Thursday, November 28, 2013

WeChat: Promoting Digital Innovations and Human Connections

There's no denying anymore that technology has invaded peoples' lives especially in parts of the world where people reach for their mobile gadgets first upon waking up in the morning. These days, breakfast is taken with a dose of social media, communication is done via voice messages or emails instead of snail mails, and milestones or life events are no longer limited to browsing photo albums at home because they can already be shared to the world.


These days, with more digital love abounding, there also comes a yearning for technological advances to link people back to organic interactions. Mobile social app WeChat promotes human connections by making way for stimulating conversations. Here are 5 benefits of integrating this digital innovation to one's lifestyle. 

1. Talk digitally the same way you do in person. You no longer need to drive very far or ride a plane just to catch up with friends and family. Use WeChat's video call function that works over WiFi or 3G networks or chat up a storm using the group messaging feature that can accommodate up to 40 people in your list. Not too fond of typing? Press the "Hold to Talk" button instead to record and send your message in a jiffy.


2. Expand your circle of friends. It used to be that making friends in new places would begin with small talk. Now, WeChat makes this quicker with the "People Nearby" feature that points you to other WeChat users in the area and lets you start conversations with them instantly. Meanwhile, there's the "Shake" feature wherein you get connected to anyone in the world who is also literally shaking their phones at the same time.  

3. Share your moments. Just like a public album, WeChat has a feature that allows users to show videos, photos, videos, recordings, and comments in one platform called "Moments". There, you can even customize your files using filters and personalized emoticons.


4. Quickly shift platforms. Although going mobile makes connecting with other people easier and more fun, it gets harder when you have to change gadgets or handle multiple screens. Shift seamlessly with the PC version where you can log in and continue conversations. Plus point: you can access it with one QR code scan generated by web.wechat.com so there'll be no need to download the software! This app also supports social network integration that allows users to link WeChat to their Facebook profiles.

5. Backup and data protection. There's no need to worry about corrupted files or forgotten conversations in We Chat. It protects data with on-demand backup and retrieval to and from its cloud-based server.


As more and more people use their mobile gadgets in their daily activities, WeChat ensures its more than 100 million users of an international community that has a clean, simple, and multi sensory platform that covers all possible areas of human communication. 

WeChat is available on iPhone, Android, Blackberry, Windows, Nokia, and Symbian platforms. Experience WeChat for yourself by scanning the QR code above or by visiting wechat.com


Tuesday, November 26, 2013

A Different Kind of Party at the Launch of Just Add Water: SearFair 2014

I've had my share of attending parties but they were usually held in homes, hotels, or clubs. I've yet to experience enjoying a party with friends on a yacht -- until last weekend!


For about an hour, we got to enjoy the cool night breeze as we cruised at a leisurely speed around Manila Bay aboard a very nice boat complete with  an open bar and DJ music.

Expectedly, photo sessions started as soon as we stepped on board. It was fun to pose in different parts of the yacht. I was glad that the waters were calm that night so i dont think anybody experienced any seasickness.


The yacht has a lot of nice facilities. There are cushions on deck where several people can sit and simply enjoy the twinkling lights on shore. There's also a sort of air conditioned living cum dining room downstairs with a very comfortable couch.

I loved that we were allowed to enter the captain's cabin. One of my friends was even asked to steer the huge wheel while he was having a photo op.


This coming 2014, hop aboard and be part of a prestigious event that is bound to be the biggest boat and yacht exposition in the Philippines. Just Add Water: SeaFair 2014 invites every member of the boating, marine, and water sports enterprise to join this spectacular gathering.

The four-day annual festivities, hosted by Legworks Events, will showcase products and services from the aforementioned industries. There, guests and visitors alike would have the chance to build new connections, expand their network, and learn significant insights about the booming water industry.


Expect simultaneous events and water-related activities that will allow participants and guests to experience the joys of a marine lifestyle. Just Add Water: SeaFair 2014 has lined up a lot of things that include a Regatta Competition that will bring together some of the country's finest regatta competitors and a cocktail Yacht Party to finish the night off.

