cologne market as each can last for up to 6-8 hours. This is because Skintec uses top quality fragrance oils, the same ones used by worldwide brands, to create every variant. Fiona Colognes are sold in five handy sizes: 25ml (Php 15.00), 50ml (Php 24.75), 75ml (Php 34.00), 100ml (Php 39.00) fliptop bottles and 50ml spray bottle (Php 35.25). Be updated by liking facebook.com/fionacologne

For those who spend hours taming their unruly hair, SkinTec also offers products that would help in managing those locks! My teenage sons say these products work!


Get an amazing matte hair styling experience with Grips Clay FX that provides perfect hold, texture, minus the stickiness. This product has Pro-Vitamin B5 and has an EasyWash Formula! Other brands offer the EasyWash formula in their more expensive version of the regular product but with Grips Clay FX, the premium features Pro-Vitamin B5 and EasyWash Formula are all in! This product is sold in 75g jars at Php 86.90 each and in 5g sachets at Php 4.35 each.

Daniel Padilla for Grips Clay FX 
Another brand of hair styling products is Grips Hair Wax with the FlexiStyle feature that makes it easier to style hair anytime, anywhere. This hair wax comes in three variants: Hard and Shiny, Extreme Hard and Mat, and Hard and Mat which are all available in 75g jars and 5g sachets. Prices range from PhP 3.40 to PhP 85.00.

Sam Concepcion for Grips Hair Wax
Grips Hair Gel, on the other hand, allows users to revitalize hair with D-Panthenol while giving it maximum hold throughout the day. It comes in three variants: Extra Strong Hold with D-Panthenol, Strong Hold with D-Panthenol, and Strong Hold with Aloe Vera. They are sold in 50g (PhP 11.55) and 130g (PhP 20.90) bottle tubes as well as in 14g (PhP 15.90 for 12 pcs.) sachets.





Monday, January 28, 2013

SM Department Store Formally Launches SM Babies

I’m sure many would agree with me that babies and toddlers are the cutest people on earth. Right? They are cuddly and adorable and smell really, really nice!


Yesterday, I think I had an overdose of cuteness when I attended the SM Babies launch at The Peninsula Manila. Although the baby clothing line has been around for a while under SM Kids’ Fashion, SM Department Store has decided to give it its own identity by focusing on a complete line of apparel that specially caters to little ones up to two years old.


As a celebration of this new milestone, the team behind SM Kids’ Fashion put up a mini photo gallery at the Pen’s Conservatory. Dubbed “Special Moments”, the exhibit features 14 of Metro Manila’s loveliest moms and their little bundles of joy. Sought-after photographer Pilar Tuason took their pictures.


“Special Moments” highlights four different categories that demonstrate the bond between mother and child – bedtime, playtime, baptismal, and party time. 


A lively chat between host Issa Litton and celebrity moms Lexie Schulze Berenguer-Testa, Amanda Griffin-Jacob, and Andi Eigenmann entertained guests as we listened to anecdotes that all mothers can relate to because we have gone through, or will still go through, them at one time or another.


Jo Dy Juanco, Vice President of SM Kids’ Fashion affirms that the everyday moments are what usually make the fondest of memories. “Whether it’s putting a baby to sleep or getting dressed up for a party, we want to capture the tenderness of those moments, which is exactly what everyone will see when they look at the photographs.”


Further delighting guests was the appearance of ever-charming balladeer Christian Bautista who performed a few songs which he dedicated to the mothers present during the event. 


All moms and babies featured in the exhibit were handpicked by the SM team. These include actress Andi Eigenmann; radio DJ Delamar Arias; former TV personality Nicole Hernandez-De Los Angeles; society moms Marta Araneta, Isabel Olondriz-Murd, Maia Martirez-Hing, and Grace Barbers-Baja; sisters Emilie Montenegro-Yupangco and Rose Montenegro-Boonpongsa; model Georgia Schulze-del Rosario; blogger Tin Dychiao; make-up artist Angela Yeo; designer Rosanna Ocampo-Rodriguez; and magazine editor Juana Manahan-Yupangco.

Want to see more of those cutie pie babies? Make sure to watch this video!

For more photos taken during the launch, please visit this Facebook photo album. To see the individual photos from the exhibit, please visit the SM Babies Facebook page or click on the names of the moms in the paragraph above.


Saturday, January 26, 2013

Go Loco Over Froyo at Pinkberry Philippines

I am a big fan of yogurt because it's both delicious and healthy to eat! 

The other day, I got an invite to try some of Pinkberry Philippines' offerings in their Greenbelt 5, Makati branch. It was my first time there and I love the place's cool and welcoming ambiance. I'm also glad to discover how scrumptious the froyo they're serving are.


