Showing posts with label fun time. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fun time. Show all posts

Saturday, July 10, 2021

How Does a 3-D Mirascope Work?

Okay, geek mode on!  I found this fascinating science toy recently and set it up on the dining table before my youngest son got home. When I showed him how the frog wasn't actually on top of the mirascope, he had the same surprised reaction I had the first time I tried it. The image looked so real but when you try and touch it, you can't!  Watch the video, here.

So, how does this instant illusion maker work? According to the box, the 3-D Mirascope consists of two parabolic mirrors that are facing each other. The top mirror has a hole in the center where the hologram effect takes place. By setting an object in the bottom parabolic mirror, it is suddenly projected as a solid object in the opening of the top mirror.

Super cool, right? If you also want to buy one, you can find it here:    https://amzn.to/3e3hTe6. Enjoy! 

Please leave a comment below to share how your family and friends reacted. It would be a nice party trick don't you think? Also, aside from the frog, what other small stuff were you able to project as a hologram? I'm still looking around our house for another tiny item to try!   


Saturday, January 02, 2021

How Auld Lang Syne Sounds When Played on a Tongue Drum

Happy New Year, everyone! Since most of us preferred to usher in 2021 at home, I'm sure that like us, you also found various ways to keep yourselves entertained. 


Sometime in May 2019, I bought a tongue drum online to make music with. I originally wanted to have a hang drum that sounds so much better but found the prices way out of my budget. So I settled for this one and it's been nice playing it for fun. It has even become a conversation piece whenever we had (pre-pandemic) guests over. 

Anyhow, here's sharing a simple, non-professional rendition of Auld Lang Syne on a 10-inch 11-note tongue drum that my non-verbal son with special needs found entertaining. 


Whether it was simple or grand, I hope your New Year's celebration with the people you love was a joyous one :)


Monday, July 03, 2017

Race Review: Robinsons' 10th Fit & Fun Wellness Buddy Run

One of the things that definitely makes working out fun is doing it with a buddy. Whether you're accompanied by a friend or family member, physical activities seem to get easier if someone's with you to finish the journey with. 

early morning run with my boys
This July, Robinsons' Supermarket once more proved that pursuing a healthy and active lifestyle is very much possible with the success of the 10th Fit & Fun Wellness Buddy Run held yesterday at the Parade Grounds of Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.

I love this particular annual running event because it encourages participants to partner with a loved one in running together towards the finish line. This is my third time to join and I am grateful for the opportunity to be with my family in doing an activity I have personally grown to love. 

hubby and son number two
Like last year, my youngest son and I teamed up to run 5k while pushing our special child's wheelchair while hubby and our second son, both barefoot runners, once more tackled the 10k distance together. We caught up with each other along the race route and happily took a groufie I posted on Instagram.  

It was so great to see several blogger friends join the race for the first time with their significant others. I am really glad they had fun and hope that they would continue to incorporate running in their fitness regimens from now on. 

winners got cool prizes
Mr. Jody Gadia, general manager of Robinsons Supermarket, affirmed how much the Fit & Fun Buddy Run has become a much-anticipated event through the years. "It's our kick-off as we celebrate Wellness and Nutrition Month with the nation. It provides a fun gateway activity for fitness newbies who are just about to start their wellness journey and loyal runners."

On stage, Gretchen Ho and Robi Domingo served as hosts while coaches Jim and Toni Saret led pre- and post-workout sessions to help keep runners' adrenalin pumping. The fit couple also invited everyone to register on-site for the Fit Filipino 1 Million Pounds National Weight Loss Challenge. This is the biggest on-ground and online wellness program in the country that encourages everyone to pledge their unwanted pounds and lose weight by December. Know more about it, here. 

coaches Jim and Toni with Gretchen and Robi
Adding to the fun were various booths that offered freebies from Nestle Philippines, Johnson & Johnson, Fonterra, Unilab and Wyeth Nutrition, Unilever, International Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (IPI), Procter & Gamble, Abbott Nutrition, Getz Bros, Ecossential, Del Monte, Foodsphere Inc., and Philusa. 