There will also be a Dragon Boat demo where guests can learn more about the basics of dragon boating, a fast-growing sport that has recently heaped recognitions on the country after a number of international wins by the Philippine team. A Helicopter City Tour will further provide guests an aerial view of the event as well as other parts of the metro.


Included in the lineup of activities is a Fashion Show that would feature nautical apparel and the launching of a very promising accessory line. Enthusiasts would be happy to know that there will also be display booths of cool water sports gear and accessories, nautical apparel, and marine equipment and peripherals where one can purchase a lot of stuff.

Foodies would definitely find much to smile about as food brands will be joining as sponsors and exhibitors for some sampling and hosting of luncheon for guests' gastronomic satisfaction.


SeaFair 2014 will be held on February 20-23, 2014 at the CCP Complex Bay Terminal Parking, a part of an 88-hectare property of reclaimed land along Roxas Boulevard fronting Manila Bay. A special docking station is available at the venue to display the participants and guests’ boats and yachts that will all be available for sea trial.

For more information please contact: Gen Fernandez/Haidee Ricardo at 515-9903, 0917.950.0948

* Photos borrowed from my hubby who blogs at trailsunlimited.blogspot.com. You can view the whole photo album of the event here :)


Sunday, November 24, 2013

Visit Lucky Chinatown's 3D Art Miracle Exhibition Before It's Gone!

I've always wanted to pose with a 3D painting because all the photographs I've been seeing online for years look really, really awesome. So I was truly overwhelmed when I first got to have my photo taken with not just one, but almost a hundred 3D paintings (!) when I was in Pattaya, Thailand early this month.


At the time, despite having a lot of fun, I couldn't help but wish that my kids could have experienced it too. So imagine my delight when my youngest son and I got a chance to visit the Philippines' very own 3D art gallery yesterday!


Dubbed Miracle Art Exhibition in Manila, the wonderfully presented multi-dimensional works of art can be found at the 3rd floor of Lucky Chinatown Annex A. There, you can bring as many cameras, take as many photos, and do as many poses as you want! Just don't forget to bring your imagination because you will really need it inside!


We experienced almost literally stepping into different worlds of fantasy as we interacted with the paintings and tried to figure out what would be the best angles to get the best pictures. Don't worry though, there are sample photos at portions of the different galleries with poses that you can copy if you can't think of an original one.

The helmet looks so real!
There are various sections each with their own themes. Some feature animals and nature, some have superheroes, others have beautiful wings (where you can channel Katniss Everdeen like I did, LOL) and a whole lot more.  


The bottom line is, there are endless possibilities you can do with each painting! So expect to be there for more than an hour. Well, I don't think you'll even notice the time once you start to have fun. I am deeply grateful that my son seemed to have had the time of his life while I happily shot photos upon photos of him in various poses.


Make sure to drop by the Miracle Art Exhibition in Manila before 2013 ends. I was told that it would only last until the end of December so don't miss the opportunity. Bring your family and friends and simply have fun!


Tickets are sold at P300 for adults, P250 for students over 12 years old, and P200 for children. Groups of 10 or more can avail of a special 20% discount.


Lucky Chinatown Annex A is located at Reina Regente St. corner Dela Reina St., Binondo, Manila and is open from 10AM to 10PM. For more information, please call the Lucky Chinatown Concierge at 576-8139.

* See more photos we took by visiting this Facebook album


Saturday, November 23, 2013

Pharmaton Cinemaxclusive Treats Guests to an Unstoppable Night at the Hunger Games: Catching Fire Screening

One of the songs I loved to sing years ago was "So Young" by The Corrs. The lyrics go: "We are so young now, we are so young, so young now. And when tomorrow comes we'll just do it all again." I could definitely relate to that … when I was much, much younger :)

Like my young self, I see a lot of yuppies nowadays who may be busy with their respective careers but amazingly continue to find ways to embrace and enjoy life. After all, as the saying goes, life is what we make it and we should live it to the fullest. So, to keep up with living in the fast lane and doing everything that needs to be done, one has to find a way to make the energy last.


