When your work entails being in front of the computer almost 24/7 like mine does, chances are, you also often experience having aches and pains in your hands, arms, back, and butt. This is the reason why I love having a whole body massage every now and then because it rejuvenates my tired muscles and make them ready for work again.

Finally, I got to use the Sparkle Spa gift certificate I got from Blogapalooza! The establishment is not very hard to find. From Bicutan, you just take the left service road (going North) and stop at Robinson's Supermarket near Merville. Sparkle is located at the right side of the building. 

The place looks very nice and well-maintained. The ambiance is cozy and there's even WiFi! Although the theme is predominantly pink, they have services that guys can also avail. My hubby also had a massage while our eldest son (who plays the guitar) tried the foot and hand reflexology treatment.

On the first floor are seats for those who are availing their hair treatments. Upstairs are two comfy chairs for customers who want to have foot, hand, back, and head massages; and two beds for those who need their whole body pampered. 

Unlike other spas, Sparkle does not have any shower or sauna rooms. You get massaged immediately while soothing music play in the background. Their beds are comfortable and the masseuse responds politely when you tell her to adjust the pressure applied on your muscles. Moreover, the staff are friendly and will readily answer any questions you have about their services.

For a complete list of what Sparkle has to offer, please visit www.sparkle.ph

   

Experience the many benefits of wheatgrass with Easy Pha-max's range of powdered beverages. According to one of their fliers, the chlorophyll in wheatgrass, together with different antioxidants and enzymes, promote healthy blood production. Moreover, chlorophyll detoxifies the blood and keeps it clean. Wheatgrass is also said to be rich in alkaline minerals that keep the pH of the blood ideal and prevent blood acidity.

Wheatgrass is also considered a Super Food because it nourishes the blood and body cells with 13 vitamins, 10 minerals, and 17 amino acids from the the roots. In short it C.A.N. -- Cleanses, Alkalizes, and Nourishes -- the blood.

Easy Pha-max wheatgrass is described as grown using an award-winning, Indoor Organic Aeroponic Cultivation (IOAC) system to ensure the production of perfectly clean and healthy wheatgrass that is bacteria-free, mold-free, and chemical-free.

I got a sampler pack of four wheatgrass beverages and among them, I like the Wheatgrass with Honey most. Although the flavor needs some getting used to, the health benefits outweigh the taste. I also found it better to drink when mixed with very cold water.

It's convenient that the beverages come in single serve sachets. This eliminates the hassles of measuring teaspoons of powder each time you have to mix a drink. In addition, I was quite surprised to read that Easy Pha-max is the only company in the world that uses one pound of fresh wheatgrass leaves and roots in every sachet. Now that's concentrated nourishment!

Easy Pha-max has other products like ready-to-drink wheatgrass in can, in tablet form, and chewables for kids that you may want to check out. Visit their website to know more.

One of the freebies given during Blogapalooza that fascinated me a lot was a watch with "magic" straps. Instead of securing it using the usual contraptions, this one needs just to be literally slapped on your arm and it will automatically wrap itself around your wrist.

What's also great about it is that it can be worn by different people with varying wrist sizes. Here's a photo of my and my hubby's wrists wearing the same watch. It fits my teens' wrists well, too! I find it comfortable to wear and it looks really nice.

These watches come in different colors that the young and young-at-heart would definitely enjoy wearing. They are available for P250 by order from Freestyle Ballers. Check out their Facebook page for current available colors and  other products as well as details on how to order items.

One of the snacks I've always enjoyed since childhood is Leslie's Clover Chips. I think I'll never outgrow the fondness for those cheesy and crunchy chips. I also like to eat potato chips and oftentimes try different brands for variety.

Last Blogapalooza, I was pleasantly surprised to receive a big bag from Leslie's. I thought my favorite Clover Chips would be inside but I'm still happy about the contents. 

My kids and I enjoyed trying out the four different flavors of Farmer John's  Premium Potato Chips. It's actually hard to choose just one flavor because everything is light and crispy and flavorful! It's said to be made from the freshest and finest imported, farm-grown potato. No wonder the smell alone would already make potato chip lovers drool.

Then there's Real American Chicharrones from Wild Willy's. My bubble thought then was, "Americans like chicharon? I thought they prefer jerky?" LOL. Anyhow, grab a bag or two of these the next time you're in the supermarket and check out this very tasty and crunchy variant.

Before, people only get information from what was called Tri-Media: television, radio, and print publications. Now, there's Quad-Media which includes online pages such as websites and blogs. Even businesses are taking notice that the internet does help today's tech savvy consumers decide where to go, what to buy, or how to do stuff. 

I have been writing professionally for print publications for almost a decade now but I have long since acknowledged that the World Wide Web can and do influence people's thoughts and actions. Thus, I blog because I want my own voice to be heard more. I want to change perspectives and perhaps contribute to making this world a better place.

If you look at the topmost part of this page, you'll read: "I write because I find humor in the absurdities of daily life. Sometimes I feel sadness too, and I find I can write my tears away. I write when I'm angry and feel I must right a wrong. I write when I'm touched and want others to see beauty and gentleness. I write, as many others do, because I must." And that's how I honestly and personally feel about writing down my thoughts on whatever medium is available.  

So, it was with interest that I signed up for Blogapalooza, an event created by bloggers and digital online specialists who recognize the rising clout and influence that members of the new online media have. The gathering aimed to connect online influencers with businesses who'd like to have their stuff tried, tested, and blogged about. 

I had fun during Blogapalooza last Sept. 17 at Fully Booked in Boni High Street because I got to be with some of my blogger friends, meet some very nice business owners, as well as get first dibs on some of the newest and not-yet-very-known products, services, and other stuff that's already out in the market today that more people still have to know about and which we can share with our individual online networks.

Please visit this blog in the coming weeks because I'll be reviewing a lot of the new things I learned about and found to be quite good :) To know who were the sponsors of Blogapalooza, check out the complete list here.

Thank you and congratulations Blogapalooza organizers for the very successful event!