I've been trying to make positive lifestyle changes these past few years and admit I still have some ways to go. Although I now exercise more and opt for healthy food often, I continue to struggle when it comes to totally eliminating other unhealthy habits. But, having started is already a positive step and I look forward to the day when I can finally say I am a true-blue fitness enthusiast. 

Did you know? July is National Wellness Month and Robinsons Supermarket is once more celebrating this with a Wellness Festival, the third leg of its year-long Route to Wellness journey with Filipinos. 

The festival kick-off, hosted by Robi Domingo, started yesterday and will run until tomorrow at Eastwood Central Plaza - Citywalk. The park was transformed into an activity area where guests can try various games and visit booths of Robinsons Supermarket's wellness partners. 

Also present were celebrity fitness coaches Jim and Toni Saret who led event participants in a series of four-minute workouts called Metabeats to show that it only takes a few minutes to burn a lot of calories and get started on one's wellness journey. Robinsons Supermarket also took the opportunity to pledge pounds to the Fit Filipino 1 Million Pounds National Weight Loss Challenge and encouraged individuals and groups to visit selected branches on a Saturday to also sign up and have their starting weights measured.   

Experience the activities of the wellness caravan, which will also be held in Robinsons Supermarket Tagaytay from July 14 to 16 and at Robinsons Supermarket Antipolo City from July 28 to 30, if you live near these areas.

Love eating nuts? Get a Healthy You Snack Platter when you go grocery shopping for a minimum single-receipt purchase of P3,000 inclusive of P500 worth of participating products from Nestle, Johnson & Johnson, Unilab, Fonterra, Wyeth Nutrition, Unilever, Procter & Gamble, IPI, Abbott Nutrition, Getz Bros., Ecossential, Foodsphere, and Philusa. 

I regularly buy Healthy You coco sugar and trail mix. This is Robinsons Supermarket's exclusive healthy brand of nuts, juices, oats, brown rice, coffee, and many more that have been evaluated as good for the health by the Department of Science and Technology-Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI). Customers will also get an extra 15 Robinsons Rewards Card points for every P500 purchase of Healthy You products. Promo Runs from July 1 to 31, 2017.

This coming July 2, Robinsons Supermarket will also be holding its annual and much anticipated 10th Fit and Fun Buddy Run at Camp Aguinaldo. Please read my past reviews here and here to see why it would be a great and fun venue to start your fitness journey with family and friends.

According to general manager Jody Gadia, "As a growing number of individuals and families lead busy and challenging lives, Robinsons Supermarket and its partners continue to uphold our commitment to lead them to the path of wellness by bringing them closer to more choices and opportunities to get fit and healthy."

Know more about RSC's year-long Route to Wellness series of promos and activities by liking facebook.com/RobinsonsSupermarketOfficial or visiting www.robinsons-supermarket.com.ph. Likewise, stay updated on social media by looking up the hashtags #ILoveWellness and #WeLoveWellness and consider starting your own fitness journey, today! 

It's very common nowadays to see a rainbow of hair colors among a crowd of people. And why not? For many individuals, coloring their hair is one way to stand out or express their uniqueness. Some, on the other hand, go for beautiful hairstyles that make people look their way twice.

The good news is, whatever your hair goals are, Watsons Philippines has got your covered! Gone are the days when you have to go to a salon just to have your hair colored. Now, there are DIY kits that makes it possible to color one's hair at home. Last Christmas, I gave my mom a couple of boxes and she's happy to save a lot on hairdresser fees. The bottom line is to make sure you get the right products for coloring your hair and for maintaining its health afterwards.

However, hair color is not the only way to achieve hair goals. There are now a lot of trendy hair fixing styles that both men and women can experiment with. From a high pony and a deep side part to a short messy shag, undone waves, and messy braids, anybody would definitely find something that would help enhance their features.

Yesterday, Watsons held an event at the SM Mall of Asia Activity Center to encourage shoppers to go out of their hair comfort zones by discovering different hair colors and hair style trends. #Hairgoals aim to introduce a whole new world of color and style options / alternatives through the vast spread of hair products available in-store.