The fun run, however, is just one of Robinsons Supermarket's many programs this July. There are Wellness Festivals being held in various locations and Healthy You snack platters to be given away for a minimum purchase of P3,000 inclusive of P500 worth of participating items.

everybody went home a winner with heavy lootbags filled with grocery items!
Keep updated with Robinsons' different promos and activities that aim to provide Filipinos with delicious and healthy food options and alternatives. Make sure to Like Robinsons Supermarket Official on Facebook and visit www.robinsons-supermarket.com.ph regularly. 

* Thank you so much, Running Photographers, for taking such great photos!


Wednesday, June 28, 2017

Genki Sushi Opens at SM Aura Premier and Launches New Menu Items

Time flies when you’re having fun and this is certainly true for one of my favorite dining places. It’s quite hard to believe that it has already been almost two years since Genki Sushi first opened its flagship branch in Bonifacio Stopover Global City! I can still clearly remember how impressed I was (and still am!) at the efficient and cool way dishes are served at this restaurant. You can read all about my first Genki Sushi experience, here.

with my hubby, Jeeves, and Nines
This month, diners would be happy to know that the innovative Japanese dining experience is now also available at Genki Sushi’s 4th branch in SM Aura, Taguig City. My husband and I had lunch there yesterday and, as usual, I remain fascinated by the speedy and convenient service because dishes arrive at each table via the Kousoku Express Train System, which was inspired by the Shinkansen bullet train. 

so fun to receive our orders via train delivery!
Diners can simply choose dishes on the menu found in the tablet screen provided for each table and wait for only 5 to 10 minutes before getting their freshly made orders. As in previous visits, my very first order was my favorite Wakame, a seaweed salad with a refreshing dressing. 

clockwise from top left: Kushi-Age, Salmon Trio, Shrimp Coconut,
and Sushi Trio
Apart from all-time favorites like the famous Chirashi Don, Seared Salmon with Black Pepper, Chicken Teriyaki Don, River Eel Rice Bowl, and various sushi choices there are new menu items to try such as the tasty Kushi-Age made of five different kinds of deep fried skewered meat and vegetable in special Japanese batter; Coconut Shrimps, deep fried shrimps in panko bread crumbs rolled in coconut flakes; Deep Fried Salmon Skin; and four new selections of sumptuous sushi trios. 

Super Supreme Sushi Set 
If you’re having a get together or simply just want to have a filling snack at home or in the office, check out the six new Take-away Sushi Party Sets that are sure to be a hit in any group gathering. Additionally, a new batch of tasty desserts is available for those with a sweet tooth. Choose from the Caramel Mochi, the Maki Dessert, and the Vanilla and Strawberry Mille Crepes.

smaller Genki Sushi set
Other branches of Genki Sushi are located at UP Town Center in Quezon City and Ayala 30th in Ortigas Avenue. Soon, there will also be a branch in SM North EDSA. Keep updated with news and promos by liking Genki Sushi Philippines on Facebook and following @genkisushiph on Instagram.


Tuesday, May 09, 2017

Robinsons Supermarket Launches Learn Wellness Campaign This Back-to-School Season

Summer breaks give us, parents, more time to oversee our children's food choices and encourage them to pursue fitness activities. However, once they start going to school again, it gets more difficult to monitor if they're still eating healthy given their exposure to a lot of junk foods outside the home.

with my youngest son at the super cool photo booth
Thus, Robinsons Supermarket encourages families, especially students, to continue their journey towards healthy living this back-to-school season by discovering nutritious and rewarding food choices through Learn Wellness, the second promo event in the Route to Wellness campaign. 

Robinsons' Aja Totanes with representatives of brand partners
Last Saturday, Robinsons Supermarket held its Magical World of Wellness event at Eastwood Central Plaza. I love the enchanting Harry Potter world setup, especially the photo booth where my son and I got to dress up as wizards from Hogwarts! All the booths have their own creative themes and interesting activities that guests got to enjoy. 

at the potion-making booth
The fun wizarding exercises included a VTR game, potion-making, and finders-keepers game. Select moms were also able to learn how to make bento-boxes that they can prepare for their kids' baon when school starts next month. All these activities aim to help educate kids and kids-at-heart on the importance of proper nutrition and regular exercise.

creative riddle game on the cover of a book!
Robinsons Supermarket's Route to Wellness campaign is the company's commitment to strengthen its We Love Wellness advocacy that enables it to provide healthier food options and alternatives to Filipinos. 

