Monday, August 31, 2015

Limited Offer: Beyond the Box's MacBook Air Lifestyle Bundles in Zero24 Installments!

My MacBook Air may already be three years old but it continues to work perfectly fine. I keep telling my husband that in case this laptop conks out one of these days due to old age, I'll probably just buy another one because it has been, so far, the best laptop I've ever owned. Seriously.

MacBook Air user since 2012
You see, the MacBook Air's aluminum unibody design looks modern and minimalist while the tapering edges also make the laptop genuinely attractive and impressive. The amazing thing is, the chassis design, which is the same since the laptop was launched in 2010, remains elegant-looking and classy, resonating with the luxurious feel that Apple gadgets provide.

Gorgeously thin at 17mm in diameter, the MacBook Air weighs only 1.4kg, light enough that it's barely noticeable inside a big shoulder bag and sturdy enough to assure you that it's not going to easily break. Overall, this laptop sends the indisputable message that the MacBook Air is an engineering feat and one that would be hard to copy.

Beyond the Box makes it easy to own a MacBook Air with the #Zero24 promo
So, if you've also been considering owning a MacBook Air, now is the perfect time to turn that dream into reality! This month, from September 1 to 30, 2015, the MacBook Air 11" and 13" 128GB variants will be available in super easy #Zero24 installments at Beyond the Box in three unique lifestyle bundles at no extra cost.

Which of the following Lifestyle Bundles fits you best? Check them all out so you can get most out of your new MacBook Air lifestyle by taking full advantage of the complimentary add-ons.

Thursday, August 27, 2015

Call for Entries for Pioneer's Stories of Hope Playwriting Competition

Aside from insuring Filipinos and the things we value most, Pioneer has also been advocating for the artistic community through insurance coverage and sponsorships. The life and non-life insurance company, established in 1954, has already supported theater plays such as Miss Saigon, The Little Mermaid, and Trumpet's N.O.A.H. 

Pioneer and Partners
Last year, Pioneer rolled out the Stories of Friendship Video Competition where participants were encouraged to share their take on friendship via a three-minute video. Ateneo de Davao's My Friends Who Ran won first prize.

This year, as a means of continued support for the Filipino talent, the company is holding Pioneer   Stories of Hope Playwriting Competition. This new campaign paves the way for fresh ideas from young, aspiring playwrights who have 'hope-full' stories to tell.


Contractubex Shares Inspiring Stories of Six SCARvivors

Scars mean different things to different people. For some, they are a reminder of pain and personal tragedy while others consider them as a sign of healing wounds. Scars are a testament to what individuals have overcome because of their courage and resilience. These physical marks could also mean closure about a past incident and is something that can be visually improved as part of the healing process.

learn these SCARvivors stories and be inspired!
Contractubex (Extractum Cepae + Heparin + Allantoin), the country's leading scar management brand, has partnered with the burn centers of the Philippines and the Philippine Association of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgeons, Inc. (PAPRAS) mission for an advocacy called SCARvivor, which shares life-changing stories of six individuals who bear scars but kept on living inspiring lives.

Contractubex brings stories of hope
The SCARvivors shared a bit of what they went through during the press launch along with talks from Dr. Jose Joven Cruz, President of PAPRAS and Dr. Dorothy Dy Ching Bing, Burn Rehabilitation Consultant on burn centers in the Philippines.

Nikoy de Guzman

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Edu Manzano & Lorna Tolentino Make the Switch to Quality Generic Medicine Available at Watsons

Savings or quality? That's a question that is echoed by many Filipinos when it comes to generic medicines. For families on a tight budget, healthcare often takes a backseat to more basic needs like food and household utilities. A recent study done by Nielsen confirmed that an average Filipino family spends only five percent (5%) of its income for medicines and health-related services.

save up to 80% when you buy Watsons Generics
With Watsons Generics, Filipinos no longer need to choose between SAVINGS and QUALITY because customers are assured all generic drugs sold there are manufactured by trusted pharmaceutical partners and undergo a five-step quality assurance process. In addition, shoppers also get as much as 80 percent in savings!