Fight fatigue and improve your memory and attention with Pharmaton (generic name: Multivitamins + Minerals + Deanol + Ginseng Extract). This is a multivitamin that combines vitamins and minerals with standardized ginseng extract G115

Last night, to prove how one can maximize his energy even after a hard day’s work, the second leg of Pharmaton Unstoppable Cinemaxclusive was held in Greenbelt 3, Makati. The event was a blockbuster night full of unstoppable perks including dinner, delicious desserts and coffee, drinks with friends and a block screening of the film “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire”.


Lucky radio listeners, who called in and answer questions about being unstoppable, got to win slots to the event. A digital raffle was also held via the Pharmaton Cinemaxclusive App which was launched on Pharmaton’s Facebook fan page. The promotions, done from November 4 to 15, chose 85 lucky winners plus 2 friends each to experience last night's unstoppably exclusive event.

And so we, members of the media, joined participants at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., at 6:30PM right after office hours to eat dinner and dessert followed by coffee. I arrived a bit late so I didn't get to have my photo taken at the Cinemaxclusive movie poster photo booth but I'm sure a lot of the winners enjoyed having theirs.


At 8:30PM, we went up to Greenbelt Cinemas for an exclusive screening of “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” that stars Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson. During the movie, participants further got to enjoy complimentary popcorn and iced tea.

The fun did not stop there because after the film viewing, some of the participants were able to pump the night up with cocktail drinks courtesy once again of Bubba Gump. To cap off the fun event, Pharmaton gave out gift packs to those who attended. The night just showed, if one has the will and energy to be unstoppable, there’s no telling what he can achieve!

Want to join Pharmaton's next events and promos? Be updated by liking and visiting facebook.com/PharmatonPH often!


Thursday, November 21, 2013

WAFU Greenhills Offers Its 12-Course Teppanyaki Omakase Buffet at 50% Off!

Love Japanese food? Visit WAFU Greenhills any time between now and December 30, 2013 and get 50% off their 12-Course Teppanyaki Omakase Buffet!


This tummy-filling experience will tickle your palate with a variety of exciting flavors and food combinations. Some will even be cooked before your own eyes! Take a seat and savor the mouth-watering aromas while your table's personal chef cooks tofu, meat, and fish on a giant teppanyaki griller across from where you're sitting.


The 12-course meal starts with a bowl of hot and tasty Miso Soup and Wafu House Salad drizzled with onion dressing and crispy salmon skin. 


While enjoying those starters, the chef will already be preparing your Tofu Steak with Wafu's sweet and special savory sauce. The tofu has that melt-in-your-mouth texture and goes well with the flavored rice that Wafu staff will also serve you.


Next to be grilled is the US Hanger Steak that's served with shimeiji mushrooms and wasabi pepper sauce. This is another new and tasty treat I've come to like.


The 5th course made me happy as well because it is one of my favorite kinds of fish: the Blue Marlin. This time, I got to eat it with wasabi mayo that gave the fish meat a different kind of twist.


Chicken lovers, like my kids, would surely like the Hard Seared Sous Vide Chicken covered with teriyaki sauce. 


Following that one is the Grilled Salmon that comes with spinach and Wafu's very own sauce ana. By then, my tummy was already feeling some heaviness even though we were barely halfway through our meal! 


But I could not turn down the Ebi Tempura that was served in front of me. That is one of the first Japanese dishes that I learned to appreciate many, many years ago.


As someone who likes steak, I had to take bites out of the US Tenderloin cooked in saikoro style. On another day, I could probably eat a whole slab of this one, given a chance :D


The Japanese Sea Bass with house made mango onion salsa is also a must-try at Wafu.


Of course, what's a Japanese dinner without the ubiquitous Sushi Sampler? If you're looking for those at the beginning of this post, don't fret because they will serve you a variety of sushi :)


To cap off the whole, burp-inducing meal, there's Wafu Ice Cream for dessert that will complete your Teppanyaki Omakase dinner. 


But wait! I did say this is a buffet right? So, in case you are still hungry after being served those 12 dishes, you can ask for another round or order specific dishes from the Teppanyaki Omakase menu and the chef will gladly cook them again for you.