our stamp card used to visit all the booths
From May 1 to June 30, 2017, shoppers will get a P100 OFF coupon for a minimum single receipt purchase of P3,000 at Robinsons Supermarket. Purchases must be inclusive of P500 worth of participating products from Nestle, CDO, Splash, Wyeth, or Purefoods. Loyal shoppers can also earn additional 10 Robinsons Rewards Card points when they buy select Nestle products during this promo.

another educational booth with costumed assistants
Personally, I am really happy to support advocacies that promote health and wellness since my husband and I are also actively trying to keep our family fit through running and other physical activities as well as through healthy food choices.

some samples of healthy food choices
Please stay updated with Robinsons Supermarket's upcoming activities and learn more about its Route to Wellness campaign by liking facebook.com/RobinsonsSupermarketOfficial and visiting www.robinsons-supermarket.com.ph.


Thursday, February 02, 2017

Taters Partners with Cheetos for a Cheetofied Snack Fest and More

A lot of movie-goers are very familiar with Taters. After all, it is one of the best places to get tasty popcorn, chips, and other treats that are ideal to munch on while watching a good film. This 2017, Taters started the year with a big Cheetofied bang last January 25 as it hosted Taters Cheetos Snack Fest -- a crazy, crunchy, and cheesy party at the Glorietta Activity Center in Makati City.   

me and Aylin enjoying our Cheetofied snacks
Cheetos and Taters are two popular American brands that have been around for decades. Cheetos is a household name when it comes to cheese snacks while Taters is a well-known authority on cinema snacks that was brought to the Philippines in 1994.

snacks galore!
The Taters Cheetos Snack Fest became the perfect mix of two snack giants because Cheetos' iconic orange color and cheesy flavor combined well with Taters' affinity to entertainment. According to Taters Philippines, "In partnership with Pepsi, we wanted to celebrate Cheetos' official entry into the local market [because] we're both 'cheesy'! Our products complemented each other very well."

Taters and Pepsi executives with Chester the mascot
During the event, guests got to taste test five new Cheetofied products as well as join fun games and win prizes. Even local celebrities enthusiastically participated! Taters is the first in Asia to launch a snack fest featuring five Cheetofied products:
  • Crunch 'N Pop is an exciting combination of Cheetos-Flavored Superpop and Cheetos Crunchy
  • Crunchy Overload is a crunch after crunch after crunch of Cheetos Crunchy and Cheetos-flavored Tater Chips
  • Cheetos Chik-A-Chips is a cheesy mix of chicken fingers, Cheetos Crunchy, Cheetos Taters Chips, and comes with Cheetos Dip for an undeniably cheesy experience
  • Cheetos Fish 'N Chips is a cheesified version of the signature snack classic. It comes with juicy fish fillets, Cheetos Crunchy, Cheetos Taters Chips, and Cheetos Dip
  • Cheetos BBQ Crunch Dog is a flavor explosion in a bun that consists of a Beef Hotdog topped with Coney Island sauce, BBQ sauce, Cheetos dressing, Cheetos Taters Chips, and topped-off with Cheetos Crunchy.

The tie up between the two brands aims to attract both Taters and Cheetos lovers alike to choose their favorite Cheetofied snacks and bring them along while watching a movie in the cinema, take them home for those series bingeing moments, or simply enjoy as an anytime snack.

Taters Cheese Fight -- one of the games guests got to play during the event
Asked what product a first-timer should try, a Taters Philippines representative confided, "Each Cheetos Snack Fest product has its high points, but our favorite would definitely be the Cheetos BBQ Crunch Dog. We threw everything we had on it and created an explosion of flavor! It has a very unique  story because you get to taste all the unique ingredients. It Taters and Cheetos had a baby, this would be it!"

Cheetos BBQ Crunch Dog
Go visit your nearest Taters branch and be Cheetofied! Make sure to also like Taters' Facebook and Instagram accounts (@taters.snackleague) to win VIP passes, Chester Plushies, and prizes galore. The promo is on a limited-run from January 25 to May 15, 2017 only.

Oh, and watch out for Shizzle, Taters' beverage innovation coming this summer. I heard it will feature Pepsi and Lipton products as we've never experienced before 😉.

