I like Korean personal care products. They are effective and many come in pretty packaging. Most of them are also very affordable. However, their popularity has also led unscrupulous people to manufacture fake products, which can be dangerous to consumers.

Althea always delivers items inside a cute pink box

Of course, I want to make sure I only buy authentic Korean products and the best place to find them is through the Althea Korea website. There, beauty enthusiasts can easily browse dozens of Korean brands and hundreds of items that include skincare, cosmetics, and hair and body products. Tabs dedicated to the latest trends as well as bestsellers and new arrivals can also be found for a smooth online shopping experience.

my first purchases from Althea Korea in January 2016

Filipinos have always been resilient but it doesn't mean we have to experience devastation one after another during typhoon seasons! Even if destruction of property can't always be helped, saving lives should remain a priority. 

According to Reuters.com, extreme weather conditions cause damages and economic losses that increase to nearly $200 billion a year. In the Philippines alone, with 10-20 typhoons arriving annually, the numbers of property losses and death tolls each time a disaster strikes always leave us staggering.

Sophie Brown of TIME magazine reported in November 2013 that roughly 1,000 to 2,000 Filipinos die every year due to adverse weather. Last year, Typhoon Haiyan, the most powerful typhoon ever recorded to hit land, ravaged parts of the Philippines, flattened homes and infrastructure, and destroyed lives in its path. Even livelihoods painstakingly nurtured for decades were wiped out in a single sweep.

Students need a creative output to enhance their skills. At the Center for Culinary Arts (CCA, Manila), this concern was addressed through the launch of its online publication called CuiScene, which aims to encourage interactive campus-based food journalism in its students.

CuiScene e-magazine marks another groundbreaking moment for CCA. "It's an online publication that's geared towards CCA students, and it is also open to the public," explains Anne Certeza Palmares, editor-in-chief. "It serves as a creative output and nurturing ground for our students' writing skills, as well as facilitate other artistic passions and inclinations besides food, such as photography."  

Palmares adds  that the blogsite helps in educating everyone about leading healthy lifestyles through green living. The e-magazine from the Cravings Group seeks to catalyze culinary students to campus life and learning via interactive and highly informative contents. CuiScene also aims to build a stronger campus community among students and faculty in all CCA schools through online media.

Through the e-magazine, students get to be acquainted with various community events and goings-on such as academic affairs, lifestyle trends, business, leisure spots, travel, and more. The site, which is updated on a daily and weekly basis, according to Palmares, enables "swift exchange of online information between facilitators and users perfectly fits the changing times and modern ways of communication of our CCA students."

Preview CCA, Manila's campus updates by visiting CuiScene at www.ccamanila.com/cuiscene.

Fancy a sort of time travel experience? Head on to Intramuros and experience a different way of learning history with a modern twist!

I have been to Intramuros many times. It is where my then boyfriend's (now husband) school is located and it is also where one can find the Manila Bulletin building, where I am a contributing writer. Whenever I have some extra minutes to spend in past visits, I'd make sure to go up the walls' walkway for a scenic stroll. 

I was so glad to discover that people can actually tour and learn more about Intramuros in a really fun way! Last Tuesday, two of my good friends, Myke and Ryan, and I visited White Knight Hotel Intramuros (WKHI) located at Plaza San Luis Complex, General Luna St. corner Urdaneta St. It is right across San Agustin Church. We were invited to try out what they call electric chariots that tourists can ride around Intramuros with.

The self-balancing machines or personal transporters (that's the generic term, not Segway 'coz WKHI uses the brand Enjoy) were intimidating at first. I was doubtful if I could ride it properly as I have a poor sense of balance. Amazingly, on the first try and few attempts to maneuver my e-chariot, I discovered that it's really easy to stay on top of it! Many minutes later, I believe all of us already felt like expert drivers! :)

Of course, before anybody can take a ride, we were outfitted with safety gear. The helmets are bright yellow, which will make them easy to spot by incoming vehicles. Our guides patiently taught us how to make the chariots work and had us take several turns around the fountain in the Plaza San Luis courtyard before allowing us to go out into the street.