During the event, guests were given a chance to try out new hairstyles and colors at various booths to help each individual uncover a more gorgeous version of themselves by simply doing a few tweaks to how their hair looks. Hair color was provided by L'oreal, Revlon, Kolours, Bigen, Beautylabo, Lolane, Liese, and Revia; styling tools and products were covered by JML, W. Elite, Babybliss, VS Sassoon, Tresemme, Aquanet, Finesse, and Suave; and hair products were taken cared of by Dove, Pantene, and Creamsilk.

If you don't live in Metro Manila, worry not because a Watsons Color Your Hair Day Sale will be happening nationwide! The one-day sale on all hair color products would give shoppers 50% off on many brands. Mark this in your calendar and make sure to visit any Watsons store or the SM Beauty Section on May 27, 2017!

Plus, if you're an SM Advantage Card member, you can go from trendsetter to jetsetter because every P500 single-receipt purchase of participating products entitles an SMAC member to one e-raffle entry that can win you a trip to Bali, Guam, or Sydney as well as snag a free iPhone 7 or an iPad Pro!

In case you're wondering, I honestly haven't attempted to have my locks altered yet as I feel I won't have the luxury of time to properly maintain a healthy colored mane. But, I do plan to start coloring mine when my silver strands start to show more prominently. Until then, I'm content to admire my more daring friends' hairstyle adventures ;-) 

May is, hands down, the month for moms so let us celebrate Mother's Day with good food, great company, and memorable activities with the special lady we love! If you live in or near Alabang, Muntinlupa, here are several ideas on how you can make the month of May an enjoyable one for Mom and the whole family when you visit Crimson Hotel Filinvest City, Manila ...

1. Go on a unique gastronomic feast with Mom by relishing the Flavors of Mexico at Cafe 8. Buen Provecho started last Cinco de Mayo and will be around until May 14. My husband and I had lunch there yesterday and had a tummy-filling time enjoying vibrant, fresh, colorful, and spicy Mexican fare like tacos, gambas al ajillo, apple burritos, and many more! 

And since there's a Tequila bar, you can partner your savory feast with a Margarita! Lunch buffet rate per person is P1,5,14 nett while dinner buffet rate is P1,729 nett. Both come with free flowing drinks. I suggest you ask for a cup or two of Mexican coffee. It goes very well with the desserts!

2. Have a staycation with Mom by availing of Crimson's exclusive Mother's Day room packages. Let Mom choose the kind of pampering she wants: The Indulge room package starts at PhP 4,800++, inclusive of overnight stay with buffet breakfast for two (2) persons, Afternoon Delight with two (2) glasses of wine at The Lobby Lounge, and a Pampering Kit. 

If Mom is in for a relaxing mood, get the Invigorate room package. Room rate starts at PhP 4,800++ for an overnight stay inclusive of buffet breakfast for two (2) persons, one-hour massage for two (2) persons, and Pampering Kit. The Inspire room package starts at PhP 5,200 nett inclusive of overnight stay with breakfast for two persons, Mother’s Day Sunday Brunch for two (2) persons and a Pampering Kit.

3. Treat Mom to a special Sunday Brunch on Mother's Day, May 14, at Cafe 8. Impress her with an exciting variety of bold flavors featuring Mexican specialties and Cafe 8’s signature dishes such as Wagyu Beef and Fresh Seafood Buffet. To liven up the celebration, a Mariachi Band will play melodies of love and happiness for all Moms. In addition, Moms will get special gifts like flowers, pralines and a glass of pineapple Bellini. Buffet rate per person is P 1,900 nett. Make a reservation asap for this special day as the first ten Moms will get a free beauty makeover, photo shoot session, and a take home picture. 

4. Spend Mother’s Day at The Lobby Lounge on May 14, from 3PM to 5PM. Aside from a special Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea, there will be a pianist playing live in the background. Have several bites filled with the richness of a slice of red velvet cake, chocolate lipstick, French macaroons, eton mess, brie cheese en croute with berry mousse and walnut, and chicken mousse tart with cherry tomato. Rate for two persons is Php 750 nett only.

5. Take Mom to dinner at The Lobby Lounge from 6PM to 10PM. Tapas for Mamas is an evening break with a different twist as there will be flavorful tapas like an assortment of scallops, salmon, tuna and crab; freshest picks from the garden; a juicy combination of chicken, beef tenderloin, pork and lamb—followed by a delightful glass of wine. Rate per person is Php 799 nett, which includes one tapas platter and a glass of wine.

For booking or more information, please visit the official website at http://www.crimsonhotel.com/manila/ or call (02) 863-2222.