* photos without watermark courtesy of PixRepublik PR


Monday, January 30, 2017

Good Life Holds Flavors of Fortune Chinese New Year Grand Food Fest at Robinsons Place Manila

In the Philippines, sharing good food with family and friends is always something we all look forward to. I believe this is the same in many Asian countries where flavorful dishes are cooked every day. This past weekend, one of Asia's leading food brands, Good Life, held a two-day grand Chinese New Year festival for everyone who loves authentic Chinese cuisine and those who wish to bring in harmony, positive vibes, and prosperity in their lives this 2017.

these young people gave several impressive performances
during the opening ceremonies
Good Life's "Flavors of Fortune: Food Trip Down Chinatown," an auspicious celebration filled with colorful tradition and lavish festivities, was held at the Robinsons Place Manila Midtown Atrium. According to Ramon Daez, Fly Ace Corporation General Manager, "Good Life aims for a holistic festivity that promotes a fortune-filled life, which includes the fusion of good food, good relationships, and a good disposition in life. We want to joyfully share with the rest of the Filipinos the best of Chinese cuisine through our Asian food line."

ribbon cutting to formally open the festivities 
The event opened with a ribbon cutting ceremony graced by Fly Ace executives and distinguished guests. Afterwards, event attendees were treated to a dragon and lion dance as well as a cultural performance from Chiang Kai Shek College. In addition, Master Hanz Cua and Naneth Guinto each conducted a much-awaited Feng Shui Talk during the first and second day, respectively.  

a dragon and lion dance to usher in a prosperous year 
To commemorate this year’s Chinese Zodiac, Good Life held a Chinoy Dish Showdown highlighting modern Chinese-Filipino dishes. The culinary competition featured some of Manila’s finest hotels. Chefs from Hotel Kimberly, City Garden Hotel, Lotus Garden Hotel, Eurotel, Bayview Park Hotel, Amelie Hotel, and Best Western Hotel battled it out in a live cooking exposition to win the prize for the best Chinese dish.

featured dish by Hotel Kimberly
For a richer Year of the Fire Rooster experience, both days also featured the Good Life Chinoy Activity Strip, the Chinoy Food Strip, fortune telling, and other booths where guests got to learn Chinese arts and crafts like Chinese Calligraphy, Lantern-Making, and more. Of course, a Chinese New Year celebration will not be complete without generous gift-giving, surprise freebies and raffle prizes that were given away to lucky guests during several stage games. 

at the Chinese calligraphy booth
The Good Life Flavors of Fortune: Food Trip Down Chinatown 2017 was presented by Fly Ace Corporation, Good Life, City of Manila, and Robinsons Place Manila (official venue partner), with the support of event partners Cook magazine, Breakfast Magazine, Business Mirror, Malaya Business Insight, Manila Times, The Standard, Manila Bulletin, Mommy Blogger Philippines, ChinoyTV, Ermita-Malate Business Owners Association, Ateneo Confucius Institute, Fujidenzo, Whirlpool, Tecnogas, Whirlpool, Masflex, Franzia, and TaiChi Guyasteen.               

Kung Hei Fat Choi, everyone!
Fly Ace Corporation is one of the leading food and beverage consumer goods companies in the country today. Propelling limitless multiple-category growth by bringing the best of the world closer to Filipino consumers, Fly Ace Corporation’s portfolio of food and beverage products includes house brands and exclusively distributed brands. To learn more about Fly Ace, visit www.flyacecorp.com.

Good Life's Wall of Fame highlighted the brand's products
Good Life is a food brand that is exclusively distributed by Fly Ace Corporation in the Philippines. It offers a wide array of products that is perfect for Asian cuisine. For more information about Good Life, visit www.facebook.com/goodtastegoodlife.


Thursday, December 15, 2016

What's Inside the Oishi World of O, Wow! Bag?

It is always fun to discover new food items from all over the world, even if you can't physically visit those places any time, soon. This December, Asian flavors come together inside every limited-edition Oishi World of O, Wow! Bag. It gives snack lovers a taste of what Oishi has to offer around the world.

the contents of my World of O, Wow! Bag
A few months ago, Liwayway Marketing Corporation celebrated its 70th year with the Oishi Snacktacular 2016 bash at the SM Mall of Asia (read my blog post about it, here). From its humble origins of repacking gawgaw (corn starch) and local coffee as well as introducing classics such as Oishi Prawn Crackers and Kirei, the company has indeed come a long way in the last seven decades.