There's a wonderful sense of freedom that riding the electric chariots give. I had so much fun zipping past the many historical sites we stopped by such as the San Agustin Church, the ECJ Building, Galeria de los Presidentes, and the Baluarte de San Diego Gardens.

Our guide shared a lot of information about the places we went to. I couldn't help thinking how useful the facts and figures would be to students who are currently taking history classes. We were told that a lot of foreigners, mostly Europeans, indeed stay at WKHI to experience this kind of educational tour. With this blog post, I hope more Filipinos will also be encouraged to take a peek into our country's past by visiting and seeing first hand this place where history continues to live on.

Aside from the two-wheeled chariots, you may opt to ride the mini-ATVs instead. I found out though that these cute little vehicles are harder to get used to than the personal transporters. Heavy-weight guests who may not fit into either two, can still join the tour by riding on one of White Knight's bikes or the pretty red and white shuttle that older people prefer to ride in.

Whatever mode of transportation you choose, you'll definitely have fun going around Intramuros because the hotel's guides and assistants will be there to ensure your safety. Rates for the e-chariot tours cost P500 for 30 minutes and P1000 for 1 hour. I can guarantee that riding them is ultra fun! 

If you're booked at White Knight Hotel Intramuros, consider availing of their other tour packages so you can see more of the Philippines. These include tours to Tagaytay, Subic Bay, Pagsanjan, and Enchanted Kingdom as well as tours to Metro Manila landmarks outside Intramuros such as Fort Santiago, Casa Manila, Rizal Park (Luneta), Manila Ocean Park, and SM Mall of Asia.

Contact WKHI at (02) 526-6539 or 525-2381. Email whiteknighthotel@gmail.com and visit www.whiteknighthotel.com. Keep updated with their promos and new offerings by liking White Knight Hotel Intramuros and White Knight e-Chariot Tours Manila on Facebook.

* See more photos of our adventures and check out WKHI's other nice facilities in this Facebook photo album

Makati City is well-known to be the center of finance in Metro Manila. It is where many establishments have their offices and businessmen make multi-million deals. But beyond these aspects, many are not aware that this city also has a lot of landmarks and heritage sites that are worthy to be visited.

Officers and members of MTFI

Last May 23, the Makati Tourism Foundation, Inc. (MTFI) inaugurated two milestone projects for 2013. First is the MTFI Kiosk that's conveniently located at the Glorietta Activity Center. It is an information center slash souvenir shop where tourists can find brochures and other promotional materials from the foundations' members composed of hotels, restaurants, travel agencies, and retail stores. The kiosk also displays Makati City and Ayala Center merchandise such as shirts, umbrellas, stuffed toys, mugs, and more.

The MTFI Kiosk

During the opening ceremonies, MTFI President Christian Pirodon acknowledged that the day is a milestone for their organization because, "we are closer to fulfill our mission to make Makati City a primary tourist destination of choice in the country."

Pretty jeepney!

On the other hand, there's also Soul of a City, MTFI's city tour project that showcases the city's historical and modern landmarks, heritage sites, and prime shopping venues. This is in line with the foundation's thrust to further promote the city as one great tourist destination that is rich in both character and culture.

Church of Saints Peter and Paul

Two of my friends and I joined other members of the media and a group of students on an afternoon tour where we were brought to several interesting sites including the Church of Saints Peter and Paul, Guadalupe Shrine, and the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial. Ours was a shortened version though of the four-hour tour so we didn't get to see other places that are in the regular itinerary. Still, I found our ride enjoyable because we rode an air conditioned and nicely-decorated jeepney that has a uniformed driver and tour guide as well as ... a videoke machine! I'm sure those who like to belt out songs would love that feature! 

Guadalupe Shrine

It was also quite a unique experience to be inside the vehicle while reporter Marisol Abdurahman did a live news report. She was just behind me, talking in front of the camera, while the jeep's TV was turned on to the GMA News TV channel. That was so cool! 

Manila American Cemetery and Memorial

After the tour, my friends and I had a late lunch at New World Makati Hotel, one of our favorite hangouts because it is such a cozy place to be in during hot afternoons. Read my blog post here on our Afternoon Tea gathering there a couple of months ago.