The better news is, if you book a reservation at Wafu for this kind of meal, you can avail of the 50% discount from the regular price of P1800! Pay only P900++ (or P1080 nett) per person to enjoy this sumptuous spread only until December 30, 2013. 


Need more details? Call Wafu at 0917.8770101 or 570.3242. You may also send them a message via their Facebook page. Wafu is located at the right side of the Greenhills Shopping Center if you're coming from Ortigas Avenue.

Happy eating! :)


Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Rejuvenate Your Skin With Shinagawa Lasik and Aesthetics' Anti-Aging Facial

We all need some downtime from work. After all, stress and lack of sleep can cause bad skin conditions. The other day, I took an afternoon off and decided to have some "me-time". I visited Shinagawa Lasik and Aesthetics, the place where I had my successful lasik surgery more than a year ago.


Aside from correcting vision, Shinagawa also has a line of beauty and skin products under the House of Celesty brand. The establishment also offers beauty treatments and cosmetic enhancements.

I chose to undergo the anti-aging facial treatment because I felt that my skin has been exposed to pollution the past few weeks from always being out of the house for work and travel.


After a quick consultation with the dermatologist on duty and a quick stop at the powder room to wash my face with the very nice-smelling DermaCelesty Luxe Age-defying Cleansing Foam, I was led to one of the treatment rooms. I found out that my therapist is a actually registered nurse. Sheng told me that all of them who perform facials at Shinagawa are nurses and that they get rotated to different kinds of duties where most require the expertise of their profession.


Sometimes, they would be assigned to assist on surgeries while other times, they had to do facials. Sheng said that is why they are trained to be able to do every task needed to be done inside the clinic. I like the idea that I was being handled by someone who really knows what she's doing.

The treatment room is comfortably cool. I was covered by a blanket and towel while having the facial. After a few minutes of the comforting steam being directed on my face, Sheng used the very nice-smelling Celesty Glow Toner to clean my skin before removing dead cells using an almond scrub with a micro brush.


She then applied a cream and massaged my whole face. That was very relaxing! Next step was to extract the whiteheads and blackheads using a small metal rod with one end shaped like a tiny donut. The toner again made an appearance and I enjoyed its very pleasant aroma.

I asked Sheng why there's a need to cover the face with a thin layer of gauze before using the high frequency laser and she replied that it is meant to eliminate the discomfort of the slight prickling sensation brought about by the laser rod. I appreciate that consideration.


Without removing the gauze, Sheng mixed then applied a cool rejuvenating mask on my face and left me for around 15 minutes to let the mask set in and for my skin absorb the nutrients that slow down skin aging. I used the time to relax and found that it is such a nice way to enjoy time alone even for just a few minutes.

After removing the mask, Sheng applied a coat of collagen gel on my face as the final touch. The result? Really soft, smooth, and hydrated skin! I wish all my girl friends could experience this kind of pampering. It is really something every woman must try.


So do pay Shinagawa a visit one of these days and see for yourself how great it is to have a facial treatment done by experts using high quality skin products. You can even ask them to bring you through the gallery of items they have and check which ones will fit your skin's needs best.

Shinagawa Lasik and Aesthetics is located at the Enterprise Center in Ayala Avenue cor. Paseo de Roxas in Makati City. For inquiries or to book an appointment, please call +63 (2) 491-0000 or +63 (2) 846-3197. Like Shinagawa on Facebook and follow @Shinagawa_PH on Twitter. To see the complete list of services offered there, please visit their website.


Tuesday, November 19, 2013

When in Bangkok Thailand, Don't Fail to Visit the Chatuchak Weekend Market!

One particular place that every tourist must not miss when visiting Bangkok, Thailand is Chatuchak Weekend Market. It is THE place for bargain shopping.

airport link train
It is very easy to get there via Bangkok's easy to navigate train system. Just ride the BTS (Sky Train) or MRT (Subway Train) and get off at Mo Chit station. Make sure to get a copy of the free map of the train systems that are available in most stations, save a picture file on your mobile device, or print out a copy from the internet before you leave for Thailand.