Since then, Liwayway Marketing Corporation continued to redefine snack time for Filipino families as more items were introduced and have also become favorites of both the young and young-at-heart. I'm sure many of you are familiar with and also buy Bread Pan, Ribbed Cracklings, Pillows, Marty's, Potato Fries, and Ridges whenever you pass the snacks aisle at the grocery store. I do!

Oishi in the Philippines

Monday, December 12, 2016

Experience the Christmas Season at Nuvali with a Magical Lights and Sounds Show and More!

I like going to NUVALI because it seems to always have something new to offer every time I visit. In fact, just last month, my husband and I were at Nuvali's Camp N, for the launching of its exciting activities for both new and skilled bike enthusiasts. 

one of the must-visit areas in Nuvali this Christmas
This December, we went to Nuvali again and discovered more stuff we can do there! First, we checked out Ayala Malls Solenad 3 and watched the latest Disney movie, Moana, in one of four nice cinemas. I highly recommend parents to watch this film with their kids. It has memorable characters and a lot of beautiful songs!

Moana in Nuvali Cinemas
Next, we went around the "Christkindl Market" holiday village that's being held until the end of the month and features traditional and modern gifts for sale including affordable items that fashionistas would love. If I have little girl, I'd probably have bought one of those pretty matching mommy and daughter outfits I saw in one of the booths! There's also a Christmas Bazaar that offers unique local goods from Laguna.

shop for gifts at Nuvali's Christkindl Market

Tuesday, November 08, 2016

Nuvali's Camp N: Offering Enjoyable Bike Activities for Both Newbies and Pros

One year after I attempted learning how to bike (read the funny story with a twist, here), I remain a newbie who still feels apprehensive about falling. I know it's also my fault for not finding enough time to practice so I do look forward to moments when I could try (and try) again until I feel confident enough to really ride a bicycle on my own. 

still a beginner but getting there … hopefully 😉
Two weekends ago, my hubby and I joined the launch of Nuvali's Camp N Incubator and Bike Hub for beginners and intermediate riders. In partnership with Specialized Philippines, Camp N also offers bike tours around the 2,290-hectare Nuvali landscape passing through the bird sanctuary trails and dirt roads.

#TeamFloresca at Camp N
With spaces for team building, Camp N features thrill-based and skill-based facilities designed to test one's physical limits, mental abilities, character, and values. Of course, I signed up as a beginner and joined other newbies in perfecting the fine art of balancing on two wheels. I think I already forgot what little biking skills I acquired last year! 

Camp N's orientation hut and ticket booth

Tuesday, October 04, 2016

Daiso Japan Partners with Cosplay Mania 2016

Daiso Japan, the number one supplier of living ware goods and more popularly known for its 100 yen stores in Japan, teamed up for the second time with Cosplay.ph Organization, Inc. in this year's biggest and most popular cosplay event in the Philippines. 

Cherry Blossom tree!
The much-awaited Cosplay Mania 2016 was recently held in SMX Convention Center this past weekend. It was attended not only by cosplayers but also by hobbyists, artists, and performers who engaged in cosplay solo showdowns, costume building contests, and exciting team battles.

Spiderman overload with these creative young people
My husband and I dropped by to admire the creativity of young and young-at-heart Filipinos who love cosplaying. Expectedly, we saw a lot of familiar characters that range from anime and cartoons to movie superheroes and villains. My favorite would have to be an adorable kid named Princess Margaret in a Sailor Moon costume who gamely posed for a photo with me.

cutest Sailor Moon cosplayer, ever

Tuesday, September 27, 2016

Available Now on HOOQ: Five Decades of the Best Filipino Movies and Over 4,000 Hours of Philippine TV Shows

Filipinos love watching films and TV series and we have a wide variety of local ones. For many movie goers, seeing a light romantic comedy can already help take a day's stresses away. Others love screaming with friends and scaring each other over Pinoy horror films while some watch teleseryes with stories they can usually relate to. 

movie buffs
Whatever your reasons for watching are, I believe supporting Filipino talents and the local film and TV industry is a good thing. HOOQ successfully helped promote this with its second HOOQ Hangouts themed #LovePinoy last Friday night with a screening of Every Breath You Take starring Piolo Pascual and Angelica Panganiban at the Globe Iconic Store in Bonifacio Global City.