Danilo Chiong, Health Business Unit Director of Watsons said that they aim to help families by giving them more healthcare options and the ability to buy affordable, high-quality medicines. "This will not just give them access to quality healthcare products, they will also be able to focus their finances on other important matters."

at Watsons, you get both savings and quality, no compromises
The Watsons Generics line includes maintenance medicines for diabetes, hypertension, and cholesterol; antibiotics for fighting off common bacteria; dietary supplements to enhance the skin, help slow down aging, and maintain overall wellness; basic vitamins; oral analgesics; and other over the counter medicines. 

"In the Philippines, Watsons has always been known for our branded beauty products," acknowledged Karen Fabres, Watsons Senior Marketing Manager. "But, with the launch of Watsons Generics, our customers now don't have to go elsewhere to buy their medicine."

Sai Pascual (Senior Category Manager), Karen Fabres, Krisel Macatangay
and Helen Capunong from Watsons with Lorna and Edu

Saturday, August 22, 2015

Via Mare Continues to Celebrate Filipino Cuisine on its 40th Year

It is hard not to be biased about the local food we grew up with but I personally believe that Filipino cuisine is really one of the best in the world. After all, we have a wide variety of dishes bursting with interesting and delicious flavors. 

Via Mare celebrates 40 Years of good Filipino food
Via Mare Seafood Specialty Restaurant, which opened in September 1975, gave global recognition to the sophistication and complex flavors of the Philippines thanks to Chef Glenda Barretto who believed in the Filipino cuisine's potential to be world class.

Ensaladang Suha at Labanos - P168
Ensaladang Bagnet - P195

Get Your Caffeine Fix at Recession Coffee and Pay What You Want For It!

Digital Walker has set the bar for industrial class and fashion forward digital accessorizing since it opened its first futuristic and pop-art inspired store in 2004. Until now, it remains a great place to find hip, quality, and trailblazing tech accessories that enable today's technocrats to get their geek on in style. 

gadget accessories galore
No wonder tech-savvy customers have repeatedly come back to check out the latest in music headgear, portable speakers, gizmo protectors, and a few cult-loved gadgets.

choose from a variety of sweet treats to pair with your coffee
To push the envelope further, this popular gadget accessory store brought a new twist in its Eastwood Mall location. Recessions Coffee by Digital Walker is a coffee and tech lover's dream because the cafe is located right inside the fun and funky tech store. What's more, patrons can order a great cup of coffee at whatever price they'd like to give or can afford. Just pay-want-you-want! 

unwind with cappuccino and cheesecake while listening to music via a portable speaker

Thursday, August 20, 2015

Join Robinsons Supermarket as it Celebrates 30 Years!

Robinsons Supermarket, the Philippines' first supermarket chain to take on the wellness advocacy, is celebrating its 30th year of serving the Filipino family with a series of activities for the enjoyment of its loyal patrons. From the first branch at Cebu Fuente in 1985, Robinsons has grown to 116 stores nationwide with more stores expected to open within this year.

wellness section shaped like an apple
Kickstarting the "30 Fresh Years" milestone celebration was the recent launch of a new health and wellness section format for Robinsons Supermarket Pioneer in Mandaluyong, sponsored by one of its trusted partners, Nestle Philippines. I found it fascinating how they arranged the Wellness Section shaped like an apple -- so inspiringly healthy! :)

ready to join the fun activities!
Around the store, sponsored booths with health-related themes offered various activities for shoppers. Some of my blogger friends and I joined in the fun and, after completing our stamp cards, got to take home a prize --- a container of Healthy You Mixed Nuts! My hubby and I love snacking on those!

visit the booths, complete the stamps, get your reward!

Like Chesca Garcia-Kramer's Daughter, Scarlett, Your Child Can Also Have Sweet Dreams with Elica Cream

Adults find it hard to deal with itchy skin, what more when babies and small children have that discomfort? Moreso, the itch feels different with simple insect bites compared to skin conditions where the itch remains for a longer time. No wonder those with eczema find it hard to sleep at night!

even a teddy bear would probably up all night if it has eczema! :p
Eczema is characterized by red, dry, and itchy rashes on the skin. It is more common in children than in adults. It can also negatively affect a child's life as a result of the inability to sleep because of the itching. 