What fascinated me about Pinkberry is that they have this list of suggested combinations of yogurt and toppings which helps make choosing easier for customers. For instance, the Lychee with Lime flavor can be mixed and matched with toppings such as Honey Almond Granola, Mochi, Toasted Almonds, Strawberries, and Coconut Flakes


Although everything tasted great, among the five toppings, my favorite combination would have to be the one with strawberries. Still, the froyo can actually stand on its own as it is delicious by itself. Just don't forget to squeeze some lime juice on top. Heaven!


This 2013, Pinkberry welcomes the new year with a new flavor called Salted Caramel Pinkberry. Tasting it was a one-of-a-kind experience for me because it was my first time to try a froyo that is both sweet and salty! It's different all right but lip-smacking good!


And, like the Lychee with Lime, the Salted Caramel also has suggested distinct pairings that include: Sea Salt - to add complexity and balance, Caramel - to add a touch of indulgence, and crispy toasted Crepe Flakes that add flavor and crunch. 


Other toppings that you can sprinkle on this particular froyo are Shaved Milk Chocolate, Toasted Almonds, Dark Chocolate Crisps, and Bananas. I guess I'm just really a fruit lover because, among all the combinations, I love the one with bananas the best. Of course, you can always choose what fits your palate best. Pinkberry has loads of other toppings that are "ripe for the picking." Just tell their friendly staff what you want on top of your froyo.


Aside from the Salted Caramel froyo variant, milkshake lovers would be delighted to have a sip of the Salted Caramel Shake. This one is made with 8oz of frozen yogurt and 6oz of non-fat milk on top of caramel on the bottom. It's topped with Swirly Whip and finished off with a drizzle of caramel on top. That's drinkable Pinkberry with a complex, salty and sweet flavor -- one true indulgence! If you're already craving for this while reading, make sure to visit the store soon because we were told this one would be available for a limited time only.



For those who are in a hurry or feel they're too busy to eat, there's froyo a-la ice cream! Simply order the cone variant that you can savor using one hand and you're set to go using the other hand for texting on your cellphone or holding your bag.



As a little backgrounder, Pinkberry originated in West Hollywood California in 2005. Now, it has more than 200 stores worldwide and continues to serve the world’s most talked-about, deliciously tangy frozen yogurt that eases the guilt for consumers who love dessert. 


Visit Pinkberry at Greenbelt 5 and Power Plant Mall, Rockwell. For more information please log on to www.pinkberry.com.ph, like Pinkberry on Facebook  www.facebook.com/PinkberryPhilippines or follow them on Twitter @PinkberryPH.


Theater Review: Repertory Philippines' Boeing Boeing

I still remember the time when landline phones and snail mails were the top means to communicate with friends and family. That seems like eons ago now that we have access to the internet and mobile phones.

Take a peek into how life was before today's modern technologies dominated peoples' lives. Watch Repertory Philippines' production of Boeing Boeing which is directed by Mr. Miguel Faustmann! It will have you laughing out loud numerous times during the show.


The story involves a love affair ... well ... three, actually ... between Bernard (David Bianco) and three gorgeous air hostesses from different international airlines: Gloria (Jennifer Blair-Bianco), the American who works at TWA; Gabriella (Giannina Ocampo), the Italian who flies Alitalia; and the German Gretchen (Carla Dunareanu) of Lufthansa


Adding confusion, I mean, fun to the fray are Robert (Topper Fabregas), Bernard's friend who's visiting from the province, and Bertha (Baby Barredo/Joy Virata), Bernard's quirky housekeeper.


Bernard thinks he has the perfect setup: one house (with a lot of doors!), three fiancees, an organized timetable, and a very helpful maid. It was just unfortunate that on the very day when his friend Robert comes to visit, the girls'  flights get changed and they all ended up being in Paris at the same time!


Now that's when the fun really started. I found myself catching my breath laughing at many of the  scenes, facial expressions, body movements, and dialogues that were delivered perfectly by the stellar cast. 


"Bernard" and "Robert" smoothly executed their scenes together despite the elements of stress and confusion.   They get funnier every time "Bertha" enters the scene to either complain or express her own caustic opinions. Tita Baby is soooo funny with her hand gestures and facial expressions. I would love to see Tita Joy also portray Bertha before the show's run ends.   


The three air hostesses are really eye candies. Men in audience won't definitely get bored. I love how each of them played their roles -- "Gabriella" may be sentimental but she sure can insist on what she wants; "Gretchen" is hilarious, aggressive, dominating but thin-skinned at the same time (she can also do stunts gracefully! how about that?!); and "Gloria" is the upbeat Southern belle who has a lot more in common with Bernard than he could ever imagine. 


I don't dare reveal how the story ends but the turn of events is pretty interesting. So, fasten your seat belts and get a lot of laughs on this bumpy ride as you take a look at what's life like during the '60s in this "big comedy of nineteen-sexty-sex":) It's sexy but the humor is delivered in good, clean, fun. Don't miss this show which will be at Onstage, Greenbelt 1 in Makati starting January 25 until February 17. 