I've been shopping at Watsons for years because it's usually where I could easily find some of the best beauty and health products along with really great deals. I love how I am able to try new items without worrying too much about the price because they are sometimes sold at discounted prices or buy-one-take-one bundles.

Earlier this week, Asia's leading health and beauty retailer launched its "Members Get More" campaign that makes visiting a Watsons store even more exciting. Now, cardholders of SM Advantage Card (SMAC), SM Prestige, and BDO Rewards can get more savings, more points, and more value when they buy products from more than 500 Watsons branches nationwide.

Many of us, I'm sure, would have more reasons to shop at Watsons given additional rewards and exclusive privileges for card-bearing customers. Be entitled to "members only" promotions by looking for the Green Member Tag on hundreds of products that indicate low prices. What's more, the rewards points you earn on your card can be used to pay for your next purchases!

Additionally, members also get exclusive freebies and join eRaffle promos exclusively for us! One good example is the recent Make Your Summer Promo where members get a chance to win a trip for four to any of five local summer destinations. Read more about that one, here. Plus, members will also be first to be notified of upcoming deals and offers as well as receive invites to exclusive events.

Viki Encarnacion, Watsons Marketing Director, affirmed how much they want to make their shoppers feel special. "So we make sure they enjoy perks of being a loyal customer every time they visit our stores. With the Members Get More program, they can get more savings, more points, and even get exclusive prices by using their SM Advantage, SM Prestige, and BDO Rewards card."

make sure to look for the green member tag to get the best deals

Not yet an SMAC holder? Simply sign up for membership at any Watsons store nationwide to start enjoying the benefits of the Members Get More program!

Good news to meat lovers! Crimson Hotel Filinvest City, Manila is inviting everyone to come and grab a big bite with their Blockbuster Burgers available at The Lounge for the whole month of April! They are offering a mouthwatering selection of gigantic gourmet burgers infused with local and international flavors.

Yesterday, my second son took on the Titanic Burger challenge with four other contenders. Living up to is name, this humongous treat is made of a savory 1/2 kg. Prime Angus Beef patty in sesame bun packed with Emmental cheese, bacon, lettuce, mushroom, tomatoes, and cucumber pickles. It is served with crispy fried onion rings and is priced at P1160 nett. The catch? If you finish eating everything in 20 minutes or less, you don't pay anything!

I was amazed that three (including a lady!) out of the five people who took on the challenge were able to eat their Titanic burgers before the time ran out. In case I'd order one on a future visit, I'd prefer to have it cut then share pieces with several family members or friends.

As such, I chose to try the much smaller Burger ni Heneral Luna (priced at P560 nett) instead. I love the adobo glazed pork patty that comes with kesong puti, tomato, lettuce, pickles, and fried egg.

My friend Trina opted for the Jaws Burger (P660 nett) made of beer battered fish fillet with tartar sauce and cucumber pickles served with French Fries. Needless to say, we were both fascinated by the black bun! 

Aside from the three burgers already mentioned, you can also choose between Wild Wild Mex (P460 nett) made with crispy fried chicken fillet with lettuce, tomato, pickles, mustard mayonnaise, and potato wedges; or the Prince of Persia's Burger (P660 nett) with Arabic spiced minced lamb with tzatziki sauce and pickles in turmeric bun served with fried crisp onions.

Each order of these succulent burgers comes with a complimentary beer. For reservation or more information, please call (02) 863.2222. Don't forget, they are serving these only this April so make sure you drop by Crimson Hotel really, really soon!

Hey, Moms and Dads! Did you know that baby’s skin is 20-30% thinner compared to adult skin? This means baby’s skin allows more substances through and it is not yet an efficient barrier to infections.

Knowing these, of course you’d want to use products on your baby that are:

• Free from synthetic chemicals

• Less likely to cause irritation because they are free from common allergens

• Generally gentler and safer than products with artificial ingredients

Right? 

Let me share with you some products that I trust would take care of my son’s skin. James is a special child who is non-verbal and can’t tell me directly when he feels any discomfort. So, I make it a point to ensure that whatever we feed him or apply on his body would not cause him any irritation. 

Last year, I discovered Belo Baby and gave its products a try because it guarantees moms that the products only use 100% certified natural ingredients and 0% harmful chemicals. 