This is what celebrity mom Chesca Garcia-Kramer experienced with her daughter Scarlett who used to cry at night due to itchy rashes. Their pediatrician then recommended mometasone furoate or Elica for the little girl. Within 24 hours, the topical steroid from Bayer Philippines gave positive results and both mother and daughter finally got to sleep better at night.

beautiful mother and daughter, Chesca and Scarlett

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Restaurant Review: Earth Kitchen in Bonifacio Global City

I fully support natural and organic farming. Not only does this produces safe food, it also helps the environment. So I am very happy to learn that Earth Kitchen, a restaurant I recently visited, is very dedicated in supporting local farmers and indigenous communities around the Philippines.  

smiling with a happy tummy :)
Earth Kitchen's dishes showcase crops from the Got Heart Farms in Tarlac as well as the restaurant's more than 100 partner communities from Luzon to Mindanao. As a backgrounder, this establishment is a partnership of Got Heart Foundation and Hizon's Catering. Its interior feels like somewhere you'd like to relax in amidst fresh greenery.

interior of Earth Kitchen's BGC branch
Like many of us who have been advocating for organic agriculture, the founders of Earth Kitchen also believe that increasing demand for organic and natural produce will help sustain the livelihood of marginalized communities. This, in turn, also encourages farmers to raise good, clean, and healthy food without using genetically modified organisms (GMOs), chemicals, synthetic fertilizers, and other harmful inputs such as petroleum-based urea, herbicides, and pesticides.

watermelon and rocket salad

Tuesday, August 18, 2015

Reduce Sick Days in Children with One to Two Servings of Pineapple a Day

A clinical study, published in the Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism, revealed that more and more Filipino children get sick more often due to their weak immune systems. Unfortunately, this growing concern in kids may affect different areas of your child's life, including time-sensitive activities such as attending classes in school.

kids who fail to attend classes also miss out on other opportunities for growth 
Getting sick for several days, leading to multiple absences, are likely to set back a child's education, overall development, and growth. Missing school means getting left behind in learning valuable lessons that could be crucial later on in the school year. More often, these children find it hard to get back on track.

Thus, parents need to make sure that kids are kept safe from infections by boosting their immunity through proper nutrition. According to Dr. Marina V. Vargas of the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI), the Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos recommends having two to three servings of vegetables a day (1 serving = 1 cup raw or 1/2 cup cooked veggies) and two servings of fruits a day (1 serving should be rich in Vitamin C).

Pineapple Milk Shake made using Del Monte Pineapple Chunks

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

Cherry Mobile Launches Android One G1 in Collaboration with Google

Barely two months since the Flare X and CUBIX were introduced to the market, the country's leading local phone brand, Cherry Mobile, continues to make strides as it strengthens its relationship with Google, with its Android One initiative.

all the sweetness of Android in Cherry Mobile's G1
Less than a year since the release of the groundbreaking Android One smartphone in the Philippines, Cherry Mobile recently unveiled the Cherry Mobile Android One G1, which was described as having "all the sweetness of Android."

This latest smartphone, certified by Google, has a 1.2 GHz Quad-Core processor backed by an Adreno 306 graphics-processing unit. Upgraded from its predecessor, the G1 has an increase of 2GB RAM with 16GB of built-in memory, expandable up to 64GB for added file storage space using a micro SD card.      

the G1 is powered by … lollipop! :)

Puregold Introduces the Convenient #PurePadala Service for OFWs and Their Families

It is more the norm nowadays, rather than an exception, for Filipino families to have relatives abroad. Thus, we all probably have experienced receiving "padala" from our loved ones working or living in other countries. 

an OFW sending money remittance
At home, we often receive balikbayan boxes from my in-laws living in California who often send us stuff for the house and medical equipment and supplies for our son with special needs. In fact, one particular box sent to us by my sister-in-law was featured by NPR (National Public Radio) several years ago :) 

an OFW's family buying groceries using the remittance they received
For many Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), it is always a joy to be able to send stuff and money to their loved ones at home. However, there have been a lot of stories about relatives here who mishandle remittances thereby wasting the efforts and hard-earned income of the OFWs. So I totally understand the struggle of some of our kababayans abroad thinking if the money they're sending are really spent on the proper expenses.  