Our very filling late lunch at New World Makati Hotel

Soul of a City is made possible through partnerships with Ayala Land, Inc., Le Clefs d'Or Philippines, Jeepney Tours, and the Makati City government. 

Inside the jeepney with Marisol and the students

For more information and to reserve seats, please approach the Concierge desks of participating Makati City hotels or call MTFI's Dr. Elton See Tan at 09178475451, email address dreltonseetan@gmail.com or contact the foundation at 893-9977 and makati_tourism@yahoo.com. Ask if the introductory discounted ticket prices are still available. 

To see more photos taken during the inauguration and tour, please click here.

In recent years, whenever many of us feel too lazy to cook as well as go out to eat, we'd just have fast food delivered to our doorsteps. The downside about it though is that there were only a few establishments with delivery services and, after ordering the same food items over and over again, the convenience doesn't seem worth it anymore.

So I was really glad to discover that there's a delivery service that can deliver not just fast food, but restaurant fare, almost anywhere in Metro Manila! Last week, I logged on to City Delivery's website and searched for food establishments located near our place. What's so nice about the site is that you can find your area easily on the left side of the screen. The drop down menu would provide you with a list of food stores you can order from plus their menu offerings.

The customer service rep I talked to when I called 87878 said it would take approximately 45 minutes to an hour before our order arrives. The driver got here after around 50 minutes. I like the thought that we can just call City Delivery's hotline and order food for whatever reason. That time, I was drowning in deadlines and haven't been able to replenish the contents of our ref. Instead of spending precious moments going to the grocery to buy ingredients and then cook dinner, I thought it would be faster to order food since hubby was out and there were only me and two of the boys at home.

On the website, I also saw that City Delivery has partnered with The Generics Pharmacy and now also delivers medicines. Now that is innovation! 

The Generics Pharmacy is known to be one of the most trusted drugstores in the country where Filipinos can buy generic and reasonably-priced medicine. In fact, it was chosen as one of the 10 Top Businesses of the Decade by Entrepreneur Magazine. Thus, the tie-up with City Delivery is another step towards reaching their customers better.

According to the City Delivery website, customers can now avail of this first ever real-time medicine delivery in the metro and have over-the-counter as well as maintenance meds delivered at their convenience. Imagine having to stay home with a sick loved one with no one else to rely on to buy medicine outside. The option of having the needed meds brought to you would be heaven-sent!

If you are buying over-the-counter medicine, just place your order directly via City Delivery's call center, text line, and/or website. If your medicine needs prescription to buy, do these instead:

1. Order via hotline, text line, and/or website.

2. Email (orders@citydelivery.ph) or fax them a copy of the doctor's prescription. Ask for the fax numbers from the CSRs.

3. Your orders will then be processed and soon after delivered  to you.

So maintain your health or attend to your medical needs without having to travel to the pharmacy. For more information on The Generics Pharmacy delivery, call City Delivery at 87878, text them at 0917-6387878 or log on to www.citydelivery.ph 

* City Delivery charges 10% of the total bill as delivery fee

The last time I watched a concert at the Smart Araneta Coliseum was two months ago when Sergio Mendes performed once again for his Philippine fans. Since it was a spur of the moment decision, my husband and I bought our tickets from the ticketing window less than an hour before the concert started. We had to line up and wait for our turn, of course, before we finally had those all-important small pieces of paper that got us inside the venue.

In a recent press conference, members of the media were presented with upcoming changes that will be happening for the Big Dome. According to Araneta Group executives, the coliseum is not only treasuring its glorious heritage since its first show in 1952 but is also leveling up with better features. We were told that  soon, not only will audiences enjoy the prestige of watching their favorite sporting events and artists in a place that has such a colorful history, we will also do so with extreme viewing pleasure.

Michael Noah, Chief Operating Officer of United Promotions Inc., (Uniprom) the management arm of the leisure and entertainment interests of the Araneta Group including the Smart Araneta Coliseum, described that the extreme transformation of the Big Dome begins with the majestic facade and interiors of the new Green Gate which will welcome everyone to state-of-the-art features starting with a larger entrance, improved kiosks for retails, scanners at the turnstiles for quicker and more efficient audience entry, and a concourse with LED signages, climate controlled space, and video systems among many other innovations.