In a nutshell, the natural ingredients of Belo Baby Hair and Body Wash, Belo Baby Bar Soap, and Belo Baby Face and Body Lotion include a known superfood for the skin; naturally heal common skin conditions of babies like eczema and rash; have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties; strengthen and moisturize skin; have a natural emollient for softening skin; and lock in moisture into the skin.

Please read in detail the benefits of Cocoa Butter, Shea Butter, and Sweet Almond Oil in my previous Belo Baby blog post, here: http://mommywrites.blogspot.com/2016/05/belo-baby-product-line-meticulously.html 

It is also important to note that Belo Baby products DO NOT contain chemicals like sulfates that strip the skin of its natural oils, as well as synthetic preservatives such as parabens, Tetrasodium EDTA, or phthalates that break down the skin’s protective barriers.

Thus, I am assured that every time I use Belo Baby on my son, I know that I am using products that have been “crafted with care for the most delicate skin, for the most meticulous moms.” Although my son couldn’t speak, he can definitely express joy with his eyes and his beautiful smile. I love how his lips would turn up when he sees things that make him happy, Belo Baby products included ☺.

For a year now, Belo Baby has been delighting moms and babies alike for making bath time a great bonding activity and we would like you and your baby to experience that, too! So, to celebrate Belo Baby’s 1st Birthday, we are giving away three (3) Belo Baby gift packs! Please join using the Rafflecopter widget below.

Giveaway is open to Philippine residents and ends at 11:59PM of March 23, 2017. Winners will be determined via digital raffle, announced on March 24, and will be sent emails to get their mailing addresses. Start earning entries, today! ☺ 

Summer is the season of endless adventures and possibilities. Make sure it isn't spoiled by getting painful sunburns that can take the fun away! Don't worry, too, about getting your skin too dark. As Watsons Philippines says, don't hold back and make the summer yours!

Watsons' "Make Your Summer" campaign encourages everyone to stop hiding from the sun and instead focus on creating the perfect summer according to your rules. Did you know? There are now a lot of products that you can use for all the fun activities you've got planned so, as long as you know how to take care of your skin, feel free to do whatever you want without any worries!

With Watsons, you can get protected from harmful UVA and UVB rays because it's so easy to find sun-proof items that would help defend your skin from burning and sun damage. Check out amazing sunscreens from Nivea, Vaseline, Banana Boat, Beach Hut, Solstice, Biore, Sunplay, Belo, Neutrogena, Cetaphil, Celeteque, Kojie San, Hawaiian Tropic, Dermplus, Ponds, and Olay!

Also available at Watsons are slimming products for those who want to plan to wear bikinis as well as vivid hair colors for anyone who likes to make summer even more colorful. Choose from fabulous browns and fantastic blondes to fiery reds, and more!

To top these off, summer is made more exciting with a super exclusive treat for all SM Advantage Card (SMAC) members who will get a chance to explore the wonders of the Philippines with getaways for four to Batanes, Boracay, Cebu, Davao, and Palawan. Just buy participating products to get an e-raffle entry for every P500 single-receipt purchase. Promo period is until April 26, 2017.

If you're not yet an SMAC member, now is a great time to join because the new "Members Get More" program makes shopping more rewarding than ever before. So go and earn more points, more savings, and more value by using your SMAC card at Watsons and other SM partner stores!

  

What are your goals this 2017? If part of that is healthy living, make sure to join Robinsons Supermarket promotions as it takes shoppers on an exciting journey that targets health and wellness as the ultimate destination. 

This past weekend, the country's largest healthy retail supermarket chain launched this year's Route to Wellness campaign at the Eastwood Mall Open Park. Everyone is invited to embark on a fun-filled wellness journey with Explore Wellness, the first of five promo events to be held in the following dates in other areas:

March 10-12: Robinsons Place Malolos, Bulacan

March 17-19: Robinsons Supermarket Blue Wave, Marikina

March 31-April 2: Robinsons Supermarket BF Paranaque

April 21-23: Robinsons Supermarket Lemery, Batangas

During these events, customers can expect to sample products and try different activities prepared by Unilever, Kojie-San, Selecta, and CDO premium as well as avail of discounted products and freebies from P&G, Coca-Cola, and Belo. 

My friends and I enjoyed visiting the various booths and playing fun games that made us feel like kids again because we won nice prizes! We also made sure to have our event "passports" stamped so we could claim more freebies.