Mr. Gary Valenciano for Puregold #PurePadala

Monday, August 10, 2015

Kathryn Bernardo Becomes the New Face of Primadonna

The Teen Queen of Philippine show business, Kathryn Bernardo, has just been launched as Primadonna's newest brand ambassador the other night at The Green Sun in Makati City. This youthful Filipina actress, regarded as one of her generation's fashion icons, is described as a perfect fit for Primadonna's likewise young and dynamic personality.

Kathryn Bernardo -- the new Primadonna brand ambassador
Kathryn's style, which has greatly evolved from her younger days, inspired the brand's upcoming pre-holiday collection. This is composed of 20 styles reflecting the latest Sports Luxe trend, first set by the likes of Alexander Wang and Helmut Lang

Sports Luxe footwear
The collection features chunky platforms, thick-soled kicks, and "man repeller" slides, which have been seen on some of the most stylish people here and abroad, particularly in Hollywood. "I love how Primadonna is when it comes to picking up what's uso," shared Kathryn. "So if I see Taylor Swift wearing something na gusto ko, I run agad to Primadonna because I'm sure they have what I'm looking for!"

pretty pink shoes

Friday, August 07, 2015

The Bosch Series 8 Ovens Bring Baking, Cooking, and Roasting to New Heights

The annual World Food Expo is a great venue to showcase new technologies in the food industry and I felt privileged to be there as Bosch unveils its latest built-in cooking series at WOFEX 2015 in SMX Convention Center this August 5-8.   

Event host Gelli Victor interviewing Chef Jean Charles Dubois
Bosch Series 8 Ovens, which were granted the 2015 German Design Award, feature 21 new technologies that will make preparing dishes a breeze for both novices and seasoned cooks. Host a party with a lavish menu or simply cook for your family with the help of the Series 8's intuitive and sophisticated sensors that guarantee perfect results. 

Chef JC setting the oven for baking
Bosch ambassador Chef Jean Charles Dubois, from the famed Balzac Brasserie and Bar in Singapore, demoed several of his specialties to prove to expo attendees how the Series 8 takes the guesswork out of creating delectable dishes with minimum effort. He showed us how to execute three heavenly recipes that looked really easy to prepare. You really just need an intelligent oven to get the doneness right.   

Chef JC showing how the choux pastry was perfectly baked

Wednesday, August 05, 2015

Understanding Lee Hecht Harrison's Career Transition Service Program

We experience a lot of changes in life. Unfortunately, whether we like it or not, some of these changes are beyond our control. Still, it has been said that whatever problems we face are not as important as our attitude towards them. "Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude," right?

change can be confusing
But, what if your boss informs you that the company you've served loyally for years has to let you go and that you no longer have to report to work tomorrow, next week, or next month? What do you do? How do you think you'd feel? When will you tell your family about it?

Many of us have probably experienced job loss at some point in our careers. Maybe it was due to a merger or takeover, a decision to downsize operations, or other various reasons. The thing is, laid off employees are not just the ones affected. Their families will also feel the financial and emotional impact.        

Mr. Vicente Kilayko
"When employees have to be laid off, it's really usually nobody's fault. Changes happen. When two companies merge, you cannot have two presidents, one must go. Or, if new technology comes in and manual labor is eliminated, then you have to let people go, too," explained Vicente Kilayko, Managing Director of Lee Hecht Harrison (LHH). "But, it should be the employer's responsibility to make sure that the laid off employees are taken cared of."

Now THAT is the missing link! Displaced workers don't have to go through this challenging phase alone! Outplacement or Career Transition Service (CTS) is a program offered by LHH designed to help companies make changes in their organization by taking care of employees that are impacted or laid off because of change. 

LHH's Assess, Implement, Manage (AIM) Framework Milestones

Tuesday, August 04, 2015

Enjoy 100% Natural Ingredients with Oishi Great Lakes Juices!