Now that this transformation is underway, another technological breakthrough in entertainment is poised to bring unique comfort and convenience to coliseum audiences. It starts with your electronic device the moment you go online to buy your concert and sporting event tickets.

Unlike in the past, customers no longer have to camp overnight for a much-awaited concert ticket just to grab the best seats in the house. TicketNet now encourages people to "skip the line, go online" with their new system that allows customers to buy and instantly get their tickets anytime, anywhere. Here's how:

1. Log on to www.ticketnet.com.ph

2. Choose your show and click on "Order Tickets Now". Click on "View Seating Chart" and choose your seat/s. Indicate the number of tickets you are buying.

3. Pay using your credit card and then, get this, print your ticket/s right away! 

According to Noah, "Fans and concert-goers no longer have to stand in line for endless hours under all weather conditions just to secure precious tickets to the latest blockbuster concert or sports event at the Big Dome. With TicketNet Online, they can do it in the comfort of their homes, schools, cars, anywhere they find it convenient. Not only that, they can pay and print anytime. They can even save their tickets on their devices."

Karen Nicasio, TicketNet Operations Manager added, "We see this as a technological breakthrough in entertainment that marks the advent of even more thrilling things to come for the Big Dome." To illustrate how fast and convenient the service is, she shared that during their soft launch a week ago, people have already bought their tickets to the Tears for Fears concert in August.


Well, I would personally like to get my hands on a couple of tickets for this Tears for Fears gig because I've been a fan since ... well ... forever. But, much as I'd like to go online right now and buy, I don't have the budget yet so here's hoping the tickets won't be super sold out when I do find the funds to do so.  

Gines Enriquez, Sales and Marketing Manager of Uniprom affirmed that the new system is very practical and saves valuable time. "The response of the market has been very enthusiastic. In just a few hours after we went online with Tears for Fears, we already had a considerable amount of tickets sold. These are actual, sold tickets and not just reservations. Buying online is safer because it protects one from the perils of falling in line in crowded places under uncomfortable circumstances. Paying online [using] their credit cards likewise protects customers  from scalpers."

It's actually as easy as 1-2-3. Log on, choose your show and section, then pay and print! Simply log on to www.ticketnet.com.ph or call 911-5555 for more details.

I've just discovered a new, local shopping site online that's brimming with lots of great stuff for men, women, and kids. You can even buy home accessories there, too!

Since it's my birthday today, I thought it would be fun to make a wishlist of the things I'd like to have from Zalora Philippines. I'm quite impressed at this site because it is easy to navigate, the categories are very specific, and the products have photos from different angles! Talk about making it easy for shoppers to find what they really want!

In addition, Zalora carries a lot of well-known brands which means they sell good-quality items. Plus, they have several payment methods customers can choose from. 

If you're not comfortable ordering online, they have a phone line that's open for orders from 7AM to 1AM. Very convenient! Here are other options you should know:

So, after browsing the site for a couple of hours (yes, it took me that long to check out which of the hundreds of nice items I'd like to use/wear one day), here's my top five:

Black V-Neck Shirred Knee Length Dress (Brand: W Basic Luxury, Size: S) - I always have a penchant for black dresses because they look very classy. I immediately liked this one on first sight. 

Royal Blue Short Dress (Brand: Freeway, Size: S) - I love the Freeway brand! Its designs are beautiful and don't look like you have to be on a fashion runway to wear them. I already have three dresses from Freeway, two from the F. Sionil Collection and one from the Manansala collection. Given a chance, I'd also like to have this other Manansala piece. I am not kidding when I say my Freeway dresses almost always receive nice compliments whenever I wear them.

Pink Nylite Canvas Shoes (Brand: Tretorn, Size: 7) - I can't remember anymore when I had sneakers in a bright color.  For years, my rubber shoes come in black and blue with touches of white. Maybe I was still in high school or college the last time I wore these kinds of shoes just because I love the color even if they would be hard to pair with clothes, bags, and other accessories. This time around, I'd like to be more adventurous and put on footwear in this happy, pink color.