FYI, when you shop at any Robinsons Supermarket from March 1 to April 20, 2017, you'll get a 3-style bag for free for a minimum single receipt of P3,000 inclusive of P500 worth of participating products from Unilever, Procter & Gamble, Coca-Cola, Kojie San, Belo, Nestea, Selecta, CDO Foodsphere, Splash Corporation, Unilab, and Cosmetique Asia. The 3-style bag can be used as shoulder bag, backpack, and cross bag. It's available in five colors: pink, gray, purple, army green, and dark grey.

Another testament to Robinsons Supermarket's continuous commitment to strengthening its "We Love Wellness" advocacy, the year-long Route to Wellness enables the brand to provide healthier food options and alternatives to Filipino families.

So, get ready to live a healthier lifestyle! Avail of a Wellness passport when you join the other events and take-off on an ultimate journey to health and wellness. Don't forget to bring the whole family! The kids would also enjoy taking part in the activities and learn a thing or two about keeping oneself healthier through educational games offered in some of the booths.

Keep updated with the various activities that Robinsons Supermarket has lined up for its Route to Wellness campaign. Like @RobinsonsSupermarketOfficial on Facebook or visit the official website at www.robinsons-supermarket.com.ph.

For people living in the South of Metro Manila, you need not go far to look for places where you can celebrate the upcoming Lunar New Year in style! Crimson Hotel Filinvest City, Manila located in Alabang, Muntinlupa is offering great deals with festive room packages and culinary offerings as it welcomes the Year of the Fire Rooster.

a unplanned reunion with former Business World colleagues at Crimson Hotel photo credit: Joy Wong-Sy

Be part of the fun as Crimson Hotel comes alive with festive activities including an exhibit of artworks by artist Jevie Pagaguitan. His pieces has transformed The Gallery into a beautiful garden featuring prosperity trees made with upcycled materials. 

a fire rooster display made using upcycled materials

Take a good look at the rooster sculpture and you'll be amazed to find some household stuff incorporated in the design. The small prosperity trees with pink flowers? They're made out of the bottoms of soda bottles! You have to visit Crimson Hotel to better appreciate what I am telling you about.  

prosperity tree using upcycled materials

Guests can also engage in some shopping sprees as merchants selling feng shui items, paintings, and Chinese delicacies will also be there to create a Little Chinatown feel.

Chinese New Year merchandise

Be treated to a revelry of good fortune, great food, and live entertainment on January 29, 2017 as the hotel presents its Chine New Year Brunch Buffet celebration at The Grand Ballroom. For Php 1,588++ per person, you'll get to be entertained by troupes of colorful dragon dancers, traditional Chinese theater performances, and acrobats as well as meet Feng Shui Expert Joseph Chau as he leads the Chinese New Year ceremony at the ground Lobby prior to the luncheon upstairs.

(from left) Crimson Hotel's Executive Assistant Manager Michael Gapin, Feng Shui expert Joseph Chan, and upcycle artist Jevie Pagaguitan

Diners who avail of the Chinese New Year Brunch are entitled to join the raffle where they can win an overnight stay in a Presidential Suite for four persons.

our lunch's menu was written in Chinese calligraphy!

From January 27 to February 4, 2017, guests can also look forward to a bounty of Chinese culinary favorites at Cafe Eight as guest Chef Adrian Lim creates sumptuous specialties such as Suckling Pig, Longevity Noodles, Jelly Fish, and assorted Dim Sum. This endless parade of Chinese dishes can be availed of for Php 1,238++ per person for lunch and Php 1,418++ per person for dinner. Buffet rates include free-flowing beverages such as wine, beer, juice, and sodas.

assorted dim sum

Thinking of a staycation during the Chinese New Year? Book direct and use the promo code CNY2017 to avail of the Lucky Rooster Room Package from January 28 to 29, 2017 for a special rate starting at Php 5,888++. This is inclusive of buffet breakfast for two, complimentary Feng Shui Guide for 2017 by Mr. Chau, complimentary tickets for two to the Chinese New Year Brunch celebration and late checkout at 6PM. This booking also entitles you for a chance to win an overnight stay for two in an Executive Club room.

an Executive Room at Crimson Hotel

For inquiries and bookings, visit their official website at http://www.crimsonhotel.com/manila/.