As a wife and mom, one of my top concerns is my family's health. To ensure my loved ones' wellness, I strive to provide them with good meals and a balanced diet along with a good amount of fruits and vegetables. However, it's harder to control what my boys eat when they're in school so I really do try to make up for any nutrient deficiencies with better choices at home.

a family of healthy beverages
Here, my husband and I see to it that our refrigerator always has healthy items that our kids can just grab anytime they're thirsty or hungry. I am very happy to have found a partner in Oishi Great Lakes, an all-natural fruit and vegetable drink. 

All-natural means these juices have no added sweetener, flavoring, or coloring, just 100% natural fruit and vegetable extracts mixed together to make yummy blends. Both variants, Tropical Blend Fruit Mix and Fruit and Vegetable Mix are tasty treats that don't make it difficult to convince kids to add more fruits and vegetables into their diet. What's more, the refreshing beverage is so good to drink any time of the day!

one of the best refreshments after a 10k run!

Merkado Supermarket Opens its First Store at U.P. Town Center with Awesome Promos

Any mom, I believe, enjoys shopping for her family. I do! Especially when it comes to buying food that I know my loved ones would appreciate. 

shopping for groceries is fun!
Last July 31, I found myself in Quezon City attending the opening of Merkado Supermarket's first store located at U.P. Town Center. The concept interested me because this project is a joint venture between Ayala and Puregold, two respected names in the retails business.

friendly staff in pretty costumes
ALI Capital, Corp. (a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ayala Land, Inc.) and Entenso Equities, Inc. (a wholly-owned subsidiary of Puregold Priceclub, Inc.) collaborated to become AyaGold Retailers, Inc., bringing fun and ease to grocery shopping. 

super organized shelves -- an OC's haven :p

Monday, August 03, 2015

Reap the Health Benefits of Powerful Antioxidants in Organique Acai Premium Blend

I've been hearing a lot about the health benefits of acai (pronounced ah-sah-ee) berries for a couple of years now but haven't had the chance to try it yet. These fruits come from the acai tree, the tallest palm tree in the Amazon jungle that grows up to 80 feet. According to Cathy Salimbangon, Vice President for Marketing of Organique, Inc., for centuries, the small, dark purple berries have been a staple in the diet of Brazil's indigenous people. "They consume it regularly and it is what they use to remedy aches and pains, from infection to stomach problems."

acai berries grow beside the Amazon River
photo credit: Organique Acai's FB page
Considered by many as the king of super foods in recent years, the acai berry is rich in antioxidants that fights cell damage. "It's basically a cellular approach, our cells are being attacked by free radicals from the pollutants around us, antioxidants help repair them so your body is replenished and functions better overall," simplified Cathy during Organique's recent media event at Prime101 in Pasong Tamo, Makati.

Antioxidants in acai, she said, gives you more energy, delays signs of aging, and strengthens the immune system, among many other health benefits. Acai berries also have omega oils that are needed for proper function of the brain and cardiovascular system. "It has all the basic vitamins and minerals that our body needs aside from being high in dietary fiber."

(from left) Ms. Cory, Cathy, Dr. Sonny Viloria, and Regine
photo credit: Nana Nadal

Sunday, August 02, 2015

Australian Oranges are Now in Season and are Available in the Philippines!

I love eating fresh oranges as well as drinking 100% freshly squeezed orange juice. They are delicious fruits that have long been considered a valuable part of a healthy and nutritious diet. It is also well-established that nutrients in citrus promote health and provide protection against chronic diseases.

fresh and sweet Aussie oranges and juice 
Given a choice, I'd love to live in a place where oranges are accessible all year round at affordable prices. Filipino-Australian celebrities such as TV host Iya Villania-Arellano, Chris Everingham of the Philippine Volcanoes, and Fely Irvine, a former member of Hi-5 Australia, are very fortunate to have grown up in a country where oranges are part of people's daily lives.

(seated) Iya, Chris, and Fely with
(standing) David, Anthony, Bill, and Suzanne Ong of Victorian Government
photo credit: Austrade
This whole month of August, Filipinos can also enjoy Australian oranges that are not only healthy, fresh, and safe, but also affordable. The Australian Embassy, in partnership with Citrus Australia and the Victorian Government, recently launched "Australian Oranges - Now in Season" to mark the availability of Aussie oranges in the Philippines.

Bondi & Burke Makati