Black Shoulder Tote Bag (Brand: Bag it Out) - Among the bags I have, the most used are the big, black ones. That's why they're also the first ones to "die". (Read a related article I wrote here). Black bags don't get dirty easily and they are great to use with almost any outfit. I like big bags because I'm the kind of person who doesn't want to leave anything behind at home and regret later why I didn't bring them. This bag looks lovely and would conveniently replace my current one because I have almost used up its nine lives.

Zip Around Jacquard Clutch Wallet Organizer (Brand: XOXO) - The wallet I'm currently using is already very old but I don't want to replace it because it's the only one that can carry all the stuff I feel I'd need whenever I'm out of the house. This XOXO piece looks like my current wallet and I think it would serve me well like the old one did.

I truly enjoyed looking at stuff in Zalora and would definitely come back and visit the site again when I already have the funds I need after all the craziness of my kids' tuition fees, books, and whatnots are all taken cared of.

For now, enjoy shopping at Zalora y'all! Visit http://www.zalora.com.ph/ and add them on Facebook and Twitter for more updates and promos.

Edit - May 11: Heads up Lady Gaga fans! Check out Zalora's promo where you can win 2 hard-to-come-by free tickets to the concert happening on May 21 at the SM Arena at the Mall of Asia!

Let’s face it – women have so many things going on in our lives and which we HAVE to share to fellow women who we know would understand what we are talking about. This March 15, Yahoo!, the premier digital media company, launched Yahoo! She in line with International Women’s Day which was celebrated last March 8.

Yahoo! She is a one-stop online destination that intends to offer “Real Women, Real Answers”. And to celebrate this lifestyle website as well as lend support towards creating a nurturing environment for women, Yahoo! Philippines held an intimate gathering with members of the media and three influential Filipinas from various backgrounds.

We got to hear words of wisdom from Pia Magalona, dedicated mother and women’s health advocate; Patricia Hizon, TV host and co-founder of Everyday is Your Birthday Foundation; and Lori Baltazar, blog author of Desserts Come First and reading advocate. The ladies chatted with guests about different issues that Filipino women face and offered insights for each topic discussed including things that women want plus their strengths, weaknesses, and pet peeves.

It was a lively afternoon of exchanging ideas and opinions on stuff that range from relationships, parenting, and career to health, beauty, and fashion. The discussions were led by host, make-up artist, and personality development coach, Bianca Valerio. She moderated the questions and answers between the three panelists and guests. The activity  aptly mirrored the nurturing and supporting environment that Yahoo! She aims to also deliver online.

“Sometimes, it’s not just about [asking] people you trust but [getting inputs from] people you come across whose words may help you make a decision you need to do [when you need to do it],” Patricia pointed out.

The feminine portal, although mainly targeting 18-34 year olds, will have content that will resonate with every age and every stage of women’s lives to help them stay on top of things and make their daily lives manageable and more productive. “Yahoo! She is a lifestyle site for everyone, even for men!” explained Charley Braga, Deputy Country Editor and Lifestyle Editor for the website.

This Philippine version of Yahoo! Shine features a combination of original and syndicated content from some top lifestyle publications such as Cosmopolitan, Lovefood, Grazia, Juice, Investopedia, and Forbes; independent bloggers and expert columns by Dr. Diana Sarmiento (for Health and Wellness), Olivia Yao (for Parenting and Relationships), Erica Paredes (for Fashion and Beauty), Chinggay Labrador (for Home and Organizing), Angel Rivero (for Health); polls and surveys; advertiser sponsored content and promos on topics ranging from beauty, skincare, healthy eating, exercise and diets, maintaining work-life balance, and getting organized.

Arlene Amarante, Yahoo! Philippines’ Country Ambassador and Sales Director shared, “We are very serious about bringing our global products and making them local. Yahoo! She is for women who want to ask questions they are afraid to ask. It [can be] every woman’s online best friend and confidante and aims to empower women by offering a nurturing environment for the Filipina.”

* Photos used with permission from Orange Magazine TV