(L-R) David, Topper, Tita Baby, Carla, Jennifer,
Giannina, Tita Joy, and Sir Miguel
For inquiries and other details, please call 5716926 or 5714941. Email info@repertory.ph or log on to www.repertory.ph. Tickets are also available through Ticketworld at 8919999 and www.ticketworld.com.ph. If you have any kind of boarding pass (no date required, the older the better!), you'll get 30% off on your show ticket! 

Read more about Boeing Boeing in my other blog so you can also get to know about the show's very capable behind-the-scenes teams as well as the partners who helped make the staging possible.


Thursday, January 24, 2013

Lamoiyan Corporation Celebrates Its 25th Year!

I first became familiar with Hapee Toothpaste’s history several years ago when I first interviewed Dr. Cecilio K. Pedro, founder of Lamoiyan Corporation, for a book published by the Philippine Bible Society. His is a story of faith and determination. I feel blessed and privileged writing about him.

screen cap of an old blog entry in my Multiply page
about 100 Ways to Live the Word
a Philippine Bible Society publication
To those who don’t know, Lamoiyan was established in 1988 as a 100% Filipino-owned firm that manufactures toothpastes despite the stiff competition with multinationals. It is the company that launched Hapee, the first local toothpaste brand, which has consistently maintained its world-class quality that can compete with any of its foreign counterparts.

Lamoiyan definitely deserves all the rights to stand proud as the first Filipino company to successfully penetrate the Philippines’ toothpaste industry through Hapee and Kutitap during its first few years. Since then, the line of products kept getting longer (Kiddie Toothpaste, Gumtect, Dazz, and Licealiz) many of which have earned the trust and loyalty of their consumers both here and abroad. 

Lamoiyan's flagship product

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Samsung Introduces the Galaxy S III Mini: Minimum Size, Maximum Features

Does size matter? According to Samsung, small is in as it launches a miniature version of the Samsung Galaxy S III. The smaller unit boasts of a sleek but reduced design that does not limit its functions. Samsung assures that the Galaxy III Mini will provide users the same powerful performance and function but in a new sense of form and style.


To make the answers more interesting, Samsung held a media event last night where celebrity DJs debated on various topics in relation to sizes. Some of the arguments were reasonable while a few were downright hilarious. Sam YG’s hosting further made the evening very entertaining.

Designed for Humans” -- that’s the core essence and philosophy that Samsung has for its GALAXY line including the S III Mini. This latest gadget features an organic design inspired by nature, which provides the perfect grip and ergonomic handling.  It also comes with a nature-themed user interface and sounds that match its outer design. 


Enjoy movies, photos and web browsing in crystal clear display even in the brightest environment with the S III Mini’s 4.0” WVGA Super-AMOLED display

And just like a race car, size does not limit this phone’s power as it is equipped with a dual-core processor to let users seamlessly enjoy Samsung features such as the Pop-up Play function that allows you to do two things at once effortlessly. The S III Mini runs on the latest Android OS, Jelly Bean, which provides super smooth graphics and transitions as well as access to the new Google services such as Google Now.


Like the Galaxy S III, its mini-me version has the same intelligent features including: Smart Stay (which detects if the user is looking at the display and keeps the display from timing out until the user looks away), Smart Alert (which detects when a user returns to the phone and gives him a brief vibrating nudge to inform about missed calls, calendar events, and new messages) and Direct Call (which allows a user to make a call simply by lifting the phone to his or her ear while writing or reading a message or while specific contact details are brought up to the display).

Aside from the stuff already mentioned, the S III Mini’s users can enjoy various Samsung hub services and advanced messaging service called Ch@tON, as shared by all Samsung Mobile users.


At the moment, the current mobile developers and designers may move towards making phones that are bigger, wider, and longer but Samsung continues to set its own trend with the introduction of the Galaxy S III Mini, a smartphone that mixes performance and sleekness.   

Retailing at PHP 14,990, the Samsung GALAXY S III Mini is now available at Samsung Stores and comes four colors: Marble White, Pebble Blue, Garnet Red and Titanium Gray


FYI to Globe users, the Samsung Galaxy SIII Mini will be offered free through Globe’s exclusive customizable plans: Globe My Super Plan 999 which comes with P900 Consumable, 50MB data and two call and text freebies* which you can change monthly. Subscribers may also opt for the unlimited data version through the Globe My Super Plan Unli Surf Combo 999 which comes with Unlimited Data and one call and text freebie* which you can also change monthly.

* Freebies include (A) 10-minute calls and 200 SMS to Globe/TM, (B) 5-minute calls and 25 SMS to other networks, (C) 20-minute IDD and 10 iSMS to 10 destinations and (D) unlimited calls and texts to 1 Globe/TM number.

For more information, please log on to www.samsung.com/PH or visit the FB fan page at www.facebook.com/SamsungPH