Jane Cruz-Walker, Country Manager of HOOQ Philippines, explained, "With the start of the -ber months, everyone is expecting the weather to be a bit colder, so we chose a romantic comedy that's guaranteed to rekindle that warm fuzzy feeling and make our subscribers feel some Pinoy love."

#LovePinoy at HOOQ Hangouts
With close to 1,200 Filipino movies spanning almost 50 years (1980's to 2016) and over 4,000 hours of local television (teleseryes, comedy, and reality shows), HOOQ definitely has a rich catalog of local content. It is the prime destination for Filipino entertainment compared to other video-on-demand services in the country.

"Pinoy films/TV shows are closest to our hearts because they tell the stories of our lives, that is why we have signed licensing deals with the top Philippines studios including ABS-CBN, Regal, Viva, and GMA," added Cruz-Walker.

Jane Cruz-Walker, HOOQ Philippines Country Manager
With HOOQ, users can stream or download romantic flicks featuring celebrity couples like James Reid and Nadine Lustre's Diary ng Panget and This Time; John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo's top-billed romantic blockbusters One More Chance, Close to You, and The Mistress; and the melodramatic A Secret Affair starring Derek Ramsay and Anne Curtis.

Craving for Pinoy Action Blockbusters? HOOQ also has you covered with On The Job, Muro Ami, FPJ's Ang Probinsyano, Deathrow, and Dugo ng Panday leading the list. For the horror film aficionados, you can scream your lungs out with classics such as Feng Shui, Sukob, Shake Rattle and Roll series, and The Healing. 

life-sized movie and celebrity standees for photo-ops at HOOQ Hangouts
If you prefer to laugh, choose to watch Sisterakas, Kimmy Dora, Wang Fam, My Amnesia Girl, and Girl Boy Bakla Tomboy with top comedians Vice Ganda, Eugene Domingo, and Toni Gonzaga as headliners. Want to go further back all the way to the '80s? You can also enjoy watching hard to find classics ranging from Bagets and Sana'y Wala Nang Wakas to Temptation Island, Rizal, and Ishmael Bernal's City After Dark.

In case you missed certain TV series episodes, open the HOOQ app and watch entire seasons of Imortal, Encantadia, Walang Hanggan or play catch-up with those currently airing like GMA's Singungaling Mong Puso and Someone to Watch Over Me.

Piolo Pascual at the HOOQ Hangouts event
Not to be left behind is the rich collection of independent titles such as Metro Manila, Sonata, Six Degrees of Separation from Lilia Cuntapay, Zombadings, Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros, and the works of top Filipino directors like Erik Matti, Peque Gallaga, Aureus Solito, Jade Castro, and Real Florido as well as award-winning writers Moira Lang, Antoinette Jadaone, and Michiko Yamamoto.

Last year, HOOQ also showed its support for the Metro Manila Film Festival and short film/animation category by making MMFF movies available on the app. You can find more information about that in my previous blog post.

hanging out at HOOQ Hangouts is fun!
I loved my first HOOQ Hangouts experience this past week because I got to hang out with some blogger friends and finally knew what's it's like to be in an outdoor cinema. Make sure you keep updated on the next schedules via the HOOQ Philippines page on Facebook or by following @hooq_ph on Twitter and Instagram.

In the coming months, HOOQ Hangouts will be featuring more blockbusters and all-time favorites through the massive Samsung LED screens at the Globe Iconic Entertainment Zone. This free outdoor cinema venue provides viewers with beanbags, pillows, and cushions for full enjoyment of the show. There, participants also get to enjoy on-ground entertainment and activities, munch on free popcorn, and win raffle prizes. 

stay tuned for the next installments of HOOQ Hangouts!
HOOQ is Asia's largest video-on-demand service with over 10,000 movies and TV shows. FYI, Globe customers can get free access to HOOQ with selected GoSURF mobile data plans as well as Broadband Plan 1299 and up. Get a 7-day free trial by visiting www.hooq.tv. Once the trial expires, continue enjoying HOOQ for a monthly P149 subscription fee charged to your Globe bill. Simply text HOOQ149 to 8888.