I went to Chatuchak on a Saturday by myself. I took the airport link train from the Ramkhamhaeng station, which is just across Nasa Vegas, my hotel, got off at Makkasan (fare: THB 15) and walked to the MRT's Pratcha Buri station. I rode that one going to Mo Chit (fare: THB 31).


Walking towards the main market is easy because I just followed the flow of the people in front of me. Just turn right after getting off the MRT stairs, go straight, and you'll eventually see the entrance to Chatuchak on your right.

pretty clay magnets I wasn't able to go back for :(
From there, just start exploring anywhere. You will find bargains at every turn. I very much regret not being able to have more time there, though. I arrived around 3PM and didn't get to buy as many souvenirs as I wanted because the stalls close at 6PM.

street artist
Someday, I would like go back there because I saw a lot of things I should have bought the first time I passed their areas. As it was, due to the huge land space, I found it hard to find certain stalls again afterwards.

Some tips:

1.  Wear comfortable shoes and light clothing. It can get really hot. Bring a bottle of water with you although there are food stalls also where you can buy snacks and drinks. I ate a papaya salad to replenish my energy.

soaps shaped like fruits
2. Always try to get the lowest price possible. Learn to haggle with the shop owners. I happily was able to get some good discounts.

3. Exchange rate here is higher. Don't swap all your spending money while at the airport. I learned that too late.

4. Bring a big foldable bag that you can put your all purchases in to avoid holding lots of small plastic bags. My mistake.

beautiful fake flowers attached to hair clips
5. Take pictures. The place is so colorful, you'll have a great time taking lots of nice shots.

6. Go there early to be able to shop more. Operating hours: 6PM-12MN on Fridays, 9AM-6PM on Saturdays and Sundays.

7. Enjoy the whole experience! I did! :)

* See more photos taken at Chatuchak and other places in Bangkok here


Monday, November 18, 2013

Crosswinds Luxury Resorts Suites Lights Up Its Giant Christmas Tree

The Christmas season always brings feelings of joy and hope to Filipinos. As the yuletide holidays draw near, Crosswinds Luxury Resorts Suites in Tagaytay made sure to lift up the spirits of people through its giant Christmas tree that can be seen all the way from the Aguinaldo Highway.


Last Saturday, my friends and I witnessed the lighting of the tree along with the staging of the Christmas story in music and dance. It was a beautiful presentation that captured what we, Filipinos, should remember -- there is always hope amid adversities. The birth of Jesus Christ gave us that promise.


We watched fireworks light up the sky and joined people in ushering the holidays by having our photos taken beside the giant Christmas tree and even, a real, live Santa Claus on his sleigh! It wasn't only the young guests who had fun that night. The young-at-heart had our share of the levity as well :)


It was nice to be back at Crosswinds with its beautiful sceneries and structures. I have fond memories of our family's stay there a few months ago. I also love the cool Tagaytay weather that's perfect for cuddling up with a loved one.


This Christmas season, if you're looking for a great place to spend a couple or more days away from home, consider booking a room at Crosswinds' Grand Quartier. Have a cozy staycation, cook your own food in your room's well-equipped kitchen, and have a movie marathon with your friends or family!


Don't forget to climb the small hill where the Christmas tree is and spend some time just admiring the great view from up there. Just below it is the Christmas village where you can find lots of souvenirs and decorations for your home.


If you're looking for more excitement, you can always visit other tourist spots in Tagaytay and eat out at one of the restaurants that serve hot and hearty bulalo that's perfect to eat in cold places like this.


Thank you Ryan San Juan for this photo!
Find out the rates and special promos that Crosswinds is currently offering by sending an email to reservations@crosswindsresortsuites.com or logging on to www.crosswindsresortsuites.com. Call (632) 856-9601, (632) 623-7084, or (63917) 569-6280.


Crosswinds is located at Brgy. Iruhin Central, Calamba Road, Tagaytay City. This amazing property is managed by Hospitality International, Inc. (HII).

* For more photos taken during the event, please click here